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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 11 15 Beautification of Winter Springs Board Regular Minutes ~- MINUTES BEAUTIFICATION OF WINTER SPRINGS BOARD NOVEMBER 15, 1995 The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Brown at 7:03 p.m. Roll Call: John Herbert, present Tom Brown, Chairperson Carol Morrison, present Russ Robbins, present Marilyn Dickinson, absent Dawna Ferguson, absent Also present was Don Wilson, Parks and Recreation Director. Chairperson Brown asked if there any errors or corrections to the minutes. No errors or corrections were stated. Chairperson Brown approved the minutes as presented. Chairperson Brown said that Dickinson called and let him know that she would not be attending tonight's meeting. - Dawna Ferguson arrived. She asked about the two bridges at Trotwood Park. Wilson said there is one over near the waste water plant and one near the parking lot. Brown said that the board has discussed the brochure, and now they're ready for input from Wilson. Brief discussion on the procedures of bringing the brochure before the commission. Introductions to Dawna Ferguson from all who were present at the meeting. Dawna said she lives in Dunmar Estates, and owns her own lawn maintenance and landscaping company. Robbins suggested using numbers or letters to indicate the parks on the map. Discussion of ideas for the map, and ways of elaborating on the retention ponds in the brochure. Russ mentioned a little pond that runs under Winter Springs Blvd on the Oak Forest side. Kids ride their bikes down there and fish. Brown spoke of a second phase: Recommending modifications of the parks to Wilson. Herbert said he and his wife visited all of the parks. Wilson brought in a five year plan of the redevelopment/revitalization to the city parks for each board member. He discussed a few of the plans such as: drainage at the parks; relocating the courts, realigning ball fields, and opening up the lake for a focal point at Trotwood. MINUTES - BEAUTIFICATION OF WINTER SPRINGS NOVEMBER 15, 1995 MEETING PAGE 2 Brown suggested planning a workshop in February with the city manager and Wilson. Wilson said that last week a double spaced, typed, 23 page chapter for the city code book was finished. It will address dogs, cats, motor vehicles, parking, everything regarding parks and recreation. Wilson added, we'll have the tools to work with if it gets passed. Morrison asked about the distribution of the brochure. Examples were given: mailing in the utility bills; take it to schools; homeowners associations; Winter Springs Bulletin; staple and stamp the brochure for mailing; welcome wagon; use as an insert in the Oak Forest or the Tuscawilla newspaper. Herbert said that he and his wife were very impressed with all of the parks. Brown asked if the city park playgrounds are covered under insurance. Wilson said that when you go into a ball park or play area it's at your own risk; however, if for example: a shrub was dug up and not back filled or an "s" hook on a swing set was not closed properly, then the city is liable. Wilson said he has 20 employees, and all of them take pride in their work. He continued with comments on the brochure. Example: a bright colorful picture of kids on the front cover. Brown mentioned to Wilson that the board has talked of Christmas decorations in the parks. Wilson said he would like to see a Christmas Card Lane at the Central Winds Park. Christmas music playing, someone serving apple cider, and children visiting with Santa. Art classes from different schools (age groups) can sponsor cards. There can be a contest. On the last night before giving the awards out, maybe a laser show could be sponsored. Getting back to the brochure, Wilson suggested pictures of each park. He also suggested a few changes to the wording of the contents at the Central Winds and Sam Smith Parks; Adding a comment to the Civic Center at Sunshine Park that it is available for rental; Changing the telephone and fax numbers, and the address. Brown asked Wilson ifhe was going to put together the wording. Wilson said yes, and also suggested that an introduction by the mayor would add a personal touch. Brief discussion of notation for letters or numbers indicating the location on the map below the general comments. Brown asked who does the pictures, and what does the board do from here. Wilson said he would do a mock, then come back and make changes, then do a final mock and take it to the city manager. The first print on this will be pretty expensive, especially with colors. Wilson added that maybe Computer City or Office Depot will want to sponsor the city, or possibly local printing companies would cut the price for recognition on the brochure. MINUTES BEAUTIFICATION OF WINTER SPRINGS NOVEMBER 15, 1995 MEETING PAGE 3 Brown asked Wilson ifhe would bring the project back in January. Wilson said yes. Brown said that for the agenda in December, the board wants to discuss Christmas ideas for 1996. Morrison said that the board had talked about contacting the Civic Association and asking them if the board could help, but then thought we better not do that. The city ought to do something on their own. She added, that maybe the girl scouts could sing at the park one night. Wilson suggested having a contest for the best decorated car that drives through the park. Wilson explained that the first page of the five year plan is a synopsis of everything thereafter. Everything for this year was approved. Wilson said he is open for suggestions from the board and the community. - Robbins asked if the railroad ties from the tom up track are being utilized by the city. Wilson said the city is supposed to get 500 ties. The Public Works and Parks Departments will be using the ties. Wilson also mentioned that they are in the "rail to trails" program. He is working with Tom Grimms to come up with a plan (second phase) to link 434 and 419 into Casselberry which would come out at Winter Springs Elementary. This would link Winter Springs, Casselberry, and Oviedo. The third phase would be for the city to come up with sub trails which would connect the schools, parks and business areas. Wilson stated that this is in the conceptual state. Morrison asked Ferguson if she would like to help with Christmas ideas. Ferguson said she will do whatever is needed. Brown asked that the board review and discuss the 5 year plan at the December meeting. In January the board will meet again with Wilson and in February the board will ask the city manager to attend the meeting. Ferguson asked if the city has anything to do with the post office across from city hall. She said the landscape is atrocious, and it represents the city of Winter Springs. Morrison said that maybe the board could make a recommendation; write a letter. Morrison said she received a call from the manager of Seminole Pines to judge a "Yard of the Month" contest. Morrison asked the board if this was something they would like to do. Ferguson said that it sounds like the board would be opening a can of worms. Brown said that Seminole Pines should have a garden committee. Brown mentioned that by June or July he would like to see people attending the meetings. ,- MINUTES BEAUTIFICATION OF WINTER SPRINGS NOVEMBER 15, 1995 MEETING PAGE 4 Morrison asked what she should tell the manager of Seminole Pines. Brown said that his view point is that the board represents the citizens of the whole city. This is not a city governed function, it's a local independent function. If we did it for them, then we would be doing it for all of the developments; and we can't do that. Ferguson suggested having their grounds maintenance company to do the judging. Robbins said that there is a man in Oviedo who sells trees. Robbins said that he wants to make sure the city doesn't do business with him because he is a con artist. Brown asked Robbins to mention it to Dickinson. Robbins asked if the board will have any say in the beautification of the 2.6 miles of Tuscawilla Road. Brown said that the board can not make suggestions to the commissioners. The board can ask Mr. Grimms to come to the meeting in February, and ask him what the board can do to influence him if he has anything to say to the county. Robbins mentioned in comparison, the county figured $80,000.00 plus a mile for Red Bug beautifications, and then said they didn't have the money so they weren't going to do it. A sub-committee helped design Red Bug for $18,000.00 a mile. The meeting was adjourned at 9: 10 p.m. by Chairperson Brown. Martha Jenkins, Deputy City Clerk