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04/28/1998 - Penny for Pinellas (2) CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL WORKSESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER April 28, 1998 Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Ed Hooper Commissioner Karen Seel Commissioner Michael J. Roberto City Manager Richard L. Hedrick Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter – departed at 11:34 a.m. Brenda Moses Board Reporter – arrived at 1:05 p.m. The meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m. at City Hall. Penny for Pinellas Projects City Manager Mike Roberto said the purpose of the meeting was to review Penny (Penny for Pinellas) projects. He thanked staff for the amount of time it took to prepare for today’s meeting. He said at the next Work Session, staff would review the CIP (Capital Improvement Plan) for the next six years. The process will highlight how City funds are spent. Assistant City Manager Rick Hedrick stated this is the first of a series of meetings to address layers of funding. Today’s meeting focuses on the big picture. In the future, staff will provide financing information for each Penny project. Today’s meeting is not intended to prioritize projects but to review any issues the Commission has. Mr. Roberto said it is important to assess the cost of projects and related future expenses, including staff levels and operations. Budget Director Tina Wilson reviewed a forecasting worksheet outlining revenue streams, borrowing costs, debt issuance, etc. The Penny revenue stream, estimated at $10-million annually, will begin in 2000. She said $2.4-million of current Penny funds have been allocated to design the Memorial Causeway bridge. The City could borrow money for projects, such as the bridge, main library, or Memorial Civic Center, downtown bluff improvements, and SR 60 development. Ms. Wilson reviewed projected funding for the new bridge, including bond proceeds, $13-million from FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation), and $10-million from Pinellas County. Ms. Wilson said even if money is borrowed for less than five years, costs for the new bridge would be $5.6-million, and $2.5 million for a new library. In response to a question, she said current Penny funds would be used to pay off internal loans and capital projects listed in the CIP. She projected the interest rate for bonds to be 5.5% to 6%, with the total cost of borrowing at more than $12-million. She stated most projects on the original Penny list have been completed, although Penny money was not used for every project. In response to a question, Mr. Roberto said costs include a 5% contingency. He said bonding avoids inflationary increases to capital costs. In response to a question, 1 msw0498 04/28/98 Public Works Director Rich Baier stated the City would receive the County’s contribution for the new Memorial Causeway bridge in 2001 or 2002. Mr. Baier said the bluff waterfront park has been scheduled for construction in 2001/02. Redevelopment of the bluff originally was estimated to cost $2-million. A change in the proposed scope will include interlocking pavers and upscale lighting. However, estimated costs will not change. He said even if the bridge is not built, the City plans to remove the Drew Street extension west of Osceola, the waterfront parking lot, and expand Coachman Park. Mr. Roberto said a more detailed analysis would be provided as part of the overall downtown plan. He said facilities have a 30-year life. Potential growth and expansion needs to be considered now, when construction costs are less expensive. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the $2-million estimate for Mandalay Avenue streetscaping is not a firm figure. The project originally was listed as four separate projects. The scope has been broadened to consider the entire network of streets. The original project, which provided minor improvements to Mandalay Avenue, has been expanded to include additional streets, enhanced landscaping, added water features, and public art. He expressed concern regarding the high cost of burying utilities. In reference to the SR 60 corridor beautification project, he said the original scope was limited. Estimated costs have escalated from $250,000 to $2.25-million. The new plan includes additional landscaping but does not bury utilities due to problems related to the main transmission line on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. Staff is working to find funding for this project. Mr. Hedrick indicated staff would schedule special meetings regarding Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard beautification plans. The City has received a letter from FDOT approving the installation of mast arms at intersections in the section of road being repaved. Once the City has developed a plan for Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard beautification, staff will pursue funds through State and Federal sources. It was noted neither State nor Federal funds are listed next to this project. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said State work to resurface Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, including drainage, has started. The project will be completed in approximately nine months. Mr. Hedrick said the CIP would list all funding sources that staff can locate. It was questioned if staff had investigated opportunities to coordinate burying utilities at a reduced cost. Mr. Baier said staff had talked with FDOT regarding burying utilities in the rights-of-way. FDOT did not favor the suggestion and recommended the City instead identify a parallel route for the main transmission line. FDOT has concerns regarding drainage issues and utility conflicts on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. Mr. Hedrick said he had approached Florida Power regarding their participation in burying electric transmission wires. Florida Power indicated the City would run into major conflicts if it tries to underground utilities along Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. Mr. Baier said the Memorial Civic Center project is scheduled for 2000/01. While the original scope of the project was expected to cost $7.3-million, new projections are 2 msw0498 04/28/98 estimated at $8.8-million. It is not known if the City must purchase property for the project. A detailed right-of-way map needs to be reviewed. FDOT is in the process of turning control of the road, between the small bridge and Pier 60 Park, over to the City. Mr. Roberto said once a model is created and the market understood, staff would make recommendations regarding the area. Mr. Baier said the road’s intersection with Mandalay/Coronado is the major cause for backups of traffic heading toward the beach. In response to a question, the City Attorney said a tentative understanding has been reached regarding the old Police substation. In response to a question, Library Director Arlita Hallam said the size of the proposed beach library has been expanded from 2,000 square-feet to 6,000 square-feet and will include a meeting room. Mr. Baier said the original Penny list had included a beach library and basic parking structure, although a traffic queue line was not planned. Information related to the original Penny projects was distributed to the City Commission before proposed scopes were finalized. Concern was expressed the cost estimates for the Memorial Civic Center may be too low. Mr. Roberto said if the new beach library were located in the Civic Center, the facility’s construction costs would increase. Mr. Hedrick said as various combinations are considered, a number of trade-offs must be made. Investors are looking at City improvements as a partnership. Mr. Roberto suggested the Beach Welcome Center be relocated to Pier 60 Park. Money for that project could come out of the Memorial Civic Center project. Parts of the original scope will come back in pieces. The City Commission will determine what needs to be included. In response to a question, Mr. Hedrick said the Civic Center and road reconstruction needs to be considered together, as the area serves as the entryway to the beach. Mr. Baier said a new scope would be developed. The disbursement of beach traffic coming from the mainland would be considered. Concern was expressed all beach projects cannot be done at one time. Concern was expressed the construction plan schedules the Civic Center and Memorial Causeway bridge for construction at the same time. The City Manager said all options are being considered. In response to a question, Mr. Hedrick said it is important to recognize the City’s ability to complete each of these projects. Staff has started establishing construction schedules. In response to a question, Mr. Baier estimated that a beach parking garage would provide an additional 400 parking spaces. He said effects on Marina parking would depend on the size of the roundabout at the beach entrance. Those two projects need additional definition. He said 400 more parking spaces definitely are needed. Mr. Hedrick said the plan would redesign the beach entrance. Reconfiguration of area intersections will be necessary to disperse traffic once it arrives on the beach. Once land uses on the beach are identified and land use potentials are improved, the location for the parking garage will be determined. North/south traffic flow must be coordinated. It was recommended that any proposed parking garage hold 450 spaces. It was felt that a giant concrete structure, such as a parking garage, should not greet visitors as they come from the causeway onto the beach. Mr. Hedrick said that the parking garage does not necessarily need to be located at the entryway to the beach. Mr. Roberto noted the importance of the City partnering with beach businesses. 3 msw0498 04/28/98 The meeting recessed from 10:09 to 10:21 a.m. Mr. Baier said the original scope for the new Memorial Causeway bridge had proposed a signature design featuring architectural features such as a pedestrian walkway. In addition, road improvements would be required on the Memorial Causeway and at Mandalay Avenue. The current projected cost of the new bridge is $43-million. County and State funds would contribute $23-million to the project over time. Estimated costs do not include approximately $4-million in unspecified improvements needed for the Ft. Harrison Avenue intersections with Court and Chestnut streets and other mainland roads that move traffic to the bridge. Staff is reviewing the number of lanes needed, along with beach entryway features. Individual projects must run concurrent with the bridge’s design. While all three projects will come together, the Civic Center, bridge, and beach entrance are separate projects. It was suggested that costs to improve bridge access roads should not be divided into too many separate pots. Mr. Hedrick indicated some projects might include road improvements not directly related to the bridge. Concern was expressed the estimated cost of the bridge has doubled. Mr. Hedrick indicated the estimated cost includes all projects necessary for the bridge and allows planning flexibility. Mr. Baier said traffic flow through the entire corridor must be considered. Specifics under consideration for the bridge include colors, landscaping, and the width of spans. HDR has been apprised regarding the need to add pedestrian walkways and a vista overlook. It was suggested construction costs for projects west of the bridge should not be included in the bridge project. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said there are no plans for the small bridge west of the Memorial Causeway. The City is not responsible for maintenance of that bridge. He estimated project costs west of the small bridge at $4-million. Staff is developing the scope. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the bridge project includes costs to purchase right-of-way, including the radio station, as well as $4-million for land purchases west of the small bridge. The original scope of $4-million has been decreased to $2- million to cover fewer intersection improvements related to traffic and pedestrian needs. The project now includes fewer mast arms. The original estimate had no specific projects tied to it. The City Manager indicated FDOT has standards regarding improvements, although they do not fund them. Mr. Baier stated a site for the new main library has not been determined. The original scope of $12-million has been reduced. It is estimated bonding will cost $2-million plus land acquisition and improvement costs. In response to a question, Mr. Hedrick said the project would be delayed if it were not bonded. He recommended tying construction of the library with downtown revitalization. It was recommended the bonding issue be scheduled for future discussion. It was stated original plans for the new library included a 90,000 square-foot facility. Mr. Hedrick estimated project management and architectural costs at 16% of construction costs, which he estimated at $100/square-foot. It was suggested instead of 4 msw0498 04/28/98 using Penny funds that a CIP budget should cover library furnishings. Mr. Roberto said the new library would probably end up being 70,000 square-feet. Ms. Wilson said if the project were not bonded, the new library probably would not be completed until the end of the 10-year period. Mr. Baier said no changes in scope are recommended to the $2-million budgeted for the FY 2000/01 Ruth Eckerd Hall project to upgrade the facility and address roofing issues. Mr. Hedrick said Ruth Eckerd Hall needs upgrades as soon as possible. The Foundation is willing to pay bonding related interest costs to receive the Penny for Pinellas funds as soon as possible to obtain a matching grant. Mr. Baier said no changes are proposed to the scope for the Long Center, which includes plans for $1-million in upgrades for FY 1999/2000. It was noted the Long Center has a source of private funding to pay interest costs. In response to a question, Assistant City Manager Bob Keller said the budget for economic redevelopment and environmental assessment will meet the City’s needs. Site clean-up activities are expensive. The use of Penny funds is limited, as funds cannot be used for private benefit. He suggested the funds could be used as a catalyst to encourage private sector investment. The Myrtle Avenue project is scheduled for FY 2007/08 to improve traffic flow along this under-used corridor. Mr. Baier reviewed traffic configurations being considered for the corridor. Downtown merchants are supportive of balancing north-south traffic. Staff is working with PSTA regarding bus routes. FDOT has expressed concern regarding the ability to transition traffic off S. Ft. Harrison Avenue onto Lakeview Road and Myrtle Avenue. Staff is reviewing State funding for this project. The Town Pond fund, planned for FY 2000/01 is scheduled to reduce downtown flooding. The pond now is estimated to be 4.2-acres. As Penny for Pinellas funds cannot be used for water treatment attenuation, the bulk of this project’s costs must be covered by a different source, such as the stormwater or utility fee. The North Greenwood multi-purpose recreation complex and swimming pool are scheduled for FY 2001/02. The complex will feature a gymnasium and be larger than the Countryside Recreation Center. Parks & Recreation Director Art Kader said the community wants the Martin Luther King Center to be retained as a community center, as 22 groups use it for meetings and various functions. The new facility would not replace the intent and purpose of the King Center. Mr. Roberto said the Pinellas County School Board property might repossess the King Center, as it is on their property. In response to a question, Mr. Kader said the Holt pool has been renovated several times. He said estimated costs have increased since the Penny list was developed. It was stated the City might have to cancel one recreation center project, as funding is inadequate. Mr. Roberto said staff is trying to size the project to future needs. Mr. Kader said the swimming pool would be similar in design to the beach swimming pool. In response to a question, Mr. Kader reported North Greenwood citizens have indicated they do not want a Police substation attached to the new recreation center. The 5 msw0498 04/28/98 North Greenwood library issue is still debatable. It may be a joint project with the Parks & Recreation Department. It was remarked that the facilities must have adequate parking. Staff is reviewing several locations for the complex. Concern was expressed that construction would remove a valuable softball field and playground. It was suggested the City partner with the School District regarding construction of a joint use library. Discussion ensued regarding City recreation centers. Mr. Roberto said the Countryside Center needs to be enlarged. It was recommended that citizens’ ages be considered prior to determining how large of a facility is needed. Mr. Roberto said the Martin Luther King Center had 356,000 visitors last year, while Countryside had 72,000, Ross Norton had 85,000, and Morningside Recreation Center had 110,000. The meeting recessed from 11:34 a.m. to 1:05 p.m. Mr. Baier said Penny funding for City recreation trails would be available in FY 2008/09. The scope has increased from $1.5- to $2.5-million. Existing trails will be enlarged. In response to a question, Mr. Kader estimated extending the trail between the Long Center and Coopers Bayou Park would cost $1.5-million. The extra $1-million was budgeted for flyover structures at Belcher and Hercules but instead, could be used for other trail connections. Penny funding will be available in FY 2007/08 and 2008/09 for new piers, including fishing and canoe access piers at various locations. The original scope of $580,500 has not changed. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said between $125,000 and $135,000 is budgeted for a fishing facility on Edgewater Drive, which currently lacks a pier and dock. Four new fishing piers are planned. This priority project will replace the old bridge at the bottom of the bluff. Costs related to construction of the new 20,000 square-foot Ross Norton Recreation Center have increased by $0.5-million to $2.5-million. Higher costs are related to site improvements and anticipated construction cost increases. Costs related to the next project, construction of a new Morningside recreation center in FY 2007/08, also have increased by $0.5-million to $2.5-million. Mr. Baier estimated the current center has 7,000 square-feet. The next Penny project, scheduled for FY 2008/09, is to widen Druid Road and improve several intersections. The original scope of $12-million has been reduced to $2.4-million. The revised scope would improve intersections, landscaping, add a bike path and pedestrian walkways, replace the bridge behind Clearwater High School, and reduce the widening of Druid Road to only a center turn lane. It was felt this reduction in scope would have economic consequences. Mr. Hedrick said the City Commission will need to discuss Druid Road’s location near Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and how the City handles traffic in neighborhoods. Mr. Baier said Druid Road is a major collector road; Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard is a major arterial road. Mr. Roberto said the County is working on alternate routes for traffic flow. Increased mass transit needs to be considered, as local roads are insufficient to handle traffic flow. He said the needs of residents and tourists must be balanced. Improving traffic movement on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard is a goal. Mr. Baier said changes planned for Drew Street between NE Coachman Road and Highland Avenue will handle additional traffic. 6 msw0498 04/28/98 In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the project to extend Keene Road would not have a substantial effect on nearby property values. The City’s maintenance facility may have to be moved. It was felt the facility’s current location is inappropriate. Mr. Hedrick said staff is working on a facility master plan for the entire City. Mr. Kader said the Parks & Recreation Department ideally needs 15 acres, as the nursery is being moved to this area. It was suggested these items should be addressed in the normal budget process. Mr. Baier said the costs of addressing contaminated soil beneath Vine Avenue have not been determined. Mr. Baier said Penny for Pinellas funds would be available for the library branch expansion project in FY 2008/09 and 2009/10 for the East Library branch. The original scope of $1.5-million has been increased to $3.5-million. The shared facility with St. Petersburg Junior College would include study/research space, a children’s’ department, meeting rooms, computer labs, and classrooms. In response to a question, Library Director Arlita Hallam said in addition to the $1.5-million budgeted, the City will receive $1.25-million for the sale of the existing East Library, plus grant money. St. Petersburg Junior College will pay for parking. The East Library cannot be expanded, as there is limited land at the site. Mr. Baier said the $11-million Penny for Pinellas project for Kapok recreation and stormwater retention will purchase the 235-unit mobile home park and provide flood control and environmental enhancement, flood plain restoration, etc. This project is critical for the Alligator Creek basin. The proposed scope is not funded by Penny dollars. Staff is looking at alternate funding sources, such as the stormwater utility fee. The City must deal with related flooding problems. Mr. Baier said he would contact the County for help with this project. It was noted the unincorporated area does not flood. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said many of the mobile homes are old and cannot be moved. Mr. Hedrick said staff soon plans to present a multi-year master plan that deals with the drainage system. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the City has contacted the City of Safety Harbor, FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection), SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District), and reviewed grants for help with this project. Mr. Baier reviewed current City stormwater projects. The majority of the stormwater utility fee is used for maintenance, equipment, and personnel. Approximately $0.5-million is spent on new projects annually. Mr. Roberto said staff would bring forward funding alternatives for the next 10 to 15 year period. In response to a comment, Mr. Baier said the benefits of work on Stevenson’s Creek are evident along Court Street and Druid Road. The City needs to purchase additional equipment to maintain the project. In response to a question, the City Attorney said staff would review the ability to use Penny funds for the Kapok project. Mr. Baier said the City had staff implemented and runs the GIS (Geographical Information System). He questioned if Penny funds could be used for this project. The plan to connect all City databases and enhance Police capabilities and customer service is not budgeted. It is estimated to cost $1.5-million. It was suggested the GIS system be funded as a capital improvement project. Mr. Baier said the renovation of existing recreation centers originally was budgeted at $500,000. The Moccasin Lake Nature Park project to renovate existing rails, etc., estimated to cost $200,000, is not funded. The 7 msw0498 04/28/98 $180,000 planned expansion of Lake Chautauqua Park South is not funded. The original 40-acre Lake Chautauqua Park project is under development. Permits have been issued. Mr. Baier estimated construction would be completed within six months. In response to a question, he recommended the expansion of Lake Chautauqua Park be scheduled in approximately 12 years. The $0.4-million plan to develop Lake Chautauqua Park North as an active park, the $.15-million plan to improve Cliff Stevens Park, the $0.15-million plan to improve Woodgate Park, the $0.3-million plan to develop a nature park, the $0.3-million plan to develop Salls Lake Park, the $100,000 plan to install restroom facilities at Forest Run Park, and the $0.15-million plan to renovate McKay Park, are not funded. The $544,500 fire training facility is not funded. Discussion ensued regarding the 13-acre Magnolia Falls property, which is on the market for $800,000. The City of Safety Harbor is not interested in purchasing the property. The $200,000 set aside by the developer of another parcel is not accessible. The City Manager said the land must be preserved as wetlands and cannot be developed. He questioned if the City wants to annex the property and maintain it. Mr. Kader said Safety Harbor staff had indicated an interest in developing that property with a medical/professional use. It was suggested public hearings be scheduled. It was recommended staff coordinate projects with Pinellas County, whenever possible. Consensus was to schedule a follow-up meeting at 9:00 a.m. on June 2, 1998. The meeting adjourned at 2:32 p.m. 8 msw0498 04/28/98