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10/29/2001CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER October 29, 2001 Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner 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 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. PRESENTATION Clearwater Beach Association - Roundabout Design Competition Winner Members of the Clearwater Beach Association presented the seven Centerpiece Design Competition Entries. The winner of the organization’s Roundabout Design Competition was Jim Clees, Landscape Architect, for Entry 7, a grove of Medjool Date Palms. Public Works Administrator Mahshid Arasteh said surface changes to the roundabout’s road surface will begin soon and need to be completed prior to Spring Break 2002. Surface work does not affect design issues related to the centerpiece. The City Commission will consider the design before the next low tourist season. PUR PURCHASING 1. Garber Ford Mercury, Inc. Green Cove Springs, FL - Twenty-three (23) 2002 Ford Crown Victoria Police Cruisers; $547,048.00 (GSS/Fleet) 2. Pinellas County Solid Waste, St. Petersburg, FL – Debris disposal service during the contract period: 11/02/2001 through 09/30/2002; $4,085,000.00 (SW) 3. Southern Sewer Equipment, Ft. Pierce, FL – 2002 Sterling L7501 cab and chassis with Vac-Con sewer cleaner; $185,075.00 (GSS/Fleet) In response to questions, Purchasing Manager George McKibben will report on the rate history for Pinellas County Solid Waste and estimate future costs. BU BUDGET Authorize establishment of "Emergency Operations" Project in the amount of $286,772. Several departments, primarily Police, Fire, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation have indicated a need to establish a funding source for necessities that arise during City emergencies or storms. This project only would be available for use when the City Manager declares a City emergency or upon declaration of a Federal or State emergency. Normal expenditures charged to such a project would be employee overtime costs or supplies related to the stated emergency. This also would provide a source of funds for emergency military leave supplemental compensation under City guidelines when City employees are called to active military duty. Funding for this project would be through the reallocation of the $286,772 balance of funds in the “Hurricane George” project. FEMA had reimbursed these funds to cover operating expenditures incurred during the September 1998 storm. As the storm was late in the fiscal year, department budgets absorbed most costs during the 1997/98 fiscal year, and did not require reimbursement. The City received the FEMA funds late in fiscal 1998/99. Of that amount, $286,772 has not been spent. This new project, “Emergency Operations,” will be established by a first quarter budget amendment transferring the $286,772 from project 181-99958, Hurricane George. Concern was expressed another pot of money would be created that could segregate funds for years. It was recommended emergency procedures include establishment of an emergency operations fund. Budget Director Tina Wilson said currently departments must absorb emergency related expenses and wait for reimbursement. It was suggested emergency costs be charged to an established code number to segregate related costs for reimbursement. Ms. Wilson stated military leave costs will not be reimbursed. The City Manager said during an emergency, it may not be possible to establish a fund in a timely manner. It was felt the amount of the fund was chosen in a backward way. It was suggested the fund amount could be rounded up. Ms. Wilson said emergency related costs cannot be predicted, and can be significant. As inactive projects normally are rolled into retained earnings on a quarterly basis, Ms. Wilson said this is an opportune time to establish a fund. It was noted the City Manager has the power to tap into retained earnings for up to $25,000 for a contract. It was stated the City Commission would have to meet at an advertised meeting to approve greater funding. Ms. Wilson said if the fund has no activity in three years, staff will come back to the City Commission regarding this issue. It was stated establishment of an emergency fund is important and the City Commission should not wait until unsettled times to do so. In response to a question, Finance Director Margie Simmons said interest usually is credited to unretained earnings. She said this fund will simplify accounting related to emergencies. HR HUMAN RESOURCES Res. #01-40 – Emergency Military Leave Supplemental Compensation. On September 25, 2001, the Cabinet unanimously passed a resolution, offered by the Governor, requiring all State agencies to implement provisions of Florida Statues Chapter 115.09 and 115.14, guaranteeing that employees who serve in the Florida National Guard and U.S. Military Reserves will not face a pay cut while on active duty in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. Numerous local public sector agencies have adopted policies that implement these supplemental military pay and benefit provisions. Fourteen regular City employees currently are members of the U.S. Military Reserves or Florida National Guard. Four already have been ordered to active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This Resolution supports implementation of a City policy, retroactive to September 11, 2001, that will provide full City pay and benefits for the first 30 days of a regular full-time or part-time City employee’s active duty deployment, and thereafter, supplemental pay necessary to raise a regular employee’s military pay to the level of his/her City pay, as well as continuation of the employee’s existing benefits for a period of up to six months, with provision for supplemental pay and benefits to be extended by the City Manager for an additional six months. Although the amount of supplemental pay will vary, the average supplement payment for the four employees ordered to active duty is estimated at $1,897 per month. Based on these estimates and assuming active duty deployment for the maximum period of time an employee could receive supplemental compensation under this policy, it is estimated this policy will cost approximately $106,000. It is recommended that affected departments identify and absorb costs related to supplemental military leave pay and benefits through salary savings, or if necessary, fund any deficits from a proposed “Emergency Operations” project to be established in the first quarter. Human Resources Assistant Director Rick Ebelke said when possible, departments will absorb costs related to staff active duty assignments through salary savings. Discussion ensued regarding compensation plans offered by local municipalities. Assistant City Manager Garry Brumback said Congress must declare a National Emergency if active duty assignments extend beyond 179 days. It was suggested a 6-month plan be approved and the issue be revisited should an extension be necessary. It was requested the 6-month extension approval process be clarified. PD POLICE Approve a lease agreement between the YWCA of Tampa Bay, Inc. and the City of Clearwater for the premises located at 612 Franklin Street, Clearwater, Florida, for a period of five years commencing on November 1, 2001, and terminating on October 31, 2006, at a rental of $1.00 per year and the expenditure of $50,000 in Police Department Safe Neighborhood Funds for renovations to the building. The Allegany Franciscan Foundation awarded the YWCA of Tampa Bay, Inc. a $165,000 grant to create and operate in Clearwater a Hispanic community service center, Centro Apoyo Latino (Latin Outreach Center). The YWCA submitted the grant application in partnership with the Clearwater Police Department, stating the Police Department would provide financial and in-kind support. Pursuant to that partnership and implementation of the outreach center, the Police Department seeks approval of a 5-year lease between the City and YWCA for 612 Franklin Street, which is owned by the City. Clearwater’s Hispanic community, the fastest growing group in the City, has increased from 3% in 1999 to 9% of the City’s population in 2001. Experts agree the number may be underreported and could be 50% greater. Rapid Hispanic population growth has resulted in difficulties for the Police Department and City government in general. The language barrier is the primary problem. Many Hispanic residents speak little or no English and the area lacks sufficient translation services. Police officers are encountering difficulties in the reporting and investigation of crime in Hispanic communities. Code enforcement officers, customer service representatives, and Parks & Recreation staff are experiencing similar problems. In 1999, the Police Department began a program, funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, in partnership with the YWCA of Tampa Bay to deal with some of these problems. The Police Department is eager to continue the partnership with the YWCA. Funding from the Allegany Franciscan Foundation will permit the YWCA and Police Department to create and maintain an outreach program for five years. Funding for FY (fiscal year) 2001/02 already is confirmed by the Allegany Franciscan Foundation, which has indicated it may continue to fund the project for up to two additional years. The Outreach Center will provide a one-stop facility and offer: 1) bilingual child-care services; 2) office space for Police Department’s Hispanic Outreach Officer; 3) interpreter and victim advocacy services; 4) ESOL & Spanish language classes; 5) health prevention outreach & nutrition education services; 6) multi-purpose training center; 7) office space for Mexican consulate; and 8) office space for Hidalgo, Mexico government. The Allegany Franciscan Foundation has specified that $115,000 of the $165,000 grant must be spent on operational expenses and $50,000 may be spent on building renovations. Renovations are estimated to cost $100,000. The Clearwater Police Department will provide $50,000 from its contraband forfeiture fund for the balance of needed funds. The YWCA will be responsible for all other costs associated with building renovation. The YWCA also will be responsible for all utility costs and maintenance of the inside of the premises. The City will be responsible for all maintenance of the exterior, including the building and grounds. Either party may terminate the agreement with 30 days written notice if any single maintenance item or repair exceed $10,000. In response to a question, Police Chief Sid Klein said department vehicles will be moved off the property and parked between the two parking garages. Efforts to establish this center were applauded. YWCA representative Peggy Sanchez-Mills said the agency can apply to the JWB (Juvenile Welfare Board) for funds to cover related expenses. She said resource fees will be set aside. Planned renovations include replacement of the roof. Concern was expressed the City’s threshold is not sufficient as necessary repairs could exceed $10,000. In response to a question, Police Chief Klein said the YWCA is responsible for funding the 5-year program. PR PARKS AND RECREATION Accept second year grant funding and approve the corresponding agreement from the Juvenile Welfare Board totaling $68,700 for 100% funding of two teen programs. The Parks and Recreation Department has been awarded second year funding for a three-year grant totaling $68,700 for FY 20001-02 from the JWB (Juvenile Welfare Board). Commission approval is required for each subsequent year of the grant. The department developed the “Charting a Course for Youth” program in 2000 to nurture teenagers in neighborhoods where teens need direction. Program leaders have developed a safe haven for community residents ages 12 to 18 at the Ross Norton and Joe DiMaggio complexes. To maintain interest, teens develop the actual program format, program specifics, and times to include community service, volunteer activities, sports and games, cultural, performing, and visual arts, field trips, and educational programs addressing HIV/AIDS, teen pregnancy, and drug abuse. Each facility has a room dedicated to teens and teen programming that is equipped with lounge furniture, computers, and video games. Similar to FY 20000/01 the grant will cover 100% of program currently hosted at the Ross Norton and Joe DiMaggio Complexes, including one full-time Recreation Leader at each facility. The full-time Recreation Leader positions continue to be funded by this grant. No matching funds are required. There is no requirement to continue the program when the grant ends. In response to a question, Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said he has discussed with the JWB expansion of the program to the new recreation complex in Northwest Clearwater, upon its completion. Department Vision/Goals (Master Plan) Mr. Dunbar reviewed the Parks & Recreation System Master Plan. A needs assessment was achieved through: 1) 5 public workshops; 2) 3 focus groups; 3) interviews; 4) 3 workshops; 5) resident & staff surveys; 6) telephone surveys; 7) comparisons to State standards; and 8) a review of demographics, population, service areas; and Levels of Service. The Implementation Plan considered Pinellas County, other municipalities, non-profits, Pinellas County School Board, homeowners associations, churches, and others. Interim results of the needs assessment determined top priority needs: 1) Staff Workshop: a) soccer fields; b) skate facility; c) amphitheater; and d) large special events area; 2) Public Meetings; a) sidewalks & bicycle lanes; b) natural areas; c) special use facilities; d) marketing of Parks & Recreation programs; and e) skate park; 3) Focus Groups: a) community parks; b) special use facilities; c) soccer fields; d) skate park; e) trails; f) sidewalks & bicycle lanes; and g) marketing of Parks & Recreation programs; and 4) Interviews; a) small neighborhood parks; b) natural areas/open space similar to Coachman Park; c) sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and trails; d) dog park; and e) neighborhood infrastructure. A review of City parks indicates a wide variety of types of parks and partners exist. City parks are well maintained and facilities are of high quality. City natural systems are rich and include the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay, lakes, canals, and rivers. While the traditional downtown is pedestrian friendly, strip development is not. Downtown edges are poorly defined. Some public buildings and school facilities may provide opportunities for park expansion. City neighborhoods feature both traditional grid and suburban patterns. The park system vision is to provide linkages between conservation lands, regional, community, and neighborhood parks, urban open spaces, and special uses, such as the horseshoe and Phillies complexes. The PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) network connects most City parks. The City has an incomplete system of sidewalks but a well developed bicycle path system. Population trends indicate the City’s population will increase from 98,000 in 1990, to 108,000 in 2000, to 112,000 by 2020. Trends indicate the City’s population that is younger than 45 will increase while the percentage of older people will decrease. The City has 1,503 acres of open space and facilities, sufficient to meet population needs in 2010. Facility deficiencies for 2010 increase from one to two soccer fields, 11 to 12 volleyball fields, 4 to 5 picnic areas, and 0 to 1 nature trails. The deficiency of one aquatic center remains constant. The City Manager said these deficiencies do not consider the needs of residents of unincorporated Pinellas County. He said the City needs to determine if it will act as the North County provider of recreational facilities. The Plan has determined a demand for athletic fields, neighborhood parks, a skate facility, and linkages consisting of sidewalks, bikeways, and trails. Key Issues include addressing the needs of unincorporated County residents, potential partnerships with Pinellas County and the School Board, plus increasing costs. The Implementation Plan should be complete by January 2002. Wood Chip Purchase Update In his October 18, 2001, memorandum, Mr. Dunbar the Parks & Recreation Department, on an on-going basis, has explored natural and commercial products to provide fall zone safety areas in conformance with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Periodic reviews have determined cypress mulch provides the best durability, cost, and impact on staff maintenance. In response to City Commission direction, staff reviewed synthetic products to serve as the primary cushioning material in fall areas. While synthetic products cost five to six times more than cypress chips, a reduction in annual replenishing costs is expected. As it would be cost prohibitive to upgrade all playgrounds at one time, a phased in process, with a trial period, is a potential solution. Staff recommends renovating two playground surfaces annually to a synthetic product. Replacements this year will be reviewed as a pilot program. Staff recommends reducing the annual cypress wood chip purchase order from $50,000 to $23,500. In response to a question, Mr. Dunbar said alternatives to eucalyptus were explored and found to be more costly. The City does not use cypress chips for standard landscaping. PW PUBLIC WORKS Award contract for Enterprise Road Improvements (01-0019-EN) to AJAX Paving Industries, Inc. of Nokomis, Florida for the sum of $591,885.00. This contract will improve Enterprise Road between US 19N and McMullen-Booth Road and include the replacement of a portion of the base material and the milling, resurfacing, and restriping of the remainder. The portion of the base between the Florida Power right-of-way and Frisco Drive is in poor condition due to the high water table. In this section, the project will install a soil cement base, designed for wet conditions. The project, scheduled to start in January, will be completed within 60 days. In response to a question, City Engineer Mike Quillen said the project originally was designed to only raise the road. It was later decided to install the soil cement as experts indicated the road base would remain wet and cave in again. Staff investigated this alternative method and determined it will last much longer. He said the project is west of Deer Run and will not raise the grade of the road and effect water velocity. Award the 2001 Sidewalk/Curb Contract (01-0021-EN) to Keystone Excavators, Inc. of Oldsmar, Florida for the sum of $932,350.00. This contract will provide for sidewalk and curb restoration in conjunction with the City’s program performed by Public Services. This contract will cover areas larger than Public Service crews presently can accommodate. This contract will repair broken and uneven sidewalks and curbs to improve public safety and reduce the City’s accident liability exposure. It also will add ramps to comply with ADA (American Disabilities Act) regulations. New sidewalks and curb will be installed in various locations. In response to a question, Mr. Quillen said reserves increased the size of this year’s budget. The carryover is adequate to cover this sidewalk and curb contract as well as resurfacing 20 miles of City roads. In response to a question, Mr. Quillen said during the past few years, staff has accumulated residential complaints and staff reports regarding problems related to sidewalks and curbs. When not enough repairs were identified to carry out an entire project, staff rode through all areas where problems were expected and developed an extensive list of problems. In response to a question, Mr. Quillen stated more than 50% of neighborhood residents must sign a petition before new sidewalks are constructed. It was noted Sunset Point Road needs sidewalks. Mr. Quillen said Sunset Point Road is a County Road. Staff will discuss with the County the need for sidewalks along Sunset Point Road. First Reading 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. It was noted stormwater projects will improve water quality in the Clearwater Harbor and Tampa Bay estuaries. It was stated the projects help compensate for urban development. It was stated some residents have recommended using ad valorem taxes to fund the projects. It was said the County uses Penny for Pinellas funds for its stormwater projects. It was noted the Friendly Village of Kapok Tree project had been removed from the Penny for Pinellas list in 1998. It was recommended the project be funded with Penny for Pinellas funds as originally committed. The City Manager said the City Commission had removed the project from the Penny for Pinellas list. Concern was expressed the proposed funding method is regressive and hurts low- and fixed-income residents. Concern was expressed five years of rate increases may be inadequate to cover project costs. It was suggested impact fees could be used to fund these projects. Opposition was stated to approving multi-year increases at this time. Ms. Simmons said commitment of future fee increases is necessary to issue bonds at favorable rates. Several projects will take multiple years to complete. Concern was expressed the cost of future projects is not firm. Ms. Simmons said if staff deems a future rate increase unnecessary, staff will make that recommendation to the City Commission. Robert Lockwood, of Burton and Associates, said the bond market would look favorably on the adoption of this ordinance, which establishes a five-year plan. Failure to approve would indicate a lack of City Commission commitment. In response to a question, Ms. Simmons said additional costs related to delaying approval could be substantial and include higher insurance rates. In response to a question, Mr. Lockwood discussed the methodology used for the rate study, indicating the modeling approach had been used. Concern was expressed management costs had increased by 33%. It was recommended operating costs be reduced. The City Manager said historically, City Commission policy has been to fund stormwater projects from other sources than ad valorem taxes. It was felt the proposed increases are too great. The City Manager said it would be helpful to analyze the history of stormwater project funding. In response to a question, Tom Miller said in response to citizen requests for action, staff has increased catch basin ditch maintenance to address sedimentation issues. It was noted the proposed projects provide long term fixes to long ignored stormwater problems. In response to a question, Ms. Arasteh said the model did not indicate that 40% of previously proposed projects had not been completed. She said the plan provides comprehensive solutions that consider entire watersheds. An analysis of stormwater funding was requested. It was stated the projects are important and further delay will increase the degradation of water quality. Concern was expressed the rate increases are significant for commercial properties. It was suggested ad valorem taxes be considered as a funding source so that businesses can receive income tax credit for their payments. In response to a question, Mr. Brumback said funding the Friendly Village at Kapok Tree project with Penny for Pinellas funds will delay the project until funds are available in 2005 or 2006. Approve a Property Exchange Agreement with Pinellas County for exchange of property necessary for construction of the new Memorial Causeway Bridge, at a cost to the City of $270,752. Construction of the new Memorial Causeway Bridge will require a minor realignment of Court and Chestnut streets and require transfer of 30,361 square-feet of Pinellas County-owned property to the City for use as new right-of-way, and the transfer of 24,465 square-feet of excess City owned right-of-way to the County. In April 2000, the City and County entered into an Interlocal Agreement outlining various responsibilities related to the bridge construction, which included the County’s commitment to fund $10-million of bridge construction costs, payable in two $5-million installments. The City received the first $5-million in July 2001. The second installment is due this fiscal year. The Agreement also imposed conditions on both parties related to the property exchange. This Property Exchange Agreement defines each party’s commitments. The City will reimburse the County $70,752 for the difference in square footage of the properties to be exchanged, and to reimburse the County $200,000 as compensation for lost parking spaces. The $200,000 will be deducted from the County’s second $5-million payment. Approval of this Agreement will assure the project remains on schedule for a January 2002 construction start. In response to a question, Mr. Quillen said the City will re-landscape and install sod. The City Attorney said insurance issues relate to the transfer of property. In response to concerns regarding the amount of compensation for lost parking, it was indicated the County had not decided whether to replace the lost spaces with surface parking or a structure. The City Manager thanked the Interim County Administrator for her involvement in resolving this difficult issue. Amendment to Memorial Causeway Bridge - Joint Project Agreement. On June 27, 1997, the City Commission approved the JPA (Joint Participation Agreement) between FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) and the City for design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction of the Memorial Causeway Bridge replacement. The JPA was amended in January 2001, to recognize $12-million in federal funding, and in June 2001, to recognize an additional $8,770,662 in federal funding. On September 26, 2001, project construction bids were received, with a low bid of $47,037,230. Including Construction Engineering and Inspection, construction contingencies, and an allowance for court costs or legal settlements arising from construction, FDOT estimates the final cost could be as high as $53.8-million. Currently, $50.1-million is budgeted. According to the original JPA, the City is responsible for absorbing additional costs. FDOT has elected to contribute an additional $2.5-million to the project, increasing their total contribution to $15.5-million. Additional costs relate to the property exchange agreement with Pinellas County. Utility relocation costs now will be absorbed by the utility funds. The City also will accrue interest on advance cash deposits. The net impact to Penny for Pinellas funding is an additional $1,718,559. This JPA amendment reflects FDOT’s $2.5-million contribution and details how contractor invoices will be paid to allow the City to maximize interest accrual on advance payments. Ms. Arasteh thanked Kenneth Hartman, FDOT District VII Secretary, for his assistance. She said cost savings related to value engineering are possible after the contract is awarded. In response to a question, Secretary Hartman said the condition of the current bridge does not require its replacement. He said the City previously had committed to constructing a new Memorial Causeway bridge. FDOT is not in a position to be responsible for overall costs related to construction. He said FDOT’s Secretary had agreed to commit an additional $2.5-million to the project as a good faith effort and to split the responsibility for cost overruns with the City. He felt FDOT’s commitments have been fair. In response to a question, Secretary Hartman said if the project is canceled, appropriated funds would remain in the transportation trust fund and could not be used for education. The County and City would decide alternate uses for allocated funds. In response to a question, Mr. Hartman said FDOT funding comes from taxes, license fees, and rental cars. In response to a question, Secretary Hartman said while the bridge is functionally obsolete, it is not structurally obsolete and retains the ability to carry traffic. He said when the City decided to replace the bridge, FDOT had canceled a $2.5-million contract to rehabilitate the bridge, at a loss of $0.5-million. If the project is canceled, FDOT will reevaluate the need to rehabilitate the structure. He estimated FDOT would not replace the bridge for a significant time period. In response to a question, he said a rehabilitation project could close the bridge for weeks as replacement pieces would have to be fabricated. In response to a question, Secretary Hartman said based on past experience, he felt FDOT would be able to control costs within a reasonable level. He said he was comfortable with the bid amounts. He said savings from potential value engineering will be applied to the project. In response to a question, Secretary Hartman said the City is not obligated to accept contractor value engineering suggestions. He said most risk associated with bridge construction is below ground. He felt comfortable borings have indicated no underground problems exist. In response to a question, Ms. Simmons said staff does not have enough data since the September 11, 2001, tragedies to calculate fallout from that event regarding the level of Penny for Pinellas collections. She suggested adequate data for analysis will be available in six months. In response to a question, Secretary Hartman said FDOT normally does not split funding for bridges it constructs. He said once FDOT determines a bridge must be replaced, it tries to begin design and construction efforts within six months. In response to a question, he said the Belleair Causeway bridge was not an FDOT project and he did not have related information. In response to a question, he said the cost to repair the current bridge may have increased due to inflation and additional deterioration. In response to a question, Secretary Hartman said the Clearwater Pass Bridge was structurally deficient. Even though it was not part of the State road system, FDOT was able to fund its replacement. It was noted the Memorial Causeway bridge, constructed in the early 1960s, has no center barrier to separate oncoming traffic and provides little protection for pedestrians and bicyclists. It was stated the new bridge is not designed to carry a monorail and another bridge may have to be constructed. Ms. Arasteh said a structural engineer believes the new bridge could handle a monorail. She said an engineer must reanalyze that issue. In response to a question, Secretary Hartman said if the project is canceled, money spent on the project cannot be recovered and City redevelopment plans would have to be reconsidered. He expressed concern regarding the waste of taxpayer money to cancel the contracted rehabilitation project. He said it would be difficult in the future to determine when a project with the City is firm. It was noted approximately 40% of Penny for Pinellas funds is paid by tourists. Secretary Hartman recommended against delaying the contract approval process. PLD PLANNING Cell Tower Report In her October 30, 2001 memorandum, Planning Director Cyndi Tarapani reported the City Commission had directed staff to compare City regulations with other municipalities, identify consultants that could provide technical assistance, discuss with telecommunication service providers trends in technological advances, and evaluate the use of City property for new towers. Staff compared telecommunication regulations for Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Sarasota, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, and Alachua counties in Florida, Portland, Oregon, Phoenix, and Bloomington, Minnesota based on height restrictions for new structures, height restrictions for antennas on other structures, preferred locations, discouraged locations, and design. Clearwater has neither the strictest nor weakest regulations for cell tower development standards. The City requires colocation where possible and non-glare finish on towers. Many cities encourage tower placement in industrial and commercial areas, rather than historic or residential areas. Common regulatory issues relate to height, location, density, safety, environmental, visual impact, and permitting. City cell tower regulations are similar with area cities. To reexamine the City’s cell tower ordinances, information must be gathered related to all cell tower and antenna locations, their visual impacts, their heights and age, the ability to place antennas on structures, potential benefits of locating new antennas or towers on public buildings and property, as well as information on the future needs of the wireless communication industry. Staff suggests hiring an outside consultant to complete these tasks and recommended Kreines and Kreines. A telecommunications facility master plan and ordinance would cost between $50,000 and $100,000. It is estimated a preliminary analysis would cost $2,500. Staff recommends tracking telecommunication industry trends and evaluating the ordinance as part of the 2002 annual Code update. Ms. Tarapani said the tower on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard was constructed following a hearing officer decision and is not an example of Code compliant telecommunication towers. The Code can be redone to clarify required criteria addressed by the hearing officer. She met with representatives of wireless telecommunication service providers on October 26, 2001 to gain information regarding current trends, changes, and industry technical needs. She said the representatives are interested in incentives in the Code to build on City sites. She said some towers could be integrated as part of a fire station. Co-location of services increases a tower’s height requirement. Taller towers provide greater coverage. Cell providers have requested a list of the City’s top recommended sites. No demand for additional cell towers currently exists. Charter restrictions may negate the use of park property. Disappointment was expressed regarding the high cost for a consultant to review related issues. In response to a question, Ms. Tarapani said the cell providers were not specific regarding height concerns. She said a conflict exists between the City’s requirement for colocation of services on towers with the City’s desire for lower towers. It was stated the City needs to protect itself against future applications for very tall towers. Concern was expressed cell phone service fades in large pockets in the City. It was recommended the City work closely with providers to not affect the level of cell service. The City Manager said staff will pursue amendments to the Code and form a working group with the industry. It was suggested some City properties are logical sites for cell towers. It was suggested staff issue a RFP (Request for Proposals) for a limited feasibility study regarding proficiencies of lower height towers. Island Estates Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District Study Committee Appointments Ms. Tarapani reported several of the original 11 members have dropped off and three appointments are needed. She said the committee has two more meetings scheduled. The committee is working on goals. More than 80 peopled attended the first three meetings. Many participants oppose the proposed NCOD (Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District). After the meetings are complete, the committee will have two documents for review, including a neighborhood plan and a list of recommended zoning regulations unique to Island Estates. Island Estates property owners will vote in January on the proposal. In response to a question, she reviewed committee member duties. The committee will begin discussion on recommended changes following the fourth meeting. Code indicates the committee will have seven members and four alternates. The steering committee wrote and adopted rules indicating all 11 members can vote if they are present. While these appointments are for alternatives, all participate in votes. The rules indicate a quorum is five. City Manager Verbal Reports City Clerk Cyndie Goudeau said she will work with Carolyn Brink to schedule a lunch or dinner before the State Legislature convenes in January 22, 2002, for City Commissioners and Pinellas Legislative Delegation members who represent Clearwater. Commission Discussion Items City Manager Prioritized Objectives – Jonson In response to a request, Commissioner Jonson agreed to continue this discussion. Other Commission Action Jonson distributed items to the Commission related to a recent seminar for elected officials regarding taxation, ethics, gifts, public records, etc. He recommended Commissioners attend future seminars in Ocala in January and in Orlando in June 2002. Jonson referred to problems the Internet Café is having with the City’s sign Code and recommended staff be accommodating until the issues are understood. The City Manager said staff is reviewing the City sign code, but indicated the café does not want to follow City rules. Jonson said Seminole Mayor Dottie Reeder plans to host a meeting to address concerns regarding County legislative efforts to curb annexations. Commissioner Hart said he will represent the City at the meeting. Jonson said he will distribute the PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) annual report. Hart said last Friday’s fundraising event for the new main library had been successful and reported proceeds from the sale of $15 cookbooks will go to the new main library. Aungst complimented the Library Foundation’s teamwork in raising funds for the main library. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 1:31 p.m.