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06/01/1999CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER June 1, 1999 Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner Ed Hooper Vice-Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Ed Hart Commissioner Also Present: 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 O. Sullivan Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m. at City Hall. The Commission recessed from 9:02 to 9:22 a.m. to meet in attorney/client session regarding Rifkin versus the City and recessed from 9:24 to 10:36 a.m. to meet as the Pension Trustees. PUR PURCHASING Welch Tennis Courts, tennis court resurfacing & installation of new posts at Morningside Recreation Center (5 courts) and Woodgate Park (2 courts), estimated $26,207.50 (QOL) Skypainter Fireworks International, Inc., fireworks & associated demonstration service to be shown at Coachman Park and Clearwater Beach on 12/31/99, $60,000 (QOL) Astro Bus Service, transportation service between Clearwater recreation centers & various destinations in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Hillsborough & Sarasota Counties to support recreation center activities during 06/04/99-05/31/00, estimated $42,000 (QOL) Altec Industries, one 1999 International truck with Altec aerial lift (replacement) to be used by Parks and Recreation, $82,323; funding to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GSS) Ross Systems, Inc., financial system software maintenance, 06/30/99-06/29/00, $55,952 (GSS) Airtouch Paging, pager rental & service, 06/04/99-05/01/02, estimated $75,000 (GSS) Genuine Parts Company, truck accessories to be used by departments operating City vehicles, 06/04/99-06/30/00, estimated $50,000 (GSS) Duval Ford, one 1999 Ford Taurus sedan (replacement) to be used by Solid Waste/Recycling, $15,633; funding to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GSS) Vulcan Chemical Technical, Inc., hydrogen peroxide & odor control service at various waste water pump stations throughout City, 06/16/99-06/15/04, estimated $1,070,000 (PW) - Pulled In response to a question regarding bus service, Parks & Recreation Director Art Kader said the buses will transport summer youth program participants on area field trips. The Pinellas County School Board previously provided this service. Grants and fees cover related costs. In response to a question regarding fireworks, Mr. Kader said the City has budgeted $30,000 for 4th of July fireworks. The proposed $60,000 budget for Millennium celebration fireworks, to be funded in FY (fiscal year) 1999/00, is planned for the beach and another location. The City Manager recommended securing a vendor due to the popularity of celebrations that evening. A committee is coordinating Millennium events. Reducing the fireworks display is being considered. It was questioned if the City has planned a "First Night" celebration. Mr. Kader said planned events include swing bands and dancing. No bands have been contracted. In response to a question regarding truck accessories, Purchasing Manager George McKibben said the truck boxes will replace rusted ones. In response to a question regarding the Ross software, the City Manager said the financial system is Y2K compliant. A future presentation will outline City technology needs and recommend a financial system. In response to a question, General Services Administrator Bill Horne said Ross will repair a recently discovered flaw. In reference to the purchase of vehicles, the City Manager said staff is working to educate Clearwater vendors regarding the bid process. ED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Assign right to exercise option to purchase parcels A & B of Dimmitt property to the CRA On December 10, 1998, the City Commission approved the purchase of real property, known as the Dimmitt Property, for the Town Pond Regional Retention Project. Additionally, the City Commission approved the option to purchase Dimmitt Property parcels A & B, which front Cleveland Street. The City was not charged for the first 180-day option. An additional six months will cost $50,000 to option. This agreement allows the City to assign the option to the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), which has $50,000 available to exercise the second option. Assignment of the option will provide the CRA Executive Director the ability to market this site for redevelopment that is consistent with the City’s redevelopment plans. In response to a question, Assistant City Manager Bob Keller said if no activity has occurred by the end of the second 6-month option, he would conclude the market did not support a redevelopment effort on that site. In response to a question, the City Attorney said the contract allows the option to be assigned. PR PARKS AND RECREATION Contract for Clearwater East-West Recreation Trail - Del Oro Section to Purvis Curbs Corp., for $183,601.23 The Del Oro Park portion of the Clearwater East-West trail extends 3,400-feet through Del Oro Park from Bayshore Drive to McMullen-Booth Road. The trail complements existing park sidewalks and will permit bicyclists, inline skaters, and pedestrians to enjoy safely this park’s natural beauty. Upon completion of this section, the City will have a continuous 4-mile trail from Cooper’s Bayou to the Long Center. Primary contract elements include site work and construction of 3,500 feet of 10-foot wide curbed asphalt trail. Curbing the asphalt is necessary for structural stability though an area of wet soils and to reduce long term maintenance costs. Partial funding of $100,000 is provided from a FRDAP (Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program) grant. City staff will provide additional amenities such as park benches, bicycle racks, and drinking fountains. In response to a question, Mr. Kader indicated the Parks & Recreation Department has budgeted for project expenses beyond the $100,000 grant. SW SOLID WASTE Interlocal Agreement with Pinellas County for purpose of applying jointly to obtain State recycling grant funds from FDEP, from date of execution through 09/30/04 with option of an additional five year extension The State provides recycling grant funds to promote and operate recycling programs and to acquire capital equipment for recycling. An Interlocal agreement to apply jointly with Pinellas County will allow Clearwater to obtain maximum funding without providing a match. Each year, the State distributes available funds from the Solid Waste Management Trust Fund. The State and Pinellas County distribute funds based on population. In 1989, the City entered into the first Interlocal agreement to apply jointly with Pinellas County a 5-year block of recycling grant funds. The program has been successful. This will be the third agreement. Since the program began, Clearwater has received $1,847,400 with which it purchased equipment, funded temporary staff, developed educational and promotional materials, made presentations to civic groups, held recycling fairs, conducted pilot programs, and implemented the Citywide Recycling Program approved in November 1993. Staff plans to continue funding promotional activities with the grant funds. In response to a question, Solid Waste Department Director Bob Brumback said the size of trust fund grants has decreased since the State legislature redirected some trust fund income to aquatic and stormwater control. PW PUBLIC WORKS Contract for construction of 2 parking lots and landscaping for Resource Center for Foundation Village and Police Substation to R. Cobb Construction, $52,765.24 Work in this contract includes site grading of approximately 0.54 acre, construction of 2 asphalt parking lots and concrete sidewalks, and installation of landscaping with an irrigation system. The project is funded by the City, Safe Neighborhood Grant, and CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds. In response to a request, staff will compare the funding levels by the three sources. Agreement with FDOT for to allow artwork to be placed on east side of US 19N overpass at Gulf to Bay (pilot project corridor) Revitalization of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard is one of the components in the “One City. One Future.” blueprint. This agreement is to allow the painting of artwork on the east side of the US 19N overpass at Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. The artwork will include a nautical color palette and graphically depict a wave pattern. FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) requires an Artwork in Public Facilities Agreement to allow the overpass structure within FDOT’s right-of-way to be painted. Funding for the artwork is available in the Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard (SR 60) corridor enhancement project. It is anticipated the artwork can be applied in the Fall. Public Works Administrator Rich Baier presented a rendering of artwork planned for the US 19N overpass. FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) limits its size and location. Staff wants to obtain the permits now. After bids are received, staff will bring forward the entire project, which is estimated to cost less than $50,000. Funding has been budgeted in the Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard Pilot Corridor project. He estimated the painting will last 10 to 12 years. The City will be responsible for its maintenance. Permits will be valid for 5 years, with several 2-year renewal periods. Planned widening of US 19N will not affect the artwork. Status Report re Town Pond Mr. Baier said the City has spent less than $25,000 to this point. CDM (Camp, Dresser & McKee) began the Phase 1 contamination assessment in December 1998. So far, no significant impacts requiring clean-up have been discovered. Contamination, which may be discovered during the excavation process, will require disposal. Staff is working with SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) to create the regional retention Town Pond bordered by Pierce, Park, Prospect, and Ewing in downtown. Issues of concern are contamination and acquisition. The City is scheduled to close on several parcels this summer. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the cost of any necessary remediation will cost far less than work done on the IMR site. In response to a question, the City Manager said staff intends to create a City park around the site. A footprint has not been designed. Only preliminary modeling information is available. The capital portion of the project is funded. Consensus was to direct staff to move forward with the project. Approve Pier 60 Lot PLUS and Pelican Walk options as preferred sites for development of two Parking Garages at the beach and authorize Public Works Administration to move forward with more detailed engineering (PD&E) work and financial analysis The “One City. One Future.” plan for beach redevelopment includes added off-street parking. Review of a previous beach parking feasibility study indicated a parking dficit of 300 to 400 spaces during certain times of the year. The City’s planning consultant has identified 9 sites for a parking garage(s): 1) Rockaway Lot; 2) Pelican Walk: 3) Hilton (north); 4) Hilton (south); 5) Marina; 6) Pier 60 lot; 7) Pier 60 lot PLUS; 8) Coronado et al; and 9) South Beach Inlet. Sites were evaluated based on land costs, proximity to Gulfview parking, east-west proximity to the beach, redevelopment opportunities, and additional parking. The Pier 60 lot PLUS location was found to be most favorable. The Pelican Walk site will meet parking needs for long-range transportation and business redevelopment issues associated with Mandalay Avenue. Parking garage sites were discussed at several public input meetings. As staff moves forward, all public input will be considered. In compliance with City purchasing requirements, staff will expedite the selection of a parking/engineering consultant to assist in the next phase of a more detailed financial feasibility, pro-forma, and review of traffic operational and engineering design issues. Charles Siemon, of Siemon & Larsen, said the Pelican Walk garage would be constructed east of the retail complex. The City hopes to include the Eckerd Drug Store and City parking lot in the project and provide garage access off Mandalay. He said the nearby Cheezum development is expected to increase demand by 125 parking spaces. This garage is supported by nearby retailers and can reduce parking on Mandalay. He recommended the City discuss the Pelican Walk garage with interested parties such as Pelican Walk retailers, the Clearwater Beach Hotel, etc., and move forward with the garage in conjunction with the Cheezum project. Mr. Siemon presented artistic renderings of a parking garage at the Pier 60+ site, including a stepped back design with a low maintenance façade that has wavy lines and a community tile wall. A drop off and pick up area will be away from the garage entrance. The structure's first tier could house civic uses such as a visitors' center or aquarium exhibit. Due to charter restrictions on the site, private activity is limited to the Days Inn footprint. Commercial development on the land currently owned by the City would require referendum approval. A time-share hotel could operate in the rear. The higher tiers will provide residents an opportunity to view sunsets from an elevated platform In response to a question, Mr. Sieman stated the rating for the Pelican Walk site increased significantly following Cheezum's development proposal. In response to a question, he said a meeting is planned to discuss robotic parking. He said a hotel's placement in the design of the Pier 60+ facility has not been determined. In response to a question, the City Manager felt the City can reach a purchase agreement with the owner of the Days Inn. While a location on Coronado was preferred, the Pier 60+ location meets the most criteria: 1) land cost; 2) additional parking; 3) lost development opportunity; 4) beach pedestrian access; and 5) removal of beach spaces. A Coronado location would require negotiating with many property owners. The City Manager said the facility will be attractive. Traffic distribution remains under study. Concern was expressed the movement of south beach resident vehicular traffic not be compromised. In response to a question, Mr. Siemon said the Cheezum project currently plans 16,000 square feet of retail space. He said the parking structure could include a commercial element. In response to a suggestion for a rooftop restaurant, the City Manager said that type of development would require referendum approval. Mr. Siemon recommended the garage be constructed with sufficient support to add floors when parking needs increase. He said private developers could participate in the structure's financing. It was suggested plans for Pier 60+ also include a first floor retail component to present to the voters in referendum. In response to a question, Mr. Siemon said all parking south of Pier 60 along the Gulf could be removed eventually. He reviewed possible traffic distribution alternatives for south beach, noting the choices are difficult. In response to a question, he said the economic analysis used regarding the Pier 60+ garage is conservative and includes an aesthetic component. PLD PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Construction of Lake Belleview Outfall Drainage Pipe Project and dedication of easement in lieu of Development Impact Fees, reimbursing Barrow Health Clearwater for $50,500 and Bob Hatfield for $5,582.68 for fees already paid, for Parcel 6-8 of Sunshine Mall Redevelopment, subject to dedication of easement & construction of pipe project Ordinance #1452 requires a development impact fee for all new buildings and structures. Funds are deposited in an account for construction of roads, public transit facilities, and storm drainage. Developers of the Sunshine Mall property have received all necessary site plan, and plan approvals. Permits have been approved and the property has been cleared for development. On Parcels 6, 7, and 8, 644 residential multiple family units, including 240 elderly units, will be constructed. On the remainder of the property, 206,127 square-feet of commercial space will be constructed along Missouri Avenue. The developer’s engineer has obtained from the site work contractor a $170,070 estimate to replace the Lake Belleview outfall storm sewer which runs through the project. Staff has verified the submitted costs are reasonable. The existing corrugated metal storm sewer pipe needs upgrading. The developer will construct this storm drainage project and requests the Commission to accept this work with easement as required by Public Works in lieu of development impact fees for this site and to reimburse the impact fees already paid. The total development impact fee for parcels 6, 7, and 8, is $162,00. Credits to be applied are: $170,070 (outfall drainage pipe relocation) + $45,917.32 (credit for previous buildings on site) = $215,987.32. The remaining credit of $53,987.32 can be applied to development impact fees for future development of outparcels. This approval provides an incentive to attract housing close to downtown. As the site is in an enterprise zone and Brownsfield Area, the City can provide incentives and credits. In response to a question, the City Manager said the number of elderly units has been reduced. Deputy City Manager Rick Hedrick said allowing the pipe project in lieu of impact fees is the only concession offered by the City to this substantial mixed-use development. The development did not receive tax credits for affordable housing and will construct market rate housing. The County provided funding for the assisted living component. The number of commercial properties planned along Missouri Avenue has been reduced. Concern was expressed the entire length of pipe should be replaced if the project is to be beneficial. Mr. Baier said the City's pipe is made of different material and is in better condition than the pipes on the subject site. The City will upgrade its pipes in the future. Second Reading Ordinances Ord. #6404-99 - Land Use Plan Amendment to Preservation for property located at 950 Old Coachman Rd., Sec. 7-29-16, M&B 42.01 (Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, LUP99-01, Z99-01) AND Ord. #6405-99 - "P" Zoning for property located at 950 Old Coachman Rd., Sec. 7-29-16, M&B 42.01 (Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, LUP99-01, Z99-01) The City Attorney stated these items will be pulled as the state must review before adoption. OTHER CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS Discussion - Title Loan Industry Regulation In her May 24, 1999, letter, Pinellas County Attorney Susan H. Churuti stated Pinellas County Commissioner Chair Sallie Parks had indicated there is little interest in adopting a countywide ordinance as Pinellas County, specifically the Pinellas County Consumer Protection Department, has received few complaints regarding the title loan industry. The City Attorney said ordinances limiting interest rates in Duval and Dade counties are under litigation. State statute allows the City to control usury interest rates. Other ordinances have limited interest to 2.5% interest per month, or 30% annually. Concern was expressed the title loan industry harms less fortunate residents. The City Attorney said the typical first month's loan of 22% is rolled over, resulting in usurious compounding. She said challenges to related ordinances have focused on provisions that increase the cost of doing business. In response to a question, the City Attorney will see if patrons are refunded the difference if their vehicles are sold at auction for amounts greater than owed. It was noted few of those victimized by title loan operations know to file complaints with the County. Support for an ordinance to limit these actions was expressed. The majority directed staff to move forward with researching this issue to bring back this summer. City Manager Verbal Reports The City Manager announced Bill Horne has been promoted to Assistant City Manager for internal operations effective June 21, 1999. Chief of Staff Keith Ashby will take over General Services. In response to a question, the City Manager said the organization has been revised but no new position has been created. The Chief of Staff position will not be filled. Commission Discussion Items Set date to review City Commission policies & procedures City Commission policies and procedures will be reviewed during the August 2, 1999, Work Session. Other Commission Action Commissioner Hooper thanked staff for the successful variety of events presented during the entire Memorial Day Weekend at Coachman Park. Commissioner Johnson welcomed the recent $500,000 grant from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Commissioner Johnson recommended support for funding the I-275 corridor, which is important to the City's future. Commissioner Hart complimented the holiday weekend activities at Coachman Park. He said the City is going in the right direction as evidenced by Clearwater beach's #1 designation. Mayor Angst enjoyed the weekend activities and supported I-275 corridor improvements. The meeting adjourned at 12:49 p.m.