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05/03/2007 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF CLEARWATER May 3, 2007 Present: Frank Hibbard Mayor John Doran Vice-Mayor Carlen Petersen Councilmember George N. Cretekos Councilmember Paul Gibson Councilmember Also present: Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager Rod Irwin Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The invocation was offered by Father James Rousakis from the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity. The Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Mayor welcomed members of Boy Scout Troop 468. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 4 - Presentations 4.1 Proclamation: Be Kind to Animals Week – May 6 – 12, 2007 4.2 Proclamation: EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Week – May 20 – 26, 2007 4.3 Proclamation: National Tourism Week – May 12 - 19, 2007 4.4 Ruth Eckerd Hall Update Ruth Eckerd Hall representatives reviewed the facility’s performances, programs, and fundraising efforts. They requested that the City not reduce its level of funding. The Ruth Eckerd Hall community was applauded for their work. It was stated that the facility impacts tourism, attracts new residents, and has set a new standard with its innovative children programming. 5 - Approval of Minutes 5.1 Approve the minutes of the April 19, 2007 City Council Meeting as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk. Councilmember Petersen moved to approve the minutes of the April 19, 2007,City Council meeting as recorded and submitted in written summation by the City Clerk to each motioncarried Councilmember. The was duly seconded and unanimously. Council 2007-05-03 1 6 - Citizens to be Heard re Items Not on the Agenda Anne Garris expressed concern that the owner of property next to Clearwater Pass Bridge had fenced off public access to City-owned land. Staff was directed to research issue and provide Council with answer. Joe Evich recommended that Taste of Clearwater not relocate outside the City. It was reported that Taste of Clearwater will remain at the Harborview Center. Eva Kunowska said she has received no answer regarding her opposition to the loss of parking spaces at her motel on Coronado. Richard Wagoner requested answers to his questions regarding resolution of firefighter issues. Staff was directed to provide Mr. Wagner with answers to his questions within a week. Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 PM 7 - Administrative Public Hearings 7.1 Approve the Petition for Annexation, Future Land Use Plan Amendment from the County Residential Low (RL) & Commercial General (CG) Categories to the City Residential Low (RL) & Commercial General (CG) Categories and Zoning Atlas Amendment from the County R-4, One, Two & Three Family Residential & C-2, General Retail Commercial and Limited Services Districts to the City Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) & Commercial (C) Districts for 205 North Belcher Road (2212-2216 Drew Street & 2205 Norman Drive) (M/B 33/12 Lot 2, 30, & 29 Block D, Temple Terrace Subdivision in Sec. 7-29-16); and Pass Ordinances 7784-07, 7785-07 and 7786-07 on first reading. This annexation involves a 0.89-acre property consisting of four parcels, located on the northeast corner of Drew Street and Belcher Road. The parcels involved in this annexation are addressed 2212, 2214, 2216 Drew Street and 2205 Norman Drive and when redeveloped in conjunction with another adjacent property will be addressed as 205 N. Belcher Road. The property is contiguous with the existing City boundaries to the south, east and west; therefore, the proposed annexation is consistent with Pinellas County Ordinance 00-63 with regard to voluntary annexation. The applicant is requesting this annexation in order to receive sanitary sewer and solid waste service from the City. It is proposed that the property be assigned Future Land Use Plan designations of Residential Low (RL) and Commercial General (CG) and zoning categories of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) & Commercial (C). The Planning Department determined that the proposed annexation is consistent with the following standards specified in the Community Development Code: 1) The proposed annexation will not have an adverse impact on public facilities and their level of service; 2) The proposed annexation is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan, the Countywide Plan and the Community Development Code; 3) The proposed annexation is contiguous to existing municipal boundaries, represents a logical extension of the City boundaries and does not create Council 2007-05-03 2 an enclave; 4) This annexation has been reviewed by the Pinellas Planning Council (PPC) County staff in accordance with the provisions of Pinellas County Ordinance 00-63, Section 7(1- 3), and no objections have been raised. The Community Development Board reviewed this proposed annexation at its regularly scheduled meeting on January 16, 2007 and unanimously recommended approval. Planning Director Michael Delk said the billboard settlement agreement must be in hand prior to second reading. Councilmember Cretekos moved to approve the Petition for Annexation, Future Land Use Plan Amendment from the County Residential Low (RL) & Commercial General (CG) Categories to the City Residential Low (RL) & Commercial General (CG) Categories and Zoning Atlas Amendment from the County R-4, One, Two & Three Family Residential & C-2, General Retail Commercial and Limited Services Districts to the City Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) & Commercial (C) Districts for 205 North Belcher Road (2212-2216 Drew Street & 2205 Norman Drive) (M/B 33/12 Lot 2, 30, & 29 Block D, Temple Terrace Subdivision in Sec. 7-29- motion carried 16). The was duly seconded and unanimously. Ordinance 7784-07 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Councilmember Gibson moved to pass Ordinance 7784-07 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. Ordinance 7785-07 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Councilmember Petersen moved to pass Ordinance 7785-07 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. Ordinance 7786-07 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Councilmember Doran moved to pass Ordinance 7786-07 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. 8 - Second Readings - Public Hearing 8.1 Adopt Ordinance 7746-07 on second reading, annexing certain real property whose post office address is 222 North Belcher Road, together with the abutting right of way of North Belcher Road, into the corporate limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said addition. Council 2007-05-03 3 Ordinance 7746-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Councilmember Cretekos moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7746-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. 8.2 Adopt Ordinance 7747-07 on second reading, amending the future land use element of the Comprehensive Plan of the city to designate the land use for certain real property whose post office address is 222 North Belcher Road, together with the abutting right of way of North Belcher Road, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Residential/Office General. Ordinance 7747-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Councilmember Gibson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7747-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. 8.3 Adopt Ordinance 7748-07 on second reading, amending the zoning atlas of the city by zoning certain real property whose post office address is 222 North Belcher Road, together with the abutting right of way of North Belcher Road, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Office (O). Ordinance 7748-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Councilmember Petersen moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7748-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. 8.4 Adopt Ordinance 7778-07 on second reading, amending Section 32.380, Code of Ordinances, to add Section 32.380.1, outlining rebates and credits for abandoning well, lake or pond irrigation for connection to the reclaimed water system, and adding Section 32.380.2, outlining exclusions. Ordinance 7778-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. One resident spoke in opposition to the ordinance if properties with gravel yards are not exempt. Councilmember Gibson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7778-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. Council 2007-05-03 4 "Nays": None. 8.5 Adopt Ordinance 7795-07 on second reading, annexing certain real property whose post office address is 1990 Abbey Lake Road and 1970 Abbey Lake Road, together with the abutting right of way of Abbey Lake Road, into the corporate limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said addition. Ordinance 7795-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Councilmember Petersen to pass and adopt Ordinance 7795-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. 8.6 Adopt Ordinance 7796-07 on second reading, amending the future land use plan element of the Comprehensive Plan of the city to designate the land use for whose post office address is 1990 Abbey Lake Road and 1970 Abbey Lake Road, together with the abutting right of way of Abbey Lake Road, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Residential Suburban. Ordinance 7796-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Councilmember Doran moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7796-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. 8.7 Adopt Ordinance 7797-07 on second reading, amending the zoning atlas of the city by zoning whose post office address is 1990 Abbey Lake Road and 1970 Abbey Lake Road, together with the abutting right of way of Abbey Lake Road, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Low Density Residential (LDR). Ordinance 7797-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Councilmember Cretekos moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7797-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. 8.8 Adopt Ordinance 7798-07 on second reading, vacating a portion of the right of way of 66th Street North, subject to a drainage and utility easement which is retained over the full width thereof. Ordinance 7798-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Councilmember Gibson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7798-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: Council 2007-05-03 5 "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. 8.9 Adopt Ordinance 7802-07 on second reading, amending Section 32.153, Code of Ordinances, changing watering restrictions, and amending Section 32.383, amending the reclaimed watering schedule. Ordinance 7802-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Councilmember Petersen moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7802-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. 8.10 Adopt Ordinance 7805-07 on second reading, annexing certain real property whose post office address is 1301 Fairfield Drive into the corporate limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said addition. Ordinance 7805-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Councilmember Doran moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7805-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. 8.11 Adopt Ordinance 7806-07 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 1301 Fairfield Drive, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Residential Low. Ordinance 7806-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Councilmember Cretekos moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7806-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. 8.12 Adopt Ordinance 7807-07 on second reading, amending the zoning atlas of the city by zoning certain real property whose post office address is 1301 Fairfield Drive, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR). Ordinance 7807-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Councilmember Gibson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7807-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: Council 2007-05-03 6 "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. 8.13 Adopt Ordinance 7808-07 on second reading, annexing certain real property whose post office address is 1278 Sedeeva Circle North, together with the right of way of Betty Lane, into the corporate limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said addition. Ordinance 7808-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Councilmember Petersen moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7808-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. 8.14 Adopt Ordinance 7809-07 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 1278 Sedeeva Circle North, together with the right of way of Betty Lane, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Residential Urban. Ordinance 7809-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Councilmember Doran moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7809-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. 8.15 Adopt Ordinance 7810-07 on second reading, amending the zoning atlas of the city by zoning certain real property whose post office address is 1278 Sedeeva Circle North, together with the right of way of Betty Lane, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR). Ordinance 7810-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Councilmember Cretekos moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7810-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. 8.16 Adopt Ordinance 7811-07 on second reading, annexing certain real property whose post office address is 1869 East Drive, into the corporate limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said addition. Council 2007-05-03 7 Ordinance 7811-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Councilmember Gibson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7811-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. 8.17 Adopt Ordinance 7812-07 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 1869 East Drive, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Residential Low. Ordinance 7812-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Councilmember Petersen moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7812-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. 8.18 Adopt Ordinance 7813-07 on second reading, amending the zoning atlas of the city by zoning certain real property whose post office address is 1869 East Drive, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR). Ordinance 7813-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Councilmember Doran moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7813-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. 8.19 Adopt Ordinance 7814-07 on second reading, annexing certain real property whose post office address is 1836 Pineland Drive, into the corporate limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said addition. Ordinance 7814-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Councilmember Cretekos moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7814-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. 8.20 Adopt Ordinance 7815-07 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 1836 Pineland Drive, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Residential Urban. Council 2007-05-03 8 Ordinance 7815-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Councilmember Gibson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7815-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. 8.21 Adopt Ordinance 7816-07 on second reading, amending the zoning atlas of the city by zoning certain real property whose post office address is 1836 Pineland Drive, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR). Ordinance 7816-07 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Councilmember Petersen moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 7816-07 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. City Manager Reports 9 - Consent Agenda - Approved as submitted. 9.1 Award a contract to Fisher Scientific Company LLC, 5904-D Hampton Oaks Parkway, Suite 200, Tampa Florida, in the amount of $150,000, for the replacement and upgrade of Scott Air Packs in accordance with sec. 2.564 – (1) (b) and (e), and authorize appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 9.2 Declare an estimated 50,000 pounds of aluminum from bleachers, box seating and other miscellaneous materials at Jack Russell Stadium surplus to the needs of the City and authorize sale to the highest bid received; and allow proceeds to be returned to the Jack Russell Stadium demolition project; and allow appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 9.3 Approve renewal of License Agreement, for period of June 1, 2007-May 31, 2010, with Ultimate Bounce to provide entertainment concessions at Pier 60 Park and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 9.4 Approve renewal of License Agreement, for period June 1, 2007-May 31, 2010, with Emerald Coast Bungee, Inc., to provide entertainment concessions at Pier 60 Park and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 9.5 Approve Acknowledgment and Consent between the City and PACT, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, to provide access to City property east of PACT in order to complete mitigation project and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) Council 2007-05-03 9 9.6 Approve Agreement between the School Board of Pinellas County and the City of Clearwater for a term from June 2007 through June 2008 for the City to use Pinellas County School buses at a cost of $1.00 per mile plus $19.20 per hour, for a total estimated cost of $45,000 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 9.7 Approve the Public Art and Design Master Plan as submitted by the Public Art & Design Board and staff, in compliance with Ordinance 7489-05 establishing criteria, policies and priorities for the Public Art and Design Program. (consent) 9.8 Approve a one-year extension for Liquid Sodium Hypochlorite (Bid 24-05) to an existing contract with Allied Universal Corporation, of Miami, FL increasing the contract value by $277,266.75 for a new contract value of $440,066.75 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 9.9 Approve the Cooperative funding agreement in the amount of $1,000,000 with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to share the cost of implementation of the Spring Branch Improvements Project and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 9.10 Approve the second amendment to the Stevenson Creek cooperative funding contract with the Southwest Florida Water Management District to extend the contract period to September 30, 2009. (consent) 9.11 Authorize the City Attorney to hire Frazer, Hubbard, Brandt, Trask & Yacavone as outside counsel to represent the individually named police officers in the case of Michael Scott Niesen v. City Of Clearwater in the estimated amount of $50,000. (consent) 9.12 Approve Disbanding the Budget Task Force Councilmember Doran moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted and that the motion appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Miscellaneous Reports and Items 10 - City Attorney Reports 10.1 Authorize the City Attorney's Office to appeal the decision in Allbritton, et al. v. City of Clearwater, Circuit Court Case 03-4365-CI-20 North Clearwater Beach property owners filed suit against the City alleging that they had established a legally nonconforming use of short-term rentals in single-family houses, and that the use should be grandfathered in. The City argued that although its Codes prior to 2003 did not specifically mention a number of days/length of stay, the Codes prohibited short-term rental use of the properties. On April 20, 2007, the Circuit Court entered a Final Declaratory Judgment finding that the Codes were not sufficiently specific to put the property owners on notice of the prohibition, Council 2007-05-03 10 that all the owners had shown the properties were offered for use or used as short-term rentals prior to 2003, that the City had not enforced prior to 2003, and therefore that all 31 properties were grandfathered in and could continue the short-term rental use. It is believed that legal grounds exist upon which to base an appeal to the Second District Court of Appeal. The filing fee will be $300 and a trial transcript will cost approximately $1,300. If unsuccessful, the City would pay the other side's costs but not attorneys' fees. The funding for these costs is available in the City Attorney's Office budget. Six people spoke in support of the appeal. One person spoke in opposition. In response to questions, the City Attorney said no testimony is taken on appeals. Assistant City Attorney Leslie Dougall-Sides said Neighborhood & Development Services Director Jeff Kronschnabl’s deposition would be carried forward to appeal. The City Attorney estimated that outside counsel would cost $20,000. The City has the capacity to handle the appeal in-house. Ms. Dougall-Sides’ credentials were reviewed. Discussion ensued with concern expressed that this issue has pitted neighbors against one another. Councilmember Doran moved to authorize the City Attorney's Office to appeal the decision in Allbritton, et al. v. City of Clearwater, Circuit Court Case No. 03-4365-CI-20. The motion carried was duly seconded and unanimously. Cable Franchise Legislation Public Communications Director Doug Matthews reviewed legislation approved by the Florida House and Senate that negatively impacts local cable franchises. Proposed legislation would impose a statewide regulation on cable franchises and end current PEG (Public, Education, & Government) contributions and build-out requirements. Also, the legislation allows incumbent providers to apply to the State to terminate franchise agreements, and removes customer service and rate requirements. Discussion ensued. Mr. Matthews said current franchise obligations provide the City approximately $40,000 annually. Staff has reported that the work product of Verizon crews has been substandard. Consensus was to send a letter to the Governor, requesting that he veto the bill. 11 - City Manager Verbal Reports – None. 12 - Council Discussion Items 12.1 Clarify direction to Environmental Advisory Board - Mike Flanery, Chair EAB (Environment Advisory Board) Chair Mike Flanery provided Council with a list of concerns and possible projects and requested Council direction. Council 2007-05-03 11 Discussion ensued. While the Council does not assign liaisons to City boards, the Mayor indicated he would attend the next EAB meeting. Consensus was to request that the EAB submit recommendations on two or three programs for local implementation. 12.2 APGA Public Gas Policy Council (PGPC) Issues Gas System Managing Director Chuck Warrington reviewed key policy issues to be discussed at the PGPC meeting: 1) authorize market transparency; 2) increase natural gas supply; and 3) expand Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEP) to include air- conditioning. Discussion ensued. Consensus was to support market transparency, expanding LIHEP initiative to include air conditioning, and increasing natural gas supply but not advocate drilling offshore. 12.3 Direction regarding Preparation of Preliminary Budget Assistant City Manager Garry Brumback requested guidance on preparing the preliminary budget. Staff recommends the budget reflect City Manager recommended savings that target the roll-back rate. It was noted that City Manager recommended savings total $4,371,820 while the other savings options total $4,171,120. The City Council recessed from 8:38 to 8:44 p.m. Discussion ensued whether recommended savings and other savings options should be considered together. In response to a question, Mr. Brumback said if the Legislature requires a $12-million reduction, the budget would have to be reduced by an additional $3.5 million over the combined savings options. In response to questions, Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said the Morningside Recreation Center is outdated and requires significant improvements. Current expenses include: 1) $170,000 – salaries; 2) $60,000 – operations; and 3) $35,000 - internal services and 4) revenues - $36,000. It was stated that the Morningside Homeowners Association unanimously requested the recreation center remain open. Discussion ensued. It was reported that the Council had received many e-mails opposing proposed cuts and it was recommended that residents contact their legislators to express their concerns. Three people spoke against proposed cuts to Moccasin Lake Park. One person suggested the City use Penny for Pinellas funds for General Fund CIPs (Capital Improvement Projects). Budget Director Tina Wilson said the Penny for Pinellas funds can be used for major infrastructure improvements only, not routine maintenance. Council 2007-05-03 12 Consensus was to direct staff to prepare a preliminary budget with $7.5 million in cuts based on both the City Manager's recommended savings and other savings options, while retaining Squad 49 and the School Resource Officers at this time. Mr. Brumback said staff will come back to the City Council for direction if additional cuts are necessary. It was noted the TRIM rate must be set in July but the budget will not be approved until September. It was recommended the Council consider setting the TRIM at a level that would allow adjustment downward. It was noted the legislature is proposing to increase the funding School Boards must provide, which will probably result in increased taxes. 13 - Other Council Action Councilmembers reported on events in which they recently participated and reviewed upcoming events; thanked Arbor Day participants and National Day of Prayer efforts. Mavor Hibbard requested input regarding proposed 21 % increase to County Transportation Impact Fee. Majority supported a 10% increase and a "time-out" on expansion of no-fee zones. Council member Doran will represent the Mayor at the next MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) meeting. Councilmember Petersen reviewed efforts that encourage neighborhood participation in reducing crime in North Greenwood and a new enrichment center to bring youth off the street. 14 - Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 9:44 p.m. ~t.dt'J.f ~ ~yor City of Clearwater Council 2007-05-03 13