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10/14/1991 CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION October 14, 1991 The City Commission of the City of Clearwater met at City Hall with the following members present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner Sue Berfield Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Richard Fitzgerald Commissioner William Nunamaker Commissioner Absent: Lee Regulski 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 1:26 p.m. Service Pin Awards - One service award was presented to a City employee. Letters of Agreement with Florida Gas Transmission Company to provide Firm Transportation of Natural Gas (Consent Agreement) Florida Gas Transmission Co. (FGT), the City’s natural gas supplier, plans to expand their pipeline in 1994. Phase III expansion will include construction of pipeline down Florida’s west coast. To justify the expansion, FGT announced an “Open Season” to solicit requests for increased capacity in Firm Sales and Firm Transportation Service contracts from all wholesale users, such as Clearwater Gas System (CGS), People’s Gas, Tampa Electric and Florida Power Corporation. The City elected to request an increase in the City’s allocation for Firm Sales (“G”) and Firm Transportation Service (FTS) to provide natural gas for growth in 1995 and beyond. The City originally requested Firm Sales (contract #120 for “G” gas) and Firm Transportation Services (contract #989 for FTS gas). Per requirements, the City submitted two requests. FGT later informed the City they would not be providing Firm Sales Service (“G” gas) to any of their customers. They indicated the City’s Firm Sales Service request would become a Firm Transportation request and could not be combined. To insure the City receives the original allocation requested, the City is submitting two agreements for Firm Transportation Service. By letter dated September 25, 1991, FGT informed the City that the executed service agreements must be returned within 30 days of the date they were received. Failure to return a signed Service Agreement by October 28, 1991, will result in the removal of the City’s requested allocation from FGT’s Firm Natural Gas Service Log, preventing Clearwater from receiving an increase in gas allocations until FGT expands their pipeline. At this time, FGT does not plan to expand the pipeline after Phase III. Jim Lewin, representing the Gas Division, indicated the City must estimate how much gas the City will be using from this pipeline after 1995. Dan Deignan, Finance Director, indicated this is a no-cost item. While the volume requested can be decreased, it cannot be increase. In response to a question, it was indicated the City anticipates increasing sales by 30% to use the volume not presently being sold. Purchase of one 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier mid-sized station wagon from Ferman Motor Car Co., Tampa, FL for $10,854 (Consent B&C) Bids were solicited and received for one mid-size station wagon for the Administrative Services/Computer Information Services (CIS) Division. One vendor, Ferman Motor Car Company, Tampa, FL, submitted a bid. CIS will use this vehicle in its daily activities to install and maintain computer equipment throughout the City and to deliver backup tapes to the off-site tape vault. In response to questions, The City Manager indicated he did not believe a better price could be obtained by rebidding this purchase. Interlocal Agreement with the City of Belleair Bluffs for one year to provide library cards to residents of Belleair Bluffs for an estimated revenue of $13,000 (Consent Agreement) Belleair Bluffs Mayor John Diller contacted the Library to request a meeting to discuss options for possible Clearwater library service to Belleair Bluffs residents. On September 30, 1991, Deputy City Manager Kathy Rice and Library Extension Manager Althea Andersen met with Mayor Diller who discussed his commission’s decision not to appropriate budgeted funds for the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative for FY 1991/92. The funds will remain in the budget and may be used to subsidize membership in a library for citizens requesting library service. The estimated $13,000 revenue is based on issuing 420 library cards to Belleair Bluffs residents previously serviced by the Cooperative. On October 14, 1991, Mayor Diller will present a proposal to the Belleair Bluffs workshop: 1) Clearwater will provide public library service to Belleair Bluffs residents at any of the five City library facilities; 2) Belleair Bluffs will subsidize 100% of applicable nonresident library card fees for residents wanting Clearwater borrowing privileges; (maximum fee category is a family card at $77.50); 3) Clearwater will notify Belleair Bluffs by August 15 of any rate increases effective in the next fiscal year; 4) Belleair Bluffs residents using Clearwater library cards will follow the Clearwater Public Library’s circulation policy; 5) Belleair Bluffs will subsidize book courier service to and from a mutually selected Belleair Bluffs site up to a maximum of five days a week; 6) Belleair Bluffs will provide an in-wall book return designed to protect library materials and carrying bags; 7) Clearwater will submit monthly bills for issued cards; and 8) Either party may request to renegotiate or terminate this agreement at least 30 days before the fiscal year concludes. The agreement automatically will be extended for another year if no other action is taken. It was indicated minor changes to clarify the agreement will be available by Thursday night. It was noted that the City has to notify Belleair of rate increases by August. Belleair will act on this agreement on October 20, 1991. Contract for maintenance of the Clearwater Public Library LIBS100 system to CLSI, Inc., Newtonville, MA, for the period 10/01/91 -09/30/92, at an estimated cost of $71,711.76 (Consent B&C) The City utilizes the CLSI LIBS100 system to provide on-line circulation control and card catalog reference to library patrons. To provide library service to citizens, it is important the system remains operational. The estimated monthly contract amount for FY 1991/92 is $5,976. Last year's contract totalled $71,849.88. CLSI is a sole source vendor for maintenance of this hardware and software. The contract period begins 10/01/91. Currently available funds in the FY 1991/92 Library Operating Budget will provide maintenance through March 1991. By mid-year review, the Library will have redefined maintenance needs based on the implementation of the automation upgrade project planned for FY 1991/92. When the new system is installed, applicable warranties may reduce maintenance costs for the remainder of the fiscal year. The Library anticipates finding sufficient funds at mid-year to cover remaining maintenance costs for the year. The Deputy City Manager indicated funds were insufficient for the entire year because it was thought the library would be on its new system. In response to a question, she indicated total memory depends on the software used. US Coast Guard lease of Marina Building Room 26 for a period of four years and eleven months for the total sum of $7,375 (Consent Lease) Since March 1, 1991, Municipal Marina building Room 26 has been vacant. The US Coast Guard currently rents dockage from the City for the Cutter Point Swift. Room 26 would be used as dockside office space for Point Swift personnel. Under the lease’s terms, the US Coast Guard will pay $1,500 per year at the rate of $125 per month for the four year, eleven month period. The lease expires on September 30, 1996 to coincide with the end of the federal government’s fiscal year. Monthly rent includes electricity. The US Coast Guard has been a good marina tenant of the marina and staff recommends approval. In response to questions, Harbormaster Bill Held indicated the space was not needed in the past as the office work was done on board ship. He said the Coast Guard also needs some storage space for files. Authorization for Police Department to hire additional police aides equal to one full time equivalent position totalling approximately 2,080 hours, for the Law Enforcement Apprentice Program, for the period 10/18/91 -09/30/92 for a not to exceed total aggregate of $13,000 (Consent C&S) At the June 20, 1991 Commission meeting, the Police Department was awarded a $6,500 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to establish an Anti-Drug, Law Enforcement Apprentice Program for the Greenwood Neighborhood Patrol. Total program expenditures are estimated at $13,000, made possible by the award of $6,500 in matching funds from the Special Law Enforcement Trust Fund (SLEF), authorized in the SLEF budget at third quarter. The program provides salaries and benefits for selected apprentices (Police Aides) chosen from Greenwood area resident minorities, offering an anti-drug opportunity for part-time employment, educational enhancement and to explore the possibility of a law enforcement career. The program will be an integral part of the Greenwood Neighborhood Patrol. Assigned duties may include handling telephones, inventory control and police/community relations programs. Positions will terminate upon the program’s conclusion. In response to questions, J. D. Eastridge, Deputy Chief, indicated this request would cover two employees at 20 hours a week each. A question was raised regarding where these individuals would work. It was indicated they would work in the North Greenwood area. Union Contracts (CM) Kathy Rice, Deputy City Manager, reported the unions have ratified the contracts. She reported a great deal of employee participation. Work is still ongoing regarding insurance and the pension. She said that pension negotiations could take one year but she is pleased the unions and staff are working in that direction. Regarding sick leave, Ms. Rice said the policy has been changed to reward people for not taking sick days. Individuals who take no sick days during the year can convert a certain number of hours to personal leave. She also reported family sick leave has been doubled. These contracts are valid for three years. Purchase and installation of Playground Equipment for Forest Run Park to Miracle Recreation Equipment Co., for $17,835.79 (Consent C&S) On June 6, 1991, the Commission approved a contract with Castco Construction Co. to construct two tennis courts, two racquetball courts, a tennis batter's wall, basketball court, parking facilities, site work and approximately 4,000 linear feet of sidewalk at Forest Run Park. Lighting, landscaping, playground apparatus, an exercise course, picnic tables, benches and trash containers were to be provided separately by the City. The contractor has completed all of the above items and the City is now working to finish the items for which it is responsible. Staff prepared specifications for playground apparatus and recommends purchasing the equipment from Miracle Recreation Equipment Company. Although Miracle was the high bidder, their bid was the only one meeting all specifications. To date, two change orders have been approved administratively increasing the construction contract by $3,790. The City's Engineering Division is working on a final change order to be presented at the November 21, 1991, Commission meeting to add $9,602.80. Rather than delaying installation of playground apparatus, staff recommends transferring $1,000 from Recreation Facility fees and $12,000 from Recreation Facility Interest into CIP code 3243 to cover the equipment’s cost. Ream Wilson, Parks & Recreation Director, reported a final charge order for this project will be presented at the next Commission meeting. Commissioner Fitzgerald reported he had been through the park and said it is already well used. Discussion ensued regarding the use of recycled materials for benches etc. Mr. Wilson indicated according to his experience, benches made from recycled materials tend to bow. He reported new products reach the market all the time. Annual Irrigation Parts Contracts to Century Rain Aid for an estimated cost of $68,082.98; to Banks Supply Co. for an estimated cost of $5,211.25; to Barnes Industrial Plastic Piping for $6,430; and to Rite-Flo Supply, Inc. for the period 11/02/91 -10/31/92 for $15,260.68 (Consent C&S) To maintain and install irrigation systems, the Parks & Recreation Department’s Nursery Division purchases irrigation parts during the year. An annual contract allows the City to order and purchase supplies only when required, reducing the need for large inventory storage. Bids were evaluated in categories: 1) fittings; 2) electric valves; 3) PVC pipe; 4) drip and various supplies; 5) heads and clocks; and 6) gate valves and couplings. Century Rain Aid was the low bidder in categories #2, #4, and #5 at $68,082.98; Banks Supply was the low bidder in category #6 for $5,211.15; Barnes Industrial Plastics was low bidder in category #3 for $6,430; and Rite-Flo Supply, Inc. was the low bidder in category #1 for $15,260.68. In FY 1990/91, approximately $60,000 was spent for irrigation parts. Staff estimated the quantity of irrigation parts needed. Though these contracts total $94,984.91, staff does not believe expenditures will be much more than FY 1990/91 expenditures. In response to a question, Mr. Wilson indicated the installations will meet all requirements including check valves. He will provide information on how many of the installations will require these. A concern was expressed regarding the increase in cost. Mr. Wilson indicated many materials are charged back to other departments that have funds budgeted for this type of work. A concern was expressed that estimates be accurate. N Ft. Harrison Avenue lane reconfiguration (WSO) Last year the City Commission requested removal of parking along N Ft. Harrison Ave. between Jones St. (N of Drew) and Myrtle Avenue. An engineering report evaluated options: 1) continue to operate Ft. Harrison as a two-lane street; 2) remark Ft. Harrison as a three-lane street with a two-way left turn lane; and 3) remark Ft. Harrison as a four-lane street with two through lanes in each direction. The report rejected the first option as two 20-foot wide lanes are confusing to many motorists. The report selected the third option because of its greater traffic carrying capacity than the three lane option. The study indicated a need to improve a curve south of Eldridge Street. That work has been completed. City Traffic Engineer Peter Yauch recommended Option 2 because: 1) ten-foot wide lanes, as used in a four-lane configuration, are difficult to negotiate. Motorists in the right lane experience considerable “side friction” from adjacent poles, trees and signs. Motorists in the left lane are subject to oncoming traffic to the left and adjacent vehicles on the right, requiring intense concentration; 2) A three-lane section (with 14-foot wide through lanes and a 12-foot wide two-way left turn lane) reduces side friction because of the wide through lane and provides a wide separation from opposing through traffic. The three lane section would be more “comfortable” to drive. Peter Yauch reiterated his opinion that the three-lane option would be safer. He said he will check what level of service will be available. Consensus of the Commission was that the three-lane option was good and unless objections were received from the homeowners, staff will proceed with that program. It was requested that the right hand turn at Seminole be reviewed. Contract for preparation of a PD&E Study for the widening of Drew Street to Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan for a not-to-exceed fee of $564,043.43 (Consent B&C) The City proposes to widen Drew Street from west of Ft. Harrison Avenue to east of NE Coachman Road in cooperation with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The City has agreed to prepare preliminary design reports and construction contract documents to include construction plans and specifications in conformance with FDOT and Federal Highway Administration requirements. The City has allocated $4 million to begin preliminary work necessary for widening Drew Street. Initial work contemplated is preparation of a preliminary design report known as a Project, Development and Environmental (PD&E) Study. The Commission approved the ranking of the top three firms and staff negotiated a contract with the top ranked firm, Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Inc. and recommends contract approval. The PD&E study begins upon approval. Written notice is anticipated to take twenty months to complete. It was reported this is a joint project with the FDOT. FDOT is reviewing the contract for appropriateness. If they have difficulty with the item, it will be pulled before Thursday night. In response to questions, Bill Baker, Public Works Director, indicated the City is investing $4-million to start this project. He said after the $4-million, the State will pick up the rest of the costs. Concern was expressed the City could expend the $4-million and then learn the State will not continue the project. It was indicated this would be determined prior to the City spending the $4-million. The City Manager indicated right-of-way acquisition will be a big part of the cost. In response to a question, it was indicated that the $4-million will fund this study, the design and some right-of-way acquisition. C.O. #2 to the Wellfield Rehabilitation Project decreasing the amount by $7,490, changing the contract total to $324,313.50 and increase the contract time by 120 days to a total of 280 days (Consent CO) This project consists of three phases: 1) Phase I consists of plugging and abandonment of nonoperating wells; 2) Phase II includes construction of three new production wells; and 3) Phase III includes hydrogeological investigation and rehabilitation of nonoperating wells. This project was designed to allow the engineer to develop rehabilitation procedures according to each non-operational well’s condition as determined by the hydrogeological investigation. Change Order #1 was prepared after a review of hydrogeologic data indicated rehabilitation procedures described in the project manual were not appropriate for all of the wells to be rehabilitated and alternate procedures and materials were more appropriate. Change Order #1 deleted several bid items, increased quantities under some remaining bid items, and added new items. Change Order #2 removes new well construction from the contract, adjusts quantities to account for differences between the engineer's estimated and actual quantities, and adds new items to account for alternate materials used to complete work and needed to complete additional work. The second change order was prepared after a recommendation by Camp Dresser & McKee (CDM) to defer new well construction (Phase II) until sufficient hydrogeologic data is available to suggest an appropriate location for new wells. Instead of new well construction, CDM recommended the City amend CenTech's contract to include hydrogeologic testing and rehabilitation of four non-operational wells not included in the original contract. CenTech Utility Corporation has completed all work included under Phases I and III in a competent manner and has expressed agreement with this proposed change order. Bill Baker reported the rehabilitation of wells has been so successful that the recommendation is to take monies from the development of new wells and direct it to rehabilitation. Funding for three new wells will come back in another contract. More specific information regarding the cost of the new wells and how much is being diverted was requested. Also requested was what the City will gain from this project. Review the FY 1991 role of the Environmental Advisory Committee, evaluate present mission, future topics and recommended improvements to EAC for continued Commission support (WSO) On July 19, 1990, the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) was established by Commission action EAC’s duties were to make recommendations to the Commission concerning all water, wastewater and stormwater programs or projects initiated by the City exceeding $50,000 in construction costs or other programs selected by majority vote of the Committee and having other substantial environmental benefits or consequences to Clearwater's natural resources. During FY 1991, the Committee focused on issues related to stormwater and program/project review. Experience gained during FY 1991 indicates the relative importance of EAC to Clearwater’s citizens is the Committee’s ability to focus on environmental issues, obtain ideas from a variety of stakeholders, and provide recommendations to the City through a modest investment of time and direct costs. Staff and the Committee believe the Committee’s value would be enhanced during the second year by shifting away from specific projects and program review for environmental purposes and focusing on defined strategic issues in the environment to establish environmental objectives to facilitate City program or project development. Discussion ensued regarding what benefit the committee has provided. Bill Jonson, chairperson, said that was for the members to answer. He felt a key issue is that the Committee facilitates citizen comment. The key benefits have been watershed management. In response to a question regarding the size of the membership, Mr. Jonson said he personally believes ten members allow subgroups. A question was raised if other issues should be investigated besides water management. Mr. Jonson indicated the Committee would discuss that at the next meeting. He said some lobbying for concentration on water has occurred. He reported the Committee is still trying to develop a program of work and Commission feedback is helpful. A question was raised if the committee should become a regular advisory board or continue as a temporary board for one more year. Discussion ensued regarding the need for the Committee to determine its plan of work and its emphasis. Mr. Jonson reported he plans to submit a management summary of the meetings within a couple of days of each meeting. He welcomed Commission comments and suggestions. Consensus was for the Committee to continue as a temporary board for another year. Appointments to the Committee will be added to the agenda for Thursday night. The meeting recessed from 2:48 to 2:59 p.m. Parking Fund Rates (CM) Of the City’s 2,412 parking spaces on Clearwater beach, 1,718 are $0.50 per hour metered spaces, 444 are $0.20 per hour metered spaces and 250 are cashier spaces at $0.75 per hour. In FY 1990/91, the parking fund received $1,232,594 in revenue from these parking spaces. The City currently has a contract with republic Parking Systems to operate the Pier 60 parking lot as attendant parking 18 hours per day, seven days per week. The contract, costing approximately $100,000 per year, will expire October 31, 1991. Should the City decide to maintain attendant parking, Parking Facilities Manager Tracey Bruch has recommended the contract with Republic not be renewed and City employees be hired instead. Ms. Bruch cites difficulty with high turnover rates among Republic’s employees and poor relations with the public. Using City employees for attendant parking would cost approximately $118,000 for the same service. In April 1990, the Pier 60 lot was converted to attendant parking and hourly fees were increased from $0.50 to $0.75. For the 12-month period prior to conversion, a total of $295,532 was collected from the lot’s parking meters, night attendant and permit parking revenue. The Police Department has requested the Pier 60 lot remain open as attendant parking after 7:00 p.m. A flat rate of $1 per visit is suggested for parking in this lot after 7:00 p.m. to encourage potential cruisers to park. Republic also operates attendant parking at the South Gulfview lot for eight hours per night. Staff recommends enforcing metered parking during all hours this lot is in operation with no attendant parking. By converting the Pier 60 lot to meters and increasing the hourly cost of beach lot parking to $1, the City could reasonably expect a revenue increase of approximately $616,000 to $1,848,594. Industry trends and local experience indicate actual revenue received will increase approximately 50 percent though fees are doubled. In an attempt to soften the proposed increase for residents, it is recommended that City residents be allowed to purchase an annual pass for $120 or a six-month pass for $65 that will allow them to park at any available meter in the Rockaway, Pier 60 or South Gulfview parking lots. The Marina currently sells parking permits for $0.50 per half day, $1 per day, $10 per month and $100 per year for the Marina and Civic Center parking lots. These rates have not been increased since 1983. It is recommended these fees be increased to $1 per half day, $2 per day, $15 per month and $120 per year. It is further recommended that current parking meters set at $0.20 to $0.30 per hour be increased to $0.50 per hour. These meters primarily are located on street right-of-ways and small parking lots not directly adjacent to the beach. Meter conversion will cost approximately $24,000. The City has purchased three additional change machines for installation at the Rockaway, Sand Key and South Gulfview lots. Besides the machine at the north end of the Gulfview lot, three change machine buildings must be purchased at an estimated cost of $11,700. If the conversion from attendant parking is approved, a fourth machine and building, at a cost of approximately $6,900 may need to be purchased for the Pier 60 lot. Total cost of these purchases will amount to $42,600 in one-time capital expenditures and will require a first quarter budget amendment. If these revenue recommendations are approved, it is recommended that additional revenue be used to offset the cost of the police aide traffic program on Clearwater beach and to subsidize the cruising and/or noise enforcement efforts on the island. Costs are currently estimated to be $262,000 on an annual basis. The remaining $354,000 will be retained in the Parking Fund. Coupled with the $100,000 decreased cost associated with eliminating attendant parking, the net increase to the Parking Fund will be approximately $450,000. The Parking Fund already contributes $365,540 to the General Fund for Beach Patrol and Meter Enforcement. The City Manager indicated this recommendation is being made as the City is losing money on attendant parking. He said there will be no additional labor costs if metered parking is reinstated. The City Manager further reported about $850,000 are contributed to other things from the parking fund. In response to a question, the City Manager indicated attended parking was installed to address the concerns of those who complained about parking tickets when they feed the meters. The City Manager reiterated his proposal includes a softening of the increase to residents by allowing them to purchase annual passes. Discussion ensued regarding the impact of implementing the proposal. It was recommended that public input be obtained and a decision be delayed. The City Manager reported the contract for the company providing the parking attendants expires at the end of October 1991. Tracey Bruch will see if they will accept a month to month contract. A question was raised if the loss could be covered by an increase in attendant parking. Concerns were expressed that attendant parking had public relations value. Procedures for allocation of surplus CDBG fund (WSO) The Commission requested staff prepare a policy to guide allocation of unprogrammed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Unprogrammed funds result when program income exceeds projected levels due to loan repayments or when previously allocated funds are not used. Program income shortfalls may also result when loan repayments are delinquent. In previous years, surplus program income has been allocated consistent with City policy to pay for cost overruns for previously approved projects, or has remained as an unobligated balance eligible for reprogramming the following year. There has been no consistent policy for reprogramming prior years’ unexpended balances. General practice was to close external grant contracts unless a formal extension was approved. Internal accounts were left open until funds in any given year were exhausted. Staff proposes to hold requests for surplus funds until mid year. At that time, the City Commission will receive a status report on available fund balances and contingency amounts. Then, additional requests and reprogramming will be recommended. In subsequent years, the City Commission may wish to designate one or two alternate programs as part of the annual CDBG budget process. These projects would be cleared through HUD as part of the application process, and will be activated by staff should funds become available. Mayor Garvey questioned if the recommendation is to prioritize programs that do not receive funding. Mr. Polatty indicated this is the case. He said this year, reallocation will come back to the Commission at the mid-year budget report. Variance to Sign Regulations for property (Action Tackle) located at 19666 US 19N, Sec. 19-29-16, M&Bs 11.05, 11.06 and 11.061 (Kenyon Dodge Inc. SV91-20) (PH) The applicant requests a 162 square foot variance to retain a business identification sign consisting of a large drawing of a marlin and the business’ name. For an enterprise in a commercial complex zoned CH, the maximum surface area for a business identification sign is 1.5 square feet per lineal foot, up to a maximum of 48 square feet. The existing property identification pole sign for the commercial complex includes a 32 square foot panel identifying the applicant’s enterprise. The pole sign is 128 square feet too large and 6 feet too tall and must be modified by the property owner by October 13, 1992. The applicant’s business identification sign is unusual in composition. The 155.5 square foot painting of a marlin is well done and would be classified as art, and not included as signage, if on the wall of an unrelated business. However, in judging if a drawing is signage or a piece of art, standards adopted by the Planning and Development Department classify all logos and drawings related to the product or activity of the business (e.g., fishing tackle, rods, etc.) as signage. According to sign regulations, wall signs shall be measured as the area encompassed by a single geometric figure. The applicant’s sign (marlin & name) can be enclosed by a trapezoid having a top width of 42 feet, a bottom width of 10 feet, and a height of 15 feet 7 inches with an area of 405.1 square feet. If more than one geometric shape could be used to define the sign’s area, such as a trapezoid to encompass the marlin and rectangles enclosing the enterprise’s name, the area attributed to the sign would be 242.5 square feet. This second method gives a truer measure of the sign’s area. No matter how the sign is measured, its area is larger than the maximum 48 square feet allowed by the sign regulations for this establishment. If the signage ratio is used without limit, the maximum sign on this wall could be 100 square feet. The only place a business identification sign of this size is allowed by sign regulations is in a shopping center, where a major tenant is allowed a business identification sign (pole sign) in front of the establishment to identify the business. The applicant would like to retain his original sign consisting of his marlin painting and his establishment’s name. It that is not possible, he would like to keep the marlin painting which would leave him without his business’ name on his establishment. The pole sign must be modified by October 13, 1992 and it is probable the applicant’s allotted space on that property identification sign will be reduced or eliminated. Staff is to research when the sign was installed. In response to a question, it was indicated the marlin is considered a sign. Final Site Plan for Celebration Station located at 24536-245765 US 19N, Parts of Lots 8 & 9 Blackburn Sub., 2.99 acres (Baker, Rally Stores, Inc., Palomino and Ferrellgas, Inc.) (Consent) This request is for final site plan approval for an outdoor commercial recreation / entertainment facility at 24536 - 24576 US 19N. The site is an expansion of the existing Mountasia Fantasy Golf site to the north and west. The expansion includes a go-cart track, batting cage, and an arcade / restaurant with associated parking. This site was the subject of a petition for an annexation and land use amendment of 2.99 acres passed by the City Commission on August 1, 1991 (Ordinances 5108-91 through 5110-91). The site plan indicates new construction of 11,404 square feet for buildings to include an arcade / restaurant and maintenance building. Total existing and proposed building square footage for the site is 18,051. On July 2, 1991, a conditional use was obtained (CU 91-52) to operate an outdoor commercial recreation / entertainment facility for the expansion of the bumper boat pool, the go-cart track, and the batting cage. On August 22, 1991, the Development Review Committee approved the site plan with conditions of approval: 1) Signs and fencing/walls are subject to separate reviews and permitting processes; 2) A 40-foot drainage and utility easement shall be provided along US 19N and dedicated prior to issuance of a building permit; 3) The requisite building permits must be procured within six months from the date of certification of the final site plan and all requisite certificates of occupancy must be obtained within three years of the date of certification of the final site plan; 4) The dates and conditions for approval by the Planning & Zoning Board for the conditional use approval shall be provided on the final site plan prior to certification; 5) Prior to issuance of a building permit, a copy of the SWFWMD permit shall be provided to Public Works/Engineering; 6) Prior to certification, the site plan shall be revised to show all internal aisles to be 24-feet in width; 7) Prior to certification, the driveway entrance from US 19N shall be modified per FDOT requirements and shall be shown on the final site plan; 8) Prior to certification, the site plan shall be revised to show seven handicapped parking spaces; and 9) Prior to certification, all Parks & Recreation open space fees shall be paid. A revised plan has been submitted adequately addressing these conditions. Upon final approval by the City Commission, the site plan can be sent to the City Clerk for certification. Jim Polatty, Planning and Development Director, indicated a wall will be constructed between the mobile home park to the north and this facility. Operating hours will be restricted. A question was raised regarding the closing time. Mr. Polatty will provide this information. In response to a question, it was indicated parking is to the rear of the facility. Traffic Impact Fees - Gateway Children’s Center The City has been requested to pay $8,195.03 for Transportation Impact Fees assessed against Gateway Children’s Shelter at 211 S Missouri Avenue. The facility provides day care for children from homeless shelters and transitional housing. City Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and federal grant funds were allocated for construction, but federal CDBG funds cannot be used to pay impact fees. The City has several alternatives: 1) Revising the Affordable Housing Fund (181-1-9538) to allow this expenditure. This fund, with a balance of $33,333, was established to pay impact fees for homeless shelters and was expanded to include impact fees for affordable housing in the N Greenwood neighborhood. The City Commission could find this project benefits homeless children and meets the policy’s intent; 2) Non ad valorem revenues is fund 181-1-9599 have been set aside to support Infill housing. This fund could be authorized to pay Gateway’s impact fees; 3) Other general fund revenue could be allocated; and 4) The request could be denied. Staff recommends Option 1 because the purpose of the funds as originally established most closely matches this request. The City Manager said if the Commission pays these fees, other centers will ask for the same consideration. Questions were raised if the County had been approached. It was indicated that staff did not believe the fees could be waived. Mr. Polatty will contact the County. Concern was expressed that this project's architect should have been familiar with the impact fees. It was indicated this problem was the result of a miscalculation City Manager Verbal Reports It was reported that only one issue remains to be addressed regarding the Pinellas Planning Council Consistency issue. OTHER CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS Proposed Charter Amendments An amendment to the Charter has been proposed to allow some development on the bayfront. The final wording will be developed. A proposal has also been made to modify election qualifying dates as currently the City cannot meet State deadlines. Consensus of the Commission was to prepare such a question. The City Manager reported the television program, Current Affair, was in town this week doing a story on the Police Officer who alleged an attack on the beach and was later accused of causing his own injuries. OTHER COMMISSION ACTION City Manager Salary Review AND City Attorney Salary Review A request was made that information regarding the salary history of the City Attorney and City Manager be provided. Information has been provided comparing advertising costs in the Tampa Tribune and St. Petersburg Times. Consensus of the Commission was to begin the City's legal advertising in the Tampa Tribune. In response to a question, it was indicated the Florida Orchestra is not on the agenda Commissioner Fitzgerald said he had provided information to the City Manager regarding a presentation made to the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council on the National Flood insurance program. The City Manager indicated this information is being distributed to the Commission today. Mayor Garvey questioned if North Fort Harrison Avenue is on the agenda. It was indicated it was not and that staff had intended to follow through with the three-lane proposal unless there are questions. Commissioner Nunamaker questioned a report from the State that they would contribute $40,000 to $50,000 for lighting at the Airpark. The City Manager stated the funds were not accepted because of the concern regarding lighting the runways and allowing night flying. Consensus was to take no action at this time. Adjournment The work session adjourned at 4:05 p.m.