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03/25/1996 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER March 25, 1996 Present: Charles Weaver Donald Harris William Kirbas Larry Lindner Freda Clayton Chair Vice Chair Board Member Board Member Board Member   Art Kader Steve Miller Tom Walbolt Gwen Legters Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Recreation Superintendent Recreation Supervisor/Tennis Board Reporter   Absent: Gary Giordano Gary Meritt Board Member Board Member   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. Minutes Approval - February 26, 1996 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. A question was raised regarding the timing of minutes preparation. It was indicated draft minutes are generally submitted for staff liaison review within two weeks of the meeting, for boards that meet once a month. This turnaround time is needed because the City Clerk Department provides minutes services to a number of advisory boards. Correspondence - None Upcoming Recreation Events - Report by Steve Miller Mr. Miller reported highlights of Easter and Spring Break programs and events for April. He referred to a handout regarding the District 4 meeting of the Florida Recreation and Park Association, to be hosted by the City Parks and Recreation Department on April 10 at the Harborview Center. A Media Guide events schedule was distributed for the Fun N’ Sun Festival on April 19 through May 5, 1996. Department Usage Survey Report -- Presentation by Crystalyn Rosene Ms. Rosene distributed copies and explained the survey prepared by the Fred A. Thomas City Government Interns from the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg. She stated 37,000 postcard surveys went out in utility bills to determine the level and frequency of park use by residents and how parks can be improved. The topics covered were park usage, improvements, participation, activities, and incentives for increased use. She stated 4.46 percent of the cards were returned. The interns tabulated, graphed and evaluated the responses. Residents’ comments and interns’ observations of the parks they visited were listed. Increased advertising was felt to be important for increasing park usage. A question and answer period with the board ensued. A question was raised regarding whether the percentages reflected in this sampling accurately represent City-wide public opinion. It was pointed out citizens who do not pay their own utilities did not receive surveys and discussion ensued regarding how to get input from more residents. Consensus was that more extensive advertising is needed to promote attendance at City facilities. Staff was requested to agenda discussion of how the results of this survey can be used. Ms. Rosene thanked Commissioner Thomas for this opportunity. The interns were commended by the board and it was indicated the report will be useful for park planning in the future. Old Business A. Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget - Discussion/Recommendations Mr. Kader distributed a table of capital budget priorities and explained the report. He highlighted amendments since the last board meeting and requested final input before the proposal goes to the City Commission. Lengthy discussion ensued regarding budget priorities. Concern was expressed with the Parks and Recreation Department being responsible for repairs and improvements to Jack Russell Stadium. Board members did not want to see citizen services cut back in order to fund stadium repairs or Carpenter Field Clubhouse renovations. Concerns were expressed that McMullen park Tennis Complex lighting and Clearwater beach pool replacement are not given higher priority. It was felt such long standing issues should be addressed before new projects are implemented. Discussion ensued regarding these issues. He will relay board concerns to the City Commission. Mr. Kader reported a trend toward replacing municipal pools with family aquatic centers. B. Status of Existing CIP Projects Mr. Kader distributed handouts and brief discussion ensued. In response to questions, it was indicated Countryside Recreation Center is ahead of schedule and benches have been installed along Memorial Causeway. New Business A. City-Wide Tennis Program -- Presentation Mr. Miller and Mr. Walbolt presented slides and other visual displays highlighting tennis facilities throughout the City. Handouts and display boards were discussed regarding the locations of courts and availability of leagues, tournaments, lessons, and cost centers. Use and visitation statistics were supplied. A question and answer period with the board ensued. Operation, equipment and amenities were reviewed for many of the facilities listed. It was indicated revenues from tennis courts go into the City’s general fund. Staff was asked to investigate reports of lights staying on all night at the Bayfront and Clearwater High School courts. Krishnan Anandan, contract tennis pro at the McMullen Park Tennis Complex, discussed the wide range of programs available at that facility. He indicated they have a rapidly growing clientele and will soon have staff to teach at other locations. He highlighted their work with students, including sports summer camps for foreign exchange students from France and Spain. In response to questions, he agreed with the board that more publicity and better lighting would likely improve turnout at City facilities. Staff was asked to investigate the following issues: 1) whether the City should invest in soft courts for those who want them; 2) family and individual tennis memberships; 3) consideration of expanded services and amenities (such as a canteen and tennis ball sales) when planning building renovations; and 4) increased tournament publicity to promote public interest. Mr. Walbolt explained the expense and difficulties associated with building and maintenance of clay courts. It was indicated rubberized courts are not very popular. Staff will collect additional information on these issues for presentation at a future meeting. Mr. Miller, Mr. Walbolt and Mr. Anandan were commended for their presentations. B. Board Tour of Facilities Consensus was to wait for a full board before deciding on a tour date. One member wished to schedule the tour before the weather gets too hot. Board Comments Member Harris questioned if the size of the board could be reduced from nine to seven members. It was indicated the City Clerk Department has reported no volunteers are signed up for appointment to this board. The City Management Team and City Commission will be restructuring the advisory board program, probably during their strategic planning sessions. Boards may be reduced in size, combined with other boards, or eliminated. Staff will advise when new information is received. Members Lindner and Kirbas reiterated their thanks for a first class presentation on the City’s tennis program. Staff was asked to bring suggestions for future presentations on other activities. Mr. Miller indicated that a list of possible activities would be provided at the next meeting. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.