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02/26/1990 CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION February 26, 1990 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 meeting was called to order at 9:34 a.m. Purchase Unisys and other computer hardware from Quickware, Inc., Clearwater, FL for $108,003.00 and authorize the five year lease/purchase through AT&T Credit Corp.; and purchase appropriate software from Sunware Services, Inc., Clearwater, FL for $14,823.00 This request will provide a MS-DOS Novelle personal computer networks to the Fire Department, Marine Department, Finance Division and Risk Management Division. Functions that will be available include payroll system access, word processing, local area network electronic mail, graphics, spreadsheets and local data base management. Each purchasing department or division will also have applications specific to them. Discussion ensued regarding the City's efforts to purchase a utility billing system which will set the course for future computer purchases. It was stated that these computers would be compatible with whatever the City purchases. It was requested that staff consider an alphabetical rotation of the utility bills. It is hoped the new software will be able to send customers who own multiple pieces of property one bill with all their properties on it. In response to questions regarding the obsolescence rate of computer equipment, it was indicated that while the equipment will last a long time, maintenance and parts get harder to find as the equipment ages. 10 Year Vision Cable Evaluation The franchise agreement with Vision Cable provides for public hearings on the company's performance. This will be the ten year evaluation of the franchise. In response to a question regarding how the public knows about this evaluation, it was stated it is advertized and Vision Cable is running ads on its system. A request was made for a synopsis of the company's commitment to make production studios and programming training available to the City. Agreement with Fun n' Sun Festival, Inc. for planning and coordination of Sun-n-Fun Festival at a cost of $55,675.00 The proposed agreement is identical to the agreement executed for last year's Sun-n-Fun Festival with the exception the City's contribution for 1990 will be $55,675.00. The $21,000.00 increase was approved by the Commission as a one time donation to help fund the City's 75th Anniversary which will be celebrated in conjunction with this year's festival. Discussion ensued regarding the need to increase the cost due to the 75th Birthday Celebration and a request was made that additional information regarding these extra costs be provided to the Commission. Proposed Agreement with Clearwater Jaycees to install Bus Benches on City Rights-of-Way The existing agreement with the Clearwater Jaycees to allow the placement of bus benches (with advertizing) at transit stops with advertizing on the city rights-of-way expires on March 2, 1990. Because of changes in the Land Development Code, the benches are a nonconforming use. A change in the Code is necessary to allow the benches to remain in place or to be located in other areas of the City on the rights-of-way. The Jaycees have drafted a proposed agreement between the City, Clearwater Jaycees and Metropolitan Systems to install the benches. The proposed agreement states the benches shall be placed at PSTA transit stops in accordance with the expressed needs and desires of the PSTA and such placement shall be subject to review by the City so that no bench shall be permitted to obstruct passage along the public way or to create a hazard or to otherwise be detrimental to the public safety. If the Commission desires to allow continued placement of these benches on the rights-of-way, it will be necessary to first prepare a Land Development Code Amendment and then adopt a new agreement with the Jaycees and Metropolitan Systems. The PSTA has agreed to accept responsibility regarding location and notification of any need for maintenance on any of the benches. Discussion ensued regarding the impact if the City were to not approve the amendment to the ordinance and/or the agreement. It was indicated that the benches would no longer be available and either the Transit Authority or the City would have to supply the benches. It was indicated the PSTA had no money to provide the benches. A concern was expressed that the approved list of locations attached to the ordinance was incorrect. Information was requested regarding what the cost would be to provide benches and what the City's obligations are regarding these benches. Greater Clearwater Strategic Transportation Plan The concept of providing improved east west access to improve the economic health of the downtown has been considered by a special transportation task force of the Chamber of Commerce. At the recommendation of the transportation committee, a $50,000.00 appropriation to conduct a study was secured in the 1989 legislative session for the Florida Department of Transportation to develope a Greater Clearwater Strategic Transportation Plan. The purpose of this study was to consider methods to improve traffic flow to maximize the economic benefit to downtown Clearwater and surrounding areas. This plan specifically considered methods to provide major enhancement of travel between downtown Clearwater and Northwest Pinellas County, US 19 and McMullen-Booth Road. Additionally, the plan addressed improved travel in the S.R. 60 corridor from the Courtney Campbell Causeway to Clearwater Beach. The draft plan discusses improvements over short range, intermediate range and long range timeframes. Comments and recommendations from the special transportation committee of the Chamber of Commerce are that a higher priority be given to enhancing Drew Street as a major east west corridor and that the funding sources earmarked for Druid Road widening be redirected to Drew Street improvements. They also request the Drew Street improvements be addressed in the short range program. Concerns were expressed regarding errors in the report. The City Manager indicated staff is requesting direction from the Commission regarding desired modifications and that staff will respond to the Florida Department of Transportation. It was indicated that economic assumptions regarding downtown drove the proposed road improvements. It was reported the Metropolitan Planning Organization policies are based on the 20/10 plan and that changes must be initiated from this level. Proposed local legislative bill dealing with the powers of the Metropolitan Planning Organization The Pinellas County Legislative Delegation has proposed a bill giving the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) authority to review median cuts and traffic signal placements on county roads within City limits. The delegation accepted the bill from the MPO and wants to have formal input from City Commissioners. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed bill giving the county final authority over signals placed within the City limits. Consensus was to place a resolution on the agenda for Thursday night which provided for review and comment by the MPO with final action by the City. A request was made that a item be added to the agenda for Thursday night regarding removal of protective covenants in the Clearwater Industrial Park. It was indicated that an individual is wishing to sell a portion of their property but Commission approval is needed. Consensus was to add this for Thursday night. Public Hearing & First Reading Ords.#4931-90, #4932-90 & #4933-90 - Annexation, RS-8 Zoning and a Land Use Plan Designation of Low Density Residential for a lot located at 3037 Virginia AVe., Bay View City Sub., Blk 2, Lot 4 (Community Homes LUP89-18, A89-23) The property is contiguous to existing City limits but within an existing enclave. If annexed along with the abutting alley, a smaller enclave will be created. Two residents spoke against the request at the Planning and Zoning Board Meeting. One resident was concerned that development of the subject parcel would interfere with access to his property since he has been using the front of the subject parcel as a driveway. The other resident was concerned that development of this property would create a drainage problem for adjoining properties. Discussion ensued regarding the objections and it was stated there are some drainage problems in the area. It was stated that the road has never been fully opened and the abutting owner has been using the subject parcel for access to his property. Bill Baker, Public Works Director, stated the City does plan to make some drainage improvements in the area and to pave the road. He stated that while the people in the area appreciate the City's plans they are still not in favor of the annexation. Mr. Baker stated that contrary to previous comments made, Public Works staff have been out to the area five times in the last six months. A video of the area was shown. Two variances to the Separation Distance Requirements for Sale of Alcoholic Beverages (package sales) for "George's Amoco" located at 1755 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., Suburb Beautiful Addition to Clearwater, Lots 3 & 4 The applicant has stated in his application three reasons for the variance request. One, there has been a history of beer and wine sales from this location as the previous owner held a 2APS license until August 6, 1989; two, virtually every other service station on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard sells alcoholic beverages and the owner would be in an adverse competitive position if he could not; and three, there is nothing detrimental since alcoholic beverages were sold at the same location by the previous owner. In response to a question, it was confirmed there was a previous license and a question was raised regarding how that past license had expired. Review of Building Plans, Site Plans, Changes of Use, and Analysis of Associated Traffic Impacts In October the Commission requested that staff bring forward at work sessions compilations of requests for building permits, site plans, and changes of use for any property located within 1/4 mile of any roadway having a level of service E or worse. The proposals being submitted are: 1) a use change for property located at 580 Court Street. The property is proposed to be converted from a restaurant lounge to a government office building. The office is projected to generate less daily trips than the restaurant. 2) a building permit for a new office building located at 2790 Sunset Point Road. This office will generate an additional 89 daily trips 10 of which will be peak hour trips. 3) a building permit for a two bedroom addition to an adult congregate living facility located at 1706 N. Highland Avenue. The addition is projected to generate an additional 4 daily trips. 4) a use change of a building in the Belcher Sunset Center located at 1875 N. Belcher Road. The proposal is to use the floor area as part of a drive-in bank. The change is projected to generate an additional 233 trips, 21 of which would be peak hour trips. 5) an addition to the Quest Inn located at 509 N. Ft. Harrison Avenue. The addition is projected to generate 24 additional daily trips, 3 of which will be peak hour trips. The Planning and Development Director indicated only one of the proposals generates more than 140 trips per day. Based upon the proposed traffic impact ordinance, these requests would be exempt from the traffic impact study requirement. In response to questions, the Planning and Development Director indicated staff would be keeping track of the increased traffic from these developments that are not required to do the traffic impact study. Further discussion ensued regarding policies that would need to be set regarding the types of developments that would not require the traffic impact study. It was reported the City Attorney would be adding an item for Thursday's agenda regarding settlement in the Margaret Love versus the City case. Verbal Reports The City Manager reported the request to place one of the new restroom facilities on the beach on Holiday Inn property was denied. Bids have gone out for this construction and this facility will be built on City property. He reminded the Commission of the invitations to the 75th Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration. Kathy Rice, Assistant City Manager, was available to discuss the legislative update. She submitted the Pinellas County Legislative Delegates Budget Requests and the Governor's Project List. In response to a question regarding whether or not the City would support only its issues, it was indicated there may be some county projects that would benefit the City and if they would be of assistance to us, we would support them. Discussion ensued regarding a move to require certification of building code administrators and inspectors. It was stated it should be the responsibility of private enterprise to make sure that quality and responsibility are maintained. Consensus was to oppose mandatory certification and a letter is to be sent. A request was made for the latest bottle bill. Other Commission Action Commission Regulski expressed concerns regarding the level of code enforcement. The City Manager indicated staff is working on solutions to these problems. A more pro-active effort in code enforcement and an effort be made to streamline the process required for code enforcement was requested. Commissioner Regulski questioned the status of the driveway of the First Florida Bank at Belcher and Drew requesting that the condition for right turn in, right turn out only be enforced. Commissioner Winner questioned the status of the standards for revocation of license. The Planning and Development Director indicated an agenda item is being prepared. Commissioner Winner questioned whether or not the City was going to cooperate in the County's efforts to form a County Wide Drug Task Force. A question was asked regarding what the City is being asked to provide. Concerns were expressed regarding taking City Police Officers and dedicating them to this project. It was stated we are only being asked if we agree to the concept. Additional information was requested regarding what would be required of the City to participate in this plan. Commissioner Winner requested that signs being posted by a landscapeoligist be taken down as these signs were being posted illegally on bridges, lightpoles, etc. The meeting adjourned at 11:44 a.m.