Loading...
02/28/2000CITY COMMISSION WORKSESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER February 28, 2000 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 Brenda Moses Board Reporter The Commission met as the Pension Trustees from 9:00 to 9:16 a.m. The Worksession was called to order at 9:16 a.m. PRESENTATIONS Phillies Ad Campaign The City Manager said the Phillies Spring Training in Clearwater is in its 54th year. The Phillies put $5 million back into the local economy which translates into jobs and tax dollars. The City’s advertising campaign is well worth the dollars expended. The perception the stadium is only used seasonally is untrue as 2 leagues in addition to spring training games are held 10 months of the year. It was remarked that many Phillies players maintain homes in Clearwater year round. Jackii Molsick, Communications and Marketing, reviewed the Phillies ad campaign for the year and played a sample video for the Commission. She said an ad ran in the St. Petersburg Times Sunday edition and will run for the next 2 Sundays. This year, the City will spend $25,000 on ads compared to last year’s $30,000. The Phillies contribute between $40,000 to $50,000 in advertising and tout Clearwater’s name in virtually every ad. Staff anticipates placing welcome Phillies signs at the entrances to the City. PUR PURCHASING Bell Chevrolet, one 2000 Chevrolet Chevy Express 15-passenger van (previously approved addition), $21,230; funding to be provided by City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS) Communications International, radio system software maintenance, 4/1/00-3/31/01, $100,284 (GS) Industrial Refuse Sales, roll-off containers, 3/2/00-3/31/01, est. $60,000 (SW) Enviroscapes Services Company, grounds maintenance, est. $29,400 (PR) Kaiser Pontiac-Buick GMC, Inc., two 2000 GMC Sonoma pickup trucks, $23,988.90; funding to be provided by City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS) In response to a question regarding Communications International, Purchasing Director George McKibben said this is an annual maintenance contract. Fleet Manager Frank Raymond said the staff report incorrectly reflects a software maintenance contract rather than a hardware maintenance contract. He said the software manufacturer, Ericson, provides the software maintenance contract. FD FIRE Cancel contract with Wheeled Coach, Inc. for purchase of 2 transport capable rescue trucks; Award contract to Aero Products Corp. for purchase of 2 transport capable rescue trucks, for $284,466; authorize lease purchase under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement This request is to cancel a contract with Wheeled Coach, Inc. for the purchase of 2 transport capable rescue trucks and award the contract to Aero Products Corporation in the amount of $284,466, and authorize the lease purchase under the City’s Master Lease-Purchase Agreement. Wheeled Coach failed to deliver the ordered units after 14 months. The first unit was due for delivery in 5 months. No guaranteed delivery was provided and they were unable to provide a specific date when contacted by the City Attorney’s office. Wheeled Coach has agreed to termination of the contract by mutual release. The Aero Products units meet or exceed the City’s design goals for this type of unit and the cost is lower than the previous bid. Replacement needs are becoming acute due to the delay of replacement of 2 front-line units. Aero Products was unable to bid on the City’s original specifications due to workload. They have since expanded and increased their workforce. The contract indicates delivery of the units will be within 300 days of their receiving the contract. Funds are to be provided through the City’s Master Lease Purchase Finance Agreement. In response to a question, Deputy Fire Chief Jerry Worsham said at the time of the initial bid, Aero Products’ workload prevented them from bidding. They have since been purchased by another company and increased the size of their facility and built another facility. PCM PUBLIC COMMUNICATION & MARKETING Approve conversion of 2 C-View contract television production supervision employees to Full-Time Equivalent positions One position is budgeted in FY 99/00 in the Public Communications & Marketing Personal Services budget; the other is funded by Public Works Personal Services budget. The positions support production of monthly shows, Commission meetings, special videos and public service announcement production. One position is directly responsible for the production of the City Talk show, the lighting of all sets, and the production of additional videos and public service announcements. One position is directly responsible for production of the Works in Progress show, videos and public service announcements on capital projects. Both contract employees have been working for the department since 1998, but under contract, do not share the same benefits as their counterparts. This change in status is being requested so that there is equity to all employees within the department. These positions significantly add to C-VIEW’s staffing to allow relief to the 3 other FTE’s (Full-Time Equivalents). In response to a question, the City Manager said staff will provide information regarding the number of temporary employees being converted to full-time employees. All temporary employees receive City benefits except for Pension benefits. PR PARKS AND RECREATION Agreement with Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation, Inc. to operate Glen Oaks Golf Course, 3/2/00-3/1/10, and extension to agreement to operate North Clearwater Golf Course, located on McMullen Booth Road, from 11/13/10 to 11/12/25 (Consent) The Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation, Inc. (Foundation) has operated the Glen Oaks Golf Course for the past 15 years. The lease with the Foundation expired on April 6, 1999, and is being extended on a month-by-month basis pending completion of negotiations. The Foundation has developed and operated the North Clearwater Golf Course for the past 14 years. The current lease with the Foundation is scheduled to end on November 12, 2010. The Foundation has requested the lease be extended for an additional 15 years. On May 17, 1999, staff released a “Request for Proposals” (RFP) for the operation, maintenance, programming and capital improvements of the Glen Oaks Golf Course. The City only received one proposal which was from the Foundation. Over the past 15 years, the Foundation has renovated and managed Glen Oaks as a public facility; provided funds for maintenance and capital improvements; created youth programs to help disadvantaged children and youth; and created an after-school program. The Foundation will provide the following enhancements to the Glen Oaks and North Clearwater Golf Course and lease: 1) Pay annually to the City as rental for the Glen Oaks Golf Course 3% of gross revenue plus applicable sales tax estimated to be approximately $7,000 in the first year; 2) pay annually to the City as rental for the North Clearwater Golf Course 3% of gross revenue plus applicable sales tax, estimated to be $50,000 in the first year. Rental payment is to commence with the date of issuance of a certificate of occupancy of a new clubhouse at the Glen Oaks Golf Course; 3) at Glen Oaks, the Foundation must upgrade the landscaping along the Court Street corridor consistent with all applicable City codes, and consistent with the median landscaping on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and Court Street; the City will provide the landscape design. The landscape design to be used by the Foundation shall be used as an educational program for the school in the completion of the project; 4) The City will build on the Glen Oaks site a new clubhouse of at least 4,400 square feet that the Foundation will use for its golf course operation and Foundation programs. The estimated construction cost and design is $300,000. Funding for the construction and the timing of construction will be determined during this year’s budget process; 5) the Foundation agrees to make the Glen Oaks clubhouse available to the City for City-sponsored events at no cost to the City based upon availability; 6) the Foundation will supply an audit to the City by a Certified Public Accountant; and 7) the Foundation is obligated to pay any Federal, State, or local taxes and fees for the term of the lease. Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said the Glen Oaks lease is for 10 years; the North Clearwater Golf Course lease is for 15 years. Concerns were expressed that the two courses were not linked and no guaranteed minimums were provided for in the agreements. In response to a question, Mr. Dunbar said it is necessary to modernize the current clubhouse at Glen Oaks. He expects revenue to increase. The leases are being extended due to fund-raising issues. The City Attorney will confirm if the City will receive 3% of revenues generated in the sub-lease for the driving range. Mr. Dunbar said the agreement is that the City will receive 3% of $60,000 annually. The City Manager said under this new lease agreement, the City will realize $167,000 annually on all 4 City-owned golf courses compared to previous years’ revenues of $1,000. In response to a question, the City Manager said a previous requirement for the present operator to provide batting cages for children did not happen because that requirement was left out of the lease. PW PUBLIC WORKS Public Hearing - Declare surplus for purpose of selling for highest bid amount above $14,000, 606 Cedar Street, J. J. Eldridge Sub., Blk D, W½ of Lots 43 & 44 The City acquired the subject property on August 14, 1998, by Certificate of Title issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Pinellas County in award of a judgment of foreclosure. The judgment was awarded in a City suit filed to foreclose its interests in a Community Development Block Grant 9CDBG) mortgage given by Nicey McKay Larry, now deceased, to secure a housing rehabilitation loan. The judgment amount awarded the City was for $16,063.32, including the unpaid principal amount of the mortgage, accrued interest, unpaid utilities, and court costs. The now vacant 62 X 125-foot lot is zoned “C” – Commercial District. The Land Use Plan designated the parcel and immediate surrounding areas a Commercial General District. Jerry Fiala, MAI, of Appraisal Associates of Tampa Bay, Inc. appraised the lot at $14,000 on December 21, 1999. This action to declare the property surplus is prompted by interest expressed from an adjoining property owner. No City department has expressed interest in using the parcel. Upon the lot being declared as surplus to City needs, it will be offered for sale by sealed bid in compliance with requirements of Section 2.01(d)(4) of the City Charter to the highest bidder meeting the minimum bid amount and other conditions of the declaration. Upon closing, sale proceeds will be credited to receivables in CHUD’s Deferred Payment Loans Code 686-00000-128165. In response to a question, Mashid Arasteh, Public Works Administration, said she does not know who the person is who is interested in purchasing this property. Approve Cooperative Funding Agreement with SWFWMD & work scope submitted by Parsons Engineering Science Inc. to design & construct N. Greenwood Stormwater Retrofit Project, total project cost not to exceed $260,000 with City's share being $160,000 (Consent) In response to citizen complaints concerning sediment, trash, and debris being discharged into Stevenson Creek, the Public Works Administration/Engineering Department proposes to install several sediment and debris traps within existing stormwater systems. The purpose of this project is to install two pollution control devices and monitor the cost effectiveness of the larger unit for general application throughout Clearwater where appropriate. The project will include the installation of 2 pre-manufactured treatment units by Continuous Deflective Separation (CDS) technologies. The larger of the 2 units will be installed near the intersection of Missouri Avenue and Palmetto Street; the smaller unit will be installed near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Grant Street. These in-line structures will remove sediments, trash, and other debris from the stormwater system prior to its discharge into Stevenson Creek. City crews using existing equipment (Vactor trucks) will then remove the sediments and debris. The project will begin in March 2000 and be complete by December 2001. SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) agrees to fund 39% of the project costs up to $100,000. Stormwater Revenue Bond proceeds of $154,950 are currently available in the North Greenwood Stormwater Retrofit project (375-96127). The remaining $5,050 bond proceeds necessary will be transferred by mid-year budget amendment from the Saturn Avenue/Sherwood Street project (375-96134). In response to a question, Ms. Arasteh said the total project costs is $260,000 of which 39% of those costs will be funded by SWFWMD. Contract for Storm Sliplining Repair Project to Westra Construction Corporation, $534,546.65 Approximately 5,300 feet of various size diameter storm sewers (34” in diameter or less) are in need of repair. Many of these lines are leaking and causing the infiltration of subsurface soils into the existing storm systems. This condition has caused the loss and/or settlement of private property. High-density polyethylene slipliner will be inserted into the deteriorated storm lines. The contingency fee of 10% of the contract award is proposed for the accommodation of discoveries and to be used for any necessary alterations to the contract work. This project will start on or about March 1, 2000, and will be completed within 90 calendar days. In response to a question, Ms. Arasteh said anyone wishing to see a map of the area of repairs to be done can contact her office. She said slipliners are cheaper than replacing pipe. City Engineer Mike Quillen said as the material that coats the inside of pipes to prevent leakage or soil intrusion is of minimal thickness, the capacity of the pipe is not reduced significantly. CLK CITY CLERK 2000 Federal Legislative package City Clerk Cyndie Goudeau reviewed the Federal Legislative priorities for the second session of the 106th Congress: 1) Stevenson Creek Estuary Restoration Project; 2) Brownfields clean-up; 3) Cleveland Gateway corridor; 4) Neighborhood Policing Initiative – Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project (CHIP); 5) COPS Technology; and 6) Transportation and Community Systems Preservation (TCSP) Grant for improvements to Downtown Link of Pinellas Trail. She said the City always monitors grant opportunities. The City Manager said when lobbyists identify an opportunity, City staff presents them to the Commission and attempts to leverage State and Federal dollars. OTHER CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS City Attorney Pam Akin requested the Commission authorize a limited approval for $25,000 for a scope of services for Charlie Siemon, of Siemon and Larsen. Mr. Siemon is beginning negotiations with George deGuardiola regarding the downtown development project. She said an enormous amount of time consuming detailed document preparation will be necessary to ensure the City is properly protected throughout the process. Ms. Akin will provide a synopsis of the anticipated hours and work required. It was noted the City has never done anything of this magnitude in terms of document length and complexity. It was remarked that the City should take advantage of the expertise that is available. It was commented that the public will require simple and understandable language regarding the contract. City Manager Verbal Reports Public Services Director Gary Johnson said over the last 3 ½ weeks the new fountain at the Roundabout has experienced equipment failure. The contractor is responsible for $100,000 in replacement parts. All the repairs will be at no cost to the City. Minor design issues also have been identified and will be addressed. Staff does not anticipate this problem again. City Manager Michael Roberto said staff feels it necessary to get through an entire season of Roundabout usage before making any modifications or improvements. The Roundabout is only a piece of the solution. He said the other 2 main pieces of the traffic element, the new bridge and the parking garage, are needed to cure traffic issues. The Police Chief has a plan to deal with traffic issues during Spring Break. Many of the traffic concerns regarding the Roundabout involve a lack of common sense regarding obeyance of traffic laws. Concern was expressed regarding the traffic problems coming from south beach. Mr. Roberto said more cars travel the beach road than was originally intended and additional traffic has no place to go. Plans are to include a sign system on the new bridge to inform drivers of a lack of public parking, etc. at the beach. Ms. Arasteh said plans also are being made to place variable message boards on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard to warn people of potential traffic problems at the beach and the bridge. Staff is monitoring signage, lane markings, etc. to determine what steps should be taken to alleviate any associated problems. It was remarked that many people drive the Roundabout just to see what it looks like. It was suggested that consideration be given to increasing ferry and Jolley Trolley service to alleviate traffic congestion. Commission Discussion Items Discussion - petition signed by 6,000+ regarding bridge (Commissioner Johnson) Commissioner Johnson said he felt it important to reply to the over 6,000 petitions regarding their opposition to the new Memorial Causeway Bridge. He said although he originally voted against construction of the bridge, he is unwilling to waste $4 million in taxpayer dollars to go against procedures already set in motion. He said misinformation has surfaced and the public should have correct information regarding this project. He said Federal and Penny for Pinellas dollars will be used to construct the bridge. Mayor Aungst said he has spoken to numerous people who signed those petitions and said they would not sign it again as they felt they had incorrect information and were misled. Research is being done to determine how many of the petitioners are City residents. Commissioner Clark said he originally voted against construction of the bridge and now feels this is not the time to turn back procedures that were set in motion as it would be a disservice to residents. Ms. Akin said the petition process is not sufficient to compel the Commission to have a referendum regarding the bridge. Although the petition process is important, the process was not performed legally as dictated in the City Charter. The Commission is not required to take any action. Commissioner Hart said he is unsure if it is necessary to respond individually to all the petitioners. He said residents are welcome to contact their respective Commissioners with issues. He felt the Roundabout, parking garage, and the new bridge will not alleviate traffic congestion. He said that Fort Harrison Avenue will change from a Level C to a Level F roadway and the State has indicated they want the City to rectify that issue. Mr. Roberto said he sent a letter to the Tampa Tribune regarding misinformation they published. He will copy the letter to the Commission. He said it will be the State’s responsibility to deal with the status of Fort Harrison Avenue once the bridge is built. In response to a question, Ms. Goudeau said the statement regarding 65% of residents supporting construction of the bridge is partially attributed to voters in favor of the Penny for Pinellas tax. The meeting adjourned at 10:40 a.m.