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03/13/2000CITY COMMISSION WORKSESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER March 13, 2000 Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner Ed Hooper Vice-Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Ed Hart Commissioner Also present: Bill Horne Assistant City Manager Bob Keller Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Brenda Moses Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall. Four service awards were presented to City employees. Rob Powers, Public Utilities/WPC, was presented the February 2000 Employee of the Month award. The Commission recessed from 1:07 to 1:08 p.m. to meet as the Pension Trustees. PUR PURCHASING Dick Norris Buick Pontiac GMC, one 2000 cab & chassis with utility body, replacement, $22,587; funding to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS) Commissioner Clark said he was happy to see that a local vendor is involved in the Dick Norris Buick Pontiac GMC replacement. Purchasing Manager George McKibben said staff is encouraging local merchants to bid on City contracts. In response to a question, he said that this replacement involves no trade-in and current equipment will later be declared surplus. BU BUDGET Presentation - Budget overview Budget Director Tina Wilson reviewed the budget for 2000/01 and the challenges the City will face. The next presentation on April 3, 2000, will be more detailed. She said national and state economies are healthy, consumer confidence is at historically high levels, jobs are expected to grow 2.5% with wages and salaries growing at 6.7% in FY 2001. Tourism should reach 53 million, a historic high. According to the Pinellas County Economic Development and Tampa Bay Partnership web sites, population of Pinellas County has grown from 850,000 to 930,000 residents since 1980, a 9% increase. Clearwater’s population has grown from 86,000 to over 106,000 residents in the same twenty-year period, an increase of nearly 24%. Statistics indicate the Pinellas County workforce of 460,000 enjoys a median household income of nearly $36,000. The labor market is strong. In November, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the Tampa Bay Region had the largest percentage increase in employment of all the nation’s big labor markets during the past year. Pinellas County’s per capital income increased 39.5% from 1990 – 1998 and is expected to grow another 19.1% between 1998 – 2003. The average wage in Pinellas County is $28, 251; the median age is 41.8 years; and the age group of 25 to 44 year olds represents 28% of the entire workforce. Growth in Clearwater property values is increasing unlike static values in the 1990s. The combination of ad valorem taxes and franchise/utility taxes represent nearly 60% of general fund revenues. In response to a question, Ms. Wilson said the second year of the forecasted two-year budget will be less detailed than the first year’s budget as it is basically a planning tool. She said plans are to release the five-year capital improvement budget on May 15, 2000, in order to meet the May 30, 2000, deadline to provide a two-year operating budget. FY2000 First Quarter Budget Review Ms. Wilson reviewed the first quarter budget report. The General Fund reflects a net increase of $158,403 at first quarter. Of this amount, $111,060 reflects the return of funding set aside in a special program project at third quarter last year, representing savings in the Police Department’s 1999 budget to fund the Library and MSB (Municipal Services Building) PST (Police Service Technicians) positions for this fiscal year. There also is an appropriation of $255,093 in retained earnings. These increases are offset by the reduction in expenditures in the Human Relations program reflecting the transfer of the compliance program to Pinellas County. At first quarter, $255,093 is distributed from the unappropriated retained earnings of the General Fund. The transfer of $200,000 establishes a project for the Fiscal 2000 “Vision Funds” as previously approved by the Commission; the transfer of $30,093 which provides support for the Homeless Intervention project was approved by the Commission previously in November 1999; and $25,000 provides funds to fund the track improvements at Clearwater High School. At first quarter, the budgeted funds set aside in the Non-Departmental program for contractual salary increases less budgeted salary savings are distributed to the General Fund Departments. The utility and other enterprise operations will make any necessary adjustments at mid-year now that union contracts are settled. “Vision” funds are now captured in a special program project specifically established to monitor this funding. At first quarter, $50,000 of these funds have been allocated to the Ervin’s Youth program as previously approved by the Commission. In addition, $8,300 has been allocated to the Public Communications Department of which $6,000 was for Holiday Sights and Sounds, and $2,3000 was for an intern. A balance of $141,700 is available in the “Vision” Fund project. Budgeted revenues and expenditures of all enterprise funds are basically as anticipated at first quarter. The only significant amendment to the Water and Sewer fund reflects a budget correction in the operating budget reducing transfer by $390,000 to agree to the budgeted needs in the Capital Improvement fund. This is offset by a reduction in the anticipated use of retained earnings necessary to fund capital projects. The only amendment to the Gas fund is a reduction of $181,000 in fund expenditures reflecting cost cutting adjustments in several cost centers. No significant amendments are proposed for the General Services, Garage, and Central Insurance Funds at first quarter. Fund revenues and program expenditures for these operations are approximately as budgeted. The amendments to the Capital Improvement fund total a net increase of $267,217. Nearly all Capital Improvement budget increases previously have been approved by the Commission and are outlined on page 19 of the detailed report. This includes the design for the beach parking garage and the purchase of the electronic parking meter system. The only significant amendment that has not previously been approved by the Commission is an increase of $202,690 to the new Main Library project which reflects receipt of additional donations and interest earnings on 1999 donations. The Special Program fund reflects a budget increase of approximately $2.6 million. Nearly half of this increase is due to the receipt of annual grant revenues for LLEBG, COPS Universal, and Brownfield grants. The balance of budgeted receipts primarily reflects receipts of court forfeiture proceeds for Police programs, 1999 interest earnings distributed to projects, and previously approved transfers to the fund to establish special projects such as the one for Vision funds and the homeless shelter funding for Fiscal 2000. The complete first quarter report is available in the City Clerk’s office and includes detailed explanations of budget amendments and a schedule of administratively approved change orders. ED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Public Hearing - Declare surplus for purpose of leasing to Greenwood Community Health Resource Center, Inc., Greenwood Manor, Lot 4 less road, Lot 5 & N½ of Lot 6; approve lease with the Center for initial 30 year term for total rent of $30 payable in advance Assistant City Manager Bob Keller requested this item be continued to the first meeting in April. SFS STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS Agreement to Public Enterprise Group, act as Clearwater's agent in negotiating corporate partnerships, amount not to exceed $40,000 (Consent) After evaluating three proposals received in response to the Public/Private Partnership RFQ (Request for Qualifications), the Selection Committee recommends the Public Enterprise Group (PEG) as the most qualified firm to act as Clearwater’s agent in negotiating corporate partnerships. The intent of this initiative is to identify and negotiate agreements with appropriate corporate partners matching their needs with opportunities to improve our quality of life. PEG will solicit and negotiate with these corporations seeking to maximize resources (both cash and in-kind) to our community without increasing our citizens tax burden. In return, the City will offer corporations a package of partnership benefits that will provide them exclusive vending and marketing rights to municipal properties. Experience with two cities similar to Clearwater, Huntington Beach and Garden Grove, California, have yielded revenues to those cities of $6 million and $1.6 million respectively over a ten-year agreement. The City will pay PEG $30,000 in advance on future commissions at the rate of $5,000 upon execution and $5,000 every 30 days thereafter. The City also will reimburse PEG for travel, entertainment, and collateral marketing up to $10,000. The contract is structured so that PEG will receive a commission on revenue generated to the City of 12% for cash revenue and 5% for non-cash revenue to be paid for the life of each agreement. The consultant will submit for the City’s approval a list of business entities that could potentially become partners and marketing plans for each partnership package. All potential advertisements of property uses will be approved in advance by the City. Each partnership agreement will be presented to the Commission for approval. The City retains complete discretion to disapprove any agreement regardless of whether the City previously had approved the marketing plan. The City shall have no obligation, under any circumstances, to pay consultant commissions for denial of any proposed partnership agreement. A mid-year budget amendment will establish a project (181-99805) entitled Public/Private Partnerships in the amount of $40,000 by a transfer from the Vision Fund project (181-99804) to fund this contract. Garry Brumback said this partnership provides an opportunity for increased revenues without raising additional taxes. The City will use PEG’s professional expertise without relinquishing control. Mr. Brumback will provide the Commission with statistics regarding the number of soda machines in all City parks and the revenue they generate. President of Public Enterprise Group Don Schulte reviewed the concept of public enterprise. He explained the differences between sponsorships versus partnerships, provided examples of partnerships, reviewed the benefits to the community and participants, reviewed strategies of the program, reviewed his experience, and presented a video tape of the benefits of the program. He said the program provides the City with a long term revenue source, a marketing and promotional partner that helps leverage the impact on tourism and trade, community amenities such as Parks and Recreation improvements, and participation in City initiatives and special events. Benefits to the participant include product sales, promotional opportunities, exclusivity, access to vending sites, marketing exposure, and community image. He said signage will not be an issue. Concern was expressed that the City is being asked to spend up to $40,000 to begin the program. Mr. Schulte said $10,000 of those costs are for PEG’s travel expenses and clerical work and $30,000 is recoverable. He is confident the City will benefit from the program. It was felt the City should consider this proposal carefully. PLD PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Public Hearing - City of Clearwater Fiscal Year 1998-99 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Reporter (CAPER) is the principal administrative report documenting the City’s expenditures of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Program funds to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It serves as the basis for program monitoring for compliance and for financial audits. It provides HUD with necessary information for the Department to meet its requirement to assess each grantee’s ability to carry out relevant Community Planning Development (CPD) programs in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. It provides information necessary for HUD’s Annual Report to Congress and provides grantees an opportunity to describe to citizens their successes in revitalizing deteriorated neighborhoods and meeting objectives stipulated in their Consolidated Plan. The City FY 98 CAPER contains information on the City’s assessment of activities: 1) assessment of three to five year goals and objectives: 2) affirmatively furthering fair housing; 3) affordable housing; 4) continuum of care; 5) leveraging resources; 6) citizens comments; and 7) self evaluation. Assistant Director of Housing Nina Bandoni said the report compares the results to the proposal sent to HUD. In response to a question, she said that the difference in moneys not spent in one year is carried over to the following year. Depending on the program, funds may be designated for the same program or granted to others. CLK CITY CLERK Pension Advisory Committee - 2 commission member appointments The City Clerk said the Pension Advisory Committee terms of Commissioners Johnson and Hart expired April 4, 2000. Commissioner Johnson said he can only serve one year of the required two-year term. It was recommended that Commission Johnson be on the board for as long as he is in office. Commissioner Hart said he can serve an additional two-year term. CA LEGAL DEPARTMENT Agreements, Deeds and Easements Sidewalk & Utility Easement - Gulf to Bay Shopping Center, Lot 2 (Autozone, Inc.)(Consent) Sidewalk, Landscaping, & Utility Easement - Barbour-Morrow Sub., Blk A, S 5' of Lot 41 (Iocoloano / Caraco / Linares)(Consent) City Attorney Pam Akin said both easements are being granted for the future installation and maintenance of sidewalks and public utilities. OTHER CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS Status of Eller Media billboards Ms. Akin reported she spoke to Eller Media’s attorney regarding removal of billboards. She said the sign face and poles on one billboard located 2/10 of a mile west of US 19 on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard will be removed this week. She anticipates the schedule for removal of the other five signs by March 27, 2000. Ms. Akin said Mr. George Kelly has written a number of letters and filed a petition for a preemptory Writ of Mandamus. His letter indicated that the Supreme Court has agreed to hear his petition amongst other things, but to date that has not occurred. No actions are proceeding and nothing is pending in the courts at this time. Ms. Akin expects to bring forward an interlocal agreement at the next Commission meeting in response to the Conflict Resolution meeting held with Largo and Clearwater last week. An ordinance also will be presented for Commission approval. The Largo Commission also will review the agreement as soon as possible. It was noted that a newspaper report indicated that actions took place at that meeting which did not actually happen. Ms. Akin said no approval of anything took place at that meeting except for the consensus to propose a draft of the interlocal agreement. Other Commission Action Commissioner Hart feels the City should publicize as much as possible free ferry and bus service to the beach during the next several weeks. He received positive feedback from those who took the ferry ride. A presentation regarding the Roundabout is anticipated at Thursday’s Commission meeting. Commissioner Hooper congratulated the new Public Works Director Mashid Arasteh. He requested that she investigate the cylindrical object under construction on North Ft. Harrison, north of Drew Street. It appears to be the base of a cellular communications tower or a billboard. Commissioner Clark congratulated Mashid Arasteh on her promotion. Mayor Aungst responded to a newspaper article and comments made at the last Commission meeting. He expressed the highest regard for Commissioner Hart and his opinions but was concerned about a comment and an e-mail sent to the City Manager regarding the subject of the Take Two call-in show. He is always very careful when expressing his views to note whose viewpoint is being expressed. He said the comment that the show was discussed last Spring and rejected by the Commission is not accurate. He serves the people of Clearwater and feels communicating with citizens is not in any way demeaning. Overall, he has received great feedback from the public via e-mails, facsimiles, and telephone calls. He wishes to continue to work together as a team, move forward, and communicate more with the public. When the call-in show was first discussed, no one appeared interested in hosting it. He will be happy to rotate that responsibility. He said unless this issue involves changing a policy or redefining the role of the Mayor, he is unsure it is a staffing level issue or a matter for Commission discussion. He said the role of Mayor is one of a spokesperson. The goal of the Take Two show is to communicate with the public in a way that allows community participation. The value of C-View should not be looked at as self-aggrandizing. He supports Commissioner Hart’s initiative to put more information on the Internet. He said the Take Two show is part of that effort. He is unsure of Commissioner Hart’s comments regarding the number of hours involved in trying to put the show together. Commissioner Hart disagreed with the Mayor regarding the Take Two call-in show. He said it was his understanding that the topic came up several times and the Mayor and the City Manager decided not to bring it up in a public forum. During budget negotiations last year, a line item was to be put in but was rejected because it was not considered appropriate when other programs were being cut. He said when the City Manager asked if the Mayor could be on the show to summarize the year end projects, he did not appreciate the show being announced as a permanent program as it had not been brought before the Commission prior to that determination. He has requested that discussion of the talk show be done in a public forum in order to get a consensus regarding the format and if cohosting should be rotated. He feels if one person is promoted to that stature it appears that Commissioners are not being given equal exposure. The Commission was provided a document last April regarding the number of hours involved in putting a show together. He will share it with the Commission. Commissioner Hooper is amazed about the feedback the City gets from C-View TV programs. He previously had some concerns during the budget process that the Commission was struggling with the C-View budget. He feels C-View provides information and education to citizens. He said when the City Manager was doing the show himself, whether intentionally or not, he almost was put in the position for taking ownership for some issues. He felt the Mayor has been very careful to indicate he is not speaking for the Commission during shows. He said this is an important time in Clearwater and it is vital to keep the public informed and provide a forum for community input. C-View provides one of those forums. Commissioner Johnson feels communication is important. He said that percentages mean nothing to him and wondered approximately how many citizens watch C-View TV. He said from experience, public meetings do not draw people. He is glad the Mayor co-hosts the Take Two show as he would not want to. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 2:26 p.m.