02/02/2009CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
February 2, 2009
Present: Frank Hibbard
George N. Cretekos
John Doran
Carlen Petersen
Paul Gibson
Mayor
Vice-Mayor
Councilmember
Councilmember
Councilmember
Also present: William B. Horne II
Jill S. Silverboard
Rod Irwin
Pamela K. Akin
Cynthia E. Goudeau
Rosemarie Call
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
Management Analyst
The Vice-Mayor called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
The Council recessed from 1:00 p.m. to 1:33 p.m. to meet as the Community
Redevelopment Agency.
Fire Department
Award a contract (blanket purchase order) to Fisher Scientific. Atlanta. Georaia. in an amount
not to exceed $472,642 for the purchase of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) upgrade
kits and personal protective equipment (PPE), and authorize a lease purchase in the amount of
$125,000 under the City's master lease agreement in accordance with Sec. 2.564(b), Code of
Ordinances - Sole source for Citv standardized eauioment. and that appropriate officials be
authorized to execute same. (consent)
The approved 2008 and 2009 CIP budgets included funding in two projects for these
purchases. CIP project 91229, Replace and Upgrade Air Packs, provides for the replacement
and upgrade of breathing apparatus needed for worn or damaged front line units used by
firefighters. The project will provide for the purchase of self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA) upgrade kits that have been approved through the National Institute for Occupational
Safety & Health (NIOSH) and CDC. The purchase of upgrade kits is significantly less expensive
than purchasing all new gear. In-house personnel will install the upgrade kits; also a significant
savings over having kits installed by an outside party.
The CDC and NIOSH have a program to approve SCBA use by firefighters and other
first responders to terrorist attacks. NIOSH approval under the program signifies that an SCBA
is expected to provide needed protection to first responders in situations where an act of terror
has released harmful chemicals, pathogens, or radioactive materials into the air.
Council Work Session 2009-02-02
This program will provide for the standardization of existing air packs and the purchase
of new replacement air packs that meet the new standard, which has been adopted by the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) revision of NFPA 1982.
The department plans to purchase 120 upgrade kits and related parts in the coming
weeks. Lease purchase funds in the amount of $125,000 and cash funds of $142,160 are
available for this purchase.
CIP project 91261 Personal Protective Equipment provides funding for the purchase of
$205,482 of replacement firefighting personal protective equipment/gear (PPE). The department
currently issues protective gear to those employees that are employed in a firefighting capacity.
This project is necessary to bring all fire/rescue personal gear up to the same level of protection
per the NFPA 1852 compliance and incorporates the new gear into a revolving replacement
schedule. The recommended life expectancy of PPE is 4 to 5 years depending on use. This
project will allow for a 4 to 5 year replacement plan and reduce the current cost of maintenance
and repair of our current PPE.
Funding will be partially reimbursed by Pinellas County, as the equipment will help serve
any unincorporated resident of the Clearwater Fire District.
In response to questions, Fire Chief Jamie Geer said Pinellas County would reimburse
13% of the purchase cost. Staff has tested the equipment. Equipment standards change every
ten years.
Financial Services
Authorize the Finance Director to proceed with the process to conduct a negotiated sale of
bonds in an amount not to exceed $75,000,000 to finance various City of Clearwater Water and
Sewer System construction protects. (consent)
In order to secure long-term financing for construction projects identified by the City's
Water and Sewer System, the City needs to proceed with a sale of not to exceed $75,000,000
in Water & Sewer System revenue bonds in the Spring of 2009.
A preliminary list of projects to be financed with the proceeds of the bonds is attached
and totals approximately $60 million. We will only issue the amount of bonds necessary to
generate funds for the required capital projects, to fund a debt service reserve, and to pay the
expenses of issuance costs, insurance and underwriter's discount.
Resolution 07-28 was approved by Council on November 1, 2007, establishing the City's
intent to reimburse project costs incurred with proceeds of future tax-exempt financing.
The City's Financial Advisor (Raymond James) is recommending that in the current
financial market environment, a negotiated sale will yield a more favorable result (lower interest
cost) than utilizing a competitive sale format.
A Bond Sale Resolution will be presented to Council for approval as we get closer to
actual bond issuance. However, since the City has typically issued bonds competitively, staff
wanted Council to approve the negotiated sale process prior to beginning the time consuming
process of selecting an underwriting team. The Financial Advisor will issue an RFP to assemble
a team of qualified underwriters for this bond issue.
Council Work Session 2009-02-02 2
In the early part of March 2009, presentations to rating agencies, S&P, Moody's, and
Fitch, will be conducted by City staff and advisors to secure the highest possible credit rating for
these bonds. Conditions regarding the advantage of credit enhancing insurance change daily
and it will be determined just prior to closing if purchasing this insurance will provide any benefit.
It is anticipated the sale of this bond issue will close sometime in May 2009.
In response to questions, Controller Clem Vericker reviewed the negotiated bond sale
process. Finance Director Margie Simmons said higher bond ratings lower insurance costs.
Staff expects to receive the new bond rating in March and close on bonds in May. Water and
sewer costs included in Beach Walk Phase 1 were for infrastructure replacement.
Parks & Recreation
Therapeutics - Dawn Lewellvn. Parks and Recreation
Recreation Supervisor Dawn Lewellyn reviewed a power point presentation regarding
the City's Therapeutic Recreation Strategic Plan. Ms. Lewellyn said 50% percent of the users
are Clearwater residents. Staff is coordinating efforts with Office on Aging regarding a picnic.
Official Records & Legislative Services
Appoint five members to the Library Advisory Board with the term expiring February 28, 2013.
City Clerk Cyndie Goudeau expressed concern regarding Kip Corriveau's application as
he serves on the NAHAB and fulfills an important role. He would not be able to serve on both
boards. Ms. Goudeau said the concern was brought to his attention and she was waiting for his
response.
Legal
Shoppes of Sand Key
It was stated the City received a letter demanding withdraw of its appeal and requested
direction from Council regarding staff continue representing City in this matter.
Assistant City Attorney Leslie Dougall-Sides said the law firm of McFarland, Ferguson
and McMullen intends to file a request for attorney's fees should they prevail on the appeal.
The court has granted the City a request for oral arguments. Points upon which based appeal
have not changed.
The majority supported staff to stay the course.
City Manager Verbal Reports
Advisory Board Appointments
Direction was requested concerning interest to change the applicant review process.
Council Work Session 2009-02-02 3
Discussion ensued concerning applicants understanding role and expectations of an
advisory board member.
It was stated that Councilmembers may individually contact applicants.
No change to the process was given.
Council Discussion Items
Beach Parking Structure
beach.
Councilmember Doran expressed desires to move forward with a parking structure at the
Assistant City Manager Rod Irwin said the two appraisals are substantially below the
deal structure with Britt's. Britt's has reiterated their interests but concerned with financial
component. iStar has possession of the Lucca property and has expressed an interest to move
forward. Mr. Irwin said he expects a response from Britt's by Thursday.
Use of Pennv Dollars for General Fund Capital Proiects - Councilmember Gibson
Councilmember Gibson expressed concerns with downtown boat slip project funding
and suggested use of Penny funds be considered.
Finance Director Margie Simmons said ten individuals have placed a deposit. There is
not enough money in Penny but would be able to loan from the Central Insurance Fund.
Discussion ensued. It was suggested that downtown boat slip rates be lowered to
increase interest. Assistant City Manager Rod Irwin said Council would be provided a full
analysis of the marina at the next meeting.
Resolution 07-32: correction to Work Session start time needed
It was stated that Council Rules require changing work session times by resolution.
Staff was directed to amend the start time for work sessions to 9:00 a.m. and present the
resolution at the February 19 council meeting.
Advisory Board Dinner 2009 - tentative date set for April 29th
City Clerk Cyndie Goudeau said $5,000 has been budgeted for the event at the
Harborview Center and requested guidance if staff should continue planning the event.
Consensus was for staff to proceed with this year's event.
Other Council Action
Councilmember Cretekos requested the usage of the Main Library terrace be discussed
at the next work session.
Council Work Session 2009-02-02 4
Adjourn
The Work Session adjourned at 3:21 p.m.
Council Work Session 2009-02-02