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A special meetingof the Recreation AdvisoryBoard was held June 13,P
2000 in the Adele Grage Center, Chairperson DeJean Melancon Called the
rneeeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Ray Coleman, Phil Corp, Barbara
Hopkins, Kim Greene, Steven Jenkins, Tim Johnson, Susan Gorman and
Visitor: J. P. Marchioli.
The special meeting was called to discuss budget items and program planning.
Tim Johnson provided a letter from Jim Hanson to the Commission that
stated his recommendation regarding the Park Preservation Ordinance. Board
members questioned the final comments and expressed concern that the
letter implied an ordinance would be subject to revision. Ray Coleman requested
that Steven Jenkins draft a letter to the City Manager that would clarify the
Board's intent to protect parkland in Atlantic Beach. DeJean suggested that
the Board might advance their position if they restate their purpose for
recommending an ordinance for Park Preservation. Steven agreed to draft a
letter expressing the Board's opposition to any land swap that would lead to
encroachment upon parklands and affirm their support for an ordinance. DeJean
suggested that the Board should contact the Commissioners in order to get the
Park Preservation ordinance on the agenda.
DeJean recoginzed guest, J.P. Marchioli. J.P. explained his purpose for attending
the special meeting was to address the absensce of a skateboard park. Board
members asked J.P. for his ideas on where to locate a park designed for older
youths. Ray Coleman offered his support for the concept, but advised Board
members that it would be a challenge to provide a location suitable for the
described activities.
BUDGET AND PROGRAMS
DeJean asked the Board for information related to the discussion about budget
figures from last year. DeJean noted the difference between the budget figures
that were approved and the actual budget requsted. DeJean advised the Board
of their opportunity to make a priority list in order to set funds aside for programs
and projects.
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DeJaan urged the Board to make their priority list, set dollars aside and stand
firm with their goals. Several issues were discussed and Board members
expressed their concerns and priorities. Ray and Barbara agree that emphasis
should go to programs/events for older youths. Tim informed the Board that
the summer program for youths is currently in progress. The Board would like
to see a community center in addition to the renovation plans for Adele Grage.
Board members support the Atlantic Beach Elementary partnership with the
City for development and maintenance of a practice area for youth athletics,
with everyone agreeing that a partnership would be a quick fix for an immediate
problem. Steven suggested that the Board request funds for special improve-
ments to park areas rather than request funds for maintenance. The Board
discussed the concept of bike paths that would connect the beach communities
and agreed to give a recommendation of support.
BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS
DeJean asked the Board for a motion to approve budget items to present to the
City Commission. Steven motioned for the Board to approve the following
budgt plan, Kim seconded and the motion carried.
Si. Programs
Funds to create additional programs aimed at older youths $25,000
With 5,000 set aside for Teen Council)
2. Baseball Field Maintenance
6,750
3. Property Purchase
250,000.
4. Athletic Field Expansion
25,000
Funds for improvements to park areas in need)
5. Park Improvement Aid
25,000
Funds for specific improvements to park areas in need)
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RECOMMENDATIONS
Along with a budget recommendation, the Board would like to inform the
Commission of their support for the following:
1. Renovation of Adele Grage and a larger community center (long term goal)
2. Possible partnership with the City of Jacksonville Beach for a skate park.
3. Support the State of Florida in their quest to establish bike paths.
iDeJean motioned to adjourn the special meeting at 8:45 p.m. Ray Coleman
seconded and the motion carried.
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