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06/12/1989 CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION June 12, 1989 The City Commission of the City of Clearwater met at City Hall with the following members present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner Don Winner Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Lee Regulski Commissioner William Nunamaker Commissioner Richard Fitzgerald Commissioner Also present were: Ron H. Rabun City Manager M. A. Galbraith, Jr. City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk The Mayor called the meeting to order at 1:01 p.m. and the following items were discussed. Annual Contract for Pager Rental to Pac-Tel Paging, St. Petersburg, for $4,355. Paging equipment is used by ten separate City departments to contact employees anywhere in the City both during and after normal working hours. The contract for these services was issued on May 3, 1989, covering contract period from 5/1/89 to 4/30/90. As issued the contract was not to exceed $9,500.00. Subsequent to issuance, the Police Department has increased their requirement by 19 units and the contract now requires Commission approval. Questions were raised regarding how General Services and the Planning Department use these pagers as well as what caused the Police Department to need additional units. Budget Advisory Committee. Discussion has taken place regarding the need for the Budget Advisory Committee and staff was requested to come back with a proposal. Discussion ensued regarding the Committee and it was indicated the Board has expressed concerns regarding whether or not the Commission considers their input. It was agreed that in the past, the Board has not been used effectively. It was generally agreed to continue the Board but to provide it with new procedures and directions. It was requested a requirement be made for members to attend the majority of the meetings, whether they have excused absences or not. Discussion ensued regarding the number of members that should be on the Board as a suggestion had been made to expand the number to ten. Discussion returned to the need for the Board and what purpose they should serve. Suggestions were made that the Board be made up of ten members, procedures provide for evening meetings once a month, that a requirement be that for three unexcused absences a member is automatically removed and that they must attend the majority of the meetings in the year. Suggestion was made that the members be required to be registered voters in Clearwater. Consensus of the Commission was for staff to work with these suggestions and to return to the Commission with a new proposal. Annual Contract for Tire Services and New and Recap Tires to Don Olson Firestone, Clearwater, for $252,431.00. The contract for tire services was originally awarded to Don Olson Firestone in December, 1985, and extended in January, 1988. The service provided by this company has always been highly satisfactory. A question was raised regarding why the low bidder was not being recommended for award and it was indicated they did not bid on all the items. Contract for Paint, Bonding Materials, and Solvents for Water Tanks to Porter Paint Co., Clearwater, for $19,602.00. Briley Wild and Associates, the City's consulting engineer, requested an inspection of four 5,000,000 gallon water tanks. The inspection revealed typical hairline cracking of the exterior covercoat of shotcrete. It is important to use a painting compound which is thick enough to penetrate and seal the hairline cracks in the overcoat. A concern was expressed regarding the number of attachments to this item and it was requested that efforts be made to reduce the volume of the items. Ferry Dock Lease. City staff has been working to provide ferry service between the mainland and Clearwater Beach. A proposed ferry dock lease with Phil Henderson is being presented for discussion. Charles Hunsicker, Assistant City Manager, indicated there are limitations on the Bay and the Bayfront regarding placement of the ferry dock. The proposal is for a ten year lease to Phil Henderson with improvements to be made by the lessee and deeded to the City at the end of the lease. The improvements will cost $160,000. Parking will be provided for this service at the foot of Drew Street. Concerns were expressed regarding parking and it was indicated that it is planned to convert some of the City/Maas Brothers parking lot to long term parking. A concern was raised regarding people having to cross Drew Street to get to the ferry. Bill Held indicated this dock is being constructed in such a way that it can be lifted from the water in inclement weather. In response to questions, it was indicated the plans are for the ferry to run from Drew Street to the Youth Maritime Center and if an agreement can be reached to have a second stop at the Sea Stones. In response to a question regarding whether or not drop-offs would be made at Sand Key Park, it was indicated there are no facilities at this location for pickup and drop-off of passengers. It was indicated that the Marina is being excluded as a drop-off point due to parking limitations there. Mr. Henderson will be able to moor his boats at this location, however. Concerns were expressed regarding the boats being allowed to be moored at the Marina at no cost and it was indicated this was in consideration of Mr. Henderson paying for all the improvements for the ferry service. Mr. Henderson reviewed his proposal. In response to a question, it was indicated they would have to pass under the Memorial Causeway Bridge with a bridge opening. It was indicated we are leasing the seawall and submerged land. It was requested this be quantified in the lease. It was indicated that a pump-out and water and sewer service will be provided. In response to a question, it was indicated the options regarding the landfall on Clearwater Beach are being looked at. Applications will be needed to be made for construction of the docks. Consensus of the Commission was to proceed. Safe Boating Practices. Discussion ensued regarding enforcement efforts in Clearwater Harbor. It was indicated that staff was reviewing the existing no-wake zones for needed amendments. The Harbormaster reported the Coast Guard is experiencing cuts in the budget and they have limited abilities but are very cooperative. He stated there is a State marine patrol which provides thin coverage and the County has two boats in the Sheriff's Department. The County has just established idle speed and no wake zones. The Harbormaster further stated he is recommending that we join the Pinellas County Waterway Management Committee. He reported the Clearwater Marine Patrol has two officers with one more authorized. He emphasized there are alot of regulations that exist in the City Code that need to be enforced. Enhancements being requested are: to have close cooperation with the County Waterway Management Committee for the next legislative session to work together for a uniform effort and support be given to have a slow down minimum wake zone at each bridge. The County is requesting a resolution in support of the idle speed minimum wake at Memorial Causeway. Consensus of the Commission was to provide the resolution in support. The Harbormaster indicated he is recommending the City of Clearwater's signs regarding wake zones and the ordinance regarding wake zones be changed to coincide with the County's and State's. Consensus of the Commission was for staff to proceed with these amendments. Chief Klein provided an update regarding the Marine Patrol stating it will be operating five days a week. He also indicated the City has contacted the Florida Marine Patrol to see if they would want to dock one of their boats at the Clearwater Beach Sub-station. He reported regarding staff working with U.S. Customs and they are considering giving the City of Clearwater a boat which has been seized under the confiscation law. This boat would be manned by expanding the reserve or auxiliary officer program. In response to questions regarding enforcement, it was indicated the Coast Guard can cite speeders if they witness such events. The meeting recessed from 3:20 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Bomber Funding Request. The Clearwater Bombers have made a request that the Commission provide them with funding of $10,000. It was indicated that this will help them finish the season. In response to a question, it was indicated the Tourist Development Council has not responded positively regarding the request that they provide funding for the Bombers. It was indicated the Commission may wish to reconsider allowing them to sell advertising on the outfield walls. It was reported they are attempting to get corporate sponsorship. Consensus of the Commission was for staff to look in the budget to see if the monies could be found and to also put together a formal proposal to submit to the Tourist Development Council. Contract for Project to Abandon and Plug Exploratory Wells at the East Pollution Control Facility to CenTech Utility Corporation, Tampa, for $76,521. In 1976, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) directed that the City study the feasibility for disposal of effluent by deep well injection. With 75% grant funds, the effluent disposal well investigation project was started and two exploratory wells were constructed. In October of 1979, the project was suspended by EPA on the basis that information obtained up to that time did not support conditions favorable for deep well injection. In August of 1988, EPA directed the City to restart the study. Again it was determined that deep well injection was not an acceptable method of effluent disposal. The Florida Department of Environmental Regulation (DER) requires the existing exploratory wells be plugged and abandoned. It was requested that the State be notified of what it is costing the City to perform these activities that have been required by state and federal agencies. Policy re Credit for Garbage and Trash Service to Mobile Home Parks for Vacancies. A policy providing credit to mobile home parks for vacant units was brought to the attention of the Commission by a citizen. Staff has investigated this and is recommending discontinuing this policy. It was indicated this was a longstanding policy 20-30 years old and that it had been reviewed and staff's opinion is that all customers should be treated the same. It was indicated that mobile home park owners may complain regarding the elimination of this credit. Consensus of the Commission was to change the operating procedures eliminating the provision for this credit. Charles Hunsicker, Assistant City Manager, indicated that the mobile home parks will be notified and that the effective date will probably be July 1, 1989. New Engineer of Record - Approve Ranking of Engineering Firms for the City of Clearwater Engineer of Record and Authorize Negotiations. This item was not listed on the agenda, however, it is being brought forward at this time. On March 27, 1989, the City of Clearwater advertised for expressions of interest from the Bay area engineering community and described its needs in a request for proposal. Eighteen consulting firms responded and these were shortlisted by the consultant selection committee to the following firms: 1) Camp Dresser and McKee; 2) Dyer, Riddle, Mills and Precourt; 3) HDR Engineering, Inc.: and 4) King Engineering, Inc. The selection committee heard formal presentations from each firm and after careful consideration, ranked them in the following order: 1) Camp Dresser and McKee; 2) HDR Engineering, Inc.; 3) King Engineering, Inc. and 4) Dyer, Riddle, Mills and Precourt. It is envisioned that the engineer of record will perform all water and sewer work including rate studies, reports, facility design, etc. Other needs which might arise including highway design, structural advice and drainage studies may be assigned to other engineering firms. All water and sewer work currently underway by Briley, Wild and Associates will be completed by them. The first assignment for the new consultant will most likely be the presentation of a stormwater master plan including an investigation of the feasibility of a stormwater utility fee structure. Discussion ensued regarding what staff considered in establishing their ranking and it was requested that information be provided to the Commission regarding what jobs have been done by CDM in the area. Amendment to the Land Development Code pertaining to Remote Switching Stations as a Permitted Use in Commercial Zoning Districts LDCA 89-08. This is receipt and referral of a Land Development Code amendment which would provide for remote switching stations as an allowable use within commercial zoning districts. In response to questions, it was indicated that this is being proposed as a permitted use, not a conditional use. It was requested that what would be included in a remote switching station be included in the definition. Public Hearing and First Reading Ordinances #4817-89, 4818-89 and 4819-89 - Petition for Annexation, P/SP Zoning and a Land Use Plan Amendment to Public/Semi-Public for property located on the east side of Belcher Road across from Clearwater Industrial Park. (Salvation Army) A 89-10 LUP 89-06. The property is presently vacant but is proposed to be developed with Salvation Army facility consisting of offices, chapel and classrooms. The property owner was granted a special exception in Pinellas County to put a church use in the AE zoning district, therefore, the Pinellas County Land Use Plan remains low density residential. If approved, the Land Use Plan amendment will require state review. In response to a question, it was indicated that staff has reviewed the site plan for this development and everything is satisfactory. Public Hearing and First Reading Ordinances #4813-89 and 4814-89 - Petition for Annexation and IL Zoning for property (12.71 acres) located on the west side of Hercules Ave. immediately north of the S.C.L. Railroad, M&B 34.25, 34.26, 34.27, Section 1-29-15, M&B 21.01, Section 12-29-15 (Clearwater Concrete Industries, Inc.) A 89-09. The request is for annexation and IL zoning for the property. Concerns have been expressed regarding a proposal to use this property for heavy industrial use. It was reported the Planning and Zoning Board recommends no new heavy industry in Clearwater. It was pointed out that if the property stays in the County they can build what they're proposing. The City Attorney is to respond Thursday night regarding whether or not this development would meet manufacturing requirements. Preliminary Site Plan Clearwater Tower (1.49 acres), located at the SE corner of Garden Ave. and Hendricks St., M&B's 11.04, 11.021, a portion of M&B 11.03, Lots 1-8, Gould and Ewing's 1st and 2nd Addition of Clearwater Harbor Block 8, portions of City-owned property and vacated ROW as per Ordinance #4804-89, Sec 16-29-15 (MAS One Ltd.) PSP 89-13. The applicant is proposing to develop a 12 story office building on the north side of this downtown site. The parking spaces being displaced by the new construction will be relocated in the parking levels of the new structure. The ground level will include retail and building service facility space. Levels 2-5 will be enclosed parking and Levels 6-12 will be office space. The site plan includes a small parcel of land currently owned by the City which is divided by Laura Street from the main property and a portion of the City parking lot to the east. The remainder of the City parking lot property is proposed to be developed separately as a landscaped plaza. The Downtown Development Board will be asked to review and make a recommendation on the site plan. Mike Wright, Assistant City Manager, indicated the site plan is running parallel to negotiations regarding purchase of a portion of the City owned properties. It was requested the item be revised to call for final action by the City Commission. Second Reading Ordinance #4614-88 - Annexing property E of terminus of Soule Rd. and N of Union St., consisting of part of property shown on plat of Elysium Phase I Subdivision (City of Clearwater) A 88-02. A question was raised regarding whether or not the annexation of this property is being challenged. It was indicated that it was, however, the CIty Attorney's recommendation is to proceed with this annexation. Resolution 89-32 - Dedicating certain property located at the NE corner of the intersection of Pierce St. and S. Ft. Harrison Ave. as public right-of-way. It was indicated there was some question regarding the legal description for this resolution and this item will be pulled from Thursday night's agenda. City Manager Verbal Reports. The CIty Manager requested the Commission schedule a goals setting meeting. Consensus was to schedule this for the 21st of June, 1989, at 1:00 p.m. It was also reported Jim Massie, the City's legislative lobbyist, would be in attendance Thursday night to discuss the City Commission's legislative package. Kathy Rice, Assistant City Manager, indicated that in working with Florida Power regarding their franchise fee there is a requirement that the Commission request for information be done by a letter from the Mayor. Consensus was for a letter to be drafted which would be approved at Thursday night's meeting. Other Commission Action. The Mayor reported on the Mayors Council's decision to charge a $100.00 per year fee and it was indicated this would cover lunches for the monthly meetings. Commissioner Winner requested that in conjunction with the start of summer, the Police enforce noise and open alcoholic beverage ordinances by ticketing them not issuing warnings. The City Manager will investigate this. Commissioner Nunamaker requested that firefighters who have been recognized for their heroic efforts in a rescue be officially recognized by the City Commission. He stated he is drafting a letter that encourages using road gang labor for City projects. Commissioner Winner indicated he had spoken to Sheriff Rice regarding this and it had been stated this service has to be voluntary and they do not have enough prisoners at this time for this service. The meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m.