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Minutes 02-24-25 MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY BOARD HELD ON MONDAY, FEBUARY 24, 2025, AT 6:30 P.M., IN CITY HALL COMMISSION CHAMBERS 100 E. OCEAN AVENUE, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Julie Mondello, Chair Fabien Desrouleaux, Assistant Director, Recreation Alison Pandev and Cultural Services Belinda Laskey Justin Johnson, Marketing and Outreach Manager Bruce Robertson Thomas Devlin ABSENT: Dr. Phyliss Pacilli I. Call to Order Chair Mondello called the meeting to order at 6:33 P.M. II. Pledge of Allegiance The members recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. III. Roll Call Roll was called. A quorum was present. IV. Agenda Approval — February 24th, 2025 Chair Mondello requested to add to New Business, Advisory Board Meeting advertisements in Boynton Connect. Motion Chair Mondello moved to approve the agenda, as amended. Ms. Pandev seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. V. Approval of Minutes — January 27, 2025 The minutes were deferred to the next meeting. VI. Unfinished Business a. Strategic Plan Discussion Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 24, 2025 Chair Mondello stated that she received an overview of the Plan. Mr. Devlin said that the Department has a Strategic Plan, but it is locked. He inquired which funding option was selected, as there were six funding options that he noted in the video. He commended that there were also undefined things in the Master Plan. Mr. Desrouleaux responded that a variety of funding is involved. He explained that they try to obtain grants and if it is an improvement for an existing park or facility they have, it is included in the Capital Improvements Plan; if it is a new land acquisition, then they have Parks and Recreation Funds that could be used. He noted that there are undeveloped parks in the City. Mr. Devlin pointed out that the consultant pretty much identified all the green space the City has and asked if the City acquired all of the consultants' suggestions. Justin Johnson, Marketing and Outreach Manager, explained that the Master Plan was an outline of suggested actions, but as for each project, it is dictated by the demand and intended uses of that particular parcel. He explained that if they develop Galaxy Park, the project would be funded by a different set of sources than the renovation at Hester, which was funded with City funds and a grant from the NFL Foundation. He said that the Strategic Plan was generic, because it depends on the exact demonstrated usage of each project. Chair Mondello commented that typically on any project, one starts with a scope of a plan, which she considers a strategic plan, and it includes all the things that the City wants to do. She said that they then add time and money, and that is how those efforts are realized. She explained that some things have to happen on a recurring cost basis, and some are a one-time cost basis, which gets factored into the budget. Mr. Johnson added that there are things that aren't in the plan that will be done, based on its priority, and that there are many variables that are outside of the plan. Mr. Devlin commented that sometimes the original plan will not get done. Mr. Desrouleaux explained that the City is a growing community and it is hard to define what will be wanted in the future, so that is why the Master Plan is open, to have guidelines and groundwork. VII. New Business a. Upcoming Recreation Programs & Events Chair Mondello commented that she wanted to advertise the Advisory Board Meeting information in the Boynton Connect Magazine. Mr. Johnson noted that it was already listed on page 32. 2 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 24, 2025 Brief discussion followed that including information about the Board meetings are a good way for people to get involved with Recreation and Parks. Further dialogue followed that the information could be in the "For Your Information" and several other sections, and that they can advertise any vacant Board seats that are available. a. Upcoming Recreation Programs and Events Mr. Johnson pointed out that Spring Break begins on March 24th. He said that there are a number of camps that will be offered that week, which he reviewed. Mr. Devlin thought there should be a list of what was available for youth to participate in and that he wanted to attract kids that have never played. Mr. Johnson replied that they have a list available through RacTrac and commented that the Art and Cultural Center held "Say it Loud, an arts and cultural event, on the 16th, which was well attended and had positive feedback. He praised staff and stated that on April 19th, the Department will host the Eggstravaganza event at Centennial Park. He advised that they are soliciting sponsors, will have an Easter Egg Hunt, and that the Easter Bunny will make an appearance, which is always popular. b. Update on Marketing Mr. Johnson elaborated that staff is working on sponsors for the Easter event and that they had partnered with Olive Garden for the food for the Daddy Daughter Dance. He advised that they are continuing to solicit sponsors, and it is a group effort. He explained that they are working to establish a broader, wide range of sponsorships, and that they are working together so obtain more sponsors in a more organized way. Mr. Robertson suggested that wherever there are calendar of events, staff should reach out for sponsorships and have one constant point of contact. Ms. Pandev recommended contacting the Manager at Carrabba's Restaurant, as he was helpful in providing food for a school event at a reduced rate. c. Departmental Updates i. Staffing Mr. Desrouleaux stated that the department finished interviewing for a Division Director of Recreation and Parks and made a recommendation. He said that the candidate is from West Palm Beach and that he would introduce the individual at the appropriate time, and that she has a wealth of experience. He further stated that the City hired two full-time maintenance workers at the Tennis Center, but one transferred to the Cemetery, and that they hired a new Recreation Specialist. He advised that they are working on the budget and on a couple of positions, such as an Athletic Supervisor position, who will manage agreements with sports 3 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 24, 2025 providers and oversee the actual properties, as well as Adaptive and Inclusive position for the City's ADA programs. He advised that the position will help design and run inclusive programs for youth and for camps and that they need someone in recreation specifically for that role. d. Project Updates i. Hester Field Mr. Desrouleaux announced that the Certificate of Occupancy for the concession stand was issued and that Mr. Johnson is putting the Grand Opening together, tentatively set for March 29th, and is obtaining a plaque to put on the building. He said that he will email the dates for the members to attend and advised that there will be another event in tandem with that event. He mentioned that they will start the structural construction for the shade structures in about a month. II. Little League Field Mr. Desrouleaux said that they are hoping to install two turf fields, and that if funding doesn't cover all of it, they will install a hybrid, but he said that there will be at least one all turf field. He explained that the fields will be slightly shifted to fit better and that the Press Box, concession stand, pavilions, and restrooms, need work. III. Galaxy Park Mr. Desrouleaux explained that Phase 2 at the park, which is pickleball courts, the bull pen, and batting cages, is ongoing. He said that they received a few sign ups for kickball and that the Police Athletic League (PAL) is using the Park for their tournament. He listed the activities taking place at the park and clarified that Galaxy Park is separate from Galaxy School. Ms. Pandev suggested that if there is a misconception about Galaxy Park being associated with the school, they could look into changing the name. She said that if there is an agreement, they could add an addendum and another name to it, and if there was a reason it was called Galaxy, the term of the agreement could have expired. Mr. Johnson responded that there may be some type of an Interlocal Agreement for the Park with the school, and if there is, it would have to be approved by the City Commission. Mr. Devlin suggested including that Galaxy Park is a public park in Boynton Connect, and it could be put on the signage. He further thought that they could seek a beverage provider to sponsor an event at the park. iv. Oceanfront Park 4 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 24, 2025 Mr. Desrouleaux mentioned that Boardwalk Ice Cream is at the beach daily, between 11 A.M. and 4 P.M., selling ice cream and hot dogs, and that the feedback has been fantastic. He said that the City will be issuing an RFP for a concessionaire in the next two weeks and that they had a good amount of interest from various vendors. He explained that Boardwalk has a 90-day rental agreement with extensions through the Town of Ocean Ridge, who is very happy about it. v. Pence Park Mr. Desrouleaux commented that Pence Park is in the design phase with an architectural firm and that the City should have drawings soon. He commented that the City expects the park to be extremely busy and that they are trying to maximize parking, but it will be challenging as to the street parking. He said that there will be additional parking at the Senior Center and that they are looking at nearby businesses to help accommodate parking. He stated that they are also planning to turf the field that can be converted to a smaller or larger field, based on what sports are taking place. He mentioned that there will be pickleball courts, an all-ages playground and some rentable pavilions, storage and restroom space, and office space. He pointed out that they may have to have staff there and they are also looking at evening programming, and people will be using their pickleball passes. He elaborated that people did sign up for pickleball passes which will require staff to monitor. Mr. Robertson spoke about increasing sponsorship opportunities. He said that anything to get distinction, and increased revenue, should be considered. Chair Mondello stated that there are plenty of parks named after people in the area, but renaming a park would require permission from the City Commission. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Desrouleaux briefly spoke about advertising. Mr. Devlin noted that the City adopted the Master Plan, and asked if the mall fell under Recreation and Parks. Mr. Desrouleaux explained that the mall was sold to a developer, and the City is looking to develop current parks and properties first, before acquiring new properties Mr. Devlin reported that the fence is down at the park in the Meadows. Mr. Desrouleaux replied that it is being addressed. VIII. Public Audience - None IX. Items For The City Manager's Attention - None X. Future Agenda Items 5 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida February 24, 2025 a. Presentation on County Dredging Project of Boynton Inlet/Oyer Park — March 24th, 2025, Meeting Mr. Desrouleaux commented that the City met with the County last week and that the County will dredge the Inlet at Harvey Oyer and Oceanfront Parks. He said that the work at Oceanfront Park will not affect operations, but operations will be impacted at Harvey Oyer Park for about eight days. Mr. Johnson explained that dredging will be done in two phases and will start in mid to late April. He mentioned that this phase will involve an initial preparation and then they will be back next year to conduct a more extensive dredging and focus on shallow areas. He said that the next project will then be to rebuild the beach. Chair Mondello suggested that updates be given. Mr. Desrouleaux advised that a representative from the County will be available at the next meeting, to provide further information. b. Presentation and Q&A on Restoration Project- TBD Mr. Desrouleaux explained that they were having a hard time reaching the individual to make the presentation, but they finally did and they will attend a future meeting. He added that the County will also maintain the project in the future, and that he will notify the members when he will attend. XI. Next Meeting - March 24th, 2025 Chair Mondello announced the next meeting date. XII. Adjournment Motion Mr. Devlin moved to adjourn. Ms. Pandev seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:57 P.M. Catherine Cherry Minutes Specialist 6