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PARAB Minutes 02/28/1996 PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES February 28, 1996 East Naples Community Park 3500 Thomasson Drive Naples, Florida PRESENT: Joseph Zaks, Chairman Timothy Blackford, Vice Chairman Gil Mueller Max A. Hasse, Jr. ABSENT: ALSO PRESENT: Steve Brinkman, Parks and Recreation Director Murdo Smith, Parks and Recreation Operations Manager Gary Franco, Parks Superintendent Jacquie Minnis, Secretary II Jolen Mayberry, President of Youth Association Elaine Wick Gayle L. Stan Michael McGee I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 2:05 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG III. INVOCATION: by Max Hasse, Jr. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: December 20, 1995 meeting. NO QUORUM ON JANUARY 24, 1996. V. NEW BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS a. Presentation by Jolen Mayberry - President of Youth Assoc. RE: Transporting Baseball Children Jolen Mayberry lives in Ochopee, she is the President of the Youth Association, has been a Scout Master for 7 years for Cub Scouts and also a Park Ranger for the State. Ms. Mayberry is requesting transportation for the Little League Baseball team. Ms. Mayberry said that she realized that it is not a county ark program but she has been transporting the baseball team for the past 3 years by car pooling. Ms. Mayberry stated that there is a great liability in transporting the baseball team and she is requesting help from the Parks and Recreation Department. 1 There are approximately 30 children of Little League age, 12 years old and under children, twice as many as they had last year. The Little League program helps keep the children off the streets, keep up their grades, keeps them off drugs, gives them some structure and something positive to do. Ms. Mayberry has 22 children who signed up for baseball that she can not provide transportation for. Mr. Hasse inquired how the other teams are being transported. Ms. Mayberry stated that parents normally would take their children to the games. The distance is much closer to transport children to their games in Naples. All the games are played in Naples. The Everglades baseball field is only used for practice. Mr. Mueller inquired how many miles do they travel? Ms. Mayberry answered saying that the children came from the area around Everglades. There are two children from Everglades, the other children are from Chokoloskee, Coplan, Ochopee, and the Plantation area. Mr. Mueller inquired whether pick up will be done from those areas? Ms. Mayberry stated that there will be one central location which will be the Everglades City Baseball field or wherever the Parks Department would prefer. The children would be brought to that location. Mr. Mueller asked whether the staff has a policy for this kind of program. Mr. Brinkman responded and said that generally this is something new and the Parks Department has not done this with any other youth sports. Mr. Mueller inquired how the children get to Marco to play their games? Ms. Mayberry responded and said that their parents bring them to their games. Ms. Mayberry stated that there are two (2) games a week and the games are scheduled Monday, Friday, and Saturday. Ms. Mayberry stated that she tries working with the little league's president so that the children can get home at a reasonable time. Mr. Hasse inquired when did the children get home? 2 111 Ms. Mayberry said that the games are an hour 15 minutes, then transportation is 45 minutes. This is the first year Ms. Mayberry has had a major league and a minor league team. For two years prior, Ms. Mayberry had a minor league A team. Last year Ms. Mayberry's team won the minor league A championship. This year the president requested that the team move up to the Major league. Ms. Mayberry stated that they probably will not win any games, but that is not the point of teaching them baseball. If they are already good, minor league games will not improve their skill level. Ms. Mayberry challenge the children and enter them in the major league and sets goals and objectives so they will not feel bad and start looking at the scoreboard. Mr. Tim Blackford inquired whether the Parks Department had a vehicle available to solve the problem. What about the Blazer? Mr. Brinkman said that the only vehicle that would be able to accommodate Ms. Mayberry is the 12 passenger van. The 12 passenger van would still have to make two trips. Ms. Mayberry stated that she needs seats for 15 children and parents to accompany the teams and watch their children play. Ms. Mayberry stated that the Youth Association unfortunately does not have any funding. The reason for starting the Youth Association is to get more children involved. As you know the only program the Parks and Recreation puts on at the Everglades is the Summer Camp program which includes the day time program and then the basketball program. There is no other program that is offered in that area. Ms. Mayberry is teaching the children to be productive and good citizens. The Youth Association will get a bus in the near future, but it is not going to happen right away. Mr. Max Hasse asked Mr. Franco how other children get transported to their games? Mr. Franco stated that most of the parents take their children to the different parks. Mr. Franco suggested that Ms. Mayberry contact the Collier County School Board or the City of Everglades for assistance with transportation. Ms. Mayberry stated that she did contact the City of Everglades and the City of Everglades is in the process of purchasing a new van and two new trucks. Ms. Mayberry 3 410 requested from the City of Everglades that they donate the van. At the present time the van is not available. Ms. Mayberry has not contacted the Collier County School Board. Mr. Mueller said that there are some things cooking so far, inquired whether Ms. Mayberry was pretty optimistic about this? Ms. Mayberry said she is not sure about the bus. Mr. Mueller said to check on whether the other offers materialize before the department can do anything. If they do, that would solve the problem, and if they don't, to please check with PARAB again. Ms. Mayberry said she came to the Parks and Recreation Department first because the county league starts this Monday. Mr. Hasse suggested that Ms. Mayberry see Mr. Gary Franco for some help. Mr. Brinkman also stated that Ms. Mayberry check with the Community Transportation. Mr. Max Hasse inquired whether Ms. Mayberry contacted the Everglades Council. Ms. Mayberry said yes she has contacted the Everglades Council but the children are living in the County area not just Everglades City. Ms. Mayberry stated that permission was granted to put a baseball field on the Church Diocese property when she went before the Everglades Council. The School Board built the field. Ms. Mayberry stated that it would be very expensive to transport the children everyday to Marco for baseball practice. This will also cause the children to get home later and they will not be able to keep their studies up. b. Interview #1 for PARAB Vacant Position - Elaine Wick Ms. Elaine Wick born in Naples, Florida 26 years ago. She attended Seagate Elementary School, Lake Parks Elementary, and Avalon. Ms. Wick attended East Naples Middle, Gulfview, Golden Gate Middle and Lely High School, then attended the University of Florida where she obtained a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Engineering. Ms. Wick is now working for Johnson Engineering, Inc. 4 411 As a child Ms. Wick participated in cheerleading for the PAL program for approximately 8 years. Ms. Wick is quite familiar with some of Parks & Recreation programs. Ms. Wick is here to fill the vacant position for PARAB. Mr. Mueller stated that one of the primary concerns of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is attendance. Also, the fact that members sometimes work and the demand of the job takes precedence over attending PARAB meetings. Also, the board lost two (2) members because of other boards which he considers wrong. Mr. Mueller stated that he thinks one should serve their term before leaving the board to go elsewhere. Ms. Elaine Wick responded by saying that her company suggested that she apply for the position with the board. On a personal note, she is very committed to her responsibilities. Ms. Wick stated that she is very dedicated to her work and in order to do a good job one has to stick with it. Chairman Joe Zaks stated that the agenda is very light but PARAB does review plans for future parks, executive summaries and budget. PARAB meets once every fourth Wednesday of the month from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The terms are 2 to 4 years. Ms. Wick stated that Johnson Engineering, Inc. is widening the canal at Bayview for a boat ramp. Ms. Wick felt with her experience at Johnson Engineering will bring another aspect and would also be an asset to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Mr. Mueller questioned whether this will cause a conflict of interest to PARAB. Interview #2 for PARAB Vacant Position - Ms. Gayle L. Stan Ms. Stan apologized for the brief resume she submitted for the position. Ms. Stan has lived in Collier County for approximately 10 years and involved with the Golden Gate Chamber of Commerce Promotions Committee for 2 years. Ms. Stan currently has 3 jobs, but she free-lances everywhere. Ms. Stan works at home every night and is in charge of her own time schedule. Ms. Stan stated that she is really interested in children issues. Ms. Stan is also aware of Ms. Mayberry's issue at the Everglades. Ms. Gayle L. Stan works for the Golden Gate Gazette Visitors Television, and Video Production Company. Ms. Stan does graphics for all 3 companies mentioned. She lives in North Naples, and works in Golden Gate. Her daughter attends school in Golden Gate. 5 C Ms. Gayle stated that as far as going to another board she sees openings for positions all the time and nothing has interested her except the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Ms. Stan has a 10 year old daughter. She is involved with the Gulf Coast Skimmers. Ms Stan is familiar with the park programs. Chairman Joe Zaks inquired which Park Ms. Gayle Stan visits the most. Ms. Stan stated that she visits the Golden Gate Community Park quite often because of the pool. Mr. Max Hasse inquired whether Ms. Stan would have a problem with attending PARAB meetings. Ms. Stan stated that she attends all of her meetings. Ms Stan stated that primary concern of hers would be if all the meetings are held on a Wednesday it will not be a problem, but on Friday it would be impossible. Interview #3 for PARAB Vacant Position - Michael McGee Michael McGee is a Landscape Architect and present owner of McGee & Associates, Inc. in Naples. Mr. McGee has lived in Naples since 1981, after graduating from the University of Florida. Mr. McGee's purpose for applying for the position is that he would like to return his professional knowledge back into the Community because the Community has been good to him. Mr. McGee has done several jobs with the county. Presently, Mr. McGee's company is consulting for Beautification Districts, MSTD Districts, Immokalee, Marco Island, Lely Golf Estates and Golden Gate Parkway. Chairman Joe Zaks inquired whether Mr. McGee had any children. Mr. McGee responded no. Mr. McGee stated that he is willing to decline any kind of business with the Parks and Recreation to avoid any conflict of interest, but not with the other county departments. c. RECOMMENDATION by PARAB For Vacant Position - Chairman Joe Zaks made a motion to recommend Elaine Wicks and Mr. Max Hasse also recommended Ms. Gayle Stan and state that she is active in the community and has good knowledge about Parks and Recreation Department. Seconded by Tim Blackford. Passed 4/0. VI. REPORTS/UPDATES 6 a. Funding for South Naples Community Park - one of the projects that is coming up is the South Naples Community Park which will be located on US 41 south of Lely High School area. There will be a Utility Property surrounding this site. Mr. Brinkman stated that retention ponds will be at that site. There will be a walk way which will connect to Naples Manor. A discussion took place on possible funding options for South Naples Community Park. It was suggested that OCPM be invited to attend the next PARAB meeting to explain the cost in detail to build the South Naples Park. b. Impact Fees - no report per Mr. Mueller. c. Veterans Community Park Lighting - Mr. Mueller inquired about the status on the Veterans Lighting? Mr. Brinkman responded that nothing was heard from the Owners Association. d. Marco YMCA Status - Mr. Brinkman stated that the Marco YMCA is going to make a presentation before the Board of County Commissioners under Public Petition. Mr. Mueller suggested that one PARAB member should be at that meeting. It was discussed that Parks and Recreation look into getting a larger percentage of the parking citation money. Mr. Brinkman will look into the matter. e. Marco Tennis Expansion - Mr. Brinkman stated that Mr. Kawczak was supposed to make a presentation before the Board of County Commission but was not on the Board of County Commission agenda. It was discussed that one of the citizens called Mr. Mueller at home to meet with him. Mr. Mueller stated that they had some concerns about the shrubs whether they will be high enough and if the fern can be increased. f. Lake Avalon status - an agreement for a grant was received from the State last week and was submitted to the County Attorney Office to be reviewed. After the review the grant will go before the Board of County Commission for approval. g. Lake Avalon Fire Works Status - this project is still pending. 7 h. Pelican Bay Tennis Bid Status - it was recommended that the Department not operate the facility. The Pelican Bay Tennis project is out for bid. j . Veterans Community Park: Veteran Memorial Status - the Veterans Association will meet with Mr. Brinkman to provide a fitting revised at the park. k. Park Adoption Report - Chairman Joe Zaks visited the Pelican Bay Community Park and the maintenance crew was very friendly. Visited Golden Gate Aquatic Facility, it is in good condition and the employees were very nice and friendly. Visited Cocohatchee and the grills need to be changed. Tim Blackford visited Tigertail Beach; the parking lot was full. 1. Lemon Concession Status - the concession stand was opened last week at the Golden Gate Aquatic Facility and will open soon at the Immokalee Recreation/Aquatic Facility. VII. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m. Motion by Tim Blackford. Seconded by Max Hasse. Passed 4/0 8