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09/30/1996 CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER September 30, 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 Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 10:54 a.m. at City Hall. Service Awards - None. GAS GAS SYSTEM Contract for installation of polyethylene gas mains on Darlington Road, from US 19 West to Mitchell Blvd., Marine Parkway from US 19 West to Madison Rd., & Grand Blvd. from Madison Rd. North to the Pithlachascotee River to Heuer Utility Contractors, Inc., Clearwater, FL, at an estimated $337,760 (Pasco County Gas Expansion - Phase IV) For timely installation of new gas mains for Phase IV of expansion in southwestern Pasco County, CGS (Clearwater Gas System) proposes a contract with Heuer Utility Contractors, Inc. to install 4-inch polyethylene gas mains and other associated materials along Darlington Road from US 19 West to Mitchell Boulevard, and 2-inch mains along Marine Parkway from US 19 West to Madison Road, and Grand Boulevard from Madison Road North to the Pithlachascotee River. This project also includes an 8-inch directional drill of the Anclote River between Grand Boulevard and Olde Farm Road, CGS' Strategic Plan calls for expanding natural gas mains into Pasco County in construction phases. This phase is approximately 5.27 miles. The Darlington Road extension will provide natural gas service to Trinity Community, Seven Springs Middle School, Trinity College, and the Morton Plant Hospital Pasco Campus. This project will connect to an ungassed main the City installed in 1995 during road construction on McMullen-Booth Road. Natural gas service will be provided along McMullen-Booth Road from Keystone Road in Pinellas County and northward into Pasco County along Mitchell Road to SR 54. The projected annual NFE (Non Fuel Energy) revenues for this segment are estimated at $64,000. The Marine Parkway and Grand Boulevard extension will provide natural gas service to Gulf High School and the New Port Richey/Columbia Hospital. The projected annual NFE of this segment is estimated at $45,100. The Pasco Manager of Gas Operations Work will direct the project. The contractor will supply all labor and equipment, sod, asphalt, concrete, and curb replacements. CGS will supply the gas-related materials, (i.e., polyethylene pipe, fittings, and valves). The projected cost of the CGS supplied gas materials is $83,944.34. The proposed contract provides for all aspects related to the installation of the polyethylene mains. In response to a question, Managing Director Chuck Warrington said CGS has contracted with Columbia Hospital and is negotiating with the schools which plan to use natural gas for their kitchens and boilers. A number of the Trinity facilities, including Morton Plant Hospital, have signed up for service. Others are close to signing. Service can be extended into large areas of residential development. He predicted a 3.9 year pay back with no residential connections. Service to Columbia Hospital will be interuptable. The hospital is required to have a back up. In response to a question, Mr. Warrington said contractors typically are required to put up a 10% bid bond before a contract is let. The bond is released when the project is complete and the City is certain all subcontractors have been paid. HR HUMAN RESOURCES Contract for long term disability insurance for employees not covered by City’s Pension Plan to Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company, Chattanooga, TN, for the period 11/1/96 -10/30/97, at an estimated $30,984 (Consent) City employees covered by the Pension Fund are eligible to receive disability benefits under the Pension Plan. To provide a similar benefit to employees not covered by the Pension Plan, the City began providing LTD (long-term disability) insurance to these employees in 1987. In June 1996, the City issued a RFP (request for proposal) for LTD insurance prepared by Tom Richarme of Wittner & Company. Proposals were reviewed from five carriers, plus the renewal of the current LTD carrier, CNA Insurance Companies of Orlando. The LTD market is volatile with carriers entering and exiting the market on a monthly basis. The City's LTD group is an unattractive risk due to declining enrollment and high losses. The overriding strategy with the RFP was to attract many quality carriers to bid on a bad risk. A provision demanding a three year commitment would have eliminated most of the potential market. The RFP stated the City desires a minimum 2-year guarantee and would prefer a 3-year guarantee. This insured group of employees' claims experience has worsened during the last three years. The current LTD carrier has 2 disabled claimants receiving benefit payments, plus 2 new claimants. Total claims paid for open and closed claimants, plus reserves established for open claimants, equal $193,483. Premiums earned since inception total $75,051. This generates an Earned Incurred Loss Ration of 257.8%. In addition, the number of employees eligible for LTD coverage has declined by 30%. The number of employees enrolled in the non-contributory LTD plan has decreased from 154 employees in November 1993, to 113 employees in August 1996. According to ADA (Americans with Disabilities ACT) a new classified employee who passes the post-offer physical is eligible to be covered by the City Pension Plan. Only new unclassified employees are eligible for LTD coverage since they are not covered by the City's Pension Plan. Previously, the PAC (Pension Advisory Committee) reviewed post-offer physicals and could disapprove employees with health problems. In the last few years, employees who were excluded from the Pension Plan have retired and no longer are replaced by other employees excluded from the Pension Plan due to health reasons. If this trend continues, LTD coverage for this group will become increasingly difficult to obtain. The 3-year commitment from a carrier takes on increase value. Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company, at .68 per $100 of monthly insured earnings, provides a 3-year rate guarantee at a lower rate than Standard, the other carrier offering a 3-year rate guarantee. The Provident rate is $265 less per month than the current cost and contract terms and conditions are equal to or greater than the current CNA contract. City employees currently receiving disability benefits under CNA will continue to be covered by CNA. An RFP Review Committee composed of representatives from Legal, Risk Management, Finance, and Human Resources unanimously agreed to recommend to award the contract for long term disability insurance to Provident Life and Accident Insurance Company. The City Manager indicated this coverage is for employees not covered by the Pension Plan. A gap exists for those in the Pension Plan who have not worked long enough to qualify for non-job connected disability. Employees who are not in the Pension Plan do not qualify for inclusion. In response to a question, Human Resources Director Michael Laursen said this plan provides similar disability benefits to employees, whether or not they are in the Pension Plan. Tom Richarme, of Wittner & Company, noted the importance of defining a "disability" as the inability to perform the material duties of a job. After two years, the LTD considers if the disabled employee can be retrained for another position. The underlying premise of LTD insurance is to get the person back to work as soon as possible. He reported two employees outside the Pension Plan currently are out on disability. In response to a question, he said this insurance is separate from workers' compensation. The City Attorney said LTD insurance is not related to workers' compensation. The City Manager said the insurance also covers non-job-connected disabilities. She expressed concern regarding employees who have not been in the Pension Plan long enough to be vested. Mr. Richarme recommended the longer contract as the number of carriers offering LTD is decreasing. It was questioned if municipalities typically provide this coverage without an employee contribution. Mr. Richarme said employers who offer this coverage pay for it. He estimated half the local municipalities provide similar coverage. He said the City identified this as a need in 1986. Since then, the insurance has fulfilled the need for 6 people. It was questioned if Provident could forgo coverage by pulling out of Florida. It was suggested the State may guarantee coverage. Mr. Richarme said it is easy for insurance companies to lose money providing LTD coverage. PR PARKS AND RECREATION Confirm co-sponsorship and waiver of City fees for special events: Jazz Holiday, Fun ‘n Sun, Fourth of July, Family Holiday Traditions and Parade, Turkey Trot, North Greenwood Street Festival, Martin Luther King Parade, and 3 new events: Saturdays in the City, Memorial Day & Clearwater Pass Bridge Run, at an estimated $134,222 ($49,720 cash contributions & $84,502 in-kind); authorize event sponsors to approve vendors City Commission policy regarding special events states all fees and related charges will be waived for City-sponsored or co-sponsored events; i.e., Fun 'n Sun, Jazz Holiday, July Fourth, Turkey Trot, and Martin Luther King Parade. The City-sponsored and co-sponsored events are reviewed annually during the budget process. At the beginning of each fiscal year, an agenda item confirming co-sponsorship and waiver of fees for special events approved in the budget is brought for Commission approval. Should additional money be requested beyond what is included in the approved budget, City Commission approval will be needed before said additional funds are disbursed. This agenda item is provided in response to the policy. In-kind contributions are estimates. Specific costs are not known until after events are conducted. The total cash contribution of $49,720 is included in the City's 1996/97 operating budget under "non-departmental expenses." In-kind contributions are included in the operating budgets of affected departments. a) Jazz Holiday funding request The City Manager noted a miscommunication had occurred. Although only $5,000 was budgeted, Jazz Holiday had requested $25,000. She reported Saturday in the City may request a cash contribution at Thursday's meeting. Concern was expressed regarding oversight of Jazz Holiday. Parks & Recreation Director Ream Wilson said the City previously had contributed $5,000 annually to Jazz Holiday. Last year's contribution was increased to $25,000 when their request to sell alcoholic beverages was denied. The City Manager indicated savings within the current year's budget could be allocated to Jazz Holiday. It was suggested Jazz Holiday consider other ways to generate revenue. The City Manager said the alcoholic beverage issue will be addressed when the City Commission addresses tourism issues. She referred to previous discussions to set aside discretionary funds to allow Commission approval of mid-year Special Event requests. Concern was expressed the Commission would be inundated with requests. Consensus was to not set aside discretionary funds for additional Special Events. The City Manager said the Clearwater Beach Sertoma and Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce will direct this year's Clearwater Pass Bridge Run. It was noted the City does not contribute to the Bayside Boogie Run. Mr. Wilson said the City contributes to the Turkey Trot. It was noted the Turkey Trot returns money to the City. The Clearwater Pass Bridge Run is the only run entirely on Clearwater beach. TR TOURISM Citywide Streetlight Banner Program based on recommended locations at a cost not to exceed $20,000 The City-wide Streetlight Banner Program's goal is to expand existing downtown banners to other well-traveled commercial areas in response to citizen group recommendations to showcase major City activities to residents and visitors. The proposed 62 new streetlight pole locations will be clustered: 1) Memorial Causeway; 2) Clearwater beach; 3) North Greenwood; 4) SR 60; and 5) Countryside. The program initially will duplicate subjects currently displayed downtown; 1) Clearwater Jazz Holiday; 2) Fun N' Sun Festival; 3) Welcome Winter Visitors; and 4) Welcome Phillies. Subjects may undergo redesign to accommodate restrictions imposed by FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) and/or for greater visual impact. The banners' cost is based on 248 banners with two color printing on 2 sides with a white background. Final costs may vary depending on final design. Hardware will be reused for each subject. The Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce, North Greenwood Association, Beautification Committee, and Clearwater Beach Association support the project. The City Manager reported discussions and negotiations are taking place regarding special activities for the Festival of Trees. She indicated the Festival could conflict with downtown holiday decorations. In response to a question, Tourism Director Jean Sherry said banners are planned for Countryside's commercial area. It was noted the labor rate covers several workers and the use of a bucket truck. Currently, the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) splits labor costs for downtown banner installation with the City. Ms. Sherry said the program is scheduled to begin in January 1997. It was noted the proposed banners are similar to pennants. EN ENGINEERING Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #6083-96 - Vacating N 25’ & S 25’ of the W 75’ of Saber Drive r-o-w between Lot 20, Blk D, and Lot 1, Blk G, on plat of Countrypark Sub., subject to it being retained as a drainage, utility easement (City, V96-09) The City is extending Landmark Drive South from Enterprise Road to Lake Chautauqua Park. Countrypark property owners do not want a paved connection between Landmark and Saber Drives. The best way to eliminate a future paved connection is to vacate a portion of the Saber Drive right-of-way. As part of the Landmark Drive project, the City will remove the eastern 75 feet of Saber Drive pavement and install a 6-foot wide sidewalk in the center. The City has a 6-inch water line in the right-of-way. Public utilities have reviewed the proposed vacation request and have no objections. No objections were received from departments concerned with vacations. The City Engineer recommends approval of this vacation request. In response to a question, Engineering Director Rich Baier said the sidewalk will be 6-feet wide with green space on each side. The City Manager said the final reading will be delayed until Mr. Vogel conveys the right-of-way for Landmark Drive. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the residents' major concerns have been the removal of pavement and the ability to fence vacated land. (Cont'd from 09/19/96) Approve ranking of prospective Fixed Base Operators to furnish aviation services at Clearwater Airpark On April 22, 1996, the City solicited RFPs (Requests for Proposals) for a 5-year lease agreement for a FBO (Fixed Base Operator) to provide aviation services at the Airpark. The City received 4 bid proposals. The staff selection committee included: 1) Engineering Director Rich Baier; 2) Finance Director Margaret Simmons; 3) Internal Audit Director Dan Katsiyannis; 4) Solid Waste Director Bob Brumback; and 5) Engineering Staff Liaison for the Airport Authority, Glen Bahnick. On July 18, 1996, the selection committee determined all candidates met the RFP's minimum qualifications. On August 6, 1996, the candidates made presentations to the selection committee. Each candidate was evaluated: 1) experience; 2) fullness of resources; 3) economic return to the City; and 4) safety. On August 12, 1996, the selection committee finalized rankings: 1) Clearwater Aircraft, Inc.; 2) Clearwater Flying Corporation; 3) D/B/A Armament Systems Company; and 4) Homecare Industries. Staff recommends the Commission approve the selection committee's ranking and authorize negotiations for contractual services in ranking order. It was noted the City Commission had approved the Airpark Business Plan previously. The City Manager expressed concern questions forwarded by Commissioner Seel would take more than 8 hours to address. It was noted the Commission was provided a substantial amount of paperwork on the Airpark and it was suggested requiring an additional 8 hours or more of staff time to provide additional information may not be justified. It was felt the Commission needs to consider how other FBOs operate. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said due to conflicts, the Airport Authority's representative and alternate were unable to participate in the ranking process which included bidder presentations. It was felt allegations made by the Airport Authority Chair at the September 19, 1996, meeting were inappropriate. Mr. Baier said the Chair had expressed frustrations and concerns regarding the Airpark's future. Mr. Baier said lease issues include increasing the Airpark's economic return, converting it to an enterprise fund, improving the FBO building, addressing ADA concerns, implementing the Master Plan, requiring an outside audit, and developing operational standards for grounds and building maintenance and customer service. He noted about half the Airpark's patrons live in Clearwater. Goals and objectives have been developed. He said it will take a great deal of time to research information regarding payments and FBO investments made over the last 15 years, auditing all Airpark leases, and surveying other airparks. He reported the current FBO, Rick Emshoff, had paid the City the money he owed due to a glitch on the part of the City. Mr. Emshoff has no tax liens and no outstanding issues regarding the FAA. In answer to a question, Mr. Baier said when the Airpark was managed by Solid Waste, staff reviewed the FBO's books annually. It was felt it is important to know what investments the FBO made during the last 15 years and how other airparks operate. Mr. Baier will schedule trips to other airparks to investigate their standards. It was suggested this item be continued to early 1997 to provide staff adequate time to address all issues. Mr. Baier said the FBO's lease could continue on a month to month basis. He said staff will address all issues before finalizing a contract. It was requested staff list the required standards. Mr. Baier said staff will bring forward an item regarding hangar construction. The Commission previously had provided direction not to bring this item forward until the FBO issue was settled. The City Manager said the decision regarding the CAP (Civil Air Patrol) request to construct a building on Airpark property also was delayed. Mr. Baier said a strong contract can control the FBO's direction. The City Manager indicated some issues addressed now were not included in the RFP. She said it would be unreasonable at this point to demand the FBO address certain issues. Mr. Baier said he wished to present the Commission with a strong lease. The Airpark's business plan and Master Plan will be distributed to City Commission members. A report will be presented listing the current FBO's investments in the Airpark. Award of Marshall Street WWTP Odor Control & Piping Modifications to Westra Construction Corp., Palmetto, FL, for $1,263,000 This contract will implement improvements to the Marshall Street APCF's (Advanced Pollution Control Facility) influent pump station and headworks, reducing odors in and around the facility's headworks. Improvements include rearranging influent piping, pump and motor control upgrades, and installing fiberglass covers on open channels of the grit removal system. The concrete flow channels in the grit removal structure will be repaired and a submersible filter feed pump station will be constructed to reduce long term operation and maintenance costs for the screw pump station. Contract work will include repairs at the Northeast APCF to repair leakage in the reclaimed water storage tank and a leak between the fermentation tank and its influent structure. Mr. Baier said the project includes technology upgrades. It was questioned if the construction will solve the odor problem. Mr. Baier said those odors attributed to the Marshall Street plant will be alleviated. Many in the neighborhood feel Stevenson's Creek is more responsible for foul odors. Memorial Causeway Bridge Project Development & Environmental Status Mr. Baier referred to a letter from FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) indicating the design of the Memorial Causeway Bridge project is not eligible for reimbursement allowed by this year's legislature. The City will go back to the legislature to clarify funding parameters. He noted the importance of having the project ready for construction. Preliminary engineering work is completed. He recommended completing the PD&E that is in process. Only half the reimbursement funds have been obligated. He recommended the City lobby Tallahassee. The LIG (Local Interest Group) process has resulted in the investigation of two new alignments. Mr. Baier said other funding sources are available and suggested additional gas tax monies could be available. He suggested the Commission reassess the project after the County votes on continuing the Penny for Pinellas. He said it is important the legislature understands the City is not willing to fund the bridge entirely even though the City identifies it is a high priority project. A clarification of FDOT policy was requested. Mr. Baier reiterated the importance of lobbying efforts. It was stated money comes to projects that are ready for construction. Mr. Baier said City contacts in Tallahassee believe FDOT will be allocated additional funds and it is important for the City to have a construction ready project. It was suggested the City officially request leadership from the Pinellas delegation once project plans are in place. It was noted the City's new lobbyist should work on this project. Mr. Baier said a separate lobbyist, costing $5,000 monthly, could be used on the federal level. Mr. Baier reported the next LIG is scheduled for October 15, 1996, at 428 Cleveland Street from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Commission recessed from 12:23 to 1:28 p.m. CP CENTRAL PERMITTING Variance(s) to Sign Regulations for property (Harborview Center) located at 300 Cleveland St., Rompon’s and Baskin’s Corrected Map of Causeway Business District, Blk 1 & 3-5; Edward Mill’s Sub., Lots 3 less street, 4 & 5 (City, SV96-19) This property, on the Northwest corner of Cleveland Street and N. Osceola Avenue, is zoned Urban Center (Bayfront). The City requests the following variances: 1) a variance to allow a freestanding sign 128 square feet in area, 20 feet high, and set back 5 feet from the street right-of-way, in a zoning district where freestanding signs are not permitted, and 2) a variance to allow 3 message changes per hour on an electronic reader board sign in lieu of the permitted one change per 24 hours. The property is developed with a mixed use building, including a convention center. The City proposes to construct an electronic reader board sign at the intersection of Pierce Boulevard, Cleveland Street, and Memorial Causeway to promote upcoming events at this facility and other public events. Sign faces will touch along one end and will be positioned at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to each other. It was questioned why 3 message changes per hour were requested. Central Permitting Director Scott Shuford said the sign will advertise City and Harborview Center events and replace banners on the waterfront. The sign will not list time and temperature. The City Manager said GFS (Globe Facility Services, Inc.) designed the sign. Mr. Shuford said a variance is required for a freestanding sign downtown. The standard size for a freestanding sign is 64 square feet. This sign will be larger because the sign fronts are not back to back. The DRB (Design Review Board) approved the overall design. CLK CITY CLERK Library Board - 1 appointment As only one applicant was listed, this item will be pulled off the agenda. City Manager Verbal Reports Water conservation The City Manager presented information regarding the City's water conservation program. Items such as low-flow shower heads, toilet tummies, etc. are available through utility customer service. The City has distributed approximately 13,000 water saving shower heads. All new construction projects must use products that conserve water. Municipal Services Building plaque The City Manager indicated the former City Commission was not interested in a plaque with their names on it at the Municipal Services Building. It is time to install that item. It was felt Commission names should be listed for historical reasons. Dean Rowe and Creative Beers will pay for the plaque. Commissioner Clark opposed the recommendation. Pier 60 Park The City Manager referred to a letter from Sheila Cole regarding Pier 60 park. The park was constructed with a great deal of public input. Mr. Baier said Parks & Recreation Director Ream Wilson had several meetings to select playground equipment. He referred to Ms. Cole's objection to the railing around the pavilion. He reported the Legal Department, Risk Management, and the Parks & Recreation Department had addressed this issue and supported installation of the railing. He said it would cost between $40,000 and $50,000 to remove the pavilion's center column. Having it remain was a design decision. It was felt the public had a great deal of input in this project. The City Manager said certain decisions must be left to staff. Suncoast League The City Manager reported the City will host a tourism program for the Suncoast League on January 18, 1997, at the Harborview Center. Budget Department The City Manager offered a Happy New Year greeting to the Budget Department. Brainstorming The City Manager suggested the City Commission consider brainstorming sessions. She suggested the City Commission move to the table in Chambers once a month to discuss ideas. It was suggested an hour be scheduled during the first meeting of each month. A six-month trial period was recommended. Consensus was to schedule hour long brainstorming sessions near the beginning of non-CRA Work Sessions for a 6-month trial period. Safe Swimming Markers A letter has been received complaining regarding the appearance of the pilings that mark the swimming area on the beach. The City Manager said the decision to install the pilings was based on safety issues. Markers are easier to maintain than buoys. It was stated swimmers need protection. Consensus was for the safe swimming markers to remain. Commission Discussion Items Direction re Departmental Reviews The City Manager said several years ago the City Commission had requested departments to present information regarding their budgets, responsibilities, and operations. Approximately 3 departments made presentations. She recommended scheduling departments for 20 minute presentations during Work Sessions. Concern was expressed the presentations would stretch over two years. It was suggested all presentations could be scheduled for one day. Concern was expressed regarding the timing of strategic planning meetings. It was noted the strategic plan can change annually. The City Manager felt the Commission needs to know what departments do and be aware of department concern regarding cost effectiveness. Consensus was to have the Public Safety Group make the first presentation after January 1, 1997. Direction re ½ hour meetings with Advisory Boards It was felt receipt of advisory board meeting minutes and an annual report was adequate. It was noted some board feel they are left out of decisions. Consensus was to schedule ½ hour meetings with advisory boards as needed. Review of Mail Distribution Policy It was felt letters from Japan need not be distributed. It was suggested many items can be placed in the "Read File." It was felt the current procedure works well. It was noted the City Manager's Office will forward items at Commission request. It was indicated faxed items should not be sent. Consensus was for staff to continue faxing information to Commissioners. Other Commission Action Commissioner Seel questioned how other cities handle vagrants sleeping on private property. The City Attorney said a Police Officer can give a trespassing warning. Commissioner Seel recommended requiring homeless shelter patrons to perform community service in exchange for homeless services. The Mayor noted homeless shelter patrons must participate in the Salvation Army's program which takes up part of their time. Staff will research this issue. Commissioner Johnson questioned when the town pond will be discussed. Mr. Baier said staff will present work orders to the City Commission at the October 14, 1996, meeting. Commissioner Johnson questioned the status of the Edgewater Drive project and asked who promoted it. Mr. Baier said it is a City project. Many issues regarding the project need to be addressed. Commissioner Johnson referred to Northwood Estates retention concerns and requested a chronology of events. Mr. Baier said individuals own the property but the City has a drainage and utility easement. Last year, a decision was made to proceed with the 1st phase of a project to reduce area flooding. Two property owners do not like the current situation. Commissioner Johnson expressed concern Ruth Eckerd Hall now charges for parking. He suggested increasing ticket prices instead. Commissioner Johnson felt Bordner and Associates had done a good job on the C-View survey which indicated improvement. Commissioner Johnson requested the Mayor write Mr. Jonson regarding his concerns that the City's lobbyist also lobbies for the billboard industry. The City Attorney noted all lobbyists have conflicts. This year, no legislation regarding billboards is pending. If a conflict occurs, the City will address it. The Mayor noted City opposition to billboards is a big issue and expressed concern a billboard industry lobbyist will be identified with Clearwater. Commissioner Johnson requested the Mayor write Sheila Cole and Anne Garris regarding the pavilion banisters at the Pier 60 park. Commissioner Johnson congratulated the City Attorney and her staff regarding the Allen's Creek decision. The City Attorney stated Assistant City Attorney Dick Hull had handled the case. Commissioner Johnson stated Clearwater Gas System's activity report seems to indicate the department is going backwards in signing up new customers. He said residents in older subdivsions avoid change unless it is an emergency. Commissioner Hooper said the Enterprise Florida Dinner provided Commissioners an opportunity to network with people from around the State and make new contacts. Commissioner Clark referred to an emergency PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) meeting. Bus service to Mission Hills was almost canceled. He warned service will be eliminated if ridership levels do not improve. He said the ridership survey had been done during the low season. Commissioner Clark said Ream Wilson had indicated the future of SPJC's (St. Petersburg Junior College) fields was in the hands of college administrators. He suggested the City write a letter in support of keeping the fields. The City Manager recognized the importance of keeping the ball fields but noted the fields cover a landfill and the City does not want to become part of the chain of liability. Ream Wilson has included field maintenance in the Parks & Recreation Department budget. Commissioner Clark said the fields could be converted to a driving range if they are put to private use. The Long Center cannot provide maintenance. The City Manager said the best scenario would be a long term lease whereby the Parks & Recreation Department would determine the fields' schedule. Commissioner Hooper noted the on-site building needs repair. Commissioner Clark said the Little League is willing to address that issue. Commissioner Johnson suggested girls' softball groups be given priority of field. Consensus was for the Mayor to send a letter to the college administration expressing City interest in maintaining the fields for City use. Mayor Garvey indicated Hillsborough County Commissioner Ed Turanchik had addressed the Tampa Bay Partnership regarding regional train service. Recommendations have changed since Mr. Turanchik's last presentation to the Commission. Mr. Turanchik wants to know if Clearwater is interested in being on the route of the proposed train. Commissioner Clark said the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) has expressed little enthusiasm for Mr. Turanchik's project. The monorail concept has been abandoned. The Mayor will send a written invitation to bring the train to Clearwater for informational purposes. Mayor Garvey referred to the quasi-judicial hearing held regarding the change of ownership of Jamminz'. She opposed requiring a conditional use to change ownership. She noted the City would probably not know if a business is purchased by an unsavory individual. The Mayor felt the City should deal with problems if they occur. Mr. Shuford said the Planning & Zoning Board rarely denies a change of ownership. Clearwater is one of a few communities with this provision. Ownership often changes without the City being aware of the action. The Police Department does a background check. If the new owner does not pass, a license is not issued. The City Attorney said licenses are tax oriented, not regulatory instruments. She was reluctant to encourage using licenses as an enforcement tool alone. The Mayor said the current procedure penalizes new owners by assuming problems will continue. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 2:46 p.m.