06/23/1997PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
June 23, 1997
Present:
Donald Harris
Larry Lindner
William Kirbas
Gary Giordano
Chair
Vice Chair
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:
Charles Weaver
Gary Meritt
Gerry Shriver
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity, the items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
2. Minutes Approval - May 19, 1997
Member Kirbas requested amendment of “court” to “practice wall” in the seventh bullet on page 3.
Member Kirbas moved to approve the May minutes as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3. Correspondence - None
4. Upcoming Recreation Events - Report by Steve Miller
Mr. Miller distributed handouts highlighting programs and events scheduled for the month of July. He called attention to: 1) City Proclamation of July 1997 as National Recreation
and Parks Month; 2) Clearwater Celebrates America July Fourth festivities at Coachman Park; 3) Clearwater Phillies on July 7; 4) Women’s Tennis Tournament, Challenger Cup Series, July
12-20; 5) Annie Get Your Gun at Ruth Eckerd Hall; and 6) Specialty camps at various locations.
5. Bridge Alignment/Bayfront Tennis Courts - Engineering Director Rich Baier
City Engineer Rich Baier 2-1/2 years of public meetings and design work that have gone into the Memorial Causeway Bridge replacement project. He highlighted feasibility, engineering
and environmental design, and permitting phases of the project. Maps, cutaway drawings, and artists renderings were provided for illustration of bridge construction, alignment, and
surroundings. He explained how the chosen design will affect streets, parking lots, traffic flow, existing structures, and view corridors on the bluff. He said the City Commission
weighed right-of-way acquisition, views, vistas, and park expansion considerations when choosing the current alignment. The bridge will be finished underneath, and a staff team will
ensure it is an aesthetic
showpiece. A bike trail extension is proposed to line the Pinellas Trail with Clearwater beach. He responded to questions regarding the affects and proximity to City Hall and Pierce
100, stating the chosen alignment is final. The design is an attempt to get as close as possible to the existing route for minimum adverse impacts to the surroundings. Consideration
is being given to demolishing the current and former bridges, for replacement with lighted, ADA accessible fishing piers.
Mr. Baier highlighted the alternatives under consideration for use of the bayfront. He referred to the Tennis Court Usage Survey for May 1997, stating he was surprised how much the
courts are used. One focus of the plan is to replace asphalt with park land, for a higher and better use of the valuable bayfront. It was indicated the new roadway and turnaround would
cut through the tennis courts. The value of retaining the deteriorated tennis courts was questioned. Discussion ensued regarding the user survey, how deletion of the courts would impact
the number of users city-wide, noise and traffic impacts if the courts were to remain, overflow parking for the Harborview Center, improvement of Pierce Street, Osceola Avenue, and destination
oriented traffic.
6. Old Business
A. Operating and Capital Budgets for 1997/98 - Status Report
B. Current Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) - Status Report
Art Kader listed September City Commission meeting dates for budget approval, stating the dollar amount of the Parks and Recreation Department budget is still under discussion with
Finance. He explained a number of difficulties associated with balancing this year’s budget due to the number of enhancements proposed. No changes are proposed to the capital budget.
The City Commission has approved additions to the Clearwater Beach Aquatic Center requested by the residents, such as six lanes and additional amenities. He referred to handouts of
the current CIP projects, indicating where changes occurred.
In response to questions, Mr. Kader said completion of McMullen Tennis Complex improvements is projected for July 7, before the tournament. Parts for lighting the pro court have been
ordered and construction will proceed in two or three weeks, when the parts arrive. It was indicated the Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard landscaping project is complete; 108 palms were planted.
A small balance remains for maintenance. The palms will be watered by truck every day until they become established.
7. New Business
A. Program for July 28 Meeting
Mr. Wilson said he will introduce the new employee who coordinates the volunteer programs. City Manager Michael J. Roberto has expressed an interest in attending the July meeting.
Board and Staff Discussion
In response to questions from Member Lindner, Mr. Wilson said building rental for cultural/social programs may be cut from the budget. As staff hopes to focus on the Women’s
Tournament during July, Mr. Wilson suggested holding McMullen Complex open house during the Fall, after the pro court lights are installed and children return from summer vacations.
Brief discussion ensued regarding activities for open house.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m. .
Chair
Parks and Recreation Board
Attest:
Board Reporter