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08/23/1999PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER August 23, 1999 Present: Geri Shriver Chair Kim Cashman Vice Chair Larry Lindner Board Member Donald Harris Board Member Sarah Wiand Board Member Steve Swanberg Board Member Dick Ruben Board Member Also Present: Kevin Dunbar Director of Parks and Recreation Art Kader Assistant Director Steve Miller Superintendent of Recreation Programming Bobbie Downs Staff Assistant II 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. ITEM # 2 – Introduction of Kevin E. Dunbar, new Director of Parks and Recreation - Assistant Director Art Kader introduced Director Kevin E. Dunbar, who spoke briefly about his education and background in Parks & Recreation. ITEM #3 – Presentation to Art Kader - Dick Ruben On behalf of all board members, member Ruben presented a plaque of appreciation to Mr. Kader in recognition of his service as director from December 1997 to July 1999. Mr. Kader responded that he had enjoyed working with board members and planned to attend meetings as needed. ITEM #4 – Approval of Minutes of Parks and Recreation Board meeting of Monday, July 26, 1999 - Member Harris moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 26, 1999, as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #5 – Correspondence - None ITEM #6 – Upcoming Recreation Events – Steve Miller, Superintendent of Recreation Programming - Mr. Miller distributed the September calendar of events highlighting the 1999 Men’s 35 & Over Slow-Pitch ASA National Championship, which is expected to bring 40 teams from 20 different states to Clearwater over Labor Day weekend; Officer Friendly Bike Safety Jamboree for school-age children; Kids-A-Poppin’ Auditions; Clearwater Community Chorus Auditions; Clearwater Uno Festival, an event designed to celebrate the community’s diversity; and the Homework Help programs at five recreation centers. In response to a member’s question, Mr. Miller said prospective volunteers of all ages are welcome at Homework Help and should contact Julie Gomez. ITEM #7 – Old Business Current Capital Improvement Status - McMullen Tennis Complex - Mr. Dunbar said it is hoped construction of 8 clay courts will begin the first of next year and be ready by late spring 2000. Courts 1-8 would be converted to clay courts and will be enclosed with black PVC-coated fencing, and new landscaping will compliment the overall appearance of a semi-private club look. A $300,000 budget is being pursued for this project, and staff will pursue a FRDAP grant for additional courts and parking improvements. A pro/tennis director position is being considered, which could be a city employee or contract person. After staff completes a suggested long-range plan, feedback from McMullen patrons will be sought. Mr. Dunbar said the goal is to have a strong, quality program. In response to a question from Member Lindner, Mr. Dunbar said hard court tournaments can still be held in Clearwater utilizing Morningside and other satellite courts. Skate Park Feasibility - Mr. Dunbar said property at St. Petersburg Junior College is being negotiated, wherein the city would take over the fields and athletic building. This is the designated site for a skate park, and the athletic building would become a recreation center with two gymnasiums. This combination would enhance the RAFT (Recreation Activities for Teens) program, which is being developed. A new Phillies Stadium at that general site also is being considered. Department’s Master Plan - Mr. Dunbar said staff is looking at producing a master plan in-house, with a planning and projects team located in the Department. The plan could be constantly updated according to need. The board would have a role in this process. Report on Board Members’ Requests - In response to a member’s question regarding indications of rollerblading at tennis courts, staff asked for input as to whether this problem has been experienced elsewhere, whether such signage has been purchased and displayed elsewhere, whether additional signage should be installed to address this specific issue, whether a uniform sign for similar situations should be installed or whether to rework present park rules signs to include this and other current problems. In response to a member’s concern about oak trees being removed near Eddie C. Moore field, staff reported the contractor removed the trees when he was excavating for the recreational path. Subsequent to the installation of the path, fencing was installed along the trail to provide some security and some protection to any trail users from errant soccer balls. Staff has examined the site and feels there is not enough space to install trees between the fencing and the field area without negatively impacting the soccer field turf. In response to a member’s concern about signage on beach access ways, staff will investigate accuracy on signage in line with city ordinance and property ownership. Update on RFP for Holt Avenue Youth Center - Mr. Miller said the Review Committee scored the African American Leadership Council in first place and will recommend the City Commission award operation of Holt to that organization. The Suncoast YMCA scored second. Follow-up of Parks Rules & Regulations and e) Board Procedures Mr. Miller asked members to put their comments in writing regarding revisions of Chapter 22 Parks, Beaches, Recreation of the City Code of Ordinances, and bring them to the next meeting. Mr. Dunbar reminded members procedures are now in place to make recommendations to the City Commission. ITEM #8 – New Business Comments by Board Members – Member Ruben praised the quality Clearwater Magazine and expressed disappointment that it is being cut from next year’s budget. In response to his comment that signs at Bayside Park on Sand Key are crooked, Mr. Dunbar said staff would straighten it. In response to Member Lindner’s concern about closing Norton Pool during the winter, Mr. Dunbar said he is recommending City Commission fund it next year. Member Lindner said the Long Center is not a desirable alternative because little time is allocated for open swimming. Member Lindner made a motion the Ross Norton Pool be maintained through winter months. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Member Ruben offered information on a product called Dispoz-a-Scoop pet waste disposal, which is available in some parks. Mr. Miller said staff is researching parks geared to dogs such as that in Sarasota. Vice Chair Cashman requested the city supply more portable toilets at the SPJC soccer fields. There is only one for use by hundreds of children. Mr. Dunbar said staff would investigate. Chair Shriver welcomed Mr. Dunbar on behalf of the board and wished him success in his job. The next meeting will be held September 27 at Kings Highway Recreation Center. ITEM #9 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.