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04/23/2013 PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES CITY OF CLEARWATER April 23, 2013 Present: Ray Shaw Chair Candace Gardner Vice-Chair Allen Weatherilt Board Member Jerry Thompson Board Member Norene M. Marlow Board Member Ric Ortega 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 — January 22, 2013 Member Gardner moved to approve the minutes of the regular Parks & Recreation Board meeting of January 22, 2013, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Citizens to be Heard re Items Not on the Agenda: None 4. New Business 4.1- MLNP (Moccasin Lake Nature Park) Stakeholder Advisory Committee presentation Administrative Support Manager Felicia Leonard introduced MLNP (Moccasin Lake Nature Park) Stakeholder Advisory Committee members who have completed a draft Master Plan. Members presented information on the 51-acre park's ecosystems, the committee's mission, vision, goals, objectives, final recommendations, and the 10-year implementation schedule. Comments at a recent community workshop indicated strong support for the plan. The committee also recommends purchasing the abutting parcel to expand the park. It was stated the committee wants to preserve this gem from development, return it to its original state, and preserve if for perpetuity, while retaining its isolation. It was indicated the park attracts international visitors associated with the Audubon Society. Discussion ensued regarding plans to change the Preservation Category with concern expressed that changes could weaken restrictions on land zoned Preservation. Ms. Leonard said other communities also struggle with State rules that limit park land zoning to two categories. In response to questions, Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar and Ms. Leonard reviewed staff actions to contact citizens and stakeholders regarding the committee, including Sunshine Lines and press releases; the Tampa Bay Times ran at least three articles on Parks & Recreation 2013-04-23 1 committee efforts, including one front page story. Park visits decreased significantly after the Pinellas County School Board terminated a position at the park and discontinued field trips. While the park is a regional destination, most visitors are from Clearwater and northern Pinellas County. Staff determined it was important to develop a Master Plan as the facility was run down and annual visitation dwindled to approximately 8,000. The Stakeholder Advisory Committee was organized to identify park needs through community engagement. Approximately 60 people attended the first meeting; monthly meetings are well attended. Concerns were expressed that this is the first time some board members had heard about the MLNP Stakeholder Advisory Committee, that most members are not Clearwater residents, and that no background information had been provided before the meeting. The purpose of the presentation was questioned. It was stated that the presentation provided the board with information for future consideration. It was suggested that the park's capacity be determined. Committee members were thanked for all of their work. 5. Unfinished Business 5.1 - Capital Project Update Concern was expressed that staff recommended spending more than $400,000 for a beach playground while Parks & Recreation Board members requested that public restrooms be opened in parks. It was felt that Parks & Recreation funds belong to Clearwater residents and should not be dedicated to tourists. Mr. Dunbar reviewed City Council policy in opposition to restrooms in neighborhood parks due to ongoing maintenance costs and vandalism. It was requested that staff provide park classification definitions, tax revenue distribution in the City, and census data re residents. Mr. Dunbar said the playground is part of the Pier 60 renovation project, planned for more than two years to connect north beach with Beach Walk. He suggested that board members recommend projects for other parks in the City. It was noted that tennis court lighting had been requested. It was requested that staff provide the board information regarding park needs and problems to help members make informed recommendations. Concerns were expressed that the board was unaware of the cost of the playground and many are tired of the City investing significant resources on the beach rather than in residential neighborhoods. It was suggested the funds should be used instead toward building a recreation center and restrooms in the Morningside neighborhood, as East Clearwater residents have few recreation opportunities. Discussion ensued regarding the board's purpose. It was stated that board members require information before they can make informed decisions. Concern was expressed that the board was not part of the plan for Pier 60 improvements. It was questioned how the board can act as advisors to the City Council when the Council has more information than board members. It was recommended that the board send a letter to the City Council opposing the investment of more than $400,000 in a beach playground that mostly will benefit tourists rather than City residents. While it was stated that the playground will have no direct benefit to City residents, it also was indicated that some residents will use it. It was commented that Parks & Recreation dollars should be spent evenly throughout Clearwater. Member Thompson moved for the Parks & Recreation Board to prepare a letter to the City recommending that money budgeted for the beach playground should be spent in parks in Parks & Recreation 2013-04-23 2 residential areas throughout the City rather than at Pier 60 Park. The motion was duly seconded. Members Gardner, Thompson, Marlow, Ortega, and Chair Shaw voted "Aye "; Member Weatherilt voted "Nay." Motion carried. Opposition was expressed to the Parks & Recreation Department's decision that park facilities should be profit centers. It was stated that the department provides services to City residents; it is not a business and should not comport itself as one. It was commented that the department's magazine is a substantial publication and should include more marketing efforts. Future Meetings It was stated that board members need to receive background information prior to meetings to understand the objective of presentations. Mr. Dunbar said he would provide members with agenda item background information two weeks prior to meetings. It was requested that a column listing costs be added to the Capital Project update list. It also was requested that members contact Mr. Dunbar prior to meetings re issues of interest to be added to the agenda for board discussion. 6 - Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. NEXT MEETING — July 23, 2013 at the Lo Attest. Bard Reporte Chair Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Parks & Recreation 2013 -04 -23 3