05/20/2010
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 20, 2010
Present: Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor John Doran, Councilmember George N.
Cretekos, Councilmember Paul Gibson, and Councilmember Bill Jonson.
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.
Note – Councilmember Bill Jonson arrived at 6:08 p.m.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
1. Call to Order - Mayor Frank Hibbard
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.
2. Invocation - Rev. Bill Welch from Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater
3. Pledge of Allegiance - Mayor Frank Hibbard
4. Presentations - Given
4.1 Service Awards
Two service awards were presented to city employees.
4.2 Proclamation: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Day - May 22, 2010
4.3 Proclamation: Safe Boating Week - May 22 - 28, 2010.
4.4 Spring Business Beautification Recognition Award, Spring Neighborhood & Home
Recognition Quarterly Awards, Neighborhood & Home of the Year 2009/10.
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The 2010 Spring Business Beautification Award was presented to Cristino's Coal Oven
Pizza, 1101 South Fort Harrison Avenue. The Neighborhood of the Quarter Award was
presented to the East Gateway Business and Neighbors Association. The Homes of
the Quarter Awards were presented to Brian and Stacey Butler, 3236 San Mateo Street;
Julie Thompson, 1460 Turner Street; Terry and Patricia Clark, 1428 South Hillcrest
Avenue; and Evan Keuhn, 1120 Granada Street. The 2010 Neighborhood of the Year
Award was presented to the Skycrest Neighborhood and the 2010 Home of the Year
Award to Harold and Dorothy Taylor, 2274 Jaffa Place.
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the minutes of the May 6, 2010 City Council Meeting as submitted in
written summation by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Bill Jonson moved to approve the minutes of the May 6, 2010 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
John Coppersmith requested the city reconsider demolishing the Harborview Center.
Anita Williams, Maurice Wiggins, Gene Gillespie, and Eleanor Breland opposed closing
the North Greenwood Library.
Steve Sarnoff requested Council to consider using reserves to offset anticipated budget
deficit.
Anne Brooks opposed closure of the North Greenwood Library and suggested placing
trash cans on one side of the road as a cost savings measure.
Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 PM
7. Administrative Public Hearings
7.1 Continue to June 3, 2010 approval of the applicants request to vacate alleys and
portions of the street rights-of-ways of Virginia Avenue, Eastwood Drive,
Meadowlark Lane, Kentucky Avenue and Bay Street (aka 110 North McMullen
Booth Road)as more particularly described in the ordinance and pass Ordinance
8169-10 on first reading, (VAC2010-10 First Baptist Church of Clearwater, Inc.).
The applicant, First Baptist Church of Clearwater, Inc. and Calvary Baptist Church
is seeking the vacation in order to permit future expansion of church facilities on
the adjacent properties now owned by the Church.
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Bright House, Verizon, Progress Energy and Knology have no objections to the
vacation request. The City presently owns and maintains sanitary sewer, storm
sewer and potable water utilities in the rights-of-way proposed to be vacated. The
applicant will assume ownership and maintenance responsibilities for the existing
sanitary and storm sewers present in the area proposed to be vacated. The City
will retain ownership of all unrestricted water mains via a 10-foot easement to be
retained pursuant to Ordinance 8169-10Fire Department access will be retained
for all remaining structures on the applicant’s properties via the existing roadways
until such time as the property is redeveloped.
The Engineering Department has no objections to the vacation request provided
that the 10-foot water main easement is retained over all existing city water mains
in the street portions proposed to be vacated.
Councilmember George N. Cretekos moved to continue Item 7.1 to June 3, 2010. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
7.2 Approve the Annexation, Initial Land Use Plan Designation of
Residential/Office/Retail (R/O/R) and Initial Zoning Atlas Designation of Medium
Density Residential (MDR) District for 2552 Arbelia Street (A Portion of Lot 9,
Blackburns Subdivision in Section 6, Township 29 South, Range 16 East); and
pass Ordinances 8163-10, 8164-10 and 8165-10 on first reading.(ANX2010-
02002)
This voluntary annexation petition involves a 0.27-acre property consisting of one
parcel of land occupied by a single-family dwelling. It is located on the north side
of Arbelia Street and the east side of Lawson Road, approximately 435 feet west
of US Highway 19 North. The applicant is requesting this annexation in order to
receive sanitary sewer and solid waste service from the City. The property is
contiguous to existing City boundaries to the north and west. It is proposed that
the property be assigned a Future Land Use Plan designation of
Residential/Office/Retail (R/O/R) and a zoning category of Medium Density
Residential (MDR).
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 Lawson Road right-of-way. The
applicant has paid the City’s sewer impact and assessment fees and is aware of
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 N. 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
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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 objectives
and policy 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 R/O/R Future Land Use Plan category is consistent with the current
Countywide Plan designation of this property. This designation primarily permits
retail, office and residential uses at a density of 18 units per acre. The proposed
zoning district to be assigned to the property is the Medium Density Residential
(MDR) 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 and west; therefore the annexation is consistent with Florida Statutes
Chapter 171.044.
Councilmember Paul Gibson moved to approve the Annexation, Initial Land Use Plan
Designation of Residential/Office/Retail (R/O/R) and Initial Zoning Atlas Designation of
Medium Density Residential (MDR) District for 2552 Arbelia Street (A Portion of Lot 9,
Blackburns Subdivision in Section 6, Township 29 South, Range 16 East). The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 8163-10 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Bill Jonson
moved to pass Ordinance 8163-10 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and
upon roll call the vote was:
"Ayes": Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor John Doran, Councilmember George N.
Cretekos, Councilmember Paul Gibson, and Councilmember Bill Jonson.
"Nays": None.
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Ordinance 8164-10 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Vice Mayor
John Doran moved to pass Ordinance 8164-10 on first reading. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call the vote was:
"Ayes": Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor John Doran, Councilmember George N.
Cretekos, Councilmember Paul Gibson, and Councilmember Bill Jonson.
"Nays": None.
Ordinance 8165-10 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember George N.
Cretekos moved to pass Ordinance 8165-10 on first reading. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call the vote was:
"Ayes": Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor John Doran, Councilmember George N.
Cretekos, Councilmember Paul Gibson, and Councilmember Bill Jonson.
"Nays": None.
7.3 Approve the Annexation, Initial Land Use Plan Designation of Commercial
General (CG) and Initial Zoning Atlas Designation of Commercial (C) District for
1335 and 1337 S. Missouri Avenue (Lots 6 and 7, Missouri Heights Subdivision in
Section 22, Township 29 South, Range 15 East); and pass Ordinances 8171-10,
8172-10 and 8173-10 on first reading.
This voluntary annexation petition involves two parcels with a recorded
Declaration of Unity of Title consisting of 0.292 acres. The subject property is
occupied by two commercial buildings currently undergoing major renovations to
accommodate office use. The subject property is located on the east side of S.
Missouri Avenue, approximately 390 feet south of Lakeview Road. The applicant
is requesting an annexation in order to receive City of Clearwater sanitary sewer
service. The applicant currently receives city solid waste services. The Planning
Department is requesting that the 0.16 acres of abutting S. Missouri Avenue right-
of-way not currently within the city limits also be annexed. The subject property is
contiguous to existing city boundaries to the west, south and east. It is proposed
that the subject property be assigned a Future Land Use Plan designation of
Commercial General (CG) and a zoning category of Commercial (C).
The Planning Department determined that the proposed annexation is consistent
with the provisions of Community Development Code Section 4-604.E as follows:
The subject property currently receives city water service. The closest sanitary
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sewer line is located in the S. Missouri Avenue right-of-way. The applicant has
paid the city’s sewer impact and assessment fees and is aware of the additional
costs to extend city sewer service to the subject property. Solid waste service is
currently provided by the City. The subject property is located within Police District
II and service will be administered through the district headquarters located at 645
Pierce Street. Fire and emergency medical services will be provided to the subject
property by Station 47 located at 1460 Lakeview Road. The City has adequate
capacity to serve the subject 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 designation of the CG Future Land Use Plan category to the
subject property is consistent with the Countywide Plan designation. The CG
designation primarily permits office, retail, personal service, overnight
accommodations, wholesale and warehouse uses at maximum floor area ratio of
0.55. The proposed designation of the Commercial (C) zoning district to the
subject property is consistent with office use of the two buildings on-site. Major
site and building renovations permitted by Pinellas County were based on review
and input from Clearwater’s Planning & Development Department to ensure
conformity with Clearwater Community Development Code standards and
requirements. Although the property will be nonconforming to Clearwater Code
requirements for setbacks, landscape buffers and the number of parking spaces
upon annexation, the site modifications would have been allowed in the C District
through a Level Two Flexible Development application. Based on the foregoing,
the proposed annexation is consistent with the Countywide Plan and the City’s
Comprehensive Plan and Community Development Code; and
The property proposed for annexation is contiguous to existing City boundaries to
the west, south and east; therefore, the annexation is consistent with Florida
Statutes Chapter 171.044.
Councilmember Paul Gibson moved to approve the Annexation, Initial Land Use Plan
Designation of Commercial General (CG) and Initial Zoning Atlas Designation of
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Commercial (C) District for 1335 and 1337 S. Missouri Avenue (Lots 6 and 7, Missouri
Heights Subdivision in Section 22, Township 29 South, Range 15 East). The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 8171-10 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Bill Jonson
moved to pass Ordinance 8171-10 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and
upon roll call the vote was:
"Ayes": Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor John Doran, Councilmember George N.
Cretekos, Councilmember Paul Gibson, and Councilmember Bill Jonson.
"Nays": None.
Ordinance 8172-10 was presented and read by title only. Vice Mayor John Doran
moved to pass Ordinance 8172-10 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and
upon roll call the vote was:
"Ayes": Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor John Doran, Councilmember George N.
Cretekos, Councilmember Paul Gibson, and Councilmember Bill Jonson.
"Nays": None.
Ordinance 8173-10 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember George N.
Cretekos moved to pass Ordinance 8173-10 on first reading. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call the vote was:
"Ayes": Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor John Doran, Councilmember George N.
Cretekos, Councilmember Paul Gibson, and Councilmember Bill Jonson.
"Nays": None.
7.4 Approve amendments to Beach by Design: A Preliminary Design for Clearwater
Beach and Design Guidelines, establishing standards to reduce building massing
along Coronado Drive for overnight accommodations using the Hotel Density
Reserve; and pass Ordinance 8157-10 on first reading.
In 2008, the City of Clearwater established the Hotel Density Reserve in Beach by
Design to incentivize hotel development on Clearwater Beach. In October 2009,
the City Council expressed concerns about the probable use of the Hotel Density
Reserve by properties along Coronado Drive and the potential to create a canyon
effect. Council requested Planning and Development Department staff to study
potential hotel development along Coronado Drive to determine if design
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standards should be established to create view corridors and minimize building
bulk and massing. The study indicated that standards for building stepbacks
would reduce massing of future buildings on Coronado Drive; however, parcel
configurations along the street would preclude the creation of meaningful view
corridors.
Based on the study recommendations, the Planning and
Development Department recommends the following standards be incorporated
into Beach by Design:
For buildings providing the established minimum front setback of 15 feet, the
minimum depth of building stepbacks shall be 15 feet at a height not greater than
25 feet;
For buildings providing a front setback of less than 15 feet and greater than or
equal to 10 feet, the minimum depth of the stepback shall be 15 feet plus an
additional one and one-half feet for every one foot reduction in the established
minimum front setback at a height not greater than 20 feet;
For buildings providing a front setback of less than 10 feet, the minimum depth of
the stepback shall be 15 feet plus an additional two and one-half feet for every
one foot reduction in the established minimum front setback at a height not
greater than 15 feet; and
To achieve façade variety and avoid monotonous streetscape, a building shall not
replicate the stepback configuration of neighboring buildings, including those
across rights-of-way, and stepbacks shall span a minimum of 75 percent of the
façade width.
The Community Development Board (CDB) unanimously recommended approval
of the proposed amendments at a public hearing on April 20, 2010.
The City Attorney said staff amended the propose language; substituted "abutting" for
"neighboring." Abutting is a defined term in the city's code, while adjacent is not.
In response to questions, Planning and Development Assistant Director Gina Clayton
said the code has varying degrees of flexibility. Staff proposed amendments to address
this specific area instead of changing the entire code for one street. Proposed changes
will not impact current side setback, sidewalk, or right-of-way requirements.
Concerns were expressed with potential setbacks.
Councilmember Paul Gibson moved to approve amendments to Beach by Design: A
Preliminary Design for Clearwater Beach and Design Guidelines, establishing standards
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to reduce building massing along Coronado Drive for overnight accommodations using
the Hotel Density Reserve. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Councilmember Bill Jonson moved to amend Ordinance 8157-10 on page 3, section 2,
section D.3.d; second sentence: To avoid a monotonous streetscape, a building shall
not replicate the stepback configuration of the abutting buildings as well as those
including those directly across any street rights-of-way. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 8157-10 was presented as amended and read by title only. Vice Mayor John
Doran moved to pass Ordinance 8157-10 as amended on first reading. The motion was
duly seconded and upon roll call the vote was:
"Ayes": Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor John Doran, Councilmember George N.
Cretekos, Councilmember Paul Gibson, and Councilmember Bill Jonson.
"Nays": None.
8. Second Readings – Public Hearing
8.1 Adopt Ordinance No. 8134-10 on second reading, amending the Comprehensive
Plan of the City as adopted on May 18, 2000, as subsequently amended,
amending the public school facilities element, making corrections and
modification, by replacing Map J-1, Map J-2, Map J-3, Map J-4 and Map J-5 to
reflect school facility closures and mergers, program changes, the expansion of
existing and the addition of new charter schools, as well as changes to assign
charter schools to individual school concurrency service areas pursuant to the
adopted changes by the Pinellas County School Board.
Ordinance 8134-10 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember George N.
Cretekos moved to adopt Ordinance 8134-10 on second and final reading. The motion
was duly seconded and upon roll call the vote was:
"Ayes": Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor John Doran, Councilmember George N.
Cretekos, Councilmember Paul Gibson, and Councilmember Bill Jonson.
"Nays": None.
8.2 Adopt Ordinance No. 8143-10 on second reading, amending the future land use
plan element of the Comprehensive Plan of the City to designate the land use for
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certain real property whose post office address is 2165 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard
from Residential Low Medium (RLM) to Residential/Office/Retail (R/O/R) and
Residential Medium (RM).
It was stated that Item 8.2 would require a referendum if Amendment 4 passes.
In response to questions, Applicant Representative Ed Armstrong said the $1 million
intersection improvement offsets the additional trips onto Belcher Road. The proposed
plan has been reviewed by the Florida Department of Transportation and is in
compliance with the city code. Ward Chapman said putting the south bound right turn
lane from Gulf to Bay Boulevard to Belcher Road increases the capacity at the
intersection.
Traffic Operations Manager Paul Bertels said staff has requested the right-of-way on
Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Belcher Road to improve the overall operation of the
intersection.
Ordinance 8143-10 was presented and read by title only. Concern was expressed
regarding the traffic impact caused by the driveway that exits onto Belcher Road.
Councilmember Paul Gibson moved to adopt Ordinance 8143-10 on second and final
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call the vote was:
"Ayes": Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor John Doran, Councilmember George N.
Cretekos, and Councilmember Paul Gibson.
"Nays": Councilmember Bill Jonson.
Motion carried.
8.3 Adopt Ordinance No. 8144-10 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of
the City by rezoning certain real property whose post office address is 2165 Gulf-
to-Bay Boulevard from mobile home park (MHP) to Commercial (C) and Medium
Density Residential (MDR).
Ordinance 8144-10 was presented and read by title only. Vice Mayor John Doran
moved to adopt Ordinance 8144-10 on second and final reading. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call the vote was:
"Ayes": Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor John Doran, Councilmember George N.
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Cretekos, and Councilmember Paul Gibson.
"Nays": Councilmember Bill Jonson.
Motion Carried.
8.4 Adopt Ordinance No. 8151-10 on second reading, amending the future land use
plan element of the Comprehensive Plan of the City to designate the land use for
certain real property whose post office address is 110 McMullen Booth Road from
Residential Urban (RU) to Institutional (I).
Ordinance 8151-10 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember George N.
Cretekos moved to adopt Ordinance 8151-10 on second and final reading. The motion
was duly seconded and upon roll call the vote was:
"Ayes": Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor John Doran, Councilmember George N.
Cretekos, Councilmember Paul Gibson, and Councilmember Bill Jonson.
"Nays": None.
8.5 Adopt Ordinance No. 8152-10 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of
the City by rezoning certain real property whose post office address is 110
McMullen Booth Road from Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) to
Institutional (I).
Ordinance 8152-10 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Paul Gibson
moved to adopt Ordinance 8152-10 on second and final reading. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call the vote was:
"Ayes": Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor John Doran, Councilmember George N.
Cretekos, Councilmember Paul Gibson, and Councilmember Bill Jonson.
"Nays": None.
9. Consent Agenda
9.1 Approve a conditional assignment of lease from Civil Air Patrol SER FL153, an
auxiliary of the United States Air Force, at the Clearwater Airpark, 1000 N.
Hercules Avenue, Clearwater, to Civil Air Patrol in general and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
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9.2 Approve a three-year Partnership and Operational Support Agreement from May
1, 2010 April 30, 2013, between the City of Clearwater and the North Greenwood
Community Coalition (NGCC), a non-profit 501C-3 organization, for the use and
supervision of the Holt Avenue Youth Center located at 1250 Holt Avenue and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
9.3 Award a contract to Certus Builders, Inc. of Tampa, Florida, Bid 08-0064-PR, for
the construction of a new restroom building at Mandalay Park, which includes
alternates 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 and a 10% contingency, for the sum of $150,191.80
and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
9.4 Award a contract to Honeywell Building Solutions of Orlando, FL for the
installation and service of energy saving equipment in various City owned
buildings at a cost of $3,498,000 in accordance with Sec. 2.56(1)(d), Code of
Ordinances Other governmental bid and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same; establish Project 315-94527 (Honeywell Performance Contract)
and authorize transfer of $808,592 from General Fund Reserves and $205,746
from Garage Fund Reserves to the project and the transfer of $700,000 from
s could equate to $9,000 per vehicle.
l be in production later this year from several manuf
9.5 Ratify and Confirm Emergency Change Order Two in the amount of $85,481.44
for emergency restoration of the railroad crossings at Drew Street, Laura Street,
Park Street, Pierce Street and East Avenue from Park Street to Laura Street.
(consent)
9.6 Approve the Supplemental Engineering Design Services Work Order to King
Engineering Associates, Inc., Engineer of Record(EOR), in the amount of
$98,616.00 for the Marshall Street Water Reclamation Facility Sand Filter
Rehabilitation Project (09-0045-UT)and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. (consent)
9.7 Approve an increase to the Planning and Development Department contractual
services budget in the amount of $100,000. (consent)
Vice Mayor John Doran moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
City Manager Reports
10. Other Items on City Manager Reports
10.1 Amend Section 28.041 of the Clearwater Code of Ordinances relating to soliciting
on streets and pass Ordinance 8177-10 on first reading.
In 2008, the City Council requested that the city Legal Department draft an
amendment to Code Section 28.041 to allow solicitors to solicit so long as the
solicitors complied with a list of criteria contained in Section 316.2045(3), Florida
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Statutes.
During the last several months, Clearwater police officers have had to take
enforcement action against a number of homeless individuals who have been
aggressively soliciting at heavily-traveled intersections in Clearwater.
The public defender’s office has indicated that the office intends to challenge or,
at least, assist homeless individuals with challenging the constitutionality of
Code Section 28.041.
Because the public defender’s office has already been successful in having the
state attorney’s office dismiss all prosecutions under Section 316.2045, Florida
Statutes, based on constitutional grounds, it is necessary to either amend Code
Section 28.041 to enhance its constitutional defensibility or to repeal the
amendments adopted by the City Council in 2008.
By repealing the 2008 amendments and adopting Ord. 8177-10, the City Council
will be eliminating the exemption that allows individuals to solicit if they comply
with the criteria listed in Section 28.041(3). Consequently, all individuals, without
exception, would be prohibited from soliciting the occupants of a motor vehicle
being operated on publicly-owned streets, garages, and parking lots. Ordinance
8159-10, presented at the April 15, 2010 meeting, does not prohibit solicitation on
public streets but does provide enhanced constitutional defensibility.
Councilmember George N. Cretekos moved to consider Ordinance 8159-10 for first
reading. The motion was duly seconded.
Discussion ensued with concerns expressed regarding safety of those soliciting.
Upon the vote being taken:
Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor John Doran, Councilmember
"Ayes":
George N. Cretekos, and Councilmember Paul Gibson.
"Nays":Councilmember Bill Jonson.
Motion carried.
Ordinance 8159-10 was presented and read by title only. Vice Mayor John Doran
moved to pass Ordinance 8159-10 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and
upon roll call the vote was:
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"Ayes": Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor John Doran, Councilmember George N.
Cretekos, and Councilmember Paul Gibson.
"Nays": Councilmember Bill Jonson.
Motion carried.
Council recessed from 7:39 p.m. to 7:48 p.m.
10.2 Provide direction regarding the Sheriffs proposal to provide law enforcement
services to the City of Clearwater versus maintaining the Clearwater Police
Department.
At the request of the Clearwater City Council, the Pinellas County Sheriff was
requested to provide a cost proposal to provide full law enforcement services to
the City of Clearwater.
City Manager Bill Horne requested the Police Department prepare a response to
the Sheriff’s proposal at the Clearwater Council meetings scheduled for May 17
and 20, 2010. Dialogue has been ongoing between the Pinellas County Sheriff’s
Office (PCSO) and the Clearwater Police Department (CPD) to adequately
analyze operations and maximize cost-saving opportunities.
The Police Department will share its findings with City Council in the form of a
comparative PowerPoint presentation.
Police Chief Anthony Holloway provided a power point presentation and reviewed
proposed reductions and cost savings.
In response to questions, Senior Accountant Karen Dombrowski said the $900,000
from the General Fund is for building maintenance costs that would remain with the City
and a $100,000 donation to CHIP. Finance Director Margie Simmons said the Florida
Retirement System is expected to be underfunded for a few years. The City's 5-year
pension assumptions are projected to go to 30% but expected to go back to 18%. Ms.
Simmons said if the County Sheriff's Office operates out of a city facility, the city would
have to compensate the Sheriff.
Pinellas County Sheriff Jim Coats said office space used will be determined by the city.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and the Clearwater Police Department have the
same accreditation. The county has a larger span of control. The different staffing
model allows for more cost saving opportunities.
Twenty-four individuals spoke in opposition and one individual in support.
One individual suggested including a bid process with performance standards.
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Discussion ensued with concerns expressed regarding impact of decision if solely
based on economics. Concerns were also expressed regarding loss of control of law
enforcement in the City. It was also stated once disbanded it would be impossible to
reverse the decision. It was noted, however, that cost savings would have to be found
within the Police Department. Consensus was to maintain the Clearwater Police
Department.
Councilmember Paul Gibson moved to direct the City Manager to negotiate with the
Police Union and CWA employees within the Police Department a total cost consistent
with the County Sheriff's proposal. The motion was duly seconded and upon the vote
being taken:
"Ayes": Councilmember Paul Gibson.
"Nays": Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor John Doran, Councilmember George N.
Cretekos, and Councilmember Bill Jonson.
Motion Failed.
Councilmember George N. Cretekos moved to direct the City Manager to meet with the
Clearwater Police Department staff, police bargaining units and CWA bargaining units
that impact the Police Department and report back to Council in 30 days with savings.
The motion was duly seconded and upon the vote being taken:
"Ayes": Mayor Frank Hibbard, Councilmember George N. Cretekos, Councilmember
Paul Gibson and Councilmember Bill Jonson.
"Nays": Vice Mayor John Doran.
Motion carried.
The Council recessed from 10:31 p.m. to 10:41 p.m.
Councilmember George N. Cretekos moved to decline the Pinellas County Sheriff's
proposal to provide law enforcement services to the City of Clearwater. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
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Miscellaneous Reports and Items
11. City Manager Verbal Reports
11.1 Set Budget Meetings
Staff was directed to schedule a meeting on July 12, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. and a
public meeting on August 30, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.
11.2 Cleveland Street Streetscape Phase II
Economic Development and Housing Director Geri Campos Lopez said the construction
of the Memorial Causeway Bridge significantly changed the traffic pattern in downtown.
Downtown needs to be a pedestrian friendly destination in order to attract people.
Public investment in infrastructure leads to private investment. Staff recommends
proceeding with phase 2 of the streetscape and wayfinding plan now before costs
increase. The city received a $500,000 appropriation from U.S. Housing and Urban
Development towards the project which must be returned if not used.
Traffic Operations Manager Paul Bertels said staff has calculated the maximum number
of trips that could be generated. Level of service would be C, indicating plenty of
capacity.
Concern was expressed with potential impact rail will have on traffic.
Engineering Director Mike Quillen said plans can be modified to have the lanes 2 lanes
back in the future by carving out a couple of feet from the medians.
Councilmember George N. Cretekos moved to direct staff to proceed with Phase II and
to reduce the size of the medians to provide possible lane expansion. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Mayor Frank Hibbard reported he is working with the Department of Transportation and
CSX regarding closure of Court and Chestnut during CSX’s replacement of the railroad
ties.
11.3 Oil Spill
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Mayor Frank Hibbard expressed concerns with impact regarding the Gulf of Mexico oil
spill and suggested that a letter be sent to the city's Federal legislative delegation urging
more attention.
Solid Waste and General Services Assistant Director Rick Carnley said containment
efforts are being funded by BP. There is no FEMA (Federal Emergency Management
Agency) involvement. Up to date information re the oil spill and volunteer opportunities
are available on the city's internet site.
Consensus was for the Mayor to write a letter to President Obama and legislative
delegation urging federal attention in oil contamination efforts.
12. Other Council Action
12.1 Provide direction regarding endorsing the Get Ready Tampa Bay program to
promote preparing the region for electric automobile use.
Get Ready Tampa Bay is a working group dedicated to identify opportunities and
resolve issues associated with Electric Vehicles. The use of electric vehicles in
our community is very important to our environment and would help reduce our
dependency on oil. The economic benefits of electricity versus gasoline after
installation of charging equipment are beneficial.
We began the project of identifying the use of hybrid (electric/gasoline) in 2004
with the purchase of 2 Toyota Prius sedans for testing in our community. The
success of this program generated the purchase of 10 more Prius, 1 Honda Civic
and 3 Chevrolet Malibu’s. The savings on a cost per mile for these vehicles over
comparative vehicles in our Fleet is over $0.12. Over the lifetime of a vehicle this
savings could equate to $9,000 per vehicle.
The electric automobile that will be in production later this year from several
manufacturers will operate on battery for 40 to 300 Miles. Ford is introducing a
small min-van that is perfect for inter-City delivery. Other companies are planning
releases of this type of vehicle in 2012.
Get Ready Tampa Bay is asking municipalities to join the movement by signing a
resolution and begin the education process as well as conversion of certain
vehicles in their fleet.
Staff was directed to present the resolution at a future council meeting.
12.2 Councilmember Breakfasts - Mayor Hibbard
Concerns were expressed regarding the costs associated with planning the events and
Council 2010-05-20 17
lack of participants.
Discussion ensued with consensus to continue meetings, open to all residents, at a city
facility for the next few months.
12.3 City of Clearwater SLC Alternate - Councilmember Doran
Consensus was to appoint Councilmember Bill Jonson.
13. Closing Comments by Mayor
Mayor Frank Hibbard reviewed recent and upcoming events.
14. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 11:57 p.m.
1
Mayor
City of Clearwater
Attest
Council 2010-05-20 18