05/29/2002 - Town MeetingTOWN MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 29, 2002
Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner
Whitney Gray Commissioner
Hoyt P. Hamilton Commissioner
William C. Jonson Commissioner
Frank Hibbard Commissioner
Also present: William B. Horne II City Manager
Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Sue Diana Assistant City Clerk
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
Facilitator Charlie Belcher called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Parks & Recreation Master Plan
Assistant Parks & Recreation Director Art Kader reviewed the Parks & Recreation Master Plan. The planning process, with a steering committee, public workshops, focus groups, surveys,
and data analysis, resulted in 70 recommendations for implementation during the next 20 years. Funding for the implementation plan: 1) 35% - bond issue; 2) 12% - Pinellas County; 3)
14% - Penny for Pinellas II; 4) 19% - Penny for Pinellas III (if approved0; 5) 2% - impact fees; and 6) 18% - grants. At present, projected operating expenses exceed projected revenues.
The City Commission will review the Master Plan annually.
In response to a citizen question regarding the future of the Glen Oaks Golf Course, the City Manager said staff has determined the golf course cannot exist with the drainage project,
a priority to relieve flooding. He will recommend the City Commission close the golf course and construct a future facility for nature education and small group meetings.
In response to citizen questions, Mr. Kader said the survey had interviewed 300 residents, use of Sid Likton Field will continue to have Little League and soccer uses, and the Master
Plan considers strategies to meet the recreation needs of City residents first.
Memorial Causeway Bridge Project
Public Works Administrator Mahshid Arasteh reviewed plans for the new Memorial Causeway Bridge. In the future, it may be possible to install a light rail down the 22-foot wide medium.
The $69.3-million project includes costs related to design, relocation of utilities, right-of-way acquisition, engineering, and bonds, and $47.7-million for construction. Contributions
to the project total $46.3-million: 1) $20.8-million - Federal; 2) $15.5-million - State; and 3) $10-million - Pinellas County. The project should be completed by 2004. Redesignation
of Court and Chestnut streets to SR 60 will provide the City with downtown redevelopment opportunities.
In response to a citizen question, Ms. Mahshid said staff is working to resolve issues related to construction of the nearby radio tower on City property.
Economic Development
Economic Development Director Reg Owens reviewed current projects and strategies and reviewed City responsibilities related to providing affordable housing.
Mr. Owens said a parking deck at Pelican Walk is being considered. He reviewed the Beach Walk project for south beach and consideration of a public parking deck nearby. Staff hopes
to attract a high quality resort to south beach.
Two parcels on the downtown bluff will become available when Calvary Baptist Church relocates to East Clearwater. After the bridge is completed, Cleveland Street will terminate at
the water front. Stein Mart is satisfied with its downtown location. Mr. Owens reviewed plans to extend the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) to the gateway area, which will become
the main entrance to downtown and needs redevelopment. Additional plans are to increase the employment base and encourage private development of an in-town business park.
Concern was expressed family access to south beach not be curtailed.
In response to citizen questions, Mr. Owens said tax incremental financing and Brownfields funds could be used to redevelop the Gateway and strategies to attract businesses include renovation
of the Hercules Industrial Park and areas along US 19N.
In response to citizen questions, the Commissioners discussed ways to fund a senior center, including partnering with other organizations, and reviewed their visioning sessions where
they considered a vibrant, exciting future for Clearwater. A significant number of projects are under construction. Private/public partnerships are important. The City is investing
$900,000 this year in neighborhood infrastructure.
The Commission indicated the roundabout fountain would be replaced due to current drought conditions and structural problems. The original roundabout budget will cover demolition costs.
A new central feature has not been determined.
In response to a citizen question, the City Manager said the development review process includes an analysis and determination that water resources are sufficient.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.