HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-16-2024 PR MinutesIV
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PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 16, 2024
Call to Order -- Vice -Chairperson Webster called the meeting to order at 6:00
p.m.
Pledae of Alleaiance was recited by all.
Roll Call
Present
Ms. Webster
Mr. Halleran (alternate)
Mr. Mauro
Not Present
Mr. Renzi -- Not Excused
Also Present
Ms. Drumheller (Zoom)
Ms. White
Richard Blankenship, Parks and Recreation Director
Joseph Perez, AV Technical Assistant
Janet Graham, Technical Writer
Announcements and Agenda Modifications -- None
Aooroval of Minutes
A. Meeting Minutes from November 12, 2024
All having indicated they had reviewed the Minutes of November 12, 2024, a motion to
approve the Minutes of November 12, 2024 as presented was made by Ms. White,
seconded by Mr. Halleran (alternate), and approved unanimously via voice vote.
VI. Public Inout -- None
VII. Unfinished Business
A. Current Project(s) Update
1. Riverview Park Planning
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 2
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 16, 2024
Mr. Blankenship stated that there was another follow-up meeting with the consultant a
couple of weeks ago. We are now headed into a point where staff will be able to review
the plan with the Advisory Board and take it to Council. He anticipates that it will happen
probably in February 2025.
2. Vacant position on Board
Mr. Blankenship advised everyone that Mr. Abrahao has resigned due to time conflicts
with his business. The clerk's office has advertised for candidates to fill that position.
That is an alternate position.
3. December 7w and 8w follow-up
Mr. Blankenship said that December 7t' was the Pearl Harbor Memorial event and the
Hullabaloo, and the Christmas Parade that night, so that was a very busy day. Everything
went very well. He said the Christmas Parade was quite a success, and from the logistics
standpoint, that it is a difficult parade to organize due to the confined space in that area.
Staff did a great job of making it work safely along with the Police Department and other
volunteers. Sunday, December 8t', was the Centennial celebration, which was extremely
well attended. After the Clydesdale Parade the majority of the people came to the Park
and enjoyed the music and other activities taking place there. Then, it culminated with
the fireworks with no issues. There were no issues with any of the events that weekend.
4. Bryant Court Playground ordered
Mr. Blankenship said he issued a purchase order, and he emailed the manufacturer to
get an ETA, but he has not heard back on that subject. He added that, with the holidays,
he estimates that it will be in February.
B. Committee Member Park Updates
Ms. White said she has nothing to report. She added that people are thoroughly enjoying
the park, so there is nothing she has questions about. Ms. Webster asked regarding the
writing on the sidewalk. There was some graffiti, and she wondered if that was taken
care of. Mr. Blankenship said that was fixed the day it was discovered.
Mr. Mauro said his parks are fine. With respect to the pickleball courts, he brought this
up last month. The windscreen on the first set of courts is missing a windscreen on the
west end, and the windscreen on the east end needs to be tied up more securely than it
is presently. It is missing some of the plastic ties.
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 3
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 16. 2024
Mr. Halleran said George Street Park is looking good. Regarding Bryant Court, he noticed
that the ground work has begun. All the old equipment has been removed, and we are
waiting for the new equipment.
Ms. Webster said registration will be started soon for Little League. She has nothing to
report on the Barber Street Park, and Hardee Park looks great, as usual.
Ms. White said her question is not about the parks, but she inquired as to what happened
to the volunteer -of -the -year program. Mr. Blankenship said staff decided not to follow
through with that this year since we only had limited recommendations. However, staff
does plan to move forward with it next year and will be marketing it a little differently to
see if we can get more nominations. He said there were two nominations this year. He
said staff will hold onto the nominations that were made this year.
C. Upcoming Events at Riverview Park
1. December 24th, Coastal Community Church Event
Ms. Webster asked what this event is. Mr. Blankenship said he believes it is a service for
the Christmas holiday.
2. January 10, Concert in the Park
3. January 11, Craft Club
4. January 17, Finally Friday
5. January 18t' through the 20'h, Fine Arts Festival
Vill. New Business -- None
IX. Items for the Next Aaenda and Date -- January 27, 2025
A. Impact Fees
B. Memorial Program
Mr. Blankenship said that discussion will be addressing bricks and benches, and then all
memorials in the City will be addressed in the near future.
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 4
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 16, 2024
Mr. Mauro asked regarding the parades in the City, how is the queuing up for the parade
handled. Mr. Blankenship said all entrants have to register. For the Christmas Parade
specifically, they register, and we have a lineup. Staff cannot control when they show up,
so they are just put in line. For the July 4"' Parade, they do have to register, and staff
thinks they know who is coming.
Ms. White asked if there is any way we can look at the date next year for the Sebastian
Christmas Parade and schedule the Sebastian Christmas Parade so that it is not held on
the same date as the Vero Beach Parade. Mr. Blankenship said that subject was
discussed by staff, and there is some concern that, if we are not on the same day, with
the crowd that we had this year staff is concerned that we may be overwhelmed with the
number of people who would show up. From a safety perspective, that is a legitimate
concern.
X. Adioum
There being no further business, Ms. Webster adjourned the meeting at 6:13 p.m
By: 2 &WX�A
Date:
an Webster Vice -Chairperson
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