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09/17/2001CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER September 17, 2001 Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner Ed Hart Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Whitney Gray Commissioner – departed 11:15 a.m. 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. The Mayor stated he had attended a Mayor Conference seminar at the World Trade Center 10 weeks ago and expressed condolences to victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The Commission paused for a moment of silence. Service Awards Three service awards were presented to City employees Laura Whitt, Public Utilities Department, was presented the September 2001 Employee of the Month award. The Commission recessed from 9:05 to 9:09 a.m. to meet as the Community Redevelopment Agency. PUR PURCHASING 1) Hewlett-Packard Company, service contract for hardware and software maintenance; 10/1/01-9/30/02; $34,212 (IT) 2) Verizon Florida Inc., service contract for high bandwidth services, frame relay and ADSL; 10/1/01-9/30/02; estimated $45,000 (All) 3) PeopleSoft USA Inc., service contract for license fee and maintenance for PeopleSoft system; 10/1/01-9/30/02; $70,740 (IT and HR) 4) Verizon Florida Inc., service contract for telephone services; 10/1/01-9/30/02; estimated $362,350 (All) 5) Verizon Florida Inc., service contract for telephone utility charge; 10/1/01-9/30/02; estimated $50,000 (PD and FD) 6) Department of Management Services, service contract for Suncom long distance service; and centranet lines; 10/1/01-9/30/02; estimated $159,350 (All) Cayenta Canada Inc., service contract for maintenance and support for licensed Cayenta programs; 10/1/01-9/30/02; estimated $72,000 (SBS) 7) Diesel Energy Systems, service contract for generator maintenance and repair; 10/1/01-9/30/02; estimated $75,000 (GS) 8) L&S Custom Coaches, preparation and painting of negotiator vehicle; increase of $3,500 (PD) 9) Ringhaver Equipment Co., 60kw portable generator sets (used); 150kw portable generator sets (used); $102,300 (PU) 10) McKim & Creed Engineers, work order for engineering service; $75,100 (PW) 11) Declare surplus and authorize disposal of vehicles and equipment. In response to a question regarding Items #4 and #6, Telecommunications Supervisor Kelly Legg said the system has a PBX as backup and to handle overflow. In response to a question regarding Item #9, Police Chief Sid Klein said the $3,500 request will convert an ambulance to a hostage negotiation vehicle, and install sophisticated equipment obtained through grants. BU BUDGET Penny for Pinellas Project List On March 6, 1997, the City Commission adopted Ordinance #6137-97, which established a requirement for a special hearing prior to the adoption of the capital improvement budget, to discuss the use of Penny for Pinellas tax, and at any time in which changes are proposed to Penny for Pinellas funding of $500,000 or more. New projects funded under this proposal: 1) $2-million - major renovation and expansion of Fire Station 48 (Belcher Road) and 2) $72,000 – recreation trails. The plan reflects a savings of $6,165,948, in anticipated debt costs on the recently approved Penny for Pinellas bond issue funding projects for the Memorial Causeway Bridge, the Clearwater Beach Entryway, and the Main Library. Budget Director Tina Wilson reviewed changes to the Penny for Pinellas Project List, which reflect City Commission priorities of public safety, quality of life, economic development, and infrastructure. Work on fire facilities is scheduled for 2002 for the Northwest station, 2003 for the training facility, 2004 for the Clearwater Mall station, and 2006 for the main station. Work on recreation centers is planned in 2003 for Ross Norton and in 2008 for Morningside. Concern was expressed regarding the large amount of contingency funds. Ms. Wilson said with many projects underway, few changes were made this year. It was suggested available funds be spent now on future Penny for Pinellas projects. Assistant City Manager Garry Brumback said staff will bring forward options for consideration following the City Commission visioning session. Second Reading Ord. #6841-01 –declaring Millage Rate to be levied for Fiscal Year beginning 10/1/01 and ending 9/30/02 at 5.5032 mills (levy of 5.5032 mills constitutes a 7.58% increase over the rolled back rate of 5.1156 mills) Ms. Wilson reported a motion to amend will be necessary on second reading, as an error in first reading referenced an incorrect ordinance number and required a reference to a City Commission responsibility. In response to a question, she will verify if recently published, abutting budget summary advertisements were correct. Third Quarter Budget Review The report is based on nine months of activities, through June 30, 2001. General Fund expenditure amendments total $709,945, and include $230,000 from the sale of the cultural arts center and allocated for start-up costs for the Northwest Recreation and Aquatics Center and $124,625 in proceeds from a Central Insurance Fund loan for the police equipment approved by the City Commission and allocated to the Police Computer project. Other minor expenditure amendments total $25,320. A $40,000 amendment recognizes the City Commission approved allocation of retained earnings for repairs to Jack Russell Stadium and additional advertising funds. Anticipated revenue amendments exceed expenditures amendments by $162,618, and this amount is returned to retained earnings at third quarter, requiring only a net allocation of $167,382 from General fund retained earnings. The Water and Sewer Fund expenditures reflect an estimated decrease of $17,972,760 at third quarter. All amendments are a result of the proposed restructuring of the Water and Sewer projects as approved by the City Commission on September 6, 2001. At third quarter, Gas Fund amendments recognize a net increase of $374,210 in gross revenues over expenditures, primarily due to increases in sales revenues and interest earnings. The Gas Operating Fund is anticipating a healthy year end, with estimated gross revenues exceeding operating expenditures by more than $1.5-million for the fiscal year. Budget amendments for the solid Waste fund reflect anticipated increases in commercial collections, roll-off revenues, and other revenues totaling $170,000. Expenditure amendments recognize an increase in dump fees and other expenditures of $50,970. The increase in revenues more than offsets any anticipated increase in expenditures. Due to the warm winter months, the Marine and Aviation fund reflects an increase of gas and oil inventory purchases, as well as an offsetting increase in fuel sales. At third quarter, Parking Fund revenues reflect an anticipated increase of $124,000 in annual interest earnings. Estimated gross revenues are expected to exceed operating expenditures by more than $1-million for the fiscal year. The third quarter amendments recognize the appropriation of $100,000 of retained earnings to the capital project for the Financial System Replacement, which was approved by the City Commission in July, and a budget increase in cell phone costs and related charges to departments totaling $70,000 and approved by the City Commission in August. At third Quarter, Garage Fund revenues reflect an anticipated increase of $150,000 from the sale of surplus vehicles. The amendments to the Capital Improvement fund total a net increase of $2,498,202. The major source of increased Fund expenditures include the establishment of the capital projects approved by the Penny for Pinellas bonds issued this summer. Other significant amendments include those resulting from the proposed restructuring of the Water and Sewer Projects, as approved by the City Commission on September 6, 2001. The amendments to the Special Program Fund total a net increase of $1,282,483. Project amendments recognize a project entitled E.C. Moore Fields 8 & 9 in the amount of $530,000, recognizing a possible grant and proceeds from Calvary Church for the development of ball fields based upon last summer’s referendum. In addition, other grant fund funds and donations are recognized, totaling over $665,000, particularly for public safety and recreation programs. Ms. Wilson reviewed the Third Quarter Budget. All operating funds are healthy and $162,000 is being returned to the savings account. In response to a question, she reviewed amendments related to utility rate increases. The City Commission had adopted the capital project list on September 3, 2001. Background details were requested. Ms. Wilson said every aspect of the changes is documented. In response to a question, Ms. Wilson said the accounting error was agendaed and approved in August 2001. In response to requests related to spreadsheet documentation of money saved due to lowering interest rates, the City Manager recommended scheduling an individual meeting to review related issues. Staff will bring back information for clarification, if needed. ED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Approve agreement with the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce for FY 2001/02 FY 2001/02 in return for funding in the amount of $35,000 In 1999, the City entered into agreements with the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce whereby the Chambers provided specific tourism services on behalf of the City in exchange for City funding. This partnership has worked well and the City is satisfied with the arrangement. The Beach Chamber will continue to provide visitor information services at the Visitor Information Center at the Marina. Services include payroll, scheduling and maintaining employees, providing all supplies, materials, and furnishings to the Visitor Information Center, plus telephone service and attendant costs. Between October 2000 and July 2001, Visitor Information Center staff has provided information to more than 22,000 visitors. Top requests were for information regarding: 1) bus routes/trolley; 2) attractions in Clearwater; 3) attractions outside Clearwater; 4) maps/directions; and 5) boats. The Economic Development Department has budgeted $35,000 to fund this agreement. The Beach Chamber shall provide an accounting of said funds and submit a monthly report of activities on behalf of the City. The agreement is for one year. Economic Development Program Coordinator Anne Green reviewed the request. Last year, the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce served 25,000 persons. It was requested staff compare City methods with those used by Florida west coast beach communities to fund tourism marketing. The cost of producing visitor guides was questioned. A cost analysis of chamber efforts was requested. The City Manager said City costs to handle tourism efforts in- house had been significant, and it is believed the chambers of commerce are better equipped to handle tourism information and marketing. FINANCE ITEM #35 - First reading Ord. #6876-01 providing for refunding of outstanding Public Service Tax and Bridge Bonds, Series 1985, and the 1995 Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 1995; and approve William R. Hough & Co. as the senior underwriter on the bonds and Solomon Smith Barney as the co-underwriter. The Public Service Tax and Bridge Bonds, Series 1985 (interest rate 9.125%) and the 1995 Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 1995 (interest rates from 5.1%-6%) are eligible for refinancing. Market conditions are very favorable with municipal bond rates significantly lower than rates on the 1985 and 1995 bonds (estimated at 3% to 5%). It is expected that the City will realize a net present value savings of approximately $400,000 on this refunding. Net present value savings is the gross debt service savings after costs of issuance have been deducted and a discounting process has been used to express the savings in today’s dollars. It is expected the annual debt service costs will be reduced by approximately $28,500. Savings generated from this refunding will affect primarily the General Fund as lower interest costs on the bonds. Since refunding bonds must be timed to the market to make refunding cost effective, this issue will be done via a negotiated sales (underwriters picked in advance and the deal negotiated based upon the market) rather than competitively (underwriters bid the deal on a specific day). The initial refunding idea for the 1995 bonds was presented to the City by the firm of William R. Hough and Co. and they have worked extensively with the City’s Bond Counsel and Financial Advisor to work out the details of the economic benefit of refunding. No other underwriting firm has brought forward ideas on this issue. Based upon their work, William R. Hough has been selected as the senior managing underwriter for this proposed refunding. Since we have decided to also refund the 1985 bonds as part of this refunding, we would like to include Solomon Smith Barney as a co-manager for the refunding. They have been selected since they were the low bidder on the City’s last competitively bid bonds (2001 Infrastructure Tax Bonds) and have submitted unsolicited financing ideas to the City on other issues. A sale resolution will be brought forward for Commission adoption at the same time as the second reading of this ordinance detailing the specifics of the sale. In response to a question, Financial Administrator Margie Simmons estimated savings will be between $9-million and $10-million. PD POLICE Approve acceptance of FY 2001/02 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) funding for two years in the amount of $245,829 from the U.S. Department of Justice/Bureau of Justice Assistance Clearwater’s allocation from the U.S. Department of Justice/Bureau of Justice Assistance is $245,829. The City’s required match of $27,314, brings the total grant budget to $273,143. The Police Department will use the two-year LLEBG (Local Law Enforcement Block Grant) to purchase equipment; 1) $120,000 – CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data) for one year to provide mobile cellular communications in patrol cars; 2) $15,000 – AR-15 trunk locks to secure high-power AR-15 rifles; 3) $14,500 –pickup truck with equipment for new Beach Volunteer Patrol; 4) $8,000 – Police Cruiser Light Enhancement Packages to make unmarked patrol cruisers more visible when running with emergency lights/siren; 5) $4,000 – installation of Police Cruiser Light Enhancement Packages; 6) $54,000 – two pickup trucks with toppers for use by Department’s four arson investigators to carry specialized equipment; 7) $34,000 – GPS Tracking System to enhance major criminal/narcotics investigations to track offenders/suspects movements in real time, providing instantaneous map documentation and protection to undercover officers during surveillance and operations; 8) $7,629 – two in-car video systems to record evidence during DUI traffic stops; 9) $6,744 – three dual antenna radar systems for speed enforcement; 10) $9,675 – LIDAR radar system for speed enforcement; 11) $1,995 – Speedstat –evaluates neighborhood speeding complaints and determines worst times for violations; and 12) $8,600 – four-wheel drive mule for use by Beach Volunteer Patrol. In response to a question, Police Chief Klein stated the Speedstat system monitors traffic speed and collects data for analysis. He said four full-time positions will share arson duties in addition to other responsibilities. In response to a question, he said data is transmitted to patrol cars via cellular technology. The future cost of this communication method is not known. Approve acceptance of $997,800 in federal grant funds for a Neighborhood Policing Initiative for the Homeless and approval of individual agreements with various contractors to perform services related to the grant The U.S. Department of Justice/Bureau of Justice Assistance has awarded the City a two-year $997,800 grant for Neighborhood Policing Initiatives for the Homeless. The grant funds will be provided through a special Congressional Earmark designated to address crime problems associated with the homeless population in the downtown corridor. The Police Department will use the grant to implement a community neighborhood program designed to assist citizens in preventing and controlling crimes committed by and perpetrated against the homeless in downtown. The department will enhance services and partnerships already in place at the CHIP (Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project) shelter. Grant funds will be allocated: 1) $351,000 – overtime hours for police officers to supplement Downtown Bike Team’s homeless outreach program by providing an average of 16 additional hours each day for 24 months and allow officers to patrol the downtown corridor, Crest Lake Park, Station Square Park, and Coachman Park, interact with homeless persons, and refer them to the appropriate social services. Officers also will assist the Downtown Bike Team: a) conduct identification card checks at CHIP and the Soup Kitchen; b) attend neighborhood/business meetings regarding homeless issues; and c) participate in enhanced patrols along the downtown corridor and at parks where homeless individuals congregate; 2) $30,100 - fringe benefits associated with overtime; 3) $26,400 – rental, fueling, and upkeep of passenger van to transport homeless individuals to CHIP and other social service agencies; 4) $13,600 – criminal background checks to be conducted on homeless persons throughout program to measure success of Neighborhood Policing Initiative. There is not charge for this service for homeless individuals who are charged with a crime or ordinance violation. FDEP (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) charges $15 per background check for others; 5) $258,000 – CHIP – 24-month contract for case management services to an estimated 15 persons per day. CHIP staff to conduct original assessment of each homeless person referred to shelter by Police Department and work with homeless clients to obtain appropriate housing, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, legal services, and/or veterans’ and other benefits to which the client may be entitled. CHIP staff also to provide employment referrals and job readiness skills; 6) $258,700 – Directions for Mental Health – 24-month contract to provide focused outreach and mental health services. Directions to provide Outreach Specialist and Outreach Therapist to conduct screening, referral and follow-up services for mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence needs. Program to allow Directions staff to engage individuals with mental illness and/or substance abuse problems in appropriate treatment/intervention programs. Directions staff to be available daily, during day and evening hours, to screen clients for service needs, link them with appropriate community resources, and provide group and individual therapy; 7) $10,000 – Pinellas County Coalition for the Homeless – contract to provide transportation for homeless clients. CHIP case management services staff to coordinate with Coalition, which will provide bus tokens for homeless clients to travel to appointments; and 8) $50,000 – William R. Blount, Ph.D., W.R. Blount and Associates, Inc. – contract to perform outside evaluation of entire project and measures of success, including reduction in crime, recidivism, and victimization associated with homeless in downtown corridor and three nearby parks. At end of evaluation period, evaluator to produce detailed listing of all collected data and written analysis of data with respect to stated goals and project objectives. In response to a question regarding the significant cost of the evaluation, Police Chief Klein said the USF professor will focus on measurements of success. Appreciation was expressed for Congressional Representative efforts regarding this grant. In response to a question, Police Chief Klein stated additional sources of funding will be necessary within two years to fund additional bed space. He said it was impractical to bid this project as all engaged organizations were instrumental in the project’s design and already partner with the City and CHIP. Resumes from these organizations were part of the grant application. PR PARKS AND RECREATION Jolley Trolley Jolley Trolley Transportation of Clearwater Inc. has been operating trolley service along the City’s beach communities and downtown for the past 8 years. The current five-year funding agreement expires on September 30, 2001. Current funding supports approximately 65% of the trolley overall budget with the remaining 35% coming from fares, rentals and advertisements. Funding is: 1) $199,500 - trolley service between Clearwater beach and Sand Key; 2) $95,000 - trolley service between Clearwater beach, Island Estates, and Downtown; 3) $50,000 - trolley vehicle maintenance; and 4) $11,700 - office space rent. Funding during the annual term of the current agreement totals $356,200, which is supported with $306,200 from the parking fund and $50,000 from the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency). The new proposed agreement includes a 10% reduction in funding for trolley services: 1) $179,500 - trolley service between Clearwater beach and Sand Key; 2) $85,500 - trolley service between Clearwater beach, Island Estates and downtown; 3) $50,000 - trolley vehicle maintenance; and $11,700 - office space rent. Funding during the term of the new agreement totals $326,700. The source of this funding will be $276,700 from the parking fund $50,000 from the CRA. The Parks and Recreation Department will administer compliance of the agreement. Parks & Recreation Director Peter Dunbar said the City just received the agreement. Staff will review it on Thursday. A copy of the Jolley Trolley financial statements was requested. PLD PLANNING Summary of Telecommunications Tower Regulations A telecommunication tower is any structure designed and constructed primarily to support one or more antennas, and include self-supporting lattice, guy, or monopole towers. The term includes radio and television transmission, microwave, common-carrier, cellular telephone towers, alternative tower structures and the like. Antennas are any exterior apparatus at a fixed location designed for telephonic, radio, data, internet, or other communications, through the sending and/or receiving of electromagnetic waves. According to Code, telecommunication towers require CDB (Community Development Board) review and approval as a flexible use in Commercial, Downtown, Office, Institutional, and Industrial, Research and Technology districts. Applicants requesting a new tower must document that no tower or structure is available as a reasonable alternative. The CDB determines no reasonable alternative exists based on criteria: 1) no tower/structure in geographic area meets coverage; 2) existing tower/structure is not of sufficient height; 3) existing tower/structure does not have sufficient structural strength; 4) applicant’s antenna would cause electromagnetic interference with existing tower/structure; 5) cost to share existing tower/structure over 25 years exceeds cost of new tower; 6) it not financially feasible to modify or replace existing tower; and 7) applicant demonstrates other legitimate limiting factors that make existing tower/structure unsuitable. The height of the tower/structure relates to number of users: 1) 120-feet maximum – single user; 2) 140-feet maximum – two users; 3) 160-feet maximum – three or more users; and 4) 25-foot additional may be approved if extra height eliminates need for other towers. Towers must be setback: 1) the height of the tower as measured from the base of the tower to residential property lines; 2) 500 feet from historic district and structures; and 3) the same as applicable zoning district setbacks from property lines. Tower/structures must be a neutral non-glare color to reduce visual obtrusiveness. A six-foot high security, wood or masonry fence is required around each tower, with a minimum of 10-feet of landscape buffer outside the fence. The Community Development Coordinator must approve the landscape plan for the perimeter and base of each tower. No artificial light or signage is allowed, except as required by FAA. Accessory buildings must meet requirements of applicable zoning district for setbacks, be screened from the right-of-way and adjacent properties, and be designed to blend into the setting and surrounding buildings. The CDB may waive, reduce, or modify design standards if the resulting design better meets the intent of Code. The CDB reviews and makes decisions regarding new telecommunication tower applications in a public hearing. The Development Review Committee reviews requests to modify or replace existing tower to allow the co-location of users after surrounding property owners are noticed and the Community Development coordinator makes the decision. No tower applications are pending. Since the Code was adopted in March 1999, three towers have been approved: 1) new 100-foot tower at Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and Virginia Avenue – CDB denied in January 2000 – Hearing Officer approved on appeal in September 2000 – height can be increased to 160 feet if three users commit to tower; 2) 165-foot replacement tower at Clearwater High School at Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and Arcturus – Community Development Coordinator approved in June 2000; and 3) 180-foot replacement tower for WTAN at Downtown - Community Development Coordinator approved in April 2001. It was stated Scenic America supports new technology with slender towers and small heads, which makes towers less visible. Concern was expressed that traditional towers, such as the one on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, not proliferate. It was indicated Pinellas County rules regarding telecommunication tower heights are more restrictive then Clearwater’s. As changes occur, it was suggested staff review City regulations and it was requested that staff draft new language to provide acceptable cell coverage on lower towers and to establish aesthetic requirements. It was stated due to Clearwater’s topography, expert knowledge would be necessary to make that determination. Planning Director Cyndi Tarapani said a consultant would have to be hired to provide necessary analysis. Concern was expressed cellular phone reception already is poor in parts of the City. It was suggested staff could receive guidance on this issue from trade publications before hiring a consultant. It was stated cellular providers should participate in discussions related to changing the ordinance. It was suggested Clearwater establish a moratorium on the construction of towers taller than 40 feet. The City Attorney said a moratorium would have to coincide with the process to develop a new ordinance. In response to a question, staff will report on the cost for a consultant to address these issues. It was requested staff report on how Pinellas County and local municipalities address tower regulations. It was suggested towers could be incorporated as light poles, etc. on City property, and earn income. Concern was expressed future mediation be unnecessary, so that the City is not forced to accept a tower design it does not approve. Assistant City Manager Ralph Stone said full-scale interaction with cellular service representatives would take significant staff time. He recommended staff survey Pinellas County communities and discuss issues with some industry representatives, reviewing if holes exist in the City’s ordinance related to telecommunication tower height. Consensus was for staff to report on the cost of a consultant report related to telecommunication tower height issues. PW PUBLIC WORKS Presentation - Water Demand Management Brief – Public Utilities In its March 2001 emergency order, SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) required the demand for public supply water be reduced by 5%, to optimize available water supplies, and enforce watering restrictions 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Clearwater reduced its demand by 11%, saving 1.7 MGD (million gallons/day) reduced amount of water purchased from Pinellas County by 12%, and increased City production by 180,000 gallons per day. Public Utilities educated the customer on the City web page, via Sunshine Lines, the bill stuffer, on C-View, through media/press releases, and on variable message boards. Current initiatives include a rain sensor rebate program, a low-flow toilet rebate program administered by Pinellas County, and water conservation devices. Pinellas County, with SWFWMD, is performing a shallow well evaluation. Unrestricted use of shallow wells is inconsistent with watering restrictions and impact on aquifer recharge, and competes for reclaimed water customers. SWFWMD issued rules related to watering restrictions. The City adheres to restrictions adopted by the County: 1) one day per week - use of potable water, wells, ponds/lakes for irrigation; 2) every other day for 30 days - use of potable water, wells, ponds/lakes for new lawns; and 3) every day before 10:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m. –use of reclaimed water. City Commission policy issues relate to shallow wells, reclaimed water, methods of conservation, and water use restrictions. In response to a question, Water Superintendent Steve Soltau said a pilot study regarding shallow wells is on hold while Pinellas County completes its report for SWFWMD by October 2001. Public Utilities Director Andy Neff said City data indicates the biggest concern regarding shallow wells is their impact on recharging the aquifer. Staff has reservations regarding entering the program. It was requested supporting data be provided the City Commission. The City Manager recommended staff review County recommendations before making a recommendation to the City Commission. Concern was expressed the City’s watering restriction rules mimic the County’s. It was said it is important to determine if SWFWMD restrictions are permanent or temporary. Concern was expressed overuse of shallow wells will harm the aquifer. Award a contract for the N. Greenwood Reclaimed Water & Corridor Enhancements (01-0029-EN) to Steve's Excavating & Paving of Clearwater, Florida, in the amount of $2,090,001.10. This item will construct corridor enhancements and install reclaimed water in the North Greenwood community, requested by the community through earlier planning documents and as a component of the Clearwater Reclaimed Water Master Plan. A corollary cooperative agreement with SWFWMD provides $425,000 toward the cost of project’s reclaimed water elements. This project will construct a reclaimed water transmission line to provide reclaimed water to the North Greenwood business district, North Greenwood residents, the North Greenwood Apartments, the new library, the new recreation center, the new North Greenwood Avenue streetscaping, IMR Global, and other nearby sites. This project also includes streetscaping of North Greenwood Avenue between Seminole and Marshall streets, including medians, landscaping, street lighting, sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks, and a circular intersection at Palmetto Street and North Greenwood Avenue. Project design has been coordinated with the design of the new recreation center and library. In response to a question, City Engineer Mike Quillen said reclaimed water is being provided to Pennsylvania Avenue as the City’s study indicates users live there. The system will tie into the Marshall Street Water Treatment Plant. Approve funding commitment of $50,000 to the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) for feasibility and permitting of aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) using reclaimed water SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) has requested City funding participation in the amount of $50,000 for a multi-year project, the Largo/Clearwater/Pasco ASR (Aquifer Storage & Recover)/Interconnect, to study, plan, develop and construct ASR technology for reclaimed water. The project’s concept includes developing seasonal storage for reclaimed water cooperatively between the Cities of Largo and Clearwater, and transmitting excess wet weather flows to Pasco County to restore environmentally impacted wetlands. This project will be executed in four phases: 1) 2002 – feasibility; 2) 2004 – testing; 3) 2005 - ASR well construction; and 4) 2006-08 - interconnecting pipeline construction). SWFWMD estimates the total cost of the project to be $9.56 million and estimates Clearwater’s share of the total effort at $2.5-million over the duration of the project’s timeline. The feasibility and permitting phase will determine the suitability of using ASR technologies in the local area to develop seasonal storage for reclaimed water. The project will benefit Clearwater by providing seasonal storage for reclaimed water and to provide greater access to this resource for additional areas in the City. ASR also will provide the capability to reduce or eliminate surface water discharge from the wastewater treatment plants, avoiding regulatory issues associated with these discharges. The City of Largo and SWFWMD have committed $50,000 each for this phase. On March 1, 2001, the City Commission passed Resolution 01-07, establishing the City’s intent to reimburse certain project costs incurred with future tax-exempt financing. Projects, identified with 2001 revenue bonds as a funding source, were included in the project list associated with Resolution 01-07. Sufficient budget is available in the Reclaimed Water Capital Improvement Program for the $50,000 requested. Funding for additional phases is subject to continued Commission authorization, review of City water/sewer funding needs, and progress with the feasibility study. If approved, a funding agreement with SWFWMD will follow. Mark McNeill, of CH2Mhill, presented the ASR (aquifer storage and recovery) plan for reclaimed water. At least 40 ASR systems exist in the country and more than 60 are in development, with 12 in southwest Florida. The sites range from 200-to 2,700-feet in depth, hold between 12- and 2,500-million gallons, and have a flow rate of 0.5- to 8-million gallons per day. Sources for ASR wells water storage is from conventional water treatment plants or desalination plants, surface water, groundwater, and reclaimed water. Storage can be tailored to meet utility needs to provide diurnal storage, seasonal storage, long-term storage “water banking,” emergency and “combination” storage, wet weather storage of reclaimed water, or to minimize wet water discharges. The ASR Well stores water between the confining layers in a bubble, protected from native ground water by a buffer zone. Storing 640-million gallons of water in ASR wells would cost between $3- and $5-million dollars and require three acres of land. Storing the water above ground would cost more than $100-million and require hundreds of acres of land. Deep well injection for domestic wastewater has been done since the mid-1970s. Hillsborough County has constructed an initial well and plans an additional 18 to 25 wells. Cycle testing on the Englewood Water District well started on July 23, 2001, following an exemption for color as it did not meet regulations regarding color. Seasonal reclaimed water demands can exceed availability. The proposed Largo/Clearwater/Pasco ASR Interconnect would be a multi-year project including, study, design, and construction. Reclaimed water ASR wells in Largo and Clearwater would be used to store unused flows, supply reclaimed water to meet seasonal demands and restore wetlands in Pasco County. The Largo/Clearwater/Pasco ASR-Interconnect schedule: 1) Phase I - 2002 – ASR Feasibility Study/Permitting – Cost $140,000 – City portion $50,000; 2) Phase 2 - 2004 – ASR Feasibility Testing – Cost $1,050,000 – City portion $350,000; 3) Phase 3 - 2005 – Production ASR Construction – Cost $4,053,000 – City portion $1,013,000; 4) Phase 4 - 2006 – Interconnection Construction – Cost $4,310,000 – City portion $1,077,000; and 5) Project Completion - 2008 – Cost $9,563,000 – City portion $2,491,000. Benefits of the Largo/Clearwater/Pasco ASR include 1.8-billion gallons of storage, potential reduction in number of reclaimed water tanks, potential elimination of surface water discharge, potential elimination of seasonal reclaimed water shortages, supply to Clearwater and Largo reclaimed water systems, and supply to restore Pasco County wetlands. ASR is becoming increasingly important for reclaimed water management and is a cost effective and aesthetic method of storing large volumes of water. Wet weather storage, discharge minimization/elimination and dry season peaking are important. Most regulatory issues have been resolved and technical issues nor are being addressed. In response to a question, Mr. Neff said the rate study was done before grant funding for this project had been awarded. Later phases must be analyzed for a future rate study. The City Commission is requested to approve one phase of the project at a time. At this time, it is not known if the project is feasible and if it can be permitted. SWFWMD is reviewing each step for benefits. Information on the proposed well locations and statistics of other success was requested. Mr. Neff indicated SWFWMD has identified this as an important project. It was recommended staff apply for maximum future grants. Approve revisions to the Reclaimed Water Master Plan On April 30, 2001, proposed revisions to the Reclaimed Water Master Plan were brought before the Commission for review. The Commission directed staff to obtain public input regarding the proposed revisions. Two public meetings were conducted. On August 6, 2001, staff presented the revised Master Plan to the Coalition of Homeowners Associations. The second public meeting was held on August 7, 2001, to present the water plant re-siting and the revised Reclaimed Water Master Plan. The rationale for determining priorities, including the need to secure future grant funding to offset capital costs was stressed, and the cost/benefit analysis used to determine those priorities was explained. Public comments included questions on general reclaimed water information (use, costs and policies). Some expressed concern about why they would not receive reclaimed water despite being close to reclaimed infrastructure. The later issue is a result of low cost/benefit. More in-depth follow-up communications followed. In was requested staff distribute a comparison between the revised and original neighborhood rankings to receive reclaimed water service. CM ADMINISTRATION Discussion – Development program proposed on Yacht Basin Property - Mack Assistant City Manager Ralph Stone said the development proposal will be presented on Thursday. The City Manager said the City Commission will be requested to evaluate options for amendments to Beach by Design that might be appropriate to accommodate the proposal. In response to a question, the City Attorney recommended, in order to not have ex parte conversations, Commissioners have no more discussions with Mr. Mack after he makes the presentation Thursday night. CA LEGAL DEPARTMENT Second Reading Ordinances Ord. #6835-01 - Amendments to Community Development Code (re notice requirements for continuances; factors related to NCOD; transfer of Development Rights) In June 2001, the City Commission directed the Planning Department to make recommendations to the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD) regulations regarding the neighborhood’s final review of the zoning provisions proposed in a NCOD. The following five amendments are proposed to the NCOD requirements: 1) Require NCOD petition to be submitted to the Community Development Coordinator instead of the City Clerk; 2) allow the Study Committee to include four alternate members; 3) require a vote of the neighborhood on each development standard proposed to be included in the NCOD; 4) require NCOD Code amendments to be considered in accordance with the section of the Code governing Text Amendments; and 5) specify procedures for making amendments to the NCOD and eliminating the NCOD. The Planning Department also is recommending the following two amendments: 1) Notice requirements. Revise the notice requirements for continued public hearings by only requiring letter notice to be given to the applicant and surrounding property owners and not requiring notice to be provided in the newspaper for the continued public hearing date; and 2) Transfer of development rights. Revise the transfer of development rights provision that limits the amount of development rights that can be transferred from the sending site to 20%. This proposal does not revise the 20% limit on the receiving site and is consistent with the Countywide Rules. At the August 21, 2001, meeting, the Community Development Board (CDB) unanimously recommended approval of the Ordinance with one revision to the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District vote requirement. The CDB recommended that only those development standards receiving 51% of the vote cast be forwarded to the Commission for consideration. Staff supports this recommendation and has revised the Ordinance accordingly. It was recommended action on TDRs (transfer of development rights) be continued. Ms. Tarapani said staff is meeting today with David Healy, PPC (Pinellas Planning Commission) Executive Director, to be certain both staffs have the same understanding regarding the proposals. She said it would be difficult to amend the ordinance substantially for second reading. She suggested further changes can be addressed during the annual Code update. County Commissioner Seel’s ITS proposal The City Manager said County Commissioner Karen Seel has requested City support of an (ITS) Intelligent Transportation System. Details need to be worked out. An interlocal agreement would clarify protocols, levels of service, and the role and job description of managers. The goal is to coordinate a corridor and network management system. City staff would make certain response levels meet citizen needs. In response to a question, Public Works Administrator Mahshid Arasteh said staff is comfortable with the proposed arrangements but is concerned the City will be able to maintain the same LOS (Level of Service) as before implementation. The City wants to control the timing of signals as emergencies arise. Once a fiber optic cable has been installed, the Municipal Services Building will be connected with the transportation control center. Currently the City computer system controls most City traffic signals. City traffic operations has a 21-member staff, which handles technical issues such as traffic counts, repairs signals, and constructs mast arms. In response to a question, Ms. Arasteh said long term control and location of the district traffic system have not been determined. The City Manager indicated many issues need to be addressed. County Commissioner Seel wants support of the concept of corridor management. Public Works administrators of Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the County would be members of the board and would select the System Manager. Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard will be the first corridor addressed. Control then will be turned over to the County. County and City computer systems will interconnect. The City will act as backup. Once hardware is in place, control can be via a laptop computer in Clearwater’s operations center. Efforts will not be duplicated. The interlocal agreement will define all issues. An estimate of cost savings was requested. Quarterly reporting was requested. It was recommended the City move forward cautiously. The City Manager said the concept could change once County Commissioner Seel speaks with the City of St. Petersburg. Staff will provide details as needed. Concern was expressed the City be able to opt out of the system if control of City roadways is insufficient. Commission Discussion Items Clearwater Beach Association offer regarding Design Competition for Roundabout Fountain Replacement The CBA (Clearwater Beach Association) has offered to host and fund a design competition for the replacement of the fountain in the roundabout. Concerns were expressed the competition not hinder improvements to the roundabout. Concern also was expressed regarding the City Commission being obligated to honor the design of the winner. It was indicated the competition will be done independently by the CBA and the City Commission will not be obligated to approve the winning design. It was recommended the competition target the four elements staff has recommended.. Other Commission Action Commissioner Hart said the week has been difficult and encouraged residents to support each other as the long-term implications of the terrorist attacks are determined. Commissioner Jonson said the November Florida League of Cities Legislative Conference will conflict with the City Commission meeting. Commissioner Jonson requested information on parking problems related to Club More, stating he wanted them resolved. Commissioner Hamilton wished condolences to the family of Bill Blackburn, who has passed. He had developed Clearwater Mall, Morningside, and Coachman Ridge. Mayor Aungst offered condolences to the Blackburn family and to the family of former Largo Mayor Thom Feaster. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 12:33 p.m.