Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

Youth Center - Conference Room

Agenda — 18 items

1. 1 CALL TO ORDER
2. 2 ROLL CALL
3. 2 The meeting was called to order at 8:21 a.m.
4. 3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
5. 4 DIRECTOR'S REPORT
6. 4 Present: Maite Halley Richard Smit Jennifer Marques Kirk Menendez Michelle White Vanessa Gutierrez Absent: Erik Rodriguez
7. 5 a. General Updates. Director Couceyro provided a comprehensive update on recent initiatives, Commission actions, operational changes, and upcoming projects. Director Couceyro began by informing the Board of recent presentations made at the City Commission meeting, including several items related to golf course operations. A key update included the transition to a new golf course maintenance contractor, BrightView, which will assume maintenance responsibilities under a one-year waiver agreement. Following this period, the City intends to pursue a formal bid process to evaluate long-term service options. Director Couceyro explained that this transition prompted a broader evaluation of departmental fees, as the new contractor provides a higher level of service, including additional fertilization, aeration, and turf management practices. As part of the Department’s standard five-year financial planning cycle, most fees will follow an increase pattern of 5% every other year. However, certain programs particularly golf and select recreational offerings required more significant adjustments due to operational costs. These changes are intended to better align pricing with demand, as the course currently experiences high usage levels, with approximately 67,000 rounds annually well above recommended capacity. The Director noted that the goal moving forward is to reduce rounds to approximately 50,000 to preserve course quality. Additional golf-related improvements include a planned $150,000 capital investment to renovate all tee boxes, which will coincide with the new maintenance contract. The Director emphasized that increased revenues will be reinvested directly into course enhancements. Director Couceyro also discussed significant changes to the golf membership structure. Existing memberships, which previously allowed for unlimited play at very low per-round costs, will be replaced with a Country Club membership model. The new structure will include 30 rounds annually, discounted rates for additional rounds, priority tee times and Athletic Club access with total memberships capped at 100. This change is intended to balance accessibility with sustainability and equitable course usage. Staffing updates were also provided. The Director announced several internal promotions, including the appointment of a new manager at the Adult Activity Center and the promotion of Danays Silva to a supervisory role. One remaining supervisory vacancy at the Youth Center is currently being recruited. Director Couceyro noted that the Department continues to prioritize internal advancement opportunities while navigating challenges in external recruitment. Director Couceyro also proudly announced that the Department’s Special Events Manager, Susan Lainfiesta, was named Employee of the Year, recognizing her exceptional contributions and leadership in delivering large-scale community events. Budget preparation efforts are currently underway, with the Department developing multiple financial scenarios in anticipation of potential statewide property tax changes. Staff are evaluating operational efficiencies and potential reductions of up to 4% without impacting personnel, which presents unique challenges given the Department’s service-oriented nature. b. Special Events. Director Couceyro updates on upcoming events and programming. The David Lawrence Jr. and Family Park dedication ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, with transportation logistics in place due to limited on-site parking. A trolley system will transport attendees from designated parking locations. Additional upcoming events including: i. AAC Shamrock Spring Celebration, Friday, March 13th ii. David Lawrence Jr & Family Park Dedication, Saturday, March 14 iii. Summer Camp Open House, Saturday, March 14 iv. Bike and BBQ, Sunday, March 15th v. Country Club Easter Brunch, Sunday, March 29 vi. Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 4 vii. Accessible Recreation Gentle Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 4 viii. Farmers Market ongoing through March 28th ix. AAC Variety Show, Friday, April 17 c. C.I.P Updates. Director Couceyro provided a detailed update on ongoing and planned capital improvement projects. Phillips Park construction is progressing, with playground installation underway and turf work expected to begin soon. Board Member Vanessa Gutierrez brought up a concern regarding the contractor leaving the front entrance gates open at Phillips Park. Director Couceyro directed staff to notify the contractor to advise them the gates must be locked once they leave. Director Couceyro continued his report by sharing the Youth Center, ADA improvements are already in progress, including enhancements to entrances, restrooms, and interior accessibility features. Additional updates included upcoming shelter construction at Granada Golf Course and continued planning efforts for the gondola building and Rotary Park improvements, with anticipated construction timelines aligned with potential grant funding. The Department is also developing a master plan for the Granada Golf Course, including the maintenance barn, tennis facility, and Boy Scout House. Potential improvements include structural renovations, ADA compliance upgrades. Included in this discussion was the potential addition of pickleball courts at the Country Club tennis facility. The Director noted that pickleball was previously identified as a desired amenity in earlier planning discussions and continues to be considered due to its growing popularity and demand within the community. The concept under review includes the addition of two pickleball courts as part of a larger reconfiguration of the site. Director Couceyro explained that the feasibility of incorporating pickleball courts is directly tied to the condition and future of the existing tennis facilities. As part of the master plan, they will evaluate whether the current structure should be renovated or replaced entirely. Director Couceyro noted that future planning will consider how the tennis and potential pickleball amenities align with the Country Club membership model, including access, programming, and long-term operational sustainability. While no final decisions have been made, pickleball remains a strong consideration as part of the Department’s effort to expand recreational offerings and respond to evolving community interests. Director Couceyro also discussed the implementation of a citywide flagpole initiative, prioritizing larger parks and integrating installations into existing projects to ensure proper infrastructure and compliance with lighting requirements.
8. 6 NEW BUSINESS
9. 6 A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY MEETING MINUTES WAS MADE BY BOARD MEMBER KIRK MENENDEZ AND SECONDED BY VICE CHAIRPERSON MAITE HALLEY. ALL IN FAVOR; PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Vice Chairperson Maite Halley began the meeting by commending Administrative Operations Manager Rodriguez for the quality and thoroughness of the minutes.
10. 7 OLD BUSINESS
11. 8 DISCUSSION ITEMS
12. 9 ITEMS FROM THE SECRETARY
13. 10 Next meeting date Friday, April 17th at 8:15 a.m.
14. 10 Chairperson Jennifer Marques inquired about the feasibility of restructuring the existing half-day camp programs into a full-day option by combining morning and afternoon sessions. The intent would be to provide families with a more comprehensive camp experience while maximizing use of the facility and increasing program participation. Assistant Director Espino responded that a pilot full-day golf camp will be implemented during the upcoming spring break session. The proposed structure includes morning golf instruction, followed by lunch and recreational activities such as supervised pool time at the Country Club. Assistant Director Espino further explained that current limitations at the Country Club, including space constraints, staffing ratios, and safety requirements, present challenges in expanding programming capacity. At this time, camp enrollment is intentionally capped at a smaller group size to ensure appropriate supervision and maintain quality of instruction. Chairperson Jennifer Marques noted the Summer golf camps were not being offered as a full day online or two half day options. Director Couceyro instructed staff to look into the matter as this may be a typo online.
15. 11 ADJOURNMENT
16. 12 NOTE
17. 12 Board Member Kirk Menendez inquired about the Request for Proposals (RFP) for soccer. Assistant Director Pichardo provided an update on the soccer Request for Proposals (RFP) process which is currently under the cone of silence. The RFP has been formally issued and remains open for the standard 30-day solicitation period. Following the submission deadline, proposals will be evaluated by a selection committee in accordance with procurement procedures. Assistant Director Pichardo explained that the RFP is structured to establish a multi-year agreement, typically consisting of an initial three-year term with options for renewal based on performance. The process is being conducted through the City’s procurement division, and all related documents and timelines are publicly available. Director Couceyro provided an update on the proposed dog park at 520 University Drive. Staff have completed the public engagement process as directed by the City Commission, which included a community meeting, written comment cards, and email correspondence submitted by residents. All feedback is currently being compiled into a comprehensive summary that will be presented to the Commission for consideration. Director Couceyro explained that the purpose of the community meeting was to present the conceptual design and gather public input, rather than to finalize design elements. Approximately 40 to 50 residents attended the meeting, with 15 individuals providing public comment. Of those who spoke, the majority expressed opposition to the proposed location, while a smaller number voiced support for the project or for dog park amenities in general. Director Couceyro reiterated that staff’s role is to compile and present all feedback in an objective manner, without recommendation, as instructed by the City Commission. The final report will include attendance records, a summary of verbal comments, and a full compilation of written submissions. The Commission will review the information and determine whether to proceed with the project.
18. 17 The meeting was adjourned at 9:22 a.m.