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Minutes 03-28-16MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2016, AT 6:30 P.M. PRESENT: Elizabeth Pierce -Roe, Chair Michael Byrd Jeffrey Fromknecht Charles Kanter Daniel Shapiro, Alternate Julie Mondello, Alternate Renee Stern ABSENT: Robert Lapin I. CALL TO ORDER Wally Majors, Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Majors, Grants and ADA Coordinator Glenda Hall, Forestry and Grounds Manager The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. II. ATTENDANCE Roll was called, and a quorum was present. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (January and February) Motion made by Ms. Stern, seconded by Mr. Kanter, to approve the minutes for the February 22, 2016, minutes with the following correction: • p. 2, Item V -B: remove 2nd and 3rd sentences Motion not brought to vote. Hearing no corrections, the minutes of the January 25, 2016, meeting were approved. IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Park/Facility Assessments — None V. NEW BUSINESS A. Proposed Eco Park in Quantum — Presentation by Eugene A. Gerlica, P.E. of Gerlica Inc. Eugene Gerlica stated that the firm was selected to represent the Quantum Park Overlay Dependent District, and he is the District Engineer. He said the Overlay District Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida March 28, 2016 has been proactive in pursuing the development and the maintenance of their Sand Pine preserve. Mr. Gerlica gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Eco park covering the following: history of the park, size, description of units and office/commercial/industrial space, school, Conceptual Plan, Master Plan, landscaping, trails, wildlife, proposed pedestrian entrance, parking, restrooms, habitat, ADA improvements, removal of exotic species, butterfly garden, and hardscaping. Mr. Gerlica distributed copies of the Conceptual Plan and the Master Plan. Mr. Gerlica mentioned that at the Site Plan pre -application meeting with City staff, they were encouraged to introduce the park to this Board and show how the District and the City can combine the two lands. He suggested they might have an Eco Center with educational presentations, meeting space, etc. Mr. Gerlica commented that the City has a public participation process in the parks, and Mr. Gerlica is willing to help with that. He asked for the Board's support in the effort to get Quantum Park into the City's capital improvement budget. Mr. Gerlica advised they will be sending a draft Interlocal Agreement to the City Manager's office to get the project moving forward. In order to open the park to the public, they will need parking, restrooms, and storm water improvements. Mr. Gerlica opened up the presentation for discussion and questions. In response to a question about access, Mr. Gerlica said there is nowhere to park at this time. He added that the Conceptual Plan may take a number of years to complete. It was noted there would be more entrances than just the one gated entrance. Mr. Gerlica said they are discouraging bicycles in the Eco Park, but there will be trails in the City Park with access to the Greenway system. In addition, he said the Preserve area will be open dusk to dawn, eliminating the need for lighting. However, if they need security, there may be solar -powered cameras. Electricity is available on the edges of the park, but not in the middle. Mr. Gerlica continued there would not be any structures such as pavilions in the Eco park. Jane Gerlica, with Gerlica Inc., responded that an observation deck is in their plan for the butterfly garden, and a platform by the waterfront. She spoke of St. Oxbow in the Port St. Lucie area where the community is very involved in helping with projects. She said they hope to move forward in that manner here. Chair Pierce -Roe commented enthusiastically on the educational possibilities for the project. She suggested using the observatory on Hypoluxo as an example for the observation tower at the Eco park. Ms. Gerlica mentioned the tower will be about 12 feet high and have ADA rounds that will make it accessible. Chair Pierce -Roe also 2 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida March 28, 2016 suggested looking at the scrub area across the street from Bethesda Hospital to get ideas. Mr. Gerlica said they could make arrangements for the Board to tour the Sand Pine Preserve. Mr. Majors suggested that if the Board wishes to support the concept, they could formally give that approval in a vote. In a vote by consensus, the Board unanimously expressed its desire to support the concept as presented. B. Transportation Alternative Programs Grant Application Debbie Majors, Grants and ADA Coordinator, reported that in November, 2015, the City Commission approved the Blueways, Greenways, and Trails Plan, A Transportation Alternative Programs Grant has been identified that can provide up to $750,000 for a project within the scope of the Blueways, Greenways, and Trails Plan; the application deadline is April 1, 2016. Ms. Majors mentioned that the City of Delray Beach has received funding to build their trail up NE 2 d Avenue, which turns into Seacrest heading north. Boynton Beach is looking at submitting an application for funding to begin the Bikeway program, constructing bike lanes on Seacrest from the southernmost border at Gulfstream in order to connect with Delray, continuing north to Boynton Beach Boulevard (Phase 1) and eventually to Hypoluxo. Ms. Majors described the grant application process, noting that, in October, she will find out if the project has been ranked high enough by the MPO Board to proceed to the next level. If the grant is approved, construction will begin in 2019-2020. Design would occur in 2018-2019. She said they would like a letter of support from the Board Chair to submit with their application. The City Commission will also be asked in mid-April for their approval; if they do not approve it, it will be pulled. Ms. Majors noted some items will be needed such as sidewalk improvements, landscaping where needed, and possibly crosswalks. In a vote by consensus, the Board unanimously expressed its desire to support the project going forward and agreed that the Chair can sign off on the letter. Ms. Majors said she would forward drawings to Mr. Majors so the Board can follow the project progress. Chair Pierce -Roe read the letter of support to the MPO Board aloud. C. Leashed Dogs at Parks Recommendation 3 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida Mr. Majors advised that the Board needs to put forth a recommendation at the next meeting on whether to terminate the policy allowing dogs at the four parks: Boynton Lakes, Dewey, Intracoastal, and Jaycee Park. He said he has not received any complaints over the past year. Mr. Majors said dog traffic is light, maybe two or three at each park. The City Commission will be considering the item at their June meeting. Mr. Majors asked the Board members to speak to their friends and neighbors for feedback, keeping in mind that not all parks are appropriate for dogs. D. Upcoming Events Glenda Hall, Forestry and Grounds Manager, announced Arbor Day at 9:45 a.m. on April 6 at Jaycee Park. Trees will be planted during a two-hour period. There will be a teaching demonstration for students from Congress Avenue Middle School. Mr. Majors also announced that participants in the Barrier Free 5K will be recognized at the City Commission meeting on April 19. VI. ITEMS FOR THE CITY MANAGER'S ATTENTION — None VII. NEXT MEETING: April 25, 2016 VIII. ADJOURNMENT Hearing no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:33 p.m. [Minutes transcribed by J. Rubin, Prototype, Inc.] 151