I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America to the republic for its nationy and justice for all. Uh oh, I'm going to start again. Um, starting off with roll call. Um, Ed
Skunover has reached out and as most of you are aware, he has joined the LPA and with the workload uh with the LPA, he has decided to resign from this board. So that now leaves us with two openings um Barbara and Ed. So I reach out to the
public that we are looking um for people who are committed to Bay Oaks. We have two open positions and please get your applications in uh so to help this group. Um we also are going to um take a moment of prayer. Um John is unable to
uh join us today. There was a death in his family. So if we could all just take a moment and send our prayers. Um, John, you're in our thoughts and our prayers and may you, the Lord, look over you through this hard process and know that
we're all here for you. Um, so with that, I will start roll call. I'll start off. Rebecca, >> Rebecca, >> Rebecca Link, town council, >> Rick Lowry, >> Joyce Sullivan, Michelle Churnney, Annie Neil
Matthysse, >> and Jeff Hogy. And if you could, Madame Chair, um just for the record, you want to just excuse John from the meeting as an excused absence? >> AB: Absolutely. Um with that, we will um accept an excuse, uh uh John not being
here. >> All right. With that, um we have the minutes for the approval of the minutes from the March 18th, 2026. Do I have a motion to approve? So I would like to bring up um a change
if you will. So I know that it's briefly mentioned at the very bottom. Uh the meeting will focus on initiating the planning session. I thought, and maybe I was dreaming, but I thought we
decided at the last meeting that we were going to have a strategic planning discussion at this meeting with a board and everything. So, I don't know if I was just in my head thinking that we were doing that or, you know, so I'm
confused. I 100% agree with you. I um believe we might had a gap because Neil could not attend last week. Neil during the last meeting we have just this group here would like to work on strategy and planning in the future and what we had
talked about is that we were not going to do a full discussion on the items but you would um basically just give a summary of everything that we have on the items for discussion and that we would focus on strategic planning and where this park was going to be going.
Sure, I can do it that way. Okay. >> Um, so I'm going to I did um do some preparation for getting that strategic planning going. Um, we also have a very short group here right now. So, we will
take in one of the follow-ups was from everybody to come in with their ideas. Um, which I hope that everyone's brought forth here that we can talk about and kind of put together some structure to move forward and move these to a planning session.
Does everyone agree with that? >> Okay. So, um with that, what we'll do is um first of all, open it up to uh actually I back to the approval of the minutes. Um do we have a motion to
approve them then or do we I'm not sure what I do in this case because I agreed we didn't follow up. >> The minutes itself reflects that we talked about it. Correct. It's just not on the agenda for this month. Is that what you're saying, Joy? >> Or not really.
>> Where do you I'm sorry. Where do you see that? >> The very last page four, chair churnney, her last sentence, it says, "The meeting will focus on initiating the planning session." I'm not sure I understand what that means. Um, I thought we were going
to have a planning session this time. I'm I mean, we can defer it till the next meeting, I guess. Um, because in my mind, a planning session is you have a whiteboard, you have somebody, you know, with a marker,
you're standing up in in front. And I realize this is a meeting. we have to be um online, if you will. But I think it needs to be amended to say that the strategic planning was intended for this meeting and we're either going
to do it or we're going to delay it. Was all of that said in the meeting that we were going to do strategic planning and and >> yes >> and that we would are requesting a whiteboard because I know Cellcap specifically requested all of those items which poor CAB did not request anything besides we're going to talk
about a strategic >> I think we talked about it. Okay, I can go back and look at the meeting and the and if the meeting if the minutes don't reflect that then >> well at a minimum it said it says that we were going to do the planning effort >> today.
>> Joy, I have um if I may I have my notes from the last meeting and I reviewed them. Uh what I remember from my notes is that we were going you were each going to bring an item that you thought you might want to discuss during the planning meeting to start to build the framework and then after you had kind of
your brainstorming ideas for topics then in subsequent meetings you would start to talk and that's probably where the whiteboards would come in and people would vote and talk about which things you know prioritize them. >> But my notes say that this one was going to be more bring some ideas to start the
process. Fine. >> Agreed. Um, and that was one of the homeworks that we have and I've got kind of a boiler plate to kind of bring each of those items in. And then to your point, Joy, next time, um, I thought we would have frame it up a little bit further and then start drilling in with
the whiteboard. >> Okay. All right. So, with that, do we have a motion to approve the minutes or do we want to amend them? It looks like we do not have a motion to approve them.
I'm I move that we approve as is. Um obviously the next session will be where we have more strategic more of a strategic planning process if you will. >> And Joy, if you don't if you don't agree with it, you don't have to. We can always go back and look and amend the
minutes next meeting. I think Rebecca cleared it up for me. Um, so I'm I'm fine. Let's just move forward. >> I move that we approve the minutes. Do I have a second? >> I'll second.
>> All in favor? >> Say I. >> I. >> I. >> All right. Uh, do we um have any public comment? >> Yes. >> Howie, come on up. Hi, my name is Holly Hoffman and I am
here on behalf of the Triple Deuces Fort Myers Beach Senior Softball and I'd like to thank you like I've thanked the council for a great season and thank you for all you do to help us have a great
season. And uh while I'm up here, I'd like to know what's going on with the pool, what's going on with those uh nets they're going to put up. Did the cement people come and things like that? How are we moving ahead to better Fort Myers
Beach and Bay Oaks? That's all I want to know. Thank you. And thank you all again for helping us through a good season. With that, let's go ahead and uh go into the pool. >> Uh we typically we don't comment on
public comment, but that is in my staff report. >> Okay. All right. >> I mean, we we can get into that, but normally after we just open it up to the next agenda item. >> Okay. Um then I think in the staff liasin report if everybody went through and read it if do we I don't think it's
necessary to go through the details. So we can actually spread spend some more time on the agenda or the strategic planning. Did everybody go through and does anybody have any questions regarding what's on there? Um I did have one question which
directly relates back to if I look on page three I believe there is um a comment that you are working actually the last page that you are working on your working towards a strategic plan Neil
on the goals is that actually the plan that Neil sent out to each of Is that the one I sent to everyone? The strategic plan? >> Yeah, that's what you sent for >> No, I just sent it as a reference. Um the the one I sent out was the current
one, but I think as the Bay Oaks and and uh I think that's just a general statement that we were working on a new uh strategic plan for not only the Bay Oaks Park, but also all of parks and wreck. So when I look at the strategic
plan that's out there right now, are is there anything else that you're work is this the only document that we're working off of right now for strategic plan from your focus? >> Yeah, I mean that's >> yeah that's all we have to work on. We are what Neil and I are going to are
still doing is and with the staff are making a list of of items if you will or budgetary items that we might want as far as donations go. But those I don't those wouldn't fall under our strategic plan. Those would be more of um like a
need that if people wanted to donate or we went to the friends and asked for donations that you know we we talked about our budget um this morning a little bit and you know we're running short because we did we had so many cuts that you know we things that are we'll make a donation list. So maybe we need
$5,000 for snack for the summer or for that thing. But that those wouldn't be in the strategic plan. Those would just be items. It would be kind of the the board's recommendation and a strategic plan to, you know, shortterm goals,
midterm goals, long-term goals, and what those might look like. >> Okay. So, what in the in the in the report that you gave out that talks about working in the strategic plan, there is nothing that's another document. You are strictly working off of this. >> That's correct. Yeah. I don't have a
separate document. >> Okay. All right. Um, go ahead. >> I have a question. So, on the report it says, uh, including eight new pickle ball courts. So, I thought there were
four. Are there four more? >> There are four right now. Possibly four more in the works. So, right now we only have four. Correct. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. >> All right. I am going to move down the um list for items for discussion. Um >> I'm sorry. >> Would you like me to talk about the pool? >> Um yeah, the uh go ahead and Yes, please.
>> Okay. Oh, that is in the updates. You're right. So which are are just those I I don't most of the items for discussion are just should be in staff leaison reports and updates. So we'll make sure in the future to to add those in. I don't know if you're going to be unless
you want to discuss these as a board. >> Um no just the two that I I would like to bring up again is the silver sneakers program and is our application in. >> Okay. I can talk about that. So, we'll go down the list for now, but in the future, let's if it's not going to be something you you all are going to
discuss, we won't put them under items for discussion. You'll just ask that the staff report on those next. >> Correct. >> Okay. Just so we're clear because this would be if we had, you know, this many items, we'd have to discuss them as a board. And I don't just don't know if you guys were if that was the intent.
>> Agreed. We want to just have an update on each of them. It just seems like each of them we get the same. We don't seem to get them off the list or they're not taken care of. >> Yep. >> So, when I go through each one, I know the pocket parks is a strategic thing. The FOB system, is it done or where are
we at? >> No, we'll probably I'm thinking at this point with everything else we have going on with the town and and the workload of of the attorneys. I just not getting a good response. So, I'd say to give a timeline by next by next season, we'll probably have I mean, we'll have an answer before then. And that would be
the earliest we'd probably get it installed would be next season. Why next season? The residents that live here want to use that gym and they work. >> As soon as I get an um an answer back, then we can move forward. >> Uh shade sales,
>> we're waiting to see determine where they're it's going to go depending on if we're going to have four more pickle ball courts um which somebody has has offered um to donate some money. We're just trying to find if there's a place to that's appropriate and agreed upon
really to uh to put those. We have suggested one that works for us, but we're hearing that that's not really conducive to where it may need to go. >> All right. >> So, the shade sales, we'll do them, but we either figure out if we're doing four or more courts or we're not. And then I
can I can put the shade structures at at the appropriate place because if it if we do the other four then it's going to have to get moved. So I don't want to do it and then that's sort of where it sits and not have access to the courts. So >> I believe that shade sale included the
workout equipment on a sterile. >> It did. That would be the same contract. So we're just waiting on the pickle ball courts. >> What are you waiting for? I'm sorry. I'm confused on the four extra cords. >> We're just waiting on We're getting the
way we had it in the way we can do it based on what what the park needs are. Um the donor and we had a conversation that it wouldn't work the way we need we can have them work. So >> what does that mean? What do you mean
you it doesn't work? >> So it can't go the long way like four quarts. It's too far out into the field if we do the four. >> I see. >> It's It's 65 ft out. >> So, it's the location that you're struggling with. Is that what you're saying? >> Yes.
>> Okay. >> Yep. So, that that's where we're at with the shade sale. I I you know, I could we just need to know if that's going to be an option or not. So, >> uh pool.
So I sent out the pool project update. Right now it is still it's going to council on May 4th to um we had town manager was negotiating with the company opulent outlines to uh for the design
phase. So once the council approves that on May 4th then we can start the design phase. And then they're thinking a ye year from then we'll be ready for construction
because we have to put it out for bid. All the permitting has to get done. It takes probably three to four months to actually go out for bid on construction. The way our procurement and the way this is a federal grant. >> Did you say the design will take a year?
>> Design could take up to a year. That's not uncommon. The uh our north tower is going to be over a year design too. >> Tower. I understand. We're just rebuilding a pool. I'm trying to figure out, you know, rebuilding that whole pool area. >> Yeah, it could I'm just saying it could
take up to a year. It could take six months. I It just depends on how quick we can get this thing going. >> But the contractor has been awarded and when has not been awarded yet. >> It has not been awarded. >> It has to go to council on May 4th like I just said >> for the design.
>> Yep. are thoughts in the design. The showers that are in there, are they can it be updated too? Would that be feasible at that time to make more like a locker room shower for teams that are traveling and >> need to be able to clean up and pack
their gear and head home and >> because that's kind of a critical component to being able to use the fields as as a rental purpose for traveling teams and things like that. you know, right now we don't really have any facilities for them to clean up and, you know, and go on their way and that's kind of pivotal into the future plans, I
would think. So, >> for the pool, >> well, somewhere and I know the pool right now has showers. >> Um, so being feasible, that would be obviously the the best place for something like that. So, >> in the plans, maybe it might be a good idea to think that out. So,
>> yeah. And those we haven't even >> we haven't even got a chance to talk about the design because we don't have a company yet. So once we get that thing signed. >> Yep. Just a thought, you know, I looked at the plans for the center and there's no area for that e either. Obviously, there isn't any in the new
plans that were for the new building. So this would be the perfect opportunity while we're doing the pool to make that a multi-, you know, purpose shower facility. So that would be able to be used for other people other than just the pool customers coming in and out. So just an idea. Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean, the showers are intended,
we'll talk about it, intended for the pool, but it we can only use the footprint that we have. So, but no, it it's going to definitely the showers are going to get redone. The bathrooms are all going to get redone, but we can we can talk about some other design for locker room space for sure. It would also maybe be nice to get some lockers
there so people could lock up their things. So, yes, that's a great point. whose input will all be involved in communicating to this design firm. Will there be community input? Will this group reach out to the community and come back? Is it just the town meeting
with them? >> I think at this point the town manager has said just the they're going to come and present to the town council, but everyone here will have an opportunity to speak. >> The Oh, so the design firm will Okay. So those who want input on the pool should attend the May
>> Yeah. 14th meeting. >> No, because we don't even It'll have to It'll be later on in the process. >> It's not on the agenda yet. >> Yeah, >> it's not on the agenda. >> They'll probably put a conceptual one together and see how that looks. And then after that, they'll they'll probably present to the council to see their opinion on it.
>> Okay. So, that's where community wants input, it'll be at the town meeting. >> That's what it sounds like as of now. That's what I've heard. >> Well, we can also make input as a as a board if you want at any point to the town, too. So, so in our strategic meeting next month, if we decide we could also add, you know, part of that
in is discuss what our ideas are with the pool too and and bring them to the pool. >> That's would wouldn't wouldn't it be common to have this group look at it first before it goes to town and give our input first before it went to town? >> Possibly. I'll have to ask town manager
what direction he wants to give. I only say that because when I look at LPA, I know it's a diff much larger thing, but in a lot of people's opinions, the pools there also is just getting >> Yeah. Yeah. I just we don't have a ton
of time. Like we're already behind the eightball or behind the schedule. Um, you know, like I'm just talking about the uh >> like the community center and the park improvement >> that took years
to try to get that thing done and designed. It kept going back and forth, back and forth. We have to have this thing done by 2028. >> I I don't disagree. I just I have to ask what is the purpose of this board?
Because even the pickle ball courts last minute they just moved. there was no input from the from this group here. And when I hear the pool, >> you know, I think that falls underneath that's the reason why we're here is we want input and we have passion for Bayo.
So where does this group fall in to help? >> Yeah, you can like like Rick said, you can give recommendations at any point to the council. So, if you if you want something there, like Rick Rick just mentioned, locker rooms, that'd be a good one to add into the to the design and ask them to do it and then ask the
council their opinion on it. So, >> so can we get a quorum that the formal request is that we have a design review with this group before it goes to town council? Well, I think at the least we can put our ideas together and give them to council as you know, you can represent us and go to in front of
council and say this is what cabab has recommended that we do for the pool or any other project and you know that's part of the process is that we tell council what we think you know we want and we give it to them. So um you know as we create a formal plan we can introduce it to them at council and say
this is what borab has come up with and give them that plan and say this is what we'd like to you know be involved in the pool and you know as an architect they're going to want ideas because they don't want to come up with a blank idea that nobody likes. So those inputs are important to them as a as a firm to be able to incorporate that into that plan.
So they would look for input like that anyway. So, I think it's important that, you know, we do things like that and just give them to council and that's our job is to give council recommendations and so I think that's very important. So, >> I'd like to piggy back off of that if I may. I I think you hit it the nail on
the head and Michelle, I also want to let everyone here on this board know that I'm hearing similar concerns from other advisory groups. What are we doing? Why are we here? What's our role? do we we're trying to bring the voice of
the community to the council and to the town, you know, then we find out maybe it was already taken care of or you did something else. So, I think there is a disconnect and everyone realizes that. What I can tell you is that there is work being done behind the scenes to
tighten that up. It's not there yet because in government you got to have a meeting, then you have to have talk about a meeting. You know how it goes. Your concerns are so valid. I feel the same way. Everybody here is like we don't want to waste our time. So what we
have is now we think of the advisory committees as advisory to the council, right? Not doing your own thing, but advisory. So that's why you want a strategic plan. You want to know what should we be working on? Well, we haven't gotten a new strategic plan
together as a town. Again, that takes a long time. So I think I'm just recommending what may be a good idea is because the pool is probably the next thing that's coming up, right? I mean there is a timeline. It's tight. Jeff would be better. So next week if or next
meeting we're thinking about having the topics uh for a strategic plan. Maybe we focus on one or two areas and say what are the key things we think are important and talk about those like the pool. What do
we want? how you know the um the pickle bar. We pick a couple and then let's talk about what you're hearing from the community because that would be absolutely advisory. Then you guys are all prepared. You Michelle would love to have you come in front of council or
before council and say as a group we talked about this and this and this. We had a perfect idea that we can rent the place out to teams who could come play softball if we could consider making our bathrooms kind of open to not just pool people. Those are the kind of things we
need to hear, not after the fact. Doesn't necessarily mean you need to see all the design, but you need to get your input to the designers before they spend time doing their design, which is I think what you're saying. So, while we get our arms around the whole um Bay Oak
situation and cell cab and the moundhouse, we're not there, but let's take steps towards that goal and pick one or two things like the pool or or the pickle ball courts and maybe drill down because we're talking about tactical things here now, right? We
already know we want a pool. That's strategic. Jeff's working towards that end. >> Let's take the tactical pieces of what's we what do we want that pool to look like? What are you hearing from the community matters for that pool? Go out, get that information, bring it back to
us. We don't want you to hear, "Here's what it looks like." And you say, "Why didn't you talk to us?" >> Yeah, I think Oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> I was going to say u I agree. I think maybe we should just keep it to a couple of things next month. Just work slow. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. Because I mean that I can't remember the last time Borcab came and talked to the the council. I know CellC has um Yeah, I can't remember. >> I did the last time was um we were still at Bay Oaks
>> and it was right after Ian um and >> Oh, jeez. >> We gave a quick update. I mean, that's about that's the last time >> you have the you have the ability to come to every meeting and and get it put on the agenda if you want. Um I know MURF does a lot of that. There's other
ones that do update the council as to what they're working on too and that would be just an agreement or a vote that these are the items you want if it's going to be Michelle to talk about. So, you know, maybe it is the pool design. Um, I just want to caution
everyone because of cost that we got to be careful. We can't go too big. You know what I mean? This is going to be this is really to put back the pool the same footprint um to do. We we have a little extra but uh to kind of to work with but
yeah I I think ideas are great um and if we can fit them in but I just want to be realistic about if everyone gives their idea we're not going to be able to fit everything in too but I I want to hear those ideas. We want to hear them and then I think the town the council should hear them as well because they're going
to be deciding on probably a design. So, the the the purpose of the board is to advise, you know, Rick said it too, to advise the council as to what we're we're working on and potential updates um and those things to to Bay
Oaks and to the park. So, I mean, really, we don't vote on anything that's going to necessarily stick. Um the council is has that responsibility. So this is an advisory board that recommends to the council. So even if we
say, you know, we vote on two slides, you know, it still would it's it's not a vote. It's a vote to recommend to the council. Does that make sense? >> I think it would be wonderful, Michelle, if we could see someone representing the
group at every council meeting or every other council meeting. you there are few that come and that is the perfect time when we hear what's being done because I don't I can't do it. It's not it's on the agenda as the board addresses it. So I sit there and I hear these things but
I can't say it. So I would love if you came because it's also gives us an opportunity to come back to you and say hey it's important for you to know this is being paid for by FEMA. So our our ability to go outside this box is really tight. So can you help take that message
to the community? you know, don't set their expectations to be, oh, we can have two slides when it just can't because of the funding, but you'll know the parameters and we'll keep the communication lines open. >> I think that would be spectacular. >> Yeah. And I'll give I can give updates
on on designs and those kind of things for sure like we're doing right now. So, >> yeah. So, maybe can't speak to it as well at the meeting. Again, he's got a different time on the agenda. I have a different time. That's exactly your time to come and represent. what would you like us to be working on or this is what
we're working on? Should we turn in another direction? >> Yeah. And I can only speak to what the town manager calls me up there to speak on. So >> So I think we should just add to the agenda, you know, what if if she's going to be able to make that meeting or somebody's going to be able to make that meeting, what we'd like the topics to be for for that person to discuss at the
time for for council or questions. Yeah. So >> yeah, >> I have added we will add a uh notation of what topics we're going to bring, what we're going to discuss, and who. >> So our next town council meeting is the 20th. I don't think you could get on
that one at this point. Right. So the one after that, Michelle, if you think you could that quickly would be fourth. Yeah. And Jeeoff, what kind of time frame would Michelle need to if she wanted to get on that? >> I think they're generally
>> couple weeks. >> Oh, yeah. It's two weeks before the two weeks before the meeting. So, I think we're still good on the May 4th. >> Let me give you the other one, Michelle. So, two weeks before is when they have to have the final agenda to us to look
at. So, um, the one after May 4th is the 18th. Now you're getting a feel for why government runs through. >> Yeah. >> All right. So, we have the pool. We have that we have the pool on that list right
now. >> Um, just, you know, just looking at the pools, we've been sent the design. Would it be worthwhile and is it possible that this group could actually meet out at the pool and just kind of walk through out there and kind of visualize what's
going on to kind of look at it? >> Rebecca, this is government again, right? >> This is government again. So, if we have an official meeting and you all are there, it has to be a published public televised meeting. So really, I we could go Neil and I could go
individually with you uh and look at it. I know it's just it's how it works. It's the sunshine law. So I I I'd love for all of you to go out and we have a discussion about the pool, but if you all want to come oneon-one and we can go look through it and at least the state of what it's at and where we're at, what
what what we're looking for and what we can what we can and can't do on this the CDBGR money. I'd be happy to or we'd be happy to. I'm sure. I can't speak for Neil, but >> yeah, I'd like to actually come and because it's been a while since I've walked done walk walked through the whole campus. So, if you get a time,
email me and I'd be lucky. I'd be glad to come up and meet with you and walk through everything. So, >> Joy and Joy and >> how about I'll send out just some times and you can is that okay? Yep. >> And then just pick them and we'll we'll meet with you and >> um we'll give you know hour hour and a
half for questions and No, I think that would be great. That's a great idea. Um, and just >> a good day. >> Is it? >> Let's look. >> We got softball. I'll be there
>> um tomorrow. >> All right. So the followup in the pool is we will if we can get those meetings to happen in the next two weeks, gather that feedback and then we would be we're looking at May 20th is
our actually our next meeting for us to get to back together with those notes to put that summary together >> for summary for >> well if each of us individually go to the pool and and walk through get our ideas together and then we bring them
back here to the May 20th meeting, put a summary of what we would like to present to council for the pool ideas. >> Does that sound like Yeah. Or would you like to see it designed first?
Do you want to do it after the initial or do you want to do it first? We can either way, however you want to do it. We can get ideas. I think it's always important to give that information to the design people so that they aren't wasting their time. >> Okay. >> So, >> got it. Yeah, that's fine. And I I'm
going to try to set it up. I don't know if everyone's around, but either um probably maybe can do some tomorrow, but Friday probably is the the better day. And then uh early next week if we needed to push it that way.
>> All right, great. Then we'll get those meetings set up for the pool. And Howie, I just got to say it because you asked. The concrete people were there last week. They're going to send us some quotes on the putting the anchor the uh footers down for the nets. So they they showed up with two G's.
>> Two G's. Yeah, two G's. Anything else on the pool? Um silver sneakers. I just, you know, I just pulled it up again as you know per our last conversation that there was our application needs to be resubmitted.
It's just a revenue opportunity. Um, so that's the reason why we keep pushing that. >> I I can talk about that. Um, I did reach out to them after watching last month's meeting because I put a new application in about 7 months ago. Um, when I talked
to their customer service, they had a hard time finding initially. I had to like escalate to a supervisor. Talked to a supervisor. We did put an application in in 2025. We're on a waiting list. Unfortunately, I can't really they can't really tell me
much more about how long it would take to potentially have our application approved. It's where we are in order on that waiting list. Um, I'm going to keep calling every month. It's It's not a great when you call up and you try to get information. They just will not
really give you much. So, until you get approved, that's their process. I mean, I was able to get a little bit more information from the supervisor than the customer service rep. Um, And it's frustrating for me because I I don't know what else to do at this point. But keep calling.
>> Do we have a registration number? Anything that we are you just calling in saying this is baoke 339? >> Yeah, I gave them our information like like I said the customer service rep had trouble initially finding it. I was on hold for probably 15 minutes uh while she was trying to look everything up. So
I can understand like you probably why you got that information. I had to escalate it to a supervisor. and they were able to find it in the system for the new application we did seven months ago. Um, but we're on a waiting list, so that's all they can tell me. If we get
approved, we'll get an actual um ID number and then, you know, we're good. But I just I have no idea how long that will take and, you know, uh, but she said to not put another application in because we are current with this one. Unfortunately, we're just on the waiting
list. And I remember the first time through it, it took a a long time and we were about ready to sign all the papers and then September 22nd hit. Um, and then that was obviously very low on the priority list and then it it dropped out
and then we had to reassubmit. So it it did take it was um Danielle who was here at the time and I a long time to try to get that thing through and um yeah, it just they're not they're not very helpful.
They're just waiting for something to open up apparently and I don't know. So I I do remember that even from the initial conversation that we had with them. But we did eventually get it. So we'll see. Hopefully this one too. >> All right, the big one. Did we get the
grant in for Lowe's? Did we decide to go forward with the roof on the >> No, not the roof. It was already too late at that point. I think we had already submitted it. So it's just the public works and utilities building. So, we didn't decide to because we could have sent in a second one for the roof.
It was decided not to. >> Decided not to. >> Can I ask why? >> Um was above me. >> All right. Um I guess the question is where do we want to go? The playground at Fort Myers
Beach. We all know at the school nothing has changed there. Correct. So, >> no, it's still negotiating. Um, you know, our ultimate hope right now, I mean, where it sits is that they donate the land to us. That would be sounds like maybe best case scenario um for us.
I they're still negotiating some of that money coming back, but I I just don't know where they're I'm not in those negotiations, but you know, once we get that, I think there's probably a big meeting in May sometime um for the school on on make possibly making a decision. Uh but I'm not I'm not in
those. It's kind of what I've heard through the grapevine. But, um, you know, we if we do get that land, we have a lot of possibilities. Um, you know, that that we're going to have to discuss whether it's
placement of the pickleball courts that want to be donated or, you know, we'll have access to the the playground for sure that we can get it open for all the residents to use and guests to use. you know, it's kind of if you want to go sky's the limit except
for budgetary purposes, you know, that's going to be a it's going to be a lot of land that we we have um open. So, uh right now there Yeah, that's the playground is although it's really really important to us, it hasn't been something in negotiations, we're trying
to do the the three the three lots of land. So hopefully we just get it and then it's ours and we can do what we want with it. >> All right. So I'm going to the strategic I'm going to go back to the strategic plan and I'm trying to pull this process
together. We have always talked about since I think I'm 16 months I've been on here talked about getting together to pull together a strategic plan for Bay Oaks. We have the one that's been that's with the town right now that hasn't been
updated since September 2020. And then I hear the strategic plan that's being done by the town. So the question is should this group be working and helping you with the strategic plan? Is that our job?
>> Yes. And then that so right now I believe what it's going to say as far as um you know specific programs it's going to say in the strategic plan it'll just say um basically the it's very going to be very generic. We want to increase enrollment
want increase programs um on those. So >> okay so that so this group here that is in the realm of our work. >> Yes it will be >> all right. So from the last meeting, we had talked about everybody bringing their ideas and I just kind of pulled
together myself. So I'm going to start off and then get everybody else's ideas. But revenue, you know, launching memberships, silver, sneakers, new events, um facilities, you know, pri prioritizing um upgrades, cleaning, you know, that
modern feel, the pool, you know, is another bucket, programming, expanding events, pickle ball, wellness, you know, how can we expand that? um partnerships, um sponsorship, schools, local businesses. We've talked about, you know, how can we partner better with
Margaritavville, um uh the other resorts here, and then marketing, improving on social events and local outreach, you know, it's kind of like five buckets I put together. So, but I know each of you are going to actually come in with your ideas also. Um, that was just kind of a
framework that I had started and there's a lot more detail behind that. >> Michelle, would you read your buckets slower? I'd like to take notes and make sure I have >> Absolutely. So, the first one is revenue, which is launching memberships, silver, sneakers, events, and then
facilities. Um, prioritize upgrades, you know, a clean, more modern feel um of the facilities. Programming, expand events, example, pickle ball. wellness, cooking classes, um going beyond that, uh additional
wellness, yoga, uh partnerships, you know, getting uh naming rights, sponsorships from maybe even local resorts, schools, local businesses, and then marketing, you know, how do we work on the social events and the local outreach. So, my background is sales and
marketing. So, that's kind of how I started with my five buckets. And then we drill down, you know, further into that work, you know, where we look at, you know, kind of the current state, what do we envision the future state is and what work would need to be done and
then breaking that work out through this group. >> Yeah. And I just want to interject a little bit that most of the stuff in the strategic plan is either going to be staff or town council that that moves forward. So the programming that's that
falls under staff. So, Borcab doesn't kind of dictate what programming we do. They can give suggestions and we can move forward with it. So, >> absolutely. Okay. >> And that's what we're looking for. >> So, if you look at the other one, it's either director, director, program coordinator, staff, coordinator, coordinator. So, yes, I think the
buckets in there would be great. Um, but the actual how is is what the staff does. >> Absolutely. But again, just like the pool, we're looking to give input and ideas from >> absolutely >> our connections within the community. >> Absolutely.
>> I'm hearing things from sitting on different communities and participating in different things >> where I can see connecting you with people because of what I hear. So um I think this is critical and then we can help map it council myself with Jeff
mapping it into the strategic plan and then starting to discuss the tactics how we get there. So let's say in the strategic plan they say you know Neil says we need to increase our revenue or the town or you know Jeff or the town comes back and says we need to increase
our revenue xyz. We'll come to you and say you know give us some ideas that you have go out into the community figure it out. You might say oh turns out the cooking classes are great it generates x amount of revenue or um we heard that um
what is it called? Uh what's up FMB is doing a wellness thing at Santini. Uh it was very successful. They even mentioned I don't know if you heard they'd like to do it at Bay Oaks next year and make it bigger. So now all the people are hearing things and connecting the dots.
We'd say go out and talk to them. See what you think you can drum up because you're going to help Neil make his revenue numbers which and then Will and the strategic plan and Jeff are going to say we need to increase it by this. Can you help us do that? So, and it may also
be um partnerships or facilities. So, I think this is starting to get us to solidify just by coming up with some buckets and seeing where they fall, who owns what, what role. So, I think that's great, Jeff, to know who owns the role.
Like when you said, you know, budget's going to dictate this, then staff is going to do this, and then you're going to be maybe out there. How do you think you can help us get this number? What are you hearing? He's got some ideas, you've got some ideas. That's where advisory just meets perfectly in the
middle. >> Input from the rest of you. Um, I kind of, like I say, I worked it up in phases is, you know, knowing that this would be the first phase that we're going to kind of be talking about. And, yeah, you know, understanding that any current repairs to the facility are
going to obviously be the most important on our list, you know, to make sure that everything's ready for the future. um one being the roof of course. Um and of course the infrastructure, you know, power, lighting, sewer, irrigation, all needs to be updated for the future if we're going to be putting that in. So
those are things that we can start on now. Um knowing the pool obviously being important and already in the budget. um the current programming and being being able to be open on Saturdays I think is also critical you know and trying to figure that out because you know a lot
of our our people on the island that's the days that they want to use the center and of course the center being closed doesn't help the situation so marketing of course and awareness are the other two that I included in the first phase because being that the first phase is going to be the one that we don't have a lot of money for obviously
it's the most important things you know getting the building back to being current and ready like you said and being able to market ourselves and people being aware because without all that then we can't move forward with the other phases and you know I consider phase two to be the multi-purpose field
because that would be obviously the most you know inexpensive part of the next phases and of course field lighting and things like that and then going into the third phase being the new building you know so um all of them you know are reasonable in in time frame to be
affordable um you know And moneywise, it's not as bad as you think. You know, I figured it out exactly in cost comparison what's going to cost in each phase. And I think it's doable. You know, it's just going to take time and and we have time because we really don't need some of these things right now. So,
it's important to plan in that future and that's respect and and make sure that what we got there is going to work with what we're adding in the future. So, but >> and I agree with you, Rick, on on all of that. I I I liked how you put it. Um, yeah, and one of the things is, you know, when we start to do that, then we
can start adding some of that into our budget, maybe a contingency fund, which right now we can't do just with our financial state stat or status. Um, we're just trying to get this town, you know, stuff built back up. So, right now, we don't have a contingency plan.
We used to put a certain number of percentage of the budget in to a capital capital fund or something. We don't have that currently, but yes, that is a a great way to do this. And then also to talk about, you know, increasing hours of operation, those kind of things where
I can go back because we'll be starting our budget talks pretty soon, I imagine, real soon. I already got my head spinning a little bit. But, you know, part of the reason why we can't be open Saturdays is because we don't have the funds from the town. And that was because we had the the council had to
cut because of our budget shortage. So if we if we can advocate a little bit more, you know, come to the the the meetings when during budget season and say how important it is to have staff and have the residents come and say, "Look, I want it open." Like right now we're we're strugg that was one of the
risks that I had with when we the risk for the budget and cutting that much was we're not going to be open as much. It's going to it's going to hurt the hours of operation. I mean, we're already talking like for the summer, maybe cutting back because we don't have enough
staff in the budget, and no fault of anybody, we're just going to have to adjust um have enough staff in the budget to be open till maybe 7:00 or um especially with, you know, hopefully we have a good number of kids that we have for camp. You know, that's going to take
take priority in the summer, which it usually does. zone. Um that I can go back to the the town council and just be like, "Hey, this is this is where we fell short last year." And I know we'd like to be open seven days a week if we could. I mean, that would be fantastic. Um
and we were at the when I first started, we were open seven seven days a week. Um so it'd be great to get back to that. We just we need a yes, the revenue uh to come in, increase the revenue somehow. So we can budget for that. um we just have to
hit those. And then B is know what we need to budget for for the future. So whether it's one year down the road or 5 years down the road or 10 years down the road to put some kind of monetary value in a budget so we're not scrambling for as much for. We're just obvious going to look for grants and things like that
when it comes, but um it's something we should really budget for as well. So I I love I like that phased approach for sure. Um but how we get there is Michelle's approach, you know. So, I think I like the two combined. >> Jeeoff, when you um say, you know, we
may have to cut back hours in the summer, could while we're all thinking about strategic and you know, all these buckets, which I love. It's kind of short-term, midterm, long-term goals. So, we hear this from Jeff. Is there anything that might come to mind? I'm
not sure what kind of funding you would need to maybe stay open or or, you know, continue the park in the summer. Is there anything that this group could go out and search on? How much money did we make with the cooking classes? Can we offer more of them? Can we partner up
with friend um what's up FnB? Can we bring you some revenue? And if we could, >> what do you think you'd need? You need 10,000, you need 20,000, you need 500. And >> then you've got an activity to literally go try to see something happen from
while we're doing these strategic long-term things. >> Exactly. And I think the short-term revenue is where >> they might be able to help. >> We can help. So is getting you the And I'm going to bring up a couple things. First of all, I'm going to bring up um thank you for bringing up um What's Up
FB. So where um yes, right now they are currently planning on doing that over at Santini, but I have already reached out to Neil and the group. They need a contingency plan. If it rains that day, we are going into Bay Oaks. >> Right. >> So that's huge. So, and yes, they have
already reached that next year they'd like to move that wellness um facility in there. So, I think when we talk about, you know, the strategic plan, I always try to look at in buckets. There's things that I think we can do in the 90, 120day, six months, which is
like short-term revenue gains. Again, um and I'm just going I'll bring up the cooking classes is you've got the cost of the cook, you've got the income from the people, people are loving it, is getting other activities like that. I can talk about that a little bit cuz I I don't want you guys to think that that's
not a revenue maker. Um what Anita charges per person, that's the chef that comes in and does those classes, that's what we're charging. So, >> but that's what I want to push back for is why are we doing it that way? >> I just I mean, if you start charging more than 65 because it's expensive to
come in and do for $65 for cooking class. I mean, you know, maybe we could go a little bit higher, but >> that's kind of the threshold that I've worked for. setting people will the cooking classes in the surrounding area are up in the 85 to 125.
>> But just so you're aware like the the boss program used to have a budget of 15,000 we had 5,000 for this year. So those kind of things where we offered a couple initially out of our budget like you know we're basically running it through civic wreck. We're
charging each individual for the cost and then we're paying Anita on our on our budget on our credit card. So, the way we're able to offer a few more is just by collecting the money for her, having people write checks, and then we can just kind of not have to go through
our budget that way. So, I mean, we're we're really trying to be creative right now, and we had a staff of 12. We're down to five. Uh, I know we were open on weekends, but, you know, it's just it's just not possible. We've got summer camp coming up right now. Like, we're hopefully going to get a couple part-
timerrs in, but it's like every other department. um they're short staff. So, and HR's like, you know, got tons of positions on their plate to kind of go through with the interview process and everything. So, um I'm I'm really like I mean, and Barbara, she's done a great job. That was kind of part of my
background coming in was I did a lot of events, so I was able to like give her Adidas contact and some of the other stuff we've done. Um, and we we try to like go places where, you know, it's they'll work with us on, you know, if if you've got to have a certain number and we've got to pay and
we don't know right away, like let's try to go somewhere else where they'll work with us so we don't make that number. We're not like paying for things that we didn't even get people to sign up for. So, you know, it's there's a lot that goes into it. >> Are we losing money on the boss program or do we >> No, we've actually made a little bit. Um, but it's just, you know, when you
have $5,000 to to to use for the whole, you know, program when you were at 15, like we have to be and people still want to see those trips. So, we have to be very creative. >> So, if I could interject, the we give the fee schedule as part of the budget. So, I'm going to send you all that just
so you can see what the fees are for the town or for the town in general. The council votes on those fee schedules. So, we tried to raise those before and it it it I'm not going to say we won't keep to keep trying to do that,
but it doesn't go over very well, especially for residents because they already pay the taxpayer dollar. >> Typically, recreation is revenue neutral. I mean, that's what it boils down to. You can't expect to make money in recreation. It's something that the town expects in their taxes to be paid for, and that's just the way it is. I
mean, I >> you can try this. We've been trying years never going to make money. >> I don't disagree that, you know, these facilities typically are break even. But my question is if I've got a staff and I've got an activity and I'm going to use what's up FNB. So they come in and
they lease the facility. We get income from that. >> Right? >> So again, I know we have a budget. A budget includes revenue and expenses. And if we increase the revenue, yes, I know the expenses come up with it, but the budget still we're increasing
revenue >> which you might get nobody using the facility then. And that's the problem. You know, you got to make it so it's still affordable for them to be able to want to use the facility, too. So, >> I'm not saying raise the prices. I'm just saying with new So, I'm trying to balance what I hear is we don't have
enough staffing. So, if we come in and help me with a a new class that we don't do there right now, Annie. >> Um, >> line dancing. >> Line dancing. There we go. Line dancing. >> Okay. So, if we come up with a line
dancing activity that generates revenue and and increases a new program going in there, again, back to our revenue increase in marketing and do a line dancing in there. is can we not do it because we don't have enough staff or because we don't have I keep hearing
it's because it's not in the budget. How do we increase revenue and how did that approval goes through? >> Or can you increase revenue with extremely staff light needs? So maybe you don't need the staff except for turn the lights on, make sure it's ready, and
then >> you know you need one person. Yeah, it's it's tough for us because it's such a split like like Rick said, parks and wreck departments don't make money. They are there for an amenity for the town. Taxpayers pay for it. I think in my my
my presentation to council, I said if we can get our revenue to even pay for 30% of our 30% of our um facilities and budget, that would be pretty good. I think the average is
around 25 to 35. The otherwise it's it's taxpayer funded. That's why we got so many cuts this year. So it's not it's not like uh parking fees necessarily that you just keep increasing. And what we do is we set a budget that we have to
follow. So whether we increase our revenue doesn't necessarily increase the amount of staff we can have. We are budgeted for so much staff. Now, we can ask for an adjustment, but right now we have to follow what our
staffing is until and then next year we go and ask for more. >> Does that make sense? >> It does. I guess what we have to do is show that we've got the revenue so that we can have the request for staffing for the next budget season. >> That is why this is really important
that you're thinking about this now >> because budget season is going to start Juneish. you're right on time because typically you start thinking of it and it's too late. So, we're operating with what you guys may have said to us this time last year. >> So, you're right on target.
>> And catch 22 is we would love to bring back like the senior nights and the senior dances and all the other stuff that we used to do, flag football, those we just don't we don't have the staff to to run those. And that was one of the one of the um pitfalls of not getting
the revenue that we needed to raise the millage rate so we'd have more money uh for those things is that was one of the risks and that's that's what's happening this year is we just don't have >> we're going to need that broken down for next year though because with the friends of oaks wanting to help us. If
you break those programs down we can figure out how to fund them outside that and make sure they still happen. So that you know that's important too that that we see that information somewhere so that we know what's being cut and how it's being cut if it's being cut out of the budget so that we can alternately
find sources for that you know to happen and make sure those things still happen. And so I think that's important too that keep it in the process in the budget the whole time and then if those things do get eliminated then we also know that if we can fund them somehow that we can keep them in the process so that you can
still have employees for them and still you know the manpower will be there. So >> that's a that's a perfect example and that's exactly what happened to Moundhouse this year. Um you know the friends of moundhouse has been a significant contributor to the moundhouse budget. Um, so what they do
is they'll go in and say, "Hey, I want, you know, during if we have cuts, if maybe we won't this year, it'd be great, you know. Um, but if we do get, say we have the marketing budget that's supposed to be say 10,000, I'll throw it out there. It
gets cut to two." We'd go to the friends and be like, "Hey, we have these budgetary items that we'd like to either because they have a bigger u budget right now. I mean, they have a bigger fund. The friends of of uh of mount house say, "Can we would like this much money from them, so we want the 8,000 to
keep the program running, you know, where we were or we need 10,000 for programs or it'd be like us would be, you know, we're we have a small snack budget, so we run out of snacks a lot, you know, for the kids and that we provide that for our after school and our summer programs. you know, we'd go
to the friends with a budget item and say, "We'd look, look, we need to either help raise money for this or if you have it, could we request it?" And then that's when for the friends kind of votes on it and says, "Nah, I don't think we want to at this time or yes, absolutely, we'll help you out." So, yes, that's that's a great way to put
it, Rick. Thank you. >> Joy, do you have something? Well, you know, I know strategic planning, we've been talking about this, but I think we also need to focus on and maybe asking friends, there's some things that need to be cleaned up, like, you know, if
we're going to market, it needs to look really nice, right? So, the pavilion is rusting out in the back. We are still using temporary um fencing for pickle ball, you know. Um, we need to finish
the courts in the front. I mean, I know these are all things that cost money and you know, we can't afford them, but it those are things that we can ask the friends to do. And to me, we need to increase, I guess, the beauty of Bay
Oaks. You know, the front part is fantastic and you see people using it and it it's an it's I guess the opening to the park and then you go in and it's kind of like slipshotty kind of looking,
you know, and to me I think if we can elevate a little bit, you know, and and granted no money, but ask friends, right? Well, clean up the freaking pavilion in the back, you know, make
some better landscaping. As you come across the little walkway and you've got those kind of nasty ponds. Is there something we can do with grass, you know, ornamental grass? I mean, I I don't have all the ideas, but it just I
just feel like we need to think about what we have and what we what we can do to make it look better. and then we can bring in more money because people will want to come here. >> Um I don't know. I'm just I'm frustrated
a little bit because I think the back could look so much nicer. >> Oh, we agree. I mean I know that pavilion needs I mean we have a list of things that need to get done. We just got to write it down and and get formalize it. Um and that's the intent of the friends is the fundraising arm
for Bay Oaks. should be what we need necessarily and we need a lot and I agree with you. It's we're let's say we're doing the best we can with what we have but could we you know
I I was talking I think I misspoke. Uh I think I said 100,000 for the roof today. >> I think I don't think No, you gave it a lot a lot higher than that. >> Two I think it was 230 or 240. >> And you got to remember that I don't think you included the insulation in that bid. So that, you know, that's going to double that bid.
>> Yeah, they're going to they're going to >> I'm thinking almost 600 for roof and insulation to be honest with you. That that was my my bid on it. So >> I I agree. >> You got to remember that there's a lot attached to the ceiling in that. So when they go to change the the metal on that roof, all the insulation comes down
>> and all that acoustic comes down. So then they have to recover all that, put it in. You know, it's it's a big job. >> It's been leaking for how many years? The roof is an easy job compared to the insulation and the rest of the work that it's going to take on the inside when they do that job. >> Yeah. And I agree that that's been on our list. >> Yeah.
>> But as we go through Bay Oaks in the next week or we get time with them and enjoy that's a good point. Bring up these things because what he can create is a list for us that says that these are projects that we would like the community to maybe tackle and maybe the garden club or some of the other groups that are on the island, the women's club
can say we want to tackle that part of that project. we're going to sand and paint that and Beos can maybe supply the, you know, the the stuff for us to get it done or whatever where it's not going to cost them budget-wise, but the project can still get done by the community. And I think the community be glad to do a lot of these projects that you're talking about. So, you know, as
we go through, I think it's important to note some of them projects that maybe he can bring up on a list and we can create a community list of community projects. Yeah. >> And you know, Joy, just as a a you you call me and want, you know, the community foundation always has not always, but wants to donate and we're
coming up with ideas. We would have a list then to say, "Hey, look, you want to here's our list. This is what we need for the for the and you know, maybe it's landscaping and they give five or whatever thousand for that." You know, that's that's a good point. So Neil and I
>> a community clean up day. >> Yeah. Or something like that. So we, you know, that's true because when whenever you call me and say, you want to, you know, you want to apply, um, >> put in for some money. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So those are things that we can
just print off and say, "Hey, look, these are the things that we need. If you guys want to decide, I mean, we can if you want, but the, you know, obviously the garden club, if they had money and wanted to do something for us, they'd want to do a landscaping project. they wouldn't want to well they may want to support the roof but you know they
would want a beautifification but so we're gonna my I guess pledge whatever you call it is that Neil and I really work on this before next meeting and try to get a list to you guys at least a prelim preliminary list um as things that we can do to to do that. So and then the
general public too if we say what do you what does Bayok need? Oh just go to our website go to donations and you can see what we need too. So that's a that's great, right? Can we do that next? Okay, good. >> Hoping you'd say yes. >> I'm going to ask one more question back
to the budget. We have subcontractors and and I'm for example Annie, we have Pam Bersen. They are non-staff people that bring in revenue. >> Correct. >> So there is another angle in creativity
that we can bring. yet by continuing looking for programs like that. >> Correct. >> Yes. >> Yeah. I was trying to pull up the fee schedule because it does say like a a contractor price is and maybe Annie you can help with that. >> 30% I give 30% of all of my revenue to
the town. What happens with it? Does it stay with Bayoks? I have no idea. Um >> it goes in our revenue. I'm sorry. It goes in our revenue as part of the revenue that we >> our our overall revenue. Yeah. for the town, Jeff, or for Bays? >> Bay Oaks goes into our Bay Oaks revenue.
>> But yeah, 30% of what we get, that's a standard contract. We that's just what the town council approved. So, we don't negotiate that. It's it's a standard. >> Yeah. That we we will charge for everyone. >> And do we have a listing of the revenue? And I'm going to say by category. In
other words, do we know how much we're taking in in yoga, pickle ball, um the weightlifting? Do we know that >> it'll go into a bucket? I'm trying to pull up the the budget right now. >> I can let you know I by the end of this
season it'll be about $1,500 for me and I'm just yoga. I'm not Zumba. I'm not spin. I'm not senior fitness. I'm not any of the other programs. >> So again, it's another way we can look outside the box and especially with Annie on here, additional ex uh wellness
and different things that we could bring in there. >> I mean, I think Rick, if you want to teach line dancing, we could pack that gym. Got it, man. >> 30% comes back. >> Never tried. >> I have a pair of boots. >> So do I. >> But something like Oh, the other thing. I'm sorry. I'm just going to bring it
up. When we talk about a uh and I don't know if you have all talked about this, but a backup plan for a rain day for Bay Oaks, then we should have a contract in place that says that because it's all liability. It'll go to our lawyers. >> It'll be um it has to go to our lawyers if they're using our our facility. So
just >> good thinking >> just a thing to think about when we do that. So >> I will reach out to both of them again. They just came up. I think it was Neil a few days ago and they all of a sudden went we don't have a backup for rain. They got a pretty big event going on.
>> Yeah, we we'll do that once the park is is finally done. Um >> I have them contact Neil for that paperwork. Yeah, we just need like a copy of insurance and be like additionally insured with our address there at Bay Oaks. >> It have they done the special events
permit yet? >> Yes. >> Okay. Well, we can try to add that to it. That's where it it should it should sit would be where the contracts are. So the so it's potential that the if there's something going on, if they're going to be I don't even know serving alcohol or something, it has to be
approved by the council, too. So that's good to do it in a special events uh permit would be that's that's your backup plan. >> Yeah, they've got the special events at Santini and then they're going across the street to the beach at night and everything. So >> just an FYI cuz I appreciate >> So do they need something beyond the
special events for a rain backup if they go? Let me answer this and Jeff you can add to it but this is a perfect thing that when you come before the council because a lot of people watch council but they may not watch the advisory. when you come before us to say, "Let me tell you what we're working on and give
us some guidance." That's a perfect thing to say. Hey, we've groups have reached out to us and said, "If we have a rainy day, we'd like to use Bay Oaks. We were told we would likely need a special events permit. Nancy, the town attorney is there." And so council would
go, "That's wonderful. You're looking to increase revenue." And you ask the question, "What else would we need?" Nancy would be the perfect person. She's already there. and she'd say, "You're going to need this. You're going to need that." And she'll let us know as council if it needs to come before us to say,
"Okay, then you're kind of covered." >> So, you're saying we have to go to town council to get that answer? >> No, I'm saying when you come to do your report. >> Oh, >> you know, just to say, "Hey, I'm here representing Borab. We are putting together, you know, kind of our our
wishes, medium, long-term, and you know, asking for feedback, telling them what you're working on. as well. I want to let you know >> I agree with you. I want to I'm going to let me just uh I just wanted to say the the >> it's I think it's great that we that um
what's up FMB is looking at Bay Oaks. I was using that as part of our strategic like discussion of revenue income options that you know we've got whether it's wellness it's workout >> because I keep hearing we don't have any
budget money and I'm saying there are creative ways outside of the box that we can increase revenue and start bringing funds in there to start fixing this park and that's the part that I am is this is just that's just one element of it so I will do a follow up with what's up FMB
and make sure the paperwork's done. They are fully legitimate. If anybody knows Don Miller, she knows everything to the tea. >> So, I'm I I'm happy to have it as a a rain. We just need the contract in place. Absolutely. That says the price if they do need it for a rain. Um so, that's all kind of a negotiated contract
that we do with everything. Yeah. >> So, all contracts go to get sent to our attorneys uh for review and then comes back to us if they're >> Absolutely. And that this the wellness will be is on the top of my list is activities. Yeah. >> You know, the fact that they they have
gone to the level that they have. I think they're up to >> they're over 30 vendors. So, we can take combine that. I mean, I'm envisioning doing that like maybe even twice a year over at Bay Oaks. And then we can bring in all of the other, you have the I think you've had the breast cancer, the
skin checks, blood pressure, all the other towns and bring that together as a, you know, wellness for the community. >> Yeah, it'd be good to get that back. We used to have the wellness fair down at Bay Oaks. Um, >> did we try it last year? >> No, we did. We had a wellness fair >> and then um >> I can't remember what I was going to
say. >> Speakers. >> Yeah. >> You have speakers. So, and and partnering with what's up FMB and they're they're driving all of these different activities and again the benefit to the town um and what they can
bring again trying to increase revenue shortterm >> thinking outside the box where we're not costing the town money. >> No, and I I agree because we're even getting um some other programs are in the works at possibly having Shrimp Fest down there because we're going to have the space and once we get the grass in
it'll look really nice. Um, and there's a lot of room down there. And then there's there's another we got another uh special events permit for I think I brew fest. Yeah, I think it's a women's club. >> Is it brew? It's not beer fest. It's brew fest, right? >> Brew fest.
>> So, we are going to be Yeah, you're right. There we have more opportunity down there to do a lot more things. So, thank you. I have also talked to a um a doctor that's local that can do personal training and kind of like um some
physical therapy type of sessions. Maybe some like prevention for injury for pickle ball player clinics, that kind of thing. So that's in the works. I have to have a contract with him in the next month or two. >> Nice. >> So going to partner with Pam because I think that one there's like a month
stretch where we had the ambulance down there like she overworks. We've been better this year. We haven't had any massive injuries. >> That was a great discussion. Um, back to the members. We think we're Rick, did you have anything else from your list because that's what
>> um, >> when did we have to have information for you to go to council? Was that before our next meeting or >> um, I'm going to do a wrap up on that. I was just going to see because we kind of spun off a year list and I need to get the two input from these two also. >> So, we're going to wait till after the next meeting. Okay.
>> Well, we're going to spin I'm going to do that after I get through the members items. Okay. >> Um for setting underneath setting the agenda for the next meeting. We'll go through that. >> Okay. Sounds good. I'm good then. >> Joy. No, I
like I said, I I feel like we want Beay Oak's grounds to look beautiful and I would be proud of, you know, selling it. So, whatever we can do, that's on my list of things that I would
ask the friends to don't start doing um sooner rather than later. That's my list. The pavilion in the back drives me nuts. Annie. >> Okay. So, I have a few things. Um, I'm
very interested in hearing a budget update and finances when that comes um for the next meeting or whenever that is. So, I know this one might not be possible right now, but I would love to see a dog park at Bay Oaks. And I know
that there's a whole situation with drainage and where it could possibly be, insurance, everything else. Is that something we have funds for right now? Probably not. But I would like to see it. Would it bring in any revenue?
Definitely not. But would it be a nice thing for the community to have? I think it's necessary. Right now, there's not anything like that on the island. There's a lot of dogs on this island. And um
it's something I would like to see and I don't know how much it costs to put the fence up, but I don't see it as being prohibitive and I think it's actually attainable again depending on the
drainage situation. Um can I just comment on that one real quick because we we looked into that when was it? as Danielle had we had a >> already getting quotes for it and then to try to get a DB permit down there. We were too close to the mangroves to
>> buy the building now that we have this open space or potentially I'm not going to say for sure. We might have another three pieces of land just next to us. But that is something I mean I'm a dog lover. I have one. Um I think it would be great too. So I I like that idea.
>> Thanks. >> All residents, right? Not just humans, >> all residents, dogs, humans, every whatever else you got. Um cats, I hope not. Um >> the the next thing I do want to talk about is just the um kind of the social
media landscape right now with um especially when it comes to the pool. I think anybody who's online at all sees that there's some feedback from residents that's um not necessarily positive about the pool. And I know like we know what's going on with it. you've
communicated with us pretty effectively, but I think it would be in everyone's best interest from Bay Oaks to inform the community a little better about where we stand on that right now because
people are getting frustrated and the the chatter is not necessarily very polite and and I don't want to correct everybody um but it's Um, sometimes people on the internet are
mean and I don't really care for that and there's nothing you Well, I know. But, um, it would probably help if Bay Oaks was able to communicate, hey, the town, this is where we are on things,
and, you know, we would love your feedback um, you know, for the design phase of the pool. Uh, I think that's something we could absolutely do as far as communication as well. Um, I know for
myself, my own classes, I've got my sign at the end of Pearl Street, right? And it's very simple. It's got a QR code. You beep boop on your phone when you're stuck in traffic and go to my website and, you know, find out when I'm having classes, all those things. I think a roadside sign that's, you know, couple
hundred bucks to put at the entrance of Bay Oaks with, you know, the QR code with community updates, even with like a couple of flyers, you know, for the people who are walking by. It's not very expensive. And I know I get a lot of my new students through the
sign. and just that little info tube with my little halfpage flyers. I think it's attainable and it's it's old-fashioned and it's very effective. Um, as well as, you know, the whole online situation. Um,
next I did want to inform everyone my last class for the season, my last yoga class will be on May 13th. Um, until next season um if the town will have me back um which I hope they do. And uh so that's uh coming up shortly, which it's
like summer camp's coming to an end. Um but that's how it is around here. >> Can I can I ask is it stopping because we have the kids coming in? >> No, it's stopping because I will be heading back up north for a little
while, but I will be back in June. Um, and also like I wouldn't have the numbers necessarily to support being there. Um, a lot of my students do go back up north for the season. So that's I mean we can all tell right now with
traffic. Um, things are getting a little lighter down here. Um, and I guess my last thing I would want to talk about is uh what's the situation with the community room in the afternoons? Um, I'm just curious because we're still
keeping the lights on for the building, right? And staff is there, you know, in the afternoons and in the evenings. Is there a way to get programs that, you know, maybe only 15, 16 people need to be there um in that community room? It's a great small space for like small
clubs, small events, small situations. Uh, again, the lights are on anyway. >> And you bring up a good point. There are I mean, I I at least know three people that go to your class that are locals and they're going to have nowhere to go,
you know. So, I know it's great running programs with people who are being paid like yourself, but in some ways, we have to find some way of creating a staff that can also run some of these programs for people because there's not going to be the numbers, but there are still people in our community that deserve the
recreation and need it and and it's just important, you know, and I know it's tough because, you know, like you say, it's not going to pay. And I always say the revenue neutral, it's just we need recreation for our community even in the off season, even when it isn't necessarily going to pay for itself,
>> right? And I I agree with that because um you know, we it's something to look for, have an idea for next year's budget season because then we can maybe put in for a couple extra staff um to do that. I know it only takes, you know, one to do it, but right now they are just
stretched. And I'm not trying to hit that home because you guys all know, but um but yeah, I think that's that's that's good to have that. Um because yeah, there are even if it's one or two people that want to do it, I mean that's if it's our staff that do it. We used to do it um and we'll continue to do it at
the pool when it opens and uh we used to do water aerobics, those kind of things there and it was our our lifeguards that did it. So same same concept um on that. So, >> as a followup from the pool, would it be all right if I reach out to Abigail? I
do think it'd be worthwhile for the town to put an update out on the pool. >> Yeah. >> Um, I also agree. Um, there's a number of things on our website that that we were going over that need updating. I just honestly looked and it it says the
it the last update was um >> and I >> July 1st. Yeah, the web the website I know needs work last year entirely >> like that. But I'm saying I think it would actually like the one I get on my phone >> I where the whole I think the whole everybody it's a hot subject and let's I
I it's not good news. We don't like it. Um but I think we need to get something out about what where it's at. >> I would maybe suggest I mean I'll I'll definitely bring it up too but I would suggest probably going through the town manager on that. >> Well um Abigail would she'd have to get approval anyhow, right? or no, put
something out. Yeah, >> I'll follow up. I >> Okay, >> got it. I will follow up uh with the town. >> Sounds good. Thank you. >> Okay, >> all right. Moving on. >> All right. Okay. I'm going to try to We talked about this um the strategic
work. So, how about if we start off with some short-term homework for next meeting? Um Neil, uh Jeff, can you put that want list together? >> Yeah.
>> Um second, um can you uh tell us what you do have funds for to fix out there? In other words, are you putting the grass in? Are you putting the um irrigation in? What can you fix?
I know you have some stone out there. What can you fix? And what are underneath your budgets? >> Can I just address the the Assad and irrigation just now? Yeah. Okay. Since you just brought up So, we have our our bid our um solicitation went out for a
company. Um so we'll have we're going to actually get a townwide landscaping contract in irrigation. So if we need somebody, they've already been vetted. So again, that's the uh I like Rebecca, I can just just reference you. That's how government works is that we have to
we put it out for 30 days. Um I believe it's in May that we have the selection committee that meets and then it's 30 days after that that we can award um and hopefully council isn't done. >> Can you expand on that to Joyy's point because I agree I walk back there. Is it
just the sad in the area between the walkway? Are you fixing the sad going back in the back? where where >> so we have money right now to just put sod in the park area basically >> in between the whole park that sidewalk in the new section >> and then we'll see after that how much
if we have funds left because we have park impact fees that we can use for that >> um and right now that was the priority but if there's other funds we have the nice thing about this is we have a company that we can just go to now and say we have this job or not now but you
know probably by May or June Um, so if we do have funds left over, um, we're we can do that, but we have a couple other ideas for the the park improvement loan, which may include ball field. >> Do we have irrigation back behind, um, Bay Oaks in the back all the way where
all that grass is dead? Is there irrigation back there right now? And is it just not working? >> No, there isn't. >> There's no irrigation. It's >> just around the building. I think it's ran. >> What type of sod are you planning on putting in that area? Uh, >> haven't got that far yet, but I'm open for suggestions.
something that's easy playable, you know, for obviously a floor time ain't going to work. So, a zoisera or something like that. >> Yeah, actually our uh I got to look what we did for the ball field. That actually's been working out pretty well. >> Yeah, that's a very short grass. >> I mean, that's been in >> that's been under 4t of water like three
times now >> and it keeps coming back. So, um we actually had a really good price on it. So, we'll see. I'll look that up and see >> because that's pretty critical, you know, otherwise. >> Oh, of course. I'm not >> grass in Florida can be completely unfriendly >> again. So that's one I just used an example if you could put a list of what
you are going to fix so that and then um >> yeah I just know specifically you said that so I just wanted to comment so everyone >> yeah I really would like to see the revenue and I'm going to say by category >> um that you've taken in over there just to show us and if we could get even somewhat year-over-year I mean where
have where's the need >> I think we yeah we can I just let me think about what we want to do because the last couple years weren't really a good indication. Um, just because it was open, it was closed, it was open, it was closed. So, >> sure. >> See if I can get But we were
>> maybe the year before the hurricane. >> Yeah, cuz our numbers were shooting up then. Um, but we also had >> more residents. So, >> okay. Just >> so let me find out a good kind of happy medium. Maybe we can just give you the last 10 years. >> That's >> if I can I don't know. Let me talk to
>> category. So, >> all right. And then this group here, the list is to get the pool. Get over to the pool. And I would challenge you while you're over there, walk the property and put your list of what you think needs to be fixed. As Joy said, we we've got our
little list. Come back with the list of what you think needs to be worked on out there. And again, let's take that and get a little creative. if we think we could get community involvement to get over there and help out, let's kind of maybe talk about that a little bit versus, you know, getting into the
capital. But let's put that list together and then I'm going to challenge you each to five revenue ideas. Five new revenue ideas. It could be, I'm going to throw it out, a new pickle ball tournament. It could
be a new workout class. Rick's going to do his dance class. Um, but five new revenue ideas for the park >> since this has been kind of a heavy meeting. Rick, do you only do line dancing or are you a >> I'm Dave Frank kind.
>> Okay. I don't know if you're like a break dance kind of guy. >> Something new, you know. >> Rick, I'm going to throw you underneath the bus. He was planting grass this week, so you might >> I saw him actually. I saw him out there doing it. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um so again I think if we start
with those again going back to you know the kind of the strategic plan we can start a list of again we're trying to increase revenue we're looking at the facilities we're looking at the programming um and out of there then we can well before
that we can pull in partnerships i.e. Could we reach out to different whether it's the gardening group? Could we get a group together to paint? Um could we get someone to rebuild one of the pavilions, get the partnerships and then we can figure out how to start marketing it. So
I think we hit all the categories. >> Get a liquor license. >> We're not getting a liquor license. >> All right. Do we Is everybody like this plan? >> Okay. Let's do our homework and then uh
we can pull this together and start getting some ideas together. >> And I think Michelle and the rest of the advisory board, I think it's you know, I know it was kind of a question of if this was going to get if this was on the agenda, but I think this is a great start. This is a wonderful start. Um
we're not going to solve it all in one day, but thank you Joy for bringing it up and and pushing it a little bit more. Yes. Um, but I think this is a wonderful start, not only for the strategic plan, but for Bay Oaks and the park in general. So, thank you. >> Absolutely. I'll push out to the community who is watching this that if
you've got ideas, please get them on our list, get them over to any of us. >> Can I just interject and then I do have to I have to another meeting, but I pretty much have most of Friday open. If anybody I have like 11, 12, 1,2, 3. So, I don't know if you want to just message me or tell me now what you want to do.
the first one >> 10 11 a.m. >> I should before I do that only because you know I'm there >> or if you need a different time we can if you're busy Friday we can pick a different day or >> that'd be awesome if you could do one after the other and then you're kind of in and out. >> I'll take 11.
>> All right. Anybody else have a time that they works for them? >> I'll take the one. >> One o'clock. Rick, >> I'll take three and I'll reach out. I mean, I'm guessing John's not here, but when he's when he
gets here around, I'll I'll take him around, too. But Joy, do you have any conflicts? >> How about Monday? >> Monday. Uh maybe in the What's on the agenda for Monday? Do you know, Rebecca? >> Oh, yeah. You're talking about the 20th. That's the town council. >> Oh, the 20th is
>> Yeah. 9:00 maybe afternoon. >> I What's on the list? Do Do you remember, Rebecca? What's on Oh, >> doesn't matter. Does it? >> I know. I just need to know if I need to go like all the way to like uh 3:00 or
>> Can we do Tuesday? Joy, >> can we do something earlier on Friday morning? >> Yeah, of course. Oh, actually, let me sit. I'm not going to answer that like that. I'm going to look. I have a I Yeah, I could do Oh, wait. What time do you get in?
>> I'm in at nine. I I just don't have any. No, Aaron's in actually early. >> I could do nine o'clock. >> Nine works. >> Nine o'clock. >> I have a 10, but I'll just do it on my phone. >> All right. 9:00. >> Michelle. >> Yes.
>> Would you like to get together with me because you and I can talk and put a framework together for the strategic planning and the, you know, how we can handle this? Then I can work with Jeff or pass things on. and you know get you in the mode of thinking about coming to
council, giving us updates, getting your broader message out, we can start to be great. >> Come up with a framework. >> Yep. That'd be great. >> Integrating everyone. >> And Rebecca, does do you want to tour it on Friday? Have you seen it? Have you >> No, I'm I'm good. I know the pool and I've seen the plans already. So, thank
you. But I'm good. >> Yeah. And I I'm going to extend that to the council, too, if they need to take a look um >> to come out and take a look. So, a lot of them probably haven't been in there for a while. Okay. I I do have to run. Do anything else from me?
>> Um, no. Do >> I'm going to get you um the fee I'm going to email you the fee schedule and our our approved budget. You can find it online, but it's a few clicks away. So, I'll try to Huh. >> It's hard to read. If you could break it down something simpler for them to read easier.
>> Yeah. I'll see what I can do on on that. That's that's the copy that I get to. So, I'll see if finance can do something for you guys and give us a better idea. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> All right. Um, any more public comment? >> Say it.
>> All right. With that, uh, our next meeting will be May 20th. And I just want to make note it'll be May 20th and June 17th. And we are, um, closed down the month of July. >> So, there will be no meeting in July. >> Just set the agenda before you.
>> Can we set the agenda for next meeting? Just so we're all on the same page with that. >> Yes. Um so I would like to keep the items for discussion but moved over to your um report. Still give an update on each of the A through G, but they'll
move over to your staff report, please. >> Okay. >> And then we our agenda is going to be exactly what we just talked about, the homework for each of us. So the town's wish list. Um, and what do you what do you have in
your budget and plan to fix or even grants, funding, what else is approved? And then the budget revenue by category review. >> Okay. >> And then this group is going to review um the pool. We'll keep that as one
bucket as a list. And then facilities, what we like to see for from a facilities fixed. and then uh revenue and event ideas. >> Okay. >> What about discussion to go to council? >> Um and then yes and then discussion for
what we're going to go to council. Right. >> Let me show you and I can meet before the next meeting so you can update them on what we've discussed and maybe some framework so everyone can have an input into what you bring. >> Sounds good. >> All right. Sounds good. Thank you. >> All right. Do we
>> I just want to be sure. Did you say the 20th of May and the 17th of June? >> Yeah. Okay. >> Correct. And then no meeting in July. >> I'm going to have to ask for an excused absence for June. Then I am going to
discuss because I already have another request. Um I'll be here in June but um I would have to zoom in for May. >> She'd have to zoom in. All right. You have, of course, you're approved. >> Thank you.
>> I'm just We won't have a quorum if John's not here. >> We may have Oh, is John be >> if I don't know. I have to find out if John's not going to be here. We don't have a quorum because we are down two. >> Joy, can you zoom in or you're out? >> I'm going to be in a car.
>> Well, thank you. Thank you. >> Joy, can you zoom in or are you out of pocket? >> I'm going to be in a car, I think. >> Okay. All right. So, Neil, if you could follow up um with John just to see if he'll be available for the June 17th. Otherwise,
we are going to have to cancel the June 17th meeting because we do not have a quorum. >> Okay. >> Maybe we'll get another person between now and then with the positions, but I'll I'll follow up either way. >> Probably zoom in on the 24th. I mean, I
know we've moved it be in the past, but I'm I'm definitely traveling that day and I can't commit. So, completely understand. All right. Do we have a motion to adjurnn?
>> So moved. >> I'll second it. >> All in favor? I The meeting has ended.