07/16/2009
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 16, 2009
Present: Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice-Mayor Paul Gibson, Councilmember George N.
Cretekos, Councilmember John Doran, and Councilmember Carlen
Petersen.
Also William B. Horne II - City Manager, Jill S. Silverboard - Assistant City
present: Manager, Rod Irwin - Assistant City Manager, Pamela K. Akin - City Attorney,
Cynthia E. Goudeau - City Clerk, and Rosemarie Call - Management Analyst.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
1.Call to Order
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.
2.Invocation - Pastor Anthony Ballestero of New Destiny Worship
3.Pledge of Allegiance - Mayor Frank Hibbard
4.Presentations
4.1 Branch Post Offices Update - Postmaster Bill Bishoff
In response to questions, Postmaster Bill Bishoff said a list regarding potential closures
has yet to be published. The public will have a 2-week opportunity to comment on
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proposed closures.
4.2 WiFi Hotspots - Brighthouse
4.3 Clearwater Housing Authority Quarterly Update - Bob Aude, Chair
Bob Aude, Clearwater Housing Authority Chair (CHA), reviewed CHA's mission and
program and thanked the City for its support.
Ms. Jan Moss shared how she has benefited from CHA's services.
4.4 Clearwater Veterans Alliance - Bob Swick, President - 1st Annual Flag Day
Ceremony Award
4.5 Presentation of Sportsmanship Awards.
5.Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the minutes of the June 18, 2009 City Council Meeting as submitted in
written summation by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Carlen Petersen moved to approve the minutes of the June 18, 2009
City Council Meeting as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk. The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
6.Citizens to be Heard re Items Not on the Agenda
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Ed Armstrong requested consideration of amending the zoning ordinance regarding
temporary uses on large properties.
Staff directed to agenda discussion at a future work session.
Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 PM
7.Administrative Public Hearings
7.1 Amend the City’s Local Housing Assistance Plan for State Housing Initiatives
Partnership Program (SHIP) Fiscal Years 2009-2012 to add a new state required
affordable housing strategy known as the Florida Homebuyer Opportunity
Program, supporting the first time homebuyer $8,000.00 tax credit through the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and adopt Resolution 09-28.
During the 2009 session, the Florida legislature allocated $30,000,000 to aid the
federal government in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
(ARRA). This act provides for up to $8,000.00 in tax credits to first time
homebuyers toward the purchase of a primary residence. The intent of the
Legislature is to ensure that residents of the state derive the maximum possible
economic benefit from the federal first-time homebuyer tax credit created through
the ARRA. The Legislature requires that each jurisdiction amend their Local
Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) to include the Florida Homebuyer Opportunity
Program strategy.
The City of Clearwater was awarded $97,500.00 from the State of Florida SHIP
funds to assist first time home buyers who purchase their primary residence by
December 1, 2009. Funds shall be expended under this newly created strategy in
the LHAP to implement the Florida Homebuyer Opportunity Program. The City
will provide eligible homebuyers with up to $8,000.00 in the form of a second
mortgage. The homebuyer shall be expected to use their federal income tax
refund to fully repay the loan to the City. A homebuyer who fails to repay the loan
within 18 months after receipt of their federal income tax refund, shall be
considered in default of the program terms. Default provisions will then follow
existing city policies.
Resolution 09-28 amends the LHAP (approved by City Council through
Resolution 09-09-21 in April 2009), adding this new Florida Homebuyer
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Opportunity Program strategy only effective for Fiscal Year 2009-2010.
Councilmember George N. Cretekos moved to amend the City's Local Housing
Assistance Plan for State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP) Fiscal Years
2009-2012 to add a new state required affordable housing strategy known as the
Florida Homebuyer Opportunity Program, supporting the first time homebuyer
$8,000.00 tax credit through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Resolution 09-28 was presented and read by title only. Vice-Mayor Paul Gibson moved
to adopt Resolution 09-28 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Cretekos, Petersen, Doran, Gibson, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
7.2 Approve the City of Clearwater’s Fiscal Year 2009-10 Consolidated Action Plan,
to carry forward the goals and objectives set forth in the Plan, as required by
HUD, and authorize the City to enter into agreements with organizations
contained in the FY09-10 Consolidated Action Plan.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires
communities that receive entitlement (CDBG & HOME) funding to prepare a
comprehensive five (5) year Consolidated Planning document that evaluates the
needs of the community and sets forth strategies to address those needs. The
City’s FY 2000-2005 Consolidated Plan was approved by Council in July 2005. In
addition, the City is required to create and implement an annual statement
identifying the sources and uses of federal money for housing, community and
economic development. This annual plan, referred to as a Consolidated Action
Plan, provides HUD with the City’s housing, community and economic
development budget and proposed expenditures based on the entitlement funds
and estimated program income that the City will receive in the upcoming fiscal
year.
Funds are to be used to develop viable communities and sustain existing ones. In
addition, the funds will be used to provide safe, decent and affordable housing to
assist extremely low to moderate income households. This year’s Action Plan
allocates federal and state funds to provide housing opportunities to extremely
low to moderate-income households for new and existing homes, construction
and/or renovation of public facilities, and to fund public services programs.
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In fiscal year 2009-2010, the City is estimated to receive federal funds in the
amount of $932,808 through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG);
$251, 549 through the Community Development Block Grant Program –
Recovery; $589,019 through the HOME Investment Partnership Program; and
$97,329 from the State of Florida through the State Housing Initiatives
Partnership (SHIP) Program. Funds provided through the HOME and SHIP
Programs are limited to housing related activities (including housing relocation
and housing demolition) and administration. Funds provided through the CDBG
Program may be used for housing, community and economic development, public
services and facilities, acquisition, relocation, demolition, and administration.
Additional funding for the FY2009-2010 budget will come from estimated program
income funds and unprogrammed prior year CDBG, HOME, SHIP and Pinellas
County Housing Trust funds (loan repayments, loan payoffs, recaptured funds,
etc). The total FY 2009-10 allocation budget is $1,870,705.
The city partners with several not for profit agencies to implement the goals and
objectives the city has established in the Consolidated Planning Document. To
obtain these partners, the city annually publishes a Notice of Funding Availability
in the local newspaper and on its website in February. This notice informs the
non-profits of the resources the city will make available and the eligible uses of
these resources. It also informs them of the application period for requesting
funds. The applications were due in April. The City received a total of 34
applications for funding requests.
A Technical Review Committee (TRC) comprised of professionals in the social
service and grants community and one member of the City’s Neighborhood and
Affordable Housing Advisory Board (NAHAB) reviewed the applications, scored
them and set forth a strategy to maximize the number of applicants that will
receive a portion of allocated funds. Applicants were given an opportunity to
speak to the TRC and NAHAB regarding their programs. City staff also reviewed
each application to ensure it met HUD’s baseline requirements. The NAHAB will
meet on July 14, 2009 to approve the recommended allocations contained in the
FY09-10 Consolidated Action Plan.
Each year, the City may allocate up to 15% of its CDBG allocation for Public
Services organizations. Additional funds may be allocated based upon the
amount of program income received. The City may also provide funds for
operating expenses to subrecipients who qualify as a Community Based
Development Organization.
The City’s Housing Division received requests for Public Services funding in
excess of $480,538. The NAHAB has endorsed a sliding scale funding system for
Public Services applicants that allows the top two scorers to receive 60% of their
request; the second two receive 50% of their request, and others receive 40% of
their request until all of the allowable funds are allocated. The maximum
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allocation per agency’s request is $30,000. This method allows most of the Public
Services applicants to receive some funding.
The Consolidated Action Plan is due to the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development on August 15, 2009.
All organizations that will be receiving an allocation or participating in the City’s
Housing or Housing Education Pools will have agreements prepared and
executed by October 1, 2009.
Economic Development and Housing Assistant Director Jim Donnelly provided a power
point presentation.
Councilmember Carlen Petersen moved to approve the City of Clearwater's Fiscal Year
2009-10 Consolidated Action Plan, to carry forward the goals and objectives set forth in
the Plan, as required by HUD, and authorize the City to enter into agreements with
organizations contained in the FY09-10 Consolidated Action Plan. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
7.3 Approve the Annexation, Initial Land Use Plan Designation of Residential Low
(RL) and Initial Zoning Atlas Designation of Low Medium Density Residential
(LMDR) District for 2383 Dora Drive (Lot 13, Rolling Heights in Section 7,
Township 29 South, Range 16 East); and pass Ordinances 8071-09, 8072-09
and 8073-09 on first reading.(ANX2009-04008)
This voluntary annexation petition involves a 0.276-acre property consisting of
one parcel of land occupied by a single-family dwelling. It is located on the south
side of Dora Drive, approximately 210 feet south of Lorena Lane. The applicant is
requesting this annexation in order to receive sanitary sewer and solid waste
service from the City. The property is located within an enclave and is
contiguous to existing City boundaries to the north, south, and west. It is
proposed that the property be assigned a Future Land Use Plan designation of
Residential Low (RL) and a zoning category of Low Medium Density Residential
(LMDR).
The Planning Department determined that the proposed annexation is consistent
with the provisions of Community Development Code Section 4-604.E as follows:
* The property currently receives water service from Pinellas County. The closest
sanitary sewer line is located in the adjacent Dora Drive right-of-way and the
applicant has paid the City’s sewer impact and assessment fees and is aware of
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the additional costs to extend City sewer service to this property. Collection of
solid waste will be provided by the City of Clearwater. The property is located
within Police District III and service will be administered through the district
headquarters located at 2851 North McMullen Booth Road. Fire and emergency
medical services will be provided to this property by Station 48 located at 1700 N.
Belcher Road. The City has adequate capacity to serve this property with sanitary
sewer, solid waste, police, fire and EMS service. The proposed annexation will
not have an adverse effect on public facilities and their levels of service; and
* The proposed annexation is consistent with and promotes the following
objective of the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan:
Objective A.6.4: Due to the built-out character of the City of Clearwater, compact
urban development within the urban service area shall be promoted through
application of the Clearwater Community Development Code.
Objective A.7.2 Diversify and expand the City’s tax base through the annexation
of a variety of land uses located within the Clearwater Planning Area.
Policy A.7.2.3 Continue to process voluntary annexations for single-
family residential properties upon request.
The proposed RL Future Land Use Plan category is consistent with the current
Countywide Plan designation of this property. This designation primarily permits
residential uses at a density of 5 units per acre. The proposed zoning district to
be assigned to the property is the Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR)
District. The use of the subject property is consistent with the uses allowed in the
District and the property exceeds the District’s minimum dimensional
requirements. The proposed annexation is therefore consistent with the
Countywide Plan, City’s Comprehensive Plan and Community Development
Code; and
The property proposed for annexation is contiguous to existing City boundaries to
the north, south, and west; therefore the annexation is consistent with Florida
Statutes Chapter 171.044.
Councilmember John Doran moved to approve the Annexation, Initial Land Use Plan
Designation of Residential Low (RL) and Initial Zoning Atlas Designation of Low Medium
Density Residential (LMDR) District for 2383 Dora Drive (Lot 13, Rolling Heights in
Section 7, Township 29 South, Range 16 East). The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
Ordinance 8071-09 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
Councilmember George N. Cretekos moved to pass Ordinance 8071-09 on
first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
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"Ayes": Gibson, Petersen, Doran, Cretekos, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
Ordinance 8072-09 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Vice-Mayor Paul Gibson moved to pass Ordinance 8072-09
on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote
was:
"Ayes": Gibson, Petersen, Doran, Cretekos, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
Ordinance 8073-09 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Carlen Petersen moved to pass Ordinance 8073-09 on first
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Gibson, Petersen, Doran, Cretekos, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
7.4 Continue until August 6, 2009 the approval of amendments to the Community
Development Code to bring consistency between the Countywide Plan Rules and
the Community Development Code, and to address off-street parking for
overnight accommodations in the Tourist District, docks, site visibility triangles,
site lighting, design standards for parking lots and parking garages, off-street
loading and vehicle stacking spaces, hearing officer appeals, and transfer of
development rights, and pass Ordinance 8043-09 on first reading. (TA2009-
01002)
It was stated that Council directed staff at Monday’s work session to implement changes
to the proposed ordinance and continue first reading. It was noted the item needs to be
continued to August 20 in order to process the changes.
Two individuals opposed additional commercial docks on Sand Key.
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Councilmember John Doran moved to continue Item 7.4 to August 20, 2009. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
8.Second Readings – Public Hearing
8.1 Adopt Ordinance 7909-08 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of the
city by rezoning certain property whose post office address is 1241, 1261 and
1281 Gulf Boulevard, from business (B) to tourist (T).
Ordinance 7909-08 was presented for second reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Carlen Petersen moved to adopt Ordinance 7909-08 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call,
the vote was:
"Ayes": Gibson, Petersen, Doran, Cretekos, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
8.2 Adopt Ordinance No. 7999-08 on third reading, making amendments to the
Community Development Code by amending Section 2-902, Flexible Standard
Development, Table 2-903 to add a footnote allowing a reduced parking
requirement for changes of use within the Downtown (D) District where there are
no existing parking spaces or available land for their construction; certifying
consistency with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and proper advertisement and
providing for severability.
Ordinance 7999-08 was presented for third reading and read by title only.
Councilmember George N. Cretekos moved to adopt Ordinance 7999-08 on
third and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the
vote was:
"Ayes": Gibson, Petersen, Doran, Cretekos, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
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8.3 Adopt Ordinance 8061-09 on second reading, vacating a portion of the ten-foot
sewer easement lying five-feet on either side of a portion of property in Section 3,
Township 29 South, Range 15 East, on the west side of Pineland Drive and south
of Sunset Point Road.
Ordinance 8061-09 was presented for second reading and read by title only.
Vice Mayor Paul Gibson moved to adopt Ordinance 8061-09 on second and
final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Gibson, Petersen, Doran, Cretekos, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
8.4 Adopt Ordinance 8076-09 on second reading, vacating a portion of Turner Street
right-of-way described as part of Lots 6, 11 and 12, Turner Street Groves,
together with a portion of a fifteen-foot alley, subject to a utility easement which is
retained over the full width thereof and a public sidewalk easement which is
retained over the northerly five feet thereof.
Ordinance 8076-09 was presented for second reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Carlen Petersen moved to adopt Ordinance 8076-09 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call,
the vote was:
"Ayes": Gibson, Petersen, Doran, Cretekos, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
8.5 Adopt Ordinance 8077-09 on second reading, amending the operating budget for
the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009 to reflect increases and decreases in
revenues and expenditures for the general fund, special development fund,
special program fund, storm water utility fund, general services fund, garage fund,
administrative services fund, and central insurance fund.
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Ordinance 8077-09 was presented for second reading and read by title only.
Councilmember John Doran moved to adopt Ordinance 8077-09 on second
and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote
was:
"Ayes": Gibson, Petersen, Doran, Cretekos, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
8.6 Adopt Ordinance 8078-09 on second reading, amending the capital improvement
budget for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, to reflect a net decrease of
$3,819,084.
Ordinance 8078-09 was presented for second reading and read by title only.
Councilmember George N. Cretekos moved to adopt Ordinance 8078-09 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call,
the vote was:
"Ayes": Gibson, Petersen, Doran, Cretekos, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
City Manager Reports
9.Consent Agenda - Approved as submitted.
9.1 Declare the list of vehicles and equipment surplus to the needs of the City and
authorize sale to the highest bidder at the Tampa Machinery Auction, Tampa,
Florida. (consent)
9.2 Authorize the transfer of $118,519 from the Special Programs Fund Project 181-
99877 (Building Code Enforcement Surplus) to the General Fund to cover deficits
in revenues over expenses for FY08. (consent)
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9.3 Approve Memorandum of Understanding pursuant to the Department of Justice,
Bureau of Justice Assistance (DOJ/BJA) Edward Byrne Memorial Justice
Assistance Grant application to be filed by Pinellas County on behalf of the City of
Clearwater and other municipalities and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same.(consent)
9.4 Accept a FY 2007 Buffer Zone Protection Program Grant (BZPP) in the amount of
$192,460.60 from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and U. S.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same and approve purchase of equipment. (consent)
9.5 Approve an increase and one-year extension to existing contract (purchase order)
to Water Specialists Technologies LLC, of Sanford, FL in the amount of
$435,659.70, for a total contract value of $780,509.70 for the copper precipitant
TR-50, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
9.6 Accept a Blanket Public Utilities Easement to encumber all of the upland lying
and being situated within a portion of Government Lot 4 in the Northeast quarter
of Section 16, Township 29 South, Range 16 East, as conveyed by Clearwater
Christian College Private School, Inc., a Florida not for profit corporation, given in
consideration of receipt of $10.00 and the benefits to be derived therefrom.
(consent)
9.7 Approve Settlement between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(FDEP) and the City of Clearwater as outlined in the June 4, 2009
correspondence and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
9.8 Approve a Contract to Purchase a perpetual Ingress, Egress and Utilities
Easement over, across and under the West 15 feet of Lot 9, PINE RIDGE, from
Thomas Floyd, Senior, and Elizabeth O. Floyd, husband and wife, for the sum of
$20,000 plus estimated transaction costs not to exceed $700, and authorize
appropriate officials to execute same, together with all other documentation
required to effect closing. (consent)
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9.9 Approve a Purchase Order to Progress Energy Florida, Inc., Clearwater, FL, for
labor and materials to covert the existing overhead electric facilities to
underground along South Gulfview Boulevard from east of Sand Key Bridge to
west of Parkway Drive in the amount of $145,520.93 and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
9.10 Approve Change Order 2 to Gulf Coast Contracting, LLC of Tarpon Springs,
Florida, for the Reservoir 1 and 3 GST Coating Project (08-0031-UT) increasing
the contract by $2075.00 for a new contract total of $116,915.00 by discontinuing
and removing all remaining cleaning and recoating work to be completed at
Reservoir 1 and add the cleaning and recoating of the exterior surfaces and
appurtenances of the 5 million gallon ground storage tank located at Reservoir 2,
located at 21133 N. Hwy. US 19, Clearwater, FL and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
9.11 Award a contract to RTD Construction, Inc. of Zephyrhills, Florida for the
construction of the Skycrest Reclaimed Water Project - Contract 1: Booster Pump
Station in the amount of $3,041,401.00, which is the lowest responsible bid in
accordance with plans and specifications; and authorize the appropriate officials
to execute same. (consent)
9.12 Approve Supplemental Engineering Work Orders to Tampa Bay Engineering
Group, Inc., (EOR) of Clearwater, Florida, for additional engineering design
services for the relocation of existing potable water, reclaimed water and sanitary
sewer facilities impacted by the Florida Department of Transportations SR 55 (US
19) from Whitney Rd. to south of Seville Blvd. project, FPN 256881-1-56-01, in
the amount of $35,750, for a new value of $203,375, and SR 55 (US 19) from
south of Seville Blvd. to north of SR 60 project, FPN 256881-2-56-01, in the
amount of $48,350, for a new value of $246,830 and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
9.13 Appoint Sheila Cole to the Municipal Code Enforcement Board to complete a term
until October 31, 2009.
Councilmember John Doran moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted and
that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly
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seconded and carried unanimously.
10.Other Items on City Manager Reports
10.1 Approve the expenditure of $100,000 to Ruth Eckerd Hall (REH) as the final of a
three-year support program by the City to further arts education with a specific
emphasis of increasing City of Clearwater resident participation, and transfer
funds at third quarter from unappropriated retained earnings to recreation
operating funds 010-01801.
In 2006, the Hoffman Institute at REH rate of service to Clearwater citizens was
22%.
In FY’07, a proposal was made to the City by REH to provide three years of
funding to assist in maintaining and growing its service to the citizens of
Clearwater. The City approved $300,000 in FY’07 and $100,000 in FY’08 for this
endeavor.
With this financial assistance, the percent of service to City residents has
increased to 33%, representing 34,672 Clearwater residents. They are involved in
programs at the Hoffman Institute, i.e. Performing Arts Classes, PASSport to the
Arts, Arts in Medicine (with Morton Plant) and Eckerd Theater Company to name
a few.
REH is requesting $100,000 for the final year of this program. If approved, funds
will be transferred at third quarter from unappropriated retained earnings to
general recreation operating funds 010-01801.
Ruth Eckerd Hall President/CEO Robert Freedman provided a detailed list to what
activities will be funded. All funds will go to youth education programs.
Two individuals spoke in opposition.
Vice-Mayor Paul Gibson moved to approve the expenditure of $100,000 to Ruth Eckerd
Hall (REH) as the final of a three-year support program by the City to further arts
education with a specific emphasis of increasing City of Clearwater resident
participation, and transfer funds at third quarter from unappropriated retained earnings
to recreation operating funds 010-01801. The motion was duly seconded and upon the
vote being taken:
"Ayes": Mayor Frank Hibbard, Councilmember George N. Cretekos, Councilmember
John Doran, and Councilmember Carlen Petersen.
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"Nays": Vice-Mayor Paul Gibson.
10.2 Adopt a tentative millage rate of 5.155 mills for fiscal year 2009/10 and set public
hearing dates on the budget for September 3, 2009 and September 17, 2009, to
be held no earlier than 6:00 p.m.
In accordance with the Truth in Millage (TRIM) process, the City Council must
adopt a tentative millage rate and set public hearing dates prior to finalizing and
adopting the budget. This information must be provided to the Property Appraiser
by August 4, 2009. The Property Appraiser includes this proposed millage rate
and the public hearing dates on the TRIM bill notices mailed to taxpayers in
August. This tentative rate cannot be increased without first-class mailing to each
taxpayer at the expense of the City of Clearwater, not less than 10 days and not
more than 15 days before the final public hearing.
The City Manager’s recommended millage rate is 5.155 mills. This rate is 17.5%
less than the majority millage rate of 6.2497 mills, which is the highest millage
rate that the Council can set with a majority vote. The majority vote is basically
the highest rate an agency can set and comply with the requirements of
Amendment 1.
The rolled-back rate is the millage rate that will provide the same property tax
revenue as was levied the prior year. If the proposed rate of 5.155 mills is
adopted, the City’s ordinance adopting the millage rate will reflect a 7.19%
decrease from the rolled-back rate of 5.5543 mills.
Options for establishing the millage rate and an estimated impact on the 2009/10
property tax proceeds are attached. Millage options are also noted below:
5.1550 mills - Proposed millage rate
5.5543 mills - Rolled back rate
6.2497 mills - Maximum majority vote rate
6.8747 mills - Maximum two-thirds vote rate
Budget Director Tina Wilson provided a power point presentation. Tonight Council will
set a preliminary millage rate. The millage cannot go higher but can be lowered.
In response to questions, Ms. Wilson said 31% of taxable properties are homesteaded.
Homesteaded property owners will see a small increase in property taxes. Despite $6
million decrease, the City’s General Fund has absorbed $3 million in increased pension
costs. It will cost an additional $120,000 to keep the North Greenwood Library open.
Ms. Wilson said to add the North Greenwood Library and Fire Rescue Unit 50 to the
budget the millage must increase .0511 mills.
Council 2009-07-16 15
Twenty-one individuals supported increasing the millage rate to maintain services and
keep facilities open. Three individuals opposed a millage increase.
In response to a question, Library Director Barbara Pickell said the department had to
eliminate all part-time positions last year due to budget cuts. Recent changes in
contract language will allow converting many full-time positions to part-time.
It was stated that the elimination of Fire Rescue Unit 50 was determined by Pinellas
County.
The Council recessed from 8:53 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Discussion ensued with concerns expressed regarding impact to city services if millage
rate decreases and impact to citizens if millage rate increases.
Councilmember John Doran moved to adopt a tentative millage rate of 5.215 mills for
fiscal year 2009/10. The motion was duly seconded and upon the vote being taken:
"Ayes": Councilmember John Doran and Councilmember Carlen Petersen.
"Nays": Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice-Mayor Paul Gibson, and Councilmember George N.
Cretekos.
Motion failed.
Councilmember George N. Cretekos moved to adopt a tentative millage rate of 5.155
mills for fiscal year 2009/10 and set public hearing dates on the budget for September
3, 2009 and September 17, 2009, to be held no earlier than 6:00 p.m. The motion was
duly seconded and upon the vote being taken:
"Ayes": Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice-Mayor Paul Gibson, Councilmember George N.
Cretekos and Councilmember John Doran.
"Nays": Councilmember Carlen Petersen.
Consensus was to hold a public meeting on July 30, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall.
Council 2009-07-16 16
(Note: Due to conflict, the July 30th meeting was cancelled and the August 3rd Special
Work Session was changed to a Special Council Meeting.)
10.3 Approve Supplemental Work Order 2 in the amount of $296,810 to McKim and
Creed, Engineer-of-Record for the City of Clearwater, to provide Construction
Engineering and Inspection (CEI) Services for the construction of the Water
Treatment Plants 1 and 3 - Wellfield Expansion Project Phase I Well Installation
and Phase II-Construction of Raw Water Main; and the appropriate officials be
authorized to execute same. (consent)
The City of Clearwater (City) is in the process of expanding the wellfields for
Water Treatment Plant (WTP) No. 1 and WTP 3. As part of this program the City
will construct seven (7) new wells in the WTP 1 service area, six (6) new wells in
the WTP 3 service area, and rehabilitate three (3) existing wells. Additionally, the
City will install 30,400 linear feet of raw water transmission main ranging from six
(6) to twelve (12) inches in diameter. The design phase of these projects is
complete and the City is now moving into the construction phase of the project.
November 3, 2005, City Council approved the initial Work Order to McKim and
Creed for the design of 10 new wells. September 20, 2007, City Council approved
Supplemental Work Order 1 to add design of 4 additional wells, the rehabilitation
of three existing wells, expanding design to include a raw water main and to
provide limited CEI Services. In addition to the limited engineering support during
construction in the design Work Order for Phase I and Phase II, Supplemental 2
Work Order, will provide inspection, construction administration and programming
services for Phase I, and construction administration for Phase II of the project in
the amount of $296,810. The construction contract for Phase I was approved by
Council on January 15, 2009 and is anticipated to be completed by January of
2011. The construction contract for Phase II will be going out to bid following the
wells construction. The City of Clearwater’s Public Utilities Department Water
Division is responsible for owning, operating and maintaining the wells and
transmission main. Sufficient budget and funding with 2009 Water and Sewer
Revenue Bond proceeds is available in project 0376-96763, Wellfield Expansion,
in the amount of $131,895.00 and in project 0376-96764,RO Plant Expansion, in
the amount of $164,915.00 for a total of $296,810.00 for this contract.
Councilmember John Doran moved to approve Supplemental Work Order 2 in the
amount of $296,810 to McKim and Creed, Engineer-of-Record for the City of
Clearwater, to provide Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) Services for the
construction of the Water Treatment Plants 1 and 3 - Wellfield Expansion Project Phase
I Well Installation and Phase II-Construction of Raw Water Main; and the appropriate
officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Council 2009-07-16 17
10.4 Approve the Engineer of Record (EOR) contract with the following firms for a
period of three years commencing August 12, 2009: ADVANCED ENGINEERING
and DESIGN, INC.; BILLERREINHART STRUCTURAL GROUP, INC.; CUMBY
and FAIR, INC.; HDR ENGINEERING, INC.; JONES EDMUNDS ASSOCIATES,
INC.; KING ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES, INC.; KISINGER CAMPO and
ASSOCIATES, CORP.; LEGGETTE, BRASHEARS and GRAHAM, INC.; H. W.
LOCHNER, INC.; MALCOLM PIRNIE, INC.; MCKIM and CREED, PA; POST,
BUCKLEY, SCHUH and JERNIGAN; REISS ENGINEERING, INC.; SAM
SCHWARTZ ENGINEERING; SDI ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.; SHAW
ENVIRONMENTAL and INFRASTRUCTURE, INC.; TETRA TECH, INC.; TBE
GROUP, INC.; URS CORPORATION; and VANUS, INC.
On April 17, 2009 Requests for Qualifications (RFQ12-09) were solicited from
area consulting engineering firms to serve as Engineers of Record for the City for
a three year period. Fifty responses were received.
A nine member City selection committee reviewed each of the submittals. The
firms were evaluated in terms of local community involvement, ability to
expeditiously complete assignments, quality of response, prior municipal
experience and quality control. On June 12, 2009 the selection committee met to
short-list the firms that the City wished to select as Engineers of Record and to
determine those firms to make verbal presentations. On June 25 and 26, 2009
verbal presentations were heard by the committee and final selections as listed
above were made. The firms were selected based upon their ability to complete
projects in the following disciplines: construction, environmental, hydrogeology,
potable water, reclaimed water, roads, sanitary sewer, stormwater, structural
analysis, traffic and transportation. Entering into agreements with these firms
will enable the City to continue to utilize the well qualified firms to complete
engineering projects over the next three years.
It was stated that the City cannot disqualify a firm due to litigation. Can disqualify for
quality of work.
Councilmember George N. Cretekos moved to approve the Engineer of Record (EOR)
contract with the following firms for a period of three years commencing August 12,
2009: ADVANCED ENGINEERING and DESIGN, INC.; BILLERREINHART
STRUCTURAL GROUP, INC.; CUMBY and FAIR, INC.; HDR ENGINEERING, INC.;
JONES EDMUNDS ASSOCIATES, INC.; KING ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES, INC.;
KISINGER CAMPO and ASSOCIATES, CORP.; LEGGETTE, BRASHEARS and
GRAHAM, INC.; H. W. LOCHNER, INC.; MALCOLM PIRNIE, INC.; MCKIM and
CREED, PA; POST, BUCKLEY, SCHUH and JERNIGAN; REISS ENGINEERING, INC.;
SAM SCHWARTZ ENGINEERING; SDI ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.; SHAW
ENVIRONMENTAL and INFRASTRUCTURE, INC.; TETRA TECH, INC.; TBE GROUP,
Council 2009-07-16 18
INC.; URS CORPORATION; and VANUS, INC. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
Miscellaneous Reports and Items
11. Council Discussion Items - None
12. Other Council Action
12.1 Other Council Action
Vice-Mayor Paul Gibson said the PSTA has money for the Jolley Trolley and expects
the full proposal to come forward soon.
Consensus to appropriate $150,000 from parking fund for Jolley Trolley.
Councilmembers reported on events in which they recently participated, reviewed
upcoming events and thanked all those who attended and participated in the meeting.
Mayor Frank Hibbard offered condolences to survivors of George Mallory, Don Harrison
and John Wiser.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 10:04 p.m.
Mayor
City of Clearwater
Attest
?.?,t.City
Council 2009-07-16 19