08/17/2006
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 17, 2006
Present: Frank Hibbard Mayor
Carlen Petersen Vice-Mayor
Hoyt P. Hamilton Councilmember
William C. Jonson Councilmember
John Doran Councilmember
Also present: William B. Horne II City Manager
Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager
Rod Irwin 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 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. Pastor Steve Kreloff
from Lakeside Community Chapel offered the invocation. The Mayor led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
4. Introductions and Awards
4.1 Service Awards
Four service awards were presented to City employees.
5. Presentations
5.1 Recognition of Arnold Allen's Contributions to Clearwater Airpark
The Mayor recognized Arnold Allen’s contributions to Clearwater Airpark and presented
him with a clock and plaque.
5.2 Mayor's "Move It, Move It!" Challenge - Brian Kridler, YMCA of the Suncoast
Brian Kridler, YMCA of the Suncoast, reviewed the Mayor’s “Move It, Move It”
Challenge, a school-based program encouraging youths to live healthier lifestyles.
5.3 Proclamation - Make a Difference Fishing Tournament Day - October 7, 2006
5.4 American Society for Public Administration Award (ASPA)
The Mayor presented City Manager Bill Horne with ASPA’s Public Service Leadership
Award and Assistant City Manager Garry Brumback with the Outstanding Public Administrator
of the Year Award.
Council 2006-08-17 1
6. Approval of Minutes
6.1 Approve the minutes of the August 3, 2006, City Council Meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of
August 3, 2006, as recorded and submitted in written summation by the City Clerk to each
motioncarried
Councilmember. The was duly seconded and unanimously.
6.2 Approve the minutes of the July 31, 2006, City Council Special (Attorney/Client) Meeting
as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Jonson moved to approve the minutes of the special meeting (Attorney
Client Session) of July 31, 2006, as recorded and submitted in written summation by the City
motioncarried
Clerk to each Councilmember. The was duly seconded and unanimously.
7. Citizens to be Heard re Items Not on the Agenda
– None.
Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 PM
8. Administrative Public Hearings
8.1 Approve the applicant's request to vacate the 5-foot drainage and utility easement
located adjacent to the north property lines of Lots 4, 5 and 6, Block "G", Hibiscus Gardens,
(a.k.a. 311 South Betty Lane), and approve Ordinance 7659-06 on first reading,(VAC2006-09,
Tamara Realty, LLC).
The applicant is seeking vacation of the easement in order to eliminate the
encroachment of an existing apartment building. Progress Energy, Knology, Brighthouse Cable
and Verizon have no objections to the vacation request. The City of Clearwater has no utilities
in the subject easement and no future need for this easement is anticipated. Public Works
Administration has no objections to the vacation request.
Councilmember Doran moved to approve the applicant's request to vacate the 5-foot
drainage and utility easement located adjacent to the north property lines of Lots 4, 5 and 6,
motion
Block "G", Hibiscus Gardens, (a.k.a. 311 South Betty Lane). The was duly seconded
carried
and unanimously.
Ordinance 7659-06 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
motion
Councilmember Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance 7659-06 on first reading. The was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Petersen, Hamilton, Jonson, Doran, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
9. Quasi-judicial Public Hearings
9.1 Approve the Annexation, Future Land Use Plan Amendment from the County Residential
Low (RL) Category to the City Residential Low (RL) Category and Zoning Atlas Amendment
from the County R-3, Single-Family Residential District to the City Low Medium Density
Council 2006-08-17 2
Residential (LMDR) District for 1728 Lucas Drive (Block 6, Lot 8, Virginia Groves Terrace Third
Addition Subdivision); and Pass Ordinances 7646-06, 7647-06 & 7648-06 on first reading.
(ANX2006-03009)
The subject property is located on the west side of Lucas Drive between SR 590 and
Terrace Drive, approximately 550 feet north of SR 590. The applicant is requesting this
annexation in order to receive sanitary sewer and solid waste service from the City. The
property is located within an enclave and is not contiguous to existing City boundaries;
therefore, the proposed annexation is consistent with Pinellas County requirements with regard
to voluntary annexation.
The subject site is approximately 0.193-acre in area and is occupied by a single-family
residential dwelling. It is proposed that the property have a Future Land Use Plan designation
of Residential Low (RL) and a zoning category of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR).
The Planning Department determined that the proposed annexation is consistent with the
following standards specified in the Community Development Code: 1) The proposed
annexation will not have an adverse impact on public facilities and their level of service and 2)
The proposed annexation is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan, the Countywide
Plan and the Community Development Code.
This annexation has been reviewed by the Pinellas Planning Council (PPC) County staff
in accordance with the provisions of Pinellas County Ordinance 00-63, Section 7(1-3), and no
objections have been raised. The Community Development Board reviewed this proposed
annexation at its regularly scheduled meeting on July 18, 2006 and unanimously recommended
approval
Councilmember Jonson moved to approve the Annexation, Future Land Use Plan
Amendment from the County Residential Low (RL) Category to the City Residential Low (RL)
Category and Zoning Atlas Amendment from the County R-3, Single-Family Residential District
to the City Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) District for 1728 Lucas Drive (Block 6,Lot
motion
8, Virginia Groves Terrace Third Addition Subdivision). The was duly seconded and
carried
unanimously.
Ordinance 7646-06 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
motion
Councilmember Petersen moved to pass Ordinance 7646-06 on first reading. The was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Petersen, Jonson, Doran, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
Absent: Hamilton.
Ordinance 7647-06 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
motion
Councilmember Doran moved to pass Ordinance 7647-06 on first reading. The was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Petersen, Hamilton, Jonson, Doran, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
Council 2006-08-17 3
Ordinance 7648-06 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
motion
Councilmember Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance 7648-06 on first reading. The was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Petersen, Hamilton, Jonson, Doran, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
9.2 Approve the Petition for Annexation, Future Land Use Plan Amendments from the
County Residential Low (RL) and Preservation (P) Categories to the City Residential Low (RL)
and Preservation (P) Categories and Zoning Atlas Amendments from the County R-3, Single-
Family Residential District to the City Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) and
Preservation (P) Districts for 1532 Stevenson’s Drive (Lot 19, Block A, Stevenson’s Heights
according to the map or plat theerof, as recorded in Plat Book 34, Page 13, Public records of
Pinellas County, Florida); and Pass Ordinances 7661-06, 7662-06 & 7663-06 on first reading.
This annexation involves a 0.157-acre property consisting of one parcel, located on the
west side of Stevenson’s Drive, approximately 160 feet north of Carol Drive. The property is
contiguous with the existing City boundaries to the south and east; therefore, the proposed
annexation is consistent with Pinellas County requirements with regard to voluntary annexation.
The applicant is requesting this annexation in order to receive sanitary sewer and solid
waste service from the City. It is proposed that the property be assigned Future Land Use Plan
designations of Residential Low (RL) and Preservation (P) and zoning categories of Low
Medium Density Residential (LMDR) and Preservation (P). The Planning Department
determined that the proposed annexation is consistent with the following standards specified in
the Community Development Code: 1) The proposed annexation will not have an adverse
impact on public facilities and their level of service; 2) The proposed annexation is consistent
with the City's Comprehensive Plan, the Countywide Plan and the Community Development
Code; and 3) The subject site is located within an enclave, is contiguous to City boundaries to
the south and east and reduces the enclave.
This annexation has been reviewed by PPC staff in accordance with the provisions of
Pinellas County Ordinance 00-63, Section 7(1-3), and no objections have been raised. The
Community Development Board reviewed this proposed annexation at its regularly scheduled
meeting on July 18, 2006 and unanimously recommended approval.
Councilmember Jonson moved to approve the Petition for Annexation, Future Land Use
Plan Amendments from the County Residential Low (RL) and Preservation (P) Categories to the
City Residential Low (RL) and Preservation (P) Categories and Zoning Atlas Amendments from
the County R-3, Single-Family Residential District to the City Low Medium Density Residential
(LMDR) and Preservation (P) Districts for 1532 Stevenson’s Drive (Lot 19, Block A, Stevenson’s
Heights according to the map or plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 34, Page 13, Public
motion carried
records of Pinellas County, Florida). The was duly seconded and unanimously.
Ordinance 7661-06 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
motion
Councilmember Petersen moved to pass Ordinance 7661-06 on first reading. The was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Petersen, Hamilton, Jonson, Doran, and Hibbard.
Council 2006-08-17 4
"Nays": None.
Ordinance 7662-06 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
motion
Councilmember Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance 7662-06 on first reading. The was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Petersen, Hamilton, Jonson, Doran, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
Ordinance 7663-06 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
motion
Councilmember Jonson moved to pass Ordinance 7663-06 on first reading. The was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Petersen, Hamilton, Jonson, Doran, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
9.3 Approve the Petition for Annexation, Future Land Use Plan Amendment from the County
Residential Suburban (RS) and Preservation (P) Categories to the City Residential Suburban
(RS) and Preservation (P) Categories and Zoning Atlas Amendment from the County R-R,
Residential Rural District to the City Low Density Residential (LDR) and Preservation (P)
Districts for 2750 Third Avenue (Lots 1-14, Block 45; Lots 4-11, Block 46; Lots 3-9, Block 49;
portions of Third Avenue North, Fourth Avenue North and Lake Shore Drive rights-of-way, all
being part of the plat of Unit No. 1 - Sec. A Chautauqua on the Lake, recorded in Plat Book,
Page 52 of the public records of Pinellas County, Florida together with a portion of the
Southeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 of said Section 32-28-16); and Pass Ordinances 7664-06,
7665-06 & 7666-06 on first reading.
This annexation involves 9.89 acres of property consisting of seven parcels, located
1,600 feet east of US 19, north of 2nd Avenue North and south of 5th Avenue North along Lake
Chautauqua. The property is contiguous with the existing City boundaries to the north;
therefore, the proposed annexation is consistent with Pinellas County Ordinance 00-63 with
regard to voluntary annexation.
The applicant is requesting this annexation in order to receive sanitary sewer and solid
waste service from the City. It is proposed that the property be assigned a Future Land Use
Plan designation of Residential Suburban (RS) and Preservation (P) and a zoning category of
Low Density Residential (LDR) and Preservation (P). The Planning Department determined that
the proposed annexation is consistent with the following standards specified in the Community
Development Code: ·1) The proposed annexation will not have an adverse impact on public
facilities and their level of service; 2) The proposed annexation is consistent with the City's
Comprehensive Plan, the Countywide Plan and the Community Development Code; and 3) The
proposed annexation is contiguous to existing municipal boundaries, represents a logical
extension of the city boundaries and does not create an enclave.
This annexation has been reviewed by PPC County staff in accordance with the
provisions of Pinellas County Ordinance 00-63, Section 7(1-3), and no objections have been
raised. The Community Development Board reviewed this proposed annexation at its regularly
scheduled meeting on July 18, 2006 and unanimously recommended approval.
Council 2006-08-17 5
Councilmember Petersen moved to approve the Petition for Annexation, Future Land
Use Plan Amendment from the County Residential Suburban (RS) and Preservation (P)
Categories to the City Residential Suburban (RS) and Preservation (P) Categories and Zoning
Atlas Amendment from the County R-R, Residential Rural District to the City Low Density
Residential (LDR) and Preservation (P) Districts for 2750 Third Avenue (Lots 1-14, Block 45;
Lots 4-11, Block 46; Lots 3-9, Block 49; portions of Third Avenue North, Fourth Avenue North
and Lake Shore Drive rights-of-way, all being part of the plat of Unit No. 1 - Sec. A Chautauqua
on the Lake, recorded in Plat Book, Page 52 of the public records of Pinellas County, Florida
together with a portion of the Southeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 of said Section 32-28-16). The
motion carried
was duly seconded and unanimously.
Ordinance 7664-06 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
motion
Councilmember Doran moved to pass Ordinance 7664-06 on first reading. The was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Petersen, Hamilton, Jonson, Doran, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
Ordinance 7665-06 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
motion
Councilmember Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance 7665-06 on first reading. The was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Petersen, Hamilton, Jonson, Doran, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
Ordinance 7666-06 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
motion
Councilmember Jonson moved to pass Ordinance 7666-06 on first reading. The was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Petersen, Hamilton, Jonson, Doran, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
10. Second Readings - Public Hearing
10.1 Adopt Ordinance 7672-06 on second reading, submitting to the city electors a proposed
amendment to the City Charter amending Section 2.01(d)(6), to permit construction, operation,
and maintenance of city-owned boat slips, docks, moorings, promenade and boardwalk,
together with restrooms and dockmaster offices and associated surface parking on certain city-
owned property on the downtown waterfront.
Ordinance 7672-06 was presented for second reading and read by title only.
Concern was expressed regarding the possibility of this question be overshadowed by
the multiple issues on the November ballot. Discussion ensued with recommendations that a
professional facilitator conduct focus groups to refine the charter language and referendum
question and that visualizations be developed.
Council 2006-08-17 6
Councilmember Hamilton moved to table Ordinance 7672-06. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Consensus was to hire a facilitator to conduct focus groups to address only the Charter
language and ballot question.
10.2 Adopt Ordinance 7676-06 on second reading, changing the date of the Clearwater
Employees Pension Plan special election to March 13, 2007.
Ordinance 7676-06 was presented for second reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7676-06 on second and final
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Petersen, Hamilton, Jonson, Doran, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
City Manager Reports
11. Consent Agenda -
Approved as submitted.
11.1 Approve waiver of the interest and penalties, in the amount of $13,513.24, associated
with the demolition and lot clearing liens on the property located at 1003, 1003 ½ LaSalle St.
(Legal description: Greenwood Manor, Lots 9, 10); Owner: Mt. Carmel Community Development
Corporation of Clearwater, Inc., 1014 Pennsylvania Ave., Clearwater, Florida and that the
appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. (Consent)
11.2 Request for waiver of the interest and penalties, in the amount of $3,825.12, associated
with the demolition and lot clearing liens on the property located at 1026 N. Missouri Avenue
(Legal description: Springfield Sub No. 2 Block 2, Lot 6); Owner: Pinellas Habitat For Humanity,
Inc., 3071 118th Avenue N., St. Petersburg, Florida 33716 and that the appropriate officials be
authorized to execute same. (Consent)
11.3 Award a contract to Purvis Curbs of Largo, Florida and Increations, Inc. of Clearwater,
Florida (Bid 21-06) for $150,000 each (for a total of $300,000) for materials and labor to install
various concrete projects throughout the year and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. (Consent)
11.4 Approve Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) project grant
agreement for East West Trail Renovations Project, in the amount of $200,000, between the
State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the City of Clearwater and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (Consent)
11.5 Award a Contract (Blanket Purchase Order) for $225,000 to Wingfoot Commercial Tire of
Clearwater, FL for the purchase of Tires for City Vehicles and authorize the appropriate officials
to execute same. (Consent)
11.6 Approve payment to JMC Design & Development, Inc. (JMC), in the amount of
$157.337.50 for the construction of the San Marco Stormwater Improvements. (Consent)
Council 2006-08-17 7
11.7 Accept a perpetual Sidewalk and Utilities Easement over, under and across a portion of
Lot 8, Block C, PALM PARK, conveyed by Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc.
(CNHS) in consideration of receipt of $1 and the benefits to be derived therefrom. (Consent)
Councilmember Petersen moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted and that
motion
the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The was duly seconded and
carried
unanimously.
12. Other items on City Manager Reports
12.1 Adopt Resolution 06-45 authorizing a Third Addendum to the commercial and private
dock permits for storage of vessels at all City dock facilities, involving House Bill 7175 to protect
marina property during storms and related additional requirements.
The Florida House of Representatives passed House Bill 7175 giving marina operators
the right to “take reasonable actions to further secure any vessel, within the marina, to minimize
damage to a vessel and to protect marina property, private property and the environment.” The
law allows marina operators to charge a reasonable fee for such services, provided language to
this effect is added to tenant dock agreements.
Staff wishes to exercise the option to charge tenants who cannot or do not respond to
calls asking them to secure their boats when notified of approaching storms. The City requires
commercial tenants to carry $500,000 in liability insurance with the City as additional insured.
Staff wants to require both commercial and private tenants to carry $10,000 in property damage,
with the City as additional insured. This is the maximum amount Boat U.S. Insurance company
will pay for damage to docks in the event of storm damage. Finally, staff wishes to require
tenants keep their vessels in operating condition. The dock permits state that vessels shall be
kept in seaworthy condition. This does not mean the vessel is able to operate if staff requires
the owner to remove it from City docks. A boat being seaworthy means the boat floats, it does
not mean the engine runs.
Along with their invoices for August, all tenants where sent a letter dated July 21, 2006,
informing them that the City Legal Department representative was reviewing the legislation to
incorporate its language as an addendum to all dock permits. They also were informed that an
insurance requirement would be included to provide coverage for damage done to City property.
Councilmember Jonson moved to authorize a Third Addendum to the commercial and
private dock permits for storage of vessels at all City dock facilities, involving House Bill 7175 to
motion
protect marina property during storms and related additional requirements. The was
carried
duly seconded and unanimously.
Resolution 06-45 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Petersen moved
to pass and adopt Resolution 06-45 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Petersen, Hamilton, Jonson, Doran, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
Council 2006-08-17 8
12.2 Adopt Resolution 06-41 and approve Subordination Agreements with the Florida
Department of Transportation (FDOT) regarding Parcel Numbers 106.03 and 107.03, S. R. 55,
Section 15150, subordinating City easement interest therein, and authorize appropriate officials
to execute same..
FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) continues its multi-year U. S. 19 (S.R. 55)
work program to create a 30-mile six-lane continuous controlled access road with overpasses at
major interchanges and parallel frontage roads between Gandy Boulevard and the Pasco
County line.
The agency presently is acquiring additional right-of-way for the project along a 1.06-mile
project segment extending from south of Seville Boulevard to just north of S. R. 60. The City
holds drainage and utility easement interests along the easterly boundaries of Lots 1 and 2,
SEVER PARK, on the west side of U. S. 19 south of Druid Road that it reserved in Ordinance
4816-89 recorded in O. R. Book 7037, Page 1945, Pinellas County public records. The City
presently has water utility infrastructure within the easement.
As detailed in the subordination agreements, FDOT will participate in the cost of
relocating, protecting, adjusting or removing the facilities if necessary to prevent conflict with its
project plans. The City will be obligated to operate and maintain its facilities in accordance with
the FDOT Utility Accommodation Manual following subordination of the City interests to FDOT.
Councilmember Doran moved to approve Subordination Agreements with the Florida
Department of Transportation (FDOT) regarding Parcel Numbers 106.03 and 107.03, S. R. 55,
Section 15150, subordinating City easement interest therein, and authorize appropriate officials
motion carried
to execute same. The was duly seconded and unanimously.
Resolution 06-41 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Hamilton moved
to pass and adopt Resolution 06-41 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Petersen, Hamilton, Jonson, Doran, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
Miscellaneous Reports and Items
13. City Attorney Reports
13.1 Adopt Resolution 06-34 regarding final lien releases for Sand Key special assessment
payoffs received from April 1, 2004 through July 31, 2006.
The City Council of the City of Clearwater has heretofore established the City of
Clearwater Special Assessment District 95-01 (the "District") and levied such special
assessments (the "Assessments") by Resolution 95-70, dated September 7, 1995, and
recorded in the Public Records of Pinellas County, in Official Record Book 9193, Pages 1717
through 1767.
The City of Clearwater has collected payment for those assessments more particularly
described in Exhibit A to the resolution, and desires to satisfy and release said assessments.
All assessments for Special Assessment District 95-01 have been collected in full.
Council 2006-08-17 9
The City Council of the City of Clearwater directs the City Clerk to provide copies of this
resolution to the property appraiser, tax collector, and the Florida Department of Revenue.
Councilmember Jonson moved that final lien releases be made for Sand Key special
motion
assessment payoffs received from April 1, 2004 through July 31, 2006. The was duly
carried
seconded and unanimously.
Resolution 06-34 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Petersen moved
to pass and adopt Resolution 06-34 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Petersen, Hamilton, Jonson, Doran, and Hibbard.
"Nays": None.
13.2 Adopt Resolution 06-42, determining the necessity to create a pedestrian walkway for
public access running from Coronado Drive to South Gulfview Blvd, authorizing and directing
condemnation of the necessary property.
On April 15, 2005, Anne Garris and Suzane Boschen filed a lawsuit against the City of
Clearwater and Beachwalk Resort, LLC seeking to have a court declare that certain acts of the
City and City Council violated the City's Charter, were void ab inito and ultra vires. The essence
of the action was to prevent the vacation of Third Street and prohibit approval of the Beachwalk
Resort Development Agreement.
Mediation was held in the case on October 28, 2005. The parties reached a mediated
settlement. Section 4(d) of the settlement agreement requires the City Attorney's office to
present in good faith, to City Council a proposal to use all lawful means (including, but not
limited to, eminent domain proceedings) to acquire and dedicate a 10-foot pedestrian easement
for public access immediately to the south of the project, running from Coronado Drive to South
Gulfview Boulevard.
Written inquiries to the owners of the property from which the proposed 10-foot right-of-
way would come have been made to see if they would be willing to sell the property, but they
have not been answered. Right-of-way acquisition costs, project design, and surveys will be
paid by the City. Real estate appraisals for the property to be acquired for right-of-way
purposes have been submitted to the City by American Acquisition Group, LLC. AAG's
conclusion is that the market value of the property to be acquired is $1,160,000. These costs
do not include litigation costs and attorneys fees associated with acquiring the property by
eminent domain. Consequently, the total costs of acquiring this property by eminent domain
could and probably would be considerably higher.
motion
Councilmember Doran moved to deny adoption of Resolution 06-42. The was
carried
duly seconded and unanimously.
14. City Manager Verbal Reports
– None.
15. Council Discussion Items
Council 2006-08-17 10
15.1 Provide Direction on Proposed Amendments to the Countywide Rules Addressing
Transient Accommodation Uses.
The PPC is proposing revisions to the Countywide Rules that will increase the allowable
density of overnight accommodations throughout the County. The latest proposal is scheduled
for discussion at a joint meeting of the PPC, the Countywide Planning Authority (CPA) and the
Tourist Development Council (TDC) on August 29, 2006. The PPC also plans to have a public
hearing on the amendments in September.
The Planning Department is seeking direction from the City Council on the proposed
revisions summarized below. The proposed amendments would: 1) Increase the transient
accommodation use multiplier from 1.67 transient accommodation units for every permanent
residential unit to between 2.5 – 5.0 transient accommodation units per residential unit
depending on parcel size and future land use plan category; 2)·Require transient
accommodations to comply with density and floor area ratio (FAR) standards; 3) Decrease
impervious surface ratio (ISR) standards; 4) Impose new requirements clarifying the occupancy
of transient accommodation uses; 5) Require certain operational characteristics to be met; and
6)·Require local governments to use the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) approach
in determining transportation impacts.
The Planning Department supports increasing allowable densities for transient
accommodations. Staff is concerned, however, that the proposed revisions to the Countywide
Rules may not produce the desired outcome of new hotel development on Clearwater beach.
Of particular concern is the relationship between parcel size thresholds and allowable density,
FAR and ISR. Even though the proposal allows greater densities, it will require larger parcels.
The result will be higher land costs, which is a major impediment to hotel development.
Planning Director Michael Delk said staff supports an urban model for the beach, to help
attract more mid-price hotels. If the Council concurs, staff would work with the PPC to develop
language more suitable for the beach. Assistant Planning Director Gina Clayton presented
examples of hotel densities.
Discussion ensued regarding hotel densities, parking, and view zones. It was remarked
that greater density would provide more flexibility, as is needed on the beach.
Consensus was to support staff working with the PPC to develop suitable language that
meets the needs on the beach.
15.2 Provide direction regarding the Council Meeting schedule for November and December
2006 and January 2007.
The Florida League of Cities Legislative Conference conflicts with the November 16,
2006, Council Meeting. Vice-Mayor Petersen and Councilmember Jonson have requested to be
appointed to League Legislative Councils, meetings of which will be held during this conference.
The second meeting in December currently is scheduled for December 21, 2006. In the
past, Commissions have not wanted to have a meeting this close to the holidays. It also has
been customary not to have a Council meeting on the first Thursday of January. Pinellas
County Schools will be closed for the winter holidays December 25, 2006 through January 5,
2007. Some private schools will be closed for their winter holidays, December 20, 2006 through
January 2, 2007.
Council 2006-08-17 11
.
",
_e
Consensus was to reschedule work sessions and Council meetings as follows:
1) November 16, 2006 Council meeting moved to November 15, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.; 2)
November 14, 2006 Work Session at 1 :30 p.m. remains the same; 3) Council Work Session at
1:30 p.m. on December 12,20064) Council meeting on December 14,2006 at 6:00 p.m.; 5)
Council Work Session at 1 :30 p.m. on January 16, 2007; and 6) Council meeting on January 18,
2007 at 6:00 p.m.
16. Other Council Action
Councilmembers reported on events in which they recently participated and reviewed
upcoming events, and expressed condolences to the Roberto family.
Mavor Hibbard said PMI is reconsidering use of CSX rail lines, which may be an
opportunity for the County to implement light rail.
Councilmember Jonson said the Tampa Bay Estuary needs funding; requested
additional funds to cover travel expenses. Consensus okay.
Council member Petersen congratulated Kathy Rabon on new position with Dali Museum
and reported TBRPC (Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council) has requested a $1,000
sponsorship for "Reality Check." Consensus was to approve the request.
Councilmember Doran said FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) will replace
palm trees that did not meet specifications; encouraged hurricane preparation.
Councilmember Hamilton congratulated Micah Maxwell for being named Interim Town
Manager for Belleair.
17. Adjourn:
The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
~~
--Jl.il'"ayor .
City of Clearwater
Attest:
Council 2006-08-17
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