07/22/2008
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 22, 2008
Present: Ray Shaw Chair
Jonathan Wade Vice-Chair
Ron Whitcomb Board Member
Jane Williams Board Member
Absent: Tom Fletcher Board Member
Brooks Hammac Board member
Allen Weatherilt Board Member
Also Present: Art Kader Asst. Director-Parks & Recreation
Kerry Kimball Marsalek Office on Aging Manager
Marsha Beall Staff Assistant
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:42 p.m. at Long Center.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
2 - Approval of Minutes – June 24, 2008
Member Wade moved to approve the minutes of June 24, 2008 as submitted to members.
motioncarried
The was duly seconded and unanimously.
3 – Unfinished Business
a. Morningside Recreation letter
The City announced plans years ago to demolish the current recreation building at Morningside
and construct a new recreation facility. But with serious budget cuts on the horizon, those plans
are now uncertain. City officials aren't sure if they will cut the project altogether, delay it, downsize
it or consolidate it with a library. The council also will need to discuss how to pay for the building.
It has $3.1-million in Penny for Pinellas sales tax money set aside, but it needs another $2-million,
possibly from its reserves or additional Penny funding. Council has agreed to bring this up for
further discussion at their August meeting.
After much deliberation, the Parks and Recreation Board members concurred that retaining a
facility in the current location would benefit the community. A letter of support addressed to Mayor
and Council was drafted and submitted to members for approval. Member Williams moved to
motioncarried
accept the letter as written. The was duly seconded and unanimously.
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b. Capital Projects Update – Mr. Kader reviewed the Capital Improvement Projects report:
??Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex – Multi-purpose fields: the fence, sod and landscaping are
completed and sprigging should start today. The football fields should be available for play
in Fall 2008, but the support facilities will not be completed at that time. City plans to
discuss with Clearwater For Youth (CFY) and co-sponsor groups funding support to build
the press box and bleachers.
??Downtown Boat Slips & Promenade – Misener Marine Construction was awarded the
design/build contract for the Downtown Promenade. Promenade construction will not
begin until sometime after July. Construction schedule 180 days with January 2009
completion.
??
Armory Renovation – work being completed. Events staff will move in the facility sometime
in August 2008.
??
Lake Chautauqua – continuing discussions with Pinellas School Board to acquire the Lake
Chautauqua School Board parcel. The Board is now willing to entertain selling to the City.
New land appraisals are being secured at this time.
??
Enterprise Dog Park – meeting with SWFWMD regarding environmental options. Some
clearing has begun on the upland portion. Removing invasive plants. Anticipate beginning
construction Oct./Nov. 2008 with a 90-day construction period.
??
Clearwater Beach Recreation Center/Library Expansion – the grand opening of the new
Clearwater Beach Library was held on Monday, July 21, 10 a.m Renovations to the
.
existing multi-purpose space should begin Dec./Jan.
??
OPUS – Bayfront Park Bluff site grading completed. Opus is negotiating for more trees.
??Ross Norton-Phase III – the “Let Them Be Kids” day was a huge success. Remaining
projects include putting in a tetherball pole and completing some dock improvements.
??Kapok Spur Trail – pre-construction meeting was held today. Hunt Construction Company
will be doing the construction on the spur trail from Kapok Park to Cliff Stephens Park.
??Druid Road Trail – still waiting on FDOT approval to begin construction on the section of
trail along Druid Road from Glen Oaks to the beach.
??
Mandalay Channel – work is being completed under the bridge. 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. No further update at this time.
??
Adopt a Park – to date 27 partners have adopted various city P&R facilities.
??
Grants – the City has submitted a proposal for a FRDAP Grant for McMullen Tennis
Center. The proposal is to construct additional courts (based on funds assembled) on the
area east of the existing courts. Work has begun to clear portions of the wooded area.
??
CFY Youth Athletics – No updates at this time.
??
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 July/August 2008 was distributed to
members. Mr. Kader mentioned City Players are performing “South Pacific” at Ruth Eckerd Hall
on July 25, 26 & 27. Football League registration starts July 25. The Main Library will host “Films
on the Bluffs” on August 12.
b. Senior Center Proposal – Kerry K. Marsalek
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City staff has been in discussions with UPARC to acquire some dedicated space to function
exclusively for seniors. The proposal is that UPARC provides the City with approximately 7,800
square feet of space that is currently used as a cafeteria and classrooms. In turn, the proposed
Senior Center would provide UPARC members with additional on-site resources.
The City of Clearwater has applied for a State grant to help subsidize the major portion of
the cost to establish a multi-service senior center. Prior to submitting a proposal for the grant Ms.
Kimball is requesting the City Parks and Recreation Board approve Resolution 08-01 in support of
this proposal. Member Wade moved to support and accept Resolution 08-01 as submitted. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
NOT ON AGENDA
Member Wade advised that the sprinkler systems are coming on during football practice at
the Long Center. He recommended that the timer be adjusted.
6 - Adiournment
Members adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
The next meeting will be held September 23, 2008 at Long Center.
Attes5:] ~~~~
Staff Assistant ~
Parks & Recreation 2008-7-22
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