08_19_2020 Parks Advisory Board Meeting
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BOCC
Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Advisory Board
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06iu1W3hw1c

PRESENT:
Anthony Sanchez
Jack Berlin
Nathan Gennara
Joe Guidry, Jr.
Aaron Casteel
Harold Jackson
Rick Tschantz
STAFF:
Rick Valdez
Forest Turbiville
Greg Horwedel
Adrienne Rouse
Dana McDonald


Attendance Sheet Available Upon Request.
I.
WELCOME/CALL TO ORDER
a. This meeting was called to order at 12:00 p.m. by Anthony Sanchez

II.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
a. Seven individuals spoke about return to competition for contact sports and challenges
being faced by athletic leagues.
i. Charlene Linscott, Jess Anderson, Scott Levinson, Jason Johnson, Stephen Smith,
Hope Kennedy, James Kennedy
b. Greg Horwedel addressed several points from the public comments.

III.
PRESENTATIONS
a. Welcome
i. Richard Tschantz and the Board members introduced themselves to each other.

b. Bakas Equestrian Center
i. Forest Turbiville stated that staff has reviewed the plans and provided
comments to Mr. Pepin. A more recent appraisal is required. Over the next
month, a virtual meeting will be help with Mr. Pepin to address staff comments
related to the design and to provide the updated appraisal.

c. COVID-19 Hotel Support
i. Mr. Turbiville informed the Board that county staff are still offering COVID-19
hotel support. The goal is to replace them with a private company by the end of
October.
ii. Jack Berlin inquired about staff quarantine status, and both Mr. Turbiville and
Mr. Valdez provided updates.

d. FUA Update



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i. Rick Valdez informed the Board that a decision has been made to suspend the
plan to present the new FUA to the BOCC. League representatives were
informed. This issue will be revisited in one year.
ACTION ITEM- ADD TO AUGUST 2021 AGENDA
e. Return to Competition Update
i. Mr. Valdez expressed appreciation for public comments. He spoke about
baseball/softball return to competition, acknowledged the challenges being
faces by youth sports organizations, and summarized next steps.
ii. Discussion ensued regarding holding special meetings as more sports go
through the approval process and ways that the public can provide input.
iii. Jack Berlin suggested that the Board members update their Commissioners
about the state of this issue and level of public interest.
iv. Mr. Valdez announced that the baseball/softball return to competition
guidelines were approved during the course of this meeting, effective
immediately.

f. Summer Camp Recap
i. Adrienne Rouse presented data for summer camp participation and shared
COVID-19 safety measures that were initiated this summer.
ii. Mr. Valdez recognized the staff for their efforts during this time, and recognized
Ms. Rouse for her leadership.

g. Adaptive Sports Update
i. Ms. Rouse spoke about two new employees who are Certified Therapeutic
Recreation Specialists. The return to play proposal for adaptive sports is in
review with executive leadership with the goal of resuming play in September.
The department recently joined Move United, a non-profit organization devoted
to sports for those with disabilities.
ii. Mr. Berlin requested an update from Forest Turbiville regarding programming at
Bakas Equestrian Center. Mr. Turbiville informed the Board that activities have
not been taking place at this time, and he is working with the site manager on a
phased reopening plan.

h. Sponsorships
i. Dana McDonald reviewed the proposed sponsorship program.
ii. Mr. Sanchez requested feedback from the two Board members who also serve
on the Friends of the County Parks Board. Mr. Berlin recommended that funds
from this program are deposited into a 501c3 versus a county fund. Joe Guidry,
Jr. agreed with Mr. Berlin and addressed several points from the presentation.
iii. Discussion ensued regarding:
• Who will sell sponsorships
• The approval process
• The sponsorship rates



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• Next steps
iv. Mr. Sanzchez acknowledged Bill Barret for his contribution to this issue.

i. Parks and Recreation FY21 Budget Update
i. Mr. Valdez presented FY 21 decision unit highlights.

j. CELM FY21 Budget Update
i. Mr. Turbiville presented FY 21 decision unit highlights.

k. Remaining Meeting Dates
i. Alison Hughes presented alternate dates for the November 12th meeting due to
a scheduling conflict.

ACTION ITEM- Reschedule the November 12th meeting to November 5th.

IV.
BOARD ACTION
a. Accept minutes from the July 9, 2020 meeting

Motion: Joe Guidry, Jr. made a motion to accept the July 9, 2020 meeting minutes and the
motion was seconded by Aaron Casteel. The motion was passed with no opposing members.

b. Accept minutes from the August 12, 2020 meeting

Motion: Joe Guidry, Jr. made a motion accepting the August 12, 2020 meeting minutes and
the motion was seconded by Jack Berlin. The motion was passed with no opposing
members.

V.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
a. None

VI.
COMMUNICATIONS, ACTIVITIES, OR STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
a. Mr. Valdez will be bringing a recommendation to the Board regarding the opening of
additional amenities in parks.
b. Mr. Horwedel welcomed Mr. Tschantz and thanked the Board for their time and
attention.
c. Dave Ramirez informed the Board that a return to competition draft for soccer would be
submitted by close-of-business today.

VII.
ADJOURNMENT
a. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:09 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alison Hughes, Acting Parks Board Secretary