CBA Applauds Keeping Library and Pool OpenBy Vicki JacksonA dark and stormy night didn't dampen spirits at the Clearwater Beach Association's monthly board meeting held Tuesday evening, July 6th. When Pat Power, spokesperson for Friends of the Clearwater Beach Library and Recreation Center, announced the great news, "We have a library, we have a pool," applause followed. Especially acknowledged was the support for those facilities voiced by many concerned citizens, especially the two youths, who addressed the Clearwater City Council when they met last month. According to the City Manager Hornes' budget proposal for FY 2010/11, "Closures (of facilities) do not result in cost reductions sufficient to meet revenue limitations. The City's primary cost-people and programs" will be the focus for reductions. He encourages citizens and property owners to participate in any of the forthcoming budget meetings and hearings, all of which will be televised at www.myclearwater.com, beginning with the work session on July 13th. In noting that five part-time officials oversee a total budget of $368 Million, CBA member Ron Delp, shared some observations. While the mileage rate will remain constant, fees for services such as solid waste and stormwater will rise, 5% and 6% respectively. He warned, "Taxes may stay the same, but we're all gonna pay more." He suggested the City of Clearwater could revisit the County Sheriff's proposal for the consolidation of police services, and that they might look at re-inventing every department. A voice from the crowd, corrected, "Every person". Mr. Delp advised members and citizens to communicate such concerns and to stay involved with the process. The CBA has a history of being involved and regularly monitoring activity deemed detrimental to their neighborhood, and is developing a Neighborhood Crime Watch program. Even so, members were dismayed to learn that yet another three residences on the north end of Clearwater Beach have qualified as short-term rentals, after successfully suing the City. This brings the number of such operating properties up to three- dozen in the neighborhood. The association continues to push forward, for betterment of the community. To that end, a new and different fundraiser is being planned-an Oktoberfest, which will be held in the fall. As no meeting is scheduled for the month of August, residents may set aside the date, October 29th, and watch for details of the celebration to be announced after the board meets in September.
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