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Minutes 04-09-92MINUTES OF THE JOINT WORKSHOP OF THE CITY COMMISSION AND THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD, HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 1992, AT 7:00 P. M. PRESENT Arline Weiner, Mayor Lynne Matson, Vice Mayor Jose Aguila, Commissioner Edward Harmening, Commissioner Robert Walshak, Commissioner Recreation and Parks Board Dr. Patrick Shepherd, Chairman Edward Harris, Vice Chairman Lillian Artis Larry Leathers Nathaniel Weinshel Charles Frederick, Recreation & Parks Director I. OPENING A. Call to Order Mayor Weiner called the meeting to order at 7:00 P. M. II. OPENING COMMENTS A. Introduction of Recreation and Parks Board Mayor Weiner introduced the members of the Recreation and Parks Board. B. Format for Workshop There was consensus for Mr. Frederick to give an overview, Mr. Park make a presentation, and then the public and members of the Recreation and Parks Board and the City Commission will express their views. III. OVERVIEW OF PARK PLANNING AND ACTION TO DATE A. Recreation and Parks Director - Charles C. Frederick Mr. Frederick advised that in August and September meetings were held with the citizens, after which a workshop with the Commission and Parks Board was held to discuss the issues before any plans were drawn. Conceptual drawings of the sites will be presented for the first time tonight for comment. He hoped to obtain a consensus so that one plan for each site could be put into final form. MINUTES - JOINT WORKSHOP OF THE CITY COMMISSION AND RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1992 IV. DISCUSSION OF THE BOYNTON LAKES PARK SITE A. Gee & Jenson Jim Park of Gee & Jenson reviewed Concept 1. He said the resi- dents expressed concern about liability because the retention pond, which the homeowners' association owns, is next to the park. Thirty-six residents were present at the public meeting in August and suggested a heart trail, a playground for toddlers, a playground for elementary school children, shaded seating, a pavilion near the playgrounds, an unlit basketball court, a rollerskating path, and an open space to fly kites. The resi- dents opposed having restrooms on the site. On March 19, 1992, a public viewing was held. Nineteen responses were received from a questionnaire that was distributed. Fifteen responded in favor of Concept 1. Mr. Park said this eight acre site is large enough for six football fields; however Concept 1 shows very limited development of the property. This concept contains a half mile heart trail and a six foot high fence along the property line, adjacent to the property owned by the homeowners' association. Commissioner Harmening asked what kind of fence would be installed. Mr. Park indicated it would be a chain link fence painted black, or with black vinyl, and backed up with shrubbery. Mr. Park stated there would be two playgrounds but no parking or restrooms on the site. It is a perimeter landscape concept with berms along Boynton Lakes Boulevard and the retention pond. The only activity would be from the two playgrounds and the gazebo that is situated between them. Mr. Park advised that some residents expressed the need for some security lighting, and he suggested installing this security lighting in the area of the gazebo and playgrounds. Mr. Park felt the only way to make this park economically feasible is to excavate land from the center of the site and pile it up on the berms along Boynton Lakes Boulevard. The buffer on the pond side near the residents would be more heavier landscaped and higher. Mr. Park said this concept is minimum improvement for the park and represents the desires of three fourths of the people he talked to. This plan does not show any active recreation. Mayor Weiner wanted benches around the playgrounds and the playgrounds shaded. She said the playground equipment should not be plastic, steel or metal because this would make the play area MINUTES - JOINT WORKSHOP OF THE CITY COMMISSION AND RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1992 unusable from May through October. Mr. Park agreed and said he would probably ring both playgrounds with a row of canopy trees which would provide a shaded area anytime during the day. He added that the residents indicated they wanted the playground for the toddlers fenced. Commissioner Aguila asked how Mr. Park intended to end the six foot fence along the lake. Mr. Park suggested it could be ended with a decorative wall. Mr. Park reviewed Concept 2 which shows how the site could be used more intensively. He said the vast majority of the resi- dents were not in favor of this concept. John Kelly of 5 East Chesterfield Drive said there were approxi- mately one hundred people at the conceptual viewing, not thirty- six as Mr. Park stated. He said he did not recall the fence on the south and west sides ever being mentioned at either of the meetings and felt it would totally destroy beautification. He was in favor of Concept 1 and opposed to Concept 2. Commissioner Harmening felt a green, vinyl clad chain link fence would barely be visible in a wooded or shrubbed area. He suggested a four foot fence placed back in the trees, not on the property line. Mr. Kelly felt tots and elementary school children would be able to go around the first house on East Chesterfield Drive to get into the lake. He felt an active park would completely destroy his quality of life and that property values would drop. He expressed concern about noise, clutter, drug and alcohol abuse, and crime that might be encouraged by Concept 2. He asked for full support of the overwhelming wishes of the majority in his community for a passive park. A1 Iasimone of Paxford Lane spoke against an active park and in favor of a passive park to keep the development free from problems. Commissioner Harmening stated he supports the concept of a passive park wholeheartedly. Arthur Nedleman of 8 Verwood Way was in support of a passive park and felt it would enhance property values. He said there is no way for outsiders to come into the park because parking is not provided. He felt Concept 2 was unacceptable. With regard to the lake, he felt a decent, attractive fence would eliminate the problem and help with liability insurance. MINUTES - JOINT WORKSHOP OF THE CITY COMMISSION AND RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1992 Mayor Weiner said if the chain link fence is aesthetically offen- sive, arrangements could be made to cover it with a floral adorn- ment type vine. Jane Kelly of 5 East Chesterfield Drive supported a passive park but opposed the fence. She did not think it would keep the children out. She said they have total access to the lake now, but she has not seen any children there. Vice Mayor Matson pointed out that when the two playgrounds are built, children will be gravitating to the park. Linda Grub of 6 Redford Drive agreed a fence should be around the lake, set back into the landscape area, to prevent it from being an eyesore to the homeowners. She said the representative of the Parks Department was the only one who voiced anything in regard to a sand volleyball court. She was opposed to access coming in from the private street. She felt no need for restrooms or parking lots since this is a community park. Joe Pontrello of 13 East Chesterfield Drive spoke in support of a passive park. Joseph Taibi of 9 West Chesterfield Drive fully supported Concept 1. Jerry Garfinkel of 1 Kyle Way fully supported Concept 1. B. Commission and Board Discussion Vice Mayor Matson stated it must be kept in mind that this park in Boynton Lakes is the only park that is in the middle of a neighborhood, and according to the City's Comprehensive Plan, a neighborhood park is a walk-in park and should not impact the residents or anyone in the area. In addition, there are four parks within walking distance to one another and the children do not have to cross Congress Avenue to get to the sports complex that is going to be in Quantum Park. She felt the two play areas in this park were very much needed because the children in this community were not taken into consideration by the developer and that children need a place to play and vent their creativity. She was opposed to the parking and restrooms. She was in favor of exercise stations along the exercise trail, more shade and benches in the playgrounds, and a small bocci court. Commissioner Harmening was in favor of Concept 1 and thought a green vinyl fence three or four feet from the property line would render itself totally invisible in a very short period of time. He felt there should be benches along the heart trail. 4 MINUTES - JOINT WORKSHOP OF THE CITY COMMISSION AND RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1992 Commissioner Aguila felt Concept 1 answered the needs of the people who are going to use the park. He felt the gazebo was a good idea in case of rain. He saw no need for a sign at the entrance of the park. He suggested a walking path instead of a heart trail. He agreed there should be a fence as a deterrent to keep people out of the lake. Commissioner Walshak favored Concept 1 and agreed with Commissioner Aguila's suggestions. Mayor Weiner felt the gazebo was too far away from the playgrounds for the mothers to sit and watch their children and, therefore, wanted plenty of benches. She stressed the necessity for shade and that the play equipment not be made of steel or plastic. Mr. Weinshel was in favor of Concept 1 with the gazebo left in. Dr. Shepherd was in favor of Concept 1; however, found it odd that there was only one entrance and that the people at the north end would have to walk all the way down to the other end to get into the park. Mr. Park indicated there could be a connection made to the walking path. Mr. Harris, Ms. Artis, and Mr. Leathers were in favor of Concept 1. Mr. Frederick read a letter from George smith, a member of the Recreation and Parks Board who was unable to attend the meeting, indicating Mr. Smith's opposition to Concept 1 and his preference for Concept 2. Commissioner Aguila moved to approve Concept 1, incorporating the comments made at this meeting by the Recreation and Parks Board and the City Commission. Commissioner Harmening seconded the motion which carried 5-0. In response to someone in the audience, Mr. Frederick advised that there is a City ordinance which prohibits dogs or animals in public parks. V. DISCUSSION OF MEADOWS #2 PARK SITE A. Gee & Jenson Mr. Park advised that from the March viewing he had ten responses to a questionnaire. Four of those ten supported Concept 1 which is an active use concept with tennis courts, sand volleyball, basketball, restrooms, horseshoe pits, and two playgrounds with a MINUTES - JOINT WORKSHOP OF THE CITY COMMISSION AND RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1992 gazebo. Six supported a less intensive use. The Minutes of the September meeting indicate unanimity from the residents who live on the west side of the park and who would be most directly affected by this park, that this should be an active park for a wide range of ages, with lit facilities toward Congress Avenue and the quieter uses on the west side of the site. Some of the uses suggested at the September meeting were a bike and heart trail, basketball courts, lit tennis courts, a playground, sand volleyball, horseshoe pits, 'racquetball, a quiet area, and a decorative fountain, which are all incorporated in Concept 1. Mr. Park did not think fencing was needed because there is no4 water hazard, and he felt the berm, landscaping and trees would effectively block any noise and lighting problems. Mr. Park said this plan was done without the knowledge that it may be possible to arrange for the City to takeover the recreational facilities owned by the Meadows 300 Homeowners' Association. Mr. Frederick advised that at this time, the Board of Directors of this homeowners' association is not interested in a joint program. Mr. Leathers stated that the Board of Directors has some new mem- bers now and he knows of two of the members who are interested in an arrangment. He said he now has to persuade one more member out of the five member Board. B. Commission and Board Discussion Mr. Leathers felt no need for tennis courts and suggested some of the noisier activities be moved to that corner. He thought parking should be provided, and there should be another basket- ball court and a couple of half courts. He felt the playgrounds were a must for children, and the open area could be used for a variety of activities. He suggested fencing the canal side. He advised that the children in the neighborhood expressed to him a great desire for rollerskating and skateboarding; however, he did not think this should be mixed with joggers. He would like a heart trail with a paracourse type set up. Mayor Weiner felt there was room enough for both the heart trail and a roller- skating and skateboarding path on this site. Mr. Frederick agreed. Mr. Frederick commented that lit tennis courts were put in at the request of the residents because the private courts are not lit. Dr. Shepherd felt the lit tennis courts should be kept. He felt a sign was needed so everyone will know it is a public City park. He was in favor of picnic areas and exercise stations. MINUTES - JOINT WORKSHOP OF THE CITY COMMISSION AND RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1992 Mr. Harris was in favor of Concept 1 with additional picnic areas. However, he felt the restrooms should be closer to the children's play area. Mr. Park felt the restrooms should be left where they are for surveillance purposes. Mr. Weinshel was in favor of Concept 1; however, he felt the tennis courts should be replaced with a soccer field. In response to Ms. Artis, Mr. Frederick said the park would prob- ably remain open until 9:00 p. M. if there are lit tennis courts. Ms. Artis felt the half mile heart trail was not long enough. Vice Mayor Matson liked Mr. Leather's suggestions. Commissioner Harmening was in favor of Concept 1. He felt there should be a fence by the canal. He suggested the sign remain so that the citizens of the City would be aware of the park. Mr. Leathers suggested putting in pedestrian crosswalks so that the children could safely cross Congress Avenue. Commissioner Aguila felt there were too many parking spaces. He preferred no more than eight or ten and that they be placed more toward the west so that the tennis courts could be better aligned. He preferred one basketball court, two volleyball courts, and maybe one tennis court with lights. He felt the fencing along the south property line was necessary. He suggested access from Congress directly into the open play area. Mr. Frederick advised that additional parking was provided because he anticipates outside use. He suggested decreasing the paved parking spaces and increasing the grassed parking spaces for overflow. Commissioner Walhak was in favor of Concept 1. He agreed that the parking should be reduced and that the restrooms remain where they presently are on the plan. Commissioner Aguila moved to direct the architect to proceed with Concept 1 with the comments made at this meeting by the Recreation and Parks Board and the City Commission. Vice Mayor Matson seconded the motion which carried 5-0. VI. DISCUSSION OF MEADOWS #1 PARK SITE A. Gee & Jenson Mr. Park reviewed this concept and stated it is too small to try to cram too much on it. This concept was set up to allow for possible expansion in the future. MINUTES - JOINT WORKSHOP OF THE CITY COMMISSION AND RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1992 Mr. Frederick added that Knollwood Groves is right above this piece of property and as part of their coming into the City, the City has requested five acres in a rectangular shape, which would turn this four acre site into nine acres. B. Commission and Board Discussion Commissioner Aguila inquired about the gated entrances on all the plans that have parking. Mr. Frederick said this is optional depending on whether a problem is foreseen. Mr. Leathers said that from the discussion at the fire station, this concept shows exactly what the people asked for. He suggested fencing the canal. Dr. Shepherd was not sure fencing was needed, since there is no fence there now and there has not been any problems. Ms. Artis felt fencing was needed. Vice Mayor Matson wanted the canal to be fenced, the sign elimi- nated, and an entrance on the eastern side and one on the western side. Commissioner Harmening felt the canal should be fenced, but did not think a sign was needed. Commissioners Harmening and Aguila wanted the canal to be fenced and the sign eliminated. ~Commissioner Walshak suggested that the existing power line on the west side be checked out because there may be an electrical right of way running through the middle of the park if the City gets the additional five acres. Commissioner Aguila moved to direct the architect to proceed with this concept, subject to the comments made at this meeting by the Recreation and Parks Board and the City Commissin. Vice Mayor Matson seconded the motion which carried 5-0. VII. SUMMARY None. MINUTES - JOINT WORKSHOP OF THE CITY COMMISSION AND RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1992 VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:55 P. M. Recording Secretary (Two Tapes) THE CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH Mayor ice Mayor ~ner Commissioner mm±ss±onor