CITY OF SARASOTA MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS, RECREATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (PREP) ADVISORY BOARD January 17, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. in the Sarasota City Commission Chambers Board Members Present: Tom Mannausa Shawn Pierson Gage Schrantz Carl Shoffstall Millie Small Elsie Souza George Spector Board Members Absent: Susan Hagglund Jennifer Tucker City Staff Present: Todd Kucharski Donna Payton Call to Order: Chair Souza called the regular bi-monthly meeting of the Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection (PREP) Advisory Board to order. Roll Call of Board Members: Chair Souza gave a verbal roll call of the members present. Seven present, two absent. Excused and Unexcused Absences: Tabled until the March 21, 2013 meeting Elections for new Chair and Vice Chair: Chair Souza opened the floor for nominations. Nominations opened with Member Small nominating Chair Souza to serve again as Chair. Second by Member Spector. There were no other nominations. The vote was taken by show of hands. Chair Souza was elected to serve for another year. Nominations were then opened for Vice Chair. Member Mannausa nominated Member Pierson. Second by Member Shoffstall. There were no other nominations. The vote was taken by show of hands. Member Pierson was elected to serve as Vice Chair. Both Chair and Vice Chair were elected by unanimous vote. Appointment to fill the City of Sarasota representative seat on Sarasota County PARC Board because of Member Marquis' resignation. Member Shoffstall nominated Member Mannausa for this position. Second by Vice Chair Pierson. There were no other nominations. Member Mannausa stated he was willing to serve. The vote for his appointment was unanimous. Approval of Minutes: Motion: Member Shoffstall moved to approve November 15, 2012 meeting minutes. Second by Vice Chair Pierson. Vice Chair Pierson noted the attachment to the minutes should have been his three page report but only one page was attached. Vote: Minutes, as corrected, approved unanimously. Citizens Input: Citizen, Jenny Byram, representing the Gulfstream Towers Association came forward to ask if the City can help the association with beautification of Gulfstream Avenue which includes shaping trees and helping vegetation grow. This is the area of Gulfstream at US 41 and South of Main St. Mr. Kucharski stated a service request will be made for City staff to contact her for more information and to respond to the request to the extent possible within budget constraints. NOTE: Input from citizens wishing to speak on topics on the agenda was deferred until after presentation/discusion of such topic. New Business: (a) Discussion on locking of restrooms at N. Water Tower Park Member Spector led the discussion and questioned the City's decision for locking the restrooms without the issue coming before the PREP Board. He then asked that City staff provide an answer to what it would cost the City to keep restrooms open on a limited basis at N. Water Tower Park. Mr. Kucharski will look into this. (b) Open discussion on the sale of Fruitville Rd. Park = Member Small led the discussion and began by sharing information about how the proposed sale of this City owned 11.1 acre property to Benderson has evolved. She wished to bring this matter to the attention of other Board Members and the public who may not be aware of it. The sale is not a "done deal" but she expressed how puzzled and upset she was that this matter was not brought to the PREP Board. Member Small gave a chronological history beginning with August 2010 to the present. The next step in the process is a meeting of the Planning Board on February 13, 2013 for the comprehensive plan issue. They will vote whether or not to change the plan. It will then go before the City Commission. Approval by City Commissioners to change the comprehensive plan to rezone for commercial development requires a super majority vote of 4 out of 5. Citizens Input (on New Business (b)): Three citizens came forward to speak on the sale of the Fruitville Rd. Park. 1. Joyce Burnham spoke as a private citizen and owner of a residence in Fairway Oaks. She stated property has already been devalued as a result of the proposed sale. The area does not need a shopping center but does need a park. She asked the PREP Board to speak on behalf of the residents of Fairway Oaks to oppose a shopping center being built on the site and to preserve parkland. 2. Brian Lichterman, a private land use planner, stated he represented Commodore Realty when they presented a proposal to purchase the property for double what Benderson offered. He noted differences between Commodore Realty and Benderson's proposal consisted primarily of the drainage situation. He has continuously supported a mixed land use for the property. 3. Todd Mathes, representing Benderson, came to the table and began by reiterating an invitation which Benderson made at the public workshop to meet with the community, City staff, Boards, Fairway Oaks or any other individuals. No specific plan has been laid out yet because Benderson desires to work with any of the aforementioned to come up with the best neighborhood shopping center possible. There are certain contingencies to be met in connection with the purchase and sales contract. Rezoning and the site plan have not been finalized. The motion below resulted after a lengthy discussion. Motion: Chair Souza moved the PREP Board's recommendation to the City Commission that if any amenity changes or sale of parklands come apparent to them that they bring it to the PREP Board for their review or recommendation prior to the City Commission making any decisions on that specific topic. Second by Member Spector. Vote: Approved Unanimously. (c) Discussion on smoking in City parks based on current legal findings for restricting smoking = Todd Kucharski, General Manager of Public Works and PREP Board Members. Mr. Kucharski began by providing an update on recent legal changes. In the future there may be major hurdles to restrict smoking. Even though signage banning smoking will no longer be enforceable, Mr. Kucharski suggested continuing to educate the public may be very helpful. Jack Colligan, Manager of Parks and Recreation, Sarasota County came to the table and joined the discussion. He explained several ways Sarasota County staff and public have responded to this change. Signage with different verbiage can still be placed in the parks. The fines for littering are still in effect and is one way to handle litter such as cigarette butts being tossed. Even more effective though, for example, has been parents and other adults policing themselves, especially at youth sporting events. Reports: Written reports from City and County staff were previously sent to members as part of today's meeting package. Included were the following: Bobby Jones Golf Course , Manager, Sue Martin Robert L. Taylor Complex, Manager, Jerry Fogle Sustainability/Environmental Protection, Environmental Specialist, Alison Albee Parks and Recreation, Public Works General Manager, Todd Kucharski Sarasota County Parks and Recreation, Manager of Parks and Recreation, Jack Colligan Motion: Vice Chair Pierson moved to receive the written reports. Second by Member Shoffstall. Vote: Approved Unanimously. (a) County Parks and Recreation = Jack Colligan, Manager Parks and Recreation, Sarasota County. Mr. Colligan added verbally to his written report. He gave results of the recent lawn bowling competition between City and County staff. In response to inquiry from PREP Board Member re: several issues at Payne Park such as public having access to practice areas for tennis courts during daylight hours, parking and tree plantings in the medians, he stated he will provide information at next PREP Board meeting. (b) County Parks and Recreation Council (PARC) -No report was provided. (Member Marquis resigned in December, newly appointed representative at today's meeting) (c) Lido Pool and Pavilion = Designated Board Member Shoffstall stated a Lido membership meeting will be held on Saturday, January 19. A new committee will be formed to move forward on renovations. He understands this is a priority for City Commission. d) Robert L. Taylor (RLT) Community Complex - No report provided. There is currently no designated representative. (e) Bobby Jones Golf Course Designated Board Member, Vice Chair Pierson. Vice Chair Pierson incorporated his report into the Unfinished Business portion of the meeting (see below). Unfinished Business: (a) Continue Discussion of Vice Chair Pierson's Report on the 2003 and 2008 Consultant's Reports for Bobby Jones Golf Club - Vice Chair Pierson and PREP Board Members. Member Pierson read his designated member report (see attached) before moving into the continuing discussion of his Reports Report. He will incorporate his ongoing findings and information into his final Reports Report when he is ready to do his presentation for the City Commission. NOTE: Bobby Jones Golf Course Manager, Sue Martin, came to the table and provided additional information on recent activity at the course such as revenue, rounds of play and personnel. Motion: Chair Souza moved the PREP Board support presenting the Reports Report to the City Commission and present a briefing in a public forum at the earliest Commission meeting. Motion seconded by Member Mannausa. Vote: Approved Unanimously. Board business, comments and questions: Board members expressed concern and frustration with feeling that Commission does not listen to advisory boards. Members suggested Chair Souza ask to meet with new City Manager Barwin on this matter. She will request a meeting with him. Mr. Kucharski will accompany her. A discussion re: the Fruitville Rd. Park sale continued and followed with motions below. Motion: Moved by Member Mannausa that the PREP Board have a letter drafted from the Chair to the effect asking the City Commission as a part of the planning of this development that there be additional attention to setbacks trees and creating a small passive recreation park in the vicinity close to the neighborhood that abuts the intended commercial use. Second by Member Spector. Vote: Approved Unanimously. Motion: Moved by Member Mannausa to add the following language for additional consideration to the letter in his earlier motion: The developer be credited for its open space or the square footage of allowable structures that their use is not diminished by the amount of any additional setback or park that may be donated SO they are not penalized in any way. Second by Member Shoffstall. Vote: Approved with five "Yes" votes and two "No". Members Small and Pierson cast the No votes. Next meeting: March 21, 2013, 3:00 at City Commission Chambers. Adjourn: Meeting adjourned at 5:26 p.m. Attachment: Member Pierson's Written Report for the record. NOTE: For more specific details, or to review any portions of the meeting, please visit the City of Sarasota website wwwsarasotagov.com, To access the meeting(s): Click on Departments, City Auditor and Clerk, Communications, Watch Live & Archived Meeting Video/Audio and select the meeting you wish to review. Minutes prepared by Donnal Payton, Public' Works, Office Assistant City of Sarasota Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection Advisory Board BOBBY JONES GOLF CLUB DESIGNATED ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER REPORT Shawn Glen Pierson 17 January 2013 Since the last meeting of the City of Sarasota Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection Advisory Board on November 15, 2012, the PREP Board has had the DRAFT of the The Reports Report: Analysis, Context and Recommendations for Sustainable Investment in Bobby Jones Golf Club for its review and comment. A discussion of the Initiatives began in November, and I welcome the Board's specific additional recommendations today. The goals for the Report are: 1) That it be as complete and comprehensive view of the history, issues, and opportunities at Bobby Jones Golf Club as is practically possible to bring us up to date in one record; 2) That it include the review and critique of the City of Sarasota and outside professionals in golf and golf course management in order to test and improve its conclusions and recommendations, and; 3) That the Report form the context from which straighttorward Initiatives may be recommended to the City Commission and to the public for its adoption into planning and funding processes. Toward these goals, as I indicated in our last PREP Board meeting, I met with Bobby Jones Golf Club General Manager Susan Martin and Bobby. Jones Golf Club Héad PGA Professional Christian Martin for their review and comment on the Reports Report, and a frank discussion of the Report's findings and preliminary recommendations. They each also provided written responses to the 30-page section of the Report that represented National Golf Foundation Consulting's "Operational Review and Recommendations", ) and I have revised and further annotated this section of the Report to incorporate their responses, and to record for the first time in one document which of the NGF recommendations have been accepted, rejected or accomplished to date. Ihave also met again with golf course architect Ron Garl of Ron Garl Golf Design, Lakeland, Florida, and with his associate and senior designer Ricky Nix. We met at Bradenton Country Club, a 1999 Ron Garl renovation of a Donald Ross 1924 design, where Mr. Garl and Mr. Nix provided an in depth on-course review of the challenges they faced, and of their design responses to help continue that historioc courses relevance and sustainability for the modern golfer and the current and continuing golf market. Ihave provided the draft ofThe Reports Report to Mr. Garl, and he has agreed to provide his review and further recommendations on the Report. I have discussed with him the key areas of the Report that might most benefit from his consultation, and well as the key areas that we have yet to formalize: the budgetary components that will lead to a funding plan for the recommended major Initiatives. I will meet again next week with Mr. Garl and Mr. Nix at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, the largest single national gathering of the golf marketplace. Mr. Garl has agreed to provide to me copies ofhis drawings for his firm's work at Bobby. Jones Golf Club in 1988, to help complete the documentary record, and to better inform future work. I also met with Pope Golf founder Keith Pope, and with Pope Golf President] Jerry Moore, regional golf management professionals with significant experience in both public and provide facilities, to solicit their response to the Report their and recommendations. City of Sarasota Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection Advisory Board BOBBY JONES GOLF CLUB DESIGNATED ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER REPORT Shawn Glen Pierson 17 January 2013 At Bradenton Country Club, I also met again with its General Manager James Brand, and discussed the Friends of Bobby. Jones Golf Club and his possible involvement. I have provided copies of the Friends of Bobby Jones Golf Club ByLaws Draft (that this Board also received this week) to Mr. Brand and to Mr. Garl for their comment and recommendations. I have indicated to Mr. Brand that the Friends organization would welcome his involvement on any level, and look forward to his experienced counsel. In response to my question, Mr. Garl indicated to me that a municipal golf course budget and maintenance effort might typically be perhaps 90% of that of a private golf club. So Mr. Garl has agreed to help me identify that 10% or SO investment that we might challenge the Friends of Bobby. Jones Golf Club to help provide, to make the Bobby Jones Golf Club experience second to none. In continuing to seek the counsel of experienced community leaders regarding the establishment of a not- for-profit Friends of Bobby. Jones Golf Club, I have consulted with Ms. Monica Van Buslirl, CEO of the Van Wezel Foundation. The Van Wezel Foundation is a clear model for a Friends organization, as it has a similar relationship to a Sarasota municipal facility, and also works in the public interest. Regarding the Azinger Initiative, I have sent a letter to Paul Azinger seeking his interest and possible involvement, and now that the holidays are behind us, I very much look forward to Mr. Azinger's positive response. I have been informed that Mrs. Azinger has provided a positive response to the idea of the Azinger Initiative. This summer, just three Board meetings from now, offers a critical first opportunity for Bobby Jones Golf Club and for the Azinger Initiative: The PGA Championship will be held again at a Donald Ross design masterpiece, Oak Hill Country Club of 1925, the same year Ross designed Bobby Jones. This year's PGA will also celebrate the 20* Anniversary of Paul Azinger's win at Ross-designed Inverness Club. BobbyJones Golf Club has a great opportunity to be noticed, and to be involved. Next week, I will meet again with Susan Martin and Christian Martin at Bobby Jones Golf Club, with their guest, Arizona golf architect Forrest Richardson, to discuss the Donald Ross Initiative, along with each Initiative that go together hand in hand to frame a Master Plan for long-term sustainable improvements to, investment in, and enjoyment ofBobby. Jones Golf Club. What I seek from the PREP Board today, in addition to its welcome continued recommendations, as well as your ideas regarding improvements to the Draft of the Friends of Bobby Jones Golf Club ByLaws before you, is a unified Motion of support that I may present the Reports Report to the City Commission with the stated support of the Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection Advisory Board, and that with your blessing, I present a briefing in a public forum at a Commission meeting. Thank you. Respectfully submitted, Shawn Glen Pierson