03/24/2009
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
March 24, 2009
Present:
Brooks Hammac Vice-Chair
Tom Fletcher Board Member
Jonathan Wade Board Member
Ron Whitcomb Board Member
Jane Williams Board Member
Absent: Ray Shaw Chair
Allen Weatherilt Board Member
Also Present: Kevin Dunbar Director-Parks & Recreation
Marsha Beall Staff Assistant
Bob Weber Citizen
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. at Long Center.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
2 – Approval of Minutes – February 24, 2009
Member Wade moved to approve the minutes of February 24, 2009 as submitted to members.
motioncarried
The was duly seconded and unanimously.
3 - Unfinished Business
a. Discussion of Meeting Dates and Strategic Planning
As discussed at the February meeting, the Parks and Recreation Department is initiating a
strategic planning process addressing future economic realities for the department. The Parks and
Recreation Department is dedicated to the wellbeing and quality of life of our community. The
department recognizes the importance of letting citizens have a voice in how things are done and
had intended to include board members in monthly dialog. Due to the impending reallocations of
staff responsibilities City Council determined that beginning in April 2009 advisory boards shall
now meet quarterly instead of on a monthly basis. Mr. Dunbar met with the City Clerk to discuss
other options, but the Sunshine Law prohibits current members from serving on this board as well
as a citizen advisory board. Mr. Dunbar gave a brief overview of anticipated budget reductions
and will dedicate much of the April 28 meeting to discuss the strategic planning track.
The new meeting schedule for 2009 is as follows: April 28, July 28 and October 27.
b. Capital Projects Update – Mr. Dunbar reviewed the Capital Improvement Projects report:
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Joe DiMaggio – Mr. Dunbar had conversations with Commissioner Seale, Chairman Harris,
and Assistant County Administrator Warren. Although the County is in support of this
project, the City is still waiting to hear back from them regarding the City’s request for
$2.5MM in support. Continue to move forward on designs.
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Morningside Recreation Complex – Mayor, City Manager and Mr. Dunbar will be attending
the Homeowners Meeting on April 1 to discuss plans and funding for a project on the
current site. Due to available funds, Mr. Dunbar will be presenting to the HOA what a
building of 12,000 sq. ft. could look like or as an alternative removing the current building
and creating an upgraded community park that would include the pool, upgraded tennis
courts, playground equipment and a walking/jogging trail.
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Countryside Sports Complex – the Operator of the driving range is going out of business
effective April 1. The Operator’s existing sublease with Chi Chi’s expires 2010; therefore
the city is not planning to sign on a new Operator at this time.
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Phillip Jones Field – monitoring landfill issues; have a list of remedial work that needs done
once funding is available.
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Downtown Boat Slips – moving forward. The promenade is now open.
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Clearwater Beach Restrooms – renovating restrooms at the South Beach, Rockaway, as
well as, adding to Pier 60 concession. City staff will be responsible for maintaining all but
Pier 60’s restrooms.
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Office for Aging – Mr. Wade attended the March 15, 2009 Aging in America Conference,
Las Vegas. Mr. Dunbar mentioned that Kerry Marsalek, Office on Aging Manager was also
there. Aging Well Center - the design process is in place for the new center. Work will
commence September 1 and should be completed mid-February. Parking will be
reconfigured to accommodate the additional clientele. A new tectronic energy efficient air
unit will be installed in May. This system is guaranteed over the next 20 years to reduce
utility costs by minimum $90,000 a year.
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City Nursery – Member Williams inquired about the use of this facility. Mr. Dunbar
explained that much of the field trees have been relocated. The nursery is now used as
more of a holding area for landscaping material.
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Enterprise Dog Park – plans are to break ground within next few weeks. Much of the delay
has been wetland issues, overgrowth and depressed land off Enterprise Road from storm
water runoff. This park should be completed by year-end.
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Phillies Carpenter Renovations – Project will commence May 1, 2009 and be completed
December 2009 in effort to be ready for the 2010 Spring Training Season.
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McMullen Tennis – successful in getting funds from the State. Starting survey work.
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Long Center – the pool will be shut down the month of May 2009 to refurbish the men’s
and women’s locker room.
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Lake Chautauqua – the City now owns the School Board property and are waiting for FCT
reimbursement. Member Hammac asked about the status of Camp Soule. Mr. Dunbar
reported that the City is working with them for first right of refusal contingent of any future
sale of property.
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Lake Chautauqua West – Member Williams asked for an update on this area. Mr. Dunbar
explained that a developer who owns property on the northwest side of this site
approached the City to buy the land. The City is exploring the opportunities to apply for a
FTC grant and paying him half of his offer.
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Clearwater Beach Connector Trail - out for bid. This project will connect the Pinellas Trail
to Mandalay Channel bridge.
??Druid Road Trail – still waiting for FDOT to approve and sign off on everything.
??East Avenue Bike Lane – project was submitted to DOT for consideration in the stimulus
package.
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Other – updates on additional ongoing projects not part of this report were also submitted
to members.
4 – New Business
a. Upcoming Recreation Events
The Clearwater Parks & Recreation calendar for April 2009 was distributed to members.
Member Williams asked about the reasoning for the Fun N’ Sun event and Mr. Dunbar stated it
was to encourage the winter visitors to remain in town for a longer period of time.
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b. Office of Greenways and Trails Grant - Lake Belleview
The Lake Belleview Trail is a critical component of Clearwater's trail system that will also tie in
with the Pinellas Trail. City of Clearwater is applying for an OGT grant for financial assistance for
the development of this recreational trail. The City feels this is a strong viable project to better
serve this community. Once constructed, the trail will ensue the current recreation center, circle the
lake and connect to Pine lias County Trail.
5 - Adiournment
Members adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
The next meeting will be held April 28 at Long Center.
Attest"
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