PARAB Minutes 09/16/202030.A.7
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION
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ADVISORY BOARD
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North Collier Regional Park
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15000 Livingston Road
Naples, Florida 34109
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September 16, 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 North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road,
Naples, Florida with the following members participating:
CHAIRMAN: Mr. Edward "Ski" Olesky o
VICE-CHAIRMAN Mr. Phil Brougham
Ms. Mary Bills, Advisory Board Member N
Mr. Joshua Fruth, Advisory Board Member N
Ms. Rebecca Gibson-Laemel, Advisory Board Member
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Mr. David Saletko, Advisory Board Member
Ms. Daphnie Saunders, Advisory Board Member
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ALSO PRESENT:
Mr. Barry Williams, Director, Parks and Recreation
Ms. Jeanine McPherson, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation
Mr. Michael Cherbini, Project Manager, Parks and Recreation
Ms. Susan Davis
Mr. Casey Doyle, Sports and Special Events Coordinator, Parks and Recreation
Mr. Rick Garby, Superintendent, Parks and Recreation
Mr. Michael Rivara, President, Collier Recreation Baseball/Softball Umpires
Association, Inc.
Mr. Miguel Rojas, Jr., Administrative Assistant, Parks and Recreation
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I. Call to Order N
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II. Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation N
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a moment of silence observed.
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III. Approval of the Agenda o
Ms. Bills entered a motion to approve the September 16, 2020 meeting agenda. Ms. .a
Gibson-Laemel seconded the motion. All members were in favor. The motion was c
carried. m
IV. Approval of Meeting Minutes —August 19, 2020
Ms. Bills entered a motion to approve the August 19, 2020 meeting minutes. The
motion was seconded by Ms. Gibson--Laeme. All members were in favor. The motion
was carried.
V. Public/Board Comments
There were no additional comments by Advisory Board members or members of the
public.
VI. Capital Projects Update — Mr. Cherbini o
+Clam Pass Restroom Expansion and Boardwalk Repair: Work on the new restroom
is nearly complete, with final inspections to follow. Re -decking of the boardwalk with N
IPE has begun. New handrails are planned; however, lumber is not being replaced due to N
material shortages brought on by the pandemic. The boardwalk is planned for closure for
60 days.
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+Danford Street/Hamilton Avenue Improvements: Design is at 100%, with slight a
modifications being done related to Right of Way permitting. The project is moving to in
the procurement phase for solicitation of bids, with work anticipated to begin in January
2021.
+Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park (BCIRP): Substantial completion of the North
phase (athletic fields and concession area) remains targeted for December 30, 2020, with
programming expected to begin in the Spring. The remainder of the park; the community
center, hard courts, Great Lawn, and pool facilities are planned for delivery in June/July
2021. Phase II of the park is currently in design, with a proposal being finalized with Q
Grady Minor for design of the gymnasium and fitness center. A construction date is not
yet available for Phase II; however, work is anticipated to begin following the completion
of Phase I.
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+Ms. Gibson-Laemel inquired as to the total number of pickleball courts available at both
East Naples Community Park (ENCP) and Veterans Community Park. Mr. Williams
noted there are currently 58 dedicated courts at ENCP, and 20 courts available at
Veterans Community Park. Pickleball courts are planned for the new BCIRP as well.
Limited play is also available at Pelican Bay Community Park and Golden Gate
Community Park via tennis courts which are striped for dual use with pickleball play.
+Ms. Gibson-Laemel noted the usefulness of the addition of a list of closed projects on
the capital projects list. Mr. Williams stated that the list of closed projects will be
monitored by the administrator to maintain the list for accuracy.
+Ms. Gibson-Laemel inquired about the use of the cricket pitch which has been installed.
It was noted by Mr. Williams that the cricket pitch appears to be underutilized, with
internal discussion of the possibility for conversion back to dedicated softball field use
only. Staff will confer with the organization who had requested construction of the
cricket pitch to gauge continued interest and planned use.
VII. New Business
a. Summer Camp Update — Ms. McPherson
The 2020 Camp Collier Summer Camp program was carried out, despite significant
changes made due to COVID-19. Viral mitigation measures included reduced or
canceled programing, reduced enrollment, and fewer Staff. The full summer program
spanned 44 days over 12 weeks. Staff was commended for overseeing modified
activities and enforcing appropriate social distancing amongst small groups, with only
one sports camp having to be closed due to a viral exposure. Extensive ongoing
cleaning was done of common surfaces, with deep cleaning in the evening.
Consequently, fewer hours per day were able to be served per day. Capacity was
much smaller, with the largest camp held to 45 participants, typically 180. The
camper to counselor ratio was held at 1:9 versus the usual 1:18. A survey of
participants yielded good scores, with 74 respondents giving a rating of "satisfied" or
"very satisfied". Comments received included a desire for the return of specialty
camps, as well as improvement in the registration process for the sailing and skiing
programs. Of note, there was a significant reduction in the number of children able to
be registered for those programs in order to maintain the 1:9 staff/camper ratio.
Despite the many unknowns presented by the coronavirus, the 2020 summer camp
program was noted to be an overall success, while following all CDC recommended
protocols to ensure Staff and camper safety. It is hoped that the 2021 summer camp
program may return to normal and expanded upon.
Mr. Brougham inquired as to profitability of the summer camp program in general.
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Ms. McPherson stated there was a financial loss this year in comparison to previous N
years, however noted a general break-even point as being the norm. N
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Mr. Williams pointed out 25 confirmed cases of COVID-19 amongst the Staff, who
all followed appropriate quarantine protocol, as well as several individuals with o
exposure related isolation. Affected individuals did continue to work from home, as p
allowable. '
b. Improvements to Danford St. — Mr. Cherbini
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Parks Staff has been working with the community CRA and MSTU for proposed
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improvements to Danford Street and Hamilton Avenue, which lead to Bayview Park,
a popular boat launch location. The goal is to address unauthorized parking in the
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right of way on Hamilton Street during peak days of boat launch access, such as
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holidays and weekends, by providing boat trailer parking along Hamilton Avenue.
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The design process includes a partnership with Naples Botanical Gardens and the
CRA Board to create a system to address storm water runoff, which will also be used
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as an educational tool for patrons of the Botanical Gardens and Bayview Park. The
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design also includes a plan for safe access to Bayview Park via a sidewalk connection
from the parking area along Hamilton Avenue. Additional lighting is planned as
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well. Community outreach is planned for the Fall to discuss improvements, work
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schedule, and impacts. The Parks Division owns several lots along Danford Street and
discussion remains ongoing regarding plans for these properties.
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Mr. Williams is working with Facilities Management to create 3-D renderings of the
project; however, construction plans detailing walkway and lighting improvements
were shared with PARAB members. The original footprint of the street is planned to E
be maintained, with improvements made to the curbside with the addition of a 5-foot a
pathway and lighting. in
Ms. Susan Davis, a property owner on Danford Street, previously submitted a list of
questions and concerns on behalf of the local community to Mr. Williams, relating to
the proposed improvements; notably the speed limit along Danford Street, which is
currently 25 mph. Local residents are interested in adding a speeding deterrent, such
as a pavement change or speed bumps. Concern was expressed at the construction
design plans, which reflect an increase in one section of the road to 35 mph. It was
clarified by Mr. Cherbini that there is no plan to increase the speed limit from 25
mph; however, the road will be engineered to withstand 35 mph traffic. Mr. Williams
added that while the design is at 100% completion and speed bumps are a potential
issue for emergency vehicles and boat trailer traffic, a discussion with the contractor
will be had for the possibility of adding a speed deterrent along the roadway.
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Ms. Davis also noted an existing problem with water drainage along Danford Street
and inquired whether the design addressed this issue. It was clarified that parking and
lighting modifications are planned, with no major changes planned for the existing
roadway. Mr. Williams noted having had recent meetings with the Stormwater
Division and Road Management to explore options for improvement in water
drainage. The outcome of these discussions will be shared at the October community
outreach meeting. Ms. Davis requested the option for email updates or
videoconference attendance for part-time residents, which Mr. Williams noted may
certainly be accommodated.
Ms. Davis further noted heavy construction vehicles which travel along Danford
Street to Bayview Park for the transport of construction materials and inquired
whether the roadway surface will accommodate the extreme weight of these vehicles.
Mr. Williams agreed to provide a response to this question following discussion with
the contractor.
Lastly, Ms. Davis noted that concrete bowls which provide a physical barrier between
the sidewalk and the roadway are missing or in a state of disrepair and inquired as to
the plan to differentiate between the sidewalk and the road. Mr. Cherbini stated the
concrete structures are a less intrusive alternative to upright barrier poles. Mr.
Williams agreed to explore barrier alternatives, as well as immediately address the
missing or broken concrete structures.
c. FY21 Aquatics Debt Borrowing — Mr. Williams
Active recruitment of a Principle Project Manager to oversee the aquatics capital
program and maintenance is underway, seeking an individual with a strong
background in aquatics management for this high-level position. A list of proposed
aquatics improvements was shared with PARAB for Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, Golden
Gate Community Park, and the Immokalee Sports Complex. Mr. Williams noted
previously having to operate in a "break and fix" mode due to inadequate capital
improvement funding for the entire Parks system. Advocacy by PARAB for the
pursuit of additional funding has assisted with the decision to pursue a $20M bond to
borrow the money necessary to address the identified projects.
The Sun-N-Fun Lagoon has remained closed in the pandemic environment, with
renovations ongoing during this time. A business plan is being written by Ms.
McPherson to identify the potential revenue stream created by the addition of the
F1owRider attraction at this location, a project which is included in the debt service
plan. A grand reopening is planned by Memorial Day 2021, when all repairs and
improvements will be fully completed. BCIRP is also planned for opening in Summer
2021. The Golden Gate Community Park and Immokalee Sports Complex aquatics
facilities will then be closed at the end of Summer 2021 for renovation.
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The bond proposal will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) N
on September 22, 2020. Pursuit of bond funding will ensue following Board N
approval, with proposed improvements to begin in November 2020; an aggressive N
schedule to satisfy the requirement that debt service funding be utilized within three
years. It was noted that bond funding will be utilized for improvements, however, c
funds have already been spent from the current budget allocation for some design o
work, including the Golden Gate Community Center kiddie pool and competitive '
pool, Sun-n-Fun activity pool, and the Immokalee Sports Complex aquatics center. M
The total proposed bond is in the amount of $92M, which includes the Parks aquatics m°
renovation proposal, as well as funding of significant Storm Water projects. Mr. c
Williams will provide an update on the outcome of the September 22, 2020
presentation to the BCC at the next PARAB meeting in October. a
d. Softball Umpire Discussion/Analysis — Mr. Doyle, Mr. Riviera
Mr. Doyle addressed PARAB to discuss plans for funding allocation for the softball
league program. FY2019 softball revenue was noted to be $87,740, with a 14-game
spring/fall team rate of $130, and $460 for the shorter summer season. Total softball
expenses were $105,936, which includes $75,936 for umpires, and $30K for "other"
expenses, such as trophies, team sponsor plaques, team t-shirts, chalk/paint, field
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dryer for rainouts, and various miscellaneous expenses. Utilities, program
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administration, and maintenance are not included in these totals. The current contract
includes the use of two National Softball Association (NSA) sanctioned umpires per
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game, at a cost of $58. Research of nearby recreational softball leagues revealed the
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common use of one umpire per game at an average cost of $25 per game.
Proposed changes include the removal of the umpire sanctioned requirement, which is
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not required for a recreational softball league, and switching to one umpire per game
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at a cost of $35, and two umpires during the playoffs at a cost of $25. Options for
reduction in umpire costs include pursuit of a new bid contract that will provide one
umpire/official per game, utilization of KeyStaff Incorporated (a workforce vendor)
for umpire recruitment, with schedule and assignments managed internally, or with
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general officiating provided by Staff. The estimated revised cost for umpires would
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then be approximately $42,990, at a savings of $32,946 per season, meeting a 100%
cost recovery goal for the program.
Renewal of the existing contract which stipulates two umpires at a cost $29/umpire
(total $58 per game), would necessitate raising team fees from $730 to $882 to realize
100% cost recovery. The pursuit of new bids, or umpire recruitment via KeyStaff,
Inc. for Spring 2021 would allow team fees to remain the same. The 100% cost
recovery goal would be met, with savings of $32,946.
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Mr. Williams noted the longstanding relationship with the Umpire Association,
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however with a recent stall in negotiations relative to the changes contemplated by the
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Parks Division, as well as the salary requirements of the UA. An acknowledgement
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was made of the possibility of better communication of these issues by Staff to the
League. Mr. Williams noted additional costs for services, with a fee schedule that has
not adjusted relative to these increases. The goal would be a status quo agreement for
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the Fall season, continuing with the Umpire Association at the current $29 price point,
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allowing time to potentially solicit approval of a fee increase from the BCC, or
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consideration of the alternative of different staffing options and fewer umpires at a
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reduced cost.'
Mr. Brougham inquired as to why Collier County was utilizing two umpires per game
when it was the general practice of surrounding area softball programs to only use one
umpire per game. Mr. Rivara, President, Collier Recreation
Baseball/Softball Umpires Association noted his involvement in the contract
negotiation with the County three years prior and clarified that two umpires per game
were specifically requested by the County. Mr. Rivara's organization was the sole
bidder at that time and was able to provide extensive history of the contract
negotiation process. It was pointed out that additional funds had subsequently been
added to the contract to accommodate the addition of scorekeeping duties to umpiring
responsibilities, which if subtracted, would reveal the umpires to be earning less than
similar local Southwest Florida softball programs.
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Per Mr. Rivara, while his organization initially anticipated requesting an increase in o
umpire fees to match local organizations, the decision was made by the UA to not
request a salary increase for the Fall in response to the coronavirus pandemic crisis. A L
one-year contract renewal was received from County Procurement in July 2020, which
maintained the current rates. Per Mr. Rivara, there was no objection to the terms of
the one year renewal option on the part of the Umpires Association, however the UACL
wished to renew the second year as well at that time, with a salary increase to $30 to
match local organizations. Mr. Rivara stated that these terms were noted by the
County to be unacceptable, and further negotiation stalled.
Mr. Williams restated the options presently under consideration, however also noted
the possibility for extension of the existing contract through the Fall, with continued
discussion and information gathering. Ms. McPherson noted the necessity to make the
program sustainable, but expressed a desire and willingness to continue working with
the Umpires Association if the group was amenable to the one umpire format in the
future.
Mr. Fruth inquired how other local organizations were able to achieve cost recovery
based on slightly lower team fees and utilization of only one umpire per game.
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Mr. Doyle clarified that Collier County operates on a 14 game schedule, while the
other municipalities studied only operate on an 8 to 10 game schedule.
Ms. Bercher noted her family's long history of County softball league play and
expressed an interest in working with Staff to research the issue further, noting a
personal preference for the use of two umpires per game.
Mr. Williams stated a desire to continue with the current contract through the Fall
season at $29 per umpire, with continued discussion and analysis of this issue. Timely
notice to the League is necessary, however there is currently no agreement in place
with the Umpires Association. Without renewal, a pickup league will be offered at $1
per player for the Fall season. Mr. Rivara noted that the County remains insured under
the NSA contract, which is active through November 13, and that his umpires are
ready and available to work.
Mr. Rivara agreed to meet with his Advisory Board to discuss the one year contract
renewal and will report the results to Mr. Williams as soon as possible.
VIH. 311
Ms. Gibson-Laemel inquired as to any noted effects of discontinuation of Park site visits
by PARAB members at their assigned locations. Mr. Garby noted that PARAB park site
visits were in-depth and identified specific issues, however 311 is the preferred
mechanism due to tracking and accountability. An improved level of service has also
been achieved with the implementation of a Facilities Management team who
systematically performs inspections and repairs at rotating county park locations. Mr.
Garby also noted receiving daily phone calls and photos from the public of park related
issues. Mr. Williams stated a willingness to reconsider park site visits by PARAB
members if there was an interest in continuing this task.
IX. Director's Highlights
+Advisory Board attendance records will be shared with PARAB at the next meeting.
+The Pelican Bay Foundation had previously expressed interest in purchasing Pelican
Bay Community Park, however the Parks Division has opted instead to work with the
Foundation and Populous, an architectural firm and environment planner for potential
improvements to the Master Plan. Concepts will be publicly vetted, which will include
residents of Naples Park. The results of the discussions will be shared with PARAB.
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X. Adjournment
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adj ourned
Parks and Re krh is,� and
These minutes approved by the Board/Committee on
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as presented, or as amended.
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