01/23/2006
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
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January 23, 2006
Present:
Tom Fletcher
Jonathan Wade, Sr.
Allen Weatherilt
Sarah Wiand
Steve Swanberg
Ron Whitcomb
Vice Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Also Present:
Kevin Dunbar
Marsha Beall
Director, Parks and Recreation Dept.
Staff Assistant
Absent:
Jim Appelt
Chair
The Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 6:35p.m. at 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 November 28, 2005 - Mr. Wade
moved to approve the minutes as submitted to members. The motion was duly seconded and carried.
. ITEM #3 - Old Business -
a) Capital Projects Update - Mr. Dunbar explained the Capital Improvement Projects report and reviewed
updates on the following projects:
. Ross Norton Pool Renovations - Contract was awarded for Aquatic renovations. Work began
December 19,2005 to build a water playground, 100-foot water slide, pool and decking. A $200,000
in FRDAP grant proceeds will assist in funding this project.
. Long Center - Project is nearing completion. The main entrance should be completed by the end of
next week. Plans are to close the pools beginning in May 2006 for pool resurfacing, relighting, and
painting the superstructure. During that time, the swim teams will move to either Momingside
Recreation Complex or Ross Norton Complex.
. Myron A. Smith Bayview Park - City Council approved to accept a $200,000 Land & Water
Conservation grant that will be used to enhance the trails and boardwalks. Construction documents
60% complete.
. Mandalay Channel Pedestrian Bridge - Project came in over budget due to rising construction and
material cost. Received FDOT approval to redesign the bridge to meet budget. Once new design is
completed, it will go out for bids. Construction is predicted to begin by the 4th quarter of 2006. Ms.
Wiand asked if the completion of the north side of the new bridge is dependent on the trail being
finished. Mr. Dunbar stated it is all part of the last phase of that area to be completed. Druid Road
Trail - reviewing funding options due to CMAQ funds being withdrawn by FDOT. Working with
Legislators for additional funding support.
. Long Center Sunshine Limitless Playground - this refers to the previously call "Boundless
Playgrounds". Construction to begin this summer.
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'. b) Upcoming Recreation Events - The Clearwater Parks & Recreation Calendar was distributed to members.
Parks & Recreation now lists upcoming events on a full-page section in the Countryside Cougar monthly
publication. Mr. Dunbar highlighted two recent articles: "Achievement Attractively Acknowledged" an
article about the plaque placed along the westbound side of Highway 60 acknowledging Clearwater's
achievement of becoming Sports Illustrated 50th Anniversary Sportstown and the "Adoption is an Option"
article referring to a recently launched Adopt-A-Park Program which ask community organizations to
participate in helping to maintain and improve city-maintained parks and trails in Clearwater.
Ms. Wiand would like to see the Parks & Recreation Department full-page announcements appear in a
Clearwater Beach publication. Ms. Wiand will look into this opportunity and advise Mr. Dunbar.
ITEM #4 - New Business -
a) Proposed Pennies ill projects for 2010-2020 - Members received a copy of "Summary of Priority
Recommendations" and "Final Penny ill Proposal List Summary". Mr. Dunbar explained that one
element of Parks & Recreation Master Plan was to create a "President's Council". At that Council, Mr.
Dunbar gave a presentation in which he addressed some pertinent issues: where we started, where we have
gone, where we are at today, and where we are going in the future. He based these topics on the Master
Plan 2002 and the next upcoming cycle for money. Ultimately, this plan of action helped prioritized needs
for Pennies ill. This proposal will go to Public Referendum in March 2007 and go in to action in 2010.
Mr. Dunbar encouraged the Parks and Recreation Board members kick-off 2006 by embracing these issues
and become advocates of the proposed projects within the community and then the Public Referendum
meeting in 2007.
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b) 2006 Meeting Calendar - Mr. Dunbar presented members the opportunity to consider alternate dates/times
for the Parks & Recreation Board to meet to bolster Board attendance. Members will email Ms. Beall with
their preferred choices. Discussion will ensue at the next meeting.
NOT ON THE AGENDA
Office for the Aging - Parks & Recreation Department recruited Kerry Kimball as Manager for Office for the
Aging to oversee senior citizen facilities in Clearwater. Her first day is February 21. Ms. Kimball's first
assignment is to do a needs assessment for services to improve the quality of life for senior citizens within the
community.
Mr. Fletcher announced the upcoming Clearwater High School Baseball Showcase on February 4, 2006 at
Bright House Networks Field.
Mr. Wade inquired about the construction plans at Jack Russell Stadium and what opportunities are there to
help keep the facility. Mr. Dunbar advised on January 19,2006, City Council approved renewal for a one-year
extension agreement between the City of Clearwater and The Winning Inning Inc., for the use and operation of
the Jack Russell Memorial Stadium and Complex. One uncertainly Jack Russell Stadium deals with is long-
term liability. The City has other opportunities for that site and therefore requested The Winning Inning Inc.
submit a business plan laying out their intentions. In the interim, this issue will be address on an annual basis
and efforts will be made to assist them in their proposals.
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Ms. Wi and is interested in any plans the City is pursuing to add boat docks at the cove located near the
previous Clearwater Beach Resort. Mr. Dunbar explained that this type of project comes under the Marina
Department and he would be happy to invite Harbormaster Bill Morris to the March meeting to advise
members of any projects under that division.
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. Mr. Whitcomb asked about the status of the McMullen stadium court resurfacing. The resurfacing will be
completed prior to the Ladies Pro Tournament.
Mr. Dunbar will invite Mr. Al Carrier, City Assistant Engineer, to the March meeting to do a short presentation
on projects relating to Storm Management.
Mr. Dunbar announced Clearwater will be hosting the 2006 BIG EAST Conference Baseball Championship at
Bright House Networks Field on May 23-28. The BIG EAST increased its baseball membership to 12 teams in
2006 with the addition of the University of Cincinnati, University of Louisville and University of South
Florida. The league's top eight teams based on regular-season finish in the conference standings will qualify for
the double-elimination event. The tournament champion receives the league's automatic bid to the 2006 NCAA
Division I Baseball Championship.
ITEM #5 - Adjournment - Members adjourned at 7:55p.m.
The next meeting will be held February 27 at North Greenwood.
'II tEChair
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