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07/17/2000CITY COMMISSION WORKSESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER July 17, 2000 Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Ed Hooper Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Ed Hart Commissioner Also present: Michael J. Roberto City Manager Bill Horne Assistant 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 9:00 a.m. at City Hall. Awards Five Service Awards were presented to City employees. The Commission recessed from 9:07 to 9:53 a.m. to meet as the Pension Trustees and in a closed bargaining session. PUR PURCHASING McClain Southland Inc., two 2000 Mack front loader garbage trucks, replacements, $286,636; financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS) Flash Equipment Inc., automotive lights & accessories, $50,000 (GS) Shamrock Building Services, Inc., custodial services, 8/1/00-7/31/01, 1st extension, estimated $124,176 (GS) Genuine Auto Parts, motor vehicle & equipment parts, 9/22/00-9/30/01, 3rd extension of 4 available, estimated $825,000 (GS) Hector Turf, two Toro Reelmaster 3-100-D triplex mowers, replacements, $39,000; financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS) Kaiser Pontiac-Buick GMC, Inc., one Step van, previously approved addition, $33,288; financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS) L & S Custom Coaches, one Mobile command vehicle, $189,985; financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (PD) Fisher Scientific, laboratory equipment, supplies & repair service, remaining portion of contract ending 3/31/02, estimated $70,000 (PW) Angelo's Recycled Materials, disposal of yard waste & construction materials, 7/21/00-9/3001, estimated $450,000 (SW) Architectural Fountains, Inc., cleaning service for Gateway to Beach Fountain, 8/1/00-7/31/01, estimated $118,324.80 (PR) Sun State International Trucks, two 2001 International 4800 4x4 Dump Trucks, replacements, $126,353.66; financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS) Vantage Equipment, one 2000 Elgin Street Sweeper, previously approved addition, $133,363; financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS) International Truck and Engine Co., five 2000 International 4700 Dump Trucks, replacements, $211,245; financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS) Diesel Energy Systems, generator maintenance & repair, 10/1/00-9/30/01, estimated $75,000 (GS) Declare fleet equipment surplus to City needs; authorize disposal through sale at Tampa Machinery Auction In response to a question regarding the mobile command vehicle, Police Chief Sid Klein said this item originally was budgeted 4 years ago. The custom shell is built on a 40-foot bus chassis. A grant of approximately $78,000 will be used for interior components. Future enhancements will include television equipment with a mast. The vehicle will serve as a mobile communication center and backup for department actions. He estimated future enhancements will increase the vehicle’s total cost to $700,000. Staff will apply for grants. Purchase agreements for most of the equipment will feature maintenance agreements. In response to a question regarding the contract to clean the roundabout fountain, Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said the contract includes $98,000 for maintenance, and a $20,000 contingency to address unforeseen problems. A report on the fountain’s annual operating costs was requested. In response to a question, Mr. Dunbar said staff is reviewing ways to maintain the fountain in-house. In response to a question regarding the purchase of a street sweeper, Road and Drainage Superintendent Muhammad Abdur-Rahim said this purchase will increase the City’s street sweeper fleet to four. Current street sweeping contracts will be canceled October 1, 2000. ED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Approve termination of existing lease agreement with Clearwater Beach Seafood, Inc. d/b/a Krazy Bill's re 37 Causeway Blvd.; approve lease agreement with Clearwater Beach Seafood, Inc. d/b/a Crabby Bill's Clearwater Beach Restaurant for term to 4/30/09 The City has a lease Agreement with Clearwater Beach Seafood, Inc. d/b/a Krazy Bill’s to operate the restaurant at 37 Causeway Boulevard. Matthew and John Loder have purchased all of Clearwater Beach Seafood, Inc.’s issued and outstanding stock and will rename the corporation, Clearwater Beach Seafood, Inc. d/b/a Crabby Bill’s Clearwater Beach Restaurant. Due to the ownership change, the principals wish to terminate the current lease with the City and execute a new lease to operate a full-service restaurant. On October 20, 1994, the City Commission had declared this property as surplus. The proposed lease will commence upon City Commission approval and terminate April 30, 2009. The Lessee has agreed to make all necessary structural improvements within one year of the agreement’s execution, not to exceed $100,000. The City will reimburse Lessee for authorized improvements on a pro-rata basis if the City terminates the lease during its first 4 years. Improvements, beyond the agreed-upon cost, must receive prior approval by the City. With approval of this Lease Agreement, the minimum income to the City will be $735,000 over the term of the lease. The Lessee will pay rent to the City: 1) $7,000 monthly – 1st year of lease and 2) $7,000 monthly plus CPI, during remaining years of the lease. The Lessee pays all taxes, utilities, insurance, refuse collection, and maintenance for the interior and exterior of the building. In response to a question, Assistant City Manager Bob Keller said the agreement involves a voluntary sale and termination of an existing agreement. The City is not required to accept bids. The original lease has 4 years remaining. The new lease requests a 5-year extension, for a total of 9 years. The City Attorney reviewed other options, such as terminating the lease by buying out the remaining time. Mr. Keller said the City’s market analysis indicated a fair rent is $7,000 monthly. It was recommended the City issue a RFP (Request for Proposals) to entertain other options. The City Attorney said the owner is not required to honor the outcome of a RFP. It was suggested a 9-year lease is too long as the property may be needed to improve the roundabout. Concern was expressed the new restaurant would cause congestion. The current owner was complimented for the success of the current restaurant. Support for the new restaurant’s management was expressed. It was stated the RFP process does not ensure the City would receive worthwhile bids. The City Manager said a traffic study would be valid only if the restaurant is razed and reconstructed. It was felt impacts of the agreement would be minimal. The leasehold improvements are welcome. In response to a question, Mr. Keller said the lease requires the owner to obtain City approval before making additional changes to prevent something untoward from occurring. GS GENERAL SUPPORT SERVICES Authorize increased funding of capital project "SPJC Field Site Development" by $100,000 ($50,000 for traffic studies & misc. project management expenses, and $50,000 for legal & consulting work); approve agreement with Holland & Knight for the legal & consulting work On June 2, 2000, legislation was approved to provide State funds to cities and counties wishing to renovate or construct spring training facilities to meet the needs of their respective teams and retain the spring training industry in Florida. The City wishes to replace the 45-year-old Jack Russell Stadium with a new spring training complex. The City intends to apply for the maximum award of $500,000 annually, for 30 years. To comply with legislative requirements, the assistance of a sports/legal consultant is necessary to complete the application and receive the highest possible ranking and award. The cost of the legal/consulting work is $50,000. Traffic studies, required for the area, are estimated to cost $25,000. Administrative expenses associated with project coordination are estimated to cost $15,000. To date, the Commission has approved a total of $97,997 for this project. This request will increase the project’s cost to $197,997. In response to a question, General Support Services Administrator Keith Ashby said the traffic study will consider all possible locations for a stadium on the site. It was stated the costs to the City to obtain this property are minor. Res. #00-29 - Demonstrating commitment by City to meet requirements of eligibility for such State revenues as provided in Florida Statute Ch. 212 (re constructing new community sports complex, which will have Phillies spring training) The 2000 session approved legislation allowing local governments, which host spring training, to apply for State assistance to construct or renovate spring training facilities. The 45-year-old Jack Russell Memorial Stadium does not meet modern baseball and community needs and lacks fan amenities. Safety issues will require expensive repairs in the near future. Due to the stadium’s condition, the City cannot maximize economic returns related to the Phillies presence in Clearwater. Each year, spring training baseball brings more than $490-million to Florida. Annually, the Phillies Florida operations spend $5-million, while tourists, who visit the area for spring training, spend approximately $21-million. The City intends to apply for the maximum funding of $500,000 annually for 30 years. The City is requesting Pinellas County to approve $7-million in tourist development dollars to support the cost of construction. In anticipation of receiving funds from the State and County, the City wishes to demonstrate its commitment to coordinating the final funding necessary to construct a new community sports complex. The City Manager said the City must petition the County to apply for State funds on behalf of the City. The County’s contribution would be from the Tourist Tax. Accept quit claim deed from St. Petersburg Junior College (SPJC), transferring ownership of real property known as SPJC Joe Di Maggio Sports Complex, 2465 Drew St., to City; approve lease agreement with SPJC for field house & tennis courts at same location for $1 per year SPJC (St. Petersburg Junior College) owns approximately 38 acres on the northwest corner of Old Coachman Road and Drew Street and wishes to transfer ownership of the property to the City. The value of the property is assessed at $3,675,500. In the 1950s and 1960s, prior to SPJC’s ownership, the property was operated as a landfill. Before transfer of ownership to the City, environmental due diligence testing will be performed on the site. The City Commission previously approved the $87,997 testing project. In conjunction with the environmental testing, the City and SPJC will enter into an agreement. If the City determines the estimated incremental cost to manage the contaminated media disclosed by the environmental testing exceeds $500,000, the City may terminate its agreement to accept ownership of the property. The lease agreement is for the City to operate the approximately 40,000 square-foot field house as a community recreation center for a 4-year term, October 1, 2000 to September 30, 2004. The proposed 2000/01 City budget includes $140,720 to operate the community center, supported by new revenues, and $163,330 from a reallocation of additional department resources. In response to a question, Mr. Ashby said SPJC also can walk away from the transaction. The site can be used for a stadium complex or recreation fields. SPJC President Karl Kuttler was thanked for helping the parties reach consensus. According to the agreement, SPJC will retain ownership of the field house and some land in the parking lot and will lease that property to the City for $1 a year. In response to a question, the City Attorney said if significant contamination is found, recourse might be possible against the County, which once operated the on-site landfill. The use of the site will determine remedies. MR MARINE Res. #00-28 - authorizing execution of Agreement with FDOT to perform a Declared Distance Analysis for Clearwater Airpark FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) has agreed to provide 80% reimbursable funding towards the cost of a Declared Distance Analysis by PBS&J to be included in the Master Plan. The City must pay for the $25,931 project up-front, and then be reimbursed by FDOT, up to a limit of 80%, approximately $20,744. The Declared Distance Analysis will help the Airpark meet policy goals, including aircraft safety, noise abatement for residential neighborhoods, increased regulatory compliance, and help with marketing the Airpark and its services. The total cost to the City will be $5,187. The Airport Authority Advisory Board has approved the project. Harbormaster Bill Morris said extensions originally were planned for safety overruns, not runway. Extending the runway 200 feet south and 800 feet north will permit pilots to use a flexible standard regarding the portion of the landing strip to use. An expansion to the south would permit departing aircraft to fly higher, and more quietly, above neighborhoods to the north. Airpark neighbors and the Airport Authority Advisory Board had brought forward the recommendation for this enhancement. The analysis will consider neighborhoods affected by both ends of the runway. The State will cover 80% of construction costs. The Declared Distance Analysis can be incorporated in the new Master Plan, but is not required. Legally, the runway will not be longer after the extension. QOL QUALITY OF LIFE Two Contracts with Calvary Baptist Church to exchange vacant 5-acre parcel on Drew Street at Hampton Road for Chesapeake Park On May 18, 2000, the City Commission approved the concept of a land swap with Calvary Baptist Church and agreed to submit a referendum question to the voters. On July 11, 2000, voters approved that referendum question, permitting the City to complete the real estate transactions. Under the terms of the contracts, Calvary Baptist will take possession of Chesapeake Park on October 1, 2000, contingent upon zoning approval to use the property as a church and educational facility. The City will become owner of the parcel on Drew Street at Hampton. The City will continue to use and maintain Chesapeake Park as a ballfield until at least March 1, 2001, with 45 days notice to vacate the premises when needed for construction of the church. Calvary Baptist Church will place into escrow with the City $330,000, which will be used to construct a replacement 300-foot softball field on the new property, and install the same amenities that are at Chesapeake Park. The City will pay approximately $7,500 in closing costs. In the future, $160,000 will be budgeted to construct an additional 200-foot softball field on the new property. Opposition to moving forward with the exchange was stated. The church remains interested in the swap. In response to a question, Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said construction of the new field is not urgent. Staff is working on a master plan of the area to connect the park with the elementary school and trail and upgrade the school’s athletic fields. Concern was expressed the agreement requires vacation within 45 days. Quality of Life Administrator Arlita Hallam said the City’s vacation of Chesapeake Park will be driven by the church’s timetable. Staff was encouraged to move forward with construction of the ball field on the new property. In response to a question, Mr. Dunbar said based on the current configuration, a second ball field cannot be built at Chesapeake Park. PW PUBLIC WORKS Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #6530-00 - Vacating irregular 40' r-o-w of N. Osceola Ave., lying between Jones St. & Georgia St., subject to applicant granting a new 30' r-o-w, constructing a realignment of N. Osceola and granting a 20' drainage & utility easement (Osceola Bay Development, LLC, V00-06) The applicant proposes to use the right-of-way and adjacent properties to construct a 150-unit condominium complex. The right-of-way is a paved one-way roadway used by vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Traffic flow will be maintained during the realignment. City utilities in the right-of-way will be relocated at the applicant’s expense. Staff recommends approval subject to conditions: 1) applicant grant 20-foot drainage and utility easement; 2) applicant grant 30-foot realigned right-of-way; and 3) applicant construct North Osceola Avenue realignment, sidewalk, utilities, and street lighting. The applicant acknowledges any improvements built over or across the easement area are constructed at the applicant’s own risk. To the extent that such improvements are damaged by City use of the easement, the City shall not be required to restore such improvements. The realigned North Osceola Avenue will feature a 25-foot turning radius at Jones Street. GTE and Time Warner have no objection provided the applicant pays to relocate their facilities. Florida Power and GTE Media Ventures have expressed no objection provided an adequate easement is provided, and they are reimbursed for relocation costs. The CDB (Community Development Board) approved this request. Old Clearwater Bay Association representatives have reviewed the plan and offered no objections. The City Manager said staff had discussed this request with neighborhood residents. Planning Manager Lisa Fierce said the vacation will connect two pieces of the applicant’s property. The footprint of the south building will extend onto the vacated land. The current jog in the road will be moved. Ms. Fierce said the CDB had approved the project, including its 174-foot height. It was requested staff report if the road will be moved closer to private homes. Ms. Fierce said the Salvation Army had submitted a letter stating the organization did not object to this project. Regarding the proposal to reduce the road’s width by 6 feet to 14 feet, it was recommended the road’s current width be maintained. Concern was expressed the road would resemble a tunnel along the tennis courts. Agreement with SWFWMD, providing funding of project costs of up to $425,000 for reclaimed water portion of N. Greenwood Area Reuse as part of N. Greenwood Corridor Enhancement Project This project expands the reclaimed water system to areas in North Greenwood and provides transmission to key areas in the center portion of the City. The cooperative funding agreement for the project provides District funding up to $425,000 to design and construct the improvements. This funding covers 49% of the estimated project cost of $868,000 for the reclaimed water portion of the project. The City’s estimated share of the cost is $443,000. AND Work Orders to Engineers of Record: Wade-Trim, $296,425.89 and McKim & Creed, $60,900, for design of corridor enhancements & reclaimed water in N. Greenwood, total $357,325.89 This item provides corridor enhancements and reclaimed water in North Greenwood, as requested by neighborhood residents. A cooperative agreement with SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) will design and construct facilities for reclaimed water distribution in North Greenwood. SWFWMD will fund approximately $425,000, 49% of the total cost for the reclaimed water elements of the project, estimated to cost $868,000. The work orders will provide project design and permitting. The work order with McKim & Creed is for water transmission mains south of Seminole Street and the work order with Wade-Trim is for water transmission mains along North Greenwood Avenue, north of Seminole Street.. Wade-Trim also will be responsible for project oversight and design of all corridor enhancements. This transmission segment will supplant potable water used for irrigation by IMR Global and nearby sites. A transmission line also will be constructed along Jackson Street from Jefferson Avenue to a City park on Pennsylvania Avenue west of North Greenwood Avenue. These work orders do not provide construction. In response to a question, Public Works Administrator Mahshid Arasteh said the City’s cost for the reclaimed water project will be $443,000. Project costs include the design and roadway improvements. In response to a question, she anticipated project construction will be completed by December 2002. A copy of the timetable for installing reclaimed water in the City was requested. Public Utilities Director Kevin Becotte said the 20-year Master Plan is being updated. The amount of reclaimed water is limited. Res. #00-06 - Authorizing execution of Roadway Transfer Agreement with FDOT; approve agreement to transfer portion of SR 60 / Cleveland Street / Gulf to Bay Boulevard from 0.476 mile west of Pierce Blvd. to Highland Ave. from State Highway System to Clearwater Road System, and transfer of Pierce Boulevard / Chestnut Street / Court Street from 280 feet south of Cleveland St. to SR 651 / Missouri Avenue, and Court Street one-way westbound from Chestnut Street / Court Street to Court Street / Pierce Boulevard from Clearwater Road System to State Highway System The City has requested to execute a Roadway Transfer Agreement with FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) to transfer: 1) from the State Highway System to the Clearwater Road System – portion of SR 60/Cleveland Street/Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard from 0.476 mile west of Pierce Boulevard to Highland Avenue and 2) from the Clearwater Road System to the State Highway System – Pierce Boulevard/Chestnut/Court streets from 280 feet south of Cleveland Street to SR 651/Missouri Avenue, and Court Street one-way westbound from Chestnut/Court streets to Court Street/Pierce Boulevard. The Road Transfer Agreement sets forth terms and conditions and commences upon written notification of final construction acceptance of the new Memorial Causeway Bridge and approval by the FDOT Secretary. Both parties accept all responsibility to operate and maintain the portions being transferred. In addition, the Road Transfer Agreement includes all curbs, culverts, and drainage structures within the right-of-way at the time of the transfer. In response to a question, Public Works Administrator Mahshid Arasteh said FDOT requires all improvements be completed before the transfer occurs. However, FDOT does not have funds budgeted to improve the affected State roads at this time. Waiting for FDOT to complete improvements would delay the transfer. The City is turning over more roadway to the State than it is picking up. Some improvements will be needed to Cleveland Street. The City’s cost for this transfer has not been determined. PLD PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Public Hearing - Approve City's Fiscal Year 2000-2001 Consolidated Plan along with a 5-year consolidated plan as required by HUD USHUD (U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development) requires communities, which receive entitlement funds, to prepare a comprehensive 5-year plan that evaluates community needs and presents strategies to address those needs. The City also is required to develop and implement an annual statement identifying the City’s sources and uses of Federal money for community and economic development and housing. The goals of the Consolidated Plan are to develop viable communities, provide safe and affordable housing, and expand economic opportunities for very low- to moderate-income persons. This year’s Consolidated Plan allocates Federal and State funds to provide low- to moderate-income families with housing opportunities for new and existing homes, job training, placement services, construction and/or renovation of public facilities, and to support programs for the homeless, single-parent households, the elderly, the physically challenged, and children. In FY (fiscal year) 2000/01, the City expects to receive $1,001,000 in CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds, $463,000 from HOME, and $854,299 from SHIP (State Housing Incentive Partnership Program). HOME and SHIP funds are limited to housing activities. CDBG funds may be used for housing, economic development, code enforcement, public services and facilities, relocation, demolition, and administration. Each year, the City is allowed to allocate 15% of its budget, or $150,000, for Public Services. This year’s applications requested more than $500,000. The TRC (Technical Review Committee) and NAHAB (Neighborhood Affordable Housing Advisory Board) reviewed the applications, scored them, and recommended a strategy to fund as many agencies as possible. Recommended for funding: 1) Boys and Girls Clubs of the Suncoast, Inc.; 2) Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project, Inc.; 3) Girls Inc. of Pinellas; 4) Lockheed Martin: Pinellas Works!; 4) Partners in Self Sufficiency, Inc.; 5) Pinellas Opportunity Council, Inc., 6) Kimberly Home, Inc.; and 7) Mustard Seed Turning Point program. Agencies not selected for funding may apply to the City’s Human Relations Grant program. In February 2000, staff advertised fund availability and conducted a workshop. Applicants had 30 days to complete and submit their applications. NAHAB and TRC members visited applicant agencies during a bus tour. Staff reviewed the applications and verified all meet USHUD requirements. The TRC based their review on technical merits. NAHAB based their scores on member knowledge of the agencies and impact on the community. TRC and NAHAB scores were weighed evenly. NAHAB adopted a sliding scale: 1) top two agencies - 60% of request; 2) next two agencies – 50% of request; 3) next agency - 40% of request; 4) next agency – 30% of request; and 5) next agency – 15%. Planning Director Ralph Stone said previously, the City had awarded 100% of the funding requests from the top rated agencies. Concern was expressed Boys and Girls Clubs of the Suncoast, Inc. had earned the top score from NAHAB and lowest score from the TRC. The agency complained it had received related information at the last minute. Assistant Housing Director Nina Bandoni said the agency had similar problems with its application last year. At the February meeting, staff had distributed the same information to every interested applicant. Staff has telephoned the agency regarding this matter and is awaiting their response. In response to a question regarding the Lockheed Martin: Pinellas Works! program, Ms. Bandoni said after the success of the pilot program in Texas, the program was extended to other states.. Other corporations are participants. She said changes are likely. When they occur, the City will shift funding to the appropriate agency. In response to a question, Ms. Bandoni said the City would not be penalized because the City’s allocation for Public Services slightly exceeds 15% of the budget. It was requested staff report on the applications, including the applicants’ names and the amounts requested. Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #6573-00 - Amendments to Community Development Code When considering Ordinance #6526-00 last month, the City Commission deferred action on several issues. Ordinance #6573-00 proposes amendments to the Community Development Code as requested by the City Commission: 1) regulate rental of residential property; 2) regulate duration a portable storage unit can remain on residential and non-residential property; 3) increase amount of permitted window signage; 4) regulate temporary sign coverings; 5) allow two signs, instead of one, on portable storage units; and 6) prohibit parking on landscaped areas in front setbacks in residentially zoned districts. Staff also requests the City Commission consider additional amendments: 1) allow roof structures on publicly owned boardwalks and observation platforms; 2) expand nuisance provisions related to newsracks; 3) refine nonconforming purpose provisions; and 4) reduce time allowed to correct nuisance violations. Transient Accommodations Mr. Stone reported staff had met with interested groups regarding transient accommodations. The State Statute allows licensed properties to be rented 3 times a year for less than 30 days. Licensed properties are subject to inspection and must pay sales tax. He recommended the City grandfather residences which adhere to State law. In response to a question, he said the City always intends to be consistent with Countywide rules. If staff disagrees with a Countywide rule, staff will take those positions to the County for discussion. He recommended adopting State license language to protect neighborhoods and ensure those who are operating legally can continue receiving the benefits of their investment. Portable Storage Units Mr. Stone recommended restricting the maximum time portable storage units may remain in a residential area to 96 hours, whether or not a permit is issued. He recommended units in non-residential areas be permitted to remain onsite for 30 days or the life of the permit. The units can be used for storage as long as they are permitted and properly anchored. He recommended permitting 2 signs on the units, each no larger than 12 inches by 18 inches. Mr. Stone reported a vendor had expressed concerns regarding the minimum size unit permitted. The vendor’s smallest unit is 4 feet longer than allowed. Signage Mr. Stone recommended the amount of permitted window signage be increased to 8 square-feet provided signage covers 25% or less of the window and total window signage does not exceed 24 square-feet. Temporary Sign Coverings Mr. Stone recommended restricting temporary sign coverings to 30 days after the issuance of an occupational license. Parking on the Grass Mr. Stone said the recommendation is similar to language originally proposed and prohibits parking on landscaped areas in front setbacks in residentially zoned districts unless a paved surface is not available. The language refers to motor vehicles and boats. In response to a question, the City Attorney said staff can ticket non complying vehicles only if the vehicles are on a public right-of-way or in the street. Otherwise, enforcement must adhere to the County’s code enforcement requirements. Additional Amendment Recommendations He reviewed the additional amendments recommended by staff. In reference to recommendations from the homeowners associations, staff recommends against amendments to regulations related to telecommunication towers, transfers of development rights, and signage located a distance from the road. CLK CITY CLERK City Commission Policy Format City Clerk Cyndie Goudeau reviewed changes to the format. No changes to policies have been made. The number of pages has been reduced by approximately 50 pages to 22 pages. Staff was thanked for their efforts. Commissioners were invited to forward to Ms. Goudeau proposals to change policies. Consensus was to accept the new City Commission Policy Format. OTHER CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS Attorney/Client Session The City Attorney requested an attorney/client session regarding American Infoage versus the City be scheduled for July 31, 2000, at 9:00 a.m. Consensus was to so schedule. Commission Discussion Items Representation at Suncoast League of Municipalities meetings Ms. Goudeau reported concerns had been expressed City representation on the Suncoast League of Municipalities has not been consistent. Commissioner Hart volunteered to serve on the board. He will advise other City Commission members if a conflict occurs so that someone can take his place. A City Commission special meeting to discuss the Penny for Pinellas list has been scheduled for August 30, 2000, at 9:00 a.m. A City Commission budget worksession has been scheduled for August 1, 2000, at 9:00 a.m. Other Commission Action Commissioner Clark congratulated the Police Department for their efforts during the weekend’s inclement weather and flooding. Commissioner Johnson presented a plaque to Mayor Aungst from TBRPC (Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council) recognizing City support during the recent national conference. Commissioner Johnson said now that the Downtown referendum was over, the City should move ahead. He said it is imperative to move forward on the new main library. Commissioner Johnson recommended using budgeted Penny for Pinellas funds to improve Coachman Park. Commissioner Johnson said after the new Memorial Causeway Bridge is completed, he recommended redeveloping Cleveland Street as a pedestrian mall with landscaping, sidewalk cafes, the Town Pond, and other amenities. Commissioner Hooper questioned the impact of residents’ approval of the library referendum. The City Attorney said the main library can be rebuilt on its present site as long as construction is above the bluff’s 28-foot line. Commissioner Hooper requested a confirmation from Mr. Balk that he remains interested in moving forward with the planned downtown housing development. Commissioner Hooper recommended the City Commission appoint George Krause to the resident vacancy on the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization). Mayor Aungst requested a report from the library boards regarding recommendations for a new main library. Quality of Life Administrator Arlita Hallam recommended the Commission meet with the library architect and a representative from each of the three library boards to discuss designs and locations. A meeting date and time will be scheduled. Mayor Aungst said the City needs to continue to consider downtown redevelopment and identify what will work and be acceptable. He recommended gathering more input from citizens and developing a new plan. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 12:44 p.m.