Loading...
ATV Ad Hoc Committee Minutes 01/11/2018 - DRAFTMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ATV Ad Hoc Committee Workshop Naples, Florida, January 11, 2018 The Collier County Parks and Recreation ATV Ad Hoc Committee, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 6:00 p.m. at North Collier Regional Park, Administrative Building, 15000 Livingston Road, Naples, Florida with the following members present: ATV Ad Hoc Committee Members: Mr. Joe Pelletier, Chairman Mr. Mario Menendez Mr. Josh Sturgeon Also Present: Mr. Barry Williams, Director, Collier County Parks and Recreation Ms. Jeanine McPherson, Assistant Director, Collier County Parks and Recreation Ms. Ilonka Washburn Mr. Miguel Rojas, Administrative Assistant, Collier County Parks and Recreation Page 1 I. Call to Order The January 11, 2018 ATV Ad Hoc Committee meeting was called to order at 6:07 p.m. by Chairman Pelletier. II. Approval of Agenda A quorum was not met, with approval of the agenda rescheduled for February 15, 2018. III. Approval of Minutes A quorum was not met, with approval of the December 14, 2017 minutes rescheduled for February 15, 2018. IV. New Business a. Tickets to Ride An Executive Summary for the Tickets to Ride program was shared with the Ad Hoc Committee members who were present, which was compiled based upon committee feedback received at previous meetings. An initial investment of $20K is proposed, with Family Fun Park a confirmed participant in the program and with the possibility for additional parks to be added as identified. It is proposed that numeric tickets be distributed to interested residents at Max Haas Community Park, with two tickets available per request. These tickets may then be redeemed at Family Fun Park for 50% of the face value, with an invoice generated by the park to Collier County for the remaining 50% value of the ticket. Monthly status updates of the Tickets to Ride program will be provided to the Ad Hoc Committee. This Executive Summary will be reviewed by the Ad Hoc Committee at the February 15, 2018 meeting for final approval vote if a quorum is met at that time. Mr. Williams will again attempt to contact management of Florida Tracks and Trails to gauge interest in participation in the program. A correction was made with regard to the total funds available for the ATV Park project, with $3.10M funds presently available, and with $24K anticipated interest accrual this year. b. Lake Trafford Site Mr. Williams reported that the results of the previous soil analysis done by South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) had been shared with Collier Pollution Control for review and input. Pollution Control determined that heavy metals found in the soil at this location would require burial or removal at a cost of $4M to $12M, dependant upon mitigation method used. Page 2 Mr. Williams stated a meeting will be had with SFWMD to present the Pollution Control findings, as well as to explore funding options by that agency to assist with site cleanup. A long-term lease agreement for the use of this property may present grant opportunities which may also lend financial support to site cleanup. Staff will provide an update on this topic at the February 15, 2018 Ad Hoc Committee meeting. Question (Mr. Sturgeon): Are there any other properties available for lease from SFWMD which may be suitable for the ATV Park? Answer: This question has not be asked as of yet. An internal review of existing County Park land has been done, with no viable sites able to be identified. Mr. Pelletier suggested a smaller parcel of land for the ATV Park should be considered in view of the difficulties encountered in securing hundreds of acres for the project. Mr. Sturgeon suggested that the ATV Ad Hoc Committee meet on a quarterly basis to discuss the Tickets to Ride program, as well as any new updates or business related to the ATV Park project. Mr. Williams stated this would be placed on the agenda as an action item for the Ad Hoc Committee to vote upon at the February 15, 2018 meeting, if a quorum is met at that time. Question (Mr. Sturgeon): Could Big Cypress National Preserve be considered for participation in the Tickets to Ride program? Various types of vehicles are presently allowable, with regulations reportedly having been relaxed recently. Answer: Mr. Williams stated communication would be had with Big Cypress to gauge interest in particpation in the Tickets to Ride program. c. Attendance Roster Mr. Williams pointed out several Ad Hoc Committee members who have repeatedly missed meetings. These members will be contacted to gauge interest in continued participation. If a member is unable to particpate or is no longer interested, a resignation will be tendered. The selection process for a replacement would then commence. V. Public Comments +Mr. Don Hatfield expressed support for the pursuit of Big Cypress National Preserve as a potential participant in the Tickets to Ride program. +A suggestion was made for public attendance at Picayune Strand State Forest meetings in order to show support for ATV use of the forest land, possibly with potential financial contribution towards permitting, trail maintenance, etc., and working with local equestrian clubs as well. It was further expressed that Big Cypress National Preserve was felt to be too far to travel to and presented some terrain challenges to ATV riders. Fakahatchee Strand was discussed briefly; however, this land is primarily gated and presents many restrictions for riders. Page 3 Mr. Williams stated that the Picayune State Forest is considered “pristine” land as compared to other State forests which allow ATV riding and are graded as “damaged.” Mr. Williams will obtain dates as to when Land Management meetings will be held in 2018 and share this information at a future Ad Hoc Committee meeting. +Regarding Tickets to Ride, what is the maximum number of tickets that may be obtained at a time and is there a limit to the number of tickest which may be requested within a specific timeframe? Will proof of vehicle ownership be required? Mr. Williams stated that the full parameters of the program have yet to be determined, however at present, two tickets per request are planned. Proof of vehicle ownership will not be required. +How many Ad Hoc Committee meetings can be missed by a member before being removed from the committee? There is no specific number of missed meetings per se, however if habitual abscences by a committee member are noted, steps will be taken to assess availability/interest in participation, with further action if necessary. VI. Board Comments +Mr. Pelletier suggested consideration of a potential partnership with Fun Park 74, who has plans to expand by an additional 100 acres to include camping. +Ms. McPherson stated that the master planning process is presently underway and referred Ad Hoc Committee members and public to the Collier Parks website (collierparks.com) to participate in the online survey and/or offer feedback and suggestions. Mr. Williams further extended an invitation for participation in a focus group to contribute feedback and suggestions for the master planning process. +Mr. Williams stated that if a quorum is met at the February 15, 2018 Ad Hoc Committee meeting, a vote will be taken to advance the Tickets to Ride program, which will then be presented to the Board of County Commissioners for their review and final vote. The next ATV Ad Hoc Committee meeting will be held February 15, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at North Collier Regional Park. Committee members unable to attend should notify Parks Staff by calling 252-4031. VII. Adjournment There being no further County business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned. ATV Ad Hoc Committee _______________________________ Mr. Joe Pelletier, Chairman Page 4 These minutes approved by the Board/Committee on __________ as presented, or as amended __________. Page 5