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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-02-2023 PR MinutesPARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 02, 2023 I. Call to Order — Chairperson Drumheller called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. 11. Pledge of Alleaiance was recited by all. Ill. Present Ms. Drumheller Ms. Webster Mr. Danise (by zoom) Ms. White Mr. Mauro Not Present Mr. Renzi — excused Mr. Allen - unexcused Also Present Mr. Antoine Vanmeir, Leisure Services Mr. Brian Benton, City Manager Ms. Cathy Testa, Recording Secretary IV. Announcements and Aaenda Modifications — None V. ADproval of Minutes — Meeting Minutes from August 28, 2023 Everyone Indicating they had reviewed the Minutes, Ms. Drumheller called for a motion. A motion approving the Minutes of August 28, 2023 as presented was made by Ms. Webster, seconded by Mr. Mauro, and approved unanimously via voice vote. VI. Public Input - None VII. Unfinished Busingss Item A: Current Proiects Update Easy Street Park: Mr. Vanmeir said the Park has been completed except for one ladder. Filbert Street Park: All parts and pieces are in but there is no definite date for installation of the playground. Friendship Park: Fences are currently being installed at the balifield. Hardee Park: Mr. Vanmeir said he just ordered screened coquina to put around the walking trail to cover tree roots and help manage the sand from washing away. PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 2 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 02, 2023 Mr. Vanmelr said he attended a meeting with the Parks & Recreation Department of Indian River County called Shape the Future which was the kickoff meeting of the County's Parks and Recreation Master Plan process. This meeting allowed everyone to share their interests in the parks throughout the county. His request was for more boat ramps, more pickleball courts and more open spaces in North County. Mr. Benton said there is another meeting being scheduled because that meeting was set on a night that City Council met and they were unable to attend. They are still working to find a date that works for everyone. He will make sure the date is posted on the City's website as soon as it's confirmed. Mr. Benton said one thing that's Important Is for the City to get a Community Center similar to the IG Center In the North County Area. Item B: Committee Member Park UDdates The only committee report was by Ms. Drumheller, she said at Filbert Street Park there's a park bench that could cause splinters. Mr. Benton said the Facilities Department just completed an interior remodel of the Yacht Club. A third party did the floor but the rest was done by staff. He Invited everyone to stop and see how much the remodel brightens the place. Item C: UvcominQ Events at Riverview Park Mr. Vanmeir reported: Sebastian Homecoming Parade on Tuesday, October 10th. Sebastian Craft Club Event on Saturday, October 10* Community Night Out with the Sebastian Police Department on Thursday, October 19tk The Boo Bash on Saturday, October 21" and Sunday October 22"4. The Halloween Costume Contest and Movie Night on Friday, October 27ft The Junior Blue Water Open on Saturday October 281n. The Hiram Haul on Saturday, October 28th and Sunday, October 29tn. Item D: Pickleball Discussion Mr. Benton said the City doesn't have Pickleball Court expansion in its capital projects at this time. The committee's discussion started after the capital projects were already put in the budget plan. He said staff will continue to research and look at options but hope the Parks and Recreation Master Plan of Indian River County may come into play as well. Mr. Benton explained that a certain amount of parking must be provided for the number of courts built. He stated that the land at the Airport isn't free the City pays around $7,000 a year. He said any property the city uses at the airport must be approved by the FAA; they want operations that are supportive for the Airport. PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 3 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 02, 2023 Mr. Benton reported on the request made at the last meeting regarding an agreement between Pickleball University and Vero Beach. He said in 2019 the City of Vero Beach entered Into a licensing agreement with them for the use of their courts at Pocahontas Park which gave Pickleball University full control over their courts. The agreement probably came into play because Pickleball University contributed somewhere in the amount of $250,000 In capital improvements for the courts. The University runs an operation out of the park; they have memberships which they have capped at 1,045 members. The annual membership fee for 2021/2022 was $325. Their drop4n rate in season is $15 per person and off season $10 per person. Ms. Drumheller said she Is excited to hear there is discussion with the County because Sebastian has the biggest population and we should give the County some push back so they start sending some things up North County like they've done In Vero Beach. Dave Havens said he's confused about what the time frame will be to install more courts and which department he should contact to make the recommendation for more courts. Ms. Drumheller said this committee would be the one to recommend more courts to City Council. She said they are all in agreement that we need more courts but money is an issue. She suggested residents attend the Indian River County Parks & Recreation Master Plan meeting and ask for their help to bring more courts into the North County. Bally Walker, a member of the Sebastian High School Pickleball Club, said she's grateful for the courts in Sebastian but they are always filled and students have to wait until night to practice and Its costing money for them to play under the lights. Randy Shooter asked how they will know if the committee is keeping this subject relevant and not just pushing It down the road. Ms. Webster responded by saying they need to come to the meetings. Ms. White said the committee realizes people want more pickleball courts but it's not only a money Issue, there are only so many parks to put the courts in. She suggested they push the County because they have more room and probably the money to do it. Karen Pallon said there Is a need for more courts. The courts are always filled. The residents are not interested in parking or restrooms they just want courts to play. Rosemary Cheman said Pickleball is different; it is a sport that brings the young and old together. Mr. Benton said he appreciated everyone for coming and welcomed anyone to call him anytime. He explained that the budget process starts in February or March and it's finalized at the end of September. He explained the key funding used to for the existing courts were the Recreation Impact Fees. He said there aren't sufficient funds in the account now for anything of this nature. He said the courts we have now at the airport cost the city $650,000 — 700,000 three years ago. Today it will cost $1,000,000. PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 4 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 02, 2023 He said the Capital Improvements Plan is a projection of the things that are needed in the future. He stated that items can be added yearly to that list, the City doesn't have to wait for six or seven years to add items. Mr. Benton wanted everyone to understand that the city has no control over where the County would put courts or if they are even willing to fund them. The County's Master Plan project will take 10 — 12 months to develop. The County will then have to figure out what the priority projects are then align the funding, so this is not an overnight fix either. VIII. New Business Item A: Committee member discussion and recommendation to City Council on. olavaround desians for Creative Plavoround. located at Barber Street Sports Complex., Mr. Vanmeir reported that the City received three bids, the first from Playmore they came in with a bid of $349,990.88, the second from Game Time who provided two options; the first option came in at $342,586.00 and the second option at $331,003.00, the third bid was from Top One with a bid price of $356,865.00. All of the quotes are ADA compliant and three of the four systems are wheelchair assessable. Ms. Drumheller said Game Time option 2 has a lot of sensory items and openness making it easier for parents to see their children. Motion by Mr. Mauro and second by Ms. Webster to recommend Game Time option 2 to City Council and approved unanimously via voice vote. IX. Items for the Next Agenda and Date: October 23'", 2023. The Committee would like to have a Pickleball Update X. Adioum There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Mauro, seconded by Mr. Allen at 7:19pm, and approved unanimously via voice vote. By: YAI(e �M�Date: f// - 2 ,3 "".23 Vicki Drumheller, Chairperson