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07/02/1997 BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER July 2, 1997 Present: Sheila Cole Member/Acting Chair Katherine Merriam Member Delphine Pullar Member Marcia Blakemore Member Robert Sudalnik Member David Stitt 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: William Baldwin Chair 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Acting Chair Sheila Cole at 8:00 a.m. at the In order to provide continuity for Municipal Services Building, Clearwater, Florida. research, the items will be listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 2. Approval of Minutes - June 4, 1997 Member Pullar requested that item 4 on page 2, paragraph 1 read “Marcia Blakemore wrote to 3 other cities...”. Board consensus was to state the names of those Members charged with various projects into future minutes. No other suggestions were made, and Member Cole stated the minutes of June 4, 1997 stand approved as amended. 3. Correspondence It was noted that Members received invitations for the party in Coachman Park for the July 4 holiday celebration which includes dinner and a fireworks display. Ms. Cole noted that this Board appreciates the courtesies extended to Members. 4. Welcome New Member David Stitt Acting Chair Sheila Cole welcomed new Member David Stitt. Mr. Stitt gave a brief synopsis of his background. He felt that beautification is an important key element to the City and he is looking forward to being an active participant of this Board. 5. Ongoing Business mBC0797 1 07/02/97 A. Bayfront Park 1. Discussion regarding park design At the last meeting City Engineer Rich Baier presented plans which illustrated some of the early thoughts on the park’s design. Discussion ensued regarding the design and the tennis courts. Mr. Kader noted that preliminary research is being compiled and no specific designs have been implemented. Board Members were asked to bring suggestions for the Bayfront Park design to the next meeting. Ms. Cole noted that several years ago, there was a proposed major downtown renovation plan. Slides and a written report are available from Mr. Keller’s office. 2. Appointment of committee member Mr. Baier has requested that this Board appoint one member to serve on an ad hoc committee to participate in the design process. Members of other boards will also serve on this committee. Member Sudalnik volunteered to serve on the ad hoc committee, representing this Board. The new committee is expected to be incorporated in September of 1997. B. Gulf-to-Bay Beautification Program Mr. Roether noted this project has been completed. The project has been well- received, and it is possible more of this type of beautification will be implemented in the future. Mr. Roether stated he would like to publish a list of those businesses in the local newspaper that have been a part of this project. It was suggested that the article also mention the Beautification Committee’s efforts. Discussion ensued regarding the U. S. 19 and Gulf-to-Bay intersection. Mr. Roether noted that the State is planning an overpass at Drew Street which will affect the intersection of State Road 60 and U. S. 19. There will no longer be an exit southbound off U. S. 19 at State Road 60 due to the new alignment. This is anticipated being a 2-year project. It was remarked it would make no sense implementing beautification projects until completion of this project. One percent of the construction costs of the new intersection of the overpass will be designated for landscaping. C. Welcome Sign, Courtney Campbell Causeway Mr. Roether reported that the area has been surveyed. He distributed a proposed design for the site and explained the enhancements for the area. The area from the Courtney Campbell Causeway to McMullen Booth Road has available landscaping space. The Parks and Recreation Department is working with the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce to implement beautification efforts in the area, including the Welcome Center. The plans are similar to landscaping at the Edgewater sign, but on a larger scale. Board Members were enthusiastic about the proposed plans and gave their approval. mBC0797 2 07/02/97 Member Cole noted that the landscaping surrounding the City’s water treatment plant is considered unattractive. She suggested thicker, fuller plants, especially around the cement wall, and the portion of the building facing the Bayside Bridge and the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Mr. Roether noted that the west side of the property is limited due to 3 or 4 feet due to major utility pipelines. There is a large retention pond which also prohibits an abundance of vegetation. County approval would be required to implement any beautification efforts near the retention pond. D. Anti-litter campaign Member Sudalnik noted at the last meeting, he explained that the City of Portland offered information on their city’s anti-litter efforts. They had received urban renewal financing from the State and Federal government to incorporate anti-litter campaigns throughout the city. Member Blakemore remarked that she has not received any information from Carmel, California or Concord, Massachusetts. It was suggested utilizing the Internet to contact those 2 cities. Member Sudalnik will research whether or not Florida State funds are available for anti-litter campaigns, utilizing the City offices of Mr. Keller, Mr. Shuford and Mr. Ferri. 6. Staff Reports No formal staff reports were offered. There were no Appreciation Award recipients suggested. Members were asked to offer suggestions at the next meeting. It is important to continue this program on a regular basis in order to further promote beautification efforts throughout the City. 7. New Business Member Blakemore suggested that larger letters be placed on new signage throughout the City. It was noted that there is a large elderly population in Florida and the larger letters would be very helpful. Another suggestion was to place signs in key areas indicating the approach to major intersections and other major attractions. By incorporating several signs on one post, it would eliminate the sign clutter problem throughout the City. A suggestion was made that neighborhoods use different color hibiscus on signs to signify their particular neighborhoods. It was remarked that the CRA plans for the beach are on hold. An overall plan for the entire beach rather than just a piecemeal strategy will be implemented. There are previous plans and public input that should be considered regarding these overall plans. Ms. Cole read an article in the Editor’s column of the June 26th issue of the Clearwater Gazette and Beach Views relating to Fred Thomas of Pinch A Penny stores. mBC0797 3 07/02/97 She explained how this article was incorrect and that she had sent the newspaper reporter a fax explaining his mistakes, but has not received a response. 8. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:02 a.m. mBC0797 4 07/02/97