Parks, Recreation, and Trees Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the February 10, 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
Richard Jones, Member; Doris Turlo, Member; Chyrle Lowery, Member; and Betty Cantelmo, Chairperson/Member
Staff Present
Mike Burske, Parks and Recreation Director; Thad Carroll, Growth Management Director; Rebecca Higgins, Development Coordinator; and Carol Osborne, Staff Assistant to the Town Clerk
OTHERS PRESENT
Paul Hannan, Commissioner; James Rietz, Commissioner
Chairperson/Member Cantelmo stated that Member Lowery will be facilitating this meeting and passed the gavel to her.
B. Public Comment
Member Lowery asked if there was any public comment. There were no comments.
C. New Business
1. Approval of Minutes
Member Turlo made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 13, 2021 Parks, Recreation and Tree Advisory Committee meeting. Member Jones seconded the motion. The motion passed by an all-in favor vote of 4 to 0.
2. Consideration to Send a Recommendation to the Commission Regarding Big Dan’s Carwash Request for Landscape Waivers (Thad Carroll)
Growth Management Director Thad Carroll presented the background summary for this agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s Office). He stated that the applicant is present.
Member Lowery asked if there were any questions or comments.
Member Turlo asked if there is enough room for the proposed trees.
Mr. Carroll advised that the landscape architect who prepares the plan knows the how the trees mature and the spacing requirements for the trees.
Patricia Ortez, 2810 N Central Ave., Tampa, FL, stated that this project is currently in site development review and anticipates its approval in March, contingent upon this Board’s recommendation. She stated the purpose of the waiver for canopy trees is due to the existing overhead power lines, and that the additional understory trees and hedges are a better option for this site.
Member Jones made a motion to forward to the Commission the recommendation of approval for the Landscape Waivers for Big Dan’s Carwash. Member Cantelmo seconded. The motion passed by an all-in favor vote of 4 to 0.
3. Consideration to Send a Recommendation to the Commission to contract with Neel-Schaffer Engineering to Provide Engineering Services for the Proposed Walking Trail on the Town-Owned Property at the corner of Old Dixie Highway and East Lady Lake Blvd. (Mike Burske)
Parks and Recreation Director Mike Burske presented the background summary for this agenda item (on file in the Clerk’s Office).
Member Turlo asked for clarification regarding the entrances to the park.
Mr. Burske stated there will be two entrances along Old Dixie Highway. He stated that the property is gorgeous, and he is excited that it will be preserved.
Member Turlo verified that there will be exercise equipment stations included in this project.
Mr. Burske stated this project will be completed in phases as impact fee revenue becomes available. He stated that the walking trail will be well-illuminated and patrolled regularly by our police officers.
Member Turlo made a motion to forward to the Commission the recommendation of approval to contract with Neel-Schaffer Engineering to Provide Engineering Services for the Proposed Walking Trail on the Town-Owned property at the corner of Old Dixie Highway and East Lady Lake Blvd. Member Jones seconded. The motion passed by an all-in favor vote of 4 to 0.
D. Chairperson and Members' Report
There were no comments from the Chairperson or the members of the Board.
Mr. Burske stated that the Lady Lake Parks and Recreation department along with the Lady Lake Chamber of Commerce presented the Art in the Park event and it was well-attended.
He advised that the annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held March 27 from 10 AM until Noon, at the Jr. baseball field behind the library.
Member Lowery asked if this will be a traditional egg hunt or a Grab and Go event due to Covid 19.
Mr. Burske stated that this will be conducted as in past years, with limited participants in several groups to make it as safe as possible.
E. Adjourn
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 5:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
s/ Carol Osborne, Staff Assistant to the Town Clerk
s/ Betty Cantelmo, Chairperson