11/27/2007
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 27, 2007
Present: Jonathan Wade Chair
Ray Shaw Vice-Chair
Jane Williams Board Member
Absent: Tom Fletcher Board Member
Brooks Hammac Board member
Allen Weatherilt Board Member
Ron Whitcomb Board Member
Also Present: Kevin Dunbar Director-Parks & Recreation
Marsha Beall Staff Assistant
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. at Long Center.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
2 - Approval of Minutes – October 23, 2007
No quorum.
3 – Unfinished Business
a. Capital Projects Update – Mr. Dunbar reviewed the Capital Improvement Projects report:
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Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex– demolition to the Field House is currently taking place and
the contractor should be completed by early January.
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Morningside Recreation Complex – will go to City Council on February 7, 2008, with design
and funding as an agenda item.
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Downtown Boat Slips & Promenade – this project will consist of new marine/boat slips with
the redevelopment of the park. Received 30% drawings on the promenade for review.
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Lake Chautauqua/Equestrian Preserve – Vice Mayor Doran and Mr. Dunbar did travel to
Tallahassee November 2 to secure quality points for funding, although it turned out the City
retained it’s #1 ranking even without their presentation. Site plans for the transfer of parcels
with the school board are being completed and will be presented at a public hearing, then
to the School Board for approval and finally City Council. Anticipate the transfer of land will
happen late spring/early summer 2008 and the acquisition of the Ruppel property shortly
thereafter.
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Countryside Community Park- Should be completed by February 2008.
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Various Infrastructure CIP’s – Carpenter Field: lockers removed, prep work being done for
installation of new units. Court Resurfacing: Del Oro basketball court painting is complete.
Playground Equipment: securing proposals for Del Oro and Woodgate Park. Fence
Replacement: replacing tennis courts fencing at Ed Wright Park.
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Jack Russell Stadium – restoration of this site is completed. Chair Wade mentioned he
recently spoke with a local soccer group whom expressing their interest in the property.
Mr. Dunbar has since spoken with them and directed them to contact the Winning Inning.
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Armory Renovations – renovation work has begun; completion slated for April 2008.
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Nursery Maintenance Building – bid was awarded by City Council in October with notice to
proceed after November 18. Completion expected in April 2008.
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Memorial Causeway landscape – Phase II. Landscaping contract awarded at City Council
on Oct. 4. Construction has begun. Member Williams asked who the landscaper is and
types of plants to be used. Mr. Dunbar stated the engineer is Wade Trim. The
requirements for the selection of plants for the median are limited to curb size, location and
use of reclaimed water and FDOT restrictions, as this is a state road funded by the State of
Florida.
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Clearwater Beach Recreation Center/Library Expansion – This will be roughly a $400,000
renovation. This project is out to bid. Notice to proceed January 2008.
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Countryside Gym – new floor has been installed. The floor appears to be hardwood, but is
a new rubberized material that looks and performs at the same stature.
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Kapok Spur Trail – in design.
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Mandalay Channel - construction going along well. Expected completion by summer 2008.
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East Lake Avenue Bike Lane - in process of setting up project management to develop a
bike lane boulevard along the south lane of East Avenue. Vehicle usage on East Avenue
will become a one-way thoroughfare going north.
Other – updates on additional ongoing projects are part of this report and submitted to
members.
4 – New Business
a. Upcoming Recreation Events
The Clearwater Parks & Recreation Calendar for December 2007 – January 2008 was
distributed to members. Mr. Dunbar mentioned this year the Clearwater Holiday Parade &
Downtown Festival would be held during the daytime on Saturday, December 15 from 11 a.m. – 4
p.m.
b. Election of Officers
Elections were tabled until January meeting.
c. 2008 Meeting Calendar
The dates and locations for the 2008 Parks and Recreation Board meetings were
presented to members.
5 – Not on the Agenda
Members asked inquired about the process the City has in place for land purchases,
specifically the Ruppel farm and Stelzer property. Mr. Dunbar explained that process for
acquisition of land and the funding sources available. The City’s strategy on land acquisition is
contiguous to an existing open space property and advantageous to acquire. Discussion ensued.
Clearwater Audubon Society (email) - Prior to the meeting, Member Williams emailed the
Board information regarding the City of Clearwater and the Clearwater Audubon Society co-
operating a “green” city project. The email outline some suggestions Clearwater Audubon
forwarded to City Council that may affect Parks and Recreation. Due to lack of attendance at
today’s Board meeting, discussion was tabled.
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Member Williams asked about exotic plant removal at Moccasin Lake Park. Mr. Norris is
working with city staff in effort to secure grants dollars to pay for the removal. The ultimate exotic
plant control objective is to remove exotic species and re-establish natural conditions that will
restore normal competitive processes, reducing the potential for re-invasion and the requirement
for continual maintenance. The procedure is to hire a contractor to develop a detailed plan for
removal and maintenance; volunteers are brought in to remove dead material; restoration takes
place; then for two years spot treatments are done.
6. - Adiournment
Members adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
The next meeting will be held January 22, 2008 at Long Center.
Chair
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