2025-01-06 RAC MinutesMinutes of the Recreation Advisory Committee held on January 6, 2025.
Members present:
Jennifer Baumann
Juliana Bimbatti
Sandra Carro
Silvia Clarke
Jessica Pluhar
Sharon Thompson
Members absent:
Sheryl Piper
Dino LaCapra
Brad Schmidt
Also present:
Angela Dorney, Recreation Director
Jacquelyn Villagran, Assistant Director
Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant
Mayor Burch
The meeting was called to order at 6.30 p.m.
Ms. Thompson made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 2, 2024,
meeting. Motion seconded by Ms. Pluhar and unanimously approved.
Ms. Dorney provided the following Parks & Recreation updates to Committee members at this
time. Wild Waters is four years old and needs some restoration, noting rust on the steps;
quotes have been received in the amount of $50,000. Ms. Dorney also noted that one of the
basketball goals fell; the existing purchase order for the resurfacing of the courts is being
changed to include two new basketball goals. It was related that the Tot Lot is due to
maintenance (surfacing and flooring). Also, the covered waiting area on the pickleball courts is
in need of maintenance with the uneven concrete surface. It was noted that the pool is using a
company in an effort to eradicate the iguanas at the facility.
It was noted that two new pickleball courts were ordered. Also, the Lil Shots program was
switched to Lil Cleats in January until the basketball courts have been resurfaced.
Ms. Villagran noted the Community Center is offering new programs such as Clay Club and
Adult Piano. There is also a free Fitness Series being offered the 1st and V Saturdays of the
month; a grant was received from the Miami Shores Community Alliance for this program.
It was noted that Miami Shores Country Day pickleball club has rented the courts once a week.
The Aquatic Center will be hosting a movie night on March 7t". The first Fine Arts concert of
the season is scheduled for January 24t"
Ms. Carro suggested bringing back the bike ride and possibly a fun run.
Discussion turned to an update on the Parks Master Plan. It was related that the consultants
will be returning in February to make a presentation before Council. Ms. Dorney noted that the
consultants are working on the survey. A statistically valid response is needed from the
surveys noting additional surveys will go out until 400 statistically valid surveys are received.
There will also be a survey online. The same survey that is mailed out will also be available
online. Ms. Dorney said that a separate company is compiling the survey and is sent out
randomly to get a statistically valid survey. Ms. Thompson suggested having a flyer alert
people of the survey. Ms. Clarke added that an explanation of the survey is needed to be put
online as well as the newsletter. Ms. Pluhar suggested having a table at every upcoming
event to discuss/update the Parks Master Plan.
Discussion turned to public comment. Mayor Burch distributed copies of the 1982 ordinance
for the creation of the Recreation Advisory Committee. Mayor Burch suggested that
Committee members review the responsibilities of the Committee, as it was created and
discuss if they feel the responsibilities should change. After review of the ordinance the
Committee unanimously agreed to keep it as written with no changes.
Committee members volunteered to staff a table at the upcoming spring concert to distribute
flyers regarding the Parks Master Plan.
The meeting adjourned at 7.55 p.m.