>> GOOD EVENING. WELCOME TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
[1. CALL TO ORDER]
[00:00:05]
REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER THE 9TH, 2025.>> PLEASE STAND FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
[4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES]
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES.>> I WILL MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS SUBMITTED.
>> NUMBER 5, PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING ITEMS ON THE AGENDA.
[5. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA]
>> THAT'S OKAY JUST FINISH AFTER.
>> SORRY, EVERYBODY. I'M A LITTLE LATE FOR WORK.
>> GOOD EVENING. ITEM 1 802 PARK D PLACE, EAST INLET BEACH, FLORIDA.
I'M HERE TONIGHT TO SPEAK AS THE RECREATIONAL DIRECTOR FOR AMELIA ISLAND BEACH SOCCER.
TO FOLLOW UP ON LAST WEEK'S CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP AND REGULAR MEETING, I WANTED TO HIGHLIGHT A FEW CRITICAL QUESTIONS REGARDING THE FUTURE OF OUR NEW SOCCER FACILITIES.
FIRST, REGARDING LAND ACQUISITION, BASED ON LAST WEEK'S REPORT AND AIRPORT PRESENTATION, EBO ALVAREZ FIELDS MAY BE AVAILABLE AT A DISCOUNT RATE IF THOSE FIELDS CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SPECIFIC BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY.
WE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THE CITY INVESTIGATE THIS OPTION AND ASSESS DEFINITIVELY, WHETHER IMPACT FEES COULD FUND THIS ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THESE FIELDS.
SECOND, CONCERNING VIABLE FACILITY LOCATIONS.
TWO PRIMARY OPTIONS WOULD ALLOW CURRENT OPERATIONS TO CONTINUE.
EBO ALVAREZ FIELDS AND THE CITY-OWNED LAND NORTH OF THE GOLF COURSE.
WE PROPOSE AN ALTERNATIVE EXPLORING WHETHER THE GOLF COURSE COULD CONVERT NINE HOLES TO AN EXECUTIVE STYLE COURSE, WHICH WOULD TYPICALLY TAKE UP 30-40% LESS LAND, AND WOULD INCLUDE MORE PART 3S, PART 4S, AND EXCLUDE PART 5.
THIS CONVERSION, COMBINED WITH SOME ADJACENT WOODED AREAS, WOULD ACCOMMODATE THE SOCCER NEEDS WITH MINIMAL IMPACT TO THE GREEN SPACES AND ALLOW MORE PLAYING OPTIONS FOR GOLF IN OUR COMMUNITY AS WELL.
HICKORY STREET PARK FIELDS WILL REQUIRE LIGHTING INSTALLATION GOING FORWARD, REGARDLESS OF WHICH LONG-TERM OPTION THE CITY ELECTS TO CONTINUE WITH.
WITHOUT LIGHTS, THESE FIELDS CANNOT EFFECTIVELY SERVE YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAMS THAT OPERATE OUTSIDE OF THE SUMMER MONTHS, WHICH IS A MAJORITY OF OUR YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAMS IN THIS AREA.
WE REQUEST A TOWN HALL MEETING IN JANUARY WITH ALL OF THE STAKEHOLDERS PRESENT, WITH ADEQUATE TIME AND AN AGENDA FOCUSED SOLELY ON YOUTH SPORTS NEEDS AND OPTIONS IN OUR AREA.
AMELIA ISLAND BEACH SOCCER FACES A CRITICAL FEBRUARY DEADLINE TO FINALIZE PLANS AND AVOID DISRUPTIONS TO OUR ESTABLISHED PROGRAMS IN THE COMING MONTHS AND YEARS.
THERE IS SIGNIFICANT FEAR, UNCERTAINTY, AND FRUSTRATION AMONGST OUR SOCCER FAMILIES.
WE CAN'T AFFORD TO CRIPPLE SUCH A STRONG AND GROWING PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES TREMENDOUS BENEFITS TO OUR COMMUNITY.
YOUNG PLAYERS, IN OUR PROGRAM, DESERVE MUCH.
>> THANK YOU. I HAVE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS FROM, MR. LINZ.
>> I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHERE YOU CAME UP WITH THIS ABOUT USING THE GOLF COURSE PROPERTY FOR YOUTH SOCCER.
>> WE ARE GRASPING ITS STRAWS AT THIS POINT.
WE'RE LOOKING AT ANY AND ALL OPTIONS THAT WE HAVE AVAILABLE TO US, KNOWING THAT EFFECTIVELY, AS OF RIGHT NOW, AS FAR AS WE ARE AWARE, COME AUGUST OF NEXT YEAR, WE ARE GOING TO BE HOMELESS.
THAT'S GOING TO BE 1,400-1,500 KIDS THAT ARE GOING TO BE WITHOUT A PLACE TO PLAY SOCCER AS OF NEXT AUGUST.
WE'RE LOOKING AT ANY AND ALL OPTIONS.
REALLY, THAT OPTION FOR US, MEETS A LOT OF OUR NEEDS.
IT'S NOT A REDUCTION IN THE PLAN AREA THAT WE HAVE AVAILABLE TO US NOW.
IT ALLOWS OUR PROGRAM TO CONTINUE TO GROW AT A REASONABLE RATE.
AGAIN, WE'RE NOT EXPERTS ON THE SUBJECT.
I WOULD ALLOW THAT FACILITY TO BE DEVELOPED WITH LESS FINANCIAL IMPACT THAN SOME OF THE OTHER OPTIONS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO US.
>> WELL, I DISAGREE WITH ABOUT THAT,
[00:05:04]
BUT I'M SURPRISED PEOPLE HAVE DISMISSED THAT PROPERTY NORTH OF THE GOLF COURSE, WHICH IS JUST A TREE AREA RIGHT NOW, OWNED BY THE CITY, WHICH WOULD HAVE NO IMPACT ON THE PRESENT GOLF COURSE.HOW DID YOU ARRIVE AT PICKING ON THE GOLF COURSE FOR THE SITE FOR YOUTH SOCCER?
>> I DON'T THINK WE'RE PICKING ON THE GOLF COURSE AT ALL.
I THINK WE'RE JUST TRYING TO LOOK AT OPTIONS THAT WOULD MINIMIZE SOME IMPACT TO THE AREA FROM A TREE PRESERVATION STANDPOINT.
I'VE HEARD THIS PROPOSAL FLOATED OUT THERE, AND I'D SUGGEST YOU LOOK ELSEWHERE INSTEAD OF THE GOLF COURSE IF YOU WANT SUPPORT FOR YOUTH SOCCER FROM ME, ANYWAY. THANK YOU.
THE FEBRUARY DEADLINE THAT YOU MENTIONED, CAN YOU ELABORATE A LITTLE BIT ON THAT? IT'S HOW TO IMPACTS YOUR LEAGUE, OR WHAT DEADLINE YOU'RE FOR TING?
>> TYPICAL CALENDAR OR THE OPERATING YEAR FOR OUR PROGRAM STARTS REALLY AT THE END OF OUR SPRING PROGRAM IN [INAUDIBLE].
WE DO TRIALS FOR OUR NEXT YEAR'S COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS, AND WE'LL START OPENING REGISTRATION FOR OUR FALL PROGRAMS IN MARCH OF NEXT YEAR.
WE REALLY NEED TO KNOW HOW MANY NUMBERS WE CAN TAKE IN, WHAT SPACE WE HAVE AVAILABLE, WHAT AGE GROUPS MAY BE EVOLVE PROGRAMS FOR EARLY BY THE END OF FEBRUARY.
>> I THINK EVEN WHEN THE IDEA OF PURCHASING EBO ALVAREZ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE COUNTY.
I THINK EVEN THEN CONVERSATIONS WERE BEING HAD ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF TAKING SOME HOLES AT THE GOLF COURSE BECAUSE AS WE KNOW, THE GOLF COURSE ISN'T ALWAYS PROFITABLE, AND THE CITY FROM THE GENERAL FUND PUTS IN MONEY INTO THAT TO HELP IT OVER THE YEARS.
IN TALKING WITH PEOPLE ABOUT SOCCER, HAVE EVEN SAID, TOO, IT SEEMS THE GOLF COURSE IS TURNING AROUND AND THAT THE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AROUND US MIGHT, EVENTUALLY, WITH EMILIA RIVER BEING SO HIGH WE'RE FINALLY GETTING OUR GOLF COURSE UP AND RUNNING AND WHERE IT LOOKS GOOD, AND WE MAY HAVE MORE MEMBERS COMING AND MORE PEOPLE WILLING TO PLAY AT THE MUNICIPAL COURSE.
I AM HESITANT TO TAKE AWAY SOMETHING THAT COULD POTENTIALLY BE A REVENUE GENERATOR IF WE CONTINUE IN THIS DIRECTION.
IN SOME OF THOSE CONVERSATIONS, THE PROPERTY THAT'S NORTH OF THE GOLF COURSE, WHICH IS HEAVILY WOODED, I WILL TELL YOU, I HAD A CONVERSATION WITH COMMISSIONER TOUTON.
SHE IS A MEMBER OR ACTIVE WITH DENEIA TREE CONSERVANCY.
I SAID TO HER, WE HAVE LIMITED RESOURCES AND LIMITED FUNDING AND LIMITED PLACES WHERE WE EVEN OWN PROPERTY TO PUT SOMETHING AS BIG AS SOCCER.
I THINK MUCH LIKE OTHER ISSUES THAT COME UP IN THE CITY, SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO START TALKING AND HAVING HARD CONVERSATIONS, AND MAYBE NONE OF THOSE PAN OUT, BUT MAYBE THEY LEAD US TO A PLACE WHERE WE CAN FIND SOMETHING THAT MIGHT WORK.
WHAT I ASKED COMMISSIONER TOUTON BECAUSE OF HER INVOLVEMENT WITH THE TREE CONSERVANCY, I SAID, HEY, IS THAT PROPERTY 36 ACRES?
>> THIRTY. THAT IS CORRECT. TOTAL.
WHAT I SAID TO COMMISSIONER TOUTON WAS, HEY, LISTEN, SOCCER NEEDS SOMETHING LIKE 15-18 ACRES TO NOT ONLY DO WHAT THEY'RE DOING, BUT CONTINUE TO GROW THE PROGRAM AT THE RATE THAT THEY'VE BEEN GROWING, AND THEY WOULDN'T GROW OUT OF IT AS SOON AS THEY MOVED TO SOME PLACE.
WHAT IF WE TOOK HALF OF THAT AND WORKED WITH THE TREE FOLKS AND SAID, HEY, IS IT POSSIBLE? I'M NOT SAYING IT IS, BUT IS IT POSSIBLE THAT WE COULD CARVE OUT FIELD SPACE THAT ACCOMMODATES SOCCER, BUILD IT USING THE TREES AS SHADE, SO IT'S NOT 100 DEGREES AND SUPER HOT OUT WHERE THEY'RE PLAYING, AND FOR THE PEOPLE WATCHING, AND THEN TAKING THE REST OF THAT LAND AND KEEPING IT WOODED, BUT KEEPING IT IN THE PARK, WE COULD ACTUALLY DESIGNATE THAT LAND AS PARKS AND WRECK, SO IT COULD NEVER BE DEVELOPED FURTHER THAN THAT.
BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW, WE WOULD HAVE TO INVESTIGATE THIS AND LOOK AT WHAT TREES COULD GO, WHERE IS THIS EVEN FEASIBLE? BUT I JUST THINK IT WOULD BE GOOD IF WE STARTED HAVING CONVERSATIONS WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE TRYING TO FIND SOLUTIONS THAT MEET THEIR NEEDS AND THE NEEDS OF OTHERS THAT WE CAN COLLABORATE AND FIGURE OUT SOMETHING BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE LAND.
I WILL TELL YOU, I THINK THAT THERE'S SOME WORK THAT WE NEED TO DO TO KEEP SOCCER ON THE ISLAND,
[00:10:10]
BUT ALSO PARTNER IN WAYS WITH THE COUNTY SO THAT THE WHOLE PROGRAM CAN GROW COUNTY WISE AND KIDS AREN'T JUST PLAYING ISLAND KIDS, THEY'RE PLAYING THE REST OF THE COUNTY KIDS, THOSE ARE TWO THINGS.BUT I ALSO KNOW IF SOMETHING IS OFF THE ISLAND, I HAVE TO SAY TO THEM, I'M ONE PERSON.
I CAN'T GET US IN THREE DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS AT THE SAME TIME, AND I'M SURE A LOT OF FAMILIES FEEL THAT WAY.
IF YOU HAVE KIDS THAT ARE TWO DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS AND THE YOUNGER KIDS PLAY IN ONE PLACE, AND THE OLDER KIDS PLAY, IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO GET TO ALL OF THOSE THINGS.
EMILY ISLAND SOCCER SERVES 1,400 KIDS.
>> HOW MANY COME FROM OFF ISLAND OUT OF THOSE 1,400 KNOW?
>> WE'VE GOT SOME NUMBERS. REALLY, I THINK OUR PRESIDENT SPOKE LAST WEEK TO IT.
I WANT TO SAY ROUGHLY TWO-THIRDS, AND THIS IS AN EXACT ONE FOR ONE MAPPING.
ROUGHLY TWO-THIRDS OF OUR PLAYERS ARE IN THE 32034 AREA CODE OR ZIP CODE.
IT'S A LITTLE HARD TO TELL A LOT OF THE PLAYERS THAT REGISTER RIGHT IF THEY MOVE WITHIN THOSE LOCATIONS.
YOUR ADDRESS IS PROBABLY NOT PRECISELY SOMEWHERE THERE.
>> WE'RE TALKING ABOUT SIMMONS PARK IS THERE NEXT TO SIMMONS ROAD AND THE GOLF COURSE, AND SO IT'S THIS NEXT TO 14TH?
>> IS THAT WHERE WE LOOKED AT THE DISC GOLF COURSE?
>> THE DISC GOLF THEY WANTED ON THAT PROPERTY.
>> THEY WANTED THE NINE HOLES OF THE GOLF COURSE.
>> BUT IS IT IN THAT AREA WHERE WE TOED AND WE WENT BACK AND TOWARDS.
>> [OVERLAPPING] WE WALKED THERE FOR THE DISC GOLF COURSE, AND I'VE WALKED THROUGH SIMMONS PARK AND DOWN THAT WAY, AND MY MEMORY IS IT'S FAIRLY WET.
DO WE KNOW WHAT THE WATER TABLE IS DOWN THERE IN THE HYDROLOGY?
>> SCOTT MICHAELSON DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION.
THERE POSSIBLY IS SOME WETLAND AREA.
BUT ONCE AGAIN, AS WE DID STATE WITH THIS IS THIS FULL ACREAGE, ACTUALLY, IT GOES FURTHER TO THE NORTH THERE AS WELL.
I DO BELIEVE THERE MAY POSSIBLY BE SOME WETLANDS ON THERE, BUT WE WOULDN'T NEED THE ENTIRE COMPLETE ACREAGE.
>> YOU CAN'T GET THAT RED SPOT BECAUSE THAT'S AIRPORT FLIES.
SO YOU CAN'T. THAT'S WHY THAT'S MARKED OFF.
>> ARE YOU ALLOWED TO DO ANYTHING WITH IT?
>> [OVERLAPPING] I CAN'T THINK OF THE NAME, BUT WE WOULD NOT WANT TO DEVELOP WITH IT.
>> ANYTHING TO DAMAGE OR INJURE PEOPLE, I THINK, WAS IF A PLANE CRASH.
THAT PLANE IS MOST LIKELY TO CRASH INTO THAT AREA.
>> MAJORITY OF THE CRASH IS THAT IT WOULD HAPPEN THERE OR TAKE OFF AND LANDING.
YOU WOULDN'T WANT TO DEVELOP THERE AND BRING PEOPLE TO THAT.
>> I HAVE A QUICK COMMENT ABOUT THAT SPACE.
I USED TO BE A COMMERCIAL PILOT AND JUST TAKE ATLANTA HARTSFIELD.
THERE WAS A PORSCHE LITTLE RACE TRACK RIGHT BEFORE THE RUNWAY THRESHOLD ON ONE OF THE RUNWAYS.
I'M THINKING THE AIRPORT DIRECTOR MAY BE OVERSTATING THAT WE HAVE THE GOLF COURSE ON THE OTHER APPROACH PATH THAT COMES RIGHT OVER.
I REALLY DON'T SEE A LOT OF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE APPROACH INTO 2,2 THERE WITH XS.
THAT WOULD BE THE DIRECTION OF SOUTHWEST THERE, OR COMING IN NINE GOING RIGHT ACROSS PRETTY MUCH WHAT HOLE NUMBER 3.
>> IS IT POSSIBLE THERE MIGHT BE A DIFFERENT DESIGNATION FOR COMMERCIAL PILOTS FROM INDIVIDUALS SMALL PLAYING PLAY?
>> YOU WOULDN'T WANT TO PUT BUILDINGS IN THAT X SPACE, BUT I REALLY CAN'T SEE ANY PROBLEM WITH IT BEING A GRASS AREA.
>> THE REASON I JUST BRING THIS UP IS BECAUSE IN CONVERSATIONS I'VE HAD WITH PEOPLE SAY THE TREE PEOPLE ARE GOING TO KILL YOU.
DEFINITELY WANT TO PROTECT OUR TREE CANOPY WHERE WE ARE.
BUT I'M WONDERING, TOO, BECAUSE RIGHT NOW, WHAT IS THIS ZONE, DO YOU KNOW, SCOTT?
>> IS IT ZONED LIKE THIS PROPERTY?
>> IT'S ALREADY ZONED RECREATION.
IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO DEVELOP, BUT I'M JUST THINKING IF THERE WAS SOMETHING THAT WE ESTABLISHED THERE POTENTIALLY.
I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S PREPARED FOR INFRASTRUCTURE OR WHATEVER.
I JUST KNOW WE HAVE A FINITE AMOUNT OF SPACE ON THE ISLAND.
[00:15:03]
WE HAVE SOME SERIOUS NEEDS.IN TALKING WITH SCOTT LOMOND OF SOCCER AND ALSO WHAT TOBY, THERE ON THE FLAT FIELDS, OTHER SPORTS COULD BE ACCOMMODATED LIKE FLAG FOOTBALL, LACROSSE, THE FLAT FIELD SPORTS.
I THINK THAT THERE'S POTENTIAL IF WE HAVE ENOUGH OUT THERE THAT IT COULD REALLY GET USED, AND I WOULD BE WILLING IF OTHER PEOPLE ARE WILLING TO HAVE A HARD CONVERSATION ABOUT MAYBE THERE IS SOME MIDDLE GROUND TO THIS PROPERTY.
>> I WILL POINT OUT THAT ACTUALLY, COMMISSIONER ASKEW MENTIONED THAT IF WE LOSE THE SOCCER FIELDS AT EBO ALVAREZ, THEY'RE GOING TO BE PAVEMENT.
>> CURRENTLY, THERE OPEN SPACE.
>> IF WE LOSE THEM, THEY'LL BE PAVEMENT.
>> BUT I THINK IT'S $3.5 MILLION JUST TO ACQUIRE THE LAND.
I HEARD MR. COYLE FROM THE AIRPORT SAY ANY REDEVELOPMENT OUT THERE WOULD REQUIRE CLEANUP.
THAT USED TO BE A DUMP OUT THERE.
THE MILITARY WOULD JUST BURY STUFF.
>> NO, I GET IT. I'M JUST SAYING I THINK THAT IF I JUST HAD TO PERSONALLY GUESS WHAT THE COMMISSION IS GOING TO DO, IF THEY'RE LOOKING AT $3.5 MILLION TO BUY THAT PROPERTY, AND THEN ANOTHER $2.5 MILLION GETTING UP TO $6 MILLION TO BUILD SOCCER FIELD, I BET YOU THE ANSWER IS GOING TO BE NO.[LAUGHTER]
>> I AGREE WITH SHEILA THAT THERE'S GOING TO HAVE TO BE SOME HARD CONVERSATIONS, I THINK THAT NO MATTER WHAT THE OUTCOME IS, THERE'S GOING TO BE SOME PEOPLE WHO AREN'T HAPPY, AND I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO KEEP SOCCER HERE.
WHETHER IT'S I DON'T HAVE THE ANSWER EITHER, BUT IT'S GOING TO BE I KNOW THERE'S GOING TO BE GOLFERS UNHAPPY.
I HAD ALSO HEARD THAT THAT WAS AN OPTION FOR A WHILE, BUT WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING WITH THE GOLF COURSE OR THE TREE PEOPLE OR PEOPLE WHO DON'T WANT TO PERCH.
BUT I THINK SOMEHOW WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE THE CONVERSATIONS TO GET SOMEWHERE TO MAKE A DECISION, BECAUSE IF WE JUST KEEP WAITING, THEN WE'RE GOING TO BE IN TROUBLE AND WE'RE GOING TO START TO LOSE SOCCER PLAYERS AND LOSE THAT ORGANIZATION, WHICH I THINK IS IMPORTANT.
LIKE YOU SAID, AS A PARENT ON THE ISLAND WITH LITTLE KIDS, I COULD NOT GET MY KID OFF THE ISLAND TO SOCCER PRACTICE.
I MEAN, JUST THIS UPCOMING SEASON.
WE HAVE SOCCER ART AND DANCE LIKE ALL ON THE SAME DAY, AND IT JUST WOULDN'T BE AN OPTION.
I THINK THAT IT'S IMPORTANT TO TRY AND KEEP IT HERE FOR THE KIDS ON THE ISLAND WHO ARE GROWING UP HERE AND HAVE THAT OPTION.
I THINK IT'S TRYING TO COME TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE BEST OPTION IS, EVEN THOUGH I THINK IT MIGHT STEP ON SOME TOES SOMEWHERE, AND I THINK THAT'S PART OF DEVELOPMENT AND GROWING.
>> WHAT IS OUR ROLE RIGHT NOW? DO WE HAVE ANY?
THANK YOU, MR. LENZ FOR COMING HERE AND SPEAKING.
KATIE AND I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE CONVERSATIONS SINCE WE HAVE THE WORKSHOP.
WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO DO IS AS THEY STATED AT THE WORKSHOP, WE ARE GOING TO SOMETIME IN JANUARY, WE DON'T KNOW THE EXACT DATE, BUT HAVE WHAT'S THE WORD HERE, THE OPINION OF PROBABLE COST FOR BUILDING THE ADDITIONAL SOCCER FIELDS OUT AT THE U SPORTS COMPLEX.
WE WILL HAVE THAT NUMBER IN JANUARY.
WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO DO IS, AS MR. LENZ SUGGESTED IS HAVE A TOWN HALL MEETING TOWARDS THE END OF JANUARY AND GET ALL THIS OUT ON THE TABLE.
BRING ALL THE STAKEHOLDERS, HAVE THAT CONVERSATION.
THEN WE WILL HAVE TO RETURN TO THE COMMISSION AND HAVE AN ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP TO WE'VE GONE THROUGH, WE VETTED ALL THIS INFORMATION.
HERE ARE SOME REAL NUMBERS AND HAVE ANOTHER WORKSHOP WITH THEM.
MR. LENZ IS CORRECT, TOWARDS THE SUMMER TO FALL OF 2026, THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT CONSTRUCTION AT THE AIRPORT.
IF YOU DON'T MIND, COULD YOU PUT THAT PRESENTATION BACK UP?
>> COULD YOU GO TO THE E-BOURNE WHERE THE FIELDS ARE OVERLAID?
>> AS WE TALKED ABOUT A STOP GAPS, AND I THINK WE HAVE TO HAVE THAT CONVERSATION AT THE TOWN HALL MEETING IS SOCCER HAS TO MAKE DECISIONS.
NOT ONLY WHAT IS THE PLAN MOVING FORWARD, BUT WHERE CAN THESE STOP GAPS BE FOR SOCCER, IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.
THE PLAN IS TO MOVE, IT WOULD BE MOVING SOUTH TO NORTH.
BASICALLY, THE AIRPORTS THIS WAY. THEY WOULD.
[00:20:03]
THE LIGHTS AT LEAST PART OF E-BOURNE COMPLEX, WHERE THE LIGHTS ARE IS NORTH.SO IT MAY GIVE US SOME TIME AND WORKING WITH THE AIRPORT TO BE THERE A LITTLE BIT LONGER.
IT'S A POSSIBILITY AND WE HAVE TO VET THAT.
THEN IN ADDITION TO THAT, POSSIBLY VETTING THE IDEA OF OKAY, THE SOFTBALL FIELDS, IF THEY ARE GOING TO LET'S SAY WE'RE NOT GOING TO PURCHASE THAT LAND.
COULD THAT BE ANOTHER STOP GAP? COULD WE POSITION THE SOCCER FIELDS AT E-BOURNE AROUND THE EXISTING LIGHTS WHILE THE FIELDS ARE BEING BUILT OUT OF THE COUNTY BECAUSE THEY'RE POSSIBLY THE END OF 2026, MAYBE THE SPRING OF 2027, OR MAYBE THE SUMMER OF 2027.
WHERE COULD THE STOP GAP BE FOR SOCCER AS WE'RE FIGURING OUT WHERE THEIR HOME IS GOING TO BE? I THINK HAVING THAT TOWN HALL AND VETTING ALL OF IT IS WE CAN DO THAT AT THE END OF JANUARY.
I THINK HAVING THAT PROBABLE COST IS GOING TO BE IMPORTANT BECAUSE THAT'S GOING TO BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION.
HAVING ALL THOSE STAKEHOLDERS, HAVING THE TREE CONSERVANCY AT THAT MEETING BECAUSE THE LAND THAT IS NORTH OF THE GOLF COURSE, IT'LL BE TALKED ABOUT, AND WHAT ARE THE PROS? WHAT ARE THE CONS? THAT'S WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO DO AS A PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT.
>> THE OTHER OPTION LIKE WE TALKED ABOUT IS PRESENTING BACK TO THE FAA AN OPPORTUNITY TO SAY, IS THIS YOUR BEST FINAL PRICE ON THE PURCHASE?
>> I THINK WHAT WE WOULD HAVE TO DO AND WE WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THAT CONVERSATION WITH NATE WITH WITHIN THAT IS COMMUNITY IMPACT.
WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS WITH THAT? COULD WE LOOK AND SEE, LIKE, IS THAT THE PRICE COULD THAT POSSIBLY BE LOWERED? WHAT'S THE WORD FOR? COMMUNITY BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY.
THAT'S THE WORD I WAS LOOKING FORWARD.
COULD WE LOOK AT THAT OPTION AND SEE IF IT'S VIABLE OR THAT WOULD BE LOWER?
>> IS THAT AN OPTION BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS THAT THE REQUIREMENT WAS THAT IT WAS FAIR MARKET VALUE.
WHATEVER AN APPRAISAL IS THAT IT HAS TO SAY.
>> TO PURCHASE IT. BY PURCHASING IT, YOU REGAIN TOTAL CONTROL OF IT.
IF YOU RELY ON THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ISSUE, THAT'S JUST A TEMPORARY MEASURE TO BE ABLE TO USE IT AS LONG AS THEY LET YOU USE IT THAT WAY.
YOU YOU WANT PERMANENCE, YOU HAVE TO BUY IT.
BUT ONE OF THE ISSUE THAT HASN'T BEEN BROUGHT UP IS, WOULD THEY ALLOW YOU TO PAY OVER TIME ON IT INSTEAD OF PAYING IT ALL AT ONCE? PRETTY MUCH FINANCE THE LAND WILL YOU PAY THE AIRPORT 100,000 OR 200,000 A YEAR.
>> I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS THAT STRAIGHTFORWARD.
>> I THINK WE HAVE TO VET THOSE.
I'M NOT AN ATTORNEY, BUT IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO PAY FAIR MARKET VALUE, IF YOU DO ENHANCEMENTS TO IT, IF SOMEBODY CAME BACK, MEANING AERONAUTICAL USE, AND THEY WANTED TO USE IT, THERE'S POSSIBILITY THAT IT COULD GO AWAY, BUT THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO LOOK INTO THAT.
MEANING IT'S JUST ANOTHER THING WE HAVE TO VET.
>> SEE WHERE THERE'S HANGERS THERE.
WHAT MR. MICHAELSON IS SAYING, THEY COULD EVENTUALLY COME AND SAY, WE WANT TO PUT HANGERS WHERE THOSE GREEN FIELDS ARE AS WELL.
I'M TALKING 20, 30, 40 YEARS FROM NOW.
>> I DON'T THINK THAT THEY WANT TO WAIT THAT LONG.
>> THEY'RE MOVING ALONG THE PLAINTIFFS TO MOVE ALONG WITH THE GREEN AND PINK, BUT I'M TALKING ABOUT WHERE THE GREEN FIELD IS.
>> YEAH, MAN. IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE ARE WAIT LISTS FOR HANGERS AND I BET IF THEY JUST HAD IT AVAILABLE, THEY COULD PROBABLY DO A NUMBER OF THINGS LIKE THAT IN THE NEXT TEN YEARS.
I DON'T THINK THEY'D HAVE TO WAIT 20, 30 YEARS.
>> SURE. THEY HAVE THE NEED, BUT IS YOUR PRIORITY CHILDREN'S RECREATION OR IS IT GUYS HAVING A PLACE TO PARK THEIR AIRPLANE?
>> I THINK FROM THE AIRPORT, PEOPLE, THEY'RE LOOKING FOR GUYS TO PARK THEIR AIRPORTS.[LAUGHTER]
>> THE AIRPORT DOESN'T MAKE THE CITY ANY MONEY.
IT DOESN'T REALLY BENEFIT THE CITY AS MUCH.
>> I KNOW, BUT THAT'S THEIR PROPERTY.
THAT'S WHAT WE'RE DEALING WITH.
[00:25:01]
IT'S WHAT WE DEAL WITH WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD.I WAS SO GLAD WE SIGNED THAT LEASE BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID 30 HOUSES WERE GOING TO GO THERE IF THE SCHOOL BOARD SOLD HICKORY PARK.
THE FACT THAT WE HAVE A LONG TERM LEASE, THAT'S WHY WE WERE WAITING FOR A WHILE TO PUT BATHROOMS ON THERE BECAUSE WE'RE LIKE, WE DON'T WANT TO PUT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS HERE IF WE'RE NOT GOING TO HAVE THIS LAND FOR A LONG TIME TO MAKE IT WORTH OUR WHILE.
I DON'T WANT TO SPEAK FOR SOCCER, BUT I CAN'T IMAGINE LIKE A FIVE YEAR PLAN IS GOOD ENOUGH.
THIS IS A BIG ENOUGH DECISION, IN MY OPINION, THAT WE SHOULD BE THINKING SOMETHING THAT IS LONG TERM SUSTAINABLE.
>> TOTALLY UNDERSTANDABLE. I JUST GET ONE POINT AND I'LL DROP IT.
FERNDINA BEACH GOLF COURSE IS THE ONLY MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE IN ALL OF NASSAU COUNTY.
HOWEVER BIG NASSAU COUNTY GETS, THAT IS THE ONLY MUNICIPAL COURSE.
EVERYTHING ELSE IS PRIVATE OR SEMI PRIVATE.
GOLF COURSES AREN'T BEING BUILT ANYMORE.
AS YOU CAN SEE, THEY ARE BUILDING SOCCER FIELDS OUT ON WE AND OTHER PLACES, POTENTIALLY RIGHT WHERE WE ARE.
BUT YOU DESTROY A GOLF COURSE.
>> I DON'T DISAGREE WITH THAT.
I WAS INVOLVED IN SOME STUDIES DOWN I WORKED FOR THE PLANTATION AND THE COMMUNITY DOWN THERE WHEN THEY BULLDOZED, WAS IT NINE HOLES?
>> THE ASSOCIATION THERE DID A STUDY BECAUSE THEY HAD THE THREE GOLF COURSES, ESSENTIALLY, AND THEY DID A STUDY, AND WHAT THEY FOUND IN THAT STUDY WAS THAT GOLF IS EXPENSIVE.
IT TAKES A LONG TIME AND PEOPLE ARE LOOKING MORE FOR GREEN SPACE OPTION AND TO USE GREEN SPACE IN DIFFERENT WAYS THAN JUST GOLF.
I'M NOT SAYING THAT'S GOOD BAD OR IN DIFFERENT AND I LOVE THE FACT THAT WE HAVE A MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE.
I'M EXCITED THAT WE HAVE WHAT WE HAVE, AND I THINK IT'S WORTH PROTECTING.
BUT I ALSO THINK THAT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE CONVERSATIONS THAT ARE ANDS INSTEAD OF OR.
EITHER WE HAVE SOCCER OR WE HAVE GOLF, AND I THINK THAT I JUST FEEL LIKE IN THE BEGINNING OF THESE TALKS, LIKE EVERYTHING SHOULD BE NEGOTIABLE ABOUT WHAT CAN BE DONE AND TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THAT IS.
DO NOT LOOK AT THE GOLF COURSE.
>> I CAN CERTAINLY APPRECIATE THAT POSITION, AND I THINK THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE THAT ABSOLUTELY FEEL THAT WAY, BUT I FEEL[OVERLAPPING].
I CAN USE IT BETTER THAN YOU CAN.
>> I SEE THAT A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENTLY.
>> IS THERE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO THE TOWN HALL EARLIER THAN THE END OF JANUARY BECAUSE WITH THEM MEETING THE PLAN IN FEBRUARY, IT SOUNDS LIKE I'M JUST THINKING LIKE, WELL, THAT'S THE END OF JANUARY.
BY THE TIME WE GET TO THE NEXT COMMISSION MEETING AND ACTUALLY GET I KNOW HOW SLOW THINGS MOVE.
I FEEL LIKE THIS SHOULD MAYBE BE ON IF IT WAS EARLY JANUARY, IT COULD BE ON A LATE JANUARY COMMISSION MEETING, AND THEN THAT GIVES US SOME TIME IN FEBRUARY, WHEREAS, I FEEL LIKE IF IT'S AT THE END OF JANUARY THAT'S PROBABLY A LATE FEBRUARY COMMISSION MEETING AND THEN WE'RE INTO MARCH AND I JUST FEEL LIKE.
>> YEAH, SO WE CAN LOOK AT THOSE DATES.
EARLY TO MID, AND I THINK REGARDLESS WITH THE COMMISSION SCHEDULE IN JANUARY, HAVING A WORKSHOP IN JANUARY, WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO DO IT IN FEBRUARY, BUT THEY'RE WORKING TWO WEEKS AHEAD ALREADY ON THOSE AGENDAS.
NO, I THINK THAT WE CAN LOOK AND SHOOT FOR EARLY TO MID.
JUST TO MOVE IT ALONG, WE MORE THAN LIKELY WON'T HAVE THAT PROBABLE COST ESTIMATE AT THAT POINT.
MAYBE THAT'S MORE IMPORTANT FOR A COMMISSIONER LEVEL, MAKING DECISIONS ON MONEY, MAYBE NOT AS IMPORTANT FOR TOWN HALL.
WE CAN VET ALL THESE OPTIONS PRIOR TO THAT.
>> THAT WAS JUST MY THINKING. I THINK THAT WAS A GREAT IDEA.
>> IF THE TOWN HALL WAS EARLIER TO MID JANUARY, THEN, LIKE, WE COULD MAYBE GET ON COMMISSIONS FOR LATE JANUARY AND BE ABLE TO BECAUSE THEN I KNOW WE'D PROBABLY HAVE TO COME BACK TO US AND I WAS THINKING THE TO MEETING.
>> WITH THE SCHEDULE THAT I WENT THROUGH, BESIDES MOVING THAT UP AND HAVING A TOWN HALL MEETING, DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY ISSUES WITH THAT PLAN FORWARD.
WE ULTIMATELY DO HAVE TO HAVE THAT CONVERSATION AND GET BACK TO THE COMMISSION.
>> IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE COUNTY PARKS AND REC THAT COULD COME AND TALK TO US ABOUT THE TIMELINE, IN THAT TOWN HALL? I'D LIKE TO HAVE SOME KIND OF UNDERSTANDING AGAIN, WHAT THE COUNTY'S DOING.
I CAN JUST TELL YOU RIGHT NOW, IF MY KID PLAYED SOCCER AND THEY SAID, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO DRIVE OUT TO 17, I MEAN, I PACK A LUNCH TO GO TO LOWE'S AND SEND OUT AN SOS.
I'M NOT DRIVING TO 17 FOR AN HOUR FOR KIDS SOCCER PRACTICE.
[00:30:01]
>> I CAN REQUEST MS. ROBERTSON TO BE THERE.
HE DID GIVE ME SOME OF THOSE TIMELINES.
I DON'T PICK ANYTHING A SET IN STONE, BUT I'D BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO AND I ACTUALLY WE MENTIONED IT.
I'D BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ASK TO BE PRESENT THERE.
>> AGAIN, I FEEL LIKE THERE'S TOO MANY TIMES WE DON'T HAVE ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE ROOM.
THIS WOULD BE A GOOD TIME TO HEAR ALL OF THE CONCERNS ABOUT I'D LOVE TO HAVE JUST AN OVERVIEW AS A COUNTY RESIDENT, WHAT THEY'RE DOING ABOUT SOCCER IN GENERAL, WHAT PARKS.
MAYBE THEY CAN TALK FOR FIVE MINUTES ABOUT JUST IN GENERAL. WHAT THEY'RE DOING.
WE CAN FIGURE OUT COMPANION PIECES TO WHAT WE'RE DOING THAT THEY COMPLIMENT COUNTY PROJECTS AS WELL.
>> WE'LL COME UP WITH A LIST OF STAKEHOLDERS, AND THEN IF YOU DON'T MIND, WE'LL PRESENT IT TO YOU IF YOU HAVE ANY THAT YOU WOULD FEEL THAT WE NEED TO ADD TO THAT, PLEASE LET US KNOW.
WE CAN GET THAT OUT THIS WEEK.
>> THE ONE THING TOBY MENTIONED WAS LIKE, BEING ABLE TO HAVING SOMEBODY TO ANSWER THE QUESTION REGARDING THE USE OF IMPACT FEES, AS IT REFERRED TO THE FIELD, WHETHER IT BE ACQUISITION OR IMPROVEMENTS OR ENHANCEMENTS, WHATEVER THAT TERM IS?
>> SOMEBODY'S AVAILABLE TO THAT CLEARLY AT THE TOWN HALL.
I THINK THAT'LL PROBABLY COME UP AS A PIECE.
THEN I DIDN'T KNOW IF YOU GUYS, ARE YOU ALL LOOKING AT THE COST OF WHAT IT WOULD TAKE IF HICKORY STREET SERVED AS A STOP-GAP? THE COST POTENTIAL COST FOR LIGHTING AND NETTING AND OTHER THINGS THAT MIGHT BE REQUIRED IF THAT WERE NOT AN OPTION, BUT AS POTENTIALLY A STOP-GAP?
>> EVEN MENTIONED HICKORY AS A STOP-GAP, I THINK, AS MR. LENSON STATED, WE HAVE TO START THE CONVERSATION ABOUT LIGHTS.
THEN WE ALSO HAVE TO HAVE THAT CONVERSATION ABOUT NETTING.
WHAT DOES THAT STOP-GAP LOOK LIKE? IT'S NOT LIKE THE WAY THAT SOCCER WOULD BE AS A STOP-GAP AT HICKORY STREET PARK, IT WOULD BE A WHOLE SOCCER WHOLE SOCCER ORGANIZATION.
THEY WOULD HAVE TO MAKE CHANGES TO BECAUSE IT'S JUST NOT BIG ENOUGH.
>> I THINK THAT'S PART OF IT BECAUSE EVERYBODY KEEPS MENTIONING HICKORY STREET, POSSIBLE STOP-GAP BUT IS IT EVEN A REALITY? IS IT A TRUE OPTION?
>> MOSTLY PRACTICING IS WHAT IT WOULD BE FOR.
>> WHEN WOULD THE STOP-GAP PERIOD BE?
>> THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION. THE STOP-GAP WOULD BE IS SOCCER GOING TO BE OUT AT THE COUNTY.
THAT WOULD BE A STOP-GAP FROM THAT TIME FRAME UNTIL SPRING OR SUMMER OF 2027.
THE WAY THAT THE WAY THAT SOCCER EXISTS RIGHT NOW, IF THE DECISION IS THAT HICKORY STREET PARK IS GOING TO BE A STOP-GAP, AS SOCCER IS NOW, THAT IT CAN'T BE THE FULL SOCCER ORGANIZATION AS A STOP-GAP AT HICKORY STREET PARK.
>> THE HIGH SCHOOL USES THIS FIELD SOMETIMES, BECAUSE I KNOW THERE'S ALSO CONSTRUCTION STARTING ON THEIR FIELD.
THEY'RE TAKING DOWN THE WHOLE FIELD TRACK, CONCESSION STAND AND EVERYTHING STARTING TO.
THEY'RE REBUILDING THE WHOLE THING NEXT SPRING AND SUMMER.
I DON'T KNOW IF THEY WOULD NEED TO, BUT I COULD SEE IF ANY OF THEIR SPORTS NEEDED SOMEWHERE TO PLAY FOR A PRACTICE THAT THEY MIGHT NEED IT.
>> I KNOW THEY'RE STILL GOING TO BE ABLE TO USE IT FOR SOME STUFF, BUT IT'S BEING REDONE.
>> IT WOULD BE A RIPPLE EFFECT IF WE WERE TO TAKE SOCCER OBVIOUSLY TO MOVE THEM THERE, AND THAT WAS THEIR PLACE TO PLAY? THE ANSWER IS, YES. WE HAVE ORGANIZATIONS THAT USE THAT AS A PRACTICE FACILITY ALREADY.
>> ALSO, DID I UNDERSTAND IN THE NEW LEASE AND MAYBE IT WAS IN THE OLD ONE, BUT THE LEASE WE JUST SIGNED FOR HICKORY IS THAT THE SCHOOL ALWAYS GETS FIRST PRIORITY?
>> I DON'T KNOW IF THEY'RE GOING TO NEED IT, BUT I JUST KNOW THAT THEY'RE COMPLETELY REDOING ALL OF IT.
>> I'M JUST SAYING THAT EVEN COMPLICATES THAT FURTHER.
>> WE WILL MAKE SURE THAT WE REACH OUT TO OBVIOUSLY, THE SOCCER ASSOCIATION, AND THEN WE WILL PLAN ON HAVING A TOWN HALL MEETING IN EARLY TO MIDDLE OF JANUARY. THANK YOU.
>> NUMBER 6. REVIEW THE DRAFT SPECIAL EVENT APPLICATION AND GUIDELINES, SCOTT.
[6.1 Review Draft Special Event Application & Guidelines]
[00:35:02]
>> IF YOU COULD TURN YOUR ATTENTION OVER HERE.
[LAUGHTER] I'M GOING TO TAKE THIS ONE FOR SCOTT TONIGHT.
KATY RIVERA, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION.
I AM NOT GOING TO GO THROUGH THE 57-PAGE APPLICATIONS THAT I SENT YOU.
I'M JUST GOING TO GIVE YOU A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE IMPORTANT STUFF THAT HAS CHANGED.
A LITTLE HISTORY, WE'RE GOING TO START WITH SPECIAL EVENTS, THE GUIDELINES, AND APPLICATION SO A LITTLE HISTORY HERE.
IN 2018, WAS THE LAST TIME THAT WE HAD UPDATED THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES UP UNTIL NOW.
IN 2019, IT WAS THE FIRST RESOLUTION THAT WENT TO THE COMMISSION FOR CO-SPONSORED EVENTS WITH THE CITY.
BETWEEN 2023 AND 2024, NOVEMBER OF 2023 AND 2024.
WE PARKS AND RECREATION AND THE SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE CAME TOGETHER AND CREATED THE DOCUMENT THAT WAS SENT TO YOU AND THE NEW APPLICATION.
IT TOOK US A YEAR BETWEEN JUST PARKS AND RECREATION, GATHERING ALL THE INFORMATION, GOING TO THE SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE HAVING THEM REVIEW IT MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEN GOING TO LEGAL FOR REVIEW A FEW TIMES BEFORE WE GOT TO OUR FINAL STOPPING POINT.
IN DECEMBER OF 2024, WE PRESENTED IT TO PRAC, AND IT WAS APPROVED TO GO ON TO COMMISSION 50.
DUE TO THE NEED FOR AN ORDINANCE CHANGE, THERE HAS BEEN A PAUSE IN MOVING FORWARD TO COMMISSION BECAUSE SHORTLY AFTER WE LOST OUR CITY ATTORNEY.
IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE QUEUE FOR THE NEW CITY ATTORNEY TO LOOK AT AS WELL AS THE COMMISSION.
HERE ARE JUST A FEW UPDATES THAT WE MADE.
I'M JUST GOING TO GO THROUGH IT QUICKLY HERE.
IT WENT FROM A FIVE-PAGE DOCUMENT TO A 25-PAGE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE BOOK WITH INSTRUCTIONS, FEES, CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE ORGANIZERS, AND A TIMELINE FOR THE APPLICATION AND APPROVAL PROCESS.
WE TRIED TO LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED IN OUR GUIDE BOOKS SO THAT ORGANIZERS HAVE ALMOST A BIBLE, SO TO SAY, FOR THEIR SPECIAL EVENTS.
WE MADE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS FOR FENCING, SECURITY, FIRE SAFETY, RESTROOM STANDARDS, AND SANITATION.
WE CREATED AN EXTENSIVE LIST OF INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS NEEDED FOR CERTAIN THINGS AT EVENTS.
FINALLY, WE MADE A RESTRICTION FOR POLE BANNERS TO BE ONLY TO CO-SPONSORED EVENTS.
DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT SPECIAL EVENTS? YES.
>> TWO THINGS THAT I WANTED TO BRING UP ABOUT THIS.
ONE WAS ABOUT THE POLE BANNERS, BECAUSE I THOUGHT WE LAST DISCUSSED THAT.
IF I RECALL CORRECTLY, IT WAS NOT DECIDED THAT WE WOULD COMPLETELY DO AWAY, WE WOULD REVISIT IT.
AGAIN, THERE ARE ORGANIZATIONS WHO HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TO PURCHASE THOSE IN ORDER TO BUY THEM EVERY YEAR OR TO RENT THE POLES EVERY YEAR.
I THINK THAT THAT IS NOT GOOD THAT WE WOULD STOP THAT.
I UNDERSTAND, IF WE REPLACE ALL THE LIGHT POLES AND WE DON'T HAVE THE POLES ANYMORE, THEN WE CAN MAKE THAT NOT A THING, BUT I THINK THAT'S NOT A GOOD THING.
>> SINCE YOU'VE SEEN IT, IT HASN'T MOVED FORWARD, SO IT WILL GO TO COMMISSION WITH THE RECOMMENDATION FOR THAT NOT TO BE IN THE GUIDELINES [NOISE].
IT IS ONE OF OUR ITEMS WE'RE GOING TO COMMISSION IN A WORKSHOP.
IT IS ONE OF OUR ITEMS TO DISCUSS IS WHAT THEY WANT TO DO WITH THE POLE BANNER? IT'S NOT SET IN STONE.
IT'S STILL AN ITEM FOR DISCUSSION.
IT IS IN THE GUIDELINES AS OF RIGHT NOW.
>> THAT'S WHY I BROUGHT IT UP. THE OTHER THING THAT I HAD A QUESTION ABOUT IS IN THE DEFINITIONS.
IT SAYS A GROUP OR ORGANIZATION WHICH PROVIDES AN EVENT FOR CHARITABLE, EDUCATIONAL OR OTHER PHILANTHROPIC NATURE AND NOT FOR A COMMERCIAL PROFIT MAKING PURPOSE.
GROUPS MUST PROVIDE THEIR TAX EXEMPT FORM WITH THEIR SPECIAL EVENT APPLICATION.
THE OTHER DAY, I HAPPENED TO BE AT PARKS AND REC AND ASK THE QUESTION.
IS IT JUST 501C3 OR 501C4 BECAUSE THEY'RE ALSO NOT FOR PROFIT, AND IT WASN'T CLEAR, SO I THINK THAT'S ONE THING.
THEN I WOULD ALSO ARGUE, I KNOW MYSELF.
I PERSONALLY RENTED LIKE THE PEC CENTER OR THE AUDITORIUM THERE.
IT IS NOT FOR PROFIT, IT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES.
[00:40:03]
I WOULD JUST ARGUE AT THIS POINT, THEN THAT WOULD MAKE ME AS AN INDIVIDUAL UNDER THAT DEFINITION, GET THE NON-PROFIT PRICE.IF THAT'S NOT THE CASE, THEN WE SHOULD CLEAR THAT UP. DOES THAT MAKE SENSE?
>> I JUST WANT TO ADD ONE OTHER THING.
I THOUGHT I READ OR I WAS TOLD THAT A 501C WOULD BE ALLOWED ONE FREE RENTAL.
>> IT'S ONE FREE RENTAL. SPECIAL EVENTS IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT THAN JUST GENERAL RENTALS.
IF YOU'RE COMING IN TO JUST RENT OUR FACILITY AND YOU DON'T HIT THE REQUIREMENTS NEEDED FOR A SPECIAL EVENT, YOU CAN RENT A FACILITY, AND THAT IS TRUE, YOU DO GET ONE FREE RENTAL.
>> YOU'RE WELCOME. SHEILA, FOR YOUR QUESTIONS, I DID SEND AN EMAIL ASKING THAT QUESTION, SO I'M JUST WAITING TO YOUR RESPONSE.
>> YOU'RE WELCOME. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS BEFORE I MOVE ON?
>> KATY, IS THERE A TIMELINE ON WHEN THAT WORKSHOP IS GOING TO BE GOING TO THE COMMISSION?
>> I AM GOING TO COVER THAT AT THE END, BUT IT IS PLANNED TO HOPEFULLY GO IN JANUARY FOR A WORKSHOP TO THE COMMISSION.
[6.2 Review Draft Public Art Application]
PUBLIC ART. I'M GOING TO DO THE SAME THING.I'M GOING TO GO THROUGH THE HISTORY OF OUR PUBLIC ART APPLICATION.
IN 2024, ARTS AND CULTURE WAS SUNSETTED.
ARTS AND CULTURE HAD SPENT OVER A YEAR DEVELOPING A PUBLIC ART APPLICATION PRIOR TO THEIR SUNSETTING.
WHEN THEIR BOARD WAS SUNSETTED, THE DUTIES OF PUBLIC ART OR PROCESSING PUBLIC ART WAS GIVEN TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
IN MAY OF 2024 TO OCTOBER 2024, THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE REVIEWED THE PROCESS, SET UP WORKSHOPS WHERE IT WAS REVIEWED AND SOME MINOR ADJUSTMENTS WERE MADE.
IN NOVEMBER OF 2024, THE FINAL REVIEW AND CONSENSUS WAS MADE BY PRAC TO MOVE FORWARD.
JUST A FEW DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE OLD APPLICATION TO THE NEW.
THE REVIEWING BODY IS NOW PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
THE HDC, IF THE ARTWORK IS REQUESTED TO BE IN THE DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT, THE COUNCIL OF ARTS AND CULTURE IS A PART OF THE VETTING PROCESS JUST FOR RECOMMENDATION AND FEEDBACK AS AN ARTS.
THEN FINALLY, COMMISSION FOR APPROVAL IF IT'S A PERMANENT INSTALLATION.
THE INSTALLATION TYPES AND OWNERSHIP TYPES ARE BROADER, WHICH OPENS UP MURALS AND HOW THEY WANT TO INSTALL IT AND WHO'S GOING TO OWN IT? THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS AND POLICIES HAVE A FULLER EXECUTION.
IT'S NOT JUST YOU FILL OUT THIS APPLICATION, AND WE PUT YOUR ARTWORK UP.
IT BRINGS US ALL THE WAY TO THE FINISH LINE.
THEN FINALLY, WE COVER WHO'S GOING TO MAINTAIN THE ARTWORK WHILE IT'S UP OR IF IT'S UP FOREVER.
THIS IS A PHOTO OF ALL THE PERMANENT ART THAT WE'VE HAD IN THE PAST FEW YEARS SO NOT MUCH.
DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
>> I FEEL LIKE WE DISCUSSED THIS, BUT HAS IT BEEN A YEAR SINCE WE HAD THIS?
I LOVE THAT WE HAVE THE TIERS OF HOW LONG THINGS WILL BE.
I'M GLAD THAT WE HAVE THAT OUTLINED, AND THEN WHO IS OWNING THIS.
I WAS WONDERING, SO IF SOMEBODY LET'S SAY A PEG LEG PETE.
SOMEBODY GIVES US A STATUE LIKE THAT, WE SAY IT'S THERE, BUT IT'S ONLY FOR ONE YEAR, AND THE ARTIST STILL OWNS THAT.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FROM A LIABILITY STANDPOINT ABOUT THAT?
>>THAT AND THIS IS STILL IN LEGAL'S QUEUE, SO IT'S STILL IN DISCUSSION, BUT THAT WOULD BE IN THE CONTRACT THAT LEGAL WRITES UP WITH THE ARTIST.
THERE WILL BE A CONTRACT THAT GOES BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE ARTIST, NO MATTER WHAT TYPE OF ART IT IS, AND THAT WILL ALL BE PUT IN THERE.
>> TO ME, THAT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT, OTHER THAN HAVING THE RIGHT TO, IF SOMETHING, LET'S JUST SAY, WAS ACCEPTABLE LAST YEAR, BUT NOW SOCIETY DECIDES IT'S NOT THAT WE WOULD HAVE THE ABILITY TO PULL SOMETHING IF IT WAS INAPPROPRIATE OR WHATEVER,
[00:45:03]
BUT ALSO WITH THE EXCEPTION OF P. WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMEBODY GETS HURT? DOES THE CITY GET SUED? WHAT IS THAT CULPABILITY? THOSE ARE WERE MY MAIN CONCERNS ABOUT THIS.I APPRECIATE EVEN WITH THE SPECIAL EVENTS.
YOU GUYS OBVIOUSLY PUT A LOT OF EFFORT INTO GETTING THIS WAY BETTER THAN IT WAS.
>> I'M GOING TO GO BACK TO THE SPECIAL EVENTS. SORRY.
>> YOU'VE GOT A GREAT TIMELINE OR PROCESS BUT THERE'S NO LIKE THIS SHOULD BE THREE MONTHS BEFORE OR THIS SHOULD BE SIX MONTHS.
>> WE DO HAVE ONE INTERNALLY THAT WE FOLLOW.
WE JUST DIDN'T PUT IT ON THAT.
THERE'S ONLY SO MUCH SPACE ON THAT THING, BUT WE DO HAVE ONE INTERNALLY THAT OUR SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR DOES FOLLOW.
THIS AGAIN, WE ARE LOOSELY FOLLOWING SOME OF THESE TIMELINES BECAUSE IT'S JUST A PROCESS THAT WE'RE PUTTING INTO PLACE, BUT WHEN AN ORGANIZER PUTS IN THEIR APPLICATION, FROM DAY ONE, YOU'RE STARTING THAT TIMELINE, AND SHE'S CHECKING IN WITH YOU ALL ALONG THE WAY.
>> IT'S PRETTY HARD TO NAIL DOWN THOUGH, BECAUSE DEPENDING ON WHEN THEY APPLY, WHEN THE NEXT MEETINGS ARE.
>> WELL, FOR MOST SPECIAL EVENTS, THEY DON'T HAVE TO GO TO COMMISSION, SO WE'RE JUST WORKING THROUGH.
MOST SPECIAL EVENTS ARE PUT IN WAY AHEAD OF THE 90 OR 60-DAY MARK THAT WE NEED.
THEN THE COMMITTEE TALKS ABOUT IT.
IF THEY HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, THEY SET UP A MEETING.
WE'VE GOTTEN TO A GOOD POINT, A GOOD PROCESS.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? WE'RE GOING TO MOVE ON TO NEXT STEP.
FOR SPECIAL EVENTS, LIKE I SAID, WE HAVE A WORKSHOP HOPEFULLY SET UP AT SOMETIME IN JANUARY WITH THE COMMISSIONERS TO REVIEW THE PROCESS, AND THEN ASSUMING IT GETS APPROVED AT THAT WORKSHOP, THEN WE WILL HAVE TO GO THROUGH AN ORDINANCE CHANGE, WHICH WILL HOPEFULLY BRING US TO MARCH, IF I'M BEING OPTIMISTIC, IF NOT LATER.
THAT'S WHERE WE ARE WITH SPECIAL EVENTS.
THEN FOR THE PUBLIC ART, WE HAVE A TASK WE WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE BOARD.
WE ARE LOOKING TO FIND LOCATIONS IN THE PARKS AND RECREATION STANDPOINT OF PUBLIC ART TO FIND LOCATIONS WITHIN OUR PARKS, WHERE WE CAN PRESENT TO OUR ARTISTS WHO COME TO US AND THEY WANT TO PUT ART SOMEWHERE, WE NEED TO FIND PLACES FOR THEM TO PUT IT.
WE ARE ASKING FOR A WORKSHOP OR A TEAM OF PEOPLE TO GET TOGETHER AND COME UP WITH A FEW LOCATIONS.
SO WE COULD EITHER DO A WORKSHOP OR WE COULD GIVE YOU HOMEWORK, AND YOU CAN GO TO OUR PARKS AND COME BACK WITH TWO LOCATIONS EACH, AND THEN WE CAN TALK ABOUT IT AT OUR NEXT MEETING.
ONCE THAT'S DONE, THIS IS SITTING IN LEGALS QUEUE, SO ONCE IT'S READY FOR FINAL REVIEW. GO FROM THERE.
>> YOU WANT BY THE END OF JANUARY?
>> YEAH, JUST WITH EVERYONE'S HOLIDAY SCHEDULES.
>> SEEMS SOMETHING WE CAN ALL DO AND THEN DISCUSS IN MEETING.
>> I WAS MORE WORRIED ABOUT THE WEATHER.
>> I CAN SEND A LIST OF PARKS TO EVERYONE SO THAT YOU KNOW WHAT ALL OF OUR PARKS ARE CAUSE YOU MAY BE SURPRISED. THEN WE CAN GO FROM THERE.
>> MAYBE WE CAN REVIEW THOSE IN FEBRUARY.
BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY, EVERYONE'S GOING TO BE EXTREMELY BUSY IN THE NEXT 2-3-4 WEEKS.
>> ARE WE THINKING LIKE MURALS, SCULPTURES, COMMON?
>> YEAH. WE'RE LOOKING FOR LOCATION PLACES FOR MURALS AND THEN TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT ART, WHICH ESSENTIALLY ARE STATUES, BUT ARTISTS CAN THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX.
I WOULD JUST, YOU KNOW, LET YOUR MIND WANDER WHEN YOU'RE IN THE PARKS WITH YOUR KIDS.
>> NO, SO YOU'RE GOING TO DO ANYTHING OUTSIDE OF DOWNTOWN? ANYTHING PAST 8TH STREET, YEAH.
>> I JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT'S WHERE WE HAD LANDED.
>> I JUST WANTED TO SAY AND RECOGNIZE KATIE FOR HER HARD WORK DEALING WITH THIS SPECIAL EVENT PROCESS.
NOT ONLY KATIE AND MULTIPLE MEMBERS WITHIN THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT, BUT THE SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE IN GENERAL, THEY'VE WORKED REALLY HARD TO GET THIS RIGHT AND WITH YOUR SUPPORT AND YOUR FEEDBACK.
IT'S TAKING A WHILE, BUT WE'RE GOING TO GET IT THERE AND HOPEFULLY WE'RE NOT MISSING ANYTHING. THAT'S THE ULTIMATE GOAL.
[00:50:07]
>> DOES ANYBODY HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? NUMBER 7.1 GOLF UPDATE FOR DECEMBER.
[7. STAFF COMMENTS]
>> GENERAL MANAGER [INAUDIBLE] GOOD EVENING EVERYONE.
I GUESS, STARTING OUT, TALKING ABOUT THE GOLF COURSE, I DID WANT TO REITERATE TALKING WITH THE GOLF COURSE.
THE HARD WORK WE'VE DONE IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS TO IMPROVE IT, THE EQUIPMENT WE'VE RECEIVED AND STAFF [INAUDIBLE] I HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO KEEP OUR 27 VOTES BECAUSE IT'S VERY LANDS.
I JUST WANTED TO MENTION THAT.
I'M SURE WE'LL BE LOOKED AT AS WE GO FORWARD, BUT I DID WANT TO GET THAT OUT THERE.
WE WANT TO BE A BUDGET FRIENDLY GOLF DESTINATION OF NASAL COUNTY.
THAT SAID A COUPLE OF THINGS BEFORE I DIVE IN TO OUR NUMBERS.
REGARDING COP TRACER, WE HAVE TWO MORE PAYMENTS ON THAT, SO THAT'S GOING TO SAVE US GOING DOWN THE LINE.
AFTER WE MAKE THOSE PAYMENTS AND IT'S CLEARED WITHIN A MONTH, THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO GET THAT EQUIPMENT AND GET IT OUT OF, SO THAT'S GOING TO BE A COST SAVINGS TO US.
WE DO HAVE SOME BAR IMPROVEMENTS THAT ARE GOING TO BE GOING ON IN THE NEXT MONTH-AND-A-HALF, HOPEFULLY STARTING AT THE END OF THE MONTH. WE'LL DO SOME PAINTING.
WE'RE GOING TO EXTEND THE BAR, HAVE SOME CHAIRS IN THERE, HIGH TOPS, REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THAT AND THEN DO PAINTING FOR THEM.
JUST BEFORE I GET INTO THE GREAT NUMBERS OF THE LAST MONTH, DECEMBER IS NOT OFF TO A GREAT START, SO I JUST WANTED TO REMIND EVERYBODY WE ARE WEATHER INDICATIVE, WHEN THE WEATHER IS POOR, WE'RE ABOUT NINE PERCENT DOWN THROUGH NINE DAYS OF DECEMBER.
WE'VE HAD SOME RAIN, WHICH WE HAVEN'T HAD IN A WHILE IN REAL COOL WEATHER.
BUT WE'RE HOPING TO TURN TOWARDS THE END OF THE MONTH.
NOVEMBER NUMBERS, GOLF REVENUES ARE UP 66 PERCENT.
I CANNOT STRESS HOW THE COURSE BEING IN BETTER CONDITION AND THE WEATHER NICE, WE'VE HAD ROUNDS OF GOLF.
THAT'S A GOOD SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT FROM LAST NOVEMBER.
WE AVERAGED ALMOST 136 ROUNDS PER DAY, WHICH IS UP FROM OCTOBER.
GOLF REVENUES WERE 177,607 THAT YOUR CART FEES, GREEN FEES, PRO SHOP SALES, LESSONS AND RANGE BALLS.
THAT GIVES US AN AVERAGE GREEN FEE PART FEE ROUND OF $35.88.
WE'RE HAVING MORE GUESTS PLAY.
THAT'S EXTREMELY ENCOURAGING TO CONTINUE AS WE MOVE INTO THE REST OF THE YEAR.
ON THE FOOD AND MEMBER SIDE, THOSE NUMBERS WERE UP AS WELL.
WE ARE 19 PERCENT FROM LAST NOVEMBER, REVENUES OF $38,613 WITH 23 TOTAL EVENTS.
LISTED A FEW OF THE BIG EVENTS WE HAD IN NOVEMBER.
NOVEMBER 1, WE HAD THAT PRIVATE VIEWING FOR THE GEORGIA, FLORIDA.
THAT WORKED OUT REALLY WELL IN COMBINATION WITH THE GOLF TOURNAMENT WE HAD THAT DAY.
WE HAD KEEP NASSAU BEAUTIFUL ON THE 11TH, THE 12TH, THE BAPTIST HEALTH CARE HAD THEIR MEETING AND LUNCH.
WE DID A SPECIAL SANDWICH DURING THE WEEK.
THANKSGIVING FOR THANKSGIVING ON A ROLL, AND IT TURNED OUT FAIRLY WELL, CONSIDERING WE WEREN'T OPEN ON THANKSGIVING DAY.
THE 29TH, WE HAD A BRIDAL SHOWER.
THIRD QUARTER THERE. GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE.
WE'RE STILL IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING THE FINAL PORTION STARTED ON OUR RADIO CONTROLS FOR OUR PUMPS IN THE WELL.
AS SOON AS THOSE GET IN, WE'LL BE STARTING THERE.
WE JUST FINISHED PRESSURE WASHING THE CLUBHOUSE.
I DON'T KNOW IF EVEN NOW IT'S DECORATED. VERY NICE.
IT LOOKS SO MUCH BETTER THAN IT DID PRIOR.
I DON'T THINK THAT'S BEEN DONE IN A COUPLE OF YEARS.
THE CLUBHOUSE IS REALLY LOOKING GOOD.
THE FRIENDS OF FERNANDINA BEACH GOLF CLUB, WE JUST COMPLETED OUR TRIMMING OF TREES.
THIS IS AN ANNUAL THING WITH THEM, AND I HAD A COUPLE OF IMAGES TO SHOW WHERE THEY WERE.
IT'S REALLY CLEARING OUT A LOT OF DEBRIS, STILL CLEARING SOME OF THAT OFF OF LOD PARKWAY.
THAT IS OFF THE GOLF COURSE NOW.
WE HAD SOUTHERN EARTHWORKS COME OUT FOR THE SAME TIME PERIOD AND TAKE A NUMBER OF DEAD TREES DOWN.
THAT IMAGE THERE IS ON SOUTH NUMBER 6 I BELIEVE.
WE STILL HAVE ONE MORE TREE TO COME DOWN THAT'S DEAD ON NUMBER 8, AND IT'S PROBABLY GOING TO HAVE TO BE SCHEDULED LATER IN THE MONTH BECAUSE WE NEED THE GOLF COURSE CLOSED WHEN THEY'RE DOING THAT.
EQUIPMENT. WE'VE HAD A NUMBER OF PIECES OF EQUIPMENT COME IN EARLY THIS YEAR.
THESE WERE ALL SCHEDULED TO BE DELIVERED.
WE HAD TWO CUSHMAN HAULERS COME IN.
THESE UTILITY CARS STAFF OUT ON THE GOLF COURSE.
ONE OF THOSE WAS A REPLACEMENT FOR A 2012 UNIT THAT WE STILL HAVE, AND ONE WAS JUST ADDED FOR AN ADDITIONAL AS WE TRY TO BUILD THE FLEET.
[00:55:05]
WE HAD A TOP DRESSER AND BLOWER ON THE 14TH DELIVERED.THE TOP DRESSER IS REPLACING A 2017 UNIT THAT WE HAVE.
THE BLOWER IS AN ADDITIONAL BLOWER SO WE'LL NOW HAVE TWO BLOWERS IN OUR INVENTORY.
THE ZERO-TURN THAT WAS DELIVERED ON THE 19TH IS REPLACING A 2018 ZERO-TURN THAT I THINK WE GOT FROM PARKS AND REC A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO.
FINALLY, WE HAD A ROUGH MOWER DELIVERED ON THE 28TH THAT NOW GIVES US THAT IS REPLACING AN OLD ROUGH MOWER THAT ACTUALLY HADN'T BEEN IN USE IN THREE OR FOUR YEARS, SO NOW WE WILL HAVE TWO ROUGH MOWERS, WHICH IS GOING TO HELP IN THOSE AREAS TOO.
WE'RE VERY THANKFUL TO BE ABLE TO GET ALL THESE PIECES OF EQUIPMENT TO HELP MAINTAIN THE GOLF COURSE.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP SALES, THEY'RE ACTUALLY UP IN A SENSE THE TOTAL NUMBERS, WE'RE UP TO 156 AT THIS POINT DECEMBER 1ST.
I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY MORE WE MAY HAVE IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS AS WE MAYBE HAVE SOME OF OUR SNOWBIRDS COME IN IF THEY WANT TO DO THAT, BUT I'M INTERESTED TO SEEING HOW THE SUMMER GOES AS WE HAVE PEOPLE COME INTO TOWN BECAUSE YOU CAN NOW BUY THOSE MEMBERSHIPS ALL YEAR ROUND.
MARKETING. NEWSLETTER, WILL GO OUT FIRST OF JANUARY.
WE'RE CONTINUING TO MARKETING AS WE DO IN OUR MONTHLY AND WEEKLY AND THE FACEBOOK UPDATES THAT SATURDAY THE FIRST, THAT TWO OR MORE CHARITY CLASSIC WITH THOSE IMAGES.
THAT WAS GOING ON AT THE SAME TIME OR THEY WERE WRAPPING UP AND STARTING TOGETHER WHEN WE HAD THAT GEORGIA FLORIDA EVENT.
WE HAD OUR MEN'S CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP ON THE 22ND AND 23RD OF NOVEMBER.
IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW, WE HAVE SIGNS IN THE PARKING LOT WHERE OUR WINNERS, MEN AND WOMEN'S HAVE SIGNS UP THAT THEY GET FOR THE YEAR WITH THEIR NAME ON THEM.
WE HAD ROGER OLIVER WHO WAS DEFENDING CHAMPION.
I THINK HE'S WON IT TWO OR THREE YEARS IN A ROW.
WE DID HAVE A CHANGE IN OUR SENIOR CHAMPION AND OUR OVERALL NET CHAMPION.
THEY HAVE NEW SIGNS OUT THERE.
MY NOTES ON AMELIA NATIONAL LEAGUE.
THIS IS A GROUP THAT CAME TO US BECAUSE AMELIA NATIONAL WAS CLOSING FOR RENOVATION.
WE WORKED OUT SOMETHING WITH THEM, WHICH WE TRY TO DO WITH OTHER GOLF COURSES.
IT'S NOT REALLY A TRUE RECIPROCAL, BUT IT WAS SOMETHING SINCE THEY DIDN'T HAVE A GOLF COURSE AND WE ALLOWED THEM TO CREATE A LEAGUE AND PLAY THROUGHOUT THE MONTHS WHILE THEY WERE STILL CLOSED.
I WANTED TO PUT THIS ON THERE.
DAVID DARREN, A MEMBER OVER THERE WROTE MYSELF AND MARY POOL, OUR GOLF PROFESSIONAL THAT ON BEHALF OF THE MEMBERS, OF THE AMELIA NATIONAL GOLF LEAGUE, WE WANTED TO EXPRESS OUR DEEPEST GRATITUDE FOR THE HOSPITALITY AND GRACIOUSNESS THAT YOU HAVE SHOWN AND PROVIDED US FOR THE LAST EIGHT MONTHS.
THIS PAST SUNDAY THE 23RD WAS THEIR LAST DAY AS THEY GET READY TO RETURN TO THEIR NEW COURSE BEING OPEN NEXT WEEK.
THEY WANTED TO THANK US FOR BEING SO WELCOMING AND PROVIDING US WITH THE USE OF OUR FACILITIES.
THE COURSE CONDITIONS AND ALL YOUR STAFF INSIDE AND OUTSIDE HAVE BEEN WONDERFUL WORK.
IT MENTALIZE US. BUT IT IS GOING TO HURT BECAUSE THEY GENERATED SOME REVENUE.
>> I WOULD SAY THE IMPACT COULD BE ANYWHERE $40-50,000, SOMEWHERE IN THAT RANGE.
AS MUCH THEY PLAYED THREE DAYS A WEEK.
WE HAD MAYBE SIX OR SEVEN OF THEM ACTUALLY JOIN.
THEN THE REST, THEY JUST PAID THE GUEST A MEMBER.
WE'RE GOING TO FEEL A LITTLE BIT OF IT, BUT WE DID HAVE TWO OR THREE OF THEM STAY ON AS MEMBERS.
I THINK SOME OF THEIR WIVES MAY PLAY WITH THE LADIES LEAGUE.
THERE'S A BUNCH OF POSITIVES THAT COME OUT OF DOING THINGS LIKE THIS.
WE WERE GLAD WE WERE [INAUDIBLE].
UPCOMING DECEMBER EVENTS. DECEMBER IS BUSY.
WE HAVE 29 EVENTS THIS MONTH THROUGHOUT.
KRISTI AND HER STAFF HAVE BEEN DOING A GREAT JOB, WHAT THEY HAVE TO DO OVER THERE.
PRETTY MUCH THE FIRST THREE WEEKS, THAT'S WHEN ALL OF THESE EVENTS ARE GOING ON.
WE'RE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF IT.
WE HAD THE CITY AWARDS BREAKFAST FOR STAFF ON THE 4TH.
WE ACTUALLY HAD ABOUT 155 FANS.
WE MAXED OUT THE BUILDING, SERVED BREAKFAST, AND IT WENT REALLY WELL.
I THINK EVERYBODY HAD A GREAT TIME.
TODAY, WE JUST HAD OUR LADIES HOLIDAY LUNCHEON. DID YOU SAY YOU WENT?
>> YES, I DID. IT WAS VERY NICE.
>> THAT AFTER THEY FINISHED THEIR PLAY TODAY, WHICH I'M VERY THANKFUL BUT 30 OF THEM WENT OUT TO PLAY, 30 LADIES WENT OUT AND PLAY TODAY IN THIS WEATHER AS IT WAS A LITTLE COOLER.
UPCOMING, WE HAVE OUR MEN'S 2 BEST BALL SHAMBLE ON 13TH.
THAT SAME DAY WE HAD THE HOLIDAY PRO SHOP SALE.
[01:00:03]
IF ANYBODY'S INTERESTED IN COMING OUT, EVERYBODY'S GOING TO GET 25 PERCENT OFF, MEMBERS NORMALLY ARE 20, AND WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A WHEEL IN THERE TO SPEND UPWARDS TO 40 PERCENT OFF ANYTHING IN THE GOLF SHOP ALL DAY ON THE 13TH.THE 9-HOLE LADIES HAVE THEIR BRUNCH ON THE 15TH.
WE HAVE SCHEDULED ON TUESDAY THE 16TH, THE ADVISORY BOARDS HAVE THEIR TRIVIA NIGHT.
WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT WORKING WITH THEM.
THEN JUST TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT OURS, CHRISTMAS EVE.
I'LL BE LIKE THANKSGIVING WILL BE OPEN HALF A DAY TO 11 O'CLOCK.
WE'VE TEA TIMES FROM 7:00 -10:00 SO WE CAN GET HOME TO OUR FAMILIES, AND THEN THE ONLY DAY OF THE YEAR WE'RE TYPICALLY CLOSE IS CHRISTMAS DAY.
ANY QUESTIONS. HAPPY HOLIDAYS. [INAUDIBLE]
ON ALL OF THE NEW EQUIPMENT, I THINK I MAY HAVE ASKED THIS LIFE CYCLE REPLACEMENT, IS THAT NOW INTEGRATED INTO PARKS AND REC OR IS THAT SOMETHING?
>> STILL WITH THE GOLF COURSE. WE GOT A 3-5 YEAR PLAN AS WE START ROTATING THIS EQUIPMENT.
AS YOU HEARD 2012, 2014, 2017.
WE HAVE A LOT OF UNITS THAT ARE AGED OUT.
SOME WEREN'T WORKING SOMEWHERE.
WITH OUR NEW SUPERINTENDENT, WE'RE GOING TO REALLY DIG IN MYSELF IT'S GOT AND LOOK AT REALLY WHAT OUR NEEDS ARE FOR WHAT WE HAVE IS, YOU KNOW, GETTING AGED AND MAKING SURE WE'RE MAKING A PLAN TO ROTATE THIS.
>> IS YOUR MAINTENANCE INTERNAL? DO YOU HAVE MAINTENANCE LIKE WRENCH TURNERS STAFFER THEY PART OF?
>> I DIDN'T KNOW IF THEY WERE GOOD YOUR STAFF OR.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTION? THANK YOU, AGAIN. HAPPY HOLIDAYS.
>> JUST TO ADD TO THAT TO BEING THAT THE GOLF COURSE IS AN ENTERPRISE FUND.
WE HAVE A LOCATION PLAN THAT IS COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM PARKS AND RECREATION.
WE DO REVIEW THAT EVERY YEAR IF SOMETHING DOES COME UP.
OBVIOUSLY, IT MAY HAVE TO BE TWEAKED A LITTLE BIT.
BUT THEN AS JEFFREY DICK STATE IS HE DOES HAVE A MECHANIC THERE.
IF THERE IS, WE ALSO WORK FOR FLEET.
WE'VE INTEGRATED THE GOLF COURSE EQUIPMENT, MORE INVOLVED IN THE CITY AND THE FLEET DEPARTMENT AS WELL.
THEY'RE MORE AWARE OF ALL THE STUFF THAT WE HAVE A WELL.
IF YOU ARE NOT AWARE, I JUST WANTED TO THANK MEMBERS FOLDING.
AMERICA'S YOUTH, I THOUGHT THE CHRISTMAS PARADE LIGHT AND PARADE WAS AWESOME.
IT'S ONE OF MY FAVORITE PARADES HERE. WE WERE IN IT.
PARKS AND RECREATION WAS IN IT.
WE DID GET SOAKED PRIOR TO THE EVENT.
I DO REMEMBER SEEING SOME OF YOU THERE.
BUT AS THE PARADE STARTED, THE WEATHER TURNED, I WAS GREAT, GREAT PARADE, AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WORK. IT'S GOOD.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. A FEW THINGS THAT I'LL JUST RUN THROUGH REALLY QUICKLY, JUST TO GIVE YOU AN UPDATE ON SOME OF THE PROJECTS THAT WE'RE WORKING ON AND SOME OF THE THINGS THAT ARE COMING FORWARD HERE, VERY NEAR FUTURE.
WE DID FINISH BACH EXCESS 34. IT IS REDACK.
I THINK WE'RE REALLY PROCEEDING VERY WELL WITH OUR REDOCKING PROCESS WITH OUR BEACH WALK OVERS.
THE HOR GUARD SYSTEM, WHICH WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO REPLACE ALL OF OUR HOR SYSTEMS, BASED THE UNITS THAT THE GUTS OF THE UNITS ARE OBSOLETE.
SO WE WILL HAVE TO START THAT REPLACEMENT PROCESS.
WE DID START THIS AT OCEAN RESCUE, WHICH IS A SEASIDE PARK.
BUT WE HAVE THEM THROUGHOUT MOST OF OUR PARTS AS WELL.
>> IS THAT A PARKS AND REC BUDGET LINE ITEM OR IS THAT SOMETHING THAT COULD BE TRANSFERRED TO OCEAN RESCUE?
>> WE CAN HAVE THAT DISCUSSION RIGHT NOW.
I THINK IT'S THE MAIN REASON WHY IT'S IN PARKS IS BECAUSE OF SEASIDE PARK AND BASICALLY BEING USED FOR THAT FACILITY RIGHT THERE ACROSS THE STREET-THAT WAS POSITIONED POSITIONED AT THE OCEAN RESCUE BUILD BUT IT SUPPORTS SEASIDE PARK.
>> WELL, THEN THE ONLY REASON WHY I MENTIONED THAT IS BECAUSE IT MIGHT BE IT MIGHT BE WORTH LOOKING AT BECAUSE WHATEVER THAT EXPENSES AND HOWEVER OFTEN THAT GETS NEEDS REPLACING OR WHATEVER.
I BELIEVE THE NEW GUIDELINES FOR TDC MONEY THAT WE GET CAN GO TOWARDS THINGS LIKE OCEAN RESCUE.
IF THAT WAS SOMETHING THAT THEY OWNED, THAT MIGHT BE A LINE ITEM THAT COULD GO SOMEWHERE ELSE AND
[01:05:03]
GET FUNDING FOR THINGS THAT SUPPORTS. JUST A THOUGHT.>> THANK YOU. JOVI FIELD, THIS IS THE FIELD THAT'S BEHIND THE ATLANTIC RECREATION CENTER HAS BEEN REFERENCED, BRAND NEW FENCING.
COME FEBRUARY, WE ARE GOING TO BE REDOING THE NETTING THAT IS THERE.
AS WE WORK THROUGH THE PROCESSES FORT COMPLEXES AND SPORTS FIELDS IN GENERAL IN THE CITY, I HAVE REACHED OUT AND HAVE OBTAINED A QUOTE FOR LIGHTING THAT SPECIFIC FIELD.
WHEN THAT CONVERSATION COMES UP, WE WILL BE PREPARED FOR THAT.
WE HAVE COMPLETED THE, WE'RE NOT COMPLETELY DONE INTERIOR PAINTING AT THE ATLANTIC RECREATION CENTER.
WITHIN THE LAST TWO YEARS, ALL THE PAINTING WILL BE COMPLETED AT THAT FACILITY, A MUCH NEEDED UPGRADE.
CURRENTLY, OUR CONTRACTORS ARE WORKING AT BACH ACCESS 33 AND REDCKING THAT.
>> THAT WILL BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO I'M HOPING BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
ALL OF OUR BEACH ACCESSES WILL BE OPEN DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON.
ALSO, BACH ACCESS NINE IS IN OUR BUDGET AS WELL.
THIS IS VERY POPULAR ACCESS AT JASMINE STREET.
A LOT OF COMMUNITY RESIDENTS USE THAT.
IF YOU'VE NOTICED THE STATE IS PUTTING A CROSSING THERE, THE FLASHING YELLOW LIGHT, WHICH A LOT OF PEOPLE CALL, THAT'S WHAT THEIR ACCESS IS, IS THEY'RE PUTTING A CROSSING THERE WITH FLASHING LIGHTS, NOT UP ABOVE BUT ON THE SIDES.
WE ARE LOOKING TO INCORPORATE REPAIR THAT ENTIRE BOARDWALK AS WELL AS LOOK AT THE PARKING LOT AS WELL TO MAY CREATE A LITTLE BETTER PARKING FLOW THERE.
>> YOU SHARE THAT WITH US WHEN YOU HAVE IT.
>> I'M NOT SURE IF YOU'VE SEEN THE PARKS GREW VERY RECENTLY.
WE'RE REPLACING TWO PIECES OF EQUIPMENT AT EVENS CREEK.
THESE ARE THE LAST TWO PIECES THAT HADN'T BEEN FIXED.
THEY ARE ALSO GOING AROUND AND CLEANING UP THE SIDEWALK THERE AND WE'RE GOING TO REPAINT THAT ENTIRE TRAIL.
IT HASN'T BEEN PAINTED SINCE IT'S BED PUT IN.
THAT WILL BE COMPLETED BEFORE CHRISTMAS AS WELL.
>> SCOTT, COULD YOU LET ME KNOW WHEN THAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN IF IT'S GOING TO IMPACT THE NATIVE PLANT GARDEN?
>> YES, I WILL. IT SHOULD NOT.
OR I CAN IMPACT THAT, BUT YES.
>> IF THEY'RE AWARE OF IT AND JUST PUT UP SOME SORT OF PROTECTION, THAT'S FINE.
>> OF COURSE. WHERE IT MEETS THE SIDEWALK. NO PROBLEM.
THE FINAL PHASE OF THE WINDOW REPLACEMENT AT ARC, THAT WILL BE GOING OUT TO BE HERE AFTER THE NEW YEAR.
I DID STATE THE JOAL RD, THE NETTING IS COMING IN FEBRUARY 2026.
MOVING FORWARD, ON A LARGE SCALE, THERE'S SOME LARGE SCALE ITEMS MOVING FORWARD.
AS WE DISCUSSED THE BOARD OVER US.
THOSE ARE GOING TO BE SOME DISCUSSIONS COMING FORWARD IN JANUARY.
I HAVE RECEIVED SOME PROPOSALS THAT I'M REVIEWING IN PRICES ON THE CALLED BARIUM AND MASTER PLAN.
BE OBVIOUSLY VERY MUCH INVOLVED WITH THAT.
SO THOSE ARE SOME BIG ITEMS AND BIG ITEM TICKETS WITHIN OUR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN THAT WILL BE BEING DISCUSSED AFTER WE CLOSE UP THIS YEAR TO CALENDAR 2026.
ANY QUESTIONS ON PROJECTS? NO. THEN WE SUBMIT THE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS.
THAT'S IN YOUR PACKET. THAT TALKS ABOUT ALL OF OUR PROGRAMS. THEN UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEKEND IS DICKENS CENTER, A GREAT EVENT DOWNTOWN.
THE DERON SHOWS. I KNOW MY KIDS LOVE THAT.
WE HAVE THE MINOR LIGHTING, HATA CELEBRATION, AND THEN THE STRIP DROP IN DOWNTOWN AND THEN THE CANNIBAL, SORRY WHAT IS THAT? THAT'S JANUARY.
WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH THAT THESE DAYS?
>> WE JUST RENEWED OUR LEASE FOR ANOTHER YEAR.
AS OF RIGHT NOW, WE'RE JUST CONTINUING TO DO THAT.
YEAH. THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY MOVEMENT AS FAR AS WE'RE CONCERNED WITH WHAT'S GOING TO COME OF IT.
>> THANK YOU. THEN I JUST WANT TO THANK EACH OF YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK AND THIS PAST YEAR.
[01:10:04]
MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. THAT'S ALL I HAVE.[8. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS]
>> I WISH EVERYONE HAPPY HOLIDAYS.
AGAIN, THAT ITEM THAT BLOSSOMED OUT EARLIER WITH MR. LENZ, THE SOCCER FEELS.
I'M FULLY SUPPORTIVE OF GETTING YOUTH SOCCER HERE.
I'D LIKE THEM TO CONCENTRATE ON OTHER OPTIONS OTHER THAN THE GOLF COURSE.
I THINK YOU'RE OPENING UP SUCH A CAN OF WORMS AS FAR GOLF COURSES ARE NOT JUST A BUNCH OF HOLES THROWN TOGETHER.
OUR BEST NINE HOLES IS THE WEST COURSE.
THAT'S THE ONLY PRACTICAL ACCESS IF YOU WANTED TO CONVERT INTO PART OF IT INTO FIELD.
YOU'D BE DESTROYING THE BEST PART OF THE GOLF COURSE TO MOVE SOCCER.
>> NO COMMENTS FOR ME, BUT MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYBODY.
I HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON.
>> I WOULD JUST LIKE TO WELL, THANK ALL OF YOU GUYS FOR ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK THIS YEAR, AND THERE'S A LOT THAT GOES ON IN THE CITY AND ONE OF OUR BIGGEST ASSETS AND ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS THAT WE DO AS A COMMUNITY.
I APPRECIATE ALL THE HARD WORK.
I WOULD LIKE TO ALSO CONTINUE TO THANK THE CITY FOR OPENING THE MLK CENTER FOR THE COLD NIGHT SHELTER WHEN IT GETS BELOW 40 DEGREES.
I KNOW I HAD TO PUT ON SOCKS TODAY.
I APPRECIATE THAT WE'RE DOING THAT.
IF ANYBODY'S INTERESTED, IF YOU'RE WATCHING THE WEATHER AND IT GETS BELOW 40 DEGREES, AND YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A WAY TO VOLUNTEER.
THEY ALWAYS NEED VOLUNTEERS, ESPECIALLY IN THE OVERNIGHT.
PEOPLE ARE SLEEPING, SO I TAKE THE THREE TO SIX SHIFT.
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A WAY TO ALSO HELP OUR HOMELESS COMMUNITY AND THOSE IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO ARE IN NEED, IF YOU'RE AVAILABLE CHRISTMAS MORNING 9-11 AT THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, THEY'LL BE SERVING BRUNCH AND YOU CAN EAT WITH PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY.
THEY ALWAYS HAVE ITEMS LIKE COATS AND THINGS FOR PEOPLE TO TAKE AWAY THINGS THAT ARE NEEDE.
IT'S A GOOD WAY TO SPEND THE MORNING IF YOU HAVE THE TIME, AND YOU'LL SEE A LOT OF YOUR FRIENDS THERE.
THAT HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYBODY.
>> SAME THING. HAPPY HOLIDAYS, MERRY CHRISTMAS. HAVE A GREAT ONE.
>>> REITERATE THE HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYBODY.
I HAVE TO MIRROR MY FEELINGS ON THE GOLF COURSE.
I MEAN, I DO UNDERSTAND IT IS A VALUABLE PIECE OF LAND.
BUT I THINK I JUST THINK WITH THE TURNAROUND OF THE GOLF COURSE AND WHERE THINGS ARE HEADED, WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO FIGHT HARD TO MAINTAIN OUR 27 HOLES.
A NINE HOLES EVERY ONE OF THOSE COURSES.
WEST IS DEFINITELY IN GREAT SHAP.
JUST ACROSS THE BOARD, THE ENTIRE GOLF COURSES IN PHENOMENAL SHAPE, POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM EVERYBODY.
I PLAY OUT OF A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT LEAGUES.
ONE OF THEM BEING THE JACKSONVILLE WOMEN'S GROUP WITH OVER 200 MEMBERS.
JUST ABOUT EVERY WEEK, I HAVE SOMEBODY COMING UP TO ME TELLING ME THEY CAME UP TO FERNANDINA TO PLAY, AND IT WAS BECAUSE THEY CAME UP FOR THE 27 WHOLE GOLF COURSE, WHICH WE HOST THROUGH THE LADIES LEAGUE.
THEY'RE MAKING AN EFFORT TO DRIVE UP FROM JACKS OR ST. AUGUSTINE OR WHEREVER, PONVIA, JUST TO COME BACK AND PLAY THAT COURSE.
BECAUSE IT GOT THEM A LITTLE FRUSTRATED THE FIRST TIME BECAUSE IT DIDN'T PLAY IT AS WELL AS THEY KNEW THEY COULD, SO THEY WANTED TO COME BACK AND TRY TO PLAY BETTER.
THAT'S JUST LITTLE THINGS LIKE THAT THAT I THINK ARE VERY POSITIVE.
BUT I ALSO AGREE WE NEED TO FIND A GOOD SOLUTION FOR SOCCER BECAUSE THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT, NOT ONLY FOR SOCCER BUT FOR SOFTBALL AND THE OTHER YOUTH SPORTS ON THIS ISLAND.
WE'VE GOT TO DO SOMETHING TO KEEP THEM ON ISLAND. HARD AT THAT.
I WILL DEFINITELY FIGHT HARD FOR THE GOLF COURSE, BUT I'M ALWAYS OPEN TO HERE ANY DISCUSSION TO FIND THE BEST SOLUTION FOR EVERYBODY. THAT'S ALL.
>> THANK YOU. FIRST OF ALL, I WANT TO WISH EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR.
NEXT TIME WE SEE EACH OTHER, WE'LL BE IN 26.
[01:15:03]
THERE'S A COUPLE OF EVENTS I'D LIKE TO TALK ABOUT.ONE IS SHOP WITH THE COPS IS TOMORROW NIGHT, 530 AT WALMART.
IT'S ABOUT 175 KIDS THAT THE POLICE PUT ON FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE THE MEANS TO GET TOYS AND OTHER GOODS.
IT'S ABOUT A TWO HOUR PROGRAM.
IT'S A GREAT EVENT, AND IT'S THE MAJOR EVENT FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT OF FERNANDINA.
SECOND OF ALL, I WANT TO THANK THE CITY OF FERNANDINA, PARKS AND RECREATION MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT FOR 25. THEY WERE AWESOME.
THEY DID SO MUCH STUFF TO KEEP THE UPDATE, THE IMPROVEMENTS, AND ALSO MAKING IT A LASTING IMPRESSION ON PEOPLE, FOR SPORTS TEAMS AND EVERYBODY ELSE THIS YEAR.
THANK YOU, KATIE, AND I APPRECIATE IT AND PASAR DILAN AND HIS CREW.
THEY DESERVE A BIG HURRAH FOR THAT.
NEXT, I'D LIKE TO THANK JEFFREY BIGGERS.
JEFFREY, YOU'VE DONE AN AWESOME JOB SINCE PUTTING IN THE POSITION OF THE GOLF COURSE.
YOU HAVE DEFINITELY MOVED THIS GOLF COURSE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, AND I ONLY SEE POSITIVE THINGS FOR THE FUTURE.
SECOND OF ALL, YES, WE'RE GOING TO FIND A PLACE FOR SOCCER SOMEWHERE, SOMEHOW, AND THAT'S OUR GOAL.
WE'VE GOT TO FIND SOMETHING FOR THE YOUTH OF OUR CITY.
THANKS FOR YOUR DIRECTION THIS YEAR. IT'S BEEN AWESOME.
YOU'VE GIVEN US A LOT TO THINK ABOUT AND A LOT THAT WE HAVE TO ANTICIPATE FOR 26.
WITH THAT, YOUR GUIDANCE HAS BEEN IMPECCABLE, AND I APPRECIATE THAT.
I THINK ALL OF US REALLY BELIEVE THAT WE'RE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION GOING FORWARD, AND THERE'S ONLY POSITIVE THINGS FOR THE FUTURE.
WITH THAT, I'M GOING TO END 2025.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.