Loading...
01/27/1997PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER January 27, 1997 Present: Donald Harris Larry Lindner Charles Weaver William Kirbas Gary Meritt Chair Vice Chair Board Member Board Member Board Member   Ream Wilson Art Kader Steve Miller Gary Johnson Gwen Legters Parks and Recreation Director Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Recreation Superintendent Engineering Project Coordinator Board Reporter  Absent: Gary Giordano 7th Seat Vacant Board Member Board Member   The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in Countryside Recreation Center. To provide continuity, the items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 2. Minutes Approval - November 25, 1996 Member Weaver moved to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to each member by the Board Reporter. 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 February. He called attention to 1) Band of the Air Force Reserve concert at Coachman Park; 2) Clearwater Pass Bridge Run at Sand Key Park, 3) Parent/Child Valentines Dinner Dance at Countryside Recreation Center; 4) Valentine Parties at neighborhood recreation centers; and 5) Black History Month Celebrations. Discussion ensued regarding hours of operation at City recreation centers. Mr. Miller said sometimes attendance during the new Sunday hours is better than on weekdays. 5. Memorial Causeway Bridge -- Gary Johnson Mr. Wilson introduced Gary Johnson, City Engineering Project Coordinator. Mr. Johnson distributed handouts depicting the five alignment alternatives of the proposed fixed span bridge, an evaluation matrix comparing the alternatives, and a need and benefits comparison. He responded to questions regarding the need for the proposed 74.5 foot height, the citizen input received at 26 public meetings, the $2 million extra for the additional height, and factors that would be involved in opening Dunedin Pass. Referring to the handouts, Mr. Johnson outlined the considerations involved in the five alternatives regarding traffic, bay flushing action, permits, and disposition of the existing bridge. He displayed an aerial photograph of existing bayfront conditions, compared to the same area with Potential Urban Design Alt P4S superimposed. He highlighted the positive changes that could happen on the waterfront by deleting some parking, moving some of the tennis courts, and rearranging the waterfront use to create more green and open space. He responded to questions regarding the fate of the old 1920’s bridge structure. One member expressed concern with lack of handicap parking along the waterfront near the new bridge structure. It was indicated the proposed rate of incline and distance to the top of a 74.5 foot bridge in Alt P4S would be difficult to negotiate by wheelchair and bicycle, for those wishing to access the eastern end of the causeway for fishing and recreation. Mr. Johnson said the plans are conceptual and parking can be added anywhere it is needed. Mr. Wilson pointed out the east end of the causeway could easily lend itself to a gorgeous park area with necessary parking. It was noted P4S has to worst rating in terms of its ability to connect pedestrians and bicyclists between the beach and downtown, due to the distance involved. Discussion ensued regarding other alternatives and their effect on the residential and commercial property owners in the vicinity, view and vista, traffic patterns, and proximity to Pinellas Trail. It was indicated diverting vehicular traffic from downtown will shift the emphasis to pedestrian traffic. Mr. Johnson responded to questions regarding bridge lighting, stormwater runoff, location of retention ponds, and impacts of water draining through scuppers directly into the harbor. The majority of the board members favored Alt P4S as the best, most exciting alternative for the benefit of the waterfront. From an ADA and pedestrian perspective, some board members indicated C4WS should be considered as the second choice, due to the smaller east to west incline. It was indicated C4WS would cost $9 to $11 million more than P4S, and those immediately adjacent to the waterfront were opposed to the negative visual impact of having to look up at the bottom of a bridge. One member noted another factor is whether a spur of the Pinellas Trail will extend along the waterfront. Mr. Wilson said Jon Russell is chairing a committee to look at offshoots of the Trail, with an emphasis on how to get from the Trail to Clearwater beach. The majority felt the board should recommend only one alternative. Member Kirbas moved to recommend Alt P4S to the City Commission as the alternative preferred by the Parks and Recreation Board. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 6. Presentation -- Countryside Recreation Center Program -- Bob Barry Mr. Wilson introduced Bob Barry, who narrated a short slide presentation highlighting features, surrounding, activities and events at the new center. He handed out a General Fund budget summary and highlighted the numbers for staff positions, programming, events, supplies, contract instructors, and rental fees paid to Florida Power for parking on their easement. Mr. Barry invited board members to tour the facility after the meeting to view the various rooms and equipment. He responded to questions about the lack of free weights, dance and exercise classes, adult fitness classes, and the popularity of the events to date. He looks forward to seeing how the facility will operate during the summer without a pool. He reported no structural problems with the building, and said the majority of the public is thrilled with the facility. The only negative comments he has heard relate to expenditure of Penny for Pinellas funds. He said most of the Palm Harbor and East Lake residents understand the higher non-resident fees. Users of the fitness equipment receive an orientation, but the facility is not a training situation, and patrons chart their own progress. It was indicated turnout for Sunday hours is usually good, and will likely continue after the pilot program ends. Mr. Barry responded to questions regarding the building’s structural design, stating it is not slated to be one of Countryside’s evacuation shelters, due to the lack of showers. Board members thanked Mr. Barry for his presentation, and for the coffee and cookies he served. Old Business A. McMullen Park Tennis Complex - Capital Projects Mr. Miller reported lines have been repainted on courts 9-16. Bids are out to resurface courts 1-8 with a special, long lasting process, to take care of the cracks. Resurfacing should be completed in March. The preconstruction meeting with the lighting contractors is scheduled for January 30, with completion due in February. The restrooms are still in the design phase, but should bid soon, for completion prior to the summer season. Member Lindner submitted a copy of an article from USTA Magazine. In response to questions, Mr. Miller said the pro court lighting is being enhanced with additional fixtures. He responded to questions regarding a cost estimate for the lighting. Staff will check if electrical service can be provided for a ball machine. One member expressed concern the television is now being tuned exclusively to C-View Channel 15. Mr. Miller explained a number of facilities were recently outfitted with cable TV. C-View staff is making an effort to follow their directive for more exposure of the channel and City events. Mr. Wilson noted City staff is being careful to guard against the public perception that City employees are watching TV for entertainment during working hours. One member reported a light is out on court #1, and another was out at the Clearwater beach court last week. Mr. Wilson said staff tries to wait until more than one light is out before dispatching a repair truck. B. Identification Cards for Board Members Mr. Wilson distributed identification cards to board members, with instructions for getting photographs taken, affixed to the cards and laminated at the Police Department. In response to a question, he reported the names on the list of volunteers the City Commission will be considering to fill the board’s vacant seat. C. North Greenwood Task Team - Status of Community Meetings Mr. Wilson reported Parks and Recreation staff has been meeting with North Greenwood representatives in an effort to get more activities and events into the neighborhood. He listed the potential events that may be scheduled. They are looking at improvement of a passive park, with sidewalks, light exercise equipment, inline skate trails, etc. D. Status Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) -- Art Kader Mr. Kader distributed and discussed a handout regarding the status of CIP projects for Fiscal Year 1996/97. He responded to questions regarding bid letting for Sand Key Park; details of Carpenter Field renovations and the Phillies schedule; and resurfacing schedule for all City tennis courts. Discussion ensued regarding the more expensive five-phase resurfacing system to be used on the cracked McMullen courts. Mr. Kader responded to questions regarding the ongoing light replacement program at City sports fields. E. Clearwater Beach Pool -- Status Report Mr. Miller related details of design meetings with the engineering firm and contractor to develop the conceptual schematics. After the drawings are prepared, public input will be solicited before the bid specifications are prepared. He explained the anticipated features of the proposed water park and funding options. Staff was requested to investigate water mist sprayers as an addition to the park. New Business A. Palms Planting on State Road 60 -- Project Status Mr. Wilson reported details of Mark Roether’s idea to beautify the City by planting palm trees along Gulf to Bay Boulevard. While trees cannot be planted in the State right-of-way down the middle of the road, they can be planted within the City rights-of-way in intersections. Mr. Roether has identified 80 locations where the Washingtonian palms can be planted, depending on underground and overhead utilities. The City will offer the opportunity for private property owners to have palms planted on their properties within 10 to 15 feet of the right-of-way. A question was raised regarding the potential for falling palm fronds to cause damage in traffic. Mr. Wilson responded no such incident has occurred along the Courtney Campbell Causeway, or in Tampa where palms line the roadways. The trees will likely be trimmed once or twice a year to eliminate any potential damage. He invited interested business owners to call Parks and Recreation staff for information regarding planting palms on their properties. B. February Board Meeting Mr. Wilson reminded board members the next regular meeting will be held at Clearwater Beach Recreation Center, 6:30 p.m. Board and Staff Discussion Member Weaver said the custodian at Crest Lake Park is doing an excellent job keeping up with trash, dealing with people, and leashing dogs. He hoped the program can continue. Member Lindner suggested not enforcing parking meters in the vicinity of the “Say No to Drugs” race at the end of December. Mr. Wilson said the City is not co-sponsoring that event. He will check on reported literature listing the City as a co-sponsor. Member Lindner said swimming and aquatics are still not cross referenced in the newspaper. Mr. Miller will check with the columnist to see if this can be done. Member Lindner reported some people who use the fitness equipment at Crest Lake Park preferred the old fitness trail over the new court. He said they tend to use the children’s equipment, or the picnic table in the shade, and prefer to walk and run in dirt or mulch instead of cement. Mr. Wilson said he has received similar feedback that people seem to prefer trails. More fitness trails will likely be installed in the future. Member Lindner felt the C-View advertising would be more effective with narration. He suggested advertising recreation centers’ programs and events. While staff agreed with these suggestions, it was indicated the staffing level is not yet sufficient to add programming. C-View staff will be training Parks and Recreation staff to use the studio equipment to film and narrate feature presentations. Mr. Wilson was surprised at the large amount of cutting and editing involved in producing even short spots. Discussion ensued regarding suggestions for future feature program presentations. Member Kirbas questioned when the City Commission was going to start meeting individually with advisory boards regarding productivity and administrative responsibility. Staff will investigate. Member Harris expressed strong concern regarding the City Commission adoption of the ordinance allowing alcoholic beverage sales at City sponsored and co-sponsored events. He wished to go on record saying he felt the ordinance was a bad idea and should not have been passed. He questioned whether the board wished to take a stance on this issue and discussion ensued. Mr. Wilson said the ordinance involves selected special events, otherwise, alcoholic beverages will not be allowed in parks. He pointed out beer is sometimes sold in conjunction with special events such as art shows in other communities. There has been discussion that some sponsors do not want to come to Clearwater if alcoholic beverage sales is not allowed. He acknowledged this is a difficult issue, and while the City has always opposed such sales, it was felt to be necessary in some cases to allow the opportunity for sponsors to put on quality events. Mr. Wilson outlined the criteria involved in setting such an event, stating he chairs the City Special Events Program. Discussion will be held regarding how to regulate and conduct enforcment during such an event, and approval for each event must come from the City Commission. He did not foresee more than five or six such events in a year. Some members supported the City Commission’s decision, stating events such as wine tastings benefit the community. There was not consensus for the board to take a position on the issue. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m.