2017-03-06 RAC Minutes
Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Committee held on March 6, 2017.
Members present: Anna Blackman Dan Brady
Lauren Cortinas Manny Hadad
Jonathan Meltz Jacqueline O'Donnell
Michelle Saporiti Karen Smith-Gulaskey
Felipe Villamizar
Members absent: Steven Weber
Also present: Angela Dorney, Interim Recreation Director
Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant
Trevor Hague, Resident
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
At this time self-introductions were made to guest Trevor Hague.
Correction to the minutes of the February 6, 2017 minutes meeting. Page two, paragraph one,
line four; change ‘$750,000’ to ‘1.3 million’. Ms. Cortinas made a motion to approve the
minutes of the February 6, 2017, with corrections. Motion seconded by Mr. Brady and
unanimously approved.
It was noted that registration has begun for softball and baseball. There are currently 73
enrolled in the aftercare program. Upcoming events include the Fine Arts spring concert on
March 26, Village Dog Park ribbon cutting on April 6, Egg Dive on April 14 and the
Marshmallow Drop on April 15.
Discussion turned to new business. Commission members asked about having a season pass
for Shipwreck Cove. It was noted that revenue would be lost by doing this as many of the
same families utilize the facility. It was requested that other water parks be surveyed to see
how they charge their patrons. Ms. Saporiti noted that the snacks at the pool are not very
healthy and suggested salads, fruits and hummus/chips as alternatives.
Ms. Dorney related that she is looking into an ADA apparatus for the tot lot. The back area of
the tot lot is now ADA accessible with ADA mulch. Ms. Saporiti said she has forwarded a
PowerPoint presentation with some options for some mainstream apparatus for the tot lot that
is not very expensive.
Ms. Cortinas asked about expanding the transportation to area schools to transport children
not in the aftercare program for after school programs. Ms. Dorney said the recreation
department does not have enough staff or vehicles to add this service for residents.
R.A.C. mtg., 3/6/17, pg. 2 of 2
It was noted that resident Steve Shulman is having a meeting at the County Club to discuss
the bond referendum for the new recreation center. Ms. Saporiti feels that the Village should
send a representative to this meeting to present factual information on the proposed center.
Ms. Cortina said that the mindset of those planning on attending this meeting are already
made up. Mr. Meltz said the Miami Shores Property Owners Assoc. is the only group that is
rebutting the negative comments being made about the proposed center. It was noted that the
election ballot is only the first step; there is no architect, plan or design for the proposed center.
This will only give the new Council the $20 million to spend. It was noted that the lack of
information is what is prompting meetings with community groups. Ms. Dorney said that the
margin of how the vote goes will be helpful to the new Council in deciding to go forward or not
with a new center.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.