08_25_2020 Parks Advisory Board Meeting
1

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BOCC
Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Advisory Board
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjDbO2roim0

PRESENT:
Anthony Sanchez
Nathan Gennara
Joe Guidry, Jr.
Aaron Casteel
Harold Jackson
Rick Tschantz
STAFF:
Rick Valdez
Greg Horwedel
Dexter Barge
Dave Ramirez
Greg Brown
James Crouch


I.
WELCOME/CALL TO ORDER
a. This meeting was called to order at 3:00 p.m. by Anthony Sanchez

II.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None

III.
PRESENTATIONS
a. Welcome
b. Reopening of Amenities
i. Rick Valdez stated that the amenities being looked at for reopening are splash
pads, playgrounds, and skate parks. This was reviewed and supported by health
advisors. Mr. Valdez would like a vote of approval from the Board today.
ii. Rick Tschantz inquired about recommendation from health advisors.
iii. Discussion ensued regarding support for amenities and return-to-competition.

c. Return to Competition for Lacrosse and Soccer
i. Rick Valdez summarized why these two sports are being combined. The plan is
currently in review with the county attorney’s office.
ii. Mr. Valdez stated that in addition to these guidelines and protocols, staff will be
assigned to each location where soccer and lacrosse are being played and will
be providing the sport’s organizations with proper personal protective
equipment necessary to conduct proper health screenings and temperature
checks. These additions will be funded through the Cares Act.
iii. Discussion ensued regarding handling of compliance and new park phone
number.
iv. Mr. Tschantz inquired about timeline for soccer return to competition.
Discussion ensued regarding timeline, approval process, and surrounding
counties.
v.
Dave Ramirez shared a baseball/softball return to competition update.



08_25_2020 Parks Advisory Board Meeting
2

vi. Discussion ensued about readdressing and modifying this plan if return to
school causes a rise in COVID-19 cases.
vii. Mr. Guidry expressed his support of this plan and feels it allows quick
modification as the situation changes.
viii. Mr. Sanchez spoke about the need to be clear about the potential for the
program to be shut down if cases rise and the issues this could cause
surrounding expenditures. Discussion ensued regarding adding stronger
language in regards to this.

IV.
BOARD ACTION
a. Aaron Casteel made a motion to recommend the opening of amenities. The motion was
seconded by Joe Guidry, Jr. The motion passed with no opposing members.
b. Joe Guidry, Jr. made a motion to recommend the return to competition plan for lacrosse
and soccer, with the addition of the safeguards discussed in this meeting. The motion
was seconded by Harold Jackson. The motion passed with no opposing members.

V.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
a. Mr. Sanchez spoke about low registration numbers in the little league he is involved in
and would like to receive feedback from leagues regarding sign-up numbers for last
season versus this one.
b. Mr. Horwedel committed staff to provide this information.

ACTION ITEM- GATHER THIS INFORMATION BEFORE THE NEXT BEFORE THE NEXT VOTE

c. Mr. Tschantz offered Mr. Valdez direction on the language to be added to the
guidelines. Discussion ensued.


VI.
COMMUNICATIONS, ACTIVITIES, OR STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS
a. Mr. Horwedel and Dexter Barge expressed their sincere thanks and appreciation to the
Board.
b. Discussion ensued about cheerleading potentially being the next sport brought to the
Board.

VII.
ADJOURNMENT
a. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alison Hughes, Acting Parks Board Secretary