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04/28/1998 - Penny for PinellasCITY COMMISSION SPECIAL WORKSESSION CITY OF CLEARWATER April 28, 1998 Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Ed Hooper Commissioner Karen Seel Commissioner Michael J. Roberto City Manager Richard L. Hedrick Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter – departed at 11:34 a.m. Brenda Moses Board Reporter – arrived at 1:05 p.m. The meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m. at City Hall. Penny for Pinellas Projects The City Manager said this meeting would review each Penny for Pinellas project. He thanked staff for their preparation efforts. At the next Work Session, staff will review the CIP (Capital Improvement Plans) for the next 6 years. The process will highlight how money is spent Citywide. Assistant City Manager Rick Hedrick stated this is the first of a series of meetings to address layers of funding. Today’s meeting focuses on the big picture. In the future, staff will provide financing information for each project, and the City Commission will be able to ask questions and receive clarification. Today’s meeting is not intended to prioritize projects but to review the issues for future follow up. The City Manager said it is important to assess the cost of projects and related future expenses, such as staffing and operations. Budget Director Tina Wilson reviewed a forecasting worksheet outlining, revenue streams, borrowing costs, debt issuance, etc. The Penny for Pinellas revenue stream, estimated at $10-million annually, will begin in 2000. She said $2.4-million of current Penny for Pinellas funds have been allocated to design the Memorial Causeway Bridge. The City could borrow money for projects, such as the bridge, main library, or Memorial civic complex, downtown bluff improvements, and SR 60 development. Ms. Wilson reviewed projected funding for the new bridge, including bond proceeds, $13-million from FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) and $10-million from Pinellas County. Ms. Wilson estimated debt costs, even if money is borrowed for less than 5 years, would be $5.6-million for the bridge and $2.5 -million for the library. In response to a question, she said current Penny for Pinellas funds will be used to pay off internal loans and capital projects listed in the CIP. She projected the interest rate for bonds will be 5.5% to 6%, with the total cost of borrowing at more than $12-million. She stated most projects on the original Penny for Pinellas list have been completed, although Penny for Pinellas money was not used for every project. In response to a question, the City Manager said costs include a 5% contingency. He said bonding avoids inflationary increases to capital costs. In response to a question, Public Works Director Rich Baier stated the City would receive the County’s contribution for the bridge in 2001 or 2002. Mr. Baier said the harbor bluff waterfront park has been scheduled for construction in 2001/02. Redevelopment of the bluff originally was estimated to cost $2-million. A change in the proposed scope will include interlocking pavers and upscale lighting but no change in the estimated cost. Even if the bridge is not built, the City plans to remove the Drew Street extension west of Osceola, the waterfront parking lot, and expand Coachman Park. The City Manager said a more detailed analysis will be provided as part of the entire downtown plan. He said facilities have a 30-year life. Potential growth expansion needs to be considered now, when construction costs are less expensive. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the $2-million estimate for Mandalay Avenue streetscaping is not a firm figure. The project originally was listed as 4 separate projects. The scope has been broadened to consider the entire network of streets. The original project, which provided minor improvements to Mandalay Avenue, has been expanded to include additional streets, enhanced landscaping, added water features, and public art. He expressed concern regarding the high cost of burying utilities. In reference to the SR 60 corridor beautification project, he said the original scope was limited. Estimated costs have escalated from $250,000 to $2.25-million. The new plan includes additional landscaping but does not bury utilities due to problems related to the main transmission line on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. Staff is working to find funding for this project. Mr. Hedrick indicated staff will schedule special meetings on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard beautification plans. The City has received a letter from FDOT approving the installation of mast arms at intersections in the section of road being repaved. Once the City has developed a plan for Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard beautification, staff will pursue funds through State and Federal sources. It was noted neither State nor Federal funds are listed next to this project. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said State work to resurface Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, including drainage, has started. The project will be completed in approximately 9 months. Mr. Hedrick said the CIP will list all funding sources the staff can locate. It was questioned if staff had investigated opportunities to coordinate burying utilities at a reduced cost. Mr. Baier said staff had talked with FDOT regarding burying utilities in the right-of-way. FDOT did not favor the suggestion and recommended the City instead identify a parallel route for the main transmission line. FDOT has concerns regarding drainage issues and utility conflicts on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. Mr. Hedrick said he had approached Florida Power regarding their participation in burying electric transmission wires. Florida Power indicated the City would run into major conflicts if it tries to underground utilities along Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. Mr. Baier said the Memorial Civic Center project is scheduled for 2000/01. While the original scope of the project was expected to cost $7.3-million, new projections are estimated at $8.8-million. It is not known if the City must purchase some property for the project. A detailed right-of-way map needs to be reviewed. FDOT is in the process of turning control of the road, between the small bridge and Pier 60 Park, over to the City. The City Manager said once a model is created and the market understood, staff will make recommendations regarding the area. Mr. Baier said the road’s intersection with Mandalay/Coronado is the major cause for backups of traffic heading toward the beach. In response to a question, the City Attorney said a tentative understanding has been reached regarding the old police substation. In response to a question, Library Director Arlita Hallam said the size of the proposed beach library has been expanded from 2,000 square-feet to 6,000 square-feet and will include a meeting room. Mr. Baier said the original Penny for Pinellas list had included a beach library and basic parking structure, although a traffic queue line was not planned. Information related to the original Penny for Pinellas projects was distributed to the City Commission before proposed scopes were finalized. Concern was expressed the cost estimate for the Civic Center may be too low. The City Manager said if the new beach library is located in the civic center, the facility’s construction costs would increase. Mr. Hedrick said as various combinations are considered, a number of trade-offs must be made. Investors are looking at City improvements as a partnership. The City Manager suggested the Beach Welcome Center be relocated to Pier 60 Park. Money for that project would come out of the Memorial Civic Center project. Parts of the original scope will come back in pieces. The City Commission will determine what needs to be included. In response to a question, Mr. Hedrick said the Civic Center and road reconstruction need to be considered as a single project, the entry to the beach. Mr. Baier said a new scope will be developed. The disbursement of arriving beach traffic will be considered. Concern was expressed all beach projects cannot be done at one time. Concern was expressed the plan schedules the Civic Center and Memorial Causeway bridge for construction at the same time. The City Manager said all options are being considered. In response to a question, Mr. Hedrick said it is important to recognize the City’s ability to do each job. Staff has started establishing schedules. In response to a question, Mr. Baier estimated the beach parking garage would provide an additional 400 parking spaces. He indicated affects on Marina parking will depend on the size of the roundabout at the beach entrance. The projects need additional definition. He said 400 more parking spaces are needed. Mr. Hedrick said the plan will redesign the beach entrance. Reconfiguration of area intersections will be necessary to disperse traffic once it arrives on the beach. Once land uses on the beach are identified and land use potentials are improved, the location for the parking garage will be determined. North/south traffic flow must be coordinated. It was recommended the parking garage hold 450 spaces. Concern was expressed a giant concrete structure not greet visitors arriving off the causeway. Mr. Hedrick did not think the parking garage should necessarily be located at the beach entrance. The City Manager noted the importance of the City partnering with beach businesses. The meeting recessed from 10:09 to 10:21 a.m. Mr. Baier said the original scope for the new Memorial Causeway Bridge had proposed a signature design featuring architectural features such as a pedestrian walkway. In addition, road improvements will be required on the Causeway and at Mandalay Avenue. The current projected cost of the new bridge is $43-million. County and State funds will contribute $23-million to the project over time. Estimated costs do not include approximately $4-million in unspecified improvements needed for the Ft. Harrison intersections with Court and Chestnut and other mainland roads that move traffic to the bridge. Staff is reviewing the number of lanes needed along with beach entryway features. Individual projects must run concurrent with the bridge’s design. While all three projects will come together, the Civic Center, bridge, and beach entrance are separate projects. Concern was expressed that costs to improve bridge access roads not be divided into too many separate pots. Mr. Hedrick indicated some projects may include road improvements not directly related to the bridge. Concern was expressed the estimated cost of the bridge has doubled. Mr. Hedrick indicated the estimated cost includes all projects necessary for the bridge and allows planning flexibility. Mr. Baier said traffic flow through the entire corridor must be considered. Specifics under consideration for the bridge include colors, landscaping, and the width of spans. HDR has been apprised regarding the need to add pedestrian walkways and a vista overlook. It was suggested construction costs for projects west of the bridge should not be included in the bridge project. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said there are no plans for the small bridge west of the Memorial Causeway. The City is not responsible for maintaining that bridge. He estimated project costs west of the small bridge at $4-million. Staff is developing the scope. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the project includes costs to purchase right-of-way, including the radio station, as well as $4-million for land purchases west of the small bridge. The original scope of $4-million has been decreased to $2-million to cover fewer intersection improvements related to traffic and pedestrian needs. The project now includes fewer mast arms. The original estimate had no specific projects tied to it. The City Manager indicated FDOT has standards regarding improvements, although they do not fund them. Mr. Baier stated a site for the new main library has not been determined. The original scope of $12-million has been reduced. It is estimated bonding will cost $2-million plus land acquisition and improvement costs. In response to a question, Mr. Hedrick said the project will be delayed if it is not bonded. He recommended tying construction of the library with downtown revitalization. It was recommended the bonding issue be scheduled for future discussion. It was stated original plans for the new library included a 90,000 square-foot facility. Mr. Hedrick estimated project management and architectural costs at 16% of construction costs, which he estimated at $100/square-foot. It was suggested a CIP budget should cover library furnishings rather than using Penny for Pinellas funds. The City Manager indicated the library will probably end up being 70,000 square-feet. Ms. Wilson said if the project is not bonded, the new library probably would not be completed until the end of the 10-year period. Mr. Baier said no changes in scope are recommended to the $2-million budgeted for the FY 2000/01 Ruth Eckerd project to upgrade the facility and address roofing issues. Mr. Hedrick said the hall needs upgrades as soon as possible. The foundation is willing to pay bonding related interest costs to receive the Penny for Pinellas funds as soon as possible to obtain a matching grant. Mr. Baier said no changes are proposed to the scope for the Long Center, which has plans for $1-million in upgrades for FY 1999/2000. It was noted the Long Center has a source of private funding to pay interest costs. In response to a question, Assistant City Manager Bob Keller said the budget for economic redevelopment and environmental assessment will meet needs. Site clean-up activities are expensive. The use of Penny for Pinellas funds is limited and cannot be used for private benefit. He suggested the funds can be used as a cayalyst to encourage private sector investment. The Myrtle Avenue project is scheduled for FY 2007/08 to improve traffic flow along this under used corridor. Mr. Baier reviewed traffic configurations under discussion. Downtown merchants are supportive of balancing north-south traffic. Staff is working with PSTA regarding bus routes. FDOT has expressed concern regarding the ability to transition traffic off S. Ft. Harrison onto Lakeview and Myrtle. Staff is reviewing State funding for this project. The Town Pond fund, planned for FY 2000/01 is scheudled to reduce downtown flooding. The pond now is estimated to be 4.2-acres. As Penny for Pinellas funds cannot be used for water treatment attenuation, the bulk of this project’s costs must be covered by a different source, such as the stormwater and utility fee. The North Greenwood multi-purpose recreation complex and swimming pool are scheduled for FY 2001/02. The complex will featue a gymnasium and be larger than the Countryside center. Parks & Recreation Director Art Kader said the community wants the Martin Luther King Center to be retained as a community center as 22 groups use it for meetings and operation. The new facility would not replace the intent and purpose of the King Center. The City Manager said the School Board may repossess the King Center as it is on their property. In response to a question, Mr. Kader said the Holt pool has been renovated several times and has many patches. He said estimated costs have increased since the Penny for Pinellas list was developed. It was stated the City may have to cancel one recreation center project, as funding is inadequate. The City Manager said staff is trying to size the project to future needs. Mr. Kader said the pool will be similar in design to the beach pool. In response to a question, Mr. Kader reported North Greenwood citizens have indicated they do not want a police substation attached to the recreation center. The North Greenwood library issue is still debatable. It may be a joint project with the Parks & Recreation Department. Concern was expressed the facilities have adequate parking. Staff is reviewing several locations for the complex. Concern was expressed the construction will remove a valuable softball field and playground. It was suggested the City partner with the School District on a joint library. Discussion ensued regarding City recreation centers. The City Manager said the Countryside Center is too small and needs to be enlarged. It was recommended staff consider the ages of community members when considering how large of a facility is needed. The City Manager said the Martin Luther King center had 356,000 visitors last year, while Countryside had 72,000, Ross Norton had 85,000 and Morningside had 110,000. The meeting recessed from 11:34 a.m. to 1:05 p.m. Mr. Baier said Penny for Pinellas funding for City recreation trails will be available in FY 2008/09. The scope has increased from $1.5- to $2.5-million. Existing trails will be enlarged. In response to a question, Mr. Kader estimated extending the trail between the Long Center and Coopers Bayou Park will cost $1.5-million. The extra $1-million was budgeted for flyover structures at Belcher and Hercules but instead, could be used for other trail connections. Penny for Pinellas funding will be available in FY 2007/08 and 2008/09 for new piers, including fishing and canoe access piers at various locations. The original scope of $580,500 has not changed. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said between $125,000 and $135,000 is budgeted for some sort of fishing facility on Edgewater Drive, which lacks a pier or dock. Four new piers are planned. The priority project will replace the old bridge at the bottom of the bluff. Costs related to construction of the new 20,000 square-foot Ross Norton recreation center have increased by $0.5-million to $2.5-million. Higher costs are related to site improvements and anticipated construction cost increases. Costs related to the next project, construction of a new Morningside recreation center in FY 2007/08, also have increased by $0.5-million to $2.5-million. He estimated the current center has 7,000 square-feet. The next Penny for Pinellas project, scheduled for FY 2008/09, was to widen Druid Road and improve several intersections. The original scope of $12-million has been reduced to $2.4-million. The revised scope would improve intersections, landscaping, add a bike path and pedestrian walkways, replace the bridge behind Clearwater High School, and reduce the widening of Druid Road to only a center turn lane. It was felt this reduction in scope would have economic consequences. Mr. Baier said that would be hard to quantify. Mr. Hedrick said the City Commission will need to discuss Druid’s location near Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and how the City handles traffic in neighborhoods. Mr. Baier said Druid Road is a major collector road; Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard is a major arterial road. The City Manager said the County is working on alternate routes for traffic flow. Increased mass transit needs to be considered, as local roads are insufficient to handle traffic flow. He said the needs of residents and tourists must be balanced. Improving traffic movement on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard is a goal. Mr. Baier said changes planned for Drew Street between NE Coachman and Highland will handle additional traffic. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the project to extend Keene Road will not have an substantial effect on nearby property values. The City’s maintenance facility may have to be moved. It was felt the facility’s current location is inappropriate. Mr. Hedrick said staff is working on a facility master plan for the entire City. Mr. Kader said the Parks & Recreation Department ideally needs 15 acres, as the nursery is being moved to this area. It was suggested these items should be addressed in the normal budget process. Mr. Baier said the costs of addressing contaminated soil beneath Vine Avenue have not been determined. Mr. Baier said Penny for Pinellas funds will be available for the library branch expansion project in FY 2008/09 and 2009/10 for the East Library branch. The original scope of $1.5-million has been increased to $3.5-million. The shared facility with St. Petersburg Junior College will include study/research space, a childrens’ department, meeting rooms, computer labs, and classrooms. In response to a question, Library Director Arlita Hallam said in addition to the $1.5-million budgeted, the City will receive $1.25-million for the sale of the existing East Library plus grant money. St. Petersburg Junior College will pay for parking. The East Library cannot be expanded. Mr. Baier said the $11-million Penny for Pinellas project for Kapok recreation and stormwater retention will purchase the 235 unit mobile home park and provide flood control and environmental enhancement, flood plain restoration, etc. This project is critical for the Alligator Creek basin. The proposed scope is not funded by Penny for Pinellas dollars. Staff is looking at alternate funding sources, such as the stormwater utility fee. The City must deal with related flooding problems. Mr. Baier said he would contact the County for help with this project. It was noted the unincorporated area does not flood. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said many of the mobile homes are old and cannot be moved. Mr. Hedrick said staff soon plans to present a multi-year master plan that deals with the drainage system. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the City has contacted the City of Safety Harbor, FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection), SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District), and reviewed grants for help with this project. Mr. Baier reviewed current City stormwater projects. The majority of the stormwater utility fee is used for maintenance, equipment, and personnel. Approximately $0.5-million is spent on new projects annually. The City Manager said staff will bring forward funding alternatives for the next 10 to 15 year period. In response to a comment, Mr. Baier said the benefits of work on Stevenson’s Creek is evident along Court Street and Druid Road. The City needs to purchase additional equipment to maintain the project. In response to a question, the City Attorney said staff will review the ability to use Penny for Pinellas for the Kapok project. Mr. Baier said the City had personnel to run and implement the GIS (Geographical Information System). He questioned if Penny for Pinellas funds could be used for this project. The plan to connect all City databases, enhance police capabilities and customer service is not budgeted, but is estimated to cost $1.5-million. It was suggested this should be funded as a capital improvement project. Mr. Baier said the renovation of existing recreation centers originally was budgeted at $500,000. The Moccasin Lake Nature Park project to renovate existing rails, etc., estimated to cost $200,000, is not funded. The $180,000 planned expansion of Lake Chautauqua Park South is not funded. The original 40-acre Lake Chautauqua Park project is under development. Permits have been issued. He estimated construction will be completed within six months. In response to a question, he recommended the expansion be scheduled in approximately 12 years. The $0.4-million plan to develop Lake Chautauqua Park North as an active park, the $.15-million plan to improve Cliff Stevens Park, the $0.15-million plan to improve Woodgate Park, the $0.3-million plan to develop a nature park, the $0.3-million plan to develop Salls Lake Park, the $100,000 plan to install restroom facilities at Forest Run Park, and the $0.15-million plan to renovate McKay Park are not funded. The $544,500 fire training facility is not funded. Discussion ensued regarding the 13-acre Magnolia Falls Property, which is on the market for $800,000. The City of Safety Harbor is not interested in the purchase. The $200,000 set aside by the developer of another parcel is not accessible. The City Manager said the land must be preserved as a wetlands and cannot be developed. He questioned if the City wants to annex the property and maintain it. The developer’s money cannot be used for any other project. Mr. Kader said Safety Harbor staff had indicated an interest in developing that property with a medical/professional use. It was suggested public hearings be scheduled. It was recommended staff coordinate projects with Pinellas County, when possible. Consensus was to schedule a follow up meeting for June 2, 1998, at 9:00 a.m. The meeting adjourned at 2:32 p.m.