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07/25/2023 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Minutes July 25, 2023 City of Clearwater Main Library- Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 m ap ® e Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 25, 2023 6:30 PM Main Library - Council Chambers Parks and Recreation Board Page 1 City of Clearwater Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Minutes July 25, 2023 Roll Call Present 6 - Chair Patrick Raftery, Vice Chair Jason Hood, Board Member Kelly S. Kelly, Board Member Angela Tisdale, Board Member Martin Armstrong, and Board Member Angelica Lonesome Absent 1 - Board Member Mark Rodriguez Also Present—Art Kader— Interim Parks & Recreation Director and Rosemarie Call — City Clerk To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. Unapproved 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order to order 6:30 p.m. 2. Approval of Minutes 2.1 Approve the Minutes of the April 25, 2023, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting Board Member Armstrong moved to approve the Minutes of the April 25, 2023, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Citizens to be Heard Regarding Items Not on the Agenda Pat Dalton suggested the City cover facility use fees for all individuals who use wheelchairs and are seeking to reserve city tennis courts or other recreation facilities. Jason Mastropietro reviewed events and programming available at Moccasin Lake. He said the Friends of Moccasin Lake are seeking new members and volunteers, he encouraged all to join. 4. New Business Items 4.1 Presentation by Toole Design Regarding Parks and Recreation Master Plan Page 2 City of Clearwater Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Minutes July 25, 2023 Toole Design representatives Andrea Ostrodka and Christine Dalton provided a PowerPoint presentation. In response to questions, Ms. Ostrodka said the workshops are to distill the ideas and gaps raised by the community. The consultants will determine if the recommendations require policy change or identify potential locations and prioritize the recommendations. The Master Plan should be completed by the end of the year. The community-wide workshop will be held virtually, allowing more individuals to participate or view the recording. She said staff is helping identify lands to be improved or renovated and facilities the community has asked about. The existing conditions analysis will look at park distribution and demographic data. The trend nationwide is to establish big facilities that attract the whole city, but residents have expressed a desire for neighborhood parks. The city website includes a link to the project page, providing information on the process, upcoming meetings, and who to submit comments. It was suggested that the plan consider adding a track for youth track and field programming and a trail at Lake Chautauqua Well Site and across from Chi Chi Rodriguez. 4.2 Discussion of Library Closings Due to Events at The Sound Board Member Kelly recently visited the Main Library on a Saturday and was not aware it was closed. She said the city website did not include closure information and suggested anticipated closures should be listed. Mr. Kader said the suggestion will be shared with Library Director, who is authorized to close the facility. A comment was made that the library will be closed when concerts are held at Coachman Park. 4.3 Overview of Updates and Visit to Issues Discussed at the June 21st Friends of Moccasin Lake Nature Park Meeting Chair Raftery said the Friends of Moccasin Lake Nature Park attended the April meeting to raise some concerns regarding the park and requested a staff update. Mr. Kader said there is a boardwalk that loops around the park that has exhibited signs of erosion and loose pilings, making it unsafe for use. He Page 3 City of Clearwater Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Minutes July 25, 2023 said the bridge has been closed for the last year. All of the engineering has been completed and permits have been issued. Staff is anticipating presenting the contract for council approval within the next few months. He anticipates the project will take approximately 60 days to complete. The old shelter, which has attracted nefarious activities will be removed at the end of the summer. An engineering firm has been selected to study the pond and provide solutions for the stormwater discharge that brings in trash and debris. 4.4 Updates on HUB Review/Upgrade of that Facility Chair Raftery said it is a beautiful facility and requested the item be added to the agenda for a staff update on potential enhancements. Mr. Kader said since funds have not been allocated to the project, staff has no updates since what was reported last month. Staff has been concentrating on the grand opening activities for Coachman Park. Staff will seek public input when funds have been allocated to pursue design work. Staff believes the current facility is underutilized. He said several public meetings will be held before any changes are made. 4.5 Discuss Parks & Recreation 15-Year Plan Community Input Forums July 24, 25 & 26 Chair Raftery said he requested the agenda item in order to inform the public of tomorrow's public forum and make them aware of the opportunity to provide input on the master plan. 4.6 Discuss Contract with Siebein Associates for Sound Consultancy at The Sound Amphitheatre Mr. Kader said the City Manager requested a noise study at The Sound to determine the impact the noise has on surrounding areas. The consultant collected data during the opening of Coachman Park and staff is waiting for the report. He said the findings will be shared with the Board when received. 5. Director's Report Mr. Kader reviewed the capital improvement report and recent programming events. It was commented that State Street Park has a sand spur problem. Page 4 City of Clearwater Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Minutes July 25, 2023 In response to questions, Mr. Kader said the City is utilizing ARPA funding for the renovations at State Street Park. The Department oversees 90 active agreements. Chair Raftery said, in response to a comment he received, he advised a resident that the Board does not have the responsibility, authority, or training to review all contracts maintained by the Parks & Recreation Department. 6. Board Members to be Heard Board Member Tisdale expressed a concern with the City's Co -Sponsorship Program's lack of opportunity for new organizations and questioned if the Program would allow new organizations to seek those funds. She said the City of St. Petersburg allows non -profits to rent facilities for $1. Mr. Kader said staff will look into the possibility of opening the co-sponsorship program to new organizations. The Department stopped the expansion of the program due to lack of facilities and organizations splitting into smaller groups. Board Member Lonesome reported a wasp problem at Del Oro Park. Chair Raftery congratulated Mr. Kader for being appointed the new Parks and Recreation Director and he encouraged Board Members to visit city park facilities and share recommendations at future meetings. 7. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m. Attest: Chair, Parks Re e. tion . isory Board fo(( City Clerk Page 5 City of Clearwater