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08/12/1996 CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER August 12, 1996 Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Ed Hooper Commissioner Karen Seel Commissioner Elizabeth M. Deptula City Manager Kathy S. Rice Deputy City Manager Pamela K. Akin 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 Four service awards were presented to City employees. The Commission recessed from 1:07 to 1:46 p.m. to meet as the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). GS GENERAL SERVICES Purchase of a 1997 two-ton truck with dump body from Sun State International, Tampa, FL, for $49,913.47 This purchase replaces a 1985 Chevrolet 2-ton dump truck listed on the FY (fiscal year) 1995/96 replacement schedule and requiring approximately $13,300 in repairs. Fleet Maintenance and Public Works staff evaluated the bids and agreed the low bid meets bid specifications and City needs. The truck will be used for beach cleanup and stormwater ditch cleaning. In answer to a question, General Services Controller Fred Belzel said there is no storage facility for this vehicle. Salt in the air rusted the 1985 truck's floorboards. He suggested only 2 bids were returned out of the 16 solicited because of availability problems this late in the year. HR HUMAN RESOURCES Extend contract for health insurance with Prudential Health Care System of Tampa Bay, Tampa, FL, under fully insured funding arrangement for the period 01/01/97 -12/31/97, at an estimated $3,569,279.20 and to offer a three-tier medical option effective 01/01/97 In 1994, per City Commission direction, City consultant Wittner & Company prepared a RFP (request for proposal) for a health insurance contract. Wittner and Company worked closely with the Insurance Committee which includes representatives of the CWA union, FOP union (Sergeants and Lieutenants), FOP #10 union, IAFF union, SAMP (Supervisory, Administrative, Managerial and Professional) employees; City pensioners, the Human Resources Department, and City Manager's office. Effective January 1, 1995, the City: 1) awarded a health insurance contract to Prudential Health Care System under a fully insured funding arrangement that allowed contract extensions at guaranteed renewal rates for 3 years; 2) continued contributing premium for individual coverage; 3) continued contribution subsidy for dependent coverage for HMO option ($32.33/month for calendar year 1997); 4) continued employee's dual coverage (City pays single coverage for one employee and pays amount of single coverage for second employee toward dependent coverage. Second employee listed as dependent); and 5) 1996 contract renewed with increases of 6% for HMO and 7.79% for Prucare Plus. For FY (fiscal year) 1996/97, the City budgeted an estimate of $2,310 per permanent full-time employee per year which includes $108 per employee for the PPS mental health and substance abuse carve out. The 1997 increase for Prucare HMO and Prucare Plus is 8%. According to Prucare's original bid, the 1997 renewal cap is 8% for HMO and 12% for Prucare Plus. The City currently offers a 2-tier (employee and employee plus family) option. The Insurance Committee met in June 1996, to discuss and review results of the "Tiered Medical Survey" distributed in May 1996: 1) of 1,650 surveys distributed, 1,148 responses were received; 2) 619 voted "yes" for the 3-tier option and 356 voted "no"; 3) as 173 responses could not be deciphered, 975 responses were useable; and 4) the votes of 187 respondents who indicated they had no dependents were backed out. Results indicated 49.7% voted yes, 31.1% voted no, and 19.2% were not affected. Additional information regarding respondents indicates; 1) 71 do not have dependent coverage, 2) 69 would drop dependent coverage if a 3-tier plan is approved of which 14 would not have dependent coverage, and 3) 34 would add dependent coverage if a 3-tier option was approved resulting in a net decrease in uninsured dependent coverage. The Insurance Committee recommended offering a 3-tier medical option (employee, employee + 1, employee + 2 or more) effective January 1, 1997. A 3-tier medical option does not increase the City's cost per employee nor affect the renewal rate. Employee biweekly cost in 1996 for dependent coverage is: 1) Prucare Plus - $128.88; 2) Prucare HMO - $95.06; 3) Dual Coverage Plus - $39.33; and 4) Dual Coverage HMO - $5.51. Employee biweekly cost in 1997 for dependent coverage (employee + 1) will be: 1) Prucare Plus - $62.88; 2) Prucare HMO - $38.25; 3) Dual Coverage Plus - $0; and 4) Dual Coverage HMO - $0. Employee biweekly cost in 1997 for dependent coverage (employee + 2 or more) will be: 1) Prucare Plus - $169.29; 2) Prucare HMO - $128.24; 3) Dual Coverage Plus - $72.55; and 4) Dual Coverage HMO - $31.51. City consultant Tom Richarme of Wittner & Co. said family size differs. The Insurance Committee was requested to see if premium costs could be distributed more equitably. A group of employees will be unhappy no matter what is decided. A survey distributed last year had few responses. He said responses to this year's survey represent a true picture of the population. He reported the Insurance Committee unanimously recommended the 3-tier plan even though some committee members will pay more. In response to a question, the City Attorney said City Commissioners can vote on the issue even though they all can be covered by the plan. It was noted Pinellas County and the School Board pay a portion of dependent coverage. Human Resources Manager Susan Highsmith said Pinellas County's plan differs from the City and has 5 tiers. Many municipalities offer tiered programs. It was noted approximately 1/3 of City employees purchase dependent coverage. Mr. Richarme said under the 3-tier plan, some employees will drop dependent coverage while others will add it. In response to a question, Mr. Richarme said mental health and substance abuse coverage has been carved out of the health insurance plan and is provided separately. He said some employees may qualify for lower rates from another carrier depending on the age and health of their dependents. He agreed dependent coverage for employees with more than one dependent will increase by 35%. Deputy City Manager Kathy Rice said once a year, employees can choose if their deductions are taken pre-tax. MR MARINE Marina Business Plan Harbormaster Bill Held said the FRC (Fiscal Review Committee) had reviewed and recommended the Marina Business Plan. He reviewed the Marina's objectives: #1) maintain municipal marina as revenue producing activity of the Marine Department and insure the City receives fair market value for its investment and is competitive with area marinas and businesses by: a) offering discounts for slip rental; b) increasing daily, weekly, and monthly transient slip rent; c) increasing private and commercial slip rent with 5% increases planned for 1998 and 2000; d) establishing rent for commercial dock offices & storage space of $4 a square foot with increases in 1998 and 2000; e) linking marina building rental rates with CPI for annual increases in January and requiring Marina business employees to park away from Marina; f) selling marina fuel; and g) purchasing new computer hardware and software in FY 1996/97; #2) increase annual marina revenue from $1,954,495 in first year to $2,080,480 in the plan's last year by adopting strategies listed in objective #1; #3) continue campaign to market/promote marina to citizens/tourists and take full advantage of the facility with marketing/advertising; #4) continue annual customer and safety training for marina employees to insure highest standards: a) upgrade Staff Assistant position to Customer Service Representative; b) provide customer service training; and c) provide computer training and other training as needed; #5) continue upgrading marina to insure facility is a "show piece" on Clearwater beach by installing: a) decorative lampposts; b) power outlet utility stations in FY 1997/98; c) portable sewage station at Island Estates marina; and d) Marina kiosk; and #6) continue maintaining/ upgrading launch ramp to insure City remains proud of the facility by: a) upkeeping parking lots; b) upkeeping boat ramps; c) dredging in FY 1998/99; d) maintaining facility; and e) agreement with Clearwater Bay Marine Ways, Inc. or other for fuel sales, depending on annual bid. Mr. Held said other planned services include cable television installation for free cable hook up for transient boaters; television weather monitor inside Marina building; laundromat at marina; shower facilities for boaters; and use of recycled lumber on East dock catwalks. He said under the plan, revenues and expenditures will increase and the Marina will continue being a positive asset for the City. The MAB (Marine Advisory Board) reviewed and supports the plan. Mr. Held reported the national CPI (Consumer Price Index) for the past 12 months was between 2% and 2.5%. Non-residents pay a surcharge for slip rates. The Business Plan proposes a range of increases for commercial vessels. It was noted Ft. Lauderdale's marina sets aside dock space for tourists. Mr. Held said transient slips currently are empty. Permanent slip holders advise staff when they are gone for 7 days or longer so the space can be rented. Holiday weekends are full. In response to a question regarding the plan's 1% to 3% return, Mr. Held said the Marina is a community service. Staff knew commercial rates had been low and contracted an outside source to verify going rates. It was suggested calling the business plan a strategy plan as the Marina is not trying to make a profit. In answer to a question, Mr. Held said the proposed rate increase is offset by increased expenditures for continuing Marina improvements. Concern was expressed some proposed rate increases are as high as 100%. Mr. Held felt higher rates were justified, especially for boats carrying large passenger loads. He said parasail boats generate a tremendous amount of revenue. It was questioned what tenants will receive for the increase. Mr. Held said there have been no increases for three years. The City has installed new sidewalks, redecorated the Marina building, etc. It was suggested parking restrictions hinder businesses from growing to make up these costs. PR PARKS AND RECREATION Res. #96-52 - naming city property located at 1551 Gulf Boulevard as “Pelican Bay Park” Plans are in progress to develop the park at 1551 Gulf Boulevard with two tennis courts, playground apparatus, a pedestrian trail, and parking facilities. Expanded parking to support beach renourishment activities also is planned. The Sand Key Civic Association submitted a letter and "Proposal for Park Name" form recommending four names for consideration: 1) Sand Key Bay Park; 2) Pelican Bay Park; 3) Bay Vista Park; and 4) Gulf Key Park. The letter indicated any one of the names is acceptable. Resolution #94-12 specifies the Parks & Recreation Board will conduct an advertised public hearing to consider recommendations for park names. On July 22, 1996, the Parks & Recreation Board recommended naming the park "Pelican Bay Park." It was suggested "Clearwater Harbor Park" or "Gulf Boulevard Park" would be better names as "Pelican Bay Park" does not reference anything. Parks & Recreation Director Ream Wilson said residents had expressed concern people would confuse "Sand Key Bay Park" with the County's "Sand Key Park." In response to a question, Mr. Wilson said staff opposed a recent request to add a Sand Key placard to the Welcome to Clearwater sign. He expressed concern a precedent not be set or other neighborhoods may make similar requests. EN ENGINEERING Amendment to paragraph 9 of original lease agreement (10/28/85) with Howard G. Hamilton re parking requirements On October 28, 1985, the City (Lessor) entered into a 15-year lease agreement with Howard G. Hamilton to operate the South Beach Pavilion concession complex. Paragraph 9 states: the Lessor will provide 9 parking spaces for use by the Lessee's employees at no charge for years 1 through 10 and during years 11 through 15, Lessor will provide these 9 parking spaces for $25 per space per month. Exhibit B of the original lease indicates the location of the 9 reserved parking spaces within the South Gulfview metered parking lot. In 1993, the South Gulfview metered parking lot was converted to an attendant parking lot and spaces designated for use by the Lessee's employees were relocated to a separate, private lot for South Beach Pavilion employees. The amendment to the Lease Agreement deletes the requirement that Lessee pay Lessor for the parking spaces and deletes Exhibit B of the original lease agreement. The City Manager said Mr. Hamilton contends, in exchange for the City modifying his parking, he is exempt from paying the parking fee for years 11 through 15. Correspondence from Mr. Hamilton's attorney suggests the proposed amendment would be an equitable way to solve the dispute. Mr. Hamilton claims this exemption based on a conversation he had four years ago with the former City Manager in which he agreed to the City moving his parking. The City has correspondence listing this condition but never responded. The parking lot was changed following the letter. The City Attorney recommended the City comply with the amendment even though an amendment to the lease was never made. The Commission recessed from 3:00 to 4:07 p.m. to meet in attorney/client session regarding Anne-Marie Cheroke Lindsey as personal representative of Paul W. Gilfoyle versus the City. CP CENTRAL PERMITTING (Cont'd from 08/01/96) Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #6062-96 - to allow car rental uses as a conditional use in the Beach Commercial District & Resort Commercial 28 District (LDCA 96-13) Several Clearwater beach property owners recently submitted letters to the City requesting car rental uses be allowed within the Beach Commercial District and Resort Commercial 28 District. The City Commission last considered this issue on January 19, 1995. In response to the property owners, staff prepared an ordinance allowing car rental uses as a conditional use in the Beach Commercial District and Resort Commercial 28 District, and identifies standards for approval of car rental uses in those zones. Staff also has identified a need for other amendments pertaining to outdoor retail sales, displays and storage uses. Changes are intended to streamline code requirements and provide greater flexibility: 1) specify that, to receive conditional use approval, outdoor retail sales, displays and/or storage must be compatible in scale and appearance with surrounding uses without causing an undesirable concentration within the vicinity or along a roadway corridor; 2) delete prohibition of temporary buildings, portable buildings, tents, stands, trailers and vending cars in conjunction with outdoor sales, displays or storage uses; 3) delete restriction that outdoor sales in Downtown/Mixed Use District be limited to vegetable and fruit stands; 4) delete requirement for minimum lot size of 30,000 square feet for outdoor storage in the Downtown/Mixed Use District; 5) delete contradictory language prohibiting outdoor sales and displays of boat and vehicles in Infill Commercial District; and 6) delete requirement for minimum lot size of 30,000 square feet for outdoor retail sales, displays and/or storage in Infill Commercial District. On July 16, 1996, the Planning & Zoning Board unanimously endorsed this ordinance. In response to a question, Central Permitting Director Scott Shuford said staff recommends deleting the prohibition on temporary outdoor sales, etc., to meet future needs. The car rental issue is being addressed after staff found a car rental use on the beach that started erroneously. He felt renting cars on Clearwater beach is a good idea considering the City's focus on tourism. Parking will be required for this use. A concern was expressed regarding design standards. Mr. Shuford said once design guidelines are in place for the beach, the DRB (Design Review Board) will review each proposal. This change will not affect outdoor sales throughout Clearwater except for the deletion of certain requirements. Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #6068-96 - Amending Secs. 35.11 & 42.34 to specify that density calculations for nursing homes shall be computed on the basis of 3 residents equals one unit, and parking for nursing homes shall be required on the basis on 1 space per 3 persons residing in the facility (LDCA 96-14) This ordinance proposes to change the method for calculating density from bed count to number of persons residing at a nursing home facility so every 3 persons residing at the facility shall equal one unit. No change to actual density will occur as the bed count and resident count will be equal. The ordinance also proposes to change the parking formula for nursing homes from one parking space per 3 beds to one parking space per 3 persons residing within the facility. No change to actual parking will occur. On July 16, 1996, the Planning & Zoning Board recommended approval and on July 25, 1996, the Development Code Adjustment Board recommended approval. In answer to a question, Mr. Shuford said this proposal will add parking for employees. Parking is needed for employees who stay overnight. South Fort Harrison Zoning Study Report In approving the FY (fiscal year) 1995/96 budget, the City Commission directed staff to prepare a zoning analysis for the neighborhood generally bounded by S. Ft. Harrison and S. Myrtle Avenues south of downtown. This neighborhood was selected due to its rapidly changing character resulting from the development activity of Morton Plant Hospital and other medical uses, its large range of existing zoning districts (from OL to IL), and its potential as a support area for the hospital and downtown. Staff retained USF's Florida Center for Community Design + Research to prepare the study. The Florida Center made general recommendations: 1) create a more uniform zoning pattern for the study area; 2) provide for a wider range of uses within the area including light manufacturing and residential, to reflect market demands and to promote economic development; 3) create broad design controls to promote land use compatibility and ensure quality development; and 4) improve interconnections within the neighborhood and between the neighborhood and adjoining areas, including the hospital and residential areas to the East; take advantage of the Pinellas Trail. Staff recommends implementing the study's concepts through code amendments and capital improvements programming that staff will develop and bring to the City Commission for further consideration. Mr. Shuford said this report is one in a series of zoning analysis and neighborhood studies. He said it is important to update standards to address redevelopment activity. A request for a zoning map was made. The consultants will present the study at the August 15, 1996, meeting. It was questioned if the growth of Morton Plant Hospital is controlled by a plan. Mr. Shuford said the hospital's master plan is generally acceptable to all and is updated periodically. CLK CITY CLERK Commission Policies The City Clerk said Policy Statements BG-12, Utility Transfer Payment, and 13, Interfund Administrative Charge, were finalized according to Commission action on the budget. It was suggested Policy Statement BG-8 indicate why the City should maintain a 10-year cycle for road resurfacing. It was questioned if social service dollars have been increased in Policy Statement BG-16. Concern was expressed if cuts are made to CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funding, $100,000 would not cover community needs. It was felt the City Commission needs to discuss this issue. In response to a question regarding whether these funds should come from the General Fund, it was suggested the funding remain the same as it is until changes are made to the grant program. In reference to Policy Statement BG-18, it was recommended the statement read, "The City Commission authorizes maintaining a special health insurance . . ." In reference to Policy Statement BG-21, it was recommended studies be done in-house when possible rather than hiring consultants. It was noted some residents feel in-house studies are not objective. It was suggested the policy regarding gift limits for outgoing City Commissioners outlined in Policy Statement CC-1 is not equitable. No direction to change. A reference was made to rules regarding those who need to be sworn in at City Commission meetings. The City Clerk said the City Commission had provided direction that only those addressing quasi-judicial proceedings need to be sworn in. Current practice swears in all who speak on Public Hearing items. In reference to Policy Statement CC-2, a conflict was noted between the City Charter and City Code regarding reimbursement of expenses. It was suggested the Policy reference City Charter 2.04. It was noted City employees cannot represent the City at fund-raising events. It was noted City Commission can attend fund-raising events but the City will not fund such excursions. Mayor Garvey expressed concern Policy Statement City Commission-12, limiting an individual member's ability to write letters, was a slap at her. It was noted the Mayor writes many letters. Consensus was to delete Policy Statement CC-12. The City Clerk reported Economic Development Director Alan Ferri had recommended deleting Policy Statement GA-2 as it no longer is needed. Consensus was to delete Policy Statement GA-2. In reference to page 74, staff was requested to provide the definition of a scenic corridor. In reference to Policy Statement LI-6, the City Clerk will check with the Harbormaster to determine if this statement can be deleted once the Marina Business Plan is adopted. In reference to Policy Statement BG-4 on page 16, it was questioned how "urgency" and "emergency" are determined. It was suggested determination be made by a super majority. The City Attorney said that would have to be done by rule or ordinance. Consensus was to make changes to the policies as directed and they be on the agenda for approval Thursday night. Development Code Adjustment Board Appointment In answer to a question, the City Attorney said the proposed ordinance regarding professional background requirements reflects past practice. CA LEGAL DEPARTMENT First Reading Ordinances Ord. #6074-96 - Amending Art. 1 of Ch. 28, to create Sec. 28.11 to prohibit a person from using skateboards, roller skates, in-line skates, coasters and other similar devices in specified locations A map indicating the downtown area affected was requested. Assistant City Attorney Rob Surette said the ordinance applies to downtown and prohibits skateboarders in this area. Property owners can choose to post their properties against skaters. The ordinance applies to sidewalks, public ramps for handicap access, public parking garages, and access ramps. Roller bladers and skaters can use sidewalks but are prohibited from access ramps. The ordinance exempts the Pinellas Trail. In response to a question, Mr. Surette said according to a Florida Statute, a person on rollerskates, etc., cannot go on any street except at a crosswalk. As the statute does not address skateboards, the City added them in the ordinance. Riding in the street could be allowed for special events. It was noted the number of regulatory signs would increase. Concern was expressed the ordinance would prohibit children from skating on City streets. It was stated children can use sidewalks outside downtown. It was questioned if current law already addresses this issue. The City Attorney said the Police Department has been unable to address this issue effectively with available tools. No current laws prohibit skateboards downtown. She suggested the liability issue may be improved if property is posted. Mr. Surette agreed the Police currently have no recourse unless they witness someone damaging property while riding a skateboard. City Manager Verbal Reports Minutes The City Manager referred to Commissioner Seel's memorandum requesting minutes state which City Commissioner asked a question. Commissioner Seel said this information would be helpful when reviewing past minutes. Mayor Garvey said more than one City Commissioner may have wanted to ask the same question. Commissioner Clark felt the answer is what is important. The City Clerk said tapes are kept for 10 years. State law requires minutes reflect actions only. She said City Commission minutes include more detail than those of many other cities. Consensus was that further detail was not necessary. Memorial Causeway Bridge The City Manager referred to Commissioner Seel's memorandum advocating a trial for the proposed bridge. Commissioner Seel said a trial will calculate the new structure's impact which currently is not known. She expressed concern with plans for Pierce Boulevard to be the only ingress/egress. Mr. Baier said creating a model before lanes are widened and using an antiquated bridge would be difficult. The City Manager said a trial would be difficult before intersection improvements are completed and with the bascule bridge being raised for boat traffic. A trial would have to combine actual traffic information and computer modeling. Staff will see if a reasonable exercise can be designed. Commissioner Seel requested staff "nail down" the bridge's cost accurately. J.D. Eastridge Retirement The City Manager reported a reception is planned for Deputy City Police Chief J.D. Eastridge's retirement. Civil Air Patrol Request The City Manager said the CAP (Civil Air Patrol) is still interested in building on a site at the Airpark. She said the City Commission previously had directed staff to consider CAP's request after the FBO (Fixed Base Operator) is chosen in September. Time Warner Cable Franchise Ms. Rice said the City has not received a reply to their latest correspondence with Time Warner regarding the franchise renewal. She said language in the agreement is being addressed. Staff is pushing Time Warner to finalize the agreement. Budget Public Hearings The City Manager said Public Hearings for the budget are scheduled for September 5, and September 19, 1996. Commissioner Clark noted the TRIM notices stated the meetings would be held at 6:00 p.m. He recommended scheduling this item as early as possible. City Exposition The City Manager reported the City Exposition is scheduled at Clearwater Mall on October 19, 1996. Technology Update The City Manager reported staff's update on City technology will be scheduled during a Work Session in October 1996. Local Interest Group Meeting The City Manager said the final LIG (Local Interest Group) meeting is scheduled for September 26, 1996, but several conflicts exist. Consensus was to schedule the meeting for October 15, 1996, if possible. EAB Request The City Manager reported the EAB (Environmental Advisory Board) had requested a presentation regarding the proposed downtown lake. Staff does not have all information together. She recommended the City Commission hear the presentation before referring the proposal to various boards. She said one EAB member felt she was censoring the agenda and wanted to appeal to the Commission that the EAB hear the presentation first. The majority agreed the presentation should be heard first by the City Commission. Commissioner Seel recommended reviewing the policy regarding the flow of information to boards. The Mayor noted situations differ. The City Manager agreed, pointing out the Marina Plan was reviewed first by the MAB and FRC before it was presented to the Commission. She recommended the FRC and EAB have the opportunity to review the downtown lake plan before the City Commission makes a final decision. Beautification Committee Request The City Manager stated the Beautification Committee wants to establish a certificate of appreciation for improved properties. Consensus was to approve such a certificate. Economic Development Training The City Manager said some City Commissioners had expressed interest in attending Economic Development Training opportunities. She requested they contact the City Manager's office for reservations. Commission Discussion Items Parking on West end of Memorial Causeway Mr. Baier reported parking shortages on the beach occur approximately 29 days per year. He suggested if redevelopment increases beach activity by 10%, a parking deficit would occur 65 days per year. He suggested a $100,000, 48-space, metered parking lot with 2 handicapped spaces could be built on the West end of the Memorial Causeway for overflow parking. Entry will be limited to East-bound traffic. The landscape buffer will meet code. The lot could be used for parking for Marina businesses. It was recommended staff contact Marina businesses to gauge interest. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said operating a shuttle would be expensive. It was suggested the space could be used to increase passenger levels on boats cruising out of the Marina. It was recommended the suggestion be referred to the Beautification Committee, EAB, and MAB. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the lot would be unattractive if it is not paved and would cost approximately $48,000. Concern was expressed that vehicles drive along the Causeway's shore at times. It was suggested fencing could be built. Mr. Baier said additional signing or a system of bollards could be installed. Consensus was to refer this suggestion to the MAB, Beautification Committee, and EAB and gather information from those employed at the Marina. In response to a question, Mr. Baier recommended installing meters even if the lot is not paved. The City Manager questioned if the City can meter an unpaved parking lot. Consider sign variance requests going before DCAB (Development Code Adjustment Board) It was felt some tough cases remain. In answer to a question, the City Manager hoped the sign amortization would be finished within the next couple of months. The majority felt the City Commission should continue hearing sign variances. Police Substation on the beach The City Manager referred to a plan to move the Police substation to the Memorial Civic Center for one or two years. Since the Chamber of Commerce's contract was not renewed, she suggested moving the substation into that space would save remodeling expenses. Police Chief Sid Klein said the building where they are located has limited parking and needs major renovations. He felt it is important for the Police Department to be centrally located on the beach to be more responsive to citizens. When the new headquarters building is completed, beach operations can be downsized and run as a mini-station. The number of officers assigned to the beach will not change. In response to a question, Chief Klein said space at the Fire Station is not centrally located although arrangements have been made to use bays to store specialty vehicles. In answer to a question, Chief Klein said the status of their current location is complex and will not be resolved overnight. Staff has been in contract with Harry Cline, representative of the trust that donated the building. He indicated options to the donation include the ability to raze the building after 10 years. The City wishes to honor Mr. Vanek's wish for Clearwater to retain his property. It was suggested these issues be determined before the Police Department moves. Chief Klein said the building will have to be renovated if the Police Department stays. The City Attorney did not think the deed requires the City to remain physically on the property. Staff is working to develop changes to the trust agreement. Chief Klein said Police operations cannot move until the department moves into their new headquarters. The City Manager recommended allowing the beach Police substation to move into the Civic Center on a temporary basis. The substation cannot stay in its present location. It was questioned how close staff is to getting answers regarding the status of the Vanek property. Chief Klein said resolution will take a while. The Police Department needs to fix the building or find another location. Chief Klein said the $50,000 estimate for preparing the Civic Center as a temporary quarters could be reduced further. The City Manager agreed the cost can be minimized. Chief Klein said the Marine Patrol will continue using the boat docks at the Vanek property. A firm estimate was requested regarding the cost of preparing the Civic Center for Police occupancy. Placement of water meters Public Works Director Gardner Smith said since 1989, water meters have been placed one-foot back from the property line. Meters are moved as water lines are replaced. He said Code Section 52.03 states the Water Division decides the location of meters and that customers give the City perpetual right to install meters on privately owned property as a precondition to receive City water service. Approximately 1/3 of City water meters are located on the property side of the sidewalk. Water Superintendent Tom Hackett said the City started locating meters behind the right-of-way line after they began installing back flow prevention devices. During projects to replace water mains, meters were relocated from the back property line to behind the right-of-way line. He said the City is locating meters on private property to free the right-of-way of obstructions as more utilities compete for that space. Relocation prevents vehicular damage. Some meters cannot be read when cars are parked over them. The change halts residents' maintenance responsibilities for problems under the sidewalk. Other utilities established the precedent by locating their meters on private property. Concern was expressed regarding the liability issue. Mr. Hackett said the City is responsible for maintaining the meter. The City Attorney said the City cannot guarantee a property owner would not be sued if someone is injured on a water meter but indicated the City is responsible for maintenance. She said the code gives the City the right to move meters from public to private property. PSTA request for additional bus stops with advertising Commissioner Clark reported PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) has entered into an agreement with Eller Media to construct bus stops with limited advertising. The City Attorney said the sign code would have to be changed to permit signs on bus stops. It was noted the buses and trolleys have signage on them. The City Attorney said the City needed to be careful allowing additional signage. It was suggested the City Commission consider the request if Eller Media first removes their billboards in the City. Citing City Attorney concern regarding the City's sign code, it was recommended the Commission not consider the request under any circumstances. Consensus was to not allow advertising on PSTA bus stops. DeLapp Pond The DeLapp Pond issue will be discussed at the September 3, 1996, Work Session. Ervin Babalola House request In his July 31, 1996, letter, Ervin Ajamu Babalola, President of Ervin's All-American Youth Club Inc., requested City support in obtaining, moving, and setting up a donated house. In her August 9, 1996, memorandum, the City Manager indicated staff had determined the club's site at 1250 Holt Avenue is not large enough to accommodate the house. As an alternative, staff considered City-owned property on Russell Street at Harbor Drive and estimated moving the house to that site would cost $87,700. Additional expenses include paving, striping, signage, sidewalk and water treatment pond construction, and operating expenses. The City Manager said the project is worthwhile, but recommended the City Commission deny the request. She said she was uncomfortable regarding the Harbor Drive location and would not recommend a similar project in another neighborhood. As the Sergeant Allen Moore Community Partnership, Inc. is self-sufficient, it was suggested Ervin's All-American Youth Club explore ways to become more self-sufficient. Mr. Baier reported the estimate for moving the house may be high. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the proposed location would have 28 parking spaces. Some trees would be lost and the planned berm would be greatly impacted. He said community comments suggested the house would not fit in with the character of the neighborhood. It was recommended the request be denied because of the expense and other difficulties. In answer to a question, the City Manager said staff reviewed City-owned property in the North Greenwood neighborhood. Few lots are large enough to accommodate the house. It was suggested the owner consider a resale. Mr. Baier believed a stipulation of the donation was that it be used for public or semi-public use and that it be moved onto a government-owned lot. Other non-profit groups are in line. The majority of the Commission did not support the request. Other Commission Action Commissioner Hooper referred to the memorandum regarding the Water Information Collection Rule and reported the City is exempt from this requirement because the City blends its water. Commissioner Hooper welcomed the Economic Development Department to their new offices in City Hall. Commissioner Johnson referred to the transfer lease agreement for the Chi Chi driving range on McMullen-Booth Road and requested staff investigate why batting cages have not been installed. Commissioner Seel thanked Commissioners Johnson and Hooper for taking her place while she attended the Florida League of Cities meeting. She reported meeting with Ft. Lauderdale's Economic Development Director and stated that city and Clearwater face similar challenges. She also visited the South Beach section of Miami Beach. Mayor Garvey said the DDB (Downtown Development Board) has requested a change regarding who can vote in DDB elections. They no longer want to require a designated voter for properties owned by more than one person. The City Attorney will review the issue. Mayor Garvey said the Futonics truck should not be parking in the SteinMart parking lot. Staff will look into the issue. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.