Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection Advisory Board Regular Meeting

get good afternoon, everyone. I would like to start with Pledge of Allegiance. So she >> You know, you know, >> all right. I'm going to start read guess I got a little cough going here. So excuse me, the reading of the Pledge of conduct we may disagree, but we will be respectful of one another. We will direct all comments. Tuitions and we will not engage in personal attacks. And with that said, I'm going to start with roll. Call will start the side here from once. Chris Nace. Rachel Brodsky. Carl Shelf stall and we do have a core Skinner, T minus get Better All right. the next thing is we will important and I'll call down the 3 people signed up speak. And when you come down, please. Say your name, your address. And if you are a citizen of the City of Sarasota. Tracy Sacks. Michael Sohn. And Kelly Brown. the I miss that a after after. We've got people Want to make sure we'll start with this acts. >> I just want to call attention to the Harder. Please state your Tracy Sachs. I limit to Hill Street, Sarasota, Florida, 3, 4, 2, 3, 9, What a study on and on. And I am a citizen of Sarasota that clip the ticket. Haha. The Here to just report on the Arlington Park Pond would just I'm very, very low. It's the basin of it now is exposed and it's growing huge amounts yellow, not That's knee high. It needs to be attended to. I would before it gets out of control. if you can see the black, there's a black stripe. That's that top of the pond. And then everything below it. I think it is the basin. So in that I'd say there's 40% not Growing can see the next picture. sorry, but you for haha. >> Something to do I'm sitting here. >> I could have done to them too far So there's there's some of it. and some turtles and a beach. But the not said is extremely invasive. According to what I've read it will continue go around the pond. >> And got taller spread. We've had some problems the. person that tired to poison the greenery around the pond I don't want him any because he's enough safety. >> Kill a lot. you want to figure out a way to control that, not So all I'm doing is telling you it's It's it's the time to fix it right now before the water comes in. Grows grows taller. There's basin to the west of that it's just filled with cheese and weeds now because nobody attended to it. I'm used to be a a collector of water. Now I'm expecting that are on Turning to that 2. Plus, the wind really gross. Haha, so I'm just mentioning it and want people to look into it. I want people to care about because right now it's just the whole my whole with some dirt and turtles. And it. Haha. But I have to say. Thank you very much. Yeah, my name is Michael Pass and I live 19 Beach Drive in Sarasota. >> When I got here, I understood that that you don't take questions or provide answers. So I'll give you a. Committed 50. One second speech. Maybe not that law. I live near Indian beach part and it was severely during the storms in late 2024. The infrastructure of the part. Was destroyed the years a growing amount of graffiti in the park. That doesn't look And I noticed this week what you had surveillance cameras put up there. And then taken down. And in this week there is a chain link fence. Preventing anybody to go into the park. And there's no I looked on website. I didn't see anything in the city that indicated. Any kind plan to restore the park. I was going to ask you, was there a plan? But I want to ask you, but I would say that. I've lived here for over 10 years. Before that. I lived in Chicago for. 40 years and I can testify. this has the signs of. Urban decline win you with this to do anything and there's no explanation and you put up the chain link fence put in surveillance cameras. And it's not a good look. The neighborhood. In North Sarasota, I think is improved a lot and both sides. Tamiami trail. And but this is a black guy, in my opinion, for the for the city and it's frustrating that there any explanation whatsoever as to what's going to happen or ability to talk to anybody with an explanation. And that's why I showed up here. I my 43 seconds to wherever else. talk about this. questions. Good time. Good afternoon. >> When it was Kelly Brown, I live in Gillespie Park. I'm a resident of Sarasota. I am the president of the coalition of City Neighborhood Associations representing 36 neighborhoods with over 22,000 households NA has been involved in helping neighborhoods to protect improve their neighborhoods, working with city and county staff and commissioners for 36 years. We take on initiatives that our membership has voted important to our citizens. In January of 25, we voted to start an initiative to protect our parks throughout the city. This came about after a developer approach the city commission to take over Ken Thompson Park on City Island. After one and a half years of working with city staff. We have learned from legal parks and rec as well as development services and planning all of the different dynamics of how our parks are zone within the city. We have over 60 designated parts within city limits. The parks and Recs is responsible for maintaining some are simple walkway areas. Others are many acres. Our parks are currently designated in over 13 different zone districts today with no protection. We have consensus with city staff that all parks should be moved to one zoning district and be further protected from being rezoned by requiring a supermajority vote to change any park zone. I'm here today to ask you as we grow, our parks are essentials for a quality of life sustainability, environmental support. We respectfully ask the prep board to support work on this initiative to move this project to completion as a priority for city staff. Thank you. Hello Prep board. Thank you for the time. Appreciate you volunteer your time. >> I don't have a pair prepared speech because I didn't plan on speaking If you're outflow at 37 year, Sarasota resident and I'm actually the president into Park neighborhood representing the neighborhood. So I said I was here just for the meeting and I so many bit racy here. My neighbor, Chris, is on the board I've had many, many, many, many, many complaints about the park and the pot. Not only complaints about the pond itself, but complaints with the county contractor. I've been in touch with the county many times. Jason Brown. So we do have many people that actually care about the park and want to maintain the park. And Kristen, I talked about maybe doing a friends of Volant and park type of thing. So I have not reached out to Jerry Fogle about this yet, but I'm really hopeful that we can work with the city to get a committee in my neighborhood that deeply care about a park to be able to help maintain the park and correct a lot of the issues that I'm trying to on this part of Tracy Street speech. But what Tracy brought up today. So I'm like I said, there's been many people that reach out to me about the pot, the park. But yeah, basically the ponds, the condition of the pond and the chemicals that are being used around the pond. So if there's something we can do about that, if somebody knows a wave has some suggestions for me to move forward. I know you can't talk to me now, but some just suggestions to move forward that we can maybe get this rolling. That would be great again. I will reach out to Jared Fogle. The other thing I'm just going to piggyback off of Kelly Brown. This is now speaking for myself, not my neighborhood. I actually was the chair of the CC protect our Parks Committee originally. So everything Kelly said is what we've been trying to do. We've been working year and a half or to get these parks rezone so they can be. Protected. The other thing that we've been trying to do is to get the parks district. So we totally I totally support UCC support you in that. So whatever we can do on this side of the table to help you guys on that side of the table. Here. We're here. So thank you for the time. Please help us protect the going to park Pond and please help us protect all the 60 plus city Parks. Thank you. Thank you very much, everyone. Appreciate the input. >> Dismissed. >> As >> as we go through this meeting will turn around as we go through this meeting will turn around we'll discuss some of things I know. Ron, you wanted to I did miss that. is there a of minutes >> make a motion. We accept the minutes is second >> All in favor. opposed. Minutes are approved. >> All right. next thing he is. No the monthly That's You said I got couple nice parks. We can control from your right it. All right. They front park and Marina Centennial Park in Gulfstream Park are the 3 this month. >> Here again is a a reminder that there are these cure codes in the parks, then people can click on to provide their input and certainly encourage all of too. Reminder, neighbors and citizens that this isn't available conduit into it's the parks department and and your comments about the condition of the parks. Really great entrance to the Bayfront Park and Marina. I was trying to determine if this is, in fact, something that has been redone to look like Art Deco or if this is something that sold not not been able to figure it out, but it's a really beautiful entrance into the Bayfront Park and Marina area. It was redone. If you're a nice drone view the U.S. plan, a splash The marina and of course, the skyline in the talk a little bit more about, you know, the elements of the park as we go through it. seaside native garden that was planted with some native plants that work well, in this part of the country. It can be quite instructive for those of us that have got gardens and take a look at the plants that have been there. Some of the signage bit of the rules of the park. I do have a suggestion to the park's a berm and I think we could make better looking signs. These are, you know, specially for the beautiful park like the front. You might want to look recreating some of these, but they have important messages on them. This is a sign talks about the sister cities of Sarasota has. It's quite interesting. encourage you to do if you haven't taken a look at the sister cities that we have to take a look at that. And there's one that's close to where I was born in Hamilton, Ontario, area in Canada. So I didn't know that that was the sister city. This is interesting sculpture. That turn that was called Olympic wannabes. The artist is Glenn, a good acre. So kind of you know, connection to a playground area. entrance to the fabulous new Splash Park that was built a few years That was really funded by a number of grants I'm actually was the American rescue Plan Act in 2021. So that was a really great way to tap into those monies. it's turned out to be a really fabulous part of the park. Just another general view of of some picnic areas and a nice view down towards the self. Here's piece of public art call them follows. I think that's how it's pronounced by Richard Beckman. A couple of variations of different park benches that we have here. A lot of has just, you know, has been cleaned up over the last couple of years. Of course, this park was was severely affected by the hurricanes of 2024. and a lot of there's some tree damage and a lot of the ground. So we're we're we're tied up in the last couple years. Another guy, I think we did lose quite a few trees along here. This is the dolphin found I was happy to see got up and running again. It was down for some time. It was designed by a gentleman named Steve King. And you know, nice cleaned up end of the park where it's a fabulous place to watch the sunset. And of course, the unconditional surrender or people work of art by Ciera Johnson. Has been moved to, I think a much better spot than it was before work, I think has some traffic issues. And again, another view of the entrance Gates. And the general parking area. Another view the park here with an interesting walkway there. And here is a I believe this is the bios with swale that was installed really help with capture of some of the storm. One of them I come off the parking areas again, more progressive way to deal with storm water. Want to make this There is a there's quite a large project that's beginning. It's a seawall restoration project. The 1500 feet of sea wall. That's going to be replaced in the marina. It's 5.5, 7 million value project. And it's a grant various grants were were obtained for this. There's going to be some freelance caving because there's also going to be some great elevation changes and so on. And some trees will be we lost. And not sure I haven't looked into the with. The landscaping plan will be for that after it's completed. So it's something that I've been looking to. just thought this was sort of interesting always wondered about this. So I looked into what the capacity of the brain is. It's a 298 wet slips, which is quite a few. 85 out in out in the bay nearby. There's 25 boat lifts, course, is a full service marina. And they've got, you know, mechanics. They've quite a bit service that they can provide the voters that come in there. There's a couple of boat rental companies and of a couple of spots to have dinner either of weary Zora Marina, Jax. So quite a gem of a park for us. That's the entrance to Marina Jax. That is a of a private public partnership arrangement with business leasing that property from the city. It's had bit of a history of some back and forth with the value that that arrangement that to you guys can take a look last 2 years. But it's again, I think it really a great part of our city. Here's another view of the various boats, lips. And I think couple of these might be the the rentals that are available there. Now over to Centennial Park. Right now. It's a it's a great place to launch votes. It's got 3 doubling ramps. There's a number of courtesy docks that for sure to use in some of this. I think those courtesy docks there to the left were recently restored. And this will become the kind of northern gateway to the Bay Park. It's going to the next phase of of redevelopment. This could be significant improvements from a sort of a landscape standpoint in from the parking standpoint, it will remain a a boat launch area. It's going to be more of a it's not going to be so much of a destination park that the rest of the day is. But from what I've read, it's going to be a really nice kind bracket to the to the rest of the the Bay Park. So more to come on Centennial Park. There's the restrooms for the boaters. Some signage for the rules of the of the voters. The slips. You're the launch. And there is, again, another view of them. Some courtesy slips, which I I realized was kind of interesting. You have to do go to Park Mobile. 2 say that your they're just fun fact that I was and where. And you know, it is a part that does need some TLC. It's it's a rough looking. I think it also was affected quite a bit by the Hurricanes. This is a a something called jumping fish by Geoffrey Wheeler. More fund sculpture. Public That's at the one part of the park. And again, it's it's a it was it was pretty heavily affected by the search took place in the bay during the last a couple of hurricanes. So this is an park that probably many of us have not been to its its Gulfstream Park in. And I was going ask question, was this Crete was this created when the the roundabout was put put in. Not sure if that's the case. Mark, if you recall that was there before. The questions, this is public art called Enigma. It's from death. Dennis Cow. It's it's a kind of in the middle of Gulfstream Park. Some new trees that got planned. And I think, again, that might have been part of the traffic circle installation. It's really a lovely spot that's kind of just sandwiched in between the busy street in downtown had a chance to walk through through there. And it's really a nice sort of calming aspect get into the busy street in the downtown area. So you haven't unlocked there encourage you to take a look at it. I think it's also serving as obviously as a storm water, retention area with these points. ? ? Next month is rich or it? With 3 >> Yeah. So I want to say thank you to Ron. Starting nose. Phenomenal. is good for all of us. Thank you for doing it. Okay. That that's brings up the question. Are we going to do? >> site was now start all over again or we're going to give rest what? What's the flavor of board? >> I mean, I would like to see it as we do the renovations of the parks as the as we do the restorations that that could be part of what we report on before, because I and that's important. >> I would like to continue all of that. I mean, I understand we went statements a couple of months, the think if we just keep eyes on him as we'll all year long. >> Kind of focused the master Talk a little bit about the parks is appropriate this where they stand. Commission, meeting with the commissioners know that this meeting somehow the word didn't get the status of the parks for on I recognize that. Folks have got to take the initiative this well to look at the websites, et cetera. clue that get a better way to get the word out of them. Why things aren't helps Type of a presentation helps a little I agree. >> again, start round again just to go through like we did. Yeah, have force. All right. And on the on the border, gender reports the park's know, would anybody like to talk about that? We did a little bit, but and discussion is good here. So. >> Well, First of all, thank you for your presentation. To the commissioners. I think the feedback was awesome. It's not a slam dunk, but looks like most commissioners are serious about this and serious in the next budget years, which is terrific may need additional help getting that across the line the the public can make that happen. The 2 things, 3 things that are from mark, do we need to do anything Bolinger said already discussion happened? >> Yeah. Discussion 7 and they're actually week. So the kind got So we'll they're supposed to have a not a real increase in some more. Keep an eye on it. Make sure they can. They're already actively working on it. >> And there's conversation about to Park Pond. you know, Apologize or one of the commissioners. It suggested volunteer Is option for the situation right now? I did have a conversation with Jerry Focal about the concept the friends of idea. And where were we would have a situation where there would be you know, it would be sanctioned. You know what, what could be done? You know what, what sort tools could be used. And so on the scope of that rather than if people just trying to do things on their own, which which can create some issues. said he would kind of mull that over. And I said to him, you know, maybe this could be something, you know, a couple times a year. He had said, well, you know, be careful because if you organize something like that, you've got to make sure you get people for you and just do yourself. But I think there's enough people in Arlington Park that are kind of, you know, committed and connected to that park. It's a it's a real focal point of the neighborhood. There's just a lot of people use park. I'm walking dog walking, socializing and so on. So I think there, you know, we did that. It has to be organized correctly, to be coordinated with the city. The dilemma is always that this pond is a county responsibility for the park is a city responsibility and never the twain shall meet. Sometimes you've got this gray zone as to who's responsible for what and somehow we've got to get over that we've got to get kind of The cooperation between the county and the city and at the end of the day, I think there's there's a solution to this, but it does involve, I think some obviously coordination with. The the 2 entities and the residents. So that's the part that So friends, I do the kind of long-term just don't know what could be the next month before upon fills up. >> With rain, if we could. >> Tesla do Saturday work session out there. well, you know what, that you need a rotor tiller. >> So not kidding. That's how you could conceivably get rid of those plants because it's dry right now. It and you to try to over because they are problem there. >> Proliferating. And but literally have to go to. Maybe it's Home Depot in teller and just dig them out and rent them out. I think we can come up with the money for the room >> I mean, if the if we suggested to the Association to work session. Mark, what would we need to do with the Parks department to get permission to do such a thing? >> There's a few steps. I didn't know if it was going to volunteer work. First of all, we have to follow up to volunteer application. Do a background and But you know, if you do the project, but as far as a safety concern, I don't I don't want to answer that specifically. But but in the first step is to put a formal request talk it through and see if that's something we can possibly just get done, too, because >> surely there's a safety concern for not doing something. Does that negate the time We just got a bunch of rain yesterday. waiting to >> Right now is an ideal time times. so Now sensing a relationship with the county is such that we couldn't ask to take a road tiller out there and get it done. >> going to step in here. Mark and I have and talking and there was an e-mail that went back and forth that I had requested that somebody the county. Come here and talk to us about this. And Jerry. Said that he was reaching out to to the county to turn around and get some kind of a game plan. I don't know if he has heard back from them. I where where that is in the process. But again, I totally agree with you that, you know now with the rain coming, it's going to start fill. Hopefully it's going to start, you know, backup weather, right? Wrong or indifferent. We do need the rain and we need to possibly fill. But again. I would like to get somebody here from the county to get in front of us. Talk to us. It's the same thing with Ted Sperling Park. It's it's it's a it's a between the county and the city I'm sure knowing Arlington Park is as long as I've known their efforts that to mobilize their their constituents in the market. I'm sure they would come up with something and again, a volunteer thing. Kind of Segways into one of the things that I'm going to request is that we get a hold of the Venice when I was sitting at the eyes with the city Commission Commissioner Herr Kurt said that, you know, they have and we had years ago, we had the friends of the parks in the county come and speak to us about how they facilitate helping the parks department and the county. But I would like to get. The friends of Venice or whatever she had said at that commission meeting to get here and sit down in front of us and we haven't. Not just talk, actual presentation on how their how they have it set up that they're helping and again, I totally agree with there's a rub between the county and the city about that. That I don't have I think it would be a good thing. But again, light as Mark said, in my opinion at once. Once we take something on with that as a group from the it would basically be Arlington Park as the that. To maintain keep in. Keep in touch with the city and the county and everybody to kind of coordinate taking care We need. Unfortunately. I was a little disappointed that we did not get somebody here from the county. But Jerry wants to have a meeting, get a game plan from them. My dealings with the county is they're going to hurry up and wait. And that's not what I want to do. I don't think that's what this board wants do. And I know with the neighborhood, that's not what they want. So we we need to start push on is to get them here and see what you know. We can with some kind of a an action plan and what we can come up with. Is it a formal request to the county to do this action as you are talking about 2 different issues. One is to solve the long-term and put in place. But we also have the immediate issue, which is literally the next 3 weeks, right? Great. >> So is that a formal request of for safety reasons and maintenance? And we think that should be escalated. Is that something you guys do for you and for us from everyone you know, just in the county, many people that lost. >> Yeah, you know, they're like we could probably share somewhere to I mean, just notified because I'm sure there's there's a but I I don't think I've ever made this formal request before myself. So I don't know it for others. Don't want know what you know. most wanted man You know. >> I would turn around and I'll reach out to Mark Smith works is artistic to county commissioners. is that. But with that being said, I totally agree with you at. You know, with this something that we would make emotional request for the county to do something You know, I think we're just before we you can see the key thing will be that these plants that were concerned with need to be physically removed as opposed to chemically. You know, spring on to make a motion. Directed at the county. And how do I were I'd like to make a motion that we requests that the county. Come to the Arlington Park Pond in and do a physical removal of the invasive plants that surround the pond. This without chemicals as soon as soon as possible. Take advantage of the low water level. Was We have a motion. can't Haha okay. We have a motion and any discussion. I what way most of that discussion. Well, I think on on that, Mark, we need to get all grand. It would not hurt if we all got in touch or at least Marc Smith. Yeah, that's our district, 2 commissioner to see what he can do to facilitate that. As far as getting something done. >> And county has a see click that's an So that's kind of something that I think it's going to take a little more than just yeah. Clicking on that to turn around and do something and 3 weeks yet, >> These can be removed once water once they're submerged in water. >> You know, this is not sure I understand. OK? So we have a motion and >> let's take a going down. all right. I I. >> C word. >> Plant to do it. Let's get something that I see what we can do to get get with the county and see what they can do about this. >> to attend a request that one of can markets plane was going >> Terms of the work is, the way. >> in Indian >> yeah, it comes on the weekend. We can point FEMA, someone for but all read the statement. Because believe it or not, we get this question. 2 are. person or you mail inbox enough. So we're just copy and paste to make sure the same proper information out. But specifically currently have. This. Doc, you know, is Roland Park. We Indian beach Berg and we have Nora Patterson, Bay Island, North Park and better all. Down and they do have the sense and it's a little an Irving because of fences were removed and then one FEMA And then when they started to come back, we have to stay injured him. So the fences go back up. So if you're a citizen, obviously you think the fences coming down is great news. But it was just FEMA shutting down. And then when they we have to tear everything down and you have to restate it When FEMA search. so and I feel like it's going to start sooner than later. But officially. Parks, hurricane recovery efforts. All city parks are open and restored with the exception of those 3 parks. These parks remain closed due to extensive shoreline damage and are part of the shoreline repair projects. Handlebar. Parks and and public works contractors as well. So additional in parts of Bird key. Ken Thompson, Park Gateway Park in their respective shorelines, also remain closed due to ongoing repairs. Being handled through public were contractors. So you'll see, I believe what occurred Gailey was was almost done and so close to the end. we had to put fencing back up. And you can't finish the work if you finish, even if it's a day's work, you don't get the reimbursement. So. This time the mood is as close to the federal government reopens due to budget us. When security is so shut down, which means no FEMA until the government reopens. Now that may have change slightly in the last week or 2, but that's kind were were hands are tied if we if we carried on incentives to work or selves in Dallas, we lose all the funding coming back. And so. We can't do Essentially. With the red today was that Congress couldn't agree and everything. So they decided to wait till June in on the thing. >> love to get it done. Yeah, it will get done agenda presume we can't vote on but I would like to see next meeting. And the notion that we support the concept one's own for all Parkland. the other one this is news to most. There's a parcel of out front of plane park that the city at Laurel Street and once a and a half. I would like have some conversation on the concept to having that be incorporated in the painting par for additional tennis courts and pickleball courts and parking. With funding potentially coming from the P I have fun as well as the U.S. not States tennis Association. We can have that unfortunately, I'm going to miss the June meeting that may July or August, month we need what conversation. We're going to turn around. Marc and I are starting to be now on at least once a month prior. >> The thing? >> one of the things is make sure everybody sends. >> Any. E-mails to him and people disperses as far as with this sunshine nonsense. I call it. But again, we have many things over the next. 6, 7 months that are going to be very, very crucial to this going forward with in the city with the parks to your I wanted to have the conversation about with Miss Brown was and she was going to give us a presentation and Jerry want to hold off on Pull this off to off the agenda today to turn around and have it that he wants to me. We have a new city magic starting. She was a night of the 29th and that's something I would like it. I know she's going to be busy, but I would like to her the come down here and at least talk to us and we we we can ask some questions and stuff. But again, like I said at the at the commission meeting, it's time we get more than we have. have a tie on a city commission to start to make this go forward. It's going to be a little bit, but it's all part and parcel with the zoning of the parks and starting this park district. I personally don't think we're going to have a getting that the parks district. It's going to be. A matter of getting the funding for. But again. We need the county here. Talk about the pond at Arlington. We need the friends of that the friends of the parks in the county with the Venice people. There's many, many things here that we really need to start to have people come in at least explain to us what their ideas of what what's going on and how they make it work. Because this is the opportunity to make this happen a month with this part, this turn over this park board that we have here now. any any suggestions you've got and will star schedule I understand, you know, everybody goes away for a little bit everything, it we need now to start to get these things schedule because it. Unfortunately does take a little bit make this go. So. stick in my story. we're going to turn around. We're going to start so. What I'd like to see Cent Mark. What you would like to see is a you know. A list of what you would like to see first and go forward. I really think and saying. But with this new city manager coming on. Going, she's going to be really. Pressed for a lot of different issues. But when I did talk there at the cease and being after it was over, she said the district and I explained to or how long I've been trying to do is I explained or that we did have been in place and got the Senate. She said it was it wasn't a very interesting conversation that she said everything is a priority. But once everything becomes a priority, nothing is a priority. And she told me to my face. This park district is a top priority. So I think that if we this is what we want to start focus on to get going with that. Again. Commissioner Air caution, I've spoke that, you know, she wants get in this budget cycle I'm going to be quite honest that Jerry is not all about that right now. But we're going to force the issue when we work for him. And mark. But the deal is we have I think we have very specific ideas on how we want to make this work. And I think you can work and they could find the money. I find I am. I want to hear that nonsense we on the money. They can find to do so anyway. What are the next steps for us? Because given the conversation that you had, >> there are directing staff so. >> Can you follow up with that to see where we're at with this? I think and I would like to see that go out to us prior to waiting until the next meeting just to give everybody here. An update on where we're at. And, you know. Where we're at India, the actual process. Where it's 8%, were we We all want to be moving forward in the same direction they're working forward on something. >> There's there can be a symbiotic right here working condition rather than us working in 2 different directions. >> It makes sense. All right. Anything else and parks. pretty much. It will wrap with that about recreation. Anything going on at the Robert Taylor. There's all kinds of where we're gearing up for summer camp is the for the one Arlington and and Robert Taylor. Summer camps will start the second week in June. >> Our and we we actually we typically struggle with staffing for summer camp. And an excellent poll where we have exactly the amount that we need. Everyone is and we're starting training. Slowly next week and then a full-on training weak up front. So. Cold stress for your votes. But it's the most stress free camp. I think we were running into any way as far people want to work. So we're getting. Some really good news there. sensors lot, Arlington folks here. We do the Turtle Bay scheme. Did you see that's going to mention that? Okay. So if get this beautiful sun, this is sunny area in the middle of the have the journals claim on so the dogs can >> Yes, likely summit this morning just good. >> Some So we're trying to do. got video our staff actually built house set it up. On a kayak and roll it out there or And so the video that and then they're going to get some pictures and videos of turtles using it and they will share a social media about >> Alright, on the environment, Environmental protection part of the the the Advisory board here. What I was down at the commission meeting we had some people out on legal talk about the beach. Renourishment has been completed. They've removed all the piping everything. They've got a great it. It looks really good. But one of the issues that was down at the end of the key was it the last 3 buildings down did not get any sand and there they were. It was in the in the plans that they were going to go all the way down start of the park. Being that I was out of it for a little bit with my issues my personal thing. I met with the Army several of residents out there. they explain and the city and they explain the and where they were. Dredging the sand up pass. They turn around and the they have X amount that they could keep that they could take out of it. And as they were going down, that up as what they were doing and unbeknownst to me and after talking to on that, we respond. We have a 50 year plan. With the Army Corps and the feds every 5 years or so we'll get a reunirse meant to keep the beach in good shape. being after the big lawsuit, everything that we got through and we actually got this and put on big pass. They have in the interim. They require that we do a sand sediment. Study. That they everybody thinks that sand was a dredge for the beach. It really wasn't. It was county. Sponsored navigational dredge that they were having problems with the boats coming into the and to Marina Jackson coming down that way. So what the Army Corps tell us when we were meeting with them that they were going to take that sand because it was a dredge just for navigation dump it out and and the ocean. And they worked around it and work through it to say, well, with all of them that we had with the storms. Why don't we just put it on beach And they said, well, I mean, that's a good idea. So we've got that sand. But that is not the actual re nursed made of and they have now done the where they're in the process of doing the sediment study and they're going to look to come back in 4 years to do another dredge. To replenish the beach because it probably be close to the time when it needs to be done. one of the interesting things that I found out that I ask was well, since you did the dredge and to 21 or whatever was. How much of the new passes a big passes show back in May said over. 54 1% of the snow back everybody stay everybody who the lawsuit, $700,000 later turn around and they were ACS. That was all worry about that they going to it was going to start to really impact Siesta key. And they actually their beaches grown by 50 or 70 feet again. So you have a lot of people complaining that they have to walk so far to get into water. So anyway, it was the environmental part is good for the city. Good, fairly. Do good for everybody I'm now back involved with them. I've got contact with the Army Corps, but again, environmental thing was they're not going to get a nice. And on those last 3. Buildings that are going down there. But they're confident in 4 years will get another ring ares meant that it will go all the way down. Hopefully nothing. We want to have any serious hurricanes that destroyed. Anything out there. So that was that was a good thing for the environmental part of that. The beach renourishment. That's anybody have anything else on anything environment. Yeah. I wanted to make a Just reminded me the other day I discussion in Tampa their tree program thousands of trees that they're planning. >> To plant, you know, and again, we comes back to trees serving several purposes. One being cooling the urban environment. Cleaning providing Also some some signs of greenery, reducing crime because it didn't hurt that tones down. You know, emotions, I suppose you could say another. We once had a over a million dollars in that refund. And I think that those funds were possibly, you know, taken somewhere else when after the hurricanes. But that may be a future is to have someone in the city was on staff responsible for our tree program. If there is one to speak to where we're at with that because, you know, as the day, you know, as we're in May and the days are 92 degrees. And as I walk my dog in the screening it be nice to see what are we planning to do as as a city? Partially, you know, I've said that that are then heating all experience some Christian. Last month, the city offered 200 to citizens for free on Saturday. >> About 180 got picked up. neighbors to that as well. Which is great, which is great. But again, it's a start. It's a start. And we've got one nutrient Arlington Park is part of Arbor Day. The the first new tree since I moved here in people. Yeah. That that would be. And I would like to see that because we were involved. I was involved that that tree mitigation when it first will cost the firm Burke. He was really, really big in that. And there was a significant amount of money. Mitigate the trees from the new development. Everything I would I would be interested to see if there is still money that because it was over half a million dollars. One point it was over. It was a billion so. It will be interesting to see what that is too. It's also request, you know, down the next couple of We went through the reports citizens input. have that and I do want to say I have a gentleman sitting in the audience or a Scott Ashby has been after me for years that he would like to get on this board. And Mark, you and I thought possibly get yeah. are we looking for? Any a publication? Thank An application to turn around what feel it out and see if we can. We have several openings. You said and I'd like he's he's been. I don't know. might not make that anybody's been I he's but he's live in the city for many, many, many years. we're looking for a couple board members and definitely all about parks and stuff. So I would like to at least to see if commission would like to put him on yourself. I told him to stop in there today. So hopefully. Hopefully you got to put on the spot come on down. Are you? Come on? You? He talks that City commission is going to >> I will I do. I don't know if I have a calendar that >> He called We've haha. >> But the as multiple issues makes for some minutes. Karl. >> Who's your daddy He start he say your name and where you're from. You can have more than 3. My name is Khan >> And do this. My late wife and I moved this fair 39 years ago. And we've been very or fairly active in civic affairs. Very concerned of. Spoken. We are not so much in the last year spoken a number of times, the city commission meetings of that. My wife worked a lot. And I was, you know, I was still with our business. early 2000, which is when I first we first met Carl They were working preventing it. And if you've only been here 10 years, you don't know The city contract. To make the pavilion prime destination Lido Key in the city park. And it was defeated. That was it was one of the I would the stuff that close, but I'd say is one of the great. People. event. That that work. you got rear-ended the cost, the city 200 and some $1000 because they had to pay. That great debt and what they do or anyway, that was the first. Exposure we've had Crohn's send in. And. Work for, you know. The from you. a hotel houses which how much you want me to talk. But you as you know, when we first moved to lead to. All of the streets up and down on the side, where the condors are on the but those are all of those Beach smaller. And, you know, there were rental places and there. And if you go up and down the streets, man. There may only one or 2 resident there. In the neighborhood. But that it is what it is. We. I think we're trying to take action about to a leader Residents do. you know, we moved here. Because we we think this is a great put and know and and sitting here sort of getting cold feet about getting on the board because it looks like, you know, >> sure. Contribute, well, we'll see what Appreciate >> All right. Well, thank you very Anyway market. We can get him a an application. See we can do. And if anybody else knows anybody that would like to get on, please, please reach out to him and go. I like I said, I said that the board. I think we have a very unique board and I'm not blowing smoke. I think everybody on his on his board right now a skill set. That says is the best. I've seen a lot. From when I first got on here. In 2012. So like I say, M. We have a lot to do and there's a lot of a lot of work to be had. I think we were up to the task and we've got a lot of issues that we want. What I think we can make some impact with the city and it's a legacy. I mean, it is like to see You know, we we get this done so working with CC N a I know I put Kelly Brown on the spot sometimes it's a it's a great makes. It is an absolute great and final flow and the many years I think we can get some good things done. So. That's that's my story. And I'm sticking to it. So will go on we need to start again, and again, please, please, as a board, get your ideas over to him and we're going to try and prioritize what we've got to do as far as presentations and again, I'm very forceful with that that we we make this happen we can get the right people here talking about presentations. We we get where it makes it much more knowledgeable for us to make. Good decisions and that's again, that's it's all about making decisions. And I again, I can't emphasize that with this commission. We've got now. Now is the time that we strike with the irons cause. Everybody is in pretty much general consensus from what I thought and everybody on his board needs. The individually talk that he's commissioners. They got to understand that, you know, we're not we're not going away and not we're not letting up. We just got to keep pushing and 5 for a corner in the parks. So what I'm going to say about that? again, I spoke about the agenda, things the next regular meeting is set for Thursday. A June 18th. Please try and make Go ahead. Mark. >> So go. I just want to kind of go through the agenda topics that I not all for next but as we can get him and I'm President Kelly Brown back as soon as we for the the park space zoning. Earlington Park whether it be further discussion or someone from the county can actually join us. Friends of a group to come speak with us. A tree canopy program from us or from the from the someone from the city that actually oversees it. the new city manager to join us. The district discussion and still have on there. So as far as you know, maybe that becomes a business owners leave it internally until it's. So it's always there. And then the that through the lot on thrill, one pro and more in July right. Instead of >> And then this is breaking news. to talk to Leanna, you didn't tell me, but I guess you vacate the park board seat. So that's why hasn't come to speak to us. >> Our C one of us potentially. We'll set the park board. That's the county's board. So we will have to like they're so if you will, someone from our group to go represent us and the city on the county board? So on coal and that's what's going on. just say thank you to do so. Burroughs, Lille. Leon, the so was he know he was here. He is on our views on the board previously and it's it's a 3 year deal and you don't have to still be on. The board remain on that board. He's supposed to come here by monthly and give us update. So he was a good county, yes. They >> on the because calls was to come >> one of the things that we do want to end on that list. Add to that list is this pitch thing about what's going on with them? Turn around, bringing the money back that we we get control of money. What the city is we have to go ask the county for money back. I think that was I think that thing I I do think. And order of a priorities this park district. Again, as you said, this is going to be ongoing thing. But this is the big thing. What we need to do you need money. Get this going. >> interesting to hear was the attorney. >> Be interesting to hear when the attorney funding as to whether a simple majority is needed or I think that will come up in the next couple weeks. Just push. She wants it on agenda. That's bit. >> get through certain curl of a single through on I, you know, the doubt. But I want to announce it okay. Part Doctor MLK Park, per masterplan renovations certain next Tuesday. And that will be complete. In the 4th quarter, possibly sooner Bowls. A 4th quarter. That's a that's part of the master plan. It's the big part we're doing this year. The search Tuesday. I think all of it. Mark, the signs go up at the park explaining the schedule. >> We're going to request a and that's great feedback from the they're going to be putting up fences around the park on Tuesday. And that's a great point. >> The suspense is there and people wonder why. we should have some sort explains that some of the contact for more information on time. you can do with temporary site, you know, like our meetings on you think, sir. >> Any any comments from any of the other board members? That being said, make a motion to adjourn >> the next the next meeting is set for June 18th that for here. >> So chambers, again, I want to thank everybody in it and the peanut gallery there for coming in talking in that we do. Listen. Thank you very much. Have a great