Meeting Minutes for 3/2/2010:

Present – : Sue Johnson, Jerry Murphy, David Ramos, Pat Power, Patrick Gallager, Rosemarie Bonnington, Kim Porte, Ross Concklin, Ann Marie Krzesinski, Bobby Rowe, Sara Stauffer, Allan Avery, Jay Keyes, and Mara Basic.

Board Members Absent: Gary Athanason

Guests – Fisherkeller and Officer Cappa of the Clearwater Beach Police, Erik Wilson of the City of Clearwater and various CBA members.

Sgt. Fisherkeller addressed us in Lt. Young’s place. He said that Spring Break was officially on for the next 6 weeks so plan to leave early and be patient when returning home. He stated that we would continue to see a more visible police presence in the neighborhood and on the causeway, their emphasis being on our safety. He reminded us to lock vehicles and not leave valuables in them.

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

Minutes as posted on the Website were accepted.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by David Ramos and accepted. David Ramos further added that he would be turning in his resignation as Treasurer after several years he said it was time for someone else to take over. He added that he would like that to be as soon as possible.

Membership Committee We doubled our membership this month to 64 paid members thanks to the efforts of many CBA members distributing the door hangers, knocking on doors and speaking with neighbors. Sue thanked everyone for their help. Bobby Rowe said that he had email addresses for condo associations on the beach that we could contact regarding membership. Pat Power agreed by saying, “This is a voice we don’t have with us at this time.”

Social/Special Events – Pat Power reported that Lisa and Larry were thrilled to deliver all the goods to her house for upcoming events. She has them stored at her house now, but would like someone to volunteer to take over storing and placing the small American Flags at Acacia Circle when needed.

Mara Basic volunteered to be responsible for this in the future. Bobby Rowe offered to research getting a flag pole and American Flag for Acacia Circle. This idea was met with approval by the board. It was mentioned that the flag would have to be lit as it would otherwise have to be taken down each evening.

David Ramos stated that there was one ticket left for sale for the Spring Training Event at Bright House Field on Sunday, March 7th. The Trolley will be meeting participants at the Rec Center and departing at noon and then returning around 4 p.m.

Pastor Tommy Cook and his wife were present at this meeting and were allowed time to introduce themselves and talk to the Board and CBA members present regarding his Preach and Teach ministry. They offered to help us with our work in the community by possibly showing movies on their inflatable screen.

Neighborhood Picnic – Triangle Park - April 17, 2010 from 2-6 p.m. Set up to take place earlier with Jay Keyes and Jerry Murphy providing tents as usual and Sue Johnson again, providing tables. A request for grills was made and we hope they will appear the day of the event from kind neighbors!

Buried Treasure Sale at Triangle Park – This Event, put on in conjunction with the Friends of the Library and CBA will be held at Triangle Park on Saturday, March 27. Pat Power distributed flyers to the Board that she would like distributed. They are announcing the need for donated items, so clear out your garages, attics and storage buildings, call for a pick up and help make this a successful event! The flyers can be passed out along with additional membership door hangers and soon to be mentioned neighborhood watch info.

While still focusing on Events, Pat Power wanted to mention that she felt Liability Insurance should be carried by CBA for events such as the Garage Sale. David Ramos stated that we had coverage for our monthly meeting but not anything else.

CBA By-Laws Review Committee - Jay Keyes, Jerry Murphy, Ron Delp and Alan Avery have begun this task. They stated that they are putting a fresh eye on the subject and asking themselves, “Is this how we still want to operate?” They are identifying typos as well as obscure language as the wording has not changed since 2001. They reminded us that change cannot be effected until the December 4, 2010 General Meeting when full membership is present. A posting of any changes must be made 30 days in advance of that meeting and then a vote can take place at the 12.04.10 meeting at the Rec Center.

Neighborhood Watch - Ross Concklin is working hard to reignite this much needed committee. He met on February 26, 2010 with Sgt. Greg Stewart to discuss the Clearwater Beach Neighborhood Watch. He was given a map to assist him in assigning watch areas and enlisting block captains. Signage was also discussed and a few new signs will go up soon. Jay Keyes said if South Beach could be added to this it could open up a whole new area of people interested in joining CBA. It was also stated that information packets on the Crime Watch Program could be distributed to neighbors in another effort to encourage people to join CBA.

Friends of the Library – Pat Power announced an upcoming program, “Shells of Clearwater Beach” featuring Pat Murphy and Anne Garris. Pat will show the group several of her artistic uses of our lovely shells and Anne will cover the informational aspect of the program. Look for it soon; it should be lots of fun! The new computers are coming and soon the one on one training will begin. We owe a big “Thank You” to Bobby and Wendy Rowe and Alan and Merry Avery for contributing the funds necessary to make this happen without further straining the CBA budget!

Sand Key Update – Ann Marie Krzesinski attended their meeting and reported that they would be having a Block Party to celebrate Neighborhood Day on April 17, 2010.

Island Estates Update – Alan Avery updated us on their meeting, stating that they now had a full Board after recent resignations they were able to fill the positions of President and Treasurer. They will be celebrating Neighborhoods Day with a shore cleanup along the causeway.

Clearwater Beach Chamber Update – Rosemarie Bonnington attended the meeting and distributed laminated information cards that can be given to homeless people to help direct them to available services in the area. She pointed out that panhandling is an illegal activity and that these cards can be given to them instead of cash. She also said that the City will issue permits to owners of empty lots in the business districts if they would like to legally charge for parking during Spring Break.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

Submitted by Kim Porte

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