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Minutes 05-24-99 MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD IN CONFERENCE ROOM C, WEST WING, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON MONDAY, MAY 24, 1999 AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT Betty Thomas, Chairperson Melody Green, Recreation Superintendent Mike Fitzpatrick Meg Hooper, Special Events Coordinator (arrived late) Ed Harris (arrived late) James R. McMahon Bali Ramnarace Tom Williams Dan Winters (arrived late) Charles Jackson, Alternate ABSENT Kathryn Palladino, Alternate I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Thomas called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. ATTENDANCE Chairperson Thomas called the roll. Chairperson Thomas announced that Mr. Charles Jackson, the Board’s new Alternate, was present. A quorum was declared present. Also present was Melody Green, Recreation Superintendent. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF APRIL 26, 1999 MEETING Chairperson Thomas inquired if there were any changes or additions to the minutes of the April 26, 1999 meeting. Hearing none, Chairperson Thomas declared that the minutes as submitted stand approved. Chairperson Thomas asked Mr. Jackson to introduce himself to the members. Mr. Jackson informed the Board that he was originally from England and moved to Boynton Beach in September 1998. Mr. Jackson stated that he has been involved in coaching sports (cricket and soccer) for the past 15 years and was also involved with sports and recreation with his Parish Council in England. Chairperson Thomas asked each Board member to introduce themselves. MEETING MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 24, 1999 IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (a) Senior Center (Melody Green) Ms. Green said that she checked today with Bill DeBeck and determined that the Senior Center is on schedule and should be completed by the end of June. Equipment will be ordered by the end of next week and a formal grand opening is being planned for the fall. A senior project team meeting is being planned for the end of the week at which time a visit to the Center will be made. Ms. Green stated the exterior of the building is being painted and the interior drywall work has been completed, as well as the air conditioning ductwork. Ms. Green stated there are still some minor issues that need to be dealt with. Mr. McMahon asked if a manager has been appointed and Ms. Green stated that Mr. Steve Lulkin is the supervisor for the Senior Center and Ms. Carolyn Sims is Mr. Lulkin’s supervisor with Ms. Sims having the overall responsibility. Two part time positions will be advertised and another full time recreation leader is being requested in the budget for the Senior Center. Chairperson Thomas requested that the minutes show that Mr. Dan Winters has arrived and is present. (b) Boat Club/Intracoastal Parks Revised Master Plans (Melody Green) Ms. Green noted that since the last meeting there have been some changes and concerns addressed and also some additional ideas have been suggested for the Intracoastal Park. As a result, that particular project is on hold. Mr. Winters noted that one development is for passive recreation and the other is for commercial development. Ms. Green stated that the recreation facilities also included the replacement for the Royal Palm Clubhouse, a pond area for paddleboats, an interactive play fountain and a veteran’s memorial. Walkways and a concession area were also included. Ms. Green said that the CRA did not make a decision at the last meeting and there has been considerable discussion since that time. Ms. Green stated that some members of the Recreation and Parks Board have been vocal in their desire to see that particular area preserved as a park site. Mr. Winters noted that if the area were made into passive recreation, there would be no tax base for the City and brings in no revenue to the City. Mr. Winters stated that there are other areas in the State where commercial establishments, such as hotels have 2 MEETING MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 24, 1999 been developed along with recreation areas being made available to the general public. Mr. Winters did not see why some mixed usage could not be placed on this property. Mr. Winters thinks this is a prime spot and could be made very attractive for commercial as well as for public use. Mr. Winters feels that there is a great need for a quality hotel in Boynton Beach. Ms. Green stated that the hotel being proposed was a small hotel with only 130 rooms and that is another issue that needs to be considered. Ms. Green noted that it is not essential that the Royal Palm Clubhouse replacement, known as the City Club, be located at this property. The City Club can always be moved to another location. Ms. Green further stated that the City is heading in a world class direction and it is important to have things done in the best way possible. Mr. Winters inquired about the usage of the Jaycee Park located in the southern portion of the City. Ms. Green stated the City does not own that property and it is owned by the federal government and used for landfill purposes. Ms. Green said she would check to see what the availability of this land would be. Chairperson Thomas stated that the east side of the park is federal government landfill. Chairperson Thomas was under the impression that the Intracoastal Park was bond money and if it wasn’t used for a park all the money reverts back. Ms. Green stated that is correct. The money received from the County, approximately $2 million, to redevelop and improve Boat Club Park also included enough money to make major improvements to the Intracoastal Park site. Part of the agreement was that 25 extra boat-parking spaces would be provided. If the City does not provide the extra 25 boat parking spaces, there is a question as to whether the County would continue to provide the $2 million funding. Chairperson Thomas requested that the record reflect that Mr. Ed Harris and Mr. Mike Fitzpatrick have joined the meeting. Ms. Green stated that the plan that was submitted to the CRA included a significant number of condominiums, a commercial entertainment complex and a hotel, which is only four stories high. Ms. Green said that alternative locations are being looked at for the City Club. Mr. McMahon stated that he was very pleased with the park plans that had been presented by the Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Fitzpatrick asked how long the City has to agree to be a parking lot for the County in order to receive the money. Ms. Green stated that this arrangement was perpetual. Mr. Fitzpatrick pointed out that the life span of the building would probably only be 20 to 40 years and the City is promising to keep the asphalt surface forever for boat parking. Ms. Green said that there is property across from the Intracoastal Park site, which is private property, and 3 MEETING MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 24, 1999 the City is looking at the possibility of purchasing that property and placing the extra boat trailers on that property. Ms. Green also stated that she would like to see that particular commercial establishment, which is located at the corner of Boat Club Park, be purchased or assisted in relocating to another location. Mr. Ramnarace inquired about the status of Wahoo’s on the Wharf. Ms. Green said that would depend upon which plan is adopted. Ms. Green stated one of the proposals presented to the CRA included the purchase of this property. Ms. Green asked if any Board member had any suggestions on where to place the City Club. Mr. Williams inquired about the property next to the Fire Station #2 on Congress Avenue and suggested this would be a good location for the City Club. Ms. Green said she would follow through on this. Also, the area of Quantum Park is being looked at. Unfortunately, the cost of property in these commercial areas is quite expensive. Mr. Fitzpatrick recommended that this Board make a motion to the City Commission that this Board was in favor of keeping the Intracoastal Park as a Park and not developing the property. Motion Mr. Fitzpatrick moved that this Board recommend to the City Commission that the Intracoastal Park Plan be kept intact as a park, as originally planned. Motion seconded by Mr. McMahon. Mr. Winters suggested that the CRA take a good look at developing the Park either way and it could be a mixture of commercial and recreation. Mr. Fitzpatrick stated that most CRA’s find land, condemn the land and purchase the land for the purpose of development. This has been done in other cities including West Palm Beach. Ms. Green stated that the CRA is considering all options and that no decision has been Motion carried 6-1. made. (Mr. Winters dissenting) Motion Mr. Fitzpatrick moved that this Board recommend to the City Commission that any agreements with the County have a sunset clause of a certain number of years concerning park improvements. Ms. Green said that it was not necessary to put this in the form of a motion and this could be handled by staff through negotiations. Ms. Green stated if this was something that the Board would like staff to do, Mr. Wildner and herself could make it a point that any specific agreements or contracts entered into with the County should contain a 4 MEETING MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 24, 1999 sunset clause. Ms. Green stated the Board could do this by consensus. However, Ms. Green reminded the Board that they are an Advisory Board and it would depend upon the issue and the City’s requirements. Mr. Harris suggested that this should be done by consensus. Mr. Fitzpatrick withdrew his motion. Mr. Harris requested that this Board agree by consensus that staff proceed in this direction regarding the inclusion of sunset clauses in contracts. Chairperson Thomas did not think it was necessary since staff already has adopted this theory. It was agreed that this would be reviewed at the June meeting. (c) G.A.L.A. 2000 Location Ms. Green introduced Ms. Meg Hooper, the City’s new Special Events Coordinator, who will be talking about the location of G.A.L.A. 2000. Ms. Hooper said the perimeter site for the G.A.L.A. would be as follows: ? Starting at the corner of Boynton Beach Boulevard and Seacrest; nd ? Going south on Seacrest to the corner of Seacrest and 2 Avenue (the Library); ndst ? From 2 Avenue heading east to the Madsen Center at 1 Street; stst ? From the corner of 1 heading north to the corner of 1 and Boynton Beach Boulevard; and ? Finally heading west on Boynton Beach Boulevard back to Seacrest. Ms. Hooper stated that last year G.A.L.A. went all the way down Ocean Avenue and next year the G.A.L.A. would not be going down Ocean Avenue because of the impending construction on Ocean Avenue. Ms. Hooper said the advantage of the new route is that a great deal of residential area has been eliminated and also the area contains numerous City facilities and buildings which is under the control of the City, which would eliminate a lot of inconvenience to the residents and businesses on Ocean Avenue. Mr. Winters inquired if the Chamber of Commerce would be involved with the G.A.L.A. Ms. Green stated the Chamber’s involvement would be similar to this year’s involvement and the Chamber is not in a position to take over the G.A.L.A. Ms. Green stated the Chamber has been instructed to provide Ms. Green with a letter by July of this year if they want to take over the G.A.L.A. for the following year. The City has also looked at the possibility of creating a Boynton Beach Community Foundation, which would be a separate foundation to run G.A.L.A. For example, the Foundation could consist of three seats for City employees, three seats for the Chamber 5 MEETING MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 24, 1999 of Commerce and four at-large seats of members from the Community. Mr. Winters expressed surprise as to why the City wants to change the way the G.A.L.A. has been produced since the City has done a wonderful job in the past. Ms. Green noted that the staff team did an excellent job for G.A.L.A. this year. Ms. Green said that staff received direction from the City Commission to shift these large events so that the City can create new events. Mr. Winters stated that the City should not put so much weight on making money and concentrate on presenting a nice family event. Mr. Winters asked if there were outside vendors that provided some revenue. Ms. Green stated that special events need to be run like a business. However, G.A.L.A. has not been totally run like a business and the intent has been to break even. Ms. Green stated the City does not charge the same rates for the booths that Delray Beach charges, but the City has relied on about $14,000 from the food vendor. This year G.A.L.A. was opened up to restaurants throughout the community, but there was not much participation, except for the non-profit organizations. Ms. Green stated that the Delray Affair and SunFest are run as a business to make them self-supporting and all the large events make business decisions on what is best for that event to keep it self-supporting and bring in big name entertainment. Boynton Beach would like to do the same thing with G.A.L.A. Ms. Green stated that the G.A.L.A. drew close to 60,000 people this year as opposed to the estimated 40,000. Ms. Green stated that more volunteers are needed, that there needs to be more community involvement and that staff has been stretched to the limits. Mr. Harris said he was under the impression that the Chamber of Commerce would be more involved in the G.A.L.A. However, Mr. Harris did not feel that currently the Chamber has the expertise to put on the G.A.L.A. for next year. Mr. Harris suggested that there be a paid City liaison to work with the Chamber. Ms. Green stated that Ms. Hooper would be working in this capacity. Ms. Green informed Mr. Harris that the City did not intend to turn the G.A.L.A. completely over to the Chamber without any assistance and the City would facilitate the transition to insure the high quality of the G.A.L.A. remains intact. (d) Greenways Network (Mike Fitzpatrick) Mr. Fitzpatrick stated that they are planning to present to the Commission in early fall a proposal to go for the hubs for now and not concentrate on the connections at this time. The hubs would be— 6 MEETING MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 24, 1999 ? Caloosa Park, ? Seacrest Scrub, ? Mangrove Park, ? The Winchester cow pasture across from the Mall, and ? Either side of Miner Road where it dead-ends into High Ridge Road and there is a great deal of vacant land, north of Quantum. Quantum has a preserve in this area which is more than 52 acres which has been set aside for the pine preserve and 12 acres for the water catchment area. Adjacent to that property is 50 acres that is owned by Rinker. There is a good chance that all these properties could be tied together. The membership would like to acquire these areas as hubs and then designate some Greenway areas at the two major Boynton canals. Also being discussed is the I-95 corridor whatever Greenway is left and any vacant parcels that might be available along the FEC Railroad tracks. Also the membership is going to recommend to the City Commission to continue what the Recreation and Parks Department has begun with the Palmetto Greens Park. Staff is speaking with the South Florida Water Management District to continue the Park to I- 95, build two pedestrian bridges and place a new park along the north side of the canal. That would be considered a model program. Mr. Fitzpatrick reported that the 94-acre overlook scrub site in Hypoluxo that St. Joe’s was trying to acquire is no longer an issue. They have given up developing the land since the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service insisted that St. Joe’s provide mitigation for the scrub jays, which must be provided at the going cost, i.e. $50,000 per acre which came to $2.7 million. Mr. Fitzpatrick said another scrub jay family was found on the property. St. Joe’s is now offering the property to the County as an environmentally sensitive area at $60,000 per acre. Currently, the County is in the process of getting two appraisals and then they will make an offer to St. Joe’s. Mr. Fitzpatrick stated this could be a major environmental victory. Mr. Fitzpatrick reported that last week, the FEC railroad crew, while in the process of re- grinding the curbs into the rails located near the Zill property, started five fires. One of the fires went into the mangroves. Mr. Fitzpatrick suggested to Mr. Zill that FEC should compensate him for his loss, but Mr. Zill did not want to ask for any compensation. Mr. Zill informed Mr. Fitzpatrick that he is still willing to provide the one-half acre for a City playground. However, Mr. Zill was quite adamant and he wants a sidewalk in front of his property going down the length of the property around the corner of his house and wants that to be a part of the agreement for the playground. Mr. Zill is concerned about 7 MEETING MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 24, 1999 people walking in the road and getting hurt and requested that Mr. Fitzpatrick bring this issue up at the meeting. Ms. Green pointed out that Mr. Zill would be selling the half-acre to the City, not donating it. (e) Monthly Report It was noted that the set up of the monthly report was easy to read. Mr. Harris questioned the 123 hours spent at Sara Sims. Ms. Green said that the time would include mowing, dragging line, preparation of the fields, irrigation work, etc. Mr. Harris stated that the property appears neglected and needs cutting. Mr. Harris stated that the restrooms are not kept up and the ladies restroom cannot be used because there is no partition for privacy. Mr. Williams stated he has mentioned this previously to Mr. Wildner and Ms. Green that a partition needs to be placed to prevent people from looking into the restrooms. Ms. Green stated that has been a problem for quite some time and the restrooms are open while staff is present. However, there have been illegal activities taking place and there are safety issues involved as well. Mr. Williams stated this problem has existed for a long time and very few women use the restrooms. It is mostly utilized by children. Mr. Harris expressed concerns for the middle-aged women who are walking in this area and there is no privacy if they need to use the facility. Ms. Green said she would discuss this further with Mr. Wildner. Mr. Harris also stated that there is a need to add plants and close the road off. Mr. th Williams stated that the posts were not put back and cars are still driving through to 10 Avenue. V. NEW BUSINESS (a) Introduction of New Special Event Coordinator, Meg Hooper (Melody Green) Ms. Green informed the Board that Ms. Hooper has a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation and Park Administration from the University of North Carolina and is a Miami native. Ms. Hooper’s previous employment was in Hilton Head, South Carolina and she has worked for the United States Professional Tennis Registry and the Vandemere Tennis University. 8 MEETING MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 24, 1999 Ms. Hooper informed the Board that she has been in the resort and recreation business for many years and decided to change courses and leave the hotel business. Ms. Hooper said that she was the Assistant Athletic Coordinator for five years with the North Miami Parks and Recreation Department. Ms. Hooper said that sports have been a big part of her life and she has both coached and played sports. Ms. Green stated that Ms. Hooper replaced Debbie Majors who was a Recreation Supervisor III and the Special Event Coordinator. Ms. Majors requested a job with less responsibility in order that she could spend more time with her children. Ms. Majors will now focus on grant writing. (b) Finding and Cultivating Sponsors (Meg Hooper) Ms. Hooper said that one of her new responsibilities would be to locate sponsors for special events. Ms. Hooper said that she met with Mr. Bob Howell, the City’s Tennis Director, who could assist her as a resource for sponsors. Ms. Hooper said that all the special events will be elevated in stature and the best way to do this is by outside funding. Ms. Hooper asked the Board members to assist her in locating sponsors by furnishing her the names and contacts of businesses that Board members have dealt with. Ms. Hooper stated staff is in the process of preparing a presentation packet for special events and there will be a packet for each special event. Ms. Hooper informed the Board that her office is located in the Art’s Center. Mr. Winters inquired if there are funds that are budgeted to promote the City’s special events. Ms. Green stated that the special events are expected to be self-supporting, which they are, with the exception of staff planning time. Ms. Green said there is a carryover balance from G.A.L.A. of approximately $40,000 and these funds are used to purchase supplies and materials. Ms. Green also stated that there is a certain amount of free programs for the public and money is placed into the budget for the TNT Concerts, which are free. Mr. Williams stated he felt the City should contribute funds to make G.A.L.A. a success. Mr. Williams stated the only way to make money is to spend money. Mr. Williams said that Boynton Beach wouldn’t be able to compete with other cities that offer top name entertainment unless it funds these events. Mr. Winters inquired if there were plans to charge admission to the G.A.L.A. Ms. Hooper said there has been discussion, but that no decision has been made. Ms. Hooper said that once the G.A.L.A. is gated, you cannot go back and the initial expense of gating is expensive because fencing would have to be placed around the entire event. 9 MEETING MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 24, 1999 (c) Millennium Event Update (Meg Hooper) Ms. Hooper passed out to the Board an information packet on the millennium which has been put out by the Palm Beach County Millennium Council Calendar of Events and all the events listed have been sanctioned by this Council. Ms. Hooper stated that on Page 5 is the “Secret of the Sailfish” which is the name of Boynton Beach’s millennium event. Ms. Hooper stated they are looking for help and are seeking massive community involvement. Ms. Hooper explained the “Secret of the Sailfish”. Ms. Hooper stated that an employee’s daughter was in Zurich, Switzerland where she witnessed an event that included 800 cows scattered over the entire City. Boynton Beach will be doing sailfish, not cows. The 800 cows were rented to businesses throughout Zurich and each business had to paint, decorate, etc. their cow. Each cow also had a plaque, the name of the artist, the name of the business and a clue on the plaque. The clues could not be stolen as they were permanently in place. The object of the game was to collect clues from each of the businesses and come up with the words to a riddle. After all the words are unscrambled, a riddle would be revealed (for example is the cow red or blue?). After the riddle is revealed, the riddle must also be answered. The person who submits the correct riddle and correct answer wins. The first prize was a roundtrip for two to San Francisco. The City will be using this same concept, except sailfish would be used instead of cows. A letter and application has been mailed to over 250 artists within the state, asking them to paint, build or sculpt a sailfish, or anything they may choose, to be submitted to the City. The best 13 entries will be chosen and the winner will receive a grand prize in the form of money. Each artist that is selected would receive a smaller amount of money and the top 13 will be used for a millennium calendar. The winner would be on the cover and each month would be for the other 12. All the artwork will be sold to businesses throughout the City, especially restaurants. th The Secret of the Sailfish will begin with the Holiday Parade on Sunday, December 5 and will conclude on the Sunday of G.A.L.A., which is March 15, 2000. Also in April 2000 the entire event would be concluded with awarding the prizes at the “Secret of the Sailfish Ball”, which would be an upscale event. Also, there would be an auction at the Ball to auction off the sailfish. This was also done in Zurich and they made a great deal of money from the auction. Mr. Harris inquired if the schools would be invited to participate in the artwork and Ms. Hooper said they would. Ms. Hooper said the professional artwork would be paid, but staff also wants to involve the non-profit groups, such as schools, the quilters’ club, etc. 10 MEETING MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 24, 1999 (d) Other th Ms. Green announced that on May 17 the Children and Youth Advisory Board had the initial meeting for the Youth Council. The Youth Council would emphasize student leadership and would have a voice in the community, as well as being active in planning projects. The Boynton Youth Council will be modeled after the Delray Beach Youth Council and there is another meeting scheduled this evening. Participation in the Council is for grades 7 through 12, which includes ages 12 through 18. Mr. Williams said that Bruce Black suggested to him that the Sara Sims Park should be updated. It should include more pavilions and barbecue pits so that the people in the neighborhood could have a place to go for picnicking instead of going down to the Boat Club Park where it is always so crowded. Also shade trees need to be added, since there are no trees in the middle of the park. Mr. Harris inquired if Mr. Wildner would be present at next month’s meeting. Ms. Green said that both she and Mr. Wildner both try to attend when possible, but have worked out a plan to alternate. Mr. Harris suggested that Mr. Wildner and Ms. Green should both be present at least every three or four months. Ms. Green said that if it turns out that there is a significant number of questions that need to be addressed by both of them, they both would attend. Mr. Williams noted that there is effective communication between Ms. Green and Mr. Wildner regarding any issues that may come up. Ms. Green suggested that if any Board member has a question to please call and leave a message. This would allow staff to come prepared to the meeting to answer any specific questions. Mr. Winters did not understand why the City never replaced Mr. Frederick, who was the Recreation Director. Mr. Winters stated that both Ms. Green and Mr. Wildner do a wonderful job, however, he would like the Department to have a Director. Mr. Winters stated that he checked today and there was not one city near the size of Boynton Beach that did not have a Department Director. Mr. Harris stated that there needs to be one person to take responsibility. Ms. Green informed members that the City’s Architecture of Excellence Program is shifting authority and responsibility downward further in the organization and this is taking place throughout the whole City. The idea is to have more than one person with the answers. Ms. Green informed the Board of the philosophy behind the Architecture for Excellence Program. Mr. Winters said he plans to take this up with the new City Manager. Ms. Green thinks the system is working well the way it is and that half the duties were given to her and half to John Wildner and that both of them act as 11 MEETING MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 24, 1999 department heads. Chairperson Thomas said she likes the way the Department is working as it is. Mr. Harris stated that Ms. Green and Mr. Wildner should be commended for doing a great job. Ms. Green stated that during the month of May the Board elects the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson; however it did not get on the agenda. Ms. Green suggested that this be added as another item and asked Chairperson Thomas to proceed with the elections. Chairperson Thomas asked for nominations for Chairperson. Mr. Ed Harris moved that Ms. Betty Thomas remain Chairperson for another year. Mr. Williams seconded the nomination. Chairperson Thomas asked if there were any other nominations. Mr. Winters moved that nominations be closed and Mr. Harris seconded the nomination. Chairperson Thomas was commended for the wonderful job she has done as Chairperson of the Board. Chairperson Thomas called for nominations for Vice Chair. Mr. Ramnarace nominated Mr. Winters as Vice Chair. Mr. Winters declined the nomination. Mr. Winters nominated James McMahon for Vice Chair. Mr. Harris moved that the nominations for Vice Chair be closed. Chairperson Thomas called for a vote on both nominations. The vote was unanimous for Betty Thomas as Chairperson and James McMahon as Vice Chair. VI. NEXT MEETING: JUNE 28, 1999 VII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting properly adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, __________________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (two tapes) 12