04/24/2007
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
April 24, 2007
Present:
Jonathan Wade
Ray Shaw
Tom Fletcher
Ron Whitcomb
Jane Williams
Chair
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Absent:
Brooks Hammac
Allen Weatherilt
Board Member
Board Member
Also Present:
Kevin Dunbar
Mike Lockwood
Melissa Gentile
David Hazzard
Marsha Beall
Director-Parks & Recreation
Recreation Superintendent
Director-Fastpitch Learning Academy
Coach-Lady Bombers
Staff Assistant
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. at the E. C. Moore Fields 8 & 9.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
2 -Introduction of New Board Member
Mr. Dunbar introduced Martha "Jane" Williams as the newest member to the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board.
3 - Approval of Minutes - March 27, 2007
Member Fletcher moved to approve the minutes of March 27, 2007 as submitted to
members. The motion was duly seconded and carried.
4 - Old Business
a) Capital Projects Update - Mr. Dunbar reviewed the Capital Improvement Projects report:
· Morningside Recreation Complex - Mr. Dunbar spoke of his recent trip to Washington D.C.
to secure $2 million dollars in appropriations for the Morningside project. It is currently
moving through the Federal process. Ultimately, from a budget standpoint, this center may
potentially be phased out.
· Chi Chi Rodriquez - Last week, the city met with the Chi Chi Board. They are discussing a
potential swap between the Driving Range and Soccer Fields. The Superintendent of
Schools and Sheriff's Office will meet to discuss bringing the County on board.
· Office of Aging - The needs assessment identified a lack of transportation availability for
the elderly. Ms. Kimball is working with City of Dunedin, City of Safety Harbor and
Neighborhood Senior Services on a transportation pilot program.
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· Turtle Creek Park -the city will look at securing appraisals for both the city and school board
property; to be completed first of May. New grant proposals being developed for FCT.
Member Williams inquired as to conservation groups or Briar Creek residence opposition to
the plan. Discussion ensued. Mr. Dunbar explained that the outcome of this venture would
ultimately depend on the parties involved and the available funding to make this happen.
· Countryside Community Park restrooms/concession building - grant monies have been
secured. Moving ahead with design.
· Jack Russell Stadium - removing old stadium and will be auctioning off old bleachers.
. Armory - bidding process to begin April 2007. Special Events and Electrical staff are
scheduled to relocate offices to this site by late summer.
. Long Center Restrooms - contractor on site and already constructing a perimeter fence,
slab has been laid and walls going up.
· Doggie Day Parking Lot - Crest Lake Park. The bid has been awarded; permits obtained.
Construction began for parking lot on old Parkways Motel site.
. Nursery - adding new building.
· Kapok Spur Trails - realigning part of the trail between Long Center and Bright House
Networks Field. Submitted OFT grant on 3/15/07.
· Marketing/Advertising Plan - duties will be transferred to Public Communications.
· 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-May 2007 was distributed to
members. Highlights include Fun 'N Sun Events: April 28 - Country Concert at Coachman Park;
April 29 - Q-Fest Rocks the Park Concert at Coachman Park; May 4 - Annual Parade in Downtown
Clearwater; May 6 - Cinco de Mayo Celebration.
5 - New Business
a) Budget
Mr. Dunbar took a moment to update members about the budget process. As everyone is
aware, the state legislature is looking at reductions in property taxes. There may be ramifications
to local government budgets. The Council direction is that they would like to see where the City
would stand if there was a tax rollback to 2005-2006. As part of this projection, departments have
been looking to see how reductions might affect services. Mr. Dunbar pointed out that this is
occurring at the same time that legislators in Tallahassee are debating property tax reform that will
ultimately have an impact on the entire state. Mr. Dunbar advised that the quality of life Clearwater
citizens are accustom to will be impacted greatly. Members discussed the format for providing
feedback to the council as well as being a citizen at meetings. Members decided to consider their
stance on the issues and formulate an appropriate action plan, if deemed necessary.
6 - Tour
Mr. Dunbar briefed members on the history of the Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex and
described the impact it has had throughout the country as well as local businesses. The E. C.
Moore Softball Complex currently houses softball fields, restroom/concession areas, practice
infield, bleachers and other ball field amenities. The City of Clearwater and the Fastpitch Learning
Academy reached an agreement allowing the academy to conduct camps and other training at this
complex.
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Mr. Dunbar introduced Melissa "Sketter" Gentile, director and head instructor for the
Fastpitch Learning Academy and David Hazzard, coach.
The Fastpitch Leaning Academy was the brainchild of a local softball coach. It was created
to help girls in the area to elevate their level of play and advance within the Fastpitch circuit. All of
the instructors have not only played at the collegiate level, but have been collegiate assistant or
head softball coaches. The Fastpitch Learning Academy follows the philosophy of hands on
teaching with individualized skill breakdowns to allow the athlete the greatest learning curve and
peak performance. This facility offers top-notch state-of-the-art equipment to accomplish that. A
grand opening will be held in May 2007 to official recognize this facility.
NOT ON AGENDA
Mr. Dunbar announced that Mike Lockwood has been appointed to the position of
Recreation Superintendent, replacing Earl Gloster effective April 20,2007. Mr. Gloster will become
the new Assistant Director of Solid Waster/GSS.
Chair Wade asked Mr. Dunbar if the Extra Winnings Foundation has applied for any grants
to support the Winning Innings events at Jack Russell Stadium. Mr. Dunbar replied that they
recently informed him of their interest in pursuing additional outreach opportunities this next year to
comply with their overall mission.
Member Whitcomb questioned if the City continues to update their website regarding
available summer camps within the 30-day time line. Member Whitcomb's unease was weather the
community is getting the information in a timely manner. Mr. Lockwood responded that the City
Web site has been updated, a new search option added to aid in locating information is a more
expedite manner, and the F.I.T.S. Magazine was available the first of April.
Member Williams mentioned that two organizations she belongs to are interested in
sponsoring scholarships for kids to attend summer camps. The group is very interested in nature-
orientated camps. Mr. Dunbar advised her to contact Moccasin Lake Nature Park.
7 - Adjournment
Members adjourned at 8:00p.m.
The next meeting will be held May 22, 2007 at Long Center.
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