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2021-10-04 RAC Minutes Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Committee held on October 4, 2021. Members present: Sandra Carro Christian Dunham Alise Henry John Ise Gayle Mercado Michael O’Hara Members absent: Kendra Borja Jacqueline O’Donnell Natasha White Also present: Angela Dorney, Recreation Director Leslie Rackl, Executive Assistant Marissa Neufeld, Greenberg Traurig, P.A. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. Correction to the minutes of the September 20 th meeting; page two, paragraph three, line three; change ‘group’ to ‘large group’ and add ‘due to the increase in Covid cases’ at end of sentence. Ms. Mercado made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 20, 2021 meeting with corrections. Motion seconded by Ms. Carro and unanimously approved. Ms. Dorney related that the Village is focusing on hosting outdoor special events. The two movie nights scheduled on the basketball courts will go forward as planned. Ms. Dorney added that the Village’s tree lighting will take place at Village Hall followe d by a 3K Reindeer Run. Ms. Dorney said that a purchase order has been processed for windows but they are on backorder and will take an estimated 12 weeks to arrive. Ms. Dorney said that the strategic plan may influence capital projects. Mr. O’Hara related that the Urban Leadership Institute is accepting proposals for leadership projects. Mr. O’Hara suggested that the Village submit a proposal to the ULI to perform an analysis of the Community Center to determine the benefit or renovating the building v ersus building an entirely new facility. Mr. Ise noted this could be coordinated with a property needs assessment expert. Mr. Ise made a motion that the Recreation Advisory Committee is requesting the Village submit a proposal to the ULI Leadership Proje ct by October 28th to investigate the merits of renovating versus building a new Community Center. Motion seconded by Ms. Carro and unanimously approved. Marissa Neufeld, an attorney with Greenberg Traurig, introduced herself to the Committee. Ms. Neufeld represents the developer who would like to renovate the former site of the Miami Shores Motel on Biscayne Boulevard. Included in the developer’s plan is a kayak launch along with a gas station, Chipotle and medical offices with dedicated parking. It was noted that the kayak launch would be restricted to non -motor launches. The area is currently zoned to multi- families and hotels. The developer will be requesting the Village’s Planning and Zoning to change the zoning from a residential to a commercial development. It was noted that the site plan has already been submitted, which includes the kayak launch. Ms. Neufeld said that the developer is interested in feedback from the Committee. Ms. Neufeld added that at a recent developer’s meeting, some the residents are against a kayak launch. The land is currently on the market and the backup offer is a motel developer. Mr. Ise related that the Committee has already endorsed a kayak launch. Ms. Neufeld added that the developer would cover 100% of the cost of the launch as well as its upkeep. Ms. Carro said her vote would be to change the zoning to commercial. Mr. O’Hara said that a drive-thru Chipotle would not be a good fit for the community. It was related to the Committee that the gas station would be open to 1 a.m., according to the plan. Ms. Neufeld is looking for support from the Commission for this project. Ms. Carro made a motion that the Recreation Advisory Committee supports the inclusion of the kayak launch portion at the proposed developm ent at 10500 Biscayne Boulevard. Motion seconded by Ms. Henry and unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.