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11/05/2019 - Special Meeting Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Minutes November 5, 2019 City of Clearwater Main Library- Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 e Meeting Minutes Tuesday, November 5, 2019 6:30 PM Special Meeting Main Library - Council Chambers Parks and Recreation Board Page 1 City of Clearwater Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Minutes November 5, 2019 Roll Call Present 6 - Chair Mark Rodriguez, Board Member Norene M. Marlow, Vice Chair Jennifer Wood, Board Member Jason Hood, Board Member Lisa Tuttle, and Board Member Patrick Raftery Also Present - Michael Lavery — Parks Senior Manager, Patricia O. Sullivan - Board Reporter 1. Call To Order The Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. at the Main Library. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 2. Citizens to be Heard Regarding Items Not on the Agenda: None. 3. New Business Items 3.1 Recommend Renaming Bayfront Parks Recommend renaming Bayfront Parks, including Coachman Park, Memorial Parks 1 and 2, Bayfront Tennis Complex and the west City Hall and Harborview Center parking lots, to Coachman Commons. Parks Senior Manager Michael Lavery reviewed the recommendation to rename the downtown waterfront parks, parking lots, and tennis courts Coachman Commons. In opposition it was stated: 1) the name was unexceptional, Google listed many ALFs (Assisted Living Facilities) named Coachman Commons, 2) Coachman Commons could confuse tourists with streets and a park in eastern Clearwater named Coachman, 3) Coachman Commons was not attractive and did not reference the marina or waterfront, 4) a community survey indicated no interest in naming the area Coachman Commons, 5) most tourists were unfamiliar with Coachman Park and its waterfront location; and 6) Clearwater residents owned the park and should have a say in its name. It was noted the Tampa Bay Times had reported on the proposed name Coachman Commons and Assistant City Manager Michael Delk had advocated the name change to Coachman Commons during his first presentation to the City Council after he was appointed Imagine Clearwater project manager. It was suggested Mr. Delk could propose a different name. A resident requested clarification that changing the park's name to "commons" would not change its zoning designation, commented that Page 2 City of Clearwater Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Minutes November 5, 2019 renaming the park required ownership and buy in from all parts of the community instead of basing it on one person's recommendation, suggested the City arrange a contest, drawing input from schools, families, and the public to foster Citywide unity, and stated the Public Hearing was poorly advertised as only one resident was in attendance re this important issue. In support it was stated Coachman Commons was an elegant name. Recommendations were made to name the subject area: 1) Clearwater Commons, 2) Bayfront Commons (due to its downtown waterfront location); 3) Clearwater Coachman District, 4) Coachman Ft. Harrison District (paying homage to historic Fort Harrison), and 5) Coachman Park, its historic designation familiar to many (most were unaware of Memorial park names). Concerns were expressed if the City would have future recourse to change a contest winning name and that associated printing and signage costs would be high. It was stated a naming contest should have a time frame and be inclusive of City residents. Member Hood moved to recommend rejection of the name Coachman Commons for the downtown waterfront park area. The motion was duly seconded. Members Christou-Wood, Marlow, Tuttle, and Hood voted "Aye"; Member Raftery and Chair Rodriguez voted "Nay." Motion carried. Member Christou-Wood moved to recommend the City undertake a public engagement process, such as a contest, survey, or poll, to recommend names for the downtown waterfront park area. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3.2 Approve Letter From Board Chair To The City Council For Proposed Funding For Spectrum And Carpenter Fields In review of the board's Spectrum and Carpenter Fields'tour, it was stated the facility was old and needed upgrades, especially in comparison with the new Blue Jays'stadium in Dunedin, improvements were important to keep the Phillies in Clearwater, trust was important as Phillies Director of Florida Operations and Threshers General Manager John Timberlake had indicated the Phillies would manage the project and be responsible for cost overruns, and the board's endorsement would be helpful to obtain grant money from the State and County which previously funded Dunedin's stadium project. Embarrassment for Clearwater was expressed re the facility's antiquated weight room and limited dining facilities that forced players to eat meals in front of their lockers. It was stated upgrading the facility would improve amenities to major league levels, the facility employed year round staff, and new dormitory space would Page 3 City of Clearwater Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Minutes November 5, 2019 free up nearby hotel rooms for visitors. In response to questions, Mr. Lavery said negotiations were ongoing with the County re the City's $40 million request for bed taxes. The project would be downsized if the amount of funds requested were not received. The Phillies' Spring Training estimated annual$44 million economic impact to the City was determined by a scientifically rigorous independent impact study. The Phillies had a 73 year relationship with Clearwater, the current operating agreement, signed when Spectrum Field was built, was due to expire in 3 years. The project would be funded by the City, County, State, and Phillies. He reviewed details of the planned expansion, including increasing capacity, replacing the berm, improving the kitchen and eating facilities, upgrading the facility to major league levels and year round operations, etc. Spectrum Field hosted many community events. Concern was expressed re the project's cost to taxpayers. It was questioned how the investment of taxpayer money would help children in Clearwater and not just improve the facility for the Phillies and outsiders. It was commented the City owned the facility, the economic impact of the Threshers and public use of the stadium had not been determined, the project would keep the Phillies in Clearwater for another 20 years, the facility hosted young international players, the facility provided analytics, nutrition, and player rehabilitation, the stadium area was vibrant during spring training, the facility employed a large number of local residents year round, and an additional 90 employees will be hired following completion of the project. Member Marlow moved to approve a letter from the board supporting proposed funding for Spectrum and Carpenter fields. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Mr. Lavery said he would draft the letter to the City Council for the chair to sign. Director Items Staff reviewed the Sunshine Law. Mr. Lavery said all board correspondence needed to be directed to him, he would forward board related comments to members. Mr. Lavery invited board members to forward agenda items to him at least 2 weeks prior to the next meeting. 4. Board Members to be Heard Concern was expressed that people swimming parallel to the coastline Page 4 City of Clearwater Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Minutes November 5, 2019 were significantly endangered by jet ski rentals at Frenchie's, the Hilton, Sand Pearl etc. It was stated that jet skis heading back to the beach sped through the swim zone resulting in dangerous conditions for swimmers. It was questioned if the swim zone was marked with buoys. Mr. Lavery said he would verify which entity was responsible for enforcement and report to the board. Concern was expressed that dogs on north beach often were not leashed and many pet owners did not pick up after them, leaving the beach soiled. Information was requested on the Ordinance that allowed dogs on north beach, which was a park. Mr. Lavery said the Parks & Recreation Department did not have enforcement capabilities, he will contact the Police Department and make certain the Parks & Recreation Department has correct signage at beach accesses. Concerns were expressed re recent media reports on the McMullen Tennis Complex controversy re cash collections which followed theft activity in the Parks & Recreation Department and that the department was being considered to manage and audit entertainment for Imagine Clearwater. It was commented that the department was having problems managing its current responsibilities and it was questioned if the board could do anything to address these issues. Mr. Lavery said Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar had spoken to the board at length re system controls in place to stop future theft. Staff involved in the McMullen Tennis Complex incidents were counseled and coached and a 2nd computer and camera were added. Concern was expressed the situation at the McMullen Tennis Complex was not great, several staff members had quit and new staff required training. It was stated the media report had unfairly painted a dark picture. It was indicated the line backed up when staff had to input new user information, staff members knew regular patrons'names, collected the proper fee which they shoved into a slot in the drawer, and input the information into the computer as time permitted. It was stated that no cash was missing and now patrons could not purchase tennis balls at the complex. Discussion ensued with suggestions that Parks & Recreation facilities only accept credit cards and that the department establish resident accounts for charging recreation activities and comments that some residents preferred paying cash and patrons should have been provided receipts. Mr. Lavery said the board had been requested to review Ordinance language related to the Parks & Recreation Board and recommend Page 5 City of Clearwater Parks and Recreation Board 5. Adjourn Meeting Minutes November 5, 2019 updates to the Ordinance, including the board's mission at the January 2020 meeting. Concern was expressed that the Parks & Recreation Department could not report if the City made money on concerts as no audits had been done; taxpayers paid for losses. It was recommended that all concerts be audited. Mr. Lavery reviewed City events: 1) community based; 2) cosponsored; and 3) rentals. The City auditor could not go back 2 years but was reviewing last year's events. A Special Events staff member will be scheduled to answer member questions. Concerns were expressed the sunshade installed at Coachman Ridge Park did not cover playground swings, many shade trees had been removed, and the full court basketball court was replaced by a half court; residents previously played basketball there until 11:00 p.m. Mr. Lavery reviewed the Solid Waste and Engineering project to add wetlands to the park. There were no plans to install another sunshade. Based on community resident requests, the Parks & Recreation Department funded the playground from its budget. Additional trees will be planted. Concern was expressed that working residents were unable to use recreation centers because most closed too early. Mr. Lavery will schedule a recreation person to discuss recreation center hours. The meeting adjourned at 7:3 City of Clearwater hair Parks & Recr Page 6 'ation Ad sory Board