Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

401 West Venice Avenue City of Venice Venice, FL 34285 www.venicegov.com Meeting Minutes Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Monday, November 18, 2013 3:00 PM Council Chambers I. Call To Order A Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was held this date in Council Chambers at City Hall. Chair Linda Kenfield called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. II. Roll Call Present: 6- Steve Byington, Chair Linda Kenfield, Joan Piper, Verna Silk, Jim Woods and Cindy Hicks Absent: 1- Vice Chair Charles Alfano Also Present Ex-Officio Councilmember Emilio Carlesimo, Public Works Director John Veneziano, Sarasota County Representative Jim Wormley, and Recording Secretary Susan Schult. III. Approval of Minutes 1. 13-0246 October 21, 2013 Regular Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Mr. Woods, seconded by Mr. Byington, that the Minutes of the October 21, 2013 Regular Meeting be approved. The motion carried by voice vote unanimously. IV. Audience Participation Kathy Cushing, Venice Street Legal, commented on the tiles broken on the restroom roofs in Centennial Park from tree limbs, the ant problem, and the removal of moss and dead tree branches in Centennial Park. V. Updates 1. 13-0248 City Of Venice Report Mr. Veneziano reported there is a project to install a shade structure at the Interactive Childrens Fountain where the picnic tables are, talked about the transition of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) plan stating Centennial Park is the first location to address ADA issues, noted there are no ADA picnic tables in Centennial Park, pointed to the areas where ADA picnic tables could be installed , touched on a material called Flexipave that can be used around trees that is porous and can eliminate mulching areas, added staff sprays for ants before an event, and there are two tree trimming positions to be hired. He reported on the Volunteer Park Makeover Day, reviewed the improvments made to city parks, answered questions on a formal thank you from the city, and stated there will be a debriefing meeting and conversation about holding a similar event next year. City of Venice Page 1 of 3 Parks and Recreation Advisory Meeting Minutes November 18, 2013 Board He continued to answer questions on changing the bench composite, stated a composite slat bench was installed next to a new wood bench to compare longevity, reviewed locations where other composite benches have been installed, noted the harsh environment of Humphris Park, the difficulty in finding a slat supplier, the cost differential between wood and composite, answered questions on whether composite benches will eventually replace wood benches, if the composite material can be installed on current bench structures, and whether there is a park bench master plan. Discussion took place on the maintenance of bench plaques, whether the bench price should be raised to maintain the bench and plaque, where there is room for more benches, whether to recycle sponsored benches, whether there is a dedication of picnic tables, having a donation program, and people using benches downtown for business solicitations. Mr. Veneziano answered questions on durability of composite benches against vandalism, reported surveillance cameras were installed, reviewed the camera locations, noted the restrooms doors will be locked in the evening, the next camera installation will be at the fishing pier and then at Humphris Park, stated the equipment comes with a DVR recorder, and staff will eventually be able to monitor remotely. He answered questions on educating the public on the cameras, reported a kick off meeting was held this morning on the parks master plan, the ADA compliance project is mapped out for a year long process, talked about the dumpster enclosures at various city parks, and noted the enclosures in the architectural districts will be different. He reported there is an explanation of the name of the park and how it was named added to the city website, and the ordinance on dogs in parks will be heard on first reading on November 26, 2013. Ms. Kenfield updated the board on the upcoming survey being conducted by Venice Area Beautification, Inc. (VABI) on user suggested improvements to Venice Beach. Discussion took place concerning Venice Beach being more of a tourist destination and whether oak trees along W. Venice Avenue can be trimmed because they block the view of the beach. 2. 13-0247 Sarasota County Report Mr. Wormley introduced Sarasota County Parks and Recreation Supervisor David France and noted Mr. France has moved his office to the Venice Community Center . Mr. Wormley read a follow-up report from Pat Calhoon, that included the sea oats were trimmed at Chauncy Howard Park, the sign at Humphris Park will be removed for refurbishment, a signage request was submitted directing drivers on Laurel Road to Knights Trail and Myakka River Parks, and the county is waiting on response regarding a SCAT stop at Venice Beach. He reported on the ending of league events and that events will resume after the holidays, stated the quarterly park walk-throughs with the city were completed and there are no major issues, and noted there will be a debriefing on the REV3 event. Discussion followed on the dune system at Chauncy Howard Park, whether the Chauncy Howard Park and the Venice Beach signs could be moved for better visibility , the number of entrants and volunteers for REV3, events surrounding the REV3 event, and informing the community that downtown is still open during a big event like REV3. Mr. Carlesimo left the meeting at 4:05 p.m. and returned at 4:07 p.m. Discussion continued on the WiFi program at county beaches and whether Venice City of Venice Page 2 of 3 Parks and Recreation Advisory Meeting Minutes November 18, 2013 Board Beach could have WiFi, county policy on homeless people at Service Club Park, people camping at the dune areas, and maintenance of the Wellfield Park disc golf course . 3. 13-0250 Miscellaneous Reports Ms. Kenfield queried board members on miscellaneous updates. Mr. Carlesimo commented the city manager wrote a two page article commending REV 3 and Park Makeover day volunteers, talked about restaurants on Venice Avenue with sidewalk seating, the 44" standard for walk through traffic on sidewalks, and that the city wants to develop a policy on sidewalk dining. Discussion followed on people violating the 44" policy, suggesting code enforcement mark the pedestrian area, encouraging people not to ride bicycles on the sidewalk, posting signs that pedestrians have the right of way, there being no bike lane on Venice Avenue, and whether people in motorized wheelchairs on the sidewalk are considered operating motorized vehicles. Ms. Kenfield queried board members on holding a December meeting. Ms. Silk moved to cancel the December 16, 2013 regular meeting. Seconded by Mr. Byington. Motion carried on voice vote unanimously. Ms. Silk reported on the County Parks board meeting stating each board member was asked to rank six sites for park acquisition, noted she spoke in favor of the Venetia Bay Boulevard property, the board is making progress on acquisitions, and stated the schedule of meetings was confirmed for 2014. Ms. Kenfield announced the tree lighting ceremony in Blalock Park and the Andrews Arboretum Dedication will be December 14, and the VABI Boat Bash will take place on December 7. VI. Adjournment There being no further business to come before this Board, the meeting was adjourned at 4:28 p.m. ________________________________ Recording Secretary ________________________________ Chair ********** City of Venice Page 3 of 3