05/30/1995 (2)
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WORKSESSION
City Commission Worksession Minutes
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CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION
May 30. 1995
The City Commission of the City of Clearwater met Tuesday, May 30, 1995, at City Hall
with the following members present:
Rita Garvey
Sue A. Berfield
Fred A. Thomas
J. B. Johnson
Mayor/Commissioner
Vice-Mayor /Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
Also present:
Elizabeth M. Deptula
Kathy S. Rice
William C. Baker
Pamela K. Akin
Cynthia E. Goudeau
Patricia Sullivan
City Manager
Deputy City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
Board Reporter
The meeting convened at 10:06 a.m.
Service Awards
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The Mayor presented plaques from the North Greenwood Association for May
Extravaganza 1995 to the City Manager and Parks & Recreation Director.
FN FINANCE
Res. #95-48 - Providing for the defeasance and redemption of a portion of the Public
Service Tax and Bridge Revenue Bonds. Series 1985
When the Public Service Tax and Bridge Revenue Bonds, Series 1985 were issued,
40.54% of the proceeds benefitted the Clearwater Pass Bridge. The bond issue requires
the City to redeem or defease the bridge portion of the bonds before disposing of the
bridge and related toll revenues.
In 1988. a seven-year plan was developed to provide adequate funds to defease
$1,714,882.23, the outstanding bridge portion of this debt. Following this transaction,
approximately ,$1-million, accumulated in the Bridge Fund, will remain.
It was noted the State had advised former City Manager, Michael Wright, the City
could continue collecting tolls after the new bridge is completed until City expenses for
bridge construction are covered. The City Manager reported the $1.25-million collected by
the City above what is needed to defease/redeem the Bridge portion of the bonds will
cover most City costs for property and other expenses. Assistant City Manager William
Baker indicated it was too late to install toll booths on the new bridge. Staff was
requested to report how much of the costs were not recovered, what it would cost to
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install a toll booth and if that cost can be recovered. The City Manager stated all collected
tolls are dedicated to bridge related expenses.
PR PARKS AND RECREATION
FJ~s. #95-31 - Increasina current fees for rental of certain DubHe buildings. recreation
buildinas. the Sands hell . swlmmina Dools and athletic fields: Rescind Res. #90.49. 91-47 &
93-71. on the same subiect: authorize Citv Manaaer or her desionee to establish and adiust
rental fees in the future
Concern was expressed that the increased fees may create a hardship for citizens.
Parks & Recreation Director Ream Wilson stated no fee is charged for City related activities
and City-sponsored events Bre only charged $1. The City Manager stated the new fees are
comparable with those charged by similar private facilities. It was noted the Clearwater
Beach Recreation Center was renovated to include a new social hall.
Assignment of Lease from the PGA Tour Associates-I. Ltd. (PGA) to MJM Golf Enterorises.
lnc.. for the PGA's interest as "Lessee" under Lease dated 11/12/85. between the Chi Chi
Rodriguez Youth Foundation (lessor) and the PGA (Lessee)
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On November 12, 1985, the City entered into an agreement with the Chi Chi
Rodriguez Youth Foundation, Inc. to lease City property on McMullen-Booth Road to the
Foundation for educational purposes and the construction and operation of a public golf
course. On the same date, a "Lease" was entered into between the Chi Chi Rodriguez
Youth Foundation, Inc. and the PGA Tour Associates./, Ltd., to sublease a portion of the
land on the east side of McMullen-Booth Road for the construction' and operation of a golf
driving range (Family Golf Center). The agreement's initial term was for 15 years to
November 12, 2000. Automatic extensions have added 10 years to the term, now running
to 2010. PGA Tour Associates.l, Ltd. may not assign their interest under the lease to
another party without the written approval of the City and Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth
Foundation
Commissioner Thomas distributed a memorandum addressing the lease and
expressed concerns that the lease has serious legal problems. He said case law proves the
lease drafted 10 years ago, to get around the 15~year lease restriction, violated the charter.
He said the lease, signed on November 12, 1985 and renewed annually on December 31 ,
exceeded the 15-year limit for several months during each of the first 10 years of the
lease. Commissioner Thomas said use of 22% of the leased land by a for-profit entity is
an improper donation of City property, forbidden by the Charter without public referendum.
He did not think the lease will stand up in court.
Commissioner Thomas did not feel one Commissioner should "foot the bill" for
correcting a public wrong and felt it was the Commission's responsibility to correct it. He
recommended the Commission: 1) invalidate the pre-existing lease; 2) create a new 1 5-
year lease for the golf course property for $1-year; 3) require the Foundation to establish
measurable goals and objectives for their children's programs; 4) appoint the Pinellas ,
County School System to oversee the Foundation and report on their level of achievement
in meeting the established measurable goals and objectives; 5) donate $60,000 a year to
the Foundation for the next five years to cover the loss of income from the driving range;
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and 6) return the 34 acres east of McMullen-Booth Road to the City's inventory for
Commission debate on its best use.
The City Attorney questioned the definition of the word "donation" as used in the
Charter in effect at the time the lease was drafted. She noted the City has a number of $1
leases in effect. It was suggested the City contact the Chi Chi Foundation regarding the
problem and notice them that concerns have surfaced regarding the original lease. The
City Attorney noted the City cannot unreasonably withhold assignment of the lease.
Commissioner Thomas suggested the Commission does not have to approve the
sub-lease because of the cloud on the original lease. He stated it was to the Foundation's
advantage to work with the City because the Foundation also could lose the golf course if
they pursue litigation. He said when the Foundation entered the lease, they knew the
agreement violated the Jaw and it was their responsibility to know the law. It was
suggested that the City work with the Foundation.
A concern was expressed that the entire situation is being addressed because of a
request to transfer a sublease. It was noted the City Attorney had said everything is in
order. The operation of the property was described as good and the cost of City staff
running the golf course would be high. It was noted that MJM already has expressed
concerns regarding a delay in approving the sub-lease. It was suggested the Commission,
responsible for policy, trust staff recommendations. Commissioner Thomas said the lease
was in violation and in legal jeopardy. Concern was expressed that MJM may change their
mind regarding the sub-lease and their plans to invest $0.5-million.
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The City Attorney stated if the main lease is not valid, neither is the sub-lease. It
was suggested the City lease the driving range to MJM and donate $60,000 of the
proceeds over five years to the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation. The City Attorney
stated the Commission only can 'act on the proposed sub-lease Thursday as that is the item
agendaed. It was noted the entire 34 acres are not needed for the driving range.
EN ENGINEERING
Authori2e oroceedinQ with aCQuiring coooerative funding to support continued development
of environmental planning studies & projects: aporove Environmental Management Group
Five Year Caoital Watershed Plan and Water Resource Proiect Summarv Document for FY
1995/96
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Since its creation in 1990, the Environmental Management Group has developed a
program to implement environmental measures consistent with the City Comprehensive
Plan and State and federal programs. The plan's studies and projects focus on water
quality and habitat restoration to improve the urban environment. The five-year plan is
updated annually for Commission review and approval.
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Early each fiscal year, State agencies accept cooperative funding requests for
planned environmental projects. With approval of this program, staff can continue seeking
project approvals and funding from State and federal sources. Other program elements
anticipate City funding via accumulated Stormwater Utility Fees.
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Fourteen major CIP projects and studies are being developed by Environmental
Management. New projects include: 1) Clearwater Harbor Water Quality Improvement
Feasibility Project; 2) Clearwater Water Quality Research and Monitoring Program; 3)
Clearwater Mall Stormwater Treatment Retrofit Project; 4) Downtown Clearwater Regional
Treatment Lake Project; 5) Gabion Water Quality Demonstration Projects; and 6) Mullet and
Bishop Creeks Drainage Improvement Project.
Total planned expenditures through FY 2000 approximate $3-million, representing a
2% increase over last year's five-year plan. Many planned water quality improvement
projects and watershed management planning are expected to be completed by FY 1997.
During the current 'fiscal year, staff has applied to the State for cooperative funding
for Cooper's Point, Edgewater Drive and the Del Oro Project. Nearly $600,000 of
cooperative funding was requested for these projects with a combined cost of $1.2-million.
Of $3-million in planned expenditures, staff has obtained a degree of commitment from the
State for $2.34-million for watershed planning and project implementation. For every dollar
in planned project expenditures, staft has obtained a State funding commitment of $0.75.
Approval of this five-year Environmental Planning Summary Document will identify
the Commission's priorities for planned project improvements and does not require
commitment of funding. Those approvals are obtained through the FY 1995 Mid-Year
budget review process and the FY 1996 CIP budget review process. The purpose of this
plan is to inform the Commission about current environmental work related to the
Stormwater Utility CIP and related alternate funding efforts.
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Water quality studies and watershed management planning projects include: 1)
Allen's Creek Watershed Management Plan; 2) Alligator Creek Watershed Management
Plan; 3) Clearwater Harbor Water Quality Improvement Feasibility Project; and 4)
Clearwater Water Quality Research and Monitoring Program.
Water quality improvement projects include: 1) Allen's Creek Experimental Water
Quality Treatment Project; 2) Allen's Creek Maple Swamp Restoration Project; 3)
Clearwater Mall Stormwater Treatment Retrofit Project; 4) Delara Stormwater Treatment
Project; 5) Downtown Clearwater Regional Treatment Lake; 6) Gabion Water Quality
Demonstration Projects; and 7) Mullet and Bishop Creeks Drainage Improvement Project.
Habitat restoration and improvement projects include: 1) Coopers Point Habitat
Restoration and Management Project; 2) Edgewater Drive Habitat Restoration and Water
Quality Improvement Project; and 3) Unspecified, Minor Habitat Restoration Projects.
Tom Miller, Assistant Director of Engineering/Environmental, indicated the
Environmental Advisory Board has not made a recommendation. He reported 14% of
Storm water Utility Funds are dedicated to environmental concerns. The Mid~Pinellas
Watershed plan has been deleted. The remaining projects are estimated at $6-million with
reimbursements expected to cover 52% of those costs. Staff will continue to leverage
City expenditures with other funds. He acknowledged and thanked Terry Finch and Mike
Quillan, Environmental Management staff, for their efforts regarding these projects and
agreements.
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,..-.., Mr. Mi\ler reported the Florida Department of Community Affairs authorized
J $50,000 toward the Del Oro project from the Florida Coastal Management Program. He
stated the proposed downtown regional lake was not included in this Summary Document
but staff will review the proposal. He indicated positive reaction from the State regarding
the project and noted Southwest Florida Water Management District has expressed
interest.
CP CENTRAL PERMITTING
Public Hearina & First ReadinQ Ord. #582' -95 - LDCA ra Outdoor cafes and sidewalk
vendors (LDCA94-13}
The City Commission has reviewed this ordinance several times. The Commission
directed staff to include shopping centers and questioned which City public sidewalks are
wide enough to accommodate outdoor cafes.
As presented, this ordinance allows outdoor cafes as an accessory use to
restaurants to be located on private property adjacent to the street or on public sidewalks
on Clearwater beach in the Beach Commercial and Resort Commercial districts, in the
North Greenwood Commercial district, the CommerciRI Center district and the Urban Center
district. They also are allowed as accessory uses to restaurants in the pedestrian areas of
shopping centers in each of the above districts and in the General Commercial and
Highway Commercial districts; this provision allows the pedestrian areas of shopping
centers to contain outdoor cafes, according to Commission direction.
..~ b I Thde cSommf ission hafd qUc~stioned whhere ~uhtdofor caf~ds andbsl.ide:Vdalk vlkendolrshcouhld
~". e ocate. taf reports ew Ityareas ave elg toot WI e pu IC Sl ewa s, at oug
they hope to construct wider sidewalks in pedestrian-oriented areas as part of
redevelopment efforts. Areas where sidewalks are a minimum of eight-feet wide include
primarily downtown areas such as Cleveland Street, portions of North and South Ft.
Harrison Avenue, and other less heavily travelled streets. More frequently, outdoor cafes
will be located adjacent to public sidewalks on private property. This proximity will allow
additional business opportunities while promoting pedestrian-level interest.
Sidewalk vendors would be allowed only in public park areas or immediately
adjacent to public parks downtown. Requirements, similar to those for outdoor cafes, are
provided for sidewalk vendors to ensure safety and adequate pedestrian access, besides
protecting surrounding property owners and the public from litter, noise and other potential
problems. The "marketing plan" for sidewalk vendors has been distributed and includes
. guidelines used by the Community Redevelopment Director to allow the establishment of
vendors in a way that meets City goals.
The Clearwater Beach Association has recommended allowing vendors in limited
circumstances on Clearwater beach. Considering past resistance to vendors outside
specific public downtown parks, staff did not include that provision in the ordinance.
Central Permitting Director Scott Shuford stated that vendors would only be allowed
in downtown public parks. Concern was expressed that adequate space on sidewalks did
not allow for uses other than pedestrian traffic. It was noted that servers may wait on
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tables from the sidewalk side of the barrier, allowing crowded conditions in the cafe and
added obstructions on the sidewalk. Mr. Shuford explained businesses that serve alcoholic
beverages and do not qualify as restaurants would not be permitted to have outdoor
seating.
It was recommended that outdoor seating not be permitted on public sidewalks. A
suggestion was made ,that park vendors be controlled and their numbers limited.
The Commission concurred that outdoor cafe seating would not be permitted on
public sidewalks except in areas converted to pedestrian malls.
Public Hearing & First R~adinQ Ords. #5823M95. #5824-95 & #5825-95 - LOCA's re Neon
signs & Uehting. illuminated area of sian structures. and size of sign structures fLDCA95-
1 3.95-14. & 95-1 5l
Ordinance #5823-95 regulates neon lighting. The ordinance is directed at neon
lighting not related to the architectural features of a building, such as neon "palm trees/'
Staff did not previously recommend this type of regulation and the Commission agreed. as
long as no proliferation of this type of lighting occurred. The Commission now feels
proliferation is occurring.
Ordinance #5824-95 is directed at the illuminated area of sign structures other than
the sign Nface." The ordinance is intended to regulate signs such as the Church's sign on
Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. the Century 21 sign on Court Street, and the McDonald's signs on
'.~~ Gulf-to-Bayand Missouri Avenue. Staff has supported this regulation in the past.
Ordinance #5825-95 is intended to regulate the size of sign structures and address
signage such as the Second Chance Auto sign on GulHo-Bay and the Cypress Point
shopping center on US 19N. Staff previously recommended against restricting the size of
sign structures since desirable signs such as the Cypress Point shopping center and the
Clearwater beach Ramada Inn would not be allowed. except thought the variance process.
These ordinances are closely related. Staff requests their approval be done in
numerical order. If one or more ordinances are not approved, some amendments to one or
more of the ordinances may be necessary.
Concern was expressed regarding "Classic Auto's" use of neon and murals. Staff
will review it.
The Commission recessed from 11 :36 to 11 :46 a.m.
(Cont'd from 05/1 8/95) Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #5818-95 - Vacatinp 60'
north/south r-o-w of Carolvn Lane, lying N of Sandy Lane, and the 3' utility easement lying
along the W side of Lot 1. Blk. F, Highland Estates of Clearwater 1 st Addition, subject to:
City retaining a 17' drainage & utility easement over westerly side of the vacated r-o.w; a
15' drainage & utility easement along the north side of vacated r-o-w; and applicant
providing an easement 'for relocated water line (Maxwell. V94-15)
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The applicant requests the City to vacate the Carolyn Lane right-of-way to build a
single family home by combining the vacated right-of-way with part of the applicant's
adjacent property. When vacated, the west half of the right-of-way initially would revert to
the property owner to the west and the applicant would obtain that land to make a
buildable lot. The property owner to the west provided a letter stating no objection to the
construction of a home on the lot. The City has a six-inch water main and eight inch
sanitary sewer main within the right-of-way.
The request was reviewed by various City departments/divisions concerned with
vacations. The applicant has placed $9,888.27 in escrow to address Engineering Services'
requirement to relocate the existing six-inch water main at applicant's expense.
Engineering also requires that the west 17 feet and the north 15 feet be retained as a
drainage and utility easement and a 18-foot drainage and utility easement be granted to the
City over the relocated water main. No other departments had objections.
Florida Power and General Telephone have no objections provided a 10-foot
easement is granted over the north end of Carolyn Lane. Vision Cable does not object to
the proposed vacation.
The Central Permitting Director has no obiections provided the applicant submits an
application for an administrative lot division and the concerns of Engineering Services are
met.
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Concern was expressed that the City was giving away land with value and it was
questioned why landowners on either side of the right-of-way should be enriched. Mr.
Shuford indicated the City does not need the right-of-way. The City Attorney said the City
would not give the land to anyone. The City is being requested to remove its interest in it.
It was noted that no concern would have been expressed had the Commission not known
the intent of the requested vacation.
The City Attorney will research if the City can sell the right~of-way.
CM ADMINISTRATIO'N
Mid~Year Budget
The Mid-Year Budget Review includes comments on major variances and
explanations ot proposed amendments. Besides budgetary information required by City
Ordinances, special detail includes: a summary of administratively approved change orders;
the detailed expenditures budget for the Special Law Enforcement Trust Funds; and Risk
Management/Central Insurance Fund settlements. Enterprise Fund mid-year pro-forma
statements are included
Budget Director Tina Wilson referred to page 4 and noted $89,153 should read
$390,000. In response to a question, the City Manager indicated this report reflects
changes made by the City Commission and adjustments made after all City revenues and
expenses were reviewed. She reported it does not include recent union contract salary
adjustments.
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.~ The City Manager stated significant CIP adjustments include: $100,000 for
i microfilming documents in conjunction with the relocation of the City Clerk's document
storage; $60,000 to construct a parking lot for joint use by the North Greenwood Branch
Library and Discovery and Curtis Fundamental schools on property owned by the Pinellas
County School Board; in the Utility Department, $50,000 for two DEC Alpha computers
and $40,000 for two printers to replace problem ones; and $133,458 to purchase a Sony
Flexicart to improve picture Quality and increase programming capacity for C-View 35.
Ms. Wilson stated the new fishing pier is included, as is $92,000 to continue the
sign amortization program until September 1996. She said adjustments to interest
earnings are now reviewed twice a year.
OTHER CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
StaffinQ Plan
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City Attorney Pamela Akin reported one of her goals was to develop a staffing plan
for the Legal Department. To determine staffing needs, she reviewed the City's legal
needs, interviewed City Commissioners, the City Manager and all department heads. She
reviewed current cases and assignments handled by outside counsel. Ms. Akin met with
department staff to evaluate current work loads and staff assignments. She reviewed staff
time and activity records, the hearing calendar, tracking list and litigation reports. Ms.
Akin also reviewed the Hildebrandt report. The department currently works in a review
capacity rather than being pro~active. She expressed concern that documents prepared by
City departments result in inconsistencies. Outside counsel presently ha,ndles legal
services in three categories: highly specialized legal areas such as labor and environmental
law; 2) resource intensive cases such as complex civil rights litigation and certain death or
personal injury actions; and 3) cases where the Legal Department may have a conflict in
representing a particular defendant. Ms. Akin indicated this use is appropriate.
Ms. Akin said, since 1985, the department has had the same staffing arrangement
with four attorneys, three legal assistants and one paralegal. She recommended
establishing a structure to encourage specialization with attorneys sharing legal assistants
and paralegals. A receptionist would increase efficiency and legal services. Areas not
currently addressed include mortgage and lien foreclosures. Ms. Akin noted the
Community Response Team needs additional assistance and better systems are needed for
updating City departments on changes in the law. She emphasized the importance of
avoiding problems that become costly mistakes. Ms. Akin estimated a need to increase
her department's budget by $64,000 to cover the salary and benefits for additional staffing
of: one full time attorney; one paralegal; one receptionist; and contract costs for one part
time attorney. The cost of a full time attorney is already included in this year's budget
and no additional costs are anticipated for this fiscal year. The estimate does not include
the cost of increasing the department's library or moving expenses.
The City Attorney was complimented on the presentation and approach of the
staffing plan. Ms. Akin said the benefit of a specialist, rather than a generalist approach, is
for training purposes and the ability of staff to keep up with rapid changes. According to
her proposed structure, the part time attorney would work in private practice with a
personal staff and would not require City staff support.
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,~ Concern was expressed that considerable staff was being added without a proposed
reduction in outside counsel. The City Attorney forecast a long term drop in the need for
outside counsel regarding civil rights and police issues. She reiterated that many areas of
legal needs presently are not being addressed. In response to a concern, Ms. Akin said the
job titles listed in the plan are based on established City terminology but they can be
reviewed for clarity.
It was suggested the cost of outside counsel for labor relations may be greater than
estimated. The City Attorney indicated she believed the figure to be correct but she would
double check. She stated it is difficult to handle this specialty in-house because of
numerous regulations and rapid change.
The Commission recessed from 12:45 to 1 :34 p.m.
City Manager Verbal Reports
The City Manager referred to a recent study done in connection with the high speed
rail project. that indicated most people who travel to Florida's west coast from Orlando are
coming to PineUas County beaches, not businesses in Tampa. Consensus was to forward
this information to companies competing for the high speed rail contract. It was suggested
to include the new Clearwater beach video.
Consensus was to disband the High Speed Rail Task Force and assign this effort to
staff.
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Commission Discussion Items
SOUD Kitchen concerns
Chief Sid Klein addressed concerns expressed on May 18, 1995, by Dale
0' Azevedo regarding the area around the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen on Park Street.
The two.year listing of police service to the area indicates more calls than normal for this
small area and most concerned burglary, drugs and criminal mischief. Many arrests are
transient related. The Chief reported the Homeless Task Force provided a winter shelter at
Everybody's Tabernacle that houses 15 people. He has worked for two years to find a
location for a permanent shelter but has not been successful. The problem is not unique to
Clearwater. The Police can increase patrols and have the authority to issue trespass
affidavits that notify persons they are not lawfully on private property. Arrest is a minor
inconvenience to transients.
Chief Klein said the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen was established in February
1991 as a non~profit social service. a permitted use. The City cannot legally require the
charity to relocate. He noted St. Vincent de Paul has invested money in the facility and
plans to construct a building next door. The Soup Kitchen serves one meal per day and no
one is permitted on the property between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Chief Klein stated hard core transients differ from homeless people. A flourishing
network advertises Clearwater's attractiveness to other transients. The attraction would
be modified without the free meal provided by the Soup Kitchen.
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...-.. Chief Klein proposed photographing transients guilty of violations. The photo and a
summary of the violation would be provided to the Soup Kitchen and they have agreed to
deny access to anyone guilty of a violation. A Police Officer initially could be assigned to
the Soup Kitchen to enforce denied access. If this approach works at the Soup Kitchen, it
may also be effective at the Main Library. Chief Klein said he discussed this proposal with
the Salvation Army. Offenders could be offered a second chance by enrolling in the
Salvation Army's homeless intervention program. He said the proposal can be
implemented when the Soup Kitchen's Board of Directors accepts the recommendation.
Sets of rules will be distributed to the transient population.
Chief Klein suggested a long range plan include a shelter program successful in
other cities that combine all social services in one facility. He suggested St. Vincent de
Paul may permit the City to construct a full service facility on the charity's land directly
abutting the Soup Kitchen to be operated by the Salvation Army seven-days a week and
24~hours per day. The Chief suggested a Police substation also could be located in the
facility.
Chief Klein recommended reconstituting the Homeless Task Force with a City
Commissioner serving. He suggested the Task Force could work as the Board of Directors
for this proposed facility.
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It was recommended that other organizations who provide free meals follow the
same procedures regarding denial of service. It was suggested that an occupational license
for charitable organizations be established that includes a concrete set of rules and
regulations. It was noted problems are with those who use a charity's services, not with
the charity. Concern was expressed that an entire section of the City has deteriorated due
to the Soup Kitchen's presence.
The Chief said problems have been reduced in cities where facilities are combined.
It was suggested that local social services agencies provide a united effort. The Task
Force will include a representative from Pinellas County.
Consensus was that Chief Klein proceed with his recommendation to provide short
term relief by photographing transients guilty of violations and providing the photos and
summaries of the violations to the Soup Kitchen for them to deny access to those guilty of
violations.
It was requested that the City Attorney look at the licensing issue. Staff was
requested to contact area property owners to advise them of these Commission decisions.
Commissioner Berfield volunteered to serve on the Homeless Task Force.
!::ease City oarking lot to open outdoor music venue in downtown
The City Manager reported she has met with Sal Beloise to discuss his request to
use part of the parking lot between the Garden Avenue Parking Garage and Jimmy Halls for
an outdoor music venue. She reported revenue from the parking lot is $648 annually.
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"-., Concern was expressed that noise generated by the proposed use may have a
negative effect on downtown businesses.
Consensus was not to pursue the request.
Beach Parking - oasses/decals for residents
In a May 25, 1995 memorandum, Parking Facilities Manager Tracey Bruch reported
City residents can purchase parking permits for the Rockaway, Pier 60 and South Gulfview
parking lots for $65 for six months and $120 for 12 months. Possession of a permit does
not guarantee space. It was suggested these permits be better publicized.
Channel 35
Deputy City Manager Rice said after receiving complaints, she had reviewed the
entire operation of C-View 35 and felt the station's progress has been remarkable
considering the station's small staff and the short time it has been operating. She
suggested more input and baseline data is needed and Bordner Research Inc. will be asked
to conduct surveys.
A three-minute tourism tape was played regarding Clearwater beach, produced by
C~View 35 staff.
Ms. Rice noted her report on C-View 35 includes responses to complaints. She
i'~ reported Bordner Research has recommended holding three focus groups and surveying
~.,," 200 people twice. A time frame has not been established.
Jeff Harper. Director of Information Management, said C-View's first goal was to
cover City Commission meetings, then other board meetings. Currently, six boards are
covered. Additional goals include promoting the City's services and programs. He said
complaints have been received regarding the schedule and use of the bulletin board. He
noted reliance on bulletin boards was anticipated until enough programming could be
produced. Most problems with the bulletin board freezing and other software have been
fixed. He said the equipment is being pushed beyond its design. Two positions have been
filled since March and a procedures manual is baing prepared. Two Town Meetings
programs were recently produced. Mr. Harper said the station is close to being on
schedule in spite of the staff turnover. He noted every mistake can be seen by everyone.
The live election coverage was better than most. He said the equipment is being
reconfigured to be more efficient. The bulletin board is not designed for continuous
viewing.
Mr. Harper said the lighting in Chambers is not good but has been improved. Time
Warner has agreed to provide monthly maintenance of the equipment and reactivate the
Drew Street studio. They have trained staff on phasing colors. The playback of music has
been improved and steps have been taken to improve the monitoring of the channel. Mr.
Harper stated C-View 35 covered the Park Plaza Drug Free event and an update on bridge
construction. He said staff will address citizen concerns. The staff is new to the City but
all have good video experience. In response to a concern, Mr. Harper said problems with
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meeting replays occurred when tones were incorrectly placed on tapes. Breaks are now
taken during Commission meetings so no action is missed when video tapes are changed
Concern was expressed that the bulletin board runs for more than two-hours at a
time. It was noted that will occur until a film library is developed. It was stated a live shot
of a fish tank is popular elsewhere. Ms. Rice said the bulletin board is not meant to be
watched steadily. Mr. Harper indicated a continuous time and date graphic will be shown
during the broadcast of City Commission meetings.
Carrie Huntley, Community Outreach Manager, reviewed her Qualifications, noting
she had worked for Tampa's government access channel for six years. Although she has
been recruited by local television stations, she remains interested in public access
television. She said C-View 35 will be a highly successful government access channel and
informative programming will be produced. Ms. Rice said staff is doing its best to minimize
problems. '
It was recommended that a Task Force be established to review C-View 35. Ms.
Rice said staff will put a task force together.
Other Commission Action
Prooosed soscial rule for reolacement of Commissioner Dallmann
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Consensus was that the name of everyone who expressed a written interest in
temporarily filling the empty Commission seat would be submitted for nomination. Other
nominations from Commissioners will be submitted to the City Clerk before the Special
Meeting scheduled for June 13, 1995, at 6:00 p.m. It was decided that nominations
brought to the floor for vote would not be seconded. A Commissioner will be chosen at
random to begin the nomination process. Nominations, followed by a vote, will continue
round robin until an acting-Commissioner is chosen or no more nominations are presented.
Nominations will not be discussed.
Mavor Garvev Questioned if the City Commission wants staff to pursue a proposal
for a picture concession at Pier 60~
Consensus was not to pursue.
Adjourn
The Commission adjourned at 3:18 p.m.
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