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Minutes 01-26-15 MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 100 E. BOYNTON BEACH BLVD., BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2015, AT 6:30 P.M. PRESENT: Catherine Scantlan, Vice Chair Wally Majors, Recreation and Parks Director Michael Byrd Debby Coles - Dobay, Public Art Manager Robert Lapin Glenda Hall, staff Renee Stern Commissioner Mike Fitzpatrick Charles Kanter Julie Mondello, Alternate ABSENT Elizabeth Pierce -Roe, Chair Lesha Roundtree, Alternate I. CALL TO ORDER Acting Chair Scantlan called the meeting to order at 6:32 p m. II. ATTENDANCE Roll was called by Acting Chair Scantlan; a quorum was present. Mr Lapin requested that discussions on agenda items be limited to 15 minutes, due to the lengthy agenda. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION made by Ms Stern, seconded by Mr Lapin, to approve the minutes of the 11/24/14 meeting The board agreed by consensus to approve Acting Chair Scantlan said there was a request to address the first item under New Business at this time. IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (deferred) V. NEW BUSINESS A Quantum Park Site Mr. Majors explained that Mr. Kanter had placed this item on the agenda, but he has to leave the meeting at T00 p.m. Mr Majors said he provided a map to the Board Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 26, 2015 (Quantum Park Overlay). Mr. Kanter added he had emailed the map to all members and was seeking feedback from the Board Mr Kanter said that the Quantum Park Overlay Development District owns the portion of the Sand Pine Preserve and is interested in turning it over to the City to combine with the City park and the wetland park. He displayed an aerial photo, and described the property Mr. Kanter said they could have the main entrance on Miner Road across from the golf course, as opposed to Quantum Road where there is more traffic He commented the parking lot on Quantum Road could be restricted for people entering there Mr Kanter continued that the major cost ($1 1 million) of the project would be for removing and replacing all of the vegetation, which is invasive. Mr. Lapin wondered if this was on the agenda for the City Commission. Mr. Majors said it was not, but this Board is charged with looking at undeveloped park sites and putting forth an opinion regarding a prioritized list of park development. He stated this is for informational purposes. Mr. Lapin asked about a list of potential parks that existed about six months prior Mr. Majors stated no allocation of funds was attached to it He advised this was a good time to re- prioritize the list of potential parks Ms. Mondello thought that 1800 apartment units would be built to the northeast of the property Ms. Mondello asked about the preserve, and Mr Kanter said that could not be developed. There are another 50 acres on the other side of the lake that could be developed, he added. Mr. Majors clarified that the part marked "Preserve" on the map is owned by the Quantum Park Overlay. Commissioner Fitzpatrick stated that 173 units were going in, not 1800 units, at the corner of Miner and High Ridge. IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Lake Ida Property Mr. Majors reported that Chair Pierce -Roe attended the last Commission meeting, and requested that the Advisory Board be allowed to provide some feedback regarding their opinion on the Lake Ida property. He thought that would be done Since Mr Kanter had to leave, he said he "wholeheartedly" approved of the Lake Ida plans. Mr. Lapin also spoke in favor of it and recommended buying it, although he did not know the cost for maintenance and availability of funds to do so. 2 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 26, 2015 V. NEW BUSINESS B. Department Quarterly Report Mr Majors stated that the report had been sent to the Board. Mr Majors confirmed that the fit -free zone equipment is in the barrier -free park but still has to go through final inspection. He said they hope to open it on February 14, 2015, immediately following the Barrier -Free Run/Walk at 9:30 a.m. along with the ribbon cutting The walk begins at 7 30 a m. and registration is still open There will be publicity for the ribbon cutting, including Facebook and Twitter Mr Majors said that children can participate in the Run/Walk Ms Stern said she brought it up to the Board of Directors, and the residents are looking forward to it Mr. Majors said it would be great to have participants from the community. [Mr. Kanter left at 7 p m ] Mr. Lapin suggested that the City prepare a flyer to put into the Hunters Run racks Mr. Majors responded that he and Ms. Stern are both part of the planning team, and he will meet with him afterwards. Ms Stern reported that an email had gone out to residents explaining the route of the walk Acting Chair Scantlan asked if the dollar amounts shown on the report were only for the last quarter (not year -to- date), and Mr. Majors responded affirmatively. C. Annual Report Mr Majors handed out the report, noting it is good for reference. There were no questions D. Mangrove Park Boardwalk Mr Majors stated that the Department is going to apply for a land and water conservation fund grant, which will allow them to acquire funding that will help offset the expenses to repair the boardwalk at Mangrove Park. He continued they have to receive authorization from the Commission to apply for the grant by February 27, 2015. As part of the application, they have to demonstrate support from the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board The grant would cover repairs to the aluminum boardwalk, and potentially repairs or remodeling to other amenities such as lights, bathrooms, picnic table, or benches Acting Chair Scantlan asked about matching funds for the grant. Mr. Majors said it will require matching funds on a one -to -one basis, but they already have money in the budget for that. They would have three years to do the project 3 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 26, 2015 MOTION made by Ms. Stern, seconded by Mr Byrd, to support the application for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant that the Recreation and Parks Department is going to be submitting for Mangrove Park Boardwalk and Support Facilities Grant. The Board agreed by consensus. E. Fit Zone Ribbon Cutting Mr. Majors reiterated that the event begins at 7:30 a.m. with ribbon cutting to follow at 9:30 a m on February 15, 2015. F. Barrier Free 5K Run/Walk (already addressed) G. Priority List of Undeveloped Park Sites Mr Majors began with a screen view of the Quantum Park site, pointing out the following features • 10 acres • Excellent site for bikeway • Lot of discussions in the past • Potential eco -park • Now 95% exotics • Educational venue • Offers areas for nice, quiet walks • Lots of good grant opportunities Acting Chair Scantlan recalled it was the top priority park in their last discussion and did not see a reason to change that. Mr Majors then described the Girl Scout Park site. • Southeast quadrant of the City • Gorgeous natural canopy and park setting • Adjacent to E -4 Canal o Could be Zink to any blueway, greenway, or bikeway plan • Not so many exotics as Quantum site • Close to residential o Not received in positive manner 10 years ago o Access is off Sunset Road (showed aerial) • Uses depend on those who will be using it • Acreage and other details are in the manual Acting Chair Scantlan wondered if an HOA or POA controlled the site. Mr. Majors did not think so but, if so, the Board would make an effort to have a community outreach discussion within a five -mile radius of the site 4 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 26, 2015 Ms Mondello noted that it is across the road from Caloosa Park, which is very active /multi - purpose He felt the Girl Scout Park would be more passive /natural, similar to Meadows Park, serving the surrounding community without too much parking. Next, Mr Majors addressed the FPL site, noting the following: • Beautiful property • Potential for a greenway /bikeway plan • On the canal • Golf Road and 23 Avenue location • Heavily dense • Would take a lot of work Glenda Hall mentioned that FPL site has a lot of slash pines, but is being taken over by exotics. A sound wall was built on a portion of it along the canal Meadows Nautical Site was addressed next by Mr. Majors. He reported that area residents have been very vocal with the City to do something or allow them to take over the site. He considered the following: • Property acquired when the City was in a land- collecting mode • Two five -acre lots adjacent to each other (divided by a berm of exotics) • Meadows Park is an extremely active and popular park • Maintenance would be a significant cost Acting Chair Scantlan shared that the two areas are very different the one to the left is graded and flat and has a little lake on it Regarding the other side, she said vehicles try to drive through it and wondered if there would need to be a fence There are also trees that would have to be removed. It is hilly and bumpy, and she wondered what they might find if they graded it Acting Chair Scantlan, who is a Meadows resident, said they had an official vote, and the majority of residents wanted to try to do something there along the contemplative park type. Ms. Hall understood that the Meadows Site property was filled and has a heavy soil in it — that is why it is hilly. Some "strange grass" grows there very fast in the summer, so the City has added a second monthly mowing there. Acting Chair Scantlan said she would like to keep it on the agenda for a contemplative - type park No lighting or bathrooms would be required, and it would have possibly just a few parking spaces. Mr. Majors advised there were several other sites, but he did not think they were worth much consideration, such as a piece of property west of the mall (in the county) called the Nickel's Road Property. He said it has gopher tortoises and other hindrances for development 5 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 26, 2015 Mr Majors continued there is a piece of property behind Target that was dedicated as part of the parking package for Renaissance Commons. Ms. Hall, using an aerial, said there would be a park of three acres and a dog park, less than an acre Mr Majors added no bathrooms would be planned and there would not be many "park experiences " Acting Chair Scantlan thought the developer would build the park, and the City would maintain it Mr. Majors said the lead planner has done several dog parks Ms. Hall said the whole park was three acres with the dog park inside it Mr. Majors summed up the undeveloped park sites. With the Board's approval, he would receive the Chair's opinion via email The Board agreed by consensus If there are other already developed parks that the Board would like to review, he asked the Board to inform him. In response to a question by Ms. Mondello about grant resources, Mr Majors thought the Quantum Eco -Park would lend itself to grants, and the Grant Coordinator can provide more information Acting Chair Scantlan was curious what they need to do to facilitate greenways, walkways, bikeways, etc , and Mr Majors replied that the consultant is moving forward with the plan that was presented to the Board. It was noted bikeways provide a great economic boost Mr Lapin wondered if the Board wanted to see a limited budget for improvements (such as a kayak launch) at the Girl Scout Park Mr Majors said they could not do any of that until the park was developed Acting Chair Scantlan asked what the minimum would be that the City would have to spend to make Girl Scout Park minimally functional, and then build it in stages. Mr. Majors said restrooms, parking, etc need to be developed first of all To develop Betty Thomas Park cost about $700,000 (basketball court, pathway, and pavilion only) Mr Majors reminded the Board that in order to apply for the grants, there has to be approval for development Ms Stern recalled that the voters had approved a referendum to have a certain amount of money collected by the State filter down to communities to support the environment, and she wondered if any of that money would be available. Mr. Majors said he would look into it. VI. ITEMS FOR THE CITY MANAGER'S ATTENTION — None VII. NEXT MEETING — February 23, 2015 6 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 26, 2015 Acting Chair Scantlan asked how long Chair Pierce -Roe would be attending Monday night classes Mr Majors thought she may miss a few more meetings, and would find out if they could change the meeting date /time to accommodate her attendance Mr. Byrd brought up synthetic turf in reference to an NFL Foundation grant application in partnership with the Youth Enrichment Association for Academics and Athletics (parent organization of the East Boynton Wildcats). Mr Majors said they hope to install the turf at Hester Park He advised it is a very competitive grant, and the deadline is in March. Mr. Majors planned to bring it to the Board next month for support. Discussion ensued about the possible link between artificial turf and illness, with Mr. Majors saying there appeared to be a Zink between granulated tires and cancer, but said it warranted further analysis He said they would go ahead and apply, but continue to investigate the concerns Mr Majors expressed appreciation for the Board's varied fields of expertise PUBLIC COMMENT Commissioner Mike Fitzpatrick, 175 SW 2 Street, District 3 City Commissioner, said he was interested in opening the Girl Scout Park. He encouraged the Board members to "lobby" for a budget item to get the project started, such as for a master plan. Commissioner Fitzpatrick mentioned that the County Environmental Resource Management (ERM) has a well - developed volunteer program, where they do projects involving removal of exotics and replanting appropriate species. He said he would like to see something similar in the City. He said that would be one of his initiatives when time permits. Regarding Meadows, Commissioner Fitzpatrick commented that a contemplative site sounded good He believed that used to be slash pines and palmettos and thought the Commissioner for that District would be helpful. Commissioner Fitzpatrick continued that he supports lobbying for buying land for the City He explained that while the City spends $40,000 per year for a lobbyist, and the Commission votes on a list of priorities to lobby, those issues do not always get heard. Individual voices to the appropriate State legislator would be helpful in keeping issues in front of the legislature and help in protecting natural lands in Florida Commissioner Fitzpatrick said there was a lot of misinformation and wished to dispel it. The idea for buying the piece of land is a 2004 Greenways and Bikeway Master Plan, passed by a 5 -0 vote by the City Commission He read from the plan regarding the Lake Ida Parcel, which said if that parcel were developed as a park or a residential neighborhood with a greenway trail component, it would help the Girl Scout Park to the north of Lake Ida Park. 7 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 26, 2015 Commissioner Fitzpatrick reviewed that the County approved selling it to the City of Boynton for $100,000 and turned down a developer's $500,000 offer for the parcel 23 acres to the north where the closed manufacturing plant is located. There is support on the County Commission for the City to develop it as a greenway /bikeway node. Regarding development, Commissioner Fitzpatrick laid out three phases 1. After sale is complete, there would be mitigation of exotics a. Develop volunteer program to plant native species sections at a time b Current owner of the north property does not want to grant access to the property c Boats could go across the lake for access, however, mitigation would not be open to the general public due to liability issues d When the property 22 acres to the north is developed, it becomes Phase Two 2 Development a. The park should enhance the property (gated at night ?) b. Costs absorbed by the developer in exchange for incentives 3. Connectivity a. Bridge across L -30 canal to the 189 Lake Ida Park and dog park i. $500,000 for bridge ii MPO as possible funding source b. Go under 1 -95 and the railroad i FPL high- tension line easement — may allow access ii. Lake Ida would connect with Caloosa Park iii. FDOT agreed to put an underpass under Yamada Road, and one under CSX railroad to link two sections of El Rio Trail — free to the city of Boca Raton Commissioner Fitzpatrick pointed out that is all a long -range plan that he thought could occur Acting Chair Scantlan thanked Commissioner Fitzpatrick for his presentation, noting that members of the Board like to keep green space green Commissioner Fitzpatrick added that he is going to prepare a presentation for the City Commission to be heard on February 3, 2015, and it would probably be up for vote on February 17 He invited the Board to make an advisory opinion. Commissioner Fitzpatrick stated there is a Developmental Impact Fee that can only be used for purchasing land or capital improvements of parks, and there is $100,000 in the account. Ms. Stern believed the Board had already stated its support (at the October meeting) for the Forever Wild theory in saving property and open lands for future generations, and she supported Commissioner Fitzpatrick's quest. 8 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 26, 2015 Commissioner Fitzpatrick asked if anybody from the Board could attend the Commission meeting on February 3, and discussion followed. Mr. Majors will contact Chair Pierce -Roe if the Board so desired Mr. Majors said that if the Committee Chair could not attend, he could draft a letter on behalf of the Board to be read at the meeting. Acting Chair Scantlan stated the Board would like to go on record saying they support Commissioner Fitzpatrick's plan. Mr Byrd thanked Commissioner Fitzpatrick for the information. He recalled a question from a prior meeting: does the property have to be developed within a certain amount of time, and, if not, are there stipulations as to what the County would do. Commissioner Fitzpatrick replied that the County deed states that "in the event the City fails to obtain any access to the property to develop a neighborhood park on the property within five years of the date hereof, then upon demand by the County, the property shall revert to the County." He said several changes have been suggested for the document. • Five years will be changed to ten years • If the County does not "demand it," it could go into "overtime" • If the City subsequently sells the property, the County will have the right of first refusal, and if the right is not exercised, the County will be paid any funds in excess of $100,000 paid by the City to acquire the property • Change it from "neighborhood park" to "greenway /bikeway" Trevor Rosecrans asked about the interactive art at the wastewater treatment plant. He volunteered for that, but stated he had to resign from the Board because he is on the Planning and Development Board He said he would volunteer to do it if nobody else could Mr Majors announced that Lesha Roundtree is still an alternate member and had sent an email that she could not make it to this meeting. MOTION made by Ms. Stern, seconded by Mr. Byrd, to allow Trevor Rosecrans to continue to represent the Board's interests as it relates to the art project by the East Water Treatment Plant In a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously. VII. ADJOURNMENT Hearing no further business, Acting Chair Scantlan adjourned the meeting at 8 26 p.m [Minutes transcribed by J Rubin, Prototype, Inc ] 9