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10/23/2000PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER October 23, 2000 Present: Larry Lindner Board Member Sarah Wiand Board Member Dick Ruben Board Member Ric Ortega Board Member Absent: Kim Cashman Chair Steve Swanberg Vice Chair Geri Shriver Board Member Also Present: Kevin Dunbar Parks and Recreation Director Steve Miller Superintendent of Recreation Programming Terry Schmidt Recreation Program Coordinator Brian Craig Recreation Supervisor Krishnan Anandan Head Tennis Pro Bobbie Downs Staff Assistant II To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. Acting Chair Lindner called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. at the McMullen Tennis Complex. ITEM #2 – Approval of Minutes of Parks and Recreation Board meeting of September 25, 2000 - Member Wiand moved to approve the minutes as read. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 – Correspondence – None. ITEM #4 – Old Business - a) Capital Project Update – Mr. Dunbar discussed highlights of the following: Ray Green Park Expansion – Five lots have been purchased to date and negotiations are underway to purchase an additional lot to complete the property acquisition phase for North Greenwood Recreation and Aquatics Complex. The engineer/architect firm for the project was approved by City Commission and has begun dialog with community representatives to gain their input. The Martin Luther King Recreation Center will remain a community-oriented center and social hall, while the new complex will focus on recreation programming. It was pointed out that some 23 organizations meet regularly at MLK. The library will not be built on that site, allowing greater utilization of the property and saving the playground at the north end. SPJC/Skate Park – Staff has moved into the field house building now named the Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex. The facility is leased for four years. Planning is underway for a limited skate park and roller hockey rink. Skate pieces already on hand may be used. Prospective vendors will design the park based on community input. City-wide P&R Master Plan – The decision has been made to wait for new U.S. Census data before proceeding with the Master Plan. However, youth sports needs are expected to be addressed by the beginning of next year. McMullen Tennis Complex – Court Renovation – Grand Opening ceremonies of the eight new clay courts and renovated clubhouse and landscaping will be held November 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Board members are invited to attend. Long Center – The center is looking to orient its entrance toward Belcher Road. Parks & Recreation is working on several suggestions for programs there. Countryside Infrastructure Improvement – Contract to construct the addition will go to City Commission on November 16; projected completion May 15, 2001. New fitness space will be built before an addition to the recreation center is begun. Allen’s Creek Park (Maple Swamp) – City has acquired property from the County; now in process of changing land use and zoning to develop a park. Parking Lot/Bicycle Path Resurfacing and Improvements – Maintenance projects are ongoing at specific locations. Upcoming Recreation Events – Mr. Miller pointed out the Clearwater Folk Arts Festival and Times Turkey Trot as major events in November. ITEM #5 – New Business - McMullen Tennis Complex Presentation – Mr. Dunbar introduced Brian Craig as Recreation Supervisor based at McMullen. Mr. Craig led members on a tour of renovations at McMullen, and explained other innovations there including a new brochure outlining programs and fee structures, and a newsletter “Tennis Update.” Mr. Schmidt said staff is investigating the feasibility of establishing tennis leagues, such as that in the softball program. Mr. Anandan explained some of the goals of the instruction/education component such as bringing the USTA Women’s Pro tournament in January and junior tournaments throughout the year. In response to Member Wiand’s concern that the less advantaged would be excluded from participating, supervisors noted the USTA recognizes its future lies with outreach programs among youths and provides monies for free clinics and lessons for them. Not on the Agenda – Member Lindner expressed concern that members would be restricted to one play session per reservation at McMullen With that in mind, Member Ortega moved to recommend that the City look into allowing members to use facilities more than once a day, by making one reservation call, if court time is available. The motion was duly seconded and passed unanimously. Mr. Ruben urged board members to volunteer for City projects. It was decided to ask Birgitt Dowd, Volunteer Coordinator, to attend the February 26 meeting at MSB and explain volunteer opportunities. Member Wiand expressed concern that temporary parking designated on the far west end of the Causeway while the roundabout was being constructed is still being used. She would like it removed. She also suggested the City look into feasibility of redesigning Jack Russell Stadium as a soccer stadium and inviting the Mutiny to make it its home. Mr. Dunbar said the stadium and Armory properties probably will be packaged as an incentive for business interests to create opportunities for the North Greenwood community. Mr. Dunbar reminded members that election of officers will take place at next month’s meeting at Morningside Recreation Center. There will be no meeting in December. ITEM #6 Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.