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07/22/1996PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER July 22, 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 in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. Minutes Approval - June 24, 1996 Member Kirbas moved to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to each member by the Board Reporter. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Correspondence Mr. Wilson congratulated Member Harris for his reappointment to a second term on the Parks and Recreation Board. Sailing Center Presentation Mike Hancock, Assistant Harbormaster, reviewed operations and background of the Sailing Center. He discussed the history, purpose for establishment and goals, function, hours of operation, funding and staffing at the facility. He showed a ten minute videotape in which Harbormaster Bill Held reviewed Business Plan objectives, budgeting, accomplishments, proposed changes, contributors and promotional information. Mr. Hancock noted the dock was built to meet ADA requirements. Laurie Schultz, Sailing Center Coordinator, distributed a comprehensive portfolio of informational and promotional materials highlighting Sailing Center operations, facilities, educational programs, activities, membership, and boating safety. She said they strive to keep costs down to make sailing affordable to everyone. Scholarships for sailing lessons are available. Non-sailing related activities are conducted at the facility as well. In response to a question, Mr. Wilson said the Sailing Center is subsidized by the General Fund and is not intended to be self-supporting. The fee structure is not designed for the center to be operated like a private club because the City wants to keep the center affordable to everyone. Ms. Schultz indicated much of the money donated to the center is used to purchase boats. Discussion ensued regarding maintenance of the pram fleet, and operation of sailing classes for long term (residential) and short term (resort visitors) sailing classes. Marine Department staff works with other City departments to publicize the Sailing Center through Parks and Recreation publications, C-View TV, and the City kiosk in Clearwater Mall. Ms. Schultz invited the public to call the Sailing Center for more information at 4626368. Board members were invited to tour the facility. Upcoming Recreation Events -- Report by Steve Miller Mr. Miller distributed handouts highlighting programs and events scheduled for the month of August. He called attention to 1) The City Players presentation of “FUNNY GIRL” on August 2 through 4 at Ruth Eckerd Hall; 2) Pool Team Meet on August 1 at the Long Center; 3) Camp Clearwater beginning August 5 at Clearwater High School; 4) Softball organizational meeting for the Fall season on August 14 at Clearwater High School; and 5) Countryside Recreation Center grand opening activities on August 24 through 26, 1996. Consideration of Name for New Park Located on Gulf Boulevard on Sand Key -- Public Hearing began at 7:02 p.m. Mr. Wilson introduced Dick Ruben of the Sand Key Civic Association. Mr. Ruben said 30 names were suggested and the association narrowed the list down to the following four names for consideration by the Board: Sand Key Bay Park; Pelican Bay Park; Bay Vista Park; and Gulf Key Park. He did not express a preference, stating they just want the name to sound nice. Board members expressed their preferences and discussion ensued regarding rationale for their choices. Member Harris moved to recommended that the City Commission adopt the name Pelican Bay Park. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Old Business A. Dedication of New Park on Bayshore Boulevard Mr. Wilson reported the City Commission approved the name Cooper’s Bayou as recommended by the Board. He will inform board members when the dedication date and time are determined. B. Capital Improvement Projects - Update -- Art Kader Mr. Kader reported the status of a number of projects from the report. He indicated Pelican Bay Park (name pending City Commission approval) is scheduled for DRC site plan review this week. In response to a question, the history and use of the property were reviewed. A suggestion was made to use the property for a Jolley Trolley turnaround, now that some trolleys are too large make the turn in the Ultimar III driveway. Mr. Kader will investigate the suggestion with an eye toward restoration requirements and future use. Mr. Kader reported the Crest Lake Park fitness course has been installed and is in use. He thanked Member Weaver for his help planning the location. Discussion ensued regarding the need for a water fountain and another street light near the course. A question was raised regarding progress on the Clearwater beach pool. Mr. Wilson stated $575,000 is budgeted for construction next year. The project is to combine swim lanes with some water park amenities. In response to a question, it was indicated no new discussions are planned for the former Bayside mobile home park. C. Skateboard Ordinance Mr. Wilson stated the ordinance, while still active, had been held in abeyance pending further direction. The City Manager will discuss this issue with the City Commission in August. D. Annual Board Report to the City Commission -- September 6, 1996 Member Weaver reviewed the 1995 report and what he has planned to include in year’s report. He invited input from the board. Suggestions were made to include a list of special meetings conducted and special projects the board supported. Mr. Miller commended the board for creating a forum to focus on informational presentations and upcoming events for the benefit of the public. He suggested this be included in the report. The Chair concurred. Mr. Wilson asked Mr. Weaver to submit the amended report in time for staff to type and mail it for members’ review prior to the next meeting. New Business A. Informational Program for July Meeting Consensus was to schedule a presentation of the City’s aquatic programs for the next meeting. B. Countryside Community Recreation Center - Dedication Ceremony Mr. Wilson will mail information and invitations to the Grand Opening ceremonies, which include the Rotary Club fundraiser on August 24, ribbon-cutting on August 25, and official opening on Monday, August 26, 1996. He noted the Countryside and East branches of the Rotary Club are interested in helping raise funds to extend programs longer than they could normally be conducted by the City. Member Harris said he would not be able to attend. Discussion ensued regarding code requirements for parking, sidewalks, fencing, etc. Board Comments In response to a concern expressed by Member Clayton, Mr. Wilson stated Parks and Recreation personnel are working with City police regarding gang activity beginning to be seen in Clearwater. Police Chief Klein is familiar with the groups involved and has briefed City department heads. In response to a question, from Member Kirbas, it was indicated Bob LaPointe was on medical leave from McMullen Tennis Complex and was doing well. Member Lindner thanked staff for replacing stolen signs prohibiting in-line skating on tennis courts at Clearwater High School. Due to the increasing popularity of roller hockey, Mr. Wilson reported residents were polled regarding the possibility of locating a rink at Morningside Recreation Center. He said Morningside residents were resoundingly opposed to the concept because of the potential for increased traffic and decreased green space. He said staff is considering a number of other locations and invited board suggestions. As follow-up to a previous discussion item, Mr. Miller reported improved communication with Long Center staff has resulted in better information flow regarding City programs. He responded to questions regarding the swim coaching staff. More information will be provided during next month’s aquatics presentation. In response to a question from Member Harris, it was indicated the lights for north Frank Tack Field are due to be finished by the middle of August. Lighting the south field has been completed. Member Harris commented he looks forward to his second term. Member Kirbas was pleased this board is dealing with issues more proactively than in the past. He questioned if the lights for the McMullen Tennis Complex are still in the FY 96-97 CIP budget. Mr. Wilson responded they are. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.