HIGHLANDS COUNTY
RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
November 30, 2017
216 Sheriff’s Tower Rd, Sebring
Call to Order: John Shoop called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. Vicki Pontius read the public notice for the meeting. After roll call, there was a quorum with ninemembers present.
Members present:Parke Sutherland, Glinda Pruitt, Bob Swaine, John Shoop, Eva Cooper-Hapeman, Harry Durbano, Todd Moore, Joe Decerbo, Tenille Drury-Smith,Kim Crawford.
Excused Absent:Todd Moore, Rob Livingston, Kiki Vasquez, Bill Brantley, Jill Compton, Commissioner Ron Handley
Guests:Phil Williams, Marvin Wolfe and Ray Royce.
Staff present:Vicki Pontius, Ginger Svendsen, JoAnn Sawdy
John Shoop asked for a motion to approve the minutes for July 29, 2017 and October 12, 2017. Joe Decerbo made a motion and Bob Swaine seconded the motion. Motion passed.
John Shoop welcomed Glinda Pruitt, with the City of Avon Park.
Spring Lake Improvement District (SLID) Eco Park Update. Joe Decerbo provided pictures of the finished project.He stated that the park is tremendously used and the public loves the new restrooms. Fishing began on June 23rd. AlthoughHurricane Irma caused some erosion and wash-outs, FEMA will be there next week for an inspection.
Funding Request, Spring Lake Improvement District: Joe Decerbo submitted a Funding Request for restrooms at the Pine Breeze Park. The total cost for the project is $44,500 and SLID is asking RPAC to fund $39,500. The Spring Lake Improvement District will fund $5,000 in cash and maintain the facility. This park is heavily used and sometimes they must bring in an extra port-a-John. They are using the same design plan that Lake Placid used for Stuart Park, but decided it was too large, so they scaled it down. John Shoop mentioned the undesignated balance of RPAC funds is $570,765.73. Discussion was held. Parke Sutherland made a motion to approve the request as presented. Bob Swaine seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Funding Request, Town of Lake Placid: Phil Williams, Town Administrator, presented a Funding Request for Lake June ParkRenovation Phase 1, Restroom and Pavilions. The Town has applied for $60,000 from the Tourist Development Council (TDC) and are waiting for a response. They have obtained a $8,000 reimbursable grant from the Florida Wildlife Commission to improve the existing dock. The total cost of the renovations is $294,200 and they are asking RPAC to fund $217,700 if the TDC provides funding; and if the TDC does not provide funding, then they are asking RPAC to fund $277,700. The Town will provide $16,500 in cash. The renovations include removing the existing restroom and pavilion and replace with a smaller restroom and two pavilions. They will use the same construction plan they used at Stuart Park. The Town plans to upgrade the parking areas as well, which would be phase two and three. John asked how they would fund phase two and three, he replied that they would come back to RPAC at a later time.
Members asked if they have considered renovating the existing restrooms. Phil Williams explained, the existing restroom is dilapidated and constantly vandalized and is beyond repair. A security camera will be used to help discourage vandalism. Ray Royce, Town of Lake Placid Council member, spoke on how the park is heavily used by all citizens in the Lake Placid area and the need for improvements.
Parke Sutherland made a motion to approve the request of $277,700 contingent upon $60,000 from TDC. Bob Swaine seconded the motion. Should the TDC decide to provide the funds than it can be refunded back into the RPAC funds. Motion carried.
Funding Request, City of Avon Park: Julian Deleon, City Manager, submitted a Funding Request to replace playground equipment at Tulane Park and the MLK Sports Complex and install exercise equipment at Donaldson Park. The cost for the project is $107,844.26 and they are asking RPAC to match funds of $53,922.13 for a 50/50 split. Glinda Pruitt described the present conditions of the playground equipment. At Donaldson Park, they will demolish a portion of the playground and add a 5-machine exercise station. Discussion was held. Bob Swaine made a motion to approve the request and Parke Sutherland seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Joe Decerbo asked if this was Vicki’s last meeting. She responded yes and that her last day with the County will be January 31, 2018. She announced Chris Benson will new RPAC Liaison.
The next meeting will be February 15, 2018. Meeting adjourned at 2:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
Ginger Svendsen
Parks & Natural Resources Assistant
Highlands County