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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-11-15 Parks Advisory Board Minutes • City of Dania Beach Parks & Recreation Advisory Board November 15,2005 The Parks&Recreation Advisory Board met at Frost Park on Tuesday,November 15,2005. Chairman Kurt Ely called the meeting to order at 6:10 PM. Members present: Chip Brockman Julie Brockman Beulah Lau Judy Jensen Jo Ann Brave Kurt Ely Members absent: Lisa Drake Jimmy Peterman Joe Peco Sharon Nearn Others present: Kristen Jones,Park&Recreation Director Mark Felicetty, Senior Facility Manager Melissa Cunningham,Recreation Leader Suzanne Witz Bud Witz Minutes of the October 18 meeting were presented for approval. Motion to approve made by Chip Brockman,second by Jo Ann Brave,motion carried. Unanimous • The first item of business was a discussion of the Frost Park facility fees and waivers. Chairman Ely famished the board a number of documents which included a copy of the current I.T.Parker Center rates,a rate study of a number of facilities done by Kristen Jones in 2002,a 2004 study of rates of some of the same facilities,as well as a report by Pat Varney covering salaries,hours and other information relative to actual cost of an event at I.T.Parker.The first thing brought to the boards attention by Chairman Ely was the second paragraph of Ms.Jones 2002 study which stated the non resident rates shall be 15%above resident rates. Chairman Ely said he didn't know whether that was relevant to the present Frost Park rates or not. He also called the boards attention to the fact that on some days of the week the current Parker Center rates are actually cheaper than the Frost Park rates. A discussion followed with members making comparisons between the two facilities. The Parker Center is larger,located on the water,more elegant and has more parking. It is suitable for formal occasions such as banquets and weddings. Frost Park is a good place for much smaller informal parties such as birthday parties for children and adults. The weight room and inside play area remain open to the public whether the meeting area is rented or not. It was decided that Chairman Ely and Ms.Jones will get together and work out a proposed rate schedule for Frost Park that will be brought back to the board and subsequently presented to the City Commission early in 2006, Chairman Ely next questioned Ms.Jones about the patio area. She said the area is accessible to the general public since that is where the public rest rooms are located. At the present time there is nothing in the patio area. It was decided it would not be included in the rate structure until such time as the canopy is installed and other facilities added Chairman Ely urged board members to let their friends on the commission know they feel it's time to get moving on implementing the improvements already provided for in the budget. L. • • Next was a follow up on lightning detectors. Mr.Felicetty reported the estimated cost for the three facilities would be$26,100. Because the research did not make it into the fiscal year`06 budget,he said two options were available. One would be to look for grant money or submit it for the budget process starting in March. Chairman Ely said he felt there is a third option,that being to urge the Commissioners to take it out of their contingency fund. In consideration of what could happen if someone was injured because this situation wasn't handled in a timely manner,it should be considered an emergency. The Beach Bash,scheduled for Sunday,November 20t,was the next item discussed. Ms.Jones said she had a dream of an event that would help to relieve the stress of the hurricane. She said the event will he free to residents and will feature plenty of good food and music. A shuttle bus will operate from Jai Alai to the beach so attendees won't have to worry about parking. She urged all the board members to attend and mentioned that help in cooking,serving,etc.would be appreciated.Any member of the board that would like to volunteer was asked to give their name to Melissa Cunningham,a member of the Parks&Recreation Department. At this point Mr.Felicetty interrupted to apologize for not introducing Ms.Cunningham when the meeting began. He said she has been with the department on a part time basis and was recently promoted to full time.Ms.Cunningham said she would be happy to take the name of anyone who would like to volunteer to help with the Bash. Chairman Ely asked Ms.Jones what she sees as the boards role in the Parks and Rec.Department. She replied mainly as a sounding board and to help staff with plans for upcoming projects. Chairman Ely said board members will receive a packet explaining in greater detail what the Commission expects from the board. Mr.Felicetty mentioned the boards help as additional eyes and ears would be appreciated. It was decided the board will hold its next meeting at Meli Park on December 20th. Some of the board members said they were not familiar with the area so anyone wishing to go with the group can meet at Frost Park at 5:45 or if they desire,can drive themselves directly to Meli Park. Ms.Jones said anyone that wants • to go with the group who plan to meet at Frost Park should contact Martha at the Parks&Rec.Department. A motion was made by Mr.Brockman,seconded by Ms.Jensen that board meetings be limited to one hour. Motion carried unanimously. If more time is needed to complete a meeting,the board will decide by vote at the time. Chairman Ely asked the board members to check their calendars and determine what days they are not available for a meeting.That will help determine what day of the month meetings will be held so a decision can be made at the regular December meeting There was a brief discussion regarding having alternates on the board. It was agreed the board will not ask for alternates until such time as it may be deemed necessary in the future. The last item was Chairman Ely said someone present had been bugging him for his recipe for homemade pickles. He not only furnished everyone with his recipe but also with a generous sample. The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 PM. Kurt Ely, Chairman Respectfully submitted Suzanne Witz • 2.