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03/24/1997PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER March 24, 1997 Present: Donald Harris Larry Lindner Charles Weaver Gary Meritt William Kirbas Gary Giordano Gerry Shriver Chair Vice Chair Board Member Board Member 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   The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Morningside Recreation Center. To provide continuity, the items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 2. Minutes Approval - February 24, 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 - Report by Steve Miller Mr. Miller distributed handouts highlighting programs and event scheduled for the month of April. He called attention to: 1) Children’s Fun Morning on April 5; 2) Tampa Bay Chamber Orchestra Concert Sunday on April 6; 3) Clearwater Fun N’ Sun Festival April 17 through May 4; 4) Morningside Pool Opening April 21; and 5) Saturday in the City/Downtown Marketplace Concert Series on Saturdays. 6. Presentation -- Morningside Recreation Center Program -- Laura Mowry Watt, Complex Supervisor, and Trish Shea, Center Supervisor Mr. Wilson introduced Ms. Watt, who handed out packets highlighting the variety of programs and activities available at the center. Ms. Shea conducted a slide show set to music, featuring popular indoor and outdoor classes and activities. Among the highlighted programs were preschool Mommy & Me classes, tennis, summer camp, swimming pool, game room, social bridge, line and ballroom dancing , “light moves” exercise, tap dancing for adults; gymnastics, and martial arts. Ms. Shea runs the summer camp and likes to present a slide show for parents at the end of each session. Because of the popularity of the summer camp, registration was changed from Saturday to Friday evenings to ease the competition for registration space. In response to questions, Ms. Watt said programs for adults include social bridge, light moves exercise, adult tap, clogging and country line dancing, summer water exercise, and several cultural programs such as pottery and sewing. The pool is junior Olympic size. While center staff tries to create incorporate programs to interest teenagers, Ms. Watt indicated those programs are not usually well attended because teens tend to prefer unstructured activities such as basketball, free play and swimming. Some teen intramural sports activities are held, but she said more teens are seen at the McMullen complex. She said the Sunday hours pilot has been very successful for outside activities, but attendance inside has been light. They are in the process of designing weekend inside activities to encourage more people to stop in. Currently rentals and line dancing activities are scheduled inside on Sundays. Discussion ensued regarding tennis court lighting timers. Mr. Wilson responded to questions about the history of the location and the building formerly operated as Coconuts nightclub. Mr. Miller said the center opened as Morningside Swim and Tennis Club in 1964, when memberships were sold to homeowners. The City purchased the outside grounds and equipment in 1972 for a recreation center, but the building remained in use by various restaurants for many years. The City purchased the building ten years later in response to residents’ concerns about the mixed use with recreation when Coconuts started operating as a nightclub. Mr. Wilson stated the location is a great place for a recreation center. He praised recreation staff for the beautiful appearance of the facility and the preschool room in which the board was meeting. Old Business A. Clearwater Beach Pool Mr. Wilson reported a public meeting will be held at the Clearwater Beach Recreation Complex on Monday, March 31 at 7:00 p.m. Public input will be accepted regarding the $575,000 conceptual plan to mix a pool with water park amenities on the site near the tennis courts. City staff and the design consultant will attend to answer questions. B. Capital Improvement Projects Update -- Art Kader Mr. Kader submitted an updated report of ongoing projects. For future reports, he will show the changes from the previous month. C. McMullen Tennis Complex Mr. Miller provided the follow updates: 1) Resurfacing of courts 5 through 8 will be finished by Friday, and courts 1 through 4 are targeted for completion by April 14; 2) Seven bids were received for the restroom renovation; low bid was from Darcon, Inc., Oldsmar, Florida; contract approval goes before the City Commission on April 3; and the project is targeted for completion by July; 3) Lighting targeted for April 4 is a week behind schedule because of the obligation to install electrical service; 4) Pro court lighting will be handled internally; a letter from the lighting contractor explained why the pro court was not part of the bid; 5) Soft court installation will be discussed during budget discussions. General discussion ensued regarding tennis court lighting foot-candle measurements, removal of old stanchions, and transition from old to new lighting. D. Bayview Property Status Mr. Wilson reported a Bayview resident has requested the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and the City to put together a grant application for acquisition of the Bayview property as a park. Mr. Wilson and Mr. Kader have reviewed significant properties list with Tom Miller, Assistant Director of Engineering/Environmental Management, who has indicated they might be in position to write a grant application. The City Commission will decide whether or not to pursue the grant request, depending on the cost of the property, how much of the cost has to come from the City, whether the land can be designated as a significant property, or whether another property might be better. He assured the board the idea is still active. One member questioned why nothing was done in response to the board’s past recommendation to acquire the property, but a resident’s request seems to have generated an active response. Mr. Wilson responded staff took the board’s recommendation forward during budget hearings, but the City Commission had apparently determined other items had higher priority at the time. The City Commission still might not be interested, but that is yet to be determined. In response to a question, Mr. Wilson said the Magnolia Falls property is still very desirable, but the decision whether or not the City should pursue acquisition has not been made because: 1) the property is on the Penny for Pinellas list; 2) the unusual circumstance of the large number of parties involved; and 3) no one will be developing the falls because it is in the City of Safety Harbor’s conservation area. E. Skating on Clearwater High School Property One member noted posting the area with signs has been effective during school days, but he has observed organized roller hockey team practice on weekends. Mr. Kader responded Steve Fairchild, real property manager for the school system, is aware of the concern and will pass the information on to the school principal. Mr. Wilson stated the City will begin taking a proactive approach to providing more opportunities for skateboards and inline skates. He referred to a skateboard video he has received indicating how administration and personnel of many cities have begun to address the issue. He will agenda the 45-minute video for next month’s meeting and offered it to any member who wishes to view it ahead of time. Mr. Wilson responded to questions, stating the other cities have not experienced an increase in liability problems as a result of skateboard parks. The Parks and Recreation Department would be responsible for maintaining the green areas, not the pavement. He was aware of the heavy skateboard activity on Clearwater beach, but said there is a problem finding a location. In response to a concern the school tennis courts should not be advertised with City courts because of their poor condition, Mr. Wilson agreed the courts are probably maintained at a different level. Because of the joint use of the courts, he indicated they should probably continue to be listed along with the City courts, but perhaps could be asterisked that they are on school property. F. Crest Lake Running Trail Discussion ensued regarding whether users prefer the old fitness course or the new fitness court. Concern was expressed, because users no longer run between stations, the grass is not worn enough to keep the trail clearly marked. Staff was asked to investigate marking the trail. One member felt park users have not had enough time to change over to the new equipment. Board members discussed different means of marking the trail, and the running surface preferences of different types of trail user. One member noted the board put a lot of effort into making the McMullen Tennis Complex into a first rate park. He advocated putting a similar amount of time and effort into Crest Lake Park. Another member stressed, whatever upgrades are decided, the park should remain passive. Mr. Wilson responded staff has recognized that courts are easier to maintain, but courses receive heavier usage. He will look at marking the trail. He felt the best overall answer will be achieved when a planner looks at incorporating innovative designs into the master plan for the park. Mr. Miller noted an elaborate plan was created several years ago, but the surrounding residents had not wanted an elaborate plan. He said funds have been budgeted for the master plan study of the park because trends change and the park is due for a fresh look. He acknowledged opinions vary and many are frustrated when their favorite systems are changed. G. Term of Board Chair Mr. Wilson reported the Code does not set term limits for board offices, but allows advisory boards to adopt rules to govern their proceedings. One member felt is was preferable to limit board offices to one year by consensus, whenever feasible, in order to increase the opportunity for those who wish to hold office during their four year term. Because board membership gets low at times, another member felt a two-year maximum office was in the best interest of continuity, in case several new members are appointed at once. Mr. Wilson requested a continuance of this issue to allow more time for CIP discussions later in today’s agenda. He praised board members for their conscientious attendance. New Business A.. Capital Improvement Budget -- Request Fiscal Year 1997/98 Mr. Wilson reported he meets with the City Manager tomorrow to begin the process of forecasting the budget for the next several years. He distributed the handout entitled, “1998 Through 2003 Capital Improvement Budget and 199798 Capital Budget.” Mr. Kader gave a general overview of the document which highlights all current programs in the CIP, a description of each, the annual operating costs, Comprehensive Plan objective, projected cost schedule, and recommended funding source. He explained completed projects are dropped from the final document and no new projects are included. In response to a question, Mr. Kader deferred discussion of Penny for Pinellas projects until later in the presentation. The second handout was entitled, FY 199798 Through FY 2003 Capital Improvement Program and FY 199798 Capital Budget.” Mr. Kader noted where Penny for Pinellas projects are included, stating the shaded areas of the document represent where money has gone in for new projects. Mr. Kader explained how the handout was broken down into sections relating to parkland acquisition, new park development, beautification and Penny for Pinellas projects. A question was raised whether the Clearwater Airpark property may be used for a new Phillies Complex under Penny for Pinellas. Mr. Wilson responded the City Commission will determine whether the present use as an airpark is the best use after the current lease expires. Mr. Wilson said he had suggested a Phillies Complex as a possibility, if it is determined the City Commission is interested in pursuing alternatives. Mr. Kader said there had been some discussion of a new Phillies Complex with more parking, but it was not in the Parks and Recreation budget. Mr. Giles and his staff have indicated they are happy with the current facility. The third and final handout, “Proposed FY 199798 Through FY 2003 Capital Improvement Program and FY 199798 Capital Budget Priorities”, shows old and new projects, and suggested priorities. Discussion ensued regarding the priorities listed for park development projects in the two-page document. The board was particularly interested in the City’s efforts to rent or purchase property for a cultural social hall belonging to the City. Concern was expressed with the amount of City money spent on the Harborview Center, when it has no space to meet the City’s needs. As Mr. Kader read through the priorities list, Mr. Wilson briefly highlighted Marshall Park renovations, Island Estates Playground, Winn Dixie linear park, Countryside ballfield restroom, and armory floor replacement. Mr. Kader noted the last six items on the list are out-year projects for which no money has been immediately budgeted. Mr. Wilson responded to questions regarding the above items. He said an Island Estates neighborhood group has asked the City to use the lot to create a passive park. General discussion ensued regarding the nature of the playground proposal and its general location. Concerns were expressed a playground right on the water’s edge might be dangerous. Mr. Wilson briefly related the status of the Winn Dixie redevelopment, stating details of the project are being negotiated with the City’s Community and Economic Development people. Mr. Kader said funds for the Countryside ballfield restroom were moved up from an out year, because a booster group is willing to pursue the issue sooner. The restroom will be maintained by the school. It was indicated staff has no specific plans for the Memorial Civic Center if Penny for Pinellas does not pass. Mr. Wilson said scheduling is difficult because of the parking shortage. Mr. Wilson requested board input regarding the budget presentations and general discussion ensued. He explained how the City Commission approaches the budget process, stating each project must stand on its own merit. In response to a question, it was indicated Parks and Recreation cost estimates have historically been low, but the department is learning to budget contingency money for soft costs. He explained how Budget Director Tina Wilson works to balance the budget by projecting estimated revenues and expenditures. One member requested a higher priority for the Crest Lake Park Master Plan study. One member expressed concern the City Commission seems to be trying to establish themselves as fiscal conservators and there is concern they will start cutting back more than is necessary. Consensus was a special meeting is needed to prepare recommendations and set budget priorities. The board agreed to meet one Monday evening in April, date to be determined. Mr. Wilson will notify board members when the meeting date is set. Board and Staff Discussion Member Weaver raised three questions; 1) whether the orange stripes on the sidewalk at Crest Lake Park indicate the sidewalk is being torn up; 2) whether the sand around the Clearwater beach play apparatus can be sifted to remove the large number of cigarette butts; and 3) why the Long Center staff told him on two occasions there is no provision for a daily swimming fee for non-members. Mr. Wilson and Mr. Miller will investigate these issues. Member Lindner expressed the following concerns: 1) shortage or absence of free mulch and compost supplies at the Hercules and Moccasin Lake recycling sites; 2) reports of the ballfield lights at Drew Street and McMullen Booth Road staying on until late at night; and 3) the light on the southwest corner of McMullen Complex court #1 is still out after more than a year. Mr. Wilson will investigate the mulch and compost supplies. He said the ballfield lights are on timers, and it is likely the lights were on for field maintenance due to an early schedule the next day. Mr. Miller said the tennis court lighting contractor has arranged to replace the light on court #1 and bill the City separately. Member Harris stated he umpires for two leagues, and questioned whether the baseball fields will remain at St. Petersburg Junior College. Mr. Wilson responded, while certain questions remain about lighting, an attorney is drawing up a contract for the City to take over maintenance of the two baseball fields, and the soccer fields, and the City has budgeted the necessary funds. He said the fields are not being torn down, and a golf driving range is not going in. Mr. Harris said league officials regret the loss of one Phillies field. Mr. Kader was quick to acknowledge the graciousness of the Phillies to allow continued use of one field. In response to a question, it was indicated Larry Dowd handles field coordination for the City. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.