2015-04-06 RAC Minutes
Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Committee held on April 6, 2015.
Members present: Christia Alou Kendra Borja
Kristin David Cawn Christopher Fernandez
Jonathan Meltz William Reich
Ken Whittaker
Members absent: John Ise Michael O’Hara
Also present: Jerry Estep, Recreation Director
Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant
Robert Frame, Resident
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
Mr. Meltz made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 2, 2015, meeting.
Motion seconded by Ms. Borja and unanimously approved.
Mr. Estep related that baseball/softball has begun with a total of 289 participants, and
aftercare has 69 registered. It was noted that Shipwreck Cove is now open. It is
estimated that a total of 390 children attended the Egg Dive and that 970 bags of candy
were distributed to children at the Marshmallow Drop. It is estimated that 2200 people
attended the Marshmallow Drop. It was noted that the Fine Arts’ Spring Concert had
350 in attendance. Mr. Estep related that the new electronic marquee has been
installed. The cost of the marquee was $20,000. The Village is looking into a second
marquee which would be either located on the west side of the Shores or in front of
Village Hall. Mr. Estep informed Committee members that the Community Center
survey has been mailed out to 2000 houses and that a minimum of 300 responses are
needed. Mr. Estep said that there were 3500 in attendance at Unity Day.
Some of the proposed capital budget projects for 2015-2016 are fencing and irrigation
at Constitution Park, upgrade of the concession at Athletics, refinishing of the doors and
door frames, baseball backstops, new sound system and upgrade of the equipment for
maintaining the fields. Mr. Estep noted that recreation is proceeding currently with a
vita course located by the tennis courts.
Discussion turned to the issue of parking with a new community center. It was
suggested that the Village begin talking to Miami Shores Presbyterian. The agreement
on parking will need to be addressed as the Village proceeds with a new center.
R.A.C. mtg., 4/6/15, pg. 2 of 2
It was noted that the St. Rose gym will not be available for specialty camps this
summer. There will be limited specialty sports camps offered this summer. We will be
able to use Johnson & Wales gym for two weeks this summer.
Mr. Frame expressed concern with the recent rentals at the Community Center. Mr.
Frame said that many nonresidents utilize the facility and then don’t leave at the end of
the rental; they remain in the parking lot afterwards. Mr. Meltz would like to know the
specifics of the rentals; namely, the amount of money generated from rentals and how
many rentals are booked. In order to make an informed decision the Committee needs
more detailed information. One of the Committee members suggested using wristbands
to control the amount of people coming to rentals.
Discussion turned to field usage. Mr. Estep would like the Committee to make a motion
requiring all people who utilize the athletic fields over the age of 13 to have resident ID
cards. It was suggested giving people three months to acquire a resident ID card at the
Community Center. Mr. Meltz made a motion for the Recreation Department to
implement an ID system on the athletic fields. Motion seconded by Mr. Fernandez
and unanimously approved. Mr. Estep noted that in touring recreation centers, all of
the centers use ID cards for entry into their facilities.
Mr. Reich noted that on the Miami Shores Parents Facebook page, there have been
comments on the cleanliness of the Tot Lot and the pavilion. Mr. Estep said that the
issues have been addressed with maintenance workers going to the tot lot up to four
times each day.
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.