06/17/1991 CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL WORK SESSION
June 17, 1991
The City Commission of the City of Clearwater met at City Hall with the following members present:
Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner
Sue Berfield Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
Lee Regulski Commissioner
William Nunamaker Commissioner
Richard Fitzgerald Commissioner
Also present were:
Michael J. Wright City Manager
Tina Wilson Acting Budget Director
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
The meeting was called to order at 12:04 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the proposed 1991-92 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget.
Mike Wright, City Manager, indicated the majority of projects are funded through special funds such as Penny for Pinellas however, the CIP budget is a part of the overall budget which
is to be submitted within the next two weeks. He stated a balanced budget is proposed.
A question was raised regarding why there are no funds shown to be spent in 1993-94 for new street construction. Tina Wilson, Acting Budget Director, indicated that this is information
received from the departments.
A question was raised regarding the stormwater utility fee and how much money is being collected and spent. It was indicated that included in the expenditures for stormwater utilities
was an infusion of money from the Penny for Pinellas funds. The City Manager indicated that we are collecting $270,000 a month from the stormwater utility which would equate to 3.2
million dollars annually. Two million of that money goes toward operations with 1 to 1.3 million being expended on capital projects.
The City Manager reviewed the City's revenue sources.
Discussion ensued regarding the revenue and how much was on hand. Betty Deptula, Assistant City Manager, indicated that all funds are committed to the projects for which dollar amounts
are given. It was indicated that all impact fees have not been allocated with there being about 2 million dollars from all areas of the City. In response to a question, it was indicated
that the City was looking at its Open Space Fee Ordinance.
A question was raised regarding the Drew Street improvement project and it was indicated we are spending money now for engineering fees. A question was raised regarding monies not
being in the State's five year plan and it was indicated that we will continue to endeavor to get the State to allocate monies to this project. Bill Baker, Public Works Director, indicated
the City has committed to spend 4 million dollars on this project and that the State will join and finish the improvements once the 4 million has been spent. In response to a question
regarding why improvements at Drew and Missouri were taken out, it was indicated this was done so in order to allow the entire Drew Street project to be looked at as a whole.
Discussion ensued regarding the monies allocated to sidewalks and bike trails. It was indicated that when the City does a new street it includes a
bike lane. These lanes are not marked at the request of the bike riders.
A question was raised regarding why the Garden Avenue garage expansion had been deleted and it was indicated it was not needed at this time. It was also reported that environmental
habitat has been taken out because it is maintenance and not a capital project.
A question was raised regarding a proposed softball complex and it was indicated that there are no particular plans at this time. The City must first locate a 10 acre parcel of land
on which to locate the project.
Commissioner Nunamaker left the meeting at 12:40 p.m.
It was requested that the restrooms at Marymount Park be looked at.
Questions were raised regarding the proposed Mandalay Park gazebo. It is not certain that all groups support this project. Consensus of the Commission was to delete this as a specific
project and to include the monies for it into the overall capital improvement project for Clearwater Beach improvements.
A question was raised regarding the nature preserve. It was indicated this is the project which also includes Safety Harbor obtaining some land.
In response to a question regarding replacing a loaner truck, it was stated this truck is in disrepair.
Monies for a major dredging project have been included in the 1993-94 fiscal year for Seminole Boat ramp.
Tina Wilson, Acting Budget Director, reported that monies had to be moved into this year for the Sand Key Bridge repair.
The City Manager reported monies have been included in the CIP for permitting for the Island Estates Marina. The City will be going forward with engineering and permitting in order
to have them in place. If in 92-93 it is determined that it is time to build the marina, the City will do so, however, it will only be built when it is actually needed.
A question was raised regarding Pier 60 having previously shown repair and replacement. It was indicated that the City will be rebuilding the pier and in approximately five years,
repair and replacement will once again be needed in the CIP budget.
CIP projects for the library include money for books and a computer upgrade.
When the projects for roof repairs were being discussed, a question was raised regarding the roof at the City Hall Annex. It was indicated the City is attempting to hold together that
roof as plans are for a new City Hall to be built in the next three to five years. There will some need for air conditioning replacement.
A question was raised regarding a project showing lighting for the airpark. The City Manager reported the lights would not be on at night but they are a safety feature for dusk operations.
A question was raised regarding the mechanism for turning off the lights. It was felt that it was a switch in the building and that they could not be turned off and on through radios
on airplanes.
A CIP project for the replacement of a large xerox machine was explained stating that the current machine is antiquated and we can not maintain it for
longer than a year. The project proposed will purchase a machine that will pay for itself after four years. It is anticipated the machine can be used for at least ten years.
A status report was requested for the phasing of the water line replacement.
The City Manager reported that the conservation reuse water program will result in some borrowing. This program will be set up as a utility and will actually be a parallel water system.
In response to a question regarding water restrictions, the City Manager indicated that we are responding to complaints daily and the City is trying to meet Southwest Florida Water
Management District's (SWFWMD) requirements. He also stated it was his understanding that SWFWMD was considering loosening the current water restrictions.
Discussion ensued regarding the need to continue restrictions with it being indicated that there are no long term policies.
The City Manager reported a component of the Natural Gas System could be the use of propane. He stated this will be a philosophical question that will need to be decided. He indicated
the Solid Waste Complex has been removed as he wishes to closely scrutinize the cost before moving forward with that project.
The meeting adjourned at 1:12 p.m.