12/14/2011
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
December 14, 2011
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, and Nicole Sprague – Official
Records and Legislative Services.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
Unapproved
1. Call to Order - Mayor Frank Hibbard
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.
2. Invocation – Reverend Dr. John Thompson from Countryside Christian
Center
3. Pledge of Allegiance - Mayor Frank Hibbard
4. Presentations – Given.
4.1 2011 Turkey Trot Presentation - Skip Rogers, Turkey Trot Race Director
Mr. Rogers thanked the Council for their continued support and presented the Mayor
with a plaque.
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the minutes of the December 1, 2011 City Council Meeting as
submitted in written summation by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Bill Jonson moved to approve the minutes of the December 1, 2011
City Council Meeting 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
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Kate Kelly thanked city and staff for support with renovations of the Kimberly Home
Pregnancy Resource Center.
Joe Paige thanked Council for being fair and having a good sense of humor.
Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 PM
7. Administrative Public Hearings
7.1 Approve the City of Clearwater’s Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Consolidated Annual
Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).
The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is the
principal administrative report, documenting the City's expenditures for
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership
(HOME) programs to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD). For Fiscal Year 2010-2011, the City's budget was as follows: $1,004,937
in CDBG; $565,055 in HOME; and $337,047 in program income for a total budget
of $1,907,039. The CAPER document serves as the basis for program monitoring
for compliance and for financial audits for all activities conducted during the Fiscal
Year 2010-11 as outlined in the Consolidated Plan for that program year. The
report provides HUD with necessary information for the Department to meet its
requirement to assess each grantee's ability to carry out relevant Community
Planning and Development programs in compliance with all applicable rules and
regulations. It also provides information necessary for HUD's Annual Report to
Congress and it provides grantees and opportunity to describe to citizens their
successes in revitalizing deteriorated neighborhoods and in meeting objectives
stipulated in their Consolidated Planning document. In addition to reporting on our
activities with federal money, we also included a summary of activities conducted
with the Florida State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program, Community
Development Block Grant - Recovery Program, Pinellas County Housing Trust
Fund Program and Neighborhood Stabilization Program 3 in the narrative section;
however, these numbers are not included in the totals below. Through the CDBG
and HOME program activities, we expended a total of $1,490,377 in Fiscal Year
2010-11. This included prior year funds as well as program income and
recaptured funds. Those funds not expended from this year's budget will be
reprogrammed in future budgets.
The City of Clearwater's Fiscal Year 2010-11 CAPER contains information on the
City's assessment of the following activities:
- Assessment of Three to Five Year Goals and Objectives
- Affordable Housing
- Continuum of Care
- Leveraging Resources
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- Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
- Citizens Comments
- Self-Evaluation
Over 4,361 persons were assisted through Public Services, Public Facilities,
Housing Rehabilitation and New Construction, Fair Housing, and Economic
Development projects and programs. A brief summary of completed projects are:
- Completed twenty-one rehabilitation loans (homeowner and rental) totaling
$233,007
- Completed seventeen down payment assistance loans totaling $224,044
- Purchased two vacant lots and constructed two homes totaling $172,895
- Provided $200,000 loan for acquisition and renovation of 8 rental housing
units at Abilities of Morningside 2
- Provided $216,000 loan for renovation of 6 rental housing units at Abilities
of Morningside 1
- Provided $106,000 loan to Kimberly Homes for a rehabilitation project
The City's Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board is scheduled to
approve the Fiscal Year 2010-11 CAPER at their meeting on December 6, 2011.
The CAPER is due to HUD no later than December 30, 2011.
Economic Development and Housing Director Geri Campos Lopez provided a power
point presentation.
Vice Mayor George N. Cretekos moved to approve the City of Clearwater’s Fiscal Year
2010-2011 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
7.2 Amend the City of Clearwater Code of Ordinances, Section 32.182 and
Appendix A, Section 1(c), to provide requirements and fees for the extension of
sewer service to properties outside the corporate limits of the City of Clearwater
and pass Ordinance 8307-12 on first reading.
The updated City's Sewer System Expansion Feasibility Study of January 2011,
conducted by King Engineering, identifies septic areas within the City's service
limits that could be added to the City's wastewater collection system.
The Study identifies a twenty-year expansion plan that will pick up 100% of
existing septic systems. Capital Cost has been incorporated into the most recent
Rate Study. The ordinance establishes a mechanism to provide the requirements
and fees in order to receive sewer service to properties outsides of the corporate
limits and establishes an incentive program for residents to connect during
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construction. The incentive program described in the ordinance can be
summarized as follows:
(i) If the property owner connects during construction of the Unified Sewer
System, the City will utilize the assessed impact fee ($900.00 for single-
family residence) to offset costs to install a sewer lateral between the city
cleanout and the house cleanout. Additionally, these funds can be used to
offset costs associated with proper abandoning of the septic system.
(ii) If during a time period of up to one (1) year after completion of the City
expansion project, a property owner that has opted not to connect then
decides to connect, the property owner can apply for and receive an
incentive of one-half of the assessed impact fee ($450.00 for single family
residential properties) to offset costs as described above.
(iii) After a period of one (1) year from the date of project completion of a City
expansion project, those properties that have elected to not connect to the
Unified Sewer System will receive notice of a requirement to connect. The
property owner will have ninety days to comply with the terms of the notice
after which time the property will begin to be billed for the minimum monthly
charge for sewer service, even if the connection to the system has not
been made.
In response to a concern raised at work session, the City Attorney said it is statutorily
permitted to require connection one year after the sewer line is constructed.
Councilmember Paul Gibson moved to amend the City of Clearwater Code of
Ordinances, Section 32.182 and Appendix A, Section 1(c), to provide requirements and
fees for the extension of sewer service to properties outside the corporate limits of the
City of Clearwater. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 8307-12 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Bill Jonson
moved to pass Ordinance 8307-12 on first 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.
8. Consent Agenda
8.1 Approve a liability claim payment of $60,000 for claim file 10000399, and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
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8.2 Approve the agreement between the City and Unum; authorize a purchase order
in the amount not to exceed $675,000 for life insurance premiums for City Basic
Life, CWA Life, SAMP Life, SAMP Supplemental Life, Retiree Life, and Long
Term Disability coverages for the three-year period from January 1, 2012 to
December 31, 2014; and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
8.3 Approve the amendment to the service agreement between the City and MHNet
of Florida for employee and retiree Employee Assistance Program and Mental
Health/Substance Abuse benefits recognizing a name change only in reference
to the MHNet entity that is party to the agreement and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
8.4 Award a contract (purchase order) to Pine Lake Nursery and Landscape of
Tampa, Florida, Bid 11-0048-PR, to provide Phase I landscape improvements
for State Road 60 medians from Madison Avenue to Hillcrest Avenue for a cost
of $110,273.63; approve the transfer of $20,525 from 010-01876-550400-572-
000 (Project Team General Operating Fund) to CIP 315-93626 (FDOT Median
and ROW Enhancement) project at first quarter; and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
8.5 Approve a blanket purchase order to Earth Designs, of Clearwater, Florida, in
the amount of $257,112.00 for landscape maintenance throughout the City
during the contract period January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012,
according to Bid 03-11, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
8.6 Approve a lease agreement between the InterCultural Advocacy Institute, Inc.
(ICAI), and the City of Clearwater for the premises located at 612 Franklin Street,
Clearwater, Florida, for a period commencing January 1, 2012 and terminating
on October 31, 2014, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
8.7 Award a contract to Applied Drilling Engineering, Inc. of Tampa, Florida for the
construction of the Clearwater Concentrate Injection Deep Well Project Phase 1
in the amount of $777,321.00, which is the lowest responsible bid in accordance
with plans and specifications; approve a supplemental work order for
$146,390.00 to Leggette, Brashears and Graham (EOR) of Tampa, Florida, for
Construction, Engineering, and Inspection (CEI) services, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
8.8 Ratify and confirm Change Order 2 for Cleveland Street Streetscape, Phase II to
MTM Contractors, Inc., in the amount of $118,032.00, for a new contract value of
$3,089,527.32. (consent)
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8.9 Award a contract for the Marshall Street APCF Storage Facility Construction
Manager At Risk Project (11-0036-UT) to Angle and Schmid, Inc. of St.
Petersburg, FL, in the amount of $184,067, which includes all costs for a fully
designed, permitted, constructed and operable facility, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
8.10 Accept a Sidewalk Easement conveyed by property owners of 1770 Drew Street,
Clearwater, over a portion of Woodmere Heights, Lot 1, for public use of a newly
installed sidewalk. (consent)
8.11 Reappoint Richard Adelson to the Community Development Board with term to
expire February 28, 2016 and appoint Norma Carlough to fill the remainder of an
unexpired term until February 28, 2015. (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 Clearwater Greenprint, A Framework for a Competitive, Vibrant, Green
Future and adopt Resolution 11-5.
Clearwater Greenprint, A Framework for a Competitive, Vibrant, Green Future is a
community plan and vision that looks beyond municipal functions to identify a
series of strategies that can be implemented by residents, businesses, the
industrial sector, and the municipal government. These strategies have the
potential to reduce energy consumption, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
while reducing energy and other costs for residents and businesses, supporting a
variety of housing choices for renters and owners of all ages, and improving the
health and quality of life for the city's residents. The project was funded through the
Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program,
and builds upon other steps the city has taken to reduce costs, become more
energy efficient, and promote quality growth that will help ensure the long-term
health and productivity of the local economy (Appendix B Review of Sustainability
Initiatives and Trends for City of Clearwater).
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The process of developing these strategies involved input and guidance from many
in the community through the following outreach activities (Appendix D List of
Public Outreach Activities):
Greenprint Stakeholder Steering Committee: Eight meetings over the course of
eight months that involved the development and prioritization of strategies, review
of project materials, and feedback on greenhouse gas reduction targets;
City Council: Project team presentations at two City Council work sessions for
guidance on preliminary and recommended strategies and greenhouse gas
reduction targets;
Public Open House Events: Two open house events, in September 2010 and
March 2011, to preview draft strategies, listen to the public, and later prioritize
refined strategies; and
Public Outreach Campaign: Attendance at neighborhood meetings, Speaker's
Bureau presentations at 19 neighborhood, business, civic and service
organizations and various community events (i.e., Downtown Farmer's Market,
Blast Friday, and Sand Key's Spring Fest).
Clearwater Greenprint will serve as a roadmap for those choosing to participate in
the various strategies as implemented. There is built-in flexibility for timing and
emphasis, allowing for change over time as the city evaluates the success of
specific strategies. Regular monitoring and reporting of results is an important
component of implementing a 25-year plan, and will ensure that the city can adapt
and respond to changes in available resources, technology, economic conditions
and different community needs.
The Clearwater Greenprint recommended strategies are organized into eight topic
areas: education and awareness, green energy and buildings, transportation, land
use and urban form, water resources, waste management, food production, and
green business and jobs, generally described below.
Education and Awareness: Provide the community with information on choices
available to increase efficiency and choices available to them through expanded
outreach and reporting of benefits, costs, and lessons learned of various efforts.
Green Energy and Buildings: Reduce energy demands of existing private and city
buildings through programs to support those desiring to invest in upgrades;
continue to expand natural gas service in the city; encourage new development to
meet nationally recognized standards such as LEED or Energy Star.
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Transportation: Continue to support all modes of transportation to expand choices
to the community, including cars (e.g., standard gas, natural gas, electric), PSTA
buses, bicycles and pedestrians (i.e. complete streets policies).
Land Use and Urban Form: Create a community that has more housing choices for
all generations of residents living in Clearwater, is closer to jobs, shops or schools,
and connects neighborhoods, while protecting and adding natural areas and green
space.
Water Resources: Continue programs that assist consumers across residential,
commercial and industrial sectors to conserve water; encourage community
members to integrate Florida Friendly landscaping into their projects.
Waste Management: Continue to expand solid waste services (e.g., commercial
and residential recycling, yard waste collection) to divert more waste from the
landfill and consider new programs (composting) if demonstrated to be feasible
over time.
Food Production: Enable and encourage urban agricultural initiatives, such as
community gardens or community supported agriculture programs, and strengthen
local markets for locally produced foods.
Green Business and Jobs: Promote and support existing green businesses and
those businesses that are becoming more green; partner with local and regional
economic development organizations to attract new green businesses to the area.
The strategies focus on actions that can be implemented at the local level over the
short term (0-5 years), medium term (6-10 years) and long term (11-25 years).
Preliminary scoping to estimate the direct costs and staff hours required to fully
implement the plan was completed (Appendix A Strategies Documentation).
Strategies proposed for implementation in the short term can be accomplished by
existing staff when integrated into existing work programs. Medium- and long-term
strategies may require more staff resources or have non-personnel costs
associated with implementation. It is recommended that the city hire a full-time
Energy Manager in the medium-term to implement certain strategies, including
creating a Resource Conservation Management Program to recommend energy-
saving solutions and products to commercial and industrial businesses and
investigating financing partnerships for expanding energy system options (e.g.,
renewable energy systems).
Clearwater Greenprint also includes greenhouse gas reduction targets of 10
percent below 2007 levels by the year 2020 and 25 percent below 2007 levels by
2035. These targets were established based on actions that could be controlled at
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the local level and on conservative estimates for community participation in
reduction efforts. The targets represent achievable goals to reduce citywide
emissions over the 25-year planning period. The 2007 baseline inventory,
completed in 2010, measured emissions levels from various sources citywide
(Appendix C Greenhouse Gas Inventory).
In response to a question, the City Attorney said that there is nothing mandatory for the
private sector in this document.
Six individuals spoke in support. One individual spoke in opposition.
Councilmember Paul Gibson moved to approve Clearwater Greenprint, A Framework
for a Competitive, Vibrant, Green Future. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Resolution 11-5 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Bill Jonson
moved to adopt Resolution 11-5. 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.
9.2 Provide direction regarding the Business Task Force recommendations
regarding the Clearwater Sign Ordinance.
The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce, in concert with representatives
of the sign industry, submitted proposed revisions to the Clearwater Sign Code.
The Planning and Development Department met multiple times with Chamber and
industry representatives and developed a list of proposed sign amendments,
which were presented to City Council for discussion on April 18, 2011. At that
meeting some general agreement and direction was provided. When the Business
Task Force was appointed, Council requested that signage be a topic of their
discussion. A total of 17 recommendations regarding signage were included in
the Business Task Force recommendations (Opportunity 4 of recommendations).
At the September 28, 2011 special meeting, City Council directed staff and the
Business Task Force Executive Committee to meet and discuss the
recommendations and determine areas of agreement and disagreement. Staff
and the Executive Committee met on October 20, 2011 to discuss the proposed
recommendations and below is a listing of the areas of agreement as staff
understands them.
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Allow businesses on corner lots and through lots to have an attached sign
facing each frontage as of right instead of requiring a property/business owner
to go through the Comprehensive Sign Program (Opportunity 4, Numbers 1
and 2);
Allow businesses with rear facades facing parking lots with rear public
entrances to have an additional sign at the entrance (Opportunity 4, Number
3);
Allow signage for businesses with waterfront entrances. Need to determine if
all properties located on any water body would be eligible (Opportunity 4,
Number 3);
Revise formulas for attached, freestanding and monument signs (Opportunity
4, Number 4);
Increase timeframe for determining a nonconforming sign has been
abandoned from 30 days to 180 days (Opportunity 4, Number 5);
Allow greater flexibility for window signage (Opportunity 4, Number 6);
Allow some graphics on awnings in addition to allowable sign area but have
some limitations on area and clarify what is actually permitted (Opportunity 4,
Number 7);
Clarify regulations relating to human signs and vehicle signs (Opportunity 4,
Number 8);
Add language further clarifying the prohibition of moving/revolving signs
(Opportunity 4, Number 9);
Increase the amount of area allowed for addresses to one square feet per
address number (Opportunity 4, Number 11);
Add language regarding the orientation of freestanding drive-through sign
(Opportunity 4, Number 10);
Increase the minimum amount of signage permitted to 24 square feet instead
of 20 square feet (Opportunity 4, Number 17). The Business Task Force
Executive Committee indicated that additional research and thought should be
given to electronic changeable message signs but at this time they are not
proposing Council allow them (Opportunity 4, Number 12) and staff agrees this
issue should not be pursued. Another recommendation (Opportunity 4,
Number 13) supports increasing the frequency of message changes for
existing permitted electronic changeable message boards. While staff does not
support this recommendation, staff believes input from the City's outside legal
counsel is needed before taking action on this.
The Business Task Force recommends the City consider allowing outdoor
umbrellas at businesses with logos so long as the logo is not that of the business
(Opportunity 4, Number 14). They would like businesses to be able to use
umbrellas with vendor names on them e.g. Boars Head, Cinzano, Corona, Coca
Cola, etc. Staff believes that input from the City's outside legal counsel would be
beneficial before making a decision on this recommendation. Lastly, the Planning
Department and the Executive Committee do not agree on the allowance of
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sandwich board signs throughout the city (Opportunity 4, Number 15). Staff
supports their use only along the City's traditional urban corridors.
There was consensus to proceed with the following recommendations (Opportunity #4):
Allow businesses on corner lots and through lots to have an attached sign facing each
frontage as of right instead of requiring a property/business owner to go through the
comprehensive sign program.
AND
So long as not exceeding total allowable signage square footage, allow businesses with
rear facades to have an attached sign facing each frontage as of right instead of
requiring a property/business owner to go through the comprehensive sign program.
AND
Review formulas for attached, freestanding and monument signs but utilize a different
formula than proposed: one attached sign 24 square feet per business establishment
with a principal exterior entrance; one freestanding sign 24 square feet; or for attached
signs one sign up to 3% of the building facade but not exceeding 36 feet. Lots on corner
or through lots may erect a sign on each face facing a right-of-way based on the same
formula; for freestanding signs one sign up to 3% of the building facade or 1 square foot
of signage for every three feet of linear frontage, whichever is less. Sign criteria is
required. Corner or through lots may erect a sign on each frontage facing a public right-
of-way provided maximum area of the two signs shall not exceed the total maximum
allowable area facing a right-of-way, plus an additional 15 square feet. The business
could choose to erect one sign on the corner or on the primary frontage with the
increase area; for monument signs there is a proposal to revise this section based on
similar concepts established for attached and freestanding signs and allow up to six feet
in height provide certain design criteria is met.
AND
Increase timeframe for determining a nonconforming sign has been abandoned from 30
days to 180 days.
In response to a concern regarding timeframe calculations for abandoned non-
conforming signs, the City Attorney said the proposed change would not start a new
period. Ms. Clayton said staff begins the timeframe when BTR records confirm the
business has been abandoned.
Staff was directed to include language that a 90-day timeframe would begin if
abandoned 90 days when proposed change is adopted.
AND
Allow greater flexibility for window signage but utilize a formula that may be easier to
administer. This would entail an increase from the existing 25% of the window pane and
provide an amount not to exceed on any façade.
AND
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Allow graphics on awnings in addition to the allowable sign area but have some
limitations on area and clarify what is actually permitted. For example, graphic/artistic
element would be permitted. The graphic element is limited to 25% of the awning.
Ms. Clayton said staff would like to discuss with outside counsel to determine best way
to implement. The recommendation should make the business environment more
attractive by allowing elements that are more artistic on the business façade.
In response to a concern, the City Attorney said staff will consult with outside counsel
regarding the proposed change.
AND
Clarify the City's position on the prohibition of human signage and vehicle signage for
businesses.
AND
Add language further clarifying the prohibition of moving/revolving signage.
AND
Add language regarding the orientation of freestanding drive-thru signs.
AND
Increase the amount of square footage for an address from 3 square feet to eight
square feet, subject to limitation of 1 sq. ft. per number. Require all addresses to be
displayed in Arabic numbers.
AND
Allow banner signs up to ten days prior to annual non-profit and City sponsored events,
holidays, festivals, and picnics.
AND
Amend Section 3-1805(c)(1) of the Code to increase the allowable size to 24 square
feet.
Discussion ensued:
Allow businesses with rear facades facing parking lots with rear public entrances or rear
facades facing rights-of-way or water to erect a 16 square foot sign provided such signs
are not erected on a raceway or is not traditional sign cabinet design.
Planning and Development Assistant Director Gina Clayton said staff agrees that
businesses directly fronting on the water and accessible by the boating public should be
allowed to have signage. However, staff would like to research further where the
signage should be allowed (i.e., intracoastal and gulf).
There was consensus to support non-lit signage on the gulf and no back lit signs on the
intracoastal.
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Consider allowing for permitted electronic changeable message boards, especially
public purpose electronic message boards.
Ms. Clayton said staff does not support and the executive committee agreed not to
pursue at this time.
Increase the frequency of messages displayed on pre-existing permitted message
boards to 15 seconds per message.
Ms. Clayton said staff does not support the recommendation and sought direction from
outside counsel. Assistant City Attorney Leslie Dougall-Sides said there are two
categories for changeable message signs: pre 1999 code and post 1999 code. The pre
1999 category would allow a legal nonconforming use as long as they are not
expanded, discontinued or abandoned. The post 1999 category allowed changeable
message signs but there is a minimum display time of six hours per message, except
for time and temperature, which have a 15-second change-over. Ms. Dougall-Sides
said there is an exception for public signs on the right-of-way. She opined that
changeable message signs that are changing more often than the allowed 6 hours are
in violation of the code. Outside counsel has recommended against changing the 6-
hour standard.
In response to questions, Ms. Dougall-Sides said the pre 1999 code allowed
changeable message signs that did not blink or flash. The changeable message signs
that were permitted pre 1999 code are located at 411 Turner Street, 1825 Sunset Point,
1875 N. Belcher Road.
There was no consensus to support recommendation.
Consider allowing the use of outdoor umbrellas at businesses with logos so long as the
logo is not that of the principle business.
Ms. Dougall-Sides said outside counsel expressed concerns with allowing an
advertising logo that spells out a brand, creating a content-based distinction that could
be used against the code. Ms. Dougall-Sides said outside counsel suggested that the
logos be limited to the items sold on the property, limiting umbrellas during business
hours and limiting the umbrellas to certain corridors or areas of the city.
There was consensus for staff to draft language that would be applicable to sidewalk
cafes throughout the city.
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Allow permitted sandwich boards for all business owners so long as the business
complies with the permitted sandwich board ordinance. Revoke the City businesses
sandwich permit for a period of five years in the event the business is found to violate
the sandwich board ordinance three times.
Ms. Clayton said staff supports sandwich board signs along traditional urban corridors.
Discussion ensued with concerns expressed regarding the placement of sandwich
boards on public sidewalks.
The Council recessed from 8:29 p.m. to 8:37 p.m.
Assistant City Manager Rod Irwin said sandwich board signs are critical to the
businesses in the downtown core. Planning and Development Director Michael Delk
said sandwich board signs in the downtown core are allowed, as long as their
placement is not creating a public safety concern. Mr. Delk said staff supports limiting
the signs to restaurants; limitation would be manageable from an aesthetic and
enforcement standpoint.
One individual spoke in support.
One individual requested council reconsider allowing ad displays on bus benches,
which would provide the Lions Club a revenue source to maintain the benches. One
individual opposed ad displays on bus benches.
There was no consensus to reconsider.
Staff was directed to draft language that would allow sandwich boards in urban areas
(citywide) with specific design and size criteria for restaurants and non-restaurants,
directed to pedestrians and not cars.
9.3 Appoint an alternate member to the Community Development Board to fill the
remainder of an unexpired term until April 30, 2014.
The City Clerk said Mr. Alex Plisko requested his application not be considered for the
alternate position.
Vice Mayor George N. Cretekos moved to appoint Donald van Weezel as an alternate
member to the Community Development Board to fill the remainder of an unexpired
term until April 30, 2014. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
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9.4 Provide direction regarding the regulation of pedicabs, electric golf carts (i.e.,
low-speed vehicles), and other slow-moving vehicles on Clearwater Beach.
Several businesses have started offering rides along Clearwater Beach in
pedicabs and low-speed vehicles electric golf carts. They generally do not charge
a fee for the service and rely on tips.
Several transportation companies have suggested these companies should be
regulated. Council directed Legal to provide options as to possible regulations for
these businesses and for the increasing number of other slow-moving vehicles
being operated in the City.
Discussion ensued with a suggestion made that a resolution be drafted requesting the
Board of County Commissioners to create a countywide taxi regulatory program for the
safety and well-being of passengers. Staff was directed to draft a resolution.
Four individuals spoke in support with one individual suggesting the creation of a task
force composed of taxicab business representatives. One individual spoke in support of
pedicab rentals.
In response to a question, Police Chief Anthony Holloway suggested regulating the
people who rent out bikes because they can be cited for infractions. The police
department can issue a temporary permit while the background check is being
completed.
Staff was directed to draft an ordinance requiring background checks for the for-hire
companies, car insurance, list of options requiring certificates from mechanics; include
restrictions regarding pick-ups at bus stops and Jolley Trolley stops.
Miscellaneous Reports and Items
10. City Manager Verbal Reports
10.1 Provide direction regarding proposal to reallocate Florida Department of
Transportation Airpark grant funds; extend FBO lease to fund a portion of the
reallocated grant fund project local match requirement; and authorize use of
airpark reserves for the balance of the local match.
The City has $1.5M available from the Florida Department of Transportation
(FDOT) for this Fiscal Year to build a new terminal building that was planned 10
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years ago. The design costs and site remediation costs will reduce funds
available for actual construction.
FDOT will allow the City to utilize the funding to accomplish other projects that
are currently on the Airpark’s ALP (Airport Layout Plan). A 20% match will be
required for whatever (if any) project we choose and must be accomplished
(started) this Fiscal Year.
Through discussion within the department and the Airpark Advisory Board the
following projects are being recommended:
1. Runway extension of 800 feet (which includes a parallel 800-foot taxiway)
The estimated cost is $800,000 (includes estimate from Stormwater for water
retention)
2. Overlay runway (repaired in 2011) and taxiway (taxiway needs sections
repaired due to settling)
Estimated cost $450,000
3. Refurbish maintenance hangar (roof leaks, doors need repair or replacement,
floor has cracks in concrete)
Estimated cost $200,000
Options for providing the 20% match:
Finance estimates there is $300,000 in unconstrained retained earnings at the
airpark. Some or all of the match may be borrowed from the city’s retained
earnings.
The current FBO is interested in investing about $200,000 in the Airpark in return
for a lease extension of 4 to 5 years.
Staff believes the project will improve the airpark and attract corporate tenants
and development. The Airpark Advisory Board felt this is too great an
opportunity to pass up.
In response to a concern, Assistant City Manager Rod Irwin said staff would schedule a
public meeting before the item returns to Council for further action. There was
consensus for staff to proceed with the proposal.
10.2 FLC Legislative Action Day
The City Clerk said the Florida League of Cities is holding their annual Legislative
Action Days on January 24-25, 2012 and asked if there was council interest to
participate.
There was no consensus to participate.
Council 2011-12-14 16
11. Other Council Action
11.1 Police Officer and Firefighter Pension Plan Resolution
Councilmember Bill Jonson said the Florida League of Cities has identified pension
reform as a major strategy for the 2012 legislative agenda. The League has drafted two
sample resolutions for municipalities to adopt.
Concerns were expressed regarding impact adopting a resolution would have on the
city's current negotiations with bargaining units.
There was no consensus to adopt a resolution.
12. Closing Comments by Mayor
Mayor Frank Hibbard reviewed recent and upcoming events and wished all a happy
holiday season.
13. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 10:26 p.m.
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Council 2011-12-14 17
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Item #
As stated in Council Rules, "Representatives of a group may speak for three minutes plus an
additional minute for each person in the audience that waives their right to speak, up to a
maximum of ten minutes."
We the undersigned designate 1 (please print)
as our spokesperson and waive our right to speak.
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S:\FORMS\Public Comments at Council Meeting.doc March 18, 2008
9700-0034
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