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Meeting Minutes for 3/3/2009: Present – Jay Keyes, Kim Porte, David Ramos, Sue Johnson, Pat Power, Patrick Gallager, Rosemarie Swisshelm Bonnington, Lisa Cowley, Allan Avery, Ray Massieu, Ross Concklin, Mara Basic , Ann Marie Krzesinski Absent – Ron Delp, Candy Zimmerman Guests – Lt. Joe Young – Clearwater Police Dept., and Alvin Ehrenberg- liaison Sand Key Association Residents – Murphy, Bette Failor, Mr. Bonnington Quorum was determined and the meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Minutes of the February CBA Meeting were approved subject to adding the Aquarium on Island Estates to the list of beneficiaries for CBA’s portion of any monies earned by the Tour of Homes fundraiser. Lt. Joe Young addressed us on a few subjects and took several questions from board members. He stated that he would send an officer on March 14th to the Neighborhood Picnic at Triangle Park. He also asked for the date and time of the Island Estates meeting so that he could also attend their meetings. He mentioned that cars would be in the neighborhood looking for speeders in response to complaints from residents. He also wanted to clarify the City’s position on dog walking on Clearwater Beach. He stated that no dogs were allowed south of the Palm Pavilion. North of the Palm Pavilion dogs are allowed and only need to be on voice command. Leashes are not mandatory. Beach accesses are maintained by the City Parks and Recs division and signage denotes no dogs allowed (on the access). Illegal beach parking was also discussed. Recent “events” on Eldorado brought up the question of permits to park in no parking areas for special events. He stated that he would look into this and determine if this was an official practice sanctioned by the City or a “courtesy” to homeowners. He stated that cars parked inappropriately would always be ticketed. A resident (Betty Failor) asked if anything could be done regarding the dangerous practice of skateboarding on Mandalay Ave. He stated that he would make officers aware of the situation. The Treasurer’s Report was presented by David Ramos and accepted by the Board. He stated that Dues collections are slow this year. David asked us to speak to our neighbors and encourage them to join. In an attempt to make this easier, David will distribute short lists to several of us with names of our neighbors who have not yet joined. OLD BUSINESS Tour of Homes – Pat Power told us that scheduling a date for the event was proving to be quite difficult. The event has currently been postponed until November of 2009, but that a date free of conflicts has still not been determined. Ironman takes place in November and the Rec Center which is vital to all plans is currently booked for most other dates that have been considered. The committee is currently considering postponing the event until January 2010. In that event she suggested that another CBA fundraiser will be necessary for 2009. Short Term Rental – Ray Massieu is currently introducing himself to new owners in the neighborhood warning them against choosing to rent short term. He has asked the City to write a letter to new homeowners educating them on the situation. They have not said they will do this, but he will continue to push for this. He did note, on the positive side, that the City put a note regarding short term rentals in recent utility bill mailings. It was stated that the City also sent a mailing last summer to all residents stating that short term rental in the residential neighborhoods was illegal. Pat Power would like to type up a list of Rules for the legal short term rentals to give their tenants, stating such things as trash day, parking rules and quiet times per ordinance. Ray felt the legal rentals would take this as harassment and he did not want to be involved. Sand Key liaison, Alvin Ehrenberg, was introduced by Ann Marie Krzesinski and asked to bring up key points from their meeting. She also asked him to speak on any subject that they would like our help with. In mentioning the current situation with SOS and SON he felt that they, as an Association, had given all the money that they would. He stated that they were as always very supportive of the Sand Key Sailing Center and all they did for the community and would continue to help support them financially. Allen Avery is our liaison to Island Estates and had previously emailed CBA board members details of the meeting he attended and referral was made to this email. Chamber of Commerce update was given by Rose Marie Swisshelm. She stated that the Beach Chamber had lost 22 members including many realtors. She noted that foreclosed properties throughout the area were deteriorating. She informed us that legislation is pending to force banks/lenders to maintain these properties and that the Chamber was in support of this. COMMITTEE REPORTS Membership - Jerry Murphy and David Ramos will continue to work on this committee as stated earlier. They also asked us to invite neighbors to the picnic where a sign up station would be available for renewals of membership and hopefully new memberships. City Government – Parking Garage and Marina will be on the agenda at upcoming Council Meeting and Jay Keyes and Jerry Murphy plan to attend. (6 p.m. - 3/5/2009) Pat Power stated we all need to be aware the Beach Rec Center is threatened. It is felt that the City wants to turn it exclusively into a Rental Center for weddings - canceling all programs for citizens. She feels the Library is “safe” for one year. Fundraising – Pat Gallager restated that Beach Walk is the best venue for an event, especially if the City made electric available during recent construction. If not, generators would be a possibility. He suggested possible themes to feature “Winter” the dolphin or “Spring” training. He can work towards getting vendors, but a large sponsor would also be necessary. It was noted that Dunedin is very successful with its Fine Arts Festival and various food festivals. It was asked if this is a viable concept for CBA? Can we do it alone or do we need a partner? It was decided that a committee be formed and that we approach the City. Jay Keyes suggested that we start at the top, by speaking with the Mayor and the City Manager. It was also asked if “Beachfest” could be revived. A committee was formed to include Pat Gallager, Jay Keyes, and Pat Power. Events – Sue Johnson asked for volunteers for the March 14 picnic. Set up and decorating to begin at 2:00 p.m. for the 4 o’clock picnic. Jay volunteered to supply a large tent and other small tents and tables would be gathered that day. CAN AWARDS – Jay informed us of Candy Zimmerman’s good news in selling her home and the bad news that she would be resigning from CBA and therefore no longer able to help with the CAN awards. It was stated that Ron Delp would be the best choice to replace her as he had headed up this committee last year. Ron was absent from this meeting, but Jay said he would inform him of Candy’s resignation. Beautification – compliment s were sent to Pat Murphy and Suzanne MacNamee for their efforts in maintaining Acacia Circle. Communication – In reference to Candy’s resignation, Jay stated that he would send her a letter thanking her for her years of service to CBA and our community. It was also mentioned that Candy’s brother had passed away. Kim Porte will send a sympathy card on behalf of CBA. Newsletter – It was noted that there would be a delay on this project of a few more weeks. Other Business City Code - Jerry Murphy and Ron Delp continue to work on this. They state that the City wants to take the role of educator. Their committee will continue to push the City to enforce the codes. The City would like citizens to write up changes that they feel are necessary. Sue Johnson felt that this could be our opportunity to make a change and should not necessarily be looked at as a burden. She said we should stay focused and make our positions known. The next Commission Meeting will be held on February 5th. John Duran updated us on various issues. Marina rates are up and they now have 40 vacancies. Ten people have put in $500 for a chance to be in the lottery for spots at the new marina. It may now come to “first come first serve” as there is not enough interest to make a lottery necessary. Beach parking is still being discussed and some arrangement may be made with a property owner to help ease Spring Break congestion. It was asked when the Circle construction would be complete, as that was when parking along the causeway would end? Coalition Update – In his absence Ron Delp sent an email update to all board members mentioning among other things the Mini Seminar being held on March 11 at the Countryside Recreation Center. Subjects ranging from Gangs and Crime to Housing and Foreclosure Prevention Programs and Hurricane Safety are all on the agenda. Other items discussed at the meeting were the City Budget, and an upcoming Threshers Game scheduled for June 13th. Beach Clean Up – Saturday, March 21st from 9 a.m. til Noon. Jerry Murphy stated that he would get out an email with information on this and that info could be available at the picnic also. Meeting Adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully,
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