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05/15/2006 CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES CITY OF CLEARWATER May 15, 2006 Present: Frank Hibbard Mayor Carlen Petersen Vice-Mayor William C. Jonson Councilmember John Doran Councilmember Absent: Hoyt P. Hamilton Councilmember Also present: William B. Horne II City Manager Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager Rod Irwin Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Mary K. Diana Assistant City Clerk Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The Mayor called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. Presentations Service Awards Six service awards were presented to City employees. Stacy Keenan, Clearwater Gas System, was presented the May 2006 Employee of the Month award for her work in Official Records & Legislative Services. The May-June 2006 Team Award was presented to the Marine & Aviation Department, Randy Cline, Mike Kaelin, Steve Grasso, and Frank Silvio. The Council recessed from 1:43 to 1:44 p.m. to meet as the Pension Trustees. Economic Development and Housing Approve the Interlocal Agreement between Pinellas County and the Cities of Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Largo, to mutually hire a consultant to conduct a Nexus Study for Affordable Housing needs of the County and Cities, with the City paying for 12% of the study's cost and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) The City, along with Pinellas County and the cities of St. Petersburg and Largo have agreed to jointly fund the cost of conducting a nexus study of affordable housing needs within Pinellas County. Pinellas County is taking the lead on this study. Council Work Session 2006-05-15 1 The objectives of the study are to: 1) Provide an unbiased analysis of the projected need for new units of affordable housing (rental and ownership), under varying levels of household income and purchase price/rent. The level of detail to be provided under the study must be adequate to demonstrate the need for creating new units of affordable housing by distinguishing between the discrete categories of: (a new affordable units needed due to the future commercial/office/industrial development; b) new affordable housing units needed due to average influx migration patterns and/or normal growth with the populations, taking into account the loss of affordable housing through mobile home park redevelopment and conversion of apartment units to condominiums; and c) new affordable units needed as a result of the continued construction of market rate and luxury housing; 2) Provide the structure for a legally defensible basis/nexus for the adoption of an inclusionary housing ordinance by: a) demonstrating the link, if any between the development and redevelopment of any properties in the County for the full range of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional uses allowed under the Pinellas County Countywide Plan and the demand for affordable housing; b) demonstrating the effect of a lack of affordable housing on the general welfare of the public; and c) providing a basis methodology for computation of fees to be paid in-lieu of affordable housing construction under an inclusionary housing ordinance 3) Provide the structure for a legally defensible basis/nexus for the adoption of a commercial linkage fee ordinance by demonstrating the link, if any, between future commercial/office/industrial development and an increasing need for new units of affordable housing; and 4) Provide analysis and the structure for a legally defensible basis/nexus for the adoption of an ordinance or a commercial linkage fee, or some hybrid thereof, as it relates specifically to mixed-use projects containing both residential and commercial components. The RFP (Request for Proposals) was issued on April 12, 2006. Proposals were due to the County from respondents by May 2, 2006. The City's share of the cost will be 12%. Pinellas County estimates that the cost of the study will be around $50,000. The City also will have two seats on the Committee that will be reviewing and selecting the consultant. Assistant Director of Housing Howie Carroll said the City’s share of the study’s cost, to be paid from his department’s budget, would be $10,000 to $12,000, as bids came in higher than originally estimated. The City of St. Petersburg will pay 27% of the study’s cost. Provide guidance to staff on the configuration of the Skycrest neighborhood traffic calming project. The 60% plans called for six single lane roundabouts on Cleveland Street between Lake Drive and Aurora Avenue. Prior to the 90% plan review, staff recommended that only two roundabouts be built on Cleveland Street. The two locations would be Saturn Avenue and Corona Avenue. One reason for this recommendation is that Cleveland Street is a minor collector carrying 7,000 – 8,000 vehicles per day and that volume has been steady over the last 15 years. Installing six roundabouts in 0.9 of a mile would severely restrict its use as a collector. Council Work Session 2006-05-15 2 The other reason is due to serious cost increases from an order of magnitude of $1.8 M to the latest cost estimate of $2.95 M. Mr. Quillen said staff had delayed their final recommendation until the impact of other road projects could be determined. He estimated that each roundabout above staff’s recommendation of two would cost $200,000. Public Works Administrator Mahshid Arasteh said six roundabouts on Cleveland Street would slow traffic but not affect the road’s capacity. Mr. Quillen said traffic, redirected off Cleveland Street, would affect Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard more than Drew Street. The City Manager said the City agreed to address neighborhood concerns by installing speed tables to slow north/south traffic. In response to a concern that only two speed tables are planned when 30 north/south streets are in the neighborhood, Mr. Quillen suggested the speed tables may have been requested due to Rainbow Drive’s proximity to Clearwater High School. Senior Professional Engineer Ken Sides said more speed tables may be installed after staff studies the impact of the first two. Ms. Arasteh said designing a comprehensive solution to neighborhood traffic is necessary to avoid unintended consequences. It was stated future costs to construct roundabouts will increase significantly. Concern was expressed neighborhood residents had certain expectations when 60% plans indicated that six roundabouts would be built. The City Manager said projects are refined as design processes move forward. The project is much more expensive than originally budgeted. The neighborhood technical team opposes staff’s recommendation. Mr. Quillen said the completion of the Keene Road extension and new Memorial Causeway Bridge had less impact on Cleveland Street than anticipated. The function of Cleveland Street as a collector road needs to continue. He anticipated no future traffic changes in the neighborhood. Accident statistics for Cleveland Street were requested. Approve the Grant Agreement with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which provides reimbursement of project costs up to $481,100 and award a construction contract to Rowland, Inc. of Pinellas Park, Florida, for the Del Oro Groves Reclaimed Water System Installation and Water Main Replacement (04-0022-UT) in the amount of $3,667,030.68, which is the lowest responsible bid received in accordance with plans and specifications. This item consists of constructing approximately 32,500 LF of reclaimed water transmission and distribution piping, 2,100 LF of water distribution, and the associated service piping by horizontal directional drilling. This item also consists of the construction of a new reclaimed water pump station, the East Plant Reclaimed Water Pump Station, at the City’s East Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility. The construction contract time is 300 calendar days. Construction is expected to start in May of 2006 and be complete by February of 2007. This project is consistent with the goals, objectives and policies set forth in the City of Clearwater’s Comprehensive Plan. McKim & Creed, the engineering design consultant for this project and an Engineer-of- Record for the City of Clearwater, has provided written recommendation to award the Council Work Session 2006-05-15 3 construction contract to Rowland, Inc. This project is being funded in part by a grant from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). The Cooperative Funding Agreement between the City and SWFWMD includes reimbursement of up to 50% of the cost of design, permitting and construction costs for pumping, transmission, and distribution of reclaimed water, up to a maximum of $3,185,000. This project is also being funded in part by a grant from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Grant Agreement between the City and EPA includes reimbursement of 55% of the project costs not to exceed $481,100. Resolution 04-36 was passed on December 16, 2004, establishing the City’s intent to reimburse certain project costs incurred with future tax-exempt financing. The projects identified with 2006 revenue bonds as a funding source were included in the project list associated with Resolution 04-36. There is no cost to the City associated with the grant agreement portion of the agenda item. Concerns were expressed fewer neighborhoods will petition to receive reclaimed water now that its use is metered and many residents already have deep wells. Public Utilities Director Andy Neff said reclaimed water is less expensive than potable water and consumption rates are high. Engineering Manager Bob Fahey said staff has increased communication efforts to neighborhood groups when planning infrastructure projects. The cost for running a residential deep well pump was requested. City Attorney Adopt Resolution 06-30, amending Development Agreement between City of Clearwater and Executive Corporation of Clearwater, Inc. A Development Agreement between the City of Clearwater and Executive Corporation of Clearwater, Inc. was entered into on May 31, 2005, concerning development of 44.2 acres, formerly known as the Clearwater Executive Golf Course. The Agreement was subsequently amended by Resolution 05-15. The developer has requested a further amendment to Section 5.1.2 to clarify that the agreement will become effective upon conveyance of the property to either Beazer Homes Corp. or assigns. The purpose of the amendment is to accommodate proposed financing arrangements. The City Attorney's Office has reviewed the amendment and since the proposal does not amend any terms required by statute or Code has determined that it may be accomplished by Resolution. In response to a question, the City Attorney said the amended agreement does not specify the name of the assigns. A copy of the agreement was requested. City Manager Verbal Reports A Very Important Pet Update. “A Very Important Pet,” at 1242 Cleveland Street, is located at the intersection of Cleveland Street and Lincoln Avenue. On December 12, 2005, the CDB (Community Development Board) supported staff’s interpretation of Code, which denied a request to permit Council Work Session 2006-05-15 4 animal boarding in Downtown. The Downtown Plan does not list animal boarding as a permitted use and uses not enumerated in the Downtown plan are prohibited. Planning Director Michael Delk said staff supports every aspect of the business, “A Very Important Pet,” except for animal boarding. He believed it was not consistent with a neighborhood service type activity or accommodated for in the Downtown Plan. He said the City is promoting Downtown residential development and the subject use could create problems, if it is too close to residences. He said the Downtown Plan and Downtown Character Districts must be considered. Development & Neighborhood Services Director Jeff Kronschnabl expressed concern regarding compatibility issues related to animal boarding. Disappointment was expressed that this activity is occurring at the business. Discussion ensued regarding minimum regulations for a Downtown animal boarding facility with recommendations that outdoor runs and cages be prohibited, that an on duty overnight attendant be required, that animals be prohibited from being outdoors at night, and that animals be leashed when taken outdoors. It was stated no rural places in Clearwater are convenient for this use, veterinarian offices provide overnight animal boarding, and this service should be provided Downtown for the convenience of nearby residents. Concern was expressed that barking not disturb residents. It was indicated barking dogs fall under the nuisance area and enforcement would be difficult. It was recommended that violations be subject to swift revocation of the occupational license. This issue will be further discussed Thursday night. Council Discussion Items Update on the healthy communities schedule. Mayor Hibbard reviewed the Healthy Communities Program being coordinated by the YMCA with public schools to increase activity, improve eating habits, and reduce childhood obesity. As planned, interested businesses would adopt schools and provide pedometers, rewards, etc. Later, it is hoped that businesses also would provide employees to mentor students. The program is proposed to begin in July 2006, starting out with four elementary schools. Competition among school principals is being encouraged. Pioneering healthy communities is a YMCA initiative. The “Y” wants to take what the City pilots in Clearwater and grow it to the rest of the County. In response to a concern the school system needs mentors, it was suggested service clubs, retirees, and church groups could volunteer. It was recommended the City encourage student mentoring. There was discussion regarding the City of St. Petersburg’s mentoring program and a request was made to invite a representative to report on their program. Human Resource Director Joe Roseto provided an update of the Well Workplace/Well City initiative via a PowerPoint presentation. He reviewed staff efforts working with Baycare to Council Work Session 2006-05-15 5 attain a well workplace designation, anticipating the City will be ready to apply for the status this year. Designated “Well Cities” are required to establish non-profit organizations with Boards of Directors, finances, bylaws, and annual operating plans that meet benchmarks. This organization requires an annual operating budget and permanent infrastructure. It is believed the program would result in lower absenteeism and lower insurance costs. Proposed Agenda for the PSTA Board Visit Councilmember Jonson offered to invite and chair a PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) Board of Directors visit to Clearwater. He reviewed a proposed agenda on items to be discussed. Included were the City’s vision, the Downtown Plan, beach traffic and parking, transit issues and the Jolley Trolley. It was felt Jolley Trolley discussion should take place prior to this visit. Support for the visit was expressed. Other Council Action Councilmember Jonson reported he had been asked to participate in a FLC (Florida League of Cities) focus group. Support was expressed for limiting unfunded mandates and increasing funding for affordable housing. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m. Council Work Session 2006-05-15 6