01/26/2010
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 26, 2010
Present: Ray Shaw Chair
Jonathan R. Wade Board Member
Allen Weatherilt Board Member
Candace Gardner Board Member
Empty Chair Board Member
Absent: Brooks Hammac Vice-Chair
Ron Whitcomb Board Member
Also Present: Art Kader Parks & Recreation Assistant Director
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. at the Long Center.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
2 – Approval of Minutes
– March 24, 2010
Member Weatherilt moved to approve the minutes of the regular Parks & Recreation
Board meeting of March 24, 2010, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each
board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 – Unfinished Business
3.1. Capital Projects Update
Parks & Recreation Assistant Director Art Kader said work is proceeding on Joe
DiMaggio Sports Complex; next season, CFY (Clearwater for Youth) will relocate practices
there from the Long Center. Games also may be played at DiMaggio once there are seats and
concession stands.
Plans are to raze the Morningside Recreation Complex building in March. Major
renovations to the swimming pool are underway. A new playground is planned and the tennis
courts will be renovated; the number of courts will be reduced by one to provide more room for
play.
The scope of additional assessment work needed at Phillip Jones Field has not been
determined. The City will apply for a Tampa Bay Rays Foundation grant to construct a baseball
field; it is hoped a new field on the Jack Russell site could be designed for multi-uses such as
baseball, football, soccer, lacrosse, etc. A new field would be a welcome addition to the
neighborhood.
The press box for Eddie C. Moore 8 & 9 is being requested in the six-year capital
improvement budget. However, new retaining walls and additional bleachers are being
installed. The downtown boat slips, including upland improvements, should be completed by
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April 1 , 2010. Repairs to the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center attic have reduced indoor
humidity and electricity costs.
The new Enterprise Dog Park is very busy. The City has received many positive
comments though the business next door has complained about overflow parking. It was
suggested that bricks be installed in the parking lot to address mud. Mr. Kader said staff is
reviewing parking surface alternatives and flooding in the rear of the park.
Construction of the Senior Center at the Long Center is underway. There have been no
updates regarding lightning protection for the swimming pool. The Phillies Carpenter Clubhouse
renovations are complete. Staff discussions continue with the Boy Scouts regarding an
easement to connect Soule Road Park with the Lake Chautauqua Equestrian Park.
The Clearwater Beach Connector trail is complete. Water fountains and shade shelters
will be installed next month. The trail will continue to Turner Street and then to the Pinellas
Trail. Upgrades on the Pinellas Trail through Clearwater along East Avenue are on hold while
the County seeks landscape funding.
In response to a question, Mr. Kader reviewed the City's adopt a park program and
opportunities for community organizations to participate at Special Events.
4 - New Business
4.1. Election of Officers
Member Wade moved to reappoint Ray Shaw as Chair. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
Member Weatherilt moved to appoint Jonathon Wade as Vice Chair. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
5 - Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
NEXT MEETING - April 27, 2010 at the Clearwater
Chair
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Parks & Recreation 2010-01-26
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