Minutes 01-24-22 CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH
RECREATION&PARKS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
100 E. Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach
January 24, 2022, 6:30 p.m.
PRESENT- STAFF-
Julie Mondello, Chair Kacy Young, Recreation & Parks Director
Elizabeth Pierce-Roe, Vice Chair Mary DeGraffenreidt, Recreation Manager
Charles Kanter Stephanie Soplop, ADA Title II Coordinator for
Eugene Fagan the City of Boynton Beach
Fernando Patterson Frank Ireland, Recreation Department
Sean Conklin Supervisor
Dan Winters, Sr., Alternate Franky Lazo, Assistant Recreation & Parks
Geoffrey Campbell, Alternate Director
Gary Dunmyer, Assistant City Engineer
Glenn Weiss, Public Art Program
ABSENT- Lisa Tayar, Prototype, Inc.
James Jenkins
I. Call to Order
Chair Mondello called the meeting to order at 6.33 p.m.
11. Pledge of Allegiance
111. Roll Call
Roll was called and a quorum was present.
IV. Agenda Approval — January 24, 2022
Motion duly made and seconded by Vice Chair Pierce-Roe, for the January 24, 2022,
agenda approval. In a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously (8-0).
V. Approval of Minutes — December 20, 2021
Motion made by Mr. Kanter, and seconded by Vice Chair Pierce-Roe, to approve Minutes
for the December 20, 2021 meeting. In a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously (8-
0).
VI. Unfinished Business
a. Slash Pine Tree Seedling Planting Project
Mr. Fagan reported about 100 seedlings were given away at the Martin Luther King, Jr.,
event. The seedlings were grown by the State of Florida and as they were getting ready
Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida January 24, 2022
to plant, he found out the seedlings are not a Palm Beach County variant; therefore, the
trees were not planted at the parks. If they are going to restore the parks, he suggested
putting in the exact trees with the South Florida version, which they are currently looking
for. He spoke with people of Community Greening, and they would like to have the Palm
Beach variant of the palm trees.
Chair Mondello questioned if there was any other place to plant the seedlings.
Mr. Young stated the Sustainable Development Coordinator, Rebecca Harvey, had
seedlings at her table during the Martin Luther King, Jr. event. She gave instructions to
anyone who took a tree regarding how and where to plant them. Ms. Harvey also reached
out to Galaxy Elementary School; they have an Environmental Club, to see if they would
accept some of the seedlings as a science project, not necessarily for planting purposes.
She also reached out to other schools in the area to see if they were interested.
Chair Mondello indicated she would email a list of all the Principals to Ms. Harvey and
see if she wants her to send an email to them.
VII. New Business
a. Black History Month Celebration- February 26, 2022
Mary DeGraffenreidt, Recreation Manager, announced the Black History Month
Celebration Event, which will celebrate Black History Month with historical educational
lectures, a variety of family friendly activities, a gospel concert, praise dancing, etc. There
will be a lot of youth activities, an art display, vendors, and food trucks. They are working
with Boynton Beach Clergy to plan this event, and this is the first time they have planned
this. She invited everyone to celebrate with them. As of this date, there are roughly 24
stage performances, a lot of youth, and an inspirational speaker. This event will take place
on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at Sara Sims Park, at 209 NW 9t" Avenue, from 12:00
p.m. to 6:00 p.m. There will be people hosting individual educational lessons about Black
History Month and the purpose of Black History Month; they want to reach out to a lot of
the youth and community. Their goal is to bridge the gap; they want to bring unity back to
the community with something positive. They are trying to bring out different Book Clubs;
vendors will be passing out health information, and they are trying to work with Feeding
South Florida to bring out some fresh fruit. The Recreation Department will have an exhibit
with different activities and games.
b. Magic Wheels & Special Deals — February 11, 2022
Mr. Fagan disclosed he is the Chair of the Greater Boynton Beach Foundation, who is
hosting this event.
Mr. Young stated there is not a conflict since there is not a vote
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Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida January 24, 2022
Stephanie Soplop, ADA Title I I Coordinator for the City of Boynton Beach, provided a brief
Power Point presentation.
• This special event is being held at Centennial Park at City Hall, 120 East Ocean
Avenue, on Friday, February 11, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., instead of
Barrier Free Park. This is the fifth time having the Magic Wheels and Special Deals
event and the sixth time they have given a child a Magic Wheel.
• The morning after the Magic Wheels event, they have the Barrier Free 5k race,
which is a walk, run, or roll. People can sign up for the 5k or the one-mile race.
Proceeds for the registration of the 5k go towards expanding Barrier Free Park,
which is on South Congress Avenue, that has accessible workout and playground
equipment.
• Magic Wheels is a special custom-built design for a child who uses a wheelchair
or another type of mobility device.
• A local child, Jason, 12 years old, born with Cerebral Palsy, has been selected to
receive a Magic Wheels this year and the theme has already been determined.
Volunteers are working hard building the Magic Wheels and if anyone is interested,
they will have to attend the event to see the unveiling of the Magic Wheels. Jason
will be the honorary starter of the 5k race at Barrier Free Park on Saturday, May
12, 2022, at 7:30 a.m.
• Previous years' recipients and pictures were shown.
• There is a lot of community support, which makes the children feel more supported
and gives them a day of joy, happiness, and fun.
• Special Deals has vendors on site. There are non-profit organizations that support
individuals with disabilities, and Micro Enterprises, which are some groups who
have individuals with disabilities who learn and create products.
• A list of participating vendors was shown.
• Safety Covid precautions include six hand sanitizing stands and encouragement
of social distancing.
• Joe DiMaggio Children's Health Special Center is again sponsoring the event.
• Chariots of Love build the Magic Wheels; they donate wheelchairs to children who
need them for free.
Frank Ireland, Recreation Department Supervisor, announced the Comedy R'Us event,
which will be held this Friday, January 28, 2022, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Arts
and Cultural Center. The headline is Mr. Carl Rimi, who has been working as a comedian
for over 20 years. We hosted this once before and it was semi-successful, but this one
has taken off. Two sponsors played a major role: One Main Financial and Healthier of
Boynton Beach. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door; food and beverages will
be sold at the venue. Tickets can be purchased at the Arts and Cultural Center at City
Hall at the Registration Office or online.
c. Officer Joseph Crowder Dog Park Maintenance Report
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Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida January 24, 2022
Franky Lazo, Assistant Parks & Recreation Director, provided a brief Power Point
presentation.
• There is a 20-year maintenance agreement between the City of Boynton Beach
and the Master Association, Inc., which started June 1, 2020, and expires June 1,
2040.
• Cayco Landscaping is a vendor who currently performs maintenance at the park
and at various locations.
• Highlights of the agreement include weekly, monthly, bi-weekly, and quarterly
Association responsibilities as needed. They report anything beyond reasonable
maintenance to the City.
• City responsibilities were highlighted, which are conducted five days a week and
as needed.
• There are 36 maintenance services per year and landscaping is usually every
seven to ten days. It was noted that Cayco is customer first and they are easy to
work with; he sees them at the park every week.
• Pictures of the park and amenities were shown.
• A walking trail was mentioned along with different aesthetic things that could help
with maintenance.
Mr. Fagan suggested installing an ADA latch lever.
Mr. Lazo stated there are always improvements that can be made, so he will check into
options. They will continue working with the Master Association regarding improvements.
Mr. Conklin asked if there is a way for the public to provide feedback or suggestions for
the park.
Vice Chair Pierce-Roe mentioned this park is a little different. When the City first
considered parks, they could not find funds to maintain the park.
Mr. Lazo advised all improvements must be approved by the Master Association.
Vice Chair Pierce-Roe commented that over the years, when the time changed, the Board
took one of their vans and went to the different parks. The first year, she made up a card
for each park and handed it to each of the volunteers, so they could write their thoughts
as they went to the parks, and Board suggestions were brought to the Manager's
attention. Perhaps when the time changes, the Board could meet a half an hour earlier,
get on the bus, pick three or four parks in a certain area, and review and survey the parks.
Mr. Young stated that is something to consider, but the public can go onto the Boynton
Beach app and make recommendations and suggestions, and they can communicate
with the departments. There is also a web submission where the public can email the
departments.
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Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida January 24, 2022
d. Harvey E. Oyer Jr. Park Channel Dredging Update
Gary Dunmyer, Assistant City Engineer, provided an update on the Harvey E. Oyer Jr.,
Park channel dredging. This project is being undertaken by the County and they were
asked to include this channel, which leads into their Intracoastal channel. Permits will be
issued around March 2022, but the problem is that is the middle of turtle season;
therefore, the project will probably be delayed until October.
e. Sara Sims Park Amphitheatre Mural Project
Glenn Weiss, runs the Public Art Program for the City of Boynton Beach, and he also
collaborates a lot with the Parks Department. He mentioned the show currently at the Arts
and Culture Center. There was a show in December with two pieces of artwork by Frank
Ireland. City employees are encouraged to participate. He spoke about the Sara Sims
Park Amphitheater Mural Project, which was a direct request from Vice Mayor Hayes after
seeing the completed work. The construction of the amphitheater is excellent; it shows
the mockup of colors and style of painting by a chosen artist in Palm Beach County, who
will make a new mural for the amphitheater. All the panels turn, so one side will have a
mural and the other side will be the gray and depending on where you want the mural
during your show, the panels can turn around. The materials used will last about seven
years in the full sun and if in the shade, it could last longer. It is relatively inexpensive,
maybe $5,000 for the whole thing. They hope to have the drawing finished by the end of
February or March for approval, and at that time there will also be a contract in place for
the printers.
Mr. Fagan questioned if there was any special night lighting.
Mr. Weiss replied that has not been part of the project.
Mr. Young indicated the park closes at sunset, so it might not be a good idea to promote
at night; they have not had that discussion. This is not a permanent structure because the
panels can flip, and different things can be added. He noted there is a good backdrop for
events.
Vice Chair Pierce-Roe mentioned a mural at the pump station on the Inlet. She has
someone who might be interested and said she would forward his name and number.
Mr. Fagan stated there are special procedures to go through in Palm Beach County to
request Art in Public Places. He has those procedures, and they are currently in the
process of filling them out. He advised that the Grater Boynton Beach Foundation, which
he is a part of, is spearheading this, but there are many other people involved.
Mr. Weiss indicated this is Palm Beach County and they have their own process. They
will help, but the County has complete authority.
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Meeting Minutes - Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
Boynton Beach, Florida January 24, 2022
VIII. Public Audience
Ernest Mignoli, 710 NE 7t" Street, Boynton Beach, Florida, mentioned problems with the
Condominium Association regarding garbage and washup from the Intracoastal, constant
flooding of saltwater invading buildings, and there is no help from any departments. They
are inundated with vermin, rats, insects, and serious structural problems caused by parks
as well as Federal, State, and County properties, which are not maintained and there is
no Police control. He believes it is a disgrace between the Church, the City, and
whomever, that the park by St. Mark's Church has been closed for two years. Illegal
marinas are being built, causing flooding, and he cannot get anyone to help. He is hoping
the Recreation Committee can help him get five venues or one place where there can be
five three-hour political debates for the Mayoral Election.
Mr. Fagan asked if King Tides go over the seawall.
Mr. Mignoli indicated the seawall has not been maintained for 20 years because the two
Homeowner's Associations do not want to fix, so it collapsed into the water. The City
needs to force Homeowner's Associations to rebuild seawalls.
IX. Items for the City Manager's Attention — None.
X. Future Agenda Items
• Recap of Magic Wheels.
• Updates on Eco Park at Quantum Park.
• Update on project on hold due to grants.
XI. Next Meeting — February 28, 2022
VII. Adjournment
With no further business to discuss, upon motion duly made and seconded, Chair
Mondello adjourned the meeting at 7:39 p.m.
[Minutes transcribed by C. Guifarro, Prototype, Inc.]
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