04/27/1998PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
April 27, 1998
Present: Larry Lindner Chair
William Kirbas Vice Chair
Gary Giordano Board Member
Donald Harris Board Member
Kim Cashman Board Member
Vacant Seat
Art Kader Interim Parks and Recreation Director
Steve Miller Recreation Superintendent
Gwen Legters Board Reporter
Absent: Gerry Shriver Board Member
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Services Building.
To provide continuity, items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
Minutes Approval - March 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 Steve Miller
Mr. Miller distributed handouts highlighting programs and events scheduled for the month of May. He called attention to: 1) Fun ’n Sun activities; 2) New hours pilot program at Countryside
Recreation Center to gather data for next budget year; 3) Moonlight Recreation Summer program seven days a week until midnight; 4) Summer Camp registration; 5) Aquatic programs; and
6) Memorial Day events. He encouraged members to share summer camp information with the public in advance, because camps fill up the first day.
Old Business
A. Current Capital Improvement Projects Status – Art Kader
Mr. Kader discussed changes since last month, detailing status of acoustical improvements at Countryside Recreation Center; Ross Norton Park renovations; and Cherry Harris Park. He
said the bid award for the E.C. Moore West softball complex and recreation path was pulled from the May City Commission agenda because the low bidder backed out. It is hoped to award
the bid at the first meeting in June. The complex will be located between the E.C. Moore complex and Eisenhower Elementary school.
In response to questions, Mr. Miller said cracked tennis courts at the McMullen complex are being resurfaced in response to a request by USTA. Staff is still exploring options for the
beach swimming pool.
B. Capital Improvement Program Priorities – Fiscal Year 1998/99 – Art Kader
General discussion ensued regarding rationale for suggested priorities, staffing needs, and funding sources. The board ranked park development projects as follows:
1. Pinellas Trail amenities
2. Skate Park Facility
3. Swimming Pool Renovations
4. McMullen Tennis Soft Courts
5. Clearwater Beach Restroom Renovation
6. Softball Complex Development Phase II
7. Recreation Portable Stage (Showmobile)
8. Jack Russell/Carpenter infrastr. repair
9. State Road 60 Beautification Project
10. Cultural/Social Recreation Center
11. Clearwater Beach Pinellas Trail Spur
12. Northeast Coachman Park
13. Passenger Van
14. Disc Golf Course Renovations
15. Recreation Trails
Discussion ensued regarding presentation of the board’s ranking to the City Commission. Questions were raised regarding soft tennis court status. Mr. Miller and Mr. Kader discussed
maintenance issues, water requirements, proposed locations, cost estimates, conceptual funding sources, and higher costs, compared to hard courts. Board members indicated people want
to play on soft courts and have said they are willing to pay substantially higher court fees. Mr. Kader said staff will push for soft courts, as they ranked high on the board’s priority
list.
C. Skate Park Issues
Mr. Kader said $101,000 is budgeted for a skate park and associated facilities. Staff has looked at 32 locations Citywide, and held public hearings. Crest Lake Park is no longer being
considered as a potential location. Discussion ensued regarding location criteria, merits of putting a skate park next to an established public park; anticipated heavy usage; and a
commercial skate park being built on Ulmerton Road. In response to a question, Mr. Kader said the City’s skate park will be an outdoor facility.
New Business
A. Penny for Pinellas Projects
Discussion ensued regarding a comparison of the cost list originally approved by the City Commission, versus current recommended funding for the prioritized projects.
B. May Meeting Location and Program
Consensus was to hold the regular meeting in the Municipal Services Building. Determination of subsequent meeting locations will be discussed. The meeting was moved up to May 18, 1998
due to the Memorial Day holiday.
Board and Staff Discussion
City public relations staff was praised for doing a fine job on the new edition of Clearwater Magazine. The second edition was felt to be an improvement over the first.
Discussion ensued regarding work in progress and funding for Clearwater High School tennis courts and track resurfacing.
Board members thanked Mr. Kirbas for his years of service on the board. Mr. Kirbas said he had requested reappointment to another term, but the City Commission selected another volunteer.
He noted appointee Sarah Wiand is active on the beach and will be an asset to the board. He urged the board to push for making McMullen Tennis Complex the finest in Florida,
with the addition of soft courts.
Discussion ensued regarding the need for a Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Staff was requested to reissue the Fred Thomas survey regarding what the public wanted in parks and recreation
facilities. While the statistics would be outdated, it was felt the report contained ideas worthy of board review.
In a follow-up item from the last meeting, Mr. Miller displayed a sample of framed, interpretive signage that will replace old rusty signs at Moccasin Lake Park.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.