2017-02-06 RAC Minutes
Revised
Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Committee held on February 6, 2017.
Members present: Anna Blackman Dan Brady
Lauren Cortinas Manny Hadad
Jonathan Meltz Jacqueline O'Donnell
Steven Weber
Members absent: Michelle Saporiti Karen Smith-Gulaskey
Felipe Villamizar
Also present: Angela Dorney, Interim Recreation Director
Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant
Jacki Morris, Program Coordinator
David Ocampo, Shores Soccer
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Brady made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 9, 2017 meeting. Motion
seconded by Mr. Weber and unanimously approved.
Ms. Dorney gave a summary of the recreation programs at this time. Aftercare has 73 enrolled,
the basketball program has 170 enrolled and registration has just begun for baseball and
softball. It was related that maintenance has begun on Shipwreck Cove. The dog park is under
construction; concrete has been poured. The Village is awaiting approval from Miami-Dade
County to build additional parking on the west side of the building.
At this time Jacki Morris, program coordinator in Athletics was introduced. Mr. Hadad inquired
about incident reports and sensitivity training for counselors. Ms. Morris said that accident and
incident reports are implemented and are separate reports. Space constraints is the reason
that additional children cannot be added to the aftercare program.
At this time Mr. Ocampo introduced himself to the Committee and said that travel soccer
began in Miami Shores in 2006. The program has grown from 8 players to 200 presently.
There are approximately 97 residents in the travel soccer program.
Discussion turned to the proposed recreation center. Ms. Dorney noted that the gymnasium
has been reduced to 11,000 square feet, with two courts instead of three. The Village has
listened to Council's recommendations as well as input at the property owners meeting to
reduce the size of the center. It was noted that Skanska, Councilman Mac Glinn's company,
will not be able to construct or bid on the design of the center. The bond referendum must pass
by 51% of the votes. It is too late to change the amount of the 20-million-dollar bond
referendum that is on the ballot; any change would need to be made 60 days prior to the
R.A.C. mtg., 2/6/17, pg. 2 of 2
election date. Mr. Brady expressed surprise at the size of the project and that people need to
be aware of the needs of the recreation center. Mr. Weber wants to make sure the Village is
not reducing the size of the proposed center in reaction to public comment. Mr. Hadad is
concerned about the operating costs for the center, which is estimated at 1.3 million/year. It
was noted that permit fees alone will cost $500,000. Mr. Meltz asked about the costs of the
Joe Celestin gym in North Miami which has a double gym with meeting rooms; the cost of this
gym should be related to voters. Ms. Cortinas asked if the Village is planning on having
presentations with PTA groups at area schools.
Discussion turned to new business. Ms. Cortinas who works for a public relations firm noted
that the All Star Game is coming to Miami July 5-9 and is trying to get Miami Shores involved;
there will be multiple opportunities with the Miami Marlins.
It was also noted that a new gate lock has been installed at the tot lot along with new ADA
mulch.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.