Minutes 11/18/1976 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
MINUTES OF
November 18 , 1976
The Collier County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
held its monthly meeting November 18 , 1976 at 3 :30 P .M. in
Building F at the Collier County Courthouse. The following
members were present :
Elton Townsend - Chairman
Bob Fowler - Vice Chairman
Paul Bogatko
Bud Coleman
Kenneth Wood
Rollie R. Rice - Director
Pat Cookson - Recording Secretary
A. Motion was made by Ken Wood to accept the minutes of
September ' s meeting. Motion seconded by Paul Bogatko and
approved unanimously.
B. Mr. Rice introduced the newest member Mr. Kenneth Wood
to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Mr. Rice stated
with Mr. Wood' s knowledge and background he should be a big
asset to the PARAB.
C. A brief discussion was held on the tax referendum that was
defeated in the November 2nd election. Mr. Rice stated that he
was very disappointed that it did not pass , but it did show that
there are citizens who do want these facilities . He said he
still wants to proceed with the parks system, even though it
might take a little longer. It was suggested that the Board start
working toward a referendum in the next two years .
1;1! D. Mr. Rice presented to each Board member a report from the
Fishing Reef Committee. The Committee would like to turn the
fishing reefs over to the County. Mr1. Rice ' s office has contacted
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December 6 , 1976
Page -2-
various fishing reef committees in the State of Florida, speaking
to them about their financing, maintenance, budget , etc. After
some discussion the Board decided that the Parks Department can not
handle another project such as the fishing reefs with their
facilities and personnel.
E. Mr. Rice stated a Commissioner has suggested that the BCC
meet with all Advisory Boards at least 3 times a year. At these
meetings the Park Board members could express their ideas to
the BCC directly instead of going thru the Director Head. Mr.
Rice suggested that the PARAB draft a letter to the BCC asking
for a chance to meet with them and see what ideas or plans they
have as to where we go from here and obtain some clarification
as to where we stand.
F. Mr. Merlin Almack was at the meeting representing the handicap
people of Collier County. Him main concern was to make sure that
any plans being made for future development , the handicap people
are considered. For instance , the new Wiggins Pass State Park
facilities has ramps for the handicap but they are inadequate.
Mr. Almack feels that if the authorities would investigate before
they construct they will save the taxpayers money. Mr. Rice
stated that he would definitely contact him if and when the County
has any new development.
Discussion was held on the property in Immokalee for a 30 acre
park. Mr. Rice explained that there is a lot of red tape involved
getting the property next to the Immokalee Airport , even though it
is County owned. IF the County was to develop on that property they
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November 18 , 1976
Page -3-
would have to pay the FAA a percentage which in return that money
goes into improvements at the airport . Mr. Fowler stated that
the School Board has approximately 70 acres adjoining the Immokaleee
High School. He made the motion that 1r. Rice approach the School
Board Superintendent about the possibility of an exchange of
propety such as the 60 acres (Gran property) which adjoins 100
acres owned by the School Board for the property next to the
Immokalee High School. Motion seconded by Paul Bogatko and
approved unanimously.
G. Mr. Rice met with Tom Peek of Wilson, Miller, Soll & Peek for
the purpose of having a plan or design drawn up , so that we might
apply for the Boating Registration Grant to redevelop Bayview Park.
Mf: cRice expressed his feelings to the Board in reference of
NOrth Naples Park Site. The option to buy this property is up
in December and if the County does not buy it at this time, the
County loses their option to buy and it will probably be sold
to another individual . Mr. Rice feels that if the Board would write
a letter to the BCC stating that this piece of property is an
ideal place to build a park and they feel that the County should
buy it . Mr. Coleman stated that he will be glad to get with Mr .
Rice to draft a letter. Mr. Rice stated also that he spoke with a
commissioner and the County Manager and perhaps we could possibly
swap the Fahkahatchee Strand for the 30 acre in North NAples .
There being no further business , the meeting adjourned at 5 : 15 P . Z.
Respectfully submitted,
ie
P t Cookson
Recording Secretary