08/03/2009
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 3, 2009
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Present: Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice-Mayor Paul Gibson, Councilmember George N.
Cretekos, Councilmember John Doran, and Councilmember Carlen
Petersen.
Also City Manager William B. Horne II, Assistant City Manager Jill S. Silverboard,
present: Assistant City Manager Rod Irwin, City Attorney Pamela K. Akin, City Clerk
Cyndie Goudeau, and Management Analyst Rosemarie Call.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
1.Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.
2.Introductory Comments - Bill Horne, City Manager
It was stated that staff focused on providing presentations Council requested.
3.Presentation of the 2009/10 Preliminary Budget
Budget Director Tina Wilson provided a power point presentation. Ms. Wilson reviewed
the existing budget conditions and the 2009-2010 preliminary budget.
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4.Presentation of the 2009-10 Parks and Recreation Budget
Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar provided a power point presentation on
proposed programming changes. The department budget was reduced by $1.6 million
and cash contributions by 10%. Staff reductions in Special Events will provide a
$200,000 savings.
In response to questions, Mr. Dunbar said staff will be able to maintain current sporting
events. Staff tracks revenues generated by each facility. If further staff reductions are
needed, certain facilities will need to close. Xeriscaping will be implemented as
locations are re-landscaped.
Ms. Wilson said salary cost increases are due to pension increases.
5.Presentation of the 2009-10 Library Budget
Library Director Barbara Pickell provided a power point presentation and reviewed
proposed operating hours.
In response to questions, Ms. Pickell said a consolidated East-Countryside facility will
eliminate 5 FTEs (Full-Time Equivalent), representing a $250,000 savings. It will cost
$120,000 to keep the North Greenwood branch open. If the East branch is moved to
the recreation center, it will cost approximately $80,000 to move the materials. If the
East branch is closed this year, there will be a $400,000 savings. Ms. Pickell said staff
would be shifted to accommodate increased demand at other branches. Staff is
working to revitalize volunteer base for the Clearwater Beach branch.
Finance Director Margie Simmons said the Friends of the Library pledged to raise $5
million for the construction of the Main Library. Only $2.5 million was raised and the city
had to write-off the balance.
6.Council Discussion and Public Comment
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Two individuals spoke in support of increasing the millage rate and 1 opposed
increasing the millage rate.
One individual expressed concern with quality of life if city services continue to be cut.
In response to questions, Mr. Dunbar said it costs $265,000 to operate the Morningside
Recreation Center. To keep the facility open, needed improvements will cost $75,000
and include roof and air conditioning repairs.
7. Adiourn
The meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
c~~
Mayor
City of Clearwater
Attest
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Special City Council 2009-08-03
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