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07/12/2004CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER July 12, 2004 Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor Frank Hibbard Vice-Mayor William C. Jonson Councilmember Carlen Petersen Councilmember Absent: Hoyt P. Hamilton Councilmember Also present: William B. Horne II City Manager Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager Ralph Stone Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia Goudeau City Clerk Brenda Moses Board Reporter The Mayor called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. Service Awards Five service awards were presented to City employees. Robert E. Cantrell, Solid Waste Department, was presented the July 2004 Employee of the Month award. The Work Session recessed from 1:14 to 1:29 p.m. to meet as the Pension Trustees. Presentations Certificates for completion of Supervisory Training. Certificates for completion of Supervisory Training were presented to City employees. Purchasing Increase the award from $50,000 to $120,000 for the purchase of Flygt pumps, replacement parts, and authorized service during the remaining period that started April 1, 2004, and ends April 30, 2005. Increase by $350,000, the contract for vehicle fuel that was awarded on December 18, 2003 to a new contract total of $1,530,000. Cisco equipment for emergency backup and various switches and routers for citywide use. In response to a question, Purchasing Manager George McKibben said cost savings in the Fleet Department budget will cover the increased fuel cost for City vehicles. The City saves approximately $0.40 per gallon on gasoline taxes. In response to a question regarding pumps, Mr. McKibben reported it is less expensive to replace Flygt pumps than to refurbish them. Budget Office Adopt a tentative millage rate of 5.753 mills for Fiscal Year 2004/05 and set Public Hearings on the Budget for September 2, 2004 and September 16, 2004, to be held no earlier than 6:00 p.m. In accordance with the TRIM Bill process, it is necessary for the City Council to adopt a tentative millage rate prior to finalizing and adopting the Budget. The tentative millage rate will be included in the TRIM Bill notices sent to taxpayers in early August and cannot be increased without special mailing. The City Manager's recommended millage rate of 5.753 mills is the same millage rate as adopted for the current year. The rolled back rate, according to State definition, is the millage rate that will provide the same ad valorem tax revenue as was levied the prior year. If the recommended rate of 5.753 mills is adopted, the City's ordinance adopting the millage rate will reflect a 9.83% increase over the rolled back rate of 5.2379 mills. The effect of the recommended rate of 5.753 mills on an individual Clearwater taxpayer: a) If an individual's property tax value has not increased (i.e. no reassessment), there would be no increase in the City of Clearwater's share of property tax and b) If an individual's property tax value has increased (i.e. reassessment), the tax increase would be the same percentage increase (a 3% increase in value would result in a 3% increase in the City of Clearwater's share of property tax). Budget Tina Wilson focused on the General Fund Budget noting a conservative increase of 3%. She said there is no change to the millage rate being proposed. She noted a decrease of 4.2 FTEs. Ms. Wilson compared the current year’s budget to the proposed. She said about half of the increase is in the Police Department for funding of the Downtown patrol and for salaries. Discussion ensued in regard to taxable property values and it was felt the 65% increase is a result of City investment in the community. Discussion ensued regarding the level of service and it was believed the Downtown police patrol has reduced the level of complaints. Staff was requested to provide feedback related to the age of active Code Enforcement cases. Discussion ensued regarding the schedule for repaving Court and Chestnut Streets and resurfacing of South Gulfview Boulevard. Engineering Director Mike Quillen said Court and Chestnut Streets are part of a planned intersection improvement project; South Gulfview Boulevard is part of Beach Walk improvements. Discussion ensued regarding the FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) count and concern was expressed some departments would be understaffed impacting some projects. In response to a question, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said the elimination of positions in his department will be accomplished through attrition. Budget Director Tina Wilson said without the increase in property values, the City would be struggling to not increase the millage rate. The City Manager said all departments are working to maintain an efficient level of FTEs. Ms. Wilson said the savings generated are real dollar savings. Economic Development and Housing Approval of the City of Clearwater’s Fiscal Year 2004/05 Consolidated Action Plan to carry forward the goals and objectives set forth in the five-year Consolidated Plan created in 2000 as required by HUD, and authorize the City to enter into agreements with organizations contained in the FY 2004/05 Consolidated Action Plan. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires communities that receive entitlement funding to prepare a comprehensive five year Consolidated Plan, which evaluates the needs of the community and sets forth strategies to address those needs. This Consolidated Plan was completed and approved by the City Commission and HUD in 2000. In addition, the City is required to create and implement an annual statement identifying the sources and uses of federal money for housing, community and economic development. This annual plan, referred to as a Consolidated Action Plan, provides HUD with the City’s housing, community and economic development budgets and proposed expenditures based on the entitlement funds and estimated program income that the City will receive. Funds are to be used to develop viable communities and sustain existing ones. In addition, the funds will be used to provide safe, decent and affordable housing, and expand economic opportunities for very low- to moderate-income households. This year’s Action Plan allocates federal and State funds to provide housing opportunities for very low- to moderate- income households for new and existing homes, homebuyer education, construction and/or renovation of public facilities, and to fund programs that assist the homeless, single parent households, the elderly, the physically challenged and children, to name a few. In FY (Fiscal Year) 2004/05, it is estimated the City will receive federal funds: 1) $1,143,000 through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG); 2) $584,000 through the HOME Investment Partnership Program; and 3) $836,000 from the State through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program. Funds provided through the HOME and SHIP Programs are limited to housing activities and administration. Funds provided through the CDBG Program may be used for housing, community and economic development, public services and facilities, acquisition, demolition, and administration. Additional funding for the FY 2004/05 budget will come from estimated program income funds (loan repayments, loan payoffs, recaptured funds, etc). A Review Committee comprised of professionals in the social service and grants community and one member of the City’s Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board (NAHAB) reviewed the applications, scored them and set forth a strategy to maximize the number applicants that will receive a portion of allocated funds. This year’s Action Plan process incorporated the following: In February, City Staff advertised funding availability. Also, in February, staff conducted a workshop for interested applicants. The applicants were given thirty days to complete their applications and return them to the City in mid-March. Applicants were given an opportunity to speak to the Review Committee (RC) and NAHAB regarding their programs on the day of a bus tour and presentations in late March. City staff reviewed each application to ensure it met HUD’s baseline requirements. This step is performed on a “pass/fail” basis. Applications then were distributed to the RC members. The RC reviewed the applications on the basis of the ranking criteria contained in the application and based upon our Five-Year Consolidated Planning Document. On May 11, 2004, NAHAB unanimously approved the recommended allocations contained in the FY 2004/05 Consolidated Action Plan. Assistant Housing Director Howie Carroll gave a presentation on the Consolidated Action Plan for FY 2004-2005. He reviewed the process, allocations, and programs and agencies funded. Discussion ensued regarding the legislature capping SHIP and state grants this year. Assistant Housing Director Howie Carroll said the City will receive only half of its previous funding level for this and next year. He said realtors and other organizations fought to retain the trust fund for housing. In response to a question, Mr. Carroll said a small portion of funds, collected from documentary stamps from housing purchases, goes into the trust fund. Authorize the additional amount of $50,000 to continue the services of Deborah Brown, Esq., of the law firm of Thompson, Sizemore & Gonzalez to assist the City in contract negotiations with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and other labor unions. The City is involved in continuing negotiations with the IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters). The Human Resources Department requires the continued assistance of Deborah Brown, an attorney with expertise in the area of contract negotiations and employment issues. The City has budgeted $120,000 since 2002. These funds have been used in negotiations with the CWA (Communication Workers of America) and FOP (Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 10) and the continuing IAFF negotiations. Staff has determined an additional $50,000 is needed to facilitate the contract negotiation process with the IAFF and any other negotiations with City labor unions. These monies currently are not budgeted. A third quarter budget amendment will provide for the transfer of $50,000 from the undesignated retained earnings of the General Fund to the Human Resources Department budget to provide for this contract. The City Attorney said outside counsel was not always used for union negotiations, but did not recommend a change once negotiations have begun. Information Technology Approve a five-year Conduit License Agreement with Time Warner Telecommunications of Tampa, Florida, to be received in minimum annual payments of $3,604 for affording Time Warner the use of approximately 1,700 feet of City owned conduit for a single 24-count fiber optic bundle. Mayor Aungst recused himself. Time Warner Telecommunications of Florida wants to connect their fiber optic cable to the Pinellas County Courthouse. Time Warner has requested access to the City’s existing conduit system to connect to the Courthouse. Time Warner will pull approximately 1,700 feet of fiber optic cable through an existing four-inch City conduit (currently vacant). The run originates at approximately the corner of Pierce Street and Osceola Avenue and runs east down Pierce Street to Myrtle Avenue where it will tie into a City-owned junction box at the northwest corner of Pierce Street and Myrtle Avenue. Along the run, Time Warner will pull a 24-count fiber bundle within the conduit at "no cost" to the City. This license agreement is for a 5-year term, with 2 separate additional 5-year options (10% maximum increase) if both parties mutually agree to extend the lease after each 5-year term. The City will receive a minimum annual amount of $3,604 for affording Time Warner the right to license approximately 1,700 linear feet of City owned conduit. The City reserved the right to increase the annual amount of this license by 10% over each of the second and third 5-year renewal periods. All revenues will be placed into the City's Administrative Services Fund. Public Communications Director Doug Matthews said related maintenance done by the City is billable to Time Warner. The subject cable is very small and will not restrict the City’s future use of the conduit. Marine and Aviation Approve Resolution #04-12, a non-Clearwater resident dock fee increase for private tenants at the Clearwater Municipal Marina and give priority to Clearwater residents on the private waiting list. A number of citizens have asked why tax paying citizens of the City of Clearwater are not given priority over non Clearwater residents for private boat slips at the Clearwater Municipal Marina. The City always has offered slips to people based on the date they called to be placed on the waiting list. The average wait for a private slip is three years or more. Historically, there has been a 50:50 mix of resident and non-resident private tenants. At one time, staff could not keep the slips occupied without offering them to non-residents, due to personal preference in the size and location of slips. Currently, 60% of the tenants are non-residents and 40% are residents. On September 19, 2002, the City Council approved the Marine & Aviation Department five-year business plan for FY 2003-07. In the plan, a provision increased rates by 5% every other year for private and commercial tenants, whether or not they are Clearwater residents. Currently, all non-residents pay 15% more than residents. Staff recommends increasing the non-resident private dock fee by 40% on October 1, 2004, instead of by 5%, and by 10% per year until non-residents pay double the resident rate. The resident rate increase would remain at 5% every other year. Staff surveyed other municipal marinas, and with the exception of St. Petersburg, the City is in line with municipal slip rent prices. In St. Petersburg, the rate is twice as high as at the Clearwater Marina, but their tenants receive two “free” parking passes for each slip. City tenants can purchase annual parking passes, which in effect almost doubles the slip rent, but are not guaranteed a parking space. Revenue from parking sold at the marina goes to the Parking Fund, not the Marina. The City of Dunedin does not rent boat slips in its marina to non-Dunedin residents, except for one non-resident tenant who pays twice the resident rate. Gulfport’s marina is less expensive than the City’s, has adequate parking for people with slips, has a newer facility with a launch ramp, and fuel. Non-residents at Gulfport pay rates that are 20% to 25% more than residents pay. In the interest of providing more Clearwater residents with dockage at the City-owned marina, staff wants to offer residents on the waiting list a first choice of slips, and charge non-residents substantially more than City residents. In response to questions, Marine & Aviation Director Bill Morris said the availability of slips depends on the size of the slips. Larger slips are more popular. A 40% increase in non-resident private dock fee will allow the City to maintain rates below $75 per month for the average boater. Gradual fee increases would result in non-residents paying 50% more than residents, which is half the rates charged by private marinas. Private marinas also do not always provide parking with slips. Mr. Morris said non-residents are being informed regarding the proposed rate increase. He noted the MAB unanimously recommended the increase. Approve Resolution #04-14 modifying the commercial and private dock permits for tenants at the Clearwater Municipal Marina. Those who wish to be placed on the commercial waiting list to run a charter boat operation from the Clearwater Municipal Marina have an approximate twelve-year wait. A selling item for commercial and private tenants always has been the ability to take over leasing the City slip with the purchase of a business/vessel. Charter boat owners have added significant monetary value for the business location, business name, and potential clientele, knowing people would rather pay more than the value of the boat to bypass the waiting list. Buyers have been willing to pay higher costs because they know the value of a boat slip, especially for commercial operations. When a commercial tenant wishes to get out of the day-to-day operations but cannot find someone with enough money to purchase the boat and business, the tenant forms a partnership or corporation. The partner then can take over the operation without violating the docking permit by subletting the space. Trying to authenticate ownership becomes a challenge that staff only can solve with the assistance of our Legal representative. The City has surveyed several other cities’ docking permits and incorporated changes that will help the City specifically address and curtail the impression that owners can sell their slips. A transfer fee, equivalent to three year’s base rent in effect at the time of the sale, will be imposed for both commercial and private sales if s new owner wishes to take over renting the City-owned slip. Commercial tenants no longer will be able to assign, transfer, or use the slip for any purpose other than provided by the terms of the dock permit, except to be assigned to a corporation, as long as the percentage of ownership interest in the new entity is held in the same proportions, by the same individuals as were the previous vessel ownership and dock permit. Any new commercial tenant will be required to submit for review, an application that contains personal and business financial statements, with financial and business references, a credit check, prior related commercial chartering or business experience, insurance policy, criminal record, current business licenses, and personal references. The Harbormaster will have the right to reject any application based on false or misleading information, prior or current criminal conviction, bad credit history, incomplete or inaccurate application information, or any other similarly related cause. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said commercial and private tenants who take over the lease of a City slip with the purchase of a business/vessel are then ahead of people on the waiting list. Parks and Recreation Provide staff direction on business points for new agreement with Global Spectrum for the operation of the Harborview Center. At the February 5, 2004, City Council meeting, the Council requested that Global Spectrum and City staff work towards the development of a new agreement, which would address more accountability of Global Spectrum’s role at the facility. The following bullet points cover the basics of the discussions to date: 1) Five-year extension; 2) Yet to be determined negotiated City subsidy and additional revenue credits. Subsidy would be capped at an agreed upon amount. Global would be responsible for all shortfalls equal to the amount of the City subsidy. The City would be responsible for shortfalls that exceed this level; 3) If in any two consecutive years Global Spectrum does not earn any fees they would have the option to terminate; 4) Global and the City would share in a yet to be determined improvement in the facility bottom line; 5) The City will continue to be responsible for capital repairs and maintenance at a level to yet be determined; 6) If at the end of the agreement the City subsidy has not been exceeded in any one year, then Global Spectrum will continue to manage the facility or a comparable City-owned facility; and 7) City will be able to receive credits for use of the facility at a yet to be determined amount. A question was raised as to the City’s option if Global has two deficit years. Mr. Dunbar said currently the City can terminate with a 6-month notice. Mr. Dunbar said the agreement will include performance measures. Coordination with Main Library events will eliminate over-committing the space. The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce and CVB (Convention & Visitors Bureau) also will be involved in coordinating events. Mr. Dunbar said bookings have increased since Global improved its efforts. Engineering Subject to entering into a Development Agreement with Kolossos Inn, Inc., T. M. Megas, L. C., and Antonios Markopoulos (collectively, "developer"), and subject to adoption of Ordinance #2004-03 vacating a portion of Gulfview Boulevard that was formerly a part of City Park Sub. being valued at $619,520 and containing 5,632 square-feet, more or less, and in compliance with requirements of the City Charter and fulfillment of provisions of the Development Agreement, declare said vacated portion of Gulfview Boulevard as surplus for the purpose of exchanging title therein to the developer for title to a portion of Lloyd-White Skinner Sub. and Columbia Sub., Block A, valued at $1,112,650 and containing 10,115 square-feet, more or less. The developer proposes to construct a $100 million luxury condominium and resort hotel on South Gulfview Boulevard. The project would include 350 hotel rooms, 75 luxury condominiums, and contain 30,000 square-feet of meeting space. The project will serve as a linchpin to initiate and spur the City's Beach By Design redevelopment program and Beach Walk, an expansive meandering public promenade between the proposed development and the Gulf of Mexico. Upon vacation, title in the subject parcel will revert to City ownership, as the City previously had dedicated that portion of Gulfview Boulevard from its City Park Sub. The values of the proposed exchange parcels were calculated to be $110 per square-foot as determined by independent appraisal performed by A. Mitchell Caldwell, MAI, dated June 16, 2004. While the parcels to be exchanged are not identical in size, they are deemed to be of comparable value and in compliance with City Charter Section 2.01(d)(5)(iv) for the mutual benefits to be derived from the transaction. Declaring the subject parcel as surplus for the purpose of exchanging it with the developer for an 18-foot wide strip of land along the west side of Coronado Drive, will facilitate development of both the hotel/condo project and the public promenade, and serve the broader public purposes of Beach By Design. Mr. Quillen said the swap with the developer will allow the City to obtain the right-of-way for Coronado Drive. Concern was expressed in moving forward without a development agreement. Mr. Quillen said the CDB will review the site plan for the proposed project in August. Declaring this property surplus will facilitate the project, which is contingent on a development agreement and a vacation. Award a contract for the Kapok Wetland and Floodplain Restoration Project to Johnson Brothers Corporation of Bartow, Florida in the amount of $4,596,901.23 for the Construction (99-0085-EN) and to Aquatic Plants of Florida Inc. of Sarasota, Florida for the Planting (99-0085-EN) in the amount of $154,026.11, which are the lowest responsible bids received in accordance with the plans and specifications and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The work proposed in the Construction contract consists of the construction of an integrated park and water management facility on a 37-acre site, previously known as the Friendly Village of Kapok. Project work includes: water control structures; earthwork (excavation of approximately 220,000 cubic-yards); pre-fabricated steel truss bridges; asphalt trails; boardwalks; roadway extensions; parking facility; relocation of St. Petersburg’s 36-inch water transmission main; water distribution main; gravity sanitary sewers and manholes; gravity storm sewers and structures; retaining walls and sodding. To accomplish the improvements, it will be necessary to demolish and remove the remains of a mobile home park and supporting amenities within the floodplain of Alligator Creek. In addition, phased construction and removal of a 36-inch water transmission main (refer to Section IV-B) and 30-inch gravity sanitary sewer are required. Sediment and erosion control, and tree protection is required throughout construction, dewatering, drainage course relocation and maintenance. The work proposed in the Planting contract consists of landscaping and installing plantings upon completion of work performed by the Construction contractor. Planting work includes planted wetlands and floodplains; planted uplands; exotic species removal in the channel downstream of the project site to Alligator Lake; and five year maintenance and monitoring of installed plant material. This project will commence after the award and execution of the contracts and will be completed within 365 days. Access to the site is through the Kapok Terrace Subdivision and steps will be taken to address that neighborhood's concerns. Heavy equipment will remain on site during the construction period and will not traverse through the neighborhood. Workers will be advised to drive cautiously and will be required to park on site, not on neighborhood streets. The contractor will be obligated to repair any damage to the streets. On February 19, 2004, the City Council approved an amendment, increasing the cooperative funding agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) from $3 million to $3.5 million ($500,000 for design and $3 million for construction). A third quarter amendment will increase the budget by $3 million of SWFWMD grant funding, from $500,000 to $3.5 million in the Kapok Flood Resolution Project #315-96141. Mr. Quillen said staff has met with a Kapok Terrace neighborhood representative. The park will operate from dawn to dusk and be closed with a locked gate. Signage on McMullen-Booth Road will direct residents to the access point. The City’s web site also will contain information regarding access. As some residents have expressed interest in obtaining sewer service and annexing into the City, staff is providing residents with that information. Pass Ordinance #7307-04 on first reading, increasing the residential and commercial Stormwater Utility rate to $9.63 per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) beginning 10/01/2006, to $9.92 per ERU beginning 10/01/2007, and to $10.22 per ERU beginning 10/01/2008; approve an increase of five full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for the Stormwater Maintenance department to begin October 1, 2004 at a cost of $172,840 including benefits and equipment. The Stormwater Utility was established effective 1991. On August 6, 1998, Ordinance #6309-98 was passed, increasing Stormwater Utility rates to $4 per ERU (Equivalent Residential Unit), beginning October 1, 1998, and establishing a series of four subsequent 4.3% increases to be effective October 1, 1999 ($4.17), October 1, 2000 ($4.35), October 1, 2001 ($4.54) and October 1, 2002 ($4.73). Between 1998 and 2001, staff completed watershed management plans for all major watersheds in the City. These plans identified numerous residences and businesses subject to flooding in a 100-year storm event. These plans were combined with a list of flood-prone residences based on staff knowledge and citizen complaints. Based on this information, it was apparent that the existing stormwater utility rates would not be sufficient to address these flood problems in a timely manner, while also providing necessary maintenance of existing stormwater infrastructure. Consequently, on November 15, 2001, Ordinance #6855-04 was passed, increasing stormwater utility rates to $6.13 (40.8%) per ERU beginning October 1, 2001, and establishing a series of four subsequent increases to be effective October 1, 2002 (16.8%, $7.16), October 1, 2003 (12.0%, $8.01), October 1, 2004 (8.0%, $8.65), and October 1, 2005 (8.0%, $9.35). Due to the rate increases adopted in 2001, several significant flood control and water quality projects have been completed or are underway, including: 1) Prospect Lake Park; 2) Myrtle Avenue Road and Drainage Improvements; 3) Kapok Wetland & Floodplain Restoration; 4) Glen Oaks; North Beach Drainage; 5) Lake Bellevue; and 6) Repair & Replacement Projects. The City’s utility rate consultant, Burton and Associates, has completed a revenue sufficiency and financial forecast analysis following the completion of the third year of operations under rates approved in 2001. As anticipated, due to operational savings and additional grant funds received, this analysis showed that only minimal rate adjustments will be necessary through the year 2009. Staff is requesting a series of 3% rate increases to be effective October 1, 2006 ($9.63), October 1, 2007 ($9.92), and October 1, 2008 ($10.22), with no recommended change to the previously approved rates of $8.65 and $9.35 effective October 1, 2004 and October 1, 2005, respectively. In addition to funds for continuing approved projects, staff recommends new projects for Council funding approval: 1) Coastal Improvements; 2) Coopers Point; 3) Channel Improvements; and 4) Allen’s Creek Drainage Improvements. Individual projects will be presented to the Council for development approval. Five additional positions are included in the rate study and requested rate increases. Positions requested are: 1) TV Camera Truck operator; 2) Supervisor I; 3) Storm Line Inspector; 4) Heavy Equipment Operator; and 5) Customer Service Representative. The TV Camera Truck Operator, Storm Line Inspector, and Heavy Equipment Operator positions will be staffed through promotions within Public Services. Because of the promotions, the five positions to be added are three Public Service Technician I, a Supervisor I, and a Customer Service Representative. For FY 2005, the estimated cost for these positions is $172,840. Assistant City Manager Garry Brumback said staff proactively pursued grants for every project and obtained several, which helped keep costs down. Staff also did a great job timing projects to eliminate rate increases or keep them as low as possible. In response to a comment, Assistant Director of Public Services Ray Boler said stormwater catch basin problems will be addressed along Coronado Avenue. In response to a question, Mr. Brumback said dredging the mouth of Stevenson’s Creek is a continuing challenge. With the assistance of Congressman Bill Young, the City is pressuring the USACOE (United States Army Corps of Engineers) to complete the project. In response to a question, Mr. Quillen said most County stormwater funds come from a municipal services fee instead of a stormwater fee. Staff was complimented on their presentation. It was remarked the City has received good feedback, particularly regarding the Kapok project. In response to a question, Mr. Quillen expected the Glen Oaks project to begin in October. Only construction vehicles would traverse Court Street during the project’s construction. Official Records and Legislative Services Appoint one member to the Airpark Advisory Board with the term expiring on July 31, 2008. J. B. Johnson, originally appointed to the Airpark Advisory Board in May 16, 2002, was appointed to the Community Development Board as of June 17, 2004. Names submitted for consideration to fill the seat include Tom Calhoun and Dennis Roper. Consensus was to appoint Tom Calhoun. Appoint two members to the Marine Advisory Board with terms expiring on July 31, 2008. Two Advisory Board members have terms, which expire, and now require reappointment for a new term or replacement by a new appointee: Denis Sparks is not interested in reappointment, and Paul Kelley is interested in reappointment. Additional names submitted for consideration to fill the above vacancies include Tom Calhoun, Charles A. Cashman, Frank L. Dame, and F. David Hemerick. Consensus was to reappoint Paul Kelley and appoint David Hemerick. Appoint one member to the Community Relations Board with the term expiring on July 31, 2008. Johnny Long is finishing his second term on the board and is interested in reappointment. Shawn Ricardo McCoy also is interested in serving on the board. Consensus was to appoint Shawn Ricardo McCoy. Appoint one Councilmember as voting delegate to the Florida League of Cities' Annual Conference, August 19-21, 2004. The Florida League of Cities’ Annual Conference will be held at the Westin Diplomat Resort in Hollywood on August 19 – 21, 2004. It is important that each member city designate one person to be the voting delegate. Policy development, election of League leadership, and adoption of resolutions are undertaken during the business meeting. In accordance with League by-laws, each city's vote is determined by population size. The League will use the Estimates of Population from the University of Florida for 2003. Consensus was to appoint Councilmember Jonson as voting delegate. Appoint Rick Rosa as the Community Response Team Representative to the Enterprise Zone Development Agency Board with a term expiring on July 31, 2008. Rick Rosa’s term expires on July 31, 2008. He is interested in reappointment. There are no other applicants. Consensus was to reappoint Rick Rosa. City Manager Verbal Reports The City Manager reported on July 14, 2004, Councilmember Hibbard will attend a meeting with the Harbor Oaks Association to discuss plans for traffic calming and a park on Oak Avenue. Councilmember Hibbard said the City has received a $25,000 donation for the park. Council Discussion Items Beautification Committee Ordinance– Jonson Discussion ensued in regard to a draft ordinance detailing projects. A suggestion was made to benchmark Tampa’s program to see if it would work in Clearwater. Citizen Involvement Outreach Effort – Jonson Discussion ensued regarding the results of a recent citizen telephone and on-line survey that revealed something should be done to attract more people to the Downtown. At a previous Work Session, it had been suggested a facilitator help determine how to gain improved citizen input regarding issues which are strongly supported by the community. Discussion ensued and it was suggested the City Manager develop options on establishing communication with the public. Consensus was to continue discussion until all members are present. House Bill 155 - Gun Records Discussion ensued regarding this bill and concern was expressed it undermines the safety of some police officers. It was noted this bill is the NRA’s (National Rifle Association) top priority and would be difficult to stop. Concern was expressed regarding the staff report and the process. In response to a question, Ms. Goudeau said she was not certain if the City’s legislative delegation had supported this bill. Other Council Action Councilmember Jonson referenced a letter he drafted to FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) and asked if the City Council had any objections to sending it and it was suggested to wait until all members are present. He complimented Gas Program Coordinator Faye Chetoka’s attitude upon her acceptance of her 20-year service award. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m.