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01/23/1997 CITY COMMISSION MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER January 23, 1997 Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Ed Hooper Commissioner Karen Seel Commissioner Elizabeth M. Deptula City Manager Kathy S. Rice Deputy City Manager Bob Keller Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Scott Shuford Central Permitting Director Rich Baier Engineering Director Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. at the Pinellas County Commission Assembly Room. The invocation was offered by Reverend Otis Green of Everybody's Tabernacle. The Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. ITEM #3 - Service Awards - None. ITEM #4 - Introductions and Awards Jana Fine, Library Department, was presented the December 1996 Employee of the Month award. Gloria Nims, Library Department, was presented the January 1997 Employee of the Month award. Proclamation: National Burn Awareness Week - February 2 - 8, 1997 ITEM #5 - Presentations a) Commuter Rail - Commissioner Turanchik Hillsborough County Commissioner Ed Turanchik presented an update regarding commuter rail. He requested the City host a light-rail car demonstration for a daily labor charge. The proposed train could use existing rails and link Clearwater with St. Petersburg, Tampa, etc. Hillsborough County is conducting an investment study and considering a HART Rail system. Oldsmar and Safety Harbor have joined Hillsborough’s study. Pinellas County is considering an investment study. The proposed train uses current European technology, is designed for suburban travel, and does not require electrified tracks. He said the transportation link will benefit commuters, tourists, and businesses. He presented slides highlighting possible intra-county connections. He said the preliminary estimate of the Pinellas County extension is $68-million, noting FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) has proposed to spend $100-million to upgrade one US 19 intersection. He said a rail trip from downtown Clearwater to downtown St. Petersburg would take 20 minutes. He said the future of high speed rail is uncertain but felt an intra-county rail connection is vital. The Mayor indicated the City had sent a letter expressing interest in hosting a demonstration. Commissioner Clark stated the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Agency) study has not reached a conclusion at this time. ITEM #6 - Approval of Minutes Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 9, 1997, and the special meetings of January 6, 1997, and January 14, 1997, as recorded and submitted in written summation by the City Clerk to each Commissioner. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #7 - Citizens to be heard re items not on the Agenda Jay Keyes presented a petition opposing a parking lot on the West end of Memorial Causeway. He reported the Clearwater Beach Association requests the land under the beach water tower to remain open after the tower is removed. PUBLIC HEARINGS ITEM #8 - Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #6119-97 - Vacating S 3’ of N 7.5’ utility easement and the E 2.5’ of the W 10’ utility easement lying in Lot 5, Beckett Lake Estates, Blk 1 (Crabbe, V96-14) (EN) The applicant’s swimming pool and concrete deck encroach into the easements. The City has no existing or proposed utilities within the subject easements. Utility companies have reviewed the proposed vacation request and have no objections. Departments concerned with vacations have reviewed the applications and voiced no objections. The City Engineer recommends approval. Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the applicant’s request to vacate the South 3 feet of the North easement, less the Northerly 4.5 feet, lying in Lot 5, Block 1, Beckett Lake Estates Subdivision. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6119-97 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hooper moved to pass Ordinance #6119-97 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Seel and Garvey. "Nays": None. Public Hearing - Second Reading Ordinances ITEM #9 - Ord. #6109-97 - adopting 1992 Edition of the Fire Prevention Code of the National Fire Protection Association, NFPA-1 The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6109-97 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Johnson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6109-97 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Seel and Garvey. "Nays": None. ITEM #10 - Ord. #6114-97 - Annexation for property located at 1310 N. Hercules Ave. & 1965, 1979 & 1985 Carroll St., Hercules Industrial Park, Lots 33-35, 37-39 and part of Tract A Replat of Blks 1-19, Marymont Sub., with abutting vacated r-o-w of Overlea St. (Walker / Word / Metal Industries, Inc., A96-29) The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6114-97 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Clark moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6114-97 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Seel and Garvey. "Nays": None. ITEM #11 - Ord. #6115-97 - IL Zoning for property located at 1310 N. Hercules Ave. & 1965, 1979 & 1985 Carroll St., Hercules Industrial Park, Lots 33-35, 37-39 and part of Tract A Replat of Blks 1-19, Marymont Sub., with abutting vacated r-o-w of Overlea St. (Walker / Word / Metal Industries, Inc., A96-29) The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6115-97 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Seel moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6115-97 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Seel and Garvey. "Nays": None. ITEM #12 - Ord. #6117-97 -providing a rate structure to operate in the roll off business in competition with private companies and approves the FY 1996/97 investment of approximately $235,400 in additional containers and compactors to support enterprise The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6117-97 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hooper moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6117-97 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Johnson, Hooper and Garvey. "Nays": Clark and Seel. Motion carried. ITEM #13 - Not Public Hearing - Purchase approximately 70 steel open top roll-off containers from Industrial Refuse Sales, Inc., Lakeland, FL, on an “as needed” basis, at an estimated total $190,400 (SW) CSW (Clearwater Solid Waste) wishes to acquire steel roll-off containers through the city of Boynton Beach, Florida’s June 20, 1995, bid award to Industrial Refuse Sales, Inc. Industrial Refuse Sales has agreed to extend the favorable bid price to CSW. CSW is using this company’s open top roll-off containers and steel dumpsters and is pleased with the quality. The Commission authorized CSW to begin providing roll-off service in Clearwater in competition with private hauling companies. These containers will be used for that service. Commissioner Hooper moved to award a contract for the purchase of approximately 70 steel open top roll-off containers to Industrial Refuse Sales, Inc., Lakeland, Florida, to be purchased on an “as needed” basis at an estimated total cost of $190,400 in accordance with Section 2.564(1)(d), Code of Ordinances (other governmental entity), and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded. Commissioners Johnson, Clark, and Hooper and Mayor Garvey voted “Aye”; Commissioner Seel voted “Nay." Motion carried. ITEM #14 - Ord. #6118-97 - Creating Secs. 22.88-22.91 to provide for alcoholic beverage special event permits and to provide a permitting procedure for issuance of such permits upon certain conditions; amending Secs. 6.31 & 22.59 to exempt such permitted sales and consumption from certain prohibitions The City Attorney presented an amendment to Ordinance #6118-97. Commissioner Clark moved to amend Ordinance #6118-97, Sec. 22.90 to add a new Subsection (15) and to renumber the current Subsection (15) as follows: (15) all seated (including lawn or grass seating) events shall have a non-alcoholic section where sales or consumption is not permitted. (16) The Applicant shall pay all additional costs of police and other city services attributable to the sales or consumption of alcoholic beverages during the activity. The motion was duly seconded. Commissioners Clark, Hooper and Seel and Mayor Garvey voted “Aye”; Commissioner Johnson voted “Nay.” Motion carried. The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6118-97, as amended, for second reading and read it by title only. Reverend Don Hallam, Reverend Bill Anderson, Donny Mitchell, James Mott, Donald Harris, Robert Courts, Cindy Peabody, Nancy Mason-Kachurik, Julie Scrivner, Terry Lamoin, Marvin Moore, Daniel Lunt, Mary and Jesse Nieves, Vickie Gilbert, Sandy Golden, Ahem Fitchner, Phil Roberson, Connie Parteno, Ron Coony, Bonnie Potter, Frank Barlow, Sebastian Correra, Shelly Munoz, Carl Henry, Alan Stowell, Wayne Fulton, Karen Hutchens, and Stephanie Harding, opposed the ordinance stating concerns regarding alcoholism, anti-social behaviors associated with irresponsible alcohol consumption, and drunk driving accidents that result in death and injury. Pam Patinatno, Ellen Marcum, Roger Woodruff, Julie Nichols, Steve Fowler, Elise Winters, Sheila Cole, Jay Keyes, and Phil Henderson, supported the ordinance stating safeguards can be adopted, consumption of alcoholic beverages by Jazz Holiday patrons currently is not controlled, consumption will be limited to “quality” events, associated tournaments will fill Clearwater beach hotel rooms, sales of alcoholic beverages at events in nearby communities have not resulted in lawsuits, etc., and revenues will be used for scholarships, library books, etc. The Mayor thanked the young people in attendance for supporting their convictions. She requested people respect each other’s opinions. She said approval of the ordinance would finance more events and provide better control. Most event activities are done by volunteers. She questioned the lack of outrage regarding the ability of drivers to purchase cold beer at corner gasoline stations. Commissioner Johnson said it is a sad day for Clearwater. He said it is wrong for the City to sponsor or co-sponsor events where alcoholic beverages are sold. He said sales will be difficult to control at Jazz Holiday. He opposed City participation is selling alcohol. In response to a question, Police Chief Sid Klein said 196 officers are assigned to Jazz Holiday, averaging 50 officers each night. He said an independent review was commissioned regarding the impact of alcoholic beverage sales at special events in other cities. Most cities have minimum problems associated with these events. Impacts include the need for increased police coverage. The City Manager indicated the applicant will pay all additional expenses associated with the activity. In response to a question, Chief Klein said current alcohol consumption is widespread at Jazz Holiday and difficult to enforce. Commissioner Hooper said he opposes drunk driving and sales of alcoholic beverages to minors. He is satisfied adequate safeguards are in place. He felt the venue at special events where alcoholic beverage sales are proposed will not attract trouble-makers. Commissioner Seel said she is concerned about the wishes of the whole community. She felt adults should have a choice, noting the highest standards will be established for these events. She said non-profit organizations will not accept this responsibility lightly. She said responsibility and moderation will be encouraged. Commissioner Clark said he has tried to teach his children to act responsibly. He said it is impossible to legislate temperance and morality. Commissioner Clark moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6118-97 as amended on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Clark, Hooper, Seel and Garvey. "Nays": Johnson. Motion carried. The Commission recessed from 8:09 to 8:26 p.m. ITEM #15 - Ord. # 6122-97 - Amending Sec. 22.24 to extend City Manager’s powers to regulate the time, place and manner in which park property is used by the public; amending Sec. 22.40 to restrict areas where dogs and other pets will be permitted The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6122-97 for second reading and read it by title only. Tom Sehlhorst, Jay Keyes, Emma Whitney, and Ann Hudson supported the ordinance stating some people cannot control their leashed dogs and requesting clarification that the ordinance will not restrict dogs from all City parks but permit enforcement of signs where needed. Commissioner Johnson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6122-97 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded. In response to a question, the City Attorney said the ordinance will clarify the ability to enforce restrictive signs in City parks. It was stated the City Manager should use great restraint in applying this power. In response to a question, the City Manager said the ordinance refers to beach areas abutting parks on other bodies of water. Otherwise, City beaches are defined as those on the Gulf of Mexico. It was noted dogs are allowed on Courtney Campbell Causeway beaches. In response to a question, , Parks & Recreation Director Ream Wilson said the Memorial Causeway is a scenic corridor and is treated as a park. Dogs on leashes up to 6-feet are permitted in City parks. He said staff will use discretion before restricting dogs from specific parks. It was suggested a leash free area be designated for dogs at a City park such as Old Coachman Park. In response to a question, Mr. Wilson said the City can post street ends on north Clearwater beach but cannot restrict dogs from private beaches. Upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper and Garvey. "Nays": Seel. Motion carried. CITY MANAGER REPORTS CONSENT AGENDA (Items #16-20) - Approved as submitted. ITEM #16 - Approval of Purchases & Declaring property surplus per 01/14/97 memorandum (Not separate agenda items): Two Portable 6’ vacuum assist pumps to utilize at all WPC facilities, Service Pump and Compressor, $34,784 (EN) Maintenance of Xerox 5090 high speed copier, Xerox Corp., 02/01/97 -01/31/98, estimated $31,572 (IM) Declare a 1960 Ford Seagrave Fire Truck surplus to City needs; authorize disposal through open market sale in accordance with Sec. 2.623, Surplus Sales under $5,000 (FN) ITEM #17 - Affirm City Manager’s 60 day extension of original period 12/14/96 -02/12/97 & further extend period to 12/13/97 for purchase of remaining PO#699-8625 for black 3408 polyethylene pipe from M. T. Deason Co., Inc., Birmingham, AL (GAS) ITEM #18 - Accept grant increase from Substance Abuse Advisory Board for enhancements to the Geographic Information System Grant, in the amount $32,061 with a City match of $10,688 (contraband forfeiture funds) (PD) ITEM #19 - Lease renewal with Pinellas County Arts Council for City owned property located at 400 Pierce Blvd. (Haven House), A. C. Turner’s Sub., Blk 5, part of Lot 1 & Lot 2, 5 year term commencing 06/01/97, for total rent of $1 (EN) ITEM #20 - Contract for control of exotic plant species in City owned lakes & ponds to Biological Research Associates, Inc., Tampa, FL, for the period 01/24/97 -01/23/98, for $48,050 (EN) Commissioner Clark moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. OTHER ITEMS ON CITY MANAGER REPORT ITEM #21 - Receive consultant report from O’Neil Planning & Design, Inc.; authorize staff to take recommended steps to address interim issues; prepare a resolution for Commission consideration re the establishment of a CRA for portions of Clearwater beach; and prepare a RFP/RFQ for Commission consideration to solicit a consultant to prepare a CRA plan for portions of Clearwater beach (CP) O’Neil Planning & Design, Inc. has completed the report evaluating the suitability of designating portions of Clearwater beach as a CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) pursuant to State statutes. The report concludes the majority of conditions necessary for a determination of need for a CRA exists on Clearwater beach. Based on the report, staff recommends: 1) take interim steps: a) direct staff to investigate bringing S. Gulfview Boulevard and SR 60 (West of Memorial Causeway Bridge) into City ownership and maintenance to allow easier implementation of streetscaping and signage projects on these primary beach roads; b) proceed with 1997 Mandalay Avenue streetscaping project; c) pursue Clearwater beach dumpster-screening project; d) address Clearwater beach in the code streamlining process; and e) continue comprehensive nuisance and code enforcement efforts on Clearwater beach; 2) prepare a resolution for Commission consideration to initiate the process to designate a CRA on Clearwater beach; and 3) prepare a RFP (Request for Proposal) or RFQ (Request for Qualifications) to solicit a consultant to prepare a CRA plan for Clearwater beach. Anne O’Neil, of O’Neil Planning & Design, Inc., said the study area is South from Acacia Street to the Clearwater Pass Bridge, excluding Bayside and Devon Drives. She said according to Florida statute definition, Clearwater beach has no slums. To qualify as a CRA, an area only must meet one of 7 criteria related to blight: 1) predominance of inadequate street layout - unsafe conditions relate to street layout which was designed for single family home development. More pedestrian crossings needed; 2) faulty lot layout - motels built on single family lots; 3) unsanitary or unsafe - area not unsanitary. Unsafe areas have back-out parking or lack sidewalks or bicycle paths; 4) deterioration of facilities - facilities found to be adequate; 5) tax or special assessment delinquency - none exists; 6) diversity of ownership - exists; 7) areas with inadequate street layout, parking, etc. - adequate levels of service exist but infrastructure shortcomings exist. Ms. O’Neil said the basis for a CRA designation on Clearwater beach does not reflect on property owners but is based on growth taking a natural course rather than the planned one. In response to a question, Central Permitting Director Scott Shuford said TIF (Tax Increment Financing) revenues are based on the level of development and is difficult to predict. A slow initial growth phase is normal. John Doran said the Clearwater Beach Blue Ribbon Task Force did not reach consensus that a beach CRA should be established. Mr. Shuford said the Task Force had asked staff to investigate a beach CRA. a) Set Community Meeting re CRA on Clearwater beach A community meeting to discuss a CRA on Clearwater beach was scheduled for February 11, 1997, at 7:00 p.m. A location will be announced. ITEM #22 - Support a 352 unit Affordable Rental Housing Development at 2900 Drew Street to be developed by the Wilson Company - authorize Mayor to sign needed forms; authorize a loan of $500,000 to be effective 10/01/97 at 3% for a 40-year term with interest only payments for the 1st 2 years; approve capital improvement funding of $39,000 for sewer lines & manhole connection; and approve providing 4,000 cubic yards of fill from Public Works Department with an estimated market value of $28,000 (ED) The Wilson Company is preparing to submit a funding application to FHFA (Florida Housing Finance Agency) under the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program. To compete effectively for this funding, the firm needs to demonstrate adequate support from the City. Approval of this item will demonstrate sufficient City support. Of the 352 proposed units, 264 will be reserved for income eligible families. This will supply 81% of the new affordable rental housing need forecast in the 1995 -1999 Consolidated Plan adopted by the City Commission in August 1995. The forecast was prepared according to U.S. HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) guidelines. If approved by the Commission, the Economic Development Department will use $402,000 of HOME funds, available October 1, 1997, and $98,000 in SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) funds, available July 1, 1997, to fund the loan to the Wilson Company. The FY (fiscal year) 1997/98 operating budget will include a $39,000 appropriation in General Fund revenues to establish a Special Program Project to construct sewer lines for this project. HOME loan documents, mandated by the Federal government, will include a recapture clause for loaned funds if the project is sold before the end of the loan term. Normal foreclosure procedures will be followed in the event of default by the borrower. If FHFA does not approve a funding commitment, subject funds will be reallocated through the Consolidated Plan process to be reviewed for City Commission approval in July 1997. Economic Development Director Alan Ferri said 75% of the units must be set aside for affordable housing so the development can qualify for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program. He said City support of the project is necessary. Jack Wilson, President of Wilson Co., said quality is a critical factor for his firm. Although this is their first apartment project in Pinellas County, the firm has been constructing apartment projects for the last 4 years. Other local developments include the Carillon Office Park and Hyatt Regency Westshore. He said the State’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program supports the private development, ownership, and management of low income housing. Mr. Wilson said his firm will sell the tax credits and manage the project. He presented photographs of Waterford, the firm’s first development in Tampa which is 100% affordable housing. He said his firm spends money on exterior upgrades. The Wellington project proposed for Clearwater will generate $11-million in tax credits. These funds will lower the development’s debt service and allow the firm to rent units for lower rates. Mr. Wilson said the units will have a full line of amenities and compare favorably with Class A apartment complexes. Tenants must meet approved criteria including a good employment record for the past 6 months, a good credit record, and no criminal record. Many units are occupied by single-parent families who pay between $150 and $200 less than fair market rents. Mr. Wilson said his firm has several tenant programs including one that sets aside a percentage of rental payments for use as a downpayment on a home. Mr. Wilson expected the development's debt service will be 38% or twice the level of safety required by the bank. He said he will be personally guaranteeing the project. He estimated he will pay $1.5-million for impact and permitting fees as well as property taxes. He said his privately run operation will not allow the property to fall into disrepair. He has been working with staff on this project since October 1996. The site plan was approved in December. He will submit the application for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program on February 4, 1997. The application will receive points based of City support. It was questioned how long the Wilson Company must maintain ownership of the property. Mr. Wilson said that depended on arrangements negotiated when the tax credits are purchased. He said his firm is committed to a long term investment. Concern was expressed a future purchaser would not maintain the property at the proposed level. Mr. Wilson said the program was set up to discourage sale of the property. In the program’s 10- year history, no development has suffered foreclosure. Concern was expressed an excessive number of low income apartments already exist in the area. Regarding the development’s impact on the school system, Mr. Ferri said capacity is adequate. In response to a question, he said the City holds the second position if it needs to collect under the terms of the note. Mr. Wilson indicated the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program provides a 10 year stream of credit. Concern was expressed the program has no history of what happens after the stream of credit expires. Mr. Wilson said his firm is committed to provide affordable housing for the 40-year length of the loan. He said his firm’s management plan is included in the State application. In response to a question, Deborah Kaylor, of the Wilson Company, said the equity syndicate will have 1st right of refusal regarding the project’s management company. In response to a question, Mr. Ferri said if the firm’s application is not successful, the funds will be available for other projects and will be allocated through normal processes. Wilson will be notified regarding the application in approximately 90 days. In response to a question, Mr. Wilson said his firm will manage the property as long as they can. The owner has the right to replace them for cause. He said each apartment will have a market rate of approximately $60,000 and tax credit of approximately $30,000. Regular rents will average between $600 and $700 monthly. Those who qualify pay rent based on a percentage of income. Mr. Wilson said the Wilson Company is totally responsible for the project until its completion. His firm is committed to finishing the project on time and on budget. The firm is providing all equity funds until the project is under construction. His firm will receive no income until the project is complete and leased. Mr. Ferri said that is normal for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program. In response to a question, Mr. Wilson said the development fees are typically paid over the a number of years during the period of construction and leasing. He indicated his firm’s developer fee includes up to 20% for overhead. The City Manager said the City’s investment in the project will be about $67,000. The loan will come from Federal funds provided for this purpose. She estimated if all fees are considered, the City will receive more than $1-million. The project will meet the City’s need to construct affordable housing. Mr. Wilson did not foresee circumstances under which he would request a waiver of impact fees. Commissioner Johnson moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the Local Government Verification of Contribution (form 5), the Local Government Planning Efforts (form 6) and the Local Government Support Verification (form 7); authorize a loan of $500,000 to be effective after October 1, 1997, at 3% for a 40-year term with interest only payments for the first two years; approve capital improvement funding of $39,000 for sewer lines and manhole connection and approve providing 4,000 cubic yards of fill form the Public Works Department with an estimated market value of $28,00 and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded. Alan Stowell indicated he had been negotiating with Wilson Company but did not reach agreement because his financial advisor advised against it. He opposed the development, stating representatives from Pinellas County and CHA (Clearwater Housing Authority) also had expressed concerns. He said a high concentration of low income housing will result. He said the City would be giving too much to the development. In response to a question, Mr. Ferri said the City is offering to provide fill and sewer lines to the project to exhibit City commitment and make the application competitive. Concerns were expressed the development would jeopardize the planned multi-family development in Park Place, a development of this size will dilute nearby services, and the concentration of low-income housing. Mr. Wilson said the project was found to be concurrent for services, the units will be compatible with the area, and not adversely impact Park Place. Howard Groth, of the CHA, said he had received limited briefing on the project. He supports Clearwater’s need for affordable housing. He agreed a large concentration of low income housing in one area will result. He stated CHA’s Executive Director, Deborah Vincent, does not oppose the project. Mr. Ferri said Ms. Vincent had only expressed concern the project is not geared to the elderly. He said the guarantee will be included in the HOME loan documents. Concern was expressed the management contract is for 15 years only. Isay Gulley, of CNHS (Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services), said her agency has many requests for affordable housing units. She supported the proposal. Upon the vote being taken, Commissioners Johnson and Hooper and Mayor Garvey voted “Aye”; Commissioners Clark and Seel voted “Nay.” Motion carried. ITEM #23 - Presentation of Strategic Framework for Economic Development Assistant City Manager Bob Keller said a new way to do business is underway in Clearwater. The best resources of the City worked as a team to put together the plan. Strategies include: 1) create a pro business environment; 2) encourage existing businesses to remain and grow; 3) develop a system for redevelopment; 4) encourage redevelopment that will enhance the entire City; 5) update the quality of tourism related product; and 6) implement a targeted marketing program as a springboard to regional efforts. The Tampa Bay Partnership and Clearwater/St. Petersburg Economic Development will cooperate. Mr. Keller requested City Commission commitment to visit 25 business before December 31, 1997. Mr. Shuford said revisions to the Land Development Code are on track. Staff will provide the City Commission with a copy of the plan. The Greater Chamber of Commerce is discussing these issues with their membership. Every action step has a deadline. The Commission complimented the plan. It was noted the Tampa Bay Partnership had forwarded a qualified lead alert. ITEM #24 - First Reading Ord. #6116-97 - Relating to Buildings & Building Regulations; amending Secs. 47.181 & 47,182 to allow payment to the City Sidewalk Fund in lieu of construction of a required sidewalk (Deletes Sec. 47.182) (EN) The current ordinance provides a mechanism for the developer to apply for a sidewalk waiver if the developer thinks a sidewalk is inappropriate or unnecessary for the property at the time of development. In that case, the homeowner is obligated to sign a waiver stating the homeowner can be billed for the sidewalk when it is built. A final inspection, “atlas survey,” and written recommendation also are required. One problem with the current system is new owners are not aware of this pending expense. Under the proposed ordinance, the City will collect sidewalk fees from the homeowner/developer at the time of construction if the City Engineer recommends that building a sidewalk adjacent to the property is impractical at that time. The current ordinance is cumbersome and requires input from several departments which delays the City’s response to customers requesting waivers. The proposed code will allow the City to use funds collected from new development more efficiently and effectively for future sidewalk construction in the City. Funds will be provided up front to be used where the City Engineer deems most appropriate. In the future, this fund will pay to construct sidewalk adjacent to residences that paid into the fund. Staff will no longer have to approach homeowners to pay for sidewalk construction. The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6119-97 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Clark moved to pass Ordinance #6119-97 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Seel and Garvey. "Nays": None. In response to a question, Library Director Arlita Hallam said tomorrow’s luncheon at the Main Library will feature David Herrington, who has returned to revise and update the plan for the Library. ITEM #25 - Res. #97-06 - renaming Maple Street, between Baker Ave. & Casler Ave. to Baker Avenue (EN) For more than 35 years, the subject house has faced Maple Street but has been addressed at 500 Baker Avenue. The subdivision plat of Grandview Terrace shows Maple Street extending across the North side of the subdivision between Richards and Casler Avenues. In 1971, the City Commission vacated Maple Street between Richards and Baker Avenues. Maple Street is paved only between Baker and Casler Avenues. Maple Street could be considered a continuation of Baker Avenue. David P. Good, owner of the subject property, has requested the City change his street name due to problems with home deliveries. He is the only property owner affected by this change. Engineering will change Mr. Good’s numerical address to conform with the City’s number system. Commissioner Hooper moved to officially rename Maple Street between Baker Avenue and Casler Avenue to “Baker Avenue”. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The City Attorney presented Resolution #97-06 and read it by title only. Commissioner Johnson moved to pass and adopt Resolution #97-06 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Seel and Garvey. "Nays": None. ITEM #26 - Other Pending Matters - None. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS ITEM #27 - Resolutions a) Res. #97-08 - Encouraging joint use of existing telecommunications towers and structures as an alternative to new tower construction, and encouraging joint use of new towers The City Manager said this resolution encourages joint use when feasible. In response to a question, she said a Task Force is set to study the tower issue City-wide. The City has leased out space on some towers. A map highlighting existing towers was requested. The City Attorney presented Resolution #97-08 and read it by title only. Commissioner Hooper moved to pass and adopt Resolution #97-08 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Seel and Garvey. "Nays": None. ITEM #28 - Other City Attorney Items a) Set attorney/client session re Patrick Media vs. Clearwater The City Attorney requested an attorney/client session regarding Patrick Media vs. Clearwater be scheduled for February, 13, 1997, at 11:00 a.m. or February 18, 1997, at 8:30 a.m. Consensus was to set the date at the January 27, 1997, Special Meeting.. ITEM #29 - City Manager Verbal Reports North Greenwood Community Task Team Strategy Meeting Ms. Rice announced the North Greenwood Community Task Team Strategy Meeting is scheduled for January 25, 1997, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Vision Statement copies available The City Manager requested Commissioners advise her if they need additional copies of the draft Vision Statement. Druid Road closing The City Manager reported Druid Road will close at Betty Lane on January 27, 1997, for approximately 6 weeks due to the Stevenson’s Creek project. Mandalay Streetscape Mr. Shuford questioned if the City Commission would consider sidewalk cafes in the Mandalay Streetscape plan. The wider sidewalks should support the use. Liability insurance will be required. Details need to be developed. He suggested limiting the designation to specific areas. Consensus was for staff to investigate incorporating sidewalk cafes in the Mandalay Streetscape plans. ITEM #30 - Commission Discussion Items a) Countryside Recreation Center According to the January 6, 1997, memorandum from Parks & Recreation Director Ream Wilson, the East and Countryside Rotary Clubs raised $3,000 to extend operational hours at the Countryside Recreation Center. In addition, the clubs would augment staff with volunteers to help supervise the center, develop programs, and assist with maintenance. Staff met with Rotary representatives and determined a program similar to the successful “Martin Luther King - Moonlight Recreation Program” could be developed at Countryside. The center would be opened 28 additional hours per week from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., Monday through Sunday, for 10 weeks during the summer when teens are out of school. The Police Department is willing to work with the program and feel it could benefit the community by providing teens and young adults a positive leisure time alternative. The Rotary wishes to commit their $3,000 contribution for 2 Seasonal Recreation Assistants for 20 hours per week for 10 weeks (400 hours) for a cost of approximately $2,900. This staffing level would provide at least one City employee on duty during the Moonlight Recreation Program and the ability to schedule 2 staff members one night per week. Staffing for a half hour pre-program work and half hour clean-up also is included. Staff recommends a minimum of two staff members on duty each night and recommends a higher level position coordinate and supervise the program. Staff recommends the City match the Rotary contribution for 1 Seasonal Recreation Instructor for 30 hours per week for 11 weeks (330 hours) at a cost of approximately $2,800. The City Manager said the proposal would have no budget impact. She recommended approval of a pilot trial this summer. Commissioner Clark moved to approve a summer trial of the Moonlight Recreation Program at the Countryside Recreation Center. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #31 - Other Commission Action Commissioner Clark reported the Largo City Commission had challenged the Clearwater City Commission to a bowling meet on February 15, 1997, at Largo Lanes to benefit UPARC. Most Commissioners were unable to attend due to prior commitments. Commissioner Seel requested the date of the major public meeting referenced by MPO’s Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Commissioner Johnson questioned who Mr. Sands is. That issue is being checked. Commissioner Johnson said he supports Voluntary Handicap Parking Enforcement. Commissioner Hooper suggested those in the Fire Department trained to issue tickets get a “quick start” on the program. Commissioner Clark congratulated Bob Henderson for being named Mr. Clearwater. Mayor Garvey congratulated the Seatons for receiving the Small Business Award, 51-250 employees category, for the Sea Wake Resorts. Mayor Garvey said renovations on City Hall continue. The February 3, 1997, Work Session will take place at the C-View studio in the Municipal Services Building. The February 6, 1997, City Commission meeting will take place in the Pinellas County Commission Assembly Room. Mayor Garvey invited the public to the Saturday Farmers’ Market at Station Square Park from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ITEM #32 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 10:34 p.m.