08/03/2017
City Council Meeting Minutes August 3, 2017
City of Clearwater
City Hall
112 S. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, August 3, 2017
6:00 PM
Council Chambers
City Council
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes August 3, 2017
Roll Call
Present:
5 - Mayor George N. Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hoyt Hamilton,
Councilmember Doreen Caudell, Councilmember Bob Cundiff and
Councilmember Bill Jonson
Also Present:
William B. Horne II – City Manager, Jill Silverboard – Deputy City
Manager, Micah Maxwell – Assistant City Manager, Pamela K. Akin -
City Attorney, Rosemarie Call - City Clerk and Nicole Sprague –
Official Records and Legislative Services Coordinator
To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
1. Call to Order – Mayor Cretekos
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.
2. Invocation – Rev. Rhonda Blevins from Chapel by the Sea.
3. Pledge of Allegiance – Councilmember Cundiff
4. Special recognitions and Presentations (Proclamations, service awards, or
other special recognitions. Presentations by governmental agencies or groups
providing formal updates to Council will be limited to ten minutes.) – Given.
4.1
Children’s Poster Contest Winners – Laura Davis and Tabitha Green, Diversity Leadership
Council Co Chairs
4.2
Operation Graduate Program - Paula Kay, United Way Suncoast Senior Manager
Neighborhoods Initiatives
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1
Approve the minutes of the July 20, 2017 City Council Meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Jonson moved to approve the minutes of the July
20, 2017 City Council Meeting as submitted in written summation
by the City Clerk. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
6. Citizens to be heard re items not on the agenda
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Lisa Lanza opposed providing her address before speaking and
supported the Environmental Advisory Board establishing a membership
criteria and changing their established meeting time.
Jenn Shelly supported the City adopting a resolution to be a welcoming
city, acknowledging the City's diverse citizenry and respecting
everyone's rights, including undocumented individuals.
Pamela Gomez, Florida Immigrant Coalition representative, supported
the welcoming city initiative and offered her assistance should city
officials need information on the immigrant community.
Rebecca Kaye said Clearwater is not going to become a sanctuary city.
Mr. James suggested that the eviction fees pursued by rental property
owners should be complimentary until the eviction case is taken to court
and opposed additional property taxes.
7. Consent Agenda – Approved as submitted.
7.1
Approve a change to the contract to JW Harris Contractors, Inc., dated April 11, 2017
in the amount of $1,200,000, with the option for one 12-month term extension to
provide the installation of natural gas mains and service lines (ITB 11-16), and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.2
Approve Change Order 1 to TLC Diversified Inc., of Palmetto FL for the Marshall
Street Influent Pumping Station Emergency Repairs in the amount of $37,400.00 and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.3
Award a construction contract to RTD Construction Inc. of Zephyrhills, FL, in the
amount of $452,116.54 for Rehabilitation of Lift Stations 28 and 39 (15-0033-UT),
which is the lowest responsible bid received in accordance with plans and
specifications; approve Supplemental 1 Work Order to Engineer of Record (EOR)
Metzger and Willard, in the amount of $44,310.00 and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
7.4
Approve Williamson Dacar Associates of Clearwater, Florida, as the Architect of
Record (AOR) to complete a feasibility study to enhance and/or repurpose areas of
the Main Library to coordinate with modifications to Coachman Park as an element of
Imagine Clearwater; approve a Work Order in the amount of $99,520; and authorize
the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.5
Award a contract (Purchase Order) to Verizon Wireless for basic cellular/smart
phones and mobile data services for the period of September 1, 2017 through
October 31, 2018 in an amount not to exceed $647,000 in accordance with Sec 2.564
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(1) (d), Code of Ordinances, under State Contract DMS-1011-008C, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.6
Approve a contract (purchase order) to Oracle America, Inc., Redwood Shores, CA for
the period of October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018 for software maintenance,
at a cost not to exceed $274,000, in accordance with Sec. 2.564(1) (b) Code of
Ordinances, sole source, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
7.7
Award a contract (Purchase Order) to State of Florida, Department of Management
Services, Tallahassee, Florida for Suncom long distance service, State AIN Centranet
lines and toll free lines during the period of October 1, 2017 through September 30,
2018 at a cost not to exceed $124,800, in accordance with Sec 2.564 (1)(d), Code of
Ordinances, under State Contract DMS-08/09-071, and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
7.8
Approve Supplemental 1 Work Order to Architect of Record Plisko Architecture, P.A.,
of Clearwater Florida, for the EOC Data Collection Center at Fire Station 48 in the
amount of $101,015 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
7.9
Accept a Natural Gas Easement over, under, across and through a portion of property
conveyed by Conquest Trike, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, given in
consideration of receipt of $1.00 and the benefits to be derived therefrom. (consent)
Councilmember Caudell moved to approve the Consent Agenda as
submitted and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 PM
8. Administrative Public Hearings
8.1
Approve the City of Clearwater’s Fiscal Year 2017/2018 Annual Action Plan, which is
the 2nd Action Plan of the Fiscal Year 2016/2017 - Fiscal Year 2019/2020 Four-Year
Consolidated Plan (Consolidated Plan), to implement the goals and objectives set
forth in the Consolidated Plan, as required by Housing and Urban Development
(HUD), and authorize the City to enter into agreements with HUD and organizations
approved for funding.
On July 21, 2016 City Council approved the 2016/2017 - 2019/2020
Consolidated Plan identifying the city’s goals and objectives with respect to the
city’s administration of HOME and Community Development Block Grant
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(CDBG) Program funds. Under the Consolidated Plan, the City is required to
create and implement a plan each year to identify the sources and uses of
these funds for housing, community programs, and economic development.
This plan, referred to as an Annual Action Plan, provides HUD with the City’s
housing budget and proposed expenditures based on the entitlement funds
and estimated program income that the City will receive in the upcoming fiscal
year to meet the goals and objectives established in the Consolidated Plan.
Funds are used to develop viable communities and sustain existing ones. In
addition, the funds will be used to provide safe, decent and affordable housing
to assist extremely low- to moderate-income households. This year’s Annual
Action Plan allocates federal funds to provide housing opportunities to
extremely low- to moderate-income households for new and existing homes,
construction and/or renovation of public facilities, and to fund public services
programs.
Clearwater anticipates a total allocation of $656,940 in CDBG funding and
$278,435 in HOME funding for Fiscal Year 2017/2018. CDBG Revolving Loan
Fund program income and Reprogrammed NSP3 Program Income is expected
in the amounts of $250,000 and $350,000, respectively. CDBG carryover
funds from previous program years are expected in the amount of $288,489.
In addition, the City anticipates of HOME carryover funds and HOME program
income in the amounts of $295,169 and $425,000, respectively. Funds
provided through the CDBG Program may be used for housing, community and
economic development, public services and facilities, acquisition, relocation,
and administration. Funds provided through the HOME Program are limited to
housing-related activities and administration.
The City partners with several non-profit agencies to implement the goals and
objectives the City has established in the Consolidated Plan. To obtain these
partners, the City annually publishes a Notice of Funding Availability in the
local newspaper and on its website in February. This notice informs the public
of the resources the City will make available and the eligible uses of these
resources. It also informs them of the application period for requesting funds.
The applications were due in March and the City received a total of 21
applications for funding. All 21 applications received an allocation of funding.
A Technical Review Committee (TRC) comprised of professionals in the social
service and grants community, a member of the City’s Neighborhood and
Affordable Housing Advisory Board (NAHAB), the City Clerk and Planning
Department staff reviewed and ranked the applications. Applicants were given
an opportunity to present their proposed projects at the April monthly NAHAB
meeting. City Housing staff also reviewed each application to ensure it met
HUD’s baseline requirements. The NAHAB met on July 11, 2017 and approved
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the recommended allocations contained in the Fiscal Year 2017/2018 Annual
Action Plan.
Each year the City may allocate up to 15% of its CDBG funds for Public
Services activities. This year the City received requests for funding of public
services in the amount of $264,900, however based on HUD’s formula,
$98,541 was available to fund nine organizations. The NAHAB endorsed a
funding matrix for Public Services applicants that dictate the funding ratios
based on the ranking. Utilizing the funding matrix ensures the majority of the
applicants are funded. This year all nine agencies were funded.
The Fiscal Year 2017/2018 Annual Action Plan is due to HUD on August 15,
2017. All organizations that will be receiving an allocation will have agreements
prepared and executed by October 1, 2017. Staff will perform compliance
monitoring with funded organizations on an annual basis.
Economic Development and Housing Assistant Director Chuck Lane
provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Mr. Lane said staff will be available to engage neighborhood leaders
and citizens to create awareness of the programs offered through the
Department's competitive process. Every citizen in need of these
programs has access; it is incumbent of the agencies receiving these
funds to market the availability of their programs. Mr. Lanes said staff will
hold a training workshop this Fall for the public service organizations
receiving funds; the workshop will include a marketing component.
In response to questions, Mr. Lane said the federal funds allocated to
the City decreased for 2017/2018. One of the target areas includes
areas where 51% or more of households earn less than 50% of area
median income. Fifty percent of area median income for a household
with a family of four is $29,900.
Councilmember Caudell moved to approve the City of Clearwater’s
Fiscal Year 2017/2018 Annual Action Plan, which is the 2nd Action
Plan of the Fiscal Year 2016/2017 - Fiscal Year 2019/2020 Four-Year
Consolidated Plan (Consolidated Plan), to implement the goals and
objectives set forth in the Consolidated Plan, as required by
Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and authorize the City to
enter into agreements with HUD and organizations approved for
funding. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
8.2
Approve the request from property owners on Smallwood Circle to vacate a portion of
Right-of-Way of Wildwood Street that abuts their property and pass Ordinance
9032-17 on first reading. (VAC2017-02)
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Wildwood Street is a platted and undeveloped Right-of-Way that runs along
the west side (rear) of the applicant’s properties. Wildwood Street, although
undeveloped, still creates fence and landscape restrictions on the adjacent
properties. The property owners have requested the City vacate the portion of
Wildwood Street that abuts their properties, in order to install desired fencing
and landscaping.
The City of Clearwater will retain a Drainage & Utility Easement on the entire
portion to be vacated, to support existing and future facilities. All City
departments have reviewed and do not object. The applicant has received all
required “Letters of No Objection” from private utility companies.
One individual questioned why the street is being vacating.
In response to questions, Real Estate Services Coordinator Jim Benwell said
the property owners abutting the undeveloped right-of-way would like to put
in a 6-ft. fence instead of a 4-ft. fence. The City will retain an easement
over that entire portion for any drainage or utility needs.
Vice Mayor Hamilton moved to approve the request from property
owners on Smallwood Circle to vacate a portion of Right-of-Way of
Wildwood Street that abuts their property. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
In response to a question, Mr. Benwell said the lots on Wildwood are
owned by the same property owners on both sides of the block; one owner
owns lots 153 and 147, while lots 152 and 148 are owned by another
property owner.
Ordinance 9032-17 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Jonson moved to pass Ordinance 9032-17 on first
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the
vote was:
Ayes:
5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hamilton, Councilmember Caudell,
Councilmember Cundiff and Councilmember Jonson
8.3
Approve the request from the owner of property addressed 1519 Tioga Avenue to
vacate a portion of Right-of-Way of Vernon Street that abuts their property and pass
Ordinance 9051-17 on first reading. (VAC2015-08)
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The property owner has requested the vacation of a portion of Vernon Street
Right-of-Way that abuts their property. This portion of Right-of-Way is
undeveloped and the property owner intends to install landscaping and fencing.
The City of Clearwater does not have any utilities in this portion of right-of-way.
All City departments have reviewed and do not object. The applicant has
received all required “Letters of No Objection” from private utility companies.
Councilmember Caudell moved to approve the request from the
owner of property addressed 1519 Tioga Avenue to vacate a
portion of Right-of-Way of Vernon Street that abuts their property.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 9051-17 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Cundiff moved to pass Ordinance 9051-17 on first
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote
was:
Ayes:
5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hamilton, Councilmember Caudell,
Councilmember Cundiff and Councilmember Jonson
8.4
Approve the request from the owner of property addressed 3287 Hyde Park Drive to
vacate a portion of a Drainage and Utility Easement located on the east side of their
property and pass Ordinance 9064-17 on first reading. (VAC2017-06)
The property owner has applied to vacate the 10-foot drainage and utility
easement along the east side (rear) of their property. The purpose of this
vacation will be to eliminate a future encroachment caused by the installation
of a brick paver pool deck.
All city departments have reviewed this vacation and have no objection.
Real Estate Services Coordinator Jim Benwell said the City received a
concern from an abutting property owner regarding the ability of pavers
being installed in the vacated area. He said there is a setback on the rear of
the property that will not allow the property owner to extend the pavers
into the concerned area. If the applicant (or property owner) applies for a
setback reduction, the concerned abutting property owner will be notified
and able to file a comment.
In response to questions, Real Estate Services Coordinator Jim Benwell said
the applicant has been informed that the 10-ft. setback will remain; the
property owner has applied for a permit to install the pool and pavers.
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One individual spoke in support and stated the intention is to move
forward with a variance for a 5-ft. paver pool deck, building the pool
deck to the 10-ft. easement.
Vice Mayor Hamilton moved to approve the request from the owner
of property addressed 3287 Hyde Park Drive to vacate a portion of a
Drainage and Utility Easement located on the east side of their
property. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 9064-17 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Jonson moved to pass Ordinance 9064-17 on first
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote
was:
Ayes:
5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hamilton, Councilmember Caudell,
Councilmember Cundiff and Councilmember Jonson
8.5
Approve the request from the owner of property addressed 1827 Oak Forest Drive to
vacate a portion of a Utility Easement located on the east side of their property and
pass Ordinance 9065-17 on first reading. (VAC2017-08)
The property owner has applied to vacate the west 7 feet of a 10-foot utility
easement along the east side (rear) of their property. The purpose of this
vacation will be to eliminate a future encroachment caused by the installation
of a pool and enclosure.
All city departments have reviewed this vacation and have no objection.
Councilmember Caudell moved to approve the request from the
owner of property addressed 1827 Oak Forest Drive to vacate a
portion of a Utility Easement located on the east side of their
property. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 9065-17 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Cundiff moved to pass Ordinance 9065-17 on first
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the
vote was:
Ayes:
5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hamilton, Councilmember Caudell,
Councilmember Cundiff and Councilmember Jonson
8.6
Terminate the Development Agreement between Bayway Hotel Holdings, LLC.
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(property owner) and the City of Clearwater, providing for the allocation of 15 units
from the Hotel Density Reserve under Beach by Design, adopt Resolution 17-09, and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (HDA2014-08006)
No changes have been made to the Development Proposal presented at the
July 20, 2017 Council meeting.
On December 2, 2014, a Development Agreement was made effective
between the property owner and the City of Clearwater which provided 15 units
from the Hotel Density Reserve (HDA2014-08006/Resolution 14-35).
Section 6.1.3.1 of the Development Agreement required the Property Owner to
develop the Property in substantial conformance with the conceptual site plan
attached to the Agreement.
Section 6.1.6 provides that all units in the hotel shall be made available to the
public as overnight transient hotel guests at all times through the required hotel
reservation system. Occupancy in the hotel is limited to a term of less than
one month or thirty-one consecutive days, whichever is less. Units in the hotel
shall not be used as a primary or permanent residence.
After receiving approval of HDA2014-08006 the applicant submitted the
associated site plan for approval as part of a Level II Flexible Development
application (FLD2015-06025). This application was approved by the
Community Development Board on September 15, 2015. Permits
(BCP2015-12534 and BCP2016-03372) for site and building construction were
submitted on December 19, 2015 and March 15, 2016, respectively. Pursuant
to CDC Section 4-407 building permits were to have been obtained within six
months of the initial permit application. As of February 9, 2017 both permits
have been voided due to lack of response from the applicant.
On March 14, 2017, an application (FLD2016-12039) for a Resort Attached
Dwellings development on the subject site was approved by the Community
Development Board (CDB). On April 3, 2017 a permit (BCP2017-04049) was
submitted consistent with this more recent site plan approval. The City has
determined that the Property Owner has abandoned development of the
Property consistent with conceptual site plans that were part of the Agreement,
and the Property Owner sought approval for entirely new site plans, which
were approved by the Community Development Board on March 21, 2017 as
part of a Level II Flexible Development application (FLD2016-12039) for Resort
Attached Dwellings.
The applicant has submitted a request to terminate the Development
Agreement thus returning the allotted 15 units back to the reserve. Once
returned to the Reserve these units would be available for application.
Pursuant to Section 13 of the Agreement notices have been provided to:
Bayway Hotel Holdings, LLC
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20001 Gulf Blvd
Suite 5
Indian Shores, FL 33785
E.D. Armstrong III
Hill Ward Henderson
101 E. Kennedy Blvd
Suite 3700
Tampa, FL 33602
In response to a question, Planning and Development Director Michael
Delk said the development agreement requires that the allocated
density units be returned to the density reserve pool if the units expire.
In this case, the Applicant has chosen to build condominiums instead.
Vice Mayor Hamilton moved terminate the Development Agreement
between Bayway Hotel Holdings, LLC. (property owner) and the City of
Clearwater, providing for the allocation of 15 units from the Hotel
Density Reserve under Beach by Design and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously
.
Resolution 17-09 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember
Jonson moved to adopt resolution 17-09. The motion was duly
seconded and carried by the following vote:
Ayes:
5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hamilton, Councilmember Caudell,
Councilmember Cundiff and Councilmember Jonson
9. Second Readings - Public Hearing
9.1
Adopt Ordinance 9043-17 on second reading, annexing certain real properties whose
post office addresses are 3070 Grand View Avenue, 3041 Hoyt Avenue, and 900
Madera Avenue all within Clearwater, Florida 33759, into the corporate limits of the
city, and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said additions.
Ordinance 9043-17 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Caudell moved to adopt Ordinance 9043-17 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes:
5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hamilton, Councilmember Caudell,
Councilmember Cundiff and Councilmember Jonson
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9.2
Adopt Ordinance 9044-17 on second reading, amending the future land use element
of the Comprehensive Plan of the city, to designate the land use for certain real
properties whose post office addresses are 3070 Grand View Avenue, 3041 Hoyt
Avenue, and 900 Madera Avenue all within Clearwater, Florida 33759, upon
annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Residential Low (RL) and Residential Urban
(RU).
Ordinance 9044-17 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Cundiff moved to adopt Ordinance 9044-17 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes:
5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hamilton, Councilmember Caudell,
Councilmember Cundiff and Councilmember Jonson
9.3
Adopt Ordinance 9045-17 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of the city
by zoning certain real properties whose post office addresses are 3070 Grand View
Avenue, 3041 Hoyt Avenue, and 900 Madera Avenue all within Clearwater, Florida
33759, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Low Medium Density
Residential (LMDR).
Ordinance 9045-17 was presented and read by title only. Vice
Mayor Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9045-17 on second and
final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the
vote was:
Ayes:
5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hamilton, Councilmember Caudell,
Councilmember Cundiff and Councilmember Jonson
9.4
Adopt Ordinance 9063-17 on second reading, calling for a special election; submitting
to the city electors a proposed amendment to section 2.01(d) 6 of the City Charter to
allow the construction of certain improvements and the use of the property for other
than open space in that area west of Osceola Avenue between Drew Street and
Pierce Street lying below the 28-foot mean sea level elevation, known as the
Downtown Clearwater Waterfront; and providing for a referendum election.
One individual expressed safety concerns with the proposed kayak launch.
One individual questioned what improvements would be constructed.
The City Attorney said the ordinance proposes an amendment to the charter
that list the specific improvements that are proposed: define open space to
include plazas, sidewalks, boardwalks, elevated walkways, paths, trails,
roadways, stairs, benches, tables, water fountains, litter receptacles, lighting,
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wayfinding and similar amenities and surface parking. The ordinance is
available on the City's website and includes the referendum question.
Charter Section 2.01 d(6) provides limitations on what can be done in the
waterfront (everything from Osceola Avenue west to the water, from Drew
Street to Pierce Street below the 28-foot line). As it currently exists, the
charter prohibits anything other than open space and public utilities. The City
Attorney said there are exceptions for the tennis courts, the bandshell in
Coachman Park and the boat slips. The charter amendment is being
proposed in order to implement the Imagine Clearwater plan, which
recommended items not consistent with open space. The City Attorney said
anything that is not open space or already permitted by charter must go to
referendum. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and paddle boats are already
permitted by the city charter. The ordinance before council proposes to add a
boathouse and a launch ramp.
Ordinance 9063-17 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Jonson moved to adopt Ordinance 9063-17 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes:
5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hamilton, Councilmember Caudell,
Councilmember Cundiff and Councilmember Jonson
10. City Manager Reports
10.1
Increase domestic water, lawn water, wastewater collection, and reclaimed water
rates by 6.25%, effective October 1, 2017 and increasing same by 4.00% every
October 1st in 2018 through 2021, and pass Ordinance 9054-17 on first reading.
This utility rate increase is needed to provide funding to operate the Utility,
maintain compliance with debt service coverage requirements, and to support
the continuation of capital improvement projects needed to sustain the City’s
utility infrastructure. Infrastructure improvements are needed for compliance
with Federal, State and Southwest Florida Water Management District
regulations concerning water supply and treatment, the wastewater collection
system, the water reclamation facilities, and the reclaimed water system.
Stantec has completed a Water and Sewer Revenue Sufficiency Analysis to
cover five years of operations. Considerations were to provide adequate
revenue to fund utility cost requirements while recognizing the effects of recent
minor customer and demand growth, purchased water costs, and increasing
renewal and replacement requirements. The study covers the period Fiscal
Year 2018 through Fiscal Year 2022 and recommends a 6.25% increase for
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Fiscal Year 2018 beginning October 1, 2017 and then 4.00% increases
annually on October 1, 2018 through October 1, 2021. The increases are
applicable to domestic water, lawn water, wastewater collection and reclaimed
water.
The last rate change, Ordinance 8929-16, was approved on August 15, 2016
and provided for increasing domestic water, lawn water, wastewater collection
and reclaimed water rates by 3.75% in Fiscal Years 2017 through 2021.
Stantec Consultant Andy Burnham provided a PowerPoint presentation.
One individual opposed the reclaimed water availability fee for those
who do not use reclaimed water.
Two individuals suggested citizens be charged by the amount of water
used as an incentive to waste less water.
One individual spoke in opposition.
One individual questioned the metering system.
In response to questions, Mr. Burnham said the current bill comparison
included Pinellas County, which projects to charge $50.14 for a typical
water and sewer bill at 3,000 gallons in fiscal year 2018. The projected
fiscal year 2018 charge for the Clearwater is $50.90. Public Utilities
Director David Porter said as individuals who use more water pay more.
The City's metering system provides a rate for those who wish to service
their lawns with drinking water; these individuals are not charged a
service fee but charged a higher fee than the reclaimed water fee. It is
far less expensive to use reclaimed water for lawn irrigation. For those
who live in an area where reclaimed water is not available, the customer will
be charged for the water used and no sewer. Mr. Burnham said the debt
service coverage is a ratio that speaks to the level of debt service of the
highest priority.
Vice Mayor Hamilton moved to increase domestic water, lawn
water, wastewater collection, and reclaimed water rates by 6.25%,
effective October 1, 2017 and increasing same by 4.00% every
October 1st in 2018 through 2021. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 9054-17 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Jonson moved to pass Ordinance 9054-17 on first
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote
was:
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Ayes:
5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hamilton, Councilmember Caudell,
Councilmember Cundiff and Councilmember Jonson
10.2
Approve increases of residential and commercial Stormwater Utility rates by .50% per
Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) beginning October 1, 2017, October 1, 2018,
October 1, 2019, October 1, 2020 and October 1, 2021 and pass Ordinance 9061-17
on first reading.
Burton & Associates’ (BA) 2015 revenue sufficiency and financial forecast
analysis showed that an increase of 1.25% was needed for fiscal year 2018
($14.69). Due to project management and operating savings, Stantec
Consulting Services’ (formerly BA) 2017 revenue sufficiency analysis shows
the need for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 can be reduced to $14.58, a .50% increase
instead of 1.25% as approved in 2015, with additional .50% increases needed
for FY2019 ($14.65), FY2020 ($14.72), FY2021 ($14.79) and FY2019
($14.86).
Since the 2015 rate increases were passed, several significant flood control
and water quality projects have been completed or are underway, including:
Berkley Place Drainage, Jeffords St. Outfall, Hillcrest Bypass, Smallwood
Circle, Woodlawn Terrace, Mango, Purchase of Clearwater Christian College,
Sunshine Towers, Druid Rd/Allens Creek Storm System, Magnolia Outfall and
East Gateway.
Individual projects will be presented to the Council for development approval.
Stantec Representative Andy Burnham provided a PowerPoint
presentation.
One individual opposed the stormwater utility rate fee.
Two individuals spoke in opposition.
A concern was expressed that the agenda item's title is misleading
because the rate of increase is being reduced.
Councilmember Cundiff moved to amend Agenda Item 10.2 to read,
"Approve the increase for residential and commercial Stormwater
Utility rates from 1.25% to .5% per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU)
beginning October 1, 2017, October 1, 2018, October 2019, October 1,
2020 and pass Ordinance 9061-17 on first reading." The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Councilmember Caudell moved to approve Item 10.2 as amended. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes August 3, 2017
Ordinance 9061-17 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Cundiff moved to pass Ordinance 9061-17 on first
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote
was:
Ayes:
5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hamilton, Councilmember Caudell,
Councilmember Cundiff and Councilmember Jonson
10.3
Support designation of S.R. 580 to be Senator Gerald Rehm Highway and adopt
Resolution 17-24.
During the 2017 legislative session, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill
368, designating S.R. 580 in Pinellas County as “Senator Gerald S. ‘Jerry’
Rehm Highway.”
Senator Latvala has requested the cities of Dunedin, Clearwater, Oldsmar and
Safety Harbor pass a resolution supporting the designation in order for the
Department of Transportation to begin making suitable markers.
Vice Mayor Hamilton moved to support designation of S.R. 580 to
be Senator Gerald Rehm Highway. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
Resolution 17-24 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Jonson moved to adopt Resolution 17-24. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes:
5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hamilton, Councilmember Caudell,
Councilmember Cundiff and Councilmember Jonson
10.4
Amend the Interlocal Agreement with Pinellas County regarding Penny for Pinellas
and adopt Resolution 17-26.
On April 25, 2017, Council approved Resolution 17-17 in support of the
proposed extension of Penny for Pinellas and executed the Interlocal
Agreement provided by Pinellas County. The County subsequently revised
that agreement to reflect dialogue regarding the composition of the joint review
committee for guiding countywide investment of the 8.3% of total Penny
revenue for housing opportunities and economic development capital projects
that support job retention and creation.
This change has no effect on the distribution percentages or total estimated
revenues.
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City of Clearwater
City Council
Meeting Minutes August 3, 2017
One individual suggested using Penny funds to lower stormwater fees.
Councilmember Jonson moved to amend the Interlocal Agreement
with Pinellas County regarding Penny for Pinellas. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Resolution 17 -26 was presented and read by title only. Vice Mayor
Hamilton moved to adopt Resolution 17 -26. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Vice Mayor Hamilton, Councilmember Caudell,
Councilmember Cundiff and Councilmember Jonson
11. City Attorney Reports — None.
12. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes)
Councilmember Jonson expressed his personal appreciation for the folks
involved in Operation Graduation. He said he drafted a list of the different
transportation related projects going on in Pinellas County and circulated it to
PSTA, Forward Pinellas as well as the Council's assistant who will forward it
to each Councilmember. He said the Transportation Technology Forum will
be held September 28tH
Councilmembers Caudell and Cundiff recognized Pinellas County for
acquiring the Purple Heart County designation.
13. Closing Comments by Mayor
14. Adjourn
Mayor Cretekos reviewed recent and upcoming events and reminded all
that students will be back at school August 10.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
ao rte (Kr At
Mayor
Attest City of Clearwater
eat
City Clerk
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City of Clearwater