HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 10-23-12CULTURAL AND LEISURE SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD
CAPE CANAVERAL LIBRARY MEETING ROOM
201 POLK AVENUE
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
MEMBERS PRESENT: Stephanie Robinson, Doug Raymond, John Dattilo, Gene Petre
OTHERS PRESENT:
Lonnie Dunn, Deputy Director Public Works
Andrea Binney, Recreation Coordinator
Lt. Alex Herrera, BCSO
Robert Lefever, Director Leisure Services
Fran Noiiiian, Board Secretary
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson, Stephanie Robinson called the meeting to order at 5:30pm.
APPROVAL:
Minutes from July 24, 2012 Leisure Services Board Meeting could not be approved due
to the fact that there was no quorum.
INTERVIEWS:
The Board interviewed two potential new Board members;
Marlene Woodside stated that she wanted serve on the Board because she wanted to be a
part of her City and by bringing her extensive art background she hopes to encourage the
arts in Cape Canaveral.
Barry Schoenholz expressed his desire to serve on the Board and explained that he has a
lot of experience having served on condo boards and public school administration as a
superintendent and principal.
By unanimous vote, the Board recommended the City Council appoint them to the Board.
ACTION ITEMS:
Bennix Park- Director Robert Lefever read a letter from a resident on Washington
Avenue from July 8, 2012 to City Manager David Greene. She and fellow neighbors had
concerns regarding the Homeless (in their opinion) and the teenagers hanging out in the
gazebos on Washington Avenue. They reported that they were getting harassed by them
and asked the City to take down the gazebos. A meeting was held on July 30, 2012
attended by City Officials, Sheriff's Office and Public Works to make an assessment of
the condition of the gazebos at Bennix Park. Their recommendation was to not remove
the gazebos but to make changes that would deter people from hanging out in the area
and that City staff members and BCSO preform frequent random inspections. It has
proved to be a successful choice because there have not been any more complaints from
the residents and they did not attend this meeting. Future recommendations were made
regarding the gazebos when they are scheduled for replacement to deter from
suspicious/illegal activity and would also give BCSO patrolling deputies a much clearer
view to observe activity. Lt. Alex Herrera commended the city's effort and that the
individual seating was a huge issue in improving the situation.
No Fishing Ordinance- Lonnie Dunn as a resident of Cape Canaveral living next to
Center Street Park expressed his concerns regarding fishermen using this park. He
reported that fishermen have been cutting bait and gutting fish on the aluminum benches
of the Gazebo and having three and four poles each in the water sometimes unattended.
Bait nets are being thrown while Manatees and Dolphins are in the area, dozens of dead
bait fish and dead fish with fishing line and hooks still in them posing a danger to
Manatees and Birds, and having to be cleaned up by City Staff before visitors arrive the
next day. There was a brief discussion regarding signs and regulations at City parks and
concerns regarding enforcement of said signs. After reviewing the proposed Ordinance
No. xx-2012 the Board recommended that the draft be sent to City Council for the First
reading at the November 20th meeting.
DISCUSSION:
Manatee Sanctuary Park- Director Robert Lefever indicated that Banana River Park has a
playground and our surveys indicate it has less than 5% usage. He recommends
relocating the equipment to Manatee Sanctuary Park, Mr. Lefever explained that timbers
and woodchips are very inexpensive and this project can be done in-house, however he
suggested that by using a professional playground company to install the surface it would
be more cost effective because timber would decay and mulch would compact and wash
away where a rubberized pour in place surface or artificial playground grass would last
longer. Also he recommended the addition of a shade cover. He also stated that the
playground will need to be consistent with the theme at Manatee Sanctuary Park. He told
the Board that he would get quotes and continue this discussion at the January meeting.
Gene Petre made the motion to have the Board approve the removal of all playground
equipment at Banana River Park and move it to Manatee Sanctuary Park. John Dattilo
seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
REPORTS: NEW/OLD BUSINESS
Gene Petre suggested that at the end of the next meeting the Board take a tour of all the
parks in the City. All were in favor. He expressed his concern as to why the VFW was
told they could not sell pulled pork sandwiches at the upcoming Friday Fest and Director
Robert Lefever stated that there is a vendor who has been selling pulled pork sandwiches
for six months and as much as possible the Leisure Services Depattinent attempts to
avoid duplication in goods and services and that a waiting list is maintained.
ADJOURNMENT:
With no further business to conduct chairperson, Stephanie Robinson adjourned the
meeting at 7:15 pm. Next meeting is scheduled for January 22, 2013.
Stephanie Robinson, Chairperson, Fran Norman, Secretary