PARAB Minutes 06/17/202030.A.4
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION
ADVISORY BOARD
Collier County Government Complex
Naples, Florida
June 177 2020
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, the Collier County Parks and Recreation Advisory
Board in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on
this date at 2:00 P.M. in REGULAR SESSION via hybrid in -person and video
conference attendance at Administrative Building "F", Third Floor, Collier County
Government Complex Naples, Florida with the following members present:
CHAIRMAN: Mr. Edward "Ski" Olesky
VICE-CHAIRMAN Mr. Phil Brougham
Ms. Mary Bills, Advisory Board Member, via Zoom
Mr. Joshua Fruth, Advisory Board Member
Mr. David Saletko, Advisory Board Member, via Zoom
ALSO PRESENT:
Mr. Barry Williams, Director, Parks and Recreation Division
Ms. Jeanine McPherson, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation Division
Mr. Ayoub Al-Bahou, Principal Project Manager, Facilities Management
Mr. Michael Cherbini, Project Manager, Parks and Recreation Division
Mr. Rick Garby, Superintendent, Parks and Recreation Division
Ms. Melissa Hennig, Beach & Water Regional Manager, Parks and Recreation
Division
Mr. Miguel Rojas, Jr., Administrative Assistant, Parks and Recreation Division
Page 1
0
N
O
N
N
L
d
0
Lel
0
N
O
N
ti
d
Packet Pg. 544
30.A.4
I. Call to Order
II. Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a moment of silence observed.
III. Approval of the Agenda
It was noted by Mr. Williams that the meeting had been publicly noticed online as a
"hybrid" meeting, with several options for participation, including videoconference,
teleconference, or in -person participation.
Ms. Bills entered a motion to approve the June 17, 2020 meeting agenda. Mr.
Brougham seconded the motion. All members were in favor. The motion was carried
IV. Approval of Meeting Minutes
+A request was made for correction of the February 19, 2020 meeting location on the
minutes.
Ms. Bills entered a motion to approve the February 19, 2020 meeting minutes, with the
noted correction. The motion was seconded by Mr. Brougham. All members were in
favor. The motion was carried
V. Public/Board Comments
+There were no comments from members of the public.
+There were no additional comments from members of the Advisory Board.
VI. Capital Projects Update
+Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park (BCIRP): Phase I construction remains on
schedule, with the northern portion scheduled for opening early November 2020 and the
southern portion in July 2021. Design of Phase II site work is at approximately 90%
completion, with work scheduled to begin in late November 2021. Approval has been
given by the County Manager for design of the gymnasium to commence, with eventual
public meetings planned to solicit community feedback regarding amenities desired to be
included within this structure. Phase II construction includes reclamation of a portion of
the lake for accommodation of four college -sized softball fields, construction of a
roadway connecting the park and Oil Well Road, kayak/canoe launch area, as well as a
recreation complex, which is planned to include basketball courts and a fitness center.
Cash flow assistance for the project is planned via impact fees derived from the
discretionary sales surtax. Funds were recently requested of the Board of County
Commissioners (BCC) for the operation of BCIRP, with unanimous approval of the
operating budget as presented. The operating budget includes hiring four staff members
in the current fiscal year; two Parks staff members in preparation for Phase I (north)
delivery scheduled in November 2020, as well as two maintenance staff positions
planned to be filled August/September 2021.
Page 2
O
N
O
N
a�
Packet Pg. 545
30.A.4
Additional staff will be brought on board upon Phase I completion in July 2021.
0
N
CD
+Clam Pass Boardwalk Repair: Phase I of the project was accelerated during beach N
closures due to coronavirus, with work begun on bathroom renovations and expansion. N
The project is scheduled for completion in July 2020. Phase II construction is planned to
commence in August 2020 for boardwalk repair. 2
0
+East Naples Community Park (ENCP): A meeting was held with stakeholders and
Jacobs Engineering regarding construction of the Welcome Center. Conceptual design is
0
underway, with full permits in place. The project continues, however was temporarily 0°
slowed due to exploration of potential impacts from the coronavirus. Restrooms and two 0
concession areas are planned for food, beverages, and product sales. Mr. Brougham
requested the involvement of PARAB, as well as the community during the design phase a
of the Welcome Center. Mr. Williams concurred and will share the initial conceptual
design at the next PARAB meeting.
VII. New Business
a. Accreditation — Ms. McPherson
The Collier County Parks and Recreation Division recently underwent a rigorous
accreditation process, which is required every five years. Ms. McPherson managed the
extensive preparation for the accreditation process, which included an assessment by
three members of the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies
(CAPRA). A virtual assessment was completed by CAPRA staff, rather than the usual
onsite visit due to restrictions related to the coronavirus. Preliminary results indicate that
all 151 required standards were met, with no areas of general concern identified. It was
noted that only 20%-25% of accredited agencies meet all 151 standards.
The hard work and team effort of Parks staff in preparation for the review was
acknowledged, with the Collier Parks and Recreation Division being one of only 172
fully accredited Park agencies, out of 10,000 nationwide. Ms. McPherson also
acknowledged the assistance of multiple County agencies during preparation for the
accreditation process, including Human Resources, Planning, Facilities Management, and
Risk Management. Mr. Fruth inquired as to public awareness of this accomplishment.
Ms. McPherson noted that more could be done in this regard. Mr. Brougham concurred
and suggested a recommendation may be made by PARAB for formal recognition by the
BCC of the re -accreditation. Mr. Williams stated that a final decision and announcement
of re -accreditation is typically made at the annual National Recreation and Parks
Association Conference, however concurred that recognition by the BCC could be sought
following the formal announcement.
Page 3
Packet Pg. 546
30.A.4
b. Sun-N-Fun Repairs
Staff discussions have been had regarding the use of debt service to address multiple N
CD
deferred maintenance issues, which includes renovation of the Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, now N
in its 14"' year. The water park is currently closed based on the recommendation by the N
State, and the National Recreation and Parks Association in response to the coronavirus
pandemic. Repairs at the park are being expedited during this time, in coordination with
0
Facilities Management, however with a larger plan to capitalize on extended park closure
o
to perform a complete remodel and renovation. The initial project of replacement of the
bridge over the Lazy River will be presented to the BCC at the June 2020 meeting. The
c
current plan is for park closure through Memorial Day 2021 to allow for completion of
m
all repairs/renovation, with a relaunch of the facility at that time. The three County
y
community pools will remain open during the time of Sun-n-Fun Park closure to ensure
adequate aquatic facilities within the community. Following Sun-n-Fun reopening in the
a
summer of 2021, and with the anticipated availability of the aquatic center at Big
c
Corkscrew Island Regional Park, the Immokalee Sports Complex Aquatic Center and the
a
Golden Gate Community Park pools will close for remodeling. The design for
resurfacing of the activity pool at the Golden Gate Community Park is currently being
finalized, with construction planned to begin in Fall 2020. Potential new aquatic features,
renovation costs, and marketing strategies of the improved facilities were discussed.
L
Strategies for project assessment, permitting, and funding are under consideration to
a
ensure project timelines are met, without delay. Debt repayment of the multiple W
CD
renovations are planned from 306 funds which are allocated on a yearly basis.
C. COVID-19 Update
0
N
Mr. Williams noted that plans for reopening began almost immediately following
necessary park closures due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Parks Staff participation
in twice weekly conference calls with community stakeholders, monitoring of CDC and
National Recreation and Park Association recommendations related to park facilities, as
well as ongoing discussions with colleagues in Lee County, Cities of Naples, Marco
Island, and Bonita Springs. Social distancing, sanitization, and education related to
handwashing and wearing masks are all integral components of the reopening plan.
Facilities are being gradually reopened in consultation and direction from the County
3
Manager, whose authority was granted by the BCC in response to the State of
Emergency.
+Beaches: Parks staff were onsite to provide education/information to the public at
county beaches during beach closure and the subsequent time of restricted use. The
previous restriction which required beach parking stickers at both City and County
beaches has now been lifted. Beach parking stickers may be purchased at County aquatic
facilities, including the Sun-n-Fun ticket office, Eagle Lakes Aquatic Center, Immokalee
South Park, and the Golden Gate Community Park, as well as several local libraries and
Collier County Tax Collector offices.
Page 4
Packet Pg. 547
30.A.4
Daily parking passes will also be available for purchase at each beach park facility.
The City of Naples Pier has reopened, with a plan to remove the restriction which
disallows fishing.
The most recent Governor's Executive Order for the next phase of State reopening allows
for groups of up to 50 people to congregate, which allows sports teams to reconvene on
athletic fields. Signage posted throughout parks encourages compliance with CDC
recommended guidelines.
+Park green spaces and boat ramps have remained open throughout the health crisis,
which facilitated biking, running, walking, and picnic activities while maintaining CDC
guidelines.
+Park Fitness Centers have reopened, accepting registered members, as well as walk-
ins, with strict protocols established. Periodic cleaning is done throughout the day and
with a limited number of people admitted at a time.
+Park pools are open, with restrictions on the number of people allowed on deck, based
on square footage and the ability to maintain social distancing. Initial feedback indicates
that there are some pools with a higher public demand than may be accommodated at this
point, however potentially increasing capacity as allowable in the near future.
+In -door gymnasiums will be limited to summer camp recreation only, however with
public requests for use by outside users under consideration.
+Park Community Centers and playgrounds will be made available for summer camp
recreational use only, Monday through Friday, through August 7, 2020. Weekend use by
the public, Saturday and Sunday, is planned to begin on June 24, 2020.
The four Park Community Centers which were previously open for beach park sticker
distribution will now be closed to the public through August 7. Consideration will be
given for reopening Community Centers to the public after August 7, potentially with
regular programming, including fitness classes, room rentals, etc.
The CDC has revised their most recent direction regarding public use of playgrounds and
are now advising careful reopening. Staff has prepared a plan for playground reopening
for public use, which will be presented to the BCC at the June 2020 meeting. Systematic
sanitization of the playgrounds is planned. Signage encouraging CDC recommended
guidelines will be clearly posted. Pending BCC approval of the plan, playgrounds are
targeted for public use beginning June 24, 2020. Playgrounds which are associated with
Community Centers will reopen for public use after the completion of summer camps,
beginning August 8, 2020. Playgrounds in Immokalee will remain closed, pending a
better understanding of the COVID infection rate at that location.
Page 5
0
N
O
N
N
L
d
0
0
N
O
N
a
c
Packet Pg. 548
30.A.4
+Reservations for outdoor field and pavilion use are being accepted, however no indoor
room reservations will be accepted during summer camp.
It was noted that requests have been received from Youth Sports organizations to resume
play. Sports Leagues and Tournaments are required to submit COVID protection plans,
with field play allowable as agreements are established.
d. Summer Camp Update
After much consideration, a decision was made to move forward with summer camp.
Careful planning of safety protocols has been done, including a significant reduction in
the number of total attendees, as well as the number of children allowed within each
class. It was noted that the Department of Family and Children maximum ratio of
children per counselor is 1:25, with the Parks goal of 1:18. However, due to the
coronavirus outbreak, the ratio of children per counselor has been reduced further to a 1:9
ratio. Camp hours have been reduced to 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Weekly registration has
been disallowed, now requiring a commitment for attendance through the summer. Social
distancing practices will be observed as best as possible. Prior to entering the building,
both Staff and children are prescreened each morning with a temperature check and asked
CDC recommended health questions related to possible COVID exposures. Staff are
required to wear a mask while indoors, with the children provided masks and encouraged
to wear them indoors as well. Field trips have been cancelled due to issues related to
issues of ensuring adequate social distancing during transport. Specialty camps, which
are run by outside vendors, will not be offered this summer due to the need for additional
space to allow for adequate social distancing of sports camps, middle school camps, and
low -ratio elementary camps. Routine cleaning is carried out throughout the day. Each
group carries hand sanitizer, as well as has access to hand sanitization stations set up
throughout the building. Individually packaged sets of arts and crafts supplies are being
utilized this summer. Staff has been fully trained on all safety protocols.
Mr. Brougham inquired as to whether the BCC has been made aware of budgetary
impacts related to COVID safety protocols. Mr. Williams stated that expenses were cut
early on, including furloughing job bankers for approximately one month, and with some
savings realized in facilities costs, for example, with a reduction in electricity costs. The
FY21 budget which will be presented to the BCC will include revenue impacts for the
Parks Division. Mr. Brougham suggested possible consideration of building capacity
when planning future Parks structures.
e. Tigertail Beach Grant
A recommendation was being sought of PARAB for approval of a Tourist Development
Council (TDC) Grant Application in the amount of $123K for costs associated with the
addition of a restroom facility at TigerTail Beach.
Page 6
Packet Pg. 549
30.A.4
Design and permitting is complete. Bids for the project returned higher than anticipated,
with a decision made to purchase a prefabricated ADA compliant restroom structure N
directly from the supplier. The grant is being requested for additional costs associated N
with construction and installation of the restroom. N
L
d
Mr. Brougham entered a motion to approve the Tourist Development Council Grant
Application for Beach Park Facilities in the amount of $123,000 for the addition of a 0
restroom facility at TigerTail Beach, which will promote tourism at this location. Mr.
Fruth seconded the motion. All members were in favor. The motion was carried a
f. Concessionaire Amendment
A recommendation was brought before the BCC at the June 9, 2020 meeting to waive
contractual payment obligations for Parks and Recreation concessionaires, from March 1
through May 31, 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic. An amendment to Agreement
#19-7559 was included, to allow Zack's Food Cart Ministry, concessionaire, to sell
alcohol at Barefoot Beach. The recommendation was approved by the BCC at the June
meeting and a retroactive approval was now being sought of PARAB to allow the sale of
alcohol at Barefoot Beach by this concessionaire. All Parks Division requirements
pertaining to alcohol sales must be met, with alcohol consumption allowable only on the
deck of the concession area. Mr. Olesky expressed concern at potential liability related to
overindulgence. Mr. Williams noted no awareness of previous incidents related to
overconsumption of alcohol at Parks locations and clarified that concessionaires are
required to follow a State protocol regarding serving alcohol, including ensuring age c
compliance and avoidance of overindulgence. The Parks contract management system IN
monitors compliance with these measures as well. Educational signage informing
patrons to consume alcohol within the concessionaire perimeter are clearly posted. If, in
the event an escalation did occur, involvement by a Park Ranger and/or the Collier
County Sheriffs Office could occur.
Ms. Bills entered a motion to approve the FirstAmendment to Agreement #19-7559 for
Barefoot Beach Concessionaire, Zack's Food Cart Ministry Catering, Inc., to allow for
the sale of alcohol at Barefoot Beach. Mr. Fruth seconded the motion. All members
were in favor. The motion was carried
VHL Old Business
a. Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park Update
Please see the previous discussion in Capital Projects Update, Item VI, as above.
Page 7
Packet Pg. 550
30.A.4
b. Immokalee Ballfields
Staff discussions have been had regarding issues and concerns expressed by
N
representatives of a competitive softball team who utilize the Immokalee ballfields.
N
PARAB member, Ms. Daphne Saunders, personally met with members of the group to
N
gain better insight into these issues. Parks Staff subsequently met with School District
Cabinet Member, Mr. Mark Rouleau, to discuss the stated concerns. Mr. Rouleau
r
graciously agreed to contact the maintenance team at Immokalee High School to discuss
o
field maintenance, as per the existing agreement. Unfortunately, this discussion has been
'
temporarily tabled due to COVID-19. Mr. Rouleau has confirmed his intent to move
o
forward when conditions allow. Mr. Brougham expressed understanding, but also
m
frustration for the delay in resolution. Mr. Fruth noted that summer was the ideal time for
c
field maintenance, while school is not in session. Mr. Williams concurred and stated that
>
the goal was for the fields to be made ready for Fall play and noted a willingness for
a
Parks Staff to work with the School District in seeking a resolution. This item will
o
remain on the PARAB agenda until a resolution is reached, with updates provided as they
L
are made available.en
c. Pickleball Update
A previous request by the pickleball concessionaire for a fee increase has been
withdrawn, following community feedback received during discussion of the item at a
Board of County Commissioner meeting. The current fee schedule will therefore be
maintained, and the fee increase request will not be advanced at this time.
0
N
d. Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park Dedication N
The planned renaming ceremony of the Eagle Lakes Community Park which was
scheduled in April 2020 was canceled due to COVID-19. This event has been 3
rescheduled for Thursday, November 5, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.
IX. 311
Mr. Williams acknowledged an increase in Park related 311 calls over the last several
months. The benefits of utilizing the system for accountability in resolution of issues was
noted. PARAB members were encouraged to continue to utilize the 311 system to report
issues and concerns.
X. Director's Highlights
+The Grand Opening of the new Paradise Coast Sports Complex is scheduled for July 4,
m
2020. Mr. Williams remarked upon the world class design and facilities, and its positive
impact on tourism and local play. Mr. Fruth concurred and stated that the first scheduled a
event is on July 8, 2020, which will bring 800 athletes to the facility for a football
showcase, which is a national level event. E
U
R
Page 8 a
Packet Pg. 551
30.A.4
Mr. Olesky suggested a tour be arranged for PARAB members prior to the Grand
Opening, which will be coordinated by Mr. Fruth and Mr. Williams.
+Mr. Williams will update PARAB members as to the format for the next PARAB
meeting; in -person, phone-in, or Zoom videoconference. Mr. Olesky suggested that the
next PARAB meeting be held in July, despite normally being a vacation month, after
several consecutive months of canceled meetings due to COVID-19. Mr. Brougham
concurred, especially in view of impending budget discussions.
XI. Adjournment
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned.
These minutes approved by the Board/Committee on
Page 9
I
as presented, or as amended.
0
N
O
N
Vz
as
0
Packet Pg. 552