10/16/2000
CITY COMMISSION WORKSESSION
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 16, 2000
Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner
J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
Ed Hooper Commissioner
Robert Clark Commissioner
Ed Hart Commissioner
Also present: William B. Horne II Interim City Manager
Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager
Bob Keller Assistant City Manager – arrived 11:40 a.m.
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall.
Service Awards
Three service awards were presented to City employees.
Employee of the Month Award - October 2000
Fredd Hinson, Neighborhood Services, was presented the October 2000 Employee of
the Month award.
Team Award - Parks & Recreation Administrative Support Staff
The Team Award was presented to Jon Russell, Debbie Richter, Debbie Reid, Terri
Coffey, Natalie Weppler, Mary Cressman, Kim Staggs, Jan Floyd, Bobbie Downs, and Paula
Chaplinsky.
The meeting recessed from 9:10 to 9:49 a.m. for a closed bargaining session and to
meet as the Pension Trustees.
PUR PURCHASING
gas materials
Castle Supply Inc., , misc. installation & gas appliance repair parts, 10/20/00-
SBS
10/31/01, estimated $200,000 ()
landscape maintenance
Laub's Landscape Maint., for Clearwater Beach Entryway, 10/20/00-
PR
9/30/01, estimated $67,200 ()
basketball camp instructorPR
Rueben Coffin, , 8/1/00-9/30/01, estimated $30,000 ()
2 Barber 600-HD surf beach cleaners
Florida Municipal Equipment, , $99,740; financing to be
GS
provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement ()
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Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said even if the basketball camp program
has few participants, the City will not lose money. The City receives 25% of all fees. There
may be other opportunities for similar-type camps.
HR HUMAN RESOURCES
United HealthCare
Health Insurance Contract to , under fully insured funding arrangement for
Bradman/Unipsych
1/1/01-12/31/01; Mental Health/Substance Abuse and EAP Contract to ,
1/1/01-12/31/01
Human Resources Administrator Paul O’Rourke reviewed the proposed health
insurance coverage plan. The contract with the City's current medical insurance provider
expires on December 31, 2000. In June 2000, the Benefits Committee headed by the Human
Resources Department, distributed a Request for Proposal (RFP) for medical insurance
coverage, mental health and substance abuse coverage, and Employee Assistance Program
(EAP) coverage. There were two respondents for medical insurance/medical coverage. One
respondent provided bids that included mental-health/substance abuse coverage. There were
three respondents for EAP and mental health/substance abuse coverage. The Benefits
Committee reviewed the RFPs and used a standardized evaluation rating process: benefits
offered, cost, and medical network. Additionally, the committee considered employee
satisfaction with the current plans and plan design.
The two medical coverage providers and three EAP/substance abuse providers were all
selected as finalists for interviews. Based on ratings and interview results, the Benefits
Committee recommends United HealthCare be awarded a one-year contract to provide
medical insurance coverage for January - December 2001. United offered four plan designs in
its proposal. Variables between options: 1) co-pay for inpatient hospitalization; 2) co-pay for
outpatient procedures; and 3) co-pays for prescription medications. The City’s current design,
with no co-pays for inpatient and outpatient components and prescription co-pays of
$8/$13/$18, had a renewal rate of 28.6%. The other options, which contained various co-pays
for these areas, had renewal rates of 27.1%, 24.1%, and 23.9%. While the Benefits
Committee recommended the current plan, staff is recommending the 23.9% plan, which
includes a $250 co-pay for inpatient hospitalization, a $100 co-pay for outpatient procedures,
prescription co-pays of $10/$15/ $20, and an inpatient POS (Point of Service) co-pay increase
from $250 to $500. This option will reduce costs by $269,735. Staff also recommends
allowing employees to select the 28.6% option by assuming the difference in cost between the
two plans.
Mr. O’Rourke said the 102% loss ratio is a pure loss ratio. He said other governments
are experiencing similar health care cost increases. An AON Representative said private
sector increases average in the low 20 percentile. Concern was expressed these increases
would impact families. It was remarked that the total package is a good one, provides a wide
network of physicians, and allows employees to visit the same doctors they had last year. Mr.
O’Rourke said the Florida Kid Care Insurance program, an alternative health insurance
program for children, bases its $15 - $83 monthly premium on family income. The City
Manager said significant effort went into this proposal. Health care costs will continue to rise.
The City must position itself to provide the best coverage possible with available resources.
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PD POLICE
donation to Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project, Inc.
Approve (CHIP) for funding of
Consent
operations, in the amount $100,000 ()
The CHIP (Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project) Shelter opened in April 1998,
and since then has provided a safe overnight facility for homeless persons and essential
support services to help individuals and families begin to improve their lives. The City donated
the first $100,000 to CHIP in January 1998. At this time, the Police Department requests that
the City continue its contribution for operational funds still needed and essential to CHIP’s
successful operation.
Police Chief Sid Klein said CHIP has served more than 4,500 clients. After Tampa
closed its open feeding operation, Clearwater saw an abundance of homeless in downtown.
Police Chief Klein confirmed only six bed are available for the growing demand for family
accommodations. Approximately two families are turned away daily. The City plans to
continue to acquire State and Federal funding for operational costs. Concern was expressed
the City must consider how large CHIP should become. It was suggested panhandlers be put
to work. The CHIP program was reviewed.
PR PARKS AND RECREATION
annual
Confirm co-sponsorship & waiver of City fees for budgeted special events including
city events
(Uno Festival, Folk Arts Festival/Under the Oaks, Holiday Sights & Sounds, Fun-
co-sponsored events
'N-Sun Festival, Memorial Weekend Celebration, Fourth of July),
(Holiday Bridge Run, Jazz Holiday, Times Turkey Trot, Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, Charlie
new one time City events
Daniels Concert, N. Greenwood Mayfest, Saturday in the City), and
(Pinellas Trail 10th Anniversary, Superbowl Events, Coachman Park Dedication), estimated
co-
$325,850 ($93,420 cash contributions & $232,430 in-kind contributions); Approve
sponsorship & waiver
of City fees for Sunset @ Pier 60, Caribbean Christman, and Summer
Beachfest, estimated $26,250 ($3,300 cash contributions & $22,950 in-kind contributions) with
$22,770 coming from Vision dollars & $3,480 from budgeted special events
Commission policy regarding special events states: “All fees and related charges will be
waived for City-sponsored or co-sponsored events; i.e., Fun ‘n Sun, Jazz Holiday, July 4,
Turkey Trot, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. There shall be an annual review of City-
sponsored/co-sponsored events during the budget process. An agenda item conforming co-
sponsorship and waiver of fees for these events approved in the budget will be brought for
Commission approval at the beginning of each fiscal year. In the event additional money is
requested beyond what is included in the approved budget, Commission approval will be
needed before said additional funds are dispersed.”
This agenda item is provided in response to the above policy. Should additional money
be requested beyond “cash” contributions approved in the budget, Commission approval will
be requested. In-kind contributions are estimates that have been budgeted for in the
appropriate departments. Specific costs are not known until after the events are conducted. A
chart is available that shows cash and in-kind contributions that are included in the FY (Fiscal
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Year) 2000/01 budget for City and co-sponsored special events. The total cash contribution is
the same funding level as FY 1999/00. In-kind contributions increased by $31,460 to reflect
accurate costs associated with the events as well as to cover the cost for new one-time City
th
events, i.e. Pinellas Trail 10 Anniversary, Superbowl events, and the Coachman Park
Dedication. In-kind contributions are included in operating budgets under various
departments. Sunsets at Pier 60 have requested City co-sponsorship for two special events;
Caribbean Christmas and Summer Beachfest. Estimated in-kind contributions for these
unbudgeted events will be an additional $22,770. If successful, future years’ funding for these
events will be listed as co-sponsored with funding included in the City Manager’s
recommended budget.
Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said staff will bring forward a process
change to first obtain Commission approval of events before departments budget accordingly.
He did not anticipate changes in future events.
Ord. #6635-00
First Reading - Relating to Special Events; amending Sec. 22.83 relating to
Parades; prohibiting parade participants to toss candy, medallions and similar matter from any
moving vehicles
Ordinance #6211-97 was passed on second and final reading and adopted on
November 20, 1997, to permit the throwing of various items during a parade. During the
review of the past several parades, staff (Parks and Recreation and Police) has become
concerned for the safety of participants and spectators relative to the throwing of various items
and their proximity to moving vehicles. Staff has researched the cost to provide barriers, etc.
to protect spectators but have found barriers to be cost-prohibitive. If the City rented
barricades from other cities rather than purchasing them, the cost per event for barricades only
is estimated at $50,000. Staff from the Parks and Recreation Department and the Police
Department requests this change to prohibit items from being thrown from moving vehicles
during a parade. Under this recommendation, it would be acceptable to have the various items
“distributed” to spectators by “walkers” for each of the entries.
Mr. Dunbar said the cities of St. Petersburg and Tampa do not allow items to be thrown
into a crowd except when the entire parade route is barricaded. Discussion ensued regarding
items thrown. It was remarked that free beads attract people, especially children, to downtown
events. Police Chief Klein said barricades would not provide sufficient safety nor deter people
from throwing items. The City cannot assign sufficient police to manage all safety concerns.
PW PUBLIC WORKS
City to purchase
Contract with Melanie H. Cordes, Trustee, for Sec. 15-29-15, M&B 24.02 for
Consent
$30,000 plus estimated closing expenses of $675, for total estimated $30,675 ()
On June 19, 1997, the Commission adopted Resolution #97-41 accepting and
approving the JPA (Joint Participation Agreement) between the City and FDOT (Florida
Department of Transportation) to construct a new Memorial Causeway East Bridge (project).
The JPA obligates the City to fund up to $13 million for right-of-way acquisition, design,
construction, and construction engineering and inspection. FDOT will reimburse the City the
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total cost of these project elements up to the stated limits beginning in FY 2002/03, subject to
legislative approval and appropriation. The subject vacant property, having approximate
dimensions of 20 feet X 190 feet, is the first of four additional right-of-way parcels to be
acquired for the project. The purchase price is as established by appraisal performed for the
City by State Certified and FDOT approved Appraiser Raymond Koepsell of American
Acquisition Group, Inc. Closing will occur within 60 days following Commission acceptance.
The seller will pay estimated ad valorem taxes of $450 due to date of closing. Estimated
closing expenses include title insurance, closing fee, documentary stamps, and recording fees.
Public Works Administrator Mahshid Arasteh said the new amendment is due to WTAN
Radio’s need to use part of this property for its antenna. It was commented that the radio
station has limited range due to a conflict with a nearby radio station’s signal.
Clearwater Beach West Bridge/Spur Connector
Agreement with FDOT for construction
Consent
()
The City recently became LAP (Local Agency Program) certified, meaning FDOT
determined that City staff is qualified to design and administer construction of FDOT funded
projects. The agreement is part of the first two LAP project agreements that should be
executed. The intention of the LAP project agreement is to provide for FDOT funding and
oversight of the project. Up to $955,000 of FDOT funds are available for this project, which
provide a bicycle/pedestrian trail over Mandalay Channel, connecting sidewalks on Clearwater
beach to the existing trail on the Clearwater Causeway portion of SR 60. The City’s preferred
routing would be a separate structure south of the existing fishing pier, however, a conceptual
engineering study will be required to determine if widening the SR 60 bridge would be more
feasible. The City shall perform the project with the Department’s selected consultant, Ayres
Associates. The City will coordinate with the Department’s CSU (Contractual Service Unit)
during the consultant contract period. The Department’s CSU will provide necessary guidance
with the City until the contract completion date. FDOT will work closely with the City for these
first LAP project agreements. The consultant will provide to the Department final design
documents and construction plans for review by the Department’s Design Engineer in
accordance with provisions in the LAP Manual.
Ms. Arasteh said additional funds are available. The City will design the project.
County review is required and FDOT will oversee the entire project. All details related to the
trail and baseball park are not available.
PLD PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Direction re support of Annexation Issue on November ballot
Planning and Development Director Ralph Stone reviewed the annexation issue on the
November ballot. The process has been lengthy. It was suggested that staff
recommendations not included could be readdressed at a later date.
Other City Attorney Items
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Authorization for Settlement - Sherry Cason v. City
A mediation was held in the above-captioned case last week, and a tentative
settlement was reached for $46,250, subject to Commission approval. This case is an action
by a former police officer alleging civil rights violations, including, among other things, sexual
harassment, differential treatment and retaliation during her City employment. Authorization is
requested to accept the settlement offer of $46,250 in this pending litigation case.
An attorney/client session regarding Sherry Cason versus the City was scheduled for
October 19, 2000 at 5:15 p.m.
The meeting recessed from 11:22 to 11:40 a.m.
PRESENTATIONS
Downtown Redevelopment Ideas - Charlie Siemon
Charlie Siemon, Siemon & Larsen, said his firm was hired to prepare a preliminary
implementation design for the revitalization and redevelopment of downtown. The idea was to
test it in the marketplace to determine if it could be supported by public revenues and if
practical implementation strategies could be developed. He said events of the past summer
made it clear the City must be more aggressive in remediating negative aspects of downtown
to attract private investment. The waterfront is the City’s best asset. The City must
concentrate on spending public money to stimulate the private sector and broaden the tax
base, as well as create a sense of revival and direction and a positive investment climate. If
the downtown is not attractive to all ages it will not be successful. As the CRA is large, focus
will be on the core downtown. The redevelopment plan identifies a series of strategic actions
including infrastructure improvements, changes to land development regulations, a commercial
management program, and various projects including a Harbor Bluff project to restructure and
expand Coachman Park, develop a waterfront marina, remove parking from the waterfront,
relocate the main library, expand the Harborview Center, two private development initiatives
(Osceola Hotel and the "superblock”), a City square project, town lake projects, and a series of
eastern gateway projects. He said no specific architecture has been suggested, but the plan
should avoid “cutting edge” styles. Mr. Siemon reviewed cost estimates for the Downtown
Clearwater, Our Downtown plan as determined by his firm. He said costs do not include the
proposed amphitheater, however, plans should not be delayed until funds are identified. He
suggested the City finance the amphitheater with a grant from Pinellas County or with general
revenue bond proceeds. He said a long-term parking strategy is needed. Mr. Siemon said
Osceola Place should remain an integral part of the plan even if other projects are eliminated.
He said the City should continue to keep the public informed. Priorities of the plan include: 1)
Cleveland Street renovation; 2) Clearwater Place (bayfront); 3) relocation of parking; 4)
Osceola Place and the Bay Front Park; 5) enhanced outdoor performance venue
(amphitheater); 6) and renovate the Harborview Center’s façade. He said a department store
is not the best tenant for the Harborview Center. He suggested ultimately demolishing it as he
is doubtful of its long term stability. Secondary priority projects of the plan include: 1)
Transforming Myrtle Avenue into a major north/south route, and 2) making Fort Harrison
Avenue into a north/south local route and as attractive as possible. He said the City has
exhausted the opportunity to get a great bayfront for free. In response to a question, Mr.
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Siemon said the timeline for the projects in the plan depends upon the momentum in the
marketplace. He felt the marketplace does not want to be told to wait for the new Commission
to move forward. He said postponing these plans is a powerful deterrent against private
investment. He suggested as the current Commission has been greatly involved in these
issues, they should consider reaffirmation of this proposal and make a decision before year-
end. He said the City has had an opportunity to enhance the quality of life in Clearwater for a
long time. He suggested the Commission address the substantive issues and create a sense
of direction by setting a schedule and determining how to finance it. In response to a question,
Mr. Siemon said his recommendation to issue 25-year bonds for the Bay Front Park would
amount to $12 - $25 in taxes annually for a homeowner with an assessed value of $100,000
after homestead exemption, or $1.07 per month. The inclusion of the amphitheater would
increase the required millage rate by fifty cents per month, or 1 1/2 cents per day. He said tax
increments, special assessments, and general funds are all potential revenue sources. He
said it is possible to redevelop the Bay Front in phases, but not to postpone the commitment.
The objective is to create a positive environment for private investment. In response to a
question, he said the optimal method of relocating surface parking on the bayfront and bluff
would be for the City to enter into a joint public/private partnership for redevelopment of the
"superblock". Retail uses would shift to Cleveland Street. In response to a question, he said it
would be cost prohibitive to retain a portion of the Memorial Causeway bridge. In response to
a question, he said estimated costs for improvements to Osceola Place and the Bay Front park
are $6.8 to $7.7 million, depending on the quality of paver material. It was remarked that the
proposed plan does not include maintenance costs. It was felt the public must understand that
the beach and downtown are not separate issues, but one complete package. The City
Manager said a Special Worksession is scheduled for November 26, 2000, to review the
components of the proposed plan and input received. Public meetings also will be scheduled.
City Attorney Evaluation
AND
City Manager Evaluation
The City Attorney said City Attorney and City Manager evaluations need to be done in
October. The City Manager’s interim evaluation and salary increase meets that Charter
requirement.
Other Commission Action
Mayor Aungst referenced his memorandum to the City Manager last Monday regarding
John Asmar. He requested the City Manager and City Attorney address Councilmember Hart’s
letter to the newspaper.
The City Manager said the City Manager is responsible for administrative matters.
Human Resources is assessing staff computer skills. His September 14, 2000, memorandum
on employee computer use policy emphasizes that City computers are intended for business
use. Restricting computer use to business only is not enforceable. Policy guidelines address
how employees conduct themselves. Some turbulence within the Information Technology
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Department has occurred in coordinating computer implementation. The evolution of computer
technology has been rapid without an integrated plan for a computer infrastructure to meet City
needs. He disagreed that these issues amount to a crisis in management.
Commissioner Hart said he addressed these issues in the newspaper because he was
told last year that policy review was outside Commission purview. He said the review process
has been inconsistent. The City Manager said no City Manager would prohibit policy feedback
from a Commission. The City Attorney said Commission can review policies but the City
Charter states that policies are under City Manager authority.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 1:47 p.m.
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