Loading...
03/26/2001PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER March 26, 2001 Present: Steve Swanberg Chair Sarah Wiand Vice Chair Larry Lindner Board Member Dick Ruben Board Member Ric Ortega Board Member Absent: Kim Cashman Board Member Jonathan Wade Sr. Board Member Also Present: Art Kader Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Doug Gregory President & CEO, Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation 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 Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation, North McMullen-Booth Road campus. ITEM #2 Approval of Minutes of Parks and Recreation Board meeting of February 26, 2001 – Member Lindner moved to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 Correspondence – None ITEM #4 Old Business – Capital Project Update – Mr. Kader discussed the status of the following: Tennis Court Resurfacing – Contract to be awarded by City Commission in April. Playground and Fitness Equipment Purchase and Replacement – Looking to relocate playground near restroom facility in Crest Lake Park. May downsize playground; possible site of dog park. Another possible site for a dog park is Lake Chautauqua Park, although there is no money allocated in the budget at this time. Allen’s Creek Park (Maple Swamp) – Under design; completion expected by end of summer. North Greenwood Recreation Complex – Design work is being coordinated with the new Library and streetscaping. Light Replacement – Locations list will be available at next meeting. Recommending $125,000 in impact fees to renovate McKay Field. There is some concern about whether to light the facility; no decision has been made. Member Wiand said there is strong interest among homeowners in having the lights. Skate Park – Roller hockey rink will be done prior to a skate park. Needed is a survey of the property and $120,000 from impact fees to supplement $200,000 now on hand. Equipment is movable in case SPJC wants its facility back after the lease ends. Update on Discussion about McMullen Tennis – As far as new rules, changing costs or changing how to do business, the department will let this ride out to end of fiscal year before making modifications. Status of Hiring New Pro at McMullen – Interviews with short list of pros are in progress; decision expected next week. It will be a contract position with 25% of revenue going to the city; 75% for the contractor/pro. Using Pinellas County Cable for Parks & Recreation Programs – Mr. Kader said the county is willing to take our programs and air them but they do not have staff to produce them. Ms. Hasburgh said the agreement is that the county provides a facility where the public can be trained to use equipment then after certification the public can check out that equipment, tape their program, the use the studio to put together their show. The cable company has completely severed ties with providing any support for public access, government access, and education access, she said. The City is hoping to get a camera operator intern this summer to work 20 hours in marketing and another 15 to 20 hours for Parks and Recreation. Upcoming Recreation Events – For the month of April, Mr. Kader highlighted the Spring Break concert at Coachman Park and Spring Break camps; Grand Ole Opry King Mackerel Sportfishing Tournament and Expo, and the beginning of Fun ‘n Sun activities. ITEM #5 New Business Discussion of Procedure to Name North Greenwood Facility, and b) Ray Green Naming Opportunity – Mr. Kader said the Commission approved the request that the Board consider a process for naming the facility, tentatively called Northwest Clearwater Recreation and Aquatic Center. A public hearing to select names for recommendation to the Commission will take place at the next Board meeting, April 23. The Commission asked the Board to keep the Ray Green name someplace in the facility, possibly naming a room after him. The department will mail letters advertising the hearing to organizations within the center’s service area. Arsenic and Pressure Treated Wood in Playgrounds – Mr. Kader said none of the city’s playgrounds have wooden structures; the last one was removed about 15 years ago. The Long Center is being tested and results should be available soon. Bikeway Paths Next to Major Thoroughfares in County – Mr. Kader said the City attempts to build its bike paths separate from the roads. Notably, there will be a bike path paralleling Druid Road when it is widened. Doug Gregory, president and CEO of Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation, Inc., presented an overview of the program, which, through its golf programs, helps children get in tune with their surroundings, be more effective in relationships, and develop emotionally and intellectually. The Foundation operates two separate courses in Clearwater: the Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Club and the Glen Oaks Golf Course. Not on the Agenda – Member Ortega suggested working on a public awareness program against throwing cigarette butts on public property. Mr. Kader suggested that could be part of a much larger clean up campaign around the city. ITEM #6 Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.