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02/12/1990 CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION February 12, 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 Mayor called the meeting to order at 1:10 p.m. and the following items were discussed. Two service pins were awarded. Pinellas Trails - Presentation Ned Baier, Planning Coordinator for Pinellas Trails, reviewed the status of this project. He handed out an evaluation of a trail in Seattle, Washington showing that property values did not decrease and crime was not a problem along this trail. He indicated the entire Pinellas trail is 47 miles long from south St. Petersburg to Oldsmar, and the only break in the alignment using the abandoned railroad right-of-way is two miles within downtown Clearwater. This area is of particular concern to the City Commission as residents have expressed opposition to their streets being used as part of the trail. Mr. Baier indicated that Pinellas County will maintain the trail and there are options regarding the alignment of the streets through Clearwater. It is also possible that no route will be designated and it will be left to the trail users to decide which route they wish to take on this two mile stretch. Mr. Baier reviewed the methods that will be used to accommodate the street crossings along the trail, stating at busy, wide roads, pushbutton lights will be used and there will be stop signs on the trail on residential roads. In response to questions, Mr. Baier indicated the right-of-way is preserved for mass transit in the future, and stated the trail organization has raised $125,000 for amenities that will be placed where the County and City determine. A question was raised regarding the operating hours of the trail. It was indicated that it will be dawn to dusk and currently there are no plans for lighting. A concern was expressed regarding security on the trail, and it was indicated the County is considering a park ranger type system but City Police Departments will need to participate. Discussion ensued regarding what decisions will need to be made by the City Commission and at what time they will need to be made. It was indicated that planning for the two mile stretch in Clearwater will begin in approximately six months and the Commission will need to determine whether or not they wish to designate a route and, if so, what that route will be. Formation of Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force At the February 1, 1990 Commission meeting it was decided to assign tasks listed in the agenda item as group 3 to a special citizens task force for further study. Staff has developed several options for consideration by the Commission in the composition of the committee and have included a proposed mission statement, and goals and issues for the committee. The City Manager indicated the Commission may wish to delay appointment of the members of the committee until May when the Planning staff will be able to assist them in their efforts. He stated, however, there is a need to establish the mission statement and the goals of the committee prior to determining the membership. Discussion ensued regarding the options for appointment, with it being indicated that option 2 provides for the Commission to appoint two members and that five organizations would be asked for representatives to serve on this 15 member committee. It was felt that if option 2 is the choice, the organizations should appoint their representatives prior to the Commission making their appointments. A concern was expressed regarding the title of goals and issues for the committee, and it was the consensus of the Commission to change this to "issues for review by the committee". It was emphasized the committee would have the ability to add other issues as well as decide to delete some of the issues that have been proposed. Consensus was to accept staff's recommendation of the mission statement as follows: develop a plan which will further enhance and maintain Clearwater Beach as a desirable family oriented resort recreation residential community. The overall goal of the committee to promote Clearwater Beach as a desirable family oriented resort destination community recreation and residential location. The issues of the committee are those that were established at the February 1, 1990 meeting. In response to a question regarding a time frame, it was indicated a goal of six months should be set. Discussion returned to the membership on the committee, and consensus of the Commission was to go with option 2. Staff was directed to send letters to the five organizations as follows: Clearwater Beach Assoc., Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, Clearwater Beach Motel Assoc., Innkeepers' Assoc. and Merchants' Assoc.; that these groups be requested to submit the person chosen as their representative by April 1, 1990 and to include in the letter that the goal is for a six month time frame for completion of work. Computer System - status report In November of 1989, the direction of the City's current and future information processing needs were discussed with the Commission during a work session. Commission directed staff to investigate alternatives to mainframe processing, specifically with regards to a utility billing system. Staff subsequently met with Unisys, the current City vendor, and two other major hardware vendors, Digital Equipment Corp. (DEC) and NCR to compare and construct mainframe versus minicomputer base data processing philosophies. All three vendors market minicomputers. The City released an RFP for a utility billing package on January 16th. The RFP will be evaluated and demonstrations will be scheduled during the months of March and April. Staff plans to return to the Commission in May for approval of a recommended utility billing package including hardware and software. Laura Chase, Data Processing Manager, indicated it had been difficult to obtain quotes from the vendors as they needed more detailed information plus they were reluctant to provide prices when an RFP is out for bid. She stated when staff returns with the recommendation in May, Commission's questions regarding the cost differential between expansion of the mainframe versus going to a minicomputer concept will be provided. First Quarter Budget Review Concerns were expressed that the transitioning of employees based on the deletion of 43 positions has not been completed. The City Manager indicated that, of the 43 positions, there are approximately 15 people who have not been able to be transitioned. He indicated the target date for completion of this is September 30, 1990. In response to a question, it was indicated there have been no hires in unfunded positions. A question was raised regarding gas revenues and the capitalization of labor costs in the Gas Division, and it was indicated that less labor had been able to be capitalized than had been anticipated at this time. In response to a question regarding what action was to be taken regarding this, it was indicated this will be a topic of discussion during the analysis of RFPs for the sale of the system and future budget considerations. Agreement for use of the National Guard Armory Facilities located at 706 N. Missouri Ave. for City recreation programs The Parks and Recreation Dept. has provided recreational programming in the National Guard Armory gym facility for many years. The proposed agreement is similar to previous years with a few minor revisions. Basically, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, the City will have use of the armory with City employees on site. For this use, the City will provide services such as ground maintenance, custodial maintenance, exterior painting, general interior building maintenance and pay utility bills for the main building. After 4:30 p.m. the City will pay a rental fee of $6/hour. In exchange for the payment, the armory will schedule one of their officers in the building to ensure security and to assist in our recreation program. The agreement is for three years. In response to a question regarding the City paying the electric bill, Ream Wilson, Parks and Recreation Director, indicated we pay the bill for the main building as we are the primary user of the facility. First Reading Ordinance No. 4945-90, amending the City Code relating to the water system, pertaining to the installation, operation and maintenance of Detector Check Valves on Fire Protection Systems and establish customer charges and various responsibilities for requiring, installing and maintaining backflow prevention devices The purpose of this ordinance is to help simplify the installations of detector check valves and fire protection systems and to streamline the process of requiring installing and maintaining backflow prevention devices. Charles Hunsicker, Assistant City Manager, indicated that currently the Building Official has been responsible for regulations of these two devices. He stated, however, the State recommends that the water purveyor (the Water Div.) be responsible. He also indicated that previously developers have been required to hire plumbers to install these devices, but this ordinance will provide that the Water Division install, retain ownership and, therefore, maintain them in a consistent manner. It was indicated the detector check valves are required to prevent backflow in fire protection or sprinkler systems and also to help detect if there is a leak or illegal connection to the water system. The backflow prevention devices are to prevent contamination of the water supply from hazardous uses. Discussion ensued regarding the need for this ordinance, and it was indicated that these devices are required now; however, it has been the responsibility of the Building Dept. and now will be the responsibility of the Water Division. It was indicated that by having the City install and maintain control over the installation and maintenance of the devices, there will be more consistency in the application of the regulations. First Reading Ordinance No. 4955-90, Water Impact fees to increase from $350.00 per Equivalent Living Unit to $480.00 and Ordinance 4954-90, Wastewater Impact fees to increase from $600.00 per first bathroom and $100.00 per additional bathroom for residential and $600.00 per Equivalent Living Unit (ELU) for commercial to $900.00 per ELU for both categories John Dennis, of Briley Wild and Assoc., reviewed the methodology used in the study of the impact fees and how it was determined that an increase in those fees is needed. Concerns were expressed that the study assumes the City will provide additional water through new wells, and it was questioned whether or not this was a valid assumption. Mr. Dennis indicated the courts have ruled that a hypothetical system must be used, and that while other assumptions could be made, it was determined this was the best hypothetical scenario. Questions were raised regarding how the City of Clearwater's impact fees compare with other communities, and it was indicated there are some communities that have a higher impact fee while others have lower impact fees. Concerns were expressed regarding the affect the impact of increasing these fees would have on affordable housing. A request was made that the current County impact fee schedule be provided. Ordinance 4958-90, Land Development Code Text amendment creating Section 136.028 to require a traffic impact study for certain developments The traffic impact study is one component of the City's concurrency management system. Traffic impact studies will be required for developments which will impact roads operating at level of service E or F and will generate one percent or more of the peak hour capacity of any road indicated in the future traffic circulation map. Exempted from the study requirement will be the construction of single family residences and non-residential construction less than 1,000 sq. ft. The traffic impact study will examine the impact through the distribution of traffic to the points at which site generated traffic is less than one percent of the road's peak hour capacity. In order for a development to proceed, it will be necessary that the impact study show that the infrastructure requirements and standards contained in the comprehensive plan are satisfied. Jim Polatty, Planning and Development Director, indicated the Planning and Zoning Board will be discussing this ordinance at its meeting of February 13th. He stated this is one of the five parts of concurrency and, upon adoption of this ordinance, a traffic impact study will be required from the developer. This work is currently being done by staff. Preliminary Site Plan for Stingers located SW of U.S. 19 and S.R. 60, Sec. 18-29-16, M&B 41.01 The applicant is proposing to raze the existing unoccupied gas pump island and construct a nightclub at the southeast corner of the Jersey Jim site. The site plan indicates that the requisite open space will be provided for the proposed developed area of the site and the parking requirement for the overall site is being met. Jim Polatty, Planning and Development Director, indicated the data used by the City in the adoption of its comprehensive plan and that from the County are different. The counts used by the City would indicate that U.S. 19 and S.R. 60 have a lower level of service than that indicated by the County. It was pointed out that this operation will generate traffic on the off hours rather than during the peak hours. Mr. Polatty indicated the Commission would need to determine how they wish to provide credit for previously developed properties; however, this gas station has been closed for ten years. Discussion ensued regarding proposals for redevelopment of the site, and it was indicated these plans have not materialized. It was questioned whether or not there was any rationale for limiting the access points to this site. Preliminary Site Plan - Pal Bac, S.R. 588 Commercial Development located at 2650-2684 Sunset Point Rd., Sec. 5-29-16, M&B 23.06 thru 23.12, 4.27 acres The applicant is proposing to develop a retail development on the commercially zoned property. The Planning and Development Director indicated this site plan has been under consideration for several months; however, the developers are unwilling to agree to Planning's requirement for traffic mitigation. This has been added as a condition to the site plan. Preliminary Site Plan for Plymouth Plaza, Phase II located at 2590 US19N, Sec. 30-28-16, M&B 34.01 Phase II of this development will consist of one six story office structure and one four level parking structure. In addition, 15 on grade uncovered parking spaces and a loading zone area will be constructed in the area of this site. The Planning and Development Director indicated this site plan will also carry a condition for traffic mitigation. Final Site Plan for Vision Cable additions located at 2534 Drew St., Sec. 7-29-16, M&B 44.02 The applicant is proposing to redevelop the existing site by redesigning the vehicular use areas, constructing a building and constructing a parking lot on the adjacent Florida Power Corp. easement to be used by this development. The Development Code Adjustment Board has approved the variances needed for this development. The needed parking variance was approved in order to save 26 of the 77 trees on the site, and the board found the setback variance was warranted due to the land contours and the existing location of the exacting earth station disks making it difficult to build the addition at a different location on the site. It should be noted that the developer did explore the possibility of relocating the addition with the Public Works Dept.; however, after review, it was agreed the topography of the site restricted the development to the area designated. In response to a question, it was indicated the Traffic Engineer had reviewed the access on Drew St. Preliminary Site Plan for Amoco Service Station located at the SW corner of Sunset Pt. Rd. and Hercules Ave., Pinellas Grove Subdivision, part of Lot 1 Staff originally requested this item be continued as they are still working to resolve traffic issues. The applicant is requesting the item go forward. The consultant hired by the applicant has offered opinions differing from staff's position regarding traffic impacts. It was the consensus of the Commission to place this item for consideration on the agenda for Thursday night. Ordinance No. 4912-90, revision to Section 146 of the Clearwater Code relating to Flood Protection City staff has been working to revise the City's flood protection ordinance for some time taking into consideration information from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and the State. Mike Wright, Assistant City Manager, stated the County is proposing flood plain ordinances which, at this point, the City is not in favor of. Information will be sent to the Commission regarding this. In response to a question, it was indicated the restriction of improvements to 50% of the value of a structure over the lifetime of a structure applies only to those structures on Clearwater Beach and Sand Key. All other properties will have a 50% of value improvement a year restriction. Concerns were raised regarding subparagraph (c) on page 8 still providing some discretion for the Building Official, leaving the City open to criticism of people not being treated equally. This section provides that the Building Official may require certification regarding costs of improvements. Consensus of the Commission was to remove this subsection from the ordinance. Greater Clearwater Area Strategic Transportation Plan It was indicated that other groups interested in this plan have not had a chance to review it, and it was the consensus of the Commission to continue this item to the next meeting. Establishment of Federal District Courthouse in St. Petersburg The City received a request from the St. Petersburg area Chamber of Commerce requesting a resolution in support of locating a federal district courthouse in St. Petersburg. Questions were raised regarding whether or not it had to be in St. Petersburg. Kathy Rice, Assistant City Manager, contacted Mr. George Cretekos, Assistant to Congressman Bill Young, and was told St. Petersburg was designated as an official approved site approximately 20 years ago. Commission still expressed concerns that it specified St. Petersburg and stated they wanted a resolution on the agenda for the February 15th meeting specifying that a federal district court be placed in Pinellas County. Other Commission Action Mayor Garvey questioned whether or not the Commission wished to reconsider allowing the contract with the Jaycees regarding the placement of bus benches to expire. She stated the Jaycees have been working with PSTA and they have come to an agreement that PSTA would control the placement and maintenance of those benches. Consensus of the Commission was to not have the benches removed when the contract expires on the 25th of February, and for the Jaycees to provide information for them to consider at their next work session. Commissioner Fitzgerald reported that region 7 of the Dept. of Transportation will be holding a meeting on February 26, 1990 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. to discuss putting in rules regarding managing street accesses. Discussion ensued regarding whether or not the City of Clearwater could improve its east/west flow of traffic by retrofitting accesses on such roads as Gulf-to-Bay Blvd.. It was indicated the developments along this route would have to agree to limiting the number of accesses and we would probably have to fund the necessary construction work. Commissioner Fitzgerald also reported that Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council had adopted a resolution declaring Earth Day in Tampa Bay and that they were requesting that local governments do likewise. He also reported there will be a local government comprehensive plan amendment workshop. Other City Attorney Items The City Attorney reported he will be requesting the Commission consider a settlement in the case of Mary and John Nusser v. the City. This will be placed on the agenda Thursday night. The meeting adjourned at 4:58 p.m.