03/27/2007
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
March 27, 2007
Present: Jonathan Wade Chair
Ray Shaw Vice-Chair
Brooks Hammac Board Member
Allen Weatherilt Board Member
Ron Whitcomb Board Member
Absent: Tom Fletcher Board Member
Also Present: Art Kader Assistant Director-Parks & Recreation
Marsha Beall Staff Assistant
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. at the Long Center.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
2 – Approval of Minutes – February 27, 2007
Member Shaw moved to approve the minutes of February 27, 2007 as submitted to
motioncarried
members. The was duly seconded and .
3 – Old Business
a) Capital Projects Update – Mr. Kader reviewed the Capital Improvement Projects report:
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McMullen Tennis Complex – the palm trees will be trimmed on Monday, April 2.
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Morningside Recreation Complex – Mr. Dunbar and Ms. Leonard have returned from
Washington D.C. They had some very successful meetings with several legislative
delegates and federal agencies in attempt to secure $2 million dollars in appropriations for
the Morningside project.
??Turtle Creek Park – Pinellas County School District has been interested in constructing a
300-vehicle bus barn at McMullen-Booth Road and State Road 580. Their proposal to City
of Clearwater calls for the city to turn over to the school district more than 20 acres of a
120-acre tract that the city currently owns. In return, the city would get about 20 acres that
the school district owns near Lake Chautauqua Park, at the south end of Landmark Drive,
off Enterprise Drive. Safety Harbor residents oppose the plan and have beencirculating a
petition against the project. Safety Harbor residence stated in lieu of a bus depot, their
preference would be lighted soccer fields. At this point in time, the City is working on
securing appraisals for both the city property and school board property. Discussions
ensue. FCT Grant for property purchase– the application is being completed and should
be ready to submit in time for the 2007 funding cycle.
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Countryside Community Park restrooms/concession building – FRDAP grant application
was ranked #3 in the State, which all but assures the City of getting funded for this project.
Also, applied to County for recreational grant of $125,000 to redesign restroom
concession. The playground has been redesigned and new equipment installed.
Countryside Little League committed to raising $75,000 for additional equipment.
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Jack Russell Stadium – Asbestos and old hazardous chemical removal completed; steel
frames for outfield billboards/assorted items under bleachers have been removed and
recycled. Additional demolition taking place. Member Hammac asked about the use of
property. Mr. Kader explained the Winning Inning has a lease agreement with the City to
maintain and pay for expenses at this facility. Future use of this property remains under
debate.
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Armory – bidding process to begin April 2007. Special Events and Electrical staff are
scheduled to relocate offices to this site by late summer.
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Long Center Restroomscontractor on site and already begun constructing a perimeter
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fence.
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Doggie Day Parking Lot – Crest Lake Park. The bid has been awarded, permits obtained
and ready for construction.
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Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail – realigning part of the trail between Long Center and Bright
House Networks Field. Bids came within budget. Contract recommendation will be
presented to Council the second meeting in April. FRDAP grant requires completion by
early August 2007.
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Mandalay Channel – opening bids were expected by March 26, 2007. Update at next
meeting.
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Clearwater Beach Recreation Center – adding an additional 2,000 sq. ft. to facilitate
moving of beach library. Moving forward at this time. Plans are to begin construction in
September 2007.
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Contractor led classes – evaluating program and make recommendations to standardize
pay to contract instructors to comply with IRS rules.
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Other – updates on additional ongoing project are part of this report and submitted to
members.
b) Upcoming Recreation Events
The Clearwater Parks & Recreation Calendar for April 2007 was distributed to members.
Highlights include April 15 - Clearwater Chorus Concert “Stage and Screen” at Ruth Eckerd Hall
and “Bark at the Ballpark” at Bright House Networks Field; April 20-21 “WSJT Smooth Jazz Fest”
at Coachman Park; April 26 – “Mike Alstott Celebrity Softball Game” at Bright House; April 29 –
“QFest Rocks the Park” at Coachman Park.
4 – New Business
a) 2006 Annual Report
Member received copies of the 2006 Annual Report for Parks and Recreation.
b) Curtis Fundamental Elementary School
Curtis Fundamental is located at 1210 Holt Ave. in central Clearwater. It specializes in
setting a high academic standard and in fostering parents' involvement in their children's lives.
Chair Wade heard this week that the school’s district headquarters plans to move Curtis into the
current Dunedin Elementary School building starting in the 2008-09 school year. Chair Wade is
questioning future plans for the existing property. The last thing he feels they need is another
alternative school in a neighborhood that has challenges. His concern is that whatever is decided
will improve the site and be productive to the community. Mr. Kader explained that most of the
property around that vicinity is owned by the Pinellas County School Board. Mr. Kader is aware
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. c) Property at Countryside Executive Golf Course
Mr. Shaw and Mr. Hammac inquired about the future plans for the property located in the
old Countryside Executive Golf Course. Mr. Kader spoke to the developers two weeks ago. The
property has been replatted with thoughts of building additional housing units. The City is
communicating with Pinellas County to consider any options available in reuse of this property.
NOT ON AGENDA
Mr. Kader announced that Mr. George Cretekos and Mr. Paul Gibson have recently been
elected City Councilmembers. Members suggested they be invited to attend a Parks & Recreation
Board meeting.
Mr. Kader advised Member Weatherilt that his inquiry regarding the buried time capsule on
the Long Center grounds remains buried on the property and if in the future it deems time to dig it
up it can be located by Leroy Chin on his surveys.
5 - Adiournment
Members adjourned at 7:20p.m.
The next meeting will be held April 24, 2007 at E. C. Moore Fields 8 & 9.
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