Loading...
02/26/2001CITY COMMISSION WORKSESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER February 26, 2001 Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Ed Hart Commissioner F. David Hemerick Commissioner Also present: William B. Horne II Interim City Manager Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Brenda Moses Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 9:01 a.m. at City Hall. Employee of the Month Award - 02/01 The Employee of the Month Award for February 2001 was presented to Roger Harris, Sales Representative Clearwater Gas. Team Award - Jan./Feb. 2001 The Team Award for January/February 2001 was presented to Fleet Maintenance Location 2/Heavy Equipment Shop. Team members are: Terry Avery, Ray Cunningham, Dan Peredo, Rae Riggs, Gary Gustafson, Early Ashley, and Phil Hughes. The meeting recessed from 9:06 to 9:08 a.m. to convene as the Community Redevelopment Agency. PUR PURCHASING Alltel, cellular digital packet data service, 3/2/01-2/28/02, $135,000 (PD) Hughes Supply Inc., 12 spun concrete light poles, $26,160 (PR) Communications International, 1st extension, mobile radio batteries & Ericsson radio parts, $50,000 (GS) Sheehan Pontiac-GMC, Inc., one 2001 GMC Savanna 2500 Cargo Van with options, replacement, $17,699; financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS) Ericsson, Inc., 1st extension, repair of portable & mobile radios, 4/7/01-4/30/02, $50,000 (GS) Kaiser Pontiac, one 2001 GMC Sierra 3500 cab & chassis with option, replacement, $30,921; financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS) Leahchem Industry, Inc., 1st extension, aluminum Chlorhydrate, 5/1/01-4/30/02, $120,000 (PW) Bobcat Company, lease-purchase financing for 12/12/00 approved purchase of a 2001 Bobtrack 864 loader with attachments, $36,331 (GS) Parsons Engineering Science, EOR, engineering design re intersection Bayshore Blvd. & SR60, $56,663.70 (PW) In response to a question regarding Parsons Engineering Science and engineering design for the intersection at Bayshore Boulevard and SR60, Engineering Director Mike Quillen said the City considered involving the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) but decided to concentrate only on Bayshore Boulevard. In response to a question regarding 12 spun concrete light poles from Hughes Supply, Inc., Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said they are replacements. In response to a question regarding cellular digital packet data service from Alltel, Purchasing Manager George McKibben said the City has had no experience with Alltel in the past. This item provides for real time reporting, access to Federal and State computers, and GIS (Global Information System) information. BU BUDGET Fiscal indicators (WSO) Budget Director Tina Wilson presented an evaluation of the City’s fiscal conditions and financial indicators as of September 30, 2000. The review included: 1) financial trend monitoring system; 2) thirty-five (35) indicators; 3) environmental factors; per capita income; 4) employment; 5) business activity; 6) organizational factors; 7) financial factors; 8) net operating revenues; 9) uncollected property tax; 10) other revenue factors; 11) employees per capita; 12) fringe benefits; 13) operating position indicators; 14) debt indicators; 15) unfunded liabilities; 16) capital plant indicators (maintenance efforts, capital outlay, depreciation expense); 17) overall results; 18) areas of concern; 19) user charge coverage; 20) net operating expenditures; and 21) Harborview operating. Ms. Wilson said street maintenance and storm sewer maintenance also are being analyzed. She said overall, the City is in good shape. In response to a question, she said the poverty household is a negative trend that reflects data for Pinellas County, not just Clearwater. Interim City Manager Bill Horne said affordable housing is beginning to cost more and become more of a challenge. Staff is trying to get a better understanding for how much of the poverty household represents Clearwater. It was remarked that on the business activity graph provided, the $54 million in assessed value comes from the beach and downtown. It is important to look for additional revenues in those areas. In response to a question, Ms. Wilson said the personal income data was received from State economic reports. She said the City’s health insurance costs have been climbing. She was comfortable with the numbers projects for health insurance costs. It was remarked that fringe benefits as a percentage of taxes are increasing. Mr. Horne said the city wishes to be competitive with other cities’ salaries to eliminate high turnover and to retain well trained, qualified employees. The stability of the workforce results in an affordable cost to achieve the level of service desired and a positive result. Business activity is positive. Ms. Wilson thanked Senior Accountant Lucette Wombacher for spending 3 months on this project. FN FINANCE Res. #01-07 - Establishing intent to reimburse certain Water & Sewer project costs incurred with proceeds of future tax-exempt financing A Water and Sewer rate study has been completed which proposes a 7% increase in water and sewer rates effective July 1, 2001, April 1, 2002, January 1, 2003, October 1, 2003, and October 1, 2004. These rate increases are sufficient to provide for operations, capital projects, and debt service on bonds issued during this time period. The rate study identified a need for approximately $113.2 million in capital projects, with bonds to be used in 2001/2002 of approximately $36,503,000 and 2003/2004 of approximately $48,498,000 to fund a portion of the needed capital improvements. Following is a list of $36,503,000 in projects to be financed from the 2001/2002 bond issue: 1) Northeast Advanced Waste Waster Treatment Carousel - $570,000; 2) laboratory building - $2,199,000; 3) Water pollution control master plan – Phase III and IV - $1,792,000; 4) pump station replacement - $6,060,000; 5) reclaimed water - $2,058,000; 6) Northeast improvements - $3,643,000; 7) water treatment plant - $8,200,000; 8) sewer interceptor lines - $2,781,000; 9) sewer manholes and gravity lines - $1,000,000; 10) water disinfection systems - $1,400,000; 11) water service lines - $1,000,000; 12) Clearwater Harbor sewer line relocation (JPA) - $1,000,000; 13) Clearwater Harbor force main (bridge) - $1,200,000; and 14) Clearwater Harbor water transmission main replacement - $3,600,000. The City anticipates issuing bonds in 2001/2002 to finance these projects. The date of issuance will be determined at a later date based upon market conditions. The Water and Sewer Fund will be incurring expenses on these projects prior to the issuance of the bonds. This reimbursement resolution will allow the City to be reimbursed from the bond proceeds. In response to a question, Finance Director Margie Simmons said the water rates in Clearwater would be higher if the reverse osmosis plant is not built. GS GENERAL SUPPORT SERVICES Approve a Sports Facility Development Agreement with Philadelphia Phillies listing property located at 2465 Drew Street (corner of Drew St. & Old Coachman Rd.) as primary project site; approve renaming of capital project to "Community Sports Complex Development and Construction"; approve allocation of $2,695,000 of unrestricted retained earnings of Central Insurance Fund On December 19, 2000, the Commission approved a Use Agreement between the City and the Philadelphia Phillies. Pursuant to Section 20.1.2 of the Use Agreement “The specific site for the Sports Complex shall by February 15, 2001, (amended to March 1, 2000) have been agreed to by the parties . . .” Additionally, per Section 20.1.3 of the Use Agreement, “The parties shall, within 15 days following satisfaction of the conditions in Section 20.1.2. have (i) executed and delivered a definitive SFDA (Sports Facility Development Agreement); . . . ‘ The Sports Facility Development agreement sets forth the respective duties and responsibilities of the parties for the development and construction of a new community sports complex. Approval of the Development agreement is the final action in the site selection process unless something occurs to make this site unusable in which case the City and Phillies may mutually agree to another location. The main components of the SFDA are as follows: 1) The identification of the preferred project site (2465 Drew Street), absent any conditions or adverse results that the parties would agree justify finding an alternative site; 2) the deadlines for conducting environmental, geotechnical investigations and site prep and any necessary site remediation; 3) requires the architect and construction contractor selection process to be followed by the Phillies under the requirements of the Consultants Competitive Negotiation Act; and 4) the project financing components and availability dates for public funds. Per the terms of the Clearwater Stadium Project Term Sheet approved by the Commission on September 7, 2000, the “City will (in addition to its other obligations set forth in this term sheet) make a capital contribution to the Project in the amount of $5 million.” Three million ($3 million) has been previously funded from Penny for Pinellas. In a unanimous vote, the commission previously approved, in principal, the transfer of $ 2 million from the Central Insurance Fund to this capital project. Approval of this action makes that transfer recommendation official. In order to complete the funding profile as agreed to in the term sheet and the Use Agreement, staff is requesting additional funding in the amount of $695,000 for the following: 1) $300,000 for infrastructure improvements (roadway and traffic); 2) $250,000 for site work; 3) $115,000 for insurance ($70,000 liability and remediation; $25,000 builders risk), environmental attorney’s fees and administration costs; and 4) $30,000 for additional environmental and geotechnical investigation. Additionally, staff is requesting that $455,000 from the $500,000 already funded to this project for environmental remediation per the SPJC (St. Petersburg Junior College) acquisition agreement be approved for use to cover the site preparation costs and the above-itemized costs. These funds are no longer necessary for environmental remediation because the City is purchasing environmental liability insurance. Based upon the funding and uses of this capital project code, staff is proposing the broadening of the project scope and the renaming of this project to “Community Sports Complex Development and Construction,” which will allow all related studies, design and construction costs to be captured within this single capital project. Funding will be provided by the allocation of $2,695,000 of the unrestricted retained earnings of the Central Insurance Fund. This includes the original $2 million conceptually approved at the September 7, 2000, Commission meeting. An additional $695,000 is now recommended for allocation from the same source to cover the costs outlined above. The allocation of these additional funds will leave unrestricted reserves of approximately $3.5 million in the Central Insurance Fund (excluding current liabilities). In response to a question, General Support Services Administrator Keith Ashby said the $30,000 for environmental remediation is part of the $455,000. It is not an additional amount. The development agreement includes language pertaining to the flexibility of discussions and does not give the Phillies sole and absolute rights for anything. Any requests have to be reasonable. It is within the Phillies’ discretion to approve restaurants and other establishments in the stadium. The Phillies will reimburse the City for $15,000 for geotechnical studies and the City would pay the remainder of costs up to $250,000. Mr. Ashby said no public funds would be used except for construction. The cost of bonding would be approximately $12 million over 30 years. He said the development agreement would protect the City in the event the Phillies assigned the contract to another team. Concern was expressed that staff felt funds are no longer necessary for environmental remediation because the City is purchasing environmental liability insurance. Ms. Akin said there is a deductible on the insurance. Information will be provided to the Commission on Thursday. It was remarked that the changes to the document were minor and it has basically remained as is for a long period of time. At Thursday’s Commission meeting, staff will address flooding issues in surrounding neighborhoods. Mr. Horne said staff has informed the surrounding neighborhood that some short-term measures have been implemented. Long-term measures regarding the Alligator Creek basin, which surrounds the Kapok Mobile Home Park, need to be addressed. LIB LIBRARY Agreement with Harvard Jolly Clees Toppe Architects, architectural services for new Main Library, basic services for $1,213,500 and an additional services allowance of $359,200 for a total amount not to exceed $1,572,700, increasing current not to exceed amount of $1,104,364 by $468,336 The revised contract with Harvard Jolly Clees Toppe Architects for architectural services reflects the size (90,000 square feet) and budget ($20.2 million) of the new Main Library approved by the City Commission on September 21, 2000. The architectural fees represent 8.35% of the total construction budget of $14,532,915. The additional services allowance includes the fee for the library design architect, Robert A.M. Stern Architects. The agreement includes a clause that indicates the final scope of the project is dependent on the availability of private funding and that the fees for architectural services may be adjusted accordingly. The State of Florida Department of Management Services is acting at the City’s agent in the agreement. Funds for this contract are available in Project#315-93523. In response to a question, Library Director John Szabo said the 8.35% fee was negotiated by DMS (State of Florida Department of Management Services/Building Construction Division). Staff felt the 8.35% is lower than a fee would have been. The architect will provide the exact number of hours spent on the project. The 8.35% would be paid to both Harvard Jolley Clees Toppe Architects and Stern as a group. As the design architect, Stern’s fees include costs for interior designs, renderings, models, etc. Harvard Jolly Clees Toppe Architects will follow through on the design. DMS will act as the City’s agent throughout the entire process and serve as the City’s on-site construction team to ensure contractors are performing their duties. Staff will provide a copy of the contract to the Commission. City Clerk Cyndie Goudeau said as with all agenda items, contracts, etc. are available in the Clerk’s office. Amendment to 1/21/99 Agreement with State of Florida Department of Management Services/ Building Construction Division (DMS), re project management services for new Main Library, increasing current agreement amount of $170,626 by $88,864 for new total $259,490 The State of Florida Department of Management Services’ Building Construction division will perform project management services as outlined in the contract. The amendment to the agreement reflects the new project budget of $20,247,061. Building Construction/DMS fees will be adjusted accordingly if the scope of the project changes. Building Construction/DMS services include: 1) Provide direction/consultation to the architect during conceptual schematics phase; 2) provide direction/consultation to the architect during design development phase; 3) provide direction/consultation to the architect during construction documents phase; 4) establish Contractor Selection Team consisting of DMS, the architect, and City personnel; 5) establish Contractor Negotiation Team consisting of the same members as the Selection Team; 6) prepare all contractor documents for preparation/execution on behalf of the City; 7) provide pricing and value engineering review of contract documents; 8) review and analyze contractor activities during construction; 9) analyze and recommend change orders as required; 10) process contractor’s pay requests; and 11) participate in substantial and final completion inspections. Funds for this agreement are available in Project #315-93523. Staff recommends approval. In response to a question, Mr. Szabo said this item reflects the amendments. The costs were already in the budget adopted by the Commission in September 2000. He said the costs have increased by $47,000. Fundraising is estimated at just under $5 million. PR PARKS AND RECREATION Authorize Parks and Recreation Board to solicit public input for naming of new recreation & aquatics center to be constructed on N. Greenwood Ave. (Ray Green Field site) and to have board formulate a recommendation on proposed name to provide to Commission for final decision (Consent) Included in the 2000/2001 City capital budget is $4 million for the design and construction of a new recreation and aquatics center located on North Greenwood Avenue just west of the Jack Russell Stadium site. Construction of the new facility is scheduled to commence late summer 2001 with a tentative opening date of October 1, 2001. Currently, the site for the new center is a softball field known as Ray Green Field. Mr. Green was a City Mayor from 1935 – 1938 and State comptroller from 1956 – 1965. Resolution #97-43 Section 1(b) states that “the Parks and Recreation Board will not consider any requests to rename existing parks unless so requested by motion of the City Commission.” Staff is requesting this approval since the name of the facility is “Ray Green Field”. There are no procedures in place for the naming of recreation and aquatic centers, therefore, it is recommended that the Board use Resolution #97-43 policy and procedures for naming new City parks and the renaming of existing parks as a guideline to name this facility. Concern was expressed that the names of an individual that played a significant part in Clearwater's history would be eliminated. It was felt they should continue to be honored by name in some part of the new facility. Lease Agreement with Philadelphia Phillies for Carpenter Field Training Complex Pursuant to the City’s ability to build a new Community Sports Complex, a new lease agreement for the Carpenter Complex will need to be executed. This lease will run concurrently with the new Community Sports Complex Use Agreement. The main components of the Lease Agreement are as follows: 1) The term is for 20 spring training seasons, with the team having 1 five-year extension right and the City and team having 3 mutually agreed upon 5-year extensions; 2) a base rent in the amount of $204,000 annually for the initial 20-year term, rent for any renewal terms will be negotiated at that time; 3) the 50/50 split of any ad valorem taxes assessed the facility; 4) as currently is the case, the City is obligated to maintain the complex in good order and condition. The Phillies are obligated to provide 1 FTE to work out of the complex; 5) no additional budget impact is anticipated. Current resources assigned to this facility will adequately cover the City’s responsibility; and 6) the Phillies are granted naming rights authority to license for a third party. The City will have the right to disapprove. The City will receive 50% of any naming rights. Concern regarding allowing naming rights was expressed. Concern was expressed that the $204,000 annual rent is not sufficient for the subject property. City Attorney Pam Akin said the City has the ability to use the facility for City events when the Phillies are not using it. Public Hearing - Declare surplus for purpose of leasing to PACT, Inc. (Ruth Eckerd Hall), portion of Sec. 9-29-16, containing 41 acres mol; approve lease and facility use agreement with PACT for initial 30 year term, for total rent of $100 payable in advance, subject to and conditioned on City obtaining title to property In 1997, the City accepted a land donation from Kapok Tree Inn, Inc. (Resolution #77-133) for the development of a performing arts center. On June 4, 1981, the City canceled it’s original lease agreement with PACT and sold the properties, transferring and conveying to PACT, subject to a right of reverter back to the City upon payment of bond indebtedness which was required to pay for the initial construction, and the balance of the lands remaining continued to be owned by the City. PACT, Inc. is planning on paying off all of the underlying bond indebtedness, which consistent with the original bond issue and agreement, will result in the reverter of fee simple title on the properties to the City such that the City is the fee simple title owner of the entire parcel; including the performing arts facility, parking lot, entry roads, and other associated properties pertaining to the performing arts center. PACT, Inc. has indicated willingness and a desire to continue to operate the arts facility, to continue to solicit funds, to maintain, repairs, and otherwise use and develop the site. Among enhanced provisions of the 30-year lease and facility use agreement: 1) PACT will be responsible for all maintenance, repairs, and care of the site including all exterior and interior areas as ell as pay all utilities charges; 2) City to provide annual funding to PACT beginning with $412,000 for fiscal year 2000-2001 and to continue such payments, adjusted for inflation on an annual basis during the term of the facility use agreement, subject to approval of the annual City budget; 3) the City of Clearwater for the Clearwater Community Chorus and for Clearwater City Players, or other City funded organizations as designed by the City shall be provided up to 12 uses per year of Ruth Eckerd Hall for rehearsals and/or performances with no rental fee charged and up to 20 uses of Studio One for rehearsals and/or performances per year at no rental charge; 4) PACT, Inc. shall provide marketing support for City sponsored events at Ruth Eckerd Hall as normally provided to renters of the facility; and 5) if not in default at the end of the lease term, PACT shall have the right and option to extend the term of the lease for an additional period of 30 years. PACT, Inc. is planning a major investment in the renovation of Ruth Eckerd Hall and an addition to the facility, which will primarily be funded through private donations. In response to a question, Mr. Dunbar said if stage hands, etc. are needed for the City uses of the facility, the City pays the costs. He said there is no cap on the annual inflation rate that is added to annual costs, but the Commission must approve the entire amount each year. In response to a question, Mr. Horne said he did not know if the lack of inflation guards in agreements would become an issue in the future with other organizations. It was remarked that the City’s relationship with PACT is unique compared to other organizations. It was felt that PACT is a huge asset to the community. In response to a question, Ms. Akin said there is no provision in the agreement to revert back to previous funding amounts. The CPI (Consumer Price Index) could change next year and change the projected numbers. PW PUBLIC WORKS Work Order to Tampa Bay Engineering, Inc., engineering & architectural design services, new Sand Key Fire Station, $98,300 (Consent) The location for the new Sand Key Fire station has been confirmed as the old Sand Key Bridge tollbooth site on Gulf Boulevard. This Work Order provides for survey, geotechnical, architectural, engineering, and permitting services to complete the design and bid phases of the project. The Q’ante Group, Inc., an architectural firm with extensive fire station experience, is the sub-consultant providing the architectural services. All work will be completed within 4 months of Work Order approval. These design fees were included in the budget for the Sand Key Station CIP Project (91238). In response to a question, Fire Chief Rowland Herald said there is a 120-day permitting process prior to putting this project out to bid. Mr. Quillen said he anticipates the project construction would start in August 2001. Chief Herald said he is confident that sufficient funds have been identified for the project. He said although no agreement has been struck with the County regarding obtaining an easement or additional property for a drive-through operation, that stipulation would not impact the project’s effectiveness. He said the County has given the City preliminary verbal approval for a signal light at the station to allow vehicles to exit the facility. He said emergency signals are not mandated and 2 other stations also do not have emergency signals. Mr. Horne said as the County has a new Parks Board, City staff would ask for reconsideration of granting an easement to the City. It was suggested that during construction, an old token be imbedded in the reception desk. Contract to McKim & Creed, construction engineering & inspection (CE&I) services for both Northeast Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements & Northeast Reclaimed water storage and pumping expansion, $270,400 Due to proximity and timing, the Northeast Advanced Wastewater Treatment plant (NEAWT) improvements and the reclaimed storage tank and pumping facilities were bid for construction as a single project. This contract will allow the consultant to provide CE&I for both projects. Water Pollution Control’s (WPC) cost for CE&I is $101,700; reclaimed water’s cost for CE&I is $168,700. In accordance with the Interlocal Agreement between the City and the City of Safety Harbor, Safety Harbor will share in WPC’s cost, contributing $30,133.33. This initiative is part of the continuing development of reclaimed water utilization in the City, in accordance with the approved Master Plan. The construction phase of this project is being funded in part by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). The work order includes CE&I services for the following: reclaimed water transfer and high service pumping facilities, associated reclaimed improvements at the site, overseeing the construction of a new 5 million gallon storage facility, a new plant disinfection system and related equipment, and the development of the plant Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system programming. The programming work will incorporate the new facilities monitoring and control into the existing plant control systems. In addition to this contract, there is an existing contract with McKim & Creed for CE&I services in the amount of $279,900 for other aspects of the NE AWT improvements. This new contract ($270,400) combined with the existing one $279,900) will bring the total for CE&I services to $550,300, or 5.8% of the $9,410,000 allocated for construction (see accompanying Agenda Item). CE&I services for projects such as these often range from 4 – 10%. McKim & Creed, Engineer of Record, designed both of these projects. Since they will already be providing CE&I, and given their detailed knowledge of the projects, staff believes they are best suited to provide the additional CE&I services. Interim financing, in anticipation of the issuance in FY 2002 of Water & Sewer Revenue Bonds, will provide funding for the City’s share. A Reimbursement Resolution will allow for reimbursement of these costs by the interim financing/bond proceeds. Mid-year budget transfers will establish the budget for WPC’s share of CE&I costs to 343-96658 from 315-96672 Northeast Carousel of $71,567, and to 343-96739 from 315-96739 of $168,700, to establish the budget for Reclaimed Water’s share of CE&I costs. Project 96658 will be retitled Northeast Improvements. The pump station rehabilitation part of 315-96672 Northeast Carousel project is transferring to the Northeast Improvements project. The planned funding for this project was included in the Water/Sewer Utility Rate Study update recently completed by Burton & Associates. In response to a question, Transportation and Drainage Director Gary Johnson said water and water sewer revenue funds will provide bonding along with mid-year budget transfers and funds from Safety Harbor. This is part of the 2002 revenue bonds. PLD PLANNING Public Hearing - Res. #01-06 - approving Development Agreement with Clearwater Seashell Resort L.L.C. (Kimpton) The subject site is 1.63 acres in area and is located on either side of Third Street between South Gulfview Boulevard and Coronado Drive. Its is within an area identified for a catalytic project by Beach by Design and is a priority candidate for redevelopment on Clearwater beach. The applicant is proposing to construct a 250-room resort hotel 150 feet in height. The proposal also includes 35,000 – 50,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space an approximately 833-space garage. The proposal requires use of 184 hotel rooms from the density pool created in Beach by Design and the vacation of Third Street and South Gulfview. The applicant is proposing to begin construction as soon as practical upon approval of the development agreement and commits to the following: 1) Construction of improvements an participation in the financing of South Gulfview Boulevard to create Beach Walk generally between First Street and the South Beach Pavilion; 2) dedication of ten feet for use a public right-of-way abutting Coronado Drive; and 3) availability of 400 parking spaces in the private garage will be made available for public use. The proposal is in compliance with the standards for development agreements and is consistent with Beach by Design. The Community Development Board (CDB) reviewed the proposed application for flexible development approval at a meeting on February 20, 2001, and approved unanimously the site plan. The CDB also unanimously recommends approval of the Development Agreement by the Commission. Planning Director Ralph Stone reviewed the specific changes and key points in the agreement. In response to a question, Mr. Stone said by providing 2 lanes in 2 directions on Gulf Boulevard or Coronado, staff intends to maximize traffic volumes on the beach and address traffic during construction. He said the CDB voted unanimously in its approval of this project. In response to a question, Ms. Akin said at the Thursday Commission meeting, the hearing regarding this project will be quasi-judicial. Anyone wishing to speak will be allotted 3 minutes. The applicant can give a 5-minute presentation. CLK CITY CLERK Marine Advisory Board - 1 appointment Ms. Goudeau said a vacancy has been created due to one member moving out of the City. Marine and Aviation Director Bill Morris said the vacancy was discussed at the last Marine Advisory Board meeting and although favorable comments were made about all the candidates, the majority expressed interest in nominating Edward O’Brien, Jr. CA LEGAL DEPARTMENT Ms. Akin said she would bring forward an item for settlement of the Short v. City case on Thursday. Other Commission Action Commissioner Johnson asked that Mr. Horne explain the letter from Commissioner Hart to Largo Commissioner Shelby. Mr. Horne said he would provide the Commission with that information on Thursday. Commissioner Clark thanked the YWCA for inviting him to be a docent of tours in the Harbor Oaks neighborhood. He also thanked the residents who opened their homes for the event. Mayor Aungst said he is extremely anxious to find out about the status of the Beach Entryway Committee’s recommendations. He felt it important to expedite the improvements after Spring Break. Mr. Horne said he anticipates a report after Spring Break. Mr. Horne was unsure if a conclusive document would be ready sometime after the March Commission meeting. Mayor Aungst said a sense of urgency needs to be re-established. Commissioner Clark requested an update on the Balk project. Mr. Brumback said he would provide the update to the Commission later today. The meeting adjourned at 11:25 a.m.