Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 10-09-12 workshop--recreation facility — reading text

89 City Council of Fort Walton Beach 107 Miracle Strip Parkway W Ie• E Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 Workshop rite Ilwww. twb oe Minutes — Carole Jones 850) 833 -9504 Tuesday, October 9, 2012 5: 00 PM Council Chamber Call to Order Meeting called to order on October 9, 2012, at Council Chamber, 107 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Attendee Name Title Status - Arrived Mike Anderson Mayor Present Bobby Griggs Council Seat I Present Joyce gossom Council Seat 2 Present Dennis Reeves Council Seat 3 Present Trey Goodwin Council Seat 4 Absent Bobby Nabors _ Council Seat 5 Present Bull Rigdon Council Seat 6 Present Dick Rynearson Council Seat 7 Present Mavnr advised that Mr (: nnA,. dr, .uac ohc Pnf rr— 11,; .., oaK.,.. Pledge of Allegiance The Mayor led in the Pledge of Allegiance Minutes Approval There were no minutes to approve; the minutes of Tuesday, September 04, 2012, were previously approved at the regular Council meeting of September 25, 2012. Recreation Facility Discussion The Mayor informed that Council Member Nabors requested a workshop to discuss the proposed recreation facility and athletic complex. Mr. Nabors advised he requested this workshop to give the public the opportunity to provide input as to what they would like in a recreational complex; that the City' s current recreational facilities are at the end of their run and wanted to discuss whether it would be wise to reinvest in them or to close them down permanently; and that the City needs to look at the next 25 to 50 years and discuss options for future generations in the way of recreation in the City. Jeff Peters, Recreation/ Cultural Services Director, provided renderings of a master site plan for the proposed recreation center, and advised that at the October 23 Council meeting he will provide Council with a cost and payment options. This evening Mr. Peters discussed the vision of the center and how to get the most possible use from the land available. He informed that the proposed center would include a fitness track, five baseball fields, three soccer /football fields, an adult softball field, and would include facilities for all age groups, including a senior center facility. City Cortae(I ofFan Walton Beach P ", I Prinied 1011012012  Minutes October 9. 2012 Mr. Peters stated this would be a big project for the community and that tournaments would bring in revenue for the City, and that current programs would be enhanced through the new center. The Mayor asked for public input Kay Rasmussen of the EDC discussed the EDC' s support of the proposed facility stating it would be a plus for businesses wanting to locate into the City. Charlene Greenwald, 206 Jet Drive, stated her opinion the facility is a good idea but questioned the eight million price tag, and suggested a public relations campaign to inform the public. Dennis Satanic, 246 Grandview, Valparaiso, discussed the need for a rubberized running track at the facility and stated such a track would benefit the surrounding communities and be a boost to the area as a whole. Sally Ashwood, 123 Jet Drive, stated she did not oppose the idea but expressed concern over additional traffic on Jet Drive, which is a residential street and cannot handle increased traffic. Lee Feldmeir, downtown business owner, presented a petition with 600 signatures in support of including a cement skate park in the proposed recreational facility. Michael Ammons, 48 Mary Esther Drive and head track coach at Liza Jackson School, discussed the benefits of a rubber track citing it could be used for all the competing schools statewide and cited the financial benefits as well. Mr. Peters advised that the current BMX track is included in the current plans and explained the vision of the facility is to provide something unique that is not found elsewhere. Mr. Peters stated that from the City's standpoint, it would be more feasible for the community to update the current tracks at the local schools rather then build a new one from scratch. Bill Madden, manager of the BMX track at Jet Drive, also spoke in support of a concrete skate park and to consider upgrading the bike/skate track that is currently there. Lissette Moller -Fields, 18 Shalimar Drive and cross country track coach at Fort Walton Beach High School, discussed the benefits of a rubberized running track at the proposed center that could be utilized by area schools for state tournaments and for the public as well. Steve Christopher, Niceville resident, spoke in support of the proposed five softball fields and that they will serve as an economic engine for the City. Charlene Greenwald, 206 Jet Drive, was advised the status of the current recreation buildings will be discussed at a future meeting. Reed Trumbull, 635 Merioneth, member of local rugby team, encouraged the City not to sell property on Hollywood Blvd stating it could be useful as additional parking for the new facility. The public input was closed Cry Council of Port Walton Beach Page 2 Primed 101102012  91 Minutes October 9, 2012 Mr. Nabors thanked everyone for their positive feedback on the proposed recreational facility and invited everyone to the meeting of October 23 when funding for the project will be discussed. Adjournment: 5: 42 pm Approved: 3 A' a A / /,, ////,/ pf/ Mayor: / Attest City Clerk City Council ofFort W¢ Iton Beach Page 3 Pnwed 1011012012