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09/24/1984 . I .,1' ~~> \11: ~~ . l,' e, " .." " .;. PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD AGENDA / ""</ 'V, I.~' , Monday, September 24, 1984 ,. !~ ' .;t. . '. ~ I . , \' ' ,,' i\: 0 ~': I;, ;t:)'j ., ' :~4. ;~: } 1. Approval of Board Minutes of August 27th, 1984. ~~J 2.- Resignation of Student Member, Miss Jam Rogers.. .' ,> ~ .. \.:~. . ;:?-. '.; .1" 3. Reports .~. <, . .ta' i~". ~'. ii.'>:.'.. m'.' t....,t: . ,ft. ' .. .~'rl", '-... ...\:r' . }',:" ,.:..... , , ~~;,'.:.'I'.: . \'1 " iL;:~<.." " .,' 11'l"'0' ,.", }t1 ' ,',i /. i~ :,.~ '.~J j ~;r':: ....:, ,'<,.t',, ..,.,,@ ~~I<~:~~. '':--'" ",,: ' ~~; ~>~'e'.' . :~:~.',:> .. -,' ?;}?i:';{::J. ::"'.:'::,~, ;', .;':. .', ,.....:, . :f~"',., ., ,: ' , ,,\., .. a,:.' ' r..,.,:! f';,5...:- r.. ~H'~,.:i, . 'JII"" '. ~et;., .: " ~;: a. Board Tour - The ,Board Tour scheduled for Friday, September 14th, was cancelled in that only one ., .membe.r (Mrs. Tobin) was able to, attend. b.Mornin9side Recreation Complex .- status as to indoor recreation center. ' . , , c. .'Bayfront Development Plan - Members to be advised as ,'~o' development on the Bayfront. . d. Philadelphia Phillies - Members to be apprised of re- ., ..,. .' qUl3st from the Philadelphia Phillies relative to their . :.. .desire .to place a Minor League Team at Jack Russell .., '". -Stadium. . , e ~ Response; to Board Membe rs . Cornmen ts '1. Rarps for Handicapped.. a,t Clearwater Beach 2. .,Sidewalk along northside of Causeway from Island Estates to the west bridge .' ; -' . ' 'f~, Other Reports.' 'l" \ .,. 4~'.,.. Conunents by Board. Members I, e , 5. , " <) Adjournment ., ,., .) zlJ,., :l.)'. :' ~ ,. . ~i:'~'" r.O..; :~::.:. ' :, :'. I . ..' 12:,!'::~:.. "".' '. ~'::\< ," ~ .. l"f"::"~"::'.":. " iO ,t, t, ~I'" ";. .,.' ~;;";;/!. ... ~~~... .'. ,....... :W):::::~<(;.:?r;.' .; \, .$",~"""..',.."..,..~...,.. ',.. . " T) ." f') o ~ .1. . ' .' " PARKS AND HECREA'rION BOARD / tll HINlITCS Monday, Soptember 24, 1984 The regular meeting of tho Parks and Recroation Board was held at the City Hall Annex, 10 S. Missouri Avenue, on Monday, September 24th, 1904, at 7:30 p.m. Members present included Mr. Buck Fincher, Mr. Eric Ford, Mr. Murray Fuchs, Dr. LaMar MacNutt, Co-Chairperson Diann Schultz and Mrs. Jacquelyn Tobin. Mr. Ream Wilson was also in attendance. Board members unable to attend included Dr. Ira Berger, Mrs. Nancy Morgan and CO-Chairperson Charles Wood. Mr. Fuchs moved that tho Board Minutes of August 27th, 1984, be approved. Mrs. Tobin seconded the motion which passed. Mrs. Schultz informed members that Miss Kim Rogers, of Clearwater High School has recently resigned as a Student Member from the Parks and Recreation Board to attend Florida Southern University on a tennis scholarship. Members requested that Mr. Wilson prepare a letter to be sent to Miss Rogers commending her on her contributions to the Board and wishing her every success with her college and tennis. Mrs. Schultz turned the meeting over to Mr. Wilson for reports. Board Tour - Members were informed that the Board Tour scheduled for Friday, September 14th, was cancelled since only one member (Mrs. Tobin) was able to attend. Mr. Fuchs indicated that another tour should be set for later in the fall. Mr. Wilson said that he would bring this.matter up again at the October Board meeting. , ,: Morningside Recreation Complex - Mr. Wilson informed members that further . action regarding the Coconuts Lounge in Morningside was not on the last City Com- mission agenda since appraisals had not yet been received by the City. However, he informed members that if the appraisals are received, the item more than likely will be scheduled for the next City Commission meeting. Mr. Fuchs expressed a concern that if the court rules in favor of condemnation, a jury could set the price tag at a ~llion or more dollars. He felt this would be too much money in that the City has only $600,000 from a Park Place development. Members discussed the need for the facility and the value. Mr. Fincher felt that the cost would not 'be as high as one million through condemnation procedures. However, he felt that people living around Morningside ~vuld feel that any price is justifiable due to the. situation. Dr. MacNutt expressed concerns should a price established through condemnation approach on~ million dollars. Mr. Wilson informed members that he ,and other people had addressed the need for an indoor recreation center in east Clearwater at the last City Commission meeting and that he felt the need was es- tablished and accepted. The Coconuts Lounge is good size and would have many advan- tages as far as an indoor recreation center is concerned. However, he felt a fair price would be one in accord with the appraised value. He invited Board members ;r) .tocontact the Parks and Recreation Office to gather more information regarding the appraised value in the next week or two in that the Board will not be meeting prior to the next Ci~y Commission meeting. Bayfront Development Plan - Mr. Wilson informed members that the City Commission had acted favorably on the bond issue for the Bayfront and that further Commission discussion will be held on the Subject. He advised members that the Commission ~ " '.0 "t:.,. 'r. , I, ' '.J' . ,\'1 :~"'.lq;i{\ .'" " ,...., " , . .', ." included $100,000 in the bond issue for the relandscaping of the Memorial Causeway medians. Members nsked about the now landscape plan proposed for tho medians which arc estimated to cost $500,000. Mr. Wilson responded that he had not yet seen that plan and thereforo is not in a position to estimate the cost of annual maintenance. Members wore also advised that in the event the bond iasue passes. in December, the amount of bonds actually issued might bE! less than $11,000,000 if it's determined that certain land acquisitions would be impractical. If this was the case, bonds issuod would only be enough to cover the redevelopment of the remainder of the Bayfront area. Mrs. Tobin indicated that there were two properties where owners might be unwilling to sell. Specifically, the Sand Castle site and the property along the water and south of WTAN. Philadelphia Phillies - Mr. Wilson provided an update to members regarding the Phillies request to place a minor league team in Jack Russell Stadium. He said he had discussed the item with the City Commission at last week's work session and was directed to work with both the Clearwater Bombers and the Phillies to de- termine if arrangements could be made to satisfy both groups. He advised members that he had met with a few members of the Clearwater Bomber Boosters and their response was that they wanted to stay at Jack Russell Stadium. However, if they had to move they would prefer to go to Frank Tack Park rather than Ray Green Field. However, a subsequent meeting of the Clearwater Bomber Boosters was held and a letter will be forthcoming from their President. Mr. Wilson advised that the letter will more than likely indicate that the Bombers must stay at Jack Russell Stadium in order to continue operations. The letter might also itemize things that the city could not do for the Bombers. Mr. Wilson felt that both groups could be accommodated in Clearwater at an economic benefit to the city and as an addition- al spectator recreational opportunity for citizens. Economically, the City current- ly provides the Stadium to the Bombers at no rental fee. Estimated costs for the Bombers use of the Stadium approaches $18,000 a year. Additionally, the City gives the Bombers $10,000 a year toward their operation. He said if the Phillies were to come to Jack Russell, City Commission feeling is that the Phillies should pay all appropriate costs. These costs might approach $20,000 or $22,000 for a season. In either case, Mr. Wilson said that he didn't know that there would be much diff- erence in attendance in either Bomber or Phillies minor league team games. The St. Petersburg Saints have one of the more successful franchises in the Florida State League and their average attendance is 1,500 to 2,000 people per game. How- ever, the activity is heavily promoted in. st. Petersburg with approximately 75\ of their games being sold to banks whereby spectators attend games free. Large spectator gatherings result in, sizeable concession revenue. The Saints pay a rental fee at Al Lang Field of $250 a game and $275 for a double header. Additionally, they return to the City approximately $45JOOO in concession revenue. They have an advantage at Al Lang Field in that two teams spring train at the facility, the st. Louis CardinalS and the New York Mets. This ,is compared to only the Phillies at Jack Russell Stadium. Further, Mr. wilson felt that the City could accommodate the Bombers nicely at Frank Tack with additional fencing, bleachers, covered dugouts, restroom improvements, etc. The location is in the center part of the city and the atmosphere would be conducive to spectators. Although box seats would not be available as they are at the Stadium, bleacher seats would be available as would area for people to bring lawn chairs. Concession opportunities could also be made available to the Bombers at Frank Tack including spectators attending slow pitCh -2- ", , . .' f: , ' ~:: "0 """ ~. ~~' , :.,': o games on the other field. He said the Bombers arc concerned that they would lose approximately $10,000 in revenue from the advertising at tho Stadium, $15,000 or $20,000 from season ticket sules, etc. Mr. Wilson said that he doesn't know of any other major fast pitch softball team that has free use of a stadium such as Jack Russell, or that receives $10,000 from their City. It appears that all other major fast pitch softball teams have major sponsors which have provided thorn with ample monies to strengthen their competing on a major basis. The Bombers, rather than having a sponsor, are supported by the Bomber Boosters who have spent many hard-working hours over many years in an effort to generate sufficient funds to opl?rate. He said the Clearwater Bombers have been a very valuable asset to the City over many years and that the City has been a major contributor to the Bombars. Hopes are that both programs could be accommodated successfully so that City resi- dents will have opportunities to view major softball as wall as minor league base- . ball. A minor league baseball team, depending on the promotor, may not have as many or even may have less spectators than the Bombers. However, this depends on the promotion, but either way, the City would expect the Phillies to pay all costs at the Stadium. Mr. Ford and Mr. Fuchs agreed that both activities would be good for the City. Dr. l-tacNutt felt that many good Clearwater citizens have worked very hard for the Bombers over many years and he would prefer that the City stick with the Bombers rather than bringing in a minor league team which he feels does not produce much financial benefit. Finally, Mr. Wilson stated that the Florida State League had conducted a meeting on this date and that they decided to expand their league by two teams. His understanding is that four teams are competing for the two spots. Each of the teams have their own problems to work out prior to being accepted into the league. A conversation this date with Mr. Bill Giles, President of the Phillies, reveals that the Phillies must receive approval from the Professional Baseball Association before they could become a member of the Florida State League. That Association takes a position that they do not want one team to transfer from one minor league to another to improve one league at the ex- pense of the other. This item needs to be addressed as does a satisfactory agree- ment for the Stadium in the event the City Commission desires to place a team there. Mr.. Fincher also questioned the amount of support the City should give to the .Bombers in that their program has changed aver the years. .Response to Board Members Comments - Mr. Wilson said that he had met with Mr. Kressmyer of the Self Reliant Center for Independent Living regarding a handicapped ramp at Clearwater Beach. Also meeting with Mr. Kressmyer was Don Beachler of Engineering and Bill Burchfield, Harbormaster. Mr. Wilson said that Mr. Kressmyer will be sending the City a letter making certain suggestions regarding the ramp. Mrs. Schultz and Dr. MacNutt questioned the expenditure of funds for such a facil- ity in that they felt it would require daily maintenance and would quite likely be unserviceable in a short period of time because of the continuing problem of blow- . ,ing sand. Mr. Wilson stated that daily maintenance would be required to keep sand 'off the. ramp and that this possibly would be done with a gas blower. Further, Mr. Wilson advised members that the Public Service Department will look at the sidewalk along the north side of the Causeway from Island Estates to the west bridge. SpeCifically, the connection of the sidewalk to the bridge contains a danger hazard with a.curb. Public Service feels this could be worked out. ,. , Comments by Board Members - Mrs. Tobin asked Mr. Wilson to look into the trees at the Morningside picnic area in that several of them look like tLey are dying or are dead. Mr. Wilson responded that this would be done. , ' -3- :. I . ,. et" ~;, 1'10:.: ;.':~<.:~ .~ 5,: :" . ..(: ; ..> ' .;" 4 ,." :' ,-,' .'< . '" ',j ~' . " "~/ , : ~'- ~ , . \' - ~I : ~. {. ,.t O"~ ~~'l,' } f...'. . ,. . " f;) Mr. Ford feels that the Phillies minor league team would be a good addition to the City. Also, he complimentod the Court Stroot Soccer Field and said it looks like it is in good shape. He felt that trash containers are noeded thore and at tho Eddie C. Moore Complex and that the Port.O-Lot at the Eddie Moore Soccer Fiolds needs to be stabalized. He also asked if the soccer fiolds at Jack Russell Stadium could be mowed shorter. Mr. Wilson responded that he would look into this. He also advised that a bank of lights are out on the parking lot soccer fields. He said that the soccer people appreciate the use of the small bui lding at Jack Russell Stadium for storage. Mr. Fuchs expressed his desire to be on record that he is against the Bayfront proposal in that he feels its cost might oscalate well beyond $11,000,000. He felt this would also be the case witll the Causeway in that indications are it is going from $100,000 to $500,000. He also expressed concerns that tho cost of the indoor center at Morningside could be too high if condemnation proceedings are followed. He felt all of these items could be too costly to the taxpayer and wanted this entered into the record. Mr_ Fincher had no comment. Dr. MacNutt said he is not convinced that minor league baseball would be good for Clearwater. He feels we may be stepping on the toes of many good people who have spent many years in working with the Clearwater Bombers. Dr. MacNutt also indicated his desire and interest in bicycle and jogging trails around the City since so many people use these types of trails. Discussion ensued regarding bike trails on Florida Power right-of-way, Cliff Stephens Park, etc. Mr. Wilson said monies had .been budgeted in previous years but had been taken away to apply to other necessary ,projects. However, Mr. Wilson stated that interest was still high in bicycle trails and that considerable trails had been installed at Cliff Stephens Park. Mrs. Schultz stated that bike trails were being considered for Sand Key with monies that had been received from parkland dedication. Further, she informed Mr., Wilson that she had heard complaints regarding the irrigation system at Glen Oaks and Mr. Wilson stated that he had a meeting schedUled on the subject this Thursday. . Lastly, Mrs. .Schultz said she had heard complaints regarding the Country- side community Park field being in bad condition in that it was heavily used not only for baseball and soccer, but also football. She heard that many of the partic- ipantsplay~ng at foothall come from other parts of the City and that it is too much wear and tear on one facility. Mr. Wilson advised that consideration is presently being. given to using land on Mc~lullen Booth Road for soccer and football fields which would help alleviate the crowded conditions at Countryside Community Park. He said many people outside of countryside do attend that football program, but on the same hand, many peor.Jle from outside of Norton Park attend tho Clearwater For Youth football program. There are only two youth football programs in the City, " one on the extreme south side (Clearwater For Youth) and one on the extreme north side (Florida Jr.. Gators). Although each of these activities include youngsters from their own areas, other children living throughout the.City, if they want to play football, must attend one or the other. He agreed that the condition of the fields at Countryside Community Park is poor and efforts are being made to provide adequate athletic facilities in Countryside. There being no further business before the Board, the meeting adjourned at approximately 9:15 p.m. -4- t}1:-t.i ,:,<:, ~ :,:' :}J,: ,.' ;:;:. , ;-:1 .,