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Minutes 03-26-18 CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH RECREATION&PARKS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY HALL — CONFERENCE ROOM B t� March 26, 2018, 6:30 p.m. to PRESENT: Wally Majors, Recreation and Parks Director Charles Kanter Lisa Edmondson, Prototype, Inc. Christina Johnson Michael Byrd Lisa Brown-Banc(arrived 7:14pm) Daniel Shapiro Eric Ammon ABSENT: Betty Pierce-Roe, Chair Renee Stern Julie Mondello I. CALL TO ORDER • Pledge of Allegiance The meeting was called to order at 6:33 p.m. by Mr. Majors. II. ATTENDANCE Attendance was called; a quorum was present. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - deferred January and February IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS System Master Plan review (tabled until April) Mr. Majors indicated there is no funding to develop a new park, but he would like to have the Board look at the City's current park system to see where a new park could be located. He noted that conceptual plans are developed in advance, which after time may not make sense to move forward with and would need to be revised to fit in with current needs. Mr. Majors expressed a desire for the Board to become familiar with current park plans in order to be able to put forth their recommendations to the City Commission. Ms. Jennifer Gomez, 3221 Chapel Hill Blvd., spoke with regard to Girl Scout Park indicating she was speaking on behalf of the-neighborhood, and pointing out that she knows there is a huge cost to open parks; however, with nearby parks having maintenance issues, it is more important to take care of the parks they do have before opening new ones. Mr. Majors will be creating a conceptual design for Girl Scout Park to present at the next meeting. 0 Dogs at Oceanfront Park Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida March 26, 2018 The task for the RPB is to make a recommendation to the City Commission on the question of whether dogs should be permitted at Oceanfront Park. An informal online survey had been taken, the results of which were provided to the Board. Mr. Majors briefly reviewed the results of the survey noting 1100 responses had been received and adding he regrets not having asked for zip codes Mr. Major also had suggestions for establishing parameters for implementing the program, which could go along with the Board's recommendations. After a look at other dog parks, Mr. Majors advised he could not find examples for such a small beach. He reviewed jurisdictional authorities responsible for enforcement;requiring early a.m. and late afternoon hours,but flexible based on sunlight time; having a permit system requiring dogs to have all their shots, etc.; restrictions against encroaching'on private property; and the necessity of having a "dog police" or ranger to monitor compliance, as well as a maintenance staff to clean the beach after dogs leave for the day. Plans would have to be in place to know how to address problems as they come up. Mr. Major estimated the personnel cost would be between $15,000420,000 a year for staffing, which would include Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only. In response to Mr. Kanter's inquiry about covering costs by charging"steep"permit fees, Mr. Majors said that would be part of an analysis they would have to undertake and they would not know for a couple of years how many people actually obtain a permit and how much of the cost has been defrayed. Mr. Majors indicated the beach is too small to divide into dog permitted and not-permitted sections. Any proposals would have to be discussed with nearby residents at Ocean Ridge. Mr. Kanter suggested self-policing like a volunteer committee, however, Mr. Majors indicated it would still require oversight and monitoring and it will take 20-40 hours a week to maintain. The meeting was then opened up for public comment. Mr. Todd Walters cautioned that Oceanfront Park is not a suitable location or good candidate for a dog friendly park as it is a centralized and compressed section of beach in Boynton, the area is surrounded by county parks and private property. This park is the only option for beachgoers in the area, and that the logistics will be difficult and would take full cooperation of all dog owners. Mr. Tom McGuire asked if there is an alternate site available. He concurred that dog parks are necessary,but Oceanfront Park would not be a feasible site. As far as times the park would be open for dogs, Mr. Majors recommended March to November daily 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and then again 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and November to March 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and then again 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida March 26, 2018 Ms. Browne-Banc stated that she lives in the area and had received feedback on the idea from residents, some of whom were in favor of a dog park, but the majority objected to having animals on the beach. She pointed out there are beach areas within walking distance where dogs are permitted. The lifeguards do not want added responsibilities and it would be an unwanted burden. She had wanted to talk to the public who would be directly affected. Mr. Majors reiterated they would use park rangers, not lifeguards, to monitor compliance. Mr. Ammons pointed out that Lake Ida has a dog park with large and small dogs separated, expressing concern that there would be no way to separate the animals at Oceanfront Park, further asking about liability to the City for injuries. Mr. Majors replied it would be no different than liability in any other park and they would put up signage showing risks. Mr. Ammons was also concerned that people will not come to the park if they see dogs on the beach. MOTION made by Mr. Kanter, seconded by Ms. Browne-Banc to recommend against allowing dogs at Oceanfront Park. In a voice vote, the motion passed 5-1 (with Ms. Johnston dissenting). V. NEW BUSINESS A. Department Mission Statement Mr. Majors stated he had looked at the mission statement which was simplified and revised to be"Enhance the quality of life in our community." B. Selection of Chair and Vice Chair- tabled to next meeting C. Upcoming Events • Egg-Stravaganza @ Hester Park—Saturday, March 31, 10 A.M. • Concert on the Green @ The Links— Saturday April 21, 3 P.M. VI. ITEMS FOR THE CITY MANAGER'S ATTENTION -none. VII. NEXT MEETING: April 23, 2018 VII. ADJOURNMENT Hearing no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:33 p.m. [Minutes transcribed by L. Edmondson, Prototype, Inc.]