10/15/2001
CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 15, 2001
Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner
Ed Hart Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
Whitney Gray Commissioner
Hoyt P. Hamilton Commissioner
William C. Jonson Commissioner
Also present: William B. Horne II City Manager
Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager
Ralph Stone Assistant City Manager
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall.
Service Awards
Two service awards were presented to City employees.
The Commission recessed from 9:05 to 9:06 a.m. to meet as the Pension Trustees.
SBS STRATEGIC BUSINESS SERVICES
Approve the transfer of Gas System funds in the amount of $1,035,000 between capital
improvement projects of the Gas Fund
The purchase of materials through vendors is charged to inventory codes. When the
materials are used, their costs are charged to the subject project. Clearwater Gas System
(CGS) staff recommends transferring $1-million from capital project Line Relocation, to Pinellas
New Mains and Service Lines, which needs additional funding to install new mains and service
lines in new subdivisions and in-fill service lines to new customers. Staff also recommends
transferring $35,000 from Line Relocation to Gas Meter Change-Out, due to increased
customer demand for larger gas loads, which require larger meters. Sufficient funds remain for
Line Relocation.
A list of the referenced subdivisions was requested. In response to a question, CGS
Managing Director Chuck Warrington said the reassessment indicated the Line Relocation
Fund is over funded.
Resolution 01-37 - approve JPA with FDOT to relocate natural gas mains during improvement
project at an estimated cost of $85,962.50
FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) has a project to construct overpasses on
US 19N (SR 55) at NE Coachman Road and at Sunset Point Road including roadway,
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sidewalk, other improvements, and utilities to include existing Clearwater Gas System facilities
which conflict with the design. Under the JPA (Joint Project Agreement), FDOT’s general
contractor will perform the relocation of the natural gas mains. Having FDOT’s general
contractor install the natural gas mains allows for work to be done in a timely manner and
releases Clearwater Gas System from penalty payments.
Mr. Warrington said FDOT must pay to relocate CGS mains located in FDOT right-of-
way.
PR PARKS AND RECREATION
Award construction contract for new Recreation and Aquatics Center at Ray Green Field to
GLE Construction Services, Inc. of Tampa for $2,990,065
The FY (fiscal Year) 2000/01 Capital Improvement Budget includes $4-million for
construction of a recreation and aquatics center in North Greenwood. The City also was
awarded and accepted a $200,000 FRDAP (Florida Recreation Development Assistance
Program) grant for the aquatics center. To promote savings, staff solicited separate
construction bids for the pools/other site work and the center/parking lot. The recreation facility
will feature a regional design and offer a citywide teen area, double full-size gymnasium,
meeting room, and state-of-the-are fitness room. The proposed contract includes construction
of the 28,000 square-foot center, associated parking, a pit for the filter and pump room, plus
associated site improvements. The base bid is $2,908,880. Recommended alternates,
totaling $81,185 and increasing the net contract amount to $2,990,065, include header curbs
in the grass parking lot, a gymnasium divider curtain, acoustical wall & ceiling panels in
gymnasium, porcelain tile in restrooms, and irrigation. A contract provision allows the City to
purchase selected construction materials for the project. The estimated $50,000 to $70,000
saved by not paying sales tax on these materials will be used to landscape the site.
Staff estimates center and aquatics facility operations will cost $375,000 annually,
including 7.1 FTEs (Full Time Equivalent) positions. These expenses will be offset partially by
approximately $251,050 annually from increased fees, grants, and miscellaneous revenue
components of the center. The net budget impact for FY 2002/03 is estimated to be $251,050.
One FTE is budgeted in FY 22001/02 for $37,000.
Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said the Holt swimming pool is in poor
condition and will be closed after summer 2002. The new Center’s design is focused on
recreation, as the nearby Martin Luther King Center, which will remain open, offers meeting
and classroom facilities. Construction should be completed in November 2002.
Approve naming City property located at 900 North Greenwood Ave., "North Greenwood
Recreation and Aquatics Complex," approve naming the Aquatics Center the Ray Green
Aquatics Center and name the gymnasium courts, Terrence Griggley Court and Dr. Joseph
Carwise Court.
As a Penny for Pinellas project, $4-million was identified to construct a recreation and
aquatics complex on the former Ray Green Field site. The project currently is titled the
Northwest Recreation and Aquatics Complex. The new facility should open in late 2002. The
new facility will have more than 28,000 square-feet inside with a teen area, double full-size
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gymnasium, and state-of-the-art fitness facility. Three swimming pools are planned, including
a 20-foot high water slide, large water playground with training pool, and a traditional lap pool
with diving area. A $200,000, 2001 FRDAP grant will fund many large aquatic amenities.
The North Greenwood Association has been involved with many of the project’s stages
and recommends it be named the “North Greenwood Recreation and Aquatics Complex”.
Resolution 94-12 specifies that the Parks & Recreation Board will conduct and advertise a
public hearing to consider park name recommendations at a regular meeting. The board held
this public hearing on June 25, 2001. Based on information gathered at the hearing, and on
Resolution criteria, the board recommended the City Commission name the complex “North
Greenwood Recreation and Aquatics Complex.” The Board’s second choice was the Dr.
Joseph Carwise Recreation and Aquatics Complex, and it’s third was the Terrence Griggley
Recreation and Aquatics Complex. The board also recommends naming the aquatics area the
Ray Green Aquatics Center and one gymnasium court after Terrence Griggley, a former P&R
employee who was killed in a tragic accident, and the other court after Dr. Joseph Carwise, a
former City Commissioner and Pinellas County Schools Assistant Superintendent.
Mr. Dunbar said several years ago, the City Commission had declined the Parks &
Recreation Board’s name recommendation for a park on Sand Key. It was felt the
recommendations retain the names of places and people who are important to the community.
Mr. Dunbar reviewed the board’s deliberations on suggesting names for the two basketball
courts and no other room. It was suggested the center feature a Hall of Fame to recognize
area honorees.
PW PUBLIC WORKS
Stormwater Rate Study Briefing
Assistant Engineering Director/PD&E Tom Miller reviewed the Stormwater Utility Rate
Study update. The City’s mission is to manage, conserve, protect, and maintain the City’s
natural water resources for protection and beneficial use by residents and visitors. The City
has 13 watershed basins. Project priorities: 1) home flooding; 2) street flooding; 3) regulatory
compliance; 4) bridge flooding; 5) major erosion; 6) water quality; and 7) other. Since the last
rate study in 1998, ongoing or completed City projects include the Allen’s Creek Rehabilitation
and Alligator Creek Implementation. The City has completed 20 repair/replacements for the
Stevenson Creek Watershed Project and 16 CIP projects.
Since January, the City has provided stormwater review of site plans for 22 commercial
and 45 single family projects. In FY 2001, ditch maintenance increased by 123%, with 24
miles cleaned. The City maintains 28 ponds. In FY 2001, storm drain maintenance increased
by 49%, with 24 miles cleared, while cleanings of 4,561 catch basins decreased by 15% to
8,824 cleanings. Street sweeping increased by 9%. Anticipated expenses in FY 2002-06
require a larger rate increase than anticipated in 1998, due to a 50% growth in anticipated
expenses. New projects to address structure flooding include the $16.7-million Kapok Flood
Resolution for mobile home park and upstream flooding. The City has received a $3-million
grant for the project, which currently is developing a resident relocation plan.
New projects for FY 2002: 1) $0.9-million Sharkey Road drainage - addresses house/
street flooding - design phase with public meetings being held; 2) $11.1-million Myrtle Avenue
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improvements - addresses structure/street flooding/planned FDOT exchange - drainage plan
complete; 3) $4.4-million Alligator Creek drainage - addresses Channel “A” restrictions, new
culverts, new treatment pond, and flood level of serve - no action; 4) $6.1-million Stevenson
Creek implementation - addresses structure/street flooding - receipt of $3.4-million grant -
agreement approved, project development underway, additional funding sought; 5) $0.2-million
North Greenwood corridor - addresses street flooding - replaces old infrastructure, coordinated
with other project - in design phase; 6) $0.5-million North Beach drainage - addresses street
flooding - survey complete - in design phase; and 7) $1-million FDEP (Florida Department of
Environmental Protection) regulatory compliance project - addresses water quality and consent
order - City paid $20,000 and awaits FDEP response to project proposal.
Other planned new projects: 1) FY 2002 - $4-million storm system expansion -
addresses land acquisition - no action and 2) for 2004 - $0.6-million Allen’s Creek
neighborhood - addresses house/yard flooding - planned regrade of swales - no action.
Assumptions for the FY 1991 rate study was based on the 1980 Pinellas County Master
Plan included a Penny for Pinellas provision but did not address water quality or environmental
issues. Operating and maintenance costs were underestimated. Since then, Penny for
Pinellas funding has been reduced, an unfunded mandate for the NPDES (National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System) process has been implemented, the City has lost revenues
from Pinellas County schools, and a total maximum daily load has been established. The City
has completed watershed plans. The 1998/99 study rate recommended increases totaling
57.8%: 1) 1999 - 33.3%; 2) 2000 - 4.3%; 3) 2001 - 4.3%; 4) 2002 - 4.3%; and 5) 2) 2003 -
4.3%.
The proposed rate plan for FY 2001-06 budgets $72.4-million for CIP and $28.7-million
for total operation costs. The new study recommends rate increases: 1) 2001 - 4.3% to $4.54
monthly; 2) 2002 - 40.8% to $6.13 monthly; 3) 2003 - 16.8% to $7.16 monthly; 4) 2004 - 12%
to $8.01 monthly; 5) 2005 - 8% to $8.65 monthly; and 6) 2006 - 8% to $9.35 monthly. State
utility rates range from $1.30 monthly in Sunrise, to $2 in Miramar, $4,54 in Clearwater
(increasing to $6.13), $6 in Boynton Beach, and $8.33 in Port St. Lucie. In FY 2002, the
monthly rate for a single-family home will increase from $4.54 to $6.13. Monthly commercial
rates will increase from $160 to $216.
Mr. Miller said the City Commission had removed Penny for Pinellas funding for
stormwater costs in 1998. A maximum of $16.5-million has been set aside for the Kapok Flood
Resolution project. That project was delayed due to Commission concerns regarding the
relocation of mobile home residents. While purchase of the mobile home park is not required,
the City must complete projects, which implement the City’s comprehensive plan that complies
with NPDES requirements. The mobile home property will be used to improve water quality of
the outfall, which discharges into Alligator Lake and Tampa Bay.
It was noted that voters had approved Penny for Pinellas funding for this project and
$25-million in Penny for Pinellas funds has not been allocated. Mr. Miller said $1.5-million in
Penny for Pinellas funds were allocated to the Town Pond project. Funding from unapproved
grants has not been factored. Pinellas County supports some stormwater projects via regional
partnerships. A solution to the Kapok Flood Resolution project requires coordinated efforts
and funding from the City and Pinellas County. Pinellas County funds stormwater related
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costs with ad valorem taxes and grants. City residents contribute to the County’s ad valorem
income.
Concern was expressed that the City plans to invest in the Myrtle Avenue improvement
project when it will be designated as Alternate US 19. City Engineer Mike Quillen said 90% of
improvement costs are drainage related. Replacing the disintegrating 36-inch pipes under
Myrtle Avenue with 60-inch pipes will negate the Town Pond project’s need for a pump. The
project also requires relocation of sewer and water line utilities.
Mr. Miller said construction of the traffic-calming project for North Greenwood Avenue
will allow access for the North Greenwood project. Public Works Administrator Mahshid
Arasteh said the North Greenwood project will not be deferred. Staff was requested to prepare
a chart comparing City stormwater projects and rates with those of similar Florida coastal
communities. Discussion ensued regarding funding stormwater costs. It was stated that non-
allocated Penny for Pinellas funds are needed for economic development. It was noted that
increases are due to past delays in solving infrastructure issues. Staff will present the rate
study and recommended rate increases at a public meeting at the Harborview Center on
October 25, 2001.
Mr. Miller said if future stormwater costs decrease, the rate can be reduced. An
accounting was requested to justify to residents the implementation of the program. Ms.
Arasteh said for the past five years, staff has gathered data on complaints and levels of
service and developed comprehensive solutions. Staff efforts serve as a model for County
work on watershed studies. She commended staff for efforts to obtain grants and their
success in the approval of $14-million in grant funding.
Public Hearing & First Reading Ordinance 6879-01 - Vacating portions of the rights-of-way of
Ewing Ave., Park St. and Pierce St. to retain a utility easement over the full width of Pierce St.
(City of Clearwater, V2001-21)
The vacation request will enable the “Town Pond Rehabilitation Project” to proceed.
The City has sanitary sewer, stormwater, and water facilities in the areas to be vacated.
Public Works Administration has no objections to the vacation request, subject to the
condition that a utility easement is retained over the full width of Pierce Street. Florida
Power, Time Warner, Verizon, and Verizon Media Ventures, Inc., have no objection to the
vacation request if a utility easement is retained over the full width of the portion of Pierce
Street to be vacated.
Mr. Quillen said most of the land will be park land. If the Mediterranean Village
townhome project moves forward, final phases will encroach slightly into this space. Green
space will separate the townhomes from the pond.
Resolution 01-38 - Approve agreement with FDOT for relocation of potable water and sewer
facilities on US 19 (CSX RR to south of Enterprise Rd.) and adopt
FDOT has designed roadway improvements of SR 55/US 19N between the CSX RR to
south of Enterprise Road. Improvements will include constructing overpasses at the
intersections of NE Coachman and Sunset Point Road. Construction is anticipated to begin in
January 2003. This roadway improvement project will necessitate the relocation or adjustment
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of the City’s water and sanitary sewer mains and appurtenances within project limits. The
Engineering Department has coordinated the design for these utilities with FDOT. FDOT will
receive bids for the combined roadway improvement and utility relocation work and make
award of contract to the low bidder. Total costs represent the engineer’s preliminary estimate,
and are subject to changes as the design progresses. Exact costs will be determined by the
contractor’s bid and may vary. FDOT will competitively bid the project. Engineer estimates for
water line relocation costs are $751,812.50 and Sanitary Utility Relocation costs are
$85,864.76 for a total of $837, 677.26
Mr. Quillen said staff met with FDOT in pursuit of additional funds to landscape the
project. Few landscaping opportunities exist. Ms. Arasteh said a project management meeting
is planned. Staff will provide information regarding landscaping.
Award contract for the Reservoirs 1, 2 & 3 Monochloramine Disinfection Project (01-0025-UT)
to Cole Engineering & Constructors Corp. for $1,379,664
This item provides for replacement of the gaseous chlorine disinfection operations with
monochloramine (Chlorine with ammonia added) disinfection facilities at Reservoirs 1, 2, and
3. Use of liquid chlorine will provide a safer environment for the public, will be compatible with
regional disinfection methods, and allow the City to maintain compliance with new drinking
water regulations. Conversion to monochloramine disinfection is necessary as the City
receives disinfected water from Pinellas County at several potable water distribution system
interconnections and at Reservoirs 2 and 3. The County is converting their chlorine
disinfection facilities to monochloramine disinfection facilities and will provide chloraminated
water to the City beginning in May 2002. To be compatible, the City also will convert to
monochloramine disinfection. The conversion to monochloramine disinfection is scheduled to
occur by May 2002. A public information initiative will advise City water customers of the
change, reasons for the change, and what to expect.
The contract for the conversion costs $420,000 at Reservoir 1 and $959,664 at
Reservoirs 2 and 3. The 2001 utility rate study update includes plans for the conversion from
chlorine disinfection to monochloramine disinfection at Reservoirs 1, 2, and 3 under the Water
Treatment Facility and Disinfection Systems projects. Resolution 01-07, approved March 1,
2001, allowed reimbursement of these costs by the interim financing/ bond proceeds.
An aggressive public information campaign was recommended. Water Supervisor
Steve Soltau said Tampa Bay Water had initiated the project, which is coordinated with all
governments in Pinellas County.
Ratify and Confirm the approval of Change Order No. 1 to Contract No. 00-0029-UT, 2000
Reclaimed Utility Improvements, with A&L Underground, Inc. in the amount of $803,000
A&L Underground is installing utility pipelines across Clearwater Harbor to replace
facilities that will be displaced for the new Memorial Causeway Bridge and aged water
transmission mains. This change order provides for this contractor to perform additional
directional drill pipeline installation at a location near the intersection of Drew Street and US
19N. The proposed pipeline is part of the Drew-Union Street Reclaimed Water Main project
that is in the design phase.
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Accomplished by approving this change order will be: 1) FDOT planned construction of
the new interchange at Drew/US 19N will begin in a few months. Once FDOT construction is
awarded, the area will be under construction for two to three years, making it difficult and more
expensive to construct the proposed pipeline in the area. By installing this pipeline now, staff
will avoid more costly construction and/or possibly a delay of two to three years; 2) A&L
Underground is under direction to remove all equipment from Coachman Park during several
events in October and November. This could result in extensive costs for mobilization/
demobilization and downtime. By moving a significant part of the construction equipment and
personnel to the Drew-US 19N crossing for this work, significant cost is avoided; and 3) A&L
Underground is highly experienced to perform this difficult construction work. This approach
allows the City to utilize an experienced construction team on the critical US 19N crossing.
The Change Order amount is based on a not-to-exceed unit price of $365 per linear fee
of pipeline installed. Actual costs may be reduced based on subsurface conditions and final
layout of pipeline in the field. Work had to commence by October 14, 2001, to allow the
contractor to relocate construction from Coachman Park to the Drew-US 19N area during
Coachman Park events.
Public Works Director Gary Johnson said three of five directional drillings under the
Intracoastal Waterway are completed. The remainder will begin again after November 15,
2001, and be completed by the end of the year. It was requested that staff communicate with
Pierce 100 residents regarding drilling projects and recommended that work not occur outside
normal hours.
PLD PLANNING
Fulton Apartments Briefing -- Planning Dept.
Acting Assistant Housing Director Nina Bandoni said the City has owned the 16-unit
Fulton Apartment complex since 1991. Built in the 1970s, the complex has deteriorated and
needs repair. Bank of America has requested $700,000 for the renovations, which would be
distributed over three budget years. The City is purchasing four one-bedroom units on an
adjacent parcel from Clearwater Housing Authority to create a family center. Management
plans include increasing on-site social activities, providing a homeownership facility to
encourage the transition to homeownership, budgeting classes, etc. The City could accept
residents with incomes as high as 120% of median. These changes will improve the property
and opportunities for complex residents.
Ms. Bandoni said this is the only multi-family housing owned by the City. The City
owns a variety of single-family residences and cleared lots. She said Charter restrictions
on donating land makes providing affordable housing a challenge.
Public Hearing & First Reading Ordinances 6850-01, 6851-01 & 6852-01 - Annexation (&
redefining boundary lines of City to include said addition), Land Use Plan Amendment to
Residential Urban & LMDR Zoning, 1015 Ridge Ave., Highland Pines Sub., Blk 5, Lot 9 (Don
Strom) ANX 01-07-014
The applicant has requested annexation and zoning of Low Medium Density
Residential for 1015 Ridge Avenue to obtain sewer services. Staff has determined the
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proposed land use plan amendment and rezoning applications are consistent with Code
standards: 1) proposed land use plan amendment and rezoning application are consistent with
the Comprehensive Plan; 2) potential range of uses and specific proposed use are compatible
with the surrounding area; 3) sufficient public facilities are available to serve the property; and
4) applications will not have an adverse impact on the natural environment. The Community
Development Board unanimously recommended approval.
Concern was expressed that part of the Ridge Avenue has been annexed. Planning
Manager Gina Clayton said staff is meeting with Pinellas County and local municipalities
regarding issues related to right-of-way and street ownership.
Approve the modifications to the 1997-1999 three year Local Housing Assistance Plan
pertaining to rental rehabilitation, and modifying the 2000-2002 Plan
Staff proposes several adjustments to the City’s administration of the SHIP (State
Housing Initiatives Program) to hasten the expenditure of funds by increasing programmatic
options and updating the plan to reflect current market conditions.
To the 1997, three-year Local Housing Assistance Plan, staff recommends modifying
the rental initiatives to require eligible properties to have at least 12 units on one site and to
add rehabilitation as a strategy. The referenced plan only addresses new construction.
To the 2000, three-year Local Housing Assistance Plan, staff recommends
amendments: 1) limit demolition reconstruction strategy to $80,000, or one unit annually –
programs assist very-low-income borrowers who live in severely substandard housing; 2)
increase down payment and closing costs assistance, acquisition rehabilitation, and owner-
occupied rehabilitation strategies for participants with incomes between 80% and 120% of
medium income; 3) increase maximum purchase price for new homes from $88,679 to
$143,585 and increase maximum purchase price for existing housing from $83,491 to
$108,216 – previous rates established in 1999; and 4) provide two $35,000 installments to
participate in the County bond program to finance low- and moderate-income housing. If
demand for the program is strong in Clearwater, and the SHIP budget allows, the City could
increase its participation to a maximum of $150,000. Funds are repaid to the City at 0%
interest as borrowers pay down their mortgages.
Ms. Bandoni said of approximately $400,000 in annual SHIP funding, the City is
required to allocate $215,000 to meet the needs of residents with very low incomes, $214,000
to meet low-income resident needs, and $287,000 to meet medium-income resident needs. A
portion of funding is used for home ownership. Since 1999, staff has gathered input on
community needs from community partners to create the City’s housing plan, which was
presented to NAHAB (Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board) for approval.
Community partners encourage the availability of additional moderately priced housing. Land
banking is not a top strategy although the City did purchase three severely deteriorated
houses in a strategic location next to Cherry Harris Park for future rehabilitation and use.
CA LEGAL DEPARTMENT
Authorize a settlement from Lockheed Martin, IMS Pinellas Works for $95,000
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On August 2, 2001, the City Commission granted authorization for a lawsuit to be filed
against Lockheed Martin, IMS Pinellas Works. Lockheed Martin, IMS Pinellas Works had
entered into an agreement with the City, dated February 1, 2000, to administer the 2000 Weed
and Seed Program and 2000 Clearwater Summer Youth Employment Program through the
Police and Human Relation departments. The City did not receive reports required under the
agreement with Lockheed Martin, IMS Pinellas Works. The reports were necessary to validate
programs occurred as contracted with City subrecipients and to account for the City
expenditure of $112,500 in public funds paid to Lockheed Martin, IMS Pinellas Works for the
programs. The subject Department of Justice – Weed and Seed Program grant was for
$62,500. The remaining $50,000 was General Fund monies.
Before the civil complaint was filed, the City Attorney’s Office entertained settlement
negotiations with Lockheed Martin, IMS Pinellas Works, resulting in the pending $95,000
settlement of this dispute. The Department of Justice stated upon audit, which has not been
forthcoming, the federal funds must be returned to the Department of Justice. Acceptance of
this settlement amount will avoid exposure to a potential loss of the funds plus litigation costs.
The City Attorney said the City must return the $62,500 grant to the Department of
Justice. Staff believes services were provided, even though the agency provided no
documentation. She said the settlement reflects a compromise.
City Manager Verbal Reports
Planning Director Cyndi Tarapani said the beach communities are meeting October 22,
2001, to discuss funding the Gulf Boulevard Beautification Improvements Master Plan. A ninth
cent gasoline tax has been proposed. Each municipality’s participation has not been
determined. The City Manager said this plan is not a cost free issue and proposes that the
City pay for debt service.
Ms. Tarapani said it is unclear how the City will be credited for completed work on Sand
Key. Ms. Clayton said improvements are planned only as far north as the beach roundabout.
It was recommended that staff push to expand the project beyond beach commercial
properties to Acacia Circle,. Assistant City Manager Ralph Stone said the project extends
south to the Don CeSar Hotel. It was noted the Pass A Grille commercial section south does
not abut the project’s termination point while north Clearwater beach’s commercial area is
significantly larger and is directly north of the roundabout. The City Manager said current
discussion is considering extending the project north to Tarpon Springs, after jogging east at
the Causeway to the mainland.
The City Manager said smaller cities have requested the County pay 100% of the
project. Ms. Clayton said the added penny gasoline tax would provide leverage to bond the
entire project. Concern was expressed that the City not contributed more than it already
spent on Gulf Boulevard improvements. Opposition to an increased gasoline tax was
expressed unless the City is reimbursed for some improvement costs.
Mr. Stone said plans and costs have not been finalized. Planned improvements are not
as extensive as those done on Sand Key. Original project completion was anticipated for
2010. It was recommended the County coordinate installation of its reclaimed water system
with project construction.
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Commission Discussion Items
Commission Visioning Session - Commissioner Jonson
Commissioner Jonson distributed copies of Houston’s visioning process. With three
seats to be decided March, it was recommended that visioning workshops be scheduled after
the 2002 election. Concern was expressed there are no criteria to evaluate performances by
the City Manager and City Attorney.
It was stated that the City Commission had not identified performance priorities for the
City Manager. The City Manager said his priorities are based on the City Commission’s last
visioning sessions. He suggested the City Commission revisit those issues at the visioning
sessions. Assistant City Manager Garry Brumback said staff can incorporate in the budget
process priorities identified at visioning sessions.
The majority of the Commission approved scheduling visioning sessions after the
March 2002 election.
Other Commission Action
Commissioner Hamilton complimented Commissioner Hart, Mayor Aungst, and the
previous City Commission for addressing neglected infrastructure issues; all repairs cannot be
done immediately; more money is needed for roads, sidewalks, and curbs.
Commissioner Jonson said the State anticipates a $1.5-billion shortfall; some cities are
working on economic development issues to offset a drop in tourism; provided information on
proposed legislation related to government leasehold taxation; said DDB (Downtown
Development Board) had discussed homeless related problems; requested an update on City
efforts; referenced Jolley Trolley financial reports, stating unaudited depreciation not listed will
affect the numbers; received t-shirt at bay area commuter event.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 11:54 a.m.
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