Parks and Recreation Committee - Regular Meeting

I've been the chair for the last two years, and I give a little background. I've lived in town since 1975. I'm a retired school administrator for over 20 years. I've worked for the school system now for 45 years. I have two children that are older than everybody else, but Marianne. Everybody is. And they all went to the camp here and the parks here. One went to Bay Harbor, the other one didn't go to Bay Harbor. He went to specialized schools for music. We live in a lovely place that has great thoughts of children from all ages, from seniors to infants. And I'm open. I get paid the same as a ch

So, I'll read my resume, and I will say I've been on the commission for two years, 2022 to 2024, and recently on Parks and Rec, for the last six months I've been active. And I got a lot of new projects going for the seniors, other new programs for, we're working on Marshawn classes and Tai Chi and other yoga. So I'm really excited about moving this on and I wouldn't mind being chair. Is that, can I throw my name in?

Why don't you talk about yourself, please? Yeah, yeah. Do we finish that? I moved to the Surfside two years ago from California. I'm a dad of four girls. My oldest is 12. And I've been, you know, getting to know everyone in the community and acclimating and whatnot. And over the past year, I'd say we made a lot of friends. Also, I'd say... You know, my in-laws moved here as well, and I've heard a lot of chirping and whatnot about the parks and this and that. I said, you know, maybe I can join the committee and, you know, just be a voice for it. I have no desire to be a chair or a vice chair or

And have you attended some of the Parks and Rec events? Yes, any event.

So anything that's kid-friendly I've been to. Fourth of July, all the events at the 96th Street Park, at the community center, the last Thursday events.

That's a tour sport thing. But that's great. You get the feel of it. Yeah.

And I have an apartment. The top lot is directly across the street from my house.

I'm across the street in a condo performance.

She keeps an eye on the park. What direction? The community center.

Yeah, just next to the community center.

I look down around the corner, Hawthorne, second house.

So you must overlook a park. Do you overlook a park?

I overlook the park. Rudy will tell you if he calls me one more time about the park.

Yeah, I was wondering if I'm the only one that notices that. Oh, you do? It's a nightmare. I wake up at 11 o'clock at night.

It's similar to that for you. If I may go back to the... Yeah, I have so much camera footage on my camera. Send it to the chief. He loves it. I mean, we've called the cops many times.

Thank you. Hello. Thank you for coming. You're the new chairperson?

I live at 9465 Bay Drive, 24 years. I'm a dental hygienist. I just retired last year. Here I am.

You got a long way to go. 30 years I did it.

It's back-breaking labor. I wanted to be available. NOT NECESSARILY FOR THIS. FOR MY FAMILY.

AS YOU CAN SEE, I WAS LATE. THAT'S OKAY, THAT'S OKAY.

Can I make a motion? Yes. I want to nominate Frank. Thank you.

Yes. Is this the whole committee? This is it. We're missing one person. Oh, okay.

So you already called and pointed out under agenda and order of business.

I'd like to add a discussion item, Madam Chair. Sure. Yes. Discussion on possibly, just for discussion, canceling the July meeting because I did drive back from Atlanta last night to be here today. Oh, good.

In the last four years, four or six years, we've canceled meetings in June and July because people are traveling. They may not be here. If you don't have form, then you can't have a meeting. And just up for discussion, we do it because in the past, I see Rudy's got like summer camp on here and things like that, but there's nothing that we didn't discuss until August at the close of camps and things like that that was discussed.

But we don't know yet. I don't know how I feel about that.

Well, we're going to discuss it on the floor or something.

Okay, sorry, because I'm new to all this. These formalities are a little bit new to me. So if you can just give me the rundown of how this works.

So I made a motion to add something to the agenda. To discuss it. To discuss it. Okay. And then it would need a second. If it doesn't get a second, then it dies. Okay.

This is for discussion. But I can't do it.

I'd like to make a motion to add July 4th events in the rundown from the Parks and Recreation Director.

Okay. Any other discussion I was going to ask about July 4th also?

So then are there any other discussion items that anybody wants to enter? Okay. So moving on to the minutes, 3A, can I get a motion to approve the minutes? From March 16th.

Motion to approve March 16th meeting from the Parks and Recreation Committee. Second.

Okay. Moving on to discussion items. Parks and Rec staff introduction.

He's a battle brother. Or he handles them softly.

I didn't hear that Carlos say it again. I'm sorry.

That position should have never been dissolved.

And Carlos, where are you located? I know at one point you were at 96th Street Park.

Sounds good. And so the next order of business is the 2026 meeting dates and deadlines.

you guys were okay with this is there a motion what was the first one yeah oh yeah yes so it was moved it's going to be on the 22nd of september or meeting that was the only day that was moved into a holiday i have a question on that but maybe you want to who who makes the decision to uh move um the holidays the holidays i understand federal holidays but not religious holidays.

I don't like that answer. We always do it a certain way.

So do you have a list of all the religious holidays?

I understand that. I just wanted to know where it was generated. Okay, thank you.

So, Madam Chair, I'm looking over your shoulder. The August meeting will be August 6th.

No, that's the deadline to get something.

No, I was just going to say I make the motion to change the date. Okay. I second.

Okay, so 4C is discussion on meeting time change. I guess you got this into the schedule somehow.

Because 530 is like crazy. Like I'm free all day, but I realize that you guys won't be able to come if we change the time.

Oh yeah, I wouldn't be able to do it earlier.

It used to be at 7 o'clock. We used to have staff staying, say, from 5 to 7, sitting around.

Just earlier in the day, but if that's not a possibility, then, you know, I guess there's no sense in it.

Mornings would be great, but I don't know if they... I would. Okay.

At least. I'm still thinking of working. I work. I'm retired, but I work.

Yeah, you just said you were in Atlanta, so you must be remote or something. I work for the school.

Oh, I see. And I attend all the new exercise programs I just introduced. But you should hop in if you have free time.

That's okay with me, but what about you?

I would have to be more than 4 to get here by 5. What are your normal hours? My normal hours would be around 6, but it's okay to get here by 5.30, but 5 would be... I mean, I can do 7 a.m. or 6 a.m. That's great. I'm up at 5, so...

that supercharged coffee. So, is there a motion to?

Do you have any suggestions? Besides the early morning?

Unless there's a way to do something remote, I can just hop on. Is that an algorithm? Yeah, yeah.

Okay. You want to keep it as it is? I guess we'll keep it at 5.30. Frank, did you say that's not good for you? No, it's fine. 5.30 is fine. I mean, 5 or not? No, that's not good for you. Okay, 5.30 is fine.

If it's one Monday every three months, it doesn't matter. I can make that work. It's fine. If 5 makes a difference, I can do 5.

Yeah, we'll forget. I'll forget if we change the time once a month. Should we keep it at 5.30? Whatever the committee decides. Is 5 easier on you?

No, I don't think 5 or 5.30 makes a difference, so if it's going to make you crazy with the traffic, you might as well just leave at 5.30.

Okay, you tried. But you don't know unless you ask, either.

Yeah, I just wasn't aware before I signed up.

Should we just move on to discussion, or should we move on to the next thing? Okay. You're welcome. Okay. The May vending machine numbers. Rudy?

Does that go to your budget? That's a good question. That's an excellent question.

So who deposits the check? Would they know?

In school, when we had had vending machines for, at least when Obama got healthy on us, that went into a principal's discretionary budget. I could buy things for the children, I could buy things for the staff, I could buy things for the secretaries. That normal budget, I wouldn't have those funds to do. The extras.

I don't know about that. It should be. But if not, we'll bring that up.

Yeah. I wonder when the restaurant was in service, but I know you weren't here. I don't know if anybody was here. So did that profit went to the owner?

For the moment, could you consider the kayak rental as a vending machine? Do you know any stats? We haven't had stats on the vending of that in months. Oh, we can. We can get it. Okay, so I'd like to know, because it's just to see whether it's...

Again, that should go for your programming, in my opinion. The ramp is being utilized by residents with their own equipment.

And only residents can use it, right? Or if you're a PADL member.

If you have the membership, you can use it.

So outsiders can use it? So PADL, is that a company?

I thought the park was just for Surfside residents.

The community center has always been open to hotel guests. And residents. Because it was years ago, there was a lot of hotels that didn't have a pool.

Oh, I see. But I thought you need to have a community center pass to get into it.

No. What do you have to do if you're a hotel guest? Show your keys?

When I was a kid, your mother gave you a dime and you went... 35 cents here in Pennsylvania. The good old days.

Okay, so you're going to find out where that goes in the budget with vending machines. Any other comments on the vending machines? For E. May Senior Brunch Recap.

So, my question is... Is that the end of Bingo, or does Bingo go on through the summer?

Because that's the way it's always been done.

I know, but there's a big population here. They probably just don't want to do it. No, they do. They don't know about it. We do. But that only 30 people showed up. No, that was a big number.

Right, so I'm saying probably there were a lot of snowbirds.

No, I was there. And everybody was wanting it to continue.

So maybe you just said that in August no one shows up. Maybe they're out of town or they go to the summer homes where it's cooler.

I know, but this is a hypothetical, and again, we can discuss it later, but everybody at that meeting wanted, the seniors want to continue a lot of things through the summer because we are here, and it's going to be really hot, and we live alone, and it's a social thing. And people look forward to that. They don't have families here. So I'm trying to open everybody's eyes to the reality of the seniors. And we'll see what happens. We can talk about it more like budget and what it would really cost and how many people you need. I mean, you could always cancel it if you want to get people to sign

Yes. So what is the time frame for when you have to order food? Like how far in advance?

So this... Why don't you send them your... Do you know the people that were there? Like, do you have a group? Or just a conversation? You could send out an email blast asking who could commit and then see if you could put it on the schedule.

They have to sign up, so you probably have the record of the people that went to the May meeting. We could do a survey if they want to continue it through the summer. I know half of them are in my building. A lot of them are in the condos.

Or is there an idea maybe to do like another, a trial run? Yeah, yeah. Right, but it seems like maybe, you know, there's just more and more people moving in here and staying as opposed to constantly, you know, just getting snowboards. Thank you. Give it another shot, and if the numbers don't hit, then we have our answer.

Yeah. So, I mean, that would be good to also look up the list from the people that attended in May. Most of the snowbirds leave by the end of April. They were, a lot were already gone. It's usually even more populated than 30. Okay, so can we just follow up on...

They can't say just yes and then they... No, they can pay for the fee.

I get it. So what would be a reasonable... month to the tribe.

Okay, how would we get the word out for them?

I'll walk around and put it in all conducts.

Maybe you could also preface that with saying this is a trial. It's not supposed to happen. We're testing the order. So either sign up or it's not going to happen until November.

Right, like on the Wednesdays where there's Senior.

Yeah, this was from April. So we're on for a trial, for an announcement for a trial run?

Okay. Thank you. Any more discussion on it? The next item is for F, May Senior Trip Recap.

How many people went? That one I don't have the details. Twenty-six. Is that a good amount? Yeah. Yes.

How was the bus this time? It was there. It was there? It was there. There's been problems.

Okay. Any other discussion? I mean, who puts together—the trips are great, the senior trips. They go to Coral Gables to this, like, off-Broadway house on Miracle—theater on Miracle Mile.

I've lived here my whole life. I know what that playhouse is! From Miami Beach. I was born in Mount Sinai Hospital. Okay, all right. Give me a recap. But I get it.

It's not only that. It's the gardens. It's different museums in different places. Really do a good job. Thank you.

And when is the next senior trip? November? November.

Okay, we'll work on that. Thank you. Any other discussion? Board G, Memorial Day ceremony recap.

I thought you did an excellent job of adjusting where the canopy was set up and your speakers and everything.

Just sad to see that through the years the veterans have dwindled. We used to have 12, 15, 20 people speak about their history in the service.

Was there any staff member that attempted to contact ROTC or the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts?

Yeah. So the remnants from the collapse, because it's in Veterans Park, is that under your jurisdiction now?

in that sense. Just taking up your space at the moment, unfortunately. Well, it's not a good vibe. And that's coming up. So, who sponsors the anniversary? The tourist board? Okay. Any more discussion on 4G, the Memorial Day ceremony? No, no, no. Okay, for AHS May charter bus numbers.

And school was still going on at that time? Correct. I guess. How does that add up for you?

Do you want to comment and bring everybody else up to date?

That's a $12,000 a year, $12,000 a month investment that we make that is not necessary. The school bus, the little charter bus. We have a private company that comes with a coach bus to pick up 32 children and take them a mile to Bay Harbor that costs $12,000 a month.

It's free for them? They don't have to do any subsidizing? They don't have to sign up. So those are people that have kids that live in the neighborhood that can't get their kids to school? I'm sure they can. It's just a service we provide.

The Commission's theory is that it takes cars off of 96th Street and away from the school zone to the lower... 30 new cars. 12,000 new bikes and scooters off of my school. If it's safe for the kids, it's safe for the kids. But it's not safe for the kids because they hire a coach bus, a limousine bus, doesn't have lights, doesn't have flashers, doesn't have a guard in the front so the driver can't see the children. And if you want to see my videos of children jumping off the bus and running down Byron Avenue without even thinking about looking. When crossing the street.

The former AC, former TV, town manager, got a school bus for a short time. The problem is they say the school bus constantly broke down. I know the commission's had discussion on buying their own van, their own small bus to keep the service going, but then you have to have at least a minimum of two drivers that are certified to be driving a bus with children on it. It's just been, for me being a principal, it just bothers me that we put children on a bus and children don't sit on the bus and behave. I know, I've been on many, many school buses before.

It just seems really high. The cost of it? $12,000 a month.

What would be your recommendation? Because this sounds high.

My recommendation? That mommies carpool. They get to know their neighbors. My kid went there. We didn't drive them every day. The neighbors took them.

I live on Bay Drive and everybody walks or takes a scooter and I see parents riding bikes with their kids on the bike. I can't believe there's a bus like this. My kids didn't go to Bay Harbor. I'm not that luxury of being able to send them there because I made my own choices but I think it's crazy. It's like right over the bridge.

That's what... I know that the commission has looked into other companies and the manager has told me that he's still looking into other companies that would, there are private, Lou's Marina is a private school bus company. But it's still, that's the one thing that bothers me the most. Secondly is the cost.

Do we have a history of the last couple of years? Because I think we keep going through this. Sometimes we don't have a school bus. Sometimes we have a certain bus.

The school bus was weeks. That's how long the school bus lasted. And it went back to a coach.

No, but was there a time period where there were no buses at all?

Well, this just started. Like before the contract was in place?

Well, I don't understand why the town has to provide a school bus.

The former commission thought it was a good idea because of the traffic on 96th Street and the traffic going into Bay Harbor that it would lower.

They shouldn't renew with that. That was $12,000.

Yes. The people should be contributing towards that if they want to bust like that. That's not right. I've never heard of a town providing a school bus. I've heard of the Yes.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools. But they're busing them basically to pay the bills. Isn't that Miami-Dade County Public Schools? Yes. So why don't they provide a bus for the kids in the neighborhood? Why do you throw the line then? Why don't they bus them?

Okay, yeah. Hold on once. One at a time, but can you tell us what Miami-Dade provides? Miami-Dade County.

Because you have to live 2.1 miles away from any school site in order to get transportation, unless you go to a specialized magnet program. then you would get transportation, and that's really minimal now.

One at a time so we could be recorded, that's all.

Could we make a recommendation from our... Our committee?

What was your recommendation? Okay. One was how long has the bus been in service? I made my recommendation to the top manager. That's it?

I have a motion to bring a recommendation not to renew it at all. I second that.

That's a good way to get things, recommendations from the committee to the commission because that's why they selected us.

And it keeps it in the forefront of their discussion.

But the recommendation... It was already on their agenda. It's obviously on their mind.

But it also gives it a push to the director and the committee.

But you'll say the committee also recommended it yourself?

Perfect, okay, thank you. Any other discussion on the school bus? Shocking. I know. 4I, YMCA, YMCA, summer camp week, what number?

Why is it called YMCA Summer Camp Week? Is that just for YMCA? They're the ones hosting our camp, yeah. Oh, all summer or just for? All summer, yeah. So the new summer spring. Oh, we bring back the space. Is that something new? It used to be just Surfside. They used to be just Surfside, that's correct.

So it's not sort of like counselors, like... Surfside employees know. The teenagers that used to work in the neighborhood at the camp and that type of thing. Oh.

Okay. I'm old. It's an easier environment for the town because they do the hiring and they do all the certifications and they do all the licensing.

So week one equals 20 kids. Is that good? I have no idea.

That is really low. It's pretty low. I don't know. It's pretty low.

So do you sign up, like, for the whole summer or just one week? Weekly, yeah. Weekly.

Compared to previous years, is this 20 number on par, or is it just... Well, every year, after your summer camp, prices go up.

When did YMCA start doing that? Oh, you said COVID.

I don't think it's gone up that much. It seems... I mean, it's a lot. They have to have activities for them all day.

So does he have to pay anything for the YMCA to be in that camp, to be using our facilities?

Well, then we're not losing anything. It's a win-win. We're taking care of the kids. They're taking care of the licensing and qualifications, hiring.

So no matter what, you get paid? So they renew the contract every year?

Last week was the first week anyway. The school just got out.

Was there any more? Were you looking at any other numbers? Or are we good?

I don't know. If we lose our phones, we're in trouble.

We're looking at... I just didn't print anything. This is my computer. Absolutely.

Yeah, I'll read it to you. Okay. I'm just curious. It's not over right now. Okay. New business, you wanted to add the dates.

Yes. So moving on to new business. Item 5A. Item 5A, the July dates.

I wanted to make a recommendation and discussion to cancel the July meeting because of people traveling. For instance, if we didn't have a senior brunch, a senior trip, Memorial Day, no school bus, So what would we be discussing except for 4th of July?

Maybe we should flip these and find out what 4th of July is going to be all about.

Oh, you mean that's after the fact. If you removed the May item from the agenda, for instance, what would you be discussing? Summer camp, how many kids came to summer camp, and that's about it, an introduction of a new staff member.

unless somebody puts something else on the agenda.

Historically, over the last four years, I've been on this committee off and on since a long time, 25 years. Over the last four years, we've canceled meetings in June and July because of people traveling. I drove back from Atlanta to come to this. So in July, I'm expecting another grandchild.

Oh, wow. So you're going to be back in Pennsylvania? Back in.

I just wanted to throw it out there. If I have to be back, I'll help you. I made the motion to cancel the July meeting.

Yes, I mean, since you presented it that way, it makes...

So what you're saying is the commission, the old commission agreed on this?

So when did all the commissioners and the mayor vote on this?

Well, because we need to work together to fix the traffic problem, which is the next. One of the, one of the things we need to fix.

Got it. So that's going to be for our residents. So then at 7,

The fireworks are coming from the jetty. I know. So usually there's like three things going on at once.

So Rudy, what you're saying is... So Rudy, what you're saying is that Festivities start at 10 a.m. No, 2 p.m. 2 to 7 p.m. But I thought you said you have relay races.

Okay, so that's changed. You used to have some stuff going on. Anyway, okay, 2 to 7. And... So nothing's going on on the beach then. You're not closing the beach down for the fireworks like you usually do in front of my condo. Okay, so then now, wait, now my question is, are we going to have the beach concession open then?

Why? Because originally you had the fireworks going on there. Well, let's get it back on then. You're taking the fireworks away from us.

You have it at 102nd Street are the fireworks. What do you mean the concession?

No, because they close the beach down for our fireworks go on right next to, right behind the community center. Right, but now we're not going to have them there. They're at 102nd Street. So we need the beach chairs back as our concession.

No, I'm suggesting that I want my beach chairs back. If we don't have the beach closed, that was the only reason.

They're going to go with the way the beach chairs always run. It's no different. They'll bring their own chairs or set up their tents. But the beach chair program will run the same.

There always is. But isn't it private behind your apartment?

All right. This is, there's only one conversation. Hello. There's only one conversation at a time. So that because this is being recorded, And it's hard when more than one person talks at a time. So, again, my concern is there's no reason to close down the beach chair concession if you're not closing down the beach. That's what would happen.

They're right on the edge, just the same way you always do it. They set up at 10, this starts at 10. They set up at 10, and they close at 6.30.

Where are the vendors going to be located?

I don't see where your vendors and machines are.

He just said they've never operated on July 4th.

I think we should be happy that the three communities are trying to come together because then if we can accomplish one thing, we can accomplish others.

Have you attended the 4th of July festivities?

Yes, I said I've been living here 24 years.

I know, but it doesn't mean that you attend everything.

Do you have a comment? Yes. Why don't you share with the committee, and I'll follow up the second question, the cost of fireworks and the drone show. Good question. And then we might have a question.

Okay. So we have $95,000 into this. Who's paying for it? Parks and Recreation and, well, tourism. Sparkside Tourism? Totally. 100%. Yes, sir.

They're joining. I know. They're joining the two fireworks.

Well, we used to shoot from a barge, which was much better.

So we're not saving any money by combining... No, but... by moving the fireworks and drones show to 102nd Street, we're not saving any money. We have to get up and move and walk up to 100.

But the fireworks are going on at 102nd. So where is everybody supposed to go?

The viewing is, so, how many chairs are there? Who's setting up the chairs there?

So we're supposed to move from the community center and move up.

Right, right. It just doesn't seem right. I didn't make the point.

Well, the mayor and the commissioner just don't. Like you said, they're trying to, the mayor's trying to work through a free town so we can get something done.

Yeah. So, the residents from Surfside are supposed to get up at 7 and move to 96th Street.

And... Where does Bay Harbor Islands come into play?

And they sold free to Surfside? And Bell Harbor?

Because they have their own activities. So the unity is between Bay Harbor and Surfside? Okay, or if there's fireworks in the drone show, if Bell Harbor's doing the food truck and band and whatnot?

So at 102nd Street, the jetty, Bell Harbor's hosting their own private food and beverages and and seats for Bell Harbor residents only.

But after a certain location, no one but Bell Harbor residents are allowed.

And all the fireworks are actually going off in Bell Harbor. At the jetty. Now let's see the participation there. So how are you communicating this to the residents that always come?

Does the community center close at 7 p.m.?

So what will your assistance be at 96th Street?

You have lifeguards at 7 o'clock at night?

I thought you were talking about the... He's just talking about the beach. Yeah, the beach.

No, I'm talking about the whole community center. Because usually everything went on until 9.

I think you really need to spell this out, then, for everybody.

No, I mean, on the flyer, I'm just saying, you really need to spell it out that You know, what's going on at the community center, and then moving on to 96th Street and the beach, and then fireworks going off at 102nd Street, but we can't be involved with that. It's for Bell Harbor residents only. I mean, these are questions that we can have.

It's no different than Bell Harbor residents aren't coming to our events from 2 to 7. They're not.

But you're not allowed to go there. You can see that from everywhere. You can see it from 93rd. The truth is, the best place to stay is 96th because in the past you could see Surfside and Bell Harbor at the same time. You could turn your head back and forth. Now you don't have to turn your head back and forth. You're good. Just try it one time.

Obviously, this is the way it's going to be. I'm just saying, please make it really... distinct in whatever flyer because people are coming up to me asking me questions and I wasn't clear about it till right now. So that's it. Just please be real clear about where our residents can go and where things are going on. Thank you.

I'm not so sure about that. I'm going to talk to somebody.

It's not totally blocked off. It's never... Have you ever been there?

There's never a problem. It would be the same as every other day.

I have to say, with the increase of the public from everywhere coming to Miami Beach, Surfside, Bay Harbor, Bow Harbor, I would say there would be a slight increase to the amount of people that are on the beach, not in the community center, but on the beach, that it could cause.

It doesn't take up a lot of space. That's all I'm saying.

Maybe you could speak to the chief. Chief doesn't... Chief doesn't...

No, no, no. I'm just saying for your recommendation of safety equipment and fire rescue.

The safety equipment is always there. Did you want to vote on this? Like I have a motion to discuss the beach chairs?

Or like a motion to bring it up? To be honest, I'm totally fine with that.

I'd rather do some more investigation on my own and get some facts.

But you can make... No, I'm just... It's just a discussion item. It's nothing that...

The director recommended that it not happen, so I would go with what the director's...

Well, I want to do some investigation. I want to get some facts. So that's... So are we finished with that discussion on 4th of July? Anything else? And so then the next meeting will not be July 20th. When will the next meeting be?

Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.

Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.