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02/27/1984 '. . .... '. .' ,..' :' . ~...'" 1...;.....:..::.~. ':.:.....,>..::\"'..\..1....... .> l/ PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MINU'l'ES ~ Monday, February 27, 1984 ..... "'........ .: " , ,. " The regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board was held at the Memorial Civic Center on Clearwater Beach on Monday, February 27th, 1984, .at 7:30 p.m. Members present included Co-chairperson Charles Wood, Mr. Murray Fuchs, Co-Chairperson Mrs. Dinnn Schultz, Or. Ira Berger, Dr. LaMar MacNutt, and Mr. Alison Fincher. Mrs. Nancy Morgan and Mr. Eric Ford were unable to attend due to previous commitments. Also in attendance were Mr. Jim Sheeler (Planning Department), Mr. Mike Kenton (Public Works Department) and Mr. Ream Wilson. ." 'I.'. , ,. .:' . '1": " , ;..( i'J' The primary purpose of the Board holding this meeting at the Memorial Civic Center was to offer a public meeting relative to Cooper's Point. ']. ,/ \ ........,.. .i. ,,' , . .'<" ,,:,' Mrs. Schultz welcomed approximately fifty people to ~le meeting and intro- duced Commissioner Rita Garvey and County Property Appraiser, Mr. Ronald Schultz. Mrs. Schultz explained that the purpose of this meeting was to pro- vide information about Cooper's Point and she then introduced Mr. Jim Sheeler of the City's Planning Department. ,\ " , .^ ',' ;,.'~ '0: " .. Mr. Sheeler informed those present that a videotape had been prepared on Cooper's Point and that this tape had been previously shown to the Conservation and Recreation Land (CARL) Committee in Tallahassee in hopes of generating interest whereby the State would purchase Cooper's Point to preserve it in its natural state. Mr. Sheeler e~lained that the tape was eleven minutes in length and that many of the people portrayed in the tape were present in the audience of this meeting. The videotape was quite comprehensive and Mr. Sheeler said it was available for checkout at the Clearwater Public Library. Following this presentation, Mr. Sheeler introduced Mr. Mike Kenton who further elabor- ated on the environmental issues and importance of Cooper's Point. I:.t: '. . ....,j :' ~~ ;l~t, '" I , ~. ) I "".' . .i. :;." .' , ' ,:.:.,: ...'.' {.~ ~.~ .~) ~! .,...... .. .:~. : Mr. Kenton explained that approximately thirty-three acres on Cooper's Point are developable. Approximately ninety-five acres comprise a tidal swamp and the remainder of the property is under water. He indicated the property was of extreme importance as it relates to the environment and said the west side of the property was extremely dense with mangrove and that a wide variety of reptiles, birds and marine life have habitat at Cooper's Point. . l ': ' ..'~ . . ..... .~ I <: Mr. Kenton explained that Cooper's Point was annexed by Clearwater in 1933 by a'city-wide referendum. In 1948 the property was zoned B for business which was common during that titre. Cleanlater prepared its first land use plan in 1960 which showed residential zoning for Cooper's Point. The first attempt to develop the property occurred in 1910. In 19/1 Pine1las County designated cooperls Point aquatic land and, as a related item, the City of Clearwater de- veloped the first tree protection ordinance. In 1972, the ordinance was expanded to protect mangroves. , , J: The zoning of Cooperls Point was changed to CG (commercial general) in 1972 and shortly thereafter, the City's land use plan was updated and the property was designated as recreation open space. . .~ ~'. .'1 <,. ,/.~l .t~ ~\..." t;"\J \':'. , .~ .' ~:\ . f :.:',: .~, .'\: ,.0 ',~;l '" ,\ ';1 ';';1; .' . , " y~.;; ~, .1. ,:i,;;rn~~ . " ... ..... " " " ,.. ,:-;., " ,i., ;'iit,~:/:;:::.,;":':;}:...:., ...:, .. ... ".: ~. ", . f ...........f I .,','. '. ~ '.,! ., . .. I .,:".<;'!<.,,::,~~:;:,,>,;.',':;. ';/ "'., >' . '... " ... . . ~ '. ;. . '- ' ..".... . _________. l. '.\I.f ....,:,;;.,Icl'~,. II~~ <~ p' ::. fll;ll"~~ ~..'... I: ;. .'...<' ;"J,: ; . ..' l:, C '\',_ "11.. ..: . I '. . '. I . ".) <: . ~ ~' ,... c . . \ -t:. ~;,.: :'.: :,;,: : .' .. .' . Jl...: :. ",. \': l .' . . ,I: . \. j I ... I"~' ,', " < J . < . .;--....-. \ ''''''(''~..:''"',,. .,.,,',,:/:, ,,:' ,<,r...." Ii'" ";: ".: '>\/':'".~,;i:':,',i.'~::?t:~, , ," I ' ", ," ,,,' I .d'f..l::'.:...., . '''t' . '.)::,~. j~:"['."':" " ! .{/; 11I'~,:.;,'.~~... ~. { .. ...... .;. ",~' II . c . . l . 'j . ~ /_ ":, ::,~,I::',,~, j " . ,I " ''', :: ' I '.~ . ':f.'},T":..r;..,~': , ' ~,"::" . ,',', . ,';,: ,:;~F:;'; <;,'.' "\". :', ~. ,': '.', : ..,' i " '.. . ':"::<<:':"~;': ~"'. ;',' '" ' ," .,'. '~'i}?(:.j?,'.':: ;".: '\< .... '.' roO _....~.t-.-,......f.....,.,~~~...~.,';..:,;.,':~.;~~.l;.,~~-i..,--~--..... ......... -"-.~._""'."'''---~~':71'"t ....f r..... j'::,. '. \.::l.~.p , '~ , '...,1 ! 1.i~I.: e ' ~.' " ':-ll} ,e .... :~:~ >; .'. ~ , . ' . ." ~ . ,.,}. .. :.,::':,;fj{f;~< / : .J.' ',', ~ I' . >~ <, . r t",:' ":".1 : '. . f ~ ,e ., I ,I, ( .' ", ," "< I '.J 'r '. .\' . I ~ ~. ,~ , ,\ . ,.>".'" . .".<,. . ~'I .: ; " ' " . ~ I. , ,.:. ,I'. . ~ ~ .:. .'. I I , "'. " . IJ:',':'::" "II,':::,r " , I.e, ., I " " . .'.,.. , .' ' "'.' . " '." ~ j~. .:....., :r " L ~ '. ~ t~' " , ',' / ',': ~ ~ . . i, , ' ",'.,;1,. 1- I: .~ I:. ,,:'.::.:.....,'::<:\>:.',:;' . " .. i ! (" "..' , . '.... ',:: (..~,'~ . "\,'...,,, 'I';,~~,...~:;:::'~\)?,.:..':;;;:: ':: 'I " ,"" :r.I, ,....1. '. ~' ,~ . , ':e ',' ; .,' ,," ,( ::'.": .,.>,.,1:" ,. ' i': . ~' . J",: ~'::':i "...',' '~.,. .,:~~' :~.. ....,', ,.....,.. ~,t,:..'.'..:: I,,", '.',.'. t.::",:.;;.... ~.,:: ,,; \' .'. l .' . . . ". " Mr. Kenton explained that in 1972, the Federal Governmont passod the I'Clean \'later Act" which basically required ponni ts for any devolopment on Federal waters and dredge and fill permits would be required from the Corps of Engineers. AIBO, Nr. Kenton said that in 1973, the City prepared a local coastal zone management plan which recognized the importance of Cooper's Point. " In 1973 Pinellas County prepared a "Red Flag charet" which also identi- fied Cooper's Point as environmentally endangered land. Further, in 1973 the City adopted the "Aquatic Lands District" which was the first of its type in the country. He indicated another important item was the Krentzman ruling in 1974 which stated that development on adjacent wetlands next to Federal waters is subject to the Federal Government's "Clean Water Act" and pennits would be required. ~.' . ( I'. Presently, Mr. Kenton explained that current zoning would allow fifty homes to be constructed on Cooper's Point in addition to limited commercial development on the uplands. The mangrove area, etc. is not available for developmen t. z, .' Another important item mentioned by Mr. Kenton was in 1974, when it was determdned that development of Cooper's Point would be required to produce a DR! statement. Basically, this statement is required of developments that are so large that they have impacts on more than one county. Owners appealed this ruling to the state but were informed that the DRI would be required. '.. ',' :' ,'~ "~l' ~ ~,;,; , ,On August 26, 1975, the City of Clearwater passed an ordinance whereby a community impact statement would be required of all developments over a certain size. This action also contributed to reducing the possibility of development on Cooper's Point. }, ~ " ~,~" ~ , r~~ ~ On January 6, 1976, the property received three different types of rezan- ings. These include 'aquatic lands, CP which allows for commercial development but wider setbacks cind RS-IOO whereby residential homes must have minimum lot size,of 10,000 square feet. ~>~. :Y. '. Mr. Kenton explained that the City ,has opposed for many years and the case wet:lt to trial in 1977. In, 1979, ,the case was appealed to the Supreme Court In summary, the property has been in litigation for development of Sand Key The City won on all points. and the City ,was upheld. many years. " " \. :. I>,' Mr. Kenton stated that in 1980, the CARL Committee was organized. It is 'a selection committee and is composed of agency heads. He explained that the City has gone to the State on several different occasions regarding Cooper's Point but that this year the opportunities of State purchase are excellent.' ., .'. ,"l' j~ : :~~ ~ . I ' ~ ,.' . ~;): Coop~r's Point survived the first cut of, the CARL Committee by a unanimous vote of the six members. The CARL Commdttee will further be considering cooper's Point as well as other properties around the State on March 15th. If Cooper's Point surviVes this hearing, the next meeting would be held by the Conmdttee in Brooksville. At this point, Mr. Kenton turned the meeting back ove~ to ,Mr. Sheeler. ~:, ;;,:' , O. .;". -.- ~~: ~' -2- ~ I . :1, ", .' ,'~. . ~ , ' , .I'.'~' . .'.~~ '. . ;~("": ' .~S ...:' "': \ ", Mr. Sheeler complimented the interest of the Audubon society in preserving Cooper's Point as well as the Clearwater Parks and Recreation Board for showing the interest and for hosting this meeting. Basically, Mr. Sheeler explained that there are three things that residents could do to assist in preserving Cooper's Point. First, he explained that petitions could be signed and returned to his office by the end of March. He also said that letters could be sent to members of the CARL Committee. Thirdly, contributions are now being received by the City to assist in efforts relative to encouraging the State to purchase cooper's Point. Mr. Sheeler explained that four of six votes would be required on March 15th by the CARL Committee. If Cooper's Point remains on the list after that meeting, the next meeting would be in Brooksville in April and the city would need many interested people to attend to show support. The final recommendation of the CARL Committee would be made in Mayor June and that Committee's recom- mendations would go to the Governor and Cabinet shortlY thereafter. Mr. Sheeler indicated that the present owners of Cooper's Point appear re- ceptive to selling the property. He distributed fact sheets to all people in attendance as well as lists showing names of the CARL Committee members and blank petitions that could be circulated. .; Following this presentation by Mr. Sheeler, Mr. Schultz concluded the meeting by encouraging all in attendance to circulate petitions, write letters and to seek contributions relative to encouraging the State to purchase cooper's Point $0 that it may be retained in its natural ,state. ..:.. . 1':':'0 ~'. , ' ., . .:~ . " , " . Approval of Minutes - Mr. Fuchs made a motion that the Parks and Recreation Board Minutes of January 23rd, 1984 be approved. This motion passed. iI, . " '. Budget Materials - Mr. Wilson distributed to all members present copies of b~dget materials that have been submitted to the City Manager's Office. These materials begin with a description of IIbase leveP services which are those activities necessary for health, welfare and safety. He explained that eight- een separate decision packages are included on top of the base level which , would bring the total budget up to current level. These decision packages , will be considered by the City Manager and City Commission and decisions will be made as to priorities for funding. In addition to these decision packages on ~e operating budget, 11r. Wilson distributed a memorand?ffi relative to capital improvement projects. He explained that this is a preliminary list of capital improvement projects and that the Board would have ample time to review them and 'to make recommendations to the city Commission prior to final submission of individual capital improvement project worksheets. He asked all members to review the budget material and stated that Art Kader would be invited to the March Board meeting to discuss same and to determine Board priorities of decision packages and capital improvement projects. ." " "';',J' Bayfront Plan - Hr. Wilson distributed to each member a status report which was presented to the City Conunission from the "Comprehensive Long Range Water- front Planning Committee". He explained that Mr. Charles Wood is the Board's representative on this committee and that consultants are currently being screened , , ''';(:: '.' '~" . t'-4~~ \', 'WI' -3- ",' ,I . '. ','. ': '. ,'..' +.,'" ':":'~\~~I" ~,~ '.I'~",.: ,~., .' :.~ .' +' .'', ,'r.. ." ,w' ..... . J",,~,'~ ' I ',.' I' 1o' ',\,1 ' \ 'f' j .' .'. ' ' ' I ,. ~ ;;' ': ',f;, '... :,' >, ::,",:~: )'t<;;"',\',\;";,'::,.i;(~";,..i;,'::.,,~",,i,',.I',),,':,-.:,,',,:',:.::, :~~ . .r2i , ,;},<<\::::'..;,'.':<:. .... l...' .,~ '", . .:. .:, I ". ,.--. .. ,. .... ..; ... . . , ,,:,' "I ",' . \ ","" ," 'I" , " ' ' , ?::}.:, i:, '?':.j,..,; :!., ;;:;:{"/"!//\\ {'I',,:,)":"::: ...;. .. .... ".'."..~ .., ',",\""" :,; :/i "',;',:;,:< :3:...'.5::" ; :i;;;!', :: ;:, ...' t '.. ':':,' ,::~':':;',.:< '0,", <';,', " " " " ,,:: '" 'i",' ~,J:".",.':,::: '~,i"-\"'" "; ;',',':,';,:1 ~ ,', , " ,,0',' J'''' ) " .. ' j' ...:' " , ~ , .:c >, ',' %~ Q ,'I, i...... " ,,><: 1+. '/~. 1 i: . for selection. 110 stiltod thot nlnutoon cOl\lIultnnta from around the country had submitted crodontinln one] that t:hlu Hut hun now been reduced to flv!!. These five will be intorviowod and qivcn rnnklnga of ono to fivo by members of tho screening conanittoo. Hr. Wood oxplainod that the Waterfront Planning Corrvnittoe would btl working wH.h IIClonrwatot' tJrogroos Incorporated" which is comprisod of many influonUnl and civic-minded porsons. lie informed members that the BuccoBsful consultant will aventually prepare a plan for the Bayfront and that this plan may bo uDod to gonorato support for a bond issue to go to referendum in SoptQnIDor of 1904. 110 oncouraged Donrd membors to contact him to inform him of thoir fooUngn rOCjording developmont of Cleaxwater's water- front so that he could rolay theBe ltoma to tho Waterfront Planning Committee. Members expressed their appt:cciation to Mr. Wood for serving on tho committee and all agreed that it woo a Illoat important project. Mr. Wood said he was impressed with tho offoctivenoElu of tho Natarfront Planning Committee and felt that they were progrossing In a most successful manner. Alli~ator Lako - Mr. Wiloon oxplained that Alligator Lake is close to being comploted and that a dedication ceremony will be scheduled for the latter part of April. Comments by Board Co-chairpersons of the jects are currently in Mombers - Parks and progress. " Mr. Wood complimented the arrangement of having Recreation Board since several important pro- Mr. Fincher expressed concern about the proposal submitted relative to the possibility of purchasing property adjacent to Morningside Recreation Complex. He said he was not aware of this consideration and that it hadn't been discussed by the Board. Mr. Wilson responded that he became aware of the vacant property since the last Board meeting and did not have an opportunity to discuss it with members. However, l>lr. Wilson said that limited monies are currently avail- able from the new open space/recreation impact ordinances and that the Depart- ment is actively looking for open space to purchase. Since he had seen a site plan to develop this particular piece adjacent to Morningside, he felt it ad- visable to bring it to the attention of the City l180ager and conunission for direction. However, Mr. Wilson explained that he had been informed by the City f.fanager that the city will not pursue the purchase of the property since the acquisition of the CoCoNut Restaurant and Lounge is of priority. Mr. Fincher also asled about Item 11 on the Capital Improvement Program Request memorandum which liats a recreation center in Morningside for $225,000. z.lr. Wilson stated that this item was included to emphasize a need for a recreation center in Morningside or east Clearwater, and that this need would be satisfied if the 'City is successful in purchasing the CoCoNuts Restaurant. The item was included to continue to identify a need for an indoor recreation center in the Morning- side area. Dr. Berger said he would distribute 'and have petitions signed relative to Cooper t s Point. Mr. Fuchs stated that his wife had recently had a petition completed and that she forwarded it to Mr. Sheeler. Mr. Fuchs also complimented the medians and maintenance on the Memorial Causeway. " -4- I), .:J", .: .,', ,I,; ~""'.!;' : :..... "I>, ; . ~ It. , ... I"'" I" ~: \......' ~ i' .' :f/ '. . F '.~. ',' ( . " ~ ' . ' ~ :, . 1,1 :(" " j' , .1, ' , " " \ I, >, .' 'I} .~: '~'.,~ 1 :'.. ".',1' t?r:'<..''', . ,f~~;::: ' ; ~:~, ',Ce' l , r,\+ . ';;\'t I ),t. ~ ... 1; t">' . "~', . : ~. 'I i " " Dr. MacNutt expressed his appreciation for the moeting on Cooper's Point and felt ,that it was outstanding. He statod that lettors of appreciation should be, sont to Mr. Kenton and Mr. Sheeler. This tooling was Ahared by other members of the Board. ;:'~ ;:~:~' ,'" t:'~;, ", 1,\, ; f ' ,: ,I: . ~ ,.. 01\, >. ,:.:.,.' . I.... : "Mrs.' Schultz said she had' talkod to tho Chairman of tho City's Marine Ad- visory Board and discussed the need for odditional boat ramps in the City as well ~s improvements to existing ramps. Sho asked the Boord I s permission for 'her,to approach the Marine Advisory Board in an Qffo~t to gain their,support . for, additional boat ramps. Members gave their approval for Mrs. Schultz to approach the'Marlne Advisory Board in this rogard. ,There being no further business bofore tho Board, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. .... ;..: , l1.: ~:."(::.. /:~. .: ~ tol 1,.... ," ~ ~:~~( ~ ,: ti ~.~.. {{.',';' /t .t...... ., . . ,~ .. . t ; i};:,:;(:::" .' '. , , , : ~ . . C . C -t . . " ' , . '- " ,. ". , .' '. . / .:. . ~ : ~ . ~ (~{ . .,: .' : .!. p.,,@, .' ,),:,~, ;',~,'" i,.. I",' I.;.;,:.i.:.~,!...{.;,;;,;"!,i;~:'.;,"d,, ..... ... .. .' :,' " ,;,.'~l::,\,';'::>.i;',<{'. ',\, >' ,. . ,...., \ . " ,j,., ,', ":'~>; ";,:>'::' tl,\;":,,',!:,,.,:,',:,,~~:' ::.::'i. ,;,_C/,.; .:' .... 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