07/17/2014 City Council Meeting Minutes July 17, 2014
City of Clearwater
City Hall
112 S. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756
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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, July 17, 2014
6:00 PM
Council Chambers
City Council
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes July 17, 2014
Roll Call
Present: 5 - Mayor George N. Cretekos, Vice Mayor Doreen Hock-DiPolito,
Councilmember Bill Jonson, Councilmember Hoyt Hamilton and
Councilmember Jay E. Polglaze
Also Present: William B. Horne II - City Manager, Jill S. Silverboard -Assistant City Manager,
Pamela K. Akin - City Attorney, Rosemarie Call - City Clerk, Nicole
Sprague - Official Records and Legislative Services Coordinator
To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
1. Call to Order— Mayor Cretekos
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.
2. Invocation - Father Jacob Monteleone from Light of Christ Catholic Church
3. Pledge of Allegiance - Vice Mayor Hock-DiPolito
4. Special recognitions and awards (Proclamations, service awards, or other
special recognitions) — Given.
4.1 Florida League of Cities Home Rule Hero Award: Councilmember Bill Jonson - Kathy
Till, FLC Advocacy Program Coordinator
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the minutes of the June 19, 2014 City Council Meeting as submitted in
written summation by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve the minutes of the
June 19, 2014 City Council Meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
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City Council Meeting Minutes July 17, 2014
6. Citizens to be heard re items not on the agenda
Margaret Mann requested Council to keep the Countryside Library in its
current location as it is easily accessible, the new location will disturb the
ecosystem of the park, and green space would be sacrificed.
Spencer Cook requested expanding the operating calendar for all city
community pools, to include Saturdays and Sundays, from the start of
school through the end of September.
Joseph Corvino requested Council hold town hall meetings to establish
dialogue with citizens regarding the new Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Kathy Piscitelli urged Council to pursue an ordinance allowing backyard
chickens.
Tom Nocera said there is a downward trend in captive dolphin shows
and the future trend will be natural museums that use sea pens for
captive dolphins.
Julie Thompson requested the proposed budget include funds for the
East Gateway District improvements, such as completing the
streetscape improvements.
7. Consent Agenda — Approved as submitted less Item 7.8 and 7.11.
7.1 Approve a maintenance contract with Aptean, Inc., 1155 Perimeter Center West,
Atlanta, GA 30338, for the period of July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2019 for software
maintenance at a cost not to exceed $371,054 in accordance with Sec. 2.564 (1)(b),
Code of Ordinances, sole source, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same (consent)
7.2 Approve a Facility Encroachment Agreement with CSX Transportation, Inc. for the
installation of an underground natural gas main in the CSX right-of-way and authorize
the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.3 Approve an Amendment to a Cooperative Funding Agreement with Southwest Florida
Water Management District (SWFWMD), increasing the grant by $1,000,000 to
$1,550,000 for Magnolia Drive Outfall Storm Drainage and Water Quality
Improvements, extend the contract expiration date to April 15, 2016 (12-0023-EN) and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
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7.4 Approve a Cooperative Funding Agreement agreement between Southwest Florida
Water Management District (SWFWMD) and the City of Clearwater for
implementation of the Jeffords Street Stormwater Improvements (N270) in the amount
of$200,000 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.5 Award a construction contract to Keystone Excavators, Inc., of Oldsmar, Fl, the 2014
Annual Stormwater Improvements Project (14-0004-EN) based on unit price only in an
amount not to exceed $1,144,319 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. (consent)
7.6 Award a contract (purchase order) to Fisher Scientific, Atlanta, Georgia, in an amount
not to exceed $575,126.21 for the purchase of self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA) repair parts and air bottles, purchase of thermal imaging cameras and parts,
personal protective equipment (PPE), and department operational supplies in
accordance with Sec. 2.564(b), Code of Ordinances - Sole source for City
standardized equipment, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
7.7 Approve the Third Amendment to the Contract for Purchase of Real Property by the
City of Clearwater for property located at 1140 Brownell Street; and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.8 Award a one-year contract to North Star Destination Strategies for a not to exceed
amount of$100,000 for community branding services and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
See Below.
7.9 Approve a Contract (Blanket Purchase Order) to Hose and Hydraulics, Inc. of
Clearwater, FL in the amount of$150,000 for the purchase of replacement hydraulic
parts and repairs for vehicles and equipment used by city departments during the
contract period August 1, 2014 through July 31, 2015, in accordance with Sec.
2.564(1)(d), Code of Ordinances, Pinellas County Contract 123-0379-Q and authorize
the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.10Appoint Edward T. O'Brien, Jr. to the Marine Advisory Board to fill the remainder of an
unexpired term until March 31, 2015.
7.11 Designate Councilmember Jonson to be the official voting delegate at the Florida
League of Cities' Annual Conference, August 14-16, 2014. (consent)
See Below.
Councilmember Jonson moved to approve the Consent Agenda,
less Items 7.8 and 7.11, and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried
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unanimously.
7.8 Award a one-year contract to North Star Destination Strategies for a not to exceed
amount of$100,000 for community branding services and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
As part of the 2014 Strategic Planning process, a need was identified to
Develop and Promote Our Brand. Completing this task involves retaining an
outside branding consultant to research and develop a new community identity.
Clearwater has not had a consistent brand image in the past ten years and is
now seeking to cross-functionally market Clearwater to drive business,
relocation, tourism and general perception. The City currently has a
fragmented perception and has different groups working in different directions.
The City seeks to work together to create a seamless image amongst these
organizations under one overall marketing plan. The final plan will also involve
coordinating with city-related groups including the Chambers of Commerce,
Economic Development, elected officials, staff and businesses.
The City's brand is what people say about Clearwater. That impression is a
combination of emotional and intellectual reactions to all the different
experiences, marketing communications and behaviors people have
encountered on behalf of Clearwater. Branding is the process the City will
embark upon to change, refine or improve what people say and think about
Clearwater.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in the strategic direction action plan project 99860 to fund
this project.
Vice Mayor Hock-DiPolito expressed concerns with North Star's work
product for Enterprise Florida and proposed cost. It was suggested that
local branding businesses should be considered.
Public Communications Director Joelle Castelli said she will seek a
response from North Star. Assistant City Manager Jill Silverboard said
the RFP selection committee considered local firms, none of which were
cheaper, and determined the local firms did not have experience in
community branding. North Star's contribution with Enterprise Florida was
strictly research.
Vice Mayor Hock-DiPolito moved to continue Item 7.8 to August 7,
2014. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
7.11 Designate Councilmember Jonson to be the official voting delegate at the Florida
League of Cities' Annual Conference, August 14-16, 2014. (consent)
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The Florida League of Cities' Annual Conference will be held at the Westin
Diplomat, Hollywood, Florida on August 14-16.
The League is asking each municipality to designate one official to be the
voting delegate at the Annual Business Session on Saturday, August 16 at
9:00 a.m. Election of League leadership and adoption of resolutions are
undertaken at the business meeting.
Mayor Cretekos expressed concern with unused travel money being
transferred to another councilmember, instead of being returned to the
general fund. Councilmembers who are appointed to represent the City
at the conference should not have to use personal funds. Mayor
Cretekos said he would provide his unused travel, this year only, to the
Councilmember appointed as the City's voting delegate.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve Item 7.11. The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 PM
8. Administrative Public Hearings
8.1 Approve the City of Clearwater's Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Consolidated Annual Action
Plan, to carry forward the goals and objectives set forth in the Fiscal Year 2011-2016
Five-Year Consolidated Plan, as required by HUD, and authorize the City to enter into
agreements with organizations contained in the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Consolidated
Annual Action Plan.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires
communities that receive entitlement Community Development Block Grant
Program (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME)
funding to prepare a comprehensive five-year consolidated planning document
that evaluates the needs of the community and sets forth strategies to address
those needs. The Fiscal Year 2011-2016 Consolidated Annual Action Plan is
mainly a continuation of our prior Consolidated Plan and was completed in
2011.
In addition, the City is required to create and implement an annual action plan
identifying the sources and uses of federal money for housing, community and
economic development. This annual plan, referred to as a Consolidated Annual
Action Plan, provides HUD with the City's housing, community and economic
development budget and proposed expenditures based on the entitlement
funds and estimated program income that the City will receive in the upcoming
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fiscal year to meet the goals established in the Five-Year Plan.
In Fiscal Year 2014-2015, the City is estimated to receive federal funds in the
amount of$726,298 through the Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) and $299,956 through the HOME Investment Partnership Program
(HOME). The City is also estimated to receive $499,545 through the State of
Florida State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program. The total Fiscal Year
2014-2015 entitlement allocation budget is $1,525,799. Funds provided
through the HOME Program are limited to housing-related activities and
administration. Funds provided through the CDBG Program may be used for
housing, community and economic development, public services and facilities,
acquisition, relocation, demolition and administration. Additional funding for the
Fiscal Year 2014-2015 budget will come from estimated program income funds
and unprogrammed prior year CDBG, HOME, Neighborhood Stabilization
Program, SHIP and Pinellas County Housing Trust funds (loan repayments,
loan payoffs, recaptured funds, etc) estimated at$219,448. Other funds may
include those leveraged from private sector investments. Total budget for
Fiscal Year 2014-2015 is $1,745,247.
The City partners with several non-profit agencies to implement the goals and
objectives the City had established in the Consolidated Planning Document. To
obtain these partners, the City annually publishes a Notice of Funding
Availability (NOFA) in the local newspaper and on its website. This notice
informs the non-profits of the resources the City will make available and the
eligible uses of these resources. It also informs them of the application period
for requesting funds. This year the applications were due in April and the City
received a total of 18 applications for funding requests.
A Technical Review Committee (TRC), comprised of professionals in the
social service and grants community and two members of the City's
Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board (NAHAB), reviewed the
applications, scored them and set forth a strategy to maximize the number of
applicants that will receive a portion of allocated funds. Applicants were given
an opportunity to present at the monthly NAHAB meeting regarding their
programs. City staff also reviewed each application to ensure it met HUD's
baseline requirements. The NAHAB met on May 13, 2014 to approve the
recommended allocations contained in the Fiscal Year 2014-2015
Consolidated Annual Action Plan. In addition, the NAHAB reviewed the Action
Plan on June 24, 2014 and recommended approval.
Each year, the City may allocate up to 15% of its CDBG allocation for Public
Services organizations. The City may also provide funds for operating
expenses to subrecipients who qualify as a Community Based Development
Organization. While the City's Housing Division received requests for Public
Services funding in the amount of$266,970, we were only able to allocate
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$134,988 to ten organizations. The NAHAB has endorsed a sliding scale
funding system for Public Services applicants that allows the top two scorers to
receive 60% of their request, the second two receive 50% of their request, and
others receive 40% of their request until all of the allowable funds are
allocated. The maximum allocation per agency's request is $18,000. This
method allows a majority of the Public Services applicants to receive funding.
All organizations that will be receiving an allocation will have agreements
prepared and executed by October 1, 2014. Staff monitors these
organizations for compliance on a yearly basis. In addition, $150,000 was
allocated to Public Facilities, which will go towards renovations of the following
facilities: RCS Grace House, Kimberly Home, and Directions for Living.
The City's Housing Pool will target funding efforts for Housing Activities in the
Rehabilitation, Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Programs. The
amount available this year is $1,038,113 for the following organizations:
Habitat for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity CHDO, Tampa Bay CDC, and
Largo Area Housing Development Corp.
The Consolidated Annual Action Plan is due to HUD on August 15, 2014.
Councilmember Polglaze moved to approve the City of Clearwater's
Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Consolidated Annual Action Plan, to carry
forward the goals and objectives set forth in the Fiscal Year
2011-2016 Five-Year Consolidated Plan, as required by HUD, and
authorize the City to enter into agreements with organizations
contained in the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Consolidated Annual Action
Plan. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
8.2 Approve a Community Housing Development Organization Agreement with Bright
Community Trust, Inc. to acquire, rehabilitate and resell three affordable housing units
in the amount of$295,405; certify the agency as a City of Clearwater Community
Housing Development Organization, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same.
A Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) is a private,
non-profit, community-based service organization whose primary purpose is to
provide and develop decent, affordable housing for the community it serves. To
assist in achieving these purposes, the City of Clearwater, under the HOME
Investment Partnership (HOME) Program, must reserve not less than 15% of
their HOME allocations for investment in housing to be developed, sponsored,
or owned by a CHDO.
Bright Community Trust, Inc. (formally Pinellas Community Housing
Foundation) was formed in May 2008 as a Florida not-for-profit organization
established to increase and preserve long-term affordable housing for low and
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very-low income persons and provide education to individuals. The Pinellas
County Board of County Commissioners authorized the creation of Bright
Community Trust, Inc (BCTFL) and authorized the Housing Finance Agency to
utilize land trusts as a vehicle to facilitate affordable housing in Pinellas
County.
Community land trusts are community-based nonprofits created to ensure
long-term housing availability and affordability. Based on the idea of Perpetual
Affordability, community land trusts become the stewards of land and maintain
it permanently beginning with a ninety-nine year renewable-ground lease. New
homeowners only own their home and sign a long-term lease of the land their
home sits on. This ensures the affordability of the home because the
homebuyer only obtains a mortgage on the structure. When the home is sold,
the owner earns a portion of the increased property value, having agreed to
invest the remainder in maintaining the trust and `paying it forward'. This allows
for the sale of the home to the next family at an affordable price.
On May 20, 2014, BCTFL applied for a designation as one of the City's eligible
CHDOs.
On June 6, 2014, a Notice of Funding Availability was placed in the local
newspaper for applicants to apply for funding as a CHDO. BCTFL was the only
applicant. Their proposed project is to acquire, rehabilitate, and resell three
affordable housing units to low to moderate-income families.
On June 27, 2014, the City's Economic Development and Housing Department
Staff determined that BCTFL met the program requirements to become a
CHDO and recommended that they be certified as one. The Neighborhood and
Affordable Housing Advisory Board also recommended that BCTFL be certified
as a CHDO and approved the proposed project.
The funds will be provided through the remaining balance in Fiscal Years 2011,
2012 and 2013 HOME Program CHDO set-aside allocations of$10,107.32,
$45,301.65, and $43,513.65 respectively. The balance of the funds will be
derived from HOME Program Income ($122,631.63) and the Pinellas County
Housing Trust Fund ($73,851.25) totaling $295,405. Additional funds may be
provided to the agency under the program format established in the City's
Housing Pool Program.
The CHDO agreement is effective from July 17, 2014 through September 30,
2015. When the CHDO agreement expires, BCTFL must reapply to become
recertified as a CHDO.
The anticipated timeline for the project includes acquiring property by August
2014, starting the renovations by September 2014 and completing the
renovations by November 2014. The agency anticipates that the units will be
resold to a qualified low to moderate-income family by December 2014.
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Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve a Community Housing
Development Organization Agreement with Bright Community
Trust, Inc. to acquire, rehabilitate and resell three affordable
housing units in the amount of $295,405; certify the agency as a
City of Clearwater Community Housing Development Organization,
and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
8.3 Amend Section 3-1508 of the Community Development Code of the City of Clearwater
to clarify prohibited noises and pass Ordinance 8570-14 on first reading.
The proposed amendments are intended to more clearly capture within the
types of prohibited noise those rumbling or reverberating rhythmic bass type
sounds that many residents frequently hear while traveling by motor vehicle
throughout the city or within their residences.
Additionally, because the courts have held that amplified music is a form of
communication and expression protected by the First Amendment, the
proposed amendments will fortify the noise ordinance against constitutional
attack. For example, the Florida Supreme Court held that the State of Florida's
noise statute prohibiting sounds heard 25 feet or more and coming from motor
vehicles was unconstitutional because those engaged in political or commercial
activities while using a sound truck, for example, were exempted from the
noise statute.
Similarly, the preferential treatment afforded to noise coming from religious
worship activities regardless of how disturbing the noises are to reasonable
persons of ordinary sensibilities could subject the ordinance to an attack under
the Equal Protection Clause of the Federal and State Constitutions. For
example, currently, the exception would arguably allow a church to ring bells at
2:00 a.m.; and police could not take any action because of the exemption
contained in the ordinance.
The exemption is unnecessary because a police officer will always be making a
determination if a sound is so loud as to be disturbing to reasonable persons of
ordinary sensibilities. Thus, it is difficult to conceive of a situation where a
church was engaged in routine worship activities that would ever meet the
threshold of becoming a noise violation: that is, that a reasonable person of
ordinary sensibilities would find the activity to be disturbing. Moreover, the
intent clause added to Section 3-1508A clearly states that "[i]t is the intent of
this section to regulate unreasonably excessive noise and not to interfere with
or unduly burden the exercise of a person's freedom of speech, expression, or
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religion."
The proposed amendments will go before the Community Development Board
on Tuesday, July 15. Staff will report action taken by CDB at the July 17
council meeting.
Councilmember Jonson moved to amend Section 3-1508 of the
Community Development Code of the City of Clearwater to clarify
prohibited noises. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Ordinance 8570-14 was presented and read by title only. Vice
Mayor Hock-DiPolito moved to pass Ordinance 8570-14 on first
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the
vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hock-DiPolito, Councilmember
Jonson, Councilmember Hamilton and Councilmember Polglaze
9. Second Readings - Public Hearing
9.1 Adopt Ordinance 8567-14 on second reading, annexing certain real property whose
post office address is 1234 Palm Street, Clearwater, Florida 33755, into the corporate
limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said addition.
Ordinance 8567-14 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Polglaze moved to adopt Ordinance 8567-14 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and
upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hock-DiPolito, Councilmember
Jonson, Councilmember Hamilton and Councilmember Polglaze
9.2 Adopt Ordinance 8568-14 on second reading, amending the future land use map
element of the Comprehensive Plan of the city to designate the land use for certain
real property whose post office address is 1234 Palm Street, Clearwater, Florida
33755, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Residential Urban (RU).
Ordinance 8568-14 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 8568-14 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and
upon roll call, the vote was:
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Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hock-DiPolito, Councilmember
Jonson, Councilmember Hamilton and Councilmember Polglaze
9.3 Adopt Ordinance 8569-14 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of the city
by zoning certain real property whose post office address is 1234 Palm Street,
Clearwater, Florida 33755, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Low
Medium Density Residential (LMDR).
Ordinance 8569-14 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Jonson moved to adopt Ordinance 8569-14 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and
upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hock-DiPolito, Councilmember
Jonson, Councilmember Hamilton and Councilmember Polglaze
9.4 Adopt Ordinance 8571-14 on second reading, amending the Operating Budget for the
Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2014, to reflect increases and decreases in
revenues and expenditures for the General Fund, Special Development Fund, Special
Program Fund, Stormwater Fund, Solid Waste Fund, Recycling Fund, Gas Fund,
Marine Fund, Airpark Fund, General Services Fund, and Garage Fund.
Ordinance 8571-14 was presented and read by title only. Vice
Mayor Hock-DiPolito moved to adopt Ordinance 8571-14 on second
and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll
call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hock-DiPolito, Councilmember
Jonson, Councilmember Hamilton and Councilmember Polglaze
9.5 Adopt Ordinance 8572-14 on second reading, amending the Capital Improvement
Budget for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2014, to reflect a net increase of
$2,723,088.
Ordinance 8572-14 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Polglaze moved to adopt Ordinance 8572-14 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and
upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hock-DiPolito, Councilmember
Jonson, Councilmember Hamilton and Councilmember Polglaze
10. Presentations (by government agencies or groups providing formal updates
to Council) — Given.
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10.1 Pinellas Planning Council (PPC) Countywide Update Local Government Review
Package - Linda Fisher, PPC Principal Planner
Ms. Fisher provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the PPC's efforts to
updating the countywide plan. The PPC has asked the City to review the
information and provide comments by the end of August.
In response to questions, Ms. Fisher said the PPC does not want to see new
Residential High redevelopments throughout the county. The PPC wants to
direct new growth to the centers and corridors where they can be served by
transit. City staff has identified a number of Residential High parcels along
Gulf to Bay Boulevard. Ms. Fisher said as long as the City maintains the
designation, those Residential High parcels may continue, even if the
buildings are demolished and rebuilt. If a parcel is adjacent to a residential
area and less than three acres, it is likely to be included in the Neighborhood
category. The countywide plan update proposes lower densities in the coastal
high hazard areas.
11. City Manager Reports
11.1 Adopt a tentative millage rate of 5.1550 mills for fiscal year 2014/15 and set public
hearing dates on the budget for September 4, 2014 and September 18, 2014, to be
held no earlier than 6:00 p.m.
In accordance with the Truth in Millage (TRIM) process, the City Council must
adopt a tentative millage rate and set public hearing dates prior to finalizing
and adopting a budget. This information must be provided to the Pinellas
County Property Appraiser and Tax Collector by August 4, 2014. The City's
proposed millage rate and public hearing dates will be included on the TRIM
notices mailed to taxpayers in August. This tentative rate cannot be increased
without first-class mailing notification to each taxpayer at the expense of the
City of Clearwater, not less than 10 days and not more than 15 days before the
public hearing.
The City Manager's recommended millage rate is 5.1550 mills. The rate is
8.09% more than the rolled back rate of 4.7693 mills. The rolled-back rate is
the millage rate that will provide the City with the same property tax revenue as
was levied in the prior year. If the proposed millage rate of 5.1550 mills is
adopted, the City's ordinance adopting the millage rate will reflect an 8.09%
increase from the rolled-back rate of 4.7693 mills.
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The Preliminary Budget is based upon the preliminary property values provided
by the Pinellas County Property Appraiser on May 28, 2014. These property
values reflected a 5.3% increase from $7.737 billion to $8.145 billion.
Updated property values were provided from the Appraiser on July 1, 2014.
The updated values reflect a greater increase of 6.45%, from $7.737 billion to
$8.237 billion. This will provide approximately $390,390 in net additional
General Fund revenues for fiscal year 2014/15 that are not reflected in the
proposed budget. These revenues could be allocated by the City Council for
other issues not addressed in the proposed budget, or they will be allocated to
General Fund reserves.
The proposed millage rate as well as other TRIM millage rates will be noted on
the 2014 compliance forms as follows:
5.1550 mills - Tentative millage rate
4.7693 mills - Rolled-back millage rate
7.4079 mills - Maximum majority vote rate
8.1487 mills - Maximum two-thirds vote rate
Councilmember Jonson moved to adopt a tentative millage rate of
5.1550 mills for fiscal year 2014/15 and set public hearing dates on
the budget for September 4, 2014 and September 18, 2014, to be
held no earlier than 6:00 p.m. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
11.2 Approve and accept an Interlocal Agreement/Franchise with the City of Tarpon
Springs in order to provide natural gas service to the citizens of Tarpon Springs and
adopt Resolution 14-09.
On July 2, 2014, the City of Tarpon Springs Commission approved the
Interlocal Agreement with the City of Clearwater, which provides a franchise for
the Clearwater Gas System to provide natural gas service in Tarpon Springs.
The Clearwater Gas System has provided service within the City of Tarpon
Springs for the past 30 years under a prior franchise agreement.
The Interlocal Agreement provides the City of Clearwater an additional 15 year
non-exclusive right to continue to construct, operate and maintain all facilities
necessary to supply natural gas to the City of Tarpon Springs. The agreement
also provides for renewal options, which may extend this agreement for up to
30 years.
The Interlocal Agreement provides for a 6% franchise fee to be paid by the
consumers of natural gas within the City of Tarpon Springs. The prior
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City Council Meeting Minutes July 17, 2014
franchise fee was 5%.
Vice Mayor Hock-DiPolito moved to approve and accept an
Interlocal Agreement/Franchise with the City of Tarpon Springs in
order to provide natural gas service to the citizens of Tarpon
Springs. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Resolution 14-09 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Polglaze moved to adopt Resolution 14-09. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hock-DiPolito, Councilmember
Jonson, Councilmember Hamilton and Councilmember Polglaze
11.3 Authorize the adoption of Supplemental Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) Number
3 between the City of Clearwater and the State of Florida Department of
Transportation (FDOT) amending contract AQJ28 to expand the scope of work,
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same, and adopt Resolution 14-24.
FDOT Supplemental JPA Number 3 expands the scope of work to include the
acquisition of a storage shed for maintenance equipment, a new airport
entrance sign, a scissor lift for the maintenance of the ceilings inside the
hangars, a scrubber for hangar floor maintenance and a new sign for the
exterior of the FBO building at the Clearwater Airpark at no additional cost to
either party.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to authorize the adoption of
Supplemental Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) Number 3 between
the City of Clearwater and the State of Florida Department of
Transportation (FDOT) amending contract AQJ28 to expand the scope
of work, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Resolution 14-24 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Jonson moved to adopt Resolution 14-24. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hock-DiPolito, Councilmember
Jonson, Councilmember Hamilton and Councilmember Polglaze
11.4 Approve the Interlocal Agreement between the City of Clearwater, Florida and Pinellas
County, which will allow the County to provide television support services to the City
on an as-needed basis, authorize the appropriate officials to execute same, and adopt
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes July 17, 2014
Resolution 14-22.
The Public Communications Department has only two full-time employees
trained to operate the C-VIEW government access television station. From
time to time, employees are out of the office for vacation, sick, funeral leave
or other various reasons, and those times can conflict with the televised
meeting schedule. In order to keep meetings televised and C-VIEW TV
operational, staff has created an agreement with Pinellas County's
Department of Communications to have County staff trained in operating
Clearwater's television station and equipment. This is a more cost-effective
and reasonable option than hiring part-time employees or contractors.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in the Public Communication's budget to fund costs
associated with this agreement.
Vice Mayor Hock-DiPolito moved to approve the Interlocal
Agreement between the City of Clearwater, Florida and Pinellas
County, which will allow the County to provide television support
services to the City on an as-needed basis, authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
Resolution 14-22 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Polglaze moved to adopt Resolution 14-22. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hock-DiPolito, Councilmember
Jonson, Councilmember Hamilton and Councilmember Polglaze
12. City Manager Verbal Reports
12.1 Election Sign Education and Enforcement
The City Manager said the last election highlighted an issue of candidates not
conforming to the City's sign code regarding election sign placement. It was
commented that it is the responsibility of the candidate to be aware of local
sign codes. There was consensus to have the City Clerk provide the
Supervisor of Elections a letter to candidates with the City of Clearwater sign
code and to have code enforcement remove smaller signs in the
rights-of-way. The City will contact candidates to let them move larger signs
that are in or encroaching on the rights-of-way. The City will also contact
major political parties to inform them of the sign code.
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes July 17, 2014
12.2 2015 Trip to Nagano
Administrative Support Manager Felicia Leonard said Nagano officials
suggested the City visit in the last part of July or in October, which is when the
visit took place in 2009, or any other timeframe.
Discussion ensued with consensus for staff to suggest the following dates to
Nagano officials: 1) October 2-10, 2015, or 2) October 19-29, 2015.
Discussion ensued regarding creating a budgeted travel fund for the Nagano
trip which takes place every five years. There was consensus to transfer
unused annual council travel funds to the Nagano trip fund and to pay airfare
for the City Council, City Manager and the Cultural Affair Liaison.
Vice Mayor Hock-DiPolito moved to authorize the transfer of unused annual
travel funds to a Nagano trip fund and to pay the airfare for the City Council,
City Manager and the Cultural Affair Liaison. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
13. City Attorney Reports - None.
14. Other Council Action
14.1 Borrow unused travel budget to cover Florida League of Cities Annual Conference
Expenses - Councilmember Jonson
No action taken. See Item 7.11.
15. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes)
Vice Mayor Hock-DiPolito reported Representative Hooper and Florida
Department of Transportation (FDOT) gave an update on the intersection of
Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Belcher Road. during the last Metropolitan
Planning Organization (MPO) meeting. FDOT will be installing flashing
yellow turn signals at all four corners and updating the ADA
requirements. She also reported on her trip to Washington D.C. with the MPO
to discuss the TIGER grant funding for the Pinellas trail. She said the
Transportation Management Area (TMA), comprised of the Pinellas, Pasco
and Hillsborough MPO's, support Greenlight Pinellas.
Councilmember Jonson said the opening of the Courtney Campbell
Causeway Trail will coincide with the City's 100th Anniversary. The Citizens
for a Scenic Florida, who meet two times a year to advocate for state
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City of Clearwater
City Council
Meeting Minutes July 17, 2014
legislation, is meeting at the Sheraton Sand Key on Saturday, July 19 and
invited the Mayor to attend.
16. Closing Comments by Mayor
17. Adjourn
Mayor Cretekos reviewed recent and upcoming events, expressed
condolences to survivors of John Agliano, Sheraton Sand Key Assistant
General Manager, and encouraged citizens to participate in Clearwater's
Citizens Academy.
The meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
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City of Clearwater
Mayor
City of Clearwater
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