Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection Advisory Board Regular Meeting

a Please rise. >> 2 nation. for all. >> next thing is we will start with Roll call, please. First read the Pledge of Conduct Code of conduct. We may disagree. will be respectful of one another. We will direct all comments to the issues and will not engage in personal attacks. And with that, we'll start with roll call that man from Chris Nace, Rachel Brodsky. We'll Fitzgerald David Plotkin and Karl Shelf-stable. And we do have a core. Okay. I hope everybody got a chance to look at the minutes We didn't have a last carried that or got a But I make a motion >> Corrections. I We accept a second. Okay. All in favor opposed. Most passes unanimously. The next thing is we have. We have anybody want to come back talk to the we have one person. and if car trying to case, please state your name. Here's citizen of. Good. >> run cashed in. I am a resident of the city. I just had one thing that I wanted I conveyed you. Hey, if I can get the a. Yeah. The overhead too. that to come out that well. But sorry. So this comes from our zoning code, the city zoning code. And I just wanted a reminder for him. The advisory Board of something that many advisory boards don't know that text amendments. As owning tax amendments. Can be initiated by any advisory board in the city. So your board has the ability has the authority to request and initiated a zoning text amendment. So just wanted to let you know that you do have that authority if you choose to use it. That was it. Thank you. Thanks. >> All right. With that get into. We have quite a few things today. So the first one is the Arnaud City manager. Hello, come on down and I'd like to. But I had a chance to >> made you feel, you very brief. Good afternoon, everyone. Yes, I have met you before. I all of you now, but I'm Kerry finally, I am. The new city manger has officially as of about a month and a half ago. I feels like about a year. And I just want to stop by and say hello and introduce me. So I want to thank you for volunteering. Serve on this committee. for your public service in the city, I'm happy to answer any questions. You have fine here, but I'm really have enjoyed my first month here at the city. I come from of a robust background. If you Google me and I believe everyone who lives in the city has Googled me. You'll see that I have a very solid background in parks and recreation. And environmental conservation and restoration so it's it's not just professional passion, but a personal passion as well. nice to be able to bring that here to city, Sarasota at all. The exciting things that we're working on it. So that's what I had to say. I want to say hello and you can answer any questions they have for me. >> budget obviously is going to be a is totally your faucet. The dealing with something that's an unknown before you got to finish budget for this year. And what have you asked the department's to do or not to do? >> Yeah, that's a great The budget I just came from a budget meeting. So our budget, our draft budget for next year completed, has been shared with our board Commissioners and we have budget workshop scheduled at the end of this for 2 days, back-to-back. So I have been here a total, I 3 days. When the vote was taken by the state to put to property tax referendum on the ballot for consideration in November. So I have to say that my he's shifted quite quickly because of that. And so what we're doing is we're we're dressing on 2 parallel paths. We have to get a budget adopted by the end September. And we're doing that as we have done in the The the commission last year. And I can't take credit for this is an Irwin Davis years or, you city manager 100 free close to the commission because of the hurricane impacts. You know, our fund balance to gun down significantly was around 10%. So I'm happy to say that you're going to see in the proposed budget for this coming year that actually we've been able to grow back. That bounce quite a bit, which is really great news but we're not quite where we need to be, but we're working towards it. So we're making great steps towards that. it's very important that when we're looking at the possible impacts are the referendum is that we do not attack that challenge. But the sledgehammer, both the scalpel and what I mean by that is that we're looking how we spend our money now. There are ways we can cut stone. Are there other increases that we can do to protect the quality and level services we currently provide to the city. Or other in efficiencies and things that we can do better weather is station reorganization. How we do certain things that absolutely can save money as well. So I called the three-legged stool because of few things that we're working on. And that's the direction I came into. My departments in my department directors and we're working on those things now to come up with those lists are that is not something that will be discussed at the upcoming workshops for the next year's budget because he's running alongside of it. So we're still have a lot of work to do on those things. We do know right now the preliminary numbers show that the impact would be about from 5 and half to 6 million dollars annually that we're losing revenue. Navarre General fund at the referendum is approved. That is a conservative estimate because that number will continue to be refined. We also don't know the impact that the county will have a few understand the challenge we face. A county faces a much larger challenge because our numbers well close, 100 million dollars. They have to cut. And so we recognize that what happened to the county also impacts the residents of the city of Sarasota. So we're going continue to work closely with the county as well to understand what they're thinking about because that will trickle down to the city as well. So that's kind of what our approach has been is a very, very intentional, very scalpel approach to it to come up with those 3 different options that will be presenting to our commission later As we get closer to the RAF Room when the voting begins. that kind of ties and 2, I think the concern is this We since I've been on it for you. You're too. We've got a Parkland and the city I don't think we all feel is protected. We have a park system was great. People are just a great example. But we don't have a dedicated funding for it. We know that you're not going walk in with a magic answer, but we need help and getting through the zoning and also the funding. Yeah. >> Yeah, I'm I I was aware that even before the referendum kind of surface is how do we protect our open space or parks? A natural areas, not just today, but for future generations. And, you know, it seems like when times get tough one, that was the first thing people look at is cutting those areas right? If you look at the language in the referendum and we haven't got the official language on the ballot yet. But if you look at just been put out there, know, where do you see 2 words, parks and recreation? That tells you something about priorities and core services doesn't. I would say that the city of Sarasota, particularly are currently election commission, does not believe that parks and recreation are not core services. They most certainly believe that it is a core service. So what we're doing is we're doing some research right now to see how can we protect that? And if for some reason that the referendum is approved or even even and come down from the state. How do we ensure long-term that it doesn't resolve in eliminating or reducing parks and rec? Because obviously we all know the parks and rec a critically important to community and for most not just house and everything else, but it goes towards Claudia Life as well. On that note, >> I know funding think about how you're going You're going to find But we still looking and I know I talk to you very busy war, but I know are. are we still going as we had a parks their streak at one time? It was rescinded was recent. Yes. >> I'm very I was told I will tell this board that I'm very up just speed on the history. The concept of artistic being developed as well as what happened rescinded. So, yes, we are exploring the option. The option of creating a part district with our board. A mass of trying to understand how would we find that regardless of whether friend them is the referendum is approved or not. That is still something that we're going to continue to explore. And we will present to the commission what their options are, how look, how they can be done, what the pros and cons of each one of those options are. So they're educated before they have to vote on those things. That will be continue to be for. And that will be part of our conversations. And those conversations will be in the public so that people can hear what we're discussing, what those options are. So yes, we're still looking at that. The timing of that is not something that will happen fine November. They There's a lot of projects. And unfortunately, we have put on hold. Until we know the out the outcome of the referendum. We just don't have a choice, but it's still definitely something we're talking about. We're still exploring the options are. How can we find it? In either situation? You know, if the referendum is approved it is much urgent that we should get some alternative funding sources quickly and that we can put in place. We're not the only ones, every city in the state of Florida is doing this, not just for parks and rock, but the doing it for police Services, Fire Services, Library services. And so we're looking through those options are working with our attorneys working. What were some and we're saying bring in some outside consultants to help us figure out how we get creative so we can still provide the same level services. If not more. We prefer to buy more. If we could. Right now. We're just trying to do no harm. >> Yes, to know may be among the last to welcome you help you enjoy your stay here. Thank You mentioned this couple and a Your preference for this capital. Yes, I might references the and you have to agree to disagree. >> And, you know, I just want to point out to everybody that this referendum that's coming up is is such a bad idea that even the person that proposed it now claims to know nothing about it. And, you know, this is the government of small that the party of small government that is, you know, going to tell us they're basically we're going to strangle our our people. We're going to cut back on all of our services. We're going to you know, you need a you need ambulance to come. Yeah, you know, will make an appointment and then be sure and have your credit card because that's the way it's going to work. So I think we all as a board and as hopefully as individuals we have to speak loudly about what bad idea this is and how it's not going to work. And unfortunately, it's not going to go away. You know, I mean, this is just the first wave and now may be the party of small government will get smarter figure out a better way. You know, to come after us. you know, for now, everybody needs to vote and vote against that. >> Well, let me and let just that. So when I said this, let Sledgehammer versus U.S. Capitol, I believe was done with that vote was the sledgehammer approach. It was less love everything up and let the pieces fall where they may be. Local government figure out how to solve it. When I say this Koppel, I mean, is as we're going through our budget, we're being very intentional where the cars can be made where where we can do the least amount of harm to the services that we provide public safety. The majority of our budget or general fund funds. Our police department if funds are emergency management, we have a hurricane if funds all those things that need to be funded have to be provided. other thing I want to point at 2 guys is that the city cannot advocate one way or the other on the referendum. It is against the law. All we can do is provide facts. And if you go to our website, we have already put up information on our homepage with facts frequently asked questions just the fact this is what we're calling them. And so I courage you to go out and find that ensure that with your neighbors. But we cannot go out and I can't tell this born or can I tell any resident as the city major Sarasota, how to vote on this? I can do is say this is what we know. The impact will be. And and this is how that in can impact may be felt by residents of this is approved. So as private citizens, you can do whatever you want, but I just want you to understand that you will not see anywhere from this city or any other city in the state of Florida. I'm saying vote one way or the is is our information to make sure that our voters are educated when they go to vote. >> we met once at the had dropped. And so I. >> Was Yeah. Yeah. We're About the this initiative that we're trying to do with that. The district to do in this was just when this whole announcement came out. But, >> you know, I have both lived in the western suburbs of yes, you know, from where you're from. Yeah. And I also want and I think I mentioned to you that the quality of the part, the parks of the towns like Saint Charles or take. We take great pride in them. The forest preserves. You how well it can be run. And yes, when you do have funding, yeah. How how it can look and people really pull out, you know, love. They're they're green spaces. The summer. But even at this quite a bit of green spaces because >> there was for fight. So the far side that was done for over 100 to cure rate those and preserve them forever for teachers are amazing. Yeah. And the Chicago and you know, and they're huge. We're talking thousands of acres. So I guess you get. I worked. There executive when I moved here. I was a bit surprised at that. >> The quality of like the physical quality at the parks too. And so when I joined this board, you know, I think this this initiative that we're trying to do with current creating district I think is would help yet. >> So it's up to I agree. And so if I could just allowed me to share short So it come from the Forest Preserve district Page County to Page County, if you don't know. And I know you do now its second largest county in the state of Illinois in a bus directly. The city, Chicago, which is its own beast and south to Page County has a million residents who live in DuPage County in their 70 72 communities that are within 2 page County. And that is that that is the county that I served when I was there. And the reason I'm bringing this is because they say something very similar that I think every community across the country faces stow they used to we're all together. DuPage County was just like it is today where it was a Sarasota County. They did sheriff's department. They took care of the assessments. They, you know, just or minor. >> They were responsible for our huge forest preserves our rivers or streams. Everything. And they we had a commission were the same, has one meaning they were put on there. 2 page County has commissioner hat. They talk about all the enormous amount of development is crane in Page County was growing so quickly because the page county, most of the if you're not familiar with it because of the bus to say Chicago, mostly people who live in to Page County commute into work in the city of Chicago on the commute back out by train. So we have dozens and dozens and train and train stations and so as a bedroom community county of the city, Chicago. And so growth is happening very quickly. And what was happening was off. beautiful land was getting up very, very quickly with building and development. And so one, meaning they were proud their county has. And they would say, OK, we're going to talk economic development developers come in. They say, you know what, we're going to build this brand new subdivision is going to be the most beautiful subdivision, entire county. And by the way, we just need to put a road through this forest preserve. And then the next day, the next week they will put on their forces or hats and they would say, oh, my gosh, is our job to preserve our force reserves. Should we allow this road to go through the reason the split apart and it was done by referendum by the voters to Page County, which cause they got really tired of the same group, bring the same hat and guess what that role got put in right through a class. 4, which is the highest classification restart open lands. While Lynn Habitat. For the sake of economic development. And that was enough to trigger an outcry to say, no, we can't do this anymore. So that's how we end up being completely separate. So when I worked for the page for Spitzer, the executive director, we took care of the plans. We took care of the rivers streams and natural ways. All those things we brought back and a species. We had a wildlife hospital. We did all the things that were to leave. Focus on what you guys the reason why you chose to serve here right? And then we said, OK, County, you go do everything else. And then we didn't wear the same hats anymore. And he has worked out beautifully. It's very similar. And the reason I share this with you because of a similar situation, know what you're talking wanting to serve our parks and recreation parks and recreation. It's a shorter lines. Are beaches. So natural habitat says to the restoration work to get rid of NBC Species. I'm just not for you. Now what's invasive down here? Because I knew it was evasive about there. Bring about why left is an existing more. I mean, we were raising muscles and putting them in the Chicago River in clean the river. >> muscles, clean rivers are natural filters for clean water. You Give me get that a little >> and so I see the same thing. I see that the City of Sarasota is a crossroads. Or how do you make sure that our parks are maintained at the level they are whether it's a recreational park with that with tennis courts and swing sets or is passive, just open space, protecting our open spaces for so the wildlife can still have a place to call home the 2 very different things. But they're still part of the language that we talk about. So I I just want to say that I understand the challenges that are that the city faces. And I do think there's a way forward to get there so that we do protect these places and hopefully over time can grow them, have even more we live. We went in and we acquire property that otherwise would have been built time or was built time and we returned it backed open space. 2 and we were able to get a referendum approved in 2024. That we initiated and we won by 63% of that million people who live in that county to increase our millage rate for operations. That's almost unheard of. Because of the value they place on those open spaces. >> One of the things when turn around and look at starting his district in the past when it was I have the people from Boca the town beach district come over and do a presentation. The funding they they got to the point. I mean that this was started like you set up there 100 years ago, started a long time ago and wait 50, 60 somewhere in America. Remember exactly what it was, but they would they literally. Groove there, reserves that they would take care of cutting grass and bills that the city would. You know, we don't back and they could van jobs, you know, projects and stuff and I that's what I hope for here that we we can get that >> Yeah, I think that's a comment that I think I think I think there's no disagreement from what I've heard in short period time. I've been here and even though I haven't really been here for >> a little over a month, if you remember, I was higher quite quite a few months ago. I watched every mean I have been working behind the scenes for 1200 miles away. Haha, just to get the lay of the land, so to speak. And I think there is a way for it and I'm very optimistic. We'll find it. The referendum is cop like all right. I'm kind of the cloud over our sky right now. We've got to get past referendum so we can get focus back on what I call these generational initiatives that really will make Sarasota, you know, still a leader. you know, Sarasota is starting family here because it is extraordinary. I could state and Dennis Turner things right to share with you. Some of the things we're doing. >> And I believe you should only strive to be extraordinary. Ordinary side. Good enough. And so I think what we look at that I'm confident I'm a glass half full person anyway, but we just got to get past November. >> One of the things and then again, a comment. I was on his board for term prior. And you know, and can I ask you to come back and this board here? I'm not trying to blow smoke, but I think there you have a lot of talent for me. This group of people I've been working with and I think in the past I didn't think we were utilized very much to the potential that we help. So whatever can do for you, I think I speak for everybody. A pair of Warm >> Well, I appreciate I was one of things I've been most impressed with is how that there is amount of knowledge and experience in this community. And I'm I'm I'm not sure how much we tap into it. There should not be strife between the city and our residents and silent for 8 on it. I'm working on those issues and bringing the right people to the table. >> Appreciate your for come him. >> All right. Well, thank you for the invitation. I appreciate it. I'm not safer home me because want to me. you I'm averaging about 19 today. I house I read this tells me we're go, but thank you. It's nice >> okay. The next thing on the agenda is the Kelly from about the park spaces. Zoning. I'm really going to cover that. Not just thank you. The old adage is had elephant one bite at it. >> time Good afternoon, everyone. I'm Kelly Brown. Miami, Cincinnati. Sarasota. I live in Gillespie Park. I'm the president of the coalition of City Neighborhood Associations. >> And, you know, I find that we live with acronyms, you know, see, knows what that means right? If you've never then to a meeting or even if you've been to one, you don't know the history. So I thought share a little bit. started almost 36 years ago with 4 women sitting in. City Hall waiting speak to someone about a problem in their neighborhood and they were came to conversation to realize they had a lot of the same problems so they banded together and said, let's start an organization that we can help each other. Some problems almost 36 years ago. Today. We have 36 neighborhoods, numbers of CCA. We have 3 new neighborhoods this year. Joint CNA. We're working with the city. There are. 10 areas of the city that do not currently have an active neighborhood association that are in the sights of what's coming that they may or may not like and they're not going to have a voice because they don't know how to use a voice. So we want to help them. We have. Within our 36 neighborhoods over 20,000 households that we are representing. We've had 5 city commissioners come from the Board of Seasoning. To our city commissioners today. We've had 8 planning board members. Come from the board of Carl, be an example of it sitting right there there are currently on the scene, a board, 6 members that serve on the city advisory board in some capacity. So. If you're involved in you really can understand what's happening in the city and how to make sure that your community has a voice. We have 2 delegates that sit on the storm. Water advisory board for the county. When we found out that there was a missing piece there, that we could have a stronger voice for our city. We advocated to get to people. One of them is actually a hydrologist special steps. Wall and he is representative from Gillespie. Part. So we take on initiatives that our membership say are important. This is important to us and we need to help find a solution. Not you did wrong, but how do we how do we find a solution together? We work very closely with city staff. We very closely with county staff. We work with you and we have something that we're trying to do together. Our initiatives right now are how to sell flooding. How to have. Respectful, inclusive. Voices in development in our city. Air quality. Traffic calming. And parks protection. In January of 25, our membership voted to start an initiative to protect our parks throughout the city. This came about after the Ken Thompson debacle where they want to put it means meant part. Ken Thompson Park. And I think that might have been the next breath board meeting the largest turnout they've ever seen in a public meeting. I think there were 15 neighborhood showed up to talk. It was a great day. To stop something from happening that people didn't want. So now we've been working with the city for a year and a half. To how to protect our parks from a legal standpoint, as well as development. We've worked with Mundt services. We've worked with Parks and Rec. We've worked with the legal office and our initiative and what we learned as we went through, it was that the zoning is just they're all over the place. And there are over 60 parks in 13 different zone districts. So our philosophy was well, let's see. Let's put all that and one's own district. Right? If you know, it has to be a new one right wording. So that gives the parks rec the ability they need to whether it's a lighting change or, you know, a cafe or whatever it is they want to do. The committee wants to impart. He's able to do it within its own district. We've met. Numerous times throughout the last year and a half. We thought we had consensus with city staff that this was they agreed we should do this. Let's move forward. And that, of course. We're on pause. They wanted to wait for Kerry. We met was carried the scene. A board met with Kerry on June 24th. This is one of the things we talk with her about. We talked with her about each initiative because every initiative a member of the board is the chair of that committee that we have counted Bility and we're moving the ball down the field to use a football analogy. And watch football at all. Just for the record now the Kerry is here. We explain what we're trying to do, what she said to us and wish he was still here. That's low hanging fruit. So my request of you is. Help me figure out how to pick the fruit. Funding is going to be a challenge. But at least let's protect our parks. Let's get the zoning changes done. I was really surprised when on. The letter came in the mail. a that there is a zoning change planned for the Bay Park. So my first thought was why are we doing this? Without using all bringing all the rest of the parks in and was this written. So it is what we want. So. I hate to slow things down for the Bay Park. But is that what we should do? Should we look at this together as a group as opposed to 2 different entities doing 2 different things. I ask of you as we grow our parks and we look to protect our parks because everyone uses the park's one, loves the parks. Help us. To get zoning change. Put forward. That's what I'm looking for. What can you do to help us? What can I do to help you? How do we work together season and the prep board to make progress? The questions. Well, I that in this particularly I'm not used to that. Usually I get my 3 minutes. I got to get out. I I would. I lie. We need. 4 making zoning change to be a priority. As we work with the legal department. We work with planning services. We work with with Parks and rec. This needs to be a priority. The legal make this number up. Has 47 different projects? Well, which one is a priority? You know, you you owned businesses, your professional people. You know, when you have 100 things to do, you don't try to do all 100 at a time. You pick the 5 most important and you get them done. Then you pick the next 5. Then you pick the next 5. And it seems to me. We're trying to do 100 things at one time and the city. And I think we as a community need to help them understand what our priorities are. So that they can pick the 5 most important things and get those things done because it comes down to for the rezoning. Someone has to do the work. I'm not a lawyer. I don't even play a lawyer. But I'd be willing to go sit in the legal department to help write that people work. If that's what it takes. Tell us what you need. We'll go find the people that know how to do the work. And that way we can make it a priority. And I think right now that's the problem. It's not a priority and it needs to be. Help us with that. Based on what we just heard seems like everything's This would be a perfect project to do well, everything's on hold. >> Exactly. >> Because it doesn't really cost any money. It doesn't affect the budget. We just need someone carries its to say this is a priority. Go do it. It's getting uniformity. Of the zoning, whatever that may whenever that may be, but at least it's all the same. Exactly. All the parks. Exactly. I wasn't aware of the pay part change right? Yeah. It just came out in the community at a time. There's a community workshop. gets copied on the letter that goes to. Whatever neighborhood is affected. So, yeah, this just came out and the workshop is Wednesday, July 22nd. At the Blue Pagoda and to be part. At 06:00PM. Appropriate. The you have a subcommittee from here that works with CNN SI. And I mean, we can for say it's a priority to us. >> But couple people interest to work Try to move it along. I think the first thing that we would want to do. discussion, but we turn around. Something, make a motion that we go city started looking into uniform, an District, whatever it you know, whatever the zone district it is. >> And let them determine, but at least get ball moving forward start again, at least star. Look at She Kelly said the it will be a little right. And that that to me with that needs to be or write, that needs to be made a priority. And today it's one of 100 things instead of these are our top 5 things and Cal and I thought and I talked to several people about this. I found out about this and I was going to mention before she did today. But when at Bay Park started, I'm all for its beautiful at. But again, the city's parks department is funding a lot of the maintenance of that. And I get understand it's a private had this conversation. But I I understand it's a private conservancy. You know, run by some. More so to speak. But if we're paying maintenance on that. Why would not be? under the auspices of whatever zoning, right? I wouldn't call the the end of the zoning protection. Why are you creating something different? It's goes exactly opposite of what we've been talking about for years which is. >> Not 13 different zone districts but one's own district that are open spaces parks live in. >> Do we know what what it is they're going to be like food stations are. >> Well, and in phase 3 of their plan, they do have a plan to put restaurants. >> On the across from the the docs, if you well struck at the end of 10 street. >> But this is they want to change it to. From general. It's today Governmental G to Bay Park Zone I'm happy to give you copy of this. If you want it. >> And it says establishes standards in addressing. >> Shoreline, resilient storm, water management, improve water, quality habitat, preservation, public access, open space and long-term conservation. Together, these provisions provide the regulatory basis for future development, consistent with the adopt a master plan while supporting the Bay Parks intended public purpose and continued public enjoyment. It sounds like on so, you know, maybe they've already written it and it just doesn't need to be called the Bay Park Zone district. But the park zone district. Just divine. to your a we want something that is going to not be able anybody come in and buy part. Exactly. it's important stay as a board. >> Right. Because the other concern is, you know, as the budget, if the if this referendum passes. Will the commission look to say let's sell some of these Parkland to cover paying the bills? Is that what we want? You know, I don't think so. Let's find other ways to be more creative to find the money received. their conservation easement park there is that there there is a just like Bobby Jones has a conservation easement. But I don't think that. Then make it be able to be zoned it differently zone differently. What does Bobby Jones own says? Was this is off record or so. it's, you know, like to fund. Your guess. Bobby Jones is in G today. They're right now. there's they're not all G I the majority are G but there are 13 different zone districts for our 60 plus parks in the city. Some are downtown core summer ourself to summarize of one summarize of 3. Summer Dtn summer DTE. Summer 3. It's just all over the place. So things all over the place, that's always a concern that something is going to fall through the cracks in and we're not going to be happy with the end result. The somebody want to make motion again just >> our board recommend to the city Commission. To prioritize developing that come. Zoning category for all parks located in. The city's control. Miss >> conclude recreation. If you want your parks, immigration records. >> He said in just the last thing said within the city's control. So is is spring Park? Not yet is not in the seize control, but is it zoned in the city? That's doubt it because I don't think it is. What a opportunity on it's not on this list because we don't maintain to amend that would say instead of saying that's in the city control that anything that the city. >> Acquires or has. turned into Parker Recreation, something any current or future is in the city's list. It's fairly. >> Beach, that's fairly because again, I'm going to here that I've heard now that they want this. The county wants to give. North Lido back. They want to get the public back. They want to get want to give it all. With any funds. Well, they were talking about possibly, but that's that's down the road. I think we're kind of getting a little way from what we would as a as an ask from us, a recommendation to the city Commission. We're trying >> Just change from city control to located in the city's. >> In current and future. >> Park space located in the city limits of Sarasota parks open space parks and rec recreation and open is okay. Read that one. Back Can you read that back? Get >> Prioritize. Common lorry. >> Located in the city city limits. And it's member wants not doing it. It's the prep board as you're making. You're making the motions Do. We want develop months and implementation of so? Open to other suggestions? Just get it done. We have a set. All right. So we have a second on it. Never fun. Self seconds. It. I discussion. I would have thought that this was already in progress. it's not I now. It's been it's been It's it's been discussed. There's been meetings, but it's been kicked down the road let's get through the motion. First man on question. Last question them. For discussion. I mean, it. What are we going to do to follow up? And I can't imagine I'm supposed do. Do you go to the next commission meeting with us and could do that. Everyone. From the parks and recreation is of learned this week our city managers basically telling us nothing happens until after November. Well, this is. >> doesn't cost This keeps people busy the end of the summer managers should be able to not do them. >> And more discussion. All right. let's do a roll call on will start and for. And I vote yes to so unanimous that we're going to go to commission requests that. So thank you very much. And thank you. Thank you. All we were going to discuss is the last time we didn't have a core of that. We have something that was I think this with this. Short guy. >> far as I someone from the Park board should be joining us at our. At least once every 3 months for me next. As gentleman from the park board here that it's a volunteer. You're talking about the county correct? Like live a year on. Didn't get twisted to do this, too. >> No, no, no. Good afternoon. It's just the blood, sweat and tears and put into the park. Actually. I'm guessing excuse my being briefer than not words for to say your name and most of all time my name's exhibit Kaufman. I was recently appointed as of last to the county Board of Parks and Recreation. As the City of Sarasota representative. I am a longtime resident. I've been in Sarasota for over 20 years and graduated leadership. Sarasota with Mister David here of about a month ago when he recommended. Get further involved with the community been very passionate about Sarasota and the environment or so. And it figured this would the greatest way for me to become more involved and have a greater impact on the city. I've got a few questions. So. Who is it that like signed things saying, you know, on, I believe I volunteered and I was on opposed. So I I received an e-mail from Maria Bochy, sort of credentials that just got me. You know, this isn't yesterday. I met and was in attendance of the ribbon cutting ceremony at Bob Jones. And Mark asked me to attend today to sort of see things go and get involved. Okay. I'm at a loss here because in the past. That position has been. Then filled generally by somebody on this board and then. It's it. This this sport as always recommended to the commissioners, it's somebody so that scene and then the commissioners approve it. And then they fill it. It's been at least. For the 8 years. I've been on this That was Leon people. But it was the last one. And Mary on Kirkwood Mary Ellen Kirkwood before that. And they want through that process. So it's let me put delicately as possible. the county can't of the point a city representative. We have that ability. And I don't want to get into the middle of perhaps, you know, as you spend some time getting to know both the city and county, you might realize that we're not always as harmonious should be. alternate. We do have an to be entertained. I would I would be entertained for either Well, if you're on, if you get on the board and has worked, remember, Fitzgerald is saying makes that goal way. I think we're all looking for the havoc it for the city may discussing with the county. That's the challenge variant. >> So the we meet monthly as opposed to every couple but we've got a lot of important projects here. Thank you for your interest in the parks. This would be a great opportunity. >> Yeah, I'm open to any sort of opportunity in position that was that the the one I came across and put my forward. called me and said it was mine. so okay. sure, you see because if your ex a V E R. Kaufman K O F F and we're with you 13, 50 main street. Downtown. This. You Fill out he's got you've fill out, you know, an application and the commissioners have to prove So that filled out. I want to say it is right It I would recommend you. I don't know. talk little bit, but >> as everyone here just set the and I've been doing this a time. And the county I'm I don't. care. I'm not saying I don't like but they. Do not do anything. Recognizes as I think we're much more organized board. I'll say that the end. But we do. We've always had a liaison between the board and county just find out what's going on. And this is going to be a lot more. Coming up, intense, in my opinion with the fact that we're going to get some stuff that weather, we think we are weather. People believe we are. It's going to happen because the county does not want to because there. About their budget so far And I'm an advocate. Parks in the city. I think our beach it up and take back a long time ago. You know, it's the only public beach in Sarasota. Were dictated to what goes on out there. I live, you know. Were dictated to what goes on out there by the county. And I don't. I could could hit that. what we're doing. It like that. But that's the way it was. I would highly recommend that you will is for mount. Get it to us. I think we would present the the commission. You know, on here. The >> My humble opinion it was my understanding that the role of the feeling was the liaison, the in between for in the city. But >> it's using Leal said it usually was a member of this board was sort thing. >> And one of the important role says a 2. Give our $0.2 in on utilization. Absolutely. Love the development fees that we charge for construction here. And those those fees are substantial. That pool of money is substantial. Some of us argue that was earned here in the city. For whatever reason, we turn it over to the county and then they back to us when they. Which doesn't happen too often, it seems. You know, and and the same with purchase of land. That, you know, we we have to go hat in hand. To get our own money back. But like I say, sometimes we do see the same thing. The same way. question. Thanks volunteer who worked with. >> I'm not sure what you're Next meeting. >> Yeah. To have and haven't actually spoken with anybody directly from from county board that. Well, that's good on the website. Thank You thank you. please make sure thank you. Thank you, sir. And the next thing was the darling on date and they have my name on it. Running, you know? ? What if we we just past season back and putting on there and I >> I'm just wondering, have you checked box in the last 2 days? And with this year helps carry with it is right. All right. So when he gets that I talked to flow antler at the opening of the ribbon cutting out of Jones. And they turn around. these are just several pictures of show here. And I spoke to flow and she is the president of Arlington Park and she said I said to her, I said, you know, was brought up the county is not going to renew the calm that this is tell me if I'm at 2, but if the county the county is not going to renew the contract to take care. So therefore. You brought you know, that we turn around and now that the waters down. It would be best for his city to get in there and clean that up in and remove all of vegetation that the overgrowth. it's it's it's it's. well because they say they don't have the manpower, the funds and everything. So when I was stopping the flow, she said that they would be there was a bunch of citizens from Orland Park that are more than happy to organize a work day to go down there. Remove that vegetation, everything. And that's it. What if and when we ever get rain coming back, fills up on that. It would clean it up a little bit. yeah, I I spoke to float just after noon, but and she apologized. She was going to come speak and she's she's going to be going to a candidates forum tonight. >> So she's getting ready for that. again, reiterated that. And I you know, I talked to Jerry about this couple of months ago, but the concept of a friends of and have that as an organized a situation where the park the city, there's a collaboration and understanding of who does what and what's the scope of work and and so on. And the only said was, you know, be careful. Sometimes you've got this. This concept that no one volunteers, you know, that's the danger of it right? I think we've you know, the number of fairly motivated residents you know, pretty passionate about the park and it's condition right now. I do believe again in cooperation with Park Department that we could we could manage. That much better than it's been managed. One of the issues, of course, is it's it's just it's a storm water on that does not have natural source of water. So what you see now is a pretty ugly situation. We have that rain apparently, you know, we've never had the in 40 something years. Have a neighbor lived there for Never seen it. This low. The fact is you've got this opportunity now to deal with the shoreline. Where there's a lot of invasive plants that need to basic not using glyphosate is. Has to be physically. There's a couple people sitting the audience and I know. We've part of that group. So but so going. So what we need to do is we need to basically. Formally organize his friends off. To get back going. I just want make sure we're right when it said that the county is not renewing their contract. right? That's was that the person who goes around he was going around spring, the plant site. But does that mean they're there walking away from it? They're washing their hands of anything to do with this part. We're with that list that with that pond. That's my understanding. Yes. Now what I don't know and we need to find that out is there are the drainage ditches that. That area that eventually going to by someone. My assumption is that those will continue to be kept clear. Otherwise, that's a problem. So we do need to we need. He did. That. It's not just the pond. Shoreline. You know, that's what they're stepping away from as opposed to the drainage ditches, which are critically important to dream. The neighborhood. After a storm. So that that's actually something just actually occurred to me right now. I had written the e-mail chain. Including the county Commissioner Smith. response to him was that they were looking for a alternative to the current contract. >> So I'm not entirely sure that they're walking away. From the responsibility that think they're just looking for another >> So new subcontractor potentially just the county, but not that's right after think is we need to we need to. Confirm big. There. Yes. I think you should. think >> Has to be a formal organization order to accomplish task. Right now. You know, there's there's there's a lot of stuff that part and that has not been it's at a level that this. >> department just simply does not seem to be able to to handle. And this is the whole thing about having a park district and having a budget and, you know, being able to deal with. There's a lot of the things. This is not a park. There's just a lot of. Areas that could use some care. Simply is beyond the budget of the current budget. The Parks Department and the pond is kind of part of that that have to be overlaid by the county's storm waters. You notice that created that complex and you're actually dealing with that. The kind of focal point of the park. And they're not doing a great job and that we have neighbors that are quite down. Upset about how it's handled. >> But for the the just the pond itself right now, while you have access to it as the are you waiting until the contract expires in order potentially start acting or I mean, ideally want to act immediately. But >> I think it's I think it's authorization and the the way that this could be dealt with. To get that approval. >> Quite frankly, because there was there were some concerns when residents were taking it upon themselves, that got them. So they got trouble for Basically it was a cease and desist stop doing things like reason have a county representative. Well, it county and the city and coming together and say, guys, this is what we're proposing doing. This is, you know, these are the tools we need. You know, we need probably some bins throw the book. Yeah, the plants and to have somebody help us home and away that kind of thing that have been proposal been >> That means that where we're at is creating of creating a a case for a I think in fairness to the city, I mean, we replace those chillers. We've done a whole lot of, know, get in the pool done right now. >> cut ball all that stuff. >> This is more on the natural part of natural park as as kind of good left to the side. Yes, new lights and Childers. New beautiful artwork. It's the natural part of the park where lot of the dog walkers and the other people who don't use some of those other feel that there's been and they collect. So that that's the issue. I make a suggestion especially when you have some residents and citizens that want to do it, I would I would go take I would ask that they care that you can organize. >> A workday or work weekend. Whatever is and the waters down. And we're waiting for the county to do this. We're waiting for the city to do is nobody has rain comes again. And it goes up. You lost a lot. yeah. So I think. You know, again, what what was the cease and desist about it briefly? Well, understand well as basically, you know, thou shall touching moving things. They You're for the county city city Parks Department. I want remember. Meeting or 2 back also being told each volunteer at the background before they >> Start working. City representatives of the and I would suggest you take take this and turn around and get with the that want to do it and >> there's there's a push the issue to get it done time this is now. That's right. One and then there's a long-term. There's still also secondarily, as a long-term, of course, approach to this park keep it a beautiful place. You know, till may be something we do have a bigger budget. Can take it to that next Right? Right now we So the again for the the logistics of this. Now go to Jerry. I bought gun. Jerry are ready and I, you building now, no one can say no. You just said I'm thinking about it. And so all of a back injury. And I. One of the got fright. know yours is the year's right? There's right >> got to get going. that's why I said I didn't get to tell her that I forgot. That's why what this board to be relevant now that we make decisions, are we at least try to push decisions to get things done? I learned from a nomad about getting things done a long time ago. So all right. So be a good resource for you. Given Gillespie parking her now. Yeah. Just what they've done there at Floyd. That might be a nice one You know that that that that's very good Poaching Jerry and the party. to that. The parks department people, but I would give the killing ground. about it and push a little bit that with you know, might get some traction on it something gets organized next month. Let us know next case. Okay. All right. Now or gender the park anybody have anything they want. have something for a pit. A lot of over. it not. I'm sorry, we have our course is going be kids. And there about 60 65 the. >> We have 40 on the waiting We've been the parents and families to pay. Only 25 right now. I mean, we come site. Because we've got a in some And it's amazing what it's done for us to get kids. scaled back so we don't get buses anymore. We get school buses and going with it. But it's better because we're able to go back this week 3 tomorrow when the So these kids have never seen downtown Sarasota, not in recovery with inside of the facility and and the So I think it's a great opportunity this year were able to cool. As well the kids on the trips that we know with the financial situation is going on right now. So we all know we will be able to do this again. So the kids are really getting a special treat this year with swimming lessons. going to the different parks in Sarasota because we go for those School buses a little less expensive keep. We can do a few other things like ways that we would today. 2 of the my community. Good chance to go into it. I was brought up. You're calling the >> Never get to go. They were on the stage today. Didn't seem have a I think this is to say I've been there from the first year. We had a This is probably one of the best. As far as organization. kids be able to do things without a lot of fun. Because we've used the city itself. Which is a great place. These kids were with the front. Thing else. Anybody with the parks. Recreation just want all that with So on the environment. On the environmental part of We have project that's going to they they did that. They finished the beach restoration Reunirse month. Toward the end of the year. They're going put some deals we lost everything in the storms, of course. But the beach is It's crowded. It's being well used. The city had. program got to do. We're going to be put a little like they're only going 3 foot high. Everybody does locked up you everything. But still it's a little bit more protection for that. The sustainability and so that's good. And the only other thing is on the 20th of July at the next commission meeting, we're going to have. >> sure is. electric utility out there. So in case get storms if and when. city has hired from what I understand has hired consultant. The same people that did the underground utilities. I the undergrounding of electric, of key. This is going to be somewhat of a process for a couple years. got they've got to go through all of that set up and the engineering will start. For the actual construction of way that they're going to run electric and everything. Everybody out there And I think that's going to lead him to do in other parts of the city stuff. So. That's that's all I have. >> Yeah, I'd like to under Yeah. And environment the other day we had the opening of the phase, one of the Bob Jones Nature Park. You know, I can be accused of being overly protective of the Bobby Jones Golf Complex and home. I've got to say that this first phase of the nature park is just You have to go out there. You bicycle you know, whatever it is that they've done a gorgeous jobs restoring, you know, back its. It's it's a big parking out. 250 acres back there. And no, there's lots more to come. they've gotten off to a really good start. Your eyes are. >> Where there but all right. What's good? there's no citizen input, I guess, for. Does anybody have anything, general discussion for the board? Looking at driving rain and project >> Yeah, I've got to you know, I've been trying to nail that down and I. I missed an up I next to me at the next meeting. I will have a and heard some positive news on that. There is positive news. I just want to be sure it's And the lawn bowling haven't heard much from them You it's a. >> The there. There. >> Feel the dreams. There is green. I'm not sure what it I you know, pull over one day and Michael by a couple weeks ago. take a look it a There's some restrooms over there. There was like a trailer. Oh, yeah. That's a courtesy the city right? It's closed right now. think it's officially closed until sometime There are some bodies over there doing something. Something okay. I just recall they come to this. You know, the important. Yes, they had. And again, that's it doesn't want its green light, says, but it doesn't look like crash. >> I'll take a closer And the other topics that anybody want to bring up. One of I mean with Mark Pryor. And this week prior to the actual meeting. But anybody has anything, I think. His friends and friends of pork in the county and stuff they want to try and turn around. And I know. They have said they have somebody that works with them. The public that I think we should tie offense. At least it was an outlier. I think forward. So. We can get more for something reach out. Everybody I I don't know people, I think that would be a good thing, Just to see what other. And if anybody else has anything for topics with more. So so we can try it. All right. the next reading is for August. 20th that for here. okay with that certainly came from idea come from. There's nobody and nothing else. I was amazed.