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09/22/1997PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER September 22, 1997 Present: Donald Harris Chair Larry Lindner Vice Chair Charles Weaver Board Member William Kirbas Board Member Gary Giordano Board Member Gary Meritt Board Member Gerry Shriver Board Member Ream Wilson Parks and Recreation Director Art Kader Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Steve Miller Recreation Programming Superintendent Gwen Legters Board Reporter 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 - August 25, 1997 Member Lindner requested amendment on page two indicating a vendor has been found for light poles at McMullen Tennis complex. Member Weaver requested rearranging language on page two to better reflect his support of renaming a park after Cherry Harris. Member Lindner moved to approve the minutes as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Correspondence The board reviewed and approved Chair Harris’ letter recommending deletion of Section 1(b) from proposed Resolution 97-43 regarding naming new City parks. 4. Upcoming Recreation Events - Report by Steve Miller The board received handouts highlighting programs and events scheduled for the month of October. Of specific interest were: 1) Clearwater Boxing Team; 2) Clearwater Cadets Jr. Drum & Bugle Corps; 3) School’s Out camps; 4) Saturdays in the City; 5) Halloween Encounters, Ballroom Dance, Night Walk & Campfire, Happenings at neighborhood recreation centers; and 6) Nagano Winter Olympics video shoot and 100 day countdown clock. Mr. Miller responded to questions regarding age groups for Halloween parties, what is involved in the Moccasin Lake Park night walk, and how publicity for the McMullen Tennis Complex open house will be handled. Mr. Miller read the new rates for court fee increases beginning October 1, 1997 5. Old Business A. Current Capital Improvement Projects - Art Kader The board received the report, noting major changes to Phillip Jones Clubhouse; Lake Chautauqua Park; and Clearwater beach Aquatic Park. Mr. Kader noted changes to recreation paths, grandstand bleacher replacement at Countryside High School, and redoing the infield at Jack Russell Stadium. It is hoped the infield can be finished before the beginning of 1998 Spring Training. B. Cherry Harris Park Mr. Wilson reported a good turnout at last Sunday’s ceremony to rename the park. While Cherry Harris was not able to attend, her family and the community expressed gratitude for the City’s and Parks and Recreation Board’s efforts on her behalf. Mr. Wilson commended the board for its action and timeliness. He said Ms. Harris passed away soon after the ceremony, adding she was a fine lady and will be missed. 7. New Business A. Request to close Crest Lake Park at Sundown General discussion ensued regarding a citizen’s request to close the park at sundown as a means of addressing concerns with overnight sleeping, loitering, and other inappropriate activities. Discussion ensued regarding: 1)  legitimate park uses existing between dusk and closing time; 2) frequency of police patrol; 3) usefulness of soft lighting around the sidewalk and playground equipment; 4) the homeless situation faced by most cities; 5) a general indication that surrounding residents seem satisfied with the current closing time; and 6) lack of reported complaints. Consensus was for no change in the Crest Lake Park closing time. B. Skate Park Meetings Mr. Wilson reported staff’s efforts to proactively address skating’s rapid popularity increase. Three public forums are scheduled in September to receive input on whether the City should build a skate park and/or roller hockey rink. He discussed the Parks and Recreation Department’s position statement on the issue, adding staff will process the citizen input with a view toward ensuring the budget dollars are being directed to the kind of facility most wanted by the public. Mr. Wilson will update the board throughout the information gathering process. Discussion ensued regarding the difference between a skate park and a street/rollerhockey rink, associated programming and amenities. In response to a question, staff will investigate whether the Countryside Boosters are interested in remaining involved in a proposal to build restrooms at the roller rink behind Countryside High School. C. Program for October Meeting at Ross Norton Park Mr. Wilson reported the next meeting will be held at Ross Norton Park. He will check on Jon Russell’s availability to attend. Board and Staff Discussion Mr. Wilson invited the public to attend a car wash by Parks and Recreation Department staff on October 2. The car wash is being sponsored by the management of Sears Automotive Center in front of Countryside Mall, with proceeds being donated to the United Way. Mr. Meritt raised discussion regarding a small group of people requesting after hours use of unattended St. Petersburg Junior College soccer fields. Because of the field shortage, intense programming, and need for a higher level of maintenance on soccer fields, staff felt use of attended City fields would be preferable. Discussion ensued regarding suggestions for alternatives. Mr. Wilson recommended asking the group to call Steve Miller at 562-4805, to arrange a place for after hours soccer practice. Mr. Weaver reported the presence of several piles of debris washed into the Coachman disk golf park during recent high water. Staff will follow up. A question was raised regarding plans for a Pinellas Trail grand opening downtown the first week of December 1997. Discussion ensued regarding street and trail configuration proposed by Building Official Vic Chodora. Mr. Lindner reported he has received feedback that people are not receiving up-to-date information, or are being improperly referred regarding recreation events and activities. Staff responded to questions regarding how publicity for major events is handled. Discussion ensued regarding a proposal change to a quarterly newsletter mailed to every City resident, similar to what is done in Anaheim, California. The difficulty of keeping automated information current was discussed. Mr. Lindner stressed the need for a clear, cross-referenced index of programs and activities in the quarterly publication. Discussion ensued regarding the cost of distributing the publication to 100,000 households in Clearwater. Mr. Kirbas observed heavy use of the downtown tennis courts in the evenings. He expressed concern with lights being left on with no way to turn them off. In response to a question from Mr. Kirbas, Mr. Wilson said the City Commission has not scheduled annual advisory board reports for next year. It is not known whether the Commission will require such reports. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.