11/28/2005
CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 28, 2005
Present: Frank V. Hibbard Mayor
William C. Jonson Vice-Mayor
Hoyt P. Hamilton Councilmember
Carlen A. Petersen Councilmember
John Doran Councilmember
Also present: William B. Horne II City Manager
Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager
Rod Irwin Assistant City Manager
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
Presentations
Certificates for completion of Supervisory Training
Certificates were presented to seven employees for completion of the Supervisory
Training Program.
Fire and Rescue Department
Award a contract to Pierce Manufacturing Inc. of Appleton, WI. in the amount of $884,380 for
the purchase of one new Pierce 100-foot Aerial Tiller Apparatus in accordance with Sec. 2.564
– (1)(b) and (e). Pierce will also provide two new 100-foot Aerial Platform Apparatus to be
exchanged for two existing Pierce Skyarm Platform Apparatus at no additional cost.
The FY (Fiscal Year) 2005/2006 CIP funds the replacement of the Sutphen apparatus
with $850,000 in Penny for Pinellas Funds. Fire Department Budget savings will provide the
$34,380 difference between the cost of the apparatus and Penny for Pinellas funding. The
Department has two Pierce Skyarm Platform Aerial Apparatus purchased in 2000 and 2003.
Both vehicles have become maintenance intensive, requiring frequent repairs and extended
downtime. The Department has one reserve aerial apparatus, a 1987 Sutphen 100-foot Aerial,
which has exceeded its recommended service life. An aerial Tiller type provides exceptional
turning radius capability, enhanced storage capability, and lower vehicle profile and will
significantly up-grade the abilities of the unit it replaces. Replacement of the department’s two
Pierce Skyarm apparatus with two new 100-foot Aerial Platform Apparatus will greatly increase
the lifespan of the department’s aerial fleet. All aerial apparatus will meet the current NFPA
1901 recommendations and will maintain design and operational features consistent with the
department’s needs.
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Fire Division Chief Robert Weiss said while a nationwide problem with Skyarm
apparatus exists, Pierce Manufacturing has a reputation for custom design capabilities and
quality. At no charge, the City will receive two aerial apparatus with new technology: one for
front line use and one in reserve. Additional staffing is not required. The department will retain
the Sutphen for a while. Savings came from last year’s budget.
Parks and Recreation
Accept and approve a Land Water Conservation Fund Program (LWCF) Project Agreement for
the Myron A. Smith Bayview Park project, in the amount of $200,000, between the State of
Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the City of Clearwater and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same.
The City has been awarded a LWCF grant of $200,000 to assist with the Myron A. Smith
Bayview Park Project. Grant funding will be used to enhance park with a multi-purpose crushed
shell trail, picnic facilities, canoe launch, observation deck, and landscaping. The City's match
of $200,000 is currently budgeted and was provided by a 2005 first quarter amendment from the
General Fund. Funds for the maintenance of the park have been included in FY 2005/06
operating budget.
Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said trail enhancements would not increase
maintenance costs.
Engineering
Adopt Resolution 05-50 authorizing the City to enter into two permit agreements with CSX
Transportation, Inc., Pipeline Crossing Agreement CSX-049519 and Wireline Crossing
Agreement CSX-049529, for the installation of one 2-inch water main, one 8-inch water main,
one 12-inch water main, one 4-inch cable conduit and one 12-inch fiber optic cable conduit in
the CSX right-of-way as part of the Cleveland Street Streetscape project and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same.
A work order for consultant services was approved in October of 2003 for design,
preparation of construction plans, and permitting for the Cleveland Street Streetscape project.
As part of this project, the City desires to construct one 2-inch water main, one 8-inch water
main and one 12-inch water main, one 4-inch cable conduit, and one 12-inch fiber optic cable
conduit. The water main crossings and cable conduits are located where the CSX Railroad
along East Avenue intersects Cleveland Street. CSX requires an Agreement to cover the costs
of encroaching, construction risk and to provide terms and conditions associated with placing a
pipeline and wireline underneath the railway system. The cost to the City will be $3,000 for two
one-time encroachment inventory fees and $1,500 for two Construction Risk Fees for a total
cost of $4,500.
Assistant Engineering Director Glenn Bahnick said the fiber optic conduit will
accommodate multiple fibers. East and Cleveland streets will be minimally disturbed during
construction.
Official Rec and Legislative Svc
Appoint two members to the Airpark Advisory Board with the term expiring on December 31,
2009.
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Consensus was to appoint Norma R. Carlough and James Hess to the Airpark Advisory
Board, with terms expiring on December 31, 2009.
Appoint one member to the Clearwater Housing Authority Board with the term expiring on
September 30, 2009.
Consensus was to confirm the Mayor's appointment of Luchenda N. Flemming to the
Public Housing Resident category of the Clearwater Housing Authority, with the term expiring on
September 30, 2009.
City Attorney
The City Attorney reported the Tampa Tribune had failed to advertise ordinances
scheduled for Council consideration on Thursday. The newspaper is ceasing publication of its
Pinellas County section and canceling its advertising agreement with the City for that section.
Staff is awaiting information regarding future rates and will re-evaluate the placement of City
advertisements.
Other City Attorney Items
The City Attorney reported items added to Thursday’s agenda: 1) Pierce 100
condominium resident lawsuit, and 2) Revision to Exhibit A of the Clearwater Cay
Redevelopment District.
City Manager Verbal Reports
Outer Continental Shelf Drilling
Managing Director of Clearwater Gas System Chuck Warrington anticipated an increase
in natural gas prices this winter. He requested Council support of drilling for natural gas in the
Gulf of Mexico, closer to Florida than currently allowed. The Governor wants to implement a
State energy policy.
Discussion ensued and it was felt more information regarding natural gas and oil drilling
safety and spill recovery was needed prior to Council supporting a position.
Council Discussion Items
Garden Street Garage
In response to requests for reserved parking spaces in the Garden Street garage, staff
suggested that eight spaces on Level 1 be reserved, with a monthly rate of $90 plus tax. The
garage is oversold by approximately 50 spaces per month. If reserved spaces are not offered to
the general public, the City must limit the number of reserved spaces to less than 25% of
capacity. If reserved spaces are available to the public, all cardholders would be notified and
notices posted to determine interest for reserved spaces. Although these spaces would be
marked, the City could not prevent others from using these spaces. Parking Facilities Manager
Tracey Bruch said absenteeism in the garage is high. Cyclically, garage parking is limited to
cardholders only. Until garage bonds are paid, total space for private benefit is limited to 10%.
The 40 - 50 daily transient parkers do not use the garage all day.
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It was stated permit holders should not be on the first floor if the City wants to encourage
short-term parking. Concern was expressed that once parking spaces are reserved, it would be
difficult to reclaim them.
Consensus was to make no changes.
Old Florida District – Jonson
Councilmember Jonson requested feedback on Council expectations regarding heights
and setbacks in the “Old Florida District.” He recommended increasing side setbacks when
greater height is requested, preserving water views, prohibiting additional height in some
instances, and placing limits on transitional areas between districts. It was stated the Council
had determined height is not a right and must be earned, and that staff will incorporate optional
scenarios in the new ordinance. Planning Director Michael Delk said staff would submit an
ordinance with options that address Council concerns. The City will continue to encourage
redevelopment and parcel assembly.
Pinellas Redevelopment Strategies - Jonson
Discussion ensued regarding a property on the market for more than two years. It was
stated that the County supported the property’s industrial zoning as well as creating additional
industrial land. The PPC (Pinellas Planning Council) recently rezoned the property commercial.
It was remarked it is not necessary to change the County Economic Development Plan, as it is a
guideline with protections that ensure appropriate changes are made.
Other Council Action
Councilmember Doran said he distributed copies of a 1993/94 Community Consensus
Report.
Councilmember Jonson recommended reviewing web survey results on visioning; the
County and School Board will address providing pet friendly emergency shelters.
Assistant City Manager Garry Brumback said Clearwater is working with the County.
The City Manager said funding is needed. Staff will review recent Working Waterfront
legislation for a funding source.
Councilmember Hamilton and Mayor Hibbard congratulated City Clerk Cyndie Goudeau
for winning the Clerk of the Year Award for 2005.
Mayor Hibbard said he will not attend Thursday’s Council meeting.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 11:18 a.m.
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