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Minutes 05-20-13 MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 20, 2013, AT 6:30 P.., IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 100 E. BOYNTON BEACH BOULEVARD, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Elizabeth Pierce -Roe, Chair Wally Majors, Director, Recreation & Parks John McVey, Vice Chair Charles Kanter Robert Lapin Catherine Scantlan ABSENT: Thomas Mandler I. Call to Order Chair Pierce -Roe called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Commissioner Joe Casello was also present. Attendance Chair Pierce -Roe called the roll. A quorum was present. III. Approval of Minutes (February 25, 2013) Motion Ms. Scantlan moved to approve the minutes. Vice Chair McVey seconded the motion that unanimously passed. IV. Unfinished Business A. Needs Assessment Wally Majors, Director, Recreation and Parks, explained the Department was moving forward with the Comprehensive Needs Assessment the Department undertakes every five years. Staff worked with the 2002 consultant, Dr. Mitra of Management Learning Laboratories. As done in the past, they held community and stakeholder meetings, including Commissioners, staff and various advisory boards to obtain feedback that the consultant used to create the questionnaire. 1 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL May 20, 2013 Based on the feedback, the consultant created a questionnaire that will provide staff the information they need to gain a sense of the community's needs, but also have a strong enough result to provide a viable return. Mr. Majors distributed the questionnaire to the members and explained it was mailed to 5,000 people in the community, chosen at random. It was similar to the one used in 2002. The questionnaire was a manner of being accountable to the community, in terms of how they deploy resources. Staff received a lot of good information and three times a year, they survey participants in City recreation programs. The questionnaire would provide feedback from people who may not be involved in any programs. This is helpful as these individuals are taxpayers too, and some residents may not be aware of what the Department offers. Mr. Majors hoped to have the data back by early to mid -July and have a full report in August. They can then develop a work plan reflective of what the needs are. In 2002, it was learned many people did not know of activities the Department offered so staff increased their promotional efforts. When results showed there was much interest in neighborhood parks, staff moved forward with the development of Betty Thomas Park, the expansion of Wilson Park, and the development of Intracoastal Park and Clubhouse. As staff moved through the process, Mr. Majors would apprise the members of the results. It was noted the questionnaire can also be submitted through Survey Monkey, and an inquiry was made whether IP addresses are tracked. Mr. Majors explained it was similar to the way the Financial Advisory Committee conducted their survey. Staff also recognized there are individuals that do not want to be identified and using a consultant offered some neutrality to the individuals asking the questions. It was why staff did not attend the focus group meetings. The Department did not want to give the appearance staff was influencing the issues. He commented staff remains neutral. Ms. Scantlan had two suggestions for the next questionnaire, which Mr. Majors noted. He explained he would have liked the Board to be more involved with creation of the document. He had hoped to have a lunch meeting with the members but there were scheduling conflicts. It was noted the survey was very thorough. V. New Business A. Dog Park Mr. Majors explained Commissioner Casello requested staff investigate the possibility of developing a dog park. The Board was involved with the discussion two years ago and last year. The discussions were related to Commissioner Holzman wanting to convert Pence Park to a dog park, but the Board was firm that doing so would not be the best use of that facility. The Board expressed if a dog park was wanted, it should be on land dedicated behind Renaissance Commons. Based on an adjustment to the developer's 2 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL May 20, 2013 impact fee, the City obtained the land. The property was shifted to a different parcel, more centralized behind Renaissance Commons and the size was slightly smaller. Mr. Majors pointed out the Board was due for its parks tour. The tour would provide the Board with a sense of where the undeveloped parks were, the nature of the area, and they can then make their annual recommendation of what the Board's priorities are. If they would develop an undeveloped park site, they would indicate which parks should be developed first. Mr. Majors explained a dog park is a fenced -in area where people bring their dogs and let them play with other dogs, off leash. Generally, a dog park is divided into areas for small dogs and big dogs, and there is usually another area set aside to rotate the play areas so the sod can recover. The County has a dog park at Lake Ida, and it is a popular facility. The challenge with the parks is the maintenance, as dogs like to dig and run, which creates a lot of wear and tear on the sod. The actual development costs were not necessarily extravagant. The park would need a fence, a double gate, a source of water and parking and shaded areas. If there was already a location where restrooms were available, the City could probably develop a park for about $50,000 to $60,000. If the park needed restrooms, the cost would escalate by about $75,000. Mr. Majors recognized there are a lot of dog owners in the City. Based on his conversation with Commissioner Casello, the park was something there was a lot of interest in. He pointed out the Needs Assessment will give a sense of how the community feels about it and whether it warranted further contemplation. When the members take the parks tour, they will view the proposed property at Renaissance Commons and consider whether it was a good location for a park. The Board is usually the filtering mechanism to sense whether there is some degree of sustainability for the concept. Mr. Kanter thought a park directly across the street from a shopping center should help convince business owners to participate in the Adopt -A -Park program. Since someone has to maintain the shopping center, they may volunteer to maintain the dog park as well. It would draw customers to their establishments. He thought it was a symbiotic relationship, and he volunteered to be part of the team to make a presentation. Mr. Majors agreed a public /private partnership was always ideal as the Department was not in the position to take on another park they would have to maintain. The annual maintenance cost for the Lake Ida Park was $100,000. The City's most expensive park, in terms of maintenance, costs about $22,000. Chair Pierce -Roe acknowledged the City did not have the funds for the park at this time, but she inquired whether there was any consideration to bringing in items to allow dogs in parks that already had rest areas and other amenities. She noted on Wednesday nights at Oyer Park, about 200 to 300 people come for the food trucks and there are families and children. They bring their own chairs and some bring their pets on a leash. Those families, however, have been asked to leave while there are many dogs coming 3 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL May 20, 2013 in and out of the boats that launch there. She thought the City might consider indicating they do not have a dog park at this time, but there are facilities that can accommodate dogs. Mr. Majors responded it could be considered, but outside of the Jupiter area, many people do not pick up after their pets and that becomes a serious health concern for park patrons and maintenance crews. Chair Pierce -Roe thought Oyer Park was different because most of the park was a parking lot. A sign could be posted that stated if owners did not pick -up after their pets, they would be asked to leave. Mr. Majors recalled they enacted an educational campaign at the beach to alert beach goers not to discard cigarette butts in the sand. It did not work. Chair Pierce -Roe thought the City could try it out and see if pet owners are responsible. If they were not, the City can say they were trying to offer amenities, but it did or did not work. Most people go to Oyer Park to fish and go out on boats, but some come for the scenery, and the pavilions and playgrounds there are used. Service dogs are permitted at Barrier Free Park. Mr. Majors explained self - governance is they key. It was suggested learning how much of the concept was speculation. On Clematis Street, in downtown West Palm Beach, everyone brings their dogs and they are in restaurant outside seating areas. Other than Hurricane Alley, that did not occur in Boynton Beach. Mr. Majors again indicated when the study comes back, staff will have viable data to make a decision. Mr. Majors noted the same kind of situation arose with a cricket field. One person was passionate about it, but the Needs Assessment said less than 1 % of the respondents were interested. To some degree the Assessment is blended with staff's experience and the feedback they receive. However, it provides the opportunity for issues to be heard by the City Commission with a recommendation from the Board indicating the Needs Assessment either supports it or it should be investigated further. It is up to City Commission to decide whether they want to pursue it or not. Mr. Major's concern was staff needed to police the area. Even if they have 99% compliance, only one or two people who did not pick up after their pets could create a fairly strong nuisance. He was not opposed to the idea. For a City of this size, a dog park may be warranted, but Lake Ida is five miles south of Boynton which is fairly close. Chair Pierce -Roe thought a trial would be prudent. Vice Chair McVey thought the private partnership would be the best way to go. He thought local veterinarians and pet stores should be contacted to see if they would support it monetarily. Pet supermarkets such as PetSmart and Petco, large franchises and Renaissance Commons may support it, since it would draw people to their establishments. West Palm has six dog parks and some did not fit the stereotype of a dog park. Mr. Majors went to Lake Ida Park to investigate the perception the park is noisy with much 4 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL May 20, 2013 barking, but found it was not noisy or smelly. He explained part of the cost to maintain the park included treatments for fleas and other herbicides and while it would be a challenge to maintain, it was recognized dogs are part of the fabric of society. It was also why many individuals did not leave their homes during Hurricane Katrina. It was suggested an underutilized park be a test park and that it could attract residents to use it. Community meetings would be required to receive feedback. Mr. Majors preferred to see what the Needs Assessment indicated and commented part of the feedback could include whether the park should be funded by user fees. Historically, parks are completely subsidized. Mr. Kanter supported involving commercial establishments and registering individuals to use the parks. Store coupons could be given to registrants to "sweeten the deal" and it would be known who was using the park. Additionally, registrants would be more likely to clean up after their pets. Mr. Majors reiterated that would require having a staff dedicated to do so, and the personnel was not available. An employee may be able to monitor the park, but not to register individuals. Commissioner Casello understood the concept was in the infancy stage. He requested the members understand it is an expense, and it would not happen without a public private partnership. He has been going to the various dog parks and testing them out. He has also been reaching out to the big box stores, such Lowes, Home Depot and pet stores for sponsorship, but he did not have all the information back yet. Another suggestion was to have a small memorial dog park name after a Police K -S dog that passed away. Commissioner Casello has been conversing with the developer at Renaissance Commons who may be willing to maintain a park if constructed there. He agreed to obtain the data and bring it back to the Board, who could then make an informed decision along with the data from the Needs Assessment. He commented he was very passionate about it. Mr. Majors agreed to review what the Needs Assessment indicated. The members could consider the matter during its tour of existing parks with restroom facilities. He noted City parks are not fenced in, but Chair Pierce -Roe commented if dogs are leashed, they can walk through the parks, not necessarily play there. If dogs are allowed in parks, the City could at least have provisions for residents to clean up after their pets. Mr. Majors agreed to obtain feedback from Delray Beach about doggie bags, and allowing dogs to walk on the east side of A1A. Chair Pierce -Roe would like to learn more about Renaissance Commons as she always see dogs there, and she was wondering if the complex had problems with tenants picking up after their pets. Mr. Majors did note this was another way to get residents out and active as there are issues, nationwide, resulting from sedentary lifestyles. 5 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL May 20, 2013 B. Department Strategic Plan (Issues /Concerns) Mr. Majors explained staff was updating this plan and requested the members, over the next few weeks, think of items or concerns that should be addressed. One big issue was childhood diabetes was growing exponentially which is directly related to children not getting exercise. He pointed out schools do not have physical education classes or lunch recesses anymore. The Department was looking for ways to get people involved. Anyone with ideas should contact him, and he would try to incorporate them into the plan. The Needs Assessment is a significant component of the Strategic Plan which would indicate the course to be taken in the future. C. "Play Outdoors — Schedule of Events "Play Outdoors — Unplugged" is an initiative to get people out to parks. Staff already held two programs, one last weekend at Jaycee Park which was a family field day. Activities like a three - legged race, Simon Says, and Red Light, Green Light were played. This is a series of events which staff will continue to hold. The next event was "Crazy Games, Water Day" which would be held on June 1st at Barrier Free Park and then in July there would be fireworks and Tot Olympics at Pence Park in October. These were ways to draw people to the parks, be active and enjoy the outdoors. Hester, Meadows, Jaycee, and Knollwood Parks have walking paths around them. Chair Pierce -Roe went to Intracoastal Park and it is largely used as a walking park between 5 and 8 p.m. One woman likes to walk the beach, but it was so breezy, this was her next alternative and she likes the area. Mr. Majors noted Meadows Park is busy. Pence Park is becoming more and more active and it has two kickball leagues. Mr. Majors explained at the next meeting he would discuss staff's meeting with a representative from the Trust of Public Lands. This was the same group who gave a $1.7 million grant to purchase Jaycee Park. The Trust, along with Recreation and Parks Departments around the State recognized the need to use parks as venues for healthier lifestyles. The Trust has an initiative called Fit Zones at parks. Fit Zones is gym equipment that is used outside. St. Petersburg had great success with the program and had Fit Zones at two of their parks. When staff told the Trust that Barrier Free Park had opportunities for such equipment, they were very interested because they could provide equipment that is adaptive and accessible for individuals with limited abilities. They believe there is a chance to include this type of equipment at Barrier Free Park along with the trails. Barrier Free Park is unique and is a great venue for this type of activity. Many people just like to walk the park. It was hoped in a year or so, they can include the equipment there. Discussion followed the President's Council on Physical Fitness was a good Council to partner with. Participants receive trinkets and create their own exercise groups. The 6 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL May 20, 2013 Council does the work to create the activity. Mr. Majors explained recently the City, as part of First Lady Michelle Obama's initiative, held a walk from City Hall to the beach and back, and encouraged employees to participate. As part of the afterschool program, the youth walk. Last year, they made maps and monitored how far they walked. Mr. Majors agreed to look into the program and report back on the item at a future meeting. Staff would also give an update on the bikeway /greenway programs that creates linear passageways and connectivity between parks. He noted the passageways are non- motorized. A question was posed if the area east of Galaxy Elementary School was part of the trails. Mr. Majors explained the school and the City partnered to make that area a trail for the greenway. Working in partnership with the school, they would remove the exotics from the scrub and use the activity as a learning opportunity for the students so they can understand what exotics and invasive species are, while creating connectivity. A child in that area can ride his bike from his home to the school without riding on any roads. It was also a good opportunity to partner with Rolling Green, Forest Park, St. Mark and Galaxy Schools. D. Schedule Parks Tours The members agreed to start the tours in June, as it is still light enough and cool enough to hold them. In the past, they spread out the tours over two or three meetings. Mr. Majors thought it was important for the members to be at the park sites to gain a sense of what is there. Additionally, it gives the members a sense of what may need to be addressed. The tour would start at 6:30 p.m. and Mr. Majors would bring the bus. If they moved quickly, they could tour about a quarter of the parks. Mr. Majors suggested touring the Renaissance Commons and Meadows /Nautica undeveloped sites as there is some pending discussion on them that may be brought forward to the City Commission. As time permits, they could visit one or two other parks. Mr. Kanter inquired if anything happened regarding the community gardens at Quantum Park that he had suggested at a prior meeting. Mr. Majors responded nothing came of it. A meeting was held with the Senior Advisory Board, the Education and Youth Advisory Board, and the Community Relations Board, but the issue did not generate any discussion. Mr. Kanter commented he went to Marathon Key. He took slides of the parks which he offered to bring to the Board. Mr. Majors suggested the presentation be put on a flash drive and provided to him a week before the meeting so ITS can set up a presentation. 7 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL May 20, 2013 VI. Items for the City Manager's Attention None. VII. Next Meeting: June 24, 2013 VII. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Chair Pierce -Roe adjourned the meeting at 7:37 p.m. aftwit, Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 052393 8