Minutes 01-25-21 CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH
RECREATION& PARKS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
"ZOOM ONLINE MEETING'
JANUARY 25, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
PRESENT: STAFF:
Julie Mondello, Chair Kacy Young, Recreation &Parks Director
Betty Pierce-Roe, Vice Chair Franky Lazo, Parks Superintendent
Joel Barsky Stephanie Soplop, Recreation &
Victor Gaud-Cabrera Assessment Specialist
Charles Kanter Crysta Parkinson, Prototype, Inc.
Jacob Schwartz (alternate)
ABSENT: GUESTS:
Eugene Fagan Jim Czizik, Veterans Task Force
Joshua Van Leuven
Brian Bonnell (alternate)
Mr. Young gave the introductory statement for this Zoom Online Meeting.
L CALL TO ORDER
Chair Mondello called the Zoom Online Meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
IL PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. ROLL CALL
Quorum was present.
IV. AGENDA APPROVAL -- January 25, 2021
Motion by Mr. Kanter, seconded by Vice Chair Pierce-Roe to approve the Agenda for January 21,
2021 In a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -- October 26, 2020
Motion by Mr. Kanter, seconded by Vice Chair Pierce-Roe to approve the Minutes for October
26, 2020. In a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida January 25, 2021
Chair Mondello reported on a committee that nominated City businesses and leaders for awards to
be presented at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance at the City Hall with the Mayor. The
following awards were given:
• Community Leader of the Year-- Tori Orr from Boynton Strong
• Business of the Year -- Pyramid Books
• Educator of the Year-- Rita Simmons
• Non-Profit-- Boynton Beach Coalition of Clergy
• Youth of the Year -- Jeremiah Young
Another event is planned for August, the anniversary of the"I Have a Dream" Speech. Volunteers
are welcome, if anyone is interested in joining. Mr. Young noted the Covid restrictions this year
that kept the function low-key and hoping that the August event will be in-person. There will be
meetings each month leading up to that event.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Introductions of New Board Members
Mr. Young welcomed the new board members, Joel Barsky and Victor Gaud-Cabrera,who in turn
introduced themselves to the Board and public.
B. Parks Superintendent Introduction
Mr. Young gave background on the Parks Superintendent position as a liaison between the Public
Works Department and the Recreation & Parks Department for management of projects in the
parks. Some of these projects are the parking lot lights at Oyer Park and the field renovations at
Little League Park for the upcoming season. Mr. Young introduced Franky Lazo, Parks
Superintendent.
[Mr. Kanter left the meeting at 6:45]
Mr. Lazo gave his background experience, his Master's Degree in Park Management, and his
familiarity with programming and activities in the parks. Some highlights discussed were:
• Lights, retrofitting with LED
• Playgrounds and maintenance cycles
• Refurbishing park signs with funding from CIP
• Fencing work at Seacrest and Kapok Park
• Working toward standardizing parks
o Mismatched fencing, benches,picnic tables
o Landscape architecture
o Use of aluminum fencing near salt water
o Recycled plastic for sustainability
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Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida January 25, 2021
The standardization of the parks was discussed, the work will be accomplished bit by bit across
the City throughout the year as budgets allows, that a 7-10 year life cycle is expected on the
renovations, and that mix-and-match is harder than standard fixtures used throughout the City.
The fixtures are being put out to bid to get what is specifically wanted and to buy directly from
manufacturer. Mr. Lazo is making rounds and evaluating facilities to begin renovations as soon
as possible (Betty Thomas is currently underway with benches,tables, trashcans, trees). Hester is
next, and the football field. Each park is being considered individually to remain openminded and
not caught thinking inside a box.
Regarding Little League Park renovations: Working on getting all the fields up to the standards
where they should be, replacing mismatched outfield fences and rebuilding the mounds. Funding
from CII' is expected for more work to be done in the summer. Mr. Young commended Mr. Lazo's
ideas and efforts dealing with both sides of the Department.
Ms. Pierce-Roe noticed a big sign about renovations at Oyer Park;wondering if this might include
some sort of fish cleaning stations which most boat ramps have or at least water available to wash
things off. Also, regarding dredging the channel every 7-10 years, where are we on this? Mr.
Young said the dredging is scheduled for this year as part of Palm Beach County's efforts to dredge
the entire channel. Ms. Roe also wondered if solar panels could be used for lighting the channel
markers. Mr. Young had no information on that,but will definitely bring it to the table for moving
forward with the channel, along with a couple other grants like the one for renovating Oyer Park
and the Boat Ramp. Mr. Lazo added that the fish cleaning station is something he can put in with
the Director of Public Works. Ms.Roe noted that fishing pier gets used a lot by families, especially
in times of Covid when many places are closed down.
Mr. Lazo closed with update on Ocean Front Park, where trimming of sea grapes has begun to
accomplish a full view to the beach from all areas. Permits have been received to complete clearing
the ridge for a full view of the bridge and sand from up top.
C. Magic Wheels & Special Deals Special Event
Stephanie Soplop gave a PowerPoint presentation for the event(see attached) scheduled for:
• Saturday, February 13, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Barrier Free Park, 3111 S. Congress Ave.
• Magic Wheels: people volunteer to build a custom design around a child's wheelchair
or other adaptive equipment to be mobile.
o Local child selected: 2-1/2 year old girl named Zoe, who has Cerebral Palsy
• Theme determined, but no spoiler alert! It will all be a surprise at the event.
• Volunteers have begun construction.
• Led by Valerie Mathew of Chariots of Love, organization donates adaptive wheelchairs
to children and young adults (a $32,000 wheelchair had been donated that week).
• Previous years magic wheelchairs:
0 2016 —Bella's Cinderella's Carriage
0 2017 —Emma's Purple Camaro
0 2018 —Josh's Lightning McQueen
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Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida January 25, 2021
0 2019 —Nathan's Cool Blue Truck
0 2020 —Amir's Black Panther Throne
• Special Deals:
o Vendors will be onsite
o Virtual social media posts for vendors unable to participate in person
■ Will be included on Boynton Facebook Page
o Non-profit organizations and Micro-enterprises support people with disabilities
or made by people with disabilities
o Safety First:
■ Practicing social distancing
■ Staff and vendors wearing and handing out masks to those who need
one
■ Hand-sanitizer available onsite
Ms. Roe asked about food trucks. Ms. Soplop said they are awaiting confirmation from a food
truck. General discussion followed on this and other upcoming events coping with Covid
restrictions. Mr. Young asked if the Board approves of moving events to Centennial Park in 2022;
general consensus was given. Other ideas were launched, such as incorporating green markets and
a blood draw/antibody testing. Ms. Soplop said her group has been considering both of these,
especially the Blood Mobile at the drive-through Earth Day Event.
Ms. Roe and Mr.Young discussed several ideas for plans to continue promoting Barrier Free Park.
Mr. Young asked for input/recommendations for community sponsor(s) for the 5K Run Barrier
Free Park this year. Several suggestions (Joe DiMaggio and Realtors Association) were made.
Again, ideas in general discussion followed. Ms. Roe asked for an email to the entire Board for
the fees for the different sponsorship levels; Mr. Young will follow through.
VIII. PUBLIC AUDIENCE
• Jim Czizik, Veterans Task Force, promoted the Four Chaplains Event, Wednesday,
February 3, at Tom Kaiser Memorial Park at noon. The Four Chaplains is a traditional
annual memorial since 1943, recognizing the four chaplains giving comfort during a
torpedoed troop ship who gave up their life jackets and perished. It is a short service,
less than an hour. Normally held in churches, this year due to Covid it will be held in
Tom Keiser Park. Mr. Young added that Mr. Czizik and Veterans Task Force have
done an excellent job organizing events at Tom Kaiser Park and that the Veterans Day
event was well attended.
IX. ITEMS FOR THE CITY MANAGER'S ATTENTION -- None
Update on the Little Library Project: First ones were installed on January 22nd at Ocean Front
Park,Barrier Free, and Sara Sims. The Little Library is a partnership between Recreation&Parks
and the Library, take a book or donate a book. Goal is to choose locations where people could
come and use the area to sit and read. Depending on the response to these first three, the project
will look at other parks to bring before the Board for suggestions on locations.
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Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida January 25, 2021
Ms. Roe suggested Little Libraries over near Intercoastal Park and the Little Amphitheater by the
Library, and noted a private one over near East Ocean Avenue at the beach; also she has noticed
where people have done this idea with snacks in some communities. Mr. Lazo added that
Hollywood started doing the Little Libraries in Community Centers.
X. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
A. Hester Center Improvements
Mr. Young said a report is still to be determined as the plans are still being finalized. Once past
the idea phase, a report will be brought to the Board. Plans are in the works to renovate Palmetto
Linear Park, so this, too, will be brought to the Board for their ideas.
B. Eco Park Workshop
As a reminder,Mr. Young noted this Board's Eco Park Workshop to be held on January 27 at 6:00
p.m. to open up discussions with the community for ideas for Eco Park. A grant for additional
funding from the Quantum District for development of the park is in progress. Currently it is only
a parking lot, recently built in partnership with business across the street. This 60 acre site is
themed as a nature preserve, but still room for kayaks, walking trails, and bike trails. Chair
Mondello gave the new Board Members a quick overview of this new park and the plans for the
site, with Mr. Young and Mr. Lazo adding background. General discussion followed, especially
how this park could contribute to the High Schools' volunteer hours program as it's out of doors.
Mr. Young mentioned that on January 22nd the Senior Center turned into a POV (Pod of
Vaccination) and were able to provide vaccinations to Seniors 65+, administered by the Fire
Department, and serving 170 seniors. All hands on decks among Recreation & Parks, the ADA,
Police Department, ITS, and Fire Department. It was a seamless event, by appointment only, and
all we very well,very well organized,and a lot of compliments received. Boosters will be provided
as a follow-up in 28 days. Appointments were made through the City's website.
And speaking of the Senior Center, AARP has been approached to provide free tax services,
though a start date has not yet been set nor has a Covid safety environment been finalized. Senior
lunches are available daily 11-12:30 as a drive through. Staff continues to call seniors to check in
and let them know they are being thought of.
XI. THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 22, 2021.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business, Chair Mondello adjourned the meeting at 7:47 p.m.
Attachments: PowerPoint Presentation: Magic Wheels & Special Deals Event
[Minutes transcribed by M.Moore,Prototype,Inc.]
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