09/22/1997 (2)
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PARKS &
'RECREATION
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Parks & Recreation Board
Minutes
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PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
September 22, 1997
Present:
Donald Harris
Larry Lindner
Charles Weaver
William Kirbas
Gary Giordano
Gary Meritt
Gerry Shriver
Ream Wilson
Art Kader
Steve Miller
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 Programming Superintendent
Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. To provide continuity, the
items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
2. Minutes Approval- August 25, 1997
Member Lindner requested amendment on page two indicating a vendor has been found for
light poles at McMullen Tennis complex. Member Weaver requested rearranging language on
page two to better reflect his support of renaming a park after Cherry Harris.
t,:::> Member Lindner moved to approve the minutes as amended, The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously,
3. Correspondence
The board reviewed and approved Chair Harris' letter recommending deletion of Section
1 (b) from proposed Resolution 97-43 regarding naming new City parks.
4. Upcoming Recreation Events - Report by Steve Miller
The board received handouts highlighting programs and events scheduled for the month of
October, Of specific interest were: 1) Clearwater Boxing Team; 2) Clearwater Cadets Jr. Drum
& Bugle Corps; 3) School's Out camps; 4) Saturdays in the City; 5) Halloween Encounters,
Ballroom Dance, Night Walk & Campfire, Happenings at neighborhood recreation centers; and
6t Nagano Winter Olympics video shoot and 100 day countdown clock. Mr. Miller responded
to questions regarding age groups for Halloween parties, what is involved in the Moccasin Lake
Park night walk, and how publicity for the McMullen Tennis Complex open house will be
handled. Mr. Miller read the new rates for court fee increases beginning October 1, 1997
6. Old Business
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A. Current Capital Imorovement Proiects - Art Kader
The board received the report, noting major changes to Phillip Jones Clubhouse; Lake
Chautauqua Park; and Clearwater beach Aquatic Park. Mr, Kader noted changes to recreation
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paths, grandstand bleacher replacement at Countryside High School, and redoing the infield at
Jack Russell Stadium. It is hoped the infield can be finished before the beginning of 1998
Spring Training.
B. Cherry Harris Park
Mr, Wilson reported a good turnout at last Sunday's ceremony to rename the park, While
Cherry Harris was not able to attend, her family and the community expressed gratitude for the
City's and Parks and Recreation Board's efforts on her behalf, Mr. Wilson commended the
board for its acti,on and timeliness. He said Ms. Harris passed away soon after the ceremony,
adding she was a fine lady and will be missed,
7. New Business
A, Reauest to close Crest Lake Park at Sundown
General discussion ensued regarding a citizen's request to close the park at sundown as a
means of addressing concerns with overnight sleeping, loitering, and other inappropriate
activities. Discussion ensued regarding: 1) legitimate park uses existing between dusk and
closing time; 2) frequency of police patrol; 3) usefulness of soft lighting around the sidewalk
and playground equipment; 4) the homeless situation faced by most cities; 5) a general
indication that surrounding residents seem satisfied with the current closing time; and 6) lack of
reported complaints, Consensus was for no change in the Crest Lake Park closing time,
I:;
B, Skate Park MeetlnQs
Mr, Wilson reported staff's efforts to pro actively address skating's rapid popularity
increase. Three public forums are scheduled in September to receive input on whether the City
should build a skate park and/or roller hockey rink. He discussed the Parks and Recreation
Department's position statement on the issue, adding staff will process the citizen input with a
view toward ensuring the budget dollars are being directed to the kind of facility most wanted
by the public, Mr, Wilson will update the board throughout the information gathering process,
Discussion ensued regarding the difference between a skate park and a street/rollorhockey rink,
associated programming and amenities.
In response to a question, staff will investigate whether the Countryside Boosters are
interested in remaining involved in a proposal to build restrooms at the roller rink behind
Countryside High School,
C. ProQram for October Meetina at Ross Norton Park
Mr. Wilson reported the next meeting will be held at Ross Norton Park, He will check on
Jon Russell's availability to attend.
Board and Staff Discussion
Mr. Wilson invited the public to attend a car wash by Parks and Recreation Department
staff on October 2. The car wash is being sponsored by the management of Sears Automotive
Center in front of Countryside Mall, with proceeds being donated to the United Way,
o
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,Mr, Meritt raised discussion regarding a small group of people requesting after hours
use of unattended St, Petersburg Junior College soccer fields, Because of the field
shortage, intense programming, and need for a higher level of maintenance on soccer
fields, staff felt use of attended City fields would be preferable. Discussion ensued
regarding suggestions for alternatives. Mr, Wilson recommended asking the group to call
Steve Miller at 562~4805, to arrange a place for after hours soccer practice.
Mr. Weaver reported the presence of several piles of debris washed into the Coachman
disk golf park during recent high water. Staff will follow up.
A question was raised regarding plans for a Pinellas Trail grand opening downtown the
first week of December 1 997, Discussion ensued regarding street and trail configuration
propo~ed by Building Official Vic Chodora.
Mr. Lindner reported he has received feedback that people are not receiving up-to-date
information, or are being improperly referred regarding recreation events and activities,
Staff responded to questions regarding how, publicity for major events is handled.
Discussion ensued regarding a proposal change to a quarterly newsletter mailed to every
City resident, similar to what is done in Anaheim, California. The difficulty of keeping
automated information current was discussed, Mr, Lindner stressed the need for a clear,
cross-referenced index of programs and activities in the quarterly publication, Discussion
ensued regarding the cost of distributing the publication to 100,000 households in
Clearwater.
Mr, Kirbas observed heavy use of the downtown tennis courts in the evenings, He
expressed concern with lights being left on with no way to turn them off,
In response to a question from Mr, Kirbas, Mr, Wilson said the City Commission has
not'scheduled annual advisory board reports for next year, It is not known whether the
Commission will require such reports,
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p,m,
,JJ~ 9~
Chair
Parks and Recreation Board
Attest:
~AH~ c4fh
Boa(d Reporter
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