HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 01-15-2009
St. Lucie County Recreation Advisory Board Meeting
January 15, 2009
Havert L. Fenn Center
2000 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, Florida
Chair, Brad Keen, called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
Present: Brad Keen, Erik Martin, Albert Scoggins, Rick Gosser; Gabriele Klaesen was excused;
staff - Debra Brisson, Patti Raffensberger, Cheyenne Guggeri, and Willie Redden.
Albie Scoggins moved to approve the minutes of the 11/20/08 meeting, second by Erik Martin,
all in favor, motion carried.
New Business
: None
Old Business
:
Proposed Rates & Fees for Aquatics: Cheyenne Guggeri, Aquatics & Safety Coordinator,
presented the proposed fee structure for the pools for this season. She is not recommending
any changes in the pool fees except for the monthly pass which will have a punch card allowing
for 15 open swim sessions, and elimination of the 3 month and yearly passes due to limited
operations currently in effect. Her proposal also includes increasing the pool facility rental for
residents and non-residents to $100 for 2-hour increments (limited to when pool is closed to the
public). The need for split sessions for open swim during peak usage was explained.
Parks & Recreation Rates & Fees Discussion: In order to streamline stadium rental fees, staff
recommends a $75.00 fee for 4 hours for un-ticketed events. Ticketed events should be
charged through a per hour rate structure because the services to support such an event are
greater. Willie said he believes the day rate is too low and proposed that we use an hourly rate.
Debra allowed that some events have an economic benefit to the County, i.e. tournaments
brought in by Treasure Coast Sports Commission, and non-profit groups, and should receive a
25% discount. Debra expressed concern about overuse of stadium fields and would be
comfortable limiting groups to no more that 3 games per event, with some flexibility as deemed
necessary. A discussion followed on calculating economic formulas, economic impact of
upcoming major events, and keeping statistical information. Brad said he wants the RAB to
assist in being advocates for Parks and Recreation
Brad asked for a recommendation on the proposed fee increases. Erik and Rick both said they
thought the increases were reasonable. Debra said the light fee is being revisited because the
latest cost analysis is lower than anticipated and a reduction may be warranted but noted that
lighting costs vary from field to field. The RAB members agreed the fee is too high and would
like staff to come back with recommendations. The Committee agreed that a meeting could be
added to the schedule in February to discuss this.
Debra advised that Musco has been working on a green retrofit program for all sports fields.
The analysis shows the greatest savings in utility costs is at facilities that are supplied electric
from FP&L. The original savings estimate over 20 years was $8 mil but that number may be
lower now because of decreased utility costs. Staff will continue to work with Musco,
concentrating on South County Stadium and Tradition (Lawnwood & Lakewood Park Regional
Park are already green). There was a discussion of the control link system.
There was a further discussion of tournaments as well as special events at South County and
Lawnwood, ticketed vs. non-ticketed events and how they apply to festivals, concerts, etc.
Albie made a motion to adjourn at 6:50 p.m., seconded by Erik, all in favor, motion carried.
Submitted by,
Barbara Heck
2