02/24/1997PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
February 24, 1997
Present:
Donald Harris
Larry Lindner
William Kirbas
Gary Giordano
Gerry Shriver
Chair
Vice Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Art Kader
Steve Miller
Gwen Legters
Parks and Recreation Assistant Director
Recreation Superintendent
Board Reporter
Absent:
Charles Weaver
Gary Meritt
Board Member
Board Member
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center. Ms. Gerry Shriver was welcomed as a new member.
To provide continuity, the items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
2. Minutes Approval - January 27, 1997
Member Lindner requested a change on page three, third paragraph. The second sentence was deleted to clarify the McMullen Park Tennis Complex update.
Member Kirbas moved to approve the minutes as amended. 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 March. He called attention to 1) Clearwater Community Chorus Concert at Ruth Eckerd Hall,
and auditions at Morningside Recreation Center; 2) Children’s Run Fesitval at Pier 60 Park; 3) Eggstravaganza and other Easter activities; 4) Downtown Marketplace, Saturdays at Station
Square Park; 5) Spring Break activities and camps; and 6) update of the last month of the Sunday afternoon hours pilot program. He discussed the advertising copy of Clearwater Parks
and Recreation activities for March, as provided to Myra Hickman for her column in the St. Petersburg Times. In response to a board member’s concern about the aquatics listings, he
said Ms. Hickman indicated certain text is often edited due to space limitations. He indicated there were errors in the list of board members names in the Communiqué magazine, and that
these errors and the misspelling of Larry Lindner’s name will be corrected. He discussed a memo from Community Outreach Manager Carrie Huntley explaining C-View is not equipped to put
a voice track on the video bulletin board.
6. Presentation -- Clearwater Beach Recreation Center -- Jan Harrison and John Llauget
Mr. Miller introduced the complex supervisor, Jan Harrison, and facility supervisor, John Llauget. Ms. Harrison distributed packets of informational brochures regarding the facility,
its adult and youth programs, staffing, calendar of events, budgeting, and contract instructor programs. Mr. Llauget narrated a slide presentation highlighting the beauty of the community,
the history of the facility, and its programs, operation, and activities. He profiled staffing of the facility, and coverage of Memorial Causeway Civic Center, Coachman Park, Pier 60
events, and McKay Field. He responded to questions, stating fees are charged for the contract instructor programs such as dancing, art, fencing, etc. Some of the staff led programs
are free of charge. He said attendance is tracked, and estimated 250 people enjoy inside activities every week. He could not estimate the weekly number of people using the outdoor
amenities. He said the most popular activities are tennis, arts and crafts for patrons under 12; intramural basketball for teenagers, and the fitness room for adults. The Sunday half
day program serves 20 to 30 people. Mr. Miller said the division supervisors will be giving recommendations about the Sunday hours program at the end of next month. Mr. Llauget said
the indoor equipment includes a bumper pool table, foosball, pool table and Ping-Pong table. The board thanked Clearwater Beach Recreation Center staff for their presentation, and the
refreshments provided to the board.
Old Business
A. Clearwater Beach Swimming Pool -- Steve Miller
Mr. Miller reported that a revised conceptual site plan has been received from the architects. He invited the board to attend the March 31 public presentation to view the proposal
in detail and hear public input. The meeting is scheduled for March 31, 7:00 p.m. at the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center. He responded to questions regarding the proposed location
of the water park.
B. Identification Cards for Members
Mr. Kader reminded the group of the procedure for having their photos taken at the Clearwater Police Department, for those members who wish to have a board photo ID. He will provide
a card and the photo instructions to Member Shriver.
C. Status of Capital Projects (CIP) -- Art Kader
Mr. Kader distributed a status sheet, explaining CIP projects are those in excess of $25,000, such as renovations or new recreational facilities. Two members expressed concern with
the City’s decision not to install new lighting fixtures at the McMullen Tennis Complex pro court. Staff was requested to ask the lighting contractor for an estimate of lighting the
pro court. Mr. Miller reported the time frame for resurfacing courts 1 through 8, and status of the restroom improvement contract. General discussion ensued regarding plans to upgrade
bike trails for use as recreation paths for bikes, skates, jogging, and walking.
D. Status of Meetings with City Commissioners
Mr. Kader reported the City Clerk and City Manager have indicated the City Commission has not scheduled meetings with any advisory boards. They will meet with boards on an as needed
basis. General discussion ensued regarding the different philosophies of the current Commission.
E. McMullen Park Tennis Complex Capital Projects
Mr. Miller added to above discussion, reporting the City’s electrical group is installing outlets on courts 1 through 8 for ball machines, and working with the lighting contractor on
courts 9 through 16.
F. Palms on State Road 60
Mr. Kader distributed copies of City Nursery Superintendent Mark Roether’s letter regarding his proposal to plant palm trees in City rights-of-way that intersect Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard,
between Highland Avenue and US 19. Mr. Roether is working personally to keep the property owners in the vicinity apprised of the project. Many business owners have indicated interest
in participating by having palms planted on their properties near the rights-of-way.
New Business
A. Location of March Board Meeting
Several board members favored holding the next meeting at the Morningside Recreation Complex. One member suggested the Ross Norton facility as an alternative. Staff will investigate
whether a presentation can be prepared regarding the contract instructor’s program.
Board and Staff Discussion
Mr. Kader distributed copies of a letter from Historic Bayview Association regarding initiation of a process to consider acquisition of the four acre Bayview Park parcel. He said this
item is coming before the City Commission. Discussion ensued regarding City Environmental staff’s list of priority lands for acquisition, impact fees, cost, funding, and potential uses.
If purchased by the City, it was indicated the property would have to be used as a park. Members Kirbas and Harris expressed concerns the City had not followed up on previous board
recommendations to pursue acquisition of the Bayview or Magnolia Falls parcels.
Member Lindner reported residents have been complaining of broken beer bottles from after hours parties at Coachman Ridge Park, especially on weekends. Staff will alert the Police Department
of the problem.
Member Lindner reported posting signs prohibiting skating on Clearwater High School tennis courts helped for a while, but organized hockey practice appears to be starting on Sundays.
He expressed concern regarding damage to the new nets. Mr. Kader said the School is supposed to resurface the courts, while the City maintains the lights. He will investigate the
activity and whether or not Sunday patrols occur in that area.
Member Lindner reported recycled roofing shingle material is used to pave running trails up north. He requested staff to look into this method for surfacing the old fitness trail at
Crest Lake Park, to allow runners to get off the concrete onto a soft, even surface. General discussion ensued regarding the issue.
Chairperson Harris requested board opinion regarding term limits for board officers. Two members agreed with limiting the Chair and Vice Chair’s service to not more than two consecutive
terms. Two members supported limiting the offices to one term to provide more opportunities for members who desire to serve. Staff was requested to research the Board’s rules, and
agenda this item for the next meeting.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
Chair
Parks and Recreation Board
Attest:
Board Reporter