2018-11-5 RAC Minutes
Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Committee held on November 5, 2018.
Members present:
Anna Blackman
Jeff Geimer
Manny Hadad
Michael O’Hara
Julian Montero
Lisa Sotir
Members absent:
Alise Johnson Henry
Karen Smith-Gulaskey
Jacquelyn O’Donnell
Also present:
Angela Dorney, Recreation Director
Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant
Maurice Johnson, Assistant Athletic Supervisor
Patrick Collins, Resident
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
The meeting began with self introductions of all the Committee members.
Correction to the minutes of the October 1, 2018 meeting. Page one, paragraph seven; add
‘Bathroom door handle may be lower than ADA requirements.’ Mr. O’Hara made a motion to
approve the minutes of the October 1, 2018 meeting with corrections. Motion seconded
by Ms. Blackman and unanimously approved.
Mr. Johnson will order scoreboards for baseball season. Ms. Dorney noted the following are
approved capital projects for recreation: security cameras for the field house and comm.
center, large screen and projector, bathroom countertops at the pool, new doors and new
outdoor fence at the comm. center and a new 36 passenger bus. Ms. Dorney noted that a
long jump pad and shot put pad have been installed at Constitution Park for the DCS track
team.
Mr. Hadad gave an update on a new recreation center to new members. Mr. Hadad relayed
an idea to convert the present racquetball court into restrooms, as well as enclosing the
basketball courts, which could also provide shade during summer camp.
Commission members asked that a copy of the 5 year recreation plan be distributed at the
next meeting.
Mr. Montero suggested looking into offering a cotillion program.
It was noted that the Commission is looking at improvements/enhancements for the recreation
center rather than focusing on a new center. The Council will ultimately need to decide
whether to pursue a new center. Mr. Montero asked for a list of projects that are needed at the
center. Mr. O’Hara suggested having the Committee help prioritize needed projects and have
these relayed to the Council.
Mr. Johnson noted that the soccer program ends in a week. Soccer numbers were up this year
compared to last year. Ms. Dorney said the recreation department generates 71% of revenue
vs. expenses.
Mr. Montero inquired about the travel teams in Miami Shores. Ms. Dorney said that travel
teams pay a fee for field rental space.
Mr. Collins suggested that additional training is needed for the fundamentals of the different
sports, especially for the younger ages. Mr. Collins also suggested having two practices and
one game a week instead of two games and one practice.
The Eagles swim team is hosting their first swim meet Nov. 10 & 11 with over 180 swimmers
participating.
Mr. Hadad said that a tarp covers the long jump pit and asked if there is a custom fit tarp for
the pit since the present one doesn’t fit securely. Mr. Hadad also asked if a hedge could be
installed around the concrete shot put slab. Ms. Dorney said that a hedge would be a safety
hazard for the track team.
Mr. O’Hara nominated Mr. Hadad as the chair of the Recreation Advisory Committee.
Motion seconded by Ms. Blackman and unanimously approved.
Ms. Blackman nominated Mr. O’Hara as the vice chair of the Recreation Advisory
Committee. Motion seconded by Mr. Hadad and unanimously approved.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.