08/14/1989 CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION
August 14, 1989
The City Commission of the City of Clearwater met at City Hall, on August 14, 1989, at 1:40 p.m. 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 and the following items were discussed.
Contract (one year) for Microfiche Conversion to N.C.R. Corporation, FL for $11,700.
This contract with N.C.R. was originally bid 09/17/87 and awarded 10/01/87. The service is for the conversion of mainframe computer tape to microfiche for storage and retrieval. Microfiche
is used to look up information when the mainframe is inoperable, and also as an easy to store working document. Occupational License, Utilities, City Clerk, Finance, and Payroll all
utilize this service.
In response to a question regarding how N.C.R. was performing under contract, it was noted that there were no complaints. In response to a question regarding whether or not there was
a machine that we could purchase so that we could do this ourselves, the City Manager replied that it would be more expensive. It was indicated the yearly cost is $10,500 to $12,000.
Contract for Office Management and Budget Computer Equipment and Associated Hardware, the computer hardware from Whitman Computer Systems for $27,027.65 and the applications software
from Software Spectrum for $3,306 for a total of $30,333.65; and authorize the five year lease purchase of the Whitman hardware in the amount of $27,027.65 through General Electric Capital
Fleet Services, Inc.
The existing computer system for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) was procured in June 1986. This original CTOS equipment offered the OMB word processing and spreadsheet capabilities
necessary for computerizing the budget process. In these past three years, the OMB has used the present system for word processing, basic graphic presentations, and the preparation
of various reports and manuals including the annual Budget.
The proposed Unisys computer system and software will provide the OMB with a faster system which is compatible with all MS-DOS networks within the City, and will continue to be the
more efficient and cost effective system as the City continues to standardize with MS-DOS equipment. The system also offers enhanced graphics capabilities, allowing for the increased
presentation of budget information in a visually informative manner.
In response to a question regarding why we are financing this, it was indicated that it spreads out the budget impact.
Rescind previous contract with Towne Carpets, Clearwater and award contract for Carpet Purchase and Installation to Bob's Carpet Mart, Largo for $122,630.
This resubmittal is the result of the default of contract by Towne Carpets, Clearwater, Florida, that was approved by the Commission at the July 7, 1989 meeting. Towne Carpets has
determined that it cannot meet the written specifications as presented in the Invitation for Bid at their bid price. Bob's Carpet Mart, Largo, Florida, presented the second most responsive
and responsible bid in accordance with the specifications. In response to a question regarding whether or not we are saving ourselves money by going out with a contract, the City Manager
replied that the staff believes so. Concerns were raised that it has been reported the Towne Carpet withdrew because of verbal clarification. It was requested if there are clarifications,
they be done in writing and given to all bidders.
Amend Contract for Photocopying (Reproduction) Charges for 1988-1989 to Pitney Bowes, Inc., Tampa; +$30,000.
The City currently has a contract with Pitney Bowes to provide copier service on a 1.75 cent-per-copy basis. This fee includes service, use of the machines, and operating supplies
and chemicals, except paper. The cost remains the same regardless of the number of copiers in City departments, which now number 31. Concerns were expressed that we are using too much.
We are looking at copy control.
Contract (one year) for Dance Band Services to Billy Paul Band for $18,200.
On October 18, 1979, the City Commission authorized the City Manager or his designee to negotiate and contract with outside instructors to teach special recreation classes and to set
appropriate fees for these classes. Payments to these particular instructors are all based on a percentage of the fees collected from class participants.
However, the Parks and Recreation Department also sponsors two ballroom dances each week with music provided by a live band. Unlike all other outside specialists, the band receives
a flat fee per engagement rather than a percentage. Therefore, since a flat fee is guaranteed, separate contracts have always been used. Art Kader, Assistant Director of Parks and
Recreation, said that promote this activity through brochures and make $30,000 to $35,000 a year.
Request for Waiver of all City fees and charges for the 1989 Jazz Holiday, and that all concessionaires and vendors be restricted to those authorized by the Jazz Holiday Committee.
The tenth annual "Jazz Holiday" will be held at Coachman Park from Thursday, October 19 thru Sunday, October 22, 1989. A concern was expressed that the Chamber of Commerce gets all
the credit for this event. We are listed as contributors.
Amend Contract for purchase of additional 944 ninety-gallon solid waste containers (Black Barrels) to Reuter, Inc., for the period 10/01/88-9/30/89; $191,480.
The Sanitation Division has recurring requirements to replace unserviceable 90 gallon refuse containers used in its automated side-loading solid waste collection system. In response
to a question regarding whether or not we would ever consider any color other than black, it was indicated that heat is better reflected and black has the least visual impact.
Change Order #1 to the Restoration of East Pollution Control Facility, South Interceptor - Phase I Contract (89-11); +55,032.
In the process of installing the Phase 1 restoration of the 30" East Pollution Control Facility South Interceptor Sewer, a portion of the 30" interceptor which was scheduled for restoration
in Phase 2 has been found to require immediate repair due to advanced pipe deterioration. The subject pipe is a 234 foot long portion of the South Interceptor between Embassy Drive
and Oak Grove Middle School which crosses Allen's Creek. It was indicated that this particular place is a water crossing where the pipe was under Allen's Creek.
Purchase of the 10 acre tract of vacant land owned by Pinellas County School Board which is located north of the Clearwater Airpark and adjacent to the new Public Works Infrastructure
Complex for $750,000.
The Sanitation Division of the Public Works Department is currently located on property primarily used by the Marshall Street Advanced Waste Water Treatment Plant. Recent additions
to the Marshall Street Plant and the belief that the plant will continue to undergo upgrading as technology allows, makes it prudent that the Sanitation Division's presence at the Marshall
Street site be terminated. The Sanitation Division has planned for some time to establish themselves elsewhere in more modern quarters. If the subject School Board property can be
obtained, optimization of the Public Works Complex relative to sharing parking and proximity of common interests can be achieved.
The City Manager indicated the city tried to find a swap of property with the School Board, but couldn't. Assistant City Manager Hunsicker noted that this price is fixed until August
26th.
Replacement of the six western-most bents of the Rockaway Pier.
The Rockaway Pier is located in Mandalay Park on Clearwater Beach. The pier, which originally projected into the Gulf, now serves primarily as an observation deck for pedestrians.
Cecil Henderson, Assistant Public Works Director/Engineering, said the City recently had a survey of the pier done by Kisinger/Campo. They recommended that the western-most six bents
be removed. The options are to remove and replace the bents, to remove but do not replace the bents, to remove the entire pier or to fence it off and leave it in place.
In response to a question regarding why we would even consider removing the pilings, Mr. Henderson replied that the pilings have splits down them and rust is coming through, which is
an indication that they are failing.
Discussion ensued regarding the City's options. It was indicated people are using the pier for observation and there is danger of collapse. In response to a question regarding the
possibility of extending the pier, it was indicated this had not been considered.
Mr. Hunsicker reported that Pier 60 is being inspected, too. Funding for that repair would come out of the Enterprise Fund.
Additional discussion ensued regarding the City's options for Rockaway Pier. It was indicated DNR would prefer removal, but we are requesting
replacement because of the fear that once the pier is removed, we would not be allowed to build it back.
Appeal of Building Board's approval of House Moving Permit.
On June 10, 1989, Michael Sofarelli filed an application for a house moving permit to relocate a single family, one-story frame house from 23 S. McMullen Booth Road to 3109 John's Parkway.
Information was requested regarding 1) if there were any deficiencies in the existing structure and 2) if the same structure could be built as is under the latest code.
The meeting recessed from 2:55 p.m. to 3:01 p.m.
(Contd. from 7/20/89) - Issuance and Sale by City of not exceeding $2,500,000 Center Foundation Project Revenue Bonds Series 1989.
The City Manager said that they are trying to get the appropriate documents required by the Tax Equity & Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA). Chris Yomans of William R. Hough stated
the documents are being transported. The schedule shows the closing for next Monday. Hopefully, the documents will be out tonight. Mike Wright, Assistant City Manager, stated a resolution
should be added that states the project is not in conflict with any zoning requirements.
Petition for Annexation and RS-8 District Zoning for property (0.24 acres) in Grove Circle Subdivision, Lot 16, Sec. 2-29-15, located at the SW corner of the intersection of Highland
Ave. and Grove Circle. (South/Aguiar/Bishara) A 89-16.
The request is for RS-8 (Single Family Residential) Zoning in conjunction with the annexation.
The property is presently developed with a single family residence which is being used as an Adult Family Care (1-5 residents) Facility. The existing Family Care Facility does not
meet the separation distance as required by Land Development Code Section 136.020(f). In response to a question regarding why it was being annexed, Mr. Polatty replied that they they
are expanding the adult care center and therefore need city sewer.
Land Use Plan Amendment to Residential/Office and OL Zoning for property (0.32 acres) in Norwood Subdivision, Blk. B, Lots 5, 6 and 7, Sec. 10-29-15 located at the SE corner of the intersection
of N. Myrtle Ave. and Marshall St. (Okuboye/Zayyad) LUP 89-10, Z 89-12.
The applicant submitted a request for a Land Use Plan Amendment from Low Density Residential to Residential/Office and a Zoning District Amendment from RM-8 (Multi-Family Residential)
to OL (Limited Office) on February 6, 1989.
The property owner made the request to permit the conversion of an existing residence on Lot 5 to a medical office use with the adjacent vacant lots (Lots 6 and 7) to be developed with
parking to serve the office use. A concern was expressed that this would be spot zoning.
A suggestion was made to rezone the whole area.
(Contd. from 7/6/89) Public Hearing and First Reading Ordinance No. 4827-89 - Land Development Code Amendments implementing the North Greenwood Commercial District General Development
Plan, and Res. 89-44 - Creating a Design Review Committee for the North Greenwood Commercial District. (North Greenwood
Commercial District) LDCA 89-05.
In the summer of 1987, the Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. was commissioned to prepare an economic development plan for North Greenwood business properties. A task force consisting
of public and private sector participants was subsequently selected to direct and focus the effort.
It was reported the proposal is similar to CN zoning. It reduces the setback, side property setbacks are down to 0 feet, the FAR has doubled and all properties have to go through the
Development Review Committee. Parking is addressed. Sign regulations have been tightened, but will allow two signs per property. A Design Review Committee is established.
Resolution 89-44 contains the design standards and will be considered in conjunction with the second reading of the Ordinance.
(Contd. from 8/3/89) Second Reading Ordinance No. 4847-89 - Massage.
The police feel a background check for operators of massage businesses is needed. In answer to a question regarding what other occupations require background checks, it was indicated
that alcoholic beverage sales, as well as attorneys, are required to have a check. The objection to the check was questioned. The City Manager indicated massage therapists are saying
they are being treated differently than an osteopath or chiropractor. A question was raised regarding whether or not a massage parlor would be allowed if not licensed by the state.
It was indicated the City would not issue a license.
Other Commission Action.
The Mayor questioned enforcement of tinted window standards. The City Manager reported he received a memo from the Police department that enforcement is not cost effective.
The Mayor requested that copies of the Special Speed Enforcement Activity Reports no longer be sent to the Commission.
The Mayor requested direction regarding the request from Bruce Tyndall for support of a surcharge on vessel registrations.
Information was requested regarding use and control of the funds generated by the surcharge.
The Mayor requested direction regarding the resubmittal of the Babcock Company application. Consensus was to proceed.
She then inquired about the Budget Advisory Committee. It was stated the Commission needs to more clearly define the parameters.
The Mayor questioned the status of the Beach Service Station. It was reported that bids were not received due to concerns regarding the gas tanks. We will rebid on August 22.
She questioned the status of the Chamber of Commerce lease and it was indicated, unless the Commission objected, staff would continue it.
Mr. Winner questioned whether or not the City would respond regarding the County-wide Drug Task Force. It has been indicated that the perception is that we do not want to cooperate.
In response, it was indicated staff has been working with County staff and negotiations had not gotten to the point of
bringing a proposal to the City Commission.
Commissioner Fitzgerald questioned whether or not the Florida Orchestra had guaranteed a July 4th concert. It was stated that Betty Deptula will take care of this. He reported regarding
the potential that the State is going to pass on the requirement to maintain state roads. He reported that the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council is having a regional forum on urban
service areas.
Commissioner Nunamaker stated he will be out of town next week and unable to attend meetings during that week.
Commissioner Fitzgerald said that the Seminole County anti-loitering law was given to Mr. Galbraith.
The Mayor reported a Gainesville Ordinance requires two Clerks in late night convenience stores and requested the City consider a similar Ordinance.
The meeting adjourned at 4:28 p.m.