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11/13/1995 CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER November 13, 1995 Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner Sue A. Berfield Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Fred A. Thomas Commissioner J. B. Johnson Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Elizabeth M. Deptula City Manager William C. Baker Assistant City Manager Kathy S. Rice Deputy City Manager Scott Shuford Central Permitting Director Rich Baier Engineering Director Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall. Service Awards One service award was presented to a City employee. Charles Porthouse, Parks & Recreation Department, was presented the November 1995 Employee of the Month award. The Commission recessed at 1:05 p.m. to meet in attorney/client session regarding the City of Clearwater and Sid Klein, Chief of Police, versus Church of Scientology, Flag Service Organization, Inc. and recessed from 1:20 to 2:15 p.m. to meet as the Pension Trustees and Community Redevelopment Agency. ED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Contract to purchase a parcel of real estate containing approximately 1.345 acres located at 1454 S. Greenwood Ave., Sec. 22-29-15, from Asimeno Corp., for $84,000 plus expenses for appraisal ($400), environmental inspections ($730) and title insurance ($690) bringing the total acquisition cost to $85,820 On July 20, 1995, the City Commission approved the FY (Fiscal Year) 1995/96 Consolidated Plan to increase home ownership opportunities and target residents of public housing and residents with special needs. The proposed property purchase could allow the Department of Economic Development to develop seven single family detached homes targeted for sale to residents of CHA (Clearwater Housing Authority) and Project Self-Sufficiency. The City, CHA, CNHS (Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services), Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation, and local lending institutions will work as partners to plan, develop, market and finance this project. It was questioned why CNHS would not develop this property. Alan Ferri, Economic Development Director, said CNHS has 50 households on their waiting list. He did not think it was fair to demand CNHS change their target. This project is to address the needs of Project Self-Sufficiency Clients and CHA residents. Most families on the CNHS waiting list have higher incomes. It was suggested to invite Habitat for Humanity to build one of the houses. Concern was expressed that the City should not enter the development business. Mr. Ferri indicated some of the 80 infill houses built by CNHS were developed for a moderate income group It was felt City land should be used to enhance housing for low and moderate income residents but creating another agency is inappropriate. The City Manager recommended allowing Economic Development to develop the seven Single-Family residences as no other agency is willing to target this low income group. Concern was expressed CNHS serves higher income residents first. It was suggested CNHS maintain a list for low income applicants and one for those with moderate incomes. Mr. Ferri reported the City monitored the construction of infill housing as required by federal law. He indicated the purchase of the subject property would be funded by money remaining in the consolidated plan. Concern was expressed the City not participate in a social service function. It was indicated this item only addresses the purchase of the subject property. Development of the property will be addressed at another time. IM INFORMATION MANAGEMENT C-View Task Force The City Commission created and funded C-View TV to provide Clearwater residents with immediate access to the deliberations of elected officials and information regarding City departments and services. The government access television channel began cablecasting on January 3, 1995. In July and August 1995, Bordner Research, Inc. conducted three focus groups and one quantitative survey to determine market awareness, expectations and perceptions related to the channel. The Commission agreed to establish an eighteen-month, seven-member advisory Task Force to develop policies and receive input from citizens and technical experts during the early stages of operation. The City Manager will appoint technically oriented members. Commission appointees will be interested Clearwater citizens. Technical members may live outside the City but within Pinellas County. The Commission will decide the number of members they will appoint. Concern was expressed the City Manager's technical appointees should live in the City. The City Manager said not all Task Force members may need to watch the channel. She suggested technical appointees can monitor the station's set up and equipment purchases, for example. A request was made that she outline the duties of technical members. The City Manager indicated members appointed by the City Commission watch C-View TV programming at home and can comment accordingly. PW PUBLIC WORKS First Reading Ord. #5940-95 - establishing rates for residential & non-residential reclaimed water service to Island Estates, Memorial Causeway & Clearwater Beach and amending various sections of the Code by referencing reclaimed water service The City currently supplies low pressure reclaimed water service to four customers from the Northeast WPC facility and two customers from the Marshall Street WPC facility. Customers pay a uniform rate of $13.77 per month per acre of pervious area for service to this "open space." Through a petition process, property owners on Island Estates requested the City provide reclaimed water service to their location, a logical extension of the City's reclaimed water system since these customers cannot use shallow wells for irrigation due to their proximity to saltwater. Consequently, they rely on the potable water system for lawn irrigation and other non-potable uses. Using reclaimed water on Island Estates could decrease potable water consumption by approximately 650,000 gallons per day. Reclaimed water is exempt from existing water restrictions. This ordinance establishes reclaimed water rates for single family, duplex, triplex, multi-family and open space reclaimed water service on Island Estates, Memorial Causeway and Clearwater beach. It also revises miscellaneous sections of the Code of Ordinances by adding references to reclaimed water, provides definitions, and clarifies responsibilities of the City and customers. The Engineering Department estimated a high pressure reclaimed water transmission and distribution system to all of Island Estates would cost $4,162,703. A grant from the Pinellas-Anclote River Basin Board of SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) for $1,645,125 is anticipated. Another $1-million for this project has been designated from the sale of City-owned property in Hillsborough County. The balance of $1,517,578 is the customer share of project costs. Proposed monthly rates for each service connection provided on Island Estates are: 1) Single family, duplex or triplex - $18 per domestic water account; 2) multi-family - $4.72 per dwelling unit; and 3) open space - $70.25 per acre of pervious area. To encourage customers to hook up to adjacent reclaimed water mains, a monthly "Availability Only" charge is established for customers who do not request connection for available reclaimed water service: 1) Single family, duplex or triplex - $14.70 per domestic water account; 2) multi-family - $3.89 per dwelling unit; and 3) open space - $39.89 per acre of pervious area. Proposed reclaimed water rates are lower than lawn meter rates for potable water except in instances of extremely low consumption. A single family customer using 1,600 cubic feet of reclaimed water each month would save more than $26 when compared to current lawn meter charges. Rates are calculated to recover the customer portion of the capital outlay for the reclaimed main extension as well as operating, administrative, billing and maintenance costs. Charges for future reclaimed water service for Memorial Causeway and Clearwater beach are anticipated to be similar to Island Estates and are included in the proposed rate schedule that will be reviewed annually and revised as necessary. Reclaimed water rates should gradually decrease as more customers come on line and reclaimed mains extend to other areas and more customers share the capital outlay portion. The proposed rates allow unlimited consumption of reclaimed water. No meters will be installed initially but may be required later. Studies indicate most new reclaimed water systems do not install meters until demand approaches the available supply. No connection fee will be charged the City to install its facilities to the point of delivery. Adoption of this ordinance is recommended to enable potential customers to know the costs associated with this new service in advance. It was noted the Island Estates Civic Association indicated they wish to bury their power lines when reclaimed water pipes are installed. City Engineer Rich Baier said he could contract Florida Power to include that as part of the Work Order and suggested any costs above those for reclaimed water be handled as a special assessment, similar to Sand Key. He said the cost for burying power lines would not be included in the rate charged for reclaimed water. It was noted few trenches need to be dug to install pipes for reclaimed water. Mr. Baier estimated the reclaimed water pipes will be installed on Island Estates in Fall 1996. It was requested an estimate of the cost to bury the power lines be provided. EN ENGINEERING The City Engineer reported Parking Feasibility Study meetings will be held at the Memorial Civic Center at 7:00 p.m.: 1) November 29, 1995; 2) January 10, 1996,; 3) February 14, 1996; 4) March 17, 1996; and 5) May 22, 1996 to discuss: 1) project orientation/presentation of parking data; 2) future parking demand/current and future parking deficiencies and surpluses; 3) identify alternatives for addressing parking deficiencies; 4) evaluate alternatives - conceptual layouts; and 5) present recommended implementation plan. The City Manager requested the City Commission attend, if possible. CP CENTRAL PERMITTING Public Hearing & First Reading Ords. #5856-95 & #5857-95 - Land Use Plan Amendment to Institutional & MPD Zoning for property located at 1221 & 1256 Bay Ave., 323 & 325 Pinellas St., and 1225 Reynolds Ave., Westover Sub., Blk. B, Lots 1, 2 & 17, C. Perry Snell's Bluff View Ct., Lots 22-24, and S. J. Reynolds Sub., Lot 8 (Morton Plant Hospital Association, Inc. and Evmorphia M. Kralis, LUP95-13, Z95-02) The subject property consists of three parcels currently zoned Limited Office within the Master Planning Area of Morton Plant Hospital. Two parcels, recently purchased by Morton Plant Hospital, are on the northeast and southwest corners of the Pinellas Street and Bay Avenue intersection. The requested Future Land Use Plan and Zoning Atlas Amendment are required per conditions of approval in the hospital's Master Plan. The hospital has a contract to purchase the third parcel, north of Pinellas Street, one block east of the other parcels. The Master Plan Amendment is non-substantial. Due to Future Land Use and Zoning Atlas Amendments, this request is referred to the City Commission for approval along with the request to change land use and zoning. The parcels on Reynolds Avenue (existing home) and the northeast corner of Bay Avenue and Pinellas Street (doctor's offices) will continue with their current use. The southwest corner of Bay Avenue and Pinellas Street will be used for interim parking. There is an approved site plan for this site. On June 1, 1995, the DRC (Development Review Committee) considered this request. No objection was raised to incorporating the three parcels in the Morton Plan Master Plan. However, the DRC felt additional changes should be made to the Master Plan at this time. The DRC is concerned about the offset of right-of-way and traffic lanes on Pinellas Street and S. Ft. Harrison Avenue and requests Morton Plant modify the Master Plan accordingly. A dedication of right-of-way or easement is needed on the west side of the satellite parking lot for the Pinellas Trail. In addition, changes are needed regarding the footnotes. Central Permitting staff also requested clarification of the hospital's buffer installation schedule. Buffers will be provided as development projects are constructed, but some buffer areas are not associated with specific projects. Staff needs clarification for these areas. Staff recommended a schedule and anticipate an agreement with the hospital prior to consideration of this item. Morton Plant has modified its original plan to show the alignment of Pinellas Street, the Pinellas Trail easement, and footnote changes requested by the DRC. The landscaping/buffer schedule staff recommends can be formalized as part of the Plan through a letter of understanding between the hospital and City prior to final adoption of the ordinances approving these changes. The hospital has expressed general agreement with the buffer installation schedule proposed by staff. Since they anticipate a major redesign program for the Druid Road parking lot, they wish to complete the buffer on the south side of the parking lot simultaneously with construction. Neither staff nor the Town of Belleair has problems with this schedule as long as the installation of landscaping is not significantly delayed. Adjoining neighbors want no delay. If the landscaping can be installed by Spring 1996, staff would not regard this as significant. On September19, 1995, the Planning & Zoning Board unanimously endorsed the proposed Future Land Use Plan Amendment and Zoning Atlas Amendment providing the applicant submits a letter of understanding regarding a date certain for installation of landscape buffering prior to final Commission approval. Mr. Shuford referred to residents' request for buffering without delay. He indicated the hospital has provided staff with a buffering schedule. He noted neighbor concerns regarding the Jeffords Street/Druid Road parking lot and said the hospital will redesign that lot in the Spring and complete the buffering then. Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #5946-95 - Clearwater Beach Planned Development District Zoning for property located in City Park Sub., part of Lot 7, 0.67 acre located on E side of Poinsettia Ave., in center parking isle of the Memorial Civic Center Parking Lot, Sky Tower, L.C. site (City / Grogan, Z95-17) The City Commission has entered into a lease agreement to allow siting the proposed 335 foot "Sky Tower" with a 515 square foot footprint on Clearwater beach in the City-owned parking lot immediately across Poinsettia Avenue from Clearwater Beach Civic Center. This lease agreement is contingent upon James Grogan, representative of the tower project, obtaining appropriate zoning and construction approvals. Mr. Grogan, has submitted a request for planned development zoning to address the project's unusual and site-specific design issues. At staff's request, he submitted two concept plans: 1) maximizes parking by providing 71 spaces (a reduction from the current 74), but does not meet minimum perimeter landscaping requirements and 2) provides only 48 parking spaces but meets landscaping requirements. Either plan can be approved as a planned development. City staff has reviewed this request and determined it meets the minimum submission requirements of the City Code and the applicable standards of approval (Sec. 40.674). The site, however, does not meet the minimum area requirements for a Clearwater Beach Planned Development District as the site contains 0.67 acre less than the four acre minimum for such zoning. To approve this reduced area, the City Commission must find that deviation from the minimum acreage is in the public interest. Central Permitting Director Scott Shuford indicated perpendicular parking spaces take up less room than angle parking. It was suggested that parking spaces on the beach be reviewed to see if a different lay out might increase their number. Mr. Baier said staff will review the Pier 60 lot before its scheduled resurfacing. It was indicated Thursday's discussion of this item would use quasi-judicial procedures. Receipt/Referral - proposed Ordinance to amend Secs. 21.10 & 42.35 to provide for temporary storage of recreational vehicles for lodging purposes at the Harborview Center Some exhibitors at Harborview Center craft shows will want to temporarily "lodge" in their recreational vehicles for the duration of the craft show, typically two or three days. Staff has determined that such lodging, on the limited scale anticipated, creates no public safety or appearance concerns. Staff recommends approval of this ordinance and upon adoption, Harborview Center staff intends to develop a parking plan for these vehicles in conjunction with City staff. The City Manager was not comfortable with allowing recreational vehicles to park overnight in the lot behind the Harborview Center and suggested, instead, using the lot behind City Hall. It was suggested the ordinance be less generic so parking at the Harborview Center is never permitted for this purpose. Mr. Shuford recommended some flexibility in the language to allow parking at the Harborview Center under specific and unusual circumstances only. He said rules for this activity would be drawn up separately. Information on parking recreational vehicles at convention centers in St. Petersburg and Tampa was requested. Authorize modification of streetscape previously installed by the City and the CRA, 500 block of Cleveland Street The Scientologists have requested modifying the streetscape in front of property they own in the 500 block of Cleveland Street (north side) to replicate the historical streetscape that existed when the old Bank of Clearwater building was constructed. The Downtown Partnership, requested their Design Subcommittee, the Design Review Board, and staff consider this request. The Design Subcommittee, Design Review Board, and staff reviewed the request and modified the design to address each group's concerns. A site drawing was submitted showing the Scientologist's proposal as recommended by the above groups. The proposal includes recessed lighting of the building, replacement of existing street furniture with more traditional pieces and installation of another traditional downtown streetlight. Staff reviewed the proposed bench and trash receptacle for durability. In the interest of continuity in the downtown streetscape, staff will consider the same type bench and receptacle for use in Coachman Park as part of an upgrade to that facility. All reviewing groups considered continuity in the streetscape as very important and judged the proposed treatment as conforming with the overall design goals for downtown and consistent with the new Downtown Redevelopment Plan. The proposed improvements on the north side of the 500 block of Cleveland Street are to be installed entirely at the expense of the Church of Scientology which will coordinate the installation of these features with FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation), owner of the right-of-way. Staff recommends approval of this streetscape modification as it advances the design and aesthetic goals of the City for downtown. It was noted the City was trying to establish a common look downtown. Concern was expressed with plans to tear down the brick planters recently installed. Mr. Shuford said the committees felt the proposed design is classic in nature. Authorize City Manager to negotiate with property owners to prepare a Development Agreement regarding Vogel Property, Landmark Drive, located south of Enterprise Road & east of proposed Landmark Drive extension; Refer to Clerk for advertisement for public hearings when City Manager determines agreement is ready for public consideration City Code allows the City to enter into development agreements with property owners. The applicant wishes to enter into a Development Agreement with the City to ensure specific contractual obligations are met by the property owner and the City and to gain vested development rights. The primary focus of the Agreement will focus on the following items: 1) annexation of the Vogel property, approximately 7.31 acres; 2) dedication to the City a portion of right-of-way, essential for alignment and construction of proposed Landmark Drive south of Enterprise Road; 3) a Residential Planned Development consisting of approximately 33 single family detached residential units based on the existing land use classification that allows a maximum density of 7.5 units per gross acre; 4) an 11,100 square foot one-story office complex zoned Limited Office; and 5) the City allows a 50 foot right-of-way within the proposed residential planned development. Preliminary meetings were held with the property owners' representative to discuss the specific site plan details and anticipated obligations. The City Attorney's office has determined that the procedures as set forth in Code Sections 36.111 through 36.124 must follow the sequence set forth in the Ordinance. This agenda item represents Step 2 of the process outlined in the October 10, 1995, memorandum from Assistant City Attorney Leslie Dougall-Sides. If the Commission authorizes the City Manager to negotiate, she will provide the Commission with a report, and if at least three Commissioners wish to proceed, a tentative development agreement will be prepared for Commission review. It was questioned if Saber Drive will be opened to the Landmark Drive extension. Mr. Baier indicated it would not. Mr. Shuford said the Commissioners will view this item four more times. If the City Commission authorizes the project to go forward, two public hearings will be held. An estimate of the City's cost for this project was requested. Mr. Shuford indicated the Landmark Drive extension had been approved previously in the CIP budget. He will report on the recent change of use granted by the County. CM ADMINISTRATION Summer Youth Employment Program - final report’s recommendations Eleanor Breland, Director of Human Relations, requested approval of recommendations included in the PPIC (Pinellas Private Industry Council, Inc.), City of Clearwater Summer Jobs Program 1995 report: 1) allocate monies returned to the City from the 1995 Summer Program to the program for 1996: 2) notify PPIC regarding the administration of the 1996 City Summer Program by December 1, 1995; 3) allocate funds for an education/cultural activity; 4) allocate at least $1,000 for the recognition luncheon for employers and participants; 5) pay 14-15 year olds $4.25 per hour, 16-18 year olds $5.25 per hour and 19-23 year olds $6.25 per hour; 6) omit parent and participant surveys; and 7) fund the 1996 Summer Youth Employment and Training Program. She indicated $18,790 will be returned to the City from the 1995 Summer Program. Ms. Breland said the program met all their goals. Contract to purchase real property located at 128 N. Osceola Ave. from the Greater Chamber of Commerce, Sec. 16-29-15, for $300,000 and pay related transaction costs including environmental audit, boundary survey and recording fees maximally estimated at $5,250, for an estimated total $305,250, and approve a lease-back of the property to the Chamber for up to 12 months for total rent of $1 On June 1, 1995, the City Commission approved a maximum offer of $300,000 to the Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce for its headquarters property. Chamber officials have executed a standard City purchase contract:: 1) the entire contract is subject to City Commission approval, with the exception of the purchase price, which has previously been approved; 2) closing the transaction is contingent upon the Chamber simultaneously closing its contract with Barnett Bank to purchase property at 1130 Cleveland Street; 3) closing shall not occur sooner than December 8 nor later than December 29, 1995; 4) The Chamber shall retain occupancy of the premises for up to one year following closing for total rent of $1 under the Lease Agreement made a part of the purchase contract; and 5) the lease requires the City to provide the Chamber with not less than 180 days notice to vacate if the property is required for municipal purposes. It further provides the Chamber may terminate the lease upon 30 days notice to the City. These stipulations are incorporated in the lease in consideration of extensive remodeling the Chamber will undertake prior to occupying the property at 1130 Cleveland Street. In answer to a question, the City Manager said the City has an agreement with the Chamber to allow City staff to remain in the 1130 Cleveland building until the Municipal Services building is complete and ready for occupancy. She said the City pre-paid the rent for the offices. Ownership of the property at the current Chamber of Commerce site was questioned. The City Manager said the Chamber owns the land but can only sell it to the City. The Commission recessed from 3:20 to 3:34 p.m. CLK CITY CLERK Advertising in Beach Views The City Manager reported the contract for legal advertising in the Clearwater Gazette and Beach Views expires December 1, 1995. A presentation on the subject was requested. The City Clerk indicated no hard data is available regarding the effectiveness of this trial. She felt the newspaper medium is the least effective way to advertise legal notices. The City advertises in the Tampa Tribune because it is the least expensive way to meet legal requirements. She said most responses come from notices mailed to residents within 200 feet of the subject property and by those who notice the property has been posted. To increase the number of residents who see legal notices, the City Clerk suggested expanding the 200-foot mailing circumference or advertising in the St. Petersburg Times which would be very expensive. It was suggested that the Clearwater Gazette and Beach Views and Tampa Tribune be asked to provide data regarding the effectiveness of legal notices printed in those papers. It was noted the newspapers would probably report favorably on this subject. The City Manager noted the 1992 Bordner survey indicates two-thirds of residents rarely or never read legal notices in newspapers. An estimate was requested on the cost of expanding the mailing circumference to 500 and 1,000 feet. The annual cost of advertising the Clearwater Gazette and Beach Views also was requested. It was suggested the City seek the least expensive means to meet its legal obligations. Appoint Commission members to regional & miscellaneous boards Commissioner Thomas indicated he will serve on the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) until his term expires in the Spring. Commissioner Clark said he will serve on the PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority). Commissioner Berfield said she will continue on the boards she now serves and will also serve on the Suncoast League of Municipalities Board of Directors. Mayor Garvey said she will continue on the boards she now serves and requested a Commissioner serve as alternate on the Mayor's Council of Pinellas County as she is rarely able to attend. Commissioners Johnson and Clark and Mayor Garvey agreed to serve on the Pension Advisory Committee. 1996 Legislative Package City Clerk Cynthia Goudeau said the Legislative Package was based on Commission and department input. The package approved by the City Commission will be presented to the Legislative Delegation Public Hearing on November 30, 1995, at Ruth Eckerd Hall. She noted high priority issues include: 1) Memorial Causeway Bridge funding; 2) Sand Key beach renourishment; 3) restrictions on ready to consume alcoholic beverages; 4) revisions to the Sunshine Law; 5) jet ski regulations. She said additional suggestions include reinstatement of funding for the underground petroleum storage tank clean up and a statement that the State not shift responsibilities to the City without adequate funding. She requested the Commission classify four or five items as "top priority." The Memorial Causeway Bridge and Sand Key beach renourishment were identified as the two top priorities. A question was raised regarding the purpose of an amendment to the public records law that would allow time for the addressee to receive correspondence prior to its being released to the public. It was suggested that correspondence be released to the public 24 hours after it is sent to Commissioners. It was noted Commissioners can delay answering reporters' questions until after they have read the correspondence. Consensus was to remove this item from the legislative package. Concern was expressed that previous funding for the underground petroleum storage tank clean up had been corrupted. It was consensus the City not address this issue as federal legislation is addressing it. In answer to a question, the City Manager referred to the issue regarding the municipal right to expand utilities and indicated the City is concerned the State may begin setting the City's territories. Currently the City's Gas System is limited only by safety issues. She did not think that issue nor the one regarding the municipal taxing authority are top issues. The City Manager recommended water issues are important. Consensus was that water issues are a top priority. The City Manager felt partial year assessments was an important issue. Other suggestions included cruise ship assessments. It was felt bingo regulations should be an important issue, but not a top priority. The amount of work required to affix the engineer's seal on all documents was questioned. The proposed regulation would require a private professional engineer to seal the documents resulting in a cost issue. Mr. Baier said this requirement would relate mostly to utility work and would require the City hiring a high cost engineer or contracting those services. Currently State statute exempts that work. City Manager Verbal Reports Direction re MPO’s plan to install flashing signals at various locations The City Manager reported Mr. Baier had recommended the City not participate in the MPO plan to install flashing signals in place of stop and go lights during off hours. Consensus was to agree with Mr. Baier's recommendation. EAB recommendation The City Manager referred to a memorandum from Tom Miller, Assistant Director of Engineering/Environmental, regarding an Environmental Advisory Board recommendation that the City have a comprehensive plan evaluation and monitoring committee. She reported staff currently is reviewing the City's Comprehensive Plan. Concern was expressed another layer of bureaucracy would be created. Consensus was to not pursue this recommendation. Commission Discussion Items Clearwater Beach Tourism Internet It was questioned if the City Commission is interested in a demonstration of the Internet and a review of how the City can use this technology. It was noted this is already available at the Library. The City Manager felt the Internet will become a valuable marketing tool. Consensus was to not address this issue at this time. City Attorney report to City Manager It was suggested that the City Attorney report to the City Manager instead of the City Commission. It was noted that modification would require a change to the City Charter. It was stated the City Manager and City Attorney work closely together and this is not the time for such a change. It was felt the City Manager already has enough responsibilities. Majority agreement was not to pursue. Other Commission Action Mayor Garvey referred to a letter from Thomas Carey requesting the City Commission ban Happy Hours. Consensus was to write a letter to the County supporting Mr. Carey's recommendation. Mayor Garvey referred to a letter from Walgreens requesting permission to sell alcoholic beverages on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve because they fall on Sunday. Consensus was to not allow such sales. Mayor Garvey referred to the CBA's (Clearwater Beach Association) request to limit PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) buses on the beach to the Jolley Trolley. It was noted the beach route is one of the few profitable ones PSTA operates. Commissioner Clark indicated he would bring back a report from PSTA if needed. Mayor Garvey referred to the CBA letter expressing concern regarding the large number of rules generated at the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center. The City Manager said residents pay a nominal cost to use the recreation center. She noted children often forget to carry their cards. A problem with tiles pulling up in the large room was noted. The City Manager said staff is working with the contractor to repair that problem. A question was raised regarding use of the large room when activities are not planned. The City Manager said she would check if the center charges a fee for each use. Mayor Garvey referred to the CBA letter regarding painting the beach water tower. The City Manager indicated they had been referred to the Engineering Department regarding the type of paint required. City guidelines require some type of competition. Mr. Baier said the engineer on record is looking at the water tower because of its age. A final determination has not been made. He will coordinate a response and work with the CBA. It was questioned if the water pressure on Clearwater beach had decreased. Mr. Baier said he would check that. Staff is looking to replace some service mains on Clearwater beach. Mayor Garvey referred to the $10,000 match the City Commission approved for the Saturday in Downtown Clearwater program. The group has raised only $2,000 so far. It was suggested the City match that amount. It was noted the function, scheduled for November 18, 1995, cannot be run for $4,000. It was suggested that this Saturday's event should be canceled. It was noted Confetti Company has pulled out and another group of volunteers has taken over the event. It was estimated the event could be run for $6,000. The majority felt the volunteers must raise another $1,000 for the City to donate $3,000. Commissioner Berfield referred to a letter from the Corps of Engineers that indicated depositing rip-rap on Sand Key as a stop-gap measure would not affect the proposed beach renourishment. Commissioner Berfield referred to a memorandum written by Assistant City Attorney Leslie Dougall-Sides regarding the City reserving the right to control recycling. She questioned if the City could allow a charitable organization to collect aluminum cans. Ms. Dougall-Sides said City Code reserves the right to appropriate that field to itself. She said an ordinance is being prepared to clarify that stand regarding multi-family housing units. She indicated an exception could be made for charitable groups. Commissioner Clark complimented staff for the excellent new show on what to do in Clearwater. He suggested providing counter cards to beach motels advising visitors of this program. The City Manager said some hoteliers recommended printing stickers for the televisions. Commissioner Clark recommended Clearwater residents also view the show for information. Commissioner Clark congratulated the Police Department on their new substation. Commissioner Thomas requested an update on desalination. Assistant City Manager William Baker reported Pinellas County is making a concerted move to examine desalination. He said consensus among experts indicates the preferred local method is reverse osmosis. The cost per gallon is being reviewed. He said the West Coast Regional Water Authority does not intend to accept Florida Power's offer to build a desalination plant. Commissioner Thomas questioned if the City can use wells with saline water. Mr. Baker said a water consultant was hired to see if brackish water is under Clearwater. The study concluded saltwater will intrude the aquifer, if Clearwater draws brackish water from it. Clearwater does not have a brackish water supply. He said the study identified additional fresh water supplies the City may be able to tap. Commissioner Thomas felt it would be prudent for the Commission to review the water issue every two or three years. Mr. Baker said staff is following a plan approved by the City Commission to obtain more water via new wells and to consider depositing reclaimed water into Alligator Creek for later withdrawal and treatment as drinking water. An updated presentation on the water issue was requested. The City Manager reported Mr. Baier just completed a White Paper on the status of water for the City Commission. Adjourn The Commission adjourned at 4:41 p.m.