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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 12 04 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Regular Meeting Minutes - RESCHEDULED C1TY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATI4N ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 4, 2012 (RESCHEDULED FROM NQVEMBER 6, 2012) ca.I.,L Ta a�ER The Regular Meeting of Tuesday, December 4, 2012 (Rescheduled from November 6, 2412) of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee was called ta Qrder at 7:03 p.m., by Chairpersan Arnie Nussbaurn in the Camrnission Chambers of the Municipal Building (City Hall, 1126 East State Raad 434, Winter Springs, Florida 3274$). Rolt Call: Chairperson Arnie Nussbaurn, present Committee Member Joseph Bonura, present Committee Member Arsenio Calle,present Comrnittee Member Yvonne Froscher,present Cammittee Member Arthur Galla,present Cammittee Mernber Geoffrey Kendrick, present Committee Member Richard Lecky,present Committee Member Clare Mumey, present Assistant to the City Clerk 5ean Beaudet,present A moment af silence was held for members of the United States Military, followed by the Pledge of Ailegiance. INFURMATIONAL AGENDA INFORMATIONAL 100. Parks And Recreation Department Requesting The Parks And Recreatian Advisory Committee Receive Informatian Related To New Member Richard Lecky And Thank New City Commissioner Pam Carroll For Her Service To The Parks and Recreation Advisory Carnmittee. Mr. Chris Caldwell, Director, Parks and Recreation Department welcomed new Committee Member Mr. Richard Lecky. CTTY OF W INTER SPRINGS,FLt?RIDA MINt7TES PARKS ANA 12ECREATIQN ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING-DBCEMBER 4,2012 (RESCHEDULED FROM NOVEMBER 6,2012) PAGE 2 OF 9 Additionally, Mr. Caldwell also thanked Commissioner Pam Carroll far her previous service while serving an the Parks and Recreatian Advisory Committee. CCINSENT AGENDA CONSEIVT 200. Not Used AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS 300. Not Used aoo. x�roRTs No Reports were given. PUBLIC INPUT Mr. Richard Grogan, 1 North Fairfax Avenue, Winter Springs, Florida: asked if residents could ride bicycles on the sidewalks Mr. Caldwell noted that he was not certain, but believed residents could ride bicycles on the street sidewalks, if there were no bicycle lanes or bicycle trails available. Chairperson Nussbaum also mentioned that bicycle safety has been a widely discussed issue araund the region and that the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisary Cammittee may be able ta better answer Mr. Grogan's questians. Mr. Caldwell then remarked that the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee was currently scheduled to hold a meeting an December 19�', 2012 at 7:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS AGENDA PUBLIC HEARINCS 500. Not Used CPI'Y OF WINTER SPRINGS,FLORIDA MINUTES PARKS A1VD 12ECREATION ADV13f1RY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING-DECEMBER 4,2012 {RESCHEDULED FROM NOVEMBER 6,2012} PAGE 3 QF 9 REGULAR AGENDA REGULAR 600. Parks And Recreation Department Requesting The Parks And Recreatian Advisory Cammittee Receive Information Related Ta The 2013 Calendar Of Community Events. Mr. Brian Dunigan, Programs and Special Events Coardinator, Parks and Recreation Department presented this Agenda Item and mentioned that the "Calendar Uf Cornmunity Events'° included all events for 2013; that events in neighboring communities were considered, and it was "Designed so that we're nat trying to campete with our neighboring cornmunities, but can include them in the events." No issues were nated by the Committee Members. REGULAti 601. Parks And Recreatian Department Requesting The Parks And Recreation Advisary Committee Ta Review 2013 Department Gaals Far The Parks And Recreation Department. Mr. Caldwell introdueed this Agenda Item and noted that the list provided was a general guideline for the Parks and Recreation Department. Continuing, Mr. Caldwell explained, "What we've set these up as are Persannel, by our Operatians, and by our Programining— these are our three(3)major facets af our department". Related to Staff cansidering these aspects for passible Accreditation, Mr. Caldwell explained that to attain Accreditation, the Parks and Recreation Department is required to evaivate "144 standards that we fallaw that are Natianal Standards. So, we are working towards that and that is our end gaal — ta be a Nationally Accredited Parks and Recreation Department." Mr. Caldwell also mentianed that there were only ninety (90) Parks and Recreation Departments in the United States that are accredited. Further, Mr. Caldwell explained they have evaluated Staff schedules and transitioned full-time positians into part-time positions to cut costs; and Mr. Caldwell believed the Parks and Recreation Department was praviding better custorner service and noted that their motto is, "It starts in Parks". CITY QF WINTER SPRINGS,FLORll7A MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATlt?N ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING-DECEMBER 4,2Q 12 {RESCHEDULBD FROM NOVEMBER 6,2012) PAGE 4 OF 9 REGtJLAR 602. Parks And Recreatian Department Requesting The Parks And Recreation Advisory Camrnittee Receive Informatian Related To The Parks And Recreation Current Fees For Spring Break Camp And Proposal To Increase Fees To Match Our Sumrner Camp Rates. Discussion To Change The Rental Fees At Our Civic Center. The New Fees Proposed Will Have Ta Be Brought To The Cammission At A Later Date. The Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee Is Requested To Provide Staff VVith Any Rernarks They May Have, Related to this Agenda Itern, Mr. Caldwell began by mentioning that the current Fee Schedule had nat chariged since 20Q8, but he believed the Fee 5chedule needed ta be evaluated. Committee Member Richard Lecky asked about different Fees listed on the City's website and the Fees listed in the "Family Fun Guide"' pamphlet. NIr. Caldwell pointed out that the "Family Fun Guide" is updated twice a year and pointed out that the difference in price was due to tax being included in the price listed in the pamphlet for various rentals and pragrams. Committee Member Lecky suggested, "It wauld be nice to have that" included, to which Mr. Caldwell nadded in agreement. Next, Mr. Dunigan mentioned that ane of his respansibilities was managing the Spring Break and Summer Camp Programs, and commented on the Fees, and that it "Costs us the exact same amount ta do one (1) week of Spring Break (Carnp) ar one (1) week of Summer Carnp. We are not bringing in enough revenue to cover aur cost far Spring Break (Camp} — we're having ta make some sacrifices to the prograrn during the Spring (Break Garnp). So, what — we're praposing is ta bring everything far aur spring and summer camp pragrarns to ninety dallars ($9Q.40) for a Winter Springs resident and a hundred and ten [dollars] ($110.00) for a non-resident." Committee Member Calle noted, "I think it is apprapriate to make it the same to avoid canfusion"and agreed with an increase. Chairpersan Nussbaum inquired "L?o we compare it to Langwaod and sister cities to see what their range is?" Mr. Dunigan assured that Staff did compare the Fees with other cities; noted that ather cities charge a little more; surrounding cities had different Fee structures; and compared to private providers in the area, the Winter Springs programs were the most affordable. Cantinuing, Chairperson Nussbaum stated, "I have been over to the Surnmer Camp and you guys da an outstanding job with all af these pragrams. Yau probably could have �;one ten {$10.44) ar fifteen dallars ($15.Q4) more —just to think about for next year, for revenues, and still have been affordable or more affordable than most options out there." CiTY OF WiNTER SPRINGS,FLORIDA MINt3TBS PARKS AND RECREATIQN ADVISdRY COMMITTEE RBGULAR MEETTNG-DECfiMBER 4,2412 (RESCHEDULED FRiDM NOVEMBER 6,2012) PAGE 5 OF 9 Mr. Dunigan added, "This is a constant evaluatian process. This is not set in stone - that this ninety [dollars] ($90.00) and one [hundred] and ten [dollars] ($11 Q.QO) will be in place for the next four(4} or five (5} years}. Next, the Civic Center Fees were discussed and Mr. Dunigan pointed out that the Civic Center had roughly fifteen thousand five hundred dollars ($15,500.4Q) worth of improvements completed in the past eighteen (18) ta twenty-faur (24) months; and that such improvements included new tables, new chairs, a new refrigerator for the kitchen, new roaftap air conditioning units, new walkway pavers at the entryway, inside walls were painted, and bathroom doors replaced. Phatographs were shown. Continuing, Mr. Dunigan said, "Going forward for this year, we have about twelve thousand dollars ($12,400.00) budgeted for facility impravements that we plan on rnaking. What we would like ta do is reda the floors, redo the tile, and also the ceiling tiles." Mr. Dunigan also noted that Staff had reviewed Fee structure with what is charged far the rental of similar facilities in other cities. Discussian ensued an Fees. Committee Member Joseph Bonura asked, "What is the cast (af operation) per hour?" Mr, Dunigan answered "We've estimated that cost at about twenty five dollars ($25.OQ} an hour." Chairperson Nussbaum suggested that most businesses may want to rent the facility far mare than an hour at a time and proposed making the rental a twa (2) haur minimum. Mr. Dunigan noted that the reason the Fee was sa law was to entice businesses to utilize the Civic Center. Discussion followed that tables, chairs, and kitchen use would be provided with the rental fee, and cleaning the facility. Cammittee Member Art Gallo thought that Staff could also include a mid-range rental fee of six (6) hour blacks. Concluding, Mr. Caldwell said "We are planning on bringing this item up ta the City Commission; so, we wanted to go over it you all. We're gaing to do that in January—it will be the first ar second meeting in January." Chairperson Nussbaum added, "Yau probably could ga between two (2°l0} and five (5°l0) percent up on thase rates and nobody would get shattered. You still would be affardable, but just a suggestion." Mr. Ca�dwell replied "That's what we wrate in aur notes that you feel we can ga up a little higher on our rates. Thank you, we will consider it, absolutely and will cansider thase other items." CiTY OF WINTER SPRiNGS,FL4RIDA MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATit}N ADYISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING-DfiCEMBER 4,2412 (RESCHEI?ULED FROM NOVEMBER 6,2412) PAGE 5 OF 9 REGULAR 603. Parks And Recreation Department Requesting The Parks And Recreation Advisary Committee Receive Information Related To The Splash Pad Changes Made In The 2012 Season And Review Seasanal Dates 4f 4peratian At the Splash Pads. Regarding this Agenda Item, Mr. Mike Barclay, Recreatian Superintendent, Parks and Recreation Department gave some background information an the Splash Pads including usage and revenues. Committee Member Banura mentioned that his family uses the Torcasa Splash Pad but thought that the park lacated next ta the Splash Pad needs some renovation and perhaps the City cauld charge for the use of the Torasca to raise additional revenue for renovations. Mr. Barclay remarked that Staff is looking into available Grants for passibly redesigning that park such as updating the basketball caurts and that with "A lot of the building going on in the area, we're going to be having some Impact Fee maney that we cauld look at spending to be able to do those park upgrades." Mr. Caldwell added, "Tarcaso Park—the entire area was bui]t with a CDBG {Community Develapment Black Grant) Grant. We have to be very careful on how we program and plan and not to show any difference far that park versus Trotwaod Park and the use af the Splash Pads. So, it's very difficult ta get the balance there." Mr. Caldwell noted that the usage has improved and they are laoking far ways to reducing expenses and improving Sf�T'YiG�S. Cammittee Member Calle asked if there was a Fee Schedule for 2013. Mr. Barclay pointed out that Staff is evaluating 2013, but at this paint Winter Springs residents would cantinue ta be free and non-residents would continue to be charged a three dollar ($3.00) fee. Comrnittee Member Galio noted that the Splash Pads are a great way to keep children off af the streets and out of trouble; and agreed with what Committee Member Bonura suggested related to renovations. Committee Member Kendrick also noted that his family uses the Tratwoad Splash Pad and asked, "As far as the lack of revenue, are you going to have to take money from elsewhere to aceommodate for the — additional upkeep?" Mr. Barclay replied that in order to keep costs dawn, "We have the Splash Pads shut down two (2) days a week — Mondays and Tuesdays, which is done for maintenance." Further, Mr. Barelay noted nat having Staff at the facilities on those days and that the water pumps are not operating, which has decreased some of the expenses. Lastly, Mr, Caldwell nated that the Parks and Recreation Department had reduced the operation expenses of the Splash Pad by thirty-three thousand dollars ($33,000.00) for 2012 and are now aperating at about twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00} for the year. Further comments. CTTX OF WINTER SPRINGS,FIARIDA MINUTES PA.RKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGi3LAR MEETING—DECEMBER 4,2012 {RBSCHEDULEI}FROM NOVEMBER b,2012) PAGE 7 OF 9 REGULAR 604. Parks And Recreation Department Reqaesting The Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee Receive Information Related To Diane's Park CR.A Grant Proposal. Mr. Barclay intraduced this Agenda Item, the locatian and noted"The CRA (Cornmunity Redeveloprnent Agency} has approached the City saying that they would like to develop this park". Mr. Barclay indicated that, Staff wanted ta do something unique with the park and showed some photographs of playground equipment that resembled trees which could be a play feature. Tape 113ide B Discussian followed on manies, and the durability and warranty of the playground equipment. Cornmittee Member Bonura corrunented on concerns he had with the safety of children who might use this park but that he did like the playground equipment designs. Further discussion ensued on safety and policing concerns, serving the residents, and the demographics of the aparhnents and surrounding areas of this park. Mr. Caldwell stated, "There are apartments there; we don't know the exact demographics af those. But, there are kids in and around those apartments. Whether they live there, we don't know. We'll find that out and we will do an assessment in that area." Committee Mernber Froscher inquired about the accessibility to the park for children in the area and thaught it might be better utilized as a lunch area with covered pavilions for adults affiliated with the surrounding businesses. Committee Member Bonura asked if the Grant money from the Cammunity Redevelopment Agency had to be used specifically for Diane's Park,to which Mr. Barclay confirmed that it did. Cammittee Member Gallo added, "In my opinian, this is a great thing as far the playgraund equipment goes. If you have ta put something there for playground equipment, this looks like a good choice for me. No matter where the park is, you are always going to have some types of problems." Additionally, Cammittee Member Lecky asked if the park was already designated as a playgraund; ta which Mr. Barclay replied that it was not and nated that the land was donated ta the City ta serve as a park. Further discussion ensued that the Grant rnoney did not have to be used, the City Commission's desire to obtain feedback from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee; demographics, and who generally visits this area. Mr. Caldwell remarked, "We will be glad to look at those demagraphies and bring you back the information in regards to the demographics in that area and what amenities are in that apartment complex." Discussion. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS,FLORIDA MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING-DECEMBER 4,2012 (RESCHEDULED FROM NOVEMBER 6,2012) PAGE 8 OF 9 REGULAR 605. Parks And Recreation Department Requesting The Parks And Recreation Advisory Committee Receive Information Related To Ideas Regarding Future Use Of Trotwood Park. Discuss Plans To Speak To Tuscawilla Homeowner's Association In January 2013 To Share Ideas And Gather Feedback From Residents. This Agenda Item was introduced by Mr. Caldwell who noted that Trotwood Park is a popular park, especially on weekends. The comments brought forth by Mr. Caldwell included the need to repair the surface and the surrounding fences of the tennis courts; that the basketball courts need to be resurfaced; the parking lot has drainage issues; the racquetball court is no longer utilized by the residents; and the number of parking spaces is inadequate for the size of the park. Continuing, Mr. Caldwell noted that after discussing the issues with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, Staff was going to speak with the Tuscawilla Homeowner's Association, and that they wanted to possibly work with the United States Tennis Association to obtain Grant funding, and possibly adding a third tennis court to the park. Related to the proposed costs of the mentioned repairs and projects, Mr. Caldwell said that "Tennis courts cost about a hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) to renovate including fencing, surfacing — and then, depending on the size of the court, resurfacing, just like a basketball court, if you're going to do it right, it is a thirty($30,000.00) or forty thousand dollar ($40,000.00) cost." Related to funding, Mr. Caldwell explained, "We don't have any funds that go into park improvements or deferred maintenance. We do have money set aside for Impact Fees." Committee Member Kendrick noted his support for this. With further discussion, Committee Member Calle mentioned the Tuscawilla Homeowner's Association could possibly help with funding. Mr. Caldwell agreed and noted that the Tuscawilla Homeowner's Association had already been assisting with replacement park benches, mulch, and other items, and that they were very supportive of improving Trotwood Park. Further discussion ensued on the structural integrity of the racquetball court. Committee Member Gallo also was supportive of Trotwood Park and the suggested improvements, but did not want to see trees removed to put in a parking lot; and also suggested landscaping might help reduce noise issues for the residents that live close to the park. Discussion followed on sound issues and possible other uses for the racquetball court. CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS,FLORIDA MINUTBS PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING—DECEMBER 4,2012 (RESCHEDULED FROM NOVEMBER 6,2012) PAGE 9 OF 9 Chairpersan Nussbaum further spoke on the practice wall and stated, "I like that idea — somewhere in the City as we evaluate this in the next year ar two (2)". Chairperson Nussbaum also thought there was Consensus from the Board for a practice wall. REGULAR bQ6. Parks And Recreatian Department Requesting The Parks And Recreatian Advisary Committee Receive Information Retated Ta Pubtic Warks Stormwater Improvements For The West End Of Central Winds Park Where The Dog Park Is Located. Mr. Caldwell presented this Agenda Item and showed same photographs af the Dog Park related to inadequate drainage issues. Mr. Caldwell explained that the I?ag Park is generally shut dawn twa (2}months out of the year, due to the drainage issue. With further cornznents, Committee Member Lecky referenced an area on the Cross Seminole Trail and noted that a few trees were obstructing the view for bath bicyclists and vehicles entering at the entryway near the Dag Paxk; and was concerned with safety issues. Mr. Caldwell said "We try to keep those areas clean. We will absolutely address that and look at that." In addition, Mr. Caldwell thanked a1I the Committee Members for their input and suggestions. PUBLIC INPUT C'hairperson Nussbaum opened "Public Input". No one spoke. Chairperson Nussbaum closed "Public In�ux". ADJQURNMENT Chairperson Nussbaum adjourned the Regular Meeting at 8:28 p.rn. RESPEi1'�'Z�LL,v S�1"BNII�'TED: ANDIZEA LOREIV�G-L�TACES, MMC, AND .�.�— �''�',�' �_ �--� v SEA�v AUAET ASuIST,4NT"1(7 I'HE CaTY CLERK NOTE: These Minutes were ttpproved at the May 7,20i3 Parks and Recreatian Advisory Committee Regular Meeting.