08/02/1999
CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 2, 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
Richard L. Hedrick Deputy 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.
The Commission recessed from 9:01 to 9:15 a.m. to meet in attorney/client session
regarding Charles Johnson and Gloria Johnson versus the City.
PUR PURCHASING
one 2000 Ford F-650 cab and chassis with flat bed body
Gator Ford Truck Sales, , 500
gallon tank, air compressor & miscellaneous other equipment (previously approved additional
requirement), $49,578.10; funding to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase
GSS
Agreement ()
one 1999 50 ton Wallace Lowboy trailer
RWG Farm Trailer Sales, , Model DLBT-50-3
(replacement), $34,483; funding to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase
GSS
Agreement ()
lawn and landscape maintenance
Lawn and Landscape Service, 2nd & Final renewal option,
of parks, medians & common areas in north Clearwater, Countryside and south Clearwater,
QOL
08/06/99-07/31/00, estimated $65,000 ()
double detector check valves
U.S. Filter / Davis Inc., 2nd & Final renewal option, , 08/15/99-
PW
8/31/00, estimated $62,000 ()
two 1999 Mack MR688S front loader garbage trucks
McLain Southland Equipment,
(replacement), $286,636; funding to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase
GSS
Agreement ()
aluminum sulfate
General Chemical, extension, , 10/01/99-09/30/00, estimated $100,000
PW
()
surplus
Declare to city needs and authorize disposal through Tampa Machinery Auction,
vehicles and equipment
Staff will submit a list of contractors and costs related to lawn and landscape services.
Buyer Mike Murray said the aluminum sulfate purchase includes transportation.
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FD FIRE
replace
Authorize Fire Department to proceed with writing specifications and seeking bids to
one 1980 E-One Simon snorkel
, to be delivered on or after 10/01/00
Clearwater Fire and Rescue operates aerial equipment: 1) 1985 Sutphen - maximum
height capability - 85 feet and 2) 1980 E-One Simon snorkel, maximum height capability - 103
feet. Staff recommends replacing the E-One Simon snorkel. Based on its extensive
maintenance history, the 19-year old unit has reached the end of its useful front-line life.
Failure to maintain two aerial apparatus will negatively affect the City's ISO (Insurance
Services Office, Inc.) rating. It is estimated a replacement vehicle will cost between $0.75-
million and $1-million. The lease/purchase program will pay for the unit over five years,
beginning first quarter, FY (fiscal year) 2001. This purchase is identified in the FY 2000/01
CIP. Due to the 10-11 month manufacturing time, staff needs to begin the process now to
insure an October 1, 2000, delivery date.
Fire Chief Herald Rowland requested replacement of a 1979 vehicle, which has had
serious hydraulic system, boom, and bucket problems. Due to repair delays for foreign-made
components, it was recommended the City purchase equipment manufactured in the United
States. The City Manager suggested the equipment be repairable in America based on
common manufacturing practices.
The Fire Chief said the ability of equipment to reach the top levels of Sand Key high-
rise buildings is compromised by the inaccessibility of building perimeters. This request was
accelerated after the equipment developed additional problems. Staff will report if proposed
equipment has had significant problems before reaching the 20-year life span. The City will be
obligated to include this item in next year’s budget. Staff will submit a list of all future
encumbrances and outstanding obligations not listed in the current budget.
Discussion - Fire Task Force
Discussion ensued regarding the makeup, size, goals, and time limits of the Fire Task
Force. The initial meeting will educate members on department assumptions and goals. It
was recommended the Task Force complete its work in time to make recommendations for
next year’s budget.
Discussion will continue on Thursday.
Discussion - Fire Service Agreement with County
Fire Chief Herald said Pinellas County had developed a standard 10-year Fire
Appendix C
Protection Services Agreement. Staff recommends changes be made: 1) - literal
Definitions
interpretation could cause City to violate agreement 2) - change "budget request"
to "budget submission." County proposes it be authorized to review, change, and make
recommendations regarding Fire Department budget submittals. Staff feels the County should
Definitions
not have authority to amend a City Commission approved budget.; 3) - re "fire
station" - Proposed agreement requires County approval regarding location of City fire stations.
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Staff feels station location should remain a City decision; 4) County seeks to help determine
the closest or most appropriate order of unit dispatch. Staff feels this is a City responsibility; 5)
while Automatic Aid/Closest Unit Response is a separate agreement among all Pinellas
County cities, the County proposes the City commit to this agreement. Staff feels the
Funding
agreements should remain separate; 6) - staff is concerned this not interfere with the
Performance
implementation of any alternative funding later approved by the Commission; 7)
Deficiency
- language too vague; 8) increased insurance requirements - staff wants
Scope of
reassurance the County will compensate the City for this additional expense; and 9)
Services
- the County proposes to increase the number of required services, including public
education, life safety, and disaster preparedness. Staff disagrees services should be
mandatory.
The City Manager said the County had tried to standardize contracts. It was stated the
County only provides half the funds to implement this proposal. The City Manager
recommended that identified issues be incorporated in negotiations. Issues must be resolved
by the end of September.
PR PARKS AND RECREATION
Update re Glen Oaks Golf Course negotiations
In his July 26, 1999, memorandum, Parks & Recreation Assistant Director Art Kader
reported the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation, Inc. has operated the Glen Oaks Golf
course for 15 years. The lease, which ended on April 6, 1999, is being extended month-to-
month until the Commission makes their decision. Only the Chi Chi Rodriguez Foundation
responded to the City's RFP (Request for Proposals), released on May 17, 1999. The
proposal met all RFP requirements.
At Glen Oaks Golf Course, the foundation has renovated and managed it as a public
facility, created youth programs for disadvantaged residents, and funded maintenance and
capital improvements. The foundation also created an Afternoon School Program and
established a fifth and sixth grade public school based on a golf course curriculum at its
Countryside location.
The foundation has agreed to continue its programs and enhancements: 1) increase
lease from $1/year to 33.3% of average net surplus during last five years. Payment to be in
cash or by in-kind contribution; 2) develop/implement landscaping/signage plan to improve
Court Street frontage; and 3) conduct feasibility study within 12 months to determine future
capital improvements including a new clubhouse and improved parking.
An agreement will be presented to the Commission on September 16, 1999.
Mr. Kader estimated revenue under the new agreement for Glen Oaks at $6,000. He
reviewed necessary improvements, such as moving parking off the right-of-way. A feasibility
study will consider a new clubhouse, additional parking, and the addition of three acres. The
preliminary study of City golf courses is due soon. Renegotiating the lease with the Clearwater
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Country Club is difficult as their membership owns six acres in the middle of the site. It was
suggested the skateboard park be placed on the extra three acres at Glen Oaks.
Mr. Kader said the Glen Oaks program works with approximately 70 youth at a time.
The on-site building is in poor condition. If the Chi Chi Rodriguez Foundation agrees to
construct a new building, the City may extend the lease. The City Manager said the goal is to
generate property income. It was recommended that golf courses leases be consistent and
long-term goals and program structures be clarified. It was noted changes to the Airpark could
acquire golf course land, affecting some holes.
Consensus was to agenda review of the golf course survey at a Work Session. Staff
will submit information related to all specifics including parking, obligations, and costs.
PW PUBLIC WORKS
Northwood Area Traffic Calming - Phase 2
Contract for to Purvis Curb Corp., for
$185,110.20
This contact contemplates the construction of four raised intersections with at-grade
pedestrian crosswalks made of interlocking brick pavers and four raised traffic-calming tables
made of the pavers. Staff designed the project, which will begin after award and execution of
the contract.
Concern was expressed that project costs exceed original estimates. Mr. Baier said
some funds had rolled over from last year’s traffic calming projects. He reviewed landscaping
already installed in Northwood Estates. Phase 2 will address speeding. Residents are
maintaining the landscaping as agreed. He said using major intersection funds is legitimate as
the project affects major collector roads.
The Commission recessed from 10:43 to 10:45 a.m.
Update – Joint Drew Street Project – FDOT and Clearwater
In his July 22, 1999, memorandum, Public Works Administrator Rich Baier reported, as
early as 1993, the City and FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) had embarked on a
JPA (Joint Project Agreement) to improve safety and the LOS (level of service) on Drew Street
between NE Coachman and Highland Avenue. Drew Street conveys 26,000 cars daily. A
public hearing process with the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) identified Drew
Street as a primary arterial with an accident rate 2.5 times greater than comparable roadways.
Numerous traffic studies and data analysis indicate problems are related to narrow 9-foot wide
travel lanes, a lack of auxiliary or center lanes, and a lack of pedestrian accommodating
facilities. As proposed, the project will widen travel lanes to 11 feet and add a 14-foot center
turn lane. According to the JPA negotiated in 1993 and 1994, the City will pay design costs
while FDOT pays right-of-way acquisition and construction costs.
Staff has evaluated project impacts on the commercial and residential sections. Sites
east of Duncan can be redesigned to accommodate impacts. Relatively minor revisions can
be accomplished through a cure plan. Staff feels impacts to the residential area west of
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Duncan, are more severe. As planned, the project will affect 34 residential sites. Front yard
setbacks will vary from 9 to 24 feet, where 25-feet is required. The front yard setbacks of 15
properties will be 15 feet or less and inhibit residents from parking vehicles in their driveways.
Staff feels the impact will be serious and detrimental to the neighborhood. The Planning
Department recommended FDOT reevaluate the project's design west of Duncan to determine
if an alternate alignment can minimize impacts to properties on only one side of the road.
This change in project scope requires a $292,966, supplemental design work order: 1)
revise all roadway, signalization and signage marking plans; 2) modify all drainage and utility
designs and revise all associated plan sheets; and 3) modify all permits. A $286,140
Supplemental Design Work Order is needed to: 1) relocate enhancement of Corona Avenue
school crossing; 2) revise traffic signal orientation/add pedestrian crossings at NE Coachman;
3) amend right-of-way taking cure plans; 4) incorporate "as-built" information from Highland
Avenue and Drew Street east of NE Coachman construction projects; and 5) revise all utility
relocation plans.
The first design phase was funded with $1.3-million from Penny for Pinellas in FY
1996/97. The City has encumbered $1,213,950 in costs, resulting in a $493,058 shortfall. To
cover this shortfall and future contingencies, staff recommends transferring $550,000 to this
project from the $1.5-million Penny for Pinellas capital project budget for SR 60 enhancement
and beautification, which has been modified to delete median monuments, colored concrete,
and some median palms. FDOT has requested a quick decision regarding changes to the
right-of-way acquisition phase of the Drew Street project.
The City Manager recommended notifying residential property owners to discuss
potential impacts. Staff is concerned narrowing front yard setbacks, as approved in 1993,
would result in neighborhood deterioration. The section between Duncan and Highland could
be redesigned for future MPO and FDOT consideration. Mr. Baier reviewed suggested design
and funding changes. The City Manager said if the project is changed, there is no guarantee
that future construction will be approved. Some property taking will require the taking of an
entire property, an expensive proposition. Mr. Baier said the City is required to issue cure
plans for properties affected by takings. It was suggested Drew Street be three lanes west of
Duncan with a center turn lane.
Jack King, representing FDOT District 7, reviewed issues related to taking property.
Action to acquire property must culminate in September. Concern was expressed the
remainder of the project may never be funded. Mr. King said right-of-way acquisition estimates
had increased from $11-million to $16.8-million. Concern was expressed the six-year plan is
being changed at this late date. It was recommended staff bring this issue to the
neighborhood for discussion. Mr. Baier said the widening project through the commercial area
is important. He recommended working with FDOT to improve the road through the residential
area with lighting upgrades or repaving.
PLD PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
It was requested agenda items identify properties on a map.
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Ord. #6417-99
First Reading - Amendments to various sections of the Community
Development Code
As the Community Development code has been applied to redevelopment projects,
staff identified issues that present administration problems or create substantial disincentives
to redevelopment. The proposed ordinance addresses recurring concerns. This proposal
does not replace the comprehensive review of the Code scheduled this fall.
On June 15, 1999, the CDB (Community Development Board) recommended changes
to the proposed ordinance: 1) delete Section 1 - establishes transitional rule for properties
affected by eminent domain; 2) add Comprehensive In-fill Redevelopment District to the
Institutional District for design flexibility; 3) approve staff recommended language to revise
Sections 12 & 13 - establish accumulation of weeds and trash as a public nuisance allowing
City mitigation.
Assistant General Counsel for FDOT District 7 Richard Vickers had expressed
concerns regarding Section 1. Staff has incorporated the second and third CDB
recommendation into the proposed ordinance. Staff met with Mr. Vickers, who indicated FDOT
would support the City's proposed Transitional Rule.
Assistant Planning Director Cindi Hardin said sign height is limited to 14 feet, unless the
comprehensive method is used which limits heights to 12 feet. Discussion ensued with a
recommendation to require signs to be turned off at midnight or at closing, whichever is later.
Ord. #6428-99
First Reading - Relating to enclosures for swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs
located on residentially zoned property; creating Sec. 47.191
The City Commission had directed staff to prepare an ordinance requiring enclosures
for residential swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs. The proposed ordinance addresses: 1)
walls, fences, and structures as barriers includes dimensional requirements, restrictions on
chain-link fencing, picket/ornamental fencing, and pedestrian access gates; 2) pool wall as
barrier for above ground/on ground pools includes dimensional requirements and restrictions
on ladders or steps, gate locks, fence rails, and decks; 3) wall of building as barrier includes
restrictions on doors, locks, and windows; 4) safety cover restrictions for spas/hot tubs as a
barrier; 5) automatic power safety cover restrictions for swimming pools as a barrier; 6) natural
topography as a barrier; 7) screen enclosure as a barrier; 8) other layers of protection as a
barrier; and 9) clear zone requirements.
Concern was expressed the proposal does not require existing pools to comply with
enclosure requirements. The City Attorney said language could be drafted so that home
renovations could trigger enclosure requirements. Concern was expressed residents will be
discouraged from obtaining permits if rules are too restrictive. It was felt fences surrounding a
property provides adequate protection.
CLK CITY CLERK
Beautification Committee - 3 appointments
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It was stated the committee needs Commission direction. It was suggested the
Commission review advisory committees to determine if missions remain viable. It was
recommended Commissioners establish relationships with committees and act as liaisons.
Discussion ensued regarding communication between boards and the Commission.
CA LEGAL DEPARTMENT
First Reading Ordinances
Ord. #6437-99
- Relating to Public Beaches; amending Sec. 22.21 to amend definition of
"Safe Bathing Limit" and to include definitions of "Public Beach" and "Sand Key Public Beach";
amending various other sections in Ch. 22
Assistant City Attorney Rob Surette reviewed the proposed ordinance, developed to
address fires, dogs, disorderly behavior, and the consumption of alcoholic beverages on Sand
Key. The newly renourished beach is not identified in current Code. Related punishments will
be fines, not criminal. Photography restrictions refer to the motion picture film business. No
lifeguards are assigned to Sand Key.
Commission Discussion Items
January 2000 Meeting Schedule
Consensus was to cancel the January 6, 2000, City Commission meeting.
Other Commission Action
Commissioner Clark complimented the Police Department for addressing aggressive
driving.
Commissioner Johnson reviewed the rule that Commission requests not require more
th
than 8 hours of staff time; City Players produced impressive show celebrating 30 anniversary.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 12:44 p.m.
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