03/12/2012 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
March 12, 2012
Present: Mayor George N. Cretekos, Vice Mayor Paul Gibson, Councilmember
Doreen Hock-DiPolito, Councilmember Bill Jonson, and Councilmember
Jay E. Polglaze.
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 Coordinator.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
1. Presentations — Given.
1.1 Police Recruits Swearing In
The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office to Michael Joseph Beaver, Eric Jason
Gilbert Mitchell, Lauren Danielle Josey, Justin Michael Murray, and Jason Andrew
Moore.
1.2 Service Awards
One service award was presented to a city employee.
The March/April 2012 Bimonthly Team Award was presented to the Marine Customer
Assistance Team: Bill Morris, Gordie Wills, Mark Sharman, Roseanne Mannion, and
Darsey Schauder.
The City Council recessed from 1:06 p.m. to 1:08 p.m. to meet as the Pension Trustees.
1.3 Provide input regarding future development and land uses along the US 19
corridor as part of the US 19 Clearwater: Creating Innovative Places project.
(WSO)
The Planning and Development Department has initiated work to prepare a
redevelopment plan for the US 19 corridor. With assistance from a consultant
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team led by HDR and including Robert Charles Lesser and Company and the
University of Florida's Program for Resource Efficient Communities, staff will be
working with local stakeholders over the next six months to accomplish the
following:
• Analyze conditions, plans, and policies affecting land use, development,
market economics, mobility, energy efficiency, and conservation along the US
19 Corridor;
• Engage stakeholders in the process of developing visions and goals for the
Corridor to advance the City's livability, sustainability, and competitiveness
objectives;
• Define land use and development strategies that leverage the Corridor's
unique locational advantages and capitalize on planned transit and
transportation improvements;
• Prepare design studies for sites, buildings, streetscapes, and public spaces to
illustrate how new projects can contribute to the creation of attractive,
accessible, sustainable, and competitive destinations;
• Define effective, achievable methods policies, incentives, and public
investments to promote context sensitive, energy efficient development on
vacant and underutilized sites; and
• Prepare plans and strategies that present a compelling vision for the Corridor's
future and provide a detailed plan of action to guide public and private
investment over a 20-year time frame.
Planning Phases and Status
The project team will follow a highly-interactive planning process organized
around the following five work tasks:
Task 1. Project Initiation
Task 2. Context Assessments
Task 3. Visions, Issues and Ideas
Task 4. Preliminary Framework Plan and Strategies
Task 5. Final Plan and Strategies
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Work under Task 1 is nearing completion and work under Tasks 2 and 3 is
underway. Work under Task 2 includes research to document existing conditions
along the corridor, evaluate the corridor's market potential and competitive
position in the region, and review recent land use, transportation, and other plans
and studies addressing the study area. Work under Task 2 includes the facilitation
of a series of Listening Sessions designed to ensure local stakeholders and
members of the general public understand the purpose of the study and have an
opportunity to share their ideas for the corridor's future. Listening Sessions are
being held between February 29 and March 14, 2012.
On-Line Forum (www.myUS19plan.com)
An on-line forum for public engagement will be used to provide additional
opportunities for stakeholders and interested parties with opportunities to learn
about the studies, share ideas, and see what other stakeholders are saying about
the corridor's future. Using this on-line tool, developed by MindMixer, the project
team will be able to encourage stakeholders to post ideas by topic (e.g., Vision
and Identity, Place Making and Urban Design) and "second" ideas posted by
others. Ideas posted will be documented and used by staff to prepare the
Preliminary Framework Plan and Strategies called for under Task 4.
Project Schedule
A summary of the project schedule follows:
TASK COMPLETION
Task 1. Project Initiation March 2012
Task 2. Context Assessments April 2012
Task 3. Visions, Issues and Ideas April 2012
Task 4. Preliminary Framework Plan and Strategies May-June 2012
Task 5. Final Plan and Strategies July-August 2012
HDR representative Steve Shoecraft provided a PowerPoint presentation.
In response to questions, Mr. Shoecraft said HDR has had a presence in the Tampa
Bay region for 25 years; the firm is comprised of professionals from a broad range of
disciplines, including city planners. The firm has conducted various corridor studies and
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economic development strategies, countywide to smaller districts. The University of
Florida's Program for Resource Efficient Communities will be providing advisory
services related to sustainability. Mr. Shoecraft said the project will use the Department
of Transportation's final plans to understand the access conditions for different
properties. The project will also consider the regional long-term transportation plans,
such as Bus Rapid Transit along the corridor. Total cost for the study is approximately
$130,000. One of the key challenges facing the study is the limited access along the
corridor; to have walkable destinations along the corridor, public transportation and
pedestrian connections may need to change and circulation systems may be
considered.
The consultant was asked to provide Council with a copy of the study by Charles Lesser
in Atlanta, GA.
2. Office of Management and Budget
2.1 Budget Public Hearing in September (WSO)
The first public hearing must be held between September 3rd and September 18th
Public hearings cannot be scheduled on the hearings dates of the Pinellas County
Commission or School Board.
September 6 — County Commission
September 11 — School Board
September 18 — County Commission
The City's current schedule for September City Council meetings is September 6th and
September 20th The September 6 h Council meeting date is in conflict with the TRIM
calendar criteria.
Possible Solutions:
1) Maintain the current City Council meeting schedule, and set a special meeting date of
possibly September 5th for the first public budget hearing only. The budget hearings
would then be September 5th and September 20th
2) Reschedule both September City Council meetings to September 13th and 27th and
hold the public hearings on those evenings.
Note: The second public hearing must be held within 20 days of the first public hearing;
In response to a suggestion, Councilmember Bill Jonson said the Pinellas Suncoast
Transit Authority has scheduled their budget hearing September 5 at 6:00 p.m.
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There was a majority consensus to move the September 6 council meeting to
September 5 and hold the budget hearing on same date.
The City Clerk said the September 18 work session start time of 1:00 p.m. conflicts with
a scheduled Community Development Board meeting and suggested moving the work
session to 9:00 a.m.
There was consensus to start the September 18 work session at 9:00 a.m.
The City Clerk said Clearwater High School has requested the Mayor's presence at the
June 7 Graduation Ceremony, scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., and suggested starting
the council meeting at 5:00 p.m. instead of 6:00 p.m.
There was consensus to start the June 7 council meeting at 5:00 p.m., with public
hearing items beginning at 6:00 p.m.
2.2 Amend the City's Fiscal Year 2011/12 Operating and Capital Improvement
Budgets at first quarter and pass Ordinances 8323-12 and 8324-12 on first
reading.
The fiscal year 2011/12 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets were
adopted in September 2011 by Ordinances 8285-11 and 8286-11. Section 2.521
of the City's Code of Ordinances requires the City Manager to prepare a quarterly
report detailing income, expenditure estimates, collections, the explanation of
significant variances, as well as the financial status of all capital improvement
projects.
General Fund revenues and expenditure amendments reflect a net increase of
$4,277,513. The major reason for the overall General Fund expenditure increase
is the appropriation of General Fund retained earnings of$3,877,513 at first
quarter which includes the following: $2,900,000 for the Carpenter Complex/Bright
House Field Improvements; $337,000 to fund the 2.5% merit increase for each
General Fund CWA employee; $100,123 for the Economic Development Strategic
plan Implementation Matrix; $107,500 to fund the recommendations of the
Business Task Force; $200,000 for the Airpark Runway/Taxiway Extension;
$200,000 for the Gas Main Extension project; and $200,000 for the Natural Gas
Vehicle project; all of which were previously approved by Council. Other
expenditure increases include an appropriation of$232,890 of General Fund
retained earnings for the City Manager approved 2.5% merit increase for each
General Fund SAMP employee.
In addition, enhanced revenues are recognized at first quarter which include an
increase of gas dividends in the amount of$1,766,077 as well as the return of
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$593,009.39 in General Fund revenues from the closure of the Beach Recreation
Center Boat Ramp Replacement capital project. With the increase in revenues
outlined here, the net transfer to retained earnings is approximately $1,918,427 at
first quarter.
General Fund Reserves
In order to ensure adequate reserves, the City Council's policy reflects that
General Fund unappropriated retained earnings of 8.5% of the City's budgeted
General Fund expenditures must be maintained as a reserve to guard against
future emergencies. With the closing of the year-end 2011 books, and the
allocation of reserves noted above, estimated General Fund reserves at first
quarter are approximately $22.4 million, or 20.6% of the current year's General
Fund budget, exceeding our reserve policy by $13.2 million.
Capital Improvement Fund
First quarter amendments to the Capital Improvement Fund reflect an increase of
$8,509,771. This increase is primarily a result of recognizing grant funds from
SWFWMD in the following projects; $1,369,250 in 315-96773, Groundwater
Replenishment Facility, $1,250,000 in 315-96179, Tropic Hills Phase III, $738,459
in 315-96739, Reclaimed Water Distribution System, $461,856 in 315-96767,
Reverse Osmosis at Reservoir 2, $200,000 in 315-96177, Jeffords Street Outfall,
and $125,000 in 315-96178, Smallwood Circle. Other large increases represent
transfers from General Fund reserves of$2,900,000 to project 315-93628,
Carpenter Complex/Bright House Field Improvements, $200,000 to project 315-
96385, Gas Main Extensions, and $200,000 to project 315-96387, Natural Gas
vehicle; an increase of$1,500,000 from Florida Department of Transportation
grant proceeds, a transfer of$200,000 from General Fund reserves, and
$175,000 from Airpark Fund reserves all to project 315-94871, Airpark
Runway/Taxiway Extension and Rehabilitation; and an increase of$485,000 in
Environmental Protection
Agency grant proceeds to project 315-96654, Facilities Upgrades and
Improvements. All major project budget increases listed above have been
previously approved by Council and are also summarized on page 25. Project
activity not previously approved by the Council, includes: the closure of the
completed Beach Recreation Center Boat Ramp Replacement project decreasing
National Fish and Wildlife Federal Grant revenue by $218,159.36 and returning
$593,009.39 to General Fund retained earnings; the closure of the completed
Beach Connector Trail project decreasing Florida Department of Transportation
grant revenue by $592,220.34; an increase to the Bright House Field
Infrastructure Repair/Improvements project of$20,000 General Fund revenue
representing savings in the Parks and Beautification program; and an increase of
$335,500 of US Department of HUD grants received in Fiscal Year 2011. This
amendment will bring the budget in line with actual cash receipts.
Work Session 2012-03-12 6
In response to a question, Budget Director Tina Wilson said the City must set aside $9
million in parking fund revenues for five years for the Surfstyle Condo Parking Unit.
Staff was directed to provide information regarding balance of general fund reserves at
year end.
3. Economic Development and Housing
3.1 Approve the Purchase Contract between the property owner of record, Raymond
Raeder, and the City of Clearwater for the City to purchase real property at 14 S.
Evergreen Avenue, Clearwater, with a purchase price of$135,000 and total
expenditures not to exceed $145,000 including environmental assessments,
survey services, closing costs, and any other ancillary costs associated with
acquisition; and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same, together
with all other instruments required to affect closing. (consent)
The subject property is located at 14 S. Evergreen Avenue in the East Gateway
District of Clearwater. The parcel is approximately 6,300 square feet and is
contiguous with City-owned property fronting Cleveland Street purchased in
August 2010 (Car Pro site). The acquisition will result in a total corner lot size of
approximately 18,375 sq. ft., which may be used for a future redevelopment
project. The City has the opportunity to utilize funds made available through the
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for this
acquisition as it meets the national objectives. Grant funding is available in an
amount equal to the appraised value of the property plus costs of environmental
assessment and survey services associated with the acquisition. The purchase
price is consistent with an independent appraisal performed on the property.
Valuation Services, Inc. valued the fee interest in the property at $135,000. Per
HUD requirements, the appraisal was reviewed by an independent certified
appraiser. Hupp Realty Advisors, Inc. recommends approval of the appraisal
report as he determined that it is in compliance with generally accepted appraisal
reporting standards and is complete. Staff recommends the purchase of this
parcel as it has been identified in the East Gateway Vision Plan as a strategic
consolidation and redevelopment parcel with the Car Pro site. The City can
evaluate the future opportunity to lease the property to an office tenant until such
time as a proposal for redevelopment is developed for the entire site. Per the
contract, there is a 60-day due diligence period with an anticipated closing date no
later than May 14, 2012.
In response to questions, Economic Development and Housing Director Geri Lopez said
the Phase 1 environmental review and asbestos study were completed; no
environmental concerns. HUD's national objectives include being located in a low and
moderate income areas, removing blight and slum conditions and have an area benefit
Work Session 2012-03-12 7
to low and moderate income citizens in the area. The property has been vacant for
quite some time; staff has not looked at the feasibility of renting it out.
3.2 Approve the third-year option of the Professional Services Contract between the
City of Clearwater and Imagine Global Consulting to provide tourism marketing
services for the City of Clearwater in the amount of$164,000 for Fiscal Year
2012-2013, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
In the wake of changing market trends in tourism, the Economic Development and
Housing Department assessed current market trends in order to determine how
best the City can utilize its limited resources to capture more visitors and
strengthen brand awareness of the city's offerings as a premiere destination. On
July 16, 2010, the City released Request for Proposals 21-10, with the goal of
selecting an experienced marketing and public relations partner in directing future
marketing, advertising, and public relations efforts (including social media) in an
aggressive and comprehensive manner to capture more visitors and strengthen
the awareness of the city's attributes and offerings as a vacation destination. In
October 2010, the City contracted with Imagine Global Consulting (Imagine) for
their approach to the Scope of Work, relationships with the media, creativity, and
availability of one full-time person dedicated to this contract. The contract was
structured as a two-year activity period with an option for a third year. Imagine
presented their accomplishments for the first contract year to the Council on
October 31, 2011. A summary of the results of the scope of work to date is
attached as part of the detailed progress on performance goals and measures.
The Scope of Work overall includes a detailed action and activity marketing plan
aimed at increasing the brand awareness for the City of Clearwater. Imagine is
promoting Clearwater according to its unique selling points and defined niche
markets. The focus for this current fiscal year is on promoting events, increasing
the number of journalists visiting and writing about the destination, launching a
Clearwater mobile app, and redesigning the website. The results of the first
contract year were exceptional with an increase of 6% in visitors, 7.8% increase in
direct expenditures and economic impact, and a $1.2 million advertising value and
$3 million public relations value representing 161 placements in key magazine,
newspapers, websites, blogs, and other online media.
Given the results of the first year, staff recommends exercising the third-year
contract option to continue the momentum established over the last 18 months,
capitalize on the media relationships developed in that time for Clearwater and
provide Imagine the time needed to complete key initiatives underway including:
• Redevelopment and creation of a new Clearwater tourism website
(www.visitclearwaterflorida.com)
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• Creation of a nationwide light bulb promotion "Let Clearwater Cure your
Seasonal Affective Disorder" partnering with light bulb manufacturers for
an anticipated Winter 2012/2013 launch
• Implementation of a full-year Public Relations plan developed for
Clearwater Jazz Holiday, including a substantial amount of follow-up
activities after the event, to be the basis for next year's coverage
• Launch of the Clearwater, Florida Mobile app, with revenue-generating
potential if we include local businesses (restaurants, stores, etc)
• Follow up of a pitch to have live broadcasts from Clearwater during the
winter season for weather correspondents with the major television
networks
• Production of a video press kit for the destination
• Coordination of individual press trips as well as two larger group press
trips. Media visits planned will require follow up and continued fact
checking and input to secure media coverage
• Support and input for the new Visitor's Guide for 2013
• Planning of a wintertime social media give-away and sweepstakes with
a national airline partner
The third-year extension would be for $160,000 inclusive of all advertising,
marketing, and administration. In addition, $4,000 is for reimbursable expenses.
The funding for this contract extension will be included in the City Manager's
proposed 2012/13 annual operating budget.
It was suggested that staff contact the CVB regarding placing additional advertisements
in the Visit Florida subscription.
4. Financial Services
4.1 Approve settlement of a liability claim for payment of$36,000.00 and authorize
the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
On June 2, 2010, a Park and Recreation Department tractor was stopped for a
traffic signal. When the signal turned green, the City tractor moved forward before
the claimant moved forward. The City tractor hit the claimant car and pushed it
into the car ahead. The claimant car suffered $7,266.22 in property damages.
The claimant suffered injuries and underwent medical treatment. The claimant's
medical bills total $28,215.15. The claim can be settled for a payment of
$36,000.00 in exchange for a release of all claims against the City and the City's
driver. The City's limit of liability as provided by Section 768.28, Florida Statutes
is $100,000 per claim or a total of$200,000 for all claims. The City's Risk
Management Division and City's Claims Committee recommend this ratification
and confirmation. Funding for the payment of this settlement is available in the
budget for claims expense in the Central Insurance Fund.
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4.2 Approve settlement of a liability claim for payment of$75,000.00 and authorize
the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
On March 24, 2011, a Police Department vehicle entered an intersection on a red
traffic signal into the path of the claimant. The claimant car suffered $3,083.29 in
property damages. The claimant suffered injuries and underwent medical
treatment. The claimant's medical bills total $32,204.53. The claim can be settled
for a payment of$75,000.00 in exchange for a release of all claims against the
City and the City's driver. The City's limit of liability as provided by Section
768.28, Florida Statutes is $100,000 per claim or a total of$200,000 for all claims.
The City's Risk Management Division and City's Claims Committee recommend
this ratification and confirmation. Funding for the payment of this settlement is
available in the budget for claims expense in the Central Insurance Fund.
4.3 Approve the purchase of property and equipment breakdown insurance from
April 1, 2012 through April 1, 2013, at the level of insurance provided for in this
agenda item, at an amount not to exceed $1,950,000, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
The Risk Management Division of the Finance Department requested Arthur J.
Gallagher and Co. (Florida) to obtain quotes for the property insurance program
expiring April 1, 2012.
Per those quotes, Risk Management is recommending that the City maintain a
$50 million limit with a $50 million and $30 million Flood sub-limit (depending on
property location). The self-insured retention would remain at $100,000 per
occurrence, with a 5% or $500,000 SIR (whichever is greater) for named storms.
In addition, Risk Management is recommending a stand-alone policy through
Zurich to insure the bridges in the amount of$47 million, at an annual premium of
approximately $53,870. This program would incorporate a self-insured retention of
$100,000 per occurrence, with a $500,000 SIR for named storms, and provide the
City with an additional $47 million of aggregate windstorm/flood/terrorism capacity
for the City's program. This policy also provides a three (3) year rate guarantee.
By utilizing this stand-alone program, a 60% reduction from the prior year's rate
for the bridges was achieved.
The total property insurance premium is estimated at $1,860,610, which
represents an 8% increase over last year's premium of$1,723,019. Additionally,
Risk Management recommends that the City renew its Equipment Breakdown
policy with Travelers at a premium of$10,136. This reflects a 10.2% decrease
from last year's $11,286, along with coverage enhancements.
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Overall, the insurance coverage as recommended is enhanced with an additional
$47 million in capacity per the stand-alone policy for the bridges.
Risk Management believes that should the coverage as recommended be placed,
the City's property risks are covered at levels and rates which, when taken
together as a whole, represent a reasonable insurance program for the City.
5. Solid Waste/General Support Services
5.1 Rescind approval of Contract (Blanket Purchase Order) to Wingfoot Commercial
Tire of Clearwater, FL, for an amount not to exceed $380,000, for the purchase
of Goodyear tires for city motorized equipment during the period March 1, 2012
through February 28, 2013, in accordance with Sec. 2.560)(d), Code of
Ordinances - other governmental bid. (consent)
At the March 1, 2012 council meeting, Council approved a contract with Wingfoot
Commercial Tire for the purchase of several different sizes of tires for use on all
city vehicles. Staff was unaware that the information provided regarding the
Florida State contract number and period was incorrect. Staff will bring back the
agenda item when the new contract is re-issued.
6. Engineering
6.1 Approve a work order to Malcolm Pirnie/Arcadis (EOR) in the amount of
$160,530.00 for the design and permitting of generator upgrades to the East
Water Reclamation Facility (WRF); electrical upgrades to the Marshall Street
WRF Lab Building; and the Marshall Street WRF automatic transfer switch (ATS)
1; and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Engineering Services were requested from Malcolm Pirnie related to standby
generator power at the East Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) and the Marshall
Street WRF. There are three major components to this project that are included in
the design, permitting and bidding-1) East WRF Generator Improvements, 2)
Marshall Street WRF Laboratory Generator and UPS Improvements, and3)
Marshall Street WRF Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) 1 Investigation.
The East WRF is located on Gulf to Bay Boulevard at the west end of the
Courtney Campbell Causeway along the shore of Old Tampa Bay. As a result of
the WRF's location, the WRF is susceptible to flooding during heavy storms. The
City has decided to replace the two existing (600kW and 800 kW) older fixed
generators with either one or two trailer mounted generator(s).The existing
standby generator that provides emergency power to the Marshall Street WRF
laboratory building is not sized to meet all the power needs of the building. In
addition, one of the two existing uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units is
currently not functioning and requires repair or replacement. The FOR (Engineer
Work Session 2012-03-12 11
of Record) will recommend a plan for providing and prioritizing standby UPS and
generator power for key laboratory equipment, lighting, and HVAC units.
The automatic transfer switch (ATS) on the Marshall Street WRF Blower Building
generator will not trip automatically upon power failure. There are no issues
experienced during a manual transfer. A power quality study will be performed by
the ATS manufacturer (Square D) with oversight from the FOR at the Marshall
Street WRF to identify the reason for the startup failures associated with the ATS
during automatic transfer and to provide recommendations for addressing the
issue to allow the ATS switch to work in automatic mode rather than manual
mode.
The City of Clearwater Public Utilities Department owns, operates and maintains
the East and Marshall Street WRFs.
Sufficient funding is available in Capital Improvement Program projects 0315-
96619, WWTP Generator Replacements in the amount of$94,100; 0327-96645,
Laboratory Upgrade in the amount of$36,820; 0327-96654, Facilities Upgrade
and Improvements in the amount of$29,610; for a total of$160,530.00.
6.2 Accept a Right of Way and Utilities Easement over the southern ten (10) feet of
Property at 1280 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, conveyed to the City by the
Property owner, Verizon Florida, LLC. (consent)
Improvements to the commercial property at 1280 Cleveland Street were
approved by the Community Development Board on March 18, 2008 under Case
FLD2007-11035. The project is currently under construction as Case BCP2011-
07257. The property owner has agreed to convey a perpetual easement to the
City for use of the described area along Cleveland Street as a public right-of-way
and as a utility corridor.
The subject easement provides for a consistent width of right-of-way along the
north side of Cleveland Street between N. Betty Lane and N. Fredrica Avenue.
7. Official Records and Legislative Services
7.1 Appoint one member to the Airpark Advisory Board to fill the remainder of an
unexpired term until March 31, 2013.
Discussion deferred to Thursday's council meeting.
8. Legal
8.1 Request for authority to institute a civil action on behalf of the City against BRW
Contracting, Inc. to seek recovery of costs and expenses to repair damages that
occurred to several homes while installing sewer pipes. (consent)
Work Session 2012-03-12 12
On August 3, 2010, B.R.W. was installing sewer pipes in the vicinity of Overlea
Street and Stevenson Drive in Clearwater. The installation required that these
new pipes be pigged, however, the proper procedures were not followed by
B.R.W. and this resulted in water damage to several houses in the vicinity.
The City undertook to quickly settle the property owner's claims in order to allow
them to expedite the necessary repairs and receive reimbursement for
replacement of their possessions. Two of the homes were rendered uninhabitable.
The Legal Department requests authority to bring a legal action against B.R.W.
Contracting, Inc. to recover monies owed to the City of Clearwater, which totals
$158,798.67.
The costs relative to this action will include a $400.00 filing fee, and fees for
service of process of approximately $70.00.
8.2 Request for authority to institute a civil action on behalf of the City against
Suncoast Development of Pinellas County, Inc., to recover $1,658.99 for
damages to City property. (consent)
On October 20, 2009, employees of Suncoast Development of Pinellas County,
Inc., while using a backhoe, punctured a City gas line at the intersection of
Flamingo and Fairfold Drives, New Port Richey, Florida. Repairs to the gas line
totaled $1,658.99.
Several letters have been sent to Suncoast Development of Pinellas County, Inc.,
and we have received no acknowledgment.
The costs relative to this action will include a $300.00 filing fee and fees for
service of process of approximately $70.00.
8.3 Adopt Ordinance 8314-12 on second reading as amended, regulating pedicabs
and other public conveyances.
The Council recessed from 2:58 p.m. to 3:02 p.m.
In response to questions, the City Attorney said council may amend the ordinance at the
Thursday's meeting to add disc brakes or remove the brake specifications. Assistant
City Attorney Rob Surette said his research of other ordinances did not include a
recommended distance the vehicles should stop within. A surrey bicycle does not go as
fast as a bicycle, so long as it is single-geared.
Work Session 2012-03-12 13
Discussion ensued with concerns expressed regarding vehicles transporting individuals
for free but expecting a gratuity instead. Staff was directed to draft language amending
the proposed ordinance, Section 25.02(1), to address the expectations of gratuities: if a
gratuity is accepted, "gratuity appreciated," or language to that effect shall be posted on
the vehicle.
9. City Manager Verbal Reports
9.1 City Manager Verbal Reports — None.
10. Closing Comments by Mayor— None.
11. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 3:24 p.m.
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