09/18/2007 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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5. C. PRESENTATION BY RONNIE HEWETT, PRESIDENT & CEO, BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY President & CEO Ronnie Hewett, Boys and Girls Club of Indian River County, discussed the proposed relocation of the 27th Avenue South County Boys and Girls Club to the South County Park. He updated the Commissioners on the Club's current projects, and provided a brief synopsis of the need and proposed plans for the new building. Mr. Hewett asked for Board approval of the project in concept, so that Club officials could talk with the Recreation Commission and the Recreation Department to organize the plan, and return to the Board in October or November 2007 with more specific information. Discussion ensued among the Board, Administrator Baird, and Mr. Hewitt regarding the feasibility of creating a special needs emergency shelter at the new facility, the importance of not duplicating recreational services, and the advantages of having the County and School Board partner with the Boys and Girls Club. The Board directed Administrator Baird to meet with Mr. Hewett and the School Board for further discussions. Scott Chisholm, Chairman, Parks and Recreation Commission, expressed consternation that this item had not gone before his committee for a recommendation, and suggested that the Board let them review this and work out the details. He informed the Board that his organization has a master plan for the South County Park, and he wanted to begin fund raising so construction could begin in January 2008. Mr. Chisholm acknowledged the Boys and Girls Club as an excellent community resource, but declared that they had never approached Parks and Recreation regarding their desire to utilize the South County location. Mr. Chisholm stated that the Boys and Girls Club has great partnerships with the School Board, and he advocated partnering with other agencies to avoid duplication of September 18, 2007 4