Parks, Recreation, and Trees Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes

Draft Minutes of the July 10, 2019 5:30 p.m.
Parks, Recreation, and Trees Advisory Committee Meeting

The Parks, Recreation and Tree Board Advisory Committee meeting was held in the Town Hall Commission Chambers at 409 Fennell Blvd., Lady Lake, Florida. The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m.

A. Roll Call

Richard Jones, Member; Doris Turlo, Member; Betty Cantelmo, Chairperson and Member; Nora Choquette Vice Chairperson and Member; Chryle Lowery, Member

Staff Present

Mike Burske, Parks and Recreation Director; and Carol Osborne, Staff Assistant

B. Public Comment

Chairperson Cantelmo asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak. There were no comments.

C. New Business

1. Approval of Minutes

Member Jones made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 18, 2019 Parks, Recreation and Tree Advisory Committee meeting. Member Turlo seconded the motion. All were in favor by a vote of 5 to 0.

2. Consideration of Approval to Send a Recommendation to the Commission to Gove Permission to the Lady Lake Driving Range to construct Another Sidewalk and Additional Walking Area by the Tees for the Purpose of Assisting Disabled Players (Mike Burske)

Parks and Recreation Director Mike Burske presented a summary of the agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s office).

Member Turlo asked if the new sidewalk will be on the left side, perpendicular to the parking lot. Mr. Burske replied affirmatively.

Chairperson Cantelmo asked if there were any questions or comments. Hearing none, she asked for a motion.

Member Choquette made a motion to send a recommendation of approval to the Commission to give permission to the Lady Lake Driving Range to construct another sidewalk and additional walking area by the tees for the purpose of assisting disabled players. Member Jones seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 5 to

3. Consideration of Approval to Send a Recommendation to the Commission for the Lady Lake Historical Society to Utilize the Middle Train Car for a Vietnam War Exhibit (Mike Burske)

Parks and Recreation Director Mike Burske stated he needs to table this agenda item until a future meeting.

4. Consideration of Approval to Send a Recommendation to the Commission to Approve a Request from the Parks and Recreation Department to Remove Three Trees at Log Cabin Park (Mike Burske)

Parks and Recreation Director Mike Burske presented a summary of the agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s office).

Chairperson and Member Cantelmo suggested cutting the under branches of the larger tree and leaving the crown intact.

Mr. Burske stated this has been done in the past; however, the way the tree is leaning over the museum could cause damage to the structure in the future.

Chairperson Cantelmo asked if there were any questions or comments. Hearing none, she asked for a motion.

Member Choquette made a motion to send a recommendation of approval to the Town Commission for the Parks and Recreation department to remove three trees at Log Cabin Park. Member Lowery seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 5 to 0.

D. Chairperson and Members' Report

Member Turlo stated at a previous meeting the Board had discussed constructing a splash park and asked if this project is being considered.

Mr. Burske stated the Commission is currently discussing renovating the community building and perhaps constructing a few pavilions under the trees. A splash pad has not been presented for discussion.

Vice Chairperson and Member Choquette the tire composite at the park is very dirty and asked what it is composed of. She stated that she has read articles that used tires may contain carcinogens and asked if another material can be used in the future that is potentially healthier.

Mr. Burske stated that used bicycle tires are used as a cushion on the hard ground. He stated he and Commission Kussard discussed this recently. He stated mulch can be used; that material is dirty, and the patrons have the risk of getting splinters. Another option is a solid rubber composite and it is extremely expensive; sand is too abrasive on the playground equipment.

Ms. Choquette stated that she and her friends often take their children to Leesburg to the splash pad and to the parks because the material is not quite as dirty as the shredded tires. She stated anything that she is hesitant to allow her children to play around anything that is potentially cancer-causing. She stated even though the rubberized pad is expensive, if it has a long life span it may be cost effective to install it.

Mr. Burske stated that there are too many people who smoke and there is potential for permanent damage to the product.

Member Jones asked when the Vietnam War exhibit will be brought back to this board for consideration.

Mr. Burske stated it will be presented prior to the end of the year.

Mr. Burske reported that he is working with the Lady Lake youth library program’s treasure hunt on Friday, July 12 from 10-12. He stated the participants clues will be buried around the park; each clue will lead to the next clue and ultimately the treasure.

Mr. Burske stated the following programs are scheduled thus far:

September 14 — Father-Daughter dance at the Lady Lake Library

September 28 — Museum day and museum night. The movie will be “Night at the Museum”

E. Adjourn

There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 5:51 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

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Carol Osborne, Staff Assistant to the Town Clerk

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Betty Cantelmo, Chairperson

Note: The original signed documents are on file at the Town Clerk’s office. Copies are available upon request.