10/06/1999BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 6, 1999
Present: Marcia Blakemore Chair
Steve Brown Committee Member
Brooks Hammac Committee Member
Candace Hider Committee Member
Jean Stuart Committee Member
Also Present: Kevin Dunbar Parks and Recreation Director
Mark Roether Nursery Superintendent
Bobbie Downs Staff Assistant II
Absent: Vacancies (2) Committee Members
The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m. at the Municipal Services Building.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
Mr. Dunbar introduced Mr. Leroy Chin, Registered Landscape Architect, who joined the department as Parks, Planning and Projects Manager. Mr. Chin said he would invite input from the
committee as he develops the department’s master plan.
2. Approval of Minutes of October 6, 1999 - Member Hammac moved to approve the minutes as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
3. Correspondence - None
4. Old Business
Parks & Recreation Capital Projects
and
5. New Business
Landscape Projects Priority List
Mr. Dunbar said the department’s master plan will look at where the department will be 1,5,10 and15 years from now and develop strategy and plans for funding. Staff plans to work with
community groups to develop ideas and concepts for recreation facilities, athletic facilities, parks, and roadway beautification and entry into the city.
In response to a question by Ms. Hider, Mr. Dunbar said Mr. Chin’s $55,000 salary is paid from the department budget.
Mr. Dunbar said a dedication of Lake Chautauqua Park is tentatively set for November 6.
In response to a question from Member Hammac, Mr. Roether said reclaimed water is being accepted and used extensively in areas where it is available. Public Works is responsible for
distributing the water.
Mr. Dunbar said the city received a $12 million grant for Memorial Causeway which frees some Penny for Pinellas money for the library.
Mr. Dunbar pointed out that landscaping has begun on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. Medians will be landscaped from Old Coachman Road to Highland Avenue.
6. New Business
Comments From Members
Chair Blakemore said she would inquire if the Clearwater Historical Society is interested in working with the committee to produce a permanent millennium project. Member Hider suggested
the project be located at the Plumb House site.
Member Hammac suggested landscaping under Bayside Bridge. Mr. Roether said landscaping and maintenance at that site is not on the Parks & Recreation list, but something could be done
by working with Pinellas County Highway Department and budgeting accordingly.
In response to a question, Mr. Roether said the state is holding up any landscaping of the median in front of Froggies pending sale of that property.
In response to a question regarding the future of the Builders Square building, Mr. Dunbar said Home Depot is studying the site, and the Phillies would consider that site as location
for a new stadium.
Chair Blakemore suggested hearing speakers on both sides of the bayfront development issue.
Member Hider expressed concern about city condemnation of properties. Discussion ensued.
Beautification Tour – Members toured Lake Chautauqua and Cherry Harris parks.
7. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at 10:23 a.m.