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05/19/1997PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER May 19, 1997 Present: Larry Lindner Charles Weaver William Kirbas Gary Giordano Gerry Shriver 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: Donald Harris Gary Meritt Chair Board Member   The Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall Commission Chambers. To provide continuity, the items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 2. Minutes Approval - April 28, 1997 Member Kirbas moved to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Correspondence -- None 4. Upcoming Recreation Events -- Steve Miller Mr. Miller distributed handouts highlighting programs and events scheduled for the month of June. He called attention to 1) Moonlight Recreation program beginning June 9; 2) Concerts-in-the-Park summertime concert series beginning June 13; 3) Student activities at Morningside Recreation Center; 4) City swimming pool locations and activities. In response to questions, he said the Memorial Day event is the Coolest Car Show, featuring Felix Cavaleri. Summer camps for elementary age students are held at Morningside; Ross Norton; Martin Luther King; and Countryside Recreation Centers. He invited those interested in details of sports camps and camps for children of other ages to call the Parks and Recreation offices for more information. 5. Presentation -- Contract Instructor Program-- Margo Walbolt Ms. Walbolt distributed informational packets regarding the program, including a Contract Instructor’s Manual; a list of instructors, their classes and locations; a copy of an instructor’s agreement; and an instructor payment summary for Fiscal Year 95/96. She said more than 50 professionals are contracted annually to provide a diverse array of instruction with a high level of expertise. Each instructor receives a percentage of the class fee charged to the participants. The City’s portion of the fees for FY 95/96 was estimated at $120,000. Social Supervisor Jan Harrison is the primary contact for most instructors and coordinates the class schedules with the site supervisors. A slide presentation highlighted the benefits of recreation offered by contract instructors, including many types of dancing; tumbling; baton; swim instruction; karate; tennis; nature programs; fencing; fitness programs and water exercise; clogging; thrown and handbuilt pottery; painting in a variety of media; and bridge classes. She responded to questions regarding how instructors’ fees are determined, how class parameters are set, and how a program originates. Often instructors approach the City; sometimes instructors are recruited due to popular demand. All Community centers maintain an interest list to keep abreast of community requests. Mr. Wilson said the goal is to provide something of interest to everyone. He invited viewers to call with special requests. He responded to questions regarding budgeting for the program, financial and insurance arrangements. He said all instructors are independent contractors who pay their own taxes, insurance and expenses. He responded to specific questions regarding the percentage arrangement with the McMullen tennis pro. He said the contract instructor’s program is the department’s most important revenue generating program. 6. Old Business A. Operating and Capital Budgets - Update Mr. Wilson reported the City Commission reviewed the department’s proposed operating budget enhancements. He explained how departmental programs were examined to determine where cuts could be made to fund the proposed enhancements. The City Commission’s final decision regarding the budget is still a few weeks away. If the board’s recommendations regarding the capital budget go forward this Thursday, Mr. Wilson will provide an update at the next meeting. B. Rental of Building for Cultural/Social Programs - Discussion Mr. Wilson said the City Commission favored a recommendation to use a centrally located storefront as a temporary facility for cultural and social programs. A search is underway for a building with 10,000 to 13,000 square feet of floor space, and sufficient parking, lighting and restrooms to support the dancing, bridge, and other activities formerly held in the City Hall Annex auditorium and Harborview Center. He said the crowds decreased from more than 200 people at the Harborview Center to less than 100 at the Memorial Civic Center. Creating such programming is important for increasing General Fund revenue to fund next year’s City budget. 7. New Business A. Bayfront Tennis Courts - General Discussion Mr. Wilson said the City’s consultants will present information regarding the new Memorial Causeway Bridge at the board’s next meeting. Drawings will illustrate the proposed alignment and its effect on the foot of the bluff where nine tennis courts are currently located. Serious consideration will be given to the best interests of the City regarding the courts, and whether or not tennis courts belong on the bluff. Information is being gathered for a report to FDOT regarding what will be displaced by the proposed bridge alignment, and the effects of the displacement. He asked for board input. General discussion ensued regarding: 1) the City Commission having chosen a bridge route that was not supported by the majority of citizens or advisory boards; 2) times of heaviest tennis court usage; 3) the national standard for the ratio of tennis courts to population; 4) philosophical issues regarding court usage; and 5) future use of some courts for roller hockey. Board and Staff Discussion Mr. Miller responded to Member Kirbas’ questions regarding the McMullen restroom renovation, stating he hoped for completion by July. He said tennis court lighting poles and fixtures should be delivered in July for installation by City crews in mid-August. Discussion ensued regarding lighting fixtures and a comparison of pole heights at other courts. One member suggested an open house to publicize completion of the McMullen courts. Mr. Miller hoped the timing fits with National Parks and Recreation month in July. Member Giordano questioned whether the old concrete Rockaway pier pilings are going to remain. Mr. Wilson will investigate and report at the next meeting. Member Weaver reported the disc golf league at the park along Old Coachman Road has requested relocating the bridge because it washes out during high water and the pro disc course area becomes inaccessible. They have also requested a few more benches, trash containers chained to benches, investigation of washout occurring at the hole bordering the road along the long ditch; a 4-pack or 6-pack of restrooms; and a water fountain. He noted about 70 people gather in the park on Wednesday evenings as disc golf is becoming very popular. Member Weaver reported damage to a decorative overhead wooden beam at the Pier 60 Park. Member Weaver added the sidewalks along the east side of Crest Lake need replacement due to erosion damage. Staff will investigate. Member Kirbas reported the Parks and Recreation Department was praised at a recent City Commission meeting for the responsiveness of the department, especially regarding the Clearwater beach Aquatic Center community meeting. He thanked staff for their professionalism and for coming to the aid of the community. Mr. Wilson offered his thanks, praising Mr. Miller for his role in the effort. Mr. Wilson spoke briefly about what beach residents requested for the aquatic center and the budget for the project. Member Kirbas reported a net line is needed on the practice wall near Forest Run Park. Member Shriver reported teams from all over Florida had expressed pleasure with the Eddie C. Moore complex and amenities during a recent softball tournament. Member Lindner suggested the bridge alignment as the presentation item for June. Board members concurred. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.