Loading...
08/25/1997PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER August 25, 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 - July 28, 1997 Member Lindner moved to approve the minutes as submitted to each member in writing by the Board Reporter. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Correspondence - None 4. Upcoming Recreation Events - Report by Steve Miller The board received handouts highlighting programs and events scheduled for the month of September. He specifically noted: 1) Coed Water Polo League; 2) Amateur Softball Association National Tournament; 3) Auditions for Kids-A-Poppin youth song and dance troupe, Clearwater Community Chorus, and Kids Express youth theater; 4) Officer Friendly Bike Safety Jamboree; 5) School’s Out-Camp’s In fun days off; and 6) 4x4 Flag Football. 5. Presentation -- Countryside Recreation Center Program – Steve Miller The board received a First Year of Operation Summary, Fall 1997 Class Schedule, and Cumulative Revenue Report for FY 1996/97. Mr. Miller spoke in detail regarding the first year operation summary. The center has been well received, amount of use is consistent with forecasting, and operating costs are less, while revenue has exceeded initial estimates. Discussion ensued regarding participant fees for cardholders, fitness room use, contract instructor program fees, operating costs, and revenue from recreation cards issued since the new center opened. Mr. Miller listed the activities featured during the recent first year anniversary celebration, stating the new center is pleasing and a good model for other centers. 6. Old Business A. Resolution to Name Parks - General Discussion The board received a copy of Resolution 97-43, amending City policy and procedure for naming new City parks and renaming existing parks under certain circumstances. Discussion ensued regarding merits of the amendment to Section 1(b) stating the Parks and Recreation Board will not consider any request to rename existing parks unless so requested by motion of the City Commission. Concerns were expressed with the apparent contradiction of requiring park naming proposals to be processed through the Parks and Recreation Department and submitted to the Parks and Recreation Board, but not considered unless so requested by motion of the City Commission. Discussion ensued regarding history and success of the naming process since adoption of Resolution 94-12 in January, 1994. It was indicated the 1994 resolution was drafted to serve as a guideline to curb frequent park renaming requests. The current amendment was adopted due to the time sensitive nature of a recent request to rename an existing park after Ms. Cherry Harris. Concern was expressed the amendment is a loophole that will allow the Commission to be flooded with renaming requests. Discussion ensued regarding one member’s suggestion to strike Sections 1(b) and 1(c), providing for the Parks and Recreation Board to handle all naming and renaming requests. However, it was indicated the established process for naming recreation facilities within parks is working well. Consensus was to formally request elimination of Section 1(b) from Resolution 9743. Mr. Wilson suggested the board forward its recommendation in writing through the City Manager. Member Kirbas moved for the Parks and Recreation Board Chair to draft a letter to the City Manager requesting elimination of Section 1(b) from Resolution 97-43, and requesting the City Manager to forward the board’s request for City Commission approval. The motion was duly seconded. Upon the vote being taken, Members Harris, Lindner, Kirbas, Giordano, Meritt, and Shriver voted “Aye”; Member Weaver voted “Nay.” Motion carried. Further discussion ensued regarding the issue. Mr. Wilson stated the amendment was done quickly due to the time element regarding Ms. Harris’ health, not to circumvent the board. Discussion resumed regarding merits of the recent amendment to Section 1(b). B. McMullen Tournament Court Lights/Crest Lake Sidewalk/ Disc Golf Course Mr. Wilson stated round concrete light poles have been difficult to obtain but a vendor has been found. Sidewalks are finished along the north and west sides of Crest Lake Park. City Public Service is working to repair a major washout at the Coachman Park disc golf course after last Friday’s rain. A line has been painted on the practice wall at Forest Run. C. Current Capital Improvement Projects - Art Kader The board received a report of changes since the last meeting with regard to the new softball complex, final punchlist at McMullen Tennis Complex, opening of a concession stand at Philip Jones Clubhouse, and Lake Chautauqua Park permits. Board members were requested to inform Mr. Miller if they wished to attend the Bombers softball tournament games. In response to questions, Mr. Wilson detailed proposed continuation of beautification efforts along State Road 60/Gulf-To-Bay Boulevard east of Highland Avenue. Discussion ensued regarding streetscaping suggestions and DOT safety regulations for landscaping in rights-of-way. 7. New Business A. September Board Meeting Consensus was for the board to tour Ross Norton Park if the September meeting is not televised. If the meeting is televised, no recreational program presentation will be scheduled. B. Penny for Pinellas Projects - Discussion Mr. Wilson highlighted the projects list for 2000 - 2010, stating the new Memorial Causeway Bridge is the largest item. The City Commission will discuss, prioritize, and give staff direction regarding the list. Staff will keep the board updated. C. Marketing Programs and Facilities Mr. Wilson reported City Manager Roberto feels strong marketing is important to promote the departments and inform the public. A quarterly City news magazine is being suggested, similar to what is done in Anaheim, California. He described Anaheim’s publication, partially funded by advertising only from that city’s enterprise fund departments, and mailed to every resident, at a cost of $45,000. Staff has discussed how such a publication could be implemented for Clearwater. While such a magazine could be a good idea to promote Clearwater, concern was expressed going to quarterly publication might involve a year-round staff effort. He explained the existing process of compiling recreation class schedules for the Communiqué, stating it is time consuming and difficult to ensure accuracy. It is possible the City Commission is aiming to have the first edition out by January, with updates as frequently as possible. Board and Staff Discussion Member Lindner questioned whether anything can be done to distinguish the downtown segment of the Pinellas Trail from other sidewalks. Mr. Wilson responded affirmatively, stating money is in the budget for trail amenities, striping, signs, and a public restroom downtown. He outlined a plan suggested by City Building Official Victor Chodora to change East Avenue to a single one-way lane going north along the railroad tracks, converting the remaining right-of-way for Trail use. Brief discussion ensued regarding the minimal impact to adjacent business owners of removing one traffic lane. Mr. Wilson will keep the board informed whether staff pursues the suggestion. Member Kirbas raised a question regarding a recent park survey done by Lt. Kronschnabl. Mr. Miller said the City Community Response Team received grants to examine recreation centers as focus points for public meetings concerning code compliance. Member Kirbas questioned the status of plans to celebrate the opening of the McMullen Tennis Complex. Mr. Miller responded it is hoped to schedule an open house this Fall. Staff is currently tied up with promotion of the Winter Olympics in Nagano and other activities. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.