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CITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION
CITY OF CLEARWATER
March 3, 2003
Present: Brian J. Aungst
Whitney Gray
Hoyt P. Hamilton
William C. Jonson
Frank Hibbard
Mayor/Commissioner
Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
Also present: William B. Horne II
Garry Brumback
Ralph Stone
Pamela K. Akin
Cynthia E. Goudeau
Patricia O. Sullivan
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
Board Reporter
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 9:18 a.m. at City Hall following a meeting of
the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency).
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
PR PARKS AND RECREATION
Ratify and confirm payment to Cox Radio Tampa Bay. in the amount of $74,625.46, for
payment of revenue generated from the 97X The Next Big Thing II Concert.
On December 8, 2002, the Cox Radio Tampa Bay co-promoted and City co-promoted
97X The Next Big Thing II Concert was held at Coachman Park. Cox Radio was the
title/presenting sponsor of the event. Advance tickets were available for purchase through
TicketMaster, which forwards all ticket sales revenue to the City through the City's TicketMaster
account. By operating with all TicketMaster revenue coming through the City account, all City
expenses associated with the concert are paid. Any remaining funds are remitted to Cox
Radio. The breakdown of revenue and expenses:
Revenue (TicketMaster sales/day of show sales/City employee sales)
Expenses
Remaining funds due to Cox Radio Tampa Bay
$154,187.30
$ 79,561.84
$ 74,625.46
In response to a question, Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said the City's
sponsorship was limited to its connection to ticket sales. Staff will report on the City's net profit
from the concert.
In response to a question, Mr. Dunbar said during sound checks at this weekend's
concert, spotters will monitor sound in neighborhoods surrounding Coachman Park. Periodic
sound checks during the concert are not planned. Wind direction affects noise levels in
different neighborhoods. The City is working to attract acts that are not loud and raucous.
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Sunday concerts have a 9:00 p.m. curfew. Staff is working with the St. Petersburg Times to
report on the closing of Drew Street for the concert from Friday to Sunday morning.
Ratifv and confirm the City Manaaer's approval of an increase in purchase order #33916 to the
Philadelphia Phillies, in the amount of $222,783.91 for a total of $17,722,783.91 for the
installation of the portion of the City's reclaimed water that runs through the Community Sports
Complex (CSC) site.
Part of the Drew/Union Streets Reclaimed Water System is designed to run from US
19N across the new CSC (Community Sports Complex) site to Old Coachman Road and south
to Drew Street. Staff, its consultants, and CSC engineers have worked together to design a
route for the line that will not impair the progress of either project. Site work for the new sports
complex is well underway and work on the reclaimed line should be incorporated into the site
work to maintain the continuity of the two projects and keep costs down.
Hunt Construction Group, the general contractor for the CSC, was asked to provide a
bid for the reclaimed work running through the site. Public Works Administration and staff
reviewed the bid and found it to be acceptable. By allowing Hunt Construction Group to
complete this work, both projects remain on schedule and within budget.
The additional sum of $222,783.91 is a separate line item on the Phillies Purchase
Order and will be used solely for invoices related to installation of the reclaimed water line.
In response to a question, Mr. Dunbar said the City had contracted with the Phillies to
construct the stadium, making a Purchase Order to the Phillies necessary to fund this item.
City Engineer Mike Quillen said this project will connect with the directional bore already
completed under US 19N.
PW PUBLIC WORKS
Approve a work order with Wade-Trim. Inc. an Enoineer of Record. to determine the feasibility
and permittina process associated with the future desion and development of a City marina
located at the east end of the Memorial Causeway in Downtown Clearwater, in the amount of
$98,504.
To determine the feasibility and permitting process associated with the future design
and development of a City marina, proposed at the east end of the Memorial Causeway in
Downtown Clearwater, the City must invest in the engineering design and legal due diligence
associated with a development of this magnitude. The total contract cost for these services is
$98,504.
The consulting team includes Wade-Trim for engineering design and development
costs, Fowler, White, Boggs & Banker (Tallahassee) for legal due diligence on State and
Federal regulations, and Delta Seven, Inc., an environmental company. The consulting fee of
$98,504 is a shared cost between the City of Clearwater (50%, $49,252), CRA (Community
Redevelopment Agency) (35%, $34,476.40), and DDB (Downtown Development Board) (15%,
$14,775.60).
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Strategic positioning of prime private and publicly owned redevelopment parcels west of
Osceola Avenue is a key element as a future entertainment, recreation, retail and residential
environment. Development of a municipal marina at this location would not only enhance the
redevelopment opportunities for the whole downtown core and planned development of a future
waterfront park; but also would provide a major linkage between downtown and the Clearwater
beaches with its wealth of visitors and residents. A downtown municipal marina also would
provide Clearwater residents with a much-needed ancillary source of additional boating slips,
and help alleviate a current average waiting period of 18 months for a similar slip.
In response to a question, Ms. Quillen said the study will determine the marina's
feasibility, estimate costs, and outline permitting hurdles. Staff will provide the Commission with
a copy of the work order.
Approve fundinq in the amount of $246.383 for the purpose of constructinq two (2) rubberized
railroad crossinqs as part of the Myrtle Avenue Drainage and Roadway Improvement
Project.
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On December 13, 2001, the City Commission approved a work order for consultant
services for design, preparation of construction plans, permitting, and limited construction
management for the Myrtle Avenue Drainage and Roadway Improvement Project. As part of
this project, the City desires to replace existing railroad crossings with full depth rubberized
crossings: 1) Myrtle Avenue - approximately 0.75 mile south of Marshall Street and 2) Jones
Street - approximately 0.05 mile west of the Myrtle Avenue/Jones Street intersection. CSX will
construct the crossings and requires funding to cover costs associated with design and
construction.
Cost to the City will be $246,383 for preparation of the plans, specifications, and
construction of both crossings. Fifty percent, $123,192, is payable prior to design, with the
balance to be paid as construction progresses.
Reconstruction of the Jones St. railroad crossing is a scope addition to the Myrtle
Avenue/Alternate US 19 roadway project. The project was planned as part of the combined
stormwater and roadway project but was not included in the scope approved by the
Commission with the 2001/02 Capital Budget. The stormwater portion of the Myrtle Avenue
project (96142) necessarily includes rebuilding the storm outfall from Myrtle Avenue along
Jones Street. After the outfall is complete, Jones Street will need to be rebuilt. It makes sense
to include the railroad crossing with that project, as it is in the middle of the work.
In response to a question, Assistant Engineering Director AI Carrier said CSX pays for
maintenance but the City pays to construct rubberized crossings on City streets. The City
previously paid for new crossings on Cleveland and Court streets. In response to a question,
Mr. Quillen said the project is part of a regular replacement program and represents a "need."
Approve a lease with Head Start Child Development and Family Services. Inc. of City-
owned property at 701 North Missouri Avenue, New Country Club Addition, Blk B, Lot 12 and
part of Blk C, for a term of 5 years commencing July 21, 2003, for the total rent of $1 and other
good and valuable consideration.
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Head Start has leased the subject City property since 1971, operating a pre-school
nursery for three and four year-old children of low income families, and providing
comprehensive child and family development services. In addition to two existing single-
classroom portable buildings, and in accordance with existing lease provisions, Head Start
demolished an old wood structure on the lease premises during the current lease term, and
constructed a new three-classroom modular building complete with kitchen and office. In
addition to the preschool program, the new building is used on scheduled evenings for parent
training programs, registrations, and medical screenings. The new kitchen provides two hot
meals and a snack each day for each of 85 children currently enrolled in the Head Start daytime
preschool program.
To comply with Charter provisions, in a March 10, 1998 referendum election Clearwater
voters approved extending Head Start the option to continue leasing the Missouri Avenue site
for up to 30 additional years. The proposed renewal lease grants Head Start the option to
extend for an additional 5-year term upon providing the City with 60 days notice, conditioned
upon it not being in lease default. An additional lease provision establishes the City's right to
terminate the proposed lease upon 60 days notice in the event the Commission determines the
premises are needed for any other purpose consistent with the City Charter.
In response to a question, Mr. Carrier said Head Start is responsible for building
maintenance.
Adopt Res 03-09 approvinq a Riqht-of-Wav Dedication and Maintenance Aqreement with
Robert N. Lvnch, as Bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and implementing said agreement
in compliance with Sec 2.01 (d)(5) of the City Charter, declare as surplus a 2,500 square foot
portion MOL of City owned property, Section 15-29-15, M&B 14/02, dedicating said parcel as
more particularly described and depicted therein as public right-of-way.
St. Cecelia School, located at 400 South Hillcrest, completed construction of a 29,410
square-foot classroom and office addition to its school campus in 2002. Life Safety Code
standards require a second fire and rescue emergency exit from the school parking lot onto
Court Street to serve the new facility. School site constrictions and traffic safety standards
made it impractical to construct the second driveway on school property.
The project site plan was approved with the emergency exit to be constructed across a
corner of the David Martin Soccer Field parking area, subject to the City and the Diocese
formalizing an agreement to share parking facilities as activities at the two venues would
dictate. Development of an agreement to codify the contemplated reciprocal privileges was
terminated as plans to redevelop the Glen Oaks Golf Course were drawn. Potential
development of two soccer fields on a portion of the Glen Oaks property will negate any need
for the City to obtain additional parking privileges on the St. Cecelia School site.
This item will dedicate the subject parcel as public right-of-way to the Diocese for
ingress and egress purposes. The grant is perpetual, unless the Diocese abandons its use, or
the parties mutually agree to amend the easement grant. Driveway improvements are to
always comply with City code provisions, and the Diocese is obligated to restore any future
maintenance or reconstruction impacts to abutting City property. The City also retains the right
to use the easement premises for any other purpose not inconsistent with the rights granted to
the Diocese.
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. In response to a question, Mr. Carrier said this agreement will provide the City with
necessary access to the wetlands area even if the soccer fields are not relocated to Glen Oaks.
Approve the creation of a new Capital Improvement Proiect. ChautauQua Avenue Extension,
in the amount of $350,000. to be funded 50% by the City and 50% by the developer of the
Townhomes at Lake Chautauqua project.
In June 2002, the City Commission approved annexation and rezoning for a proposed
90-unit town home project located at 2301 Chautauqua Avenue. Following this approval, the
PPC (Pinellas Planning Council) asked the developer to submit an acceptable traffic
management plan prior to County Commission action on the rezoning request.
Northbound traffic coming to or leaving the development has acceptable access to US
19N via First Avenue North. Due to construction of a channelized median opening on US 19N
at First Avenue North, southbound traffic leaving the development will not have access to US
19N.
Alternative access routes were considered: 1) Access to the south to Sunset Point Road
via Lake Shore Drive, Second Street, Union Street and Soule Road. This circuitous route
through residential subdivisions would require the widening of a sub-standard Lake Shore Drive
and 2) Access to the north to Enterprise Road by constructing an extension of Chautauqua
Avenue. This more direct route passes only through undeveloped park land. Staff prefers the
northern option.
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The estimated cost to construct the new road, including design and construction
administration, is $350,000. As mitigation for traffic impacts of the proposed development, the
project developer has agreed to fund 50% of the new road construction, or $175,000. The City
will give the developer credit for the City's 50% share of the estimated transportation impact
fees of $93,000, or $46,500. Additional funding due from the developer, in excess of the
transportation impact fees, would be $128,500.
In response to a question, Mr. Quillen said the City plans to split the cost of the project
with the developer, to include the City crediting the developer for the City's portion of the traffic
impact fees. He said while many nearby residents oppose the townhome project, they have
indicated a preference for the north access route. The City Commission is not committed to
construct this road if the development is not constructed. In response to a question, Planning
Director Cyndi Tarapani said the developer is paying more than his fair share to construct the
road. She said this project is good and will provide access.
It was suggested it may be preferable to expend Intersection Improvement funds on the
Drew Street/McMullen-Booth Road intersection. Mr. Quillen said funds have been reserved for
that project. Funding the subject project will reduce the amount of funds carried over to the
next fiscal year. Concern was expressed the project is not a priority. Mr. Quillen said the
project can be funded comfortably and will be an enhancement.
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In response to a question, Mr. Quillen said improvements are not planned for the South
Martin Luther King Avenue/Court Street intersection until after the Memorial Causeway Bridge
is completed and traffic impacts become evident. It was suggested Court and Chestnut streets
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be improved before the bridge opens. Mr. Quillen said Intersection Improvement funds cannot
be used to resurface roads. Staff will report on the tax implication of the proposed townhome
development. Ms. Tarapani said the PPC (Pinellas Planning Council) and County clearly were
concerned regarding how development related traffic will be handled. The proposed road,
constructed as a 28-foot wide rural section with no curbs or gutter, will be approximately 1,000
feet long.
Other Commission Action
Florida League of Cities
In reference to a letter from the City of Seminole, it was reported Mayor Dottie Reeder of
the City of Seminole, 1st Vice President of FLC (Florida League of Cities), will become president
of that organization in August. It is traditional for the Regional League of the new president to
fund an inauguration party.
Consensus was to contribute $100 toward the party.
Commissioner Jonson referenced a recent newspaper article on the beach trolley and
reported, due to security concerns, the Sheraton Sand Key has requested the PSTA (Pinellas
Suncoast Transit Authority) to find a new location for the Beach Trolley to turnaround. A
decision needs to be made quickly. Discussion ensued regarding alternate locations, including
one option to expand the trolley route just north of the Clearwater Pass Bridge.
Consensus was to vote on a resolution Thursday night in support of the Jolley Trolley's
continued service in Clearwater.
Staff will review optional locations on south Clearwater beach for a turnaround.
Commissioner Jonson distributed a handout regarding the County's proposed
agreement with Clear Channel billboard company, which the Board of County Commissioners
will discuss on March 4, 2003.
Commissioner Jonson reported he had been invited to a March 12, 2003 meeting
regarding the Countywide traffic signalization project and expressed an interest in
understanding how this project will make things better. The City Manager stated he is attending
a meeting with the County on March 6, 2003 for Clearwater and St. Petersburg to state their
expectations regarding the project and define acceptable standards. It was indicated the
newspaper features many articles regarding County service problems. The importance of
retaining current City levels of service was stated.
Concern was expressed City Commissioners not get too involved in details of a project.
It was stated the Commission is responsible for setting policy. It was stated City staff is better
able at meetings to answer related questions. It was recommended a precedence not be set
whereby City Commissioners meet with County staff.
The majority opposed City Commission attendance at the March 12, 2003 meeting
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Commissioner Jonson reported the City of Tampa had been awarded landscaping
grants to beautify Dale Mabry.
Commissioner Jonson reported the Tampa Bay Estuary is monitoring high nitrogen
content in the bay related to the phosphate mining facility at Mulberry and has submitted an
emergency request to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to allow partially treated
water to be dispersed into the Gulf of Mexico to minimize damage to sea grass after heavy rain.
Commissioner Hamilton requested all be patient with heavy Spring Break traffic.
Mavor Aunqst stated he had had a good trip to Washington D.C. last week and had met
with the National League of Cities and COM (Conference of Mayors).
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:42 a.m.
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