09/04/2008
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
September 4, 2008
Present: Frank Hibbard Mayor
George N. Cretekos Vice-Mayor
John Doran Councilmember
Carlen Petersen Councilmember
Paul Gibson Councilmember
Also present: William B. Horne II City Manager
Jill S. Silverboard Assistant City Manager
Rod Irwin Assistant City Manager
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Rosemarie Call Management Analyst
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The invocation was
offered by Pastor Fred Ball of Skycrest United Methodist Church. The Mayor led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
4 - Presentations: - Given, except for 4.4
4.1. 2008 Legislative Session Report - Sen. Dennis Jones
4.2. Proclamation: Hispanic Heritage Month, 9/15/08 – 10/15/08
4.3. Yellow Ribbon Suicide Awareness and Prevention Week Proclamation, 9/7/08 – 9/13/08
4.4. Project Homeless Connect - Sarah Snyder & Rhonda Abbott, Homeless Leadership
Network - cancelled
4.5. Proclamation: Somebody Cares Tampa Bay Week, 9/21/08 – 9/27/08
4.6. Proclamation: September is United Way Month
5 - Approval of Minutes
5.1. Approve the minutes of the August 21, 2008 City Council Meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Petersen moved to approve the minutes of the August 21, 2008, City
Council Meeting as recorded and submitted in written summation by the City Clerk to each
Councilmember. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
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6 - Citizens to be Heard re Items Not on the Agenda
Scott Bitman – Complained about the application process and restrictions regarding
occupational licenses.
Rick Ortega – reported first annual Living Green Expo was a success and next event will
take place May 2-3, 2009.
Valerie Ingram – requested the City honor silver medalist Olympian Zack Railey with a
sign.
Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 p.m.
7Administrative Public Hearings
-
7.1. Set a final millage rate of 4.7254 mills for fiscal year 2008/09 levied against non-exempt
real personal property within the City of Clearwater and pass Ordinance 8004-08 on first
reading.
In accordance with Chapter 200 of the Florida Statutes, which defines the requirements
for the "Determination of Millage" and the rules governing Truth in Millage (TRIM) Compliance,
the City Council must hold two public hearings to adopt a final millage rate for the new fiscal
year. The adoption of this ordinance to establish the millage rate and the two related budget
ordinances is an integral part of fulfilling these requirements.
The City Council set a proposed millage rate of 4.9550 mills on July 17,2008, which is
the rate that appeared on the TRIM bill notices mailed to taxpayers in August. At the special
meeting of August 21, 2008, the City Council made further reductions to the budget totaling
$2,224,330, which will result in a lower millage rate of 4.7254 mills for Fiscal Year 2008/09. The
millage rate of 4.7254 mills represents a 10.48% decrease from the rolled back rate of 5.2787
mills.
Ordinance 8004-08 is now presented in order to adopt the millage rate of 4.7254 mills to
support the operating and capital budgets for the 2008/09 Fiscal Year.
Four individuals expressed concerns with proposed budget: three opposed reduced
library hours and one supported the City Manager’s proposed 4.9550 millage rate.
Two individuals complained regarding the occupational license procedure and one
requested the closure of branch libraries and Harborview Center.
In response to questions, Library Director Barbara Pickell reviewed proposed library
hours and said the reduced library hours and services are due to staff reductions. The
department was directed to reduce budget by $400,000 without closing branches. Proposed
budget reduced staff by 10.3 FTEs, of which seven are part-time positions. The Main Library is
not the busiest branch but supports the smaller branches as a resource library.
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It was stated that citizens’ pleas for lower taxes have been heard. Proposed millage rate
is lower than Amendment 1 requirements. Concern was expressed that proposed millage rate
will not maintain services City is known for. The proposed service cuts are fair and across the
board, not just in one area.
Councilmember Doran moved to set a final millage rate of 4.7254 mills for fiscal year
2008/09 levied against non-exempt real personal property within the City of Clearwater. The
motion was duly seconded. Councilmembers Cretekos, Doran, Gibson, and Mayor Hibbard
voted “Aye”; Councilmember Petersen voted “Nay.” Motion carried.
Ordinance 8004-08 was presented for first reading and read in full. Councilmember
Cretekos moved to pass Ordinance 8004-08 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded
and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Cretekos, Doran, Gibson and Hibbard.
"Nays": Petersen.
The Council recessed from 8:09 p.m. – 8:17 p.m.
7.2. Approve the City of Clearwater Annual Operating Budget for the 2008/09 fiscal year and
pass Ordinance 8005-08 on first reading.
In accordance with Chapter 200 of the Florida Statutes and the rules governing Truth in
Millage (TRIM) Compliance, the City Council must hold two public hearings to adopt a final
budget. The adoption of this ordinance and the related ordinances adopting the 2008/09
millage rate and the Capital Improvement Budget are an integral part of fulfilling these
requirements.
On June 17, 2008, the City Manager presented to the City Council a detailed preliminary
Annual Operating Budget that outlined estimated revenues and proposed expenditures for the
2008/09 Fiscal Year. The budget was discussed at several City Council meetings earlier this
summer. At the special meeting of August 21, 2008, the City Council made further reductions to
the General Fund budget totaling $2,224,330 and added two East Gateway police officers in the
amount of $134,020 at the August 21 Council meeting, netting total reductions to the General
Fund of $2,110,310 from the Preliminary Budget. Ordinance 8005-08 is now presented in order
to adopt the operating budget for Fiscal Year 2008/09 and authorize the City Manager to issue
instructions to achieve and accomplish authorized services.
One person requested City services be reduced.
Councilmember Doran moved to approve the City of Clearwater Annual Operating
Budget for the 2008/09 Fiscal Year. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 8005-08 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Cretekos moved to pass Ordinance 8005-08 on first reading. The motion was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
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"Ayes": Cretekos, Petersen, Doran, Gibson, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
7.3. Adopt the Fiscal Year 2008/09 Capital Improvement Budget and establish a six-year plan
for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and pass Ordinance 8006-08 on first reading.
In accordance with Chapter 200 of the Florida Statutes and the rules governing Truth in
Millage (TRIM) Compliance, the City Council must hold two public hearings to adopt a final
budget. The adoption of this ordinance and the related ordinances adopting the 2008/09
millage rate and Operating Budget is an integral part of fulfilling these requirements.
On June 30, 2008, the City Manager presented to the City Council a detailed preliminary
Annual Capital Improvement Budget that outlines estimated revenues and proposed
expenditures for the 2008/09 Fiscal Year, as well as a six-year Capital Improvement Plan. The
budget was discussed at several City Council meetings earlier this summer. The only change to
the Capital Improvement Budget and six-year plan was the change of funding source in the
amount of $200,000 in Fiscal Year 2008/09 for the McMullen Tennis Complex soft courts from
General Fund revenues to General Fund retained earnings at the August 21 Special Meeting on
the budget. Ordinance 8006-08 is now presented in order to adopt the Capital Improvement
Budget for the 2008/09 Fiscal Year and authorize the City Manager to issue instructions to
achieve and accomplish authorized services
Councilmember Gibson moved to adopt the Fiscal Year 2008/09 Capital Improvement
Budget and establish a six-year plan for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 8006-08 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Petersen moved to pass Ordinance 8006-08 on first reading. The motion was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Cretekos, Petersen, Doran, Gibson, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
7.4. Approve the recommended Penny for Pinellas II project list, as revised, for Fiscal Years
2008/09 through 2009/2010.
On March 6, 1997, the City Council adopted Ordinance 6137-97. The ordinance
established the requirement for a special hearing prior to the adoption of the capital
improvement budget to discuss the use of Penny for Pinellas tax, and at any time in which there
is any proposed change to Penny for Pinellas funding of $500,000 or more. The current listing
includes the Penny for Pinellas II projects as approved by the City Council last September and
the new list for Recommended Project Funding as included in the FY 2008/09 capital
improvement plan through the final year of Penny receipts in Fiscal Year 2009/10. There are no
significant changes proposed. The projects remaining for the last two years of the current
Penny for Pinellas tax include: 1) Druid Road Improvements - $1,250,000; 2) Recreation Trails -
$360,000; and 3) Long Center Infrastructure Improvements - $700,000.
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Councilmember Doran moved to approve the recommended Penny for Pinellas II project
list, as revised, for Fiscal Years 2008/09 through 2009/2010. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
7.5. Approve Amendments to the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan as recommended in the
Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) and pass Ordinance 7993-08 on first reading.
Florida Statutes require local governments to adopt comprehensive plan amendments
consistent with their approved Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR). The City of Clearwater’s
EAR, prepared in 2005/06, was found sufficient by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
on November 29, 2006. The EAR-based amendments are proposed to be adopted by the end
of 2008.
The 2006 EAR was divided into five parts: 1) Part I: Introduction; 2) Part II: Statutory
Issues Assessment; 3) Part III: Issues of Local Concern; 4) Part IV: Success and Shortcomings
of Each Comprehensive Plan Element; and 5) Part V: Changes in Florida Statutes. Statutory
changes and issues of local concern were identified in the EAR to be addressed through EAR-
based amendments. A total of five issues of local concern were identified: 1) How can the City
develop a comprehensive and diversified strategy for the City’s redevelopment; 2) How does the
City provide guidance to enhance community character and livable neighborhoods; 3) How does
the City develop and implement a proactive approach to facilitate attainable housing and assure
safety and competitiveness of the aging housing stock; 4) How can the City develop and
implement a strategy to eliminate enclaves and facilitate annexation; and 5) How does the City
implement an approach to coastal and disaster management.
The Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) met nine times for the purpose of providing
public participation in the preparation of the EAR-based amendments. Their final meeting was
on July 30, 2008. On August 4, 2008, staff presented the item to the City Council for general
discussion and comments. On August 26, 2008, the Community Development Board (CDB)
held a public hearing on proposed Ordinance 7993-08. Any additional recommendations made
by the CDB will be presented to the Council. Staff recommends approval of Ordinance 7993-08
amending the Comprehensive Plan consistent with the 2006 Evaluation and Appraisal Report.
This is considered a large-scale amendment that requires approval by DCA.
The CAC and staff were thanked for their efforts.
Councilmember Cretekos moved to approve Amendments to the Clearwater
Comprehensive Plan as recommended in the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR). The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 7993-08 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Gibson moved to pass Ordinance 7993-08 on first reading. The motion was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Cretekos, Petersen, Doran, Gibson, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
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7.6. Approve amendments to the Community Development Code to permit sandwich board
signs in certain areas, provide a fee for such signage, and add a definition for traditional urban
corridor, and pass Ordinance 7997-08 on first reading.
The Planning Department is recommending amendments to the Community
Development Code (CDC) to address code compliance issues with sandwich board signs in the
Downtown (D) District. At the prior direction of City Council, staff has drafted this ordinance to
allow sandwich board signs to be present on a temporary basis (not to exceed one-year) in
order to promote economic development in this developing area. The proposed amendment will
establish sandwich board signs as a permitted sign requiring development review and put in
place criteria, including requirements on the location and design of the signs.
Among these criteria are the following: 1) Sandwich board signs may be displayed on
the sidewalk only during hours of operation of the business and within the linear frontage of the
specific business location being advertised. Under no circumstance shall the sandwich board
sign be stored exterior to the business location; 2) The size of any sandwich board sign shall not
exceed 42 inches in height, 20 inches in width; 3) No sandwich board sign shall be placed so as
to block any public way, or within the visibility triangle of intersections or driveways. Placement
may not reduce sidewalk width to less than four feet clear area. Placement may not impede
ingress or egress from a business entrance nor block access or visibility of a fire hydrant; 4) The
sandwich board sign shall be of a non-illuminated, freestanding, two-sided design comprised of
metal, wood or synthetic materials such as chalkboard. The sign shall not be made from plastic
or use plastic lettering, and shall not include a whiteboard; 5) The sandwich board sign shall be
professionally designed and may use shapes and forms indicative of the type of business and
the services being advertised; however such signs may not include sponsorships or
advertisements for products; 6) Design must be reviewed and approved before placement.
Placement prior to approval will not necessitate approval of the application as submitted; and 7)
The sandwich board sign may not be attached to any structure or pole, and may not include any
moving parts or attachments, including but not limited to: balloons, pennants and streamers.
However, attachable items such as a removable chalkboard, that is intended to be an integral
part of the sign and is not precluded by any other of these criteria, may be permitted.
The ordinance will also add a definition for the term "traditional urban corridor," which is
used in the sandwich board sign criteria, and establish a fee for the sandwich board sign permit.
The CDB reviewed the proposed text amendment at its pubic hearing of August 26, 2008. The
recommendation of the CDB as well as any comments of the Board will be presented to the
Council at the meeting.
Planning Director Michael Delk requested sign width criteria be amended to 24 inches as
that is a common width of such signs.
Concern was expressed regarding limited space on downtown sidewalks. Discussion
ensued. Mr. Delk said sign location criteria must be met, if a business is unable to properly
locate a sandwich board with a 4-foot clearance then the sign will not be permitted.
One individual requested that sandwich boards also be permitted on Clearwater Beach.
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Councilmember Cretekos moved to table Item 7.6 to first meeting in February 2009. The
motion was seconded. Councilmembers Cretekos and Petersen voted “Aye;” Councilmembers
Doran, Gibson and Mayor Hibbard voted “Nay.” Motion failed.
Councilmember Doran moved to approve amendments to the Community Development
Code to permit sandwich board signs in certain areas, provide a fee for such signage, and add a
definition for traditional urban corridor and amend sandwich board width criteria to 24 inches.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 7997-08 was presented for first reading as amended and read by title only.
Councilmember Gibson moved to pass Ordinance 7997-08 as amended on first reading. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Cretekos, Petersen, Doran, Gibson, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
8 - Quasi-judicial Public Hearings
8.1. Approve a Future Land Use Plan Amendment from the Residential Urban (RU) and
Institutional (I) Classifications to the Residential Medium (RM) Classification and a Zoning Atlas
Amendment from the Institutional (I) District to the Medium Density Residential (MDR) District
for property located at 802, 826, and 830 Woodlawn Street and an unaddressed parcel
designated as 22/29/15/00000/320/0200 (consisting of a portion of property located in metes
and bounds 32/02, 32/03 and 32/07, in Section 22, Township 29 South, Range 15 East); and
Pass Ordinances 7945-08 and 7946-08 on first reading. (LUZ2006-08006)
This Future Land Use Plan (FLUP) amendment and rezoning application involve
property comprising approximately 8.10 acres in an area located northeast of the CSX Railroad
right-of-way and Woodlawn Street. This property has FLUP classifications of Residential Urban
(RU) and Institutional (I) and zoning designations of Medium Density Residential (MDR) and
Institutional (I). The applicant is requesting to amend the FLUP designations of the site to the
Residential Medium (RM) classification and to rezone the property to the Medium Density
Residential (MDR) District in order to re-establish the use of the property for multi-family
residential purposes. There is an existing single-family dwelling and eight attached residential
dwelling units on the site.
In 2001, the applicant was seeking to redevelop the site for institutional use. To
accommodate that use, this property went through a land use plan amendment from the
Residential Medium FLUP classification to the Institutional FLUP classification and a rezoning
from the Medium Density Residential to the Institutional Zoning District (Case LUZ 01-08-06).
Today, for the property as described above, the applicant is proposing workforce housing, with
112 attached residential units. To accommodate the residential use, a portion of the prior site is
now proposed to be Residential Medium FLUP classification and Medium Density Residential
Zoning District.
The Planning Department determined that the proposed future land use plan
amendment and rezoning amendment, as recommended, are consistent with the following
standards specified in the Community Development Code: 1) The proposed land use plan
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amendment and rezoning application are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan; 2) The
proposed use is compatible with the surrounding area; 3) Sufficient public facilities are available
to serve the property; and 4) The applications will not have an adverse impact on the natural
environment. In accordance with the Countywide Plan Rules, the land use plan amendment is
subject to the approval of the Pinellas Planning Council and the Board of County
Commissioners acting as the Countywide Planning Authority. The application is a large-scale
amendment and review and approval by the Florida Department of Community Affairs is
required.The CDB reviewed these applications at its public hearing on September 18, 2007,
and unanimously recommended approval of the Future Land Use Plan amendment.
Six individuals opposed proposed zoning changes. Thirteen individuals supported
proposed zoning changes.
Applicant representative Katie Cole said the request is consistent with the area. Multi-
family housing already exists in area. Regarding crime, information submitted by the police
department shows 4% of calls were to multi family housing. Traffic study shows lesser impact
by residential zoning than institutional. Pastor Randy Morris, Woodlawn Church of God,
reviewed history of property and requested that zoning return to medium density residential in
order to facilitate sale of the property.
In response to questions, Assistant Planning Director Gina Clayton said staff did not
perform a traffic study but referenced traffic generation rates for land use category. Institutional
zoning generates more traffic than residential. Woodlawn is classified as a local traffic collector.
A Residential Low Medium land use designation would restrict housing to ten units per acre,
attached and detached dwellings.
Discussion ensued. Concern was expressed regarding need for affordable housing in
area. It was noted those in opposition live in the neighborhood, while most supporting the
application do not. Consensus was to support ten units per acre. It was stated that applicant
may withdraw prior to adoption if Council amends applicant’s request.
Councilmember Doran moved to approve a Future Land Use Plan Amendment from the
Residential Urban (RU) and Institutional (I) Classifications to the Residential Low Medium (RLM)
Classification and a Zoning Atlas Amendment from the Institutional (I) District to the Medium
Density Residential (MDR) District for property located at 802, 826, and 830 Woodlawn Street
and an unaddressed parcel designated as 22/29/15/00000/320/0200 (consisting of a portion of
property located in metes and bounds 32/02, 32/03 and 32/07, in Section 22, Township 29
South, Range 15 East). The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 7945-08 was presented for first reading as amended and read by title only.
Councilmember Cretekos moved to pass Ordinance 7945-08 as amended on first reading. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Cretekos, Petersen, Doran, Gibson, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
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Ordinance 7946-08 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Gibson moved to pass Ordinance 7946-08 on first reading. The motion was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Cretekos, Petersen, Doran, Gibson, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
9 - Second Readings - Public Hearing
9.1. Adopt Ordinance 7985-08 on second reading, annexing certain real property whose post
office address is 1729 Overbrook Avenue into the corporate limits of the city and redefining the
boundary lines of the city to include said addition.
Ordinance 7985-08 was presented for second reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Petersen moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7985-08 on second and final
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Cretekos, Petersen, Gibson and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
Absent: Doran
9.2. Adopt Ordinance 7986-08 on second reading, amending the future land use plan element of
the Comprehensive Plan of the city to designate the land use for certain real property whose
post office address is 1729 Overbrook Avenue, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as
Residential Urban (RU).
Ordinance 7986-08 was presented for second reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Cretekos moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7986-08 on second and final
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Cretekos, Petersen, Gibson and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
Absent: Doran
9.3. Adopt Ordinance 7987-08 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of the city by
zoning certain real property whose post office address is 1729 Overbrook Avenue, upon
annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Medium Density Residential (MDR).
Ordinance 7987-08 was presented for second reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Gibson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7987-08 on second and final
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Cretekos, Petersen, Gibson and Hibbard.
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"Nays": None.
Absent: Doran
9.4. Adopt Ordinance 7988-08 on second reading, annexing certain real property whose post
office address is 1837 Carlton Drive into the corporate limits of the city and redefining the
boundary lines of the city to include said addition.
Ordinance 7988-08 was presented for second reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Petersen moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7988-08 on second and final
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Cretekos, Petersen Gibson and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
Absent: Doran
9.5. Adopt Ordinance 7989-08 on second reading as amended, amending the future land use
plan element of the Comprehensive Plan of the city to designate the land use for certain real
property whose post office address is 1837 Carlton Drive, upon annexation into the City of
Clearwater, as Residential Low (RL).
Councilmember Cretekos moved to amend Section 3 as follows: change Ordinance
7989-08 to 7988-08. The motion was duly seconded as carried unanimously.
Ordinance 7989-08 was presented for second reading as amended and read by title
only. Councilmember Gibson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7989-08 as amended on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Cretekos, Petersen, Doran, Gibson, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
9.6. Adopt Ordinance 7990-08 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of the city by
zoning certain real property whose post office address is 1837 Carlton Drive, upon annexation
into the City of Clearwater, as Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR).
Ordinance 7990-08 was presented for second reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Petersen moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7990-08 on second and final
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Cretekos, Petersen, Doran, Gibson, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
9.7. Continue second reading of Ordinance 7997-08, amendment to the Community
Development Code to permit sandwich board signs in certain areas, to September 18, 2008.
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Councilmember Doran moved to continue Item 9.7 to September 18, 2008. The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
City Manager Reports
10 - Consent Agenda
- Approved as submitted
10.1. Approve a lease amendment between the City of Clearwater and Salt Block 57, LLC for 73
additional temporary parking spaces and authorize appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
10.2. Reappoint Carol Warren to the Clearwater Housing Authority with the term expiring on
September 30, 2012. (consent)
Councilmember Petersen moved to approve the Consent Agenda, as submitted and that
the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
11 - Other Items on City Manager Reports
11.1. Amend the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Article IV, Division 4 Travel and pass
Ordinance 7984-08 on first reading.
Based upon experience in processing travel vouchers, it has become evident that
changes are necessary to the travel ordinance to add clarity and better understanding of
requirements. Purposes of this amendment are to: 1) More clearly define terminology such as
agency, agency head, and officers; 2) Establish approval requirements for in-state and out-of-
state travel; 3) Establish authority for a pre-travel approval form, and 4) Provide more detailed
authority for reimbursement for travel meals.
As follow up to these ordinance changes, staff is updating the City’s travel policy,
clarifying and expanding procedures for prior approval of travel and subsequent reimbursement
and instituting the use of departmental travel coordinators. Training will be provided in addition
to checklists and reminder aids for distribution to travelers prior to travel authorization requests.
Councilmember Cretekos moved to amend the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Article
IV, Division 4 Travel. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 7984-08 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Gibson moved to pass Ordinance 7984-08 on first reading. The motion was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Cretekos, Petersen, Doran, Gibson, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
11.2. Amend Code of Ordinances, Appendix A, Schedule of Fees, Rates and Charges, Section
XXV, Public Works Fees, Rates, and Charges (5)(b) Solid Waste collection rates, to increase
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specific roll-off collection fees for Solid Waste and Recycling and pass Ordinance 7929-08 on
first reading.
Solid Waste, Finance and Budget staff worked with Burton and Associates, the City's
rate consultants, to evaluate Solid Waste and Recycling revenue history and expectations;
expenditure history and projections; reduced levels of cash reserves and rate scenarios to meet
its cash flow requirements. Council approved all recommended Solid Waste and Recycling
rates (with the exception of roll-off collection fees) for five years.
At that time, it was recommended that the City brings its roll-off collection fees closer to
market rates, which resulted in a 13% increase on October 1, 2007, followed by 4.5% increases
in each of the next three Fiscal Years. The ordinance approved by the City Council in 2007 only
included the 13% increase on October 1, 2007. Staff requests that Council update Appendix A
Schedule or roll-off collection fees for the next three Fiscal Years (October 1, 2008, October 1,
2009, and October 1, 2010).
Councilmember Petersen moved to amend Code of Ordinances, Appendix A, Schedule
of Fees, Rates and Charges, Section XXV, Public Works Fees, Rates, and Charges (5)(b) Solid
Waste collection rates, to increase specific roll-off collection fees for Solid Waste and Recycling.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 7929-08 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Doran moved to pass Ordinance 7929-08 on first reading. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Cretekos, Petersen, Doran, Gibson, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
11.3. Agree to participate in the process provided for in Chapter 171, Part II, Florida Statutes,
the Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement Act; and adopt Resolution 08-24.
In recent years, voluntary annexations were governed by Pinellas County Ordinance 00-
63. This Ordinance was invalidated by the Circuit Court earlier this year and affirmed on
appeal. Annexations are now governed by Chapter 171, Part I, Florida Statutes.
Part II, Chapter 171, Florida Statutes, entitled the "lnterlocal Service Boundary
Agreement Act" (Act) provides an alternative to Part I of Chapter 171 for local governments
regarding the annexation of territory into a municipality and the subtraction of territory from the
unincorporated area of the county. The Act establishes a more flexible process for adjusting
municipal boundaries and to address a wider range of the effects of annexation. The process
established by the Act is intended to support the elimination of enclaves as well as to encourage
intergovernmental coordination in planning, service delivery, and boundary adjustments in order
to reduce governmental conflicts and litigation between local governments.
Pinellas County recently initiated the process established in the Act, which requires a
response from the City of Clearwater. In the 2006 Evaluation and Appraisal Report, annexation
was identified as one of the five Issues of Local Concern. Goals, objectives and policies in the
EAR-based amendments to the Comprehensive Plan reflect this concern. Therefore, the
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Comprehensive Plan supports participating with the County and other municipalities in the
process identified by the Act. A more flexible and clear process providing greater certainty is
appropriate and desirable within Pinellas County given the highly urban character of both the
City of Clearwater and the County. The Planning Department recommends that the City
participate in discussions with Pinellas County, area municipalities and special districts
regarding the development of an interlocal service boundary agreement to govern annexation in
Pinellas County.
Councilmember Petersen moved to agree to participate in the process provided for in
Chapter 171, Part II, Florida Statutes, the Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement Act. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Resolution 08-24 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Doran moved to
pass and adopt Resolution 08-24 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Cretekos, Petersen, Doran, Gibson, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
Miscellaneous Reports and Items
12 - City Manager Verbal Reports
13 - Council Discussion Items
13.1. Offshore Drilling Resolution
Discussion ensued. It was recommended that the resolution incorporate the following
changes: distinguish oil and gas drilling as separate issues and recognize their impacts and
dangers, tourism statistics should reference state-wide numbers and title changed to
“concerning the expansion of.”
Councilmember Cretekos moved to pass Item 13.1 as amended. The motion was duly
seconded and passed unanimously.
Councilmember Gibson moved adopt Resolution 08-26 as amended. The motion was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Cretekos, Petersen, Doran, Gibson, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
13.2. Island Estates and Penny for Pinellas Document
A letter was received complaining re the lack of City facilities on Island Estates and
requesting Penny for Pinellas funds be allocated for use on Island Estates.
Consensus was to allow homeowners association to handle.
Council 2008-09-04 13
14 - Other Council Action
Councilmembers reported on events in which they recently participated and reviewed
upcoming events, congratulated new Citizens Academy members and Zack Railey for their
efforts.
15 - Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 10:39 p.m.
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City of Clearwater
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Council 2008-09-04
14