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09/23/1996 (2) ., , " ,. '.~.__~_'::_"""""Io""'____'" ~ ' j , ,/ ,'~ . " , , ,,~': . , . ,. ."". , . , . , . :r~'-', ,~"CP",::: : ~ "/.l~; ~ .' ,"'J\.'k~~:(!:>..'\~,'" :-\;~.: '~~J_~::""'J~:'~:",~";}",,,;,, ._,. .,. _........ ~ ....c. . -.. - ~... ".' ~ .. ~ "' >" ~ i .. .....'. '\- , 1 PARKS&. ..RECREATION ,': ' Parks & Recreation Board Minutes '.' Date . , . . . , I. ' .' . . ,,> > . , '+" .. , : ' i ,~", , "':':_' . .....'.. ..'.,..... ..'....:\..'..':..q.....' '~3" ',,: .~,""..., '......... .,". ,....: .:.... ',". . .'. :..... .': ,~'.' "'/0". ." .~. ,',-:' "~:I' ...',....:.... ,', "., ,,' 'E . ,. ., .:. " -I ,I I ~ ' {, ,\ , . ~ , . ~. . " . I I '. . '. ~, .._,___.__..._..._,......~,.~.:. :'.. ,,\' ",' . I ' ' r:'" " ".... .":, ~ PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER September 23, 1996 Present: Charles Weaver Donald Harris William Kirbas Gary Giordano Gary Meritt Larry Lindner Freda Clayton Ream Wilson Art Kader Steve Miller Patricia O. Sullivan, for Gwen Legters Chair Vice Chair Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Parks and Recreation Director Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Recreation Superintendent Board Reporter Board Reporter The Chair called meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall. To provide continuity, the items Bre listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed In that order. .':) Minutes Approval ~- August 26, 1996 Member Harris moved to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to each member by the Board Reporter. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Correspondence Member Weaver read into the record an excerpt of a letter from the Wood Valley Community Advisory Board, thanking the City for upgrading the Wood Valley Recreation Center. The residents were pleased with the quality of the work, and individually acknowledged the involved staff members and the improvements performed. Presentation -- City Beach Cleaning Program -~ Ozell George, Parks Superintendent Mr. Wilson introduced Mr. George, stating he has been with the City for 30 years, and is in charge of the division responsible for grounds maintenance on all City-owned properties. Mr. George gave a slide presentation profiling the beach cleaning operation, highlighting what is involved in cleaning up seaweed and debris under extraordinary and routine conditions. It was indicated property owners sometimes complain when the beach is not cleaned up quickly, but the timing can be difficult due to the need to schedule cleanings during low tides, when crowds are light, and after daybreak during turtle nesting season. When seaweed deposits are very heavy, a Department of Natural Resources permit is required to bring large equipment onto the beach. Seaweed is raked up, loaded on flatbed trucks, and dumped on vacant City land to dry, then hauled to the landfill. \) mpr09.96 1 9/23/96 ~ .'.) u Mr. George explained design and operation of the beach rake and related equipment used for routine daily cleaning. He illustrated how a farm type tractor tows the rake, collecting debris that is moved by conveyor belt into collection buckets. With the rake, one person can clean in an hour, what formerly took ten people four hours to do manually. The entire beach can be cleaned in a matter of hours when it is not turtle nesting season, or when seaweed deposits are not too heavy. During turtle nesting season, from May through October, no equipment is allowed above the high water mark. All the soft sand, especially along the seawalls, must be cleaned manually. The parking lots and landscaped islands are cleaned daily. When the beach is not littered, Mr. George said they fluff up the sand to make it look nice for the day. He displayed a slide of the way he likes for the beach to look when the crew is finished at 9:00 a.m. Mr. George displayed and explained slides of solid waste disposal equipment and procedures, comparing the labor savings of using this equipment versus performing the operations manually. He explained the equipment enables the work to be done with fewer personnel, creating a more professional public image. Mr. George will be responsible for maintenance of the sand and grassy areas when the new Pier 60 Park pavilions open. He indicated concern because of sand blown by the northwesterly winds. Mr. Wilson agreed it will be a high maintenance park. He explained the proposed use of the pavilions by thousands of beach visitors, stating staff will learn more about what kind of maintenance is involved after the park opens. In response to questions, Mr. George did not anticipate adding more personnel yet. One member expressed concern with public nuisance and health concerns associated with deteriorating seaweed and red tide debris in areas the City does not clean, north of Sommarset Drive. Concern was expressed with ongoing controversy regarding whether ultimate responsibility belongs to the adjacent property owners, the City or State. Mr. Wilson explained the City owns stretches of beach from the Adam's Mark hotel, north to Sommerset Drive, in the vicinity of the public parking lots and the 60-foot wide public accessways. The Parks division is charged with cleaning these areas because they are the primary sites used by tourists. In the commercial and residential areas not cleaned by the City, he recommended frequent cleaning by the property owners as a means of avoiding heavy accumulation and the associated smell. The member complained heavy seaweed deposits as described above are too much for a typical homeowner to handle. Mr. Wilson acknowledged it was an extremely hard winter in terms of seaweed accretion, but the best way to handle the problem is to remove and dispose of the debris. In response to questions, Mr. George stated he has received calls from various citizens, and one large commercial contractor, interested in obtaining the seaweed for organic gardening. Systems are available to get rid of the salt. While Mr. Wilson expressed his willingness to work with anyone interested in using the seaweed, he did not feel a large market is likely to develop. Mr. George pointed out it is a problem to find vacant land on which to stack and store the seaweed, because of the odor. Very little vacant land exists without homes nearby. Board members thanked Mr. George for an informative presentation. mpr09.96 2 9/23/96 "., . ,;e,';\ I':' >" ;:;'.?;,::?';"';~!~'~1~~'~"\'i'FT \ ~~ " " ,>',,:.',..< \......' ". 1. ;':.'1>"" 'I. , . 1'';''''':'3'' ....1",:0:...:..':.'.'..' ''''.'. ':,.,::.::,;:;<,',';,.<.: ...".'. ....,::. . < '.. . . ':,: .>.:.. . :. ;:. .:." > ,I., ':. ;~:, .....",' '!;"\":.' :': .,: .... . '.'.'.'-~. ~< ,'::' ..: . ...... . ." : . : :":" :. .':", < ..: ~ l :) o ," ~' .. . oj , : Upcoming Recreation Events -- Report by Steve Miller Mr. Miller distributed handouts highlighting programs and events scheduled for October. He called attention to: 1) Women's Fall Tennis Classic, October 11-14; 2) Times Turkey Trot Track Team Meets, October 8 and 29; 3) City Expo at Clearwater Mall, October 19; 4) School's Out camps on October 18; and 5) Halloween festivities at neighborhood recreation centers. He invited anyone with questions to call him at 562-4800. National Recreation and Parks Association Video -- Steve Miller Mr. Miller presented a ten~minute videotape produced by the National Recreation and Parks Association to kick off their national campaign, IiMarketing the Benefits of Parks and Recreation. ' In the past, he said the City marketed recreation according to the available features. The video emphasized how development of balance, social and motor skills through recreation activities strengthens family ties, combats stress, improves the community by averting destructive and antisocial behavior, and improves self esteem by developing individual talents. The video detailed how quality of life is improved through recreational, fitness, and relaxation activities, parks and open space. Economic statistics show parks and recreation programs attract small business and jobs, enhance workforce productivity, save healthcare costs, and attract tourism dollars. Environmental benefits of parks and open space balance pressures of new growth and expanding urban populations, protect and enhance the natural environment, create habitats for wildlife, promote air and water purification and flood control, buffer noise, and make urban communities more livable. Incorporating parks and recreation into, our lives is essential to preserving natural resources, living together in harmony, stimulating the economy, and enhancing our health and vitality. In response to a question, Mr. Miller said at least 90 percent of the activities illustrated in the video are available through City participation, A question was raised regarding the economic impacts of professional, semi-professional, and amateur sports tournaments. Mr. Miller said he is tracking activities in which the City is involved. The information being gathered will be summarized at the end of the fiscal year and shared with the board. He said the numbers are impressive, seeming to indicate t.he money invested in recreation is balanced by economic return to the City. Old BusJness A. Schedule for Public Hearing Reaardina Name for Park on Sand Kev Mr. Wilson distributed copies of correspondence with the Sand Key Association rogarding their proposal for park name, scheduled for public hearing at the October 28 Parks and Recreation Board meeting. They have recommended the name, Bay Park on Sand Key. In response to a question, he said that is the only name submitted for board consideration. mpr09.96 3 9/23/96 ,;.; ..;:. ,,> ~:.: "rL . .,., ," , '" , '. c'. " '7 B. Skateboard Ordinance Mr. Wilson stated the City Commission has denied approval of two proposed ordinances and no further action is scheduled. The City Commission may wish to see what happens when the Pinel1as Trail opens through Clearwater. A question was raised regarding whether a skateboard park could be created and set aside to satisfy this need. Mr. Wilson stated he received correspondence from a Countryside resident explaining how the City of Huntington Beach, California had adopted an ordinance prohibiting skateboards downtown, but had created special skateboard areas replicating features of the downtown streetscape on which skateboarders liked to perform. Mr. Wilson said he discussed the issue with the Huntington Beach Director of Parks and Recreation, who said their three skateboard areas were very successful, but they had not pursued more advanced skateboarding areas due to liability concerns. Mr. Wilson will investigate and provide more information whether the public school system is interested in pursuing skateboard areas. C. St. Petersburg Junior College (SPJC) Fields Mr. Wilson indicated he has received no further information from SPJC regarding their plans for the fields. D. Fountain at Pier 60 .:) In response to questions at the last meeting, Mr. Wilson investigated the possibility of creating an interactive fountain at Pier 60 Park. He said the fountain in Largo has been cordoned off so people will not use it. He contacted a fountain manufacturer in Jacksonville, Florida and reported the cost to construct an interactive fountain starts at $48,000 to $50,000. It was indicated the fountain in Atlanta's Olympic Village had cost about $2.8 million. Mr. Wilson indicated the problems created by the aforementioned blowing sand at Pier 60 would create a maintenance nightmare for ground level fountain jets. If the board wishes to pursue such a proposal, he recommended looking at ways to incorporate it into plans for the Clearwater beach aquatics park. One member suggested a cooling overhead mist area as an alternative. Mr. Wilson will investigate. E. Soft Tennis Courts Mr. Wilson compared soft and hard surfaces, stating staff is gathering information. If the board recommends construction of soft courts, $150,000 is budgeted in FY 1998/99 that could be directed from racquetball to soft courts. He distributed two handouts detailing information comparing court surfaces and annual maintenance costs. Krishnan Anandan, McMullen Complex contract tennis instructor, stated maintenance cost is the primary concern with clay courts. Welsh Construction, the leading soft court builder in this area, has been able to cut annual maintenance costs from $2,500 to $500 by installing underground sprinklers. Average construction cost of a lighted clay court is about $25,000. If the decision is made to build clay courts, Mr. Anandan recommended construction of at least ten to twelve courts, for a total cost of about $300,000. These soft courts would be in addition to the existing hard courts. He felt this number would be \;) mpr09.96 4 9/23/96 .~ Mr. Wilson expressed mixed emotions regarding soft courts. While they have many advantages, he said they require frequent attention throughout the day. He pointed out some people could misconstrue installation of soft courts as an attempt to compete with private clubs. One member observed the McMullen courts are usually crowded, especially during prime time, while many other tennis courts throughout the City are frequently deserted. He stated the City may wish to research usage and rethink the marketing strategy of courts throughout the system. Ouestions were raised regarding available land area at McMullen, and the need to proportionately increase associated facilities such as parking and locker rooms. ~ needed to handle the influx of people who are likely to be competing for soft court time, including approximately 1,100 former Bardmoor visitors. In response to a question, he said the City would be justified in charging more for clay court usage. General discussion ensued regarding a two-page matrix from The Fast~Dry Companies, comparing the factors involved in surface irrigated versus sub.surface irrigated courts, the cost and amount of supplies and equipment, maintenance, and water usage for soft courts. Mr. Anandan stated about 90% of the cost of court maintenance is for water. Considering the matrix figures, one member calculated 193,450 gallons of water would be used for sub-surface irrigation annually. She questioned whether the City would be willing to pursue the issue in view of water costs and conservation concerns. One member pointed out the City could drill a water well, but Mr. Wilson indicated reclaimed water use would likely be preferable. He will check with the landscaping section regarding the water use calculations. One member stated significant interest has been expressed by citizens wishing to play on clay courts and willing to participate in funding. Mr. Anandan affirmed he has heard from many people expressing a similar interest. particularly former Bardmoor customers. He felt it was likely private monies could be available to build the courts. He was requestod to coordinate discussions with staff and interested members of the public about the possibility of entering a public/private partnership. Mr. Wilson said he would be happy to meet and discuss the issue with anyone wishing to make a verbal or written proposal. General discussion ensued regarding considerations involved in leasing City property. F. McMullen Tennis Courts Resurfacina One member indicated hairline cracks on courts 1 through 8 are getting worse and questioned whether these courts are on unstable ground. While the cracks do not interfere with ball play, they look bad for the upcoming tournaments. General discussion ensued regarding condition of the courts. It was indicated resurfacing is budgeted for FY 1996/97. Mr. Wilson said they are reluctant to proceed with resurfacing before the reason for the cracking is known. He assured the board he is investigating the issue with the City Engineering Department and the resurfacing will be done when the proper approach is determined. Mr. Wilson thanked Mr. Anandan for an exceptional job coaching the successful tennis instruction program. o mpr09.96 5 9/23/96 . '. I. . . 4~'"'' . ~ ~"''':''''':'_''''''~....!__l.~~'''''. .........' .' , '. . '.~ , -- " ,', .... I " I, ,'I', . ,~ New Business A. Parks and Beach Ordinance Mr. Wilson distributed copies of the agenda item regarding this issue, stating he has worked with the Police Department and the City Attorney to amend the ordinance. He explained the current code does not allow for consistent enforcement of certain activities, citing walking dogs on the beach in Sand Key Park as an example. He pointed out the code prohibits dog walking on the beach, but allows leashed dog walking in parks. The proposed amendment would enable the City Manager to post signs prohibiting certain activities in situations where health, safety or welfare concerns existed. Discussion ensued regarding this and other examples of unenforceable signs and rules. Staff recommended endorsement of the amendment giving the City Manager authority to decide when and where it is in the public interest to prohibit certain activities. ,,:> While concern was expressed with any attempt to issue blanket prohibitions, Mr. Wilson felt the City Manager would likely review each case individually and make her decision based on input from City staff and police. Another member requested specific language in the ordinance to ensure each situation is viewed on a case by case basis. Mr. Wilson directed attention to the ordinance draft in a packet of information provided to board members, stating they were welcome to recommend text changes. He has pulled first reading of this item off the next City Commission agenda to allow time for board input. While most board members approved the amendment in concept, they wished to have their concern regarding enforcement, safeguards, and case by case review incorporated into the final draft before recommending approval., Discussion ensued regarding suggested language. As two members had not received copies of the information packet, Mr. Wilson suggested continuing this item to the next meeting for board review and recommendation of specific language he can take back to the City Attorney. B. Informational ProQram for October Meetino One member suggested an overview of the remaining recreational opportunities not already covered by previous presentations. Mr. Wilson said the remaining sections are 1) Recreation Facilities such as athletic fields, programs, maintenance and use, and 2) Administration review by Administrative Support Manager Jon Russell, regarding economic impact of Parks and Recreation programs. Consensus was to schedule review of recreation facilities. Mr. Miller agreed, suggesting a presentation of the contract instructor program might be interesting for a future meeting. General discussion ensued regarding the myriad of public properties the City maintains, and gathering of statistical information regarding resident/non residential usage, and budgetary concerns. Board Comments \) Member Clayton noted no improvements or changes have been made to the information kiosk at Clearwater Mall. She reiterated her request from a previous meeting for staff to investigate downloading more detailed street maps to the recreation centers. mpr09.96 6 9123/96 I~ I~) J" .. I, . Mr. Miller explained the diHiculties with updating the 68 pages of information contained in the kiosk, stating he is working with the City's Information Management group to correct a hardware problem. He suggested referring to the new leisure services guide for the type of detailed information requested at the kiosk. He said the software program was written by a private outside company and he did not know if it was possible to scan in detailed maps. He will investigate and report at the next meeting. Member Kirbas expressed concern with the addition of certain elements he said were not included in the original plans for Pier 60. He specifically cited the large number of palm trees he felt will obscure the view of the Gulf as they mature, and the railing around the pavilion that obstructs visitors from gathering around all sides of the pavilion. He reported he received a complaint that the playground equipment is too close to the sidewalk. Mr. Wilson said playground equipment is measured for adequate separation from surrounding structures to ensure safe drop zones. He will investigate the sidewalk concern. Member Kirbas announced the Clearwater Beach Association is having its annual Oktoberfest on October 26 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center. Member Weaver reported a serious ant problem around playground equipment at several parks, including Morningside, Coachman Ridge, and Crest Lake. He also reported many of the plastic slides are in a deteriorated condition, with cracked plastic and bent support columns. Mr. Wilson will follow up on these reports. Member Lindner noted participant cards are valid for one calendar year and questioned whether the cost of obtaining a non resident card is prorated toward the end of the year. Mr. Miller stated the cost is not prorated. Near the end of the year, it is recommended for individuals to calculate the non-participant costs of their particular activities and decide whether it is more cost effective to pay per visit or to pay full price for a participant card. A former program to offer a /llast quarter" card was discontinued due to lack of participation. The sports programs offer a single season card for $33. In response to a questions, Mr. Wilson stated half and quarter year participant cards were offered in the beginning of the program, but sales were so small, the partial year cards were discontinued. As most people participate in only one or two activities, it usually costs less for them to pay per visit. While he agreed a small number of people may request prorating, the demand has not been great enough to merit making an exception. Member Lindner mentioned an article in the Clearwater section of the St. Petersburg Times that seemed to indicate people prefer a fitness trail over a fitness court so they can walk or jog between stations. He questioned whether the City has investigated the public preference. Mr. Wilson briefly reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of each, stating more vandalism occurs along a trail because much of it is out of sight. He will look at this concern if another installation is considered. Mr. Lindner expressed concern with the Crest lake fitness court sitting out in the sun, and urged installation of a water fountain. Member Weaver referred to previous discussion indicating board members thought the water fountain at the restroom was sufficient. Mr. Wilson will investigate. mpr09.96 7 9/23/96 . . ~ _,....... _ .......-...._ ......___... ~ . n' _. . "I ' l. '. II . , . I .1 . ~,.':'..,..:......~~< ,.''''';',~. .~\~.:..~ ,';~,~'..<'<' :'( , f q . \ j~ Member Lindner noted bicycle lanos' have been included along the new Sunset Point Road expansion. He wished to encourage the City, State and County to incorporate bike lanes into existing wide boulevards and future road expansion projects whenever feasible. Mr. Wilson stated Parks and Recreation Administrative Support Manager John Russell is chair of the City Manager's committee appointed to evaluate bike trail connections with the Pinelles Trail, Clearwater beach, etc. Mr. Wilson will convey the board's interest to the committee, which is holding its first meeting next week. ,. Member Clayton questioned the City Manager's September 16 letter stating it is not appropriate for advisory board members to wear or display political campaign materials during meetings of boards on which the members serve. Member Clayton Questioned whether the letter was a request or a demand. Mr. Wilson read the letter into the record, stating it seems to be a directive. Members Clayton and Harris expressed concern the directive may restrict members' right to freedom of speech and requested an opinion from the City Attorney. Mr. Wilson will forward the members' concern to the City Attorney's office. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m. .'() ...... \^~~). ~ v V '-I ,,-/~ Par s and Recreation Board Attest: B~~~ ~ V mpr09.96 8 9/23/96 J'<r II "i~M~--~." ~ ....- '........ ........f.~... .tt.I'h.wt......40...~: ~,.t.::"i~\iJ' __ ~. ' t .LJ;';' ~ + . .......... m .-~iWf'i.f~...;)JJ~:..~'.~i..r.~ ,~" .. . ~ .<". ., . ..,,~#,~ " :',:_' ' "', ,,' ".":'h:':,..'." :'.,,',/ ..';i':"/<"/:;ii'.::r,'.C',',<.'::':'(':: '.; "'. ",'\.~..,: " " .. .,' :,.' . . , "'., .~I. ......'~., . ,L.... '\'..' '.,' ',' '.: ".:" , ,l'{ ': " ',;', ,",", ' .~,: .',.......:~l,.:,..,,:3..'/:: .J,', ":: ',",.