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Minutes 07-27-98 MNUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON MONDAY, JULY 27, 1998 AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT Betty Thomas, Chairperson Sharon Golden, Recreation Supervisor III Bruce R. Black James R. McMahon Bali Ramnarace Tom Williams Dan Winters, Alternate Ed Harris (arrived late) ABSENT Mike Fitzpatrick Victor Norfus, Alternate I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Thomas called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. ATTENDANCE Chairperson Thomas called the roll. A quorum was declared present. Also present was Ms. Sharon Golden, representing the Recreation Department for Ms. Green. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 23, 1998 MEETING Chairperson Thomas inquired if there were any changes or additions to the minutes of the June 23, 1998 meeting. There being none, the minutes stand approved as submitted. IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Kids Kingdom (Mike Fitzpatrick) Mr. Fitzpatrick was not present. B. Hester Center Grand Opening – August 1, 1998--10:00 a.m. Ms. Golden did not have any additional information on the Grand Opening, but did state that Ginny Shea is assisting the Hester staff with the grand opening ceremonies. MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JULY 27, 1998 C. Monthly Report for June 1998 Chairperson Thomas referred Members to the monthly report for June 1998 included in their handouts. Mr. Black questioned if the monthly reports were going to be handed out at the meeting as opposed to being mailed to member’s residences the Friday before the meeting. This does not give members an opportunity to review the Report in advance of the meeting. Ms. Golden stated she would bring this issue to the attention of Mr. Wildner and Ms. Green. Also, Mr. Black questioned why the minutes were received one week after the last meeting, as they used to be included with the monthly report. D. Other None V. NEW BUSINESS A. Greenways Network (Mike Fitzpatrick) Mr. Fitzpatrick was not present to give an update. Mr. Black stated that at the last Commission meeting Ms. Green introduced the Greenways project to the Commissioners and it was met with overwhelming support by the Mayor and the Commissioners. An ad hoc committee is being be formed and a two-year goal has been established in order to preserve the greenways for future generations. B. G.A.L.A. Strategic Planning Sessions Chairperson Thomas stated that both she and Mr. Winters attended the last planning session and distributed the plan, agenda and mission to members for their review. Chairperson Thomas said that attendees at the meeting were divided into different committees and it was a very productive session. It is intended that the G.A.L.A. will be changed not only in appearance, but in the supervision area as well. A great deal of the supervision and planning will now be delegated to the citizens of the City. Mr. Winters inquired how these changes came about? Ms. Golden replied that this was the result of the community wanting more involvement in the G.A.L.A. and has been under consideration for quite some time. Mr. Winters suggested that with all the changes taking place, it might be a good idea if the G.A.L.A. be postponed for a year or two and then restart again. However, Mr. Winters was informed that this was not a consideration. However, Mr. Winters felt that until the bridge is complete, it might be a 2 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JULY 27, 1998 good idea to postpone the G.A.L.A. in order that the various committees could be established and plans could be formulized. Also, Mr. Williams suggested that the G.A.L.A. should be held in a different area of the City since the current space was limited and people had to cross the railroad tracks. Mr. Williams suggested Gateway, but the access road to I-95 would have to be closed. Mr. Winters stated that when the new bridge is complete, Ocean Avenue would then be an ideal place, but for the time being crossing U.S. 1 is dangerous and inconvenient. Also, discussion ensued on the G.A.L.A. running north and south, instead of east and west. Mr. Black stated that at some of the strategic planning sessions, there was talk that Ocean Avenue should not be closed off from the Civic Center east because of all the homes in this area. Mr. Black also thought that the G.A.L.A. should flow north and south as opposed to east and west. Seacrest Avenue and Federal Highway were also considered. It could also be held in different areas in the City to include other ethnic members of the City. One of the goals was increasing the G.A.L.A. and there is no where to go if the G.A.L.A. remains going east and west. Another venue has to be determined. Chairperson Thomas suggested that consideration should be given to holding another meeting to address these issues. Mr. Williams also suggested holding the G.A.L.A. on Congress Avenue, east on Gateway up to the new hotel, which would be more than enough space. The G.A.L.A. needs more space to compete with West Palm Beach and Delray. Also Quantum Park is a possibility with all the available space and could be held where the new high school is being built. C. Upcoming Special Events: T.N.T. Concert; July 31, DJ; th August 28, “the Retro Rockets” st Ms. Golden stated that the Friday, July 31’ concert will not be a DJ, but a band will perform called “Equal Access” which is a top-40 band and Retro Rockets will be th performing on August 28. Mr. Winters commended the Recreation Department for the fine job they are doing in presenting the concerts, which is a nice family outing. There has been discussion that after “turtle season”; some concerts could be held on the beach itself. Mr. Williams requested that it be placed in the record that a great many of the new trees on U.S. Highway #1 are on the ground and hanging in the path of the cars travelling south on U.S. #1. Someone should be contacted to straighten out the trees, as it is detrimental to the appearance of the City. 3 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JULY 27, 1998 Also Mr. Williams stated that the Sara Sims Park has no benches in the pavilion and there are no tables for anyone wanting to sit and eat in the Park. Mr. Williams added that the bleachers at Wilson Ball Field face the road and not the field. These bleachers need to be turned around and there is a need for more bleachers, as the current bleaches do not meet the needs of all the people attending the ball games. Mr. Williams requested that the restroom facilities at Wilson Pool should be accessible while ball games are being held, because the restrooms at Wilson Center are too far to walk while attending a ball game. The pool restrooms are much more convenient. Perhaps a part time employee could remain at the pool until the game ends to keep the restrooms open. Mr. Black pointed out with regard to the tree situation along U.S. Highway #1, a certain amount of money has been withheld from payment to the contractor until all the trees live and survive for one year and this issue is being addressed daily by Mr. Hallahan. Mr. Black stated that during the budget session taking place in Commission Chambers this evening, the proposed budget included updating Sara Sims Park. Chairperson Thomas informed members that she was present at Lucille and Otley’s on Friday, together with Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz, Betty Collins, Melody Green and several other City building department employees for the purpose of consideration for purchasing the building for a senior citizen center. Chairperson Thomas had information available on the purchase for any member who might be interested. Chairperson Thomas stated that the original building was built in 1948 and an addition was added in 1980. The building contains approximately 10,000 square feet and can seat 350 people. The kitchen area comprises 50% of the building. It is anticipated that the kitchen area will be significantly reduced and other rooms will be built in its place. Also, the roof, air conditioning and plumbing need work. There are 60 parking spaces on the lot. It is anticipated that the building can be readied within six months. It was felt this was a very good location for the senior center. Chairperson Thomas stated that the United Way funding of $190,000 goes to the Mae Volen Center that should go to Boynton for a senior center. Chairperson Thomas noted that Mr. Ed Harris joined the meeting. Mr. Williams inquired if the City’s Recreation and Parks Department could offer financial assistance to the youngsters who compete on the Hershey Track Team. There are two 4 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JULY 27, 1998 youngsters from Boynton Beach that appeared in an article in Sports Illustrated recently. These are world-class runners who compete and finish with the best times in their competition. The youngsters have just returned from meets in Bethesda, Maryland and are competing next in Seattle, Washington. Mr. Williams stated these youngsters need financial assistance to get to Seattle. Motion Bruce Black moved that this Board request that the City Commission offer financial assistance to cover the expenses for two City youngsters to travel to Seattle, Washington to compete in the Hershey Track Games. Motion seconded by Mr. Williams. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Williams said he would follow through on this request for assistance. Mr. Harris stated that the youngsters would be leaving next week for Seattle. Mr. Harris pointed out that these activities keep the youngsters off the streets. Mr. Williams inquired about the age group of the youngsters and Mr. Harris stated the age range is from 10 through 14 and they are competing against older runners. D. Election of Vice Chairman Chairperson Thomas pointed out that this Board does not have a Vice-Chairman and it would be in order to elect a Vice-Chairman. Chairperson Thomas asked for nominations from the members. Motion Bali Ramnarace moved that Bruce Black be elected Vice Chairman of the Recreation and Parks Board. Motion Ed Harris moved that nominations for Vice-Chairman be closed. Mr. Williams seconded the motion that the nominations be closed. Motion carried unanimously. Chairperson Thomas called for second on the motion to elect Bruce Black Vice- Chairman. Mr. Williams seconded the motion to elect Bruce Black Vice-Chairman. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Winters stated that he did not feel that the City is ready to enter the All America City competition. Ms. Green had asked for volunteers for a committee, and Mr. Winters had 5 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JULY 27, 1998 agreed to volunteer, but feels the City is way behind the other candidates. Mr. Winters indicated he would be glad to discuss this conclusion with the Mayor and other City Departments. Mr. Black also suggested that a visitor’s television channel could be introduced and this could be done in conjunction with other cities. Discussion continued on the direction the City is taking, the various issues that need to be addressed and funding sources for new programs and projects. Mr. Harris asked that the record indicate that this Board appreciates the significant contributions to the City made by Otis Thorpe and his support for the City in a great many areas. VI. NEXT MEETING: MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 1998 at 7:00 P.M. Mr. Black again requested that all the meeting material be mailed prior to the meeting in one packet. Mr. Black stated when he was Secretary, Ms. McDeavitt would prepare the minutes and he would sign them when they were completed. He was unaware of the current situation, since there is now a Recording Secretary present. Mr. Winters inquired what the Recording Secretary’s duties involved. Ms. Madden responded that she attends meetings for the purpose of taking the minutes, which she prepares and distributes within a week’s time of the meeting. Ms. Madden further stated that she does not perform any other function for this Board. However, Ms. Madden indicated she will discuss the problem with Ms. Green and would be glad to furnish the minutes to her or anyone else she may designate for distribution by Ms. Green’s Department. Ms. Madden stated she has been assigned to take the minutes of this Board’s meetings by the City Clerk’s Office at the request of the Recreation and Park’s Department. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ___________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (one tape) 6