09/26/2006
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PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
September 26, 2006
Present:
Tom Fletcher
Brooks Hammac
Ray Shaw
Jonathan Wade, Sr.
Allen Weatherilt
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
Mr. Fletcher called the meeting to order at 6:35p.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 August 22. 2006 - Member
Whitcomb moved to approve the minutes of August 22, 2006 as submitted to members. The motion was duly
seconded and carried.
ITEM #3 - Old Business-
a) Capital Projects Update - Mr. Dunbar reviewed the Capital Improvement Projects report:
· Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex - working with BO Management to rezone parcel of land on this 37-
acre property to possibly build a 125 sq. foot building that BO Management would operate as a
recreation facility. Finalizing the schematic design of the new P&R Administration offices. Continue
discussions with USA Partners and Clearwater Collection Shopping Center to assist in determining
cost of construction.
· Momingside Recreation Complex - working on securing additional support through possible federal
funding to construct a 25,000 square foot facility. Junior League no longer interested due to lack of
available funds.
· Countryside Sports Complex/Chi Chi Rodriquez Golf Course - four parcels: Chi Chi Rodriquez Golf
Course property, the Plex, Magnolia Falls and Driving Range. Looking at best reuse of the properties
and expanding multi purpose fields and also increase support for the Foundation's First Tee Program.
· Office on Aging - using services provided by University of Florida and USF to develop a citywide
needs assessment for Elder affairs. Program highlights "Aging Well in Clearwater".
· Turtle Creek Park - looking at acquisition of school board property, meeting with BSA (Boy Scouts
Association) to secure first right of refusal to purchase Camp Soule, and working with Trust for Public
Lands equestrian stables on Union Street. Phase One - FCT Grant is under review by the State to cover
the expense in purchasing the school board property at around $2million dollars. Additional funding
will be secured to complete the other purchases. Plans are to acquire a total of 130-acres of natural
land in that area and design equestrian, bike and walking trails.
· Countryside Community Park restrooms - FRDAP grant submitted based on redesigning playground,
fitness and picnic area to meet grant requirements.
Parks & Recreation 2006-09-26
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. Ross Norton, Phase III - plans are in the works to add a new playground, complete grass parking lot, a
new trail around Lake Belleview and the expansion of 5-acres for stormwater project.
. Jack Russell Stadium - removing old stadium next year. The Winning Inning remains on a year-to-
year contract.
. Armory Renovation - the building is slated for renovations. Currently designing renovations to move
Events and Electrical staff to this site.
. Long Center Renovations - reopening pool September 30. Redesigning and installing new landscaping
for courtyard, north side of aquatic area and curb parking.
. E. C. Moore 8&9 Batting tunnels - slab in, getting ready to erect new covered structure. Scheduled for
completion by year-end.
. Crest Lake Park - the park features three double-gated dog runs, allowing owners to unleash their pets
in a holding area before releasing them into the play areas that are approximately three-quarters and
one acre in size. Due to time and increased usage the City has added a fourth dog run to help
differentiate between the sizes of the dogs. Lighting of north dog run will be installed in October.
. Bayview Park - mid-October completion on park amenities.
. Memorial Landscape - Phase I landscaping of bridge, grading of east approach median 95% complete.
West approach parking lot and bike trail completed. The Spirit of America Doughboy and Sailor
statues will be rededicated on November 10.
. Glen Oaks Park - Continue completion of park. Ribbon cutting slated for November.
. East-West Trail - Council approved renaming this trail to "Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail". A
dedication ceremony and barbeque event will be set up in the near future. Board members are invited
to attend.
. Other - updates on additional ongoing proj ect are part of this report and submitted to members.
Member Shaw asked about the work that is currently being done on east side of Long Center toward Coachman
Road.Mr. Dunbar explained this is part of the Cities effort to control exotic plants and eradicate the
overgrowth. Volunteers are completing much of the work.
Member Wade mentioned the air condition system at the Martin Luther King Center is not properly working.
Mr. Dunbar explained the Pinellas County School Board is nearing the end of their current lease ofthis facility.
The City is in discussion about extending the agreement for another five years. There is a current maintenance
contract on the building. He will check in to this item.
b) Upcoming Recreation Events - The Clearwater Parks & Recreation Calendar for October 2006 was
distributed to members. Major upcoming events include Clearwater Jazz Festival and Raise the Roof
Concert. Members are encouraged to attend.
ITEM #4 - New Business -Mr. Dunbar announced that Chair Jim Appelt will be resigning from the Board due
to family obligations.
ITEM #5 - Adjournment - Members adjourned at 7:30p.m.
The next meeting will be held October 24 at The Long Center.
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Staff Assistant
Parks & Recreation 2006-09-26
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