Meeting Minutes for 1/3/2007:

Present – Jay Keyes, Jerry Murphy, David Ramos, Candy Zimmerman, Ray Massieu, Lisa Cowley, Ron Delp, Ellie Holmes, Anne Garris, Mara Basic, Ross Concklin, and Bette Failor. Member Sandy Britton and guest Ken Robulak, President Belle Harbor Homeowners Association attended.

Absent: Kim Porte, Lois Davis and Pat Power

A presentation was made by Dave Healy, Executive Director of the Pinellas Planning Council (PPC), which serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of County Commissioners. Mr. Healy presented a handout, which showed the proposed changes to allowable density for hotel/motel units. In order to make the renovation or construction of such units more economically appealing, the PPC is recommending current densities be increased.

However; because the Beach by Design created a special district, those countywide recommendations are not applicable to Clearwater Beach.

The minutes of the last meeting were approved.

David Ramos gave the treasurer’s report. Ray Massieu moved that it be accepted, motion seconded by Jay Keyes, unanimously approved. David also suggested that $2337 be transferred from the foundation account to the operating account to appropriately account for expenses on the Triangle Park and Acacia Circle projects, as these are both community benefits. Foundation documents will be checked to verify that this would be permissible.

There was no police report, as there was no police representative. Anne Garris noted that she had obtained information on the construction currently clogging Mandalay Avenue between Baymont St. and Bay Esplanade, and that it is due to a drainage project from Sandpearl to the yacht basin between the Recreation Center and Belle Harbor.

Reciprocal membership in the Beach Chamber of Commerce has been secured for 2007. Jay noted that as a member, the CBA receives the beach chamber newsletter and invitations to events.

Bette Failor reported that the vacation of East Shore question goes to the City Council for First Reading on January 18th. Jay Keyes read the letter previously sent to the Council on behalf of the CBA board indicating our unanimous disapproval of the vacation of East Shore. Bette urged members to continue to communicate as private citizens regarding this issue.

With reference to the Sandpearl boat slips issue, South-West Florida Water Management District (SWIFTMUD) must resolve any issues it has with the docks and it must also go before the Board of County Commissioners. Ken Robulak is following this issue closely.

Anne Garris discussed an effort underway by the City to eliminate a Reverter Clause in documentation dating back to 1925, when the State gave the land and adjacent underwater (submerged) land where the Memorial Causeway sits to the City. Anne indicated the City is concerned that some of their plans for the surrounding area, also included in that gift of land, will activate that clause and thwart future plans.

With regard to the circuit court hearing on the short-term rental lawsuit, there will be a hearing on January 18th to set a date for the trial.

Golf tournament – funds from the tournament have been deposited in the Foundation account.

Slate of officers for 2007: The following were unanimously approved:

President – Jerry Murphy
VP – Ron Delp
Secretary – Kim Porte T
reasurer – David Ramos

Committees for 2007:

Beautification – Pat Murphy and Susanne MacNamee
Government Affairs – Jay Keyes
Residential – Ray Massieu
Communications – Lois Davis
Membership – Pat Power
Special Events – Lisa Cowley

Committees will try to have dates for most of the events planned for 2007, so that a master calendar can be developed at the February meeting.

Ellie Holmes and Lisa Cowley were thanked for their efforts with the caroling. Ellie will send a letter of thanks to the firefighters for their support.

Lisa Cowley has made preliminary arrangements for a members only social dinner at Heilman’s for January 27th, from 6-8 p.m. The first 36 persons who respond will insure a privacy room. Postcard announcements will be mailed with particulars. There will be no cost to CBA.

Newsletter – David MacNamee wants draft articles and information by the end of January 2007. Jerry Murphy indicated there should be sufficient news to put out a newsletter in February.

New Business – There was discussion about the City’s “CAN” program – Clearwater Awards for Neighbors. It was felt that the CBA would have a good chance to win some of these awards which have cash value. David Ramos and Ron Delp will work on assembling information for the application for these awards. This new program replaces the former “Matching Grants” program.

After a request from Ken Robulak, Jay Keyes moved and Ron Delp seconded that the CBA accept neighborhood homeowners associations as members for a $100 fee. The motion was then amended to offer a $50 rate for those condo associations with fewer than 100 units. This motion was unanimously approved.

Sandy Britton presented information regarding a request for setback variances for two detached dwelling units to be built at 901 and 905 Eldorado Avenue, and urged all interested parties to object to these variances immediately via email, as it appears it will go through on January 4th if uncontested.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Respectfully,
Candy Zimmerman
Edited by Jerry Murphy