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11/27/1995PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER November 27, 1995 Present: Charles Weaver Donald Harris Henry Cruise Gary Giordano William Kirbas Gary Meritt (arrived at 6:35 p.m.) Bernard Panush Chair Vice Chair Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member   Ream Wilson Art Kader Steve Miller Lou Hilton Susan Stephenson Parks and Recreation Director Parks and Recreation Asst. Director Recreation Superintendent Central Permitting Senior Planner Deputy City Clerk   The Chair called meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall. To provide continuity, the items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. Introductions New Members Meritt and Panush were introduced and welcomed to the meeting. It was announced Freda Clayton and Larry Lindner will begin their terms of service at the next meeting. Minutes Approval - October 23, 1995 Member Kirbas moved to approve the minutes according to copies submitted in writing to each member by the Board Reporter. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Service Certificates Upon their departure from the Board, Members Guss and Stafford were recognized for their service and a statement of appreciation was read into the record. Upcoming Recreation Events - Report by Steve Miller Mr. Miller distributed a handout listing 32 programs and events scheduled for the month of December. He highlighted special holiday events, winter team league meetings, and basketball clinics. He listed holiday vacation camps available for elementary school students and theme events planned for the various recreation centers. He welcomed anyone wanting more information to contact their nearest recreation center or call the Parks and Recreation Department at 462-6531. Old Business A. Potential Park Properties - Report by Ream Wilson Mr. Wilson distributed handouts detailing the locations of two properties being considered for acquisition by the City. The Atrium Hotel property is located in the triangle formed where North Fort Harrison and Myrtle Avenues converge. If approved for purchase, the hotel would be demolished and the property landscaped. He summarized the costs involved. Use of the property in this manner would serve two purposes. It would create a more attractive entrance to Clearwater, and provide .4 acre of park land toward the 1.1 acres proposed as being required in this planning district by the Comprehensive Plan. In response to questions, he said this site is currently the only one available in the district to fulfill the park land requirement. In response to a question, Mr. Wilson responded the City real estate manager feels the price is consistent with the area. The Old Clearwater Bay Association has been actively pursuing improvement of this property by the City. The City Commission is to consider this matter at their first December meeting. The other location being considered is a four acre parcel southwest of the intersection of Gulf to Bay Boulevard and the Bayside Bridge. Formerly the Bayside Mobile Home Park, the property is now for sale if a price acceptable to the owner can be determined. Area residents have expressed an interest in the City developing it as a park to preclude additional commercial development and create an attractive entrance to the City from the Courtney Campbell Causeway. He noted environmental advantages on the site, explaining how a passive park could be developed. Mr. Wilson stated another benefit, because the City has no park land in the area, this parcel would provide four of the six acres of park land proposed for the district. In response to questions, Mr. Wilson discussed funding sources. He stated revenues from open space impact fees are sufficient to purchase the Atrium property or to apply toward the purchase of the Bayside property, but not both. Discussion ensued regarding which property offered a more practical use. Member Kirbas moved, if a choice between the two properties must be made, to encourage purchase of the Bayside property on Gulf to Bay Boulevard at the Bayside Bridge. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. B. Lake Chautauqua Park - Report on Public Meeting Mr. Wilson stated, at last month’s meeting, staff gave a detailed presentation of a conceptual plan for developing the park as required by the State for parks purchased with Federal funds. This plan was presented at a public meeting held November 13 at the Countryside Library and attended by approximately 40 or 50 residents of the surrounding subdivisions. Also in attendance were representatives from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which administers the grant used to purchase the park in the early 1970’s and the engineering and architectural consulting firm that prepared the conceptual plan. Mr. Kirbas was also in attendance. Mr. Wilson indicated consensus of the residents in attendance, was to agree with the plan and suggestions as presented to the Board. Placing a restroom near the front of the park, and approval of the Landmark Drive extension were among the issues discussed. He said he subsequently met with about 15 residents of the County Park subdivision to the north of the park, who wanted assurance of no development immediately adjacent to their homes. He indicated they were satisfied with the plan to provide a minimum 100 foot vegetative buffer between the homes and the park. City staff is to follow up with the residents to help mitigate some of the impacts of the park and the road extension. Mr. Wilson stated the consultants have since been instructed to finalize the site plan for development of the park. He thanked the Board for their review, said the project is now on schedule and the conceptual plan has State approval. Mr. Kader noted another public meeting is to be held on December 7 at the Countryside Library concerning the roadway extension. He invited viewers to call the City Engineering Department for details. C. Capital Improvement Projects - Status Report by Art Kader Mr. Kader said the contractor was selected for the new Countryside Recreation Center. Construction is scheduled to begin on December 11, 1995. The projected completion date is August 11, 1996. Jack Russell Stadium and the Phillies building rehabilitation are on schedule and should be completed in time for Spring training. Mr. Kader noted the ADA improvements with the elevator have changed the appearance of the stadium. The Soule Road Park improvement project is on schedule and is to be bid in December. The Crest Lake Park restroom is underway and should be completed within 65 days. Concerning selection of the park maintenance employee, it was indicated the process is underway. Mr. Wilson said a person is to be transferred from an existing work crew and would be available to meet with residents concerning their wishes for park maintenance. Mr. Kader said staff is meeting with a consultant tomorrow to discuss a conceptual plan for Carpenter Field Clubhouse renovation. Once established, the plan will go to Phillies representatives for approval. Pier 60 Park project site plan work is underway and the targeted completion date is May 2, 1996. New Business A. Recreation/Open Space Element of the Comprehensive Plan - Lou Hilton Mr. Hilton gave an overview of his task, to prepare an Evaluation and Appraisal Report of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. He said this is done every five years, by law, and gave a brief history of the State legislation adopted to accommodate new growth. He listed the eleven elements of the Plan, stating the State requires citizen input when updating the plan. Mr. Hilton said this is accomplished by the City through a series of public meetings and presentations to a citizens’ task force and established City advisory boards. He said their recommendations are a valuable part of updating the comprehensive plan. He has worked closely with Parks and Recreation staff and will incorporate staff and Board suggestions into a draft report for presentation to the Board on January 22, 1996. Mr. Hilton distributed a handout summarizing the City’s recreation and open space needs. He explained how the primary goal and five associated objectives were designed to meet these needs. The primary goal set in 1989 was to develop a system of open spaces, parks and facilities designed for maximum satisfaction of recreational needs for residents and tourists. He listed and explained how each of the objectives was designed to achieve the goal and the current status of each. The following is an abbreviated summary of the objectives: 1) Increase public access to parks and recreation sites; 2) Coordinate resources with government and private agencies; 3) Add a specific amount of acreage for parks and recreation facilities by the year 2000; 4) Preserve natural open space areas as assets; and 5) Make the best use of the City’s unique recreation lands. Mr. Hilton closed by stating the plan has weathered well and the majority of the objectives have been met. He will continue to work with Parks and Recreation staff and the Board to create the best plan possible for enhancing Clearwater. Mr. Wilson explained this document brings the Board up to date on the status of improvements since implementation of the comprehensive plan in 1989. The next phase is to establish direction for objectives for the next five years. He invited the Board to review today’s handouts with a view toward submitting their comments and suggestions for revisions. It was felt the Board needs more information regarding planning district locations. Mr. Wilson said an information packet outlining and illustrating all the strategies for implementation of the objectives is being prepared. It is to be distributed to the Board before the January meeting. Mr. Kader said the information packet is 43 pages, prepared to explain at length how this element of the plan focuses on details of the larger comprehensive plan. Mr. Wilson responded to questions regarding how the City might go about working with Pinellas County toward creation of parks. Discussion ensued regarding the differences between community parks, neighborhood parks, and mini-parks. Clarification of the number of parks needed to meet standards was discussed. In response to questions, it was indicated the standards are set by the City based on minimum criteria and implementation is reviewed by the State. Mr. Kader explained the importance of a thorough comprehensive plan when applying for State and Federal grants. B. December Meeting Schedule Consensus of the Board was to cancel the December meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for January 22, 1996. Board and Staff Comments Member Cruise expressed concern with skaters, wagons and roller-bladers creating hazards for runners during the Turkey Trot event. He questioned enforcement of the rule against skating. Discussion ensued regarding liability insurance requirements and difficulty of enforcing skating rules due to the large volume of people participating. Mr. Wilson indicated this has become such a popular family event, the restriction against skating and wagons may be deleted. Member Cruise announced his second term is ending and this will be his last meeting. He thanked the Board and staff, stating he has enjoyed his time on the Board. Mr. Wilson thanked him for six years of loyal service. Member Harris asked when election of Board officers is to be scheduled. Mr. Wilson is to check and include the election on the next agenda, if appropriate. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.