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Home My WebLink About2004 - Parks & Recreation Advise CouncilParks & Recreation Advisory Committee City of Sebastian RE: Special Meeting and Field Trip of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee on Monday, May 3, 2004 REPORT to City Council: May 5, 2004 The Advisory Committee was asked to meet and make recommendations to the Sebastian City Council in a timely manner prior to their meeting of May 12, 2004, regarding the location of the George Cain House, known as the "Snowshoe House," as it impacts the parks that are within the prevue of the Committees responsibilities. As such, the Advisory Committee met in Special Session in the Council Chambers to hear public input and then reconvened at two locations — Jordan Park and Riverview Park. After walking the grounds, considering public input and discussion by the Committee members, two recommendations were made, as motions: 1. Motion: Riverview Park A motion to recommend that the house be moved to the southwest corner of the Riverview Park property on Indian River Drive made by Mr. Ingui, second by Jayne Barczyk and Elizabeth Gray. Addendum to this motion was made by Mr. Leboueff, adding that the Committee did not have an alternate park site to that of Riverview Park. The motion and addendum passed unanimously. Reasons discussed prior to a vote on the motion and addendum: 1. Past discussion at last year's Committee meetings and that of Monday, May 3`a, strongly envisions Riverview Park to be a multi -use location with the splash pad, Veterans Memorial, the Riverview playground, dock areas that have observation scopes, the Pelican Island dedication statute, and a planned band shell. The example was given of school children visiting from 9 AM to 1 PM where they could enjoy history and play in one location, especially during hot weather when schools traditionally have "Fun Splash Days." 2. The Committee pointed to the availability of restroom facilities and open ground to allow school children to eat lunch and enjoy the other Riverview Park amenities. 3. The Committee believes that the "Snowshoe House" should be used for historical purposes or non-profit use only. 4. Discussion centered on a location at the southwest corner of the proposed drawings of Riverview Park, presently drawn to show a parking area against the Swale and sometimes used as parking overage for events at this time, all in an open field area near the edge of Indian River Drive. It was also noted that across the Indian River Drive from this point are rental units that already obstruct the visual to the river and the location of the "Snowshoe House" at that comer would not compound that issue, if it were a concern of the City Council 2. Motion: Jordan Park Ms Jesssup made a motion to not recommend the "Snowshoe House" be placed at Jordan Park, second by Mr. Leboueff. The motion was passed unanimously. Reasons discussed prior to a vote on the motion: 1. The area was deemed to not provide adequate parking for such a building 2. The area is already congested from the boat ramp 3. There were continued fears of oak tree removal, despite public input suggesting this would not occur 4. The site did not seem inviting to business or other use c 5. The site is designated as a "neighborhood park" and a public meeting of the Advisory Committee in the spring` -¢1', 2002, suggested they only want a tot sand box or other small play things, with nothing included that would obstruct the view of the Indian River Lagoon. Bill�InguiZone A Representative and Chairperson FOR Park Committee Members: n m n Wayne LeBoeuf Zone B Representative (present) c Jeanne Jessup Zone C Representative (present) rm Jayne Barczyk Zone D Representative (present) r� Elizabeth Gray Alternate Member (present) Vn Jessica Keaton Regular at -Large Member (excused) z :i� - r t 2. Organize existing boat ramp Parking area Pave and Stripe Lot Decorative fence/colunuis to add urban edge 3. Upgrade/Rellovate Riverview Park Anglers • Inn c rPaiRivervicw* ik 10 Ila a� �� ► 4 mo � �� : ♦rip ' :•�!I G - :D rr Park Public Boat ° parallel on -street parking Ramp Curb & Gutter • Pedestrian/Roadway Lighting ° Sidewalks • Street Trees • Street Furniture ° Raised Pedestrian Intersections ° Traffic circles with public art or architectural feature J ° Undergrouaid power lines Indian River rPaiRivervicw* ik 10 Ila a� �� ► 4 mo � �� : ♦rip ' :•�!I G - :D Synopsis of Public Comments On Location of Snowshoe House 1. Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee — southwest corner of Riverview Park property — opposed to Jordan Park 2. Quentin Walter, 13700 Ruffner Lane, Sebastian — Jordan Park Historic District 3. Corina Parker, 1133 US Hwy 1, Sebastian — Jordan Park 4. Clayton Laplatte, Sebastian River Middle School — Jordan Park 5. Richard S. Smith, 787 Carnation Drive — Sebastian — Jordan Park 6. Paula Sonnenberg, 13425 North Indian River Dr., Sebastian — Jordan Park 7. Adrina and Christine Davis - do not move in back of old chamber of commerce 8. Harry MacGrotty — place along riverfront not at airport 9. Lynn Walsh — Jordan Park 10. Steven Lulich — West side of US 1 just north of US 1 11. Clive Beckwith — opposed to Jordan Park 12. Walter Barnes — Jordan Park 13. Juliet and Bob Bruno — Jordan Park 14. Pam and Mike Peppe — Jordan Park 15. Carolyn Martel — Jordan Park 16. Alice Russell — Jordan Park 17. Soma Gail Melnick — Jordan Park 18. Russell Hermann, 586 Redwood Ct, Sebastian — opposed to Jordan Park 19. Mary Jane Ingui — opposed to Jordan Park 20. Mary Jane Kelly, Cultural Council of IRC — place in historic district 21. Patricia Bidoul — Jordan Park 22. Trish Ohrt — Jordan Park From: Bill Ingui, Chairperson of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee, City of Sebastian, Florida Date: April 13, 2004 To: City of Sebastian Council Members Dear Council Members: The Press Journal has suggested that the City Council is considering several locations for the relocation of an historic Sebastian building that has gained the name "The Old Snowshoe House." While reviewing the Council agenda for references to the recommendations made by our committee with regard to the Bryant Court Park and Easy Street Park, I noted an Old Agenda item set for Wednesday. April 14. 2004, marked 11-C — "Potential Options for Relocation of Old Snowshoe House on US One." The surface photograph that can be reviewed by citizens at the City Hall Clerks Office shows a disturbing location as one of the choices for relocation. The Advisory Committee has not been asked to discuss this relocation as it impacts park areas, but the suggested location for the Old Snowshoe House does fall into a location the Committee addressed in 2002, with an official printed report to Council. The section of the report indicated the following: BEHIND CHAMBER BUILDING Ashford T. Jordan Park • Zone: B • Designation: undeveloped • 7 �: Neighborhood • Year 1 (2002-03) Plan: Shuffleboard courts • Location: Indian River Drive and benches • Size: 0.3 acres Public Hearing Input: (1) The remark about de-emphasizing shuffleboard was reiterated when this small area was discussed, especially because there was no parking. Mr. Chris McCarthy suggested that other low -impact sports can replace that of shuffleboard, (2) Some tables and benches were suggested, (3) It is important to have a full view of the river from US I, so that any play equipment or tables that are considered in this small park should require the planners to be concerned with visibility, and (4) A resident asked if there could be a small area for children and parents to rest, with light play facilities made available, such as a sandbox or small climbing gyms. Mr. McCarthy explained that this idea is being discussed. Reading the April 14, 2004 Agenda Background Information for the relocation, I learned that it explained "An appropriate amount of footage and space exists on a city owned parcel (which consists of park features in the rear facing Indian River Drive) immediately south of the current Sebastian River Chamber of Commerce / Historical Society Building on US Highway One" for the relocation of the "Old Snowshoe House" This seems to contradict the spirit of our Committee's concern for the environment. May I therefore make some suggestions? • I would like to request that the City Council permit the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee the opportunity to discuss the use of property already referenced in one of its reports two years ago. This would have to be taken up at its May 2004 meeting, due to the fact that an agenda has already been set to tour the Stormwater Park with Mr. Brown, a member of St. Johns Water Management at our April 260' meeting. • If the City Council believes this time frame is not possible to meet the move requirements for the Old Snowshoe House, may it take Into consideration the independent review of the following suggestions by myself, as the Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. Specifically: 1. The area discussed contains 11 oak trees that are probably as old as the City of Sebastian and the potential removal of these trees for the historic house and visitor parking would contradict the consistent message of the Committee to consider the impact of any location on the environment. 2. As an alternative, the location directly across the street from the Chamber / Historic Building, that is, north of the building, contains 7 palm trees behind the "old" Chamber of Commerce Building and a very large parking lot without trees. It is an ideal location for the "Old Snowshoe House" and ready visitor parking. It might only require the removal of a low usage building — the "old" Chamber of Commerce Building, rather than historic oaks. Please take a few moments to consider these requests — (1) For the Committee to meet and make official recommendations or (2) For the Council to act upon the personal suggestion of this member to consider an area not on the list of possibilities for relocation. The purpose of relocating an historic building to thereby continue paying respect to the history that has made Sebastian, is laudable, but some thought should go into the natural environment that has been part of the river's edge landscape for many more years. I am sure a balance can be reached. Sincerely, Bill Ingui 49 Chairperson h T Vdy W17 37J 1110 d0 a Q S