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10/04/1999CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER October 4, 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 Bill Horne Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Patricia Sullivan Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall. Service Awards Von Watson, Public Works Department, was presented the September 1999 Employee of the Month award. The Commission recessed from 9:02 to 9:06 a.m. to meet as the Pension Trustees. PRESENTATIONS Y2K progress Information Resource Analyst Pat Warren reviewed remediation and contingency plans to resolve Y2K compliance issues. Staff continues to work with City vendors, meets monthly with department, and provides monthly updates to the City Commission. Necessary upgrades are on schedule to be completed by October 31, 1999. Residents have been contacted regarding this issue via Clearwater Magazine, Public Service Announcements on C-View, and homeowner associations. A panel discussion on C-View is planned. The City has spent $2-million on necessary upgrades, not counting staff time. Contingency plans for New Years Eve include expanded rosters for police and fire personnel. The Water Department will be on call. The Gas Department will operate manually with limited staff on site and others on call. Water Pollution Control plants will be staffed. Solid Waste will have 2 staff members on call after hours. Traffic lights will have generator backup and staffing at key intersections. Information technicians will be on call and report to work on January 2, 2000, to test key systems. It is recommended all departments test equipment over the weekend to allow time for necessary corrections before Monday office hours. In response to questions, staff reviewed software maintenance guarantees and new hardware requirements. The City Manager said during the past year, requests to cover Y2K compliance issues have been presented to the City Commission in incremental amounts. Assistant City Manager Bill Horne said the City has budgeted for these costs during the past 2 years. It was noted costs now exceed original estimates. In response to a question, the City Manager said staff is considering a new financial system due to difficulties related to the Ross Financial System. In response to a question, Information Technology Assistant Director Patrick Cook said new computers are equipped with Pentium 2 processors and 64 mg of RAM. Staff was congratulated for their progress in repairing Y2K compliance issues. In response to a question, Mr. Horne said after meeting challenges related to Y2K, the City will need to increase investment in the GIS (Geographic Information System) and consider a replacement for the Tidemark system which has not met expectations. A Technology Day is planned to review needs and options. The Commission will be advised in November if any Y2K related problems have not been addressed. The City Manager said staff has taken every protection necessary. Manual backups are available if glitches occur. PUR PURCHASING Sunshine State One Call of Florida, utility line marking throughout gas system area of operation, 08/10/99-08/31/00, estimated $41,000 (GAS) Ferrellgas, propane for resale throughout gas system area of operation, 11/01/99-10/31/00, estimated $100,000 (GAS) Texaco Natural Gas Liquids, propane for resale throughout gas system area of operation, 11/01/99-10/31/00, estimated $150,000 (GAS) Smith Fence Company, materials & installation for various fencing projects throughout City, 11/01/99-10/31/00, estimated $100,000 (QOL) Florida Crushed Stone Company, #57 aggregate for use throughout City, 10/08/99-09/30/02, estimated $33,600 (PW) Compaq Computer Corp., annual maintenance of 3 alphaservers used by IS, 10/01/99-09/30/00, estimated $31,544.14 (IT) Oracle Corp., database licenses & support of software used by IS, 10/01/99-09/30/00, estimated $40,000 (IT) Xerox Corp., five 5 year leases of digital printer / copy machines to be used by various departments, 10/11/99-10/31/04, estimated $115,000 (IT) Postmaster, Clearwater, postage used by all departments, 10/08/99-09/30/00, estimated $125,000 (IT) Voyager Fleet Systems, vehicle fuel used by all departments, 12/01/99-11/30/00, estimated $400,000 (GSS) Peterbilt of Central Florida, four 2000 Peterbilt solid waste side loader garbage trucks with Rapid Rail bodies, $506,136; Declare surplus to City needs four 1991 Crane Carrier Corporation Automated Side Loaders and authorize disposal through trade-in; financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GSS) S & M Truck World, truck accessories used by all departments using vehicles, 10/08/99-10/31/00, estimated $50,000 (GSS) In response to a question regarding separate purchases of propane for resale, Purchasing Manager George McKibben said staff uses both sources when shopping the spot market and cannot predict how much will be ordered from either distributor. In response to a question regarding the purchase of truck accessories, Mr. McKibben said truck boxes will fit on the body of City trucks. In response to a question regarding the purchase of garbage trucks, Mr. McKibben said the vendor is providing a good price for the City’s trade-in. In response to a question, he said Peterbilt had lost New York City as a major client and increased their unit prices significantly. Garbage truck use averages 9 to 10 years. In response to a question regarding the purchase of postage from the Postmaster, Mr. McKibben said approval allows purchases of postage in excess of $25,000 annually. No actual contract exists. Staff was requested to list information regarding bid numbers and dates. Unless indicated, bids represent low bids. Bid numbers reoccur when contracts rollover. ED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Accept petition from JMC for Acquisition and Land Assembly The City Commission adopted Ordinance 6410-99 to facilitate redevelopment and declared a portion of Clearwater beach as needing revitalization. Mandalay Beach Club, Ltd., a Florida limited partnership, has filed a petition for land assembly/redevelopment assistance for the area bounded by San Marco, Mandalay Avenue, Papaya, and the Gulf of Mexico. The developer controls 73% of the candidate redevelopment area and has made bona fide offers to purchase all parcels within the boundaries. The requested assistance is for: Phase 1) City would participate in the cost of revitalization/redevelopment and provide other assistance. City participation costs would be paid back in 12 annual payments, the first 2 equal to 5% each of the City’s investment and the remainder equal to 9% each, less the amount of real estate taxes paid by the project each year to the City and Phase 2) City could be requested to assemble parcels, perhaps through eminent domain proceedings, and convey the parcels to the developer. The City and developer would negotiate the amount to be paid by each party with the amount paid by the City to be paid back in the same fashion as Phase 1. The project will have at least 150 dwelling units in 2 residential buildings with heights not to exceed 150 feet. A potential for retail and restaurant uses on Mandalay Avenue exists. Charles Siemon, of Siemon and Larsen, reviewed the proposal by developer JMC Communities of Clearwater III, Inc. The petition’s key element is a request for City assistance in assembling 3 parcels that front Mandalay Avenue to complete the land assembly necessary for redevelopment. While this project proposes redevelopment of the entire parcel, other developers only expressed interest in building on the beach. The developer needs this $50- to $60-million project to extend all the way to Mandalay Avenue to avoid the adverse affects of current uses on Mandalay. He said renovation of this parcel is in the public interest. This petition for assistance requests City participation in the redevelopment of parcel properties fronting Mandalay Avenue. Phases of assistance include City participation in voluntary acquisition strategies. Favorable results could include property owner agreements to redevelop their properties. If such efforts are unsuccessful, the developer will seek eminent domain. Mr. Siemon said granting the petition makes the threat of eminent domain real and apparent. The developer will provide beach access in perpetuity off the ends of Papaya and San Marco. The development agreement also contemplates certain streetscaping improvements to Papaya, San Marco, and North Mandalay, which are consistent with the preliminary design of the City's strategic development plan. According to the reimbursement agreement, anticipated acquisition costs likely will exceed the fair market value. At some point, it is not economically feasible for a developer to pay premiums associated with acquisition. It is common for cities to participate. If Phase I is approved, the developer and City will contribute equal amounts. The City’s contribution will be repaid from the tax increment increase due to the development. The developer is requesting a portion of added tax revenues be dedicated to improvement of the property. The developer will guarantee tax revenues will be at least sufficient to retire the dedicated tax increments. If taxes are insufficient to amortize City costs the first year, the developer will make up the shortfall. The City Attorney said acquisition costs would not be split evenly. Mr. Siemon reviewed reasons that support City participation, including the need for a catalyst to attract other projects. It was recommended a public discussion stage be scheduled. The City Attorney said development agreements could take 6 weeks to approve. The project will consist of 157 units. Code allows 30 units per acre. In response to a question, Mr. Siemon said the new code permits building heights up to 150 feet with transfer of development rights. This project proposes to transfer development rights for 8 units. The developer has requested completion of San Marco and Papaya streetscaping by January 1, 2002, and North Mandalay streetscaping by January 1, 2004, to include sidewalks on the west side at least 10 feet wide. It was suggested the petition allow flexibility regarding these deadlines. Mr. Siemon suggested the completion date be based on financial capacity. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the City has budgeted $5.5-million in Penny for Pinellas funds over 4 years for beach streetscaping. A separate $2.8-million project is budgeted to improve the entryway, Mandalay Avenue, and S. Gulfview. Mr. Siemon said delaying the requested streetscaping projects would negatively affect further redevelopment efforts. He said construction of the Pelican Walk parking garage depends on linkage to a commercial development. In response to a question, the City Attorney said the computation of impact fees was based on development of the Sunshine Mall site. In response to a question, she predicted the development agreement and vacation of the Gulfview right-of-way will move toward approval on parallel tracks. Concern was expressed a date certain had not been established. In response to a question, the City Attorney said the small lots would be combined into one plotted piece. The outer boundaries of the property will not change nor move onto the beach. The agreement specifies what actions the developer can take. The public will retain its rights to beach access. Opposition to eminent domain was stated. In response to a question, Mr. Siemon said City participation is not limited. Phase I will work toward voluntary agreements with subject property owners. The petition also contemplates developer participation in the process. In response to a question, he said the price of subject parcels would be based on an estimation of an eminent domain jury’s award. Initiation of Phase II requires Commission approval. The City Attorney said staff will present requests for any City contribution to this project for Commission approval. Approval of this petition will not commit City dollars. In response to a question, Mr. Siemon said the developer owns all frontages to the requested vacation of Gulfview. He said the eminent domain process is rarely used. Support was expressed for a voluntary process. Concern was expressed regarding difficulties small business owners may face. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the City had estimated Mandalay Avenue improvements will cost $3.5-million while side street improvements should cost less than $1-million. In response to a question, the City Manager said feedback from beach businesses and residents indicated a preference for 2 alternatives, each with 4 lanes, regarding Mandalay Avenue improvements. Both meet the developer’s request for a landscaped median and 10-foot wide sidewalk on the west side. It was felt public input is needed before a final decision is made. It was stated the project will be a great addition to the beach. Concern was expressed the City retain flexibility regarding parking on north beach and not be obligated to construct a parking garage. The Commission recessed from 10:55 to 11:14 a.m. FD FIRE (Cont’d from 09/16/99) Agreement with Pinellas County Fire Protection Authority to provide fire services The current agreement with Pinellas County Fire Protection Authority expired September 30, 1999. The Pinellas County Fire Authority has proposed a 10-year agreement with the City to provide fire protection services to unincorporated areas within Clearwater’s Fire District. The Pinellas County Fire Chiefs’ Association and County Fire Authority worked to develop an agreement similar in format to the County EMS agreement. Financial consideration will continue to be based on the annual property valuation of unincorporated versus incorporated property within Clearwater’s designated Fire District. For FY (fiscal year) 1998/99, the City received $1,432,870 from the Pinellas County Fire Protection Authority. Fire Chief Rowland Herald reviewed progress in negotiations with the County regarding this 10-year agreement. The City will retain control of its training program, its fire budget, and decisions related to the placement of fire stations. The County can review the City’s fire budget and make recommendations. Staff was complimented for due diligence in negotiating this contract. PD POLICE Agreement with Pinellas County School Systems / Clearwater Adult Education Center to provide educational services, estimated $67,000 In 1997, Clearwater selected the CTAE (Career, Technical and Adult Education) division of the Pinellas County School System/ Clearwater Adult Education Center to provide residents with educational services for the Weed and Seed program. Services include basic education, GED preparation, career counseling, instruction in obtaining and retaining a job, and computer skills training. CTAE also provides an educational coordinator to serve as the center’s administrative manager and as a back-up instructor. CTAE also will administer an extended summer program to keep community children off the streets and out of trouble while regular school is out of session. CTAE’s participation has been critical to the program’s success. The City is entering its 4th year of Weed and Seed funding. As it would be difficult to maintain program continuity if these services are re-bid, staff feels it is impractical to bid on the educational services required for the Weed and Seed Job Skills Center and Computer Learning Lab. CTAE will be paid $67,000, which includes payment for provision of all educational services, a summer day program, and an educational coordinator to supervise administration of the Center from October 1, 1999 to September 30,2000. In response to a question, Police Chief Sid Klein said this is the last year of the grant. He planned to ask the City to fund this program in the future but is exploring alternative funding. PR PARKS AND RECREATION Confirm co-sponsorship & waiver of City fees for special events including Jazz Holiday, Fun N' Sun, Fourth of July, Holiday Sights and Sounds and Parade, Turkey Trot, North Greenwood Street Festival, Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, Memorial Day, Clearwater Pass Bridge Run, Saturday in the City, and Military Appreciation Day, estimated $285,690 ($84,720 cash contributions and $200,970 in-kind contributions) City Commission policy regarding special events indicates all fees and related charges will be waived for City-sponsored or co-sponsored events: i.e., Fun ‘n sun, Jazz Holiday, 4th of July, Turkey Trot, and Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. Events are to be reviewed annually during the budget process. Should additional money be requested beyond the “cash” contributions approved in the budget, City Commission approval will be requested. “In-kind” contributions are estimated as specific costs are not known until after events occur. The total cash contribution of $84,720 has been budgeted under “non-departmental expenses” and remains at the same funding level as last year. In-Kind contributions include the cost of Police Officers, park employees, electricians, etc., provided by City departments to service the events. In response to a question, the City Manager said the Uno festival was well attended by a cross section of people. He recommended continuing the festival. Staff will report on funding for Saturday in the City. In response to a question, he said next year, the Clearwater Pass bridge run will be part of Jazz Holiday. In response to a question, Parks & Recreation Assistant Director Art Kader said the Millennium celebration will be a one-time, Countywide event. Staff is working on First Night opportunities for the future and looking for co-sponsors to make the event self-supporting Approve RFP Review Committee ranking for Holt Avenue Youth Center and grant proposals: 1) African American Leadership Council, Inc., 2) Suncoast Family YMCA; authorize staff to negotiate agreement with #1 The current lease for the Holt Avenue Youth Center expired August 31, 1999. In keeping with City policy to pursue RFPs when non-renewable leases are expiring, a RFP (Request for Proposals) was issued on June 30, 1999. Of 3 responding agencies, one was eliminated due to insufficient information. While Ervin’s All-American Youth Club has been operating the Center, the Club did not respond to the RFP and plans to relocate. The Club remains at the Holt Center on a month-to-month basis until a new agreement is negotiated. On August 18, 1999, the RFP committee reviewed the qualified proposals and heard oral presentations. While both organizations offered excellent programs and services for the community, the Committee ranked AALC (African American Leadership Council) first and Suncoast Family YMCA second. AALC provided a definite plan with measurable impacts that address existing community needs, a history of community partnerships, and existing community programs. The AALC and Family Center provide core services such as juvenile delinquency and substance abuse prevention, early intervention, maternal and child health, intergenerational activities, and neighborhood/community development issues as they relate to North Greenwood community residents. A $96,564 operation grant was requested. A portion of the grant will be used to contract youth development and family support services from the Greenwood Panthers Organization. In response to a question, Mr. Kader said AALC provides social services to the North Greenwood community and offers classes and mentoring for youth. The organization is linked to 13 other agencies. The grant will be divided among 4 separate groups. While AALC will retain 20%, the remainder will be distributed to co-partners, including the Greenwood Panthers. The agreement is for one year. A 6-month assessment will consider an extension. The City has contacted JWB (Juvenile Welfare Board) regarding record keeping issues and ways to define success for future years. Approve reimbursing Philadelphia Phillies $50,000 for needed repairs & improvements at Jack Russell Stadium The Philadelphia Phillies need additional office space before Spring Training begins. To meet that deadline, project work must start now. Completed plans are ready for bid. The additional offices will abut existing ones under the stadium. Water now leaks through the walls and ceilings of stadium offices and in the area of planned construction. As structural issues must be addressed in connection with these improvements, the Phillies have requested assistance. The current agreement between the City and Phillies requires the City to keep the stadium, field house, all buildings, fences, structures, and improvements in good order and condition and to perform all necessary maintenance, repair, and restoration, both ordinary and extraordinary, structural and nonstructural. The City’s FY (fiscal year) 1999/2000 budget includes $50,000 for infrastructure repairs at the stadium or Carpenter Complex. The City planned to conduct structural inspections and develop a master plan and budget for future stadium repairs. That proposal can be budgeted in the future. Due to the leaks, staff recommends assisting the Phillies, improving offices, providing waterproofing, and correcting a structural problem. As project manager, the Phillies will be responsible for the project’s design, bidding, construction, inspections, and financing. The project is estimated to cost $100,000 with the City contributing $50,000. The Phillies will front the funds and pay any amount greater than $50,000. In response to a question, Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said this is a CIP-funded project. The City is reviewing other locations for the stadium. Concern was expressed a long-term plan is needed regarding Jack Russell Stadium. The City Manager said leaks into stadium offices need to be repaired. PW PUBLIC WORKS Drew Street Update Mr. Baier said 2 public meetings were held regarding the State Road project to widen Drew Street. Most attendees supported stopping the project at Duncan Street. One community has requested the 45-mph speed limit be reexamined and lowered to 35-mph west of NE Coachman. FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) recently raised the speed limits. Another community requested future dialog regarding 3-laning the road west of Duncan. A third small group has requested consideration of one-way pairs. The Work Order has been truncated to end construction at Duncan. Staff is working with FDOT regarding the speed limit and drainage issues west of Duncan. Staff feels the City can solve the drainage issues and will do an in-house study on the speed limit. Staff also is working with the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) regarding this project. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said he did not support 3-laning the road as it carries more than 20,000 vehicles daily. One-way pairs would be an expensive alternative and would result in increased speeds. In response to a question, the City Manager said FDOT opposes 3-laning roads through residential areas as infrequent use of the center lane for turns results in its use for travel. Mr. Baier said use of Drew Street will not change after construction of the new Memorial Causeway Bridge as the arterial road is used primarily by destination shoppers. It was recommended the City consider the ability to alter traffic lanes based on rush hour needs. Contract for Lake Chautauqua Boardwalk and Dock to Bayshore Construction, Inc., for $85,736.20, including 10% allowance for contingencies Lake Chautauqua Park, south of Enterprise Road on Landmark Drive, opened to the public on March 3, 1999. The passive park features recreational and nature trails, picnicking, parking, and other amenities. A $50,000 National Recreation Trails Funding Program grant was awarded to partially fund construction of the recreational trail, boardwalk, and dock. The remainder of costs are included in the Lake Chautauqua Park CIP funded by the General Fund and Penny for Pinellas dollars. This contract is for construction of a 325-foot long, 10-foot wide pier, extending 240 feet into the lake where a 600 square foot “T” shaped viewing/fishing area is planned. The pier will be ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant and allow visitors to view with safety the lake, surrounding environments, and fish. It was questioned if this project is necessary. Mr. Baier said this project is part of the original master plan. The only access to the lake currently is through a marsh. Mr. Kader said the State owns the lake. Concern was expressed this bid is significantly lower than others received. Mr. Kader said staff was impressed with work the firm had performed in Sarasota. The firm wishes to expand into this area, is aware of project requirements, and has the capability to deliver as promised. Approve final plat for Cleveland Plaza Commercial Corner, located at 1 S. Missouri Avenue (Eckerd Drug Store) The applicant has constructed an Eckerd Drug Store at this location which is zoned D (Downtown). The business currently operates a store within the Cleveland Plaza Shopping Center. The DRB (Development Review Board) has approved this development. It was stated tenants had complained regarding a decrease in the number of parking spaces in the shopping center. Information on this issue was requested. Res. #99-43 - authorizing establishment of regional stormwater treatment facility and service district within downtown Clearwater, for treatment and attenuation of stormwater and compliance with State and Local Environmental Regulations, to be managed by the Engineering Department In December 1998, the City Commission approved development of the Town Pond project. The new Community Development Code allows water quality treatment requirements for site development to be waived if the entire property is within a Commission-approved, designated regional retention district. This resolution creates a 220-acre, regional stormwater treatment facility and service district bounded approximately by Drew Street, Ft. Harrison Avenue, Court Street, and Missouri Avenue. The project can serve as the regional, water quality treatment facility for all nearby development should developers take advantage of the facility. This resolution also establishes a fee schedule with waiver options for developer participation. Participation will be optional. Non-participating developments are required to comply fully with all local and State environmental regulations. PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) has requested use of this facility when developing their site at the corner of Ft. Harrison Avenue and Park Street. The regional retention district must be established before staff can consider this request. Engineering Assistant Director/PD&E Tom Miller said the project is being designed. Its purpose is to protect Clearwater Harbor. Staff is negotiating terms for purchase of the last property. He reviewed steps being taken to collect data, review water quality, and draft a funding agreement. The City anticipates receiving a significant State contribution early next year. District boundaries are based on its drainage basin. Clearwater will act as permit applicant. SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) will identify requirements and act as developer. The resolution will establish a district fee schedule and incentives. Participation by developers will represent a savings of 25% as no onsite treatment or maintenance will be necessary. If 40% of development within the area that can be developed participate, the City will receive a $1-million return. The project was complimented as it will provide an economic incentive for relocation into the area and environmental improvements. Staff was thanked for their work. In response to a question, Mr. Miller reviewed methods to be used to treat stormwater. In response to a question, he said the remainder of the basin has sidewalks, roads, and publicly owned areas not available for development. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the district is based on the area’s natural topography and watershed. PLD PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Enclave Annexation Program In his September 13, 1999, memorandum, Planning & Development Services Administrator John Asmar reviewed a Special Act approved during the 1998 legislative session that addresses some local enclave issues. The Act allows involuntary annexations in Pinellas County between July 1, 1999, and June 30, 2001. Affected enclaves must have existed before July 1, 1999, be smaller than one acre, and be surrounded by one municipality. Staff has identified 146 enclaves that meet the Act’s requirements. While most are single family parcels, 17 enclaves have nonresidential uses and one has a duplex. Municipal obligations in the Act: 1) City has a defined planning area in accordance with Florida statutes; 2) City can provide urban services to enclaves in a timely manner; and 3) City pays construction costs related to utility extensions. The City meets requirement #1 through a 1992 interlocal agreement with Pinellas County. Regarding #2, either the City or County already provides potable water service to each enclave. While sewer service to 52 enclaves is lacking, staff indicates they can be served in a timely manner. Regarding #3, the Legal Department has determined construction costs must include the sewer impact fee for all structures. The Public Works Department estimated impact fees at $900 per single family home. Extending sewer service to the 146 enclaves is estimated to cost between $950,000 and $1.1-million. Service contracts to design the extensions and manage the annexation process are estimated to cost $253,822 for engineering and $58,796 for planning. Total costs to extend utilities to the subject enclaves are estimated to cost between $1,265,000 and $1.4-million. A fiscal analysis comparing financial benefits with associated costs estimate new sources of annual revenues: 1)$54,520 – new ad valorem taxes; 2) $22,444 – franchise fees; and 3) $44,540 – new utility fees. If all 146 enclaves are annexed, related revenues are estimated at $121,504 annually. The City can recover the subject utility extension costs within 8 to 11 years. Staff feels this payback schedule is reasonable, noting intangible benefits include improved ability to consider the City’s entire planning area, improved groundwater quality due to elimination of septic tanks, increased neighborhood cohesiveness, and improved delivery of City services. Staff recommends initiating and pursuing the enclave annexation program immediately. AND Work Order to Wade-Trim for engineering & planning services for Enclave Annexation Program, $312,618 Staff recommends pursuing the involuntary annexation of approximately 146 enclaves pursuant to the Special Act approved by the Florida Legislature in 1998. Staff prepared a fiscal analysis comparing the estimated cost of utility extension with new revenues and determined annexation of the subject enclaves to be fiscally sound. Staff recommends hiring an engineering/planning firm to design the utility extensions, coordinate the scheduling of sewer utility extensions with specific annexation date(s), prepare an evaluation of the subject enclaves to insure compliance with the Special Act, and to develop an information program that provides process information, schedules, and benefits of annexation to the public. Due to the June 30, 2001 deadline and specialized nature of the project, staff recommends use of an outside firm. Staff evaluated five pre-qualified engineering firms of record and selected Wade-Trim as the most qualified. The selection of a single firm to provide both planning and engineering services is necessary due to the synergistic nature of the project and the importance of coordinating annexation dates with City-provided sewer improvements for subject property owners. Assistant Planning Director Cyndi Hardin reviewed the program and its requirements. She said the average value of enclave property within City limits is $54,000. Preliminary research indicates only 16 enclave properties have permits for septic tanks. She estimated the City will benefit from $58,000 annually in franchise and utility fees, totally $125,000 in new revenue. The City can expect a return on its investment within 8 to 11 years. The proposal will improve the quality of ground water by eliminating septic tanks. The City will benefit from improved neighborhood cohesiveness and the ability to provide municipal services more easily. Staff is requesting City Commission concurrence to proceed and approval of the Work Order with Wade-Trim. While staff is capable of handling the project in-house, it would not be the best use of staff time. The Wade-Trim contract includes a schedule of project phases. Plans are to divide the enclaves into 3 to 5 groups. Properties already served with water and sewer will be annexed first. The contract includes a public information program addressing program costs and benefits. Connecting the sewer to the house is estimated to cost between $1,000 and $1,500 and will not be funded by the City. Residents with low- to moderate-incomes can apply for funding. Ms. Hardin estimated taxes on the average property will increase by $170 annually after annexation. Engineering Assistant Director/Production Mike Quillen said the project’s time frame is tight as sewer service must be on its way to completion by June 30, 2001. Forty-five sites require sewer extensions. While most are less than a block, one is ¾ mile, and others may need lift stations. Permitting will be necessary. It is estimated engineering the project will take 5 months. Staff hopes to request bids by April 2000. In response to a question, Ms. Hardin said the cost of the Wade-Trim contract is part of the project’s overall cost. A map listing the subject properties was requested. CLK CITY CLERK It was requested board applications indicate if a Commissioner had recommended the individual for board positions. City Manager Verbal Reports The City Manager invited Commissioners to attend a planning meeting related to Cooper Point on October 8, 1999, at 9:00 a.m. The City Manager requested an executive session related to union contract negotiations be scheduled for October 17, 1999, at 9:00 a.m. Consensus was to so schedule. As part of the Millennium celebration, the City has allocated $300 for 3 students to participate in Tallahassee acting as Mayor and Commissioners, on May 4, 2000. Commission Discussion Items National League of Cities 11/30/99-12/4/99 - Voting Delegate Commissioners indicated no members will attend this year’s meeting in San Diego, California. Request for $25,000 contribution toward track improvements at Clearwater High School The City and Pinellas County School Board have shared facilities under a joint facility agreement for many years. Occasionally, the City and School Board will partner in sharing resources to construct capital improvement projects. Ed Wells is spearheading a community group which is soliciting funds from private and community groups to install a state of the art synthetic track surface at Clearwater High. The current tract was in a state of disrepair and needed to be replaced. The School Board has contributed approximately $170,000 to replace the track by repairing subsurface drainage issues, removing hazardous concrete walks and walls, and providing a porous asphalt surface that can be converted to the synthetic track surface. Of the approximate $270,000 cost of the synthetic track surface, $135,000 has been raised from the community. Fund raising efforts are underway to obtain the remainder. Mr. Wells has requested the city contribute $25,000. Several local groups and individuals use the track daily under the joint utilization agreement. The proposed surface will allow for AAU sponsored races, masters races, intramural races, and district and state high school meets. The professional surfing will attract prestigious races and provide a professional track for Clearwater citizens. It was suggested the City Commission budget could cover this request as no members plan to attend the National League of Cities conference in California. Other Commission Action Commissioner Johnson requested information on the charette organized by the Main Street organization to discuss bluff development. Commissioner Hooper referred to a memorandum from Commissioner Clark related to City charges for occupational licenses and requested the issue be scheduled for discussion. Commissioner Hooper wished Denise Wilson a happy birthday. Mayor Aungst thanked the City for sending flowers following the passing of his wife’s grandmother. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 12:57 p.m.