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Minutes 08-26-19 CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH RECREATION&PARKS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING INTRACOASTAL PARK CLUBHOUSE a AUGUST 26, 2019, 6:30 p.m. PRESENT: Betty Pierce-Roe Wally Majors, Recreation and Parks Director Charles Kanter Lisa Tayar, Prototype, Inc Eric Ammon Eugene Fagan Julie Mondello Renee Stern Joshua Van Leuven Brian Bonnell(alternate) Daniel Shapiro (alternate) L CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:32 p.m. by Chair Pierce-Roe. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. IL ATTENDANCE Roll was called, a quorum was present. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Majors gave a brief overview of an informal meeting among several Board members to consider the renaming of Veteran's Memorial Park in honor of Tom Kaiser; the consensus was that the Parks should represent all veterans and not just one individual. However, options are being pursued for some way to recognize Mr. Kaiser's contributions to the park. There were no formal minutes taken, but Mr. Majors will review the past couple of months and provide a summary of cancelled and/or informal meetings and parks tours. A letter announcing the new board members to the City at large was discussed. Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 26, 2019 IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Lifeguard Tower Painting—update Mr. Majors noted Mr. Fagan's suggestion to paint the lifeguard towers is moving forward, a sponsor to provide some of the funding has been secured, and Debby Coles-Dobay, the Public Art Administrator, is on board to promote a colorful and vibrant project. A "call for artists" (bid process) is being developed, permits are not required, and Ms. Coles-Dobay is invited to the next meeting to talk about this. Mr. Fagan commented on the fantastic job at Ocean Park with the new playground and stairs and more. In regards to Ocean Front, the Commission has asked for three more Days at the Beach but to avoid turtle nesting season, so perhaps in November, December, or January. Most of the cost is labor, so a search for sponsors would be helpful. As a reminder, the Board was asked to move forward with organizing a Day at the Beach where dogs are allowed, so it was set for a Saturday morning. It was very well attended and will done again before turtle nesting season in March. A discussion followed on dogs at the beach. Chair Pierce-Roe mentioned painting the Boynton inlet and pump station. Mr. Majors is not receiving much positive feedback, but will pursue it again, perhaps yellow with the Boynton logo on the side. A discussion followed about timing for next painting cycle by the City, and about Peter Agardy, who had done the murals at the boat ramp, among other local artists. B. Possible dog park—Boynton Lake Park Mr. Majors began the discussion regarding a resident's suggestion for a possible dog park at Boynton Lakes Park. A copy of the diagram by Maxwell Greenspan had been distributed and the site was visited by members of the Board. An overview of the possible conversion was given by Mr. Majors. The City is not in the financial position of obtaining any more park space, so there is an obligation to ensure the ability to take care of the area. The System Master Plan does indicate opportunities for partnerships or grants that could allow leverage of other resources to make improvements on existing parks (such as the playground at Barrier Free Park). Preliminary discussions have revealed interest from Realtors' Association and Home Depot, as well as support from the community via volunteers to maintain a dog park. One estimate is installation of a perimeter fence and access gates for $20,000. A discussion on the minutia of maintaining a dog park followed, from pest management to sanitary removal and drainage to liability and basic maintenance. Maxwell Greenspan, resident, laid out several topics for discussion, including the topography of the proposed area, which is basically swampland, near a lake, and the land is always soaked. As such, it is practically two acres of wasted land. A dog park would be impossible right now, so a proposal was made to raise the land with lawn sand and grade it down to the lake, add a French drain to prevent area from flooding to avoid soaking the reservoir with drainage from the top. The whole park could use updating, in particular the exercise equipment, parking spaces, but most importantly the land for more functional usage. Extensive discussion followed on the original proposed uses for the land; the function and cost of a French drain (very expensive and 2 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 26, 2019 labor intensive); other areas in the park as a dog run option. Consensus was to add this item to the next agenda for follow up; Mr. Majors will begin research to get feedback from an engineer for basic feasibility and/or other permits that may be required, as well as budgeting considerations. Perhaps another park will have to be identified as a location for a new dog park. V. NEW BUSINESS A. Josh's (Suicide) Benches for Awareness Mr. Majors announced that a local non-profit created by a woman who lost her son to suicide has approached several cities, including Boynton Beach, to install yellow benches at various locations. The non-profit procures the benches and installs them. One has been installed at Jaycee Park. On September loth, National Suicide Prevention Day, there will be a photoshoot at the installation. Another will be installed at Meadows Park and several other locations. B. Barrier Free Park—east pond enhancement Mr. Majors stated a $30,000 donation is expected from the Realtors' Association of the Palm Beaches and Greater Fort Lauderdale who have been partners for the past seven years in organizing the Barrier 5K Run, Walk, and Roll. The donation will add to funds to take the pond on the east side and add a trail to connect it to the rest of the park, along with a wooden deck that allows those with disabilities to get down to the water's edge to enjoy radio-controlled boats. Ms. Mondello suggested putting a yellow bench there; Mr. Majors said he will mention it as an area where it would be most visible. C. Assistant Director and Cultural Center Management Mr. Majors announced that Kacy Young has been hired as the Assistant Director; formerly from Belle Glade where he was the Recreation and Parks Director. A brief background on education and accomplishments was given. On September 16th, Diane Valentin will join the Department as the Cultural Arts Manager; formerly worked with the Department in the 80s and 90s, Ms. Valentin also ran events for Fort Lauderdale. She will be responsible for programming at the Cultural Center. The new facility won't be ready, but Ms. Valentin will have time to become accustomed to the lay of the land. Mr. Majors spoke about the features of the new cultural center, everything from entertainment (music, theater, dancing) to arts and crafts, self- improvement, playgrounds, and a children's museum. Mr. Young and Ms. Valentin will be invited to attend the next regular meeting. VI. ITEMS FOR THE CITY MANAGER'S ATTENTION --None Chair Pierce-Roe welcomed new Board Members Brian Bonnell and Josh Van Leuven; both introduced themselves and how they came to the Recreation and Parks Board. VII. NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be held on September 23, 2019. 3 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida August 26, 2019 VIII. ADJOURNMENT Hearing no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:43 p.m. Attachments: None [Minutes transcribed by M. Moore,Prototype,Inc.] 4