Meeting Minutes for 5/4/2010:

Present – : : Sue Johnson, Jay Keyes, Rose Marie Bonnington, Bobby Rowe, David Ramos, Pat Gallagher, Allan Avery, Ross Concklin, Sara Stauffer, Ann Marie Kyzesinski.

Board Members Absent: Mara Basic

Guests – Clearwater Police Sergeant Thomas Kisherkeller, Clearwater Planning Department Director Michael Delk, Clearwater Vice Mayor John Doran, Clearwater Public Information Officer Eric Wilson

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

The April minutes were approved unanimously. Bobby Rowe moved, Jay Keyes seconded.

The Treasurers report was approved unanimously. Jay Keyes moved, Ross Concklin seconded.

Clearwater Police Sgt Fisherkeller reported not much crime on Clearwater Beach currently. He urged people to lock their car doors even if they are leaving their car for only a few minutes. He was informed that Aster and Iris streets need no-parking signs.

There was a discussion of specific streets with parking problems. Suggestions were made for "an idea that can grow" to help solve the problems as fairly as possible. A member asked how to get a no-parking sign on his street. It was suggested he call Paul Bertels, Traffic Operations Manager for Clearwater at 562-4794 to make a request.

Clearwater Planning Director Michael Delk was the featured speaker. He is charged with administrating the City's Land Use Code and handling Planning and Enforcement also. Mr. Delk discussed Property grandfathered as short term rentals, and how the short term rental designation can still be obtained by land owners who provide the documents to prove their land should be grandfathered. He spoke of a property at 831 Eldorado. The owner has been notified of loss of grandfathering because of a six month period when the land was not used for short term rentals. Vice Mayor John Doran detailed the documents needed to demonstrate that a property should be grandfathered as a short term rental. Mr. Delk pointed out that, if a land owner fails to maintain the use by paying tourist taxes and forgoing the homestead exemption, as well as other methods, then the grandfathering can be lost.

Citizens observing violations of the short term rental ordinance were urged to report violations to police on week-ends and to Compliance Manager at 562-4723, at other times.

Asked about an illegal gas grill at a property on Eldorado, Mr. Delk responded that it had not been removed but the fine of $250 a day, placed on it by the City, is now up to around $2,000.

Mr. Delk closed with expressing his concern about the challenges to Clearwater Beach and promised to keep in touch with President Sue in order to work with the CBA on issues.

Jerry Murphy reported that CBA currently has 96 household memberships. He added that the goal was 140 to 150 memberships and told of a plan to enlist volunteer members to call on less than 10 neighbors each to increase the membership.

Jay Keyes reported that the Family Fund Fest committee had decided to postpone the next FFF until next year and were tentatively planning it for October 22 and 23.

He also reported the Hyatt Hotel management has expressed an interest in membership in the CBA.

At this point the meeting was interrupted by someone (name unknown) coming to express concern about drug trafficking on the North Beach and asked the CBA board what they could do about it.

Vice Mayor Doran described the plan of the new Clearwater Chief of Police to gather information about crime from the citizens and analyze the critical concerns of each neighborhood. Mr. Doran recommended that concern citizens make phone calls to report problems because repeated phone calls get attention.

Ron Delp reported on the City's budget discussion. He said that Chief Holloway would present his response to the Sheriff's proposal to take over the policing in Clearwater, at the May 20 meeting of the City Commission.

The Friends of the Clearwater Beach Library And Recreation Center reported on several new programs planned for the summer.

Ann Marie Kyzesinski reported on the Sand Key Civic Association meeting in April, and Allan Avery reported that the Island Estates Association was gearing up for more activity with new board members.

Rose Marie Bonnington reported that the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce held a discussion about the suggested operation of the Clearwater Police Department by the Sheriff's office. The Chamber suggested that the CBA, Island Estates, Sand Key and Chamber co-sponsor a meeting to hear about the Sheriff's proposal.

Rose Marie reported that 18 Restaurants had signed up to participate in Restaurant Week, planned for May 9 - 15.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Submitted by Ann Garris