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2019-05-06 RAC Minutes Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Committee held on May 6, 2019. Members present: Anna Blackman Jeff Geimer Manny Hadad Alise Henry Jacqueline O’Donnell Michael O’Hara Karen Smith-Gulasky Also present: Angela Dorney, Recreation Director Tom Benton, Village Manager Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm. Ms. Henry made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 1, 2019 meeting. Motion seconded by Mr. Geimer and unanimously approved. It was related that new scoreboards, which are removable, are being used. It was noted the St. Rose men’s basketball group have rented the basketball court, due to renovations in their gym. The recreation department is still looking for someone to run an adult 3 on 3 basketball league. Mr. Hadad related to Mr. Benton that the Committee has created a ‘wishlist’ of needed improvements to the community center. The list includes new window treatments throughout the center, light fixtures, new insulation on the auditorium stage, complete renovation of the art room, remodel the bathrooms, replace the existing racquetball court with bathrooms. Renovations are also needed at the field house and the bathrooms at the tennis center. Ms. Dorney related that some of these items are not capital and will be completed this year such as window treatments and refinishing the wood floors. Mr. Benton noted that when capital projects are selected for Council approval, public safety takes priority and required items are next, such as new garbage trucks and police cars. It was related that bathrooms need to meet ADA requirements; 20% of money needs to be allocated to ADA. It was noted that receiving money from outside agencies is not an option; if received, programs will be open to everyone with no cost differential. It was suggested completing the projects as the funds become available. Mr. Geimer inquired about the Village’s partnership with Miami Shores Elementary. Mr. Benton said that the Council has agreed to fund MSE’s Iprep Cambridge curriculum. It was noted that MSE has 5 million in capital for improvements which will cover their needed renovations but does not include the curriculum. Mr. Benton said that the open space master plan has not yet been started. It is currently in planning and zoning. The RFP and RFQ have not been written. It was related at this time the future of the 9900 building will remain the same since items such as MSE are taking priority. Mr. O’Hara noted that over half the swim team members are not Miami Shores residents and inquired about a more equitable way to charge members since there is no price difference and the program is run at a Village facility. It was noted that since the swim team is run through an independent contractor they cannot be told what to charge their members. Ms. Dorney discussed the history of Shipwreck Cove and expressed hope it could be completed by May 2020. Ms. Henry suggested that the Village should put an official detailed explanation of Shipwreck Cove in the newsletter. Mr. Hadad said that more money should be allocated to Recreation after police needs due to the revenue generated in Recreation. Mr. Hadad suggested selling the 9900 building and use the revenue to reinvest into Recreation. It was noted that sponsorships for improvements are permitted but you need to look at what the sponsor may want in exchange. Mr. Hadad suggested resurveying the community to ask the residents to support a bond that is consistent with the survey results. Mr. O’Hara said the Commission needs to focus on improving the current facilities rather than a new center. In regards to the quiet zones for trains, Mr. Benton said the county commission needs to vote on quiet zones, which is scheduled for this July. Mr. Hadad inquired about putting a fence around the entire recreation fields. Mr. Benton noted this is not financially feasible. Discussion turned to the Commission’s presentation at the May 21 Council meeting. Ms. Blackman liked the idea of selling the 9900 building and reinvesting in the community center. Mr. O’Hara said there would be no guarantee that, if sold, the money would benefit Recreation. It was suggested reinvesting in the existing center and invite Council members to a Commission meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm.