| REPORT: |
Assistant County Manager Alina Hudak read the foregoing proposed discussion item into the record.
Commissioner Heyman asked whether operation of Pinecrest Gardens would interfere with its State and County funding sources or obligations connected to them. She inquired whether the County might be violating any federal/state guidelines or whether the County might be forced to reimburse the monies.
Assistant County Manager Hudak replied that it would not be violating any federal/state guidelines.
Beverly Mirman D.P.A., Director of the Office of Safe Neighborhood Parks, explained that because funds allocated by a 1996 Safe Neighborhood Parks (SNP) bond ordinance were insufficient to purchase Pinecrest Gardens, the Village of Pinecrest donated $1.8 million. The 1996 SNP did not prohibit the gardens from charging admission fees, she said. She added that municipality and County parks charge admission fees.
Commissioner Heyman pointed out that the admission fee was consistent for all locations. She questioned whether concerns regarding the use of the property as a fire station had been resolved.
In response, Ms. Donnell Rodriguez stated that the SNP bond requirements governing use prohibited it as a fire station.
Commissioner Heyman stated that hopefully this discussion would negate rumors generated by articles in the Miami Herald and other publications.
Commissioner Souto asked that the Parks and Recreation Department Director Vivian Donnell Rodriguez in cooperation with Assistant County Manager Alina Hudak arrange for members of the County Commission and for members of the Recreation and Cultural Affairs Committee to visit Miami-Dade County parks, libraries, museums and other recreational facilities.
Commenting on his observation of Tropical Park boxing facilities, Chairperson Souto requested expansion of the PARD boxing program, including the addition of 2 to 3 boxing centers. He also suggested encouraging spectatorship free of charge.
Chairperson Souto said that the County should solicit help to repair parks from wealthy corporations with which it transacts business.
Ms. Donnell Rodriguez said that PARD would investigate both the possibility of such sponsorships and the placement on the GOB list regarding expanding the boxing program. |
