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06/14/1993 CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION June 14, 1993 The City Commission of the City of Clearwater met at City Hall with the following members present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner Fred A. Thomas Commissioner Sue Berfield Commissioner Arthur X. Deegan, II Commissioner Members absent: Richard Fitzgerald Vice-Mayor/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 9:30 a.m. Declaration of surplus personal property and disposal authorization thru Tampa Machinery Auction, Tampa, FL, in accordance with Sec. 2.622, Surplus Sales over $5,000 (AS-1) All departments turn in surplus property, except vehicles and equipment, to Central Stores for distribution or disposal. Vehicles and equipment are stored in open field storage next to the Fleet Maintenance facility. All serviceable furniture has been distributed to other departments. The City Manager reported staff is changing methodology. Today a trip will be taken to show how surplus property is stored. Commissioner Thomas complained is was impossible to look at the list and understand how it was created. Mr. Wright indicated he felt these questions would be answered after the field trip to the Utilities building. The City Manager indicated he wanted to go to quarterly disposal instead of annual, as the property sits too long. Contract for software support to Ross Systems, Inc., Redwood, CA, for the period 7/1/93-6/30/94, for $43,950 re: General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Encumbrance, Crossview, Purchasing, Inventory & Fixed Assets Systems (AS-2) In May 1992, the City Commission approved the installation of the Ross Financial System on a nine month money back guarantee basis. The system was installed in July 1992 and live processing began February 1, 1993. On March 31, 1993, the City Manager formally accepted the system, as recommended by City staff. The financial system included a one year software support contract, which will be expiring on July 1, 1993. This contract provides the City with telephone support for user and technical questions, dial-in support for the Ross support staff to the City computer to investigate problems/questions, software upgrades and on-line technical bulletin board access. Since Ross Systems developed the software, only Ross Systems can provide ongoing support and upgrades. Commissioner Thomas questioned when the data processing meeting would occur. The City Manager indicated it is scheduled for late July or early August. Contract for hauling approx. 135 loads of recycling glass in 30 yard open top containers from the Clwr Solid Waste complex to a buyer in Lakeland, FL, to Solar Sanitation, Clearwater, FL, for the period 7/1/93-6/30/94, for an est. total of $20,500 (PW-1) The Solid Waste Division has been testing and improving methods for profitably marketing collected recyclables. It was determined that by dealing directly with the end user of glass, the revenues received by the City could be increased. By dealing directly with Owens Brockway and contracting the hauling, the Solid Waste Division has been able to improve prices to $50.00 per ton for clear glass, $25.00 per ton for brown glass and $15.00 per ton for green glass. Because of the success of the program an annual hauling contract is being recommended. The contract is cancellable by the City uopn 30 days written notice. Commissioner Thomas stated he would like to see to it that 10 tons are hauled per trip. He would approve the agreement under those conditions. Commissioner Deegan pointed out that a 30-yard container is specified in the bid. Bill Baker, Public Works Director, indicated that large loads would be assured. Purchase 10 dissolved oxygen meters for the W PC Division from Hile Controls of Florida, Longwood, FL, for $17,550 (PW-3) The Marshall Street AWT Facility is a 10 million gallon per day plant that uses a 5-stage Bardenpho process for additional nitrogen and phosphorous removal. A diffused air system pumps air through a network of pipes to the bottom of the sludge tanks. Air is released into the liquid and rises to the surface. As the air rises it is used for respiration by the micro-organisms. Because the Bardenpho process is a biological system, it relies heavily on the dissolved oxygen (D.O) readings taken in the wastewater. The results of the D.O. tests are used to make operational control changes. The range is very narrow, and it is extremely critical to removing nitrogen and phosphorous, and requires continuous monitoring and adjustments. Currently, every two hours, one plant operator takes dissolved oxygen readings at twenty different locations. It takes the operator approximately fifty minutes each time to calibrate the meter and take the D.O. reading. The ten meters will be placed in the more critical and labor intensive areas that require continuous monitoring and adjustments. The fixed on-line monitors will provide a continuous D.O. reading and will allow operational control changes to be more frequent and not be dependent on the two hour time cycle. Commissioner Thomas questioned the net labor savings. Mr. Baker indicated there was no intention to reduce the work force, but rather to have a methodology that allows changes to be made immediately rather than lagging behind testing. He indicated there was plenty for the current staffing to do. Commissioner Thomas stated he expected to see an offset by savings and he felt the City should strive to have a pay back. In response to a question, Mr. Baker indicated that this would provide higher quality and some labor savings. C.O.#2 to the 1992 Sidewalk Contract to MTM Contractors, Inc., Pinellas Park, FL, increasing the amount by $9,069.13 for a new contract total of $206,942.83 and approval of an extension of 100 days to the contract time (PW-4) This change order will add twelve new sidewalk locations as selected by the Traffic Engineering Division, the Engineering Division and the Parks and Recreation Department. It also adjusts another category of quantities - 4" and 6" concrete sidewalk which had to be removed and replaced. In order to have sufficient time to finish the work, this Change Order will also add 100 days to the original contract time. Commissioner Deegan questioned why the additional 100 days are necessary. Mr. Baker indicated it was due to the time lost in approving this Change Order and the fact that they were adding additional work. Commissioner Thomas questioned if it was at the same cost as the original bid. It was indicated it was. Purchase offer from James E. Seymour, Sr. for city surplus property located at 1002 N. Garden Ave., Joseph J. Eldridge Sub., Blk C, Lot 31, for $17,005, with an est. city closing cost of $480 (PW-5) The City aquired this property as a consequence of a default on a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) rehabilitation loan. An appraisal performed by a State certified appraiser valued the property at $16,500.00. The property was advertised for bids in compliance with City Purchasing Department regulations. Two bids were received. One was for $6,700.00 cash; the other was for $17,005.00. The $17,005.00 offer was made by Mr. Seymour, who is offering to complete the purchase by giving the City $2,505.00 at closing, and executing a Note and First Mortgage in favor of the City in the amount of $15,000.00, payable at $148.13 per month, including principle and interest at 8% per annum for 15 years. The mortgage will stipulate, among other things, that the City will not subordinate its lien status, payments will begin 60 days following closing, there will be a late payment penalty and there will be no prepayment penalty. The proceeds from this sale will be returned to the CDBG loan fund as program income. Mr. Seymore will rehabilitate the house to current code and make it available for rent. Mr. Baker pointed out that Mr. Seymour is a City employee. Mr. Thomas expressed concern that this will become a rental property and he was in favor of having home ownership. Mr. Polatty indicated they had tried to make this a home ownership but this is the third potential purchaser. He stated monies from this sale will go back into the housing fund. He stated Mr. Seymour plans to do his own rehabilitation work. Res. #93-34 - Dedicating 30' drainage easement on Sand Key easterly r-o-w of Gulf Blvd. to waters of Clearwater Harbor Mr. Baker indicated the County needs an easement for the storm line. They will not be put in a pond and this will be limited to undergound facilities. Commissioner Thomas expressed concerns regarding water quality. Mr. Baker indicated that SWFWMD would not allow any dirtying of the Bay. He indicated he would look at their plans to assure that there would be no dumping of pollutants into the Bay. This item will be pulled off and reagendaed. Fence around pond in Tropic Hills Subdivision Some residents of Tropic Hills have complained because a fence around a pond has been removed. Commissioner Deegan indicated that someone had indicated that as fences become in need of repair they are torn down. Mr. Baker indicated this was not necessarily so. He indicated there are many ponds in the City of Clearwater that have no fence around them and they are not required. The fence in question was built by the City and was 24 " in height. It fell into ill repair and interferes with mowing of the area around the retention pond. It was decided to take the fence down. Commissioner Deegan indicated the concern of the residents that toddlers may roll down the embankment into the retention pond. He said it was the resident's opinion that the fence was not in bad shape. Their contention is that the City and Florida Power caused the damage, and they plan to be here Thursday night to complain regarding the fence being removed. Commissioner Thomas stated his concern was safety, and questioned the City's liability if a child were to drown because the fence was taken down. Discussion ensued regarding whether or not the City should be erecting fences around ponds. It was also suggested that a survey of the neighborhood be made to determine if the majority wanted the fence. Commissioner Berfield questioned if we installed the pond. It was responded that Florida Power owns it; however, the City of Clearwater did put the pond in. Further discussion ensued regarding whether or not the fence should be reinstalled and the suggestion was made to allow the residents to have their say. The City Manager cautioned against saying that the fence was necessary for safety reasons. Direction re: continuation of the Downtown to Beach Trolley Service (CM-1) On March 18, 1993, the Commission approved the continuation of the downtown-to-beach trolley service for an additional three months. That funding period ends approximately June 30, 1993. If the Commission decides to continue the service, funding options for the last quarter of the fiscal year and for fiscal 1993/94 include requesting monies from the Community Redevelopment Agency or appropriating additional funds from the Unreserved, Undesignated Fund Balance of the General Fund. Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of a trolley corporation being formed and that a contract would be negotiated with them for the provision of this service. Concerns were expressed regarding whether or not this entity would be under the Sunshine Law. The City Attorney indicated there would be a totality of factors to be considered. He stated that if a Commissioner is placed on the board, it would make it more likely that it would be under the Sunshine Law. He stated if the Commission wants this agency subject to Sunshine Law it should be set up that way. If they don't wish it to be subject to Sunshine Law that needs to be made clear and he would recommend not appointing a Commissioner to the board. Discussion ensued regarding how long it would take the agency to form. Commissioner Thomas felt it would be in place by August 1. Concerns were expressed regarding temporarily stopping the service, and the fact that Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority would need to have Public Hearings in order to alter its routes. The City Manager indicated it would take another $100,000 for the service to be continued and he did not recommend taking these funds from savings, as has been done in the past. Further discussion ensued regarding funding options for the continued service. Consensus of the Commission was to see if the CRA could fund the last quarter of the year. This item will be added to the CRA's agenda for Thursday night. Agreement with James C. Massie extending lobbyist services for the period 6/26/93-6/25/94, for $16,179 plus reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses (CM-2) Concerns were expressed regarding Mr. Massie being paid ahead of time. It was the consensus to modify the contract to where he would be paid monthly but not ahead of time. The City Attorney is to work out the details. The meeting recessed from 10:46 to 11:00 a.m. Staff Report on PPC's action to the City's Consistency Program submittals; authorization to accept PPC's alternative recommendations and to withdraw the cases recommended for denial and direction to proceed with staff recommendation re: PPC's denial of 41 proposed Future Land Use Classification changes (PLD-1) In May of 1993, the Pinellas Planning Council (PPC) approved 231 amendments to the Countywide Future Land Use Plan, made an alternative recommendation on 11 proposed amendments and denied 41 proposed amendments. Given the fact that it requires an extraordinary majority of four out of five votes of the County Commission to override the PPC recommendation, it is not likely for an appeal of the PPC's decision to succeed. Staff recommends the following: accept the alternative recommendations for several proposed Land Use Plan amendments, primarily involving a Commercial Limited designation for a number of properties on U.S. 19, rather than the Commercial General classification proposed by the City and; withdraw the cases recommended for denial. The proposed amendments primarily deal with single family subdivisions which were zoned at a higher density than actually constructed. Staff would recommend that of the 40 subdivisions involved, these subdivisions be placed into to-be-developed "standard" Residential Planned Development (RPD) Zoning Districts. There are alternatives to the RPD approach, but they have significant problems in terms of creating nonconformities regarding setbacks. Alternately, we could follow the suggestion by the PPC Executive Director and revise all our zoning districts to precisely match up with the Countywide Plan, but this would not resolve the setback problems nor would it be in keeping with the Commission's initial and continuing direction that the implementation of the Consistency Program minimize the creation of zoning nonconformities. Jim Polatty, Planning and Development Director, indicated that by going with the RPD process there would be minimal nonconformities and it would assure that no new lots would be created. The City Manager questioned if the PPC would agree to this. Scott Shuford, Planning Manager, indicated he believed they would. The City Manager pointed out the staff is trying to bring all properties into consistency as simply as possible. He stated the RPD plan would bring the subdivisions into conformity and not penalize the people living there. It was pointed out that this will require rezoning of all the subdivisions and there will be many notifications sent out. The City Manager questioned what would happen if nothing was done. Mr. Polatty indicated the City would not be consistent with the Plan and that he does not have a specific penalty for that. Discussion ensued regarding the need to be in compliance with the Countywide Land Use Plan and how to do this with minimal impact on the subdivisions. There was concern expressed that if the City did not cooperate in this matter, it would cause additional problems in the future. Mr. Shuford indicated that he would draft a resolution to accept what the Pinellas Planning Council did and to put this subdivision in the new district. He indicated notification would be sent to the subdivisions prior to any changes being made. It was requested that the Commission see this prior to its going out. It was the consensus of the Commission to add the resolution for Thursday night. First Reading Ord. #5410-93 - providing for a local housing assistance partnership program, its required advisory committee and a trust fund, (Clwr State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program (PLD-2) The State Housing Initiatives Partnership program(SHIP) transfers documentary stamp revenue to the Florida Housing Finance Agency and local governments for use in local housing partnership programs for the provision of affordable housing. In order for the City of Clearwater to participate, it must adopt an ordinance that creates an Affordable Housing Trust Fund, establish a local Housing Incentive Program, designate responsibility for implemention of that program and create an affordable housing advisory committee. SHIP funds can be used to implement a Local Housing Assistance Program, supplement Florida HFA programs, provide local match to obtain Federal housing grants or programs and to fund emergency repairs by existing service providers under weatherization program. Both home ownership and rental housing may be included but at least 65% of the funds given to the City must be used for home ownership. Mr. Polatty indicated the main use for these funds would be as matching funds. In response to a question he indicated the revenues will be the same type of funds as from CDBG, but there will be different rules. Commissioner Deegan expressed concerns that if SHIP funds were used for the HOME program there would not be any home or rehab loans. Mr. Polatty indicated that the City had no other source of funds for the matching grants. The City Manager questioned what Neighborhood Housing Services had done with their funds. Mr. Polatty indicated that they will use it for construction loans. Discussion ensued regarding how the funds should be used and the City's past attempts in developing affordable housing programs. Commisssioner Thomas questioned if one person was in charge of all housing programs. Mr. Polatty indicated the Community Develpment Division was responsible for those programs. Commissioner Deegan indicated he was not satisfied with the current program. He stated he thought the purpose was to get more money and to expand it to the whole city. He stated if the program is limited to North Greenwood the Commission is forgetting about the rest of the City. He wants to see the SHIP program as a new city-wide program if possible, not just matching what we have. Further discussion ensued regarding the current program, with Commissioner Deegan continuing to express his concern that this new money be used for new programming, not matching what we have. The City Manager pointed out that staff had not anticipated the difficulty in aquiring land. Commissioner Deegan questioned if foreclosure had been considered. It was indicated it has. Mayor Garvey questioned the number of homes built in the program. It was indicated 19 have been constructed in 1 1/2 years. The City Manager indicated a couple of pieces of property have been aquired through tax deed. Commissioner Deegan questioned a provision that would provide for contracting with a local agency to provide counseling and monitoring. Mr. Polatty indicated they have talked to the Community Service Foundation regarding this, and that it would be paid through Community Development Block Grant funds. Commissioner Thomas agreed that there should be a citywide program for housing and there was no reason why this program should stand alone. Mr. Polatty pointed out that an item will be coming forward soon to address boarded up structures, and that would get the City into additional land aquisition. In response to a question, it was indicated that the Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services is limited to the Greenwood area, wheras the Community Service Foundation does it countywide. Commissioner Deegan questioned if another subcontractor could be found to administer the SHIP program. Clearwater Housing Authority was suggested. Mr. Polatty recommended that the Commission approve the plan in order to obtain the dollars and that the plan could be ammended. He stated that if the application is not submitted by July 1 the City would lose its first year of funding. Commissioner Thomas stated he supported Commissioner Deegan's concerns and supported the Housing Authority taking the lead. The City Manager recommended allowing City staff to obtain the funds and giving them flexablity. The Mayor recommended going forward with staff's recommendation or else lose first year's funding. She stated then all the players could be pulled together. The City Manager questioned why the rush. Mr. Polatty indicated the rules have been changed. Commissioner Thomas questioned who came up with the list of proposed names for the Committee. Mr. Polatty indicated he had called on Neighborhood Advisory Committee. Discussion ensued regarding membership on the board and how it should be determined. Mr. Polatty will report back by tomorrow. Commissioner Berfield questioned term limitations on the Neighborhood Advisory Committee. Commissioner Deegan again expressed concerns regarding using the SHIP money as a match. Mr. Polatty indicated that this was a standard practice across the State to use SHIP money for the HOME program match. The City Manager indicated there was a need to do a better job of explaining the program. Commissioner Deegan expressed concerns regarding not taking care of the issue in the beginning. The City Manager stated the rules have changed and staff had to hurry. He stated he would have preferred to have done it differently. He stated that if it had not been brought forward at this time the money would be lost. Commissioner Deegan questioned if the application was submitted by 7/1, when it could be revisited. The City Manager recommended during the budget process. Commissioner Deegan recommended addressing it in 90 days. Mr. Wright recommended bringing in others until the City Commission thoroughly understands what it can and can't do with these funds. Commissioner Deegan recommended that staff see if Clearwater Housing Authority would want to administer the SHIP program. A question was raised regarding whether or not the Affordable Housing Committee appointments could be termed interim appointments. The City Manager indicated a special meeting could be held on June 28 if there was a problem. Commisssioner Thomas recommended that a citywide focus be assured. The meeting recessed from 12:45 to 1:00 p.m. Tour of Utilities Building - 900 Chestnut Street A tour was made of the Utilities Building with Betty Deptula indicating that there are 49 employees in the building. There are concerns regarding the asbestos in the building as well as the heating and air conditioning system not working. Discussion ensued regarding the ability to address the asbestos problem through either removing it or encapsulating it. It was indicated that any disturbance of the asbestos would require some action. It was stated that total removal of the asbestos would free up what could be done in the building in the future. It was pointed out that if there is an attempt to maintain customer service in the building while the asbestos is being addressed, it will affect the cost of the work. It was also stated that ADA requirements kick in at a certain amount of value of the work. The City Manager pointed out, that up until 90 days ago, this building was to be abandoned and that work on it has been deferred in anticipation of that. Further discussion ensued regarding how to address the asbestos problems in the building. Discussion ensued regarding the air conditioning system with it being stated that the duct work was in pretty good shape; however, the balance of the system was not. Possible contamination from an adjacent service station site was discussed. The monitoring well indicates continuing contamination, although there has been some excavation. A complete contamination assessment has not been done. It was indicated that Texaco agreed this is a problem. It was indicated it was felt that some of the complaints were a perception issue as the Hazardous Materials Team cannot detect any odors or contamination in the building. It was stated it had been determined that in one area there were vapors from the breakdown of PBC, not petroleum contamination. The fire codes were discussed with it being indicated the biggest concern was the exit from the second floor, as they have to go through the lobby in order to exit the building. It was stated that what would be required is sprinkling and fully enclosing one stairwell or, not sprinkling the building and enclosing both stairwells. A question was raised regarding if somebody purchased the building if they would have to do the same. It was indicated that it would depend on for what purpose the building is used. Further discussion ensued regarding fire code violations and how long they have existed. Regarding ADA requirements, it was indicated that if the cost of renovations reached $275,000 the building will have to be brought up to total code compliance. A question was raised regarding whether or not the asbestos removal would be included in calculating the value. It was indicated that is still a gray area. Further discussion ensued regarding bringing the building up to ADA code and meeting code regarding the air conditioning system. Questions were raised regarding the roof. It was indicated that it has been patched for the last couple of years and is scheduled for replacement next year. It was stated the current roof is not conducive to patching and that the life expectancy of the existing roof was two years. It was indicated that the Gas Sales Division will be relocated to a retail site. Questions were raised regarding the Annex building and whether or not it had been determined that the walls were attached. It was indicated that this is still be being looked at. The meeting recessed from 2:10 to 2:40 p.m. The City Commssion traveled to the Purchasing Division to see where the surplus personal property was stored. The Commission viewed the office equipment and computer equipment that was in storage. George McKibben, Purchasing Manager, indicated that all equipment is scrutinized for replacement in other departments. It was also indicated that if equipment is usable, but will not fit into the City's plan, that they do try to donate it to the schools or other charitable organizations. Commission Thomas questioned, of everything in the facility, how much was worn out and not usable versus obsolete due to changing the way of doing business. Laura Chase, Data Processing Manager, indicated it was about fifty-fifty. The Commission then traveled to the vehicle yard where they viewed a variety of vehicles that were waiting for disposal. The Commission then returned to the Chambers and recessed from 3:30 to 3:40 p.m. Preliminary Site Plan and Plat and application to amend the City Zoning Atlas for the Moorings of Sand Key (a/k/a the Estates at Sand Key) located E of Gulf Blvd., S of Marina Del Ray and E of Isle of Sand Key (Marden Enterprises) (PLD-7) The applicant proposes to develop a Residential Planned Development (RPD) on a vacant 12.34 acre tract. The property is currently within the Multi-family Residential "Twenty-Eight" zoning district. The plan proposes 66 detached single family dwelling units with a zero lot line design, and with most of the lots having individual private docks. The City Manager indicated this was the same site plan that was seen a year ago that called for the changing of address for other condominiums. He stated that a condition has been added to the plan that they can not change the street name. A question was raised regarding what the rezoning accomplishes, and it was indicated that they could go higher and would be allowed to have a zero lot line. Neon Lighting Study (PLD-8) The Commission requested a study on neon lighting regulation. Scott Shuford, Planning Manager, indicated there were two ways to regulate neon, either regulate it as a sign or through the building code. It was questioned how it was regulated now. Mr. Shuford indicated that if the neon is used as a sign, it falls under the sign code wheras if it trims or outlines the building it is not regulated. Discussion ensued regarding the use of neon in the City of Clearwater and whether or not it was a problem. Concerns were expressed that the Commission did not want Clearwater to become a "Las Vegas", but there were concerns that current use of neon was not objectionable. There were also concerns regarding the safety issues that had been raised by Mr. Stowell. It was indicated the Building Code would address those issues. Consensus of the Commission was for staff to do more research and return in a 90-day time frame with additional information. Mr. Shuford provided an update regarding the old Sipel’s Restaurant site indicating the County Commission had continued the issue for 60 days to allow Morton Plant to unveil its Comprehensive Plan. Declaration of surplus personal property and disposal authorization thru Tampa Machinery Auction, Tampa, FL, in accordance with Sec. 2.622, Surplus Sales over $5,000 (AS-1) The City Manager reported that from now on he will bring forward disposal of these items more often. Ms. Deptula indicated that they will also look for another location to store electronic equipment. The City Manager stated he will be sending out a policy letter. Authorization for staff to issue RFP for renovations at the Utilities Building - 900 Chestnut Street (GS-1) Mr. Wright indicated he has looked at this building from a 20-year perspective. It was indicated it was premature to make decisions regarding spending money on the Utlities Building until a decision is made regarding the consolidated City Hall. A question was raised regarding a letter from the employees complaining about the building and why it was not copied to the Commission. It was indicated that it was not sent to the City and City administrative staff received it from the press. Mr. Wright indicated time had been bought due to the use of the temporary air conditioning system. Commissioner Thomas suggested the air quality issue be resolved through the use of an ozone cleaner. Discussion ensued regarding whether or not to include the Utlitiies Building staff in the space needs for the City Hall. It was indicated decisions regarding City Hall would be coming forward in approximately 30 days. It was the consensus of the Commission to pull the issue regarding renovation to the Utilities Building at this time. City Manager Verbal Reports 1) The City Manager reported regarding the suggestion box program. A question was raised regarding the need for 50 boxes. It was indicated that the Commission had directed that they wanted the suggestion boxes and cards in all the facilities. It was the conseusus that 50 were too many but that it would be up to the City Manager. 2) The City Manager reported a cruise ship franchise had been looked at a year ago and not pursued. He stated the City is renovating Pier 60 and two cruise ship companies have expressed interest in docking off the pier. He questioned Commission direction regarding pursuing this. Consensus was for the City Manager to proceed to investigate. Commissioner Thomas expressed concern regarding the safety of Pier 60. It was indicated this is being looked at. The Mayor expressed concerns regarding the pier being removed and the fisher people being upset. It was indicated that they needed to revisit the issue of taking out the pier. 3) The City Manager requested information regarding who wished to attend the Florida League of Cities meeting. Commissioners Thomas, Berfield and Fitzgerald and Mayor Garvey indicated an interest. 4) The City Manager reported the Police Department is helping with patrolling Belleair. He stated Belleair only has a four or five person Police Department and the recent death of an officer was a blow to them. He reported he met with DOT officials last week regarding the swapping of SR60. They will be inspecting the roads and go over the City's plans. This has to do with swapping Cleveland Street and Court Street. The City Manager indicated they seemed receptive. Commission Discussion Items 1) Commissioner Thomas had requested information regarding purchases under $500 for 1991/92 fiscal year and the first three months of 1992/93. This will require over 40 hours of effort by an accounting clerk. The City Manager indicated that this would require full Commission approval as it would be in excess of the eight hour rule. Commissioner Thomas indicated he would be satisfied with obtaining this information for only after the first of the year, 1993. Consensus of the Commission was to proceed. 2) The Beautification Committee has made a recommendation that the City adopt the live oak as the City tree and the hibiscus as the City flower. The Mayor indicated she had no problem with the live oak as the tree; however, she was concerned regarding the hibiscus being the flower, as a policy has been followed that requires low maintenance shrubbery. It was stated this will be on the agenda and somebody will be here to address it Thursday night. 3) Commissioner Thomas has proposed a Charter Amendment that would require no employees be appointed to membership on Advisory Boards as well as more clearly defining City employees’ role in being liason to the Boards. Questions were raised regarding whether or not this needed to be done as a charter amendment. Consensus was for this to be done through an Ordinance. 4) Small nonprofit organisations such as Home Owners Associations have been adversely impacted by the imposition of an Incorporation Fee through State statute. It was suggested this be addressed through the City's legislative package. The City Manager will forward the information and place this item in the legislative package. 5) The City Manager indicated something had been mentioned regarding no longer having work sessions but having meetings on Mondays for business purposes and Thursday nights for public hearings and items of public interest. Discussion ensued regarding what business should take place on the Monday meetings and the Thursday meetings, and what format should be followed. It was stated the meetings should be held at the dias as they will be televised. Consensus of the Commission was to go with this with the resolution on the next meeting to change the rules. The City Manager and City Clerk will work out the details. 6) A letter will be sent to Vision Cable regarding the new schedule. There was a request that no funds be spent to upgrade the video equipment in the chambers until a decision was made about City Hall. Other Commission Action The Mayor stated some concerns had been expressed regarding the handicap lift to be installed in front of City Hall. There was concern regarding the mechanical life breaking down and stranding a handicapped individual. Consensus of the Commission was to investigate a ramp on the south side of the building and to agenda modification to this project for Thursday night. Commissioner Deegan questioned a report from the Police Department regarding whether a report was accurate. He questioned if the tracking list was no longer being put together on Friday. Ms. Rice reported that it is being put on a data base and will continue to be sent to the Commission. Commissioner Deegan expressed concern that paperwork is getting voluminous and that he did not need copies of letters sent to people who spoke under Citizens to be Heard. The Mayor stated this was part of the problem in that if one Commission member wants something, they all get a copy of it. There were also some concerns regarding probems with the FAX machines. Discussion ensued on how to get a handle on the copying being done. Mr. Wright indicated it was getting to the point where there may need to be mail run every day versus use of the FAX machine. It was the consensus of the Commission to discuss this at the next work session. It was also the consensus that thankyou letters can be left out of the Commssion mail. Commissioner Deegan questioned the schedule for Dunedin Pass. It was indicated that the finalists were notified on June 14. Commissioner Deegan stated there were four RFP's in progress and requested the status report. Commissioner Berfield mentioned a method for burying powerlines. The City Manager indicated this was already scheduled to be done. Commissioner Berfield mentioned correspondence received from the Greenwood Panthers regarding their budget. Commissioner Thomas indicated he had forwarded it to Clearwater for Youth and the Long Center. Commissioner Berfield questioned who Hank Freeman was; somebody from whom correspondence had been received. The City Manager indicated that the City Attorney was preparing a response. Commissioner Berfield questioned a letter regarding acoholic beverages at special events. Commissioner Thomas stated he had written the letter to recommend that beer and wine be allowed, however only allow it as sold at the event, not brought in in coolers. It was the consensus to agenda this along with other alcoholic beverage issue discussions. Commissioner Berfield questioned a letter from the City Attorney regarding temporary signs for new businesses. The City Attorney indicated he felt staff was working on an ordinance regarding this. This will be agendaed for a future Commission discussion item. Commissioner Thomas distributed a sample letter he is sending to the Florida League of Cities, the National League of Cities and others regarding the FEMA flood legislation. He stated this must be monitored as it will turn into an erosion control legislation. He felt the Cities need to organise to fight this legislation. He stated Florida residents pay $2 billion in premiums for the Flood insurance and only receive $150,000 in claims. Commissioner Thomas indicated he would like for appeals from the Development Code Adjustment Board to come to the City Commission. Commissioner Deegan recommended that this discussion wait until after the Code Enforcement Review Task Force completed its work. The meeting adjourned at 6:09 p.m.