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