10/02/2000
CITY COMMISSION WORKSESSION
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 2, 2000
Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner
Ed Hooper Commissioner
Robert Clark Commissioner
Ed Hart Commissioner
Absent J.B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
Also present: William B. Horne II Interim City Manager
Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager
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.
PUR PURCHASING
gymnastics instructionPR
Penny's School of Dance, , 10/6/00-10/31/01, est. $45,000 ()
90 gallon refuse containers & spare parts
Rotonics Manufacturing, , 10/6/00-9/31/01, est.
SW
$75,000 ()
vehicle fuel & related services
Voyager Fleet Systems, 1st of 2 renewal options, , 12/1/00-
GS
11/30/02, est. $800,000 ()
low iron aluminum sulfate
General Chemical Corporation, , 10/6/00-10/31/01, est. $60,000
PW
()
towing serviceGS
Jimmie's Wrecker Service, , 11/1/00-10/31/03, est. $100,000 ()
Declaresurplusauthorize disposal
vehicles & equipment to city needs; through sale at
Tampa Machinery Auction or by transfer to Solid Waste
Purchasing Manager George McKibben said two- and three-year bids are normal for
wrecker and vehicle fuel services.
SBS STRATEGIC BUSINESS SERVICES
Agreementcontract
Amendment to with Florida Gas Transmission, additional est. $54,000; to
contract
Citrus Energy Services, Inc., est. $49,500; to Motorfueler's Inc. of Clearwater,
gate station at Mitchell & Trinity Oaks Blvd.
$161,542; construct in Pasco County (est. total
Consent
$265,042) ()
Clearwater Gas System (CGS) has requested that Florida Gas Transmission Company
(FGT) provide a new delivery point in Pasco County to ensure a reliable supply of natural gas
to CGS customers in the north expansion area. This request was in CGS’ Strategic Plan. This
new delivery point, Trinity Gate Station, will provide a connection to the FGT Phase III gas
transmission line in Pasco County and provide an additional source of supply gas from the
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FGT grid system that provides increased system reliability. FGT will need to install 543 feet of
high pressure gas line from its tap to the gate station inlet at an additional estimated cost of
$54,000, which includes a 10% contingency.
On February 18, 1999, the Commission approved the original Reimbursement
Agreement in the amount of $68,000. The amended total is $122,000. Special pipe will be
used for the high-pressure side. In addition, each weld on the high-pressure pipe must be x-
rayed because of 1,200-psi normal operating pressure. Citrus Energy Services (CESI) will
install 770 feet of low-pressure gas piping from the outlet of Trinity Gate station to CGS
existing pipeline on Mitchell Boulevard at an estimated cost of $49,500, which includes a 10%
contingency. FGT owns CESI and both companies will perform installation work at the same
time. FGT and CESI are the sole source providers for this construction. FGT will own and
operate this extension of FGT’s transmission pipeline and they require their personnel to build
it. CGS will contract to construct the remainder of the delivery point gate station to avoid
paying a larger sum of money for grossing up income taxes to FGT, currently 32.77%.
Contributions in aid of construction under 118(b) of the Internal Revenue Code are considered
income to FGT.
The cost to perform this is part of Bid 72-00, which is proposed to be awarded to
Motorfueler’s, Inc. of Clearwater in the amount of $161,542, which was the only sealed bid
received. CGS also will provide the land, metering equipment, steel piping, valves and
regulators necessary to reduce the pressure from approximately 1,200 psi to 60 psi, which is
compatible with Clearwater street pressures. All of the above items were authorized in
previous purchase orders. Moneys were transferred in the six-month budget amendment
request adequate to cover this project. The total estimated cost of this project is $438,000.
John Scott, CGS Assistant Director of Strategic Business Services, said the gate
station will result in more reliable system and provide another source of gas should lines shut
down. The gate station will be an appropriate distance from residential areas.
MR MARINE
Approve Clearwater Airpark Master Plan
At the direction of the Commission, a JPA (Joint Participation Agreement) was entered
into between Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the City for each to provide
50% funding for development of a Master Plan for Clearwater Airpark. The plan updates the
1989 Greiner Master Plan, describes current operations, and develops the airfield over the first
12 years of the 20-year planning period. The plan guides the transition in FY 2001 from a
general fund operation to an enterprise fund operation, increasing revenues from $100,000
1989 to an estimated $1.9 million in 2005, and the end of short-term development. If the
proposed mid-term (2005 – 2010) and long-term (2010 – 2020) development is carried out,
estimated revenues could increase to approximately $5 million by 2012. The focus and
priorities through each phase of the plan are: 1) Safety and regulatory compliance; 2)
Compatibility with neighboring residential development; and 3) Economic development for
financial self-sufficiency. Local neighborhoods have been involved with the planning process
and have been represented at monthly Airport Authority Board meetings.
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Harbormaster/Airpark Manager Bill Morris reviewed the Airpark Master Plan. Plan
development took 20 months. Under the Capital Development Plan, the Airpark will be an
Enterprise Fund. It is forecast that the airpark will be self-sufficient by 2003. Associated costs
include a $20.5 million investment over 12 years: 1) $20.5 million - CIP (Capital Improvement
Project); 2) $4 million - Airpark; 3) $15.1 million - FDOT, and $1.4 million - private investment.
Alternatives are: 1) nothing; 2) limited improvements; or 3) major expansion. Staff supports
major expansion. Major issues considered include safety and regulatory compliance,
compatibility with nearby neighborhoods, and economic self-sufficiency.
Klaus Palinkas, Post Buckley, Shuh and Jernigan, said his firm analyzed the feasibility
of relocating thresholds. The runway’s GPS system provides instrument guidance via satellite
controlled by the St. Petersburg airport control tower. Mr. Morris said some scheduled
improvements will address noise levels. Staff is working on funding options, as State and
Federal matching funds are available for some projects. Each project requires Commission
approval. The 1989 Master Plan did not include development of the driving range area or
Keene Road improvements. Extending operational hours was not considered.
Ord. #6597-00
First Reading - Relating to Waterways and Vessels; amending Sec. 33.067 to
create a new subsection (10) to add a new defined area for speed restrictions of vessels at
Island Estates - Palm Harbor Island SE - Harbor Island
The Marine Department received a request to designate a new slow-down minimum
wake zone at Island Estates – Palm Island SE – Harbor Island. By extending the wake zone in
this area, staff feels that vessels moored along the east side of Palm Island SE and Harbor
Island will be protected from wakes by passing vessels. The MAB (Marine Advisory Board)
has requested that the Commission consider this item. The FWC (Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission) indicated that extending the current wake zone would be approved.
All other City wake zones would be unchanged.
Mr. Morris said the MAB and a majority of area residents support the proposed zone. In
submitted petitions, two residents opposed the request and 34 favored it. Staff could post a
no-wake zone at the Seminole Launch ramp within two months. Staff could survey the
channel to determine if the action is warranted. The ordinance’s intent is not to impede boat
traffic but to educate boaters that they are responsible for their wakes. Concern was
expressed that boaters would be slowed unnecessarily.
PR PARKS AND RECREATION
design, permitting & construction of N.
Engineer of Record Contract to Wade-Trim for
Greenwood Recreation and Aquatics CenterConsent
, $311,000 ()
Included in the 2000/01 Capital Improvement budget is a project for $4 million for
construction of a new recreation and aquatics center in the North Greenwood community. The
center will be located on property currently owned by the City, known as Ray Green ball field
(Southwest corner of Palmetto and Greenwood) and several newly purchased lots on
Seminole Street. The funding source for this project is Penny for Pinellas II. Numerous
community meetings were held to develop the Penny’s priority list and there is strong citizen
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support to proceed with the project. Two community meetings were held at Martin Luther King
Center and a survey was distributed in the community to gather citizen input regarding the
aquatics program space. Results from these meetings were included in the proposal package
used to solicit interested engineers for the project. Additional community meetings will be held
to update the community on the progress and plans for the center. Two North Greenwood
citizens will be selected to serve on the design committee for the center.
Major elements will consist of a 27,500 square-foot building with two gymnasiums, a
fitness center, multi-use classroom, control station/lobby, staff offices, conference room,
restrooms/locker, storage circulation, mechanical/electric and a revenue component that could
be a gymnastics center, community day care center, aerobics/dance room, or performing arts
auditorium. Also a family aquatic center with approximately 8,000 square-feet of water surface
area, pool deck, and pool equipment building will be constructed.
Wade-Trim of Tampa, Florida, was selected to be the lead firm on this project and will
team with Wannamacher, Russell Architects, Inc. of Saint Petersburg. Wade-Trim will provide
the land survey, geotechnical investigation, permitting, and civil engineering; Wannamacher,
Russell will provide complete architectural services for the building and aquatics center,
threshold inspection and fire sprinkler engineering. The City will provide landscape and
irrigation plans. Total cost of this contact is approximately 8.4% of the estimated construction
cost of $3,689,000. The project design schedule calls for the bidding, permitting, and contract
negotiation to be completed by May 28, 2001, with construction completed by May 29, 2002.
The Grand Opening will be June 2002. Increased operating funds ($375,000) and staff (6.1
FTEs (Full-Time Equivalent)) will be needed to operate this facility. These expenses will be
partially offset by increased fees and revenue component. Part of the increased revenue for
this facility will come from “Play Passes.” “Play Passes” will be used throughout the City.
Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said rather than the standard bid process,
staff requested responses from City Engineers of Record. Firm selection was based on
qualifications and experience. Concern was expressed about the perception that staff selects
some firms more frequently that others. Mr. Dunbar said some firms are less qualified. All
have the same opportunity to qualify for jobs. In this case, staff looked for a team with
recreation center experience. It was stated the standard bid process allows staff to stipulate
criteria in a RFP (Request for Proposal) and justify selections.
PW PUBLIC WORKS
study to
Agreement with FDOT, providing funding of project costs up to $150,000 to fund
evaluate proposed guideway
(light rail or other technology) linking Clearwater Beach and
downtown Clearwater; determine technical feasibility, economic contribution to revitalization
In 1999, Clearwater applied for funding to study the feasibility and desirability of a
guideway linking downtown Clearwater and Clearwater beach to support economic
development. Funding was recommended for approval by the Governor’s Fast Track
Committee, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Governor, and was awarded by the
Legislature during the 2000 Session. This study will determine technical feasibility,
contribution to economic revitalization of Clearwater beach and downtown Clearwater, and
compatibility with community vision. If the concept appears to be viable by these three criteria,
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another grant would be sought for more detailed engineering work. Because the next grant
cycle comes before the study will to be completed, funding would be sought on the basis of
preliminary study results. This Agreement represents 100% of the estimated total project costs
of $150,000. There are no matching funds.
Public Works Administrator Mashid Arasteh said the study would begin immediately.
Determining costs for a monorail and similar technologies would require research.
Work Order to Wade-Trim (Engineer of Record), conditional upon approval by FDOT; services
study of proposed guideway
related to , amount not to exceed $145,000
This item directs staff to initiate study of the Clearwater beach/Downtown Clearwater
Guideway Project, to be entirely funded by a JPA with FDOT. Project scope: 1) data review; 2)
develop preliminary routings/station locations; 3) develop evaluation criteria/methodology; 4)
evaluate routings/stations locations; 5) develop operational scenario and patronage projection;
6) organize/conduct public visioning workshop; 7) cost analysis; 8) develop action plan; 9)
prepare report. The project is being funded by a grant from the FDOT.
It was felt that the competitive selection process should be used. Ms. Arasteh said
Engineer of Record contracts expire in three years. Some Engineers of Record do not have
matching qualifications. The County is not recommending a Countywide transportation link
that includes Clearwater. Staff is using County and FDOT studies, and the Downtown/beach
plans when considering transportation links.
Restroom & Shower Facilities
Contract to Oakhurst Construction Company, Inc., at
Consent
Clearwater Municipal Marina (45 Causeway Blvd.), $101,310 ()
To provide a more convenient facility for visiting boaters, the old Starlight Majesty office
building at the east end of the Marina will be turned into a new restroom and shower facility.
The work will include, but not be limited to, equipment, materials, electrical, plumbing, labor,
and all necessary permits to completely renovate the existing building. This project will start as
soon as possible after award and execution of contract, and is scheduled to be completed
within 60 calendar days.
Mr. Morris said this project was moved in and out of the CIP budget several times. The
amenity will attract more boaters. Only two restrooms will be available for public use. Showers
will require keys. This project is necessary to remain competitive and generate more revenue.
South Beach Reclaimed Water Distribution System
Contract to Keystone Excavators, Inc., ,
$1,412,695
This item is a continuation of the development of an expanded reclaimed water system
in the City. The purpose of this contract is to construct a reclaimed water system expansion in
the South Clearwater beach area to serve residents and businesses with reclaimed water for
non-potable use. The project consists of approximately 6,700 liner feet of 12-inch
transmission pipeline, and approximately 16,700 linear feet of 8-inch, 6-inch, and 4-inch
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distribution pipeline. The construction contract time is 300 days. This project is being funded
in part by a grant from SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District). The
Cooperative Funding Agreement between the City and SWFWMD includes reimbursement of
50% of the cost of transmission facilities up to a maximum of $375,000. In addition, funding in
the amount of $39,676 from Pinellas County will be used for this project. Distribution pipeline
construction will be installed by the directional drill technique to minimize construction impacts
on residents in the project area. The transmission pipeline will require open-cut excavation
through parts of the south end of Clearwater beach. This project is consistent with the City’s
Updated Reclaimed Water Master Plan.
Kevin Becotte said the City ordinance that prohibits charging reclaimed water
availability fees to residences with wells increases reclaimed water costs for other residents. It
was suggested a public meeting be scheduled to discuss this issue with residents with wells,
as they may still be interested in reclaimed water service.
use of City parking lot 15
One Year Lease with Pinellas County for , 111 Pierce Blvd., located
Consent
on west side of City Hall building ()
Pinellas County is constructing a parking garage at their Northwest Parking Lot, 310
Court Street, and desires leasing temporary parking during construction. City parking lot 15
has 63 unmetered parking spaces with very low usage. The County will use this as reserved
parking for County employees and vehicles. Access to the overflow parking for City Hall and
the tennis court facility will remain available through Lot 15. The term of the lease is one year
with month-to-month renewals for a sum of $945 per month. Either party may terminate the
lease with a 60-day written notice.
Ms. Arasteh said residents can continue to access tennis court parking spaces.
PLD PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Enclave Annexation Program Status Report
In June 1999, the Planning Department prepared an issue paper evaluating the Florida
Legislature Special Act regarding involuntary annexation of enclaves. The City has
approximately 140 enclaves eligible to be annexed through this special act. If the Commission
decides to proceed with the annexation program, it will be required to pay the cost of utility
extension to the property edge and all impact fees and outstanding assessments for utility
expansion.
In November 1999, the Commission authorized a limited scope of services with Wade-
Trim Consulting to investigate the enclave annexation program. Wade-Trim sent a package to
each enclave property owner with information about the annexation program, City financial
obligations regarding utility extension, and a comparison customized for each property
evaluating financial advantages and disadvantages of annexing into the City. Wade-Trim
contacted each property owner by telephone to determine interest levels in pursuing
annexation. Of 139 property owners contacted, 23 favored annexation; 30 opposed
annexation; and 86 did not respond.
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Wade-Trim revised estimated utility extension costs to include only the 23 property
owners who indicated a willingness to be annexed. Estimated costs include utility extension
construction costs, outstanding assessment fees for previous improvements, and applicable
impact fees. The total estimated cost to provide utility service to the 23 property owners is
$370,110. A large portion of the cost is necessary to serve three property owners with an
estimate of $235,000 to serve property owners Joseph Kyle, Elfrida McClenning, and Evelyn
Wear. Costs for this extension are substantial due to construction complexity and extension
length. This extension can provide service for eight properties, however, only three of the
eight owners expressed an interest in annexation City. Staff recommends the City proceed
with involuntary annexation for the property owners who indicated positive interest with the
exception of three owners with cost-prohibitive extension costs. The City could serve the
remaining 20 property owners for an estimated cost of $134,610, averaging $6,730 per house
one-time cost. As a comparison, estimated new revenues to be gained by the City for the 20
interested property owners is estimated at $17,228 revenue each year. Revenue estimates
includes ad valorem taxes, franchise fees, and utility fees. The City would recover its
expenses in approximately eight years.
Staff requested scheduling an update of the enclave annexation program on October 2,
2002. Wade-Trim will be available to discuss its findings. Senior Planner Cyndi Hardin said
the owner of enclave 128 is interested in annexation even though the property is vacant, has
no address, and is not developable. Brad Cornelius, Wade-Trim representative, said the
parcel is behind a developed piece of property on Belcher Road. Ms. Hardin said technically,
the subject annexations would be involuntary as the City initiates the action. Involuntary
annexations are eligible for financial incentives. These annexations would not affect access to
other enclaves.
City Manager Verbal Reports
The City Manager reported the bridge on Island Estates was washed out.
Assistant City Manager Garry Brumback reviewed discussions with Tampa Bay Water
(TBW). TBW’s demand for water is greater than its supply. Clearwater could help by
modernizing some of its water supply plants and constructing a new one. Costs for system
upgrades are approximately $10 million, and bondable. Staff is working with TBW on a deficit
mitigation plan and ways to increase City water production. Staff is pursuing grants from
SWFWMD. TBW has offered to take over the City’s system but staff supports retaining City
control, as water costs will rise. Mr. Brumback said it is unlikely the City could be appointed to
the TBW board. The only pathway is through Pinellas County representation. Although staff
previously recommended getting out of the water production business, technology changes
and other economic indicators indicate it is wise to remain in it. Staff will continue to work with
TBW to develop a proposal to present to the Commission. Staff will report on associated
numbers.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 11:28 a.m.
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