12/23/1997 - Special
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LIBRARY
, ADVISORY
BOARD
MINUTES
Date
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Present:
Absent:
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CLEARWATER MAIN LIBRARY SITE SELECTION TASK FORCE
CITY OF CLEARWATER
December 23, 1997
Chair
Board Member/Library Advisory Board
Board Member/Library Advisory Board
Friends Board
Member of the Public
Library Foundation
Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce
St. Petersburg Times Reporter
City Manager
Library Division Manager
Administrative Support Manager I
Member of Public
Member of Public
Board Reporter
Board Member/Foundation Board
Board Member/Foundation Board
Board Member/Library Advisory Board
Foundation
Library Foundation Executive Director
Clearwater Chamber of Commerce
Mayor
City Commissioner
City Commissioner
City Commissioner
City Commissioner
Assistant City Manager/Economic Development
The meeting was called to order at 8:48 a.m. in the third floor Board Room,
Main Library, 100 North Osceola Avenue, Clearwater. The purpose of the meeting
was to discuss proposed Clearwater Main Library sites.
Tony Bacon
Christine Morris
Glenn Garte
Brooke Hartley
David Berry
Mercy Dickinson
Gerri Raymond
Anita Kumar
Michael Roberto
Linda Lange
Susan Hackett
Rex Clark
Betty Clark
Brenda Moses
Don Gage
Wally Dutton
Judy Melges
Shirley Hunt
Julie Lewis
Kathy Rabon
Rita Garvey
J. B. Johnson
Ed Hooper
Karen Seel
Bob Clark
Bob Keller
City Manager Michael Roberto said on January 5, 1998, a preliminary draft
for downtown redevelopment entitled One City. One Future. will be available to the
public. He circulated a draft of the article and explained 2 other pieces will be
included in the final copy to include a dedication to citizens of Clearwater and
revision of the LDC (Land Development Code). The County, churches and retail
components all play an important role in the redevelopment plan. Many
redevelopment options are being considered including traffic patterns, accessibility
of all destination points, increased dock space, easier access to waterways and
waterfront businesses, housing, meeting room space, retail developments,
pedestrian traffic, access to and from beaches, branch libraries, entertainment
sectors, expansion of Coachman Park, and a possible government hub. Discussion
ensued regarding the most logical site for the Clearwater Main Library. Mr. Roberto
said he felt it should be on Cleveland Street and Myrtle Avenue. That site would
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serve as a pedestrian anchor to downtown. The Missouri Avenue site would serve
as a vehicular anchor. A parking garage could be built on Laura Street and possibly
connect to the Main Library through an elevated walkway.
Discussion ensued regarding the Clearwater Main Library Site Selection Task
Force's previous recommendation for construction of a 112,000 square foot Main
Clearwater Library on a minimum of 8 acres to replace the current 80-year old
library. The City Manager said funds for the new library will come from Penny for
Pinellas taxes and donations. Concern was expressed that a multistory library as
proposed on the Myrtle Avenue and Cleveland Street site would greatly limit the
Main Library's future expansion. Member~ felt meeting space in the library and
dedicated library parking is mandatory. A member remarked more consideration
should be given to library space and expansion due to the advent of the Internet,
bookstore technology, and branch library programs.
A comment was made that many redevelopment ideas have been discussed
over the years and nothing ever materializes. Mr. Roberto said at the January City
Commission meeting, a request will be made for a master developer to submit a
downtown proposal. He anticipates more definitive plans can be developed by
summer. Referendums in Fall 1998, or Spring 1999, would be required for some
redevelopment activities. A tentative date of June 23, 1998, has been set for a
decision on the Main Clearwater Library site.
Mr. Roberto referred to a map of the beach. He said the beach plan was
t:> community-driven. Providing more pedestrian and visual access to the beaches,
,"" - creating a recreational component and a better buffer and transition between
residential and commercial areas of the beach are being considered. He emphasized
the One City. One Future. draft being submitted for public discussion in January is
preliminary. Public input and consensus of all residents in Clearwater will be vital to
the success of redevelopment and the City's Vision.
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The meeting adjourned at 1 0: 13 a.m.
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