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02/28/2005CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER February 28, 2005 Present: Frank Hibbard Mayor William C. Jonson Vice-Mayor Hoyt P. Hamilton Councilmember Carlen Petersen Councilmember John Doran Councilmember Also present: William B. Horne II City Manager Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Brenda Moses Board Reporter The Mayor called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. Presentations Certificates for completion of Supervisory Training The Mayor presented certificates to employees who completed the Supervisory Training course. Gas System Gas System Strategic Plan Update 2005-2010 CGS (Clearwater Gas System) Managing Director Chuck Warrington provided an update regarding the FY (Fiscal Year) 2005-2010 strategic plan. He reviewed the strategies and objectives and highlighted the benefits and commitments to the City. Pass on first reading Ordinance #7368-05 approving new gas utility rates to become effective for all billings on or after April 1, 2005. The current gas rates and service charges of the Clearwater Gas System have been effective since May 1, 2002, and monthly customer charges have not changed since October 1, 1997. The primary intent of the recommended revisions is to increase the “Monthly customer charge,” certain “Propane (LP) gas service rates,” and “Other miscellaneous gas charges,” for ancillary services to reflect increased labor costs and providing services to remain competitive. The secondary intent of the recommended Rate Ordinance request is to provide clarification and minor editing of the verbiage in the current rate ordinance. This revised ordinance also provides that the Gas System Managing Director may approve Energy Conservation Programs undertaken by CGS. The City Manager or designee must still approve any adjustments to the Energy Conservation Allowance, which serves to fund these programs. This recommendation is cost-based and responsive to the competitive challenges that can be expected for the foreseeable future. The rates reflect a fair allocation of expenses to the appropriate customer classes. The proposed rates will provide a more equitable structure to ensure the growth potential of the Clearwater Gas System while providing an adequate return to the City of Clearwater which helps offset the City’s ad valorem tax rates. Mr. Warrington said the change would make City and private contractor rates comparable. It was felt City rates should not undercut the private sector. Human Resources Approve one Registered Architect position (1.0 FTE) for the Planning Department at an estimated annual cost of $81,550. The Planning Department has a need for a Registered Architect position to provide professional expertise in coordinating urban design projects and in providing professional review and assessment of major urban development and redevelopment land use plans and proposals. Estimated annual costs for the full-time professional level position are: 1) $75,000 Full-Time Salary and Benefits and 2) $6,550 Operating costs to include workstation, computer, and specific CADD/GIS software for an estimated total budget impact of $81,550. Staff recommends approval of one additional FTE for a Registered Architect position. Funding for the remainder of the current fiscal year is anticipated to be approximately $42,000, to include the salary and purchase of a workstation and software. Funding for the computer will be provided within the current lease contract with Dell. Discussion ensued in regard to enforcement of the landscape code and assurance that landscaping does not deteriorate after installation. Planning Director Cyndi Tarapani said the position would be involved with major projects and will assist and develop policy related to design issues. In response to a question, Assistant Human Resources Director Richard Ebelke said other cities were not surveyed regarding this position. Marine and Aviation Island Way Grill Docks The upland property owner (Island Way Grill, Inc.) shall be fully responsible for constructing and installing a nine-slip boat dock on City-owned submerged lands along the south side of 20 Island Way. The owner then will donate the docks to the City for public use. The City will own and operate the docks, which will serve as an amenity to the citizens and tourists of Clearwater. The docks are consistent with the existing pattern of docks in the area. This dock will have no launching area. There will be no commercial activities at this dock including bait sales, vending, etc. or overnight docking. The un-staffed dock will be used on a first come/first served basis and will be free to the public. The owners of the Island Way Grill will cover the cost to build the docks and provide the City with a Sidewalk Easement for public ingress and egress from the property. In addition, the owner will provide to the City the necessary Riparian Rights Easement for use of riparian rights associated with the property. In response to a question, Marine & Aviation Director Bill Morris said people not patronizing the restaurant could use the docks. The City will apply for grants to cover required maintenance, estimated at less than $1,000 annually. The City will carry liability insurance. In response to a question, the City Attorney said if the easement is terminated, the City could keep or remove the docks. Mr. Morris said most slips would accommodate 60-foot boats. Engineering Approve the final plat for “MOORINGS TOWNHOMES IIA” located on Bayway Boulevard North approximately 800 feet East of the intersection of Hamden Drive and Gulfview Boulevard. This final plat is a replat of the entire subdivision of Moorings Townhomes II. The purpose of the replat is to facilitate permitting of dock construction by extending the side lot lines to the rear property line at the seawall. All existing easements and common areas will be retained for use by the owners. In response to a question, Geographic Technology Manager Tom Mahony said FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) determines how far docks can extend. Mr. Morris said docks generally can extend to 25% of the channel width and must adhere to seagrass rules. Accept 5-foot Water Main and Utility Easements over, under and across a portion of BAYSIDE SUBDIVISION NUMBER 2, Lot 26 conveyed by Labella Vista of Clearwater, LLC, and BAYSIDE SUBDIVISION NUMBER 2, Lot 27 as conveyed by Brightwater Point, LLC, both given in receipt of $1.00 and the benefits to be derived therefrom. Several new townhome projects have been developed along Brightwater Drive on south Clearwater Beach in recent years, and more are planned. The present potable water infrastructure is inadequate to properly service the higher elevations of new improvements and increased density they foster along Brightwater Drive. The City's Brightwater Drive Water Main improvements project is in final design to improve the hydraulic characteristics along Brightwater to insure public safety and provide stabilized, consistent, water pressure for residents and visitors. The project will connect the existing 6-inch water main serving Bayside Drive with the existing 6-inch line on Brightwater Drive via an 8-inch subaqueous water main drilled below the intervening channel. On October 21, 2004 Peter and Toula Hlepas, owners of a residence at 210 Bayside Drive, granted sufficient easement to facilitate the connection at its Bayside Drive terminus. The subject easement grants abut each other and establish a 10-foot easement to complete connection of the subaqueous line to the existing 6-inch water main beneath Brightwater Drive. The resulting "loop" will create the desired hydraulic characteristics that will provide reliable water service to meet present and anticipated future demand. In response to a question, Assistant City Manager Garry Brumback said the project is being expedited. Engineering Director Mike Quillen estimated construction would be completed within six weeks. City Manager Verbal Reports Update on Clearwater Airpark Mr. Morris said the Airpark Master Plan identified the following priorities: 1) safety and regulatory; 2) compatibility with the neighborhood; and 3) economic self-sufficiency. Staff took additional measures, such as installing security cameras and card entry system gates, hiring police aides to stop night flying, and working with the neighborhood. Mr. Morris reviewed the certification process and the last mishap, stating a FAA certified maintenance worker had performed repairs on the subject airplane. Repairs not done in the maintenance hangar are prohibited by Airpark regulations. Staff is developing a new lease checklist and plans to amend leases to require proof of annual aircraft certification. He reported most tenants voluntarily provide medical information. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said lease requirements are not safety based but relate to the Airpark’s business plan and is more to supporting the FBO (Fixed Based Operator). He said a control tower would appease those who worry the Airpark operates as an uncontrolled field. Additional regulations would be required for FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) funding of a tower. Mr. Morris said pilots talk to the FBO and area towers during take offs and landings at the Airpark. Pilots do not need permission to land there. Weather conditions affect the amount of runway used. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said most pilots are self-disciplined and fly single-engine, low-powered, recreational aircraft. Pilots who violate regulations are videotaped and ticketed. As the FAA could revoke pilot licenses, most ticketed pilots do not return. The City can terminate a lease with 30 days notice. Formerly, the biggest problem was abuse of hours of operation. Enforcement issues may be presented at a future work session. Council Discussion Items MPO/PSTA Transportation Issues Discussion ensued in regard to a Countywide Authority and the expansion of the governance board. It was reported some municipalities do not participate in PSTA through the payment of ad valorem taxes but are represented by one of the floating members. Discussion ensued concerns have been expressed PSTA is bus-oriented and not equipped for light rail. Support was expressed for going forward with PMI. It was felt a transit system would take care of a lot of transportation issues in the county. It was noted the transit surtax has been identified as a primary funding source for PMI. It was suggested the Council clarify its philosophy regarding these issues before providing direction to its representatives on the MPO and PSTA. Other Council Action Councilmember Jonson said the MPO School Transportation Safety Committee Meeting on Wednesday would address high school traffic issues. He expressed concern regarding the wireless communication bill and distributed an article regarding growth management. Councilmember Hamilton said many meetings are scheduled this week and reported the Phillies Opening Day is on the same day as the next Council meeting. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.