08/04/2009
CITY COUNCILWORKSESSION MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 4, 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.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall.
2. Introductory Comments - William B. Horne II, City Manager
3. Consolidation of Public Communications and Neighborhood Services
Public Communications Director Joelle Castelli reviewed department changes. One
employee from Development and Neighborhood Services moved to Public
Communications. Neighborhoods Week has been reduced to 1 day, the CAN program
has been shelved, consolidated the courier route, and eliminated the print shop.
In response to questions, Ms. Castelli said the department will bid out quick copy
needs. The courier is now fully charged to one code.
4. Consolidation of Planning and Development and Services
Planning Director Michael Delk reviewed the department organizational chart. Work
loads have reduced in some areas and increased in others. Staff continues to look at
all areas to implement changes as seamless as possible.
5. Consolidation of Engineering and Construction Services
Engineering Director Mike Quillen reviewed changes. Staffing in the construction
inspection division has been reduced to 5 employees. The department will have to use
more consultants to construction engineering inspections for projects. Department will
receive help from Planning and Development Services for inspection of driveways and
sidewalks. The consolidation of departments will create one building to declare surplus.
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In response to questions, Mr. Quillen said department will increase consultant costs as
construction has decreased and more cost effective than hiring full-time employees.
The traffic operations division is responsible for street lights, signs, etc. and includes a
site plan reviewer and computer operators for signal system.
6. Council Discussion Items
6.1 Special Worksession on the 2009/10 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget
In response to questions, Parks and recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said it would cost
$500,000 to demolish the existing Morningside Recreation Center, improve the park and
restore area where potential new building can go. Improvements include tennis courts,
shade structures and relocation of the playground. Most improvements will be made
regardless if new building is built.
Staff was directed to provide breakdown of improvement costs.
It was stated that there is one vacancy in the City Attorney's office and there are no
intentions to fill the position, representing a $68,000 savings.
Discussion ensued. Concerns were expressed regarding need to maintain city services
and facilities and impact to citizens if millage rate is increased. It was stated that
individuals have expressed an interest with increasing the millage rate to maintain city
services.
Discussion ensued regarding consolidating library branches.
In response to a suggestion, Library Director Barbara Pickell said children must be at
least 10 years old in order to use the Saint Petersburg College Library. The East Library
is 4 miles away from the Main branch. Ms. Pickell said the Main Library is not
adequately staffed to handle influx of users if the East branch is closed.
It was stated that if the millage rate was set at a revenue neutral rate, $7 million in
additional cuts still needed.
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In response to a suggestion, Budget Director Tina Wilson said Penny for Pinellas III lists
the intermodal facility project before the combined library facility.
Concerns were expressed regarding the location of the proposed intermodal facility.
Discussion ensued. It was suggested that road millage funds be used to maintain
Rescue Unit 50 and North Greenwood Library.
Staff was directed to agenda further discussion at Thursday's council meeting.
3. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 3:42 p.m.
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