01/22/2008
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 22, 2008
Present: Ray Shaw Chair
Jonathan Wade Vice-Chair
Tom Fletcher Board Member
Brooks Hammac Board member
Allen Weatherilt Board Member
Ron Whitcomb Board Member
Jane Williams Board Member
Also Present: Kevin Dunbar Director-Parks & Recreation
Marsha Beall Staff Assistant
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:28 p.m. at Long Center.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
2. – Appointment
a.) Reappointment of Ron Whitcomb
Mr. Whitcomb was reappointed for a second term of four years that expires January 31,
2012.
3. – Election of Officers
The floor was open to nominations for the positions of Chair and Vice Chair.
Member Ray Shawmotion
Member Fletcher moved to nominate as the new Chair. The
carried
was duly seconded and unanimously.
Member Jonathan Wade
Since there were no nominations for Vice-Chair, volunteered to
serve. A vote was called and members unanimously agreed.
4 - Approval of Minutes – October 23, 2007 & November 27, 2007
Member Fletcher moved to approve the minutes of October 23, 2007 as submitted to
motioncarried
members. The was duly seconded and unanimously.
Member Whitcomb moved to approve the minutes of November 27, 2007 as submitted to
motioncarried
members. The was duly seconded and unanimously.
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5 – Unfinished Business
a. Capital Projects Update – Mr. Dunbar reviewed the Capital Improvement Projects report:
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Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex– demolition to the Field House is complete. Mr. Dunbar
recently met with Paul Cozzie, Pinellas County’s director of culture, education and leisure
to discuss 4 fields for the northwest corner on the property. Mr. Dunbar also met with
Safety Harbor officials to discuss interest in funding one of the two restroom facilities,
which will be built on this site. The City of Clearwater will be renovating the existing
eastern baseball field. Once everything is completed, this site will have six (6) full size
soccer fields (or several smaller fields), a baseball field and parking for 1200 people. At
the March meeting, Mr. Dunbar will show an aerial plan for the facility. Mr. Dunbar
explained the importance of partnering with other municipalities in order to improve the
overall quality of life in Clearwater.
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Morningside Recreation Complex – will go to Council February 7, with design and funding
as agenda item.
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Downtown Promenade & Boat Slips - this project will consist of new marine/boat slips with
the redevelopment of the park. Promenade - plans are to begin construction on the
Promenade in April/May 2008. Boat Slips -After the design plans are ready, the city will
apply for permits; in January 2009, construction crews will begin their work. The entire
project should be complete by July 2009.
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Office on Aging – the City continues working on the needs for elder affairs. One concept
being considered is a partnership with UPARC and the Long Center. Thoughts are to
renovating 5,000 sq.ft. space at UPARC, and in conjunction, dedicate additional space at
the Long Center. Mr. Dunbar will invite Kerry Kimball-Marsalek to the March meeting in
order to update members on the program.
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Lake Chautauqua/Equestrian Preserve – City Council agreed to accept an FCT grant for
the acquisition of both parcels. Anticipate the transfer of land will happen late spring/early
summer 2008 with both the School Board and TPL. The School Board swap would take
place even if the city does not complete the deal to acquire the Ruppel property.
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Countryside Community Park- construction of new restrooms/concession building will be
completed by February 2008 in time for Countryside Community Center opening day.
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Ross Norton-Phase III – received a land & water conservation grant, plus secured over
$300,000 in funds allocated to complete the new playground and grass-parking driveway.
Working with a group from Reno, Nevada called “Changing Point” to help with additional
funds, as well as, encourage a community pride program by motivating grassroots
initiatives and individuals to take ownership of their communities. The idea is to build a
catalytically project to help start identifying where the next leaders will come from.
Together, they seek to involve the business community, schools and churches in this
project. Ultimately, this will culminate on June 14 with the construction of the onsite
playground.
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Armory Renovations – renovation work has begun; completion slated for April 2008.
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Nursery Maintenance Building – bid was awarded by City Council. Completion expected in
April 2008.
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Memorial Causeway landscape – Phase II. Landscaping project has been completed.
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Enterprise Dog Park – finishing up conceptual design and waiting on SWFWMD permit.
Projected completion by last quarter of 2008.
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Clearwater Beach Recreation Center/Library Expansion – Council awarded additional
funding. Phase I will be to get library moved in to Center by May 2008. Completion of
entire project expected by December 2008.
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Kapok Spur Trail – awarded OTG grant, now in design.
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Druid Road Trail – received 100% construction drawings and now in review. Phase I
should begin first quarter of 2008.
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will become a one-way thoroughfare going north. A meeting with property owners is set for
February.
· Adopt a Park - 28 partners to date. Member Williams suggested the City start an Adopt a
Pond. Mr. Dunbar asked Member Williams to forward information to him to review.
· Other - updates on additional ongoing projects are part of this report and submitted to
members.
6 - New Business
a. Upcoming Recreation Events
The Clearwater Parks & Recreation Calendar for January/February 2008 was distributed to
members. Mr. Dunbar mentioned upcoming events: February 15-16 San Gennaro Festa;
February 23-24 Knology Sea-Blues Festival.
7 - Not on the Aqenda
Chair Shaw inquired if the City of Clearwater is a Suite holder at Bright House Networks
field. Mr. Dunbar response was that Clearwater Gas maintains one for business and economic
development.
Member Weatherilt received an email from Mr. Ron Deft, Citizens Coalition Committee
member. Mr. Deft is interested in recruiting members for the committee and requests approval to
contact P&R Board members via email. Discussion ensued. Members agreed to provide Mr. Deft
with their email address via Ms. Beall.
Mr. Dunbar encouraged members to mark their calendar for the USA Softball Women's
National Team and the USF Underarmour Series 2008 on March 6-9 at the Eddie C. Moore Softball
Complex. This is a ticketed event.
Member Weatherilt shared some of the successes of the Clearwater Chargers Soccer Club.
Over their 30year history the Clearwater Chargers Soccer Club has evolved into a successful
training program for young people offering them the skills and techniques necessary to play quality
soccer. Their goal has always been the total development of the player. They have produced
numerous championship teams at the state, regional, and national levels. Two local players on the
Olympic Team have been chosen to compete in the U.S. Under-18 Men's National Team Mega-
Camp from January 17-24 at the IMG Academies in Bradenton, Florida.
6. - Adiournment
Members adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
The next meeting will be held February 26, 2008 at Holt Cent
Chair
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