Loading...
04-10-1985 ~ . o~ 00 CITY OF EDGEWATER Parks and Recreation Board April 10, 1985 Minutes Chairman Jones called the regular meeting to order at 7 p.m. in the Community Center. ROLL CALL Members present: Messrs. Jones, Sheridan and Montgomery, Mrs. Begel and Mrs. Curry. Also present: David Garrett, Recreational Director and Joan Taylor, Secretary. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Sheridan asked that the minutes of the March 13, 1985 meeting be corrected to show that, "Mr. Montgomery moved that Mr. Garrett be authorized to use his judgment in deciding which groups should be exempt from paying fees." This is the first sentence of the fourth paragraph under Community Center Use - Request for Board recommendation. It was agreed that this correction should be made. There were no other corrections and the minutes were approved, with the correction as requested by Mr. Sheridan. Mr. Jones introduced Mr. John Wilkinson, who wished to express his opinion on the boat launching at Menard-May Park. He asked for the concensus of the members whether the man should be permitted to speak before continuing with the regular agenda items. The members agreed to hear Mr. Wilkinson. Mr. Wilkinson said that the work at Menard-May Park seems to be progressing exceedingly well and the quality is very good. In his opinion this will go a long way to alleviate some of the objections. Mr. Wilkinson, who lives on Ocean Avenue, is apprehensive about the boat launching. He and a number of neighbors who use the area for boat launching feel that, because of the excessive use of the City Park and Pier ramps and because of the excess slope, including a drop off on some of' those ramps, there will be a problem if launching at Menard-May Park is closed completely. The small cars cannot pull any size boat up the Park and pier ramps. The wet launching at Menard beach works exceedingly well. It is very highly used, especially at night. There is a great demand and need for that to be maintained. He suggested retaining the launching facility permanently, if possible. However, he said, if the parking is run as is indicated on the layout, they will be rather close towards the utility pole and it will narrow down the launching area. His appeal is to give Mr. Garrett the authority for the actual placing of the cement dividing strips for the parking to be careful to give the drivers the ability to turn and reverse. If the parking cement edges encroach too far over the launch area there will be a problem getting in when the tide is high. In summary he asked that the Board keep the launching facility and watch the parking. Mr. Sheridan said that as far as he understands there has been no provision made for a launch ramp in the park. He said that he personally is opposed to any boat being launched in the park. The land was donated as a park. If the boat ramp at the City Park and Pier is not right Mr. Sheridan suggested that the City spend money to make it right. Mr. Jones thanked Mr. Wilkinson for coming in and recommended that the subject be placed on the agenda at a later meeting for full discussion. There was an exchange of opinions as to whether the subject should be completely reviewed at this time or placed on the agenda for a later meeting. Mr. Garrett advised that the contractor will be pouring the concrete for the curbing in that area and perhaps the matter should be resolved at this meeting. The members agreed to discuss the question on the launching at this meeting. Mrs. Begel asked if boats were launched during the day and was advised by Mr. Wilkinson that launching is done during the day through the week and especially at night, but very seldom on the weekend. Mr. Wilkinson asked that the pouring of the concrete be postponed in the launch area. He felt that two of the parking places at the end could be eliminated, which would ., Q<J 00 provide the turn around needed. Mr. Sheridan said that every time a boat comes in it is taking up two parking spaces. The danger to the children was brought up. A dividing area near the utility pole was suggested by Mr. Wilkinson. Launching is almost always done to the right of the pole. It could be a restricted area. Mr. Sheridan said that a concession now would be hard to revoke later on. Mr. Garrett pointed out that the beach is used as a beach about 6 months of the year from about 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. There are many people who use the launch facility at night and in the winter when the beach is not being used. Mr. Montgomery agreed that a lot of people will be affected if the launching is eliminated, but the children need to be protected. The plans were studied by the members. Mr. Garrett pointed out the concrete barrier which Mr. Wilkenson requested be removed. Mr. Sheridan said the Board needs to decide if it. ~ants a P9rk_ .or if it wantsboat launching there, because he does not believe boats and trailers should be in an area where children are playing. The only way he would consider it, he stated, is to put in two ramps with a special entry way and a fence to separate it from the rest of the park. A life guard attendant who could enforce the park rules was brought up. Mr. Sheridan said that if the City is going ahead with its plans it should be in shape to meet the responsibilities of it. Mr. Wilkinson reminded the Board members that when the initial discussions came up about the park the City agreed that the police should multiply the patrolling of the area. The police have circled through the park and have been enforcing the no pet restriction also. Mr. Sheridan again emphasized that the City should be looking around for people to staff this park for supervision. Mrs. Curry noted that the City is liable regardless of which City facility a citizen uses, if someone gets hurt. Mr. Montgomery pointed out that the park across the street from City Hall is not supervised. Mr. Jones said that the City is responsible. What it can do is to come up with the best safety plan for the park. Mr. Garrett said that he would like to go ahead and modify the plan to allow launching at the park. If it is determined that launching should be limited at a later time, it can be done then. Concerning the present plans, Mr. Garrett explained that there is a barrier between the parking lot and the beach which will be nicely landscaped. Whether to use a barrier or fencing between the launching area and the park area was argued further. Mr. Garrett feared that if the boaters thought the launch area was "kid proof" they would not be watching for the children. Mrs. Curry moved that Mr. Garrett make the necessary changes on the plan for a barrier or fence to separate the boat launching area from the children's play area, and to place appropriate signs. The motion was seconded by Mr. Montgomery. The motion CARRIED 4-1. Mr. Sheridan voted No. Mrs. Begel moved to go on record that this whole discussion has been because the Board is primarily concerned with the safety of the people who use the park. Mr. Sheridan seconded the motion, which CARRIED 5-0. OLD BUSINESS Proposed park at Umbrella Tree Drive and 15th Street Mr. Jones reported that this park is in need of fill and suggested that if the Public Works Department cannot provide the fill perhaps the Board could recommend that some of the impact fee money be designated for this purpose. The need for a survey of this property was pointed out by Mr. Sheridan. He moved that a letter be sent to the City Council seeking authorization to have this property surveyed and to get a professional land clearer to come in and clear the land and put the fill in so that the Board can design the park and have it ready, if possible, when the children get out of school. Mrs. Curry asked that the trees to be retained be marked before any clearing is commenced. Mrs. Begel pointed out that the City Council has authorized Parks and Recreation Board Anril 10. lQf!S - ? - QQ UO the Public Works Department to clear and fill. Mr. Sheridan said that they are so busy they are not able to do it. Mr. Montgomery seconded the motion, which CARRIED 5-0. Palmetto Street property Mr. Sheridan said that he has learned that Palmetto Street is 1398 feet long. He measured it and the hard surface from the end of the street where the barricade is down to the corner property is 1368 feet. Mrs. Sigler,__in charge of property records, advised that there is no street through the property. There is a roadbed there with a ditch on either side. Mr. Jones said that the property could make a nice park. He stated that he had counted the children on Perdita and Palmetto Streets and found there were 68 children living on those two streets. Mr. Sheridan suggested that the Board should get permission from the property owner to get the elevation and find out how much fill is required to bring it up to grade. It could get very expensive to clear and fill. Mr. Jones mentioned that the property at the corner of Perdita and Knapp Streets would make a nice park. The property owner was contacted a few months back, he noted, and the City was advised that the matter would be turned over to the property owner's attorney. We have not heard any more on it. Mr. Sheridan suggested again that permission be obtained from the property owner to get some grades and elevations on the Palmetto Street property before making an offer for it. Mrs. Begel asked if funds should be spent to run grades and elevations until the two parties could get down to a sensible price. Mr. Sheridan said in his opinion the cheapest way to go is find out what it will cost to clear it and fill it. Mr. Jones asked if the City had an appraiser and was advised that it did not. Mr. Sheridan moved that the owners of the property on Palmetto Street be contacted to ascertain whether they have any information relative to the property con- sisting of grades, elevation, drainage, etc. If not, would they grant permission for the City to make a topography survey on the property. Mrs. Begel seconded the motion, which CARRIED 5-0. NEW BUSINESS Comprehensive plan reo parks and recreation Mr. Jones discussed an outline which he had prepared for a five year plan and presented the members with a copy of the State's Comprehensive Plan and Recreation Handbook. The outline is to provide guidance for prepara- tion of a five year plan. Mr. Jones said that he has a friend who has agreed to work on this plan and he has computer equipment available which he will use and donate. The information gathered can be put into the com- puter to keep until it is finalized. He estimated it will take from six months to a year to complete it. Mr. Sheridan said that before they get into any plans he would like to refer everyone to the letter to the Planning and Zoning Board. He mentioned that he had previously said that the Planning and Zoni~g Board is in a position to help. He referred to the communication from the Planning and Zoning Board which said that the only information that they have of property which would be available for open space, parks and recreation areas is noted in the Comprehensive Plan, which shows areas proposed for these areas. He said that he has never been issued a copy of the Comprehensive Plan. He referred again to the letter, which said that most of these areas have been developed into residential homes. Mr. Sheridan asked why they were given zoning to put up residential homes in open spaces and park areas. Mr. Sheridan asked what happened to the plan. On another matter, Mr. the City of Edgewater. He asked why the audit information around and Sheridan said that he reviewed the 1984 audit for It stated that there are six parks with 8.66 acres. would reflect that. He said that there is all this the Board doesn't have access to it. Mrs. Taylor explained that she had a copy of the comprehensive plan in Parks and Recreation Board April 10, 1985 - 3 - QQ 00 the office and usually gave a copy of the section on recreation to the Board members. There was additional discussion concerning the Comprehensive Plan. Mrs. Begel said that the way she reads the letter is that the only information that the Planning Board has concerning property that would be available for open space, parks and recreation in noted in the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Sheridan said that it seems to him that they would have included in those plans some open spaces, some parks and recreation. Mr. Montgomery said that is what the subdivision he lives in is up against - the City made no plans for recreation. That is why the new recreational impact fee ordinance was passed. Mr. Sheridan said, while they were on that subject, the City has a low- cost housing subsidized development on Route 1 and they have a playground. The area of the playground is approximately 70' by 140', that is the Edge- water Park Apartments, Ltd. He asked if this organization conveyed that land or whether it is in lieu of the conveyance. He said he would like to know something about it. He doesn't know how it came into being. Mr. Sheridan also said. he would like to find out when a fee is acceptable for an area. He said according to the ordinance the Planning and Zoning Board is in on that. MLs. Begel said that she has sat on the Board for one year and has observed that all of the boards are in earnest and everybody is working, but they are at odds. She said that in her opinion it all points up to the fact that a city planner should be here person who knows what they are doing and goes into each department. This Board is trying and all the other boards are, but we're not getting too far, she stated. Mr. Sheridan said that he is in agreement and has asked this question before. Mr. Jones said that since we don't have a city planner the Board has to deal with what it has and that is the Board members. He referred again to the outline he pre- sented and asked the members to review it and come up with suggestions. He said that this Board could be the planner for the parks and recreation. Mr. Montgomery suggested writing a letter to the City Council stating that the Board supports getting a City Planner. Mrs. Begel said that she thinks that is a good idea. Mrs. Curry moved to write a letter to the City Council advising that the Parks and Recreation Board supports the hiring of a City Planner. The motion was simultaneously seconded by Mr. Montgomery and Mrs. Begel, and CARRIED 5-0. Mr. Jones said that even though the City may get a City Planner, the Parks and Recreation Board should still work towards a five-year plan. It can still give suggestions. We can start laying it out for him and he can get the information for the Board, he stated. Mr. Jones said that the Board will need to review past programs and facilities; there is a lot of work involved. He said that the five-year plan is something the Board can be proud of when it is completed. If the Board gives well enough thought to planning and looking into the future and puts together a good package and the Council likes it it will be a good step for the other Boards to do the same. Mr. Jones said that he understands that Councilman Prater has been asked to work with the Board on the parks and recreation. Report from Mr. Garrett Mr. Garrett said that the baseball fields are completed and the first game was played Monday night. The concession is open and the restrooms are working. Everything is in real good shape, he reported. Attendance has been very high this year. Menard-May Park is coming along good. Some of the stone is up on one of the buildings and it looks nice. Referring to the 14 acre site north of Roberts Road, Mr. Garrett said that the City expects to close on the purchase of that property next week. Parks and Recreation Board April 10, 1985 - 4 - Q'-> 00 The County Health Department has advised the City that they need an extinguisher over the hood in the kitchen. This will cost about $800 to put the extinguisher in. Mr. Garrett said he is meeting with a representative from the United States Tennis Association next week to get together some kind of tennis program for the summer. It may be in conjunction with the County or the elementary school. The bike path on Park Avenue was briefly discussed. Mr. Garrett said that there was some discussion of running the water main on the south side. He said he understands that they are going to put it on the north side. (This part of the tape is almost inaudible due to a hum on the tape and a soft- spoken recreational director.) More information has been received on the BMX motor cross tract. Mr. Garrett said he is getting support from the young people for this. Mr. Sheridan asked if Mr. Garrett had received additional information fitness trail which was being negotiated with the Board of Education. Garrett said he had not gotten with them, but this may be an idea for 14 acres. on the Mr. the Mr. Jones brought to the attention of the Board members the fine effort and work done by the Parks and Recreation crew. He said that Mr. Garrett's crew has had deadlines to meet and has put in many hours and has done a lot of work that would.not be expected, such as laying block. He suggested that a letter of appreciation should be sent for him and his crew so that they will know that this extra effort is not going unnoticed. It was through their efforts that there was a successful opening day for the ball fields on Monday. Mr. Sheridan said that he is in agreement with giving them awards they d~serve .for the hard work but why did they have to do it. He questioned why the City hasn't hired enough people to do the job instead of working a few people to death. Mr. Jones reminded those present that 2 years ago we didn't have a Parks and Recreation Director and now the City does. It takes time; we are closer to getting things like that done, he said. The work done at the ballfield shows what the crew is capable of doing by putting their efforts and energy behind a project and making it happen, regardless of not being able to hire professional people to do it. They should be complimented on it. People did donate some time but it was basically the time and effort of the crew which made it a success. He wondered if the members would like to consider some kind of opening ceremony for the new facility. Mr. Garrett said he would like to have a ceremony there when they get into the season some. Mr. Montgomery moved that a letter be sent to the City Council advising of the good job that was done by the Parks and Recreation crew. Mr. Sheridan said that when they have the opening ceremony the Council will voice their appreciation. Mrs. Begel seconded this motion, which CARRIED 5-0. There was further discussion of how this acknowledgement should be handled. It was agreed that the letter should advise the Council of the Board's appre- ciation for their extra efforts so that the deadline could be met. On another matter, Mr. Sheridan suggested that a grand opening ceremony for Menard-May Park should be held when it is completed. He suggested a flag raising ceremony, color guard, band and free hotdogs for the kids. He thought that a committee should be formed within the Board to handle the ceremony. There should be a speaker to outline the projects that the Parks and Recreation and Council are involved in and get a summary of what has been accomplished. Mr. Sheridan moved that a committee be formed to research this matter to see what is required in the way of material things and money. Mr. Garrett pointed out that the completion date is scheduled for May 30. Mr. Sheridan moved that Mrs. Begel chair the committee. To clarify, Mr. Sheridan said he would make two motions. He moved that a committee be formed to set up the festivities for the grand opening of the Menard-May Park. Mrs. Curry seconded the motion which CARRIED 5-0. Mrs. Begel said that since there are only five members on the Board she suggested they just do it as a board. Mrs. Curry said that her term is up in May. Mr. Jones explained that a special committee is designed to work on one function. Parks and Recreation Board April 10, 1985 - 5 - 00 00 He asked Mr. Sheridan if he had anyonecin.mind to chair the committee or if he would like to chair it. Mr. Sheridan said that he is carrying a heavy workload now and declined. Mrs. Begel suggested simply getting together as a Board and invite the Council and have the dedication and flag raising. Mr. Jones said he was not sure how much money could be allocated for hotdogs. He agreed to look into it further, and agreed to chair it. Mr. Sheridan said that if they wanted to handle it as a Board he would withdraw his motion. Mr. Sheridan said that the park will be a first for Edgewater and a lot of work has gone into it and it will be a beautiful place. He asked Mr. Garrett if the Garden Club will be asked to help with the landscaping. He responded that he has someone who has the landscaping drawn out and has gotten prices. Mr. Jones advised that the motion to form the special committee must be amended because it has been voted on. Mr. Sheridan moved to withdraw his former motion. The motion was seconded by Mr. Montgomery and CARRIED 5-0. Report on trip to the patk in Islesboro The members discussed the layout of the Islesboro Park and agreed that it was a nice park, although they would change the location of the basket- ball court. The trip to the park was useful to help the members make decisions regarding the equipment and layout for this City's proposed park on Umbrella Tree Drive. Mr. Sheridan asked how much playground equipment was going in at Menard-May Park. Mr. Garrett reported that there have been no plans made as the grant did not include playground equipment, but he would like to see a small fenced tot lot put in. Parking at Menard-May Park was again discussed. There are spaces for 16 cars in the paved lot and there will be a shell parking lot. Mr. Garrett pointed out that one of the main attractions of the park is that older people can drive down and park the cars and look at the water and watch the seagulls without leaving their car. It was suggested that a firm commitment be obtained from the Rotary Club concerning their offer to put in a half-basketball court for the City. MISCELLANEOUS Mr. Sheridan referred to the previous meeting's discussion concerning the waivers for Community Center use and fees for same. Mr. Sheridan read a proposed letter to the City Council regarding his recommendations for. usage fee and waiver determination for City owned facilities. The letter outlined the method of establishing the fees and fee waiver eligibility. His research resulted in an overall increase of 30 percent for use of the facilities, and Mr. Sheridan recommended that this additional charge be added to the present fees to defer operational costs. Mr. Garrett and the members complimented Mr. Sheridan on the fine job of research on this project. Mr. Sheridan said that he would like to give it a little more work before submitting it to the City Council and Mr. Garrett. He explained that the City will not be making any money on the fees, nor will it lose. He also recommended that the inflation rate be added to these figures each year. Mrs. Begel noted that there are more than twice as many non-paying users of the Community Center than paying users. Mr. Sheridan pointed out that the list includes use by the City Council and Boards. Mr. Sheridan said that he will have the letter ready in about a week to 10 days. He suggested a cover letter with the study go to the Council, if it meets with the Board's approval. The members agreed that the study was well done and should be submitted to the City Council for their approval. Mr. Montgomery moved that the study be submitted to the City Council for their approval. It was also recommended by Mr. Sheridan that a form be made up which will be used for rental on any rental which the City has; this form can be put into a loose leaf binder and put in by the month. All the information should be included on this form. Mr. Montgomery repeated his motion that the proposed study be submitted to the City Council for their approval, noting that the study includes the recommended 30 percent Parks and Recreation Board April 10, 1985 - 6 - 00 00 increase for fees. Mrs. Curry seconded the motion, which CARRIED 5-0. Mr. Montgomery asked Mr. Sheridan who he wanted to make up the form which he recommended be made up and he said that would be taken care of in City Hall. Any person wishing to have a fee waived must produce proof that what they are using the facility for is of direct benefit to the City. Mr. Montgomery moved for adjournment, seconded by Mrs. Begel. The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Minutes prepared by Joan Taylor Parks and Recreation Board April 10, 1985 - 7 - U 7t: (J ~itu of 'krbgtwattr POST OFFICE BOX 100 EDGEWATER, FLORIDA 32032 April 4, 1985 Memorandum On Friday, March 29, three members of the Parks and Recreation Board met at 10 a.m. at City Hall and went to the small recreational park in Isleboro, New Smyrna Beach. In attendance were: Kirk Jones, Tom Sheridan and Barbara Curry. The meeting was over at 11:30 a.m. Mr. Jones and Mr. Sheridan also visited the property on Palmetto Street and Umbrella Tree Drive and stopped by the ballpark at the school. This meeting was over at 1 p.m. Joan Taylor