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04/15/1999 (2) "J .1 . ", , . :; ;;'~- "C\::l . ,; . ::. ., Cj'" , .,.." '/ , . ~ " . " . .~~~:.' ~~ "" ',: ;"i ..} ,J."' "1..... ,.. ~ : :. f'" : 'f ," ~ I ~ . . L' . ' I I n . ",'. , .j , " ,", .~ " .+0;,' 1.' . ". I ~. , . . i.I-' . ," " b.. ," ,," ~.i . e.... . ,,:,. ~ ~ I , . W::.... " , l.1: ,l. : ' .~:.'''~,." . . '" I C i".':. . {~~:;.,<," :" "" " ~~t:: .... \,. ': City Commission "Minutes .j .' 1M- ~ ;~;. . 'iL:',. 'L ,,".., . ..:/. " j;',":1..: ::~A . " . "COMMISSION ~. ., :"'; , ~.. , I :~ . .' ;{,\ ..( c ' :1.',.;.... ., ,I ~. . nate~ (6 J ('fGJ ~ ~.~ . ,",+' . /~; ',' c , . ; : ;. .l " 1, X. ,) , " , , 1. ','; f\{.. ".; ,:. J . .( :. ;:: . 53~ I ~ , ' . . . .' ~.:. '" I.. '. '., . " . '._. ",' " . '." ~ . . . ',' .... . . . :;-;. ...... <:f;," '" ,_, (....) ""<tI(J 0'., " ... > " ~ . , . .' . ': : ~i:.' ,. I. . CITY COMMISSION MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER April 15, 1999 . Present: Brian J. Aungst Ed Hooper J. B. Johnson Robert Clark Ed Hart Mayor/Commissioner Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Also Present: Michael J. Roberto Richard L. Hedrick Bob Keller Pamela K. Akin Keith Ashby . Cynthia E. Goudeau Patricia O. Sullivan City Manager Deputy City Manager Assistant City Manager City Attorney Chief of Staff City Clerk Board Reporter ~ The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The'invocation was offered by Dr. James Hilton of Central Christian Church. The Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily. discussed in that order. jTEM #3 - Service Awards Two service awards were presented to City employees. ITEM #4 - Introductions and Awards Proclamations: Professional Secretaries Week - April 18 - 24, 1 999 Professional Secretaries Day - April 21, 1999 Tampa Bay Race for the Cure Day - April 17, 1999 ITEM #5 - Presentations a) Update on Transforming local Government Conference Tourism Director Jean Sherry reviewed staff progress in preparing for the Transforming local Government Conference and annual meeting of City and County Management of Florida scheduled in Clearwater, May 12 - 15, 1999. 800 delegates will stay at 10 Clearwater hotels and create a $655,000 local economic impact. Staff raised the $1 50,000 budget through 85 sponsors. She complimented committee members from City departments who have worked hard to make the convention a'success. mcc04b99 1 04/15/99 , I \ I I I I 1 ! . '. ~ . . , ..." . . 'I . I" ' ~ t:;> ,:) .('I,,..~... 1"'" . b) Recap Celebrate Clearwater Neighborhoods Day Neighborhood Services Manager Tom Muldano reviewed activities associated with the Celebrate Clearwater Neighborhoods Dayan April 10, 1999, thanking Commission members, the City Manager, and County Commissioner Seel for their attendance. The events helped stimulate neighbor interaction, build community spirit, and establish a communication link with the City. Twenty, of the City's approximately 125 identified neighborhoods, participated. A resident complimented the event and thanked the City Commission for their support. It was stated the initiative was terrific and the day tremendous. Commissioners were grateful for the welcome they received from neighborhoods, and were sorry they could not have visited all that participated. ITEM #6 - Aoproval of Minutes Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 1, 1999, as recorded and submitted in written summation by the City Clerk to each Commissioner. The motion was duly seconded and, carried unanimously. ITEM #7 - Citizens to be heard re items not on the Aoenda Jav Keves, president of the Clearwater Beach Association, requested unsightly newspaper vending boxes be replaced by modern devices. He recommended future beach redevelopment not target the Marina. The City Manager said the City Attorney is addressing the newspaper vendor issue with private property owners. The City is trying to centralize devices on public property. Roy Cadwell praised the US Constitution, suggested his book be purchased for Nagano visitors, and complained about Solid Waste charges when he is out of town. Ernest Broderick questioned the legality of the City's bid process related to a recent repair contract to service City radios. Mercedes WalkerwDickinson expressed concern about South Ward School's future. Tom Sehlhorst thanked the City for planting attractive palms on N. Myrtle Avenue.', William Jonson requested a resolution be passed to oppose pending State legislation related to billboards. Anne Garris recommended redeveloping deteriorating sections of Clearwater beach before updating the Marina. Tom Nusara requested the Commission familiarize themselves with Florida's Constitution and review the privacy clause. mcc04b99 2 04/1 5/99 " ~ CraiQ Burden invited resident participation In the downtown Spring clean-up beginning at 8 a.m. at Station Square Park on April 17, 1999. Debra Sorinoer introduced Boy Scout Troop 313 members in attendance, who are working on a merit badge. She distributed Boy Scout certificates to Commission members. . PUBLIC HEARINGS ITEM #8 - Public Hearina & First Readinq Ord. #6399-99 - Vacating r-o-w of N. Washington Ave.t lying north of Marshall St. & south of Beckett St'J subject to retaining east 20' as a drainage & utility easement (City, V99-04HPW) i I I i ! 1 ! i I I I The City proposes to use N. Washington Avenue right-of-way and adjacent property to construct restroom facilities and other amenities for Cherry Harris Park. The right-ot- way, which is paved and used by vehicular traffic, contains City infrastructure. The minimal vehicular traffic can be redirected. Staff recommends retaining a drainage and utility easement. GTE requests retaining the utility easement. Commissioner Hooper moved to approve the applicant's request to vacate the right- ofwway of N. Washington Avenue lying north of Marshall Street and south of Beckett Street, subject to retaining the east 20 feet as a Drainage and Utility Easement. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. "_/ The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6399w99 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Clark moved to pass Ordinance #6399-99 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Hart and Aungst. "Nays": None. ITEM #9 - Public Hearina & First ReadinQ Ord. #6401-99 - Vacating south 2' of 5' Utility . Easement lying along north side of lot 6, Sunset Ridge, less easterly 7.5' (Waitt, V99- 05HPW) , The house at 2039 Plateau Road, built before current review procedures were initiated, encroaches Into the easement. The City now requires submittal of a recent survey before permits are approved. Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the applicants' request to vacate the south 2 feet of the 5-foot utility Easement lying along the north side of lot 6, Sunset Ridge, less the easterly 7.5 feet. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6401-99 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hart moved to pass Ordinance #6401-99 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: ~ mcc04b99 3 04/15/99 " , ~ u ~' , fi, '(I,. ," .;:. ,', ~,~:~ , p';" ,i(~, <:ffi\ ~.~. '.} '~\:~":~4 ~;' ~~fl> " , r ,~ "Ayestl: Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Hart and, Aungst. "Nays": None. ITEM #10 . (Cont'd from 04/01/99) Variance(s) to Sian ReQulations for proposed Walgreen's Drug Store to be located at 814 Cleveland St., Sarah McMullens Sub., part of Blk 4 (lee A. Arnold, 5V99-03HPLD) The Sign Ordinance does not allow freestanding signs in downtown zoning districts where this proposed development is located. This request was filed under the former land Development Code. Staff recommends denial based on the former code's Standards of Approval. In his April 6, 1999, memorandum, Planning Director Ralph Stone reported the applicant's representatives have developed alternatives for a freestanding sign more compatible with an urban environment. The proposed "monument," or ground.mounted sign, is similar to existing downtown signs, incorporates the store's architectural elements, and is attractively landscaped. Mr. Stone reviewed the proposed sign. In spite of the changes, staff cannot recommend approval, as the former code's criteria are inflexible. In response to a question, he said the building has been moved closer to Cleveland Street, although not as far forward as staff would prefer. In response to a question, he said staff may have recommended this latest ,proposal under the new Community Development Code based on enhancements such as proposed accessory landscaping and, the sign's pedestrian scale. Tim Johnson, representative, reviewed previous uses of the property, noting the site is under utilized. A major effort to emulate the Post Office's architecture in the store's design, he said, cost an additional $100,000. The store will employ 50 people, including North Greenwood residents, and increase ad valorem and sales taxes. Walgreen's has indicated the building will not be constructed unless the sign is approved. Mr. Johnson reviewed how the sign meets standards for approval. Three citizens spoke in support of the proposed development. In response to a citizen's question, Mr. Stone said as proposed, the sign will have a changeable message board. The development has not applied for a variance for attached signage. Commissioner Johnson moved to deny the staff's recommendation and approve a freestanding sign for a proposed Walgreen's Drug Store to be located at 814 Cleveland Street and zoned UC-C2 IUrban Center District), for meeting Sec. 45.24 Standards for Approval, items (1 H4). The motion was dUly seconded. In response to a question, Mr. Stone said the CRT ICommunity Response Team} will move forward with sign amortization inspections in the downtown area. It was stated it is important the development honor its commitment to hire North Greenwood residents. Staff was encouraged to enforce landscape conditions. Mr. Stone reviewed the size of the proposed sign. mcc04b99 04/1 5199 4 . .' . ,<~,,~. i .'. . .: . .'. . . . ' . , . , ~,i~~)/ "..:' ,',' l.' ~ " . I .' "'" l'.J " ,>: " ' , " ~, ' , ' () , , .' "~ ':i"t. . . . . " . ".i. Commissioner Johnson moved to amend his motion to approve a freestanding sign 8 feet high, 12 feet wide, with a sign face not to exceed 50 square-feet for a proposed Walgreen's Drug Store to be located at 814 Cleveland Street and zoned UC-C2 lUrban Center District), for meeting Sec. 45.24 Standards for Approval, items (1 )-(4). The seconder agreed. Upon the vote being taken, the amended motion carried unanimously. ITEM #11 - lCont'd from 02118/99) Variance(s) to Sian Reaulations for property lEckerd Drug Store) located at 1213 Cleveland St., Hibiscus Gardens, Blk E, lots 1-13 and Padgett's Estates Sub., lots 24 & 33, lots 23 & 34 less street, and part of lots 25 & 32 (Cleveland Plaza, ltd., SV99-02)(PlD) In, his April 12, 1999 letter, representative Todd Pressman withdrew this item. Public Hearina - Second Readina Ordinances ITEM #12 - Ord. #6378-99 -' Authorizing not to exceed $30 million of Stormwater Revenue Bonds The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6378-99 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Johnson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6378-99 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Hart and Aungst. "Nays": None. ITEM #13 - Ord. #6381-99 - Relating to Building Permit Regulations; amending Ch, 4'1 by creating new Sec~ 47.084 to require demolition fencing The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6381-99 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hooper moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #5381-99 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Hart and Aungst. "Nays": None. ITEM #14 - Ord. #6386-99 - Relating to Ordinance violations; amending Sec. 1.12 to adopt Pinellas County Administrative Order 98-07, Pinellas County Uniform Fine Schedule The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6386-99 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Clark moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6386-99 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: mcc04b99 5 04/15/99 ~' ~\ . I' .i<) :., ~ "Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Hart and Aungst. tlNaysll: None. CITY MANAGER REPORTS CONSENT AGENDA (Items #15-23) - approved as submitted. ITEM #15 - Approval of Purchases oer 03/26/99 memorandum: Don Reid Ford, two 1999 Ford F-350 trucks with platform body (replacements) to be used . , by Public Works, $46,896; funding to be provided under City's.Master lease-Purchase Agreement (GSS) Caruso Chrysler Plymouth Jeep, one 1999 Jeep Cherokee (replacement) to be used by Public Works, $18~ 799; funding to be provided under City's Master lease-Purchase Agreement (GSS) Brad Ragan Inc., 3rd & Final Extension, tire installation & repair for all department operating City owned vehicles during 04/16/99-12/31/00, estimated $200,000 (GSS) Neff Machinery, one John Deere 200lC excavator (approved additional equipment) with . attachments to be used by Public Works, $193,750; funding to be provided under City's Master lease-Purchase Agreement (GSS) U.S. Office Products, extension, miscellaneous office supplies (other than paper), 06/25/99~06/24/01 ~ estimated $300,000 (FN) World Data Products Inc., a production HP 9000 computer system for the Utility Billing system used in the MSB by Gas System, $90,450 (GAS) West Coast Plumbing and Gas Incorporated, extension, installation of house piping & gas related equipment throughout gas system service areas, 04/16/99-04/30100, estimated $90,000 (GASt ITEM # 16 - Authorize settlement of entire Workers' Compensation Claim of Will Moore for $45,000 IFN) ITEM #17 - C.O.#1 to Madison Avenue/Gould Street Roadwav Improvement to Suncoast Development of Pinellas County, Inc., increasing contract amount by $50,198.86 for new total of $316,070.29; and approve time extension of 35 days (PWI ITEM #18 - Coooerative Aareement with SWFWMD to provide funding of project costs of up to $1,669,275 for expansion of reclaimed water systems to serve South Clearwater Beach area and construction of pumping & storage facilities at NE A WT Facility (PW) mcc04b99 6 04/15/99 . . I ,~.. I', ... ...... .' " ,4' .. : . .;' J.- 1: ~.~ ~~-': .,.. "~:.., . I, . .; ,. , " ""'" .,.J , '.' ,\,.,' . . ' ITEM # 19 - Work Order with McKim & Creed for South Clearwater Beach Reclaimed Water . System design, construction engineering & inspection services, in amount up to $351,500 (PW) ITEM #20 - Consent Order with FOEP to settle matters related to permit compliance (PW) ITEM #21 - Sidewalk & Utility Easement - 410 S. Madison Ave., N 5' lots 14 & 15, Revised Map of R. H. Padgett's Sub. of original lots 2 & 5 IFriendship Missionary Baptist Church)(CA) ITEM #22 - Sidewalk & Utilitv Easement - corner of Gulf to Bay & Duncan, portion of parcel in Sec. 14-29-15 (Constance D. Fadrow)(CA) ITEM #23 - Drainaae & Utilitv Easement - Bayshore Townhouses Sub., Tracts A, 8 & E, (The Ryland Group, Inc.}(CA) Commissioner Clark moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The Commission recessed from 7:57 to 8:10 p.m. OTHER ITEMS ON CITY MANAGER REPORT o ITEM #24 - Y2K Status ,~ J\:;'.; h. ~' . General Services Administrator Bill Horne reviewed City efforts to make all City computers compliant to handle the Y2K programming flaw, a community~wide bug which could cause some time sensitive computers to malfunction on January 1, 2000. Mr. Horne anticipated all systems will achieve compliance by October 1999, with the possible exception of the Tidemark permitting service, which has performed below expectations. He estimated remediation costs have been $1.9-million to date. In response to a question, Mr. Horne said staff is developing contingency plans in case of failures. His fall update to the City Commission will report on the computer systems' final status and the total cost of compliance. He said citizens are at minimal risk for any disruptions. It was suggested the City may want to pursue a substitute for the Tidemark System. Copies of the white paper were requested. In response to a question, Mr. Horne said businesses can access Y2K compliance Information via the Internet. The City's contingency plans are designed to address any unforeseen compliance problems. In response to a question regarding Mr. Broderick's comments under "Citizens to be Heard," regarding the repair contract for the City's radio system, Mr. Horne said staff has met with Mr. Broderick several times. Mr. Broderick could not meet the City's required specifications as he is a single person operation. mcc04b99 7 . 04/15/99 ..~. . " , . .... ~ '. :"i~ ~ , ....1 ,J () ...... ;~ ITEM #25 - Uodate reaardinCl Beach Entrvwav IRoundabout) Proiect (eM) Public Works Administrator Rich Baier reported progress on the Beach Entryway. In response to a question, he said crews are not working double shifts currently due to safety concerns related to nighttime utility work and distractions to vehicular traffic. Should the project fall behind schedule, double shifts will be instituted. It was noted 15,000 extra vehicles visited Clearwater beach daily during Spring Break. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the oval-shaped roundabout Is 140 feet by 180 feet. ITEM #26 - First Readina Ord. #6352-99 - Authorizing Infrastructure Sales Tax Revenue Bonds (FN) The Penny for Pinellas project list identifies projects to be funded through issuance of Infrastructure Sales Tax Revenue Bonds. This ordinance authorizes issuance of one or more series' of bonds in amounts and for projects to be determined by the Commission. No bonds can be issued without Commission approval of subsequent sales resolutions. In 1999, the City will issue bonds to finance the J'Beach Entryway" project, which incorporates significant motorist and pedestrian safety upgrades. On January 21, 1998, the Commission authorized expenditure of City funds on this project, to be reimbursed from bond proceeds. At second reading of this ordinance, staff will bring forward a resolution for Commission adoption providing for the sale of bonds to fund the "Beach Entryway" project. It is anticipated the City will validate this issue through the courts. Once validated, a final resolution will be brought forward, authorizing the sale of the bonds. Commissioner Hooper moved to authorize issuance of Infrastructure Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6352-99 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Clark moved to pass Ordinance #6352-99 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Hart and Aungst. "Nays": None. ITEM #27 - Res. #99-25 - Authorizing execution of Pinellas County Interlocal Mutual Aid Assistance for Police Services Agreement to allow participating law enforcement agencies to provide cooperation & assistance of a routine law enforcement nature across jurisdictional lines; Res. #99-26 - Authorizing Mutual Aid Agreement with Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, allowing each agency to render assistance to the other during civil disturbances & other emergencies (POI Chapter 23, Florida Statutes authorizes mutual aid agreements among law enforcement agencies to render voluntary assistance to each other across jurisdictional mcc04b99 8 04/1 5199 .' . .. ..,..., '. It' ... ,:.~. . ~" ....",.. 1" ,. ,... ;" " .0'; ., , ", :;, ,.~ (,~, J o o ! '. lines, of routine law enforcement, and during civil disturbances and other emergencies. Increases in criminal activity across jurisdictional lines and disasters or emergencies warrant a multi-jurisdictional response. City jurisdiction abuts Pinellas County Sheriff in many areas. Interaction between City police officers and Sheriff deputies is required. Both Mutual Aid Agreements renew prior agreements and will terminate on January 1 r 2005. In response'to a question, Deputy Police Chief Bill Baird said the law enforcement agencies pay their own staff's overtime and other personnel related expenses. Commissioner Johnson moved to authorize the "Pinel/as County Interlocal Mutual Aid Assistance for Police Services, II permitting participating Pinellas County law enforcement agencies to provide cooperation and assistance of a routine law enforcement nature across jurisdictional lines and authorize a Mutual Aid Agreement between the Police Depart:nent and Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, allowing each agency to render assistance to the other during civil disturbances and other emergencies and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. " The City Attorney presented Resolution #99-25 and read it by title only. Com'missioner Hooper moved to pass and adopt Resolution #99-25 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Hart and Aungst. "Nays": None. The City Attorney presented Resolution #99-26 and read it by title only. Commissioner Clark moved to pass and adopt Resolution #99-26 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayesu: Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Hart and Aungst. "Nays": None. ITEM #28 - Contract to study feasibilitv of initiatina a non-ad-valorem assessment proaram to fund fire protection services within Clearwater Fire District to Government Services Group, Inc., $45,650 (FD) Some City property owners do not contribute to Fire Department services, which are funded by ad valorem taxes. Staff recommends a feasibility study to determine if a non-ad valorem fire assessment should be applied to all categories of properties which benefit from the availability and provision of fire protection services. The study will identify the cost of assessable fire protection services and the feasibility and legality of allocating these expenses to all properties. The study will consider department short- and long-term needs, including refurbishment, expansion, or station relocation. mcc04b99 9 04/1 5/99 ~)~ . . ,~ ::- . (;rf~ ....:o-\;~ " .--J Should the Commission approve a non-ad valorem assessment, Government Services Group's assistance with public hearings, County Tax Collector coordination, and testing the collection system will cost an additional $ 50,820. Collecting the assessment in FY (fiscal year) 1999/00 is estimated to cost $99,000. FuturE> annual collection costs, estimated at $1 7,500, can be incorporated into the assessment to make the program self- sustaining. Approximately 36 Florida communities have implemented fire assessment programs successfully. Programs can fully fund or supplement ad valorem revenues for the prOVision of fire protection services. Fire Chief Rowland Herald said additional funding of almost $ 27. 5-million during the next 9 years will meet the fire protection services needs within Clearwater's Fire District. He estimated costs: 1) $18.7 -million - construct 2 new fire stations & renovate 6 others; 2) $5.6-million - new equipment; 3) $488,000 - improved technology; and 4} $2.7-million - 51 new fire and medical personnel. He said costs will decrease once equipment is purchased and fire stations are built and upgraded. Staff has not located grants to cover this need although the Federal legislature is considering new funding for fire services. Bond proceeds cannot be used to meet staffing needs. In response to a question, the Fire Chief said the department had not expanded in 15 years while the community has grown significantly. The department's reliance on neighboring communities to respond to emergencies in the City continues to increase. In response to a question, Bob Sheets, of Government Services Group, reviewed the types of information a feasibility study could provide by June 1999, in time for consideration of the FY (fiscal year) 1 999/00 budget. He said the assessment can be collected on the tax bill or separately. He said the funding equity issue is important to consider. In response to a question, the Fire Chief said staff would be increased as equipment is purchased and new stations are constructed. Concern was expressed $640,000 of Penny for Pinellas funds listed for the Fire Department had been reallocated to other projects. It was suggested almost $4~million budgeted for a Pier 60 park expansion could be reallocated toward the construction of new fire stations. Concern was expressed the proposed fee is a tax that will burden City taxpayers. In response to a question, the Fire Chief said the City's fire rating is "3" on a scale of 1 to 10. He felt proposed upgrades would raise the rating to "2," the same as St. Petersburg. It was indicated previous reactionary efforts to upgrade the Fire Department had been costly. It was suggested the department meet its needs systematically instead of responding to crisis. The City Manager said the department's needs cannot be met by a one-time capital budget outlay. He recommended the City be proactive in meeting fire protection needs. It was noted Morton Plant Hospital, which does not pay ad-valorem taxes, has required 19 responses this year. Due to the size of the building, the City is obligated to respond with a large contingency of personnel and equipment. It was felt it would be prudent to reduce ad-valorem taxes by the amount of the fee. It was felt a fire rating of "3" is adequate. The funding for fire protection of enclaves was reviewed. It was felt fairness is an issue. mcc04b99 10 04/15/99 ;~ ("') ....N~ '....) Two citizens spoke in support of the proposed study and one spoke in opposition. It was felt the City should tighten its belt and reprioritize projects. Opposition to a double tax was expressed. It was noted those who currently do not pay for fire protection services cannot be singled out for a fee. In response to a question, the Fire Chief indicated fire and casualty insurance premiums could be lowered if the Fire Department's rating is improved to a "2". Commissioner Hart moved to award a contract to study the feasibility of initiating a non-ad-valorem assessment program to fund fire protection services within the Clearwater Fire District to Government Services Group, Inc., Tallahassee, Florida, in the amount of $45,650, in accordance with Section 2.564 (I) (D), Code of Ordinances (another government entity), and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded. Commissioners Hooper and Hart and Mayor Aungst voted "Aye", Commissioners Johnson and Clark voted "Nay." Motion carried. ITEM #29 - Provide direction re St. Petersburo Junior Colleqe offer for City to lease all of the SPJC property located north of Drew Street and west of Old Coachman Road in Clearwater (PR) The City Manager indicated the college's president had requested this item be pulled until further negotiations can be pursued. Consensus was to pull Item #29. ITEM #30 - Approve City's particioation with development of PSTA Intermodal Transit Centre, and authorize Mayor to send letter of commitment for City to fund portion of construction needed to enable structure to accommodate future addition of public parking, for a sum approximated by PSTA to be no more than $250,000 (PWI In May 1997, the City, PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) and Pinellas County began discussing an Intermodal Transit Centre on the site of PST A's downtown terminal 'and adjacent County-owned parking lot. level 1 will house an expanded transit terminal and retail and office space. PST A staff will park on the mezzanine level, with level 2 parking reserved for County employees. The City can construct and operate additional levels for public parking. Based on parking needs, constructing approximately 300 parking spaces on 3 levels on top of the Centre would benefit Clearwater. It is estimated spaces would cost $10,000 each, for a maximum project cost of $3.5- to $3.9-milliion. PSTA has requested a commitment from the City that the City will fund that portion of the construction needed to "stiffen" the structure to allow the addition of the parking levels at a later date. The City Manager reported PST A is now requesting Clearwater commit to the entire cost of up to $3.9-mHlion by May 17, 1999. PSTA had concerns future construction to mcc04b99 11 04/1 5199 \~~I~ .:. ,. . I . . ' . ...~' , '" .,1-: ) " -' .>1,.' () o . .' 'J add parking levels will disrupt bus operations. He stated no funding source for this project has been identified and recommended denial of this item. ' Commissioner Johnson moved to deny City participation with the development of the PST A Intermodal Transit Centre. The motion was duly seconded. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the Garden Avenue Garage would be difficult to expand. He said parking needs north of Cleveland Street are most critical. In response to a question, Assistant City Manager Bob Keller said due to tax law changes, it costs too much for private enterprise to meet parking needs in smaller cities. The City Manager said retail components add value to parking structures. Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously. ITEM #31 - Elect commission member as Vice-Mayor (eLK) , Commissioner Clark moved to reelect Commissioner Hooper as Vice~Mayor. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #32 - Other Pendina Matters - None. CITY A TIORNEY REPORTS ITEM #33 - City Attornev Items The City Attorney requested an attorney/client session regarding Skowronek versus the City be scheduled for April 19, 1999, at 9:00 a.m. at Martin luther King Center. Consensus was to so schedule. ITEM #34 - City ManaQer Verbal Reports - None. ITEM #35 - Other Commission Action Commissioner Clark requested the City Attorney bring forward an ordinance to require enclosure of swimming pools. Commissioner Hooper recounted complaints related to the smoke testing of sew~r lines. Staff will replace the poor quality door hangars, which had failed to adequately warn some residents. Commissioner Hooper thanked the Boy Scouts for the certificate presented tonight. Commissioner Johnson s'ald the City's legislative package is being well treated in Tallahassee. Commissioner Johnson referred to a complaint regarding annoyance at ice-cream trucks, which replay the same tune. mcc04b99 12 04/15/99 \ I t \ I . 'f . ~: '. ". ~. . . . ~~1!;/::",~,,;t:;i:"'t';"'i '; ',""i' : .', " t t , . '';,' . ::./ I', :Jt"t I . +. ';. ~:. ../: ;. "'''-) :'" >../ ;' . ., '......,.. :' I : :. ~. .' .~. > , . . < i l-'~ \. :1 Z;:'.I. t:.:cc' 1,'.. ~ of i . " '. . , . c"'.1 ,~'.'Q .,' c. Commissioner Hart recommended foliage on the median adjacent to Pier 60 Park be removed to improve safety. Commissioner Hart complimented legislative work by Senator latvala and the City's lobbyist. He recommended the City continue establishing relationships in Tallahassee. Commissioner Hart said the Florida League of Cities supports many City issues and considers this year's legislature a success. Mayor'Aunast said Congressman Bilirakls had sent his regards to the City from Was,hington D.C. . , . Mayor Aunost reviewed Fun 'N Sun activities beginning at Coachman Park on Sunday. Mavor Aunost said Nagano's mayor will visit the City on April 26, 1999. Mayor Aunost complimented activities related to last Saturday's Celebrate Clearwater Neighborhoods Day. . ITEM '#36 - Adiournment The meeting adjourned at 10: 14 p.m. , " ! ATTEST: , , 1 1 1 i mcc04b99 13 04/1 5/99 . :....,~, ~~. .t..' ....: . . :