07_09_2020 Parks Advisory Board Meeting
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BOCC
Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Advisory Board
Thursday July 9, 2020

PRESENT:
Anthony Sanchez
Jack Berlin
Nathan Gennara
Joe Guidry, Jr.
Aaron Casteel
Harold Jackson
STAFF:
Rick Valdez
Forest Turbiville
Adrienne Rouse
Ross Dickerson
Greg Brown
Dave Ramirez
Caleb Schillace



I.
WELCOME/CALL TO ORDER
a. This meeting was called to order at 12:02 p.m. by Anthony Sanchez

II.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
a. None

III.
PRESENTATIONS
a. Welcome

b. Update: Reopening Status
i. Adrienne Rouse gave an update on reopening for the recreation section of the
department. The next step will include playgrounds, skate parks, shelters, and
splash pads.
ii. Rick Valdez gave an update for the athletics side. The next step will include
games and competitions and could potentially happen in mid-August.
iii. Discussion ensued regarding how surrounding counties are managing the
situation and if the department has been experiencing any resistance.
iv. Forest Turbiville gave an update on the reopening for his department. All parks
are open with the exception of Apollo Beach Nature Park, which is closed due to
the construction of a nature tower. Some park amenities remain closed.

c. Update: Bakas Equestrian Center
i. Forest Turbiville gave an update. Mr. Turbiville sent the plans from Mr. Peppin
to Swati Bose and the Capital Projects group. They are still in review.
ii. Discussion ensued regarding quarantine status of staff members and protocol
for return-to-work.







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d. Update: COVID-19 Hotel Support
i. Forest Turbiville stated that there is an effort to transition hotel liaison duties
from county staff to a private contractor, potentially in the next six to twelve
weeks.

e. Gill Fields
i. Rick Valdez presented this item, which was brought to his attention by
Commissioner White’s office. The fields in discussion are located at Providence
West Park. The location has been referred to as Gill Fields for some time, but
the origins of the name were unclear and as changes were made to the
property, signage that referenced that name was removed. Mr. Valdez is
proposing that the sign be modified to include this name, but the park itself will
not be renamed.
ii. Anthony Sanchez commented that a meeting is typically held to give the public
an opportunity to object to a name change. Rick Valdez will explore avenues to
provide a public notice and see if anyone has objections.

IV.
BOARD ACTION
a. Approve minutes from the June 16, 2020 meeting
i. Anthony Sanchez identified a word missing from section V (b).

Motion: Jack Berlin made a motion approving the June 16, 2020 meeting minutes with the
correction and the motion was seconded by Joe Guidry, Jr. The motion was passed with no
opposing members.

b. Approve renaming Ekker Preserve to Jeanie and Pete Johnson Preserve
i. Forest Turbiville presented background information for this item. He is in full
support of this proposal.
ii. Dave Ramirez testified to the impact Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have had on the
community.
iii. Anthony Sanchez asked if there was any concern about meeting opposition for
the renaming. Forest Turbiville does not anticipate any issues.

Motion: Jack Berlin made a motion approving the renaming of Ekker Preserve to Jeanie and
Pete Johnson Preserve. The motion was seconded by Joe Guidry, Jr. The motion was passed
with no opposing members.

V.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
a. Jack Berlin expressed his satisfaction with the remote meetings and thanked his fellow
board members and the staff for participating under these unique circumstances.

VI.
COMMUNICATIONS, ACTIVITIES, AND STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
a. Adrienne Rouse introduced the new Senior Supervisor of All People’s Life Center, Caleb
Schillace.



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b. Caleb Schillace spoke about his background, qualifications, and plans for All People’s Life
Center.
c. Jack Berlin welcomed Caleb Schillace and offered his support. Mr. Berlin expressed how
proud he is of what All People’s Life Center and Bakas Equestrian Center offer to the
community.

VII.
ADJOURNMENT
a. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:32 p.m.





















Respectfully submitted,
Alison Hughes, Acting Parks Board Secretary