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01/27/2003 CITY OF CLEARWATER PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING January 27, 2003 Present: Jonathan Wade Sr. Chair Thomas Fletcher Vice Chair Sarah Wiand Board Member Larry Lindner Board Member Steve Swanberg Board Member Also Present: Kevin Dunbar Director, Parks and Recreation Dept. Debbie Reid Staff Assistant Absent: 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 Wade called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Services Building, 100 S. Myrtle St. ITEM #2 Approval of Minutes of Parks and Recreation Board Meeting of November 25, 2002 – Member Linder noted under Item #5, New Business, paragraph a, first bullet item: Fees have not always been charged at Clearwater Beach tennis facility. This sentence to be deleted in its entirety. With that correction, Member Linder moved to approve the minutes as corrected. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 Correspondence Mr. Dunbar - A letter was received from Kim Cashman resigning from the Parks and Recreation Board effective immediately. Member Wiand - A thank you note was received from Bobbie Downs thanking members for the flowers sent to her. ITEM #4 Old Business Capital Project Update – Mr. Dunbar updated the following projects: Community Sports Complex – This project is moving forward. It is slightly behind schedule but will be done on time for Spring Training 2004. Spring Training 2003 will be the last year that Jack Russell Stadium will be used for Spring Training. Member Swanberg questioned if any surveys were done on Jack Russell Stadium to see if there would be any other uses for the stadium. Mr. Dunbar stated that the City is looking into other uses for the stadium and in fact had a meeting earlier today regarding that topic. Skate Park – The skate park will be tied in with the Ross Norton facility. Design is in process now; construction will start in the latter part of summer with completion in late 2004. Member Linder questioned whether it would be better to locate the skate park at Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex, which would be more centrally located within the City and might get more usage. Mr. Dunbar stated that the City has a four-year lease with St. Petersburg College and that the lease will be up in one year. The City does not want to place the skate park at a location they do not own and want to move forward with it at this time, which is why Ross Norton was chosen. Clearwater East/West Trail: Cliff Stephens section - This has been completed. The City is targeting June for the fly-over at McMullen Booth Road with a six-month construction window. The bridge by the Marina will begin in fall, which will be a 10-12 month process. Tennis Court Resurfacing - Member Linder asked what sites listed are/have been resurfaced. Mr. Dunbar stated that currently the City is out to bid. The funds have been encumbered but the work still needs to be done. Long Center - The Long Center is re-assessing expanding the center. They may possibly repair what they have instead. Fundraising has been difficult. Member Linder brought up the article that was published in the St. Petersburg Times a few months ago regarding salaries at the center and wanted to know if the City was okay with the outcome. Mr. Dunbar stated that the center has other ways of generating funds, not just funding received from the City. The center is tightening its belt in order to meet budget, including the elimination of three positions. Crest Lake Dog Park – The grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, February 1, 2003, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Member Linder questioned if all dogs visiting the park were required to be licensed. Mr. Dunbar stated that there is a petiquette sign that will be posted at the park with a list of all rules and requirements, but that the owner will be legally responsible for any injuries caused by their animals. b) Upcoming Recreation Events – Mr. Dunbar reported that there will be the Phillies Phanfest; Dog Park Grand Opening and Opening Day at Jack Russell Stadium on February 28, 2002. Member Wiand asked if new programs could be highlighted on the monthly events calendar so that they stand out. c) Naming - Town Pond - This is a drainage project just east of the MSB. The City Commission requested that the Parks and Recreation Board set up a public meeting to bring forward a name for this facility. The public meeting will be held at the March meeting. ITEM # 5 New Business – Items Not On the Agenda: Mr. Dunbar would like to schedule a budget meeting in the next two weeks. Member Linder asked if the City Commission had clarified the roll and direction of this Board. Mr. Dunbar stated that the Commission did hold a meeting recently to address all City Boards. They looked at terms, boards sizes, and if all City Boards were necessary. This Board is important and the Commission does need their feedback; the naming process is very important. The Board Members are from different areas of the community and need to let Mr. Dunbar know of any things they think need to be addressed. Member Lindner asked if major policy issues should be run by the Board for its comments. Mr. Dunbar stated that would be too cumbersome in light of the number of decisions that are made. However, it is within the scope of the board to advise or make recommendations on policy. Member Wiand requested a public information meeting with Melanie. Ms. Cashman’s replacement will also be on this sub-committee. Her replacement most likely will be named at the March 6th City Commission meeting. Member Linder asked if Mr. Dunbar contacted the School Board in regards to the lights by the tennis and basketball courts at Clearwater High School; also stated that the tennis nets were in very bad shape. Mr. Dunbar has been in contact with them and they agreed. The City is proposing to connect the lights, but we are not involved in any other maintenance issues at either of these courts. Member Linder brought up the recent letter published in the St. Petersburg Times regarding a tournament at Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex and a port-o-let complaint (filthy and ADA accessibility). Mr. Dunbar stated that staff spoke to this gentleman prior to this letter being published and explained the circumstances surrounding his concerns. The City also responded to this letter in writing and explained the problem with the vehicle cleaning on that day. Member Linder brought up the tennis courts on the beach and having to pay now to play. Mr. Dunbar stated that they are re-evaluating if it makes sense to charge for the use of these courts. ITEM #6 Adjournment - Members adjourned at 8:04 p.m. Next meeting is February 24 at the Long Center.