HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-17-2014 Minutes MINUTES OF THE OCOEE
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
kihr REGULAR MEETING HELD ON March 17 2014
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting came to order at 6:04 PM in the Community Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, FL 34761. The roll was
called and a quorum was declared at that time.
PRESENT: Chairman Rainer, Vice Chair Lewis, Members Applegate, McKey, Singrey, Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Hayes
(Director Hayes), Sr. Administrative Assistant Dottie Godek and Ex- Officio Member Rosemary Wilsen.
ABSENT: Members Barber, Heard and Hudson.
GUESTS: None
A. Tour of the Community Center (moved up from Agenda Item C)
B. Approval of Minutes
Member McKey, seconded by Member App legate, moved to accept the regular meeting minutes from the January 13th
2014 meeting. The motion passed unanimous /y.
C. Spring Fling Recap
Ittaw Director Hayes said that Parks and Recreation Department participated in the Spring Fling with the Bike Rodeo and a helmet
give -away. They also had a booth that had water safety information. The rodeo was successful; some things need
improvement but overall the event was successful and was very well attended this year. The swimming lesson scholarships
were not given away but they will be available at the Easter Eggstravaganza and will be given as prizes. Ex- Officio Member
Rosemary Wilsen mentioned that this year the Orlando Family magazine wrote an article that came out about a week
before the event. Director Hayes reported that here were no incidents at this year's event.
C. Easter Eggstravaganza and Coloring Contest
Chairman Rainer said that the Advisory Board will be judging the coloring contest again this year. Director Hayes passed
out the flyer about the event. Director Hayes mentioned that the flyers are out to the community and will be sent to the
schools again this year. Judging is done on the Friday before the event. Ex- Officio Member Rosemary Wilsen asked
what time; Chairman Rainer said be there at 5:45 PM.
Vice Chair Lewis said she recalls discussion about needing a release for something. Director Hayes said that at one time
there was discussion about taking pictures of the winners and their drawings however a release is needed from the parents
for that. It was noted that the children were not present when the judging was done, but the majority of the children are in
the before and after school program and would be available, or possibly they will be attending the event. Chairman Rainer
said it would be a lovely page for the calendar for the month of April.
Member Applegate, seconded by Vice Chair Lewis, moved to ho /d the Easter Eggstravaganza Coloring Contest
judging on April 16 2014 at 5:45 PM. The motion passed unanimously.
D. Potential Park off Montgomery Avenue south of White Road.
Director Hayes handed out maps of the city owned property between Montgomery Avenue & California Avenue. It is south
of White Road and north of Colonial Drive. The City has a rough conceptual plan for this property (which is rectangular and
about 4.5 acres). The City is looking to create a neighborhood setting with an open play area similar to Prairie Lake park; it's
big enough for baseball and or football; just about any activity. The western side of the parcel may be a dog park area. The
first phase of development will be the east side which will be the open play area, after a driveway and parking area are in
place. Right now this is a low budget ($10,000.00) project but there will be budgeting for more improvements in the future.
Director Hayes stated that the City is hoping to move forward with the 36 acre Rogers Property as well. The property at
Vignetti could perhaps be developed as multi - purpose areas. The board then had a discussion regarding the fields, restrooms
and lighting.
Member McKey, seconded by Member App legate, moved to support the new practice ball field and dog park on
Montgomery Avenue. The motion passed unanimous /y.
E. Update on the sale of the Coke Property
Director Hayes passed out a current development plan for the property. In that plan there was an area identified as a park
as well as an amphitheater. He stated that the city is looking to sell the property and the developer that originally was going
to purchase the property defaulted on the agreement. The City is now in negotiations with a different developer (Morrison -
Taylor) to purchase the site. The city is negotiating the sale of the entire area with some conditions; one of the things they
are thinking of doing is eliminating the area slated as a park — it will be residential property. The Rogers Property once
developed, will serve as a park for the northern neighborhoods since it is relatively close to the Coke Property. Director
Hayes pointed out that the map shows a small area at the top which the City is thinking of retaining and will be an access
point to Lake Apopka. Chairman Rainer asked why that would be retained and it was explained that future generations will
be able to use the access when the lake is cleaned up. Member McKey mentioned that there is an area that could possibly
connect in the future to the West Orange Trail.
F. Update on Parks Security
Director Hayes said there was a request for information on the parks security cameras from the board. Director Hayes
said that at present there is no funding. The City is looking at a camera system to be installed all around the community,
including private developments. All cameras would be linked and accessible to the PD 24/7. Parks and Recreation would have
access to the Park cameras so we would be able to monitor activities. The cameras have to be linked by "line -of- sight" towers
and the city is looking into various tower sites, and they are talking to Orange County regarding the water tower. The county
wants to take the water tower down but Ocoee is having discussions with the county. The cameras cost approximately
$2,500.00 each, and they are permanently mounted. Chairman Rainer asked if this was in the hope of reducing crime and
vandalism in theC. Director Hayes said that there is vandalism and that a City employee was assaulted in one of the parks.
G. Update on Parks Signs per Ordinance
Director Hayes said that the signs are at the sign shop and he is hoping to get the signs that say that bike riding, inline
skating and skateboarding is prohibited in the parks, and also some other signs with a general outline of the park rules
quickly. He also mentioned that there should be no smoking signs posted. People can be given a citation if they do not
comply with the City Ordinance.
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H. Other Business
klow 1) Lights on Baseball Fields: Director Hayes stated that the grant that the City received was for the replacement of the
lights and the control box. The wiring between the control panel and lights failed. Existing wiring was used and will have
to be replaced. Director Hayes said that the City has offered Little League the use of Vignetti Fields because the
lighting repair has been delayed. There was a discussion regarding the installation of the lights, the reason for the failure
and the Little League scheduling.
2) Movie in the Park: Chairman Rainer asked how the event was going and Director Hayes stated that it was going very
well. Chairman Rainer said that she had been talking to a vendor at Winter Garden Farmers Market who mentioned
that the Food Truck event was "dying ". Director Hayes said that the particular vendor was at the Christmas Event
which was on the cold side. A lot depends on which movie is being shown as well. Director Hayes said that the City is
looking at enhancing the Food Trucks; that there is a local event planner that wants to bring crafters to the event. The
community market would only be with the Food Truck event.
3) Director Hayes mentioned that the Big Orange Games will be held on April 26 2014; 9:15 AM at Ocoee High School.
4) Member Singrey asked where the coloring contest was being held, and it was stated that it was at the Jim Beech
Recreation Center.
I. SET NEXT AGENDA
A. Approval of minutes of the March 17, 2014 meeting
B. Review of Easter Eggstravaganza Event
C. Review of Big Orange Games
D. Swimming Pool Opening
E. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7 ::25 pm.
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Chai an Rainer r./ dministrative Asst. Dottie G. a ek
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