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Meeting Minutes for 5/6/2008: Present – : Rosemarie Bonnington, David Ramos, Ron Delp, Kim Porte, Lisa Cowley, Candy Zimmerman, Ross Concklin, Pat Power, Patrick Gallager, and Allan Avery Absent – Jerry Murphy, Anne Garris, Ellie Holmes, Mara Basic. Guests – Lt. Wayne Andrews, Vice-Mayor John Doran, Dave Muzio President of Island Estates Civic Assoc., Jay Keyes, Wayne Misler. The meeting began at 6:00 p.m. at Chapel-By-The -Sea. Rosemarie Bonnington brought the meeting to order in Jerry Murphy’s absence. It was announced that Jerry had been hospitalized, but would be returning home in a day or two. He had sent notes on subjects he wished covered that would be referred to during the meeting. Secretary - Minutes of the April 1, 2008 meeting were accepted as read by email or on the website. Treasurer’s Report was presented by David Ramos and accepted as well with one question regarding the SunTrust donation of $100 in Ron Delp’s name. It was explained that he opened an account and named the CBA Foundation the benefactor of his rebate. Lt Wayne Andrews updated us and answered a few questions regarding crime on the beach. He let us know that South Gulfview was open and looking beautiful, if we had not seen Beach Walk we should definitely go have a look. They will be improving the signage and road striping soon as the public is finding it a little confusing. He reported goods stolen from a vehicle on Bay Esplanade had been recovered. He reported an accident Monday evening near the intersection of Rockaway and Mandalay resulted in the death of a 21 year old male. A complaint regarding lane closure near the Hyatt construction site over the weekend when construction is suspended was made. He responded that an arrangement was made between the City and the Hyatt that the barriers involved with the lane closure do not have to be removed each weekend. He addressed a question regarding rumors circulating regarding a sexual battery taking place on the beach. Lt. Andrews stated that a sighting of a possible suspect in a sexual battery that took place elsewhere was reported and a search took place. He was not found here, but was later apprehended in Jacksonville attempting to leave the state. He announced that we will be receiving a few additional officers to patrol Beachwalk and the area to Sand Key. Ron Delp stated that at a recent Coalition meeting that he had attended this subject was discussed. Members of the Coalition believe that officers are being taken from their neighborhoods and reassigned to other areas, such as ours. Lt. Andrews said this was true. He stated that the crime statistics do not support more crime in those areas and do support moving the officers to the Beach where they will be most effective. He said that officers on bicycles are more effective on the beach than in other neighborhoods or parts of the city. We currently have 19 officers with the new additions we will have 23 officers which almost returns us to levels that we had 10 years ago when there was far less activity on the beach. It has been proven that we do need the additional officers because of the large number of people in this area. He also stated that the panhandling ordinance will be enforced from Avalon St, down Mandalay Avenue including the Marina district and the Roundabout. The area of enforcement will continue down South Gulf View to the Sand Key Bridge. Warnings will have to be given but violators can eventually be removed. COMMITTEE REPORTS It was announced that Polly Sullivan had resigned from the board. We will need to replace her and it was asked that we share the names of any interested people with Jerry. Triangle Park/Beautification – David reported that we are currently waiting on the city recommended contractor to run a pipe under the street from the big triangle to the small triangle. Then we will begin installing the sprinkler system and the planting. Government – Vice Mayor, John Doran supplied us with copies of a Three Tier Program Reduction Proposal to the General Fund. He highlighted key points in regard to necessary “belt tightening” due to the slowing economy and the reduction of property values. Entertainment - Lisa Crowley no news Library – Pat Power told us construction continues at the Beach Recreation Center and the Library opening should take place near July 4, 2008. A grand opening is being planned and volunteers will continue to be needed as budget cuts will undoubtedly effect staffing and hours at our Beach Branch. Post Office – Allan Avery stated that he had inquired at the post office of their situation and was told that they have a lease through September and that they are negotiating with the owners of the old True Value Hardware for a possible new location. The Post Office feels that parking would be an issue at that location. Coalition – in addition to earlier comments Ron Delp added that the Coalition is still looking for members if you have a friend in another community please encourage them to join the Coalition. There website is clearwatercoalition.com and a top priority this year will be code enforcement and specific solutions. Golf Tournament and Tampa Bay Harvest – Jay Keyes stated that Tampa Bay Harvest is struggling as food donations are way down. They are looking for more donors and are still only receiving bakery goods from Publix. The Postal Donation Day will be Saturday, May 10 and he encouraged everyone to participate. Jay is talking about a possible Golf Tournament for 2008, done in conjunction with RCS this year, rather than the Sailing Club. Eastlake Woodlands is tentatively holding Monday, October 27, 2008 for our event. He will keep us posted. Threshers Baseball Game – Huge success, 39 people participated. The team played well and it was an exciting game. The food and the weather were excellent. Two families of servicemen were invited to join us for this community event. OTHER ITEMS Island Estates Civic Association – President, Dave Muzio thanked us for the show of support at the meeting on April 17. He said that over 400 people were present at the meeting regarding density and over 50% of homeowners have signed the petition. A Special Meeting – could be called in June, we will be notified of the date and if the recreation center is open we will meet there. Possible agenda items include:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully,
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