Minutes 10-27-14 MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD IN
COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 100 E. BOYNTON EACH BLVD.,
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2014, AT 6:30 P.M.
PRESENT:
Elizabeth Pierce-Roe, Chair Wally Majors, Recreation and Parks Director
Catherine Scantlan, Vice Chair Commissioner David Merker
Michael Byrd
Robert Lapin
Trevor Rosecrans
Renee Stern
Charles Kanter
Nicholas Skarecki, Alternate
Lesha Roundtree, Alternate
1. CALL TOO DER
Chair Pierce-Roe called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
11. ATTENDANCE
Roll was called by Chair Pierce-Roe; a quorum was present.
Ill. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION made by Ms. Scantlan, seconded by Ms. Stern, to approve the minutes of the
9/22/14 meeting. In a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Commissioner Merker addressed the Board apologizing for not having attended a prior
Recreation and Parks Board meeting. He stated that recent news stories have
mentioned the potential purchase of Lake Ida Park. Having done his "homework," it
was Commissioner Merker's opinion that purchasing a 29 th City park was not feasible
due to lack of finances to maintain the park. He indicated they were waiting to hear
from the County.
Commissioner Merker asked the Board for their input on the subject.
Mr. Lapin agreed that, as this matter had not previously come before the Board, he had
no knowledge of the proposed purchase. Chair Pierce-Roe stated they had been to the
park and had driven through during their parks tour, which is the extent of their
information. Ms. Stern added they have no statistics on costs.
Commissioner Merker stated it is obvious the City does not have the money to purchase
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida October 27, 2014
and maintain the park. An offer had been made of $100,000 to the County for the City
to obtain the property.
Mr. Kanter pointed out that the parcel is a "magnificent piece of property" and somehow
for the benefit of the City, they should own it. Any potential development would be
detrimental to the area. The parcel is currently owned by the County and is
approximately four acres.
Ms. Stern expressed a desire to learn more before offering an opinion.
Commissioner Merker indicated it is a "foolish mistake" for the City to spend the money
further stating "You don't buy what you can't afford."
Chair Pierce-Roe pointed out the City's ongoing effort to produce a blueway, greenway,
and bike paths. Girl Scout Park will be an integral part of the project. She stated if Lake
Ida Park could be utilized it would complete another part of the future project, and would
be important to keep in inventory.
It was noted by Commissioner Merker that if the property is not developed within a
specific period of time, it would revert back to the County. The timetable for voting on
this item by the City Commission is unknown.
Chair Pierce-Roe added that anything on or near the water is a good investment;
however, much more information will be needed to properly discuss this matter.
Ms. Scantlan was not sure if it was "ethical" for Commissioner Merker to bring this
matter before the Board asking them for an opinion as a group.
Commissioner Merker responded that the idea was to enlighten the Board on this
matter, as well as to obtain their sentiments prior to a vote by the City Commission.
Mr. Rosecrans added that it sounded to him as if Commissioner Merker was lobbying
on behalf of the County.
Chair Pierce-Roe noted that it has been almost 12 years that they have been trying to
get Girl Scout Park developed. She wondered if the County knew there may be
commercial buildings on that location other than a park, there might be different
discussions from the residents in that area.
Debate continued among the Board members and Commissioner Merker on the efficacy
of purchasing the park without sufficient funding versus upgrading existing facilities.
Mr. Majors pointed out that this was not an item on the agenda, and such discussion
was preceded by the tour of parks conducted for the purpose of setting forth
recommendations to the Commission as a list of priorities. However, Lake Ida Park will
2
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida October 27, 2014
be on the agenda for discussion next month allowing the Board members time to
conduct due diligence in order to put forth a recommendation, and also to allow
members of the community and public to know this is an item to be discussed on the
agenda.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Holiday Parade Grand Marshal Nominations
There have been quite a few nominations for Grand Marshal. Criteria is for an
individual who has made a significant contribution to Boynton Beach.
Chair Pierce-Roe stated the following persons had been nominated:
• Sherri Johnson
• Lorraine Ryan
• Mark Karageorge
• Gene Moore
• Lori Wilkinson
• Gabriela Martinez
• Bogey Happ
• Rodney Wilkinson
• Bob Irsay
• Tom Kaiser
• Woodrow Hay
Ms. Scantlan spoke in favor of Tom Kaiser, due to his work on veteran memorials.
Each Board member then made suggestions and recommendations, with the majority of
the Board advocating for Mr. Kaiser.
Nomination made by Ms. Scantlan, seconded by Ms. Stern, to have Mr. Kaiser
appointed as Parade Grand Marshal. In a voice vote, the nomination passed
unanimously.
VI. ITEMS FOR THE CITY MANAGER'S ATTENTION
Mr. Lapin asked that the issue of the Lake Ida property be brought before the Board for
consideration before the City Commission takes any formal action.
Brief discussion then continued regarding the potential Ida Park purchase,
maintenance, status of current park site development, banking of land, ratio of park
acres per resident, park systems, as well as plans to discuss levels of service in the
future and long range plans.
3
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Advisory or
Boynton Beach, Florida October 27, 2014
VII. NEXT TI: November 24,2014
Mr. Majors announced the next meeting would be at 6:30 p.m. on November 24, 2014.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Stern moved to adjourn. The motion was duly seconded and unanimously passed.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Lisa Edmondson
Prototype, Inc.
11103114
4