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10/23/1990 - Town Meeting TOWN MEETING October 23, 1990 at 7:30 P.M. Morningside Recreation Complex Members Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner Richard Fitzgerald Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Lee Regulski Commissioner Absent: William Nunamaker Commissioner Sue Berfield Commissioner Also present: Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Jan Regulski indicated the League of Women Voters had provided a flyer regarding the November 6, 1990 election. She also invited people to attend an election forum at Pinellas Park High School at 7:30 p.m. October 24, 1990. Commissioner Fitzgerald reviewed the purpose of Amendment #3 on the November 6th ballot and encouraged those present to support it. Jerry Colombo complained regarding the additions being constructed onto his neighbor's house. He indicated these additions are being rented as apartments in violation of the single family zoning for the area. He also indicated a fence has been constructed at this property with the wrong side facing out. It was indicated this has been investigated previously but staff will be requested to look at it again. Kathy Flynn expressed concern regarding the length of time it is taking for a lot clearing violation to be corrected. It was indicated that staff is working on revisions to the code which should speed the process. John Jenkins reported overgrown weeds and debris at several locations: the corner of Greenwood and Ross Norton Park; along the railroad tracks at the Clearwater Cemetery and from Drew Street to Myrtle Avenue; Pennsylvania and the railroad tracks; and 1538 Scranton. He was particularly concerned regarding old tires and abandoned automobile gas tanks. John Kavanagh complained that he is still unable to get crime reports from the Old Clearwater Bay Association area. He also expressed concern regarding the four laning of N. Ft. Harrison being delayed due to the need to obtain some private property on a curve occupied by a car wash. It was requested information regarding this be obtained from Keith Crawford, Traffic Engineer. A concern was expressed that individuals who had been helping the Police Department prepare crime reports were no longer being allowed to do so. It was indicated some changes to the state statutes may be limiting the ability to produce some of the reports being requested. Mr. Kavanagh indicated he only wants the numbers of various types of crimes, not details regarding victims. Bill Jonson stated significant improvement has been made in the enforcement of sign codes. He requested the enforcement of the landscaping code be improved. He also requested consideration be given to requesting, in conjunction with the widening of Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., the power lines along that road be placed underground. It was indicated the Commission will be considering an ordinance that will cause sign code variances to come to the City Commission, and hopefully there will be no variances to the sign code for the next two years, which is the time remaining in the amortization period. Bill Zinzow expressed concern regarding how long it is taking to bring forward the "ticketing" ordinance. It was indicated it is on the Commission's November 1st agenda for receipt and referral. Mr. Zinzow indicated he agreed with the Mayor's evaluation of the City Manager. Bill Jonson expressed concern regarding union negotiations, and questioned if there were any discussions regarding employee efficiency in conjunction with these negotiations. The Commission indicated efficiency methods and reviews are ongoing efforts in the City. Mr. Jonson reported the construction sign for the Checkers Restaurant being built at the corner of Drew Street and N. Ft. Harrison is twice as large as it should be. He questioned if building inspectors could not be trained to recognize these types of violations so they could be noted during construction inspections. Mr. Jonson indicated he would like to see reports regarding the good things the City and its employees are doing in the newspapers. Mr. Kavanagh expressed his objection to the amount of police on the beach. Lois Cormier reported things are getting done in the South Greenwood area. She stated overgrown weeds are being mowed and, as a result, three fire hydrants were found. She reported she and Mr. Jenkins participate in patrolling the area at night; and when accumulations of debris are reported to the City by Mr. Jenkins, they are taken care of. Phoebe Moss complained regarding the condition of some of the streets in Morningside Subdivision, in particular Stewart Blvd. and Williams Drive. Commissioner Regulski expressed his reluctance to approve additional street resurfacing as long as the cost of asphalt remains high. John Jenkins requested safety precautions be taken at the site of berm construction at Ross Norton Park close to the pool. He indicated children have been seen playing on the mounds of broken concrete and dirt. The Mayor requested that any one interested in serving the City on an advisory board submit their name. She indicated volunteers are currently needed for the Beautification Committee. The meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.