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.