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2021-11-01 RAC Minutes Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Committee held on November 1, 2021. Members present: Jennifer Baumann Sandra Carro Silvia Clarke Christian Dunham John Ise Gayle Mercado Jens Schwarte Natasha White Members absent: Sheryl Piper Also present: Angela Dorney, Recreation Director Jacquelyn Villagran, Recreation Superintendent Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant Janet Goodman, Resident Robert Menge, Resident Kate Mason, Resident The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. At this time election of a new Committee Chair was discussed. Ms. White nominated Mr. Ise as chair. Nomination seconded by Ms. Carro and unanimously approved. The meeting began with public comment. Ms. Goodman introduced herself and noted at the October meeting there was a vote of confidence for the 10500 Biscayne Boulevard project voiced by the Committee and the developer is using this vote as evidence of community support. The Miami Shores Better Neighbors Alliance, created by the neighborhood , does not want the zoning at the property changed from multi-family to commercial. Ms. Goodman noted that at the recent Planning & Zoning meeting, the board voted 4-0 to recommend denial of the proposed zoning change. This will go to a Council vote at the November 16 th meeting. Ms. Goodman noted the residents living in Shores Estates will be directly affected by a zoning change. Mr. Ise said the intent of the Commission starts and stops with the kayak launch and that the Commission has no position on the overall development. Mr. Ise s aid the Commission endorsed a kayak launch at this site. Ms. Goodman is requesting that the Commissi on clarify their position. Mr. Menge introduced himself and noted that the developer had a specific agenda when they approached the Commission and that the board needs to be careful with developers. Ms. Mason introduced herself and thanked the recreation department for the recent bike ride. Ms. Mason added that she would like the Commission to be voca l on plans for greens spaces and noted that there are no pocket parks on the east side and suggested one, if space could be located. At this time there were introductions of the newly appointed Commission members. Mr. Ise made a motion that the Recreation Advisory Committee has no opinion when it comes to a zoning change at the proposed site of 10500 Biscayne Boulevard and is only in support of a kayak launch in Miami Shores. Motion seconded by Mr. Dunham and unanimously approved. Ms. Carro made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 4, 2021 meeting. Motion seconded by Mr. Dunham and unanimously approved. Discussion turned to the ULI grant proposal. Ms. Dorney noted that the proposal has been submitted. Mr. Ise said that it is important that the Committee does not direct the Village staff to do anything; the Commission is an advisory board. Discussion turned to recreation programming. It was noted that Wild Waters is closed for the season. The recent Halloween movie nights were also a success. It was noted that the recent Community bike ride has 65 participants and included helmet fittings and goody bag were distributed. There is a Doggie Dip planned at the aquatic center on November 6 th. The tentative date for the Menorah Lighting is November 30 th. There will be a tree lighting at Village Hall followed by a 3K Reindeer Run on December 4th. On December 11th there is a Plaza 98 jointly planned with the Chamber of Commerce. Additional December events will include Santa’s Express and Letters to Santa. Unity Day is also being planned, includin g a celebration of Miami Shores’ 90th Anniversary including a historical tent as well as rides and a fireworks show. Ms. Dorney noted that an RFQ is being created for a baseball subcontractor and is expected to go out shortly. It was noted that there are no lights on the athletic fields in Miami Shores. Mr. Schwarte noted that lights can be placed directionally. Ms. Dorney noted that residents who live surrounding the fields are opposed to lighting. Discussion turned to capital projects. Ms. Dorney re lated that capital projects will now be handled through public works. The field house will be ordering impact windows; new benches have been ordered for the community center and field house with anticipated delivery in February. The carpet has been replaced in the royal palm room at the community center. The pool will be replacing the flooring in the offices. During public comment Ms. Mason asked about bringing back the farmers market. Ms. Dorney noted that the farmers market was not well attended; pop ular in the beginning and then vendors did not return. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.