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11/03/1997CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER November 3, 1997 Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Ed Hooper Commissioner Karen Seel Commissioner Michael J. Roberto City Manager Kathy S. Rice Deputy City Manager Bob Keller Assistant City Manager Richard L. Hedrick Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m. at City Hall. Presentation - Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard Project Assistant City Manager Rick Hedrick recommended the City establish a relationship with Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson to contract individual elements of a project to beautify Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. He said Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson may sub-contract with Glatting Jackson after the procurement process to develop the overall focus for the project. If the City Commission agrees, the resulting general scope will be used as the framework for the Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard project. The City Manager said a weekend charette considered beach redevelopment and the downtown plan. Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard is recognized as an important link to the beach. The total project will have a huge impact. All parts of the project will have different time lines. Staff will identify realistic time lines and budgets. In response to a question, he said the parts of the project will merge within 10 years. David Barth and John Reinhart, of Glatting Jackson, distributed copies of “A Future Vision for Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard - Gateway to Clearwater!,” which can be modified. The slide show presented possible solutions to beautification problems along Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, including planting trees, improving maintenance of rights-of-way, removing overhead power lines, cleaning up debris, improving pedestrian circulation, etc. The future Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard must meet objectives: 1) attract/stabilize business along the corridor to promote economic growth; 2) improve overall appearance of the road and enhance the road’s image as a tourist destination; 3) improve vehicular circulation and pedestrian safety; and 4) reflect and enhance the “Clearwater Character” for residents. Mr. Barth recommended the City Commission consider how they want the corridor to look. Mr. Barth suggested the City Commission also consider standardizing directional signs and graphics throughout the City. To meet pedestrian issues, he said “people places” are needed. He said the Land Development Code can determine how businesses relate to Gulf-to- Bay Boulevard over time. The City plans to build consensus for a vision through: 1) formation of a Steering Committee of stakeholder representatives and 2) conducting corridor analysis and feasibility studies for public right-of-way design, traffic movement, design standards, funding and maintenance alternatives, land use and zoning modifications. Mr. Barth recommended initiating “quick victories” before the Christmas shopping season; 1) landscape the Welcome Center; 2) replace City signs with updated and consistently themed signs; 3) paint fire hydrants; 4) add banners to light poles; 5) landscape water pollution control plant; and 6) increase maintenance along Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and schedule a Cleanup Day. An Action Plan will be developed to: 1) obtain construction and maintenance funds; 2) coordinate public and private responsibilities; 3) modify land use and zoning regulations; and 4) design corridor improvements. Mr. Hedrick said the redevelopment of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard will require a long term public/private partnership. Concern was expressed the City does not maintain beautification projects already completed. The City Manager said a clean, well-kept destination is tourists’ top criteria. Maintenance issues will be considered for each project. The City, State, County, and businesses have a stake in the effort. It will need to be determined how much each partner will contribute. In response to a question, Mr. Hedrick estimated developing the scope will cost $50,000. The Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard corridor extends from the Courtney Campbell Causeway to the Memorial Causeway. The importance of an attractive entrance to the City and maintaining the upgrades were noted. Staff is considering immediate landscape improvements. Mr. Hedrick hoped the project is underway by December and the improvements will be evident over the next year. The City Manager said all phases of the plan should begin within 3 years. It was recommended the City apply for all available grants. In response to a question, Mr. Hedrick said FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) has scheduled to resurface Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard in the Spring. Median and curbside improvements will be possible prior to the resurfacing. The City Manager indicated FDOT had delayed the project as long as possible. Staff is considering the impact of closing specific medians. Concern was expressed regarding dangers to bicycle riders on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. PUR PURCHASING Tempaco of Pinellas, extension, misc. gas repair & installation materials, 01/01/98 -12/31/98, estimated $289,732.91 (GAS) Crane Carrier Corp., three 1998 rear loader refuse collection vehicles, $336,210 and one 1998 Crane Carrier side load refuse collection vehicle, $132,393, for total $468,603; funding to be provided under City’s master lease-purchase agreement (GS) M.T. Deason Company, Inc., extension, yellow P.E. 2406 polyethylene pipe & fittings, 11/07/97 -11/06/98, estimated $185,768.20 (GAS) Ward Oil Company, Inc., diesel fuel delivered via tank wagon, 12/16/97 -12/15/99, estimated $40,000 (EN) Petroleum Traders Corp., unleaded fuel delivered via transport, 12/16/97 -12/15/99, estimated $550,000 (GS) Mansfield Oil Company, diesel fuel delivered via transport, 12/16/97 -12/15/99, estimated $800,000 (GS) Ferrell Gas, propane, 11/07/97 -11/06/98, estimated $200,000 (GAS) Roll-a-way Shutters, storm shutters at City’s Emergency Operations Center & Police Communications Center, $35,394 (FD) Electric Supply of Tampa, Marina utility power center pedestals, $40,850 (MR) GTE Communications, Norstar Key Telephone Systems at Fire Stations #2, #4, #5, #6, & WPC Northeast Plant, estimated $20,500 (IM) Sprint of Florida, PBX Remote Fiber Shelf for Fire Station #1, $15,800 (IM) Pinellas Heating and Air Conditioning, installation of gas referenced jobs throughout gas system, 11/07/97 -12/31/98, estimated $50,000 (GAS) Spartan Oil Company, extension, fuel for resale at Clearwater Marina, 01/01/98 -12/31/98, estimated $762,900 (MR) M.T. Deason Company, 3408 high density black polyethylene pipe & fittings, 12/01/97-11/30/98, estimate $129,735.71 (GAS) In response to a question regarding the refuse collection vehicles, Purchasing Manager George McKibben said these are replacements. The lease rate is 85% of the treasury yield over 5 years. In response to a question regarding the fuel purchases, Mr. McKibben indicated the figures had been adjusted to reflect current usage. In response to a question regarding the storm shutters, it was questioned why they were not included in the Police Headquarters’ original construction. Deputy City Manager Kathy Rice said the shutters had been discussed but were not included in the building’s design. Funds are now available. In response to a question, the City Manager said even hurricane-proof windows are not indestructible. The electric shutters will protect the EOC (Emergency Operations Center) and operate on a generator. The building’s appearance will not change. In response to a question, Ms. Rice said expenditures related to the EOC are funded through the Fire Department’s budget. In response to a question regarding the Marina utility power center pedestals, Harbormaster Bill Held indicated these are replacements. It was requested replacement purchases be so noted. In response to a question regarding the telephone systems, Telecommunications Supervisor Kelly Legg said connecting these sites to the PBX would require installing fiber optics. The volume of calls does not justify that expense. In response to a question regarding the contract with air-conditioning contractor, the City Manager said the company is bonded and has property liability insurance. FN FINANCE Approve $38,500 payment to Michael Dandeneau, for adjustment of workers’ compensation permanent total benefits (including principal, penalties & interest) from 08/01/88 -10/03/97 On September 22, 1987, Claimant Michael Dandeneau, a Police Communication Operator, sustained a work-related back injury, which resulted in the Claimant receiving a work-related disability pension and workers’ compensation permanent total disability benefits. Section 440.02(21), Florida Statutes (Workers’ Compensation Act) requires inclusion of certain fringe benefits in the computation of the average weekly wage and compensation rate. These benefits were not included in the Claimant’s permanent total workers’ compensation benefits prior to October 3, 1997. Risk Management has calculated $38,500 is due the Claimant for back workers’ compensation benefits, penalties, and interest. Risk Management and the City’s Claims Committee recommend the City pay these benefits at this time. In response to a question, Risk Management Specialist-Workers Compensation Jon Marcin said the referenced Florida Statue refers to the average weekly wage and benefits the City had not felt should be included. Subsequently, the Courts have ruled differently. IM INFORMATION MANAGEMENT Purchase of Video/Audio Equipment for City Hall Chambers, Encore Broadcast Equipment, $179,061 The City Commission Chamber’s more than 10-year old audio and video systems are obsolete and inadequate for cablecasting Commission and board meetings and do not meet the City’s current audio/visual needs. The upgrade includes a wheelchair accessible podium with built-in slide to video converter, computer to video converter, and copy video camera. All video cameras, camera remote units, microphones, and control room equipment will be replaced. Installation, to be done over 4-weeks, will not interrupt televised Commission and board meeting schedules. If necessary, this equipment can be removed and installed in a new location. Funds for this purchase were provided under terms of the cable franchise agreements with Time Warner & GTE Americast. In response to a question, the City Attorney said use of these funds is restricted to public access equipment. She will confirm if the City can use the money for other projects. Information Management Director Jeff Harper said the public will recognize improvements. In response to a question, Mr. Harper said $217,000 currently is available. Additional funding will be available in out years. In response to a question, Ms. Rice said these equipment purchases were negotiated in the contracts with the cable providers. The City Attorney said the City cannot require cable providers to contribute for other than cable purposes. PD POLICE Contract for City’s Community Notification Project equipment to ATS, a division of AVTEC, Inc., cost not to exceed $32,900 Currently, the City has no fast way of recalling staff in an emergency or notifying the public of safety advisories, meetings, or community information. Computer hardware and software associated with this project will allow rapid communication with the public and staff. Major system applications include notifying specific groups of citizens, such as crime watch, merchant and neighborhood groups, staff and other agencies of upcoming meetings. Media alerts could be disseminated via fax or voice messaging to specified news agencies. The public would have the ability to request faxed information or application forms without visiting City offices. The system will permit mass paging and voice notification to businesses, citizens, and staff with information on crimes or other public safety issues. Senior citizen welfare also can be addressed through the use of this system’s voice verification capabilities. In response to a question, Police Chief Sid Klein said staff is reviewing opportunities for the use of this system which will open many avenues of communication. In response to a question, he said enclaves are covered by the County’s GIS (Geographic Information System). In response to a question, he said the system would not increase maintenance and employee costs. Contract for Police Department’s fiber optics radio tower link project, Bay Resources, Inc., cost not to exceed $186,189.80 Currently, the City operates an 800 MHz Ericsson Radio System with the transmission site on Young Avenue in the City’s southwest quadrant, and the main radio switch at Police Headquarters. For an annual cost of $5,500, the City leases from GTE multiple communications circuits that are affected by inclement weather and could cause the radio system to fail. Upon implementation of the fiber optics cable, the City will maintain a reduced number of circuits as back-up. The Microwave Radio Link, proposed in the FY 1994/95 CIP budget, was found to be impractical and changed to the current fiber optics project. This upgrade will support all City radio users. Fiber optic cabling would provide a more secure connection and reduce the possibility a radio system failure due to inclement weather. The proposed conduit configuration will allow for future expansion and use by other departments. The project will require another $3,500 to connect the fiber optic cables to the City’s radio equipment. Although GTE’s bid to RFP (Request for Proposals) 160-97 was $21,500 lower, GTE proposed a route unacceptable to the City and contrary to the RFP requirements and proposed an indemnification clause that would weaken the City’s position. The Bay Resources bid was more responsive to the City’s needs. In response to a question, Chief Klein said this will be the first fiber optics cable for the radio tower link project. Deputy Police Chief Dewey Williams said the original plan to install a microwave radio link had been changed. In response to a question, he said Bay Resources had accepted the City’s terms. The Commissioner recessed from 10:40 to 10:54 a.m. EN ENGINEERING (Cont’d from 10/16/97) Approve C.O.#1 for active remediation of former City Hall Annex / Montgomery Wards Site to Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Inc., increasing amount by $282,450 for new total $442,450; and approve 30 day time extension Remediation and development of the Annex site is important to redevelop and revitalize downtown. Developers and potential end users have made numerous inquiries regarding the property. Site development will establish the Central Business District’s eastern anchor. The site’s size and location are well suited to job-producing industries. On April 22, 1974, the City purchased the property. Previous site owners who deposited, caused to be deposited, or transported contamination to the site are potentially liable to the City or enforcement agencies, for cleanup costs under provisions of law. Whether the City can recover damages from such persons or entities will depend on many factors. Staff is investigating all avenues to recoup site remediation costs. On August 7, 1997, the City Commission approved the original $160,000 work order to PBS&J (Post, Buckley, Schuh and Jernigan, Inc.) to excavate, load, transport, and incinerate approximately 2,458 tons of contaminated soils, and to capture, treat, and dispose of contaminated groundwater. On September 29, 1997, active remediation began. Based upon the best available data from the State-approved CAR (Contamination Assessment Report), the first of 2 areas was expected to have 2,208 tons of excessively contaminated soils approximately 8 - 12 feet below the land surface. The CAR estimated the second remediation site, where work has not begun, contains 250 tons of excessively contaminated soils. Upon commencement, it was discovered the extent of excessively contaminated soils is significantly greater than originally anticipated, extending 12 - 16 feet below the land surface and possibly into the confining layer, estimated to be 25 feet below the land surface. The total excavation tonnage could exceed an additional 6,000 tons. A change order is necessary to advance the remediation process. The additional work is estimated to cost $282,450, increasing the project’s total to $442,450. Additional work includes: 1) $174,000 - excavate 6,000 tons of contaminated soil; 2) $38,500 - reinstall well point system; 3) $30,000 - backfill; 4) $2,900 - additional pre-burn analysis; 5) $5,300 - additional site safety activities; 6) $3,000 - hydroseeding; 7) $22,405 - additional contract management; and 8) $6,345 - additional soil borings. Staff, the City Engineer of Record Consultant and Remediation Contractors believe continuation of the project as planned is the most timely and economical method. It is possible additional contamination may be identified during field activities. Project closure is important for public health and safety. Continued site remediation is essential to the timely development of the property. Failure or delay in completing the remediation project may result in lost development opportunities during a strong economy. Assistant Director of Engineering/Environmental Tom Miller reported the original CAR tried to identify the lateral extent of the contamination but did not penetrate below the water table to determine its depth. PBS&J discovered a greater contamination at 17-feet. It probably extends to the 25-foot level. The pollution is deeper than it is wide. Saturation is estimated at 2,000 parts per million. Engineering Director Rich Baier said staff has considered alternatives but recommends removal. In response to a question, he said the level of clean-up will affect the type of development possible for that property. The clean-up would be necessary even if the main library is constructed on that site. Bill Bowsman, of PBS&J, reported if the contamination remains in place, construction pilings would be necessary and escalate construction costs by 5% to 15%. The objective is to make the site marketable. Staff hopes to obtain FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) certification that the site is clean. While the clean-up of all contamination is not guaranteed with these additional funds, the City Manager said this recommendation represents staff’s best estimate of what is necessary to obtain the FDEP certificate. In response to a question, Mr. Hedrick could not say if the City is more aggressive with the clean-up than the private sector until a purchase deal is presented. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the proposed method is preferred by FDEP to eliminate contamination. It was recommended the City pursue Brownfields’ assistance for this clean-up. In response to a question, Mr. Miller said if the City does not proceed with the clean-up, the City will have to address the continued migration of polluted ground water in the future. The City Manager said parties interested in the property would be limited if the contamination is not cleaned. In response to a question, the City Attorney said recovering the clean-up costs from Montgomery Wards is unlikely. After the City submits its report on February 1, 1998, FDEP has 90 days to respond. Agreement for professional services, Tampa Bay Engineering, Inc., related to FDOT and Pinellas County utility relocation and accommodation, 5-year term In July 1997, the City Commission approved the #1 ranking of Tampa Bay Engineering, Inc. as consulting engineers for coordination of utility accommodation for FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) and Pinellas County roadway improvement projects. During this Agreement, FDOT will design multiple US 19N overpasses. Due to the extension of Penny for Pinellas, the County has accelerated its roadway construction. Most design will occur during this Agreement. The agreement will assure coordination of City utility relocation with the State and County’s requirements and time frames. Tampa Bay Engineering is FDOT’s utility design reviewer for this district. Services to be provided: 1) utility accommodation/relocation plans and schedules; 2) joint project agreements; 3) permits; 4) specifications; 5) estimates of costs and quantities; 6) coordination with other utility owners; 7) attendance at meetings; and 8) certified record drawings and associated services in conformance with FDOT and Pinellas County project scheduling. Services to be provided through work orders for specific projects as delineated by FDOT or Pinellas County. Total compensation shall not exceed $100,000 per work order unless authorized by the City Commission. Funding for work orders will be identified at issuance. Concern was expressed the City Commission will only review work orders greater than $100,000. Mr. Baier said this agreement is to relocate City utilities during the construction of State and County roads. He had not estimated the associated costs over the next 5 years. It had been decided not to hire staff to meet this need. Contract for Storm Pipe Replacement - Lake Lucille Outfall; Deer Run East / Eastland Blvd.; Waters Edge Townhomes, Clark Hunt Construction, Inc., $198,795.10 This project will replace approximately 2,500-feet of 40-year-old, deteriorated, 18- and 24-inch corrugated steel storm pipe with Ultra Rib PVC Storm Pipe. Staff has repaired several locations along this system where the pipe had deteriorated. Also, included in this contract: 1) in Northwood Estates Tract F - construct 3 baffle inlets to intercept debris and soil that collects in the detention pond at the Northeast corner of Landmark Drive and Enterprise Road and 2) in Montclair Lake Estates - replace 225 feet of 24-inch, deteriorated storm pipe. The 90-day project is scheduled to start December 1, 1997. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the contractor is bonded. A 5% retainage will be withheld until final sign-off on the project. In response to a concern, the City Manager reported he had scheduled a meeting with Florida Power regarding the poor maintenance of City street lights. In response to a question, Mr. Baier indicated the City is responsible for the lights on bridges in Clearwater. CP CENTRAL PERMITTING Variance(s) to Sign Regulations for property (Pinch A Penny) located at 651 Court St., Court Square, Blk 13, Lot 7-9 together with part of Lot 6, Magnolia Park, Blk 13, Lots 10-12 together with vacated alley between (Cepcot Corp. / Porpoise Pool & Patio, Inc., SV97-12) This property, between Court and Chestnut streets on the West side of the Pinellas Trail, is zoned Urban Center Core-2. The applicant is requesting a variance of 1 wall sign to allow 4 wall signs. The applicant proposes to place a 10-square foot reader board sign on the store’s East side. Staff is working with the applicant regarding the unimproved parking lot on the property’s southern end and code required landscaping. In response to a question, Central Permitting Manager Sandy Glatthorn said current signage on the building is legal by code. CM ADMINISTRATION Authorize City Attorney to execute a retainer agreement, Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson, P.A., for assistance in special finance issues associated with the Gulf to Bay Corridor Enhancement Project, $24,000 In fulfilling the City Vision, staff identified a Gulf-to-Bay corridor enhancement project as critical in promoting the City’s image for tourists, residents, and businesses. The project will include legal and financing issues related to easement acquisition, public-private partnerships, etc. Staff recommends authorizing the City Attorney to retain NG&N (Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson) to assist in these comprehensive efforts. No bid is required to retain outside legal counsel. NG&N was chosen as the best consultant for this project based on the firm’s State-wide experience, including the US 192 corridor enhancement by Disney World. NG&N will assist the City in determining the benefit area for the project and developing financing methods and options. As the scope of work will be based on unknown enhancement options, a retainer agreement is proposed. Work will be performed and payment rendered under a work order format. Each work order will specify a scope of work, product delivery deadlines, and professional fees. The City will be able have NG&N respond to changing circumstances in the planning and project implementation. The process will allow staff to control costs. The City will pay only for needed services. Delays in the planning and implementation processes will be eliminated. In response to a question, Mr. Hedrick said the project will involve a number of legal issues throughout the process. The City Attorney said NG&N also will be involved in financing issues. The firm will sub-contract for other services. Concern was expressed the procurement process be handled carefully so local groups not feel prejudice. In response to a question, staff will report how the Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard beautification project is listed in the budget. Approve conversion of four contract positions to permanent positions with full City benefits The City employs 4 contract positions outside of the CGS (Clearwater Gas System): 1) Central Permitting - 2 inspectors; 2) Engineering Department - 1 inspector; and 3) Human Resources - 1 employee. Central Permitting contract positions, created 2 years ago, meet increases to the permitting program due to new construction and additions. The positions have improved complaint investigations and unsafe structures programs. The Engineering Department’s contract position, created in July 1996, has enhanced the aesthetic quality of the City through landscape and tree protection inspections at construction sites; landscape reinspections, emphasizing major corridors; tree removal permit processing, citizen assistance requests; and environmental enforcement. The Human Resources’ contract position, in existence for 1 year, handles the Employment Manager’s duties while that person implements the Peoplesoft payroll program. Once the payroll system is operational, that person probably will need to continue as systems manager for the Peoplesoft system, resulting in a need for an additional FTE (Full Time Equivalent) to fill the Employment Manager’s position. The cost to implement these 4 positions as permanent is anticipated to be less than $25,000 annually. This year, funding for these conversions will be provided through operating savings within department budgets. It was noted these positions are not listed in the FY 1997/98 budget. Ms. Rice said the City can convert these positions to permanent for a minimal cost. Some positions were contracted while staff considered if the need is permanent. In response to a question, Ms. Rice said the Human Resources person working on Peoplesoft probably will remain in that position. Peoplesoft will be operational within 8 months. It was noted 2 or 3 people will be available for other positions once the set-up is complete. The City Manager said the cost of the 4 positions represent the true cost of City operations. It is difficult to retain personnel in the positions due to their temporary nature. In response to a concern, Ms. Rice said the issue was brought forward as part of the budget process. The money is budgeted although the positions are not listed. Mr. Baier reported requests for assistance with landscaping have increased by 60%. In response to a question, Ms. Rice said the additional funds are available in the Vision fund. The contracts are up for renewal on January 1, 1998. The City Manager reported he had pooled all Vision funds together. Budget Director Tina Wilson said the cost of the contract employees is included in the budget. The positions will be listed in the FY 1998/99 budget. Central Permitting Director Scott Shuford said this will be the 3rd year the positions in his department are contracted. He said the positions need to be full-time. In response to a question, Ms. Wilson agreed benefits will accrue although the positions currently do receive specific benefits. It was felt this need should have been addressed at budget time. Staff will report on the current number of FTE positions. The City Manager indicated the City has been paying for these positions for 2 to 3 years and recommended they now be added to the budget. Staff’s workload is increasing for upcoming projects such as the evaluation of Penny for Pinellas projects. In response to a question, he said the contracts could be extended for a time certain. In response to a question, Ms. Rice said the source of funds to cover the conversion differs by department. It was recommended this issue be reviewed after the department reviews are complete and all vision money is identified. It was suggested the Commission approve the request for departments which have identified appropriate funding sources. Concern was expressed the upcoming management audit may indicate the positions are not necessary. Beach Redevelopment Mr. Shuford said more than 100 people attended the recent beach design charette. The participants were enthusiastic and committed to fundamental change. The format proved successful at pulling ideas together. Several entrance designs were proposed and the intensity of land uses was discussed. Recommendations were made to develop a transition between the resort and residential areas, phase out surface parking, and create a sense of place. Following staff meetings with the consultants, additional public input and reaction will be scheduled. A public hearing is scheduled in January 1998. Mr. Hedrick stated the beach is represented by interests related to lifestyle, economics, recreation, business opportunity, livelihood, etc. The key to success will require the groups representing these interests to agree where possible. It was recommended the process continue. Mr. Shuford was congratulated for facilitating the successful meeting. Penny for Pinellas meeting - November 6, 1997 To assist the City Commission in prioritizing new Penny for Pinellas projects, Organizational and Employee Development Director Pam Skyrme will present criteria based on issues related to quality of life, finances, impact on staffing, etc. The meeting will be taped in the studios of the Municipal Services Building and replayed on C-View TV. CLK CITY CLERK Consensus was to include on the Consent Agenda the appointment of Commissioner Seel as the City’s representative to the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization). CA LEGAL DEPARTMENT First Reading Ordinances Ord. #6208-97 - Amending Sec. 2.474 of Ch. 2, Div. 5, re Police Officers Pension Plan, Subdivision II, Supplementary Pension and Retirement Plan to revise investment authority In response to a question, the City Attorney said the Police Officers Pension Plan Board had forwarded this change to the City. The amendment is necessary due to changes in the State Statute. Commission Discussion Items Fiscal Review Committee request Ms. Wilson said the FRC (Fiscal Review Committee) had requested Commission direction. The City Manager recommended the committee help staff review a list of 14 projects. It was suggested the FRC review Penny for Pinellas projects and be provided with criteria information to be discussed at the November 6, 1997, meeting. The City Manager suggested reviewing Penny for Pinellas projects may prove to be too cumbersome for the committee. It was suggested the FRC review the utility rate study and performance measurement. Ms. Wilson reported the FRC had reviewed all City business plans. She suggested It may be helpful if the FRC continues with business plan analysis. Other Commission Action Commissioner Clark questioned the status of the FBO (Fixed Base Operator) contract. It will be included in the November 17, 1998, agenda. Commissioner Clark requested a status report on the progress of the clean-up of last week’s storm debris by the Solid Waste Department. Commissioner Clark said a board member had suggested each board have a one-on-one relationship with a Commissioner to encourage communication. The City Manager said it is important for the Commission to communicate with the boards as the boards’ work should reflect the views of the City Commission and community. Consensus was to discuss this issue in more depth. Commissioner Hooper welcomed Mr. Shoemaker to the meeting. Commissioner Hooper said he had met with representatives of Siemon, Larsen & Marsh who are working on the rewrite of the City’s Land Development Code. He complimented the firm. Commissioner Hooper reported the Legislative Delegation had met during last week’s inclement weather and discussed the annexation issue. He encouraged the City Commission to discuss the City’s position on this issue with delegation members. Commissioner Johnson requested a letter of thanks be sent to FDOT regarding their clean-up of the underside of the US 19N overpass at Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard (SR 60). Commissioner Johnson questioned if the grants book had been ordered. The City Clerk indicated that is the case. Commissioner Johnson questioned if the City Manager was traveling to Ft. Lauderdale on Friday. The City Manager said that is the case. Commissioner Johnson requested the City Commission support Saturday in the City. The City’s contribution will be discussed on Thursday. Commissioner Johnson questioned if the City had applied for the Tree City USA award. It was stated that is the case. Commissioner Johnson commented the recent storm was severe. The area was fortunate no loss of life had occurred. Commissioner Johnson referred to a suggestion to provide wheelchair access for the beach. Ms. Rice said the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) committee has budgeted for beach access in the ADA transition plan. Commissioner Seel thanked Tourism Development Director Jean Sherry for her prompt follow-up on this request. Commissioner Johnson congratulated CGS for their $3.75-million contribution to the General Fund. Commissioner Seel said at a recent special meeting of the DDB (Downtown Development Board), it was reported 157,000-square feet of downtown office space is empty. The DDB is developing a plan to address this issue. In response to a question, the City Manager said that figure represents 13% of available space downtown. Commissioner Seel reported the downtown merchants are collaborating on the Festival of Trees, street lights, and ways to achieve a festive atmosphere downtown during the holiday shopping season. Mayor Garvey said a letter from a resident off the Landmark Drive extension requested the City Commission revisit opening access from Marlo Boulevard. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 12:45 p.m. followed by a closed bargaining session.