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10/01/1997BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER October 1, 1997 Present: William Baldwin Chair Katherine Merriam Member Delphine Pullar Member Thelma Blasko Member Marcia Blakemore Member Robert Sudalnik Member Ream Wilson Parks and Recreation Director Mark Roether Parks and Recreation Nursery Superintendent Brenda Moses Board Reporter Absent: Sheila Cole Member Nancy Aft Member David Stitt Member 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Baldwin at 8:02 a.m. at the Municipal Services Building, Clearwater, Florida. In order to provide continuity for research, the items will be listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. Approval of Minutes - September 3, 1997 Member Merriam moved to approve the minutes as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Correspondence No correspondence was received for discussion. Ongoing Business Bayfront Park 1. Discussion regarding park design No further decisions have been made by the City Commission regarding the Bayfront Park. B. Clean-up Campaign No further information has been received from Lt. Jeff Kronschnabl, Special Assistant to the City Manager, regarding the proposed minimum property standards. Parks and Recreation Director Ream Wilson will follow up with him and supply copies to Board members. Discussion ensued regarding street signage, litter bags, and other issues which affect the clean-up campaign. Chair Baldwin remarked that a good start would be to target one particular area of the City other than downtown, the beaches and other areas that are already receiving attention. Convincing individuals that each of them are responsible for taking pride in their neighborhoods is a difficult task. It was noted that a continuing education program for children with the involvement of the school system may be helpful. Commercial property owners must also get involved and take pride in their business properties. There are various annual City-wide clean-up programs sponsored by various City departments as well as some community organizations, but much more is needed. C. Beautification Awards Program This program is a great incentive for beautification throughout the City. Consideration can be given for various improvements such as new or improved landscaping, consistently well-maintained properties, remodeling or restoration, and other factors. It was suggested a sign be placed on the property receiving the recognition to bring more attention to beautification efforts. Bob & Eddy’s restaurant on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard was suggested as a possible award recipient. Members were encouraged to visit the business prior to the next meeting. Member Blakemore suggested that pelicans or some type of character be placed on City trash bins to encourage people to dispose of litter properly. Discussion ensued regarding a proposal to remove the asphalt on the southbound lane of East Avenue from Turner Street to Drew Street. Grass, trees, an irrigation system and benches could be installed, to create some inviting green space along that portion of the Pinellas Trail. CSX approval would be required. All the cross streets would remain the same. This is just a proposal which requires more research. Chair Baldwin requested that Mr. Wilson extend a formal invitation to City Manager Roberto to attend next month’s Board meeting. Members felt it was important to discuss this Board’s beautification efforts and determine what Mr. Roberto’s plans. 5. Staff Reports In response to questions at the last Board meeting, Mr. Wilson responded to issues regarding Landmark Drive. Marlow Boulevard is closed but it will have a pedestrian entry into Lake Chautauqua Park. The east side of Landmark Drive will be primarily residential property. There will be a vehicle roadway and a bicycle trail down to the water. Plans were to open the extension of Landmark Drive April 1, 1998. However, a meeting will be held to discuss pipes instead of swales to handle the water drainage on the roadway. There is a wetland area close by which requires the City to work with various regulatory agencies. Residents in Country Park were promised that the new roadway would not follow the existing maintenance road and cut behind their homes. The City promised them a buffer would be placed in the area so that they would not see the roadway entrance. Discussion ensued regarding the lighting of the welcome sign on the Courtney-Campbell Causeway. Nursery Superintendent Mark Roether stated he is compiling bids for the work. It may be possible to utilize Parks and Recreation electricians to install the necessary equipment. Further information will be supplied to Members at the next meeting. In response to a question, Member Sudalnik noted he has not received any information regarding his participation on the committee for the Memorial Causeway bridge. He will contact Rich Baier to obtain details. New Business No new business was discussed. 7. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:55 a.m.