04/11/1995 - Town Meeting TOWN MEETING
April 11, 1995
The City Commission of the City of Clearwater met at the Countryside Library with the following members present:
Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner
Sue A. Berfield Commissioner
Michael Dallmann Commissioner-Elect
John B. Johnson Commissioner-Elect
Members Absent:
Fred A. Thomas Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
Also present:
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Garvey.
A video was shown overviewing projects in the City as a whole and in the Countryside neighborhood in particular.
Irving Hyman questioned action against Vision Cable for a breach of contract in that they are charging for basic service. The Mayor indicated the franchise is still under negotiation.
Mr. Hyman questioned why the franchise fees gross receipts taxes are on the utility bills received. The Mayor indicated this is because the utility companies want to let their customers
know the City of Clearwater is charging these costs.
Steve Askew questioned plans for reclaimed water. The City Manager indicated, to provide it City-wide would cost $65,000,000. She stated the City is currently serving wholesale users.
She stated, when a survey was done, the Countryside neighborhood was not interested because they have shallow wells. The Mayor indicated a bone of contention is the $40 per month charge
that had been calculated. Mr. Askew indicated Largo does not charge this much. The Mayor indicated Largo subsidizes its reclaimed water program.
Dr. David Berry expressed concerns regarding the dangers at the intersection of Northridge Drive and Curlew Road. He stated there have been many accidents at that location. He stated
he knew the intersection was under three jurisdictions and questioned if there had been any thought of a traffic light.
Smith Howard spoke concerning problems on roads. He referenced the railroad crossing at Belcher Road and Hercules Avenue; the Jeffords Street and Maywood Drive culvert system on the
outside of the road dropping six to eight inches, and the same problem on Druid Road between Arcturas and Willowbranch Avenues.
Norm Lupo indicated he was a Safety Harbor resident, but thought Clearwater was one of the finest cities in the County. He congratulated all the Commissioners. He thanked the Mayor
for her
response to a letter he wrote regarding Clearwater Beach parking. He suggested there be a compromise, doing away with the parking fee in areas 31 and 32. He did not feel beach people
would be tying up these parking areas. He stated, more importantly, for the average resident coming to the beach on a regular basis, there should be a reduced parking rate.
Pat McGiven stated she wrote to all City Commissioners on behalf of the Florida Orchestra. She stated the Mayor responded and thanked her for that response. She requested a line item
for the orchestra and other cultural items. The Mayor indicated there was such a line item which covered the Florida Orchestra, Ruth Eckerd Hall and others.
Joe Ball questioned why Commissioner Thomas was not in attendance.
Pat Furino complained regarding the stop sign installed at Landmark Drive in Eagle Estates. She stated it is causing havoc and she cannot get out of her development. She stated there
is a five to eight minute backup. The Mayor indicated the stop sign was installed on a temporary basis, to see if it would help other traffic problems.
Bill Appelt complained regarding the stop sign. He stated there are times when 27 cars are backed up at the stop sign. He thought it was inappropriate to have installed it due to one
person's complaint. Commissioner Berfield indicated, at the last town meeting, others had also complained regarding the speeding on Landmark Drive.
Winifred Nation expressed appreciation for the new sidewalks. However, she requested some effort to slow traffic down at the intersection, as people walking are in jeopardy.
Mike Young stated he had recently moved here from Indiana. He stated he was appalled at the number of people who run red lights.
The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.