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Minutes 07-26-21 CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH RECREATION& PARKS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING 100 E. Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach July 26, 2021, 6:30 p.m. PRESENT: STAFF: Julie Mondello, Chair Kacy Young, Recreation & Parks Director Eugene Fagan Lisa Tayar, Prototype, Inc. Charles Kanter James Jenkins ABSENT: Jo6l Barsky Elizabeth Pierce-Roe, Vice Chair Victor Gaud GUESTS: Mark Cassini, Community Greening Dondre McCrary, Community Greening I. Call to Order Chair Mondello called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. II. Pledge of Allegiance III. Roll Call Roll was called and a quorum was present. IV. Agenda Approval — July 26, 2021 Motion duly made and seconded for the July 26, 2021 agenda approval. In a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously (4-0). V. Approval of Minutes — June 28, 2021 It was noted that Charles Kanter was not present at the last meeting and the minutes should reflect the absence. Motion duly made and seconded for the June 28, 2021 meeting as amended. In a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously (4-0). VI. Unfinished Business - None. VII. New Business Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida July 26, 2021 a. Introduction of New Board Member Mr. Jenkins introduced himself. Mr. Young, Recreation and Parks Director, welcomed Mr. Jenkins. b. Community Greening Tree Planting Mark Cassini, Co-founder and Co-Director of Community Greening, and Dondre McCrary, Education and Outreach Coordinator, were present. Mr. Cassini provided a history of the company and a brief Power Point presentation. The company has a diverse group of Board members, and they are a member of the Alliance for Community Trees, which is an Arbor Day Foundation. They have a partnership with Florida Forest Service Char promotes trees as green infrastructure in cities and they are working with Rebeca Harvey, Sustainability Coordinator of the City, the Parks Department, and with the Mayor and City Commission on getting a tree campaign in Delray, Boynton, and Boca Raton. The campaign in Boynton is for 45,000 trees until 2035. Programming is based on planting trees where they are most needed and there are six different programs. Grants were used to plant trees at Betty Thomas Park and Sara Sims Park. Plantings are scheduled at the Carolyn Sims Center on August 7, 2021 and August 21, 2021, and at the Harvey Oyer Park on September 11, 2021. They expose people to the park systems and a lot is done on social media and through newsletters. All trees planted for the park system are kept in a database, which provides environmental benefits. Mr. McCrary explained that the Youth Tree Team is a group of high school students who fulfill their mission, which is to increase the tree canopy in areas where it is needed, generally in low-income neighborhoods. He teaches about the environment, green jobs and resources, and team building. Goals are in tree planting, green spaces, education, and developing a healthy organization. They get corporate sponsorships and are trying to get more partnerships with Boynton businesses. Their team consists of about 12 people, and they have won some State Awards. Mr. Young mentioned plantings scheduled in the next couple weeks and questioned if those designs were available, so the Board could provide recommendations and ask questions. Chair Mondello questioned if they promote volunteer hours for high school and middle school students. Mr. McCrary advised there are things volunteers can do on a consistent basis. If anyone 2 Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida July 26, 2021 wants to volunteer, they can email or sign up on the website. There will be plenty of opportunities for students to be part of the Youth Team or to volunteer for service hours. They have CGI Fridays, where they go to a random park and do a maintenance day for a few hours with high school students. Mr. Cassini showed the plans for plantings at the Carolyn Sims Center. Shade will be added along the south and east side on the sidewalk and a few trees will be planted along the border of NW 3rd. Trees under power lines are the right tree-right place, based on FP&L. Mr. Young commented that while planting along sidewalks they must keep in mind that the roots damage sidewalks. He pointed out a split rail fence along the border where trees are being planted at Carolyn Sims Park that they sometimes have trouble maintaining. The plan is to remove the split rail fence and allow trees to provide shade as well as a barrier for the park. He mentioned a fence in the rear off NW 3rd and stated that would provide a barrier along that end as well. Mr. Fagan mentioned the walkway along the Boynton Canal and noted there are no trees. He suggested a Lineal Park with nice trees; it would greatly improve the neighborhood and raise home values. Mr. Cassini agreed. He has heard conversation amongst City staff and knows there are improvements currently going on with whoever manages the canal. They would love to do the suggested project. Mr. Young advised that area has been considered as far as adding trees along the walkway, but it is an environmental permitting issue. A permit must be obtained to do the project, which they have been unable to do. Mr. Kanter mentioned a previous discussion regarding Quantum Park and the need for trees. Mr. Young stated that they looked at the project, but it was not the Community Greening project, it was the project previously discussed where they were going to purchase Slash Pines and plant them in that location. Mr. Fagan indicated that 1,000 trees were ordered. and they will be here in January. Mr. Cassini commented on empty tree holes, so they chose Simpson Stoppers, which are native trees, but they are traffic friendly and will not disturb the cement. This project will be done on August 7, 2021 , and it will not be done with the public; they are going to work with the Police Department to close to the two streets. Neighbors can help, but they are also working with the Youth Tree Team and about 20 teams from Boynton and Delray. Mr. Cassini advised that they have walked Harvey Oyer Park and the project will begin 3 Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida July 26, 2021 on September 11, 2021. He noted that the park floods and trees will help with that. He mentioned that they would like to add trees at Heritage Park on the corner of MILK and Seacrest. Mr. Young stated that Heritage Park is smaller and there is a memorial plaque recognizing MILK Committee Members and Community Members throughout the years. Another planting they are looking into is behind the digital marquis on the corner of MILK and Seacrest. Mr. Jenkins questioned when they are going to do the project at Heritage Park and noted that he is in favor of the project. Mr. Cassini indicated that the project is scheduled for September 25, 2021. Mr. Young mentioned that the south end of Oyer Park is a flooded marshy area, and the idea is to put trees in to enhance the area, to keep people from walking there, and to add shade to the parking lot. The wall at the north end of the park has been removed and a new eight-foot wall will be installed with new trees; eventually there will be a renovated boat ramp. c. Needs Assessment Presentation Mr. Young advised that attempts have been made to set up a Zoom link, but there have been some availability issues with the vendor. A Zoom link was set up tonight so the presentation on the Needs Assessment could be provided; however, the vendor did not join. Chair Mondello questioned if the vendor could provide some straight facts to the Board for review and if he is having trouble making time, perhaps the Board could discuss the facts. Mr. Young indicated that he would request a copy of the report and provide an update at the next meeting. VIII. Public Audience — None. Mr. Young advised that invites could be sent to public organizations if anyone had any suggestions. IX. Items for the City Manager's Attention — None. X. Future Agenda Items 4 Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida July 26, 2021 Chair Mondello stated that the Needs Assessment report would be provided. Mr. Kanter commended the City for removing vines from the hardwood trees along Quantum Boulevard; they did a beautiful job, and the trees were saved. Mr. Young stated that he would forward the comment to Public Works. Mr. Young advised that the Arts & Cultural Center has been open about a year and an update will be provided on what has taken place this past year and what the future holds for the Center. Recently, they were able to have rental fees approved and a list of new programs coming forth next year. An update will be provided in the future. He stated that one of the events planned for the Arts & Cultural Center is "Fall Into the Arts", which will be a Fall walk-thru event. Chair Mondello commented that the August 28, 2021 MILK event was moved to City Hall because there is no place to perform. There will be buses, food trucks, entertainment, etc. Artwork will be displayed in the Arts & Cultural Center, and it could be like a Grand Opening for the Center. XI. Next Meeting —August 23, 2021. VII. Adjournment With no further business to discuss, upon motion duly made and seconded, Chair Mondello adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m. [Minutes transcribed by C. Guifarro, Prototype, Inc.] 5