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2016-11-07 RAC Minutes Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Committee held on November 7, 2016. Members Present: Anna Blackman Dan Brady Lauren Cortinas Manny Hadad Jonathan Meltz Jacqueline O'Donnell Michelle Saporiti Karen Smith-Gulasky Steven Weber Members Absent: Felipe Villamizar Also Present: Angela Dorney, Recreation Director, Interim Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. At these time self-introductions were made. Mr. Brady made a motion to elect Mr. Meltz as the Committee Chair. The motion was seconded by Ms. O'Donnell and unanimously approved. Ms. O'Donnell made a motion to elect Mr. Hadad as he Committee Co-Chair. Mr. Brady seconded the motion. Mr. Weber made a motion to nominate himself as Committee Co-Chair. Ms. Saporiti seconded the motion. Mr. Hadad received six votes and Mr. Weber received two votes. Mr. Hadad is the new Committee Co- Chair. Mr. Meltz explained the function of the Committee to the new members and the Committee's involvement with the 5K Run/Walk, scoreboards for athletics, and the Committee's push for the Rec. Dept. to purchase recycle containers. It was noted that the Committee is an advisory board and is governed by the Sunshine Law. Ms. Dorney added that the Committee are the eyes and ears of the Recreation Department. Mr. Brady made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 3, 2016, meeting. Motion seconded by Ms. O'Donnell and unanimously approved. At this time Ms. Dorney gave a summary of the recreation programs. It was related that there are only 120 runners registered for the upcoming 5K Run/Walk. Sponsorships for the race have totaled $3600 to date. Area schools, local running groups and cross country teams have been contacted to generate interest. Last year there were between 230-245 runners. R.A.C. mtg., 11/7/16, pg. 2 of 2 It was noted that the volunteer appreciation reception is scheduled for Wednesday, December 14. Discussion turned to the recreation survey. Mr. Brady commented that the survey was not random with so many people responding to the survey. It was noted that Council has moved forward with hiring an architect to draw a facade of the new center. The size is still 62,000 square feet. New amenities include an indoor gym, an indoor playground and a dedicated gymnasium. Mr. Hadad expressed concern that the current plan of 62,000 sq. ft. is too large compared to what is currently being utilized. Mr. Hadad would like to get the actual numbers for usage of the existing programs. Ms. Dorney noted that with the exception of Key Biscayne, the majority of recreation centers do not recoup 100% of their operating costs. Mr. Brady noted the current square footage is between 30,000-35,000 but the new center is looking at 62,000 sq. ft. and would like to see what is planned for the additional space. Ms. Saporiti said that in the end the Shores residents will be shouldering the cost. Mr. Hadad doesn't want the new center to be revenue driven as opposed to being service driven. Ms. Saporiti questioned if an indoor playground is essential and suggested that some of the money go into the existing Tot Lot. Mr. Meltz said that the Committee's job is not to delve into all the aspects of the new center; that is the job of the Village Council. The Council should be answering these questions. Discussion turned to new business. Committee members noted that if there are no recreation programs going on people should not be on the fields wearing cleats. It was also noted that St. Rose is looking for space for their baseball team and that the travel baseball program does not have as many participants as they once had. Ms. Saporiti expressed concern about the iguanas living in the trees at the tot lot and asked if anything can be done about them. The iguanas are an ongoing problem. It was also noted that there are no activities for children with limited mobility or sensory needs at the tot lot. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.