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10/23/2001 - Town MeetingTOWN MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER October 23, 2001 Introduction Charley Belcher of Fox 13 opened the meeting at 7:06 p.m. at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, 1160 Gulf Boulevard, Clearwater. Commissioners William C. Jonson, Hoyt P. Hamilton, and Vice-Mayor Ed Hart and City Manager Bill Horne introduced themselves. Update of City Initiatives The City Manager welcomed everyone and outlined the evening's agenda. He said the City's annual report would be available shortly. He said the City's number one priority was to listen to the public. The Vice Mayor said Clearwater is a great city and has one of the top beaches in America. He said this evening's meeting will be an open forum. Mr. Belcher requested a round of applause for the police and fire departments. Sand Key Fire Station Presentation and Questions Fire Chief Rowland Herald gave a presentation regarding the Sand Key Fire Station to be constructed on the former toll booth property immediately north of the entrance to the Sand Key Park. He said the facility will include the ability for expansion. He said costs were kept down thanks to the County/City partnership that arose from this project. The County has deeded to the City a portion of the Sand Key Park. Chief Herald acknowledged the Coast Guard for permitting the City's Fire Department to use their facility for over 2 years. In response to a question, Chief herald said the statewide building code regarding fire sprinklers has been delayed until January 2002 or later. He said high rise buildings (building over 75 feet) will be required to perform retrofits for sprinklers. Economic Redevelopment Presentation and Questions Assistant City Manager/Economic Development Ralph Stone gave an economic redevelopment presentation. He said incentives have been creates for development on the beach. A center turn lane on Coronado, moving parking off the beach and adding a parking garage, and other issues are being addressed. Staff is reviewing revenue sources. In response to a question, Mr. Stone said the former Cabana Club Restaurant has been cited for code violations and is scheduled for demolition unless the owner presents plan to remedy the violations. He said he could not give a specific timeline as to the Marriott development at the beach due to the current economic market conditions. In response to a question, Mr. Stone said the JMC project was approved before Beach by Design was developed. That project is an opportunity for increased heights at the beach. There are height requirements in the Beach by Design plan. Mr. Stone said staff is evaluating a proposed mid-rise project at the Yacht Basin. The President of the Sand Key Civic Association said $90,000 in development fees along with fees assessed to property owners will be used on Sand Key for future beautification. Concern was expressed Sand Key could end up with a "walled-off" effect as in some communities on Florida's east coast. In response to a question, Mr. Stone said Pier 60 parking is being evaluated. Staff also is addressing streetscape improvements on Mandalay Avenue. New Main Library Presentation and Questions Library Director John Szabo gave a presentation on the components of the new Main Clearwater Library. The facility will be 90,000 square feet built on the site of the current main library. Construction is expected to begin Spring 2002 and completed in fall 2003. He said the Friends of the Library are doing an excellent job with fund raising. In response to a question, he said the library will be housed in a temporary building during construction of the new facility. He said the beach library at Pelican Walk will remain in its current location. Open Discussion In response to a question, the City Manager said the new Memorial Causeway bridge contractor has bid more than what was originally anticipated for the project. Attempts are being made to reduce projected costs. He said on November 1, 2001, the City must inform the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) if the City can award the bid to construct the bridge. In response to a question, he said the new bridge design allows for a light rail or other transportation feature. The City would still have to rehabilitate the bridge if construction of the new one is postponed until the State can build it. Postponing construction also would increase costs. Hopes are that the State will come up with more money for the bridge. It was remarked that the city should proceed with construction of the new bridge as it is badly needed. In response to a question, one Commissioner said citizens should feel free to contact their legislators regarding how vital State funding is for construction of the bridge. A remark was made that the public thought the bridge was already a "done deal". It was remarked that some people will be happy about the new bridge; other will not. In response to a question, the City Manager said between November 2001 and March 2002, modifications to traffic lanes surrounding the Roundabout as well as modifications to the Roundabout itself will take place. He said the Roundabout in its current form will no longer exist. Discussions are ongoing regarding what will replace it. It was remarked that if the City does not move forward with development, no one else will want to develop within the City. The meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.