12/28/1997CLEARWATER MAIN LIBRARY SITE SELECTION TASK FORCE
CITY OF CLEARWATER
December 23, 1997
Present: Tony Bacon Chair
Christine Morris Board Member/Library Advisory Board
Glenn Garte Board Member/Library Advisory Board
Brooke Hartley Friends Board
David Berry Member of the Public
Mercy Dickinson Library Foundation
Gerri Raymond Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce
Anita Kumar St. Petersburg Times Reporter
Michael Roberto City Manager
Linda Lange Library Division Manager
Susan Hackett Administrative Support Manager I
Rex Clark Member of Public
Betty Clark Member of Public
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
Absent: Don Gage Board Member/Foundation Board
Wally Dutton Board Member/Foundation Board
Judy Melges Board Member/Library Advisory Board
Shirley Hunt Foundation
Julie Lewis Library Foundation Executive Director
Kathy Rabon Clearwater Chamber of Commerce
Rita Garvey Mayor
J. B. Johnson City Commissioner
Ed Hooper City Commissioner
Karen Seel City Commissioner
Bob Clark City Commissioner
Bob Keller Assistant City Manager/Economic Development
The meeting was called to order at 8:48 a.m. in the third floor Board Room, Main Library, 100 North Osceola Avenue, Clearwater. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss proposed Clearwater
Main Library sites.
City Manager Michael Roberto said on January 5, 1998, a preliminary draft for downtown redevelopment entitled One City. One Future. will be available to the public. He circulated a
draft of the article and explained 2 other pieces will be included in the final copy to include a dedication to citizens of Clearwater and revision of the LDC (Land Development Code).
The County, churches and retail components all play an important role in the redevelopment plan. Many redevelopment options are being considered including traffic patterns, accessibility
of all destination points, increased dock space, easier access to waterways and waterfront businesses, housing, meeting room space, retail developments, pedestrian traffic, access to
and from beaches, branch libraries, entertainment sectors, expansion of Coachman Park, and a possible government hub. Discussion ensued regarding the most logical site for the Clearwater
Main Library. Mr. Roberto said he felt it should be on Cleveland Street and Myrtle Avenue. That site would serve as a pedestrian anchor to downtown. The Missouri Avenue site would
serve as a vehicular anchor. A parking garage could be built on Laura Street and possibly connect to the Main Library through an elevated walkway.
Discussion ensued regarding the Clearwater Main Library Site Selection Task Force’s previous recommendation for construction of a 112,000 square foot Main Clearwater Library on a minimum
of 8 acres to replace the current 80-year old library. The City Manager said funds for the new library will come from Penny for Pinellas taxes and donations. Concern was expressed
that a multistory library as proposed on the Myrtle Avenue and Cleveland Street site would greatly limit the Main Library’s future expansion. Members felt meeting space in the library
and dedicated library parking is mandatory. A member remarked more consideration should be given to library space and expansion due to the advent of the Internet, bookstore technology,
and branch library programs.
A comment was made that many redevelopment ideas have been discussed over the years and nothing ever materializes. Mr. Roberto said at the January City Commission meeting, a request
will be made for a master developer to submit a downtown proposal. He anticipates more definitive plans can be developed by summer. Referendums in Fall 1998, or Spring 1999, would
be required for some redevelopment activities. A tentative date of June 23, 1998, has been set for a decision on the Main Clearwater Library site.
Mr. Roberto referred to a map of the beach. He said the beach plan was community-driven. Providing more pedestrian and visual access to the beaches, creating a recreational component
and a better buffer and transition between residential and commercial areas of the beach are being considered. He emphasized the One City. One Future. draft being submitted for public
discussion in January is preliminary. Public input and consensus of all residents in Clearwater will be vital to the success of redevelopment and the City’s Vision.
The meeting adjourned at 10:13 a.m.