2019-02-04 RAC Minutes
Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Committee held on February 4, 2019.
Members present:
Anna Blackman
Manny Hadad
Alise Henry
Julian Montero
Michael O’Hara
Jacqueline O’Donnell
Karen Smith-Gulaskey
Lisa Sotir
Members absent:
Jeff Geimer
Also present:
Angela Dorney, Recreation Director
Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
In paragraph one, line one change ‘commission’ to ‘committee’. Mr. Montero made a motion
to approve the minutes of the January 7, 2019 meeting with correction. Motion
seconded by Mr. Hadad and unanimously approved.
Ms. Dorney related that $172,581 in capital improvements was awarded to Recreation for the
current fiscal year. Ms. Dorney also noted that the top priority for the next fiscal year will be
Shipwreck Cove, with a cost of $750,000.
The following are additional projects to be added to the community center wish list. Mr. Hadad
would like to add a covered basketball court with air conditioning. This would prevent
cancellations due to weather during basketball season and benefit summer camp as well.
Replace the existing racquetball courts with locker rooms. Another item is to demolish the
stage to add additional space for vaulting for gymnastics since the stage is used infrequently
and would benefit gymnastics. Ms. Dorney said that new storage would need to be built if this
is done since there is extensive storage located on the stage. Ms. Gulaskey wished to add a
system for online registration. Ms. Dorney said that capital projects at the field house also
need to be included. Mr. Montero expressed concern that any community center
improvements may be lost due to the cost of Shipwreck Cove.
Ms. Dorney has contacted the field house and currently they do not have any extra staff for a 3
on 3 adult basketball league.
Ms. Dorney will find out the status of the RFP for the open space parks.
In regard to the new Brightline shuttle, Mr. Montero suggested a 6:30 p.m. return time, which
could add more riders to the shuttle. Ms. Dorney will address this suggestion.
It was suggested postponing the yearly Committee report to the Council.
Ms. Dorney related that the renovation of the bathrooms, both in the lobby and by the
basketball courts, will be a capital priority next year. Committee members expressed hope that
additional projects could be considered too. Mr. Hadad suggested that new fixtures and
lighting would be money well spent. Mr. O’Hara has spoken to Councilman Meltz about the
possibility of refinancing the existing pool bond, which could pay for a new $750,000 structure,
and also include the refurbishment of all the common areas in the community center. This
would prevent the $750,000 coming out of the general fund. Ms. O’Donnell noted this may be
unrealistic. Ms. Dorney said that smaller projects such as refinishing the wood floors is not a
capital project but rather a line item budget. Mr. O’Hara said that the bathroom renovations will
most likely involve DERM.
Ms. Blackman inquired if the resident:nonresident ratio could be increased at the aquatic
center.
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.