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Minutes 01-25-99 MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD IN CONFERENCE ROOM C, WEST WING CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1999 AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT Betty Thomas, Chairperson John Wildner, Parks Superintendent Mike Fitzpatrick Melody Green, Recreation Superintendent (arrived late) James R. McMahon (arrived late) Bali Ramnarace Dan Winters Tom Williams ABSENT Ed Harris 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 John Wildner, Parks Superintendent. The Recording Secretary announced that Ms. Melody Green was not present this evening because she was attending the Recreation Division team celebration and review at the Civic Center. Mr. Wildner informed the Board that this was in connection with the Architecture for Excellence Program in which City employees are participating. Mr. Wildner added that if Ms. Green’s meeting finishes early, she would join this meeting. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 23, 1998 MEETING Chairperson Thomas inquired if there were any changes or additions to the minutes of the November 23, 1998 meeting. There were none. Chairperson Thomas stated that the minutes be accepted as distributed. IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (a) Greenways Network (Mike Fitzpatrick) MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARK BOARD MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 25, 1999 Postponed until the arrival of Mr. Fitzpatrick. (b) Senior Center Project Team Update (John Wildner) Mr. Wildner stated that this was Ms. Green’s project, but Ms. Green asked Mr. Wildner to give a report tonight on the Senior Center. Mr. Wildner said that on February 2, 1999 a bid award will be given for the first phase of the Senior Center of the former Lucille & Otley’s Restaurant. May is the projected date for the opening of phase 1. Chairperson Thomas inquired if there were any planning meetings for the Senior Center and Mr. Wildner said he did not know since Ms. Green was in charge of this project. (c) Southwest Neighborhood Park (John Wildner) Mr. Wildner said that negotiations with Mr. Zill are ongoing. A small portion of the th mangrove nursery, where a lift station is located (east of Seacrest at approximately 26 Avenue), could be used for a small neighborhood park, which would be comprised of one-half acre. Mr. Wildner said that a meeting was held with the neighborhood, at which time the possibility of a basketball court, a children’s playground and a small picnic area was discussed. Mr. Wildner said that the neighborhood was very enthusiastic. For the present time, the land would probably be leased from Mr. Zill at a cost of the profits that the mangoes would have produced on this half-acre. Mr. Winters inquired of the status of the large park, which is visible from I-95. Mr. Wildner informed Mr. Winters this park belonged to the Girl Scouts and is comprised of approximately 12 acres. Mr. Wildner stated the problem with the location of this park was its access. Mr. Wildner stated that people on foot have utilized the park after dark for fishing. Mr. Wildner said there used to be a gate that was opened and closed by a neighbor to allow public access to the park. Mr. Winters inquired if the basketball court would be lighted, as this could be a deterrent to vandalism. Mr. Wildner was uncertain if the neighbors would allow a lighted basketball court. Mr. Wildner noted that the Meadows Park has lights and this is one of the City’s most popular parks. Mr. Wildner stated the difference between the Meadows Park and other neighborhood parks is that Meadows Park has access off Congress Avenue, and the Meadows neighborhood did not oppose the active recreation. However, at most other neighborhood parks, residents don’t want to encourage use of the park from outside the neighborhood. Such is the case with Boynton Lakes Park. 2 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARK BOARD MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 25, 1999 Mr. Winters suggested the City should pursue the use of the Girl Scouts Park. Mr. Wildner stated that the residents are pleased with the site at the Zill property, which is on the east side of Seacrest and will be located closer to the neighborhood. Mr. Zill also indicated that when he reaches retirement age, he would be willing to sell his property to the City. Chairperson Thomas inquired on the status of the park located in Quantum Park. Mr. Wildner stated there has not been much action with the Quantum Park, which had been renamed the “Optimist Park”. Mr. Wildner stated that a meeting room was proposed for the property for Optimist Club meetings, and they had agreed to solicit donations. Mr. Wildner stated that to date, no contributions have been received. Mr. Winters stated that the park facilities included with the new High School should be available. Mr. Wildner stated that his Department has been pursuing the use of the athletic facilities, as well as the auditorium and other facilities that would be available in the evening. Chairperson Thomas inquired about the size of the Optimist Park. Mr. Wildner said it was 12 acres. Mr. Wildner stated that the City Commission had been approached about locating an ice skating rink on the property, but Mr. Wildner has not heard anything further on this in the last six weeks. Not only would the rink be used for hockey, but also would include other ice skating activities, such as shows and figure skating. Mr. Wildner stated that the Master Plan for Quantum Park includes a combination football/soccer field, as well as a full size baseball field. Mr. Wildner noted that more soccer facilities are needed in the City, since soccer erodes the conditions of the playing field and does not work well with football. Chairperson Thomas requested that the records reflect that Mr. Fitzpatrick arrived and asked Mr. Fitzpatrick for his update on Greenways. (a) Greenways Network (Mike Fitzpatrick) Mr. Fitzpatrick said that the County’s Planning Department furnished the data for their map of the Greenways in the County. Mr. Fitzpatrick said that Mr. Jose Alfaro of the City’s Planning Department has the map on disks and is working on it. At the present time, Mr. Alfaro is having difficulty printing the map, although it can be viewed on the computer screen. This will be used for the City’s base map and will be enlarged to show the County sites with an overlay to indicate Boynton’s Greenway sites. It is intended to have these maps printed for handouts. Mr. Fitzpatrick said that the County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization has a sub- committee on bikeways and Mr. Fitzpatrick attended a committee meeting and will 3 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARK BOARD MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 25, 1999 continue to attend the monthly meetings, since there is grant money available for bikeways, which could be expanded into Greenways. Mr. Fitzpatrick said that the Overlook Scrub is being pursued for a habitat conservation plan. Mr. Fitzpatrick said that he spoke with the Town Council of Hypoluxo two weeks ago. The Town has its own conservation plan and only Town representatives are allowed on the sites. They say there are only 26 acres being used by scrub jays. Mr. Fitzpatrick stated that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife agreed with this. However, Mr. Fitzpatrick said that every acre counted has to be multiplied by two, therefore for every acre undercounted approximately, $100,000 is saved. The County figures indicate that 88 acres out of 94 acres are being used by scrub jays. There are other estimates at 50 acres. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife will not accept the other two estimates because they are not official. Unless the Town requests the County undertake an accurate count, the County cannot determine the actual figure. Mr. Fitzpatrick requested that the Town Council ask the County for an accurate count, but they were reluctant to intervene. The County indicated they would do the estimate for free since they are interested in the land for their environmentally sensitive land acquisition program. Hopefully, the Town will follow through on this request. Mr. Fitzpatrick said he would monitor this. (d) Skateboard Park (John Wildner) Mr. Wildner informed the Board that Palm Beach County has started construction on two in-line hockey rinks. Mr. Wildner said there still remains an area available for other uses. Once the in-line hockey rinks are up and running, the County will evaluate the traffic in the park and will consider locating a skate board park on the site. Mr. Wildner stated that hockey interests continue to grow in South Florida. Chairperson Thomas inquired what the surface was for the rinks. Mr. Wildner said it was similar to the surface of a tennis court, only glossier, and therefore smoother. Also, Chairperson Thomas inquired if additional parking was being provided. Mr. Wildner said that the parking area behind the baseball field would be utilized. Mr. Wildner stated that two restroom facilities would be available. (e) Monthly Report Chairperson Thomas noted that the Monthly Report is now in a new form. Chairperson Thomas asked if there were any questions regarding the report. With regard to the Hester Center, Mr. Williams requested that the trashcans that are placed out should be secured since the children utilize the cans to sit on and tip them over, as there are no bleachers to sit on. Mr. Wildner said that it is intended to have 4 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARK BOARD MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 25, 1999 bleachers installed. Mr. Wildner said he has been working with Jeff Industries to assemble the bleachers, since they have the County contract. In the meantime, Mr. Wildner said he would try to have smaller bleachers set up by staff. Mr. Wildner said that many of the cans have been knocked over by foxes as well. Mr. Williams suggested that the volleyball net when not in use on the weekends should be removed. Mr. Williams said he has seen several young children using the net for playing and swinging on. This causes the net to be torn and the net will have to be constantly replaced. Mr. Wildner said he would follow through with this with Mr. Majors. Mr. Williams said that when the new facilities were built at the Hester Center, the playground equipment was removed and now the babies and young children have no place to play. Mr. Wildner said the swings had to be removed because of their proximity to the racquetball courts. Mr. Williams suggested that the bushes could be torn down and the equipment could be placed in that area. Also, Mr. Williams said that more equipment is needed and that a swing set and slide was not sufficient. Mr. Wildner said he would follow through on this. Mr. Williams asked what the schedule was for installing the gate. Mr. Wildner was not certain on the date and said that Facilities Management would be installing the gate. Mr. Williams said there is a group of youngsters hanging out gambling and smoking pot after the Center is closed because there is no gate. Mr. Williams said it is important that the gate be installed as soon as possible. Once the gate is up, these youth could be arrested for trespassing. Mr. Winters requested that a generic sign be installed at the entrance to the beach, instead of the 20+ different signs that are posted all over the place. Mr. Wildner said it was originally intended to have a systematic sign program, but inevitably something is missed and another sign is put up. Mr. Wildner stated that in the ten years that the beach has been renovated, the beach has accumulated a great many signs. Mr. Winters said a census of the signs should be taken and then the signs could be consolidated. Mr. Winters inquired if there were any plans to participate in the Florida Trails and Rails Program. Mr. Fitzpatrick did not know if the City qualified and thought one of the requirements was having an abandoned rail. Mr. Wildner said he would follow through on membership in this program. Mr. Williams inquired if the person had been located that drove through the scrub jay area. Mr. Wildner said they have not found that person to date. Mr. Williams said this person should be prosecuted for all the damage caused. Mr. Williams said this person drove through the scrub jay area, tore through the fence on the football field and dug up 5 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARK BOARD MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 25, 1999 the football field. Mr. Williams also noted that the breezeway will be enclosed and that security guards will be used. With the addition of the gate, there will only be one way to enter the Hester Center. V. NEW BUSINESS (a) Park Improvement Projects (John Wildner) Mr. Wildner reported that the Little League Park is being re-sodded. Last spring the infields on fields one and two were re-sodded. Mr. Wildner said that the fields primarily had Bermuda grass, but at some point St. Augustine grass was used for re-sodding. The ballplayers noted the difference between the Bermuda and St. Augustine grass and prefer the Bermuda grass. Mr. Wildner also reported that laser grading is taking place, which is an accepted practice on the golf course, and is now being done on athletic fields, which is very effective. This should be ready for the opening of Little League season, which is February 27th. Mr. Wildner stated that the re-sodding and re-grading of the infield at Hester Park has been completed. This field is used by Palm Beach Atlantic College for their varsity games. The field was also laser graded and looks very good. Mr. Wildner said that it is hoped that more ball teams would be attracted to use the field, which would be an additional revenue source. With regard to the Sara Sims Park, funding is available for upgrading the irrigation system and landscaping, especially on the western side of the Park. Over the years, the eastern section of the Park has been developed, but the western section, which is closer to residential homes, has had less activity take place as requested by the residents. It is intended to improve the appearance of the western section of the Park. A drainage problem has existed at Boynton Lakes Park for a long time. The playground floods during rainy season because the drainage was designed to flow into the large lake to the east of the Park. The lake is maintained at a much higher level than the permit elevation and therefore the park does not drain into the lake as intended. The water flows into the playground equipment and it is underwater for several weeks during the rainy season. Staff has been working with a consultant engineer to construct a drainage system that would alleviate the situation. This also creates a health hazard. (b) Intracoastal Park Update (John Wildner) Mr. Wildner stated that the Intracoastal Park site is the northern site and is comprised of approximately 10 acres. The master plan was prepared several years ago. The City received funding from Palm Beach County for the Intracoastal Park site and there is $2 6 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARK BOARD MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 25, 1999 million available to upgrade Boat Club Park, which would include ramp work, additional dock space and additional parking. The funds were given to the City by the County to encourage water-based recreation. Mr. Wildner said that the plans are in place for Boat Club Park and they are moving forward with the repairs to the dock structure. Mr. Wildner informed the Board that Gateway Boulevard is being widened and improved which will result in the elimination of the Royal Palm Clubhouse. It has been determined that the Clubhouse will be relocated to the Intracoastal Park site and its use will be expanded. Also, additional funding of $1 million has been secured for this project. Mr. Wildner said that the City has received unsolicited proposals regarding utilization of the Intracoastal Park site for private purposes. One proposal has come from Wahoo’s, which is located next to the park site. Also, the property north of the Intracoastal Park site has been up for sale for sometime and developers would like to use both parcels for development. This has resulted in a great deal of unsolicited proposals. Mr. Wildner reported that these proposals were discussed at a prior CRA meeting. The City Commission sitting as the CRA indicated they would listen to further information on the proposals, but at this time they were neither in favor nor against any change in the master plan. Therefore, staff is continuing with the existing master plan. However, further proposals may be brought before the City Commission. Chairperson Thomas noted that this same scenario resulted in the loss of half of the City’s beach years ago. Mr. Williams indicated that there were plans to include a band shell on this site. Mr. Wildner said that special events would be held at the park, however, no permanent band shell would be located there. Mr. Williams asked about the status of Ocean Ridge regarding the outdoor concerts at the beach. Mr. Wildner said that Ocean Ridge officials require the City to apply for a permit each time an event is scheduled at the beach. Mr. Wildner felt this resulted from Boynton Beach wanting to have its fireworks display on the Fourth of July on the beach and Ocean Ridge was not in favor of this. Mr. Bruce Black was in the audience and requested to address the Board on the subject of the Intracoastal Park. Mr. Black stated in 1988 there was a Bond Referendum up to $2.5 million, which Mr. Black recited to the Members. In summary, the Referendum stated it was intended to provide funds to pay for the cost of acquiring a 10-acre parcel of land on the Intracoastal Waterway in the City of Boynton Beach for a public park. Mr. Black stated he attended both the CRA meeting and the City Commission meeting. Mr. Black stated that the CRA does not want to discourage ideas and invites people to 7 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARK BOARD MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 25, 1999 appear before them with their ideas and projects. After entertaining a project, Mr. Black said if the CRA thinks the project is worth listening to further, the person making the presentation is encouraged to continue with their idea through the normal City process. Mr. Black said he was upset that two plans for the Intracoastal Park came to the City on the same day. Mr. Black said the property should remain a park. Mr. Black said the property was purchased for a park and was surprised that the CRA would entertain ideas for this property for anything other than a park. Mr. Black said he spoke during the public audience portion at the City Commission meeting to voice his opinions. Mr. Black said Mayor Taylor assured him that everyone would have a voice and these ideas have to be listened to. Mr. Black said the property should not be for sale at any price. Mr. Black requested that this Board voice their opinion to the CRA indicating its opposition to any project on this Intracoastal Park property other than a park as originally intended. Mr. Ron Washam addressed the Board and said that he has grown up in Boynton Beach and feels the people want more parks, especially parks with water access. Mr. Washam said there is less and less water access in South Florida and that the park needs to be preserved for the residents of Boynton Beach and for future generations. Mr. Washam also felt the Board should make its opinion known to the CRA in opposing any other types of projects on this site. (Ms. Melody Green joined the meeting) (c) Other Mr. Winters said that it was not necessary to pass a bond issue to finance a park and that the City could finance the park itself. Mr. Winters also said that Board members should consider attending the Southern Regional Convention that will take place at the Hyatt in Orlando. There will be special sessions for boards and suggested that a group could go down together in a van for thth Sunday and Monday, April 18 and 19. Mr. Winters noted the board session is th scheduled for Monday, April 19. Mr. Winters said the convention would include the states south of West Virginia and west to the Mississippi. Mr. Williams wished to state that the Intracoastal Park should not be used for a civic center and should be used for a park. Ms. Green said that this property is not being considered for a civic center. 8 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARK BOARD MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 25, 1999 Mr. McMahon inquired if the property was acquired for a park, how could the property be used for any purpose other than a park? Mr. Black stated that is a legal issue and is being looked at by various persons who are in support of a park and want to maintain this type of quality of life in Boynton Beach. Mr. Winters suggested that this Board entertain a motion that it is opposed to any other use for the Intracoastal Park except for a park. Mr. Wildner stated that the direction his department received is to continue with the master plan of developing the property as a park. Staff is looking at replacing the Royal Palm Clubhouse in the existing master plan and to consider additional recreational elements. Motion Mr. Williams moved that this Board send a letter to the City Manager, the Mayor and the City Commission in support of the Intracoastal land being used for a park, as defined in the Master Plan. Motion seconded by Mr. McMahon. Ms. Green stated the replacement for the Royal Palm Clubhouse would be three times larger than the current Clubhouse. Mr. Wildner stated the building will overlook the water and there will be an open area for recreational activities. Ms. Green stated the building would be elevated. Ms. Green noted that no additional parking spaces will be used for the facility and that the master plan included some type of facility. Chairperson Thomas requested that the plans be presented to the Board. Mr. Wildner stated that the plans are still preliminary and after the plans have been presented to the City Manager, they can be presented to this Board for review. Mr. Wildner stated that the clubhouse would consist of one large room that can be divided into three separate rooms for meetings, parties and other activities, all simultaneously. Ms. Green stated that various uses of the clubhouse are being discussed. Mr. Wildner stated that the covered, two-story picnic pavilion will be retained and can accommodate several groups at the same time, including family reunions, which have become a big business. Mr. Black asked about the anticipated completion date of the park. Ms. Green said it is presently intended to have the park ready within a year to a year and one-half. Mr. Wildner said there was sufficient funding. Mr. Wildner stated that originally there had been $2 million for use for Boat Club Park and the Intracoastal Park. Another $1 million has been acquired from the County for the recreation building. Ms. Green stated it is intended to have this park as a showcase park that people would talk about and want to go to. 9 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARK BOARD MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 25, 1999 Mr. Wildner stated that a children’s playground that would be water based has been discussed for the site. Mr. Wildner said they are trying to plan the park proactively to provide active recreation and not become overwhelmed by the liability aspects. Mr. Fitzpatrick called for a vote on the motion to send a letter to the City Manager, the Mayor and the City Commission. The motion carried unanimously. Ms. Green said she has just returned from the Team Celebration for the entire Recreation Division. All the accomplishments of the Team in 1998 were celebrated at the Civic Center. Ms. Green stated it is intended to have these celebrations twice a year and the Board will be invited to the next one, which will be sometime in August. Mr. Fitzpatrick said that he and Kevin Hallahan have prepared a Greenways grant proposal for submission to the State asking for funds for controlled burns at the Hester site, the water tower and other urban areas that will become part of Greenways. Fire management is an important part of the Florida eco-system. Mr. Fitzpatrick stated he prepared a list of items that need repair at Kid’s Kingdom. Mr. Wildner stated that Facilities Management is doing specifications for a contract to sand and seal the area and there are funds available for this. Mr. Fitzpatrick also said the park needs mulch. Mr. Wildner stated mulch was going to be replaced. Mr. Fitzpatrick inquired when the Children’s Museum would be completed. Mr. Wildner stated the completion date should be soon. Mr. Wildner stated that there has been no work done on the inside of the building and funds have to be raised for the interior of the building. Ms. Green stated there was a listing recently in the newspaper of County bond referendum items and the following City parks and amounts were listed: ? Hester Park $200,000. ? The Children’s Museum $500,000. (in two places) Mr. Fitzpatrick made the following motion. Motion Mr. Fitzpatrick moved that this Board endorse the County referendum bond issues and to recommend that the City Commission also endorse the bond issues. 10 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARK BOARD MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 25, 1999 Mr. Fitzpatrick stated there was a bond issue for recreation and parks and another for the Ag Reserve and sensitive land. Motion seconded by Dan Winters. Motion carried unanimously. Chairperson Thomas inquired if there was any other business. There was none. February 22, Chairperson Thomas announced that the next meeting is scheduled for 1999. There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ____________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (two tapes) 11