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07/27/1998 (2) 'PARKS &' .;,>".......:....;..,',:~..,'.' ......"RE. :. 'eRE' A"'TION 1\: \. -.'; ." ,." . :.' T ~ . . ! . > . ~ . . ::'..:...." ".' ':. ".,::' :"-,;.' '. '. ~, .' , , . . . . I. . . . .' t > ~. . ~ . . . '. .,t . . ~ . . . .." . '. , ~;;.l~".;. i/':..' .....:"... '; ;:;~...~<?..>.:; ;"".' .".' .' 1 ~ " . . ' ~ ';<... ' ~!. .:. ;10" ,li1'.' .', I . . , . , , , . h ~ . ~/ J I '. : '. ~.\.~, I '. c 1:'" , t"'.1 " r~<,:.:: , t...... . I ,. oil ", ..r <. . J',' ."1,.:: . I ' .' .' +' . ~ ,\: '.~. ." :.:: ~ ,0;.' . ,', ;"', . . , ") .' ::~ .... :..: ~ 'I ,l '.~.' . , . . ,. I".. I' . ~ .... . ";.- L..' ~T:.~~.:'..,~. '.:.~: ,. ..... , : ~;. ":' 'j' I . I ... , . , ' , . /: .,' ., (, " . :;:. .. . ", >.'. : '" . '..~" \. . ~ ;' ",>,.'.: . ~ ,." . . .' ,'. :' Parks & Recreation Board . Minutes " ." , ~ ~ . < .' , . Date ';).7 ''Itf u .' . \ .:- . . ~ . . .. \' ,.t '. " \ . . " ~ t . .' ~ '. . .':1 :~ .~: ~: ./".' 'I r~;f ( ::.".' . <. " ,'.' 4' .,' '. ':'.: '.:.:-' -;', ......' .1 I _,:...': ".' ~i.. " . .. ....~. ",:. :. :~." ;'...:..~......;.....,':.':. ~?S' '1" ~ o ::J' ,'. PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER July 27, 1998 Present: . Larry Lindner Gerry Shriver Gary Girodano Donald Harris Kim Cashman, Stephen Swanberg Sarah Wiand Art Kader Steve Miller Patricia O. Sullivan Chair Vice-Chair Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Acting Parks and Recreation Department Director Superintendent of Recreation Programming 8C?ard Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Services Building. . To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. ITEM #2 - Approval 'of the Minutes In reference to page 2, paragraph 2, it was noted the last sentence should read "Consensus of the board was to support a non-resident rate. . ." Member Harris moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 22, 1998, as corrected. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 ~ Correspondence - None. ITEM #4 - Upcominq Recreation Events Superintendent of Recreation Programming Steve Miller distributed the August 1998, calendar of upcoming recreation events. The Sunset Music Series has been well received by the public. Acting Parks & Recreation Director Art Kader estimated 900 people attended last Saturday's performance. Mr. Miller reported a 3D-year reunion is planned for participants of Camp Chaka, the .' former name of the North Greenwood day camp. The celebration is scheduled during the annual North Greenwood family festival which will feature a petting zoo, games, etc. ITEM #5 - Old Business a) Current Capital Improvement Status mpr0798 ~r. . ~~. '.""'~.'.' ........,.:...." ..-.... ~'~'I.:' ,~ ......: 1 07/27/98 ~ -". .---. . ) '-/ . . ~ Mr. Kadar distributed and reviewed the updated FY (fiscal year) 1 997/98 Status' of Capital Improvement Projects. In response to a question, he said the charge listed against the Crest Lake Park Master Plan is a bookkeeping error. No funds have been expended for this projoct~ Staff will propose a 10-1 5 year comprehensive master plan overview the entire Parks & Recreation delivery system estimated to cost $30,000. The Commission must authorize any changes of scope. Crest lake Park is a key component of the Gulf-to- Bay Boulevard project which ~ill be discussed at a July 29, 1998, public hearing. In response to a question, Mr. Kader said he will recommend a skate park at the downtown tennis courts. Only $100,000 is available for the project. Some tennis players oppose the proposal. The fenced skate park could be installed on the 3 concrete corner courts with a posting of rules req~iring protective apparatus be used. In response to a concern regarding loud music, Mr. Kader said the corner already is affected by traffic noise. He noted tennis players use the courts during morning hours while skaters' use normally is later in the day. Lights are already in place. Hiring an additional tenn1s pro for the site is under consideration as is opening the rest rooms although they lack ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) certification. Beautification improvements are needed, however, the bridge construction project may take over the site in the near future, It was felt jf the skate park proves popular, a permanent park should be built. A user fee is not considered at this time as no personnel are available. After investing in the construction of skate parks, other cities have hired management companies to run the parks on a fee basis. It was suggested skaters should sign liability waivers. Mr. Kader said research had indicated that liability problems associated with skate parks were not greater than other recreation activities, It was recommended the City set up skate park equipment at the tennis court site and monitor levels of usage, b} "Clean Teams" - Clearwater beach, Downtown Mr. Kader reported efforts of the beach clean-up staff, recently increased to 5 full- time workers, was complimented by Clearwater Beach Chamber members for positive improvements. Concerns had been raised regarding staff cleaning business rights-of-way. Special attention is focused on the beach due to tourism and the City's vision, The use of A TV scooters on the beach has decreased clean-up time by almost 2 hours. Gain time is used to clean rights-of~way, streets, and parking lots. New brochures will oVPorview a program encouraging businesses to advertise on staff beach uniforms. Businesses have requested the City pressure clean beach sidewalks, The process is expensive, time consuming, messy, and could involve liability issues, If a block of beach businesses commit to fund the costs of pressure washing, Mr. Kader said the City will install ashtrays, flower pots, trash cans, and benches for beautification. The City could bid out the cleaning work and charge back the businesses. Mr. Kader agreed it is important to include the Clearwater Beach Association in the "Ioop" regarding the "Clean Team" plans. c) Phillies Update & Parking Agreements mpr0798 07/27/98 2 ..',...: ' :..~. .', ',,~ } '..,~ oil";,., ...1':,.-....;,..: ..:..~. ~.:.~. \'. ..\ ~ ~ f I ~ " 'f',. " ...~< . . ~" :;1';' . " " , , 'j " . ) ': .'.t. .,' '~ c',, '. ~ . " ", : . '~ . ,',J . <~ : ", '. () ,.','.. . ~ . ., . . \, ~ : ~. : " :;:, ':. ..' ( ., . . .... .. ,. . ': ,~ . '.l .,' ~ , I .. '. .. ~ .....:1. ".,' . . " \:;) I ',. . :. .. ". " " ., Mr. Kader referred to recent newspaper articles regarding the Phillies desire for a new facility on a high-impact road. The team has been patient. The City is driving these discussions. The collection of parking fees at Jack Russell Stadium Is being discussed with the North Greenwood community. High school band boosters and the Clearwater Housing Authority still want to collect the fees. ITEM #6 - New Business a) North Greenwood Improvement Plan Mr. Kader said improvements to North Greenwood are an integral part of One City, One Future. Consultants have met with 35 North Greenwood community leaders. Plans include upgrading the heavily used Cherry Harris Park, facade improvements to North Greenwood Avenue businesses, corridor enhancements, and entry features. The recently . purchased Atrium Building on North Ft. Harrison Avenue will be razed for a park. The Old Clearwater Bay Neighborhood Association and several homeowner associations have formed an alliance with the North Greenwood community to improve the area. Other improvements are Stevenson's Creek, a new recreation and family aquatic center, a South Greenwood recreation center, police substation and day care facility, improved street lighting, and other corridor enhancements. Money currently is budgeted to complete the Atrium Building and Cherry Harris Park projects which will be completed within a year. A preliminary drawing of the $310,000 Cherry Harris Park includes a promenade, memorial plaques, 2 new picnic shelters, benches, drinking fountains, parking, and modification to nearby traffic flow to improve current gridlock problems, The playground will remain, An old-time look that reflects the neighborhood's character is under consideration. The look will be repeated throughout the corridor. The nearby AWT IAdvanced Water Treatment) plant will not be relocated, The South Greenwood recreation center will reflect that neighborhood's character, Cleveland Street divides the 2 communities. Staff will confer with the South Greenwood community regarding their preferred theme, b) Long Center Update As part of Clearwater's 7-year budget plan, the City is negotiating a renewal agreement with the Long Center that reflects how business is done. Next year, the City will contribute $259,000 plus $60,000 to the maintenance and repair fund. The Center is negotiating a partnership with Pinellas County which would increase users and allow additional hours of operation. These negotiations are preliminary. Two City representatives sit on the Board of Directors which oversees the staff. If Pinellas County becomes a partner, it also will appoint 2 board members. The City works with staff on the Center's operating budget, Current sponsors include the City of Clearwater, City of Safety Harbor, UPARC (Upper Pinellas Association for Retarded Citizens), and CFY (Clearwater for Youth). Center management also does some programming. mpr0798 3 07/27/98 ...... :,. .. .'~ : . "~ ....... ':. ~<: I'. .:::'~' I' ......: ( ." ," .,...:. .:\ " . ....~ :.~:.'~,",:: \\. .', . ~ I . . '.; :"::~'.,"""" !.,': .:...:;'....(:,_:..~.,,'...;,..:...., ...... d" .'\':"-...::.:....";-' "-:~"":' .,<:..,::;.:.".:>:,.:..: .,.::..,.,:':~:,> ':;'.: :.;',.'... .. . I '.' I'.: ~ ,',' '.' . .. . 1..1 .. ..' ~ ~ : ' . ...:: ~ PI ;~.:'.':; :.,: . .....:, ',' '. ".,. '. .:' :.;.' ,:.' '.~, .;...;,..~. .',..',..';.,,'..,. ...:.:....,.t.'...;' .~.':'.',..:.~," ,',.. :.~..,':..:,.:: ,', ~:...,',..:.,'..". ':'~ '..>. .'..., :::,'.: :"'::"'~" ..'::.::..,.~.,.. ;'~ '.' '..' .,." ~ ,.:';'. :...'...........'.... " ',' .::':,'..:':-',<.:'~.::,:.,:::.,'~:.::;...,:.:,~..>..',~.::;~.";.':,::..'::~~:'/ \, ..'d.' . , - . -I . '. ') , 'r-"'\. ". , ~ I~~ Agreement modifications wll1 alter the basis of the City's contribution from . participation to population, Most participants are Clearwater residents. In response to a question, Member Girodano, a City representative to the Board of Directors, indicated the Center will have to raise money if the City of Safety' Harbor discontinues participation. The facility will be expanded with Penny for Pinellas funds. The Long Center playground recently was refurbished following an injury related lawsuit, Approximately 40 wellw qualified individuals volunteer. If Pinellas County becomes a partner, additional funds will be used for expansion. The City's contribution may not be reduced. Due to the Center's location in the City, Clearwater residents will continue to be the primary users. c) Update - One City. One Future. Mr. Kader said downtown and Clearwater beach consultants have scheduled a City Commission presentation in August. A survey has indicated seagrass in Clearwater Harbor is rebounding due to improved water quality. . Seagrass beds near downtown may prevent the construction of boat slips there. Designs for downtown and Clearwater beach should . be completed by 1999. The Memorial Causeway Bridge project is progressing, Improvements are planned for the Gateway area near Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard's termination at Cleveland Street. The San Remo Street triangle recently was beautified I under 'the Adcpt-A-Park program. In August, staff will present a modified Town Pond concept and Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard corridor enhancements to the Commission, A pilot project will be constructed between US 19N and Old Coachman Road. The Lal"\d Development Code rewrito will be presented to the Commission in August followed by public input, Implementation is scheduled for January 1, 1999. An architect for the main '--- library site selection has been hired and will make a City Commission presentation in August. The Phillies economic impact evaluation report will be completed in August. ,~ ITEM #7 - Board Member Comments Chair Lindner requested the August 24, 1998, meeting be scheduled at the Long Center. Staff will contact the Center to confirm the location. Member Wiand recommended One City. One Future. incorporate a project similar to the Long Center playground. The Junior League had developed that project. The City was a sponsor. Mr. Kader said the North Greenwood community is working to raise money for plaques at Cherry Harris Park. Some work on the Long Center playground was completed by Parks & Recreation staff. The $100,000 project cost was due to its dependence on volunteer help. It was felt volunteer help provides, participants a sense of ownership. Member Cashman said the area under the shelter at Morningside Pool had been painted but a puddling problem persists. She said the children's pool deck needs cleaning as its surface is slippery and dangerous. In response to a concern, Mr. Miller reviewed the difficulties of hiring qualified life guards this year. Member Cashman suggested hiring less . qualified individuals to collect fees and perform cleaning duties. mpr0798 4 07/27/98 '.. .' " ..... .\....;. : ....I., .":, '. ~. .' I ,', . L. ~ . ; ~, .' ~ . ,.; I.,: ~, '. I .~ "'. J ".... ~:>r. :/ . ,:', '. ~ '.r ~~ ~.,II :",1 .,- '" . i . . '.. ~ ,.~. ,: . '. Chair Lindner requested information regarding the Parks & Recreation Department budget. Mr. Kader said the Capital Improvement Budget will be presented to the Commission in August.. The operating budget is near completion. He distributed a list of unfunded projects recommended by the board. Most of the FY 1998/99 $1,330,000 . budget is directed to maintenance and repairs, the purchase of a portable stage, installation of ,a new playground on Island Estates, installation of new recreation trails, and construction of. new rest rooms at the softball field. No additional personnel are budgeted to maintain the soft new tennis courts at the McMullen complex, Member Cashman thanked staff for providing tickets for the IIWizard of Oz" . presentation. . Chair Lindner questioned plans to plant trees along the Pinellas Trail through downtown. The City is working with Pinellas County to plant trees on County property. Public Works is working on expanding the tree planting to downtown. The spur to Clearwater beach is scheduled for FY 2002/03 as part of the Memorial Bridge project. Chair Lindner questioned the status of Clearwater High School track. Mr. Miller stated fund-raising is under way to replace the synthetic track. The School Board only will fund an asphalt track. In response to a question, Mr. Miller said the school system had condemned the track. Since then, the City has lost several track meets. Repairs should be completed prior to the Turkey Trot. The School Board will renovate the campus tennis courts and install lights. ~'} Mr. Kader reviewed the reorganized City management flow chart. Dr. Arlita Hallam , ..... has been appointed Quality of Life Administrator and will preside over the Parks & Recreation Department, Library, and Marina. :::'~ ITEM #8 ~ Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m. L W; ijL Chair ; Parks & Recreation Board mpr0798 5 07/27/98 ~~ '...........4~~..."'Xu....>"~'~.\;....: . ,..&. , l... ..' . . >~.