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05/07/1997 BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER May 7, 1997 Present: William Baldwin Chair Katherine Merriam Member Delphine Pullar Member ( departed 8:50 a.m.) Marcia Blakemore Member Sheila Cole Member Nancy Aft Member ( arrived 8:25 a.m.) Ream Wilson Parks and Recreation Director Mark Roether Parks and Recreation Nursery Superintendent Brenda Moses Board Reporter Absent: Robert Sudalnik Member Candace Gardner Member (resigned) Thelma Blasko 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, Services Building, Clearwater, Florida. the items will be listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 2. Approval of Minutes - April 2, 1997 moved Member Cole to approve the minutes of April 2, 1997 as submitted in motioncarried writing to each member. The was duly seconded and unanimously. 3. Correspondence Chair Baldwin received a letter from Candace Gardner resigning from this Board. She explained she had a conflict in scheduling. It was remarked that it would be nice if someone from other parts of the City besides Island Estates and the beaches would like to serve on this committee. A. Appreciation Program Parks and Recreation Director, Ream Wilson, requested that Chair Baldwin sign the first 3 Appreciation Program certificates which will be mailed in padded envelopes to recipients. It was remarked that the certificates were very nicely done. Chair Baldwin read a congratulatory letter he composed which will also be mailed to recipients. Member Blakemore noted she visited the library to research some beautification efforts other cities had developed. She noted that Concord, Massachusetts and Carmel by the Sea had planned rehabilitation rather than constant updating of roadside facilities. mBC0597 1 05/07/97 B. Anti-Litter Campaign Chair Baldwin noted he had received a call from Member Sudalnik. Mr. Sudalnik was unable to attend today’s meeting, but indicated he had contacted the City of Portland for information about their anti-litter campaign. A report will be shared with this Board at the next meeting. The City of Clearwater has 3 Adopt-A-Shore agreements, which are coordinated through the State’s Agricultural Extension Service. The Adopt-A-Shore program entails spending 2 hours on the south side of the Causeway. Another group collects litter on the north side of the Causeway. Everyone meets at the Oleander parking area. Wearing old shoes and gloves, volunteers collect litter with garbage bags and a stick with a nail on the end. Litter is deposited on the walkway and a truck sorts through the bags, separating various materials. The City collects the material, including recyclables. The Parks and Recreation Department picks up materials in the grassy areas, and Public Works collects the solid waste. Once a year, there is a State-wide effort coordinated by the Mayor. Those volunteers collect litter at the beaches. Corporate groups collect litter a mile at a time. Through the Engineering Department, the City has an Adopt-A-Street program. There are other programs which cover various areas throughout the City. In response to a question, Mr. Wilson stated that seaweed on beaches is collected at midnight between the Adam’s Mark Hotel and Somerset. It was noted that the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce works with the Community Response Team to collect litter. Plans are to develop a massive campaign to collect litter on a quarterly basis. The Chamber of Commerce has started a Civic Self-Pride Program, encouraging beautification and litter control. Landscaping planters will be offered at wholesale prices by the Chamber of Commerce to promote the use of hibiscus or other native Florida flowers such as Lantana. The Coalition of Homeowners are being encouraged to ensure that the entryways into their respective neighborhoods are clean and litter-free. Members were asked to complete their research on anti-litter campaigns in other cities. Resources can include use of the Internet as well as written correspondence. It was noted that when using the Internet, one must be specific in order to obtain the desired result. Using search criteria such as “litter removal” or other topics, can be useful. Library staff can also be of assistance. C. Gulf-to-Bay Beautification Nursery Superintendent, Mark Roether, noted that 43 palm trees have been planted. The project began at Highland Avenue, proceeding east. He noted that only 2 individuals had mentioned the placement of signs. Permission slips from private property owners will be obtained before proceeding with plantings on private property. A load of 14 trees every week is planned until completion of the project. mBC0597 2 05/07/97 A question was asked regarding what the City is doing with the old Annex property. Currently, there is grass which is being mowed until a determination is made as to its disposition. D. Welcome Sign, Courtney Campbell Causeway Mr. Roether has not had an opportunity to address landscaping at the Welcome Sign on the Courtney Campbell Causeway. He noted there is very limited space for landscaping. It was suggested staggered height palms and fuller, larger foliage would be a major improvement. The current landscaping is rather scant and unimpressive, and this is one of the major corridors into the City. It was noted all landscaping must be kept off DOT right-of-way. 5. Staff Reports No formal staff reports were presented. Member Cole remarked that this Board wrote a letter supporting the property at the corner of Bayside Bridge and Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard to be purchased for development of a City park. At a previous City worksession, it was mentioned that this property could easily be rezoned for commercial usage, creating more tax revenue for the City. Mr. Wilson has completed an agenda item recommending the City Commission instruct City staff to seek a Preservation 2000 Grant from Tallahassee to obtain 50% matching funds for acquisition of the Bayview property. Between the 4 acres of the Bayview property and Tampa Bay, the County owns the property up to the bridge and towards the Bay. If the 4 acres were secured as park land, the City could develop a boardwalk over County property to the water. The asking price for the property was approximately $1.6 million. Impact fees would be approximately $400,000. The end result is that the City Commission directed the City Manager’s office to check with the County to ensure participation before proceeding with the plan. Members agreed not to take any further action until more information regarding County participation is obtained. It was noted there is money from Penny for Pinellas to landscape the intersection of Highway 19 by the Clearwater Mall. City budget meetings have begun. Discussions on Capital Improvement Projects and operating budgets for 1997/98 are being held. Mr. Wilson noted the Bay Park on Sand Key has been completed. Beach renourishment ran into a snag. Bids are being considered and this project is anticipated to resume in the near future. The Pinellas Trail is expected to be complete in October of 1997. A festivity with music and dance is planned on Cleveland Street to celebrate the opening of the trail. From Belleview to Turner Street, the Pinellas Trail will be constructed on abandoned CSX right-of-way. From that point north to Drew Street alongside the Post Office, there will be a10-foot wide sidewalk. A member remarked that litter is a major concern on the Pinellas Trail. The City received permission from the County to plant trees in those areas where it is barren and needs some beautification. The City will be mBC0597 3 05/07/97 responsible for the maintenance of those areas. Discussion ensued regarding drinking fountains, restrooms, picnic tables and other amenities. 6. New Business Discussion ensued regarding the City sign resolutions and ordinances. One form of pollution mentioned was the multitude of flags at car dealerships on Highway 19. It was suggested that should multiple flags be acceptable, the owners incorporate the theme of the City of Clearwater with turquoise colored flags and the hibiscus logo. 7. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m. _________________________________ Chair Beautification Committee Attest: _____________________________________ Board Reporter mBC0597 4 05/07/97