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11/13/1996 (2) " . . ,}. .' , ' , ' , . ... ____ - ___ - ............ - ... . - , . ~ ' ~ I ',.'''' . ~ h'. ~.' ., ,. , , ." U ' " ., I . I, '. " . , "" '." . . ~.. ',:', ' . . , , , 1- < ;:' .:,'.", - .'," ' , .' , " , , ' . , . " ' , . I. ,'. '... I ' .....~ .. ~ ~. , + ,'. . ., , , -F"h ...............-I'...i~i~........'i.W.-:M'....n'",.',...":,~...J"~..::-I"'. ,"'1" ,;;....,.. .' ~,' . . , ." , , .i }.. . ' I ~ " . It.. . ~ . . .'. 4 , , NGCTT NORTH GREENWOOD COMMUNITY TASK TEAM , MINUTES , , Date. '135, , ' q' ; c . '.',..:',-.. , ..', ..' .... ,",: ....:.',:....:" '\'~'" ~3"'."",:', "'s-" <.<',.<.: . , ' ,':, '" ' 'I "" ", "t' ',' I " . \ ... I '" ~. ~ , ~ ' ',\ ~ ~ .'"., ,",,: <.'. : ,I......... " " '~ ,:" .." J '" " " ' \ +' ' Absent: MacArthur Suykins Dennis Golden Tal Rutledge Reverend Lucius Pitts, Jr. Samuel Collie Beverly Bryant Team Member Team Member Team Member Team Member Team Member Team Member . . fJ NORTH GREENWOOD COMMUNITY TASK TEAM CITY OF CLEARWATER November 13, 1996 Present: Reverend William Graham Mayme Hodges Mary Samuel Bertha Kelley Joe Marshall David Grice Kathy 5. Rice Lt. Jeff Kronschnabl Rich Baier Scott Shuford Alan Ferri Michael Holmes AI Hinson Brenda Moses Chair Team Member Team Member Team Member Team Member Team Member Deputy City Manager Special Assistant to the City Manager/Community Response Team City Engineer Director of Central Permitting Economic Development Director Assistant Economic Development Director Recreation Supervisor II Board Reporter f:-" ;,...,..l The meeting was called to order by Reverend William Graham at 6:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Center, 1201 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Clearwater, Florida. To provide continuity, the items listed were not necessarily discussed in that order. Ms. Hodges moved to approve the minutes of October 14, 1 996 as submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Ms. Rice acknowledged Commissioners Johnson and Seel. , 04' ,,' Deputy City Manager, Kathy Rice, distributed handouts on projects which have been accomplished with the help of this task team (Exhibit A). A draft of recommendations (Exhibit B) to be presented by this task team to City Commissioners was reviewed. Major topics of discussion included: 1) economic development; 2) environmental issues; 3) public facilities and improvements; 4) public safety; and 5) recreational - leisure services. Various grants awarded to the police department were discussed. A $435,000 grant was obtained to add 6 community policing officers in the North Greenwood, South Greenwood and Old Clearwater Bay areas. A $ 286,000 grant was obtained to fund St. Petersburg Junior College, St. Petersburg, Pinellas County and Clearwater with educational benefits for 40 students to obtain the necessary education for criminal justice jobs. A $450,000 grant was obtained from Cox Universal Hiring to add 6 community policing officers downtown, mNGC11.96 1 11/13/96 ') specifically for the homeless shelter. An urban partnership grant of $50,000 was obtained to fund enhancement to the North Greenwood patrol, Including equipment and computer lab stations, and a van for the Sergeant Allen Moore Center. A $35,000 grant was obtained for Weed N Seed elements in the area. A $90,000 grant was obtained to purchase computer hardware and software for 6 stations, $25,000 for staffing, $40,000 for a safe haven for enhancements and job skills training programs in this area. A total of $2,679,000 in grants will mostly benefit this area. Assistant Economic Development Director, Michael Holmes, discussed the City's economic development plans for the area. He reviewed proposed job training programs and long term business expansion and development. Plans are to work with Florida Job Service, local area businesses, and Career Options of Pinellas County to enhance employment opportunities in the area. As the City's economic development plans are developed, the Greenwood area will be included. It was suggested placing advertisements in the St. Petersburg Times or using other methods to notify the public of future community meetings. Some residents asked to be kept informed of CRA activities. It was noted in January of 1997, a series of public meetings will be scheduled to propose an effective watershed management program in the area. Targeted dates for various other programs were discussed. .:) As plans for Stevenson's Creek were discussed, a resident suggested dredging would eliminate the need for replanting in the area. Some residents felt garbage would accumulate in replanted areas and were against littoral shelf plantings. Questions were asked about low interest loans, and it was noted various programs are available to the community. Discussion ensued regarding homes which are torn down because they did not meet minimum housing codes. City staff will look into legal avenues available to inform residents prior to demolition. The meeting recessed at 7:40 p.m. and reconvened at 7:50 p.m. Beautification programs were discussed which included streetscaping. Public safety programs are being developed to address crime, traffic control, eradication of drugs, truancy, increased communications between the Police Department and the neighborhood, and other issues. Recreational and leisure services were discussed. Plans include tying the , North Greenwood community to City-wide events, additional North Greenwood Panther parking, stadium issues, a new recreational/community center, and a passive park along the North Greenwood business district. Penny for Plnellas will play an important role in funding some of these projects. Ms. Dorothy Pettis, Treasurer for the Greenwood Panthers, gave a brief background on the organization. The organization was formed to teach children to take pride in the community, respect themselves and others, obey rules and regulations; and enjoy living and working with others regardless of their age, color, nationality or religion. She asked City staff to help obtain funding for this worthy organization. Q Member Grice moved to approve the Action Plan as amended and submit it to the City Commission at the next meeting. The motion was duly seconded and carried mNGC 11 .96 2 11/1 3/96 The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. ", ,~, ,~ t ~ I , ' /. > .' .....".....i":,.......... . L .". ~ .....1.'.....,:.0 .'"..... _.~._ t.........t...4..:i~.,_..~.-.ll',.\I. ,,,. 'I ",' \ . ~. . ~~~. ',< " . " , . , . ~~ unanimously. Members of the task team thanked Ms. Rice and City staff for all their efforts. City Staff thanked team members for their invaluable input and efforts In the development of the Action Plan being recommended to the City Commission. Reverend Graham noted although the Action Plan has been finalized for presentation to the City Commission, this task team may be called upon in the future to discuss pertinent community Issues. Citizens expressed hopes that positive articles in the media will ensue as a result of the efforts of this task team and City staff. Liaison for th Board North Greenwood Community Task Team , Attest: ' &n'clCL mC/leD . Board Reporter () I' " " . , : o ''- mNGC 1 1 .96 3 11/13/96 (' ..;'; .':\,.;;;i;',~<"} '. <' :J .'I-~" " ...."'. I:,: ' 'j .l'. ,. '",:,> ':i;' : '<'. :01: ',; " . ~ ,. "j..,,' ,:) f . ',I , , '.';" : ':':,':',' - p '. >,'~< " .~. It. f , :; 01 \ ',.', ' . < ,i>, :~ " , ~ \. :.:, 'ir " ' L: : " u ":,' .. ;, ,: '~ . . , . " ',." NORTH GREENWOOD COMMUNITY TASK TEAM MEETING WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 6:30PM MARTIN LUTHER KING CENTER 1201 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. AVENUE PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND THIS IMPORTANT COMMUNITY UPDATE! ," : \ ."' ':: ~;,",,:: i-,' "..,\ , . ',.,.':1 "", < \:' ":,' , ,. .". , ~ "' ,. ., .~ (i . I ' " , . ";:!, ,,' '." ".: (,.., " ,. ,',:I:~\::,;:",,,,,,:, :",:':',:~,:::/:':'I;"~,';::;' " .',. ~. . " . 'j ~ , , EXHIBIT A The Task Team bas been working with the City to complete the following . proJects: . Significantly reduc.ing odor and noiae coming from the Marshall Street Sewage Treatment Facllity: Inswlling ducting and misting devices, covering open influent chAnnels, re-piping Bayhont sewage line, inst.n:l1ing roll-up doors, redirecting truck traffic, la.ndscaping at the Marshall Street Paeility . $90,000 renovation to Martin Luther King Recreation Center · Crime overview with Police Chief Sid Klein . On-going review of some Police procedures . Juvenlle justice 5eDlinar planned . Grant writer approved in City budget . Parking improvements on North Greenwood Avenue and North Greenwood Ubrary . Plan approved for parking lot-Greenwood Panthers . Banner program with DowntoMlt Beach and North Greenwood A draft report with an action plan for the City Commission will be reviewed. :..' ::1 : ',: ~ 1 , . , ' l. , " ' '~"'. . ", I," ".:,>" I' " '\.':1, ".~I' ".:1'>' ~') ',j '10 ..'; ':, l',,~~,l:. ,.. '. ~ :'\. . . ~ ," I ,,' '- , 'J' ;"::. . I ~. t '.' ,,::,:,~,;, '<:, .:,'''3'' ',X,..;,:/,;';..' ~ ' ,,"'. :;:;\:::':;,,<':<' i ", "..' , . , ,,', ,L9 .,,'..':,.::,~,\,'.,;.:,:,:',':,';, l,": .. . .1", ,::< ',,:./.':_ . ",:,:'.':,' ,:'<:1 . . ' "'-;,' , .' ' ~ <'~' ~ " 1;'1 ',', . '..' ,:/,;:::','!';..i ,', . ~ ,~ ~. J-:. " ".- " " '.. ,I,.' \ '. , ' , " " , ~'~~"'~\""'''~~'''-I; "~~\'I""1"1~'1':-"""'~""'r""'~"""P~""'~"''''HI'~f~+""'''''''1-+,','~ft ~o. ' .','" ...., ., + .", I , . . I ,\,.,., .;, , , , . .J> . ..> . EXHIBIT B ,0 North Greenwood Community Task Team DRAFT , ," ~. "ACTI01\TPLAN " () ~q - - , . , " , , . , , , ,; " " , "0:' ' , , 'I ", ,[November 13,1'996,. " . , .' . oF ~, ,~ ~ r ' . . , . I, . ~., j . o NORTH GREENWOOD AVENUE TASK TEAM ACTION PLAN I~ J:conomlc Development 1. Develop job traIning programs for the youth and adults of the Bres. By December 16, 1996, recruit the following job training and placement agencies to begin operating programs in the North Greenwood neighborhood: Career , Options of Pineltas, Pinellas Board of Education, St. Petersburg Junior College, Florida Department of labor, Occupational Program and Training Associates, and Ervin's All American Club. , By December 31, 1996, complete site identification, acquisition and development of a location adequate to house and operate as a North Greenwood Community Job Center relative to the activities listed. In February, 1997, hold a community meeting to present the proposed programs available from these agencies to allow for community input on those agency services being offered. () By March 15, 1997, complete the development of job training, listings, placement and entrepreneur training services. In April, 1997, open and begin job center operations to serve the community. Within the next 2 years tie in the Brownfield redevelopment project to create more job opportunities for North Greenwood residents. 2. Expand the Community Redevelopment Agency boundary to Include all of the North Greenwood AnJs. At the February 3, 1997 City Commission work session present a request to them for expansion of the eRA boundary. If approved, complete by April, 1997 eRA boundary expansion as determined by State of Florida rules and eligibility requirements. At the May 5, 1997 City CommissIon work session be prepared to present our findings and an action plan for long term business expansion and development. o " " \ 'I -\").,.,,. "-^l,..;,";.>\o,,, ~'<f; :.~,~) '( t)("'!'?4...'t'tJ,!1, ,'1.~~~ ":",..;'7' ::'L,' ". ,< ."d ':: .. , .~ ,', ' .. ,:,> ....,:, ~j,' "i: ,':: " ',,':':', ,:<::,:."',,:::,.,,' ,; '" . 'r ':- ::, ".1 "~ -:- ','H, :-" 'l~~:" .' ,t:, ';' "" ", ,': '<'f. :. ;',. ,.,....":' ;;:.: "t H' ,:" " ", , ' ' ", , ," I I.~,. \ ,. , .., '".1' " , , ., , . ' I". ," ,., " , '.......... u By June 15, 1997. a retrofit of outfalls will be addressed by an evaluation of our existing storm water system to determine the feasibility of installing line sediment sump pumps below ground. In addition, a request in the FY 97/98 bUdget for funding on an engineering design and construction needed for the retrofit of outfalls to ctean the water going into Stevenson's Creek. Construction (if budget approved) is expected to be compteted by June, 1998. By June 30. 1997. complete an inventory of our septic tank systems to detennine project area and feasibility of connection to the City sanitary sewer system. If feasible, a request for funding will be made In the FY 98/99 budget .:nylronmentm , /~ 1. Implement plsn to review Stevenson's Creek water flow and environmental concerns. By January 15. 1997. be prepared to begin a series of public meetings that focus on reaching a unified agreement for a proposal on an effective Watershed Management Plan that Include dredging studies. before applying for funding requests or pennit applications. Following the results of the Watershed Management Plan and dredging feasibility to begin work towards development and subsequent permitting that includes the removal of silt from the shallow pockets within Stevenson's Creek. Public input and permitting will determine work output. Progress reports will be given to the community on a timely basis. <) By March 10, 1997, we will begin to aggressively address salvage yard runoff into Stevenson's Creek by on site inspections and recommendations for owner/management correction. The city wiff contact property owners to determine level of concern and cooperation necessary to make sure issues are being reviewed arid action taken. In addition, we will solicit support of the Department of Environmental Protection if management practices of salvage yard owners are considered suspect. By March 15, 1997, educational programs for community (stormwater, runoff, best management, estuary, etc.) will be defined through community outreach and research applicable to existing programs. In April, 1997, we win begin replanting efforts along Stevenson's Creek. The extent of these efforts wiU be determined by public focus group meetings, funding considerations and the extent of dredging feasibility required. Community support and volunteers (scouts, neighborhood associatiolls, church and school groups) will be encouraged to assist with the planting. 2 ," 2. Reclslmed Water Tsnk o Currently a landscape architect Is working on a plan for landscaping along the berm surrounding the water tank to make the vista more aesthetically pleasing to the community and environment. By October 1,1997, have completed approved landscaping and buffering plan for reclaimed water tank benn. 3. Involve the North Greenwood Community on environmental Just/ce programs In addition to the before mentioned community supported environmental projects, the city has been asked to help homeowners with asbestos siding removal. By January 15, 1997, solicited support from Pinellas County Air Quality Department will be outlined. Neighborhood support will be needed by researching the extent of the problem through community interaction and questionnaire coming in March, 1997. This research will allow us to determine the extent of rehabilitation needed and resources required. () 4. Institute a community wide Brazilian Pepper removal program ~ Before January 1 0, 199~ complete an inventory of the Brazilian Pepper removal needed along the shoreline of Stevenson's Creek downstream from Betty Lane Avenue. By January 15, 1997 obtain owner approval to do removal from private property and prepare a purchase order to begin work.. Complete removal of Brazilian Pepper on public and private property by June 15, 1997. Public Facilities and Improvements 1. Develop additional parking for the North Greenwood Panthers Effective October 1, 1996, feasibility and funding approved for a parking lot of approximately 30 spaces will be constructed along Russell Street to serve as an overflow parking facility for the ball fields. Design will be accomplished within six months. o 3 .' !) 2. Develop stroetscspe program for North Greenwood Avenue By October 1. 1998, make North Greenwood Avenue streetscaping a component of the North Greenwood Redevelopment Plan under the following 'conditions: . Obtain Input from the Community . Obtain Input from the City Design Review Board . Include streetscaping requirements in the North Greenwood Design Guidelines . Include summary of streetscaping plan recommendations for community and commission review and approval. . Include Capitol Improvement Program requirements for a long - term streetscaping Implementation program with an initial concentration on North Greenwood Avenue's commercial areas and with a proposed implementation date of January 1, 1999. 3. City to provide maintenance for public fael/IUes along North Greenwood Avenue (trash cans along North Greenwood Avenue) By December 1, 1996, an Increased number of trash cans will be installed along North Greenwood Avenue. (:) By July 1, 1999, trash receptacles in the North Greenwood Avenue will be replaced by design approved receptacles as selected through the streetscaping plan. By July 1, 1999, city dumpsters in the North Greenwood area will be screened. Public Safety 1. Develop programs to address crime In the neighborhood By December 1, 1996, the Police Department will establish a citizen steering committee for program development in the implementation of .Operation Weed and Seed,. a multi-agency federal strategy that -Weeds our violent crime, gang activity, drug use and drug trafficking in targeted high crime neighborhoods and then .seeds. the target area by restoring these neighborhoods through social and economlo revitalization. Ongoing efforts will continua as we pursue grant funding opportunities that provide for job opportunities, public safety, education and training. A progress report will be made to the community every six months. o 4 , . ",' ',', ,.,.-......_..._,,,:.,.:.._..:..____~......,.'.....~I". ", ',: ",.'. " . ' . .,' . " ""~':',' ,t ,~ . I I:) u " . .. .~ ~.' " . . 2. Develop plan for trafflc control By January 1. 1997. the Police Department in conjunction with the Traffic Engineering Department will conduct a review of the traffic flow patterns In the North Gr.eenwood area with a focus on the enhancement of pubnc safety conditions where appropriate. 3. Develop plan to eradicate drugs from the neIghborhood During October, 1996, the Police Department began to target major narcotic deafers in the North Greenwood area for federat prosecution through the assistance of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and United ' States Attorney's Office that will result in significantly enhanced penalties and incarceration in federal penitentiaries. 4. Operate the North Greenwood sub-stat/on 24 hours 8 day ( " not possible, operate during peak hours) The Police Department in recognition of limited staffing availabifity, will conduct regular evaluations to enhance deployment during peak hours specific to the North Greenwood community. 5. Create a program to address truancy Effective October 1, 1996, in partnership with Pinellas County Office of Justice Coordinationt the Police Department has been awarded a federal grant to Implement a pilot Geographic Information System (GIS) that is planned to Interface truancy data from the Pine lias County School System for access by Clearwater Police Officers and crime analysis staff. Clearwater Police Department officers will also continue to make direct referrals to the Community Partnership Safehouse for students that have been suspended from public school~ (MNo More Home Alone- program). 6. Increase better communications between the neighborhood and the police department During 1997 t the Police Department will provide an additional eight hour in- service training course on MCultural DiversitY' with a focus on enhancing communication skills with neighborhood residents to all sworn officers of the department. , ~I':,' _'" ", , ': ',.' '".'.',,:, '. ':. /.',.', ,. "",~,.., ", I.,"" ',' ',' ',"\:..',:_" <. " "'1.-1",,' ',;'.\ ',:' ..."~:'.;;.: 0,.:"" ,..'..":, ',':' " ':, ',,':,1 ,:-. .- , " , " ., ' 'I' , \ '\ ' , '. n .. 'J . I' . ' . " ' ," , '. " \ \' ,",',:, ,'.. ' ," ...1' .\,', 'J"'/ ;,~" " '.I~ ,'t', "" '. '.~';' :'l'~""'" .' . ".'. .' "',.' . . () a) Review the need for a Citywide curfew program The Police Department does D.2.t support Implementation of a citywide curfew program based on constitutional concerns and the manpower requirements required to enforce same. ' b) Incroase community policing efforts (placing a police officer on the beat) Effective October1, 1996, the Police Department received a federal grant under the .COPS" program that has placed an additional two officers each at the North Greenwood, South Greenwood and Old Clearwater Bay community policing stations. Additionally, the Police Department has Implemented a program to rotate recruit officers through the community policing programs as part of thair initial field training officer program. c) Develop and Implement Crime Prevention programs Effective November 2, 1996, the Police Department joined with the State Department of Justice to assign a caseworker to work out of the North Greenwood Sub-station. (J Arrangements are ongoing to host a public meeting to address juvenile crime issues that provides insight into the varied juvenile justice programs now available and the legal issues and public responsibilities needed to make these efforts successful. Guest speakers for this Juvenile Justice Seminar will be the Honorable Dee Anna Farnell, Circuit Judge. Sixth Judicial Circuit, and Mr. Rick l. Tribble, Superintendent and Detention Center Official for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Additionally, by January 1, 1997, the Police Department will design an informational brochure for distribution to North Greenwood community organizations that provides a comprehensive listing of many existing crime prevention programs. , . d) Create a police hotllne for citizen complaints VVhen the Police Department relocates (NovemberlDecember 1996) into its new headquarters building, a police hotline for citizen complaints will be installed and the number published for community distribution at that time. o 6 ,~ r >ooTJ e) EstabUsh a civilian revlow board , . 1~ ~.l .... ""~ :'" ~. .,'. '-10 u, The Police Department's recommendation is to encourage citizen oversight of its community policing programs and activffies. However, the Pollce Department does D.Q1 support Implementation of a civilian review board process for those reasons including but not limited to: statutory requirements on police Internal affairs investigations, the need for trained Investigators and support staff, the Impact of collective bargaining prior to implementation. redundancy in functions to existing police review process, failure to provide adequate procedural safeguards, emphasis only on negative issues, conflict with the Chiefs authority to discipline, excessive cost to conduct investigations, creation of an environment of alienation and isolation of the Clearwater Police Department from the minority community and lack of civilian famntarity with ponce procedures. Recreational - leisure Services 1. Create additional parking for North Greenwood Panthers i:) Effective October 1, 1996, feasibility and funding was approved for a parking lot of approximately 30 spaces to be constructed along Russell Street to serve as an overflow parking facility for the bat! fields. Expected completion date June 1, 1997. 2. Stadium Issues The City has ongoing efforts to retain the Philadelphia Phiflies and Clearwater PhilUes teams past the year 2004 through contractual arrangements and stadium maintenance. Stadium issues will be included in the North Greenwood redevelopment plan with a special emphasis on business interaction and commercial activity. 3. Special Events The City will work with representatives from the North Greenwood area to establish two new special events within the North Greenwood community by October 1.1997. 4. Build a new rocreatJonaVcommunlty center o The new .Penny for Pine lias. program for the years 2000-2010, Includes requests for $1 million for a new ....amlly aquatic center' to take the place of the Holt Avenue swimming pool and $2 million for a new recreation complex , , , f ~ , I',' . :) ;.I~' ., . '-0.,..".' . ;I . .' ,I' . " i . "': _, -. ~ . .1" , , : to' " } , , , ',' " . ,'t' ", , : , ' '. . '., ," , "~'. ' .... ..q... ..""'. -~, ;.:, '. ' , " '.' ~ ,: , .~ . : " .. ~ . , . , ...,'. I \, ~ ' , " ,~, , I ' ,...-" ~ ,,' '. ' , 1< .,. ',\",.'.., " . jn._..._M......""__.......,.-rf,.........".l~: ~....,~J..I(t<. :'~ ~ }"c "I. I' , ": " ,~.... . ' .... ..>l,. ~" .." ':... , .. . . . n ."......... including multipurpose facilities similar to the Countryside Recreation Center. i Funding is subject to approval by the voters In 1997. If approved, monies could be available for studies and construction beginning In the year 2000. If the funding Is not approved by the voters, staff will submit'a request for funding through the normal-capital improvement- budget process. 6. Develop a passive park along the !"otfh Greenwood business district By January 1, 1998, staff will Identify areas, or potential improvements to existing passive parks within the North Greenwood business district and request . ,appropriate funding, through the City's capital Improvement budget process. " : ~ ' , . , !.... >0 ..".' " 'I , . , .' , > , ~ . ' ' T \ ' .- ; , .', ~ , . . " 'I, ' . : ,'", , , " , .. J ',J " . , , " . " ", , ; ~ , , . ' , . . ~ c '\" .' " '. '" , a , ' ,', '" ~,,\;',~: .::1:": \.:f;;~: :::,~~\~~~~.':)t;