07/26/2011
CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 26, 2011
Present: Cyndie Goudeau Chair
Jack Geller Vice-Chair
Norma Carlough Committee Member
Bud Elias Committee Member
Nicholas Fritsch Committee Member
Keith Protonentis Committee Member
Stan Vittetoe Committee Member
Howard Warshauer Committee Member
Douglas Williams Committee Member
Olin Wright Committee Member
Absent: Ana Tuzzo Committee Member
Donald van Weezel Committee Member
Sara Weber Committee Member
Also Present: Pamela Akin City Attorney
Rosemarie Call City Clerk
Nicole Sprague ORLS Coordinator
The Chair called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
2. Approval of Minutes
2.1 Approve the minutes of the July 12, 2011 Charter Review Meeting as submitted in
written summation by the City Clerk,
Committee Member Elias moved to approve the minutes of the July 12, 2011 Charter
Review Committee meeting. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3. New Business
3.1 Economic Development/Waterfront Discussion - Rod Irwin, Assistant City Manager.
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Mr. Irwin said that an economic development study coming before council
suggests diversifying the types of industries that Clearwater attracts beyond tourism and
real estate. The consultant is looking at the possibility of tax exemption programs to
recruit businesses.
In reference to the Charter, Mr. Irwin expressed concerns that current leasing
constraints in the waterfront area requires a referendum, which discourages developers
from investing money.
In response to questions, Mr. Irwin said that whatever takes place, downtown
development needs to be compatible with Coachman Park and the surrounding area.
He expressed the need for rental and market-based housing in the downtown area. He
said that businesses will not open if people don’t live here.
3.2 Economic Development/Waterfront Discussion - Dennis Bosi, Vice-Chair, Downtown
Development Board (DDB).
Mr. Bosi said the DDB finances various promotions to give citizens a reason to
come to the Cleveland Street district. The DDB also helps finance activities in
Coachman Park hoping people will visit the downtown area.
In response to a question, Mr. Bosi said that putting anything in the Harborview
footprint that attracts families will be good for downtown. The boat slips have made an
improvement in the amount of people that visit downtown. He suggested a national
chain restaurant in the downtown area would attract people during the evening hours.
3.3 Economic Development/Waterfront Discussion - Howard Warshauer, Vice-Chair,
Downtown Partnership.
Mr. Warshauer provided a PowerPoint presentation. The Downtown Partnership
is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that aims to promote and foster the economic
redevelopment of downtown. This year the Partnership is focusing on enhancing and
enlarging Coachman Park to become a premier economic generator. Mr. Warshauer
said that public activity in the park accounts for 30 days a year; increasing the park
activity for the public would bring more visitors to downtown.
One individual spoke in support of maintaining Coachman Park as a usable open
space recreation park for all Clearwater citizens, and expressed concerns with
expanding the concert venue.
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One individual opposed developing the Bluff.
In response to a question, the City Attorney clarified that the Harborview Center,
as it stands, can be used for any purpose without referendum. If it is demolished, it
would take a referendum to rebuild on that site.
One individual supported recent efforts to revitalize the downtown area.
3.4 Set Agenda for Next Meeting.
There was consensus to discuss the waterfront, council positions: majority vs.
plurality, and a public hearing date at the August 9, 2011 meeting.
4. Citizens to be Heard - None.
5. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
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C . r, Charter Re iew Committee
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