Loading...
03/17/1997 CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER March 17, 1997 Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner - departed 1:30 p.m. 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 Bob Keller 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 9:00 a.m. at the Municipal Services Building. Service Awards Seven service awards were presented to City employees. The Commission recessed from 9:02 to 9:30 a.m. to meet as the Community Redevelopment Agency. GAS GAS SYSTEM Contract for installation of polyethylene gas mains and service lines to Mueller Distribution Contractors, Inc., 03/21/97 -06/30/98, estimated $477,750 To provide timely installation of new gas mains and services without increasing staff, CGS (Clearwater Gas System) proposes to contract with Mueller Distribution Contractors, Inc. to install polyethylene gas mains and services throughout the service area. Work will be performed under direction of the managers of Gas Operations in Pinellas and Pasco counties. CGS’s use of a second contractor, Heuer Utility Contractors, Inc., to install gas mains and services throughout the service area, provides increased flexibility and a back-up should one contractor default. The contractor will supply all labor, equipment, sod, asphalt, concrete, and curb replacements. CGS will supply gas related materials such as polyethylene pipe, fittings, and valves. The proposed contract provides for all aspects related to the installation of polyethylene mains, services, and meters. Estimated installation costs for the Pinellas service area is $177,750 and for Pasco service area is $300,000. It was questioned why CGS uses outside contractors when its business plan states staffing levels will not increase. Managing Director Chuck Warrington said CGS has used outside contractors for this type of work for many years. It was recommended the contract protect the City from liability due to environmental accidents by the contractor. Mr. Warrington will verify that inclusion. The City does not release the retainage until all work is completed. City insurers do not cover environmental damages. In response to a question, he said all bids included similar unit prices although total contract costs differed. The City Manager said work by the backup contractor, Heuer Utility, is bound under their previous bid. The Heuer contract will be rebid soon. HM HUMAN RELATIONS Approve staff recommendations for continuation of City of Clearwater Social Services Grants Program (FY 1997/98) as administered by Human Relations Department Since FY (Fiscal Year) 1993/94, the Human Relations Department has administered the competitive City Social Services Grants Program, budgeted from the General Fund. Area social services agencies apply to this program for funding. The Human Relations Department prepared a white paper regarding the program’s history, nature, scope, administration, and staff recommendations for its future implementation. Funding for the program increased from $62,000 to $100,000 for FY 1996/97. The program assists agencies to provide citizens with child care, food, elderly services, homeless shelters, etc. Prior to FY 1993/94, the City Commission awarded grants on a non-competitive basis. In 1992, the Commission agreed funding requests should be competitive and a TRC (Technical Review Committee) should make funding recommendations to the Commission. The TRC consists of social service professionals or involved citizens with knowledge about community needs and services. Economic Development and Human Relations department staff select TRC members. In FY 1996/97, the maximum level of funding per program was increased from $5,000 to $10,000. The City Commission has allocated additional funding from the General Fund for social services programs. Ervin’s All American Youth Club received: 1) 1995 - $101,300 + $28,020 in-kind for club building rent/maintenance; 2) 1996 - $117,337 + $21,270 in-kind for club building rent/maintenance; and 3) 1997 - $117,337 + $21,270 in-kind for club building rent/ maintenance. Girl’s Inc. received: 1) 1995 - $18,675 for Condon Gardens Tutoring Program and 2) 1995 - $15,241 for King’s Kids Tutoring Program. In 1995, the North Greenwood Association, Inc. received $24,847. City social service funding levels have been: 1) 1995 - $222,063 ($62,000 competitive, $160,063 non-competitive); 2) 1996 - $179,337 ($62,000 competitive, $117,337 non-competitive); and 3) 1997 - $217,337 ($100,000 competitive, $117,337 non-competitive). The Human Relations Department mails the RFP (Request for Proposal) on April 1 to past participants and by request. Applications are due in May. The TRC scores applications individually, using a scoring guideline. Individual scores are averaged. Generally, funding is based upon numerical scores; however, committee members may draw upon their expertise and knowledge of agencies and community needs to make funding recommendations that may vary slightly from the numerical scores. The Human Relations Department forwards this information to the City Commission for review and approval. The Commission typically considers the recommendations at the second meeting in July. Agencies that administer social services programs serving Clearwater residents are eligible to apply for funding. Agencies receive bonus points for serving a greater percentage of Clearwater residents in relation to their client population. City Commission direction has varied regarding an agency’s eligibility to receive funding for multiple programs. In FY 1996/97, agencies were eligible to receive more than one grant as long as funded programs were distinctly different. A primary benefit of the program is that it provides funding to agencies that provide vital services to Clearwater citizens but have limited funds. The simple application and procedure process make the grant accessible to small and start-up programs that rely on volunteer staff. The program also provides agencies with local matching funds. Staff recommends: 1) maintain funding at FY 1996/97 level; 2) authorize Human Relations Department to administer FY 1997/98 program in similar format with RFPs released to agencies by late April 1997; 3) consider guidelines; and 4) study other program formats to determine changes that would provide a maximum benefit from agencies or programs for Clearwater citizens. Regarding guidelines, staff recommends the City Commission select TRC members. Staff recommends committee members be affiliated with area social services providers or with agencies that refer clients to and coordinate with area providers, such as school counselors, etc. TRC members abstain from the voting discussion and recommendations if they are affiliated with an agency that has applied for funding. Proposed funding will not cover salaries for administration but will support salaries for the direct delivery of services, such as tutors, etc. Staff recommends funding distinctly different programs affiliated with the same agency. Human Relations Director Eleanor Breland reviewed the program’s background. Funding decisions are linked to the I-COPE study which indicated the greatest local needs are shelter, food, and child care. Some consideration is given to programs that can match the City’s contribution. A survey of Pinellas County municipalities was requested, along with a report on the amount of social service funding Pinellas County provides from their General Fund. In response to a suggestion, Ms. Breland said the City does not need the extensive background information required in the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) application. It was suggested the City adopt the application form used by Pinellas County and St. Petersburg. Staff will review local application forms. City Commission direction to not cover administrative salaries was noted. Ms. Breland said the proposal will fund positions that provide direct delivery of services. It was felt some programs may need funding for administrative services. Staff's recommendation for the City Commission to appoint TRC members was noted. It was recommended a United Way representative serve on the TRC. The City Manager noted TRC members review CDBG applications on a technical basis. It was suggested no TRC members should be associated with agencies that apply for City funds. Ms. Breland said it is difficult to predict which agencies will apply. It was noted City funded agencies located outside City limits serve City residents. In response to a suggestion, Ms. Breland said if funding is directed to agencies serving mostly Clearwater residents, agencies such as Coordinated Child Care will not qualify. In response to a question, Ms. Breland said agencies are required to provide proof of expenses such as receipts, etc. The City provides funding in a lump sum. It was recommended staff publicize the grant program. C-View-TV was recommended. Orlando's neighborhood funding program was noted. It was pointed out Section 8 recipients are scattered throughout the community and live in no particular neighborhood. The City Manager said Ervin's All-American Youth Club has been receiving more than $100,000 annually outside the competitive process. The City Commission needs to determine if the process and funding level should remain the same. The City currently has a 3-year contract with the agency. The organization needs to be advised if the City plans to include Ervin's in the competitive process after the current contract expires. More information is needed. Further discussion will be scheduled at a Work Session. In response to a question, Ms. Breland said she did not think United Way representation on the TRC would taint the process. It was noted United Way representatives are familiar with local needs. It was recommended that staff continue appointing members to the TRC. In response to a question, Ms. Breland said last year the maximum grant was doubled to $10,000 to help agencies with no other funding source. Concern was expressed less sophisticated agencies cannot match City funds. Ms. Breland stated grass roots' agencies qualify for points based on the percentage of clients who live in the City. Concern was expressed the process should not benefit the same agencies every year. Ms. Breland said TRC ratings are based on numerical scores as well as member familiarity with individual agencies and local needs. In response to a question, she said agencies change their names to reflect priority changes or to meet legal requirements. It was noted references to start-up agencies and matching funds are included in separate questions on the application. In response to a question, Ms. Breland said program duplication is necessary when one agency cannot meet all local needs, such as child-care. It was suggested the City provide in-kind grantwriting services for local agencies. The City Manager expressed concern the City's grantwriter will be too busy to offer those services. It was noted SPJC (St. Petersburg Junior College) offers a grantwriting course. It was felt staff should do more to help agencies with grants than directing them to research books. A request was made for a list of agencies receiving rent-free space and in-kind contributions from the City. Concern was expressed some agencies qualify for City funding for more than one program. Concern was expressed agencies too dependent on CDBG and City social services funds will close if these grants are cut. It was felt the TRC should be aware of impacts on agencies if funding is not granted. The majority agreed staff should appoint TRC members, the CRB (Community Relations Board) position on the TRC should be eliminated, a United Way position on the TRC should be added, and the level of City social services funding should remain at $100,000. The Commission recessed from 10:44 to 10:55 a.m. ED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Presentation re Consolidated Plan Economic Development Director Alan Ferri said the Consolidated Plan integrates funding and the service delivery of local, State, Federal, and private sector resources, improves program performance and funding allocation, creates a unified application process, and reduces reporting requirements. The Plan’s goals and objectives are to help the income-eligible population, target funding expenditures, leverage non-City resources, use a fair evaluation process, reward performance, simplify the application process, encourage realistic applications, and increase technical assistance to applicants. Today, 93% of funds benefit those with low to moderate incomes. He said housing production has increased 43.9% and roll-over funds have been reduced by 34.6%. He reported the City Commission had approved the Citizen Participation Plan in March 1994. He noted dramatic increases evident in citizen participation, leveraged private investment, and loan production rates for business, home ownership, and rehabilitation. Mr. Ferri said the allocation process includes strong citizen participation. The evaluative criteria are based on Federal and State legislative mandates. Each application is ranked by specific criteria. In response to a question, Mr. Ferri said the numerical score is not the only justification the TRC uses to rank applications. The application review process is three tiered; 1) the TRC; 2) NAHAB (Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board); and 3) City Commission. Staff tallies individual scoring forms and uses the results to make funding recommendations to the City Commission. The Consolidated Plan must be submitted by August 15, 1997. In the evaluation process, applications either pass or fail mandatory requirements. The maximum points applications can be rewarded: 1) 30 points - benefits those with low and moderate incomes; 2) 10 points - linkage to other programs; 3) 10 points - leverages other funding sources; 4) 15 points - addresses Fair Housing needs; 5) (15 points) - past program performance failures; 6) 30 points - service provider analysis; and 7) 25 points - program objectives. The Congress has mandated the Public Service category be capped at $115,000. The City normally receives $2.5-million in Public Service requests. Changing the process would require a Public Hearing to amend the Citizen Participation Plan. Citizen Participation would have to be defined and USHUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) would have to review and approve the new process. Mr. Ferri anticipated future reductions of 26.6% for CDBG funds and 40.6% for HOME funds. SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) funds are tied to tax stamp receipts and can fluctuate. He recommended the City develop alternative funding resources, increase private sector participation, and increase leverage requirements. He opposed reducing programs and services. In response to a question, Mr. Ferri said staff had provided free private consultation to help businesses qualify for guaranteed Federal loans. He reported a $1.2-million investment resulted in $1.9-million in new ad valorem evaluation. In response to a question, Mr. Ferri said as the City moves toward its affordable housing goal, staff will focus resources on home ownership opportunities. He said the availability of affordable housing remains a problem. It was questioned how CDBG funds can be directed toward Economic Development. Assistant City Manager Bob Keller said other communities have used CDBG funds for infrastructure. As resources decline, he said more strategic decisions will be required. Mr. Ferri noted 70% of CDBG beneficiaries must be low income. Concern was expressed the City Commission, as policy makers, had not established goals for TRC consideration. Mr. Ferri said those goals were adopted in the Citizen Participation Process in 1994. The Plan can be amended but radical changes require a Public Hearing and HUD approval. Mr. Keller said the City will be able to leverage more dollars by combining CDBG and CIP funds. It was recommended the City Commission adopt a Statement of Purpose regarding how CDBG funds should relate to City goals. Deputy City Manager Kathy Rice, Mr. Keller, and Mr. Ferri will meet regarding this issue. In response to a question, Mr. Ferri said home ownership programs include long term counseling on financial issues. New home owners who have gone through these programs usually contact the City or similar programs if problems occur during their first year of ownership. In response to a question, Mr. Ferri said none of the home owners who used City home-buying services has failed on the mortgage. Concern was expressed new homeowners do not have a history of responsible home care. PD POLICE Lease Agreement with Arnold-Brown Properties for 1.964 acres, m.o.l., Sec. 15-29-15, commencing on or about 04/01/97 and extending on a month to month basis for $1,350 per month (temporary parking) The subject property is on the Northeast corners of Myrtle Avenue and Cleveland Street and Myrtle Avenue and Laura Street. The Police Department needs approximately 250 parking spaces for headquarters’ employees. Currently, staff parks on the grounds of the old police building, in the grass lot leased from the St. Petersburg Times, in leased spaces within the Park Street Parking Garage, in a 21-space lot leased from Peace Memorial Church, and in a 17-space City lot on Franklin Street. Approximately 135 parking areas will be lost when demolition begins on the old police building and ownership of the Park Street Parking Garage is transferred. The leased land has asphalt surfacing for approximately 135 vehicles and will provide parking for Police Department employee vehicles during construction of the parking garage. The lease is month-to-month with the option by either party to terminate at any time upon providing 60 days written notice to the other. Concern was expressed the land may need improvement before the parking garage is completed. An update of the parking garage project was requested. The City Manager noted Police Department employee concerns expressed during Vision meetings regarding tools and resources. Police Chief Sid Klein said employee comments focused on: 1) radio coverage - City is aware of access problems with several channels and is working closely with Ericsson technicians; 2) radio interface with County - last week’s demonstration worked well. Training program needs development; and 3) field reporting system - new lap top software not on street until staff is confident bugs are addressed. The process is taking longer than anticipated. Laptops with old software will be put on the street if necessary. In response to a question, Deputy Police Chief Dewey Williams said staff had written the old software. The City Attorney is meeting with the computer company regarding possible contractual penalties. In response to a question, Deputy Chief Williams stated the new software requires significant customization. In response to a question, Chief Klein said software problems in the CAD system also are being fixed. In response to a question, Deputy Chief Williams reviewed problems related to the City’s 11 channel trunked system on busy days. Replacing some cards should solve the problem. He anticipated 11 channels will be adequate to meet future City needs. None of the channels is dedicated to the Police Department but Police calls take priority. The City Attorney will review the radio contract. In response to a question, Deputy Chief Williams said the AVL (Advanced Vehicle Locator) is not yet operational. SW SOLID WASTE Interlocal Agreement with Pinellas County for servicing of north county drop-off centers and the marketing of recyclables Pinellas County has requested the Solid Waste Department operate a one-year pilot program to service Pinellas County’s 5 North County drop-off centers and market the recyclables. The City is requested to collect the recyclables from the drop-off centers, process, and market them. The County will pay Clearwater for collecting and processing recyclables and share in profits derived from marketing the materials. Clearwater will assist the County with the operation of the drop-off centers and work in cooperation with the County to collect the best quality products from market to maximize profits. This Interlocal agreement can be supported within existing budget resources and represents approximately $44,400 in increased gross revenue for the roll-off and recycling programs. In response to a question, Solid Waste Director Bob Brumback indicated BFI charges the County for current recycling collection services. Staff will report on the cost of providing this service and projected net revenues. The meeting recessed from 12:01 to 1:12 p.m. EN ENGINEERING Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #6132-97 - Vacating east/west alley lying S of Lots 9-11, less W 3’, Blk 4, Gould and Ewing 2nd Addition, subject to applicant relocating at his expense City’s sanitary sewer, water, gas & storm systems along with Florida Power & General Telephone facilities, within their respective replacement easements, and recording private agreement with authorized representative of Coachman Building for solid waste pick up on applicant’s property (Haag / Savoy Ltd., V96-01) The applicant has requested the City vacate the east/west alleyway that runs parallel between Cleveland and Park Streets off Garden Avenue. The alley is paved and used for vehicular traffic. The applicant will be required to relocate, at his own expense, the City’s sanitary sewer, water, and gas mains. The Solid Waste Department services several dumpsters for the applicant’s existing buildings which will be razed. The alley can be vacated subject to the retention of a temporary ingress/egress easement until the buildings are razed. As the proposed Rome Tower would be located in the vacated alley, the Coachman building dumpster would be eliminated. The Rome Tower’s parking garage would require one-way Southbound traffic in the alleyway, eliminating access to the dumpster. The applicant must sign an agreement with the Coachman Buildings’ designated representative to provide shared use of a trash compactor in the Rome Tower. This agreement would run with the land and must be signed by both parties prior to vacation. Florida Power has primary and secondary networks in this alley which are part of the grid that provides service to much of the downtown area. Relocation is estimated to cost $80,000. Florida Power has reviewed this request and has no objection, provided its facilities remain in a temporary easement until they are relocated at the applicants’ expense. At the time of relocation, the applicant is to provide new easements for Florida’s relocated facilities. General Telephone has facilities in the alley and has provided the applicant with a temporary easement agreement that addresses its concerns. The agreement is to be signed by all authorized parties prior to the vacation. Time Warner and GTE Americast have no objection to the vacation. Various City departments/divisions concerned with vacations have reviewed this petition and have no objections provided existing facilities are relocated at applicant’s expense. Vacating this alley will place the land back on the tax roll. The proposed development will add to the improvement of the downtown area. The City Engineer has reviewed the application and concurs with staff recommendations. Engineering Director Rich Baier said the applicant has proposed to relocate all City and private utilities within the alley. He did not know the cost of relocation. The City typically does not handle this type of project. The applicant is responsible for the project’s design but the City has final approval. The vacation can include protections of the City’s interest. In response to a question regarding the proposed agreement, the City Attorney said the applicants must relocate the utilities within one year. The vacation is null and void if the utilities are not relocated before the deadline. It is possible the applicant will relocate the utilities and not construct a building. The City Manager indicated if building permits are not pulled by May 1, 1997, the applicants must obtain new permits under all new rules. Staff will provide information on other businesses that may use this alley. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the unusually shaped building meets City code. It was recommended the vacation include a date certain. The City Attorney recommended the Commission’s legitimate concern is the relocation of utilities. Mr. Baier said the request meets City requirements. In response to a question, he said other downtown alleys have been vacated based on the specifics of the case. The alley cannot be vacated if it has a public use. It was noted height limits in the code were changed after the project was begun. Mr. Baier said the height issue was not considered during the process to bring this vacation request forward. Pipeline Longitudinal Occupancy Agreement with CSX Transportation, Inc., Highland Avenue Widening Project, storm sewer installation; Res. #97-13 - authorizing City officials to execute agreement CSX-028317 In June 1996, the original agenda item for award of contract stated the project would include utility accommodations and a new railroad crossing to be constructed at the CSX tracks North of Flagler Drive. Since then, the City’s engineering consultant has obtained a utility accommodation license fee price quotation from CSX Transportation, owner of the rail system. CSX collects a one-time license fee for any use of its right-of-way, including all public infrastructure systems. License fees for the Highland Avenue project include a $24,000 one-time license fee and $250 for the Construction Risk Fee for the installation of a pair of new 48-inch stormwater pipes in the railroad right-of-way in the Clearwater Country Club Golf Course. This work is a modification to the stormwater pond on the golf course’s northeast corner and is required to accommodate additional stormwater runoff from the widened pavement of Highland Avenue. The CSX Railroad requires a Pipeline Longitudinal Occupancy Agreement to cover the installation and maintenance of the City’s new storm facilities within the railroad right-of-way. A resolution authorizing the appropriate City Officials to execute the agreement also is required. AND Pipeline Crossing Agreement with CSX Transportation, Inc., Highland Avenue Widening Project, water line installation; Res. #97-14 - authorizing city officials to execute agreement CSX-028318 In June 1996, the original agenda item for award of contract stated the project would include utility accommodations and a new railroad crossing to be constructed at the CSX tracks North of Flagler Drive. Since then, the City’s engineering consultant has obtained a utility accommodation license fee from CSX Transportation, owner of the rail system. CSX collects a one-time license fee for any use of its right-of-way, including all public infrastructure systems. License fees for the Highland Avenue project include a $250 one-time license fee and $250 for the Construction Risk Fee for installation of new 12-inch water main in a 24-inch casing pipe beneath tracks along Highland Avenue. The CSX Railroad requires a Pipeline Crossing Agreement to cover the installation and maintenance of the City’s facilities within the railroad right-of-way. A resolution authorizing the appropriate City Officials to execute the Agreement also is required. The City’s contractor for this job will construct the crossing upon receipt of the executed Pipeline Crossing Agreement. The construction and its cost are included in the Highland Avenue Widening Project Contract. It was questioned why the license fee related to the storm sewer installation is $24,000, while the license fee related to the water main installation is $250. Mr. Baier said the projects differ regarding the size of pipe and amount of CSX property the City will use. CSX determines the fees. Staff verified the storm sewer installation license fee. He will report on the type of material to be used to construct the new railroad crossing. In response to a question, the City Attorney said the contractor is self-insured and the City has access to the policy. Ratify & Confirm C.O.#1 and Final to Clearwater Solid Waste Fueling System Contract to Nichols Industries, Inc., increasing the amount by $9,270 for a new total $153,420, providing for 30 day time extension and ratify and confirm additional $11,535.19 for installation of a fuel management system On July 18, 1996, the Commission awarded this contract to construct the Clearwater Solid Waste Fueling System to Nichols Industries for $144,150. The project’s original scope included installation of three 12,000-gallon, double-walled underground petroleum product storage tanks, with associated dispensing and leak detection equipment. The project also included installation of an emergency generator, generator building, asphalt paving, concrete flatwork, and all associate equipment and appurtenances. The project is complete and functioning to provide unleaded gasoline and diesel fuels. Change Order #1 & Final adjusts the construction contract with Nichols Industries with new items: 1) an emergency generator transfer switch so staff would not have to manually start and stop the generator during power outages and 2) installation of a fuel management system to record automatically and account for fuel distribution to department vehicles and equipment. This agenda item also requests ratification and confirmation of expenditures to install ancillary equipment to the fuel management system, including card readers, electrical wiring, and calibration. General Services authorized and managed the installation of the fuel management system at the Countryside Fire Station fueling depot. The fuel site contractor, Nichols Industries, mounted the central computer processing system in the emergency generator building. General Services added the fuel management system and card reader system after the “TECH 21” system failed and General Services determined it no longer was economical to repair. Installation of card readers, associated electrical wiring, and calibration were provided by separate contractors: 1) Beacon Electrical Services, Inc. - $1,137.50 - New Solid Waste Fueling Station - installed all wiring, made final connections to pulsing sensors, terminated all connections of circuits including communication line to the card reader, ran communication line to modem, de-bugged and checked entire system; 2) Adams Tank & Lift, Inc. - $1,494.09 - New Solid Waste Fueling Station and Countryside Fire Station fueling depot - calibrated all mechanical pumping components for compatibility with new fuel management system; and 3) National Business Control Systems - $7,986 - New Solid Waste Fueling Station and Countryside Fire Station fueling depot - installed magnetic card reader system, magnetic card encoder, magnetic stripe encoding software, handled start-up, and training. It was questioned why these additions were not included as part of the project. Fleet Administrator Vern Bales said after the “TECH 21” system failed, staff determined replacing the system would be less expensive than repairing it. Concern was expressed large pieces of equipment have difficulty accessing the fuel pumps. Mr. Bales said access is difficult but possible. Staff will report on expenses relate to the emergency switch. Previously, staff had to turn the switch on and off manually. Edgewater Drive According to Assistant Director of Engineering/Environmental Tom Miller’s March 14, 1997, memorandum, the Edgewater Drive CIP has been altered in scope from the original project in accordance with the City Engineer’s November 14, 1996, memorandum and the last community meeting. The project now includes: 1) elimination of “un-clean” fill material, restacking existing clean fill material, and adding natural limestone rip-rap rubble to enhance the aesthetics of the shoreline revetment; 2) evaluation of the feasibility of constructing in-line, below ground, water quality treatment vaults to remove sediment load into Clearwater Harbor. Water quality features will be considered at stormwater outfalls. The structures’ invert elevation is critical to adding the treatment vaults and must be evaluated; and 3) conceptual plans will be prepared for two alternatives that address the erosion of upland material, water quality, and aesthetic issues discussed with the community. The Work Order contains these components and provides for 2 public meetings and technical permit application assistance. Construction costs, estimated at less than $400,000, cannot be determined until the design storm and fetch distances are re-analyzed. This request will accomplish a redesign and enable staff to provide construction costs and a time schedule. The City Manager said plans for a new design will cost $62,707. Mr. Baier noted resident concerns that the vista be maintained. To address water quality concerns, baffles and underground smart boxes will be installed to slow water movement and allow sediments to settle into the boxes which will be vacuumed out regularly. Staff is trying not to impact the park but a revetment may be necessary where erosion is significant. The project will protect public property, improve the shoreline’s aesthetics, and enhance water quality. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the resulting plans will be bidable and specific. The contractor also will assist in obtaining permits. The project will not extend beyond the mean high-water mark. US 19N/Drew Street Interchange Mr. Baier said at a recent meeting regarding the US 19N/Drew Street Interchange, FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) indicated they will not add right-of-way beyond their current holdings. US 19N will be cantilevered over the frontage road. He had not seen evidence of improvements planned for intersecting roads. Commissioner Clark said he had requested comprehensible drawings of the interchange which he will share with the Commission. OTHER CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS Authorize J. Robert McCormack as outside counsel in Turmin vs. Giss re violation of public rights under City of Clearwater fair housing ordinance (housing discrimination litigation in Federal Court) The City Attorney indicated the City is obliged by Ordinance and federal law to bring cases regarding claims of housing discrimination. The City’s housing board has found cause to go forward. The City Attorney said J. Robert McCormack is Ms. Turmin’s counsel of choice. He will honor the Gulf Coast Legal Service rate. Constitutional Revision Committee The March 6, 1997, memorandum from FLC (Florida League of Cities) General and Deputy General Counsels reported the Constitutional Revision Commission will undertake a comprehensive review of Florida’s Constitution between June 1997 and the 1998 general election. City Attorneys were requested to identify changes they believe will benefit municipalities. The FLC developed and forwarded a list of suggested changes, requesting comments or additional suggestions. Concern was expressed some recommendations are generic and contain vague language. The City Attorney said staff can work with the FLC on language related to concepts the Commission supports. She said finding out more about the project will require project involvement. City Manager Verbal Reports North Greenwood request for Street Fest funding In her March 19, 1997, memorandum, Ms. Rice referred to the North Greenwood Association’s funding request for this year’s “Street Fest.” Staff has worked with the North Greenwood Task Team and other neighborhood groups to ensure the area is included in two City-wide events. For the Fun ‘N Sun Festival, the Parks & Recreation Department has added a “Music Fest” at Jack Russell Stadium parking lot. The department also will provide in-kind services to set-up for “Street Fest” and Bicycle Jamboree. In next year’s budget, the Parks & Recreation Department will request funds for a carnival and “Street Fest.” Staff will make certain the Commission addresses this item when regular budget requests are reviewed. The City also has received a request to help the “Free Clinic” in the Greenwood Apartments run by Black Nurses Association volunteers. Next year, the group will request $3,300 toward rent. The North Greenwood Task Team also has requested an annual $3,000 grant for the Greenwood Panthers. Staff recommends considering these requests during next year’s budget review. It was noted the Street Fest has requested an insurance waiver and in-kind services worth $3,440 for Police Officers and City staff. Ms. Rice said money is available in the Parks & Recreation Department budget. This is one of two annual area events the City promised to sponsor. Staff will provide the City Commission with more information. A review of all special funding was requested. Commission Discussion Items Recap of Savannah Trip Mr. Keller said 3 City Commission members traveled with DDB (Downtown Development Board) members to Savannah. It was noted Savannah has more structures of historical significance than Clearwater, areas of blight exist within one block of Savannah’s historical area, and the city maintains a map of vacancies. Mr. Keller said Savannah has an international downtown association, a major trade organization, and an active downtown. He said a city is healthy and growing only if its downtown is healthy and growing. Mr. Keller said through strategic public investment in infrastructure, West Palm Beach has transformed its downtown into a vibrant area. Both Charleston and West Palm Beach exemplify cities that are investor and customer friendly and innovative. One city offers downtown valet parking. Clustering similar businesses together to create a niche and common marketing has been successful. Clearwater’s downtown currently has no niche. It was suggested the DDB could actively encourage the razing of downtown buildings not worth saving. It was felt a downtown theater renovation might be beneficial. Life-long learning facilities in downtown Savannah are popular. It was noted $10-million in private development loans was provided for West Palm Beach’s downtown core. The advantage of separating a City library and museum with common space was noted. It was indicated entertainment areas contain more than night clubs, etc. Mr. Keller said developing street life as urban entertainment is important. Students at Savannah’s private art college are active in renovating downtown buildings. Savannah’s web site is listed on some city signs. It was stated downtown businesses that offer quality merchandise attract customers and prosper. Mr. Keller stated most people he spoke to in Savannah could articulate a vision for their downtown. It was noted West Palm Beach’s downtown redevelopment began in earnest in 1989, and provided dramatic increases in the TIF (Tax Increment Financing). It was noted West Palm Beach has problems with pockets of poverty. Savannah’s civil rights museum was complimented. Suncoast Sailing Campaign request to present advertising proposal In her March 4, 1997, letter, Jill Nickerson, of the Suncoast Sailing Campaign based in Clearwater, reported their team finished 3rd at the 1996 U.S. Olympic Trails. The team has begun their campaign for the 2000 Olympics. Ms. Nickerson requested the City continue advertising on the team’s boat for $10,000 annually, half in matching funds. Consensus was to schedule a presentation. Vision Statement The City Manager said staff has indicated they appreciate the opportunity to speak with City Commissioners during Vision Statement presentations. She suggested reducing representation at each meeting from four commissioners and two staff members. The Commissioners reviewed and adjusted the remaining schedule. The City Manager referred to plans to roll-out the Vision to stakeholders. She recommended the City Commission first define and clarify their message. Mr. Keller suggested Commissioners also share the vision with County-wide boards and the County Commission. This issue will be discussed further on Thursday. Other Commission Action Commissioner Seal recommended the City Commission formally recognize contributions by the Rotary Club East and Rotary Club Countryside to the Countryside Recreation Center. Certificates of appreciation will be awarded. Commissioner Johnson thanked Joe Lain for the letter regarding the Vision meeting. Commissioner Johnson referred to the letter from John Hodgen, noting the City makes money from its recycling efforts. Commissioner Johnson complimented Scott Shuford for eliminating 31 minor variances in 1996, noting the program is a step in the right direction. Commissioner Johnson liked the letter regarding the media contact policy. Commissioner Johnson questioned if Kimmins’ bill is up to date. The City Attorney believed the company's bill is current. Commissioner Hooper recommended the City Commission pass a resolution encouraging Congress to establish national standards regarding drunk driving. Problems related to unlicensed drivers were noted. Consensus was to draft such a resolution. Mayor Garvey referred to a letter questioning plans for City acquisition of the Bayview Mobile Home Park. This issue will be addressed on the April 3, 1997, agenda. Mayor Garvey invited citizens to attend the National Estuary Program regional meeting on April 4, 1997. Mayor Garvey wished everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 2:49 p.m.