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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes RAB 010698PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING JANUARY 6, 1998 The City of Palm Beach Gardens Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met Tuesday, January 6, 1998 at 7:00 P.M. at Council Chambers, 10500 N. Military Trail, PBG. Members present included: Susie Kendall, Chairperson, Bruce Fletcher, Jim Maynor, Pam Didio, Mike Simon, Charles Torrey, Chris Holmes, Alt., Bette Bates, Alt., Susan Miller, Director /Parks and Recreation, Brian McLaughlin, Assistant Director Parks and Recreation and Vice Mayor Lauren Furtado. Not • present: Ed Oliver. I APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The minutes from the September 3, 1997 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board were approved as written with two corrections noted: Correction to location of the meeting: Council Chambers, 10500 N. Military Trail., PBG; Correction to title: Brian McLaughlin, Assistant Director /Parks and Recreation. II DIRECTOR'S REPORT: DISTRICT PARK UPDATE: *Delayed while other projects take precedence, but remains high on priorities. *Must look into capital improvement plan. *Within next six months schedule talks with MacArthur Foundation. *Agreement with Foundation, City and County needed. FRENCHMAN'S FOREST UPDATE: *FRIENDS OF FRENCHMAN'S FOREST group to be formed to support project. Group to help offset negative objections. *B & E Advisory Board has volunteered to assist by supporting nature center project. *Jr. Rangers, a volunteer school's group, need community service hours and can present a positive image for us. *Petitions through schools for support good way to spread the word. • *Vice Mayor Lauren Furtado will make calls for supporters. *Looking at MacArthur's State Park's nature center will save us time. WINNER OF THE NATIONAL GOLD MEDAL AWARD • *John Filmore, Director, to be contacted for assistance in planning. *Exotics must be cleared and excavation of mangroves also. *Nature Center structure will be on disturbed area in flat woods. NOTATION: Five Year Survey priorities of residents were #2 fields and #2 nature centers. III GENERAL BUSINESS: *Since this board has been set up to meet quarterly, board has requested that the terms be extended: one year to two years and two year to three years. Vice Mayor Lauren Furtado supported the request. This must be recommended to City Council to be amended at the January 22, 1998 meeting. IV BOARD MEMBERS CONCERNS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: *Bruce Fletcher's focus on educational needs may be more acceptable along with preserving space for open outdoor activities. *Jim Maynor questioned who the opponents to the nature center are and believes an intelligent interaction to balance pros and cons is necessary. *Chuck Torrey would like to see more "wild type" areas including hunting, fishing and rifle range. Shooting out west • without a range is dangerous. Only affordable range is in Martin County. Would like to propose a north county facility that could be used by PBG, Lake Park, North Palm Beach, Juno, Jupiter and Tequesta. Want this brought to County. Vice Mayor Lauren Furtado will bring this to city council. *Pam Didio praised the YAA's new executive board and their relationship with the City. The agreement is near completion. *Mike Simon had no concerns or recommendations. *Susie Kendall would like to see a "Fun Night" for all board members and council. Neighborhood task force working on mini parks, to keep balance with other sections of PBG. Would like to see P &R Advisory Board Members attend city council meetings and asked if this was appropriate. *Bette Bates believes Nature Center will be good for all ages, kids, parents, grandparents. *Chris Holmes interested in a "walking tours" through Frenchman's Forest for small groups, boards and council. Concern about relocating tennis courts is a big issue and opened floor discussion. *Vice Mayor Lauren Furtado explained without advisory boards and task forces City Council could not do its job. TENNIS COURTS: *Golf Digest project is still on hold. *City Council meeting January 22 will address: where, when, how of new courts. • *Use of high school courts will serve as interim facility. *Site opposite Howell Watkins by Lake Catherine has been mentioned. Olt I* *Site on 8 acres on Howell Lane has been considered. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Dee Schneider Administrative Secretary /Parks and Recreations NOTE: Nest meeting will be April 7, 1998 in Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m. The agenda for the April meeting is enclosed.