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Minutes 09-23-13 MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 AT 6:30 P.M., IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 100 E. BOYNTON BEACH BOULEVARD, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Elizabeth Pierce -Roe, Chair Wally Majors, Director, Recreation & Parks Robert Lapin Trevor Rosecrans Catherine Scantlan Renee Stern, Alternate ABSENT: John McVey, Vice Chair Charles Kanter I. Call to Order Chair Pierce -Roe called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. Commissioner Joe Casello was in the audience. II. Attendance Chair Pierce -Roe called the roll. A quorum was present. III. Approval of Minutes — August 19, 2013 Meeting Motion Ms Stern moved to approve the minutes. Mr. Lapin seconded the motion that unanimously passed. IV. Unfinished Business Mr. Majors gave an update to the Board in regards to food trucks allowed in the City parks. On first reading, the City has passed an Ordinance which would allow food trucks in the City. They will be governed by the Ordinance which states more than three trucks must be approved by the Commission. There was concern from a resident that lives adjacent to Oyer Park about noise coming from the generators. Commissioner Fitzpatrick suggested the City consider putting electrical pedestals at some of the parks as an alternative to generators. Also noted was the event going past the permitted time of 9.00 p m The Ordinance will give the City leverage as to how food trucks will operate This was passed on first reading and must be read again as with all 1 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 Ordinances. Once the Ordinance is passed, food trucks will be allowed at some of the City's parks. Chair Pierce -Roe inquired as to the status of people bringing dogs to the parks. Mr. Majors stated the Ordinance does not stipulate whether a dog should or should not be on a leash. However, this has not been a problem requiring Police presence in the past. If there is a dog not on a leash, staff will ask the visitor to leash the dog or leave the park. If the owner is responsible for the dog in terms of removal of waste and kept on a leash, dogs will be tolerated to some degree. Chair Pierce -Roe also commented people are interested in these issues and also inquired if there is any interest in creating a dog park. Jupiter Beach is dog friendly, and Delray Beach is trying to do the same There should be specific guidelines dog owners must follow along with having their dog on a leash, and perhaps the City could provide disposal bags. Mr. Majors also stated at the last Commission meeting the Commission allocated $10,000.00 towards the planning and development of a dog park. Mr. Majors will report back at the next Board meeting what the Ordinance says about dogs being at events. Mr. Majors continued to say that even a dog on a leash can still bite. The owners must always be attentive to their dog. They cannot be on a 25 foot leash when they are in a crowd of people. Another concern would be if the City has the proper insurance in the event something happens with a dog. Ms. Stern asked whether or not the City would be liable for litigation. Mr. Majors replied that the City is responsible whenever they sponsor an event. Chair Pierce -Roe stated she would reach out to someone in Delray for suggestions on how they deal with pets at large events. Chair Pierce -Roe spoke about the Barrier Free 5 -K Run in terms of what would happen if there are dogs at the event. Mr Majors spoke about a tragedy that happened last year when a small dog was off his leash and was trampled and killed. This is a good example why dogs should always be on a leash. It is the responsibility of the owner whether it is a child or a dog, not to expose them to risks. Mr. Majors again said that there is progress being made to build a dog park in Boynton Beach. Mr. Majors continued speaking about the Barrier Free 5 -K Run and reported it will be held on Saturday, February 8 beginning at 7.30 a.m. Mr. Majors attended the Hunters Run Board meeting where there was discussion about having strong support from their community. One advantage this year is the event is being planned well in advance. Last year the Realtor's Association started late and there were still 150 runners who participated It is anticipated there will be more runners this year, but emphasized it is a run /walk. It is not for competition but for fun through a beautiful environment. Mr. Majors stated that a wheelchair division will be included this year as well. Mr Lapin commented he spoke with John Freeland of the Hunters Run Board to perhaps change the route of the run. Mr. Majors replied the Realtor's Association hired a professional race director who will work with Mr. Freeland in terms of possibly changing the route of the run Mr Lapin commented last year the runners did not have the opportunity to see 2 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 Hunters Run because of the route. Mr. Lapin continued saying there may be a route which can be used giving Hunters Run more visibility. Mr. Lapin said there is a large tennis court and an amphitheater with raised seating. Perhaps the run can end near the amphitheater where the ceremony can take place as well. Ms. Stern commented that it is actually called the Gallery and would be a very logical place to hold the ceremony. Ms. Stern also had an idea to negotiate a breakfast with Hunters Run following the race which would make it more attractive for people to participate and will speak with Mr. Freeland the possibility of a breakfast. Mr. Majors replied there is discussion going on about having a reception the evening before the event. Mr. Majors also said this is the Realtor's Association of Palm Beach County event. Suggestions can be made to them, but it is ultimately their decision. The new security company for Hunters Run will also be at the event. Mr. Lapin commented he had a conversation with one of the Hunters Run Board members and the difficulty in rerouting the runners would be the cross streets. Mr. Lapin stated there would have to be policeman stationed at each of the cross streets and there are approximately seven. What would be the cost of having a policeman at each crossing. Mr. Majors said that on average, it is about $50 -$55 per hour /per officer at a minimum of three hours. Ms. Stern suggested someone speak with the security company to perhaps use some of their employees instead of policemen. Mr. Majors replied anything that happens within Hunters Run property has to be approved Mr. Majors also commented the cross streets must have the ability for emergency vehicles to get through should it become necessary. Chair Pierce -Roe asked if there would be any vendor tents. Mr. Majors explained the 5- K run is only about three and one half miles and lasts only about two hours. It may not be worth the time and effort for food trucks to set up for such a short event. Chair Pierce -Roe commented that Barrier Park is a great place to have a food truck event. The community would come together to see a park that perhaps a lot of people are not aware of. It would also be an opportunity for people to come from other communities to see Boynton Beach. The name of Gateway was changed because it was a gateway into our City It would be an advantage to hold more events on Federal Highway from Gateway Boulevard to Boynton Beach Boulevard. Other major cities do food truck drives and are benefiting from these events. Chair Pierce -Roe asked if there is a fee the food trucks have to pay the City to operate in the parks. Mr. Majors replied there would be some type of fee to benefit the event. Mr. Majors again repeated that all of these suggestions should be brought to the attention of the Planning Committee and the Realtor's Association. Chair Pierce -Roe felt it would be worth it for the food trucks and other vendors to be there so that people can enjoy more than just the race. Chair Pierce -Roe commented when food trucks were at Oyer Park some of the merchants were not happy because they felt business was taken away from them. However, people were going there to enjoy the park not to necessarily sit in a restaurant to eat. Mr. Mayors suggested Chair Pierce -Roe attend the next Commission meeting. Commissioner Merker is also very interested in this issue and wanted to get feedback from the local restaurants and from the Chamber of Commerce. Nancy Byrne, the 3 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 Director of Development got very positive feedback in regards to having food trucks in the parks and within the City. Ms. Byrne also got positive feedback from local merchants that they enjoyed the fact people from outside were coming into the area that otherwise would not come. Chair Pierce -Roe commented Girl Scout Park would be a wonderful place to set up food trucks. Mr. Majors stated the park would have to be prepared with parking, restrooms and staff for any event held there. V. New Business A. Oceanfront Park Name Recommendations Mr. Majors explained that Commissioner Merker indicated the City of Boynton Beach should take advantage of Oceanfront Park. Since the Park is in the town of Ocean Ridge, many people do not know it belongs to Boynton Beach. Commissioner Merker feels the reason for this is the name does not reflect the City of Boynton Beach. The Commission would like feedback from the Recreation and Parks Board. Since the early 1980s, the Park has been known as Oceanfront Park and prior to that it was known as Boynton Municipal Beach. The Commission would like a better name for this facility that would make it more reflective of being part of Boynton Beach. The Board can also recommend leaving the name as it is currently. Mr. Majors stated that the opinion of the Board will be discussed at the Commission's next meeting on October 15 th Chair Pierce -Roe suggested Oceanfront Park of Boynton Beach and Ms Stern suggested Oceanfront Park at Boynton Beach. However, Chair Pierce -Roe felt that it should not say "at" because it is in Ocean Ridge not Boynton Beach. Ms. Stern replied the name should continue to have Oceanfront Park because so many people know where it is. Mr. Majors said the sign currently says Oceanfront Park and the City seal is being replaced, but people do not recognize the seal as the City of Boynton Beach. Mr. Lapin commented that the new name must have Boynton Beach in it to make it known it belongs to Boynton Beach. Chair Pierce -Roe suggested Boynton's Oceanfront Beach. Mr. Majors stated that the needs assessment indicated that Oceanfront Park is the City's most popular facility. Ms. Stern suggested Oceanfront Park of Boynton Beach. Chair Pierce -Roe commented that if Boynton Beach has to be used, Boynton's Oceanfront keeps the Park name and its location Mr. Majors suggested the City Seal with the name of Boynton Beach around it be put in the middle of the sign. All members agreed that the new name should continue to have Oceanfront in it. Glenda Hall, Forestry and Grounds Manger (who was in the audience) commented that if the logo is used with the City of Boynton Beach in the circle, the lettering would be too small to have any impact. The fewer the letters in the name the larger the lettering can be for the sign size so it would be more visible. Mr. Rosecrans 4 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 asked what the expense involved with a new sign would be. Mr. Mayors stated that a new sign like the one that is currently at Oceanfront, would be about $5,000.00- 6,000.00. The monument signs at parks now cost approximately $6,000.00. Chair Pierce -Roe reviewed the suggestions; Oceanfront for Boynton Beach, Oceanfront of Boynton Beach and Boynton Oceanfront Park. Mr. Rosecrans asked if it should be Boynton's Oceanfront Park. However, the Board members agreed that there should not be an "s" in Boynton. Commissioner Casello suggested the name Boynton Oceanfront Park. Motion Ms. Stern moved to approve the park name be changed to Boynton Oceanfront Park. Mr. Lapin seconded the motion that unanimously passed. Mr. Majors will report this information to the Commission at the meeting scheduled for October 15 B. Forest Hill Park Improvements Mr. Majors reported on a gathering at Forest Hill Park to recognize the efforts of a local Girl Scout. She is working towards getting a Gold Award which is the equivalent of an Eagle Scout for Boy Scouts. She needed to do a community project and contacted Recreation and Parks. She was able to receive donations for mulch and paint and other materials. She was also able to get the Department of Transportation to paint the sound barrier wall which was a huge accomplishment in itself. It is a small neighborhood park, about four acres which includes a basketball court, a pavilion, a small playground and ball field. She added clay which was donated for the ball field. It was exciting to be part of her project because other Girl Scouts who were there are now taking an interest in doing something similar. Ms. Scantlan commented she would be a good protege or an honorary member of the Board. Chair Pierce -Roe asked if she is being recognized and Mr. Majors stated she will be going to the Commission meeting scheduled for October 1 6t where she will be presented with a plaque of appreciation. C. Holiday Parade Grand Marshal selection Mr. Majors stated the Recreation and Parks Board is responsible for choosing the Grand Marshal for the Holiday Parade. Mr. Majors also commented before the November meeting, he will bring the nominations and the Recreation and Parks Board will be required to choose the Grand Marshal as they did last year. Mr. Majors gave each member a nomination form for any nominees that meet the criteria. Chair Pierce - Roe asked if the nominees from last year are still on the list or do they have to be nominated again. Mr. Majors replied they have to be nominated again Mr. Majors 5 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 commented there has been a lot of discussion by the Commission about a local artist and it is anticipated he will be one of the nominees. Mr. Lapin asked Mr. Majors for more information about a grant he mentioned earlier in regards to Barrier Park. Mr. Majors replied that Recreation and Parks is applying for a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP). It is a grant through the Environmental Protection Agency The grant is for $200,000.00 which the City will match. The Recreation and Parks Department will be able to purchase a very large piece of play equipment that will be placed in the middle of the park. It will allow people on crutches or wheelchairs to go from one end of the equipment to the opposite end without any barriers. The Board is also trying to acquire play equipment that will be placed south of the tennis courts adjacent to Congress Avenue which will be used by able bodied people as well There will also be pieces of equipment for those with limited abilities that will be called Fit Zones. There are a few Fit Zones in St. Petersburg, Florida that are very popular. The City is doing all it can to keep people active and help fight the level of obesity in our youth. As part of the grant application, the City was required to notify nearby residents. A meeting took place with The Hunters Run Board of Directors. The meeting went very well and the Board is very excited in the hopes the City gets the grant. The City will not be notified of the grant results until September 2015. Mr. Lapin asked if the City will definitely match the $200,000.00. Mr. Majors said that the City's match is not only in dollars. There are improvements being made to the bathrooms at the Tennis Center. The bathrooms have to be modified and be brought up to ADA standards. There are some sidewalks that are in need of repair and improvement needed on the fencing. This is all part of the City's match as well. Things the City had to do anyway gives the City leverage in submitting the application for the grant. The State reviews the applications for the grant and gives a score to each one. Mr. Majors has no doubt the City's application will score very high. Mr. Lapin asked Mr. Majors who the gentleman was at the Hunters Run meeting. Mr. Majors replied that it was Commissioner Merker. Mr. Majors said Commissioner Merker was there to show his support for the grant application and it was nice to have him there. He is a very active person and someone who is very interested in what is going on in his community Chair Pierce -Roe asked Mr. Majors if he could suggest to the Realtor's Association to pass out flyers at the upcoming Pirates Festival on October 26 and 27 There will be a lot of people at the Festival and the Parade where they can hand out information of all upcoming events. Mr. Majors responded there are many events happening in the City over the next few months. The Chamber of Commerce is organizing a hoedown at the park the week prior, and the Brewer's Association is hosting a national event at the park on November 2 nd with Due South our local brewery. The Realtor's Association will be printing flyers and posters which will be delivered to local businesses. Mr Majors agreed most people in Boynton Beach do not know about some of the activities the City has going on. Ms. Stern made a suggestion to have a dance festival at the parks 6 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 perhaps once a month. Each month could be a different dance like the jig, polka, hoedown, line dance and food trucks could have food corresponding with the ethnicity of the dance. This could attract people from other areas. Mr. Majors responded it would certainly be something to consider, however, the calendar for next year is already full. Some staff are already scheduled to go out into the City once a month to do an event and also manage facilities during the week. The resources needed to put on an event would require staff There is a dance program at the Civic Center that has over 200 young ladies. VI. Items for City Manager's Attention There were no items for the City Manager's attention. VII. The next meeting is scheduled for October 28, 2013 VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business Chair Pierce -Roe adjourned the meeting at 7:31 p.m. Grace Morales Records Coordinator 9/24/2013 4 hours 7 EXCERPT OF RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 AT 6:30 P.M. IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS V. New Business A Oceanfront Park Name Recommendations Mr Majors explained that Commissioner Merker indicated the City of Boynton Beach should take advantage of Oceanfront Park. Since the Park is in the town of Ocean Ridge, many people do not know it belongs to Boynton Beach. Commissioner Merker feels the reason for this is the name does not reflect the City of Boynton Beach. The Commission would like feedback from the Recreation and Parks Board. Since the early 1980s, the Park has been known as Oceanfront Park and prior to that it was known as Boynton Municipal Beach. The Commission would like a better name for this facility that would make it more reflective of being part of Boynton Beach. The Board can also recommend leaving the name as it is currently. Mr. Majors stated that the opinion of the Board will be discussed at the Commission's next meeting on October 15 th Chair Pierce -Roe suggested Oceanfront Park of Boynton Beach and Ms. Stern suggested Oceanfront Park at Boynton Beach. However, Chair Pierce -Roe felt that it should not say "at" because it is in Ocean Ridge not Boynton Beach. Ms. Stern replied the name should continue to have Oceanfront Park because so many people know where it is. Mr. Majors said the sign currently says Oceanfront Park and the City seal is being replaced, but people do not recognize the seal as the City of Boynton Beach. Mr. Lapin commented that the new name must have Boynton Beach in it to make it known it belongs to Boynton Beach. Chair Pierce -Roe suggested Boynton's Oceanfront Beach. Mr. Majors stated that the needs assessment indicated that Oceanfront Park is the City's most popular facility. Ms. Stern suggested Oceanfront Park of Boynton Beach. Chair Pierce -Roe commented that if Boynton Beach has to be used, Boynton's Oceanfront keeps the Park name and its location. Mr. Majors suggested the City Seal with the name of Boynton Beach around it be put in the middle of the sign All members agreed that the new name should continue to have Oceanfront in it. Glenda Hall, Forestry and Grounds Manger (who was in the audience) commented that if the logo is used with the City of Boynton Beach in the circle, the lettering would be too small to have any impact. The fewer the letters in the name the larger the lettering can be for the sign size so it would be more visible. Mr. Rosecrans asked what the expense involved with a new sign would be. Mr. Mayors stated that a new sign like the one that is currently at Oceanfront, would be about $5,000.00- 6,000.00. The monument signs at parks now cost approximately $6,000.00. Chair Pierce -Roe reviewed the suggestions; Oceanfront for Boynton Beach, Oceanfront of 1 EXCERPT OF RECREATION AND PARKS SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 (Continued) Boynton Beach and Boynton Oceanfront Park. Mr. Rosecrans asked if it should be Boynton's Oceanfront Park. However, the Board members agreed that there should not be an "s" in Boynton. Commissioner Casello suggested the name Boynton Oceanfront Park. Motion Ms. Stern moved to approve the park name be changed to Boynton Oceanfront Park. Mr. Lapin seconded the motion that unanimously passed. Mr. Majors will report this information to the Commission at the meeting scheduled for October 15 Prepared by ✓ +D Grace Morales Records Coordinator 2 2013 Holiday Parade Grand Marshal Nomination The Holiday Parade Grand Marshal is a featured person who will be escorted in the first unit of the Holiday Parade along with the city dignitaries on Saturday, December 7, 2013. This person will be chauffeured in a vehicle provided by a local business that has been selected by the city staff. The Grand Marshal will also have the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the parade from the viewing stand along with other celebrated guests. Parade Grand Marshal Criteria • Nominees should be individuals who have made a lasting impact or significant contribution to the Boynton Beach Community. • The Grand Marshall selection is based on the criteria of being an outstanding individual, exhibiting community leadership, acting as a mentor or contributing personal efforts that reflect positively on the Boynton Beach Community • All nominations must include a short summary of no more than1 to 2 paragraphs of why the nominee is deserving of this honor. Letters of recommendation may also be included as an attachment. • The nominee's contact information must be included in order to be considered for this honor • Grand Marshal's from previous Holiday Parades are not eligible Nominations will be accepted through October 22, 2013. No nominations will be accepted after this date. 'The designated Grand Marshal must confirm acceptance by November 12, 2013. If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Gorant at (561) 742 -6221 email gorantn(abbfl.us or Stephanie Soplop at 561- 742 -6240 soplops(aD-bbfl.us Nominee: Address: Phone Number: Email address: Contributions made by the nominee: Nominated by: Contact Number Email Address: