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Minutes 11-24-08 MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2008, AT 6:30 P.M. AT INTRACOASTAL PARK CLUBHOUSE, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: William Orlove, Vice Chair John Allard Robert Lapin John McVey (arrived at 6:44 p.m.) Janelle Sloan ABSENT: Betty Pierce-Roe, Chair Jody Rivers, Parks Superintendent I. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Orlove called the meeting to order at 6:09 p.m. II. ATTENDANCE Vice Chair Orlove called the roll. A quorum was present. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM: October 27, 2008 Motion Mr. Lapin moved to accept the minutes. Ms. Sloan seconded the motion that passed unanimously. IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A.CIP Updated (review of plans of upcoming projects) At the last City Commission meeting, the Commission discussed the recommendations of the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board requesting reconsideration of moving forward with the development of the Meadows 1/Nautica Park site and instead consider developing the Quantum Park site. Mr. Majors noted Mr. Orlove spoke eloquently on behalf of the Board and its support of the development of the Quantum Park site, its greenway and bikeway plans, community purpose, appeal to visitors and potential for securing funding sources. Mr. Orlove also pointed out there were no parks within a two to three mile radius of the Quantum site, whereas there were two private park sites and a public park site within a mile of the Meadows 1/Nautica site. 1 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida November 24, 2008 The Commission voted 3-2 to move forward with the Meadows 1/Nautica site. However, pursuant to the request of Vice Mayor Rodriguez, the item would be placed back on the agenda for reconsideration at the December 2, 2008 meeting. Mr. Majors believed the compelling reason for reconsideration was the City’s 20-year commitment to develop the park site. Mr. Orlove had not recalled, at any time during his service on the Board, any discussions regarding a 20-year promise to develop the park site. Mr. Majors speculated the residents may have interpreted the impact fee assessed to the developer as an obligation. Any impact fees collected should first be allocated to develop a park or offset the impact within the area in which the fee was collected. However, the ordinance was clear, if no parks or improvements were needed in the area, the fee could be spent elsewhere. The area in the Meadows 1/Nautica development was already well served by the existing amenities. Mr. Majors requested the Board’s presence at the December 2, 2008 Commission meeting. Mr. Orlove noted he would be attending. Mr. Majors explained Nautica was comprised of two sites, Nautica and Meadows, which abutted each other, and consisted of approximately five acres of land each. The sites had been dedicated by the developer of the residential area which, at the time, was required as part of the park impact fee. The park impact fee would apply to any development in the City that consisted of three or more residential units. Mr. Orlove pointed out when the Board toured the sites in August 2008, there were two vacant areas of land with tall grass in the center and a cement walkway connecting both sides of the grassy areas. It was noted at the Commission meeting residents in the area desired a passive park to include a bench, flora and a trail, but to exclude parking. The City Commission believed bathrooms, lighting and parking would be required for the Meadows 1/Nautica Park. Ms. Rivers and Mr. Majors made it clear that amenities were required to be included in the development of a park. The Land Development Regulations required a parking lot and restrooms for a site of that size. With regard to Oceanfront Park, Mr. Majors explained it was hoped Legal could assist in ascertaining proof of the City’s ownership of the southern third of the beach. The project, which included replacement of the boardwalk and shade coverings, would commence upon the issuance of the permit by the Department of Environmental Protection. This could take up to two months to complete. Thereafter, bids would be solicited. With regard to the Congress Avenue Community Park, beginning Monday, the pre- qualified contractors would be able to pick up the construction plans for review and 2 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida November 24, 2008 thereafter, submit a proposal. The contractors would have 30 days from Monday to submit their proposals. The sum of $2.9 million was currently allocated towards the park, playgrounds and design. Staff hoped to have a building constructed on the site that would serve individuals with limited abilities. An additional contribution had been received from County Commissioner Kanjian for the water element. Discussion ensued with regard to the establishment of a foundation that would allow the City to be eligible for funding through a SOl(c)3 status. This was a common activity throughout the nation and was often referred to as "Friends of Parks." Ms. Sloan indicated people from Hunter's Run had expressed concerns about the barrier-free park being a therapeutic adult center. There was a tremendous difference between therapeutic rehabilitation and therapeutic recreation. She believed when put into context, the Hunter's Run residents would not object to the park. Mr. Lapin inquired whether the tennis courts were manned, as he had observed lights on while the courts were not in use. Mr. Majors would address this issue with staff assigned to the facility. Some of the Board members indicated they wished to review the plans once again. Mr. Majors noted he would bring the plans to the next meeting. The discussion returned to the Meadows l/Nautica site. Mr. Grlove requested information on the distance of Knollwood Park from the Meadows l/Nautica be provided prior to the Commission meeting. This information would be help in discussions relating to the passive park. v. NEW BUSINESS A. Review Strategic Plan Mr. Majors reported the Board had an opportunity to review the Plan some time ago. The item had been brought before the Commission in May and would be presented to the Commission again in January. The document had been updated to include references to the ongoing and pending projects, and a section for the Recreation Division had been added. Administrative changes had also been made. Mr. Majors circulated the Plan, noting he would either provide a hard copy of the document or a link on the City's website. In terms of capital projects, the document echoed the Capital Improvement Program created by the City and provided a vision for the future. B. Monthly Report Mr. Grlove commented he was impressed with the ongoing activities and was surprised to observe how much the facilities had been utilized. 3 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida November 24, 2008 C. Items for the City Manager's Attention None Mr. Majors distributed background information provided by Debby Coles-Dobay relating to the acquisition of the Opus 14 Sea Turtle sculpture. The sculpture will be moved from the City Hall lobby to Oceanfront Park and will include signage. It was suggested the Board conduct a joint meeting with the Arts Commission or having Ms. Coles-Dobay attend a Board meeting. Mr. Majors explained it was mandated an art element be included in Recreation and Parks' projects, and a significant component of the Congress Avenue project would be devoted to art. VI. NEXT MEETING: 6:30 p.m. The Board agreed not to meet in December. The next meeting would be held on January 26, 2009 at the Senior Center. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 7:16 p.m. ~ ) (' .~ ..." \ ). ~<~....c ...4- .~ Stephanie D. Kahn Recording Secretary 121908 4