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04/23/2001PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER April 23, 2001 Present: Steve Swanberg Chair Kim Cashman Board Member Larry Lindner Board Member Ric Ortega Board Member Absent: Sarah Wiand Vice Chair Jonathan Wade Sr. Board Member Board Member Vacancy Also Present: Kevin Dunbar Parks and Recreation Director Birgitt Dowd Volunteer 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 Approval of Minutes of Parks and Recreation Board meeting of March 26, 2001 – In Item #4-b) the word “to” was inserted to read “changing how to do business” and the word “hours” was inserted in Item #4-b) to read “another 15 to 20 hours for Parks and Recreation.” Member Lindner moved to approve the minutes as corrected. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 Correspondence – Members were mailed copies of Member Ruben’s resignation. Mr. Dunbar said a replacement board member shortly would be named by the City Commission. ITEM #4 Public Hearing to Recommend Name for Northwest Clearwater Recreation and Aquatic Center – There were no nominations; it was decided to reschedule the hearing for the June 25 board meeting. ITEM #5 Old Business – Capital Project Update – Mr. Dunbar discussed the status of the following: Ray Green Park Expansion – Two properties have not been acquired; one is close. Skate Park/Roller Hockey – One project away from being on drawing table. Plan to have the skate board community engaged then have the park operative by this summer. Softball Complex Development – Finishing design of improvements to Eddie C. Moore fields 1 through 4. Allen’s Creek Park (Maple Swamp) – Land use and zoning approved by Commission April 13. Design of the playground is in progress; expected to be finished by summer. Glen Oaks Golf Course Improvements – City staff is studying whether to make the golf course into a lake to alleviate flooding in area. Construction of the clubhouse is on hold. Parking Lot/Bicycle Path Resurfacing and Improvements – Improvements are being staked out at East-West Trail along Cliff Stephens’s area. Upcoming Recreation Events – For the month of May, Mr. Dunbar highlighted Fun ‘n Sun activities and distributed new issues of the program guide, Communiqué. They are being given to elementary and middle school students to take home. ITEM #6 New Business Volunteer Opportunities – Birgitt Dowd, Volunteer Coordinator - Ms. Dowd told of volunteer opportunities in the city, including special events, community service, and at recreation facilities. The city’s 350 volunteers have contributed 1,934 hours from January 1 to date, representing a dollar value of $15,452. Not on the Agenda – Discussion ensued regarding members having a more active role in making department decisions. It was noted that in previous years the board provided input in budget priorities and in providing feedback to the staff. It was expressed that policy decisions shouldn’t have to wait until the end of the fiscal year. For example, at McMullen reservations should be able to be made seven days in advance instead of six. It was noted Moccasin Lake hasn’t had mulch available since last January and there is confusion about the terms “mulch, compost and chips.” In response to a concern that neighbors are not being asked to participate in the planning process of relocating playground equipment at Crest Lake Park, Mr. Dunbar said the neighborhood will be asked to provide input in the near future. Three such citizen meetings have been held recently: at Clearwater Beach, Allen’s Creek, and D. D. Davis Park in Countryside. At Sunset Sam Park, neighbors picked out some components of the playground. In response to a question on the location and building of soccer fields, Mr. Dunbar said a commitment will wait until a decision on Jack Russell Stadium is made. At members’ request, it was pointed out that no more than five absences per year are allowed per board member. ITEM #6 Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.