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03/16/2000CITY COMMISSION MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER March 16, 2000 Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner Ed Hooper Vice-Mayor/Commissioner J. B. Johnson Commissioner Robert Clark Commissioner Ed Hart Commissioner Also present: Michael J. Roberto City Manager Bill Horne Assistant City Manager Bob Keller Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney 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 Commissioner Johnson. 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 Three service awards were presented to City employees. ITEM #4 - Introductions and Awards – None. ITEM #5 - Presentations a) Award for Phillies An award was presented to Dave Montgomery in recognition of the 54 year relationship between the Phillies and Clearwater. Awards were also presented to Ken Hamilton and Alan Bomstein in recognition of their efforts on behalf of the Phillies. ITEM #6 - Approval of Minutes Commissioner Hooper moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 2, 2000, 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 Steven Sarnoff, thanked the Commission, the City Manager, and staff on behalf of the CWA Local 3179, IAFF 1158 and FOP10 for approving the changes to the pension plan. Robert Gonzalez expressed concern that cars do not stop for school buses at 2909 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard near Grande Bay Apartments. He said because of the heavy traffic and large trucks, it is difficult to see the bus’s stop sign. John Tassanari expressed concern regarding the lack of restroom facilities near the children’s playground at Crest Lake Park. He also expressed concern that nothing is being done east of Highland Avenue. Bob Minton expressed concern about the City Manager’s position regarding the Church of Scientology. Bill Jonson expressed concern that all other City regulations are enforced except for those involving billboards. Jay Keyes said he is tired of the Commission, Mayor, and City Manager being tried, convicted, and executed by the St. Petersburg Times regarding the roundabout. He is confident the roundabout will be improved and felt the problem is more cars in peak times than the road can handle. Mike Quillen said the City is requesting FDOT approval for a traffic signal at 2909 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard near the Grande Bay Apartments to alleviate problems associated with school busses stopping there but traffic ignoring them. In response to a question, City Attorney Pam Akin said one of Eller Media’s billboards came down this week. The permitting process was unintentionally delayed by staff due to ADA (Americans with Disabilities) issues. She said Outdoor Systems, formerly 3M Company, has been cited and will come before the MCEB (Municipal Code Enforcement Board). PUBLIC HEARINGS ITEM #8 - Public Hearing - Declare surplus for purpose of leasing to Greenwood Community Health Resource Center, Inc., Greenwood Manor, Lot 4 less road, Lot 5 & N½ of Lot 6; approve lease with the Center for initial 30 year term for total rent of $30 payable in advance (ED) - To be Continued Commissioner Clark moved to continue Item #8 to the April 6, 2000, meeting. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #9 - Public Hearing - City of Clearwater Fiscal Year 1998-99 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)(PLD) The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is the principal administrative report documenting the City's expenditures of Community Development Block Grant and HOME Programs funds to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It serves as the basis for program monitoring for compliance and for financial audits. It provides HUD with necessary information for the Department to meet its requirement to assess each grantee's ability to carry out relevant Community Planning Development (CPD) programs in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. It provides information necessary for HUD's Annual Report to Congress and it provides grantees an opportunity to describe to citizens their successes in revitalizing deteriorated neighborhoods and meeting objectives stipulated in their Consolidated Plan. The City of Clearwater Fiscal Year 1998-99 CAPER contains information on the City's assessment of activities as follows: assessment of 3 to 5 year goals and objectives; affirmatively furthering fair housing; affordable housing; continuum of care; leveraging resources; citizens comments; and self-evaluation. Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the City’s FY 1998-99 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. CITY MANAGER REPORTS CONSENT AGENDA (Items #10-13) ITEM #10 - Approval of Purchases per Purchasing Memorandum: 1) Kaiser Pontiac-Buick GMC, Inc., six 2000 GMC Sierra cab & chassis, replacements, 1 with dump body, 1 with stake body, and 4 with service body & hydraulic lift, $144,300.84; funding to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS) 2) Maroone Auto Plaza, one 2000 Chevrolet crew cab pickup, replacement, $21,233; funding to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS) 3) Maroone Auto Plaza, five 2000 Chevrolet ¾ ton pickups, replacements, $108,405; funding to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS) 4) Maroone Dodge, one 2000 Dodge cargo van, replacement, $14,803; funding to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS) 5) Gateway Chevrolet, four 2000 Chevrolet cargo vans, replacements, $67,705; funding to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS) 6) T Thomas d/b/a Holly Chevrolet, two 2000 Chevrolet cargo vans, replacements, $36,370.62; funding to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS) 7) Dick Norris Buick Pontiac GMC, one 2000 cab & chassis with utility body, replacement, $22,587; funding to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS) 8) Industrial Refuse Sales, front loading refuse containers & spare parts, 3/17/00-3/31/01, est. $75,000; funding to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (SW) ITEM #11 - Pension Advisory Committee - Reappoint Commissioners Johnson & Hart for term to 4/4/02 (CLK) ITEM #12 - Sidewalk & Utility Easement - Gulf to Bay Shopping Center, Lot 2 (Autozone, Inc.)(CA) ITEM #13 - Sidewalk, Landscaping, & Utility Easement - Barbour-Morrow Sub., Blk A, S 5' of Lot 41 (Iocoloano / Caraco / Linares)(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 #14 - FY2000 First Quarter Budget Review (BU) a) First Reading Ord. #6517-00 - Amending Operating Budget for Fiscal Year ending 9/30/00 The General Fund reflects a net increase of $158,403 at first quarter. Of this amount, $111,060 reflects the return of funding set aside in a special program project at third quarter last year, representing savings in the Police Department’s 1999 budget to fund the Library and MSB (Municipal Services Building) PST (Police Service Technicians) positions for this fiscal year. There also is an appropriation of $255,093 in retained earnings. These increases are offset by the reduction in expenditures in the Human Relations program reflecting the transfer of the compliance program to Pinellas County. At first quarter, $255,093 is distributed from the unappropriated retained earnings of the General Fund. The transfer of $200,000 establishes a project for the Fiscal 2000 “Vision Funds” as previously approved by the Commission; the transfer of $30,093 which provides support for the Homeless Intervention project was approved by the Commission previously in November 1999; and $25,000 provides funds to fund the track improvements at Clearwater High School. At first quarter, the budgeted funds set aside in the Non-Departmental program for contractual salary increases less budgeted salary savings are distributed to the General Fund Departments. The utility and other enterprise operations will make any necessary adjustments at mid-year now that union contracts are settled. “Vision” funds are now captured in a special program project specifically established to monitor this funding. At first quarter, $50,000 of these funds have been allocated to the Ervin’s Youth program as previously approved by the Commission. In addition, $8,300 has been allocated to the Public Communications Department of which $6,000 was for Holiday Sights and Sounds, and $2,3000 was for an intern. A balance of $141,700 is available in the “Vision” Fund project. Budgeted revenues and expenditures of all enterprise funds are basically as anticipated at first quarter. The only significant amendment to the Water and Sewer fund reflects a budget correction in the operating budget reducing transfer by $390,000 to agree to the budgeted needs in the Capital Improvement fund. This is offset by a reduction in the anticipated use of retained earnings necessary to fund capital projects. The only amendment to the Gas fund is a reduction of $181,000 in fund expenditures reflecting cost cutting adjustments in several cost centers. No significant amendments are proposed for the General Services, Garage, and Central Insurance Funds at first quarter. Fund revenues and program expenditures for these operations are approximately as budgeted. The amendments to the Capital Improvement fund total a net increase of $267,217. This includes the design for the beach parking garage and the purchase of the electronic parking meter system. The only significant amendment that has not previously been approved by the Commission is an increase of $202,690 to the new Main Library project which reflects receipt of additional donations and interest earnings on 1999 donations. The Special Program fund reflects a budget increase of approximately $2.6 million. Nearly half of this increase is due to the receipt of annual grant revenues for LLEBG, COPS Universal, and Brownfield grants. The balance of budgeted receipts primarily reflects receipts of court forfeiture proceeds for Police programs, 1999 interest earnings distributed to projects, and previously approved transfers to the fund to establish special projects such as the one for Vision funds and the homeless shelter funding for Fiscal 2000. The complete first quarter report is available in the City Clerk’s Department and includes detailed explanations of budget amendments and a schedule of administratively approved change orders. Commissioner Hooper moved to approve the First Quarter amendments to the Operating and Capital Improvement Program budgets for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2000. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6517-00 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Clark moved to pass Ordinance #6517-00 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: “Ayes”: Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Hart, and Aungst “Nays”: None. b) First Reading Ord. #6518-00 - Amending Capital Improvement Program Report and Budget for Fiscal Year ending 9/30/00 The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6518-00 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hooper moved to pass Ordinance #6518-00 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: “Ayes”: Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Hart, and Aungst “Nays”: None. ITEM #15 - Status of Roundabout Charlie Siemon, Planning Consultant, reviewed the history and purpose of the roundabout. He stated it is one of three elements that are to address beach traffic. Public Works Administrator Mashid Arasteh, Michael Wallwork, roundabout designer, and Barry Crown, independent consultant, reviewed roundabout traffic counts, design elements, and conflict points, and suggested changes to alleviate congestion and enhance the roundabout's effectiveness. Considerations include lane striping, a metering traffic signal, moving pedestrian walkways farther away from the roundabout, improved signage, reshaping medians, and cutting curbs to allow for large vehicles to make wider turns. The meeting recessed from 7:22 to 7:38 p.m. Deputy Police Chief Dewey Williams said he is optimistic that a metering signal will improve traffic conditions but spring break and other peak times always will be an issue. Four citizens spoke in support of the roundabout. One citizen expressed concern regarding reducing pedestrian safety. Discussion ensued regarding suggested changes to the roundabout. Ms. Arasteh said Barry Crown is an independent consultant and will review the recommendations. In response to a question, she said the new bridge is not designed for rapid transit due to increased costs relating to structural requirements for that type of service. She said it is as cost-effective to construct a separate rapid transit system. Different road surfaces such as pavers tell drivers that they are approaching pedestrian crosswalks and to slow down. In response to a question, Mr. Crown recommended getting traffic off Coronado into the Pier 60 parking lot. He also suggested linking the parking lots so that a vehicle looking for a parking space will remain off the road. He said that alternative is a short term fix and the long term solution is the overall strategy for the area. He said removing 2 layers of the fountain wall could improve visibility. In response to a question, Deputy Chief Williams said when traffic was stopped on the Causeway for 90 seconds, the delay was negligible and allows traffic that normally backs up to flow faster. Gary Johnson, Public Services, said staff will require a minimum of two weeks to install the metering signal. More time will be needed to address long term improvements. Further discussion ensued regarding the suggested alternatives. Consensus was to install a metering signal at Eastshore, provide additional lane marking and signs. Additional long term modifications and costs will be brought back to the Commission. ITEM #16 - Agreement to Public Enterprise Group, act as Clearwater's agent in negotiating corporate partnerships, amount not to exceed $40,000 (SFS) This item was pulled from the agenda. ITEM #17 - Other Pending Matters The City Manager attended the National League of Cities meeting in Washington. He distributed 5 items on which the League needs Clearwater’s support. The major item is Internet taxation. Clearwater is one of the cities tracking this information for the League so they can show present revenues versus losses. The other issues deal with the presumption of local authority, money for community housing and economic development, investing in children and families, and public safety. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS ITEM #18 - Other City Attorney Items The City Attorney requested the Commission’s permission to file a lawsuit for damages due to damage to a Clearwater gas main along Tampa Road. Commissioner Johnson moved to authorize the request to file a lawsuit against David Nelson Construction Company for damages. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #19 - City Manager Verbal Reports – None. ITEM #20 - Commission Discussion Items a) Involvement with Downtown Master Developer The City Manager asked in what format the Commission wishes to be informed of the progress regarding the Downtown Master Plan. Consensus was to request a biweekly report from the deGuardiola group. If any Commissioners have further questions, they can contact deGuardiola individually. ITEM #21 - Other Commission Action Commissioner Hart encouraged everyone to use alternative forms of transportation to and from the beach. The City is offering free bus and ferry service to those areas. He stated it is important not to impede development but enhance it and encourage redevelopment. Commissioner Hooper said Vet Rock is Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Paint your Heart Out Clearwater is Saturday. Greek Independence Day is Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall. The North Greenwood Community Resource Health Center groundbreaking is Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Commissioner Clark thanked the City Manager and Purchasing Director for their efforts and success in encouraging a local vendor to bid on the sale of a vehicle to the City. He said Spring Training this week is a great success and was sold out. Mayor Aungst said he and his wife attended the 50th anniversary of Temple B'Nai Israel. He also attended an opening for the Shuffleboard Hall of Fame on N. Ft. Harrison Avenue. He attended a Goalbusters luncheon at Public Services. He is impressed with the organization and their passion for the City. He was impressed with tonight’s discussion regarding the Roundabout. ITEM #22 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m.