03/18/2002CITY OF CLEARWATER
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING
March 18, 2002
Present: Sarah Wiand Chair
Thomas Fletcher Board Member
Larry Lindner Board Member
Steve Swanberg Board Member
Kim Cashman Board Member
Also Present: Kevin Dunbar Parks and Recreation Department Director
Bobbie Downs Staff Assistant
Absent: Jonathan Wade Sr. Vice Chair
James Appelt 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 Conference Room 130 at Municipal Services Building.
ITEM #2 Approval of Minutes of Parks and Recreation Board Meeting of February 25, 2002 – 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. Dunbar updated the following projects:
Community Sports Complex –Negotiations are under way to purchase Home Depot site for Phillies Stadium. Issue goes to City Commission April 4. Design segment is Phillies responsibility.
Construction would begin in October.
Ray Green Park Expansion – Owner of house on property is making renovations to the property; City is still negotiating to buy it. It was suggested the owner be approached with some
tax incentives. Mr. Dunbar said the property is not essential to the overall project.
Skate Park – College appears interested in City acquiring Joe DiMaggio property but is looking for compensation. The issue is under discussion. The department has budgeted $175,000
next year just to upgrade roof and air conditioning system. Renovation of the entire facility would cost up to $2 million. In response to a question, Mr. Dunbar said a partnership with
the YMCA to build a skate park is still possible if the City does not acquire the college complex.
Mr. Dunbar pointed out that numerous meetings between the county, cities, school system, and other entities has resulted in closer working relationships. For example, directors of parks
and recreation from cities throughout the county now meet quarterly to share information.
McKay Park – In response to a question, Mr. Dunbar explained the “critical path” referred to in last month’s minutes is a term used for the schedule of when milestone events are going
to occur.
Long Center – Re-formed building expansion committee and expects to propose a new program; using the same architect the City is using at the North Greenwood Complex; will go back to
City Commission for new approval.
Allen’s Creek Park – Playground design in progress.
Ruth Eckerd Hall – Building classroom space funded by Parks & Recreation.
North Greenwood Recreation Complex – Almost completed putting walls up; pools dug out.
Glen Oaks Golf Course Improvements – New clubhouse expected to be completed by November 1.
Ross Norton Complex – Negotiating contract with architect. Will take plan to Commission April 4 and begin construction by December 1. Project will coincide with finishing North Greenwood.
Envisioned is a 20,000- to 22,000-sq.-ft. building including gymnasium, gymnastic area, multi-purpose space, teen area with office space, restrooms, and single access to pool through
recreation center. Ballfields not affected. City has been cleaning out invasive plants west of ballfields.
Recreation Trails – Waiting to hear from state on funding.
Upcoming Recreation Events – Mr. Dunbar said the Fun ‘n Sun Festival has been upgraded to feature a significant event each weekend. Kicks off with Beach Fest at Pier 60 and concludes
with Fun ‘n Sun Parade on May 4. Concerts at Coachman Park include Jars of Clay Christian rock April 5 and Freebie Weebie alternative rock April 6; “Smooth Jazz Concert on the Bay” has
moved from St. Petersburg to Clearwater April 27 & 28 because Clearwater can provide complete programming services for concerts. Clearwater Airpark is having open house April 20. Recreation
programming in April includes open swim, spring camps, and registration for summer camps.
Master Plan – Will be brought to City Commission Work Session April 15 and regular meeting April 18 when there will be a public hearing. Mr. Dunbar said consultants have taken a global
look of options and funding strategies, particularly in paying for maintenance. There is no plan to bring the steering committee back together again, but there is a plan to create a
council for youth sports.
Members will be given a final draft of the Master Plan. It was decided the board would draft a resolution at its April meeting to provide guidance to the Commission regarding the Plan.
McMullen Tennis Complex Business Plan – Discussion ensued and the following points were addressed:
Usage of facilities. When are courts used, both clay courts and hard courts, by hours. Are there a lot of people there at 8 a.m.? When do they start playing in afternoon? How many
play on weekends? Most days clay courts are full, but on league night, everything is full.
2001/2002 staffing: Mr. Dunbar said a new position, Recreation Programming Support Tech, will enhance maintenance resources. It is a permanent position with benefits.
How many players are residents? Non-residents? What percentage are members, etc.
Looking at fees, people are complaining about having to come up with change. Instead of $4.25 for this or $2.75 for that, why not round off the figures up, making adult card holder
$5, senior $4, for example.
Appears about 27% collected for singles vs. doubles; make it $5 and $4 across the board for peak and non- peak hours.
Introducing higher court fees April 1.
Lights. Same cost structure across the board.
Play Pass. Make it $30, $35 instead of $32.50 and $27.
Family pass. Do away with since not much demand.
Mr. Dunbar pointed out sales tax is backed out of fees. Taxes mandated by State law.
Use credit cards. Mr. Dunbar noted an integral system is being looked at city-wide.
“Play Pass” should be called “membership.” Mr. Dunbar said that is not feasible since “membership” has the perception of being a private club. Also, Play Pass is a universal term used
at other city facilities.
Usage of computer system. Should have data base of names of everyone who plays or participates in tournaments or uses ball machine. Information could be used in membership drives,
fliers promoting new programs, etc. Membership needs to be promoted more aggressively. Clinics or demonstrations should be promoted and held during hours accessible to more people.
Mr. Dunbar said the City is looking into building a wider encompassing data base, possibly including the Library.
People are not purchasing Play Passes because court fees for non-members are so low it doesn’t pay to buy the pass. Also, concession sales, such as beer and wine, are not available.
A bigger discount for Play Pass holders suggested. Mr. Dunbar said an annual fee up front, rather than a monthly fee, is an issue. Could an initiation fee replace annual fee? It
was suggested an initiation fee include added-value amenities such as a session with the tennis pro or other incentives and discounts.
More leagues would draw more members.
Mr. Dunbar said Tomas will start developing franchises on other City courts. A new position, Tennis Operations Supervisor, is being developed.
Look at hours for winter/summer. Open until 10, deserted after 9, especially in winter. In morning may need to open earlier, and close at 9:30.
Plans for pro tournaments? They don’t generate enough money back to the facility.
Need better visibility. Place McMullen sign out on property on Druid Road, west of power lines. Also, facility needs a new building, including a driveway on Druid Road.
Corporate/business memberships available October 1.
When hard courts are due to be resurfaced in 2 or 3 years, will look at building courts consistent with layout of what’s there; will address west side of complex.
Administrative fees (supervisors and above) are not included in business plan.
TEM #5 New Business –
Budget sub-committee members were asked to meet with Mr. Dunbar in early April.
Mr. Dunbar urged members to attend the City’s special events and the Citizens Advisory Board dinner in their honor.
ITEM #6 Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
The next meeting will be April 22 at the Carpenter Complex when a representative from the Phillies will address the group.