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02/23/1998PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER February 23, 1998 Present: Larry Lindner Chair William Kirbas Vice Chair Gary Giordano Board Member Gerry Shriver Board Member Kim Cashman Board Member Appointee Art Kader Acting Parks and Recreation Director Steve Miller Recreation Superintendent Gwen Legters Board Reporter Absent: Donald Harris Board Member Charles Weaver Board Member Gary Meritt (resigned) Board Member The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at Clearwater Community Sailing Center, 1001 Gulf Boulevard. To provide continuity, the items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. II. Minutes Approval - January 26, 1998 Mr. Kader amended the second paragraph on page 4 to read, “Mr. Kader reported staff was to revisit cost estimates and design for a small neighborhood park on a lot in Island Estates, for future consideration by the City Commission. Site plans for condominiums to the east and an existing marina to the west were discussed.” Member Giordano moved to approve the minutes as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. III. Correspondence Board member Gary Meritt submitted a letter of resignation from the Parks and Recreation Board citing time conflicts with his growing business. IV. Upcoming Recreation Events - Report by Steve Miller Mr. Miller distributed handouts highlighting programs and events scheduled for the month of March. He called attention to 1) Clearwater Community Chorus Presents: A Little Off Broadway at Ruth Eckerd Hall; 2) Clearwater Community Chorus auditions for Fun ’N’ Sun concert; 3) Kids Express Theater Group; 4) Greater Clearwater Times Turkey Trot Track Team; and 5) Spring Break Camp Registration. Mr. Miller reported the track at Clearwater High School was condemned, impacting the Turkey Trot Track Team and other meets with economic impact. It is hoped to move the track program to Countryside High School. A flyer was distributed advertising Clearwater Welcomes the Philles tomorrow night. The February edition of Volunteer Update was distributed. Created by Parks and Recreation Volunteer Coordinator Lisa Hall, the newsletter increases communication, recognizes volunteers and publicizes events. V. Presentation -- Clearwater Community Sailing Center – Supervisor Laurie Schultz Ms. Schultz highlighted her background in the City recreation and marine departments. She gave an overview of the Sailing Center facility, programs, events, and educational opportunities. The second floor meeting room is used for meetings, classes, sailing clinics, and is rented for celebrations, weddings, and parties. Yoga, watercolor, and line dancing classes are held for the benefit of those with “non-nautical” interests. The room was named for Don Carlisle, sponsor of the Windjammers’ annual Carlisle Classic. Funds raised by this event enabled purchase of several new prams. The board toured the facility from 6:47 to 7:11 p.m. Ms. Schultz said the center has 13 prams up and running, 13 Sunfish, 3 Lasers, and 4 day sailers. She displayed models of each type of boat, citing their capabilities and programs in which they are used. Site features included rack storage areas for boats and trailers, a floating dock built to accommodate a ferry used while the bridge to the mainland was closed, the facility’s office, an equipment storage, maintenance, and repair room, restrooms, and showers. Boat storage rates, launching fees, instructional materials for sailing certification, and a wide variety of programs were discussed. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to sunset, daily. History of the pram program and adult/youth participation were discussed. While she did not know the percentage of operating costs covered by sailing center revenues, Ms. Schultz said room rentals and program participant fees are a big economic benefit to the City. She listed room rental rates, indicating they are competitive with the private market. The center has 2.5 full-time staff. Private sailing lessons are available. VI. Old Business A. Capital Improvement Projects Status Mr. Kader highlighted changes from the previous report. It was felt McMullen tennis courts #9 through #17 are in good shape and scheduling resurfacing is premature. Staff will investigate. In response to questions, Mr. Kader discussed history of project #3212, a recreation path proposed five years ago to create an east/west link from Del Oro to Safety Harbor. B. Skate Park Locations Mr. Kader displayed a City map showing a proposed east/west bicycle trail, and a number of potential skate park sites of varying size. Staff will recommend three sites for consideration by the City Commission: 1) along Court Street adjacent to Glen Oaks golf course; 2) on the south side of Crest Lake Park, and 3) on the tree farm site along the proposed Keene Road extension. All three sites would provide adequate space for parking. A color handout depicted skate parks in Collier County, Florida. In response to questions, Mr. Kader felt a nicely landscaped skate park at Crest Lake Park would be compatible with Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard improvements as it would provide a festive, fun attraction to draw public interest and bring people back. The board asked about the status of the Crest Lake Master Plan. Mr. Kader indicated this was currently on hold. He explained consideration was being given to using these funds along with other funds to develop a master Plan for the total Parks and Recreation system. Northeast Coachman Park Maintenance Mr. Kader reported parks maintenance staff has been made aware the little park floods frequently during heavy rains. They have a routine in place now for clearing sand and debris that wash through the park. D. Crest Lake Ground Cover In response to a concern that mulch washed away from some areas of the new westerly sidewalk, staff looked at creative alternatives. The mulch is being replaced with road millings, a compactable, water permeable material that will provide an attractive ground cover. The replacement is about 50% complete. E. Status of Resolution 97-43 regarding Park Names Mr. Kader reported the City Manager is taking this item to the City Commission in March as a work session discussion item. VII. New Business A. Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Fiscal Year 1998/99 Mr. Kader has not received information about the new budget. He distributed copies a handout titled, 1998 Through 2003 Capital Improvement Program and 1997/98 Capital Budget. A CIP is any project over $25,000 with a life expectancy of three years or more. He requested board members to review staff recommendations for the purpose of discussion and board recommendations at the next meeting. He noted funding for soft tennis courts at the McMullen complex was moved from another project. B. Countryside “Wish List” The City Manager has asked Mr. Kader to look into issues raised in a recent article in which residents were requesting a recreation trail, building expansion, and operating until midnight for the Countryside Recreation Center. He was not sure of the driving force for the wishes expressed in the article. Late hours have been attempted by moving staff around. Additional space would make the facility more user friendly for many of the programming operations. Staff will look into expanding, as the building was designed for expansion without sacrificing aesthetics. Brief discussion ensued regarding factors involved in a conceptual plan for a bike trail in North Clearwater joining the future trail route along McMullen Booth Road, crossing the Bayside Bridge. Board and Staff Comments New member Kim Cashman was welcomed to the board. Member Kirbas announced he has completed his first term on the board. He said the City Commission has delayed action on his reappointment until after the election in which he is a candidate. He has enjoyed serving on the board and would like to be reappointed if he is not elected City Commissioner. Member Lindner noted Clearwater Magazine is being mailed to every household in the City, but children may not be getting enough information about programs in which they may be interested. He suggested children were more likely to see youth programming information if it was distributed to schools. Mr. Miller appreciated the suggestion, stating he sends information to elementary schools routinely, but has not looked into sending flyers to middle schools. Member Shriver confirmed one private school’s interest, stating she forwards Mr. Miller’s monthly event calendar to St. Cecelia’s where it is copied into the school bulletin. Mr. Kader asked for board input regarding a complaint that residents find it difficult to use courts at their favorite times due to tournament scheduling. Board members did not find reason for concern, noting courts are available at other locations and tournaments are open for public participation. General discussion ensued regarding the issue. Mr. Kader responded to questions regarding the Clearwater High School track, stating there are problems with the track. The school is looking for reasonable solutions and the City may be asked to assist in the project. VIII. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m. note: Kim Cashman’s term officially starts March 1st Charles Weaver was absent this meeting because he was incorrectly told that January was his last meeting to attend in his term. His term was to 2/28/98.