10/18/1982 - Special
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Minutes of Special Meeting
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
October 18, 1982
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A special meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board was called
for October 18, 1982, to discuss the possibility of R minor league team
coming to Clearwater and the possible relocation of the Clearwater
Bombers.
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Members present included Mr. Buck Fincher, Mr. Murray Fuchs,
Mrs. Diann Schultz. and Mrs. Ginger Mcquigg. Mr. Ream Wilson was also in
attendance.
Since a quorum was not present, no official action was taken or
recommendation made.
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Mr. Wilson explained to those members present that an official
request bas been received for the location of a minor league team to play
at Jack Russell Stadium. In order to accommodate this request. it would
become necessary to relocate the Clearwater Bombers to another facility
since both .teams could not participate at the stadium at the same time.
Several meetings have been held regarding this subject and the Bombers
have expressed a desire to stay at Jack Russell Stadium. However, they
have indicated that they would be willing to move to another site if equal
facilities were provided. If another facility is improved. Ray Green
Field is being recommended by staff. Improvements could range anywhere
from $30)000 or $35)000 for minimal improvements, all the way to
$703)000. The ~703>>OOO would include a roof over the stadium) concrete
block wall around the perimeter>> box seats, new club house and dressing
rooms>> new concession stand and restrooms for the spectators, etc. These
are improvements the Bombers felt necessary. Mr. Wilson explained that
it would be nice to h~ve both teams in Clearwater but the problem of money
arises. In addition to improvements at Ray Green Field~ approximately
~15,000 would be needed to improve the lighting at the stadium for the
minor league team.
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Although no official vote was actually taken by the Parks and
Recreation Board. considerable discussion ensued on an informal basis.
Mr. Fincher indicated that the City could spend a lot of money on
relocating. the Bombers and end up with a White Elephant if either team
should,fail to operate in the next few years. He said he would prefer to
continue with the Bombers at Jack RusBel1 Stadium. Mr. Fuchs indicated
that'he felt things should be left as they are and that the Bombers should
remain at Jack Russell Stadium. He said that this would not involve any
additional expense to the City and that the Bombers should be given
"preference. Mrs. Schultz expressed a concern about spending money on two
stadiums side by side. She felt that a decision as to the minor league
team,and the Bombers was one that the City Commission would have to make.
She felt that the Board should remain neutral in that respect but that she
did not feel' two facilities side by side to be appropriate. Mrs. Mcquigg
expressed her opinion against two new facilities. She asked what would
happen in a few years if either team said that the facilities were not
adequate, ,or if either of the teams ceased to operate. She felt that it
was the Bombers' decision as to whether or not they should continue. She
said feedback she had received was against the Bombers. She indicated no
alignment with either the minor league team or the Bombers but felt that
other capital projects should come first as far as money is concerned.
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There being no further business at the Special Meeting, the
meeting was adjourned.