04/16/1998CITY COMMISSION MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
April 16, 1998
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
Rich Baier Public Works Administrator
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The invocation was offered by Dr. Harold Bowman of Trinity Presbyterian 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
One service award was presented to a City employee.
ITEM #4 - Introductions and Awards
Proclamations
Law Day - May 1, 1998
Professional Secretaries Week - April 19 - 25, 1998; Secretary’s Day April
22, 1998
ITEM #5 - Presentations
The Mayor presented a certificate of appreciation and plaque to the Clearwater Junior Women’s Club for their third room in Pinellas County being dedicated in the Clearwater Police Department.
The room is used to interview abused children.
ITEM #6 - Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 2, 1998, 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, Clearwater Beach Association, spoke in opposition to the Downtown Alliance indicating people will be able to decide how tax money is spent. The Mayor noted DDB (Downtown
Development Board) members, who will serve with the Commission on the Alliance, are elected by property owners paying the taxes in downtown.
Lee Regulski, Bill Jonson, Bill Zinzow, and David Campbell expressed opposition to the agreement made with Eller Media regarding advertisements on bus shelters.
Joe Evich expressed concern regarding a tax increase because of the year 2000 computer fix. The Mayor said the item has been listed in the budget but not as a dollar amount. Staff
has been working to fix the problem.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ITEM #8 - Public Hearing & First Reading Ords. #6252-98 & #6253-98 - Annexation & RS-6 Zoning for property located at 1825 Brentwood Dr., Lake Lela Manor, Lot 6 (Keith & Nancy Sawayda,
A98-09)
The applicant is requesting sewer service. A sewer line is available directly in front of this property to provide the needed service.
Commissioner Clark moved to approve the applicant’s request for Annexation and Zoning Atlas Amendment to Single Family Residential “Six” (RS-6) for Lot 6, Lake Lela Manor. The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
The City Attorney presented Ordinance 6252-98 and read it by title only. Commissioner Clark moved to pass Ordinance 6252-98 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 6253-98 and read it by title only. Commissioner Hooper moved to pass Ordinance 6253-98 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
“Ayes”: Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Seel and Garvey
“Nays”: None
ITEM #9 - Public Hearing & First Reading Ords. #6254-98 & #6255-98 - Annexation & RS-8 Zoning for property located at 1809 Kings Highway, Zephyr Gardens, Blk B, Lots 9-12 (Clearwater
Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc., A98-10)
The applicant is requesting sewer service which is available either from the existing manhole at Kings Highway or from the manhole located on the sanitary easement south of Joel
Lane. An extension from either of these manholes will be required. The applicant will be responsible for the cost of the extension. The Engineering Department will assist the applicant
with the required drawing plans at no cost.
Commissioner Hooper moved to approve the applicant’s request for Annexation and Zoning Atlas Amendment to Single Family Residential “Eight” (RS-8) for Lots 9, 10, 11, and 12, Block
B, Zephyr Gardens. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
The City Attorney presented Ordinance 6254-98 and read it by title only. Commissioner Seel moved to pass Ordinance 6254-98 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 6255-98 and read it by title only. Commissioner Seel moved to pass Ordinance 6255-98 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
“Ayes”: Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Seel and Garvey
“Nays”: None
ITEM #10 - Public Hearing & First Reading Ords. #6256-98 & #6257-98 - Annexation & RS-8 Zoning for property located at 2435 Raymont Dr., Skyline Groves Sub., Lot 49 (John and Sharon
Bothwell, A98-11)
The applicant is requesting sewer service. Sewer lines are directly adjacent to this property to provide the needed service.
Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the applicant’s request for Annexation and Zoning Atlas Amendment to Single Family Residential “Eight” (RS-8) for Lots 9, 10, 11, and 12, Block
B, Zephyr Gardens. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
The City Attorney presented Ordinance 6256-98 and read it by title only. Commissioner Johnson moved to pass Ordinance 6256-98 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 6257-98 and read it by title only. Commissioner Johnson moved to pass Ordinance 6257-98 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
“Ayes”: Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Seel and Garvey
“Nays”: None
ITEM #11 - (Cont. from 1/15, 2/19 & 3/19/98) Variance(s) to Sign Regulations for property located at 18627 US19N, Sec. 20-29-16, M&B 33.01 (Steak N Shake, Inc., SV98-02)
This item is withdrawn by the applicant.
ITEM #12 - Variance(s) to Sign Regulations for property located at 235 Windward Passage, Island Estates of Clearwater, Unit 5, Blk D, Lots 1-3 (Quality Boats of Clearwater, SV98-08)
Commissioner Seel moved to continue this item to May 7, 1998. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Public Hearing - Second Reading Ordinances
ITEM #13 - Ord. #6251-98 - relating to building and development regulations; amending Sec. 47.051 to adopt the 1997 Edition of The Standard Mechanical Code
The City Attorney presented Ordinance 6251-98 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Clark moved to pass and adopt Ordinance 6251-98 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 #14-21) - Approved as submitted, less Items 17 and 18.
ITEM #14 - Approval of Purchases per 3/25/98 memorandum:
National Roof Coaters, L.L.C., cleaning & coating roof at General Services/Fleet Maintenance building, 1900 Grand Avenue, $58,435 (GS)
Equipment Controls Company, gas materials - meters & regulators, 4/20/98-4/30/99, est. $58,900 (GAS)
Key Controls Inc., gas materials - meters & regulators, 4/20/98-4/30/99, est. $38,800 (GAS)
M.T. Deason, gas materials - meters & regulators, 4/20/98-4/30/99, est. $86,400 (GAS)
National Meter, Inc., gas materials - meters & regulators, 4/20/98-4/30/99, est. $49,700 (GAS)
Arozoza Brothers Corp., landscaping products & service at WPC East Plant, est. $35,000 (PW)
U.S. Office Products, f/n/a The Smith Wilson Company, misc. office products at standard discount of 61%, 5/22/98-6/24/99, est. $160,000 (FN)
ITEM #15 - Contract to Posi-Track, Southeast for one 1998 Posi-Track MD70 Crawler / Tractor with equipment trailer, $46,690; authorize funding under City’s master lease-purchase agreement
(GS)
ITEM #16 - Contract for Clearwater Municipal Marina Restroom Renovation to Oakhurst Construction Corp., $64,075 (MR)
ITEM #19 - Sidewalk Easement - Sec. 12-29-15 - Forrest R. Garrison (CA)
ITEM #20 - Request to file interpleader action in Circuit Court regarding Release of Pension Fund moneys of Dennis Thurston (CA)
ITEM #21 - Authorization of proposed settlement agreement and release regarding former Clearwater Gas System Manufactured Gas Plant Site (CA)
Commissioner Hooper moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted less Item #17, and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
It was requested Item #18 also be pulled. Commissioner Hooper moved to rescind the previous action on the Consent Agenda. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Commissioner Clark moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted less Items #17 and #18, and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
ITEM #17 - Appointment of Commission members to Regional & Miscellaneous Boards: Garvey - Florida League of Cities BOD, Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council, Mayor’s Council
of Pinellas County, Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation Trustees, Tampa Bay Partnership Board, St. Petersburg/Clearwater Economic Development Council, & Pension Advisory Committee; Johnson
- Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Pinellas Sports Authority, Pension Advisory Committee, & Long Center BOT; Clark - Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority & Pension Advisory Committee;
Hooper - Jolley Trolley Transportation of Clearwater, Inc. BOD, Homeless Task Force, Pinellas Planning Council, & Long Center BOD; Seel - Performing Arts Center & Theater BOD & Metropolitan
Planning Organization; All to rotate on Suncoast League of Municipalities BOD (CLK)
Commissioner Seel expressed interest in serving on the Economic Development Council.
Commissioner Johnson moved to amend the item to appoint Commissioner Seel to the Economic Development Council and to approve Item #17 as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
ITEM #18 - Approve collective bargaining agreement with CWA effective 4/16/98-9/30/99 (CM)
Steve Sarnoff, CWA Representative, expressed concerns regarding proposed changes to the collective bargaining agreement that was already been ratified by the union. In response to
a question, he said his concerns are part of the letter written to City management regarding a grievance. He understands the City plans to change employee anniversary dates to accommodate
the Payroll Department’s input of salary increases. No changes are permitted to the contract. The City Manager and Mayor stated there is an appropriate process to follow regarding
resolutions to concerns. The Deputy City Manager said Staff had suggested making changes in the work week, not the union.
Commissioner Clark moved to approve the proposed 2-year collective bargaining agreement between the City of Clearwater and the CWA (Communications Workers of America), effective April
16, 1998, through September 30, 1999. The motion was duly seconded.
In response to a question, the Deputy City Manager said a mechanism is needed to ensure that employees only receive the agreed upon increases stipulated in the contract. Hire dates
will not be changed.
Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously.
OTHER ITEMS ON CITY MANAGER REPORT
ITEM #22 - Contract for financial software to PeopleSoft, Inc., for $555,660 and 4 additional years of software maintenance at prepaid cost of $383,700, for total $939,360 to be financed
over 36 months at 4.2% by PeopleSoft; approve related consulting services from PeopleSoft, Inc. and SoftLink for a combined cost not to exceed $542,400; approve computer hardware upgrades
& misc. licenses at a cost of $133,900 from Digital Equipment Corp. & other vendors; and approve related staff training & travel est. at $58,500, for total $1,674,160; authorize loan
from Central Insurance Fund to Administrative Services Fund in an amount not to exceed $734,800 to pay for remaining costs not financed by PeopleSoft, to be paid back over 5 years, with
interest at cash pool rate, on 9/30 of each year beginning 9/30/99 (FN)
This item was pulled by the City Manager.
ITEM #23 - Award phase 2, 3 & 4 of Organizational Review Services project to The Public Strategies Group, for a three year project not to exceed $210,000 (CM)
This plan will be modeled after the existing One City. One Future. blueprint, both in form and process. It is recommended the City develop a second chapter to the blueprint, focusing
on organizational performance, and that the initiative be renamed One City. One Future, One Team. A 3-year plan for improving organizational performance will include: 1) a clear vision
for City government’s future and its alignment with One City. One Future.; 2) specific measurable performance outcomes for City government; 3) a case for fundamental change in the way
City government works emphasizing a customer focus; 4) a new compact with Clearwater’s citizens around improving service quality for the dollar; 5) an approach to answer the question,
“what’s
in this for us” for each important stakeholder group; 6) an approach that encourages both bottom-up as well as top-down leadership; 7) an investment strategy that funds necessary changes
form existing resources; and 8) a defined implementation plan and timetable. Public Strategies has suggested many excellent points of leverage for giving citizens an improved bottom
line - a better service quality for the dollar. The strategies which they will lead management through will assure this outcome. A portion of Public Strategies Group’s payment will
be contingent on the City’s evaluation of their performance in meeting this goal. There is approximately $210,000 left in this year’s budget appropriated for this project. The contract
has been changed to reflect removal of Phase 5 and to clarify that the monthly billing will be based on work performed and accepted.
Organization and Employee Development Director Pamela Skyrme said the first phase completed by Public Strategies Group identified a number of strategies to pursue in terms of creating
greater efficiency, effectiveness, cost reduction, and better customer service in the City. In response to a question, she said a schedule of reporting satisfactory to the City Commission
will be established.
Commissioner Seel moved to award Phase 2, 3 and 4 of the Organization Review Services project to the Public Strategies Group, Inc. for a 3-year project not to exceed $210,000. The
motion was duly seconded.
Commissioner Clark reiterated comments he expressed regarding the project at the last Work Session. He stated he still had some reservations, but hopes the next phase of the project
will erase his doubts.
Upon the vote being taken, Commissioners Johnson, Hooper, and Seel and Mayor Garvey voted “Aye”; Commissioner Clark voted “Nay”. Motion carried.
ITEM #24 - Election of Vice-Mayor (CLK)
Commissioner Johnson moved to elect Commissioner Hooper as Vice-Mayor. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Commissioner Johnson thanked the Commission for their trust and confidence they placed in him the past few years. He said he thoroughly enjoyed it.
ITEM #25 - Parks and Recreation Board - 2 appointments (CLK)
Commissioner Seel moved to appoint Sarah Wiand. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Commissioner Seel moved to appoint Stephen Swanberg. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #26 - Other Pending Matters - None.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
ITEM #27 - Res. #98-15 - Demolition Lien - 1374 Milton St., Ardmore Place Replat, Lot 19 (Citibank)
The City Attorney presented Resolution #98-15 and read it by title only. Commissioner Johnson moved to pass and adopt Resolution #98-15 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
“Ayes”: Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Seel and Garvey.
“Nays”: None
ITEM #28 - Other City Attorney Items - None.
ITEM #29 - City Manager Verbal Reports - None.
ITEM #30 - Other Commission Action
Mayor Garvey received an offer from Tampa Bay Magazine to be placed on a billboard. She declined.
Commissioner Hooper represented Clearwater in Tallahassee before the House Community Affairs Committee regarding the enclave annexation bill. The bill with amendments to reduce the
size of the enclaves that can be annexed from 3 to 1 acre and extending the implementation date by 1 year were approved by the Committee. He complimented Senator Latvala, the City’s
lobbyists, and Representative Rudy Bardley for their efforts. The bill is ready to go to the House of Representatives, and is expected to pass in the Senate.
Commissioner Clark thanked Commissioner Hooper for representing the City in Tallahassee.
Commissioner Clark said Pinellas Mobility Study workshops are scheduled on April 28, 1998, at the Martin Luther King Center and at Largo Community Center on April 29, 1998. He will
provide information and dates regarding the LINKS meetings..
Commissioner Johnson questioned if PSTA can provide the same service to areas outside Clearwater as does HARTline. It was noted that PSTA currently provides that service, but more
public relations is needed to encourage riders.
Commissioner Seel apologized in advance for not being able to attend the Stevenson’s Creek Clean Up on April 28, 1998, due to a previous obligation. She thanked the Clearwater Fire
Fighters for raising personal contributions for swimming lessons for children in need.
Mayor Garvey requested the status of Police and Fire Pension legislation. The City Manger said the legislation does not impact Clearwater, however the City is supporting the Florida
League of Cities’ efforts to defeat the bill. The Mayor suggested another letter be sent regarding the City’s position.
Mayor Garvey said the City has received positive, “good service” letters over the past few weeks. She reminded everyone to attend the Farmer’s Market in downtown Station Square Park
on Saturday.
ITEM #31 - Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.