C.O.N.A. of South Pinellas County

Share That Special Spirit-

Dec 10, 2003

CONA Newsletter December 2003

The CONA PRESIDENT'S RECEPTION will be on Wednesday, December 17th at:

THE SUNSHINE CENTER
330 5th St. North
6:00 p.m.
___________

Your association is cordially invited to come
and tell us about your 2003 neighborhood accomplishments!


PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Neighbors,

Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year! 2004 promises to be even more eventful than 2003, if that is possible. We have an excellent slate of officers to represent CONA next year. Please stay involved; that is the only way we can continue to make St. Petersburg the envy of Florida. It is a grass-roots effort that has brought all the changes to the City throughout the neighborhoods and in the business corridors, both downtown and in the suburbs.

It has been my pleasure to represent you and your neighborhoods for the last two years. I had great leadership from past and present neighborhood representatives, but more importantly, I had a tremendous group of volunteers that made my job enjoyable. First, I want to thank my wife, Suzanne, for giving me the opportunity and allowing me to make all the meetings and events that go with this responsibility. I want to thank Paula Engel; she was a lifesaver as Editor of this newsletter. This newsletter would not have been what it is (and was) without Paula?’s dedication. She has raised the standard for newsletters.

My Executive Board has been great. Karl Nurse is no stranger to the City and its workings, although I think being more involved in CONA has brought more things to light for him. Theresa, Conrad and Libby have been a mainstay on the Executive Board, and I would not have wanted it any other way. They were always available to do whatever was needed and were never praised enough for their dedication to CONA.

The City administration: Mayor Baker, Deputy Mayor Dove, Deputy Mayor Davis and Deputy Mayor Elston have been a pleasure to work with, as well as Chief Harmon and his staff of dedicated officers. I cannot imagine what CONA would be if it had not been for Mayor David Fischer?’s vision of encouraging neighborhood renaissance throughout the City and having the insight to have Susan Ajoc and her staff bring it to fruition. That is one great department of committed individuals dedicated to improving St. Petersburg?’s neighborhoods.

I could go through the entire City both in the government and private sector and mention those who have helped improve CONA?’s position in the community, but it suffices to say we have become what we are because of our desire to maintain and improve our quality of life in our City. Do stay involved and let?’s continue to make St. Petersburg a better place for our future.

Once more, thank you for the opportunity of allowing me to serve you as President of CONA, and have a very Happy Holiday season.

Sincerely,

Brent Fisher
President, CONA 2002-3


FROM THE EDITOR: A Word of Thanks!

Dear CONA Members,

As your Newsletter Editor since June of 2002, I appreciate all the information and material you provided to make this newsletter the informative communication tool I have tried to make it. Without your contributions, it would not have succeeded.

My thanks go to contributors from the City of St. Petersburg: Susie Ajoc, Andy Garr, Gail Eggeman, Sally Eichler and Michael Frederick. Also, our most effective neighborhood contributors include Chris Kelly, Phil Whysong, Cathy Wilson, Steve Plice, Ron Russell, Lyn Dexter and Rebecca Saylor (CONA Leadership 2003).

Conrad Weiser is to be commended for his contributing minutes, not only from the monthly CONA meetings, but from all the significant city meetings that he reported on, as well as for his ?“maintenance?” of the Listbot news, CONA website and CONA mailing list. Without someone of Conrad?’s caliber, expertise and dedication, CONA would not be the professional volunteer organization that it is. And without Libby Steele, this newsletter would not have been received by you at all! Each and every month, Libby has been available at a moment?’s notice to prepare the newsletter for mailing and deliver it to the post office so that you were able to receive it prior to the monthly meetings. Most of all, I thank Brent Fisher, for asking me to help out as newsletter editor. It was a pleasure working with Brent, and I am glad I could make a positive contribution to our wonderful city. Thank you all for your help!

Whatever direction CONA decides to take with this publication of the monthly news, I will offer my assistance in whatever way I can best help. I regret I cannot commit to the entire ?“editorship?” in 2004, but please feel free to contact me with any questions or requests for assistance.

Paula Engel
CONA Newsletter Editor and Representative, 2002-3
Causeway Isles Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Phone: 347-6889 or 642-3134 (cell)
FAX: 345-2804 E-Mail: pkengel1@aol.com


2004 CONA NEWSLETTER

by Steve Plice

Paula Engel has done a superb job of editing the CONA Newsletter for the past year-and-a-half. With help from Libby Steele (labeling and mailing) and Brent Fisher, she has given us a high-quality newsletter every month. She has contributed more than her share of time and energy to the neighborhood effort. Many thanks, Paula for a job very well done!

With Paula's "retirement", we need a newsletter editor starting in January. Anyone interested should contact Karl Nurse at 572-9311, Ext. 24 or karl@baytechlabel.com.

For our 2004 newsletter mailing list, we need four names and addresses from each neighborhood. Please give your list to Steve Plice. Contact Steve at steveplice@aol.com or 344-3120. We need these names as soon as possible so that we can prepare our January mailing list.

Help Wanted! CONA is looking for help with our newsletter.

Editor: To coordinate and edit articles for the newsletter.

Writers: To write articles for the newsletter.

Proofreader: To read articles and make grammatical corrections as necessary.

If you are interested in becoming more involved with our newsletter, call

Karl Nurse at 572-9311, Ext. 24.


CONA BOARD OF DIRECTOR?’S MEETING MINUTES

The Sunshine Center November 19, 2003

President Brent Fisher called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. He then led us in the pledge of allegiance to our flag.

> With the call for corrections to the October Minutes, hearing none, they were approved as published in our November newsletter.

> In the absence of Libby Steele, Brent gave the Treasurer?’s Report indicating a current balance of $1,625.75. He noted that we have some new advertisers.

> Police Chief Chuck Harmon next addressed our meeting.

-A reorganization of the police districts has been undertaken to yield a better balance of the calls for service in each district. The Chief promised to provide details of their plan at a later CONA meeting.

-The Neighborhood Partnership Office managed the distribution of invitations to the recent Police Retreat.

-Police staff attrition has declined over the last six months. They are still hiring in excess of the authorized department strength.

-Ten hour shifts may be possible if staffing improves by January.

-The ?“Strike Force?” has been formed to carry on the earlier GAP Program.

-A Street Crimes Unit has replaced the former Narcotics Squad.

-The Chief responded to several questions from the floor.
*Redistricting neighborhood impacts
*Staffing retention
*Overtime options

> Michael Connors, Neighborhood Traffic Manager, then addressed our group.

-The city currently spends $500,000 annually to implement Traffic Calming.

-Department budgets for traffic plans are not developed beyond 5 years in advance due to changing conditions. There is currently a $1,000,000 carry forward. Only 4 neighborhood traffic plans are under construction.

-Finding priorities are based on filing sequence but also traffic flows, safety records, and cost effectiveness. Funding priorities are reviewed each year.

-Votes by impacted parties are required for all approved traffic plans. Speaking of the Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan, Michael reported that state and federal funding of $12.5 million resulted in a 5-year budget equal to $42.00 per St. Petersburg resident contrasted with only $.04 during the previous 5 years.

-He briefly described new traffic control signals for pedestrians as well as the evolving designs for speed humps and traffic calming circles.

-Michael offered to address the monthly meetings of our neighborhoods.


> Attorney Jim Gillespie made a presentation and appeal for neighborhood support for the Doorway Scholarship Initiative Education Program. He appealed to make this presentation to our local neighborhood meetings.

> Susan Ajoc, (Neighborhood Partnership Office), spoke briefly:

-She is trying to develop sponsorship of local schools by neighborhood associations to
support the need for teaching materials.

-The matching grants for this year have been finalized. 2005 grant applications will be
available six months ahead of closing date.

-The Neighborhood Partnership Office is
planning a one-day conference next spring. Volunteer speakers are being recruited for that program.

> Cathy Wilson, (Greater Woodlawn), reported her involvement in the current update project for Codes Enforcement. [John Hixenbaugh had requested CONA participation.] She was asked to bring the codes rewrite draft to CONA for our review and
discussion.


OLD BUSINESS:

-Vice Mayor Mike Dove will join the Causeway Isles Neighborhood Association in negotiating with the Mayor of Treasure Island in resolving the toll plaza expansion plans.


NEW BUSINESS:

-Our December 17th meeting, the President?’s Reception, will open at 6 p.m. All neighborhoods are encouraged to report on their successes and progress at that program.

-Barbara Heck, (Snell Island), reported the slate of the Nominating Committee:
for President - Karl Nurse
for First V. P. - Jeff Danner and Steve Plice
for 2nd. V.P. - Theresa McEachern
for Treasurer - Libby Steele
for Secretary - Conrad Weiser

-There was a call for additional nominations from the floor. Hearing none, the nominations were closed.

-Responding to an invitation for CONA involvement with the task force appointed by City Council planning for Albert Whitted Airport, we will attend a meeting with the Mayor tomorrow. All member neighborhoods are encouraged to volunteer representatives for these important planning sessions.

-Susan Ajoc solicited written notice of new elected neighborhood officers for 2004.

-Cathy Wilson reminded us that the deadline for Leadership Class applications is Nov. 30th.

-Steve Plice, (Jungle Terrace), noted that the next LDR meeting, chaired by Bob Jeffrey, will be Dec. 5th and will be focused on the
Downtown Section.

Our meeting closed at 9:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Conrad Weiser, Secretary


PARTNERSHIP NOTES:

Neighborhood Partnership Office
City of St. Petersburg

No news this month. Happy Holidays!


St. Petersburg Residential Holiday
Collection Schedule

Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25 and

New Year's Day , Thursday, January 1, 2004

Monday /Thursday collections will be
Monday /Wednesday.
Tuesday/Friday collections will remain the same.

For further information, please contact

Sanitation at 893-7334.


2003 NEIGHBORHOOD ACCOMPLISHMENTS-

Historic Roser Park Neighborhood Association
- Held First Annual Tour of Homes (May)
- Held First Annual Historic Roser Park
Arts Festival (October)
- Got decorative antique lights on 11th
(Ingleside) Ave. S. (part of a
Neighborhood Partnership Grant)
- Put Christmas Luminaries in the Park
- Held Progressive Dinner
- Had Christmas Lights Contest
- Clean-Up the Park (twice)
- Implemented a Verizon Grant for fixing up
Greenwood Cemetery
- Began Process for Restoring Original
Street Name on 11th Ave. S. to ?“Ingleside
Avenue South?”
- Planted a Variety of Colorful Plants in
the Park
- Rewrote our By-Laws

Kai Warren, President


Holiday Greetings from Jungle Terrace Civic Association-

Jungle Terrace holds a monthly membership meeting and publishes a monthly newsletter eleven times a year ( not in December).

January: Started City Team Meetings per our Jungle Terrace Neighborhood Plan.

April: Won a unanimous 8-0 victory before the Planning Commission against a developer and the city who wanted to change the zoning in our Industrial Park.

April: Held Easter Egg Hunt for children at Walter Fuller Park. 175 people attended, 5 bicycles were given as top prizes.

April: Jungle Terrace hosted the Green Thumb Festival, 10,000 people attended. We ran a successful Television raffle at Walter Fuller Park.

April: Jungle Terrace is awarded Honorable Mention by the city for Best Neighborhood Project: Gateway Entrance Signs and Landscaping.

May: Three Jungle Terrace members graduate from the 2003 CONA Neighborhood Leadership Program:
Mary Scott, Lyn Dexter, and Ron Russell.

June: Jungle Terrace gave a $200.00 Savings Bond to the winner of an essay contest at Azalea Middle School.

September: Jungle Terrace sponsors two members to attend the Sarasota Neighborhood Conference: Lyn Dexter and Ron Russell.

September: Jungle Terrace developed a linear park on 30th Ave. N, between 68th St. N and 66th St. N: Fourteen flowering trees, two park benches and two dog sanitation stations. Two large entrance signs are included in this year?’s Partnership Grant.

September: Jungle Terrace developed a new Web site: www.JungleTerrace.org. Please log on and see what is happening in the Terrace.

October: Pets in the Park: Sixty one animals enter the contest; many are winners at the Walter Fuller Dog Park. Sponsored by JTCA.

October: Political Forum Night, sponsored by JTCA - City Council candidates and Airport issues.

November: Health Fair and Bicycle Rodeo sponsored by JTCA. Walter Fuller Park. Five bicycle awards. St. Petersburg General Hospital puts on the Health Fair.

November: Jungle Terrace Picnic (outdoor cookout at member?’s home).

November: Jungle Terrace receives a $1,000.00 Police Forfeiture Grant for neighborhood safety items.

November: Jungle Terrace receives Partnership Grant from City for identification signs.

November: Community Police Officer Rich Hladik is awarded a plaque and dinner at Carrabba's for his four years of outstanding service to Jungle Terrace.

Happy holidays to all from the Jungle Terrace Civic Association.

Tom Killian, President


NO DO (North Downtown)

In 2003, the North Downtown Neighborhood Association held our ?“First Courtyard Tour?” of private gardens and courtyards in the neighborhood. Not only was the tour great fun, but we raised $500 for the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, which offers various kinds of assistance to the working poor. We intend to hold this event on an annual basis.

We worked with City Council member Virginia Littrell to begin a major preservation project of the Mirror Lake recreation complex, which eventually should revitalize this remarkable asset. We also worked with City Council member John Bryan on plans for a new dock in the Vinoy Basin and a new brick-paved promenade along the Vinoy seawall.

At the end of the year, we were finishing up our plans to merge with the University Park Neighborhood Association to create a new Downtown Neighborhood Association. Our members will vote on that proposal in January. We were also getting ready to take part in the annual First Night celebration downtown, with association volunteers running a "Galactic Shuffleboard" event at Mirror Lake.

Tim Baker, President


North Kenwood Neighborhood Association

-Playground equipment for Booker Creek
Park (West End).
-Swingset to complement the existing
playground equipment.
-Annual neighborhood and crime watch
picnic at Booker Creek Park.
-Thanksgiving donations for a deserving
family in our neighborhood.
-Adopted a U.S. Marine and sent a large
package of necessary items overseas.
-Additional trees planted in three
Triangle Parks.
-Neighborhood yard sale with Historic
Kenwood Neighborhood Association.
-Annual Neighborhood clean-up day that
produced 83 tons of trash.
-Additional picnic tables and waste
containers in Booker Creek Park and
Sylvia Boring Park.
-Additional lighting for Booker Creek and
Sylvia Boring Parks.
-Received a Police Grant ($1,041) for
helping us curtail drug and prostitution
activity in the neighborhood.

Phil Whysong, President


2003 Riviera Bay Civic Association Accomplishments

- Neighborhood Plan 9/10ths complete; Volunteers gathered for Website Start Up in 2004.
- City Dredging Survey of our entire canal system has been completed; we?’re still researching to see what kind of help with funding we may receive from the City.
- Speed humps on 78th Avenue N completed.
- Speed humps for 79th Avenue N approved and slated for 2004.
- New pinch valves to be installed in early 2004 to prevent flooding on Riverside Dr. W.
- Notified that we have been approved for a Police Forfeiture Fund award to be received in Dec. 2003.
- Neighborhood Picnic/S. Petersburg?’s 100th Anniversary celebration June 7th at Fossil Park. We paid for residents children to go swimming at the Fossil Park Pool; many area merchants donated food and supplies.
- Started process with the City to get our entire Riviera Bay canal system designated "NO WAKE" with additional signage.
- Nature/Bird Walk with Audubon Society in our own Rio Vista Park.
- Thanksgiving Party with over 100 residents in attendance.
- Christmas Party with at least 85 people at Mansions-by-the-Bay on Dec 11th.
- KFC/LJS business building and landscaping specifications suggested by the RBCA, and accepted and implemented in 2003 by that company.
- Two Neighborhood Yard Sales held in March and October.
- Bought and sold candles and bags for the entire neighborhood to line all our streets on Christmas Eve with luminaries; we also sell them to a few other neighborhoods.
- Christmas Eve Boat Parade with a Santa. We had 26 boats participating one year.
- Attendance at our general meetings is steadily increasing. Must be the fantastic president!

2003 Speakers: Vision 2020, Manatee Awareness, Landscaping, Audubon Society, Pro & Con for Albert Whitted Airport.

David Hoover, President


GROWTH MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES
by Steve Plice

Our work on VISION 20/20 and the Land Development Regulations (LDR) represent our local efforts to manage growth in our City. While we have been engaged in these activities locally, much has also been happening at the State level. The following is a brief description of the major growth management issues being discussed in Tallahassee.

Florida Hometown Democracy Inc. has proposed a constitutional amendment that would require that voters approve any amendment to their local comprehensive plans. If enough signatures are obtained, this issue will be on the November 2004 ballot.

The Florida Council of 100 has proposed some revolutionary changes to our State "water laws" that will be addressed during the 2004 legislative session. These proposals include the transfer of water from "water rich" to "water poor" areas of the state. Another proposal would create statewide "water supply board" that could override local water management districts.

The Governor's Growth Management Study Commission Report of 2001 recommended the development of a Fiscal Impact Analysis Model (FIAM) to improve local land-use decision making. The idea is to use a computer model to help local governments determine whether the revenues generated by a proposed development will be adequate to cover all the costs associated with providing the necessary infrastructure and public services generated by the development.

The state did contract to have such a computer model designed. While there are some questions concerning structure of the model, and other questions concerning how the model should be used, this is likely to be a topic of discussion during the 2004 legislative session.

The Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is our state growth management agency. On Oct. 1, 2003, DCA announced the postponement of the proposed merger of DCA and the Florida Department of State. DCA now plans to introduce merger legislation during the 2005 Legislative Session. The details of the proposed merger will be critical. Some fear this could reduce the priority and effectiveness of Florida's Growth Management process.

During the new year, CONA must remain engaged with our VISION 20/20 process. We must also pay attention to proposed changes at the state level that could have profound changes on our local plans.

Note: Much of this material was summarized from the current newsletter of 1000 Friends of Florida.


QUOTE OF THE MONTH

?“The policy of our paper is very simple ?–
merely to tell the truth.?”
?…from the ?“Opinion?” page, St. Petersburg Times


St. Petersburg Wins Another Award for Sunken Gardens Renovation December 4, 2003?…St.Petersburg, Fla.
- The National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) Tampa Bay, as part of its annual "Best of the Best" awards program recognizing outstanding development contributions in the Tampa Bay area, honored the city of St. Petersburg with the "Outstanding rehab Project" award for the renovation of the Sunken Gardens building. Entries were judged on their compatibility with natural surroundings, service in meeting the needs of users, acceptance by the public and development community, landscaping, and financial feasibility.

The Sunken Gardens building renovation is a success story as well as an asset for the citizens and business community. Because of St. Petersburg's commitment to redevelopment, this historic building has been brought back to a productive use. With Great Explorations Children's Museum, Sunken Gardens, and Carrabba's Italian Grill sharing the use of the building, a variety of needs and amenities are provided to the citizens of St. Petersburg.

Ronald Barton, the city's Economic Development Director noted, "It is interesting that Sunken Gardens has recently received two awards -- one from the Florida Redevelopment Association and now from the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties. Receiving awards from these two diverse groups is a testament to the successful blending of historic preservation with reuse that is both commercial and civic."

For more information, contact Ronald Barton, St. Petersburg?’s Economic Development Director at 893-7100.


YOUR LISTBOT OPTIONS
by Conrad Weiser

I wanted to remind you of two options everyone can elect. If you would rather not have the Bot messages showing up in your E-mail inbox at random times, you can request the Daily Digest status. In this mode, all Listbot postings through the day are assembled into a single message sent early the next morning to your mailbox. It appears as an index or summary of the previous day?’s messages. You are then free to read each selected message in full, or simply delete ones of doubtful interest.

Of special interest to those who must be away from their computer for an extended period (risking mailbox overload and mail bounced back to your friends and family), you may elect the ?“No E-mail?” mode, [just let me know]. In this status, you remain a subscriber, always free to post your messages to our group, but no posted messages will be sent to you. The upside: you will still have full access to our archive so that at any convenient moment to access the Web, you can visit our site, (www.groups.yahoo.com/group/stpetecona), and read all that you have missed...since our Bot began!

For certain folks in certain situations I believe either of these optional modes will make our Listbot more attractive.


2003 CONA OFFICERS

President:
Brent Fisher
Greater Pinellas Point
867-2026
Cell: 504-5180
abf@verizon.net

First Vice President
Karl Nurse
Old Southeast
572-9311 Ext. 24
karl@baytechlabel.com

Second Vice President
Theresa McEachern
Harbordale
823-6390
terre66@aol.com

Secretary
Conrad Weiser
Edgemoor
522-5008
MAOA1999@aol.com

Treasurer
Libby Steele
Lakewood Estates
867-6916
MPH56@aol.com


Frequently Called Numbers

Neighborhood Partnership Office: 892-5141

Mayor?’s Action Line: 893-7111

Codes Office: 893-7373


CONA Newsletter Deadlines

Copy Deadline: 30th of each month.
Publication: 2nd Wednesday of month.
Mailing: 2nd Friday of month.

Editor: Paula Engel 347-6889