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03-22-00 vA regular meeting of the Recreation Advisory Board was held Wednesday, March 22, 2000 in the Adele Grage Center. Chairperson DeJean Melancon called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. Present were: Ray Coleman, Peter Coalson, Barbara Hopson, Tim Johnson, DeJean Melancon, Susan Gorman and Visitors: Bob Tabone and J. P. Marchioli. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DeJean motioned to approve the minutes from the last meeting held on January 26, 2000. Barbara Hopson seconded and the motion carried. Visitors DeJean introduced and welcomed Bob Tabone of Atlantic Beach Elementary School and J.P. Marchioli of Sherry Drive in Atlantic Beach. Mr. Marchioli addressed the Board and expressed his concerns over the present condition of Howell Park. He asked Board members to review a letter that was written to former Mayor Lyman Fletcher regarding the Park's condition. The letter stated specific improvements which J.P. is now requesting the Board to consider. Board member Barbara Hopson questioned Marchioli's request for paved sidewalks. Barbara believes that Howell Park should remain a natural park and pavement would be contrary to that goal. Other Board members questioned the logic of making significant improvements to Howell Park before the Core City project is completed. Board members expressed interest in Marchioli's ideas and felt that perhaps the budget workshop might discuss his suggestions and funds could be set aside for improvements at a later date. DeJean thanked J.P. for sharing his thoughts on Howell Park with the Recreation Board. Mr. Bob Tobane spoke to the Board about the possibility of a partnership between Atlantic Beach Elementary and the City of Atlantic Beach in regard to the need for a practice field for various sports programs. Hopefully, Atlantic Beach Elementary could provide adequate field space in return for funds from the City of Atlantic Beach. This arrangement would provide improvements to the existing practice fields and would solve the search for practice areas for local sports programs. Board members asked several questions. Ray Coleman expressed interest in Bob Tabone's proposal but expressed concern about scheduling conflicts that might occur if the various sports groups are allowed to use Atlantic Beach Elementary for practice space. Ray also questioned the $20,000 dollar amount for irrigation of the practice field. Irrigation should be less costly. Peter asked if lights are necessary for security or for the evening pfactice. Everyone agreed that benches should be considered in the cost evaluation. Tim Johnson asked the Board if an agreement is reached, would it be a partnership between the baseball association and Atlantic Beach asked about the source of funds for improvements to the practice field at Atlantic beach Elementary. The Board determined that park purchase funds could be used to pay for the necessary improvements. DeJean asked Board members to state their support in a motion. Ray Coleman motioned to approve the concept of researching a partnership between Atlantic Beach Elementary and the City of Atlantic Beach to combine resources to make additional recreational fields available in a cost effective manner. DeJean seconded and the motion carried. OLD BUSINESS Discussion of park protection was delayed at earlier meeting and so the Board took up the issue of how to word a motion that would state support for the protection of parklands. DeJean reviewed previous discussions about adopting the city of Jacksonville's ordinance as a model for preserving park property in Atlantic Beach. Ray motioned for the Board to adopt the park preservation plan based on the Jacksonville City model contingent upon review by the City Attorney Alan Jensen. Barbara Hopson seconded and the motion carried. BOARD VACANCY DeJean informed the Board that the Mayor and Commission have received Scott Debuty's letter of resignation. One formal application from Kim Green has been submitted to fill this vacancy. TEEN COUNCIL UPDATE DeJean informed the Board that the trip to Disney World planned for the Teen Council was cancelled due to insurance issues. DeJean advised the Board that a group of Douglas Anderson students, some who are involved in Teen Council have a need for financial assistance in order to travel to Scotland in late summer. The trip to Scotland is a school activity and perhaps the Teen Council could hold a benefit for the purpose of raising Funds. A direct appeal for donations from Teen Council is prohibited, so Peter Coalson volunteered to research ways for the Teen Council to participate in a fund raising effort. EXPANSION OF PROGRAMS DeJean suggested that the Board should delay discussions until Steven Jenkins is present to participate, since program expansion is of interest to Steven. The Board agreed to defer this topic until a later date. WALL MURAL Tim Johnson provided Board Members with an update on plans to apply a mural to the racquetball court wall. The mural will have a beach theme and questions were asked about future maintenance involved because of the mural. DeJean asked Tim to ask Karen Sadler about products that might seal the mural and prevent costly maintenance. DeJean motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Peter Coalson seconded and the motion carried. City of Atlantic Beach Recreation Advisory Board Meeting April 26, 2000 AGENDA A. Call Meeting to Order B. Approval from the last regular meeting, March 22, 2000 C. Visitors D. Old Business a. discussion of programs E. New Business F. Reports