03/17/2003 (2)
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CITY, COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
March 17, 2003
Present: Brian J. Aungst
Whitney Gray
Hoyt P'. Hamilton
William C. Jonson
Frank Hibbard
Mayor/Commissioner
Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
Also present: William B. Horne II
Garry Brumback
Pamela K. Akin
Cynthia E. Goudeau
Patricia O. Sullivan
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk '
Board Reporter
The Mayor called the meeting to order to discuss Economic Development and Housing
Department Strategies at 11 :32 a.m. at City Hall.
Item #2 - Economic Development Presentations
Economic Development & Housing Director Reg Owens said staff had presented a
number of public sessions on the Commission's vision, and its priority of Economic
Development. Regarding Clearwater's economic development approach, Mr. Owens reviewed
partnerships and programs associated with business/industry retention and recruitment,
redevelopmenUinfill, and community developmenUneighborhood revitalization. The mission of
the Economic Development Department is to: 1} improve/expand the economic base; 2) retain
and expand businesses; 3) attract new investments; 4) enhance quality of life and image; and 5)
provide affordable and market rate housing.
Mr. Owens reviewed the Economic Development Division's budget and reviewed
strategic objectives for Fiscal Years 2002 through 2005: 1) implement marketing strategy to
attract businesses and real estate development for Downtown and Clearwater beach; 2)
position Downtown as a destination; 3) implement Downtown pedestrian scale environment; 4)
implement strategies for revitalizing neighborhoods; 5) identify and implement economic
development incentive programs; and 6) encourage community-wide job creation. He reviewed
current economic development programs, projects, development opportunities, constraints,
public urban development tools, marketing support, and marketing support opportunities. Mr.
Owns said staff is concentrating on redevelopment, infill, and community development.
Item #3 - Discussion
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, Concern was expressed, incentives should go to businesses the City recruits, not to land
speculators. While it was noted development had followed completion ,of the beach gateway, it
was recommended that infrastruCture improvements be part of a master plan. It was indicated
defeat of the downtown referendum has created development challenges. Funds are needed to
begin the downtown streetscaping project and develop projects that improve the tax base. It
was felt a Downtown marina and incentives would attract development.
Commission Special Meeting 2003-0317
1
03-17-03
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Assistant City Manager Ralph Stone said he is most proud of non-traditional and
creative methods of redevelopment. such as the revitalization of North Greenwood, projects on
Clearwater beach, and the Clearwater Mall site. Business recruitment and retention is difficult
due to a lack of large office space. Mr. Owens estimated the Mandalay Beach Club project
increased City ad valorem taxes by $512,000. Successful downtown development would
increase the tax base by up to $4-million. He stated downtown residential housing has the
potential to revitalize downtown over the next five years. The Balk development on Cleveland
Street is under construction.
Consensus was that beach development is on the right track. The majority felt the City
is moving in the right direction related to economic development. Staff was complimented for its
direction and strategy. It was stated highlighting non-:-traditional efforts is important as the City
has limited staff and resources.
Concern was expressed Tampa Bay Partnership recruits businesses for green areas
and not the City. Mr. Owens said the organization serves an important role and the City
receives positive effects, such as additional residents from nearby job development. He said
Clearwater is an undiscovered redevelopment opportunity that needs to attract national
developers who require few incentives. In response to a question, he said the Chambers of
Commerce help City redevelopment efforts by marketing tourism, and business expansion and
retention. It was stated the City Commission is acting on its commitment to downtown
redevelopment and improvement to underutilized public areas.
In response to a question regarding eminent domain, Mr. Owens said staff needs to'
review all available development tools, although not all will be used. Concern was expressed
the homeless problem be addressed. The importance of improving the City's tax base to avoid
increased taxes was emphasized. It was recommended infrastructure pro,blems be repaired
and code enforcement increased before growth occurs. Mr. Owens said development is
necessary to support infrastructure improvements. It was stated the City must be able to afford
the ,maintenance of new landscaping before it is installed. It was recommended larger '
, infrastructure projects be done in phases to show residents progress. Mr. Owens said the City
is prepared to invest money for improvements as development projects move forward.
In response to a recommendation that updates of economic development strategies be
presented every six months, it was indicated staff regularly distributes project updates to
Commissioners. It was felt without significant change, additional meetings are not necessary.
Mr. Stone said economic development moves slowly. It was felt rather than staff spending time
preparing presentations, that time would be better spent addre~sing economic development.
ITEM #4 - Adiournment
The meeting adjourned at 12:49 p.m.
Attest: ") c_ 0 0- >--..,
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City Cler~
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Commission Special Meeting 2003-0317 2
03-17-03