VOLUSIA COUNTY ECHO ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Vvv January

volusia county echo advisory committee meeting minutes vvv january 23, 2018 members: staff: damien richards, chair carmen hal

VOLUSIA COUNTY ECHO ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
vvv
January 23, 2018
MEMBERS: STAFF:
Damien Richards, Chair Carmen Hall, Operations Manager
Gerard Pendergast, Vice Chair Shannon Eller, Assistant County Attorney
Pam Clayton Jill Marcum, Administrative Coordinator
Larry Donnelly
Carol Johnson
Patricia Northey
Cyndi Ritchey
Regina Santilli
Catherine Storch
18-07: Sports Complex Field Lighting
City of Ormond Beach
700 Hull Rd.
Ormond Beach, Florida 32174
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Damien Richards called the meeting to order at 8:34 a.m.
INITIAL STAFF COMMENTS
Ms. Carmen Hall notified the Advisory Committee that the Little
Theatre of New Smyrna Beach had withdrawn their application.
INSTRUCTIONS FROM LEGAL
Ms. Shannon Eller reminded the committee that the meeting was subject
to the Sunshine Law and that questions or discussions were not allowed
outside of the meeting.
WELCOME/ROLL CALL
Chair Richards welcomed everyone to the meeting and roll was called.
Member Carol Johnson was absent.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION:
Paul McDonald explained that passive recreation was very important to
the city of Ormond Beach, stating that the city has invested 7.7
million dollars over the last ten years to add amenities including
lighting, field house, bleachers, press box, parking, all access
playground and more to the park. The current need is for additional
lighting for fields currently underused due to the lack of lighting.
The proposed ECHO project will add LED lighting to baseball field 3
and soccer fields 1, 2 and 3.
COMMITTEE QUESTIONS:
Ms. Cyndi Ritchey asked if there was lighting on baseball fields 1 & 2
already. Mr. McDonald explained that there was lighting currently on
those fields.
Chair Richards adjourned the meeting at 8:42 a.m.
18-11: Ormond Beach YMCA
Community Aquatic & Park Project
Volusia/Flagler YMCA
500 Sterthaus Dr.
Ormond Beach, Florida 32174
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Chair Damien Richards called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Roll
was called. Member Carol Johnson was absent.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION:
Teresa Rand, CEO Volusia/Flagler YMCA took the advisory committee on a
tour of the site to show them the past and current projects and how
the new project will fit in. The project application is for the third
phase of the Ormond YMCA project, it will include a splash pad and an
all-inclusive playground
Ms. Rand showed the group where the splash pad would be located and
let them know that it had been plumbed underground during the first
phase of the project. She explained that they had chosen to use a
dancing water program for the pad.
The committee was then taken to the playground site, she explained
that the few pieces that had been in the area had recently been
removed due to safety issues.
COMMITTEE QUESTIONS:
Mr. Larry Donnelley asked for information regarding planned parking.
Ms. Rand explained that there would be additional parking added as a
part of the current phase II project, the dog park.
Ms. Cyndi Ritchey said that the application included a $9,000 check
and couldn’t determine what the check was for. Ms. Rand stated that
the explanation for the discrepancy in the package was handed out at
the beginning of the meeting.
Ms. Ritchey asked for an explanation of the general requirements line
item in the budget actually represented. Ms. Rand stated that the
majority was for contractor fees, permitting and retention. She said
that she would review it and be prepared to discuss it at the
afternoon meeting.
Chair Richards explained that the specific application questions
should be asked at the afternoon meeting.
Chair Richards adjourned the meeting at 9:18 a.m.
18-09: Timothy Pollard Memorial Park Renovations
Town of Ponce Inlet
4680 S. Peninsula Dr.
Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Chair Damien Richards called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. Roll
was called. Member Carol Johnson was absent.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION:
Theresa Brooks informed the committee that the independent auditor’s
report disclosed an uncertainty regarding future litigation. Ms.
Brooks provided copies of page 3 of the auditor’s report highlighting
the information and explained that since the audit was completed in
2016 there has been a significant update. Ms. Brooks introduced
Jeanine Witte, Town Manager who told the committee that in June 2017
the 5th District Court of Appeals overturned the Circuit Court ruling
against the town on the liability case along with the final judgment,
which at the time was determined to be 33 million. There will be a
separate case for determination if there is a case to pursue at all.
She expressed confidence that the City would win.
Amy Zengotita, Cultural Services Manager, informed the committee that
this is the only town park. Ms. Zengotita walked the committee to show
them the area for the proposed changes to the park. The application
project is to remove the skate park and change it to a racquet ball
court which can also be used for tennis and pickle ball. Further
portions of the project are to construct 2 playground areas one for
children 3 - 5 the other for children 6 – 12, a restroom, 2 more
pickle ball courts, full sized basketball court, covered pavilion and
a walkway connecting the pieces. The project will include LED lighting
throughout.
COMMITTEE QUESTIONS:
Ms. Northey stated that the Town was taking out the skate park due to
demographics but building playgrounds. She asked for an explanation of
how those two actions matched up. Ms. Zengotita explained that there
were a lot of small children, mostly visiting their grandparents that
would use the playground and that the skate park usage had fallen
drastically.
Ms. Ritchey said that she noticed that the survey they provided
clearly showed that the skate park was wanted by the survey
participants. She asked if the reason that usage had gone down might
be because the condition of the park had deteriorated. Ms. Zengotita
said that was something they took into consideration when making the
decision, but after continued observation they decided that the usage
was not great enough to keep it.
Chair Richards adjourned the meeting at 10:13 a.m.
18-05: Alonzo “Babe” James Splash Park
City of New Smyrna Beach
201 N. Myrtle Ave.
New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32168
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Chair Damien Richards called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. Roll
was called. Member Carol Johnson was absent.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION:
Nancy Maddox, Leisure Services Director welcomed the group to the Babe
James Center and explained some of the activities that take place in
the Center. Ms. Maddox then led the Committee out to the proposed
project site.
Michelle Vallance, Construction Management described the details of
the project, explaining that they were still in the conceptual stages
of the project and had not decided where the splash pad would be
placed. She said that they were reviewing different styles of water
spray features for the pad. Ms. Vallance said that the project would
bring additional site improvements such as a sidewalk connector to the
parking lot. She expressed the desire to save as many of the trees as
possible and stated that would influence where they decided to put the
splash pad.
Ms. Vallance said that there were some future ideas to bring
additional site improvements such as restrooms and/or picnic tables.
Ms. Maddox stated that the Babe James Center averages 65 – 75 children
after school and 150 children for the summer program.
Ms. Maddox said they had met with only one aquatics group at that time
but would meet with others if the grant was awarded. She described the
flooring media that would be used for the pad as a covered concrete.
Ms. Maddox stated that the park will be well utilized, but, as this is
the first splash pad in the area they were unable to predict exactly
the usage numbers but that a splash pad was requested at nearly every
public meeting.
COMMITTEE QUESTIONS:
Pat Northey asked about the healthy snacks offered in the children’s
programs and whether or not it was a part of the Council of Aging. Ms.
Maddox explained that they provided fruit, yogurt and other healthy
snacks for the children. She stated that the city does not participate
in the Council of Aging program.
Catherine Storch asked if there would be fencing. Ms. Vallance said
that they would likely fence in the area for safety reasons and that
the engineers would design the fencing. She said that it would
definitely be secured within the park.
Ms. Northey asked if there was a ratio of square ft. per number of
kids expected to use it when it is being developed. Ms. Vallance said
that she was sure that aquatics groups had that kind of information.
Chair Richards adjourned the meeting at 11:10 a.m.
18-10 DeLand Family YMCA Playground
Volusia/Flagler YMCA
761 W. International Speedway Blvd.
DeLand, Florida 32724
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Chair Damien Richards called the meeting to order at 11:55 a.m. Roll
was called. Member Carol Johnson was absent.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION:
Theresa Rand, President/CEO Volusia-Flagler YMCA, led the group
through the facility to the play area. Ms. Rand explained that the
playground had several pieces of play equipment that had to be removed
for safety issues. The project will replace the old play equipment
with new modern play structures, add a water fountain and replace the
fence.
Ms. Rand took the committee on a tour of the DeLand Facility
explaining the amenities of the site and allowing the committee to see
the splash pad that had been funded by a previous ECHO award.
COMMITTEE QUESTIONS:
Pat Northey asked what kind of media would be used for the area. Ms.
Rand stated that there were several types allowed for child play
around the equipment and the rest of the field will be for open grass
play.
Pat Northey asked how the Y decided which sites that will apply to
ECHO. Ms. Rand said that they had a committee that made those
decisions.
Chair Richards adjourned the meeting at 12:12 p.m.
18-02: Sperling Sports Complex Expansion
City of DeLand
1300 Matt Fair Blvd.
DeLand, Florida 32724
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Chair Damien Richards called the meeting to order at 12:25 p.m. Roll
was called. Member Carol Johnson was absent.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION:
Theresa Brooks let the committee know that the clean hands issues had
been cleared up and all bills paid. She stated that the Impact Fees
listed in the budget sheet would be removed from the ECHO portion of
the budget and that she would submit a revised budget at the meeting.
Rick Hall, DeLand Parks & Recreation Director stated that the
activities in the city and most of West Volusia County have grown
significantly as well as the population. He stated that a lot of
younger families were moving into the community and that they are
running out of recreation space. As an example he told the committee
that 4 years ago they had 120 children in the soccer program and now
there are 750. The fields in the application are underused because
there is no lighting, which means that they cannot be used after dark.
He showed the committee the current restrooms explaining that they are
very far away from the fields and the city has found it necessary to
bring in port-o-lets for events. Mr. Hall described the proposed
project, explaining that if approved it will add LED lights on both
unlit fields, a new restroom/concession stand, pavilion, bleachers,
press box and a scoreboard.
COMMITTEE QUESTIONS:
Catherine Storch asked what the overall size of the park is in
acreage. Mr. Hall said that including the parking area it is a 30 acre
park.
Pat Northey asked for the number of fields at the park. Mr. Halll
stated that there were 3 football sized soccer fields, 3 softball
fields, a baseball field, an auxiliary field and a little league
practice area.
Chair Richards adjourned the meeting at 12:35 p.m.
18-06: Colin’s Dream Project
City of Orange City
200 East Blue Springs Ave.
Orange City, Florida 32763
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Chair Damien Richards called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. Roll
was called. Member Carol Johnson was absent.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION:
Theresa Brooks informed the committee that the project was an outdoor
recreation project. She introduced Cassandra Sprague, who is the
mother of Colin Anderson, the young man who lost his life in 2013 due
to a skating accident. Ms. Sprague explained she began fund raising to
build Colin’s Dream project. She raised $100,000.00 and gave the funds
to the city for the project.
Ashley Gay, Park Superintendent, said that the park has a long history
with the city and is an ideal location because most of the city parks
connect with Coleman Park. She explained that there was no place for
skateboarding in Orange City, this project will provide a safe place
for skateboarding.
COMMITTEE QUESTIONS:
Catherine Storch asked how large the park will be when completed. Ms.
Gay stated that the park will be 8,500 square feet.
Pat Northey asked what the youth population in Orange City was at this
time. Dale Arrington, City Manager, stated that she unsure of the
exact number but that the city has one high school and two elementary
schools.
Pat Northey asked if there would be a crossing to Mill Lake Park. Ms.
Arrington, informed the committee that the funds to build one is in
next year’s budget.
Ms. Storch asked if there were restrooms. Ms. Arrington said there
were two restroom facilities across the street.
Ms. Northey asked if children from other communities would be using
the park. Ms. Gay stated that anyone could use it, even people from
outside of Volusia. She stated that Mill Lake Park had a lot of usage
from outside of the area because there are no fees involved.
Chair Richards adjourned the meeting at 2:33 p.m.
18-01: Gateway Park
City of DeBary
860 Charles Richard Beall Blvd.
DeBary, Florida 32713
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Chair Damien Richards called the meeting to order at 2:43 p.m. Roll
was called. Member Carol Johnson was absent.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION:
John Fletcher, City of DeBary Parks & Rec Director, gave the committee
an update on the lease with the State of Florida, letting them know
that a 50 year lease was in progress.
Mr. Fletcher explained that the current playground was 24 years old
and that the city had recently been notified that it is obsolete and
replacement parts are no longer available. In addition, it is not ADA
compliant. Mr. Fletcher went on to describe the proposed project
saying that the new playground would be all-inclusive with a safety
surface and shade cover.
The city will also be installing exercise equipment along the trail
that borders the Gateway Center and the Gateway Park.
COMMITTEE QUESTIONS:
Pat Northey asked what kind of surface media would be used for the
playground. Mr. Fletcher answered that they would use poured in place
in ground system.
Ms. Northey asked if the poured in place surface drained well. Mr.
Fletcher replied that it was a pervious material and would drain very
well.
Cyndi Ritchey asked how old the current playground was. Mr. Fletcher
stated that DeBary had inherited their parks from Volusia County and
that records showed that the playground was at least 24 years old.
Catherine Storch asked if the pavilion and barbeque grill would be
staying in the park. Mr. Fletcher agreed that it would.
Chair Richards adjourned the meeting at 3:01 p.m.
18-04: Thornby H.E.R.E.
City of Deltona
110 Providence Blvd.
Deltona, Florida 32725
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Chair Damien Richards called the meeting to order at 3:08 p.m. Roll
was called. Member Carol Johnson was absent.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION:
Scott McGrath City of Deltona Planner, addressed the problems with the
application, acknowledging that the new documentation cannot be a part
of the application. Mr. McGrath explained that there are a few budget
changes that lowered amount requested from ECHO.
Mr. McGrath led the committee on a walk through the proposed trail,
showing them where the amenities would be located along the trail. The
proposed project includes a boardwalk, benches, outdoor classroom and
an overlook.
He stated that, if approved, the trail will connect with the river to
sea loop.
COMMITTEE QUESTIONS:
Pat Northey asked if there would be any signage. Mr. McGrath said that
there were 25 informational signs planned, both environmental and
historical. He explained that the city was working with the Audubon
Society and the Enterprise Preservation Society to design the signs.
Chair Richards adjourned the meeting at 3:38 p.m.
18-03: The Center at Deltona
City of Deltona
1640 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.
Deltona, Florida 32725
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Chair Damien Richards called the meeting to order at 3:58 p.m. Roll
was called. Member Carol Johnson was absent.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION:
Chris Bowley, Planning & Development Services Director, described the
proposed project explaining that they wanted to enhance sidewalk
network to bring community together and increase pedestrian
connectivity by extending the sidewalk from The Center to Summit Hill
Drive. Mr. Bowley showed the committee another sidewalk running along
the back of the building stating that a community garden with 5
planter boxes and a trellis would be part of the ECHO project. He
expressed the need to improve the landscaping in that area as well.
Mr. Bowley led the group into building and explained the different
areas and their uses. Mr. Bowley showed the committee the auditorium,
stating that it could be used for performing arts and as conference
center. He explained that another portion of the project would be to
provide back drops for plays and other activities held in the
auditorium.
COMMITTEE QUESTIONS:
Reggie Santilli asked what kind of events have been held to date. Mr.
Bowley stated that that The Center had hosted a comedy show and a
brunch.
Pat Northey mentioned that there was a wedding show coming up.
Catherine Storch asked about the smoking area outside the lobby
entrance. She asked if it could be removed. Mr. Bowley replied that it
was designed for a smoking area but could be changed.
Ms. Storch asked if the building was green. Mr. Bowley stated that it
was a US Green Building with Silver Status. He stated that they would
register when they installed the solar panels.
Gerard Pendergast asked for the total cost of the Center and Mr.
Bowley replied that it had cost 8.9 million dollars.
Mr. Pendergast asked if any other grants were involved in the funding.
Mr. Bowley said they had received a Community Block Development Grant
and a grant from the Council on Aging.
Chair Richards adjourned the meeting at 4:18 p.m.
ECHO Grant Eligibility Meeting
Deltona Regional Library
2150 Eustace Ave.
Deltona, Florida 32725
RECONVENE/ROLL CALL
Chair Damien Richards called the meeting to order at 4:22 p.m. Roll
was called. Member Carol Johnson was absent.
Chair Richards explained that the purpose of the meeting was to
determine if the application met the technical requirements to be
moved forward. Chair Richards went on to state that the committee
would address the issues that staff brought up that are necessary to
get on to the grading meeting that is next month. He said that the
current meeting was to gain the approval of staff and legal to move
the applications forward.
Carmen Hall, Community Services Operations Manager, requested that the
Advisory Committee discuss applications 18-10 and 18-11 first because
the YMCA has a scheduling conflict.
Ms. Hall informed the committee that the YMCA had withdrawn the change
in scope request for the current Dog Park project.
Ms. Hall stated that staff would like to add an additional time
extension request from Enterprise Preservation Society.
APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 24, 2017 MINUTES
Catherine Storch made a MOTION “To approve the minutes of the October
24, 2017 meeting”. Gerard Pendergast seconded the motion. The motion
carried unanimously.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
18-10 Volusia/Flagler YMCA DeLand – Playground
Chairman Damien Richards stated that the staff review noted that the
applicant’s Clean Hands Report showed outstanding property taxes. He
asked Ms. Hall if the issue had been resolved. Ms. Hall explained that
applicants have until the County Council presentation to resolve all
Clean Hands issues.
Pat Northey made a MOTION “To approve eligibility for the
Volusia/Flagler YMCA DeLand”. Ms. Storch seconded the motion. The
motion carried unanimously.
Chair Richards called for Committee Member comments.
Larry Donnelly asked if a site has an ECHO sign from a previous
project was there a need to have a second one. Ms. Hall stated that if
directed by the committee the requirement could be changed as long as
the sign is at the same site.
Cyndi Ritchey said that she noted the signs range in price from
$1,500.00 – $8,000.00 and if there was a reason for the difference in
cost. Ms. Hall explained that the difference is due to the materials
the grantee chooses to use, she said that the guide specifies what
size, information and gives examples of approved materials. She went
on to say that the only time a different size was allowed was if it
was a historical project.
18-11 Volusia/Flagler YMCA Ormond Beach – Playground and Splash Pad
Chairman Damien Richards stated that the staff review noted that the
applicant’s application was missing required back up information for
$4,150.00 in previously spent cash, and that the budget detail chart
totals were incorrect. He asked Ms. Hall if the issue had been
resolved. Ms. Hall stated that the YMCA submitted documentation on
site to clear up the issue.
Catherine Storch made a MOTION “To approve eligibility for the
Volusia/Flagler YMCA Ormond Beach”. Pat Northey seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
18-01 City of Debary - Gateway Park
Chairman Damien Richards stated that the staff review noted that the
applicant’s current lease expires in 2045 but should expire in 2048.
He asked Ms. Hall if the issue had been resolved. Ms. Hall said that
documentation was provided on site to show that the city is in the
process of updating to a 50 year lease.
Ms. Northey made a MOTION “To approve eligibility for the City of
DeBary”. Reggie Santilli seconded the motion. The motion carried
unanimously.
18-02 City of DeLand – Sperling Sports Complex
Chairman Damien Richards stated that the staff review noted that the
impact fees included in the budget were an ineligible expense. He
asked Ms. Hall if the issue had been resolved. Ms. Hall stated that
paperwork was submitted on site to resolve the problem.
Pat Northey made a MOTION “To approve eligibility for the City of
DeLand”. Cyndi Ritchey seconded the motion. The motion carried
unanimously.
18-03 City of Deltona - The Center at Deltona
Chairman Damien Richards stated that the staff review noted that the
application was missing required back up documentation for previously
spent cash, it requires a copy of the work order, invoice and checks.
He stated that staff review also noted that installation of
landscaping and irrigation systems were not eligible ECHO expenses. He
asked Ms. Hall if the issue had been resolved. Ms. Hall said that the
previously spent cash documentation was submitted for the entire
project but could not be narrowed down to show which expenses are
specific to the ECHO project but that they definitely exceeded the
amount of required match. She stated that, per the city the
landscaping and irrigation systems discussed in narrative will be paid
with match funds.
Chris Bowley, City of Deltona, affirmed.
Pat Northey made a MOTION “To approve eligibility for the City of
Deltona”. Catherine Storch seconded the motion. The motion carried
unanimously.
18-04 City of Deltona - Thornby H.E.R.E.
Chairman Damien Richards stated that the staff review noted that land
match exceeded the 25% allowed and that backup documentation for the
match was missing from the application. He asked Ms. Hall if the issue
had been resolved. Ms. Hall stated that information had been submitted
on site and while a review would be required, that she was comfortable
moving forward at this time.
Chairman Richards asked if there would be enough time to get a
resolution before review.
Mr. Bowley, City of Deltona, stated that they would have the
resolution prior to the Grant Review Panel Meeting.
Ms. Northey asked if the application should be moved forward on the
condition that the city rectified the problems. Ms. Hall agreed that
was necessary.
Pat Northey made a MOTION “To approve eligibility for City of Deltona
on the condition that the applicant provides a resolution.” Reggie
Santilli seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
18-05 City of New Smyrna Beach – Alonzo “Babe” James Splash Park
Chairman Damien Richards stated that the staff review noted that the
application indicated a completion date of May 2018. He asked Ms. Hall
if the issue had been resolved. Ms. Hall said that the information to
clarify the completion date had been submitted on site.
Ms. Storch made a MOTION “To approve eligibility for the City of New
Smyrna Beach”. Pat Northey seconded the motion. The motion carried
unanimously.
18-06 City of Orange City – Colin’s Dream Project
Chairman Damien Richards stated that the staff review noted that the
application did not state the ECHO category. He asked Ms. Hall if the
issue had been resolved. Ms. Hall confirmed that the necessary
information had been submitted on site.
Cyndi Ritchey made a MOTION “To approve eligibility for the City of
Orange City”. Reggie Santilli seconded the motion. The motion carried
unanimously.
18-07 City of Ormond Beach – Sports Complex Field Lighting
Chairman Damien Richards stated that the staff review noted that the
city had unpaid property taxes. He asked Ms. Hall if the issue had
been resolved. Ms. Hall explained that applicants have until the
County Council presentation to resolve all clean hands issues.
Pat Northey made a MOTION “To approve eligibility for the City of
Ormond Beach”. Cyndi Ritchey seconded the motion. The motion carried
unanimously.
18-08 Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach – APPLICATION WITHDRAWN BY
APPLICANT
18-09 Town of Ponce Inlet – Timothy Pollard Park
Chairman Damien Richards stated that the staff review noted that there
was a discrepancy in contingency amounts in their budget chart. He
asked Ms. Hall if the issue had been resolved. Ms. Hall stated that
the Town had supplied the necessary information on site.
Catherine Storch made a MOTION “To approve eligibility for the Town of
Ponce Inlet”. Pat Northey seconded the motion. The motion carried
unanimously.
STAFF REPORT
Ms. Hall provided copy of the FY 16/17 Annual Report to the Advisory
Committee and briefly went over the information it contained. The
report included the number of new grants as well as the number of
closed grants, the application changes and new committee member
appointments.
Pat Northey asked for the status of the Dutton House Restoration
project, stating that the last information received was that Historic
DeLand, Inc. was planning to meet with the City of DeLand to see if
they were interested in taking the project over. Ms. Hall stated that
she was working with them and that they had until February 2nd to
provide a plan of action.
Larry Donnelly made a MOTION “To approve the FY 16/17 Annual Report”.
Reggie Santilli seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
ECHO Grant 14-04 City of New Smyrna Beach, Otter Lake Park
Nancy Maddox, New Smyrna Beach Leisure Services Director, gave a short
presentation outlining the necessity of a time extension for the Otter
Lake Park project. She went over the timeline of the project
explaining that the initial bids received were well over budget, so
the city rejected them and rebid the project. The city awarded the
project to a contractor in 2017. To date the project is at 50%
completion, the land has been cleared and they expect to finish the
project in April of 2018. They are requesting an extension through
July 30, 2018.
Pat Northey asked for information regarding the project amenities. Ms.
Maddox described the project saying that it would include an entrance
and parking area at Otter Blvd, a picnic pavilion with restrooms,
picnic tables, benches, bike racks and trash/pet receptacles. The site
will provide access to the multi-use trail.
Ms. Storch stated that initially it was a much bigger project, but it
had to be reduced.
Ms. Maddox explained that the biggest issue was that the planned
entrance from Pioneer Trail would add $500,000.00 to the project.
Chair Richards asked for a clarification of the award and asked if
there was any guideline for keeping a project open that long. Ms. Hall
explained that when a project was awarded they had 730 days from the
Notice to Proceed to complete the project. She said that if it were
necessary the grantee could request an extension of up to 365 days,
which staff can approve. Ms. Hall said that after the 365 days any
request for extension must be brought to the Advisory Committee and to
County Council for approval.
Reggie Santilli made a MOTION “To recommend extending the contract
through July 30, 2018”. Pat Northey seconded the motion. The motion
carried unanimously.
ECHO Grant 14-06 Enterprise Preservation Society, Enterprise Heritage
Center
Ed Sullivan, Enterprise Preservation Society Board Chairman, gave a
presentation explaining the need for a time extension to complete the
project. He stated that while the Center has been open for 3 years the
project is not complete. Mr. Sullivan explained that they needed to
apply for the permits required to complete the front plaza, benches,
bike racks and flag pole. He informed the committee that the flag pole
had been donated and the contractor was donating ½ of his time to be
used as in-kind match for the project. Mr. Sullivan said that he felt
confident that the project would be completed within the first half of
the year. They are requesting an extension through July 30, 2018.
Ms. Northey stated that she had followed this project from the
inception, and that it was a totally community driven project with all
workers being volunteers. She complimented the Center stating that it
was a beautiful building and that she had attended several events held
at the site.
Gerard Pendergast asked the amounts of the original grant. Mr.
Sullivan explained that they received a grant in 2005 for the amount
of $80,000.00 to move the schoolhouse to its current site, in 2008
they received a grant in the amount of $140,000.00 for site work
including paving, retention ponds and drainage and in 2014 they
received a grant in the amount of $41,000.00 for interior restoration
and an exterior plaza. The interior phase of the 2014 project is
complete the walls and floors have been stripped and refinished, air
conditioner has been replaced and the ADA ramp has been constructed.
The exterior phase of the project is for the plaza which includes
benches, bike racks and a flagpole.
Mr. Sullivan stated that it was a beautiful building and just one of
the many things ECHO has saved from disappearing. Ms. Hall told the
committee that they have expended $29,500.00 so far and have made
progress in the last grant.
Cyndi Ritchey made a MOTION “To recommend extending the contract
through July 30, 2018”. Gerard Pendergast seconded the motion. The
motion carried unanimously.
Catherine Storch asked about YMCA Dog Park listed on the agenda. Ms.
Hall said that the YMCA had withdrawn the request, explaining that
they originally wanted to change some of the scope, but after further
review they decided not to make any changes.
Chair Richards asked for further Advisory Committee comments.
Ms. Storch stated that she enjoyed the tour and felt it really helped
the review.
Pat Northey agreed that the tour was a great change in the process.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
John Fletcher, City of DeBary, asked how much money was available and
how much was requested. Ms. Hall replied that with the Little Theatre
pulling out there were more funds available than requested. Mr.
Fletcher invited the Committee to attend the Rob Sullivan Park opening
being held on January 30th.
Ed Sullivan, Enterprise Preservation Society Chairman, expressed
gratitude for the ECHO program and what is has done for Volusia
County. He reminded everyone that it has been nearly 20 years since
ECHO began and stated that it might be time to start asking people to
put together a presentation to show people what has been accomplished.
Pat Northey suggested that they contact county council members and
share comments.
Mr. Pendergast asked what the process to get ECHO on the ballot again
entailed. Ms. Northey stated that there has to be an initiative to
take it to council and that a grass roots effort is the best way to do
that.
Ms. Ritchey noted that community tour of projects, similar to the tour
the committee just took, would be a great way to show the projects
off.
Larry Donnelly stated that he didn’t think they could use ECHO fund
for advertising, they would need a benefactor.
Mr. Fletcher, City of DeBary, said that if a tour couldn’t be
arranged, that he thought a comprehensive list of projects by
community would be helpful to show the projects off.
Ms. Hall stated that the information is on the website, organized by
year of award.
Ms. Storch said it would be good to see the activity aspect of the
projects as well.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, Chair Richards
adjourned the meeting at 5:20 p.m.
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