PARAB Minutes 08/28/1996 Ammommmmmmmmmmv
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES
August 28, 1996
Frank E. Mackle Jr. , Community Park
1361 Andalusia Terrace, Marco Island, Florida
PRESENT: Joseph Zaks, Chairman
Timothy Blackford, Vice Chairman
Gil Mueller
Max A. Hasse, Jr.
Elaine Wicks
Gayle L. Stan
ABSENT: Gary Franco, Parks Superintendent
ALSO PRESENT: Steve Brinkman, Parks and Recreation Director
Murdo Smith, Parks and Recreation Operations Manager
Jacquie Hart, Secretary II
Toni Armstrong, School Teacher
George Archibald, Transportation Director
Christopher Lombardo, Attorney at Law
I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 2:10 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
III. INVOCATION: by Max A. Hasse, Jr.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 31, 1996 meeting.
Motion by Gil Mueller seconded by Max A. Hasse Jr. Passed 6/0.
V. NEW BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS
a. Leash Law (Designating a Park for dogs) - a presentation
was made by Toni Armstrong regarding designating a Park
that the public could take their dogs to. Ms. Armstrong
stated that she had written a letter to Mr. Franco and also
had a phone conversation regarding the leash law and what
could be done. Ms. Armstrong stated that she visited the
parks and she does not see anything posted about leash laws
but she does see a lot of signs saying no dogs.
Ms. Armstrong suggested that a leash law be posted,
requiring owners to pick up, dispose of their pet
droppings, and two or more dog stool disposal systems be
installed at the park. Ms. Armstrong distributed a
magazine showing the disposal system.
Ms. Armstrong suggested that Leigh Plummer Park, which is a
passive park, become a park where citizens are allowed to
socialize with their dogs. Ms. Armstrong stated that
Leigh Plummer Park does not have any playground equipment,
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citizens do not utilize the park, and it would be more than
appropriate to make that park a park where owners could
walk their dogs.
Mr. Blackford stated to Ms. Armstrong that she might be a
responsible dog owner who will pick up and dispose of her
dog droppings, but there will be people who are not
responsible.
Mr. Brinkman stated that dogs are not allowed in the parks
because of safety and health concerns.
Mr. Smith stated that there was a walk-a-thon a year ago
where people brought their dogs and a child was bitten in
the face. The child had about a hundred stitches on his
face.
No motion was made. PARAB suggested that Ms. Armstrong do
some research with Lee County and other parks regarding
dogs in the park.
Mr. Brinkman stated that the Parks Department will do some
research with other counties regarding dogs in the park.
b. Placement of Plaque at Sugden Regional Park - Mr. George
Archibald, Director of Transportation, made a presentation
on behalf of Mr. Christopher Lombardo who is the attorney
representing the O'Brien family.
Mr. Archibald stated that this request is to approve a
Resolution that would be submitted to the Board of County
Commission to approve a donation to Sugden Regional Park.
The donation would be in the amount of $5,000. The
donation came about as a result of a tragic accident that
occurred in Collier County involving a Mr. Daniel P.
O'Brien. Mr. O'Brien spent many years in Cook County,
Illinois as a Councilman. The family would like to provide
a tribute to Mr. O'Brien through some outdoor activity.
Chairman Joe Zaks made a few word changes in the
Resolution. The word "participation" would be change to
"contribution" .
Motion by Elaine Wicks that PARAB accept the O'Brien's
contribution with the understanding that before anything is
done that PARAB review the use for the money and where the
plaque will be placed. Seconded by Gil Mueller. Passed
6/0.
Mr. Lombardo briefly reiterated what Mr. George Archibald
had presented regarding the O'Brien donation and placement
of plaque at the Sugden Regional Park.
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c. Survey For Signs being printed in foreign languages at
beaches and boat ramps or materials being printed and
handed out - No discussion.
d. Track K Update - Mr. Brinkman stated that the lot is owned
by the School Board. The School Board is declaring the
property as a surplus.
VI. REPORTS/UPDATES
a. Green Space Referendum - a meeting took place at
Representative Burt Saunders's Office on August 7, 1996.
Ms. Wicks stated that a discussion took place regarding
defining green space. The definition of green space is a
park without basketball courts, tennis courts, racquet ball
courts, playground equipment, and lighting. The area has
to be natural, a preserve with a walkway, and benches can
be placed in the park.
The Green Space Committee stated that their funds will not
be used for a park facility. However, if the park
purchased a large piece of property, the passive recreation
area will be paid by the Green Space Committee.
The group that Representative Saunders is working with is
forming a Selection Board. The Board will have certain
criteria and guidelines and anyone can approach the Board
with a piece of property providing that they meet the
guidelines. The money will come from the 1 cent sales tax
that they are trying to put on the ballot.
Ms. Wicks suggested that a member of PARAB become a member
of the Selection Board if possible.
b. Ocean State Lemonade - Ocean State Lemonade has a contract
with the Parks and Recreation Department for a food vending
cart at two locations; 1) Golden Gate Community Park Pool
and 2) Immokalee Recreation/Pool. Mr. Lafredo requested
that the department look at the remittance to the County in
the Immokalee area. During the contract phase of the
agreement a clause was inserted where Mr. Lafredo could
make changes after a certain amount of time.
The Immokalee area is not making any money. Instead of
getting out of the contract completely, Mr. Lafredo would
like to possibly open on weekends which will reduce the
amount of money that he is paying to the County. The
amount due the County was $300.00 a month during the summer
and $200.00 during the off season or 137 whichever is
greater.
Mr. Lafredo requested that the amount be drop the minimum,
open only on weekends, and remit to the County 13% of his
total revenue.
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Motion by Tim Blackford that PARAB recommend the Board of
County Commission provide and make a change to the contract
to be on a flat percentage. Seconded by Max Hasse.
c. Monthly Report - a brief discussion regarding the monthly
report revenue took place.
d. Sugden Regional Park Update - a brief discussion regarding
funding of the park took place.
e. International Fireworks - Fireworks are on for November at
the Sugden Regional Park.
f. Max A. Hasse Jr. , Community Park - grand opening was well
put together. Mr. Hasse stated that Parks and Recreation
Department staff did a great job.
g. PARAB Attendance - No discussion.
h. PARAB Vacant Position for Immokalee Area - PARAB requests
that Ordinance #93-81 be modified to allow other citizens
to apply for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
position in the Immokalee or Marco area. The position will
be open to any qualified applicant. Mr. Brinkman will
contact the County Attorney Office regarding modification
of Ordinance #93-81.
i. Fee Policy - the Board of County Commission approved the
Fee Policy except for minor adjustments. The Board of
County Commission change the Little League fee to $8.00.
j . Pelican Bay Tennis - Larry Lewis Inc. , will be starting at
the Pelican Bay Community Park on September 3rd.
VII. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m. Motion by Max A. Hasse.
Seconded by Elaine Wicks. Passed 6/0.
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