Minutes 07-27-17 MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD IN
COMMISSION CHAMBERSBOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA,
ON MONDAY, JULY 24, 2017, AT 6:30 P.M.
PRESENT:
Betty Pierce-Roe, Chair' Wally Majors, Recreation and Parks Director
Charles Kanter Lisa Edmondson, Prototype, Inc.
Renee Stern
Daniel Shapiro
Eric Ammon, Alternate
Christina Johnson
ABSENT:
Michael Byrd
Julie Mondello
Christina-Jehnson
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:31 p.m. by Wally Majors.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
II. ATTENDANCE
Roll was called, and a quorum was present.
III. APPROVAL OF.MINUTES-June
Motion made by Ms. Stern, seconded by Mr. Ammon, to approve the minutes of the
June 26, 2017, meeting. In a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously (5-0).
Mr. Majors distributed information on the mandatory Ethics training for the board.
IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Quantum Park Site
Mr. Kanter gave a presentation on the Quantum Park site and distributed a handout.
His presentation covered the description of the park site and surrounding area,
ownership, need for the park, and historic notes. He also discussed various ideas and
goals of the Quantum Park Overlay Development District in terms of park development
and fundraising. Ideas for "attractions" like canoe/paddleboard ramps were covered, as
well as some long-range planning concepts for the Park such as relationships with other
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton B -Florida
entities like hotels, the school district, etc. It was noted that access to the park has
been a bone of contention.
Mr. Majors advised the board members that if they want copies of any materials, they
have to go through staff.
Susan Oyer, 149 SE 27 Way, asked for clarification on the location of the park, and Mr.
Kanter explained that the park on the left (as shown on the map) is already in the City,
and they want to bring the park on the right (east) into the City. It is now owned by the
Development District. They want an Interlocal agreement to incorporate that piece of
property in with the other piece for a total of a 60 -acre eco park. He showed where the
Lake Worth Canal was that would connect to the Girl Scout Park, going from Lake Ida to
Lake Osborne.
Mr. Kanter said the residents of Parkside and close -by areas are worried that the City
will put more housing around the lake. The fate of the wooded area on the east side of
Lake #8 is uncertain, as part of it is not in the City. Mr. Kanter thought it might be
owned by the State.
Mr. Majors said the Overlay District created an attractive master plan, and it will cost
approximately $180,000 per year to maintain the park. That remains the biggest issue.
B. Girl Scout Park Site
Mr. Ammon distributed a handout on some ideas to include on a public survey for Girl
Scout Park (9.73 acres). The items on the survey would give residents an opportunity
to pick which amenities they want, and they asked the board to eliminate any items they
thought would not be workable and to add any new ideas. Mr. Ammon said that
volunteers would go door-to-door with the survey. He read the items on the list,
explaining that he copied them from the various amenities at other parks in the City.
Mr. Ammon mentioned that he would ask the respondents to provide their emails for
future communications regarding board meetings where the park would be discussed.
Chair Pierce -Roe expressed concern over the location of the entrance at the north end
gate and whether it should be a neighborhood park, because that would dictate parking
needs and whether bathrooms and water fountains would be needed. She liked the
ideas of pavilions, a walking/exercise trail, kayak/paddleboards/small boat launch, and a
dock for fishing. She said there would be regulations regarding the launch and dock,
but joining the waterways would be an important step in getting the park established.
Mr. Majors pointed out that the type and scope of development will determine the
maintenance cost for both park sites. He wanted to bring back the master plan to
review the offerings of the parks and what needs to be added. They could draw service
circles around the various parks to evaluate the current needs. He mentioned that
K
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida I , 2017
getting the parks budget passed was a challenge and said he is going to be
conservative about growing the park system, stressing the importance of maintenance
costs.
In response to an inquiry by Chair Pierce -Roe, Mr. Majors advised they encountered a
problem with Johnson Sea Grass in the Intracoastal, and that has impacted the
possibility of a dock there. He talked about possible options for the dock's location, but
said the State was "lukewarm" about changing the location after the grant was already
awarded. Chair Pierce -Roe brought up an alternate location for a dock.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Denson Pool
Mr. Majors reported that they will be installing recording video cameras at the pool and
may also have motion -activated lights. The Police Department will assist with the
project.
B. Town Center Project
Mr. Majors said the project is moving forward; by November they should have a firm
idea of the project's future. If it does go forward, they will lose the Art and Civic Center,
and the activities now being held there will be moved to the old high school. Some
programs will move to Hester Park or the Carolyn Sims Center.
C. Kid's Club
Amy Blackman will discuss next month.
D. Upcoming Events
• Back to School Health Fair @ St. John's - Saturday, August 5, 10:00 a.m.
• For the Love of Surfing @ Oceanfront Park - Saturday, August 26, 9:30 a.m.
o At the last event, they had about 50 children with special needs
• Sand Sifters Beach Cleanup @ Oceanfront Park - Saturday, September 2,
8:30 a.m.
o Science Club from John I. Leonard High School took over the program
and have it every first Saturday of the month
The City celebrated July 4th on the Saturday before. There were good activities for
children. Attendees wanted more food vendors, but there were no formal complaints
made. They had six shuttle buses instead of three to help with transportation.
VI. ITEMS FOR THE CITY MANAGER'S ATTENTION
3
Meetingr
Recreation • Parks Advisory :.. •
Boynton Beach, Florida July 24, 2017
Mr. Kanter mentioned that there were two or three oak trees on High Ridge Road on the
way to Firehouse #5 that are being destroyed by a love vine, and it needs to be
removed. Mr. Majors will relay the message to the appropriate people.
Chair Pierce -Roe remarked favorably on the speedy removal of coconuts and repair of
potholes at the Boat Club before the fireworks.
Mr. Majors distributed the handouts on the Ethics training.
The floor was opened to public comment.
Ms. Oyer expressed her thanks for extending the light hours in Betty Thomas Park - the
kids are happy they get to play basketball later. She asked for a timeline on the
cameras and lights in the pavilion. Mr. Majors said the lights are ready, but the cameras
involve more detail and will take more time and consultation with the Police Department.
He wanted to get the cameras at Denson Pool first.
Ms. Oyer suggested having projected Declarations of Independence around the parks
for the 4th of July. She also suggested expanding the celebration to both parks. Chair
Pierce -Roe said that was hard because of boats and parking.
VII. NEXT MEETING: August 28, 2017
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
[Minutes transcribed by J. Rubin, Prototype, Inc.]
10