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08/26/1996PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER August 26, 1996 Present: Charles Weaver Donald Harris William Kirbas Gary Giordano Larry Lindner Freda Clayton Chair Vice Chair 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  Absent: Gary Meritt 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 - July 22, 1996 Member Lindner moved to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to each member by the Board Reporter. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. III. Correspondence - None IV. Presentation -- City Aquatics Program Mr. Miller and Public Information Specialist Birgitt Dowd gave a comprehensive presentation profiling the City-wide distribution of public pool locations, operation, features, activities and events. Maps, slides, and statistical data regarding visitations, costs and revenues were provided for illustration. Drawings of water park amenities proposed for a new Clearwater beach facility were highlighted and compared to a previous traditional plan for replacing the old Pier 60 pool. It is hoped a slide and other water play features will be more appealing to residents and tourists. Research into professional design firms has begun and $575,000 is available for design and construction of the project, anticipated for opening in 1998. In response to a question, Mr. Miller said a small playground may be incorporated into the footprint of the water park, but that space may be better used for water play, as another playground exists nearby. Mr. Wilson anticipated the consultant will look at issues of design, engineering and public input, and provide two or three conceptual examples that will be shared by the board. The water park will probably be located to share parking with the Clearwater beach recreation center, but cannot share supervision, because aquatics require specialized staff that does not exist now. Discussion ensued regarding enhanced staffing level issues for existing and new aquatics programs. Brief discussion ensued regarding the credentials of a new swimming coach and his involvement in the masters program. Ms. Dowd responded to questions regarding the location of aquatics programs advertising in the Clearwater section of the St. Petersburg Times. V. Upcoming Recreation Events - Report by Steve Miller Mr. Miller distributed handouts highlighting programs and events scheduled for the month of September. He called attention to 1) the Fall/Winter edition of Communiqué magazine; 2) the variety of programs available at the new Countryside Recreation Center, 3) Men’s 45 & Over ASA National Fastpitch Softball Championship on September 12-15; 4) School’s Out Camp-In on September 27; and 5) Performing Arts auditions on various dates for Clearwater Community Chorus, Kids-A-Poppin, and The Treblemakers. He invited anyone with questions to call him at 562-4800. In response to a question, Mr. Miller explained how programs are chosen. Staff will research the feasibility of adding special programs at the request of residents. VI. St. Petersburg Junior College (SPJC) Athletic Complex -- Tom Williams, J.D. Golf, Inc. Mr. Wilson reviewed the history and current status of the sports field at Drew Street and Old Coachman Road, across from the SPJC campus. Now called the Joe DiMaggio (J.D.) Sports Complex, it is a partnership among the Long Center Foundation, City of Clearwater, and the SPJC Board of Trustees. The college owns the property and leases the soccer fields to the City. As SPJC is now unable to incur the expense of maintenance, a proposal is being considered for a private company to pay for maintenance by constructing and operating a golf driving range on part of the subject property. Currently composed of two baseball fields and three soccer fields, the driving range would replace one baseball field. Lengthy discussion ensued regarding options being considered by the interested parties regarding land usage, and operation of programs. Mr. Wilson will provide more information to the board when it is known how SPJC wishes to proceed, and the board will be asked to make a recommendation to the City Commission. He invited Member Giordano to comment, due to his involvement with the Long Center. Member Giordano stated the Long Center executive board discussed this issue at length and determined it was not financially feasible for them to be involved to the extent necessary to operate the complex. It was indicated, as private industry wanted to demonstrate how they could be involved, a proposal should be considered. Brief discussion ensued regarding the environmental requirements due to the site having been used as a dump before the complex was developed. Mark Abdo, Long Center Executive Director, reviewed a brief history, the options being considered for the subject property, and the considerations that were made by SPJC regarding operation and maintenance. He said he originated the idea of a driving range, because studies prove a driving range would be successful in the area. He related details of his idea to create a public/private partnership, subleasing the property to J.D. Golf, Inc., which would redesign the fields and pay for long term maintenance of the facilities. As Mr. Wilson had indicated that retaining the soccer fields was a priority, Mr. Abdo met with those interested in soccer and came up with a design that was acceptable to them. He indicated the down side was that one baseball field would be lost. Mr. Abdo continued to speak about the history of deliberations regarding property usage, fees and revenues, and concerns of user groups. He indicated the golf presentation is generating increased community interest, but the decision remains with SPJC to determine how they want the property to be used. He recognized this is an emotional issue for many of the parties involved. Tom Williams, representing J.D. Golf, Inc., gave a synopsis of events related to this issue, to date. He referred to environmental requirements due to the property having been used as a dump, stating the school and the City have to evaluate their liability to the environment. He felt a joint venture with the three involved agencies would create a winning situation for all concerned. He said SPJC trustees favor something that can pay the cost for maintaining the property, but he did not have any indication of their intent. In response to questions, Mr. Williams stated his decision to lease the property is contingent upon receiving environmental approval. He explained how he created his corporation, paid for marketability studies and worked with the County property appraiser to determine community impacts. He stated J.D. stands for Joe DiMaggio. He indicated he has received a positive response from local residents, as long as no increase in lighting occurs. General discussion ensued. Mr. Wilson discussed concerns regarding how creation of a new driving range would affect business of other driving ranges. Mr. Abdo indicated the Chamber of Commerce favors the concept, but not at the expense of taxpayers. Mr. Williams related details of his proposal with regard to dimensions, configuration, location, and amenities. He spoke regarding his nine year experience as golf coach for Clearwater Central Catholic High School, indicating he has no expertise in operating sports complexes and would expect the City to continue its current level of participation. Mr. Kader noted a concern with deleting a baseball field that was built with residential donations. Mr. Abdo acknowledged the Long Center Foundation provided about $500,000 to create the field. He indicated Fred Fisher supports a public/private partnership and was instrumental in starting the process that will result in loss of the field. Mr. Wilson and Mr. Kader highlighted City concerns regarding use of the limited number of regulation-sized ball fields at the City’s disposal, and the large number of non-residents using the facilities. It was estimated about 50 percent of facility use is by non residents who pay a small fee, with the City picking up the tab for the balance of the costs. Consensus of the board was to wait for a final, firm decision by SPJC before any commitments are made regarding future use of the property. VII. Old Business A. Reconsideration of Name for Park on Sand Key Mr. Wilson stated the City Commission asked for reconsideration because they did not feel the Pelican Bay Park name recommended at the board’s last meeting adequately reflects the area. Mr. Wilson will request from the Sand Key Civic Association, and convey to the board, a list of suggestions for names more descriptive of the location. B. Annual Board Report to the City Commission -- September 5, 1996 Member Weaver presented a copy of his proposed report, highlighting the board’s issues, recommendations and actions during the past year. It was indicated many of the projects in which the board has been involved were not included due to the 15-minute time limitation for presenting the report. C. Cooper’s Bayou Park Dedication Mr. Wilson invited members to attend the dedication scheduled for Monday, September 9, at 2:00 p.m. VIII. New Business A. Proposed Parking Lot on Memorial Causeway Mr. Wilson displayed an aerial map of the Memorial Causeway, showing the location of a proposed parking lot on the south side, east of the approach to Clearwater beach. The City Commission has asked for review and recommendations from a number of City advisory boards regarding the 48-car parking lot located between the road and the emergency roadway. Questions were raised regarding the likely users. It was not known whether there would be a charge for parking. Board members expressed a number of concerns. One member did not want the entrance to Clearwater beach looking like a car lot and a junk yard. Two members expressed concern with traffic safety. An alternate location near the Island Estates traffic signal was suggested. Concerns were expressed with this use of green and open space and the environmental impact of stormwater runoff. Two members supported construction of a parking garage on Clearwater beach as a way to provide more parking spaces in a smaller area. One member felt adequate parking exists on Clearwater beach for those who know where to look. It was indicated existing parking could be better utilized by increased advertising, better signage, and reconfiguration of existing parking lots for more efficient use of space. One member pointed out people want to go to the beach, not downtown on weekends. He did not feel such a use was likely to create a traffic hazard and supported the parking lot to ease the beach parking situation. Member Harris moved to recommend to the City Commission the Parks and Recreation Board does not support a parking lot on the Memorial Causeway. Members Weaver, Harris, Kirbas, Meritt, and Clayton voted "Aye"; Member Lindner voted "Nay." Motion carried. B. Informational Program for September Meeting In accordance with a suggestion from Mr. Wilson, consensus was to invite Mr. Ozell George, of the City’s Parks and Recreation Division, to make a presentation regarding beach cleaning. Board and Staff Comments In response to a question from Member Lindner, Mr. Wilson reported the proposed skateboard ordinance is scheduled for second reading on September 5. Skateboarding would still be allowed in parks, unless otherwise posted by the City Manager, to ensure public health, welfare and safety. He has been instructed to determine what is being done by local schools and other municipalities. He is working with the Clearwater Police Department on a similar ordinance related to a problem being experienced with unrestrained dogs in parks and beach areas. In response to board concerns, Mr. Wilson noted a separate ordinance is needed to allow the City Manager to post signs prohibiting certain nuisance behaviors where problems exist. Mr. Wilson reported the playground at Pier 60 park is progressing nicely and will be dedicated soon. Member Kirbas requested staff to look into the possibility of adding a recreational fountain, like the one in Atlanta’s Olympic Village, where park visitors could walk through to cool off. He felt it could be incorporated as an attractive addition that would contribute a cool look and feel to the Pier 60 Park. Staff indicated this could be difficult due to liability and lack of supervision. One member pointed out water conservation could be a problem in the future. Mr. Wilson will request information from Largo Central Park and Lowery Park Zoo about the feasibility of such an idea for Clearwater. Member Harris questioned what happened to the ducks at Crest Lake Park, noting only two ducks remain. Mr. Wilson said the Muscovey ducks multiply rapidly, sometimes going into houses and cars. When they begin to cause problems, the City contracts to have them removed because they are considered barnyard animals. Member Clayton stated she and her young son enjoy going to the beach early in the morning and questioned why a lifeguard is only available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mr. Wilson stated the beach guards are under the direction of the Harbormaster, but he understood beach guard staff is concentrated during the times of heaviest usage. Mr. Wilson briefly responded to Member Kirbas’ questions about beach cleaning, stating more information will be available during the presentation at the next meeting. Member Clayton noted she attempted to help a citizen locate directions to a City park in the information kiosk in Clearwater Mall, but was unsuccessful. Mr. Miller indicated pulling up the facility by name should reveal a map of the general area. Member Giordano questioned the training of Parks and Recreation staff to handle emergencies resulting from summer storms or accidents. Mr. Miller stated all staff receive annual training and/or recertification in CPR and first aid. Staff is briefed on accessing the 911 emergency line, and how to keep people calm until professionals arrive. Member Kirbas questioned when the City Commission’s proposed individual meetings with advisory boards will begin. Mr. Wilson will investigate and respond at the next meeting. Members Kirbas and Lindner reiterated a previous concern with cracks on the easterly McMullen Tennis Courts. While they do not interfere with ball play yet, it was indicated the cracks are getting bigger and could become a liability problem soon. Member Kirbas stated many people continue to approach him about the issue of clay tennis courts, some even offering to invest in construction. He requested staff to seriously consider looking at clay courts again. Mr. Wilson responded staff is aware a market for clay courts continues to exist, and $150,000 budgeted for racquetball may be diverted to fund clay courts. He said staff would be happy to listen to a proposal from someone wanting to invest in clay courts, with the understanding that use of such a project on public property would not be restricted to use by the investors. Member Kirbas will contact the interested individuals to see if they want to speak at the next meeting. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.