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Meeting Minutes for 2/5/2008: Present – Rosemarie Bonnington, David Ramos, Ron Delp, Kim Porte, Ellie Holmes, Ross Concklin, Pat Power, Polly Sullivan, Patrick Gallager, and Allan Avery. Absent – Jerry Murphy, Lisa Cowley, Anne Garris, Mara Basic and Candy Zimmerman. Guests – Lt. Wayne Andrews, Vice-Mayor John Doran, Sgt. Stewart – Clearwater Police Dept., Jay Keyes, Ray Massieu, Mr. Bonnington, Linda Hamrell – Clearwater Beach Librarian, Sandy Britton, Dodo and Bill Kirbas, Alvin Ehrenberg- President of the Sand Key Civic Assoc. The meeting began with a presentation by Sgt. Stewart of the Clearwater Police Department to Dodo Kirbas, longtime Clearwater Beach resident and official Neighborhood Watch leader since 1981. Dodo and Sgt. Stewart regaled us with some beach history and tales of her and her Captains many success stories. Dodo dedicated her plaque to all her Captains throughout the years. Dodo is stepping down as the longest serving Neighborhood Watch Leader in Clearwater History. She received a plaque and everyone’s heartfelt thanks for her many years of dedication to this neighborhood and all the people who have lived here! Lt Andrews then updated us on traffic and crime. Spring break does not officially start until March 1st, but last weekends weather gave us taste! Lt. Andrews told us that manhole covers are collapsing on S. Gulfview. The road is temporarily closed for repairs. Pat Power stated four way stop signs on Bayway/Gulfview are needed. Lt. Andrews stated that at this late date, with construction so far along that will probably not happen. He did tell us of a new stop sign on S. Gulfview at the Hess Gas Station. Lt. Andrews said a drug arrest had taken place on the 700 block of Lantana. A question was asked regarding 4 police cars and teenagers at the beach access at Laurel and Eldorado. Lt. Andrews did not have information on this event. In closing Lt. Andrews stated that the speed boards along Mandalay Ave. seem to be working and asks neighbors to call the non-emergency number to report if they go out. He recently found one not working and was able to get it back up quickly. Rosemarie called the meeting to order in Jerry’s absence. She announced that his surgery had gone well; he was still in recovery at that time and awaiting his room assignment. Round table introductions were made to welcome the new members of the board as we had only met Polly at the last meeting. Minutes of the January 8, 2008 meeting were accepted as delivered by email. The Treasurer’s Report was presented for January and February. Questions regarding membership dues expected and already paid were asked and answered. The motions to receive and approve the Treasurer’s Report were made and seconded. COMMITTEE REPORTS Beautification Committee – Susan McNamee and Pat Murphy are doing a wonderful job with Acacia Circle. Government – Jay Keyes – no news Business – Rosemarie Bonnington – The reciprocal agreement with the Chamber of Commerce discussed last month is complete, documents were exchanged. In addition to this she stated that we need to increase membership this year. Communication – we need a chairperson for this committee Membership – we need a chairperson for this committee Residential – Ray Massieu stated that he believes it should be put in writing that who ever chairs this committee should also be required to monitor the short term rental situation. He stated that 995 Bruce Ave and 879 Mandalay Ave. have been dropped from the Declaration Documents. He also wants everyone to report any new short term rental activity. John Doran took this time to let us know that Bob Hall had retired and that Dan Bates would be taking over. He encouraged those involved with monitoring the short term rentals to contact him and make introductions. Entertainment – Lisa Cowley (absent) it was stated that she has 2 or 3 people to work with her this year on the entertainment committee. Our annual Neighborhood Week Picnic will be held on March 15 at Triangle Park. Time and details to be advised. Open Issues – It was decided that Polly Sullivan, Pat Power, Ellie Holmes and Ray Massieu will work on Code Violation/Enforcement. Communication and Membership are still open; Rosemarie encouraged the new members to think about what they would like to work on this year. Rosemarie told us that Beachwalk would be opening in June or July. Coalition – Ron updated us on Coalition news stating that all areas of Clearwater are concerned with short term rentals. He also reminded us of the upcoming event; May 3-4 entitled Living Green. NEW BUSINESS – Vice Mayor, John Doran, introduced the subject of the passing of Amendment 1 on Tuesday’s ballet. He wanted to remind the citizens that no one wants to increase the mileage rate, property values are down, cost of electricity, insurance, gasoline are up. The police have a contract guaranteeing them a 5% raise; the communication workers have also already negotiated a 4% increase. Firefighters are still negotiating. He asked us what we are prepared to give up. Some board members reminded him that there is still a lot of fat/waist that could be cut before libraries and recreation centers come under fire. Reminder of the February 13th meeting (6 p.m.) to be held at the Recreation Center to discuss allowing property owners of less than one acre (ex. Poinsettia and East shore) to increase the number of motel rooms allowed. It is thought that this increase in density would allow mid priced, $80-$120, per room night hotels to be built. Jay Keys addressed the group regarding Tampa Bay Harvest. He wanted the new board members to understand what the golf tournament means to Tampa Bay Harvest. We have united for the past 2 years with Sand Key Sailing Club to hold this event with our portion of the money raised used to assist with the purchase of a refrigerated truck. Linda Hamrell, Clearwater Beach Librarian let us know that even after moving into the library she could use volunteers as she will still only having a part-time assistant and the library will be larger with far more books and materials. It was suggested that high schools students and church youth groups looking for volunteer hours might enjoy serving so close to home. Linda said most certainly and they may find the summer hours favorable to their schedules. Ron Delp asks that you contact him for any donations to the memorial funds being set up for Nancy Dean, Anne Garris’ daughter. One fund directs the money to the hospital to her account to cover the cost of her medical bills. Another fund has been opened by Pioneer International for whom she and her husband worked as missionaries. This account has also been opened to help with her bills. Ron Delp has the information and account numbers for both of these funds. Pat Power stated she was encouraged with the turnout and enthusiasm of all who turned out for the first Game Night. Ages ranged from 1 year to 70+. She plans to hold more and asks that we mark our calendars for the March 15 sock hop she is planning! Line Dancing classes and other fun ideas are being discussed. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully,
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