12/04/2006
Special City Council Meeting Minutes
City of Clearwater
December 4, 2006
Present: Frank Hibbard Mayor
Carlen Petersen Vice-Mayor
William C. Jonson Councilmember
John Doran Councilmember
Also present: William B. Horne II City Manager
Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager
Rod Irwin Assistant City Manager
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
Appointment of Interim Councilmember
Due to the resignation of Councilmember Hoyt Hamilton, the Council needs to
appoint an interim councilmember to serve until someone is elected March 13, 2007, to
fill the one-year remaining in Councilmember Hamilton’s term.
Discussion ensued regarding the individuals who submitted their names for
consideration of appointment to the interim seat. Councilmembers thanked all who had
applied and noted the difficulty of appointing one person, as all are qualified. The field of
candidates was narrowed to Alex Plisko, J. B. Johnson, Bob Clark and Frank Dame.
Concern was expressed regarding J. B. Johnson’s record on the Community
Development Board.
Councilmember Doran moved to appoint J. B. Johnson as Interim
Councilmember. The motion was duly seconded and upon the vote being taken,
Councilmembers Doran and Petersen and Mayor Hibbard voted “Aye”; Councilmember
Motion carried.
Jonson voted “Nay.”
Final direction to the Budget Task Force
The City Manager requested Council direction regarding 1) Council interaction
with the Task Force, 2) whether a budget should be established for the Task Force and
3) allowing dissenting views or minority reports in the final report.
Discussion ensued. Consensus was 1) Councilmembers will take a “hands off”
approach to the Task Force and not attend any meetings other than the first, 2) a budget
is not needed but if something arises it will be considered and 3) consensus will be
strongly encouraged but dissenting views will be allowed.
Special Council Meeting - 1 - 12/04/2006
County Charter Review Litiaation
Discussion ensued regarding whether to continue the litigation regarding the
County Charter amendments now that the voters have spoken. It was noted citizens
have expressed their desire the litigation be ended. Concern was raised regarding the
phrase "paramount public purpose" and how that language can be clarified. Concerns
were also expressed that the County is asking the Cities to drop their suit prior to the
County dropping its. In response to questions, the City Attorney stated the language in
the sections that were passed by the voters can not be changed without going back to
referendum but a letter of agreement clarifying the meaning of "paramount public
purpose" could be entered into with the County. She noted the need to see what
happens with the counterclaim prior to a decision being made regarding Clearwater
pulling out of the lawsuit.
The meeting adjourned at 4:56 p.m.
::j~ / ~
'Mafor
City of Clearwater
Attest:
Special Council Meeting
- 2-
12/04/2006