08/02/2001
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CITY COMMISSION MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 2, 2001
Present:
Brian J. Aungst
Ed Hart
Whitney Gray
Hoyt P. Hamilton
William C. Jonson
Mayor/Commissioner
Vice-M ayor /Com m issi oner
Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
Also present: William B. Horne II
Garry Brumback
Pamela K. Akin
Cynthia E. Goudeau
Brenda Moses
Interim City Manager
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
Board Reporter
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The invocation
was offered by Demetrios IIiou of Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity. The Mayor
led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Interim City Manager announced that Ralph Stone has been appointed as
Assistant City Manager for Economic Development and Cyndi Tarapani as Planning
Director.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
ITEM #3 - Service Awards - None.
ITEM #4 - Introductions and Awards
a) Proclamation: KIDSDA Y - 8/5/01
b) Proclamation: Clearwater Firefighters Appreciation Week - 8/6-1 % 1
ITEM #5 - Presentations
a) Legislative Report - Representative Leslie Waters
Representative Leslie Waters said the House Insurance Committee addressed some
Workers' Compensation issues. A bill that streamlines the process for injured workers and
their attorneys, an anti-fraud insurance bill that would close a loophole that was in
existence for 30 years, and an election reform bill were passed. The Committee also is
involved in nursing home issues. She said the main issue to be addressed in the near
future is the State Government Reorganization required due to voter approved changes to
the make-up of the cabinet. She made 4 announcements: 1) tax free days in Florida; 2) an
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elder symposium on August 9 at St. Petersburg College; 3) a pre-session on August 23,
2001, at Park Place Mall to obtain input and ideas for the upcoming session; and 4)
redistricting meeting on August 27 at 5:00 p.m. at the Long Center. The Mayor presented
Ms. Waters with a plaque in honor of her legislative efforts.
b) Legislative Report - Representative John Carassas
Representative John Carassas reviewed the Local Government and Economic
Development committees on which he serves. He reported 3 major issues addressed in the
2001 session were: 1) fully funding the Beach Renourishment Act; 2) addressing the
concerns regarding the realignment of the Coastal Construction Control Line in Pinellas; and
3) adding beach community representation on the Tourist Development Council. He
indicated redistricting will be a major issue in the 2002 session and encouraged attendance
at the August 27th Public Hearing.
ITEM #6 - Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Gray moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July
12, 2001, and the special meetings of July 10, 2001 and July 12, 2001, as recorded and
submitted in written summation by the City Clerk to each Commissioner. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #7 - Citizens to be heard re items not on the Aqenda
Charles Shank did not feel the City should fund the Jolley Trolley as there is
duplication of PST A services. He said that too many PST A buses passing his home daily is
an invasion of that residential area. He requested the City budget be put on the City's web
site.
Carl Wagenfohr was concerned about a lawsuit that challenges the City's ability to
govern. He suggested breaking off the relationship with the involved law firm until the
lawsuit is settled and employ an outside attorney.
Jack Alvord complimented the County and City Commission. He asked why there
was no agenda item on the possibility of a park on the Connolly property.
Mark Bunker expressed concern that the Concerned Businessmen of America is a
Scientology front group. He said the City's acknowledgment of a proclamation to the
group is a covert way for Scientology to get recognition.
Loren Westenberger said he worked with volunteers from the Church of Scientology
to plant trees in Clearwater and wanted to validate those volunteers for their contributions.
Early Sorenson thanked the City for their consideration of building an environmental
education park at the Connolly property.
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ITEM #8 - Public Hearino & First Readino Ord. #6823-01 - Vacating 10' drainage & utility
easement lying along south & east property lines of M&B 33.06, Sec. 19-29-16, a/k/a
1505 S. Belcher Rd. (Exxon Mobil Corp., V2001-14)(PW)
The applicant proposes to vacate the 10-foot drainage and utility easement to
redevelop the property with a new Walgreens store.
Florida Power, Time Warner, Verizon and Verizon Media Ventures, Inc., have no
objection to the vacation request. The City has no utilities in the subject easement. Public
Works Administration has no objections to the vacation request.
Commissioner Jonson moved to approve the applicant's request to vacate the 10
foot drainage and utility easement lying along the south and east property lines of metes
and Bounds Parcel 33-06, Section 19, Township 29 S., Range 16 E, (AKA 1505 South
Belcher Road). The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6823-01 for first reading and read it by
title only. Commissioner Gray moved to pass Ordinance #6823-01 on first reading. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes":
"Nays":
Hart, Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, and Aungst.
None.
ITEM #9 - Public Hearino - approve expenditure of portion of proceeds of Gadsden County
Industrial Development Authority's $12,020,000 Mortgage Revenue Bonds; Res. #01-30 -
approving Interlocal Agreement with Gadsden & Jefferson County (related to project with 3
nursing care facilities)(CA)
In 1988, the City adopted ordinance #4670-88 authorizing the execution of an
Interlocal Agreement with Gadsden County Industrial Development Authority to authorize
the Authority to issue bonds for the purchase of nursing facilities in Gadsden County,
Jefferson County, and Clearwater.
The 1988A Bonds and a smaller taxable bond series which has previously been
redeemed, financed among other things, the acquisition, renovation and equipping of a
nursing center known as Glen Oaks f/k/a Bruce Manor at 1100 Pine Street in Clearwater.
As part of that financing, the City entered into the Interlocal Agreement on September 21,
1988.
The nursing care industry, particularly in Florida, has been distressed, and the
1 988A Bonds are currently in default. The Trustee, the 1988A Bondholders and the
present ultimate borrower under the 1988A Bond financing, RHA Florida Properties, Inc.,
have been negotiating a restructuring of the 1988A Bonds in connection with a transfer of
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the facilities which secure the 1988A Bonds from RHA to a new non-profit borrower, the
Trousdale Foundation of Gadsden, Inc.
In conjunction with the change in ownership, the 1988A Bondholders would like to
exchange the 1988A Bonds for the 2001 Bonds. The 2001 Bonds would have a new 30-
year maturity rate, a reduced principal amount and other characteristics designed to allow
the nursing facilities to hopefully operate without defaulting under their collective
indebtedness.
In order to complete the proposed change in ownership and bond restructuring, it is
necessary for the City to conduct a TEFRA hearing to provide an opportunity for public
comment on proposed private activity bond issues. The hearing has been advertised in
accordance with IRS regulations.
It is also necessary for the City to execute another Interlocal Agreement to replace
the Original Interlocal Agreement.
The City will not incur any liability in the issuance of the bonds or the financing and
refinancing of the project, and the financing documents will provide so.
Chris Traber, attorney, said the 1988 bonds are in default. This request is to
replace the previous resolution to recognize the new bonds.
No one from the public made comment.
Commissioner Hart moved to approve the expenditure of a portion of the proceeds
of the Gadsden County Industrial Development Authority's $12,020,000 of First Mortgage
Revenue bonds and approve the Interlocal Agreement with Gadsden and Jefferson Counties
and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
The City Attorney presented Resolution #01-30 for first reading and read it by title
only. Commissioner Gray moved to pass Resolution #01-30 on first reading. The motion
was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes":
"Nays":
Hart, Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, and Aungst.
None.
ITEM #10 - Public Hearinq - Approve City of Clearwater Fiscal Year 2001-2002 Action Plan
to carry forward goals & objectives set forth in 5 year Consolidated Plan created in 2000
as required by HUD (PLD)
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires
communities that receive entitlement funding prepare a comprehensive five year plan which
evaluates the needs of the community and sets forth strategies to address those needs.
This plan was completed and approved in 2000. In addition, the City is required to create
and implement an annual statement identifying the sources and uses of federal money for
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housing, community and economic development. This annual plan, referred to an Action
Plan, provides HUD with Clearwater's annual budget and proposed expenditures.
Funds are to be used to develop viable communities, provide safe and affordable
housing, and expand economic opportunities for very low to moderate-income persons.
This year's Action Plan allocates federal and state funds to provide housing opportunities to
low to moderate income families for new and existing homes, home buyer training,
construction and/or renovation of public facilities, and to fund programs which assist the
homeless, single parent households, the elderly, the physically challenged and children.
In Fiscal Year 2001-2002, the City is due to receive federal funds in the amount of
$1,029,000 through the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), $514,000
through the HOME Program, and $873,440 from the State of Florida through the State
Housing Incentive Partnership Program (SHIP). Funds provided through the HOME and
SHIP programs are limited to housing activities and administration. Funds provided through
the CDBG Program may be used for housing, economic development, code enforcement,
public services and facilities, relocation, demolition, and administration. Additional funding
for FY 2001 /2002-budget comes from program income and reprogrammed funds.
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Each year, the City may allocate up to 15% of its budget for Public Services. Under
this category, agencies competed for $150,000. The City's Housing Division received
requests for funding in excess of $400,000. A Technical Review Committee (TRCI
comprised of professionalism the social service grant industry and the Neighborhood
Affordable Housing Advisory Board (NAHAB) reviewed the applications, scored them and
set forth a strategy to allow as many agencies as possible to be funded. The following
agencies are recommended for funding: Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project, Inc.,
Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services, Greenwood Community Health Center, Gulf
Coast Legal Services, Inc., Partners in Self Sufficiency, and The Mustard Seed's Turning
Point Program.. Remaining agencies not selected may apply for the City's Human Relations
Grant program that will be available in the near future.
This year's scoring system incorporated the following: In February, City staff
advertised fund availability and conducted a workshop for interested applicants. The
applicants were given thirty days to complete their applications and return them to the
City. Applicants were given an opportunity to speak to the committees regarding their
programs during a bus tour. City staff reviewed each application to ensure it met HUD's
baseline requirements. This step is performed on a "pass/fail" basis. All applicants passed
this step for FY 2002. Applications were distributed to the NAHAB and TRC. The TRC
reviewed the applications on the basis of the technical merits of the application, the
NAHAB scored on the basis of their knowledge of the organization and its impact on the
community. The weight of the TRC and NAHAB scores was 50/50. The NAHAB adopted a
sliding scale that allowed the top two scorers to receive 70% of their request, the second
two received 60% of their request, and the third two received 50%. This allowed the
maximum number of applicants to receive funding.
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Nina Bandoni, Assistant Director of Housing, reviewed the process and the
recommended recipients. In response to a question, she said staff is assisting the agencies
that did not score well, to understand how to better meet criteria in the future.
Commissioner Gray moved to approve the City's Fiscal Year 2001/2002 Action Plan
to carry forward the goals and objectives set forth in a five year consolidated plan created
in 2000 as required by HUD. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Public Hearing - Second Reading Ordinances
ITEM #11 - Ord. #6809-01 - Annexation (& redefining boundary lines of City to include said
addition), 1634 Gentry St., Highland Pines 4th Add., Blk 21, Lot 3 (Kathleen Farinella)
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6809-01 for second reading and read it by
title only. Commissioner Hamilton moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6809-01 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes":
"Nays":
Absent:
Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, and Aungst.
None.
Hart
ITEM #12 - Ord. #6810-01 - Land Use Plan Amendment to Residential Low, 1634 Gentry
St., Highland Pines 4th Add., Blk 21, Lot 3 (Kathleen Farinella)
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6810-01 for second reading and read it by
title only. Commissioner Jonson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6810-01 on second
and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes":
"Nays":
Hart, Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, and Aungst.
None.
ITEM #13 - Ord. #6811-01 - LMDR Zoning, 1634 Gentry St., Highland Pines 4th Add., Blk
21, Lot 3 (Kathleen Farinella)
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6809-01 for second reading and read it by title
only. Commissioner Gray moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6809-01 on second and
final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes":
"Nays":
Absent:
Hart, Gray, Jonson, and Aungst.
None.
Hamilton
ITEM #14 - Ord. #6812-01 - Annexation (& redefining boundary lines of City to include said
addition), 3035 Virginia Ave., Bay View City Sub., Blk 2, Lot 5 together with abutting alley
to south & abutting r-o-w of Bay Street (Taylor G. Bingham III)
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The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6812-01 for second reading and read it by title
only. Commissioner Hart moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6812-01 on second and
final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes":
"Nays":
Absent:
Hart, Gray, Jonson, and Aungst.
None.
Hamilton
ITEM #15 - Ord. #6813-01 - Land Use Plan Amendment to Residential Urban, 3035
Virginia Ave., Bay View City Sub., Blk 2, Lot 5 together with abutting alley to south &
abutting r-o-w of Bay Street (Taylor G. Bingham III)
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6813-01 for second reading and read it by
title only. Commissioner Jonson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6813-01 on second
and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes":
"Nays":
Hart, Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, and Aungst.
None.
ITEM #16 - Ord. #6814-01 - LMDR Zoning, 3035 Virginia Ave., Bay View City Sub., Blk 2,
Lot 5 together with abutting alley to south & abutting r-o-w of Bay Street (Taylor G.
Bingham III)
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6814-01 for second reading and read it by
title only. Commissioner Gray moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6814-01 on second
and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes":
"Nays":
Hart, Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, and Aungst.
None.
ITEM #17 - Ord. #6818-01 - Vacating W3' of 10' drainage & utility easement lying along
east property line of Lot 57, Countryside Tract 58, a/k/a 3365 Wind Chime Drive (Curkan,
V2001-13)
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6818-01 for second reading and read it by
title only. Commissioner Hart moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6818-01 on second
and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes":
"Nays":
Hart, Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, and Aungst.
None.
ITEM #18 - Ord. #6819-01 - Annexation (& redefining boundary lines of City to include said
addition), 2454 Raymont Dr., Skyline Groves, Lot 95 (Kenneth P. Barker)
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The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6819-01 for second reading and read it by
title only. Commissioner Hamilton moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6819-01 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes":
"Nays":
Hart, Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, and Aungst.
None.
ITEM #19 - Ord. #6820-01 - Land Use Plan Amendment to Residential Low, 2454 Raymont
Dr., Skyline Groves, Lot 95 (Kenneth P. Barker)
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6820-01 for second reading and read it by
title only. Commissioner Jonson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6820-01 on second
and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes":
"Nays":
Hart, Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, and Aungst.
None.
ITEM #20 - Ord. #6821-01 - LMDR Zoning, 2454 Raymont Dr., Skyline Groves, Lot 95
(Kenneth P. Barker)
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6821-01 for second reading and read it by
title only. Commissioner Gray moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6821-01 on second
and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes":
"Nays":
Hart, Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, and Aungst.
None.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
CONSENT AGENDA (Items #21-25) - Approved as submitted.
The following items require no formal public hearing and are subject to being approved in a
single motion. However, any City Commissioner or the City Manager may remove an item
from the Consent Agenda to allow discussion and voting on the item individually.
ITEM #21 - Approval of Purchases per PurchasinQ Memorandum:
1) Rotonics Manufacturing, 90 gallon refuse containers (black barrels) & spare parts,
8/3/01-9/30/02, est. $75,000 (SW)
2) Sunshine State One Call of Florida, gas main & gas marking service, 8/31/01-9/1/02,
est. $28,000 (GAS)
3) Emmett McCabe Trucking, Aggregate #57 & hauling, 8/1 /01-8/31 /04, est. $54,000 (PS)
4) Hughes Supply Inc., sports floodlights & supporting equipment for E.C. Moore Complex,
$35,090 (PR)
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6) Physio-Control Corp., Lifepac 500 AED defibrillation equipment, $43,750 (FD)
7) Suncoast Industries, preventative transmission & repair service, 8/4/01-9/30/02, est.
$40,000 (GS)
8) R & S Lawn Service, grounds maintenance for Countryside, 8/3/01-8/31/02, est.
$33,000 (PR)
9) Tampa Bay Engineering Inc., EOR, design service, Sand Key Firestation amendment,
$32,680 (PW)
ITEM #22 - Aqreement with Selectron. Inc., for Interactive Voice Response System
software & maintenance, $33,900; financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-
Purchase Agreement (IT)
ITEM #23 - Aoreement with Tidemark Solutions, for Phase 2 upgrade of permit plan
software & maintenance, $104,355; financing of $46,875 to be provided under City's
Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (IT)
ITEM #24 - Aoreement with FDEP to share cost of implementation of Stevenson Creek
Water Quality Improvement Projects, $1,500,000 (PW)
ITEM #25 - Authorize settlement of Marv Ann Vecchio v. Citv for $75.000 (CA)
Commissioner Hamilton moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted and
that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
OTHER ITEMS ON CITY MANAGER REPORT
ITEM #26 - Res. #01-29 - authorizing utility work by Highway Contractor Agreement with
FDOT for relocation of existing potable water & sanitary sewer facilities within Alt. US 19
Project, from West Bay Drive to Drew Street (PW)
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has designed the roadway
widening of SR 595 (A It US 19) from West Bay Drive to Drew Street. The proposed
improvements will include resurfacing the existing roadway and upgrading the drainage
system. Construction is currently anticipated to begin in April 2002, and take
approximately one year to complete. This roadway improvement project will necessitate
the relocation or adjustment of the City's water and sanitary sewer mains and
appurtenances within the project limits. The City's Engineering Department has
coordinated the design for these utility accommodations with FDOT representatives. FDOT
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will receive bids for the combined roadway improvement and utility relocation work and
make award to the low bidder.
The amounts included on this agenda item are the engineer's preliminary estimate,
and are subject to change as the design progresses. The exact costs will be determined by
the contractor's bid and may vary from this amount. The project will be competitively bid
by FOOT. The breakout of the engineer's estimates is as follows: 1) Water Line
Relocation, expense Code #315-96742-563800-533-000, for $60,000; and 2) Sanitary
Utility Relocation, expense code #315-96634-563800-535-000, for $40,000, for a total of
$100,000.
Sufficient funding for this agreement is available in each of the projects specified.
Commissioner Hamilton moved to authorize utility work by Highway Contractor
Agreement with FOOT for relocation of existing potable water and sanitary sewer facilities
within Alt. US 1 9 Project, from West Bay Drive to Drew Street and that the appropriate
officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
The City Attorney presented Resolution #01-29 and read it by title only.
Commissioner Hamilton moved to pass and adopt Resolution #01-29. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes":
"Nays":
Hart, Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, and Aungst.
None.
ITEM #27 - First Readinq Ord. #6828-01 - relating to pretreatment & discharge restrictions;
amending Sec. 32.211 (4) to add grease to definition of pollutant; amending Sec.
32.212(1 Hb)2 to revise pH Level; amending Sec. 32.212(1 Hb)5 to change average
temperature; approve amendment to Industrial Pretreatment Program (PW)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (FDEP) mandate the Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP). The
program regulates industrial discharges by permit under City Code. These industrial
discharges are regulated to preclude problems with the treatment processes at the City's
three wastewater treatment plants.
The amendments update the Code of Ordinances to implement revised pretreatment
standards for pH and temperature limits on discharges into the wastewater collection
system. The original pH and temperature conditions in the program were too restrictive
(affected businesses would be in violation unnecessarily). The requested changes provide
less stringent pH and temperature conditions that do not adversely impact the wastewater
treatment facilities.
The requested changes have been reviewed and approved by the FDEP.
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Permits have been issued to 15 industrial users in the cities of Clearwater and
Safety Harbor (Clearwater has control authority over Safety Harbor since their wastewater
is sent to the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant.) Safety Harbor was previously
coordinated with for this change.
This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption. There are no costs
associated with this agenda item.
Public Utilities Director Andy Neff said this item is not linked to the grease ordinance
discussed at Monday's Work Session. The City wishes to make amendments to the
pretreatment program governed by that ordinance. He said the definition of "grease" is
mandated by the federal government. City staff is amending the definition of "pollutant" to
provide less stringent requirements. It will not adversely affect wastewater. Mr. Neff said
staff met with the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, the restaurant association and other
local groups regarding the proposed grease regulations.
Commissioner Hart moved to approve the amendments to the Industrial
Pretreatment Program. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6828-01 for second reading and read it by
title only. Commissioner Hamilton moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6828-01 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes":
"Nays":
Hart, Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, and Aungst.
None.
ITEM #28 - Ratifv previous decision to remove Pierce Street connection from Memorial
Causeway Bridge project (PW)
In early 2000, the FOOT released a construction cost estimate, which exceeded
previous cost estimates for the new Memorial Causeway Bridge. This estimate also
exceeded the available City budget. As a result, the bridge project was examined to
identify significant cost items, which could be deleted without significant impacts to the
functionality or aesthetics of the bridge. At approximately the same time, downtown
redevelopment plans were released showing the area of the Pierce Street connection as
part of a botanical garden.
It was then decided to remove the connection from the project. The design
consultant was officially notified in May 2000. In July 2000,the 90% bridge plans and
60% roadway plans were submitted to FOOT without the connection. At that point, it was
too late to reinsert the connection without seriously jeopardizing the schedule and the
federal funding. On November 14, 2000, a public information meeting on the bridge was
held at the Harborview Center. Graphics were displayed showing that the connection was
removed. Comments received, primarily from Pierce 100 residents, were positive.
If it were desired now to bring back this connection, the following information is
applicable: 1) Cost: The estimated basic cost to complete the design and construct the
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connection is $400,000 for design, $910,000 for construction and $90,000 CEI for a total
of $1,400,000. If the work was done after the bridge construction was completed,
drainage and other utility costs could double the basic construction cost; 2) RiQht-of-wav:
A small strip of land would need to be purchased from the Calvary Baptist Church; 3)
Schedule: the estimated design time is 9 months and construction time is 12 months.; 4)
SiQnalization: A traffic signal would be required to allow eastbound traffic to turn onto
Pierce Street. Two lanes of eastbound traffic would have a continual green light; however,
westbound traffic would be stopped when the signal is activated, with an associated back-
up on Court street during heavy traffic; 5) Turn Lane: A turn lane for eastbound traffic
going to Pierce Street would have to be constructed in the bridge median. This would
necessitate a redesign of the stormwater drainage and the lighting system on this area; 6)
RiQht Turn Ramp: An alternative to the signal would be a right turn ramp crossing under
the bridge for eastbound traffic going to Pierce Street. This is not really feasible as it
would either have to be constructed over the water, or would involve removal of the new
radio station tower, or require right-of-way from Pierce 100. It would also require the
relocation of the spiral pedestrian ramp; 7) Aesthetics: The connection would tie to the
bridge approximately 30 feet above grade. The north and south faces of the abutment
would be a basic retaining wall; 8) Pierce 100 Access: The access to Pierce 100 would be
as originally planned, a separate access road off Pierce Street. It would connect to Pierce
Street approximately 200 feet east of the bridge approach and enter Pierce 100 on the
bluff to the north of Pierce Street. This alignment would take up approximately % acre of
the bluff; and 9) Traffic Volume: During the bridge PD&E study, the estimated traffic using
the connection was 6,000 vehicles per day by the year 2020.
On June 19, 2001, staff met with the Economic Development Committee of the
Clearwater Chamber of Commerce to discuss the Pierce Street connection. It was agreed
that if the connection is not built, City staff should work closely with the Chamber to
develop a comprehensive directional signage program promoting downtown.
Terry Sue Hunter, representing Pierce 100, said the condominium owners,
expressed concern regarding the size of the opening under the bridge for emergency
vehicles, moving vans, fire trucks, etc. Mr. Quillen said sufficient room to accommodate
those vehicles has been incorporated into the design.
Commissioner Jonson moved to ratify the previous decision to remove the Pierce
Street connection from the Memorial Causeway Bridge project. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #29 - Other Pendinq Matters - None.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
ITEM #30 - Other City Attornev Items
The City Attorney requested authorization to take action against Lockheed Martin
for their lack of filing the required paperwork regarding the Weed and Seed and Summer
Youth programs.
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. Commissioner Hamilton moved to authorize the City Attorney to take action against
Lockheed Martin for their lack of filing the required paperwork regarding the Weed and
Seed and Summer Youth programs. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
The City Attorney said the City is commonly sued by its citizens regarding land
issues. The City defends lawsuits vigorously.
ITEM #31 - Citv Manaaer Verbal Reoorts - None.
ITEM #32 - Other Commission Action
The Interim City Manager departed at 7:25 p.m.
a) City Manager contract
The Mayor stated that Lou Fox of DMG Maximus was hired to negotiate Interim City
Manager Bill Horne's contract for the City Manager position.
Mr. Fox thanked Ms. Akin for her assistance in the negotiation process. He said Mr.
Horne is requesting a base salary of $120,000 plus a one-time bonus of $10,000 to
compensate Mr. Horne for his tenure as Interim City Manager.
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Concern was expressed that when the total benefit package is considered, Mr.
Horne would receive a 30% salary increase over his current salary.
In response to a question, Human Resources Director Paul O'Rourke said Mr.
Horne's requested salary is $10,000 below the midpoint salary range for his position
compared to similar cities' city manager positions. The City wishes to be competitive and
analyses indicate that the City Manager and City Attorney positions are well below the
market average.
In response to a question, Mr. Fox said he had recommended the $130,000 salary;
not Mr. Horne. He based his recommendation of the value of the job. A City Manager is on
call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. He said the other 4 finalists for the position were
already receiving a higher salary and none of them would have accepted the position for
$120,000.
It was remarked that Mr. Horne should have received more compensation during his
tenure as Interim City Manager. It was felt that when an employee is promoted, there is a
tendency not to give the same increase needed should someone be hired from outside the
City. Although no specific salary range was advertised, it was made clear during the
process that the City would have to increase the salary significantly in order to attract
competent candidates.
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Mr. Fox said there is no question that Mr. Horne's duties and responsibilities go
beyond those of most municipal employees. He said Mr. Horne's military career required a
high level of management skills. He worked in the City for a year in the difficult position of
Interim City Manager and did an outstanding job.
Comments were made that the salary level is appropriate.
A citizen said after reading the newspaper, she thought Mr. Horne had asked for the
$130,000 salary.
Mr. Fox said the City is saving money even at this salary. Relocation fees would
typically cost $20,000 and there would be a 6-month acclimation period for an outside
candidate.
Commissioner Hamilton moved to approve the City Manager contract as submitted.
The motion was duly seconded. Upon the vote being taken, Commissioners Gray,
Hamilton, and Jonson and Mayor Aungst voted "aye"; Commissioner Hart voted "nay".
Motion carried.
The Interim City Manager returned at 8:02 p.m. and was administered the Oath of
Office by the City Clerk.
b) Reschedule 8/30/01 Budget Worksession re Enterprise Funds
The August 30, 2001, budget worksession regarding enterprise funds was
rescheduled to September 5, 2001 at 8:30 a.m.
Discussion ensued regarding other special worksessions to be scheduled.
Consensus was to address the Commission rules and policies at the beginning of
worksessions. The City Clerk will coordinate other dates.
c) Approve Commissioner Jonson's attendance at Florida Neighborhoods Conference in
Orlando on 9/7-8/01
Commissioner Jonson requested Commission approval to attend and for
reimbursement of costs to attend the Florida Neighborhoods Conference in Orlando on
September 7 and 8, 2001. He felt the conference is worthwhile. The conference costs
$200 per person including hotel registration, etc. He said the budget would allow for 2
Commissioners to attend.
Commissioner Hamilton moved approval for Commissioners Jonson and Gray to
attend the conference. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
It was requested that Commissioners keep an open mind regarding travel budgets as
many issues are important.
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Commissioner Hart said the Clearwater Beach Entryway Advisory Committee wishes
to reconvene to give staff feedback regarding the Roundabout fountain options. Mr.
Brumback said staff is not ready to schedule a date for the meeting at this time but will
inform the Commission when a meeting would be appropriate.
Commissioner Jonson said the Mayor received a letter from the Suncoast League of
Municipalities seeking a host for next year's meetings on the third Saturday of each month.
He suggested Clearwater host one of the meetings. Consensus was to do so. He said the
PST A ribbon cutting for a new PST A route to St. Petersburg Beach was held this week. He
requested input regarding suggested locations to erect bus shelters. He visited Destin,
Florida last weekend and said that upscale community was superior to Clearwater regarding
their infrastructure. He attended a Walmart grand re-opening where their company cheer is
that customers are #1. He said Clearwater's citizens are #1.
Commissioner Gray attended the City's golf tournament and said there was a great
turn out. She congratulated the winners. She encouraged everyone to use their national
parks and keep them pristine by not littering. She said her position on the Connolly
property is that it should be preserved as it currently stands. It should not be developed as
a park but maintained in its current state. She was in favor of using City funds to purchase
the land if grants cannot be obtained.
Commissioner Hamilton said he enjoyed his last 3 weeks vacationing. He attended
his class reunion at CHS.
Mayor Aungst said he enjoyed the softball game with employees on Saturday.
ITEM #33 - Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m.
ATTEST: ~ c. JL &2.~
. City Cierk
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May~Commissi ner
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