07/29/2014 - Special Meeting PARKS & RECREATION BOARD SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 29, 2014
Present: Chair Ric Ortega, Vice Chair Norene M. Marlow, Board Member Allen Weatherilt,
Board Member Emilo Gonzales, Board Member Carmen Santiago
Absent: Board Member Candace Gardner, Board Member Nola Johnson
Also Present: Felicia Leonard -Administrative Support Manager, Patricia O. Sullivan - Board
Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at the Long Center.
2. Citizens to be Heard re Items Not on the Agenda: None.
3. New Business
3.1. City Budget Review
Administrative Support Manager Felicia Leonard said the Parks & Recreation Department's
FY (Fiscal Year) 2014/15 budget submitted to the City Council did not include any Master
Plan items. She reviewed budget, Master Plan, and Penny for Pinellas 4 processes and
impacts of budget reductions during the economic downturn, when 50 FTEs (Full-Time
Equivalents) were cut and department responsibilities were expanded.
Ms. Leonard said although the Master Plan's top CIP (Capital Improvement Project) priority
was redevelopment of Coachman Park, Penny for Pinellas 3 funds were not budgeted for that
until FY 2019/20.
In FY 2007/08, the second ranked CIP, Morningside Recreation Center, was allocated $2.6
million in Penny for Pinellas 3 funds. It was estimated the neighborhood-scaled center would
require 3.75 FTEs to operate; the swimming pool was funded under a separate budget. Ms.
Leonard discussed other top-ranked CIPs and resident requests to extend the swimming pool
season.
It was commented that a portion of the $3.3 million in Penny for Pinellas 3 funds budgeted for
the Morningside Recreation Center was spent to raze the old center, new landscaping, and
architectural drawings that were rejected; the City Council determined the center should be
smaller than originally planned.
In response to questions, Ms. Leonard said the center's design would begin after City Council
approves moving forward with the project. The Master Plan addresses pools collectively; to
cover costs, the City would have to charge $15 - $16 per visit. The City has an umbrella policy
to cover liability. Pools must be maintained year round.
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Discussion ensued regarding Master Plan priorities. It was recommended that the City move
forward with the design of the Morningside Recreation Center. Concern was expressed that
construction costs increase with time.
In response to questions, Ms. Leonard said board could ask the City Council to consider
relighting City tennis courts if funds are available. Estimates of costs: 1) $25,000 annually for
electricity and 2) $50,000 for repair /replacement of lighting infrastructure. Metering the lights
was not economical. Lights cannot intrude on neighboring properties. Some neighbors have
complained that tennis court patrons are not City residents.
Member Marlow moved to request that the City Council initiate Master Plan program priorities:
1) construct/operate the Morningside Recreation Center; 2) reinstate outdoor lighting at City
tennis courts; and 3) extend swimming pool hours. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
3.2. Park Visitation
Ms. Leonard reviewed City park categories. It was recommended that a meeting be
scheduled at Sid Likton Field and the board take a field trip to Cooper Point and visit other
parks, followed by discussions.
Consensus was for individual board members to tour neighborhood parks and then discuss
them at the following meeting.
Ms. Leonard will provide board members with a list of 7 neighborhood parks to visit prior to
the October meeting.
4. Old Business: None.
5. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
NEXT MEETING — Octob
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