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12/10/1990 CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL WORK SESSION RE STEVENSON'S CREEK December 10, 1990 The City Commission of the City of Clearwater met in Commission Chambers at City Hall with the following members present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner Richard Fitzgerald Vice-Mayor/Commissioner William Nunamaker Commissioner Sue A. Berfield Commissioner Absent: Lee Regulski Commissioner Also present were: Ron H. Rabun City Manager Charles Hunsicker Assistant City Manager/Operations M. A. Galbraith, Jr. City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk The meeting was called to order at 2:43 p.m. The City Manager requested that Police Chief Klein report on a program to return officers to the street. Chief Klein reported he looked at special programs, as well as a grant from the Neighborhood Housing Services, to return officers to the street. Two school resource officers and two marine patrol officers are being pulled from those duties and returned to the street. The Sheriff will take over both of these programs at the same level of service. All of this will be without cost to Clearwater. A concern was expressed regarding the elimination of the school resource officers, with it being indicated that the students at the high schools have come to know Officers Kruger and Brooks, and they have a good rapport with the students. The Chief reported the Commission would be asked to approve acceptance of the grant at the next Commission meeting. Approval of these changes will result in five officers back on street patrol. The Police Chief reported the conversion of the Marine Patrol unit will not be completed until the end of January or early February. He indicated an attempt has been made to sell the police patrol boat, and they may offer to donate it to the Sheriff. He stated the transition of the school resource officers will occur the next semester. He stated officers will still be assigned to major events. He hopes to have all these changes in place by the end of January, 1991. The City Manager and Police Chief were commended for their proposed changes and for the cooperation between the Sheriff and the Police Department. In response to a question, the Chief indicated details are still being worked out regarding to what agency problems at the schools will be taken. Stevenson's Creek Project The City Manager reported the League of Women Voters and the Foleys' have withdrawn their request for an administrative hearing at this time. Charles Hunsicker, Assistant City Manager, indicated the City is now entitled to its permits for part one of the Stevenson's Creek project. He reported it would be two and one-half to three months before award of the contract came back before the Commission. Ed Delaparte, Special Counsel for the City, stated staff had received seven or eight items from the League requesting compromise for the Stevenson's Creek project. The League did not agree with the City's responses; however, they chose to withdraw from the appeal to be able to challenge the entire project at a later date. The analysis of the League of Women Voters' settlement offer (attached as exhibit A to these minutes) was reviewed with the City Commission. Discussion ensued regarding treatment of the bottom of the creek bed, and it was indicated efforts are being made to leave the bottom as natural as possible. It was indicated there are materials available that will allow protection of the bottom, while still allowing permeation of water and rooting of plant materials. Assistant City Manager Hunsicker stated these are being investigated; however, it could result in increased costs for the project. He stated there are areas in which hardlining the bottom will be needed for stability, otherwise the creek bed will erode. In response to a question, it was indicated the purpose of hardlining is to accommodate the velocity of the flow of the creek, not increase that velocity. Discussion ensued regarding proposals to effect wetlands mitigation at Glen Oaks Golf Course. It was indicated that if all projects were done at Glen Oaks Golf Course as have been proposed, many oak trees would be lost. An explanation of what would have to take place in order to construct a thirteen acre wetland was provided. It was indicated a six acre plan would allow nine holes of the golf course to remain intact. Mr. Delaparte indicated the hearing has been cancelled as the League withdrew on December 5, 1990. He stated the permit for phase one of the Stevenson's Creek project should be issued within the next few weeks. He believes the petitioners withdrew as there may be some things in the order, resulting from a hearing at this point, that would limit their abilities to challenge the project in the future. In response to questions, Charles Hunsicker, Assistant City Manager, indicated bids for phase one would be let in 60-90 days. It will take three months to award the contract and eight to twelve months to complete the project. In parallel, staff will continue to work on permit applications for the remainder of the project, and hopefully submit those in February or March. In response to a question, it was indicated staff would probably be coming to the Commission in February with recommendations regarding Glen Oaks Golf Course. In response to a question, it was indicated the Environmental Advisory Committee will be involved in discussion on the subsequent phases. The meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m.