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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Recreation_02/05/2003 F rE , �r . _., GF,�A � VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA y � Post Office Box 3273 • 250 Tequesta Drive • Suite 300 �^ ''� o Tequesca, Florida 33469-0273 • (561) 575-6200 �; o Fax: (561) 575-6203 @ ; 4 � ���N Co t-1 PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEE�ING MINUTES Febru�ry 5, 2003 I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The Village of Tequesta Parks & Recreation Advisory Board held its regularly scheduled meeting in the Tequesta Recreation Center, 399 Seabrook Road, Tequesta, Florida, on Wednesday, February 5, 2003. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. A roll call was taken by Recording Secretary, Betty Laur. Boardmembers present were: John I3onne1l, Elizabeth (Betsy) Evans, Royce Hood, Kevin Pittman, and Vi Laamanen. Boardmember David 13ecker arrived at 7:35 p.m. Boardmember John Vadala was absent from the meeting. Also in attendance were Greg Corbitt, Director of Parks and Recreation, and Patti Schumacher, Recreation Supervisor. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Upon motion by Betsy Evans, seconded by Vi Laamanen and unanimously carried, the agenda was approved as submitted. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Upon motion by John Bonnell, seconded by Betsy Evans, and unanimously carried, the minutes of the January 8, 2003 meeting were approved as submitted. IV. NEW BUSINESS Director Corbitt asked for a volunteer to chair this meeting from this Recycled Paper Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes February 5, 2003 Page 2 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, point. Boardmember Laamanen expressed her opinion that things were going well with Mr. Corbitt chairing the meetings. Director Corbitt explained that he would like to have someone else take charge but he would still provide input. Boardmember Royce volunteered to chair the meeting. A. Parks and Recreation Leisure Times Ms. Schumacher provided an update on current programs, reporting that the aerobics program had really taken off so that two others would be starting, karate was going strong, line dancing usually had about 20 people, 15-20 attended the baton class, there were two morning and one afternoon class for Tai Chi, there were 3 dance classes and 3 gymnastics classes with a waiting list for when someone dropped out, there was a Yoga class starting in April which already had a waiting list, a Mah Jong group met two days a week and 10-12 attended, there was a waiting list for an adult conversational Spanish class, and a fencing class was to start in March and there would be an all-day fencing competition in March. This month and next month, AARP was providing free tax help at the Recreation Center for anyone. Ms. Schumacher reported that the first senior dance was a great success with approximately 50 attending, and everyone had a great time and made suggestions. A lot of donations had- ------ been received, and for the next dance on Valentine's Day a DJ was coming. Ms. Schumacher reported Spring Camp was being planned for spring break and a summer camp would also be held. An Easter Egg Hunt was planned, with Professor and Petunia Bunny, which would feature a professional photographer and would be covered by Jupiter Courier and possibly Palm Beach Post. The Bridge Club was discussed. Ms. Schumacher reported a couple of people had been interested in duplicate bridge and she had called everyone who signed up in an effort to set up a time to play but had not been able to get them together. Boardmember Evans reported one person had requested afternoons. Mr. Corbitt explained that mornings from 9-12 had been offered since the afternoons were so busy with children. Boardmember Laamanen advised that duplicate bridge was very difficult and only played by bridge players after many years, so there would probably not be many people who Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes February 5, 2003 Page 3 ................................... wanted it, and Mr. Corbitt commented that the Village was competing with Tequesta Gardens for bridge and had invited them to come but that had not happened. Mr. Corbitt reported the Department now had a van which would be used for spring break camp, summer camp, and senior trips. A trip to Morikami museum was planned for April. Mr. Corbitt explained that the van would be striped, would have the Tequesta Indian logo, and described the proposed lettering for identification. Mr. Corbitt reported many favorable comments onLeisure Times, and explained that the water customer list of 7,000 had been reduced to 4,500 for mailing purposes so some areas may not have received the first issue. Mr. Corbitt reported some residents had received their issues a week apart, which had been the result of a problem at the post office. Leisure Times would be published twice a year. Boardmember Laamanen suggested April and October as the best times to reach both seasonal and full-time residents. Mr. Corbitt commented that post cards would be sent out in between the two issues. Mr. Corbitt commented that Ms. Schumacher had done an excellent job and the programs would not exist without her, explained that both he and Ms. Schumacher managed all the money received, and scheduled out the meeting room. Mr. Corbitt commented that Ms. Schumacher was only a part-time employee, working 30 hours a week. Boardmember Laamanen commented the department had done an outstanding job and had made great strides in a short time. Ms. Schumacher reported the facility was now being rented out for birthday parties. Mr. Hood suggested the possibility of incorporating sponsor ads in Leisure Times to add income, which Mr. Corbitt indicated would need Village Council approval. Boardmembers Laamanen and Evans indicated they would not be in favor of sponsors and they felt the publication should remain in Village control. B. Tequesta Idol Boardmember Royce Hood reported there was only a few days before auditions, and several applications had been received. The Buzz radio station would advertise and would broadcast the event. The Tequesta Police and Fire Departments would do demonstrations for the kids, there Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes February 5, 2003 Page 4 ................................... would be face painting, a snow cone machine, and cotton candy. Mr. Hood reported that he had been in contact with the Director of Transcontinental Entertainment, who planned to send talent scouts to the auditions and to the main event. Auditions would be held Saturday, February 8, between 12 noon and 5 p.m. Mr. Hood requested volunteers to serve as judges. Mr. Bonnell volunteered to be a judge. Mr. Hood reported he had received 20 applications and expected to get 30 by the day of the auditions, and advised that he did have some friends who could help. In response to a question from Boardmember Evans of whether auditions would be capped at 30, Mr. Hood responded that he would go to 31 or so if need be, and that the lyrics would be family friendly and appropriate, and if they were not, that contestant would not even be considered. Mr. Corbitt commented it would be good to have judges from different generations. Boardmember Laamanen commented she would probably pop in, and Wade Griest volunteered to come and be a judge. Mr. Hood explained that the majority of applications received were just singers. Boardmember David Becker arrived at this point in the meeting at 7:35 p.m. Mr. Hood reported that radio station 104.3 had wanted a lot of money, and The Buzz would do the advertising and the event for free. Mr. Hood explained that all of the promotion thus far was for auditions, and the next flyer would be for the main event to be held on March 8. C. 2003/2004 Budget Recommendations — Capital Improvements, Capital Projects, Operating Budget, Staf�ng Director Corbitt commented he had suggested placing this item on tonight's agenda, and explained that he had wanted everyone on the Board to look at the budget to see where money had been placed in the past budget and to make recommendations for the 2003/2004 budget which was currently in the process of being created. Director Corbitt commented that the advisory board was here to let him know the direction they wished him to take. Boardmember Hood commented there were a couple of areas of land on U.S. Highway One that might be appropriate for a water park but he did not know who owned them. Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes February 5, 2003 Page 5 ................................... Director Corbitt indicated he would research that by checking with the Department of Community Development for zoning, and bring this item back at the next meeting. Boardmember Evans inquired whether the . Riverside Drive pathway could be extended to County Line Road, to which Mr. Corbitt responded that item was not a Parks and Recreation Department item. Mr. Corbitt explained that the park pathway for 2004 was a projected figure. Mr. Bonnell asked if the pathways referred to were bike paths. Director Corbitt responded that the pathways in Constitution Park were overlaid every five years and in next year's budget he would work on separating out the Public Works items. Boardmember Evans commented that for biking it would be good to have the Riverside Drive pathway extend all the way to County Line Road. Boardmember Laamanen commented that should be brought up during budget deliberations. Director Corbitt explained that he wanted this Board to become familiar with the budget process. Boardmember Bonnell made three suggestions for consideration: (1) addition of shuffleboard courts (2) addition of windscreens for tennis courts, and (3) addition of two more tennis courts in Tequesta Park. Boardmember Laamanen asked if windscreens were expensive. Boardmember Bonnell responded they probably were expensive but were very durable. Director Corbitt commented he had sent the Boardmembers letters from residents and explained he had let them know he did not budget for that this year but would bring the matter to the Board. Boardmember Bonnell noted that resurfacing was in the budget—Director Corbitt explained that was only one court. Windscreens were discussed further. Director Corbitt cautioned that such items would have not only an initial cost but there would be maintenance costs every few years; that there was plenty of use at those courts, but the question was whether the park really needed windscreens, and expressed some concern that mischief might be encouraged behind the screens. It was noted there were courts in Jupiter that had windscreens, so if conditions got too bad the players could go there. Director Corbitt commented he would find out the cost of windscreens. Director Corbitt commented that the recreation facility needed to be bigger and that adding fitness equipment might attract more people and the department might also make money on it. Director Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes February 5, 2003 Page 6 ................................... Corbitt provided a catalog that showed water play structures, which were splash pads with no pooling of water, no lifeguards needed, and the water circulated like in a swimming pool, operated by all electronics, and automatically supplied chlorine when needed. Mr. Corbitt explained that municipalities were adding splash pads with playgrounds. Director Corbitt commented that Constitution Park and in front of the existing fountain on the Village Hall site would be ideal places for these water play devices. Mr. Corbitt explained that he ran a water park in his previous job at a county facility which brought in over a million dollars in revenue in a little over six months, their operating costs of $600,000 had been covered in 4-5 months, and they had only charged $4-$5 admittance. Director Corbitt commented that the person he was working with on the skate p�rk had suggested placing water features in Constitution park where the volleyball court was currently, which was not used. Cost to install would be under $100,000. Director Corbitt explained that in the $200,000 matching grant application the department had applied for, they had to come up with a master plan for the park, and the plan had included a pavilion to be rented out, picnic shelters throughout the park, and an upgrade of the gazebo to make the bands more visible. Mr. Corbitt reported that West Palm Beach had a small amphitheater with a large grass hill to sit on, which had worked out very well. Mr. Corbitt also recommended a heart trail for Tequesta Park. Boardmember Evans pointed out that $500,000 had been suggested for the recreation building in the budget, to which Mr. Corbitt responded the figures were not actual, just ideas. Mr. Corbitt clarified that he had budgeted the figures shown in the budget for the current building, and he had had in mind basically what had already been done and he had been able to maximize the dollars. Mr. Corbitt explained that this community center was very important because it was constantly serving the public. Boardmember Becker suggested a small BMX type course at Tequesta Park. Director Corbitt explained that the Village did not own that park and something like that would be a major capital project and would have to go through the Village government, Martin County, and also the State of Florida. Mr. Corbitt clarified that Coral Cove was also a Palm Beach County facility. Mr. Hood asked about ownership of lots in Tequesta Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes February 5, 2003 Page 7 ................................... Country Club or land along Riverside Drive, but they were not owned by the Village. Boardmember Laamanen commented that priorities needed to be established by deciding the thing needed most and which would be most useful, and making that the priority. An example was choosing between a second story or expanding out, and Boardmember Laamanen cautioned that the Board needed to think about the fact there was not enough parking at the �resent building for a second story; if a second floor was decided upon then a decision would need to be made how it would be used; and since this was the biggest ticket item it would need to be budgeted over time, possibly two years, and then finance the rest. Boardmember Laamanen suggested that figures needed to be obtained for other items, then the Board could decide what they wanted to present to the Village Council. Items to consider would be the next best thing to do, what would benefit the most people, what could be done now, and what would be most beneficial to the Village. Boardmember Hood commented that improvements were needed and perhaps a couple of things could be done at once such as a water park and possibly finding other areas to relieve the parking such as nearby churches. Mr. Corbitt indicated that a second floor could be designated for a fitness area with weights and equipment, a place for arts and crafts, a game room, classrooms, etc. Discussion ensued regarding expanding the building out. Boardmember Laamanen expressed her opinion it would be better to have the music upstairs since the sound from the next room had been very distracting during the first part of this meeting. Mr. Hood commented that he believed the ground absorbed sound better than boards, but Ms. Schumacher indicated it would work better on a second floor. Mr. Bonnell expressed his opinion that setting priorities was Mr. Corbitt's job, and the board was just here to advise him. Director Corbitt responded that he wanted to know new things that were going on such as in other municipalities, and suggestions, and it was the Board's job to let him know. Mr. Corbitt commented he had not thought of a BMX course. Boardmember Laamanen commented that the decisions were Mr. Corbitt's; but the Board should have input, and she would like Mr. Corbitt's first, second, and third priorities. Ms. Schumacher commented if she kept adding new programs, more space would be needed. Director Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes February 5, 2003 Page 8 ................................... Corbitt commented there were lots of other issues involved in setting priorities, such as additional staff if more programs were established. Mr. Corbitt noted that the water splash pads were just another amenity, were self sufficient, and just provided play for the kids. Director Corbitt commented that his first priority was expanding the building, which was used by both adults and youth, and the community center should be taken care of first. Director Corbitt commented there had been discussions of possibly taking over the adjacent annex building owned by Lighthouse Center for the Arts, and there was some parking there. Mr. Corbitt commented there were currently about 75 spaces for the recreation center. Mr. Hood commented these were things that could be checked into and reported on next month. D. JTAA — 2003 Annual Contribution Mr. Corbitt explained he had provided a letter from JTAA and asked for comments. Boardmember Laamanen asked if $7,000 was in the current budget, to which Mr. Corbitt responded yes, that it was budgeted each year, and explained that JTAA serviced youth in Jupiter and Tequesta and used the facilities at Tequesta Park. Mr. Corbitt commented he had just wanted the Board to know the Village paid $7,000 to help fund JTAA's programs. V. ANY OTHER MATTERS There were no other matters to come before the Board. VI. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Wade Griest, 494 Dover Road, congratulated Mr. Hood on chairing the meeting and recommended appointing a vice chairman. Mr. Griest commented all Tequesta residents should encourage young people like Mr. Hood to come to meetings, commented that Councilmember von Frank and Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Minutes February 5, 2003 Page 9 ................................... his wife were present, and he had encouraged councilmembers to attend all meetings for a long time. Mr. Griest expressed his opinion that having a Chair gave greater control for meetings, and expressed appreciation for this committee. VII. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Boardmember Laamanen, seconded by Boardmember Bonnell, and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held March 5, 2003, at 7 p.m. at the Recreation Center Respectfully submitted, c:1�1- �-.Y �L:. ��_ c_,�.��_ � , � Betty Laur Recording Secretary Date Approved: