07/24/2007
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 24, 2007
Present: Ray Shaw Vice-Chair
Tom Fletcher Board Member
Brooks Hammac Board Member
Ron Whitcomb Board Member
Jane Williams Board Member
Absent: Jonathan Wade Chair
Allen Weatherilt Board Member
Also Present: Kevin Dunbar Director-Parks & Recreation
Marsha Beall Staff Assistant
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:40 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 – June 26, 2007
Member Hammac moved to approve the minutes of June 26, 2007 as submitted to
motioncarried
members. The was duly seconded and .
3 – Old Business
a) Morningside Recreation Center – letter of support
The Morningside-Meadows Homeowner’s Association (MMHA) requested board support in
keeping the Morningside Recreation Center open. At the June meeting members agreed to table
this item for the July meeting to expatiate their recommendation to City Council. A letter of support
was submitted for board approval. Member Fletcher moved to forward the letter of support as
motioncarried
written to the Mayor and Councilmembers. The was duly seconded and .
b) Capital Projects Update – Mr. Dunbar reviewed the Capital Improvement Projects report:
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Joe DiMaggio – will begin removal of old field house in September.
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Morningside Recreation – awaiting Federal notification and City Council input on project
viability.
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Countryside Sports Complex/Chi Chi Rodriquez – Chi Chi’s is looking to move their
existing clubhouse over to the Plex and then expand the original clubhouse site to include
fourteen classrooms. Staff from the school board & city to finalize land swap properties.
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Office on Aging – Magazine - working on promoting EZride (transportation initiative) as
cover story for magazine. Transportation - Grant approved by LCB.
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Lake Chautauqua/Equestrian Preserve – FCT grant was submitted in coordination with
Trust for Public Land this past May. Meeting to be held with school board and then City
Council in September.
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Countryside Community Park- will be accepting the $125,000 county grant at next council
meeting; then the following council meeting accept FRDAP grant. Plans include having
construction contract awarded in September 2007 and new restroom concession building
completed by the 2008 baseball season.
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Ross Norton/Lake Belleview – 90% construction plans completed. Phase III includes new
playground and completion of grass parking driveway and installation of grass parking.
Going to bid in August for the stormwater portion of the project.
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Jack Russell Stadium – demolition is going on from the SW corner in removing the old
grandstand area. The ball field will remain.
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Long Center Restroomsthe new restrooms are open. There are a few punch items to
–
complete.
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Doggie Day Parking Lot – Crest Lake Park – project completed, closing out project.
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Nursery – survey complete, drawings for new metal building 90% complete.
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Memorial Causeway landscape – Phase III. FDOT has approved drawings to landscape
remaining medians. Will go out to bid.
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Enterprise Dog Park – located in wooded area east of US 19 and Enterprise Road. This
park will have 8 ½ acres of trails, half acre for small dogs, and a dog playground area. It
will be designed in a rustic manner maintaining the natural environment. Grant funding has
been approved. The environmental assessment of property has been completed and staff
is developing a report. Construction to begin Fall 2007.
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Kapok Spur Trail – waiting for OGT grant approval.
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Ream Wilson Trail – today they poured the area of the trail from the bridge to the Long
Center. Tomorrow they will pour at the bridge area. Expect completion in next seven to ten
working days. The next project will be the Channel A section from small bridge to
Carpenter Complex.
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Mandalay Channel Bridge – contract has been awarded. Construction began June 25 with
estimated completion in 413 days.
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Adopt a Park - currently have 21 partners with 8 opportunities left.
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Other – updates on additional ongoing projects are part of this report and submitted to
members.
c) Upcoming Recreation Events
The Clearwater Parks & Recreation Calendar for July-August 2007 was distributed to
members.
4 – New Business
Mr. Dunbar updated members on the status of the budget process. Various maintenance
issues were discussed regarding the beach, parks and recreation centers. Council requested RFP
(Request for Proposal) be issued to any interested parties who may wish to take over future
operation of said city recreation centers. Currently, the Boys & Girls Club has shown an interest in
North Greenwood. Other inquiries are being considered. Council meets Wednesday, July 25 at 3
p.m. to continue budget discussions. Citizen comments are welcome.
NOT ON AGENDA
Member Whitcomb expressed grave concern over the proper pruning technique used at
McMullen Tennis Courts. The maintenance staff trims only the pods and nothing else. The courts
are littered with droppings. Mr. Dunbar explained that Public Services are caring for all the palm
tree servicing. Since they assumed this service the number of palm trees in the city were about
3,000, now there are 7,111. Public Services can no longer handle the level of service needed. A
recommendation is due to the Assistant City Manager on how best to maintain all city trees.
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Members inquired as to the status of the summer's ten-week pool schedule. Mr. Dunbar
advised members that this summer, due to a State Legislator's mandate, local school districts are
not allowed to begin their school year more than two weeks before Labor Day. This means there
remains an extra three weeks this summer that children would have been available to attend city
pools. Recognizing this problem, last October City Council reviewed the normal summer ten-week
pool schedule and found the cost to remain open those additional three weeks would cost a deficit
of $20,000. Council decided not to remain open the additional weeks. This matter was recently
readdressed with Council and the decision held. Pool hours will revert back to the regular school
schedule beginning next week until Labor Day.
As a member of the Clearwater Audubon Society, Member Williams is a strong advocate for
Moccasin Lake Nature Center. She asked about the status of the nuisance vegetation eradication
and habitat management program planned for Moccasin Lake Park. Mr. Dunbar advised her the
Environmental Development Department runs the program through state grants. She can contact
Mr. Ed Chesney.
Member Williams asked the status of non-resident fees. Mr. Dunbar explained that the fees
are established by City Council. It remains under discussion.
5 - Adiournment
Members adjourned at 8:10p.m.
The next meeting will be held August 28, 2007 at Chi Chi Rodriquez.
Attest:
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