Minutes 02-24-20 CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH
RECREATION&PARKS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
INTRACOASTAL PARK CLUBHOUSE
FEBRUARY 24, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
PRESENT:
Betty Pierce-Roe, Chair Wally Majors, Recreation and Parks Director
Charles Kanter Sustainability Committee Members
Marsha Bionta Eleanor Krusell, Dir. Public Communications
Julie Mondello (alternate)
ABSENT:
Eric Ammon
Eugene Fagan
Charles Frederick
Joshua Van Leuven
Brian Bonnell (alternate)
L CALL TO ORDER
The informal meeting commenced at 6:34 p.m.
V. NEW BUSINESS
F. Upcoming Events: City's Centennial Celebration
Eleanor Krusell,Director of Public Communications&Marketing, gave a PowerPoint presentation
of the Boynton Beach Centennial Celebration (see attached). Featured were the activities that are
planned, based on budget and volunteer force, as presented to the City Commission. Promotional
activities are underway leading up to the major celebrations in July and then throughout the rest
of the year culminating with the Centennial Parade and Gala in December.
IL ATTENDANCE
No quorum was present.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes for November 25, 2019, and January 27, 2020, were approved by consensus.
IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida February 24, 2020
A. Board Absences
At the last meeting, Mr. Van Leuven had asked if the Board could consider making changes to
the Ordinance that currently does not allow for excused absences to expand beyond three for
Board members who must miss due to military service. The City Manager has agreed that the
item can be brought before the City Attorney to amend that ordinance.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Welcome New Member—Marsha Bionta introduced herself to the Board.
B. Election of Board Chair and Vice-Chair
Due to an absence of quorum, the Board tabled this item to the next meeting.
C. Needs Assessment
Mr. Majors explained that the Needs Assessment is a comprehensive survey to gain feedback from
those who participate in the programs, but also those that don't. A vendor will be hired to assist
in mailing out a questionnaire to a random sampling of residents as well as those in the
unincorporated areas of Boynton Beach.
D. Magic Wheels & Special Deals and Barrier Free 5k
Mr. Majors thanked the Board Members who attended the event which was as popular as ever.
There were an estimated 30 vendors, many of whom are involved in the special needs community.
The Magic Wheels were presented to a young boy, partnering with Chariots of Love (non-profit
that provides wheelchairs to families in need). Chariots of Love has agreed to partner, along with
Joe DiMaggio's Children's Hospital, in the event again next year. There were 237 participants in
the Barrier Free 5k, which generated sizeable revenue for Greater Boynton Beach Foundation.
E. System Master Plan
Mr. Majors stated this item will come before the Board several more times. Every five years the
System Master Plan is updated by looking at the inventory of available facilities that fall under the
realm of Parks &Recreation. The Board will have a say in how the amenities are distributed, how
the public is served, and to identify items to be included going forward. Stakeholders in the
community will be invited to take part in the conversation. There are 30 parks in the City,
including the new dog park.
There will also be some new park space in the Town Square Project, including two beautiful
playgrounds as well as the broad green area for special events. The project is progressing very
well, despite a slight delay with the parking garage. The plan is to hold the first City Commission
meeting in the new City Hall in July. The Cultural Center may get a temporary Certificate of
Occupancy in April to start moving staff into the building. Any Board Member who would like a
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Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida February 24, 2020
tour is to let Mr. Majors know. The new fire station should be completed soon. The new police
station is also close to completion.
VI. ITEMS FOR THE CITY MANAGER'S ATTENTION—None
VII. NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be held on March 23, 2020.
When more Board Members are present, perhaps a discussion can be held about moving some
meetings around to different facilities, as well as visiting some of the parks as well as the Cultural
Center.
Mr. Kanter noted that in The Post there was an article about stolen turtles. Evidently there is an
enormous black market in all breeds of turtles; perhaps this has something to do with the scarcity
of turtles besides the poisons in the lake. Also noted is that the gate going into Quantum Park is
off its hinges and needs to be fixed;perhaps the poachers caused the damage. Mr. Majors spoke
of the MyCivic app for directly reporting such damage and anything else that the City should know
about; response generally happens in less than 24 hours.
It was noted that another Yellow Bench has been placed in Oyer Park. Mr. Majors said there has
also been one put in Meadows Park and, after meeting with the founder of that non-profit
organization, one is going to be put at the golf course. The goal is to have one at each park.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business, Chair Pierce-Roe adjourned the meeting at 7:04 p.m.
Attachments: PowerPoint presentation for City's Centennial Celebration
[Minutes transcribed by M. Moore,Prototype,Inc.]
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