Loading...
09/02/1997CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER September 2, 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 Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 9:04 a.m. at City Hall. PUR PURCHASING Extension, USA Waste Services, Inc., disposal of mixed loads of refuse, yard waste & construction materials, 09/05/97 -09/20/98, estimated $215,000 (SW) Sludge Hauling Services, J&J Baker Enterprises, Inc., 09/05/97 -09/04/02, estimated $1,159,315 (annual estimated $231,863)(EN) Extension, Unisys Corp., Unisys A-4 Software Licenses required to operate Unisys A-4 mainframe computer, estimated $35,300, 10/01/97 -09/30/98 (IM) Extension, Solarex Technologies of Lakeland, Unisys A-4 mainframe maintenance, estimated $18,742, 10/01/97 -09/30/98 (IM) Extension, Oracle Corp., software support of 4 Oracle database licenses, estimated $39,138.41, 10/01/97 -09/30/98 (IM) 25 desktop computers, Dell Computer Corp., $73,005; to be purchased under City’s master lease-purchase agreement (IM) BCD Computer Distributors, Inc., network equipment ($163,709.93) & software ($28,183.28), total $191,893.21 for Enterprise network Phase II & Fire substation network projects; equipment will be purchased under City’s master lease-purchase agreement (IM) Extension, Rotonics Manufacturing, 90 gallon black refuse containers & associated spare parts, 09/05/97 -01/01/98, estimated $90,000 (SW) Extension, Pennington, Moore, Wilkinson and Dunbar, P.A., legislative consulting services, 10/01/97 -09/30/98, estimated $26,000 plus reasonable out of pocket expenses (CLK) Cellular Telephone Services, AT&T Wireless Services, 09/15/97 -09/30/98, estimated $71,850 (IM) In response to a question regarding legislative consulting services, the City Clerk reported last year the City paid Pennington, Moore, Wilkinson and Dunbar, P.A. $26,000, plus expenses of approximately $200 per month, for those services. In response to a question, Purchasing Manager George McKibben said “satisfactory services” is a legal term indicating service has been consistent with all City requirements. In response to a question regarding the Unisys contracts, Deputy City Manager Kathy Rice and Mr. McKibben reported the Unisys system will be phased out during FY (fiscal year) 1997/98 once the new Peoplesoft system is online. In response to a question, the City Manager said the City is analyzing the technical needs of all staff and how the use of technology can be expanded. In response to a question regarding the desktop computer purchases, the City Manager said a 5-year lease on new computers is reasonable. Systems & Technical Services Manager George Denty said the City cannot reduce the term of lease/purchases to less than 5-years. The City Manager said replacement costs increase if leases are paid off early. Older computers will be shifted to areas with lower technical requirements. In response to a question, Mr. Denty said this project originally was scheduled for installation over a year’s time. Due to the accelerated process, the money is needed now. The project is under budget. In response to a request regarding cellular telephone services, staff will report on the current number of cellular telephones used by staff and last year’s cost for those services. Under the proposed 3-year contract, all cellular telephones used by staff will have new telephone numbers, in sequential order. Mr. McKibben said the proposed contract will reduce cellular telephone costs. FN FINANCE Res. #97-52 - establishing intent to reimburse certain project costs incurred with proceeds of future tax-exempt financing (1997 Gas System Revenue Bonds) In 1994, Ordinance #5665-94 authorized the sale of $26.75-million in Gas System Revenue Bonds. To date, one series of these bonds, 1996A, was issued for $8.815-million, leaving a balance of $17.935-million authorized, but unissued bonds. It is expected all 1996A Bond proceeds will have been spent on expansion expenses by November 1997, requiring the issuance of additional bonds to continue system expansion in accordance with the CGS (Clearwater Gas System) Strategic Plan. The 1997 new money issue is expected to generate $7.71-million in construction proceeds. Staff anticipates issuing the 1997 bonds this Fall, and possibly refunding the 1991 and 1994A Gas System Revenue Bonds. Market conditions will determine the date of issuance. If 1996A Bond proceeds are fully expended and funds are needed for further expansion prior to issuing the 1997 bonds, this reimbursement resolution will allow the City to be reimbursed from Bond proceeds. CGS Managing Director Chuck Warrington said this project will generate $20-million in revenues in FY 1997/98. The project exceeds strategic goals established for FY 1996/97. Staff will provide a budget comparison of both fiscal years. He stated the 1991 Gas System Revenue Bonds were issued before CGS’s strategic plan was developed. The 1994A Gas System Revenue Bonds were the first bonds issued after the plan was approved. CGS has used the available bond funds. A balance of $9.2-million authorized, but unissued bonds, will remain after the proposed sale. A copy of the balance sheet was requested once the P&L (Profit & Loss) Statement is completed. A list of franchise fees and utility taxes also was requested. Ms. Rice noted the City only can impose taxes on City residents. Finance Director Margie Simmons said the City is not reimbursed for administrative costs to collect fees for other governments. First Reading Ord. #6188-97 - providing for advance refunding of the outstanding Gas System Revenue Bonds, Series 1994A In recent weeks, market conditions have been favorable; municipal bond rates are declining. Outstanding Gas System Revenue Bonds, Series 1994A, carry interest rates from 6% to 6.1%. Issuing bonds at a lower rate to pay-off bonds yielding higher rates will result in a cost savings. The proposed ordinance allows issuing bonds necessary to refund outstanding Gas System Revenue Bonds, Series 1994A. Ordinance #6030-96, permitted the issuance of bonds necessary to refund the outstanding Gas System Revenue Bonds, Series 1991. The City also will issue Gas bonds as authorized by Ordinance #5665-94, to continue CGS expansion. The cost of issuance will be reduced by issuing these bonds simultaneously with the 1991 and 1994A Series refunding bonds. The Finance Director and City’s Financial Advisor will determine if market conditions are sufficient for the City to receive an acceptable level of net present value savings. The level of savings, expressed as a percentage of the refunded bonds, will be set by subsequent resolution. The refunded bonds only will be issued if market conditions can produce that savings. Ms. Simmons said the resolution allows the City to reimburse the 1991 and 1994A Gas System Revenue Bonds after new bonds are issued. In response to a question, she agreed new bonds must net at least 7.71%. The bonds will not be reimbursed unless the process proves worthwhile. GAS GAS SYSTEM Contract for installation of polyethylene gas mains & service lines, Heuer Utility Contractors, Inc., 09/05/97 -09/04/98, estimated $731,150 To meet new customer connection needs without increasing staff, CGS proposes to contract with Heuer Utility Contractors, Inc., to install polyethylene gas mains and service lines. The Manager of Gas Operations will direct the work at various northern Pinellas County locations. The contractor will supply all labor, equipment, sod, asphalt, concrete, and curb replacements. CGS will supply all gas-related materials, approved previously by the City Commission as inventory purchases. CGS also contracts with Mueller Distribution Contractors to construct gas mains and service lines in western Pasco County. In response to a question, Mr. Warrington said the contractor is responsible for repairing lawn sprinklers damaged during gas line installation. HR HUMAN RESOURCES Approve continued use of Premium Stabilization Fund to offset ½ of biweekly premium for employees with 2 of more dependents for period 01/01/98 -12/31/98 ($141,888) and to offset the 1.5% ($32,064) biweekly premium increase for calendar year 1998, at estimated total $173,952 resulting in -0- increase in employee health insurance deductions for 1998 calendar year Effective January 1, 1997, the City’s health insurance option changed from 2-tiered (employee and employee plus family) to 3-tiered (employee; employee plus 1 dependent; and employee plus 2 or more dependents). While the change to a 3-tier option reduced the cost for employees with 1 dependent, the 1997 biweekly rates for employees with 2 or more dependents increased 35% for HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) participants and 31% for those in the POS (Point of Service) Plan. In 1989, the City established a Premium Stabilization Fund which has grown to $4,076,031, as of July 31, 1997. The Fund was established to guard against future health care costs. On August 22, 1996, the Insurance Committee, representing the City’s four employee unions and SAMP (Supervisory, Administrative, Managerial, and Professional) personnel, recommended the City use part of the Fund to offset ½ the increased cost of health insurance coverage for employees with 2 or more dependents during calendar year 1997. The City Commission approved that recommendation for 1997. On May 30, 1997, the Insurance Committee recommended continuing the health insurance premium subsidy from the Premium Stabilization Fund for employees with 2 or more dependents plus any increase to the subsidy up to 2.6% for calendar year 1998. The City’s insurance consultant, Wittner & Company, negotiated a 1.5% rate increase for 1998. It was noted staff was directed to consider additional tiers when the Commission approved a similar offset last year. Ms. Rice said the Insurance Committee had recommended continuing the subsidy until labor negotiations are completed. It was stated the Premium Stabilization Fund was established with insurance premiums refunded to the City. Staff considers part of the refund as their money. The proposed subsidy is one way to return insurance related refunds to staff. In response to a request, staff will report on the fund’s growth during the past year. Ms. Simmons reported the fund has no other liabilities. Extension, health insurance contract, Prudential Health Care System of Tampa Bay, under fully insured arrangement for period 01/01/98 -12/31/98, estimated $3,837,401 In 1994, under City Commission direction, the City’s insurance consultant, Wittner & Company, prepared a RFP (Request for Proposal) for the health insurance contract. Wittner & Company worked closely with the Insurance Committee composed of representatives from the employee unions (CWA (Communication Workers of America), FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) Supervisors, FOP #10, and IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters), SAMP personnel, City pensioners, the Human Resources Department, and the City Manager’s Office. Effective January 1, 1995, the City: 1) awarded health insurance contract to Prudential Health Care System under a fully-insured funding arrangement. Prudential’s bid allowed contract extensions at guaranteed renewal rates for 3 years; 2) continued the City’s contribution of premium for individual coverage; 3) continued contribution subsidy for dependent coverage for HMO option; and 4) continued dual coverage for married employees (City pays single coverage for one employee and single coverage costs for second employee toward dependent coverage. Second employee is listed as a dependent.) The 1996 contract was renewed with increases of 6% for HMO and 7.79% for POS coverage. The City renewed the 1997 contract with increases of 8% for both HMO and POS coverage. In 1997, the City also changed the health insurance option to 3 tiers which lowered costs for 2-tier participants but increased costs for employees with 2 or more dependents. To mitigate this increase, the City Commission approved the Insurance Committee and City Manager recommendation to use the Premium Stabilization Fund to offset ½ of the biweekly premium increase for 3-tier participants. In January 1997, the Human Resources Department surveyed 10% of City employees who have used Prudential’s services. Of 150 employees surveyed by telephone, 118 indicated they were satisfied with Prudential’s services and 112 recommended renewal of the Prudential contract. On April 16, 1997, Deputy City Manager Kathy Rice advised the Insurance Committee the City would not bid out or change any of the current health insurance programs due to the CWA union’s unfair labor practice charge regarding the 3-tier health insurance plan. The 3-tier plan will be addressed in future bargaining sessions. Wittner & Company subsequently negotiated with Prudential a renewal rate increase of 1.5% for HMO and POS coverage in 1998. A separate agenda item recommends maintaining employee deductions at the 1997 level by using the Premium Stabilization Fund to continue offsetting ½ of the biweekly premiums for 3-tier employees and to offset the 1.5% premium increase for calendar year 1998. The FY (fiscal year) 1997/98 budget estimated annual health insurance costs of $2,470 per permanent full-time employee including $108.72 per employee for PPS (Professional Psychological Services) mental health and substance abuse coverage. The FY 1997/98 employee insurance budget code includes funding for this contract. Funding also will be requested in the FY 1998/99 employee insurance budget code. In response to a question, Tom Richarme, of Wittner & Company, said Prudential had guaranteed a rate cap. He felt the proposed increase is reasonable. In response to a question regarding claim losses, Mr. Richarme said Prudential considers City claims to be on track with company expectations. Ms. Rice said retirees are permitted to purchase coverage at the City’s rate. Retirees are responsible for choosing their health insurance needs. MR MARINE Res. #97-49 - increasing Commercial Vessel Slip Rent by 5%, except for Special Purpose (Parasail) vessel slip rent, which will be increased by 50% and increase daily Transient Vessel Slip Rent from .90 to $1, per foot, per day and monthly Transient Vessel Slip Rent from $11 to $13, per foot, per month, at Clearwater Municipal Marina The proposed resolution will increase slip rents on October 1, 1997: 1) Regular Commercial Vessels - 5%; 2) Special Purpose Commercial Vessels (Parasail) - 50%; 3) Daily Transient Vessels - $1 foot per day; and 4) Monthly Transient Vessels - $13 foot per month. Slip rents for Permanent Private Vessels and weekly Transient Vessels will not be increased. The proposed increase in Commercial Vessel slip rents is reflected in the Marina Business Plan. The proposed increases are posted at the Marina and were listed in the July 1997, issue of the newsletter, Scuttlebutt. On August 13, 1997, the MAB (Marina Advisory Board) recommended approval of these increases. Harbormaster Bill Held said these increases were included in the Marina’s 5-year business plan. The recommended increase for parasail vessels is based on the multiple trips these vessels take out of the Marina and comparable rates charged by area marinas. One parasail vessel plans to double its passenger load. Another 5% increase is planned next year. Daily transient dockage rates are proposed to increase by $0.10-foot per day. Clearwater’s Marina has amenities other marinas lack. Mr. Held recommended maintaining the current weekly rate but increasing the monthly rate and restricting to 4 months the time a boat is considered “transient.” In response to a question, Mr. Held said bareboat charters can be rented with or without a captain. Transient vessels, paying a weekly rate, are limited to 4-week stays. In response to a question, he said the proposed rates are sufficient. The City has the ability to evict boats. He said 52% of those renting Marina slips for Permanent Private Vessels are City residents while 49% of the Commercial Vessels are owned by City residents. Of 172 names on the waiting list, 72% are non-residents. Residents receive preference for slip rentals. Some wait for specific slips to become available. Separate waiting lists are maintained for commercial and private slips. PD POLICE Renewal lease agreement with Sgt. Allen Moore Community Partnership, Inc., Lessee, for 1996 Ford Econoline 15-passenger Club Wagon, for 1 year commencing 09/20/97, renewable for up to additional 3 years, at annual lease payment of $1 for each period Last year, the Florida Bureau of Community Affairs awarded a $50,000 Urban Partnership grant to the Police Department. As part of grant covered activities, the Police Department purchased a 15-passenger van for the Sgt. Allen Moore Community Partnership, Inc. to transport clients participating in partnership programs. Based on federal grant regulations, the City must retain ownership of the van and list it in the City’s asset inventory. The City Commission approved a 1-year lease beginning September 20, 1996. The lease can be renewed for up to 3 additional years, at which time the van will be fully depreciated. As Lessee, the Partnership is responsible for maintenance, repairs, and fuel. The City is responsible for the van’s insurance coverage for the 2nd year of the lease agreement. The cost of the insurance premium was budgeted in the $175,000, FY 1997/98 Weed & Seed grant awarded to the City on July 17, 1997. Concern was expressed the budget impact of this lease is more than $1. Police Chief Sid Klein said the $2,500 insurance cost is grant funded and does not impact the City’s budget. The City is not responsible for any liability related to this vehicle. EN ENGINEERING Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #6182-97 - Vacating a portion of 10’ drainage & utility easement lying along East side of Lot 113, Del Oro Groves 1st Addition (Kevin Burke, V97-12) The swimming pool, deck, and screen enclosure encroach into the easement. The City has no utilities within the easement to be vacated. Public utilities and City Departments concerned with easement vacation have no objection to vacating the portion of the easement being encroached by the swimming pool, deck, and screen enclosure. It was requested that agenda items list property street addresses. It was felt steps should be taken to prevent future encroachments. Consider Res. #97-51 - which would officially change the name of that portion of Bayview Avenue, lying south of Gulf to Bay Blvd. & within city limits to “South Bayview Avenue” On June 19,1997, the City Commission denied a request to change Bayview Avenue, South of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, to “Old Bayview Avenue.” Residents have requested the Commission reconsider the item. Jack Alvord, President of the Historic Bayview Association, submitted a petition signed by 20 residents requesting a street name change to “Old Bayview Avenue”; 11 signatories are City residents and 9 live in the County. The Association feels the street name change will improve response times for emergency vehicles and stated, on many occasions, the police, paramedics, sheriff, and ambulances have responded in error to Bayview Avenue, North of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. Staff is surveying emergency agencies regarding whether or not the proposed name change will improve response times and if the current street name impedes response. Residents also expressed concerns regarding children crossing Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard to the school bus stop. Residents want a school bus stop added to the South side of the road and suggested changing the street name will alert Pinellas County School transportation officials to this danger. Engineering Director Rich Baier said the Police and Fire departments indicated no problems responding to calls on this street. Pinellas County reported several problems related to ambulance response. The Florida Highway Patrol and U.S. Post Office did not respond to staff’s request for information. Intergovernmental Agreement with Pinellas County for transfer of rights-of-way of Gulfview Blvd. and Coronado Dr. on Clearwater beach from County to City The City wants to develop and enhance streetscapes in the commercial areas of Clearwater beach. A principal area of concern is the commercial corridor of Gulfview Boulevard (CR 245) and Coronado Drive (CR 255), which connects the West end of Memorial Causeway (SR 60) to the Clearwater Pass Bridge. Control of this corridor will increase improvement and design options, and allow upgrades to pedestrian and signage features, and flexibility in traffic operational modeling alternatives for the beach street network. The City’s average annual cost to own and maintain this corridor is estimated at $23,000 for street surfacing, and $5,000 for the maintenance of existing sidewalk. Design and streetscape improvements will increase this estimate. Concern was expressed regarding the City’s responsibility for this section of road should a natural disaster strike the beach. Mr. Baier said control of the road is worthwhile even though the City will accept full responsibility for rebuilding requirements. Staff currently clears the road of blowing sand. It was noted FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Authority) would provide relief should a natural disaster occur. Work Order, McKim & Creed, update of Master Plan for Reclaimed Water System Development, and analysis of potable water system, $126,800 A Master Plan to develop Reclaimed Water Systems was prepared in 1989/90. Significant changes now affect the cost-effective development of this resource. The original plan focused first on the City’s northern section. Instead, Phase I of the Residential Reclaimed Water System now will serve Island Estates and portions of Clearwater beach. This change was based on the inability of barrier island residents to use shallow wells due to the proximity of salt water. This use of reclaimed water will provide the maximum benefit to offset the use of potable water for irrigation purposes. The Master Plan update will use current data and 1990 Master Plan information to identify projects feasible to construct. It also will identify long range funding strategies to implement construction and operation. Financial planning will be coordinated with Utility Rate Study work. The update also will consider alternatives to City-wide expansion of reclaimed water facilities such as providing reclaimed water to other government entities e.g., Pinellas County and SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District). The new Master Plan will assist the City in meeting regulatory requirements for wastewater treatment facility operation, complying with conditions of the City’s Water Use Permit, and using reclaimed water to reduce demands on regional drinking water supplies. This Work Order also will address Potable Water System issues and operations which are interrelated with Reclaimed Water System operations; as reclaimed water use increases, potable water demand decreases. Water supply alternatives will be evaluated. The quality and quantity of the City’s groundwater supplies continue to decline. The plan also will address options to increase the potable water supply to meet demand and system hydraulic conditions to facilitate a change in potable water supply services. Recommendations will address continuing the City’s distribution system. This Work Order also will reevaluate options to use potable water system infrastructure for reclaimed water system development. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said obtaining grant funding based on the current plan is difficult. The new Master Plan will provide a total analysis of potable and reclaimed water needs, including new construction impacts. The update also will consider the use of brackish water, deep well injection, and the proposed integration of future City and County water needs. Ms. Rice said this update will analyze how potable and reclaimed waters can work together. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said this study will hasten the expansion of reclaimed water services. In response to a question, Ms. Rice said CDM (Camp, Dresser and McKee) had completed the original master plan. Mr. Baier said the new Master Plan will establish a sequence for reclaimed water installation, considering the water supply and which neighborhoods are willing to finance infrastructure construction costs. The plan also will indicate the number of homes necessary to cover costs. It was recommended Clearwater improve communication with City residents regarding expansion of the reclaimed water system. Staff will report how long the Plan will take to complete. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the original report focused on Countryside, which had open space at that time. However, little public relations and coordination with residents occurred. It was noted many Countryside residents have shallow wells. Mr. Baier said the Commission needs to decide if all homes in areas piped for reclaimed water should be charged a minimum rate whether or not the service is used. Approve ranking for Alligator Creek Trunk Sewer Cleaning & Television Inspection of Kimmins Contracting Corp. (1), Infrastructure Rehabilitation Services, Inc. (2), and Video Industrial Services (3), and award contract to Kimmins for $390,4200, and additionally approve $39,042 for contingency fee of 10% The City solicited RFPs (Request for Proposal) to perform sewer cleaning and internal television inspection services for a 3-mile segment of the Alligator Creek Trunk Sewer, between Belcher Road and the City’s Master Pump Station at McMullen-Booth Road. The variation in the 3 proposal received reflects the diversity of cleaning and televising methods. The Alligator Creek Trunk Sewer has not been cleaned during its 30 years of service. The line’s flow-carrying capacity has been greatly reduced by an accumulation of sand and grit which serves as a culture media for the growth of anaerobic bacteria which generates toxic, hydrogen sulfide gas that smells offensively and is destructive to the pipe. The television inspection component will confirm the cleaning operation’s effectiveness and allow staff to determine the pipeline’s structural integrity. Due to the project’s investigative nature, discoveries may require alterations in the contract work, such as spot repairs. The proposed 10% contingency fee will accommodate discoveries, spot repairs, and necessary alterations to the contract work. Several years ago, the South interceptor line to East AWTF (Advanced Water Treatment Facility), constructed of the same generation and materials as the Alligator Creek Sewer, had to be lined. Staff will evaluate the condition of the Alligator Creek Trunk Main with videos provided by the contractor. The selection committee was composed of representatives from Engineering Services, Public Service, Finance, Water Pollution Control, and Ken Wilson of PBS&J (Post, Buckley, Schuh and Jernigan, Inc.) All bidders were invited to make presentations. Each candidate was evaluated: 1) 40% - contract price; 2) 30% - contractor experience and methods proposed to protect the pump station and treatment plant; and 3) 30% - methods proposed for cleaning and video taping. The committee’s final ranking is: 1) Kimmins Contracting Corporation; 2) Infrastructure Rehabilitation Services, Inc.; and 3) Video Industrial Services. The 180 calendar day project will begin about September 15, 1997. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the price differences relate to cleaning methods. Higher bids proposed using a hydro jet. Kimmins will use the drag-line and bucket method. Staff had anticipated costs of between $500,000 and $700,000. A letter from Kimmins indicates the company understand the job’s specifications and can complete the work. The Commission recessed from 10:22 to 10:34 a.m. Presentation - Traffic Calming Traffic Operations Engineer Mike Gust made a slide presentation regarding the Traffic Calming Pilot Program. Program objectives include: 1) develop cooperative relationship among neighborhood residents, citizen groups, and staff in resolving traffic and pedestrian concerns; 2) schedule meetings to involve citizens and interest groups in early stages of projects under consideration; 3) incorporate beautification and landscaping in calming measures; 5) enhance qualify of life in residential neighborhoods; and 6) document each project’s impact to ensure effectiveness. Mr. Gust said neighborhood traffic concerns exist. He reviewed the proposed procedure to deal with this issue: 1) resident, neighborhood representative, citizen, or staff contacts Traffic Engineering to discuss neighborhood traffic problem; 2) staff provides copies of the Traffic Calming Pilot Program and explain the program, including requirement for neighborhood association or representative support and petition process; 3) staff performs preliminary field study and reviews findings with resident or neighborhood representatives; 4) staff and resident or neighborhood representatives identify locations for potential traffic calming measures; and 5) staff collects and analyzes data: a) traffic volumes; b) vehicle speeds; c) cut-through traffic frequency; d) pedestrian activity and safety needs; and e) traffic accidents. During Level I Review: 1) staff meets with neighborhood residents to identify problems and discuss available traffic calming measures and 2) neighborhood decides if enforcement efforts are sufficient or additional controls are warranted. During Level II Review staff and neighborhood representatives concur on passive traffic control measures such as signing, pavement markings, speed enforcement, and traffic calming awareness methods. During Level III Review: 1) staff and neighborhood representatives concur passive traffic control measures will not resolve concerns; 2) proposed traffic calming measure is determined by consensus of staff and neighborhood representatives, and forwarded to City Engineer for approval; 3) City Engineer informs neighborhood representatives of recommended treatment; 4) staff schedules public meeting for discussion and vote; 5) if supported, City Engineer proceeds with design and implementation of proposed treatment; and 5) citizen appeal of City Engineer’s decision through City Manager. The proposed impact analysis procedures include: 1) staff studies determine impact on entire neighborhood and 2) staff performs reassessment within two years of installation. Mr. Gust discussed various traffic control methods, such as roundabouts; changes in alignment, landscaping, brick paver intersections, street narrowing, 4-way intersection diverters, speed humps, etc. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said a pilot program most likely will address a request in one of the approximately 17 neighborhoods reporting concerns. A list of these requests will be provided. Aesthetics will be important. Mr. Gust reviewed installation procedures: 1) Engineering Services designs traffic calming measure; 2) project funded by Engineering Department budget; and 3) project constructed by contract. The proposed compliance procedures include: 1) staff studies determine level of compliance with anticipated change and 2) staff discusses study results with neighborhood representatives and together determine if more restrictive traffic control measures are needed. It is important the traffic problem not move to another part of the neighborhood. Mr. Baier said reasonable expectations must be established. Project funds are limited. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said only $150,000 per year is budgeted for this program. Staff administrators for the program are being identified. The City Manager said the concept will be tested in several neighborhoods. Concern was expressed traffic humps can be dangerous. Mr. Baier said speed dips also could be used. The funding will cover several prototype devices. Neighborhood support is essential. He expressed concern the installation of temporary devises would result in complaints as they are rarely attractive. In response to a suggestion, he said painting intersections is not as effective as installing textural differences. The City Manager noted neighborhood traffic consists of neighborhood residents and outsiders and tends to be consistent. Each change in the traffic pattern has a cost and impact. Each project will need to consider if the problem is isolated or community wide. A list of concerns has not been prioritized. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the program will be flexible, with no minimum thresholds. It was questioned if the traffic light at the Lake Drive and Cleveland Street intersection is necessary. Staff will review. CP CENTRAL PERMITTING Public Hearing & First Reading Ords. #6177-97 & #6178-97 - Annexation & IL Zoning for property located at 2096 Gentry St., NE ¼ Pinellas Groves, part of Lots 5 & 12 (Gregory & Peggy Zukowski, A97-09) The applicants have requested annexation and proposed zoning of Limited Industrial for 2096 Gentry Street to obtain sewer service. The applicants are involved in cleaning-up the subject site following a court order. They wish to annex to obtain City assistance with planned soil and groundwater remediation activities at the subject site, which is used as a salvage yard. To help the applicants comply with a legal mandate, the Engineering Department is willing to make an exception to the standard City policy which prohibits any discharge of pretreated groundwater into the City sanitary sewer. The discharge must meet the pretreatment quality imposed by the City. On August 19, 1997, the Planning & Zoning Board unanimously endorsed the request. A local map of the subject site was requested. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the clean-up of brown water will be subject to stringent criteria and may take almost a year to complete. It was noted the sewer connection must be permanent. FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) imposed the legal mandate to clean-up the property. The applicant is paying all connection fees and is responsible for all clean-up related costs. CLK CITY CLERK Clearwater Housing Authority - 2 appointments The Mayor said she would reappoint Robert Aude and William Ethington. Long Center Foundation, Inc. Board of Trustees - 1 appointment On October 17, 1994, Joe Evich was appointed to a 3-year term, expiring September 30, 1997, to the Long Center Foundation, Inc. Board of Trustees, formerly known as the Center Foundation Board of Trustees. He is not interested in reappointment. Candace Gardner is the City’s other representative on this board. The City Clerk Department has no other volunteers for this board on file. Bylaws for this board do not preclude a City Commissioner from serving. The board meets at the Long Center on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m. Commissioner Johnson volunteered to serve. CA LEGAL DEPARTMENT Second Reading Ordinances Ord. #6176-97 - revising Sec. 28.04 and Appendix A, Schedule of Fees, Rates and Charges, XXVIII, Occupational License Fees, to allow the sale of ice cream from trucks on residential streets The City Attorney reported a code provision addressing door to door solicitation requires all ice cream truck drivers to obtain individual licenses with police background checks. OTHER CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS Request to file petition for writ of certiorari The City Attorney reported a Hearing Officer had overturned a DCAB (Development Code Advisory Board) decision regarding the property of Olen K. and Pamela A. Marks, Jr. She said some of the Hearing Officer’s findings are troublesome. Staff can handle the case in-house for minimal costs. She agreed with DCAB’s recommendation to appeal the case to Circuit Court by filing a petition for writ of certiorari. City Manager Verbal Reports Change 09/16/97 Special Meeting The City Manager requested rescheduling the September 16, 1997, Special Meeting to September 25, 1997, at 9:00 a.m. Consensus was to so schedule. Commission Discussion Items Revised Street Closure Request - Church of Scientology, Friday 09/12/97, one southbound lane of Ft. Harrison, blocked off between Pierce & Franklin In her August 19, 1997, letter, Mary Story, Scientology Community Affairs Director, requested closure of one southbound lane of S. Ft. Harrison Avenue between Franklin and Pierce Streets on September 12, 1997, between 6:00 p.m. and midnight. It was noted the City Commission had limited the number of times an organization can request a street closing. Other Commission Action Commissioner Seel said the PPC (Pinellas Planning Council) annexation report will be distributed. Commissioner Seel hoped Commissioners would be able to attend the issue identification meetings on the beach. The City Manager said beach groups are organizing the first meetings. Staff also will schedule a second round of meetings and invite City Commission participation. Mayor Garvey expressed concern regarding the County’s opposition to the enclave issue. She noted the City cannot withhold services from one-house enclaves. Commissioner Seel said she had requested a staff presentation reviewing City enclaves. Commissioner Johnson said no area was specifically designated “no alcohol” as required at Bomber stadium during the current softball tournament. He noted the 3-day limit had been bypassed by issuing consecutive permits to 2 separate groups. He felt the serving of alcoholic beverages at similar events should not require City Commission approval and recommended amending the ordinance to only require City Manager approval. The City Attorney reported the Special Event application identified a non-drinking area. Staff will come back with a recommendation regarding future approval of similar events. The City Attorney noted the requirement for City Commission approval is not included in the ordinance. Commissioner Johnson said most citizen calls he receives are concerned with residents who leave their black barrel trash containers on the curb after Solid Waste pickup. The City Manager said this problem cannot be legislated. Once a trash container is moved, a code violation would no longer exist. Commissioner Johnson recommended including a reminder in utility statements. Commissioner Johnson expressed sorrow regarding the death of Princess Diana. He conveyed prayers of condolences to her children and Great Britain. Commissioner Hooper said staff has been helpful in posting business open signs along Highland Avenue during the current construction. Commissioner Clark said he and Assistant City Manager Bob Keller had met with the Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce regarding the establishment of a Task Force regarding the redesign of the intersection of US 19N and Drew Street. The Task Force hopes to mitigate complications after construction is complete. In response to a question, he said the Task Force will focus on education and what actions the City and Chamber of Commerce can take. He noted FDOT’s (Florida Department of Transportation) mission is limited to building the road. Mayor Garvey said San Diego has signs posted forbidding bicycles, skateboards, etc., on specific city blocks. The Ordinance number and Police Department’s telephone number are listed. She suggested this technique could solve downtown pedestrian problems on Cleveland Street. Mayor Garvey reported San Diego pastes public notices of change of ownership applications on the subject property’s windows. She suggested considering that practice for local use. Commissioner Johnson questioned future plans for a skateboard park. The City Attorney will provide information. Mayor Garvey referred to a letter from the Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce regarding funding for the “Taste of Clearwater.” Ms. Rice stated the City had offered the event a favorable rate at the Harborview Center. No funds are budgeted for this event. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 11:53 a.m.