10/22/2013 PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 22, 2013
Present: Ray Shaw Chair
Candace Gardner Vice-Chair
Allen Weatherilt Board Member
Brooks Hammac Board Member
Jerry Thompson Board Member
Ric Ortega Board Member
Absent: Norene M. Marlow 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 —August 27, 2013
Member Gardner moved to approve the minutes of the Special Parks & Recreation
Board meeting of August 27, 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— Unfinished Business
4.1 Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update
Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said Administrative Support Manager Felicia
Leonard is facilitating Steering Committee meetings to update the Master Plan, which should be
ready for presentation to the City Council in December. He hoped to submit the FY (Fiscal
Year) 2014-15 Capital Budget, based on the new Master Plan, by the mid-January 2014
deadline to avoid delaying the Plan's implementation.
Board member participation in the Steering Committee process was complimented; it
was noted approximately half of Steering Committee members are not City residents.
5— New Business
5.1. Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Mr. Dunbar said a recent study of park amenities in Clearwater indicates the City has a
sufficient number of tennis courts and would not need to replace the downtown courts if the
aquarium is constructed. The City considers Coachman and Station Square parks to be
economic development parcels with park elements meant to enhance downtown economic
viability. Penny for Pinellas 3 funds set aside for Coachman Park in later years are insufficient
Parks & Recreation 2013-10-22 1
for major upgrades. There is a desire to increase green space by removing parking and
reorienting the band shell; its ideal size will be determined.
Discussion ensued regarding Coachman Park with suggestions that it be reconfigured
into an amphitheater to attract major concerts and that the City purchase portable staging to
expand the size of the current band shell when necessary. Mr. Dunbar discussed safety
concerns and related infrastructure needs.
Mr. Dunbar reported the 2015 World Sailing Championships will be held in Clearwater.
5.2. Meeting Dates 2014
2014 meetings dates are January 28, April 22, July 22, and October 28, 2014.
5.3. Parks and Recreation Rules & Regulations Update
Member Gardner moved to adopt the updated Parks & Recreation Rules & Regulations.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Items not on the Agenda
It was stated it would be useful if the Board was informed re Parks & Recreation
Department projects planned for 2014 so members could fulfill their responsibility to make
recommendations to the City Council. Concern was expressed that the board currently receives
reports on projects already underway.
Mr. Dunbar said the department's main priority is resource marketing and ultimately
branding. Residents with information regarding programs and the department's impact on the
community will become advocates. Participation at the Long Center and its capacity could be
expanded and generate significantly more income. This item will be on January's agenda.
In response to questions, Mr. Dunbar said Little League can play on Sid Lickton Field
now. Football games are being played at Philip Jones Field; other sports can use the facility.
The concession building requires restoration and additional bathroom facilities are needed.
Once the Holt Avenue Center is razed, an additional 75 parking spaces will be available; a
parking shortage will remain. The Clearwater side of the Courtney Campbell Trail is out for bid.
Design work has begun on connecting City trails.
6 - Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
NEXT MEETING — January 28, 2014 at the L- ng, enter
Chair
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
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