02/26/2008
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
February 26,2008
Present:
Ray Shaw
Tom Fletcher
Brooks Hammac
Allen Weatherilt
Chair
Board Member
Board member
Board Member
Absent:
Jonathan Wade
Ron Whitcomb
Jane Williams
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Also Present:
Bill Horne
George Cretekos
Carolyn Cretekos
Kevin Dunbar
Marsha Beall
City Manager
Councilmember
Guest
Director-Parks & Recreation
Staff Assistant
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at Bright House Networks Field. The Phillies
are hosting Florida State Seminoles for an exhibition game at 7:05 p.m.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
2 - Approval of Minutes - January 22, 2008
Member Fletcher moved to approve the minutes of January 22, 2008 as submitted to
members. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 - Unfinished Business
a. Capital Projects Update - Mr. Dunbar reviewed the Capital Improvement Projects report:
. Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex - working on engineering designs to handle stormwater
issues. Cost estimates to build the four fields on the northwest park will then be provided to
Pinellas County.
. Morningside Recreation Complex - the proposed 25,000 square foot center would cost $6
million when design, fixtures and landscaping is factored in, plus an additional $133,000 per
year to operate. This center would be built using $3.1 million in Penny for Pinellas money,
but the City still would need to find an additional $2.9 million. With the impending budget
cuts on the horizon, Council voted to defer plans for the recreation center until November
2008. In the meantime, Council will take under consideration cost estimates to maintain
the existing facility until further options are feasible.
. Countryside Sports Complex - Chi Chi Rodriquez Youth Foundation Chair Mr. James gave
a presentation to Council on February 7 regarding the progress of the Foundation.
. Downtown Promenade & Boat Slips - this project will consist of new marine/boat slips with
the redevelopment of the park. Staff met today to discuss the selection of a contractor.
Parks & Recreation 2008-2-26
. Office on Aging - MPO $586k funding received in January 2008.
. Lake Chautauqua/Equestrian Preserve: Pinellas School Board - members met Monday to
discuss the new bus compound on 25 acres of public property near Countryside High
School. Questions were raised about the proposed swap with the City of Clearwater, the
environmental impact of a bus compound and whether the district even needs the new
facility due to declines in enrollment. The PCSB decided to defer any decisions at this time.
Boys Scouts of America - at the conclusion of numerous meetings held with BSA
representatives and their board the City of Clearwater has been granted access easement
to the light on the north side of the property.
. Countryside Community Park- opening day for Countryside Little League is this Saturday,
March 1 at 3 p.m. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new concession building.
. Ross Norton-Phase III - Clearwater has partnered with the State of Florida and "Changing
Point" (Let Them Be Kids) to construct a new playground in front of the complex. The Let
Them Be Kids initiative of the Changing Point is a worldwide effort that brings hope and play
to children around the world. Councilmember Cretekos has lent his support to help make
this project work. The old equipment from Ed Wright Park has been donated to a
community in Africa. In addition, the playground equipment at Del Oro Park will be donated
to a community in Greece. On Saturday, June 14 when Ross Norton playground is being
constructed, other playgrounds will be built on the same date, throughout the world.
. Jack Russell Stadium - demolition work uncovered a series of asbestos issues.
Environmental cleanup is being addressed; completion slated for April 2008.
. Nursery Maintenance Building - pouring second concrete slab. Completion expected in
April 2008.
. Memorial Causeway landscape - Phase II. Landscaping project has been completed.
. Enterprise Dog Park - on hold.
. Clearwater Beach Recreation Center/Library Expansion - Phase I will be to get library
moved in to Center by May 2008. Construction work will remain confluent with the series of
special events scheduled at the Center. Completion of entire project expected by
December 2008.
. Kapok Spur Trail - waiting for final grant contract from OTG grant.
. Druid Road Trail - staff is reviewing construction drawings and project will go out to bid
within next couple months. Phase I should begin first quarter of 2008.
. Mandalay Channel - construction going along well. Anticipated completion by summer 2008.
. East Lake Avenue Bike Lane - held transition meetings for project management to discuss
the development of a bike lane boulevard along the south lane of East Avenue. Vehicle
usage on East Avenue will become a one-way thoroughfare going north. Engineering will
proceed with FDOT.
. Adopt a Park - 27 partners to date, which is well in excess to what was expected.
. Other - updates on additional ongoing projects are part of this report and submitted to
members.
4 - New Business
a. Upcoming Recreation Events
The Clearwater Parks & Recreation Calendar for March 2008 was distributed to members.
Mr. Dunbar mentioned upcoming events: February 29, March 1-2: CAT Swim Meet at Long Center;
March 6-9: USA Softball Women's National Team and the USF Underarmour Series 2008 at the
Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex; March 25: Annual Volunteer Appreciation Party at Long Center
from 5:30-8:30 p.m. honoring 2007 volunteers. Last year the volunteer per hour value was just
under $1 million and close to 50,000 hours were put in.
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5 - Not on the Aqenda
Clearwater for Youth Annual Charity Banquet was held Saturday, February 23 at Sheridan
Sand Key. The event raised nearly $1 million in donations.
Councilmember Cretekos inquired as to the reasons why three of the benches at Crest
Lake Park not facing the water. Mr. Dunbar explained that the placement and accessibility to park
benches is outlined by ADA. In park environments, the idea is that you make it so you are not
forcing people out on to a non-traditional surface in order to gain access to facilities.
6. - Adiournment
Members adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
The next meeting will be held March 25, 2008.
~r-
Chair
Parks & Recreation 2008-2-26
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