HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03-20-2008
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ST. LUCIE COUNTY RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
March 20, 2008
Roger Poitras Building, Conference Room 3
2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL
Chair, Brad Keen, called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m.
Roll Call:
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Members Present: Brad Keen, Gabriele Klaesen, Rick Gosser. (Christifor Cinord arrived late.)
Members Absent: Excused - Eric Martin and Albert Scoggins
Brad noted that a quorum was not present but asked that the meeting proceed. No formal actions
will be allowed.
Joe Greco, Program Director of 19 Sports, was introduced and gave a presentation on recreational
sports programming for government parks & recreation agencies. He is doing a flag football
pilot program at South County Stadium this summer and response has been good. A Q&A
followed. Debra said contracted services through reputable providers could be a good
opportunity for us to provide programs without adding staff. Brad said as a pure rec league he
thinks it's a good idea and asked to go on record: "1 think that is something that this county has
had a problem with in the past - 1 would hate to see yet another organization try to come in and
provide a program that is already established and being provided by established, competitively if
you will, whether it be Little League, USSSA, or Babe Ruth or Pop Warner or whatever the
league is." He added some additional comments and wished Mr. Greco success and endorsed
adding rec leagues as a good thing to have. Brad thanked Mr. Greco for his presentation.
New Business:
Welcome New Board Member - Christifor Cinord arrived and was introduced as the new RAB
member appointed by Comm. Smith. Brad then declared a quorum was now present and asked
for a motion to adopt the minutes of 11/7/07. Rick made the motion, it was seconded by
Gabriele, all in favor.
BOCC StrateJ!Ïc PlanninJ! & 2008-09 BudJ!et - Debra said that county administration 'and staff
recently met with elected officials for the annual strategic planning session. Debra said the
Commissioners worked diligently to discuss difficult issues. Staff presented policy questions to
assist them in reducing the expected budget deficit over the next 2 years with as little impact to
services as possible. Some proposed strategies include limiting pools to open only for a summer
schedule; exploring ways to have the School Board cover more of the actual cost of using our
facilities; considering a regional park concept recommended by Glatting Jackson's analysis, and
divesting ourselves of neighborhood parks and community centers to cities, or through various
other means, instituting non-resident fees, etc.
Brad stated for the record that, "I would be opposed to selling any parks properties." He added,
"as a citizen of this county, as a native of this county, and a former employee of SLC
government, I would like to make my opinion known that 1 think it would be a grave mistake and
a disservice to the residents of this county, not withstanding the financial dilemma that you're in,
if you got rid of properties. I'm not talking about the divestment of certain properties or facilities
to other agencies, but selling off properties that are owned by SLC right now. It would be a huge
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mistake." Debbie replied that selling of parks properties is not on the table right now. She said
staff is very much thinking out of the box to figure out ways to continue providing quality
facilities and services with as little impact on the community as we can.
Rick proposed offering our facilities for tournaments, at little or no cost, because of their
economic impact on the community. Debra advised the committee that the Treasure Coast
Sports Commission assists groups who are interested in providing tournaments. Mr. Gosser
dismissed the Sports Commission, saying that he wants it handled within the County.
Debra reported that P&R is down 21 positions, or 20%, since the hiring freeze went into effect.
We are holding the line on expenses for next year, but it's possible that we may have to reduce
our budget again.
Future MeetinJ! Dates for RAB - Brad said he would be available again for Wednesday meetings
starting in May 2008. Debra mentioned that one of the policy questions being considered deals
with limiting board/committee meetings at county facilities after hours.
Debra said we might have to meet in April on some issues from Strategic Planning regarding fee
increases. The BOCC asked that they be rev.iewed by RAB.
Old Business: - Deferred.
Capital Improvements Update - Debra Brisson:
A re-opening ceremony will take place for the newly constructed basketball cover at Ilous Ellis
Park on Saturday, AprilS, 10; 15 a.m. in conjunction with the Lincoln Park Community
Awareness Day festivities. Information will be sent toRAB members (emailed to Christifor).
The Skate Park construction is ahead of schedule. We anticipate a grand opening event between
now and 6/1. Team Pain made some modifications in the field to make the course more exciting
than the original design. We have to thank the commissioners for funding the project.
The Fenn Center is on schedule for a September opening. Some Parks & Recreation staffwill be
located on site. Debbie discussed hours of operation.
Lakewood Park Regional Park is complete for public use. Some ADA, wetland and drainage
issues continue to be addressed. '
There was a discussion about the new background check requirements. It has worked extremely
well for the user groups, but there were some issues with Pop Warner Football that we will have
to monitor closely. She thanked RAB for their support of this new screening process.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
(Prepared by Barbara Heck)
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