05/06/1998
BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 6, 1998
Present: William Baldwin Chair
Thelma Blasko Committee Member
Katherine Merriam Committee Member
Sheila Cole Committee Member
Marcia Blakemore Committee Member
Mark Roether Nursery Superintendent
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
Absent: Delphine Pullar Committee Member
Nancy Aft Committee Member
Robert Sudalnik Committee Member
Empty Seat Committee Member
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 Merriam moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 1, 1998,
motion
as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. The was duly
carried
seconded and unanimously.
ITEM #3 - Correspondence - None.
ITEM #4 - Ongoing Business
a) Introduce Tim Kurtz - Landscape Architect
Tim Kurtz, Landscape Architect, is helping the City Manager realize his vision “One
City. One Future.” by assisting the private sector. He advises redevelopment projects
regarding upcoming changes to the Land Development Code related to upgrading the
character and aesthetics of landscaping. K-Mart on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard has more than
tripled its landscape budget for roadside and interior green spaces. The hope is that
merchants along Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard will respond.
As maintenance is a major issue with landscaping, Mr. Kurtz said the City will help the
private sector select plants and budget for maintenance. City projects include planting trees
along the Pinellas Trail, development of a tree plan for Gulf Boulevard on Sand Key, and
improvements to the East AWT (Advance Water Treatment) Plant. Mr. Kurtz is working with
Pinellas County on its SR 60 pond sites and parking lots along Pinellas Trail, and with other
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government agencies with facilities in the City. City facilities also are being reviewed.
Landscape plans at the Clearwater Executive Airpark are under negotiation.
Mr. Kurtz is reviewing landscape requirements in the new Land Development Code.
The code will encourage green space where empty seas of concrete now front many retail
sites. Staff will streamline procedures to enforce landscape maintenance and increase the
number of inspections.
b) Landscape Plan - East Water Treatment Plant
Mr. Kurtz said the landscaping project at the East AWT Plant will conceal the facility.
The plan continues Nursery Superintendent Mark Roether’s design to the West property line
and along the abutting channel. The County plans to dredge the pond West of the site and
install aquatic plants. The City has reached an agreement with the County to landscape and
screen County property between the sidewalk and fence. The County also will upgrade the
small pond under the bridge. The City has contacted the State regarding the FDOT (Florida
Department of Transportation) pond on the bridge’s West side. To ensure consistency, the
City wishes to maintain State and County properties along the SR 60 corridor. In response to
suggestion that vegetation, such as confederate jasmine, be planted along the chain link
fence, Mr. Kurtz said that type of plant increases the wind load and hides holes in the fence,
making maintenance difficult. The City will screen the fence with a hedge. The use of vinyl
coated fencing material is being considered.
Mr. Kurtz reviewed an illustration of the AWT landscape plan which includes salt-
tolerant plants. Current vegetation is healthy. A fountain using reclaimed water is under
consideration. Trees planted along the property’s western edge will screen the facility from
bridge traffic. The amount of grass will be reduced although a permanent drainage area in
front of the building, and underground pipes and utility lines influence the types of plants that
can be used. In response to a question, he said cedar trees and cabbage palms will be used.
Installation of non-native species requires permits due to environmental impacts. Juvenile
mangroves along the channel should grow to 15 feet.
Mr. Kurtz requested a list of ideas and information on projects of interest from the
Beautification Committee. As this area is a main entryway to the City, it was felt any
improvement will be beneficial. Additional plants are planned for the facility’s East side to
screen that view from westbound vehicles.
It was suggested moveable landscaping be installed along Mandalay Avenue while
plans for permanent amenities are being formulated. Mr. Kurtz is working on designs for
parking lots 34 and 35 that will realign parking spaces, and add green space features and
streetscaping amenities such as benches, light standards, etc. It was felt these upgrades will
not improve the current unpleasant view down Mandalay Avenue.
The size of the City’s future landscaping budget was questioned. Mr. Kurtz said the
City Manager has directed staff to include landscape improvements in future budgets. Mr.
Roether said the Parks & Recreation Department must solicit funds to meet special requests
Center or planting
such as improving the outdoor eating area at Pickles Plus in the Harborview
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palms along Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. The future maintenance costs of every project must be
considered. Concern was expressed that staff efforts be coordinated and not duplicated.
New procedures are being developed.
c) “Welcome to Clearwater” Sign SR 580
Mr. Roether hoped the costs of this sign can be covered by a highway beatification
grant the City can submit. This project is on Mr. Kurtz’ list.
In response to a question, Mr. Roether said staff has received a bid to raise the
“Welcome to Clearwater” sign on SR 60. Vegetation grew taller than predicted. Staff may
install new dwarf plants.
d) Beautification Awards Program
It was recommended members consider Dr. Desai’s office on the West side of South
Ft. Harrison Avenue, South of Druid Road.
In response to a suggestion, it was recommended beautification awards not be
presented to private homeowners. It was felt the Committee had established guidelines
more than a year ago. It was requested the minutes be reviewed for these guidelines.
It was suggested Pat Lokey at Cleveland Street and Osceola Avenue be considered
for an award.
e) Solid Waste Facility
Mr. Roether said staff is working on the open gates at the Solid Waste Facility.
f) Clearwater Airpark
Mr. Roether is contacting the Clearwater Executive Airpark liaison regarding
landscaping plans and the Airport Authority. The FBO (Fixed Base Operator) has
remodeled the building. It was recommended the Beautification Committee contact the
Airport Authority regarding concerns.
ITEM #5 - Staff Reports - None.
ITEM #6 - New Business
It was reported the City Commission will consider the installation of between 500 and
1,000 bus shelters with lighted advertising. It was felt the advertisements will create a blight.
Members were encouraged to address the City Commission at tomorrow’s meeting or
contact them via telephone.
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ITEM #7 - Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:12 a.m.
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