02/12/2009CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION MINUTES
BUDGET FORECASTING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
February 12, 2009
Present: Frank Hibbard
George N. Cretekos
John Doran
Carlen Petersen
Paul Gibson
Also present: William B. Horne
Jill Silverboard
Rod Irwin
Pamela K. Akin
Cynthia E. Goudeau
Rosemarie Call
Mayor
Vice-Mayor
Councilmember
Councilmember
Councilmember
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
Management Analyst
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
2 - Council Discussion Items
2.1 Review the Budget Forecast for Fiscal Year 2009/10
Budget Director Tina Wilson provided a PowerPoint presentation and reviewed the
budget forecast for FY 2009-2010. Staff estimated a $7 million deficit if revenue levels are
maintained at the same level. $13 million if revenue values drop 15% and the millage rate
remains the same. Challenges for the next few years include further declines in property
values, declining revenues, foreclosures, pension impacts, union contract negotiations and
unknown legislative impacts.
Assistant City Manager Jill Silverboard said personnel issues across all funds and
departments were being looked at. There are over 200 positions that are retirement eligible.
Test.
It was requested that Council provide guidance regarding items listed on the Tolerance
Discussion ensued regarding impact of national economy and falling revenues and need
to maintain quality of life in order to keep Clearwater in a poised position when the economy
turns around.
Council Special Work Session 2009-02-12
Lobbying Services
It was stated that Federal and State lobbying services are an essential resource,
providing expertise in funding opportunities.
Sister Cities Program
Discussion ensued regarding importance to maintain relationship with Nagano.
Harborview Center
Concern was expressed regarding need to have an alternative facility before closing the
Harborview Center in January 2010.
Parks & Recreation Assistant Director Art Kader said the Harborview Center has seen a
$450,000 drop since last year. Vendor has reallocated staff. The Center has lost several
bookings due to anticipated closure.
Support was expressed to discontinue funding.
Staff directed to take discussion of the Harborview Center off the February 17 work
session agenda.
Tourism Contracts
In response to questions, Economic Development and Housing Director Geri Campos
Lopez said the City's contribution was for the Visitor Center on the beach and advertising. City
Manager Horne said promoting tourism was a city function 10 years ago. Staff felt the function
would have better results if outsourced.
Discussion ensued regarding the importance of attracting tourism to Clearwater.
Sailing Center
Ms. Wilson said the City's annual cost was $66,000 for contractual maintenance.
It was stated that the center experienced a drop in students and room rentals and that
the organization depends on the City's contribution to maintain center open.
Jolley Trolley
It was requested that discussion of the Jolley Trolley be continued until the Pinellas
Suncoast Transit Authority reviews a funding request.
Tampa bay Partnership
Support was expressed to continue funding.
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Coalition for the Homeless
Support was expressed to continue funding.
Neighborhood Services
Ms. Wilson said the $278,000 expenditure includes 3 FTEs (Full Time Equivalent) and
the Neighborhood Grant.
Discussion ensued. Staff directed to reduce staff to 1 FTE.
Road Millaae/Maintenance
Ms. Wilson said council policy requires setting aside an amount for roadwork. Staff is
analyzing possibility of funding portion of roadwork with Penny for Pinellas funds.
Library Closings (Beach, North Greenwood, East)
In response to questions, Library Director Barbara Pickell reviewed the hours of
operations for each branch library and recommended to close branches or reduce hours at the
Main Library. The city has a reciprocal borrowing agreement with Saint Petersburg College and
other libraries located in Pinellas County. There was a 4% usage increase despite reduced
hours.
Discussion ensued regarding consolidating library branches. It was suggested that
fewer facilities with extended hours be considered.
It was stated that estimates to construct a consolidated library would be presented in
March. Ms. Pickell recommended closing the Beach and North Greenwood branches.
Beach Guards
Ms. Wilson said the parking fund was doing well and could bare some of the cost. Staff
budgeted $700,000 for the operation.
It was stated reduced service levels and areas were being considered.
Lawn bowl/Shuffleboard
Mr. Kader said non-residents are charged $180 per person plus club fees. Some clubs
pay less than $180 per person in exchange for volunteer hours.
Concern was expressed that clubs would not be able to pay any rate increases.
Council Special Work Session 2009-02-12 3
Tennis Operations (McMullen Tennis Center)
Mr. Kader said there was a 70% cost recovery for the operation and recommended
increasing rates or outsourcing the operation.
Office of Aging
Staff directed not to cut program.
Special Events
It was stated the item would be before council in 6 weeks.
Neighborhood Recreation Centers (Morningside, Ross Norton, North Greenwood)
It was suggested to cut further hours.
Assistant City Manager Silverboard said closure of the Morningside Recreation Center
would be in preparation of demolishing the building and replacing it with a community park using
Penny funds.
C-View
It was stated considerations include only broadcasting council and community
development board meetings. Staff was talking to Pinellas County and other agencies
regarding providing services for them.
3 - Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 4:46 p.m.
Council Special Work Session 2009-02-12 4