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01/22/1996PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER January 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 Lou Hilton Gwen Legters Parks and Recreation Director Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Recreation Superintendent Senior Planner, Central Permitting Board Reporter   To provide continuity, the items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. in City Hall. 2. Introduction of New Members New members Clayton and Lindner were introduced and welcomed to the meeting. 3. Minutes Approval - November 27, 1995 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. 4. Members Leaving Outgoing member Henry Cruise was recognized for five years of service. 5. Correspondence - None 6. Upcoming Recreation Events - Report by Steve Miller Mr. Miller referred to a handout highlighting some of the programs and events scheduled for February. He invited anyone wanting more information to call his office. Member Kirbas questioned if the City would be interested in joining with the Clearwater Beach Association to set up a croquet tournament in honor of educator Les Castor. Mr. Miller accepted the invitation with pleasure. 7. Old Business A. Recreation/Open Space Element - Lou Hilton - General Discussion Mr. Hilton explained the State requirement to review the comprehensive plan every five years to evaluate and appraise how well the objectives meet City goals. He gave an overview of this element of the plan and opened the floor for discussion of the draft Evaluation and Appraisal Report previously submitted to the Board. Attached to the report were copies of five maps detailing locations of: 1) Community Parks; 2) Neighborhood Parks; 3) Mini and Scenic Parks; 4) Special Facility Sites; and 5) Clearwater Planning Districts. Mr. Hilton stated he will work closely with staff and a citizen advisory task force (consisting of the Parks and Recreation Board) to form new goals, objectives and policies to increase the effectiveness of the plan. In response to a question from Mr. Wilson, Mr. Hilton stated he must have a final draft ready to go through the City public hearing process by the end of April, to meet the State deadline of August 1996. Discussion ensued regarding how much of the plan for the year 2000 is already in place and what is projected for 2005. It was indicated the plan bases the needed number of parks on population figures. Population projections for the next ten years were discussed. Mr. Wilson explained that substantial land for parks exists due to park dedications. He explained how a previous dedication policy was enacted, requiring developers to set aside ten percent of their development acreage for use as parkland. Discussion ensued regarding the amount of developed and undeveloped acreage in existing parks. He indicated the focus needs to be on setting standards to provide the different basic needs in each planning district. Discussion ensued regarding these needs and how tennis courts and docks count in the calculations. A question was raised whether the grassy areas in City rights-of-way count toward satisfying the parkland requirements. Mr. Wilson stated they do not, because green space is addressed in the Residential/Open Space calculations. He said these green patches are viewed as maintenance areas that cannot count as acreage toward the recreation element. A question was raised regarding reference to Coachman Ridge Park and the Long Center as open space without reference to facilities. Staff is to investigate. Questions were raised about the operation of Cooper’s Bayou. Consensus of the Board was to invite a representative of the Environmental Management Group to the next meeting to explain what is being done at Cooper’s Bayou. Discussion ensued regarding parkland deficits, bicycle lanes in and near major roadways, and other suggestions for updating the report. Mr. Hilton will incorporate the Board’s suggestions into the final draft of the element and bring it back for final review and recommendations. New goals, objectives and policies are to be included in the Board’s packets for review prior to the next meeting. In the interest of meeting the April deadlines, Mr. Hilton hoped for the Board’s endorsement at the next meeting. B. Pier 60 Playground - Selection committee and status Mr. Wilson distributed a handout listing the six members of the selection committee for the Pier 60 playground equipment RFP (request for proposal.) He explained the selection process and staff involvement. Discussion ensued regarding other plans for the Pier 60 redevelopment, including status of the pavilion, concession area, and swimming pool. Mr. Wilson stated staff looked at the pool from a planning standpoint and they recommended locating it next to the tennis courts at the Clearwater Beach Recreation Complex. He said the pool was in the plan but was to be funded with revenues from the proposed tower which was turned down. C. Capital Improvement Projects - Report by Art Kader Mr. Kader listed the status of several current projects, including Countryside Recreation Center, Phillies building rehabilitation, and Jack Russell Stadium ADA improvements. In response to a question, he stated high school tennis court resurfacing is the responsibility of the school. 8. New Business A. Annual Board Report - September 5, 1996 Mr. Wilson distributed a copy of the 1996 schedule of annual board reports to the City Commission. He requested members bring their comments and suggestions to the August meeting for inclusion in the Chair’s September 5 report to the Commission. B. Meeting Schedule for Memorial Day - May 27, 1996 Mr. Wilson noted the Board’s regular meeting in May falls on a City holiday. He requested direction whether to reschedule or cancel the meeting. Consensus was to reschedule for one week prior, on May 20, either in the chambers, or at the Parks and Recreation Department. C. Election of Board Officers - Discussion Discussion ensued regarding whether to postpone the election, due to having several new members. Mr. Wilson noted the election should be held as soon as possible to observe the established one year term limit. Member Meritt moved to continue election of board officers to the next meeting. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Member Kirbas moved to schedule future Board elections for the November meeting, for a one year term to begin at the January meeting. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Mr. Wilson requested clarification. Consensus was for 1996 officers to be elected at the next meeting, for a term to expire at the end of December. Officers for the 1997 calendar year are to be elected at the November 1996 meeting. Board and Staff Comments Member Lindner expressed concern the Crest Lake fitness course has deteriorated and is no longer useful. Mr. Wilson stated a new fitness “court” is ready to be installed in the northeast section of the park within the next few weeks. He said the old course will be removed at that time. Member Weaver questioned the status of shelters along the Memorial Causeway are capital items. It was indicated the City Commission decided on benches without canopies. Mr. Kader stated the restroom for Crest Lake Park will be installed in about 30 days. He said he hopes plans for Soule Road Park will go out to bid on February 1. 9. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.