12/02/2004
.
Present: Brian J. Aungst
Frank Hibbard
Hoyt P. Hamilton
William C. Jonson
Carlen Petersen
Also present: William B. Horne II
Garry Brumback
Pamela K. Akin
Cynthia E. Goudeau
Patricia O. Sullivan
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
December 2, 2004
Mayor
Vice-Mayor
Councilmember
Councilmember
Councilmember
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
Board Reporter
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The invocation was
offered by Pastor Richard A. Jones, of Friendship United Methodist Church. 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 - None.
. 5 . Presentations:
5.1 Diversity Council Awards for 2004 Clearwater Diversity Poster Contest
The Diversity Council Awards for the 2004 Clearwater Diversity Poster Contest were
presented to Mya Noble and Morgan Phillips from St. Paul's School.
5.2 Certificates to Citizen Academy Graduates
Certificates were presented to Citizen Academy graduates.
5.3 We Care Fund
Customer Service and Marketing Director Jim Geary encouraged residents to participate
in the "We Care Fund," to help residents, in need, cover utility expenses.
6. Approval of Minutes
6.1 City Council - November 18. 2004
Councilmember Jonson moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of
November 18, 2004, as recorded and submitted in written summation by the City Clerk to each
Council member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
.
Council 2004-12-02
1
.
.
.
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 Continue until the City Council meetina of January 20, 2005 the applicant's reauest to
vacate the north one-half of Dempsev Street (A.K.A. 721 Lakeview Road, VAC 2004-16).
Councilmember Hamilton moved to continue Item 8.1 to January 20, 2005. The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
8.2 Approve an amendment to the development aareement between the Beachwalk Resort LLC
(fka Clearwater Seashell Resort LLC) and the City of Clearwater, Adopt Resolution #04-35 and
approve restructurina of the fundina in Capital Improvement Proiect 315-92267 (Coronado/ S.
Gulfview Streetscape) bv replacina the $2 million General Fund Loan with a $2 million loan from
the Central Insurance Fund.
Planning Director Cyndi Tarapani reviewed the request. The subject site is 1.63 acres
and is located at 201 and 301 South Gulfview Boulevard and 230, 300, and 304 Coronado
Drive. The CDB (Community Development Board) recommended approval of the proposed
applications for Flexible Development and the Development Agreement on November 16, 2004.
When the initial agenda item was approved regarding the additional funding for the
Coronado/So Gulfview Streetscape, it was contingent upon the commencement of this
development and anticipated the elimination of the City's responsibility to purchase the property
from the developer (for $6 million) if the developer failed to commence construction by March 6,
2006. The elimination of this requirement would have released $6 million worth of funding, $2
million of that being General Fund. Since this $2 million in General Fund money will not be able
to be released until March 6, 2006 and the funding for Coronado/So Gulfview is needed prior to
that time, the City will need to replace the $2 million in General Fund money in the Coronado/So
Gulfview project with $2 million in Central Insurance Fund loan until such time as the
requirement to purchase the property has been eliminated (March 7, 2006). At that time, a
budget amendment will be made to return the Central Insurance Fund money and replace it with
General Fund money. The funding for this project will be put in place upon the developer
moving forward on their project and depositing the appropriate funds with the City of Clearwater.
A quarterly amendment will be processed to reflect the budget at that time.
The City Attorney said the City retains the right to provide beach concession services,
such as the rental of beach chairs, cabanas, and umbrellas, as long as those services meet
minimum hotel standards. If not, that right will revert back to the Hyatt property.
Brain Taub, developer, said his firm now owns the property and all documents with Hyatt
are finalized. He read and submitted a letter from Hyatt Development Corporation showing their
commitment to the project. He agreed to add language to the development agreement allowing
the City to construct a public parking facility on Marina property under certain conditions and
supporting staff recommended parking rates reflected in Exhibit 0 of the agreement.
Council 2004-12-02
2
.
.
.
Two people spoke with concerns regarding traffic movement on Coronado during
Beachwalk construction and whether the retail facility on the beach side of the walkover meets
Charter requirements. One person spoke in support of the project.
Concern was expressed Hyatt specifications for beach rental equipment at a nearby
concession would spoil the beach's unified appearance, and may mislead beach visitors into
thinking part of the beach is closed to the public. It was felt the focus should be on consistency
in beach operations, not identical equipment. It was indicated the chairs and umbrellas would
not feature the hotel's insignia.
Discussion ensued regarding the difference between a license and a lease and the
beach side of the project's pedestrian bridge. The City Attorney stated a license does not
convey property, as a lease does. The City is not transferring any property rights as addressed
in the Charter. A license will permit the hotel exclusive use of the landing to sell non-alcoholic
beverages, packaged snacks, and beach sundries and provide towels to hotel guests.
Discussion ensued regarding the length of the license and the City Attorney indicated
the 50-year license is very restrictive and was part of the original agreement that preceded Mr.
Taub's involvement in the project. In response to a question, Mr. Taub said the life expectancy
of the property is more than 30 years.
Concern was expressed regarding the size of the sundry area and whether it would
include storage. Mr. Taub said the plans for this area have not been finalized but will be
restrictive as to what can be there. He said the hotel's concession building would be small, as
the bridge's large spiral staircase will cover the majority of the landing.
Discussion ensued regarding parking rates and concern was expressed the
com parables used should be what the City charges for parking on the beach and not what
hotels are charging.
Councilmember Hibbard moved to approve an amendment to the development
agreement between the Beachwalk Resort LLC (fka Clearwater Seashell Resort L.C.) and the
City of Clearwater, and approve restructuring of the funding in Capital Improvement Project 315-
92267 (Coronado/S. Gulfview Streetscape) by replacing the $2 million General Fund Loan with
a $2 million loan from the Central Insurance Fund. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Resolution #04-35 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Jonson moved
to pass and adopt Resolution #04-35 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Hibbard, Hamilton, Jonson, Petersen, and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
9 - Quasi-judicial public hearings
10 - Second Readings - public hearing
Council 2004-12-02
3
.
.
.
10.1 Adopt Ordinance #7344-04 on second readina. annexina certain real property whose Post
Office address is 1705 Thomas Drive in to the corporate limits of the City. and redefinina the
boundary lines of the city to include said addition.
Ordinance #7344-04 was presented for second reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Petersen moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #7344-04 on second and final
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Hamilton, Jonson, Petersen, and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
Absent: Hibbard.
10.2 Adopt Ordinance #7345-04 on second readino. amendina the future land use plan of the
City to desianate the land use for certain real property whose Post Office address is 1705
Thomas Drive. upon annexation into the City of Clearwater. as Residential Low.
Ordinance #7345-04 was presented for second reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #7345-04 on second and final
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Hamilton, Jonson, Petersen, and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
Absent: Hibbard.
10.3 Adopt Ordinance #7346-04 on second readino. amendina the zonina atlas of the City by
zonina certain real property whose Post Office address is 1705 Thomas Drive. upon annexation
into the City of Clearwater. as Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR).
Ordinance #7346-04 was presented for second reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Jonson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #7346-04 on second and final
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Hibbard, Hamilton, Jonson, Petersen, and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
Council 2004-12-02
4
.
.
.
10.4 Adopt Ordinance #7366-04 on second readina. providina for the issuance of aas system
subordinate revenue obliaation. as subordinate obliaations of the City pursuant to the City's
Ordinance #5118-91. to acauire or purchase. directly or indirectlv. aas supply and/or aas
production facilities or interest therein: pledaina the net revenues of the system to secure
payment of the principal and interest on the subordinate obliaations. providina for the riahts of
the subordinate holders of such obliaations: and providina for payment thereof.
Ordinance #7366-04 was presented for second reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Petersen moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #7366-04 on second and final
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Hibbard, Hamilton, Jonson, Petersen, and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
10.5 Adopt Ordinance #7350-04 on second readina, amendina Ordinance #6779-01. which
vacated the 60-foot riaht-of-way of Third Street (AKA Third Ave.). bounded on the east by the
Westerly riaht-of-way line of Coronado Dr. and bounded on the west by the easterly riaht-of-way
line of S. Gulfview Blvd. subiect to special conditions.
Ordinance #7350-04 was presented for second reading and read by title only.
One person expressed concern regarding gulf access.
The City Attorney said the project would dedicate a 10-foot pedestrian access on the
southerly edge of the property. The City will discourage the developer from locating garbage
cans next to the access.
Councilmember Hibbard moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #7350-04 on second and
final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Hibbard, Hamilton, Jonson, Petersen, and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
10.6 Adopt Ordinance #7351-04 on second readina, amendina Ordinance #6780-01. which
vacated the east 35 feet of the 70-foot riaht-of-way of Gulfview Blvd.. bounded on the north by
the westerly extension of a line parallel to and 20 feet north of the northerly lot line of Lots 57
and 104 of L1ovd-White Skinner subdivision, and bounded on the south by the westerly
extension of the south lot line of Lot 59. L1oyd-White-Skinner subdivision. subiect to special
conditions.
Ordinance #7351-04 was presented for second reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Jonson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #7351-04 on second and final
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Hibbard, Hamilton, Jonson, Petersen, and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
Council 2004-12-02
5
.
.
.
City Manager Reports
11 . Consent Agenda - Approved as submitted.
11.1 Declare the list of vehicles and eauipment surplus to the needs of the City and authorize
disposal throuah sale to the hiahest bidder at the Tampa Machinery Auction. Tampa. Florida.
11.2 Approve First Amendment to Aareement and Gas Supply and Transportation Aareement
with Peoples Gas System: approve the filina of the Joint Petition for the First Amendment to
Aareement with the Florida Public Service Commission: approve the Master Marketina
Aareement with TECO Partners. Inc.; approve the Developer Aareement for Natural Gas
Distribution Service with Connerton. LLC: authorize the appropriate officials to execute same
and authorize the Gas System Manaaina Director to approve future Developer Aareements.
11.3 Approve an aareement between The Florida Commission on Community Service
commonly referred to as Volunteer Florida and the City of Clearwater. Florida for cash match
fundina of $52.163 for the period January 1. 2005 throuah December 31.2005 for AmeriCorps
Clearwater. and approve 12.4 FTE positions. and that the appropriate officials be authorized to
execute same.
11.4 Approve the Clearwater Gas System Gas Supply Hedaina Policy as part of the City
Council Policies (Finance and Budaet).
11.5 Approve the Pinellas County Combined Voluntary Cooperation And Operational Assistance
Mutual Aid Aareement For Law Enforcement Services. and that the appropriate officials be
authorized to execute same.
11.6 Approve an Interlocal Aareement with Pinellas County relatina to interaovernmental
cooperation for effective post-disaster debris manaaement. debris site monitorina: ratify and
confirm piaaybackina the county contract with Phillips and Jordan Inc. (P&J). of Robbinsville.
NC. effective September 18. 2004. for debris removal. reduction. and disposal: ratify and
confirm an increase in the P&J contract for additional storm services for $337.000 or a not to
exceed total of $400.000; authorize the appropriation of an additional $600.000 from the Central
Insurance Fund retained earninas to proiect 0181-99927 as fundina for continued storm related
damaae. repair and CityWide debris clean-up: and that the appropriate officials be authorized to
execute same.
11.7 Award a one year contract to Bioloaical Research Associates. of Tampa for Nuisance &
Exotic Control & Maintenance on City Lakes. Ponds. Channels and Immediate Adiacent
Transitional Areas in the amount of $93.940.00. and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same.
11.8 Approve supplemental work order #2. for Kina Enaineerina Associates. Inc.. to perform
additional Enaineerina Desian Services for the "Pumpina Station #15 & #25 - Refurbishment"
proiect in the amount of $10.485 for a new work order total of $74.063. and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same.
Council 2004-12-02
6
.
.
.
11.9 Approve the amendment of the Capital Improvement Proaram (CIP) to restructure current
Stormwater Utility fundina bY reducina proiect budaets bY $3.049.990 of FY06 revenue bond
and $75.000 of stormwater operatina revenues. for a total budaet decrease of $3.124.990. and
increasina proiect budaets by $863.000 of arant revenue from the Southwest Florida Water
Manaaement District (SWFWMD) and $16.000 of lease purchase revenue for a total budaet
increase of $879.000. resultina in a net budaet decrease of $2.245.990. and that the appropriate
officials be authorized to execute same.
11.10 Approve Chanae Order NO.1 to Trimax Residuals of Edmonton. Alberta. for the Biosolids
Treatment Implementation Diaester Cleanina Contract (o3-0022-UT) increasina the contract
amount by $518.731.91. for a new contract total of $998.508.55. and approve a time extension
of 90 days for the completion of this work and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same.
11.11 Appoint Randy Deshazo to the Brownfields Advisory Board as the federal or state aaency
or local aovernment involved with the Brownfields remediation process. with a term expirina on
December 31.2008.
Purchasing
11.12 MIA-COM Private Radio Systems - 30 D28MPX Mobile Provoice Orion 806-870MHZ.
35W radios. accessories and installation kits and D2CP5S Control Unit Systems with
accessories at a cost of $118.237.50 and authorize lease purchase fundina.
11.13 Southern Sewer Eauipment - 2005 Sterlina L 7501 truck chassis with Vac-Con sewer
cleaner body at a cost of $190.114.50 and authorize lease purchase financina.
11.14 Petroleum Traders Corp. - Vehicle fuel. unleaded aasoline and diesel. durina the period
December 17. 2004 throuah December 16. 2005 at a cost not to exceed $1.400.000.
11.15 Terra Excavatina Inc. - Increase the City Manaaer's award from $98.000 to $140.000 for
emeraency pick UP and removal of storm debris.
Council member Hamilton moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted and that
the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
12 - Other Items on City Manager Reports
12.1 Approve amendment to Chapter 33. Section 33.067 of the Code of Ordinances amendina
defined areas for no internal combustion motors on Sand Key and pass on first readina
Ordinance #7352-04.
The City Council passed Ordinance #6878-01 creating a slow speed minimum wake
zone, south of Clearwater Pass along Sand Key Beach, adjacent to the Clearwater Community
Sailing Center wake zone on November 1, 2001. The State approved the zone and buoys that
were installed, delineating the zone, in May 2002.
Council 2004-12-02
7
.
.
.
Concerns have grown for the safety of swimmers, fishermen, and sailing class students
at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center and on the adjacent beach, due to power driven
boats. Staff feels converting the existing slow speed minimum wake zone to a more restrictive
non combustion engine zone, will minimize accidents, while allowing existing uses of the Sailing
Center and adjacent beach.
A stipulation of the State for use of their submerged land to build the Sailing Center
docks is that no motorized vessels be permitted use of the facility. An exception to this rule is
the chase boats, which accompanies students taking sailing lessons, for their safety. This
amendment essentially would extend this restriction to the adjacent beach and keep combustion
engine boats further away from inexperienced sailors, swimmers, and fishermen, while
providing enforcement authority an ordinance to keep them out of the zone. Initially, the zone
will be marked with buoys.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve an amendment to Chapter 33, Section
33.067 of the Code of Ordinances amending defined areas for no internal combustion motors on
Sand Key. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance #7352-04 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
Council member Jonson moved to pass Ordinance #7352-04 on first reading. The motion was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Hibbard, Hamilton, Jonson, and Petersen.
"Nays": None.
Absent: Aungst
12.2 Adopt Resolution #04-34 approvina PGP Gas Supplv Aareement No. 1 with Florida Gas
Utilitv and necessary documents to accomplish same and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same.
The purpose of this item is to approve an agreement with FGU (Florida Gas Utility),
which will allow Clearwater to participate in the purchase of long-term natural gas supplies from
FGU, which are projected to be at a discounted price relative to the future gas market. FGU
currently is working on executing a Gas Production Sharing Agreement with Public Gas
Partners, Inc. (PGP), a Georgia non-profit corporation, which is the parent company that will
initially consist of eight (8) intergovernmental agencies serving about 130 public gas systems,
such as Clearwater Gas, throughout the Southeastern United States. The Gas Production
Sharing Agreement will be executed by FGU no later than November 2004.
The objective of PGP is to acquire and have a working interest in a multitude of gas
wells selected throughout the United States. Once the gas wells are obtained by PGP and
flowing gas, FGU then will issue debt in the form of bonds to pay for associated costs to
produce and deliver the gas from the wells, to the transmission pipelines, and then to
Clearwater Gas System (CGS), as well as other FGU members, in proportion to CGS'
subscribed nominated quantities.
Council 2004-12-02
8
.
.
.
On August 23, 2004, FGU's Board of Directors adopted Resolution #2004-02, which
authorizes FGU to approve the Articles & Bylaws of PGP and execute the Gas Production
Sharing Agreement with PGP. The Gas Production Sharing Agreement obligates FGU to
participate in the acquisition of gas wells acquired by PGP. In turn, FGU contracts out the gas
supply from PGP to its members and other contracting municipal agencies.
Councilmember Petersen moved to approve PGP Gas Supply Agreement No. 1 with
Florida Gas Utility and necessary documents to accomplish same and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Resolution #04-34 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Hamilton
moved to pass and adopt Resolution #04-34 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Hibbard, Hamilton, Jonson, Petersen, and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
12.3 Approve the Parsons Water & Infrastructure. Inc. Work Order for Construction EnqineerinQ
& Inspection services for the Diqester Refurbishment construction phase of the Biosolids
Treatment Implementation proiect in the amount of $477.552. and that the appropriate officials
be authorized to execute same.
This Digester Refurbishment project provides for the refurbishment of one pre-cleaned
anaerobic sludge digester and construction of new and replacement supporting improvements
at each of the Marshall Street and Northeast Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plants (AWTPs),
following completion of the Digester Cleaning phase of the project.
Parsons Water & Infrastructure, Inc. fees for these Construction Engineering and
Inspection services for the construction phase of the Digester Refurbishment project are
$477,552, including an allowance of up to $50,000 for outside testing laboratory services, and
including up to $52,648 for specific allowance items to be consistent with the construction
contract.
Parsons' price includes all labor and expenses anticipated to be incurred by Parsons for
the completion of the CEI (Construction Engineering & Inspection) tasks, on a time and expense
basis, based upon the billing rates developed for the current contract with the City. A
breakdown of the estimated cost for each task of the scope of services is provided in
Attachment B of the Work Order. Should the City require services costing in excess of these
anticipated expenses, Parsons shall provide sufficient notice and justification such that
additional supplemental funding can be authorized prior to exceeding the established budget.
In response to a question, Assistant Engineering Director Glen Bahnick said due to the
specialized nature of required work, the City requires an engineer to be on site for the entire
length of the project.
Councilmember Jonson moved to approve the Parsons Water & Infrastructure, Inc. Work
Order for Construction Engineering & Inspection services for the Digester Refurbishment
construction phase of the Biosolids Treatment Implementation project in the amount of
Council 2004-12-02
9
$477,552, and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was
. duly seconded and carried unanimously.
12.4 Adopt Resolution #04-37 establishinQ the intent to reimburse certain Stormwater proiect
costs incurred with proceeds of future tax-exempt financinQ.
The Stormwater rate study was completed and resulted in the City Council approving an
8% rate increase in FY (Fiscal Year) 2006 and annual rate increases of 3% per year for FY
2007 through FY 2009. These rate increases are sufficient to provide for operations, capital
projects, and debt service on bonds.
The rate study identified a need for approximately $34.4 million in capital projects from
FY 2005 through FY 2009, with bonds to be issued in FY 2006 of approximately $7,223,302 and
in FY 2008 of approximately $10,542,926 to fund a portion of the needed capital improvements.
The FY 2006 bond issue is expected to partially finance the following projects: 1) Stevenson
Creek Estuary Restoration for a projected amount of $5,324,710 and 2) Alligator Creek
Drainage Improvements for a projected amount of $1 ,898,590. The date of issuance will be
determined at a later date based on market conditions.
The Stormwater Fund will be incurring expenses on these projects prior to the issuance
of the bonds. This reimbursement resolution will allow for the City to be reimbursed from the
Bond proceeds.
Councilmember Petersen moved to establish the intent to reimburse certain Stormwater
project costs incurred with proceeds of future tax-exempt financing. The motion was duly
. seconded and carried unanimously.
Resolution #04-37 was presented and read by title only. Council member Hibbard
moved to pass and adopt Resolution #04-37 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Hibbard, Hamilton, Jonson, Petersen, and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
12.5 Pass Ordinance #7321-04 on first readino increasino domestic. lawn water. and
wastewater collection utility rates by 7% effective October 1. 2005. with subsequent 6%
increases to be effective October 1. 2006. October 1. 2007 and October 1. 2008 and increasinQ
reclaimed water rates by 29.44% effective October 1. 2005. then meterinQ reclaimed water and
implementinQ the proposed reclaimed water rates that are proiected to result in a 29.44%
increase to the averaQe reclaimed water customer effective October 1. 2006 followed by a 6%
increase to those reclaimed water rates effective October 1. 2007. and October 1. 2008.
The utility rate increase is needed to provide funding to maintain compliance with debt
service coverage requirements supporting the continuation of capital improvement projects
needed to sustain the City's utility infrastructure. Infrastructure improvements are needed to
maintain compliance with federal regulations concerning water supply and treatment and the
wastewater collection system, maintain reliability of the water pollution control facilities due to
age of the infrastructure, and to expand the reclaimed water system. Master Plans have been
.
Council 2004-12-02
10
.
completed for all of the systems in Public Utilities and the capital improvements program has
been revised to meet future infrastructure needs.
The last rate increase, effective March 1, 2001, provided a series of 7% increases over a
5-year period applicable to water and wastewater rates only. The last rate increase in this
approval became effective October 1,2004. These rates will remain in effect as approved.
Burton & Associates has completed a water, wastewater, and reclaimed water utility rate study
to cover 5 years of operations. The current study covers the period FY 2005 through FY 2009
and recommends increasing the existing reclaimed water rates in FY 2006, then adopting a new
reclaimed water rate structure to be implemented when the City is able to meter reclaimed
water, projected to be FY 2007. This would allow for improved equity between reclaimed water
customers and water and wastewater customers, since reclaimed water rates have not been
increased since 1998, whereas regular increases have been implemented to the water and
wastewater rates.
This study recommends increasing reclaimed water rates by 29.44% in FY 2006,
implementing new reclaimed water rates in FY 2007 that would result in an increase of 29.44%
to the average reclaimed water customer, and applying subsequent 6% per year reclaimed
water rate increases thereafter (FY 2008 and FY 2009), thus aligning those reclaimed water rate
increases with the annual water and wastewater rate increases. By doing so, the overall water
and wastewater rate increases from FY 2006 through FY 2009 could be reduced to 6% annually
instead of 7%, if the proposed reclaimed water rates are not implemented.
.
Metering of reclaimed water and raising the reclaimed water rates as proposed, lowers
the rate of increase to all water and wastewater customers, allows the reclaimed water system
to become more self-sufficient over time, provides the possibility of retaining 50% SWFWMD
(Southwest Florida Water Management District) grant reimbursements on reclaimed water
capital projects, and allows more customers to be connected to the reclaimed water system
over time, due to increased demand management.
Also factored into the rate study are continued wholesale potable water purchases from
Pinellas County at their suggested increased rates. These rates increase from the present
$2.30/1,000 gallons to $3.18/1,000 gallons over the timeframe of the study. The last two years
reflect information from the County indicating 7% per year wholesale potable water rate
increases, due to the County's proposed blending plant, following 3 years of 10% annual
increases.
Included in the ordinance changes are user fee schedule changes to align the cost of
providing particular services with actual expenses. Some fees were added, some were raised,
and some were lowered, based on current costs.
A rate restructuring study also is currently underway by Burton & Associates reviewing
the water and wastewater rate structures, increasing domestic, lawn water, and wastewater
collection utility rates by 7% effective October 1, 2005, with subsequent 6% increases to be
effective October 1, 2006, October 1, 2007, and October 1, 2008.
.
Discussion ensued regarding the City being proactive in not ignoring infrastructure
issues. It was indicated metering reclaimed water would reduce rates for others. Water will
continue to be a prominent issue in Florida. In response to a question, Public Utilities Director
Council 2004-12-02
11
.
.
Andy Neff said the proposal would charge a single meter rate per 1,000 gallons of reclaimed
water.
Discussion ensued regarding Council's visioning process and considering designating
water projects for future Penny for Pinellas funding.
Councilmember Hibbard moved to increase reclaimed water rates by 29.44% effective
October 1, 2005, then metering reclaimed water and implementing the proposed reclaimed
water rates that are projected to result in a 29.44% increase to the average reclaimed water
customer effective October 1, 2006, followed by a 6% increase to those reclaimed water rates
effective October 1, 2007, and October 1,2008. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Ordinance #7321-04 was presented for first reading and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance #7321-04 on first reading. The motion was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Hibbard, Hamilton, Jonson, Petersen, and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
12.6 IAFF Union neootiations update.
Human Resources Director Joe Roseto reported the IAFF (International Association of
Fire Fighters) and City have declared an impasse in negotiations and have agreed for the City
Council to resolve salary issues related to the first year of the contract. Discussion will be
scheduled once proper paperwork is filed.
13 - City Attorney Reports - None.
14 - City Manager Verbal Reports - None.
15 - Council Discussion Items
15.1 Clearwater Hioh School Track Surface Improvements - Hamilton
Councilmember Hamilton reported the Springtime Kiwanis Club has requested the City
to provide $25,000 in funding toward a state of the art track at Clearwater High School. He said
the track will be used by students and residents, will allow the school to host national and state
track competitions, and will bring revenues to the City.
A question was raised whether the School Board or the County has been approached to
contribute to the project and it was indicated the County is not one of the contributors and the
School Board has been approached.
Staff was requested to provide a list of events the track might attract, whether anyone
has experience with the surface being proposed, and a possible funding source.
Council 2004-12-02
12
Consensus was to obtain additional information.
.
16. Other Council Action
Councilmembers Hibbard and Peterson and Mavor Aunast attended today's Christmas
tree lighting at the Main Library.
Councilmembers Hibbard and Peterson attended yesterday's success breakfast.
Councilmembers Hibbard and Hamilton invited residents to attend the Illuminated
Holiday Parade on December 10, 2004, and the Island Estates Boat Parade on December 11,
2004.
Councilmember Hibbard attended the ribbon cutting for the new Curves on Belcher
Road.
Councilmember Petersen helped judge Wednesday's cookie bake off at the Farmers
Market in front of City Hall. She congratulated the winners and invited residents to the Farmers
Market on Wednesdays, through April.
Councilmember Jonson hoped sound level standards would be enforced at Sunday's
concert, recommended attendance at a program for elected municipal officials, reviewed issues
discussed at the recent FLC (Florida League of Cities) legislative conference, and thanked
those serving overseas in the armed forces.
.
Councilmember Hamilton hoped all had a good Thanksgiving, reported tickets are
available for the holiday production and concert at Calvary Baptist Church, and recognized the
Mayor for his accomplishments.
Mavor Aunast said the Turkey Trot was a successful event.
17. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
Attest:
~
(;.,d;L. City C rk
.
Counci/2004-12-02
13