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06/25/2001PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER June 25, 2001 Present: Steve Swanberg Chair Sarah Wiand Vice Chair Ric Ortega Board Member Jonathan Wade Sr. Board Member Thomas Fletcher Board Member Absent: Kim Cashman Board Member Larry Lindner Board Member Also Present: Kevin Dunbar Parks and Recreation Director Melanie Hasburgh Public Information Coordinator Bobbie Downs Staff Assistant II To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. ITEM #1 Chair Swanberg called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Services Building Conference Room 130. ITEM #2 – Introduction of New Member Thomas Fletcher – Mr. Fletcher was introduced as being active in youth athletics. He expressed his pleasure at joining the board. ITEM #3 Approval of Minutes of Parks and Recreation Board meeting of April 23, 2001 – Second “Item #4” was changed to read “Item #5”. The word “stake” board was changed to read “skate” board. Member Ortega moved to approve the minutes as corrected. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #4 Correspondence – None. ITEM #5 Public Hearing to Recommend Name for Northwest Clearwater Recreation and Aquatic Center – Mr Dunbar presented a model and floor plan of the new center, which is more than 28,000 square feet under the roof and has three swimming pools at a total construction budget cost of $4.5 million ($4.2 million construction; $300,000 startup). It will serve the entire northwest region of Clearwater and will be the city’s largest recreation-aquatic facility. A grant (FRDAP) has been secured from the State for $200,000 (bringing the construction budget to $4.2 million) to fund upgrade aquatic amenities. Members were asked to select three names for the facility for City Commission to consider. Approximately 15 persons from the community attended. Names submitted to the department in advance of the meeting were: honoree Dr. Joseph Carwise, James A. LaFayette Park, honoree Judge Joseph Hatchett, North Greenwood Recreation Complex, Ray E. Green Complex, and Ray Green Recreation Complex. Nominated from the floor were: North Greenwood Recreation & Aquatic Center; honoree Terrance Griggley, and honoree Loman Mack. Discussion ensued regarding each proposal. It was pointed out that naming the facility for North Greenwood, with a new library nearby, would improve the image and raise property values of that area and would fulfill a commitment by a previous administration. It was pointed out that Dr. Carwise was assistant superintendent of Pinellas County Schools and the first African-American to serve on Clearwater City Commission. It was suggested James A. LaFayette was an African-American hero of the American Revolution. It was stated Judge Joseph Hatchett was a Clearwater native who distinguished himself in a legal career. It was felt the name Ray Green should be retained in some form. It was pointed out Terrance Griggley was a City of Clearwater Parks and Recreation employee at the time of his death who had been successful in high school and college athletics. It was noted Loman Mack was one of the first African-American police officers in Clearwater. Member Ortega moved to recommend the name “North Greenwood Recreation Complex” as the board’s first choice. The motion was duly seconded. Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously. Member Fletcher moved to name the facility for Ray E. Green as second choice. The motion was duly seconded. Upon the vote being taken, members Fletcher and Ortega voted yea; members Wade, Swanberg and Wiand voted nay. The motion failed. Member Wiand moved to name the facility for Dr. Joseph Carwise as second choice. The motion was duly seconded. Upon the vote being taken, members Swanberg, Wiand, Wade and Fletcher voted yea; member Ortega voted nay. The motion carried. For third choice, member Wade moved to name the facility for Terrance Griggley. The motion was duly seconded. Upon the vote being taken, members Swanberg, Wade, Fletcher, and Ortega voted yea; member Wiand abstained. The motion carried. Assuming their first choice is accepted, board members recommended naming the outdoor pool area for Ray E. Green, and gymnasiums in honor of Dr. Joseph Carwise and Terrance Griggley. Further, the board suggested a “wall of fame” be designed inside the recreation center on which plaques would be displayed recognizing outstanding citizens suggested tonight and others. They would be chosen possibly by a civic group or a citizens group from the community. Mr. Dunbar reported the Board recommendations will be forwarded to the City Commission for its consideration in September. ITEM #6 Old Business – Capital Project Update – Mr. Dunbar discussed the status of the following: Ray Green Park Expansion – One piece of property has not been acquired; it is not crucial to the design to obtain it. Skate Park/Roller Hockey – A meeting is scheduled with St. Petersburg College officials to determine the future of the Joe DiMaggio building. Softball Complex Development – Eddie C. Moore fields 1 through 4 will be closed from July 15 to September 15 for renovations. McMullen Tennis Complex – Selected one of 17 parks/facilities to be featured in the 2002 Facility Showcase issue of FRPA Journal publication. Have already exceeded all-time year’s revenue. Monies will be re-invested into the facility. Long Center – Funding and agreement approved by the City Commission. Awaiting Long Center securing balance of funding. Countryside Infrastructure Improvement — Addition open and operational. Jack Russell Stadium/Carpenter Complex – The stadium is open; repairs to Section 1 are under way. Upcoming Recreation Events – For the month of July, Mr. Dunbar and Ms. Hasburgh highlighted the July 3rd and 4th celebration at Coachman Park, and Clearwater Night at the Clearwater Phillies July 28 at Jack Russell Stadium. Board members were invited to attend. A national country music show tentatively is planned for September 8 at Coachman Park. ITEM #7 New Business – Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program – Mr. Dunbar explained LWCF is a federal program administered at the state level, particularly designed for a city program connecting land and water. The department has identified comfort stations on Clearwater Beach as beneficiaries of this grant, the first at Pier 60 Park. Hopefully, this program can expand to include changing stations for the convenience of day visitors. Proposal to Create Sub-Committees – Considering the late hour, it was decided to discuss this item July 23. Not on the Agenda – Mr. Dunbar showed members a graphic of field signs/scoreboards the city will get under its10-year contract with Coca-Cola. Member Ortega presented a survey taken by Skycrest residents regarding Crest Lake Park. Approximately 50 persons responded to the survey of likes and dislikes and suggestions for improvements as time and funds allow. Mr. Ortega also submitted a letter from Dale Armstrong, program coordinator of the County Cooperative Extension Service, who offered to conduct educational programs for the community through Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program. Mr. Ortega said he expects to resign from the board soon since he is moving outside city limits. Members thanked him for his contributions to the board and city. ITEM #8 Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. The next meeting will be July 23 at Countryside Recreation Center.