10/24/2006
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PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 24, 2006
Present:
Tom Fletcher
Ray Shaw
Jonathan Wade, Sr.
Allen Weatherilt
Ron Whitcomb
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Absent:
Brooks Hammac
Board Member
Also Present:
Kevin Dunbar
Marsha Beall
Director, Parks and Recreation Dept.
Staff Assistant
Vice-Chair Fletcher called the meeting to order at 6:50 p.m. at the Long Center.
To provide Fontinuity 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 September 26. 2006 - Member
Wade moved to approve the minutes of September 26,2006 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 100,000 sq. foot building that BO Management would operate as a
recreation facility. Continue discussions with USA Partners and Clearwater Collection Shopping
Center to assist in determining cost of construction. Schematic design finalized for new P&R
Administration offices.
· Momingside Recreation Complex - working on securing additional support through possible federal
funding to construct a 25,000 square foot facility.
· Countryside Sports Complex/Chi Chi Rodriquez Golf Course - completed topographic study on
Magnolia Falls site. Continue looking at best reuse of the properties and integrating it with expanded
multi purpose fields and First Tee Program.
· Office on Aging - completed "Aging Well Connection" quarterly magazine. Transportation Pilot
presented to the Dunedin Committee on Aging & Dr. Hale. Continue outreach opportunities. Member
Weatherilt, owner of United Cab, will contact Kerry Kimball to discuss a potential partnership.
· Turtle Creek Park - plans are to acquire a total of 130-acres of natural land surrounding this park and
design equestrian, bike and walking trails. Recently completed a successful meeting with BSA (Boy
Scouts Association) to secure first right of refusal to purchase Camp Soule, continue discussions to
secure acquisition of school board property 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 $2 million dollars. Additional funding will be secured
to complete the other purchases.
· Countryside Community Park restrooms/concession building - FRDAP grant submitted based on
redesigning playground, fitness and picnic area to meet grant requirements.
Parks & Recreation 2006-10-24
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. Ross Norton, Phase III - continue working on plans 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 during holidays.
. P&R Mentoring program - utilizing experiences of tenured employees to help acclimate and provide
guidance to newer employees. Helps to develop comradery and stronger employees.
. Sid Lickton - contractor scheduled to put in dugouts structures on fields 6 & 7 in November.
. Armory Renovation - ready to go out to bid on this project. Renovations slated for year-end. Plans are
to move Events and Electrical staff to this site by May 2007.
. E. C. Moore 8 & 9 Batting tunnels - slab in, metal building installed. Construction of new four pack of
batting tunnels. Scheduled for completion by year-end.
. Crest Lake Park - 95% complete. Lighting of north dog run will be installed in early November.
Plants being installed around perimeter and trees will be installed Dee/Jan.
. Long Center Renovations - landscaping has been completed in the playground area, courtyard and
north side of aquatic area. Palm trees have been planted in the courtyard.
. Bayview Park - end of October completion on park amenities.
. Memorial Landscape - Phase 1 landscaping of bridge, grading of east approach median 95% complete.
West approach parking lot and bike trail completed. Statues: The Spirit of America Doughboy and the
Spirit of the American Navy were created to honor those who fought to preserve our country's freedom
in World War 1. The statues were first dedicated November 11, 1927, to mark the opening of the
original Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Causeway Bridge. The statues will be rededicated on
November 10 at 10:30 a.m.
. Glen Oaks Park ~ project should be completed by mid-November. Ribbon cutting is tentatively
scheduled for November 30.
. Clearwater East-West Trail- A dedication ceremony to rename trail to Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail
will take place in Del Oro Park on December 11. Invitations will be sent out.
. Mandalay Channel - redesigning bike/ped bridge with construction scheduled to start by the beginning
of next year.
. Other - updates on additional ongoing project are part of this report and submitted to members.
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b) Upcoming Recreation Events - The Clearwater Parks & Recreation Calendar for November 2006 was
distributed to members. Major upcoming events include Frenchy's Gumbo Classic, Ironman 70.3 World
Championships, Christmas Under the Oaks, Pirate Fest and Turkey Trot.
ITEM #4 - New Business-
a.) Letter from Member Appelt - Mr. Dunbar announced Chair Jim Appelt's resignation from the Board
due to fa!llily obligations. (Letter attached)
b.) Letter from Ream Wilson - Mr. Dunbar received a letter from Ream Wilson expressing his
appreciation in having the East-West Trail renamed in his honor. (Letter Attached)
ITEM #5 - Adjournment - Members adjourned at 7:50p.m.
The next meeting will be held November 28 at The Long Center.
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Staff Assist.frrt
Parks & Recreation 2006-10-24
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