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11/02/1998CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF CLEARWATER November 2, 1998 Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Ed Hooper Commissioner Karen Seel Commissioner Michael J. Roberto City Manager Richard L. Hedrick Deputy City Manager Bob Keller Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Rich Baier Public Works Administrator Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The meeting was called to order at 5:04 p.m. at City Hall. On March 6, 1997, the City Commission adopted Ordinance #6137-97, which established the requirement for a special public hearing regarding any funding change in a Penny for Pinellas project totaling $500,000 or more. It is estimated the City will receive $135,709,528 during the remaining 12-month period of Penny for Pinellas funding. Proposed changes to the project list: 1) add $2-million to the Beach Entranceway project - new total $10-million; 2) add new project, “Cleveland Street” for $500,000; and 3) increase debt costs by $1,844,870 to allow the immediate commencement of these projects in FY (fiscal year) 1998/99. There is an increase of funding allocated to specific projects of $4,344,870. This is accomplished by eliminating the contingency reserve of $5,057,502 and increasing the unallocated funds from $3,618,627 to $4,331,259. The Mayor announced consideration of the “Cleveland Street” project would be delayed. The City Manager said “One City. One Future.” envisions an integrated goal of separate pieces throughout Clearwater. The draft of the revised Land Development Code was released 60 days ago. The pilot median project on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard will be contracted within 60 days. Preliminary ideas to improve Cleveland Street and North Greenwood are scheduled for future City Commission discussion. Tonight, the beach is considered. Commuting time improvements are critical to redevelopment. Modeling data for the new Memorial Causeway Bridge indicate the Causeway’s intersection with Mandalay Avenue will cause major traffic backups. No problem with beach road capacity has been identified. The City Manager said beach investment is waiting for the delivery of a product. The tourist season limits when construction can occur with minimum disruption. ITEM #2 Presentation of Proposed Projects a) Gateway to Clearwater beach Charles Siemon, of Siemon, Larsen, said the beach gateway proposal is based on interviews with residents, beach businesses, and private sector developers, a refinement of planning documents, and the need to move traffic on and off the beach. Future development depends on an infrastructure that smoothes traffic flow. He said t-shaped intersections are unattractive and have proved inadequate. Under the proposal, visitors will feel a sense of arrival at the marina. A gateway of landmark quality that moves traffic smoothly will encourage visitors to return. He predicted the removal of blight will act as a catalyst for development of a world class destination. A power point presentation on the proposed gateway was reviewed including the arrival and distribution systems, the sense of arrival and place, and the roundabout at Mandalay Avenue. Intersection traffic now averages 40,000 daily, with 4,000 hourly during peak times. The roundabout would be attractive and function safely for vehicles and pedestrians. By planning around the tourist season, the project can be complete by late 1999 and provide a catalyst for beach redevelopment. The construction fund allocation for the project reflects a budget increase to $10-million. Mr. Siemon reviewed the advantages of the roundabout’s elliptical shape which will connect the Marina, Coronado, Mandalay, and Poinsettia. Signage, key to ease of use, will begin on the east side of the bridge. He said the improved sense of arrival will be enhanced by landscaping on the approach to the roundabout which will feature an attractive reflecting pond with sculpture. The proposal provides the opportunity to transform the beach’s modest entry to a memorable one. The beach needs support to take advantage of the current economic cycle. The project will not deter any redevelopment possibilities. In response to a question, he said after analysis of completed traffic studies, staff concluded the roundabout will function. The City Manager said after a great deal of review, it was decided the roundabout was the best option. Michael Wallway said the roundabout will minimize limitations related to traffic signals. Roundabouts carry more traffic than signaled intersections, have reduced crash incidents, and are easier for pedestrians to use. He reviewed similar successful projects in the Northeast. He said roundabouts differ greatly from traffic circles which are up to 300 feet up diameter and allow speeds between 30 and 50 mph. Smaller roundabouts are constructed to control traffic and limit speeds to between 12 and 23 mph. The FHA (Federal Highway Authority) plans to publish roundabout guidelines next year. He said signage will be simple and easy to comprehend. The roundabout will be well marked and carry more traffic than signals would permit. He estimated the wait for entry into the roundabout will reach 20 to 25 seconds during peak hours. Most benefits of the design will accrue off hours. The roundabout can be converted from 2 to 3 lanes if necessary. In response to a question, he estimated the roundabout’s capacity at 3,500 to 4,000 vehicles per hour, with most traffic moving slower than 22 mph. In response to a question, he said most roundabouts feature only landscaping in their centers. Mr. Wallway recommended against the center featuring anything that distracts drivers or encourages pedestrians to cross to the island. In response to a question, he said pedestrian crossing will be located 2 car lengths from the roundabout. Pedestrian circulation is being designed for visitors to access the marina and beach stores. Drivers will not have to contend with pedestrians. Public Works Administrator Rich Baier reviewed the proposed schedule, indicating current uses in the Memorial Civic Center will be relocated before the building and Beach Diner are razed. Demolition will be completed by March 1999, followed by construction, scheduled to miss the beach’s major tourist season. Completion and dedication of the improved arrival distribution system are scheduled for December 30, 1999. Mr. Baier referred to time consuming tasks related to surveying and utility relocation. The estimated cost of $6,679,270 includes construction costs, utilities and lighting, traffic maintenance during the project, landscaping, the center pool and artwork, and a 15% contingency. The pedestrian overpasses will cost an additional $2.5-million. He estimated with hardscaping for signage, receptacles, and benches, the total project will cost $9.1-million. In response to a question, he said the project will result in a net gain of 100 parking spaces. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said temporary parking spaces will not be paved. b) Cleveland Street Streetscape - Continued. c) Changes to Penny for Pinellas Project List In a slide presentation, Financial Services Administrator Margie Simmons reviewed the proposed financing for the project. Similar to a 10-year mortgage, the City will begin repaying the proposed $2.7-million line of debt in FY (fiscal year) 2000/01. The Penny for Pinellas budget includes $6-million for beach improvements and $960,000 for the Civic Center. Deputy City Manager Rick Hedrick said the City proposes to bond $6-million for repayment from future Penny for Pinellas income. The projects $10-million cost will be repaid over 11 years, beginning in FY 1998/99. Ms. Simmons said borrowing the additional $4-million and adding a year to the payback will result in a slower paydown of the principle. Staff will provide the City Commission with copies of the slides. It was suggested citizens have had ample time to study the proposal and express opinions. The City Manager said work on this location will have a significant impact on the entire area. He recommended the City allow the maximum time possible for construction and not delay the project. The proposed schedule provides the maximum number of days for completion. The meeting recessed from 6:27 to 6:43 p.m. In response to a question, the City Manager said money is budgeted for the walkovers which will provide an opportunity for pedestrians to congregate and enjoy the breathtaking vista. The architecture will be attractive. ITEM #3 - Public Input Thirteen residents spoke in support, stating the project will increase the tax base, develop the City’s best asset, attract more visitors and tourists, show commitment to developers, attract development capital and investment, improve traffic, provide a entryway showpiece, improve the East Shore and Poinsettia areas, and make a statement of quality. Twelve residents spoke in opposition, stating the project will detract from the community’s family character, confuse visitors and seniors, increase beach traffic and accidents, negatively affect north beach residents, be too expensive, not correct parking shortages, and it is being rushed without adequate study. Concern was expressed facilities such as the beach library, police substation, civic center, and swimming pool will not be replaced. It was noted the City has budgeted $2.8-million of Penny for Pinellas funds to replace the civic center in FY 2000/01. Current plans are to relocate the library to a storefront on Mandalay Avenue. The City Manager said the project’s cost will be affected by modifications related to the architectural features of the walkovers, to the color of sidewalks, etc. The upgrades affect quality of life issues and provide a great opportunity to stimulate growth. It was felt the issue has been “studied to death.” A parking garage and police substation are planned. The Commission will consider what is best for the City, Clearwater beach, tourism, and economic development. Residents were thanked for their input. ITEM #4 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.