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06/18/2001CITY COMMISSION WORKSESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER June 18, 2001 Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner Ed Hart Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Whitney Gray Commissioner – departed at 11:30 a.m. Hoyt P. Hamilton Commissioner William C. Jonson Commissioner Also present: William B. Horne II Interim City Manager Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall. Commissioner Gray reported she would leave the meeting early to represent the City at a meeting of the Economic Development Council. Service Awards Four service awards were presented to City employees. Susan Doel, Library, was presented the June 2001 Employee of the Month award. The Quarterly Team Award for June 2001 was presented to the Water Construction and Hydrant Maintenance Team: Jerry Wells, Kevin Slattery, George Peruzzi, Todd Voigt, Todd Kuhnel, Ike George, Matt Pippin, Mike Vacca, Dave Roberts, Donnie Packer, Steve Wright, Todd Garrett, and Brian Dunlap. The Commission recessed from 9:10 to 9:33 a.m. to meet as the Pension Trustees and Community Redevelopment Agency. PUR PURCHASING Smith and Wesson, 300 automatic pistols, 40 caliber, with 3 magazines each, Safariland SSIII holsters & Trijicon night sights, $67,389 (net cost after trade-in)(PD) Angelo's Aggregate Materials, Ltd. d/b/a Angelo's Recycled Materials, disposal of yard waste & construction materials, 7/1/01-9/30/02, estimated $700,000 (SW) Office Depot Business Services, office supplies, 6/27/01-6/30/03, estimated $500,000 (FN) Anderson & Shah Roofing, Inc., roof replacement at Countryside Library, $40,800 (GS) Ross Systems, Inc., software license & maintenance, 6/30/01-6/29/02, $85,000 (IT) MGI Morgan General Mechanical Group, generator relocation from NE Plant to Marshall Street Plant, $54,333 (PU/WPC) Maroone Chevrolet, one 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup with utility body, $26,782; financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS) Maroone Chevrolet, one 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup with options, $25,480; financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS) Atlantic Ford Truck Center, two 2001 Sterling LT 9500 cab & chassis with McClain E-Z Pack Magna Hoist roll off body, replacements, $111,022 (SW) Architectural Fountains, 1st renewal option, fountain maintenance, 8/1/01-7/31/02, estimated $120,000 (PR) Tampa Bay Engineering Inc., EOR, GIS database development for stormwater management system, $60,000 (PW) Declare surplus to city needs, vehicles & equipment; authorize disposal through sale at Tampa Machinery Auction or trade-in In response to questions regarding fountain maintenance, staff reported that while the fountain is not operating, there is no payment for maintenance and that if the fountain is removed, the City will be obligated only for maintenance done to that point. In response to a question regarding the generator relocation, Public Utilities Director Andy Neff said the Northeast plant has more generation power than required. Relocating the generator will save approximately $90,000 in repair costs. ED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Presentation - ICMA using Environmental Justice Plan as an international model In his June 12, 2001 memorandum, Economic Development Programs Manager Miles Ballogg, referred to Clearwater’s Environmental Justice in Brownfields Redevelopment plan. The ICMA International City/County Management Association) recently published “Righting the Wrong – A Model Plan for Environmental Justice in Brownfields Redevelopment,” and will distribute it internationally as a strategy model to address municipal and community environmental justice issues in Brownfields areas. In September 2000, the City Commission adopted the City’s Environmental Justice Action Agenda, which serves as the model plan featured in the ICMA publication. Staff is working to implement the plan. ICMA has provided funding to UNO Federation and Spiritual Change to continue outreach efforts to Brownfields area residents. These efforts also will focus on environmental justice issues that impact the area’s growing Hispanic community. The Action Agenda has produced many successes. Mr. Ballogg invited the City Commission to attend the City’s celebration in early September 2001, to coincide with the one-year anniversary of the Action Agenda’s adoption. Mr. Ballogg thanked the Environmental Justice Planning Action Team and all other participants who helped develop the plan during the past two years. Staff and the Action Team were complimented on their efforts. It was stated economic development and environmental issues can come together to benefit the City. In response to a question, City Engineer Mike Quillen said State appropriations, vetoed by Governor Bush, will not harm the watershed management plan to improve Stevenson’s Creek, as planned dredging efforts are not planned for more than one year. IA INTERNAL AUDIT Res. #01-22 - electing not to require and collect permit fees from any providers of communications services that use or occupy City rights-of-way; thereby adopting the Communications Services Tax conversion rates established by the 2001 Florida Legislature for fiscal years 2001-02 & 2002-03 The Mayor reported he had a conflict of interest and recused himself. He left the dais. During its 2000 Session, the Florida Legislature enacted the “Simplified Communications Services Tax” law, effective October 1, 2001, which combined seven communications taxes and fees into: 1) State tax and 2) local option tax. The law combined sales tax on communications services, the local public services tax, and local franchise fees on telecommunications and cable companies, allocated the gross receipts tax on communications services, and provided a permit fee option for local governments. The law provides a new way to tax telecommunications, cable television, and direct broadcast satellite services to broaden the tax base for local governments. Throughout 2000, communications companies and local governments supplied information to the Department of Revenue regarding the assessment of various taxes. A Revenue Estimate Conference used the information to calculate revenue-neutral tax rates, not to exceed a maximum of 5.1% for cities, which were adopted during the 2001 Legislative session. The Legislature adopted two tax conversion rates for each local government: 1) transition year rate beginning October 1, 2001 – slightly higher to account for 11 payments received in first year and 2) slightly lower rate to begin October 1, 2002. In addition to the tax rate enacted by the Legislature, local governments may impose a 0.12% permit fee option if they to not charge permit fees of communications service providers. Selecting this option will provide Clearwater with a 5.52% tax rate for the conversion year beginning October 1, 2001, and a 5.12% tax rate for the year beginning October 1, 2002. The rates are designed to be revenue neutral and provide a fair, efficient, and uniform method for taxing communications services. These tax rates replace current rates of 7% telecommunications public service tax, 5% cable franchise fee, and 1% telecommunications franchise fee. The Department of Revenues must receive the related City resolution via certified mail on or before July 16, 2001. FY (Fiscal Year) 1999 revenues totaled $6,068,885: 1) $4,894,978 – public service tax; 2) $862,250 – cable franchise; 3) $308,657 – telephone franchise; and 4) $3,000 – right-of-way permit fees. In response to a question, Internal Auditor Robin Gomez said Internal Audit audits revenues and cooperates with other departments regarding tax issues. The initial legislation only addresses the first two rate years. The proposed changes should be revenue neutral. Changes have occurred in the communication industry, in geographical coding, in the way taxes are determined, and in the increased use of cellular telephones. In response to a question, he said if staff detects anomalies, they will contact the State to review an individual company or all communication providers. LIB LIBRARY New Main Library Design Library Director John Szabo reviewed the chronology of the project. Rejection of the entire preliminary design would delay the project for 90 days and increase costs by $170,000. All public comments were submitted to the City Commission. Some good suggestions had been proposed at public forums. He recommended the City Commission schedule a special work session to discuss the proposed library design with the architecture team. John Toppe, of the architecture team, suggested an informal discussion with the City Commission be the next step. The architecture team then could explain the logic behind design issues. Mr. Szabo recommended continuing dialog rather than starting anew. He felt many concerns can be resolved. The architecture team will work to incorporate City Commission concerns into the design. It was recommended the meeting be held at a roundtable for ease of discussion. Mr. Szabo reported comment forms from the three library advisory groups have been positive. In response to a question, Mr. Toppe said the team is considering hiring a sustainability consultant to consider energy issues related to the structure’s design. The building must comply with State hurricane and energy requirements. It was suggested the City Commission also consider how the design fits in with the downtown plan. Concerns were expressed regarding aesthetics, air-conditioning costs related to a wall of western-facing windows, long term maintenance costs, and future problems associated with the roof’s curvilinear design. PCM PUBLIC COMMUNICATION & MARKETING Public Hearing - receive public input re Public Access benefits provided to City residents under Pinellas County's franchise agreement with Time Warner are of the same quality as those previously provided under City's franchise with Time Warner The Mayor reported he had a conflict of interest and recused himself. He left the dais. On November 21, 1996, the City and Time Warner entered into a cable franchise agreement, which required Time Warner to provide public access facilities and a public access channel for the use and benefit of City residents. The agreement indicated should Time Warner subsequently enter into an agreement with Pinellas County to provide the same public access benefits to City residents as they then enjoyed, Time Warner’s public access obligations to the City would be satisfied. In August 2000, Time Warner entered into a franchise agreement with the County to make payment to the County to provide public access facilities. The County’s new public access facility now is available for use by City and County residents. Pursuant to Clearwater’s franchise agreement with Time Warner, the City is required to hold a public hearing to determine that City resident public access benefits are substantially the same as benefits previously enjoyed. Should the City determine that benefits are reduced, Time Warner would be obligated to make payment to the City as outlined in the agreement, and the City would be obligated to provide public access for its residents. Should the County cease to provide public access facilities for use by City residents, Clearwater would be required to hold a new public hearing and could require Time Warner to make appropriate payment to the City. In response to a question, Public Communications and Marketing Director Jacqueline Molsick said the public has been notified of the public hearing via advertisements and the video bulletin board on C-View. She reviewed the process for a resident to obtain public access benefits, including a training program on the digital system. Training classes began in April. The City Attorney said the agreement addresses the availability of the facility. If accessibility changes, another public hearing will be necessary. Residents can contact the City if they have problems. Related telephone numbers are listed on residents’ bills. Staff will review the Time Warner franchise agreement in the next few months. A log of users is being developed for staff review. PW PUBLIC WORKS Contract for Cooper's Point Timber Vehicle Bridges to Bayshore Construction, Inc., $85,582.20 The City, in conjunction with SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) and FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection), has been restoring the wetland and upland habitat at Cooper’s point. During Summer 2000, SWFWMD completed wetland restoration and enhancement work. Construction of the staff-designed boardwalk and timber bridges remains. In May 1996, the City Commission approved an agreement with FDEP to reimburse project costs up to $50,000. Time extensions approved in September 1998 and August 2000 delayed the completion date to November 23, 2001. The remaining balance under this agreement is $46,630. In response to a question, Public Works Administrator Mahshid Arasteh said the budget amendment will add State funds to the project. Approve Local Agency Program Work Order to Owen Ayres & Associates, Inc., for Clearwater Beach West Bridge / Spur Connector project design, $479,000 FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) selected Owen Ayres & Associates, Inc. to design the Clearwater beach west bridge/spur connector project in accordance with the Consultants Competitive Negotiations Act. FDOT negotiated the $479,000 fee, which the City reviewed and approved. Subsequently, FDOT awarded LAP (Local Agency Program) certification to the City to manage and design FDOT funded projects. The City will manage the design and construction of this project, which is funded 100% by FDOT. The pedestrian bridge will span Mandalay Channel south of the fishing pier, and connect the Clearwater beach and Memorial Causeway sidewalks. The consultant will prepare final design documents and construction plans. Work elements include bicycle/pedestrian trails, PD&E (Project Development and Environmental) evaluation and documentation, conceptual engineering study, bridge substructure & superstructure, geotechnical services, retaining walls, drainage, all necessary permits, traffic control plans, signing & paving markings, signalization, utility adjustment plans, construction cost estimate, quantity computation booklets, and all other work necessary and incidental to completion of the project. Concern was expressed the future replacement of the vehicular bridge be considered and that the height of this project be sufficient for boat traffic to pass below. Agreement with FDEP to share cost of implementation of Stevenson’s Creek Water Quality Improvement Projects, $1,500,000 In February 2000, the City Commission approved a Cooperative funding agreement with SWFWMD for the Stevenson’s Creek WMP (Watershed Management Plan). The plan, to be complete in August 2001, will recommend projects with cost estimates ranked for implementation. In partnership with the City’s State legislative representative, in December 1999, the City applied to the State Water Resources Advisory Board for the Stevenson’s Creek Water Quality Improvement Projects grant, requesting legislative funding support for water quality improvements within the Stevenson’s Creek Watershed to reduce channel erosion, sedimentation, and metal and nutrient loading. Stormwater management will be addressed within the watershed, which will be designated an Outstanding Florida Waterbody and Aquatic Preserve. The projects also will result in flood protection within the watershed. In June 2000, the State notified the City that the application had been accepted and funding had been approved, based on a 50:50 cost share ratio, with the City and FDEP each responsible for $1.5-million. Before completion of the WMP, it is necessary to secure State funds for future projects. Projects for implementation will come back to the City Commission with specific costs and schedules for approval. FDEP has requested the City approve this item now to assist them with encumbering their 50% share of the agreement within the current fiscal year. It is estimated the City’s share of project costs may be $0.5-million this year, with the remaining $1-million needed in FY (fiscal year) 2002 or later. In response to a question, City Engineer Mike Quillen said the City had received these funds last year from the State. The related contract is not complete. The City already has budgeted its $500,000 contribution. Staff will bring forward any related contracts greater than $25,000 to the City Commission for approval. Note: This item was pulled from the June 21, 2001 agenda as the final contract was not received from FDEP. Public Hearing - Res. #01-26 - Relating to construction of Keene Road, from Druid Road to Sunset Point Road; dedicating certain land as public r-o-w; declaring certain lands as surplus; finding public purpose; granting r-o-w interest in certain city owned lands to Pinellas County; conveying City's cultural arts workshop building at 1778 Drew Street to Pinellas County; granting easement interest in certain city owned land to Pinellas County; granting ingress & egress rights over certain city owned land to Pinellas County; authorizing City Manager to execute certain documents On October 21, 1999, the City Commission approved an Interlocal Agreement with Pinellas County to coordinate efforts to construct Keene Road between Druid Road and Sunset Point Road. Among Agreement provisions, the County agreed to relocate City utilities impacted by the project, to reimburse the City up to $80,000 for preparation of plans for utility relocation, pay up to $230,000 for the Cultural Arts Workshop Building at 1776 Drew Street, and pay up to $20,000 for park improvements, as determined by the City. In exchange, the City agreed to dedicate portions of City-owned property as right-of-way, to grant five perpetual drainage & utility easements to encumber other City-owned property, to convey to the County all newly dedicated right-of-way and referenced easements, to transfer portions of other existing right-of-way within the project corridor, and to allow the County ingress and egress over portions of City-owned lands adjacent to parcels conveyed during the life of the project. A February 7, 2000 appraisal of the Workshop site, obtained by the County, valued the parcel at $250,000, $20,000 above the agreed upon payment. The preliminary legal description of the Workshop parcel excluded approximately 6,600 square-feet of land in its southeast corner. County staff has agreed to include this additional land in the Workshop parcel to be conveyed, and to add $20,000 to the value stipulated in the Interlocal Agreement, increasing the total consideration the County will pay for the Workshop to $250,000. The proposed resolution also authorizes the County to use portions of City-owned lands adjacent to the parcels being conveyed, up to a depth of 10 feet, for ingress and egress purposes during the life of the project. The right-of-way to be transferred is the same, regardless of the number of lanes constructed. Mr. Quillen said the County requires the same amount of public right-of-way for the Keene extension project whether the section south of Drew has four or six lanes. He said the cost to move City utilities is $300,000 greater than estimated. Staff is working with the County regarding this unbudgeted expense. In response to a question, Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said the City’s golf course’s fairway and two greens affected by road construction can be realigned easily. Staff will request the County to construct a fence to protect traffic from errant balls. In response to a concern, Mr. Quillen said the road will encroach 20 feet into the lake at “Skycrest Park.” Resulting mitigation will expand the lake 40 feet on the east. The project will provide a 25-foot wide grass swath where 60 feet now exists. As the County requires a 25-foot maintenance easement, benches cannot be installed. Staff is discussing a playground with the County. In response to a question, Marine & Aviation Director Bill Morris said the Airport Master Plan includes relocation of the retention pond to the north. The dry pond was designed to meet Airpark needs. In response to a question, he recommended transfer of property to the Airpark be delayed until it is determined crucial. PLD PLANNING Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #6795-01 - Amending Sec. 3-601 to revise dock provisions in their entirety; amending Sec. 3-909 to revise newsrack provisions in their entirety; amending Sec. 8-102 to add definition of newsrack and modular newsrack In February 2001, the CDB (Community Development Board) reviewed and recommended approval of Ordinance 6680-01 to amend dock and newsrack requirements. In March 2001, the City Commission requested further review of the proposed revisions and directed staff to gather additional input related to dock requirements. The City Commission also wanted more time to consider reducing the separation requirement for modular newsracks from 300 feet to the original 100-foot separation requirement. Staff has met with representatives of Sand Key, the Marine Advisory Board, the Environmental Advisory Board, dock contractors, and the newspaper industry. Based on input staff made changes to the dock and newsracks regulations: 1) require commercial docks to receive CDB approval, with Harbormaster and Public Works Environmental Manager participation in DRC (Development Review Committee) review prior to CDB consideration; 2) add use, environmental, and navigational criteria for commercial docks; 3) permit multi-use docks as a Level One, minimum standard, approval, provided deck area is less than 500 square-feet; 4) treat multi-use docks larger than 500 square-feet as commercial docks; 5) permit deviations to docks serving single-family and two-family residences to be approved by the Community Development Coordinator as a Level One, minimum standard, approval if adjacent property owners sign statements of no objection. Should adjacent property owner signatures not be obtained, the CDB, after DRC review, may approve deviations through a Level Two, flexible standard, approval process provided one of three criteria is met; and 6) exempt single newsracks by drive-through lanes from compliance with 100-foot radius separation requirement. Commissioner Gray left the meeting. Assistant Planning Director Cyndi Tarapani said staff supports the exemption for newsracks by drive-through lanes where they will be accessible only from vehicles and will not be visible from the street. It was stated a larger separation will be proposed if the 100-foot separation proves unsuccessful in maintaining aesthetics. It was requested staff amend the language to reference newsracks on scenic corridors. In response to concerns, Ms. Tarapani said staff could fine tune language to allow an exception for a business’ front door. She recommended staff collect data and evaluate the issue in a year to determine if future amendments are warranted. Authorize contracting with Siemon and Larsen for development consulting services & legal services related to redevelopment of Clearwater Beach and Downtown, with upset limit of $125,000 In December 2000, the City contracted with Siemon and Larsen for consulting services: 1) of major investment opportunities on Clearwater beach; 2) adoption and implementation of Beach by Design; 3) negotiation of business deals with prospective developers; 4) legal services related to producing development agreement(s) for City Commission consideration; and 5) related required legal services. Rates were $200/hour for Mr. Siemon and $175/hour for Ms. Larsen. Since then, the City has experience significant activity: 1) proposal for three major development projects on Clearwater beach; 2) selection, negotiation, and approval of development agreement; 3) litigation by adjoining property owner regarding approved development agreement; 4) requirement for City to seek alternative parking garage alternatives as a result of litigation; and 5) PPC’s (Pinellas Planning Council) position regarding approval of Beach by Design. Also, the consultant has been involved in developing opportunities to redevelop a number of Clearwater beach projects and properties. These activities have absorbed the current contract with an estimated total of 479 hours: 1) 39 hours - Beach by Design; 2) 95 hours – Marriott Seashell Deal; 3) 169 hours – Development Agreement; 4) 17 hours – Markopoulos Litigation; 5) 74 hours – Parking Garage Alternatives; and 6) 85 hours - Miscellaneous Projects. Administration and Legal staff anticipate the Markopoulos litigation, parking garage alternatives, recruiting additional resort projects, redevelopment of the East Shore area, and Downtown development options will require development consultant and legal services. The firm is well educated regarding development considerations in Clearwater, and can provide these services at a better rate than a firm that is unfamiliar with the City. Staff review of Siemon and Larsen billing indicates the firm has absorbed considerable service time rather than billing in an aggressive manner. The firm’s excellent public and private sector relationships and experience benefit the City. The City Attorney said the rate is reasonable, and below the market average. She said the firm would assist staff with issues related to downtown and Clearwater beach development and litigation, if appropriate. A summary of past firm related expenses was requested. Concern was expressed the City Commission had approved a $100,000 contract with Siemon Larsen last December. Planning Director Ralph Stone said the firm had worked on the Marriott Resort, Mack, and Markopoulos development proposals. Unanticipated actions, such as the Markopoulos litigation and parking garage alternative review, required more aid than previously anticipated. CLK CITY CLERK Ratify & Confirm Interim City Manager's decision to increase contract with Tampa Tribune for advertising services, from $24,999 to $54,999; approve requested increase of $30,000 from unappropriated retained earnings of General Fund Factors, unknown during budget preparation, have contributed to the shortfall in the City Clerk Department advertising budget. An increase in annexation applications, the Periphery Plan, Beach by Design, etc., has created an extraordinary demand for advertising. A Code amendment requires all continued public hearing items to be readvertised. The requirement for PPC review before second reading required a large number of annexations to be continued and readvertised. Periphery Plan public hearings were continued more than once, requiring costly display readvertising each time. On May 21, 2001, the Interim City Manager approved an emergency increase request, necessary to meet financial obligations for past and future advertising services provided by the Tampa Tribune. The City Clerk has requested reconsideration of the requirement to advertise all continued items, and instead only advertise items continued to a date uncertain or longer than 45 days. The third quarter budget amendments will include the transfer of $30,000 from unappropriated retained earnings to the City Clerk’s operating budget. In response to a question, City Clerk Cyndie Goudeau recommended working with the Legislative Delegation to review the State requirement for newspaper advertisements, which are the least effective way to notify the public. City Manager Verbal Reports Parking on Memorial Causeway Assistant City Manager Garry Brumback said staff has requested FDOT extend temporary parking on the Memorial Causeway until January 2002. A landscape plan is being developed to improve the area. Mr. Quillen said extensions will be necessary until a beach parking garage is constructed. It was requested parking be limited to a designated area, identified with posts. In response to a question, Ms. Arasteh said the sidewalk will be widened to the pedestrian bridge. Concern was expressed extensions not continue indefinitely. Mr. Morris said the temporary parking has permitted marina businesses to expand. Staff directs beach parking to the overflow area. It was noted Marina businesses had been unable to expand operations due a shortfall at the Marina of 274 parking spaces. Mr. Morris said the Marina fund paid for the bollards installed at the temporary parking lot. It was questioned if Marina businesses will have to retract their expansions if the temporary parking lot is closed. It was requested that bus parking be prohibited on the Causeway. The Interim City Manager said little space is available on the beach to park tour buses. Mr. Morris said there is a steady request for space for tour buses to park close to marina businesses. The drivers of these 50 passenger buses often participate in their group’s activities. In response to a suggestion, the Interim City Manager recommended careful deliberation before considering the space for a permanent parking lot. It was recommended the City Commission review issues related to the temporary parking lot during the six-month extension. PSTA garage update Mr. Brumback reviewed efforts by the City, County, and PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) to form a partnership and expand the current PSTA facility to include County and public parking. Funding could not be coordinated to strengthen the structure sufficiently to add floors of parking in the future. He recommended the City support PSTA efforts to improve its facility. Scientology plans to construct a parking structure on its own property. He recommended the City pursue opportunities to increase parking as downtown development occurs. Mr. Stone recommended the City inventory downtown private and public parking availability and limitations. In response to a suggestion, Mr. Brumback said a future agreement with PSTA to add future floors of parking above its facility is unlikely. City Manager Interviews Mr. Brumback recommended Commission members meet individually with each City Manager candidate prior to the group interviews. It was the consensus to change the July 9, 2001 Worksession from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. to accommodate the individual meetings. An evening reception will be scheduled for July 9, 2001. Commission Discussion Items Sister Cities The Interim City Manager said staff had concerns regarding Sister Cities program support demands of approximately 18 hours of staff time over a period of 17 days. It was felt Commissioner Gray should be present for discussions. Rita Garvey, Sister Cities representative, said the Sister Cities Committee is willing to handle all administrative work. She said due to the nature of the organization, the program requires City participation. She said the committee had done the majority of work associated with the celebration of the program’s 40th anniversary, including raising funds, applying for grants, and making arrangements for home stays, transportation, and entertainment. She recommended the City invite Nagano’s new Mayor for a visit following their October election. She suggested the program could be expanded to a Sister City in another part of the world. Assistant to City Manager, Denise Wilson, suggested the school system could coordinate home stays and student visits. Ms. Garvey said as children grow, the program needs to attract younger families. She said the committee could coordinate gifts to avoid duplicates. It was suggested program efforts could be more efficient. It was recommended the committee relieve staff of its related burden. In response to a question, Ms. Garvey said the committee had gained non-profit status to augment City efforts. She said staff could serve an advisory role with committee members handling chores. It was consensus to schedule further discussion on the June 21, 2001 Commission agenda. Clearwater Beach Entryway Advisory Committee report Commissioner Hart said the final report of the Clearwater Beach Entryway Advisory Committee is being published and collated. Minutes from the final three meetings will be forwarded with the report. The Interim City Manager said discussion is scheduled for July 12, 2001. Staff also will submit its recommendations. Public Services Director Gary Johnson said committee recommended projects would take three months to complete. Other Commission Action Commissioner Hart said by a 6:5 vote, the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) had agreed to reconsider the width of the Keene Road extension project. He said the City needs to justify the change. He said the retention pond can be redesigned to provide more green space on the lake’s east side. Commissioner Hart said at the recent meeting with FDOT regarding changes proposed for the Drew Street/NE Coachman intersection, the State tentatively has agreed to replace the proposed median between NE Coachman and Hercules with striping and limit left turns to one lane. He said some modifications are necessary to meet safety requirements. The intersection needs to meet 2020 traffic needs. Mayor Aungst said the City needs to work now with the County Commission to encourage approval of the narrowing of the Keene Road extension project. Commissioner Jonson expressed concern regarding effects of the Keene Road extension project on “Skycrest Park.” He encouraged retaining green space. The meeting adjourned at 12:51 p.m.