PARAB Minutes 10/23/1996 4
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES
October 23, 1996
East Naples Community Park
3500 Thomasson Drive, Naples, Florida
PRESENT: Joseph Zaks, Chairman
Gil Mueller
Max A. Hasse, Jr.
Gayle L. Stan
Timothy Blackford, Vice Chairman
Elaine Wicks
ABSENT:
ALSO PRESENT: Skip Camp, Acting Director,
Department of Parks & Recreation
Murdo Smith, Operations Manager
Gary Franco, Parks Superintendent
Jacquie Hart, Secretary II
George Parker, Senior Project Manager, OCPM
George Fogg, President of IBIS
Dale Schwegel, of Southwest Frisbee Disc Association
John Gursoy, President of Gulf Coast Skimmers
Jeffrey Street, of Gulf Coast Skimmers
Peter Foy, of International Fantasy Fire
Butch Morgan, East Naples Resident
(33 East Naples residents also present)
Jeff Shenk
Johann Giraldo
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: September 25, 1996 meeting.
Motion by Gil Mueller seconded by Elaine Wicks. Passed 6/0.
V. NEW BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS
a. Frisbee Disc Golf - Dale Schwegel of Southwest Frisbee
Disc Golf Association presented the concept of Frisbee Disc
Golf, he would like to see a facility in Collier County.
Mr. Franco introduced Mr. Skip Camp who is the Acting
Director for Parks and Recreation Department.
b. Sugden Regional Park (Revised) Master Plan - Mr. George
Parker of OCPM stated that there has been some changes to
the master plan for Sugden Regional Park. The changes
1
4M
includes relocation of the Gulf Coast Skimmers from one
side of Sugden Park to the other. Another change was the
architecture of the building. Instead of having the usual
community center building with concession stand and meeting
rooms a smaller pod type buildings would be built. A
separate building will be constructed for life guards and
rangers.
Mr. Parker stated that there are 3 fishing piers. In
addition there will be a green space area for informal non
organized play, and several shaded picnic areas throughout
the park.
Mr. Parker stated that the beach area which was selected
before was not economically feasible to construct a 6 ft.
deep beach.
Mr. George Fogg briefly describe how the beach is sloped
and the landscaping of the area. The deeper area of the
beach will be roped off.
Chairman Zaks inquired what the plans are in terms of what
Sugden Regional Park is going to look like upon completion. ;
Mr. Parker stated that there will be a 20 foot buffer
planted around the entire Park. The natural area will
remain the same. Landscaping will be planted along the
fence line on Outer Drive. Mr. Parker stated that phase
one money will include a buffer.
Speaker #1 (East Naples Resident) - Mr. Richard McCormick
stated that for years the community had to deal with
problems such as drugs, motorcycle gangs, four wheelers,
and everything going on during weekends. The community
constructed a fence which stopped some of the problems.
Mr. McCormick stated that they are now coming from the
South end since the park has been cleared.
Mr. Franco stated that perphaps an off duty Deputy can be
housed on the site which will alleviate Mr. McCormick's
concerns.
Speaker #2 (East Naples Resident) - Mr. Joe Kraft stated
that he has lived near the lake for 25 years and had to
chase away people from there. Mr. Kraft stated that it
does not do any good to call the Sheriff Department.
Mr. Kraft would like to point out 4 concerns:
Point 1. The beauty of the island is that it will make an
ideal picnic area (the area was pointed out on map) . If
the barrier is removed and everything is exposed to the
lake the Department will ruin the natural state of the
lake.
2
0
Mr. Parker stated that in that case the area can remain the
same.
Point 2. Mr. Kraft; Another point he presented to the
County Commission earlier was that the pedestrian gate is
supposed to be for emergencies only and not maintenance.
The gate is suppose to be locked at all times unless there
is an emergency.
Point 3. The other point is to plant the buffer as the
exotics are removed.
Point 4. Mr. Kraft suggested that the buildings be put
together (pointed out on map) .
Speaker #3 (East Naples Resident) - Mr. Bob Co. . . who lives
on Outer Drive would like to know for the Fantasy Fireworks
how the parking issues will be addressed.
Chairman Zaks stated that Mr. Peter Foy of Fantasy Fire
will address those concerns.
Speaker #4 (East Naples Resident) - Mr. Butch Morgan stated
that the comment that a "1600 seat stadium minimizes the
effects on adjacent properties" is contradicting itself.
Mr. Morgan stated that the department is not taking the
neighborhood into consideration whatsoever.
Mr. Morgan stated that all the concerns discussed at the
Board of County Commission have not been address. Mr.
Morgan stated that nobody from the community has been asked
to provide any information or input into any of this
planning. Mr. Morgan quoted Mr. Zaks that he was "against
additional parking spaces and thinks that it should remain
at 350. The idea of this park is to keep it in its natural
state and not turn it into Coney Island. " Mr. Morgan
quoting Chairman Zaks stating that "Mr. Boucher should meet
with the neighbor who have concerns. " which never happen.
Mr. Morgan stated that he requested a 10 foot fence from
their property with an additional 20 foot opening. The
fencing that was installed for the fireworks show, "could
have been handle differently. "
Mr. Morgan stated that after raising all the concerns about
noise, pollution, etc. quoted from the Board of County
Commission meeting that, Commissioner Hancock, "My staff
will contact whoever your community liaison person will be
from your neighborhood" which never happened. Mr. Morgan
quoted Commissioner Mac'Kei "We want you to be in a loop"
so what is being said is that the staff is being directed
to work with the community. Mr. Morgan stated that to him
3
it seems as though someone is not listening to their boss.
Mr. Morgan stated that he has ask for meetings and did not
get them.
Mr. Morgan stated that a meeting was suppose to be
scheduled to discuss the buffer zone, and it never happened
before the fence went up.
Mr. Morgan quoted Chairman Norris, "The last thing we want
to do is interfere with your neighborhood. We want to do
want whatever we can to try to protect your neighborhood. "
Mr. Morgan stated that Tom 011iff suggested that meetings
between the County and community take place and nothing
ever happened.
Mr. Morgan states that, Chairman Norris said, "Thank you we
understand your concern in this case our staff has clearly
gotten directions. We are going to work with you and try
to make sure that whatever you need is going to be
provided. " Mr. Morgan said "We are getting the Skimmers
shove down our throat. " Mr. Morgan stated that the problem
is that the parking lot will be 20 feet from his property
line which is not satisfactory.
Mr. Mueller inquired whether Mr. Morgan suggested that the
Commissioners attend their community meetings to voice
their concerns.
Mr. Morgan stated that at this point they will take every
approach necessary.
Chairman Zaks inquired how many permanent parking spaces is
there on the plan.
Mr. Parker stated that there were 710 including overflow
grass parking.
Chairman Zaks stated that if he is not mistaken, the Parks
Department did hold a meeting with the community.
Mr. Franco stated that the staff is willing to have a
meeting whenever the community is ready.
Chairman Zaks suggested that Mr. Morgan get with the staff
to schedule a meeting and he will also attend the meeting.
Speaker #5 (East Naples Resident) - Mr. Charlie Stephenson
stated that there is not enough green area around the lake.
Mr. Stephenson stated that 700 parking space means 1500
people will create a large impact on the neighborhood; the
noise, pollution, and everything that's involved.
4
Mr. Stephenson stated that the Skimmers have an open
agreement that they can do just about whatever they want.
The Skimmers are allowed to have as many shows as they want
at any time during the week.
Mr. Stephenson requested that this project not be approved
unless the community is aware of it because there are a lot
of concerns.
Ms. Wicks stated that the last site plan that was reviewed
showed the North side being phase 2 and now with the
revised site plan you can not really distinguish what is
going to be included in phase 1.
Mr. Parker stated that by June of 97 the beach area,
parking lot, and the landscaping will be built in.
Mr. Mueller stated that it is extremely important that the
community come before PARAB to discuss and keep the board
abreast of what is happening.
Mr. Blackford would like to know where PARAB stands today
in terms of County Commission approval of Sugden Regional
Park.
Mr. Camp stated that there has been some changes in
administration and apologized for any inconvenience about
not getting a meeting with the neighborhood.
Mr. Camp stated that he will advise the board in writing of
the procedures that have been discussed, what needs to be
done to keep PARAB better advised of any kind of changes,
and the process for the approval of changes.
Mr. Blackford stated that PARAB is feeling the same
frustration that the community is, because the site plan
for the park has been changed without consulting PARAB.
Mr. Camp stated that he will make sure PARAB is aware of
any major changes regarding projects.
Speaker #5 (East Naples Resident) - Mr. Rollie Flontek
states that he agrees with Charles Stephenson and Butch
Morgan's concerns. What really bothered Mr. Flontek is that
the County Commission makes promises and did not keep them.
Mr. Camp stated that he will provide the residents with the
exact process of how projects are approved and will inform
the resident of when the Sugden Regional Park project will
go before BCC.
c. School Transportation - Mr. Smith stated that the agreement
is still being reviewed and will be discussed at later
date.
5
4'
d. Gulf Coast Skimmers Rules & Regulations Update - (a copy of
the lease was included in the PARAB packet) Chairman Zaks
would like to know what the County's relationship is with
the Gulf Coast Skimmers. Chairman Zaks stated that
according to the lease, like any landlord and tenant there
is not much to say about what goes on inside the
organization. Chairman Zaks stated that after reviewing
the lease there are some things that he would have done
differently.
Chairman Zaks stated that according to the lease the the
County does not have any control over the Skimmers day to
day activities.
Mr. Mueller would like to know who designed the lease
agreement and gave the input as what needs to be included.
Mr. Mueller also stated that he repeatedly commented to the
effect that PARAB wanted to be certain that the Parks and
Recreation Department has almost total control of the
facility and PARAB has voiced that opinion.
Mr. Camp stated that at the direction of PARAB he would be
happy to go back to the County Attorney's Office and find
out what the options are.
Mrs. Stan stated that the Parks and Recreation Department
has fees established for not-for-profit and profitable
groups and rent 3000 square feet for $30.00 per hour but
the Skimmers are using a facility which is more than 30
acres for about $10.00 a year.
Mr. Franco stated that the Sugden Regional Park is a County
Park and the Gulf Coast Skimmers are the County's tenant
and it is run like a County Park, if its not clear then the
department will clarify.
Mr. Mueller inquired whether PARAB reviewed the Lease
agreement before it was signed?
The Secretary will double check the records.
Mr. Mueller stated that he would have personally objected
to the agreement if he had seen the lease.
A detail discussion took place regarding the Gulf Coast
Skimmers Rules, Regulation, and their operations.
Chairman Zaks suggested that PARAB submit a written
comment regarding the lease to be included in the packet.
6
471; 410
Chairman Zaks stated that he understands that a number of
people are here to discuss the Gulf Coast Skimmers
operation. The legal position of the Parks and Recreation
Department is somewhat limited and that is not what this
board is for.
Chairman Zaks stated that some months ago Marco Island
residents voice their concerns about jet skis, PARAB
listen, but the Parks and Recreation Department does not
regulate jet skis.
Chairman Zaks stated that PARAB will not dive into the
right or wrong of the way the Skimmers operations is being
run. Chairman Zaks stated that PARAB will listen to any
concerns.
Mrs. Stan inquired if the Department can check with the
County Attorney Office to see if any Civil Right Laws are
being broken.
Mr. Camp stated that he did contact the County Attorney's
Office and they suggested that the Parks and Recreation
Department stay out of the operation as it relates to some
rules and regulations. Mr. Camp stated that he did contact
some large organizations (e.g. Disney World & McDonalds) to
check what their by-laws were on their dress codes and both
had the same dress code policy in regards to their hair and
earrings.
Mr. Camp stated that if he can receive all of PARAB
comments within the next two weeks he will submit them to
the County Attorney's Office. All of those concerns will
be addressed by the next board meeting.
A question from the audience was ask regarding the process
of bid for the concession stand at the Sugden Regional
Park.
Chairman Zaks stated that the Gulf Coast Skimmers can run
the concessions and use the funds for their private
purpose.
A question was asked regarding to whether if anyone can
rent or use the stadium.
Mr. Camp will look into the matter.
Robb Stan stated that he is appalled to how the Parks and
Recreation sweeped the Gulf Coast Skimmers's issue under
the table. Mr. Stan stated that he contacted Gary Franco
with numerous complaints regarding the Skimmers. This
issue was also brought up to Mr. Brinkman's attention.
7
Mr. Franco stated that the department did address the issue
and had written response. Mr. 011iff also sent written
response.
Mr. Stan stated that it was not satisfactory. Mr. Stan
would like for the PARAB to know that the Gulf Cost
Skimmers has a good concept.
Mr. Camp will meet with Mr. Stan on Friday to hear his
concerns.
Johann Giraldo who was a member of the Gulf Coast Skimmers
expressed his concerns and frustration about the Skimmers.
Mr. Giraldo was suspended for having his hair past his
eyebrows and below his ears.
Chairman Zaks stated that he once had long hair but he knew
that some day he would have to cut his hair if he was going
to be hired in an organization.
Jeff Shenk submitted a letter voicing his concerns and why
he was suspended from the Gulf Coast Skimmers Water Ski
Team.
Ms. Christine Miller who is 11 years old was a member of
the Gulf Coast Skimmers for about 3 years and in mid May
she was suspended for no reasons. Christine continue to
state that she would like to know why she was suspended
however, she tried talking to the President who walked away
from her. Christine believes that she was suspended
because of some disagreement between her parents and the
Gulf Coast Skimmers's.
e. International Fireworks - Mr. Foy stated that free parking
passes will be mailed to all neighbors within the area.
There is a $5.00 parking fee at the government complex and
the funds will go to the Rotary Club.
The Fireworks will run on November 2, 9, 13, 16 and the
23rd. The closing ceremony will be held on November 23,
1996.
Mr. Foy discussed that fact that the Fire Department and
EMS will be on site. If the weather becomes bad the show
will be postpone to another night.
Chairman Zaks inquired whether Mr. Foy held any meetings
with the neighborhood.
Mr. Foy stated that he did have a meeting and approximately
20 people showed up and a few people voiced their concerns.
Mr. Foy stated that he address those concerns and showed a
video of the show.
8
40.
VI. REPORTS/UPDATES
a. September Monthly Report - Mr. Mueller noted that on page
C-12 under the beach parking revenue that he calculated
approximately $472,232. Mr. Mueller would like to know if
there are any other fees that are being over looked because
it would be nice if we could generate $500,000.
A detail report will be mailed to PARAB regarding Beach
Parking revenues.
b. Track K - Mr. Mueller inquired about what has been
accomplish with regards to the Track-K property.
c. Parks Adoption Report - no discussion
d. PARAB meeting Schedule - Next meeting will be held at the
Golden Gate Community Park Administration office.
Chairman Zaks stated that due to the hour of this meeting
he would like to wave the rest of the items on the agenda
VII. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m. Motion by Max A. Hasse.
Seconded by Timothy Blackford. Passed 6/0.
9
AU
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES
October 23, 1996
East Naples Community Park
3500 Thomasson Drive, Naples, Florida
PRESENT: Joseph Zaks, Chairman
Gil Mueller
Max A. Hasse, Jr.
Gayle L. Stan
Timothy Blackford, Vice Chairman
Elaine Wicks
ABSENT:
ALSO PRESENT: Skip Camp, Acting Director,
Department of Parks & Recreation
Murdo Smith, Operations Manager
Gary Franco, Parks Superintendent
Jacquie Hart, Secretary II
George Parker, Senior Project Manager, OCPM
George Fogg, President of IBIS
Dale Schwegel, of Southwest Frisbee Disc Association
John Gursoy, President of Gulf Coast Skimmers
Jeffrey Street, of Gulf Coast Skimmers
Peter Foy, of International Fantasy Fire
Butch Morgan, East Naples Resident
(33 East Naples residents also present)
Jeff Shenk
Johann Giraldo
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: September 25, 1996 meeting.
Motion by Gil Mueller seconded by Elaine Wicks. Passed 6/0.
V. NEW BUSINESS/PRESENTATIONS
a. Frisbee Disc Golf - Dale Schwegel of Southwest Frisbee
Disc Golf Association presented the concept of Frisbee Disc
Golf, he would like to see a facility in Collier County.
Mr. Franco introduced Mr. Skip Camp who is the Acting
Director for Parks and Recreation Department.
b. Sugden Regional Park (Revised) Master Plan - Mr. George
Parker of OCPM stated that there has been some changes to
the master plan for Sugden Regional Park. The changes
1
includes relocation of the Gulf Coast Skimmers from one
side of Sugden Park to the other. Another change was the
architecture of the building. Instead of having the usual
community center building with concession stand and meeting
rooms a smaller pod type buildings would be built. A
separate building will be constructed for life guards and
rangers.
Mr. Parker stated that there are 3 fishing piers. In
addition there will be a green space area for informal non
organized play, and several shaded picnic areas throughout
the park.
Mr. Parker stated that the beach area which was selected
before was not economically feasible to construct a 6 ft.
deep beach.
Mr. George Fogg briefly describe how the beach is sloped
and the landscaping of the area. The deeper area of the
beach will be roped off.
Chairman Zaks inquired what the plans are in terms of what
Sugden Regional Park is going to look like upon completion.
Mr. Parker stated that there will be a 20 foot buffer
planted around the entire Park. The natural area will
remain the same. Landscaping will be planted along the
fence line on Outer Drive. Mr. Parker stated that phase
one money will include a buffer.
Speaker #1 (East Naples Resident) - Mr. Richard McCormick
stated that for years the community had to deal with
problems such as drugs, motorcycle gangs, four wheelers,
and everything going on during weekends. The community
constructed a fence which stopped some of the problems.
Mr. McCormick stated that they are now coming from the
South end since the park has been cleared.
Mr. Franco stated that perphaps an off duty Deputy can be
housed on the site which will alleviate Mr. McCormick's
concerns.
Speaker #2 (East Naples Resident) - Mr. Joe Kraft stated
that he has lived near the lake for 25 years and had to
chase away people from there. Mr. Kraft stated that it
does not do any good to call the Sheriff Department.
Mr. Kraft would like to point out 4 concerns:
Point 1. The beauty of the island is that it will make an
ideal picnic area (the area was pointed out on map) . If
the barrier is removed and everything is exposed to the
lake the Department will ruin the natural state of the
lake.
2
Mr. Parker stated that in that case the area can remain the
same.
Point 2. Mr. Kraft; Another point he presented to the
County Commission earlier was that the pedestrian gate is
supposed to be for emergencies only and not maintenance.
The gate is suppose to be locked at all times unless there
is an emergency.
Point 3. The other point is to plant the buffer as the
exotics are removed.
Point 4. Mr. Kraft suggested that the buildings be put
together (pointed out on map) .
Speaker #3 (East Naples Resident) - Mr. Bob Co. . . who lives
on Outer Drive would like to know for the Fantasy Fireworks
how the parking issues will be addressed.
Chairman Zaks stated that Mr. Peter Foy of Fantasy Fire
will address those concerns.
Speaker #4 (East Naples Resident) - Mr. Butch Morgan stated
that the comment that a "1600 seat stadium minimizes the
effects on adjacent properties" is contradicting itself.
Mr. Morgan stated that the department is not taking the
neighborhood into consideration whatsoever.
Mr. Morgan stated that all the concerns discussed at the
Board of County Commission have not been address. Mr.
Morgan stated that nobody from the community has been asked
to provide any information or input into any of this
planning. Mr. Morgan quoted Mr. Zaks that he was "against
additional parking spaces and thinks that it should remain
at 350. The idea of this park is to keep it in its natural
state and not turn it into Coney Island. " Mr. Morgan
quoting Chairman Zaks stating that "Mr. Boucher should meet
with the neighbor who have concerns. " which never happen.
Mr. Morgan stated that he requested a 10 foot fence from
their property with an additional 20 foot opening. The
fencing that was installed for the fireworks show, "could
have been handle differently. "
Mr. Morgan stated that after raising all the concerns about
noise, pollution, etc. quoted from the Board of County
Commission meeting that, Commissioner Hancock, "My staff
will contact whoever your community liaison person will be
from your neighborhood" which never happened. Mr. Morgan
quoted Commissioner Mac'Kei "We want you to be in a loop"
so what is being said is that the staff is being directed
to work with the community. Mr. Morgan stated that to him
3
it seems as though someone is not listening to their boss.
Mr. Morgan stated that he has ask for meetings and did not
get them.
Mr. Morgan stated that a meeting was suppose to be
scheduled to discuss the buffer zone, and it never happened
before the fence went up.
Mr. Morgan quoted Chairman Norris, "The last thing we want
to do is interfere with your neighborhood. We want to do
want whatever we can to try to protect your neighborhood. "
Mr. Morgan stated that Tom 011iff suggested that meetings
between the County and community take place and nothing
ever happened.
Mr. Morgan states that, Chairman Norris said, "Thank you we
understand your concern in this case our staff has clearly
gotten directions. We are going to work with you and try
to make sure that whatever you need is going to be
provided. " Mr. Morgan said "We are getting the Skimmers
shove down our throat. " Mr. Morgan stated that the problem
is that the parking lot will be 20 feet from his property
line which is not satisfactory.
Mr. Mueller inquired whether Mr. Morgan suggested that the
Commissioners attend their community meetings to voice
their concerns.
Mr. Morgan stated that at this point they will take every
approach necessary.
Chairman Zaks inquired how many permanent parking spaces is
there on the plan.
Mr. Parker stated that there were 710 including overflow
grass parking.
Chairman Zaks stated that if he is not mistaken, the Parks
Department did hold a meeting with the community.
Mr. Franco stated that the staff is willing to have a
meeting whenever the community is ready.
Chairman Zaks suggested that Mr. Morgan get with the staff
to schedule a meeting and he will also attend the meeting.
Speaker #5 (East Naples Resident) - Mr. Charlie Stephenson
stated that there is not enough green area around the lake.
Mr. Stephenson stated that 700 parking space means 1500
people will create a large impact on the neighborhood; the
noise, pollution, and everything that's involved.
4
4.
Mr. Stephenson stated that the Skimmers have an open
agreement that they can do just about whatever they want.
The Skimmers are allowed to have as many shows as they want
at any time during the week.
Mr. Stephenson requested that this project not be approved
unless the community is aware of it because there are a lot
of concerns.
Ms. Wicks stated that the last site plan that was reviewed
showed the North side being phase 2 and now with the
revised site plan you can not really distinguish what is
going to be included in phase 1.
Mr. Parker stated that by June of 97 the beach area,
parking lot, and the landscaping will be built in.
Mr. Mueller stated that it is extremely important that the
community come before PARAB to discuss and keep the board
abreast of what is happening.
Mr. Blackford would like to know where PARAB stands today
in terms of County Commission approval of Sugden Regional
Park.
Mr. Camp stated that there has been some changes in
administration and apologized for any inconvenience about
not getting a meeting with the neighborhood.
Mr. Camp stated that he will advise the board in writing of
the procedures that have been discussed, what needs to be
done to keep PARAB better advised of any kind of changes,
and the process for the approval of changes.
Mr. Blackford stated that PARAB is feeling the same
frustration that the community is, because the site plan
for the park has been changed without consulting PARAB.
Mr. Camp stated that he will make sure PARAB is aware of
any major changes regarding projects.
Speaker #5 (East Naples Resident) - Mr. Rollie Flontek
states that he agrees with Charles Stephenson and Butch
Morgan's concerns. What really bothered Mr. Flontek is that
the County Commission makes promises and did not keep them.
Mr. Camp stated that he will provide the residents with the
exact process of how projects are approved and will inform
the resident of when the Sugden Regional Park project will
go before BCC.
c. School Transportation - Mr. Smith stated that the agreement
is still being reviewed and will be discussed at later
date.
5
d. Gulf Coast Skimmers Rules & Regulations Update - (a copy of
the lease was included in the PARAB packet) Chairman Zaks
would like to know what the County's relationship is with
the Gulf Coast Skimmers. Chairman Zaks stated that
according to the lease, like any landlord and tenant there
is not much to say about what goes on inside the
organization. Chairman Zaks stated that after reviewing
the lease there are some things that he would have done
differently.
Chairman Zaks stated that according to the lease the the
County does not have any control over the Skimmers day to
day activities.
Mr. Mueller would like to know who designed the lease
agreement and gave the input as what needs to be included.
Mr. Mueller also stated that he repeatedly commented to the
effect that PARAB wanted to be certain that the Parks and
Recreation Department has almost total control of the
facility and PARAB has voiced that opinion.
Mr. Camp stated that at the direction of PARAB he would be
happy to go back to the County Attorney's Office and find
out what the options are.
Mrs. Stan stated that the Parks and Recreation Department
has fees established for not-for-profit and profitable
groups and rent 3000 square feet for $30.00 per hour but
the Skimmers are using a facility which is more than 30
acres for about $10.00 a year.
Mr. Franco stated that the Sugden Regional Park is a County
Park and the Gulf Coast Skimmers are the County's tenant
and it is run like a County Park, if its not clear then the
department will clarify.
Mr. Mueller inquired whether PARAB reviewed the Lease
agreement before it was signed?
The Secretary will double check the records.
Mr. Mueller stated that he would have personally objected
to the agreement if he had seen the lease.
A detail discussion took place regarding the Gulf Coast
Skimmers Rules, Regulation, and their operations.
Chairman Zaks suggested that PARAB submit a written
comment regarding the lease to be included in the packet.
6
Chairman Zaks stated that he understands that a number of
people are here to discuss the Gulf Coast Skimmers
operation. The legal position of the Parks and Recreation
Department is somewhat limited and that is not what this
board is for.
Chairman Zaks stated that some months ago Marco Island
residents voice their concerns about jet skis, PARAB
listen, but the Parks and Recreation Department does not
regulate jet skis.
Chairman Zaks stated that PARAB will not dive into the
right or wrong of the way the Skimmers operations is being
run. Chairman Zaks stated that PARAB will listen to any
concerns.
Mrs. Stan inquired if the Department can check with the
County Attorney Office to see if any Civil Right Laws are
being broken.
Mr. Camp stated that he did contact the County Attorney's
Office and they suggested that the Parks and Recreation
Department stay out of the operation as it relates to some
rules and regulations. Mr. Camp stated that he did contact
some large organizations (e.g. Disney World & McDonalds) to
check what their by-laws were on their dress codes and both
had the same dress code policy in regards to their hair and
earrings.
Mr. Camp stated that if he can receive all of PARAB
comments within the next two weeks he will submit them to
the County Attorney's Office. All of those concerns will
be addressed by the next board meeting.
A question from the audience was ask regarding the process
of bid for the concession stand at the Sugden Regional
Park.
Chairman Zaks stated that the Gulf Coast Skimmers can run
the concessions and use the funds for their private
purpose.
A question was asked regarding to whether if anyone can
rent or use the stadium.
Mr. Camp will look into the matter.
Robb Stan stated that he is appalled to how the Parks and
Recreation sweeped the Gulf Coast Skimmers's issue under
the table. Mr. Stan stated that he contacted Gary Franco
with numerous complaints regarding the Skimmers. This
issue was also brought up to Mr. Brinkman's attention.
7
4 0 4111.
Mr. Franco stated that the department did address the issue
and had written response. Mr. 011iff also sent written
response.
Mr. Stan stated that it was not satisfactory. Mr. Stan
would like for the PARAB to know that the Gulf Cost
Skimmers has a good concept.
Mr. Camp will meet with Mr. Stan on Friday to hear his
concerns.
Johann Giraldo who was a member of the Gulf Coast Skimmers
expressed his concerns and frustration about the Skimmers.
Mr. Giraldo was suspended for having his hair past his
eyebrows and below his ears.
Chairman Zaks stated that he once had long hair but he knew
that some day he would have to cut his hair if he was going
to be hired in an organization.
Jeff Shenk submitted a letter voicing his concerns and why
he was suspended from the Gulf Coast Skimmers Water Ski
Team.
Ms. Christine Miller who is 11 years old was a member of
the Gulf Coast Skimmers for about 31 years and in mid May
she was suspended for no reasons. Christine continue to
state that she would like to know why she was suspended
however, she tried talking to the President who walked away
from her. Christine believes that she was suspended
because of some disagreement between her parents and the
Gulf Coast Skimmers's.
e. International Fireworks - Mr. Foy stated that free parking
passes will be mailed to all neighbors within the area.
There is a $5.00 parking fee at the government complex and
the funds will go to the Rotary Club.
The Fireworks will run on November 2, 9, 13, 16 and the
23rd. The closing ceremony will be held on November 23,
1996.
Mr. Foy discussed that fact that the Fire Department and
EMS will be on site. If the weather becomes bad the show
will be postpone to another night.
Chairman Zaks inquired whether Mr. Foy held any meetings
with the neighborhood.
Mr. Foy stated that he did have a meeting and approximately
20 people showed up and a few people voiced their concerns.
Mr. Foy stated that he address those concerns and showed a
video of the show.
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4111 - AMMMM
VI. REPORTS/UPDATES
a. September Monthly Report - Mr. Mueller noted that on page
C-12 under the beach parking revenue that he calculated
approximately $472,232. Mr. Mueller would like to know if
there are any other fees that are being over looked because
it would be nice if we could generate $500,000.
A detail report will be mailed to PARAB regarding Beach
Parking revenues.
b. Track K - Mr. Mueller inquired about what has been
accomplish with regards to the Track-K property.
c. Parks Adoption Report - no discussion
d. PARAB meeting Schedule - Next meeting will be held at the
Golden Gate Community Park Administration office.
Chairman Zaks stated that due to the hour of this meeting
he would like to wave the rest of the items on the agenda
VII. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m. Motion by Max A. Hasse.
Seconded by Timothy Blackford. Passed 6/0.
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