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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-23-2021 PR MinutesPARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 23, 2021 Call to Order -- Chairperson Webster called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. Pledoe of Alleoiance was recited by all. III. Roll Call Present Ms. Webster Ms. Drumheller (a) Mr. Denise Mr. Mauro (a) Ms. White (Zoom) Mr. Renzi Not Present: Mr. Agudelo — Unexcused Also Present Mr. Brian Benton, Leisure Services Director Ms. Barbara Brooke -Reese, MIS Manager Ms. Janet Graham, Technical Writer (Zoom) IV. Meelina Chair Makes Announcements — None V. Aoenda Modifications — None VI. Aoaroval of Minutes Ms. Webster asked if there were any changes or additions to the Minutes of July 26, 2021 as presented. Hearing none, she called for a motion. A motion approving the Minutes of July 26, 2021 as presented was made by Ms. Drumheller, seconded by Mr. Denise, and approved unanimously via voice vote. VII. Unfinished Business A. Committee member discussion and recommendation to City Council on playground designs for George Street Park and Blossom Park Ms. Webster called for Committee members to present their ideas. PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 2 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 23, 2021 Ms. White stated she did review all of the playground equipment styles and layouts, and she chose three. She explained that she chose these designs for their greater number of play areas and are designed for a larger age group. She is not concerned so much with the shade areas. These were all Playmore designs. Their numbers are 350-1832, 350-2077,and 350-1741. Mr. Renzi stated he picked Gametime for Blossom Street Option 1. For George Street he picked Gametime Option 2. He explained the reasons for these choices, those being that they offered more variety as well as some shade. Mr. Mauro chose Gametime Option 1 for both Blossom Street Park and George Street Park. He agreed that they provide more different play areas as well as a larger shade covering. He added that if the shade equipment is made of plastic, it is going to get hot in the summer sun. Ms. Drumheller staled for Blossom Street she chose Option 1. She liked the plastic shade shelter. For George Street Park she chose Option 2. Mr. Danise chose the Gametime Option 1 for George Street Park and for Blossom Street Park Gametime Option 1. Ms. Webster selected for George Street Park Playmore No. 350-1741 because it has a large variety of play areas, and for Blossom Street Park Gametime Option 2. Mr. Benton suggested going through park -by -park to review these selections. His concern with the shade structures is when there are storms these structures will have to be taken down. It is his stance that once the shade canopies are taken down, they will not be put back up until hurricane season is over. In taking them down and reinstalling them, it shortens their life expectancy somewhat. At this point, Mr. Benton reviewed the four options which the Committee chose: Playmore for both playgrounds and both of the playgrounds from Gametime and Option 1 and 2 from Gametime for Blossom Street Park. Ms. Webster called for anyone from the public who wished to speak. There was no one in chambers and no one on Zoom. It was the consensus of the Committee to go with Gametime Option 1 for Blossom Street Park. A motion to go with Gametime Option 1 for Blossom Street Park was made by Mr. Mauro, seconded by Mr. Renzi, and approved via voice vote Vote was 5-1 in favor. Motion passes PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 3 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 23, 2021 A motion to go with Playmore 350-1741 for George Street Park was made by Mr. Renzi, seconded by Ms. Drumheller, and approved unanimously via voice vote. Vill. Public Input Marian Bedolla, Sebastian, asked if there was an update on the Garden Club Park. Mr. Benton stated there is no update at this meeting. It will be listed on a future agenda, and before there Is discussion on it, the residents in that immediate area will be notified via mail as well as it being posted on social media and the City's websile. Mr. Tallant, Sebastian, discussed mulch that is handicapped accessible for playgrounds and what is being used at other playgrounds. He has the name of the company that provides the material, and he can provide that information to Mr. Benton. He reviewed that he asked for information on what it costs to maintain Garden Club Park. This information is open to the public, and he intends to get that information. He also stated that, if the City is going to leave its stakes there, to weed eat around them. There being no further public input, Ms. Webster moved to the next item on the agenda. IX. New Business A. Community Member Recognition Program Mr. Benton reviewed that this is an item that was brought forward by Mr. Denise at the June meeting. He further staled that in this evening's agenda packet he has included the information from the Minutes of that meeting where Mr. Danise described what may be involved with implementing this program. At this time Mr. Benton is asking for direction from the Committee regarding how its members would like to proceed. He reviewed some things that need to be discussed by the Committee before implementing the program. Mr. Danise reviewed the email he sent to Mr. Benton (SEE ATTACHED) and explained his thoughts for Implementing this program. He suggested that by having this program In place, it may get more of the public to participate in these meetings. He also feels that people will volunteer to help with various projects if they are asked. There followed extended discussion among the Committee members and Mr. Benton regarding this subject. Mr. Benton asked that at this time the Committee members keep this matter for Parks and Recreation specifically. He also made suggestions of organizations around the City who have volunteers for recreational activities. If this PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 4 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 23, 2021 program is successful for Parks and Recreation, then he can see it being implemented by other committees. It was the consensus of the Committee members that this would be a positive program for the City, and various suggestions were made by Committee members as to how it could be developed. Mr. Benton stated he can put some ideas together. He will send these out in an email to the Committee members so that they can be discussed at the next meeting. X. Staff Matters A. Current Project(s) Update Mr. Benton reviewed that there have been quite a few projects completed this year. He is proud of what the City staff have been able to do and stated that all the departments within the City work well together. • Yacht Club Seawall — This project is currently in the permitting process with DEP. He anticipates that staff should hear something from DEP in the next month or so. • Splash Pad -- This project is one that involves numerous people from numerous departments. The splash pad was closed a couple weeks ago. All the piping from the pump to the holding tank was replaced. It was tested, and no leaks were found in that portion. Today, removal of concrete from the actual splash pad was begun so that a portion of the drainage piping can be replaced. He does not have a definite timeline on this. A lot depends on the weather. • Park Signage -- The sign contractor is in town this week. They are not installing any park signs, but they are installing some of the gateway signage, which is at Barber Street and US 1, Schumann and US 1, and 66th Avenue. The Rotary Club purchased a sign that will match the City's to be installed at the Rotary boardwalk. It will be arriving this week as well. • Garden Club Park -- He mentioned that a couple residents came in this evening regarding this park. He said it is going to take him some time to put everything together, and there are other projects that will be done before Garden Club Park. Before this Committee has a discussion regarding this park, the City will notify the residents in that area so the next time this Committee discusses it there will be a mailing to those residents informing them of the date and time of the meeting. XI. Board or Committee Member Matters PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 5 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 23, 2021 Ms. White stated she visited the dog park recently, and the new sod looks great. She added that the new fountain at Garden Club park looks great also. Mr. Danise stated he has provided "Florida Tennis" magazines for all the Committee members. He said the USTA is looking to make partnerships with cities and towns. He commended Mr. Benton and his staff for all the work that has been done in the City's parks. He walks in many of the parks, and they are looking great. Mr. Renzi referred to a photo of a large snake he showed everyone before the meeting. He suggested that this could be a dangerous situation. Mr. Benton said he would have staff go out there and take a look. If they do see it, they typically remove anything of that nature. He added that citizens can also call the City and/or the police non - emergency number and report a problem such as that, and then either Dispatch or staff here at City Hall will get in touch with his department, and someone can immediately go out there. That is the best course of action for the public. If the problem is an alligator, the City is not allowed to remove them; FWC has to remove them. Ms. Drumheller stated that the Sebastian Garden Club has a very active Facebook page. There was a plan to have a meeting at the Garden Club Park, but it was cancelled because of the weather. She said it looks like they are starting to be more active, and people are indicating they want to get more organized. She also addressed the Yacht Club seawall situation. She stated there has been a lot of press about this, and a lot of people do not understand that this project has to go through permitting. She suggested it may be a good idea to post something on the City's website that states that the project is awaiting permitting, which takes time. She added that people were complaining about the dock and how it is not kept in good shape. Mr. Benton explained that regarding the Yacht Club seawall, if anyone approaches any of this Committee about the seawall, give them his number and he will gladly speak with them. He will try to get the information out via social media and perhaps "Sebastian Daily." Unfortunately, the permitting process takes time, and anything that has to be done in the lagoon, etc. has to go through permitting, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, etc. Regarding the boat ramp, Mr. Benton said it is a never-ending battle. Boaters when they approach the dock seem to like to use the piling as their stopping mechanism. He said the City has tried different things to cover the bolts, etc., and everything that has been put on there gets broken or destroyed. The same things happen to the ladders. He stated the ladder on the south side of the dock had to be replaced three times in the last month because of people pulling in and hitting it or tying up to it. PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 6 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 23, 2021 Ms. Webster stated little league is signing up for the fall season. She also inquired about the procedure for when members of the public want public records. Mr. Benton explained that they can do a public records request. That request goes to the City Clerk, then to the applicable department, and the information that has been requested is provided. The City is transparent in everything it does. XII. Items for the Next Agenda and Date: September 271". 2021 XIII. Adloumment There being no further business, Ms. Webster adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m. / Date. Webster, Chairperson I I jg