2014-11-03 RAC MINUTES
Revised
Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Committee held on November 3, 2014.
Members present: Christia Alou Kristin David Cawn
Christopher Fernandez John Ise
Jonathan Meltz William Reich
Ken Whittaker
Members absent: Kendra Borja Michael O’Hara
Also present: Jerry Estep, Recreation Director
Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant
Revised
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
Ms. Alou made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 6, 2014, meeting.
Motion seconded by Mr. Reich and unanimously approved.
At this time new member introductions were made.
Mr. Estep gave a summary of recreation at this time. Soccer has 263 enrolled; 220 in
Travel Soccer, 69 in Aftercare and 14 for Tween Fit. It was noted there is currently a
request for proposal (RFP) out for a swim team coach. George Davis who is one of the
lifeguards has been the acting swim team coach in the interim. There has been a swim
meet with Doctors Charter School with great feedback from the parents.
Mr. Estep said noted that the Shores Shuttle is going from a 20 passenger but to a 30
passenger bus. The Barry lunch route to downtown Miami Shores has been
discontinued due to lack of ridership. The county transportation tax pays for the shuttle
bus with an Aventura Mall route on the weekends.
Mr. Estep related that David Romanik will be replacing Bruce Keller as Santa Claus at
Winterfest. Mr. Keller passed away unexpectantly.
Discussion turned to the Miami Shores 5K. There were 235 total runners, but not as
many sponsorships this year. It was noted that the pacers worked great but some of
the runners did not complete the two laps. There was positive feedback from everyone
attending the race. A suggestion was made to advertise the event better and expand
the race to include walkers next year.
Discussion turned to a new community center. Mr. Estep estimated that it will take
approximately four years for a new center to be built. Mr. Estep said the first step will
be to hire a facilitator who will determine if we’re looking at everything the community
R.A.C. mtg., 11/3/14, pg. 2 of 2
needs for a new recreation center. The facilitator goes into the community to assess
the needs of the community. A facilitator costs between $60,000 - $100,000. An RFP
is needed to select a facilitator. One of the issues that will need to be addressed is
parking. Currently there is a handshake agreement with Miami Shores Presbyterian to
use their parking lot. The idea would be to build half of the facility at a time to keep the
current programming. A bond issue will need to be passed to go forward with a new
facility. A conceptual design of a new center is needed before a bond is put on the
ballot. It will probably be about two years before it goes to on the ballot. The new facility
would be a 24,000-30,000 square foot building. The city of Key Biscayne has the most
similar blueprint to what Miami Shores needs. It was noted that there is a maximum
height restriction in Miami Shores of three stories.
Mr. Meltz made a motion to recommend to the Village Council to authorize the
Village Manager to proceed with the process of building a new community center.
Motion seconded by Ms. Alou and unanimously approved.
The recreation advisory committee will plan a field trip to visit Key Biscayne’s
Community Center in January.
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.