11/16/1998
CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 16, 1998
Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner
Ed Hooper Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
J. B. Johnson Commissioner
Robert Clark Commissioner
Karen Seel Commissioner
Also Present: Michael J. Roberto City Manager
Keith Ashby Chief of Staff
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Gwen Legters Board Reporter
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. at City Hall for the purpose of
discussing the City Charter.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
The City Attorney requested Commissioners review Charter Review Committee
recommended changes and provide direction regarding ballot question preparation.
Consensus was for all non-substantive changes to be in one ballot question.
Article I -- Changes accepted as recommended.
Article II – Regarding Section 2.01(d)(2), concern was expressed that deleting the
$25,000 purchase cap would allow the City Manager to approve these expenditures without
Commission authorization. It was indicated the cap would remain by ordinance. The City
Manager said purchasing procedures in a Charter is unusual; the change would streamline
City purchasing procedures. Regarding Section 2.01(d)(4), it was felt increasing the amount of
material that can be dredged would benefit the Stevenson Creek project and future Marina
dredging. Regarding Section 2.01(d)(5), consensus was to approve recommended changes.
Discussion ensued regarding the recommended deletion of Section 2.01(d)(5)(vii),
which limited the number of years a property could be leased. Consensus was to set 30-year
lease terms; remove the 60-year cap; and clarify that a 30-year renewal does not require
referendum, but may be done at Commission discretion. The City Attorney said renewal of a
30-year lease would require a complete rewrite of the lease. Finance Director Margie
Simmons was requested to provide a list of 30-year leases.
Section 2.01(d)(6) was moved to another section.
Regarding Section 2.03, the majority supported committee proposed language.
Commissioner Johnson went on the record in opposition.
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Section 2.07(e) was deleted to condense advisory board language with residency
requirements included in an ordinance.
Article III - Section 3.03(f) rewrites fiscal recording language. Language clarification
was requested.
Article V – Language regarding regulation of planning, zoning and land development
was moved to “Powers” language in Section 2.01(c)(4).
Article VI – The City Attorney said the term “qualified” (referring to voters) was removed
from Section 6.04 in the non-substantive changes. She will ensure the change is made
throughout the Charter.
Article VII – Regarding Section 7.02, the majority supported the committee
recommendation to have two elected officials serve on future Charter Review Committees.
Article VIII – Section 8.02, Nonpartisan elections, now requires candidates to approve
their political advertisements. Commission candidates are prohibited from listing party
affiliation in campaign advertising.
Article IX – Fiscal Management Procedure was moved to Article II. Opposition was
expressed to deleting the provision requiring public referendums, with exceptions, for revenue
bonds greater than $1 million. It was recommended that the amount should be increased and
regulated by ordinance. The City Attorney requested direction by Thursday.
Discussion ensued regarding the charter review process. The City Attorney said some
amendments can be combined within a ballot question.
Commissioner Johnson spoke in support of four-year terms. Discussion ensued with
support expressed for including cost of living raises for Commission salaries in the Charter.
The Charter Review Committee was thanked for their efforts.
The meeting adjourned at 10:24 a.m.
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