10/14/2002
CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 14, 2002
Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner
Whitney Gray Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
Hoyt P. Hamilton Commissioner
William C. Jonson Commissioner
Frank Hibbard Commissioner
Also present:: William B. Horne II City Manager
Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager
Ralph Stone Assistant City Manager
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
The meeting was called to order at 1:04 p.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
Service Awards
Nine service awards were presented to City employees.
Employee of the Month - October 2002
Catherine Yellin, Marine & Aviation Department, was presented the October 2002
Employee of the Month award.
Team Award – September-October 2002
The September-October 2002 Team Award was presented to Police Support Services:
Captain Wayne Meissner, Lt. Donald Hall, Chris Keenan, Diana Atkinson, Bill Daniels, Doris
Tennell, Ann Kennedy-Brown, Sherry Hunt, Liza Beebe, Susan Stieben, Tanya Smith, Carol
Turcotte, Lynn Davis, Robert Smith, Sharon Rodriguez, Yolanda Franklin, John Clarkson,
Valerie Hornbeck, and Debbie Storey.
The Council recessed from 1:20 to 1:22 p.m. to meet as the Pension Trustees.
PRESENTATION
MPO Mobility Initiative Study Governance Issues
Public Works Administrator Mahshid Arasteh said for several years the MPO
(Metropolitan Planning Organization) has worked on a fixed guideway transit system. Steering
committee members are seeking direction on guideway governance. Alternatives will be
discussed over the next two months with a recommendation to the MPO in the fall: 1) special
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act of State Legislature creates agency that combines management of PSTA (Pinellas
Suncoast Transit Authority) and fixed guideway. Separate taxing agency would not count
toward County millage cap. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) favors systems with bus
and guideway operations under the same umbrella as it simplifies the awarding of federal
grant money; 2) special act of State Legislation amends PSTA charter to include fixed
guideway operations. PSTA is the only agency now authorized to operate transit in Pinellas
County. Separate taxing agency would not count against County millage cap; and 3) special
act of State Legislature designates Board of County Commissioners as managers of guideway
and amends PSTA charter to permit. This would not be a separate taxing agency and would
count toward the County millage cap. Other alternatives exist. Clearwater needs to formulate
the direction it wishes to chart and present it to the steering committee. Staff recommends
Option 1.
Brian Smith, MPO representative, said many transportation alternatives have been
reviewed. A consultant’s report evaluating strategies for owning and operating a countywide
rail system will become available on October 22, 2002.
Mike Profit, Project Director, said plans are being developed for a 25-mile fixed rail
system between downtown Clearwater and the Tyrone area of St. Petersburg. Key issues
related to a countywide rail system: 1) should a new county agency be formed; 2) should an
independent district be formed; and 3) should a new authority incorporate Options 1 and 2.
Discussion ensued with comments that interconnectivity between light rail and bus
service is important and financing and tax issues need to be considered. The issue is regional.
Mr. Smith said PSTA input is important. He said the County has not expressed interest in
managing the project. He said the system also would be routed to Clearwater beach. He said
moving forward on this system would not hinder Hillsborough County’s ability to proceed with
their light rail plans. Ms. Arasteh said staff’s position is dependent upon how PSTA’s function
would change.
The majority of the Commission favored Option 1.
PLD PLANNING
Downtown Major Components
The Downtown plan update is well underway. The City has hired Bellomo-Herbert to
prepare a streetscape, wayfinding and gateway plan, a master plan for Coachman Park and
designs for public spaces. Bellomo-Herbert held its first public meeting to receive input on this
project on August 14, 2002. The Economic Development Department has prepared and
submitted to Pinellas County a City Commission approved expanded CRA (Community
Redevelopment Agency) to include the Gateway area. The Planning Department has
prepared studies and research on current downtown issues and initial downtown policies.
The Commission has indicated a strong interest in participating in the Downtown plan
update. To begin that discussion, the following major concepts about Downtown are
presented below. Planning Director Cyndi Tarapani requested policy direction to guide
development of the Downtown Plan. She suggested four major topics for discussion: 1) Major
Downtown Concepts – today; 2) Streetscape/Gateways/Character Districts; 3) Land Use
Plan/Waterfront and Open Space Plan; and 4) Redevelopment Projects.
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Concepts for Commission discussion and policy direction: 1) Downtown is Clearwater’s
center of activity, business and government. As such, Downtown will have higher densities for
residential uses and higher intensities for retail/commercial/offices uses than the rest of the
City. Higher densities/intensities will assist in creating a synergy for an interesting vital and
urban environment. The highest density/intensity of Downtown will be found in the Core area
with decreasing density/intensity moving east through the balance of downtown; 2) Cleveland
Street is downtown’s “Main Street” and is valued for its historic character/setting and as the
major retail street. Redevelopment on Cleveland Street should encourage renovation of
historic properties; new construction with frontage on Cleveland Street shall be consistent with
the historic building streetscape in terms of mass, scale and height; 3) Ft. Harrison and
Osceola Avenues should be re-developed as pedestrian oriented streets and in conjunction
with Cleveland Street shall form the major retail core of Downtown. Streetscape design for
these streets shall emphasize their principal pedestrian orientation; 4) To facilitate renewal of
Downtown, the City intends to contemplate uses other than governmental/ public uses on the
existing City Hall site. Principles guiding the relocation of City Hall and resultant new
construction are: construction of relocated City Hall in appropriate location at affordable cost;
the degree that the proposed private development contributes to the goals of downtown
renewal; the degree that the proposed development contributes to and is integrated with
Coachman Park, the New Main Library and the overall Waterfront area; and the degree to
which the proposed uses and design provide for public access, public views and pedestrian
orientation; 5) Clearwater recognizes the uniqueness of its waterfront as the focal point for
Downtown. The Bluff with its commanding views of the water is a significant positive aspect of
Clearwater’s image and sense of place; the views of and access to the water shall be
preserved: a) Coachman Park is valued as open space, a community-gathering place and a
location for cultural activities. The Park and the existing amphitheater should be improved to
better serve as a regional outdoor entertainment venue; b) Within the publicly owned land, a
need for a more active waterfront area for all citizens to more frequently enjoy this amenity.
The following uses should be evaluated as ways to increase enjoyment of the waterfront area
and to attract repeat visits by residents and tourists alike: Marina, Restaurant on piers of old
Memorial Bridge or other waterfront location, Active Recreation Uses, and Retail Uses, i.e.
street vendors, kiosks, and/or permanent retail buildings; c) On privately owned land,
preservation of view of Clearwater Harbor and compatibility of new development with
Coachman Park is critically important. Development in this area should be designed to
maintain views of the water through methods such as view corridors, pedestrian orientation,
connections between buildings and to the water, and places for public interaction and civic
activities. Building heights on the west side of Osceola Avenue; d) New Main Library is
recognized as a cultural attraction, community-gathering place, and anchor for the north end of
the Downtown Core. The library’s galleries, café, meeting spaces and waterfront terrace along
with its cores services will make this facility a downtown destination for residents and visitors.
Improvements to Coachman Park should be integrated with the Library and its activities; 6)
Quality urban design is critical to new construction and renovated buildings. New construction
should welcome people into downtown through both “front doors”- street side and waterside.
Urban and architectural design is equally important for all elevations; 7) Automobile oriented
uses such as gas stations, convenience stores and drive through facilities including fast food
restaurants shall be prohibited within Downtown Core, including Court/Chestnut corridors.
These automobile oriented uses also shall be prohibited at major gateways to Downtown (at a
minimum, locations include Highland/ Court/Cleveland intersection, Druid/ Ft. Harrison
intersection, Court/ ML King Avenue intersection); 8) Visual and performing arts are a vital part
of Downtown. Artists should be encouraged to live and work downtown. Art galleries and
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performing spaces are also encouraged downtown. The development of public art policies
should enhance and add to the overall quality of downtown. Public art installations should be
integrated into the gateways and streetscapes of Downtown, in public plazas and in other
public places/buildings; 9) Parking demand/supply shall be monitored as redevelopment is
planned/approved to insure that adequate parking is available coterminous with new uses. A
determination should be made whether parking should remain in Coachman Park or be
removed and relocated. Wayfinding shall insure ease of location to parking facilities and major
downtown attractions; and 10) The revitalization of the Gateway Area is critical to the future
health of downtown. The Board of County Commissioners will review the City’s request to
expand the Downtown CRA to include the Gateway on October 29, 2002. Concepts to guide
revitalization efforts in this area include: upgrade obsolete commercial corridor; eliminate
problematic uses; stabilize surrounding neighborhoods that appear to be in transition; and
establish new downtown gateway.
It was stated that downtown Clearwater can be a center of activity if it is developed as
the pedestrian-oriented heart of the City with mixed uses. Discussion ensued with suggestions
that heights be limited to three stories, that flexibility be allowed, and that height flexibility be
tied to tiers. Staff will submit more information regarding scale and height.
It was stated the North Ft. Harrison area needs attention. Ms. Tarapani said the
Harborview Center was not included in Concept 4 as it is part of Coachman Park. It was
recommended that the Harborview Center be viewed as an ongoing business and convention
facility and the entire site integrated with whatever is done in the downtown. A restaurant was
suggested on the pier once the new Memorial Causeway bridge is completed. It was felt that
views of the water should not be blocked by retail uses or other obstructions. It was felt that
public and developer input is needed by before decisions are made regarding specific
concepts.
Assistant City Manager Ralph Stone said City consultant Charlie Siemon had
recommended easing current development restrictions. Intensive residential development and
an opportunity to maximize it with waterfront views are needed, an upscale high-rise residential
development recommended.
MR MARINE /AVIATION
Adopt Res. #02-47 authorizing Supplemental Agreement #2, to include the completion of the
Storm Water Management Plan in the existing JPA for the design and construction of two
aircraft T-hangars and one corporate hangar at Clearwater Airpark, increasing Department
(FDOT) funding by $268.800 and decreasing Agency (City) funding by $95,300 for a net
income of $173,500.
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has agreed to increase reimbursable
funding by $173,500 for completion of the Stormwater Management Plan in the existing JPA
(Joint Participation Agreement) for the design and construction of two ten-plane t-hangars and
one corporate hangar at Clearwater Airpark. The new total funding provided by FDOT for this
JPA is $818,800. The City’s contribution has decreased by $95,300 due to the increased
contribution by FDOT. This increase represents 80% percent participation on the part of FDOT
and 20% by the City.
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Marine & Aviation Director Bill Morris said t-hangar tenants will use the corporate
hangars. The largest aircraft will be a twin engine turbo prop plane.
PR PARKS AND RECREATION
Provide direction re the concept of a holiday lighting display in Pier 60 Park, conducted by
Sunsets at Pier 60 from Thanksgiving of each year until January 1st. (WSO)
Sunsets at Pier 60 has a seamless partnership in working with the City to offer the
highly successful festival every evening at Pier 60 Park to stimulate tourism and attract
evening day-trippers to the beach area. Historically, the festival’s lowest attendance is during
the holiday season. In keeping with one of the original objectives, the festival continues to
explore new ideas to attract crowds to the beach area to spin off into positive economic impact
for the various merchants.
For the 2003 Holiday Season, the festival proposes to offer a free holiday lighting
walking tour program in Pier 60 Park with enhanced decorations on various park structures
and a significant amount of holiday lighting scenes. It is anticipated that funding would come
from a combined effort of sponsorships of some of the scenes as well as positive cash flow
from the daily festival during the year. This expanded level of programming will upgrade the
program from its initial “festival” environment and Commission direction is requested.
Additional City expense is anticipated with increased energy consumption to operate the lights.
This item will be brought back to the Commission as part of the City’s annual special event
review.
Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said City decorations were altered last year
due to vandalism. The City’s agreement with the Sunsets Group requires them to provide
security. Most decorations are four to five feet tall. Staff will review each display.
Consensus was to approve the holiday lighting program.
PD POLICE
Re-appoint Bob Shipp to the Board of Trustees, Clearwater Police Supplementary Pension
Plan, for a term of two years (11/01/02 - 11/01/04).
In keeping with provisions of Florida Statute 185.05, which states in part “ . . . the
board of trustees shall consist of five members, two of whom, unless otherwise prohibited
by law, shall be legal residents of the municipality, who shall be appointed by the
legislative body of the municipality . . . ” On November 2, 2000, Bob Shipp (690 Island
Way, Clearwater) was appointed by the City Commission to serve on the Board of
Trustees of the Police Supplementary Pension for a period of two years (11/01/2000-
11/01/2002). The Board of Trustees of the Clearwater Police Supplementary Pension
Fund recommends that Bob Shipp be re-appointed to serve a two-year term as trustee.
Mr. Shipp has stated that he will accept re-appointment.
City Clerk Cyndie Goudeau said no other names had been submitted. This
appointment does not go through the same process as other advisory boards.
PW PUBLIC WORKS
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Water Demand Management Update
Public Utilities Director Andy Neff said it appears that SWFWMD (Southwest Florida
Water Management District) will not ease water restrictions soon. A letter from the County has
indicated wholesale rates to Clearwater would increase up to $3.04/1,000 gallons of water
supplied through 2006. Staff is studying the effect of planned rate increases in the City. The
City is receiving surface water from Tampa Bay Water and has not received significant
complaints regarding water quality.
Award a contract to Wharton-Smith, Inc. of Lake Monroe, FL for the 2000 Reclaimed Water
System Improvements, Contract 2 - Pumping Stations Improvements (00-0092-UT) in the
amount of $1,082,000 which is the lowest responsive bid received in accordance with plans
and specifications.
This Agenda Item provides for construction of a Control Valve/Chlorination Building in
Coachman Park for potable water service to the Clearwater beach area, and reclaimed water
system improvements at the Marshall St. Advanced Pollution Control Facility. The Control
Valve/Chlorination Building will house process piping and chemical feed equipment to regulate
water transmission main pressure and monochloramine residual to the Clearwater beach area.
The Control Valve/Chlorination Building replaces the existing aging structures.
Reclaimed water system improvements at the Marshall St. APCF include adding two
new high service pumps and two new transfer pumps, and relocation of existing transfer
pumps and modifications to the disinfection facilities to accommodate the transfer pumps.
These improvements are in accordance with the City’s Reclaimed Water Master Plan and will
allow the City to continue to expand its reclaimed water system to meet multiple objectives that
include reducing potable water consumption for irrigation and reducing discharges of highly
treated effluent to adjacent surface waters.
The City Commission approved purchase of the reclaimed water transfer pumps, high
service pumps, and associated variable frequency drives (VFD), in the amount of $182,725 on
August 15, 2002. These pumps will be installed as part of this contract. Work will commence
upon award and execution of the contract and will be completed within 270 days. Installation
of the reclaimed water high service pumps, VFDs and associated components will be part of
the reclaimed water system and funded up to 50% of its cost, or approximately $150,000,
under the Cooperative Funding Agreement for 2000 Reclaimed Water System Improvements.
Engineering Director Mike Quillen said the Coachman Park facility is a lift station. A
vault north of Cleveland also has been replaced. Concern was expressed regarding
unpleasant odors emanating from the lift station adjacent to City Hall. Mr. Neff said that pump
station will be downsized once the other pump station is completed. Ms. Arasteh said the
pump station near City Hall will be a stand-alone facility.
Approve a contract with Largo Area Housing Development Corporation to sell surplus real
property legally described as HARVEY PARK SUB, Blk B, Lots 1 through 12, for $70,000,
subject to all terms and conditions of said contract.
On August 22, 2002, the Commission declared the subject property as surplus for the
purpose of offering it for sale in compliance with the City Charter for a bid amount of not less
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than its appraised value of $70,000. The Declaration of Surplus Property specified six criteria
the successful bidder must meet in addition to the minimum bid amount. The criteria required,
among other things, that the successful bidder be a non-profit corporation specializing in
residential construction, and committing to complete construction of a single family housing
project on the site by March 1, 2005 with selling prices not to exceed $120,000 per unit..
On August 26, 2002, Invitation For Bid 32-02 was issued, duly advertised in the St.
Petersburg Times on August 28, 2002, specifying a sealed-bid opening on September 6, 2002.
Largo Area Housing Development Corporation (“Buyer”) was the sole respondent timely
submitting a sealed bid meeting all of the requirements of the Invitation For Bid. The subject
contract meets and incorporates all of the requirements of the Commission’s Declaration of
Surplus Property. Subject to the Buyer obtaining financing as defined in the contract, closing
is stipulated to occur within 30 days following the effective date.
Assistant Housing Director Howie Carroll said Largo Area Housing Development
Corporation will request funds from the City. As homes are sold, funds will be returned to the
City.
CLK CITY CLERK
Municipal Code Enforcement Board - 2 Appointments
Staff will provide information regarding the category filled by Member Franke Huffman.
Aircraft Noise Abatement Task Force
It was suggested that J.B. Johnson be asked to serve on the Task Force.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 3:42 p.m.
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