TOWN OF INDIALANTIC
Brevard County, Florida 32903
PARKS, RECREATION AND BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
May 9, 2000 Council Chambers 10:00 am
MINUTES 00-08
MEMBERS PRESENT
Ken Bohlmann, Chairman
Marjorie Schwanbeck, V. Chairman
Kathryn Kowalski, Treasurer
Rose Benevente
Barbara Coburn
Nancee J. Hay
Mary Hayward
Eugene McLaughlin
Carol Thomson
Ron Cassedy, Director of Public Works
Shirlee Walker, Secretary
Chairman Bohlmann called the meeting to order at 10:05 and welcomed new member Gene McLaughlin. Mr. McLaughlin has served as the Town’s Building Official, Code Enforcement Officer and has been a member of the Zoning Board, Pension Board and a past member of the Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee.
Ms. Hay moved that Minutes 00-07 from April 11, 2000 be approved as written. Ms. Coburn seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Kowalski presented copies of the Statement of Revenues and Expenses for the month of March. The Recreation Account has a balance of $2,534.59, the Beautification Account has a balance of $6,091.16 (this balance does not reflect $725.00 to Lambert Tucker for removing and trimming trees in Orlando Park and $4,395.00 due to Perma Crete for pavers). The Luminaria Account balance is $13,064.09.
Ms. Hay moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Ms. Hayward seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Cassedy advised the Committee that Big Toys did their annual safety inspection, which found rusting springs and the usual nuts and bolts that need to be replaced.
The Sea Grapes in Miramar Park have been trimmed.
Riverside Park shoreline restoration has been completed. The irrigation has been repaired and sod or seed will be added soon.
The Committee expressed concern regarding cars parking on the new grass. The Town Manager, Mr. Chinault, informed the Committee that a meeting with the church elders from Eastminster Presbyterian Church and the Town Council is in the process. This meeting will address the use of the park, mainly restrictions on parking.
A discussion relating ideas to preserve the Riverside Park area included: fencing, shrubbery and signs.
The Town Manager encouraged members to attend the May 16, Council meeting which will include an agenda item relating to Riverside Park.
Ron will get an estimate for a fence along Riverside Park.
The concrete slab and picnic table destroyed in Riverside Park (as a result of Hurricane Floyd) will be replaced.
The Orlando Park sign needs replacing. Ron estimates a new one to match the other park signs will be $1,500.
Ron has a catalog from Clark Display with the Christmas decorations available. The choices should be made by the July meeting.
Town Manager, Mr. Chinault, informed the Committee of public concerns regarding a lack of handicap access to the beach from the boardwalk. The Tourist Development Council has indicated their support in the way of a grant for this much needed ramp.
After discussion, Ms. Hay moved to approve a handicap access ramp to the beach through the Tourist Development Grant Project. Ms. Hayward seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
1. Easter Egg Hunt – Report
Ms. Schwanbeck reported that she has received good feedback from those in attendance. She commented that the new costumes were very nice and thanked all the participants.
The Committee congratulated Marge on the success of the Easter Egg Hunt.
1. Discussion-Urban Forestry Grant (Consideration of planting palm trees on causeway)
A memo from Town Clerk, Laura Eaton, informed the Committee that the Town has been awarded a $10,000 Urban Forestry Grant to plant 70 Washingtonia and Cabbage Palms. Originally, the intent was to plant the trees on 4th and 6th Avenues as part of the Fifth Avenue Corridor. Since the Town has no plans in the current fiscal year budget for further improvements to these streets, the Committee is being asked to consider planting these trees on the causeway median. The Town’s match includes personnel costs, irrigation and planting materials.
Ms. Kowalski moved to support the grant for trees on the causeway median. Ms. Thomson seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
1. Follow up and discussion of Town Council Workshop regarding median
Town Manager, Mr. Chinault, advised the Committee that a new contract for upkeep of the Town parks and the median would go out for bid and be in the budget for next year.
2. Gazebo at Lily Park- Report
Ron advised the Committee that Jeffries Construction Company has submitted an estimate to construct a gazebo at Lily Park in the amount of $4,200.
Ruby Baker, a member of Island Garden Club by the Sea was present and requested that Dennis Beach, a general contractor be allowed to erect the gazebo. His estimate was for $7,500. The garden club is willing to carry the largest burden of expense. They are familiar with the work of Mr. Beach and trust that he will build a structure that will withstand many years. The garden club is anxious for this project to be finalized before their last meeting next week so that arrangements can be made for the money to be paid.
The Committee and Ms. Baker were advised by Mr. Chinault that the Town could not contribute any money to the project without receiving bids based on plans and specs.
Ms. Baker asked if Dennis Beach could construct the gazebo if the garden club paid the total amount. Ron informed her that a permit application with drawings and specs should be submitted to the Building Official.
Mr. Chinault assured Ms. Baker that the Town Council would most likely welcome a gift such as this.
Ms. Kowalski moved to accept the gazebo, as a gift to the Town, from the Garden Club by the Sea. This is subject to approval by Mr. Cassedy and the Town Council and must meet Town codes for permitting. Ms. Hay seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Baker expressed concern over the run-down condition of the existing gazebo. Ron will move the existing gazebo as quickly as possible.
Chairman Bohlmann adjourned the meeting at 11:15. Next meeting June 13, 2000.
Ken Bohlmann, Chairman
Shirlee Walker, Secretary