08/04/2004
.
.
.
BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 4, 2004
Present:
Sandy Curry
Allen Dadetto
Elizabeth France
Sally Foote
Brooks Hammac
Chair
Vice Chair
2nd Vice Chair
Committee Member
Committee Member
Also Present:
Leroy Chin
Tim Kurtz
Marsha Beall
Elizabeth Lancara
Jean Stewart
Park, Planning & Project Manager
Senior Landscape Architect
Staff Assistant
Citizen
Citizen
Absent:
Rebecca A vrin
Sheila Sullivan
Committee Member
Committee Member
#1 Call to Order - The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m. at Municipal Services Building Parks &
Recreation Conference Room.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that
order.
#2 Approval of Minutes of June 2, 2004 - Ms. Curry noted a correction in her name from Mr. to Ms., page
two, paragraph one un~er Board Vacancy. Ms. Foote moved to approve the minutes as amended. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
#3 Correspondence-
a.) Memorial Causeway Bridge - Members received a copy of July 15, 2004 letter addressed to
Mayor and City Council. Ms. Curry was in receipt of a response letter from Mayor Brian J.
Aungst regarding the colors of the Memorial Causeway Bridge. Mayor Aungst explained the
green color for the wall was chosen in anticipation that it will fade and make the walls appear to
be part of the landscape. In six months, the council will make a recommendation to the Florida
Department of Transportation to keep or change the color.
b.) Beautification Appointment - Members received a copy of July 15, 2004 letter sent to Mayor and
City Council regarding the selection of new Committee member. Appointment is on the City
Council Agenda for August 5, 2004.
c.) Gulf to Bay Boulevard - Mr. Chin received a citizen suggestion asking the Beautification
Committee to look at the overgrowth of weeds along Gulf to Bay Boulevard and suggested using
Community Service volunteers to maintain the area. Mr. Chin advised members a city contractor
has been counseled and will address these concerns. This citizen asked members to also consider
advising Clearwater citizens about keeping the streets clean of lawn grass. After discussion,
members submitted ideas. Mr. Hammac suggested a goodwill statement in the Clearwater
"Sunshine Lines". Ms. Curry suggested a Public Service message. Ms. France will find out if
there is a City Ordinance to address this matter. Ms. France also suggested writing the Clearwater
Times.
d.) Keene Road and Venus Avenue - Ms. Curry received correspondence from Brian Murphree
regarding landscaping maintenance on both Keene Road and Venus A venue. Mr. Murphree
suggested contacting Ms. Anne Kramer, Pinellas County Government.
. #4 Old Business -
. City Projects - Mr. Chin invited Mr. Tim Kurtz, Landscape Architect to speak on the "Cleveland
Street Streetscape" project. Mr. Kurtz stated plans for this project is now at 60% completion.
The Main Street approach is based on four points, and all four points are necessary to revitalize
downtown, increase economic activity in the town center, and improve the quality of life for
citizens throughout the community. This four-point approach is through economic development,
organization, design and promotion. The Main Street program is a movement that is citizen
driven and encourages public-private partnerships in order to make downtown successful. Much
of the work being considered at this point relates to drainage, structural, pavers, and arbors. Mr.
Kurtz explained that at 30% stage, comments are received and considered. By 60%, the plans are
set to design, including demolition, trees and construction. Without shutting downtown
completely, it is estimated to take eighteen months to complete after inception date. Although the
Wayfinding signs are actively being installed, much of the project still hinges on the completion
of the Memorial Causeway Bridge.
Mr. Chin advised member we will no longer be able to run off copies of the CIP report due to the
volume of pages. It is available on www.myclearwater.com.
. Public/Private Groups - Members received an updated list of proposed projects under
consideration. The list was reviewed and some additional projects will be added. Once the list is
completed, the Beautification Committee intends to work in partnership with these public and
private entities in effort to enhance the beautification and aesthetic of the City of Clearwater.
.
#5 New Business-
. Ms. Curry announced Ms. Foote's term of office expires at month end. This is the last meeting
Ms. Foote will attend. Members thanked her for her past support and the innovation she brought
to the Beautification Committee. Ms. Foote was instrumental in securing approval from the City
Commission allowing the Committee to rewrite Policy & Procedures and amend the Ordinance.
Ms. Foote was appreciative and said her final word of wisdom is "Native Plants".
Not on the Agenda
. Ms. France mentioned Moccasin Lake Park is hosting Pinellas Chapter of Florida Native Plants
Society tonight at 7:30pm for anyone who wishes to attend.
. Ms. Curry suggested visiting Countryside Branch Library. On September 2004 the first Florida
Friendly Landscape and Native Plant EducationalGardens were installed.
#6 Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at 9:58 a.m.
~r.uA{b~ ~7
.
Beautification Committee
Staff Assistant
Beautification 2004-0804
2