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05/15/1997CITY COMMISSION MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER May 15, 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 Mary K. “Sue” Diana Assistant 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 Commissioner Clark. 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 Proclamations: Emergency Medical Week - May 18 - 24, 1997 Safe Boating Week - May 17 - 23, 1997 ITEM #5 - Presentations a) Pinellas County Commissioner Robert Stewart - Countywide update Pinellas County Commissioner Robert Stewart thanked the City Commission for supporting the Penny for Pinellas 10-year extension which passed with 65% approval. The tax provides a revenue stream for infrastructure improvements and should provide the City with $100-million over 10 years. County Commissioner Stewart said the top North County priorities are: 1) Keystone Road; 2) Brooker Creek Preserve; and 3) Belcher Road extension. The County has budgeted $10-million toward the Memorial Causeway Bridge replacement. He reported the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) had added the Causeway Bridge project to the County’s transportation priority list. He noted annexation and enclave issues are important to local municipalities. The County is eager to pursue Interlocal agreements for the contractual deliveries of services. He recently served on a Statewide commission considering ways to streamline local government services. County Commissioner Stewart noted he serves on the CVB (Convention and Visitors Bureau) with Mayor Garvey. In June, the CVB will take positive action regarding the Mayor’s request for support of Clearwater’s facility at the 2000 Olympics in Nagano, Japan. Next week, the County will conduct visioning meetings focused on water, transportation, economic development, affordable housing, and the staffing of County-built recreational centers. Although the County’s FY (fiscal year) 1997/98 budget tops $1-billion, the County Commission has been asked to maintain the current millage rate. County Commissioner Stewart requested the City Commission forward their suggestions, concerns, etc. to the County. Karl Guenther - President Clearwater Bombers re Clearwater Bombers Clearwater Bombers President Karl Guenther distributed materials. He said a growth management consultant had developed a plan for the team. He reviewed team expenses and needs. The team has reduced its budget and is working to raise funds. The team is successful and attracts championship games to Clearwater. He requested a one time $7,000 monthly ($35,000 total) contingency to cover emergency expenses. He also recommended a Parks & Recreation employee position of Bomber Softball Manager and Administrator and suggested a worksession to define a plan. The Mayor indicated the request would be considered during the budget process. Leonard Tria, Jr. - HDR Engineer re SOV (Single Occupancy Vehicle) Reduction Program Leonard Tria reviewed the six-year old commuter assistance program which provides a toll free number (1-800-998-RIDE) for those interested in car pooling and operates vans in FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) District 7. Participants are guaranteed a ride home. The program works with the City and MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) and has eliminated more than 25-million miles of driving and 1-million pounds of air pollutants. Materials were distributed and riders were signed up at a recent rally at Station Square Park. ITEM #6 - Approval of Minutes Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 1, 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 Howard Groth presented a petition requesting the clean-up of the Pierce Street retention pond. Staff has contacted a contractor who will be spraying the pond. John Doran reported the CBA (Clearwater Beach Association) Board of Directors has passed a resolution expressing disappointment in the chosen bridge route and requesting the Commission reconsider the southern route. He invited participants to the clean-up of the South side of Memorial Causeway, on May 17, 1997, at 8:30 a.m. Anne Garris thanked the City for Parks & Recreation Director Ream Wilson’s response to community concerns regarding the planned beach aquatic center’s design. Jill Nickerson, representing the Suncoast Sailing Team, reported the team finished 3rd in the 1996 Olympic trails and is currently ranked #1 in the country. She said the team has created excitement regarding Clearwater and requested the City provide pro rated funds for advertising during their trip to Europe. It was noted the Commission’s policy is to consider funding requests during the budget process. Ms. Nickerson noted the City’s sponsorship ended in February 1997. This request was found to be more in tune with tourism. PUBLIC HEARINGS ITEM #8 - Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #6144-97 - Vacating 40’ r-o-w of Adams Avenue, from south r-o-w line of Jeffords Street south 300’ subject to retaining the r-o-w full-width as a drainage and utilities easement (Hilleboe, V97-03)(EN) The applicant requests vacating the 40-foot right-of-way of Adams Avenue from the South right-of-way of Jeffords Street 300 feet South. The applicant proposes to use the portion of right-of-way to construct additional parking for his apartment complex. The right-of-way vacation will enhance the City’s tax base. The right-of-way is not paved or used for vehicular traffic. Both ends of the right-of-way were posted, noticing the vacation proposal. The City has a 6-inch water and 2-inch gas main within the portion of right-of-way to be vacated. The water and gas mains may need to be relocated depending on the parking lot’s final design and drainage facilities. The relocation can be a condition of building permit approval and will be done at the owner’s expense. The City will retain the right-of-way full-width as a drainage and utilities easement. Public utilities have no objections to the request. City Department/Divisions concerned with easement vacation requests have reviewed the petition. Engineering Services has no objection to the request provided the right-of-way is retained full width as a drainage and utility easement and the applicant pays all costs to relocate the water and gas mains if required. The City Engineer recommends approval of the request. In response to a question from applicant Charles Hilleboe, Engineering Director Rich Baier said the City’s drainage and utility easement will not impair the ability to use the property for a parking lot. The City retains the easement to make repairs when needed. Commissioner Hooper moved to approve the applicant’s request to vacate the 40-foot right-of-way of Adams Avenue from the South right-of-way line of Jeffords Street South 300-feet, subject to retaining the right-of-way full-width as a drainage and utilities easement. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6144-97 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Johnson moved to pass Ordinance #6144-97 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Seel and Garvey. "Nays": None. Note: It was later discovered this case was not advertised fully, see minutes of 6/19/97. ITEM #9 - Variance(s) to Sign Regulations for property located at 640 Chestnut St., Court Square, Blk 13, part of Lot 6 & all of Lots 7-9 and Magnolia Park, Blk 13, Lots 10, 11, and part of 12 together with vacated alley between (Clearwater Depot, Inc., Cepcot Corp., and Porpoise Pool & Patio, Inc., SV97-05) The property, on the West side of East Avenue between Court and Chestnut streets, is zoned Urban Center (Core) 2. The applicant requests a variance to allow a 64-square foot, 20-foot high freestanding sign with a minimum setback of 5-feet from all street rights-of-way in a zoning district where freestanding signs are not permitted. On April 8, 1997, the DRB ( Design Review Board) recommended approval of a freestanding pole sign subject to final DRB review and approval of the design. Applicant Fred Thomas verified photographs of the property presented him by Central Permitting Director Scott Shuford. He said Court Street has 4-lanes of one-way traffic and the sign will help prevent a safety hazard. Mr. Shuford noted City Commission direction to change the Land Development Code to allow freestanding signs in this district. In response to a question, Mr. Shuford said the DRB reviewed the sign at their meeting on May 13, 1997 and did not approve the design. An appeal of that decision has been filed by the applicant. Commissioner Clark moved to approve a variance to allow a 64-square foot, 20-foot high freestanding sign with a minimum setback of 5-feet from all street rights-of-way in a zoning district where freestanding signs are not permitted, on property identified as Court Square, Block 13, part of Lot 6, and all of Lots 7, 8, and 9, and Magnolia Park, Block 13, Lots 10, 11, and part of 12, together with vacated alley between, for meeting Sec. 45.24, Standards for Approval, items (1)-(4), subject to the following condition: Design of the proposed sign shall be subject to the review and approval of the Design Review Board. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #10 - Public Hearing & First Reading Ords. #6142-97 & #6143-97 - Land Use Plan Amendment to Commercial Neighborhood & CPD Zoning for property located on N side of SR590, approx. 700’ W of McMullen Booth Rd., Sall’s Lake Park, Unit B, Tract B (Terepka, LUP97-02, Z97-03) The City Manager requested continuing Item #10 to allow the applicant time to revise his site plan and meet the easement and buffering requirements. Commissioner Hooper moved to continue Item #10 to June 5, 1997. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. CITY MANAGER REPORTS CONSENT AGENDA (Items #11-16) - Approved as submitted ITEM #11 - Approval of Purchases per 04/30/97 memorandum: One Ford Crown Victoria Police Pursuit vehicle (replacement), Duval Ford, $21,867; funding to be provided under City’s master lease-purchase agreement (GS) One 1997 Ford F700 LP bulk delivery tanker truck (replacement), Dixie Meter & Service Company, $62,305.99; funding to be provided under City’s master lease-purchase agreement (GS) One 1997 Chevrolet pickup truck (replacement), Ed Morse Fleet, $14,323.96; funding to be provided under City’s master lease-purchase agreement (GS) One 1997 Ford one ton truck cab and chassis with stake body (replacement), Duval Ford, $20,275; funding to be provided under City’s master lease-purchase agreement (GS) ITEM #12 - Contract for environmental remediation of Berry Property, 107 Harrison Ave., Belleair Beach, to Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc., estimated $52,135.17 (GAS) ITEM #13 - Lease Agreement with Keramitsa, Inc., d/b/a/ Beach Diner, 08/01/97 -07/31/03, with 2-year extension if both parties agree, for guaranteed minimum rental of $60,000 annually, plus an annual percentage of gross sales, with annual CPI increases starting 01/99 (MR) ITEM #14 - Lease Agreement with BOHUNT for premises located at 1453 S. Greenwood Ave., Space B (Police Mini-Station), for 07/01/97 -06/30/98, $3,300 rental (PD) ITEM #15 - Contract for Allen’s Creek Gabion Project to Keystone Excavators, Inc., $223,342.60 (EN) ITEM #16 - Drainage and Utility Easements for Stevenson’s Creek Project (CA) a) Melissa Pushinsky & Joseph and Antoinette Pushinsky - 1329 Lotus Path b) Doris Kuntz - 1362 Jeffords Street c) Gary E. Rossi - 1352 Jeffords Street d) Janeth and Jose Colon - 1344 Jeffords Street e) Frank and Debra Gossett - 1330 Jeffords Street In response to a question, the City Attorney indicated the $1 consideration listed on on the easement agreement reflects the actual cost for one, the others the City paid more than $1. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the easements were needed to construct the gabions and will prevent erosion. It was noted homeowners will benefit from lower homeowners’ insurance rates. It was felt the construction of the gabions provide mutual benefit. Mr. Baier said the project had been redesigned due to unreasonable demands by several homeowners. He believed the easements were negotiated fairly. 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 #17 - Work Order, $38,802 to Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Inc. to develop alternatives for modification of Pierce Street Pond (EN) On September 19, 1996, the City Commission continued an item related to the development of a portion of the “Town Lake Project,” designated as “Cell 2,” pending further evaluation. This proposal is to examine available alternatives to expand the Pierce Street Pond within available property. Phase 1 provides several approaches to modify the Pierce Street pond to provide additional flow attenuation and stormwater treatment to serve City and private sector redevelopment downtown projects. Phase 2 will develop preliminary designs and cost estimates for one or more alternatives selected by the City based on Phase 1 findings. Downtown property owners, who had expressed interest, have been provided a copy of the scope of work and will be involved, on a team basis, as the project develops. The provision of treatment will consider three scenarios: 1) provide stormwater treatment for the City Annex redevelopment project and Winn-Dixie project; 2) provide stormwater treatment for the City Annex redevelopment project and Winn-Dixie project and redevelopment of other private sector properties constituting an additional 20 acres in the general vicinity of the Pierce Street Pond; and 3) provide stormwater treatment for the entire basin served by the Pierce Street Pond. Greg Singleton, of Florida Design Consultants, said the option to take no action is impractical as the City must address flooding and stormwater treatment. The study is the first step toward enhancing downtown and cleaning-up Clearwater Harbor. Mark Klein, of Klein Hutcheon, said he represents 5 property owners affected by the lake project, flooding, and stormwater runoff. He said addressing the drainage issues is necessary to redevelop downtown. He said the public/private partnership for construction is in its beginning stages. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said Phase 2 construction costs cannot be estimated until Phase 1 is complete. Josh Magidson, representing Dimmitt, said a tremendous energy between staff and downtown business owners exists. He expressed concern water from the subject pond currently is pumped into Clearwater Harbor. He said the project will benefit downtown and everyone who uses Clearwater Harbor. He said the planned partnership will work together for the common good. Glen Warren said his business is adjacent to the subject pond. He encouraged the City to proceed with the study. In response to a question, Mr. Baier reviewed the responsibilities of the City and PBS&J (Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Inc.) under the proposed Scope of Services. PBS&J will not assemble properties but will consider possible pond expansion. The study will identify possibilities. The Commission will decide the pond’s final size. Steve Leinhard, of PBS&J, said the study will consider expanding the pond North or South. The goal is for the body of water to function like a pond, providing flood control and water treatment for discharging clean stormwater into Clearwater Harbor. The study will consider a natural design and one that uses chemicals. PBS&J will provide the City with 12 construction concepts with cost estimates. The project should identify the most cost effective solution. In response to a question, he said a previous study also considered regional benefits, aesthetic values, and recreation uses. The goal is for the pond to operate and appear attractive year round. It was noted this information is needed before the East End is developed. Commissioner Hooper moved to approve the Work Order in the amount of $38,802 to Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Inc., the City Engineer of Record, to develop alternatives for the modification of the Pierce Street Pond and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #18 - Other Pending Matters - None. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS ITEM #19 - Other City Attorney Items The City Attorney recommended a settlement offer of $100,000 for injuries suffered by Paul W. Gilfoyle. The Commission had discussed the settlement in previous closed door sessions. Commissioner Clark moved to approve a $100,000 settlement offer regarding the lawsuit, Anne-Marie Cheroke Lindsey as guardian of Paul W. Gilfoyle vs. the City. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #20 - City Manager Verbal Reports June 2, 1997, Worksession The City Manager reported the June 2, 1997, Worksession conflicts with a TBRPC (Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council) meeting. The start of the Worksession was changed from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. City-owned Island Estates property The City Manager reported staff is contacting parties interested in City-owned Island Estates property to determine whether interest in the property would be affected if the reclaimed water contractor uses the property for storage for 10-12 months. She noted the property is not surplus to City needs. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the playground adjacent to St. Brendan’s is relegated to a linear strip. Now that the church has constructed an addition, only street parking is available for playground patrons. The Island Estates Civic Association has requested using the subject City-owned property for a playground. Representatives of the association did not think a year delay would affect the need for a playground. The association will forward a letter regarding this issue. An opinion was expressed the subject property is not appropriate for a playground. Airpark Open House The City Manager announced the June 7, 1997, Airpark Open House will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Non-profit group re Nagano Olympics The City Manager noted the City Commission had approved funding of $25,000 to the Nagano program related to Clearwater’s Sister City’s hosting of the 2000 Winter Olympics. An oversight group has formed its own 501c3 non-profit organization. The City Manager recommended transferring funds to the group subject to periodic report requirements, accountability restrictions, and review by the City’s Internal Auditor. Staff will provide an accounting of to-date expenditures. Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the transfer of remaining funds for the program related to Sister City Nagano hosting the 2000 Winter Olympics, to the non-profit group established for that purpose, subject to periodic reports requirements, accountability restrictions, and review by the City’s Internal Auditor. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The Commission recessed from 7:33 to 7:48 p.m. ITEM #21 - Other Commission Action a) City Manager Selection The City Manager reviewed the process recommended by Organizational and Employment Development Director Pam Skyrme to structure the discussion. Each Commissioner was encouraged to provide clear examples of pros and cons regarding the final candidates: 1) Robert La Sala; 2) Randall Reid; and 3) Michael Roberto. It was suggested the Commission indicate their personal ranking of the candidates. In response to a question, the City Manager indicated candidate Reid was not appointed Martin County Manager. The Mayor noted the following qualities the Commission had decided were most important for a city manager: 1) being a team member; 2) focusing on outcomes not bureaucracy; 3) allowing creativity to flourish; 4) a background addressing problems similar to those Clearwater has experienced; 5) ability to manage 1600 employees; 6) strong management background; 7) good communication skills; 8) integrity; 9) problem preventer; 10) strong leadership skills; 11) embodying Clearwater’s principals of operation; 12) substance over style, 13) innovative; 14) putting plans into action; 15) visionary, sees the “big picture”; 16) employee oriented, understands employee issues; 17) demonstrative experience; 18) good hiring and personnel assessment; 19) history of reaching outside government for ideas, 20) qualifiable; 21) ability to build partnerships; 22) team builder; 23) not easily intimidated, 24) versatility; 25) community focus and involvement, and 26) fiscal conservative. The Mayor considered the following qualities to be most important: 1) team management; 2) allowing creativity to flourish; 3) believing in involving the quality of staff; 4) experience in a similar organization in a large city; 5) substance over style; 6) versatility; 7) ability to build partnerships; and 8) being fiscally conservative. She felt all three candidates qualified as fiscal conservatives. She said Messrs. La Sala and Reid best demonstrated qualities she considered most important. Commissioner Johnson said his top candidates were Messrs. La Sala and Reid with Mr. La Sala his first choice. Commissioner Johnson said he was impressed with Mr. La Sala’s eye to eye contact, calmness, and well thought out answers during the Commission’s question and answer session. He said Mr. La Sala’s strong qualifications include experience in city and county government, a belief in fiscal responsibility, and his first hand knowledge of the area, having served as a Pinellas County administrator for 9 years. His current management responsibility is for Sarasota County which has more than 300,000 residents. Commissioner Johnson said Mr. La Sala is honest, has integrity, communicates well, is people-oriented, involves all employees in decisions, and thinks “outside the box.” Commissioner Johnson felt Mr. Sala’s cooperative spirit will encourage a better relationship with Pinellas County. Mr. La Sala has been successful, has years of experience, and is excited regarding the City’s Vision Statement. He noted Mr. La Sala lost his City Manager position in Boca Raton. Commissioner Clark said his top candidates were Messrs. La Sala and Roberto. Mr. La Sala was reported to be good at responding to issues from the business community. He said Mr. La Sala was perceived as part of the anti-business attitude in Sarasota. Sarasota Commission members indicated Mr. La Sala handles tough assignments, works well with immediate subordinates, does the “heavy lifting,” is thorough, hard working, and good at long range planning . Perceived weaknesses include a need to be more human and an apparent abrasiveness. The development community indicated Mr. La Sala has good interaction with the business community, is a good administrator and a good planner. Commissioner Clark said Mr. La Sala was described as strong-willed who is inflexible once decided. Unions had little direct dealings with him but found him supportive. A weakness is his lack of diplomacy. The local legislative delegation has nothing but high praise for him. Commissioner Clark said the North Miami Beach council found Mr. Roberto to be a people person who relates well to residents and staff, however works too hard. The council called him an excellent delegator who works hands on when necessary. Strengths include his ability to work well with different egos and personalities. The Miami media described Mr. Roberto as energetic, innovative, and someone who gets things done. The media reported no negatives. Neighborhood associations describe him as pro-active rather that reactive and even handed when dealing with neighborhood issues. A perceived weakness was that he may be too loyal to his subordinates. He listens well to the business community and makes necessary concessions. Unions consider him a man of his word. The police and fire unions felt he is tough but fair and dealt with difficult labor issues without contentiousness. Commissioner Hooper said his top candidates were Messrs. La Sala and Roberto. Commissioner Hooper visited Boca Raton and North Miami Beach. He contacted the City Manager, upper management, City employees and business people in Boca Raton. Commissioner Hooper felt Mr. La Sala would bring local knowledge and contacts to Clearwater. He has knowledge of a similar sized government. It was reported Mr. La Sala is not afraid to present unpopular recommendations to the commission. He was described as bureaucratic. Commissioner Hooper noted Mr. La Sala has only 23 months of experience in the #1 position as city manager. Commissioner Hooper said Mr. La Sala is perceived as someone who will meet with people who contact him but makes no effort to reach out to the community. Commissioner Hooper said Mr. Roberto handled his unexpected visit well. North Miami Beach elected officials described Mr. Roberto as a qualified, competent manager whom the city does not want to lose. Mr. Roberto is well liked and pro-active in the community. A previous Clearwater city manager now in Miami strongly endorsed Mr. Roberto’s candidacy. Employees describe him as upbeat and positive. Commissioner Hooper had heard nothing negative regarding Mr. Roberto. He found Mr. Roberto’s long tenure in a city with a population of 35,000 to be a negative. He said Clearwater would challenge Mr. Roberto and require him to change the way he interacts with employees due to the size of Clearwater and its staff. Commissioner Seel made site visits to South Florida, including a meeting with a previous Clearwater city manager in Miami, council members and business people in North Miami Beach. She attended a North Miami Beach commission meeting and spoke with a North Miami Beach State legislator. In Boca Raton she met with city staff and city activists. She noted Boca Raton is a difficult and diverse community that has been active with economic development issues. Commissioner Seel said many business people she contacted in Sarasota did not wish to comment on Mr. La Sala. In Pinellas County, Mr. La Sala has an excellent reputation regarding intergovernmental cooperation between the State and County. Mr. La Sala received mixed reviews in Boca Raton. He was described as being reactive. Citizen activists felt Mr. La Sala had gone beyond his duty providing information and trying to solve problems. Others felt Mr. La Sala’s solution was short term. Mr. La Sala was described as bureaucratic. His development of one stop shopping for economic development in Sarasota has not yet been instituted. Mr. La Sala’s first reaction to questions posed at meetings often is to get back to the Commission after discussion with staff. It takes a long time to come back but when he does, he returns with a clear and final answer. A Sarasota builder described Mr. La Sala as a hard worker, honest, a good follower who will then lead. Once he makes a decision, he explains it clearly, and “sticks to it.” Commissioner Seel said Mr. Roberto was described as pro-active, a team builder, and consensus maker. In his current position, he works with each commissioner, takes time to find out each member’s issues and concerns and works toward consensus. He has hired a staff from diversified backgrounds. He has high values and standards and expects accountability. He provides his staff with the ability to affect change and do their job well. He maintains relationships and does not burn bridges. He has a good relationship with terminated employees. The assistant police chief in North Miami Beach said Mr. Roberto is a fair bargainer with the unions. He has been successful at putting plans into action. Commissioner Seel found him to be honest, up-front, putting the city first. He cares about the bottom line, and is a workaholic. She reported one call she made regarding Mr. Reid indicated he is not innovative and acts as a caretaker, not a leader. Concerns were expressed regarding Mr. Roberto being a workaholic and his ability to work with 1600 employees. It was noted Mr. Roberto sometimes makes unpopular decisions and works hard to get consensus. Concern was expressed regarding Mr. Roberto’s ego. A former Clearwater city manager found Mr. Roberto’s ego to be healthy. Neighborhood associations indicated Mr. Roberto is the best city manager North Miami Beach has had in years. It was noted Pinellas County staff speaks well of Mr. La Sala. It was stated the final candidate will have to modify his style to meet Clearwater’s needs. It was noted Mr. La Sala has been in the #2 position most of his career with experience mostly in county government. Mr. Roberto has worked with many councils. It was felt both Mr. La Sala and Mr. Roberto can be successful. Commissioner Clark said Mr. Roberto is his choice for the position. He said Mr. Roberto demands excellence and has a background of team work, trust, and support. He has a good record of innovation and service delivery. He felt Mr. Roberto could have written Clearwater’s Vision Statement. Commissioner Clark felt Mr. Roberto overflows with charisma and has the skill to take the City to the next level aspired to in the Vision Statement. Mayor Garvey felt Mr. LaSala’s experience with large government organizations makes him the best candidate. She found Mr. Roberto to be the wrong choice for Clearwater. Commissioner Johnson moved that Mr. La Sala be the next City Manager of Clearwater. There was no second. Commissioner Clark moved to rank Michael Roberto #1 and Robert La Sala #2 for City Manager. The motion was duly seconded. Commissioners Clark, Hooper, and Seel voted “Aye”; Commissioner Johnson and Mayor Garvey voted “Nay.” Motion failed. It was felt Mr. La Sala would have to adapt his style significantly to meet City Commission needs. It was noted Mr. Roberto currently has a considerable compensation package. The City Manager said Slavin and Associates indicated the candidates are willing to negotiate compensation details with the City. It was noted North Miami Beach offers unique challenges and Mr. Roberto is up to the task. He spent time with the Chamber of Commerce and homeowners associations during his visit to Clearwater for interviews. It was stated a North Miami Beach legislator had indicated Mr. Roberto had put together the best legislative package ever and has worked well with a strong mayor situation. He has received ringing endorsements from the business community. Concern was expressed similar endorsements are not forthcoming from Sarasota regarding Mr. La Sala. In response to a question, it was noted under Mr. Roberto’s direction, the City of North Miami Beach had successfully redone their Land Development Code and sign codes. Businesses have been brought into compliance. The Commission recessed from 9:10 to 9:28 p.m. The Mayor announced she would support Mr. Roberto for City Manager. Commissioner Johnson said Mr. Roberto is not his first choice but he would support him. Commissioner Clark moved to rank Michael Roberto #1 and Robert La Sala #2 for City Manager of Clearwater and to begin negotiations with the #1 candidate. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The City Attorney requested direction for negotiations, noting the City Commission had indicated a $100,000 salary range not including benefits. It was recommended the City Attorney proceed to negotiate with Mr. Roberto and put together a package to present to the City Commission. The City Attorney said she will use a SAMP contract as an outline. A Special Meeting was scheduled for May 22, 1997, at 10:00 a.m. to consider the City Manager contract. The scheduled budget meeting will follow. Commissioner Hooper requested establishment of a follow-up procedure regarding conditions imposed with board approvals. Consensus was for staff to present a plan establishing a follow-up procedure. Commissioner Hooper requested streamlining the process addressing properties which fail to meet approved conditions. The City Attorney will review. Commissioner Seel requested an update on a recent Clearwater Beach Association meeting regarding the Mandalay Streetscape project. Commissioner Seel questioned actions taken regarding the Coalition of Homeowners’ concerns regarding commercial banners. Mr. Shuford indicated the new Land Development Code being prepared will regulate flags in keeping with the Dimmitt decision. Commissioner Seel noted she was not present at the last Clearwater Main Library Selection Task Force Meeting as reflected in the minutes. Commissioner Seel requested scheduling future meetings at the June 2, 1997, Worksession. ITEM #22 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:36 p.m.