HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-22-2024 PR Agenda
1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32958
TELEPHONE (772) 228-7054 FAX (772) 228-7077
AGENDA
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2024
6:00 PM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) CALL TO ORDER
2) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3) ROLL CALL
4) ANNOUNCEMENTS AND AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
Modifications and additions require unanimous vote of members. Deletions do not apply.
5) APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Meeting Minutes from March 25, 2024
6) PUBLIC INPUT
7) UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Item A: Current Project(s) Update
Creative Playground Ribbon Cutting April 19, 2024 @ 11 am – Event Completed
Item B: Committee Member Park Updates
Item C: Upcoming Events at Riverview Park
Earth Day April 20, 2024 9am-4pm – Event Completed
Arbor Day Planting April 26 Tulip Pond
Concert in the Park April 26 530pm (Allen Wronko Band performing)
Barb Snow Garden Festival April 27 and 28, 10 am
Item D: Volunteer of the year Draft-Final Review
8) NEW BUSINESS:
ITEM A: Park Memorial Program-Draft
ITEM B: Riverview Park Public Planning update May 14, 2024 3pm or 6pm Council Chambers
ITEM C: May meeting date change May 20, 2024 6pm
9) ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA AND DATE: May 20, 2024
10) ADJOURN
ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT THIS MEETING (OR HEARING) WILL NEED A RECORD
OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND
EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE HEARD. (286.0105 F.S.)
IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA), ANYONE WHO NEEDS A SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION FOR THIS MEETING SHOULD CONTACT
THE CITY’S ADA COORDINATOR AT 589-5330 AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THIS MEETING.
HOWEVER, THE PUBLIC IS ADVISED TO CHECK THE CITY WEBSITE FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON ANY CHANGES TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE MEETING WILL
BE HELD AND THE LOCATION.
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTESOF REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 25, 2024
i. Call to Order -- Chairperson Drumheller called the meeting to order at 6:00
p.m.
II. Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
III. Roll Call
Present
Mr. Renzi Ms. White
Ms. Drumheller Mr. Allen (alternate)
Mr. Danise (Zoom) *
Not Present
Mr. Renzi
Ms. Webster -- Absent
Mr. Mauro -- Excuse
Also Present
Richard Blankenship, Parks & Recreation Director
Antoine VanMeir, Parks Superintendent
Joseph Perez, AV Technical Assistant
Janet Graham, Technical Writer
IV. Announcements and Agenda Modifications
Ms. Drumheller proposed adding an agenda modification regarding last month’s
meeting when the Board talked about getting more information on memorial benches.
She would like to add that to this agenda just to see if there is more information
regarding memorial benches.
V. Approval of Minutes -- Meeting Minutes from February 26, 2024
Everyone indicating they had reviewed the Minutes, Ms. Drumheller called for a
motion. A motion approving the Minutes from February 26, 2024 as presented was
made by Mr. Renzi, seconded by Mr. Allen, and approved unanimously via voice vote.
VI. Public Input -- None
VII. Unfinished Business
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 2
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 25, 2024
A. Current Project(s) Updates
Mr. Blankenship gave an update on current projects as follows:
Creative Playground -- This project is proceeding as planned, and there will be a
ground-breaking ceremony on April 12, 2024. He has set the time as being 4:30 p.m. He
is not certain if that is going to be the time or not, but the Committee members will be
getting a formal invitation for the time that is actually set. It will, however, be April 12th.
He encouraged everyone to go by there and look at it. He stated that Mr. VanMeir has
done a fantastic job of directing this project. The project was begun on February 5th, and
we are going to open on April 12th. That is quite an accomplishment.
Mr. Blankenship stated that is all he has for current projects.
B. Committee Member Park Updates
Mr. Renzi -- stated that the Riverview Park is in perfect shape all the time. It is kept
clean, and he is glad that the people enjoy it. The Stormwater Park is in good shape.
The Freedom Park is also in good shape. He asked Mr. VanMeir if there is anything being
planned to repave the parking spaces on the north and south sides of the park. Mr.
VanMeir said Mr. Blankenship has more information than he has on that item. Mr.
Blankenship stated he can address that under New Business on the agenda.
Ms. White -- stated that the playground is busy a lot at the Easy Street Park. It is a very
active park, and some of the lights that were missing or burned out have been addressed.
The tables and benches have been cleaned on a regular basis also. Ms. White stated
she walked over to the playground at Bryant Court Park. She stated that there is a plastic
ramp or something that is on the ground going into the mulch area, and it is buckled. She
suggested addressing that, as it may not be safe. Mr. Blankenship said that will be taken
care of tomorrow morning. Ms. White added that as to Bryant Park, she was there
recently, and the clean-out around the trees was done very thoroughly.
Mr. Allen -- stated that his only update is on Bryant Court. He understands that it is
being completed for swapping out some pieces of the equipment. He asked for
information on the life span of the playground equipment on this park, and if we have an
expected timeline for replacement, or if that can be looked at. Also, as to the benches at
this park, the frame is made of steel, and the frame has considerable rust on it. He would
like the staff to go over there and give a full audit. Mr. Blankensh ip addressed life span.
He stated that in Florida playgrounds do not hold up very well. If they last more than 10
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 3
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 25, 2024
years, you’re getting your money’s worth. He described that end-of-safe-life use is
typically 12 years, and he opined that Bryant Court is almost there. Ms. Drumheller added
that the staff has a rotational grid on which parks are coming up next. She asked if this
Committee could get the information as to where some of the parks are in the rotation.
Ms. Drumheller asked Mr. Danise if he had anything to report. There was no response,
as he was on Zoom. Ms. Drumheller told Mr. Danise that he cannot be heard at this time,
but if he has anything to report, he can email that to Mr. VanMeir or Ron Paul.
Ms. Drumheller -- stated her parks are doing well. She does not have any comments
to make on any of her parks.
C. Upcoming Events at Riverview Park
Mr. Blankenship reported as follows:
This Friday night is the Easter Egg Hunt and Movie Night beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The egg hunt is approximately at 6:45 p.m. The movie will start around 7:45 p.m.
Mr. Allen asked how is this information being disseminated to the community. Mr.
Blankenship stated on the website, flyers on message boards, etc., and a lot of
social media. He added that Avery Jones is now with the City, and she posts
constantly online about events/happenings going on in the City.
There is a large Earth Day celebration scheduled for April 20th.
Ms. Drumheller added that Ms. Jones is doing a wonderful job on social media.
She’s been highlighting the parks and doing updates on other things.
Ms. Drumheller asked if they are still having the Easter morning service at
Riverview Park. Mr. Blankenship said they are, at 6:30 a.m.
Ms. Drumheller stated that there is also the event for the Sebastian River High
School band being held at the Concert in the Park on April 5, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
She said that is always well attended.
Ms. Drumheller reviewed the shredding event at Riverview Park. Mr. Blankenship
stated there is also a bike collection at Barber Street. Ms. White stated that is
going to be on April 20th.
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 4
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 25, 2024
Mr. Blankenship added that the Art Club event that was supposed to be this past
Saturday has been rescheduled to April 6.
Mr. Allen returned to something this Committee talked about last month where the
County and the different communities all have different boards and different events
being advertised to the same basic population. He asked if Sebastian is currently
in contact with the other groups for making sure that everyone is getting a wide
view of what is happening here. Mr. Blankenship asked if he is referring to a master
schedule, and Mr. Allen said yes. Mr. Blankenship said that has not been gotten
yet. That is going to be quite a task, but that is on the list of things that staff is
going to attempt to accomplish. Mr. Allen asked if Sebastian’s social media person
is in contact with the person with the same position with Indian River County and
Vero Beach. Mr. Blankenship said he does know that at this point.
D. Mangroves at Riverview Park
Mr. Blankenship updated this item. Staff gets questions from the boards and the public
as to why we cannot trim the mangroves at Riverview Park. People park there and cannot
see the river. He explained that those are protected. There are three different varieties
of mangroves in that area. Staff has had an expert verify what we already thought, and
yes, they are all mangroves. There are also a few sea grapes, which are also protected.
He stated that Mr. VanMeir and his crew will remove what they can, but it is not going to
improve what people are complaining about. If Sebastian were to attempt to get a permit
to trim, the most we can trim is to six feet. So if someone is sitting in his/her vehicle, the
tree/bush is still going to be at least six feet tall. There was more general discussion
regarding mangroves and sight areas of the river.
E. Volunteer of the Year -- Draft
Mr. Blankenship reviewed that the draft was updated somewhat, and the name was also
changed a little bit. He added that this does not need to be addressed tonight, but he
wants the Committee members to look at it and think about it, and at the next meeting
have some suggestions. We have plenty of time to create the program. Ms. Drumheller
suggested that, if someone chooses to do a paper form versus going online, an email or
other address be shown where those paper forms can be sent. She said that we need to
make sure that this item is on the agenda for next month’s meeting.
Mr. Allen suggested that, even if a person does not win, they should still be listed as a
nominee and who made that nomination. He also suggested making some changes to
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 5
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 25, 2024
the page layout.
There was general discussion regarding making changes/additions to this item so that
they can be addressed at the next meeting.
VIII. New Business
A. Find Grants applied for April 1, 2024
Mr. Blankenship advised that staff will be applying for these grants. He added that the
only one that is not on this list is the Police Department which is applying for a grant for a
new boat. He described the process for applying for these grants. He explained the
grants listed on the agenda, and there was general discussion regarding this item.
At this point, Ms. Drumheller recognized someone who wanted to speak as to public input.
Paul Halleran, Sebastian, FL. He said he and his wife have lived in Sebastian for
approximately 10 years. Recently, he retired, and he has an interest in Parks and
Recreation, and he decided to attend a few meetings and maybe become helpful or
maybe become more active. He spoke about a condition on US1 at the very end of Main
Street. He stated that there is a blessing box there from the United Methodist Church on
Roseland Road (similar to a library box), and there are food supplies in it. Next to it is a
bench, and he described the condition of the bench as being dangerous. He does not
know who takes care of that bench. Mr. Blankenship said he will take a look at the bench
tomorrow and talk to Public Works to see if it is their responsibility.
Ms. Drumheller asked if there is any information on memorial benches. Mr. Blankenship
said it is on the list. His recommendation is going to be that, instead of having a memorial
bench there, the City institute a memorial bench/tree program. He is putting that program
together now.
IX. Items for the Next Agenda and Date: April 22, 2024
Ms. White spoke regarding the vacant lot on Indian River Drive where the old hotel was.
She thinks it is a nice area for the Parks and Recreation Department to hold on to. Mr.
Blankenship recommended bringing that up to City Council. He does not have any
information on that property. He recommended Ms. White talking to Community
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD PAGE 6
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 25, 2024
Developmental Services to see if there is any interest from another party to do something
there.
X. Adjourn
There being no further business, Ms. Drumheller adjourned the meeting at 6:41 p.m.
__________________________________ Date:______________________________
Ms. Drumheller, Chairperson
jg
• Mr. Danise was listed as being on Zoom, but the audio was poor, and he could not
be heard during the majority of the meeting.
THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN MEMORIAL AND
PARK BEAUTIFICATION PROGRAM
The City of Sebastian offers many opportunities to support our community and
honor someone special. You may wish to honor a loved one or commemorate a
special event. Join the many individuals, families and organizations that have
purchased a personalized park bench, planted a tree, purchased a service flag or
a Veteran’s Park commemorative brick.
It starts in our parks - Donations accepted from $1,000 to $15,000
Your donation to this program can purchase a new piece of playground or sports
equipment at one of our many parks. Park donations will be recognized with a
standard-size plaque near the donated item.
Veterans Memorial Park Bench - $1,375.00
Located in Veterans Park. Bench donations will be recognized with a plaque
affixed near your bench.
Park Bench - $1,820.50 Bench plaque for existing park bench $250.00
Various locations are available throughout our many parks. Bench donations will
be recognized with a plaque affixed to existing bench.
Service Flag - $165.00
Support our troops by purchasing a service flag for Veterans Memorial Park.
Each flag will fly at the park for 30 days, then presented to your family as a
memory of your donation.
Landscape Beautification Fund - Donations accepted $250+.
Help maintain our Veterans Park with year-round, colorful flowers and shrubs.
Your contribution will be recognized in our city publications and website.
Memorial Brick - $200.00
These beautiful commemorative pavers will be placed in the park area. Bricks
measure 4” X 8”.
Compassionate Friends Children’s Memorial Garden Brick - $225.50
Commemorative bricks will be placed in various areas of the garden.
Pavers measure 12” X 12”.
Plant A Tree - $400.00
Plant a tree in various locations throughout Sebastian. Select a Live Oak, Green
Buttonwood or Magnolia. The dedication will be recognized with a standard-size
plaque in a recognition area.
• You may select the park, but the city reserves the decision for location due to
safety concerns.
• Your tree is guaranteed for 1 year from planting date.
• Commemorative plaques are not guaranteed if stolen.
• Personal items are unable to be left at the tree site and will be removed.
Prices are subject to change due to market price at the time of purchase.
All purchased items are subject to Florida sales tax and are tax deductible.
The City of Sebastian offers many locations for a memorial bench, paver
or tree. Choose your favorite location.
Park locations
Riverview Park - 600 U.S. Highway 1
Easy Street Park - Easy and Lake Street
Hardee Park - north end of Barber Street
Garden Club Park - 1028 Barber Street
Bark Park - 245 Keen Terrace
George Street Park - 1270 George Street
Blossom Park - 940 Cody Avenue
Bryant Court Park - 117 Bryant Court
Filbert Street Park - 170 Filbert Street
Sebastian Municipal Golf Course - 100 Brushfoot Drive
Sebastian Cemetery - 1921 N. Central Avenue
Friendship Park - 1440 Friendship Lane
Veteran’s Park - Corner of Indian River Drive and Harrison Street
City Hall - 1225 Main Street
Creative Playground
Barber Street Sports Complex - 1101 Barber Street
MESSAGE TO BE INCLUDED FOR BRICK AND/OR TREE PLAQUES
Brick 4” X 8” - Maximum of 3 lines, 20 characters/spaces per line
Tree plaque - Maximum 3 lines, 15 characters/spaces per line
1. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
2. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
3. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
4. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
5. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
6. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
7. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
8. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
9. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Plant-A-Tree only:
Park Name: ___________________________________
Type of Tree: __________________________________
Please complete and mail or drop off at City of Sebastian, 1225 Main
Street, Sebastian, FL 32958
Name: ________________________________ Date: __________
Address:_______________________________________________
Daytime Phone Number:___________________________________
Email Address: __________________________________________
The city of Sebastian, Parks and Recreation Department, is responsible
for the Memorial and Beautification Program. Please call 772-228-7054,
or email rpaul@cityofsebastian.org.
————————————————————————————————————————————————-
OFFICAL USE ONLY
Payment accepted by: ______________________ Date: _________________
Paid by: Cash ______ Check # ________ Credit Card _________
Date scanned to public service: _________________________