05/04/2015 Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 4, 2015
City of Clearwater
City Hall
112 S. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756
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Meeting Minutes
Monday, May 4, 2015
1 :00 PM
Council Chambers
Council Work Session
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 4, 2015
Roll Call
Present 5 - Mayor George N. Cretekos, Councilmember Doreen Hock-DiPolito,
Councilmember Hoyt Hamilton, Councilmember Bill Jonson, and
Vice Mayor Jay E. Polglaze
Also Present: William B. Horne II, City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Jill S.
Silverboard - Assistant City Manager, Rod Irwin, Assistant City
Manager, Pamela K. Akin - City Attorney, Rosemarie Call - City Clerk,
and Nicole Sprague — Official Records and Legislative Services
Coordinator
To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
1. Call to Order— Mayor Cretekos
The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall.
A moment of silence was observed to commemorate the recent passing
of Lester Daily, a reporter who covered Clearwater City Hall.
2. Presentations — Given
2.1 Police Officer Oaths
The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office to Warren Chriss, Jonathan
Hurt, Michael Jenson, Daniel Negersmith, and Cara Zeph.
2.2 Many Hands Award to the City of Clearwater, by Homeless Emergency Project - Ms.
Barbara Green, Founder Emeritus, and Mr. Terrance McAbee, President and CEO
2.3 United Way Workplace (Large Business) Award to the City of Clearwater— Jeff Collignon,
United Way and Chuck Warrington, Clearwater Gas System
The Council recessed to meet as the Community Redevelopment Agency
from 1:08 p.m. to 1:29 p.m.
3. Economic Development and Housing
3.1 Approve the third-year extension option of the Professional Services Contract
between the City of Clearwater and Imagine Global Consulting to provide tourism
marketing services for the City of Clearwater in the amount of$164,000 for Fiscal
Year 2015-2016, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
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In the wake of changing market trends in tourism, the Economic Development
and Housing Department assessed current market trends in order to determine
how best the city can utilize its limited resources to capture more visitors and
strengthen brand awareness of the City's offerings as a premiere destination.
As a result of this assessment, on May 6, 2013, the City released Request for
Proposals 19-13, with the goal of selecting an experienced marketing and
public relations partner to direct future marketing and public relations efforts
(including web and social media), in an aggressive and comprehensive manner
to strengthen awareness nationally and statewide of the City's attributes and
offerings as a top vacation destination with an ultimate goal to attract more
visitors. In October 2013, the City contracted with Imagine Global Consulting
(Imagine) for their approach to the Scope of Work, relationships with the media
and creativity.
The contract was structured as a two-year activity period with an option for a
third year. Imagine presented their accomplishments for the first contract year
to the Council in December 2014.
The Scope of Work overall includes a detailed action and activity marketing
plan aimed at increasing the brand awareness for the City of Clearwater.
Imagine is promoting Clearwater according to its unique selling points and
defined niche markets. The focus for this current fiscal year is on promoting
events, increasing the number of journalists visiting and writing about the
destination, an in-depth SEO analysis of the website and an update of the
current online presence.
The results of the first contract year were exceptional with an increase of
9.88% in visitors, 9.93% increase in direct expenditures and economic impact,
and a $5 million advertising value representing 135 placements in key
magazine, newspapers, websites, blogs, and other online media, as well as 4
major national TV placements.
Given the results of the first year, staff recommends exercising the third-year
contract option to continue the momentum established over the last 18 months,
capitalize on the media relationships developed in that time for Clearwater and
provide Imagine the time needed to complete key initiatives underway
including:
• In-depth SEO analysis of current website to fully understand traffic
patterns and use of webpage.
• Evaluation and enhancement of the tourism website based on SEO
findings and according to the new City branding
(www.visitclearwaterflorida.com
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<http://www.visitclearwaterflorida.com>).
• Finalization of video content development project to supply all online
platforms with up-to-date video content and create stock b-roll for
editorial media purposes. Visual Materials are vital to the promotion of a
destination to create interest and drive desire to travel.
• Finalization of social media campaign; Instagram Picture Frame
promotion anticipated to run through 2016.
• Planning of a 2016 wintertime social media give-away and sweepstakes
with a national airline partner.
• Follow up of a pitch to have live broadcasts from Clearwater during the
winter season for weather correspondents with the major television
networks.
• Coordination of individual press trips as well as two larger group press
trips. Media visits planned will require follow up and continued fact
checking and input to secure media coverage.
• Continue to promote elite events in the destination with PR activities.
Funding will be included as part of the Department's Fiscal Year 15-16 budget.
The third-year contract funding would be for $160,000 inclusive of all
marketing, PR and administration, plus $4,000 for reimbursable expenses. If
the Council opts not to engage Imagine for a third year, the Department will
need to conduct a Request for Proposals (RFP) process to select a contractor.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in cost code 09216-530300, Contractual Services, to fund
this contract.
3.2 Approve Clearwater Business SPARK! Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
GOAL 4 of the City's Economic Development Strategic Plan (ED Strategic
Plan) states that the City should "support an entrepreneurship and innovation
ecosystem and collaborate with regional partners to market Clearwater to
target industries."
Toward that end, the Economic Development and Housing Department
(ED&H) began working with the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce
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(Chamber) in January 2014 to explore the feasibility of jointly developing a
business resource center in Clearwater. The Chamber and ED&H evaluated
and/or toured nine Tampa Bay and Orlando area facilities and their program
and service offerings. Staff also conducted an inventory of existing
organizations and the programs/services provided to entrepreneurs and small
businesses.
In June 2014, the Urban Land Institute Advisory Services Panel (ULI)
recommended 1) more active uses of the Clearwater Main Library, and 2) that
support should be provided to new entrepreneurial small businesses by
investing in a technology innovation center or business incubator. ULI
recommendations supported and encouraged the expansion of economic
development activities underway.
By August 2014, Steve Allen (Founder and CEO of iDatix Corporation - an
IT/Software firm, and member of the City's Tech Council), began the
development of the Technical Arts Facility for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
(TAFFIE), a private business incubation and co-worker facility.
The convergence of these public and private efforts and the analysis of the
information obtained during nine months of evaluation concluded that, for the
most part, existing organizations in the city, county, and region are offering
programs and services that meet the need of entrepreneurs and small
businesses located in Clearwater. However, there is a clear need for a
collaborative and coordinated approach for the marketing and delivery of these
services.
Therefore, in November 2014, the Chamber, TAFFIE, the Small Business
Development Center of Pinellas County (SBDC), ED&H and Clearwater Main
Library began to work together toward creating the consortium now called
"Clearwater Business SPARK!" The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
has subsequently joined the consortium due to the emphasis on the downtown
and the East Gateway Tech District and support and growth of this workforce.
The initial phase of the Clearwater Business SPARK! was to develop an MOU,
a non-binding agreement, which details the spirit and intent of the consortium
and the roles and responsibilities of the partners. Staff recommends approval
of the MOU in order to show the City's and CRA commitment to moving
forward with the goals and objectives outlined in the ED Strategic Plan and ULI
Report.
MOU Summary
As described within the MOU, the partners recognize there is strong interest in
the greater Clearwater community for new, small business and entrepreneurial
development programs and that the strength and areas of expertise each
partner provides will together achieve the shared goal of helping this sector of
our economy in Clearwater.
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Toward that end, the partners desire to work collaboratively and continuously
to provide entrepreneurs, innovators, creators and small business owners with
a wide variety of programs, services, education, networking opportunities, and
flexible and creative workplaces and spaces, and to achieve sustainability
within three years of the date of the MOU through a combination of fee-based
programs and services, sponsorship, and grants which may be pursued.
Exhibit A shows a sampling of the proposed offerings each partner brings to
the consortium.
At the onset, ED&H will coordinate and facilitate partner meetings. Together,
the partners will 1) provide networking opportunities throughout the greater
Clearwater area, 2) host and/or participate in events and meet-ups, 3) work
together to develop a comprehensive mix of services and facility offerings
targeting technology innovation and creative enterprises, 4) promote the
availability of programs and services, 5) strive to adopt and adapt programs
and services to meet the changing needs of those seeking services, 6) make
appropriate referrals to program partners, facilities, or services, 7) provide
appropriate training of staff who may from time to time engage individuals who
seek or need services provided by one or more of the partners, 8) actively and
continuously seek additional partners to join Clearwater Business SPARK!, and
9)jointly establish protocols, common intake processes, performance goals
and measures. Additionally, the partners will convene annually to establish a
work program, identify resources necessary to sustain Clearwater Business
SPARK! and to prepare a budget including in-kind and financial resources
necessary to support marketing, programs, and activities of Clearwater
Business SPARK!
Requests for City and/or CRA financial support of Clearwater Business
SPARK! will be presented in separate agenda item(s) at a future date. It is
expected that such funding request(s) will be for marketing and promotion
activities of Clearwater Business SPARK!, enhanced services provided by
SBDC of Pinellas, and payment of fees for programs or services that provide
clear evidence of public benefit. On a going forward basis, the City's financial
participation will be considered as a part of the annual budget process.
Requests for funds will be submitted annually according to the budget
schedule, and is subject to City Council and/or CRA approval.
Representatives of the member organizations in the consortium will be present
at the CRA meeting to answer any questions.
In response to a question, Library Director Barbara Pickell said
additional evening hours would be needed to accommodate the
SPARK! related activities. The Main Library is currently open through
7:00 p.m. four days a week. Next year's CIP budget includes funding to
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block-off space to allow public access for after-hour meetings. Ms. Pickell said
the facility was designed to be a completely open-spaced building. Hosting
after-hours meetings requires staff to be present to ensure individuals can
not wander the entire building.
3.3 Accept deed transferring real property located at 1002 LaSalle Street from Clearwater
Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. to the City of Clearwater and adopt Resolution
15-11.
Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (CNHS), a non-profit
corporation located in the North Greenwood area and serving the Tampa Bay
area, has requested the City accept the deed transferring a vacant lot located
at 1002 LaSalle Street in the North Greenwood neighborhood.
As background, the City established the Challenge Infill Housing Program in
1996. The program was established to provide loans to low and
moderate-income families to obtain affordable housing. Through a partnership
with CNHS, the City established a revolving loan program to provide funds for
the development or purchase of existing housing. CNHS generated revenues
through the sale of the homes that was sold to these families and utilized this
funding to purchase the vacant lot in 2006 for$43,000 at the height of the real
estate market. The Pinellas County Property Appraiser's office has the value of
the lot currently listed at$2,255. Due to the downturn in the real estate market,
CNHS has been unable develop the lot for affordable housing.
The lot is located between two existing residential properties that have been
cited for code violations and have required additional police presence. With city
ownership of the lot, Police, Code Enforcement and the Housing Division will
be able to work collaboratively to address specific community concerns
regarding this vacant lot.
Staff recommends accepting the deed for future development of affordable
housing. Accepting this property will enable the city to foster its efforts of
providing affordable housing in North Greenwood, a Neighborhood
Revitalization Strategy Area. The intent is to convey the property to a housing
developer to build a single-family home on the vacant lot, thereby placing a
structure that will improve the area and show reinvestment in the community.
In response to a question, Economic Development and Housing Director
Geri Campos Lopez said the vacant lot could be transferred to Habitat
for Humanity
4. Finance
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4.1 Award contracts for bond counsel and disclosure counsel for the five-year period
ending May 7, 2020, to Bryant, Miller and Olive as bond counsel, and Nabors, Giblin
and Nickerson as disclosure counsel, and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. (consent)
The contracts with the City of Clearwater (City) current bond and
disclosure counsels expired on April 25, 2015.
The City issued Request for Proposals (RFP) 24-15 to solicit proposals
for bond counsel and/or disclosure counsel.
The City received six proposals for bond counsel and eight proposals for
disclosure counsel.
Bryant, Miller and Olive, the City's current bond counsel, was selected
by the RFP selection committee as submitting the bond counsel
proposal with the most desirable combination of experience and fees.
The costs incurred for this service due to bond issuance will be paid
from bond proceeds.
The services provided by the bond counsel include providing all
necessary legal services required for issuance of City of Clearwater
bonds, including rendering a written legal opinion as to the legality of the
bonds and the proceedings by which they are issued and the exclusion
from gross income for federal income tax purposes of the interest paid
on the bonds.
Nabors, Giblin and Nickerson, the City's current disclosure counsel, was
selected by the RFP selection committee as submitting the disclosure
counsel proposal with the most desirable combination of experience and
fees.
The costs incurred for this service due to bond issuance will be paid
from bond proceeds.
The services provided by the disclosure counsel include preparation of a
Preliminary Official Statement and an Official Statement (disclosure
statements) in connection with the sale of City bonds. Also, coordination
with appropriate City personnel, City financial advisor, or other outside
independent advisors in the preparation of any disclosure statements
required by the City.
4.2 Approve settlement of a city vehicle (G4016) damage claim and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
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A Police Officer was traveling on police duty when a citizen failed to yield the
right of way causing a collision.
The city vehicle was damaged to such an extent as to be unrepairable
($22,027.20) and that is the basis of this claim. The settlement will be paid to
the Police Department through the Central Insurance Fund.
The City will seek restitution from the citizen at fault.
The value of the vehicle is $32,031.25. The salvage will be disposed of to the
highest bidder.
The City's limit of liability as provided by Section 768.28, Florida Statutes is
$200,000. The City's Risk Management Division and City's Claims Committee
recommend this settlement.
Funding for the payment of this settlement is available in the budget for claims
expense in the Central Insurance Fund
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
590-07000-545900-519-000 $32,031.25
4.3 Approve settlement of a damage claim involving a city vehicle (G3942) and authorize
the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
A Police Officer was traveling to assist other officers when this police officer
failed to obey a stop sign. This car (G3942) collided with another police
vehicle.
The city vehicle was damaged to such an extent as to be a total loss
($29,380.17). That is the basis of this claim.
The value of the vehicle is $35,000. The salvage will be disposed of to the
highest bidder.
The City's limit of liability as provided by Section 768.28, Florida Statutes is
$200,000. The City's Risk Management Division and City's Claims Committee
recommend this settlement.
Funding for the payment of this settlement is available in the budget for claims
expense in the Central Insurance Fund.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
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590-07000-545900-519-000 $35,000.00
4.4 Approve settlement of the liability claim of Ms. Fotini Bakkalapulo for payment of
$32,500.00 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
The claimant was involved in an automobile accident with a City truck on
5/16/12.
The claimant was injured and that is the basis of her claim.
Ms. Bakkalapulo's claim can be settled for$32,500.
The City's limit of liability as provided by Section 768.28, Florida Statutes is
$200,000. The City's Risk Management Division and City's Claims Committee
recommend this settlement.
Funding for the payment of this settlement is available in the budget for claims
expense in the Central Insurance Fund.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
590-07000-545900-519-000 $32,500.00
5. Gas System
5.1 No item
5.2 Approve the Purchase Order in the amount of$3,897,500, award bid 35-15 to Florida
Gas Contractors, Inc, for the replacement of antiquated gas mains and service lines
for the period of May 11, 2015 through December 31, 2017, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Florida Gas Contractors (FGC) was the lowest and responsive bidder for bid
35-15. FGC will replace approximately 30 miles of antiquated gas mains, to
include all associated service line, gas meter and piping connections at each
customer location. The term "antiquated" represents all uncoated steel gas
mains and service lines, to include cast iron, that are currently serving
customers within the Clearwater Gas System service territory. These materials
were installed between the period of 1923 (start of the gas system) and 1970.
Most of these mains and service lines are located in highly congested areas
within Clearwater, Belleair and Dunedin. This replacement project is estimated
to take 2 '/2 years to complete. Once this project is completed, CGS will have
removed all bare steel and cast iron mains and service lines within its
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distribution system.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are budgeted and available in 315-96377, Pinellas New Mains and
Service Lines, to fund this project.
In response to questions, Gas Operations Manager Brian Langille said the
project began in 2012, with 30 miles remaining. There is 65 miles of
antiquated mains, 870 miles of mains in total.
6. Human Resources
6.1 Approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Clearwater and the
Fraternal Order of Police Supervisors Bargaining Unit for fiscal years 2015/16,
2016/17, 2017/18 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
The current collective bargaining agreement between the City of Clearwater
and the Fraternal Order of Police Supervisors Bargaining Unit expires on
September 30, 2015. City management staff and representatives from the
Fraternal Order of Police reached a tentative agreement for a new contract.
The agreement was ratified by the membership on April 15, 2015.
The agreement is a three-year contract providing for a 4% merit increase in
each year of the agreement for all bargaining unit members who receive a
rating of satisfactory or better on their annual performance appraisal.
The agreement also includes utilization of Life Scan wellness examinations to
accomplish the annual physical examination requirement, an increase in shift
differential from 7% to 10% for bargaining unit members serving on the
2400-0700 shift and 5% Job Assignment pay for the Special Operations
Sergeant.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
The increased cost associated with the implementation of this agreement to
include the cost of salary and estimated benefit increases is anticipated to be
as follows:
Fiscal Year (FY) 2016/17: $187,349 plus $75,000 for benefits = $262,349
FY 2016/17: $262,349 plus $194,843 plus $75,000 for benefits = $532,192
FY 2017/18: 532,192 plus $202,637 plus $75,000 for benefits = $809,829
7. Police Department
7.1 Approve the Voluntary Tampa Bay Multi-Agency Gang Task Force Memorandum of
Understanding and the accompanying Mutual Aid Agreement for a five-year period
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commencing May 31, 2015 and expiring on May 30, 2020 and authorize the Chief of
Police to execute same. (consent)
Mutual aid agreements between law enforcement agencies are authorized by
Chapter 23, Florida Statutes, for rendering voluntary assistance of a routine
law enforcement nature to one another across jurisdictional lines and providing
operational assistance.
The principal goal of the Voluntary Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to
provide for an orderly and equitable plan for the distribution of assets forfeited
as a result of any Multi-agency gang task force activation and to provide for the
disbursement of any such assets or funds as outlined in the MOU.
The Voluntary Mutual Aid Agreement joins agencies together to form a task
force whereby each agency may request and render law enforcement
assistance to the other to include, but not necessarily limited to civil
disturbances, large protest demonstrations, concerts and parades related to
gang and disruptive group activity, and gang and disruptive group related
crime.
Each agency shall have a representative on the Multi-Agency Gang Task
Force steering committee.
Each participating agency is subject to the terms and conditions in the
Voluntary Mutual Aid Agreement.
A copy of the Tampa Bay Multi-Agency Gang Task Force Memorandum of
Understanding and the Mutual Aid Agreement are available for review in the
Office of Records & Legislative Services.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
There is no cost involved.
7.2 Approval to continue the Interlocal Agreement for Information Sharing that will permit
the Clearwater Police Department and other participating law enforcement agencies
within Pinellas County to share information and provide effective crime analysis and
crime prevention information for Pinellas County residents for an additional five-year
period and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Interlocal agreements among law enforcement agencies are authorized by
Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, to provide services and facilities in a manner
that will take into consideration geographic, economic, population, and other
factors influencing the needs and development of local communities.
Pinellas County, through its Department of Justice and Consumer Services,
has developed a law enforcement data initiative to expand information sharing
between agencies, which include data integration, secure networking, and over
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 4, 2015
twenty analysis applications. The goal of this agreement is for operating
agencies to use technologies that exist to bridge the gaps between different
information systems.
The County, through the Department of Justice and Consumer Services,
agrees to act as the coordinator of an information sharing steering committee
to facilitate both the input of and access to law enforcement data for use by
participating law enforcement agencies to analyze and prevent criminal activity.
Agencies shall participate in the Information Sharing Steering Committee.
Selected participants must have full decision-making authority and will be from
the command staff level. Each agency shall retain all the rights of ownership
to its agency data, irrespective of the inclusion of its data in the information
sharing process.
The Renewal Agreement will be in effect from the date of execution and will
remain in effect thereafter for five years. It may be renewed under the same
terms for an additional five-year term upon mutual agreement of the parties.
The Assistant City Attorney/Legal Advisor and Police Chief recommend
approval.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
No cost agreement.
7.3 Approve a transaction with B and H Police Supply (Merritt Island, FL) for the trade in
of twenty-one KAHR PM9 firearms, in a credit amount of$6,300, in exchange for
twenty-one Glock, Model 42 firearms and related accessory items. (consent)
In 2011, the Police Department purchased twenty-one KAHR PM9 firearms as
replacements for the Department's Smith and Wesson, model 642 revolvers.
These firearms are principally assigned to detectives in undercover capacities.
Shortly after purchasing these firearms, Police Department personnel began
experiencing mechanical problems with the weapons. The Police
Department's Training Unit worked closely with the KAHR representative to
resolve these concerns, and it initially appeared that the issues had been
corrected.
However, the mechanical difficulties have persisted; and the Police
Department's Support Services Division has exhausted all available options to
resolve concerns relating to the weapons.
The Department's Training Unit, in conjunction with the Criminal Investigations
Division's Special Investigations Section, jointly recommends a transition to the
Glock, Model 42 (.380 caliber) firearm.
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The transition to the Glock, Model 42 would be facilitated by B and H Police
Supply of Merritt Island, Florida.
B and H Police Supply will accept twenty-one of the Clearwater Police
Department's KAHR PM9 firearms in trade for twenty-one Glock, Model 42
firearms. Under the terms of the transaction, B and H Police Supply will
provide the Police Department with a $300.00 credit for each KAHR PM9
firearm. The purchase price of the twenty-one Glock Model 42 is $285.00
each.
Additional costs associated with this transaction are the purchase of night
sights (Truglo Tritium Set at$48.00 per firearm) and a clip that is affixed to the
firearm for concealed carry (Technaclip at$19.80 per firearm). The combined
price of the Glock Model 42 with the additional associated costs is $352.80
each.
Total purchase price for twenty-one Glock Model 42 is $7,408.80. This cost is
offset by the trade in of twenty-one KAHR PM9 by $6,300.00.
The remaining $1,108.80 of the transition purchase will be funded through the
Criminal Investigations Division Operating Budget for the current fiscal year.
City Purchasing Policy, Section 6: Purchase Requisition, VI. Trade-in or
Replacement, states, "Trade-ins valued greater than $5,000 must be approved
by the City Council prior to actual trade."
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in cost code 0010-01129-550400-521-0000, Criminal
Investigations Division Operating Budget, to fund this contract.
8. Engineering
8.1 Approve a Parking Service Agreement for pay by cell parking technology between the
City of Clearwater and Parkmobile of Atlanta, Georgia and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
Parkmobile will provide a service to the City of Clearwater's parking customers
(End Users) that facilitate the activation and payment of parking transactions
using mobile technology (Mobile Parking). For use of the Mobile Parking
service, an end user fee ($0.35) per transaction is charged to the end user with
no charges to the City. Additionally, City of Clearwater residents who sign up
for this service will not be charged this user fee. Services shall be provided in
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 4, 2015
accordance with Parkmobile's submission to Request for Proposals 14-15.
This agreement is for two years and may be automatically extended for three
additional consecutive one-year renewal terms (each a Renewal Term),
provided that neither party gives written notice to the other of its intent not to
renew this Agreement at least sixty days prior to the expiration of the
then-current Renewal Term.
Parkmobile accepts several electronic payment methods from customers that
include traditional credit card payments (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and
AMEX). All parking charges are automatically charged to the credit card of the
End User. End Users have real time access to an online account-based
personal page accessible from www.parkmobile.com
<http://www.parkmobile.com> to check and print their parking history, receipts,
and statements.
In response to questions, Parking Manager Eric Wilson said customers
will be able to identify the parking zone on their cell phone and pay the
parking fee. Staff will have the ability to check vehicle tags to confirm
that the parking space has been paid. Users will also have the ability to
re-pay their parking fee prior to the parking session expiring. Mr. Wilson
said the pay by phone fee will be free for city residents. The City will
collect the parking fee and reimburse the vendor at $0.35 per
transaction. The vendor will work with Public Communications on the
public information campaign?. Signs regarding the pay by phone
program will be placed on the pay stations and meters. Mr. Wilson said
the number of bill acceptors on the beach will be reduced as a measure
to reduce the repair costs. Studies show people are reducing the amount
of cash they carry. The City Manager said if staff finds that the change is
not working, measures will be taken to make those machines more
available.
8.2 Approve the request from the owners of property addressed at 1076 Eldorado Avenue
to vacate a portion of a platted utility easement; and pass Ordinance 8728-15 on first
reading. (VAC2015-04)
The owners of property located at 1076 Eldorado are planning to construct new
improvements on a portion of their property encumbered by a five-foot wide
utility easement that was dedicated to the public when the subdivision was
platted.
The City's Engineering, Public Utilities and Gas System departments have no
current or future plans to use this easement. Staff has no objection to the
request.
Duke Energy, Verizon, Bright House and Knology (d.b.a. WOW!) each have no
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 4, 2015
objections to the request.
8.3 Ratify and confirm a supplemental work order to Reiss Engineering, Inc. (EOR) in the
amount of$159,357 for additional Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI)
associated with the new brackish reverse osmosis water treatment plant at Water
Treatment Plant No. 2, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
The City of Clearwater is nearing contract closeout of its new Reverse
Osmosis (RO)Water Treatment Plant located at 21133 N. US Hwy. 19 within
the City of Clearwater.
City Council approved the design of the new Reverse Osmosis Plant No. 2
December 17, 2010. Subsequent supplemental work orders for design
changes resulted in bids received and a Council approved CEI supplemental
work order May 1, 2013. Supplemental work orders for changes encountered
during construction have resulted in a total purchase order of$6,247,518.34
for completed design and CEI services over the past 5 years. The current
request will compensate Reiss Engineering for the last of the changes
encountered during design and allow the City to closeout the project. The
added funding will result in a new total value of the purchase order to Reiss
(PO's ST107146 and ST107146-1) of$6,406,875.34.
This project is cooperatively funded by the Southwest Florida Water
Management District (SWFWMD). That agreement was approved at the
September 22, 2010 City Council Meeting that provides for the design,
permitting and construction of a brackish reverse osmosis (RO) facility at
Water Treatment Plant (WTP) No. 2;
The City of Clearwater Public Utilities Department will own, operate and
maintain the Water Treatment Plant.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
0315-96767-563600-533-0000-0000
Sufficient funding is available in Capital Improvement Program project
0315-96767, RO Plant at Reservoir 2, in the amount of$159,357.
8.4 Approve Change Order 2 to Rowland, Inc. of Pinellas Park, Florida, for Smallwood
Circle Drainage and Edgewood Avenue Sanitary Sewer Improvements projects
(11-0057-EN and 10-0027-UT) in the amount of$403,449.14 for a new contract total
of$2,897,310.11 and approve a time extension of 165 days for completion of
additional work and unforeseen field conditions. (consent)
November 17, 2013, City Council awarded a $2,345,142.97 contract on to
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 4, 2015
Rowland Incorporated for the Smallwood Circle Drainage Improvements and
Edgewood Avenue Sanitary Sewer Improvements projects (11-0057-EN and
10-0027-UT).
November 6, 2014, City Council approved Change Order 1 on for $148,718 to
include complete curb replacement.
Change Order 2 covers cost of additional roadway reconstruction and
resurfacing and larger quantities than anticipated of unsuitable material
removal, gravel pipe bedding, and flowable fill due to challenging soil
conditions.
The 165 days are requested to complete the additional scope and reinstallation
of numerous segments of sanitary pipe. The contract's new completion date is
August 18, 2015.
The Storm Maintenance Division and Public Utilities Department shall own and
maintain the improvements once completed.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
0315-96178-563700-539-000-0000 $145,160.31
0315-96665-563800-535-000-0000 $258,288.83
Funds are available in capital improvement program projects in amounts of
$145,160.31 in 315-96178, Smallwood Circle, and $258,288.83 in 0315-96665,
Sanitary Sewer R&R for total funding in the amount of$403,449.14.
In response to questions, Engineering Construction Manager Tara Kivett said
change order 1 was approved early on the project for additional curbing and
time. Staff was hopeful that the contract contingency would cover some of the
increased item quantities. Items have increased more than
anticipated. The contractor was $800,000 lower than the average bid
proposals. With the change order before Council, expenditures are still in line
with the budget based on the average of the bids received. Ms. Kivett said
Rowland installed numerous segments of pipe that they had replaced,
at no cost to the City, because it did not meet city specifications. There
will be no lift station as it is a gravity line.
9. Fire Department
9.1 Approve the Local Mitigation Strategy developed for Pinellas County and adopt
Resolution 15-10.
The purpose of the Local Mitigation Strategy is to establish an ongoing process
that will make hazard mitigation part of the daily functioning of the entire
community. The Local Mitigation Strategy serves as a bridge between local
governments' growth management plans, the county comprehensive
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 4, 2015
emergency plan, land development regulations, and relevant ordinances and
codes such as those for floodplain management.
Most of the burden of recovering from a disaster falls squarely on the
shoulders of local government. A major disaster can bring extraordinary
hardship to citizens, devastate the economic base, and diminish its quality of
life for years to come. If hardships seen in other parts of the country can be
avoided by making smarter decisions before the disaster, the best interest of
our citizens, businesses and communities will be served.
The objective of the Local Mitigation Strategy is to develop a blueprint or guide
intended to provide a unified and consistent course of action needed to
eliminate or reduce the impact of disasters that threaten Pinellas County and
its municipalities.
The current Local Mitigation Strategy is a 5-year update. The original was
adopted in 1999, and comprehensive updates were completed in 2004 and
2009.
In response to a question, Fire Division Chief Scott Ehlers said the City has
not received the final Community Rating System (CRS) report from FEMA.
Assistant City Manager Jill Silverboard said staff will confirm if the Local
Mitigation Strategy was included in the City's pending CRS application.
9.2 Reappoint Rick G. Stucker to a four-year term as a Trustee of the Clearwater
Firefighters' Supplemental Trust Fund in accordance with Sec. 175.061 of the Florida
State Statutes. (consent)
The Clearwater Firefighters' Supplemental Trust Fund is the recipient of
monies obtained by the State of Florida from Insurance companies doing
business within the community. These monies are required to be administered
by a Board of Trustees whose composition must consist of two legal residents
of the City appointed by the City Council; two City firefighters elected by the
firefighters; and a fifth member chosen by a majority of the other four members
and submitted to the City Council for appointment. The Board of Trustees is
solely responsible for administration of the trust fund.
The state law allows trustees to succeed themselves as board members. This
legal resident, City Council appointed seat will become open July 1, 2015. Mr.
Stucker has indicated his willingness to serve another term. Mr. Stucker is a
city resident, and a local business owner with an insurance background. He
currently serves as the Board's Chairman and has been a Trustee on the
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 4, 2015
Board for over 25 years.
Once approved, Mr. Rick Stucker is to serve a new, four-year term as a trustee
to the seat for the period of July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2019.
10. Library
10.1Accept the donation of$100,000 from the Clearwater Library Foundation; add
$25,000 from the General Fund Reserve and approve the increase of$125,000 to the
Countryside Library project (11-0059-LI) budget; award a contract (Purchase Order) to
Source Interiors for the purchase of Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment in the amount
of$421,750.66 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
The Countryside Library project remains on schedule with the Grand Opening
now planned for October 17, 2015. During the entire course of this project, the
entire team, including the Library, Parks and Engineering Departments, the
General Contractor Ajax Construction and the Architects Harvard Jolly, have
worked diligently to create a facility that will serve the long-term needs of the
citizens of Clearwater within the budget provided.
With the assistance of the Clearwater Library Foundation, which presented a
check for$100,000 to the Council at the March 19, 2015 City Council meeting,
staff is within $25,000 of having the funds needed to provide everything
essential to open the new library. Staff believes this will be a facility the City
and the Countryside Community will welcome with pride.
This request is to increase the project budget by $125,000, to include
$100,000 from the Clearwater Library Foundation donation and $25,000 from
General Funds reserves, and approve a contract (Purchase Order) for
$421,750.66 to Source Interiors for the majority of the furniture, fixtures and
equipment for the new building, including all of the shelving for books and
other materials, furniture for the public area as well as office furniture for staff
areas. Staff has worked for the past year to select the appropriate furniture at
the best value. Source Interiors is a State Contract vendor, (Florida State
Contract 420-420-10-1, effective date March 1, 2015) which works well for us
since we are purchasing furniture and fixtures from several different
manufacturers. Clearwater City Code 2.564, Exceptions to Bid Procedure, (1)
(d), allows utilization of other Government Entity's bid.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
A mid-year budget amendment will increase capital improvement project
315-93528, Countryside Library Renovation, by $100,000 in donation revenue
and $25,000 in General Fund revenue to fund this contract.
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USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
Funding for this contract will be provided by a mid-year budget amendment
allocating General Fund reserves in the amount of$25,000 to capital
improvement project 93528, Countryside Library Renovation. A net total of
$2,369,615 of General Fund reserves has been used to date to fund
expenditures in the 2014/15 operating budget. The remaining balance in
General Fund reserves is approximately $21.4 million, or 18.3% of the current
General Fund operating budget.
In response to questions, Library Director Barbara Pickell said the
Clearwater Library Foundation is continuing to collect funds, staff
has not received an update on their fundraising efforts.
10.2Award a contract (purchase order) to Bibliotheca, LLC for$178,987, in accordance
with Sec. 2.564(1)(d), Code of Ordinances - Other Governmental bids, for hardware
and software to implement phase two of an RFID system to improve security and
efficiency in library branch operations and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. (consent)
The Library Technology project was funded in fiscal year 2012/13 to add RFID
(Radio Frequency Identification) technology to all libraries to help improve the
effectiveness and efficiency of library staff. During the previous recession
times, library staff was cut back to reduce costs, with the expectation that this
technology would help the smaller staff accomplish a workload that has not
greatly decreased.
Staff has been implementing this technology in phases. All library materials
have been tagged, new security gates have been installed in all library
locations, the self checkout machines have been updated to utilize RFID and
sorting machines have been installed at the Main Library. This phase of this
project is to install the sorting machines in the new Countryside Library and
update the outdated equipment at several branches. The final phase
remaining is the East Branch when it opens in a new facility at some point in
the future.
Sec. 2.564(1)(d) utilizes a contract awarded by the City of Largo on February
13, 2013 and remains in effect through Feb. 13, 2018.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in capital improvement project 315-94861, Library
Technology, to fund this contract.
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11. Public Utilities
11.1Award a contract (blanket purchase order) to Harcros Chemicals, Inc., of Tampa, FL
in the annual amount of$255,000, for liquid Sodium Bisulfite Solution, over a 1-year
period, with two additional annual extensions, and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. (consent)
Liquid Sodium Bisulfite Solution is used at the City's three Wastewater
Reclamation Facilities to dechlorinate treated effluent prior to discharge to
surface waters and at the City's Reverse Osmosis Water Plants in the
treatment of drinking water in order to meet the requirements of the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection.
In response to Clearwater Bid 37-15, two submissions were received on April
13, 2015, with Harcros Chemicals, Inc. representing the lowest, most
responsive bidder at$0.144/lb. The price of$0.144/lb is firm for one year. At
the time of the second and third year renewals, the vendor is allowed an
increase according to the Producer Price Index.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds for this contract are available in the Water& Sewer Utility Fund, WET
operating cost code 0421-01351-551000-535-000-0000 as follows:
Fiscal Year (FY)14/15 $63,209.66
FY15/16 $189,628.99
FY16/17 $189,110.88
FY17/18 $109,839.74
Funds for this contract are available in the Water& Sewer Utility Fund, Water
operating cost center 0421-02053-551000-533-000-0000 as follows:
FY14/15 $24,103.30
FY15/16 $72,309.89
FY16/17 $72,112.32
FY17/18 $41,884.42
12. Solid Waste
12.1Approve a Contract (Blanket Purchase Order) to Honeywell International, Inc. -
Building Solutions of Chicago, IL for an amount not to exceed $200,000 for the
quarterly Maintenance Fees for the period May 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016, per the
contracts dated November 17, 2008 and April 28, 2010, and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute the same. (consent)
The City of Clearwater signed two contracts with Honeywell Building Solutions
to retrofit various buildings with energy saving devices under the State of
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 4, 2015
Florida Energy Savings Contract 973-320-08-1. These contracts included
provisions for guaranteed savings under the Performance Contracting
specifications.
The first contract was signed November 17, 2008. Several lighting changes
were completed, air conditioning units were replaced and a dehumidifier was
installed in the Long Center pool area to create a better air environment and to
help protect the steel structure from rust and deterioration. The contract term is
20 years. The savings in the 5th year was $107,396 above the guaranteed
savings of$207,953.
The second contract was signed on April 28, 2010. This contract included
lighting changes in numerous buildings, air conditioning replacements and
automated HVAC controls in various City buildings and a pool pump
replacement at the Long Center. The contract term is 15 years. The savings in
the 4th year was $22,736 above the guaranteed savings of$429,851.
The contracts require Honeywell to maintain all the systems installed for the
term of the contract. This Blanket Purchase Order covers the maintenance and
audit costs for one year.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
565-06531-530300-519
Funds are currently available in cost code 565-06531-530300-519 (Contractual
Services) for the current year's expenditures, and will be budgeted in the Fiscal
Year 15/16 operating budget to fund the remainder of this contract.
In response to questions, Solid Waste/General Services Director Earl Gloster
said the windows at the Main Library have contributed to the high power
usage.
In response to a question, the City Attorney said Councilmember Jonson, a
Honeywell pensioner, did not have a voting conflict.
13. Official Records and Legislative Services
13.1Amend Council Rule 6 and adopt Resolution 15-13.
Staff recommends amending Rule 6, Order of Business, to allow presentations
by government agencies or groups providing formal updates to Council at the
beginning of the council meeting agenda (Special Recognitions). These
presentations will be placed on the agenda after any scheduled service
awards, proclamations or special recognitions/awards and will be limited to ten
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 4, 2015
minutes. In addition, the process for quasi-judicial hearings has been updated
to reflect current practice: Council does not hear new testimony but receives a
copy of the records adduced before the Community Development Board.
Rule 6 would read as follows:
(1) The order of business for a regular meeting shall ordinarily be:
A. Invocation
B. Pledge
C. Special recognitions and awards Presentations (Proclamations, service
awards, or other special recognitions. Presentations by government agencies
or groups providing formal updates to Council will be limited to ten minutes.)
D. Minutes of previous meetings
E. Citizens to be heard regarding items not on agenda. Each speaker will be
asked to give their name and address and to limit their comments to a
maximum
of three minutes.
F. Consent Agenda
G. Public hearings (not before 6:00 p.m.)
Legislative and administrative matters:
1. Presentation of issues by City staff.
2. Statement of case by applicant or representative (5 minutes).
3. Council questions.
4. Comments in support and comments in opposition. See
subsection (3) below regarding time limitations for speakers.
5. Council questions.
6. Final rebuttal by applicant or representative (5 minutes).
7. Council motion to determine disposition.
Quasi-judicial Hearings (these giving testimony will be sworn irl):
1. Staff states its recommendation and briefly summarizes its
reasons for the recommendation and submits record
(minutes, staff report, and application) adduced before the
Community Development Board (2 minutes).
2. Applicant presents case, including its testimony and exhibits.
Witness may be nrncc_examined (15 minutes).
3. Staff presents further evidence. May be GFOss_examined (10
minutes).
4. Public comment. See subsection (3) below regarding time
limitations for speakers.
5. City Council discussion, and may question any witness
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 4, 2015
6. Applicant may call witnesses in rebuttal (5 minutes).
7. Conclusion by applicant (3 minutes).
8. Decision.
Second Reading of Ordinances
Public comment. See subsection (3) below regarding time
limitations
for speakers.
All time limits may be extended upon request, and upon
approval of request by majority of City Council.
H. Presentations;hgavernrrment Gage{ c nr nrnuris providing formal
updates to GeunGil)
1H. City Manager reports.
41. City Attorney reports.
-J.Council Discussion Items (work session only)
LK.Other Council action (if agendaed from work session)
AFL. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes)
NM. Closing comments by Mayor.
In response to discussion regarding time limits, the City Clerk said Council has
the ability to grant more time for a presentation. She said all presentations are
previewed prior to council meetings and work sessions.
13.2Appoint Kevin Chinault as the not-for-profit provider of affordable housing and
reappoint Lisa Hughes as the advocate for low-income persons in connection with
affordable housing to the Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board with
terms to expire May 31, 2019. (consent)
Staff was directed to place the item on the Consent Agenda.
14. Legal
14.1Adopt Ordinance 8693-15 on second reading, annexing certain real property whose
post office address is 2127 Pleasant Parkway, Clearwater, Florida 33764, into the
corporate limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said
addition.
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 4, 2015
14.2Adopt Ordinance 8694-15 on second reading, amending the future land use plan
element of the Comprehensive Plan of the city to designate the land use for certain
real property whose post office address is 2127 Pleasant Parkway, Clearwater, Florida
33764, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Residential Low (RL).
14.3Adopt Ordinance 8695-15 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas by zoning
certain real property whose post office address is 2127 Pleasant Parkway, Clearwater,
Florida 33764, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Low Medium Density
Residential (LMDR).
14.4Adopt Ordinance 8696-15 on second reading, annexing certain real property whose
post office address is 1701 Owen Drive, Clearwater, Florida 33759, into the corporate
limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said addition.
14.5Adopt Ordinance 8697-15 on second reading, amending the future land use plan
element of the Comprehensive Plan of the city to designate the land use for certain
real property whose post office address is 1701 Owen Drive, Clearwater, Florida
33759, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Residential Low (RL) and
Preservation (P)/Drainage Feature Overlay.
14.6Adopt Ordinance 8698-15 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas by zoning
certain real property whose post office address is 1701 Owen Drive, Clearwater,
Florida 33759, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Low Medium Density
Residential (LMDR) and Preservation (P).
14.7Adopt Ordinance 8699-15 on second reading, annexing certain real properties whose
post office addresses are 1226 Aloha Lane, 2063 North Betty Lane, 1233 Palm Street,
1271 Palm Street, 1268 Sedeeva Circle North and 1276 Sedeeva Circle North, into
the corporate limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include
said additions.
14.8Adopt Ordinance 8700-15 on second reading, amending the future land use plan
element of the Comprehensive Plan of the city to designate the land use for certain
real properties whose post office addresses are 1226 Aloha Lane, 2063 North Betty
Lane, 1233 Palm Street, 1271 Palm Street, 1268 Sedeeva Circle North and 1276
Sedeeva Circle North, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Residential
Urban (RU).
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 4, 2015
14.9Adopt Ordinance 8701-15 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of the city
by zoning certain real properties whose post office addresses are 1226 Aloha Lane,
2063 North Betty Lane, 1233 Palm Street, 1271 Palm Street, 1268 Sedeeva Circle
North and 1276 Sedeeva Circle North, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as
Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR).
14.10 Adopt Ordinance 8714-15 on second reading, vacating a portion of that certain
drainage easement lying within Lots 85 and 86 Wynwoods Landing II as shown on
that certain plat recorded in Plat Book 88, Pages 40, 41 and 42 of the public records
of Pinellas County, Florida.
15. City Manager Verbal Reports - None
16. City Attorney Verbal Reports - None
17. Council Discussion Item
17.1 Conceptual planning approaches to the Bluff Master plan as recommended by ULI -
Councilmember Jonson
Councilmember Jonson said he has shared his thoughts on potential
processes for the Bluff Master Plan with Council. He suggested that staff be
directed to consider the planning process alternatives and provide Council
with a recommendation.
Discussion ensued with comments made that the Bluff Master Plan currently is
not part of the twelve priorities, consideration be given to holding a series of
charrettes throughout the City to garner ideas on what is wanted at Coachman
Park, and that Council review previous Downtown plans to determine if
another Request for Proposals for a public-private partnership is needed. It
was suggested that the Incubator item be removed from the list of priorities as
it is almost completed and move the Bluff Master Plan up the priority list. A
concern was expressed that many individuals do not understand the charter
restrictions currently in place that would prohibit the City to move faster on the
ULI recommendations.
It was stated that staff will be reviewing the current master plan at an
upcoming meeting.
In response to a question, the City Attorney said any commercial uses in
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 4, 2015
Coachman Park would require a referendum. A referendum is not required to
remove parking. The bandshell location in Coachman Park is specified in the
city charter, relocation would require a referendum.
Assistant City Manager Rod Irwin said the presentation on the Master Plan
has been scheduled for June.
The Council recessed from 2:57 p.m. to 3:05 p.m.
17.2Responses to the questions raised by the public and the partner members at the ULI
round table meeting - Councilmember Jonson
Councilmember Jonson said he requested the discussion item two weeks ago
in order to close the loop with those who attended the April 13, ULI
stakeholders meeting. The main questions that seem to remain open from that
meeting are: is there an approved plan for the Bluff, when will the Coachman
Park master planning process begin, how will the general community be
involved in the planning process and to what extent, when will the next
community discussion be held, when will progress updates be given, and what
guidance should Council provide on resolving the low hanging fruit objectives?
Discussion ensued. In response to questions, Assistant City Manager Rod
Irwin said the Downtown Redevelopment Plan is adopted. The City Manager
said the City does not have an active Coachman Park redevelopment plan.
Planning and Development Assistant Director Gina Clayton said there is a
drawing for Coachman Park in the Downtown Plan, which was adopted in
2004.
In response to a question, Councilmember Jonson said one of the
observations made through the Greenlight Pinellas referendum initiative was
that one can follow the generally accepted public comment/participation
process, but when the citizen goes to the ballot, their perception of
participation is what they have gotten from those they speak with at the
meetings, in addition to the allowed three-minute comment period. The
community's involvement will influence their participation in the final result.
A concern was expressed with legislating via referendum. It was stated that
Council decided to pursue public forums (CRA, DDB, CDP, and Chamber) in
lieu of a stakeholder committee subject to the sunshine law. A neighborhood
organization was not chosen to participate in the April 13 forum because
neighborhood organizations do not have the authority to implement
programming. The CRA has the authority to make programming decisions.
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 4, 2015
Councilmember Jonson said at the meeting on the April 13, it was suggested
that round table discussions be considered as an option to seek additional
feedback and dialogue with the community. He supported further
consideration.
It was stated that another public with the CRA, DDB, CDP, and Chamber will
be scheduled after staffs presentation. Due to summer vacations by staff,
stakeholders and interested individuals, a date has yet to be identified. It was
suggested that holding a public forum in the Countryside area may be
considered.
In response to questions, Mr. Irwin said staff will provide quarterly updates on
progress to the priority projects and expenditures of the
$500,000-appropriation. Staff will also include a Gantt chart for the priority
process with the quarterly updates. Mr. Irwin said reporting more than
quarterly will not have any relevance and will become extremely difficult for
staff to produce monthly. When the N. Marina plan was discussed, staff was
directed to provide information confirming when Council decided to have
quarterly reports.
17.3Crest Lake Park Renovation - Vice Mayor Polglaze
Vice Mayor Polglaze requested guidance from Council regarding the next step
since the Tampa Bay Veterans Alliance has completed the first fundraising
milestone. He questioned when the project will begin and if the renovations
would occur incrementally.
Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said staff will request Council to
establish the budget and create the project at mid-year. Staff anticipates
beginning construction on Phase 1 by the end of October and completing it by
the end of the first quarter in 2016. A civil engineer is needed to lay out and
design the improvements along the eastern-southern burm. Mr. Dunbar said
the dog park does not have restroom facilities, the Veterans Memorial remains
to be seen. Funding for park improvements will not be available until Fiscal
Year 2017. Mr. Dunbar said the project includes two phases, Phase 2 includes
a parking component.
The City Manager requested guidance on the location of the Veterans
Memorial, currently proposed for the southeast corner. If the Memorial
remains at the proposed location, then a discussion is needed on whether staff
focuses on the Memorial or park renovations as a whole. A discussion is
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 4, 2015
needed on whether or not Crest Lake Park becomes a regional park or if a
renovated park is needed.
It was stated that there was consensus for the Veterans Memorial at Crest
Park to be at southeast corner.
Discussion ensued with a suggestion made to follow a charrette process to
seek public consensus on the desired amenities for Crest Lake Park.
Assistant City Manager Jill Silverboard said the City's approved parks master
plan defines Crest Lake Park as a neighborhood park. The plan specifies
approved amenities that are built-in and maintained in neighborhood parks.
Restroom facilities are not approved amenities for neighborhood parks. The
plan does not define a community park, staff needs council direction regarding
the amenities, programming, and if Council wishes to reclassify the park.
In response to questions, Mr. Dunbar said there will be on-street parking for
the Memorial during Phase 1. The TBVA's fundraising efforts did not address
parking, staff has suggested using Penny for Pinellas funds, which become
available in FY 2017, for parking. Mr. Dunbar said no handicap accessible
parking spaces are required because there is currently no parking lot at the
site.? The only funding approved by Council has been to match the TB VA's
$150,000 Phase 1 fundraising. The Department's current work program
includes the Memorial. Major redevelopment of Crest Lake Park will require
re-prioritization of the projects included in the work program.
A concern was expressed regarding the lack of proposed handicap parking. It
was suggested that parking funds be used for handicap parking.
The City Manager said staff is proceeding with Crest Lake Park as a
council-designed park. Professional expertise is needed to determine what
amenities are needed in the design for council approval.
It was suggested that the sidewalk on the southern end of the park be
realigned in order to add two or three ADA compliant parking spaces.
18. New Business (items not on the agenda may be brought up asking they be
scheduled for subsequent meetings or work sessions in accordance with Rule 1,
Paragraph 2).
Councilmember Hock-DiPolito suggested that consideration be given to
hold Neighborhoods Day three times a year, allowing Councilmembers
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 4, 2015
the opportunity to attend all neighborhood parties. It was suggested that
the City be divided into three quadrants.
Staff was directed to place the council discussion item on the work
session agenda in June.
19. Closing Comments by Mayor
Mayor Cretekos thanked AmeriBank for saying, "Happy 100th Clearwater,"on
their sign and encouraged other businesses to do the same.
20. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 4:03 p.m.
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City of Clearwater