Minutes 11-16-15
MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD IN
COMMISSION CHAMBERS
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2015, AT 6:30 P.M.
PRESENT:
Elizabeth Pierce-Roe, Chair Wally Majors, Recreation and Parks Director
Catherine Scantlan, Vice Chair
Charles Kanter
Robert Lapin
Renee Stern
ABSENT
:
Michael Byrd
Jeffrey Fromknecht
GUEST:
Jeffrey Livergood – Director of Public Works and Engineering
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Pierce-Roe called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
II. ATTENDANCE
Roll was called, and a quorum was present.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion
made by Vice Chair Scantlan, seconded by Ms. Stern, to approve the minutes
of the October 26, 2015, meeting as presented. Motion not brought to a vote.
IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Recreation Programs/Activities – Summary Review
Mr. Majors distributed some promotional materials for the recreation programs. He also
mentioned the FunFare! magazine, which is sent out by request. He said they are
emphasizing the promotion of health through nutrition, exercise, and participation in
activities.
Mr. Majors reported on the following activities:
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida November 16, 2015
Rally for the Cure – raised $650 to help the Susan G. Komen Foundation
Monthly family-oriented free activities at parks
A brand new air conditioning system for the Art Center will be installed
New band director for Gold Coast Band, James Buffin
Will be two concerts in March and May at Boynton Beach High School
o
Play Outdoors Unplugged events through the year
Big Truck and Tractor Rally on January 16
o
Holiday Parade
Barrier Free 5K Run, Rock & Roll on February 13
Averaged 250 participants in past three years
o
Attract participants with disabilities
o
Spring Break Camp (for children) in two locations
Surf and Ocean Safety Camp
Basketball Camp
Summer Camp
Need early identification of special accommodations in order to obtain staff
o
with specialized training
Chair Pierce-Roe asked about the possibility of having specialty camps for activities
such as kayaking or paddle board. Mr. Majors responded that last summer they were
able to take about two dozen children out sailing and snorkeling without incurring cost.
However, generally, there is an added cost. They would try to find a sponsor or partner,
perhaps a vendor. Chair Pierce-Rose suggested having such an activity for adults or
families. Discussion ensued about different places that offer paddle boarding.
Vice Chair Scantlan recalled information that was presented at a City Commission
meeting in October regarding the drone program at Hester Park. Mr. Majors reported
that the County has already identified two parks where people can fly radio-controlled
aircraft (helicopters, quad-copters, and airplanes). A local group will assist in monitoring
radio-controlled drone and helicopter flying at Hester Park. The organization will
provide a certificate of insurance to the City. Mr. Majors said that children in the after-
school program can also participate and learn about avionics. Upon a question by Vice
Chair Scantlan, Mr. Majors said he would ask the group if they want to be in the Holiday
Parade.
Mr. Majors also announced that the avionics group wants to host a state conference on
drones, and that would bring notice to Boynton Beach. Vice Chair Scantlan pointed out
that might attract the attention of youngsters to see there is a future in the activity.
Mr. Majors stated that the City does not have a drone at this time, and Chair Pierce Roe
thought it would be helpful especially for the Fire or Police Department.
B. Parks Maintenance – Summary Review
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Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida November 16, 2015
Jeffrey Livergood, Director of Public Works and Engineering, stated that the Public
Works and Engineering Departments are contracted to the Parks/Recreation
Department for maintenance. They work with the Recreation staff to learn what
activities are occurring in the parks in order to have a proper maintenance plan. A
monthly usage report is provided on usage of pavilions and interior building spaces as
well, so they can prepare facilities for events.
Mr. Livergood said their in-house maintenance staff includes plumbers, carpenters,
horticulturists, project managers, certified arborists, and electricians. They try to find
the most cost-effective solutions to maintenance needs, whether to use in-house
professionals or contract the work out.
Mr. Livergood continued, reporting that their staff has started contractual tree pruning at
the Tennis Center, then the Arts Center and Library, and another six parks. He said it is
more cost effective to hire contractors for this type of maintenance, since a contractor
would not have to be called out to do something else, as staff might be called to do. Mr.
Livergood said his staff has the difficulty of balancing chores and needs, and works very
closely with the Parks and Recreation staff.
Mr. Livergood commented that he and his staff work to create a “wow” factor at the
facilities, so the public sees their tax dollars at work in the maintenance of the facilities.
Employees are asked for ideas on improvements, and therefore take ownership of the
program.
Regarding the capital program, Mr. Livergood said it is extensive, and provided the
following project highlights:
Art Center
Replacement of pedestrian gates
o
Add a center island into the roadway
o
Betty Thomas Park
Seal coat the parking lot
o
Fix rusting on the entrance sign
o
Repaint basketball markings
o
ADA improvements implementation throughout parks
They refer to consultant’s report for needed improvements
o
Boynton Lakes Park
Replace fitness trail apparatus with modest and suitable equipment
o
Remove the bocce court (not used)
o
Carolyn Simms Park
Replace pool slide due to corrosion
o
Congress Barrier Free Park
Playground equipment grant
o
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Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida November 16, 2015
$22,000 project to bring pathways to compliance with ADA
o
Refurbish bio-swale that runs through the middle (every three to four
o
years)
Hester Park
Repair press box doors and windows this year
o
Paint press box
o
Small pavilion near entrance needs some path work
o
Repair rotting soffits at concession building
o
Lightning protection project
o
Hibiscus Park
Redo basketball courts
o
Replace tall chain link fence on the west side with a decorative aluminum
o
fence
ADA issues with basketball courts
o
Replace garbage cans and picnic tables
o
Intracoastal Park
Community room improvements (carpet, lighting, etc.)
o
Minor ADA improvements
o
Repaint poles and pavilion roofs
o
Replacement of poured-in-place or another material, playground
o
equipment, and installation of shade structure (interrelated projects)
Jaycee Park
Installation of shade structure over primary playground - combine with tree
o
plantings to provide shade in the future
Laurel Hills
Replace cans and benches
o
Mangrove Park
Fence that is falling down will be repaired
o
Refurbish restrooms - will be spending $6,000-$8,000 every five years to
o
keep restrooms renovated and clean
ADA accessible bathroom features
o
Veterans Park
Seal coat the parking lot
o
Oceanfront Park
Repair leaning picnic shelters
o
Shade sail remedy
o
Fix accessibility issues at shelters
o
Oyer Park
Redo fishing pier in two phases (railing then decking)
o
New dumpster enclosure
o
Palmetto Greens Linear Park
Restroom exterior painting and refurbishment
o
Restroom ADA compliance
o
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Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida November 16, 2015
Seal coat parking lot
o
Pioneer Canal Park
Paint exterior of restroom
o
Tennis Center improvements
o
Sara Simms Park
Basic park needs (irrigation, etc.) have been deferred to 2016-2017
o
Lights have been fixed, have replaced some playground equipment
o
Mr. Livergood stated they have identified 15 years of maintenance improvement for
every park. Even though there is funding for FY 2015-2016, capital programs will have
a $7.2 million deficit starting in 2016-2017.
Chair Pierce-Roe observed there are not enough garbage cans in Oyer Park, and she
said that an area in the parking lot near a large shade tree is overused. She suggested
a garbage can at the far end. She also noticed that fishermen are using the railing as a
surface to cut bait since there is no fishing station.
Chair Pierce-Rose also commented that originally there was going to be a non-
motorized boat ramp for kayaks, etc. at Jaycee Park, but said it is overgrown. Mr.
Livergood said the location of the ramp is poor, and it either has to be redone or
removed. Chair Pierce-Roe thought that Jaycee Park could be a destination park for
people with kayaks or paddleboards. Mr. Livergood commented that water erosion is
the underlying issue; they need to find a way to redirect the water. Chair Pierce-Roe
continued that water access should be part of the park.
Mr. Livergood advised that one of the biggest problems in the parks is trash. He said it
is disheartening to see garbage on the ground that could be in an available can. Crews
cannot be cleaning up every day. The City Commission did approve approximately
$65,000 to hire people to pick up garbage at the parks and at the bus stops. Chair
Pierce-Roe wondered if there was a law against throwing bait in dumpsters, and Mr.
Livergood replied in the negative.
Discussion ensued on the issue of trash cleanup, with the following being mentioned:
Use of jail inmates to pick up trash
Usually used in addition to programs already in place
o
Pavilions may be disordered on Friday nights before a Saturday morning rental
Temporary employees are less expensive
Publicize litter problem and efforts to cleanup
Have the public inform the department when they see something that needs to
be corrected
Have Board members visit designated parks periodically
The Board has an annual parks drive-through
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Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida November 16, 2015
C. Accreditation
Mr. Majors said the self-assessment report for accreditation is due in December. He
described the accreditation process, noting that three people will be onsite for
inspection and interviews.
Various upcoming holiday events were announced.
VI. Items for the City Manager’s Attention - None
VII. NEXT MEETING: January 25, 2016
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business, Chair Pierce-Roe adjourned the meeting at 7:44 p.m.
[Minutes transcribed by J. Rubin, Prototype, Inc.]
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