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Meeting Minutes for 5/1/2007: Board Members present: JJerry Murphy, Ron Delp, David Ramos, Jay Keyes, Kim Porte, Lisa Cowley, Lois Davis, Anne Garris, Candy Zimmerman, Bette Failor, Ellie Holmes, Ross Concklin, Pat Power, and Mara Basic Board Members absent: Ray Massieu Guests: Sgt David Dalton, Councilman John Doran, Jeff Kronschnabl, Leslie Dougall- Sides, Ken Sides, Pam Akin, Linda Hamrell, Sandy Britton, Pat Murphy, Debbie Curtis, Rosemarie Bonnington, Mr. Bonnington and Wayne Misler. Sgt. David Dalton introduced himself and explained that Lt. Andrews was out of town. He had no incidences to report and offered to listen to any complaints or questions. Nothing was asked. We thanked him and he stayed for the remainder of the meeting. Jeff Kronschnabl was the first guest to speak regarding the recent court decision concerning short term rentals. He stated that he had 35 years with the city with many of those in zoning. To summarize, he stated that there were currently 49 addresses under investigation that were non-litigation properties. Eleven of these were in compliance. Ten more did not have enough justification to pursue and 28 more were brought into compliance with visits, phone calls and letters. At the culmination of the four year court process the litigation properties received grandfathered rights to short term rental. Jeff gave his support to monitoring these properties for other ordinance violations. (i.e. noise disturbances and improper parking). Mr. Kronschnabl pointed out that now his office was receiving phone calls from other property owners seeking grandfathered rights under the decision. To further explain, the City Attorneys, Ms. Akin and Ms. Dougall-Sides, spoke to how the code existed in 1980 and prior. They stated that the 1980 code was not as specific as the 1999 code. They felt that the court was wrong when it said, “the code was all together too vague for a normal person to understand”. Both attorneys felt there was a good case for an appeal to the 2nd District Court of Appeal and planned to voice that opinion to the City Council at their next meeting. They explained to us that no new evidence would be presented and that the Court would read the transcripts from the trial and make its decision. We thanked the group for all their hard work. Councilman John Doran passed out the latest edition of the “Citizens Guide to Code Enforcement” or the “Blue Book”. Linda Hamrell of the Beach Library stated that one month ago she notified us of a strong possibility the library would be moving to the Recreation Center. Now she warns us that the library may be closing all together. She urged us to log onto the City website. www.myclearwater.com/cpl and take the survey with answers ranging from “Yes, absolutely to who cares?” The City council will decide whether the library closes completely or moves into the Recreation Center or should the recreation center be kept in the optional column and rented for parties and receptions as a profit maker. Secretary – Kim Porte- Minutes were presented and accepted from the April 2007 meeting Treasurer – Dave Ramos - Report submitted and accepted note taken that the increase in revenue is due to the increase in membership Membership – Pat Power - Hurrah to Pat and Sandy Britton for their hard work and perseverance. Membership at the end of December 2006 was 56. We now have 104 members. Publicity – Lois Davis - No report Government Affairs – Jay Keyes – We are all urged to attend the upcoming Commissioner’s Meeting on Thursday night. They will be discussing the budget and the recent court ruling. A motion was made by Jay for the CBA to urge the City to appeal the decision, it was seconded by Anne Garris and a round table discussion followed, giving each member an opportunity to speak if they wanted. It was suggested that we suggest to the city to consult a land use expert specializing in zoning issues. It was repeatedly stated that we should encourage the City to appeal the decision. It was also suggested that Jay amend his motion to include suggesting the city consult a land use specialist. Jay did not agree to amend his motion. It was then put to a vote and passed as originally stated. A motion was made by Ross Concklin to suggest the City consult a land use expert specializing in appeals and zoning/land use issues to assist in the appeal. This motion was seconded by Anne Garris and another round table opportunity to speak followed. One board member felt that this was a decision for the Council to make as it would entail an additional expense for the City. The vote was taken with 6 yes – 3 no – and 4 abstaining. The motion passed. Events – Lisa Crowley – The Egg Hunt was a success. Neighborhood Day garage sale and picnic at Triangle Park were also a great success. Next on the agenda is Oktoberfest. Beautification – Pat Murphy and Susanne MacNamee – The ladies are working closely with Brian Murphee from the City and Acacia Circle is looking wonderful. Plans are to finish the landscaping/water/electricity at Triangle Park so that the Beautification Committee can enhance this park with plants and flowers. Coalition – Ray Massieu – No report Traffic – Bette Failor - Thank you to Paul Bertels for smoothing out many of the bumps on Mandalay Avenue caused by the construction. Bette reported that there was no solution to the parking problem. Too many cars and not enough driveways! 2008 Golf Tournament – Jay Keyes – The next meeting is at 4pm Thursday. Those attending the meetings have all brought in a list of people and business’ they plan to solicit donations from so duplicate visits can be avoided. Anne Garris wrote a letter that was then sent to all volunteers and donators of Tampa Bay Harvest notifying them of the Golf Tournament and our plan to donate our proceeds to this wonderful group. CAN – Ron Delp – There are 13 awards and 13 neighborhoods. Only one prize available per neighborhood so everyone is a winner! The Mayor’s Award for Excellence is worth $5000. And the City Manager’s Award for Volunteers is worth $2000, with smaller dollar amounts in the other areas. Ron is busy documenting and photographing various activities throughout the neighborhood. He plans to conduct interviews with various members of our neighborhood that are active in the community so pass any names on to him. What will we do with any money awarded us? It was suggested that 75% go to beautifying Triangle Park along with some going to Acacia Circle and to purchasing bags for the Doggie Dirt Dispensers located at each beach access. New Business – The president of the Sand Key Association has approached us regarding their opposition to a proposal to build boat docks behind the Marriott on Sand Key. It was agreed that we should support them in their effort to oppose the construction of these docks. A letter will be written to the Sand Key Association notifying them of our decision. Closer to home, on Bay Esplanade, a great deal of research has been done by our own Anne Garris regarding the proposed boat slips discussed at last months meeting. Local resident, Mark Smith, attended last months meeting to bring this matter to our attention. Anne has found out that these lots have not been joined. At this time one is currently residential and one is commercial. The current zoning states that at no time should the commercial property ever have a dock longer than 70’ and the residential should never have a dock longer than 30’. If you recall the developer is asking for a dock much longer than what is currently allowed. They plan to justify this by combining the two lots, as the length allowed is calculated by the property’s total water frontage. CBA is in opposition to any dock being built longer than is currently allowed. (i.e. 70’ and 30’respectivly). If the residential lot is absorbed more than a boat dock will appear on the edge of our residential neighborhood. A Developmental Review Committee Meeting is scheduled for June 6th and a Community Development Board Meeting will be held on July 17th. We will not be allowed to speak at the Development Review Committee meeting, but we can be heard at the Community Development Board. We hope our presence and our emails will be noted. Anne has also been keeping us informed regarding House Bill 1585 and Senate Bill 2942. These bills threaten Memorial Causeway and she urges us to call Sen. Jones at 850-487-5065. A lobbyist has been hired by interested parties to get these Bills through so they can build boat dock along the Causeway. Remember all leases at the marina have not been renewed leaving the land there available to developers who will be far more interested if they have boat docks along the causeway as well as land to build on. It was discussed and agreed upon that the Harbor Master should be invited to one of our meetings. It was also agreed that Pat Power and Anne Garris would write a letter to the City stating that we need a Library and a Recreation Center, but not Boat Docks. Target for mailing this letter is one week. Threshers Game – Our annual outing is coming up. Dwight Curtis is still working on the date but the plans will be very similar to past events. The cost is $17/per person to include the game and all the food and drinks! But we must guarantee 30 people. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully,
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