03/02/2009CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
March 2, 2009
Present: Frank Hibbard
George N. Cretekos
John Doran
Paul Gibson
Absent:
Also present:
Carlen Petersen
William B. Horne II
Jill S. 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 1:00 p.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
Presentations
Economic Development and Housing
Amend the City's Local Housing Assistance Plan for State Fiscal Years 2006-09 to add new
affordable housing incentive strategies to fulfill the requirements of Florida Statute 420.9076 and
adopt Resolution 09-09.
During the 2007 legislative session, the Florida legislature passed House Bill 1375,
which later established Florida Statute 420.9076. This statute requires counties and cities
receiving State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funds to re-establish an Affordable
Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) and implement its statutory duties. The duties of the
AHAC included reviewing policies and procedures, ordinances, land development and
regulations and the City's adopted comprehensive plan and recommend specific actions or
initiatives to encourage or facilitate affordable housing. The City of Clearwater passed
Resolution 08-15, on June 19, 2008, which re-established the City's AHAC.
The state identified 11 incentives and requested counties and cities to include at a
minimum, incentives for (a) An Expedited Permitting Process and (b) The establishment of a
process by which local government considers, before adoption, policies, procedures,
ordinances, regulations or plan provisions that increase the cost of housing. The AHAC met
throughout the fall of 2008 to make recommendations as part of the Local Housing Incentive
Strategy report. On December 18, 2008, the City Council accepted the strategy report and
directed staff to take the necessary steps to incorporate the appropriate strategies into the Local
Housing Assistance Plan.
Council Work Session 2009-03-02
City staff met to review each of the AHAC recommendations. Staff is recommending the
City Council adopt only those items that are clear incentive strategies for affordable housing, in
the resolution. The other recommendations can be implemented through new policy and
procedures.
In response to questions, Planning Assistant Director Gina Clayton said there was a
provision in the Code for one parking space per unit for affordable housing. Economic
Development Assistant Director Jim Donnelly said the proposed amendments would be in effect
for 2 months as staff was working on a new plan for June 2009.
It was stated amendments to the City's Local Housing Assistance Plan re-state existing
code provisions.
Approve the East Gateway District Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy; amend the FY 2005-
2010 Five-Year Consolidated Plan and the FY 08-09 Consolidated Action Plan to incorporate
the East Gateway District as a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA); and
authorize staff to submit the strategy to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD). (consent)
A Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy created under the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development's (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
encourages the coordination of resources to facilitate neighborhood revitalization. The program
encourages partnerships among community stakeholders, including federal and local
governments, the private sector, community organizations and neighborhood residents, to
stimulate reinvestment of human and economic capital while economically empowering low to
moderate income residents.
Communities with approved Neighborhood Revitalization Strategies enjoy enhanced
flexibility in undertaking economic development, housing and public service activities with their
CDBG funds. This flexibility is designed to promote innovative programs in economically
disadvantaged areas of the community. By designating the East Gateway District as a
Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NSRA), the City is able to offer more intensive
economic assistance for addressing the communities most pressing needs. Areas of enhanced
regulatory flexibility under the program include the following: Exemption from Public Services
Cap, Exemption from Employee Income Tracking, Exclusion from Aggregate Public Benefit
Standard and Single Strategy for Scattered Housing Units.
The proposed strategy for the East Gateway District NRSA largely mirrors the East
Gateway Five-Year Action Program approved in May 2008. The areas of focus include: safety
and security, economic development and housing, business environment, neighborhood
appearance, and the integration of the Hispanic community.
The City has solicited input from residents, property owners, business interests, social
service agencies and community groups to fulfill HUD and the Action Program directives to
engage the community. The strategy has been presented to the East Gateway Business and
Neighbors Association, the East Gateway Stakeholder Advisory Group, and the Clearwater
Neighborhoods Coalition in December and January. The Neighborhood and Affordable Housing
Council Work Session 2009-03-02 2
Board approved it in February. The City has previously designated the North Greenwood and
South Greenwood neighborhoods as NSRAs.
Economic Development & Housing Director Geri Campos Lopez said the quantifiable
benefits in North and South Greenwood were greater flexibility for down payments.
It was suggested that employee income be a performance measure.
Gas System
Award a contract (blanket purchase order) for gas meter change outs to M. T. Deason,
Incorporated in the amount of $256,000.00 for the period of April 1, 2009, to March 31, 2010
and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
M.T. Deason, Incorporated was the low bidder, who met the specifications on Bid 0901-
001, with an actual bid of $255,316.
Funding is available in Gas Meter Changeout Pinellas 315-96367 (approximately
$128,000) and Gas Meter Changeout Pasco 315-96379 (approximately $128,000) in the
Clearwater Gas System Budget.
Material is code approved and the meters and regulators will be used on the Clearwater
Gas System Distribution System.
In response to a question, Gas System Managing Director Chuck Warrington said a
separate device must be installed in order for these to be remote-read meters.
Award contracts (blanket purchase orders) for the purchase of Gas Material Polyethylene Pipe
and Fittings in the amount of $200,000 to Consolidated Pipe and Supply; in the amount of
$124,000 to M.T. Deason; in the amount of $143,000 to General Utilities Pipe; and in the
amount of $54,000 to Elster Perfection for the period of April 1, 2009, to March 31, 2010, and
authorize appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Item pulled.
Award contracts (blanket purchase orders) for Gas Material Steel Pipe and Fittings in the
amount of $53,000.00 to Consolidated Pipe and Supply; in the amount of $2,500.00 to M.T.
Deason; and in the amount of $295,000.00 to General Utilities Pipe for the period of April 1,
2009, to March 31, 2010, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Item pulled.
Marine and Aviation
Authorize providing Clearwater residents (domiciliaries) first priority at the City-owned
Downtown Boat Slips, ensure public access to the docks, boardwalks and promenade and
adopt Resolution 09-10.
Council Work Session 2009-03-02 3
In the Downtown Boat Slips referendum, Ordinance 7777-07 required City Council adopt
a resolution regulations that provide city residents first priority for the dedicated boat slips and
ensure public access to the docks, boardwalks and promenade. By approving Resolution 09-
10, City Council agrees to provide City-owned publicly accessible docks, moorings and
promenade on the property generally bounded by Drew Street, Pierce Street, the Intracoastal
Waterway Channel and the Bluff. Council also stipulates that Clearwater residents
(domiciliaries) will have first priority of the boat slips.
Legal has clarified residency for staff. Residence merely requires bodily presence as an
inhabitant in a given place, whereas domicile requires bodily presence in that place and also an
intention to make it one's permanent home. Legal staff explains one way of grasping this
concept is to understand that acquiring a legal residence, or domicile, is like becoming a citizen
of a particular state. As a "citizen" - that is, a resident or domiciliary of a state - a person may
enjoy benefits afforded only to domiciliaries of that particular state, such as the right to receive
in-state tuition rates to colleges and universities. As such, the law analyzes an individual's
intent, rather than time spent in a given place, to determine an individual's domicile. A few
criteria to be used in evaluating if a Lottery applicant is a legal resident (domiciliary) of
Clearwater will be where the applicant claims their homestead exemption, a copy of their most
recent lease agreement if they rent, the address where the applicant is registered to vote and
the address indicated on the applicant's latest federal income tax return.
City residents get first priority in choice of slips at the Lottery on March 14, 2009, for the
seven residents and three non-residents who met the lottery deadline. After the Lottery has
taken place, city residents shall be able to select slips on a first-come-first-serve basis from
March 16, 2009 until noon on May 15, 2009, provided they have provided a deposit equal to the
first month's slip rent. Non-residents shall be eligible to be placed on a waiting list on a first-
come-first-served basis during this period by paying an amount equal to the first month's rent for
the size slip they desire. Beginning May 18, 2009, all slips still available will be available to
everyone, regardless of residency, on a first-come-first-served basis. If a waiting list becomes
necessary after May 18, 2009, then City residents shall have first priority in selection of
available slips over non-residents, so long as all interested in placement on the waitlist have
provided the Marina a non-refundable, $100.00 deposit.
Marine & Aviation Director William Morris reviewed the proposed lottery procedures.
It was stated that individuals must be legal residents of Clearwater, not just own
property. Levels of priority include Clearwater resident, non-resident property owner and
everybody else.
Discussion ensued regarding increasing the deposit requirement to $250. Concern was
expressed that many individuals may not be able to pay a $250-deposit.
Staff directed to increase deposit requirement to $250.
Parks and Recreation
Aging Well Master Plan - Presentation
Council Work Session 2009-03-02 4
Office on Aging Manager Kerry Marsalek provided a PowerPoint presentation and
reviewed the resources needed to implement services and programs for adults older than 50.
Goals of the Aging Well Master Plan are to optimize resources; increase essential service
access; maximize independence; promote health and wellness; and encourage social and civic
engagement. The Aging Well Action Committee would be an advisory board that worked with
staff.
Approve the Second Amendment to Baseball Training Facility Lease Agreement and the
Second Amendment to Sports Facility Use Agreement between the City of Clearwater and the
Phillies and approve a mid-year budget amendment transferring $200,000 from unappropriated
retained earnings.
The four field Carpenter Complex was originally developed in partnership with the
Philadelphia Phillies over 40 years ago to be the main spring training facility for the Phillies.
Their spring games were played at Jack Russell Stadium but the majority of the teamwork was
done at Carpenter. In the early 1990s, the City made some much needed renovations to the
clubhouse in order to accommodate the needs of the Phillies.
At the June 19, 2008, City Council meeting, City Council approved a term sheet and
established a CIP totaling $3,000,000 plus interest to renovate and expand the existing City
building at the Carpenter Complex. Funding in the amount of $3 million is available for this
contract in the capital project 315-93606, Carpenter Complex Clubhouse Renovations as
authorized in June 2008. An additional amount of $100,000 is required under the contract for
interest earned as described in Section 2c of the term sheet. In addition, $100,000 is requested
to cover the costs of schematic and preliminary design costs that had been charged to the
Parks and Recreation operating budget, and was not addressed in the original term sheet.
These costs have since been moved to the project in order to capture all capital costs related to
the project. A mid-year budget amendment will transfer $200,000 of unappropriated retained
earnings to the project to cover these costs.
Major elements of this project will be to enlarge the coaches' locker room, restrooms,
meeting rooms, provide larger and enhanced kitchen and feeding facilities, new office areas,
storage facilities, a second floor totaling 5,650 square-feet in size to house additional offices,
conference room, restroom and observation areas. As part of this project, the Phillies will
assume the year-round clay ball field maintenance and custodial maintenance of the facility as
well as be responsible for traffic and public safety during spring training beginning in FY (Fiscal
Year) 2010. Total annual savings to the general fund budget will be $219,330 for the remainder
of the lease period with the Phillies, which is 15 years.
The project construction commences May 2009 to be ready for spring 2010. There will
be no increase in operating budgets and staffing levels due to the fact that the Phillies will pay a
greater burden of the operating cost at the Carpenter Complex as well as at Bright House
Networks Field.
Staff pulled item as the Phillies requested a change not included in the document.
Council Work Session 2009-03-02 5
Amend Section 22.24(2) of the Code of Ordinances to change the hours of operation for Station
Square Park from "Closed from 9:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m." to "Closed from Sunset until Sunrise"
and pass Ordinance 8059-09 on first readina.
On February 3, 2005, Ordinance 7376-05 was approved at second reading to 1) regulate
hours of operation for parks; 2) prohibit trespassing on parks; and 3) allow the posting of a sign
to inform the public of said hours.
Ordinance No. 7376-05 amended Section 22.24 by adding the hours of operation for
each City park in the Code of Ordinances; requiring at least one prominently posted sign be
installed at each park stating the hours of operation; and providing an exception to the closing
hours which would allow a permit to be issued by the Department or the City Manger.
The Ordinance provided a tool that City law enforcement officers use to more effectively
patrol City parks and enforce the hours of operation at each park. It reduced the number of
persons trespassing on park property after closing hours and reduces some of the vandalism
that occurs during these times.
Now that the construction of Station Square Park is complete, it is envisioned that
Station Square Park will be used by downtown workers and as a venue for city events.
Ordinance 8059-09 changes the hours that Station Square Park is to be closed from sunset
until sunrise except by permit issued by the Parks & Recreation Department Special Events
Division or the City Manager.
In response to questions, Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said 4th Friday
activities were considered special events and require a special event permit. Hours of operation
at Morningside were being adjusted to be more consistent with programming hours. Summer
programming at Morningside would be moved to the Long Center due to budget constraints.
Summer camp participants range from 6 - 13 years of age. Mr. Dunbar said Morningside would
be closed when no programming was scheduled.
Solid Waste/General Support Services
Amend Article VII, Solid Waste Management, Section 32.271 through 32.322, Amend Appendix
A, Schedule of fees, rates, and charges, Article XXV, Public Works-fees, rates and charges,
section; (3)(c) Solid Waste collection rates through Solid Waste Roll-off container or waste
receptacle service (5)(b)(ii)(7), and pass Ordinance 8025-09 on first reading.
The proposed amendments to this Ordinance and Appendix A include the
recommendation for exclusivity for the City's roll-off operation and various wording changes
meant to clarify, update, or strengthen the current Ordinance and Appendix.
Article VII, Solid Waste Management:
Update Language: 1) Solid Waste to Solid Waste/General Services; 2) Solid Waste
Director to Solid Waste/General Services Director; and 3) City Commission to City Council.
Add definitions: 1) Containerized service - collection of solid waste or recyclables in City-
approved containers; 2) Contamination - when more than de minimis non-recyclable items are
Council Work Session 2009-03-02 6
included with recyclables, or two or more types of recyclables are commingled; 3) Eviction or
move-out refuse - refuse left for collection resulting from an eviction or move-out; 4) E-waste -
inoperative or discarded electronic components; 5) Interest - the amount charged when a
penalty occurs; 6) Late payment - payment remitted after the required due date; 7) Penalty -
violation of Article VII; 8) Recovered materials dealer - person or entity who handles, purchases,
receives, recovers, sells, or is an end-user of recovered materials; 9) Roll-off container - large
capacity container used for commercial, industrial service, or special purposes and which is
transported with its contents to a solid waste disposal site; 10) Servicing - interaction with Solid
Waste/General Services with regards to installing, cleaning, deodorizing, pulling, removing, or
repairing damage to waste receptacles; and 11) Waste receptacle - vehicle or container used to
collect, transfer or haul solid waste or construction debris.
Strengthen Enforcement Capabilities: Language added to Sec. 32.271 that designated
solid waste personnel have the "authority to exercise limited police powers to enforce provisions
of this chapter."
Storm Debris Management: Language added in Sec. 32,281(4) to give the City the
ability, with the owners' permission, to enter private property in order to remove debris deemed
to be a threat to health, safety and/or welfare.
Appendix A, Schedule of fees, rates and charges
Establish Rates: 1) Solid Waste curbside collection rates for customers outside the city
limits (Agreements To Annex) - add a 125% monthly surcharge to provide curbside service to
accounts outside City limits; 2) Dumpster cleaning charges of $100 per receptacle after two free
cleanings per year; and 3) Annual maximum of yard waste per dwelling - four pick ups per 12-
month period not to exceed 20 cubic yards in the 12-month period.
Exclusivity for Roll-Off Operations - The provision of roll-off and compactor service in
the City of Clearwater is currently open to all private roll-off haulers and the City's Solid Waste
Department. Exclusivity would prohibit private haulers from doing roll-off business within the
City limits. This recommendation is based on: 1) Revenue Opportunity - Current City roll-off
operation has the capacity to absorb additional business without adding full-time equivalent
positions (FTEs) or equipment; 2) Savings - Staff costs and hours necessary (approximately
1,200 hours) to enforce collection of the 15% franchise fee from private haulers; 3) Customer
Service - Continue high level of customer service (service same day or next, deodorize and
clean containers, etc.; 4) Efficiency - Area of operation within the City limits allows for a short
turn-around to service; and 5) Location - Transfer Station is centrally located with the City and
has the capacity to for additional refuse. There are eight FTEs assigned to the roll-off operation.
Currently six are filled and two are vacant. The operation also includes six roll-off trucks
providing service five days a week.
Solid Waste/General Services Director Earl Gloster said Hillsborough County uses three
firms. Audits would ensure City's pricing would remain within market value.
Staff directed to correct section cited.
Council Work Session 2009-03-02 7
Public Utilities
Award a contract (increase to Purchase Order) to Carl Eric Johnson, Inc. of Lawrenceville, GA,
a sole source for current equipment, in the amount of $70,021.00, with two optional one-year
extensions for Moyno Progressive Cavity Pumps and replacement parts used at the three
Wastewater Treatment Plants, for a total amount of $120,021.20, and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
Moyno Progressive Cavity Pumps are used to transfer high viscosity fluids throughout
the treatment processes at the three (3) Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP).
Moyno is standardized by the Water Pollution Control Division for replacement pumps and parts
in this application because it eliminates excessive down time without the greater cost of retrofit
and redesign. Carl Eric Johnson, Inc. is sole source for Moyno Pumps and replacement parts.
Blanket Purchase Order BR505396 covers the initial period of December 18, 2008 to
December 31, 2009. Optional extensions are requested in case the purchase order amount
lasts longer than the original, initial period end date. The projected amount for this period is
based on the current performance of aging equipment and estimated costs of replacements and
repairs that may be required before December 31, 2009.
The original value of BR505396 is $50,000. Approval of the additional amount of
$70,021.20 will increase the total value to $120,021.20.
Sufficient budget is available in the Water and Sewer Utility Fund operating cost center
0421-01351-550400-535-000-0000, WPC Operations, to fund $91,050.57 of the FY
2008/09 cost of this purchase order and is planned in the budget request to be brought forward
for FY 2009/10 in the amount of $28,970.63.
Staff directed to obtain pricing information from other regional dealers.
The Council recessed from 2:56 p.m. to 3:07 p.m.
Planning
Discuss and provide direction on issues associated with allocating the Clearwater Beach Hotel
Density Reserve.
In July 2008, the City Council established the Hotel Density Reserve for Clearwater
Beach. Pursuant to the provisions of Beach by Design, the allocation of Hotel Density Reserve
units is to be made through a development agreement. In order to streamline the preparation of
these agreements and ensure general consistency among them, the Planning Department is
seeking Council's input on several items that need to be included in them.
The Planning Department is seeking direction from Council on the duration of a
development agreement allocating the Hotel Density Reserve. Code Section 4-606.13.1
specifies that development agreements shall not exceed 20 years. The Planning Department
believes a 10-year duration is sufficient because it affords both the City and the developer
certainty regarding development rights and obligations per Florida Statutes. The provisions of
Council Work Session 2009-03-02 8
these agreements will not typically address issues of neighborhood compatibility, etc. which
could warrant agreements of a longer duration.
In order to achieve the goal of realizing new hotel construction on Clearwater beach, the
Planning Department is recommending that projects receiving Hotel Reserve Units be
constructed within the normal timeframes established by the Community Development Code
instead of a longer timeframe established through the development agreement. This would
require developers to obtain building permits within one year of Community Development Board
approval (unless otherwise specified in the development order) and a certificate of occupancy
within two years of the date the initial building permit is issued. It should be noted that the Code
also allows the Community Development Coordinator to grant a one-year extension of time to
initiate a building permit for good cause, as well as an additional one-year extension by the
Community Development Board. Requiring adherence to these timeframes will ensure that
projects cannot encumber Reserve units for unusually long periods of times.
Lastly, the department is recommending that development agreements allocating the
Reserve contain a provision requiring units to be returned to the Reserve in the event the
agreement is terminated, the project fails to meet or maintain the Reserve criteria, or the units
are not constructed within the specified timeframes. The City Attorney's Office, with input from
the Planning Department, is developing a sample development agreement to be used as a
starting point for development agreements allocating the Hotel Density Reserve. It incorporates
the issues discussed above. Some of the key provisions are: 1) Section 4.4 requires a
description of the project in terms of number and types of units, project density, number of
parking spaces, etc.; 2) Section 5.3 specifies that the agreement shall be in effect for 10 years;
3) Section 6.1.3.1 requires that the project be consistent with that approved by the Community
Development Board; 4) Section 6.1.3.2 requires the developer to obtain building permits and a
certificate of occupancy within the timeframes set forth in Community Development Code; 5)
Section 6.1.3.3 requires a mandatory evacuation/closure covenant; and 6) Section 6.1.5
provides for the specific number of units allocated from the Hotel Density Reserve. It also
requires units to be returned to the Reserve if the criteria for the Hotel Density Reserve are not
maintained. It also obligates the developer to execute a covenant restricting the Reserve units
in perpetuity to the use established by the approved site plan.
Planning Assistant Director Gina Clayton said hotels on Clearwater Beach are required
to close and evacuate guests once a Hurricane Watch is issued.
It was stated that actual time to break ground could be as long as 5 years. The sample
development agreement would be used as a standard. Council would still approve the
development agreement.
Planning Director Michael Delk said the development community would prefer a bigger
time frame. These units are to be allocated for the purpose of construction. If the Planning
Director denies the one-year extension, the applicant may appeal decision to the CDB.
Extensions can be granted for less than a year.
Official Records and Legislative Services
Appoint one member to the Airpark Advisory Board with the term to expire March 31, 2013.
Council Work Session 2009-03-02 9
Staff directed to check number of vacancies.
City Manager Verbal Reports
Update on Britts and iStar properties re: beach parking garage site.
Assistant City Manager Rod Irwin said he spoke with the Britts Comptroller earlier and
they did not have the commitment for extra funding. iStar was interested in continuing talks with
the City but were also in discussion with other parties to purchase property.
Britts.
Discussion ensued. Consensus was to shift focus to iStar but continue discussions with
Neiahborhood Stabilization Proaram
In his February 26, 2009 memorandum, Assistant Economic Development and Housing
Director Jim Donnelly summarized the substantial differences between those communities
receiving NSP (Neighborhood Stabilization Program) funding directly from HUD (Department of
Housing & Urban Development) and those receiving NSP funding through the State of Florida's
Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
The City of Clearwater did not meet the minimum threshold of severity as it relates to
foreclosures by use of a formula developed by Congress and HUD. As a result, the City of
Clearwater was placed in the State of Florida's funding pool (DCA). The State would receive
their allocation directly from HUD and Clearwater would make application under the DCA
allocation process. Under the Substantial Amendment filed by DCA, the City of Clearwater
could receive $2,034,862 from the Regular NSP Allocation and $810,889 from the Low Income
Supplemental Allocation. The low-income allocation would specifically target those individuals
or families at or below 50% of the AMI (Area Medium Income).
NSP funds can only be used for the following activities: 1) Purchase and rehabilitate
homes and residential properties that have been abandoned or foreclosed upon; 2) Establish
financing mechanisms for purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed homes and residential
properties; 3) Establish land banks for foreclosed homes; 4) Demolish blighted structures; and
5) Redevelop demolished or vacant properties.
On February 19, 2009, DCA held an orientation workshop in Orlando for all 26
communities eligible for funding under the NSP through DCA. This was the first update
participants received since DCA submitted their Substantial Amendment to HUD in December of
2008. It was quite apparent that DCA has added several additional policies, procedures and
timelines outside the standard guidelines being applied to those communities receiving NSP
funding directly from HUD. The additional challenges placed into the program by DCA could
seriously jeopardize Clearwater's chances of success if it should decide to participate in the
State's program.
A few of the additional requirements implemented by DCA that are not required for those
communities receiving their NSP funding directly from HUD include:
Council Work Session 2009-03-02 10
1) Program Income - Under the HUD-NSP direct program, all program income remains
with the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) program participant. This would allow
participants to recycle funds for future use within their own program. Under the DCA plan, all
program income is returned to DCA. This would include all payments, rents, interest income,
and recaptured funds. The City of Clearwater would be acting as an agent on behalf of the
State.
2) Administration Costs - Under the HUD-NSP direct program, participants are allowed
up to 10% of their allocation to cover administrative costs associated with program
implementation. This is standard for all CDBG entitlement cities. The DCA plan reduces the
administrative cap to 6.8% of the allocation. This could create a payroll budget deficit due to the
escalated timetable established by DCA and the amount of time/additional resources needed to
comply with the additional requirements that have been added;
3) HUD/NSP - Direct recipients DCA/NSP - Recipients; a) 18 Months to obligate funds -
10 months to obligate funds; b) Immediate Funding - 60-90 day reimbursement; c) Standard
CDBG Guidelines - DCA monitoring, site visits; d) IDIS Reporting System - DRGR Reporting
System (current system) (new accounting system);
4) Additional DCA/NSP Only Requirements: a) Citizens Advisory Task Force must be
created to guarantee public participation; b) Additional Housing Assistance Plan (HAP) must be
created specifically for NSP projects; c) It was indicated at the orientation workshop that a
minimum borrower credit score of 660 would be required for all potential homeownership loans
utilizing DCA/NSP financing; d) Each blighted structure would require a City Council Resolution
indicating its condition to qualify for DCA/NSP funding; e) Existing City non-profit partner's
rehabilitation staff (subrecipients) must be approved by DCA;
5) Housing Partners Capacity - Mr. Donnelly spoke to City housing and rehab partners at
Tampa Bay CDC, Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services, Homes for Independence and
the Community Service Foundation. Most have vacant rental or empty homeownership
properties that they need to rent out or sell before they could take on additional obligations with
NSP. Catholic Charities has expressed an interest in utilizing NSP funds for purchase and
rehabilitation of a 56 unit transitional homeless property. The property is currently in
foreclosure. He was not sure at this point if this use would qualify under the NSP program due
to the required end user definition. The City of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Pasco County,
Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa have all received NSP funding directly from HUD.
City housing partners have indicated that it would make better economic sense for them to
pursue activities with these adjoining communities. They could operate under standard CDBG
guidelines without the additional steps, program monitoring and income restrictions put in place
by DCA;
6) Timeline - The 25-page application for participation in the DCA/NSP funding cycle is
due by April 6, 2009. Two copies of the application and supporting documentation would need
to be signed by the Mayor and returned to DCA. An additional copy would need to be sent to
the Department of Environmental Protection, the Regional Planning Council and the State
Historic Preservation Society; and
7) City of Clearwater CDBG, HOME and SHIP Obligations - Please keep in mind that the
City has existing funding obligations that need to be met by June and September of 2009. The
Council Work Session 2009-03-02 11
NSP commitment would require adjustment of the City's current funding schedule and severely
alter staff time commitments with primary funding sources. Funds not obligated under the City's
standard operating programs will most likely affect the City's budget and jeopardize its
continued participation in CDBG, HOME and SHIP programs.
Consensus was not to pursue NSP funding. Staff directed to remove item from council
meeting agenda.
Council Discussion Items
Library Rentals - Councilmember Cretekos (WSO)
Councilmember Cretekos inquired regarding ability to rent out library for special events.
Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said the department was no longer able to
support due to staff reductions in special events. Staff concentrates efforts on public events as
20% of planning time was spent on private events at the library. The Main Library was not
designed to be an events facility. To access rooms for a private event, the entire building must
be opened.
It was suggested the Beach Recreation Center be considered as an alternative.
Support Ban on Cell Phone Use in Cars - Councilmember Cretekos (WSO)
Councilmember Cretekos expressed concern regarding the use of cell phones while
driving and requested that the City support a ban on use of handheld cell phones.
Discussion ensued. Consensus was to send a letter to members of the Pinellas County
Legislative Delegation supporting hands-free cell phone devices while driving, exempting public
safety personnel.
Other Council Action
Councilmember Cretekos said WorkNet was hosting a job fair at the Harborview Center
in April and requested that reimbursement of $2,500-fee be considered. Many companies not
willing to attend unless they can come for free.
Discussion ensued. Consensus was to split the fee with them.
Adjourn
The work session adjourned at 4:27 p.m.
Council Work Session 2009-03-02 12