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04/14/1997CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER April 14, 1997 Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Ed Hooper Commissioner Karen Seel Commissioner Elizabeth M. Deptula City Manager Kathy S. Rice Deputy City Manager 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 1:05 p.m. at City Hall. Service Awards Five service awards were presented to City employees. Michael Burke, Human Relations Department, was presented the April 1997 Employee of the Month award. ED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Res. #97-29 - to strengthen economic development activities of the consolidated plan Economic Development Director Alan Ferri said the resolution will change the evaluation process to focus on economic development. He did not anticipate the change will impact this year’s funding cycle. He estimated it will take a year to attract more of these type applications. He noted the national average expenditure on economic development is 6% of entitlement funding, while the City already appropriates approximately 19% of the City’s entitlement on economic development. EN ENGINEERING Res. #97-10 - authorizing execution of agreement with FDOT to update Clearwater Airpark Master Plan FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) has agreed to provide 50% reimbursable funding for the Clearwater Airpark Master Plan update project, estimated to cost $100,000. The City must pay project costs up front before reimbursement from FDOT. To provide funding on a timely basis, FDOT programmed $50,000 in Florida’s FY (fiscal year) 1996/97 budget which ends June 30, 1997. Execution of this JPA (Joint Participation Agreement) encumbers FY 1996/97 State funds and initiates the project. State funding will not be available for this project if this JPA is not executed before June 30, 1997. In 1988, Greiner, Inc. prepared the existing Airpark Master Plan and the City Commission adopted it in 1989. FDOT’s aviation group has recommended updating airport master plans on 5 year intervals. Updating the master plan is important as recently solicited FBO (Fixed Base Operator) proposals were based on the City’s projected 5-year Airpark development plan. The Plan must be approved and include proposed improvements for the City to remain eligible for FDOT or Federal Aviation Administration funding. This project is included in the City’s FY 1997/98 CIP budget. Approval of this JPA establishes the mechanism for 50% State reimbursement of project costs and does not constitute Commission approval of the project. A work order from the City’s consulting engineering firm, PBS&J (Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Inc.), will be brought forward for Commission approval. In response to a question, Engineering Director Rich Baier said if the item is put out to bid, staff could not bring it forward within established time constraints. PBS&J, the engineer of record, has worked on other airpark projects. Citizens, Airport Authority members, etc. will provide input to the new plan at public meetings. The City does not use federal funds as the City does not meet Federal criteria. The reference is included in the agreement to assure the State the project will not receive Federal funding. The agreement locks the City into operating the airpark for 20 years. He said, in the future, the City could attempt a buy-out with FDOT if it chose. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the City meets criteria regarding exclusive use of the airpark and does not intend to make the airpark private. The City worked with FDOT to develop the agreement’s language. Island Estates Reclaimed Water System Contract No. 1 - Transmission and Distribution System to Kimmins Contracting Corp., Tampa, FL, for $3,658,295 The Island Estates Reclaimed Water System is planned in two phases. This contract award is part of Phase I and will install pipes from the Marshall Street AWT (Advanced Water Treatment) Plant to serve portions of Clearwater beach, Island Estates, Jack Russell Stadium, Memorial Causeway, Pier 60 Park, and Coachman Park with reclaimed water for irrigation. The project also includes potable water main replacement in cul-de-sac areas of Island Estates. On May 6, 1997, bids are due for Phase II, construction of a storage and pumping facility at the Marshall Street AWT. Bids were received for 2 construction methods. The base bid option requires directional drilling techniques be used for distribution pipe sizes (4-inches to 8-inches) to minimize property disruption. Utility industries are adopting methods that limit the amount of required excavation. The lowest bid for this option is $3,658,295. Option 2 combines boring under streets and driveways with traditional excavation methods in open space areas. This option will require more repairs to residents’ yards, landscaping, and sprinkler systems. The lowest bid for this option is $3,467,435. Kimmins Contracting Corp. submitted the lowest bidder for both options. Staff recommends awarding the base bid option to minimize disruption. The base bid is $190,860 higher than the alternative bid. The 12” to 20” diameter pipe in the contract is for the reclaim transmission system from Clearwater Country Club to Rockaway Park on Clearwater beach. With shallow installation, transmission pipe diameters are too large for directional drilling installation and must be installed via traditional excavation methods. Total construction contract costs for both construction phases are estimated at $6,995,500. Engineering construction management services for the construction phase of the Island Estates project were included in a previous work order to McKim and Creed. Engineering construction phase services for the extension to Clearwater beach and additional costs for quality control testing materials will be included in a future work order. McKim and Creed’s work is estimated to cost $80,000. Award of this contract is subject to approval of the Cooperative Funding Agreement with SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District). This agreement is detailed on a separate agenda item approved by the Commission on April 3, 1997. A May 1997 start depends on the manufacture’s ability to deliver pipe materials. Completion is scheduled within 540 days. Island Estates work should be completed within 330 days. The Contractor anticipates using multiple construction crews to meet the schedule and plans to construct the distribution and transmission pipe systems simultaneously. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said both bids include restoration. Project funds are limited to water or sewer fund projects. In response to a question, he said some of the cost savings may be needed to address outstanding claims. Some project funds came from the sale of part of the sludge farm. Authorize staff to have application prepared which includes Conceptual Management Plan for purpose of seeking matching grant from Florida Communities Trust for acquisition of a 4-acre tract of land formerly known as the “Bayview Mobile Home Park” A January 24, 1997, letter from the Historic Bayview Association requested the City consider purchasing the former Bayview Mobile Home Park, on the South side of SR 60, West of the Bayside Bridge. The EAB (Environmental Advisory Board) also recommends its purchase and designated it as a “property of environmental interest” for preservation purposes. Purchase of the property is consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, particularly Objective 24.4 related to open space. The City has no park property in this area East of US 19. The “Evaluation and Appraisal Report” of the City’s Comprehensive Plan identifies a need for 6-acres of parkland in this planning district. The 4-acre site, coupled with adjacent County property, could satisfy this need. The purchase would reserve a large stand of mature oak trees and preserve the property from development. County owned property separates the site from Tampa Bay. An agreement can be sought, whereby park visitors could access the bay via a boardwalk over County property. The Historic Bayview Association suggested the City pursue a matching grant from FCT (Florida Communities Trust) to assist with the acquisition. Purchase of the property will produce credit for the nitrogen load removal from Tampa Bay in compliance with the Tampa Bay National Estuary Program Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. The project appears to be consistent with Preservation 2000 requirements. If the property is designated as having City-wide significance, approximately $400,000 of “open space” and “recreation facility land” impact fees could be available for the purchase. “City-wide significance” could be related to Tampa Bay access and the property’s open green space which could provide an attractive entrance into Clearwater from the East. Klein & Heuchan Realtors has the property listed for sale at $1.6-million. If an $800,000 matching grant is secured from the FCT, and $400,000 in impact fees is directed toward the purchase, the City would need an additional $400,000 for the acquisition. In addition to acquisition costs, staff estimates $10,000 will be needed for the “Conceptual” Management Plan and, if approved by the FCT, an additional $10,000 would be needed for a Project Plan, including a “Final” Management Plan. Staff recommends contracting out the application and management plans by the City’s Environmental Division with assistance from the PPC (Pinellas Planning Council). The site is heavily wooded and lends itself toward passive development. Except for some playground apparatus for young children, the site is not conducive to other active recreation facilities. City site acquisition would remove the property from the tax rolls. In 1996, the property’s assessed value was $415,100. The property contributed $2,123.57 to the City in an annual tax contribution based on a millage rate of 5.1158. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the City Commission decides issues related to “City-wide significance.” Concern was expressed the asking price is 4 times greater than the property’s assessed value. Assistant City Manager Bob Keller stated significant density would be necessary for the property to be worth that price. It was felt the City should not fund a Conceptual Management Plan if the purchase is likely to fall apart. It was recommended staff first approach Pinellas County to see if the subject property and abutting County property can be combined to develop a regional park. Mr. Baier recommended submitting the FCT application before the State’s budget process begins in May. In response to a question, the City Attorney said the FCT will fund 2 required appraisals. The City Manager estimated it will cost $10,000 to hire a consultant to develop a conceptual plan and apply for a FCT grant. If the grant is approved, another $10,000 will be needed to develop a management plan. Consensus was for staff to approach Pinellas County regarding combining efforts to develop a regional park with abutting County-owned, bayfront property. Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #6141-97 - Vacating east/west alley between Lots 6-13, Blk 10, Milton Park Sub. (Word of Faith Church of God, Inc., V97-02) The applicant is requesting to vacate the 16-foot alley lying North of Lots 10-13 and South of Lots 6-9, Block 10, Milton Park Subdivision as recorded Plat Book 1, Page 69 of the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida. The applicant proposes to use this portion of the alley, along with Lots 6 through 12, to construct a professional office development. Vacation of the alley and development of the professional office complex will enhance the City’s tax base and support desired economic activities. The Alley is paved and open to vehicular traffic between Myrtle and Prospect Avenue. Both ends of the alley have been posted with signs advertising the portion to be vacated. The City’s sanitary sewer line, located within the portion of the alley to be vacated, must be relocated and a new easement provided prior to being adopted. Florida Power, GTE, GTE Americast, and Time Warner did not object to the vacation. City Departments/Divisions concerned with easement vacation requests have reviewed the petition. Engineering Services has no objection provided the applicant pays all costs to relocate the sanitary sewer line, provides a 10-foot drainage and utility easement over the new line, and provides for any drainage requirements to maintain the remaining portion of the existing alley. The City Engineer recommends approval. In response to a question, staff will report which sections of the alley currently are paved. The City has received no complaints regarding the proposal. It was suggested the entire alley be vacated and the existing sewer line be relocated along the alley’s distance. Mr. Baier will report. Memorial Causeway Bridge preferred alignment The delay of this project until after the vote to renew the Penny for Pinellas and pending FDOT clarifying legislation regarding joint projects has raised concerns related to uncommitted FDOT work program funds. Establishing a Memorial Causeway Bridge work program project requires coordination with FDOT, Pinellas County, and the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization). These steps are predicated upon selection of an alignment and execution of a JPA with FDOT. The City Manager soon will bring forward an engineering related item containing the JPA. The project, originally conceived as a bridge replacement study, has evolved and now encompasses more than transportation issues. Staff’s recommendation reflects an emphasis on the bluff, identified in the 1995 referendum as one of Clearwater’s principal assets. The project will be a cornerstone for redevelopment and affect the City’s future quality of life. Since embarking on a design process in Fall 1994, staff has held approximately 26 public forums to elicit community comment including mainland/barrier island civic associations, Commission-appointed advisory boards, the DDB (Downtown Development Board ), Chamber groups, and LIG (Local Interest Group) meetings. The process evaluated 3 primary bridge routes, 14 bridge alignments off Pierce Boulevard, Cleveland Street, and Drew Street, structural options, and lane configuration concepts. An evaluation matrix resulted (listed in order of highest importance): 1) effect on downtown mobility; 2) effect on goal for downtown and economic development; 3) bridge construction costs; 4) pedestrian and bridge safety; 5) encourage new uses of waterfront/ bluff; 6) effect on environment; 7) effect on causeway; 8) effect on vistas from important locations; 9) effect on navigation; and 10) enhancements to Pierce 100. Staff recommends eliminating: 1) C4 WS - most expensive, high environmental impacts, could obligate long-term channel dredging costs, inconsistent with Downtown Redevelopment Plan goals; 2) P4 NE- least expensive, adversely affects view from bluff, consumes valuable land below bluff, lowers property values along bluff, noise/visual effects on park, limits options for downtown redevelopment in bluff area; and 3) P4A North - inhibits further recreational/open space uses of bluff, drastically impacts view from bluff, bifurcates waterfront, most detrimental alignment, most northerly, poses greatest noise/visual impacts. Staff recommends further evaluation of P4A: 1) approximately $5-million less than P4S; 2) minimizes overall environmental impacts as closely follows existing bridge alignment/ approaches; 3) noise levels barely perceptible; 4) eliminates noise from metal bridge grate reverberations; 5) requires relocation of radio station; 6) affects view from bluff; 7) uses valuable waterfront property for bridge footings; and 8) requires extensive temporary pavement to maintain Pierce Boulevard traffic during construction. Staff feels the best alternative for the downtown and community’s future is P4S: 1) improved bluff vistas; 2) future expansion potential of Coachman Park; 3) maximum flexibility for downtown redevelopment; 4) broader community support than P4A - endorsements from DDB and many advisory boards/committees; 5) maintaining traffic during construction easier as “footprint” is mostly outside Pierce Boulevard roadway; 6) impacts views from Pierce 100 and Prelude 80; 7) requires relocation or demolition of Arts Council building (structure being investigated for National Register inclusion); 8) possible need to relocate minor navigational channel running South of and parallel to causeway; 9) allows CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) to achieve “Traditional Town Center,” and People, Movement, Activity, Amenity, and Opportunity Goals; and 9) can mitigate minor impacts on Cleveland Street businesses by economic incentive package, increased parking, and highly visible SR 60 signage. Staff recommends a vertical navigational clearance height of 74 feet, based on U.S. Coast Guard input. The final determination will be made when the bridge permit application is submitted to the U.S. Coast Guard during the project’s design phase. A 74-foot height will add approximately $2-million to the cost of construction. Staff feels P4S is most consistent with engineering, economic development, and public safety issues. Funding could be made available by $10-million in Penny for Pinellas proceeds from both Pinellas County and the City with FDOT pledging approximately $12 - $13-million. Costs are estimates: Basic bridge structure (inclusive of connector road) $2.75M Upgraded structure for concrete segmental beams $6.00M Amenities - upscale lighting, benches, outlook perches, etc. $2.00 M Tangentially related projects - Ft. Harrison/Myrtle Avenues, bluff park, Open Normal construction contingency Included Design $3.00M Subtotal 43.75M TOTAL To be determined By the end of April, staff will request direction regarding the alignment and vertical navigational clearance so the project sequence is not disrupted. Although the PD&E (Project Development & Environmental Study) phase is within budget, staff projects an additional $150,000 will be needed to cover the cost of numerous public meetings and analysis of five alternatives. A normal PD&E Study yields one or two alternatives. This extra involvement was not anticipated when costs were negotiated, The approved Penny for Pinellas future project listing contains $1.5-million for a harbor bluff/bayfront expanded park and approximately $300,000 is set aside within this current capital project budget for improvements of the bluff. This $1.8-million could fund many of the expanded park amenities. Mr. Baier said FDOT, the MPO, and Pinellas County have identified the project’s urgency. The JPA must be signed by June 30, 1997, for the design work to be reimbursable by the State. Anticipated funding of $40-million has been identified: 1) $13-million - FDOT; 2) $13-million - Clearwater Penny for Pinellas funds; 3) $10-million - Pinellas County Penny for Pinellas funds, 4) $2.5-million - roadway projects; and 5) $1.6-million - budgeted for design above PD&E final costs. Staff identified P4S as the preferred alternative. Mr. Baier said many feel amenity upgrades are important. This transportation facility is regional in importance. He said approving 2 alignments will provide maximum flexibility. The City will lose $3-million for design costs if the JPA is not approved. Within two years, long range issues need to be addressed including a beach parking lot configuration and Pier 60 Drive intersections with Coronado Drive and Mandalay Avenue. After construction, the bridge will remain on the State highway system with the State responsible for its operations and maintenance. He recommended Pierce 100 residents and other concerned citizens serve on an advisory panel to address bridge issues. Staff recommends a 74-foot clearance over the Intracoastal Waterway as many area boats exceed 65 feet in height. He anticipated the U.S. Coast Guard will require a 74-foot clearance. He reported heavy support for the bridge replacement project but noted some opposition exists. Some groups had recommended the City address traffic issues before building the bridge. The bridge will not be ready for construction until 2000. Not all groups support the same alignment. It was noted Commission approval of alignment preferences does not guarantee a bridge will be built. The City Manager said the farther the City proceeds with bridge construction plans, the harder it will be to back out of the project. Mr. Baier said the process must continue to protect FDOT’s uncommitted work funds. In response to a question regarding funding sources, Mr. Baier said all budgeted design funds had not been used. Staff feels another $2.3-million budgeted for other projects can be reallocated. Mr. Baier will provide a detailed list of funding sources. Mr. Baier said the matrix of anticipated costs includes upgrades. The bayfront park can be developed after the bridge is constructed. Concern was expressed a shortfall will occur. In response to a question regarding correspondence from the Secretary of Transportation, Mr. Baier said $13-million is the maximum FDOT will provide. In response to a question, the City Manager said the budget submitted to the County included $13-million in Penny for Pinellas funds for the bridge. Mr. Baier recommended the City Commission forward 2 alignments. In response to a question, he said bringing forward more than one alignment will cost an additional $25,000 to $30,000. Staff agrees with the LIG ratings, with some exceptions. It was recommended staff complete road reconfigurations on the beach and off Ft. Harrison Avenue and construct a beach parking garage before bridge construction begins. Mr. Baier said major issues can be accomplished during design and planning stages. The source of the extra $3.85-million needed to construct P4S was questioned. Mr. Baier said the $43.75-million estimate includes every proposed upgrade. Staff has discussed reviewing other CIP projects to locate low priority items which can be delayed. The City Manager said staff has identified approximately $40-million in funds. Staff also has considered a bond issue since the City does not receive all Penny for Pinellas funds in one year. She recommended against appropriating the extra $5-million in projected Penny for Pinellas funds. CIP budgets are scheduled for review in May. Estimates include a 5% contingency for inflation. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said P4NE, the least expensive alternative, places the entire bluff alongside a highway, separates the waterfront in 2, and impacts the Harborview Center parking facility. P4A follows Pierce Street and the route of the 1920s' era bridge. Staff feels P4A does not meet the City’s vision and goals. P4S provides a continuous land mass for park expansion. The planned roundabout connecting Cleveland Street with the bridge will have 2 lanes. The City Manager indicated the City had not asked if the County’s contribution will be available in 2000. Mr. Baier said FDOT is concerned regarding the City’s commitment to the project and firm plan to use the FDOT’s $13-million to construct a new bridge. The City’s lobbyist, State legislators, etc., have worked on this project. The City’s reputation must be considered. The decision is future oriented. The Commission recessed from 2:59 to 3:12 p.m. FDOT Drew Street Contract update Mr. Baier said FDOT has awarded a contract for Drew Street to resurface the road between Mariva Street and Alternate US 19, to level the surface and repair settling at Jefferson Avenue, to construct side street returns, and to install ADA ramps. Most work will be done during evening hours. The road will be closed for 11-16 days within the next month or so while CSX installs a rubberized crossing. Sod is being replaced along the right-of-way. CP CENTRAL PERMITTING (Cont’d from 04/03/97) Variance(s) to Sign Regulations for property located at 923 McMullen Booth Rd., Sec. 9-29-16, M&B 31.01 together with Del Oro Gardens, Lots 33-36, 44-46, 51 and part of 52 (Kapok Pavilion, Inc., SV96-26) On April 3, 1997, this variance application was continued because the applicant was not present due to lack of notice of hearing. The property, on the East side of McMullen-Booth Road, is North of San Bernadino Street and is zoned General Commercial. The applicant requests variances: 1) a 30-square foot area variance from the permitted 64-square feet to allow a 94-square foot freestanding sign; 2) a 3-foot height variance to allow a 23-foot high freestanding sign; and 3) a 96-square foot area variance from the permitted 64-square feet to allow 160 square feet of attached signs. The neon window signs are not considered attached signage as these signs will be removed and replaced on 30-day intervals to meet the temporary sign provisions of the code. The applicant is permitted one 64-square foot primary sign and one 32-square foot auxiliary sign. Considering the road, building, and site conditions, staff feels it is reasonable to “trade-off” the auxiliary sign for a larger-than-permitted primary sign. McMullen-Booth Road is a fast-moving, 6-lane divided road with turn lanes. The property has a large building and right-of-way. The proposed freestanding sign will be in scale with this development. The height variance is requested to allow the sign to be seen above columns South of the sign. The attached sign variance is requested to allow a 96-square foot sign on the building’s South wall to identify the entrance and discourage customers from entering the residential neighborhood by mistake. Staff feels a smaller sign can serve this purpose and recommends limiting the sign to 64-square feet. Central Permitting Director Scott Shuford said an attached sign has been added to the variance package. Staff’s recommendation does not give full approval to the additional request for a sign on the building’s South side to direct customers to the parking lot. The requested height for the proposed freestanding sign is not affected by the palm tree but by columns which are part of the Kapok Tree’s unique architecture. In response to a question, he said the applicants are working with the CRT (Community Response Team) regarding neon signs in the windows. City code considers the signs temporary if they are rotated. In response to a question, Mr. Shuford said the 64-square foot sign on McMullen-Booth Road does not affect the proposed sign on San Bernadino Street. Bayview Gardens Mobile Home Park Regarding other uses for the Bayview property, Mr. Shuford said a change of zoning could allow more intensive uses such as office of high density residential. Current mobile home zoning allows 10 units per acre. He said it is unlikely the County would approve a commercial use. CM ADMINISTRATION Island Estates Overhead to Underground Utilities Conversion Project In his April 2, 1997, memorandum, Mr. Baier indicated the “Agreement for Binding Cost Estimate” from Florida Power Corporation and the “Authorization and Agreement” form are in response to a request from 247 Island Estates’ residents for a cost estimate to bury electric lines in the subdivision. The $9,000 cost will be counted as a credit against the facility charge if the project goes forward. No funds have been set aside for this purpose. Mr. Baier requested setting up funding by a mid-year amendment, possibly using retained earnings. It was noted costs will not be recovered if the project to bury utilities does not go forward. Mr. Baier said based on a recent Sand Key project, the project will cost an estimated $2,000 to $4,000 per household. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said Island Estates has more than 500 homes and 1,000 condominiums. The request is from residents of the 1st 3 fingers. The request expressed strong interest in a project but did not request a special assessment. The City Manager said a more formal “election” will be scheduled after the estimate is received. Video - Empowering Florida’s Local Government for the 21st Century: Your City’s Role with the Commission on Local Government II The video was shown. A workshop is planned for St. Petersburg on July 8 and 9. Prior to the workshop, the City Commission is requested to identify the 2 greatest challenges facing Clearwater. The City Manager said these meetings will provide Clearwater a voice as the 10th largest city in the State. Consensus was for the City Commission to participate in the workshop. CLK CITY CLERK Appointment of Vice-Mayor Consensus was to reappoint Commissioner Johnson as Vice-Mayor. Appointment of Commission members to Regional & Miscellaneous Boards Consensus was to reappoint membership as listed. The City Clerk will report on the Tampa Bay Partnership and Policy Board. Commissioners will rotate attendance at the Mayors Council Board of Directors. City Manager Verbal Reports The City Manager thanked everyone involved with the City Hall renovation and staff housed in the Chamber building during that time. Other Commission Action Commissioner Clark questioned progress on the Ice House. The City Attorney said the new code will include minimum standards. Currently, that is not the case. In response to a question, she said the CRT is reviewing how proposed code changes will affect individual properties. Commissioner Clark requested the Ice House issue be rectified. Commissioner Clark questioned if Commissioners will receive information regarding the City Manager candidates prior to the interviews. The City Manager said information will be distributed prior to the April 25, 1997, interviews. Commissioner Hooper said he is pleased the Pinellas Trail is under construction through Clearwater. It was questioned if the City will pursue construction of the overpass over Ft. Harrison Avenue which was included in the original plan. Commissioner Johnson noted two interesting articles in PM magazine regarding the value of trail type issues and conversion salary management. Commissioner Johnson congratulated Chief Klein for obtaining another Weed and Seed grant worth $24,000. Commissioner Johnson noted a recent letter from Tom Sehlhorst requested the City forgive thousands of dollars owed in interest. Commissioner Seel reported the DDB (Downtown Development Board) needs volunteers to coordinate a celebration of the opening of the Pinellas Trail through Clearwater. Commissioner Seel questioned MPO action regarding the US 19N/Drew Street intersection. Commissioner Clark said FDOT had made a presentation recommending the original design with 12-foot lanes. The MPO took no action. The design costs $6-million more than an alternative design and can be built in 1999/00. The alternative design could not be built until 2001/02. Commissioner Clark will report on the intersection on Thursday. Prior to the May 14, 1997, MPO meeting, he will request City Commission direction. Mayor Garvey referred to a letter from Peter Yauch complaining T-shirts with inappropriate messages are sold on Clearwater beach. She questioned how the City can convince merchants this type of merchandise reflects poorly on the City’s family image. Staff will contact the Beach Chamber of Commerce for their help with this matter. Mayor Garvey said she had received a letter offering an award to the City’s best public transportation employee of the year. Mayor Garvey referred to a petition requesting a City Ordinance address “go peds.” She expressed concern young children ride these vehicles in traffic. The City Attorney said “go ped” riders in Pinellas County are not required to have drivers' licenses although State law forbids their use by unlicensed drivers. She will outline the issues and submit them to the City Commission. Mayor Garvey referred to a packet of information from the PPC (Pinellas Planning Council) regarding annexation. Commissioner Seel said the PPC was asked to go forward with this issue in a more active way and has requested information from Largo, Dunedin, and Clearwater. The Mayor recommended working with Pinellas County as County approval is needed for annexations. The City Manager said she is working with the County Administrator regarding this issue. The City Attorney will write a memorandum regarding de-annexation. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 4:05 p.m.