02/26/2015 CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
FEBRUARY 26, 2015
Present: Brian J. Aungst, Jr. Chair
Bud Elias Vice Chair
Nino Accetta Committee Member
David E. Allbritton Committee Member
Jane D. Bongo Committee Member
Karen Graham Cunningham Committee Member
Dirk A. Curls Committee Member
Leann J. DuPont Committee Member (Arrived 5:55)
Rosemarie Kibitlewski Committee Member
David Loyd Committee Member
George Mantzaris Committee Member
William Sturtevant Committee Member
Absent: Konrad McCree, Jr. Committee Member
Also Present: Pamela Akin City Attorney
Rosemarie Call City Clerk
Nicole Sprague ORLS Coordinator
The meeting was called to order at 5:45 p.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
2. Approval of Minutes
2.1 Approve the minutes of the February 4, 2015 Charter Review Committee Meeting as
submitted in written summation by the City Clerk.
Committee Member Allbritton moved to approve the minutes as amended, of the
February 4, 2015 Charter Review Committee meeting. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously
3. New Business
3.1 Begin reviewing the City Charter
The City Attorney suggested the Committee review the Charter by section and identify
where speakers and presentations would be requested so staff can schedule the appropriate
Charter Review 2015-02-26 1
staff and presenters. She said Real Estate Services Coordinator Chuck Lane wanted to
address the committee as he has recommendations regarding restrictions on real property.
Chair Aungst said he asked Assistant City Manager Rod Irwin if he would present Urban
Land Institute (ULI) recommendations if there was Committee interest as there are items in the
report that would be appropriate for the Committee to consider, for example, the allowable uses
for the downtown marina.
In response to questions, the City Attorney reviewed different forms of government. The
Council- Manager form of government is common in Pinellas County and in this form the Council
role is primarily policy and the mayor is a ceremonial head of the City. The position of mayor
has no more authority than the rest of the council members. Clearwater has historically always
had the Council- Manager form. The City of St. Petersburg went to a Strong Mayor form of
government fifteen years ago. She said she will invite a speaker to discuss statistics and
trendlines.
It was suggested that former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker and former Clearwater
Mayor Frank Hibbard speak to the committee regarding their points of view on Strong Mayor
form of government.
The City Attorney suggested Marine and Aviation Director Bill Morris speak to the
Committee regarding Sec. 2.01(d)(4) as there is a reference to Dunedin Pass which does not
exist anymore and the section may not be relevant. In regards to Sec 2.01(5)(v), the City
Attorney said she will bring a map to the next meeting to show recreation open space. It was
commented that Sec 2.01(d)(8) had an expiration and if the City Council does not approve a
lease with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, this section would go away.
The City Clerk said she would obtain and provide a copy of the Model City Charter.
4. Citizens to be heard regarding items not on the agenda
Don Johnson said he was interested in the changes this Committee would be
recommending and protecting City parks was important.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
Attest:
Yi_ 44
City Clerk
Chair, Ch a er Remav ie
Committee
Charter Review 2015 -02 -26 2
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