SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Amend the Clearwater Code of Ordinances by establishing Division 3 - Community Resiliency and Leisure Services Advisory Board, amending the membership composition of the Sister Cities Advisory Board and pass Ordinance 9855-25 on first reading.
Body
SUMMARY:
At the August 6, 2025 special work session, City Council directed staff to consolidate the Environmental Advisory Board (EAB), the Library Board (LB), and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) into one board.
The proposed ordinance repeals sections of the city code associated with EAB, LB, and PRAB and establishes the Community Resiliency and Leisure Services Advisory Board under Division 3, Sections 2.101-2.104.
The Community Resiliency and Leisure Services Advisory Board will be comprised of seven members who will meet every other month to seek public sentiment and provide city council feedback and guidance on endeavors that enhance sustainable recreation, parks and cultural programs at city facilities and foster community interest in events and initiatives that promote community well-being. The Board will also prioritize recreational needs for inclusion in the parks and recreation master plan, seek public feedback on prospective grant applications as requested by the Parks and Recreation Director and the Sustainability and Environmental Division Manager, and hold community outreach sessions on topics or initiatives supporting the City’s community well-being and environmental stewardship objectives identified in the strategic plan. The new advisory board will continue to hold public hearings for requests to rename a city park or a portion of a recreational facility, advise on the establishment of rules governing the library as requested, and provide city council with insight on environmental activities within and affecting the city.
The proposed ordinance also amends the membership composition of the Sister Cities Advisory Board to allow a Pinellas County Schools employee who has participated in an exchange program as a host or chaperone and a Clearwater resident, with an arts education or professional background preferred. Staff is requesting the proposed changes because the School Board’s World Language Coordinator position was eliminated due to budget cuts and it is difficult to find a representative from the Clearwater Arts Alliance who is willing to commit their time.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: N/A
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS: N/A
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