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Minutes 08-19-13 MINUTES F THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD ON NY, AUGUST 19, 2013, AT 6:30 P.., IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 100 E. BOYNTON BEACH BOULEVARD, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: John McVey, Vice Chair Wally Majors, Director, Recreation & Parks Charles Kanter Robert Lapin Trevor Rosecrans Catherine Scantlan Renee Stern, Alternate SENT: Elizabeth Pierce -Roe, Chair Thomas Mandler I. Call to Order Vice Chair McVey called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Debbie Majors, Grants Coordinator, and Glenda Hall, Forestry and Grounds Manager, were also present. II. Attendance Roll call was taken. A quorum was present. III. Approval of Minutes Mr. Majors explained he submitted the minutes and they may need some adjustments. Motion Ms. Scantlan moved to approve the minutes. Mr. Kanter seconded the motion that unanimously passed. IV. Unfinished Business V. New Business A. Welcome new members Renee Stern and Trevor Rosecrans introduced themselves. MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FL AUGUST 19, 2013 B. FRDAP Grant — Barrier Free Park Wally Majors, Recreation and Parks Director, explained this grant would allow the Department to receive funding for a significant playground piece and iconic element at the Park. He noted the City was awarded a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grant when they started the Park and Board support for this application to add additional elements was needed. Debbie Majors, Grants Coordinator for the City, was in attendance to make a presentation and explained it will also be made to the City Commission the next evening as the City Commission had to approve the application. Mr. Majors explained Congress Avenue Barrier Free Park is located on Congress Avenue, adjacent to the Tennis Center. In 2004, former Governor Jeb Bush issued an initiative to initiate Boundless Playgrounds throughout the State. Boundless meant barrier free and it is a trademark name for playgrounds situated throughout the United States. These parks remove as many barriers as possible from play equipment while going above the ADA Standards. The nearest and most prominent Boundless Park in Palm Beach County is at John Prince Park. City staff wanted to expand the playground and remove barriers throughout the entire Park. The Department learned there are over 180,000 individuals in the County that have some degree of disability. Staff obtained feedback from agencies that serve this segment of population. They held stakeholder workshops to receive their ideas for a park with this type of concept and the Park broke ground in February 2011. Photographs of the grand opening and ground breaking were viewed, and Mr. Majors explained about 700 people attended the grand opening. Ms. Majors explained a project of this size and scope usually requires several funding sources and is done in phases. They had three grants totaling over $485K, but when the economy slowed down, the City put the project on hold for one year and lost the FRDAP grant for $135,000. This equated to losing the large playground feature for which they are now seeking funds. The existing elements at the Park were funded through a land and water conservation fund grant which included lighting, trails, landscaping and some play equipment. The City's Capital Improvement Program and private donations paid for additional play equipment such as swings and several smaller pieces of equipment. When the City applied for the grant, they included many elements in the project, including the Tennis Center on the campus of the Park which made the project more attractive. They added new elements and renovated some of the existing features. The City received a $150K grant from Palm Beach County for the swamp /splash -spray pad which is a popular feature. The new elements that would be included in the 2 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FL AUGUST 19, 2013 application, which will be submitted at the end of September, are the wheelchair accessible multi- station playground with a large play feature and an accessible fitness zone. Ms. Majors explained a fitness zone is an outside exercise area. There are five accessible units, and nine standard basic units for cardio, core, balance and strength. The equipment is specially made and designed to be vandal and weather resistant. She noted many individuals do not have the funds to pay for a gym membership. The exercise equipment is geared for those 14 years and older and the playground equipment is designed for those 12 years of age. The FRDAP grant permits renovating existing elements. Renovations at the Tennis Center include resurfacing, remodeling the restrooms to be ADA accessible and replacing the tennis court fencing. They hope, in the future, to be able to offer more wheelchair tennis exhibitions, league play and tournaments. The members viewed a short video. Ms. Majors explained the Trust for Public Land is raising half the funds for the Fitness Zone at the Tennis Center. They estimate the cost for the fitness zone to be about $100K. The other $50K will come from park impact fees. Aerial pictures of the Park showed where the fitness center will go. Also in the picture was the actual playground piece they discussed and it was explained there will be a poured -in -place play surface, which is a spongy soft surface. Currently, the City did not have money for the play surface, but staff will keep looking for funding sources. If none are found when the additions are made, the City will use park impact fees to cover the cost as the purpose of impact fees is to improve or develop a park. Future elements include a shade canopy and a therapeutic recreation center on -site, several wetland restoration projects and public art features. The Department is working with the Greater Boynton Beach Foundation and looking for other grants for these items. Another short video about a special needs school that visited the Park was viewed. The FRDAP grant is a three -year grant. It takes one year to go through the application process and staff would learn next year if they would receive an award. If so, the project would begin in the fall of 2014/2015; however, the Department needs $200K for a one - to -one match for the grant and sought creative ways to find the funds. When reviewing projects coming up in the Capital Improvement Program, staff realized there were monies allocated for renovations to the Tennis Center which could be used for a match, as well as monies from the Trust for Public Lands Accessible Fitness Zones. Between the two, the City had the required match to apply for the grant. The Department was fortunate that because of what they planned, they were able to submit an application that took advantage of every activity that would generate points for the application. The FRDAP application gives the biggest "bang for the buck" and they want to ensure it accomplished a vast array of items. When notice of the FRDAP 3 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FL AUGUST 19, 2013 grant was received, staff conducted its due diligence and spoke to the City Manager to ensure all were on board. Ms. Scantlan made suggestions and corrections on the presentation which Mr. Majors noted. He commented he would read information into the record at the City Commission meeting and requested a motion to approve the grant application and support for the project itself. Motion Mr. Lapin moved and recommended that the Board consider it. Mr. Kanter seconded the motion that unanimously passed. C. Barrier Free 5K Run & Walk Mr. Majors announced staff was excited to learn the Realtors Association of Palm Beach County wants to hold the Barrier Free 5K Run again. Originally, they sought to hold an annual event spreading good will all over, but they were excited about the Park and its special nature. A meeting will be held to discuss the event, which will be at Hunters Run, on a Saturday during the first or second week in February. It was a successful event and the department was excited about participating in it again. At the initial planning meeting, they included a wheelchair division as it would be an exciting component to the race. Last year, 150 individuals participated and the Department hoped to double that number. The Realtor's Association hires a race director and the trail is wheelchair accessible. Mr. Lapin commented Hunters Run did not do a good job publicizing the event and he spoke to personnel at Hunters Run about it. He also suggested the route be changed to provide greater visibility as it goes through Hunters Run. Mr. Majors explained those aspects were discussed at their first meeting and it was a common observation. The publicity, marketing and promotion all needed to be improved, but Mr. Majors pointed out any time an event is in its first year, one is selling a concept. Now that they have a product, the event should gain momentum. Mr. Lapin suggested flyers be created and placed in Hunters Run alerting the residents to the run. Ms. Stern suggested the realtors be involved. Mr. Majors clarified it is the Realtor's Association event and the Department only provides support. Without Hunters Run and the support of their staff, it could not have done well. A meeting would be held next Thursday and the presentation about the Barrier Free Park made to the Board will be made to the Hunters Run HOA. Discussion followed potential park users have disabilities and there is always a shortage of affordable social events for these individuals to attend. Ms. Scantlan had a list of 4 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FL AUGUST 19, 2013 supportive living centers in Florida and offered to contact them. Individuals in wheelchairs could participate and be introduced to the Park as would their caregivers. The social media could also be used. Mr. Majors explained the Department has its own promotion and marketing manager responsible for advertising events and the City recently hired a communications manager to help publicize events. These are all resources that would assist. He anticipated the Department would post the event on Facebook, issue press releases and create flyers. Mr. Lapin inquired if photographs were taken. Mr. Majors responded they were and the City has a staff photographer that may be able to take a video and post it on YouTube. He invited Mr. Lapin and the members to share their thoughts with him and he would convey those suggestions with the Committee. The organizing committee will meet once a month through December at 3 p.m. at Intracoastal Park Clubhouse. The members can attend the meetings, but he reiterated it is a Realtor's Event. Vice Chair McVey explained the City can only do so much. In order for the City to keep improving parks, private funding is needed. Mr. Majors reviewed the members of the organizing committee and Greater Boynton Beach Foundation. Mr. Lapin thought the Foundation had been dormant for some time; however, Mr. Majors thought there were enough individuals there to institute positive changes. Since Vice Chair McVey is on the Board, he can provide updates. D. Windmill at Barrier Free Park Glenda Hall, Forestry and Grounds Manager explained there is a windmill by the Promenade and two at Mangrove Park at the Marina that aerate ponds. The Utilities Department needed to relocate one of the two and there is a pond on the eastern side of Barrier Free Park that is overgrown, so one windmill will be relocated there. The windmill is about 25 -feet tall and will not operate all the time, but they selected that windmill due to the size of the pond and its proximity to Congress Avenue so it would be visible. They hope to install a placard to explain what a windmill does to sustain energy for the City and to improve the pond. Wetland management around the pond was needed. It was explained this program started about two years ago and installation had been discussed for some time now. Mr. Majors was unsure when it would actually be installed and was aware the Utilities Department would pay the expenses associated with its relocation. E. Ocean Avenue Park Renamed. Mr. Majors explained this Park was renamed in honor of the Dewey family. The Park was formerly Veterans Park, then Ocean Avenue Park and now, Dewey Park. Dr. Pedersen made a compelling presentation regarding the impact of the Dewey Family on Boynton Beach. Once one learned about their impact on the local area, one would appreciate the name. The Unveiling Ceremony is next month, and it was a good photo opportunity. 5 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FL AUGUST 19, 2013 F. Food Trucks at Parks At this request of Chair Pierce -Roe, there was agreement to table this item to the next meeting. G. Dogs at Parks Mr. Majors explained staff was reviewing parks to consider potential venues to allow dogs with a leash and they have not come up with any good alternatives. He explained there is a local developer considering contributing land in the Renaissance Commons area for a dog park and that discussion is ongoing. During the budget workshops, $10,000 was allocated towards that endeavor, but details how it would be used were not discussed. The City is still moving forward with the feasibility of a dog park somewhere within the City's limits, and Mr. Majors did not know if the developer would help maintain the park. He noted the maintenance would be fairly substantial and that issue has to be discussed. Mr. Kanter explained a dog park is a tremendous marketing tool for the shopping center and the fundraising department should work with the individuals who work with the Adopt -a -Park program. He thought they may be able to obtain commitments of money, labor or supplies or clever ways to gain their support. He thought it would be helpful to have a kiosk with coupons they should take advantage of it. He also volunteered to work on a committee to knock on doors and discuss the matter. Mr. Majors explained he would share the details as they unfold. Ms. Scantlan inquired if this would be instituted as opposed to allowing dogs in parks and Mr. Majors confirmed it was. He commented he is a dog owner and lover, but there are several issues to deal with. If they have a dog park, he would be less reluctant to contemplate allowing dogs in other areas. If the Board feels strongly they have to look at other options, they would. Some individuals would view the park positively and some would view it negatively Allowing dogs at Oyer Park and Pioneer Canal, which are not really busy, was considered, but Pioneer Park has water access. Pet waste also becomes problematic for lawn mowers and Parks Maintenance workers. He thought the focus should be instituting a dedicated facility as opposed to a semi - dedicated facility. There was discussion about the importance of adding waste bags for pet waste and Homeowners' Associations face the same dilemma. Mr. Kanter's HOA decided they would take the responsibility away from the dog owners and put it on the HOA. Mr. Majors noted all of the comments made. He reminded all there is a process for the development of parks and he would keep all informed. When it got to the point where they would consider potential funding partners, they would look at all options and he did not anticipate having more staff. Staff would have to be creative how they maintain parks. 6 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FL AUGUST 19, 2013 VI. Items for the City Manager's Attention Mr. Kanter wanted to ensure that a piece of property that is bordered on the north by Miner Road and on the south by Quantum Boulevard, on the east by a lake and on the west by the Lake Ida Canal was kept on the Board's agenda The land was 40 to 50 acres, and builders tried to obtain the land. Mr. Majors explained he formulates the agenda, and if a member wanted to add an item, they should contact him and he will include it. For the benefit of the new members, Mr. Majors explained, generally, they meet the fourth Monday of the month. Mr. Kanter requested a copy of the Board membership list. VII. Next Meeting: September 23, 2013 VIII. Adjournment Motion There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Kanter moved to adjourn. Mr. Lapin seconded the motion that unanimously passed. The meeting was adjourned at 7:31 p.m. Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 090513 7