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04/15/1991 CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION April 15, 1991 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 Sue Berfield Commissioner Lee Regulski Commissioner William Nunamaker Commissioner Also present: Michael J. Wright City Manager M.A. Galbraith, Jr. City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk The meeting was called to order at 10:30 a.m. Declare vehicle and equipment surplus to City needs and authorize sale to the highest bidder at Public Auction (GS) Due to the purchase of replacement items, vehicles and equipment have accumulated at the Fleet Maintenance facility on Grand Avenue. Former auctions have shown that disposing of surplus vehicles and equipment in this manner more accurately reflects the true market value of said equipment, therefore, a Public Auction provides a higher net return to the City. Bids will be solicited for a professional auctioneer to handle the sale and advertisement of the surplus vehicles and equipment. The sales expenses will be deducted from the gross sales income. Much of the surplus items have a residual commercial value. Commercial buyers, recognizing this value, are accustomed to purchasing at competitive Public Auctions. A Public Auction also provides the general public with access to City surplus vehicles and equipment whereas the public might not have the opportunity to bid in a sealed-bid or trade-in situation. In response to a question, Floyd Carter, General Services Director, indicated the auctions are usually held once a year, however, it has been a year and a half since the last one. Parks & Recreation Board's recommendation to name the new minipark on Cleveland Street "Station Square Park" (P&R) The new minipark at 612 Cleveland Street is nearly completed. The Community Development Agency (CRA) provided the monies for construction. Staff recommends selecting a name and installing a sign to clearly identify the site as a "public park." To assist in the name selection, staff contacted Mike Sanders, Chairman of the Clearwater Historic Preservation Board, for information regarding the site's history. According to Mr. Sanders, a railroad depot was first constructed on the site in 1888. The railroad used the property for a rail station until the early 1970's when the City purchased it and developed it with a parking lot. Based on the information provided by the Clearwater Historic Preservation Board, the Parks & Recreation Board is recommending the name, "Station Square Park." Mayor Garvey recommended adding Cleveland Street to the name and suggested the Historical Society could put plaques in the park regarding historical families. Commissioner Regulski felt it would be appropriate to include a plaque indicating the reason behind the park's name. Ream Wilson, Parks & Recreation Director, indicated staff was considering a 10 - 15 foot sign inside the park's perimeter. He noted a planter could be constructed with the park's name on the front side and the history of the site on the other. Consensus of the Commission was to add this item to Thursday night's agenda with the appropriate resolution establishing the park's name. One-year annual contract to purchase double detector check valve assemblies from Davis Meter & Supply Co., at a total estimated cost of $61,638 (PW) This item was pulled. Rehabilitation of Pump Station No. 42 to Wharton Smith, Inc., Lake Monroe, FL, for $253,200 (PW) Pump Station No. 42, on City property near the Northeast Pollution Control Facility adjacent to McMullen Booth Road, serves most of the Countryside area. The submersible pump station is approximately 16 years old and requires major rehabilitation because of corrosion of the pumps and piping. Project work consists of removing three existing submersible sewage pumps and replacing them with larger pumps with variable frequency drive controls; removal and replacement of corroded piping in the pump station; pump station modifications; and construction of a utility building with an air conditioned electrical room, engine generator set, and pertinent electrical facilities. Ten bids were received. Briley, Wild and Associates recommends the Contract be awarded to Wharton Smith, Inc. In response to a question, it was indicated there are 70 pump stations throughout the City. CO #8 to the contract for the Marshall Street Advanced Pollution Control Facility Project, adjusting the total contract amount to $17,328,600 and amending the project budget to $18,350,000 (PW) The purpose of this Change Order (CO) is to compensate the contractor for the revisions he was directed to perform. Had they not been done immediately, the completed CO Items could have caused a delay in the project's completion. The available balance in project 343-6626, Marshall Street AWT Plant, for this CO is $266,178.97, and the project budget is $18 million. The mid year budget review will include an amendment to increase the project budget by $350,000 to $18,350,000. Interest earnings on the bond issue will provide the additional funds for the CO. Additional Engineering fees for consulting services, inspection and operating manuals, and payment for the remainder of CO items completed earlier in construction and will be billed on the final CO. The items for this Change Order (CO) are as follows: Item A) To provide additional electrical reliability and reduce electrical energy costs at the Marshall Street Advanced Pollution Control Facility, the City recommends the installation of two additional 600 KW Standard generator units, two steel, 1,500 gallon fuel storage tanks, and all required appurtances for a cost of $422,856; Item B) Install floor drain at grit snail and effluent pump station dumpster for a cost of $3,625; Item C) Provide additional piping and modifications to reduce grit build up on the grit teacup system for a cost of $2,178; and Item D) Install fiberglass grating with aluminum supports at self contained weir gates at Aeration Reactors #4 through #13 for a cost of $6,376, for a total increase of $435,035. Regarding Item A, Bill Baker, Public Works Director, reiterated the City can save on its energy costs by installing these components. A question was raised if the plants could be fueled by gas. Mr. Baker indicated this was not the way to go. A question was raised regarding contamination from locating the tanks in the ground. The City Manager indicated additional information will be provided to the Commission. Mr. Baker stated he would provide information validating that gas is not the proper fueling component. Questions were raised regarding whether contingency funds had been expended and how close the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Project was to completion. Mr. Baker indicated the plants have been online for some time. Staff continues to clean and tweak the systems and adapt the plants to the new sludge rules. He stated staff hoped to complete it within the original $50 million budget. However, this will be tight. Concerns were raised regarding the payback period for the placement of the underground tanks. Suggestions were also expressed regarding placing the tanks above ground to reduce the possibility of contamination. All of this information will be provided to the Commission. Public Hearing/receive public comment relating to traffic recommendations contained in the Clearwater Beach Traffic Study report prepared by Wade-Trim, Inc., establish date for public information meeting to display details of the plan and receive further public input (PW) The City hired Wade-Trim, Inc., a firm specializing in traffic engineering, to study and prepare recommendations to improve traffic flow and reduce/eliminate the number of Police Aides required for traffic control during peak periods on Clearwater Beach. Wade-Trim reviewed the conditions and recommended altering traffic circulation, pedestrian facilities, and supplementing the informational sign system. The study proposes: 1) Implement a one-way pair street system between Coronado Drive and South Gulfview Boulevard and Hamden Drive and South Gulfview Boulevard, following one of three alternates, listed A, B, or C; 2) Install and/or add to the existing informational sign system; and 3) Remove and eliminate the existing sidewalk and on-street parking along the west side of South Gulfview Boulevard and relocate pedestrian traffic to the west side of beach parking. The study provides detail on how each of the recommendations would be accomplished. Wade-Trim, in addition to an on-site review of the traffic problem, has met with the Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force and the Police Department to receive their ideas and input concerning traffic solutions. Staff recommends a public notification procedure similar to the one used by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for information on the Clearwater Pass Bridge, be used to advise the public of details of the engineering proposal and to record public comment. Comments received would be summarized and a final recommendation submitted to the City Commission for consideration. Streets involved in the traffic circulation pattern are the responsibility of three jurisdictions: FDOT is responsible for Memorial Causeway (SR 60) west to its intersection with Mandalay Avenue; Pinellas County has jurisdiction over South Gulfview Boulevard from Coronado Drive to the Clearwater Pass Bridge; and Clearwater is responsible for the other streets. Mr. Baker indicated the purpose of this public hearing is to receive public input. A decision regarding the recommendations will be requested at a later date. Status report from Post, Buckley, Schuh and Jernigan, Inc. regarding proposed street alignment of Myrtle Avenue (PW) On September 6, 1990, the City contracted with Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan (PBS&J), Tampa, FL, to perform an alignment study/design of Myrtle Avenue. The engineer was to evaluate three alternatives: 1) a no-build alternative; 2) intersection improvements on Lakeview Road; and 3) a maximum of two new alignments extending Myrtle Avenue southward from Lakeview Road to Clearwater-Largo Road. The interim verbal report will discuss the alignment choices and estimated project cost. As the project has developed, it appears the best alignment choice will require a railroad overpass structure which will greatly impact the project's cost. Presently, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) funding is not available for the project. Cecil Henderson, Assistant Public Works Director, indicated staff and consultants have reviewed the roadway's location. He stated there is $2 million in the Penny for Pinellas funding and no Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) funding available for this project. Jim Kennedy of Post, Buckley, Schuh and Jernigan indicated this project addresses 0.9 mile of complicated roadway. Dan Kelly, also of Post, Buckley, stated three alignments were considered. One "at grade" alignment would result in too much impact on local neighborhoods. The other "at grade" alignment considered would provide a dangerous curve situation. Therefore, the firm recommended the third alignment of an overpass over the railroad. Concerns were expressed regarding the intersection of Myrtle Street at S Ft. Harrison Avenue already being difficult. It was agreed this intersection would require signalization. Building a bridge over the railroad will add to the cost. The project is estimated to cost $7 million without the bridge, and $8.5 - $9 million with the bridge. The City Manager indicated he is recommending the project be put on hold until staff can identify additional funding. Bill Baker, Public Works Director, indicated another study regarding the Alternate US19 corridor may effect the Myrtle Street alignment. He stated the current project is more expensive and complicated than was originally anticipated. A question was raised if funding would be forthcoming if Myrtle is designated as a part of the Alternate US19 corridor. It was indicated this was one of the complexities of the issue. The City Manager stated he will bring forward a budget amendment regarding the Penny for Pinellas projects. A question was raised regarding when a recommendation for the Alternate US19 alignment would be forthcoming. Mr. Henderson indicated staff anticipates a recommendation within a month or two. He stated Post Buckley's contract regarding this project will be closed out. It was the consensus of the Commission to place this item on the Consent Agenda, to accept the report, and to put the project on hold. Aunt Esther Inn parking request Bill Baker reported George Athens, representing the Aunt Esther Inn, has requested the City install parking spaces on Hamden Drive. He indicated the City had offered to build parking spaces in the past. Only one establishment, the Sea Cove, took advantage of the City's offer and the City built them four parking spaces. Clearwater has a license agreement with the Sea Cove to use the spaces located in the City right-of-way. The Aunt Esther Inn is now requesting the City to construct parking spaces for them. Mr. Baker indicated four or five spaces could be constructed and leased to Aunt Esther Inn for $15 a month. Construction costs would be recovered within three years. The City Manager indicated the license agreement would contain a 30-day cancellation clause. He stated these parking spaces are being constructed for the convenience of the Hotels in that area and this has been done once before. He questioned if the Commission wished to continue the practice. Discussion ensued regarding whether or not this Commission still agreed with the philosophy of allowing the use of the City's right-of-way for this purpose. The Commission requested further research be done regarding the impact of continuing the practice and that discussion be scheduled for a future meeting. Hillsborough Land Swap (CM) City staff has negotiated for several months to exchange a parcel of land in Hillsborough County, the Sludge Farm, for a parcel of land on Island Estates. The Commission agreed to make a swap of land with Rex Harper, representing Windward Reflection's, Inc., whereby the City would acquire the property at 205 Windward Passage for approximately 57.33 acres of Hillsborough County land. Mr. Harper has expressed interest in acquiring a total of 250 acres. The 57.33 acre swap will allow the City to acquire its desired upland Marina site without cash. Mr. Harper is interested in the 57.33 acres only if he can acquire the adjoining 193 acres for future development. The City desires to retain ownership of the 193 acres for at least two more years for sludge disposal and ease in maintaining the City's Department of Environmental Regulation sludge disposal permits. Consultation with the City Engineer, Public Works Department, and Consulting Engineer (Briley-Wild) indicate no adverse affect to the sludge farm operation if the 57.33 acre parcel is sold. By retaining ownership of the 193 acres for at least two more years, the City can continue to spread sludge on the land in accordance with existing permits. The 57.33 acre site, with significant road frontages, has an appraised value of $430,000, or $7,500 per acre. The entire 250 acre tract has an appraised value of $5,900 per acre, or $1,475,000. The City Manager reiterated that an even swap of land value was being proposed at this time with an option requested by Windward Reflections to purchase the remaining property in 2 to 2.5 years. Questions were raised regarding what would happen at the end of that time if the City still needed the property for sludge disposal. The City Manager indicated time limitations are in place regarding the use of land for sludge disposal and, at that point, the land will be reaching its saturation point. He stated City staff would be coming forward with a recommendation for a different sludge processing procedure that does not require the same sludge disposal property. It was requested that a clause regarding there being a warrant, there would be no moratoriums, be deleted from the document. (Cont'd from 04/04/91) Public Hearing & First Reading Ords. #5068-91 & #5069-91 - Land Use Plan Amendment to Industrial and IL Zoning for a parcel located on the S side of Lakeview Rd., between the Seaboard Coastline Railroad and the S Myrtle Avenue intersection, Lake Belleview Addn., Blk 2, Lots 17-27 (Rehm LUP90-21, Z90-09) (PL&D) The request is for a Land Use Plan amendment from Commercial/Tourist Facilities to Industrial and a zoning amendment from CN (Neighborhood Commercial) to IL (Light Industrial). The property is presently developed with two buildings and a portion of a third building. Building #1 is on lots 17 through 22, Building #2 is on lots 23 and 24, and Building #3 is located partially on lots 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and the vacated right-of-way of First Avenue. Lots 28, 29, 30 (including a portion of Building No. 3) and the vacated right-of-way for First Ave. are already Zoned IL and carry a Land Use Plan designation of Industrial. Existing uses in Building #1 are offices, a skin care center and counseling services, Building #2 is a candy factory and Building #3 is used to sell used retail equipment and supplies (Liquidation Enterprises). Prior to the adoption of the new Land Development Code (LDC) in 1985, the parcels subject of this request were zoned General Commercial. The City owns the vacant land east and south and proposes to use it as right-of-way for the Myrtle Avenue extension. At the November 15, 1991 meeting, the Commission authorized a study to determine the proposed extension's precise configuration. The extension will be a five-lane, urban section roadway. It appears the extension will not affect, or will only minimally affect, the subject property. The study authorized by the Commission, is behind schedule and has not been completed. At its March 5, 1991 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval of the request to change the zoning and Land Use Plan designation to industrial classification by a vote of 5 to 1. They also recommended that staff amend the Land Development Code to provide a low intensity industrial district and to include this property in this proposed zoning district, changing the Zoning Atlas accordingly. The applicant has indicated his willingness to accept a less intense zoning classification once one can be developed. If the Myrtle Avenue extension is completed, it will serve as a logical terminus for the requested IL Zoning and Industrial Land use designation. The road will separate the subject property from residential areas to the east. However, if Myrtle Avenue were not to be extended, staff's recommendation still would be to rezone the property since the limited office zoning to the subject property's east side serves as an adequate transition between "light" industrial district as suggested by the Planning and Zoning Board and would minimize transitional land use impacts. Staff intends to prepare a code amendment incorporating such a classification for Commission consideration as a receipt and referral item at the June 6, 1991 Commission meeting; however, since no such classification currently exists, staff recommends proceeding with the present Land Use Plan amendment request in fairness to the applicant. If such a zoning classification is adopted, the rezoning request can be processed. The warehouse on lots 17, 18 and 19, Blk. 4, Lake Belleview Sub., south of the subject property is in the RM-8 (Multiple Family Residential) Zone and designated Low Density Residential on the Land Use Plan. The residence located on lots 14, 15 and 16, Blk. 4, is directly south of this warehouse. No matter what configuration the proposed roadway extension takes, this will become an isolated use. Therefore, if the subject request is granted, it is recommended that whatever property remains in this area (bounded by the railroad, Lakeview Avenue, the Myrtle Avenue extension and the City owned property to the south) should ultimately be rezoned and the Land Use Plan amended to reflect the total parcel in Industrial designations. Jim Polatty, Planning & Development Director, reiterated the recommendation has three parts: 1) to approve the industrial land use plan amendment; 2) to direct staff to prepare a low intensity industrial zoning district classification; and 3) to refer the industrial zoning amendment to the Planning & Zoning Board for consideration as a new low intensity industrial zoning district. Mr. Polatty also pointed out that based on a previous consensus at this meeting regarding Myrtle Avenue, Myrtle Avenue no longer impacts on this item. He stated the new district will be proposed as a low intense City industrial use. He stated staff recommends proceeding with the land use plan amendment in order to show good faith. Questions were raised regarding what other properties would be effected by the category. It was indicated the new category would possibly be applicable to other properties. The City Attorney questioned what was to be gained by passing the land use plan ordinance. Jim Polatty again stated it would show a good faith effort and would begin the Pinellas Planning Council process. Mr. Polatty indicated the applicant wishes to move offices into the facility at this time. In response to a question, it was indicated it would take three to four months to complete the Pinellas Planning Council process. (Cont'd from 04/04/91) Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #5087-91 LDCTA - amending Sec. 136.016, Code of Ordinances, relating to fences and walls (PL&D) This item was continued from the April 4, 1991 Commission meeting to revise the ordinance based on Board and staff comments. On March 14, 1991, the Planning and Zoning Board (P&Z) unanimously recommended approval of the original ordinance. On March 28, the Development Code Adjustment Board (DCAB) considered the original ordinance and recommended approval subject to the following changes: 1) Hedges should not be regulated (since hedges are not structures that receive permits, determining whether the hedge was planted before or after adoption of the ordinance is impossible.); 2) With regard to the proposed 50 foot setback for fences taller than 30 inches in the waterfront setback areas, the Board recommended deletion of these proposed restrictions; 3) The Board recommended that walls not be allowed to exceed 30 inches when they surround pools in waterfront and street setback areas, and that any fences permitted to attain a 42 inch height should be non-opaque; and 4) The Board recommended allowing a six foot tall fence within the right-of-way setback from which the property is not addressed only for interior double frontage lots in single family residential zoning districts. The original version of this ordinance anticipated applying height and setback standards to hedges, as well as fences and walls. However, practical difficulties in enforcing regulations concerning hedges have caused staff to revise the ordinance to delete the proposed restrictions on hedges. Since hedges do not receive permits, it is extremely difficult to distinguish illegal hedges from nonconforming ones and to monitor hedge growth after it is planted in a conforming manner. Staff has reduced the proposed setback restrictions for fences and walls on waterfront property from 50 to 25 feet. As has been discussed in Commission work sessions, the practical effect of this proposal will increase the setback requirement from 10 to 25 feet in single family residential districts only; currently, fences on multi-family and nonresidential properties are not permitted to exceed 30 inches in height within 25 feet of Clearwater Harbor or within 50 feet of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. This provision will promote "panoramic" views of the water from adjoining properties rather than "corridor like" views. The next revision to the original ordinance involves allowing only nonopaque fences to surround swimming pools when the pools are in waterfront and street setback areas and the fence is taller than 30 inches. For single family residential districts, fences could be erected to a height of six feet within the street setback area from which the property is not addressed for interior double frontage lots and for the rear yards of corner double frontage lots. A question was raised if the Development Code Adjustment Board's (DCAB) recommendations had been taken back to the Planning & Zoning Board (P&Z). Mr. Polatty indicated the P&Z would meet tomorrow and would be provided an opportunity to comment on the DCAB's suggestions. Scott Shuford, Planning Manager, indicated hedges have been deleted from the ordinance per the DCAB's recommendations. A question was raised regarding where the 30 inch height measurement originated. It was indicated Traffic Engineering provided this as the height that will not block views. Mr. Polatty indicated this height would only apply to fences that are perpendicular to the water. In response to a question, he indicated variances would be allowed. Mr. Polatty reiterated the major issue is a policy question regarding whether or not the Commission wished to promote views of the water or privacy for homeowners. It was stated the view of the water is for people on the street, not for those in waterfront buildings. Concerns were expressed that fruit trees and other foliage block the water view. It was felt a 30-inch fence would not be tall enough to keep dogs from jumping over them. It was the consensus of the Commission to leave fences on the waterfront as they currently exist. (Cont'd from 04/04/91) Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #5092-91 - LDCTA - amending Secs. 137.019 and 137.020, Code of Ordinances, to reduce the quorum of the Planning and Zoning Board and Development Code Adjustment Board and providing for continuances when less than quorum is present (PL&D) This proposed amendment adjusts quorums for the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) and Development Code Adjustment (DCAB) Boards and permits the Boards to take action to continue items when a quorum is not present. At its March 19, 1991 meeting, the P&Z unanimously recommended approval of this amendment as it relates to that Board. DCAB considered the amendment at its March 28, 1991 meeting, and recommended deletion of the alternate member concept for its Board. DCAB suggested reducing its quorum requirements to three members while requiring three affirmative votes to grant a variance. The board indicated it would amend its Rules of Procedure and Policy to require the chairman to notify the applicant of the three vote requirement when less than a full Board is present to vote on an item. The proposed ordinance was amended to reflect each Board's comments. In response to a question, it was indicated that based on DCAB's recommendation, if only three members are present, a 2 to 1 vote would not result in approval. (Cont'd from 02/21/91) Variances to the Sign Regulations; located at 1971 Sunset Point Rd., Pinellas Groves, Sec. 1-29-15, part of lot 1 (Amoco Oil Company SV91-04) (PL&D) The applicant is requesting a variance to permit an 18.52 square foot business identification sign to be attached to the fuel pump canopy of a gasoline station under development. City code limits business identification signage to 15 square feet. The applicant also requests this signage be permitted to remain past the October 13, 1992 amortization period. The applicant is permitted to install up to 151 square feet of signage on the subject property at the corner of Sunset Point Road and Hercules Avenue. The allowable signage includes: 112 square feet for property identification signage; 24 square feet for gasoline price display; and 15 square feet for a business identification sign. The applicant proposes to distribute signage as follows: 95.2 square feet for property identification signage; 17.5 square feet for gasoline price display; and 18.52 square feet for a business identification sign. The applicant is proposing total site signage of 19.78 square feet less than permitted by code. The applicant is also within two feet of having sufficient frontage for an additional 24 square foot property identification sign (ground sign) on this site; 498 feet of frontage where 500 feet is required. The applicant is not requesting that signage. The 24 square feet is not included in the allowable calculation for the signage listed. Mr. Polatty indicated the major issue to be considered by the Commission is whether they want to allow trade offs for allowed square footage. Funding increase of $12,000 for Gateway Children's Shelter as an amendment to the 1990/91 CDBG (PL&D) The Junior League of Clearwater is preparing a facility to provide day care services for children of homeless families. The project, granted $10,000 from the 1990/92 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), was originally intended to be constructed at the former Salvation Army complex on N Ft. Harrison Avenue. Subsequently, an agreement was developed to incorporate the day care operation with the Community Pride Day Care Center. As a joint venture, this project will dedicate 34 slots for children of families in shelter care or transitional housing. This joint venture calls for Gateway to provide a 2,560 square feet addition. The portion of the proposed Gateway funding was to be derived from a Federal Emergency service grant. These funds, however, cannot be used for new construction but will be available as an operating subsidy for Gateway. Gateway is requesting City funds replace the $12,000 lost from their construction budget. Funding is available under the CDBG program. Of the $53,400 increased program income Clearwater received, $9,000 remains unobligated. The remainder of the funds are available from unobligated contingencies which include the unexpended balance of previous years' funds. The Neighborhood Advisory Committee will review this request on April 16, 1991. In response to a question, Mr. Polatty indicated the City essentially is substituting CDBG funds for funds originally available for the Center. A question was raised regarding additional available funds and if this availability has been advertised to appropriate agencies. It was the consensus of the Commission that a policy be established to advertise unobligated CDBG funds when they become available. Res. #91-13 - Declaring the Infill Housing Development Area as a blighted area to allow Federal CDBG funds to be spent to alleviate identified conditions of blight (PL&D) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds must be spent to further the program's national objectives. Major objectives are: benefitting low/moderate income persons; aiding in the elimination or prevention of slums or blight; and by meeting other urgent community needs. In an area with blight conditions, the income guidelines of recipients are increased and a broader range of activities may be undertaken with CDBG funds. In order to spend funds to benefit specific geographic areas, that area must be found to have conditions of blight. In January 1991, the Commission approved the Infill Housing Development Program for the dual purpose of helping individual families achieve home ownership and upgrading the N Greenwood neighborhood. The Infill Housing Development area is located generally north of Drew Street, east of Ft. Harrison Avenue, south of Stevenson's Creek, and west of Betty Lane. In a 1990 survey, 67% of the housing was found to have one or more housing code violations. Over 300 area lots are vacant. 75% of the housing was built prior to 1959. Less than 50% of the housing is owner-occupied as opposed to 67% owner-occupancy City wide. To alleviate these conditions, it is proposed to use CDBG funds in an expanded neighborhood revitalization program that develops new housing for owner-occupants and expands the eligibility for home rehabilitation loans using guaranteed bank financing. Under regulations governing federal expenditures in blighted areas, other neighborhood public improvements and commercial revitalization programs may be implemented. In response to a question, Mr. Polatty indicated additional funds are being sought to expand the Infill Housing Program. The City Manager stated if this resolution is not passed, funds for the Infill Housing Program will only be given to individuals who meet the 80% or lower of median income or lower criteria. The resolution will permit funds to go to people earning 120% of median income. The City Manager stated the program is close to a point where the construction of new houses can begin. Sign Regulation - Interpretation - Auto dealerships as "commercial complexes" (PL&D) Traditionally, staff has treated automobile dealerships as "freestanding business establishments" with regard to signage issues. However, most large automobile dealerships are actually a conglomeration of businesses (e.g., two or more vehicle franchises, a "used car" dealership, and a parts and repair section). Since large dealerships typically obtain separate conditional use permits (e.g., for outdoor storage and for vehicle service) and occupational licenses for separate components of their operation, and since each component is generally located in a physically distinct building or "shop," such interpretation would be consistent with the way staff now treats grocery stores with separate liquor stores, for example. By treating automobile dealerships as "commercial complexes," business identification signage allowances would be increased from a single 15 square foot sign to one business identification sign up to 48 square feet in area for each distinct business. The actual sign size would depend on the linear frontage of the building to which the sign is attached (1.5 square feet of sign area per each foot of building frontage). Such signs would have to be wall, canopy or projecting signs (i.e., the signs would be required to be attached to the building). Staff recommends considering automobile dealerships as commercial complexes when the dealership is composed of two or more franchises, repair sections, etc. which are physically distinct from each other. Each separate business must be able to exist independently in terms of access and operation. Despite the limited impact of this interpretation on the specific variances requested by Lokey Motors, the interpretation would still offer the dealership an option for attached signage which is not now available. Should the Commission provide staff with direction to implement this interpretation, the applicant will be immediately notified to allow for possible revision of the variance request. Consensus of the Commission is they are comfortable with this interpretation. Impact fees regarding affordable housing (PL&D) In December 1990, the Commission established a fund to pay impact fees and enable new construction of affordable housing in the N Greenwood neighborhood. Staff prepared a draft of the implementation guidelines and program application for Commission review. Key factors of these guidelines are: 1) applicants must be non-profit community organizations with a track record in housing; 2) the organization must demonstrate that housing will be affordable to families with incomes of less than 120% of the areawide median income; and 3) the housing will remain as "affordable" units. Procedures call for review by the Planning and Development Director and approval by the City Manager. The impact fee payment fund was established in 1988 to assist homeless shelters with a one-time contribution from the City. The fund's purpose was expanded in 1990 to include affordable housing in N Greenwood. Revenues from lease of the Fulton Avenue Apartments was established as this fund's annual financing mechanism. Revenues are expected to total $50,000/year. Funds will be available on a first come - first served basis. In response to a question, the City Manager indicated he felt $50,000 to $60,000 would be available from the Holt Avenue revenue per year. He noted money in the program is set aside for the repair and renovation of apartments. Mr. Polatty pointed out if the sponsoring agency does not assure the housing is made available to low to moderate income individuals, they will be barred from applying for funds in the future. He stated staff will review the rules in approximately a year to see if they are working as intended and what revisions are needed. It was the consensus of the Commission to add this item to Thursday night's Consent Agenda. Bomber Funding Request (CMVR) The City Manager stated staff had indicated funding requests for the Bombers would be included in the budget process. He said the team's difficulty is that money is needed for this year's operating expenses. A concern was expressed that the Bombers should compete in the regular budget cycle. The City Manager noted the Bombers and the City of Clearwater have a unique relationship. There was a question regarding if this request was beyond the $10,000 normally given to the Bombers. Elizabeth Deptula, Assistant City Manager, indicated the City has given the Bombers funding in the past, however, nothing was included in this year's budget. Ream Wilson, Parks & Recreation Director, reported the City gave the organization $30,000 in 1985, to help the Bombers move into the new complex. In 1989, he stated the City gave them $10,000 and set up the $10,000 scholarship fund. A question was raised regarding whether any of the scholarship fund had been used. It was indicated very little. Leftover funds have reverted to the general fund surplus. Additional information will be provided and this will be added to Thursday night's agenda. Set dates for Budget Workshop (CMVR) Meeting scheduled for May 8, 1991 at 9:00 a.m. Location to be determined. Legislative Update (CMVR) It was reported there is a a great deal of support for local bills except those regarding Impact Fees. Legislation regarding billboards is looking better. Ms. Deptula indicated letters of thanks are being drafted to three supporting Senators. Regarding the bill on Impact Fees, Senator Kiser has invited the City to submit to him a list of questions regarding the bill. It was indicated that discussions regarding the FEMA bill have been held with Representative Trish Muscarella. Staff is reviewing the legislation. Commissioner Fitzgerald reported there had been discussion regarding a police disability bill. Adjournment The work session adjourned at 12:51 p.m.