10/18/1951
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CITY COMMISSION 1I1EETING
October 18, 1951
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The City Commiss'ion of the City of Clearwa tel" lilet in Special Session at City
Hall Thursday, October 18, 1951, at 9:00 AM, with the following members present:
-Me yor-Cormnis sioner
-Commissioner
-Commissioner
-Commissioner
Herbert M. Brown
Herbert M. Blanton
Thomas' H. Black, Jr.
Joe Turner
Absent:
Garland D. Lynn
Also Present Were:
F. C. Middleton
C. E. Wa re
George T. l.1cClamma
-Commissioner
-City 1,lanager
-City Attorney
-Chief of Police
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Meeting was called to order by the Mayor.
City 1I1anar;er presented tabulation for Lids for sanitary seVier on Prospect Avenue
from Court Street to Park street, and stated that he joined the City Engineer in
recOlmnending that the low bid of Paul Giuliani, of Tarpon Spl'ings, in the amount of
$3,586.00 be approved. Commissioner Black moved that low bid of Paul Giuliani of
$3,586.00 covering sanitary sewers to be placed in Prospect, Park and Court Street
vicinity as recommended by City En~ineer and City Manager be approved and contract
awe rded. Commissioner LHanton seconded the motion, which was voted upon and unani-
mously carried.
City Manager presented tabulation for bids for replacement of 15" sanitary sewer
with 181J sa ni tary sewer OIl hyrtle A venue from Laura Street to Drew street, and stated
that he joined the City Engineer in reconnnending that the low bid of Lawrence and
Rutledge of LarRo and st. Petersburg, in the amount of $8,940.00 be approved. Commis-
sioner Black moved that recommendation of City !I1ana~er and City Engineer be followed
and that contract be awarded to Lawrence and Rutledge" of Largo and st. Petersburg,
low bidders, for ~p8,940.00, coverin~ the replacement of 15" sanitary sewer in the
vicinity of Myrtle, Laura and Drew Streets. Commissioner 1urner seconded the motion,
which was voted upon and unanimously carried. Conunissioner Black asked City Manager
if there are portions of the 15" line which is being taken up which could be salvaged
for other use. City Manager replied that while it was badly corroded that matever
could be salvaged would be used for ma intenance purposes.
Ci ty Mana~er brought up !i1a t tel" of' communica tion fro:m Gulf Oil Corpora tion, which
plans to improve and rebuild the station at Drew and N.E.Cleveland. Theyaisk if the
Ci ty anticipates any widening of streets or changes in tho t area which would affect
them. City ~.1anar;er stated that he has consulted City Engineer on the matter and that
City Bngineer does not believe s.nythin~ will be done there, as the street is wide
there. The Corporation plans to build only to the building, and Cor.nnissioner Black
spoke of the fact that there is a twenty foot narkway there. Connnissioner Turner
spoke of the fact that traffic cuts out and around the corner there and that if they
plan to remodel or rebuild he wondered if the Company could acquire property to set
the building back. Cormnissioner Black stated that they have acquired an additional
fifty f"eet, and tha t he fel t it would be a ~ood idea for the Cit'JT Engineer and City
Manager to go into their plans with them to suggest something of the sort and perhaps
they would be willinf', to do t,his. Commissioner Turner felt this would be a good idea
as the turn is a sharp one. Cor:unissionel' Black suggested that a formal letter be
written stating that the City appreciates their interest and that no change is com-
templated at this time. City 1.lanager stated that he would look at plans.
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City Attorney lnade explanation of Bicycle Ordinance v/hich Vias under consideration
when he VIas away. He stated that as drawn it is a model Ordinance which is sponsored
by the Nat~ional Safety Council and is in force in about eleven of the major cities in
Florida, exact copy of Ordinance enforced in st. Petersburg and Orlando.
Matter of building permit for Sara Carmack was brought up by COl:nnissioner Blanton,
who asked if matter could be discussed so that building pernit can be issued in order
that bulldinr, can proceed vlithout further delay. City Attorney stated that he and
Mr. Krentzman had done considerable research on the question and tlmt their conclusion
was that if a qualified pen1it is issued it can be granted, but since per.mit to house
maid has some tholes opened the way for overstepping zonin8 limitations in past cases
they felt a qualified permit should be issued. He stated that the application appears
to be within the Zoning Ordinance as drawn today as it COIlles within the classification
of an accessory building and j,f it meets the approval of' the COl~nnission he will advise
the Building Inspector to issue the qualified permit and tha t he will see tha t proper
qual ifics tions are written in on the permit. Commissioner Blanton r.lOved tha t City
Building Inspector he authorized to go ahead and issue this qualified permit based on
the reconwendation of the City Attorney. Commissioner Black seconded the motion~ which
was voted upon and unan~ously carried.
Commissioner Black brought up the matter of request from Edward. C. Heseltine
Enterprise" who v/ishes to manufacture pralines in Clearwater. This opel'aition would
be small, employing only two or three employees, and Corronissioner Black felt it was the
type of business Clearwater needs and should have. Mr. Heseltine expects to locate in
a business lot In the 2000 block on Gulf to Bay Bouleva,rd just back of the Four Winds
Motel. Commissioner Black stated that since special permit must be issued directly by
the Commission for manufacturing plant for candy that this project ImlSt be approved by
the Commission. Other members of the Commission and City Manager agreed with Com-
missi,oner Black that this business was a fine type of enterprise for Clearwa tar. Com-
missioner Black moved that Edward C. Heseltine Enterprise be authorized to manufacture
oandy in the business district designated as the 2000 block on Gulf to Bay Boulevard..
Commissioner Turner seconded the motion, which was voted upon and unanimously oarried.
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CITY COMMISSION MEETING
October 18, 1951
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Mayor Brown asked if Coomissioner Lynn had been notified of this Commission meet-
ins. City :Mana~er replied that written notice had been sent to Comnissioner Lynn
by City Hall messenger, and that he had also been verbally notified of the meeting
and subjects to be discussed and asked if it would be convenient for him to attend, at
which tinle he had stated that it would be. He stated that several attempts had been made
to reach him by telepl10ne just prior to the meetinR and that the line had been busy in
each instance.
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Mayor Brown stated that the Dockmaster appointment had long been the subject of
study and discussion and that he wished to su~gest tha t the City Manager dispose of thiS'
matter and that it be done in the very near future. He stated that it has gotten to the
point that this one subject is consuming about eighty per cent of hls time. He asked
for expression fronl Commissioners as to their views on the subject. Commissioner Black
stated that he would like to see some final action taken so that time of Mayor and Com-
missioners is no longer involved, which he does not feel should have been taken up in
the first place with anything of this na'cure. He stated that the matter of hiring in-
dividuals is within the authority 01' the City 1,Ianar,er, who hires and fires with the
approval and consultation of the Civil Service Board. He stated he would like to see
the matter brought to a head, decision made, with decision abided by. He stated that
the Commission is trying to solve the problem at this time, and that his suggestion
of the solution is that the City Nanager be instructed to consult witll the Civil Service
Board and the Civil Service Director to set up the necesnary qualifications and re-
quirements for that position, namely, Doclanaster, or Superintendent of Clearwater
Marina, and tha t after requirements and duties are set forth, which should be done as
quickly as possible, that a publiC announcement should be made as to the duties and re-
quirements and what the qualifications are, and announcement made of the examination
so that all interested people available take the examination, which should be corrected
and checked, and the Board turn over to the City Manager the names of applicants
qua lified and tha t the C1 ty Manager make selection of pel'son to be appointed. He stated
that in regard to the examination being given previously - it was not requested and was
not cOl1lplete as to the duties and qualifications. He stated that he felt that this
would correct the situation and t}~t examination should be announced and held at the
request of the City Manager, who is the hiring authorit~r of the City of Clearwater, and
should bave the full authority f'or hiring or firing anyone within the City with the
approval of the Civil Service Board, which is a functioning body or organization in the
City of Clearwater, the same as the City Connnission is. Comm.issioner Blanton said that
it had not been his pleasure to know Mr. Hae;gert preVious to the time the Commission
had decided to authorize the employment of a'Dockrnaster, but that he, along with several
others, applied for the job. He stated that although he had some splendid reference
and reconnnendations that he had made his own investigations as to his backeround, ex-
perience and fitness for this particular work, and that he had learned that he holds
an A. B. Seaman's Certificate, which requires three years of active service to obtain
such rating; that he holds a Steamboating Quarterma:ster's Certificate, licensing him to
handle or man any size boat @it' ~R fl.?) 81__ te~ or ship, including cleep sea navigation.
He sa id that to obtain this certificate requires successfully passing a very rigid
examination, a much tougher examination than is necossary to qualify a man to handle
the Clearwater Dockn~ster job. He said he holds an engineer's oiling, firing and water-
ine rating certificate for all types of ships tlmt can only be obtained by successfully
passing a rigid examination upon completion of 36 months' active service. He holds,
Conmissioner Blanton stated, a Master's Lifeboat Certificate, licensing h~ to man
life boats and direct rescue work that requires successfully passing an examination
showing a thorough knowledge on navigation, life saving and seal~nship. He stated that
he served as Assistant Harborrnaster at Toledo, Ohio, during the first part of the last
World War, under U. S. Coast Guard COIm'l1ander and was in charge of inspection of all in-
coming and outgoing shipping, conu!landj.ng a patrol boat checking sabotage, smuggling and
other viola tions of harbor regula tions. He sta ted that he served in the Merchant Marine
during World War II, was one of the first ships to enter Naples Harbor during the Naples
invasion, was there 27 days and survived 23 raids during the 27 days. He stated that
his ship was torpedoed and destroyed on March 4th, 1944, in the North Atlantic, 500
miles off Halifax. He directed l'escue work among the seamen and hung up a record of
this being the only Ship that was completely destroyed at sea during the entire war in
which all men on board were saved. He served in the Coast Guard for 26 months, re-
ceived an honorable discharge with 4.0 service conduct rating, which is the highest
rating possible to obtain, and with a 3.8 efficiency rating, which is within 2 pointS'
of the highest rating. Commissioner Blanton stated that his record is open, and that
if his critics want to make a fair and just evaluation they can write the 9th Navall
District Command at Cleveland, Ohio; the Co~.nding Officer of the Michigan state Police,
or to the President of the Village of :b'orrestville, Michigan. He stated that he had
made ita point to ta lk with him a t length severa 1 times rega rc1ing his experience, back-
ground and knowledge. He had found tlm t he had a plea sant, frie ndly pers ona li ty; tha t
he was keenly alert, polite, courteous and versatile. Coramissioner Blanton stated that
he was thoroughly convinced that he was just the man he Vlou1d have employed for the
job had he personally owned the Yacht Basin. Personal investigation, he said, of his
work clearly reveals that he is doing a splendid job. He stated that the City Manager,
his immediate superior, states that he is. A number of the boatuen using the Marina
have told him the same thing. He stated that in the course of his business he haS' em-
ployed many sa 1esmen and has lea rned to observe people and feels tha t he is a good
judge of human nature and that he feels that the City could look far and wide am would
be unable to find anyone as well qualified as Mr. Haggert both as to personality and
qualificatiolls, ability to handle people well - that he felt he could not only handle
the Dockmaster work but the Superintendent work as well - that he is able to converse
intelligently on any subject witll p,ersons from any walk of life from high to low. He
stated that one boatman had said, 'Haggert is doing a good job under SODle adverse con-
ditions; some few of the boatmen have done everythin~ possible to give him a hard time.
I think the fellow really knows his stuff and is as good a man as the city could find
for the job.'" He stated that another had said, "This is a job that just anybody
couldn't harXlle. I think Haggert has what it takes. Some of the fellows that were
hostile to him at first have really come to like him. It was better to get an outsider
than to have placed one of the boatmen over the others as Dockmaster. That would have
been worse, because there was too much rivalry among the fellows."1 Connnissloner Bla.nton
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CITY COMMISS'ION MEETING
October 18, 1951
said that he was still convinced that the City Manager had made a wise selection and
that the City COlrnniss'ionera were fully justified in approving the appointment of Mr.
Hag{jert. He sta.ted that he was also convinced that the City needs a man of Mr. Haggert's
qualifications, and that he was not going to vote to kick him out just to give another
man 'a job to appease a neV/spapel" reporter who continues to attempt to discredit the
Cit~' Conmliss'ion and heap unjustified abuse on its head. lIe said that Mr. Hag~ert was
hired in good faith until the completion of all the Yacht Basin :facilities, and, 80 fa.r
as he was concerned, he could have the job as lonr; as 11e continues to do it well ,until
the new Marina Bul1dinp; is completed, a t which time he favor.ed ha vine, the Civil Service
Board set up a new Civil Service classification, broad enough to oover executive classi-
fioation am property nlOnap;erllent qualifications in addition to th.e present Doclonaater's
duties, and call for applicants to stand a cornpetitive exalnination. He stated that
he was not being obstinate alJout the matter.... that after all tho City Manager is the
employing authority, empowered under the Civil Service law to assist in making and
approvinr; the rulfl8 and rOJ:~Hla tions under which the Civil Service Board operates and
conducts ita exarninatlon. He said that only after this haa lJeen done would it be
within the power of tho City !.:anar;er to request a Civil Service examination as above
mentioned. He said thut he felt the whole issue had been startecl by 8 newspaper
columnist and that Mr. JIagr;ert has not defended hirnsolf - that he is a quiet, mealc rnan
who has not boasted o:f his qualifications and has f;one on doinp, a r~ood job under moat
difficult and trying circumstances, which a lesa patient nlan would have been unable to
endure. He said that he felt the honor of the Commission is at stake - that it is a
quest ion a s to whether they will stand ba c1<: of the ir ori~ina 1 decision to hire a :m8n
while building the Marina until it ls completed or whethel" they will allow themselves to
be swayed by all the publici tjr which has been stirred up by one newspaper report.er. He
said that either a mistal-:e was made when Mr. Ham;;ert wa s hired or a Diista ke is being
made to fire him. He stated that the recol'ds prove that 110 :mistaJcEj was made in hiring
h:1In until the completion of the 1I1arina facilities, at which time an examination would
be called for. lIe said that some of the Corrnnissioners appear to be changing their
attitude on the subject due to ar;itation on the outside and are even considering going
out and firing the present l>oclonaster. He said, howevcrl that the City Manager says
he is doing a p;ood jobl and that the boatmen say he is. lIe said that very recently the
City 1.'ianager had stated that he could not truthfully say he is not doing a good job.
He said that he felt it Vlould be only to appeaDe a few. lie said that he Vias not an
appeaser - that he would stand by what he believes as Ion!.; as he had breath in his body.
He said he felt that the Cor.unission is in the: right in rotalninp, :Mr. liaggert until the
Mar:f.na is completed and t;ha t they Vlere right to start with - too t the job is being done
well. He said Mr. Haf.!;r,ert has collected all rents - that ther'e were no arrears, even
though some people had said that they would never pay their rent as long as Mr. Hap;gert
was over there. He stated that every stumbling block and obstacle has been put in his
way to try the patience of any man - that some Dlen vlould not have had the patience to
stand it, but ~r. HagBert has proven hinself a gentle~n in every way. Commissioner
Blanton added that in this war torn world the only thinE~ anyone has is his honor, his
peace with God. He said that with bureaucrats in Washinr,ton piling up taxes, gradua11y
creeping up on everyone with personal property and other taxes, that what does anyone
have but honor and peace with God. He aslted the CO:tIDlissiol1 to consider carefully and
seriously before making a decision. He said that even if he was a Diinority that he
would stil;t stand for wha t he thought Vias right - that he would face the public and
could look them squarely in the eye and tell them tl~t no outside pressure, no talk and
p.;ossip could veer him from the course tha t he thouF,ht 'Was right. He s.aid he felt that
if the Connnission would give this matter careful consideration that they would agree
and go alonp.; with his view. Cormnissioner Turner then stated that he would lilce to
commend Comnissioner Blanton on his stand, that he felt that a ~reat many things he had
said are absolutely true, that there are none that he could contradict. He stated that
he had known Mr. Hagp;ert's qualifications before he ever concurred in his appointment
in the beginning, that as far as he is concerned from a Marine standpoint he knows hia
docks and boats, but from a technical standpoint, Co~~issioner Turner ~elt tl~t the Com-
mission may have erred in concurring in this appointment. lie stated that he had not
thought of this job technically as coming under Civil Service - tba t he had :felt that
the City would be hiring a I~janap;er and that the job wO\lld be somethin~ on a direct basis
1ike a business proposition would be and not as an enlployee of the City. He stated
that he felt that the City had made a mistake and that even though :Mr.. Hagp.;ert is doing
a good job that the Commission would be wise to wipe the slate clean and call for an
examination and that if Mr. IIag~ert wants to cone back and take a newexaminat10n that
he for one would be glad to have h~ do so. . He said that if this were a privata business
that he would hire Mr. Har;€~ert, as he Imows everythinp.; :from the boat standpoint and if
it was under the County Commission, which is not under Civil Service he would hire him~
but that under the set-up of the City Civil Service as it is he feels that he haa made
a mistake on it and in order to rectify it on a clean basis he f"elt that we should clean
the slate and start over af,ain. Cor.nnissioner 1)lack stated that he felt a list of
qualifica tions and dut ie s should be set up iIl1r.1edia tely . He sa id the t perba ps he had
erred in his jud~ent as to whether this sho\tld be done at once as it might be that the
City ~mnaRer may not be ready to draw up this list at this time - that he may ~eel that
he cannot at this point compile complete listinr: of qr,~l i~ica tions. He asked th.e City
Manager if he is ready to set up the job involved - the duties and qualifications 80
that an e~lination can be given. The City Mana~er stated that they are ready to do
so. He said that they have part of the quali:fication list completed ,v.hich they were
originally Vlorldnr, on and that by adding to that list it would be ready. Commissioner
Black stated that he has no malice toward Mr. Hagp'ert and that if his record is as out-
lined by Commissioner Blanton that it is an outstanding one, but that he wished to ask
the City Attorney if the City can continue a man in employment vllthout having him under
Civil S~rvice. He asked it he must be ul~er Civil Service - if it is necessar~ that
an examination be given. City Attorney stated that all employees of the City Government
of the City of Clearwater must be under Civil Service with the :following exception:
(a) All of:ficers elected by the people.
(b) Members of any Board or COmDlission of the City o:f Clearwater, Florida.
(c) City Manager.
(d) Municipa~ Judge of the City of Clearwater, Florid~.
(e) City Attorneys of the City of Clearwater~ F1orida.
(f) Practicing attorney-at-law retained or employed by the City o~
Clearwater, F1orida.
(g) Persons of highly technical or professional training maintaining
cont'd
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CITY C01~ISSION MEETING
Qotober 18, 1951
;2ftj
(g) Cont'd:
an independent practice in their chosen prof'espion
and employed on part time basis by the City.
Comnissioner Blanton asked, if' these were tha only exceptions. why the City Engineer
has not been required to take an eXeJl1ination. The City Attorney replied that there
is a State law - a f,eneral law - with reference to En~ineers in this State whioh pro-
vides for an examination by a state Board and as a result of that examination a
certificate of' rer,istration is issued which r:rants to the Enp,ineer who has passed
that examination certain ri~hts and privi1er;os, amon~ which 1s to practioe Engineering
publicly or prl va tely, anywhere in the sta te of !<'lorida, wi thon t further En~ineerinp:
examination. City Attorne~' stated that nothing can supersede that law, and that the
Supreme Court has decided this fact in dozens of cases. CODlDlissloner Blanton then
asked that if this were the caoe why the Civil Service Board expects City Engineer to
take the exal111nation. City Attorney replied thot at the joint meotinr; of the City
Commission ar.d Civil Service Board on Thursday two weO]{8 ago tha t he called to the
attention of both the Commission and Board that there had not been Bufficiently close
coordination between the Board and its Attorney in the past so that they can proceed
along lines as to what legally they had a right to do or what they did not have a
ri~ht to do. He sta ted the t if the t quest ion had beon submitted to hinl prior to the
time that notice was sent to the Engineer he would have advised them that they had no
right to request hin1 to tal<:e the examination. At this point the City Attorney was
excused to make telephone call to postpone Bond Validation proceedings in the Circuit
Court set for 10:00 PM. Mayor Brown stated that ot that same meeting it was decided
then, and that he insisted on it now that the examination be requested by City:Manager.
lIe added that he hoped the Civil Service Board would appreciate the feelings of the
Commission in insisting that the Mana~er work in close harmony with the Direotor, and
that in the future instances of this kind will not be present because of these re-
lationships. He said that he felt it could be worl<:ed out, that in the past mistakes:
had been made by everyone concerned - honest Illistakes frOlr1 the head and not fro!:l the
heart and that he believed that there comes a tilne in everyone's life when he can be
J.arp;e enough to see that error has been made and tl1at it must be straightened out.
Commissioner Blanton asl<:ed how the Conunission had erred in appointing the Doclonaster.
L~yor Brown replied that the mistake was that the Co~ission did not insist that the
City :Manap;er call for an examination. Connnissioner Blanton stated that the man was
hired to work until the Marina was completed. Mayor Brown replied that he was hired
in the race of emerp,ency and thBt he has certainly f'illed in a hard job, but that there
seems to be some question raised as to his qualif'ications - that we have no lega1 right
to keep him on in the face of the Civil Service law" and that he wanted to add his
voice to the opinion that the City ~ffina~er should ask for a list of qualified indi-
viduals fram wllom he may select the Dockrnaster or Superintendent, and that it haa not
corne to his attention that 111". Hahgert will be barred from such examination. City
Attorney stated that there is a rule - not a law - which would prevent Mr. Haggert
fro!:l taking the examination. Mayor Brown stated that this would be a diff'erent
examination. City Manar;er said that the examination that was given could be termed
as not being in accord with the rules and 1"e~ulations to ber;in with so that those tak-
ing the examination would be entitled to tal~e it again. He said that if the rules had
been followed in giving the examination that those who did not pass would be barred
from taking the examination for a year, but that since it was not a bona fide exami-
nation he did not feel that anyone who had taken it uef'ore should be barred. Com-
missioner Turner concurred in this, sayinp; that the examination was at fault, not the
Il18n. City Attorney said that it was f'ailure to f'olloVl the Act and not the rules. Mayor
Brown said that everyone has car:pied a tremendous burden in this situation.. not only
from the press, but that many people have said to him that they did not know Mr. Haggert,
but that they just couldn't understand why this situation was put onto the Commission -
that it was beyond the call of d1.tty of the Cor.unissj,on to hold down all this job a's
appointing authority. He said he did not lllee it and didn't want any future part in it.
He said that if' the City Manager wants to hire or fire he can do it th:rough the Civil
Service laws and that he, for one, was insistin~ that he do just that. He asked the
City Manager if he I~d digested the opinions expressed here by the Commissioners and
whether he had anything to say. City 11anager said that he agreed with what COD1l11issioner
Blanton had to say - that he had nothin~ against Mr. }~ggert whatsoever - that he agreed
wi th Commissioners Turner and Black and Ma yor Brown tha t he should be, if' quali:Cied"
put on an equal basis with the other employees of the City of' Clearwater through the
Civil Service that we are operating under, both for the protection of the C:ty of Clear-
water and the employees. He added that he VJould like, with the permission of the COO1-
~issioners, to release a statement to the press clarifying his stand, as he felt that
it expressed not only his own stand but that of' the Commission and what is intended to
be done. He asked for penaission to read it. Commissioner Black asked whether it
would be correct procedure for the City Commission to set forth their stand in the form
of' a motion before the state~ent is read if the statement carries out what our motion
is to be. COIilmissioner Blanton felt that this procedure would be correct. COr.mlissioner
Black said that he ar;recd with Commissioner Blanton to the extent that he felt that if
this Conunission or any individual who has been pressured into doing a good job is very,
very small, but that he felt that none of their group is going to be pressured by any
individual group or propaganda that is thrown their way. He said he felt that in his
judgment mistakes had been rllade l)y both the Oonunisaion and Civil Service Board and that
ef'fort is beinr; made to try to rect if'y those mista lees a t this tiIne. Commissioner Black
then moved tha t the C1 ty I\la nager be authorized to proceed irilmediate1y through the
correct procedure as set up by the City Charter and the Civil Service Board to have
qualified a Llan or men froT.1 which he can select the Dockmaster or the Superintendent
of the Clearwl:lter Uarina, whatever terminology is decided upon, and that after the pro-
per procedure has been followed that the City Nanar;er request from the Civil Service
Director an employment list of persons qualif'ied to hold the position and that he
promptly appoint i'l'OM such list a permanent Doclo:laster for the City of Clearwater on
Clearwater Beach at the Clearwater Marina. This motion wes seconded by Comcissloner
Turner. Commissioner Blanton stated that it has been said that Mr. Haggert does not
even live here. He said that ~lr. Hag~ert had disposed of his property which belonged
elsewhere, and that he has chosen Clearwater as his home, to come here and live here -
he stated that his baby was born here and that he made this his home tram choice - that
aome people have been prought here without their consent, but that he selected Clear-
water and came here. He said that he felt that the reference that has been made to him
many times in the p~st is very unjust and uncalled for. t~yor Brown said that he felt
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CITY COMMISS~ION MEETING
Ootober 18, 1951
that the keynote of the motion just n~de was to refreah in everyone's mind that ex-
cept in a few designs ted instances, such a s the City Attorney, tha t the City Mana-
ger is the appointing authority of the City of Clearwater - that he wished to re-
establish this in the minds of the Civil Service Board and in the mind of the City
Manager so the t no more hours of the time of the Connnissioners - their own private
time - will be taken up with such administrative detail, which he stated that he
gladly relinquished. Vote was taken on COlinnissioner Black's motion, with Mayor
Brown, and Conunissioners Black and 'l\1I'ner voting, "Yes ~" Commissioner Blanton voting
"No".
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Meeting was ad j ourned by the Ua yor at 10:09 AM.
/4M71 ~.~
Ma yor-Gonmli stfi6ner
ATTEST:
Clerk
City Mana~er's press statement is as follows:
'''To Wham It May Concern:
"Following is sta tement from the City Manager with reference to the Doclonaster
situation:
"The members of the City Commission instructed City 11anap,er F. C. :Middleton to
proceed immediately through Civil Service~ with the a.rrangements to appoint a person
to fill the position now teri1poral~ily held by O. G. Haggert. In addition to the
duties of Doclonaster, the position will include the business management of the Marina
Building to be erected soon at the Marina Base.
ftCity Manager Middleton and Civil Service Secretary Ruth Brown are busy today
oompiling qualifications to cover 'such a position. As soon as the qualifications are
completed, they will be presented to the Civil Service Board and the City Commission
for approval, after which lIlr. Middleton will requisition the Civil Service Board for
an employment list of persons with such qualifications and to announce the date for
exa~inations. After the examinations have been given~ the names of the five men
qualifying with the highest grades will be certified to the City Manager, who is the
appointing authority~ and he will select .one from this group for the position.
"This appointment wa s not made from the Civil Service exaI'I1ina t10n held on
September 7~ 1951, because it was not legal, inasmuch as the qualifications had not
been completed and the appointing authority had not requisitioned the Civil Service
Board to conduct the exarnina tion."
---------------------------------------------..-------------------------------------
October 17, 1951
Mayor-Commissioner Herbert M. Brown
Commissioners: Joe Turner, Herbert Blanton,Sr.
Thomas II. Black, Garland Lynn
Gentlemen:
A special meeting of the City Commission will be held in the City Hall Auditorium _
Thursday morning - 9 A.h~., October 18, 1951 - for the purpose of awardinB bids for
public improvements and any other items brought before the Cornmission will be con-
sidered by their consent.
FCM:gg
Yours very truly,
F. C. Middleton
Ci ty l,lanager
CI'1Ti' CONII�IISSIOPJ IrofE�TING
October ].S, 1J51.
The City Oommiss�ion oz" the City of Clearwater rnet in Special Session at City
Hall Thuraday, October 18, 195Z, at 9¢00 Abi, vrith the £ollowin� r.iembers presenta
Herbert M. Brovra
�ierbert Ni, Blanton
Thomas H. S1ack,Jr.
Joe Turner
Abaent:
Garland D. T,ynn
Also Present Were:
F. C. n4iddleton
C . E . '4Ya re
George T. h1eClamma
h1ee�Gin� v�as called to order by the nlayor.
-Mayor-Corrmrissioner
-Commissioner
-Commissioner
-Corrmiiasioner
-Commi�sioner
-City TIana�;er
-City Attorney
-C2iie£ of Police
City Iviana�er presented tabulation for b3ds for sanitary set��er on Prospect Avenue
i'rom Court Street to Park Street, and stated that he joined the City Engineer in
recorrunending tY�at the low bid of Paul Giuliani, of Tarpon Springs, in the amount oY
�3,586.00 be approved. Cormnissioner Black moved that low bid oi' Paul Giuliani of
��''3,586.Q0 covering sanitary sewers to be pl�tced in Prospect, ParY and Court Street
vicinity as recorrmiend�d by Oitg En�ineer anel City nianager be approved and contract
awarded. Commissioner Iilanton seconded t;he motion, vihich was voted upon and unani-
mously csrried.
City n4anager presented �Eabulation for bids i"or replacement of 15°' sattitaxy� se�rer
�Nith 18�r sanitary sel��er on T�iyr�le kvenue from Laura Street to vrew �,treet, and stated
that he joined the City Enp;ineer in recoirnnending that the low bid of Iawrence and
Rutledge of Lar�o and St, Petersburg, in the amount of �;i�s,8=Q,00 be appr�ved. Co�nis-
sioner Black moved th�at reconunendation of City I�ianager and Cit�r �:n�;3neer be follovred
and that contract be a�varded to Iawrence and Rutledge, of Lar�o and St. Feters�arg,
low bidders, for �p8,940.00, covering �he replacement of 15�i sanitary sewer in the
vicini�y of I:2yrtle, Iaura and Drew Streets. Govnnissioner Turner seconded the raotion,
which was voted upon and unanimously carried. Co�issioner Black asked Gii;y ��ianager
if there are portions of tha 151t line which is being taken up :�hich could be salvaged
for othar use. City Ii2anager replied that vrh�.le it v��as badly corroded that vha�tever
coulcl be salva�;ed v�ould be used for n�aintenance purposes.
City IJlana�er '�rought up nr�tter of� communication from Gulf Oil Corporation, vrhich
plans to improve and rebuild the station at I?rev, and N.E.Cleveland. They a:sk if the
Gity anticipates any vridening oz streets or changes in that area �hich rv�uld afieet
them. City P.lanager stated that he has consulted City Engineer on the r.iatter and thai;
City En�ineer does not believe anythin� �rill be done there, as the street is wide
there. TYie Corparation plsns to build only to the buildin�, and Coxuaissioner Black
spoke of the fact that there is a twent,y foot narks�ray there. Gommissioner `�'urner
spolie of the fact that traffic cuts out and around the corner there and that 3f thay
plan i:o remodel or rebuild he vrondered if the Gor.lpany cuuld acqui�e property to set
the '�uilding back. Coimniasioner Black stated that thev have acquired an additional
fifty feet, and that he ielt it �*rould be a p;ooa idea for the Cit�* Engineer and Ci�;�
IYfana�er to go into their plans with them to su�;�;est something of the�sort and perhaps
they V�oiild be v�illin�; to do this, Commissioner Turner felt this �¢vauld be a good idea
as the turn is a sharp orie. Cozunissioner Black sug�ested that a formal letter be
�vritten stating that the Gity appreciates t2?eir interest and that no change is com-
templated at this tinle. City i�:ana�er stated that he would look at plans.
City Attorney r�ade explanation of Bicycle Ordinanee 5�hich v✓as under coneiderat3on
when he �Jas ativay. Ne stated t2�at as drawn it is a model Ordinanco whieh is sponsored
by the Nai:ional Saiety Council a nd i� in iorce in about eleven of the major citiea in
b'lorida, exact copy of Ordinance enfarced in St. Petergvurg ancl Orlando.
NIatter of buildin� pernit for Sara Carmeck vvas brou�ht up b3* Conmissioner Blanton,
�vho asked if r.iatter could Ue discussed so that building pei�nit ca n be issued in order
that bu�ldin�; can proceed v�ithout furtlzer delay. Cit�r kttorney atated that he and
DIr. Krentzman had d�ne considerable research on the question and that their conclusion
was that 3i' a qualified per�!it i3 issued it can be �ranted, but since pei�it to house
maid has so�e times opened the wa y f or overstepping zoning Iimitations in past cases
they felt a qu�lifi�d permi� should be iesuecl. Iie stated that tlie applioation appears
to be within the Zon3ng Orciinance as drativn toda� as it cornes v�ithin the classizication
of an accessory building and if it �eets the approval of the Cor.�ission he will advisa
the Building Inspector to issue the qualified permit and that Iie r•aill see that proper
qualifications are v�ritten in on the permit. Co�issioner Blanton r.ioved that City
Building Inspector be autYi�rized to go ahead and issue this qualified permit based on
the reconunendation of the City Attorney. Commissioner Black seconded the motionfi which
was voted upon and unanimousl� carried.
Commissioner i3laek brou�ht up ths rsatter of request Prom Edward G. Heseltine
Enterprise, who wzshea to manufacture pra.lines in Clearrrater. TYiis opera�tion would
be smsll, eruplog3ng only t��o or three emplogees, and Coirnnissioner Black felt it was th�
tgpe o� businesa Clearvrater naeds anci should have. R4r. HeseTt3ne expects to locate in
a business 10� in the 2000 block on Gulf to Bay Bouleva�rd just back of the Four Winds
Motel. Coxmniss�ioner Black atated that since speczal permit must be issued directly bg
the Commission for manu�acturing plant for candy that this project must be approved by
the Cormnission. Other nier�bera of the Connnission and City hSanager agreed with Com-
misai�ner Black that this businass was a�ine tfpa of enterprise for Clearv�ater. Com-
misaiox�er B1ack moved that Edward Ce ileseltine Enterpr3se 'be authorized to ma rnzfacture
cand� in the bus3noss district desi�nated as the 2000 block on Gulf to Bay Boulevard.
Commisaione� Turner secondad tne motion, which was voted upon and unanimouslp carried.
CITY CQAII�IISSION A�IEET=NG
October T8, Z951
���
hieyor Firovrn asked if Canunissioner Lynn had been notified of �his Commias3.on moet-
ing. City I�iana�er raplied tha� �°mitten notica tiad been se,nt to Cormnissioner Zynn
by City Hall messenger, and tl� t he had also been verbally notified of the meetfing
and subjects tq be discussed and aslted if it would be convenient for him to attend, at
which time he had stated that it would be. FIe stated tlat�t several ai:tempts had been made
to reach hin by telephone just prior to the meetin� and that the line had been busq in
each instance.
Diayor Brown stated that tha Doclflnaster appointment had long been the suUject of
study snd diacuseion and that he �vished to su��est thrat the City nlana�;er dispose of this�
mat�er and tlzat it be done in tha very near f`uture. He stated that it l�as gotten to the
point that th3a one sut�ject is consuming about eighty per cent of his time. Iie Aeked
for expreseion from Coramissioners as �o their views on the subjact. Cormnissioner Black
stated that he would like to see some f3na1 action taken so thmt time of Mayor ax�d Com-
missioners is no lon�er involved, whicli he doea not feel should ]� ve beera taken up in
the f irst pl�ce with angthii�� of ttiis nature. He stated bhat tho matter of hiring in-
dividuals is within the aU.thority of the City 141ana�er, who hiras and fires with the
approval and consultation of the Civil Serv3ce Board. He stated he would like to see
the matter brought to a head, decision made, with decision abided by. Ho atated that
the Conunission is trying to solve the problem at �his time, and that his suggestion
of the so�.ution is that the City P�ianager be instructed to consult vrith the Civil Service
Board and the Civil Service Director to set up tkie necessary qualificatiane and re-
quirements for that position, namely, Dociffnaster, or Superintendent c�f Clearwai:er
hSarina, and that after requireznents and duties are set fortli, cuh3.ch should be done as
quicklg as posaiblo, �that � public announcament should be made as to the dutie� and re-
quirements and w]aat the qualifications are, and announcement made of the examin�tion
so that al� interested people available take the examination, which should be corrected
and checked, and the Board turn over to the Cit,y 23ana�;er the nar.ies of applicants
qualified and that the Czty P�ianager make select�Lon oF person to be appointed. He stated
that in regard to the examina�ion being given 7areviously - it v�as not requested and wa �
not complete as to the duties and qualifications. He stated that he felt that thi�
wauld correct the situation and tha'c examination shottld be announced and held at the
rec�uest of the City h[anager, who is the h�ring authoritzr of the City of C1ear�r�ater, and
should have the full authority for hiring or firing anyone within �he City with the
approval of the Civil Service Board, w2_icr is a functionin� body or organization in the
City of Clearwater, the same as the City� Co�nnission is. Connniasioner Blanton said that
it had not been his pleasure to knov�ll;r. Haggert previous to the time the Coimnission
had decided to authorize the emplo�nent of a�Doc�naster, bu� that he, along with several
others, applied for the job, He etated that althou�;h he lzad some splendid reference
and recounnendations that he had rasde hia ovrn investigat�ons as to his backgroun3, ex-
perience and �itness for this par,icular work, and that he had learned that he hold�
an A. B. Seamants Certificate, which requires three years oi aative service to obtain
such rating; that he holds a Steambo�ting �uarterma�ster�s Certifieate, licensing him to
handle ar man any size boat —` or �ahip, includin� deep sea navigation.
Fie said that t� obtain this certificate requires suceessfullg passing a vary rigid
exa�ination, a much tougher examination than is necessary to qualii,y a man to l�andle
the Clear�vater poci�iaster job. He said he holcls an engineer�s oiling, firing and water-
ing ratin� certificate for a11 types of ships that ean only be obtained by successfully
passing a rigid e�:amination upon campletion of 36 m�nthe� active servics. He holds,
Commissioner Blantan stated, a htaster�s Lifeboat Certificate, li,censing him to man
life boats and direct rescue w �rk that requires successi'ully passing az� examination
showing a thorough knowledge on navi�ation, life saving and searnanship. He stated that
he served as Assistant Harborxnaster at Toledo, Ohio, during the first part of the last
World Z°lar, under U. S. Coast Guard Coimnander and was in oharge of inspection of all in-
coming and autgoing shipping, comr�anding a patrol boat checl�ing sabotage, smug�;ling and
oti�.er violations of harbor regulations. He stated that he served in the nIerchant Marine
during 4Torld VPar II, was one of the £ir3t ships �o enter Naples Harbor durin� the Naples
invasion, was these 27 days and survived 23 raid� during the 27 days. He sta�ed that
his ship wa� torpedoed and destro�efl on S�tarch 4th, 1944, in the North Atlantic, 500
miles off Halifax. He directed rescue �r�or.i among the seamen and hung up a record of
this being the only shig that was compl.etely destroyed at a�a during the ent�re rvar in
which a11 men on board were saved. He served in the Coast Guard for 26 months, re-
ceined an honorable discharge with 4.0 service conduct rating, which is the hi�;hest
rating possible to obtain, and v�ith a 3.8 efficienc9 rating, which is V�ith�n 2 points�
of the highest rating. Qozrnnissioner Blanton stated that his record is open, and that
if nis critics want to make a fair and just evaluation the� can write the 9th Nava�l
District Cottmiand at Cleveland9 Oh3o; the Connnanding Officer af the �,lichigan State Police,
or �o the President of the �Iillage of Forrestville, I�fich3gan. Fie stated that he had
macle it a point to talk vrith him at length several times regarcling liis experience, baek-
�round and knowledge. iie ?�ad found that he had a pleasant, friendly peraonal3ty; that
he was keenly alert, polite, courteous and versatile. �ommissioner Blanton stated tY�at
he v�as thoroughly convinced that he was just the man he vrould have eniployed for the
job had he personally o�vned tha Yacht Basin. Peraonal investigation, he said, of his
work clearly reveals tYiai k�.e is doing a splendid job. xe stated that the Cit�y n2ana�er,
his irmnediate superior, states thr�t he is. A number o£ the boatraen using the 147arina
have told hirn the same thing. He stated that in the aousse of his business he lza� em-
plo�ed man� sal.esmen and has learned to obs�rve people and feels that he is a good
judge of htunan nature and that he feels that the City could look i'ar and wide and v�ould
be unabla to find an�one as ��ell qualified as n4r. Ha�gert both as to personality and
qualifications, ability to handle people well - that he felt he could not only hanclle
the Doclnnaster work but the Superintendent work as �vell - that he is able to converse
intelli�ently on an� subject with persons from any walk of liie from hi�h to low. He
stated that one boatman had said, ��Haggert is doing a�ood job under some adverse con-
ditions; some few of the boatmer, have done everything possible to �iue him a hard time.
Z �hink the fel7.ow really kno�vs his stuff and ia as �ood a man as the city could find
for tha jobs�t� Ae stated that another had sAi:l, ��This is a jo'� that just �ny�oay
couldn�t handle, I think Haggert ha,s what it takea. Sorie o£ the fellow5 that vJere
hostile to him at first have really cozne to liY.o him. It v�as better to �;et an outa�.der
the.n to have placed one of the boatmen over i;he others as I�ocl4nas�er. Thst vuould have
been �rorse, because there �rras too muc:h rivalry amon�; tho fellowa.�" Caxnm3asioner Blantoz�
CITY COA2.dISSION MEETTNG
October 1�, 1951
r
. i�
said bhat he�v�as atill convinced that the City n4ana�er nad made a vrise sslection and.
that the Ci.ty Goimnissionexs ���ere �.tlly justified in approvin� the appointment o�' Mr.
Hag�;ert, fIe stated that he tivas also convinced that the City needs a man of Mr. Ha�gert�s
qualifications., and that he vras not going to vote to kick him out just to �ive another
man a job to appease a newapa per reporter who continue3 to attempt to diacredit •the
City Conunisa�ion and heap unjustified abuse on its head. He saicl that hlr. Haggert was
hired in �;ood faith until the completion of all the Yacht Ba,s�.n iacilities, and, so far
as he was concerned, he could have the job as long as he continues to do it r^�ell, until
the new Marina Building is completed, at which time he favored having the Ci�viT Service.
Board set up a new �3.vis Service claasification, broad enough to cover executive classi-
fication axxl propert� mana�;ernent qualifications in adclition to the present Docl�ater� s
duties, and call for applicanta to stand a competitive e.acamination. He stated t�at
he was not being obstinate about the matter, that after al.l the City RZanager is the
employing authoritg, ompowerecl under the Civil Service law to as3ist in making and
approvin�; the rules and ra�ulations under vrhich the Civil Service Bo�rd operates and
corduc U� ite exariinat�.on. Iie said that only after this has been done v�ould it be
within the power o£ the City Iu�ana�;er to request a Civil Service exanination as above
mentioned. He said that he felt the whole issue had been started by a newspaper
columnist and that Is7r. Hagqeri; k+.as not defended hirnself - that he is a quiet, meak mr�n
who has not boasted of his qualif.ications and has €;one on doing a�;ood job under most
difficult and tryin� circtamstances, which a less patient man would have been unablff to
endure. He said that he felt the honor of the Commission is at stake - that it is a
question as to vrhether thef wi11 stand back of bheir ori�inal decis3on �to hire a n�an
while bui].ding the Marina until ii is completed or whether the�r tivill allow tY�.emselve� to
be svrayed by all the publicit$r Rhich has bee� stirred u.p by one nevrspaper reporter. Ae
said that eithex a mistake was made �vhen I:Ir. Hag�ert lryas hired or a mistalse is being
made to fire him. He stated that the records pro`va that no mistalie was nrade in hiring
him until the co�:pletion of the Nlarina facilities, at v�hich time an examination vtould
be called f.oro He said that some of the Cormnissioners appear to be changing their
attitude on the subject due to ag3tation on the outside and are even considering going
out and firing the present voclmiaster. He said, ho��euer, that the City 22ana�er says
he is doin� a�;ood job, and that �the boatmen say he is. He said that ver� recentl'y th�
City h�ianager had stated that he could not truthfully say he is not doing a good job.
He sa3d that he felt it vf�uld be only to appease a few. He gaid that he vras no'v az�
a�peaser - that he v�ould stand by what he believes as lon� as he had breath in his body.
He said he ielt that tha Cor.�nission is in the right in retaining iv'Ir. Iiag�;ert until the
I�Zarina is completed and that they v�ere right to start vrith - tl�at tlie job is 'Geing done
�raell, YIe said Mr. fiag�;ert has collected all rents - that there were no arrears, even
thou�h �orle people Y�d said th.at they v�ould never pay their rent as long as hir. Haggert
was over there. He statecl that ever� stumbling block and obstacle has been put in his
way to try the patience of any man - that same men vrould not have had the patience to
stand it, k�ut A4r. Ha��ert has proven hiriself a gentleman in everv way. Commissioner
Blantol� addecl that in this �var torn vrorld the onlg thing anyone has is his honor, ]�.is
neAce w3th God. He said that v�ith bureaucrats a.n Glashin�;ton piling up taxes., gra.dually
creeping up on everyone with personal pr�perty and other taxes, that vrhat does angone
have but honor and geace with God. He asl�ed the Coznnission to consider care�ully and
seriouslg before mak?ng a deciszon. Iie said that even if he was a�inority that he
would still stand for what he thou�ht vras ri�ht - that he would face the public and
could look them squarel�y in the eye and tell them that no outside prassure, no talk and
�;ossip could veer him rrom the course that he thought v�ras right. Iie said he felt that
if the coimnission tivould give this rnatter careful consideration that they �vould agree
and �o along vrith his viev�. Corrmlissioner `�urner then statea that he would like to
coimnend Commiss3oner Blanton on his stand, that he felt that a�rea1; many things he had
said are abaolutelg �rue, that there are none that he could contradict. He stated that
he had knorvn nSr. Ha�;�;ert�s qualifications before he ever concurred in his appo3ntment
in the Ue�inning, that as far as he is concerned from a Tlarine standpoin� he knov,rs ri_�
docks and boats, but from a teehnical standpoint, Goramissioner Turner felt that the Coni-
mission may have erred in concurring in this appointvient. He stated that he had not
thought of this job techn;'.cal.ly as coming under Civil Service - that he had felt that
the Czty would be hiring a T��an��;er and that the job would be somethin�; on a direct basis
like a business proposition would be and not as an employee of the City. He stated
that he felt that the City ha,d saade a mistake and that even though nir. Haggert is doing
a�ood job that the Cormnission wrouTd be wise to v�ipe the sl�te clean and call for an
examination and that if Mr. Hag�;ert wants to co�e back and take a nev� examination that
he for one v�ould be glad to have him do soe . Iie said tY�at if this tivere a private bizsiness
that he would hire IVir. Ha�;gert, as he knov�s everyti!ing from the boat standpoint and if
it was under the County Corun3ssion, which is not under Qivil Seraice he would h:Lre hira,
but -Ehat under the set�up oi the City Civil Service ae it is he feels that he has made
a miatake on it and in order to rectify it on a clean basis he felt that �e should clean
the slate and start over a�a3n. Cor,unissioner �lack statecl that he felt a list of
qualii'ic�tions and duties should be set up imr.�ediately, Tie said tha� �eshaps he had
arred in his judgment as to whether this should be done at once as it �ight be that the
Cit� P.Iana�er may not be readq to cZraw up tris list at this t:ir�e - that he may feel that
he cannot at th3s point compile complete listin� of qualifications. He asked the City
IJfana�;er ii he is reads* to aet up the job involved - the duties and. qaa13�'ications so
that an examination can be given, The Citv ntana�er stated that tlley are ready to do
soe He sbid �hat �hey have part ot' the qualii'ication 13st completed rvhzch theq ware
ori�inally vrorkin� on and that by addin� to that list it would be read,y. Co�missioner
Black ststed that he has no malice torvasd P!!r. Iia��ert and that 3f his record is as out-
13�ned by Corumissioner Blanton that it is an outstanding one, but that he vrished to ask
the City Attorney if the City can cont3.nue a man in employment vaitlzout having him tmder
Civil S'ervice. He asked i� he must be under �ivil SPrvice - if it is necessary that
an examination be g;iven. City A,ttorney stated tnat all em�layee� of the Cits Government
of the City of Clearwater must be under C:ivil Servics with the fallovrin� exceptione
(a )
(b )
�83
�f)
� �' )
hll ofiicars �lecte�� bp the pea�le.
P�Zembers oi any Board or Con�nission of the City of Clear�vater, Florida .
C3.tp Mana�er.
l�iunicipa]'_ dud�;e of the City
City At�orneys of the C3ty
Practicin� attorney-at-law
Clearwater, Florlda.
Persons of highly technical
of C1ear�vAter, Florzda.
of Clearv��ater, Floridao
retained or employed by the Cit9 of
or prof,essi��nal training maintainir�g
cont�d
CITY CQhII�SISSION 1l7EETTNG
October 18, 1951
(g} Cont�d:
an independent pxactice in the3r c3iosen professinn
and employed on part time basis Uy the C3t�*.
Corranissioner Blanton asked, if these were tho onTy exceptiona, why the Cit,q Eng3neer
has not been required to take an examination. 2'he Cit� Attorney repliacl that there
is a Ntate law - a general law - with reference to Engineers in thie State which pro-
vides for an examinati�n by a Stste Board and as a result of that examinatio� a
certificate of registration is i�sued whic�i gran ts to ths Enginoer v�ho has passed
that exam3nation certain ri�hts and priv3le�;es, amon� which is to practice Engineerin�
publicl� or privatsl�*, anyrvhere in the State of Florida, without further En�;ineeri:,�
examination. City Attorney atated that noth3ng can supersede that law, and that the
Supreme Court has decided this fact in dozens of cases. Conuniss;ioner Blanton then
asked that if this were the case whg �he C3vi1 Service Board expects uity Enginee� to
take the exani3.nation. City Attorney raplied that a{; the joint mee�in� ot the City
Commission and Civil Service Board on Thuraday two vreeks a�o that he called to the
attention of both the Commission; and Board thet there had not been su�ficiently close
coordination betwean the Board and its Attorney in the past so that they eQn proceed
along lines as to wY�at legally they h�d a ri�ht to do ox ��hat theq did nat have a
right to do. He stated that if that question had been submitted to him prior to the
t3me that notice P�as sent to the Enginear he would have advised them that they had no
right to request him to take the examinetion. At tY�.is point the Ci�y l�ttorne�y was
excused to make telephone call to postpone Bond Validation proceedings in the Circu3t
Court set for 10;00 PNP. hSayor F3rown sta�ted that at that same meetin� it was decided
then, and that he insisted on it nov� tr� t the e�:aminAtion be requested by City hIana�er.
Aa added that he hoped the Civi1 Service Board would appreciate the feelings of tre
Commission in insisting that the 3�anager �vork in close harmony with the Director, and
that in the future instances of this kincl will not be present because of these re-
lationships. He said t12at ha felt it could be worked out, that in the past mistakes:
had been made by everyone concerned �- nonest mistaltes from the hea� and not fror.i the
heart and that he believed that there comes a time in everyone�s life v�b.en he can be
large enough to see that error has been made and that it must be s�raightened out.
Commiss3oner Blanton asked how the Commission had erred in appointing the Doclflnaster.
Niay or Brown replied that the mistake was that the Comriission did not insist that the
City bianager call for an exaninat3,on. Couunissioner Blani�on stated that the man was
hired �o work �antil the I�Sarina was completedo Nayor Brown replied that he was hired
in the face of emergency and that he has certainly fzlle�i iii a hard job, but that there
seems to be some question raised as to hi9 qualifications - that vre have no legal right
to keep him on in the face of the u^ivil Service lav�r, and that hc wanted to add his
voice to the opinion �hat the Gity IJlana�er should ask for a list of qualified indi-
viduals from whom he ttzav solect the Dockmaster or Superintendent, and that it has not
come to his attention that I�Sr. Haggert vrill be barred £rom auch examination. City
Attorne� sta�ed thst there is a rule - not a law - which woulrl prevent Mr, Haggert
fror.i takin� the e.�mination. NIayor Brown stated that this would be a dif�'erent
examination. City n�anager s�id that the pxaminatior. tlzat v�as g5.ven could be termed
as not being in accord �with the rixles and regulations to begin vrith so that those tak-
ing the examination would be er_titled to take it again. He said thnt i= the rulea had
been follo�ved iri �ivin�; the examination that those who did not pass would be barred
from taking the exarmination for a year, but that since it vras not a bona fide exami-
nation he did not iael that anyone who had t�kan it before should be barred. Com-
�issioner Turner concurred ln this, saying that the examina�ion was at fault, not the
man. City Attorney said that it v��as failure ta fallow the Act ancl not the ru1e3. I�Iayor
Brotivn said that evexyone ha� carried a tremendoua bu.rden in this situation, not only
from the pr•ess, but that mang people ba vs said to him that they did not know Nir. Hag@;ert,
but that they just couldn�t understand why this situation yvas put onto tha Corr�nisgion -
that it �vas beyond the call of duty of the Cor�mission to hold down alT this job a�s
appointing authority. He said he did not like it and didn�t want any future part in it.
He said that if the City Itilsnager wants to hire or fire ha can do it through the Civil
Service laws and that he, for one, vras insisting that he do just th�t. He asked the
City h7anager i£ he r�a a�.�eatea the opinionsexpressed here by the Conmiissioners and
whether he had anything to say. City Manager said that lae agreed w ith what Comtnissioner
Blanton had to say - that he had nothin� against Mr. Haggert vrhataoever - that he agreed
vrith Conmissioners Turner and Black and hiayor BroVrn that he should be, if qualified,
put on an equal basis with the other employees of the City of Clearwater through tha
Civil Sarvice that vre are oFerating under, both for the protection of the Gity of Clear-
water and the employees. He added that he would like, vJith the perr,tisa�ion of the Com-
missioners, to release a statement to the press•.clariiying h3s stand, as he felt that
it expressed not onl� his own stand but tY�at of the Commission and what ia intended to
be done. He askecl for perrniasion to read it. C'orrmrissloner Blaclt asked whether it
would be correct procedure for the City Commission to set forth their stand in t;he form
of a motion bePore the state�ent ie read if tne statement carrie� out vvhat our mot3.on
is to be. Conmissioner �lanton felt that this procedure would be correcto Comn�.s�ionear
Black said tlzat he agreed tiriih Comrnissioner Blanton to the exte�t that he felt th�t if
this Commission or any individnal wl�.o has been pressured into doing a goad job is very,
very small, but that he felt that none oi their group is going to be prassured by any
individual �;roup or propagancia that is thrown the3r way. He said he felt that in his
judgr.nent mistakes had been raade by both the Couunission and Civil Service Board and that
eiPort is being made to tz�r to rectify thosa rtiistakes at this time. Commissioner 7�lack
then moved that the Cit,y LZanager be authorized to proceecl 3nmiediataly through the
correc� procedure as set up by the Cit� Charter and the Civil Sarvi�e Board to have
qualified a�&n or men £rolii which he can select the Doclffnaster or i:he Superin�enden�:
of the Clear�vater p,7arina, �rrhatever tern-iinolo��,� is decided upon, and that after the pro-
per brocedure has been followed that the City h4anager request irorn �he C3vil Service
Director an e�ployr,ient list of persons qualified to hold the position and that ha
promptly appoint from such list a perr.ianent lloc�aster for the City of Clearwater on
Clearwater Beaeh at the Glearwater Mar3na. This motion was seconded by Corrmaissioner
7.'urner. Cormnissioner Blanton stated that it has bsen gaid the.t l'�Ir. Haggert doea not
even live here. I�e said that I�1r. Ha�g�ert hed ciis�ogecl of his propert,y which belonged
elgav�here, and that hs has chosen Clearwater as hia hame, to come here and live llere -
he stated tb.at his baby was born hsre and thstt he :nade th3.a his home i'rom choice - that
s�ma people have been brought here without their consent, but �hat he selected Clear-
v�ater and came here. He said that he ie"lt that tl�e reierence i;hat has been made to him
many times in the past is very unjust and uncalled for. b'fayor Brown said �hat he felt
CTTY CONIMISSION nYEETZNG
October 18, 1951
that the keynote of the motion just msda v✓as to refresh in everyone�s. mind that ex-
cept in a few desi�na�ed instr�nces, such as the City Attorne�, that the Cityldana-
�ar is the appointin� authority of the Gity of Clearv�ater - that he vrisYled to ra-
establish �his in tkie minds of the Civil Service Boarci and in the mind oP the City
Mana�;er so that no more hours of the time of the Cormnisssioners - their own private
time - iviil be taken up with such adminiatxative detail, whicri lia stated tizat ha
�ladly relinquished. Vote was ta�en on Cormnissioner B1ack�s moti,on, witr 1lfayor
Brown, ancl Commiasioners Black and Turner voting, rrYes,° Commissioner Blanton voting
❑Nou�
Meeting was ad journed by the P4a,yor at 1Or09 AAI.
� ��'� �
Mayor-C is i �er
ATTEST:
�
�
City Auditor d Clerk
Cit� Ivlanager� s. press statement is as follo4vs;
'��2'o Whom It r�ay Concern:
��Following is statement frorn the Cit,y Manager with rsference to the Docl�aster
situatian:
1PThe members; of the City Commission instructed City hiana�;er F. C. ?��iiddletan to
proceed ir�nediately through Ci�iil Service, ti�ith the arrangements to appoint a person
to fill the position noe� te�porsrily held By 0. G. t�eggert, ;Cn addition to the
dutios o#' Doc�naster, the position will inalude the businass management of the n4arin�
Building to be erected soon at the pnarina Bese.
�rCity P�ianager I�Iiddleton and Givil Serv?ce 5ecretary Ruth Brown are busy today
compilin�; qualifications to cover'such a po�ition. A� saon as the qus,lificetions are
completed, they v�ill be prese�ted to the Civil Service Bc�ard and the C�t� Comnission
for approval., after which I�r. Middlezon tivill requisi�ion the Civil Service Board xor
an emplagment list of persons wi}n such qualifications and to announce the date for
exarainations. After the e;caminations have been given, tha nar,ies of the five men
qualifying vaith the highest grades ti�ill be certified to the City I�Ianager, Aho is the
appointing authorit�, and he vrill aelect one fron this group for the position.
� °iI'his appointment r^�as noi: made from tha Civil Service examination held on
S"eptember 7, 1951, because it was not legal, inasxnuch as the qualifications had not
beer_ completed and the appointing authority had not requisitioned the Civil Service
Board to conduct the exe:mination.'�
October 17, 1951
Mayor-Commissioner �ierbert n2. Brovrn
Corrmiissioners: Joe Turner, Herbert Blanton,Sr,
Thomas H. Black, Garlard r,ynn
Gentlemen:
A spec3al meeting of the (;ity Coirnui�sion rvill be held in the Citf Hall Auditorium
Thursdag morniil� - 9 A.I�1., October 18, 1951 - for the purpose of arvardin�; bids ior
public improvements and an� cther items brought before the Co�raission will be con-
sidered by their consent.
FCI�T : �g
'Yours very truly,
F. C. IcIiddleton
City Pttana�er