01-26-00 vA regular meeting of the Recreation Advisory Board was held Wednesday, January 26,
2000 in the Adele Grage Center. Chairperson, DeJean Melancon called the meeting to
Order at 7:15 p.m. Present were Ray Coleman, Phil Corp, Steven Jenkins, Tim Johnson,
DeJean Melancon, Susan Gorman, and Visitor: Commissioner, Rick Beaver.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
DeJean motioned to approve the minutes from the last meeting held on December 8,
1999. The motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Additional information concerning the ordinance to protect park property was unavailable
since Barbara Hopson was gathering the material for the Board's consideration, and she
was not present at the meeting.
BOARD VACANCY
DeJean informed the Board members that a letter of resignation from the Recreation
Advisory Board was requested from Scott Debuty. The vacancy will need to be filled
and the Board should be advised of potential appointees.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Ray Coleman nominated DeJean Melancon as Chairperson. Steven seconded and the
motion carried. Phil Corp was nominated as Co-Chairperson by Ray Coleman. Steven
seconded and the motion carried. Ray Coleman nominated Steven to serve as Secretary.
Phil Corp seconded and the motion carried.
RETENTION POND AND BUFFER SPACE
DeJean gave the Board an update on JTA plans for two retention ponds as well as the
proposed buffer zone associated with the Flyover. The landscape will be heavier than the
drawing indicates. Ray Coleman suggested that the green area might serve as a soccer
practice field. Ray also expressed concern over plans to place playground equipment
near a pond. Other Board members agreed with Ray's objection to the playground
arrangement.
Rerouting of traffic due to the Flyover was discussed and the Board was asked to
consider how this would effect the use of the green space. Ray offered his support for a
running track around the Mayport pond, but is opposed to playground equipment in this
area. It should be determined if the green space can accommodate a practice field.
Aquatic landscaping with additional trees would help the second pond achieve a more
natural look. Suggestions from the Board should be presented as soon as possible to Jim
Hanson, City Manager.
a
BALL FIELDS
A discussion concerning ball fields belonging to the United States Navy and how Atlantic
Beach might request use of those areas for older participants in the baseball league. Older
children in the league now go to Jacksonville Beach and it would be beneficial for Atlantic
Beach residents to have access to ball fields located in Atlantic Beach. Ray Coleman advised
the Board that the Navy was not receptive to the most recent request by the last administration,
but might reconsider if approached by the new administration.
NAMES FOR DUTTON ISLAND
Tim Johnson gave the Board an update on the name search for Dutton Island. Only two names
have received consideration to date. Dutton, for the owner of the land, since he worked with
the city to make the land available for purchase for public use. Bartolome de Castro y Ferrer is
the other name under consideration, for the spanish settler, who left a land grant that is now part
of Atlantic Beach. Steven motioned for the Board to defer the name selection until more names
are offered for consideration. Ray seconded and the motion carried. The Board decided the park
should be officially named by early spring.
DEVELOPMENT OF BIKE PATHS
A plan to make bike paths available from Guana State Park in Ponte Vedra to the Wonderwood
area should receive a recommendation from the Board, advised DeJean. Concerns expressed
during this discussion centered around the possible opening of the Hannah Park gate at the end
of Seminole Road. Access would be limited to bikes, but might increase activity in and around
the residential area. Steven motioned that the Board should approve the concept of a bike path
running from Ponte Vedra to Wonderwood and delay discussion of opening Hannah Park gate
for bikes. Phil seconded and the motion carried.
JOHNSON ISLAND
DeJean informed the Board that Johnson Island is still on the market. DOT has proposed
payment of half, or up to $700,000. Board members were told that the area in question is zoned
open rural. Should the City proceed with discussions? DeJean asked for a motion, Steven
motioned for the Board to support efforts to continue discussions regarding the acquisition of
Johnson Island. Ray Coleman seconded and the motion carried. Jacksonville might be
approached for additonal funds for maintenance, if Atlantic Beach acquires Johnson Island.
RENOVATION OF ADELE GRAGE
DeJean asked the Board to consider how the community center should be used, the new design
and cost involved. Current use of the facility is limited and a renovated community center should
serve a variety of interests. Historical preservation might be difficult, but the facade could at
least serve as a reminder of the building's past service to the Atlantic Beach community.
6
ti
Phil Corp suggested that groups and members of the community should have to schedule
events in the new community center, in order to better serve the community. Board
members agreed that it would be a challenge to incorporate ABET as well as offer
facilities for other functions. Phil motioned to support the redesign of Adele Grage,
and that the design must prove functional for administrative office space, provide multi-
media needs, a museum for historical value, and possibly an amphitheatre. Ray
seconded and the motion carried. Steven suggested that the Board should research more
in order to meet the needs of the community at large.
UPDATED BUDGET PLAN
It was decided that long term goals should factor into budget planning. Park
maintenance should be a factor in a long range plan. Ariel photos should be studied
along with other resources to determine expences before presenting items to the
Commission.
AGENDA ITEM FOR NEXT MONTH
Steven suggested that a discussion regarding plans for future programs should appear on
the agenda for next month.
Ray motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Phil seconded and the motion carried.