03/25/2008
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
March 25, 2008
Present: Ray Shaw Chair
Brooks Hammac Board member
Jonathan Wade Vice-Chair
Ron Whitcomb Board Member
Jane Williams Board Member
Absent: Tom Fletcher Board Member
Allen Weatherilt Board Member
Also Present: Kevin Dunbar Director-Parks & Recreation
Cheryl Shaver Even Start Teacher
Marsha Beall Staff Assistant
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at Student Development Center, 1250 Holt
Avenue, Clearwater, FL.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
2 - Approval of Minutes – February 26, 2008
Member Wade moved to approve the minutes of February 26, 2008 as submitted to
motioncarried
members. The was duly seconded and unanimously.
3 – Unfinished Business
a. Capital Projects Update – Mr. Dunbar reviewed the Capital Improvement Projects report:
Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex – members were provided a current Conceptual Site Plan.
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This project provides for the renovation and improvements of the Joe DiMaggio Sports
Complex by constructing six (6) new multipurpose fields, which can also be eight (8) youth
size fields. In addition there will be one full size baseball field, restrooms, concession
building, press box, parking and other park amenities. Due to current economic conditions,
this project will be completed in four (4) phases.
Phase 1 – during 2007, City Council approved the funds for the removal of old field
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house and construction of two side-by-side regulation size football fields/or one
multipurpose field. May ultimately host the Junior Tornado’s team practice sessions.
Phase 2 – construct four (4) full size multi-purpose fields. Currently in discussion with
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Pinellas County for funding. If the funding is approved, construction would begin within
six months.
Phase 3 – due to contractual obligation with the Phillies plans are to retain existing
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baseball field but renovate and upgrade amenities.
Phase 4 – flip one soccer field that runs east-west; design the balance of area for
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organized parking for 1200 vehicles. This would be a Penny III project.
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Lake Chautauqua/Equestrian Preserve – the proposal to purchase the Ruppel property
was sent to the TPL (Trust for Public Lands). Expecting to hear back on Friday, March 28
with acceptance or counter offer. City can only purchase this property based on appraisal
estimate.
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Countryside Community Park- the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new concession building
was held March 8. Countryside Little League started March 1. Chair Shaw inquired as to
why the outdoor restrooms are locked on non-game days. Mr. Dunbar explained that
basically that concession area is there to support the baseball games. The Center is open
everyday and has indoor facilities for public use. Mr. Dunbar advised that with future
budget concerns the necessity of many of the outdoor park restroom facilities would be
address due to maintenance expenses and vandalism reoccurrences.
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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. Ms.
Leonard is heading up community planning and steering committee meetings. A $100,000
grant from the LWCF (Land and Water Conservation Fund) has been secured to help with
this project. The City will match these funds. On Saturday, June 14 Ross Norton
playground will be constructed; other playgrounds will be built on the same date throughout
the world.
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Armory Renovation – in process. Events staff are anticipated to move there in July 2008.
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Nursery Maintenance Building – project is 95% complete with electrical currently being
installed.
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Clearwater Beach Recreation Center/Library Expansion – Phase I work continues in order
to move the library in to the existing Center by May 2008. Completion of entire project
expected by December 2008.
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Kapok Spur Trail – received grant contract from OGT (Office of Greenways & Trails). The
contract will be presented at the next City Council meeting.
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Druid Road Trail – waiting on DOT approval to begin construction on the section of trail
along Druid Road from Glen Oaks to the beach.
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Mandalay Channel – bridge is under construction. Anticipated completion by August 2008.
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East Lake Avenue Bike Lane – 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. Waiting to hear if scope of work is adopted. This project is fully funded.
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Adopt a Park – 27 partners to date, which is well in excess to what was expected.
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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 April 2008 was distributed to members.
Mr. Dunbar mentioned upcoming events: April 18 & 19 - WSJT 94.1 Smooth Jazz Fest; April 25 -
Q Fest; April 26-27 - Fun N Sun Country Fest and Latin Carnival.
5 – Not on the Agenda
Last month Member Williams submitted an “Adopt a Pond” application to the City for
consideration. It is under review by Mr. Ed Chesney, Environmental Manager and Ms. Karen
Maldonado, Volunteer Coordinator.
Member Williams mentioned she would like to see a City representative attend next year’s
“Environmental Stewardship” conference. Mr. Ed Chesney, Environmental Manager would be the
representative for the City.
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Member Williams is on the board of the Clearwater Audubon Society. One of the Society's
missions is to sponsorship projects at local nature parks. The group is a strong advocate of
Moccasin Lake Nature Park, therefore Member Williams inquired as to opportunities to sequester
Event Staff from the Parks and Recreation Department to help them with special fundraising events
for the Center. Mr. Dunbar explained the Events Staff are salaried employees who work extensive
hours just to support all of the City sponsored functions. He suggested the answer to helping a
Center is to find alternative ways to generate attendance exempt from additional staffing burdens.
Member Williams additional concern is improving the solar power generated at Moccasin
Lake Nature Park. She spoke of a possible partnership with Progress Energy. Mr. Dunbar
suggested she submit a written proposal to him and he will assist her by entrusting it to the
appropriate representative.
6 - Tour - Cheryl Shaver. Even Start Teacher
Ms. Shaver gave a brief presentation regarding two of the programs currently offered at this
Center. The Even Start Program is a family literacy program that is federally funded targeting
reading performances of the entire family unit. The Adult Education Program serves high school
and adult students in tutoring, FCAT preparation, credit recovery and acquiring GED's. Both
programs are under the Pinellas County Adult Education umbrella.
7. - Adiournment
Members adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
The next meeting will be held April 22, 2008 at Long Center.
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