09-21-20 Commission Workshop Adopted MinutesMINUTES
Commission Workshop Meeting
7.3-1. Monday, September 21, 2020 - 5:30 PM
ns.);- via Videoconference
ATTENDANCE:
Present: Ellen Glasser, Mayor- Seat 1
Cindy Anderson, Commissioner- Seat 2 (District 1308)
Blythe Waters, Commissioner- Seat 3 (District 1307)—connected at
6:14 p.m.
Candace Kelly, Commissioner- Seat 4 (District 1306)
Brittany Norris, Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner- Seat 5 (District 1312)
Also Present: Shane Corbin, City Manager(CM)
Brenna Durden, City Attorney(CA)
Donna Bartle, City Clerk(CC)
Kevin Hogencamp, Deputy City Manager(DCM)
CALL TO ORDER
Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Mayor Glasser called the meeting to order at
5:30 PM.
Pursuant to Governor DeSantis' Executive Order Number 20-69 and COAB Emergency Order,
the meeting was held via videoconference.
1. TOPICS: PRIORITIZATION OF PARKS PROJECTS
A. Public Comment
Mayor Glasser requested IT Senior Systems Engineer Bob Cimon to confirm speakers
on the platform who wish to speak. Mr. Cimon reported there were no speakers.
DCM Hogencamp reported there were no written comments received.
Mayor Glasser closed Public Comment.
B. Staff Presentation
COAB Parks Master Plan - Draft
CM Corbin reported the budgeted amount to use towards the projects is $141,000 and is
on page 118 of the budget. The line item is titled Parks Master Plan Improvements. He
added that the Better Jax Fund can also be used towards park improvements, quality of
life improvements, infrastructure work, land purchases, and installation of parks
equipment. He reported the Better Jax Fund balance as currently over$1,700,000.
CM Corbin introduced staff on hand for presentations.
Commission Workshop
September 21,2020
Planning and Community Development Director (PCDD) Amanda Askew reported on
goals of the Parks Master Plan.
Public Works(PW)Director Scott Williams requested Commission feedback on priority
of projects that are listed in the agenda packet.
Commissioner Waters connected at 6:14 p.m.)
Cultural Arts and Recreation Director Timmy Johnson emphasized the need for
additional parking at Donner Park
Discussion ensued regarding clarification of the budget for the park projects, grants, and
park by park priorities.
City Engineer (CE) Steve Swann clarified that we can safely assume the CDBG grant
money for Donner Park will be received. CE Swann to call the Neighborhoods Division
tomorrow about allowance to use funding for a splash pad instead of the resurfacing, if
decided.
C. Commission Discussion
There was lengthy discussion regarding prioritization of the recommendations for
Aquatic Dog Park and Beach Accesses, page 5 of the agenda packet.
Mayor Glasser emphasized the objective of this meeting is to prioritize the budget for
parks improvements. In the interest of time, policy decisions should be made in a
different meeting.
There was discussion regarding prioritization of the recommendations for Bull Memorial
Park, page 6, and Donner Park, page 7.
PW Director Williams reported on the recommendation of creating additional pickle ball
courts at Donner Park and reported residents have requested to please add more pickle
ball courts. He reported the cost estimate as $50,000. He also suggested using the grant
funds for this project. Commissioner Norris suggested to defer some of the
recommendations at this park until there is adequate parking. (CE) Swann reported on
costs and grant money for funding of the splash pad and projected costs at $200,000 to
300,000. He also reported he is working on a grant that could cover at least 50%of the
splash pad costs.
There was additional discussion regarding the recommendation of the splash pad.Mayor
Glasser mentioned reaching out for assistance, and that the Rotary is interested.
Discussion ensued regarding recommendations for Dutton Island Preserve,page 8 of the
agenda packet. It was determined that the projects listed are small ticket items and are
already in progress. PW Director Williams was commended.
Commission Workshop
September 21,2020
CPDD Askew to follow up regarding use of Tree Mitigation dollars for planting saltwater
tolerant Cypresses at Dutton Island Preserve.
PW Director Williams reported park benches, bike racks, and trash cans, are already
covered and will not come out of the $141,000.
CM Corbin requested CE Swann to report on the marsh study. CE Swan stated he has
submitted a grant request through FEMA for funding of a marsh study.
Discussion ensued regarding recommendations for Fairway Villas Park and Howell
Park. PW Director Williams and Mr. Johnson provided input regarding the
recommendation of installing a gazebo. Mayor Glasser expressed the need to receive
public input on this before making a decision.
There was discussion regarding ADA parking at our parks.
Commissioner Waters concurred with Mayor Glasser regarding receiving feedback
regarding installing a gazebo at Howell Park before a decision.
Commissioner Kelly is in favor of installing a gazebo at Howell Park.
Discussion ensued regarding recommendations for Jack Russell Park, page 7 of the
agenda packet. Commissioner Waters requested consideration of a Community Garden
at Jack Russell Park.
CM Corbin provided feedback on a Community Garden.
Discussion ensued regarding recommendations for Johansen Park,page 13 of the agenda
packet. Commissioner Anderson provided input, and recommended public art.
Discussion ensued regarding recommendations for Jordan Park, page 10 of the agenda
packet. The recommendations were to add parking.
Commissioner Kelly requested input from Chief Gualillo regarding parks and crime,
specifically Jordan Park and Dutton Island. CM Corbin to follow up with the Chief.
Mayor Glasser mentioned Safety Town and suggested Jordan Park as a possibility.
Discussion ensured regarding Marvin's Gardens Park and Riverbranch Preserve. Mayor
Glasser suggested look into our policy on naming of parks. PW Director Williams spoke
regarding kayak signage.
There were no comments regarding Selva Preserve.
CM Corbin reported on installing bat boxes at Tide Views Preserves. Commissioner
Waters stated that bat boxes are best in small groupings and suggested them for the ditch
Commission Workshop
September 21,2020
from 17th to 18th Street along Seminole Road. Further discussion ensued regarding other
recommendations.
Discussion ensued regarding recommendations for Veterans Park and Waters Park,page
15 of the agenda packet.
Commissioner priorities stated as follows:
Commissioner Anderson - bathroom at Veterans Park, additional parking where
needed, art at Johansen Park.
Commissioner Kelly- parking and bathrooms where needed.
Commissioner Norris - parking at Donner and Jordan Parks, splash pad if grants, ADA
paved spot at Howell Park, bathroom at Veterans Park, art and more bridges at Johansen
Park, mitigating tree loss,updating the kayak path signage, and a pathway to Tide Views
parking lot
Commissioner Waters- parking where needed, pickleball courts, bathroom at Veterans
Park, kayak path signage, bike access to Atlantic Blvd, plant trees at Johansen Park,
splash pad, and bike park.
Mayor Glasser - parking where needed, pickleball courts, beach access signage,
bathroom at Veterans Park, splash pad, bat boxes, and water bottle refill stations in the
parks. Her additional recommendations require public input first. She commended staff
for their work on the draft, she mentioned connectivity, and ADA access and expressed
concerns regarding filling parks too full of amenities.
CM Corbin requested feedback on adding a coquina drive on the north side of Jack
Russell Park. Commissioners are amenable to the recommendation.
Commissioner Norris mentioned that Rose Park was not on the list and recommended
additional benches near the soccer field. PW Director Williams reported the LED
lighting at Rose Park was a placeholder but has been deferred due to Mr. Carper's
comments regarding public input being against it. Commission requested to further
research before completely scratching the project.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
Attest:
4114W/
Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk Ellen Glasser, Mayor
Date Approved 23/20
Commission Workshop
September 21,2020