Minutes for Approval - November 18, 2008
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 18, 2008
Awaiting approval
Present: Nicholas C. Fritsch Chair
Thomas Coates Vice Chair
Dana K. Tallman Board Member
Frank L. Dame Board Member
Doreen DiPolito Board Member
Richard Adelson Board Member
Norma R. Carlough Acting Board Member
Absent: Jordan Behar Board Member
Also Present: Gina Grimes Attorney for the Board
Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney
Michael L. Delk Planning Director
Gina Clayton Assistant Planning Director
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall, followed by the Invocation
and Pledge of Allegiance.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: October 21, 2008
Approval of the October 21, 2008 minutes was continued to December 16, 2008.
D. LEVEL THREE APPLICATION: (Item 1)
1. Level Three Application
Case: Amendments to the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan
Applicant: City of Clearwater, Planning Department.
Request: Amendments to the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan making minor
amendments to support a performing arts theater in Downtown and to add policies and
strategies supporting community policing innovations, as well as establishing community
policing innovations as a program eligible to be supported by tax increment financing.
Neighborhood Associations: Country Club Addition; East Gateway; Harbor Oaks; Hillcrest; Old
Clearwater Bay Neighborhood Association; Mediterranean; Pierce 100 Condominium
Association; Skycrest Neighborhood Association and Clearwater Neighborhoods Coalition.
Presenter: Gina L. Clayton, Assistant Planning Director.
th
See Staff Report: Exhibit 4 Amendment to Downtown Plan 2008-11-18
Assistant Planning Director Gina L. Clayton reviewed proposed amendments.
Community Development 2008-11-18 1
With concern expressed regarding area crime, foot patrols in the East Gateway area were
recommended as a fourth method to boost the effectiveness of increased police visibility. It was
stated that foot patrol interaction with the public and business owners would help decrease crime.
It was felt that the homeless situation in downtown needs to be corrected instead of penalizing the
public by installing benches without backs. Ms. Clayton said the plan does not limit police patrol
methods. Concern was expressed that budget constraints may limit patrol opportunities.
Consensus was to encourage foot and bicycle patrols in downtown and the gateway to
increase personal contact.
Consensus was that the intent of Strategy 20 was to support a downtown location for a
movie theater and/or performing arts center.
Member Dame moved to recommend approval of Case: Amendments to the Clearwater
Downtown Redevelopment Plan based on the evidence and testimony presented in the
application, the Staff Report and at today?s hearing, and hereby adopt the Findings of Fact and
Conclusions of Law stated in the Staff Report with a recommendation that Strategy 20 be
revised to support a downtown location for a movie theater and/or performing arts center. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The Board members also recommended
that City Council consider the use of foot patrols as part of its community policing efforts used in
the Downtown and East Gateway.
E. CHAIR ITEM: (Item 1)
1. A Cents of Place
The Chair reviewed TBARTA (Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority)
efforts to develop area mass transit. All are invited to the public workshop on November 20,
2008, in St. Petersburg and to participate in TBARTA?s online survey.
PowerPoint Presentation
Discussion ensued with concerns expressed that the public may not have sufficient time
to develop a PowerPoint presentation and suggestions that the board be provided copies of
presentations. It was recommended that presenters be provided a copy of City PowerPoint
guidelines.
Consensus was to permit PowerPoint presentations that are submitted to staff for review
before 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday prior to meetings. Established time limits will remain in effect.
Presenters will be required to arrive 45 minutes before meetings start to load the PowerPoint,
review the system?s operation, and provide 10 hard copies for distribution to board members
and staff.
Community Development 2008-11-18 2
Holiday Luncheon
The December 16, holiday luncheon is scheduled at 11:00 a.m. at Greektown Grille,
1230 Cleveland Street. Community Pride has requested donations of food and Publix gift cards.
F. ADJOURN:
The meeting adjourned at 1:52 p.m.
_______________________________
Chair
Community Development Board
Attest:
___________________________________
Board Reporter
Community Development 2008-11-18 3