05/27/2008
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 27, 2008
Present: Ray Shaw Chair
Brooks Hammac Board member
Ron Whitcomb Board Member
Jane Williams Board Member
Absent: Tom Fletcher Board Member
Jonathan Wade Vice-Chair
Allen Weatherilt Board Member
Also Present: Kevin Dunbar Director-Parks & Recreation
Chris Hubbard Recreation Specialist
Marsha Beall Staff Assistant
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. at Long Center, Clearwater, FL.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
2 – Public Art Presentation – Chris Hubbard
The Clearwater Cultural Plan, accepted in November 2002, recommended the City establish a
Public Art and Design Program to enhance the look of the City through works of art and design
that create a sense of place and increase the quality of life for residents and visitors.
After extensive research and planning by the Clearwater Arts Foundation and city staff, Public
Art and Design Ordinance (7489-05) was passed in October 2005. Mr. Chris Hubbard was hired
by the City to help facilitate the Public Art Program.
Through a Power Point presentation, Mr. Hubbard explained the criteria, policies, and selection
procedures established by the Public Art Program. He showed an array of examples of public art
implemented throughout the United States and sited examples of public art within the City of
Clearwater. Public Art commissioned through this program will reinforce Clearwater’s role as an
emerging leader in culture, recreation and environmental management.
3 - Approval of Minutes – April 22, 2008
Member Whitcomb moved to approve the minutes of April 22, 2008 as submitted to members.
motioncarried
The was duly seconded and unanimously.
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4 – Unfinished Business
a. Capital Projects Update – Mr. Dunbar reviewed the Capital Improvement Projects report:
??Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex – obtaining SWFWMD & City permits to construct multi
purpose fields; 60-day calendar construction period with anticipated completion date July
2008. Should be available for play in Fall 2008.
??Morningside Recreation Complex – Council was going to wait until November to revisit this
issue, but since the State Legislature decided not to call for a referendum and the budget
revenue reductions are known this item may go to Council in July 2008 for discussion.
??Downtown Boat Slips & Promenade – construction should begin on the promenade
sometime after July 4 and boat slips during summer 2009. Members received a copy of
Wade Trim’s report on the proposed parking for the Bayfront Marina project. Currently
there are 125 parking spaces adjacent to the project area in two city lots. In addition, there
are 63 adjacent parking spaces behind city hall. The marina project will have 132 wet slips
with 188 parking spaces in close proximity.
??Lake Chautauqua – the Pinellas School Board notified the City that they were no longer
interested in participating in a land swap due to environmental expenses they would incur
for the project they wanted to build on that piece of city parcel; they would entertain selling
the Lake Chautauqua track to the City. FCT was contacted and they are willing to amend
and rescore the application along with an adjustment of a 50/50 split on the grant funding.
Met with TPL (Trust for Public Land) to advise them the City would not be able to purchase
the Rupple property at this time but willing to consider at a later date. TBL is meeting with
school board members to discuss the merits to the City’s interest to do the swap.
??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. Ross
Norton will host a “Meet the Rays Players” on May 31 to help sign up volunteers for this
event. The new playground will be constructed on Saturday, June 14. Board members
were encouraged to volunteer.
??
Armory Renovation – in process. Events staff are anticipated to move there in July/August
2008.
??
Enterprise Dog Park – meeting with SWFWMD regarding environmental options. Looking
at getting started Oct./Nov. 2008 with a 90-day construction period.
??
Clearwater Beach Recreation Center/Library Expansion – Phase I work continues in order
to move the library in to the existing Center by July 2008. Library should be open in early to
mid July. It will be Aug./Sept. before start working on new multi-purpose space.
Renovations to the existing multi-purpose space should begin Dec./Jan.
??
OPUS – Bayfront Park Bluff is underway, 30-day construction period. Competition June
2008.
??
Kapok Spur Trail – received all State approvals, have design and ready to proceed with
construction.
??
Druid Road Trail – waiting on DOT approval to begin construction on the section of trail
along Druid Road from Glen Oaks to the beach. Mandalay Channel – bridge is under
construction. Anticipated completion by August 2008.
??
East Lake Avenue Bike Lane – development of a bike lane boulevard along the south lane
of East Avenue. The plans have been submitted to CSX for approval. This project is fully
funded.
??
Adopt a Park – to date 27 partners have adopted various city P&R facilities.
??
Other – updates on additional ongoing projects are part of this report and submitted to
members.
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5 - New Business
a. Upcoming Recreation Events
The Clearwater Parks & Recreation Calendar for May/June 2008 was distributed to
members. Mr. Dunbar mentioned some upcoming events: May 31 - Meet the Rays Players at
Ross Norton; June 14 - Help Build a Playground at Ross Norton.
b. City Budget Reductions
Mr. Dunbar updated members on previous concerns regarding the general fund budget
reductions for 2008-2009. This has been a long process and there were many twists and turns in
the deliberations. The City did a very good job preparing for this and instead of the original
proposed $10 million cut, budget reductions may be reduced to around $3.5-$4.5 million. As
mentioned before, the reductions were grouped in tiers based upon: 1- the mandated Amendment
#1 reduction and belt-tightening measures; 2- service level reductions; and 3- additional options to
close the deficit depending on what the final total of cuts ends up being. At this time it looks like
Tier 1 and some of Tier 2 will be implemented. For the Parks & Recreation Department this action
should only affect a few employees; increase fees but maintain MOST programs offered to the
community.
6 - Adiournment
Members adjourned at 8:16 p.m.
The next meeting will be held June 24, 2008 at Clearwater Country Club.
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