Parks, Recreation, and Trees Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes

1.   Approval of Minutes

MemberTurlo made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 11, 2021 Parks, Recreation and Tree Advisory Committee meeting. Member Cantelmo seconded the motion. The motion passed by an all-in favor vote of 4 to 0.

2. Consideration of Review of the 100% Design Plans for the Walking Trail/Park on Old Dixie Highway. (Mike Burske)

Parks and Recreation Director Mike Burske presented the background summary for this agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s Office).

Mr. Burske introduced Steve Cockerham, Senior Engineer with Neel-Schaffer Engineering, who presented the design plans of the project that includes the major amenities of the walking paths, restrooms, and pavilions, along with benches, light poles, bike racks and parking lot bollards.

Member Turlo asked if this path will allow vehicle access from Old Dixie Highway to Arlington Avenue.

Mr. Cockerham stated this path will have steel bollards at the entrance to the park to inhibit vehicles from entering. He clarified that these bollards are locked and are removable if emergency vehicles need access to the park.

Chairperson Jones confirmed with Mr. Cockerham that this park is dog friendly.

Vice Chairperson/Member Lowrey asked if the paths are accessible for scooters.

Mr. Burske confirmed that mobility scooters are permitted as the park is fully handicap accessible.

Mr. Cockerham stated that the each of the four entrances to the park will have bicycle racks. He added that water fountains will be at the two entrances along Old Dixie Highway.

Chairperson Jones asked the size of the pavilions.

Mr. Cockerham stated each pavilion has a 10 x 10-foot concrete pad with a raised roof.

Member Lowery stated the park design is very appealing.

Mr. Burske stated outdoor grills will not be permitted due to liability.  Also, the police will be patrolling the area.

Member Lowrey asked if the pavilions will be available for rent.

Mr. Burske advised that official reserving of the pavilions will not be implemented. They are available on a first come, first served basis. He advised that his staff maintain the park.

Mr. Cockerham advised that the walking path is a total of one-half mile.

Mr. Burske asked if the cost of the picnic shelter is a unit cost.

Mr. Cockerham stated a lot of construction costs are based on FDOT unit price costs. He stated when Mr. Burske first presented the concept for this project in 2019, the estimate was $287,000 per mile for a 12-foot-wide paved road. He stated while calculating this, he discovered that the design required more lighting as well. He advised construction costs have risen approximately 25% due to Covid related supply deficiencies.  Mr. Cockerham reviewed the itemized costs.

Chairperson Jones asked timeline to begin the project.

Mr. Burske stated that this will be presented to the Town commission at their regular meeting on Monday, October 18th. He stated that it is at their discretion when to proceed.

3. Consideration of Approval for the Parks and Recreation Department to Invest $1,000.00 of Tree Bank Funds to Remove Overhanging Town Tree Limbs from the Buildings on the Neighboring Property. (Mike Burske)

Parks and Recreation Director Mike Burske presented the background summary for this agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s Office).

He stated that this is a request of the neighboring property owner of Heritage Park.

Member Lowrey moved to forward the recommendation of approval to the Commission to expend $1,000.00 of Tree Bank funds to remove overhanging tree limbs encroaching on neighboring property. Member Cantelmo seconded. The motion passed by an all-in-favor vote of 4-0.