2024-10-07 RAC MinutesMinutes of the Recreation Advisory Committee held on October 7, 2024.
Members present:
Jennifer Baumann
Juliana Bimbatti
Sandra Carro
Silvia Clarke
Dino LaCapra
Sheryl Piper
Jessica Pluhar
Brad Schmidt
Sharon Thompson
Also present:
Angela Dorney, Recreation Director
Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant
The meeting was called to order at 6.30 p.m.
Introduction of new members Juliana Botros and Brad Schmidt.
At this time board elections was discussed. Ms. Thompson made a motion to keep the
current co-chairs of the Committee, Jennifer Baumann and Sandra Carro. Motion
seconded by Ms. Clarke and unanimously approved.
It was noted that at the September meeting, resident Eliza Robbin has asked for a log and
update of the field maintenance. It was noted that logs are kept with public works, not
recreation department. Ms. Dorney said that was one application made in September.
Additionally, six pallots of sod were laid on the north side of the fields.
Ms. Dorney related that a contract has been signed with Brightview, but they have not started
as yet. Brightview is a turnkey company.
Ms. Carro made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 9, 2024, meeting.
Motion seconded by Ms. Pluhar and unanimously approved.
Discussion turned to the Parks Master Plan. There will be two public meetings; Tuesday
October 29th at 9900 NE 2nd Ave and Wednesday at Miami Shores Community Center. Both
meeting will be from 6pm-8pm. Ms. Dorney added that all of the parks and open spaces will
be looked into including the Tot Lot, Optimist Park, Memorial Park to name a few. Space
usage is also a consideration. The tennis and pickleball courts will be included. Based on the
feedback from the public, FRMWRKdesign will develop a plan or vision. Surveys will be
mailed out to residents after the public meetings. The Recreation Advisory Committee as well
as the Fine Arts Commission are stakeholders and will have meetings with the consultants.
Commission members said that having a good representation of the pubic for all ages is vital.
All of the different segments of stakeholders needs to addressed; older residents with
accessibility; young families, pickleball players. The direction of recreation for the next 10-15
years needs to be included.
Discussion turned to the Flagler Bike Path, which is the creation of different bike paths in
Miami and merging them into one. Ms. Dorney noted that the county has been discussing this
for year. The segment in Miami Shores is very short, 91th Street to the golf course (based
around the railroad tracks). The project is currently in the design phase.
It was noted that the Final Wave @ Wild Water held in September which was very successful.
Ms. Baumann suggested having the Final Wave on both Saturday and Sunday to
accommodate more people. Events for next year include Christmas in July at the pool. Future
event suggestions include a movie night in Downtown Miami Shores and New Years fun run.
In regards to the Parks Master Plan, the Committee cannot give their personal opinions, only
general information.
It was noted that the Miami Shores Country Club is trying to secure funding. Ms. Dorney noted
that it would be a large dollar amount to put the Country Club and the Parks Master Plan
together, adding that the country club is a big asset. Mr. LaCapra noted that there is an
financial advisor who has been advising the country club. It was noted that this advisor is not a
country club committee member. Mr. LaCapra said that only a percentage of funds needed will
be generated from any grants.
Ms. Pluhar made a motion to approve a subcommittee to focus on considering Miami
Shores Country Club for the Parks Master Plan. Motion seconded by Ms. Thompson
and unanimously approved. Mr. LaCapra, Ms. Bimbatti and Ms.Thompson comprised the
subcommittee. Ms. Pluhar said the Committee is exploring different paths with the end goal of
a successful bond.
The Committee's next meeting is on October 28 which includes a stakeholder meeting with the
consultants for the Parks Master Plan.
The meeting adjourned at 7:49p