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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-10-26 ARCC Adopted MinutesMINUTES Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCO) Meeting Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 6:00 PM City Hall, Commission Chamber Present: Hillary Hickam, Member Ingrid McCawley, Member Sondra Goldschmidt, Member Absent: Curtis Winter, Member Josu6 Cruz, Member Desmond Demps-Brooks, Member Lisa Goodrich, ARCC Chair Kaylene Maddox, Member Joseph Schwarz, Member Also Present: Jordan Leslie, Recreation Manager 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Recreation Manager Jordan Leslie called the Tuesday, February 10, 2026 Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Recreation Manager Leslie conducted the roll call. Committee member Lisa Goodrich was absent. Committee member Kayleen Maddox was absent. Committee member Joe Swartz was absent. Hillary Hickam was present. Committee member Desmond Demps Brooks was absent. Committee member Josue Cruz was absent. Committee member Curtis Winter was absent. Ingrid McCawley was present and spelled her last name as M -C -C -A -W -L -E -Y. Sondra Goldschmidt was present and spelled her first name as S -O -N -D -R -A and last name as G -O -L -D -S -C -H -M -I -D -T. Hillary Hickam suggested moving the approval of minutes to later in the meeting due to lack of quorum. Recreation Manager Leslie confirmed they cannot vote without a quorum, so the minutes would be approved at the next meeting or if they achieve quorum during today's meeting. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Approve minutes of the December 9, 202.5 Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee meeting. This item was deferred due to lack of quorum. B. Approve minutes of the January 13, 2026 Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee meeting. Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCO) February 10, 2026 Pagel of 8 This item was deferred due to lack of quorum. 3. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS/PUBLIC COMMENTS Sarah Boren from the Environmental Stewardship Committee addressed the committee to provide updates on the collaborative film series. Ms. Boren explained that she came to check in on how the film series was moving forward for this year. She asked if Joe was still the ARCC representative, to which Recreation Manager Leslie responded that Joe hadn't been present in a while and they might need to transition that role. Ms. Boren announced that the first movie screening would be The Lorax on February 21st, with Veronica and Jordan having created an excellent flyer and graphic. She explained this was a tri -partnership between ARCC, ESC, and Beaches Go Green. Ms. Boren indicated that Jordan would test the in-house technology to ensure it works properly. Ms. Boren inquired whether ARCC wanted any question -and -answer sessions or panels for their film choices - The Lorax and Isle of Dogs - noting that ESC planned expert panels for their two films. Hillary Hickam responded that she would like a discussion for "No Sleep Till," one of ESC's selections. The committee discussed the appropriateness of discussions for each film, with Hillary suggesting that while little children might want to discuss The Lorax, she was unsure how to moderate that. According to Joe, "Isle of Dogs" by Wes Anderson was not necessarily kid -friendly, being rated PG -13. Ms. Boren revealed that one of ESC's member's spouses owned a Lorax costume and might be available to attend, which the committee found adorable. She mentioned that Ann Marie from Beaches Go Green couldn't make The Lorax screening but could attend the other three, and they wanted to be involved in choosing panelists or asking questions. Ms. Boren invited ARCC to suggest potential panelists for ESC's movies. She had already contacted Kevin about Alexander Simpson's availability for "No Sleep Till" and was considering inviting insurance experts and emergency management professionals since the film deals with hurricanes and resilience. Hillary suggested inviting someone from Turtle Patrol to speak on the panel, given their activity in Atlantic Beach environmental efforts. Ms. Boren explained that "Kiss the Ground," their other film, focused on food and agriculture. Ms. Boren then inquired about any progress on volunteers, specifically regarding the volunteer form and actively seeking volunteers, referencing her presentation from a few months prior about the city setting up a process. Recreation Manager Leslie explained there was a website form at coab.us/volunteer with a spreadsheet tracking submissions. They follow up with volunteers and guide them through proper channels, including background checks when necessary. When Ms. Boren asked about promotional graphics with QR codes, Recreation Manager Leslie said they could create social media graphics, though no specific logo existed. Recreation Manager Leslie reviewed the volunteer form details, noting it included various opportunities like special events, beach cleanup, community garden, and food distribution. He suggested they could add an environmental tab. When Ingrid McCawley asked who was in charge of volunteers citywide, Recreation Manager Leslie indicated it was primarily his responsibility, acknowledging it was "a loaded question." He mentioned they had volunteer Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCC) February 10, 2026 Page 2 of 8 vests available and definitely had needs for volunteers, though he wasn't sure how the process would differ. Ms. Boren explained that ESC had gone through the process of making suggestions to add their activities to the volunteer form. Recreation Manager Leslie invited her to email him with their additions. Ms. Boren detailed ESC's needs, including community service days and invasive species removal, but also creative tasks like educational graphics for those who want to help from home but can't physically participate. Ingrid McCawley asked about the invasive species cleanup, which Ms. Boren confirmed was Saturday, February 21 st at 9 AM, expecting good turnout. Ms. Boren concluded by asking ARCC to echo chamber the film series promotion through their networks, email lists, and social media channels to help make the series successful. 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Election of Chair & Vice Chair Since the committee lacked a quorum, they could not conduct elections. Recreation Manager Leslie noted this item would need to be addressed at a future meeting when quorum was present. B. 2026-27 Priority Setting Hillary Hickam provided background on the priority -setting process, explaining that in previous years the committee had met with a coordinator who facilitated the process with creative methods like pages and dots. She noted that the turtle crawl, which was Chair Goodrich's brainchild, had been successfully installed, which was amazing. The community pool was unanimously agreed upon as a priority, though Hillary acknowledged "you can't do everything." Hillary reviewed the previous priorities: beach volleyball courts, new scoreboard (which had passed but hadn't been installed), First Night (which they had successfully implemented), and signage (which they discuss at every event, feeling that better awareness might increase attendance). She confirmed the community garden was still happening. Hillary explained these were big ideas meant for brainstorming - "even your heart's desire, no matter what you want, let's put it down on the list" - from which they selected their biggest priorities. She noted that at the time, the new senior center (which she corrected herself to call "Marsh Oaks") was just on the horizon, so they knew they'd need new programming there. She suggested they'd need to revisit the list, possibly tone it down, and add new fun items, emphasizing that one big push would be ensuring Marsh Oaks had substantial programming. Recreation Manager Leslie presented the priority categories: communications, programming, human resources, and collaboration. When asked for ideas, Hillary immediately stated, "I still want a community pool," though acknowledging she didn't know where to put it and that it sounded expensive. Recreation Manager Leslie agreed, Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCO) February 10, 2026 Page 3 of 8 noting pools are difficult and expensive to maintain, though it would be cool. Ingrid McCawley suggested she'd like to see little water fountains, though it was unclear if she meant drinking fountains or decorative ones. Hillary then mentioned that the water fountain/dog fountain at 19th and Beach was still turned off, asking that this be put on the record. She explained that every time she walks her dog, someone stops to ask about it. She believed it was purposely turned off during the ice storm and just needed to be turned back on. Recreation Manager Leslie noted it was probably turned off for the "Tundra weekend." Sondra Goldschmidt suggested that if they were planning a brainstorming session or ad hoc meeting, members could come prepared with ideas. Recreation Manager Leslie agreed to send out a message for committee members to bring ideas to the next meeting, hoping they could agree and vote on priorities, though acknowledging it might take multiple meetings. He emphasized that all ideas require funding and various approvals - "it's not like automatic" - but big ideas help set direction and goals. The three present members agreed to review the materials and be ready for the next meeting. 5. ONGOING BUSINESS A. Grant Liaison Assignments Recreation Manager Leslie explained that some members had already signed up for grant liaison assignments at the last meeting. Hillary Hickam volunteered to take Preventative Health Tai Chi and Atlantic Beach Elementary (ABE). She also expressed interest in Sewing Lessons. Recreation Manager Leslie questioned whether committee members should be assigned to schools, as they might not have a significant role beyond the schools presenting to the commission. However, he agreed they could assign liaisons and if they weren't needed, it would make things easier. The committee agreed members could take assignments and simply not act on them if unnecessary. Recreation Manager Leslie suggested everyone take two normal grants and one school. He noted that Hillary would cover Preventative Health Tai Chi, Sewing Lessons, and ABE if needed. Ingrid and Sondra were already assigned, as was Josue. They would fill remaining assignments when other committee members were present. B. Arts in the Parks Judging Recreation Manager Leslie explained that the committee traditionally sends representatives to judge the Arts in the Parks event on April 18th. He described it as a very popular event at Johansson Park with 40-50 art vendors setting up booths to sell to the community. The committee needs approximately three judges who would use a rubric to evaluate vendors for cash prizes. Hillary asked about the criteria for being an art judge, expressing uncertainty about her qualifications. Recreation Manager Leslie assured her that committee membership was qualification enough, and that while a love for art helps, there would be different Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCC) February 10, 2026 Page 4 of 8 categories and scoring criteria provided. Sondra Goldschmidt mentioned she attended last year and even bought a painting. Recreation Manager Leslie confirmed that Lisa had done judging previously and reached out to various people. He explained they would have different categories to score and conduct a ceremony at the end to announce the top three winners. Both Sondra and Hillary volunteered to judge, with Hillary saying they could "judge art together" and that it "sounds very fun." Recreation Manager Leslie explained judges would start around 10 AM with results due by noon or 1 PM. Though three hours seemed like ample time, he cautioned it takes longer than expected with 40 vendors, including time for lunch. He noted the North Florida Folk Network provides folk music in a tent, food trucks attend, and it's generally "a good time." When Hillary asked about fire ants after someone mentioned being scared of them, Recreation Manager Leslie promised they'd do a fire ant check. C. Film Series Planning Recreation Manager Leslie recapped Sarah Boren's earlier presentation about the February 21 st screening of The Lorax at 4 PM, noting it was an ARCC choice. The main decision needed was whether to have a food truck and which one. The committee discussed kid -friendly options including mac and cheese, pizza, and hamburgers. Recreation Manager Leslie mentioned a hot dog cart that was at Night at Donner Park, noting it served festive food. Ingrid McCawley suggested burgers and veggie burgers would work well. Sondra Goldschmidt felt chicken tenders, hot dogs, or pizza would be appropriate for children. Hillary asked if they could defer the food truck decision to Recreation Manager Leslie as long as it was burger, hot dog, or pizza -oriented rather than something more sophisticated. When asked about popcorn for the movie, Recreation Manager Leslie explained food couldn't be brought into the theater. Though the city owns a popcorn machine, operating and cleaning it requires dedicated personnel. Recreation Manager Leslie offered to select from appropriate vendors - Chuck Wagon, Colonel Mustard's, or pizza - based on availability and the committee's preference for kid -friendly options. Hillary noted that while pizza trucks are good, they can be slow, which could be problematic. The committee agreed Recreation Manager Leslie should choose based on availability and best pricing. The committee enthusiastically supported having someone in a Lorax costume attend. When Ingrid McCawley commented that discussions wouldn't need a microphone in the small theater, the committee agreed. They refined the idea to have the Lorax encourage children to share what they could do to help the environment rather than answering questions about the character. When asked about a point person for the event, Hillary explained the timeline between now and February 21st was particularly bad for her. They agreed someone should be available the day of the event to help, with different people potentially taking point for each of the four film screenings. Ingrid volunteered to field phone calls with the Lorax Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCC) February 10, 2026 Page 5 of 8 costume owner and communicate the committee's ideas about encouraging children's environmental discussions. D. Centennial Event Planning Recreation Manager Leslie presented plans for two centennial events, seeking committee input as planning was moving quickly. Americana Day - March 28th Recreation Manager Leslie described this event at Jack Russell Park featuring a car show and wiffle ball game in a ballpark atmosphere. Beaches Cruiser's Classic would coordinate 40 classic cars for display in the parking lot, with numbered information cards. The community would vote for favorites, including a kids' choice award. Food trucks would include Colonel Mustard's, Toasted Yoke bringing churro donuts, and Doodle Bops with cotton candy and boiled peanuts. A police versus fire wiffle ball game was planned, with police already committed and Kevin Hoffmann announcing play-by-play. When Recreation Manager Leslie mentioned feedback that First Night "didn't feel that special," he emphasized that any special touches like decorations would need to come from the committee, as he handled operations and planning. Hillary suggested using the American flags typically displayed around town for Americana Day. The event would run 10 AM to 2 PM, with the car show from 10 -noon and wiffle ball starting at noon. Activities would include face painters, a juggler, and music. The committee discussed promoting their programs at the event. Recreation Manager Leslie confirmed there would be a recreation table with giveaways including pens, turtle stress toys, and shirts. Committee members were welcome to help staff it. Hillary raised the turtle crawl promotion, noting many people hadn't found turtles despite looking. Recreation Manager Leslie explained they were creating commemorative pins for people who find all 24 turtles. He had riddles providing clues to find specific turtles based on park history. Hillary volunteered to fine-tune the riddles for accuracy, and they discussed posting weekly turtle clues on social media for engagement. When Hillary inquired about a turtle race for Americana Day, recalling childhood Fourth of July turtle races where turtles raced from under baskets, Recreation Manager Leslie expressed uncertainty about rules and requirements. Though Hillary insisted it wasn't hard on the turtles and was incredibly exciting, they agreed to research whether it was allowed and feasible. The committee suggested inviting ABE students to perform between innings, perhaps with their choir or dance groups. Recreation Manager Leslie welcomed ideas for between -inning activities like hula hoop contests, potato sack races, cornhole, or other interactive games. They planned for nine innings of wiffle ball. Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCC) February 10, 2026 Page 6 of 8 July 11 th Centennial Celebration Recreation Manager Leslie announced they moved this event from July 4th to July I I th to avoid holiday conflicts with attendance and staffing. The event at Veterans Park would include Marsh Oaks' grand opening. Plans included starting with the national anthem by a Navy band member or military presence at 10 AM, followed by a formal ribbon cutting for Marsh Oaks. Music would begin at 11 AM with Kalani Rose performing along with hula dancers and Lei Nichols' fire stick dancers. The event would feature a juggler, face painting, and food trucks including American barbecue, Hawaiian barbecue (which Veronica had sourced), and a dessert truck. A photo booth operator from New Year's Eve would return with a patriotic theme. The Daughters of American Revolution would distribute mini American flags, and they planned to create veterans pins incorporating the America 250 theme. Hillary confirmed she could help March 28th. Sondra Goldschmidt indicated she should be available that morning as well. Ingrid McCawley said she'd email about her availability. Recreation Manager Leslie also mentioned the Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 4th at Johansen Park, running 10 AM to 1 PM. Though 10,000 eggs would be hidden, he joked they'd be gone by 10:05. Fletcher kids traditionally hide eggs while volunteers could help with the Easter bunny photos, manage lines, answer questions, prevent egg theft between children, and manage lines for train rides and face painters. 6. OTHER AGENDA ITEMS/ANNOUNCEMENTS Recreation Manager Leslie announced the committee needs to elect a chair and vice chair at the next meeting. He explained the chair's responsibilities: serving as group leader, working closely with staff, helping set agendas, communicating with and presenting to the commission, and serving on the board member review committee for openings. The vice chair provides secondary support and runs meetings when the chair is unavailable. Recreation Manager Leslie revealed that Lisa Goodrich would step down from the committee, though she'd stay through March for transition. They'd need to fill her position. When discussing requirements, he emphasized the need for someone with availability who could commit to regular meetings and commission presentations. Though acknowledging it's a big responsibility, he noted "Lisa did a lot," but assured them it's fun. Committee members would vote on positions once they had a quorum, with options for self - nomination or nominating others. Multiple candidates would require committee discussion before making a motion to vote. Given Chair Goodrich's departure, finding committed leadership was essential. When asked about sending volunteer availability for upcoming events, Recreation Manager Leslie welcomed immediate responses. He confirmed availability needs: March 28th (full morning), April 4th (Easter egg hunt assistance), and April 18th (Arts in the Parks judging from 9:30 AM to approximately noon). For Arts in the Parks, judges would receive breakfast or lunch, water, and could wear volunteer vests or lanyards though it wasn't required. The Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCC) February 10, 2026 Page 7 of 8 7. Attest: main requirement was comfortable shoes for walking among vendors. Judges would receive clipboards with rubrics for scoring. ADJOURNMENT With no further business and no additional announcements from committee members a motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 6:47 PM. Jordan Leslie, Recreation Manager Li h, Chair Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCC) February 10, 2026 Page 8 of 8