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12/06/2000BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER December 6, 2000 Present: Jean Stuart Chair (left at 9 a.m.) Candace Hider Vice Chair Sally Foote Committee Member Brooks Hammac Committee Member Also Present: Kevin Dunbar Parks & Recreation Director Debbie Reid Staff Assistant III Absent: Vacancies (3) 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. #2 Approval of Minutes of October 4, 2000 – Member Foote moved to approve the minutes as recorded and submitted in written summation to each committee member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. #3 Correspondence – Letter of resignation by Member Brown. #4 Old Business – a. Status of Capital Improvement Projects – Mr. Dunbar reviewed the following progress: Ray Green Park Expansion – The purchase of an additional lot will be presented to the City Commission at the December 12, 2000 meeting for their approval. This will leave two outstanding lots on the west side of the site. These last two sites are not required for the project, but staff is still working forward to try to obtain these sites. Staff and a citizen committee are working on the components for the center. Skate Park – Staff is looking into surfaces to put on the tennis courts at the Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex, to see what would be the best surface for the least amount of cost. Staff is trying to also include a roller hockey rink within the budgeted amount of money for the skate park. With just a four-year lease at this site, this project will be constructed as a temporary park with. City-wide P&R Master Plan – The Master Plan is continuing to move forward. Inventory for each facility is being compiled; staff is waiting on census data. Completion date for the Master Plan is the latter part of next year. McMullen Tennis Complex – Court Renovation – Grand Opening was held on November 9, 2000. Reaction has been very positive. The month of October’s revenue was almost $12,000 at this complex. Average revenue at this complex in the past has been $60,000 a year. Memberships went on sale starting November 1, 2000. Countryside Infrastructure Improvement – Work commenced December 5, 2000. The fitness facility may be open before Christmas; projected completion for total project is May 15, 2001. Ruth Eckerd Hall – This is a Pennies for Pinellas project for $2,000,000 for an education wing. City Commission has approved the funds for this project and Parks and Recreation is in charge of administering the disbursement of the funds. Glen Oaks Golf Course Improvements – The City will be constructing a new clubhouse on the Glen Oaks site and in return will receive three percent of the gross revenue at the McMullen site. Construction will take place next summer. Long Center Expansion – This is a $1 million expansion to include: increasing multi-purpose space, new entry facing Belcher Road, and the existing lobby would be turned into fitness space. b. Beautification Award: Member Hammac nominated Walgreens to receive an award. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Mr. Dunbar suggested that for future awards that before and after digital pictures be taken and shown to the Commission during the award presentation. #5 New Business – a. Membership Drive Discussion: A draft letter had been prepared and reviewed and approved by Chair Stuart. Member Hider questioned if the time of the meetings are affecting the number of people being able to participate on this Committee. All members were open to change the time of the meeting if necessary to ensure a complete Committee. Member Foote questioned the purpose and contribution of this Committee. Members stated that they recalled an information sheet attached to the application. It was again discussed if this Committee would be in a better position to be part of Planning and Development Services, rather than Parks and Recreation, so that they would be involved with beautification of projects at the beginning. Mr. Dunbar suggested that someone from Planning and Development Services may be able to attend these meetings to inform members of new projects. He will speak to Ralph Stone and see if this will be possible. Mr. Dunbar informed members that Parks and Recreation has taken over the administration of the Harborview Center. Mr. Dunbar also informed members that Parks and Recreation is the lead on the Public/Private Partnership. The first portion being addressed is the soft drink vendors. The three vendors that have spoken with the City are Coke, Pepsi and Gatorade. This will be a good revenue sources for various items including the Fire Department and possibly new comfort stations on the beach. The vendors will be making their proposals to the City on January 11, 2001. Member Foote brought up the issue of bus stop shelters in Dunedin that have advertisements on them. She wanted to know if Clearwater decided to do the same type of advertisement what department would have to approve it. Mr. Dunbar advised that it would have to be approved through Planning and Development Services. Member Foote informed Mr. Dunbar that the ceiling in the Harborview Center needed repair. She also questioned if the blinking sign in front of the Harborview Center could be removed. Mr. Dunbar stated that removal is being looked into at this time. It is being researched to see what authority approved that sign. Chair Stuart left the meeting at 9:00 a.m., which created a lack of a quorum. The following items were discussed briefly: Member Hammac pointed out that there is still a high level of construction and development and that we do not have the water to accommodate new residents. This lack of water also hinders beautification. Member Hider questioned if any of the funds received from the public/private partnership could be used to bring in reclaimed water. Mr. Dunbar stated that there is a financial to run pipes for reclaimed water, but that it is figured into the water and sewer budget over the next several years. Member Hider questioned if the membership drive letter should be sent out as is or if the time of the meetings should be addressed. Member Foote questioned the letter as to the mission of the Committee and to state in the letter that the Committee “currently” meets at 8:00 a.m. which will leave it open to change the time if necessary. This will be discussed further at the January 3, 2001, meeting. Members adjourned at 9:30 a.m.