06/15/2000CITY COMMISSION MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
June 15, 2000
Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner
J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
Ed Hooper Commissioner
Ed Hart Commissioner
A
bsent: Robert Clark 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. Commissioner Hart offered the invocation.
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
a) Employee of the Month
Carolyn Braaksma, Fire and Rescue, was presented the June 2000 Employee of the Month award.
b) Proclamation:
US Coast Guard Auxiliary Day – June 20, 2000
c) Proclamation: Recreation and Parks Month - July 2000
d) Proclamation: Code Enforcement Officers Appreciation Month - June 2000
ITEM
#5 - Presentations
a) Recognize Clearwater High School Winter Guard
The Mayor presented a certificate and the Clearwater High School Winter Guard was recognized for its accomplishments.
b)
Certificate of Appreciation to neighborhoods that participated in Celebrate Clearwater Neighborhood's Day
Certificates were presented to neighborhoods, which participated in Celebrate Clearwater Neighborhood’s Day on April 8, 2000: 1) Barbie Towers; 2) Bay Terrace/Addition; 3) Clearwater
Point Condominium Association; 4) Clearview Lake Estates Neighborhood Association; 5) County Club Estates – Eldridge Street Neighbors; 6) Druid Acres; 7) Greenwood Community Health Center;
8) Hillcrest neighborhood Association; 9) Islander Condo Association; 10) Islander Condo Association; 10) LaSalle Street Neighborhood Watch; 11) Morningside/Meadows Homeowners Association;
12) Northwood Estates Homeowners Association; 13) Northwood West Homeowners Association; 14) Old Clearwater Bay Neighborhood Association; 15) Salvation Army Hispanic Ministries; 16)
Skycrest neighborhood Association; 17) South Clearwater Citizens for Progressive Action; 18) Virginia Groves; and 19) Wood Valley Neighborhood Watch.
c) 6-month report of Neighborhood
Services Division
Neighborhood Services Manager Fredd Hinson said Neighborhood Services’ mission is to strengthen Clearwater’s neighborhoods by empowering residents to enhance their
quality of life and developing partnerships between the City and its neighborhoods. He reviewed staff efforts during the past 6 months and programs planned for implementation within
the next 6 months.
The Mayor thanked participating neighborhoods for their contributions to City revitalization.
d) Downtown Development Board - Request re Coachman Park
Glenn
Warren, DDB (Downtown Development Board) Chair, referenced his June 15, 2000, letter to the City Commission urging members to ensure that Coachman Park remain public land in perpetuity.
The DDB supports the de Guardiola/Renaissance Master Plan for downtown redevelopment.
Shirley Coachman Moravec reviewed the history of Coachman Park and indicated the park has never
been formally dedicated. She supports downtown redevelopment plans, including the contouring, the expansion of green space, and increased activities. She recommended the Commission
formally dedicate Coachman Park as a park to prevent any future construction on the land.
Consensus was for the City Attorney to draft a resolution indicating the City intends Coachman
Park to remain green space.
ITEM #6 - Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 1, 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
Rex Clark said the size of the Library has not been reduced and citizens are raising money to even further expand the size of the new main library.
Shirley Moran congratulated Lisa
Chandler for her efforts coordinating the successful BeachFest.
Rick Teal complimented staff for helping him make his redevelopment project successful.
Lisa Chandler thanked the
City for its support and reviewed Beachfest’s success. Profits will go to improved entertainment at Sunsets at Pier 60.
John Wiser complimented the East/West trail and recommended
a ban on the disposal of cigarette butts from vehicles.
John Doran complimented Kevin Becotte and Public Works staff for efforts related to the installation of reclaimed water on Clearwater
beach.
Jill Rommell, Bob Bickerstaffe, and Shirley Moran supported the July 11, 2000 referendum related to the master plan for downtown redevelopment.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ITEM #8 -
Public Hearing & First Reading Ord. #6552-00 - Vacating 40' r-o-w of Bay Avenue, lying N of Pinellas St. & S of north r-o-w line extended of Sadler St. together with 40' r-o-w of Sadler
St., lying E of Bay Ave. & W of Reynolds Ave., subject to retaining a drainage & utility easement over Bay Ave. (Morton Plant Mease Health Care, V00-07)(PW)
The applicant proposes
to use the right-of-way and adjacent properties to expand parking to support the proposed emergency room expansion. The applicant will pay for relocating City utilities within this
right-of-way. The applicant has agreed to accept ownership of all existing and abandoned sanitary sewer facilities remaining within the vacated Bay Avenue right-of-way. Two City-owned
water mains will remain in the vacated Bay Avenue right-of-way, which will be retained as a 40-foot drainage and utility easement.
GTE and Time Warner have no objection. Florida Power
and GTE Media Ventures have expressed no objection contingent upon Morton Plant Mease Health Care’s purchase of the property at 1215 Bay Avenue. The hospital has reached an agreement
with the property owner to purchase the property.
Commissioner Hart moved to approve the applicant’s request to vacate the 40-foot right-of-way of Bay Avenue lying north of Pinellas
Street and south of the north right-of-way line extended of Sadler Street together with the 40-foot right-of-way of Sadler Street lying east of Bay Avenue and west of Reynolds Avenue,
subject to retaining a 40-foot drainage and utility easement over Bay Avenue, and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded. Commissioners
Johnson, Hooper, and Hart voted “Aye.” Mayor Aungst was absent. Motion carried.
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6552-00 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Johnson moved to pass Ordinance #6552-00 on first reading. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Hooper, Hart and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
Absent: Clark
Public Hearing - Second Reading Ordinances
ITEM #9 - Ord. #6526-00
- comprehensive amendments to the Community Development Code
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6526-00 for second reading and read it by title only.
Six citizens expressed
concerns regarding proposed changes and suggested alternatives, including a reconsideration of temporary yard signs, First Amendment Protection, telecommunication tower height, Transfers
of Development Rights, etc.
Consensus was for the City Commission to consider issues related to window signage and parking on the grass in July, with second reading scheduled for
August 2, 2000. Only minor changes can be considered after first reading is approved.
Commissioner Hart requested limits on the Transfer of Development rights be reconsidered.
There was no consensus to do so.
Discussion ensued regarding signage on businesses set back from the road. Staff will bring forward ideas regarding this issue.
Discussion ensued
regarding regulation of portable storage units with consensus expressed regarding the need to distinguish between residential and commercial locations and allowing small signs on two
sides of a unit.
Consensus was to consider further issues related to portable storage units in July.
Commissioner Hooper moved to amend Ordinance #6526-00 as follows: 1) delete
reference to portable storage units in Section 3-903(A) and 2) add sentence to Section 3-1205(D)(2) Tree Replacement for single family and two family properties to read, “This
does
not exclude compliance with Section 3-1205(B) Criteria for issuance of a removal permit, which may result in the number of trees in excess of the minimum required. The motion was duly
seconded. Commissioners Johnson and Hooper and Mayor Aungst voted “Aye”; Commissioner Hart voted “Nay.” Motion carried.
Commissioner Hooper moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6526-00
as amended on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Hooper and Aungst.
"Nays": Hart.
Absent: Clark
Motion carried.
The City Commission recessed from 7:41 to 7:59 p.m.
ITEM #10 - Ord. #6549-00 - Annexation (&
redefining boundary lines of City to include said addition), 1721 Coachman Plaza Dr. (proposed), Sec. 5-29-16, M&B 33.052 (Superstar Tire Store of Clearwater, Inc., A00-11)
The City
Attorney presented Ordinance #6549-00 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hooper moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6549-00 on second and final reading. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Hooper, Hart and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
Absent: Clark.
ITEM #11 - Ord. #6550-00 - Land Use Plan Amendment
to Residential/Office/Retail, 1721 Coachman Plaza Dr. (proposed), Sec. 5-29-16, M&B 33.052 (Superstar Tire Store of Clearwater, Inc., A00-11)
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6550-00
for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hart moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6550-00 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call,
the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Hooper, Hart and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
Absent: Clark.
ITEM #12 - Ord. #6551-00 - Commercial Zoning, 1721 Coachman Plaza Dr. (proposed), Sec. 5-29-16,
M&B 33.052 (Superstar Tire Store of Clearwater, Inc., A00-11)
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6551-00 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Johnson moved
to pass and adopt Ordinance #6551-00 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Hooper, Hart and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
Absent: Clark.
ITEM #13 - Ord. #6554-00 - Land Use Plan Amendment to Residential/Office Limited, 2750 Sunset Point Rd., The Elks, portion of Lot 1 (BPOE Lodge 1525 /
Cornerstone Communities, Inc., Z00-03)
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6554-00 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hooper moved to pass and adopt Ordinance
#6554-00 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Hooper, Hart and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
Absent: Clark.
ITEM
#14 - Ord. #6555-00 - Office Zoning, 2750 Sunset Point Rd., The Elks, portion of Lot 1 (BPOE Lodge 1525 / Cornerstone Communities, Inc., Z00-03)
The City Attorney presented Ordinance
#6555-00 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Johnson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6555-00 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and
upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Hooper, Hart and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
Absent: Clark.
ITEM #15 - Ord. #6560-00 - granting FPL FIberNet, L.L.C. a franchise to provide
telecommunications services to business customers in the City of Clearwater
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6556-00 for second reading as amended and read it by title only.
Commissioner Hooper moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6556-00 as amended, by adding to the last sentence of Sec. 6(A):”of the prorated portion of the per-mile fee up to the date that
payment pursuant to subsection (B) commenced,” on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Hooper, Hart and Aungst.
"Nays":
None.
Absent: Clark.
ITEM #16 - Readopt - Ord. #6561-00 - Relating to utilities; amending Sec. 32.159 (water use restrictions, enforcement, penalties) to conform with Pinellas County regulations during times
of declaration of water shortage condition or emergency
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6561-00 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hart moved to pass
and readopt Ordinance #6561-00 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Hooper, Hart and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
Absent:
Clark.
ITEM #17 - Ord. #6562-00 - increasing domestic water, lawn water & wastewater collection utility rates by 6.6% beginning 7/1/00
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6562-00
for second reading and read it by title only.
One citizen spoke in opposition to the utility fee increase.
Commissioner Hart moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6562-00 on second
and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Hooper, Hart and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
Absent: Clark.
ITEM #18 - Ord. #6563-00
- Amending Ch. 2 Administration, Art. V Employee Benefits, Div. 3 Employees' Pension Plan; amending Sec(s) 2.393, 2.395, 2.396, 2.397, & 2.398
The City Attorney presented Ordinance
#6563-00 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hooper moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6563-00 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and
upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Hooper, Hart and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
Absent: Clark.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
CONSENT AGENDA (Items #19-32) – Approved as submitted.
ITEM #19 - Approval of Purchases & Declaration of Surplus per Purchasing Memorandum:
1) Atlantic Ford Truck Sales Inc., two 2000 Sterling LT7500 dump trucks (replacements), $130,162;
financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (GS)
2) Florida Green Resources, 1st of 2 renewal options, cypress wood chips, 8/1/00-7/31/01, estimated $50,000
(PR)
3) Hustler Turf Equipment of Florida, six Excell Hustler 3200 Z riding mowers with attachments (replacements), $64,649.62; financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase
Agreement (GS)
4) R & S Lawn Service, lot clearing, 6/16/00-6/30/01, estimated $50,000 (PLD)
5) Sprint Telephone of Florida, citywide PBX maintenance, 6/16/00-4/30/01, estimated $70,000
(SBS)
6) Dell Marketing L.P., one Power Edge 4400 server, $15,640; financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (SBS)
7) Declare surplus to City needs, gas
materials; authorize disposal through trade-in, sale or transfer to Solid Waste
ITEM #20 - Approve payment of attorney fees & applicable costs of attorneys William Yanger, Chris Smith,
and Richard Sicking for representation of Judi Acker, Larry Hahn, and Terrence Rowe, amount to be determined by a Judge of Compensation Claims, not to exceed $150,176.93 (FN)
ITEM #21
- Agreement with Bank of America to serve as City's financial advisor for 1-year period (FN)
ITEM #22 - Joint Project Agreement with Pinellas County, relocate natural gas mains during
County Project - improvement of Klosterman Road, US Alt19 to US 19N, estimated $185,000 (SBS)
ITEM #23 - Approve use of $500,000 of Pennies II funding for expansion of Countryside
Recreation Center by approximately 4250 square feet. (PR)
ITEM #24 - Contract to Welch Tennis Courts, Inc., construct 8 clay tennis courts at McMullen Tennis Complex, $454,813.82, including
alternates # 2, 4, 5, 15, 16, 18, 20, & 21 and 10% allowed for contingencies; approve subsequent change order deduct in the amount of $70,698.42 for revised contract cost of $384,115.40;
approve transfer of $155,513 from other CIPs at third quarter (PR)
ITEM #25 - Approve recommendations for Special Events Grant Funding Program, granting total of $52,700 to 10 non-profit
organizations for new special events or enhancements to existing special events to be held in Clearwater in 2000-2001 (QOL)
ITEM #26 - Work Order to Tampa Bay Engineering (Engineer of Record), complete State mandated Contamination Assessment at Clearwater Head Start facility, $24,500 (PW)
ITEM #27 - Appoint
Commissioner Johnson to represent Commission as Canvassing Board re 7/11/00 Special Referendum Election (CLK)
ITEM #28 - Approve Master Consulting, Software License and Annual Software
Support Agreements with Identitech, Inc., to implement & support Phase I of an Integrated Document Management System to include imaging, workflow & document management, estimated $248,988
plus travel expenses not to exceed $13,000; award contract to Dell Computer Corporation for associated hardware, estimated $116,000; authorize lease purchase of $313,510 in costs that
qualify for lease purchase under the City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement (CLK)
ITEM #29 - Drainage & Utility Easement and Blanket Water & Gas Utilities Easement (Clearwater Housing
Authority - Jasmine Court apartments)(CA)
ITEM #30 - Authorization for Settlement - Blunt vs. City (CA)
ITEM #31 - Increase contract with CYCOM Data Systems, Inc., for purchase of
additional Time Accounting module & installation, implementation and maintenance of CityLaw Case Management and Administrative Support System software, $28,500 for purchase, installation
& implementation, and $4,840 for 1st year's maintenance & support; total $33,340 (CA)
ITEM #32 - Florida League of Cities - designate Commissioner Hart as voting delegate for annual
conference 8/10-12/00
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 #33 – Mid-Year Budget Review
The General Fund reflects a $805,310 net increase at mid year and includes the $700,000
distribution of unappropriated returned earnings of the General Fund to support the City Commission approved Downtown development project. The balance also includes Occupational License
and building permit fee increases, also approved in April.
Significant amendments to Enterprise Funds: 1) Stormwater Fund – revenues reflect anticipated interest earnings of $265,190
on construction bond proceeds and expenditures recognizing debt service costs on the bonds; 2) Gas Fund - revenues and expenditures reflect
increased cost of natural gas passed directly to customers increasing anticipated revenues by $322,000 and increasing related operating revenues by $220,000; 3) Solid Waste Fund – anticipated
revenue increase of $234,000 is due to increased roll-off revenues, compactor rentals, and interest earnings, and will more than offset operating expenditure increases; 4) Recycling
Fund – increases in the sale of recyclables offset increased salary obligations and unanticipated equipment repairs; 5) Parking Fund – appropriated $29,630 of retained earnings provided
bus and ferry service to the beach; 6) Marina Fund – increase in gas and oil inventory purchases offset by increased fuel sales; 7) Internal Services Funds – amendment for Clearwater
Customer Support acknowledges $1.5-million loan from Central Insurance Fund to purchase utility billing/customer information and transfer to the Capital Improvement Fund to fund this
project; 8) Capital Improvement Fund – Commission previously approved most of the $1,263,205 increase to include a $786,428 fire engine and $700,000 to establish a project for expenditures
of the Downtown Development project. Amendments not approved by the Commission include transfer of savings from closing the Municipal Services Building project to fund construction
of the Sand Key Engine Shelter and other fire projects totaling $139,400, a Human Resources evaluation system for $40,000, and $50,000 for repairs at Jack Russell Stadium; and 9) Special
Program Fund – increase of approximately $1.4-million, of which almost $1.2-million recognizes award of the COPS MORE ’98 grant award recognized by the City Commission last fall, and
other grants, primarily for Parks & Recreation summer camps. Balance reflects receipts of court forfeiture proceeds for Police programs, and receipt of sales process, and donations
for special events.
Corrections have been made to the Gas Fund Operations. The fund is in line with budgeted expenditures.
Commissioner Johnson moved to approve the Mid-Year
Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2000. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
a) First Reading Ord. #6567-00 - Amending Operating Budget for
Fiscal Year ending 9/30/00
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6567-00 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hooper moved to pass Ordinance #6567-00 on first
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Hooper, Hart and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
Absent: Clark
b) First Reading Ord. #6568-00
- Amending Capital Improvement Program Report and Budget for Fiscal Year ending 9/30/00
Commissioner Hooper moved to amend the Mid-Year Capital Improvement Program Budget for Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2000. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6568-00 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hooper moved to pass Ordinance #6568-00 on first reading. The motion was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Hooper, Hart and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
Absent: Clark
ITEM #34 - Res. #00-25 - endorsing application of Project
00-0522 and committing City to refund 10% of eligible tax refund upon certification by Enterprise Florida (re Qualified Target Industry (QTI) Tax Refund Program)(ED)
To encourage growth
of Florida’s high-wage, value-added employment, the Florida Legislature created Florida Statutes, Section 288.106, the QTI (Qualified Target Industry) Tax Refund Program. The law authorizes
Enterprise Florida to accept, review, and approve applications for tax refunds to qualified target industry businesses. A business receives a tax refund for each new job created.
Project
00-0522 wishes to expand its corporate headquarters to Clearwater and projects hiring 40 employees over the next 3 years. The requested QTI program tax refund may not exceed $8,000
per employee. A QTI business may not receive refund payments of more than 25% of the total eligible taxes paid by such business in any fiscal year.
The law requires 20% local financial
participation: 1) 10% - Clearwater and 2) 10% - Pinellas County. The City’s maximum funding will be $32,000 over 4 years. It is anticipated that this agreement will not have an immediate
fiscal impact. Staff will identify a funding source for FY (fiscal year) 2001/02. The applicant requests to remain anonymous.
Commissioner Johnson moved to endorse the application
of Project 00-0522 and commit the City to refund 10% of the eligible tax refund upon certification by Enterprise Florida and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
The City Attorney presented Resolution #00-25 and read it by title only. Commissioner Hart moved to pass and adopt Resolution
#00-25 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Hooper, Hart and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
Absent: Clark
ITEM #35 - Res. #00-15 - authorizing execution of Joint Participation Agreement with FDOT to design and construct 2 aircraft T-hangars & 1 corporate hangar at Clearwater
Airpark (MR)
FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) has agreed to provide 50% reimbursable funding for the $600,000 project to design and construct 3 hangars at Clearwater Airpark.
The City must pay for the project up front and then be reimbursed by FDOT to a limit of 50% of the project’s cost. The City will borrow $300,000 to provide matching dollars. The loan,
to be amortized over no more than 10 years, will be repaid from revenues generated from the Marine/Airpark Fund. Approval of the JPA (Joint Participation Agreement) sets up the mechanism
for 50% reimbursement of project costs up to $300,000. The item will return for Commission approval following the solicitation of bids.
The project will provide the Airpark the
financial stability it needs as an enterprise fund operation. The current waiting list for hangar space has 50 names. Tie-downs generate between $50 and $70/month per space. Enclosed
hangars, constructed in units of 10, generate $300 - $370/month per space. The Airpark has a demand for 2 corporate hangars, which generate between $750 and $900 per hangar and normally
hold 2 planes. The Airport Authority Advisory Board supports this part of the Airpark Master Plan. Staff has presented details of the Master Plan through 75% completion to the Airport
Authority Advisory Board, and at 2 neighborhood public meetings.
Commissioner Hart moved to authorize execution of a Joint Participation Agreement between the City and FDOT to design
and construct 2 aircraft T-hangars and one corporate hangar at Clearwater Airpark and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
The City Attorney presented Resolution #00-15 and read it by title only. Commissioner Johnson moved to pass and adopt Resolution #00-15 and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
"Ayes": Johnson, Hooper, Hart and Aungst.
"Nays": None.
Absent: Clark
ITEM #36 - Contract
to Steve's Excavating & Paving, Inc., Mandalay Avenue/Acacia Street Intersection Improvements, $305,523.05 (PW)
This project, at the intersection of Acacia Street and Mandalay Avenue
on Clearwater beach, will reconfigure the intersection into a one-lane roundabout, and features storm drainage pipe installation, utility relocation, sidewalk construction, landscaping,
irrigation, brick paver crosswalks, decorative signage, and street lighting. Project benefits: 1) traffic calming and safer environment for pedestrians and bicyclists; 2) safe U-turn
for tourists and those not wishing to enter the residential district; and 3) aesthetic demarcation of transition from the
tourist/commercial district to the residential district. The 150-day project will use the same streetscape design pallet as the Beach Entryway. Funding will be provided from the Intersection
improvement fund. In addition the Clearwater Beach Association donated $3,000 toward construction costs.
City Engineer Mike Quillen estimated costs related to beautification and
traffic calming approximate $170,000, and those related stormwater drainage approximate $140,000. Staff held two formal meetings with the Clearwater beach neighborhood in 1998 and 1999.
The Clearwater Beach Association has provided $3,000 toward the project.
Seven residents spoke in favor, stating this is a citizen driven project.
Commissioner Hart moved to
award a contract for Mandalay Avenue/ Acacia Street Intersection Improvements to Steve’s Excavating & Paving, Inc., for $305,523.05, which is the lowest responsible bid received in accordance
with the plans and specifications, and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #37 - Other Pending
Matters – None.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
ITEM #38 - Other City Attorney Items – None.
ITEM #39 - City Manager Verbal Reports
The City Manager said compliments related to Planning
& Development and Public Works staff are a result of staff’s dedication to public service and a lot of effort in making things work properly.
Regarding the July 11, 2000 referendum,
the City Manager reported $200,000 was budgeted for support of the referendum, of which approximately $120,000 will be spent on educational efforts using multiple media.
Ed Armstrong
reported the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce supports the referendum and has formed a committee of community leaders (Mayme Hodges, Arthonia Godwin, Judy Mitchell, Holly Duncan
and Fred Fisher) to provide reliable, current, and unbiased information to the public regarding the Downtown Redevelopment Plan.
The importance of educating the public regarding
the issues was noted. The public was encouraged to get accurate information and to participate in the referendum. Citizens were complimented for working to make Clearwater a better
place. A recent report regarding the economic impact of the Redevelopment Plan was referenced, indicating the conservative projects were positive.
ITEM #40 - Other Commission Action
Commissioner Johnson said Time Warner had awarded the local facility for being the best call center.
Commissioner Johnson said the Federal Highway department has released $2.7-million
to the City.
Commissioner Hooper invited residents to participate in City July 4th activities.
Commissioner Hooper encouraged citizens to vote in the July 11, 2000 referendum.
Commissioner
Hooper recommended beach parking garages be addressed soon.
Mayor Aungst said the Grand Opening of the new Clearwater beach aquatic center was well attended.
Mayor Aungst congratulated
the Royalty Theater on its opening and for the hard work on its revival.
Mayor Aungst thanked residents for inviting him to the Harbor Oaks neighborhood party at the Magnolia Street
dock.
Mayor Aungst thanked Lisa Chandler for her efforts, which helped make BeachFest a success.
Mayor Aungst reported he is traveling to Clearwater’s sister city, Nagano, Japan.
The Commission wished all a good vacation.
ITEM #41 - Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
________________________________
Mayor/Commissioner
ATTEST:__________
_______________________
City Clerk
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Mayor/Commissioner
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