07/30/2001CITY COMMISSION WORKSESSION
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 30, 2001
Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner
Ed Hart Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
Hoyt P. Hamilton Commissioner
William C. Jonson Commissioner
Absent: Whitney Gray 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 9:00 a.m. at City Hall.
PRESENTATIONS
Tampa Bay Water
Paula Dye, Tampa Bay Water (TBW) reviewed the company’s history, existing facilities and long term water supply planning. TBW develops wholesale water supplies to service member governments.
She said TBW would be able to bring on additional supplies by the time it experiences a reduction from existing sources. She said the recent drought has resulted in low water levels
in the Hillsborough River. Even with the current rains, it will take several months for the aquifer to rebound. She praised the citizens of Clearwater for their conservation efforts.
In response to a question, she said there are additional projects other than the 35 projects listed in the presentation.
PUR PURCHASING
Rotonics Manufacturing, 90 gallon refuse containers (black barrels) & spare parts, 8/3/01-9/30/02, est. $75,000 (SW)
Sunshine State One Call of Florida, gas main & gas marking service, 8/31/01-9/1/02, est. $28,000 (GAS)
Emmett McCabe Trucking, Aggregate #57 & hauling, 8/1/01-8/31/04, est. $54,000 (PS)
Hughes Supply Inc., sports floodlights & supporting equipment for E.C. Moore Complex, $35,090 (PR)
Wingfoot Brad Ragan Inc., tires, 8/3/01-8/31/03, est. $400,000 (GS)
Physio-Control Corp., Lifepac 500 AED defibrillation equipment, $43,750 (FD)
Pennington, Moore, Wilkinson, Bell and Dunbar, P.A., 5th & Final renewal, lobbyist services, 10/1/01-9/30/02, est. $60,000 (CLK)
Suncoast Industries, preventative transmission & repair service, 8/4/01-9/30/02, est. $40,000 (GS)
R & S Lawn Service, grounds maintenance for Countryside, 8/3/01-8/31/02, est. $33,000 (PR)
Tampa Bay Engineering Inc., EOR, design service, Sand Key Firestation amendment, $32,680 (PW)
In response to a question, Purchasing Manager George McKibben said the preventative transmission and repair service contract to Suncoast Industries is for changing fluids in City vehicles.
Regarding design service for Tampa Bay Engineering, Inc., Mr. McKibben said architectural amendments for the Sand Key fire station are necessary to increase the square footage and relocate
a 12-inch main.
In response to a question regarding lobbyist services from Pennington, Moore, Wilkinson, Bell and Dunbar, P.A., Ms. Goudeau said when the billboard issue comes up, Mr. Dunbar will not
represent Clearwater on that issue or any other issues that could present a conflict of interest. She said Mr. Dunbar has already indicated that legislation will more than likely come
up next year and we already sent a letter to another lobbyist, Mr. Peebles.
In response to a question, City Attorney Pam Akin said attorneys cannot represent clients with conflicting interests without consent of both clients. She said she was not aware if
lobbyists have separate codes of ethics but Mr. Dunbar has notified the City he also represents the cable industry and Tampa Bay Water. It was requested that a list of companies that
Mr. Dunbar represents be provided the Commission. It was noted that Mr. Dunbar is recognized as one of the best lobbyists in Tallahassee. It was requested this item be removed from
the purchasing memo and brought forward as a separate item.
In response to a question regarding grounds maintenance for Countryside, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said Countryside Lawn Service has done work with the City before,
but not in this area. He said the debris in Countryside was caused by rains the previous day and was cleaned up the next day. This contract has been brought forward to allow staff
to bring in a new vendor.
IT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Agreement with Selectron, Inc., for Interactive Voice Response System software & maintenance, $33,900; financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (Consent)
The upgrade of the Tidemark Permitting System is a three-phase implementation. Phase one includes the purchase of hardware approved by consent July 12, 2001. Phase two includes the
contract for acquiring the software upgrade, data conversion, maintenance, and implementation of services and training. Phase two also will include a contract for a permit plan and
IVR (Interactive Voice Response System) software, implementation and training. Phase three includes M-Track remote access software, and implementation and training for online, mobile,
and Internet permitting.
The Phase two contract for the IVR system software, training and maintenance totals $33,900. Selectron is the sole source of an IVR solution that integrates with the City's Tidemark
Permitting System.
The IVR System will allow planning and development services operations for the City to achieve the following goals: 1) provide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week improved communication among
staff and the public for phone permitting inspection information; 2) process permitting customers more efficiently over the phone, thereby decreasing waiting times and providing easier
access to more information; 3) enable public to schedule or cancel inspections and check status of inspections via the phone; 4) enable inspectors to post inspection results and leave
voice messages for contractors and the public detailing corrections required to obtain permits; and 5) provide higher quality and more accurate data reports for staff, and track volume
and types of inspections requested.
Funding for this contract is available in the capital project 315-94801, Tidemark Upgrade.
In response to a question, Information Technology Director Dan Mayer said the City is staying with the Tidemark system because of the 3 vendors that can provide these services, staff
feels it would be more cost effective to upgrade the system. Tidemark has recently merged with Sierra to provide even more services. He said it also would create a training issue if
the City tried to perform these services in-house.
Agreement with Tidemark Solutions, for Phase 2 upgrade of permit plan software & maintenance, $104,355; financing of $46,875 to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement
(Consent)
The upgrade of the Tidemark Permitting System is a three-phase implementation. Phase one includes the purchase of hardware approved by consent July 12, 2001. Phase two includes the
contract for acquiring the software upgrade, data conversion, maintenance, and implementation of services and training. Phase two also will include a contract for a permit plan and
IVR (Interactive Voice Response System) software, implementation and training. Phase three includes M-Track remote access software, and implementation and training for online, mobile,
and Internet permitting.
The Phase two contract for the IVR system software, training and maintenance totals $104,355.
The upgrade will allow the Planning and Development Services Operations for the City to achieve the following goals: 1) Provide improved communication among staff and the public
by having the ability to access additional information remotely; 2) process permitting customers more efficiently by decreasing waiting times and providing easier access to more information;
3) improve efficiency of property evaluation by attaching site photos and other property records; 4) enable staff to utilize less time for data entry and more time evaluating sites in
the field thereby processing additional cases and undertaking more projects; 5) provide for in-house creation and maintenance of customer data input screens, thus reducing dependence
upon vendor services and outside consultants; 6) provide higher quality and more accurate data reports in support of organizational decision making; and 7) improve the accuracy and consistency
of data analysis by having the ability to access public records and information in greater detail via GIS.
Funding for this contract is available in a project 315-94801, Tidemark Upgrade.
Jeff Kronschnabl explained why this system was chosen and the reason for the upgrade. Staff found Tidemark to be the most responsive. Staff has received good input from other customers
regarding the Tidemark product. Tidemark can do a number of things it could not do before its merger with Sierra. It was requested that a summary of the total cost for Tidemark upgrades
be provided to the Commission.
PLD PLANNING
Public Hearing - Approve City of Clearwater Fiscal Year 2001-2002 Action Plan to carry forward goals & objectives set forth in 5 year Consolidated Plan created in 2000 as required by
HUD
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires communities that receive entitlement funding prepare a comprehensive five year plan which evaluates the needs of
the community and sets forth strategies to address those needs. This plan was completed and approved in 2000. In addition, the City is required to create and implement an annual statement
identifying the sources and uses of federal money for housing, community and economic development. This annual plan, referred to as an Action Plan, provides HUD with Clearwater's annual
budget and proposed expenditures.
Funds are to be used to develop viable communities, provide safe and affordable housing, and expand economic opportunities for very low to moderate-income persons. This year's Action
Plan allocates federal and state funds to provide housing opportunities to low to moderate income families for new and existing homes, homebuyer training, construction and/or renovation
of public facilities, and to fund programs which assist the homeless, single parent households, the elderly, the physical physically challenged and children.
In Fiscal Year 2001-2002, the City is due to receive federal funds in the amount of $1,029,000 through the Community Development Block Grant Program, $514,000 through the HOME Program,
and $873,440 from the State of Florida through the State Housing Initiative and Incentive Partnership Program (SHIP). Funds provided through the HOME and SHIP programs are limited to
housing activities and administration. Funds provided through the CDBG Program may be used for housing, economic development, code enforcement, public services and facilities, relocation,
demolition, and administration. Additional funding for FY 2001/2002-budget comes from program income and re-programmed funds.
Each year, the City may allocate up to 15% of its budget for Public Services. Under this category, agencies competed for $150,000. The City's Housing Division received requests for
funding in excess of $400,000. A Technical Review Committee (TRC) comprised of professionals the social service grant industry and the Neighborhood Affordable Housing Advisory Board
(NAHAB) reviewed the applications, scored them and set forth a strategy to allow as many agencies as possible to be funded. The following agencies are recommended for funding: Clearwater
Homeless Intervention Project, Inc., Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services, Greenwood Community Health Center, Gulf Coast Legal Services, Inc., Partners in Self Sufficiency, and the
Mustard Seed's Turning Point Program. Remaining agencies not selected may apply for the City's Human Relations Grant program that will be available in the near future.
This year's scoring system incorporated the following: In February, City staff advertised fund availability and conducted a workshop for interested applicants. The applicants were
given 30 days to complete their applications and return them to the City. Applicants were given an opportunity to speak to the committees regarding their programs during a bus tour.
City staff reviewed each application to ensure it met HUD's baseline requirements. This step is performed on a pass/fail basis. All applicants passed this step for FY 2002. Applications
were distributed to the NAHAB and TRC. The TRC reviewed the applications on the basis of technical merits of the application; the NAHAB scored on the basis of their knowledge of the
organization and its impact on the community. The weight of the TRC and NAHAB scores was 50/50. The NAHAB adopted a sliding scale that allowed the two top scorers to receive 70% of
their request, the second two received 60% of their request, and the third two received 50%. This allowed the maximum number of applicants to receive funding.
In response to a question, Assistant Director of Housing Nina Bandoni said the public service category is the most competitive area for funding requests. Ms. Bandoni reviewed the application
process and those agencies that would be and would not be funded. She said applicants are invited to meet with staff regarding the application process. Those applicants who did not
receive funds also are welcome to meet with staff to better understand the process and how they can achieve better scores. Staff provides technical assistance to those agencies who
request it. Some of the programs available are internal housing program, public facilities including renovations, many economic development initiatives, Small Business Loan Program,
Homeless emergency project funds, homebuyers counseling, housing pool for subrecipients, affordable housing and fair housing initiatives. It was remarked that downtown is in need of,
but does not have enough need, to qualify for housing programs. It was suggested the City take some grant money to help first-time business owners renovate in downtown. Ms. Bandoni
said HUD requires meeting three criteria to obtain funds:1) does the project benefit low and moderate income people; 2) does the project prevent or eliminate slums or blight; and 3)
does the project pose an immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community and are there no other resources to address those. Ms. Bandoni said the City was recognized by the
County for their expertise in handling grants.
PW PUBLIC WORKS
Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #6823-01 - Vacating 10' drainage & utility easement lying along south & east property lines of M&B 33.06, Sec. 19-29-16, a/k/a 1505 S. Belcher Rd.
(Exxon Mobil Corp., V2001-14)
The applicant proposes to vacate the 10-foot drainage and utility easement to redevelop the property with a new Walgreen's store.
Florida Power, Time Warner, Verizon, and Verizon Media Ventures, Inc. have no objection to the vacation request. The City has no utilities in the subject easement. Public Works Administration
has no objections to the vacation request.
In response to a question, Engineering Director Mike Quillen said the applicant is consolidating more than one lot.
Res. #01-29 - authorizing utility work by Highway Contractor Agreement with FDOT for relocation of existing potable water & sanitary sewer facilities within Alt. US19 Project, from West
Bay Drive to Drew Street
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has designed the roadway widening of State Road 595 (Alternate US19) from West Bay Drive to Drew Street. The proposed improvements will
include resurfacing the existing roadway and upgrading the drainage system. Construction is currently anticipated to begin in April 2002, and take approximately one year to complete.
This roadway improvement project will necessitate the relocation or adjustment of the City's water and sanitary sewer mains and appurtenances within the project limits. The City's
Engineering Department has coordinated the design for these utility accommodations with FDOT representatives. FDOT will receive bids for the combined roadway improvement and utility
relocation work and make award of bid to the low bidder.
The amounts included on this agenda item are the engineer's preliminary estimate, and are subject to change as the design progresses. The exact costs will be determined by the contractor's
bid and may vary from this amount. Project will be competitively bid by FDOT. The breakout of the engineer's estimates is as follows: 1) Water Line Relocation, Expense Code 315-96742-563800-533-000
for $60,000, and 2) Sanitary Utility Relocation, Expense Code 315-96634-563800-535-000, for $40,000. The total will be $100,000.
Sufficient funding for this agreement is available in each of the projects specified.
In response to a question, Mr. Quillen said there will be no changes to the existing overhead power lines. It was remarked that this is a much-needed project.
Presentation - Grease Regulation (WSO)
Public Utilities Director Andy Neff gave a presentation on a proposed City grease regulation ordinance. He said the City is already required by the County to enforce the County ordinance.
The ordinance is intended to protect the public health and in the environment and is EPA driven to reduce sewer overflows and disruption of service. The ordinance applies to sewer
service facilities, waste haulers, and service providers of grease services and treatment. The proposed ordinance focuses on grease generators registered to service facilities and is
proactive in nature. In response to a question, Mr. Neff said the County monitors grease waste haulers from the point that the grease is removed from the facility. They have no other
way to monitor compliance with the ordinance.
In response to a question, Mr. Neff said the reason the City is proposing a separate Ordinance from the County regarding grease regulation, because the EPA has informed Clearwater it
has a problem in its wastewater collection system. Staff feels something must be done to address that issue. Mr. Neff said there is no cooperative that could coordinate such issues.
The County has no method of verification regarding pump out therefore Clearwater is trying to fill the void. He said the City's system is independent of other cities.
It was requested that a list of provisions that will affect businesses be provided to the Commission. It was remarked that lots of residents also throw grease down drains and that
the burden of this ordinance should not rest solely on commercial properties. Concern was expressed about the costs associated with this grease ordinance to commercial business owners.
Mr. Neff said there are approximately 600 businesses in the City that would be affected. The total cost to the City is approximately $150,000 annually. It was requested that requirements
and code enforcement efforts regarding noncompliance as well as appeals for noncompliance be discussed.
Ratify previous decision to remove Pierce Street connection from Memorial Causeway Bridge project
In early 2000, the FDOT released a construction cost estimate which exceeded previous cost estimates for the new Memorial Causeway Bridge. This estimate also exceeded the available
City budget. As a result, the bridge project was examined to identify significant cost items which could be deleted without some of the impact to the functionality or aesthetics of
the bridge. At approximately the same time, downtown redevelopment plans were released showing the area of the Pierce Street connection as part of a botanical garden.
It was then decided to remove the connection from the project. The design consultant was officially notified in May 2000. In July 2000, the 90% bridge plans and 60% roadway plans
were submitted to FDOT without the connection. At that point, it was too late to reinsert the connection without seriously jeopardizing the schedule and the federal funding. On November
14, 2000, a public information meeting on the bridge was held at the Harborview Center. Graphics were displayed showing the connection was removed. Comments received, primarily from
Pierce 100 residents, were positive.
If it were desired to now bring back this connection, the following information is applicable: 1) Cost- The estimated basic cost to complete the design and construct the connection
is $400,000 design, $910,000 construction, and $90,000 CEI, for a total of $1,400,000. If the work was done after the bridge construction was completed, drainage and other utility costs
could double the basic construction cost; 2) Right of Way - a small strip of land would need to be purchased from the Calvary Baptist Church; and 3) Schedule - the estimated design
time is 9 months and construction time is 12 months; 4) Signalization - a traffic signal would be required to allow eastbound traffic to turn onto Pierce Street. Two lanes of eastbound
traffic would have a continual green light, however, westbound traffic would be stopped when the signal is activated, with an associated back up on Court Street during heavy
traffic; 5) Turn Lane - a turn lane for eastbound traffic going to Pierce Street would have to be constructed in the bridge median. This would necessitate a redesign of the storm water
drainage and the lighting system on this area; 6) Right Turn Ramp - an alternative to the signal would be a right turn ramp crossing under the bridge for eastbound traffic going to Pierce
Street. This is not really feasible as it would either have to be constructed over the water, or would involve removal of the new radio station tower, or require right-of-way from Pierce
100. It also would require the relocation of the spiral pedestrian ramp; 7) Aesthetics- the connection would tie to the bridge approximately 30 feet above grade. The north and south
faces of the abutment would be a basic retaining wall; 8) Pierce 100 Access - the access to Pierce 100 would be as originally planned, a separate access road of Pierce Street. It would
connect to Pierce Street approximately 200 feet east of the bridge approach and enter Pierce 100 on the bluff to the north of Pierce Street. This alignment would take up approximately
three-quarters of an acre of the bluff; and 9) Traffic Volume - during the bridge PD&E study, the estimated traffic using the connection was 6,000 vehicles per day by the year 2020.
On June 19, 2001, staff met with the Economic Development Committee of the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce to discuss the Pierce Street connection. It was agreed that if the connection
is not built, City staff should work closely with the Chamber to develop a comprehensive directional signage program promoting downtown.
It was remarked the initial concern was the access to the downtown area and that it would require a traffic signal which was not attractive. It was remarked the original presentation
for the Pierce Street connection appeared as a welcome entrance to Clearwater beach. It was felt that the removal of the Pierce Street connection prior to bringing it to the Commission
was not appreciated, however, it does not make sense to spend an additional $1.4 million to add this intersection at this time. It was remarked that a letter from the Clearwater Chamber
of Commerce indicated that this is an important issue. They felt there should be a suitable entrance to the downtown. It was remarked that downtown should be as accessible as possible.
It was requested staff come forward with parking location proposals as soon as possible. Mr. Quillen said their request for proposal (RFP) is being prepared for a parking study for
downtown. He expects some results within the next six months. It was requested the parking study be expedited.
CA LEGAL DEPARTMENT
Other City Attorney Items
Public Hearing - approve expenditure of portion of proceeds of Gadsden County Industrial Development Authority's $12,020,000 Mortgage Revenue Bonds; Res. #01-30 - approving Interlocal
Agreement with Gadsden & Jefferson County (related to project with 3 nursing care facilities)
In 1988, the City adopted Ordinance #4670-88 authorizing the execution of an Interlocal Agreement with Gadsden County Industrial Development Authority to authorize the Authority to
issue bonds for the purchase of nursing facilities in Gadsden County, Jefferson County, and Clearwater.
The 1988A bonds and a smaller taxable bond series which has previously been redeemed, financed, among other things, the acquisition, renovation, and equipping of a nursing center known
as Glen Oaks f/k/a Bruce Manor at 1100 Pine Street in Clearwater. As part of that financing, the City entered into Interlocal Agreement on September 21, 1988.
The nursing care industry, particularly in Florida, has been distressed and the 1988A Bonds are currently in default. The Trustee, the 1988A Bondholders and the present ultimate borrower
under the 1988A Bond financing, RHA Florida Properties Inc., have been negotiating a restructuring of the 1988A Bonds in connection with a transfer of the facilities which secure the
1988A Bonds from RHA to a new non-profit borrower, the Trousdale Foundation of Gadsden Incorporated.
In conjunction with the change in ownership, the 1988A Bondholders would like to exchange the 1988A Bonds for the 2001 Bonds. The 2001 Bonds would have a new 30-year maturity rate,
a reduced principal amount and other characteristics designed to allow the nursing facilities to hopefully operate without defaulting under their collective indebtedness.
In order to complete the proposed change in ownership and bond restructuring, it is necessary for the City to conduct a TEFRA hearing to provide an opportunity for public comment on
proposed private activity bond issues. The hearing has been advertised in accordance with IRS regulations.
It also is necessary for the City to execute another Interlocal Agreement to replace the original Interlocal Agreement.
The City will not incur any liability in the issuance of the bonds or the financing and refinancing of the project, and the financing documents will provide so.
In response to a question, City Attorney Pam Akin said the representatives from the nursing care facilities will attend Thursday night's Commission meeting and answer any questions
the Commission may have. It was requested that more information be provided regarding refinancing, etc. It also was requested that a map be provided for the Thursday night meeting.
City Manager Verbal Reports
Update re Connolly property - Florida Communities Trust Grant Application
The Trust for Public Land, (a non-profit or agency dedicated to the protection of open green space), is assisting the City in reviewing options for the possible acquisition of the Connolly
property. The Trust for Public Land is committed to acquiring the property and assisting the City and obtaining reimbursement for the purchase price.
Staff is currently working with the Trust for Public Land as well as Florida Communities Trust for grant funding to supply the reimbursement. The deadline for grant submission is August
13, 2001. This does not commit the City to accept the grant. It will be brought back to
the Commission at a future time. Staff is working with the Historic Bayview Association in development of the grant.
In response to a question, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said annual maintenance costs are estimated at $50,000 to $75,000. It was remarked that several non-private organizations
that have grant programs may be able to help offset costs. It was remarked the City should not be spending City funds to build a park on this location. There are already 58 parks in
the City and a park within a quarter mile north of this property. Many traffic dangers were cited at previous public meetings regarding a former proposal for a zoning change. It was
felt the City must be consistent in the area of giving public funds for private properties in the future.
In response to a question, Mr. Dunbar said the park amenities proposed are to obtain as many points as possible in order to get grant funds. It was it was felt this property should
be developed as a low maintenance nature trail, with the historical center or a nature walk, incorporating a passive use.
Commission Discussion Items
Exemption for Public Parking above 42 feet in Beach by Design Plan (Jonson)
Commissioner Jonson said he requested this item be placed on the agenda. He suggested deleting the exemption for public parking above the 42-foot designation in Beach By Design.
Assistant City Manager/Economic Development Ralph Stone said the design guidelines are only guidelines. He said the reason the language exemption for public parking above 42 feet in
Beach by Design has been included, is that staff recognizes the public parking in structures must be a certain size in order to provide an adequate number of parking spaces as is economically
possible. He said staff is looking at possible locations. He said private sector groups fall under the same requirement. It was remarked that the guidelines do not include the size
of the site. Mr. Stone said the size of the lot is important. Cost and efficiency led to the exemption language. Staff can field test the standards. He said there are ways to address
the size of parking garages and their height. Mr. Stone said staff would bring forward information regarding a parking study in September.
National Scenic Byways Conference - Commissioner Jonson request to attend
Commissioner Jonson requested to attend the National Scenic Byways Conference on August 29, 2001, and that the August 30, 2001 budget work session be rescheduled. Consensus was to
reschedule the August 30, 2001 budget work session to allow Commissioner Jonson to attend the conference.
Florida Neighborhoods Conference - 9/7-8/01 - Orlando - Commissioner Jonson request to attend
Commissioner Jonson requested to attend the Florida Neighborhoods Conference on September 7 and 8, 2001, and Orlando. It was remarked the Commission has cut its travel
budget and that Commissioners must be cognizant of that fact before requesting attendance at meetings and conferences.
Other Commission Action
Commissioner Jonson said ridership counts are being collected north of Acacia due to low numbers. He hoped as many Commissioners as possible can attend the Suncoast League of Cities
conference breakfast on Saturday as Scott Black from Dade City will be inducted as President of the Florida League of Cities. He signed up for the Suncoast League breakfast at the Florida
League of Cities conference. He said he received e-mails relative to Paul B. Stevens School.
Commissioner Jonson updated the Commission on PSTA ridership counts north of Acacia. Suggestions have been made to merge the PSTA system with the Jolley Trolley especially mid-day
when less passengers are on the PSTA route. It was remarked that this requires further discussion.
Assistant City Manager Garry Brumback said the School Board is pursuing solutions regarding Paul B. Stevens School.
Mayor Aungst said concern has been expressed about a memorandum from John Szabo with regard to the Library design discussions with the architects. Mr. Szabo said placing a stairway
on the south as opposed to moving the elevator is being considered along with other considerations. It was remarked that an elevator on the south end is a necessity for the new library.
Mr. Szabo will keep the Commission updated.
Mayor Aungst said concern has been expressed about police presence at the beach. Police Chief Sid Klein said the police department was tasked with finding a 2% salary savings that
would make the least impact on the City. He said there would be reduction of the police aid program at the beach, but is not being eliminated. The Police Department also is under federal
mandate not to reduce any sworn officer positions.
The City Manager said the real problem on the beaches is teenagers on the weekends. He said that situation will not change but how to encourage a more non-disruptive element is being
addressed.
Commissioner Hart apologized for his Softball expertise. He said that his son won the USF basketball shootout this week.
Commissioner Hamilton said he had a great time at his 25-year high school reunion. He acknowledged the passing of Debra Vincent, former Clearwater Housing Authority Director and Leadership
Tampa Bay Committee, who was a tragic victim of leukemia. She will be missed.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 12:13 p.m.