09/28/1998
CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION
CITY OF CLEARWATER
September 28, 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
Richard L. Hedrick Deputy City Manager
Bob Keller Assistant City Manager
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Gwen Legters Board Reporter
The meeting was called to order at 9:20 a.m. at City Hall.
PUR PURCHASING
gas mains & services
Volt Information Sciences, Inc., installation of at various locations in
GAS
Pinellas & Pasco County service areas, 10/2/98-9/30/99, est. $436,950 ()
sulfur dioxide
Allied Universal Corp., , to be used at all WPC facilities, 10/2/98-9/30/2001, est.
PW
$300,000 ()
surplus
Declare equipment to City needs; authorize disposal through Tampa Machinery
Auction, the Pinellas County Purchasing Cooperative auctioneer of record
Purchasing Manager George McKibben said the project to extend gas service has an
expected payback period of seven years. Allied Universal is the closest vendor to Clearwater.
Model 486 computers list will be donated to schools in Clearwater only. Previously, surplus
materials were donated to a St. Petersburg non-profit agency after the City received no local
response. Donating computers to the Homeless Emergency Project was suggested. Staff will
add Pinellas Technical Education Center to the auction notification list and compile a list of
local non-profits to provide them an equal opportunity to obtain surplus materials.
ED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Res. #98-47
Public Hearing - - Amending the Community Redevelopment Plan for the
Community Redevelopment Area located in downtown
The proposal from Information Management Resources, Inc. (IMR) for use of the
property at 1180 Cleveland Street is compatible to the IMR Global Center. A mixed-use
designation will give the developer the flexibility needed to use the site fully. Staff will bring
forward, at a later time, a plan for the remainder of the property fronting on Cleveland Street
between Missouri and North Greenwood Avenues. It is anticipated office, residential, and
commercial uses will occupy the area.
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Senior Planner Lou Hilton said the area is not being addressed comprehensively as
changes to the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) district are being considered.
Assistant City Manager Bob Keller said the City had not forced the AIDS Coalition to move
from the property. Negotiations on the price of the property will be completed within six weeks.
HU HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT
enter into contracts
Authorize City to with Fiscal Year 1998-99 Consolidated Plan
Consent
Subrecipients ()
On July 16, 1998 the City of Clearwater approved the City’s FY (Fiscal Year) 1998/99
Consolidated Plan, providing for public services, public facilities, housing, rehabilitation, home
ownership, rental housing development, fair housing, and economic development. Activity
Funding comes from CDBG (Community Development Block Grant), HOME (Housing
Opportunity Made Equal), and SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership). Consolidated Plan
goals are to develop viable neighborhoods, provide decent, safe and sanitary affordable
housing, improve public facilities and expand public services and economic development
activities. Thirteen non-profit agencies were approved to assist in reaching the goals.
Housing & Urban Development Assistant Director Michael Holmes said uses have not
changed. The City Manager said a broader view on use of the funds would come forward next
year and address rehabilitation of entire blocks versus individual homes. Infrastructure
investment is important.
PD POLICE
third year funding from FDOT for DUI Enforcement Project
Accept in the amount $42,669;
Consent
authorize City expenditure of $42,369 in required matching funds ()
In November 1996, the City Commission accepted a $162,100 FDOT (Florida
Department of Transportation) grant to fund the DUI enforcement project with two officers and
two vehicles. The goal of the grant is to reduce drunk-driving related accidents and fatalities
through increased enforcement and public education. The grant allows the Police Department
to better address traffic safety concerns, rated by a Clearwater citizen satisfaction survey as
second only to burglary as the highest Police-related concern. The Commission has accepted
second year funding, which paid 75% of project costs for this fiscal year. Costs included
salaries and benefits for the two grant funded officers and installation of in-car video systems
in the remaining Traffic Enforcement Team vehicles. If accepted, the third year grant will
continue the DUI project for one final year by funding 50% of the salary and benefits of those
two officers ($38,869) and the acquisition of additional public information and education
materials ($3,500.) The grant includes an additional $300 to fund officer training with no
matching fund required. Third year State grant funds total $42,669. The City’s match is
$42,369, or 50% of the costs for the officer positions and public information materials. The
Clearwater Police Department experienced a 15% increase in DUI arrests in 1997 (845) over
1996 (720.) With increased use of on-scene videotaping and officer training, the department
has attained a 98.4% conviction rate while the average State rate is 78%. Alcohol-related
fatalities dropped from five in 1996 to three in 1997. Retaining these two officer positions
mws09b98 2 09/28/98
beyond this final year’s funding is not required. The positions will be absorbed through attrition
at the conclusion of the grant period.
Police Chief Sid Klein said other departments, including the Sheriff’s office, receive
similar grants. Discussion ensued regarding establishing a MSTU (Municipal Service Taxing
Unit) and coordinating dispatch services. Chief Klein said a number of municipalities do not
support a central dispatch service.
PW PUBLIC WORKS
1707 N. Ft. Harrison Ave.
Contract for Demolition of Commercial Structure - , Sonny
Consent
Glasbrenner, Inc., $46,200 ()
The City Manager announced a “Sledgehammer Party” on October 3, 1998 will
celebrate commencement of the Atrium Hotel demolition. It was stated the Old Clearwater Bay
group with the North Greenwood Association expressed interest in adopting the park that will
replace the structure.
CP CENTRAL PERMITTING
Ords. #6333-98 & #6334-98
Public Hearing & First Reading - Annexation & RS-8 Zoning for
Scott W.
property located at 1704 El Trinidad Drive East, Virginia Grove Terrace, Blk 2, Lot 2 (
Greer
, A98-25)
The applicant requests annexation of a single-family residential property to obtain City
sanitary sewer service. A sewer line is available in the El Trinidad Drive East right-of-way. The
Planning and Zoning Board endorsed the request at their meeting of September 15, 1998.
Staff will report on the difference between the assessed and tax value for this property
and 1722 St. Croix Drive. Concerns were expressed regarding impact fees and their amount,
and if requiring payment in advance discourages annexation. Planning and Development
Services Director Lorenzo Aghemo said homeowners are responsible for removing or filling in
septic tanks. They must be removed if environmental hazards are found. Staff will contact
area property owners regarding interest in annexation.
CLK CITY CLERK
Clearwater Housing Authority (Cont. from 8/20/98) - 1 appointment
Mayor Garvey recommended reappointment of Howard Groth.
National League of Cities Voting Delegate
Commissioner Hooper will serve as the City’s voting delegate.
OTHER CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
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Ord. #6331-98
(Cont. from 9/3 & 9/17/98) Public Hearing & First Reading - Relating to LDC;
amending Sec. 35.11, various sections in Ch. 40, & 41.053; and creating Sec. 41.281 to
establish standards for the siting, design, maintenance, and use of telecommunications towers
and antennas
Questions were raised regarding conditional use language “may” versus “shall.” The
City Attorney said there is no discretion when applicants comply with required conditions. She
will confirm whether antennae on church steeples are limited to 120 feet. It was recommended
that obsolete towers should be removed after “12 consecutive months from cessation of
continuous use.” It was requested that the City Attorney determine if “allowed” and “permitted”
are used interchangeably and to consider using just one word for the sake of consistency.
City Manager Verbal Reports
The City Manager will meet with Del Oro representatives to discuss long-term issues for
the neighborhood.
Other Commission Action
Commissioner Clark thanked Rich Baier for identifying black and white panels on the
causeway median as sighting positions for aerial photographs; thanked the City Manager for
letter to Ms. Shaeffer.
Commissioner Hooper commended staff for their preparation and services when
Hurricane Georges approached; questioned if City Manager and City Attorney evaluations
could be scheduled for October 15; thanked City employees who participated in United Way
Day of Caring and volunteers who participated in Downtown and Coastal Cleanup; reported
dedication of 16 villas at Homeless Emergency Project and good turnout for Taste of
Clearwater; expressed concern regarding proposed Religious Liberty Act and urged City
review and letter of opposition; questioned status of letter from Sunnybrook Mobile Home Park.
The City Manager said a response is being prepared.
Commissioner Johnson recommended consideration of “Future of the Region” award;
thanked Gas Division Manger Chuck Warrington for excellent report on the gas operation;
thanked staff for keeping people informed during Hurricane Georges; questioned letter from
Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. Mr. Aghemo will respond to the letter.
Commissioner Seel provided history of Nagano and Clearwater becoming sister cities;
said the City has not taken advantage of CMAC funding; reported Countywide traffic impact
fee provides a no-fee transportation zone; suggested City consider creating similar zone to aid
redevelopment.
Mayor Garvey announced two teachers from Nagano would visit in October; invited
th
Nagano Mayor and delegation to next year’s Fun ‘n Sun to celebrate 40 year of Sister City
relationship; suggested staff members report each month’s events at end of Commission
meetings; said Commission mail delivery has become unreliable.
Adjourn
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The meeting adjourned at 10:37 a.m.
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