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03/23/1998PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER March 23, 1998 Present: Larry Lindner Chair William Kirbas Vice Chair Gary Giordano Board Member Donald Harris Board Member Gerry Shriver Board Member Kim Cashman Board Member Vacant Seat Board Member Art Kader Interim Parks and Recreation Director Birgitt Dowd Public Information Specialist 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. Minutes Approval - February 23, 1998 Member Kirbas moved to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Correspondence - None Upcoming Recreation Events - Report by Birgitt Dowd Ms. Dowd distributed handouts highlighting programs and events scheduled for the month of April. She called attention to: 1) Countryside Recreation Center’s expanded hours; 2) Spring Break Camps; 3) Easter activities; 4) Brown Bag Lunch Time Concert Series at Station Square Park; and 5) Fun ’n Sun activities April 18 through May 3. Sponsors were recognized and handouts distributed. Discussion ensued regarding a detailed media guide, Spring Break & Easter activities hours, fee schedules, and distribution of sports program information to middle schools per the board’s request. Old Business Current Capital Improvement Projects Status Mr. Kader discussed changes since last month, detailing work done at three softball fields. He explained the sports field light replacement program and lighting priorities. The board praised new lighting at Sid Lickton fields. In response to a question, he listed three potential sites under consideration for skate parks. A memo from Recreation Superintendent Steve Miller explained the tennis court resurfacing program. B. Countryside “Wish List” Mr. Kader listed a number of improvements at the Countryside Recreation Center requested by residents. Some ideas are undergoing a two-month trial, others are being studied conceptually to see if adequate interest exists to justify bringing them forward to the City Commission. Mr. Kader noted no funding currently exists for programs or expansion. C. Status of Clearwater High School Track and Tennis Courts Discussion ensued regarding the joint program between the high school and City, where residents are allowed to use the facility. The track and tennis courts are out of operation. Mr. Kader referred to a status report from Steve Miller stating the School Board is committed to redoing the track as an 8-lane asphalt track; however, the timing is not known. A committee is working on the issue. It was felt the tennis courts will be finished before the start of next school year in August 1998. Lighting configuration will be addressed as the project progresses. VI. New Business Charette for North and South Greenwood Courts Mr. Kader said a consulting firm is working to develop a master plan for this area, in conjunction with "One City. One Future." The public is encouraged to attend a meeting March 28 at Martin Luther King Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., to meet with the consultants, share ideas and provide input. Landscape Projects Status Mr. Kader shared details of landscaping improvement projects underway at many City locations in conjunction with "One City. One Future." In response to questions, he did not know whether the Memorial Civic Center parking lot will be reconfigured to increase parking and facilitate traffic flow. Staff was praised for the improved appearance of several sites. One important factor in deciding where to landscape is maintaining all the landscaping being installed. In response to a question, Mr. Kader said landscaping at Frank Tack Park would be addressed when parking facility improvements are scheduled. C. Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Fiscal Year 1998/99 Discussion ensued regarding handouts detailing: 1)  existing CIP for 1997/98; 2) CIP Priorities for 1998/99; 3) Summary of FY 1998-99 through 2004 CIP and FY 1998-99 Capital Budget; 4) a Detail sheet of the above projects; and 5) Projects Under Consideration for CIP Funding. Due to the limited time remaining for submission to the Budget office and the City Manager, it was suggested for the board to review the documents and schedule a special meeting to rank priorities. In response to questions, Mr. Kader said monies budgeted for a Crest Lake Master Plan and a cultural/social program/arts center may be reallocated to enable a City-wide Parks and Recreation Master Plan. It is hoped a RFP (Request for Proposal) can go out soon. Discussion ensued regarding Clearwater beach pool siting issues and criteria evaluated when looking at the need for pools. D. April Meeting Location and Program Consensus was to hold the next regular meeting in the Municipal Services Building, Parks and Recreation Department conference room, for the purpose of prioritizing the budget. Now that regular meetings are no longer televised, consensus was to begin holding meetings in various recreation facilities. Consensus was to change the date of the May meeting to May 18 due to the Memorial Day holiday. Board Comments Member Kirbas noted there were not enough volunteers on the list to refill the vacant seats on this board. He said the rules provide for a member whose term has expired to remain on the board until a replacement is appointed. In response to questions, Mr. Kader said the City has not been able to negotiate a contract with the first choice for Parks and Recreation Director. Mr. Kader remains Interim Director, and the department is moving ahead with exciting things started prior to Mr. Wilson’s retirement and new initiatives generated by “One City. One Future.” Staff will check into complaints that posting of campaign signs in designated areas was prohibited at Moccasin Lake and Morningside polling places during the recent City election. Staff will check into a report that maintenance is needed on signage at native bird cages in Moccasin Lake Park. Mr. Kader said resurfacing Morningside tennis courts is in the next fiscal year budget. Discussion ensued regarding unscheduled use of McKay Play Field on Clearwater beach by residents. While some programming is attempted occasionally, the field is too small for programmed soccer meets. Staff welcomed ideas for improving the field. General consensus was the area should remain open, green space. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.