08/21/1997CITY COMMISSION MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 21, 1997
Present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner
J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
Robert Clark Commissioner
Ed Hooper Commissioner
Karen Seel Commissioner
Michael J. Roberto City Manager
Kathy S. Rice Deputy City Manager
Bob Keller Assistant City Manager
Richard L. Hedrick 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 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The invocation was offered by Reverend Donald “Skip” Dvornik of Calvary Baptist Church. 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
Two service awards were presented to City employees.
ITEM #4 - Introductions and Awards
Proclamation - Firefighter Appreciation Week - August 25 - September 1, 1997
ITEM #5 - Presentations - None.
ITEM #6 - Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Seel moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 7, 1997, and the special meeting of April 26, 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, of the Clearwater Beach Association, recommended the former water tower site remain green and open.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ITEM #8 - (Cont’d from 07/17/97) Variance(s) to Sign Regulations for property located at 26417 US 19N, Sec. 30-28-16, M&B 43.12 (Olde Property Corp., SV97-07)
On July 17, 1997, this variance was continued. The applicant, Countryside Village Square shopping center, had requested a second, 452.5-square foot freestanding sign that is 32.5-feet
high and set back 5-feet. This modified request is for a second freestanding sign that is 29 feet tall, 304 square-feet large, and set back 5-feet. This property, on the East side
of US 19N, South of Countryside Boulevard, is zoned Commercial Center.
Olde Discount Stockbrokers owns this property and has provided Countryside Village Square an easement on which to place the sign. Two signs currently are adjacent to the driveway:
1) Olde sign on North side and 2) Countryside Village Square sign on South side. The shopping center wishes to replace its existing sign. The current sign is too tall and large to
comply with current sign regulations and should have been brought into compliance by October 1992.
Todd Pressman, representing the applicant, verified photographs of the property presented him by Central Permitting Director Scott Shuford. Mr. Pressman said this is the large development’s
sole sign on US 19N. He said the message portion of the sign is 304-square feet. He noted US 19N traffic orientation has changed significantly. The shopping center was constructed
with direct ingress/egress to the highway. Northbound customers must exit onto the access road before reaching the property.
Mr. Pressman said the center’s circuitous design and the nearby elevation of US 19N impact the visibility of tenants’ wall signs by passing motorists. He indicated the site has less
signage than allowed on Countryside Boulevard and Village Drive. The subject driveway serves as a major entrance to the shopping center. He said the request is not excessive and meets
the criteria for a variance. It was suggested motorists would be unable to read all of the proposed signage. Mr. Pressman said the larger signs will serve the center’s larger tenants.
Mr. Shuford suggested a condition could limit signage on the remainder of the property. In response to a question, Mr. Pressman said the site has a freestanding sign at the signal
light on Countryside Boulevard. In response to a question, Mr. Shuford indicated staff would have cited that sign if it does not comply with code.
It was noted the proposed 304-square foot sign is 29 feet high, 9 feet higher than allowed by code. Mr. Shuford recommended a freestanding sign be approved for this location as the
entrance needs visibility. It was recommended the sign list the center’s address.
Commissioner Johnson moved to deny a variance of 1 freestanding sign to allow a second freestanding sign with an area of 304-square feet, a height of 29-feet, and a 5 foot setback from
all property lines, where a maximum of 1 freestanding sign is permitted and moved to approve a variance of 1 freestanding sign to allow a second freestanding sign with an area of 150-square
feet, a height of 20-feet, and a 5-foot setback from all property lines, where a maximum of 1 freestanding sign is permitted, on property identified as Sec. 30-28-16, M&B
43.12, for meeting Sec. 45.24, Standards for Approval, items (1)-(4), and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded.
In response to a question, Mr. Shuford indicated this approval will replace the current 452.5-square foot sign. It was recommended that freestanding signs for the center on Village
Drive be required to remain the same size. Mr. Pressman indicated the City staff have reported all violations on the property.
Upon the vote being taken, Commissioners Johnson, Clark, Seel, and Mayor Garvey voted “Aye”; Commissioner Hooper voted “Nay.” Motion carried.
ITEM #9 - (Cont’d from 07/17/97) Variance(s) to Sign Regulations for property (Countryside Square Shopping Center) located at 2555 Countryside Blvd., Countryside Village Square, Lots
5, 7 & 8 (HRE Properties, SV97-08)
Upon request of the applicant, Countryside Village Square Shopping Center, this variance request was continued from July 17, 1997. This property, bounded by US 19N, Countryside Boulevard,
and Village Drive, is zoned Commercial Center. The applicant requests a variance of 1 freestanding sign to allow a second freestanding sign with an area of 18.8-square feet, a height
of 17-feet, and a minimum setback of 65 feet from the Village Drive right-of-way, where a maximum of 1 freestanding sign is permitted. The variance is requested for Tuesday Morning
which has 2 freestanding signs: 1) one on the business’ East side and 2) one on the business’ West side. The variance is requested to allow existing signs to remain.
Mr. Shuford said staff had contacted Richard Kane regarding his letter of objection to this request. Mr. Kane was advised the variance will not change current signage. He indicated
continued opposition. Todd Pressman, representative for the applicant, verified photographs of the property presented him by Mr. Shuford. It was noted the signs are classified, freestanding,
although they resemble wall signs. The signs are smaller than permitted for wall signage. The store, Tuesday Morning, does not abut the parking lot or street but is reached via two
passageways.
Commissioner Seel moved to approve a variance of 1 freestanding sign to allow a 2nd freestanding sign with an area of 18.8-square feet, a height of 17-feet, and minimum setback of 65-feet
from the Village Drive right-of-way, where a maximum of 1 freestanding sign is permitted, on property identified as Countryside Village Square, Lots 5, 7, and 8, for meeting Sec. 45.24,
Standards for Approval, items (1)-(4), and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #10 - Variance(s) to Sign Regulations for property located at 101 S. Park Place Blvd., Storz Ophthalmics, Inc., Park Place, Lots 2 & 3 (The Grand Reserve at Park Place Limited Partnership,
SV97-09)
The Grand Reserve apartments will be constructed on Lots 2 and 3 of Park Place. Both lots are zoned Residential Planned Development 16. Park Place Boulevard divides the development.
A gated entrance, with signs, will be constructed on each side of Park Place
Boulevard. The following variances were requested for each entrance: 1) a variance of 5 signs to allow 7 signs and 2) a variance of 111.1-square feet to allow an aggregate sign area
of 159.1-square feet. Staff recommends denial as these variances represent substantial deviations from the sign code.
Mr. Shuford stated the applicant had submitted an amended request. As the Commission had not received this information prior to the meeting, he recommended continuing the Item.
Ed Armstrong, representative for the applicant, said the 18-acre development will feature high-end apartments. He said the proposal includes a 3.3 square-foot “GR” on each wrought
iron gate at the 2 entrances. The decorative emblems, classified as signs, will not be visible from adjacent property. In response to a question, he said the gates will be setback
onto the subject property. He reported black granite slab signs, recessed close to the gates, are proposed for both entrance medians. He said the requested message area is within 5%
of sign code requirements. Mr. Armstrong said extensive landscaping is planned. In response to a question, Mr. Shuford said the development will not connect with Hampton Road. The
“Welcome Home” sign was eliminated from the amended request.
Commissioner Seel moved to approve the applicant's amended request. The motion was duly seconded.
Concern was expressed the Commission had not received details of this amended request and needed more information before reaching a decision. Commissioner Seel withdrew her motion.
The seconder agreed.
Commissioner Clark moved to continue Item #10. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #11 - Variance(s) to Sign Regulations for property located in the median of Park Place Blvd., at intersection of Gulf to Bay Blvd., South end of Park Place Blvd. r-o-w (The Grand
Reserve at Park Place Limited Partnership, SV97-10)
This property, on the North side of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and East of US 19N, is zoned General Commercial. The applicant requests a variance to allow a 2nd freestanding sign in Park
Place Boulevard’s median. The Park Place development agreement contemplated the placement of signs within the street right-of-way. The proposed sign, 6-feet high with 19.5 -square
feet, will be placed North of the existing sign to identify the Grand Reserve apartments, approximately 1/5 mile North on Park Place Boulevard.
Ed Armstrong, representative for the applicant said the additional sign will identify the Grand Reserve apartment development.
Commissioner Seel moved to approve a variance to allow a 2nd freestanding sign 19.5-square feet in area and 6-feet high in the median at the South end of Park Place Boulevard, at the
intersection of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, for meeting Sec. 45.24, Standards for Approval,
items (1)-(4), subject to the following condition: 1) applicant shall execute a revocable maintenance agreement with the City that will require the applicant to maintain the sign in
good repair and 2) applicant shall provide liability protection to the City and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Public Hearing - Second Reading Ordinances
ITEM #12 - Ord. #6149-97 - Creating new section 21.17 relating to begging by intimidation; providing definitions; prohibiting begging with intent to intimidate
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6149-97 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hooper moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6149-97 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 #13 - Ord. #6166-97 - relating to occupational license fees; amending Appendix A, Schedule of Fees, Rates and Charges by 5% increase in fees and amending administrative fees charges
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6166-97 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Johnson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6166-97 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 #14 - Ord. #6180-97 - establishing a money purchase pension defined contribution plan for certain employees who are employed by the City on or after 06/23/97
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6180-97 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Clark moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6180-97 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.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
CONSENT AGENDA (Items #15-19) - Approved as submitted
ITEM #15 - Approval of Purchases per 08/12/97 memorandum:
Video Editing Equipment, Steadi Systems of New York, $33,954 (IM)
One 1997 Ford F-800 chassis with Altec Model AN-650P Aerial Tower, Altec Industries, Inc., $74,402; funding to be provided under City’s Master Lease Purchase Agreement (GS)
Double Detector Check Valve Assemblies, U.S. Filter Distribution of Tampa, 08/22/97 -08/14/98, estimated $61,525 (PS)
5 laser printers & 13 bubblejet printers & software for Parks & Recreation remote sites, BCD Computer Distributors, Inc., $16,683.18 (PR)
ITEM #16 - C.O.#1 to 1997 Street Resurfacing Contract with Golden Triangle Asphalt Paving Company, Inc., adjusting completion date to 11/21/97 for total time extension of 114 days (EN)
ITEM #17 - Ratify/Confirm C.O.#2 for reconstruction of Highland Avenue, from North of Gulf to Bay Blvd. to North of Sunset Point Rd., Overstreet Paving Company, increasing amount by
$399,153.65 for new total of $4,797,788.11, and approve time extension of 161 days (EN)
ITEM #18 - Unfair Labor Practice Charge - Terence Kelly and Pinellas County Police Benevolent Association vs. City - authorization for assignment of defense to Thompson, Sizemore & Gonzalez
(CA)
ITEM #19 - Amendment to City Attorney employment agreement (CA)
Commissioner Johnson 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 #20 - Clearwater Beach Strategic Development Plan, authorize proceeding with planning process (CP)
Creating a development plan for Clearwater beach has been discussed since 1991. Staff feels it is time to move forward. Scheduled capital projects, such as the new Memorial Causeway
Bridge, Mandalay Avenue streetscaping, a new civic center, etc., require the preparation of a comprehensive plan. As competitors in the State, country, and world are improving their
tourism products, the City needs an achievable plan that is supported by the community.
Staff proposes for plan development to occur after public input is received and evaluated and for a consultant/City staff partnership to develop the Strategic Development Plan. Consultant
team members are: 1) Ralph Stone, former Planning Director for St. Petersburg - Mr. Stone will serve as Project Manager for the Strategic Development Plan, handling media contract, providing
editing services, and directing the coordination with any nearby traffic operations work; 2) Dr. James Moore, USF Professor with significant experience in public meeting facilitation
and development issues - Dr. Moore will be responsible for facilitating meetings with the public and coordinating public comments into a design concept for the
Strategic Development Plan. He also will examine the general economic feasibility and market liability of specific development strategies; and 3) Jason Westrope, USF Masters Thesis
- Clearwater beach - Mr. Westrope will be responsible for creating the draft and final versions of the Strategic Development Plan, including graphics. He also will use his research
skills to facilitate the project.
Each consultant will have contracts with the City substantially less than the $25,000 maximum the City Manager can execute. Actual contract amounts are being negotiated. The total
for all 3 contracts is not expected to exceed $50,000. Funding available in a special Capital Project account will cover the anticipated expenses of this planning process. Due to the
nature of this project and anticipated public participation, staff requests the Commission be aware and authorize the program as presented. Work will begin immediately upon Commission
authorization.
Mr. Shuford reviewed the plan. He indicated this proposal differs from previous studies which focused on specific areas or narrow purposes. He stated the study’s proposed time line
is fairly short. The consultants will begin meeting with the various groups as soon as possible. He estimated the team will be able to present a plan to the Commission in January 1998.
It was suggested the “big picture” be considered, including how each project will affect the overall plan. In response to a question, Mr. Shuford said the study is designed to include
input from the entire City.
Commissioner Clark moved to authorize proceeding with the Clearwater Beach strategic planning process. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #21 - First Reading Ord. #6176-97 - revising Sec. 28.04 and Appendix A, Schedule of Fees, Rates and Charges, XXVIII, Occupational License Fees, to allow the sale of ice cream from
trucks on residential streets (CP)
Staff received a request to allow the sale of ice cream from trucks on residential streets. Currently, the Code of Ordinances prohibits any sale of merchandise or products on any City
street. This proposed use will require a background check, Police Department approval, and a Pinellas County Health Department permit. The request requires changes to two areas of the
code: 1) Section 28.04. Trading and selling on streets. (Change language to allow ice cream to be sold from trucks on residential streets.) and 2) Appendix A, Schedule of fees, rates
and charges, XXVIII, Occupational License Fees. (Add new “Ice Cream Truck Merchant” category with “Note B,” Police Background Check requirement, and “Note D,” Pinellas County Health
Department Permit requirement.)
The City Manager said the proposed ordinance will correct a code section and allow ice cream sales from trucks on residential streets. It was recommended these sales only be permitted
on residential streets and not from parking lots or in competition with non-profit organizations such as the Little League, etc. It was recommended the City maintain control over health
issues. In response to a question, the City Attorney said background checks are required for ice-cream truck owners but not for their employees. It was felt the background of all ice-cream
truck drivers should be checked. The City Attorney said modifying another section of the code could accomplish that requirement.
Consensus was for the City Attorney to bring back an ordinance that amends the appropriate code section to require all ice-cream truck drivers to submit to background checks.
The City Manager said staff will address concerns that the trucks not remain stationary. The City Attorney reiterated these ice-cream sales will be limited to residential areas.
Commissioner Johnson moved to revise Section 28.04 and Appendix A, Schedule of Fees, Rates & Charges, XXVIII, Occupational License Fees, Code of Ordinances. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #5803-97 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Clark moved to pass Ordinance #5803-97 on first reading. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Seel and Garvey.
"Nays": None.
The meeting adjourned from 7:24 to 7:36 p.m.
ITEM #22 - Contract to Piper Productions, a Sparks Company to design, fabricate, install & strike the Clearwater / Nagano Hospitality Center, for $395,000 (CM)
AND
ITEM #23 - Contract to Silver Image Interactive to design & install the technology component of the Clearwater / Nagano Hospitality Center, for $35,000 (CM)
In July 1997, the State awarded a $750,000 grant to fund the Clearwater/Nagano Hospitality Center during the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.
Piper Productions, a Sparks Company, has been selected to provide design, fabrication, installation, and strike of the Clearwater/Nagano Hospitality Center on the 5th floor of the Tokyu
Department Store in Nagano. Piper Productions, part of one of the top 5 scenic companies in the country, has an office in Tokyo and will be able to decrease delivery times substantially.
Silver Image Interactive, Inc. was selected to provide the technology component, interactive kiosks in the Clearwater/Nagano Hospitality Center. The kiosks will provide Center visitors
the opportunity to input demographic information and request vacation information. This information will be used to generate reports. Visitors can choose Japanese, French, and English
translations.
As this project has a short time frame, the City Manager has certified to the purchasing agent an emergency exists regarding the purchase of project commodities and services and indicated
competitive bidding would delay the process and be detrimental to City interests. It was determined bidding for these services would be impractical.
Information Management Director Jeff Harper said the publicity from this project is worth millions of dollars to the City. Staff selected the large company, Piper Productions, as the
most capable. A number of events are planned. Some volunteers from Clearwater will stay with
families while in Nagano. Preliminary design work is being done. Some project features will be assembled locally while others will be assembled in Japan.
Mr. Harper said visitors to the Center will experience the feel of Florida and be introduced to the State’s varied environment. He was confident Piper Productions will complete the
project successfully. The City Manager noted the company previously had worked on two Olympics. The conceptual design will be presented to the Commission upon completion. He noted
the short time frame requires moving quickly on some issues.
The Mayor thanked Mayor Tasuku Tsukada of Nagano for working with the City and Mr. Hiroji Koide of the Friendship Club. She thanked Mr. Nagamitsu Mano, President of the Tokyu Department
Store, for providing space for the Hospitality Center. She also thanked the Sister City organization and all volunteers who have worked on this project.
In response to a question, Mr. Harper said the sweepstakes are designed to attract people to the pavilion and encourage visitors to provide information at the kiosks. Tourism packages
will be given away daily. The City Manager indicated no City dollars are being spent on the packages which Tourism Director Jean Sherry is soliciting from the travel industry. It was
suggested the kiosk questionnaires qualify respondents regarding the likelihood they will travel to Clearwater. In response to a question, Mr. Harper said a satellite feed from the
Olympics for broadcast on C-View TV is planned. The City Manager indicated the City contributed a total of $25,000 cash to the Clearwater/Nagano Hospitality Center as well as staff
time. He will report how much staff time has been dedicated to this project. In response to a question, Mr. Harper said TEM (Total Event Management) is contracted to act as project
manager for the Clearwater/Nagano Hospitality Center and will be responsible for day to day operations. Staff is finalizing appropriate contracts. Staff will monitor the expenditure
of all grant funds.
In response to a question, Mr. Harper said the City will probably use some grant funds to cover travel expenses for a representative from Silver Image Interactive, Inc. to set up the
system in Japan. He indicated staff is prepared to maintain the system. The City can repair the system in Nagano.
In response to a question, the City Attorney believed the City has no exposure to Wizard Studios. The initial contracts were between Wizard and Clearwater/ Nagano Hospitality Center,
Inc., not the City. Wizard Studios claims it is owed $160,000. The City Attorney felt the City owes Wizard Studios nothing. In response to a question, it was stated if these requests
are denied the City would have to return the grant money and the City and Nagano Mayor Tasuku Tsukada would lose face.
Commissioner Johnson moved to award a Contract to Piper Productions, a Sparks Company, to design, fabricate, install, and strike the Clearwater/Nagano Hospitality Center in an amount
not to exceed $395,000 and to award a contract to Silver Image Interactive, Inc. to design and install the technology component (including hardware) of the Clearwater/Nagano Hospitality
Center in the amount not to exceed $35,000 and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded.
Concern was expressed regarding the Addendum to the Piper Productions contract. The City Attorney indicated the language identifies Piper Productions’ surety bond. The City also is
insured to cover Clearwater’s exposure. She indicated Addendum Item #4 is based on City language. In response to a question, Mr. Harper said Piper Productions’ insurance covers the
project until the City takes possession of it in Nagano. Concern was expressed that all parts of this project come in under budget.
Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously.
ITEM #24 - Other Pending Matters
a) Approve 1997 Men’s Major Fastpitch National Championship, 8/30 -09/06/97 at Clearwater Bomber Stadium as a special event at which alcoholic beverages can be sold and consumed
The Parks & Recreation Department, ASA (Amateur Softball Association), Pinellas Suncoast Metro, and Tampa Bay Smokers will host the 1997 Men’s Major Fastpitch National Championships
at Clearwater Bomber stadium from August 30 to September 6, 1997. The committee was granted the right to host this tournament after a formal ASA bid procedure. Pinellas Suncoast Metro
and the Smokers guaranteed $15,000 cash, plus other tournament costs, and the City agreed to provide Bomber Stadium plus in-kind groundskeeper and facility services. The award includes
a condition to request City Commission permission to sell beer at the tournament. Beer sales will provide an opportunity to attract a corporate sponsor for the event and help defray
tournament costs, estimated at $37,000.
It is proposed to grant the alcoholic beverage license to the Tampa Bay Smokers, a 501c(3) non-profit organization. The Smokers paid their $15,000 bid money to the ASA and hope to
recover up to $7,500 after all tournament costs are paid. Smoker and Bomber volunteers and fans will operate the beer concession. Proceeds will go into the tournament fund. Funds
not needed for this year’s event will rollover to assist future national tournaments.
The Special Events Committee recommended approval of this request subject to City Commission approval and satisfaction of all other Code requirements, including a non-alcohol seating
area and the applicants paying all additional costs of police and other City Services attributable to the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. It is anticipated an average 32
people from each of the 22 out-of-state teams will stay in Clearwater, including players, sponsors, managers, and family members. Each team will stay at least 8 nights. The tournament
also is expected to attract 300 -400 Fastpitch fans and ASA officials from around the country. The direct economic impact to the Clearwater area is estimated at more than $65,000
It was noted the ordinance requires training for those who dispense alcoholic beverages. The City Manager indicated training will be provided. Deputy City Manager Kathy Rice stated
this is an insurance carrier requirement. Staff will make certain this requirement is met. It was recommended staff periodically check on compliance. In response to a question, Parks
& Recreation Director Ream Wilson said funds not needed for this event will be returned to the ASA.
It was question if this event is sponsored or co-sponsored by the City. Mr. Wilson said the City Commission must approve the dispensing of alcoholic beverages before the City Manager
can issue a permit. The City is co-hosting the event although its co-sponsorship is limited to providing the stadium and some in-kind services. In response to a question, Mr. Wilson
said the Commission had directed staff to bring back all events not “officially” sponsored or co-sponsored by the City which qualify to sell alcoholic beverage before permission for
that type of sales is granted. He will report on whether or not Clearwater will receive a fee for the use of City property for a fireworks presentation, the total cost of in-kind services,
and any other applicable fees paid to the City. Mr. Wilson noted the tournament’s economic impact on Clearwater will be significant. The tournament is not paying a fee for use of the
stadium. In response to a question, Ms. Rice reported the City was asked to waive the fee for a fireworks display.
Commissioner Hooper moved to approve the 1997 Men’s Major Fastpitch National Championships on August 30, 1997, through September 6, 1997, at Clearwater bomber Stadium as a Special Event
at which alcoholic beverages can be sold and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded. Commissioners Clark, Hooper, and Seel and Mayor
Garvey voted “Aye”; Commissioner Johnson voted “Nay.” Motion carried.
Ms. Rice questioned if the City Commission’s direction is to continue to bring forward these requests to sell alcoholic beverages at Special Events. The majority agreed this procedure
is correct.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
ITEM #25 - Resolutions
a) Res. #97-48 - Demolition Lien - 1107 Carlton St., Greenwood Park, Blk C, Lot 14 (Lottie Williams)
The City Attorney presented Resolution #97-48 and read it by title only. Commissioner Hooper moved to pass and adopt Resolution #97-48 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. The motion was duly seconded
In response to a question, the City Attorney said the next step would be to file a lien. At some point the City will either be paid or will foreclose on the property. If other liens
are ahead of the City’s, staff will evaluate the City’s status and determine the likelihood of success. She reported the City has been fairly successful in collecting on liens.
Upon the roll call vote being taken, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Seel and Garvey.
"Nays": None.
b) Res. #97-50 - Rescinding Res. #97-32 adopted 05/01/97
The City Attorney presented Resolution #97-50 and read it by title only. Commissioner Johnson moved to pass and adopt Resolution #97-50 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 City Attorney Items
The City Attorney requested an attorney/client session regarding Anne-Marie Cheroke Lindsey as guardian of Paul W. Gilfoyle versus the City. A tentative session was scheduled for September
15, 1997.
ITEM #27 - City Manager Verbal Reports
The City Manager scheduled a closed bargaining session following the September 2, 1997, Work Session.
Assistant City Manager Bob Keller reported a new record, indicating building permits have exceeded $100-million during the first 9 months of the current fiscal year. He said this progress
was influenced by the healthy economy and increased recognition of Clearwater by the region and nation. Staff and the City Commission have played a significant role. He noted few construction
permits for hotels and motels were issued this decade. It was stated the new business guide is very impressive. Mr. Keller said the guide was developed as a joint venture with the
Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce.
ITEM #28 - Other Commission Action
Commissioner Seel congratulated the safety program which trains City school crossing guards.
Commissioner Seel said the Ambassador Program provides a worthwhile opportunity for Commissioners to visit area, publicly traded companies.
Commissioner Johnson felt the Commission should not be required to approve each group which proposes to sell alcohol at events co-sponsored by the City. In response to a question,
the City Attorney said the City’s liability is substantially covered.
Commissioner Clark congratulated the Economic Development Team and invited residents to view the related C-View TV program.
ITEM #29 - Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.