November 10, 2025 Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes

1 Town of Bay Harbor Islands Parks and Recreation Committee Minutes November 10, 2025 7:00 PM Community Center – 1175 95th Street Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154 A Regular Meeting of the Parks & Recreation Committee was held on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Upon roll call the following members responded: Vice Chair Thomas Von Hauswirth, Committee Member Linda Zilber and alternate Committee Member Susan Kelly-Gilbert. Chair Amarilys Gott, Committee Member Alexander Rangel and Committee Member Mariana Mitroga and alternate Committee Member Christina Gunther were absent. Staff in attendance were Town Clerk Evelyn Herbello, Joel Jacobi, Educational Program Director, Adrian Hernandez, Parks and Recreation Department Director. 1. Approval of Minutes: • April 29, 2025 Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes • May 13, 2025 Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes • October 21, 2025 Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Committee Member Zilber to approve the minutes minus the May 13, 2025 meeting minutes because they are still pending to be sent to the Town Clerk by Committee Member Mitroga, seconded by alternate Committee Member Kelly-Gilbert. The motion carried with a 3-0 vote. 2. Old Business • FY 2025-2026 Parks and Recreation Department Budget. Discussion took place and the item was requested to be deferred since Committee Member Rangel, who sponsored the item, was unable to attend the meeting. 2 A motion was made by Committee Member Zilber to defer this item to the next meeting, seconded by alternate Committee Member Kelly-Gilbert. The motion carried with a 3-0 vote. 3. Update on Email Newsletter. Parks and Recreation Director Hernandez noted that this item had been raised at the prior meeting and involved exploring the creation of an email newsletter to provide residents with Town updates, upcoming events, activities, and programming information. Staff advised that discussions had taken place with the IT Department, the Town Manager, and the Town Clerk regarding available options to implement such a communication tool. It was noted that the current Town website does not presently support this function; however, alternative platforms are being explored, including services similar to Constant Contact, which would allow residents to subscribe and receive periodic email updates. Staff indicated that work is ongoing and expressed the expectation that a proposed option or framework may be presented at the next meeting for the Committee’s review and input. Alternate Committee Member Kelly-Gilbert asked if the Town currently has no platform to provide this service? Parks and Recreation Director Hernandez noted that the Town currently utilizes a platform, believed to be CodeRED, for emergency communications through the Police Department. It was explained that a separate platform would be required for non- emergency communications, such as a resident email newsletter. Staff advised that this item remains under review and that no additional information is available at this time. A more detailed update and potential recommendation are anticipated by the January meeting. 4. Halloween Spooky Parade Recap Parks and Recreation Director Hernandez provided an update on the Town’s Sixth Annual Spooky Parade held on October 31 and reported that the event was a great success. The event began at 95th Street Park and included the annual parade around Kane Concourse with participating children and families. Staff reported that attendance exceeded 600 participants. Following the parade, attendees returned to the park for additional festivities, which included face painting, activity stations, and an interactive game show, which was introduced for the first time this year and was described as a significant success among both children and parents. Staff also noted that a bungee activity was offered in the street for the first time and was well received. Overall, staff indicated that the event generated positive community feedback. Looking ahead, staff suggested considering a later start time for future years in order to create a more festive nighttime Halloween atmosphere, as the current afternoon schedule limits the ability to achieve a more “spooky” evening ambiance. 3 5. Sustainable Garage Sale 2026 Discussion. Parks and Recreation Director Hernandez introduced a proposal to explore a “sustainable garage sale” or community block-style sale as a potential initiative to promote sustainability and generate revenue for the Parks and Recreation Department. The concept involved residents selling reusable household items, such as furniture, that are often discarded prior to bulk waste collection, with proceeds potentially benefiting Parks and Recreation programs. He emphasized the sustainability aspect of repurposing items within the community, as well as the potential for creating a community-oriented event. Committee discussion followed regarding the feasibility of the concept. Concerns were raised about the level of planning and logistics required, particularly given the potential for larger items to be sold. Questions were also raised regarding whether such an event could be structured as a fundraiser, and whether proceeds could be directed to Parks and Recreation. Parks and Recreation Director Hernandez advised that additional research would be necessary to determine feasibility, including review by the Finance Department regarding fundraising parameters and applicable guidelines, as well as consultation with Code Enforcement to confirm whether such activities are permitted under the Town Code. No action was taken, and staff will report back upon further review. 6. New Year Art Walk – Discussion for Potential Early 2026 Committee Member Zilber presented a proposal to organize a community “Art Walk” event along Kane Concourse, featuring children’s artwork displayed in the windows of local businesses. The concept would involve children creating artwork to be exhibited in storefront windows, allowing families to walk along the corridor and view the displays. Participating businesses could remain open during the event and offer light refreshments. She noted that similar events have been successful in the past and emphasized the potential to create a family-friendly, community-oriented experience that engages both children and adults. Council Member Zilber further indicated that the concept had previously been discussed and that there had been expressed interest from members of the Town Council. The proposal was presented as an opportunity for the Parks and Recreation Committee to introduce an event that serves a broader segment of the community, including residents beyond families with young children. Consensus was reached to possibly have the children’s art displayed in the windows along the business corridor on Kane Concourse and to speak with Principle Baldaramos to collaborate with the Town. 4 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to address the meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m. Accepted this ______ day of ____________________, 2026. _________________________ , Chair Attest: ___________________________ Evelyn Herbello, MMC Town Clerk