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02/15/2011 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES ITY OF CLEARWATER February 15, 2011 Present: Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor John Doran, Councilmember George N. Cretekos, Councilmember Paul Gibson and Councilmember Bill Jonson. Also Present: William B. Horne II - City Manager, Jill S. Silverboard - Assistant City Manager, Rod Irwin - Assistant City Manager, Pamela K. Akin - City Attorney, Rosemarie Call - City Clerk and Karen Vaughan - Administrative Analyst. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order . Mayor Frank Hibbard called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. at City Hall. 1. Presentations - Given. 1.1 Service Awards Eleven service awards were presented to city employees. The Council recessed from 8:43 to 8:49 a.m. to meet as the Pension Trustees. 2. Economic Development and Housing 2.1 Approve the proposed City of Clearwater’s Substantial Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Consolidated Action Plan to include the Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Neighborhood Stabilization Program 3 Action Plan, accept future funding in the amount of $1,385,801 to implement Action Plan activities and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. Pursuant to federal regulations published in the Federal Register at 75 FR 64322 and regarding Title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, as amended, and in accordance with Title XII of Division A of the American Recovery Act of 2009, as amended, additional funds were allocated under Section 1497 of the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program 3 (NSP 3) and those established at 24 CFR Part 91 require the City of Clearwater to amend its Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Consolidated Action Plan to incorporate the proposed Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Neighborhood Stabilization Program 3 Action Plan. Work Session 2011-02-15 1 The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently awarded the City of Clearwater $1,385,801 in funding through the NSP 3 Program. The NSP 3 Program is designed to stabilize neighborhoods that have been and continue to be damaged by the economic effects of properties that have been foreclosed or abandoned. The program integrated the following principals: Retain the Community Development Block Grant distinctive requirements Target and reconnect neighborhoods Rapidly arrest neighborhood decline Assure deep targeting requirements Ensure continued affordable housing Support projects that optimize economic activity Build inclusive and sustainable communities Leverage resources The NSP 3 Program has established five allowable housing strategies for funding. They include using the funds for: 1) housing-related financing mechanism, 2) acquisition and rehabilitation, 3) land banking, 4) demolition, and 5) redevelopment. It is proposed that the City use its funding in the following manner: Activity Amount # of Units Housing Related Financing Mechanism $ 350,000 6 Acquisition and Rehabilitation $ 397,221 4 Redevelopment $ 500,000 10 Administration $ 138,508 TOTAL $1,385,801 20 The City reserves the right to reallocate funding totals and number of units from one activity to another in order to respond to market opportunities and/or meet designated timeframes for expenditures of funds. The target areas identified by HUD include the city-approved Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas to include portions of the North Greenwood, South Greenwood, and East Gateway Strategy Areas. These funds will work similar to our Work Session 2011-02-15 2 current CDBG and HOME funding in that the funds are drawn down once the activity occurs. In response to questions, Economic Development and Housing Director Geri Campos Lopez said the funds are used to leverage the investments made for new units with rehab units. The Norton Apartments are being targeted for rehabilitation. The City’s down payment assistance award averages $25,000. Economic Development and Housing Assistant Director Jim Donnelly said there are hundreds of units in Clearwater that need rehabilitation. The rehabilitation strategy requires the city to acquire the property and partner with a non-profit housing organization to undertake the rehab and sell the property for the acquisition price. The new homeownership strategy allows the funds to come back once completed. 3. Fire Department 3.1 Provide direction regarding an alternate site at Court and Madison Streets for the Fire Station 45 Renovation project. Council directed staff to consider alternate sites prior to approving the design work order for the station renovation at the existing, Franklin Street, site. Fire and Engineering staff has completed one-on-one meetings with Councilmembers in November, reviewing seven locations in the Downtown District. HDR was hired to conduct a site analysis. The report shows that the new site will work for the station layout contingent on the vacation of a portion of Brownell Street, the purchase of two parcels on Court Street, additional costs for site construction and permitting requirements. Demolition of two existing Parks and Recreation storage buildings will be required. Approximately 6 months and $1 million would be added to the 2-year design and construction project. Figures 9 and 10 of the Site Analysis Report refer the proposed layout. A Capital Improvement Project (CIP) was established and funded with $3.0 Million in 2006 to begin preparations to replace the downtown station. The current CIP plan calls for an additional $4,057,520 of Penny III funds in Fiscal Year 2012 to begin construction of the station at the current location. The required funding in Fiscal Year 2012 would need to be increased to $5,057,520 to construct at the new location. The Fire Department has three additional station construction/renovation projects to be undertaken once the Main Station is completed. The timetable for those projects is under review and will be dependent on the timing of the Main Station project. Work Session 2011-02-15 3 In response to questions, Interim Fire Chief Robert Weiss reviewed the three proposed access points. The traffic signal on Court Street would be activated during emergency calls when the fire equipment needs to exit the property. Staff was directed to provide information regarding the traffic separator condition listed in the Florida Department of Transportation pre-application. 4. Financial Services 4.1 Approve settlement of the liability claim of Patricia Lynch for payment of $65,000 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) On April 19, 2010, claimant was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by a City of Clearwater intern employee. The claimant was taken by ambulance for multiple injuries, including headache, neck pain, right knee pain and bi-lateral wrist pain, and she continued to need treatment. Ms. Lynch’s medical expenses exceed $74,000, and future care is anticipated. The City’s limit of liability as provided by Section 768.28, Florida Statutes is $100,000. The City’s Risk Management Division and City’s Claims Committee recommend this settlement. Funding for the payment of this settlement is available in the budget for claims expense in the Central Insurance Fund. 5. Parks and Recreation 5.1 Approve the grant agreement between the City of Clearwater and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) for a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant in the amount of $200,000 for the construction of trails within the Lake Chautauqua Equestrian and Nature Preserve and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) The City has been awarded a matching grant in the amount of $200,000 for the design and construction of a trail system within Lake Chautauqua Equestrian and Nature Preserve. The approval of this grant and the construction of trails within the Lake Chautauqua Equestrian and Nature Preserve are consistent with and required by the Management Plan as approved by the Florida Communities Trust (the funding source for acquisition). The trail will be designed to be ecologically sensitive and comprised of shell and will be constructed in a manner to accommodate equestrians, mountain bicyclists, joggers and walkers. Other elements of the project will include improved access and benches. The trail has been designed and will go out to bid once the grant is approved, with a projected award date of October 2011. Funding for the entire project will come from this RTP grant of $200,000 and $200,000 available in the Recreation Trails CIP 93272. This grant was brought forward and approved by the Resource Management Committee on March 3, 2010. Future maintenance of the trails will be provided through the adopt-a-park program volunteers and existing park maintenance staff. There will be no additional FTE requirements. No additional operating impacts are needed to support this project. Work Session 2011-02-15 4 In response to questions, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said Penny for Pinellas funds are being used for the matching funds. The project will define existing trails with shell; which is needed to comply with the trail management component of the FCT grant. The shelled trail would allow horseback riding, mountain biking and walking. Mr. Dunbar said the horse trail is less than one mile. Staff was directed to provide information regarding the number of residents with equine. 5.2 Approve an Amended and Restated Business Lease between the Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) and the City of Clearwater (City) for the use of the Lokey Building, located at 401 Cleveland Street, from March 1, 2011 to February 28, 2013 (Additional Extended Term) at $3,000 per month; reduce rent payments due under the current lease term for the months of January and February 2011 from $5,720 per month to $3,000 per month, and provide for the rescission of the ad valorem tax escrow payment for each year in which the Lessee secures an ad valorem tax exemption from the Pinellas County Property Appraiser and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) On August 26, 2009, the City and Chamber entered into a business lease contract for the use of the Lokey Building located at 401 Cleveland Street. On December 27, 2010, the City Manager received a request from the Chamber to modify the lease by reducing the rent payment from $5,720 per month to $3,000 per month for the two remaining months of the current lease, and extend the lease for a 2 year term (Additional Extended Term) with rents due in the amount of $36,000 per year or $3,000 per month. The Chamber has secured an ad valorem tax exemption for the 2010 and 2011 tax years, therefore, the ad valorem tax escrow payment will be rescinded for as long as the Chamber secures such exemption. The Chamber will remain responsible for all taxes that may become due and payable during the term of the lease. All other terms of the agreement will remain the same, including the Chamber’s requirement to pay sales tax. Proceeds from the rent payments are used to cover city operating expenses for both the Royalty Theater as well as the Lokey building. The current operating budget for Fiscal Year 2010-2011 is $47,000. To date the City has received $17,441.60 for this Fiscal Year from the Chamber. If the rent is reduced from the current level to $3,000 per month, the remaining rent revenue to be collected for 2010-2011 will be $27,000 yielding a total amount of rent revenue of $44,441.60, which is $2,558.40 less than budget. It should be noted that expenditures in previous years have never been higher than Work Session 2011-02-15 5 $26,987 well below the proposed $36,000 to be collected next year if the Council approves this item. Also a recent review of rental rates in downtown Clearwater reflect that the $3,000 per month rent ($10.75 per sq. ft.) is more in line with the current square foot building rates for business space (comparative rates range from $10.91 per sq. ft. to $13.00 per sq. ft.). 6. Solid Waste/General Support Services 6.1 Award a contract (Purchase Order) for $145,997.00 to LDV, Inc. of Burlington, WI for one LDV Model LABMCC163185-10 Traffic Homicide Investigation Vehicle and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) The current Traffic Homicide Investigation (THI) Bus (G2453, 2001 Bluebird) has reached the end of its useful life. The bus has experienced starting problems, severe brake system problems and the on-board generator has not started on a few occasions due to various failures. The interior of the bus has shown cracks due to body shifting. The bus has 9,567 miles. This bus responds to serious injury or fatality accidents. The bus will remain at the scene for several hours while the THI officers conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident. The bus generator will run the entire time to support the emergency lights, interiors lights and air conditioning system. The rear of the bus is used to store traffic control devices, marking paint, tape and barricades. The vehicle is budgeted in the Penny for Pinellas 3 Project - 315-91149 - Police Homicide Vehicle. In response to questions, Police Lieutenant Daniel Slaughter said the vehicle contains specialized equipment needed for complex traffic homicide investigations and is used approximately thirty times a year. The vehicle is also used as an alternative command post for certain special events. Lt. Slaughter said the replacement vehicle may be retrofitted when needed. Staff was directed to provide information regarding the cost for traffic homicide investigation services if contracted with Pinellas County Sheriff. 6.2 Staff update regarding permitting and regulatory compliance of private haulers. On February 18, 2010, City Council adopted Ordinance 8131-10, amending Clearwater Code of Ordinances, Article VII, Solid Waste Management, Sections 32.2715, 32.272(4), 32.288, and 32.289 (7) and (8). Ordinance 8131-10 awarded exclusive rights to the Solid Waste Department to provide roll-off container service within the city limits. The ordinance is scheduled to take effect three years from adoption on February 18, 2013. Council directed staff to meet with the affected commercial haulers to resolve the Work Session 2011-02-15 6 issue of non-compliance with the City’s solid waste ordinance and to provide a compliance status in one year. Staff has met with the commercial haulers on February 12, 2010, August 27, 2010 and December 10, 2010. Most of the private haulers registered to operate within city limits participated by attending the meetings and providing. At present, all but one hauler is registered, remitting the 15% surcharge on time, and notifying the City of their operations within city limits. In response to a question, Solid Waste/General Services Director Earl Gloster said the only hauler not registered with the City is Sarnago. 6.3 Approve a Contract (Blanket Purchase Order) to Fleet Products Inc. of Tampa, FL in the amount of $200,000 for the purchase of replacement vehicle parts used by all City Departments, during the contract period February 18, 2011 through February 17, 2013, in accordance with Sec. 2.564(1)(d), Code of Ordinances - Pinellas County Bid 078-0185-B and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) This blanket purchase order will cover the period of February 18, 2011 to February 17, 2013 for purchase of equipment replacement parts and heavy-duty brake parts used by all City Departments. The blanket purchase order is larger than previous years due to approximately six vendors closing their doors in the last six months. 7. Engineering 7.1 Approve an Agreement to Assign, Transfer and Dedicate as Public Road (Excaliber Drive) and adopt Resolution 11-03. Excaliber Drive was created as a private street when the Rosewood Subdivision was platted in 1984. All associated maintenance responsibilities were assigned to the lot owners in the subdivision. In April 2010, representatives of the subdivision approached the City about the possibility of dedicating the street and future maintenance responsibilities to the City. They were informed that in order for the City to consider this request the lot owners would be required to upgrade the street to city standards. Required improvements identified included resurfacing and curb and sidewalk replacement. A cost estimate was prepared and provided to the 12 lot owners. Each of them signed a petition agreeing to share equally these costs to upgrade the street to city standards. The City bid this work as a part of the 2010 Street Resurfacing Project and provided the actual costs to the lot owners ($1743.17 per lot). They have all agreed that this cost is Work Session 2011-02-15 7 satisfactory and have executed the Agreement to Assign Transfer and Dedicate as Public Road. The City has scheduled the resurfacing, curb and sidewalk work and the lot owners have agreed to reimburse the City within 30 days of completion of the work. They have also created a contingency fund in the event of any shortfall. Upon City receipt of all required funds, Excaliber Drive will become a City street. In that the City will be receiving a newly upgraded street, future maintenance responsibilities will be minimal and will not adversely impact the road maintenance budget. 7.2 Authorize placement of Restrictive Covenant over City Right of Way located at North Martin Luther King Avenue and Carlton Street and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has issued a No Further Action (NFA) for contaminated soils confined by impermeable materials (asphalt/concrete) under City Right-of-Way. A condition of the NFA approval is that a restrictive covenant be placed over the area to prevent future exposure to the contaminated soil. The City shall ensure the perpetual nature of these restrictions, record in public records, and reference them in any subsequent lease, deed, conveyance or use of the property. The subject right-of-way is adjacent to the Police Substation located at 1310 North Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. 7.3 Approve Geosyntec Supplemental Agreement 1 for an Environmental Assessment of Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex in the amount of $21,493.00 plus an additional contingency in the amount of $22,506.20 for a total increase in the amount of $43,999.20. (consent) October 15, 2010 the City Manager approved a purchase order to Geosyntec to perform a Site Assessment and Closure report for the Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex as required by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) in the amount of $91,038. The City has been engaged in a variety of environmental studies at Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex since 2000, all beginning with it as a potential site for the new Phillies Stadium. FDEP has directed the City to complete a Site Assessment Report (SAR) with a submittal date of March 31, 2011. Geosyntec Consultants were contracted to complete the SAR under the direction of the City as recommended by Environmental Counsel Bill Pence with Baker and Hostetler, LLP. Recent soil and groundwater testing indicates it is necessary to expand Work Session 2011-02-15 8 assessment activities in order to completely assess the site and meet the March 31, 2011 deadline. Additional groundwater and soil testing are required at a cost of $21,493.00. A contingency in the amount of $22,506.20 is being requested by city staff for potential compensation to Geosyntec personnel to respond to FDEP comments pending review of the SAR for a total increase in the amount of $43,999.20 and a total value of the agreement of $135,037.20. Sufficient budget is available in Capital Improvement Program project 0315-94803, Environmental Assessment and Cleanup in the amount of $43,999.20. 7.4 Approve Construction Manager at Risk for Continuing Contracts (CMR) with Angle and Schmid, Inc., Biltmore Construction and Peter Brown Construction for a period of two years with an option to renew for an additional two-year period commencing March 1, 2011 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) On November 1, 2010, Requests for Qualifications (RFQ 02-11) were solicited from area firms to act as construction managers for the City in accordance with Construction Manager at Risk (CRM) procedures. Seventeen responses were received. A short list of four firms gave oral presentations to the selection committee consisting of representatives from Parks and Recreation, Solid Waste/General Services and Engineering. The three recommended firms were selected based upon experience, financial capability, scheduling, cost control and value engineering, project staff and availability, local knowledge and Clearwater involvement. The CRM process is an alternative to traditional bidding of projects as follows: The CRM is brought into a project as early as possible in the design phase. The CRM is responsible for soliciting bids from various sub-contractors who would perform the work. The CRM prepares a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the project. The CRM then manages the project through completion for the GMP. The advantages of this approach over the design-bid-build approach can include: Contractor involvement in the project earlier providing opportunities to address constructability issues and provide greater opportunities for value engineering. Expediting projects by reducing the time for soliciting bids and allowing for integrated construction (starting preparatory construction tasks before design is complete).Utilizing appropriate sub-contractors that the CRM has experience with. Professional construction management at a fixed cost. Work Session 2011-02-15 9 A Guaranteed Maximum Price that defers risk from the City to the CRM. The City, the project design firm and the contractor can work as a team on the project. Subject to approval in accordance with City purchasing policy, these CRM’s could be used by any City Department for an appropriate project with a maximum value of $2 million. In response to questions, Engineering Director Mike Quillen said cost may be considered in the selection process. Assistant City Manager Jill Silverboard said the process provides an alternative; staff will not use process every time. Staff was directed to provide examples of projects appropriate for using this tool. 8. Planning 8.1 Rescind Ordinances 8303-10, 8304-10 and 8305-10 and pass Ordinance 8243- 11 on first reading. (ANX2010-05002 Corrective) Annexation case ANX2010-05002, involving property located on the west side of Landmark Drive, approximately 650 feet south of Marlo Boulevard and directly south of Chautauqua Park East, was passed on second reading by City Council on September 9, 2010. Subsequently, it was brought to the Planning and Development Department’s attention that the physical address assigned to the subject property (2271 Landmark Drive) was incorrect. City legal staff advised that the ordinances concerning the annexation would need to be rescinded and replaced. New ordinances pertaining to the annexation of the subject property will be brought to City Council for consideration upon the repeal of the original ordinances. 8.2 Approve the annexation, initial Future Land Use Map designation of Recreation/Open Space (R/OS) and initial Zoning Atlas designation of Open Space/Recreation (OS/R) District for 2270 Landmark Drive (East 965 feet of North of Southeast of Section 32, Township 28 South, Range 16 East, less roads on North, East and South); and pass Ordinances 8240-11, 8241-11 and 8242-11 on first reading. (ANX2010-05002 Corrective) Annexation case ANX2010-05002 was passed on second reading by City Council on September 9, 2010. The associated ordinances have since been repealed due to an error in the physical address assigned to the parcel. Corrected ordinances replacing the repealed ordinances are provided herewith for consideration by City Council. Work Session 2011-02-15 10 The voluntary annexation petition involves a 26.993-acre property consisting of one vacant parcel of land. It is located on the west side of Landmark Drive approximately 650 feet south of Marlo Boulevard and directly south of Chautauqua Park East. The applicant (City of Clearwater) is requesting an annexation of the subject property, which was purchased by the City in 2009 for development as an equestrian park. The Planning and Development Department is requesting that the 2.00 acres of abutting North Drive and Landmark Drive rights-of-way not currently within the city limits also be annexed. The property is contiguous to existing city boundaries to the north, south and east. It is proposed that the property be assigned a Future Land Use Map designation of Recreation/Open Space (R/OS) and a zoning category of Open Space/Recreation (OS/R). The Planning and Development Department determined that the proposed annexation is consistent with the provisions of Community Development Code Section 4-604.E as follows: The City will provide domestic water and sanitary sewer lines to the property when necessary to support any permanent structures on the site. 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 North McMullen Booth Road. Fire and emergency medical services will be provided to this property by Station 50 located at 2681 Countryside Boulevard. The City has adequate capacity to serve this 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.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. The proposed R/OS Future Land Use Map category is consistent with the current Countywide Plan designation of this property. This designation primarily permits public/private open spaces, parks and recreation facilities. The proposed zoning district to be assigned to the property is the Open Space/Recreation (OS/R) District. The proposed use of the subject property is consistent with the uses allowed in the OS/R District and the property exceeds the District’s minimum dimensional requirements. The proposed annexation is therefore 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 north, south and east; therefore the annexation is consistent with Florida Statutes Chapter 171.044. Work Session 2011-02-15 11 9. Official Records and Legislative Services 9.1 Appoint one member to the Environmental Advisory Board to fill the remainder of unexpired term until September 30, 2013. Consensus was to defer discussion to Thursday . 10. Legal 10.1 Adopt Ordinance 8234-11 on second reading, annexing certain real property whose post office addresses are 1809 and 1836 Diane Drive, 2762, 2763, 2766, 2767, 2770, 2771, 2774, 2775, 2778, 2779, 2782, 2783, 2786, 2787, 2790, and 2791 Diane Terrace, 1724, 1765, and 1772 El Trinidad Drive East, 1704, 1721, 1724, 1725, 1728, 1733, and 1737 Evans Drive, 1721, 1724, 1747, and 1750 Grove Drive, 1717, 1740, and 1747 Lucas Drive, 1817 and 1831 Marilyn Drive, 1813, 1819, 1824, and 1831 Skyland Drive, 2740, 2751, 2759, and 2770 Terrace Drive, 1704, 1721, 1729, 1737, and 1755 Thomas Drive, together with abutting right of way of Diane Terrace, into the corporate limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said addition. 10.2 Adopt Ordinance 8235-11 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 addresses are 1809 and 1836 Diane Drive, 2762, 2763, 2766, 2767, 2770, 2771, 2774, 2775, 2778, 2779, 2782, 2783, 2786, 2787, 2790, and 2791 Diane Terrace, 1724, 1765, and 1772 El Trinidad Drive East, 1704, 1721, 1724, 1725, 1728, 1733, and 1737 Evans Drive, 1721, 1724, 1747, and 1750 Grove Drive, 1717, 1740, and 1747 Lucas Drive, 1817 and 1831 Marilyn Drive, 1813, 1819, 1824, and 1831 Skyland Drive, 2740, 2751, 2759, and 2770 Terrace Drive, 1704, 1721, 1729, 1737, and 1755 Thomas Drive, together with abutting right of way of Diane Terrace, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Residential Low (RL) and Drainage Feature Overlay. 10.3 Adopt Ordinance 8236-11 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of the city by zoning certain real property whose post office addresses are 1809 and 1836 Diane Drive, 2762, 2763, 2766, 2767, 2770, 2771, 2774, 2775, 2778, 2779, 2782, 2783, 2786, 2787, 2790, and 2791 Diane Terrace, 1724, 1765, and 1772 El Trinidad Drive East, 1704, 1721, 1724, 1725, 1728, 1733, and 1737 Evans Drive, 1721, 1724, 1747, and 1750 Grove Drive, 1717, 1740, and 1747 Lucas Drive, 1817 and 1831 Marilyn Drive, 1813, 1819, 1824, and 1831 Skyland Drive, 2740, 2751, 2759, and 2770 Terrace Drive, 1704, 1721, 1729, 1737, and 1755 Thomas Drive, together with abutting right of way of Diane Terrace, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Low Medium Density Residential Work Session 2011-02-15 12 (LMDR). 11. City Manager Verbal Reports 11.1 Florida Forever Grant Request for Lake Chautauqua Equestrian and Nature Park Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar requested permission to submit a grant application for the equestrian area. The application submission deadline is today. Should the City not have sufficient funds to comply with the match requirement, the grant will be returned if awarded. In response to questions, Mr. Dunbar said the 30% matching funds would come from impact fees. Mr. Dunbar estimated $3 million to acquire the property. Any recreation impact fees acquired today to grant award date would be applied towards the matching funds. Assistant City Manager Silverboard said general fund reserves would be needed if the recreation impact fees were insufficient to cover the required matching funds. There was consensus to allow submission of the grant application. 12. Council Discussion Items 12.1 Business Forum - Mayor Hibbard Mayor Frank Hibbard expressed concerns regarding comments that Clearwater is not a business friendly community and suggested creating a Business Task Force to address needs for a vibrant business community. The Task Force would consist of 11-13 members from various local tourism and business industries. Discussion ensued with concerns expressed regarding expectation of staff involvement. It was stated that staff should not guide the discussion but provide guidance when requested. The City Manager noted staff constraints with providing a board reporter and suggested contracting one. Staff was directed to agenda discussion for next work session. 12.2 Sister Cities Advisory Board Change - Councilmember Cretekos Councilmember George N. Cretekos said certain board members are not required to live within city limits and requested that the Sister Cities Inc. representative be allowed to live outside of city limits. Staff was directed to draft ordinance allowing the Sister Cities Inc. representative to live outside of city limits. Work Session 2011-02-15 13 12.3 Renaming Clearwater Beach Marina - Mayor Hibbard Mayor Frank Hibbard said he received an email regarding interest in renaming the Clearwater Beach Marina. Marine and Aviation Director Bill Morris expressed concern regarding impact name change would have on paid advertising/marketing and requested discussion be deferred until the Marine Advisory Board (MAB) meets in March to seek their input. There was consensus that discussion be deferred until after the MAB meets on March 9, 2011. 12.4 Student WorkNet Scholarship Funding Request - Councilmember Cretekos Councilmember George N. Cretekos expressed interest in continuing the $1,600 grant for the summer program that was implemented last year and requested guidance. There was consensus that the funding request be presented during the budget process. 12.5 Fifth Third Bank - Concerns with Cleveland Streetscape - Mayor Hibbard Mayor Frank Hibbard said he received a call from Fifth Third Bank regarding streetscape changes impacting ability to make left turns into the property with eastbound traffic and left turn out of the drive-thru. The Bank requested the median in front of their property be removed. Economic Development and Housing Director Geri Campos Lopez reviewed the meeting process for proposed streetscape. Two public hearing meetings were held and invitations were sent certified mail. Ms. Campos Lopez said the bank was unresponsive to any mailings and did not attend any of the public hearings. In response to questions, Engineering Director Mike Quillen said there would be a cost associated with removing the median and installing a bi-directional turn lane in its place. Traffic Operations Manager Paul Bertels said project incorporates the same criteria used in Phase 1; any changes would reduce the level of service. There was consensus not to implement any changes. 12.6 Scheduling another Transportation Subcommittee meeting - Councilmember Jonson Work Session 2011-02-15 14 There was consensus to schedule a meeting for Mayor Frank Hibbard and Councilmember Bill Jonson. 13. Closing Comments by Mayor 14. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 11:51 a.m. Work Session 2011-02-15 15