PLACEMENT: Board and Committee Appointments
TITLE:
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PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENTS
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
After solicitation of applicants due to terms expiring, the Board of County Commissioners is asked to make the necessary appointments to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
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DEPARTMENT: Administration
PREPARED BY: Name: Donna Gordon
Title: Administrative Services Program Coordinator
REQUESTED BY: Parks and Recreation Department
PRESET:
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) is addressed in Policy 7.1A.4.(5) of the Martin County Comprehensive Growth Management Plan. The PRAB’s role is to advise the Board of County Commissioners on the planning and implementation of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and to make recommendations on programs, services, acquisition and uses of parkland, sports and recreation facilities, as well as such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of County Commissioners.
In December 2015, the Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution No. 15-12.16, as amended by Resolution Number 19-4.8, which reorganized the PRAB. The PRAB now consists of nine members - each County Commissioner appoints one individual from his or her Commission District, and there are four at-large members. Members shall not be employed by the County, related to a County employee, or have a business relationship with a Parks and Recreation vendor. Members are be appointed for staggered terms of one and two years for initial appointments. All other terms shall be for two years.
The PRAB meets on the third Thursday of each month at 4:30 PM in the Administration Building. The agendas are published to the County’s web site in a timely manner.
The Administration Staff advised Gary Clough and Mike Bocchino (At-Large members) that their terms will expire on April 23, 2026 and February 8, 2026 (respectively). The incumbents were provided an Application for Appointment to complete and return if so desired.
An Information Release soliciting applicants was emailed via Constant Contact to the Outreach Martin and Local Media which includes local Chambers of Commerce, local businesses, and citizens.
The Administration Staff advised the Commission District 4 Aide that Commissioner Heard’s representative, Larry Sofield’s, term will expire on February 8, 2026.
The Administration Staff will advise the applicants of the Commission’s decision which will include Sunshine Law, conflicts of interest law, and public records law information to the appointed individuals. Chair letters and Certificates of Appreciation will be mailed to Mr. Bocchino and any other member not reappointed. The Chair will sign the letters and certificates.
ISSUES:
The Board is asked to appoint two At-Large members to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. One term to begin February 9, 2206 and end February 8, 2028 and the second term to begin April 24, 2026 and end April 23, 2028. A voting sheet is attached.
Fred Bowen-Smith Paul August Buse Gary R. Clough (incumbent)
NOTE: Gary R. Clough is also on the Construction Industry Licensing Board
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW:
This item has been reviewed for legal sufficiency to determine whether it is consistent with applicable law.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECOMMENDATION
• Move that the Board confirm the re-appointment of Larry Sofield to be the Commission District 4 representative on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for a term to begin February 9, 2026 and end February 8, 2028.
• Move that the Board appoint two At-Large members to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board - one for a term to begin February 9, 2026 and end February 8, 2028 - the second for a term to begin April 24, 2026 and end April 23, 2028.
• Move that the Board authorize the Chair to sign the Resolution of Appointment and the Chair letter/s and Certificates of Appreciation for Mr. Bocchino and any other member not re-appointed.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Direct staff accordingly.
FISCAL IMPACT:
RECOMMENDATION
None
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
☐Budget Transfer / Amendment ☒ Chair Letter ☐Contract / Agreement
☐Grant / Application ☐Notice ☐Ordinance ☒Resolution
☐Other: