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02/26/1996PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER February 26, 1996 Present: Charles Weaver Donald Harris Gary Giordano William Kirbas Gary Meritt Larry Lindner Freda Clayton Chair Vice Chair Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member   Ream Wilson Art Kader Steve Miller Gwen Legters Parks and Recreation Director Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Recreation Superintendent Board Reporter   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. 2. Minutes Approval -- January 22, 1996 Member Harris 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. 3. Correspondence -- None 4. Upcoming Recreation Events -- Report by Steve Miller Mr. Miller reported highlights of programs and events for March, 1996, referring to two handouts and the Spring/Summer edition of ?????????(, a Clearwater Parks and Recreation magazine. He briefly touched on a number of the scheduled items. A question was raised regarding little league softball for middle school-aged children. Mr. Miller and Mr. Wilson explained parental groups coordinate league programming while the City maintains the sites. It was indicated anyone calling the City for league information would be directed to the correct agency. 5. Old Business A. Recreation/Open Space Element -- Discussion / Lou Hilton Mr. Wilson led this discussion, as Mr. Hilton could not attend. One member raised a question regarding Pages 7 through 10 of the Evaluation and Appraisal Report. It was indicated the superscripted numerals on certain “Sites” references may be deleted as they are duplicated in the “Notes” column. Consensus was to delete the numeral references from the “Sites” list. Member Kirbas moved to approve the Comprehensive Plan Recreation/Open Space Element dated February 1996, as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. B. Capital Improvement Projects - Report by Art Kader Mr. Kader distributed copies of a booklet detailing the Department’s 1996 through 2001 CIP (Capital Improvement Program.) He listed of number of projects of interest and the status of each. Discussion ensued regarding: 1) construction and design features of the restroom at Crest Lake Park; 2) replacement of Clearwater beach pool; 3) stadium light retrofits at Frank Tack and other fields; and 4) a parking agreement on Florida Power right-of-way. Discussion continued regarding acquisition and funding sources for certain properties for parkland use. Discussion ensued regarding the status of opening the Clearwater segment of the Pinellas Trail. Mr. Wilson explained departments are under a very tight deadline for submitting budget information to the City Budget Office. He requested the Board carefully go over the CIP proposal and bring recommendations to the next meeting. 6. New Business A. Coopers Point Restoration - Presentation / Alan Mayberry Mr. Mayberry distributed copies of a conceptual plan and displayed a map of the area. He explained the wetland environment, wildlife, and ecological benefits of restoring Coopers Point. He explained Phase 1 of the program focuses on eliminating the harmful Brazilian pepper plant invasion, restoring the point to its former pristine state. He said Phase 2, if implemented, would be funded from a SWIM (Surface Water Improvement) grant and the stormwater utility tax. A Phase 2 task force would be formed to discuss whether nature trails, an observation tower and an interpretive center could be created to promote public education while remaining sensitive to the environment and the quiet nature of the adjacent Clearwater Christian College. He said some discussion was held regarding an interlocal agreement with the college to place a visitor center on their property. If Phase 2 is pursued, it would be geared strictly toward education regarding old Florida wilderness, with no facilities for recreational visitors. Mr. Mayberry said the Point is a harsh environment and poses hazards to anyone unfamiliar with the setting. He said the public access from the water is prohibited and will remain so, even if Phase 2 proceeds. He explained casual boaters are littering and causing bottom damage in the shallow waters. He will continue to monitor the area and post signage informing the public it is illegal to moor a boat or access the Point from the water. He gave an overview of the pepper plant removal and site work schedules. In response to a question, it was indicated the City purchased and manages the property to preserve it from residential and commercial development. Some felt public access should be allowed, as the property was acquired with public funds. Concerns were expressed visitors and additional parking will negatively impact the college. Mr. Mayberry said he would work closely with the college to preclude any problems. B. Penny for Pinellas Projects Mr. Wilson reported the deadline for submitting proposals for Penny for Pinellas projects has been extended. Referring to a February 9 memo requesting Board input, he questioned if the Board wished to continue this item for additional review. Member Meritt moved to postpone action on this item. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Consensus was to review the materials and bring suggestions to a future meeting. C. Election of 1996 Board Officers Member Kirbas moved to nominate Clark Weaver as Chair. Mr. Weaver accepted the nomination. The motion was duly seconded. Member Kirbas moved to close nominations. The motion to close was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Upon the vote being taken, motion carried unanimously to elect Clark Weaver as Chair. Member Kirbas moved to nominate Donald Harris as Vice Chair. Mr. Harris accepted the nomination. The motion was duly seconded. Member Kirbas moved to close nominations. The motion to close was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Upon the vote being taken, motion carried unanimously to elect Donald Harris as Vice Chair. Board and Staff Discussion Member Kirbas stated he has obtained literature regarding metered underground landscape irrigation and questioned the feasibility of such a system for use by the City. Mr. Wilson explained the pros and cons. He invited Mr. Kirbas to submit his information for staff review. Member Kirbas expressed concern above ground irrigation on the Memorial Causeway often blows onto the road. Mr. Wilson will investigate. Member Harris reminded the Board the regular May meeting was moved to May 20, 1996 due to a conflict with the Memorial Day holiday. Member Lindner suggested reviewing a different Parks and Recreation program at each meeting, to publicize to the Board and the public what is available in the City. Mr. Wilson enthusiastically supported this suggestion, stating most people do not realize how many cultural activities are available in addition to the sports programs. Mr. Miller agreed, stating he will work on a pilot presentation regarding the tennis program. Discussion ensued regarding conducting a special Board meeting during the daytime for the purpose of touring City facilities by bus. Brief discussion ensued regarding the Parks and Recreation Departments’ five divisions, clarifications of Mr. Kader’s CIP report, and no change in status for the waterfall property. 7. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.