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01/19/1999CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER January 19, 1999 Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner Ed Hooper Vice-Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Karen Seel Commissioner Also: Michael J. Roberto City Manager Richard L. Hedrick Deputy City Manager Bob Keller Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Patricia Sullivan Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 9:01 a.m. at City Hall. Service Awards Three service awards were presented to City employees. Kelly J. O’Brien, Clearwater Gas System, was presented the December 1998 Employee of the Month award. The Commission recessed from 9:07 to 9:58 a.m. to meet as the Community Redevelopment Agency and Pension Trustees. PRESENTATIONS County Project re Retiming Signals Tampa Bay Engineering Project Manager Fred Oricot reviewed the background of countywide efforts to retime traffic signals. The last upgrade occurred in 1991. Under administrative oversight by FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation), 400 traffic signals in the County, of which 80 are in Clearwater, were coordinated to reduce travel times and decrease pollution. The project’s $1.3-million cost, including software upgrades, is being shared by the County, City of Clearwater, and City of St. Petersburg. Mr. Oricot noted the difficulties in providing pedestrians adequate time to cross wide multi-lane roads. He said due to high traffic volumes, the traffic signal intersection of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard (SR 60) and Belcher Road cycles independently from the rest of the system and most vehicles will continue to stop there. A separate firm verified the retiming efforts have been successful. The project will be completed by the end of February. Mr. Oricot recommended the City replace the system before 2003 to avoid problems. Installation could take up to 3 years. He suggested capacity problems could be addressed by improving side streets. In response to a question, Public Works Administrator Rich Baier said State and County approval are required to change traffic signal cycles. He estimated the system would cost between $3- and $10-million. A camera system is more effective in tracking the ebb and flow of traffic. In response to a question, Mr. Oricot said a vehicle now should never have wait more than 100 seconds for the signal at the intersection of SR 60 and Pierce Street. The City Manager said staff is investigating grants, which he anticipated will cover most replacement costs. In response to a concern regarding the number of traffic signals near Clearwater Mall, Mr. Baier said the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) had not supported the City’s desire to remove the signal at Sky Harbor and SR 60. It was recommended most signals on Cleveland Street be removed east of Highland Avenue. The Commission recessed from 10:30 to 10:44 a.m. PUR PURCHASING St. Petersburg Times, advertising services, 01/22/99-12/31/99, estimated $30,000 (PCM) Environmental Control Systems and Products, odor neutralizer to be used in all WPC facilities, 01/21/99-12/31/99, estimated $150,000 (PW) Coastline Equipment Company, Inc., one 1999 Case 580 Super L, tractor/backhoe/loader (previously approved addition) to be used by PW/Wastewater Collection, $42,563.65; funding to be provided under City’s Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GSS) Bill Currie Ford, three 1999 Ford F-250 pickup trucks (1 replacement & 2 previously approved additions) with Knaphide utility bodies for use by Building & Maintenance, $64,872; funding to be provided under City’s Master Lease-Purchase Agreement ($21,624) & cash ($43,248)(GSS) Maroone Chevrolet, three 1999 Chevrolet S-10 pickup trucks (replacement), $53,073; funding to be provided under City’s Master Lease-Purchase Agreement ($39,073) & cash ($14,000) (GSS) Don Reid Ford, one 1999 Ford F-350 pickup trucks (replacement) with Knaphide utility bodies for use by PW/Water Distribution, $23,222; funding to be provided under City’s Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GSS) Maroone Auto Plaza, two 1999 Chevrolet C3500 pickup trucks (replacement) for use by Parks Maintenance & Nursery, $42,466; funding to be provided under City’s Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GSS) Kaiser Pontiac-Buick GMC, Inc., four 1999 GMC Sonoma compact pickup trucks for use by CGS Meter Readers, CGS Service & Repair & PW/Water, $48,017; funding to be provided under City’s Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GSS) Don Reid Ford, one 1999 Ford Crown Victoria Police Pursuit Vehicle for use by Police Department, non-scheduled replacement for an accident destroyed vehicle, $24,465; funding to be provided under City’s Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GSS) Oakhurst Construction, design, construction & installation of pre-manufactured metal building at E.C. Moore West Complex, $54,285.11 (QOL) Duval Ford, three 1999 Ford taurus sedans (replacement) for use by Police/Criminal Investigation, $45,569; funding to be provided under City’s Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GSS) Garber Buick-Pontiac-GMC Truck-Chevrolet-Geo, three 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo investigative vehicles (replacement), estimated $46,482; funding to be provided under City’s Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GSS) M.T. Deason Company, gas materials (steel pipe & fittings), to be used throughout Gas System, 01/22/99 -01/31/00, estimated $40,000 (GAS) Progressive Industrial, one 1999 Marina Work Boat, $66,000 (QOL) Rowland Inc., Northwood Area Traffic Calming Phase I, $38,073.64 (PW) Interprint Inc, Clearwater Magazine for distribution to citizens of Clearwater, 01/22/99-10/31/99, estimated $89,689 (a printing contract was awarded to Pinellas Press on 11/19/98 however contractor provided less than satisfactory magazine for 1st issue; this award covers remaining three issues during fiscal year)(PCM) Comark Government Sales, one HP Netserver LH3 PII Mod 1 PED, computer hardware server for use at MSB by IT personnel, $44,994 (GSS) RDP Company, replacement & overhaul parts for heating elements used at NE Residuals processing Facility of WPC, $66,266 (PW) Bell Chevrolet, one 1999 Chevrolet CC15703 ½ ton pickup (replacement) for use by Police/Office of Professional Standards, $16,038; funding to be provided under City’s Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GSS) Teco, Inc., one 1999 Navistar 4700 truck (replacement) with aerial lift for use by PW/Urban Forestry, $83,157; funding to be provided under City’s Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GSS) Gateway Chevrolet, two 1999 Chevrolet Lumina midsize sedans (replacement) for use by Police/Criminal Investigation, $29,624; funding to be provided under City’s Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GSS) Miracle Recreation Equipment Company c/o Miller Recreation Equipment and Design, Inc., purchase & installation of playground equipment (replacement) to be used at Holt/Martin Luther King Playground, $30,660.41 (QOL) Swartz Associates, Inc., purchase & installation of playground equipment (replacement) to be used at Coachman Ridge Park, $28,562.84 (QOL) Approve funding in the amount $21,191 for one 1999 Dodge pickup truck through City’s Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (This vehicle was purchased with an incorrect funding code, however, was on the replacement list for the current fiscal year. The new vehicle has been received from Hill-Kelly Dodge, Inc.)(GSS) In response to a question, the City Manager said all vehicle replacement purchases were budgeted. Most vehicles are purchased at this time of year due to delivery schedules. In response to a question regarding the Interprint Inc., purchase, the City Attorney said the City had written the previous publisher to cancel future issues but had received no reply. The City did not contract for those services but had used purchase orders. In response to a question, Purchasing Manager George McKibben said the original agreement was with the lowest bidder. He said the request relates to the balance remaining from the previously approved award. He said expenses related to the original contract of $104,000 also included overruns, overprinting, and last minute changes. An allowance for overruns is included in the remaining balance. In response to a question regarding the Rowland, Inc., project, Mr. Baier said this is Phase One of the traffic calming project on Frisco Drive. It was stated staff should obtain a written commitment from neighborhood residents that they will maintain the landscaping in the medians before the project proceeds. In response to a question regarding the vehicle purchase from Don Reid Ford, Mr. McKibbon said this purchase replaces a police vehicle destroyed in an accident. In response to a question, the City Manager will verify insurance coverage of that event. FN FINANCE Res. #99-02 - Establishing intent to reimburse certain project costs incurred with proceeds of future tax-exempt financing; authorizing a Public Hearing; providing certain other matters in connection therewith (Bond Reimbursement for Housing Revenue Bonds - Oaks of Clearwater) BEF, Inc., an exempt organization, is acquiring from mortgage holder, Beal Bank, the Oaks of Clearwater buildings, Oak Cove and Oak Bluff. BEF plans to renovate Oak Cove with three levels of senior care and then relocate all Oak Bluff tenants to Oak Cove. Oak Bluff then will be renovated and expanded for market rate housing. After renovations, Oak Bluff will become subject to ad valorem taxes while Oak Cove will remain exempt from such taxes. The City has been requested to issue a series of tax exempt and taxable bonds to finance the acquisition and rehabilitation of both buildings. It is anticipated the City will be a conduit issuer of bonds for BEF in early 1999 to finance a portion of this project. The City’s participation will enable a portion of the bonds to be tax exempt. The City’s Bond Counsel, Financial Advisor, and Disclosure Counsel are reviewing the bonds and project to determine the legality and feasibility of the proposal. BEF will pay all expenses and costs associated with this project and the City will not incur any expense or liability by issuing these bonds. The Deputy City Manager will hold a public hearing related to the issuance of these bonds in accordance with IRS Code. This resolution will allow the reimbursement of any expenses the City incurs prior to the issuance of Bonds. Finance Administrator Margie Simmons said staff will review the contract to verify there will no costs to the City. Bob Reid, the City’s bond counsel, reviewed the loan agreement, noting the City will not incur any liability by approving this item. In response to a question, he said if a default occurs, the City’s credit rating will not be affected although the law requires disclosure of that information. In response to a question, the City Attorney stated the City cannot be held liable by passing the resolution. The City Manager said the project will benefit downtown by adding residents. In response to a question, Mr. Reid said if the organization becomes bankrupted, the bondholders can foreclose on the property. The City would not be part of that issue. The new mortgage will cover all current liens. HM HUMAN RELATIONS Agreement with Career Options of Pinellas, Inc., administer City’s Summer Youth Employment Program, $150,000 A RFP (Request for Proposals) was prepared for this program which has been deemed beneficial to City youth, business, and residents. The program will place approximately 100 youths in private sector jobs for 6 weeks during the summer. The City will provide funding for payroll services, placement, job counseling, and other related services. Career Options of Pinellas, Inc. will be responsible for program administration. In response to a question, Human Relations Director Eleanor Breland said this year’s contract is for the same amount as last year. A list of permanent job placement achieved last year was requested. PD POLICE Purchase of one Chevrolet Suburban vehicle, Garber Chevrolet-GEO, Inc., utilizing funds available in 1997-98 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant awarded by US Dept. of Justice/ Bureau of Justice Assistance, $28,669 The Clearwater Police Department needs a vehicle for the ERT (Emergency Response Team) and SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics Team) that will transport special equipment and personnel. Staff has determined the Chevrolet Suburban is most suitable. It also can tow the ERT trailer to carry additional equipment. The department does not have a vehicle large enough to handle all team functions. The vehicle also would be useful to the Special Operations Unit for special events. This multi-functional vehicle would greatly improve the department’s ability to meet a variety of responsibilities. The cost for auxiliary law enforcement related equipment will be funded by Clearwater’s 1998/99 LLEBG grant. In response to a question, Police Chief Sid Klein said leftover funds are available for this purchase. He said all previous grant funding now should be used. PR PARKS AND RECREATION Contracts to Hootie and the Blowfish ($100,000) & The Beach Boys ($55,000) for concert performances on 03/26/99 & 03/28/99; approve estimated budget of $311,440; and authorize $155,000 from Vision Funds to cover initial expenses In conjunction with the March 1999 NCAA Final Four Men’s Basketball Tournament at Tropicana Field, Time Warner Communications and the Clearwater/Dunedin Junior League wish to partner with the City for “Clearwater Celebrates Sounds Under the Stars” concerts in Coachman Park. Other related activities are planned City-wide. To cover City cash and in-kind service expenses, Clearwater will receive ticket receipts, sponsor funds, food & beverage sales, and exhibitor fees to reimburse allocated Vision Funds. The Junior League will provide volunteers to service the concerts, cover costs associated with beer and wine sales for the Hootie & the Blowfish concert, and retain sales proceeds to fund the organization’s community service programs. Time Warner Communications’ contribution of cash and all concert marketing efforts to include print, radio, and television is valued at more than $300,000. While promoting outdoor events exposes the City to an element of risk, staff feels budget projections can be met and sufficient revenues generated to cover all City costs and services. Net revenue to be split between the City and Junior League will not exceed the total amount of sponsorships the Junior League generates. Along with related activities, the concerts will provide visitors opportunities to experience Clearwater. Positive visitor experiences enhance efforts to promote Clearwater as a tourist and visitor destination and support the City’s Vision. This City Manager said related costs should be covered by ticket sales. Parks & Recreation Director Art Kader said the commitment from the Beach Boys is forthcoming. Sponsorships are being sought. Mr. Kader indicated the concerts will not conflict with the championship games’ schedule. Other City events are planned for the library, Clearwater Beach Recreation Center, Pier 60, and St. Petersburg Junior College. The City Attorney said the contracts obligate the City to spend more than the $155,000 in contracts to cover air fare and other related travel costs. The City’s obligation will not be greater than $311,440. In response to a question, Mr. Kader said the Junior League will handle the sale of alcohol at the Hootie concert. He said collaborating with service clubs on events improves community commitment. The City Manager suggested service clubs be allowed to charge for parking at City lots as fund raisers. Lots could be awarded via a lottery system In response to a question, Recreation Program Coordinator Terry Schmidt said some service groups hold a master policy for liquor sales which includes liability insurance. He said the events will be protected by rain insurance. The City Manager said attendance projections will be made after the upcoming Charlie Daniels concert. Mr. Schmidt estimated Coachman Park can hold more than 12,000 people. Space near the stage will be reserved for key sponsorship as a way to generate money. PW PUBLIC WORKS (Cont’d from 12/10/98) Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #6361-99 - Vacating E ½ r-o-w of N. Prospect Ave., lying north of Laura Street and City’s request to vacate W ½ r-o-w of N. Prospect Ave., lying north of Laura Street, subject to retaining a 10’ drainage & utility easement (Theta Homes, V98-09) To construct a multi-family project, the applicant proposes to use the east one-half right-of-way of N. Prospect Avenue and adjacent property to the east. The right-of-way contains no City infrastructure, is not paved, and has no vehicular traffic use. Staff recommends approval subject to retaining a drainage and utility easement for future utility installation needs. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the size of the requested vacation has decreased from 20- to 10-feet. A 10-foot easement will provide the City with adequate access to City infrastructure. Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #6385-99 - Vacating 3’ x 20’ Utility Easement lying along easterly lot line of Lot 37, Ambleside First Addition (Polglaze, V99-03) The owner wishes to install a pool along the westerly property line and encroach into the easement at 522 Richards Avenue. The City has no utilities within the easement. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the utility easement originally was designated for a utility pole tie down. Florida Power has determined it does not need the easement. Contract, in 3 counterparts, for 1,289 sq.ft. strip of r-o-w along west side of Madison Avenue, George W. Stone, Trustee, Sun Trust Bank Nature Coast, Trustee, & Sally Jo Forester, for $9,023 plus estimated closing expenses of $675, for total not to exceed $9,698 The City plans to improve Madison Avenue between Cleveland and Gould Streets as a 3-lane urban road.. The project requires an additional 1,289-square foot strip of right-of-way along the west side of Madison Avenue from property under lease to Stone Buick. The 3 ownership entities have agreed mutually to sell the parcel to the City at its tax assessed value of $7 per square foot. An environmental site assessment performed by Dames & Moore on August 7, 1998, reported that historical review and current property uses in the area provided no environmental concerns. The report recommended no further investigations. Acquiring the parcel completes the City’s road right-of-way commitments related to the IMR development agreement. Total City closing costs are estimated not to exceed $675. In response to a question, Mr. Baier will report how much the City paid for previous parcel purchases. This right-of-way is needed for sidewalk. Sidewalk Contract 1998-99, Purvis Curbs Corp., $474,006.71 This contract, part of an on-going program to repair sidewalks, will complete work Public Service crews cannot accommodate in a timely manner. Broken and uneven sidewalks will be repaired to improve public safety and reduce the City’s accident liability exposure. Various ramps in the City will be brought into compliance with current ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. Some new sidewalks also will be installed throughout the City. The 180-day project will start around February 8, 1999. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said this contract will cover sidewalk in-fill needs. None of the projects will be on Sunset Point Road, a County road. In response to a concern, Public Works Bureau Director/Public Services Gary Johnson said staff will seek neighborhood input before installing new sidewalks. It was suggested a “Welcome to Clearwater” sign be erected on Bayshore. Contract for Clearwater Airpark installation of Runway & Taxiway Lighting System, H.L. Pruitt, Inc., $185,645.90 The City approved a JPA (Joint Project Agreement) with FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) to construct Medium Intensity Runway Lights and Low Intensity Taxiway Lights at the Airpark. The JPA authorized the lighting system on a 50/50 cost sharing basis. The City pays the up-front cost of the project and is reimbursed by FDOT upon completion of construction. The project budget was estimated to be $100,000. FDOT has approved the project and is amending the existing JPA to include additional FDOT funding for a true 50/50 split of the $185,645.90 construction costs. This project includes the design and installation of fixed medium intensity runway lights and fixed low intensity taxiway lights and the installation of a radio controlled switch capable of activating the lighting system by a standard VHF aircraft transmitter. This airport lighting system will encourage more business aircraft to use the airpark and will provide safer air operations during inclement weather and when seasonal daylight is minimal. Installation of the lighting system is part of the Airpark’s 5-year plan. It was noted the City had received two letters and some calls in opposition to the project. Mr. Baier said flying hours will not be extended. The lighting system will improve safety at dusk and during inclement weather and will upgrade service to levels normal at most airparks. In response to a question, he said incoming signals can be blocked so that the system cannot be lighted when Airpark operations are closed. Harbormaster Bill Morris said as a safety issue, signals should not be blocked unless abuse of the system occurs. If the Airpark complied with FAA requirements, the City would not have to contribute to this project. The FAA, however, would require the Airpark to support 24 hour operations. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said this bid was lowest. The City’s portion of the project is budgeted. PLD PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Public Hearing & First Reading Ords. #6362-99 & #6363-99 - Annexation & RS-8 Zoning for property located at 1220 Stockton Dr., Stevenson’s Heights, Blk C, Lot 8 (Fannie Fleming, A98-30) The applicant has requested annexation and zoning of Single-Family Residential "Eight" for 1220 Stockton Drive to obtain garbage collection services. The Planning & Zoning Board unanimously endorsed the request. Planning & Development Services Administrator Lorenzo Aghemo said the property owner already receives City water and sewer services but also wants trash service. It was requested staff verify the property owner has paid the necessary premium for water service. Assistant City Manager Rick Hedrick said that is the policy. Staff is monitoring water and sewer service for illegal connections. Receipt/Referral - Relating to Building Permit Regulations; amending Ch. 47 by creating new Sec. 47.084 to require demolition fencing A code amendment is proposed to secure demolition sites, 1 acre or larger, to safeguard citizens. No current code or ordinance requires a demolition site to restrict access. Language is proposed to require temporary fencing around structure demolition on large sites such as the Sunshine Mall property. A permit for the temporary fencing will be required prior to the issuance of a demolition permit. The contractor will be required to remove the fencing upon completion of the demolition. In response to a question, Mr. Hedrick said FDOT had approved the sidewalk closure on the east side of Ft. Harrison Avenue. It was questioned if the City can request the sidewalk remain available to pedestrians. Mr. Hedrick said the City has little authority to make such rules. Interlocal Agreement with Town of Belleair for City to provide building construction inspection services at the cost of $25 per inspection, 10/01/98-09/30/99 The City will enter into an agreement to provide construction inspection services to the Town of Belleair through Planning & Development Services Administration. Belleair will pay for these services. The agreement from October 1, 1998 to September 30, 1999, will be renewable each year with approval by both municipalities. Belleair will pay $25 per inspection for approximately 720 inspections annually. The Town of Belleair has approved the agreement. It was noted the approved mileage rate is more than $0.29 per mile. Financial reports after 6 months and 1 year were requested to see if the charge is sufficient to cover City costs. Building Official Kevin Garriott said the contract is for one year. Staff will review costs before renewal. In response to a question, Mr. Hedrick said this agreement formalizes a standing arrangement between the two municipalities. Public Hearing - South Greenwood Neighborhood Police Substation & Family Service Center - accept donation of and declare surplus real property located at NW corner of S. Greenwood Avenue & Woodlawn Street from Community Service Foundation; waive $13,108 in City demolition & lot clearing liens; approve 1 year lease to Community Service Foundation to build a family center; authorize up to $100,000 in Capital Improvement Funds to build district parking lot & landscaping; and approve a 30-year lease with Foundation Village Neighborhood Family Center, Inc. The Citizens of the South Greenwood Neighborhood have identified a police substation and family center as the community’s most important needs. CSF (Community Service Foundation, Inc.), a local non-profit agency, was awarded a $244,527 Safe Neighborhood Grant to construct a police substation and pay police overtime and a $192,315 CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) to build a neighborhood family service center. CSF will donate real property at the northwest corner of South Greenwood Avenue and Woodlawn Street to the City. This property’s $13,108 in demolition and lot clearing liens require a City waiver. Brownfield Stabilization Funds will pay the property’s back property taxes of $6,806 and remove the underground gasoline tank, estimated to cost $23,000. Upon acceptance of real property, the City will lease the property to CSF for up to 1 year to facilitate construction of the 5,000 square foot structure to house a 1,400 square foot police substation and 3,600 square foot family center. The lease will terminate once the building is completed and transferred to the City. The City then will enter into a 30-year lease to the FVNF (Foundation Village Neighborhood Family) Center, a local non-profit agency, to operate a family service center. The Police Department and FVNF Center will provide facility and grounds maintenance. The City will build a paved parking lot for the building and install landscaping. In response to a question, Housing & Urban Development Assistant Director Mike Holmes said the request is for the City to waive the liens which total $13,108. Mr. Hedrick said the opening of Cherry Harris Park, the Morton Plant Hospital project, and this center are important pieces toward the redevelopment of North and South Greenwood. It was stated the Police need a quality substation. The Commission recessed from 12:18 to 12:31 p.m. Public Hearing & Second Reading Ord. #6348-99 - new Community Development Code Planning Director Ralph Stone reviewed changes to the Community Development Code, indicating many changes were made to achieve consistency with the PPC (Pinellas Planning Council). In response to a question, he said the number of commercial districts has been reduced from five to one. The Code is flexible and allows for future amendments. In response to a question, he said height limits in Single Family Residential areas will not change. The plan will allow flexibility for in-fill construction and provides staff guidelines. The permitting process is streamlined. The City Attorney indicated the old code included many piecemeal amendments to solve problems as they occurred. Charles Siemon, of Siemon, Larsen & Marsh, said the Code includes performance standards and will be responsive to market changes. Sections can be modified without designating a new district. To be considered under the current code, development applications must be submitted prior to the adoption of this document. The City Manager said staff will bring forward ways to address the transition on Thursday. The City Attorney said after Thursday, applications will be subject to the new code. She said that may be problematic in certain circumstances. CM ADMINISTRATION Approve $73,800 to complete financial/legal contract with Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson, P.A. for assistance in special finance issues associated with Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard corridor Enhancement Project On November 3, 1997, staff presented an overview of the Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard project. Staff had estimated it would cost $50,000 to develop the project’s initial scope to include municipal funding options, special assessment districts, tax increment financing, combined financial scenarios, and minimum/maximum property values expectations. On November 6, 1997, the City Commission approved a $24,000 retainer agreement. Staff inadvertently issued a $50,000 work order and authorized an additional $10,600 in work, creating a $36,600 shortfall. The City Manager has taken steps to ensure that staff adheres to controls and is satisfied this type of event will not reoccur. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the City Commission approved retainer of $24,000 was paid. To complete the project and meet the timing needs of neighbors, staff obligated additional work, which was not authorized formally but has been completed. Mr. Hedrick said miscommunication had occurred. The extra work approved administratively should first have been brought forward to the City Commission. Bob Sheets, of Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson, P.A., said the mixed fee contract had a $50,000 fixed fee. When staff requested an additional report, the firm completed the report on good faith that it would be paid. Concern was expressed the City Commission is being asked to approve an after the fact project. The City Manager said the project has evolved due to the complication of dealing with 50 different property owners. Staff wants to be able to present a set of recommendations to the City Commission. It was felt consultants should not work beyond what has been approved. The City Manager said the additional money was expended to consider all options, including the impact of burying wires. He said staff had no other way to assess the value of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard business. The City Commission will determine the level of business owner assessment, if one is approved. Enhancements also will benefit the area around Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. The City Manager apologized for the mix-up. In response to a question, he said the GIS (Geographic Information System) is several years from completion. Mr. Hedrick said the administration had authorized work that exceeded the amount approved by the City Commission. He said systems have been put in place so this error will not happen again. It was requested the item be brought back on Thursday, separating what is owed for work already completed from additional work still to be done. CA LEGAL DEPARTMENT Resolutions Res. #99-03 - Supporting Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s efforts to obtain a permanent stop at Tyrone Square Mall Concern was expressed the City should not register concern regarding a private entity. It was indicated the mall’s relocation of the bus stop has been confusing. PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) has requested City support in asking the mall to designate a permanent bus stop for the convenience of patrons. It was indicated it costs PSTA thousands of dollars every time it must move the bus stop. Commission Discussion Items City interest in Olympics 2012 It was noted support for the effort to attract the 2012 Olympics to Tampa Bay had been evident at a recent public meeting. Concern was expressed the City not spend money on the campaign until the scandal related to Salt Lake City is rectified. The City Manager said staff is attending meetings to stay informed about the effort. The only City expenses will relate to staff time and paper. Concern was expressed staff efforts not consume a full time employee’s time. Consensus was for the City to monitor the progress of the effort. Other Commission Action Commissioner Clark expressed concern regarding a proposed north/south beach route featuring pollution free trolleys. The City Manager will meet with PSTA regarding the proposal. Concern was expressed the trolley could impact significantly the operation of the Jolley Trolley. It was recommended the Jolley Trolley take advantage of any grant money available. Commissioner Hooper questioned if vendors are permitted to sell the Sunday St. Petersburg Times at the corners of major City intersections. The City Attorney said an amendment will be brought forward to limit pedestrian interaction with vehicles. Commissioner Hooper reminded people to attend the Charlie Daniels’ concert on Sunday. Commissioner Johnson commended the City for being the only Florida city that is a finalist for a Brownfields grant. Commissioner Johnson complimented the national decision systems document. Commissioner Johnson hoped everyone had a good holiday and wished all a happy New Year. Commissioner Seel commended the firefighters who delivered premature twins. Commissioner Seel complimented the “Clearly it’s Clearwater” document. Commissioner Seel reported the January 30, 1999, safety, security and health exposition was canceled. Commissioner Seel suggested a welcome sign be installed in the landscaping at the site of the former Atrium building. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 2:02 p.m.