03/12/2009CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION MINUTES
PENNY FOR PINELLAS III
CITY OF CLEARWATER
March 12, 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 Mayor called the meeting to order at 1:30 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 City Manager's recommended changes to the Penny for Pinellas project list for
years 2010 through 2020 and provide direction as to agreement, and/or further
recommendations in order to hold the necessary public hearing and include the revised projects
in the 2009/10 six-year capital improvement plan.
On January 31, 2007, City Council approved the current list of Penny for Pinellas
projects for the years 2010 through 2020 totaling $130,610,180 and the voters approved the
third ten-year extension period in March 2007.
These projects now need to be prioritized and included in the funding of the six-year
capital plan starting in fiscal year 2009/10. In addition, staff has estimated that estimated
funding for the ten-year period will be approximately $118 million, rather than the $136 million
that had been originally estimated. This will require the elimination and/or reduction of planned
projects. The list of approved projects and recommended changes are attached for Council
review.
City Council policy requires that any change greater than $500,000 to a planned Penny
project requires a public hearing. Once Council has finalized recommended changes to the
planned project list, a public hearing will be scheduled to accept citizen comment and approve a
revised project list.
Budget Director Tina Wilson reviewed projects remaining on Penny for Pinellas II and
estimates of future proceeds. Penny III projects were prioritized based on perceived council
direction. Recommended changes include eliminating the Morningside Recreation Center and
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adding vehicle replacements for Police and Fire, the Downtown Intermodal Facility and the
Downtown Boat Slips.
In response to questions, Ms. Wilson said the City had not used Penny funds in the past
for police vehicles but can. The listed vehicles were part of the regular replacement cycle and
would provide a $200,000-savings per year in the General Fund to help get through the
economic lull. Staff recommended obligating $1.8 million for police vehicles and $1.9 million for
fire engines. There was $18.6 million for planned projects that have not been spent. Solid
Waste/General Services Assistant Director Rick Carnley said beach vehicles were kept in
operation for three years and others were kept 5-12 years, depending on use.
Discussion ensued. Concerns were expressed regarding eliminating the Morningside
recreation center project prior to the April neighborhood meeting.
It was stated that Council had directed staff not to add FTEs (Full Time Equivalents). A
new recreation center cannot be built without adding FTEs.
Downtown Intermodal System
Assistant City Manager Rod Irwin said the project was no longer a joint-use facility but a
collector for bus rapid transit. The project would alleviate need for second parking facility and
connect to future light rail. Mr. Irwin said PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) applied for
a grant to help fund construction and intends to meet with Pinellas County about acquiring
property.
Discussion ensued regarding need for additional parking in a revitalized downtown.
Concerns were expressed with placement of multimodal station in close proximity to light rail
and that a new location was needed.
Consensus was to set aside $8,000,000 for the project.
Downtown Boat Slips
Concern was expressed about need for 70% occupancy rate to pay operating costs.
Finance Director Margie Simmons said staff would reduce operating costs if slips were
not occupied. Staff recommended shifting project costs from the central insurance fund to
Penny.
Discussion ensued. Concerns were expressed regarding paying 100% of the project with
Penny funds. The majority supported funding 50% of the project with Penny funds. It was
suggested that any surplus funds be returned to the Penny fund.
In response to questions, Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said staff
recommended not moving forward with the Morningside Recreation Center project. The facility
would require 6.5 FTEs and $325,000 for annual operating expenses. Mr. Dunbar estimated
50-65% of expenses would be recovered through fees.
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Consensus was to hold decision regarding the Morningside Recreation Center until the
neighborhood meeting.
Countryside Fire Station
Staff directed to maintain project on the list.
Royalty Theater
Staff directed to maintain project on the list.
The Council recessed from 3:25 p.m. to 3:32 p.m.
Countryside & East Branch Libraries - Renovations
Library Director Barbara Pickell said staff recommended creating a single east side
location at Woodgate Park. The facility would be accessible from Enterprise Road and would
require 180 parking spaces. It was stated that the Countryside location was designated OSR
and would require a reuse plan.
It was suggested that a special millage be created to fund library operations.
Ms. Simmons said the city could identify millage dedicated to the library but would be
part of the overall millage rate and subject to restrictions.
St. Pete Times Property
Fire Deputy Chief Robert Weiss said the location was not viable for a consolidated fire
station. Renovations would estimate $8,000,000.
Discussion ensued. Staff directed to provide information on cost to build a new fire
station and continue dialogue with St. Pete Times.
Coachman Park Redevelopment
Staff directed to maintain project on the list.
New City Hall
Staff directed to provide information regarding need for new location and cost to
maintain current building.
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3 - Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 4:19 p.m.
Council Special Work Session 2009-03-12