Minutes 01-25-16MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD IN
COMMISSION CHAMBERS
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016, AT 6:30 P.M.
PRESENT:
Elizabeth Pierce -Roe, Chair
Michael Byrd
Jeffrey Fromknecht
Charles Kanter
Robert Lapin
Julie Mondello
Renee Stern
ABSENT:
Daniel Shapiro
I. CALL TO ORDER
Wally Majors, Recreation and Parks Director
Chair Pierce -Roe called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
II. ATTENDANCE
Roll was called, and a quorum was present.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
[Clerk was not present for this, so I do not have any information]
IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Drones/Radio-Controlled Helicopters — Update
Mr. Majors reviewed the drone program. He said they delayed the start of the program
due to legislation, and they are now planning for an opening day celebration.
He said drones can be used for recreation, but also for rescue operations. He spoke of
a special drone that can even go into caves to assist in locating people who need
rescuing.
B. Barrier Free 5K — Update
Mr. Majors said they are fortunate that Ms. Stern is on the planning team for the fourth
annual event. He mentioned that they will have people walking, running, and "rolling" in
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida January 25, 2016
wheelchairs. Two young sisters, one of whom uses a wheelchair, have been recruited
to be the honorary race starters.
Mr. Majors recalled a TV show he saw about a boy who converted his wheelchair into a
pirate ship for Halloween. A nonprofit was started in the town to help other children
build "magic wheelchairs." The organization (magicwheelchair.com) has agreed to build
a chair, Cinderella's carriage, for the honorary starter in the Barrier Free 5K. Mr. Majors
said there will also be a dance on the evening of the 5K for children with disabilities and
their families.
Mr. Majors said they had a press conference on January 15, 2016, and the wheelchair
will be unveiled on the morning of the 5K. There will be a lot of press in attendance.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Department Administrative Manual
Mr. Majors said the manual was distributed for informational purposes on how the
Department operates.
B. Department 14/15 Action Plan Report
Mr. Majors stated they have a Five Year Plan that is updated annually. The action
items are developed to complement the Department's goals and objectives and those of
the City as well. The report was distributed for informational purposes.
C. Department Annual Report
Mr. Majors distributed the Annual Report.
D. Recreation & Parks Presentation — Benefits of Recreation
Mr. Majors showed a PowerPoint presentation about the Department and the benefits
derived from participation in their activities. He said this is an element required for
accreditation.
Highlights of the presentation are as follows:
• Seven community centers
• Youth programs — licensed after-school programs, camps, etc.
• Adult programs —fitness, art, etc.
• Senior programs — computer instruction, exercise, meals, social events, etc.
• Family fun — special seasonal events, and outdoor events
• Parks planning involves the Master Plan, greenways/bikeway/blueway plans,
shade playgrounds, non -motorized vessel launch, leashed dogs at parks, etc.
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Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida January 25, 2016
• 28 sites in the park system, 8 that are not developed
• Park activities include boat rentals, surf camp, outreach and education, adopt -a -
park program
® Economic benefit to parks and recreation
o Increased property value if next to a well-maintained park
o Attracts residents
o Revenue generation for local businesses selling equipment for activities
• Health and environmental benefits — get people outside and moving
• Helps keep excess development under control
• Social importance, gives community a strong reputation
® Keep parks available and accessible
• Challenges
o Accreditation — have to meet 95% of standards
o ADA — trails, pools, architecture
o After-school licensing (under the Health Department), requires 40 hours of
staff training
o Staff re -organization due to a retiring senior employee
o Updating System Master Plan
• Successes:
o Fit Zone at Barrier Free Park
■ Grant from local foundation to build Fit Zone
o Cigarette litter prevention grant
0 5K fundraising
o Best cheerleaders in the nation
o More involved partnerships
o Department of Elder Affairs technology training grant
VI. ITEMS FOR THE CITY MANAGER'S ATTENTION
Mr. Kanter remarked that improvements are needed at Boynton Beach. He said the
letters painted on the water tower are illegible. Discussion ensued on the visibility of the
water tower from various vantage points.
Mr. Lapin asked for an update on the $250,000 grant for Barrier Free Park. Mr. Majors
noted that the rules were changed by the State, and they will re -apply for $50,000. He
thought they changed the criteria because too many applications were received.
Mr. Kanter mentioned the new hotel on the corner of Quantum and Congress that looks
directly down on the greenway bike path where the paddleboard launch is proposed.
He wondered if the City could get an impact fee from them. Mr. Majors replied that they
could ask, and said he would contact Kevin about it.
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida January 25, 2016
Ms. Mondello was curious if there was a sign-up day for ???. She suggested having a
reduced or eliminated registration fee if they register ???. Mr. Majors said that they
want to recruit children with special needs this year to help the parents.
VII. NEXT MEETING: February 22, 2016
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
[Minutes transcribed by J. Rubin, Prototype, Inc.]
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