04/26/2011
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
April 26, 2011
Present: Ray Shaw Chair
Jonathan R. Wade Vice-Chair
Allen Weatherilt Board Member
Ron Whitcomb Board Member
Jason Happe Board Member
Absent: Brooks Hammac Board Member
Candace Gardner Board Member
Also Present: Art Kader Parks & Recreation Assistant Director
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:35 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 29, 2011
Member Wade moved to approve the minutes of the Special Parks & Recreation Board
meeting of March 29, 2011, 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 reviewed capital project updates. The
City received excellent bids for the Joe DiMaggio project and will contract the work to Certus
Builders. The football program will be in temporary facilities this fall as the restroom project was
delayed after the City’s new EOR (Engineer of Record) found methane gas on site, requiring
redesign of the building.
New lamps and fencing will be installed at the Countryside Sports Complex soon. The Chi
Chi Rodriguez organization took over the lease for the driving range on McMullen-Booth Road
and added activities there to increase revenue opportunities.
Mandalay Park restrooms are complete; Pier 60 restrooms will go to bid in three months.
The beach lifeguard building is completed and in use by staff; Mr. Kader suggested a future
meeting could be held there. As a volunteer project, Fisher and Associates, LLC designed five
lifeguard towers with Florida motifs. Lifeguards appreciate the higher vantage points provided in
the three completed towers.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Center will close in December. The expansion of North
Greenwood Recreation Center and renovation of North Greenwood Library go out to bid next
week. Parks & Recreation will partner with several agencies to handle programming. The
department has had to reduce its budget by $900,000, including 4.5 FTEs (Full-Time Equivalents).
Parks & Recreation 2011-04-26 1
Programming staff reductions and outsourcing efforts at the North Greenwood complex saved
approximately$250,000. Some organizations will pay monthly rent to cover a portion of utility and
administration costs. Ross Norton Recreation Center does not open until 2:00 p.m.; a revenue
generator will be necessary for that center to remain open if future budgets are reduced.
Countryside Recreation Center is the City's second most costly center due to its extended hours
of operations. The only City swimming pool open year round is at the Long Center.
Mr. Kader said lawn bowl is only open in the winter due to a small number of participants.
Periodic counts of trails indicate significant use. Once constructed, trail upkeep costs are minimal.
The City is using a$200,000 grant to clear and build equestrian/pedestrian trails in the expanded
part of Lake Chautauqua Park, known as Lake Chautauqua Equestrian Nature Park.
Discussion ensued regarding the need for and advantages of sports fields in the North
Greenwood community. It was suggested that Winning Inning should serve the local community.
It was noted that the Jack Russell parking lots are not contaminated and would provide sufficient
space for sports fields.
Due to its great importance, it was recommended that the board present North
Greenwood's need for sports fields to the City Council for consideration. It was recommended
that the Parks& Recreation and Police departments partner to provide funding and preventative
programming there.
4—New Business
4.1. Member Happe's resignation
Member Happe reported he is moving to South Carolina.
Items Not on the Agenda
Edgewater neighborhood playground
It was requested that staff look at the sidewalk on the park's north side for safety
hazards.
Morningside Park
Concern was expressed that a water fountain is needed near the park's tennis courts
and playground.
5 -Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
NEXT MEETING—July 26, 2011 at the o : enter
Attest: / Chair
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
L
Board Reporte'
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