11/06/1997CITY COMMISSION MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 6, 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
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Sandy Glatthorn Central Permitting Manager
Rich Baier Public Works Director
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:01 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 - Introductions and Awards
Proclamations: Shriners Hospital Benefit Days - November 7 & 8, 1997
Chemistry Week - November 2 -8, 1997
ITEM #4 - Presentations - None.
ITEM #5 - Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 16, 1997, as recorded and submitted in written summation by the City Clerk to each Commissioner.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #6 - Citizens to be heard re items not on the Agenda
Anne Garris reported the first Optimist Pram sailboat was launched in Clearwater Bay 50 years ago this month. The boat’s design is now used throughout the world to teach children to
sail. She recommended all City entrances proclaim this fact.
Sheila Cole, President of the Clearwater Homeowner’s Coalition, requested the City publish the Commission meeting agenda in the Clearwater section of the St. Petersburg Times.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ITEM #7 - Variance(s) to Sign Regulations for property (Pinch A Penny) located at 651 Court St., Court Square, Blk 13, Lot 7-9 together with part of Lot 6, Magnolia Park, Blk 13, Lots
10-12 together with vacated alley between (Cepcot Corp. / Porpoise Pool & Patio, Inc., SV97-12)
This property, between Court and Chestnut streets on the West side of the Pinellas Trail, is zoned Urban Center Core-2. The applicant is requesting a variance of 1 wall sign to allow
4 wall signs. The applicant proposes to place a 10-square foot reader board sign on the store’s East side. Staff is working with the applicant regarding the unimproved parking lot
on the property’s southern end and code required landscaping.
Fred Thomas, owner, recommended the City change the sign code, stating approval of this reader board has taken more than 7 months. In response to a question, Central Permitting Manager
Sandy Glatthorn said the Design Review Board had approved this request. In response to a question, Mr. Thomas said the reader board is not electronic.
Commissioner Johnson moved to approve a variance of 1 wall sign to allow 4 wall signs, on property identified as Court Square, Block 13, Lots 7, 8, 9, and part of Lot 6, 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), and that the appropriate officials be
authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #8 - (Cont’d from 09/04 & 10/02/97) Public Hearing & First Reading Ords. #6172-97 & #6173-97 - Land Use Plan Amendment to Recreation/Open Space for upland area and Preservation
for wetland area & OS/R & P Zoning for property located at 2950 Drew St., Sec. 8-29-16, M&B 44.01; and receive & refer associated site plan for approval by the Development Review Committee
(City of Clearwater, LUP97-07, Z97-08)
The City, as applicant, is requesting to rezone the subject property from Multiple-Family Residential "Sixteen" (RM-16) to Open Space & Recreation (OS/R) & Preservation and change the
existing Land Use Plan Classification from Residential Medium to Recreation/Open Space & Preservation. The request includes 31.4 City-owned acres on the North side of Drew Street, approximately
1/8 mile West of McMullen-Booth Road. The City plans to use the property for future recreation facilities and open space, including a 3-field softball complex, rest rooms, a storage
facility, parking lot, etc. When completed, the City will have 8 softball fields. Also planned are a portion of the East-West recreational path system and passive recreation.
The property’s northern portion is a 11.43 acre wetland, while the southern 19.97 acres are upland. It is proposed to rezone the southern upland as Open Space & Recreation (OS/R) and
the northern wetlands as Preservation to conform with the proposed zoning districts and compatible with the Countywide Future Land Use Plan Classification on adjoining properties. As
the property is larger than 25 acres, the City Commission will receive and refer the associated site plan simultaneously with this request. Staff recommends referral of the plan to
the DRC (Development Review Committee) for final approval. Development of the subject property will require approval by the City Commission, the Countywide Planning Authority, and DCA
(Department of Community Affairs). On August 19, 1997, the Planning & Zoning Board unanimously endorsed the request.
Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the Petition for Land Use Plan Amendments from Residential Medium to Recreation/Open Space for the upland area, and Preservation for the wetland
area and Zoning Atlas Amendment from Multiple-Family Residential "sixteen" (RM-16) to Open Space and Recreation (OS/R) and Preservation (P) respectively for M&B 44.01 in Section 8-29S-16E
and received and refer the associated Site Plan for approval by the DRC (Development Review Committee). The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6172-97 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Clark moved to pass Ordinance #6172-97 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 City Attorney presented Ordinance #6173-97 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hooper moved to pass Ordinance #6173-97 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. #6193-97 - Vacating easterly 2.5’ of 5’ utility easement lying along west side of Lot 14, Blk 60, Mandalay Sub. (Pfaelzer & Connor, V97-16)
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6193-97 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Johnson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6193-97 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 - (Cont’d from 10/16/97) Ord. #6197-97 - Amending Sec. 20.35 to require certain maintenance of the sidewalk portion of r-o-w by adjacent property owners
Commissioner Clark moved to continue Item #10 to December 4, 1997. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #11 - Ord. #6201-97 - Annexation for property located at 1487 Otten St., Terra Alto Estates, Lot 2 (Brenda Evans, A97-11)
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6201-97 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hooper moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6201-97 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. #6202-97 - RS-8 Zoning for property located at 1487 Otten St., Terra Alto Estates, Lot 2 (Brenda Evans, A97-11)
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6202-97 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Seel moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6202-97 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. #6204-97 - Creating Secs. 2.241-2.246 establishing a Brownfields Advisory Board, amending Sec. 2.063 to exempt certain members from residency requirements therein
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6204-97 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Johnson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6204-97 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. #6206-97 - Relating to special events, repealing Sec. 6.30 to delete provision requiring city commission authorization for sale of alcoholic beverages
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6206-97 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hooper moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6206-97 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 #15-25) - Approved as submitted.
ITEM #15 - Approval of Purchases per 10/29/97 memorandum:
Tempaco of Pinellas, extension, miscellaneous gas repair & installation materials, 01/01/98 -12/31/98, estimated $289,732.91 (GAS)
Crane Carrier Corp., three 1998 rear loader refuse collection vehicles, $336,210 and one 1998 Crane Carrier side load refuse collection vehicle, $132,393, for total $468,603; funding
to be provided under City’s master lease-purchase agreement (GS)
M. T. Deason Company, Inc., extension, yellow P. E. 2406 polyethylene pipe & fittings, 11/07/97 -11/6/98, estimated $185,768.20 (GAS)
Ward Oil Company, Inc., diesel fuel delivered via tank wagon, 12/16/97 -12/15/99, estimated $40,000 (EN)
Petroleum Traders Corp., unleaded fuel delivered via transport, 12/16/97 -12/15/99, estimated $550,000 (GS)
Mansfield Oil Company, diesel fuel delivered via transport, 12/16/97 -12/15/99, estimated $800,000 (GS)
Ferrell Gas, propane, 11/07/97 -11/06/98, estimated $200,000 (GAS)
Roll-a-way Shutters, storm shutters at City’s Emergency Operations Center & Police Communications Center, $35,394 (FD)
Electric Supply of Tampa, marina utility power center pedestals, $40,850 (MR)
GTE Communications, Norstar Key Telephone Systems at Fire Stations #2, #4, #5, #6 & WPC Northeast Plant, estimated $20,500 (IM)
Sprint of Florida, PBX Remote Fiber Shelf for Fire Station #1, $15,800 (IM)
Pinellas Heating and Air Conditioning, installation of gas referenced jobs throughout gas system, 11/07/97 -12/31/98, estimated $50,000 (GAS)
Spartan Oil Company, extension, fuel for resale at Clearwater Marina, 01/01/98-12/31/98, estimated $762,900 (MR)
M. T. Deason Company, 3408 high density black polyethylene pipe & fittings, 12/01/97-11/30/98, estimated $129,735.71 (GAS)
ITEM #16 - Approve $38,500 payment to Michael Dandeneau, for adjustment of workers’ compensation permanent total benefits (including principal, penalties & interest) from 08/01/88 -10/03/97
(FN)
ITEM #17 - Amendment to Contract with TEM (Total Event Management) to add management of Japanese Public Relations Program for Clearwater / Nagano Hospitality Center Project, amount not
to exceed $154,500 (IM)
ITEM #18 - Contract for City’s Community Notification Project equipment to ATS, a division of AVTEC, Inc., cost not to exceed $32,900 (PD)
ITEM #19 - Contract for Police Department’s fiber optics radio tower link project, Bay Resources, Inc., cost not to exceed $186,189.80 (PD)
ITEM #20 - Agreement for covenant running with the land for wetland mitigation activities located adjacent to Mullet Creek, for Landmark Drive Extension Project, as required by FDEP
(EN)
ITEM #21 - Agreement for professional services, Tampa Bay Engineering, Inc., related to FDOT and Pinellas County utility relocation and accommodation, 5 year term (EN)
ITEM #22 - Contract for Storm Pipe Replacement - Lake Lucille Outfall; Deer Run East / Eastland Blvd.; Waters Edge Townhomes, Clark Hunt Construction, Inc., $198,795.10 (EN)
ITEM #23 - Authorize City Attorney to execute a retainer agreement, Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson, P.A., for assistance in special finance issues associated with the Gulf to Bay Corridor
Enhancement Project, $24,000 (CM)
ITEM #24 - Waterline and sidewalk Nonexclusive Easement - Sec. 17-29-16-85546-000-0020 & 0030 (Park Place Land, Inc.)(CA)
ITEM #25 - Appoint Commissioner Seel as the City representative on the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) to complete Commissioner Clark’s term to 09/01
Commissioner Hooper 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 #26 - Purchase of Video/Audio Equipment for City Hall Chambers, Encore Broadcast Equipment, $179,061 (IM)
The audio and video systems used to cable-cast Commission and board meetings from Chambers are more than 10 years old. Both systems are obsolete and inadequate. Proposed upgrades
include a wheelchair accessible podium with built-in slide to video converter, computer to video converter, and copy video camera. All video cameras, camera remote units, microphones,
and City Hall control room equipment will be replaced. The 4-week installation will be coordinated with the televised meeting schedule. For future needs, the equipment can be removed
and installed elsewhere. Funds to purchase this equipment were provided under terms of the cable franchise agreements with Time Warner and GTE Americast.
Information Management Director Jeff Harper said the franchise grants must be used for this specific purpose. Staff will consider if the old equipment can be used elsewhere in the
City.
Commissioner Johnson moved to award a contract to Encore Broadcast Equipment, Tampa, Florida in the amount of $179,061 for the purchase of video/audio equipment which is
the lowest, most responsible bid submitted in accordance with specifications and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded.
Mr. Harper reported additional employees will not be required to operate the new equipment. GTE Americast and Time Warner are scheduled to provide the City with lesser amounts in 7
to 10 years for equipment upgrades.
Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously.
ITEM #27 - (Cont’d from 10/16/97) Approve C.O.#1 for active remediation of former City Hall Annex / Montgomery Wards Site to Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Inc., increasing amount
by $282,450 for new total $442,450; and approve 30 day time extension (EN)
Remediation and development of the Annex site is important to redevelop and revitalize downtown. Developers and potential end users have made numerous inquiries regarding the property.
Site development will establish the Central Business District’s eastern anchor. The site’s size and location are well suited to job-producing industries.
On April 22, 1974, the City purchased the property. Previous site owners who deposited, caused to be deposited, or transported contamination to the site are potentially liable to the
City or enforcement agencies, for cleanup costs under provisions of law. Whether the City can recover damages from such persons or entities will depend on many factors. Staff is investigating
all avenues to recoup site remediation costs.
On August 7, 1997, the City Commission approved the original $160,000 work order to PBS&J (Post, Buckley, Schuh and Jernigan, Inc.) to excavate, load, transport, and incinerate approximately
2,458 tons of contaminated soils, and to capture, treat, and dispose of contaminated groundwater. On September 29, 1997, active remediation began. Based upon the best available data
from the State-approved CAR (Contamination Assessment Report), the first of 2 areas was expected to have 2,208 tons of excessively contaminated soils approximately 8 - 12 feet below
the land surface. The CAR estimated the second remediation site, where work has not begun, contains 250 tons of excessively contaminated soils. Upon commencement, it was discovered
the extent of excessively contaminated soils is significantly greater than originally anticipated, extending 12 - 16 feet below the land surface and possibly into the confining layer,
estimated to be 25 feet below the land surface. The total excavation tonnage could exceed an additional 6,000 tons.
A change order is necessary to advance the remediation process. The additional work is estimated to cost $282,450, increasing the project’s total to $442,450. Additional work includes:
1) $174,000 - excavate 6,000 tons of contaminated soil; 2) $38,500 - reinstall well point system; 3) $30,000 - backfill; 4) $2,900 - additional pre-burn analysis; 5) $5,300 - additional
site safety activities; 6) $3,000 - hydroseeding; 7) $22,405 - additional contract management; and 8) $6,345 - additional soil borings. Staff, the City Engineer of Record Consultant
and Remediation Contractors believe continuation of the project as planned is the most timely and economical method. It is possible additional contamination may be identified during
field activities. Project closure is important for public health and safety. Continued site remediation is essential to the timely development of the property. Failure or delay in
completing the remediation project may result in lost development opportunities during a strong economy.
The City Manager reported the proposed Change Order should clean the site sufficiently for it to qualify for a letter from FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Planning) indicating
the City had complied with FDEP clean-up requirements for the site.
Assistant Director of Engineering/Environmental Tom Miller said the City had begun the site clean-up process in the early 1990s. He said pollution now has been identified 25 feet below
the surface. The consequences of doing nothing were questioned. The City Manager indicated some companies purchase contaminated property at a discount. Construction designs that mitigate
the pollution problems would be expensive to build. He felt the City, as owner of the property, has an obligation to clean it. In response to a question, Public Works Director Rich
Baier said the original contingency had not been used
Commissioner Clark moved to approve Change Order #1 for the active remediation of the former Montgomery Wards Site (MW2-072197) to Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan, Inc., Tampa, Florida,
increasing the contract amount by $282,450 for a new contract total of $442,450, and approve a time extension of 30 days and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #28 - Approve conversion of four contract positions to permanent positions with full City benefits (CM)
Item #28 was withdrawn.
ITEM #29 - Municipal Code Enforcement Board - 3 appointments (CLK)
Commissioner Johnson moved to reappoint David Allbritton. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Commissioner Seel moved to appoint Mary Rogero. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Commissioner Clark moved to appoint Sheila Cole. There was no second.
Commissioner Hooper moved to appoint William Plouffe. The motion was duly seconded. Commissioners Johnson, Hooper, and Seel and Mayor Garvey voted “Aye”; Commissioner Clark voted “Nay.”
Motion carried.
ITEM #30 - Other Pending Matters - None.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
ITEM #31 - First Readings
Ord. #6205-97 - referendum ordinance re amending City Charter Sec. 2.01(d)(4)(v) to delete referendum requirement for lease of City property with recreation /open space land use designation
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6205-97 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hooper moved to pass Ordinance #6205-97 on first reading. The motion was duly
seconded.
Concern was expressed regarding the use of the word “convey” in the ordinance. The City Attorney said “convey” is a broad term. Specific language could be included to prohibit the
donation of City property. Concern was expressed “convey” could allow a property to be traded. In response to a question, the City Attorney said a number of City properties are designated
recreation/open space. It is difficult to comply with current language requiring the City to track property designations back to 1979. She suggested changing that date to November
16, 1989, when the new Land Use Plan was adopted. A second problem is the City cannot renew the lease of a Head Start facility because this property once had a Land Use Designation
of Recreation/Open Space. Similar concerns relate to Jack Russell Stadium, the golf courses, and the City’s ability to lease beach facilities to operators. It was recommended the amendment
include positive language.
Consensus was for the City Attorney to come back with language clarifying the word “convey” and specifically permitting leases.
Anne Garris, of the Clearwater Beach Association, expressed concern this amendment would “open the barn door.” It was felt a referendum should not be necessary for the City to renew
a lease for the golf courses, etc.
It was questioned if current uses could be grandfathered. The City Attorney said that would only address recreation uses and not Head Start’s lease for a building constructed on land
that previously was designated recreation/open space. She recommended the current proposal to limit land uses to recreation. In response to a question, she said that language could
be narrowed further.
Commissioner Hooper withdrew his motion. The seconder concurred.
Commissioner Seel moved to continue Item #31b to November 20, 1997. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
b) Ord. #6207-97 - referendum ordinance re proposed lease to Head Start Child Development and Family Services, Inc.
The City Attorney said if Ordinance #6205-97 does not pass, a referendum regarding this issue as directed by the current charter will be necessary.
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6207-97 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Clark moved to pass Ordinance #6207-97 on first reading. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Seel and Garvey.
"Nays": None.
c) Ord. #6208-97 - Amending Sec. 2.474 of Ch. 2, Div. 5, re Police Officers Pension Plan, Subdivision II, Supplementary Pension and Retirement Plan to revise investment authority
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6208-97 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hooper moved to pass Ordinance #6208-97 on first reading. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Seel and Garvey.
"Nays": None.
d) Ord. #6211-97 - Relating to special events, amending Sec. 22.83 relating to parades to permit parade participants to toss candy, medallions and similar matter
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6211-97 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Johnson moved to pass Ordinance #6211-97 on first reading. The motion was duly
seconded.
Concern was expressed 2 children had been injured after running into the street for items thrown from floats during previous parades.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper and Seel.
"Nays": Garvey.
Motion carried.
e) Ord. #6212-97 - Relating to Environmental Advisory Board, amending Sec. 2.161 relating to officers; amending number of members necessary to constitute quorum
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6212-97 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Clark moved to pass Ordinance #6212-97 on first reading. The motion was duly
seconded.
Jay Keyes, representing the Clearwater Beach Association, opposed reducing the number of members on boards and combining boards.
Upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Seel and Garvey.
"Nays": None.
ITEM #32 - Other City Attorney Items - None.
ITEM #33 - City Manager Verbal Reports
Deputy City Manager Kathy Rice reported a tentative agreement has been reached with the union representing Police Sergeants and Lieutenants.
The City Manager reported agenda packs will be distributed one week prior to the next Work Session.
ITEM #34 - Commission Discussion Items
a) Funding for Saturday in the City
It was recommended the City contribute up to $5,000, in cash and in-kind contributions, to Saturday in the City. It was suggested the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) fund this
downtown program. Concern was expressed approval of this item outside the normal budget cycle would encourage other groups to apply for similar concessions. It was noted this event
had not been funded during the normal budget process due to an oversight. Assistant City Manager Bob Keller suggested the City donate needed in-kind services and the CRA donate cash.
The City Manager estimated the value of the City’s in-kind contribution will be approximately $1,000. The issue will be brought forward at the next City Commission and CRA meetings.
ITEM #35 - Other Commission Action
a) City Attorney Evaluation
The City Attorney had submitted her accomplishments and goals. Commissioner Clark agreed with her priorities. He stated the City Attorney has become more proactive in meetings and
consistently steers the City Commission down the right path. He requested she keep a close eye on all changes proposed for the Land Development code.
Commissioner Hooper echoed Commissioner Clark’s sentiments. He noted the City Attorney’s advice is conservative but extremely accurate. He said the City Attorney is responsive and
has assembled a competent staff. He said the City Attorney’s selection of outside counsel has proven beneficial. He said the City Attorney has guided the City Commission well. He
encouraged her to continue joining in discussions.
Commissioner Johnson said the City is fortunate to have Pam Akin as the City Attorney. He said she makes impartial decisions and explains them clearly. She shows no favoritism. He
supported her goals for the coming year. He said the City Attorney is a professional and a great employee.
Commissioner Seel graded the City Attorney A+. She said the department is always on time and on budget and is staffed by great employees.
Mayor Garvey agreed with all. She said the City Attorney is very forthright and honest. She tells the City Commission what they need to hear and not what they want to hear. The Mayor
agreed the Legal Department’s staff is great. She expressed concern the City Attorney spent so much time at strategic planning meetings but noted the importance of setting priorities.
She thanked the City Attorney for her service and rated her A+.
The City Attorney said she has enjoyed her tenure with the City. She agreed she has a fine staff.
Commissioner Clark said the legal staff is first-rate. He recommended approval of a 2% salary increase for the City Attorney plus a car allowance and leave schedule comparable to the
City Manager’s benefit package. The compensation issue will be agendaed for November 20, 1997.
b) City Manager Evaluation
The Mayor noted the City Manager has been here a short time but is doing a good job. She complimented his attempts to reach community consensus.
Commissioner Johnson said he was pleased the City Commission had voted to hire the City Manager He appreciated the City Manager’s cooperation and quick response to City Commission
concerns. He said the City Manager is doing a great job and is pleased Mike Roberto is the City’s manager.
Commissioner Seel agreed. She complimented the City Manager’s ongoing attempts to reach out to the community. She was very pleased with his efforts.
Commissioner Hooper was convinced the City Commission had made the correct choice when they hired the City Manager. He said the City Manager has revitalized City staff. He complimented
the City Manager’s positive attitude and his strong aversion to unresolved problems.
Commissioner Clark agreed with the Commissioners’ positive evaluations of the City Manager. He said the City Manager’s biggest weakness is that he works too hard and should spend more
time with his family.
The City Manager said being in Clearwater has been a pleasure and a challenge. The community has been kind and gracious to him. He said the City has a good staff who genuinely wants
to do the right thing. He said it is a pleasure to work with the City Attorney, who works hard to help him find solutions. Her efforts have made his time here more enjoyable. The
City Attorney said she, too, enjoys working with the City Manager and looks forward to many more years.
Commissioner Hooper invited all to participate in and support Military Appreciation Day on Saturday, November 8, 1997.
Commissioner Seel questioned progress on the Keene Road extension. A presentation is scheduled for the November 17, 1997, Work Session.
Commissioner Johnson said according to the latest edition of Nations Weekly, the Senate failed to move ISTEA. There is also concern regarding legislation that would infringe on local
land use authority. Consensus was to send a letter of opposition to the delegation from the Commission.
Mayor Garvey invited all to visit Saturday’s Farmers Market at Station Square Park.
Mayor Garvey stated the 1998 Winter Olympics begin in Nagano in 87 days. She distributed calendar magnets highlighting the date.
Mayor Garvey reported this morning’s Commission discussion regarding criteria to prioritize Penny for Pinellas Projects will be aired on C-View TV tonight.
ITEM #36 - Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.