Hey guys, I guess we are the clock is straight up. We are all set. >> Our usual reminder, turn our phones off so they only flash or beep, but you know, don't make too much other extra noise.
After all, what could be more important than us right here? >> There you go. >> So, thanks everyone. We will call this meeting to order and ask for a roll call if we may.
>> Yes, ma'am. >> All right. We've got Carolyn Whiteitman. >> I am here. >> Ted Benbo is not here. Shannon Kerry >> here. >> Alina Davis >> here. Natasha Early, are you out there in Zoom land? >> Hi, I'm here. Yes.
>> Thank you. >> Yeah. David Epstein >> here. >> Christy Hughes, are you out there? >> I'm here. >> Perfect. Joseph Janak >> here. >> Richard Russell >> here. >> And John Weir >> here. >> Perfect. Okay. Great.
All right. Let's do our pledge of allegiance. Miss Annie, would you like to lead us in the pledge? I don't have the minutes in front of me for approval. Do we need to
>> I emailed them to everyone sometimes. Yeah, it's just a lot of paper to waste to be printing them out. >> Okay, I think that's a good idea. then I will I will give my I will give my likely approval of them and go back and re-review them. So, thank you. Are there
any adjustments from anybody else on the minutes? >> No, I didn't have time to read them either. Well, we'll give a temporary likely approval and if there's something that we've missed, maybe we make the request
that within 48 hours those on the committee will come back and say, "Oops, I want to say something." Is that agreeable? >> I could also recommend if um if needed, we can approve them at a future meeting if people need more time to review.
>> We could do that as well. Just >> we can do that option. I think we can give approval pending any huge resistance that anyone has. I think that's fair from this group. We you've done such great job with them. So, thank you. And I also
want to say thank you to all of our committee for being here. For those of you who have elected to stay and come back and for those of you who may have conflicts and are not able to re-up on the committee, I think we want to be
alert to people in the community that might make equally uh committed attendance and and uh attention to this wonderful park. So, let's be on the on the lookout for that. So, thanks to
everybody who's here. Um, okay. I would like to, if we have emergency agenda editions, I'd like to start out by inviting the manager if we can. Thank you very much, Ron, for attending and honoring us with your
time. And if there's anything that you would like to add, comment on, bring us up to date on, that would be great. Thank you. >> Thank you, Madam Chair, committee members. Uh, the chair asked me to give an update on the baseball field. Uh there's not a lot to talk about. Uh just
to recap, after many hours of uh public meetings and we had several people on a task force for baseball field on January 8th, the council passed on a 50 vote their version of the baseball license agreement. Uh we sent that on the next
day to the school board. Uh they subsequently had a retreat in Key West and uh made major changes to it. Uh we tried to work out some differences. They passed their own version And just like in Congress, if you don't have identical bills, nothing passes. So until we have
an identical license agreement, nothing's going to happen. Uh that was prior to baseball season ending. Now that the baseball season's over, uh we are kind of in limbo. Uh so on Friday, I was in Key West. I went to the baseball game down there and talked for a while with Ed Tierney, the superintendent. I
also saw individually uh Iet Talbot and Dr. Sualtansky. Talked to them a little bit about it. Uh there's still some issues about the building uh you know the concession standrestroom slash whatever else it may be and where it's going to be where the restrooms are. And
my suggestion to the superintendent was look we we have kind of a consensus on the field itself. Uh there's been a 50 vote by the council and by the school board that we're going to have artificial turf that the uh that the village has final say over anything that goes there. uh we want to make sure it
has proper drainage, that it's proper quality. Injuries, as the doctor has brought up before about artificial turf being probably safer for baseball, uh than grass and they kind of like the idea of maybe just focusing on the field. Let's reach a consensus on the field and it can do that about 3 months.
I've watched the field in Key West at Baby Park from beginning to end uh done in about 3 months. So, if we want to get the field done, I my recommendation is let's go ahead and get an agreement on the field. we can hold back on the rest of the improvements there and have more public input if we need it uh and and
more discussion. Uh that's been met with um tenative approval individually, but until we actually get something done, it's not there. So, I was hoping to hear back today. I I I messaged the superintendent today, told him I had talked individually this morning with uh our schoolboard member, I mean our
village council members, and they seem to be open to that. I talked individually with some of the schoolboard members. They seem open to it. Uh but unfortunately until we get something in writing um we are where we are. Uh I did tell the superintendent that uh and Maria's here that I did not
want our park staff touching the field anymore. If they if they don't reach an agreement on our turf, it'll stay grass and it'll stay grass totally under the supervision of the school board because last year as you remember they started pointing fingers like whose fault it was that the field's not in pristine
condition. And uh you know my position is that Bright View the current ones doing it. They'll keep doing it. We'll pay our fair share. But I don't want our parks people touching it if it stays grass. I don't think it should stay grass because it's you we have to keep watering it. We have to keep fertilizing
it, keep using pesticides. But if that's the final decision that we can't reach a consensus, uh then it'll be up the school board to maintain it. And so that's kind of where we've left it. And I wish I had more to update you, but that's kind of my latest update. and I'll be happy to answer any questions.
>> So, it sounds to me like there are two or three different separate issues. Is that right? The first one >> Well, what happened was we we had an agreement in from the village to them.
Several things came up and they were worried about uh what if let's say in 3 years from now uh the u the village kicked them out. They said, "Yeah, we want to cancel the agreement." Uh, and they said they put $6 million into the whole project. How much would they we
have to pay them back? And we had an am they put an amortization schedule. And my position was we're not going to kick them out, but let's say if our sake will we'll go back and forth on that. Uh, you know, we said maybe four and a half million. They said 6 million. Once again, argument something that's probably never going to happen. So that was one issue. The other issue is what
happens if we change our minds on the plans? How much will we have to reimburse them for? And once again, I think they're talking about a year or two from now. And even on that I said, "Okay, you know, let's say we do the field. We're not going to change our mind on the field." They've already budgeted out of the six million, they've allocated two million for the field,
which is about a million more than I had bud not I didn't budget, but when the AstroTurf guy came in uh and many of you saw it, uh I said to him in a public meeting, if you redid the one in in Bay Park, like here, roughly will that cost? He said, a million dollars. He said, actually less than a million. So, let's
call it a million. And so, let's say they're budgeting double that. we should get a really nice field for $2 million. If they did put it in there, we're not going to change our minds. And I think what they're worried about is us changing on the building like after we've already permitted, etc. coming say, you know, we'd rather have the
bathrooms or flip the bath, etc. And they're worried about having to redo the plans. And so that's why I was suggesting maybe pulling that off the shelf right now and putting on the shelf and saying if you want to have more input on that, but overall we have to issue permits for everything. And so until we issue the permit, which we
haven't, um we can change our mind or give our input on anything we want to, uh we've been we've we've had their designs for almost a couple months now. And I asked my building official to review it as though we had an agreement and find in case there are some issues we might have that they don't meet
construction code, etc. And I'm not aware of any issues. So if the school board came in today and said, "We're willing to take your 50 agreement as it was written, we're good to go." that they're not gonna they haven't done that and don't seem to want to do that. So my point was if we kind of agree on the
field, let's just do the field and and start right away on that. I saw Chaz Spotswood at the baseball game. It was a big game. He's head of Keystar and I'm I ran that past him and he said they're ready. They could do that right away. The complicating factor is there's another project. It's a separate project
behind the high school because people seem to be confusing. Oh, we just won't do the field. We'll do it behind the high school. That's not what they're talking about. It's a totally separate project. Richie has more information than I do, but I think people are confused. Say, well, if they don't do the field, they can put the money behind the high school. The high school project's already funded in a separate
way than the project here at Founders. And so, I think there's been some confusion on that, too. So, anyway, the update is that uh we're trying to at least move forward with the field. If the school board wants to move the building, too, that's fine, except that I think I'm getting a lot of input, not a lot, but some input about the building
itself, even on the council. And so, you know, I'm always open to more public input. So, if we can just separate out the building and the bleacher, what type of bleachers, you know, what what side they're on, how big they are, leave those issues for now over here, focus on the field because there's a lot of work
just to prep it, but make sure that field is the best field in the state of Florida. You know, with $2 million field, we used to have a really, really good field, but we have drainage issues, we have safety issues, we have uh, you know, the other issues with any turf field. Uh, but they I went I watched the
baseball game Friday night and talked to some of the players and coaches and said, "How's this how's your artificial turf working out?" They said there's been no issues because there was problems about the heat, the damages, you know, to kids and all. And they said it's been worked out fine. So,
>> hey Ron, is this all this money? Is it fenced so we don't have to worry? I mean, because there's a lot of budget cutting going on within the school board. Is I mean, we're good. That isn't part of their issue. It's just cut basically design. >> No, there there's no funding issue. Um
the money's been set aside and by the way it's not property taxes. It's I think sales tax etc. So it's not like coming from your your you know I guess you pay sales taxes it does but for the most part it's funded by tourists. So some people have asked about the property tax. In fact there isn't really one that the the money's been allocated
for years actually. It it originally started at five million up to six million. Um maybe more, but that's their money. I've been asked publicly and I'll say it again. If it went over their budget, how much is the village willing to pay? Our official answer until I'm told otherwise is zero. Yet the total
cost is being paid by the school board. So if they want to do more there, that's great, but we're not paying for it. So it's not a budget issue, it's a control issue. And I I spoke to the school board. Richie actually spoke right before I did and we both made the same point that this is just a landlord
tenant issue. You know, we we are the landlord, they're the tenant. And just like any other lease that any of us done, if a if a tenant wants to make improvements to the property you're leasing, fine. Just come in, get my approval, you know, let make sure I know who the contractor is, what kind of materials you're using, etc. But they
haven't the schoolboard is not used to being the tenant. They're used to doing projects on their own property with no oversight. So, for example, we're going to require permits. So, I told them, you know, like the first place line building, they're already making plans. And I told my staff, if they come in and
do work without a permit, red tag them. And you know, we own that building. And uh until they come work with us, uh it's just been I think some communication issues, which I'm not sure why, but uh and same as the field, like we want to have oversight. We own we own the property, but we want the same thing the
school board wants and the and the and the high school team, the best field possible. And I don't understand why. We just can't agree on the field, but that's where we are. >> Well, I think one of the problems is probably because the school board wants to give Keystar
cart blanch. They say, "Build us that field." And we as the owners of that property want to have oversight as to what material is there, who's doing the prepping, is the prepping done properly,
and they're not willing to do that. Would that be a correct statement? >> I'm not sure that's correct. I I've I've met with Keyar and they've been told by the school district, we have that oversight. Um, in fact, they're they told us they're waiting for us for specs. I'm like, we're not going to give you specs. you just bring them to us.
They they want us to pick the contractor other than Keystar. Keystar has been selected. We I don't have any problem with KeyStar. It's who's going to have to be the They're not going to be the ones doing the field. Uh Chaz told me they've hired a firm, I think it's called MSA, that's done turfs, stadiums
around the country, and they're the ones actually trying to find the uh the vendor for turf, but they haven't brought it to us yet. But we we we're we've told them that's one thing. It's not negotiable, that we have total say over what goes on the field. and they've agreed, but they haven't actually given
me anything. So, I'm not sure how far down that road because I think once this thing stall, they may have put that on hold. My point was just keep pushing forward. Bring us the specs. Bring us the contractor. I don't know who they've picked if they've even picked one because they thought we picked Astro Turf. I said, "No, I just they contacted
me. I had them come in because you you heard the meeting. I thought Astroturf guy did a good job of explaining it because I wasn't an expert on turf. Still not, but I know more than I did. And I thought he did a good job of telling us, you know, what would be involved. You I've talked to to Doc Wear and about injury situation. I've talked
to Larry Zetwalk about the heat situation on the field. You know, I've gotten a lot of input. I've talked to environmentalists about the drainage. So, we've gotten a lot of input, but no specifics. Point being, once again, with $2 million, it should be the best field in the state of Florida. and the details
are out there, but I I'll push for the details in the field, but until we have an agreement, you know, we didn't want to get too much into it since there's no agreement. >> I think the other thing that I have run across is the warranties on the on the
turf fields. Um, they are very specific. Um, >> that came up about what kind of footwear, etc. I think that's what you're referring to. Not only footwear, but you know what happens if we have a hurricane, you know, and that field is
damaged. >> Well, the field is going to be >> that warranty is gone. >> We did have a discussion with school district and we've made it clear that's 100% on the school district. >> Yeah, they they're going to put the field in there responsible for the field. If there's damages or whatever, they fix it. We we have to be careful
from our part, you know, like for example, we wouldn't have the nautical market set up on the field and then people driving stakes through it and put their tents in it. That's not going to happen. So, we have to, you know, obviously Maria knows that that we're not going to do something on the field. Let's say the turf is installed. We're not going to go out and on the field and
do something you stupid that would create damage to the field. It's our field, too. It's actually our property. So, we would have strict rules on what could or couldn't be done on the field if it is turf. Um, and so I don't think that would be an issue. If there's some
special requirements, once we don't know who it is yet, but if if it's a spe a specific turf that needs c certain rules, then we'll see if that's reasonable. I mean, I I can't really think of something that would be unreasonable. I'm not sure it goes to the level of, you know, maybe like certain types of spikes that would leave
holes in it, for example. But as Richie knows, who's more of a baseball guy than me, there's certain, you know, cleats you can use that are not going to be damaging to turf. Once again, I just watched the Kasai baseball team play on it and whatever shoes they're using is probably probably the right kind of shoes.
>> Has the actual decision been made that it is artificial turf as opposed to grass? Have we grown beyond that or is that still a part of this conversation? >> In my opinion, that decision has been made. In other words, there was a 50
vote by the council and a 50 vote for the school board on a plan that both sides agreed was artificial turf. Okay, >> I think that decision has been made as far as is it grass versus turf. Now, decision as far as the particulars have not been made like who's the vendor,
what warranties, you know, that kind of thing. Also, the maintenance of has been decided. it's going to be the school board's whether it's grass or turf truthfully but let's say it's turf then it's up the schoolboard because it takes a specialized kind of care for turf and so we don't want it to become our
responsibility after season ends for example whoever maintains it during season should maintain it year round I don't think it' be much of a problem for turf as is now because right now that the games are done and so in a few weeks it'll probably start looking kind of not
that great you because it it takes continuous maintenance. It cost us a lot of money to, you know, water it, pesticide, fertilizer, etc., which I don't really want to do. And somebody even suggested, well, we'll have the school district come and put a new field, new grass field, which once again
doesn't seem to be a very good use of taxpayer money or even sales tax money because I do want to think I do think we should have, you know, a new field there, but not grass because it' be silly again, then make make an agreement, then tear it out next year. Makes no sense. So my thought is push as
far as we can on the turf, get it installed as soon as possible, be ready for next season. If we can do the other fine, but the first place line building's still there. And so the locker rooms, all the things that they wanted can still be done in the existing building. It' be if they want to have another concession standrestrooms,
etc. I mean, that's fine. We we voted for a plan that had it. They just they just changed it. The school board changed it. So, the leverage right now is that nothing's going on and it sounds like the school board needs to make a
decision if they want a baseball field. >> That would be my position. Once again, this the the village council after as Alina knows a lot of input. >> Yeah. >> You know, uh voted 50. I was actually surprised it was unanimous. Uh but we voted 50. We the council voted 5. We
gave it to them. They never directly responded. They changed it. They sent it to our lawyer. >> You know, that's back in January, maybe February is when they made the changes. And since then, we keep pushing them said, "Why don't you get our lawyers with your lawyers and work it out?" And for whatever reason, that hasn't
happened. >> No. And then they they reiterated, the village council did 4 because Steve Freriedman was out that they were sticking with that um original 5-0 vote. >> Yeah. that contract.
>> Yeah, I did meet with the superintendent. We did try to work out some differences, but then the version they gave back to us had some major I call them errors is to say not correctly interpreting what we had talked about. And until the village council votes, like somebody said, you've negotiated
XYZ, I don't have the ability to to to finalize anything. Anything I do has to come to village council and at this point the only official position is the 50, the January version. if we reach an agreement on an addendum, whatever, that will come back before the council, but we don't even have that yet. We've sent
them some versions of addendums, etc., and they haven't responded. We we sent them some of the differences, you know, to try to narrow down the differences. You know, Lena's given me some information. Jamie Engel, who's done a great job also, has looked at this stuff and given us ideas, but until the school
board officially acts on something, there's no agreement. We do have an but by the way there there still is an interlocal agreement. So it's not that there's no agreements. We did the interlocal agreement back in 2024 before I came on board. Um and so that was voted on by both the council and the
school board. So there is an interlocal agreement but that agreement requires a baseball license agreement and a use agreement which would probably roll into one document. It doesn't make sense to have two separate ones but that's the one when I'm talking about that. That's what I'm talking about is the baseball license agreement not the interlocal agreement.
Richie, do you have any to add only? No, >> I I thank uh Ron for his leadership in this. I I think honestly that at this point in time, the way that uh you know what would be prudent for us to do is put the field in. I think from
day one that's been priority one, two, and three. And uh you know, the amenities and so forth. Obviously, everybody wants to have restrooms closer and it' be nice to have concession stand and all that kind of stuff, but you know, moving the fence forward and bringing the dugouts in closer and so
forth is, you know, obviously that was our chief priority and it remains that. So, um hopefully uh you know, school board comes to consensus in the very near future. We are fortunate that it only takes three months from like the day you say yes to the day we're playing
ball on it. But we don't want to flirt with that any further, I don't think. >> And as a reminder, it was at this meeting months ago that I made the recommendation and that to you guys that we remove the remember there going to be two buildings there. The other one was even larger than the one that's still in
the plans. And I recommended abolishing that one. Y'all agreed. I went to the council, they agreed. schoolboard agreed because we didn't think we really needed that second building because there, you know, because the things that could be done that second building can be done at the existing building. So, we've made some changes already. It wasn't like we rubber stamped what the school board was
doing and they went along with it. That's why I'm not sure why all of a sudden we've had a roadblock because especially with the field, as Richie says, there's no reason to not do the field. There's a 50 vote on both sides that's going to be artificial turf. And I know that not everybody's thrilled with that. There's going to be some people that will never agree to turf.
They always want grass. they're entitled to their opinion, but that's not the position of the school board or the council at this point. So, if we can get an artificial turf field in there at the school board's total expense with our input and our final approval of everything, remember we they have to get
permits for everything. This is not their property. It's our property. And if we for some reason say no, the answer is no. But they haven't even asked the question officially. They have I mean, I never signed a design build contract. So they're they're kind of operating on
their own on some things which they might want to be more concerned about apparently, but they're not. >> It sounds like the ball is in their court. They just come the realization that they're the tenant in the village is the owner. And that's the relationship they got to get used to.
And I think I think all that thought about putting in the field, yeah, I don't know why they don't do it, but they're not not used to being the tenant. So they want to call the shots, but they can't. >> Well, the other the other problem just phil philosophically is that when you run for school board, you run because
you're into education. You're into the students. You're into the curriculum education stuff. They didn't run to be construction managers and contract oversighters. And I think for example, they they told me all their negotiations are not done with the schoolboard. They're done
through their attorneys, which those of you familiar with our our council know that's not the case with our council. We have more of a hands-on counsel. and they've had a lot of input. So, I think that's part of the problem is they're not used not in addition to not being the landlord. They're not being a tenant. They're also not used to their
school board being actively involved in negotiations and they've deferred that to their lawyer and for whatever reason that hasn't happened. I mean, our lawyers involved too, but more from a legal, you know, take a look at this and see if there's any legal problems, but the negotiations were designated to me
and to superintendent, but it seems like the lawyers on their side are more involved in the in this discussion than than I should be because that that seems to be where the hang-up is is that with the lawyer because I don't see and talking individually, they have sunshine, too. you can't have them talk
to each other, but they can talk to me. And I've talked to majority of the school board, and I I'm not getting any push back. So, I'm not sure why. We just can't come to an agreement. But that's where we are. That's why when the chair asked me for an update, I'm like, I'll give you an update, but I'm not sure how much more I can add than what you've
read in the newspaper because behind the scenes stuff doesn't count until it becomes in writing, approved by the district, and approved by our council. Is there any leverage in the in the timing in that the longer it waits if
you've given instructions to the staff not to go onto the field and not to maintain it? Is there any leverage that says wouldn't it be better to get this thing fixed now before it something else happens or is that am I making that up?
>> No, that's exactly the leverage I told them. I said to them, you my direction to Maria, unless I get different direction from the council is we're not going to touch the field and if they want to let it go a couple months and see what it looks like with us not maintaining it, we can take some
pictures of it and send to the press and see what they think about it. I borrow the moment >> to that. Isn't the use of the field designed that even some overflow from soccer practice or camp or something in the event that the field is now
functioning that that would be available to the park while it's not baseball? Am I Did I make that up? >> I'll defer to Maria, but yeah, as far as I know in the past, I've only been here a year uh and I haven't seen much there, but we can use for other things. Uh I'm
not sure if there's anything scheduled >> uh in the summer. We do have uh one camp scheduled. The monastery will be using the outfield for a little sports camp. >> So right now >> the outfield grass, not the infield. So
right now the outfield grass as it deteriorates becomes less appealing to be used or less accessible to be used until it gets fixed. >> Yes, we'll evaluate that when the time
comes. If they can't use the high school field, then they'll use this field or >> Okay. >> Hopefully won't come. >> We'll make sure I it'll we'll make sure that it's maintained well enough. I'm just saying maintain the level of a baseball field. Baseball fields are very
specialized care and the problem is we don't need we don't want to have our people trained who aren't necessarily trained to be baseball field keepers to do the primarily the infield part is what I'm referring to the outfield if that's a straight grass you we'll probably keep it mowed or whatever. But
my main concern is the baseball aspect of that field and it's specialized care and I don't want our folks having to, you know, the clay and when it rains and it washes away, you know, I've heard all those complaints in the past and I don't want I don't want our folks have to deal with it because, you know, we don't want
them doing the baseball field and I I think I mean my sense is there's consensus which is why I'm still a little frustrated that we're not getting an agreement because do the d we're still televised. do the dang field and and and get it over with, you know,
because once again, if it had been a three to2 vote or whatever, but 50 votes on both sides, that is turf, you know, I'm not a huge fan of turf. I I like grass, too, but that's the decision. That's the decision. Until I'm told otherwise, it's turf.
>> So, thank you for the update. Is there anything that we as a committee might request or say or do rather than just receiving this? >> Not really. I mean, if I if I knew of something, I mean, obviously, you Richie has more connections with the school
district uh in some ways than I do at at I've talked to the principal. I've talked to the baseball coach, the athletic director. Let's just say uh they appreciate our efforts. I'll leave it at that. Are the vill's efforts. >> Anything else? committee.
>> My response to that would be too that I'm an employee of the school board. They're less likely to, you know, be impacted by my email, but your emails are important. Your phone calls are important. And uh I think, you know, it
if we get an active community, they're responsive. >> I've heard allegations that this is the typical of the history that, you know, the upper keys get shafted by Key West that out there. I haven't sensed any anti-uppercase bias. Um, like I said, I
was in Key West. I'm full disclosure, I am a Key West conchk. It's not like I'm biased either way. And I haven't sensed any push back because of the the dynamics of that. It's just for what it's a control issue. If I had to use one word, it's control. And and they're
not used to having oversight and we want it. It's nothing anti-uper keys. It's not the money. The money's been allocated. It's not a budget issue. It's just details over who controls what and they don't want to, you know, give us any control and we don't want to give it
up just for certain things. There are certain things I'm not going to argue what color the interior walls are. >> So, the recommendation sounds like the council needs to ask in writing what what's the holdup. >> We c we pretty much have. Yeah. >> No, no, not pretty much. I mean, we need
it in writing so that way something can happen because right now it sounds like it's just >> well our next meeting is May 12th and so that's kind of my internal deadline is I'd like to if we need any action it'll be done May 12th but right now I have
nothing to take to the council and so if we can if if we've in writing I mean writing from me right >> to the superintendent who's been delegated by the interlocal to be the negotiator with me um I've said to him, "Let's do, you know, at least work on the field part of it. Talk to your
school members and get back to me." And that's what we're waiting on. I've talked to individuals, our council members, and you know, for the most part, they've said, "We voted. They know what our position is. The the ball's in their court or in their glove, whatever analogy you want to use." And so, um,
that that is, um, where we are. Well, would it be appropriate that in the next report that we do as a committee to council or that we initiate some communication to council or school board and just say we're inquiring
because we're the committee that's heard the the reports? >> I don't think it would hurt. I I mean there's the school district is just like the county commission. They have districts. Our district first is Dr. Suansky. That's the one I've probably been in touch with more than anybody on the school board. And it's there's, you
know, there's been some wavering there about whether we should get it done right now or wait for a year. I've heard you both both ways. Um, once again, you know, all of you all are respected members of the community. I'm sure they'll listen to you. Just that I'm not sure the school board is the real problem. I think it's hung up with their
their their turning. And we've reached out to the superintendent and asked him. It'd be like them telling me that, you know, them trying to tell John Quick what to do. You know, our lawyer, we can't, they can't do that with us. We're not going to do it with them. I can't call, you
know, u bowling and say, "Get this thing done as soon as you can." That they have to tell them that. >> So, that's kind of where we are at this point. >> All right. Well, thank you for the update. Is there anything else committee
on this? And Ron, anything else to uh report or bring us up to? You're we're happy to have you here and don't >> Well, every Tuesday we have a staff meeting. Every Tuesday I asked Maria, "How's the pool coming?" And she says, "It's on schedule and on budget." So until I hear otherwise, Maria says,
"We're the pool's going to open the end of uh next month, which is like next week is is May." Actually, this weekend's May. So at the end of May, we hear that's going to be done and we're keeping our fingers crossed. But apparently it's been a lot of progress on it. I come out every few days and
there are five or six guys out there working. So, it seems like they're making progress. Unless Maria has something to add to that. >> Oh, okay. I didn't see. >> Great. >> Good job, Maria and Anna. Our staff's doing a great job of overseeing it and it's going to be a really nice pool and
a lot of people keep asking me. So, that's why I want to make sure I pointed out that we're Maria's on top of it and her staff and so unless you're otherwise it's going to be in end of May, it'll be back open. >> That's great. Well, thanks Ron so much for coming and for your presentation.
Anything else, guys? We appreciate you coming coming and being here. Thank you. Okay. Um, are there other emergency agenda additions or deletions or do we move to public comment? We do. Um, we have Emily Rother, the cultural arts
coordinator. Um, she would like to talk to the group about the tribute wall of fame. Um, she is actually should be >> Hello. I'm here. >> Hi.
>> It's nice to see you all. Hello, Madame Chair, members of the committee. Um, my name is Emily Rother. I'm the villages cultural arts coordinator and I'm um really excited to be supporting the parks and wreck department with the
tribute wall wall of fame project. Um so as Maria invited me, I wanted to spend about 2 minutes telling you about uh a proposal that I have for how we can get this thing done. Um, and then I'm happy
to take any questions you might have. Uh, and I apologize for joining via Zoom. I'm on a family vacation in France. So, um, yes. >> Apologize. Enjoy it. >> Thank you. Yeah, we had wine and cheese for dinner. Very French. Anyhow,
>> um, >> so the way that we have discussed potentially pursuing this tribute wall wall of fame project is through a call to artists. So the village would publish a call to artists and invite
uh artists either locally, nationally or from the state of Florida. We can decide that in a small committee. um how wide to expand this uh to submit like information about their past work
and a small blurb about what kind of project they would do. And the call to artists will have photographs of the space, dimensions, and requests for what we want the wall to look like. Um, the idea that we have so far, I don't
think I need to tell you because I think it was your idea, but um, is to have a wall on the exterior of the main building inside the pool enclosure that talks about the history, all the notable figures who've
been involved in designing and creating the pool, using the pool, famous coaches and swimmers, um, divers. I'm not going to continue listing sports because I'm sure I'm going to miss some. Um, and then also a wall of fame portion with
interchangeable names so that current pool users can swap out, you know, high scores and records. So the call to artists would be published. Artists would apply and then a small committee would select three of
those artists and pay them a small stipend a few hundred to create a more thorough proposal like a real design. How big would it be? What materials? What's it going to look like? they could do some community interviews uh talk
with council members to understand the content for the wall as well. Then the selection committee would be able to choose between those three more detailed proposals. Uh and then finally hopefully by next spring summer uh we
would have a a tribute wall a wall of fame installed um by the pool. So, I'll pause here and take any questions you have. >> Well, I do. Hi, it's Joe and Maria and Danny.
Um, if you we had a small committee meeting about a year ago >> and I even went out and took some pictures of some Hall of Fame walls in Fort Lauderdale, Miami >> and I haven't heard anything since because then I left for the summer. Yeah, it was a year exactly a year ago.
>> So, is is that has there been any continuation of that particular committee that I guess I was on that >> because we talked about the things that Emily >> you're right I just wanted to update >> I'm still on that committee AS FAR
>> YOU STILL ARE on that committee >> you're right >> I'm glad to hear that we we you know it wasn't dead in the water so to speak and so >> yes it's been a while >> yes nothing has happened since >> last summer, right?
>> Um, we kind of got derailed and now we have signed Emily up and she's so nice to help us out and try to get things going and she has the background >> and and you know the knowledge of how to, you know, move forward with this. >> I think it's a great idea because the
wall is big. >> Y >> and we don't have enough records to even put on that. John, you could even >> chime in on this how we want to do it. And having the artist put something in there is a really cool one. I think it's great, >> right? And so we would like to have that
committee still participate. I think it was >> uh John and Elena and you. So yes, we are going to need your help and would like to get things rolling again. So we will be asking for that.
So >> you can attend it from >> all I would like to say briefly is that this is a much more workable approach to doing something with the wall that was originally presented to the small committee specifically as a wall of
fame. And after our first meeting, it frankly became obvious that that was not going to be sustainable for a project like this. And so then it morphed into a tribute wall, which is what you've described beautifully for us
this afternoon. And I think the whole concept of a tribute wall is much more appropriate and is much more feasible than the original goal of creating a wall of fame. So I think it's great. >> Emily, anything else?
No, I'll uh leave it to Maria. Um and I'll look forward to working with the small committee and they'll keep you all updated on the project. >> Thank you for your time. >> Yes, >> we'll get start getting together on I heard the timeline say next spring which
is good. I went because I'm not going to be here in the next few months but >> Right. Well, we'll we'll get the group back together. Um okay. You know, once Emily gets back from her vacation, we'll regroup. and we just needed to hear that from the committee that you are still support the idea and support moving
forward. So we'll get things rolling again and obviously the end um the village council we are going to need money in the budget to move forward with the project. So that is something that's going to have to be you know discussed during the village um budget cycle. So
that's coming up in probably about two about two months from now. So, we will be asking for funding to support the project. >> Well, and Joe, may I uh suggest that there's been a very appropriate example that our presenter is currently in
France doing this presentation. So, your commentary about being out of town is I'm sorry is no longer acceptable. >> Busted. >> Thank you, Emily. >> Thanks, Emily. Good night, boy. Good night. >> Just a side note on that. I mean, I get
it. She left, but um when we talk about funding on this, this is something that you can e we should easily be able to fund raise as well. I mean, the village needs to go in there, but you know, you look at the art district in downtown, they will get behind this so heavily once once we have a plan forward and
Yeah, it'll be a good one. >> Thank you. Great. All right, that's um any do we move to public comment? Do we have public comment? >> Yes. >> Okay. Do we have some public comment?
>> You know, I'm going to interject something. I'm not a public I was actually going to put it under the other other heading. Um I've only become recently aware of this. We we obviously it's a very distinguished committee. Proud to be on it. had no idea that
Shannon was a colonel in our military. And uh I thank you for your service. >> No, it's not on there. But the other thing I I'd be remiss if I didn't say her son's graduating this year and Jamie is nothing short of outstanding. He is
immensely talented. There's depth and diversity to his talent and uh he's a great student and just a great young man. So you got much to be proud of. And again, thank you for your service. What are his plans? >> Uh, he's going to University of Arizona
study medicine. >> Great. >> At least that's today's plan. >> So, we'll see. But he's excited. But thank you very much. That was really nice. >> Congratulations. >> You sent him that the speech that speech about just make you just make you Oh,
yeah. It's a book. >> It's a whole book. Oh, well, I saw I I saw the speech, so >> yeah, >> that's a good that's a good graduation. >> There you go. There you go. >> All right. Is there anything else? Any
other public comment or do we move on to next item? >> We can move on. There's no public comment. >> All right. Would you like to um fill us in, Maria? >> Yes. um this May there going to be a change of
um committee members here and at this point I'd definitely like to thank the committee members that have served us for the last uh two years and um it's Shannon, Natasha, Christy, Joe, and John.
Um your term has up but we definitely would like everyone to reapply to be on the committee. So, it is um something that we would like for everyone to do if you would like to continue to serve. But at this point in time, you do need to
let the um clerk's office know that you would like to continue. So, that's important. >> Okay, good. Yeah, I'm just kind of just putting it out there. Um and I know certain members are not going
to renew and Yeah, we know. It's okay. And um and those members are I think Shannon and Christie. And obviously, you know, we really appreciate you serving the community here and serving us for the last two years.
>> Thanks. It's been very interesting. >> We really do. Thank you, >> Christie. >> Thanks, Christie. >> Oh my gosh. You're so welcome. Thanks to all of you. >> Yeah. And obviously as you know residents of Isa Marada you can always
give us a call or come to these meetings and give us your input. We're always available to you. So >> well and we also clearly have set international standards. So being remote for meetings is we we've now proven is no longer acceptable an acceptable
excuse. So thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thanks Maria. >> Anything else there? >> No that's it. >> Okay. Well, let's move on to our committee items. John, do you have something? >> Yes. Briefly for all of you, the
background to this subject is that since the Founders Park has been closed, I've been going up to Jacobs and I know that we approved and all of you undoubtedly recall the
meetings that were devoted to the new fee schedule for all aspects of park usage, including the pool. and they were passed and they are done. When I went to Jacob's to begin swimming for these past few months,
um the first thing I noticed is that they have considerably more lifeguards than we have. We are working right now on three full-time dedicated lifeguards,
four if you count Anna Caps, but she has administrative responsibilities in the office as a part of park staff. And Jacobs has 25 lifeguards, approximately 25.
Now, they're not all full-time, but clearly they have higher staffing levels and they are able to do this. I personally believe in large part because they charge more.
Um, for instance, for 3 months at Jacob's, 90 days, I'm paying $90. a dollar a day annualized. That's $360 for an adult membership.
That is more than our current. Admittedly, our new fee schedule that was approved by this committee that was submitted by you does include a cost increase.
But this came up frankly as a question. So from Maria and Annie and in absentia Anna, do you feel that this new fee schedule that we approved will give you
the financial flexibility and leeway to create and hire more guards? Or you think you're still going to be really tight. budget-wise,
>> I think they need more part-time guards, you know, well, high school kids and >> then that's um we're going through the process currently of hiring part-time lifeguards, right? Currently, we have four full-time lifeguards and those
positions are full. Next budget, which is coming up in October, we plan on requesting another full-time lifeguard. So that is a plan of ours to increase the level of full-time. So um as far as I know of we are receiving decent amount
of applicants for the part-time roles and we will be I think sufficiently staff for the summer. >> For the summer. Yes. >> So uh with the increase with this full-time lifeguard request I think it
will definitely help our situation. So that's um that's where we're at. I I the I guess the fees for the for the memberships doesn't always correlate to the amount of lifeguards that we have.
So it's kind of it looks different. It looks it's not quite the same. >> So it's not entirely a revenued driven decision. See? >> Okay. >> Yeah. The Jacob centers they they run off they're they are privately managed. Okay.
>> That's a management company. >> And I do realize that, but I didn't know if you're >> cut off, you know, tax dollars obviously and then also we we receive taxes from the community and then also our memberships help, you know, the revenue
that we >> that we um collect here for the facilities help, but it's not everything. >> Okay? And I'm going to use hypothetical numbers just so the math is easy. Let's say we have 500 different levels of pool
me or 500 different pool members whether they're family or single adult whatever and each onere increases by an average of $40 per year. Again this is all hypothetical 500* 40 is $20,000.
If you can say okay our increased fee schedule give us an additional $20,000 to work with. Does that give you the financial flexibility to increase lifeguard staffing or are you still
constrained by other issues? I mean, if you go to Ron and say, "Hey, we have $20,000 more dollars or $30,000 more dollars or whatever the math works out to, will the village approve one full-time position and two part-time?"
>> I mean, is it purely math? I think it's we did increase the memberships what 30%. I think it was 30% increase. The non-residents are obviously paying more money. Non-residents they have to pay
as well as the gate fees to come in. So the the memberships that are set right now that we just recommended, they're comparable to the Jacob Center. So, um, Annie did a lot of research and a lot of background on that. So, I think we're
comparable, but our Marada residents, the the memberships are cheaper because we >> will you come back to us in October if it looks like it needs some tweaking. >> Yes. And that's part of it is that we
have not we've been closed since the new memberships been, you know, addressed. So, let's get through, you know, the summer and and see where we're at with the numbers. And he was looking at the numbers for the gate entrance, you know,
since we revised the the fees for the for the gate and they have gone up significantly. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So, I think give us some time to see how we, you know, see how the summer goes and we'll go from there. >> So, maybe we can look at it again in
October. that will be enough time that the pool will have been opened. >> If you really feel that this full-time position is important for the parks department then when it comes to budget cycle then maybe you can always give your input. >> Definitely
>> if the budget meeting is in October maybe we can talk about it in September. >> Yeah, we have budget they'll start in May. May we June July we already start we're already in the Yeah. over the summer. Yeah. >> So, >> okay, >> John and Maria, could I get
clarification? Is the number of lifeguards full-time or part-time connected with the service or the number of hours that the pool can be open? Is that what this is connected to? I hear the budget issue, but more importantly,
is is there something about having more lifeguards that would allow the pool to be open at at a different level? Well, these ladies could address better than I, but for those of us who were on the pool membership email list, there were several times during the fall when we
received an email that the pool was simply going to be unexpectedly closed on short notice in the afternoon simply because of critical lifeguard staffing. We have three full-time guards. No offense, this is not you all. We're working them to death.
You know, it's a wonder they're still with us and not facing burnout. And there are only so many shifts that you can cover with three people. And once the students go back to school, that removes that. And so, yes, there were multiple times last fall when a general
email was sent out by Alicia to all people who have pool memberships. The pool is closed this afternoon due due to critical staffing shortages. And that knocks out Coral Shores. The new model, and this is coming
straight from you all, the new model is that the coach, whatever coach is on deck, no longer counts as a lifeguard. Correct? >> Because the coach is focused on coaching. So, you have to have a lifeguard. So, if we have a lifeguard
shortage, John Olsen can't run a Coral Shores High School swim team workout or a Florida Key Swim Club workout. So, I'm hoping that we can just avoid future problems with staffing shortages.
>> Thanks. That makes sense that for the the context of that. Thank you, John. Good. Anything else? So, it's not so we're not starting the budget issue, but I I get the context of that. Then,
>> when you say burnout, like what what does that mean? Are they working more than 40 hours or like I don't understand like how's that burnout? >> You said we had burnout issue with the actual um lifeguards. What does that mean?
>> They work four four days a week and up to 12 hours a day. So it's they have one kind of short they they mostly work 40 hours, but there are some needs for overtime. But it's a long it's a long day to spam the hours that were operational. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. Uh and so and part of that too we struggled to find part-time um and a lot of times you know during the day the kids are in school so we really need that part-time adult who is willing to um you know cover those hours. So that's been really difficult to find in the past. Um
and so I think the thought too is that if we have that fourth uh just kind of reorganizing it would help uh the full-time positions a little bit more desirable. It's stable. It's benefits. It's all of that. So that would help um in terms of you know having a body um as
well as the like he mentioned our lifeguard or aquatic supervisor has um additional administrative duties and and with the behind the scenes maintenance. It would just help us restructure and and have a more sustainable operation
both for you know staff burnout and just maintaining what we have going on here. So, I think big picture-wise, it's the right move. Like you mentioned, some new safety um just making sure that we're operating with the utmost safety plan.
Um having that third guard here um it's and and not relying on the coaches should never be both the coach and the lifeguard. >> Yeah. It's just >> so the only thing I was questioning was I know up in Kargo that's a little bit
of a jobs program up there as well and because it is private could we work and I hate to do this like government type stuff but like anou or something with them to say hey we're short this week and make sure they're trained on our pool too where they could come up here
and actually work so we don't have to close the pool down right >> um so that >> that's something to be considered in the future. Yeah. >> Yep. So, we're we are looking good for summer. Um, we do have a lot of our team, our part-time team. I think we
have probably about eight part-time members. Um, but they're all graduating. There's a lot of graduating seniors in the group. So, come and we do have uh seasonal staff that come back from college that have been with us for several years. Um, so it's really, yeah, getting into that fall, we're probably
going to have to do another lifeguard course over summer. So, we're still recruiting, but again, that full-time, it's it's definitely just more of an attractive, you know, you get that stable just brings us the stability. Great. Thank you. Great topic. Anything
else, John? Okay. All right, Maria, time for your report. You can cover all the loose ends for us. >> Okay. I'm going to uh let Annie uh go ahead and start the report and she can give her um information about the
policies, the new policies, the programs and so forth. And then I'll finish it with my um topics. So >> yeah, we'll kind of rework. We're kind of mingled in here. Um yes. So, the first item, um, we're excited to
announce that we had a really successful launch of our new, um, admission policies and fees that started, uh, took effect March 1st. It's been pretty wellreceived. Um, some, you know, renters are, uh, thrown off by it, but
mostly everyone kind of, you know, gets with the program and realizes that their fees are going to a really great place and and keeping this place going. Um, and then we also launched our new recreation management software, RecTrack. So, that was a big
undertaking, just changing our entire operations, but now we're fully digital. You can do every all of our services are available at your fingertip through the app. Um, and that's gone over really well. Digital access card, so when you come into the gate, it's on your phone.
We just scan you in, we see your picture. Um, if you're not digital, we have a little fob option. So, it's um it's been it's been really nice. The the staff's coming along and um it's I I don't have the statistical reports
available. We're we're hoping to have that for our next meeting so we can kind of compare um with the new fees what that looks like compared to last year to really see the the difference in the revenue. But at a first glance, it looks like it's um pretty substantial. So, and
again, this is due to our um vacation rental, our short-term rentals and our hotel guests are now having to pay to enter the park. So, that's an added, you know, the added revenue source there. So, uh it'll be interesting. Our next meeting, like I said, I'll have more of
a um comprehensive report and statistical uh comparison. So, but so far so good. Everybody's been really mostly supportive of it and um the rec track system has created a lot of efficiencies for us and to see those
reports and and actually have data you know in terms of resident use of the park um whereas previously you know we it it's hard to track that. So this has given us the tool to track that. So very exciting and um yeah so that's that's going very well.
>> That's great. Danny, can I make a interrupt for a suggestion on this? >> We were talking about budget items about the possibility of a budget, you know, making a request for another lifeguard. >> As we recall, everything that's collected at the gate is does not come
to the park. >> It goes to the general fund, >> right? >> And the general fund supports the expenses here. >> So, it would seem that there might be a positive way to present that in having increased
the revenue at the gate to the general fund. We're also therefore requesting that some of that budget be allocated to the following expenses. So, it's a net negative, you know, net neutral, >> right? >> Does that make sense?
>> Yep. Yep. It all goes to the general fund and and all revenues just help offset that. It's never um going to be self- sustaining that then and we you know at budget our our tax base is what it's already budgeted it's paid >> but if you go back and say I want more money for another lifeguard
>> we can articulate >> you can also say we've also brought in more money >> what has gone into the fund >> absolutely exactly >> something I said I would bring in I think this is the spot for it so at a last chamber two chambers ago uh conversation was with uh some of the
resorts in town and they had now like all of a sudden decid realized that we actually have a park here and that they're using it. I think part of that's the revenue side for us, but they asked if we could send to the concier or whatever like a card >> that talks about founders and where it
is. >> And I I I said I don't even know if we have one. I have no idea, but it's worthwhile to some of these bigger resorts that the people are looking to come here and they don't know where it is, >> right? So, um, it happened to be Chica and, uh, the Islander that I was sitting
there talking about. Okay. >> And they, they just asked me. I said, "Yep, I'll bring it." >> Sure. >> Yeah. We definitely, we have a rack card. Um, you know, we work with Judy to get, we've been working with Judy to get all the information out to the resorts, but we could do more of a >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And I absolutely I would hand
carry a few of them if you had them. So, >> yeah. No, we can certainly do that. in. >> So a year. >> Yes. So it is $10 for adults, $7 for kids or seniors and then for each it's a
per person. >> Before it was >> it was $8 for adults and and $5. >> So >> 20%. Right. And then um >> well you know everything
>> I know there's >> everybody's costs have gone up just you know ours have too and it's >> Oh I know >> I think yeah >> we've had all agreed on. >> Yes that's >> yeah and then once the pool opens they pay the additional fee to get into the
pool and that's going to be that increases well. So okay $5 for adults $3 for kids or seniors for the day. Um, and then we do have the elevated fees for the holiday weekends and um, so that's
15 for adults, $10 for kids and seniors. That we didn't change. We already felt like that was priced pretty appropriately. So, yeah. And David, I would suggest that if the hotel um, groups want to have something promoted,
a way to do that would be digitally. And on their scroll inside the hotel, >> it talks about whatever you want to. I mean, handouts are one thing, but you know, usually you go into the hotel and >> yeah, they have a scroll >> all the different things that you can do and where you go and everything
>> that could certainly be created once and be used on any one of the facilities. >> And that's what we had been sending um and working with Judy. She did send that out digitally, >> but we'll we'll keep pushing it out there. Yeah.
>> Good. for sure. Um, you want me to next? >> Do you want me to do go ahead with programs? >> Part program. >> Okay. Um, so just a program update and recap. We just um concluded our uh Beats on the Bay music series, which was
awesome. So, our last event uh was April 17th with the Crossfire Creek Country Act. Um, all shows were really we're happy with the attendance. Everybody enjoyed. It went by pretty fast and we're we're working on next year's lineup. So happy
to uh keep that going. It's been fun. Um we had the fifth annual Swim Across America event back on a couple weeks ago, April 18th. They had over 60 swimmers and raised about $75,000 for our um going back to uh it's a
cancer fundraiser. though. Um, and I was proud to be one of the lifeguards at the event on the back of a jet ski along with two of our other um, lifeguards, Liz Kyle and Noah Lavine. So, it was fun to to support that event. Um, and so now
we're moving into our summer operations. We are hiring. We just kind of recapped on the lifeguards and our summer staff positions for the camp um, summer camp are almost filled. So, we're we're getting getting what we need there. Um, and just gearing up for all of our
regular summer activities. The wreck camp, um, tennis camp, swim, swim and dive combo camp, synchronized swim, and like Maria mentioned, there's going to be a TV at Treasure Village Monastery is having a a sports camp. So, lots of uh
fun activities for the kiddos. So, we're getting all that geared up. And then, of course, we're we're working towards the reopening of the pool. Um and then planning for our our July 4th celebration and this year's the big um
America's 250 year anniversary. So trying to plan some extra fun activities within, you know, to honor that. Um and then our contractors are doing well. Uh most of them are at the Jacob Center.
So, our Aqua Fit, uh, learn to swim lessons, of course, Florida Keys Swim Club, um, springboard diving, and our Synchro program are all operating up there, and things are going well. It's been a really good, um, relationship with them, and some of them have
mentioned that they might, you know, work something out where they're servicing both, you know, areas of the community. So, that's pretty pretty cool. Um but on some sad no news news, we are losing our coach um our master's coach, Jen. Um they are leaving town. So
we are without a master's coach. So we are working on putting an RFQ out for a master's coach and um just reestablishing that program. So that concludes my report. If you have any questions,
>> yes, that means Andy is closing too. They haven't left yet, have they? I, you know, I don't have that update. Um, I know >> I see your car. >> You see your car there? I know that that I saw they had um posted something that they're, you know, pending sale. So, I I
think things are happening. But >> Oh, that's good. >> Yeah, probably. That's right. They're probably timing that out with with the school year, too. >> Yeah. >> So, >> yeah. >> Do you want to just fill us in quickly
on the pool progress? Like there's water in the pool and what else is going on? >> Yeah, that's part of my >> Okay. Sorry. >> Did you have something? Anybody have questions on activities? >> Nobody tell Marie or Annie, but I snuck
in one evening late and swam and the water's just fine. Yeah. >> No lifeguards. We don't need those things. >> Could I insert one thing while we're in budget? So, I spoke to Ron last week and
apparently if anything is even peripherally going to be a committee agenda item, I can't talk to any of you even if it's not a direct agenda item. This is mostly for Joseph and David. But, um, so Mr. Saunders was grateful
enough to tell me that he had one lead that he was following on for moving public works, but it did not work out because it was not financially feasible. But that is the only thing standing in the way of phase three of the leg miller
proposal, which is an expansion of pickle ball courts, hard volleyball courts, the arinasium, moving um public works if he finds a place to move public works,
I would personally like to move quickly and go before the village council. So, I wanted to ask the two of you in the context of the meeting to start thinking in advance if you know of any fundraising
options so that if I go to the village council that I could maybe present them a lower figure for their total cost. So, just be thinking about that. It doesn't need action right now. You might know of an
indivi I have the one fellow that I haven't spoken to in a year who said he would cover the cost of the arnasium but as I say I haven't spoken to him in a year because nothing's happened yet and I don't want to keep bothering him. But if you know of anybody who would say
sure I'll throw in x number of dollars for a pickle ball court for naming rights. I don't know if the park grants naming rights. If we have six pickle ball courts, this pickle ball court graciously
donated by John Doe, Jim Smith, Bill Brown, etc. Or if the two of you have any particular ideas as to how we might generate revenue since I think the two of you would be most closely aligned to it, I would love
to hear them before we go to the council. Thank you. So, I'm all we're all in and we're all waiting for that. As soon as we figure out the public works thing because that's going to be the most contentious issue in this when we move the public's works and where they're going that real estate, that's
the contentious issue. Once we understand that, then we can go I think and go get money. I'm not worried about it at all, but but that's the one I'm probably watching. >> There's a lot of people that would help. >> Yeah. I think the problem is where are
we going to move public works? >> Well, exactly. Like he said, I mean, there simply aren't a lot of good options. Um, but you know, this is the only of the four phases of the Miller proposal. This is the only one that had
universal appeal, universal approvement, universal approval. We were nine to nothing in favor of it. And not one person I've talked in the village is opposed to it. It's just a matter find where public works.
>> Yeah, we got a Yeah, I would think if we could find that. >> So why are we >> the benefit to find a place for them really help the park because the park park could raise the money to get >> Yeah. a lot of city expenses or park
expenses. If we put one of those, you know, green pretty fences with pictures on it at Island Silver and Spice, why can't we move that stuff there? It's vacant and there's no plan.
>> I mean, Island Silver and Spice. Why? >> There's going to be a lot of people. >> Um, and we I don't think we want to get into that right now, but public works doesn't belong in the middle of >> I agree, but it doesn't belong here either. No, but it definitely doesn't.
>> No, but you there's other spots. That's all I think. >> Where >> where >> do we want? We really we want to take tonight >> I mean there's one place right next to Richie Lane that I know would make a great public works. >> We have a >> I know we ripped that building down. Yeah, that'll make a great
>> runs appropriately here. >> Well, since we're being indirectly talked to um about three weeks ago, I put in the newsletter the manager's message that we may be looking for a place for public works. I got at least one phone call. Uh lady Mia Barry, Lena
probably knows her. Uh she has a place right next. It's called Allen Aluminum. It's down right down the island here. Um and so uh she quoted I said, "Well, are you want to sell it or or lease it? I would need some numbers." And the number that she thought she might want to sell
it for was in the millions and then the lease was going to be I think 20,000 a month. I said at this point with our budget situation, I don't think that's very feasible. as you're saying, we looked at a UPS building, for example, the one down there by the arts thing that didn't work out. So, I have looked
at at least two places. Uh I what I'm really strongly considering, and I think it may have been in the master plan, was the the hill. >> Um yeah, I had AJ, it was a junk pile up there and I had him go through and basically clean it out. It's a lot bigger than I thought because before it
looked kind of junky and then without taking out a single tree and I'm anti- takingaking trees out, right over here at the hill. It's called the hill. If you go like past the marina and go around that way, there's like they the garbage trucks go up. There's some dumpsters up there. Uh we've we've
kind of cleaned out that area and I'm going to start looking at that because also this is not really park related but the marina just as an update uh the TDC in an unprecedented I keep using that word unprecedented move uh allocated
$750,000 to the village for Founders Park improvements I think it was but it includes the marina uh and the boat ramp etc. So part of that is also be parking. So, the next May 12th meeting, we're going to have uh Peter Fresza come in. He's been talking to some engineers
about a very preliminary design plan, but part of that's going to have to be freeing up some of the parking because if you attract more people like with boats and trailers, you got to have someplace to put them. And so, we're looking at that. So, I'm strongly considering having AJ moved over to um
what's called the hill. You're welcome to go there. It's right around the corner there. >> Now, Maria brought up that it's not just AJ. the park has a lot of their maintenance stuff over there, too. So, it's not going to be totally freeing up that area, but at least getting I I told Maria today that one day I went by there
like at 3:00 in the afternoon, I saw I think 12 uh I'm out of public works trucks there just sitting there. So, I think that that can be moved over there. So, I think that'd be the first step would be to get them out of where their current position is, maybe to the hill because I don't have any better ideas
for the hill. Uh but other things like silver and spice, the church, those are you know those would be temporary solutions because we we had a pop a parking app person in last week for paid parking and one of the things we're looking at is at least part of Island
Spice being a paid parking lot, but there's also a lot of activity as you the the real estate market knows with Laurelai and Woodies they're all for sale and that downtown I call downtown Amirada area is kind of hot right now and before you did too much on Silver
and Spice, but I'd like to kind of get a better idea of what else may be going around there to make sure we we fit in there. You know, we've talked about putting a civic center there, community center, theater, whatever. Uh maybe some housing there. But those are all that's been a year. I've been here a year now and we've been talking this for a year.
>> And that's what I didn't mean that such a large. >> Yeah, it could be a good temporary spot. Yeah. It'd be time >> and that's what I was talking about just temporarily to free up the room to get this done. >> Yeah. To get off. >> You get this done
>> right there. I get that off. It's more weird than I do for all with >> We did We did that with green turtle green turtle a hammock. Uh I was told that public works is using that right >> there one day and I basically directed AJ to get all the stuff out of there. And if by the way uh May 19th and is
we're having a business after hours at the green turtle because the pavilion came out really nice. So we're really making the green turtle a nice spot. The next one is to make this a nice spot. Uh we bought the church several years ago. I I've moved public works from the green turtle over to um the church island
community church. The back parking lot there. If you notice that's where public works is putting a lot of their stuff down. uh it's not really a long-term solution because we paid $4 million for a church and I don't want to have a $4 million public works building uh that would cost another couple million to get it up to speed and so but I think the hill may be
the most likely place. So that's what I think Doc and I are talking about. He was walking the park and I kind of showed him where that might be. >> But yeah, we definitely want to get him out of there. Well, he >> but I'd rather look at a long-term solution than you temporary. >> I don't know if that sure that answers
the question, but Joe, you guys. >> Sorry. Sorry. >> No, no, no. I'm just asking if you have anything more for >> the manager. No brainer. >> Yeah. >> Anything more for >> because the problem once you once you do
like you take I own silver building and you do a temporary it could turn into like forever. >> Well, I don't I'm not hearing that as >> I don't think that's the conversation. I think the conversation the manager has
said that he's looking at the hill right >> and since nobody >> everything else Alina knows this market as as well as anybody um everything I've looked at is extremely expensive >> don't buy anything >> yeah just the land and that's not talking about whatever improvements would have to go on the land to make it
a public works building for example >> yeah we don't need to buy any more stuff >> sell so since to me the hill makes sense we already own it would take not as much money to you make it nice for public works. And so that to me seems I'm still open-minded if somebody came in with a
great deal, but I don't see any great deals out there that make sense financially even on a rental. 20 grand a month to rent someplace is not a good deal. No, Maria's always been pleased to we lose donors that would help. You
know, that's that's found money, but it's going to be plus money if we don't do >> I talk about probably been a year where he told me one day he had somebody like he said, it's been almost a year, but I'd like to go back to the master plan where he and I talked about today about maybe start to actually implement some of it. They've already started on some
things, but some from my standpoint cleaning up that area back there, especially since the marina does look like at least has a yellow light. I mean, our vice mayor Mahoney went to the TDC and and a shock to me got 750,000 because they've never done that before.
We didn't have a application in. They just said, "Here's 750." So, that got the ball rolling. Now, we've got a couple grant applications in to clean up the marina area. But once again, the marina I I look at the whole I look at holistically, but there's been a tensive say marina is different than the park,
but it's sitting inside the park. And so we're looking at taking over more control from the village standpoint of the marina and and integrating that into the rest of the park. And that's they got some things they need to have done over there. You know, improving the boat ramp, maybe widening it, uh the the gas
pumps, etc. So, there's some work to be done over there, but parking is a big problem over there. uh and it's gen it generates revenue, but there's a lot of unused spaces. It's not really, in my opinion, laid out properly. And so, if we're going to do a master plan for the marina, parking even in the marina and
outside the marina should be part of that master plan. So, I want to expand it beyond the marina. >> Yeah. Because we need to take care of those backcountry guides. >> Yeah. >> Talking about for years. >> Yeah. >> World. >> Well, they've they've been pretty vocal
about it. We have one on the council. So he mentions it once in a while to him. >> Yeah. A lot of things have been for two years >> while we waited for that master plan. >> I I don't know if that answered y'all's >> No. Is that is that helpful? And the So
we everybody agrees we want public works moved. Sounds like there's >> sounds like the manager is on board with doing something and it's in >> and I' I'd welcome you. I mean Maria can tell you where it is if you're not familiar. the fills I mean the hill is
um right over here and if if you uh if you go past it's blocked off on the village Paul side but if you keep going this way and follow around uh there's a little it's the chain's not there anymore but you can actually go up into there and we've uh we've also gotten rid of the chickens that were hanging out
there and we're spaying and and neutering the cats so it's not quite as much the wildlife refuge it used to be >> jungle there plenty of room >> yeah there's still a lot of dumpsters and all there. So, there's still some work to be done, but uh there's a junk car. Well, not junk. There was an accident with one of our works in there.
>> You could build a little city hall for the council members over there and there's so much room. >> I'm more worried about what happens over here, but I think I think we're >> great. Thank you. >> For tax. >> Anything else, Maron? Thank you so much,
Ron. That's why we're really happy to have you here be a part of this. Maria, you want to pick up? >> Yep. So, um I'm going to report on our capital projects that are happening, currently happening. The main one is are obviously the aquatic center
improvements. Um it's going along really well. We're in our third month of uh construction and um improvements there. Uh the pool currently is filled with water, which is a good nice to see that. Um but the other improvements that are
happening are um it's it's just a process. So, the locker rooms are still being upgraded. You know, we're putting in all the new fixtures and and flooring and and fans. So, it's take it's, you know, we're in the process of doing
that. Same thing with the pump room. Um getting new filters, new new pump, new um everything back there. New uh surge tank area. So, it's just a lot of moving parts and it's going it's going as scheduled. New scoreboard as well.
getting a new scoreboard, new scoreboard installed. Um, our diving platform, we're putting in a new diving platform for the 3 meter, so it'll be safer for the kids to go up and down to the to the 3 meter. Um, I think
I hit Oh, the main thing is is the lifeguard uh sta station. There's going to actually be an enclosed lifeguard area with AC for them, a first aid station. So, that's a big improvement. So, um, the guards I think will be happy
with that. And, um, yeah, so I'm I'm real happy with the contractor, uh, Stanguard Aquatics. They're doing an excellent job. Um, they actually run the Jacob Center. So, um, they're ties to, you know, the Keys community and I can't
speak any highly of them and they're do they're doing a great job. So, as as I'm told, everything is on time and um hopefully within budget as well. So, yeah, another month. So, hopefully by the end of you know, we're end this uh May. So, we're coming up on May.
>> Are you looking at a like a excuse me, a grand reopening? >> We have talked about Memorial Day. >> We would like to do that. It really depends on the timing with everything, how much time we really have to, you know, pull it all together and get, you
know, and open up. So, but yeah, >> but maybe Memorial Day weekend. >> We hope it may, like I said, it's we want to open up the end of May. It may not be Memorial Day weekend, but it'll, you know, that's that's our that's what we're aiming for. But, you know, with
construction, you just don't know. So, but >> and then you talked about the the July 4th. Is that is there anything bigger that's happening? More safety stuff and concerns. Do we have any >> Oh, for the July 4th event?
>> Yeah, we um we have increased security with our police details and we've so we've worked with the sheriff's office to increase that and that's what you mean? Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It's going to be bigger. Yeah. It's on a Saturday. So, yes, we've had all those
conversations and think we got a a good plan and and the uh traffic logistics and and security as well. >> Yes, they plan on the police plan on having a a boat on the water as well. So, I think uh I think um
>> Ken has a good plan and we are definitely >> doing improvements with that, but we're going to have some other activities during that July 4th event as well. So, we we hope to make it a better, you know, big event. So, >> just like I said from the chamber event,
from what I understand occupancy, this is the highest occupancy they've ever had pre-booking July 4th. >> Oh, for July >> down here. Yeah, it's at Yeah, it's off the chart right now. Because it's a Saturday. >> It's because it's a Saturday. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> H >> and >> that too.
>> I think it's Saturday. >> Yeah. Big >> massive gonna be >> massive big weekend. >> Yes. >> Yeah. We'll be ready. >> Yep. We will be. Okay. So, that's the pool project. Uh the second project that
is actually going to start next week is our uh ADA playground. our uh accessible playground is going to get started next week. So excited about that. We just got the equipment delivered today. So it's um over there by the beach area and um
it's going to be a really special playground. This thing is um going to be nice. So real excited about it. And then also along with the playground, we will be doing some upgrades to that whole beach area. We're going to be putting in um we well the volleyball court will be
moving. So we're going to move the volleyball court and then we're also installing tikis and more and bigger beach area. So it's it's going to be a great improvement to that area. And that's again that's all in the phase one of the master plan. So that's everything
that's in the master plan that we've talked about. And um along with that uh we do plan on applying for a TDC grant application for um improvements to the beach bathroom. So what we want to do
out there is uh enlarge the bathroom that is there and add more toilets, uriners, fixtures and so forth storage area. So that is something that we are going to apply for. The application process I think is in May um sometime in
May. So, we will be putting in for that and the project we're looking at is about $450,000. So, that's what we're going to be requesting um the full amount from TDC and hopefully we'll get that. We usually do pretty well. So, um that's something
that we will be applying for and that's also in phase one of the master plan is to improve that bathroom facility which is really needed. It's the the bathroom facility is what 26 years old. So, it's
time to get that upgraded. Um and then also we were just talking about uh our next budget um which is coming up real soon. The process is um we'll be looking at um asking money from our village
council for improvements to the park and a lot of these improvements are within the phase one of the master plan. Um it's the golf cage uh facility. We were wanting to put in turf, so that'll be a
nice improvement. Wanted to um put turf in the inside of the um of the golf cage. Also install a new putting green in that area. And um as well as putting
actually the golf cage itself, the netting and the cable, it's due for uh replacement as well. So pretty much that whole golf cage area we want to make advanced improvements to and that is phase one of the master plan. >> So with that, so this obviously the golf
team uses it as we know. So, um, since we're gonna have tons of extra turf here anyway, >> yeah, >> I think that is something we we we discuss, but I have a feeling we're gonna have it. You know what I mean? Like, I don't know how much that would cost, by the way, but you know, there
there's certainly going to be plenty of extra turf off that field. >> So, it's just an idea. >> Discuss with the school board, you know. Um, obviously, >> it's Yeah, that's still um we need to get the baseball field moving forward. Well, no, once he gets because is that'll be done next week. I'm not
worried about it. He's got that. Yeah, I know. >> That's easy. >> No problem. Um and then also anything you're advocating for the for the council, let us know. Maybe an email so that way you know when they ask or we can >> Yes. >> And these are just initial conversations
of the definitely with staff. We haven't even approached all these things with Ron yet. So >> that's Yeah. And so I mean these are just the initial stages of what I' I'd like to see move forward. You know it could change but these are things that
we all discussed in the master plan process. So these are like I think good projects to move forward and also along with the budget um the things that we that need to be replaced is the multiuse
field the back stop area here the fencing the dugout that is in dire need of improvements out there and also uh the wall of fame project that we just talked about. We're asked for some money
to put in the budget for that. And um the south entrance resident uh entrance which was also included in phase one that's something that will be discussed as well. Um so there's a lot of prioritizing of of all these amenities.
So I think it's um like the initial stages of it. So maybe our next meeting that we'll probably schedule in hopefully in June, um these items will come back to you and maybe we can look at prioritizing. >> Yeah, especially that south entrance.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So that Yeah, that is on phase one. Um is it is it a priority for the you know community and for the committee? >> I don't know. So
Yeah, there's a lot of things that are kind of on my list, but I I think you know looking at the whole, you know, the whole list of things and budget too. How much money are we willing, you know, that do we see that we could really get approved?
>> Is there anything that parks? >> Not this is just founders part. Yeah. Well, and Annie, you mentioned that down the road, maybe next report will be the results on the changes in revenue at the
gate and what that would look like. And what I would remind us of strategically is when we go to make budget requests, just remember that here's the baseline that this is what we've had and that the
park budget is part of the general fund. This has been the relationship. We are now bringing in more revenue and we are therefore asking for a proportionate amount of that revenue for the following improvements. That's what I would think
to do. Um because that's really what it is. We're not asking for something new. We've increased the amount of revenue that the park is bringing in. >> Oh, great job. >> Yep. So, that's um that's my list.
If you have any questions about any of the projects or >> it's nice to be able to >> Yeah. No, it is it's pretty exciting because the playground
>> the playground process I think started three years ago. I know it seems like forever. So now that the equipment's sitting at the end of the park, it's kind of exciting. And the same thing with the pool as well. Is there any consideration of like a
celebration grand opening of the pool slash the the the playground area? >> Yeah, >> that that might just be something that >> the public might like to have. >> I think we'll probably we may have to do
a soft opening just to get the pool open, but then on another date or the grand opening party. Yeah, that's exactly what we're hoping for. And when does camp start? June 8th. I think we have um actually I think our synchro camp is set
to be the first one to start June 1st. Synchro camp and then we go all the way through August 3rd to the 7th. So we got a full lineup of summer programs. >> Well, great job guys.
>> Thank you. committee. Is there anything else >> Christie and team? >> Not from me. Thank you. >> Great. Thanks for being here, Christie. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you all.
>> All right. And Ron, thanks for being here with us. And staff, as always, great acknowledgements. We appreciate you. So, >> so we'll look at um the schedule for next then you know for next meeting we
>> this is the first I haven't seen so >> yeah well we used to meet at 4 >> and then we changed it >> got it >> so I don't know how the committee >> 4:00 is good for me I mean I'll be 10 o'clock >> the staff likes four o'clock it's better for us >> better than 11 o'
>> well and I think the four o'clock helps to accommodate staff also Yeah, >> because therefore you're here, we have perhaps a little more access to having Ron and if the committee can make those arrangements,
then we'll look so we'll look at at prospective dates look at 4:00 and we'll look at communication with the committee for seeing what what works. >> Okay. Anything else? >> No, that's it. >> Move to adjourn.
>> Thank you everyone. >> All set. Thank you everybody and >> thank you >> much for being here.