PARAB Minutes 01/20/2021MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF TIIE PARKS AND RECREATION
ADVISORYBOARD
North Collier Regional Park
15000 Livingston Road
Naples, Florida 34109
January 20,2021
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 REGIILAR SESSION via hybrid in-person and video
conference attendance at North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road,
Naples, Florida with the following members participating:
CIIAIRMAN: Mr. Edward "Ski" Olesky
VICE-CHAIRMAN Mr. Phil Brougham
Ms. Mary Bills, Advisory Board Member
Mr. Joshua Fruth, Advisory Board Member
Ms. Rebecca Gibson-Laemel, Advisory Board Member
ALSO PRESENT:
Mr. Barry Williams, Director, Parks and Recreation
Ms. Jeanine McPherson, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation
Mr. James French, Department Head, Public Services Division
Mr. Ayoub Al-Bahou, Principal Project Manager, Facilities Management
Mr. Aaron Hopkins, Regional Manager, Parks and Recreation
Mr. Miguel Rojas, Jr., Administrative Assistant, Parks and Recreation
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Packet Pg. 918 Attachment: PARAB Meeting Minutes (signed) - January 20, 2021 (15725 : Parks and Recreation Advisory Board - April 21, 2021)
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
Changes to the Agenda:
a. Add discussion of Advisory Bcard member voting eligibility via remote meeting
attendance; zoom or phone-in.
b. Add introduction of Mr. James French, Department Head, Public Services Division.
Mr. Brougham entered a motion to approve the January 20, 2021 meeting agenda,
with the noted changes. Ms. Gibson-Laemel seconded the motion. All members were
infavon The motion was carried.
IV. Approval of Meeting Minutes - November 18, 2020
Correction to November 18, 2020 minutes: Capital Projects, Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes
Community Park Center; strike sentence regarding design and permitting of expansion of
the right wing.
Mr. Brougham entered a motion to approve the November 18, 2020 meeting minutes,
with the noted correction. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gibson-Laemel All
members were infavor. The motion was caruied
V. Public/Board Comments
+There were no additional comments by Advisory Board members.
+There were no public comments.
VI. Capital Projects Update
+Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park: Substantial completion of Phase 1A (northern
portion) is now targeted for April 2021, following a delay which resulted from field
drainage issues and subsequent correction by the contractor. Mr. French noted an interest
in a greater focus on maintaining contractor dependability and accountability. Delivery
of Phase 1B (southern portion) of the park is scheduled for summer 2021. Phase II
currently remains in the design process. Aerial photographs of park construction and
design elements were shared with PARAB. Ms. Randi Hopkins has been seiected as thd
Park Supervisor for this location. Ms. Hopkins presents with extensive expeiience
through her work for the YMCA.
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VIT.
a.
+Sun-N-Fun Lagoon: The bridge ald slide pool remain under construction.
Construction bids for work on the activity pool have been advertised, with the project
planned to be presented to the Board of County Commissioners at the March 2021
meeting. Renovation ofthe large pools is planned to begin in March/Apri1, stiil currently
in design. Mr. Brougham inquired as to financial impacts which may result from the
year-long closure of the facility. Mr. Williams noted significant savings in labor costs
during this time. The plan to renovate the park was facilitated by park closure due to the
pandemic.
*Golden Gate Community Park: Bids have been solicited for the activity pool
renovation. The competitive pool and slide tower are currently under design. Renovation
ofthe pools is planned to commence with the opening of Big Corkscrew Island Regional
Park and Sun-n-Fun Lagoon to ensure adequate aquatic access to the public.
+National Fitness Court SIab: The Fitness Court, planned for instailation at North
Collier Regional Park is currently in the design phase. Consideration of eiectrical and
water access will assist in determining the location of the Fitness Court, with potential
placement at the green space adjacent to the playground and the fitness center.
New Business
PARAB member vote participation: A brief discussion was held in consideration
of voting eligibility of PARAB members via remote meeting attendance; videoconference
or telephone.
Mr. Brougham entered a motion for voting participation by Atlvisory Boaril members
via remote meeting attendance, videoconference or telqthone. Mr. Fruth seconded the
motion All members were in favor, The motion was carried.
Introduction of Mr. James French: Mr. James French addressed PARAB to
formally introduce himself as the newly appointed Department Head of the Public
Services Division. Mr. French is a native of Collier County, working many years in the
private sector and most recently, working in the Collier County Crrowth Management
Departrnent for 17+ years. Mr. French noted his commitment to Colliel County and his
support of Division Directors and county Staff, citing a unique perspective derived from
his previous work in the private sector. Mr. French expressed his gratitude to Advisory
Board members for their service and contribution to Parks and Recreation, and to the
community. Mr. Brougham noted the commitment by PARAB in support of Parks and
Recreation capital projects, as well as ongoing asset management and preventative
maintenance.
b.
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d.
Vote in Chair/Vice-Chair
Mr. Brougham entered a motion to nominate Mr. Olesky as Chairman of the Parks
and Recreation Advisory Board. Ms. Gibson-Laemel seconded the motion. All
members were infavor. The motion wus cutied
Mr. Fruth entered a motion to nominate Mr. Brougham as Vice-Chairman of the
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Ms. Gibson-Laemel seconded the motion. All
members were infavor. The motion was carried.
Vacancies
There are two Advisory Board member vacancies, following the resignations of Mr.
Saletko and Ms. Saunders. Six applications for Advisory Board membership are under
consideration, with three applicants present at the meeting. The three applicants
individually addressed PARAB to discuss credentials and interest in Board membership.
+Ms. Kristina Heuser has been a resident of Collier County for I-l12 years and has
become actively involved in the community with membership of multiple committees.
Ms. Heuser is a former varsity athlete and coach, with an interest in health and fihress.
She has two teenage daughters and is self-employed as an attomey, with a law degree
from J.D. Brooklyn Law School. Ms. Heuser noted flexibility in her schedule and her
availability to participate in Advisory Board meetings. Ms. Heuser is most familiar with
North Collier Regional Park and is impressed with the facilities, as well as Freedom Park,
and local beach park locations. Ms. Heuser noted her prior experience with competitive
sports, interest in health and wellness, her education and profession, as well as a
northeastern perspective as potential contributions to the Advisory Board.
+Ms. Ruth Busman has been a part-time resident of Collier County for 4-5 years,
spending 7 months of the year in Naples and 5 months at a northern residence. Ms.
Busman is a retired psychologist and University professor, also formerly involved in a
design/build capacity on campus. Ms. Busman expressed a strong interest in community
involvement and noted her education and work experience, as well as her perspective as a
retired professional as potential contributions to the Advisory Board.
+Mr. Paul DeMarco has been a full-time resident of Collier County for 1-Il2 years. He
earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and has
recently started a consulting firm for project management, servicing hospitals. Mr.
DeMarco noted attendance atnearly all County parks and has volunteered to work as a
North Naples Little League umpire. Mr. DeMarco cited his experience in the
management of multiple concurrent issues, as well as relationship management as
strengths that he may contribute as an Advisory Board member.
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Mr. DeMarco noted flexibility in his work schedule and his availability to participate in
Advisory Board meetings.
It was clarified that part-time residents of Collier County are eligible for Advisory Board
membership, provided they are a resident and a registered voter in Collier County.
Residency status may be taken into consideration as part ofthe candidate selection
process.
An anonymous vote was held by PARAB members in attendance, utilizing a ranked
system ofcandidates. Following tabulation, the two applicants selected to be advanced to
the Board of County Commissioners for consideration of Advisory Board membership
are Ms. IQ'istina Heuser and Mr. Paul DeMarco.
Mn Brougham entered a motion to advance the applications for Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board memberchip for Ms. Kristina Heuser and Mr. Paul DeMarco for
review andfinal approval by the Board of County Commissioners. Ms. Gibson-Laemel
seconded the motion. All members were in favor, The motion was carried.
e. Aquatic Updates
An overview ofaquatics facilities rejuvenation projects, made possible with debt service
funding, was reviewed with PARAB.
+ Sun-N-Fun Lagoon: Several projects are ongoing, which include the Lazy River
Bridge replacement, IWF Control system electrical demolition, and IWF reservoir tank
and slide pool repairs. Bid solicitation for the activity pool tenovations have been
received, with the low bid of $625K to be presented to the BCC in March 2021. A
Construction Management at Risk frm (CMAR) is workirg directly with the design team
on major water park renovations. The design is approximately 7 5%o complete. Following
BCC approvai of tlle CMAR proposal, commencement of the construction phase is
projected to begin in March 2021, with project completion in Summer 2021.
*Golden Gate Community Park: The activity pool reconstruction and restroom
modifications ptojects are currently out for bid, scheduled to end on0ll26/2021.
Following bid presentation to the BCC and approval, construction is projected to begin in
March 2021, with completion targeted for Summer 202 i . Competition pool resurfacing
and slide tower renovation projects are currently in the design phase, projected to be
completed il March 2021. The competition pool will not close for renovation pending
Sun-Fun-Lagoon and Big Corkscrew Island Regional park aquatics facilities opening to
the public.
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VIII.
*Immokalee Sports Complex: Martin Aquatic Design and Engineering has been
selected for design of the competition pool replacement project, currently awaiting the
cost proposal in January 2021. The design is projected to be complete in Summer 2021.
Mr. Williams noted that the aquatics facility at Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community
Park has been functioning well, with only correction of a heating issue this winter.
Public attendance has been down, attributed to Covid-19, with reduced hours of operation
implemented to offset the associated loss in revenue. Swim programs, as well as swim
team use has remained ongoing at Park aquatic locations.
ELCP Schedule Update
The project is currently in the feasibility phase, assessing options for expansion at Donna
Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park. Three options currently under discussion include the
addition of a gymnasium and a smaller, multipurpose room, a larger fitness room and a
multipurpose room, or a double gymnasium. The best option for the community, the
broad expected cost of each option, as well as funding sources are all under discussion.
A public information meeting is planned for Spring, to solicit community feedback about
desirable programs and features. Past focus groups generated community feedback, some
of which were incorporated in the Park Master Plan.
The Stantec project schedule was shared with PARAB, however a fimding source has yet
to be identified for the expansion. Mr. French noted drainage issues related to an
adjacent preserve, which will result in permitting delays. Maximization of the existing
footprint at the lowest cost is the goal. Mr. Fruth iuggested short-term buildout projects
which generate revenue, such as soccer fields, pending identification of budget sources
for further expansion.
Mr. Brougham noted that rooms are currently available which are dedicated to small
children activities and suggested an activities area be made available for a broader age
range, particularly teens. Mr. French concurred and recommended alwger, multipurpose
area which addresses the most needs and uses, with flexibility for internal buildout
modification of use over time. Extensive growth in the East Naples area supports the
need to meet local demands, with the potential for fee revenue to offset maintenance
costs.
Old Business
a. Lely and Barefoot Beach
In response to an earlier question regarding the origin of the names for Barefoot Beach
and the Lely Resort, it was clarified that the Lely Development Corp, owned by the Van
Der Lely family of the Netherlands, had purchased 2800 acres in the early 1980s and
developed the Lely Resort.
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IX.
The Van Der Lely family were also the original developers of Barefoot Beach in the
1970s. The Van Der Lely family cunently resides in Switzerland.
b. Legends ConcertUpdate
Mr. Aaron Hopkins addressed PARAB to provide an update on the previously approved
Legends Concert series to be held at Sugden Regional Park. The first of seven concerts
took place on January 1, 2021, which was a Billy Joel and Elton John tribute. The
concert was a sold-out event, with 1000 tickets sold. The promoter ofthe event rented the
park for the entire day; however, the park was open for recreational activities until noon
on the day of the event. Individuals who arrived after 12:00 p.m. were given press
releases regarding the event and were referred to local East Naples Community park and
the Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park. The gates were reopened for the event at
4:00 p.m., with staff provided by the promoter for traffic control. There were no incidents
or accidents t}roughout tle event, which was deemed a success and attended by
Commissioner LoCastro. Food and alcohol were available for purchase, with cleanup
provided by the promoter. One concert is scheduled per month, through July 2021.
Additional Parks Staff was on hand to monitor adherence to CDC guideline protocols.
Small flags were used as ground markers in support of appropriate socially distant
seating. Park restroom facilities were open, as well as Port-A-Potry availability, \ /ith
hand washing/sanitizing stations throughout the event space. Amouncements were made
durhg the event to remind attendees to remain socially distanced. Mr. Olesky suggested a
note ofappreciation be forwmded to the event promoter for efforts made in ensuring
CDC guidelines were followed for public safety.
Director's Highlights
+Covid-10 vaccinations are being administered at the North Collier Regional Park. Mr.
Williams remarked upon the excellent management of the process by Collier County
Bureau of Emergency Services, Collier Department of Health, and the Collier County
SherifPs Office.
+A community survey regarding the Pelican Bay Community Park is planned to begin in
approximately one week. Parks Staffis working with the Pelican Bay Foundation on
potential improvements at the Community Park. The introduction of pickleball play has
previously been identified as a desired amenity, which is included in the Master Plan
approved by the Board. Survey results will be shared with PARAB in the upcoming
months.
+The current agreement with the Softball Umpires Association will remain in effect,
utilizing two umpires per game. A team fee increase is not planned at this time, with
altemative cost savings having been identified which support breakeven cost recovery.
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x.
xr.
*The concessionaire agreement at East Naples Community Park stipulates three
pickleball tournaments are to be held throughout the year, separate from the U.S. Open
Pickleball Championship. The first tournament is scheduled for January 29-3l,with
1000 registered participants. The concessionaire does have a Covid-l9 protocol in place.
311
A report of 311 calls for the previous month was shared with PARAB. Ms. Gibson-
Laemel requested that the service location of 31 1 requests be added to the report.
Adjournment
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned.
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