08/04/2011 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 4,
Present: Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor George N. Cretekos, Councilmember
John Doran, 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, Nicole Sprague — Official
Records and Legislatives Services Coordinator.
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 — Mayor Frank Hibbard
3. Pledge of Allegiance — Mayor Frank Hibbard
4. Presentations - Given
4.1 Diversity Poster Contest Winners
4.2 No Item
4.3 Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month Proclamation —August 2011
4.4 Intercultural Advocacy Institute Plaque for Commitment to Hispanic Outreach
Center
4.5 Tampa Bay Estuary Presentation - Fertilizer Campaign — Nanette O'Hara
4.6 Pinellas County EMS Study - Mic Gunderson, Integral Performance Solutions
Pinellas County Administrator Bob La Sala said the County wishes to reach a thoughtful
solution that protects the level of service, provides equity and fairness to the funding
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process and establishes cost controls. The County EMS fund is facing a $13 million
potential deficit at the end of the fiscal year. Mr. La Sala said staff has suggested to the
Board of County Commissioners to increase the millage by .24 mills, effective October
2011. If approved, the millage increase would represent a $905,000 impact to the City.
The proposed funding reductions would be effective October 2012.
Mr. Gunderson provided a PowerPoint presentation. The primary areas of the study
were Medical First Response (MFR), Ambulance Services, Scope of System,
Governance, Evaluation and Improvement, and Medical Direction. Recommendations
include increasing the county-funded units for MFR to 72; implementing a marginal
engine funding approach with one paid position on each unit, based on county-wide
average costs; maintaining current Ambulance Services arrangements, and
implementing a set aside fund which could be used to rebuild EMS reserve funds or
equipment upgrades.
Staff was directed to agenda discussion at a future work session.
4.7 Regional Business Plan - Stuart Rogel, Tampa Bay Partnership
Mr. Rogel provided Council with copies of the Tampa Bay Regional Business Plan and
reviewed efforts to implement workforce and economic growth/diversification initiatives.
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the minutes of the July 21, 2011 City Council Meeting as submitted in
written summation by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Bill Jonson noted a scrivener's error on page 15, seventh paragraph
and requested the minutes be amended to read, "... Florida Department of
Environmental Protection's..."
Councilmember Bill Jonson moved to approve Item 5.1 as amended. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
6. Citizens to be Heard re Items Not on the Agenda
Joe Paige opposed recent recommendations regarding diversifying marketing beyond
tourism.
The Council recessed from 7:59 p.m. to 8:06 p.m.
Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 PM
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7. Second Readings - Public Hearing
7.1 Adopt Ordinance 8252-11 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 address is 2419 Nursery Road, upon
annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Institutional (1) and Water/Drainage
Feature.
Ordinance 8252-11 was presented and read by title only. Vice Mayor George N.
Cretekos moved to adopt Ordinance 8252-11 on second and final reading. The motion
was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
'Ayes". Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor George N. Cretekos, Councilmember
John Doran, Councilmember Paul Gibson, and Councilmember Bill
Jonson.
"Nays": None.
7.2 Adopt Ordinance 8253-11 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of the
city by zoning certain real property whose post office address is 2419 Nursery
Road, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Institutional (1).
Ordinance 8253-11 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Paul Gibson
moved to adopt Ordinance 8253-11 on second and final reading. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call, the vote was-
'Ayes . Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor George N. Cretekos, Councilmember
John Doran, Councilmember Paul Gibson, and Councilmember Bill
Jonson.
"Nays": None.
7.3 Adopt Ordinance 8256-11 on second reading, making amendments to the
Comprehensive Plan of the city by amending Conservation Element Policy
F.1.2.3. to modify references to water quality criteria regulations, amending
Conservation Element Policy F.1.8.9. to correct references to the 25-year
floodplain map, and by making minor editorial changes.
Ordinance 8256-11 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Bill Jonson
moved to adopt Ordinance 8256-11 on second and final reading. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call, the vote was-
'Ayes . Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor George N. Cretekos, Councilmember
John Doran, Councilmember Paul Gibson, and Councilmember Bill
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Jonson.
"Nays": None.
8. Consent Agenda —Approved as submitted.
8.1 Declare the list of vehicles and equipment surplus to the needs of the City;
authorize disposal through sale to the highest bidder at the Tampa Machinery
Auction, Tampa, Florida; and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
consent
8.2 Approve an increase to the Marine/Pier 60 Operations budget in the amount of
$56,000 to cover the increased cost of items for resale at Pier 60 bait house.
consent
8.3 Accept the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Agreement: MV051
for CVA11-614 for Clean Vessel Act Grant Program funding in the amount of
$81,524.25 to replace the existing pump out vessel at the Clearwater Beach
Marina and establish capital project 315-93416, Marina Pump Out Boat; declare
surplus and authorize trade-in, one 2006 DC Brown 18-foot custom sanisailor
pump out boat to the vendor providing the lowest net price in accordance with
the specifications; and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
consent
8.4 Approve Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Agreement: MV055 for
CVA11-615 for Clean Vessel Act Grant Program funding for the operation,
maintenance and repair of the Clearwater Beach Marina pump out vessel and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
8.5 Approve the commission of a public art installation entitled Paul Owens Memorial
to be installed at the Paul Owens Training Facility at Carpenter Complex, located
at 651 Old Coachman Road, as recommendation by the Public Art and Design
Board, for a total cost of$30,000 from CIP 315-93606. (consent)
8.6 Award a contract (Purchase Order) for $129,678.00 to Tampa Truck Center of
Tampa, FL for one Freightliner M2 Chassis with H. D. Industries Pro-Patch
Model TCM 425-100-DHE Pothole Patcher, in accordance with Sec. 2.564(1)(d),
Code of Ordinances - Other governmental bid; authorize lease purchase under
the city's Master Lease Purchase Agreement and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
8.7 Approve a contract (Blanket Purchase Order) to Wingfoot Commercial Tire of
Clearwater, FL for an amount not to exceed $280,000 for the purchase of
Goodyear tires for city motorized equipment during the contract period
September 1, 2011 through February 29, 2012, in accordance with Sec.
2.56(d)(1), Code of Ordinances - other governmental bid, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
8.8 Award a contract (Purchase Order) for $461,502.00 to Duval Ford of
Jacksonville, FL for 18 Ford Crown Victoria Police Cruisers, in accordance with
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Sec. 2.5640)(d), Code of Ordinances - Other governmental bid; authorize lease
purchase under the City's Master Lease Purchase Agreement for 9 vehicles at
$230,751.00; authorize the purchase of 9 vehicles under Penny for Pinellas III
proceeds; and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Councilmember John Doran moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
City Manager Reports
9. Other Items on City Manager Reports
9.1 Approve agreements between Nancy Jones Miller and the City of Clearwater
and Deborah Ann Storey and the City of Clearwater to lease personally owned
equine horses for use in community engagement activities associated with the
Police Departments Mounted Patrol Unit and authorize the appropriate officials
to execute same.
The Police Department is continually exploring mechanisms to enhance its
community outreach abilities and increase the number and types of interactions
with our citizens, as well as visitors to our community.
The Police Department intends to create a Mounted Patrol Unit, which will utilize
equine horses to participate in community engagement and education, public
relations activities, searches for lost persons, and serve as a visual deterrent to
criminal activity.
Reserve Police Officer(s) assigned to the Mounted Patrol Unit will have arrest
powers as authorized by Florida State Statutes, but will refrain from direct
enforcement action unless immediate intervention is necessary to prevent great
bodily harm or death during an in-progress, violent offense.
At the onset, the Mounted Patrol Unit will be comprised of two members: a Police
Department Reserve Officer and a Police Department Volunteer.
Ownership of the equine horses will remain with the individual equine horse
owners, with the horses being leased to the City of Clearwater for use during
approved applications of the Mounted Patrol Unit.
The agreement calls for a three-year lease period.
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Equipment start-up costs of approximately $4,400 and annual operating costs,
which include miscellaneous items such as mileage, training, and veterinary care
(only for injuries sustained or incurred by the horse during the course of law-
enforcement-related activities) of approximately $15,000 will be funded from
Special Program Project 181-99329, Investigative Cost Recovery.
There will be no direct impact to the Police Department's current or future
operating budget(s) as a result of the creation of the Mounted Patrol Unit within
the Police Department.
In response to questions, Police Chief Anthony Holloway said there were no plans to
expand the Mounted Patrol Unit beyond two members. The agreements may be
terminated by the City at any time without penalty. The total cost for the three-year
period is $15,000, plus start-up costs.
Councilmember John Doran moved to approve agreements between Nancy Jones
Miller and the City of Clearwater and Deborah Ann Storey and the City of Clearwater to
lease personally owned equine horses for use in community engagement activities
associated with the Police Departments Mounted Patrol Unit and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded.
One individual spoke in opposition.
A concern was expressed regarding the use of horses and training needs for assigned
officers.
Upon the vote being taken, Vice Mayor George N. Cretekos and Councilmembers John
Doran, Paul Gibson, and Bill Jonson voted "Aye"; Mayor Frank Hibbard voted "Nay".
Motion carried.
Miscellaneous Reports and Items
10. City Manager Verbal Reports
10.1 Clearwater Marine Aquarium
City Manager, Bill Horne, said the City received a letter from the Clearwater Marine
Aquarium (CMA) requesting use of the Harborview Center for a two-year period. The
CMA is requesting to utilize the second floor of the Harborview Center to construct a
movie set prop tour, display educational elements of preserving the marine environment
as well as displays describing how they do the work of rehabilitating and rescuing
marine animals. They are asking the City to prepare the building for occupancy and
make any necessary repairs.
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The Mayor said the CMA is anticipating overwhelming attendance at the aquarium after
the release of the movie "Dolphin Tale" next month. The CMA is in the process of an
expansion project that will include parking and an educational/administrative/animal
care building which will not be complete for a year or more.
Solid Waste/General Services Assistant Director Rick Carnley presented a budget of
$365,000 to update the facility to current codes for the CMA to occupy the Stein Mart
area and use the west entrance for access from the lower parking lot. Staff believes the
cost estimates are within 15% of actual costs. Updates include replacing ceiling tiles,
repairing roof, installing a firewall on third balcony floor, and updating the elevator and
escalator to code. Mr. Carnley said that the City could have the building section up and
running in 6 months.
Discussion ensued regarding CMA's ability to pay for the improvements.
In response to questions, David Yates, CMA's CEO, said the aquarium would be open
to covering the capital costs of the improvements if the City were able to bring the costs
down. CMA plans to upsell tickets to the Harborview experience; the upsell could be
toned down during times when parking would be at a premium for Coachman Park
events.
One individual spoke in opposition of the CMA's request.
Staff was directed to refine the budget, identify items needed per code and identify a
cost recovery proposal.
11. Other Council Action
11.1 Homeless Emergency Project (HEP) Funding Request
HEP President Barbara Green said HEP is requesting $50,000 from the City for the
provision of emergency shelter and supportive services for the chronically homeless.
The funds will be used to offset the cost of utilities to operate the emergency shelter
facilities. Annual utility costs are approximately $345,000. Funding is needed due to
recent cuts in funding from private and government sources.
In response to questions, Ms. Green said thirty CHIP (Clearwater Homeless
Intervention Project) residents relocated to HEP after CHIP closed. HEP is currently
running a $200,000 deficit, while maintaining operating costs below budget.
Councilmember John Doran moved to approve a $50,000 grant to HEP from reserves.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
11.2 3:00 a.m. closing time for liquor sales
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Police Chief Anthony Holloway reviewed summary of calls during an 11-month period
(2:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m.). Staff did not see an increased need for additional man power
during the 11-month period and do not recommend changing the 3:00 a.m. closing.
There was consensus to maintain 3:00 a.m. closing time for liquor sales.
11.3 Transportation Issues - Councilmember Jonson
Councilmember Bill Jonson expressed concerns regarding the appearance of the
overpass at U.S. Highway 19 and State Road 60. Mayor Frank Hibbard said he spoke
to FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) Secretary Don Skelton regarding the
lack of right-of-way at this intersection and funding for landscaping and requested the
inclusion of overpass enhancements in the design. It was suggested that a letter be
drafted for the Mayor's signature regarding the status of the overpass enhancements
request.
Councilmember Jonson expressed desire to seek funding for improvements at the
intersection of Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Belcher Road. Mayor Hibbard recalled
reaching out to the CVS Pharmacy at the intersection regarding allowing the City to get
part of their right-of-way for improvements. Staff was directed to follow-up with CVS
regarding the request.
Councilmember Jonson said he had heard a desire from the tourism industry for a
Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) bus service from Tampa International
Airport to Clearwater Beach. Councilmember Jonson sought support from Council to
get the project on the PSTA long-range development plan. There was no consensus to
support the project.
Councilmember Jonson reminded Council that there was still one seat open on the
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Citizens Advisory Committee. Staff was
directed to contact Jason Gibertoni to serve on the Committee.
12. Closing Comments by Mayor
Mayor Frank Hibbard reviewed recent and upcoming events.
13. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
Council 2011-08-04 8
Mayor
Attest City of Clearwater
City Clerk
Council 2011-08-04 9