Loading...
Minutes 11-24-14 MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD I COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 100 E. BOYNTON BEACH BLVD., BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MO NOVEMBER 24, 2014, AT 630 P. PRESENT: Catherine Scantlan, Vice Chair Wally Majors, Recreation and Parks Director Michael Byrd Debby Coles - Dobay, Public Art Manager Trevor Rosecrans Renee Stern Charles Kanter Nicholas Skarecki, Alternate Lesha Roundtree, Alternate ABSENT: Elizabeth Pierce -Roe, Chair Robert Lapin 1. CALL TO ORDER Acting Chair Scantlan called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. II. ATTENDANCE Roll was called by Acting Chair Scantlan; a quorum was present. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION made by Ms. Stern, seconded by Mr. Kanter, to approve the minutes of the 10/27/14 meeting. The board agreed by consensus to approve. IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (deferred) Mr. Majors requested that Item A under NEW BUSINESS be discussed first in deference to the presenter. V. NEW BUSINESS A. Public Art for East Water Treatment Plant (Harmerin Park) Ms. Coles- Dobay, Public Art Manager, stated that the project is under discussion at this time, but is not certain. The East Water Treatment Plant (on the southeast corner of Seacrest Boulevard and Woolbright Road) is being upgraded, and part of the Public Art Ordinance requires them to contribute towards some type of public art. She said that Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida November 24, 2014 Colin Groff, Utilities Director, wants to do an educational /demonstrative art project there. Ms. Coles -Dobay recalled that in 2008 they had discussed showing how they can demonstrate the water reclamation process through a series of sculptures. She mentioned they were going to do an RFQ for artists to submit proposals for the project. Ms. Coles -Dobay displayed the site on a projected slide, pointing out Edward F. Harmering Memorial Park, which is a passive park. There is a retaining wall down the length of the park, plus parking for employees. Ms. Coles -Dobay explained one possible concept for a demonstration was to show actual pipes of different colors, representing different processes, along the retaining wall. Acting Chair Scantlan was curious if people would be able to see through the pipes, and Ms. Coles -Dobay replied affirmatively, noting that the whole idea would be so that people could see how water goes from the treatment plant to the spigot. She said there are ways to do "eco -art," which would create a water flow through rock and plants that cleanse the water. Mr. Majors stated that the City just received the final report from the consultant who was hired to do an analysis of all City buildings with public access. The ADA issues identified in relation to the park are access to the benches and waste baskets, requiring pathways. He did not think that would involve prohibitive costs. Ms. Coles -Dobay continued that staff has provided feedback on what areas of the park they would like improved; memorial trees also exist in the park, which would be kept in place. Ms. Coles -Dobay stated that after they receive the RFQs, they narrow the field down to two teams /artists, who will each submit a proposal for the selection panel. The finalist will work as a team with the construction company on the project. In response to a question, Ms. Coles -Dobay said that they would like the display to be functional, and educational, so that school children can visit outdoors and learn about the water - cleansing process. Ms. Coles -Dobay mentioned that they would not be able to tour the inside of the plant itself, due to security concerns. Ms. Coles -Dobay stated that the current budget is for design and concept; fabrication and build is $260,000. The art project would be maintained by the water treatment plant since it is tied to East Water Treatment Plant. Ms. Coles -Dobay added that her job would to be make sure it was maintained to established standards. Ms. Coles -Dobay advised they are creating a selection panel composed of stakeholders who can listen to the RFQs and communicate with potential artist teams. She invited 2 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida November 24, 2014 Board members to volunteer for the panel, noting the sessions would be during the day; Mr. Rosecrans volunteered. IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (from earlier in the agenda) A. Lake Ida Property Mr. Majors stated he had received an extensive report from Commissioner Fitzpatrick and copied a map of the property, showing four acres with access via the waterway only at this time. Mr. Majors also noted that the City Commission had not taken any action yet, and encouraged the Board to provide feedback to the City Commission. It was noted that the factory is privately owned, and they could make it a condition of permanent approval for any kind of development on that property that they provide an easement to allow access to the park. Mr. Majors advised that the County could not take over the vacant factory property by eminent domain. In addition, it is not known what the County has decided in terms of an agreement with the City. Mr. Majors speculated on what the agreement might contain and said there is no time frame for it. Acting Chair Scantlan was curious about the origin of a bid that was mentioned in an email. Mr. Majors explained how the City Commission approved a request from Commissioner Fitzpatrick to include $100,000 in the budget from the Park Impact Fee fund to allow him to use that money to negotiate with the County to purchase the property. He noted that the Park Impact Fee fund can be used to improve existing parks. He said the County also received an unsolicited proposal for $500,000 from a private developer for purchase, development, etc. Mr. Majors advised that if the property is in the City limits, they do not collect property taxes. However, if it is in the County, they might have to pay taxes to the County. Mr. Skarecki pointed out that if maintenance were to occur, equipment would have to be brought in by boat, which would be expensive. Mr. Majors mentioned that would be addressed in the future if necessary. Mr. Majors discussed possible sources of funds for development such as grants, foundations, Park Impact fees, private funding, etc. He felt it would be helpful for the Board to discuss priorities in terms of park development. Mr. Majors stated that taking the $100,000 out of the Park Impact Fee fund would not jeopardize any other possible grants. He stressed the $100,000 is already in the budget for the Lake Ida property park. 3 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida November 24, 2014 Acting Chair Scantlan asked for clarification on the Board's role at this time. Mr. Majors responded that the Board may ask that a Board member speak during Public Audience on the subject, requesting that the Board provide feedback to the City Commission before they take action. Mr. Majors clarified that Park Impact Fees cannot be spent on maintenance. Discussion ensued on the ramifications of the Board not taking a position on the matter before it is on the City Commission's agenda. Mr. Majors offered to find out when it will be on the agenda. The Board then discussed their stance on the proposal and what they would want to communicate to the City Commission. MOTION made by Mr. Kanter, seconded by Ms. Stern, to ask to have a few minutes on the agenda to tell the County Commission that the Board has been discussing this and is mostly in favor of purchasing the land if the situation can be done to the City's financial advantage. Motion was not brought to a vote. MOTION made by Mr. Skarecki, seconded by Ms. Stern, that the Board supports the purchase of the land barring any adverse stipulations on the agreement from the County. In a voice vote, the motion passed (4 -1) with Mr. Boyd opposed. Mr. Boyd thought more information was needed before stating they were in favor of the acquisition. V. NEW BUSINESS A.. Public Art for East Water Treatment Plant (already discussed) B. Undeveloped Park Site Information Mr. Majors reported the assessed value on five park sites: • Nautica Sound Site — 5 acres - $675,257 • Meadows Site — 5 acres - $539,028 • Girl Scout Park Site - $850,773 • FP &L Site - $790,550 • Quantum Site - $1,927,210 The maintenance costs of the sites, based on proximity to residential areas, are as follows: • Meadows /Nautica (across from residential) - $495 /month • Meadows - $245 additional per month due to extra mowing during the growing season • Quantum - $400 /month • FP &L - $175 /month 4 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida November 24, 2014 • Girl Scout- $100 /month Mr. Majors said the maintenance is handled through contract. Acting Chair Scantlan recalled the Board had chosen Quantum as the #1 park to maintain, due to its potential matching draw for grants. Mr. Majors mentioned that the Adapt -a -Park program is still active. Mr. Rosecrans asked if any of the sites were outside the City boundary. Mr. Majors responded there is one called the "Nichols property," west of the mall, in unincorporated Palm Beach County. Mr. Majors stated that none of the properties are scheduled for development at this time. Mr. Majors advised that the Park Impact Fees are set by precise formula. They are based on level of service, population trends and the impact from new residential developments. He continued that a developer has the option to pay a fee or give the equivalent land value. C. Priority List of Undeveloped Park Sites Mr. Majors asked the Board if they wished to begin adding this item to the agenda. He said that in nine months, the Board will receive an updated system master plan map of parks and facilities for consideration. By consensus, the Board agreed to address the item. D. Judge for Holiday Parade Mr. Majors reported they are looking for one Board member to join members from two other Boards. Mr. Skarecki volunteered to be a judge representing the Recreation and Parks Board. E. December Meeting? MOTION made by Ms. Stern, seconded by Mr. Rosecrans, to cancel the December meeting. By consensus, the Board agreed. VI. ITEMS FOR THE CITY MANAGER'S ATTENTION (none) VII. NEXT MEETING: TBD VIII. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion duly made and seconded, the meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m. 5 Meeting mutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida November 24, 2014 [Minutes prepared by J. Rubin, Prototype Inc.] 6