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2025-02-03 RAC MinutesMinutes of the Recreation Advisory Committee held on February 3, 2025. Members present: Silvia Clarke Dino LaCapra Sheryl Piper Jessica Pluhar Sharon Thompson Members absent: Jennifer Baumann Juliana Bimbatti Sandra Carro Brad Schmidt Also present: Angela Dorney, Recreation Director Jacquelyn Villagran, Assistant Director Ann Marie Indorf, Recreation Superintendent Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant Ryan Cambridge, FRMWRK Consultants Mark Beer, FRMWRK Consultants Austin Hochstetler, Zec Eight Insights The meeting was called to order at 6:39 p.m. Due to neither Committee chairs being present at this meeting, a temporary chair for this meeting was selected. Mr. LaCapra nominated himself as temporary chair. Motion seconded by Ms. Pluhar and unanimously approved. Ms. Pluhar made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 6, 2025, meeting. Motion seconded by Ms. Thompson and unanimously approved. At this time Ms. Dorney provided the Committee with updates on Parks & Recreation maintenance projects. Repairs to the Tot Lot playground include two new interactive pieces, new swings and belts as well as flooring repaired by the big swings. Maintenance on the basketball courts, including two new goals on the north side of the courts as well as resurfacing of the courts has begun. New cantilever umbrellas have been purchased for the pool. Ms. Dorney noted that the Farmers Market has been struggling at Optimist Park, noting that a new RFP is needed. Ms. Villagran discussed new programming at this time. New programming includes Adult piano classes, Parents Night Out Kids Jam Session on Feb. 28. There is also a Fine Arts spring concert scheduled for Feb. 21 on the recreation fields. Ms. Indorf added that the Flag Football season has just started. It was noted that the flag football clinic was well received; the Shores Spartan coaches also came out to the clinic. Ms. Dorney said that staff at the tennis/pickleball courts are very strict about checking residency for everyone entering the facility, which is reflected in the revenue. Discussion turned to an update on the Parks Master Plan from FRMWRK Consultants Ryan Cambridge and Mark Beer as well as Austin Hochstetler from Zec Eight Insights. It was noted that the statistically valid survey has just been mailed out. It was related that the website for the Parks Master Plan is continually being updated; Committee members should still direct anyone with questions to this site. FRMWRK consultants are evaluating the roles of each of the existing facilities including the Field House, Community Center, Brockway Library and 9900 building. Mr. Cambridge noted that the public workshops and stakeholder meetings were very informative and that the data is still being updated on the website. It was noted that the workshop exercises are still online. In addition to the statistically valid survey, there will also be an online survey. The consultants want to wait until the results from the statistically valid survey are completed before the online survey is activated. It was noted that the respondent pool has to match the demographics of Miami Shores Village. Ms. Clarke suggested making sure people are aware of the surveys with fliers. The online survey will give those not mailed a survey the opportunity to take the survey. Residents need to be made aware of the survey and how important it is. Mr. Hochstetler noted that the first mailing of statistically valid surveys have gone out; if needed a second mailing will go out with a report expected by mid March. Consultants are also working on a needs assessment including access of locations, acreage in comparison to other areas and amenities compared to the population. In addition, the needs assessment includes indoor recreation needs, the role of the 9900 building; how to improve existing facilities. The consultants need to see if all the needs of the community are being prioritized. Additional items brought up at the public workshops included climate change, access to water, greenways and options for intersections. Ms. Clarke noted that the crosswalk on NE 6t" Avenue is working well. Mr. Cambridge said there are different ways to slow traffic down and solutions will be provided in the final report. FRMWRK consultants next visit will come after the needs assessment. The meeting adjourned at 7.45 p.m.