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08/06/1997 BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER August 6, 1997 Present: William Baldwin Chair Katherine Merriam Member Delphine Pullar Member (departed 9:05 a.m.) Marcia Blakemore Member Sheila Cole Member Robert Sudalnik Member Nancy Aft Member (arrived 8:12 a.m.) David Stitt Member Ream Wilson Parks and Recreation Director Mark Roether Parks and Recreation Nursery Superintendent Brenda Moses Board Reporter Absent: 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 - July 2, 1997 Member Merriam requested that page 3, paragraph 3, sentence 3 read “Member Blakemore...”. Member Blakemore requested that page 3, paragraph 6, sentence 1 moved read “Member Blakemore suggested that larger letters...”. Member Merriam to motioncarried approve the minutes as amended. The was duly seconded and unanimously. 3. Correspondence No correspondence was received for discussion. 4. Ongoing Business A. Bayfront Park 1. Discussion regarding park design No decisions have been made regarding the bayfront park or a proposed new main Clearwater Library site. Member Sudalnik spoke to Mr. Keller’s secretary regarding reviewing the slides from a previously proposed downtown renovation plan. He also spoke to Alan Ferri regarding available funds for beautification. At the end of 1997, a five-year plan is anticipated for landscaping entryways to the City, including mbc0897 1 08/06/97 Fort Harrison Avenue, Palmetto Street and Myrtle Avenue. Mr. Ferri had explained to Mr. Sudalnik that the urban renewal funds are no longer available for beautification at the federal level. There are some xeroscaping grants available periodically for beautification. The City’s grant writer, Lee Ann Brannick indicated to Mr. Sudalnik that she would research grant funds for beautification. Mr. Wilson noted that most of the grants require a 50% match by the City. The City has placed welcome signs at Edgewater Drive, Sand Key, and on the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Discussion ensued regarding the property known as the Bayview Mobile Home Park. Mr. Wilson indicated that the County is not able to financially assist the City in acquiring the property. No definite decisions have been made. B. Welcome Sign, Courtney-Campbell Causeway Members complimented the work done on the welcome sign on the Courtney- Campbell Causeway. Mr. Roether noted there was a slight snag in completing beautification efforts in that location, due to the installation of a sidewalk from Collins Road to Bayshore Boulevard. Mr. Wilson noted that the City plans to work closely with the Chamber of Commerce regarding beautification of the causeway welcome center, presenting more color to the area. Discussion ensued regarding how the City and the Chamber of Commerce will share maintenance of landscaping. Landscaping near the Water Pollution Control Plant was discussed. It was explained that although the retention pond and the chain link fence prohibits landscaping to a degree, it may be possible to beautify the area surrounding the chain link fence. It was noted that the Courtney Campbell Causeway is a major gateway to the City and beautification efforts must be continued. It was remarked that construction is planned on U. S. 19 from Drew Street to State Road 60 in the year 2000. There will be an overpass on Drew Street and in order to access State Road 60 from Highway 19, it will be necessary to exit off Drew Street. Member Stitt noted that some of the palms along Gulf-to-Bay and Keene require maintenance. Mr. Roether explained the trees will be untied and pruned regularly. Chair Baldwin noted for at least 3 years, this Committee has been suggesting beautification for Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and the gateways to the City. He was glad that the new City Manager was also interested in this project. Mr. Wilson noted that City Manager Roberto plans to attend the September meeting of the Beautification Committee. He is extremely interested in landscaping and beautification efforts throughout the City. Member Cole remarked that the new Nagano Olympic signs are unsightly. They are being placed next to, or directly behind, the new welcome signs. Member Sudalnik moved to send a message to the City Commission relating the Beautification Committee’s displeasure with the quality and placement of the Nagano Olympic signs throughout the City. The Nagano Olympic signs should not be placed in such a manner motion that would detract from the permanent welcome signs. The was duly seconded mbc0897 2 08/06/97 carried and unanimously. Chair Baldwin will also send a letter to the Mayor’s office regarding the motion. Discussion ensued regarding the need for multiple signs on one post. It was remarked that consolidation of signs may involve the County, State and City, depending upon the rights-of-way. Reference was made to signage in downtown Tampa, which have a common purpose in mind, and clear directionalization. Members were encouraged to photograph some of the signage in Tampa when they are next in that area. C. Anti-Litter Campaign Member Blakemore related information she received regarding her inquiries of anti-litter campaigns. The City of Concord, Massachusetts has a population of 17,000 with 2 business districts. That city indicated their success was a combination of active involvement by town departments and volunteer help from businesses and individuals. There is a constant attention to removal of waste from town trash barrels, mowing and upkeep of properties, street sweeping twice a week in non-winter months, informal arrangements with merchants in the downtown area to keep their sidewalks free of litter and debris, and to quickly repair any defects or problems. A special effort is made before special celebrations and activities. Annually, in the spring a volunteer road side clean up is organized. Labor is donated from the Massachusetts Correctional Institute in the summer. Lawns are trimmed around buildings and cemeteries once a week, and a 15-member highway department is responsible for weekly sweeping and minor repairs. Trash barrels are emptied twice each week. An Adopt A Road Program is in place, as well as a proposed local merchant program to adopt a park or public space in exchange for a modest publicity sign. The City of Concord indicated that Clearwater’s reputation as “a good place to live and visit” is well known. Member Cole suggested that Clearwater’s Solid Waste Department distribute small car trash bags, with the City’s name imprinted on them. The bags could be distributed at the Welcome Center and special events. Mr. Wilson will contact the Solid Waste Department to determine whether or not they currently distribute the trash bags or will be able to do so in the future. 5. Staff Reports No formal staff reports were offered. In response to questions, Mr. Wilson stated that the Pinellas Trail is progressing. Heavy discussion regarding amenities for the Trail are ongoing. 6. New Business mbc0897 3 08/06/97 Member Cole noted that the East End property at Missouri Avenue and Cleveland Street needs improvement. Perhaps grass seed could be planted in that location. Member Cole remarked that there have been numerous complaints at the beach regarding the contractor who is installing the beach umbrellas. The contractor is using power drills between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. to install rows of umbrellas. The noise is obnoxious. Mr. Wilson suggested Member Cole contact Bill Held at the Clearwater Marina, since he deals with the parties holding the leases. Member Cole noted the Memorial Causeway has numerous empty holes where no trees, palms or landscaping is evident. She requested rather than placing numerous less expensive palms in the area, the City proactively plant a few nicer trees such as Canary Island Date palms. Discussion ensued regarding the cost of the palms. It was noted that when the new bridge is constructed, it may be possible to relocate some of the palms to strategic areas on the causeway. 7. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m. mbc0897 4 08/06/97