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Meeting Minutes for 1/06/2009: Present – Outgoing President Jerry Murphy, Rosemarie Swisshelm Bonnington, Kim Porte, David Ramos, Ron Delp, Jay Keyes, Ray Massieu, Candy Zimmerman, Lisa Cowley, Pat Power, Ross Concklin, Mara Basic, Sue Johnson Absent –Allan Avery, Patrick Gallager, Ann Marie Krzesinski Guests – District One Commander James Steffens, Sgt. Fisherkeller, Doctor Beth Forys, - Professor of Environmental Studies and Biology at Eckerd College and Anna Fusari - Chair of the City of Clearwater’s Environmental Advisory Board. Officer Steffens greeted us and stated that there had not been any significant crime to report on the North Beach. He did say that there had been some auto break-ins on South Beach primarily where valuables had been left in the vehicles. He stated that transients were still a problem and that Spring Break was approaching. Two board members mentioned parking violations and the lack of adequate police response. He was concerned, but had to state that it is hard to respond to something a week or more after the event. If a citizen is unhappy with how a situation is handled he encourages them to contact a superior officer at that time or the next day. He took this opportunity to inform us of his retirement on January 20th. He has his time in and plans to explore new opportunities. We wished him well. His replacement has not yet been named. He did introduce Sgt. Fisherkeller, who has recently joined the Beach Division. He was formerly on the bike patrol downtown and has worked with the homeless shelter and soup kitchens. He will command four officers on weeknights. Jerry gave the floor to our guest speakers. Anna Fuseri introduced Dr. Forys and briefly explained the two year study that Eckerd College had conducted. Dr. Forys presented a slideshow to educate us on the severity of the problem of the decreasing number of nesting Shore Birds in Pinellas County and our own North Beach. They are planning to revisit the City Council with these facts in an attempt to gain their support. Their data supports the fact that dogs and fireworks on Clearwater Beach together have caused this problem. They stated that a more protected beach could support far more nesting shore birds and that our area is a prime location for these birds. The number of nesting shore birds is decreasing to dangerous levels. Studies show that Clearwater Beach has the most dogs per mile in the County and some of the best habitats for shore birds. Clearwater is the only city in central Florida to lack a ban on dogs on the beach. They believe if there was a ban on dog walking on Clearwater Beach there would be more nesting of rare species. Sand Key has much stronger nesting numbers with a dog ban. Board members had various opinions. It was agreed that banning dogs and not fireworks permits for events would not solve the problem. Birds would not nest if either fireworks or dogs were present on the beach. It was also stated that the ban might be more palatable if it was seasonal. They were encouraged to contact us with the date of the Council Meeting so that interested members could attend and show their support. We suggested that they meet with the Carlouel Homeowners Association as well. BUSINESS All 2009 Board Members present were asked to submit their vote for President and Vice President on slips of paper. Ron Delp stated that he did not want either position and asked that no one vote for him. Votes were tallied. Jay Keyes won and accepted the position of CBA President 2009. Ray Massieu won but, did not accept the position of Vice President. Pat Power and Candy Zimmerman were tied for the next highest number of votes. Pat took herself out of the running and Candy accepted the position. Jay stated that he would be calling on everyone to help. Candy stated she was pleased to accept but that we should remember her house was for sale! A special meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 13th at the Rec Center to get the business of 2009 started. Before closing Pat Power had a few announcements regarding the Friends of the Library. She showed us the beautiful flat screen TV purchased by the “Friends” for the Library/Recreation Center. She told us about the WII gaming system that they also purchased. Their next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 15 at the Rec Center from 6-8 p.m. to discuss the upcoming Tour of Homes. Meeting Adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully,
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