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02-13-1985 " (.) o CITY OF EDGEWATER Parks and Recreation Board February 13, 1985 Minutes Chairman Jones called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Center. ROLL CALL Members present: Messrs. Jones and Sheridan, Mrs. Begel and Mrs. Curry. Also present: Mr. Garrett, Recreational Director and Joan Taylor, Secretary. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the January 9, 1985 Regular Meeting, the January 14, 1985 Workshop and the January 28, 1985 Special Meeting were approved as sub- mitted. OLD BUSINESS Mr. Sheridan asked the members if the Board felt that his letter of January 31, 1985 to the City Council concerning non-conflict scheduling of the Shuffleboard Clubhouse properly stated the Board's case. The members agreed that the letter properly stated the wishes of the Board. The Chairman said he was very pleased with it. Community Center Use - Request for Board recommendation Mr. Jones asked the members if they have reviewed the fees provided at the last meeting. Mr. Sheridan said that he had looked into it and found no formula for the amount of money that they're charging. There is no breakdown and no formula, noting that there are all types of affairs being held and some of them require more cleanup than others, yet they are all paying the same amount. The more use they get of a facility the more they should pay. Mr. Jones said that he agreed and felt that the Parks and Recreation Director should have the discretion, reo the type of function, if the kitchen is used, and charges should be added if the center is left unclean. Mr. Garrett gave the members a copy of the fees which are now charged by the City. He said that one of the reasons the matter has come to the Board is because of a lot of organizations which go to the Council meetings and request that fees be waived, regardless of what the charge is. It was Mr. Sheridan's opinion that regardless of who it is they should pay the clean up charge. Mr. Garrett said that most of the groups clean up after themselves. Mr. Garrett referred the members to the letter of January 2 in which the Board was asked to review the City's policy regarding the waiving of fees for Community Center use. The fee schedules were reviewed and some discussion was had regarding those organizations which are exempt from fees. Mr. Sheridan moved that the members try to accumulate all of the fee schedules which are circulating, consolidate them, pick. out the best and work out a formula and submit it to the Council for approval. Mrs. Begel seconded the motion which CARRIED 4-0. Mr. Sheridan suggested that in the new proposal it should be mentioned that all other descriptions of fees would not be acceptable or in force. Mr. Jones recommended picking out from the material at hand that information which is to be incorporated into the new proposal and to start working on the formula right away, as he felt they had all the information needed. The members discussed the various groups using the facilities and the amount of use each gave the facilities. Mrs. Begel agreed that expenses should be covered but she did not believe the City should make money on it. Mr. Jones pointed out, also, that the Board is here for the citizens. He felt that the groups using the building should keep it clean, and respect the property, which is their property also. Damages should be paid for. Mr. Sheridan noted that it should be taken into consideration that there is depreciation on the building and the other facilities used and replace- ment of wiring, lightbulbs, etc. He asked why a taxpayer who never comes into the Community Center should have money taken from his tax dollars to (.) <J support groups that are doing it. It is Mr. Sheridan's opinion that these groups should pay their own way. Mr. Jones pointed out tha t the people who do use the facilities are, in a way, being double taxed, because their taxes are going for the facilities as well as the people who don't use it. It is here for everyone to use. Mr. Sheridan said that he feels there should be some formula to show how the dollar figure has been arrived at. He said that there should be a deposit made for clean up fee. Mr. Garrett explained that there is a $25.00 damage deposit. Mr. Sheridan asked what is done with the organizations which are exempt from paying fees. Mr. Garrett advised that there is insurance. Mr. Jones pointed out that some of the organizations have had a hand in putting up the building and feel that the City is obligated to keep them exempt. Mr. Jones suggested that the Board break down the expenses and submit it at the next meeting, and it can be drawn up and presented. Mr. Garrett said that he could come up with a money figure for the Community Center. But, he explained, in the past few months several organizations have asked that the City waive the fee, due to the use the money is being put to. The Council has asked that a policy be established as to who should be charged.and who should be exempt. He said that he did not think there is any conflict over how much is being charged or whether damage deposit is big enough, but Council does not have the time to talk to all the different organizations. Whether on not organizations are non-profit was discussed at length. The members agreed to review the material they had on the fees and the exempt organizations and come together at the next meeting or at a workshop prepared to make a recommendation. Mr. Opal, in the audience, suggested that the members obtain a copy of the Florida Shores Association fee schedule for their clubhouse. There are no exceptions there, he stated, and it is no different from the City. Report from Recreational Director Mr. Garrett asked the members to take note of the new planters across the street. He explained that there is to be remodeling done on the Building Office and the shrubs were used from that space. There will be landscaping done around the new sign at the north end of Edgewater in cooperation with the Garden Club. The Director reported that he attended a Port Authority meeting the end of January and for this year the City has $27,400 marked for the final improve- ments at the City Park and Pier. The sandbag seawall will be replaced with a concrete slab seawall and a cap on top, the entrance will be paved as well as the parking area. This is the final phase of the original grant. Mr. Garrett said that he applied to the Port Authority for improvements to Veterans Park at Rt. 442 and Riverside Drive. The application is for $73,900 which included a seawall, a fishing pier and dock and restrooms, as well as landscaping. They tentatively approved for 86-87 $37,000. He would like to put in as much of the seawall as possible and the fishing pier. He explained that the Port Authority is an assistance program and they had granted what the City asked for at City Park and Pier. They now feel that the City should pay its share. The Menard-May Park bids are in and will be opened at the Council meeting on Monday night. Mr. Sheridan asked if boat launching is to be permitted. Mr. Garrett said that it can be or if necessary, it can be cut out. Park Avenue Bike Path Mr. Garrett met with the City Engineer and Mr. Copeland to resolve some questions and it will be ready to go out for bids in about two weeks. Ballfield improvements The last backstop was moved today, Mr. Garrett reported. Clay is being hauled in and new fences are being built. There have been many positive Parks and Recreation Board l<'oh....." "'.....u , ~ , Q R t; - ? - {J o comments about the improvements there, he mentioned. The new arrangement will cut down on through traffic and provide a safer place for the children. Mr. Jones said that he was pleased with the way the ballfield was set up. Regarding the 14 acre site for recreation off Roberts Road which the Board recommended be purchased, Mr. Garrett reported that he has met with the property owners and the City Attorney and this will go to the City Council for final approval after the legal papers have been drawn up. Mr. Opal asked the Director what the assessed valuation of the property is at 28th and Roberts Road. Mr. Garrett said that he did not know. Mr. Opal said that he has checked on it and found it is $42,000. Mr. Sheridan said that a property is assessed at lower than its actual value. Mr. Garrett said that the property has been appraised. Park at 15th and Umbrella - Mr. Garrett said that he got some estimates on how much fill it would take. They will be getting some from across the street at the City Park. Mr. Sheridan asked if it should not be surveyed and Mr. Garrett said it would be. He advised the members that there has been a petition circulated opposing the basketball court there. Nothing has been done at Duck Lake thus far, he reported. NEW BUSINESS The Chairman reported to the members that in talking with Edgewater Athletic Association members he understands the group is having some difficult times and may ask the City to take over the Little League and youth activities. There are approximately 20 members, and they would be willing to corne and talk to the Board. Apparently the members do not have the time to run the association adequately. Mr. Garrett said he understood that the meetings are attended during the baseball season only. Mr. Jones said that the E.A.A. has been handling this for many years and if was not for their involvement in the past there would have been no recreation, no Little League or soccer. Mr. Jones explained that those people who have been involved have very little time now. Mr. Sheridan asked if there were enough coaches and Mr. Garrett said he thought they would have enough for this year. Mr. Jones commented that when parents have their children involved they are involved, but when the children move up, those parents no longer participate. Setting. up a school for coaches and umpires was offered as a means of getting parents involved. Mr. Jones said that this has been tried in the past. The fitness trail which had been discussed at an earlier meeting is still being considered. Mr. Garrett advised that he has the City Attorney reviewing the proposal and that a site to put the trail is needed. Mr. Jones offered to invite the E.A.A. representatives and members to the next meeting of the Board. Also, under new business, Mr. Jones called the attention of the members to the invitation from the Industrial Development Board regarding the "Planning for Growth" seminar scheduled for March 7. He urged the members to attend. On another matter, Mr. Sheridan referred to the statement in the Recreational Impact Fee ordinance which says that the City may accept a fee instead of land, and the decision is to be made by the City Council with the approval of the Planning and Zoning Board. He questioned why there is no interaction between this Board and the Planning and Zoning Board. It involves this Board, he stated, and we should know what these people are thinking and doing. He asked for the Board's suggestions on how this should be resolved. Mr. Sheridan pointed out that the Planning and Zoning Board knows they are looking for recreational property, and they have access to all this infor- mation and the Parks and Recreation Board is not receiving this information. It is his feeling that if that Board has a say about what is to be done with the impact fees, then they should furnish the Parks and Recreation Board with some information. The question of whether this is a function of the Planning and Zoning Board was raised. Mr. Sheridan said it is Parks and Recreation Board February 13, 1985 - 3 - . ~ o o logical. They are the Board who is doing the planning and zoning and the Parks and Recreation Board is looking for land. Mr. Opal said that the Planning and Zoning Board has nothing to do with acquisition of land unless it is brought to them to inquire about it. As far as buying land, that is not their job. Mr. Sheridan said that he was not suggesting that. His question is why does that Board not provide the information that they have. Mr. Opal said that they don't have any information and Mr. Sheridan wondered how they can zone and plan if they don't have information. Mr. Jones noted that the Parks and Recreation Board has been looking for land and he feels that it has been doing a good job. That Board should not be doing our job, he commented. There was further exchange regarding this matter. Mr. Garrett questioned Mrs. Taylor about this, and she suggested that the answer would be found in the Code, concerning the function of the Boards. Mr. Sheridan said that he would like to see some interaction between the Boards and Mr. Garrett suggested that a letter be sent to the Planning Board asking for their help. It was the Chairman's thought that the actual function of the Board should first be determined. Mr. Sheridan said that if it is not their function then they should go to the Council and make it their function. Mr. Sheridan moved that a letter be written to the City Council requesting that the Planning and Zoning Board furnish the Parks and Recreation Board with any data or information they have concerning land suitable for open parks, recreational areas and recreational facilities. Mrs. Curry seconded the motion. The motion CARRIED 3-1. Mr. Jones voted No. Mr. Sheridan asked Mrs. Begel about the status of the organization in the Pelican Cove East concerning the boat launching ramp, pavilion, etc. She advised that it has been deeded to the association. The deed was picked up in November of '84, she noted. MISCELLANEOUS Mrs. Curry spoke to the members about her concern about recreational facilities for school age children. She said she had read about the half-basketball court, and wondered why it could not be a whole court and have basketball meets for teen-age children. She has been a teacher and is aware of the problems created when children have no place to go and have no activities or sports provided, she stated. It gives the parents a feeling of security knowing that the children are on a recrea- tional facility. She said she does not know what the City has to offer for the young families. She pointed out that Florida Shores is growing by leaps and bounds and the children are playing on the streets. She asked if there is anything in the future that they can do for the kids. Mr. Sheridan and Mr. Jones advised that that is basically the direction that the Board has been going in the last few years. Mr. Jones explained that in the area where he lives they have the same situation. He advised that the Board is looking for areas where there are large pieces of property which would be suitable for parks. Mrs. Begel pointed out that the City needs recreation for all the citizens, especially the children. Mrs. Curry was brought up to date on what the Board has been trying to do and the problems it faces regarding funding and the lack of available land. Mrs. Taylor brought to the attention of the members a plat and list indi- cating the rights of way along Riverside Drive which was prepared by Dan Cory in June of 1980. It was felt that this would be useful if and when the City should go with a bike path along Riverside Drive. The members discussed the possibility of bike paths throughout the City. Mr. Sheridan said that grants are available for this purpose and this should be investigated. Mrs. Begel moved for adjournment. With Mrs. Curry's second the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Parks and Recreation Board - 4 - February 13, 1985