Meeting Minutes for 5/05/2009:

Present – Jay Keyes, David Ramos, Ann Marie Krzesinski, Bobby Rowe, Patrick Gallager, Kim Porte, Lisa Cowley, Allan Avery, Mara Basic, Ross Concklin, (Ron Delp arrived before adjournment)

Absent – Pat Power, Rosemarie Swisshelm Bonnington, Sue Johnson, Ray Massieu

Guests – Alvin Ehrenberg – Sand Key representative, Jerry Murphy, John Doran, Katherine Krzesinski, James Badertscher, Anne Garris and Sandy Britton all CBA members

Guest Speaker - Jo Ellen Farnham – Attorney and Sand Key resident involved with I.I.I., (Islands Independent Initiative.

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

Motion was made to accept the Minutes as posted on the Website by Allan Avery and seconded by Ross Concklin.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented around the table by David Ramos. He asked if anyone had questions. Bobby Rowe asked how the Easter Egg Hunt went. He was told it went well; Ron Delp and Sandy Britton attended and photographed the event. Jay Keyes read a letter of thanks from the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center Supervisor. The Treasurers report was then accepted by motion and second.

Jo Ellen Farnham was introduced and addressed the group. She stated that she was an attorney and with us this evening to share important information. She continued to say that she had been volunteering her services and time for approximately one and a half years working with the Sand Key Homeowners Association in a field of law in which she had not specialized in law school. The group has been active on three major issues.

1. Shoppes at Sand Key

2. Redesign/Development of the Cabana Club

3. The Increase in Hotel Room Density

This process has united Sand Key residents and as we all know has caused the residents and associations of both Island Estates and Clearwater Beach to take an interest as well. She stated that meetings took place with Island Estates and Sand Key to discuss issues that they had in common. CBA also decided that they would like to share information, inviting and sending representatives to each other’s meetings. Her group looked at the Neighborhood Preservation Map, possible Code changes and delving deeper, the question of forming a Citizens Initiative as these were all still single solutions for single problems. On April 21st, the I.I.I., Islands Independent Initiative was formed, asking the questions, “Can we self govern?” “Can we deal with our Barrier Island issues? Ms. Farnham came before us this evening to share information, and to encourage and solicit the interest and questions of the residents and members of CBA. She further stated that her group has hired Attorney Ed Armstrong who does specialize in this area. A website has been set up.

She stated that within 90 days they hope to return to the community with more information and calendared meeting times and places. She stated that as this process evolves they will communicate with emails and via the Website.

She feels that in exploring these issues the citizens will become far more knowledgeable. She states that the group will be very methodical and pragmatic in their approach to issues. They are looking for a long term solution. She was asked, why the group came forward on April 21st announcing their plans rather than waiting the 90 days when they had their “roadmap” in hand. She stated that they were hoping to get input from citizens. She was asked, will the Website explain what kind of money they have need for and how it will be spent? She stated that it would and that they were a 501 c 4, nonprofit, but not tax exempt. She was thanked for her time.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Sand Key Association Meeting - Ann Marie Krzesinski reported that she was unable to attend the meeting but Alvin Ehrenberg, present at our meeting, stated that the Mayor would be attending their upcoming June 3rd meeting. Ann Marie did state that she had attended the celebrations for Joe Calio which was a wonderful event.

Island Estates Meeting – Alan Avery stated that he had no news beyond his April 20 email to board members.

Tour of Homes – No update due to Pat Power’s surgery. All reports state she is doing well. Card was passed and signed and hopefully delivered to her, as secretary (Kim) came home without it.

Environmental – John Doran reminded us that the City Council would be meeting in two days on Thursday evening and the subject of Shore Birds Protection and fireworks were on the agenda.

STR – In Ray’s absence, Jerry Murphy updated us with news of 2 convictions. The owners of 936 Bruce plead guilty. No fine was levied and it is reported that they are continuing to rent short term. If charged again fines cannot be reduced. The owners of 822 plead not guilty, lost and were fined $500. It was reported that the committee will continue to look into owners of properties that are claiming homestead exemption and continuing to rent their properties. There was mention of the police not adequately responding to calls regarding parking and some other complaints. It was noted that Lt. Young has not attended or sent a representative to our last two meetings. Bobby Rowe stated that he would call Lt. Young to discuss this.

Membership – Jerry Murphy stated that he now has 70 members paid in full and is expecting to have upwards of 125 due in part to last month’s email reminder to old members. He would like to have 150 members. Last year’s membership totaled 138.

Chamber News – Anne Garris reported that the Greater Clearwater Chamber in conjunction with Clearwater Beach Chamber was concerned about business. They are proposing new rules for “Sandwich Board Signs”. They would like to allow their use in downtown Clearwater and on South Beach and Mandalay Ave. They would still not allow them in other parts of the City. Some CBA members voiced concern about allowing them on Beach Walk, but felt they might be ok on Mandalay Ave.

An open discussion of questions and answers took place while waiting for Ron Delp to arrive to discuss the CAN Awards and the CNC.

Anne Garris asked John Doran to elaborate on the subject of the temporary causeway parking possibly ceasing soon. He stated that the 6 floor/400 spot Aqualea Parking Garage would be opening soon and they hoped to encourage people to park there, rather than on the causeway. He did state that there was talk of asphalt and meters being installed at the causeway. This was not looked on favorably by CBA members present. Jay asked if we should write a letter to the City voicing our displeasure. A motion was made by Ross Concklin to do that and seconded by David Ramos. Jay will write the letter on behalf of CBA.

Ann Marie Krzesinski asked John Doran where we were on the Boat Docks at Coachman Park. He said there were still permits necessary from the Corp of Engineers.

Sandy Britton asked John Doran how things were progressing with the boat ramp at the Recreation Center. He stated that we are still waiting on a Grant and that times are tough in Tallahassee.

Jay Keyes was asked if he had news of Beach Fest and he said he had no news because the City had not responded to him. John Doran shared that he had email from City Manager Bill Horne stating that he does not support closing the road for the Fest.

Ron Delp arrived and reported that the CNC, Clearwater Neighborhood Coalition, would be meeting next Monday and so he had no report at this time.

CAN AWARD – Ron stated that with repeated requests for volunteers to run this project and only two commitments it looked as though CBA would not be able to compete in 2009, possibly the last year of the awards.

Short discussion followed concerning news that the owners of 976 Mandalay and 172 Devon were suing the City, and asking to be put on the list of 31 homes that are currently allowed to rent short term.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Submitted by Kim Porte