02/26/2007
CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
February 26, 2007
Present: Frank Hibbard Mayor
Carlen Petersen Vice-Mayor
J.B. Johnson Councilmember
William C. Jonson Councilmember
John Doran Councilmember
Also present: William B. Horne II City Manager
Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager
Rod Irwin Assistant City Manager
Paul R. Hull Assistant City Attorney
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
Presentations
Swearing in of Police Officers
Eleven new police officers were sworn in.
United Way Award
The City was presented with the United Way Spirit of Tampa Bay award for its
commitment to strengthening the community.
The City Council recessed from 1:40 to 2:02 p.m. to meet as the CRA (Community
Redevelopment Agency).
Financial Services
Discuss options for the April 1, 2007, property insurance renewal. (WSO)
Some City property insurance policies are expiring after an 18-month term; others are
expiring after a 6-month term. The City’s entire property insurance program is scheduled for
renewal on April 1, 2007.
It is anticipated that the City will be unable to purchase its current level of insurance
coverage as many insurers are reluctant to write large volume policies or cannot provide
sufficient coverage. Even if available, it would be economically unfeasible for the City to
purchase previous levels of coverage due to high premiums.
Ms. Walton reviewed the status of the market, anticipated time frames for replacement
coverage, and options under consideration. In response to a question, Ms. Walton said
Council Work Session 2007-02-26 1
deductibles apply to each occurrence. A 5% deductible for all insured properties would cost
$500,000 per occurrence.
Discussion ensued. It was suggested that higher deductibles and other options be
reviewed.
Planning
Approve an amended Development Agreement for property located at 301 S. Gulfview Blvd.
(Hyatt) between Crystal Beach Capital, LLC (the property owner) and the City of Clearwater
(previously DVA 2004-00002 approved by City Council on December 2, 2004, and amended
under DVA2004-00002A, approved by City Council on January 19, 2006) to eliminate a
pedestrian overpass over South Gulfview Boulevard and adopt Resolution 07-10. (DVA2007-
00001).
The subject property is 1.56 acres located between South Gulfview Boulevard and
Coronado Drive at Third Street. On November 16, 2004, the Community Development Board
approved a Flexible Development application (FLD2004-07052) to amend a previously
approved FL 01-01-01 (CDB approved on February 20, 2001) to permit an additional 24
overnight accommodation units from the density pool (in addition to the previously approved 250
overnight accommodation units) as a mixed use, with a maximum of 70,000 square feet of
amenities accessory to the hotel and a minimum of 400 public parking spaces, as a
Comprehensive Infill Redevelopment Project, under the provisions of Section 2-803.C. That
development proposal included a hotel of 250 rooms (153.37 rooms/acre on total site), 18
attached dwellings (11.04 units/acre on total site) and a maximum of 70,000 square feet (0.98
FAR on total site) of amenities accessory to the hotel, at a height of 150 feet (to roof deck).
A Development Order was issued January 25, 2007, approving a Minor Revision to the
previously approved project for the following: 1) Loading and trash collection access has been
relocated Second Street; 2) The internal helix has been replaced with a speed
ramp to gain access from the ground floor to Parking Level 3; 3) The parking garage cashier
booths have been relocated to Parking Level 3; 4) Driveways on the west side of the building on
South Gulfview Boulevard have been removed; 5) Monumental stairs have been provided on
the west side allowing access from the ground floor to the Hotel Level 2; 6) The east, north and
south elevations of the building have been modified replacing the "solid" walls of the parking
levels with decorative railings, arches and columns to more closely match that of the habitable
floors of the hotel; 7) Vertical elements of the hotel towers on the north and south elevations
have been modified to improve views and to coordinate with the parking levels; and 8) The roof
profile has been modified to reduce the size of the mansard roof portions.
The submitted Development Agreement proposes to amend the previously approved
Development Agreement to eliminate a pedestrian overpass over South Gulfview Boulevard. It
is believed that the pedestrian bridge is unnecessary and that alternative access from ground-
floor elevators to the parking garage will provide beachgoers a safe, at-grade access between
the public parking in the garage and the beach. The crosswalk proposed will be similar to other
crosswalks proposed along South Gulfview Boulevard as part of the Beach Walk project. The
pedestrian bridge presents construction concerns, especially seaward of the Coastal
Construction Control Line within a velocity flood zone and also presents long-term maintenance
Council Work Session 2007-02-26 2
issues. Additionally, the pedestrian bridge present aesthetic concerns relative to the Beach
Walk.
The proposed Development Agreement replaces the floor plans and elevations in the
recorded Development Agreement with new floor plans and elevations, based on the Minor
Revisions approved in January 2007 and by eliminating the pedestrian overpass. The proposed
Development Agreement provides for a concession facility in lieu of that previously provided in
the pedestrian bridge landing, operating the same as previously agreed upon and with a similar
size of facility (1,200 square feet maximum). The proposal is in compliance with the standards
for development agreements, is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and furthers the vision
of beach redevelopment set forth in Beach by Design.
The Community Development Board reviewed this proposed amendment to the
development agreement at its regularly scheduled meeting on February 20, 2007 and
recommended approval.
Concerns were expressed regarding the size and the ability to permit to concession
stand. It was noted that had the pedestrian been constructed the City would be responsible for
that cost. The developer will pay for the concession building but the City will own it. Staff will
confirm that this will have no impact on the existing settlement agreement.
Official Records and Legislative Services
Appoint one member to the Marine Advisory Board with the term expiring on March 31, 2011.
Consensus was to appoint Tom Calhoun.
City Manager Verbal Reports
Fire Fee Amendment
Fire Chief Jamie Geer said an ordinance amending the fire fee schedule will be brought
forward to correct the transposition of numbers.
Beach Walk Update
Engineering Director Mike Quillen reviewed progress on the Beach Walk project and
plans to address traffic congestion during Spring Break. It was stated that the two temporary
parking lots will be manned by two parking attendants during Spring Break and that the lots will
provide 163 additional parking spaces. Discussion ensued regarding various ingress/egress
options. Staff will implement the plan and adjust as warranted. Concern was expressed that
moving the transfer point to Fifth Street has put a burden on PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit
Authority).
Other Council Action
Councilmember Doran expressed concern that language contained in House Bill
791strikes PPC’s (Pinellas Planning Council) authority.
Council Work Session 2007-02-26 3
Councilmember Jonson requested a presentation to the City Council to clarify concerns
that proposed boat slips primarily will benefit Downtown condominium owners or project
contributors.
Finance Director Margie Simmons reviewed the blind boat slip assignment process. If
approved, the boat slips will be available for occupancy by early 2009.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m.
Council Work Session 2007-02-26 4