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01/07/1998BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER January 7, 1998 Present: William Baldwin Chair Katherine Merriam Member Thelma Blasko Member Marcia Blakemore Member Robert Sudalnik Member David Stitt Member Art Kader Assistant Parks and Recreation Director (arrived 8:10 a.m.) Mark Roether Parks and Recreation Nursery Superintendent Brenda Moses Board Reporter Absent: Nancy Aft Member Sheila Cole Member Delphine Pullar Member 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Baldwin at 8:02 a.m. at the Municipal Services Building. In order to provide continuity for research, the items will be listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. Approval of Minutes - December 3, 1997 Member Stitt moved to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Correspondence Members had received a copy of a letter Member Sudalnik wrote in support of the Clearwater library, and a memo from Parks and Recreation Nursery Superintendent Mark Roether. No other correspondence was received. Ongoing Business A. Beautification Issues Discussion 1. City Manager’s Agenda Mr. Roether said a special edition of the City newsletter was recently published regarding a conceptual redevelopment plan. Mr. Roether will locate a copy for members. a. Gulf-to-Bay Corridor Mr. Roether said beautification efforts are being completed at the Welcome Center on State Road 60. The City will pursue a grant application from the DOT (Department of Transportation) for additional planting on the Courtney-Campbell Causeway. The City will irrigate and maintain landscaping. The pumping station in front of Clearwater Mall will be beautified by moving the fence and installing landscaping. The County has been positive to City requests for beautification of the retention pond located next to the Bayside Bridge. b. Coachman Park/Waterfront Members agreed to continue to monitor the progress of the redevelopment plan and its affect on Coachman Park and the waterfront. Chair Baldwin will compose a letter from the BC (Beautification Committee) stating BC members would like to be kept informed of all changes, decisions, and updates to the redevelopment plan. BC members would like a presentation by the consultant who will work on the plan. Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Art Kader said an enormous amount of community input is being obtained and the BC will be included in the process. It was noted BC members have developed many good beautification ideas. They were encouraged to continue to express them. c. Beach Progress of the redevelopment plan relative to the beach will be monitored. 2. Our Committee’s Agenda The BC’s agenda will include monitoring redevelopment plans and continuing plans for beautification efforts throughout the City. B. Sign Lighting Courtney-Campbell Causeway The City is waiting for Florida Power Corporation to activate switches to light the Welcome Sign. All light fixtures and necessary wiring are in place. C. Beautification Awards Program Discussion ensued regarding a doctor’s office previously nominated for an award. Since last month’s meeting, this property has experienced major destruction of property due to recent storms. The nomination has been put on hold. The award certificate for Bob and Eddie’s Restaurant has been prepared and is ready for Chair Baldwin’s signature. The Crab House’s beautification award in the front lobby is highly visible and very impressive. 5. Staff Reports The Parks and Recreation Department is experiencing major staff changes. Mr. Kader said former Parks and Recreation Director Ream Wilson has recently retired and Parks and Recreation Superintendent Ozell George is retiring. It is unknown at this time who will fill the positions. Mr. Kader said additional lawn maintenance contract services are being explored for City Hall and other City facilities. Tomorrow a meeting is scheduled regarding the Downtown Holiday Committee’s plans for seasonal decorations in downtown and along the bayfront. It was remarked holiday lighting was rather skimpy at the beach. It was noted that many community associations decorate their own communities during the holiday season. 6. New Business A member asked if anyone had pictures of Disney’s “Celebration” community. It was suggested members personally visit the community because pictures would not adequately portray the different concepts and charm the community offers. It was remarked landscaping at the Solid Waste facility on Hercules Avenue needs attention. It was suggested enhancing the landscaping to shield the facility. Members requested Parks and Recreation staff contact the appropriate personnel responsible for landscaping and supply the BC with feedback. It was noted the Solid Waste Department contracts landscaping and property maintenance at that facility. Discussion ensued regarding Clearwater Airpark landscaping. The Airpark is a highly visible entryway into and out of the City. Airpark staff had previously agreed to install more landscaping in front of the terminal building. Trees were planted but no further enhancements have been made. BC Members requested that Parks and Recreation staff express their concerns to Airpark staff and respond to the BC with feedback. A question was raised regarding where to place additional welcome signs in the City. Suggested sites included north or southbound Belcher Road, North Fort Harrison Avenue, and northbound U.S. 19. Members were encouraged to make note of various sites throughout the City they felt might be appropriate for the signs. A member questioned whether or not there was a cost-effective method to purchase and distribute City of Clearwater litter bags. It was remarked corporate sponsors would be necessary. 7. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:48 a.m.