Loading...
10/22/1991 - Town Meeting TOWN MEETING October 22, 1991 The City Commission of the City of Clearwater met at the Morningside Recreation Center with the following members present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner Lee Regulski Commissioner William Nunamaker Commissioner Richard Fitzgerald Commissioner Absent: Sue Berfield Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Also present were: Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Sue Diana Assistant City Clerk The Mayor called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. and opened it for public input. Andrew Obergfell expressed concerns regarding the condition of properties along N. Ft. Harrison Avenue. He presented a collection of pictures of derelict buildings and stated he was concerned because the attitude of decay seems to be spreading. He also questioned the status of the removal of parking along N. Ft. Harrison Avenue. The Commission responded the City is close to striping Ft. Harrison Avenue for three lanes and the parking meters have been removed. In response to Mr. Obergfell's concern regarding the dilapidated buildings, it was indicated it is often difficult to get an owner to renovate or demolish these types of buildings however, code enforcement is working on this problem. Arlene Schrieber questioned when the streets in the Meadows Subdivision would be resurfaced. Commissioner Regulski responded the streets are scheduled for resurfacing every ten years and it has only been approximately six years since the Meadows streets were resurfaced. William Tompkins, former president of the Grovewood Homeowners Association, expressed concerns regarding the recycling center being an eyesore at the Morningside Recreation Center. The Commission stated improvements have been made with shrubbery being planted to screen the Center from the street. It was also indicated the Morningside Meadows area has responded very positively to the recycling efforts. Commissioner Regulski indicated he has seen recycling centers in other areas and has found the ones in Clearwater to be the least objectionable. Mr. Tompkins expressed concern regarding the Gas Division, stating pipes were installed in the subdivision, taking longer than had been expected, and once the job was finished, only three individuals signed up for gas. He questioned whether or not the cost for the City installing the lines was justified. Discussion ensued regarding this and it was stated some people who had indicated they would hook up to the gas system had backed out when they found the cost of hooking up the gas water heater is approximately $500.00. It was stated it was hoped that when a gas manager is hired, alot of positive things will happen in the gas division. It was requested the City Manager be asked to report to the Commission regarding this project. Kathryn Quinn stated she had to call the City at 7:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning regarding a water leak. She was very impressed with the way the crew responded within an hour and took care of the problem. She expressed concerns regarding downtown development and that the City should let "nature take its course" in downtown. Discussion ensued regarding the City's efforts in downtown redevelopment and it was indicated anyone developing in downtown will have to prove they are financially sound and have tenants to occupy the buildings they propose. It was stated the City is assembling land but has no plans to subsidize development with additional funding. It was stated housing would be an important component in downtown, hopefully to be placed in between what is now termed the East End Project (the current city hall annex site) and traditional downtown. Mr. Tompkins questioned the status of the Maas Brothers property and it was stated this is still pending. It was indicated the City has the funds for the purchase out of the Penny for Pinellas Fund and surplus in funds for land acquisition. The City will not be using any of the funds from its reserve for this purchase. It was stated the Maas Brothers Task Force will be considering options for the use of this land. A question was raised regarding a rumor that the library downtown would be moved. The Mayor indicated there has been some discussion regarding a new library location but this has not come to the Commission and anything that is stated now is merely rumor. A gentleman questioned which department controls signs as he was in the Card Carousel in the Imperial Shopping Center when a City inspector came in and stated banners in the window were illegal and had to come down while a large tent was in the parking lot for Pinch-a-Penny. It was indicated that banners such as described are illegal and the tent probably had a temporary permit. The Mayor indicated 1992 will be what she is terming "the Year of the Sign" as this will be the end of the amortization period. Discussion ensued regarding the Countywide Sign Ordinance. Commissioner Fitzgerald reviewed the history of this, indicating the County is now saying if cities that make up 2% or more of the County population do not adopt the ordinance, it will not go into effect. The Mayor's Council and the municipalities are urging the county to adopt the ordinance for implementation in the unincorporated areas. He stated the City of Clearwater sign ordinance is generally more restrictive than the county ordinance. The Mayor indicated the Commission would appreciate citizens support in regard to the sign code. A question was asked as to why the City did not annex the enclaves. It was indicated the City has attempted to get legislation in the past that would allow this. Commissioner Regulski suggested that rather than the County Commission looking for consolidation of services, it should look at consolidating parts of the County into Cities as being the most efficient way to reduce taxes. Mrs. Schrieber indicated she appreciated being able to call the police and their responding. Lieutenant David Hardman, East District Commander, was introduced. William Zinzow indicated he doesn't always mean to make complaints to the Commission and he looked favorably on the Commission. Stephen Saliga, a member of the Maas Brothers Task Force, indicated he was there to receive any input that people might want to give him regarding the task force. He stated the task force has been mandated to be sure that citizens know what is going on regarding the task force meetings. The Mayor indicated the intent is to get as much input and information as possible and the Commission will make the final decision. Mr. Tompkins said he echoed Mr. Zinzow's comments regarding the Commission and he feels they do an honest job. The meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.