10/25/2011
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 25, 2011
Present: Ray Shaw Chair
Jonathan R. Wade Vice-Chair
Allen Weatherilt Board Member
Ron Whitcomb Board Member
Candace Gardner Board Member
Jerry Thompson Board Member
Absent: Brooks Hammac Board Member
Also Present: Kevin Dunbar Parks & Recreation Director
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 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
– July 26 and September 7, 2011
Member Thompson said he was present on July 26, 2011.
Member Gardner moved to approve the minutes of the regular Parks & Recreation
Board meeting of July 26, 2011 and the special Parks & Recreation Board of September 7, 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 Director Kevin Dunbar reviewed capital projects. Restrooms at Joe
Dimaggio will be completed next week; the west baseball field is being renovated. Relamping of
Countryside Sports Complex little league fields is completed. The Legal Department will contract
an environmental attorney to work with FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection)
and determine necessary repairs for Phillip Jones field. It is doubtful grant money would be
available; repairs will be costly. Decking around the beach concession stand has been installed
and work on the roof is substantially complete; the new roof features terra cotta tile, similar in style
to new south beach development. Work on restroom renovations is next. The design for lifeguard
towers 4 and 5 is complete with themes, Crystal River and Honeymoon Island.
Mr. Dunbar reported the legislation delegation indicated minimum funding will be available
for FRDAP (Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program). The City submitted a grant
application for a trail extension to Lake Belleview. Exterior concrete columns at the Long Center
require repair; all concrete and stairwells will be addressed.
Upgrades to the North Greenwood Recreation Center and Library will be substantially
complete by Thanksgiving. The 20-computer lab at the North Greenwood Library is completed.
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Within six weeks, Boys and Girls Club participation has more than doubled and after school
programs are expanding. Congregate dining is increasing with two feedings planned. The Aging
Well Center is extending its program there. Play Passes are being distributed to remove barriers
to participation. Programming changes save the department $200,000 annually.
It was commented that City facilities generate income and their economic impact needs to
be considered. Mr. Dunbar reported the ASA (Amateur Softball Association) Gold Nationals
premier event in 2013 is scheduled for Clearwater. He noted the importance of maintaining and
improving infrastructure for the City to successfully compete for sports tournaments. The boat
races and Jazz Holiday were successful in attracting visitors.
Mr. Dunbar said public art at Carpenter Complex will be dedicated in February. The City's
grant application for Lake Chautauqua trails was not approved. Staff is working on an easement
at Barbary Towers to extend the Druid Road trail. In the last few months, Clearwater for Youth
distributed almost $13,000 in grants. The organization is nominating Fred Fisher to the Lightning
for recognition as a Community Hero.
3.2. North Greenwood Community Follow-Up
Staff supports expanding current academic and literacy efforts in North Greenwood by
adding sports fields. Mr. Dunbar reviewed discussions with City Councilmembers and the City
Manager regarding the need for active neighborhood athletic fields.
Discussion ensued regarding attendance at City Council meetings to support this initiative.
Mr. Dunbar said as long as Jack Russell Stadium is designated for future economic
development, the Parks & Recreation Department can make no plans for the site.
4— New Business
4.1. 2012 Meeting dates
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board meetings in 2012 are scheduled for January 24,
April 24, July 24, and October 23.
Consensus was to schedule the January 24, 2012 meeting at the North Greenwood
Recreation Center and to schedule the July 24, 2012 meeting at the lifeguard building on
Clearwater Beach.
5 -Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
Char
/ Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Attes
Board Repo or
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