07/30/1990 CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION
July 30, 1990
The City Commission of the City of Clearwater met at City Hall with the following members present:
Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner
Richard Fitzgerald Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
Lee Regulski Commissioner
William Nunamaker Commissioner
Sue A. Berfield 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 9:23 a.m. and the following items were discussed.
One Service Pin was awarded to a City employee.
Purchase general purpose paint from Havco Paints, Inc., Clearwater, FL for $13,061.60 (AS)
General purpose paint is utilized by various departments in the City and is applied to the interior and/or exterior of City facilities, furniture, swimming pools, etc.
The annual contract will allow small quantity procurement utilizing a large quantity price held firm for one year.
Two vendors, Dyco Paints and the Glidden Company, submitted lower price bids, but failed to provide statement or literature to certify that their product was equal to or better than
the paint specified.
Concerns were expressed regarding the two lower bidders being thrown out simply because they did not provide information. It was requested a letter be sent to them indicating they
did not follow the rules of procedure for the bids and that is why they were not awarded the bid.
Purchase and Delivery of Light Poles from Koppers Industries, Gainesville, FL for $15,730.00 (PR) and
Purchase and Delivery of Light Fixtures from Superior Lighting and Electric, Ft. Lauderdale, FL for $22,960.00 (PR) and
Agreement with the School Board of Pinellas County regarding Countryside High School Practice Fields (PR)
These items are being withdrawn as the School Board wishes to make amendments to the agreement which, in turn, would affect the purchases of the light poles and light fixtures.
Pinellas Trails Route through downtown Clearwater (PR)
At the City Commission meeting of June 21, 1990, two "on street" routes were presented for the segment of the Pinellas Trail through downtown Clearwater. Because of various reasons,
including resident opposition, a route was not approved. During discussion, that portion of the route on East Avenue between
Drew and Turner Streets appeared to have tentative approval. However, for the segment south of Turner Street, staff was directed to (1) investigate the ownership of the East Avenue
right of way that contains the active railroad lines and (2) to review optional routes that did not go through residential areas.
A title search was performed on the East Avenue right of way from Park Street to Jeffords Street. This search indicated that the railroad was granted, by an agreement in 1914, the
right to operate and maintain the tracks on East Avenue right of way "extending not less than 12-1/2 feet at right angles on each side of the center line of the main track of railroad".
It is determined that the railroad has claim to 25 feet of this 50 foot right of way, and believed that the County, with City approval, can construct a 10 foot bicycle path on the platted
portion of the right of way that is not controlled by C.S.X. Railroad from Turner Street to Jeffords Street. Concurrence is expected from the railroad.
Routes that do not transverse residential neighborhoods are rather limited. The nonresidential route recommended by staff takes as much advantage of the railroad right of way as possible.
Specifically, from the intersection of the abandoned railroad right of way and Jones Street, the "on street" route will go west to Garden Avenue, south to Hendricks Street and east
to East Avenue. East Avenue, from Drew Street to Turner Street, will be changed to one way vehicular traffic southbound. Parking and southbound automobile traffic will remain on the
west side of the active railroad tracks. On the east side of the tracks, northbound traffic will be removed and replaced with the two way bicycle route south to Turner Street. The
paved portion of East Avenue ends at Turner Street, but the active railroad tracks and the platted right of way continue south. Absent unforeseen developments, the route will continue
south from Turner Street via the construction of a 10 foot wide asphalt trail along the west side of the platted East Avenue right of way to Jeffords Street, running parallel to the
tracks. At Jeffords Street, the trail will go west approximately one block to the abandoned Seaboard Coastline right of way where it will turn south to Lakeview Road. The trail will
turn west with a sidewalk being constructed along the north side of the Lakeview right of way to Fort Harrison Avenue. After crossing Fort Harrison at the traffic signal, the trail
will turn south and continue on existing and new sidewalk along the west side of the Fort Harrison right of way to where it will connect with the south ending of the abandoned railroad
right of way.
Ream Wilson, Parks and Recreation Director, reviewed the history of the efforts to find a route through downtown Clearwater for the Pinellas Trails. He stated the new proposed route
does not go through any residential areas.
In response to a question regarding why the recommendation was not to continue down East Ave. past Jeffords St., Mr. Wilson indicated the desire is to get back to the abandoned railroad
right of way as quickly as possible.
A concern was expressed regarding the proposed route creating traffic on both sides of the industrial park.
Authorize construction, technical and permitting services for The Well Field Rehabilitation Project for a cost of $133,091.00 (PW)
A water well field rehabilitation and construction project was under design by consulting engineers, Briley Wild and Associates (BWA), at the time the CIty hired our new Engineer of
Record, Camp Dresser and McKee (CDM). Consequently, CDM performed a peer review of these plans as they were developed. Plans are now complete. It is recommended that CDM now take
the plans forward to perform the construction, technical, and permitting services required to build the project and place it in service. Well field development is highly specialized
work.
This project will achieve the following goals: Phase I, plugging and abandonment of seven existing wells; Phase II, rehabilitation of seven existing non-operating wells to place them
back in operation; Phase III, construct three new wells; and Phase IV, rehabilitate nine existing operating wells.
Proposed professional services broken down in four work tasks with costs as follows: permitting services - $4,200, general services - $32,105, resident project representative - $37,201,
and geophysical evaluation pump test and well field report - $59,585, for a total of $133,091.
CDM proposes to use the professional firm of Schreuder & Davis Inc. (SDI) for hydrologic consultant services and resident project representation.
Charles Hunsicker, Assistant City Manager, indicated that there are a range of possibilities for providing water to the citizens of Clearwater. He stated this proposal will look at
our existing system as the value of our water resource has declined in the past few years.
Concerns were expressed that CDM has taken over this project, although Briley Wild and Associates had done the design work. Staff indicated they felt CDM was better able to work with
the permitting agencies as they have somewhat more expertise in this area.
A question was raised regarding what the Commission was being asked to approve, and it was indicated this would provide design and permitting services.
Questions were raised regarding how much money would need to be spent in order to determine whether or not we can increase our water production, and whether or not we have analyzed
what level of production makes it economically feasible to pursue rehabilitation of the well.
Discussion ensued regarding the cost of County water and the cost for this project. The total project will cost $1.5 million if the decision is made to go forward with the rehabilitation.
This item approves an expenditure of $133,091, however, an additional $400,000 would need to be spent prior to a point of decision regarding the rehabilitation. It was indicated it
would cost $150,000 to abandon the wells and do nothing.
A question was raised regarding whether or not CDM was incorporating the design work that had been done by Briley Wild and Associates. It was indicated they are using Briley Wild's
design.
A clarification was requested regarding Commission policy, and whether or not the decision had been made to hold the City's water production at its current level and to rely more heavily
on the County. It was indicated the Water Management District had given the City its consumptive use permit with the understanding that steps would be taken in order to reduce chlorides
by 50% and to improve the water quality, and to take steps to eliminate the possibility of saltwater intrusion.
In response to questions regarding the cost, Mr. Hunsicker indicated it would always be more cost effective for the City to draw and treat its own water rather than rely on the County.
He indicated, however, that due to this being a water shortage area the Water Management District could ask the City to disconnect its water system even if we meet all the other requirements
imposed by the district.
A question was raised regarding for how much we could sell our wells to another water supplier, and the payback on investment of this project. It had been indicated that, at one point,
the Water Management District was going to only allow a consumptive use permit of three million gallons per day; and through the efforts of CDM, this was raised to six million gallons
per day.
It was also indicated the County will be shutting down one of its major lines soon, and if the City were not able to provide some of its own water, it would have a much greater impact
on the citizens.
It was indicated the City has a contract to pump ten million gallons a day. We are pumping 13 million gallons a day with this being fully understood by the County, and we are paying
our fair share for that water.
Interlocal Agreement - Del Oro Water Management project (PW)
The Southwest Florida Water Management District's Surface Water Improvement and Management (S.W.I.M.) Program has identified Tampa Bay as a priority water body for protection. Municipal
and county public works projects which are designed to treat stormwater runoff from existing development discharging to Tampa Bay are eligible for matching grant funding from the District.
A stormwater drainage system for the Del Oro Groves Subdivision on the shore of Tampa Bay was constructed in the early 1960's. Stormwater collected from the residential streets of
this subdivision are piped underground through Del Oro park with direct discharges to Tampa Bay.
If this stormwater flow could be interrupted and routed through a natural retention/ wetland system, considerable water quality treatment could take place. If property designed and
maintained, the wetland area will also have educational value for those interested in how citizens, city and state governments can work together to help protect the water quality of
Tampa Bay. The area can still be used and enjoyed by the residents as a passive park.
On September 14, 1989, the City submitted a concept application to the District for grant funding for a S.W.I.M project in Del Oro Groves park in competition with 36 other projects
submitted from the immediate Tampa Bay area. The City of Clearwater's conceptual proposal was selected, along with 16 other projects, by the District for grant assistance. An interlocal
agreement between the Water Management District and the City of Clearwater is required to begin the actual design of the concept described by the City. In the interlocal agreement,
the District agrees to pay $220,000 towards the design and construction of the project. The City would agree to provide a $25,000 cash contribution with additional in-kind services
of construction management and maintenance of the project.
The agreement provides for City participation in the review of the design of the project. The City shall also be allowed to approve any final design prior to the District's consultant
applying for permits or advertising for bids for construction of the project. This City latitude to make a "go/no go" decision following the completion of design is important to ensure
that the project has an outstanding chance for success as a natural treatment site, has a reasonable long-term maintenance requirement which the City can manage, and is compatible with
the existing passive recreational uses in this open space area.
In conjunction with the District's S.W.I.M grant program, Tampa Bay has been designated by the EPA as an estuary of national significance and increased studies over the next five years
will be made of the impacts of stormwater runoff and other non-point sources of pollution upon Tampa Bay. Following this five year period of federal, state, and local sponsored research,
there may be increased emphasis from the regulatory arm of EPA and DER for the treatment of existing stormwater discharges to Tampa Bay wherever possible. This potential regulatory
program will come on the heels of another existing regulatory program directed by DER and EPA for BPDES water quality performance permitting of stormwater outfalls for cities of 100,000
and greater, effective in 1992/93. The combined impact of these two state and federal programs foreshadows the possibility of regulatory requirements for stormwater retrofit work of
the type conceived in Clearwater's grant application.
While stormwater runoff pollution from the Del Oro Groves coastal drainage basin does not have the same magnitude of impact upon Upper Tampa Bay when compared to much larger drainage
basins in the City of Clearwater, such as Alligator Creek, it is one of the few sites under City ownership where stormwater treatment retrofit projects for Tampa Bay can be constructed.
The District also recognizes the demonstration value that the Del Oro groves proposal can have as a water quality
and educational project because of its manageable proportions. If the project is not implemented by the District and the City under the general guidelines of this voluntary grant program
and interlocal agreement, the City will see no immediate consequence. However, in a future regulatory climate, the City may one day return to this property to construct a stormwater
retrofit project as a regulatory requirement without the assistance from grant sources.
Staff believes this is highly advantageous and cost effective to enter into the interlocal agreement between the District and the CIty, with the proper "go/no go" decision authority
reserved to the City Commission following completion of the design stage of the project.
The City Manager indicated the City will still be in control of this project and can cease efforts on this project if at any time it is determined to be desirable.
Mike Perry, with the S.W.I.M. program, was introduced.
In response to a question regarding whether or not the retention ponds could be used for irrigation, Charles Hunsicker, Assistant City Manager, indicated that because of the scale of
the project this would not be feasible as it would draw the water table down too low.
Discussion ensued regarding the purpose for the project. Mr. Hunsicker indicated this would be an educational system and the City will have to maintain it. He displayed some conceptual
drawings and indicated many of the questions could not be answered until we go into the design process.
Concerns were expressed regarding amenities, such as gazebos and boardwalks being provided by this project, and how the City would say no to these types of amenities in future projects.
In response to a question regarding whether or not at some point the Commission could cease the project, Mike Perry indicated this would be allowed.
Concerns were also expressed regarding the name of the park as there is already a Del Oro Park.
Republication of the City Code by Municipal Code Corporation (MCC), Tallahassee, FL for $23,750.00 (CLK)
Citizen and staff using the City Code have complained regarding: difficulty in locating items, conflicts due to an item being addressed in more than one section of the code and an inadequate
index. City staff has discussed these concerns with the MCC, the company that provides code services to the City, and a proposal has been developed for republication of the Code. The
code has not been subject to an in-depth review or reformatted since 1980.
The republication will be beneficial in providing a more user friendly code, identifying conflicts and inconsistencies, reducing the volume of the code and privatizing the subscription
service.
A question was raised regarding whether or not the City would ever have the code on computer and make changes to the code itself. The City Clerk indicated it is not advisable for the
City to codify the code itself; however, this code will be on disk and downloaded into the computer. It is hoped this would eliminate the need for hard copies throughout the City.
(Cont. from 7/19/90) Declare surplus part of Sec. 19-27-17 & part of Tracts 3-6&12, Hillsborough County (66.2 acres mol) for the purpose of exchanging for Island Estates Unit 5, Blk
D, Lot 7; both parcels having been appraised at a value of $430,000.00 each (Windward Reflections Inc./Rex Harper) (CM)
Mike Wright, Assistant City Manager, stated this item will need to be continued again as Mr. Harper is now looking at a different piece of property to be taken from the City owned property
in Hillsborough.
It was indicated new appraisals would need to be done.
The City Clerk recommended this item be withdrawn rather than continued as a new public hearing would have to be advertised with a new legal description.
It was indicated that Mr. Harper should pay more of the appraisal cost as it is because of his change that new appraisals will be needed.
In response to a question, it was indicated the swap is being proposed for the City to obtain property on Island Estates which could be used for a marina in the future. Concern was
expressed regarding whether or not the homeowners on Island Estates were aware of this proposal.
It was also questioned whether or not the City has looked at the possibility of using some of the Hillsborough property as a water source. It was indicated because the property has
been used for sludge disposal, there is little interest in using it for this purpose.
Public Hearing regarding Biannual Amendments to Comprehensive Plan (PLD)
The City processes amendments to the Comprehensive Plan in June and December. Submittal must be made to the Florida Department of Community Affairs on or before August 31, 1990 to
meet State agency processing deadlines.
The proposed amendments were reviewed at public hearing by the Planning and Zoning Board at its meeting of July 17, 1990 and are scheduled for a second public hearing on July 31, 1990.
Final recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Board will be presented verbally at the August 2nd Commission meeting.
Jim Polatty, Planning and Development Director, indicated that at the Planning and Zoning Board public hearing there were no public comments. He indicated that amendment #16 regarding
the City accepting the Countywide land use plan will be amended and alternative language will be provided.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed interlocal agreement for the planning district with the County. It was explained there are three plans - the City's plan, the County's plan
and the Countywide plan. The City wishes to recognize the Countywide plan, whereas the County is asking for recognition of the County plan, in the interlocal agreement. This is still
being worked on.
A concern was expressed regarding amendment #10 which shows Clearwater Pass Bridge to be constructed in 93/94. It was indicated the State has recently moved up this construction one
year. This will be amended to reflect the State's amendments.
A question was raised regarding whether or not the language for amendment #1, regarding protecting the bayfront, could be made stronger. It was indicated staff had some difficulties
in providing language for this as there were many zoning categories existing along the bayfront. Discussion ensued regarding what portion of the bayfront should be protected, and it
was indicated that the Commission only wished to protect that portion of the bluff between Drew St. and Pierce St. It was requested this be amended to indicate that that is the protected
area and they will be protected by enforcing existing protections in the charter.
The meeting recessed from 10:57 to 11:06 a.m.
Land Use Plan Amendment to Public/Semi-Public and a Zoning Amendment to P/SP for two parcels (.4 acres), the first located at the SW corner of Woodlawn St. and Prospect Ave. and the
second located at 1516 Prospect Ave.; Belmont 2nd Add., Blk C, Lots 1-4 and 8-10 (Woodlawn Church of God) Z90-04, LUP90-13 (PLD)
The church is making the request to permit the conversion of the residences into ancillary church uses (i.e. sunday schools, fellowship halls, etc.). The church had originally applied
for a conditional use permit on the subject parcels for noncommercial parking in a residential district. Because the conditional use will not permit church uses on residentially zoned
property, the owners were advised that requesting rezoning of the property to Public?Semi-Public would be the most appropriate way to make the anticipated use of the site conform to
City regulations.
The properties are each presently developed with a single family residence.
The Planning and Development Director indicated the church is trying to buy the single family parcel which lies between the two parcels which are the subject of this application. They
have not been successful to this point.
Land Development Code Amendments Required by the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan (PLD)
The City of Clearwater Comprehensive Plan established a number of Land Development Code amendments for Commission consideration. Staff has identified twenty specific required amendments
set out in the Plan.
This first phase consists of twelve code amendments required by the Comprehensive Plan, and two other code amendments directly related to the Plan. These amendments are the product
of staff efforts and the work of two consulting firms, Taub & Williams and Wade-Trim, retained by staff to assist in the preparation of a number of Land Development Code amendments,
including several of these in this first phase.
Following is a summary description of those amendments:
A. Transfer of Development Rights - forward policies of the Comprehensive Plan by establishing review criteria for transfers of development rights, as well as promoting the use of the
transfer of development rights concept by permitting variances to be considered when transfers are used.
B. AL/I Vegetative Buffers - establishes a requirement for maintenance of
vegetative buffers along the borders of Aquatic Lands - Interior zoning districts to promote improved water quality.
C. Redevelopment of Barrier Islands - establish density rights for nonconforming land uses on barrier islands, consistent with the requirements of the Comprehensive Plan.
D. Community Character in Conditional Uses - permits the consideration of "community character" in the issuance of conditional use permits, consistent with Comprehensive Plan requirements.
E. Marina Siting Standards - The specific conditional use permit standards for marina approval are strengthened in accordance with the requirements of several Comprehensive Plan policies.
F. Nuisance Uses - the initial step in a comprehensive revision of City nuisance codes.
G. Landscaping Standards/Native Vegetation - clarify and consolidate street right of way, buffer, perimeter and interior landscaping standards, as well as providing for the increased
use of native vegetation in meeting landscaping requirements.
H. Utility Stations and Substations - Specific conditional use permit requirements are established for the construction of utility stations and substations in City zoning districts in
accordance with Comprehensive Plan requirements and State law.
I. Historic Preservation Ordinance - establishes a framework that will allow the City's historic structures and neighborhoods to be better protected and preserved.
J. Wellhead Protection Ordinance - provides specific land use and other regulatory requirements necessary to protect public well-sites within the city limits from possible pollutants
and contaminants. (NOTE: This item has been held back for some final revisions. It is anticipated to be brought to the Commission for receipt and referral on August 16, 1990.)
K. Net Density - modifying the definition of "net density" has been recommended in the "Healey Report" as a way to simplify the City's land development regulations.
L. Post-Disaster Redevelopment Variances - Consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, post-disaster variances to dimensional requirements are not to be permitted unless other hardships
exist.
M. Bayshore Blvd. as a Scenic Corridor - strengthen an earlier Commission resolution that established Bayshore Blvd. as a scenic corridor.
N. Development Densities Seaward of the CCCL - prohibits the assignment of density to properties seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line in accordance with Plan policies.
The Planning and Development Director explained these amendments are necessary to the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan.
He stated amendment J, regarding wellhead protection, has been held back and will be before the Commission for receipt and referral at the next meeting. Plans are to have them all
go to public hearing at the same time.
He requested direction regarding amendment K, which addresses net densities. Staff is proposing to change the method in which density is calculated, changing from net acreage to gross
acreage. It was indicated this will simplify the calculation process. Concerns were expressed regarding this increasing densities somewhat. It was then explained that the PPC (Pinellas
Planning Council) is also considering amendments which would in turn reduce densities, i.e. an RM-8 which currently allows 8 units per acre would allow 7.5 units per acre. It was indicated
these amendments would result in densities being about what they are
today. Consensus of the Commission was to place amendment K on hold until such time that the PPC takes action.
Concern was expressed regarding a proposed amendment which would liberalize the ability to obtain a variance when there is a transfer of density involved in development of a property.
It was indicated that, currently, there are no provisions for variances with the transfer. Discussion ensued regarding this proposal; and concerns were expressed that when transfer
of development rights were established, it was the intent of the Commission that no variances be allowed with them. It was the consensus of the Commission to delete section 2 of the
proposed amendments regarding transfer of development rights which would provide for variances.
The Planning and Development Director indicated staff would be requesting amendments to the ordinances regarding planned developments as more guidance is needed regarding these type
projects.
Discussion ensued regarding proposed landscape standards, and it was indicated that staff is attempting to beef up standards for landscaping along streets. Concerns were expressed
that standards need to be set regarding the pruning of trees so that canopies are not destroyed. Concern was expressed regarding the wording of C1 of the proposal regarding landscaping.
Staff will review this language and make sure it is correct. Concerns were expressed regarding the need for inspection of landscaping as required landscaping is being allowed to die.
The Planning and Development Director indicated this is being worked on.
Rezoning and Master RPD 22.3 Site Plan - Post Harbour, Wm. Brown Sub., Lots 10-12 and Bay Heights, part of Lots 1-8 (Z90-06) (PLD)
The applicant is requesting approval of a residential planned development for 216 multiple family units to be constructed on 10.544 acre site, currently zoned RM-28 (3.955 acres) and
RM-16 (6.589 acres). In order to encourage the protection of valuable environmental and open space areas on the site and allow the transfer
of development rights across the land use classification and zoning district boundary lines, the transfer of development rights is being requested. The rezoning is also being requested
for the same reason and to accommodate a juxtapositioning of buildings with some exceptional setbacks or separation distances.
The Planning and Development Director indicated that, due to Commission's previous decision under PLD4 regarding net density, this project will now only be allowed to develop to 199
units and not 216.
He emphasized that the Urban Forester does have concerns regarding trees on this site as there are ten specimens of trees that would have to be removed, and ten whose survival is questionable
under the current development plans. It was also indicated there are unique soils on the site which cause the underground to be unstable and would have to be removed, which also endangers
the trees.
The Planning and Development Director indicated that Post Harbour has endeavored to protect trees; however, buildings 1, 2 and 3 should be moved in order to protect them. It was also
indicated that a 25 foot wide landscape buffer is being requested by staff in an area where the developer proposes to install a boardwalk. It was indicated the developer is proposing
to develop an approximate 1/2 acre City park at the end of the undeveloped Thornton St. right of way. It was also indicated if this was approved, it would go toward the open space and
recreation impact fee requirements for this development.
Concerns were expressed that the site plan as presented was confusing, and it was requested that some color coding and better indications be made on the plan.
The Planning and Development Director indicated there is a concurrency problem regarding Gulf to Bay Blvd. in that the plan meets requirements based on DOT's (Department of Transportation)
proposed improvements to S.R. 60. If DOT continues to push back these improvements, it would cause difficulties for this development.
Preliminary Site Plan for Island Estates Dry Storage Marina (1.1 acres m.o.l.) (Addition/Renovations) located at 271 Windward Passage, Island Estates Unit 5, Blk C, Lots 6, 7 & 8 (Neuhaus/Gaylor
PSP90-11) (PLD)
The applicant is proposing to modify the existing high dry storage structure by raising the roof to add two additional levels of boats to the existing one level and, thereby, increase
storage to a total storage of 126 boats., According to the developer's architect, the height of the structure will meet the 50 foot maximum height restriction of the CG District for
which the property is zoned. The applicant proposes to redevelop the east side of the site, which was previously used for outdoor service, and the south side of the site into parking
areas to provide parking for the additional boat storage. These parking areas must be landscaped in accordance with code requirements. There will be two accesses to the site, one directly
off Windward Passage and one off Windward Passage via an existing City owned parking area. The Traffic Engineer is recommending that the affected portion of the City owned parking area/easement
be shown on the site plan for determination that the new parking area will be consistent with the existing parking lot.
The roof addition requires approval of setback variances as the existing structure does not conform to current minimum requirements in the CG district. Also, the expansion of the marina
(storage) facility requires conditional use approval.
The Traffic Engineer has determined that a traffic impact study is not necessary as it has been determined that the traffic impact will be negligible.
Concerns were expressed regarding the lack of parking on this site as under the current code they are only required to provide parking for their expanded use. This site currently has
no parking.
It was indicated they will be required to meet landscape requirements; and that the Planning and Zoning Board granted the conditional use for this development conditioned on City Commission
approval of the site plan.
In response to a question regarding whether or not the condominium owners were notified, it was indicated they had been.
Property Exchange Between Clearwater Christian College, City of Clearwater and Pinellas County - Cooper's Point Area (PLD)
Clearwater Christian College owns approximately 22 acres of property designated as Parcel 2. This property contains approximately 20 acres of wetlands and two acres of uplands. Due
to environmental constraints, the upland areas may not be developable for the College's purposes.
The City is presently in a dispute with the County as to the appropriate land use designation for the upland portions of the college-owned property. The property is designated as open
space on the countywide land use plan. The City has the upland property currently designated
It was indicated staff is seeking approval to initiate negotiations for an agreement.
The City Attorney indicated it is his understanding that baseball fields and accessory buildings to those fields are being proposed on the property in question.
Concerns were expressed regarding access problems to Cooper's Point. it was indicated there could be conditions in the deed which would address use of the property and the access.
Consensus of the Commission was to add the limitations noted by the City Attorney to this authorization.
Verbal Reports
The City Manager requested the Commission schedule a special closed session regarding union negotiations for August 16, 1990 at 5:00 p.m. Commission consensus was to set this meeting.
The City Manager reported the Fire Department is offering CPR training, and if any Commissioners wish to attend to let his office know.
The City Manager left the meeting at 12:10 p.m.
Other Commission Action
Mayor Garvey questioned what staff is doing regarding the pizza signs that are cropping up due to the "pizza wars". The Planning and Development Director indicated staff has been working
with the pizza companies, and it may be necessary to take them to the Code Enforcement Board.
Concerns were also expressed regarding old trucks and cars being used for advertising. The Planning and Development Director indicated this is a violation and they will be cited.
The Planning and Development Director reported on the "sign days" program. This program involves three departments in which three cars go out and remove illegal signs found in rights
of ways. He stated this is being done twice monthly which will eventually go to a monthly operation.
A question was raised regarding the status of the Lokey Motors violations, and the Planning and Development Director indicated they are being cited for parking in non-designated parking
areas.
Commissioner Berfield reported on an overgrown and unsightly lot at the northeast corner of Fort Harrison Ave. and Drew St.
Commissioner Fitzgerald reported that the parking lot at the new Office Depot on US 19 is being used as a place to display cars for sale. The Planning and Development Director indicated
the inspectors have been working with this and they will go out and cite them again.
The Mayor indicated she felt the letter from Mr. Anderson, regarding the uniform stormwater utility fee not being a fair distribution of cost, should be considered.
She requested that in the legislative package the State Legislature be asked to address provisions that allow individuals to declare themselves a church and, therefore, tax exempt.
She also questioned whether or not the Commission could stop sign variances due to the fact that the October, 1992 amortization is getting close. Discussion ensued regarding how to
do this, and the City Attorney will research the possibilities.
She also questioned whether or not the Commission needed to take action regarding the convenience store security act in that cities must set criteria in an area in which it is a problem.
Assistant City Manager Mike Wright indicated this will be looked at.
The Mayor questioned the impact of the new state legislation regarding commercial driver's license. Assistant City Manager Kathy Rice indicated this is in response to a Federal law,
and the City of Clearwater has a 97% pass rate for its drivers. The individuals having problems with passing the test, either comprehension or physical problems, have until 1992 to
pass the test; and staff is negotiating in the contracts what will happen for those individuals who are unable to pass the test.
The Mayor expressed concerns regarding the State Legislature passing a law which controls how much a city can charge for copies. She also expressed concerns that a bill would be passed
that seems to address a specific situation in that a parking facility is allowed to exceed the height limitation by somewhat over one foot.
Commissioner Berfield indicated she has received a letter from an individual requesting to be allowed to speak longer than three minutes under Citizens to be Heard Thursday night.
Consensus of the Commission was to enforce this three minute rule.
The meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m.