Parks, Recreation, and Trees Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes

1. Approval of Minutes

Member Turlo moved to approve the minutes of the April 13, 2022, Parks, Recreation and Tree Advisory Committee meeting. Member Cantelmo seconded. The motion passed by an all-in-favor vote of 5 to 0.

2. Review and Discussion on the Proposed Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for Lady Lake Parks and Recreation. (Mike Burske) Proposal for additions to our park system. With the addition of more apartments and large family-focused housing developments we are going to see the demographic of Lady Lake begin to change; begin planning for a younger demographic.

We will begin seeking to light the remaining soccer fields beginning with the upper field. We currently only have one lighted soccer field.

We will seek to pave the area behind Harry Sacks field and the Dog Park.

We will be seeking to begin the design of a community center to be located at Snooky Park. Please read through the proposal and feel free to discuss adding items for consideration or even give ideas of what you would like to see in the current proposals.

Member Turlo asked if the population would sustain such growth.   Mr. Burske mentioned that the Lady Lake Square Apartments, at the intersection of Griffin Avenue and CR25, have begun clearing the land for utilities. There is another apartment complex being built off 466 with another 1,200 homes. There will be others. Member Cantelmo mentioned that there is mass migration to Florida.

Mr. Burske also mentioned that we are playing catch up on the lighting for the soccer fields.  Member Lowery asked why the lights had not been put in prior to now. Mr. Burske explained that the fields were built about 20 years ago and at that time, the residents requested no lighting. They discussed safety issues and having to schedule practices earlier and earlier so it would not be dark; it was hard for parents to get their children to practice on time.   Member Weber mentioned having a statement to give residents who may ask about the lighting.   Member Lowery said we can say it is a safety issue and beneficial for the neighbors for more lighting and for the participants at the park.  Neighbors should be happy with more lighting to help prevent crime.  Member Cantelmo said that being presented in a positive way is always helpful.  Mr. Burske mentioned that there are three rows of grown trees (approx. 175 trees) that have grown, and the new generation of lighting allows for no spillage of light to surrounding areas so neighbors should not be bothered.   Mr. Burske invited any members to come see him and he would gladly show them how the lights would work.

Member Weber also asked if there would be any fees charged so Villagers would not expect these facilities to be used by them only.  Mr. Burske mentioned that there may be nominal fees for the splash pads, etc.  Member Cantelmo stated that the Villages has so many free amenities available that we should not worry about pleasing them.   We should make this a municipal/ family-oriented park.

Member Cantelmo moved to forward the recommendation of approval to the Commission for the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan as listed.  Member Weber seconded.  The motion passed by an all-in-favor vote of 5 to 0.

3. Consideration to Send a Recommendation to the Commission to Remove Five Trees at the Driving           Range that are Beginning to Damage the Pavement Between the Parking Lot and the Wood Working Shop. (Mike Burske) The Villages Woodworking Shop has requested that we consider removing the trees that are beginning to damage the pavement on the trail between the Driving Range and the Woodworking Shop. In reviewing the area, I have determined that up to five trees will need to be removed.  The Live Oak Trees were planted directly under the power lines.  This conflicted with our ordinance at the time and now.  The trees are butchered by the power company and will never have a health life.  Taking this into consideration, I am recommending that we remove them.  Over the years, we have planted dozens of trees at this park so I will not recommend replacing them for the sake of replacing them.  I will coordinate with Public Works and try to complete the project in house.

Chairperson Jones asked who was going to pay for this?  Mr. Burske answered that it would be an in-house project.  Member Lowery asked why the power company would not be charged to take them down since they were the ones who damaged them?   Mr. Burske answered that they are only responsible for removing limbs from trees that affect the power lines.

Member Cantelmo moved to forward the recommendation of approval to the Commission to remove five trees from the driving range.  Member Lowery seconded.  The motion passed by an all-in-favor vote of 5 to 0.

4. Consideration of Approval to Send a Recommendation to the Commission to Allow the Lady Lake Dog Park Association to have 4,800 square feet of sod installed at the Dog Park. (Mike Burske) The Lady Lake Dog Park Association is requesting permission to install 4,800 square feet of sod at the Dog Park. At this time, they are requesting to lay down Bahia Sod.  This project will be funded by the Lady Lake Dog Park Association

Chairperson Jones asked what the current fee was to be a member of the dog park?  Mr. Burske replied $50 per year.  Member Cantelmo asked how those fees are used?  Mr. Burske replied that they are used to pay the liability insurance for the park and maintenance like the sod.

Member Lowery moved to forward the recommendation of approval to the Commission for the 4,800 square feet of sod installed at the Dog Park.    Member Turlo seconded.  The motion passed by an all-in-favor vote of 5 to 0.