Minutes 02/26/1992 R Parks & Recreation
Advisory Board
( PARA13 )
Minutes
February 26 , 1992
MINUTES
COLLIER COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
Veterans Community Park, Community Center
Naples, Florida, 33942
Wednesday, February 26, 1992
PRESENT: Mr. Timothy Blackford
Mr. William Clendenon
Mr. Gil Mueller, Vice Chairman
Ms. Cherryle Thomas, Chairman
Ms. Geneva Till
ABSENT: none
ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Thomas 011iff, Public Services Division Administrator
Mr. Murdo Smith, Acting Parks & Recreation Department Director
Mr. Gary Franco, Parks Superintendent
Ms. Ramona Daugs, Secretary II
I. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 2 : 05 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG:
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of 01/22/92 Minutes. Motioned by Mr. William Clendenon,
Seconded by Mr. Timothy Blackford, and passed unanimously.
IV. REQUESTS FOR DISCUSSION - SPECIFIC UPDATE ITEMS:
Ms. Geneva Till requested to discuss the subject of the entrance sign
at Veterans Community Park located on Immokalee Road.
Mr. Murdo Smith introduced Mr. Thomas W. 011iff, Public Services
Administrator.
Mr. Thomas 011iff gave the board a brief update on some of the issues
that staff has been moving forward on:
A. LEE/COLLIER COUNTY BONITA BEACH PARK PROJECT:
Mr. 011iff discussed events leading up to the Board of County
Commissioners vote on the joint park venture with Lee County. The
BCC ' s decission was to not join the two parks and continue with two
seperate parks. However, the BCC approved the improvements on the
Collier County park. The BCC also will continue with the sewer line
agreement for Lee County to use the Collier County sewer line for the
Bath House facility on the Lee County park site. The restroom
facilities will be available to anyone who ' s at the park.
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B. REGISTRY RESORT PROPOSAL:
Mr. 011iff brought PARAB members up to date on the Registry Resort
proposal and the amendments to the County' s ordinance for alcohol on
the beach, the concession agreement, and the escrow agreement with the
Registry Resort. The amendments to the ordinance etc. will be
presented to the BCC on 31-Mar-1992 . PARAB decided that no additional
action from their Board was warranted.
C. THE UTILITIES AT CLAM PASS PARK:
Mr. 011iff informed the BCC on the status of utilities at Clam Pass
Park. An interlocal agreement with the City of Naples must be approved
as the City will be supplying the water to the Park. This item is
scheduled to go to the City Council on March 4 . PARAB again decided
that no additional action needs to be taken and their recommendaiton
stands.
D. 306 BUDGET:
A part of our 306 budget this year was based on the sale of the
Bluebill property. That didn't occur, because the market was soft, we
didn't accept the bids that were received. Several Capital projects
were stuck in limbo waiting to see now the County would replace that
revenue source. The decision was made to roll over a loan for the
Community Centers for an additional year, sell the Bluebill property
when the market is stronger, and then pay off the loan from the
proceeds of that sale.
E. VETERANS COMMUNITY PARK NAME CHANGE AND SIGN:
Last year the JC ' s worked with the County to rename the North Naples
Community Park to Veterans Park. The park was dedicated on Veterans
Day, last year. The JC' s made a commitment at that time to (1)
construct a war memorial, and (2) change the sign at the park entrance
V. NEW BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS:
A. WALK-THROUGH OF VETERANS COMMUNITY CENTER:
Postponed until the end of the meeting.
VI. REPORTS/UPDATES:
A. BONITA BEACH PARK:
Item previously addressed.
B. TIGERTAIL VEGETATION:
This issue can be removed from the agenda. The County has considered
it cleared.
Cool Concessions asked for a reduction in their monthly remittance to
the County. The BCC approved that reduction on Tuesday, 25-Mar-92 .
The Finance Department will be refunding COOL Concession over payment
for the months 01-Aug-91 through 01-Feb-92 .
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C. 951 BOAT RAMP PARKING:
We' re still reviewing estimates for the Engineering and the total
amount the project will cost in order to see if we wish to proceed. It
is estimated that the Engineering fees alone would be in the
neighborhood of $50, 000 just to add approximately 20 parking spaces.
Then the cost to construct the parking spaces would be an additional
$200, 000. Mr. Tom 011iff commented that he had a meeting this past
week with the people who own the Goodland Marine property. They are
interested in approaching the County with a proposal for a long-term
lease for a boat ramp, or a public facility there. It is a great
location. Mr. 011iff has asked them (the Maritime group) to put their
proposal in writing for us, and expects something from them in about a
week or so.
D. POOLS:
Mr. 011iff stated that we are going to be trying to get this project
going soon as money in the 306 Fund has been made available. Golden
Gate is scheduled for the first pool, and Immokalee is scheduled for
the second pool . The Golden Gate Community pool will be a 25 meter
pool, L shaped, and will cost approximately 1. 5 million dollars. We
are looking at having the design completed and out for bid this fiscal
year. Staff feels no construction will be started until fiscal year
1992/93 .
E. VANDERBILT BEACH ACCESSES & PARKING:
In regard to the landscaping of the Beach access turn-around, the item
will be going to the BCC this Tuesday, 03-Mar-92 , for approval of the
design plan and the authority to go ahead an proceed with that project.
Mr. 011iff commented that the Ritz Carlton Hotel is now committed by
letter to do on-going maintenance of the turnaround. Mr. Murdo Smith,
Mr. 011iff, and Commissioner Volpe have met with Mr. Freni (Regional
Vice President and General Manager) from the Ritz Carlton in regard to
this subject. Also, the Homeowners Association of Vanderbilt Beach
have committed by letter to do clean-up of the turnaround as well . The
estimated cost for construction is $50, 000. Mr. 011iff Commented that
the Homeowners Association is requesting a restroom facility at the
access. The Parks and Recreation Department tried to permit a restroom
in the past with no success. But, we' re committed to look at it once
again.
F. COMMUNITY CENTERS:
All buildings now have their Certificates of Occupancy. We have also
planned grand openings and dedications for all three buildings. The
dedication schedule is as follows: Veterans Center is 05-Mar-92 , East
Naples Center is 12-Mar-92 , and Immokalee Center is 26-Mar-92 .
G. SOCCER FIELDS:
The BCC has directed staff to construct soccer fields at the Vineyards
Community Park site. Staff is in the process of working with Wilson
Miller who are the designers, the Office of Capital Projects, and the
Vineyards in trying to get a layout that is agreeable to everyone.
Hopefully we will reach an agreement by 06-Mar-92 . Hopefully the
or soccer fields will be built by the beginning of the soccer season which
is September. Mr. 011iff commented that the Vineyards in the original
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agreement had some constraints on where the fields could be
constructed, because they didn't want the lights effecting some of the
residential areas.
H. CONKLIN POINT BOAT RAMP:
Mr. 011iff gave PARAB an update of the status of Conklin Point Boat
Ramp park. The engineers have submitted preliminary final drawings to
the county for review.
I. LISTING OF DONATED PROPERTY:
PARAB agreed to remove this item from the Reports/Updates list.
J. CLAM PASS PARK:
Previously discussed.
K. KIDS' DAY:
Kids ' Day will be on March 20th and 21st this year, and it is going to
be at Veterans Community Park. We've had this event four years and it
has been very successful . This year we are working with the Kiwanis
Clubs of Lee and Collier County to cosponsor this event. They are
donating approximately $5, 000 towards the event. We would like to keep
the kids rides at a minimum during the event on Saturday. It will be a
little different this year, in that we're planning on having a teens
night in the park on Friday night and having a dance on the basketball
court. There will be a Battle of the Bands with the Middle schools and
the High Schools. That will run from 6: 00 to 9 : 30 p.m. Then on
Saturday, we will have the actual Kids' Day in the park which will run
from 10: 00 a.m. until 3 : 00 p.m.
L. BAREFOOT BEACH PRESERVE:
Mr. Gil Mueller asked how the restroom facility construction was coming
along. Mr. Smith commented that the contractor had some problems with
the building' s pilings, they couldn't get a base that would hold. They
had to go back and get some additional engineering on the pilings.
They have also started working on the Handicap Boardwalk. In regard to
the Management Plan, we have received a response back from the state
for the leased land at the Preserve. Staff right now is working on
making the corrections that the State has requested and hopefully we
will have the corrections made and return the plan to the state
relatively soon.
M. IMMOKALEE PARK BATHROOMS:
Ms. Cherryle Thomas requested an update on what' s happening with the
handicapped access at the bathrooms. Mr. Gary Franco commented that we
still have not added a handicapped access. However, with the
renovation to the ampitheatre we will be adding the Handicapped access.
Also, Ms. Cherryle Thomas requested an update about the picnic tables.
Mr. Murdo Smith commented that they are out for bid. Gary Franco
commented that there has been no award of a bid, it is held up in
Purchasing. Award of the bid will not be made before April . Ms.
Cherryle Thomas wanted the picnic tables in time for an event on
06-Apr-92 . Ms. Thomas requested that staff keep her posted.
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N. MARCH PARAB MEETING:
It was agreed to hold the next PARAB meeting in Immokalee at the new
Community Center.
O. COLLIER COUNTY RACQUET CLUB:
Mr. Gil Mueller requested that Mr. 011iff update PARAB on this subject.
There are three tennis courts that are in need of repair. An
overwhelming response from a survey that was taken said that 70%+ of
the people wanted clay courts as opposed to the hard courts. The
older population generally wants a slower softer surface. Based on
that, staff met with the County Manager, and he recommended since the
people want clay courts, then we should provide them the clay courts.
The bids came in over our budget. The low bid was approximately
$71, 000 which was approximately $13 , 000 over budget. The proposal that
we ' ll recommend to the BCC on Tuesday, 03-Mar-92 , is to go ahead and
accept the bids subbmitted. The improvements consist of building two
clay courts, repairing a single court with asphalt, and lighting of the
two clay courts. If it' s approved, the construction contract will be
awarded in a matter of weeks after that.
P. BEACH FEES:
Mr. William Clendenon asked staff if there has been an agreement
between the City of Naples and Collier County on the beach fees. Mr.
Murdo Smith commented that the BCC and the City of Naples came up with
a three year agreement as far as paying a certain amount per year to
the City for beach parking in the City.
VII . NEW BUSINESS:
A. 20 YEAR PROCLAMATION:
This February is the twentieth year of our Department' s existence. Our
Department will receive a proclamation from the Board of County
Commissioners expressing March as Collier County Parks and Recreation
month. Past Directors will be present to accept his proclamation.
VIII . ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. William Clendenon motioned to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Geneva Till
seconded, the motion passed, and the meeting was adjourned at 3 : 30 p.m.
MS : rtd: 004141
12-Mar-1992 Thu 09: 52
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MINUTES (long version)
COLLIER COUNTY PARRS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
Veterans Community Park, Community Center
Naples, Florida, 33999
Wednesday, February 26, 1992
PRESENT: Mr. Timothy Blackford
Mr. William Clendenon
Mr. Gil Mueller, Vice Chairman
Ms. Cherryle Thomas, Chairman
Ms. Geneva Till
ABSENT: none
ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Thomas 011iff, Public Services Division Administrator
Mr. Murdo Smith, Acting Parks & Recreation Department Director
Mr. Gary Franco, Parks Superintendent
Ms. Ramona Daugs, Secretary II
I. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 2 : 05 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG:
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of 01/22/92 Minutes. Motioned by Mr. William Clendenon,
Seconded by Mr. Timothy Blackford, and passed unanimously.
IV. REQUESTS FOR DISCUSSION - SPECIFIC UPDATE ITEMS:
Ms. Geneva Till requested to discuss the subject of the entrance sign
at Veterans Community Park located on Immokalee Road.
Mr. Murdo Smith introduced Mr. Thomas W. 011iff, Public Services
Administrator.
Mr. Thomas 011iff gave the board a brief update on some of the issues
that staff has been moving forward on:
(1) Lee/Collier County Bonita Beach Park Project: Staff spent a lot of
time working with the three groups that were involved (CABB, The Little
Hickory/Bonita Shores Association, and the Homeowners Association of
Barefoot Beach Subdivision) . Staff worked two weeks with each of those
groups separately and together trying to work some sort of compromise
out. The BCC finally heard the item Tuesday, 25-Feb-92 , and voted that
there just wasn't a good compromise available. The BCC voted to have
two separate parks. The general feel of the parks will essentially
still be the same, there just won't be vehicular thruways between the
two parks. We will continue to strive to have pedestrian walkaways to
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join the two. The restroom facilities will still be available to
anyone who's at the park. From a cosmetic standpoint, there won't be a
lot of difference. The Lee County Commission (LCC) was pressuring
Collier County to go ahead and make a decision because they wanted to
begin construction. The decision that was made will probably force the
LCC to do a little re-design on their own. They' ll have to put in a
turnaround. There were too many outstanding issues in regard to our
parking lot, and many restrictions on the deed that came with that
property that was given to us. So, for better or for worse that
decision was made. Staff can now go ahead and move that project along
towards construction. Mr. Clendenon asked if the conflict was resolved
in relocating the traffic signal, and a new entrance way. Mr. 011iff
Coimmented: This was the proposal that staff was trying to work out.
The whole proposal that was brought to the groups of a compromise, is
that Collier County would create a new entrance to the Collier County
Park at the time the road was four-laned. The Concern was that we
couldn't put a different entrance there and guarantee it' s safety while
the road was two-laned. During the interim period, the Barefoot Beach
Homeowners Association did not want traffic entering and leaving the
current entrance, and would not conceive that point. Generally, that
was the issue. They would allow ingress, but they would not allow
egress out of that same point. They hold the trump card, in that the
easement said if we had a second entrance to that parking lot, then the
land that we currently use as an entrance reverts back to the
Homeowners Association. They could actually take it back. Mr. William
Clendenon reminded Mr. 011iff that they did say they would deed that
land to us for additional parking. That they had said that at both a
previous PARAB Meeting and a BCC Meeting. Mr. 011iff: However, the
BCC was not willing to have an ingress only into that park. They
wanted to have ingress and egress and the Homeowners wouldn't conceive
that, even for a short term. So the entrance to that will continue to
be right where it is. The Transportation Department is now working on
widening that intersection. There are some obligations by the
developer to pay a fair share towards that lighting and turn lanes.
We're also working with the Condominium project to the north called the
Bonita Beach and Tennis Club. We're trying to work on a contribution
from them as well, because they would like to have a lighted
intersection. That will help the situation some. Mr. William
Clendenon asked if there was some discussion about putting a traffic
signal that would be directly opposite the park entrance and the tennis
club. Mr. 011iff replied that there was, and he will provide to him a
copy of the Executive summary that he provided to the BCC. The whole
compromise included that, a second intersection. All of it hinged on
that one issue.
(2) Registry Resort Proposal : This item is scheduled to go before the
BCC on Tuesday, March 24 , 1992 . The intention is to try and get it
before the BCC before the season is over. This way staff won't be
criticized for bringing it back up after the season is over, and not
having enough public input on it. In order to take care of what the
BCC directed at their last meeting, which was to approve the Registry' s
proposal we've got to amend one Ordinance which specifically relates to
the liquor issue, a concessionaire' s agreement that we have with the
Registry Hotel, and an AUO 1983 Escrow agreement. We've got two of the
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three revised, we 're working on the third, and should have all that
advertised and then ready for the BCC on the 24th. There was
disagreement among PARAB on whether it is liquor on the beach issue or
not, and also what was agreed upon between the Registry Resort and
PARAB. Mr. Tom 011iff informed PARAB that there is so much public
opposition for that proposal now, that the Clam Pass Assoc. has been
formed because of it. Their President is Mr. Rodkey Craighead. Mr.
011iff commented further that he did send a long letter to Mr.
Craighead trying to explain what the proposal was and wasn't, trying to
answer some of the many misconceptions that are in those letters to the
Editor. Disagreements between the PARAB Members about the Proposal
were presented. Ms. Geneva Till commented that if the issue were to
come up again for a vote between the PARAB Members, she would
reconsider her vote and vote NO. She feels that the comparison with
the Golden Gate Community Center was unfair. There was some discussion
by the PARAB Board as to whether or not to open this subject up again
for discussion and to vote again. However, it was decided that their
recommendation has already been made and further discussion wasn't
warranted. So their previous motion will stand unchanged. Ms.
Cherryle Thomas requested that Mr. 011iff please keep PARAB informed on
this issue.
(3) The Utilities at Clam Pass Park: Unfortunately, because of timing,
this is surfacing at the same time. Although the two have very little
to do with each other. The utilities (which include water,
electricity, and telephone) have been contemplated for that park ever
since that park was originally constructed. We are right now in the
process of getting ready to let the contract for construction. But, in
order to do that, we need an Interlocal Agreement with the City of
Naples to tap into their water. The closest point of water is at
Naples Cay which is at the northern end of the city water service
district. So, by law we have to execute and agreement with them, for
them to provide the service. This item is scheduled for the City
Council to consider on Wednesday, 04-Mar-92, and is becoming one that
is being tied in to the Registry' s proposal, which is unfortunate. Our
opposition is now saying, "If we can stop the water, we can stop the
project. " The original agreement calls for the Registry to contribute
50% of the cost which tiday is somewhere around $220, 000. So their
actual contribution is about $110, 000 today. Their new proposal is,
that they would pay for the entire cost of utilities if the BCC
approves their proposal . So, it' s an additional $110, 000 plus or minus
that the County would receive towards those utilities. The big thing
that is confusing on this issue, is the size of the water-line. The
line we're running is an 8" water line. Which is a large water line!
They think it's being sized in order to accommodate the Registry' s 250
seat deck proposal. That is simply not the case. The 8" line was
specified by North Naples Fire in order to meet fire flow and to
provide water to sprinkler systems that are already there. Because of
the importance of this issue, Neil Dorrill will make the presentation
to the City Council at their meeting. The City Manager should
understand it's strictly a utility issue. The only question the City
County should base their decision on, is whether or not they have
capacity in their water supply for us. The use that we anticipate for
our park is little better than single family home. It really shouldn't
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be a question of whether or not the City can or should approve the
agreement, but we' ll have to wait and see. Mr. Gil Mueller commented
that he feels the water line is a necessity, and doesn't think that it
will be environmentally disruptive to any great extent. There was some
discussion by the PARAB Board as to whether or not to open this subject
up again for discussion and to vote again. However, it was decided
that their recommendation has already been made and further discussion
wasn't warranted. Ms. Cherryle Thomas requested that staff provide a
copy of this discussion from the past minutes to Mr. Blackford since he
was not on the PARAB Board at that time, and to bring him up to date on
this subject.
(4) Budget: A part of our budget this year was based on the sale of
the Bluebill property. Because that didn't occur, because the market
was soft, we didn't accept the bids that came in. The revenue didn't
come in from the sale of that land. So there was several Capital
projects that were stuck in limbo waiting to see what was going to
replace that revenue source. That money was sort of on a line of
credit loan. The decision was made to roll that over for an
additional year, sell that Bluebill property when the market is
stronger, and then pay off the loan from the proceeds of that sale.
What that all boils down to and means is that there were some capital
projects waiting for a decision to begin. The decision has been made,
so now we can get started. Mr. 011iff will meet with Murdo this coming
week to jump-start some of these capital projects. Hopefully we' ll
start working on the Community pool, etc.
B. VETERANS COMMUNITY PARK NAME CHANGE AND SIGN:
Last year the JC' s worked with the County as part of renaming the park
to Veterans Park. The park was dedicated on Veterans Day, last year.
The JC's had made a commitment at that time to (1) put a war memorial
in, and (2) change the sign up front also. We are waiting on funds
from the JC' s to change the name on the sign. It has been brought up
to put something temporary there so people will be able to find
Veterans Park. Gary Franco commented that a temporary sign will be
constructed within two weeks. When the road is four-laned the
permanent sign will be installed to replace the temporary sign.
V. NEW BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS:
A. WALK-THROUGH OF VETERANS COMMUNITY CENTER:
Postponed until the end of the meeting.
VI. REPORTS/UPDATES:
A. BONITA BEACH PARK:
Mr. 011iff explained the situation with the Bonita Beach Park already.
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B. TIGERTAIL VEGETATION:
This issue can be removed from the agenda. The vegetation is
relatively cleared. The County has considered it as cleared because we
can not do much more with it.
Cool Concessions were looking for a reduction in their fee. The BCC
approved that reduction on Tuesday. So the Finance Department will be
refunding them the money for the months that they asked for the
reduction which was through 01-Feb-92 . Murdo talked to the
Concessionaires and they are full aware of it, and agree to it. It was
based it on the percentage of the minimum that they would have to pay
us. They requested a reduction to $650. The BCC approved that. So it
will be retroactive until 01-Aug-91. Mr. Gil Mueller commented that he
feels we' ll go a long way to find as hard working and enthusiastic
concessionaires as at Tigertail Beach. Also, anything we can do to
help them along, he feels we should.
C. 951 BOAT RAMP PARKING:
We're still reviewing the cost estimates of the Engineers and the total
cost of what they feel the project will be in order to review it and
see if we want to proceed. As said before, the permitting will be a
major factor in this process because of the sensitivity of the land.
It is estimated that the Engineering fees alone would be in the
neighborhood of $50, 000 just to add approximately 20 parking spaces.
Then the cost of those parking spaces would be an additional $200, 000.
It's a lot of money per space. Murdo is working with Tom Donnegan in
Capital Projects to see if we should proceed with it. Mr. Gil Mueller
commented that in the future it will be a necessity, because the public
is already parking along both sides of the road in the swales. It has
been getting progressively worse every year. He also commented that he
can't see where the engineering fees should be anywhere near that
amount. Murdo commented that this project will probably take two years
to complete. Mr. Gil Mueller commented that in two years it will be an
absolute necessity.
Mr. Tom 011iff commented that he had a meeting this past week with the
people who own the property on Goodland. It is permitted and in fact
is zoned for a marina. They are interested in approaching the County
with a proposal for a long-term lease for a boat ramp, a public
facility there. It is a great location. Mr. 011iff has asked them
(the Maritime group) to put their proposal in writing for us, and
expects something from them in about a week or so.
D. POOLS:
Mr. 011iff stated that we are going to be trying to get this project
going soon because the money in the 306 Fund has been made available.
Golden Gate is scheduled for the first pool, and Immokalee is scheduled
for the second pool. The Golden Gate Community pool will be a 25 meter
pool, L shaped, and will cost 1. 5 million dollars. We are talking
about getting the design completed and out for bid this fiscal year.
But, no construction will be started until fiscal year 1992/93 .
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E. VANDERBILT BEACH ACCESSES & PARKING:
In regard to the landscaping of the Beach turn-around, we have gotten a
cost estimate from an Architect. That item will be going to the BCC
this Tuesday, 03-Mar-92 , for approval of the design plan and the
authority to go ahead an proceed with that project. Mr. 011iff
commented that the Ritz Carlton Hotel is now committed by letter to do
on-going maintenance of it once completed including plant replacement
as needed, because to them, it reflects directly on their hotel. Mr.
Murdo Smith, Mr. 011iff, and Commissioner Volpe has met with the Ritz
on this subject. Also, the Homeowners Association of Vanderbilt Beach
is also committed by letter to do clean-up on the project as well. It
will be a very nice little addition up there. The estimate for
completion of that project is $50, 000. We're going to be taking that
out of Regional Park Impact fees. Mr. 011iff Commented that the
Homeowners Association is requesting a restroom facility there
somewhere, especially at the parking lot. We've tried that in the past
with no results. But, we're committed to look at it once again.
F. COMMUNITY CENTERS:
All buildings now have their Certificates of Occupancy. We have also
planned grand openings and dedications for all three buildings. The
dedication schedule is as follows: Veterans Center is 05-Mar-92, East
Naples Center is 12-Mar-92, and Immokalee Center is 26-Mar-92 . They
are all Thursdays in March. All the insides are basically the same.
The Architect may have switched things around a little bit to
accommodate for the differing site plans. They are all about 7, 000
square feet.
G. SOCCER FIELDS:
The BCC has directed staff to contruct soccer fields at the Vineyards
site. Staff is in the process of working with Wilson Miller who is the
designers, the Office of Capital Projects, and the Vineyards in trying
to get a layout that is agreeable to everyone. Hopefully we will reach
an agreement by 06-Mar-92 . The next step then is to proceed with the
design. Hopefully the soccer fields will be built by the beginning of
the soccer season. Four regulation soccer fields and two smaller
fields will be put in. Mr. 011iff commented that the Vineyards in the
original agreement to that park had some constraints on where the
fields would be, because they didn't want the lights effecting some of
the residential areas. Staff has a deadline of 01-Sep-92 to have the
fields open and ready to go.
Ms. Cherryle Thomas commented that on Immokalee Drive, where the Middle
School is, somebody tore up the fence so they can get to that soccer
field. Also, the gate hasn't been open to that soccer field on the
weekends. Mr. Gary Franco commented there is a lot of criminal
mischief activity at that site, and to the best of his knowledge the
gate is supposed to be open daily and will check into it further.
H. CONKLIN POINT BOAT RAMP:
Staff is working with Capital Projects on this. We've got
approximately 58 parking spaces. Presently we 're in the process of
getting our preliminary designs done. In fact we just had a meeting on
Monday with Gee & Jensen who is the Architect. They gave us a
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preliminary final design of how the ramp would look. Westinghouse of
course has been very interested in that site.
'ir
Mr. 011iff: Westinghouse' s concern is that they have to take the
traffic to their development, which is directly adjacent to the
County's boat ramp, through the park to get there. Like a lot of
developers, they never have a real firm plan until they're ready to go.
They've been changing plans ever since they bought the property and
they're continually trying to work with us. They continue to try to
pursue a purchase of a portion of our park property there, continually
trying to get us to change the design a little bit. While they're
still trying to make up their minds, staff will go ahead and get this
project out to bid and get it built. We've never been real anxious to
sell off a piece of waterfront County owned park property, which you
don't get too often. I think if you're familiar with Bayview Park, it
is tucked away in a very difficult area to find in East Naples. The
use that park gets is tremendous primarily because it' s waterfront.
It's the same kind of park that Conklin Point will be, with a boat ramp
park, picnic tables, grills, etc. It just really gets used a lot. Mr.
011iff will try to push as hard as he can for us to maintain the whole
piece of property that we have, go ahead design it, and get it
finished.
Murdo Smith commented that Westinghouse has also cleaned up the site
for us. In an agreement with Westinghouse, the BCC agreed to go in
there and do some clean-up work for us. We had the two buildings that
were there burned down by the North Naples Fire Department and
I Westinghouse. It just worked out real nice. While they were cleaning
up their site, they cleaned up the debris from the fire for us. We
saved about 10 to 15 thousand dollars by not demolishing those
buildings and not having them removed that way. Westinghouse also
donated, as part of that agreement, 137 thousand dollars towards the
construction of that park, and we have that in an escrow account. The
BCC has approved us using Boater Registration Fee funds to construct a
portion of that park also. We have approximately 505 thousand dollars
worth of Boater Registration fees that we can use to fund that park.
The BCC has authorized the Parks Department to apply for that grant.
The estimated original cost of 950 thousand dollars will be reduced
considerably. The completion date is projected for December of 1992 .
We have a neighbor to the south of us, right across the waterway that
owns a piece of property that' s got some dock on it. They made and
application to extend the size of their docks which would actually
encroach out into the waterway and take up to about 50% of the waterway
out there. So, we've got a letter on the Commission's Agenda this
Tuesday in opposition to their permit application in Tallahassee,
because it would be a negative impact in our ability to have a decent
boat ramp park there.
I. LISTING OF DONATED PROPERTY:
PARAB agreed to remove this item from the Reports/Updates list.
J. CLAM PASS PARK:
Already discussed.
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K. KIDS' DAY:
Kids ' Day will be on March 20th and 21st this year, and is going to be
at the Veterans Community Park. We've had this event four years and
it has been very successful. This year we are working with the Kiwanis
Clubs of Lee and Collier County to cosponsor this event. They are
donating approximately $5, 000 towards the event. We would like to keep
the kids rides at a minimum during the event on Saturday. It will be a
little different this year, in that we're planning on having a teens
night in the park on Friday night and having a dance on the basketball
court. There will be a Battle of the Bands with the Middle schools and
the High Schools. That will run from 6: 00 to 9 : 30 p.m. Then on
Saturday, we will have the actual Kids ' Day in the park which will run
from 10: 00 a.m. until 3 : 00 p.m. Ms. Cherryle Thomas commented that we
didn't contact the Immokalee Chapter which now has a Kiwanis Club who
has extra money for that. Also she asked how staff is targeting the
underprivileged families that can't afford to pay or get here. Mr.
Murdo Smith commented that usually in our programs, if they can not
pay, we' ll let them go free. Also, if we know of anyone that would
like to come to the event and can not afford it, we usually check with
Social Services first, but we' ll be very helpful and work out something
with them. We've done some things in Collier County like that in the
past.
L. BAREFOOT BEACH PRESERVE:
Mr. Gil Mueller asked how the restroom facility was coming along. Mr.
Smith commented that they had some problems with pilings that were
being put in, they couldn't get a base that would hold. So, they had
to go back and get some additional engineering on the pilings so that
they would stay. They have also started some work on the Boardwalks on
the beach also.
Also, we are in the process of designing the third parking lot up there
and some nature trails that will be on the east side of the road. The
Office of Capital Projects, who handles those projects for us, is in
the process of working with Coastal Engineering to get an estimate to
provide that service.
Also, on the Management Plan, we have received response back from the
state for the leased land at the Preserve. Staff right now is working
on making the corrections that the State had requested and will include
some additional information. Hopefully we will get back to the state
relatively soon with this.
M. IMMOKALEE PARK BATHROOMS:
Ms. Cherryle Thomas requested an update on what' s happening with the
bathrooms handicapped access. Mr. Gary Franco commented that we still
have not added a handicapped access to that bathroom. We' re looking at
some moneys in Immokalee right now. But, have not forgotten about it.
Also, the ampitheatre is also up for renovations. That may be going
before the BCC on Tuesday, 03-Mar-92 . The Office of Capital Projects
is also handling that.
Also, Ms. Cherryle Thomas requested an update about the picnic tables.
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Mr. Murdo Smith commented that they are out for bid. Gary Franco
commented that there has been no award of a bid, it is held up in
Purchasing, and that they wouldn't be made before April. Ms. Cherryle
Thomas wanted the picnic tables in time for her event on 06-Apr-92 .
Ms. Thomas requested that staff keep her posted.
N. MARCH PARAB MEETING:
It was agreed to hold the next PARAB meeting in Immokalee since we have
not been out there in a long time.
O. WESTINGHOUSE:
Westinghouse has got one of the last large pieces of property left in
the County. It' s called Manatee Group Company. It' s a portion that
runs along the west of the Vineyards and all the way down to U.S. 41.
It's a large tract that used to be tomato farms. They're bringing that
project preliminarily to the development stages and they're ready to
talk about Park properties. The Comprehensive plan and land
development regulations require them to set aside some land for public
parks. So staff will be meeting with them soon.
P. COLLIER COUNTY RACQUET CLUB:
Mr. Gil Mueller requested that Mr. 011iff update PARAB on this subject.
There are two tennis courts that we want to redo. An overwhelming
response from a survey that was taken said that 70%+ of the people down
there wanted clay as opposed to the hard courts. The older population
generally wants a slower softer surface. In Marco Island, the YMCA has
clay courts which are a big success. They're right down the street,
and are our competition. Based on that, staff met with Neil Dorrill,
and he said that we budgeted for hard, but if that' s what the people
want why would you go and build something that the people don't want.
So, if that's what they want, we're in the business to provide a
service, let's go to bid on clay. The bids naturally came in way over
our budget. $71, 000 was the low bid which made us $13 , 000 off. The
proposal that we've got to go to the BCC on Tuesday, 03-Mar-92 , is to
go ahead and accept the bids the way they are. Because we basically
budgeting wise drug our feet on some things, there is some additional
moneys this year to be able to make up the difference. The difference
in this case is some 20 thousand dollars to go ahead and resurface both
of those courts with clay and light them. If it ' s approved, the
construction contract will be awarded in a matter of weeks after that.
Then, we should have those courts resurfaced. We have a staff of 2-1/2
plus some maintenance staff that will be able to maintain those courts.
The material that we specified was specifically designed to try and
minimize the maintenance, however.
Q. BEACH FEES:
Mr. William Clendenon asked staff if there has been an agreement
between the City of Naples and Collier County on the beach fees. Mr.
Murdo Smith commented that he believes that the BCC and the City of
Naples came up with a three year agreement as far as paying a certain
amount per year to the City for the beach parking in the City.
Staff has not heard from Commissioner Volpe yet as to what the
Commission wants PARAB to do as far as Beach & Water User Fees, if
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anything. Mr. Smith will review that and hopefully have an answer at
their next meeting.
VII. NEW BUSINESS:
A. 20 YEAR PROCLAMATION:
This February is the Twentieth year of our Department' s existence. So,
we did a little proclamation and sent it to the BCC, and it will be on
their agenda on Tuesday, 03-Mar-92 . They will give us a proclamation
stating that March will be Parks and Recreation month for Collier
County. If you look at what we had when we started, we've come a long,
long way. Dan Breeden was the first Director, and Rollie Rice was the
second. Rollie Rice and Dan Breeden will be at the BCC Meeting on
Tuesday to accept the Proclamation.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. William Clendenon motioned to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Geneva Till
seconded, the motion passed, and the meeting was adjourned at 3 : 30 p.m.
MS: rtd: 004141
05-Mar-1992 Thu 16: 27
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