07/13/1998 (2)
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WORKSESSION
.' qity, Commission Worksession Minutes
'.Date
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CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 13, 1998
Present:
Ed Hooper
J. B. Johnson
Robert Clark
Karen Seel
Vice.Mayor/Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
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Absent:
Rita Garvey
Mayor/Commissioner
Also Present:
Michael J. Roberto
Richard L. Hedrick
Bob Keller
Pamela K. Akin
Cynthia E. Goudeau
Gwen Legters
City Manager
Deputy City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
Board Reporter
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The me~tin9 was called to order at 1 :00 p.m. at City Hall.
Three service awards were presented to City employees. Kenneth Szuba, Public
Works Administration, was presented the July 1998 Employee of the Month award.
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The Commission recessed from 1 :09 to 1 :21 p.m. to meet as the Pension Trustees
and the Community Redevelopment Agency.
PRESENTATIONS
Ernst & Youn9 LLP - auditors
John De Santo, Ernst & Young Audit Manager, read the audit opinion into the
record, stating the City received a "clean" or "unqualified" rating, the highest that can be
given. He said audit standards require the auditor to ensure the Commission receives
additional information regarding audit scope and results to assist the Commission in
overseeing management's financial reporting and disclosure process. Mr. De Santo
reviewed required communications from the firm's May 18 Report to the City Commission.
He thanked the Finance Department for assistance provided.
City Manager Michael Roberto and Finance Director Margie Simmons responded to
questions regarding cost containment measures, a formal equipment plan for 2000, and
arbitrage rebate calculations.
PUR PURCHASING
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Wheeled Coach Industries. Inc.. one 1999 Ford F.450 TVDB 1 Ambulance, to be used
throughout City by Fire Dept. EMS, $96/310; funding to be provided under City's Master
Lease.Purchase Agreement (FD)
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Fire Department Administrative Support Manager Bob Lockwood responded to a
question, stating one ambulance is being purchased under this item, and a second
ambulance is proposed under a Fire Department item, because the department has asked
for more money in the Capital Improvement Program (eIP) budget effective
October 1, 1998.
Dell Computer. Inc.. misc. comouter hardware, to be used by city departments upgrading
through Enterprise Network Phase II project, $130,306.36; funding to be provided under
City's Master Lease~Purchase Agreement (lMI
George Denty, Information Management Systems and Technical Services, listed for
which departments the proposed 42 pentium computers are being purchased. Capabilities
of the computers were reviewed.
Waste Collection Services. increase fundina from $24.000 to $34.000. roll off removal
servIce during remaining portion of contract ending 9/30/98; increase necessary due to
greater than normal requirements caused by EI Nino storm season (PW)
Water Pollution Control Superintendent Joe Reckenwald briefly explained the roll-
off removal process, stating each plant has its own roll-off container.
Golden Mark Maintenance. custodial service for MSB. Marina & Saillnq Center, 8/1/98-
7/31/99, est. $65,000 (GS)
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"-.-/ National Building Maintenance. custodial service for Cltv Hall. Gas Ooeratlons Comolex{
Gas Sales Office. Graphics BuHdlnQ & Marshall Street WPC Building, 8/1198-7/31/99, est.
$40,000 (GS)
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Purchasing Manager George McKibben responded to questions, stating the reason
for more than one custodial service maintenance contract is because better rates can be
obtained by bidding in groups by building location. Building and Maintenance Supervisor
Jim Wood said the recommended bidder offers better rates and service than the current
service.
BU BUDGET
Adopt tentative millage rate of 5.1158 mills for Fiscal Year 1998-99 and set public
hearings on the budget for 9/3/98 & 9/17/98 to be held no earlier than 6:00 p.m.
In accordance with the TRIM Bill process, it is necessary for the City Commission
to adopt a tentative millage rate prior to finalizing and adopting the Budget. The tentative
millage rate will be included in the TRIM Bill notices sent to taxpayers in early August and
cannot be increased without special mailing. The City Manager's recommended millage
rate of 5.1158 mils is the same millage rate adopted for the current year. The rolled back
rate, according to State definition, is the millage rate which will provide the same ad
valorem tax revenue levied the prior year. If the recommended rate of 5.1158 mils is
adopted, the City's ordinance adopting the millage rate will reflect a 3.13% increase over
the rolled back rate of 4.9607 mils. If an individual's property value has not increased, no
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increase In Clearwater's share of property tax would result. This will be the eighth
consecutive year the millage rate remains at.6.1158 mils. The last millage rate increase
was nine years ago in FY 1 990/91 .'
Budget Director Tina Wilson stated in response to questions, the proposed 3.13%
increase over the rolled back rate will amount to more than $800,000 in additional
property tax revenue, for a total of more than $21 million ad valorem revenue. The
Pinellas County Property Appraiser has indicated home values may increase about 3 %,
which would increase the tax bill.
FD FIRE
Purchase two transDort-caDable Emergency Medical Service rescue vehicles from Wheeled
Coach Industries. $303.990; authorize lease-purchase through City's lease-purchase
agreement
Two non-transport capable medical rescue units have exceed 5-year life expectancy
and need replacement. The new vechicles will provide the eXisting paramedic services
and have transport capability to: 1) allow movement of patients in time-critical events,
and 2) permit carrying of gear for emergency water rescue efforts.
Deputy Fire Chief Brian Baldwin responded to questions, stating old vehicles will be
sent to surplus because they are beyond useful life. This is the lowest bid that met
speCifications. Bob Lockwood stated the department is seeking approval of this item prior
to approval of the proposed FY 1998/99 budget due to the 18-month lead time for
ordering this type vehicle. Receipt of $2.6 million from the County for the EMS system is
anticipated. He said non-essential items deleted from the original bid were optional
features included by the manufacturer.
Interlocal Agreement for Fire Deot. oarticioation in ioint venture to study the feasiblUty of
providing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transportation services throughout Pinellas
County, at a cost between $16,768 and $24,855 (Consent)
The City of Largo, in conjunction with the City of St. Petersburg, City of
Clearwater, and Pinellas County, issued an RFP to fund a feasibliity study to determine if
the Fire/Rescue Departments in Pinellas County can provide a single-response EMS system
with Advanced. Life Support (ALS) services that is as effective and competitive as the
current dual-response EMS system with ALS transport services. The consultant will
develop cost analyses and operational models for each of the following transport service
options: 1) Fire/Rescue Departments providing fully-integrated emergency and non-
emergency transport services, including critical care transport (CCT) service; 2) Fire/
Rescue Departments providing fully-integrated emergency and non-emergency transport
services and a separate provider performing CCT; and 3) 1) Fire/Rescue Departments
providing only emergency transport services and a separate provider performing non-
emergency and CCT service. The study is to be conducted In four phases, with the
County participating only in Phase 1. The four phases are: 1) Feasibility; 2) Identify
standard performance benchmarks for EMS transport services; 3) Develop an
implementation plan to transition from the current dual-response system to a single-
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response system; and 4) Prepare a response for the Fire/Rescue Departments to submit to
Pinellas Counthy for EMS transport services. Three of the six RFP respondents, proposing
study costs ranging from $209,176 to $295,320 for all four phases, have been selected
to make presentations on July 13, 1998. Approval is being sought only for the first
phase, the feasibility study, at a cost of between $16,768 and $24,856, depending on
the consulting firm selected. Further efforts to proceed will depend on results of the
feasibility study and receipt of additional approval. Completion of all phases will permit a
joint response to a future County RFP to provide transport services in competition with
other interested transport providers.
In response to questions, Brian Baldwin said after the feasibility study, each City
would need to evaluate whether to continue with the remaining phases. The cost to
Clearwater could be another $136,000. There may be a way to recoup that funding.
Staff would come back to the City Commission before proceeding with Phase 2. It is
possible the decision would be made not to pursue the remaining phases. It is not the
County's decision whether to proceed with the single-response system; each city would
be submitting an RFP to the County. Bob Lockwood reiterated this issue will come back if
the study says the program would be beneficial to Clearwater. He noted it is possible to
go through all four phases and not be awarded a contract. The City Manager said it was
determined at the consortium meeting to go with these three cities because they have the
biggest impact. In response to a question whether the County would put out a bid for
first responder at the end of this contract Mr. Lockwood responded nine years remain on
the ten year contract.
HU HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Aoorove Citv of Clearwater's Fiscal Year 1998-99 Consolidated Plan
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development requires all entitlement
communities to prepare an annual statement identifying sources and uses of federal
funding for housing, community and economic development, and to hold a public hearing
on proposed uses of funds under the Consolidated Plan. Funding recommendations result
from Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board and Technical Review
Committee evaluations. These evaluations are part of the Citizen Participation Plan
approved by the City Commission in March, 1995. Clearwater's Consolidated Plan
provides funding for public services, public facilities, housing rehabilitation, home
ownership, rental housing development, fair housing, and economic development. Funding
for these activities comes from the Community Development Block Grant, HOME, and the
State Housing Incentive Partnership program. Consolidated Plan goals are to develop
viable neighborhoods, provide decent, safe, and affordable housing, and to expand
economic opportunities. Thirteen non-profit public agencies help achieve these goals.
Clearwater Housing and Urban Development Director Alan Ferri said
recommendation is to fund 18 of the 20 subgrantee applications received. Funding is
$100,000 less than last year. Highlighting the Section 108 loan process, he said the plan
does not obligate the City to apply for 108 housing, but notifies the Federal government
the City intends to request financing to guarantee loans for projects increasing daycare
facilities and creating additional low income housing. He reported the City currently is
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500 slots short for needed day care; this will Increase to over 800 as the welfare to work
initiative progresses. The proposed funding recommendations will help address this need.
In response to questions, Mr. Ferri said Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services
requested and Housing and Urban Development requested less money this year than last
year. He explained the COSG (Community Development Block Grant) entitlement process.
The Homeless Emergency Project (HEP) was reclassified but the bottom line was not
affected. The spread sheet will be corrected by Thursday. In response to a question, the
City Manager said an issue regarding cleaning a lot obtained by the City has not been
resolved.
HR HUMAN RESOURCES
Approve appropriation of approx. $996.820 from City's premium stabilization fund for
buvcuts of union sick & vacation leave as agreed in negotiated contracts (Consentl
Recent union contract negotiations call for payout to employees of accrued
vacation and sick leave over specified caps. Approximate costs for the buyouts, as of the
last full payroll for June 1998: CWA $82,790 vacation $384,570 sick leave; FOP 10
$19,950 vacation $102,060 sick leave; FOP Supervisors $31,270 vacation $167,870
sick leave; and IAFF $208,310 sick leave only. Totals are $134,010 vacation and
$ 862,810 sick leave. Timing of buyout payments varies among contracts, but all
payments must be made before October 1999. The City's premium stabilization fund is
the recommended funding source for the buyouts.
In response to questions, Finance Director Margie Simmons said the City only pays
50% of accrued sick leave. Monies exist in the premium stabilization fund because it is
difficult to forecast what premiums will be, estimates are set high and excess funds
allowed to accumulate. Staff will investigate whether any excess premiums exist from
Prucare and whether insurance premiums are expected to increase in 1999.
First ReadinQ Ord. #6308~98 - Amending Citv's monev purchase pension plan to provide a
new emolovee contribution categorv for the Chief of Police
The City of Clearwater currently contributes 6% of the Police Chief's salary to the
Money Purchase Pension Plan, and 6% of his salary to the 457 Deferred Compensation
Plan. Staff recommends amending the current ordinance to consolidate payments into one
12% contribution into the Money Purchase Pension Plan. The Chief of Police agrees with
the recommendation. To facilitate the change, the City must adopt the First Amendment
of Section 5.1 of the Plan to require a contribution on behalf of the Chief of Police in the
amount of 12% compensation. This revision establishes a new employee contribution
category for the Chief of Police. The recommended effective date of the ~ction is August
1,1998.
In response to a question, Margie Simmons stated the Polica Chief will be able to
contribute to the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan with his own funds. City Attorney
Pam Akin listed who may participate in the plan.
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PD POLICE
Aporove acceotance of 4-month 9rant for Fiscal Year 1997-98. for Clearwater Pollee
GeoaraDhlc Information System (GIS), from the FDCA/Drug Control and System
Improvement Formula Grant Program, $13,471 (Consent)
The City of Clearwater was awarded a $13,471 Anti-Drug Abuse grant June 2,
1998. The Police Department wishes to use the grant to enhance its second year GIS
project with purchase of equipment and upgrades: 1} higher speed telephone lines,
modems, and frame relay upgrades for six police substations, 2) new tape drive/backup
unit to provide 24-hour GIS coverage by enabling full system backup without personnel
and without having to go offline; 3) a designated personal computer for police officer GIS
access; and 4) three printers to produce larger format printouts for GIS maps.
Police Chief Sid Klein responded to questions, stating the amount received from the
former GIS was not reduced. Staff will schedule a presentation regarding GIS capabilities.
The City Manager said it is necessary to upgrade telephone lines because both buildings in
the Municipal Services Complex are at capacity. The upgrade will provide data five times
faster than the current lines.
PR PARKS AND RECREATION
Third Amendment to Aoreement with Clearwater Shuffleboard Club. authorizinq City to
make an interest free loan of $1 5 .000 to the Club to be used to enclose an additional 13
shuffleboard courts, at the Shuffleboard Complex at 1020 Calumet Street (Consent)
The Clearwater Shuffleboard Club has requested a $15,000 interest-free loan to
enclose 13 shuffleboard courts, for a total of 26 covered courts. Agreements approved in
1987, 1989, and 1992 relate to canopy, roof and siding improvements, and specific
contributions. The Club has made timely payments on past loans and currently owes
$6,000. The requested $15,000 loan will extend these payments to September 1, 2005.
The club has contributed personally and financially to make the shuffleboard complex one
of the best in the United States, and has hosted many prestigious national and
international tournaments.
Interim Parks and Recreation Director Art Kader responded to questions, stating
loan payments would be applied back to the Special Development Fund, which funds the
loan.
Contract for Ross Norton Recreation Complex renovations to Clark & logan. lnco, for
$88.867 which includes base bid and alternate #3 (Consent)
The community has requested renovations to the Ross Norton Recreation Complex
basketball court and restrooms. Recreation staff reviewed the request and contracted
with Bacon Design Group to develop plans and specifications. The contract includes
demolition of the existing basketball court and restrooms, construction of a new basketball
court, and installation of new restrooms. An alternate to the base bid would provide
, ceramic tile for restroom walls up to a height of approximately 4 feet. Approval is
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recommended now since the proposed new recreation center to be funded with Penny for
Pinellas funds is not scheduled for construction until 2003. The basketball courts will
remain after a new cetner is constructed. The project Is schedUled for completion within
120 calendar days after contract award and execution.
Art Kader reiterated new restrooms are needed to last until the new center is
funded. Staff will determine whether the contractor can break down the lump sum bid to
separate basketball court and restroom costs. The basketball court would be constructed
outside.
Contract for site develooment of Eddie C. Moore Park West to Kevstone Excavators. Inc..
for $654.800.03, including 10% allowed for contingencies and approve transfer of
$73,000 at third quarter from other capital improvement projects
This contract includes earthwork, clearing and grubbing, asphalt roadway paving,
curbing, parking stops, concrete sidewalk and slabs, drainage features, water distribution,
and sanitary sewer for three softball fields to be constructed west of the existing E.C.
Moore Softball Complex. The contract also inCludes construction of about 4,900 linear
feet of 10-foot wide asphalt path to complete a major section of the east/west
recreational trail between Cliff Stephens Park and Del Oro Park. Once site work is
complete, Parks and Recreation Department will construct lighting, fencing, dugouts,
irrigation, grassing, infields, bullpens, bleachers, water fountains, landscaping and other
I''''~~ amenities. City labor required to do this work is estimated at 3,460 hours. Financial
l'.~,l.) summary of this phase: Softball field contract $440,322.28; Recreational path contract
$214,477.75; Contract Total $654,800.03 Oncludes a 10% contingency amounting to
$59,527.28); Lighting, fencing, irrigation, dugouts, etc. $275,100.00; Total revised
project costs $929,900.03; Available budget $856,909.76; Shortfall $72,990.28. Funds
to make up the shortfall will be transferred from Del Oro Park Renovations ($40,000) and
Pinellas Trail Amenities ($33,OOO). These funds are available for transfer since the
projects are being accomplished by other resources. Funding is requested in FY 1998/99
, for a restroom building/shelter and maintenance building, at an estimated cost of
$200,000.
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Art Kader said economic impact of individual softball fields has not been calculated,
but impact of the whole program currently exceeds $4 million. The east/west trail would
cross McMullen-Booth Road at the traffic light north of E.C. Moore Complex. He
explained this item combines two projects by one contractor. The original estimate for
construction of two ball fields and the recreational path was about $650,000. The
restroom and storage building is coming forward as a separate item. Staff will bring back
an estimate of City labor costs. Discussion ensued regarding how plans were changed to
improve landscaping and facilities. While recreational path costs were felt to be
expensive, Mr. Kader said part of the cost is for fill material as the path is alongside an
environmentally sensitive site that must be protected. He said details of Lake Chautauqua
will be coming forward for the August 20 meeting.
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PW PUBLIC WORKS
Public Hearina - Find valid cublic ourcose & declare surolus for ourcose of conveylnq title
by Warranty Deed to FOOT a careel of city-owned r-o-w in Sec. 16-28-16 adjacent to
existing southerly r-o-w line of sR586, between Landmark Dr. & McMullen Booth Rd.
The FOOT (Florida Department of Transportation) has initiated a project to improve
Curlew Road from 69th Street to State Road 684. To facilitate the project, the FOOT has
requested the City transfer a portion of right-of-way. Section 2.01 (d)(4)(iii) of the City
Charter provides that surplus real property may be transferred to another governmental
entity for less than appraised value after an advertised public hearing has been held and a
finding by the Commission of a valid public purpose for the transfer. In consideration of
the City conveying the right-of-way, the FOOT will include in ,the project, at FOOT
expense, construction of a right turn acceleration lane eastbound from Landmark Drive
onto Curlew Road, There are no utility accommodations to be made within the subject
right-of-way at City expense. Conveyance of the proposed right-of-way will unify State
ownership and responsibility for Curlew Road as well as provide a uniform corridor for the
roadway along this portion of Clearwater' s northeasterly corporate limits. This item was
denied at the last meeting with direction for staff to talk to FOOT regarding the pedestrian
overpass proposed to be constructed in conjunction with this project.
The City Attorney advised withholding the presentation and discussion until the
public hearing Thursday night. Discussion ensued regarding rules for rescinding a previous
Commission decision. Staff was requested to determine right-of-way width on Landmark
Drive at Curlew Road, and to provide copies of a computer-enhanced photograph of the
overpass. Jack King, FOOT, said $11 million has been allocated to this project. Impacts
on the park and alternatives to taking park land for an overpass approach will be discussed
Thursday.
Contract for 1998 Tennis Court Resurfaclna to D&8 Tennis Courts. Ine.. for $20.405
(Consent)
Parks and Recreation Department has a rotating schedule for resurfacing and
patching tennis courts. The proposed contract for FY 1998/99 includes resurfacing,
patching, and installation of new net posts for all nine courts at McMullen Tennis
Complex, 1000 Edenville Avenue. Resurfacing will restore playability of courts to original
condition. Completion is scheduled within 90 days from contract award and execution.
In response to a question, Art Kader said funding is in place using this year's
dollars. These courts were last resurfaced about five years ago. Public Works
Administrator Rich Baier the contract it is being bid by Public Works instead of Parks and
Recreation for diversity of bidder information.
Lease with Head Start Child Develooment and Familv Services. Inc.. citv-owned orocertv
at 701 N. Missouri Ave., New Country Club Addition, Blk S, Lot 12, and portion of Blk C,
5 year term commencing upon lease approval, and granting Lessee one 6 year renewal
option, for total rent $1 and other good and valuable consideration (Consent)
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Head Start has leased the property since 1971, operating a preschool nursery for
low Income families and providing comprehensive child and family development services.
During the most recent lease term, Head Start constructed an addition that allowed
Increasing program participation from 40 to 82 preschool children. Ordinance 6202-97
extending the Head Start lease for a term not to exceed 30 years was approved at the
March 10, 1998, election. This lease is the same as previous Head Start leases except for
a revision to Article IV, Section 3(a) providing that Lessee may, at its sole expense, and
with written approval of the City Manager, replace the 1950-era residential type structure
on the lease premises with a new structure approved through the City's development
review process. Head Start may terminate the lease upon: 1) default by the City,
2) extensive damage to the premises which would make restoration impractical; or
3) upon loss of program funding from the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Among other lease provisions, the City may terminate the lease upon giving 60~dav
written notice to Head Start should the property be required for other municipal purposes.
Questions were raised regarding whether CDBG or City funds were used to
construct the building addition, and whether plans exist to replace the existing structure.
Staff will determine the answers before Thursday.
The meeting recessed from 2:41 to 2:57 p.m.
Utility Rate Study Presentation
First Reading Ord. #6309-98 - increasino residential & commercial Stormwater Utllitv rate
bv $1 Der Eauivalent Residential Unit (ERU) beginnina 10/1/98 and establishing a series of
4 subsequent 4.3 per cent increases to be effective 10/1/99, 10/1/2000, 10/1/2001 &
10/1/2002
Increasing the residential and commercial Stormwater Utility rate is necessary to
provide funding for $ 30 million of capital improvement projects to abate severe street and
in-structure flooding, improve water quality, add, restore or upgrade stormwater
infrastructure, and comply with mandated changes in operating, maintenance, and
reporting requirements. The current $3.00 per ERU rate has not been increased since the
Storm water Utility was established January 1, 1991. Burton and Associates has
completed a Stormwater Utility rate study to cover five years of operations. Of the
scenarios presented by the Burton Rate Study, the following results in the lowest ending
rate per ERU on October 1, 2002:
Effective Date Rate per ERU Increase
10/01/98 $4.00 $1.00
10/01/99 $4.17 .17
10/01/00 $4.36 .18
10101/01 $4.54 .19
10/01/02 $4.73 .19
Public Works Administrator Rich Baier gave a slide presentation illustrating the need
':.....; to alleviate flooding, meet Federal requirements, and implement approved projects.
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Benefits were reviewed with regard to flood protection, permit compliance, erosion
control, maintenance, water quality, and habitat restoration. The Watershed action plan
was reviewed. Mr. Baier said the City needs $117 million to fix its drainage problems. He
will prepare details regarding the amount allocated for routine maintenance versus capital
projects.
Robert Lockridge, Burton and Associates, reviewed revenue sufficiency
requirements through 2000, highlighting the rate setting process, computations involved
in preparing a rate model, and major issues of a stormwater utility. Scenarios regarding
impacts and cost increases were reviewed for a variety of rate plans. He recommended
the scenario detailed in the above background, and showed how the proposed rate
increase would affect small and large commercial and multi-family interests. A survey of
stormwater utilities in Florida shows Clearwater on the low end.
A question was raised whether the revenue stream produced by final $4.73 rate
per ERU would be sufficient to fund the $30 million CIP projects. Mr. Lockwood
responded it would, if no additional capital projects are planned.
A question was raised regarding the number of units in the Druid Road multi-family
project. Staff will report before Thursday. In response to questions, Mr. Baier said
undeveloped property is not charged storm water fees because the fees are based on
impervious surface. He did not feel any of the listed projects should be the responsibility
of individual property owners. Loss of School Board fees will result in $100,000 per year
lost income. Fiscal Review Committee minutes refer to projects done with stormwater
utility fees: Harbor Drive abatement, Stevenson' 5 Creek Phase 1, part of Phase 2, and one
other project. He recommended staying with the $ 30 million figure whether or not the
Kapok Mobile Home project is included, because the program targets the drainage projects
that are most critical to meet the Comprehensive Plan. In response to a question why a
small business might pay more stormwater utility fees than a large business, Mr. Baier
reiterated the fee is calculated on the amount of impervious surface.
First Readina Ord. #6310-98 - Increasing domestic water. lawn water & wastewater
collection utilitv rates bv 3.0 oer cent beainnino 10/1/98 and establishing an annual rate
adjustment beginning 10/1/99 not to exceed 3.5 per cent based on the Price Index for
Water and Wastewater Utilities established each year by the Florida Public Service
Commission
Increasing domestic water, lawn water, and wastewater collection utility rates is
necessary to provide funding to maintain compliance with debt service coverage
requirements, and for $53.9 million of capital improvement projects to expand the
reclaimed water system and upgrade the water pollution control system because of aging
facilities and regulatory requirements. The City Manager increased domestic water and
lawn water rates in October, 1995, due to Increased cost of purchased water from
Pinellas County. The last increase for wastewater collection utility rates was by ordinance
in 1992. Burton and Associates has completed a water and wastewater collection utility
rate study to cover five years of operations. The study recommends a 3% rate increase
effective October 1, 1998, with annual rate adjustments based on price indexing
thereafter. Rate increases based on the annual price index for water and wastewater
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utilities established by the FPSC (Florida Public Service Commission) are capped at 3.5 %.
Any increase in excess of the rate change determined using the price index must be
approved by the Commission.
Robert Lockridge, Burton and Associates. Reviewed assumptions and major issues.
If the City goes to a County water system in the future, he recommended a 10% across-
thewboard increase in domestic water, lawn water, and wastewater collection utility rates.
He suggested approving a 3% increase on October 1, 1999, and waiting to see what
issues are resolved with the County during the subsequent year. He recommended
adopting a policy of automatic increases that come back to the Commission for
confirmation, to keep up with inflation. He reviewed scenarios for water and sewer rate
calculations for different types of properties, and impacts on utility bills. In response to
questions, it was indicated the 3% increase would not affect garbage, only water. The
sewage increase is based on the amount of water used tl10se paying a 25% surcharge
would experience the same 3% increase. A question was raised regarding amount of the
1995 water rate increase from Pinellas County. Staff will investigate and report by
Thursday. It was not known when or by how much the County rate will increase again.
Discussion ensued regarding calculating the charge for reclaimed water.
CP CENTRAL PERMITTING
Public Hearinq & First Readinq Ord. #6302-98 - LOCA to allow FOOT to sign, in lieu of the
property owner, applications for variances to land development regulations, conditional
uses, and site plan reviews associated with Eminent Domain Takings of land for road
improvements
The Florida Department of Transportation (FOOT) requested the proposed Land
Development Code amendment to allow FOOT to proceed smoothly and quickly when
necessary to process takings of land for roadway improvements. Staff recommends
approval now due to urgency of the request by FOOT. The Planning and Zoning board
declined to endorse the amendment at their regular meeting July 7, 1998, due to concerns
it appears to give unfair advantage to government regarding property owners' rights. It
was felt the property owner's signature, not FOOT's should be on the application.
Concern was expressed that FOOT not be allowed to do partial takings without mitigation,
thereby creating legal non-conformities, or undevelopable properties. The proposed
ordinance would enable DOT to request variances related to property takings, keeping its
costs down while keeping the City involved in the approval process. The City would still
have recourse in court. Without the ordinance, DOT would be able to take property
without requirement to negotiate for a cure, and continue leaving unusable pieces of land.
The City Manger indicated it is not fair to seek redress from a property owner for nonw
conformities created by DOT.
Public Hearing & First Readinq Ord. #6303w98 - LDCA to allow transit shelters with
advertising
The City of Clearwater negotiated a settlement with Eller Media which required the
City to consider and adopt an ordinance relating to transit shelters and transit shelter
signs. Adoption of the proposed ordinance would: 11 require shelters on the same side of
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the street to be placed 1000 feet apart; 2) allow 'shelters in commercial, office, or
ind~strial zoning districts or on PSTA routes adjacent to hospitals, schools, or other
permitted nonresidential uses in multifamily residential zoning districts; 3) allow back-lit
signs on the "downstream" end wall of the shelter, and limit signage area to 24 square
feet; and 4} limit number of shelters with advertising to a total of 50.
Planning Administrator Sandy Glatthorn said the Planning and Zoning Board
continued consideration of this item. The City Attorney indicated questions had been
raised regarding signs in multi-family districts abutting single family districts, number of
shelters to be buHt, and number of signs to be allowed. The City is looking at designating
a planning area. "
ED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Res. #98-23 - endorsing application of Project 980527 and commits City to refund 10%
of eligible tax re~und upon certification by Enterprise Florida
The Florida legislature created Florida Statues, Section 288.106 to encourage
growth of Florida's high-wage, value-added employment. The program is commonly
known as the Qualified Target Industry (OTI) Tax Refund Program. This law authorizes
Enterprise Florida to accept, review and approve applications for tax refunds to qualified
target industry businesses. A business receives a tax refund for each new job created.
Project 980527 wishes to relocate its corporate office to a single tenant office building
and projects hiring 147 employees during the next five years. The aTI program tax refund
may not exceed $ 5 ,000 per employee. A QTI business may not receive refund payments
of more than 25 % of the total eligible taxes that were paid by such business as specified
in the tax refund agreement in any fiscal year. Twenty percent local financial participation
is required, which breaks down to 10% City of Clearwater and 10% Pinellas County.
Under the full scenario, the City's maximum funding will be $73,500 over five years. It is
not anticipated that this will have a fiscal impact during this fiscal year. A funding source
will be identified next fiscal year.
In response to a question, it was indicated Project 980527 wishes to remain
anonymous. Staff was requested to provide a list of QTI businesses approved by
Enterprise Florida for tax refunds.
CLK CITY CLERK
Beautification Committee - 1 appointment
Staff was requested to verify whether a member of the Fiscal Review Committee
can serve on a City advisory board.
CA LEGAL DEPARTMENT
Agreements, Deeds and Easements
Agreement for lien - 1328 Parkwood St., Pine Ridge Sub., Blk A, Lot 17 (Benedict &
Juliana Williams) (Consent)
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A question was raised regarding increasing the lien interest rate above 8 %. ,Staff
will investigate.
OTHER CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS
Chi Chi Rodriquez Youth Foundation. Inc. - Seventh Amendment to Lease Agreement and
First Amendment to Continuing and Unconditional Guaranty
The City Attorney said the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation is going to
refinance their debt and do a bond agreement through the County. The City's consent
and continuation of its existing guaranty is needed. The ten" of the bond is beyond the
City's guaranty and lease. Terms of the most recent lease agreement wil be examined. In
re~ponse to questions, staff will provide a tist of lease expirations.
City Manager Verbal Reports
The City Manag'er reported an Allen's Creek property update meeting will be held
tomorrow from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Plumb Elementary School.
Other Commission Action
Commissioner Clark questioned status of the relationship with PSG, (Public
Strategies Group.) The City Manager responded a presentation will came forward in
August.
Commissioner Johnson said he enjoyed the summer vacation, during which time he
visited Atlanta. He hoped Clearwater will exercise better control over content of
advertising on transit shelters than is done in Atlanta.
Commissioner Clark reported he has reviewed PST A's agreement and found it to be
fairly strict regarding content of signs on bus shelters.
. Commissioner HooDer congratulated City staff for the July 4th fireworks show,
stating this year was, the best he has seen. He noted C-View wants to schedule a photo
shoot with the City Commission. He referred to an article written by David Gildersleeve
regarding bikeways.
Adjourn
The worksession adjourned at 4:32 p.m.
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