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07-11-1984 . '-> o CITY OF EDGEWATER Parks and Recreation Board Meeting July 11, 1984 Minutes Chairman Jones called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Center. ROLL CALL Members present: Mrs. Begel, Messrs. Jones and Sheridan. Excused: Mr. Montgomery. Absent: Mr. Richards. Also present: David Garrett, Recreational Director, and Deputy City Clerk Wadsworth. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the June 13, 1984 meeting were approved as submitted. OLD BUSINESS Bike Paths - Mr. Garrett reported that Mr. Ferrara, City Engineer, has received Council approval to draw up the plans for the bike path from Wildwood Subdivision to Flagler Avenue. When the final plans have been drawn up and approved the work will be let for bid. Councilwoman Bennington was present and said that she had talked to Mr. Ferrara today. He advised that the plans will be ready within two weeks. Community Band - Mr. Sheridan spoke to the members about the band and his progress in researching the interest of community citizens. The result of his poll showed that approximately 25 percent or 2,000 people, if the poll is representative of the whole community, are interested in having a band, and participating in some way. Half of this 2,000 figure would be children, leaving 1,000 people to draw from. He expressed the need for help to get it organized if it is to materialize. His goal is to see a fully equipped marching unit in the Christmas parade in New Smyrna Beach this year. Mr. Sheridan suggested a life-time membership for charter members in the association. Perhaps 100 char~er members could contribute $100 each. He has talked to some business people, a few of which agreed to participate after the organization is started and has shown some progress. Mr. Sheridan said that he has talked to Mr. Alvarez, City Attorney, who has agreed to do the legal work. To establish a post office box for the organization's communication will cost $26.00, which he will advance. He suggested calling it the Edgewater Community Band Association. Mr. Jones said that it will be a private project, but the Board would be behind them to help in any way they can. Mr. Sheridan said they would need volunteers to act: as Board members to help organize it. He recommended getting some free ads in the paper and after the people were interested, they could write to the post office box, then a general meeting could be held and a selection of officers would be done. After the selection of officers is made it will be submitted to the City Attorney to draw up the charter. Mr. Sheridan said he intends to call WSBB to make an announcement to reach some of the people. Mrs. Begel said that she would be willing to work with Mr. Sheridan in getting the organization set up. Parks and Recreation Budget Mr. Garrett distributed copies of the Recreation Department '83-'84 Budget. He pointed out those amounts which are from grants; $105,431 is the balance without the grant money, of which $66,241 is left. He noted that the new o {.) lights, concession building, ballfield and fencing are earmarked to come out of this balance. Councilwoman Bennington remarked that the '84-185 budget for the depart- ment must be submitted by this coming Friday. The members discussed some of the needs for the coming year and offered to assist Mr. Garrett in preparing the budget, if needed. Mr. Sheridan asked Councilwoman Bennington about the availability of the money in the recreational impact fund, and she replied that it is readily available for the acquisition of property. State owned shell pit Mr. Garrett reported that he is working with the State regarding the possibility of acquiring this 20-acre piece of property. The members learned from Councilwoman Bennington that the City Council has authorized Mrs. Kinsey, City Clerk, to have an appraisal done on the 30-acre piece of land owned by New Smyrna Beach. Ball Park renovat~ons Mr. Garrett said that after City Council and School Board approval of the plans for the concession and ball field, the work will begin on this project. Councilwoman Bennington informed Mr. Garrett that she has a friend who is Supervisor of Parks and Maintenance in Brevard County who has offered to assist this City in any way he can. He has had extensive experience with the installation of ballfields and concessions in the Cocoa area. Discuss 5~year plan Mr. Jones recommended that the Board members try to get some information together and start working on the 5-year plan. He suggested getting copies of plans from other cities about the size of Edgewater. Councilwoman Bennington suggested going through the Florida League of Cities' office; they can provide any information needed. Mr. Garrett said that they need to work with the County and the other cities to coordinate the facilities, such as a bike path. Shelters Mr. Jones said that he has gotten a list of every bus stop in Florida Shores. This list is subject to change. Mr. Jones turned this list over to Mr. Garrett. Mr. Garrett has contacted the Rotary Club, who had asked for suggestions for three new shelter locations. He talked to the bus drivers and received their advice as to where shelters were most needed, and h~s given this information to the Rotary Club. Mrs. Begel asked about the funds which were offered by the Rotary Club for the handball court. Mr. Garrett advised that he and Mr. Jones have looked at a site near the old Winn Dixie, but have not firmed up on a location. NEW BUSINESS Letters to property owners reference to acqul.rl.ngland for City parks Mr. Jones gave the members a map highlighting property on Live Oak Street near the old Winn Dixie store, Lots 10 thru 15, which would make an ideal park. The property owners should be contacted with an offer to purchase the property for recreational purposes. He recommended that the Board members look at the property and come back with their opinion about this location. He also called attention to another piece of property which is in the Raulerson's Addition Subdivision on Knapp Avenue. This property will be checked further to ascertain the owner. The members agreed that a letter should be sent to the owners of the property on Live Oak Street asking that they get together with Mr. Garrett to discuss Parks and Recreation Board July 11, 1984 - 2 - -~ ~ u o the acquisition of the property. Mrs. Begel motioned that a letter be sent to the two property owners as suggested. Mr. Sheridan seconded the motion, which CARRIED 3-0. Mr. Jones provided the secretary with the names of the property owners to be contacted. MISCELLANEOUS Councilwoman Bennington introduced her sister~in-law, Kay Bennington. She explained that two years ago a family Halloween party was turned into a community affair with approximately a thousand children attending. They repeated the party last year and it was even more successful. The businesses in the community donated food, drinks and small gifts for the children. Councilwoman Bennington said that the party has drawn children from other communities other than Edgewater, and this year they need a sponsor. She has talked to the City Attorney to see if the Parks and Recreation Board could sponsor the party, and asked if the Board members would be willing to help and to take it over as an annual community affair. Mr. Alvarez has advised that the funds could come out of the Parks and Recreation budget or out of promotional activities. Mrs. Bennington said that in the past teenagers have volunteered to help at the parties; she would like to see costumes made up and kept to be used each year. Mrs. Kay Bennington is willing to spearhead the affair, but she needs the support of the City and the Board. She reported that each year the party has cost approxi- mately $300 to $400. Mrs. Kay Bennington said that she has talked to McDonalds about this year's party and they have agreed to donate the same amount as they donated last year. The members discussed having the party in the Community Center and how it could be set up. Mr. Garrett pointed out that storage space is becoming a problem, but the reusable items can be stored somewhere. Mr. Sheridan suggested that Mrs. Bennington draw up a plan of exactly what would be needed, as well as the money requirements, and present that to the Board. Councilwoman Bennington pointed out that it will take a lot of time to get it all organized. Chairman Jones suggested that the money for this event be included in the Parks and Recreation Department budget. Mrs. Begel motioned to recommend that funds be included in the promotional budget of the Parks and Recreation Department for an annual Halloween House, to continue under the direction of Mrs. Kay Bennington. Mr. Sheridan seconded the motion. The motion CARRIED 3-0. Councilwoman Bennington commented that she would like to see it called "Kay's Halloween House"~ in recognition of Kay, who started the first house two years ago. ~~ n., 9('?1 'il<( ~. On other matters, Mr. Garrett reported that he has been contacted by the County Parks and Recreation Department. They plan to build a park in Southeast Volusia County. This will be discussed at a meeting to be held at 2 p.m., July 13, at the Southeast Bank on Canal Street. It is open to the public and members were urged to attend. Mr. Garrett pointed out that the City needs more controls in their parks and asked the Board members for suggestions. No dogs, no alcoholic beverages, no glass containers, no private enterprises, no overnight camping, no open fires,and no fish cleaning have already been suggested to him. Councilwoman Bennington felt there should be no animals of any kind permitted. Boat launching at Menard-May Park was discussed. Mr. Sheridan felt that people using the park will be denied the use of the park because of the many trailers and trucks left parked there. He remarked that the park is for the citizens of Edgewater and most.of the people launching boats there are not from Edgewater. If it is permitted it should be in a limited area for that use. Mr. Jones asked the members to think about this subject further and come to the next meeting with their suggestions. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Minutes submitted by Joan Taylor Parks & Recreation Board July 11, 1984 - 3 -