08-09-1995
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WORKSESSION .
City Commission Worksession Minutes
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CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL WORK SESSION
BUDGET WORK SESSION
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 9, 1995
Present:
Rita Garvey
Sue A. Berfield
Fred A. Thomas
J. B. Johnson
William Justice
Elizabeth M. Deptula
Pamela K. Akin
Cynthia E. Goudeau
Patricia O. Sullivan
Mayor/Commissioner
Vice~Mayor ICommissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
Board Reporter
The meeting was called to order at 1 :00 p.m. at City Hall.
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City Manager Elizabeth Deptula stated priorities in the FY (fiscal year) 1995/96
Strategic Plan include Public Safety, Economic Development and Tourism. Public Safety is
concerned with: 1) record management: 2) community policing; 3l fire safety; 4) unsafe
structures; 5) at risk youth programs; and 6) good neighbor programs. Economic
Development includes: 1) small business assistance; 2) construction of 40 new homes; 3)
rehabilitation of 35 homes; 4) South Greenwood neighborhood improvement program; 5)
neighborhood partnership programs; and 6) design guideline regulations. Tourism includes:
1) the promotion and tourism office; 2) promotional videos and materials; and 3) C-View
35 enhancements. Ms. Deptula reported Clearwater receives only 22% of the property tax
millage. She indicated Clearwater's millage rate will remain the same.
Ms. Deptula said additional recommended positions in the General Fund: 1) tourism
and promotion specialist (1.0 FTE); 2) recreation leader for the Sailing Center (0.5 FTE) and
3) recreation assistant for Countryside Recreation Center (0.8 FTE).
Ms. Deptula said unappropriated retained earnings totaled $11,009,836 at the end
of September 1995. She said a third quarter charge of $2~miJ1ion against that amount will
be used for salary adjustments and to fund retirees who remain on the payroll. The
remaining balance is $9,009,836, or 13.7%. She expected an unusually high number of
employees to retire if the proposed pension plan passes. In answer to a question, she said
the estimated $3~million in costs was not being budgeted because all expenses are not
known with certainty. Ms. Deptula indicated the water fund reflects the Pinellas County
rate increase and the gas fund reflects the $1-million rate increase.
The City Manager referred to the last 13 years and noted the number of City
positions increased by 57 at a time when the City added programs requiring 159 positions.
She pointed out the large number of responsibilities absorbed by current staff and
. congratulated statt's efforts. It was noted the ratio ot employees to the number of
citizens has remained flat.
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The City Manager indicated the department is in the process of filling the third
position. A referral was made to page 13, and it was questioned why the proposed rate of
meeting goals was lower than the department's previous achievements. The City Manager
said setting a goal of 100% is almost unrealistic. Concern was expressed regarding
reduced expectations. The City Manager said the goal reflects what the department feels
it can achieve realistically. Dan Katsiyiannis, Internal Audit Director, said he would be
willing to accept a goal of 100%. like last year. but noted all audits are not the same.
It was questioned if Mr. Katsiyiannis had received a bonus. He indicated he
received a merit increase. The City Manager said no mechanism to provide staff with
bonuses exists. It was suggested such a mechanism be developed. It was felt incentives
for staff are provided by merit increases. It was felt if staff meets the two goals 100% of
the time. the incentive is earned. The City Manager felt it was realistic for the department
to meet their goals 100% of the time. In answer to a question, Mr. Katsiyiannis expressed
concern that not meeting the goals 100% of the time would effect negatively on his merit
increase. The City Manager said meeting goals is only one piece of the evaluation process.
A two year average of accomplishments was requested. The goals for the Internal Audit
department were changed to 95%.
Community Resoonse Team
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Concern was expressed that it seemed each department balanced their budget via
the transfer column. The City Manager said use of the transfer column usually meant
funds were going into the CIP (Capital Improvement Program) or from the General Fund to
a Special Program Fund for a special program requiring funds to match a COSG
(Community Development Block Grant). She said the special program fund is costing
$100,000. Lt. Jeff Kronschnabl, Special Assistant to the City Managerl Community
Response Team, said the federal government is providing $175.000 and the City is
providing a $50,000 match for a $225,000 program.
In answer to a question, Lt. Kronschnabl said the department has tracked water
inspections and indicated residents continue to water their lawns at the wrong time. He
said staff will be cross-trained by the end of the year to increase the City's ability to
identify violators. He said the three original positions have been reduced to two. Lt.
Kronschnabl said inspectors check for many problems while in the field. He said the
Community Response Team also is cross~training other departments.
Information ManaQement
Commissioner Johnson noted C-View is less than S months old and felt it was
commendable the station has been able to reduce their budget.
Commissioner Thomas questioned if the City had compared the cost of graphics
prepared in~house versus outside vendors. The City Manager said staff had priced several
print jobS and found in-house costs provided a remarkable savings,
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Commissioner 'Justice questioned if the City provides graphic services to outside
customers. Laura Crook, Assistant Director of lnformation Management, said the City
provides those services to only a few organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce.
Commissioner Barfield questioned why C.View's television studio will be located in
the Municipal Services building. Mr. Crook said space in City Hall is inadequate. She said
currently the City uses Vision Cable's studio.
Commissioner Thomas referred to page 37, and expressed concern the reduction
from the transfer line daBs not represent a decrease of 7% this year. Budget Director Tina
Wilson said that transfer line is for CIP funding and this year represents cash for the
computer system. The City Manager agreed it looks as if expenditures are down.
Commissioner Thomas noted the budget increased by $200,000.
Ms. Wilson reviewed the City's budget highlights including new positions and the
debt service.
Commissioner Berfield referred to a fourth additional support position for the Gas
computer system. Ms. Wilson said the position will be funded by the Gas division.
Finance Deoartment
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Commissioner Thomas referred to page 53 and commended staff for administering
Worker's Compensation in~house, resulting in a savings of $80,000. The City Manager
noted that change included no increase in the number of staff.
Human Resources Deoartment
The City Manager said Human Resources is going though an extensive process of
re-engineering and is doing an excellent job of involving other departments. She said these
changes will position to City to meet the challenges of the future. Commissioner Johnson
noted Human Resources is funded by other services and is not a revenue producer.
Commissioner Justice referred to tuition reimbursement and questioned if the City
encourages staff to attend school. It was indicated the City does.
Commissioner Berfield questioned if staff is working on the definition of an active
employee. Human Resources Director Mike Laursen said that is being addressed.
Commissioner Thomas questioned if Human Resources continues to pursue their
goal to reduce the number of job Classifications. Mr. Laursen said the department plans to
reduce the 320 current classifications by 20 during FY 1995/96. In answer to a question.
he estimated the number eventually could be reduced to the low 2005. The City Manager
indicated a new concept of broad banding was being considered. Commissioner Thomas
recommended basing pay on the number of things an employee can do. He questioned the
budget for the messenger service. Mr. Laursen said this service previously was charged to
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five different programs; all messenger costs now arc being consolidated in the Human
Resources Administrative program.
Police Deoartment
In answer to a question, Ms. Wilson indicated the Police Department.s budget
equals 29% of ad valorem taxes. The City Manager noted property taxes alone do not
cover the cost of the Police Department. She indicated the Police Department faces major
challenges next year with their new facilities, computer system, etc. She said it will be a
major accomplishment if the Police Department can maintain the same level of service
with all of these changes occurring. She estimated the department will move in March or
April 1996.
Commissioner Johnson questioned how much of the Police Department's budget
comes from grants and other sources. Police Chief Sid Klein estimated several hundred
thousand dollars.'
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Commissioner Thomas referred to the 20% increase charged by the Pine lias County
Sheriff and questioned if the increase was the result of more work or increased costs.
Chief Klein said the rate represented a 4% increase over last year but still represents a
savings over what the services would cost to do in-house. Commissioner Thomas
expressed concern a 20% increase is budgeted. Chief Klein said the Pinel/as County
Sheriff's crime scene work will remain the same but fingerprinting will be added. He said
this is the third year of the agreement and noted a 4% annual increase is built into the
contract.
Commissioner Thomas referred to patrol performance indicators and suggested a
target where more than 84% of officers will be perceived as being courteous. Chief Klein
agreed but suggested reviewing the results. He said that goal has increased each year and
pointed out those surveyed include individuals who have received tickets for traffic
violations, which does not make people happy. Chief Klein agreed to increase the goal to
87%.
Fire Deoartmfil.nt
The City Manager reported $3.4-million of the Fire Department's $10-million budget
will be recovered through the County. Commissioner Thomas expressed concern the
budget indicates emergency response may worsen. Fire Chief Bob Davidson said that is
out of City control as 911 sets those pr.iorities.
~entral Permitting Deoartment
The City Manager noted effective October 1. 1995, Pinellas County's decision to
stop collecting occupational license fees will cause the City to lose $120,000 next year.
She indicated the City was not aware of this change at the time the budget was prepared.
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....-.., Commissioner Thomas questioned how many unsafe buildings in the City are not in
compliance. Central Permitting Director Scott Shuford said that number is a moving target
and he did not know the number. Inspectors will continue to identify and inspect unsafe
buildings based on complaints. Commissioner Thomas suggested a sweep would establish
the number of unsafe buildings. Mr. Shuford did not think staff could develop an accurate
number through sweeps. He said staff met their first goal of 100 unsafe buildings and
their new goal is 50. Commissioner Thomas said he was pleased with the program's
progress but recommended establishing criteria. The City Manager suggested Central
Permitting identify areas that appear to have problems. Commissioner Thomas suggested
establishing guidelines to look for that identify unsafe buildings.
Commissioner Johnson questioned if staff needs to get an owner's permission
before inspecting a building. Mr ~ Shuford said the interior and exterior of building would
need to be inspected to identify if it is unsafe. He said staff can get permission to inspect
whether the owner agrees or not. Commissioner Johnson said property owners know the
City's code. Mayor Garvey expressed concern staff not be asked to do search warrants.
Commissioner Thomas noted the law was revised twice to make it more efficient. He
expressed concern unsafe buildings are passing inspection after minimal work. He
questioned if the law could be further tightened. He noted some buildings that are safe
remain a blight on the City and referred to the Ice House. Mr. Shuford said the Legal
Department has been doing a good job closing legal loopholes. He said staff was
considering a change in maintenance standards.
Commissioner Berfield questioned if staff had begun participating in a zoning study
I:,,:~> for Bayview. Mr. Shuford said a study of the area is planned within the next five months.
Economic Develooment Deoartment
The City Manager said the business plan is almost completed and will be presented
separately. Commissioner Thomas expressed concern regarding the $20,000 budgeted for
membership in the Tampa Bay Partnership. He did not believe membership will help
Clearwater and indicated his total opposition to the proposal. Economic Development
Director Alan Ferri said the $20,000 cannot be returned to the General Fund. He said the
Tampa Bay Partnership covers six counties and Clearwater is the largest City that is not a
member. He said this has resulted in the City being cut out of references regarding
relocating businesses.
The Mayor requested additional information regarding Mr. FerrPs recommendation.
She did not think $20,000 was too expensive for this type of exposure. Commissioner
Thomas questioned if other cities pay a higher rate. Mr. Ferri indicated all cities pay the
same amount. It was requested that more information be presented before a decision is
made. Commissioner Johnson indicated his support it if it benefits the City.
Commissioner Justice expressed concern the City not miss out on an important business
source. Commissioner Thomas reiterated his opposition to membership and expressed
concern it would result in a significant shifting of policy for the City. He felt the Tampa
Bay Partnership would take more from the City that the City would receive.
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Parks and Recreation Deoartment
The City Manager indicated the Parks & Recreation Department performs many
tasks other cities classify as Public Works programs.
Commissioner Justice referred to page 115 and questioned if the Parks &
Recreation Department plans to recover 6.4% of the General Fund budget. Ream Wilson,
Parks & Recreation Director, said that amount should be 7.2%.
Commissioner Thomas expressed concern the targets were confusing. He said he
understood the quality of life is critical but questioned if staff had looked at what the
department costs per citizen. He said the department currently costs $100 for every man,
woman and child in Clearwater. The City Manager indicated the department is concerned
with more than just recreation. Commissioner Thomas questioned if the City had
considered breaking down the cost per user. Mr. Wilson said national standards govern
parks, etc. He noted Parks & Recreation cares for all City grounds, not just City parks.
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Commissioner Thomas questioned how facility visitors are counted. He suggested
developing another way to analyze the cost benefit ratio. Mr. Wilson said their count was
based on national standards. He said the department is calculating costs per visit but has
not compared those costs with other localities. Commissioner Thomas said he would like
Parks & Recreation to make a special effort in that regard. He suggested including a bar
code on membership cards to track individual use. He suggested this way staff could
determine how much the City is subsidizing non-residents. Mr. Wilson said staff is
investigating bar coding.
Commissioner Johnson noted the department's attempt to increase rates several
years ago met with resident protests. Mr, Wilson said all the department's programs will
be reviewed. He indicated costs will increase for some. Commissioner Justice said
Clearwater always has been known for its recreation efforts, He did not think counts were
important. Mr. Wilson said unsupervised playgrounds are difficult to monitor.
Commissioner Thomas said counts were important because the Parks & Recreation
Departmenes budget is so large.
Librarv Deoartment
Commissioner Thomas expressed concern regarding the library charge on his TRIM
notice. Library Director Arlita Hallam said that charge is included in TRIM notices for
County property. Commissioner Johnson questioned why the City's library tax exceeds
the cost of other libraries. Ms. Hallam agreed St. Petersburg tax is lower but indicated
Dunedin and Largo have higher rates. The Mayor noted the City's Library offers more
services. Ms. Hallam said the rates are equalizing now.
Commissioner Berfield referred to the department's goals and questioned how the
Library plans to be involved in providing information to businesses. Ms. Hallam said the
Library is providing information to help SCORE and the Chamber of Commerce establish
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bibliographies, etc. She said the sheets prepared are very topical. A sample will be
provided to the City Commission. '
Commissioner Thomas expressed concern regarding crimes of perversion on the
Internet and questioned why the City would promote access to the Internet until it can be
secured. Ms. Hallam said a major part of use regards reference uses. She said the Library
will be offering public access. Commissioner Thomas questioned why the Library should
make it available and questioned who would pay for charges made with counterfeit credit
cards. Ms. Hallam said the positive benefits of the Internet outweigh the bad.
Commissioner Thomas said he agreed with the Library having access but opposed
providing that access to the public. Ms. Hallam said the Library will monitor usage through
library cards. She said many beneficial sources can be accessed. Commissioner Berfield
questioned the City's liability. Commissioner Thomas expressed concern children could be
victimized. Ms. Hallam noted those problems relate to bulletin boards, not the Internet.
Commissioner Thomas requested a full discussion of this issue with the City Commission.
The Commission recessed from 3:02 to 3:14 p.m.
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Ms. Hallam indicated the four sources she checked indicate all access is blocked to
bulletin boards on the Library's system. She said usage is heavily monitored.
Commissioner Thomas expressed concern regarding the use of credit cards on the Internet.
Ms. Hallam said the Library provides access at no charge. Commissioner Thomas noted
some people run up large telephone bills while accessing the Internet. Ms. Hallam said
access is via a local telephone number. Commissioner Thomas reiterated his request for a
full discussion of this issue. A presentation at the Library will be scheduled.
Commissioner Thomas requested the legal side of the issue be reviewed.
Ms. Hallam said the Library's targets are the same as last year. Commissioner
Thomas questioned if service has declined since the Library joined the Cooperative. Ms.
Hallam did not believe so. She indicated the Library has been able to add materials and
staff. Commissioner Thomas said he was waiting for an analysis after the end of the first
year in the Cooperative.
Enaineerina Decartment
Commissioner Justice noted both Engineering and Public Works list sidewalks in
their budgets and questioned the difference. City Engineer Rich Baier said Engineering
builds new sidewalks and handles ADA improvements while Public Works repairs existing
sidewalks. Commissioner Johnson questioned if the Airpark will be self sufficient in two
years. Mr. Baier said that is what the figures indicate. Commissioner Berfield questioned
if the Airpark would become a designated Enterprise fund. The City Manager said not at
this point and recommended waiting another year or so.
Commissioner Johnson noted the City provides the Jolley Trolley with $210,000
per year and questioned if a fare increase to $0.50 had besn considered. The City
Manager said that was up to the Jolley Trolley board to decide. Commissioner Thomas
said the $0.25 fare was temporary. for two years. He supported recommending an
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....--. increase to the board. Commissioner Berfleld reported the Jolley Trolley board had not
discussed an increase. Mayor Garvey recommended requesting the Jolley Trolley to make
a presontation to the City Commission. Commissioner Thomas said a decision regarding
the increase could not be made until the impact was analyzed. He suggested the increase
could be instituted in the first months of 1996 after review of summer ridership data.
Consensus was to recommend the Jolley Trolley board increase the fare to $0.50.
Commissioner Thomas referred to cross walks and questioned if a stop sign could
be added to signage over a cross walk. Mr. Baier said the MUTCD (Manual of Uniform
Traffic Control Devices) indicates stop and yield symbols are only to be included on
regulatory signs. He said staff would like to try these expensive devices. Commissioner
Thomas felt the most dangerous cross walks were in front of the Holiday Inn Surfside.
Mayor Garvey felt the south beach is most dangerous.
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Commissioner Thomas suggested setting up cameras, as some cities have on toll
booths, to photograph drivers who do not yield to pedestrians and sending them tickets.
He suggested five crosswalk devices should be set up on the beach. Mayor Garvey
expressed concern regarding aesthetics but agreed crosswalks must be made safer. The
City Manager questioned if the proposed cross walk devices could be used on a four~lane
road, such as Mandalay Avenue. Mr. Baier said a signal will have to be installed if the City
Commission truly wants traffic to stop for pedestrians, He expressed concern regarding
the different languages spoken by beach visitors. He reported staff went to a great deal of
trouble to incorporate international symbols whenever possible.
Commissioner Thomas noted the need far two crosswalks on North beach and
referred to the needs of south beach. He reiterated his suggestion ta review the use of
video to ticket drivers. He suggested indicating on the sign that failure to yield to a
pedestrian will result in a fine. Mr. Baier indicated crosswalks located mid-block resulted in
additional danger to pedestrians. Commissioner Thomas disagreed eliminating mid-block
crosswalks was necessary. Mr. Baier said he would come back to the Commission with a
solution that balances safety.
Commissioner Thomas referred to the proposed new Memorial Causeway bridge
and recommended including north/south cuts in the Causeway in the plan to improve the
water flow and water quality in Clearwater Harbor. Mr. Baier said the five-year
Environmenta\ Plan approved by the City Commission includes $200,000 for a design
study of that proposal. Commissioner Thomas questioned if anything in this year's budget
addressed improving water flow through the Causeway. Mr. Baier said the study,
scheduled for FY 1995/96 should result in a preliminary design. He indicated the contract
had not been let.
Commissioner Berfield questioned if any department has a goal to stop illegal
dumping. Mr. Baier said that was not a specific goal although staff receives many calls
regarding that issue. He agreed illegal dumping is a problem.
Public Works Deoartment
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Commissioner Johnson referred to the fixed garage service increase and questioned
what had changed. Ms. Wilson said the vehicles and their mileage were reviewed over a
13 to 15 month period. She indicated the department once billed per vehicle category but
now determines each vehicle individually.
Solid Waste/Recvclina Deoartment
Commissioner Thomas referred to page 191 and expressed concern the number of
tons of garbage collected per staff hours and the number of tons of garbage transferred
per staff hours have decreased while the number of homes served has increased. Mr.
Baker indicated those numbers were affected by recycling. Commissioner Johnson agreed
the numbers should decrease. In answer to a question, Robert Brumback, Solid Waste
Director, said the need to service fewer containers was somewhat due to less wear and
tear. He said the City's purchase of recyclables to market them has resulted in increased
revenues and expenses.
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Ms. Wilson referred to page 207 and noted the revenues listed may be related to
recycling. She said that would be checked. Commissioner Thomas recommended
discussing expansion of the City's recycling to nearby cities for a full enterprise effort. He
said this would be a great opportunity to the City. The City Attorney indicated the City
can enter Intorlocal agreements for recycling. She said further research was needod to see
if solid waste could be addressed in Interlocal agreements. Mr, Baker reported the City's
discussions with the cities of Dunedin and Safety Harbor regarding use of the City's
transfer station collapsed because of disagreement on establishing a reasonable fee.
Commissioner Berfield requested Mr. Brumback and the Legal Department to review the
issue.
Gas Deoartment
Commissioner Thomas expressed concern the $1-million revenues, due to the rate
increase, did not show up as an increase to the general fund. The City Manager said the
Gas System's support of the general fund is to be frozen. It was indicated the amount of
revenue will be taken up by the bond issue and the existing debt is not being reduced. The
City Manager said those moneys will pay for future bond issues. Commissioner Thomas
expressed concern the numbers ralated to retiring the bond debt differ from the original
plan approved two years ago for a $25-million issue. The City Manager stated a $0.5-
million rate increase was assumed in the original plan. The additional $O.5~million was
needed to cover increased operational costs. The Mayor noted those funds were targeted
already. The City Manager indicated they will not go to the general fund, Commissioner
Johnson noted the rate increase did not reduce the City's bond indebtedness.
Marine Deoartment
Commissioner Barfield questioned if C-View could feature the Sailing Center in a
show to inform City residents regarding its programs. Harbormaster Bill Held agreed that
could be done. Commissioner Thomas found it interesting the Marina operation makes a
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:'~ profit. Commissioner Johnson complimented the Marina staff for excellent customer
service and positive customer reviews. Commissioner Thomas questioned the Marina's
net profit. Commissioner Berfield noted the Marina had almost a $50,000 net profit. The
City Manager said the department had been able to recoup some expenses from tolls on
the Clearwater Pass bridge but noted the collection of tolls would be terminated soon.
Commissioner Thomas said it was important to understand that enterprise funds earn
money for the citizens. He said Pier 60 also is an enterprise fund and has a good cash
flow.
Commissioner Berfield referred to page 234 and questioned if all the City's beach
guards are currently certified. Mr. Held said additional advanced training is being provided
to certify all beach guards above the normal level.
It was noted the Marine Department will oversee the Pier 60 concession stand
though the profits will go to the gel"!eral fund. Mayor Garvey felt there was no problem
allowing school children to paint the fence surrounding the current buildings that are to be
razed. Commissioner Thomas felt the fence should be painted artistically.
General Services Deoartment
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The City Manager indicated all General Services' revenues come from other City
departments. Commissioner Thomas questioned if the level of customer satisfaction
would be addressed in FY 1995/96. Ms. Wilson said historical information was included
but the departments were given the option to change goals if they so chose.
Commissioner Thomas wanted to be certain the department will be held accountable for
customer satisfaction. General Services Director Bill Baird said customer satisfaction will
be tracked.
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Commfssioner Thomas questioned the final result of the survey regarding ','take
home cars" and "two user cars." Mr. Baird said the data did not yield the expected results
and suggested the groups may not have been properly defined. He said new computer
equipment is needed to analyze the results. The City Manager said the data indicated
"take home cars" did not make sense. Mr. Baird indicated the East Police station's two.
year old policy of two officers sharing one car remains in effect. Commissioner Thomas
questioned if the cost of maintenance had decreased. Mr. Baird said the first survey did
not indicate those results but noted the computer system is not generating good
information.
Commissioner Thomas noted the Jolley Trolley expends excessive funds to maintain
the trolleys and questioned if the City should consider maintaining them. He noted the City
currently is paying for a poor level of maintenance. The City Manager said she was
opposed to providing those services. She suggested a need to separate the City and Jolley
Trolley, noting the trolleys require night time service. She noted the performance
standards are included in the contract. Commissioner Thomas said if the City is more
efficient, it makes sense to reevaluate that position. Commissioner Berfield noted repairs
must be handled by a certified person or the warranty will be invalidated and questioned if
a new repair location had been identified. It was felt the PSTA garage was too far away.
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Commissioner Barfield indicated the first vehicles received by Jolley Trolley required a
great deal of maintenance due to their poor condition. In answer to a question, Mr. Baird
said General Services no longer has a night shift. The City Manager indicated the
department's goal to establish internal control procedures would track fleet operations.
Non.Oepartmental
The City Manager called City Commission attention to the City's memberships.
Commissioner Thomas questioned why the City contributes to the St. Petersburg
IClearwater Film Commission. The Mayor noted that helps promote Clearwater. The City
Manager indicated something is filmed in Clearwater every week by those who pay for
parking spaces, off duty security, etc. She said not just the beach is being used.
Commissioner Thomas questioned if Clearwater must be mentioned in films as an
acknowledgment. The City Manager said an acknowledgment is not required for
commercials.
The City Manager said the list includes City-wide memberships only. Commissioner
Johnson did not think $2,100 was high for membership in TBRPC (Tampa Bay Regional
Planning Council). The Mayor noted TBRPC is supported via tax bills and Questioned why
the City is billed twice. The City Manager said she would report what the $2,100 charge
was for.
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Commissioner Berfield Questioned membership in Leadership Pinellas. The City
Manager said that cost was included in individual department budgets. Commissioner
Berfield questioned if information from FIG (Florida Innovation Group) was worthwhile.
The City Manager indicated staff uses their information for benchmarking data, etc.
Commissioner Thomas questioned when the recent request from the Phillies would
be addressed. The City Manager said some of the request has "been authorized for
immediate attention. She said the bulk of the request will be addressed in the following
year.
Commissioner Berfield referred to page 252, and questioned the public relations
brochure. It was indicated that would be researched,
Commissioner Berfield questioned the City's in.kind contribution to Partners in Self
Sufficiency. Ms. Wilson said that included supplies and staff time. Commissioner Barfield
questioned if staff was considering discontinuing that contribution. The Mayor said they
were not.
Citv Commission
The City Manager reported the City Commission usually attends the Florida League
of Cities convention where a great deal of information is disseminated regarding elected
officials. She suggested the City Commission needs to expose themselves to these things.
Mayor Garvey noted the City Manager had indicated upon her return from a trip to Canada
regarding tourism that an elected official should have accompanied her. The City Manager
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indicated many innovations require political support. Commissioner Johnson agreed and
referred to an article that reported on Germantown, TN, explaining how stringent rules and
regulations were required to redevelop their beautiful town.
The Mayor said the Commission needs to consider funding for the Sister City
Program. Clearwater's Sister City, Nagano, is where the 1998 Winter Olympics will be
held. She stated her presence will be expected. She said if the City has Sister Cities,
funding for that program should be increased. Commissioner Thomas said he wished to
question the whole Sister City program. He opposed spending City funds to send someone
to Japan for a social purpose. The Mayor said her visit is beyond social and indicated if
Clearwater is to be a part of the international world, the City must take some responsibility
for that inclusion.
Commissioner Justice recommended focusing on necessities first, then deciding
what the City can afford. He thought it would be good for Commission members to travel
and see what is being done. Commissioner Thomas suggested the Commission travel as a
team to learn something and not be tourists. He felt City Commission members who do
not attend, will not have a feel for what has been learned.
City Manager' s Office
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The City Manager reported one position has been added for the new tourism and
promotion office. She noted the City Manager's budget will increase by 12% because of
the new program and position.
The City Manager reported when the Chamber of Commerce's lease for the
Welcome Center was renewed, the City Commission had directed them to try to work with
the CBTC (Clearwater and Beaches Tourism Council). The City Manager reported a three-
way partnership was formed with the City and those two organizations to operate the
Welcome Center. She said the Chamber and CSTe will each contribute $10,000 to the
center's operation. She said the Chamber had provided a written agreement and CBTC
had provided an oral one. The center wm be called the Clearwater Beach Welcome Center.
She felt the center will be better than ever but indicated the City's expense will increase
because the City had never contributed before. Commissioner Johnson expressed
concern staff salaries exceed the amount of the contributions. The City Manager said that
was the reason the Chamber of Commerce had indicated their desire to operate the center
alone.
Commissioner Berfield questioned where the new tourism and promotion employee
would be stationed. The City Manager indicated the employee would be stationed at City
Hall.
Commissioner Thomas expressed concern the beach Welcome Center attract
volunteers for their staff. He noted many details still need to be addressed. Mayor Garvey
felt the City Commission should not become involved in the details. Commissioner
Thomas said he was pleased the City Manager negotiated an agreement between the two
organizations.
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Commissioner Barfield suggested installing an BOO number for tourism.
Bu~aet Department
The City Manager stated the Budget Department does an outstanding job with 8
staff of three. She reported the staff level is down to two due to a transfer but the empty
position will be filled.
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Commissioner Johnson noted the budget covers areas the City, Commission
discussed previously. '
City Clerk
Commissioner Johnson questioned if funding has been budgeted for advertising
necessary to meet legal requirements. City Clerk Cynthia Goudeau said the budget only
includes funding for advertising required by law.
The Commission adjourned at 5:12 p.m.
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