10-25-00 vA regular meeting of the Recreation Advisory Board was held on October 25, 2000
in the Adele Grage Community Center. DeJean Melancon called the meeting to
order at 7:15 p.m. Present were: Ray Coleman, Phil Corp, Peter Coalson, DeJean
Melancon, Barbara Hopson, Tim Johnson, Susan Gorman and new member, Tom
Vogle. Visitors: Julie Sleeper of Atlantic Beach.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
DeJean asked for a motion to approve the minutes from the last regular meeting
held on September 26, 2000. Barbara motioned to approve the minutes, Ray
seconded and the motion carried.
NEW BOARD MEMBER
DeJean asked the Board to welcome the new Board member, Tom Vogle. DeJean
asked Tom to share his background information with the Board. Tom Vogle has a
great deal of experience in the area of sports and has long standing ties with the
community of Atlantic Beach where he current resides.
OLD BUSINESS
Board members were advised that the new budget allows the $25,000 requested by
the Recreation Aevisory Board. Focus more on planned for program opportunities
rather than special events.
Board members discussed the Teen Council surfing event scheduled for September
30, 2000. Concern was expressed by the Board because the entire $5,000 portion
for the Teen Council will pay for this event. Several Board members expressed
their concern over the lack of communication between the Teen Council and their
Board member liaison, Peter Coalson. DeJean asked Peter to call Commissioner
Theo Mitchelson and Teen Council advisor, Jamie Fletcher to convey the Board's
concern. Barbara suggested the Teen Council should have a member to attend
the Park Advisory Board meeting occasionally. Tim Johnson advised the Board that
the Commission passed a Resolution regarding the Teen Council and there is
nothing in the Resolution that requires the Teen Council to report to the Recreation
Advisory Board. Mr. Johnson also passed out a copy of the Resolution. Ray
motioned for Peter to write a letter requesting clarification of policy and procedure
and that the Teen Council should advise the Board of their plans to spend their
portion of the budget. The Board will request occasional attendance from a
representative from the teen Council. Barbara seconded and the motion carried.
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Board members were asked to consider program ideas presented by Karen Sadler.
Several program suggestions were well received by the Board. The Film Cafe,
Grandparents Walk in the Park, the Jazz Event, and Storytellers From Around
The World were favored by Board members.
Pete pointed out the payment methods that should be considered for the programs.
Barbara agreed that there should be a charge, since it lends a certain value to public
events. DeJean would like to invite Karen Sadler to a future Board meeting to have
her address the programs and the cost involved. Tim advised the Board that an ad
should run in order to select an advisor for Programs in the community. DeJean
motioned that the Board should contact Maureen King in order to place an ad for
the purpose of picking a consultant. Phil seconded and the motion carried. A time
frame of three weeks from the first Wednesday in November was set. Pete
suggested that the Board might amend the motion and announce that the Board is
ready to receive proposals by the next regular meeting. Barbara seconded and the
motion carried.
Tim provided the Board with an update on the proposed partnership between the
City and Atlantic Beach Elementary. The Principal is supposed to approach the
School Board with the pro;losal in the near future. Pete shared a diagram of the
proposed practice field. Tom Vogle was concerned with the layout and suggested
that a practice field should run north/south rather than east to west. Board members
agreed with Tom's suggestion and Pete agreed to revise his draft.
A discussion relative to changing the regular meeting day and time began with a
motion from Ray Coleman to change the meeting time to Tuesday evening at
7:15 p.m. Phil seconded and the motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Dutton Island will go to bid by mid-November. A Grant application was submitted
for the purchase of six lots. Approval will provide $25,000. Board members asked
if this amount was for property purchase only, or would it cover maintenance too?
Ray motioned to clarify the Board's position to support the acquisition of six lots
and for funding for development of the property and playground equipment.
Barbara seconded and the motion carried. A workshop is scheduled for the last
Saturday in October for a final exchange of ideas for design of Adele Grage
0 Community Center.
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Hanna Park might allow a gate at the Seminole entrance to bikers in order to
accommodate a bike path for the beach area. A discussion was followed by a
motion. Ray offered a motion to advise the Commission that the Board oppose a
new gate entrance, the motion was denied. Bike paths are a recreation issue and
the Board must address the gate issue as it relates to the proposed bike path. Phil
Corp motioned that the Board advise the Commission to consider alternate routes
before making a final decision for the gate entrance at Hanna Park. DeJean
seconded and the motion carried.
Tim advised the Board to select Officers. DeJean was nominated to serve as
Chairman, and the Board approved his nomination. Phil Corp was nominated
to serve as Co-Chairman and the Board members approved his nomination.
Kim Greene was nominated to serve as Secretary and her nomination was
approved.
Ray Coleman motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m., Phil seconded and
the meeting adjourned.
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