06/19/1944
..
',., ~.
rl
r.,.' '(
n
I
j
]
I
I
~. .. ,.; "-\.
, ";';'\
' K::' .: j
.. ~,
. '"1.. "
,'1'." ',",
'~,
:', .. ".;:'JM"
'..
!
I
I ~,.
--.,... i "'~~
h
: "Ji"rA
I
J
!
j
i
t
k
:,(1
"11
.'.f
':' ~
',.
'"
.:~~~
/
,",.
','
.~
'I.:~
to',
1:~<
'ill
}ff;j
~i~~~'
,~lJ~~ \
'~(if ; .
~t~.#. \
..~.:; ./
,':(~
.~,~
,,<~t~
.)~~~
',:'~..-
:::;,~:
":;:/
.~(~
w::}~~
, '~',- '-"'-1
I
: j""'}.~;'\;'
)
j:::/'::,' j
: '~~t~j/;:'~.,!
'~f!1
,>,\~,:,::"
,",!
" .
/
~, --,if
.. .. " . -" ''')
~,:,~.:... .;;,~ '~'f;i;~!l ~
"', ::~:" -<~-: ,',' ", ,I,
. "
City Commission Minutes
,Of the City of Clearwater, Florida
June 19th, 1944. /
"..~Jn' ,
, ,":l' ,
.....~~.\j :
---...
.....-
The City Commission of the City of Clearwater, Florida met
in regular session the evening of June 19th, 1944 in the City Hall at
8:00 p.m. with the following members present:
George R. Senvy, Mayor-Commissioner
Commissioners:
Sumner .l~. Lowe
Jesse G. Smith
Herber Grice
Absent:
Dan L. Stoutam1re
The meeting was duly oelled to order and the minutes of the
previous meeting were read rnd approved.
A . ,coromi ttee of four, he aded by Mr. Donald Alvord appeared
before the Commission ?no presented a petition requesting more street
lighting in the Harbor Oaks Section especially after 12:00 p.m. The
Commission informed the committee that it was doubtful that their re-
quest could be complied with, but that the matter would be investi-
gated.
i
.,1
Mr. John J. Eckhart appeared before the Board requesting
that the City lease 'the North one-half of the Recreation Building
on Clearwater Beach to the Sea and Air Scouts. The City Commission
informed Mr. Eckhart that the City would be willing to give the
Scouts tl1e lease if the Clearwater Beach :Progressive Association
woulda~ender their lease covering this property. '
City Manager Hendrix'. '. now read El letter from the Clear-
water Transit Company relative to regulations governing buses and
taxi oab operations. This letter is set out elsewhere in these
minutes.
, "
,i
I:
I
'i
:1 ",
A .'
f '
'. ',.....:-(
" ')
f
'f
.. ...jj
.t
;,~i~ '
;i;;{11,
. ";f< i}~
_: ':'~:'J,' ','
:::'~
,- ,
'~ ,i"
,,!"~\.., ','~ j
J:::'Y '.' ..:~:~:~~~~\.~
~~ ~rt ) ''O-t "~_"h_","~ '. '
~":f ."; '. . ,\;':'.:~~' " ,
'.... .~. ,......r.;.~r)\'l"j
..~, . , ,l}'~~i~~~i'"
City Attcrney Richards now read an ordinance to be known
as Ordianance #500, being an ordinance regulating the operation and
use of taxi 'cabs. It was moved by Mr. Lowe, seconded by Mr. Smith
and carried that Ordianance /1500 be 'passed on its first reading.
City Attorney Richards reported that he had recently return-
ed from New York City where he had completed signing the new refund-
ing bonds 'and that the bonds were now in every respect ready to be
exchanged. The City Commission informed Mr. Richards that the old
bonds after.exchange should be oancelled and returned to the. City
of Clearwater.
Oi ty Man~ger Hendrix', read to the Board a letter from
Florida's Future, Inc. Said ~ett~'r is set out below and the Com-
mission requested that the City Clerk file the same for future
.reference.
Mr. Hendr.1:i., reported that he had tal ked to Mr. W. H. Arm-
ston relative to damage done to a certain fence owned by Mr. H. Grundy
and that Mr. Armston said that he would settle the matter with Mr.
Grun~y without any liability to the City.
i '
,
, '
The Board had before it a letter signed by Ad W. Cullis
and William G. Gibson requesting the City to install a sewer line
on Cedar Street between Osceola Avenue and Clearwater Bay. The
Oommission deferred action on tbe matter until further ~h~~at~~on
could be made.
;',
, '~P11 ::,:,)(':';:~~:~)!; ~
. ~ .'. , . . ~', "
. , ,'I.'
.,.
City Manager :Hendrix ' read to the Board a letter signed by
,J~seph K. Turner. president of the Senior Chamber of Commerce, re-
questing permission from the City to allow the Chamber of Commerce
/to car~ ,J;Jver into next year the $3000.00 unspent balance of the
,'.'bM~get/'"'t~1.s current year.. The 01 ty Commission requested the City
; LI!,anager to write the Chamber of Commerqe stating tha t they were not
in a position to grant this request as. this would be contrary to the
',laws governing the City Budget and its expense,s. Below'" '~:.;. ~.;.:-;..
is set out the above re~erred to 1etter.
CltyManager .!iendrix. rpported to the Commission that
Mr. J. R. Brwmby had resigned his position as oare-taker o~ the
Harbor Lights and that such resignation ha~ been aooepted.
There being no further business to come before the Board
<
.,'
; -.,
'.' ~ ," . .
.......
...., ~~ ',: 1 "..' \:.',. ,~
. . ,. ~ '. . - ~:. ,'~. ~ -', :....-=
,';
.It".
,\
"!>"":';';I.\Y';~"
2
. ,I '.'
the meeting wes adjourned.
'1
.~
Ri. ~
~lIlIlts oner'
\
I
. ,
r
f,
, ~~
.
'.
:'.,
;1
**********ltt***.*
May 8, 1944
..
A
The City Manager
And Commissioners
of the Oity ot Ciearwater
The City Hall
Clearwater. Florida.
~
j
Dear Sirs:
~:
J
We the undersigned property owners in Harbor Oaks are much concern-
edaver the oomplete darkness along the tree shaded streets of Harbor Oaks
after 12 P. M.
In this time of gas rationing man~ people ~alk. The'publio as
well as Harbor Oaks residents use the side~alks and streets atter 12 P.M.
Walking in oomplete darkness is both difficult and dangerous, particu~ar~y
since the sidewalks are uneven and irregular. The laok of street lighting
after 12 P.M. in a section where there are large homes without special
pOlice servioe is an invi tatton to prowlers.
We believe that the total taxes paid by all pnoperty owners for the
area covered by Harbor Oaks, is the largest for any residential area of equal
size ~n the oi ty, and justifies enough light on the streets thro~hou:t the
night to make walking along the streets of Harbor Oaks reasonably safe and
10 render the seotion less vulnerable from marauders.
It seems possible to us, that one acoident followed by suit again-
st the city and costly litigation coUld'be more expensive to the city and
consequently to the tax payers then lighting the streets of Harbor Oaks from
midnight to dawn for quite a long period.
Trusting that the foregoing mar have ~our careful consideration
and that street lighting in Harbor Oaks from the beginning of darkn~ss to dawn
may be authorized.
.
.,
.'
~
,~ ....,,-
'~':"n.~,,".,..
!
i
f
'I
'1..1
I
1
.,
,"- '
~~,~
(Signed by 32 person~)
.....-....,..-..
;" . . 'it'" -
. ... :'.
, .
. ,':.f~f!:l
:-" ',~'.!.>JJ4
'i,:.':''''"\''l~
*****************
~
""
Clearwater Transit
100 N. Ft. Harrison Ave.
Clearwater, Florida
8-J'une-1:4
Mr. F. Lo Hendrix
City Manager " . . ,
Clearwater, ~~\~.Jts.(qI~I''''
,',
Dear Mr. Hendrix:
, ,'.,
;;.4
..;
.." ..'''''1~''__'''''''''_
. '~~~:~.,~:.:..,
.
t
j .:...:
1:'-_:,: .
, .,
:':- ~.'
i
:; '."
.,
. I"
.- ...1
'f' :~"'.'.;.i';l
..~ { ,
.. . ~
i . \
p,. i I
11' .
p,~ '
\ .
;~ \'
~i
~ !
I.
,\
" .~', ." ....~ :",;" ::".,l... ~" 'I
u '../
\ --'
, .".' . ~
('L,,~ .. ,. .... ...........,...1:.
:..:.:~n".d'l"
-~l . .
;~lf .. ::.
:'-':~l~: '
.t\ ~.
':'.'(~ .
.::::~~. .
\\
'.' ;;
r.
..-.J. ..
);"': . '.-.:
"-..i "<'" '. ~ .,:.: (
..-
..
.'. "
l-
i
t
L
1
,
I.'
. :'
.-
~v.
.",
..... ~ '." ~~.
'\
"
\
I ..
\.
\
\
l' ",.'
r '~~ I
b; \.~
.. . P,.
\ ;"
. ::~: ~ u:"<! ~
,.
~. ,: .'
;'.7,:
.--
.......;.~
........
'i-..,r
. ./.
\)
, '
r........
~., '. : ~ . '. '
~ ~
\
I
t,
l.
,
~
,,\" \ " .It'''
, OPERATED ON A PLEDGED AND REGULARLY SCHEDULED ROUTE CANNOT COMPETE AGAIN*
ST AN AUTOMOBILE CHARGING THE SAME LOW FARES WHICH OPERATES ONLY V.BEN
LOADED WITH REVENUE PASSENGERS. Any city in American with an efficient,
low-cost transit system has also regulatory control over un~estricted
jitney operations.
It is my considered opinion that no bus operation in Clearwater ex-
cept one whoee loss is paid by the taxpayers of Clearwater can exist un-
less immediate and realistic steps are taken.
Clearwater Transit, a combined taxi Bnd bus operation, has higher
operating oosts for the fOllowing reasons:
Clearwater Transit pays to the city 1% of the gross revenue of
bus fares colleoted in ClearwBter. This tax was never collected
until my purchase of the operation.
2/ Clearwater Transit oarries many times more than the state's
insuranoe reouirements because it is sound business praotice
and the oompany believes the citizens of Clearwater are entitled
to insurance protection ~hen riding pUblic transportation.
1/
)
I
3/ Clearwater Transit does not overoharge, except by isolated mis-
takes by new drivers, nor does it undercut fares agreed upon.
~amSunday all taxi companies save Clean~ater Transit cut beach
fares to .15 cents from the agreed upon .20 cents while the
T~pa week-end guests were in town. So soon as the rush was
over the rates went up again. There have been many instances
of beach fares cut to .10 cents and bus passengers solicited
from bus stops.
4/ Clear~ater Transit has every vehicle certifioated by the
Railroad Commission; this means the Commission's system of
uniform accounts must be installed and maintained and the
financial results of operations made public knowledge. It
also means that the state wheel tax as provided by law must
be paid.
5/ Clearwater Transit unequivooally and categorically refuses to
traffic in black market whiskey sales, black market transporta-
tion, or the evasion of city, state, or federal regulations.
Clearwater Transit has only low-cost transportation to sell,
nothing more.
6/ Clearwater Transit, saddled with old equipment, expends amounts
way out of normal balance to keep the fleet of vehicles safe
to operate. All the new cars that could be got were recently
purchased.
7/ 'Clearwater Transit does its utmost to cooperate with the City
on such matters as parking, loading zones, etd., whether such
cooperation adds to costs or not.
8/ Clearwater Transit permitted, wothout protest, the over-extension
of the bus system, which has run at a constant loss, to East
City. This was done simply because the city desired it. The
prOductive Largo, Dunedin, and Beach runs must support the un
productive East Run, thereby postponing the date when new equip-
ment can be secured for the runs which can pay for new equip-
ment. . ,
r
I
'I
\
)
i
j
I
I
.
.
'Co
,c. &...~.~.~.;r.l).. .
.,:' ... .....,:.. '.: ~;,~~~I
;":"'- ~--:,:~
. ...ii'"
Because of the above enumerated factors that make Clearwater
Transit's operAting costs higher, the future of the city bus system is
very muah in doubt. The recent action of the City Commission in leying
the groud-work for reasonable regulation is admirable indeed. Clearwater
Transit needs no more protection than that granted any efficient bus
operation. It needs no special favors or privileges. It dmes need a
square deal.
To any civic minded citizen, or group of citizens, independent in
]!1 ways of the transportation business, I will gladly prove the following
seemingly fantastic assertion:
If I take e desperate gamble Pond 1?rovide Clem:rwater with the new
and supe~ior bUB e~ui~ement it sorely needs. it will.be four y~ars before
~aIize B penn~ of nrofit above my investment. I have not used person-
ally one penny produced by Clearwater Transit save for a very reasonable
.expense acoount.
To be maintained after the war Clearwater's bus system will take
capital, careful nourisrunent, and good management, These I am most happy
to contributer.to the limit of my resources. However, unless the Ci ty
Commission adopts reasonable and adequate control over unrestricted jit-
ney operations no bus system can exist in Clearwater except one thot is
tax supported, in my humble opinion.
'.".........
.. -.:tj,:,~,:,
'~" ""'.!~'~k..__t
..,.
., "'d"
)
\<"'- ~.
~. '.'
'i' . .... ,
. '
'.h
l
I
~
,
I
!
\
I
i
i
I
;
I
, .
1 '
I
1
I
\
~.
...i
r
l
'"~j .
(
\
'I
\
l "
I ","
I
~ ""' .;.....; .
.l
i'
'._,....t......:. ,.'
r. ....
I",
1
j, "
1 .
L
t . . '..'
!
1
l-
I
. 1:
I'
f',..
. .i;.>.j,;~'~'(
j.{;!;,~(~&~,t:'
. . . .;i'I:;:,~si.J:j
'.. ,', . '. ." .,~~\ltPi;!f:~1~;. .
. ~;;;;;.~:{C<;~!
~ ":,U:,.
Respectfu~ly yours,
(Signed) Carl R. Wiokman)
. '; ~.
..
'p;' .,
',' '
", ; ',,-.
':] . .
'. : ....:......'
: .' .
. . '. . :
. . . . .
," :......, 't. '.'.
-~,/
:.'
. .
'.';1
.~
'i'
'j',01.:,....
i{>-. '.:.:'
,F:. . ",'
.. ,"'. .... .
." ," .
,f,':"~' .
,.
If the City is reluotant to control jmtney operations and price-cut-
ting Clearwater will have to put up with harum-scarum rate wars, wild-
cat operations, and irrespensible operators. Clearweter is too progress-
ive , too big, end too well-governed for that, I believe.
If the City will grant reasonable protection I pledge utmost
cooperation and a clean, low-cost transportation system, That is all I
have to offer. Should you desire to present this letter to the gentle-
men Commiss::oncrs, please do so.
If tho~e 1s anyt~ing I can do to improve transportation in Clearwater
at anytime, please call on me.
"\.',',
'~:" :.
,:'r: . .
;\~'
:1,'
".
, ,
: .,X:
i'.
I.:
r~
r....:.. r'.' ,:~.,"
,.
~.
~
,
l
I
t
{
I
1
I
j
'j
J
.1
j
In all sincerity,
CC:3
I
r
j
1
\
'j
***************
:f'
t
.\
FLORIDA '5 FlJ'J:IDtlli, INO.
rost Office' Box 1741
~
Tampa 1, la.
,,.
.~ '
f.
To
June 16th, f44
To
)
Major Geo. R. Seavy, Mayor
Clearwater, Florida-
Board of City Commissioners
!
.~ /
','
~i
:~.
'ii
~~,
Ff.:,
Re: Florida's Future
,.
..,
\
My Dear Maj or: -
As you are well aware of the writers activity and interest in helpful-
ness over the years as the "voice of Fl'orida to the Nation!~ ~t (note: this
is quoted).
I have always had a keen interest in helpfulness to our sister cities of
the sun and have on many, many occasions given an impetus to fellow
americansf desire to come and see for themselves..where the sea gullS fly
and call..one of the sublimest pictures in all of nature's gallery of art..
Clearwater on the Gulf of Mexico...etc. etc.
',\
"'\
;:
Jl~
:f;f
,~'i<
':,~.
:J'
~,
'(
':..;
. ,0
;:,{';
'~'f"
:;)
:il
j
Floridafs Future was organized by me to expeand this effort over the
years f0r the benefit of our entire economic oycle..as you no doubt know
the above organization was organized sOlely for the purpose of "promoting,
and pUblicising our natural and economic advantages"...OUR TOURIST TRADE
'~S THE MAJOR INDUSTRY IN FLORIDA..ANYBODY ELSE5 OPINION TO IIIrE OONTRARY.
, ,.r"
Quite obviously, no one desires to promote c0mpetition with well establish-
ed businesses..who have and are doing such a magnificient job on the home
front.. and are adequately prepared to cArryon.. of course Tampa is dif-
ferent..Tampa needs industry..
We need Clearwaters support in our work..I trust that you see with me the
benefit to be derived by Clearwa$er's Financ1s& help~
t trust that the members of your Board of City Commissioners will grant
this request for financial consideration in a sense of proportion to the
past effort and our further stren~htening of onr potential continuanoe .
of an abundant orop off V1sitonstthat our medium has and will seoure.
Fl0RIDA.!S FUTURE IS CLEAR'NATER '5 FtlTURE- What Clearwater Helps-Helps
Clearwater. With every sinoere good wish to you and the members of the
board, I am,
Sincerely Yours for VICTORY and Florida's Future,
, . ~':J
"-',{;
Signed Dixie Mason
0,'
"!.T:>>:.~.'.".'
I:;,~f\::t~~.. "
,
*********** '
",'.'
'....:
'"
..:..~ . .t~" \ ' 1 ' ) <. '
i~J~iti~l/;{,t;i~:{' .,..
I.;; \t~~}\;,)jt: ~1. ti;t "., lJ't.,'J.o/ ,,' ..;, . ,'j' I.~' ,>
ll' .' 't . ... ...., t.l 1/, ~., ~ I' ..
;;i.'. _.. '., ....,';. .
....~.. I _'~""_
.. .f77'{:€<~'''<' .
,.' ..,.. V,:;.,ql:
:,';.:\;X/:~,: :;;!
.'; "I
:'., ~
'.,: ,
. ',".:';\ I
,:.> . "~ l
,'.'. t
:::
.:.
:, I
._ ._..,..-vj" '1_~""'" ._~ '.. .'.
,.~ !
. .....~ .'.....".,..1.,.,
t:. . "':":\:"'-"~': :::i. :,
, ,.,' : -'~"""~'..'.'" :..., ',~
~ ' . .: ....... " .~" :';",
.....:. ..,
"..~ ... ,.., ,
..." ~:.". .......-.
'J, .
;'~.'..'D'~'
. , ,
'}: I . ,.
~ .' ...I...."' ~
r
Ad W. Otillis, D~Btributor
~erioan Oil Company
Clearwater, Florida
June 17th, 1944.
Clearwater City Commissioners,
Clearwater, Fla.
den tlemen:
This letter is in the nature of a request that you, as
The City Oommission, authorize the expense ot installing
a sewer line, as per plans prepared by City Engineer Rogers,
to serve property located on Cedar Street Qetween Osoeola
Ave. and Clearwater Bay. In this request I ~ joined by
other property owners who will also be served by the proposed
line; namely, Mr. Bigson, owner of property at 303 Cedar St., end
Mrs. Shelly, owner of property at Osoeola ~d Cedar Sts.
Our request is not in the nature of asking a favor of the Commission
for the benefit of a few property owners, but is based on the
fact that ~here 1s now no sewer connections available on Cedar
Street bet~een Osoeo1a and the Bay, and it may properly be said
that it is the obligation of the City to provide same. We further
understand that your body now has under consideration plans for
further extension of the present sewer lines, and should you grant
our request, it may be said that installation of this line is
simply a part of the proposed extensions.
We rurther oall your attention tofue fact that the City is on
record as oppossd to installation of septic tanks where it oan be
avoided. Installation of thls'line ~ill eliminate three septic
tanks in this area and possibly ~wo more.
We understand fr~Mr. Rogers that all preliminary surveys on this
proposed line have been completed and necessary easements secured.
,We theretore request, that in view of the benefits accruing to the
City as outline above, together with other desirable features
which have been ~alled to your attention, that you authorize the
installation of this line at the earliest possible time.
Sinoerely yours,
'J
d
! 1
J
I
'1
1:
,.\11
~
. \
, I
. I:
". -I
f.'.'
t'
l
l
..f'i'.
. ..)
, l
-;
..
'.a
Signed
Ad W. Cullis
Wm. G. Gibson
.
, '.
,
. .'
t
********************
. "'1
. , '~.
Clearwater vhamber of Connnerce
.' to-
:"
:;
Clearwater
Florida
June 19 1944
Mr. F. L. Hendrix, City Manager
City of Clearwater
Clearwater, Florida
Dear Ivlr. Hendri.:x:
On behalf of the executive committee of the Clearwater Chamber
of Commeroe, I an presenting the following matter with the re-
quest that you submit it to the members of the City Commission,
together with your own opinion and recommendation, for their
oonsideration and action.
..';~",""',llI.".."
I.. ...,..,. '
. I, <;~}:-.~.q.., ,
'.".H::!).(" '.1
It'sppears now that there will be an enexpended balance ot about
$3',000.00 on June 30th. in the Chamber of Commerce appropriation
or the oity budget for the fiscal year ending with that date.
Under the usual prooedure, this unexpended balance would lose its
identity after June 30th and be merged with the general operating
funds of the city. Undoubtedly the Ohamber of Commerce could dis-
burse this balance between now and June 30th, for advertising pur-
poses. We do not wish to do this, however, beoause we feel that
we would not get value received in results from such expenditures.
However, we also feel that the time is not far distant when we
will find it highly advisable to make advertising expenditures
considerably in excess of current appropriations supplied by the
city tor suoh purpose. We know that a number or tourist and re-
sort oities in ~lorida have already made plans and aooumulated
funds for v1sorous advertising oampaigns to attraot winter vis-
itors to their respoctive oommunities as soon as a ohange 1n war
conditions will rermit. Unless OlearWater meets this oompetition
~W <<l~\tSiu~l\it\:\r&fb~\~~~~~t pt\'! awn. atrd1lJli'B!"llot
"
:: ~/ "
. ,_..!'.;.'7!.JJ.""'....."~,~ '"
_ ..._._J-'.____........
r
I
I
f,'
I,
I'
I
f
,
t
I
I
I.
.,.,\
, :"
. ,I.....'.
~ " ; :: " '.
\. ~ :~. ~ "' ~.
, ~
~ ..,,'
"<:;~.~':~~';\>;:.~<,~''''~: ~ .'
"
"
)
t
f
"'.;..' '.
\ . ~, '. { "'. ...,. ..
't"
~",:'"
"','~
"
-'"'~t;.t,.i' "
. . i ;:71" ;~!y;;;I!r
,,' J~"'I" ",~";"."
, .' /'Nt'~dfj1:,
" ,
t, ..:,......\/;::
'I :;,,-.:.
.' .~, "0""":' "_', .;..... i.,I, ~. ,..1' , ,',..
'...~.~". ,,', '
" ~"" .~...:..:'>.'" ..H'.i','. <~;,.".""'" :""':"'_~"""'" ". (.....
. ';'" .- ,.....,.' ,-.!.^':,' ,
I
post-war tourist business whioh the state ot Florida wndoubtedly 1s going
to experience. V'ith these matters in mind, theretore, we request the r
tollowing arrangement:
Have the city pay over to the Clearwater ~hamber o~ Commerce on
or beror~ June 30th the unexpended balanoe ot the Chamber's ap-
propriat1on ~dr the eity's ~iSC81 year ending with that date.
The Chamber of Commeroe will immediately place this fund in a
separate bank aooount designated by approprtate wording to show
that this is an advertising reserve fund. he Chmnber ot Oan-
meroe will immediately pledge itself voluntarily not to make
expenditures from this fune exoept with the approval ot the
citY' in the same manner as approval is now given to tb.e ex-
penditure ot ourrent advertising funds. In this way, a tund
can be built up and made available to the Chamber of Commeroe
whioh at the appropriate time, and with the 'approval ot the
oity, can be sued to the greatest advantage to attract tne
largest possible number ot post-war Florida winter visitors
to Clearwater.
The -offioials of the Chamber 01' Commeroe are well aware ot the
need for various city projects and improvements, many ot which
are olosely related to the inoreased oomfort and enjoyment ot
our winter visitors while they are in Clearwater. High on the
list of suoh projects is inoreased park facilities. There~ore,
as an alternative to the arrangement ,suggested above, the ex-
eoutive oommittee at the Clearwater vhamber of Oommeroe wishes
to advise the oity officials that if the immediate use or the
unexpended balance of the Chamber of Commeroe appropriation
above re~erred to will make possible the immediate oonsummation
ot an advantageous oity park project of any description, and it
said projeot could not be consummated without the use of this
unexpendSd balanoe, then the Chamber of Commerce urges that this
unexpended balance be so applied, instead of being hroadles in
the manner first set forth heretn.
" '
'. ./
, I
I
. i
. \
" \
.. j
I
I
)
~, ',.'i,"\
{.. i.'
"'~ '''''''''!~, " ,:' .' .
;'
!
,
\
;1
"
;,'
r \
\<.
, '1
' '
,}
'1
J
:1
;~t
if,
; .
I
I,
i
.t
I
j
)
I
J
Signed
Sinoerely
Joseph K. Turner
L
~oseph K. ~urner, President
Clearwater .Cbamber ot Commerce
.. ,'. .:.,!:.','"
1.;;,','\"'"
"ll"
..;~>t1:1j;:,:~
JKT: md .
.
,
J,
t:,i" .'
- ~.. ~ :'..
, ;i.
, \..' '.
, "
, '" '.
, ~"
, .~:, ~ .:;, ,t ': '.; ,:'..: '~,,~~'';''. . -:': .
. " ~
. .~.! I,' '.:,
"'" ....;.. ..,'
~. ~ .'; ~, " .
. '" "
~~~i<\'\'i~.~}. ';1 ~ : {; '1;~ ~r'~ i'" (;j'.r. o'l~, ~j.I'S"'~. to 0\) ,~. '...;, ~ '0' , _ ...': ,
.' · ':&~i;1;:il~~1~~~1~~{i~'if:r:;.!#i,d....' ".
". " ...... .,.,'
, ,
" '
.. . ,;., . ~ .'
, '
. ' '
. ';' .,'. ,. '.
. ......
.;. ,T
" I . ~ ': ~.
, ., ' ,
...-....~~~
0
0
City Conruisnion Minutes
Of the City oP Clearwatzr, F']:�rida
June 19th, 1944. ✓
• The City Commission of the City oP �learwater, Floric�a met
in regular session the evening of June 19th, 19a4 in the City Ha11 at
8;00 p.m. with the foll.owing members present:
Genrge R. Seavy, Iviayor-Commissioner
C o�nis si one rs :
Sumner n. Lowe
J'esse G. Smith
Herber Grice
Absent:
Bar� L, Stoutamire
The meeting was duly cal.led to order and the minutes of the.
previous meeting were read �nd apProved. °
�i : committee of foux, headed by Mr. Donald �lvord appeared
before the Oo.�nmissinn �:nd presented a petition requesti�g more street
1i�htin� in the Harbor Oaks Section especia�l.v aPt�r 12:00 p.m. The
Gorr�nission ir_formed tne coffinittee that it was doubtfal that their re-
quest could be complied �vith, Sut that the matter would be investi-
gated. .
Mr. sohn J. Eckhart appeared before the Board requesting
that the City lease�the North one-half oP the Recreatio� Building
on Clearwater Eeach ta the Sea and Air Scouts, The City Cor�mission
informed Mre Eckhart that the Oity would be vrilling to �ive �the
Scoui;s the lease if the Clearv�+ater Beach �rogre�sive Association
woulds�`ender their lease covering this propertp.
City Nanager fiendrix'_~ now read a 1 etter �rom the C�ear-
water Transit; Company relative to regulations go�erning buses and
taxi cab operations. This letter i� set out elsewhere i� these
minutes.
City Attorney Richards now read an ardinance to be �nown
as Ordiananca �500, bein� an ordinance regulating the operation and
use of taxi cabs. It was moved by 2�ir. I,owe, seconded by �2r. Smith
ana carried that Ordianance �500 be'passed on its first reading.
City Attorney Richards reported that he had recently return-
ed from New York Cit� N�here he had completed signing the new rePund-
ing l�onds and tha,t the bonds were nov� in every respect ready to be
exchanged. The City Commission inf ormed A4r. Richards that the old
�bonds efter,exchan ge should be caneelled and returned to ths Citg
� of Clearwater,
City Man�ger Hendrix__ read to the Board a letter �rom
Florida's Future, Inc. Said 1eit�r is set out below and the Com-
mission reouested that the City Clerk file the same f'or fu�ure ^
refe,^er�ce.
ASr. Henrlr:ix;... report�d that he had talked to Mr. ?�i. H. �rm-
ston xelatine to damage done to a certain fence o:eneci by b2r. H. 'Grundy
and that I�r. Armston said that he vaould settle the matter �ith �lr.
Grun:dy without any liability to the �itp.
The Board had b�fore it a letter si�ned by Ad W. Cu11is
anc� :°:il�.iam G. Gibson. requesting the �ity t� install a sewer l.ine
on Cedar Street between Osc�ola Avenue and Clearwater Bay. Z�he
Commission deferred aetion on the matter until further 1�areu�:�,�,�ation
could be made.
.'.
City �anager '_Hend�i;c ; read to the Board a letter sigr�ed bp
J'nseph K. Turner, president of the Senior Chambe.r of Commeree, re- .
auesting permission from the City to allow the Chamber of Commerce
'�o car ver into next year �he ��OQO,OO unspent balance of the.
jbudget/��i�s current year. The City Commission r�queste$ �he City
Z:anager to v�ite the Chamber of Coanmerce stating that they were not
i:n a position bo grant this re�uest e� this would be cortrary to the
laws governing the City Budget and its e�cpenses. Below �.. ,;:,;:
is set out the above referred to ].etter.
, City Manager .fiar�ciri�c r�ported to the Commission that
It2r. S. R. i�ruuiby had resigned his positian as care-taker o� the
� Harbor Lights anci that such resignation had been accepted.
There being no further business to come before the Board
_ . 1
, �
y, � �' � �
' ! (
the meetirk; was Ldjouraed, � .
.. . . � . . . . . �..' .�� '.M.
. . � . Y )' � � + � •
' May�mmissioner �I
1i�3!1�f�
City Auditor and Clerk
**********�****�x
14�ay 8, 1944
The City Manager
And Commissioners
of the Cit,y of Clearwater •
The City $all
Clearwater, Florida. ,
Dear Sirs:
Nle the undersigned property owners in Harbor Oaks are much concern-
ed �ver the complete darkness along the tr��e shaded streets of Harbor Oaks
after 12 P. M.
In th3s tir�� of gas rat�ioning many people walk. The'public as
well as Harbor 0aks residents use the sidewalks and atreets after 12 PoM.
�Nalking in complete darkness is both dif�icult A�d 4angerous, particular�.*y
since the sidewalks are uneven and irregular. `i'he l�.ck oi street li�hting
aiter 12 P.M. in a seetion where there are large homes without special
police service is an in.vitati'on to prowlers.
, We believe tha�c the tot31 tages paid by all p�operty owners for the
� area covered by Harbor Oaks, is the largest f or any residential area of egu�l
size in tue city, snd justifies enough light on the streets thro� hout the
night to make wr�lking along the streets of Harbor Oaks reasonablp safe and
�o render t�e section less vulnerable fr�m marau3ers.
It seems possible to us, that one accident iollowed by sui� again-
st the city and costly litigatio� could"be more e�ensive to the city and
cons�quently to the tax payers than Iighting the ,streets of Harbor Oaks from
mldnight to dawn for quite a long period,
Trustin� that the foregoing may have pour. caref`ul consideration
, ' end that street lighting in Aarbor �aks from the begi.nning of darkness to dawn
' may be authorized.
I .
' (Signed by 32 persons)
1
� ********�********
Clearwater Transi�
'100 N. Ft. Harrison Ave.
Clearwater, �'lorida -
,
2dr. F. L. Hendri�
City �tlanager �
Clearwater, tl'�:z�-�,.�;�_.
Dear Mr. Hendrix:
It was with a great deal of interest that I noted the Sun's account.
oi the City Go�mission meeting oi 6-June-44. Yt was most encouraging to learn
that some one other than the writer is interAsted in the future oP transpor-
tation i� Clearwater. �
As revealed by the newspaper acccount, the city is considerin�
an ordi�nance which will cqntrol unres`cricted l�itney operations which trans-
port bu� nassengers �or bus Pare. The city also, it appears, i� sonsidering
the enforeement of reasottable insurance regulations so that riders are
protected on all public v$hicles.
There is an irreYutable law in city transit bus:operation.:. A BUS
�
X
;�
�
■
OPERATED ON A PLEDG�.D NND REGULARLY SCHEDULED ROUTE CANNOT COMPETE AGAIN*
3T AN AUTOMUBILT+� CH!'iFtGING THE S.AME 7;aW FARES WHTCH OPERATES OI�TLY Y�i�N
LOADED V�dITI�i REVENUE PASSENGERS. Any city in American with an efPieient,
lorr-cost transit system has als� regulatory control over unxestricted
��tney operations.
It is my considered opinion that nn bus operation in Clearu�ater ex-
cept one whose loss is naid by the taxpayers of Clearwater can exist un-
less immediate and realistic steps are taken.
Clearwater Transit, a combitted taxi and bus opeTation, Y�as hig�er
operating costs Yor the following reasons:
1/ Clearwater Transit pays to the city l� of the �ross revenue oP
bus Pares-collected in Clearweter. This tax was never collectea
until my purchase af the operation.
2/ C1ear�;ater Transit carries many times more than the state's
insurance reauirements because it is sound business practice
and the company believes the ci.tizens of �learwater are �ntitled
to insurance pratiection 4�1hen riding public transportation.
3/ Clearwater Transit does not overcharge, except by isolated mis-
talces by new drivers, nor daes it undercut fares agreeci upon.
LastSunday a11 taxi companies save Glearvaater Transit cut beach
fares to .15 cents from thE agreed upon .20 cents while the
Tampa week-end guests were in to�vn. S� soon as the rush sroas
over the rates went up againo There have been many instances
of beach fares cut to .10 cents and bus �a�sengers solicited
from bus stops.
4/ Clearveater Transit has every vehicle certificated b� t:o.e
Railroad Co�aission; this' means the Commission's system of
uniform accounts mus:t be instal.led and maintained and the
Pinancial results of operations made public know.ledge. It
also means that the state wheel tax as provi@ed by law must
be paid.
5/ Cleartnrater Transit uneauivocally and categorically refuses tn
traiPic in black market whiskey sales, black market transporta-
tion, or the evasion of city, state, or Pederel regulations.
Clear�ater Transit has onlp low-cosi transportation to sell,
nothing more.
6/ Cl.earwater Transit, saddled vaith o1d er�uiFment, expends amouxi�s
way out of normal balance to keep the fleet oP vehicles safe
to operate. Ail the new cars t�at could be got were recently�
purchased,
7/ �learwater Transit does its utmost to cooperate wi.th the City
, on such matters as parking, loading zor�es, etc., whether such
cooperation aaas to c�sts or not.
� 8/ Clearwater Transit permitted, �vothout protest, the over-e�tensicn
of the bus system, which has rur. at a constr�nt loss, to East
City. T�is �r�as done simply baca�.�se the ciby desired it. The
produetit*e Largo, Dunedin, anP. Beach runs must support the un
productive �ast Run, thereby postponin,� the date when new equip-
ment can be sectsed for tha runs which can pay for new equip-
men t.
Because of the above enumerated factors that make Clear�vater
Transit!s operating costs higher, the fiiture of the cit� t�us system is
ver y mu�h in c3oubt. The recent action of the Gii;y Commission in laying
Whe groud-�r.rork for reasonable regulation is adrairable indeed. Clearwater
Transit needs no more protection than that granted any efficient bus
operation. It needs na special favors or privileges. It d�es need a
square deal.
To any civic minded citizen, or group of citizens, independent in
a1� �ways of the transportation business, I will gladly prove the �'ollo�ting �
seemingly fantastic assertion: .
If I take a desparate gamble and provide Clesrwater with the new
and su ep rior bus e�uipement it sorel,v needs, it N�ill be iour years before _
I rea'lize a�ennTl of profit above:m.v investment. hT- ave not used person-
ally one penny produced by Clearwater Transit save for a very reasonable
expense account.
To be main�cained after the war Clearvrater's bus system will take
capital, careful nourishr,ient, and good management, These I am most hagpy
to contribut���to the limit of my resources. Ho�vever, unless the City
Commission ado�ts re�sonable and adequate control ovcr unrestricted jit-
ney operations no bus system can exist in Clearwater' except one that is
tax supported, in my humble o�inion.
■
,
�° .
\
,
�
�
If the City is reluatant to aontrol j��ney operat;ions and price-out-
ting Clearwater will have to put up H�ith harum-scarum r�ate wars, wild-
cat o�erations, and irrespensible operators. G],earwn'Ger is too proa�res�-
ive , tc�o big, end too we11-�;ovarnecl for tha�, I bolieve.
If the City will �rant reason�bl,e protectxon I pledge utmost
coopera�ion And a clean, 1ow-co�t transportation system, That is a11 I
have to offer. Sh.ould you desire to present this,lettex to the gentZe-
men Commiss;.oners, please do so,
IP thore �� anyt�ain� S can d� to improve transportation in Glearwater
at anytimes p1E�ase call on me.
In a�1. sincerity,
Respectfud�l� your s,
, (Si�ned) Carl R. 41'ialQnan)
�C:3 .
*��x�x��x�*�**�***
k'LOftIDA' S FII�IIEiE, INC.
Post Oi'fice' Box 1741
Tampa l, ''la. '
June 16th, '44
To To
r�Iajor Geo. R. Seavy, Mayor Board of City Commissioners
Clearwater, Florida�
Re: Florida's Future
iJly' Dear Major: -
As you are we11 aware of tLe writers activity and int�;rest in helpful-
ness over the years as the "Qoice of F1'orida to the Nation":"(note: this
is quoted}.
' T have always had a keen interest in helpfulness to our sister cities of
the sun and have on many, many occasions gi:ren an impetus to fello��
� americana' desire to come anc� see Yor themselt*es,.where th e sea gulls ily
and call..one of the sublimest Pictures in all of nature's gallery of art..
Clear�r�ater cn the Gu1f of' Mexico. .. etc. etc.
Florida's Future tvas oiganized by me to exneand this effort over the
years for �he benefit ui our entire economic cycle..as you no doub t know
the above arganization was erganized solely for the purpose of "promoting ,
�nd �u�licising our natural and ecor_omic advantages"...OIIR TOt7RIST TRADE
;S TF� MAJOR INDUSTR�' IN �'LORIDA. oANYBODY' ELSES OPINION T0 �iE CONT.RARY.
Quite ebviously, no one desires to promote competition with well establish-
ed businesses..who have and are doing such a magniPicient job on the home
front�. and �re adepuately prepared to carry on.. ot' coursE T�pa is 'dif-
ferent..Tampa needs industry..
lNe need C].earrvsters sunport in our work,.2 trust tha� you sse with me the
benePit �o be derived by Clearwa�er"s Financi��. help'�
` I trust that the members oP your Board oP �ity Commissioners will �rant
this request for financial consideration in m sense of propor�ion to the °
past efPoz�t �nd our furt!;er stren�;htenin� of onr potential continuance '
of an abundan.t crop o�7`V=s.ito�s+�th.at our medium has and will secure.
F�,O�ID�'i:'-.S FUTURE IS CLFAR7�ATER'S FUTURE- ih'hat Clearv�ater Helps-Pe1ps
Clearwater. With every sincere good wish to you and the members of the
board, I am,
Sincerely Yours Por VICTORY and Florida's Future,
Signed Dixie Mason
�
*�*�k**�k��k**
�
r'
p
�
e
—
�
� �
�
t
�'.
i
h
s�
�
0
Ad W. Cullis, Distributox
=;merican pil Gompany �
Clearwater, Florida
Tune 19th, 19440
Clearwater Cjty Co�issioners,
Clearwater, I'la.
(�entlemen:
This �.e�ter is in the nature of a reauest t:�at you, as
T1�e C�,ty �ommiseion, authoriza the expense of installing
a sewer line, as per plans prepared by �itg Engineer. Rog�rs,
to aerve property located on Cedar Street betv�een Osceola
Ave. and Cleerwater Bay, In thi.s request I am joined by
other property ownero wh� will a1.so be servea by thE proposed
line; �amely, Mr. �igson, owner of property at 303 Cedar St., and
Mrs. She11y, awner of pr�pertg at Osceola end Cedar Sts.
Dur request is not in bhe nature oP asking a Pavor of the Commission
for. the benefit of a Pew property owners, but is based on the
Pact tnat �here is novy no sewer connections available on CPdar
Street between asceola and the Bap, and it may properly be said
that it is the obligation of the City to provide same. We i'urther
underst2nd that ,your body now has under consideration plans for
further extension oP the present sewer� lines, and shoul3 �ou grant
our request, it may be said that installation of this line is
simply a part of the proposed extensions,
We further call your attentibn tothe fact that the Citq is nn
record as oppossd to installation of septic tanks where it can be
anoided. Installation oP this line wi11 eliminate three septi�
tanks in t�is area and possibly �wo mors.
We understand Prom �r. Rogers that all prelininary surveys on this
proposed line have been conpleted and necessary easements s�cured.
We therefore request, that in view of the benefits accruing to the
�ity as outline above, together with other desirable f eatures
which have been ialled to your attention, that you authorize the
installation of this line at the earliest possible time,
Sincerely yonrs,
Signed .qd W. Cullis
Wm, G. Gibson
+�
**�******�:********�*
Clearw�ter �'hamber of Commerce
C le arwt�t er
ilorada
June 19 1944
Mr: F. L. Hendr�, City M$nager
City of Clearwater
Clearwater, Florida
Dear �r. Hendria:
On behalf of the executive committee of the Clsarwatar Chamber
of Commerce, T am presenting the fol.lo�vi.ng matter with the re-
quest tha1; you submit it to the m.embers of the C�,ty Commission,
together with your own opinion an d recommendation, for their
cons33eration and aetion.
Tt appears now that there will be an enexpended b alance of ab out
�3,000.00 on J`une 30th in the Chamber of Commerce appropriation
oP the city budget for bhe fiscal year ending with that date.
Under the usual procedure, this unexpended balance would lose its
identity after June 30th and be merged with the general operating
fund� of the city. IIndoubtedly the Chamber of CoIInneree could dis-
burse this bal�nce between naw anfl J'une 30th, for advertising pur-
poses, We dn not wish to da this, however, because we i'eel that
we would iiot gec nalue received in results from such expenditures.
However, we also feel that the time is not far distant when we
will find it highly advisable to make advertising expenditur es
considerebly in excess of current appropriations supplied bp the
city for suoh purpose. V�e know that a nuiuber of tour3st and re-
sort cit3es in Florida have alreacly made plans and aecumulated
funds for v�?go'rous advert3sing campaigns to attraot winter vis-
itors to their respective communiti�s $s soon as a ch ange in war
conditions will permit. �lnless Cloarwate7c meats this competition
with an advertising a�d publicity o r of i m-
munity wi]�1 be �la�ed in � er� �a�r���e p�b��t�.�� s�c �iri�.g not
get its r ghtfu s re o t�ie r�a
■
6
r , r ,
, �
l
��
k
�
post-war tourist��business whi.ah the state of F1ari�a undoubtedly is goi.ng ��
to experience. ith these matters in mind, therefore, we request �the f
Pollowing arrangement:
Ha4� the city pay over to the Clearwater uhamber of Commerce on
or before J�e 30th the unexpendod balanoe of the Chamber's ap- .
propriation f6r the cityts fiscal year ending with �that date. ,
The Chamber of Commerce will immediately glace this Pund in a i
separate bank accouut dssignated by appropr�,ate wording to show !
that this is an edvertising reserve fund. he Chamber of Cam-
merce will immediately pledge itself volunt�ril� not to make �
expenditures from this fune egcept with the approval of the
city in the same manner as approv�l is now given to the ex-
penditure of current advertising funds. In this way, a fund
can be built up and made available to the �hamber �Y Commerce
which at the appropriate time, and with the approval of the
city, can �e sued to the greatest a�vantage to attraet the
largest possible number of po�t-war Florida winter visitors
to �learwater. �
The�officials oY the �hamber of Commeree afi a well aware of the s
need Yor various city projects and improvements, many of Yruhich .''
are closely related to the increaSed aomf ort and enjoyment of ,
our winter visitors while they are .'in Clearwater. t3i�h on the
list af such projects is irxcreased park iacilities. herefore, ti
as an alternative to t}�e arrangement suggested above, the ex- �
ecntive committee of the �learwater �h�mber of Commerce wishes i�
to advise the city ofPicials th�t if the i�ediata use of the
unexpended balance of the �hamber oP �ormnerce appropriatior�
above referred to will make possibla the immediate consummation
of an advantageous city park projeet of any description, and if
said proje�t could not be consummated without the use oi this {
unexpend�d balance, then the �hamber of Commerce urges that this
unexpended balaace be so applisd, instead oi' being han�les in
th� manner fi.rst set Porth h�r�i;no
Sineerely
, Signed J'oseph K� �'urner
Joseph K. �'urner, President �
Clearwater Chamber of Commerce
JIiT: md •
�
,.
. �
l
p
�
i
i
• 1
�
{
n
�