10-18-95 v e� •
AGENDA
MEETING OF OCTOBER 18, 1995
ADELE GRAGE COMMUNITY CENTER, 7: 15PM *
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes of last meeting
3. Old Business
A. Election of Board Officers
B. Discussion relavent to the temporary T-Ball field
C. Review of contracts with parties using recreation facilities
4. Reports
A. Recreation Director
B. Sub-committee Chairperson
C. Park & Recreation Chairperson
5. Adjournment
NOTE: Time change to accommodate members having difficulty making
7:00pm meeting time. Meeting will start on time, please
make every effort to arrive promptly.
p e
City of Atlantic Beach
Park and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
October 18, 1995
The regular meeting was held Wednesday, October 18, 1995, at Adele Grage Community
Center. Present: Tummy Johnson, Park and Recreation Director; Alice Richardson,
representing the Atlantic Beach Athletic Assoc.; and board members Patricia Bell; Cindy
Corey, chair; Scott Deputy: Patricia Goetz; Jane Tanner; Edward Waters; and outgoing City
Commissioner Desmond Waters.
Chairwoman Cindy Corey called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. The minutes of the Sept.
20 meeting were approved as written. Jane Tanner was secretary for this meeting.
The first agenda item was discussion of a new chairperson. None of the current board
members wanted to assume the position, citing time commitments. Cindy Corey was praised
for her ongoing dedication, and many felt they would have a hard time filling her shoes.
Desmond Waters suggested that Cindy Corey continue in the position, but cut down on the
responsibilities she handles. Discussion turned to redefining the role, delegating daytime
meeting attendance and commission meeting attendance to other board members. In general,
board members would oversee matters involving their assigned parks. Timmy Johnson agreed
to try to get commission agendas early so board members could notified if their park was
going to be addressed.
The group rotating the position was discussed and then dismissed. Six-month commitments
were also discussed.
In the end, Cindy Corey agreed to remain chair for another year.
Next was the question of whether to support granting permanent space at Russell Park for the
T-Ball field. The following resolution was voted on:
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommends to the city that
the T-Ball field have a permanent place in Russell Park and allow the planting of greenery.
The Vote: In favor -- Scott Deputy, Pat Bell and Patricia Goelz.
Opposed -- Cindy Corey, Ed Waters and Jane Tanner
Addendtunns were discussed:
Using a temporary fence for the outfield
Check to make sure no part of the field encroached on the easement lines
Considering Donner Park for the field
During the discussion, Alice Richardson handed out an unaudited budget for the AB Athletic
Association to further familiarize the board with its operations. Richardson argued that
softball and football were the original intents for Russell Park and that should be honored. She
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pointed out that parents would be inconvenienced if the field were outside Russell Park where
other children from the same families would be involved in simultaneous activities. Scott
Deputy pointed out that the sports at the park should be allow to develop to their full,
"mature" potential. Cindy Corey pointed out that police Chief David Thompson said that
T-Ball participation did not seem to worsen parking and traffic. Desmond Waters said when
the 'T-Ball was taken out there was a promise to return it to the park.
It was pointed out that the sports fields on Girvin Road in Jacksonville likely will be drawing
West Beaches families. Jane Tanner pointed out that she had mixed feelings about adding it to
Russell Park. While children should have sports facilities, the park is overrun with fences and
the needs and inconveniences of children from other parks ought to be considered. Scott
Deputy pointed out that there were plans to add greenery to Russell. Ed Waters pointed to
earlier discussions about the 'T-Ball field on February 16, 1995, when the organizers said they
would consider Donner Park for the site. Desmond suggested we ought not discourage
activities for youths or discourage volunteers who help with the sport.
Discussion of parks contracts was tabled until a future meeting.
Timmy Johnson announced that there would be a Haunted House and other events at Adele
Grage on Oct. 31 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. ABET will be performing.
It was announced that bids on the Donner Community Center would be opened on Thursday,
October 19 at 2 p.m. in the commission chambers.
Cindy Corey gave a report on the Bull Park subcommittee, sharing plans for changes. She
skid a proposal would be ready by December with hopes to get money allocated from the
budget.
Patricia Goelz requested that a fence be erected along Plaza using the same design as the other
new fences. She wanted to know if the basketball rims in Russell Park could be lowered to
attract teens who currently play at Atlantic Beach elementary school. She questioned whether
the city would consider installing a water fountain at Atlantic Beach elementary. It was
suggested that the Duval County School Board be approached.
Part 11 of the parks charette was tentatively scheduled for November 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the
commission chambers.
Meeting adjourned.