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11/04/1998BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER November 4, 1998 Present: William Baldwin Chair Delphine Pullar Committee Member Marcia Blakemore Committee Member Stephen Brown Committee Member Jean Stuart Committee Member Vacant Seats (3) Committee Member Absent: Robert Sudalnik Committee Member Also Present: Art Kader Parks & Recreation Department Director Mark Roether Nursery Superintendent Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. at the Municipal Services Building. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. ITEM #2 - Approval of Minutes Member Blakemore moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 7, 1998, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 - Correspondence - None. ITEM #4 - Ongoing Business a) Update: “Welcome to Clearwater” sign Nursery Superintendent Mark Roether said the City has applied to the State for permission to construct a “Welcome to Clearwater” sign on SR 580 in front of Countryside High School. He showed a sketch of the proposed sign and landscaping. Plans are to also plant 5 trees on the medium. Parks & Recreation Director Art Kader said it will be expensive to pipe the water necessary for flowers. The City will take over maintenance of the entire medium. In response to a suggestion to plant low growing plants, Mr. Roether indicated that type of landscaping collects trash and requires weeding. Lights are not planned. Mr. Kader said it will take staff at least 6 months to accomplish the beautification projects currently planned. The sign already is completed. Member Blakemore moved to recommend the “Welcome to Clearwater” sign be installed on SR 580. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. b) Beautification Awards Program Member Pullar moved to award a Beautification Award to the Cypress Point Shopping Center on US 19N. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Mr. Kader will order the award. ITEM #5 - Staff Reports Mr. Kader invited members to view a pilot project on Court Street, west of Missouri. The display features 3 different systems to uplight the trees. Mr. Kader said the Atrium Hotel on N. Ft. Harrison has been razed. He displayed a conceptual sketch of a park planned for the site. Motorists will be able to see through the landscaping. No sidewalks or benches are planned. As the site is a large traffic triangle, the City wants to discourage children from playing there due to safety concerns. The landscaping will be irrigated and include several types of palms and colorful tropical plants accented by evergreen trees. The City also will plant shade trees along the east side of Myrtle. Should changes be made to the park in the future, the landscaping can be moved and recycled. It was recommended down lighting may deter transients. Mr. Kader said the reclaimed water project for Island Estates is complete. The City will use reclaimed water at Jack Russell Stadium, Coachman Park, and the Memorial Causeway medium. Staff also is considering the use of reclaimed water on the Memorial Causeway rights-of-way. He estimated the City’s use of reclaimed water will result in significant savings. In response to a question regarding problems related to reclaimed water, he said it spots cars and windows. Concern was expressed some residents who don’t want reclaimed water must pay for it anyway. Mr. Kader said the fee is minimal and is much less expensive than fresh water. Mr. Kader said work on Lake Chatauqua Park is underway and should be completed by March 1, 1999. Mr. Kader said irrigation pipes are being installed at Eddie C. Moore park. ITEM #6 - New Business a) Beautification Award Display It was suggested the City honor businesses awarded beautification awards by displaying photographs on a wall of honor at the Municipal Services Building. Concern was expressed care of the properties may decline after being honored. It was stated it is important to recognize those in Clearwater who do well. Mr. Kader said the City is encouraging the display of public art. It was suggested photographs be taken professionally and a time limit be established for the display. Mr. Kader will forward the suggestion to the Parks & Recreation task force which is considering how to celebrate the department’s achievements via a Municipal Services Building display. b) Election of Chair Chair Baldwin indicated his term ends in December. He reviewed the position’s responsibilities. It was noted the board is short members. Member Pullar moved to nominate Member Blakemore as Chair. Member Blakemore moved to nominate Member Pullar as Chair. Ms. Pullar declined, although she said she would be honored. It was suggested the item be tabled. The Chair recommended the board reach a decision today. Member Stuart moved to nominate Stephen Brown as Chair. The motion to nominate Member Blakemore was seconded. Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Kader distributed Parks & Recreation calendars. ITEM #7 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m.