02/23/1998 (2)
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Parks &' Recreation Board
Minutes
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PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
February 23, 1998
Present:
Larry Lindner
William Kirbas
'Gary Giordano
Gerry Shrjver
Kim Cashman
Art Kader
Steve Miller
Gwen Legters
Donald Harris
Charles Weaver
Gary Meritt (resigned)
Chair
Vice Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member Appointee
Acting Parks and Recreation Director
Recreatjon Superintendent
Board Reporter
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Absent:
The Chair called the 'meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at Clearwater Community Sailing
Center, 1001 Gulf Boulevard. '
To provide continuity, the items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
II. Minutes Approval - January 26, 1998
Mr. Kader amended the se'cond paragraph on page 4 to read, I'Mr. Kader reported
staff was to revisit cost estimates and design for a small neighborhood park on a tot in
Island Estates, for future consideration by the City Commission. Site plans for
condominiums to the east and an existing marina to the west were discussed. /I
Member Giordano moved to approve the minutes as amended. The motion was duly
seconded alld carried unanImously.
III. Correspondence
Board member Gary Meritt submitted a letter of resignation from the Parks and
Recreation Board citing time conflicts with his growing business.
IV. Upcoming Recreation Events. Report by Steve Miller
Mr. Miller distributed handouts highlighting programs and events scheduled for the
month of March. He called attention to 1) Clearwater Community Chorus Presents: A Little
Off Broadway at Ruth Eckerd Hall; 2) Clearwater Community Chorus auditions for Fun 'N'
Sun concert; 3) Kids Express Theater Group; 4) Greater Clearwater Times Turkey Trot
Track Team; and 5) Spring Break Camp Registration. Mr. Miller reported the track at
Clearwater High School was condemned, impacting the Turkey Trot Track Team and other
meets with economic impact. It is hoped to move the track program to Countryside High
School. A flyer was distributed advertising Clearwater Welcomes the Phil/es tomorrow
night. The February edition of Volunteer Update was distributed. Created by Parks and
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Recreation Volunteer t~oordlnator Lisa Hall, the newsletter increases communication,
recognizes volunteers and publicizes events,
V. Presentation MM Clearwater Community Sailing Center - Supervisor Laurie Schultz
Ms. Schultz highlighted her background In the City recreation and marine
departments. She gave an overview of the Sailing Center facility, programs, events, and
educational opportunities. The second floor meeting room is used for meetings, classes,
sailing clinics, and is rented for celebrations, weddings, and parties. Yoga, watercolor, and
line dancing classes are held for the benefit of those with "non-nautical" interests. The
room was named for Don Carlisle, sponsor of the Windjammers' annual Carlisle Classic.
Funds raised by this event enabled purchase of several new prams.
The board toured the facility from 6:47 to 7: 11 p.m. Ms. Schultz said the center has
13 prams up and running, 13 Sunfish, 3 Lasers, and 4 day sailers. She displayed models
of each type of boat, citing their capabilities and programs in which they are used. Site
features included rack storage areas for boats and trailers, a floating dock built to
accommodate a ferry used while the bridge to the mainland was closed, the facility's
office, an equipment storage, maintenance, and repair room, restrooms, and showers. Boat
storage rates, launching fees, instructional materials for sailing certification, and a wide
variety of programs were discussed. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to sunset, daily.
History of the pram program and adult/youth participation were discussed. While she did
not know the percentage of operating costs covered by sailing center revenues, Ms.
Schultz said room rentals and program participant fees are a big economic benefit to the
City. She listed room rental rates, indicating they are competitive with the private market.
The center has 2.5 full-time staff. Private sailing lessons are available.
VI. Old Business
A. Caoital Improvement Proiects Status
Mr. Kader highlighted changes from the previous report. It was felt McMullen tennis
courts #9 through #17 are in good shape and scheduling resurfacing is premature. Staff
will investigate. In response to questions, Mr. Kader discussed history of project #3212, a
recreation path proposed five years ago to create an east/west link from DelOra to Safety
Harbor.
B. Skate Park Locations
Mr. Kader displayed a City map showing a proposed east/west bicycle trail, and a
number of potential skate park sites of varying size. Staff will recommend three sites for
consideration by the City Commission: 1) along Court Street adjacent ,to Glen Oaks golf
course; 2) on the south side of Crest Lake Park, and 3) on the tree farm site along the
proposed Keene Road extension. All three sites would provide adequate space for parking.
A color handout depicted skate parks in Collier County, Florida. In response to questions,
Mr. Kader felt a nicely landscaped skate park at Crest Lake Park would be compatible with
Gulf~to-Bay Boulevard improvements as it would provide a festive, fun attraction to draw
public interest and bring people back. The board asked about the status of the Crest Lake
Master Plan. 'Mr. Kader indicated this was currently on hold. He explained consideration
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,was being given to using these funds along with other funds to develop a master Plan for
the total Parks and Recreation system.
C. Northeast Coachman Park Maintenance
Mr. Kader reported parks maintenance staff has been made aware the little park floods
frequently during heavy rains. They have a routine in place now for clearing sand and
debris that wash through the park.
D. Crest lake Ground Cover
In response to a concern that mulch washed away from some areas of the new
westerly sidewalk, staff looked at creative alternatives. The' mulch is being replaced with
road millings, a compactable, water permeable material that will provide an attractive
ground cover. The replacement is about 50% complete.
E. Status of Resolution 97~43 reQardinQ Park Names
Mr. Kader reported the City Manager is taking this item to the City Commission in
March as a work session discussion item.
VII. , "New Business
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A. Caoitallmprovement ProQram (CIP) Fiscal Year 1998/99
Mr. Kader has not received information about the new budget. He distributed
copies a handout titled, 1998 Through 2003 Capital Improvement Program and 1997/98
Capital Budget. A CIP is any project over $25,000 with a life expectancy of three years or
more. He requested board members to review staff recommondations for the purpose of
discussion and board recommendations at the next meeting. He noted funding for soft
tennis courts ,at the McMullen complex was moved from another project.
S. Countryside "Wish Ust"
The City Manager has asked Mr. Kader to look into issues raised in a recent article
in which residents were requesting a recreation trail, building expansion, and operating until
midnight for the Countryside Recreation Center. He was not sure of the driving force for
the wishes expressed in the article. Late hours have been attempted by moving staff
around. Additional space would make the facility more user friendly for many of the
programming operations. Staff will look into expanding, as the building was designed for
expansion without sacrificing aesthetics. Brief discussion ensued regarding factors
involved in a conceptual plan for a bike trail in North Clearwater joining the future trail route,
along McMullen Booth Road, crossing the Bayside Bridge.
Board and Staff Comments
New member Kim Cashman was welcomed to the board.
Member Kirbas announced he has completed his first term on the board. He said
the City Commission has delayed action on his reappointment until after the election in
which he is a candidate. He has enjoyed serving on the board and would like to be
,...) reappointed if he is not elected City Commissioner.
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Member Lindner noted Clearwater 'Magazine is being mailed to every household in
the City, but children may not be getting enough information about programs in which they
may be interested. He suggested children were more likely to see youth programming
information if it was distributed to schools. Mr. Miller appreciated the suggestion, stating
he sends information to elementary schools routinely, but has not looked into sending
flyers to middle schools. Member Shriver confirmed one private school's interest, stating
she forwards Mr. Miller's monthly event calendar to St. Cecelia's where it is copied into the
school bulletin.
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Mr. Kader asked for board input regarding a complaint that residents find it difficult
to use courts at their favorite times due to tournament scheduling. Board members did not
find reason for concern, noting courts are available at other locations and tournaments are
open for public participation. General discussion ensued regarding the issue.
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Mr. Kader responded to questions regarding the Clearwater High School track,
, stating there .are problems with the track.. The school is looking for reasonable solutions
and the City may be' asked to assist in the project.
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VIII. Adj?urnmont
The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
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Chair
Parks and Recreation Board
Attest:
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Board Reporter ..
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