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11/05/1997BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER November 5, 1997 Present: William Baldwin Chair Sheila Cole Member 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: Nancy Aft Member David Stitt Member 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Baldwin at 8:00 a.m. at the Municipal Services Building. 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 - October 1, 1997 Member Blasko moved to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Correspondence None. Ongoing Business A. Beautification Issues Discussion with City Manager Mike Roberto City Manager Mike Roberto stated he strongly believes in beautification, and feels a strong community commitment is necessary. He noted the BC (Beautification Committee) is committed to a variety of efforts. The City is now in a redevelopment mode and has retained a consulting firm to assist with beautification designs and plans. Consideration is being given to signage, traffic flow, and improving Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, the beach, and downtown. All redevelopment plans must mesh. For success, the County, State, City, and property owners must participate. Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard is the City’s gateway and needs to define the City. The City Manager said plans will be based on consensus. He suggested downtown needs to become the City’s entertainment center. Change takes time, public input, participation and support are vital. Determining a uniform City image is important. The City Manager said the City must have the ability to deal with world changes and shifting space requirements. It was remarked many City beautification efforts are a direct result of BC recommendations. Chair Baldwin distributed a handout (Exhibit 1), listing the BC’s activities. The BC is involved with more than landscaping efforts. It was requested the City Manager and Commission respond to BC recommendations and inform the BC regarding pertinent meeting on beautification and proposed plans for construction and redevelopment. B. Sign Lighting - Courtney-Campbell Causeway IN response to a question, Nursery Superintendent Mark Roether said a purchase order has been issued for lighting on the welcome sign. Discussion ensued regarding lighting methods and types of landscaping used by other cities. Parks and Recreation Director Ream Wilson said an article in yesterday’s paper reviewed some quick fixes to beautify Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. The Commission has approved re-landscaping the Welcome Center grounds and East Water Treatment Plant. BC members were pleased about these efforts, nothing they had pushed for these changes for many year. IT was remarked certain types of ground cover do not require frequent irrigation and could improve many areas. It was suggested the City determine a central theme for signage and beautification, using the hibiscus flower whenever possible. Business owners along Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard are being encouraged to participate in landscaping efforts. It was remarked the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) impedes beautification efforts along Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. Mr. Wilson said the City is working closely with FDOT and hopes beautification efforts will proceed smoothly. FDOT’s main concern has always been traffic safety. Mr. Wilson reported Central Permitting Director Scott Shuford is temporarily chairing 3 special projects: 1) redevelopment of SR 60; 2) downtown redevelopment; and 3) Clearwater beach redevelopment. IT was recommended MR. Shuford discuss beautification plans with the BC during the early stages of planning. It was felt the Military Appreciation Day banners look terrible. The print is faded and air holes in the writing make them illegible. It was suggested the print be enlarged on banners so they can be read. C. Beautification Awards Program Member Blakemore moved to nominate Bob and Eddie’s Restaurant on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard for a BC beautification award. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Chair Baldwin will prepare an award certificate. MR. Wilson said staff can prepare a newspaper article regarding the award. It was suggested City signs be required to comply with the City’s sign ordinance. 5. Staff Reports None. 6. New Business Mr. Wilson said another “Welcome to Clearwater” sign is ready for installation. Discussion ensued and BC member recommended placing the sign on North Fort Harrison Avenue where it will encourage beautification efforts. 7. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:07 a.m.