HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-22-2025 PR Agenda1225 MAIN STREET,
SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32958
CITY OF SEBASTIAN
PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA
TUESDAY, July 22, 2025 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:
Item A: Meeting Minutes from June 23, 2025
6) PUBLIC INPUT
7) UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Item A: Current Project(s) Update
a. Riverview Park Planning
b. Main St. boat ramp- Awarded FBIP grant for construction
c. Law Enforcement Dryline -underway
d. Swing and Bench Park
e. Urban Forestry Grant Awards
Item B: Committee Member Park Updates
Item C: Upcoming Events at Riverview Park
a.
8) NEW BUSINESS:
a. FY2026 Capital Improvement Plan
b. Hurricane Harbor Tour and Assignment
ITEM B: Recreation Program Calendar
a. Touch and Tour September 13, 2025 10 a.m. City Hall Campus
b. Kids Fest October 4, 2025 10 a.m. Riverview
9) ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA AND DATE: August 25, 2025
a.
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
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 239 2025
Call to Order -- Chairperson Drumheller called the meeting to order at 6:00
p.m.
II. Pledqe of Alleqiance was recited by all.
III. Roll Call:
Present:
Ms. Drumheller Ms. Sheldon (a)
Ms. Webster Mr. Halleran
Mr. Mauro Mr. Moore (a)
Not Present:
Mr. Renzi -- Excused
Ms. White -- Excused
IV. Announcements and Aqenda Modifications
As an announcement, Mr. Blankenship stated that July is National Parks and
Recreation Month, and the Committee traditionally does a resolution and makes its
annual report to Council about the workings of the Advisory Committee over the past
12 months. That will be July 9th at the City Council meeting here in the chambers at
6:00 p.m. He stated that he would send out a notice to all Committee members asking
that they send him notes of the accomplishments -- things that may have occurred
in the parks that you're overseeing or things that we did as a group. He will set a
deadline to get those back to him. Ms. Drumheller encouraged the Committee
members to get your comments to Mr. Blankenship by the end of this month so that
he has time to try to put a short PowerPoint together. She added that it would be great
if all Committee members could possibly plan to attend that meeting. Mr. Blankenship
agreed.
As Agenda Modifications, Ms. Drumheller would like to add two items to Unfinished
Business:
e. She would like to introduce the new Committee members.
f. She would like to review the Adopt -A -Park program so that the parks can
be reallocated with the change in the Committee members.
V. Approval of Minutes
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JUNE 23, 2025
All members having indicated they had reviewed the Minutes of May 19, 2025, a motion
was made by Ms. Webster approving the Minutes as presented, seconded by Mr.
Haileran, and approved unanimously via voice vote.
VI. Public Input
Damien Gilliams, 1623 US Highway 1, Sebastian. He reviewed the Minutes of the last
meeting with the testimony that went on the record and the property owners who
appeared before this committee who provided very important information pertaining to
Riverview Park and closing down Harrison Street. He suggested the committee members
go back and review the Minutes again. He opined that the information the property
owners provided was very confusing, and this committee looked to staff for a
recommendation and a motion. He felt that was very concerning, and he suggested that
the committee members take another look at that and bring it back on the agenda for
discussion so that the property owners could reappear and clear up any misinformation
that he feels is in the Minutes from the last meeting. He added that he reviewed
information from the communities to the north and south of Sebastian. He discussed
what he discovered, and they are not shutting down roads as they are making additional
improvements. They are leaving the roads open. He suggested that during special
events Harrison Street could be shut down, and all the other days when there are no
special events being held, it could remain open. He stated that the property owners
involved have stated their objections. Thus, he is asking the committee to put the item
back on the agenda and reconsider it.
Ms. Drumheller stated that she thinks there is going to be another public workshop. She
added that what was discussed at the prior meeting was just a rudimentary plan; it is not
the final plan. There is still a lot more that needs to go before the committee before the
plan is finalized. So it was not a final vote at the prior meeting.
Mr. Gilliams requested that staff be instructed to send the property owners a certified
letter so at least the property owners who have a vested interest on that street will be
here with proper representation. He suggested the committee members go to Melbourne
and look at their plan.
Ms. Drumheller stated she thinks every situation is different. She does not like to compare
things to Vero Beach, Palm Bay, or Melbourne. She thinks the issues need to be
addressed as to what is going to meet the needs of our community, and that is not
necessarily going to be the needs of any other municipality. She suggested that there is
still time for the property owners to make their case for what they feel is most appropriate
for them.
Mr. Mauro asked if the only way people can get to the dry cleaner's is to go down Harrison
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Street, is that correct? Mr. Gilliams stated that is correct.
Mr. Gilliams stated he would take the committee members to Melbourne and show them
what Melbourne is doing.
There being no further public input, Chairperson Drumheller moved on to the next item
on the agenda.
VII. Unfinished Business
A. Current Project(s) Update
Mr. Blankenship stated staff are continuing with developing the master plan which will be
brought back to City Council for adoption at some point. At this time, does know exactly
when that will be.
B. Main Street Boat Ramp
Mr. Blankenship stated that it is in design and permitting right now. He stated that staff
has had the FIND (Florida Inland Navigation District) grant reviews this past Saturday.
Staff has put in for funding for dredging of the Main Street Boat Ramp, and we also have
a grant application for Florida Boating Improvement, which their review is this Thursday.
That is still in permitting now. He added that September 1 st is the goal for getting permits
and design complete. If that goes well and we get funded, work can be started in the first
quarter of the next fiscal year.
C. Law Enforcement Dryline. Contract to Council May 28, 2025
Mr. Blankenship stated that the contract was passed, which is in permitting now as well.
We have to add a fire hydrant, so that work will commence shortly.
D. Swing and Bench Park
Mr. Blankenship stated this project is in permitting as well. It has been designed as far
as the shoreline stabilization goes. That is the critical aspect that we have to solve -- the
shoreline stabilization. Then we can do the actual swing and bench locations, etc.
E. New Committee Member
Mr. Dale Moore introduced himself and his history of living in Sebastian. He stated that
he is on the Board at the SORBA Society also. He described his background, and he is
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very much in tune with traffic flow of pedestrians, etc. He stated that is what he hopes he
can bring to this community -- ideas on what plans are that are already going on.
F. Chairperson Drumheller stated another subject she wanted to revisit is the
Adopt -A -Park program. She stated that there are three parks which a former
member had, which are Friendship Park, Riverview Park, and Stormwater Park
to divvy out. She described for Mr. Moore what this program entails.
Ms. Sheldon stated that she is the only member of this committee with small
children, and she felt that her input would be best if she has a park that had a
playground. After discussion, it was the consensus that Creative Playground,
which is part of the Barber Street Sports Complex, be assigned to someone with
young children. Thus, Ms. Webster keeps Barber Street Sports Complex, and Ms.
Sheldon will assume Creative Playground as one of her parks
Ms. Drumheller asked Mr. Moore if he would be interested in starting with two
parks. He stated he would like to have Riverview Park and Friendship Park, and
he agreed that he would take those two parks.
Ms. Drumheller asked if anyone would take Stormwater Park. Mr. Halleran
volunteered to monitor Stormwater Park.
Mr. Blankenship reviewed some items that are being addressed in Tallahassee
that are affecting Sebastian as well as communities all over the state regarding
grants. He reviewed how the grant applications have been filed in the past. He
stated that some of those grants were not funded. The Florida Recreation
Development Assistance program was the funding source where we would get the
$50,000.00 nonmatching grants, and they even had larger grants such as
$200,000.00 grants. The cultural facilities, which is where the applications are in
for the bandstand or the stage at Riverview, and the small matching grants --
those were the ones that were a one-to-one match. So those are not funded.
Today, he estimated that the City has seven or eight applications in for projects
through those sources. The good news is that the Land and Water Conservation
program from our original application for Riverview is funded. Florida Communities
Trust was funded. Florida Boat Improvement program was funded, and we have
some projects in from those. The news is not as good as we typically get on the
grants from Tallahassee, but it is not dire. He just wanted the committee to know
because we do have a lot of applications in for a lot of different projects. He added
that there is potential that the new grant applications could re -fund what the City
was looking for. That has happened before. He stated that the amount of funding
that the City applied for and was not considered is over $1 million for Parks and
Recreation.
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B. Committee Member Park Updates
Mr. Halleran stated he has Bryant Park and George Street. He went there recently and
noticed that the turf looks very nice. He checked under the swings, and he did not see
any problems there. He stated that he noted that both of his parks have one or two at
each park that have abutting properties where people consistently park either their
vehicles or their trailers on the grass on the opposite side of their house. Over the past
couple of months he thinks he has gone to all or most of the parks, and he has not seen
any other park that has the same issue that both Bryant and George Street have. He did
note that at Blossom Park there is a sign on each of the bordering streets that has "NO
PARKING ANY TIME" with arrows pointing in both directions. He would like to ask if we
could have those signs installed at both Bryant and George Street. Mr. Blankenship
stated he will ask the question of why one park and not all of our parks.
Ms. Webster said Hardee Park looks really good. She has not been to the ball field yet
this year.
Mr. Mauro said the Blossom Street Park, Main Street Boat Ramp, and the Yacht Club are
all looking pretty good. Pickleball courts are still missing the windscreen on the west end
of the first set of courts. On the east side, they need to be tied down on the bottom.
Ms. Sheldon said Kildare is wonderful. She saw lots of people walking there just
yesterday.
Ms. Drumheller said that at the Garden Club Park, the plants are doing great. She sees
more people there now. There have been lots of butterflies, and she is really happy with
what is going on at Garden Club Park. Mr. Blankenship said that, for that park, staff is
trying to schedule another workday. Staff is partnering with the local Girl Scout troop. A
date is being set for some weeding, etc., and staff will invite the advisory boards of both
Parks and Recreation and Natural Resources if they would want to come out and assist.
Ms. Drumheller said Periwinkle and Filbert are fine. Filbert has so many tortoises. In
Riverview Park, the ORCA project for all the planting that they did is fabulous. Those
plants are all taking hold nicely. Mr. Blankenship said he encourages people to go look
at that, not for the planting, but look at the ORCA plants that were staged. He stated that
he was out there today, and that part is working. There may not be any oysters, but the
shoreline is building back up.
Ms. Drumheller said that she walks the river a couple times a week. At Fishermen's Wart
last week, she had the first sighting ever of a manatee with two babies. It is the first time
she has seen them, and they were next to the old Crabby Bill's where they used to have
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all the statues. She encouraged people to go to Riverview Park in the morning. The
sunrise is beautiful.
C. Upcoming Events at Riverview Park
1. July Parade starts at 8:30 a.m.
2. Freedom Fest starts at about 10:00 or 11:00 a.m. on the Fourth. That goes
until about 8:30 p.m.
3. Fireworks at 9:00 p.m.
VIII. New Business
A. None
B. Recreation Program Calendar
1. Summer Kickoff Concert June 6, 2025 at 6 p.m. -- follow-up
Mr. Blankenship stated this was a very successful event. Staff have gotten several
requests to do more of these.
2. Touch and Tour September 13, 2025 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Hall
Campus
This is a program that was held last year. The museum will be open, Senior Center,
and Art Center will have an open house; as well as large vehicles and equipment to
view. So there will be a lot going on.
3. Kids Fest October 4, 2025 at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverview Park
That will consist of various things to do, including poetry workshops and sidewalk chalk
competitions. The wildlife organizations will be here for some educational information
and demonstrations. Anglers for Conservancy will be here to present a fishing clinic and
give out fishing poles and tackle boxes, etc. The age range that is being planned is for
kids 15 and under. However, the poetry workshops can include older kids.
Mr. Mauro asked to make a general comment. He wanted to know what the purpose
would be of closing Harrison Street. Mr. Blankenship said the closure of Harrison Street
is not new. It came up in 2023 when it actually went to City Council. He added that it has
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not yet been decided upon. Ms. Drumheller described the area and how Harrison Street
will be addressed. She added that there are plans to have another input meeting about
when there is more than what this committee agreed to move forward at the conceptual
plan. Mr. Blankenship said he does not recall another public meeting being held, but it
does have to go back to City Council, which is a public meeting but not a workshop. Ms.
Drumheller asked if this item will come back to this Committee before it goes to City
Council. Mr. Blankenship said he would imagine so. He added that he would like to get
it to the elected officials and have their opinions on it. There was general discussion
among the committee members regarding this matter.
IX. Items for the Next Agenda and Date: July 22, 2025
A. FY 2026 C I P review
X. Adiourn
There being no further business, Chairperson Drumheller called for a motion to adjourn.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Ms. Webster, seconded by Mr. Halleran,
and approved unanimously via voice vote.
By: Date:
Chairperson Drumheller
jg
CITY OF SEBASTL4 N, FLORIDA
FISCAL YEAR 2026-2031
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT REQUEST AND JUSTIFICATION FORM
CEMETERY DIVISION (CONTINUED)
Project Name: Cemetery Equipment Project Description:
Funding Source: Cemetery Trust Fund 26-27 - Replace Dump Trailer $13,000.
27-28 - Replace Zero Turn Mower S 16,000.
Justification: Cemetery Dump Trailer will be replaced in FY 26-27, Zero Turn mower C409 will be replaced in FY 27-28
based on recommendations from Fleet Maintenance based on age and millage.
Project Costs: Project
FY 25-26 FY 26-27 FY 27-28 FY 28-29 FY 29-30 FY 30-31 Total
S S 13,000 S 16.000 S - S - S - S 29,000
Project Pricing: JPricing based on current estimates for zero turn mowers and dump trailers thru multiple vendor quotes.
Project Name: JCemetery Irrigation Pump 11'rolect Description:
Funding Source: Cemetery Trust Fund Additional irrigation Pump.
Justification: The Cemetery is setup with one irrigation pump that runs for approximately 22.5 hours per day to irrigate all 5
units within the cemetery. Staff is requesting to purchase a second pump so that the two pumps can alternate and
increase their lifespan. This also provides an immediate backup if the pump fails.
Project Costs: Project
FY 25-26 FY 26-27 FY 27-28 FY 28-29 FY 29-30 FY 30-31 Total
S - $ 40,000 S - $ - S - S - $ 40,000
Project Pricing: Pricing is based on the current pump purchase price I
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Project Name: Park Maintenance Equipment
Funding Source: General Fund
Project Description:
Provide Necessary Maintenance or Replacement of equipment:
26-27 $28K Replace (2) Zero Turn Mowers.
26-27 S90K Landscape dump body truck
27-28 $22K Replace Bush Hog 15' Mower.
28-29 S i SK Replace Steel Green Sprayer/Spreader.
28-29 $1 SK Replace Snapper Pro Zero Turn Mower.
Justification: (Replace parks maintenance equipment which will reach its end of life cycle.
Project Costs: Project
FY 25-26 FY 26-27 FY 27-28 FY 28-29 FY 29-30 FY 30-31 Total
S - S 119,000 S 22,000 S 30,000 S - S - S 170.000
Project Pricing: Pricing for equipment is based on current cost estimates received from various vendors. Projecting cost increases
lin future years for other items. I
CITY OF SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA
FISCAL YEAR 2026-2031
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT REQUEST AND JUSTIFICATION FORM
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT (CONTINUED)
Project Name: Park Improvements Protect Description:
Funding Source: Recreation Impact Fees Fund Provide Rinds to immediately address park improvements.
Justification: These allocations enable the addressing of park expenditures brought to light by the public or Parks and
Recreation Advisory Committee, so that concerns not budgeted can be addressed without delay.
Project Costs: Project
FY 25-26 FY 26-27 FY 27-28 FY 28-29 FY 29-30 FY 30-31 10W
$ 20,000 $ 20,000 S 20,000 $ 20,000 S 20,000 $ 20,000 S 120,000
Project Pricing: INo cost estimates provided as these are unexpected park improvements.
Project Name: Playground Improvements Project Description:
Funding Source: Recreation Impact Fees Fund 25-26 Hardee Park S80,000 27-
28 Schumann Park $50.000.00
Justification: Update and replace playgrounds throughout the city for safety and enjoyment.
Project Costs: Project
FY 25-26 FY 26-27 FY 27-28 FY 28-29 FY 29-30 FY 30-31 Total
$ 80,000 S - $ 50,000 $ - S - $ - S 130,000
Project Pricing. (Based on previous playground purchase prices.
Project Name: Parks 8c Trails Equipment Protect Description:
Funding Source: Discretionary Sales Tax $50,000 Tractor 75HP $77,000, 60" broom and attachment for tractor $9,000 ,
State Grant $150,000 Mini Skid Steer S35,000, Enclosed Trailer $9,000, Side by side ATV
$25,000, 60" mower $25,000, 12' gang mower attachment $20,000
Justification: Equipment needed for parks and trail maintainence. Some is new and some is replacment equipment. I
Project Costs: Project
FY 25-26 FY 26-27 FY 27-28 FY 28-29 FY 29-30 FY 30-31 To -Lai
S 200,000 S - S - $ - $ - $ - S 200,000
Project Pricing: Pricing is from manuafacturer/dealers in the area. We will apply for Trails -Go grant to fund a large portion o
the equipment need.
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CITY OF SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA
FISCAL YEAR 2026-2031
CAPITAL BIPROYEMENT PROJECT REQUEST AND JUSTIFICATION FORM
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT (CONTINUED)
Project Name: Schumann Park Courts Upgrade Project Description
Funding Source: Discretionary Sales Tax Resurface all of the tennis and basketball courts at Shuman Park.
Replace nets and stantions, reline courts. Replace basketball rims and
backboards. Replace all court and site lighting with LED.
JusdReadon: Courts are used regularly and are in need of new surfacing and components to remain safe. The lighting system
is outdated and expensive to operate and maintain. Adding LED lighting results in reduction in electrical cost
between 40% and 50% and depending on vendor up to a 25 year full labor and material warranty.
Project Costs: Project
FY 25-26 FY 26-27 FY 27-28 FY 28-29 FY 29-30 FY 30-31 14ta1
$ - $ 610,000 $ 200,000 $ - $ - S - $ 810,000
Project Prleiog: 1A proposal was received for baseline price to complete the court upgrades and lighting.
Project Name: Friendship Park Tennis Court Upgrades Project Description:
Funding Source: Discretionary Sales Tax $70,000 Replace court lighting with LED, replace court fencing, reapply clay
Grant $ 245,000 and lines.
Justification: The lights need replacing, the fencing has been thru several storms and needs replacing. The clay surface is in
need of reconditioning with new lines.
Project Costs: Project
FY 25-26 FY 26-27 FY 27-28 FY 28-29 FY 29-30 FY 30-31 Total
$ - $ 315.000 S - $ - S - $ - $ 315,000
Project Pricing: lReceived proposal for lighting, fencing at S40 a linear foot, and clay upgrades.
Project Name: Garden Club Park Project Description:
Funding Source: Discretionary Sales Tax Completion of trail around Garden Club Park, new park amenities,
(20%) $90,000 landscaping, lighting, flagpole.
Recreational Trails Program Grant
(80%) $ 360,000
Justification: Upgrade Garden Club Park for better public use. RTP grant $360,000 City Match $90,000.00. Maintenance
cost of facility would not be affected by upgrades.
Project Costs: Project
FY 25-26 FY 26-27 FY 27-28 FY 28-29 FY 29-30 FY 30-31 Total
S 450,000 $ - S - S - S - $ - $ 450,000
Project Pricing: IAll will be either competively bid or purchased from prebid contract. I
170
CITY OF SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA
FISCAL YEAR 2026-2031
CAPITAL EWPROVEMENT PROJECT REQUEST AND JUSTIFICATION FORM
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT (CONTINUED)
Project Name: Main Street Ramp Drell Protect Description:
Funding Source: Discretionary Sales Tax $250,000 Dredging of the area around Main Street Boat Ramp to provide better
Grant $ 250,000 ingress and egress for boaters
Justification: The boat ramp has not been dredged in many years, if ever. Sediment has reduced the size of vessels that can
launch and created difficulties in launching and retrieving vessels.
Project Costs: Project
FY 25-26 FY 26-27 FY 27-28 FY 28-29 FY 29-30 FY 30-31 Total
$ 500,000 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 500,000
Project Pricing: Dredging design and pricing is being performed in FY2025.
Project Name: Riverview Park Master Plan Project Description:
Funding Source: Discretionary Sales Tax Implementation of Riverview Master Plan Phasing
Justification: Design, construction documents, bidding and construction of Riverview Master plan by Phase.
Project Costs: Project
FY 25-26 FY 26-27 FY 27-28 FY 28-29 FY 29-30 FY 30-31 Total
$ - $ 1,000,000 $ $ - $ - $ - $ 1,000,000
Project Pricing. Equipment will either be bid or purchased from a pre bid contract.
Project Name: Swin and Bench Park Protect Description:
Funding Source: CRA $ 200,000 Stabilize shoreline and add sidewalk, seating and ADA access
Grant $ 200,000
Justification: Shoreline stabilization needed due to erosion, sidewalk and seating added for Indian River Lagoon viewing and
ADA access to the water.
Project Costs: Project
FY 25-26 FY 26-27 FY 27-28 FY 28-29 FY 29-30 FY 30-31 Total
$ 400,000 $ - $ $ $ - $ - $ 400,000
Project Pricing: This project will be competively bid.
Project Name: Parks Restroom Doors Project Description:
Funding Source: General Fund Replace the doors and door jams at Hardee Park and Creative
Playground, Yacht Club doors, Art Club door and window, Senior
Center door and window, and associated restroom partitions.
Justification: Facility upgrades for safety and aesthetics at several city facilities.
Project Costs: Project
]FY 25-26 FY 26-27 FY 27-28 FY 28-29 FY 29-30 FY 30-31 Total
$ 15,000 $ 25,000 $ - $ - S - $ - $ 40,000
Project Pricing: All will be either competively bid or purchased from prebid contract.
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