07/25/2005
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PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 25, 2005
Present:
Steve Swanberg
Jonathan Wade, Sr.
Ron Whitcomb
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Also Present:
Art Kader
Marsha Beall
Asst. Director, Parks and Recreation Dept.
Staff Assistant
Absent:
Jim Appelt
Thomas Fletcher
Sarah Wiand
Allen Weatherilt
Chair
Vice Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Mr. Kader called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. at the Long Center.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that
order.
ITEM #2 - Approval of Minutes of Parks and Recreation Board Meeting of May 23. 2005 - No quorum.
ITEM #3 - Old Business -
a) Memorial Causeway/Mandalay Bridge overview - Mr. Kader displayed designs of the new bridge
featuring a Pinellas Trail spur to Clearwater Beach, a new access way to Cleveland Street, and expanded
green space for Coachman Park. The bridge replaces the existing bascule bridge that will be demolished
upon completion of the new structure.
b) Druid Road Trail - Mr. Kader presented proposed design for the Druid Road Trail which is an integral
part of the East/West Trail. Completion of the trail is a priority project in the Master Plan with funding
from CMAQ grants. Project is expected to go to bid October/November 2005.
c) Capital Projects Update - Mr. Kader reviewed updates on the following projects:
. Glen Oaks Park - Excavation of Pond #2 is underway. Contractor purchased the soil used in this
project. Completion expected next year.
. Long Center - Renovations have begun with demolition of lobby/offices on level one and level two
athletics staff work area.
d) Upcoming Recreation Events - The Clearwater Parks & Recreation Calendar was distributed to
members. Ms. Walbolt announced the upcoming City Players' production of "Guys and Dolls" at Ruth
Eckerd Hall on July 29,30 and 31. Tickets are available for $20.00 at the Ruth Eckerd Box office or by
calling Ms. Walbolt.
ITEM #4 - New Business -
Public Art Ordinance - Ms. Walbolt explained how the Public Art program came about. The Clearwater Cultural
Plan, completed in 2002, recommended the City establish a Public Art and Design Program to enhance the look
of the City through works of art and design that create a sense of place and increase the quality of life for
residents and visitors. Included in the Plan's objective was to enact a Public Art and Design Ordinance to
provide public and private fund for public art. The Plan further outlined that a Public Art and Design Committee,
appointed by the City Commission, would develop a master plan to identify projects and funds and to administer
the review process.
Parks & Recreation 2005-07-25
The Clearwater Arts Foundation task force formulated a recommendation for a PerCent for Art Ordinance. The
intent is to bring a proposal to the City Commission for discussion in September. If the program is approved, it
should go into effect by October 2006.
. NOT ON THE AGENDA
Mr. Wade inquired as to City of Clearwater's current involvement with Clearwater for Youth. Mr. Kader
explained how the youth groups formally funded by Clearwater for Youth would now become a co-sponsor group
similar to other youth co-sponsor groups. Clearwater for Youth will concentrate on raising funds to support all
youth groups within the community. They have created their own Board, sponsor scholarships, and raise money
for activities. City staff will continue to work with them through the transition.
Mr. Whitcomb asked about the resurfacing of the hard courts at McMullen Tennis Courts. Mr. Kader stated the
redesign addresses reducing the number of courts from eight to six. A grant for additional funds has been applied
for.
ITEM #5 - Adiournment -Members adjourned at 7:30p.m.
The next meeting will be held August 22 at Clearwater Executive Golf Course.
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