Recreation Advisory Committee (RAC)

PUBLIC NOTICE AND AGENDA OF THE GROVELAND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULED TO CONVENE AT 6:30 P.M. TUESDAY, JULY 13, 2021 IN THE E. L. PURYEAR BUIILDING LOCATED AT 243 S. LAKE AVENUE, GROVELAND, FLORIDA 34736 CHAIRPERSON AMANDA TRAYWICK amanda.travwick@,gro eland-fl.go VICE-CHAIRPERSON PAULA HALL paula.hall@ woveland-11.go COMMITTEE MEMBER DAVID BADILLO david.badillo@groveland-fl.gov COMMITTEE MEMBER JOSCELYN CAMPBELL jo ·celyn.campbcll@ gro eland-fl .g COMMITTEE MEMBER LINDA COWELS linda.cowels@groveland-fl.gov COMMITTEE MEMBER CHUCK KENZIG charlc .kcnzig@;grovcland-tl.go COMMITTEE MEMBER SHANA MARTIN shana.martin@ groveland-fl.gov YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE RYAN WRIGHT ryan .wright@ gro eland--t-1.go PARKS/RECREATION DIRECTOR MIKE WALKER mike.walker@groveland-fl.gov RECORDING SECRETARY DODIE BARGER leota.barger@gro elaml-tlg v Please note: Most written communication to or from government officials regarding government business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your e-mail communications may therefore be subject to public disclosure. CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF CONDUCT • We may disagree, but we will be respectful of one another. • We will direct all comments to issues. • We will avoid personal attacks. • Audience members wishing to speak must be recognized by the Chairperson. • Speaking without being recognized will be considered "Out of Order." OPENING CEREMONIES a. Pledge of Allegiance ROLL CALL CONSENT AGENDA Consideration of Approval: • June 8, 2021 RAC Meeting Minutes PRESENTATIONS 1. Sarah Pond, Events Coordinator - Recap of Past and Future Events OLD BUSINESS 1. Capital Improvement Plan NEW BUSINESS 1. J.T. Memorial Assessment 2. Parks Rules "Draft" - Articles 4, 5, 6 and 7 REPORTS a. Committee Member Reports PUBLIC COMMENT ADJOURNMENT Groveland Code ofOrdinances Sec. 2-58 (j). Any person desiring to address the Council shall first secure the permission ofthe presiding officer and shall give his name and address for the record. All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a body and not to any member thereof unless permission to do so is first granted by the presiding officer. Unless further time is granted by the presiding officer or the council, member ofthe public shall limit their discussion or address to no more than five minutes. No question shall be asked a council member or city official except through the presiding officer. Ifyour address is exempt from public record you are not required to state it. In addition, do not give out your Social Security Number, phone number, email address or any other information you do not want others to have access to as the meetings are recorded and those recordings are considered public record. Pursuant to the provisions of Chap. 286, F.S., Sec. 286.0105, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by this body with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, he or she will need a record ofthe proceedings, and that for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record may include the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based and is advised to make such arrangements at his or her own expense. *In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26, Florida Statute, persons with disabilities needing special accommodation to participate in this meeting should contact the City Clerk 's Office no later than 5:00 p.m. the day ofthe meeting.  City of Groveland E.L. Puryear Building Recreation Advisory Committee (RAC) Minutes June 8, 2021 The Recreation Advisory Committee (RAC) held a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at the E.L. Puryear Building located at 243 S. Lake Avenue, Groveland, FL 34736. Chairperson Amanda Traywick called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. with the following committee members present: David Badillo, Joscelyn Campbell, Linda Cowels, Chuck Kenzig and Shana Martin. Absent were Vice-Chair Paula Hall, and School Representative Ryan Wright. City officials present were: Parks and Community Services Director Mike Walker and Recording Secretary Leota "Dodie" Barger. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PUBLIC COMMENTS No public comments were received by the Recording Secretary to be read into the record by the start time of this meeting. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of the April 13, 2021 RAC Meeting Minutes: Motion: Committee Member Badillo moved for approval of the April 13, 2021 minutes and the motion was seconded by Committee Member Kenzig. The motion passed unanimously. Approval of the May 11, 2021 RAC Meeting Minutes: Motion: Committee Member Badillo moved for approval of the May 11, 2021 minutes and the motion was seconded by Committee Member Kenzig. The motion passed unanimously. PRESENTATIONS 1. Margie Jones Service Award Presentation Mayor Evelyn Wilson presented Margie Jones with a Service Award and thanked her for her years of service on the Recreation Advisory Committee. llPage ADDITION TO AGENDA: Director Walker noted there was a request for an addition to the meeting Agenda from City Manager Michael Hein and Committee Member Campbell regarding Challenged Champions and Heroes Awards Ceremony Partnership with City of Groveland. Chairperson Traywick and Committee Members accepted the addition and noted it will be added under New Business as Item #4. PRESENTATIONS CONTINUED 2. Sarah Pond, Event Coordinator-Recap of Past and Future Events Sarah Pond - Event Coordinator Events Coordinator, Sarah Pond gave a brief review of the events held in May to include the Farmer's Market on 5/14 which had 22 vendors, with a DJ and it was held at the Splash Pad due to a previously scheduled event at the Amphitheater. The location worked very well and we will be holding future markets there. Mrs. Pond noted we re-opened our Facility Rentals on June 1st and the request for rentals has been very strong. The Splash Pad has been received very well and has increased the use of our Lake David Pavilions. Mrs. Pond presented the June events, which include: 6/11 Farmer's Market which will have 26 vendors, the most we have ever had and our entertainment will be a Karaoke night. 6/15 will be the Thrive Summer Pop Up Series. 6/19 at Lake David Park, we will be holding the inaugural Juneteenth event and you will notice a new flag (Juneteenth flag) flying under the American Flag at various points throughout the city. On July 3rd and 4th we will be holding our Independence Day Celebration. July 3rd will be held at Cherry Lake with a DJ and food vendors and fireworks from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. July 4th will be held at Lake David Park with a car show, kid zone, vendors, food trucks and live entertainment at the Amphitheater from 4:00 - 9:30 pm with fireworks at 9:00 pm. On July 9th we will hold our Farmer's Market and at the end of July we will hold our Back to School Back Pack Bash. Committee Member Badillo asked for clarification on the Juneteenth event and what exactly we are celebrating. Mrs. Pond explained the event again and Mr. Badillo asked why we aren't celebrating this during February when we celebrate African American History Month, he then went further to explain his displeasure with the fact that the City of Groveland did not celebrate Vietnam Veteran's Day, Memorial Day and D Day. He asked who made the decision as to what we celebrate and Mrs. Pond explained the decision is made by the City of Groveland. 21Page Chairperson Traywick also noted her displeasure that the City of Groveland did not celebrate Veteran's Day, Memorial Day and DD Day. Chairperson Traywick noted the Mayor is here at this meeting she would like this to go back to City Council and asked to have it on record that it needs to be brought up at City Council that we should not fail to recognize this holiday. Director Walker noted that it would be taken into consideration when we create our Calendar of Events for the year. It will be brought up at RAC to determine what events we will celebrate moving forward . He noted that our events/programs are growing and he is pleased with the work the Events Coordinator has put into our events and we will continue to improve and thanked City Council for supporting our events. He noted we expanded our 4th of July fireworks celebration to include a second night to be held at Cherry Lake on July 3rd due to the passion of some RAC members. Chairperson Traywick expressed that we need to educate our community about all of our rich history and we cannot fail as leaders of our community to do that, then it's on us and I don't want the RAC talking a hit for why we didn't celebrate these important dates. Committee Member Campbell asked what the process is for submitting events. Director Walker explained that we have established a calendar of events along with the RAC, which we bring to City Council for approval. We don't always hit the mark but are always striving to improve. For an example, our Farmer's Market was scheduled to run October through March and it was so well received that Council asked to continue it so we are now doing Farmer's Markets year round which City Council and the RAC were thrilled with. We were then asked to hold a Cinco de Mayo event; these were above and beyond events we had scheduled to do. He noted we are not picking and choosing, we can only do so much and all events are important to some generation, to some heritage in our community. In October we will ask the RAC to approve a calendar of events for the coming year as we also have a budget for these events beginning in October. We budget $4,000 a month for our monthly events. We also budget for larger events like Founders Week and 4th of July. These are all layed out in our budget and we are very transparent about that. 3IPage  He also noted that we have a calendar of events on the website but it was taken down due to Covid and the subsequent cancellation of events and we will make sure it is put back on the website. Committee Member Campbell asked how many individuals work in the Parks Department and Director Walker explained it is Sarah Pond, Dodie Barger and himself. Committee Member Campbell expressed what a great job she believes the Event Coordinator is doing and she believes it is the job of the RAC committee to help support us in our events and wanted Mrs. Pond to know she was not being personally attacked over failing to celebrate the Vietnam Veteran's Day, Memorial Day and D Day. She also commented that she believes the role of this committee is to provide support in these areas. She noted she is 100% behind Memorial Day being celebrated and noted her husband is in the military so she understands the importance of the holiday and it is something that needs to be addressed. Chairperson Traywick noted she was not attacking the Events Coordinator; she is just passionate about these things that we feel are important to our community. Committee Member Badillo noted we should give priorities to the National Holidays. Committee Member Cowels suggested we work with the City's partners to put on some of the events. With the department being so small, you need the help of other partners. OLD BUSINESS 1. Cherry Lake Park Phase II-Barth and Assoc./Manley Design, LLC. Mike Walker - Parks, Facilities and Community Services Director Director Walker noted the design phase of Cherry Lake Park has begun and Dr. Barth and Elizabeth Manley will be giving a presentation on the amenities suggested for this park. Elizabeth Manley gave a power point presentation via Zoom discussing each of the amenities identified on the schematic to include: Cherry Lake Center Destination Playground Splash Pad Plaza Multi-Purpose Field (Soccer, Baseball, Etc.) Sports Courts (Basketball, Tennis, Pickle ball & Racquetball) Amphitheater 41Page Dog Park Picnic Areas Parking Perimeter Greenway & Trails Sidewalks/Walking Paths Open Space Trailhead Botanical/Butterfly Garden Community Garden Nature Playground Observation Tower Adventure Course Environmental Education Storm Water/Rain Gardens Inviting Entry After the presentation, Mrs. Manley invited the RAC Members to provide input on the presentation. Chairperson Traywick noted the committee only received the packet earlier today, which did not give them much time to review it and would appreciate receiving future information earlier. Chairperson Traywick noted when looking at the schematic this was not the vision that the people in the area had recommended. She went on to list the items she questioned to include: Pickle ball (not a priority) Racquetball (never listed) Tennis (lost art) Destination Playground (larger area with something for all ages) Environmental Education/Gardens (Doesn't understand the intent) Amphitheater (never discussed) Cherry Lake Center (location needs to be up front and larger) Parking Access Concerns Adventure Course Observation Tower (not a necessity) She asked if Phase II would be all of this or would it be pick and choose and noted she needed clarification regarding the parking lot going around the perimeter of the multi-purpose field because that was not their vision. Mrs. Manley apologized for the providing the packets as late as this but noted they are just getting the design process up and running. They will work harder to get things to us earlier next time. SI Page Mrs. Manley noted the vision/list presented here came from the information compiled from surveys and workshops that were held over the last 7 months. She noted in regards to the Destination Playgound it is much bigger than it seems in the schematic and will include equipment to engage all ages with ample seating and shade. Parking will be ample and there will be drop off locations for the Cherry Lake Center. The Environmental Education/Gardens is open for discussion. The Amphitheater is a use for open space with a hill creating a natural amphitheater. The Cherry Lake Center Size is currently designed at 40,000 sq. ft. The size and use of the center is still up for discussion. After evaluating the area it was determined, the pros indicated it should be at the rear. The main ideas was to have it visible and central with ability to be well used and accessed by multiple areas of the site but this is also up for discussion. The Adventure Course with that grade is a little more natural with exercise equipment along the trail. The observation tower was just an idea and the main point was to draw people into the park. As far as the parking, we wanted to distribute parking around the perimeter so that we are not bisecting the park but also place it so it is well shared with multiple uses. Chairperson Traywick commented that something she personally thought would go over very well would be a swimming pool. She noted we could still do a splash pad and she acknowledged pools can be costly and there is the issue of liability but she believes it would get more use that the pickle ball, racquet ball and tennis courts. She noted she is concerned that we are not utilizing the property correctly that we are going to be spending tax dollars on. She continued that the RAC has had multiple plans presented to them over the years and it is important to get this right, as we are accountable not only to the community but also to the taxpayers of this community. 61Page She stated that she is aware this park will become a destination park bringing in a lot of people but her first responsibility is to the community there who have been waiting on a playground for over 10 years and nothing is to be built on that property until they receive the playground equipment they have been promised for the last 10 years. Committee Member Chuck Kenzig noted that this park is being designed as a community park vs. a neighborhood park and there is a very important distinction there. The surveys that were done as a part of the master plan are part of the analysis for what is being placed in the park. He noted he does not necessarily agree with every aspect of the design but the schematic presented is important to the overall process because it shows the relationship between the various elements. He believes the parking needs to be reviewed and thinks the parking should be closer to the center and the ball fields should be on the edges of the development. Parking should be more centrally located to the overall design. He also commented about the dog park and thinks it would be a great asset to the community in this general area and the surrounding areas but thinks there should be a large dog park and a small dog park. He does not believe the observation tower is necessary but it could be a destination point to users. The general location of the center, taking into consideration the topography as shown, seems to be in a generally good area. As far as a pool, if the city and residents determine a pool is needed they then need to figure out the best place for it; it may not necessarily be in this park. Committee Member Badillo agreed that tennis courts are unnecessary, but he loves the splash park. Committee Member Martin noted she supports the idea of the observation tower as children love to climb and feels it would be a good draw for the park. Chairperson Traywick noted her thoughts on the observation tower are formed from the fact the area is already at a higher elevation and the original plan was to have a huge rope climbing course that could be utilized by all age groups, even adults whereas, the observation tower would only accommodate a limited number of individuals at any given time. 71Page Committee Member Cowles noted if the Cherry Lake Center is going to be used for events and/or presentations there will be a need to have a drive thru area to allow off-loading. Chairperson Traywick noted she has not been given any information as to what exactly this center is going to entail, the size, what it will be used for, etc. Dr. Barth noted they had held off on the design until the dispensation of the site was determined but a drop off area will be part of the plan. Committee Member Campbell asked if there would be any features for those that are disabled or special needs children. Things like a swing that wheel chairs can fit on and will there be any fencing around the park. Will the destination playground be enclosed by a fence? Mrs. Manley acknowledged they have taken special needs children into consideration in the design of the park. She noted fencing has been considered and there are ways to use fencing that is not blatant. Committee Member Kenzig recommended the committee address the issue of the pool and make a determination as to whether a pool is or is not an element of this plan and move on. He noted he would like to ask Director Walker if there has been discussion within the city if a pool facility is a need of the community based on the surveys that came in, and if so, then where that facility is located should be set as a priority by the city, the administration and the budgeting process. I don't believe it is this committee's responsibility to say a pool should go in this site. The surveys and how those are all developed, should dictate where a facility of that type should go within the city. One would assume, based on what the consultant is showing us on this plan, that it has already been determined that this is not the location for a pool. Director Walker noted there have been comments and communication on this topic. If our partnership moves forward with Hope International Church, the pastor has indicated they would like to have a community pool there. So yes, there talks of having pools in other locations in the city. Committee Member Badillo commented that it is the responsibility of this committee to give recommendations on park amenities and if we feel this park would be a good location for a pool, we should make that recommendation. All we are doing is providing the recommendation and the approval will come from City Council. Committee Member Kenzig noted the revenue potential of a park needs to be taken into consideration in the beginning phases i.e., dog SI Page  parks can be designed to generate revenue, as well as a splash pad, etc. If there is a revenue element, of this plan, it should be designed in the plan in the beginning and the focus should be on that. The center itself can generate revenue. Chairperson Traywick noted this discussion has already taken place and it was determined to not charge for access to the park amenities. Dr. Barth noted we could review this as we go because there is revenue-generating potential designed into the current plan. NEW BUSINESS 1. David Blanks Park Mike Walker - Parks and Community Services Director Several months back the RAC expressed a desire to start a process of getting familiar with the current park system and thought it would be beneficial to engage the members to visit one local park per month to be discussed at the next RAC meeting, so you will find in your packet the David Blanks Park Assessment form. This assessment form will help familiarize you with the park and will allow you to provide input for future improvement needs and current repair and maintenance needs you may feel is necessary. Please provide me with a copy of your completed forms prior to the next meeting. Chairperson Traywick asked if David Blanks Park is the one we are moving all of the baseball equipment out to the sports complex and going to start from scratch a new park. Director Walker explained that David Blanks Park is off Gadson across from the Elise Tomlin Center and only has a basketball court and playground with a pavilion. Chairperson Traywick noted this is a very small park with very limited space and it is in need of a bathroom however, the space is so limited that they have only been able to place a port-a-let there. She asked if the park is kept clean or only occasionally cleaned. Director Walker noted that Parks Staff is at this park daily. He noted that they had recently brought back the port-a-let due to Covid precautions being lifted and Parks Staff are there every day to clean the port-a-let. If you will review the Capital Improvement Plan that was just passed out you will see in the second blue column, the second line item is David Blanks Park restroom, which is in this year's budget. It is planned to get a restroom there before the end of this fiscal year, which is September 30 th . 9IPage Chairperson Traywick asked if it would be a one stall or multiple stalls . Director Walker noted there will be a Women's and a Men's restroom with ADA stalls. Committee Member Cowles noted the children of the Elise Tomlin Center clean up the park before Parks Staff gets there daily. Some of the observations and comments from residents is that the David Blanks sign sits too far out in the road and obstructs the view of the drivers. The ADA compliance issue is important as they do have several special needs students and rubber on the park floor would be helpful. She also commented that the water fountain has water that smells like sewage so no one uses that fountain. If the fountain is staying, it needs to be assessed or replaced. The entrance needs to be expanded to allow lawn mowers in and the fencing needs to be repaired . There is a need for benches to be placed by the park and the basketball court. They also need an electrical outlet in the pavilion. Asked Committee Member Cowels to explain what programming is currently held there and if there are things missing from the park from a program standpoint. Committee Member Cowles noted they have daily children's activities held in the Elise Tomlin Center and across the street at the park and there are pop-ups that happen monthly and lots of basketball. She noted there is not enough room to put on other programs. Committee Member Kenzig suggested RAC create a standard style of signage that can be used throughout all of our parks. Chairperson Traywick noted they are waiting on a determination on what is going to happen with S.R. 50 before putting up any signage. Director Walker noted that administration wants signage to be uniform throughout and we will be addressing all of the signage at all of our parks following this Master Plan. Committee Member Kenzig noted the ADA compliance issues are of concern and need to be addressed as well as the water fountain issue. He noted that if water fountains are not used regularly and water does not flow through that fountain the water can develop bacteria and become contaminated. He would suggest removing the existing water fountain and putting in a new one when they put in the new restroom. The playground surfacing/ADA compliance issue does need to be addressed and he noted there is an individual who visits the park shelter daily in a wheelchair and would not have access to the 10 I Page playground in its current state. The surface used in the playground right now is ADA approved but is an inexpensive surface. A rubberized playground surface can have many benefits such as safety, usability, and maintenance. He noted his recommendation would be that we need to evaluate the playground to make sure it has the elements that are required for the site and determine if there are additional elements that could go into the existing play structure that may not be very expensive, then do the resurfacing. Director Walker should take this information and determine what is needed but if the budget allows he believes we should put in the rubberized playground surface. The benches need to be relocated and/or new benches provided at the site that are ADA accessible. Benches are necessary at the playground and adjacent to the basketball court. Committee Member Cowles noted the current playground rules allow dogs and they are doing their business in the playground area, which then has to be cleaned up so she would like the rules amended to not allow dogs. Director Walker asked members to keep this in mind as we will be going through our rules and regulations and we can address this at that time. Committee Member Kenzig suggested the new restrooms should be able to be closed at certain times. Director Walker noted at the Lake David restrooms they have installed an automatic locking system, which closes at 9:00 pm and opens at 8:00 am . This could be done at David Blanks Park as well. Committee Member Kenzig also commented on the grill area by the picnic shelter which is offset into the grass area. He suggested a grill pad (Concrete pad) be poured attached to the pavilion area and then relocate the grills to the grill pad to provide better accessibility. Committee Member Kenzig suggested standardized entrances to all of the parks with kiosks installed to provide information about activities and events happening. lllPage 2. Parks Rules "Draft" - Articles 11 2 & 3 Mike Walker - Parks and Community Services Director Director Mike Walker provided an overview of the Parks Rules and Regulations and explained he would like to address two or three rules per meeting and then once completed bring a revised set of Rules to the RAC for review and approval. Once approved by RAC they will be forwarded to City Council for final approval. Tonight we will address rules 1, 2 and 3. He read the rules to members and rules 1, 2 and 3 and opened the floor for discussion. Motion: Committee Member Cowles moved for approval of the Parks Rules "Draft", rules 1, 2 and 3, as presented and the motion was seconded by Committee Member Badillo. The motion passed unanimously. 3. Review - RAC Duties and Responsibilities Mike Walker- Parks and Community Services Director Director Mike Walker provided an overview of the RAC Duties and Responsibilities then opened the floor for discussion. Chairperson Traywick inquired about reporting to council, stating that we need clarification on who we are taking direction from, whether it's you and then council or council and then you, however they want that flow to go and also on what actually transpires in the RAC meeting minutes to the council so the council is getting a report on what we are working on and voting on. Director Walker noted the City Manager, Mayor and City Council members get a copy of the RAC Agenda packets when they are sent out to the RAC members which includes the previous month's meeting minutes, although unapproved until the meeting. Moving forward we have been directed to once the minutes are approved, send them to Mayor and City Council. Chairperson Traywick noted we need to make sure we have a direction and whom that direction is coming from so we don't have a lack of communication between ourselves, between you, between council, so that we are all on the same page and we're trying to be on the same team here to accomplish the end results. Committee Member Kenzig suggested that Mike as the Director of the Park Agency and the fact that this RAC committee is an advisory committee, that our direction should come from Mike and that in his capacity as a city official, that he take any of our recommendations as an advisory committee to City Council or to the Mayor. If there is 12 I Page  legislation that needs to be passed by City Council to direct that then I would urge Mike to seek that, but it's my opinion this is an advisory board. It is not here to dictate who does what in the city, it is our job to make Mike's job easier and to help him get the best things accomplished within the city. Chairperson Traywick noted that on the side of the coin you will have the council members say that they are the ones who appoint each and every one of us from our districts within the city and so they say that we have to abide by what they develop, so it's been kind of a disconnect when you're not sure because you think this is the direction you are supposed to go then somebody else says no, this is the direction your supposed to go and now here I am, I can't divide myself in half. We just need direction on what we are to do and we will go that direction. Committee Member Kenzig noted he understands but if there needs to be that direction then Mike needs to be the one to take it back to City Council and ask for clarification of that. Chairperson Traywick said she believes we are all trying to work with Mr. Walker and get the best end results but if we feel there is a disconnect we have to get the connect and get on the same level so they we understand what it is that is needed to be accomplished and do it together. Director Walker noted he would get clarification on the report. He noted he believed that it was discussed several meetings ago that the RAC would give monthly reports to City Council but I will verify that. To reiterate Council is getting the minutes before they are approved and will get the minutes after they are approved in case of any changes. Committee Member Campbell asked where she could find the minutes for the RAC and also that there is an established page for RAC that hasn't been updated since earlier 2020 on the website. Director Walker noted he would follow up on her questions. Motion: Committee Member Kenzig moved for approval of the RAC Duties and Responsibilities as presented and the motion was seconded by Committee Member Cowels. The motion passed unanimously. 4. Challenged Champions and Heroes Awards Ceremony Committee Member Campbell 131Page Committee Member Campbell provided the background on the Challenged Champions and Heroes, which is a national organization that looks to bring honor, and recognition to those with special needs in the community and in fact worldwide along with their caregivers. The organization was founded by Dr. Robin Lococo, a 2018 US Lifetime Achievement Presidential Award winner and Congressional Top 20 Women 's Award winner.as well. She was awarded a National Archives National Champions and Heroes and Awareness Day yearly on July 29 th . Committee Member Campbell noted she was giving a presentation at an ADA National Disability Awards Conference and in the presentation was speaking about the City of Groveland and the special needs children in this area and was approached by Dr. Lococo who expressed a desire to hold the awards ceremony here this year. Dr. Lococo asked if she would like to nominate some of the special needs children here in this area and Committee Member Campbell jumped at the chance. You will see in the packet you have been provided, that several children here in the area that are Challenged Champion and Heroes Award recipients have been nominated. There are also nominations for Youth in Action, which are the siblings of special needs children. Caregivers are also being recognized. Dr. Lacoco would like to partner with the City of Groveland to put on this event and is basically looking for marketing support, meaning the City would put out a Press Release saying the City is partnering with Challenged Champions and Heroes along with media recognition of the local recipients and then they are requesting that the City Manager, City Council and the RAC be in attendance at the Awards Ceremony on July 24 th at Hope Church. The event will be formal and semi-formal attire with red carpet. This is a national award and for some of these children it is a once in a lifetime event for them, so we are going to make it as special as we can. She is presenting this to the RAC first because of the importance of ADA accessibility in our parks. She noted these parks are not a luxury they are a necessity as they are part of the therapy for these children. Knowing that the Parks Director and the RAC will be at this event show the children and their families that we care. Regardless of how this partnership goes, she would like to express the importance of having the RAC in attendance. Motion: Committee Member Kenzig moved for approval of the Challenged Champions and Heroes Awards Ceremony partnership request as presented and the motion was seconded by Committee Member Cowels. The motion passed unanimously. Committee Member Martin noted that all of the children being recognized appear to be on the Autism spectrum and expressed that there are children with other special needs that she would like to see get recognition. 141Page REPORTS a. Committee Member Reports Committee Member Shana Martin Committee Member Martin noted she did not have a report however, she asked all committee members to revisit the Pledge of Conduct that is the first item listed after the Call to Order and noted the first line is "we may disagree, but we will be respectful of one another" and she just wanted to remind everyone of that. Committee Member Chuck Kenzig Committee Member Kenzig noted he did not have a report but for the new members benefit he noted that all of the Master Plan Workshop are recorded and they can gain a lot of insight by listening to these recordings Committee Member Campbell asked where they could access past RAC Zoom meetings. Director Walker noted he would work on getting those past meeting links for the committee members. Committee Member Cowles asked what information is being requested in these reports so Chairperson Traywick provided her report as an example. Committee Chairperson Amanda Traywick Chairperson Amanda Traywick noted she attended the following: Farmers Market on 05/14 City Council on 05/17 Flagged graves at a St. Cloud cemetery on 05/30 Committee Member Linda Cowels Committee Member Cowles noted the following: 05/17 - Attended City Council Meeting 05/22 - Hosted a WIN Community Luncheon 06/05 - Hosted WIN Closet Shopping Spree 06/07 - Elise Tomlin Center began Summer Activities for children aged 5 to 15 which will run from 6/7 through August. Committee Member David Badillo Committee Member Badillo noted he attended: 05/17 City Council meeting. Director Walker explained that we have been using private emails to communicate with the RAC members and was notified that the RAC members need to use the City emails provided for each committee member. You will find a 15 I Page sheet at the end of your packet explaining how to access your city emails. Going forward we will no longer be able to use personal emails. Committee Member Kenzig reminded the committee that we need to pick the next park to be reviewed for next month's meeting. Director Walker asked that all committee members go to Cherry Lake over the next 7 days and provide feedback in an email to him, which can be forwarded to Dr. Barth and Ms. Manley so they can proceed with the next step on Cherry Lake Park. He suggested they complete the review on J.T. Memorial Park for the next monthly meeting. Chairperson Traywick asked if J.T. Memorial is going to be transferring its field to the new sports complex and starting fresh as a blank park. Director Walker responded that he does not know at this time, as it has not been determined. That park will be there for at least the next two years so we need to review it as is. PUBLIC COMMENTS Michael Gris responded to the events calendar discussion and agreed it should reflect the National Holidays. He expressed that he is a member of Trilogy Veterans Association (TOVA). For Memorial Day they held a ceremony with over 100 guests, they had a guest speaker with City Council in attendance . He suggested they could be part of the City's event in the future. In regards to Cherry Lake Park, he supports the Pickle Ball Courts and suggested they could be used for all age groups and they could even hold tournaments. He thinks the Challenged Champions and Heroes event is fantastic. Adjournment Chairperson Amanda Traywick adjourned the meeting at 9:22 pm. Chairperson Amanda Traywick Attest: Leota "Dodie" Barger, Recording Secretary 16 I Page