ROADWAY EQUESTRIAN TRAILS AND GREENWAY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES TOWN HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 155 F ROAD, LOXAHATCHEE GROVE, FLORIDA. 33470 ROADWAY, EQUESTRIAN TRAILS, AND GREENWAY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2025, 5:09 P.M. -7:53 P.M. Meeting Audio Available Upon Request in the Office of the Town Clerk CALL TO ORDER The Roadway, Equestrian Trails and Greenway Advisory Committee meeting was called to order at 5:09 PM by Committee Chairperson Frank Schiola. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Committee began the meeting by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Chaimerson Schiola. ROLL CALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Committee Members Frank Schiola, Darcy Dean Murray, Katie Lakeman, and Ashley Bruce. Seat Two remains vacant at this time. STAFF: Town Clerk Assistant Sammie Brown, Community Standards Director Caryn Gardner Young, and Committee Liaison and Public Works Superintendent Craig Lower. Town Manager Francine Ramaglia was not present. With four members present, a quorum was established. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES MOTION: COMMITTEE MEMBER ASHLEY BRUCE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS IS. SECOND: THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIRPERSON DARCY DEAN MURRAY. VOTE: THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY WITH A VOTE OF 4-0. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES MOTION: COMMITTEE VICE CHAIRPERSON DARCY DEAN MURRAY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES. SECOND: THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER ASHLEY BRUCE. VOTE: THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY WITH A VOTE OF 4-0. Town ofLoxahatchee Groves Thursday, May 15, 2025 RETGAC Page No. 2 COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC There were no comments provided by the public. REGULAR AGENDA Agenda Item: Discussion Regarding Partnership Opportunity with Seminole Ridge High School Students: PSA on Eguestrian Safety Community Standards Director Caryn Gardner Young introduced two Seminole Ridge High School students, Tamson Lee and Reagan Bresnahan, who presented a previously recorded public service announcement (PSA) and expressed interest in partnering with the Town to create an equestrian safety PSA. The students requested guidance from the Committee regarding the video's message, format, distribution methods, and content. The Committee responded positively and offered several suggestions. Committee Members Frank Schiola, Darcy Dean Murray and Katie Lakeman emphasized the importance of educating vehicle drivers about how to safely approach horses on public roads. Committee Member Darcy Dean Murray echoed this sentiment and suggested including messaging for non-residents who may be unfamiliar with equestrian etiquette. Committee Chairperson Frank Schiola recommended outreach to news stations to help promote the PSA more broadly. It was also proposed to create a Spanish-language version to reach more of the local population. The committee also noted that driver education is key, particularly for those using the Town as a cut-through, and suggested the development of multiple versions of the PSA. The Committee discussed using local students and farms in production to increase community relevance and visibility. It was also suggested that the Town Clerk's Office and Public Information Officer (PIO) could assist with distribution via social media, the Town website, and other platforms. The students expressed a willingness to create two videos: one focusing on rider safety and the other on driver awareness. They also offered to include Spanish-language voiceover or subtitles. CONSENSUS: THERE WAS A UNANIMOUS CONSENSUS FROM THE COMMITTEE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PSA DEVELOPMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH THE STUDENTS AND PROVIDE THEM DIRECTION ON MESSAGING, LAYOUT, AND INTENDED DISTRIBUTION. Agenda Item: Discussion of Signs, Acceptance, and Placement for Town Trails Committee members reviewed samples of trail signage presented by staff� Craig Lower, the Committee Liaison and Public Works Superintendent, explained that the signs were intended for trail safety and to discourage ATV and unauthorized vehicle use. Some signs had been previously installed in the Wetlands area and Grove Town Center, but not all properties are under Town jurisdiction. Committee members discussed the need to develop consistent signage specific to Loxahatchee Groves and agreed that the signs should reflect both educational and safety elements. Staff noted that Diane Jenkins currently holds several signs in inventory. The Committee agreed that members would submit photographs of trail signs they like to staff before the next meeting. Chairperson Schiola recommended that the Committee first finalize the design and content of the signs, followed by determining proper placement. Town ofLoxahatchee Groves Thursday, May 15, 2025 RETGAC Page No. 3 CONSENSUS: COMMITTEE MEMBERS CAME TO A CONSENSUS FOR STAFF TO IDENTIFY THREE TRAIL SEGMENTS REQUIRING MINIMAL RESOUCERES TO IMPLEMENT AND PRESENT THEM FOR REVIEW AT THE NEXT MEETING CONSENSUS: COMMITTEE MEMBERS CAME TO A CONSENSUS FOR STAFF TO ARRANGE AND ORGANZIE A FIELD TRIP TO VISALLY ASSESS THE TRAIL LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS. COMMENTS FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS Committee members expressed gratitude for the work being done to advance trail development. Several members discussed the importance of acting now, even in small phases, to create usable trail segments. There was also discussion about the potential for the Town to request multi-use easements from property owners during property sales or development, which could enhance future connectivity. Committee Vice Chairperson Murray suggested reaching out to local property owners who may be more inclined to cooperate prior to selling their land. Committee Member Bruce noted the potential for trail access at Community of Hope and supported efforts to explore that location. Members expressed interest in pa1ticipating in field visits-either individually or with Town staff-to better understand trail conditions and proposed routes. CONFIRM NEXT REGULAR MEETING DATE: The Committee confirmed the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, 2025. Town Clerk Assistant Sammie Brown noted that calendar invitations have already been emailed to members, and a Zoom link will be provided for those traveling during the summer. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: VICE CHAIRPERSON DARCY DEAN MURRAY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. SECOND: THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER ASHLEY BRUCE. VOTE: THE MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, 4-0. THE MEETING WAS OFFICIALLY ADJOURNED AT APPROXIMATELY 7:53 P.M. TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, FLORIDA Sammie T. Brown, FRA-RP, MEDP Town Clerk Assistant p,P Frank Schiola Roadway, Equestrian Trails, and Greenway Advisory Committee Chairperson