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11/13/2001CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER November 13, 2001 Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner – departed 12:03 p.m. Ed Hart Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Whitney Gray Commissioner Hoyt P. Hamilton Commissioner William C. Jonson Commissioner Also present: William B. Horne II City Manager Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager Ralph Stone Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall. Service Awards Five service awards were presented to City employees. Employee of the Month John Schauder, Marine Department, was presented the November 2002 Employee of the Month award. The Commission recessed from 9:12 to 9:33 a.m. to meet as the Community Redevelopment Agency and Pension Trustees. PRESENTATIONS Harborview Annual Report Presentation David Nadeau, Harborview Center General Manager, presented the Harborview Center FY (fiscal year) 2000/01 end of year report. Despite a slight drop in the number of events and the relocation of Parks & Recreation bridge games, attendance rose, increasing by 175% since 1996. Prior to September 11, 2001, all annual shows reported increased attendance. While gross revenues of $1.7-million were consistent with last year, expenses decreased, saving more than $13,000 at the bottom line. Capital items, approved by the City Commission, included updating the computer network and painting the Atrium Ceiling. He indicated the center has several initiatives to assist in the growth of high-end food and beverage business. Wedding bookings are strong. Corporate bookings have increased, although recent events make this market uncertain. He complimented efforts by Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar and his staff. Parks & Recreation and Harborview Center staff have helped each other on several events, which increases productivity and cooperation. Mr. Nadeau said customer surveys indicate a positive atmosphere exists at Harborview Center. He reported four citywide conferences are booked for next year. The report indicates during FY 2000/01, the Harborview Center hosted 598 events and 192,513 people and had revenues of $1,707,395. The center had a $5,152,000 economic impact on Clearwater. Target markets include State, regional, and national associations, State & regional trade shows, religious conferences, government meetings, community/social events, public consumer shows, and local corporate meetings. Marketing initiatives include a hotel sales manager seminar, two marketing videos, community event sponsorships, advertisements, industry association memberships, trade show’s/piggyback marketing, and Global Spectrum Support. In response to questions, Mr. Nadeau said several cancellations followed the September 11, 2001 events, but felt momentum is returning. He felt confident the center will meet its FY 2001/02 budget. PUR PURCHASING 1) Mansfield Oil company purchase contract diesel fuel & gasoline; 12/26/01 - 12/15/02; $950,000.00 (GSS/Fleet) 2) Container System & Equipment Company, Inc purchase of 2002 International 2700 cab and chassis with 23 yard recycling body; $313,968.00 (SW) 3) Declare surplus and authorize disposal through trade-in. In response to a question regarding Item #3, Purchasing Director George McKibben said low-mileage vehicles had experienced significant idling time. FN FINANCE Res. #01-21 Establishing the intent to reimburse certain stormwater project costs incurred with proceeds of future tax-exempt financing. The Stormwater rate study proposes to increase the Stormwater Utility rate to $6.13 per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) effective January 1, 2002, to $7.16 per ERU effective October 1, 2002, to $8.01 per ERU effective October 1, 2003, to $8.65 per ERU effective October 1, 2004 and to $9.35 per ERU effective October 1, 2005. These rate increases are sufficient to provide for operations, capital projects, and debt service on bonds issues during this time period. The rate study identified a need for approximately $72.4 million in capital projects, with bonds to be issued in 2002 of approximately $22,687,000, in 2004 of approximately $22,226,000, and in 2006 of approximately $7,979,000 to fund a portion of the needed capital improvements. Projects anticipated to be financed from the 2002 bond issue total $22,687,000: 1) $2,528,300 - Town Pond; 2) $12,538,080 - Kapok Flood Resolution; 3) $255,000 - Myrtle Avenue Drainage Improvements; 4) $900,000 - Sharkey Road Drainage Improvements; 5) $3,255,000 – Stevenson’s Creek Implementation Projects; 6) $550,000 - Tropic Hills Drainage Improvements; 7) $968,000 - FDEP Compliance; and 8) $1,692,620 - Storm Pipe System Improvements. Staff anticipates issuing bonds in Spring 2002 to finance these projects. The date of issuance will be determined based upon market conditions and other factors. The Stormwater Fund will incur expenses on these projects prior to issuance of the bonds. This reimbursement resolution will allow the City to be reimbursed from Bond proceeds. It was requested this item by scheduled near the beginning of the City Commission meeting on Thursday. Finance Administrator Margie Simmons said this issue was presented to the Clearwater Coalition of Homeowners Association, which unanimously supported the project and 30-year bonds. She recommended 30-year bonds as the longer term spreads the burden to all who benefit from the projects. A report was requested regarding a comparison of costs related to 15- and 30-year bonds. In response to a question, Ms. Simmons said although little cash is available within the stormwater fund, the City can borrow internally. SBS STRATEGIC BUSINESS SERVICES CGS Strategic Plan Update CGS (Clearwater Gas System) Managing Director Chuck Warrington said CGS, in business since 1923, is a full service natural and propane gas system, which has 645 miles of gas mains to serve 17 municipalities and two counties within 298 square-miles. Strategies include: 1) add customers to existing gas infrastructure in Pinellas County; 2) add customers and expand infrastructure in Pasco County; 3) develop new gas markets in Pinellas and Pasco counties. The number of CGS customers has increased by 33% since 1993 and intends to grow 42% by 2006. To maximize productivity, the number of employees has decreased from 96 to 90 while the number of customers per employee has increased from 134 in 1996 to 190 in 2002. Regarding the strategic objective to limit capital bonding, all bond funds were used by August 2001 and all future projects will be funded by operating revenues, which will generate at least $2.5-million annually. In 2002, CGS plans to transfer $2.2-million to the general fund. The net benefit of CGS payments to the general fund plus net income contributions to the City have increased by 19% since 1993 to $31-million. CGS is committed to aggressively grow customers and loan, to continuously innovate and increase productivity, and to grow value for the City and transfers to the General Funds. CGS success is based on balancing the needs of customers, employees, and the City. The City Commission complimented CGS efforts. The City Manager said CGS has been successful at adopting private sector business principals. CGS works with Economic Development. PCM PUBLIC COMMUNICATION & MARKETING C-View Business Plan Assistant Public Communication & Marketing Director Frank Klim stated C-View’s goals are to add value, increase viewership, create brand identity, discover non-tax funding, and prepare for the future. C-View, a 24-hour government access channel, is in its 6th year of operation, communicating government priorities and events. C-View airs original programming: 1) Works in Progress; 2) City Talk; 3) Blue Line CPD; 4) Take 2; and 5) Studio 360. C-View broadcasts public meetings, including Town Hall meetings, neighborhood forums, and Beach by Design and Downtown Clearwater, Our Downtown discussions. Special programming broadcasts election issues and results, Clearwater Gas System Videos, and information on Phillies Spring Training programs, and Hurricane preparedness. Archival videotapes include key City events, training videos, and a satellite system. Public Service Announcements publicize City events, programs, and services. The video bulletin board announces recreation programs, public meetings, events, legal notices, and City employment. National award-winning promotional videos include Clearwater: One Great Place, Harborview Center, and United Way. C-View also broadcasts national and regional shows, including military programming, Earth Café, Impact, and Good Business Pinellas. According to the 2001 Public Communications Survey, 91.5% of City residents have cable service and 74% watch C-View, a 6% increase since 1999 and a 15% in viewership using C-View as a source of information. The survey indicated viewers want to see programming about community organizations, neighborhoods, and economic development and redevelopment. Future plans and recommendations include animated opens, new music, graphics, and sets, 30-minute shows, 15-minute community programs, incorporating neighborhood issues in regular programming, feature segments to update citizens about economic development and redevelopment issues, broaden programming, and explore grant opportunities. Long range goals for non-tax revenues include underwriting and special programming with no program interruption. A new logo has been proposed, identifying C-View 15 as Clearwater’s 24-hour information station. Staff is working to meet the FCC mandate that television broadcasts be digital by 2006, franchise grant funding, and internet streaming video. The new look is scheduled to be launched in February 2002. Staff was complimented on their plan. PW PUBLIC WORKS Approve Change Order #1 in the amount of $184,644 for existing storm pipe replacement for the N. Greenwood Reclaimed Water & Corridor Enhancements (01-0029-EN) to Steve's Excavating & Paving of Clearwater, Florida. The proposed work is for approximately 1,900 lineal feet of reinforced concrete pipe, varying in diameter from 12 to 36 inches, including storm structures and necessary appurtenances. The City’s 50 year-old storm system is in poor condition. An inspection revealed that soil under the road has been seeping into several pipe joints. A provision requires pipe joints to be wrapped with filter fabric to lessen the effects of future road settlement due to soil infiltration. The new storm system will be routed out of the area of the proposed roundabout at Greenwood and Palmetto so that future storm system work will cause minimal disruption and not require closing the intersection to road traffic. In response to a question, Public Services Director Gary Johnson recommended against using the project’s contingency fund for this change order, as the fund may be needed for the project. The need to replace the pipe was unanticipated before the project began. Public Hearing & First Reading Ord #6839-01 - Vacating the alleys and easements on the subject property, subject to the applicant providing an easement over all existing and proposed utilities and the applicant assuming the cost of relocation of public and private utilities (Church of Scientology Religious Trust, V2001-17). The applicant proposes to vacate all alleys and easements on the subject property and redevelop the property with a parking garage, auditorium, and emergency power building for the Scientology training center, currently under construction. Verizon Media Ventures, Inc. and Time Warner do not object to the vacation request. Florida Power Corporation has no objections if the applicant dedicates a distribution easement or pays to relocate their facilities. Verizon of Florida has no objection to the vacation of a portion of the alley from East Ave. to a point 297 feet west, otherwise easements or payment for relocation costs will be required. Pinellas County General Services, owner of Lot 1, Block 12, Magnolia Park, objects to the request unless the County receives title to the north one-half of the alley and all of the three-foot easement lying along the west property line. The City of Clearwater has sanitary sewer, water and stormwater utilities in the areas to be vacated. Pubic Works Administration has no objections to the vacation request subject to the applicant providing an easement over all existing facilities and assuming the cost to relocate all public and private utilities. In response to a question, the City Attorney said the County can voice an objection but has no legal claim to the vacated property. The City cannot determine which property will receive the vacated land. Staff will report on the current use of the adjacent County property. It was requested the City Manager contact the County regarding a resolution. The importance of a good relationship with the County was expressed. The City Attorney said the City’s only decision relates to the vacation request. City Engineer Mike Quillen said a dialog between the County and Scientology attorneys is underway. Approve Tampa Bay Engineering Work Order for Engineering Design Services for Rehabilitation of Sanitary Sewer Pump Station Number 55 and new 12-inch force main in the amount of $145,495.00. As part of the Sanitary Sewer System Evaluation and Self-Audit, Phase I, staff evaluated 24 wastewater pup stations. Station 55, at 29231 US 19N, received high-priority ratings for necessary rehabilitation improvements to meet current regulator standards. During a hydraulic model analysis for SSO (Sanitary Sewer Overflow) abatement alternatives, staff learned that Pump Station 55, which pumps to Pump Station 53 for re-pumping, needs to pump directly to NEAPCF (Northeast Advanced Pollution Control Facility). This change will eliminate predicted SSOs and require approximately 5,000 linear feet of new force main. Tampa Bay Engineering is one of the City’s Engineers-of-record. This work order was negotiated in accordance with the Consultants Competitive Negotiations Act. In response to a question, Mr. Quillen said the new force main is part of the design. Award a contract for consultant services in the amount of $2,556,533 to HDR Engineering, Inc. of Tampa, Florida for property management, acquisition of mobile homes and relocation for development of the Kapok Wetland and Floodplain Restoration Project. The June 1997 Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan for the Alligator Creek Watershed, developed cooperatively with Clearwater, Pinellas County, Safety Harbor, and SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) rated the Kapok Wetland and Flood Plain Restoration Project as the top ranked flood control project. The project includes purchase of the 37-acre mobile home park and relocation of its residents, allowing for flood plain restoration, wetland creation, habitat and water quality improvement, and recreation and educational facilities. The project, from the mobile home park upstream through Cliff Stephens Park to US 19N, will allow resolution of flooding problems in the upstream reaches of the basin within County and City jurisdiction. Improvements in the upstream reaches of the basin cannot be implemented without exacerbating flooding in the mobile home park. The project will improve water quality in Alligator Creek and protect Tampa Bay, an Estuary of National Significance, S.W.I.M. Waterbody, and Outstanding Florida Water and Aquatic Preserve. The project also will allow continuance of a linear park from the Long Center on Belcher Road to Tampa Bay. A single owner, a management company that manages other parks in Florida and in the U.S., holds the mobile home park property and has indicated a willingness to sell. The City advertised its need for a consulting firm for services for the acquisition of mobile homes, relocation of residents, and management of the park during the relocation. Four firms responded to the request for proposals and were ranked: 1) HDR Engineering, Inc.; 2) Tampa Bay Engineering Group, Inc.; 3) PBS&J; and 4) Wade Trim, Inc. The contract developed through negotiation with HDR is $2,556,533. SWFWMD has committed $3-million in funding in FY (fiscal year) 2002 and 2004 for design and construction. In August 2001, the City applied for funding through the Florida Forever Program, and is optimistic that funding will be approved as the submittal was ranked very high. These costs were included in the FY2001 Stormwater Utility rate study update. The rate study update recommended interim financing in anticipation of the issuance of Stormwater Revenue Bonds in FY2002. Assistant Director of Engineering/PD&E Tom Miller said the project will be presented to the Basin Board on December 5, 2001. Staff will present its grant application to Florida Communities Trust on November 29. The HDR contract, for 24 months, has phases: 1) Phase 1 - $40,000 - 1 - 3 months - public meetings and needs assessment and 2) Phase 2 - $2,000 - 3 - 4 months - complete needs assessment, $1,245,000 - 3 - 21 months - acquisition and relocation, and $189,000 - ongoing - management services. The City is most concerned that the project be supportive and sensitive to resident needs. An HDR relocation specialist will work on the project. Concern was expressed management services could cost as much as $2.5-million. Mr. Miller said those services include park management, care for the grounds, maintenance, rent collection, inspections, and the demolition or removal of mobile homes, which likely contain asbestos. In response to a question, Mr. Miller reviewed the project, noting upstream cross sections currently fill with sediment and block culverts, causing flooding. Once sediment is cleared, the subject property will flood. Staff has determined the best way to resolve basin flood issues is to remove residents from the flood plain and retrofit the basin. In response to a question, he said the project will cost less if it is completed in less than two years. Award a contract of the "Mandalay Avenue/Papaya Street/San Marco Street Reconstruction" (01-0019-EN) to Keystone Excavators, Inc of Oldsmar, Florida for the sum of $1,747,000.00 which is the lowest responsible bid received in accordance with the plans and specifications, and award a contract to Camp, Dresser & McKee, Inc. of Tampa, Florida, Engineer of Record (EOR) to provide construction administration services for the sum of $138,643.00 and award a contract to Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Inc. of Tampa, Florida, EOR, to provide construction engineering and inspection services for the sum of $241,277.68 for a total project sum of $2,126,920.68. On February 15, 2001, the City Commission approved Beach by Design, Clearwater beach development design guidelines. This project will complete the Mandalay Avenue streetscape, as directed by Beach by Design, and complete the Papaya and San Marco street streetscapes as required by the development agreement between the City and Mandalay Beach Club, Ltd. This project will generate positive momentum for the revitalization of Clearwater beach. This project also includes construction of roundabout enhancements as recommended by the CBEAC (Clearwater Beach Entryway Advisory Committee) and approved by the City Commission on July 12, 2001. This project will be constructed in two phases. The first phase will modify the roundabout, by relocating the pedestrian at-grade crossing on Mandalay Avenue, reconfiguring the medians, and include exterior curbing, pavement markings, landscaping and irrigation. The second phase, the Mandalay/Papaya/San Marco Streetscape portion, begins at the first pedestrian crosswalk north of the roundabout and ends just north of Baymont Street. Streetscape project elements include curbing, decorative shell textured sidewalks, urban drainage system, reclaimed water main, traffic signage, decorative lighting, significant irrigated landscaping, hardscaping, the undergrounding of private utilities, at-grade brick pedestrian crossings, signalization, and associated appurtenances. Phase 1 will commence upon execution of the contract, and will be completed prior to Spring Break, beginning March 1, 2002. Phase 2 will begin immediately after completion of the roundabout enhancements. However, all work will stop between March and April 2002 for Spring Break. Costs for construction administration, construction engineering, and inspection have been allocated to each phase, based upon their share of the construction contract ($340,408.93 for Mandalay/Papaya/San Marco and $39,511.75 for the Roundabout modifications). Construction and allocated costs total $1,905,731.87 for Mandalay/ Papaya/San Marco and $221,188.81 for the roundabout modifications. This project will be completed in 365 calendar days. In response to a question, Mr. Quillen said roundabout repairs will be funded by money left in the original roundabout construction project. Concern was expressed the streetscaping project may interfere with Cheezum project construction. Mr. Quillen said staff will coordinate the streetscaping project with the Cheezum group. It was recommended the section of Gulfview on north beach be renamed to avoid confusion. Consensus was for staff to move forward with the renaming process. An analysis of the funding allocated to the project and how much will actually be used was requested. PLD PLANNING Public Hearing & First Reading Ord #6866-01, 6867-01, 6868-01 - Annexation, Land Use Plan and Zoning Atlas Amendments for 2678 North Terrace Drive,(Lot 6, Pinellas Terrace in Section 05, Township 29 South, Range 16 East). (Alicia A Medeiros) ATA ANX 01-07-17 On October 18, 1996, Alicia A. Medeiros, property owner of 2678 North Terrace Drive, entered into an ATA (Agreement to Annex) with the City to receive City sewer service. Terms and provisions of that ATA are binding upon the current owner, successors, assigns, or any subsequent owners of this property. At that time, the subject property was outside the City’s municipal boundaries and did not meet adjacency requirements for voluntary annexation. This property will be contiguous to City boundaries to the west following annexation of 2672 North Terrace Drive. The ATA requires the City to provide 60 days written notice of its intent to annex this property. This notice was mailed to the current property owner on July 5, 2001 and the notice expired on September 4, 2001. The 0.21-acre property features a single-family residence. A land use plan designation of Residential Low is proposed along with a zoning category of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR). The City is initiating this annexation request to bring this property into its jurisdiction in compliance with the terms and conditions established in the ATA. This annexation includes the abutting North Terrace Drive right-of-way. The City has provided sewer service to this property pursuant to the ATA and adequate capacity exists to serve this property. Since execution of this agreement, the property’s ownership has not changed. Staff has determined the proposed land use plan amendment and rezoning applications are consistent with Code standards: 1) proposed land use plan amendment and rezoning application are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan; 2) potential range of uses and specific proposed use are compatible with the surrounding area; 3) sufficient public facilities are available to serve the property; and 4) applications will not have an adverse impact on the natural environment. The Community Development Board unanimously recommended approval. Planning Manager Gina Clayton said the property owner is concerned the annexation will affect the County ditch improvement project abutting her property. There is no guarantee the County will move forward with the project. She said the County has indicated the annexation of three properties along the ditch will not affect the project. Mr. Miller reviewed staff discussions with the County regarding the project, noting 75% of the area affected by the project is in the County. The City has no agreements to annex property south of the ditch. Public Hearing & First Reading Ord #6891-01, 6892-01, 6893-01 - Annexation, Land Use Plan and Zoning Atlas Amendments for 1716 El Trinidad Drive East (Lot 5, less the south 5 feet thereof, Block 2, Virginia Grove Terrace in Section 05, Township 29 South, Range 16 East) (Jacie S. Wiegand) ATA ANX 01-07-23. On November 21, 1986, David B. and Judith Olson, previous owners of this property at 1716 El Trinidad Drive East, entered into an ATA with the City to receive City sewer service. At that time, the subject property was outside City municipal boundaries and did not meet adjacency requirements for voluntary annexation. Terms and provisions of that agreement are binding upon the current owner(s), their successors, assigns, or any subsequent owner(s) of this property. The property is contiguous to City boundaries to the east. The ATA requires the City to give the property owner 60 days written notice of its intent to annex this property. A notice letter was sent to current owner Jacie S. Wiegand on July 5, 2001, and the notice period expired on September 4, 2001. The 0.17-acre property features a single-family residence. A land use plan designation of Residential Low is proposed along with a zoning category of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR). Additionally, the ATA provides that the owner of the property at the time it is to be officially annexed pay the City of Clearwater a one time payment of $200, the property’s fair share of its impact on open space. The $200 payment is due to the City prior to adoption of the associated ordinances on December 13, 2001. The City is initiating this annexation request to bring this property into its jurisdiction in compliance with the terms and conditions established in the ATA. Staff has determined the proposed land use plan amendment and rezoning applications are consistent with Code standards: 1) proposed land use plan amendment and rezoning application are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan; 2) potential range of uses and specific proposed use are compatible with the surrounding area; 3) sufficient public facilities are available to serve the property; and 4) applications will not have an adverse impact on the natural environment. The Community Development Board unanimously recommended approval. In response to a question, Ms. Clayton said the City will annex the right-of-way after additional homes are annexed. She said the right-of-way is not an issue. Public Hearing & First Reading Ord #6897-01, 6898-01 - Land Use Plan Amendment and Rezoning for properties at 826 & 832 Woodlawn Street; 1517 Tilley Avenue & 1520 Prospect Avenue consisting of Metes & Bounds 32/02, 32/07, 32/08, Lots 11 & 12, Block C, Second Addition to Belmont Subdivision, and Lots 43 & 44, Block C, Second Addition to Belmont in Section 22, Township 29 South, Range 15 East. (Woodlawn Church of God; Representative: Pastor Randy Morris) LUZ 01-08-06 Woodlawn Church of God, the property owner, requested this plan amendment to bring all church-owned properties into one zoning district, with a compatible land use plan designation. The church, at 845 Woodlawn Street, is zoned Institutional (I) and has a future land use plan classification of Institutional (INS). This application involves 7.97 acres, seven parcels of land, which are north and south of the church. All of the parcels are zoned Medium Density Residential (MDR). Some parcels have a Future Land Use Plan category of Residential Medium and others are assigned Residential Urban. The current zoning and land use plan will not allow church related and institutional activities/ development at this site. The applicant requests amendments to the future land use plan and zoning designation to bring these parcels into consistency with the Countywide Plan, City’s Comprehensive Plan, and Community Development Code. The amendments will permit the applicant to manage the parcels and redevelop the site with intended church and institutional uses. The applicant proposes to use the 1517 Tilley Avenue and 1520 Prospect Avenue properties for small prayer meetings, bible study classes and church offices. The 832 Woodlawn Street property will continue to be used for church parking. The applicant intends to use the parcel west of 832 Woodlawn Street for parking and, possibly, for a school. The applicant plans to use the eight condominium rental units at 826 Woodlawn Street for transitional housing for released prisoners, who have participated in a discipleship program while incarcerated. No sex offenders will be permitted to live in these units. The church also may use several units for missionaries and ministers who are on sabbatical. The remainder of this large parcel will be used for recreational and outreach purposes. The only contemplated improvements are an amphitheater and gazebo. The CDB unanimously recommended approval. In response to a question, Ms. Clayton said staff has received no neighborhood input related to the project. The church has no plans to add rental units. The lake area is planned as a passive recreation area for outreach events. It is possible a gazebo may be constructed. Public Hearing & First Reading Ord #6917-01 - Adoption of Amendments to Beach by Design: A Preliminary Design for Clearwater Beach and Design Guidelines. In July 2001, the City Commission adopted Beach by Design: A Preliminary Design for Clearwater Beach and Design Guidelines. David Mack, owner of the Yacht Basin Apartment site, presented his plan for the property to the beach community, the general community, and the City Commission. On September 20, 2001, the Commission directed staff to determine the feasibility of amending Beach by Design regarding this project. Proposed amendments are to provisions of the Marina Residential District and height regulations in the Design Guidelines. The proposed amendment allows additional height in exchange for significant lot consolidation and standards for building mass and enhanced design. Two and one-half acre parcels are permitted a building up to 70 feet in height. Five-acre or larger parcels are permitted buildings up to 100 feet in height. To prevent walling off the bay, buildings taller than 35 feet cannot occupy more than 50% of bayside property frontage. In exchange for building height, developers must provide a ten-foot easement along the bayside to link with streetscape improvements required by the Yacht Basin site developer. A traffic analysis will be required if East Shore Drive is to be vacated as part of a consolidation effort. Proposed amendments require the Yacht Basin property be developed with lower building heights along the property’s perimeter and higher buildings on the site’s interior, featuring a stepped back design. The developer is required to provide streetscape improvements along Mandalay Avenue and Baymont Street and contribute to construction of an area parking garage. An amendment is proposed to height requirements in the Design Guidelines. Current language limits height to 100-feet, unless a project uses the density pool or transfer of development rights. The proposed amendment would limit building height based on zoning district requirements, unless otherwise specified in the Future Land Use District of Beach by Design. The CDB recommended approval. In response to a question, Ms. Clayton said building heights up to 100 feet will be permitted in the tourist district and building heights up to 135 feet will be permitted in the high density residential district, between Baymont and the Causeway. The Yacht Basin is addressed separately in the Ordinance. In response to a question, she said the CDB (Community Development Board) has the authority to approve taller building heights when projects make use of TDRs (Transfer of Development Rights). The mix of commercial and residential developments along East Shore will be required to provide land for a waterfront boardwalk to link with Mandalay businesses. The link is not necessary for the residential development at the Yacht Basin where a boardwalk is not required. Assistant City Manager Ralph Stone said the City Commission must approve use of the resort unit pool. No resort development proposal for the property has been presented. Concern was expressed the proposal allows taller buildings along East Shore where current heights are between two and four stories. It was felt development permitting taller buildings in the middle of the block would not be appropriate. It was stated the public should have the opportunity to comment on these changes, which are substantial. It was noted if today’s CDB meeting will provide for public comment on the amendments. It was stated the proposed use of the large 6.2-acre yacht basin property is logical. A rendering of the north elevation of the proposed Mack development was requested. In response to a question, Mr. Stone said it is unlikely a developer would attempt to construct two buildings on a 2.5-acre property along East Shore due to the requirement that tall structures cover no more than half of the waterfront width. A two building development could be constructed on a 5-acre property along East Shore. A maximum of four tall buildings could be constructed along East Shore. Consolidated properties must be contiguous. The CDB and City Commission would have to approve changes to the Yacht Basin (Mack) project if additional height is proposed. A maximum of 130 feet is permitted for the Yacht Basin (Mack) development. CLK CITY CLERK Environmental Advisory Board - 1 Appointment It was stated it would be helpful if the current list of members was listed on board appointment items. CA LEGAL DEPARTMENT Second Reading Ordinances Ord #6855-01 – Increasing the residential and commercial Stormwater Utility rate to $6.13 per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) beginning 01/01/2002, to $7.16 per ERU beginning 10/01/2002, to $8.01 per ERU beginning 10/01/2003, to $8.65 per ERU beginning 10/01/2004 and to $9.35 per ERU beginning 10/01/2005. The Stormwater Utility was established effective 1991. On August 6, 1998, the City Commission Ordinance #6309-98 was passed increasing Stormwater Utility rates to $4.00 per ERU beginning 10/1/98 and establishing a series of four subsequent 4.3 per cent increases to be effective 10/1/1999 ($4.17), 10/1/2000 ($4.35), 10/1/2001 ($4.54) and 10/1/2002 ($4.73). In 1998, the revenue sufficiency and financial forecast analysis indicated funding a $30-million capital improvements program every 5 years after FY 2003 would require a perpetual annual rate increase between 11% and 11.5%. Burton and Associates has completed a five-year revenue sufficiency update and financial forecast analysis, which recommends early consideration of a rate increase due to higher than anticipated infrastructure, operating and maintenance costs, and additional capital improvement costs beyond original projections and approvals. The increases are necessary to provide funding for $72.4-million of capital improvement projects to abate severe street and in structure flooding, improve water quality, add, restore or upgrade stormwater infrastructure, and comply with mandated changes in operating, maintenance and reporting requirements. In addition to funding for continuing approved projects, staff recommends the new projects for Commission funding approval: 1) Kapok Flood Resolution; 2) Myrtle Avenue Improvements; 3) Stevenson’s Creek Implementation Phase I; 4) North Greenwood Corridor Storm; 5) FDEP compliance; 6) Sharkey Road Drainage Improvement; 7) Alligator Creek Drainage Improvement; 8) Allen’s Creek Neighborhood Flooding; 9) north beach drainage, and 10) storm system expansion. Individual projects will be presented to the Commission for development approval. Concern was expressed the City has budgeted almost as much as the County for stormwater issues during the next 10 years. It was recommended staff do value engineering to make sure the City is getting value for its money. Public Works Administrator Mahshid Arasteh said City projects are based on the Watershed Study Master Plan. Staff does cost benefit analysis on all designs. The majority of the funds will be used on three projects which require significant property purchases. Ms. Arasteh said staff is proactive, questioning every hour allocated to a project and clarifying project benefits. It was suggested the City Commission approve the first year of projects at this time and consider future projects after additional review, as bonding companies must be aware future City Commissions could defer some projects. Ms. Simmons said bonding companies want to see a plan in place over a length of time. It was noted some drainage problems are caused by homeowners who constructed fences or plant trees in City drainage easements. It was stated the City cannot correct every drainage problem in Clearwater. The City Manager said staff assesses problems as they surface and works on solutions. Some problems relate to unpermitted structures that affect drainage issues. In response to a question, Ms. Simmons said when the City issues bonds, it promises to maintain rates necessary to pay off the bonds. Other City Attorney Items The City Attorney reported she was pulling the settlement of Whitson versus Clearwater from the November 15 agenda and will place it on December 13, 2001. City Manager Verbal Reports – None. Commission Discussion Items Gulf Boulevard Meeting Commissioner Hart reported the plans to beautify Gulf Boulevard is a work in progress. Staff will clarify if the project will extend north to the Clearwater Pass Bridge or to the roundabout. The County is waiting for bids to underground the utilities. Commissioner Hart said the County has not determined if a gas tax could be used for the project. Concern was expressed that City residents pay up to 40% of the tax. It was felt the tax increase should not be supported unless the City benefits and the project is extended to the Acacia Street roundabout. Annexation by Referendum Commissioner Hart reported the County does not have a sponsor for its proposed bill to allow the County to decide which annexations are allowed. The County is concerned the number of County residents has decreased from 220,000 to 160,000. It was suggested the County should act as an umbrella rather than competing for constituents. No date has been set for the next meeting. Other Commission Action Commissioner Jonson reported TBRPC (Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council) is updating its regional policy plan and has scheduled visioning sessions. He encouraged Commission involvement. Commissioner Jonson requested City Commission comment regarding a draft for the FLC (Florida League of Cities) inter-government policy committee. Commissioner Jonson reported input regarding the City Manager’s prioritized objectives is lacking one Commission member’s input. Commissioner Jonson said he is working with the City Attorney to draft polices related to corporate citizenship. Commissioner Gray requested input if Commissioners wish her to address specific issues at tomorrow’s MPO (Municipal Planning Organization) meeting. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 12:25 p.m.