Meeting Minutes for 1/6/2010:

Present – Sue Johnson, Jerry Murphy, Jay Keyes, David Ramos, Pat Power, Kim Porte, Ross Concklin, Ann Marie Krzesinski, Gary Athanason

Board Members Absent: Patrick Gallager, Rosemarie Bonnington, Mara Basic, Bobby Rowe, Allan Avery, Sara Stauffer

Guests – Residents - Bill Poast, Don Epley, Sandy Britton, Anne Garris, Vicki Jackson, Ellie Holmes and John Doran (Resident and member of the City Council)

Guest Speaker – Michael Delk – Director of Planning and Development – City of Clearwater

Quorum was determined and the meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.  Jay informed us that our meeting would be for only one hour this evening as the City had workers scheduled for repairs this evening and we would be required to adjourn at 7 p.m.

Election of the 2010 Officers took place by Motion, Second and a show of hand vote for each position. Elected were: President – Sue Johnson, Vice President – Jerry Murphy, Treasurer – David Ramos and Secretary – Kim Porte.

Michael Delk – Director of Planning and Development was introduced and invited to speak to the group. He explained that under the restructuring due to budget changes Code Enforcement and Building Permitting Departments have been combined bringing a higher level of cooperation between the two groups. Their goals are to bring violations in front of the City Council as fast as possible for the decision process. The staff is supportive and enthusiastic. They plan to pick their battles, work on them, and bring them to resolution in a timely manner. They do not want things to “hang on the books” for too long. He asked for questions from the group.

Ann Marie Krzesinski stated that some of her neighbors and friends had commented on the lighting at the new Hyatt Hotel-Parking Facility, although beautiful; would it not cause a danger for the Sea Turtles and did this bright lighting meet codes? She suggested they consider hanging a mesh covering to filter the lights. Mr. Delk said he would look into this matter.

Pat Power questioned him in regards to the proposed construction of a “Mc Mansion” on Eldorado. She wanted to know what impact can we as homeowners have in deterring the City from allowing construction of these immense homes on lots that require the City to disregard Setback Rulings? He said that Staff will consider other homes along the west side of Eldorado, looking for patterns when making this decision. He said they strive to be consistent.

Anne Garris stated, “The purpose of zoning is to do what?” He responded, “It is to bring order and predictability to the community.” Anne questioned the City’s intent to preserve the community v.s. indulge its newcomers.

Ann Marie Krzesinski further stated that zoning should also be intended to protect the current residents.

Gary Athanason stated that a new homeowner should not be allowed to block the sunshine to its neighboring properties.

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.

Minutes of the previous meeting as posted on the Website were approved.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by David Ramos and accepted.

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.

Friends of the Library Update - Pat Power reported that there is a need to increase the number of computers available to the public at the Beach Library. There is often a 1 hour wait for usage. She also stated that there will be a new program being offered once a week for 1 on 1 instruction on the computer for different things such as Excel, Facebook allowing for personalized instruction at the student’s level of knowledge. It has been found that this is far more effective than group instruction.

On this note The Pinellas Public Library Corporation has agreed to match up to $1,800 if the Library can earn funds towards the purchase of 3 Laptop Computers that would be fitted with software required by the County. Jay Keyes proposed that CBA give $500 towards this endeavor. David Ramos disagreed with that proposal. Jerry Murphy also disagreed, stating that the City should not ask for this money considering that so much money flows off the Beach from our taxes and is spent on other areas of the City. He further stated that the City “blocked” our major fundraiser of the year and CBA is not in a position to finance this project.

Pat Power also stated that she first approached the Beach Chamber of Commerce for assistance. She was disappointed in their lack of interest considering that tourists are the major users of the Beach Library computer facilities.

It was decided that due to the evening’s time constraints this matter would be tabled. A special meeting will be held mid January to discuss items not covered in this evening. Place and time advised by email.

Marina Property Committee – Anne Garris updated us on this issue. She reported that a Local Bill to prevent the State from taking back certain Memorial Causeway property is in progress, and that it would basically enable the City to prevent the 1925 FL Statute’s “Reverter Clause” from being invoked. It would require a City-wide Referendum on the Ballot for any changes that they propose to make, with the exception that the Local Bill, sponsored by Representative Frishe and recently approved by the Pinellas Legislative Delegation, proposes that a referendum would not be required to lease any portion of the Marina property for 30 (thirty) years or less. It is the opinion of citizens opposed to this legislative effort that it is unnecessary, because the City is NOT in danger of having the Reverter Clause invoked by the State, due to State legislative action taken in 2007 which gave approval to the leasing currently in effect (mainly Crabby Bill’s Restaurant), and that if this Local Bill is approved as written, the City could proceed to change “land use” designation and zoning to allow the City and developers to replace the existing Marina with whatever they choose. This discussion was ended due to the time constraints of the evening.

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

Submitted by Kim Porte