11/16/2010
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 16, 2010
Present: Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor John Doran, Councilmember George N.
Cretekos, Councilmember John Doran, 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,
and Rosemarie Call - City Clerk.
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. James Lancaster of Calvary Baptist Church
3. Pledge of Allegiance - Mayor Frank Hibbard
4. Presentations - Given
4.1 Citizens Academy Graduates
Certificates were presented to Emma Alaba, Linda Detman, Alan Frazer, Jason
Happe, Christina Hinton, Shelia Hutek, Rosemarie Kibitlewski, Carolyn Lofton,
Rosemary Meredith, Wayne Miele, Mary Morrow, David Muzio, P.J. Shah, Janet
Shellenberger, Cheri Stevens, Ana Tuzzo, William Wallace, Olin Wright and
Ronald Wright.
4.2 Neighborhood, Homes, and Business Awards program
The Fall 2010 Neighborhood of the Quarter Award was presented to the Sand
Key Civic Association. The Fall 2010 Home of the Quarter Awards were
presented to Shannon O’Leary at 1612 Laura Street; Angelica Vrondos, at 1973
Edgewater Drive; Richard and Janine Harmel at 3345 San Bernandino Street; and
Jason and Sheri Aquilar at 606 Belleview Boulevard. The Fall 2010 Business
Beautification Recognition Award was presented to Casanova Restaurant at 811
Cleveland Street.
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4.3 Ironman Presentation - Ben Fertic
Ben Fertic, President of Ironman Properties, thanked the City, residents and
volunteers for their efforts and continued support.
4.4 National Hunger and Homelessness Week Proclamation, November 14-20, 2010
4.5 State of the City Address
The City Manager reviewed efforts to achieve vision statement priorities.
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the minutes of the November 4, 2010 City Council Meeting and the
September 23, 2010 Impasse Hearing as submitted in written summation by the
City Clerk.
Vice Mayor John Doran moved to approve the minutes of the November 4, 2010 City
Council Meeting and the September 23, 2010 Impasse Hearing 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
Andrew Loomis expressed concerns with the actuarial report regarding the City's
pension plan.
Charles Shank disapproved city policy regarding trash pick-up fees associated with
landscape clippings trimmed by someone other than the property owner.
Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 PM
7. Administrative Public Hearings
7.1 Approve the applicant’s request to vacate the north - south alleyway lying within
Block 1, E.P. Merritt’s Addition (aka 606 Seminole Street and 607 Nicholson
Street) and approve Ordinance 8225-10 on first reading. (VAC2010-06 Jimmie,
First M Corporation and Jehudah LTD Partnership)
The applicant is seeking vacation of the subject alleyway to limit access into the
properties adjacent to the alleyway. Police reports describe petty theft, grand theft
and criminal mischief taking place on the adjacent property. If the alleyway is
vacated, the applicant will fence off the alleyway to eliminate rear access to the
involved properties.
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Verizon, Bright House, Knology and Progress Energy have no objections to the
vacation request.
The alleyway is unimproved and contains no City owned utilities.
The Engineering Department has no objections to the vacation request.
Engineering Assistant Director Scott Rice requested the item be continued to December
16, 2010 as the property objecting to the vacation is subject to a Municipal Code
Enforcement Board hearing tomorrow. Staff wishes to have the results of the hearing
before proceeding with the vacation request. The primary applicant has no objections
to the delay.
Councilmember George N. Cretekos moved to continue Item 7.1 to December 16, 2010.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
8. Second Readings - Public Hearing
8.1 Adopt Ordinance 8181-10 on second reading, amending the Comprehensive Plan
of the City of Clearwater; providing for an update to the Capital Improvements
Element following the city’s annual review pursuant to Florida Statutes Section
163.3177.
Ordinance 8181-10 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Paul Gibson
moved to adopt Ordinance 8181-10 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 8227-10 on second reading, amending Section 2.263(1),
Clearwater Code of Ordinances, to provide for no salary increase for the mayor
and council members in January 2011.
Ordinance 8227-10 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Bill Jonson
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moved to adopt Ordinance 8227-10 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.
City Manager Reports
9. Other Items on City Manager Reports
9.1 Review the changes to the Penny for Pinellas III project list and provide direction
to regarding further recommendations or changes.
At the November 1, 2010 work session, City Council reviewed the City Manager’s
recommended changes to the Penny for Pinellas project list for years 2010
through 2020 due to the slowing economy and loss of revenues.
At that meeting, Council discussed some additional changes to the plan. These
changes have been incorporated, reducing the approved project list for fiscal
years 2010/2011 - 2019/2020 from $107,232,000 down to $87,825,840, a
reduction of approximately $19.4 million in planned projects.
Once the City Council has finalized recommended changes to the planned project
list, a public hearing will be scheduled to accept citizen comment and approve a
revised project list.
Concern was expressed that Clearwater has the third highest stormwater rates in the
state. It was suggested that the city use a portion of the Penny funds for stormwater
improvements.
Councilmember Bill Jonson moved to reallocate $5 million of Penny for Pinellas III funds
for stormwater quality improvements, subject to a reduction of a similar amount from
another penny project or other penny projects. The motion failed for lack of second.
Discussion ensued with concern expressed regarding the timeline associated with
renovating the fire stations. It was stated that the city chose to open two new stations
instead of renovating existing fire stations.
In response to questions, the City Manager said the projects list has been reviewed and
prioritized over time. If direction is given to accelerate the fire station renovations, staff
will need time to analyze the impact to other penny projects before providing Council
with suggestions.
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Concern was expressed regarding the interest in re-prioritizing the projects after Council
reviewed the list on November 1, 2010.
In response to a comment, Budget Director Tina Wilson said the comprehensive review
of the projects list was on November 1, 2010. The public hearing concentrates on the
proposed gross revenue changes above $500,000 on any project. The 6-year forecast
is a tool for identifying funding availability. The public hearing was initially scheduled for
the beginning of next year but was pushed up to address the needs associated with the
North Greenwood Recreation Center identified during the budget process.
In response to a question, the City Manager said some municipalities rely heavily
on general revenue funds for stormwater infrastructure improvements. Clearwater does
not use general revenue funds for stormwater infrastructure improvements.
The City Manager and the Fire Chief were directed to analyze the impact accelerating
the fire station renovations would have on other penny projects, identify operational
issues associated with current stations, and report findings to Council before end of
January 2011.
Consensus was to hold the public hearing on December 2, 2010.
9.2 Approve additional funding in the amount of $575,762.68 to the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers (USACOE) for the Stevenson Creek Estuary Restoration Project,
bringing the City’s total share of the project to $3,263,399.68.
On August 21, 2008, City Council approved entering into a Project Partnership
Agreement (PPA) with the USACOE for the Stevenson Creek Estuary Restoration
Project and provided funding to the USACOE in the amount of $2,324,340.
On August 6, 2009, City Council approved additional funding of $363,297
because the selected bid was higher than the engineer’s estimate.
The USACOE has requested an additional $575,762.68 for items that are out of
the contract scope. The items identified for removal are contaminated soils, a
sunken vessel, six abandoned utilities, equipment cost increase, changed wages
and de-foaming the dewatering process.
Sufficient budget and revenue are available in Capital Improvement Program
project 0315-96129, Stevenson Creek Estuary Restoration.
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In response to a question, Engineering Manager Elliot Shoberg said staff had budgeted
$1.2 million in excess as part of the contingency plan. There is $700,000 remaining.
Vice Mayor John Doran moved to approve additional funding in the amount of
$575,762.68 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) for the Stevenson Creek
Estuary Restoration Project, bringing the City’s total share of the project to
$3,263,399.68. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
9.3 Approve a work order for engineering design of the Hillcrest Neighborhood
Stormwater Improvement Design and Construction Administration Services (10-
0002EN) to Sam Schwartz Engineering of Tampa, Florida in the amount of
$119,149.57 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
This work order is for engineering design and construction administration services
for stormwater improvements in the Hillcrest neighborhood (also known as
Brookhill Subdivision). These stormwater improvements are in response to
resident requests for a solution to street flooding, especially on St. Thomas Drive.
The first design task consists of a modeling effort to determine whether
stormwater improvements are feasible and practical. If not, the design effort will
terminate and no stormwater improvements will be constructed. The stormwater
improvements design effort will be performed concurrently with, and in
coordination with, the current design effort for the Hillcrest Neighborhood Traffic
Calming project, which is also being performed by the same firm, Sam Swartz
Engineering. The stormwater improvements design and the traffic calming design
will be combined by Sam Swartz Engineering into a single construction bid
package, and the construction work will be performed under one contract by one
contractor. Work on the Hillcrest stormwater improvements design will commence
upon award and execution of the Work Order; the design work will also be
completed in 222 calendar days; and the construction administration services will
be completed at the end of construction in approximately 14 additional months.
Maintenance of the stormwater improvements will be performed by the Public
Services Department. Sufficient budget and revenue is available in Capital
Improvement Program project 96169, Stevenson Creek, to fund the work orders.
Councilmember George N. Cretekos moved to approve a work order for engineering
design of the Hillcrest Neighborhood Stormwater Improvement Design and Construction
Administration Services (10-0002EN) to Sam Schwartz Engineering of Tampa, Florida
in the amount of $119,149.57 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
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9.4 Award a contract (purchase order) for the Florida/Phoenix Avenue Traffic Calming
project (08-0014-EN) to R.A.M. Excavating, Inc., of Palm Harbor, Florida, in the
amount of $165,080.30 consisting of the base bid in the amount of $144,987.70
and alternate bid item, Additional Sidewalk Area, in the amount of $20,092.60,
which is the lowest responsible bid received in accordance with plans and
specifications, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
This project involves construction of two (2) mini roundabouts: One mini
roundabout is to be located at the intersection of Florida Avenue and Turner
Street and one mini roundabout is to be located at the intersection of Phoenix
Avenue and Turner Street. Construction activities also include minor landscaping
improvements and additional sidewalk at a Pinellas County retention pond directly
to the east of Florida Avenue. City staff carried out two neighborhood meetings
with the residents of Florida and Phoenix Avenues to determine the project scope.
The scope is consistent with feedback received at both public meetings and is
consistent with the development order between the City of Clearwater and Boos
Development. Work will commence upon award and execution of the contract and
will be completed within 180 calendar days. Ongoing maintenance of the mini
roundabout landscaping will be provided by the Parks and Recreation
Department. The landscaping plant palate and irrigation was designed, with Parks
Department input, for low maintenance. The scope includes the establishment
and maintenance of the new pond landscaping for a period of two years, after
which the landscaping maintenance is handed over to Pinellas County who owns
the pond. Street signage and pavement markings will be maintained by Traffic
Operations. Complete funding for this project is available through a $250,000
enhancement fund provided to the City of Clearwater by Boos Development,
developers of the CVS Pharmacy, located at 2200 Gulf to Bay Boulevard. It is the
intent of this fund to mitigate the impacts for the residents of Florida and Phoenix
Avenues that were created by the vacation of the north end of Florida Avenue
where the CVS Pharmacy presently stands. If additional funding becomes
available through the enhancement fund, up to two additional alternate bid items
totaling $46,919.40 would be added to the project. These alternates would add
more landscaping to the Pinellas County retention pond and cover the initial two-
year establishment and maintenance. Sufficient budget and revenue are available
in project 0181-99144, Boos Development Mitigation, in the amount of
$165,080.30.
Councilmember Paul Gibson moved to award a contract (purchase order) for the
Florida/Phoenix Avenue Traffic Calming project (08-0014-EN) to R.A.M. Excavating,
Inc., of Palm Harbor, Florida, in the amount of $165,080.30 consisting of the base bid in
the amount of $144,987.70 and alternate bid item, Additional Sidewalk Area, in the
amount of $20,092.60, which is the lowest responsible bid received in accordance with
plans and specifications, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
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9.5 Approve an agreement between The Florida Commission on Community Service
and the City of Clearwater renewing the AmeriCorps Clearwater program for the
period of January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011, including a cash match in
the amount of $65,059, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
The Clearwater Police Department has been a participating member of the
AmeriCorps program since 1995, and for the past six years has been the lead
agency and grantee for AmeriCorps Clearwater.
AmeriCorps Clearwater is a public safety program designed to foster citizen
responsibility, build neighborhood unity, provide educational opportunities, and
save police officer time by members performing non-hazardous public safety
duties. Each full-time program member provides 1,700 hours annually and each
part-time member provides 900 hours annually, resulting in a savings of over
18,000 hours of valuable police officer time. This allows police officers to devote
more time to hazardous and critical crime mitigation tasks. AmeriCorps members
promote a safe and friendlier place to live and visit. They also serve as a conduit
for dissemination of information to residents and visitors who are most affected by
ongoing changes in the city.
The Clearwater Police Department benefits from the members' assistance with
community policing efforts and the opportunity to mentor and mold the potential
police officers of the future. Eight (8) full-time AmeriCorps members, ten (10) part-
time AmeriCorps members and one (1) AmeriCorps Program Coordinator are
assigned to the Clearwater Police Department. The full-time AmeriCorps
members receive a minimum living allowance/stipend of $11,800 per year, and
part-time AmeriCorps members receive a living allowance/stipend of $6,247 per
year.
A continuation funding request and application was submitted and approved by
The Corporation for National and Community Service for Federal Assistance in
the amount of $177,823. Special Project 181-99255 has been set up for
AmeriCorps Clearwater 2011. A budget amendment will provide the cash match
with a transfer of $65,059from the Special Law Enforcement Trust Fund project
181-99331.
Councilmember Bill Jonson moved to approve an agreement between The Florida
Commission on Community Service and the City of Clearwater renewing the
AmeriCorps Clearwater program for the period of January 1, 2011 through December
31, 2011, including a cash match in the amount of $65,059, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
9.6 Approve a blanket purchase order to Carl Eric Johnson, Inc. of Lawrenceville, GA,
for Moyno Progressive Cavity Pumps and replacement parts for the contract
period November 16, 2010 to October 31, 2012, in the amount of $125,000.00,
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and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
Public Utilities currently has 39 progressive cavity pumps manufactured by
Moyno, Inc. (Moyno) in service at three (3) Water Reclamation Facilities. The
Moyno pumps are used to transfer sludge, biosolids and other high viscosity fluids
throughout the treatment processes. The average service life of the existing
pumps is approximately 15 years. These pumps are nearly continuous duty, in an
environment that is extremely corrosive and destructive, and the durability and
reliability of the Moyno equipment is superior in this industry.
Due to the large investment of existing equipment and the reliability of the
equipment, the city’s Water Reclamation Facilities have standardized the use of
Moyno pumps for high solids pumping applications. Standardization of pumping
equipment reduces redesign/retrofit of the piping systems and overall down time
which is critical to maintaining regulatory compliance at wastewater treatment
facilities. Standardization also reduces the required stocking of parts and
replacement pumps, and increases the cost efficiency of maintenance
operations.
Carl Eric Johnson, Inc. (CEJ) is the sole authorized distributor of genuine Moyno
pumps and replacement parts in Florida and Georgia. Both CEJ and Moyno, Inc.
have been contacted regarding their respective business pricing strategies. Both
companies have relayed that the prices quoted to Clearwater by CEJ are the
current Moyno Municipal Market Base pricing, which keeps pricing competitive
with the competition and provides the very best pricing available to the municipal
market. Furthermore, Moyno verifies pricing from the distributor to the end
customer by requiring copies of purchase orders to accompany factory orders.
Sole source purchase of these pumps meets all requirements of Section 2.564
(1)(b) Code of Ordinances.
The projected contract amount, $125,000, for this two-year period is based on the
current performance of aging equipment and estimated costs of replacements and
repairs that may be required before October 31, 2012.
Sufficient budget is available in the Water and Sewer Utility Fund operating cost
center 0421-01351-550400-535-000-0000, Water Reclamation Facility
Operations, to fund $75,000.00 of the Fiscal Year 2010/2011 cost of this purchase
order and is planned in the budget request to be brought forward for Fiscal Year
2011/2012 in the amount of $50,000.00.
Councilmember John Doran moved to approve a blanket purchase order to Carl Eric
Johnson, Inc. of Lawrenceville, GA, for Moyno Progressive Cavity Pumps and
replacement parts for the contract period November 16, 2010 to October 31, 2012, in
the amount of $125,000.00, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
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9.7 Award a contract (purchase order) to ITT Water and Wastewater Florida, LLC, of
Apopka, FL in the amount of $325,000.00 for Flygt Pumps, replacement parts,
and factory authorized service for the contract period of November 16, 2010 to
October 31, 2012 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
Flygt Pumps are standardized by the Water Reclamation Facilities for submerged
internal recycle and backwash applications and by the Maintenance Division for
eighty (80) lift station pump applications, because it expedites repairs,
replacements and maintenance, and eliminates excessive equipment downtime
without the cost of retrofit and redesign. ITT Water and Wastewater Florida, LLC
is the sole source for Flygt pumps, replacement parts, and factory authorized
service.
Due to the large investment of existing equipment and the reliability of the
equipment, our Water Reclamation Facilities have standardized the use of Flygt
pumps for high solids pumping applications. Standardization of pumping
equipment reduces redesign/retrofit of the piping systems and overall down time,
which is critical to maintaining regulatory compliance at our wastewater treatment
facilities. Standardization also reduces the required stocking of parts and
replacement pumps, and increases the cost efficiency of maintenance operations.
Sole source purchase of these pumps meets all requirements of Section 2.564
(1)(b) Code of Ordinances.
The previous contract was for $290,000.00, which was approved by Council on
October 15, 2008, for the period November 1, 2008 to October 31, 2009. Due to a
lower demand for repairs and replacements than originally projected, $141,257.03
of the approved amount remained unused, and the contract was extended to
October 31, 2010.
Projected contract amount is based on anticipation of pumps and/or pump
stations being repaired and refurbishment of stations in-house due to known
upcoming projects and historic usage rates.
Sufficient budget is available in the Water and Sewer Utility Fund, Water
Reclamation Facility operating cost center 0421-01351-550400-535-000-0000 to
fund $27,405.59 of the Fiscal Year 2010/2011 cost and is planned in the budget
request to be brought forward for Fiscal Year 2011/2012 in the amount of
$31,357.50, and in Fiscal Year 2012/2013 the amount of $2,663.24, and in the
Maintenance operating cost center 0421-01347-550400-535-000-0000 to fund
$117,594.41 of the Fiscal Year 2010/2011 cost and is planned in the budget
request to be brought forward for Fiscal Year 2011/2012 in the amount of
$134,551.59 and in Fiscal Year 2012/2013 the amount of $11,427.67.
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Public Utilities Assistant Director Nan Bennett said staff has received a letter from the
vendor guaranteeing a 5% discount of the publish list price.
Councilmember George N. Cretekos moved to award a contract (purchase order) to ITT
Water and Wastewater Florida, LLC, of Apopka, FL in the amount of $325,000.00 for
Flygt Pumps, replacement parts, and factory authorized service for the contract period
of November 16, 2010 to October 31, 2012 and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Miscellaneous Reports and Items
10. City Manager Verbal Reports
10.1 Discuss Charter Review
The City Clerk said the city's charter requires a charter review committee be
appointed at least every five years, with appointments made in January of a year
preceding an election. The charter requires there be at least 10 members, all of
whom must be Clearwater residents. At the time of appointment, council provides
direction to the committee regarding items council would like to consider.
The City Attorney said the committee typically meets once to twice a month from
January to November. The committee reviews every provision of the charter and
focuses on areas identified by staff or Council.
In response to questions, the City Clerk said appointments would be made in
January. Practice has been that each councilmember appoint an applicant and
the remaining appointees selected by the collegial body.
11. Other Council Action
11.1 Red Light Camera Ordinance
Vice Mayor John Doran discussed legislation allowing Florida municipalities to
implement red light cameras ordinances.
Traffic Operations Manager Paul Bertels reported that FDOT (Florida
Department of Transportation) would finalize its requirements for red light
cameras by December 31, 2010. In response to a suggestion that the City
increase the timing of amber and all red lights, Mr. Bertels said clearance
times have been increased to the maximum allowed by FDOT. He
recommended installing red light cameras at the 11 city intersections with
white light enforcement that now require a police presence.
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The City Attorney said court challenges predate the new State Statute.
Vendor costs are part of negotiations and will not be addressed in the
ordinance. The original violation is issued to the vehicle’s registered owner
and will not impact insurance rates. A process allows registered owners to
contest charges.
Discussion ensued with comments supporting red light cameras as an
effective tool to educate drivers regarding the ramifications of running red
lights. It was stated that detectors would pay for themselves and allow police
officers to focus on crime rather than traffic infractions. It was felt the City can
try them for several years, track rear end accidents, and determine if the
cameras are worthwhile. Concerns were expressed regarding a recent USF
(University of South Florida) study that concluded red light cameras increase
accidents.
In response to questions, Mr. Bertels said the traffic engineering community
has not accepted the USF study; traffic engineers have differing opinions
regarding red light cameras. State law sets the fine at $158 for the original
infraction. The municipality must pay vendor costs from its $75 share.
Vendor costs must be negotiated and cannot be based on the number of
infractions. Vendors install and maintain the cameras. Depending on the
contract, the vendor could provide data, such as traffic counts. Police Chief
Anthony Holloway said red light cameras are a great tool that will reduce
fatalities and police enforcement costs. Some studies indicate that red light
cameras reduce accidents and stop drivers from running red lights. The
Police Department will review vendor tapes, identify infractions, and advise
the vendor which vehicles should receive notices of violation.
Vice Mayor John Doran moved to direct the City Attorney to prepare an
ordinance in support of traffic infraction detectors for red light infractions with
all dispatch. The motion was duly seconded and upon the vote being taken:
"Ayes": Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor John Doran, and Councilmember
Bill Jonson.
"Nays":Councilmember George N. Cretekos and Councilmember Paul
Gibson.
Motion carried.
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11.2 Review Mission and Purpose of EAB - Councilmember Jonson
Councilmember Bill Jonson recommended establishing a process for the EAB
(Environmental Advisory Board) and other advisory boards to provide periodic
reports before City Council as a means to increase interaction with council.
It was noted that board sizes have been reduced to address absenteeism and
the number of meetings has been decreased due to reduced staff. It was
stated that Council recently provided staff direction to circulate unapproved
minutes for all advisory boards to ensure Council is kept abreast of board
activities.
In response to a question, City Clerk Rosemarie Call said city code requires
the EAB seek Council pre-approval for work efforts exceeding 8 hours; other
advisory boards do not have similar limits.
EAB Chair Pete Stasis said the board meets every three months and is not
provided information regarding presentations on a timely basis to sufficiently
review materials and provide advice. He expressed concerns that the EAB
lacks focus and continuity. Mr. Stasis said the board has experienced a high
turnover rate.
Discussion ensued regarding Council's sensitivity to placing too many
demands on volunteer boards. It was stated that board chairs could call
special meetings, or address the City Council, when necessary. Board
members were encouraged to pursue items of interest. It was noted a
requirement for advisory boards to make annual presentations to the Council
was ineffective and discontinued.
EAB member Mike Flannery said the quarterly meeting schedule and
Sunshine Law restrictions are frustrating. He suggested distributing
unapproved minutes soon after a meeting and appointing a City Council
liaison to serve on the board.
In response to a suggestion, the City Attorney said board members cannot
circulate letters requesting input for changes.
The City Manager said advisory boards should drive agendas. The Council
may have issues from time to time for board review. Providing the minutes
faster would impact staff resources and may require additional staff.
The City Manager was directed to review the staffing levels within the board
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reporting section against the need to provide minutes for Advisory Board
public meetings.
Concerns were expressed regarding assigning councilmembers to serve as
board liaisons. It was stated that the practice was discontinued, as it did not
add value to the board or the City Council.
Staff was directed to advise boards regarding the ability to call special
meetings and address the City Council at regular meetings.
It was suggested that the EAB consider reviewing the Environmental
Protection Agency's nutrient loading rules, Tampa Bay and Safety Harbor
muck study and impacts to Clearwater, progress of the Stevenson Creek
project, and land management of preservation areas.
EAB members were thanked for their efforts.
11.3 Mayor's Conflict January 20th, 2011 Council Meeting
Mayor Hibbard requested the January 20, 2011 council meeting be rescheduled
as it conflicts with a U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting.
Consensus was to reschedule the January 18, 2011 work session to January 11,
2011 at 9:00 a.m. and the January 20, 2011 council meeting to January 13, 2011
at 6:00 p.m.
12. Closing Comments by Mayor
Mayor Hibbard reviewed recent and upcoming events.
13. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
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