PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
JUNE 14, 2004
7:00 P.M.
1. ROLL CALL
Recreation Department Director Dennis Andresky called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Those present were Michael Bartlet, Barbara Eques, Davi Pohan-Ferrari, Carolina Oliveto, John Parker, and Mark Solomon, also present were Parks and Recreation Director Dennis Andresky and Recording the minutes Alexandra Grant of Transcription Data Services. Absent were Sandra Amaya, Jim Futch.
2. ELECTION OF CHAIR
John Parker made a motion, seconded by Michael Bartlet, to nominate Mark Solomon as Chair. In a voice vote, with Ms. Amaya and Mr. Futch absent, all voted in favor. (Motion carried 6-0)
3. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR
Chairperson Solomon made a motion, seconded by Mr. Parker, to nominate Carolina Oliveto as Vice Chair. In a voice vote, with Ms. Amaya and Mr. Futch absent, all voted in favor. (Motion carried, 6-0)
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April 12, 2004 & February 23, 2004 - Workshop
Chairperson Solomon made a motion, seconded by Mr. Bartlet, to approve the minutes of the April 12, 2004 and February 23, 2004 meetings. In a voice vote, with Ms. Amaya and Mr. Futch absent, all voted in favor. (Motion carried, 6-0)
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Lawrence Reed, 5510 Windover Way, Davie, welcomed the new Board members.
6. DIRECTOR’S UPDATE
Mr. Andresky updated the Board on summer camp programs and activities. He advised that all the programs were full and that participants were chosen via a random lottery for spaces in camps. He stated that the Parks and Recreation budget remained status quo and that funds needed to be re-allocated within existing programs already being funded. Mr. Parker asked if the proposed budget was ready to come before the Board. Mr. Andresky responded in the affirmative.
7. OLD BUSINESS
7.1 Land Preservation Acquisition Program Update
Mr. Andresky explained the history of the land preservation acquisition program through Broward County. He updated the Board on the status of the Town’s participation in the program.
Chairperson Solomon asked what the Town had been able to get so far. Mr. Andresky advised the Town acquired a parcel near the Orange Park area of about 2 1/2 acres, and the Van Kirk site of around 114 acres, which was being considered for an ecological park site.
Chairperson Solomon inquired about the Math Igler site. Mr. Andresky referred the Board to a site plan display and advised of proposed uses of the parcel as a passive site. Mr. Andresky announced the next meeting of the Broward County Land Preservation Board would be held on Thursday, June 17th at 9:30 a.m. at Fern Forest Park.
7.2 Dog Park Site Suggestions
Mr. Andresky advised that Shenandoah and Robbins Lodge had been recommended as potential dog park sites. He stated that Shenandoah was determined to be unsuitable because Broward County was planning to build a dog park at Markham Park in the west Davie area, which would duplicate the service in that area. He advised that the Board had the option of considering the Markham Park site by having the Town donate to that site along with other contributors. He stated there were no maintenance expenses to the Town. He explained that another option for the Board was to consider a site for Davie’s own dog park as previously discussed.
Chairperson Solomon pointed out that Robbins Lodge was underutilized. He asked if Robbins Lodge was irrigated. He suggested looking into facilities to see if the park at Robbins Lodge could be kept moist. Mr. Parker asked what the contribution amount was for Markham Park. Mr. Andresky replied the contribution would be $40,000 for 3 ½ acres of dog park area with paved walkways, drinking fountains, a shaded area, irrigation and fencing. He advised that by donating money, the Town would be recognized as a contributor to the park.
Chairperson Solomon asked what donation amount was required from the Town. Mr. Andresky responded that $40,000 had been suggested. Mr. Bartlett did not think the expenses of a dog park were warranted. He did not believe parents wanted more of the Town’s money used toward a dog park versus more park programs. Mr. Andresky advised that the Town Council had asked that the Board come up with suggestions for a site. Ms. Oliveto asked if the Board was due for another parks tour. She suggested that this would help new members be familiarized with the Town’s parks and would also be an opportunity to look for potential sites for a dog park. Chairperson Solomon felt the Board should do the tour soon and not wait for July as it would be too hot.
Chairperson Solomon made a motion, seconded by Vice Chair Oliveto, to wait until all members of the Board were established before going on the parks tour. All voted in favor. (Motion passed 6-0)
Ms. Egues asked about upkeep expenses for the dog park. Mr. Andresky advised he would bring back some figures to the Board. Chairperson Solomon asked for realistic figures that would stretch the funds as much as possible. Mr. Parker read a portion of a report on government funding for dog parks and recommended applying for grant money. Mr. Andresky advised that the Town had a grant writer on staff and use of grant funding would be considered if the Town did proceed with a dog park. Chairperson Solomon recommended that the Board try to find two sites, and then apply for a grant. He asked that a site be centrally located. He further recommended that if $40,000 would cover it, that two dog park sites be considered. Mr. Andresky indicated
he would prepare a list of possible sites for the next meeting that would work within the $40,000 budget. Ms. Egues spoke about safety concerns if someone got hurt or was bitten at the park. Chairperson Solomon recommended that an area with trees, fencing and irrigation would be sufficient. Mr. Andresky indicated he would bring back some information for the Board to consider at the next meeting.
8. NEW BUSINESS
8.1 Broward County Markham Park Dog Park
Discussion was held under old business Dog Park Site Suggestions.
8.2 Sports Program Policy and Procedure Implementation
Mr. Andresky felt it was beneficial for the Board to review the Town’s Sports Program’s Policies and Procedures based on previous conflicts which raised this concern. He advised that the Town had joined the National Alliance for Youth Sports organization and indicated he would bring a copy of related documents for the next meeting. Ms. Pohan-Ferrari requested a copy of the Town’s Sports Program Policy and Procedures. Mr. Andresky indicated he would provide this.
Chairperson Solomon asked that Mr. Andresky include a copy of the section of the policy he wanted the Board to review along with the minutes of the current meeting. Mr. Andresky agreed.
Vin Battaglia, 10201 SW 20th Street, Davie, spoke of his family’s participation in Davie Travel Softball. He indicated he had paid $70 for the travel program and asked what the Town did with the $70 he had paid. Mr. Battaglia asked if the Town contributed toward uniforms or equipment. Mr. Andresky indicated no. Mr. Battaglia thought the Town would have contributed something toward uniforms. He asked if the team was sponsored by the Gold Coast Hurricanes. Mr. Andresky indicated yes. Mr. Andresky stated that as the sponsor, Gold Coast Hurricanes provided the uniforms, but that for the $70, the Town provided the field and its personnel time for organizing schedules and officials. Mr. Battaglia stated that the games were
not played on the Town’s field. He asked that participants be informed in future of what the Town was and was not supposed to contribute to so he could be clearer. Ms. Pohan-Ferrari stated there were some gray areas not easily defined when the teams were sponsored by another organization. Mr. Battaglia reiterated that he had no problems with the sponsorship or fees required, but stated that if he had to pay the $70 to the Town, he simply wanted to know what the Town provided.
The Board members discussed various challenges related to the current process of sponsorship involvement with the softball team. Chairperson Solomon indicated the Board had some important decisions to make and felt residents should be involved. Ms. Pohan-Ferrari stated she would like to see the gray areas better defined and for the Town to recognize The Davie Broncos as an established Davie team. Mr. Battaglia thanked the Board members for allowing him to participate in the discussion.
Chairperson Solomon recommended that Mr. Andresky be directed to ask the Rising Stars organization for a copy of their 501(C)3 report and their proposed budget for each team and any fees involved.
Mr. Battaglia and the Board spoke highly of The Davie Broncos and all staff members involved.
9. COMMENTS AND/OR SUGGESTIONS
Mr. Andresky referred the Board members to a display of the proposed site plan for the county’s addition to Vista View Park and a conceptual site plan for the Math Igler site. He pointed out various proposed uses of the sites.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Egues advised that she would be on vacation during the next scheduled Board meeting. Chairperson Solomon advised that the Board’s next meeting would be July 12, 2004.
There being no further business to discuss and no objections, Chairperson Solomon made a motion, seconded by Mr. Parker, to adjourn at 8:15 p.m. In a voice vote, with Ms. Amaya and Mr. Futch absent, all voted in favor. (Motion carried 6-0)
Approved
Chair/Committee Member
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