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04/18/2002CITY COMMISSION MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER April 18, 2002 Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner Whitney Gray Commissioner Hoyt P. Hamilton Commissioner William C. Jonson Commissioner Frank Hibbard Commissioner Also present: William B. Horne II City Manager Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager Ralph Stone Assistant City Manager – arrived 6:45 p.m. Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The invocation was offered by Reverend Randy Morris. 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 – Introductions, Presentation, and Awards a) Service Awards One service award was presented to a City employee. Eleanor “Sissy” Scharf, Library, was presented the April 2002 Employee of the Month award. Proclamations: b) Municipal Clerks Week - April 28 -May 4, 2002 c) CPR Mass Training Day - April 27, 2002 d) Administrative Professionals Week - April 21-27, 2002 Administrative Professionals Day - April 24, 2002 e) Day of Prayer - May 2, 2002 f) EAB - Environmental Service Award to Parks and Recreation and Urban Forestry The Environmental Advisory Board presented the Environmental Service Award to the Parks & Recreation Department and Urban Forestry for their successful efforts protecting a mature stand of 12 live oak trees at Eddie C. Moore complex during recent improvements. g) Home and Neighborhood of the Quarter Presentation The Neighborhood of the Quarter award was presented to the Country Club Addition neighborhood. Home of the Quarter awards were presented to Jaime and Trisha Crosson of 1810 Cleveland Street, Karl and Shirley Shrock of 308 Engman Street, and Jeff and Diana Verdery of 1155 Charles Street. A Home of the Quarter award will be forwarded to Raul and Haydee Rivera of 1329 Whispering Pines Drive, who were not present. ITEM #4 - Approval of Minutes Commissioner Hamilton moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 4, 2002, as recorded and submitted in written summation by the City Clerk to each Commissioner. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #5 - Citizens to be heard re items not on the Agenda Jan Regulski and Glenn Garte, representing the Clearwater Main Library Foundation Capital Campaign, requested community involvement in raising $5-million. Messages from $5 donors will be included in a time capsule to be buried in the new library’ s patio. A Share the Memories party is scheduled for April 28, 2002. Duke Tieman looked forward to the Commissioners’ visit to his neighborhood on Saturday during Celebrate Clearwater Day. PUBLIC HEARINGS ITEM #6 - Public Hearing & First Reading Ord #6953-02 – Zoning Atlas Amendment for 101 South Old Coachman Road (Post Court, Lot 1 less the Northerly 920 ft, in Section 18-29S-16E) (Post Court / Keith Bricklemyer) Z 02-01-01 The subject 7.7-acre property is developed with a 108-unit multi-family development in four three-story buildings. This zoning change will bring an existing use into conformity with the Community Development Code. When developed in 1987, the property was zoned Limited Office was a conforming use. The new Community Development Code, adopted in 1999, reclassified the zoning to Office, which does not permit stand-alone multi-family developments. The Post Court Apartments are a legal non-conforming use. The site has a Future Land Use Plan designation of Residential/Office General. The proposed Medium Density Residential (MDR) is consistent with this plan category. This zoning district permits 15 dwelling units per acre. The site is developed with 14 units per acre. The applicant owns a multi-family residential complex adjacent to the north, which also is zoned MDR. The proposal rezoning will bring the applicant’s entire property under the same zoning district. The Community Development Board (CDB) unanimously recommended approval. The proposed rezoning is consistent with the standards specified in the Community Development Code. Commissioner Hamilton moved to approve a Zoning Atlas Amendment from Office (O) District to Medium Density Residential (MDR) for property at 101 south Old Coachman Road, consisting of Post Court, Lot 1 less the Northerly 920 ft, in Section 18-29S-16E. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6953-02 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Jonson moved to pass Ordinance #6953-02 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, Hibbard and Aungst. "Nays": None. ITEM #7 - Public Hearing & First Reading Ord #6950-02, 6951-02, 6952-02 – Annexation, Land Use Plan and Zoning Atlas Amendments for 3010 Grandview Avenue (Kapok Terrace, Lot 11 and a portion of Lot 12, in Section 09-29S-16E) (Thao & Vui Nguyen) ANX 02-01-01 The applicant has requested annexation for 3010 Grandview Avenue to obtain City water and sewer services so they can construct a single-family dwelling. A Land Use Plan designation of Residential Low and Zoning of Low Medium Density Residential have also been requested. Staff has determined the proposed annexation land use plan amendment and rezoning applications are consistent with Code standards. The CDB unanimously recommended approval. This annexation has been reviewed by the Pinellas Planning Council (PPC) and Pinellas County staff according to the provisions of the County Ordinance No. 00-63, section 7(1-3), and no objections have been received from these offices. Long Range Planning Manager Gina Clayton reported records indicate no repetitive loss has occurred due to flooding or sinkholes on Grandview Avenue. The subject property’s elevation is approximately 15 feet higher than Friendly Village of Kapok Mobile Home Park. Commissioner Gray moved to approve the Petition for Annexation, Land Use Plan Amendment to Residential Low, and Zoning Atlas Amendment to Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) for 3010 Grandview Avenue at Kapok Terrace, Lot 11 and a portion of Lot 12, in Section 09-29S-16E. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6950-02 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hibbard moved to pass Ordinance #6950-02 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, Hibbard and Aungst. "Nays": None. The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6951-02 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance #6951-02 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, Hibbard and Aungst. "Nays": None. The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6952-02 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Jonson moved to pass Ordinance #6952-02 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, Hibbard and Aungst. "Nays": None. ITEM #8 - Public Hearing & First Reading Ord #6928-02 – Community Development Code Amendments. PLD A list of the proposed amendments to the Community Development Code was presented to the City Commission at the January 7, 2002, Work Session. The Commission provided direction on issues including transfer of development rights, vending machines, and tree replacement requirements, and directed staff not to include certain amendments. On February 21, 2002 the Commission deferred action on the ordinance so staff could provide additional information on several proposed provisions. On April 1, 2002, the Commission discussed portable storage units, sign height, and vending machine signage and requested further information regarding portable storage units and signage. The CDB held public meetings on February 19 and March 19, 2002 and a Work Session on April 3, 2002. At the Work Session, the CDB reached consensus on limiting bay window extensions into required setbacks to 24 inches. The CDB requested further clarification on the proposed Hearing Officer Appeal language, discussed proposed revisions to the maximum sign area permitted through the Comprehensive Sign program (Section 91), and discussed changing the proposed 5% of building façade maximum to 6% for attached signage. No consensus was reached on signage and discussion was continued on April 16, 2002. On March 7, 2002, the PPC (Pinellas Planning Council) determined the proposed amendments are consistent with the Countywide Rules. Planning Director Cyndi Tarapani reviewed changes recommended to Ordinance #6928-02 by the City Commission on April 15, 2002: 1) Comprehensive Sign Program – Height of Freestanding Signs – Section 90. Article 3. Division 18. Comprehensive Sign Program. 1807.C Flexibility Criteria is hereby amended: 2. The height of all freestanding signs proposed through the comprehensive sign program shall relate to the design of the sign and shall not exceed 14 feet in height; 2) Comprehensive Sign Program – Number, Size, and Location of Signs – Section 92. Article 3. Division 18. Comprehensive Sign Program. Section 3-1807.C. is hereby amended by adding subsection 3-1807.C.9. Number, size and Location of Signs as follows: 9. Number, Size and Location of Signs: When considering the number, size, and location of freestanding and attached signs, the Community Development coordinator shall consider: overall size of site, relationship between the building setback and sign location, frontage, access and visibility to the site, intended traffic circulation pattern, hierarchy of signage, scale and use of the project, and submittal of a master sign plan for the development parcel/project; and 3) Protection of Specimen Tree Stands - Section 56. Article 3. Division 12. Landscaping/Tree Protection. Section 3-1205.B.2. is hereby amended: a. The condition and location of the protected tree, specimen tree stand, or palm with respect to species, tree structure, competition, disease, insect attack, or danger of falling, proximity to existing or proposed structures and interference with utility services. B. Protected trees, specimen tree stands, and palms shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible and reasonable flexibility in the design of permitted uses shall be granted, within the parameters of the zoning district within which the property is located, in order to ensure such preservation. Ms. Tarapani reviewed changes recommended by the CDB to Ordinance #6928-02: 1) Roof Overhang Proposed Language Amendment - add new section to ordinance; Section 49A. Article 3. Division 9. General Applicability Standards. Section 3-908 Permitted encroachments into setbacks and over street rights-of-way is hereby amended as follows: D. Balconies, decks, bay windows, and similar features that linearly extend 50% or less of the width of the building wall to which they are attached shall be permitted to extend into a required set back area not more than 24 inches, provided that through access is not obstructed; 2) Hearing Office Appeal Proposed Language Amendment – revised proposed Section 105 of the Ordinance by amending Code Section 4-505.A-C: Section 105. Article 4. Division 2. Applications for Development Approval. Section 4-505 CDB appeals is hereby amended: A. Upon receipt of a notice of appeal regarding decisions set out in Section 4-501(B), the hearing officer shall, in concert with the city clerk, establish a timely date and hour and location for hearing to consist solely of: 1. Reception of the record before the CDB and 2. Oral argument. The city clerk shall give notice of the hearing to the appellant, applicant, City, and any person granted party status by the CDB. B. At the hearing, the record before the CDB shall be received by the hearing officer. Additionally, oral argument may be presented by the appellant, applicant, City, and any person granted party status by the CDB. The burden shall be upon the appellant to show that the decision of the CDB cannot be sustained by the evidence before the board, or that the decision of the board departs from the essential requirements of law. C. The persons entitled to present oral argument as set forth in subjection B, above may submit proposed final orders to the hearing officer within 20 days of the hearing. The hearing officer shall render a decision within 45 days of the hearing. The decision of the hearing officer shall include findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a determination approving, approving with conditions, or denying the requested development application. The decision of the hearing officer shall be final, subject to judicial review by common law certiorari to the circuit court. The filing of a petition for certiorari stays the decision of the hearing officer pending the final determination of the case. Add new section to the ordinance revising Code Section 5-1003: Section Article 5, Division 10. Hearing Officer. Section 5-1003 is hereby amended as follows: Section 5-1003 Procedures. All hearings conducted by a hearing officer on behalf of the city shall be conducted in accordance with section 4-505; 3) Section 3-1803. Prohibited Signs – Add new section to the Ordinance that deletes Code Section 3-1803.U Prohibited Signs: Article 3. Division 18. Signs. Section 3-1803. Prohibited Signs is hereby amended by deleting subsection 3-1803.U referencing temporary window signs in residential districts and relettering subsequent subsections as appropriate; 4) Corrected Title for Section 45A or Ordinance – Revise title of Section 45a of the Ordinance: Section 45a. Article 3. Division 8. Fences and Walls. Section 3-804.F. is hereby amended as follows: and; 5) Comprehensive Sign Program – Section 3-1807.C. and 3-1807.C.9 – Revise formulas for calculating amount of signage permitted through the Comprehensive Sign Program in proposed Code Section 3-1807.C.4 and combine with the proposed criteria for determining number, size, and location of signs proposed in code Section 3-1807.C.9. Section 91. Article 3. Division 18. Comprehensive Sign Program. Section 3-1807.C. Total Area of Sign Faces is hereby amended: 4. Total area of sign faces. The maximum sign area permitted through a comprehensive sign program shall be regulated: i. Attached signs - The maximum area permitted is up to 5% of the building façade to which the sign is to be attached. ii. Freestanding signs - The maximum area permitted is up to two times the total area of sign faces as calculated by the street frontage or building façade in methods in 1806.B.1.c.i. and ii., whichever is less. Section 92. Article 3. Division 18. Comprehensive Sign Program. Section 3-1807.C. is hereby amended by adding subsection 3-1807.C.9. Number, Size, and Location of Signs as follows: 9. Number, Size, and Location of Signs: When considering the number, size, and location of freestanding and attached signs, the Community Development coordinator shall consider: overall size of site, relationship between the building setback and sign location, frontage, access and visibility to the site, intended traffic circulation pattern, hierarchy of signage, and submittal of a master sign plan for the development parcel/project. Recommended Change – Delete Section 92 from the Ordinance and revise Section 91: Section 91. Article 3. Division 18. Comprehensive Sign Program. Section 3-1807.C Total Area of sign Faces is hereby amended: 4. Height, Area, Number, and Location of Signs. The height, area, number, and location of signs permitted through the comprehensive Sign Program shall be determined by the Community Development coordinator based on the following criteria: overall size of site, relationship between the building setback and sign location, frontage, access and visibility to the site, intended traffic circulation pattern, hierarchy of signage, and submittal of a master sign plan for the development parcel/project. Additionally, the maximum permitted sign area shall be based on the following formula when evaluated against the above criteria: i. Attached signs – The maximum area permitted for attached signage shall range from 1% up to a maximum of 6% of the building façade to which the sign is to be attached. ii. Freestanding signs – The maximum permitted area of all freestanding signs on a site shall not exceed the range of sign area permitted by street frontage or building façade calculation methods set forth in Section 1806.B.1.c.i. and ii. In response to a question, Ms. Tarapani said CDB recommended changes related to appeals to hearing officers reflect board member concerns that witnesses appearing before the hearing officer but not before the CDB could alter a decision. She said party status is awarded to those affected by a project. In response to a question, she said staff had not presented City Commission recommended changes related to signs to the CDB. In response to a question, she said to obtain the maximum freestanding signage permitted, a developer would have to identify a development’s main entrance and negotiate the location and number of signs. Two persons spoke in support of proposed changes to the sign ordinance. It was recommended signage approval for small business be streamlined and less expensive. In response to a question, Ms. Tarapani said sign contractors educate many small business owners. She recommended against changing proposed language, as the number of business owners affected by the proposal is small. In response to a question, attorney Tim Johnson reported Ed Armstrong is recovering from surgery and is scheduled for a kidney transplant on May 28, 2002. In response to a question, Ms. Clayton said the height of interior signs is not regulated if they cannot be seen from adjacent properties or rights-of-way. It was noted the maximum height is 6 feet. Concern was expressed directional signs are more important when a significant number of trees are in place, blocking vistas. Photographs of directional signs were presented, with some taller than 8 feet. Flexibility regarding this issue was recommended. Staff was complimented and thanked for their work on this issue. In response to a suggestion that Clearwater’s sign code reflect limits in the County Code, it was noted the County has begun work to amend its sign code. It was felt the proposed changes reflect a good balance between business needs and aesthetics. It was noted staff will not make sign decisions in a vacuum. It was noted the proposed limits are smaller than allowed in 1997. It was recommended a cap on the size of signage be established. Commissioner Jonson moved to amend Ordinance #6928-02, Section 91. Article 3. Division 18. paragraph 4 to read “The maximum sign area permitted through a comprehensive sign program shall be regulated as follows: i. Attached signs - The maximum area permitted is up to 5% of the building façade to which the sign is to be attached up to 150 feet. However, the size may be increased based on the setback from the right-of-way as follows: 100 feet to 200 feet x.25 (187), 200 feet to 300 feet x.75 (262), and greater than 300 x.125 (337) and ii. Freestanding signs - The maximum area permitted is up to two times the total area of sign faces as calculated by the street frontage or building façade in methods in 1806.B.1.c.i. and ii., whichever is less, however, not to exceed 150 feet. The motion was duly seconded. It was felt the maximum attached signage of 500 square-feet would be too large for the Sam’s Club façade. It was stated staff is sensitive to community standards and would not approve a sign that large. It was agreed staff needs to be provided leeway when making these decisions. Ms. Tarapani said establishing a maximum would disproportionately impact larger buildings and developments. A 150 square-foot sign would be too small for Dillard’s. The City Manager said during the past two years staff has reviewed feedback regarding the sign code and determined the code is too restrictive and rigid. He said recommended changes remain faithful to the goals and objectives the City is trying to accomplish. Upon the vote being taken, Commissioner Jonson voted “Aye”; Commissioners Gray, Hamilton, Hibbard, and Mayor Aungst voted “Nay.” Motion failed. Commissioner Jonson moved to amend Ordinance #6928-02, Section 91. Article 3. Division 18. paragraph 4 to read “The maximum sign area permitted through a comprehensive sign program shall be regulated as follows: i. Attached signs - The maximum area permitted is up to 5% of the building façade to which the sign is to be attached up to 150 feet. However, the size may be increased based on the setback from the right-of-way as follows: 100 feet to 200 feet x.25 (187), 200 feet to 300 feet x.75 (262), and greater than 300 x.125 (337) unless approved by a majority plus one of the Community Development Board and ii. Freestanding signs - The maximum area permitted is up to two times the total area of sign faces as calculated by the street frontage or building façade in methods in 1806.B.1.c.i. and ii., whichever is less, however, not to exceed 150 feet unless approved by a majority plus one of the Community Development Board. There was no second. In regard to proposed changes to allow onsite use of portable storage units for 15 days following an emergency, with an additional 15 days available by request, it was stated the Commission had received only letters in opposition to the proposal from neighborhood leaders. Commissioner Jonson moved to delete Section 94 in amendment 4. There was no second. It was felt the City Commission is not disregarding what neighborhoods want but is addressing the needs of residents who experience emergencies. Only two similar emergencies have occurred in the past year. Sympathy was expressed for the victims of emergencies. Commissioner Jonson moved to approve the amendments to the Community Development Code recommended by Staff and The Community Development Board. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Commissioner Hamilton moved to approve Item #8 as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6928-02 for first reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance #6928-02 as amended on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, Hibbard and Aungst. "Nays": None. Public Hearing - Second Reading Ordinances ITEM #9 - Ord #6918-02, revising Appendix A, 5% increase in Occupational License Fees, Code of Ordinances. Commissioner Gray moved to amend Ordinance #6918-02, page 10, as follows: Appendix A-SCHEDULE OF FEES, RATES AND CHARGES XXVIII. OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE FEES, 091.000, RENTAL, UNITS is amended to read as follows: 091.000 RENTAL, UNITS (1-5) 28.75 Plus, per unit over 5 1.60. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. One citizen spoke stating while raising fees is a concern regarding the effect on retail merchants, this change is minimal. A larger concern regarding the need to address the structure of occupational licenses will be taken to the State Legislature. The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6918-02 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hibbard moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6918-02 as amended on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, Hibbard and Aungst. "Nays": None. Item #10 - Ord # 6984-02 approving new gas utility rates to become effective for all billings on or after May 1, 2002. The City Attorney presented Ordinance #6984-02 for second reading and read it by title only. Commissioner Hamilton moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #6984-02 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, Hibbard and Aungst. "Nays": None. CITY MANAGER REPORTS CONSENT AGENDA (Items #11-25) - Approved as submitted. Consent Agenda items require no formal public hearing and are subject to approval by a single motion. However, any City Commissioner or the City Manager may remove an item from the Consent Agenda for discussion and individual vote. ITEM #11 - Approval of Purchases per Purchasing Memorandum: 1) Purchase compactor containers during the contract period May 1, 2002 through April 30, 2003 for $80,000. SW 2) Service contract for grounds maintenance during the contract period May 1, 2002 through April 30, 2003 for $71,524. PR 3) Work order for preliminary design report for the force main and gravity sewer improvements, phase I for $96,760. PW 4) Work order for short term storm water management plan, phase I for $88,920. Public Works ITEM #12 - Approve construction authorization for the new Main Library to Turner Construction Company in an amount not to exceed $1,466,426. LIB ITEM #13 - Approve release of funds from the Marina enterprise fund, in the amount of $50,000, for Clearwater Marina Aquarium improvements. MR ITEM #14 - Approve the transfer of $74,000 of funds from Recreation Facility Impact Fees collected on Sand Key by Parks and Recreation, into a new CIP for improvements at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center and to increase security at the Sand Key Beach to the North of the Sailing Center. MR ITEM #15 - Approve agreement in the amount of $26,400 with Pinellas Cares, Inc. for provision of a Homeless Shelter Bed Hotline. PD ITEM #16 - Approve a work order for consultant services in the amount of $67,995 to Parsons Engineering Science, Inc. for preparation of construction plans and permitting for the Bayshore Blvd., SR 60 intersection. Public Works ITEM #17 - Approve the final plat for Belcher and Nursery Development located in the Southeast corner of Belcher Road and Nursery Road. Public Works ITEM #18 - Approve the final plat for Colonial Village Park located along the East side of McMullen-Booth Road and approximately 0.26 miles South of Drew Street. Public Works ITEM #19 - Approve the Local Agency Program (LAP) Supplemental Agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the Clearwater Beach West Bridge/Spur Connector construction phase, in the amount of $3,006,562. Public Works ITEM #20 - Authorize the sale of property known as the Atrium of BSF III-B LLC to the Wilder Corporation and authorize execution of a consent to this sale. City Attorney ITEM #21 - Elect Commissioner Gray to serve as Vice-Mayor. CLK ITEM #22 - Appoint Isay Gulley as "non-profit community based organization operating within the area" representative on the Enterprise Zone Development Agency and Continue the vacant seat for "Resident residing within Area." CLK ITEM #23 - Submerged Lands Easement - Sun Harbor Condominium Association, Inc. ITEM #24 - Submerged Lands Easement - Paschoalina C. Potter ITEM #25 - Authorize City Officials to execute and deliver a Termination and Release of Reverter regarding potential City of Clearwater interest in the Oak Cove and Oak Bluffs buildings. Commissioner Jonson 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 CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS ITEM #26 - Other City Attorney Items - None. ITEM #27- City Manager Verbal Reports a) Request from Pastor Harold Brooks The City Manager reported the permit for a tent revival at 910 Myrtle Avenue has expired. The Police Department, which has officers working with the event, has requested the permit be extended as the revival is serving a useful purpose. Pastor Harold Brooks stated more time is needed to positively impact the neighborhood. Commissioner Gray moved to approve an extension of time for the revival tent at 910 Myrtle Avenue to May 11, 2002, making a total of five weeks. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. City Clerk Cyndie Goudeau confirmed the Commission’s Visioning Session is at the Sailing Center on May 6, 2002 at 1:00 p.m. ITEM #28 - Commission Discussion Items - None. ITEM #29 - Other Commission Action Mayor Aungst reported a request for a City liaison for the BIGC (Barrier Island Governmental Council). Consensus was to appoint Commissioner Hamilton as the liaison with Commissioner Gray attending the April 24, 2002 meeting. Commissioner Hibbard stated this morning he had attended the breakfast for Metropolitan Ministries, which has exciting programs for the homeless and near homeless, mostly in Hillsborough County. Commissioner Hibbard invited residents to participate in this Saturday’s Celebrate Clearwater neighborhood gatherings. Commissioner Hibbard referenced today’s newspaper article regarding the budget process, and assured citizens the Commission is working diligently to retain services and keep taxes in check. Mayor Aungst said construction of the Roundabout and bridge is not costing additional tax monies. He said next year’s budget has been affected by large insurance cost increases related to September 11 and employee health plan increases. Commissioner Gray thanked staff for their response and help related to the Pinellas Cares 211 Operation Donation in early April. Commissioner Gray reported she had participated in interviewing students applying for the Sister City Student Exchange program to travel to Nagano, Japan. Nagano pays all expenses for the trip. Four students and one teacher will participate. Mayor Aungst thanked Commissioner Gray for her leadership in the Pinellas Cares 211 collection and representing the City well at the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization), by speaking up to retain City grant dollars. Commissioner Jonson reported on April 20, 2002 events: 1) Downtown cleanup begins at 8:00 a.m.; 2) the Community Response Team mobilization exercise for disaster response begins at 9:00 a.m.; 3) Celebrate Clearwater Neighborhoods begins at 10:00 a.m.; 4) the grand opening of new apartments on Tampa Bay is in the afternoon; 5) the NAACP Freedom Fund banquet, which he will attend as representative for the Commission, at the Harborview Center is in the evening; and 6) a Sunsets at Pier 60 concert also is in the evening. Commissioner Jonson and Mayor Aungst announced on April 27, 2002, Arbor Day, a tree giveaway is scheduled for Moccasin Lake Park at 9:00 a.m. Commissioner Hamilton and Mayor Aungst apologized for being unable to attend Celebrate Clearwater festivities on Saturday, as they will be out of town. Commissioner Hamilton stated last night he had attended the Pride Awards, which represented all elementary and middle schools in Pinellas County. He congratulated his son, Brad Hamilton, for being the top math student at Oak Grove Middle School. Mayor Aungst wished Commissioner Hamilton a great time on his second honeymoon. Mayor Aungst said on April 19, 2002, the Officer Friendly Jamboree is scheduled at Jack Russell Stadium at 10:00 a.m. Mayor Aungst said on April 20, 2002, the Clearwater Airpark Open House, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., will feature vintage aircraft, Police K-9s, skydiving, free hot dogs, and soda. Mayor Aungst said last weekend Mr. and Mrs. Countryside were honored. He congratulated Commissioner Jonson for being named Mr. Countryside. Commissioner Jonson congratulated the Mayor’s wife, Karen Aungst, for being named Mrs. Countryside and thanked the citizens who organized the event. ITEM #30 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.