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CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 6, 2003
Present: Brian J. Aungst
Whitney Gray
Hoyt P. Hamilton
William C. Jonson
Frank Hibbard
Mayor/Commissioner
Vice-Mayor/Commissioner - departed 9:49 a.m.
Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
Also present: William B. Horne II
Garry Brumback
Ralph Stone
Pamela K. Akin
Cynthia E. Goudeau
Brenda Moses
City Manager - departed 9:49 a.m.
Assistant City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
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.
PUR PURCHASING
Approval of Purchases per Purchasinq Memorandum:
1. White River Distributors, Inc., Batesville, Arkansas, one (1) 2003 Freightliner LPG bulk
delivery tanker for $79,900, funding to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase
Agreement.
2. McClain Southland, Inc., Bartow, Florida, three (3) 2003 Freightliner cab and chassis
with Tymco Model 600 street sweeper for $407,490.75, funding to be provided under
City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement.
3. Soliel Systems, Lutz, Florida, movable compact shelving with installation in new Main
Library for $51,835.
4. Atlantic Ford Truck Sales, Inc., Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, four (4) 2003 Sterling L T9500
truck tractors for $306,432, funding to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase
Agreement.
5. Duval Ford, Jacksonville, Florida, three (3) 2003 Ford F450 cab & chassis with
Knapeheide service body for $89,973, funding to be provided under City's Master Lease-
Purchase Agreement.
6. Lehman's Mobile Home Services, Largo, Florida, removal and disposal of 142
singlewide and 26 doublewide mobile homes (Kapok Mobile Home Park) in an amount
not to exceed $262,710.
7. CompServ, Clearwater, network upgrades for $350,000, funding to be provided under
City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement.
In response to a question, Purchasing Manager George McKibben said the street
sweepers on the contract to McClain Southland, Inc., are a different brand than the previous
sweepers. The City now has four larger model sweepers, which are 2003 Sterling L T9500 truck
tractors from Atlantic Ford TruckSales, Inc.
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In response to a question, Director of Information Technology Dan Mayer said the
network upgrades from CompServ are for the Police Department and the MSB (Municipal
Services Building).
DS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Approve one additional neiqhborhood services coordinator position (1.0 FTE) for Neiqhborhood
Services, a division of the Development Services Department.
Currently, the Neighborhood Services Division (Cost Center 1445), of the Development
Services Department, includes the following 3.0 FTE positions: Neighborhood Services
Manager; Neighborhood Services Coordinator; and Neighborhood Services Specialist. This
division has an approved budget of $192,090 for FY03.
The administration had internally approved one additional neighborhood services
coordinator position (1.0 FTE) for Neighborhood Services at the same time the decision was
made to add the $25,000 for the neighborhood beautification grant program; the FTE was
inadvertently not included in the budget, nor was the related funding. Costs for the position are
as follows: $36,900 for full time salary and benefits; $1,500 for a workstation and $4,500 for a
computer station/laptop for a total of $42,990.
Staff recommends approval of one additional FTE for a neighborhood services
coordinator position ($42,990). Funding for this program will be defined at the mid-year budget
review.
The Mayor and staff were complimented for their efforts.
MR MARINE /AVIATION
Resolution 03-03 - petition the State to create a vessel exclusion zone with access corridors for
each upland property owner from the centerline of the North ietty near Adam's Mark Beach
Resort at the South end of Clearwater Beach and run eastward approximately 150 foot seaward
of the MHWL to the centerline of the Clearwater Pass Bridoe.
There has become a growing concern on the part of the Clearwater Police, Fire and
Rescue, as well as Clearwater citizens about enforcement regarding illegal activities on the
water in the area of the beach around Shepherds. Florida Statute 327.46 empowers the State
to establish restricted areas for bathing or other purposes wherein it is unlawful to operate a
vessel or to carry on other prohibited activity. The statute states, ". ..where such restrictions are
deemed necessary based on boating accidents, visibility, hazardous currents or water levels,
vessel traffic congestion, or other navigational hazards." By requesting the creation of the
designated vessel and aircraft exclusion zone on Clearwater Beach from the North jetty near
Adam's Mark to the Clearwater Pass Bridge, we will increase the safety for swimmers and
boaters, while assisting enforcement personnel.
The State of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has agreed to assist the
City in expediting an approved vessel and aircraft exclusion zone with corridors for each upland
property owner within the proposed zone. After resolution 03-03 is passed, we will submit it to
the State for approval and amendment to the City permit.
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In response to a question, Marine and Aviation Director Bill Morris said staff explored the
possibility of designating this area as a "safe swim zone". Staff determined that the area is
unsafe for swimming due to strong currents and problems with large numbers of boaters.
Additionally, upland property owners cannot be denied transit through an access corridor. Staff
feels the vessel exclusion zone is the best resolution.
Assistant City Manager Garry Brumback said a huge amount of unlawful activities on
boats anchored in this area occurs. This exclusion zone is intended to provide an opportunity
for families and patrons of hoteliers to feel comfortable to visit the beach. He said the Sheriff's
office has been partnering with the City to find alternatives to the problems in this area. He
found the vessel exclusion zone to be a viable and legitimate solution.
Photographs were shown of the area depicting a large number of boaters.
Jim Coates, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, said the County only has nine patrol officers
to police the waterways throughout the entire county. It is extremely difficult to police this area
due to the large number of boats and the way they anchor so closely together near the beach.
He felt this ordinance would greatly help to address problems in this area.
Police Chief Sid Klein said it is nearly physically impossible to police this area. It would
require a manpower-intensive operation. He said upon approval of this ordinance, the Sheriff's
office would begin enforcement efforts by educating boaters about the new ordinance and
issuing warnings. Buoys with signage would mark the vessel exclusion zone. Because each
owner has a different frontage, patrols would exercise flexibility with upland property owners
regarding use of the vessel exclusion zone.
Concern was expressed that the minimum 150-foot zone may be too dangerous for
swimmers because of the strong currents in the area, especially for boaters who drop off
people, anchor their vessels, and try to swim to shore. Concern was expressed that frequent
unloading and loading of passengers would create additional safety issues. It was suggested
that staff find other alternatives. Mr. Brumback said staff tried other intermediate steps but they
did not work. Chief Klein said police officers working with the Coast Guard on waverunners
found it too dangerous to police the area. Mr. Morris said the State has indicated the vessel
exclusion zone was a viable alternative they would consider.
In response to safety and liability concerns, the City Attorney said warning signs should
be sufficient.
Corporal Summers, Pine lias County Sheriff Marine Unit, said every Sunday two boats
are dedicated to this area. He said staff is constantly pulling people out of the water because of
the strong currents. There were 13 arrests on Labor Day in that area. In response to a
question, Mr. Summers believed a 100-foot exclusion zone would not be sufficient to deter the
unlawful behavior of boaters. It was remarked that although local area businesses do not permit
alcohol to be removed from their premises, many boaters bring their own alcohol. Many of them
come from other cities and counties.
Police Lieutenant Waters said large groups of boaters do not respect law enforcement
and retaliate against officers when confronted. He felt this ordinance was the best approach to
solving problems in the area. In response to a question, Mr. Waters said he felt the 150-foot
vessel exclusion zone would be the most effective approach.
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Commissioner Gray and the City Manager left the meeting.
In response to a question, City Attorney Pam Akin said the Legal department staff has
researched riparian rights, trespass, etc., prior to staff drafting this ordinance.
In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the MAB (Marine Advisory Board)
unanimously voted in favor of this ordinance.
SWIGS SOLID WASTE/GENERAL SERVICES
Award a contract to Container Systems & Equipment Company, Inc. of Daytona Beach, Florida,
for the purchase of four (4) 2003 International curbside recycling trucks in the amount of
$333,456 which was the lowest responsive bid in accordance with the specifications; declare
four trucks surplus and authorize disposal through trade-in; authorize financing under the City's
Master Lease/Purchase Financing Agreement in accordance with Sec. 2.564(1 )(d), and
authorize initial vehicle preparation costs of approximately $15,000 for a total cost of $348,456.
Residential Recycling currently operates eight curbside recycling vehicles to collect
recyclable commodities from approximately 26,800 Clearwater, 1,430 Belleair and 190
unincorporated Pinellas County single-family residences. This purchase will trade in four 1995
International curbside recycling trucks that are worn out. The Recycling Department plans to
operate these vehicles with current staff. This vendor is holding the unit price quoted on 2001
City of Clearwater bid #01-02. Initial vehicle preparation will be accomplished by Fleet
Maintenance at an estimated cost of $15,000 for all four vehicles.
The Recycling Vehicle Replacement capital improvement project #315-96806 will reflect
a first quarter budget amendment of $333,456 to reflect the lease purchase cost of the vehicle.
The $15,000 for the vehicle preparation costs is currently available in the project. The
estimated debt service costs of $35,946 in 2002/03 will be reflected in the first quarter budget
amendments for the Recycling operating fund. Anticipated operating revenues of the Recycling
Fund will defray these costs.
In response to a question, Finance Director Margie Simmons said this item was not
budgeted in the correct account and a decision was made to lease purchase.
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PLD PLANNING
Public Hearina & First Readina Ordinances 7051-03 and 7052-03 - Petition for Land Use Plan
Amendment from Industrial Limited (IL) to Institutional (I) and Zonina Atlas Amendment from
Industrial. Research and Technoloay (IRT) to Institutional (I) for property located at 1285 South
Ft. Harrison Avenue and 609 Pinellas Street. located on the east side of South Fort Harrison
Avenue and the south side of Pinellas Street. apx. 620 feet north of Lakeview Road. consistina
of portions of Poms Park, Petzold Gulf View, and A.C. Turner's Addition to Milton Park Sub. and
Section 21-29-15 M&Bs 11.03 and 11.04; Owner: Morton Plant Hospital Association. Inc.
LUZ2002-09008
The subject site involves two parcels of land approximately 5.6 acres in area located on
the east side of South Ft. Harrison Avenue, west of the Pinellas Trail, north of A Street and
south of Pinellas Street. The Pinellas Street parcel is currently vacant and the Morton Plant
Information Systems and Outpatient Billing Departments occupy the South Ft. Harrison parcel.
Both parcels have a land use designation of Industrial Limited (IL) and are zoned IRT, Industrial,
Research and Technology. The applicant is proposing to amend the Future Land Use Plan
classification of these parcels to Institutional (I) and to rezone them to I, Institutional to reflect
the use and ownership of these parcels by Morton Plant Hospital.
The Planning Department determined that the proposed land use plan amendment and
rezoning applications are consistent with the following standards specified in the Community
Development Code:
· The proposed land use plan amendment and rezoning is not in conflict with
Clearwater Comprehensive Plan Goals, Objectives or Policies, and is consistent
with the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan.
· The potential range of uses and the specific proposed use are compatible with
the surrounding area.
· Sufficient public facilities are available to serve the property.
· The application will not have an adverse impact on the natural environment.
· The location of the proposed zoning district boundaries are logical and an
appropriate classification in this area.
· The proposed district boundaries are appropriately drawn in regard to location
and classification of streets, ownership lines and existing improvements.
In accordance with the Countywide Plan Rules, the land use plan amendment is subject
to the approval of the Pinellas Planning Council and the Board of County Commissioners acting
as the Countywide Planning Authority. Based on the size of the parcel review and approval by
the Department of Community Affairs is not required.
The Community Development Board reviewed these applications at its regularly
scheduled meeting on November 19, 2002 and unanimously recommended approval.
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In response to a question, Long Range Planning Manager Gina Clayton said Morton
Plant Hospital is planning to build a parking lot and day care center for employees. Staff has
received no feedback from neighbors. She did not know if the offices to the south were
permitted in the IRT zone under the former Code. She said this land use amendment reflects
Morton Plant's current use. They are in the process of updating their masterplan for the entire
campus. This project was part of that update.
In response to a question, Assistant City Manager Ralph Stone said he felt this strategy
supports the City's economic development goals.
PW PUBLIC WORKS
Public Hearinq - Declare surplus an 800 square foot portion, more or less. of City-owned
property identified as Lot 1. A Resub of Baskins Replat. and adopt Resolution 03-01 dedicatinq
said parcel as public riqht-of-way. (Clearwater Mall)
Clearwater Mall, LLC, a foreign limited liability company has submitted a site plan and
construction drawings to the City for the Clearwater Mall Redevelopment. A project feature
includes widening the turn radius from eastbound Gulf to Bay Boulevard onto southbound
Harbor Drive. City plan review staff has reviewed the submitted site plan and construction
drawings and support the widening of the subject corner in the interest of public safety. The
proposed improvement will encroach into a portion of City-owned property now occupied by
existing Fire Station #49.
Declaring the proposed 800 square foot triangular corner clip as surplus and dedicating
it as public right-of-way will establish sufficient public thoroughfare to both widen the turn radius
and construct a five-foot sidewalk adjacent to the new curb.
Adoption of Resolution 03-01 complies with provisions of Section 2.01 (d)(5) of the City
Charter that authorizes City-owned land to be declared surplus and dedicated as public right-of-
way upon a determination the parcel is not needed for other municipal purposes.
In response to a question, Assistant Director of Engineering AI Carrier said this proposed
improvement would be in the City right-of-way.
Public Hearinq - Declare as surplus a 0.660 acre portion of City-owned propertv identified as
Pinellas County Parcel 07-29-16-00000-140-0400 for the purpose of qrantin!:l a perpetual Gas
Pipeline Easement to Florida Gas Transmission Company, and !:Irant a 90-day Temporary
Easement for extra work space associated therewith.
The Florida Department of Transportation Drew Street overpass project, now under
construction, requires that Florida Gas Transmission Company (FGTC) relocate its 12-inch
natural gas transmission pipeline from within the project right-of-way.
FGTC proposes to cut and abandon its present pipe within the project right-of-way,
extend a replacement line under U.S19 adjacent to the CSX Railroad south right-of-way line,
then across the City's Solid Waste transfer station property to the Florida Power right-of-way.
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FGTC has requested the City grant a perpetual Gas Pipeline Easement containing
28,731.88 square feet (0.660 acres, more or less) across a portion of the City's Solid Waste
transfer station property to facilitate rerouting the pipeline as described above.
The proposed easement will be 24.52 feet wide at its easterly terminus at US19, and
extend westerly approximately 995 feet along the southerly CSX Railroad right-of-way to a
30.31-foot wide terminus at the Florida Power right of way.
Easement provisions require the pipeline be constructed using directional bore
technology at a depth of 20 feet below an existing 30-inch City sanitary interceptor line lying
within the easement grant. There will be no surface impacts to the City property, and plans for a
future by-pass drainage channel within the easement area will not be affected.
FGTC also has requested a temporary extra workspace on the east side of US19
containing 5,241.24 square feet, more or less. Use of the extra workspace area is limited to a
maximum of 90 days, or project completion, whichever occurs sooner. Other than invasive
species, no trees having a diameter of 4 inches or more at 4'Y2 above grade are to be removed,
destroyed or damaged. The easement area is to be restored upon project completion.
In response to a question, Engineering Director Mike Quillen said he believes the
abandoned pipeline would be removed.
Approve a five (5) year Business Lease Contract with Clearwater GrouP. Inc. reaardina City-
owned property beina a portion of Section 9-29-15. M7B 42.02 commonly known as 712 North
Osceola Avenue. to commence April 15. 2003. and provide one five (5) year option to extend.
The Clearwater Group, Inc. ("Lessee") was established in 1946 as a non-profit civic
organization. On April 7, 1988, the City and Lessee entered into a five (5) year lease of City-
owned property at 712 North Osceola Avenue. The lease provided for two extension options,
the last of which terminates April 14, 2003.
The Lessee now has over 800 members. It holds 19 meetings per week and signs an
average of 100 court-ordered meeting forms each month for the Pinellas County courts system.
The Lessee also invites the public to a Halloween party and Christmas dinner. Since March of
2002, with approval of the City Manager, the facilities are opened for 6 additional weekly
meetings run by The Attitude Adjustment Group of Alcoholics Anonymous. On average, the two
groups have over 3000 people per month utilize the facility.
In addition to the nominal $1.00 rent, additional considerations include: (1) making the
premises available, when not in use by Lessee, to other civic groups approved by the City
Manager, (2) paying all taxes, assessments, utilities, maintenance and insurance costs, and (3)
submitting an annual report to the City Manager detailing all uses of the premises. The
additional considerations remain in effect for the proposed lease.
Since moving into the subject property the Lessee has retiled portions of the flooring,
periodically repainted as necessary, replaced the air conditioning system, windows and lighting
fixtures, fumigated for drywood termites; and established a paid position for maintenance.
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. In addition to termination due to lease default, the lease may also be terminated by the
City upon providing Lessee sixty (60) days notice following a determination by the commission
at a duly constituted public meeting that the property is required for other municipal purposes.
In response to a question, Mr. Carrier said this site was not used for the Clearwater
Garden Club.
Public HearinQ & First ReadinQ Ordinance 7060-03 - Approve the applicant's request to vacate
the 16-foot alley lyinQ alonQ a line 2 feet west of and parallel to the west property line of Lot 6,
Block 16. Map of Belleair. (AKA 509 "0" Street), subiect to the retention of a drainaQe and utility
easement over the full width of the alley. (V2002-13 City of Clearwater) (PULLED)
This item was pulled from the agenda due to an incomplete legal description.
Public HearinQ & First ReadinQ Ordinance 7061-03 - vacate the 10-foot drainaQe and utility
easement located in the north 18 feet of Lot 83, Countryside Tract 58, (AKA 3336 Windchime
Drive West), less the west 10 feet thereof. tOQether with the 10-foot drainaQe and utility
easement portion located in a vacated portion of Cloudview Drive. (V2002-14 AQelatos)
The applicant is seeking approval of the vacation request in order to combine the north
18 feet of Lot 83 with the vacated portion of Cloudview Drive to construct a single family home.
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The Planning Department has no objections provided that the property owner obtains an
administrative lot line adjustment prior to issuance of a building permit for a new single family
home.
Florida Power, Time Warner Cable, Verizon and Verizon Media Ventures have no
objections to the vacation request.
The property owner will be responsible to pay the costs associated with construction of
the sewer main extension needed to serve the proposed new home.
A 6-inch water line and an underdrain terminate in the east-west easement on Lot 83.
No future extension of the water line is anticipated. The property owner will be required to cut
and cap these facilities at the property line prior to issuance of a building permit.
Pubic Works Administration has no objections to the vacation request.
In response to a question, Assistant Director of Engineering Glenn Bahnick said a single
family home is on Lot 83.
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First Readinq Ordinance 7062-03 - providinq a Reclaimed Water availability schedule to enable
billinq division for commercial properties that minimally utilize reclaimed water.
The reason for this ordinance change is to avoid multiple availability fees for one
commercial property where reclaimed water will not be used because of limited green space.
For a commercial property with more than one water account, but irrigating the
property under a separate account using available reclaimed water, the fees for each
connection will be as follows:
Availability only
Consumption
Each service connection provided
$9.00
$0.30/1,000 gallons
$9.00 + use
Charge one availability fee to a property and not each of the multiple individual
accounts.
The example of this situation is when a commercial property has multiple stores,
etc., as multiple individual accounts, and the property is mostly parking lot and commercial
space. The property owner irrigates or uses reclaimed water in some manner, but at only
one location at the property. The location utilizing the reclaimed will be billed for
availability & consumption. If another location on that property needs a service
connection, that account will be billed according to the schedule above.
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
In response to a question, Water Superintendent Steve Soltau said meters are only
required on commercial properties that use reclaimed water.
First Readinq Ordinance 7090-03 - implementinq chanqes to the qrease control proqram for the
wastewater collection system.
The disposal of grease into the sewer system causes blockages, posing a threat to
public health and the environment. The US-Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) have implemented regulations to
control wastewater collection system overflows. Roughly half of the overflows in
Clearwater's wastewater collection system are caused by grease blockages.
On September 20, 2001, the City Commission adopted a new grease control
ordinance for the wastewater collection system. The Ordinance focuses on controlling
grease at its source - food service facilities. This is done by regulating grease waste
interceptor size, maintenance, and capacity, to handle grease waste prior to entering the
wastewater collection system. The Ordinance also provides requirements for interceptor
maintenance, record keeping and grease removal. Grease trap design criteria must
comply with Florida Building Code and Department of Health criteria.
Improvements to the ordinance are based on information and experiences
gathered in the field during the implementation of the program this past year. Changes
include definitions of Grease (1f,) and Wastewater Facility (1g), clarify the standard and
the approval authority (3b), allowance for not requiring a permitted hauler for grease
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interceptor capacity of less than 20 gallons (4a) (can be done by other means), improved
enforcement of overflows caused by grease blockages (4a), more timely reporting
requirements (4b), performance standards for under sink interceptors (4i), clarify language
describing interceptor condition after pump out and exception (4g).
There are no budgetary costs associated with this item.
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
Industrial Pretreatment Coordinator Rob Powers gave a brief presentation on the grease
control program. In response to a question, he said the pipe is cleaned weekly at some areas
on the beach, Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, and US19 locations. He said the City is trying to coerce
businesses to comply with the new regulations. Conversion costs vary from $200 to $200,000,
depending upon consumption. When grease enters the system, the entire system slows down.
Costs to remedy the problems involve manpower and materials. The City has not been fined to
date for sewer backups.
In response to a question, Mr. Brumback said a business with interceptors 20 gallons or
less are permitted to pump the interceptor themselves due to the smaller volume of grease
involved and the prohibitive costs to use a licensed contractor to perform the operation.
In response to a question, Public Utilities Director Andy Neff said this amendment would
provide for improved enforcement capabilities. Mr. Powers said no input was obtained from
local business owners. He said coffee grounds should not be dumped into sinks without grease
interceptors. Triple sinks are required per the Department of Health. Once 20% of capacity is
reached, the interceptors need to be pumped. Mr. Neff said inspections are done quarterly for
approximately 508 establishments.
In response to a comment, it was remarked fire inspections take an entire day, while
grease control inspections take minutes.
Chanqe Order NO.2. "Town Lake Rehabilitation Proiect" to Caladesi Construction Company in
the amount of $35.428.99 for a new total of $3,025,882.82, and approve a time extension of 106
days for a revised completion date of March 26,2003.
Caladesi Construction Company is currently constructing a four-acre stormwater
treatment pond and park amenity in downtown Clearwater that will serve to reduce existing
flooding problems and provide stormwater treatment to protect the water quality of Clearwater
Harbor. This change order provides for this Contractor to extend the pedestrian overlooks and
resolve drainage and electrical conflicts on this project.
Administrative Change Order NO.1 provided for this contractor to install additional
stormwater drainage to accommodate changes to the Mediterranean Village site plan and to
avoid conflicts along Greenwood Avenue. It also included additional crushed stone bedding for
the foundation of the brick ledge.
Change Order No. 2 provides for this contractor to extend the pedestrian overlooks at
the three locations around the lake. The overlooks need to be lengthened to meet the sidewalk
at the proper grade elevation at one end and to be able to meet the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA), requiring additional decking, piling and lights.
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This change order also includes a conflict storm drainage structure to avoid an existing
sanitary line along Prospect Avenue at Pierce Street and two electrical revisions required to
meet the electric code.
Resolution 02-51 was passed on November 21, 2002 establishing the City's intent to
reimburse certain project costs incurred with future tax-exempt financing. The projects identified
with 2004 revenue bonds as a funding source were included in the project list associated with
Resolution 02-51.
Sufficient budget for 04 Stormwater Revenue Bond proceeds is available in project 357-
96125, Town Lake, to fund this change order.
In response to a question, Mr. Brumback said more thought needs to be given to a name
for the park. He said there were no design flaws with respect to ADA (Americans with
Disabilities Act) requirements. Mediterranean Village is not defraying any of the costs but staff
is working with them regarding the configuration of the lake.
In response to a question, Mr. Stone said the Balk property is progressing.
Ratify and confirm the award of a contract to Azurix North America Underqround Infrastructure.
Inc.. in the amount of $154.850 for c1eaninq of the wastewater interceptor system from the east
side of U.S. 19 to the Bayside Bridqe. in accordance with Section 2.564(1)(d) Code of
Ordinances - City of St. Petersburq contract.
The City has determined that $154,850.00 will be necessary to clean the existing
wastewater interceptor pipeline from the east side of US 19 to the Bayside Bridge. Due to
a recent overflow caused by heavy sediment buildup, it was determined that the line
needed immediate attention.
The City of St. Petersburg, Florida, awarded a contract to Azurix North America
Underground Infrastructure, Inc., formerly Ridin Pipeline Services Inc., on July 17, 2001,
through the competitive bid process.
Azurix has agreed to honor the rate schedule as outlined in the City of St.
Petersburg contract through the end of 2003. They have also agreed to dispose of the
debris generated from the cleaning process for a cost of $75.00 per ton to the City. The
project amount of $154,850.00 includes all estimated disposal fees.
The City has agreed to adjust the water rate charged to Ridin Pipeline Services Inc.
for these services to reflect those rates being charged by the City of St. Petersburg,
however the overall project savings will adequately offset this additional cost.
Azurix has established a favorable working relationship with the City, and has
demonstrated their ability to provide a reliable product and professional service.
Sufficient budget and revenue are available in WW Interceptor (343-96605) to fund
this contract.
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In response to a question, Mr. Bahnick said the recent beach closure is unrelated to this
item. Public Works Administrator Mashid Arasteh said whenever a spill has occurred, the
distance between that spill and the beach is significant enough that it does not adversely affect
the beach waters. Staff will begin sampling beach waters to ensure there is no correlation. The
City has a process for monitoring sewer overflow problems, however when large amounts of
precipitation fall, there is little that can be done. The City schedules ongoing repairs of
wastewater infrastructure.
Award contracts to COQburn Brothers Electric, Inc. of Jacksonville, Florida, the only bidder for
the proiect. in the amount of $752,374. for the WPC SCADA System Improvements), and to
Blackburn Controls, Inc. of Kissimmee, Florida, in the amount of $70,809 for the purchase of
computer software for the WPC SCADA System Improvements, in accordance with Section
2,564(1 )(b) Code of Ordinances, and approve $30,000 to purchase server and network
equipment for the WPC SCADA System Improvements, for a total amount of $853,183.
The Water Pollution Control Division of Public Utilities is in the process of significant
improvements to the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems that provide
monitoring and control capability to the plant operators for the treatment systems and processes
at the City's three advanced wastewater treatment facilities. The work under this construction
contract includes the construction of the plant communications infrastructure, power supply and
control wiring to monitoring equipment, programmable logic controllers and communications
equipment and interface panels.
Due to the special nature of the work required under this contract and limited qualified
contractors, the City received only one bid from a qualified Contractor. The original bid was for
the amount of $961,720.00 submitted by Cogburn Brothers Electric, Inc. The original bid amount
exceeded the City's estimate by approximately $270,000. A series of value-engineering
sessions were conducted between the sole bidder, the Engineer and the City resulted in a
reduction from the bid amount of $209,346.00, for the revised contract amount of $752,374.00.
The reductions in cost were achieved without a reduction in the functional capability of the
system.
In addition to the construction of the system infrastructure, updated SCADA software is
one component of the overall system improvements proposed. The software provides the
operator the ability to interface to the PLC based controls and monitor plant and equipment
performance. The software is being purchased from Blackburn Controls, Inc. who is the sole
authorized distributor of the CiTect SCADA software in the State of Florida for the amount of
$70,809.00. This CiTect software was selected for this project based on the following factors: 1)
the CiTect software is currently utilized at the City's Water Treatment facilities and the City has
standardized on this software to minimize operator training and support requirements; 2) the
City currently utilizes an earlier version of this software at the Marshall Street facility which can
be upgraded as part of this purchase. The cost to upgrade is less than the cost to provide a
complete new licensed copy of an alternative software; and 3) this software is widely supported
by technical programmers and is compatible with the planned use of SOL database to store
historic operational data. McKim & Creed will be performing the initial programming of the
software for the City's facilities and will provide documentation to the City for future reference
and/or updates.
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This project will also require the purchase of upgraded server and network equipment to
be located at the three wastewater treatment facilities to support the SCADA system. These
components will be purchased at a cost estimated at $30,000.00. The Commission previously
approved an engineering Work Assignment in the amount of $198,000 for the design of the
systems and for the software installation, set-up and PLC programming that will be required to
complete the system improvements. The total estimated cost of the project including all of these
components is $1,051,183.00.
The entire SCADA system improvements are scheduled for completion within 360 days.
This project is part of the WPC Master Plan Phase III, Project Number 96685 in the
Annual Operating and Capital Budget and will be funded with bond proceeds. Sufficient budget
and revenue are available to fund this contract.
In response to a question, Mr. Neff said as this is specialized work and unique in nature
only one bid was received, staff met with Cogburn Brothers Electric and reviewed the project
and their bid. Staff also obtained input from a software company regarding what they felt would
be a reasonable price for this project. That company's projections exceeded Cogburn's
negotiated price. MR. Neff said this project involves the entire installation process including
conduit, building panels and sensor mechanisms, etc.
ORLS OFFICIAL RECORDS/LEGISLATIVE SERVICES
Enterprise Zone Development Aqency - 1 Appointment
City Clerk Cyndie Goudeau said there are two vacancies on this board. Bob
Fernandez's name will be added to the Consent Agenda for Thursday's Commission meeting.
Community Relations Board - 4 Appointments
Ms. Goudeau said there are four vacancies on this board and only three nominees. One
member is not interested in reappointment. Staff has been unable to contact Member Robinson
to determine his interest in serving on the board.
Consensus was to place all the nominees' names on the Consent Agenda for
Thursday's Commission meeting, including Mr. Robinson, and pull any uninterested parties from
the list if needed.
State 2003 Leqislative Packaqe
The City of Clearwater submits each year a list of legislative priorities for consideration
by the state legislature during their annual 60-day session in Tallahassee. The 2003 Session
will begin March 4, 2003. The City's legislative liaison works closely with City management
staff, the City's lobbying team in Tallahassee, and state legislative delegates representing
Clearwater districts, to draft a package that is beneficial to Clearwater, and to lobby that
package at home and in Tallahassee. Preparation of the package involves determining areas of
need, researching funding availability, identifying needed legislation, monitoring and evaluating
current legislative issues for their potential benefit or detriment to citizens and local government.
Once they receive the package, our state senators and representatives work to incorporate
these issues and funding requests into the various bills before the legislature in their respective
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houses. The bills then go to the Governor for consideration and approval or veto. The 2003
State Legislative Package includes such issues as: funding requests for the Hispanic Outreach
Center, Disaster Preparation, Ross Norton Aquatic Center, Court/Chestnut/Myrtle -linking the
bridge to Gulf to Bay; supporting lowering thresholds for Qualified Target Industry (QTI),
restructuring Occupational License Fees, restoring state support for the State Aid to Libraries
Funding, and protecting Sadowski/SHIP (State Housing Incentive Program) Funding Sources.
Staff is requesting direction regarding legislation that would result in the Florida
Department of Transportation designing roadway projects to be better neighbors in the
community.
It was suggested staff research how the City can acquire a permanent seat on the
Tourist Development Council (TDC). It was remarked the City should try to obtain funds for
landscaping from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) because in this district, it
appears road design is not a priority.
Mr. Brumback said he has had discussions with the State regarding roadway design. He
said as there are limited resources available, adding aesthetics could reduce the size of a
project. It was felt Clearwater has not received its fair share of dollars with respect to increased
efficiency, safety, and aesthetics of roadways. Surveys indicate that traffic is the number one
problem in Pinellas County. It was felt that requesting additional funds for aesthetics should not
be at the expense of projects.
Federal 2003 Leqislative Packaqe
.
Each year, the City of Clearwater submits a list of legislative priorities for consideration
for the new federal budget year. Once the package is approved, the City's legislative liaison will
work with the federal lobbyist to submit our request to our delegation.
The 2003 Federal Legislative Package includes such issues as: funding requests for
Beach Walk Construction, Wastewater and Reclaimed Water Infrastructure, Clearwater
Homeless Intervention Project (CHIP) Transitional Housing, COPS Technology; support
legislation that will diversify Brownfields Remediation loans into grant funds, and Fire Act
funding for pre-disaster and post-disaster mitigation.
Staff is requesting direction regarding whether or not the Commission will take a position
on President Bush's permanent tax cut proposal. Staff also is requesting direction regarding if
the Commission intends to make a statement regarding the federal government providing
funding for requirements resulting from Homeland Security mandates.
Danielle McBeth, Alcalde and Faye, said the federal government is running at FY2002
levels. Only two of the appropriation bills that are traditionally passed have been approved and
signed by the President. Two outstanding bills that have implications for the City are the
Housing & Urban Development Bill and the Energy and Water Appropriation Bill.
.
Stevenson Creek was allocated $2.8 million in the Energy and Water Appropriation Bill
during the FY 2003 cycle and all are working to keep that appropriation. Appropriations of
$225,000 for Clearwater Beach Redevelopment and $500,000 for wastewater and reclaimed
water infrastructure improvements are pending. They are expected to pass another continuing
resolution to consider an Omnibus Bill to take care of the remaining appropriations.
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She said next year she would seek direct appropriations as well as grants for
Clearwater. In response to a question, Ms. McBeth said there have been FEMA firefighter
assistance grants distributed under the Fire Act. She suggested the City participate in
workshops to be conducted regionally.
She said there is a recreational trails program authorized by TEA-21 from which the City
can seek funding. There is an additional funding resource for certain projects.
It was suggested that staff add funding for homeland security mandates to the list. The
Commission did not want to take a position on permanent tax cuts.
Charter Review Committee Appointments
The City Charter requires the Commission to appoint a Charter Review Advisory
Committee at least every five years in the January of a year preceding a general City election.
Section 7.02 of the City Charter calls for no less than ten members and provides that the
committee review the existing Charter and make recommendations for revisions to the
Commission.
The following names have been submitted and their applications and/or resumes are
attached:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Patricia Bates-Smith
Mark P. Bryan
Thomas S. Calhoun
Joseph A. Calio
Emilio J. Correa
Bruce A. Dennis
Jeffery J. DiPolito
John Doran
Melody W. Figurski
Nicholas C. Fritsch
Dolores M. Fry
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
Rita Garvey
Issay M. Gulley
Tim Johnson, Jr.
Jay F. Keyes
David MacNamee
J. Dwight McEntire
Lynne N. Robertson
Joanie Sigal
Mary Story
Lawrence (Duke) Tieman
Elizabeth I. Van Zyl
Suggested issues to be reviewed include:
a. Form of governance - Strong Mayor vs. City Manager form; distribution of authority -
manager authority vs. Commission prohibitions;
b. The Commission - number of members; at large vs. district seats; length of terms; and
c. Limitations - allow transfer/donation of residential and/or property of limited economic
value; relieve or clarify 60-year lease language; merge the two sections regarding limitations on
City-owned bluff/waterfront property.
Ms. Goudeau requested Commissioners submit the names of those individuals they
wish to appoint, so that she could obtain an application from them.
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Approve quit claim deed to clarify and correct a conveyance dated March 7, 1962 to
EmmaRoberts, Nancy M. Meador and Verona Adams and their successors in office as
Trustees for the Mary Custis Lee Chapter #1451, United Dauqhters of the Confederacy
that is beinq made for the purpose of removinq any defects on title.
On March 7,1962, the City of Clearwater conveyed the property known as 3158 Gulf to
Bay Boulevard, Clearwater, Florida to Emma Roberts, Nancy M. Meador and Verona Adams as
Trustees of the Mary Custis Lee Chapter 1451 United Daughters of the Confederacy.
All of the above-named individuals are deceased.
The original deed contained a provision that the property would revert to the City of
Clearwater if construction was not started on a museum and clubhouse on the property within
two years of the date of the deed. An affidavit has been provided that this reverter provision
was satisfied.
The Chapter is selling a portion of their property and the original deed needs to be
corrected in order to clear the title for the sale.
In response to a question, Ms. Akin said there was only the condition that a structure be
built on the site and used as a museum. The museum was not required to stay open or be
continually maintained. At the time of that stipulation, there was no 501-3c, however one is now
in place. The City does not own this property, but is merely clearing the title.
Other Commission Action
Commissioner Hibbard said now that the fountain is gone from the roundabout, the City
needs to determine options.
Mr. Brumback said staff would be bringing forward options after obtaining public input.
Commissioner Jonson said the TBRPC (Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council) gave a
presentation at their last meeting regarding the business of arts in our community. More people
in this area attend arts events than college sports according to a flier from Price
WaterhouseCoopers. He referred to a story from a former GTE executive that stated that
people were moving to the City of Dallas, Texas because it is perceived to have better schools
and cultural venues. He encouraged everyone to attend the Suncoast League of Cities
Advocacy Workshop at the Harborview Center on January 27,2003.
Commissioner Hamilton said he is ready for warmer weather.
Mayor Aunqst said he is meeting with County Commissioner Karen Seel and Pinellas
County Sheriff Rice and hopes discussion will lead to further cooperation, especially financial.
He referred to documents regarding the City's and Sheriff's bids for services to Safety Harbor.
He noted he will miss the next Work Session and Commission meeting as he is scheduled to
attend the Conference of Mayors.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 11 :52 a.m.
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