Parks, Recreation, and Trees Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the August 11, 2021 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

Chyrle Lowery, Member; Fred Weber, Member; Doris Turlo, Member; and Chairperson/Member Dr. Richard Jones

ABSENT

Member Betty Cantelmo

STAFF PRESENT

Mike Burske, Parks and Recreation Director; Wendy Then, Senior Planner; Becky Higgins, Development Coordinator; and Carol Osborne, Staff Assistant to the Town Clerk

B. Public Comment

Chairperson Jones asked if there were any public comments. There were no comments.

OTHERS PRESENT

Chairperson Jones asked if there were any public comments. There were no comments.

C. New Business

1.   Approval of Minutes

Member Lowery made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 10, 2021 Parks, Recreation and Tree Advisory Committee meeting. Member Cantelmo seconded the motion. The motion passed by an all-in favor vote of 3 to 0.

2.  Consideration of the Conceptual Landscaping Plans and Waivers for the Narine Commercial Retail Office MSP 02/21-001 — A Development Proposing a Multi-Tenant 2,115 Square Foot Commercial Building, with 12 Parking Spaces, Landscaping Buffers, Site Lighting, and signage; Located at 320 Highway 466; Identified by Alternate Key 1739799 (Wendy Then)

Senior Planner Wendy Then presented the background summary for this agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s Office). Ms. Then stated the applicant and the property owner is present.

Chairperson/Member Jones asked if there were any questions or comments.

Ms. Lowery stated that oak trees cause damage to water lines over time and suggested eliminating them.

Ms. Then advised that all commercial developments are required to provide landscaping buffers along the perimeter of the parcels. She stated that understory trees have proven to provide screening of vehicles and are aesthetically pleasing.  She stated the applicant is providing understory trees with a root system that is not as intrusive as that of a large canopy tree.

Mr. Burske requested that the developer plant Live Oak trees rather than Laurel Oak trees as they are more resistant to decay.

Ms. Then stated that staff can recommend that the applicant avoid planting Laurel Oak trees, and to choose heartier canopy trees.

Chairperson/Member Jones asked for a motion.

Member Turlo made a motion to forward the recommendation of approval to the Commission for the conceptual landscaping plans and two landscaping waiver request  for the Narine Commercial Retail Office project. Member Lowery seconded. The motion passed by an all-in favor vote of 4 to 0.

Member Jones commented that there is septic system on this property.

Ms. Then confirmed that there is no sewer system in that area. She stated that the applicant must provide justification  to the Town Commission for not extending the sewer line to the property. She stated that another development was approved within the same area that is utilizing a septic system because there are no sewer lines nearby.

Chairperson Jones asked if sewer lines will be extended in the future as septic systems are not adequate for this area.

Ms. Then agreed that a septic system is not ideal for commercial properties. She noted that the Public Works Director is aware of this and is working toward extending the sewer lines.

3. Review of the Fall and Winter Events being Held in Lady Lake (Mike Burske)

Parks and Recreation Director Mike Burske reviewed the upcoming events schedule. He stated that he plans on conducting these events as in previous years prior to the Covid modifications.

4. Review of the Proposed Walking trail on the Property at the corner of Old Dixie Highway and East Lake Lake Blvd, and the Amenities to be Included in the Design (Mike Burske)

Mr. Burske reported that the Commission approved the design of the walking trail/park on Old Dixie Highway, and he has been working with Neel Schafer Engineering to design the park. He stated that initially this project was a simple walking trail with light fitness machines, and it is now being designed to include a park. He stated that the Chamber of Commerce and various community organizations are looking forward to having events in that area. He stated that there is approximately six weeks remaining in the design process due to the inclusion of a restroom facility.

Member Turlo reminded Mr. Burske that the Lions Club will be providing a bench to the Boy Scouts, who will then present the bench for the walking trail.

D. STAFF REPORT

Mr. Burske stated the Lions club and the American Legion Post 347 will be hosting a Children's Day at the driving range on Saturday, August 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a free event.

D. Chairperson and Members' Report

There were no comments from the Chairperson or the members of the Board.

E. Adjourn

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 5:57 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

s/ Carol Osborne, Staff Assistant to the Town Clerk

s/ Dr. Richard Jones, Chairperson