08_12_2020 Parks Advisory Board Meeting
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BOCC
Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Advisory Board
Wednesday, August 12, 2020

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


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed116tEYX8Y

I.
WELCOME/CALL TO ORDER
a. This meeting was called to order at 11:03 p.m. by Anthony Sanchez

II.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None

III.
PRESENTATIONS
a. Welcome

b. Return-to-Play for FUA Holders

i. Rick Valdez summarized that the purpose of the meeting is to provide a quick
update on athletics return to play and receive the Board’s support for a
recommendation to county administration for the next phase, which is return to
competition for baseball and softball. Mr. Valdez listed reasons why baseball
and softball are being considered for this. Health advisors will be meeting again
in late September to discuss next steps for contact sports. This recommendation
for baseball and softball will align the county with the approach taken by local
partners. Mr. Valdez spoke about leagues forming travel ball teams in response
to the current ban on competitions and feels this will lead to a significant long-
term impact on the county’s recreational leagues. He also expressed concerns
about children who cannot afford to participate in travel leagues.
ii. Mr. Valdez stated that he feels it is important to have the support of the
Advisory Board, to vote on a recommendation today, and asked that Board
members reach out to their Commissioners.
iii. Greg Horwedel asked Mr. Valdez to inform the Board of conversations with the
USF Department of Health and the Florida Department of Health to develop the
new guidelines. Mr. Valdez summarized these conversations for the Board, and



08_12_2020 Parks Advisory Board Meeting
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said that the guidelines are in accordance with recommendations from top
medical experts in the county.
iv. Anthony Sanchez stated that he believes the return to competition document is
quite inclusive, but expressed concerns related to compliance. He asked Mr.
Valdez to share what the compliance team has experienced when evaluating
practices. Mr. Valdez stated that the organizations have been compliant and the
department has not been experiencing serious issues.
v. Aaron Casteel inquired about the timing on return to competition. Mr. Valdez
and Mr. Horwedel explained that it depends on the results of today’s meeting
and summarized the approval process.
vi. Jack Berlin stated that he supports the proposal. He inquired about COVID-19
waivers. Discussion ensued between staff and the Board concerning liability.
vii. Jack Berlin recommended that a line is added stating that the league is
acknowledging that they have informed their participants of the rules which
they have agreed to comply with.
viii. Discussion continued regarding liability and waivers.
ix. Alison Hughes received an email asking for the document to be shared.
Discussion ensued regarding public record.
x. Mr. Sanchez asked if this process will continue by individual sport. Mr. Valdez
stated that he will have a clear direction on that after meeting with health
professionals in September. Mr. Sanchez requested that the Board be kept
informed.
xi. Mr. Horwedel thanked to Board for their support.
xii. Mr. Berlin requested an impact on programs for disabled youth. Mr. Valdez
stated that this update will be provided at the next meeting.

IV.
BOARD ACTION

Motion: Jack Berlin made a motion approving the recommendation on bringing softball and
baseball competitive play back to Hillsborough County. The motion was seconded by Aaron
Casteel. The motion was passed with no opposing members.

V.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
a. None

VI.
ACTIVITIES
a. None

VII.
ADJOURNMENT
a. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Alison Hughes, Acting Parks Board Secretary