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02/01/1999 (2) CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER February 1, 1999 Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner Ed Hooper Vice-Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Commissioner Vacant Seat Commissioner Absent: Robert Clark 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 Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall. PRESENTATIONS Military Appreciation Day Commissioners were presented mementos from the Second Annual Military Appreciation Day on. Participants and planners were thanked for their efforts. FD FIRE amendment to existing 10 year Emergency Medical Services (EMS) First- Approve Responder Agreement with Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services Authority On October 1, 1997, the Board of County Commissioners, acting as the Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services Authority, and the City entered into a 10-year agreement to provide first-responder EMS (Emergency Medical Services) within the Clearwater EMS District. Either party can terminate the agreement with due notice. This amendment, proposed by the City: 1) adds a seventh ALS (Advanced Life Support) unit, with the County providing $200,000 in annual funding and 2) provides $164,326 to fund 75%, or a major portion of the cost of an EMS supervisor on each shift. The1997 agreement did not recognize the “Lieutenant-Rescue” position. The amendment would be retroactive to October 1, 1998, the second year of the contract, and increase overall County-provided EMS funding from $2,445,530 to $2,883,222. Additional revenue of $437,692 to provide the seventh unit exceeds its overall cost. Reimbursement for existing EMS shift supervisors recognizes their importance to the County EMS system. Chief Herald Roland said the department’s budget assumes receipt of these funds. 1 mws02a99 02/01/99 It was noted the City of St. Petersburg withdrew from the bidding process to provide a County transport system following completion of Phase III of the EMS feasibility study. Staff feels there is not enough time to address all legal concerns raised in Phase II. Commission approved funding for the study was spent and obtained data are valuable. It was recommended the issue be reviewed at least three years before the contract is scheduled for renewal. The City Manager said the City had wanted to submit a bid to make the private sector more competitive. Concern was expressed the Commission had read about St. Petersburg’s decision in the media before being apprised by staff. PD POLICE Res. #99-13 - permitting City Manager to negotiate and sign a no cost public purpose lease with FDOT for land along Courtney Campbell Causeway for use as public recreation area for initial period of 5 years and renewable annually thereafter For many years, local and metropolitan area residents have used the sandy area on the south side of the Courtney Campbell Causeway near its western end, as an unofficial beach and recreation area. Usage increases annually with large crowds and heavy car and boat traffic. Fights, disorderly conduct, reckless watercraft operations, and traffic crashes have created a public nuisance affecting the health and safety of Clearwater citizens and imposing a heavy demand on police resources. Staff recommends permitting the City Manager to negotiate and sign a no-cost public purpose lease for the subject land with FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) for use as a public recreation area for an initial five-year period. The lease would provide the City the legal authority necessary to control activities and enhance public safety. The Courtney Campbell Causeway Recreational Area is approximately 1,600 feet east of the McMullen- Booth Road/SR 60 intersection, following along the shoreline in an easterly direction, encompassing areas to the south edge of SR 60’s pavement, to a point approximately 2,120 feet east of the beginning point. FDOT Property Administrator Susan Rosotti reported on December 15, 1998, an idle speed zone was adopted out to 300 feet south of SR 60. This proposed agreement would be automatically renewed each year and could be canceled by either party with 60 days notice. Police Chief Sid Klein said the City’s major concern is public safety. The number of complaints and calls for police service is trending upward, and include reckless driving, driving under the influence, ordinance violations, hazards, accidents, weapon violations, drownings, drugs, fights, batteries, and disabled vehicles. Enforcement will be consistent but less stringent than at other City beaches. A gate will block access between dusk and sunrise when most calls now are received. The annual cost was estimated at $2,650 for the gate and signs. Reducing crime will allow police to answer other calls. Future upgrades could include beach concessions that produce revenue, showers, rest rooms, and a boat launch ramp. Many people consider this to be Clearwater’s entrance. It was recommended that access be as safe as possible. PW PUBLIC WORKS Sanitary Sewer System Evaluation & Self Audit, Phase I Contract for , Tampa Bay Engineering, $299,682 2 mws02a99 02/01/99 In compliance with the CCNA (Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act), staff reviewed qualification proposals from CDM (Camp, Dresser and McKee, King Engineering, Parsons Engineering Sciences, and Tampa Bay Engineering. Staff chose Tampa Bay Engineering due to the company’s knowledge of sanitary sewer systems and extensive work in Pinellas County. In local municipalities, Tampa Bay Engineering has demonstrated substantial savings in recommended repair and replacement costs using field investigation. Tampa Bay Engineering’s main office in Clearwater will facilitate coordination efforts with staff. The Work Order addresses the USEPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) requirement for a detailed evaluation of the Sanitary Sewer System and elimination of SSOs (Sewer System Overflows). Portions of the City’s Sanitary Sewer System are more than 30 years old and do not meet current standards. Due to increasing USEPA and FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) regulations, the City must be proactive in completing the evaluation. It is important to evaluate infrastructure within proposed high-density developments. Completion of the evaluation will help staff and prospective developers to understand costs associated with redevelopment. Work Order tasks are: 1) data acquisition; 2) system investigation; 3) base map preparation; 4) system inspection; 5) public education; 6) project coordination; and 7) lift station investigation. Phase I will cost $299,682. Clearwater’s Sanitary Sewer System has approximately 410 miles of pipes and 8,395 utility access portals. Phase I includes smoke testing 25 miles of pipe and inspecting 750 utility access portals, or between 5% and 10% of the system. Based on information collected in Phase I, staff will develop a scope of work for Phase II to evaluate the entire system and develop a model and master plan for the operations and maintenance of the City’s Sanitary Sewer System. Bob Brown, Senior Vice President of Tampa Bay Engineering, said City pipes are adequately sized but rain and ground water are leaking into the system, mostly constructed in the 1960s. Joints are brittle and leak. Replacing the City’s 410 miles of sewer would cost approximately $325-million. Rehabilitating the system would last between 25% and 50% as long as a brand new system. The regional EPA office sent notice to the City regarding sewer system problems. During Phase I, the capacity for operations and pump stations will be investigated and smoke will be used to determine flow conditions. A sentiment survey also will be completed. Necessary repairs will be prioritized. Phase II will include a physical survey, flow management review, capacity analysis, hydraulic modeling, and best management practices. The final report will evaluate the entire system. Besides protecting the environment, leakage overloads pump stations. Proceeding in dry weather is preferable. Neighbors, the Fire Department, and media will be notified before smoke testing is done. Known problems exist in 25 miles of sewer pipes. It is important that the City can accommodate wastewater from redevelopment. A computer model will determine the City’s capacity. The City will meet with the EPA following Phase I. Public Works Administrator Rich Baier said the City had not undertaken a similar project previously. Phase I is estimated to cost $300,000. Phase II will cost between $2- and $2.2-million. Mr. Becotte did not think grant money was available. 3 mws02a99 02/01/99 Assistant City Manager Rick Hedrick said this project is a normal part of maintaining a sewer system. Treating extra water is expensive and increases capital costs. Mr. Baier said the City is subject to fines for sewer pipe leakage. Mr. Becotte said Phase I is budgeted. Concern was expressed regarding odor problems. Ord. #6382-99 First Reading - Relating to Reclaimed Water Availability and Rates; amending Art. IX, Sec. 32.380; amending Appendix A - Schedule of Fees, Rates and Charges City Code, Section 32.380, related to reclaimed water availability charges, does not reference properties with irrigation wells and allows property owners with irrigation wells to be charged a reclaimed water availability fee. Language in the proposed ordinance will address this issue. The rate study associated with the Reclaimed Water Mater Plan was based on available data. New rates proposed in the Reclaimed Water Master plan will encourage connection to the Reclaimed Water system. On December 10, 1998, the Commission approved the Reclaimed Water master plan, which then was transmitted to SWFMWD (Southwest Florida Water Management District). The proposed ordinance will revise reclaimed water rates. Mr. Baier said the proposal would decrease the cost for reclaimed water service and availability. He estimated monthly savings of $6,000 by using potable water on the Memorial Causeway. Properties with active wells will be exempt from the service fee. An old agreement with country clubs that use reclaimed water charges a per acre rate. CLK CITY CLERK Appoint member of Commission to represent Commission as Canvassing Board Consensus was for Commissioner Johnson to represent the Commission as Canvassing Board. (Cont’d from 01/21/99) Beautification Committee - 2 appointments AND (Cont’d from 1/21/99) Parks and Recreation Board - 1 appointment Consensus was to continue these appointments. Community Relations Board - appointments The City Clerk said the board cannot meet without a quorum. An ordinance to reduce the number of seats is being considered. Commission representative to the Metropolitan Planning Agency. 4 mws02a99 02/01/99 Consensus was for Commissioner Hooper to represent the Commission on the Metropolitan Planning Agency board. CA LEGAL DEPARTMENT Resolutions Res. #99-06 - Abatement Lien - 1604 El Tair Trail, Coachman Ridge, Tract A-1 (Jerold & Toni Miller) The City Attorney will report on the lien. Specific standards must be met before a property is razed. The City Manager said the Building Code addresses dangerous structures. The City Attorney said most violations at the property at the corner of Hercules and Rainbow Drive were corrected although new violations could be accumulating. Violations must rise to a certain level before the City can act. State homestead laws protect homeowners. The City cannot foreclose liens on homesteaded property. The situation is frustrating to the neighborhood. Concern was expressed regarding the number of cars parked on the property. The Community Response Team can check on the property. OTHER CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS The City Attorney requested an attorney/client session regarding Brian Blanco versus the City be scheduled for March 1, 1999, at 9:00 a.m. Consensus was to so schedule. Vacant Commission Seat It was stated former Commissioner Seel had submitted her resignation to the City and will be sworn in tomorrow as a County Commissioner. The City Attorney said the Charter requires a special election be held within 60 days. An election is scheduled within that time period, on March 9, 1999. The City Commission is not compelled to fill the vacancy prior to the election. If citizens approve related Charter changes, the new Commissioner can be sworn in on March 18, 1999. It was felt it would be unfair to appoint someone for such a short term. Consensus was for the to seat remain vacant until the March 9,1999, election. The City Clerk will send letters to those who have expressed interest in filling the vacancy. Other Commission Action Commissioner Johnson requested an update on the volunteer program to ticket illegal parking in fire lanes and handicapped spaces. He recommended doubling fines for illegal parking in handicapped spaces. Commissioner Hooper supported a fine increase. Commissioner Johnson questioned the status of legislation that would provide immunity from lawsuits for comments made when participating in government. The City Attorney recommended further analysis before the City takes a position. 5 mws02a99 02/01/99 Commissioner Johnson opposed pumping brackish water without additional information. The City Manager said staff is studying the issue and will return to the City Commission with a recommendation. Commissioner Johnson commended Solid Waste Director Bob Brumback for the proposed program to conceal dumpsters in commercial zones. Commissioner Hooper thanked Recreation Program Coordinator Terry Schmidt for scheduling the annual Charlie Daniels benefit concert in Clearwater. Organizers praised staff efforts. The City Manager estimated the concert cost the City $8,000. Commissioner Hooper expressed concern the Commission had not officially thanked former Commissioner Seel for her service. The City Manager said a farewell will be scheduled. Mayor Garvey expressed concern historic district preservation will discontinue if the Historical Preservation Board is terminated. The City Manager felt the City’s ability to preserve areas of historic value is enhanced as the new Assistant Planning Director previously worked for the State’s historic preservation trust. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 10:37 a.m. 6 mws02a99 02/01/99