2024-05-06 RAC Minutes
Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Committee held on May 6, 2024.
Members present:
Jennifer Baumann
Sandra Carro
Silvia Clarke
John Ise
Dino LaCapra
Gayle Mercado
Jessica Pluhar
Sharon Thompson
Members absent:
Sheryl Piper
Also present:
Angela Dorney, Recreation Director
The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m.
Ms. Thompson made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 1, 2024 meeting.
Motion seconded by Ms. Mercado and unanimously approved.
At this time there was discussion on the Parks Master Plan. Ms. Dorney was noted that the
Committee is comprised of four people. In brief, there are three qualified submissions; each
company has been requested to give a presentation to the Committee.
Ms. Clarke asked if there will be a communications plan once the company is chosen; what will
be the outreach plan to the public. Ms. Dorney noted that only the procurement officer rates
the cost to the Village, not the Committee members. The Committee will choose the company
after the presentations are concluded. Additionally, the company chosen can present the cost
to the public but cannot advocate for the plan.
It was noted that the following issues will be on the table; namely, septic to sewer, Miami
Shores Country Club and the Recreation Department. Mr. Ise believes that a new Recreation
Center would have the greatest chance of success. Mr. LaCapra said that in addition to
bonds for a new center, residents could donate money; bricks could be sold to help fund the
project.
It was noted that septic to sewer will affect every household in the Village. Ms. Clarke
questioned if this will become a requirement if it becomes a public health issue. Ms.
Thompson noted there may be a possibility to acquire funds from Dade County to offset the
finances for septic to sewer.
Charettes will also need to be planned; Ms. Baumann suggested setting up booths at Village
events. Funding will also need to be secured for the project. A preliminary estimate for a bond
vote could be November 2025. Mr. Ise would like to get a bond put on the ballot in April 2025.
At this time there was an recap of recreation programming. Summer Camp registration is
going well. The recent Father Daughter dance had 110 in attendance. Fitness In the Park
fitness classes are continuing through May. Pickleball admission for nonresidents has
increased to $10/person; a Pickleball Social has also been planned for May. The tennis and
pickleball courts have been recently resurfaced at a cost of $53,000. It was related that
Pickleball revenue from January 1st to today is at $15,400.
It was noted that the Barry Swim Team rented space at the Aquatic Center this year.
The Kennedy Kids 5K promoting teen mental health awareness is moving their event to Barry
this year on September 15th.
The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.