02/25/2002CITY OF CLEARWATER
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING
February 25, 2002
Present: Sarah Wiand Chair
Jonathan Wade Sr. Vice Chair
Thomas Fletcher Board Member
Larry Lindner Board Member
James Appelt Board Member
Also Present: Kevin Dunbar Parks and Recreation Department Director
Bill Lueders Recreation Supervisor
Bobbie Downs Staff Assistant
Absent: Steve Swanberg Board Member
Kim Cashman Board Member
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
ITEM #1 Call to Order – Chair Wiand called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at Eddie C. Moore East fields.
ITEM #2 Approval of Minutes of Parks and Recreation Board Meeting of January 28, 2002 – Member Lindner moved to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
ITEM #3 Correspondence – Mayor Aungst copied the board on his reply to County Commissioner Karen Seel regarding naming Bayview Park.
ITEM #4 Old Business –
Capital Project Update – Mr. Dunbar updated the following projects:
Community Sports Complex – Appraisals are complete and negotiations are under way on Home Depot property as possible site for new stadium. Issue goes before City Commission March 21.
Skate Park – Decision on Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex lease on hold until after Legislative session.
Softball Complex Development – Completed.
Recreation Path – FRDAP grant received for improvements of East-West Trail; currently in design.
McKay Park – Does not currently have a critical path scheduled.
North Greenwood Recreation Complex – Construction is on schedule; opening expected in November. Members will tour the facility at the November meeting.
Glen Oaks Golf Course Improvements – New clubhouse being designed; once completed, will be funded by revenues from Chi Chi McMullen. Design will accommodate any future plans for the
site regarding storm water retention.
Ross Norton Complex – Project to City Commission April 4 to hire architect; expect to begin construction December 1 with opening projected for December 2003. City will continue to save
money by purchasing construction materials tax-free; have saved over $50,000 so far at North Greenwood, which has been returned to the project.
Upcoming Recreation Events – Wildsplash 2002 is coming March 9 to Coachman Park Bandshell, which has been renovated and improved; attendance is expected at 13,000. Also scheduled in
March is a Christian rock concert. The Freebie Weebie concert for Spring Break is scheduled in April.
Master Plan – Steering Committee meetings have ended and members will receive draft copies of the master plan to be reviewed at the March meeting. Sources of money may include bond
referendum, Pinellas County, and users fees. Master plan draft will go to City Commission April 4.
McMullen Tennis Complex Business Plan – Members will be sent copies for discussion at the March meeting.
ITEM #5 New Business –
Change in March Meeting Date – Members were asked to meet March 18 instead of March 25 since Mr. Dunbar had a prior commitment. Member Lindner moved to change the date as requested.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #6 Tour Eddie C. Moore East Facility – Mr. Dunbar and Recreation Supervisor Bill Lueders led members on a tour of the facility after which Mr. Lueders explained the city’s adult
softball program.
Not on Agenda
In response to a question, Mr. Dunbar said the department has not applied recently for any grants but may apply for $500,000 for two years to implement a cultural arts facility at the
current Kings Highway Recreation Center. Member Wade noted the African Art Museum will occupy space in the former Curtis School and suggested a partnership with the city.
Mr. Dunbar said the city will host a social for the National Recreation and Parks Association meeting in October. It is planned to have a beach party social at Sheraton Sand Key.
The next meeting will take place April 22 at the Carpenter Complex.
ITEM #7 Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.