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03/05/1997BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER March 5, 1997 Present: William Baldwin Chair Sheila Cole Member Delphine Pullar Member Candace Gardner Member Marcia Blakemore Member Nancy Aft Member Thelma Blasko Member Art Kader Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Mark Roether Parks and Recreation Nursery Superintendent Brenda Moses Board Reporter Absent: Katherine Merriam Member Robert Sudalnik Member 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Baldwin at 8:07 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. 2. Approval of Minutes - February 5, 1997 Member Cole moved to approve the minutes of February 5, 1997 as submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Correspondence None. 4. Ongoing Business A. Appreciation Program At the last meeting, members were asked to visit the Crab House and Magnolia Manor for possible submission for beautification awards. It was noted the two properties have different types of landscaping, but are both worthy of recognition. Discussion ensued regarding guidelines to determine which properties receive recognition. It was agreed that the Appreciation Program should not be a contest. Criteria for the awards can include any of the following: 1) continuous upkeep of property, 2) beautification efforts to newly constructed property; and 3) improvements to existing structures. Recognition will not be limited to specific areas of Clearwater, but will be awarded to businesses and residents throughout the City. Member Cole moved to award the first 2 Appreciation Program awards to the Crab House and Magnolia Manor. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Mr. Roether, Parks and Recreation Nursery Superintendent, noted the format for the certificates is on the computer and he will insert the award recipients’ names. Chair Baldwin will compose the congratulatory letters to be sent to the recipients and will send copies to the City Commission. The certificates and congratulatory letters will be mailed to each award recipient. B. Anti-Litter Campaign Member Blasko will prepare a written proposal suggesting possible remedies to the litter problem which currently exists in various parts of the City. C. Neighborhood Sign Program City Engineer, Rich Baier, attended the last Beautification Committee meeting to discuss the street sign program which includes the hibiscus logo. A question was asked whether anyone has received feedback from the City Commission regarding this Board’s support of the street sign program. It was noted if the Mandalay Streetscape project is approved, plans are to use the hibiscus logo on street signs with built-in banner arms on poles. The street sign program is moving in a positive direction. It was suggested that members share their views with the City Commission about the need for uniform signage to include multiple signs on posts and uniform color and dimension. Members can also check with their homeowners associations regarding the uniform sign program to prompt letters of support to the City Commission. It was noted that the City replaces street signs throughout the City once every 10 years. It was suggested that members take one City mile and count the number of signs, including street signs, in that area to get a better understanding of sign pollution. Assistant Parks and Recreation Director, Art Kader, noted that homeowner associations and residents frequently call the City requesting signs to control issues they feel are a problem in their neighborhoods. Signs are also necessary for Police to enforce the law. All City projects and properties adhere to the sign ordinance. Signs protect the health, welfare and safety of citizens. D. Gulf-to-Bay Beautification Program Mr. Roether noted the first delivery of palm trees is expected on March 10, 1997. Over 100 areas designated for palm tree installation will be marked for underground utilities. The City is not asking businesses to maintain the palms. The City will maintain them to ensure uniformity. A load of 18 palms per week will begin at Keene Road proceeding east. The south side of the street will be done first. A remark was made that many residents plant shrubs and other foliage in the rights-of-way, and that utility companies other than the City sometimes disturb these areas, causing damage to foliage. These companies should take the effort and concern to repair the damaged areas. 5. Staff Reports No staff reports were given. 6. New Business It was noted the City Commission tabled the proposed new Memorial Causeway Bridge until after the Penny for Pinellas vote. A member said the City may be able to obtain money from the State and other areas for funding of the bridge. Discussion ensued regarding why this Board was not included in the Mandalay Streetscape Project. It was suggested that this Board contact the Design Review Board, Scott Shuford and Don McCarty regarding this issue. 7. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:04 a.m.