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05/18/1998PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER May 18, 1998 Present: Larry Lindner Chair Gary Giordano Board Member Donald Harris Board Member Gerry Shriver Board Member Kim Cashman Board Member Stephen Swanberg Board Member Sarah Wiand Board Member  Art Kader Interim Parks and Recreation Director Steve Miller Recreation Superintendent Gwen Legters Board Reporter To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Services Building. 2. Minutes Approval -- April 27, 1998 Member Harris moved to approve the minutes according to copies submitted in writing to each member by the Board Reporter. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Correspondence — None 4. Introduction of New Board Members — Ms. Sarah Wiand and Mr. Stephen Swanberg Ms. Wiand and Mr. Swanberg shared information about their backgrounds and interest in serving on the Parks and Recreation Board. 5. Upcoming Recreation Events — Steve Miller and Terry Schmidt Mr. Miller and Mr. Schmidt highlighted activities scheduled for the U-92 Fest, the Memorial weekend event primarily sponsored by U-92 radio station. Staff was pleased to report the City was awarded an NCAA National Tournament which was conducted at Bomber Stadium with only four days notice to staff. Mr. Miller said tourism, economic development and public safety are the department’s main goals. This type of event helps achieve those goals and generates more than $3 million in revenue for the City. The board reviewed programs and events scheduled for June 1998. Following up on a request from the last meeting, staff distributed copies of the Parks and Recreation Department Usage Survey Report commissioned by Fred Thomas. Mr. Kader explained how the survey was done. Discussion ensued regarding Master Plan funding. 6. Old Business A. Current Capital Improvement Status Mr. Kader distributed and reviewed a handout highlighting changes since last month. B. Capital Improvement Program Fiscal Year 1998/99 Mr. Kader reported department priorities have been forwarded to the City Commission. He said $150,000 has been budgeted, pending Commission approval, for four lighted soft tennis courts. He discussed the current rationale for pursuing soft courts. Responding to questions, Mr. Kader highlighted how capital and operation budgets are presented to the City Commission. Suggestions were made for more pedestrian and bicycle paths along Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. While Parks and Recreation Department staff is not designing Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard improvements, input is welcome and will be forwarded to the project’s administrator. Mr. Kader related the extent of pool renovations at Ross Norton Park. He said Crest Lake Park has been eliminated as a potential skate park location. C. Skate Park Recommendations/Ordinance The City Commission has requested a draft skating ordinance due to concerns aggressive inline skating and skateboarding are damaging public property. The ordinance is to specifically limit skating at posted locations. Once posted, the ordinance can be enforced. Creative options are being explored for enforcing the law with regard to minors and young adults. Funds are set aside for immediate installation of a temporary skate park at one of three potential downtown locations. Direction has been requested for selection of a permanent site. General consensus was any of the three proposed locations would be suitable for a temporary skate park. The board was pleased to see skating recognized as a skill. Sufficient area, restrooms, water fountains, lights, barriers, green space, and the ability to change the course to avoid boredom were listed as needs to be addressed in skate park siting. 7. New Business A. Discussion on Participant Cards/Fees The board reviewed City Resolution 9361, setting resident/non-resident fees, effective January 1, 1994. Discussion ensued regarding levels of resident/non-resident participation at City facilities. The board was requested to review a handout titled, “Fee Ordinance Recommendations,” for discussion at the next meeting. B. Jack Russell Stadium Parking Agreement — Band Boosters Mr. Kader said staff is looking at ways to get North Greenwood neighborhood residents involved in concessions previously run by non-profit youth groups. Concerns have been expressed by groups who previously depended on revenue from those concessions to fund their activities. He listed the heavy responsibilities involved in running the parking concession, and discussed qualification criteria. Concerns are that the group is reliable and can meet insurance requirements. Staff is working toward a compromise. Board suggestions were to hold a lottery, or to merge the groups into one corporation. C. Operating Budget — New Programs Mr. Kader highlighted major changes in the budget that is due this week. He will bring information to the next meeting. D. Location and program for June Meeting Mr. Kader questioned the board’s interest in touring Parks and Recreation infrastructure facilities. He felt observing site conditions would help illustrate the need for a new infrastructure compound. Consensus was to meet in the Municipal Services Building in June, and tour the facilities in July. Board & Staff Comments In response to questions, Mr. Kader said the bridge at Del Oro is being replaced as part of a new east/west trail. It will be 4 to 6 weeks before the new bridge goes in. He said money has been budgeted and suggestions are being addressed for creation of a green space along the Pinellas Trail by the post office. General discussion ensued regarding the concept of an interactive fountain like the one at Largo Park. It was indicated liability would be no greater than for a skate park. Mr. Lindner said the tennis courts are not open at Clearwater High School because the subsurface has to be redone. The board reviewed a color brochure detailing available activities at McMullen Tennis Park. Staff was requested to agenda election of a new Vice Chair, due to the vacancy created when Mr. Kirbas finished his term on the board. Staff was requested to invite City Manager Roberto for a return visit to the board. Staff was praised for being able to put together an NCAA tournament with only four days notice. 8. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.