04/06/2000
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
April 6, 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
Patricia Sullivan Board Reporter
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The invocation was
offered by Father James Rousakis of Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity. 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 - None.
ITEM #4 - Introductions and Awards
Proclamation: Child Abuse Prevention Month - April 2000
ITEM #5 - Presentations
a)
Beautification Committee - Certificate of Appreciation
Beautification Committee Chair Jean Stuart and Parks & Recreation Director Kevin
Dunbar presented Peoples Bank Branch Manager Jeanette Renfrow a certificate of
appreciation for landscaping at the bank.
b)
Jeff Kronschnabl welcomed USF (University of South Florida) Public Administration
students.
ITEM #6 - Approval of Minutes
In reference to Item #15 in the March 16, 2000 minutes, Commissioner Hart requested
his March 20, 2000, memorandum to the City Manager be attached to the April 6, 2000
minutes to record his current opposition to proposed enhancements to the Roundabout.
mcc04a00 1 04/06/00
Commissioner Hooper moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March
16, 2000, as recorded and submitted in written summation by the City Clerk to each
motioncarried
Commissioner. The was duly seconded and unanimously.
ITEM #7 - Citizens to be heard re items not on the Agenda
Roy Cadwell recommended the City reconcile with Scientologists.
Shirley and Dan Moran complimented the Commission and staff, the Community
Response Team, the Police Chief, the Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard beautification project, the new
North Greenwood police substation, the removal of billboards, the reclaimed water project, the
recycling program, and the new ferry and bus service to the beach.
Jerry Nowan requested action regarding crosswalks by the Yacht Basin Apartments.
Traffic moves too fast. Injuries have occurred. The City Manager will bring forward
recommendations.
Ed Gillooley recommended relocating the Yacht Basin crosswalk 100 feet north by the
swimming pool and adding signage that commands vehicles to stop for pedestrians.
Bill Jonson expressed concern pending legislation could overturn City regulations
related to billboards. The City’s lobbyist also represents the billboard industry.
Consensus was for staff to identify another lobbyist to support the position of the City
and League of Cities on this issue.
John Doran complimented Clearwater Fire Rescue for receiving the Hurst award for a
jaws of life rescue. He praised the City’s Fire Rescue personnel who serve the City 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week.
Anne Garris said to succeed, the proposed downtown redevelopment needs the
cooperation and active involvement of downtown property owners.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Declare surplus
ITEM #8 - (Cont’d from 3/16/00) Public Hearing - for purpose of leasing to
Greenwood Community Health Resource Center, Inc., Greenwood Manor, Lot 4 less road, Lot
lease
5 & N½ of Lot 6; approve with Center for initial 30 year term for total rent of $30 payable
ED
in advance ()
The City’s 1999 Legislative Package supported a $300,000 State appropriation for
construction of the North Greenwood Health Resource Center. The State granted the
appropriation. The City proposes to facilitate development of the Center by entering into a
nominal rent ground lease of the subject property.
On October 21, 1999, the City Commission approved the purchase of properties
necessary for the Center’s construction and directed staff to schedule a public hearing to
mcc04a00 2 04/06/00
declare the property surplus to City needs for the purpose of leasing the property to the
Center. With Brownfields Redevelopment Grant and CDBG (Community Development Block
Grant) funding, the City acquired the properties in 1999 and 2000 in separate transactions with
3 owners for approximately $48,000, including all transaction costs, legal expenses,
forgiveness of City liens, and estimated demolition expenses. No General Fund allocations will
be made for the project.
As provided by the lease, the Center shall pay nominal advance rent of $30 for the 30-
year lease term, maintain at least $1-million in commercial general liability insurance, and, if
not in default at the end of the lease term, have the option to renew for an additional 30-year
term if approved by the City Commission. These actions are governed by and comply with the
City Charter.
It was recommended the Health Resource Center seek alternative funding sources and
communicate with other neighborhood resources to avoid the duplication of services. State
Senator Latvala was thanked for his help in the award of the Brownfields appropriation.
Six citizens spoke in favor of the proposal.
Condolences were expressed to the Carson family on the passing of Ernest Carson,
Willa Carson's (founder of the Center) husband.
Commissioner Johnson moved to declare as surplus for the purpose of leasing to
Greenwood Health Resource Center, Inc. (“Center”) Lot 4, less road, Lot 5 and the north half
of Lot 6, Greenwood Manor, and approve a lease with the Center for an initial term of 30 years
for total rent of $30 payable in advance, subject to other terms and conditions of the lease,
motion
and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The was duly
carried
seconded and unanimously.
Ord. #6516-00
ITEM #9 - Public Hearing & First Reading - Vacating W 3' of 10' utility
easement lying along E side of Lot 22, East Druid Park, less northern 5' & southern 5'
WeaverPW
(, V00-03)()
The house at 2086 North Druid Circle, built prior to current review procedures,
encroaches into the easement. The City has no utilities within the easement. Public utilities
do not object to the requested vacation.
Commissioner Hooper moved to approve the applicants’ request to vacate the west 3
feet of the 10-foot utility easement lying along the east side of Lot 22, East Druid Park, less the
northern 5 feet and southern 5 feet and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute
motion carried
same. The was duly seconded and unanimously.
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6516-00 for first reading and read it by title
only. Commissioner Clark moved to pass Ordinance #6516-00 on first reading. The motion
was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Hart and Aungst.
mcc04a00 3 04/06/00
"Nays": None.
Ord. #6519-00
ITEM #10 - Public Hearing & First Reading - Vacating S 5' of 10' drainage &
McCarthy
utility easement lying along N side of Lot 49, Countryside Tract 5, less eastern 5' (,
PW
V00-04)()
The swimming pool at 3277 Beaver Drive, which encroaches into the easement, was
built prior to current review procedures. The applicant proposes to construct a concrete patio
and screened enclosure in the requested easement. The City has no utilities within the
easement. Public utilities do not object to the requested vacation.
Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the applicants’ request to vacate the south 5
feet of the 10 foot drainage and utility easement lying along the north side of Lot 49,
Countryside Tract 5, less the eastern 5 feet and that the appropriate officials be authorized to
motion carried
execute same. The was duly seconded and unanimously.
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6519-00 for first reading and read it by title
only. Commissioner Hooper moved to pass Ordinance #6519-00 on first reading. The motion
was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Hart and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
Public Hearing - Second Reading Ordinances
Ord. #6517-00
ITEM #11 - - Amending Operating Budget for Fiscal Year ending 9/30/00
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6517-00 for second reading and read it by title
only. Commissioner Clark moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6517-00 on second and final
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper and Hart.
"Nays": None.
Absent: Aungst
Ord. #6518-00
ITEM #12 - - Amending Capital Improvement Program Report and Budget for
Fiscal Year ending 9/30/00
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6518-00 for second reading and read it by title
only. Commissioner Hooper moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6518-00 on second and
final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
mcc04a00 4 04/06/00
"Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Hart and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
CONSENT AGENDA (Items #13-20) - Approved as submitted.
ITEM #13 - Approval of Purchases & Declaration of Surplus per Purchasing Memorandum:
one 2000 GMC Sierra cab & chassis with platform body
1) Kaiser Pontiac-Buick GMC, Inc., ,
replacement, $24,094.42; financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase
GS
Agreement ()
mobile radio parts & batteries
2) Communications International, , 4/7/00-4/30/01, estimated
GS
$50,000 ()
portable & mobile radio repairGS
3) Ericsson Inc., , 4/7/00-4/30/01, estimated $50,000 ()
advertisingPCM
4) Times Publishing, , 4/7/00-9/30/01, estimated $60,000 ()
one 2000 Chevrolet 8 passenger van
5) Bell Chevrolet, , replacement, $18,616; financing to
GS
be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement ()
compactor containers & parts
6) Industrial Refuse Sales, , 4/7/00-4/30/01, estimated $95,000
SW
()
long chain linear polyphosphate
7) Sper Chemical, , 1st & Final renewal to 2 years available,
PW
7/1/00-6/30/02, estimated $260,000 ()
slag cold mix asphalt
8) APAC-Florida, , 1st renewal of 2 available, 4/1/00-3/31/01, estimated
PW
$50,000 ()
one Sony camcorder kit
9) B & H Photo, , $21,630; financing to be provided under City's
PCM
Master Lease-Purchase Agreement ()
aluminum chlorhydrate
10) Leachem Industries Inc., , 4/7/00-4/30/01, estimated $72,000
PW
()
two 2000 Mack front loader garbage trucks
11) McClain Southland Inc., , replacements,
GS
$286,636; financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement ()
one 2000 Case Super L loader/backhoe
12) Coastline Equipment, , replacement, $49,383;
GS
financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement ()
mcc04a00 5 04/06/00
two 2000 Sterling LT9500 trucks
13) Atlantic Ford Truck Sales Inc., , replacements,
GS
$141,640; financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement ()
surplus
14) Declare to city needs, 2 fire engines; authorize disposal through Tampa Machinery
Auction
one Pierce "Skyarm" Aerial
ITEM #14 - Contract to Pierce Manufacturing Inc., purchase
Apparatus
, $786,428; authorize lease purchase under City's Master Lease-Purchase
FD
Agreement ()
2 Sonoma Compact
ITEM #15 - Contract to Kaiser Pontiac-Buick-GMC, Inc., purchase of
Pick-up trucksGS
(4x2), $23,748.90 ()
one year lease of two 1999
ITEM #16 - Lease Agreement with Bert Smith Leasing, Inc.,
Chevrolet SedansPD
, $9,924 ()
ITEM #17 - Approve allocating $40,000 from Recreation Facility Impact Fees for
improvements to public beach access
between Landmark Towers & the Meridian on Sand
landscape improvements on 6 new medians
Key; and preliminary costs for proposed on
PR
Gulf Boulevard on Sand Key ()
Clearwater Marine Aquarium improvements
ITEM #18 - Approve release of funds for ,
QOL
$50,000 ()
Druid Road Widening & Box Culvert
ITEM #19 - Contract to Dolphin Constructors, Inc., for
Replacement ProjectPW
, $579,831.89 ()
CLK
ITEM #20 - Appointment of Commissioner Johnson as Vice-Mayor ()
Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted and that
motion
the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The was duly seconded and
carried
unanimously.
OTHER ITEMS ON CITY MANAGER REPORT
ITEM #21 - Fire Task Force Report
Fire Task Force Chair (non-voting)/Assistant City Manager Bill Horne recognized Fire
Task Force members Joe Calio, Joe Evich, Rowland Herald, Russ Kimball, George Krause,
John Lee, Scott Nall, Bill Schwob, Doug Williams, Duke Tieman, and Jean Stuart. He
thanked them for their participation in weekly meetings from September through April. The
Task Force’s mission was to validate the Fire Department’s needs and to identify funding
sources.
Fire Task Force Member Duke Tieman said Task Force members had inspected
department apparatus, spoke with fire personnel and residents, and toured department
facilities. He presented the Task Force’s analysis of department needs. While the population
mcc04a00 6 04/06/00
has doubled, the department provides additional services with a staffing level that has
remained stagnant and is well below its recommended size.
The department also needs resources to address high-rise emergencies. The fire
inspection schedule should be reduced from every 3 years to every 12 months. Staff is
struggling to meet maintenance and repair needs. The department lacks adequate clerical
support. New fire stations are needed in Sand Key and northwest Clearwater. The current
stations are old, do not accommodate female personnel, lack space to clean hazardous
materials, and have outdated wiring, heat, and air-conditioning. The repair and training
facilities are outdated and the supply store needs to be renovated. The Task Force concurs
the department needs replacement apparatus, additional engines, aerials, support and rescue
vehicles, upgraded airpacks, automatic exterior defibrillators, and traffic control systems.
Member Tieman said City firefighters are dedicated professionals who put their lives on
the line and need the right tools to accomplish their jobs. The Task Force recommends
increasing staffing levels to lower response times to less than 4 minutes.
Fire Task Force Member Joe Evich reported the Task Force recommends a $13-million,
5-year capital improvement schedule: 1) 2001 - construct Sand Key fire station; 2) 2002 –
construct northwest Clearwater fire station; 3) 2003 - reconstruct Clearwater Mall fire station; 4)
2004 – reconstruct the supply shop; and 5) 2005 replace main fire station and administrative
offices. Costs reflect inflation but do not include land acquisition costs. Department equipment
and apparatus needs during the next 5 years will cost approximately $4-million. The Task
Force recommended the City use Penny for Pinellas proceeds to fund $17-million in capital
expenses.
The Fire Task Force recommends: 1) increasing the Fire Department’s staffing levels
by 45 FTEs (full-time equivalents) during the next 5 years; 2) that every engine carry a
minimum staff of 4; and 3) that the City increase the millage to cover Fire Department
operating costs, which are estimated to increase by $4.5-million annually by the end of 2005.
The City will stop making an annual $1-million contribution to the Firefighters’ pension and
relief fund in 2005. Those funds should be available then to offset expected increases in
2006.
Member Evich said the Task Force recommends the City Commission revisit the
prioritization of City Penny for Pinellas projects as health and safety are more important than
quality of life. The millage rate would have to be increased by 17.5% by 2005 just to
meet increased Fire Department costs. Other sources of suggested revenue include the
implementation of user fees, and increased fire code inspection fees and false alarm fines.
The Task Force also recommends the City’s grant writer research and apply for grants.
The Task Force had considered a fire fee, however had concerns regarding equity
issues. The fire fee may be a possible solution in the future but it would require a vast
education effort.
Member Evich said the City Commission already had approved $10-million of the $17-
million in capital expenses recommended by the Task Force over the next 5 years. Fire Chief
Rowland Herald said earlier department estimates had been based on 10- to 20-year
mcc04a00 7 04/06/00
projections. He supported the Task Force recommendations, stating that doing less would fall
short of meeting City needs. The Task Force was requested to present the report to
neighborhood associations and garner support.
Mr. Horne was complimented for maintaining the Task Force’s focus. Jim Carino was
recognized for his technical expertise. In response to a request, Mr. Horne said he will provide
information regarding necessary ad valorem tax increases if Penny for Pinellas funds are not
used. Staff was complimented for promptly providing all information requested by the Task
Force. The City Manager will provide recommendations to the City Commission and the issues
will be discussed during a budget meeting this month. The City already has added 9
firefighters, 5 fire engines, 3 rescue trucks, etc.
It was requested staff propose ways to decrease calls to nursing homes and require
nursing homes to provide their own emergency care. It was stated the Task Force had
rejected use of a fire fee when it was determined exemptions would be necessary. It was
recommended increasing fire inspections should reduce costs as dangers are eliminated. The
City Manager said the City’s lobbyist is reporting on efforts in Washington D.C. to increase
national funding for fire services. It was requested staff list the rationale behind Fire Task
Force conclusions.
The City Commission recessed from 7:51 to 8:05 p.m.
ITEM #22 - Contract with Siemon & Larsen for amount not to exceed $500,000; establish
Downtown Redevelopment Project
budget of $700,000 for ($500,000 for Siemon & Larsen
contract and $200,000 for other expenses including necessary referendum, surveys, market
ED
data reports, etc.)()
The City Commission directed staff to negotiate a downtown development agreement
with de Guardiola Inc. and Renaissance Partners. Staff does not have the expertise
necessary to negotiate this development agreement and recommends retaining Charlie
Siemon, with Siemon & Larsen, to represent the City.
Siemon & Larsen negotiations will include, but not be limited to: 1) programming all
development activity involving publicly-owned land or public obligations other than ordinance
administration of City Land Development Regulations; 2) project design, character, location
and magnitude; 3) disposition terms and conditions for all public land interests to be developed
for private use; 4) terms and conditions governing provision of public infrastructure and
improvements required to support redevelopment; 5) developer obligations and performance
security related to public/private improvements; 6) terms and conditions governing
maintenance of public and private areas; and 7) financial terms and conditions relative to all
aspects of the project.
Siemon & Larsen also will: 1) prepare all necessary documentation to memorialize the
public/private partnership, ensure compliance with law and the enforceability of City rights; 2)
required legal memoranda and options; and 3) obtain needed approvals and permits.
mcc04a00 8 04/06/00
Also, funding is necessary to pay for the necessary referendum, surveys, design,
technical assistance for land appraisals and market data, public meetings, public information
materials, and reports.
It was suggested this decision be delayed until the referendum is approved. In
response to a question, the City Attorney said the target date for the referendum is July11,
2000. It was questioned if the overall project could be delayed until referendum results are
known. The City Attorney said the scope of the proposed contract will include an outline of
issues requiring referendum consideration. She estimated work on the contract will be half
completed by the time related issues reach referendum. The referendum will identify where
construction is planned, City commitments, and possible bonding requirements. It was
indicated the contract costs are not high when compared to $300-million of possible
redevelopment. It was felt downtown needs to shoulder its fair share of the City’s tax base. It
was recommended staff meet with neighborhoods prior to the referendum.
Commissioner Clark moved to approve a contract with Siemon & Larsen for an amount
not to exceed $500,000 and establish a $700,000 budget for the Downtown Redevelopment
Project with $500,000 for the Siemon & Larsen contract and $200,000 for other expenses
including the necessary referendum, surveys, market data reports, etc., and that the
motion
appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The was duly seconded.
Commissioners Clark, Hooper, Hart, and Mayor Aungst voted “Aye”; Commissioner Johnson
carried
voted “Nay.” Motion .
Res. #00-13
ITEM #23 - - approving proposed GTE Corporation - Bell Atlantic Corporation
merger; granting a change or transfer in control of GTE Media Ventures Cable Franchise, a
IA
wholly owned subsidiary of GTE Corporation ()
On June 20, 1996, the City adopted Ord. #6046-96, granting a cable franchise to GTE
Media Ventures, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of GTE Corporation. The ordinance granted
use of City rights-of-way for 10 years. GTE Corporation submitted documents, dated
December 13, 1999, to the City requesting approval of the proposed merger between GTE
Corporation and Bell Atlantic Corporation. GTE Corporation will become a subsidiary of Bell
Atlantic. Upon merger approval and completion, GTE Media Ventures will remain a wholly
owned subsidiary of GTE Corporation.
Per ordinance requirements, GTE has requested approval for a change or transfer in
control of GTE Media Ventures to Bell Atlantic Corporation. The City expressed concern that
possible future transfer or assignment of the GTE Media Ventures Franchise Agreement to an
affiliate may impact negatively on the franchise’s continued operation. Concern is heightened
as Section 14 does not require GTE Media Ventures to acquire prior consent from the City if
the franchise or control is transferred to affiliates wholly owned by GTE Corporation. Approval
is conditioned upon the waiver by GTE Media Ventures, Inc., for itself and its
transferees/assigns, of the provisions of Section 14(A) and 14(B) in Ord. #6046-96.
Mayor Aungst stated he had a conflict of interest with this item and recused himself.
mcc04a00 9 04/06/00
Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the proposed GTE Corporation-Bell Atlantic
Corporation merger, granting a change or transfer in control of GTE Media Ventures Cable
Franchise, a wholly owned subsidiary of GTE Corporation and that the appropriate officials be
motion
authorized to execute same. The was duly seconded. Commissioners Johnson,
carried
Clark, Hooper and Hart voted “Aye.” Mayor Aungst abstained. Motion .
The City Attorney presented Resolution #00-13 and read it by title only. Commissioner
Hart moved to pass and adopt Resolution #00-13 and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper and Hart.
"Nays": None.
Abstain: Aungst
Motion carried
.
Ord. #6532-00
ITEM #24 - First Reading - increasing domestic water, lawn water & wastewater
PW
collection utility rates by 6.6% beginning 5/1/00 ()
The recommended increase is necessary to meet debt service coverage requirements
and continue capital improvement projects to expand reclaimed water service, upgrade water
pollution control facilities, and rehabilitate the wastewater collection systems. The last rate
study recommended a 3% rate increase for domestic water, lawn water, and wastewater
collection utility rates. The increase was effective October 1, 1998, by ordinance. Future
increases were anticipated to be 9.7% in 2000, 8.8% in 2001 and 2002, and 3.1% in 2004.
Since that study, changes to the operating and capital plans and significant refunding of debt
necessitated rate study adjustments.
Burton & Associates’ completed rate study of water and wastewater collection utilities
covers 5 years of operation. The Burton & Associates Rate Study recommends a 6.6% rate
increase per year for 5 years is necessary to cover debt service, operation costs, and capital
improvement projects. The proposed ordinance authorizes the first 6.6% increase to be
effective May 1, 2000. An independent study of the Utilities Department’s operating and
capital improvement programs will determine future rate increases. The Utilities Department
proposes to hire a consultant to complete a comprehensive cost analysis of the City’s water
and sewer systems. The analysis will benchmark national averages as reported by APWA
(American Public Works Association) and AWWA (American Water Works Association) etc.,
and will establish funding levels based on a long-range plan.
In addition to the cost analysis, staff proposes Burton & Associates conduct a rate
structure study. The City’s current structure for water and sewer rates in not compatible with
national standards, and should be adjusted to allow a more equitable distribution of costs
among all users.
mcc04a00 10 04/06/00
It was felt this rate increase should be considered as part of the budget process, which
starts this month. The City Manager said the increase is necessary as investment in the
system has not been sufficient. Staff will present a 2-year budget. The water and sewer
utilities are stand-alone operations. This request is for a single year increase only. The City
Commission needs to determine the utilities’ future as the City soon will give up its wells and
some control. It was felt additional time is needed to review the proposal.
motion
Commissioner Clark moved to deny Item #24. The was duly seconded.
Commissioners Johnson, Clark and Hooper voted “Aye.” Commissioner Hart and Mayor
carried
Aungst voted “Nay.” Motion .
It was requested staff present all utility projections at one time.
Water/Sewer Rate Structure Study
ITEM #25 - Contract to Burton & Associates, Inc., for ,
PW
$49,870 ()
The City’s rate structure for domestic water and sewer service, in place since 1985, is
designed to charge customers more as consumption increases. The rate structure includes a
minimum consumption amount based on meter size. Staff recommends adjusting the rate
structure to allow a more equitable distribution of costs among all users.
Burton & Associates will evaluate the current rate structure, recommend alternatives,
and recommend a rate structure compatible with other communities and with AWWA
standards. The firm also will prepare rate models for testing and presentations. Other
possible changes include a billing conversion from cubic feet to gallons.
Burton & Associates has performed previous utility rate studies for the City and has
intimate knowledge and background information on the utility billing system. Burton &
Associates has completed similar rate structure studies of Orange county utilities, the City of
Fort Myers and Bonita Springs Utilities, Inc. This study will recommend a billing restructure for
City Commission review and approval.
In response to a question, Public Utilities Director Kevin Becotte said the proposed
study differs from earlier ones. The City needs to promote water conservation and consider
reclaimed water uses. The City is considering capping the sewer rate as some customers
have irrigation uses. Robert Lockridge, of Burton & Associates, said the study will determine
increases necessary to meet the cost of the system and determine the cost of service. The
database billing system will be examined for equability. He estimated the study will take 4
months.
In response to a question, Mr. Becotte said staff does not have the expertise to perform
this study. The study must consider water conservation, reclaimed water, consumption, etc.
Staff is working on reclaimed water rates in-house and will contact Burton & Associates if they
have questions.
mcc04a00 11 04/06/00
Commissioner Johnson moved to award a contract to Burton & Associates, Inc. in the
motion
amount of $49,870 for a water/sewer rate structure study. The was duly seconded.
Commissioners Johnson, Hooper, Hart and Mayor Aungst voted “Aye”; Commissioner Clark
carried
moved “Nay.” Motion .
Gulf to Bay Boulevard Median
ITEM #26 - Contract to Morelli Landscaping, Inc., for
Landscaping & Irrigation - Phase 3
- Court Street, from Highland Avenue to Missouri
PW
Avenue, plus one median east of Old Coachman Road, $211,967.03 ()
The project’s scope of work includes all labor, materials, equipment, supervision, MOT
(maintenance of traffic), transportation, and services necessary to dig, ball, burlap, and remove
ligustrum trees, remove sod and 12 inches of soil from median planting areas, backfill with
clean fill, and install landscaping and irrigation according to plans and specifications.
Warranties are one year for palms and 6 months for all other plant materials. The contractor
will provide maintenance up to 12 months, until the Parks & Recreation Department’s
maintenance contract begins.
The project will improve 4 medians on Court Street between Highland and Missouri
avenues, plus one median east of Old Coachman Road on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. Bid
quantities are based on FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) approved plans and
staff’s best estimate. Payment will be based on unit prices as bid. The 60-day project will
begin in late April.
It was felt contract costs are too high to upgrade only 0.7 mile of roadway. It was felt
the median east of Old Coachman should be addressed.
Commissioner Clark moved to award a contract for Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard median
landscaping & irrigation – Phase 3 – Court Street from Highland Avenue to Missouri
Avenue, plus one median east of Old Coachman Road (98-0152-EN) to Morelli
Landscaping, Inc., of Clearwater for the sum of $211,967.03, which is the lowest responsible
bid received in accordance with the plans and specifications and that the appropriate officials
motion
be authorized to execute same. The was duly seconded.
It was noted the medians at Keene Road will be removed for the widening project. It
was felt the beautification project has encouraged businesses to improve their landscaping. It
was suggested landscaping can be done less expensively.
Upon the vote being taken, Commissioners Clark and Hooper and Mayor Aungst voted
carried
“Aye”; Commissioners Johnson and Hart voted “Nay.” Motion .
CLK
ITEM #27 - Municipal Code Enforcement Board - 1 appointment ()
mcc04a00 12 04/06/00
motion
Commissioner Johnson moved to appoint Peter Caffentzis. The was duly
carried
seconded and unanimously.
ITEM #28 - Other Pending Matters - None.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
Ord. #6533-00
ITEM #29 - First Reading - Relating to Interim Proprietary and General Services
Fee; repealing Art. V, Ch. 29, Sec(s) 29.91-29.97, and amending Art. XX of Appendix A to
repeal said tax
The Florida Supreme Court recently determined the Interim Proprietary and General
Services Fee adopted by Collier County to be an unconstitutional tax. The City’s Interim
Proprietary and General Services Fee, in place since the 1980s, is substantially similar to the
Collier County ordinance. Following the Supreme Court decision and upon advice from the
Legal Department, the Budget Department has removed this revenue source from the General
budget starting in Fiscal 2000. The City incurs potential legal exposure by continuing to collect
this fee.
Commissioner Hart moved to repeal the City’s Interim Proprietary and General Services
motion carried
Fee. The was duly seconded and unanimously.
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6533-00 for first reading and read it by title
only. Commissioner Clark moved to pass Ordinance #6533-00 on first reading. The motion
was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Hart and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
Ord. #6535-00
ITEM #30 - First Reading - Relating to annexation, providing City of Clearwater
shall not annex property south of Belleair Road through the close of the 2001 Florida
Legislative Session
The City has agreed that it shall not annex property south of Belleair Road through the
close of the 2001 Florida Legislative Session. The City of Largo has agreed to pass a similar
ordinance agreeing not to annex property north of Belleair Road.
Commissioner Johnson moved to approve that the City of Clearwater shall not annex
property south of Belleair Road through the close of the 2001 Florida Legislative Session. The
motion carried
was duly seconded and unanimously.
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6535-00 for first reading and read it by title
only. Commissioner Johnson moved to pass Ordinance #6535-00 on first reading. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Clark, Hooper, Hart and Aungst.
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"Nays": None.
interlocal agreement
ITEM #31 - Approve with Largo re annexation issue
The City of Clearwater and City of Largo have agreed to an Interlocal Agreement
whereby each party agrees not to annex property across Belleair Road. Properties annexed
and served by Clearwater and properties annexed but not served by Clearwater south of
Belleair Road are identified. Properties annexed and served by Largo north of Belleair Road
also are identified. The cities agree their border is Belleair Road except on US 19N, where
Allen’s Creek serves as the boundary. The cities agree to seek a special act of the legislature
or Charter Amendment in Pinellas County to implement the line.
The Interlocal Agreement results from a joint meeting between the cities to discuss the
City of Clearwater’s lawsuit challenging Largo’s annexation of the 14-acre property on the
northwest corner of Belleair and Belcher roads. In the proposed settlement, the City of
Clearwater accepts Largo’s annexation of the 14-acre site. The cities will retain parcels
already annexed. The cities will agree to the firm line between the cities. Each city will pay its
own legal costs. Clearwater will dismiss its lawsuit against Largo.
Commissioner Hart moved to approve the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Largo
motion
regarding the annexation issue. The was duly seconded. Commissioners Johnson,
Clark, Hart and Mayor Aungst voted “Aye”; Commissioner Hooper voted “Nay.” Motion
carried
.
ITEM #32 - Other City Attorney Items
The City Attorney reported Eller Media will remove the remaining billboards within 60
days.
The City Attorney reported staff must notify the Supervisor of Elections by April 11,
2000, that the City plans a referendum on July 11, 2000. Referendum questions must be
submitted by the end of May.
In response to a question, the City Clerk said the Supervisor of Elections has indicated
July 11, 2000, is the latest the County can support an election before November. The City had
considered a mail ballot but constraints on the system negate its use. Space is inadequate on
the November ballot to consider municipal issues. It was noted the referendum cannot be
delayed until January 2001.
ITEM #33 - City Manager Verbal Reports - None.
ITEM #34 - Other Commission Action
Mayor Aungst stated he will be absent from the next City Commission meeting.
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Mayor Aungst questioned if an ordinance is needed to regulate watering restrictions
and recommended adopting County regulations, which allow those with wells to water twice a
week.
Consensus was to adopt County regulations.
Mayor Aungst said he participated today in the awarding of recycling awards at the
Harborview Center.
Mayor Aungst announced the Clearwater Phillies open their season tomorrow.
Mayor Aungst said the Commission will participate in Clearwater Neighborhoods Day
on Saturday.
Mayor Aungst thanked Commissioners for attending the recent new employee
orientation at the Martin Luther King Center.
Commissioner Hooper indicated Tampa International Airport has adopted a regional
position and added signage, also welcoming passengers to St. Petersburg and Clearwater.
Commissioner Hooper congratulated Commissioner Johnson on his appointment as
Vice Mayor.
Commissioner Johnson congratulated Commissioner Hooper for his 2 years of service
as Vice Mayor.
Commissioner Johnson questioned progress at 1970 Rainbow Drive. The City Attorney
will provide an update and the status of enforcement.
Commissioner Johnson questioned if SR 60, east of US 19N, is part of the National
Highway Beautification system. The City Attorney will provide an update and the status of
affected signs
Commissioners enjoyed their trip to Tallahassee to lobby for grants and legislation.
The City’s delegation of legislators was saluted. The City Clerk was thanked for her
organization of the trip.
ITEM #35 - Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:18 p.m.
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