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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-14-02 Minutes WS MINUTES OF THE OCOEE CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION HELD MARCH 14, 2002 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Vandergrift called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. Deputy City Clerk Whitford called the roll. PRESENT: Mayor Vandergrift, Commissioners Anderson, Johnson, and Parker. Also present were City Manager Gleason, Recreation Director Farmer, and Deputy City Clerk Whitford. ABSENT: Commissioner Howell DISCUSSION of RECREATION PROGRAMS Commissioner Parker explained why she had asked for the meeting. She cited many of Ocoee's existing recreation programs and asked for input from the other Commissioners and those present in the audience. Commissioner Anderson said he wanted the City's recreation ratio to be where it is currently, but without including the golf course. Commissioner Johnson stated the main issues that need to be addressed were properties, buildings, and how to finance them as well as the cost of additional (or the expansion) of current programs. Mayor Vandergrift talked about the Recreation Advisory Board and suggested the members of that board go out and ride through all the parks to see how each is utilized. He asked Recreation Director Farmer about the park map which shows where each park is located and indicates what is in each park. Mayor Vandergrift said the important issues are land, buildings and the services coming out of those buildings. He referred to a conceptual drawing map of the Beech Center and spoke about the ball fields and hiking trails shown on the drawing. He mentioned the new George Bailey complex in Windermere that Orange County helped to fund and suggested the County as a possible revenue source for the same type of facility in Ocoee. City Manager Gleason said the City tried to keep an updated inventory of the fields because of the calls and the demand for practice time. He said the biggest demand was for passive areas and stated impact fees would never carry the full cost, but the City has been very successful in recent years obtaining grants. He referred to a letter from Recreation Advisory Board member Veronica Royce, who suggested a nature path and natural gardens connecting to the West Orange Bike Trail. Mr. Gleason said there are multiple definitions of recreation beyond baseball, football, and soccer; but all of them take money to operate. Recreation Advisory Board Chairman Gordon Applegate said he would like to see the City purchase a 15 acre piece of land to be used for practice fields leaving the regular fields for City Commission Work Session March 14,2002. actual games. Bulldog Chairman Dan Coleman expressed the same sentiment regarding the need for more practice fields and protecting the regular fields, during the off season. Little League Chairman Gary Hood reiterated the need for more practice fields and said the need would only get worse as Ocoee grows. He spoke against user fees and offered a suggestion that the developers be required to set a side an area in each subdivision for parks that can be used as either practice fields or passive park areas. Tennis Instructor Jack Vinson gave an overview of his tennis program and stated the two courts he uses are in need of repair and he could use a blower to keep the sand off the courts. Commissioner Parker inquired as to what would need to be done to repair the tennis courts. Mr. Vinson stated they could be resurfaced and that their current condition poses a liability due to the cracks and their slipperiness. Mr. Vinson also said there is a need for more courts if the program is to expand and offer league or tournament play. Soccer Board member Carrie Milligan inquired about why the area behind the Beech Center isn't used for practice fields. Mayor Vandergrift responded partly because of money and partly because some of that area is in the flood plain. Mr. Gleason said that part of that area is a wet lands area and can't be developed. He said that piece of land was purchased from the utility fund and Engineering was reluctant to develop it. He explained special assessment fees and impact fees. He talked about where Ocoee is in relationship with Orange County regarding impact fees. Recess 7:35 p.m. - 7:40 p.m. Recreation Director Johnny Farmer gave an overview of where the sources of funds for recreation and for parks. He gave a breakdown of what some of the monies are used for such as staff, mowing, chemicals, and general maintenance. Line Dance Instructor Linda Marshall stated her main need in order to offer more classes would be a regularly available room on Tuesday nights. She said a stability of schedule is necessary. Jazzercise Instructor Patty Keener stated she too needed a regular schedule. Dance Instructor Catt Pisano gave an overview of her dance program and stated her main need as a wood floor. She said that would help reduce liability as the current floor is quite slippery. Karate Instructor Paul Robinson said he believed Karate is as important as baseball and 2 City Commission Work Session March 14,2002. football type sports. Mr. Robinson said many of his students are "at risk" kids, some have been referred to him by guidance counselors, while others have low self esteem, or just don't see themselves as athletic and fitting into "regular" type sports programs. He said his greatest need is mirrors for the practice room and said the Karate club was willing to help foot some of the expense, but since the room was used for other functions safety was an issue. Mr. Robinson suggested that signs be put up by the buildings which stated what classes or activities are held in that building. All the speakers thanked the Commission and the City of Ocoee for all of their support and concern for the youth in Ocoee. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Parker 1) Explained she had asked for this meeting with the leaders involved in Ocoee's recreation program so that the City Commission could get a clear picture of the status of each segment of the program and explore the needs of each part in relation to the whole. 2) Said they would put all the information into a format and work on possible options. 3) She thanked those present for the spirit of cooperation. 4) Said the City really cares about its kids. Commissioner Johnson said the spokespersons for each program should go back to their members in their programs and let the families know they need to help encourage the County to help build a facility on the north side like they did on the south in Windermere. Commissioner Anderson 1) Said he would like all the different groups to have a say at the Recreation Board meetings and encouraged them to attend as another venue to be heard. 2) Said if the audience liked anything they heard regarding special assessments to talk to their Commissioner or the Mayor. 3) Said from what he heard costs of the programs are being kept down and he applauded everyone for their efforts. 4) Said as the City grows and our web-site evolves the Recreation Department schedule will be posted. Mayor Vandergrift 1) Suggested the MVP grant program be opened up to the recreation programs for participation. 2) Gave an overview of Ms. Royce's letter. 3) Gave a brief history of how he first got involved with recreation. 4) Talked about getting a program breakdown of how many people are in each program as 3 City Commission Work Session March 14,2002. well as a cost breakdown to see where the dollars are going. 5) Thanked everyone for coming. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Attest: APPROVED City of Ocoee 4