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04/24/1990 - Town Meeting TOWN MEETING April 24, 1990 The City Commission of the City of Clearwater met at the Countryside Library with the following members present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner Richard Fitzgerald Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Lee Regulski Commissioner William Nunamaker Commissioner Sue Befield Commissioner Also present were: Ron H. Rabun City Manager Elizabeth Deptula Administrative Services Director Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. and the following issues were raised: The City Manager stated that the one of the purposes of tonight's meeting was to provide a very preliminary budget review to receive advance input from citizens and get a conceptual feel regarding what is important to the citizens in the budget for next year. He reviewed the City's revenue sources and the proposed budget. He requested input from the citizens. Mohamed Abdul-Rahim, representing the North Greenwood Association submitted a list of issues they would like to have addressed. (Said list is attached as Exhibit A to these minutes) He requested that the Greenwood Substation be made into a twenty four hour station in order to fight the drug problems. Bill Jonson complained that Code Enforcement seems to take too long. It was responded that there are due process requirments but the City Staff is coming forward with some proposals in order to streamline the enforcement process. John Cavanaugh, representing the Old Clearwater Bay Association stated they appreciate what is being done regarding Code Enforcement and police protection. He indicated that utility bills from St. Petersburg are accessing a stormwater utility and suggested that the City of Clearwater consider the same. He submitted a copy of the bill as an example. (attached as Exhibit B to these minutes) Lois Martin questioned how to figure tax assessment. She stated taxes have gone up as well as license plate fees and sales tax. The City Manager stated that the City of Clearwater's portion of the tax bill is 25 percent. The City does not get any funds from the tag sales but we did get a portion of the sales tax. Dick White, representing the Landmark Home Owners Association complained regarding speeding on Landmark Drive and requested additional police enforcement. John Jenkens questioned whether or not the City had the authority to ask Florida Power to cut limbs that are prohibiting street lights from getting through to the streets. The City Manager indicated he would be contacting Nick Karey of Florida Power if Mr. Jenkens would provide him with locations. Bill Schram questioned whether or not the City received any tax revenue from the Top of the World. It was indicated they are assessed a fire district charge but no Ad Valorem taxes. Tom Imerson complained regarding activities at the Chi Chi Roderiguez Golf Facility stating there are constantly balls and people in their yards and there needs to be additional landscaping. Bob Carpenter wanted to thank the police department for what they have done in the south end of Clearwater in helping to clean up the drug problems there. Lois Cormeir complained regarding consideration of closing the Ross Norton Pool. She stated that there are families that use this pool and that the Center Foundation should not be used in place of it. She also thanked Chief Klein and his men in the police department. Karl Myer spoke concerning the decrease in the growth in tax revenue and questioned what options the City has. The Mayor responded that ten additional police officers would require a increase of a .1 of a mil. It was indicated that we are limited by state laws in what we can use for revenue. It was indicated that the City has been dealing with this problem for the past two or three years and that attempts have been made to save money by decreasing the number of employees. Discussion ensued regarding the need to make decisions regarding whether or not to increase taxes or to reduce services. Input from the citizens was requested. Shirley Martin indicated a number of homeowners are concerned regarding the use of North Ridge Drive as a cut through. She stated stop signs have been installed but there has been no change in volume but some slowing of the traffic. She stated traffic engineering has indicated they will provide materials to close North Ridge Drive as a solution to this problem. John Cavanaugh stated he did not feel City of Clearwater employees should work for any less than an increase equivalent to the cost of living. He stated that the citizens still want more police and code enforcement. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.