08/16/1999
CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 16, 1999
Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner
Ed Hooper Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
J. B. Johnson Commissioner
Robert Clark Commissioner
Ed Hart Commissioner
Also Present: Michael J. Roberto City Manager
Bill Horne 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
Four service awards were presented to City employees.
The Commission recessed from 9:01 to 9:41 a.m. to meet as the Community
Redevelopment Agency and Pension Trustees.
PRESENTATIONS
Memorial Causeway Bridge Design - Aesthetic Considerations
Public Works Administrator Rich Baier reviewed options to improve Memorial
Causeway Bridge aesthetics. A 14-foot wide pedestrian path is planned for the bridge’s south
side. A traffic signal will allow left turns at Pierce Street. Enlargement of Coachman Park will
expand the bayfront’s southwest view. Longer bridge spans will improve views from the bluff.
FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) will construct a basic roadway with standard
railings and lighting. The project will remove the existing structure, purchase right-of-way, and
assemble County parking. The bridge, slightly longer than ½ mile, will be constructed 100 feet
south of the existing bridge at a cost of approximately $40.7-million. Connection to Pierce 100
will be under bridge access. Optional amenities include a spiral access to the bayfront,
overlooks with benches and shade structures, architectural features, upgraded decorative
railings and lighting, colored concrete, skylights, upgraded landscaping, and an entry arch to
downtown. Suggested amenities cost $2.7-million. Bonding the project would increase costs
by approximately $5-million. Project design is 15% complete.
It was recommended the bridge be pedestrian- and auto-friendly. Mr. Baier said it is
preferable to incorporate aesthetics early in the process. He said larger vehicles could mount
the five-inch curbs. The current design includes $1.1-million in upgrades. The City will be
responsible for maintaining enhancements. It was noted the bayfront statues need to be
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incorporated. Staff will report on maintenance costs for each upgrade, comparing them with
costs to maintain the bridge in its current configuration.
PUR PURCHASING
installation of gas mains & services
Volt Sciences, Inc., extension, at various locations
GAS
throughout gas system, 9/30/99-12/31/99, funding was approved 09/17/98 ()
solid waste disposal used by Parks
Pinellas County Solid Waste Management Department,
and RecreationQOL
, 08/20/99-09/30/00, estimated $26,000 ()
towing services
Jimmie's Wrecker Service, 2nd & Final extension, , 11/01/99-10/31/00,
GSS
estimated $55,000 ()
motor vehicle equipment parts & services
Genuine Parts Company, first extension, ,
GSS
08/22/99-09/21/00, estimated $850,000 ()
State lobbyist
Pennington, Moore, Wilkinson, Bell and Dunbar, P.A., 3rd of 5 extensions,
servicesCLK
, 10/01/99-09/30/00, estimated $55,000 ()
Purchasing Manager George McKibben said the Volt Sciences contract will be
extended for three months at the same rate. The contract to purchase motor vehicle
equipment parts and services is running out of money and is being extended one year and one
month. It was recommended City contracts adhere to the fiscal year for consistency.
City Clerk Cyndie Goudeau said the basic State lobbyist services contract for $48,000
plus expenses is the same rate as was budgeted last year. It was suggested if the lobbyist
has another conflict of interest, another firm should be contracted. The City Attorney said the
firm had reported possible conflicts of interest when submitting its bid. The contract allows a
fee reduction if the City must use another lobbying firm as a result of a conflict. The City can
join other municipalities for lobbyist representation regarding billboards. Staff will contact the
firm regarding potential conflicts of interest and make plans to address those issues.
ED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Bluff RFQ Update
Assistant City Manager Bob Keller recommended contracting with Siemon and Larsen
to develop a RFQ (Request for Qualifications) for redevelopment of the bluff. The two-step
process also would rank developers and consider potentials for a private/public partnership.
The firm offers national contacts and has the level of experience necessary to compare
multiple proposals. Contract costs for Phase I are estimated at $53,000 to $66,000. The
range of services would include preparing the RFQ document, hosting a pre-submission
conference, and conducting necessary interviews. The time needed to review bids will depend
on the number of submissions. He estimated Phase II would cost more than $100,000.
Concern was expressed that significant money previously was spent on consultants.
Citizen opposition to bluff development was noted. It was felt projects already underway
should be completed first. Mr. Keller said staff could only accomplish this work at the exclusion
of all else. It was stated the City can only know what types of partnerships are possible if it
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issues a RFQ. The City Attorney said the City has a current contract with the firm for beach
redevelopment. Contracting with Siemon and Larsen for Phase II is not required.
Charlie Siemon, of Siemon & Larsen, said three members of his firm who would work
on this project have backgrounds in strategic development, land use planning, and
private/public partnerships. The firm also will take calls from developers who request an
outside perspective. A land use lawyer and urban planner/designer will evaluate the contracts.
He said large cities have the capacity to provide these services in-house. Mr. Keller said
funding is available from the closeout of the Municipal Services garage project. Mr. Siemon
said not all property referenced in the RFQ is subject to referendum approval.
The Commission recessed from 10:59 to 11:15 a.m.
HM HUMAN RELATIONS
Approve recommendations of Technical Review Committee for allocation of Fiscal Year 1999-
Social Services Grants Program funds
00 City of Clearwater in the amount $65,000;
approve proposed funding contract form
Of 72 grant applications mailed to social service agencies, the City received 32 with
requests totaling $250,574. Requests are limited to $10,000 per project. On June 21, 1999,
the TRC (Technical Review Committee) reviewed the applications and made
recommendations. The City Manager's recommended budget for FY (fiscal year) 1999/00
includes $65,000 for social services grants. Disbursements will be made after October 1,
1999.
Human Relations Director Eleanor Breland said it is standard practice to forward
contracts to the organizations before October 1. The City Attorney said language will indicate
the contracts are subject to budget approval. Staff will submit a list of agency applications and
recommended awards.
MR MARINE
Alexiou
Amendment to Waiver Agreement with Charles and Ypapanti , property owners at 7
National Water Sports Inc.tow ride
Rockaway Street, and , to add a which seats 5 people
In October 1991, the City entered into a waiver agreement with Charles and Ypapanti
Alexiou, owners of Frenchy's Rockaway Grill, Inc., and National Water Sports, Inc., that allows
a corridor for watercraft to traverse the restricted swimming area. This amendment will add to
existing activities a "Big Banana," which seats 5 and is towed behind rental craft. All other
conditions, limitations, restrictions, and obligations of the waiver agreement will remain in effect
with this amendment.
It was recommended the agreement enhance swimmer protections. The City Attorney
said liability issues could affect all permitted or allowed activities. Staff will provide Information
on the original contract and its renewal date. Harbormaster Bill Morris said Big Banana
passengers will wear life jackets. MAB (Marine Advisory Committee) input was requested.
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PD POLICE
agreement
Authorize City Manager to renew one-year with Pinellas County Sheriff's
latent fingerprint examinationcrime
Department to provide and related services, as well as
scene services
including evidence and property storage, 10/01/99-09/30/2000, for
PD
$373,712.30 ()
Since 1994, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and Clearwater Police Department
have had a contractual arrangement to cover latent print examination, evidence storage, and
crime scene processing. The contract’s $373,712.30 cost did not increase from last year.
Latent fingerprint services will cost $70,006.59 and the remainder will cover storage costs and
a base workload of 2,000-crime scene processing calls for the contract year, at $136.83 each.
The Police Department submitted the crime scene call base. Calls above 2,000 will be
invoiced at $136.83 each. At the request of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department, the call
figure is based on a one-year period that coincides with their fiscal year. The Police
Department predicts the call figure will be met.
It was noted Clearwater residents pay County and City taxes for these services while
County residents only pay County taxes. Police Chief Sid Klein said the services would cost
the City $1-million to provide. The sheriff is not statutorily required to provide these services.
School
Addendum to Agreement with School Board of Pinellas County, continuation of
Resource Officer
program for 1999-00 school year at Clearwater High School & Countryside
High School
Under terms of the three-year agreement between the School Board of Pinellas County
and Clearwater, the City will provide law enforcement and related services to Clearwater and
Countryside High schools during the regular school year. Assigned officers will instruct law
education, serve as resource persons, conduct investigations, provide security, maintain the
peace, make arrests, and provide support services as necessary. For the FY (fiscal year)
contract, the School Board will reimburse the City $33,612.06 per SRO (School Resource
Officer) for a total of $67,224.12, representing a 4% increase over last year. Payments will be
made quarterly.
The School Board also will reimburse the City for overtime costs related to school
functions. The City’s cost to provide SROs totals $100,489.81. The added cost is offset by
the program’s benefit to the community and Police Department. The Police Department has
maintained a good working relations with the School Board. SROs have been assigned to
Clearwater High School since January 1, 1985, and to Countryside High School since January
1, 1986.
Police Chief Klein said the City has paid half of the costs for the SRO program since it
began. He said the City is well served by added security provided by the program.
PW PUBLIC WORKS
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Gulf to Bay Blvd. median landscaping & irrigation
Contract for (Old Coachman Rd. to
Belcher Rd. & westward) to Morelli Landscaping, Inc., $110,087.18 with option to continue with
Phase 2 of project for not to exceed $85,877.82, for total of $195,965 for both phases
The scope of work will provide all labor, materials, equipment, supervision, traffic
control, transportation, and services to remove sod and 12 inches of soil from the proposed
median planting areas, backfill with clean fill, and install landscaping and irrigation according to
plan specifications, including a 1-year warranty for all palms, and a 6-month warranty for all
other plant materials.
Mr. Baier said staff will report on costs to contract project maintenance.
Approve selection committee's ranking of consultants (#1 - Parsons Engineering Science, #2 -
Harvard Jolly Clees Toppe Architects, #3 - Tampa Bay Engineering, #4 - Camp, Dresser &
McKee, #5 - Bitterli & Associates Architects, and #6 - McKim and Creed) for more detailed
two beach parking garages
engineering and financial analyses for ; authorize staff to
negotiate a scope of services and contract with top ranked firm
On June 3, 1999, the City Commission approved the Pier 60 Lot Plus and Pelican Walk
sites for parking garages and authorized staff to move forward with more detailed engineering
and financial analyses. Of the City’s 7 engineers-of record and 5 architects-of-record solicited,
the City received 6 letters of interest. The firms made presentations to a selection committee,
which ranked them according to past experience in parking garages, creativity, financial
expertise, architectural/structural expertise, and traffic operations expertise.
Mr. Baier reviewed the project’s scope to provide engineering and financial analyses for
two beach parking garages. Staff will report on evaluation criteria. Mr. Baier said the City
Commission will determine project designs. Commission input will be requested once a firm is
selected. Rankings will consider each firm’s ability to work with public and quasi-public
entities. The City has received no objections to the bidding process.
Mr. Baier said financial analysis will refine construction cost and revenue estimates.
The City Manager said design features will determine final construction costs. It is important
that each project supports itself. Financial Services Administrator Margie Simmons said staff
will work closely with bond counsel. Firm numbers are required for bond sales. Staff will
obtain an independent accounting if deemed necessary.
Amend project scope for Drew Street Widening project; approve transfer of $550,000 from
Drew Street Widening
SR 60 Corridor Enhancement capital project to capital project
Drew Street is a primary east-west corridor between US 19N and US Alternate 19.
Between Highland Avenue and NE Coachman Road, the road has no center turn lane and
narrow 9-foot wide lanes. The project will add a 14-foot center turn lane and widen travel
lanes to 11-feet. As a joint project with FDOT, the City pays design costs and FDOT pays
construction costs. Pinellas County has completed a similar project between NE Coachman
Road and US 19N.
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To minimize creating non-conforming residential lots due to required right-of-way
taking, it is proposed the project be reduced to between Saturn Avenue and NE Coachman
Road. The change in scope results in a $292,966 Supplemental Design Work Order to
include: 1) revise all roadway, signalization, and signage and marking plans to reflect new
project limits; 2) modify drainage and utility designs and revision of drainage and utility plans;
and 3) modify SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) permit. A $286,140
Supplemental Design Order includes: 1) relocate/enhance Corona Avenue school crossing as
requested by Pinellas County Schools for improved safety; 2) revise traffic signal orientation
and add a pedestrian crossing at Drew Street and NE Coachman as requested by the City; 3)
review of right-of-way taking “cure” plans for compatibility with design plans; 4) incorporate “as-
built” information from Highland Avenue and Drew Street east of NE Coachman construction
projects; and 5) revisie utility relocation plans to separate gas from water and sewer as
required by FDOT.
A funding shortfall of $493,056 has been identified. It is necessary to transfer
$550,000 to the Drew Street project. Due to FDOT permit constraints, portions of the SR 60
corridor beautification enhancements are no longer planned. With costs related to those
enhancements exceeding $1-million, staff recommends $550,000 be transferred with no
adverse impacts anticipated on the Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard project.
Mr. Baier said this project will stop at Duncan. Staff has discussed with FDOT
resurfacing Drew between Duncan and Highland. The City Manager said three-laning is
discouraged through residential neighborhoods. No preliminary designs were presented when
the Commission approved the widening project. As anticipated, the project would require right-
of-way acquisition close to the front doors of some residences. The City Manager said once
the project is terminated at Duncan, it may be difficult to obtain future funding and approval to
widen the road to Highland. Meetings for neighborhoods abutting Drew Street are scheduled.
The City Manager said FDOT needs to be notified regarding project plans prior to September.
Mr. Baier said FDOT probably will not provide services west of Duncan. A future
FDOT/City project can address Drew Street drainage problems west of Duncan. Staff will
report on the school crossing location and proposed signalization. Mr. Baier said a traffic
signal is proposed at the Drew and NE Coachman intersection. Concern was expressed
regarding its proximity to the Hercules traffic signal. Concern was expressed delays not
increase City costs.
PLD PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Clearwater Comprehensive Plan
Public Hearing - proposed amendments to ; approve
PLD
sending to appropriate reviewing agencies ()
The City Commission adopted the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan in 1989 and
adopted the EAR (Evaluation & Appraisal Report) with recommended changes in January
1998. Additional changes more accurately reflect current conditions. The CDB (Community
Development Board) unanimously recommended approval of amendments and transmittal to
the FDCA (Florida Department of Community Affairs). Following public hearings, staff will
forward the plan to State and regional agencies for comment and recommendations. The City
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Commission will receive CDB recommendations regarding these comments prior to the final
public hearing and adoption of the plan.
Assistant Planning Director Cyndi Hardin said significant public input was received in
the development of the EAR. Some proposed amendments reflect One City. One Future.
goals and strategies for success. The Environmental Advisory Board and CDB recommended
approval of proposed changes. A change to the finance plan will be presented Thursday.
CA LEGAL DEPARTMENT
Resolutions
Res. #99-38
Public Hearing - - Relating to Community Revitalization; designating that portion
of Clearwater Beach bounded by Mandalay on the East, the Mean High Water Line on the
West, Baymont to the North and Papaya to the South, as a City of Clearwater Revitalization /
Redevelopment Area
According to Charles Siemon, of Siemon & Larsen, the central Clearwater beach area
contains many poorly maintained properties near the end of their economic life. Small motels
no longer can compete with destination resorts offering popular amenities. A visually
downward momentum repels investors and visitors. With the exception of the marina, the
public realm is not attractive, with narrow, uneven sidewalk often blocked by dumpsters. The
central beach area is subdivided into small parcels, which are difficult to develop.
Contemporary development requires on-site parking, outdoor café seating, arcades, etc.
Currently, homes converted to commercial uses are sandwiched between larger structures.
The area has little off-street parking. Developing small parcels is economically unfeasible and
would not provide a return on investment.
In central beach, a two-acre redevelopment parcel would require approximately eight
parcels of land. The patchwork of ownership makes assembly practically impossible as
"holdouts" can obstruct efforts. With no off-street loading facilities, deliveries are made over
the curb from public rights-of-way. Many motels feature back-out parking. Compared with
other Florida beachfront destinations, Clearwater beach has relatively weak economic
conditions, which especially affect off-sand motels. Central beach commercial properties have
significant vacancies and tenant turnover. Even Pelican Walk is experiencing declining rents
and occupancy. The beach features few quality establishments.
The Strategic Redevelopment Plan for Clearwater Beach identifies the two blocks west
of North Mandalay between the Clearwater Beach and Hilton hotels as priority redevelopment
areas. North Mandalay, the traditional retail street on the beach, is jeopardized by declining
rents and high vacancy rates, factors that risk private investments. Current development
includes small motels and strip retail centers. Flood elevation requirements may justify
rehabilitation along the west side of North Mandalay. Dry-sand access is a major factor of
economic success. Of 22 parcels in the priority redevelopment areas, only nine front the gulf.
A public right-of-way separates most properties from the beach. Mr. Siemon suggested the
north/south Gulfview right-of-way could be vacated if assembly of adjacent properties makes
direct access to the right-of-way no longer required.
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Mr. Siemon reviewed City land assembly ordinance requirements. A private developer
must control at least 60% of land to develop in a designated area before community
assistance can be sought to exercise eminent domain for holdouts. The next step would be
Commission designation of the two proposed central beach areas for
revitalization/redevelopment. After designation, the developer can petition the City
Commission to participate in the process and define incentives the City will provide. A public
hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
City Manager Verbal Reports
Desalination Plants
Public Utilities Director Kevin Becotte said desalination plants are proposed for north
and south county. Public meetings are scheduled for August. The City currently pumps 3-
million gallons per day from its wells and purchases 80% of its water from the County. The
City is concerned how the plant will affect the City’s water supply. New water quality
regulations will require the City to construct a treatment plant or purchase all of its water from
the County. It is appropriate for citizens, the City Manager, and Commission to identify sites
inappropriate for the plant.
Commission Discussion Items
Fire Task Force
It was recommended the Fire Task Force have 11 members. It was felt two City
Commission representatives are not necessary. Representation will be discussed.
Other Commission Action
th
Commissioner Clark wished his wife a happy 30 wedding anniversary.
Commissioner Hooper apologized for his choice of words in a recent newspaper article
regarding utility increases; this fall, the Commission will address the proposed rate increase.
Commissioner Johnson took offense to Commissioner Hart’s letter to the editor today
that suggested the City Commission shares responsibility with the City Manager regarding
recent problems. Commissioner Hart said the Commission must provide guidance, set limits,
and clarify expectations. Mayor Aungst supported a review of Policies and Procedures.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 12:49 p.m.
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