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04/03/1995 CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION April 3, 1995 The City Commission of the City of Clearwater met at City Hall with the following members present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner Fred A. Thomas Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Richard Fitzgerald Commissioner Sue A. Berfield Commissioner Absent: Arthur X. Deegan, II Commissioner Also present: Michael R. Dallmann Commissioner-Elect J. B. Johnson Commissioner-Elect Elizabeth M. Deptula City Manager Kathy S. Rice Deputy City Manager William C. Baker Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Patricia Sullivan Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 9:11 a.m. Service Awards - None ED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FY 1994-95 HOME Funding Agreement with Pinellas County for funding to be provided under the HOME federal housing program For Fiscal Year (FY) 1993-94, the City was awarded $258,662 in HOME funds and none has been expended. The City was awarded $332,542 for FY 1994-95. During this fiscal year, staff recommends funding: 1) Rental Housing Development - $435,000; 2) Owner-Occupied - $63,000; 3) Home-Buyer Assistance - $50,000; and 4) Administration - $33,204. Alan Ferri, Director of Economic Development, reported the $435,000 will be lent to the Clearwater Housing Authority to purchase, perform minor repairs, and update taxes for a 182-unit complex under foreclosure. Twenty percent of the units will be set aside for low and medium income tenants. No central kitchen facilities exist at the complex. He indicated the HOME agreement is three years old. Concern was expressed that Hampton residents are forced to purchase food service. The City Manager indicated that is a County project and staff will investigate the situation. Mr. Ferri indicated the term of the loan is for 35 years and the City can sell the building in case of foreclosure. First Reading Ord. #5770-95 - Establishing a Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board (NAHAB) The Florida State Housing Incentive Partnership (SHIP) Program requires the City to establish an Affordable Housing Advisory Committee to review and monitor the annual Local Housing Assistance Plan and the Affordable Housing Incentive Plan. As part of a consolidated plan to address local housing, community and economic development needs, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires the City to adopt a Citizen Participation Plan. Alan Ferri stated the maximum mandated number of board members is nine; six slots are mandated to come from fields such as real estate, banking, construction, etc. He recommended three additional “at large” members from N Greenwood, S Greenwood, and E Clearwater as citizen advocates with non voting status. Concerns were expressed that non voting members would be an ineffective use of valuable volunteers. The board will set goals and objectives, identify needed social services, and prioritize funding needs. It was noted the board, which will also oversee CDBG funds, is critical. The board will collect information for the City Commission which will make final decisions. C-View 35 will advertise that board applications are being accepted. Information regarding the applicants and a map indicating the district in which each applicant lives will be available. LIB LIBRARY Amendments to Pinellas Public Library Cooperative Interlocal Agreement Seven amendments to the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative (PPLC) Interlocal Agreement are being recommended to members of the cooperative for adoption by their governing boards. Six of the amendments bring the interlocal agreement into compliance with State law; the seventh increases the PPLC Board from seven to nine members. Arlita Hallam, Library Director, said the PPLC Board selects its own members. She indicated the City has presented a nomination. She felt a Clearwater representative would be selected for the PPLC Board although it is not mandatory that Clearwater has board representation. MR MARINE Lease Agreement with Bruce Littler, Inc., for Marina building rooms 2, 2A & 3, for the period 05/01/95 -04/30/00, for $60,900 plus tax, plus an annual 5% CPI increase in the last 2 years of the lease AND Second Amendment to Lease Agreement with Bruce Littler, Inc., for Marina building room 4, adding Yacht Brokerage to business use; sub-lease to Harbor Yacht Sales, Inc. On April 30, 1995, American Yacht Corporation, d/b/a Harbor Yacht Sales, Inc., plans to release Marina building rooms 2, 2A & 3 to Bruce Littler for $13 per square foot, or $1,015 per month, plus tax. In lieu of a percentage of yearly gross sales, Mr. Littler will pay an annual 5% CPI increase to his lease payment in each of the lease’s last two years, starting May 1, 1998. Mr. Littler plans to spend between $15,000 and $20,000 on room improvements to accommodate his business. He also will be allowed to sub-lease approximately 200 square feet of space to Harbor Yacht Sales, Inc. Bruce Littler, current lessee of Marina building room 4, requests amending paragraph 3 of his Lease Agreement to include a yacht brokerage so he can sub-lease room 4, with 188.5 square feet, to Harbor Yacht Sales, Inc. Mr. Littler pays $12.73 per square foot, or $200 per month, plus tax, all electrical service, property taxes, for improvements to the room and equipment in the room and provides liability insurance naming the City as additional insured. His lease expires March 31, 1996, and Mr. Littler will remain responsible for all other conditions, limitations, restriction and obligations under this lease throughout the remaining term of the lease. Concern was expressed that the lease rate is below market value and that no written agreement is included regarding the amount to be spent on proposed improvements. Harbormaster Bill Held stated paragraph 11 includes the proposed renovations: New flooring; Lighting; Air-conditioning system; Wall coverings; and Partitions. A letter detailing the proposed upgrades will be requested prior to approval of the requested changes to the lease agreements. Discussion ensued regarding whether input from the public should be allowed at Work Sessions. The majority agreed it should not be allowed. EN ENGINEERING Contract to purchase Hampton Road r-o-w Parcel #002.1, a 24-month temporary construction easement containing 6,620 sq. ft. (0.15 acres), m.o.l.; accept easement grant from Park Place Building, Ltd., for a cost of $7,500 Hampton Road will be widened between SR 60 and Drew Street with two outer lanes and one bi-directional continuous left turn lane. This 10-foot wide parcel provides approximately 660 linear feet along the westerly limits of existing right-of-way for construction activities. As staff was unable to negotiate reasonable accommodation with owners of two of five right-of-way parcels sought along Hampton Road’s east side, each of the three lanes will be reduced from 12 to 11 foot widths, and sidewalk improvements will be limited to approximately 80% of the project's easterly length. Concern was expressed that sidewalks will be installed on only one side of the road. It was noted that City policy requires new development to install sidewalks on both sides of the road when possible. Contract for Enterprise Road East Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation to Madsen/Barr Corp., Longwood, FL, for $165,274 This project, the second phase of restoration to the sanitary sewer system under Enterprise Road between US 19N and Landmark Drive, will line existing clay pipes with high density polyethylene pipe (HDPE), flexible to accommodate further settlement of the existing pipes. Installation will be through utility access portals and will not require excavation. Two way traffic will be maintained in at least one lane each way. Concern was expressed that one bid was submitted from the 52 solicited. City Engineer Rich Baier indicated only one local company handles HDPE, the most appropriate product for the project. Assistant City Manager William C. Baker said the City did not know which company handled the material until the bid was received. Concern was expressed that the slip line technique will reduce the pipes’ inside diameter and reduce efficiency. Mr. Baker stated the pipes will be sufficient to carry required loads. Restoration is required due to corrosion, not a need for larger pipes. Five-year lease with the Greater Chamber of Commerce of 1,008 sq. ft. office space (m.o.l.) at Clearwater Beach Memorial Civic Center, for nominal rent of $5 for lease term Since 1978, the Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce has leased approximately 1,008 square feet in the Memorial Civic Center. The Chamber wishes to renew the lease for an additional five year term for a total rent payment of $5 and other considerations that include providing information to the public regarding City-operated programs, services and recreational activities. The Chamber will pay its pro-rata share of utility expenses and ad valorem tax obligations created by the lease, maintain comprehensive liability and fire insurance coverage, and take all reasonable and prudent actions to comply with ADA. It was noted the Clearwater and Beaches Tourism Council has indicated interest in this lease and providing Welcome Center services. Both groups are invited to present plans at the April 6, 1995 meeting. The City Manager will verify if the Library anticipates expansion needs due to increased patronage of that facility. Res. #95-29 - changing portions of Spruce Ave. & Railroad Ave. to Blanche B. Littlejohn Trail Streets adjacent to the old ACL Railroad (Pinellas Trail) are known as Spruce and Railroad Avenues. In some areas, addresses from both streets adjoin each other causing confusion when emergency vehicles are dispatched. The City proposes renaming Spruce and Railroad Avenues between Hart and Carlton Streets. Spruce Street will retain that name where the street is not adjacent to the Trail. The N Greenwood Association selected the name, Littlejohn Trail, to honor Blanche B. Littlejohn. As Littlejohn is currently used in Dunedin, staff has added Ms. Littlejohn’s first name and initial to the street name. Concerns were expressed regarding the need to change the name rather than adopting one of the existing ones and the economic impact on businesses affected by the change. It was noted most of the community selected the new name. Contract for demolition of commercial structures at 1180 Russell St. (old Solid Waste Complex) to Phoenix Wrecking Corp., Tampa, FL, for $79,793 This contract will provide for the complete demolition and removal of the "old" Solid Waste Complex at 1180 Russell Street. Demolition of two commercial structures and all site appurtenances including small out buildings totals $50,173. Improvement to grounds totals $29,620 and includes: 1) Seeding and mulching entire site after demolition; 2) Clean fill material; 3) Installation of silt erosion control curtain; and 4) One fixed project sign. It was suggested the City allow separate bids for the various segments for similar projects in the future. The City Manager noted staff could handle some seeding and mulching duties. The Commission recessed from 10:36 to 10:47 a.m. CM ADMINISTRATION Item re Harborview Construction Option Globe Facility Services (GFS) has recommended amending the Harborview Center project to include removal of ten structural columns in the third floor meeting room area for improved site views at a cost of $175,000. They have also recommended installing a second escalator to allow continuous two-way movement between all floors at a cost of $160,000. After discussion with the architect, staff concluded the additional escalator can be purchased with project contingency funds. Concerns were expressed that the removal of columns would affect the roof’s integrity. Mr. Baker said the new roof would not be affected as beams would be installed to transfer the load to the remaining columns that will be adequately stiffened. Concern was expressed regarding the cost. Mani Costa, GFS General Manager, said the change was necessary as the room is almost impossible to sell with columns blocking site views. Because of the ceiling’s height, the stage will be limited to 32 - 36 inches. Rooms B & C are 5,000 square feet each. Room A is 4,400 square feet and Room D is 4,200 square feet. The third floor has two men’s and two women’s bathrooms. Concern was expressed with the inclusion of a north corridor. Mr. Costa stated the architect recommended the corridor to avoid a dead end and to address fire regulations. At the April 6, 1995 meeting, the architect will address the fire code, site lines and need for the north corridor. Mr. Costa indicated the ad campaign will begin in May and reviewed tentative bookings. An Administrative Assistant, Kimberly Mays, was hired and sales kits and stationery are being prepared. A payment schedule was requested to compare what has been paid thus far with this budget. Mr. Baker noted additional costs are listed in the “white paper” and include $200,000 for the downstairs restaurant and $300,000 for the one upstairs. The restaurant costs and column removal expenses have not been budgeted. Additional expenses will include audio visual and other equipment needed to operate the Center. A listing of booked events including the square footage and revenue and a proforma will be provided. Mich Sauers, GFS President, indicated rates have not been established and ranges of rates are being quoted. CP CENTRAL PERMITTING Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #5788-95 - Vacating 10' east/west alley lying in Blk. E, Plaza Park Addition, subject to City retaining a full width drainage & utility easement (City, V95-01) The City requests vacating the 10-foot east/west alley lying in Block “E,” Plaza Park Addition to allow residents on both sides of the alley to fence in their yards to a common back property line. Vagrants have been using the alley to camp and cut through residents’ backyards. Vacation of the unpaved alley will remove this land from City records and become taxable property. Concern was expressed that vagrants displaced by this action would move to the next block. Central Permitting Director Scott Shuford indicated one day staff will study City easements and alleys to create a comprehensive approach. He stated staff presently reacts to citizen complaints. Concern was expressed that this vacation not cause additional problems elsewhere. The City Manager indicated staff will address Commission concerns prior to second reading. Receipt/Referral - LDCA revising parking space formulae (LDCA94-28) A recent survey conducted by the Agency for Bay Management indicated local zoning ordinances require more parking for large commercial developments than necessary. The proposed parking space revisions will lower parking requirements for retail sales, offices, personal services, residential, restaurant and entertainment uses but will have little effect on requirements downtown. With approval, public parking could fulfill downtown parking needs. Concern was expressed that lower parking requirements would result in additional development of shopping center outparcels. Mr. Shuford indicated that type of development would need to go through the subdivision process. He hoped the change would result in additional green space. Receipt/Referral - LDCA re revisions to conditional use permit requirements for alcoholic beverage uses (LDCA95-10) Staff has identified a frequent problem in implementing the new alcoholic beverage regulations relating to the “cap” in the percentage of floor area that can be devoted to restaurant or other alcoholic beverage uses within retail complexes or shopping centers. Concern was expressed that it was too soon to revise regulations that took two years to draft. It was recommended that the regulations be reviewed in six months to address all concerns, instead of one at a time. This item was fulled from the April 6, 1995 agenda. Receipt/Referral - LDCA re manufacturing use in Beach Commercial zone (LDCA95-08) Frenchy’s Seafood Company wishes to expand the seafood processing operation which would require a code modification to allow “manufacturing” as a conditional use in the Beach Commercial zoning district. Concern was expressed regarding this being in the proposed redevelopment area. An opinion was expressed that this type of operation should not occur on the beach. It was felt manufacturing uses should be reviewed after redevelopment is addressed. The City Manager indicated the item would be withdrawn. The present use would remain without expansion. Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #5766-95 - LDCA re revisions to receipt and referral and other related requirements (LDCA95-05) The proposed ordinance: 1) Eliminates receipt and referral of certain sized properties for site plan and subdivision plat review but specific acreage has not been indicated. Recommendations suggest a minimum of 25 acres serve as the “trigger”; 2) Eliminates receipt and referral of land use plans, annexation, and rezoning requests which would go to public hearings before the Planning & Zoning Board (P&Z) and City Commission; 3) Requires additional public notice for site plans and plats; 4) Allows the P&Z to hear variance requests associated with conditional use permits; 5) Eliminates the preliminary and final site plan concept; 6) Clarifies and revises submittal requirements for land development concept plans, conditional use permits, site plans and variance site plans and specifies when a change to a conditional use permit site plan requires reconsideration by the P&Z; 7) Clarifies the Development Review Committee role as a City staff board; 8) Transfers review of sign variances from the City Commission to the Development Code Adjustment Board (DCAB); 9) Allows site plan certification by the Central Permitting Department; and 10) Authorizes the City Manager to determine the land or cash issue for the Parks & Recreation Impact Fee for sites not reviewed by the City Commission. A list was distributed comparing projects that would and would not require Commission review under the proposed ordinance. A list covering two years of projects was requested. Concerns were expressed regarding items #4 and #8. Mr. Shuford indicated P&Z felt comfortable hearing the infrequent variance requests associated with conditional use permits, however, DCAB prefers to hear all variance requests. He stated the Commission handled sign variance requests because of the large volume that occurred after amortization. It was questioned if DCAB could handle the additional volume of eight to ten per month. Additional information regarding the impact of this Ordinance is to be provided. CLK CITY CLERK Community Relations Board - 1 appointment A request was made that a list be made available for the Commission in Chambers noting the zip codes of Board members to review when new members are appointed. CA LEGAL DEPARTMENT City Manager Verbal Reports The City Manager requested adding a discussion of Work Session procedures to the April 6, 1995 agenda. A walk through the Harborview Center was scheduled for Thursday, April 20, 1995 at 5:00 p.m. Commissioners will meet at the Biltmore trailer on the building’s west side. The City Manager expressed sympathy to the family of Steve Saliga on his passing. Commission Discussion Items Other Commission Action Commissioners-elect Johnson and Dallmann requested addressing the Commission’s Rules. The City Manager scheduled the discussion for the April 17, 1995 Work Session. Adjourn The Commission adjourned at 12:35 p.m.