Meeting Minutes for 1/19/2010:

Present – Sue Johnson, Jerry Murphy, Jay Keyes, David Ramos, Pat Power, Patrick Gallagher, Kim Porte, Ross Concklin, Ann Marie Krzesinski, Allan Avery, and Sara Stauffer

Board Members Absent: Rosemarie Bonnington, Mara Basic, Bobby Rowe and Gary Athanason

Guests – Sandy Britton, Anne Garris

Quorum was determined and the meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.

CBA President, Sue Johnson, opened the special meeting stating that after reviewing the By-Laws on-line she would like to see us concentrating more on the social aspect, fundraising and civic duties that CBA was once known for. We may have gotten away from these ideas in recent years. She asked us to brainstorm ideas in which we could begin to do those things. She asked for ideas for projects and fundraisers.

Alan Avery suggested we rewrite the By-Laws. He said the By-Laws state that you must apply to be a member. He suggested that we rewrite them to state every resident is invited to become a member and attend the meetings. He further stated that we should have two classes of membership. “Coach” as he stated would be made up of all residents; members simply because they live here. And another category for dues paying residents that would enjoy rights and privileges of active membership. Members of this category would be able to vote for Board Members at the annual business meeting in December.

Pat Power suggested we look into something like beach replenishment or organize a beach clean-up. Kids could also be involved to help earn volunteer hours for school. She also brought up the subject of “Hands Across Pinellas” a project currently being organized to unite citizens in a human chain from Clearwater Beach to St. Pete Beach holding hands to protest the proposed offshore drilling that could take place 3-10 miles from the Pinellas coastline if this legislation passes. This demonstration will take place on February 13th with people gathering near Pier 60 at Noon.

Pat Power also asked about a group project with CBA working to stop the building of homes that require “flexible” zoning. Anne Garris reminded us that City Hall needs to be dealt with but CBA does not want to be exclusive to that. Anne stated that she would like Mike Delk to address us again at a regular meeting in regards to zoning.

Ron Delp stated that the CNC (Clearwater Neighborhood Coalition) works in this area and encouraged anyone interested in Zoning or Code issues to accompany him to these meetings. Kim Porte stated that Ron has attended these monthly meetings alone for a few years now after taking over from Ray Massieu. She also said, “Shouldn’t people interested in this be attending those meetings as that is where the work will get done?” Ron added that he has asked for a volunteer to take over representing CBA at these meetings for more than a year and no one has come forward.

The upcoming Candidates Forum to be held at the Salvation Army on Druid on 2/1/10 from 7-9 p.m. was mentioned. Discussion followed and a motion was made and seconded to ask the Candidates to hold an additional forum at our Clearwater Beach Recreation Center. That date has been set and the candidates have agreed to come. Ron is working on getting a flashing sign from the City announcing the event to be held at the Clearwater Beach Rec Center, 69 Bay Esplanade, Wed., 2/10/10 from 6-8 p.m. On Tuesday, March 9, 2010 Clearwater registered voters will elect members to the Clearwater City Council. Seat 4 candidates are Wayne Carothers, Bill Johnson, Joe Paige, and Herb Quintero. Seat 5 candidates are (current office holder) Paul Gibson and Mike Riordon.Mr. Delk responded that it is very difficult to be a Planning Director in the City of Clearwater for this and many other reasons. He further stated that new construction will be obligated to provide parking space for 2 cars on their property. This could have to be under their homes as many of the lots will not accommodate parking on driveways due to space constraints. Mr. Delk was thanked for his time and he offered to return again if needed.

Jay Keyes stated that he and Rich Gonzalez met with City Manager, Bill Horne recently and were told that the City will sponsor our 2010 Beach Fest in name only again. He stated that organizers will be applying for a Grant this year to help defray the costs and they also hope to have the Hyatt Hotel as a major sponsor this year. Friday, October 23, 2010 vendors will be able to begin setting up, the Beer Garden will be open and there will be limited entertainment. Saturday and Sunday the event will be fully open as it was last year. Jay stated that he is continuing to work toward more cooperation from the City and he told us that Mr. Horne would like to meet with Sue Johnson.Ellie Holmes spoke to us on behalf of Chapel by the Sea in regards to a Charity Walk taking place on January 23, 2010 benefiting the RCS Food Pantry in Clearwater. She presented us with flyers/registration forms and encouraged us to spread the word and participate in this inaugural event. She stated that if CBA were to become a sponsor of the event they would receive advertising and could have a table at the event to promote Membership in CBA.

Returning to our Brain Storming Efforts, it was suggested that we host a “Pool Party” this year. Pat Power asked if there was a way for the Friends of the Library and CBA to work together on a fundraiser. She suggested a Flea Market or Garage Sale type event. This idea of a Trash to Treasure Sale/Auction of donated items was well received. Patrick Gallagher further expanded on this idea by suggesting we host a Web based event possibly on E-Bay. Sue Johnson said that she would look into the E-Bay site for non-profits.

Sandy Britton asked, “How many members do we currently have?” She wants us to increase membership. David Ramos encouraged us to ask our neighbors to join. He prefers a door to door campaign because emails get deleted and post cards get tossed. David also mentioned that mailings are too expensive. Anne Garris said, “We should have a list each month of new members so a phone call can be made to welcome them to CBA.”

Sue Johnson said we need an attractive flyer with membership sign-up information and a list of activities that CBA sponsors. She said people need to know why they should join. Board members could each take several of these and knock on their neighbors doors, encouraging them to join.

Pat Power suggested we form a committee to work on the Trash to Treasure idea and bring it to the table at our next regular meeting. Pat asked for volunteers. Her committee will be Pat Power, Sue Johnson, Patrick Gallagher, Anne Garris, Ann Marie Krzesinski and Alan Avery.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

Submitted by Kim Porte