Meeting Minutes for6/10/2009:

Present – Jay Keyes, David Ramos, Pat Power, Patrick Gallager, Rosemarie Swisshelm Bonnington, Kim Porte, Lisa Cowley, Mara Basic, Ross Concklin, Sue Johnson, Ron Delp, Ray Massieu.

Board Members Absent: Ann Marie Krzesinski, Bobby Rowe, Allan Avery

Guests – Lt. Joe Young, Erik Wilson of the City of Clearwater, Bill Post, Doug Bonnington, Sandy Britton, Anne Garris and Alvin Ehrenberg of the Sand Key Association

Quorum was determined and the meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.

Minutes as posted on the Website were accepted.

Lt. Joe Young was present for various questions from the residents of incidents they had heard about or witnessed. He remarked that he felt the Boat Race of the previous weekend seemed to be a very successful event. He reminded us that Iron Man would be held this year on Saturday, November 14, 2009. He also said that “Clamp the Amp” was a project that has been around for years. A non-moving violation can be given to the driver of a car whose radio can be heard in excess of 25 feet from the vehicle.

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

Friends of the Library Update- Pat Power reported that library hours had been changed. The library’s new hours of operation are from 1-5 p.m. These hours will allow students to use the library after school. The hours for Wii for kids are from 3-5 on Thursday and she had flyers advertising this. Wii for adults or others are on Wednesdays from 1-3. The Friends announced earlier that they were cancelling their plans for the Tour of Homes fundraising event due to lack of participation. The Friends have kept the pool open for the past 3 weekends and will do so again next weekend from 1-5 p.m. This was done at a cost of $1000 to cover the staff pay for the 4 weekends. Several CBA Board Members sent their “Thanks”, to the Friends for this.

Sand Key Update - Alvin Ehrenberg stated that it was a normal meeting with a discussion relating to the cost of Beach renourishment.

Island Estates Update – None

Clearwater Beach Chamber Update – Rosemarie Bonnington attended the meeting and reported that they had a presentation from PTSA. The new schedule is fabulous and they are now working closely with the Jolley Trolley.

Events – Lisa Crowley reported that she would have news of the Christmas Events next month.

Government – Ron Delp updated us on a meeting held June 23 with the City. He stated that the City has researched coastal construction and has decided that the property west of most seawalls along the beach is public property and not owned by the owner of the property located on the east side of a seawall. This means that nothing can be built, dunes may not be moved and sea oats may not be destroyed. This was of interest to the committee because they want to know who enforces codes in these areas.

CNC – Clearwater Neighborhood Coalition – Next meeting Oct. 10, 2009- Ron Delp would like someone else to consider attending these meetings. He has found them very interesting and informative but feels it is time for someone else to take an interest and attend the meetings. Last Month’ s Meeting -There are still 6-7 areas that are still in need of change in the Code Book but these changes will most likely have to be done through an ordinance. Ron reminded us of the upcoming event planned at SPC on Drew St. and Coachman Road on October 10th from 10 am to 1 pm. Subject - Reducing Gang Activity, he expects this to be a very good presentation.

Family Fun Fest- Saturday October 24 and Sunday October 25 on the new Beach Walk – Arts & Crafts, Live Music, Fun, Children’s Art & Games – Jay Keyes reports that volunteers are still needed and you can sign up for that on line. We still need a Golf Cart if anyone has one is willing to loan us one for use at the event.

Newsletter will hit all available member’s emails by the end of this week; any member not having an email address will receive a copy by regular mail next week.

Citizen’s Bill of Rights – Eric Wilson of the City of Clearwater read us the Bill of Rights and stated that one way the City was going to keep us informed was via email reports.

Marina Property Committee – Anne Garris, Ron Delp, Jay Keyes, Jerry Murphy and Sheila Cole of the Beach Chamber of Commerce have met and developed a “Word Picture” of what should be on the Clearwater Beach Marina site. It was presented for discussion at this meeting and it was decided by Motion and Second that the Clearwater Beach Association fully supported the ideas behind this thoroughly described “Word Picture”. It was reported that Sheila Cole will take this plan to the Beach Chamber and Anne Garris will present it to both Sand Key and Island Estates Associations with plans of gaining their support as well. For those that would like to show their support with Representative Frishe, his email is jim.frishe@myfloridahouse.gov .

The word picture: Because the Clearwater Beach Marina is one of the few places left on Clearwater Beach where our visitors, tourists and residents can find free open space on the bayfront, and waterborne ways to enjoy themselves. We, the undersigned declare our opinion that whatever happens on the property should focus entirely on open space and commercial boating opportunities, and nothing else.

The following word picture of what should be on the Clearwater Beach Marina site is presented for discussion, and support from groups in the community who agree with this concept in some form.

1. This last publicly owned site on the Clearwater Beach bayfront, should be the most extensive, and most attractive waterfront for commercial boats: fishing, charter, rental, cruise and dinner boats, with open slips for visiting boaters. Any redevelopment should only be to directly further this goal.

2. We recommend that any redevelopment be in the form of a building with a bottom floor open for a maximum view of the bay, from the street and parking lot. The sides of the building house small tourism related businesses, including, but not limited to: a post office, bait shop, a barber shop, gift and souvenir shops, snack bars, small restaurants, games rooms, etc., both inside and outside the building.

3. The site should have the atmosphere of a Clearwater Beach Town Square with a nautical theme.

4. The height of the building should be no more than two stories so that the view from the west bridge would be one of open space with water views.

5. The property should remain in the possession, and the control of the City with no leases, or licenses for private buildings for any purpose.

6. This not a location for lodgings of any sort, nor parking garages beyond the needs of the property itself.

We are aware of current fiscal difficulties of the City of Clearwater -- but we find the Marina adequate for the time being and can wait until finances have improved to make improvements on the property, rather than jeopardizing the publics use and ownership by inviting private enterprise to participate.

Ray Massieu stated that he would be resigning from the CBA Board effect this evening. It was said that he would be missed but he assured us that he was not leaving the neighborhood at this time.

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

Submitted by Kim Porte