You all are aware I did have a brief conversation with our new city manager, Mr. Keith Touchberry, regarding my concerns. In addition, I want everyone to know I am on a voluntary board and the directors know my feelings about the
below subjects in total transparency. It is my understanding the goal of this upcoming workshop is to cut $250,000 from an almost four $40 million proposed budget. Some background the city knows
is the city is known for its residential appeal, walkability, high rated school or schools location and most importantly a sense of community. Please note, we must be very aware that our local school
enrollment is down, as was this past summer's summer camp sponsored by the city. That enrollment was down. Also, my points of discussion are as follows. San Piper Park next to the next to our crown
jewel, the community center. The rehab of this park has been in the budget for the last few years. The rehab has constantly been kicked has constantly been kicked down the road in the budget process to keep taxes lower. This must
stop. The park is in disrepair. No fault to our city workers trying to maintain it. We have an unpainted piece of 4x8 piece of plywood to prevent children from falling off the broken equipment. We have stairs on two pieces of
equipment that go nowhere. There was a tunnel that broke over a year ago. We did have a monkey bar type climbing activity that was one of the most popular attractions, but this was torn down due to safety concerns and lack of
replacement parks. As a city, if we are going to attract families, which is the lifeblood of any city, we need to have parks for our children to enjoy and for the equipment to be safe. The park is in
a great location next to the C5 building and should be used as an asset to attract families to Cape Canaveral, not the current embarrassment it is to the city. The only people who are affected by this disrepair are our children.
Point number two, the splash pad at the C5 building. This $500,000 infrastructure has been down for the last 10 months, plus or minus. There are many reasons. Current equipment was the wrong equipment purchase to save a few
thousand dollar. Previous director had to order new equipment, make a bigger pump house, had to wait for permits to build, etc., etc. How can permits slow down this process? You are a government entity. You have the power to stop
construction. You have the power to approve construction. This delay is ridiculous. Yes, I understand that the city lost some employees, but we are still able to allow hotels to be built. The only people who is affected,
disappointed, is our children. This past summer was one of the hottest we've had in a long time. In the beginning of the summer, there were dozens and dozens of families walking to the splash pad only to be disappointed. Then they walked to
San Piper Park to be disappointed again. Again, as a city that touts we are familyfriendly, it sure does not seem like we are for the children. Point three, the $1 million dog parking
lot. The city obviously does not have a money problem. It is how we spend the money. When we can buy a building, tear it down, and make it a parking lot for the dog park just because interest rates were low. Yes, I understand. We have
future plans for the area, a band shell and other amenities to enhance our Friday Fest activities. That was about 3 years ago. And in the meantime, Merit Island, Bvard County can build an amphitheater that is just now ready to
open by the Veterans Museum. We are so late to the game. Again, an example of pushing the can down the road, spending money with no current benefits to the community. The 20-year plan is turning
into the 100year plan. Point number four, the Little League concession stand. We have one field, and this field needs some loving. One field for the concession stand will not raise any
significant amount of money for the 30 days a year the field is used. Perhaps $3,000 and that's a high side estimate of $100 per day at for at least three or four manh hours of volunteer work. Compare
this to the 13,000 to $15,000 total raised in four nights at the Friday Fest for the uh Space Coast Little League. After comparing concession stands at several locations, Cocoa Beach High School, four fields,
they make $150 a day. Mims, two fields, $400 a day. Port St. John's, six plus fields, $800 a day. This was a 300,000 plus project initial cost until it was recognized as this is
nuts and now using city employees it will be a 20,000 plus project. The space co uh note the space coast little league does not want the concession stand. Why cannot they cannot get volunteers to run it. The Space
Coast little need needs are the following and this is from Space Coast. A second field perhaps at the elementary school. Work with the board of education to get that done. A batting cage that's in the budget with lights to attract
players. This is a mustave. The concession stand is number three on their list. What the field needs is as follows. The removal of the sand spurs in the current outfield. Updating the dugouts. A sound system to announce the
batters and walk up music. Air conditioning in the press box. Outfield distance signs. Outfield warning track. We must understand what the field upgrades will mean to Space Coast Little League. The life of any sports center
activity is based on participation. Why do parents choose an organization over others? One, quality of coaches, quality of team, quality of the environment, the field, batting cages, equipment available, teaching aids, fun
game environment. This is what attracts players, not hot dogs. If you disagree with this statement, please discuss with our mayor. Did his daughter choose a team based on hot dogs or the quality of team and training available?
As a side note, I have forward I have forwarded to Miss Thomas and Mr. Mayberry photos of a single little league field and how that was redone with picnic tables, bike racks, etc. Here are several questions that we must
ask ourselves on the concession stand. What type of vetting did the city do to build this? What vetting was not done and why? Is this project a nice to have or a must-have? Is $3,000 at best a good
return on investment for $20,000? Mr. Deo, can you answer? I figure the ROI on this is a negative 85% which is a significant loss. Why was this pushed through so quickly
in a matter of weeks when we can't get the splash pad up and running almost a after a year or Nancy Hansen building repaired? Even the pickle ball tennis courts are being fixed before the splash pad. Oh,
not many p many children play there. Was there any pressure exerted to build this so quickly? Is it being built to be dedicated to anyone whose backs were scratched on this? What are the costs
associated with this project current year to date and projected finish cost? We we need to see the materials, labor, etc. If it's truly only $20,000, this $20,000 could have gone to
additional MOI mats at our beaches to make an Lshape. So the wheelchairbound individuals do not block other people trying to walk to the beach. My questions are when is the city going to stop kicking the cans down the road so
we accomplish some of our collective common goals? Thank you. [Music] approve or the agenda. >> Motion to approve. >> I'll second it.
>> I >> I Yes. >> I'll make a motion to approve the minutes from the July 31st regular meeting. >> I'll second the motion. >> I Hello. Okay. Hi. Um, I'm Luke Asaron.
Uh, I'm here to interview for the Polari. >> Awesome. We have your application and uh and your letter of introduction. >> Yes. >> So you were in Minnesota for a little while. >> Uh yes, sir. >> Okay. Well, I'm glad you're here. Thank you very much, sir. I'd love it here.
>> How long have you lived here? >> Um I've lived here about a year. Uh my father's lived here a bit longer. >> Okay. >> Um I'm in the village of Seapport right now. Uh he has two homes there actually. So, he has one. I have one and we're working through that. Fantastic.
>> He's I live there also. >> I'm sorry, man. >> I live there also. >> Oh, wonderful. I'll see you around. >> Yeah. >> I had a chance to read your poems. Um, which one do you enjoy reading the most?
>> Do you mind reminding me which poems I submitted? >> Okay. Yep. >> Sorry, I haven't seen the handout. You probably have more than what what you submitted to us, but uh Jify >> several. >> Oh, Jiffy. >> Jify's one. Dreamer. >> Thank you. >> Shape shifter goals.
>> Uh my favorite lamel's pal. >> Thank you very much. >> Uh a Disney like Spell, which I could see where you're going with that. >> Thank you. >> And uh a lot of teen teen stuff in that. But >> yeah, those are the ones you submitted to us. >> Okay. Well, I would say Dreamer out of
all that one. I I don't know if that's my favorite out of those. I think Lamel might actually be, but I think Dreamer best represents for this meeting. >> Okay. >> And I say that because I think whether as a nation, whether as a country, a county, whatever we're talking about, I
think a lot of people have forgotten the point of dreaming. I think that we have a lot of opportunities we don't see. I think that we define impossible when the whole point of dreaming is seeing what's impossible. >> Mhm. I think the word impossible used to
be defined by what can be next, not what can't we do. Now it's almost a sense of comfortability. >> It's good. Thank you. >> Thank you. That's why that poem is very important to me. >> Oh, that's awesome. >> Yes, sir. >> I actually have three questions.
>> Okay. Shoot. >> A poet laurate is both an artist and an ambassador. >> How would you make poetry accessible to the people who don't normally read? >> I've thought about this a lot actually.
Um, when I was thinking about applying for the position and making sure it could work for me and I could definitely be here to serve and do everything that comes along with the position, I talked to some friends and family and for me making sure that poetry is
available to all. Accessibility is a key word you're mentioning. accessibility, whether it's physical accessibility, whether we're talking about people who typically don't get the opportunity to learn about the value of word. I know one way I want to go about doing that is
going into schools. >> And I remember when I was a little kid, I used to go to something called movie night on the beach. I'm thinking about doing poetry night on the beach. >> Oh, cool. >> I think we have a lot of opportunities like that, especially in the city of
Cape Canaveral. I mean, we're on the beach. I think Brad, you actually mentioned it's very walkable. I think that's definitely one of the perks. So, I think really opening the gates of poetry to not just people my age, but throughout our county of Breford,
throughout our city, I think we have a lot of area to ground and cover. >> If appointed, what themes or issues You ask somebody that same question my age typically. Um, and they'll typically give you an answer. >> Ask you what your age is.
>> Oh, okay. No, no. I I'm just saying you ask you ask somebody the same question, that same prompt, my age. They're t they're typically going to talk about social issues, political political issues. For me, the best poetry the best poetry escapes politics. Sorry, escapes
politics. The best poetry transcends how somebody's thinking. >> Yeah. I'm sorry. What was your question again? Do you mind reminded me? >> No, I thought you answered it. >> That was great. >> Perfect. >> And my last one is, how would you balance honoring the city's traditions
with introducing new voices and perspectives? M I think >> all questions are >> No, no, no, no, no. I like them. I like them. Okay, you guys have are on the board for a reason. You guys are more
experienced with the city. I'd definitely love to get your guys' inputs, but also I mean at our Cape Cape Canaveral gym, we have pickup games, we have pickle ball, we have a lot of different options, especially with kids involved at my age, adults who are a bit
older um from around the age, I would say about 18 to 30. I would say we can really spark an arts movement if I spread the word through those Friday night uh pickup games. We have about 20 people there, sometimes more. If I just get one person to come to an event, I
know I can bring more. So, that's one of the ways I know I want to go about spreading. But definitely also with some of the people like my father. My father is of senior age right now. Um, I know he spread it to his friends and I know anything I back he's going to back. So,
I think spreading the word kind of through all age ranges would be a great way to do that. >> Thank you, sir. >> Any more questions from anybody? I I would like to see something and you probably can tell me if you thought about it just having like poetry slams
with high school kids, you know, especially >> when you're feeling so creative and and want to share your feelings with so many people that I would think that high schoolers would be a great set of people to to work with and have, you know, you
know, a Friday night thing like at the Cape Center or something, you know, where >> it's kind of like a compet competition, but it's also a creative outlet. >> You know, I think the idea that art has no right or wrong
really plays into that question >> because you mentioned winning. I know that's not what you meant, but I think just sharing is a win. >> And I think if I can get into schools, if I can make it a point to connect with peers my age, but any age range,
>> I think I can really bring people our way. and the current monthly uh meetings at the Kate Center. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to hosting those if I get that chance. And I cannot see any reason why not to expand on that event. I mean, we have once a month right now.
If we're going to make an art movement, we need to do weekly meetings. We need to have them in different places, not just our wonderful Cape Center, but on the beach, maybe at an ice cream parlor, or maybe at store openings. Sorry.
>> Sounds good. >> Yes, sir. >> Director, Mr. Director, question. This gentleman is what are your thoughts about the Friday
the poet laurate of Cape Canary for that monthly fest and we have trunk or treat to get the totally to the to the citizens of Cape Can's suggest
>> I'm totally behind that by the way. Um, you mentioned I mean what you were mentioning I think the idea of doing events and being involved in events that really Sorry. Oh, sorry. Um, I think really being involved in any events that
can unite us kind of as a family with regards to Cape Canaveral City. I mean, Friday Fest, you see anybody there, everybody. That's where I want to bring my poetry. So, I appreciate that idea. Um, we had a poet laurate
five, four years ago. Five years ago. Tim was the last. Is it Tim? >> Yeah, it was Tim. >> And then he when was Is he currently the poet laurate still or do we not have one? >> No, he turned out in April. We have been
actively searching for a poet laurate since January. >> Got it. >> Um, >> perfect. So, >> thank you. >> You're welcome, >> Luca. I love your zeal, man. I love your zeal. You're excited about poetry and arts and it's awesome. It's contagious.
>> Thank you. I really appreciate that. >> It just makes you get a little over. Absolutely. >> Because they are learning to read and write and I've got an 8-year-old. >> Wonder really. >> And >> yeah, they do all kinds of things.
>> I think um >> I I've coached tennis. Um >> I love that. >> Thank you. I've um I've coached tennis growing up. Um I'm actually a certified tennis pro with the USDA, so I can like go work at different places and I've
been offered pro jobs. Um, but one of the things I've realized is that when you get people young, like those little kids, 5 to 8, they're picking up stuff quicker than anybody. So, if we really want to make a movement, we would start in the elementary schools, high schools,
and then also expand on their expand on those areas where we're finding everybody in our culture. Thank you. >> Question. >> Yes, sir. >> What's the difference between the spoken word and poetry? So the spoken word kind of sex into
poetry. It's a form of it. >> At times poems are very succinct or have a rhythm to it or have kind of a gravitas as opposed to the poems that you're doing when you're doing spoken word. It's going to have gravitas as
well. But sometimes you're using more less verbose vocabulary um to really get your point across. You're using more emotion, more straightforwardness, kind of getting getting somebody to
invest in you that way. Thank you. >> Is that all? I'd love any more questions if you guys want some. >> Uh, I'll get back to you. He's the only applicant. >> Okay.
>> Consider a recommendation for the to the city council. >> And he meets all eligibility requirements. >> Fantastic. >> Thanks, Luke. Appreciate it. >> Thank you guys. >> I appreciate you. >> I'm very grateful I actually got to stand up doing this because I was a bit
nervous. So, getting to move around a little bit, it helped. Fantastic. Well, if you um you guys have any more points of discussion, we can do that. Or uh if not, I would motion to recommend
Luke for the poet laurate position and and recommend him to city council. >> All in favor? >> I Do we need to take roll for that one? >> Okay. Four.
Brad PL >> four. >> Kathy Parks. >> Joel Fair. >> Four. The next thing on our garden. All right. So, circling back on a little bit of the
history, and this is all provided in the agenda summary, but um we started this discussion last year when they started building a car wash 10t away from the garden. Um
it took forever for them to get the car wash done. And a couple months ago, I had the opportunity. We had a new um building official and we were I was giving him a tour of our facilities so that he could get a handle on what we needed from him and and the types of
facilities that the city maintained outside of the one that he works in. And uh the vehicle we were in was filthy. So I took the opportunity. I said, "Hey, I need to check out this car wash. I'm going to get out real quick. Can you run it through?" So I stood at the front
when he pulled in and then I went to the other side and stood at the other side when he went came out of it. Um it was a very average um western breeze and there
was minimal to no impact of overspray or anything like that. I was actually rather surprised. Um, however, that doesn't change the fact that if you are coming to the garden and you are bringing tools and you are not on a
bicycle, uh, you are parked illegally. There is no actual parking at Patriots Park, period. So, if you are there and you are in a vehicle, you are either parked in the rideaway illegally or you are parked on someone's private property, which is also not authorized.
So the bottom line with the garden is that if we want to keep it, it's going to need to be moved. And the original garden concept when it was um first installed circa 2017 2018 was that it
was going to be completely volunteer-led and volunteer maintained and that has not happened. Um we have like any um of the organizations that we work with whether it be little league or soccer or
or even you know the PTO the consistency of the we'll say the the product that comes out is only as consistent as the group. So you'll have a couple people that come in, they do a great job. They they maintain their beds. They're very engaged and then they either move, get
sick, pass away, leave, are physically unable to continue doing the things that they've been doing before and then all of a sudden we've reached a a point where okay, so now these beds are not being maintained. Now this is not happening. So, the city has had to step
in and do its best to maintain um despite all of this roller coaster of engagement, non-engagement, maintenance, no maintenance, and it's just not feasible um in its current location and
its current uh structure. We can't rely on volunteers to maintain everything. So, um, your guidance on whether or not you want to sunset the program completely or relocate. Um, we're we're eager to hear your thoughts on that.
>> And the city manager has been speaking with the individual council members because that's something that ultimately they need to be aware of too because at the end of the day, they're the ones that get the phone calls when things happen. So, um, yeah, we wanted your thoughts and I told the city manager
that I would be presenting this to you guys tonight and he's looking forward to to hearing what your your feedback is, your recommendation. If we if it was relocated to a place that had parking and easy access,
would is there enough of an interest that you think volunteers would come out or it's been so long since any more than those couple of volunteers that really it people don't even really think about it now? But would a new
place with ease of access and parking make a difference? >> I believe it would. >> Would have to because when I first looked at it, >> it's like where am I supposed to park >> to get here, right? >> You know, there's no parking everywhere.
There's absolutely no place to go. >> Yeah. Making it more accessible, I think, would give it a better chance. But at the end of the day, when you're talking about a a wholly volunteer effort, it's going to come back on the
city at some point. So, um we do have a new city manager. Um the city manager that was here when the garden was installed, um he kind of had a stance where he
didn't like to put his hand out. he didn't really support the idea of widespread sponsorships. >> Um so they never actually secured anything steady to guarantee that future for it. um our current city manager and
obviously this is a very new world that we're in compared to 2018 I believe would be have a better appetite to seeking community engagement as far as like a adopt the garden type of sponsor but also giving the the garden more of a
purpose than here's a box of dirt like that's that's what it is now it's it's okay do you have the ability to grow things on your property no I live in a thirdf flooror condo so here's a place where you can grow fruits and vegetables
and and pollinators etc. So developing a an engagement program in support of that in addition to maintenance would also be necessary. So the location would be a step in the right direction. Um at least in
increasing visibility and accessibility, but there's more than just moving it to a new location. question one. Is there any way we can reszone to put parking there
on the south side of Patriots Park? >> There has been a couple different projects proposed for I believe that is what's the name of that red John? >> Longpoint. Um, and one of the projects that was proposed, um, was similar to
what was done on Oak Lane where they would actually be putting in a proper curb and and repaving. And part of the discussion on that was, hey, can you squeeze in a couple parking spaces right here for Patriots Park? And that project
was um, not funded. >> Okay. Second question. You've mentioned that sometimes the people who are taking care of the garden get promoted. Um so that leads me to believe that perhaps
we somehow can create a mentoring program. Um and you mentioned that sponsorship is not out of the question. We have Ace Hardware in our community there that has a small garden center and they're very knowledgeable.
Perhaps we can start a mentoring program with some of our seniors tying in with the elementary school and even Cocoa Beach High School if they have uh a horicultural program uh and tie all that together. But my
question is on that, who leads that search? I you guys and I use you guys generically uh are spread so thin. Okay. I mean you do the website, you do the monthly
letter, you print this stuff, you you do the C5, you do Nancy Hansen, yada yada yada. So who leads that search to get that done? And is the squeeze worth the juice?
That has always been the conversation because you have just like little league and you've been very involved in youth sports. When you have a couple good parents, you have a couple good years and then when those good years are over, then it's going to be less engagement
and it's going to fall down to the city and then we have to build the program back up again. So it's it would be on staff to solicit the volunteers to develop the programming to do the scheduling um in terms of what
what's happening when. So the idea of a wholly volunteer program regardless of what it is is not feasible in my opinion. >> Okay. >> At least not sustainable for the long term. >> Right. Last question. If you you know
the parks much better than everyone else and the city much better than everyone else and let's eliminate the problem about lack of volunteers, lack of sponsorship, that's not an issue. In your guys's opinion,
where would a city garden fit best >> without having to do a bunch of prep to include removing trees because that is one of the challenges. You do need a little bit of shade, but you can't have too much shade. And everywhere we have, you know, a little open space, we have
beautiful trees that >> wouldn't be sacrificed for something like that. Um, the only place that does not have uh a solid tree canopy that has parking that is accessible to the
majority of the city. Um, and when I say that, I'm not counting Banana River Park because that's not what I consider accessible to the majority of the city because most people, especially when they first move here, don't even know that Banana River Park belongs to the
city because they think they're turning into Porto Del Rio. And they turn around real quickly because they think that they've just ventured into to to private property. Even though there's a sign and it's very clear and it's, you know, written with 1-in letters, it still seems weird when you're pulling back
there. So, um, I would say Canaveral City Park would be the most appropriate place in terms of parking, proximity to the, um, community center because that would be the engagement point. Like if you were doing meetings, program
demonstrations, that would be a natural place to do that at. Um but other than that, um the elementary school did at one time have its own little community garden.
Yeah. So, they they had they had their own thing going. Um I don't know how long I don't know what the status is now. I haven't seen it since I was there about a year ago. So, and and I know how how quickly a garden can go downhill
without without longtime maintenance. >> But yeah, the school the school did have its own garden for a little while. Not sure. >> That's really August through June, >> right? >> Or May, whatever. >> Right.
>> One of the points um that you have on here is the last community garden cleanup uh only had one person in attendance. When was that, >> Amy? >> I know it was on the spring solstice, but I don't remember if that was
>> Okay. Okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. I only ask I know that um we've tried to do a couple at um Veterans Memorial Park 2 in the in the bed there and that one was lightly attended but when they're in the summer
it just it's really hot. So, like trying to get some of the some of the folks whether they're older or younger to get out there in that heat can be very difficult. So, um yeah, that's why I would that's why I was asking just because I saw that point on there.
>> Yeah, consistency is our biggest challenge when it comes with engagement, but that's with that's everything. >> Absolutely. Thank you. Yeah, you can go up and >> speak. >> If you guys were to continue doing the
garden idea, I could write a poem for each flower or for each piece. I don't mind doing that. And then I can post on social media about the garden, bring more people that there. And then I can also keep mentioning it to all my
friends in the area. Sorry, that's just an idea. So basically, if we were going to continue the garden, we need to select a new location and then we need to develop a program that the city is willing to support regardless of the level of
>> and what does that support consist of, Madame Director? I mean, is are you going to have Ian and those guys pull the weeds out of those things? I uh that that kind of defeats the purpose. Um >> and that is the exact challenge.
>> What you know here's here's my biggest concern. Okay. Who leads the charge to get sponsorships? For example, off the top of my head, Ace Hardware, they're very knowledgeable.
Who can benefit from this? is Sunseed Co-op naturally grown fruits and vegetables in this garden and now they could buy it from whoever's growing it or
donate it through Sunseed to the homeless. >> I don't know. But who leads the charge and who in your organization and our organization um has the bandwidth to do that? Those
are two different questions because the first answer would be Amy and then you asked about bandwidth and she'll be the first to tell you that her bandwidth is running very low. >> Well, you need to talk to Microsoft and get a new server. >> All right.
>> Yeah, because Amy's Amy's role as the community engagement manager is obviously very broad, especially when you're in a small organization like this. But for her to be able to solely host that would be problematic,
especially when you have times where you have lower participation, lower engagement, or when you're having to rebuild after, >> say, a season and somebody leaves and doesn't come back. So there's there's there's a lot of moving pieces to it.
And then at the end of the day, when somebody stops coming and doesn't tell us that they're not going to be doing anything anymore, how long do we wait before we clear out the bed and get it tidied up?
That's always been an issue. >> Last question. Is this a must-have or nice to have? >> I don't think it's big enough to ever be a mustave. Okay. So if we were to um recommend to not keep the program going forward
and um in 6 months someone comes and says hey nothing's going on with the community garden at Patriot Park and we would say well we stopped the program because of lack of uh engagement and people's participation.
Um, if you could find 20 people that would want to spearhead that, we would think about, you know, restarting the program maybe in a different place because I think that what you need is that spearhead
>> prior to coming up with a plan to move it, investing time and and money into moving it. Um particularly if those people had a had a vision for it then their vision is going to be in look
uh in a particular way and place >> and so then they could come back to the board and say we would like to restart the program with these volunteers and we think that it would be good to do it in this place and we know that the city has
done this in the past um and the program could just go into a hibernation period where it's not funded, we're not putting effort towards it until some folks in the community together come and say, "Hey, we want to do this and we want to
spearhead it, run it, put in the manh hours to do it." Mhm. >> Um that would be my recommendation for us to uh take to city council to say it it looks like from what we can tell and from what this what we've seen in our
agenda there is a lack of participation and there is a lack of point people that would want to run the uh want to continue the program. We we love the idea. It's great. Like that that kind of
community is fantastic and that's what we're all about. The problem is we have limited resources >> and if there's not people that are already coming alongside of this thing, we don't have the resources to continue it as is. >> So we would recommend
uh you know disbanding the program or at least taking in some sort of hibernation period where we're not going to send any resources to it. Does that make sense? Yeah, I like the hibernation period or hiatus. um >> because really the only way to get it
started again would take um kind of publicity from the city to put it out like say in their newsletters, you know, hey, we'd like to restart the garden, you know, looking for volunteers and we're going to have it in an easy place
that's accessible and has parking and then see how many volunteers come. But as in any volunteer-led group, if they start falling off, it still ends up back in your hands again. >> But then we could sunset it again and
bring it back when the the generation and the time is right. Um, and one of the things that at least removing the current infrastructure does is it frees up a little bit of property over there that the city does own that
can be very easily adjusted to accommodate one or two parking spaces so that people that are coming to use the park are not parked illegally as well. >> Yeah. As I was thinking through it, the
one thing about uh suns setting the program would be that you can't just leave it like because it becomes blight very quickly. >> Yeah. >> Uh and so it's still going to require
resources even to tear it down or to um or to leave it, you know, at a minimal. And so I I just don't know how you would be able to do that. >> The the the planters are all rust. Most of them I think are rusted out, aren't they? >> They had started to to replace some of
them, but good lumber is good lumber and that's kind of what my eyes on because we do have fences that can be repaired with what we can salvage from that. So everything can be repurposed and anything that can't be directly
um salvaged and usable at that time would be easily replaced at a later date. Um, when the community garden was originally installed, there was a a a big uh energetic push not only from a lot of the local residents, but also
some of the leadership that was involved in uh one of the council members. Um, for those who are unaware, our council members are are compensated, but it's a very small amount annually. We're talking like $1,1500.
And um I don't remember what it was at the time, but the council member uh Brendan McMillan took his annual compensation from the city and donated it for the creation of the garden. And that for when you're just talking about
a little bit of sheet metal, a little bit of lumber, that that $1,000 went a long way. So it wouldn't be much to get it started. Again, you would just need to have the interest and the support and as much of a commitment as you can. And maybe getting the businesses involved
early in that process would be a better guarantee for the future of the program. >> I'm okay with being wrong too. Like if we if we make that recommendation to the council and then all suddenly, you know, everybody comes out and says, "No, we want that." Like that's actually what
we're hoping for that they would be engaged so that they would want to do it. So, if this is what would be what spurs that on, I'd be okay with that, too, you know. Yeah. And so, >> and I'd be willing to work on it if I'm not going to leave it, >> right? Do the whole thing. >> Oh, I was about to write your name down.
>> Well, I was just sitting here [Laughter] growing carrots for a horse or for a donkey and sunflowers on my balcony. So, you know, they do that stuff. How how tall is your balcony?
>> Volunteer for that. I'm willing to volunteer to work with Amy to go to some of the businesses. I can't go to the business as a representative of the city, but Amy can. And I'll be more than happy to pres put we can put a program together and I'll be more than happy to
present the program to get sponsorships. >> And I'm happy to sit down and brainstorm with >> I'm taking some of your bandwidth. >> Everybody noticed that. Everybody started giving >> all those different businesses to drum up support.
But I like Joel's idea about sunsetting the program and see what the council >> right >> what the council uh recommends. Um we need to put a positive spin why we're going to put this program on hibernation
using Joel's term uh to the public. Um, and then in the weekly weekly report explained to everyone the program's on hiatus. Uh, we're going to find a new location, but we are looking for more
interested volunteers >> volunteers >> to to continue the program. >> Yeah. the new location. Obviously, it the the current design of the garden takes up as much usable space as you can with that footprint. Like you
can't do much else there because you are abudded right against >> it. It fills the whole space. Um so a new location could lend to a different design which could lend to alternate programming and other abilities for the
space and for the program as well. So, >> what about where the um shuffleboard courts are? Is there too many oak trees there? >> There's a lot of trees there,
but I think one of the things that has been discussed, and I don't know if it made it through the budget, it's obviously not for the immediate fiscal year, was removing shuffle board to allow for an expansion of pickle ball.
It's a little biased. >> We all have to get along. >> And I want And I want another baseball field. >> You guys are so funny. >> Yeah. Motion wanted to be made. Yeah.
Um, I would motion that we propose to council to sunset the program unless there's public outcry and volunteer to support the program. Um,
and then if they get an that's the end of the motion. Um, >> I'll second it. Mary Mascara >> four, Brad Pll >> four, >> Kathy Parks >> four, >> and Joel Fair
>> four. So, what I will let the city manager know tomorrow is that this board has recommended a temporary hiatus for that program um and waiting for a new garden champion to emerge and then we will
recreate the program in a manner that's fitting at that time in a better location that improves accessibility and purpose. >> It is you know, if it was in a place like somewhere on the, you know, out of the
C5 where people can see it, you know, where it's actually part of all the stuff going on would probably even be more of an incentive, you know, because people would see it, come over and realize, oh, that's something I can do. There's parking here,
>> right? I think where it was located, it the garden fit there, but it to me it always seemed like a difficult location. >> Yes. >> You had to be really really want to be right.
>> Yeah. With your with your shovels and garden implements, you need to walk down A1A. It's kind of a tall ask. >> Carry all your dirt. I think by us not recommending a new place either, it gives them ownership when they would
come in and say, "Yes, we do want this thing to happen." And they get to have the vision of where it could go and make the suggestions and really run with it. Um, and and not be confined to whatever we would we would recommend to start off. Um, so I think sunsetting program
is the way to go. I'll let John go first. He's got the big stuff. >> Okay. Uh splash pad update. Uh there is no update other than the application for our permit for the modification is in the hands of the department of health at
the state level, not at the city. City has nothing to say about the permit. They have 30 working days to review uh approve or reject. Right now they're tomorrow will be 20 days. Uh I've spoken
with the county representatives and they say that historically they look at this like they may have a couple of questions that they want to review. So we're waiting. We haven't heard anything from the state yet. They haven't at the county level.
Uh but that's where that is. All the parts are here. Um, everything is ready to go. We're just waiting on the word from the state that we're clear. And it's because of the um the water that's out the rec reclaimed or
>> reclaimed, but we're >> Yeah. The reason the Department of Health gets is because we've got reclaimed water out there so close to it and they have to determine that we've got the right amount of uh gallonage per minute flowing through there. and the recirculating tank is all working. All
that has already been uh vetted and like I said, they're just going down and checking their boxes. Um so I can't imagine anything that would hold it up, but I'm not up there in their office. But that's where we are with the splash pad.
The concession stand is uh remodel is about 90% complete. Uh we've got the window installed today. Uh we have a stainless steel table and sink. We've got the building plumbed uh so they'll
have water inside uh to clean up with. We have uh like I said a window that was installed today for serving. Um we were very lucky with the building official that we have now. He came over when we poured the concrete uh sidewalk.
Everything is ADA compliant. Uh so everybody has access to it. Uh the next step is going to be installing the uh air conditioning. As uh Brad mentioned in his letter, uh there is a working uh
PA system in the building. The um scoreboard is brand new. We just purchased it last year, but the building is so hot, as Joel will attest, nobody can stand sitting up there long enough to to do it. But the we have the
infrastructure there for the thing to work. So those things are on hand. Um so we've got to have the uh we bought purchased a mini split um AC unit. So we'll have one condenser on the back side of the concession stand and each
floor will have its own um system upstairs. So we're the main thing is getting the bottom finished up. We're 90 95% there. And then we're going to go upstairs and do some minor touch up there. Um so that's where we are with
that with the uh window. We had to cut part of the dolphin mural. Um but we've saved that. We have a employee on staff who has agreed to go out. He's an artist and he's agreed to go out and match that up. Um so we'll still have the dolphin
there. We'll try to cover up that black stain that the visitor we had uh splattered all over it. So that's where we are with that. Was there something else you >> Okay. >> Any questions for me?
>> I have a comment. >> Okay. >> The brilliance of having those dugouts and and um per uh Mr. Prell's statement about they need they do need some work >> especially the one on the first base
side but >> the brilliance of painting those and having the artists come in and do that still people will stop and take pictures in front of it and it's it's fantastic. So it that's amazing and I just want to
commend you guys for uh the way that happened and that it's still stopping people in the street taking pictures enjoying the art. It's It's really really good. >> And Molly and I did a walk through last week, this past week with uh the maintenance guys with the dugouts, what
we can do in there. And uh Brad has uh done a walk through with Ian in the past, so he's already got an idea. And it's all workable stuff. A lot of the uh materials we need to do, we already have on hand. So, it's just a question of getting to it, you know, with three guys
and having to stop and go take care of other things. But that nobody's got any other questions. That's all I've got. >> My turn. Um I will start with the introduction or reintroduction of Miss Mary Lou Stant. Um for those well you
guys made the recommendation. Council went ahead and made it um a reality. So she is currently the first alternate for this board. Um, and she's about to get a promotion. I don't know if you knew that. Um, tonight is the final meeting
for chairperson Kathy Parks and former chairperson and current board member Joel Far. So, um, thank you both for your service. I know you won't be strangers because I can count on you as very loyal and committed and consistent
volunteers. Um, we look forward to hearing your public outcry about the garden soon. Um so beyond that um we will be putting in a agenda item for council to appoint uh
Mary Lou to one of those now vacant positions and we are now in the hunt for at least one other full-time member and now to alternates. So, um the alternate um program has actually served this board really really well and um I I hope
that we can continue getting enough people so we can get a little bench depth and and in keep that community dialogue going for that. Um that aside, uh the chair and vice chair elections will be held at our January
meeting. We only have one meeting left for this year and it's the one in November. It'll be the week after. Could you confirm? Is it the week after Thanksgiving or the week before? It's the week before. Okay. Yeah, because our our Thursday date always falls on
Thanksgiving. So, uh the November meeting is always a day different than what we normally would would have our meeting. Um tennis court project is underway. Um they seem to be moving at a snail's pace, but it's more action than
we've seen in a long time. So, we're very excited. Um we also in addition to having the courts redone, it doesn't make sense to have the courts done and then put in old net poles again. So, we
have new ones on order. Um they look really nice. Uh I I asked our maintenance team and then I asked um if if you've never met her, there's um a director of public works named June. She's been with the city for I'll be
nice and say 34 years, maybe 35. Um I asked her when she thought those poles were installed and she didn't remember. So, at that point, I abandoned all hope of trying to find parts for them and just opted to go get new poles cuz it would they would look really shoddy if
next to brand new courts. So, um looking >> Yeah. And never mind their functionality. So, um those those will be um installed as soon as uh we have the opportunity. Um the
roof project at the Nancy Hansen the bid uh bid opportunity closed today. We've got two that we're actively considering that are under review. Um we need to work with our engineers that helped us with the design to get their thoughts on which one of these two will provide uh
um the the best bang for our buck and the most longevity and the best warranty. Um, but that's that's about it for current available information. >> Oh, yes. And now, now for Amy's pitch.
>> Yes. So, last year And I'm also looking Oh, I scared myself. I'm also >> directional Draculus. Those are just people to assist. >> Um they're just volunteers that can
assist because we're going to be doing it at a different location this year um because of the construction at Nancy Hansen. So, it's really just people to assist directing people to the haunted library or answering questions or as, you know, showing them where the
restrooms are, those kinds of things. But I am also looking for assistance in um judging the trunks for the prizes and the uh kids contest, which Joel um I think Brad did last year. You guys had a
good time with that. So, if that's something that you would be interested in, please, please, please let me know and I will get you on the list. >> What's the date? >> Uh, the date for that is Friday, October the 17th, and it is from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
>> Where's it being held at? >> We're going to do it at C5 this year because Nancy Hansen is not really a safe environment for small children to trunk or treat at the moment. So, it this year we're going to do it at C5 and then we'll move it back next year.
>> And I can elaborate on that since you're directly across the street from there. The uh southern and the southern parking strip and the southeast corner parking strip are where we are going to be doing
the trunks. Cars will be backed in. They will not be backed in all the way. If you've noticed, those are incredibly deep spots. So that it will allow for the kids to walk behind the cars instead of on the side of the street. >> Oh, so the cars will be backed in where
the sidewalk is. That's a great idea >> except for the part that the sidewalk zigzags. So they're going to have to pull out a little bit. Um we were really excited until we looked at the aerial. Um but we can still we can still work with it and um uh BCSO is helping
support and um the uh the DJ will be set up and we will have the field kind of visibly fenced in. We won't call it truly fenced in but at least at least visual um barriers so that the kids kind of keep the the dance party in the dance
party area. >> Guys, can I ask you a question? This is totally >> um >> I'm not Sure. This is and this is just me coming from a different place where I
grew up. The county andor the city would select what night trick-or-treating happened in the city and it was never on Halloween proper. It was always like the Saturday prior or something like that. Um
we well we also and every year we field questions from new residents and they say when is your beggar's night and I say I know what you mean but they don't do that here. So one of the things that we were discussing because we we had very lengthy discussions with the
library because the library and us are working together to the library is still doing their haunted library. They're going to start it an hour before we start the trunk or treat and they're going to end it an hour before we end the trunk or treat and they're going to help with the help of crossing ghouls
which are our some of our BCSO officers and um the directional Draculas and getting people to and from it's only a twob block walk um but having um
houses in between I wondered how the attendees are going to navigate that if they're going to try to trickor treat >> in between those two times. So, um we're
not promoting it as such, >> but if you want to have it up and the the decorations up, it'll be on the 17th. skeletons climbing up oak trees. >> Oh god. >> You might want to get started. >> So you be okay.
>> I I would be okay with that. >> See, she's sitting on me now where I live. My daughter, >> maybe one day we can get to the point where we have an established evening where people can count on their doorbells ringing until a certain hour
and not after that. Did you mention your beer booth? >> Oh, not yet because we got sidetracked on Halloween. Um, the city, as you know, is also in charge of the beer booth October, November, and December for Friday Fest. Again, I am once again
begging for volunteers to come help us um facilitate that. Um, I've gotten some, you know, we now have a volunteer newsletter. So, if you'd like to sign up for that, you can. Um, once a month at the beginning of the month, I send
volunteer opportunities, whether it's beach cleanups or events or whatever we're doing so that citizens can get involved. I'm up to 53 >> Wow. people receiving the newsletter and I'm still here begging for participation
but it is a you know >> what is the skill needed for the beer >> um can you count money >> okay >> and if you can't >> we don't have to do the push thing we're just counting >> serve in cans right we pop tops can you
pop a top and pour >> uh and you don't have to do both you could just do if you know if you're just comfortable doing the money You can just serve or you can just pour. I'm okay with that. >> Right. I will fill in. Or if you prefer, you can go around and meet your
neighbors and ask them for their ID if they don't look old enough to buy beer and give them a little wristband because they have to have one >> um in order to purchase beer. So, there's lots of opportunities um over the next few months to give back.
>> Friday. >> Uh what day is that? Yeah, it's always the first Friday. So, >> uh, October 3rd, no >> and November 5th. >> November 5th, I think. >> No, seventh. >> 7th. Okay.
>> And then the first Friday of December. And speaking of December, we will be doing the reindeer run this year. >> Um, again, I am looking for volunteers. I need 16 >> Oh my god. >> individuals
>> to assist with this run. So, if you or anyone you know would like to volunteer, I I will need you. We were going to need people to run the water tables. We're need people to assist us, you know, just in general getting things together and
we'd love to have you. So, lots of lots of opportunities to give back to your community. >> Or you can just run the race. >> You can you can sign up and run the race. That would be awesome, too. >> And then hang out to clean up. Yeah. And then
>> you said the volunteer newsletter. Is it attached to the the weekly newsletter that comes out? >> Uh it is not. It's a separate entity. >> And you can locate that by um either going to our website >> and clicking on quick links. >> Okay.
>> And then there's a little um what's it called? >> Communications notification. >> Yes, communications notifications. or you can walk right out here with your cell phone, wait for the marquee message to come around and scan the QR code. So, and if you can't find it, please
reach out to me and I will put you on the list. Just send me an email and say you want to get it and I will definitely put you on the list. Yeah, she started doing um because our need for volunteers is so great,
especially with the the new world that we're living in. Um but Amy took it upon herself to create this platform of regular communication. So it's not where you sign up, you tell us
that you want to volunteer and then you don't hear anything and then 6 months later we're like, "Hey, we have five events that we need your help with." So you're you're getting constant information and it also keeps us in touch with some of our seasonal folks
that do like to engage a lot when they do come down and so that they know when they come down that they have they have u activities and opportunities as soon as they land in Orlando that they're they're ready to to come and engage with their community. So,
>> it's our hope that that will also encourage people to come out and do things like clean up the veterans memorial garden or the rain garden or beach cleanups um because they're aware of it because they might not all be on
social media. They might not all, you know, come to meetings or watch meetings. So, it's just another way for us to reach the population. So, I'm going to put you all down for volunteering, right?
[Laughter] >> I'll put you all on the volunteer list. >> Thanks for your time. >> Okay. garden and all the volunteer, you know,
beer tent or whatever. Um, do we seek sponsorship? In other words, not um contribution money, but like you know, I have a friend who's starting a nonprofit for uh fostering animals, and she could
hang a banner on a garden spot or whatever, whatever. I I just think uh is that what Amy does too? Seek sponsorship, you know, for all these volunteer needs that we have. And secondly,
um I know we have a garden. I've lived here six years, but I don't know how to get a plot. I don't know what the deal is. I don't even know where to go to find out. And um I'm not saying that's
anybody's fault except my own maybe, but I was on the newsletter um for the whole, you know, Cape Canaveral. I'm not getting it anymore for some reason. Maybe I unsubscribed. I don't think I did, but you know, I I would Do
you have to be on Facebook and and follow Cape Canaveral to find out what's going on? >> Not necessarily. And and Amy can check um because we can not only tell you who's on the list, but how many times you open things. Um so >> the list, you mean the uh
>> for the weekly update. >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah. And and the volunteer newsletter. Okay. So we can we can track who who clicks what, who opens what, and if somebody doesn't open the communications for I think over 6 months, we'll remove
them from the list because we have to pay for additional subscribers. >> Oh, okay. >> So if somebody's not engaging, we'll eventually remove them from the list because that makes room for more Okay. >> people that are engaged. Um, as far as the garden is concerned, there's signage
at the garden that explains who to call for that. Um, it's uh right on the entrance to the the the main swing door at the corner of the garden. >> You have to drive over there and find out. Okay. >> Well, you'd have to find a place to park. >> Um, cross that big high,
>> right? Yeah. So, it's very reasonable that you weren't able to find that. Um, beyond this the sponsorship thing, >> one of the things that I had to reach out for because we've had, you know, it it all depends on your leadership. It all depends on your your community
climate, your political climate, when it comes to the sponsorship things. So, uh, because we've only dabbled in the past when it comes to, um, you know, getting Papovitos to bring out some free pizzas for a family game night or something
like that. We've never done anything large scale and when it comes to um like hanging banners on things that's when we start dipping into the sign code >> and so like we've allowed little league to do it provided that the banners face
inside the the field so that it's not >> totally public facing. Okay. Um but what I have done because we know that our need for not only volunteers but uh business and like fiscal sponsorships or even like an adopt a park, adopt a
garden type program. What >> I've for cleanup, you know, like they do in some places. >> Yes. And we do a lot of the cleanups. We already do >> sponsors like that on a street or something. >> Um no, we just do beach cleanups. >> Oh, right. I know about those. So, when
it comes to actual sponsorships, what I've done um is reach out to the city attorney because one of the things that we really need to get in place is a policy. >> Oh, okay. >> Before we start dipping into things because when it comes to sponsorships
and grants, it has to make sense. And you and you don't want to get involved in something that um could be a black mark on the city, like getting involved. Uh, one one example when it came to sponsorships that was part of my um my
master's degree training was a very lengthy discussion about the museums that were accepting money from Fizer and the opioid problem. >> Well, >> so establishing a policy for who takes
what, who authorizes what and what is considered an appropriate >> boy scouts. I don't know. I mean, and um you don't have to pay them, but the Boy Scouts can be assigned one of the streets to keep it clean or >> Yes. >> stuff like that. I'm not talking,
>> but we would just want a policy in place so that you know how to >> staff staff has guidance on on how to accept things, how to facilitate things and put things in writing so that the expectations are met. >> And then I have one more question. It's probably too late, but that's okay.
Cherry Down Park. That big empty field >> that doesn't belong to the city. >> Darn it. Okay. Because that would be a good place for a community garden with parking and the little kids right across the street and everything else. But >> who's that? The the >> That's the county. >> Yeah. Dang.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. [Music] >> Um I do have something real fast. I just want to thank everyone for the opportunity to serve on this board. It's been a privilege. I love my city. I'm so
thankful that we uh get to do this together. And so for all of you that volunteer and all of the city officials and all of you that work for the city, thank you. Thank you for making our city so wonderful because I love it. And so I say the same thing. I've really enjoyed
the support. >> Absolutely. We'll help you. >> Don't worry, you won't be bored. >> I think Amy's waiting for you guys to sign up. >> All right. Do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> I would motion to adjurnn.
>> We'll second it. >> All in favor? I >> I