12/03/1997
BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
December 3, 1997
Present: William Baldwin Chair
Marcia Blakemore Member
Thelma Blasko Member
Sheila Cole Member
Delphine Pullar Member (arrived 8:06 a.m.)
Robert Sudalnik Member
David Stitt Member
Rick Hedrick Assistant City Manager
Scott Shuford Special Projects Administrator
Ream Wilson Parks and Recreation Director
Mark Roether Parks and Recreation Nursery Superintendent
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
Absent: Nancy Aft Member
Katherine Merriam Member
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chair Baldwin at 8:00 a.m. at the Municipal
In order to provide continuity for research, the items will be
Services Building.
listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
2. Approval of Minutes - November 5, 1997
moved
Member Sudalnik to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to each
motioncarried
member. The was duly seconded and unanimously.
3. Correspondence
Members expressed their disappointment they did not receive invitations to the
December 8, 1997, presentation of preliminary development plans for downtown, the
beach, Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, and LDC (Land Development Code) revisions. Concern
was expressed the BC (Beautification Committee) receives no follow-up information
relating to beautification projects or feedback regarding board recommendations.
Special Projects Administrator Scott Shuford explained no one was intentionally
excluded from the December 8 meeting and acknowledged the BC has been
instrumental in beautification efforts throughout the City.
4. Ongoing Business
A. Beautification Issues Discussion
1. City Manager’s Agenda
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a. Gulf-to-Bay Blvd. Corridor Presentation by Scott Shuford
Mr. Shuford said the City Manager feels strongly that
beautification is vital to the redevelopment of Clearwater. Major projects
are being developed, including improvements to Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard,
downtown, the beach, Phillies Stadium and North Greenwood. The west
side of the wastewater treatment plant on State Road 60 near the
retention pond will be landscaped next Spring. Fire hydrants will be
painted and the hibiscus flower will be incorporated into street
intersection signs on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. As private redevelopment
occurs, opportunities arise for landscaping and facade enhancements.
Land Development Code revisions are in process. Three landscaping
grant proposals from the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation)
will be addressed at tomorrow night’s City Commission meeting: 1)
landscaping of medians from U.S. Highway 19 to Highland Avenue; 2)
screening the retention pond at the water treatment plant on Gulf-to-Bay
Boulevard; and 3) additional landscaping on the Courtney-Campbell
Causeway.
Assistant City Manager Rick Hedrick said the City Manager
believes the community can set beautification standards to positively
enhance quality of life issues. Mr. Roberto has met with business and
private sectors for feedback on various issues. Mr. Hedrick reviewed a
handout entitled “Gateway to Clearwater,” a draft of proposed short term
beautification projects. He explained consultants have been retained for
redevelopment issues pertinent to the City’s Vision.
Parks and Recreation Director Ream Wilson said private property
owners will be encouraged to maintain their respective properties.
Special clean-up projects sponsored by the Parks and Recreation
Department and Public Works are planned.
A suggestion was made that BC members visit Disney’s
residential community “Celebration.” The community is a pleasant
combination of old town charm, landscaping, and architecture. It was
noted established communities must deal with more governmental
restrictions than do newly constructed ones.
Discussion ensued regarding eliminating overhead power lines.
A comment was made that underground lines do not add “pretty” but can
take away “ugly.” Reference was made to downtown Tampa’s efficient
use of single signs for multiple messages. Concern was expressed
about the size and legibility of Military Appreciation banners.
Discussion ensued regarding the alignment decision for the new
Memorial Causeway Bridge. Mr. Hedrick said the current City
Commission is very cost-conscious and after considering all issues, felt
they had made the best decision. He encouraged BC members to
attend the January 8, 1997, meeting to unveil a conceptual
redevelopment plan.
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A remark was made the BC has addressed and recommended
numerous beautification issues over the years. Consensus was a
vehicle now exists to address and champion those issues. Members
were encouraged to telephone City Commissioners for feedback or
information.
b. Coachman Park/Waterfront
This issue will be readdressed after review of the City’s
presentation of preliminary development plans.
c. Beach
Review of beach developments will be addressed after review of
the preliminary development plan.
2. Our Committee’s Agenda
Discussion ensued regarding the City’s plans to consolidate advisory
boards. It was felt more information is needed regarding the BC’s status before
a mission statement or agenda can be discussed.
B. Sign Lighting, Courtney-Campbell Causeway
Parks and Recreation Superintendent Mark Roether said the welcome sign on
the Courtney-Campbell Causeway should be lit this week. A member remarked the
area has been beautifully landscaped.
C. Beautification Awards Programs
Member Stitt noted a business located at 1437 Court Street has installed
beautiful landscaping and greatly improved that corner. Hibiscus, trees and other
foliage have been planted. Members were encouraged to review the property for
consideration of a beautification award.
5. Staff Reports - None.
6. New Business
Member Sudalnik said he met with City Grant Writer Lee Ann Brannick
regarding available beautification grants. She offered to research ideas and
suggestions submitted by the BC. Mr. Sudalnik drafted a support letter regarding
beautification of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard to be submitted to Ms. Brannick by January 15,
1997.
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7. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:18 a.m.
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