08/13/2001
CITY COMMISSION WORKSESSION
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 13, 2001
Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner
Ed Hart Vice Mayor/Commissioner
Whitney Gray Commissioner
Hoyt P. Hamilton Commissioner
William C. Jonson Commissioner
Also present: William B Horne II City Manager
Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Brenda Moses/Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporters
The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall.
Service Awards
Six awards were presented to City employees.
The Commission recessed from 1:08 to 1:18 p.m. to meet as the Pension Trustees.
PRESENTATIONS
New Voting Equipment – Supervisor of Elections Deborah Clark
Supervisor of Elections Deborah Clark said the County is required to use a new voting
system and requested that Clearwater use the new equipment for the next City election, which
is prior to County elections. She said a committee selected by the County Commissioners will
evaluate the optical scanning system, the only system currently available. She anticipated
future systems will feature touch screens. There will be no cost to the City for the trial run; cities
are being provided information on system costs for future budgets. The system will be tested
prior to the election.
MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) Projects
Public Works Administrator Mashid Arasteh reviewed FY (Fiscal Year) 2001/02 roadway
projects which include widening and drainage for Drew Street and Keene Road, beginning
construction of the US 19 overpass at Drew Street, Mandalay streetscape from the roundabout
to Baymont Street, railroad crossing improvements at Cleveland Street and East Avenue, and
beginning construction of the replacement of the bascule Memorial Causeway Bridge with a
high span bridge. Future roadway projects are planned to resurface and add drainage to
Alternate US 19, Myrtle Avenue, and Sunset Point Road, adding a right turn lane on Bayshore
Boulevard at Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, and a ITS (Intelligent Transportation System) on Gulf-to-
Bay Boulevard. The ITS, planned for FY 2003/04 will include adaptive traffic control, CCTV
cameras for incident management, dynamic message signs, and transit route and parking
system information. Construction of the US 19 overpasses at Sunset Point Road and NE
Coachman will begin in December 2002.
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Ms Arasteh said median widths vary and the widths of Mandalay Avenue sidewalks also
will vary. Bicycle lanes generally are four feet wide. Unfunded projects in the planning process
are not listed. The Cleveland streetscape project is a long range plan. Extending the Pinellas
Trail down East Avenue is being considered. She hoped improvements to Coronado will be a
Beach by Design project.
Joseph Hidderman, of FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation), said upgrades to
the Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard/US 19 N intersection are planned but not funded.
Ms. Arasteh said FDOT is not obligated to install a traffic signal at a relocated entrance
to Clearwater Christian College. There are no plans to swap land to align entrances to the
college and causeway beach. Plans are to maintain Cooper Point’s pristine condition.
Concern was expressed that no beach projects are listed. It was requested that staff
provide input to the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) regarding needed projects and it
was recommended that the MPO’s 10-year plan include widening Belcher Road between Drew
Street and Druid Road. A list of City projects recommended to the MPO will be distributed. The
City Manager said some projects will disrupt traffic flow. It was recommended that staff
continue to be proactive in notifying affected neighborhoods.
Follow-up re Social Services Funding
Human Relations Director Eleanor Breland reviewed the City’s Social Services Program.
Assistant Housing Director Nina Bandoni said this year staff defined priorities and implemented
measurable objectives for programs that qualify for City funding. The City Manager said staff is
working to avoid the duplication of services. Ms. Breland said most agencies that receive City
funds also depend on other funding sources.
Jerry Lieberman, USF (University of South Florida), said he had recommended strategic
planning for North Greenwood two years ago. He said two foundations have expressed interest
in the community. He said Clearwater needs to show it is a player. Manuel Rivera, USF,
recommended the Commission define its priorities and determine how to more successfully
leverage available funds by investing its money effectively.
PUR PURCHASING
library materialsLIB
Book Wholesalers, Inc., , 10/1/01-9/30/02, est. $85,000 ()
library materialsLIB
Distribution Video and Audio, , 10/1/01-9/30/02, est. $35,000 ()
library materialsLIB
Ebsco Subscription Services, , 10/1/01-9/30/02, est. $85,000 ()
library materialsLIB
Ingram Library Services, , 10/1/01-9/30/02, est. $255,000 ()
library materialsLIB
The Booksource, , 10/1/01-9/30/02, est. $42,000 ()
library materialsLIB
The Gale Group, , 10/1/01-9/30/02, est. $35,000 ()
hardware maintenance & software license for computer equipment used at
Gaylord Bros.,
all library branches, LIB
10/1/01-9/30/02, est. $45,000 ()
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library materialsLIB
Brodart Company, , 10/1/01-9/30/02, est. $41,000 ()
uninterruptable power supply,IT
Solesource, replacement, $40,000 ()
nd
gas materials, misc. installation & repair parts,
Tempaco of Pinellas, 2 & last extension,
GAS
10/1/01-9/30/02, est. $192,000 ()
one Security System upgrade including hardware & software,
SEMCO Integrated Systems,
$29,000, replaces award to Anderson Access approved on 5/17/01; financing to be provided
PD
under City’s Master Lease-Purchase Agreement ()
custodial serviceLIB
Black Tie Janitorial Services, , 8/1/01-7/31/02, $41,052 ()
preparation of detailed interim report &
Post Buckley Schuh & Jernigan, Inc., EOR,
presentation PW
re Clearwater Beach Walk,$38,800 ()
City Engineer Mike Quillen said the Beach Walk report cannot be completed until south
beach development is defined. The report will to help staff analyze alternatives as they occur.
Purchasing Manager George McKibben said the power supply replacement will connect to
Information Technology servers at the Municipal Services Building. The City’s blanket contract
with Brodart Company is issued annually and contingent upon budget approval.
FN FINANCE
Presentation - proposed changes to Purchasing Ordinance
Mr. McKibben provided a PowerPoint presentation. He reviewed proposed changes to
the purchasing ordinance. Changes will reduce award times. Staff recommends increasing: 1)
Bid Level to $50,000; 2) Small Dollar Exemption to $2,500; 3) Contract Award by Purchasing up
to $50,000, by the City Manager or Assistant up to $100,000, and by the City Commission for
amounts greater than $100,000; 4) Mandatory Written contracts for construction or services to
$50,000; and 5) Change Orders up to $100,000 or 10% of the Award by the City Manager.
Increasing the bidder security minimum will reduce costs, increase competition, and help small
businesses. Staff recommends exceptions to bid include a purchasing exemption for a City
Manager declared emergency, which would suspend the bid and quote requirement and
authorize award authority to predetermined employees, including directors or designees.
Proposed changes will make the City more efficient, effective, flexible, and in line with peers
without being any less accountable.
Concern was expressed that a 10% change order could be a huge number in large
contracts. In response to a question, Finance Director Margie Simmons said the new financial
system will not speed up contract awards. Monthly reports would be available. Consensus was
to support staff’s recommendation for a $50,000 bid level. .
First Reading Ord. #6854-01– amending Ord. #6675-01 to increase maximum principal amount
of bonds to be issued re financing spring training facility from $14 million to $15.5 million.
Ordinance 6854-01, adopted on January 18, 2001, authorized the issuance of a
maximum amount of $14 million in revenue bonds to finance the community sports complex.
The principal and interest on these bonds are to be paid only from payments to be received
from the State of Florida and Pinellas County. Since the adoption of Ordinance 6675-01,
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agreements have been finalized with the State and County. The State has agreed to pay
$500,000 per year ($41,970.83 per month) for 20 years. Both entities began making payments
on March 1, 2001. The City is holding those payments in anticipation of issuing these bonds.
Based upon payments to be received and projected interest rates, it appears that the
City will be able to issue more than the originally anticipated $14 million. The ordinance will
allow the City to issue up to $15.5 million in bonds. However, the City only will issue bonds in
an amount that can be supported by the State and County payments. No other City funds will
be used to pay the principal or interest on these bonds. The City is waiting on an opinion to be
issued by the Florida Supreme Court, validating these bonds. Once validated, staff will bring
forward a sale resolution which will authorize the sale of the bonds.
It is anticipated that construction of the community sports complex will be funded with a
combination of City funds, bond proceeds (to be paid back with State and County funds), and
Phillies contributions: 1) bond proceeds – approximately $14 to $15.5 million; 2) City funds –
minimum capital contribution - $5 million ($3 million Penny for Pinellas, $2 million – Insurance
Fund); and 3) Phillies contribution – minimum capital contribution - $3 million plus site work.
The City also has funded this project for roadwork, insurance, site preparation, environmental,
etc. with $1.393 million ($695,000 Insurance Fund, $648,000 General Fund, and $50,000
Special Development Fund)
Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said preparations for environmental testing
are complete. Staff is waiting for insurance and a meeting with the community, which are
several weeks out. Ms. Simmons said funds raised from bonds will be dedicated to the project.
The City could not use all available State and County dollars if it only can bond $14 million.
IT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Increase existing contract with Nextel Corporation, from $251,000 to $321,000 (additional
$70,000), for support of approx. 820 Nextel units city-wide; extend contract for additional year
from 10/1101 to 9/30/02 for $300,000
The City Commission awarded the initial Nextel contract (Phase 1) of $141,000 on
August 17, 2000 in accordance with RFP (Request for Proposals) 41-00. Phase 1, completed in
September 2000, included the conversion and training of approximately 340 cellular. On
January 18, 2001, the City Commission approved $110,000 for Phase 2, which was completed
in February 2001 and included the conversion and training of approximately 400 radio users on
the new Nextel units. Nextel agreed to provide Phase 2 hardware and associated equipment at
no cost, representing cost savings (no budget savings) of approximately $40,000. Since March
2001, the City added approximately 80 units.
Nextel units are multi-function devices capable of providing cellular services, radio
services, numeric paging, alpha paging, Internet, and email. The Nextel solution provides the
City with a platform that addresses existing needs and positions the City to take advantage of
future gains in mobile technology. The additional $370,000 provides an increase of $70,000
over the current adopted budget of $251,000 (for a new anticipated budget of $321,000 in FY
2000/01) to cover Nextel billing requirements for the remainder of the current fiscal year and
$300,000 to extend the contract to FY 2001/02 ($30,000 increase over Preliminary Budget).
The $70,000 increase in the current fiscal year will necessitate a third quarter budget
amendment to recognize the increase in the contract services in the Telecommunications
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Program, which will be offset by a like increase in telephone revenues representing charges to
affected departments. Those departments impacted by the increased billing have identified
savings within current operating budgets to offset these costs.
In addition, a first quarter budget in the new fiscal year will recognize a budgeted
increase of $30,000 in contract services in the Telecommunications program, which again will
be offset by a like increase in telephone revenues representing charges to affected
departments. Again, departments impacted by increased billing, have identified savings within
proposed operating budgets to offset these cost increases.
Information Technology Director Dan Mayer said it is hard to estimate savings as Nextel
units are replacing radios. The Police Department uses some Nextel units; units are assigned
to individuals, not vehicles. Assistant City Manager Garry Brumback said staff is working to
balance business practices and will reduce the number of communication units in use. It was
requested that staff document savings
MR MARINE
Lease Agreement for marina building rooms 6 & 6a to Daniel A. Beach d/b/a Harbor Barber and
Beauty Styles, 1011101-9130106, for $38,815.80 plus yearly Consumer Price Index increases
Daniel A. Beach has operated the Harbor Barber and Beauty Styles since October 1,
1991. He has made numerous improvements to the rented space and is considered an
excellent tenant of the Clearwater Marina. The Harbor Barber and Beauty Styles lease
agreement will expire on September 30, 2001. Under terms of this new five-year lease, starting
October 1, 2001, the lessee will pay $645.93 per month plus tax, and yearly CPI (Consumer
Price Index) increases each January 1. The lessee is responsible for all improvements to the
space, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and utilities.
Marine & Aviation Director Bill Morris said space rents for $10 to $20 per square-foot,
depending on its location. Leases include a cancellation clause.
PR PARKS AND RECREATION
Contract to Clark Sales Display, Inc., holiday decorating services, 10/1/01-9/30/06, $254,900;
subsequent Change Order deduct of $29,800 for net $225,100; amend Commission Policy to
allow for pole decorations to be installed on Mandalay Ave & Gulfview Blvd
Clark Sales Display presented the lowest responsive/responsible bid and successfully
has performed this service under previous contracts with the City from December 1, 1990 to
January 15, 2001. The annual cost of this contract will be $45,020, a decrease of approximately
$18,000 over FY 2000/01. This reduction has been reflected in FY 2001/02 budget submissions
for the Parks & Recreation Department.
Staff has worked with citizen advisory groups to develop a plan that will provide impact
decorations at a reduced cost. Decorations, coupled with new holiday banners at the
roundabout and colored lights in the fountain, will provide dramatic decorations at a reduced
cost. Work will include various ground and building decorations (19) at Station Square Park,
Harborview Center, City Hall, and Pier 60 and approximately 138 pole decorations on Cleveland
Street, Memorial Causeway, Mandalay Avenue (from the roundabout north to Bay Esplanade,
and S. Gulfview Boulevard to Clearwater Pass Bridge. To install pole decorations on S.
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Gulfview and Mandalay, staff recommends amending City Commission policy statement LI-4
from, “Holiday Decorations along the rights-of-way to be installed or paid for by the City will be
limited to the downtown core and Memorial Causeway.”
An alternative to installing 50 pole decorations on S. Gulfview and Mandalay at a cost of
$9,250 would be to install ground decorations in the grass right-of-way near Pier 60 Park. In
past years, ground decorations in Pier 60 Park have been vandalized. The vendor refuses to
install ground decorations in the park. Should ground decorations be vandalized, Clark Sales
Display will remove them immediately. The contractor will be responsible to install the
decorations prior to December 1 each year and remove them no later than January 15 of each
year. This five-year contract is contingent upon the City Commission approving funds each year
in the operating budget to continue this service.
It was noted that business owners had participated in the project last year and beach
organizations were encouraged to step forward again Mr. Dunbar said Pier 60 decorations will
be elevated to reduce vandalism.
PW PUBLIC WORKS
Presentation - Pinellas Countywide Intelligent Transportation System (WSO)
Traffic Operations Manager Paul Bertels provided a PowerPoint presentation on the
Advanced Traffic Management System. The Scope of Work includes MPO Phases: 1) total
system evaluation; 2) technology assessment; and 3) requirements document, and FDOT
Phases including feasibility/design study implementation. System work should be completed by
July 2003. JPA (Joint Participation Agreement) funding totals $11.3 million for phase one. The
system will feature well run centers and improve traffic flow by 25%. Technology requires
upgrades. Ten adaptive control software packages have been identified and a RT-TRACS
adaptive control selected. The FDOT feasibility/design study will identify components, select
corridors, and determine cost effective methods. As proposed, the system will be installed on
Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, US 19, McMullen-Booth Road, and Ulmerton Road.
The Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard ITS (Intelligent Transportation System) is anticipated to be
deployed in FY 2003/04 and will include adaptive traffic control, CCTV cameras for incident
management, dynamic message signs, and transit route and parking system information. The
implementation schedule: 1) technology refreshment - FY 2001/02; 2) technology advancement
– FY 2003/04; and 3) ITS applications – post construction. The system will integrate traffic in
Clearwater, Pinellas County, and St. Petersburg.
Clearwater’s computer signal system is in the Municipal Services Building. The system
includes a computer control room, customer service and traffic studies, and traffic signal
maintenance and construction section. The computerized signal system controls traffic signals,
school flashers, mechanical lane control signs, and fire, railroad and bridge preemption. The
system will provides effective management of system and field devices, which will collect real
time traffic data and provide efficient use of roadways. The traffic signal maintenance section
will handle the day-to-day maintenance of traffic signals and construct new traffic signals.
Recent accomplishments include the design and installation of a roundabout metering
signal that resulted in a 50% cost savings. Staff also has installed audible pedestrian signals
that assist the visually impaired, illuminated signs, decorative mast arms, and LED signals
which provide a brighter signal, have a 10 – 15 year life expectancy, and use 90% less power.
Mws0801 6 08/13/01
Mr. Brumback said the City already is experiencing savings. The City has not discussed
the County takeover of any roads. Mr. Bertels said a full-time person will monitor the integrated
system. A formula to divide related costs among users has not been determined. Staff from the
three entities will be networked together.
It was felt that the City should not give up its center until other users match the City’s
level of service. County Commissioner Karen Seel will make a presentation at the September
6, 2001 meeting.
Contract to purchase real property, Pine Crest Sub., Blk 6, Lot 9 & west 1/2 of vacated alley
adjacent on east, 805 Pennsylvania Avenue, from Robert Lee and Margaret Smith, for $69,000
plus est. closing costs of $25, for total est. $69,025 (Consent)
The City is finalizing plans to construct a recreation and aquatic center on the Ray Green
Field site plus the subject parcel and six additional lots the City acquired since June 1999.
Purchase of the subject property will leave only one lot in the block in private ownership. A
negotiated purchase of the remaining lot is not anticipated. The purchase price reflects the
valuation determined in a December 12, 2000 appraisal by Robert Churuti & Associates. A
contract Occupancy Addendum provides that the Sellers may remain in occupancy up to 72
hours following closing and withholds $2,000 in escrow until the property is vacated.
In September 2000, TBE (Tampa Bay Engineering) performed a Phase I environmental
site assessment that included the subject parcel. The September 14, 2000 TBE report did not
find evidence of hazardous waste or other site contamination that would create potential liability
for the City. The property is improved with a 1,144 square-foot residence and 483 square-foot
garage.
Mr. Quillen said the site is being designed around the one lot not owned by the City.
Res. #01-28 - authorizing execution of a Maintenance Agreement with FDOT for roadway
sweeping within FDOT's right-of-ways in the City
FDOT has requested that the City enter into a contract to sweep approximately 23 miles
of State roadways in 26 cycles. Legal staff has coordinated the scope of services with the
FDOT representative, FDOT Standard Agency Format requires conformance with MUTCD
(Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices). This contract will require the Public Works/Public
Services Department to conform to the MUTCD, i.e. . . . a shadow truck with an attenuator and
arrow board. These devices have been requested in the FY 2001/02 Operating Budget, for an
estimated initial capital outlay of $20,096.
FDOT compensation for services is based on miles of sweeping completed, initially
estimated at $13,800, but not to exceed $25,116 annually at $43/mile. Estimated operating
costs to provide these services are approximately $25/mile.
Mr. Quillen said the City will be able to use the shadow vehicle and attenuator for other
uses. This contract does not pay for those items.
Contract to Hausinger & Associates, Inc., Public Water Supply Wells Improvements, $862,000
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This agenda item provides for construction of modifications to existing groundwater
production wells in the City that serve Reservoirs 1, 2, and 3 to optimize the City’s production of
potable water. The work for modifying production wells providing water to Reservoir 1 as
identified in CIP 96748 as the scope of the Reservoir 1 Water Treatment Plant, and is included
in the $8.2 million estimate to construct the facility. The work for modifying production wells
providing water to Reservoir 2 and 3 was identified in CIP 96750, budgeted at $500,000.
Project Budgeted Bid Amount Mobilization Totals
Reservoir 1 $450,000 $471,250 $ 50,375 $521,625
Reservoir 2 & 3 $500,000 $162,000 $ 50,375 $221,375
Additive Alternatives $ 48,000
(acidization & backplug of wells)
Allowance $ 80,000
(contingencies)
Totals $950,000 $862,000
The modified production wells will provide for increased water supply production. The
schedule will allow for out of service wells to be brought online by December 31, 2001, to
support the goal of increased water supply capability. Anticipated completion date for all
wellfield modifications is February 28, 2002. However, the project is structured to increase City
water production as quickly as possible.
Sufficient budget for $276,375 and funding with Water R&R revenue are available for
Reservoirs 2 & 3 in CIP project 315-96751 Disinfection Systems to 343-96748 Water Treatment
Facility. The transferred budget will be returned by a FY 2002 first quarter amendment. The
costs for these modifications at Reservoirs 1, 2, and 3 were included in the FY 2001 Water &
Sewer Utility rate study update. The rate study update recommended interim financing in
anticipation of the issuance of Water & Sewer Revenue Bonds in FY 2002. Resolution 01-07
was approved on March 1, 2001, allowing reimbursement of these costs by the interim
financing/bond proceeds. Work will commence upon award and execution of the contract and
will be completed within 180 days.
The City received only one bid from 13 pre-qualified contractors. The market is tight and
companies are busy. Staff does not think rebidding the item would be beneficial.
PLD PLANNING
Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #6824-01 - rezoning & applying the Coachman Ridge
NCOD in addition to existing LDR & LMDR zoning for property located within boundaries of
Tract A-I, A-I1 & A-III, Coachman Ridge Sub
This is one of three companion items relating to Coachman Ridge: 1) neighborhood
plan; 2) rezoning; and 3) text amendments.
The Coachman Ridge neighborhood is 159 acres in area and bounded by Old
Coachman Road on the southwest and NE Coachman Road on the southeast, a Florida Power
right-of-way to the east, and Campbell Road on the north. It is zoned Low Density Residential
and Low Medium Density Residential. The Coachman Ridge neighborhood has future land use
designations of Residential Suburban and Residential Low. These designations are consistent
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with the existing and proposed zoning and are not being changed. The proposed rezoning is
compatible with the immediate surrounding area and will be in character with the surrounding
uses. There are sufficient public facilities to accommodate the proposed rezoning. No
redevelopment is expected that will impact public facilities.
The location of the proposed Low Density Residential/Coachman Ridge NCOA
(Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District) and Low Medium Density Residential/Coachman
Ridge NCOA boundaries is logical. The boundaries are appropriately drawn with regard to
locations and classifications of streets, ownership lines, existing improvements and the natural
environment and are consistent with the boundaries of the Coachman Ridge neighborhood.
The proposed rezoning will implement policies of the Coachman Ridge Neighborhood
Plan that call for applying the Coachman Ridge NCOA Zoning District as an Overlay District in
addition to the existing Low Density Residential and Low Medium Density Residential zoning
districts. The proposed rezoning is consistent with objectives and policies of the Clearwater
Comprehensive Plan. The Community Development Board reviewed the proposed rezoning at
its regularly scheduled meeting on July 17, 2001, in its capacity as the Local Planning Agency
and recommended approval subject to a final vote of the neighborhood.
In response to a question, Long Range Planning Manager Gina Clayton said homes in
the subdivision were constructed with 10-foot setbacks, according to original deed restrictions.
Houses with 10-foot rear setbacks are now non-conforming with City requirements for 15-foot
rear setbacks. Allowing 10-foot setbacks would permit changes. All three sets of deed
restrictions address the prohibition of boat storage, etc.
Planning Director Cyndi Tarapani said the process never contemplated a vote. Staff has
received approval from more than 60% of the neighborhood. The original letter to the
neighborhood said there would be no cost if levels of service do not increase. Staff will monitor
baseline data.
Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #6825-01 - amending Art. 2 of Community Development
Code to create Div. 16, Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts; creating Sec. 2-1602,
Coachman Ridge NCOD which establishes additional development standards to be applied only
in the Coachman Ridge NCOD
This is one of three companion items relating to Coachman Ridge: 1) neighborhood
plan; 2) rezoning; and 3) text amendments.
Ordinance 6825-01 proposes to create a new division in Article 2 of the Community
Development Code that would contain all neighborhood conservation overlay districts’
provisions. Ordinance 6825-01 also proposes to create the requirements of the Coachman
Ridge Neighborhood conservation Overlay District, which would only apply to property located
within the Coachman Ridge neighborhood. All proposed amendments implement goals and
objectives contained in the Coachman Ridge Neighborhood Plan A summary of the provisions:
1) a purpose statement is included, as well as a description of the jurisdictional boundaries of
the CRNCOD and how the CRNCOD relates to the underlying zoning districts and other code
requirements; 2) permitted uses and dimensional standards are specified in the CRNCOD.
Requirements are presented in the same format as used in the other zoning districts (e.g. charts
listing minimum standard, flexible standard and flexible development uses and requirements); 3)
certain driveway materials are prohibited; 4) parking on landscaped areas is prohibited; 5)
certain types of vehicles, trailers and boats are permitted in Coachman Ridge provided they are
Mws0801 9 08/13/01
parked inside garages; 6) chain link fences are prohibited in the entire neighborhood. Certain
fences are permitted in the front and corner side yard of lots with an underlying zoning
designation of Low Density Residential while such fences are prohibited in the remainder of the
neighborhood. All other fences must comply with the requirements of Article 3, Division 8; and
7) trash containers and certain types of equipment are required to be screened.
The proposed text amendments are consistent with the Coachman Ridge Neighborhood
Plan. The proposed text amendments are consistent with the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan
and Community Development Code. The CDB (Community Development Board) reviewed the
proposed ordinance at its regularly scheduled meeting on July 17, 2001 and recommended
approval of the ordinance subject to a final vote of the neighborhood.
Concern was expressed that a few vocal dissenters in the neighborhood are trying to
stop this. Information was requested regarding the number of residents who support the NCOD.
Request direction re Downtown Redevelopment Plan (WSO)
The consulting firm, Siemon, Larsen, delivered the Downtown Plan and Beach by
Design to the City in fall 2000. It was determined that review and adoption of the Beach Plan
was the City’s first priority and work on the Downtown Plan would follow approval of the Beach
Plan. The City Commission approved the Beach Plan in April 2001 and staff immediately began
the public workshop effort for the Downtown Plan.
In May 2001, the City hosted four town meetings to present the Downtown Plan and
receive comments. The meetings, held in different geographic areas of the City, were well
attended. A summary of public comments received at the meetings was distributed. In general,
the public supported major concepts of the proposed plan.
An internal Downtown Working Group was formed, composed of staff members of City
departments with capital projects, programs, and responsibilities downtown: 1) Economic
Development; 2) Engineering; 3) Finance; 4) Library; 5) Parks & Recreation, 6) Public Works;
and 7) Planning. The Working Group identified current and near term projects such as the
Town Lake, the new bridge, new Main Library, etc. There also is a need to conduct more
detailed analysis of areas such as the Bluff/Coachman Park, Cleveland Main Street design, and
other streetscape connections to Cleveland, such as Ft. Harrison and Myrtle. A request for
proposals for a comprehensive downtown parking study is being prepared.
As indicated during public workshops, this draft by Siemon addresses the “downtown
core” area of the larger Community Redevelopment Plan for the downtown. The core area plan
will be “absorbed” into the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) plan when this effort is
completed. The draft plan proposes major initiatives: 1) redevelop Cleveland “main street” area
from Osceola east to Myrtle. This effort includes redesign of streetscape and development of
an area retail marketing plan. Contact with FDOT should occur immediately to determine timing
and constraints related to the streetscape program; 2) undertake a major design effort to
determine future of the Bluff/Coachman Park area; 3) determine location for parking displaced
on the bluff and assess overall downtown parking needs: 4) identify and market locations for
infill mixed-use development, including alternative locations for a multiplex cinema; 5) reassess
design guidelines and development regulations, including the bluff, Cleveland main street and
the remainder of downtown; and 6) establish land use limitations along Court/Chestnut one-way
pair to avoid fast food convenience store types of uses between the new bridge and entryway to
the downtown area.
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In addition, the Cleveland “Gateway” area needs to be assessed immediately and an
action plan developed to address it. The current look and marketability of this area is marginal
and near term action is required to preclude further deterioration. Also, it should be understood
that this corridor will continue to be a major entryway into downtown. The right-of-way from
Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard west to Myrtle needs streetscape improvement to complement the
investment that will be made in the Cleveland main street area. A detailed land use and
marketing plan also is necessary to define community desires around investments made in the
IMR and Town Lake areas.
Staff requests City Commission direction, in addition to action items above. Staff will
prepare the finished plan and target the December 2001 Commission meeting for adoption.
The Administration also recommends that any and all actions, programs, and projects that can
lead to the improved marketability of downtown be undertaken while the final plan is being
prepared.
Ms. Tarapani said many elements will be developed out of the plan, including a master
plan for Coachman Park. Comments were made that the City needs to change its orientation,
restore downtown buildings one at a time, prioritize plans, and focus on small things, i.e.
maintain planters, emphasize cleanliness, etc. It was felt that downtown business owners need
to have hope that something will happen. It was agreed that things need to be done that will not
cost a lot of money. It was felt that more money should not be wasted. Staff was recognized for
their efforts.
Ms. Tarapani said staff is working with developers doing small projects, such as
Starbucks. She said raw data is needed regarding historic information. Word needs to get out
regarding the many things that have happened downtown.
CA LEGAL DEPARTMENT
Other City Attorney Items
The City Attorney said staff has retained counsel regarding the Connolly litigation and
the two City Commissioners named in the lawsuit. According to City Commission direction, the
City is paying for representation for the Commissioners’ depositions. She said Commissioners
rarely are threatened with individual suits, as is the case. Staff will present a budget cap to the
City Commission. As individual liability has been threatened, it is important that Commissioners
are comfortable with their representation.
City Manager Verbal Reports
Library Director John Szabo said an additional elevator will be added to the south end of
the new Main Library project. Staff is working on other concerns and will forward information as
plans are developed. The architect will address the Commission on September 20, 2001.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 5:27 p.m.
Mws0801 11 08/13/01