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05/15/2003CITY COMMISSION MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER May 15, 2003 Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner Hoyt P. Hamilton Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Whitney Gray Commissioner William C. Jonson Commissioner Frank Hibbard Commissioner Also present: Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager Ralph Stone Assistant City Manager 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. Commissioner Hibbard offered the invocation. The Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance. ITEM #3 – Service Awards One service award was presented to a City employee. ITEM #4 – Introductions, Awards and Presentations a) Proclamations: Code Enforcement Officers Week June 2 - 7, 2003 Emergency Medical Services Week May 18 - 24, 2003 Safe Boating Week May 17 - 23, 2003 Pinellas County Government Appreciation Month May 2003 Tourism Week May 11 - 17, 2003 National Public Works Week May 18 - 24, 2003 b) Neighborhood awards for Quarter: 1) Neighborhood of the Quarter award was presented to the Morningside – Meadows neighborhood 2) Homes of the Quarter awards were presented to: a) Marcia Roth & Lucious Bonds – 1151 Jackson Road; b) Glen Papa and Cindy Marie Foret-Papas – 1537 Oakwood Street; c) Eula Williamson – 301 Lake Drive South; and d) Donald and Edith Ware - 1631 Greenlea Drive c) Neighborhood certificates for Clearwater Neighborhoods Day: Participation awards were presented to neighborhoods: 1) Carlouel; 2) Clearview Lake Estates; 3) Clearwater Beach; 4) Coachman Ridge; 5) Country Club Addition; 6) Del Oro Groves Estates; 7) Lake Belleview Community; 8) Morningside Meadows; 9) Northwood Estates; 10) Oak Grove Estates; 11) Old Clearwater Bay Neighbors; 12) Overbrook Park; 13) Skycrest Neighbors; 14) Virginia Groves; 15) Windsor Park; 16) Windsor Woods II; 17) Wood Valley Neighborhood Watch & Boys and Girls Club; 18) Wynwoods Landing; and 19) YWCA Hispanic Services. d) Solid Waste Association of North America Road-E-O competition awards For efforts at April 12, 2003 Road-E-O competition, awards were presented to: 1) Nick Fritz - 1st place - rear loader; 2) Mark Beery - 1st place - front loader; 3) John Murray - 1st place - automated side loader; 4) Rick Clark - 2nd place - roll-off truck; 5) Paul Wassen - 2nd place - tractor trailer; and 6) Bobby Lillico - Coach e) Public Communication Awards Two communicator awards were presented to the Public Communication Department. ITEM #5 – Approval of Minutes Commissioner Hamilton moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 1, 2003, as recorded and revised by the City Clerk and submitted to each Commissioner. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #6 – Citizens to be heard re items not on the Agenda: John Doran invited residents to participate in the Neighborhoods Conference at the North Greenwood Recreation Center on June 14, 2003, beginning at 8:00 a.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS ITEM #7 - Public Hearing & First Reading – Ord. # 7139-03 – Approve the applicant’s request to vacate the east 5 ft of the 10 ft drainage and utility easement lying along the west property line of Lot 76, Countryside Tract 5, (A.K.A. 3278 Pine Haven Dr.), less and except the south 5 ft thereof. (V2007-03 Maresh) (PW) The applicant is seeking approval of the vacation request to have more room on which to construct an in-ground swimming pool and deck. The Planning Department has no objections to the vacation request and the proposed swimming pool design meets Community Development Code requirements. Progress Energy, Time Warner Cable (Bright House), Verizon and Verizon Media Ventures have no objections to the vacation request. The City has no utilities in the easement portion proposed to be vacated and no future need for the easement portion is anticipated. Public Works Administration has no objections to the vacation request Commissioner Hamilton moved to approve the applicant’s request to vacate the east 5 feet of the 10-foot drainage and utility easement lying along the west property line of Lot 76, Countryside Tract 5, (A.K.A. 3278 Pine Haven Drive), less and except the south 5 feet thereof. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Ordinance #7139-03 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Commissioner Jonson moved to pass Ordinance #7139-03 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 and First Reading - Ord. # 7118-03, amending the public, education, and government access support payments from Verizon Media Ventures, Inc., cable television franchise originally granted under Ord. # 6046-96. (PC) Mayor Aungst recused himself. On June 20, 1996, the City adopted Ordinance #6046-96, granting a cable television franchise to GTE Media Ventures Incorporated (currently known as Verizon Media Ventures), a wholly owned subsidiary of GTE Corporation. The Ordinance granted the use of the City of Clearwater rights-of-way for a term of ten years. Appendix C of the Franchise Agreement requires Verizon to make annual payments in support of PEG (Public, Educational, and Government) Access Programming. Section C of Appendix C, provides that Verizon shall have the right to renegotiate with the City the amounts and manner in which Verizon funds support for PEG after the fourth anniversary of the effective date of the Franchise Ordinance if Verizon’s actual number of Subscribers in the City after such four-year period is below 12,500. Since Verizon’s actual number of Subscribers is below the four-year threshold of 12,500, on November 14, 2002, members of City staff met with representatives of Verizon to consider re-negotiating the level of PEG support payments made. On December 20, 2002, the City offered, and Verizon accepted, a reduced level of PEG support payments equivalent to the PEG support provided by the Time Warner/Advance Newhouse Partnership Cable Franchise to the City, currently $20,000. Through the first seven years of the franchise, the City received $525,000, of which $225,000 was turned over in the first 4 years of the agreement to Time Warner for the provision of public access services for Clearwater residents. The Public Communications Department used the $300,000 balance for equipment purchases to upgrade the system. Commissioner Gray moved to amend the public, education, and government access support payments from Verizon Media Ventures Inc., cable television franchise originally granted under Ordinance #6046-96. The motion was duly seconded. Commissioners Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, and Hibbard voted “Aye”; Mayor Aungst abstained. Motion carried. Ordinance #7118-03 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Commissioner Hibbard moved to pass Ordinance #7118-03 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None Abstained: Aungst Motion carried. CITY MANAGER REPORTS CONSENT AGENDA (Items #9-21) - Approved as submitted less Items #10 and #13. 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 #9 - Approval of Purchases per Purchasing Memo: 1) Sper Chemical, Clearwater, FL - copper corrosion control during period 7/14/03 through 7/31/06, including equipment and supplies for $500,000. (PU/Water) 2) American Water Services Underground Infrastructure, Clearwater, FL - storm pipe rehabilitation at Franklin St. and Garden Ave. for $63,356.25. (PW/Eng) ITEM #10 - See Page 5. ITEM #11 - Approve concepts regarding travel reimbursement and direct staff to prepare ordinance and policy including these concepts. (FN) ITEM #12 - Approve agreement between the Pinellas County School Board and the City of Clearwater for a term from 6/11/03 through 6/10/04 for the City to utilize Pinellas County school buses at a cost of $0.90 cents per mile plus $18.20 per hour, for a total estimated cost of $30,000. (PR) ITEM #13 - See page 7. ITEM #14 - Award a contract to The Bobcat Company of West Fargo, ND, for the purchase of one New 328D Mini Excavator, at a cost of $24,626, in accordance with Section 2.564 (1)(d), Code of Ordinances – DLA Federal Contract #SP0500-01-D-0086, and authorize lease purchase under the City’s Master Lease Purchase agreement. (PW) ITEM #15 - Establish a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project for Bio-Solids Treatment, to be funded through budget savings in other projects and approve the Parsons Engineering Science Work Order for Preliminary Engineering Services in the amount of $101,297. (PW) ITEM #16 - Award a contract to American Water Services Underground Infrastructure, Inc. in the amount of $533,030.52 for sanitary sewer line rehabilitation at various locations throughout the City of Clearwater, using the City of Largo Agreement For Sanitary Sewer and Stormwater Inversion Lining Contract dated October 1, 2002 in accordance with Section 2.564 (1)(d), Code of Ordinances. (PW) ITEM #17 - Approve a work order to TBE Group, Inc. (EOR) in the amount of $112,205 for utility relocation design services being performed in conjunction with the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) SR 55/US 19 (North of Sunset Point Rd. to South of Countryside Blvd.) roadway improvement project. (PW) ITEM #18 - Award a contract to Rockdale Pipeline, Inc. of Temple Terrace, Florida, for the Harbor Oaks Reclaimed Water Distribution System (01-0054-UT) construction contract in the amount of $3,488,357.40, which is the lowest responsible bid received in accordance with plans and specifications. (PW) ITEM #19 - Approve the Grant Award Agreement between the Florida Communities Trust and the City of Clearwater for the Kapok Wetland and Floodplain Restoration Project for management of the property. (PW) ITEM #20 - Authorize the City Attorney to allocate up to an additional $50,000 in the defense of the City and James Wood in the case of Palisano v. City, for a total amount of $175,000. (CA) ITEM #21 - Authorize settlement of Neiswander v. City of Clearwater, a due process case involving a demolition under the Unsafe Building Abatement Code, in the amount of $25,000. (CA) Commissioner Gray moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted, less Items #10 and #13, and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #10 - Approve the amendments to the FY2002/03 Consolidated Action Plan to reprogram $269,600 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership program funds to activities that conform to the City’s Five-Year Consolidated Planning Document. (ED/HSG) This program amendment will move funds from projects and activities that originally were funded in this and prior fiscal years. These funds will be reprogrammed from Economic Development and Rehabilitation projects, where the City had additional program income over actual expenditures, and from the City’s Housing Pool, where the City has allocated HOME Investment Partnership funds, to CSF (Community Service Foundation), which has not identified a project yet, plus from HOME funds that the City had allocated for New Rental Construction. This amendment also will allow staff to expend City CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds in a more expedient manner in order to meet expenditure and timeliness deadlines. Partners in Self-Sufficiency and CHIP (Clearwater Homeless Intervention Program) received allocations during the FY (Fiscal Year) 2002/03 funding cycle. Partners in Self-Sufficiency has requested an additional $25,000 to assist with the rehabilitation of the office they recently purchased using CDBG funds. CHIP has requested $300,000 in additional funds, of which the City will allocate $155,000 in HOME funds to assist with the acquisition and development of property to allow CHIP to construct a transitional housing facility adjacent to their current facility, and $50,000 towards the acquisition of property for their operations. The amendment also allocates $39,600 to the North Greenwood Community Health Resource Center to provide medical services to the North Greenwood community. Assistant Housing Director Howie Carroll reviewed proposed changes and said funding homeless projects is a priority in the Consolidated Action Plan. Five people spoke in opposition to funding the CHIP request and four people spoke in support. Police Chief Sid Klein, president of the CHIP Board of Directors, said Items #10 and #13 address funding transitional housing and the City’s annual contribution for operating funds. CHIP staff has considered other sites. He said the St. Vincent De Paul’s Soup Kitchen is properly zoned and has indicated it will not relocate, even if the Chip facility moves. He said since the CHIP facility was constructed, with a police substation, neighborhood crime has been reduced and property values have increased. He encouraged the Commission to continue the City’s 10-year efforts to address community homeless issues. In response to a question, Police Chief Klein said HEP (Homeless Emergency Program) primarily helps families and has little emergency shelter space, such as CHIP provides. The Salvation Army runs CHIP’s intervention program, important to stabilize those fresh off the street. In response to a suggestion, staff will review innovations at a shelter in Naples, Florida. He said representatives from major cities in the Southeast visit CHIP, as operations used elsewhere often do not work. The CHIP operation is small, but highly structured. Proposed funding is conditional on approval of the zoning change proposed for the facility. Mr. Carroll said the subject funds are earmarked for transitional housing for the homeless. If the zoning request fails but CHIP finds another appropriate location, the funds will be available for a year. In response to a question, the City Manager said the Homeless Task Force, an informal group, has targeted Downtown. Task Force feedback is scheduled for June 14, 2003. Assistant City Manager Ralph Stone said it is a coincidence this request for funds is scheduled for the same meeting as CHIP’s funding request. He said approval will not affect future CDB (Community Development Board) meeting decisions. Concern was expressed regarding photographs of people sleeping outdoors during the day. Police Chief Klein said CHIP shelter residents must work all day. Some participate in the daily outreach program when the shelter is full. Police Officers, responding to calls regarding vagrancy and similar crimes, revoke perpetrators’ CHIP and soup kitchen cards. Some vagrancy relates to day labor opportunities and bars and convenience stores that sell alcohol. Police Chief Klein said it is unfair to blame CHIP as the source of neighborhood problems. Police Chief Klein said last week he had discussed with the County locating an emergency shelter in an industrial area, but no funding sources have been identified. An emergency shelter, which is needed, could augment CHIP’s intervention program. Transitional housing is the third important phase to move people off the street. He recommended the Homeless Task Force review locating emergency shelters in industrial areas and work with the County on that issue. In response to a question, he said Clearwater Police Officers sometimes transport intoxicated individuals to the Turning Point in St. Petersburg, the only such shelter in Pinellas County. Considering the travel time involved, this option is not effective. A similar facility is needed for northern Pinellas County, but it should not be located near Downtown. It was stated the Turning Point works with approximately 3,000 clients annually. Police Chief Klein said many homeless individuals have drug, alcohol, and mental health problems. In response to a question, the City Manager said the CDB will consider CHIP’s zoning request in July. In response to a question, Mr. Stone did not think tonight’s City Commission decision would unfairly taint CDB’s ability to reach an independent decision. It was stated the legislature also needs to address the State’s homeless issues. Concern was expressed the homeless problem is growing. It was stated it is difficult to see a correlation between services and a reduction in homelessness. As some Tampa homeless programs are closing, concern was expressed that individuals, once served by other programs, now will gravitate to Clearwater. Concern was expressed the rights of the homeless sometimes seem to supercede resident rights. It was recommended the Task Force be a formal body. It was agreed the County and other municipalities also must help with this issue. It was reiterated the soup kitchen, a partner of the CHIP program, will remain in its current location regardless of future CHIP plans. It was noted a homeless facility in the industrial park only would permit overnight stays for inebriates. Intervention programs, such as CHIP, also will remain essential. Commissioner Gray moved to approve the program amendment to the FY 2002-03 Consolidated Action Plan to reprogram $269,600 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership program funds to activities that conform to the City’s Five-Year Consolidated Planning Document. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #13 - Approve a donation to Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project, Inc. (CHIP) for funding of operations in the amount of $100,000. (PD) The CHIP (Clearwater Homeless Intervention Program) Shelter opened in April 1998, and since then has provided a safe overnight facility for homeless persons and essential support services to help individuals and families begin to improve their lives. The City donated the first $100,000 to CHIP in January 1998. At this time, the Police Department is requesting that the City continue its contribution to the shelter for operational funds, which still are needed and are essential to CHIP’s successful operation. Three people spoke in opposition to this item. It was stated CHIP, a fairly new organization, is increasing fundraising efforts and working toward self-sufficiency. In response to a question, Police Chief Klein said the CHIP program cannot force people to remain in the program. If they drop out or deviate from the program, their CHIP cards will be revoked. Prior to April 1998, the soup kitchen did not require clients to produce an identification card. It was felt CHIP’s efforts are positive. It was suggested the Task Force consider gifts of property for an emergency shelter location. Commissioner Jonson moved to approve a donation to Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project, Inc. (CHIP) for funding of operations in the amount of $100,000. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. OTHER ITEMS ON CITY MANAGER REPORT ITEM #22 - Provide direction to the staff for final design elements for Glen Oaks Storm Water Management Project. (PR) This project is the highest ranked capital project for the Stevenson Creek Watershed Plan. Approximately 30 citizens expressed their opinions at the August 29, 2002 public meeting at the Glen Oaks Golf Course. Some concerns related to multi-purpose field lights and noise from soccer activity on the multi-purpose fields. On October 2, 2002, the City Commission authorized Parson Engineering Services, Inc., to provide engineering design and permitting services for the Glen Oaks Storm Water Management Project. The Commission instructed staff, when drawings were 30% complete, to hold one more public meeting to illustrate the project’s recreation elements. Approximately 50 citizens attended the March 5, 2003 meeting held at St. Cecilia’s School to display the 30% construction drawings. Resident concerns continued regarding multi-purpose fields, noise, lights, traffic/offsite parking, undesirable activity generated from soccer use, and if additional multi-purpose fields are needed to serve City residents. According to Outdoor Recreation in Florida - 2000, the statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan, the City would meet the minimum standard upon completion of this project. Based on input received at three public meetings, staff recommends changes/conditions to the project’s recreation elements: 1) Curfew for multi-purpose field lighting to be 9:00 PM. (Most City facilities are 11:00 p.m.); 2) Provide parking for 170 cars. (Typical parking standards for athletic fields are 60 cars per field.); and 3) Relocate restroom and playground by parking area to mitigate the need to park on the street. If one or more multi-purpose fields are removed from the plan, staff would recommend removing all recreation elements from the project site for reasons: 1) Removal of eastern most field would leave only one field. That is currently what exists at the David Martin Field site, which was renovated a little more than one year ago at a cost of approximately $100,000 and maintains the existing inventory of multi-purpose fields. 2) Reducing the active play elements of the park by removing the multi-purpose fields would create an environment consistent with Crest Lake Park before recent renovations occurred. This type of facility would attract undesirable, illegal, and possibly immoral activity. Active elements bring citizens into the park, one of the best deterrents against inappropriate behavior. 3) Utilize the recreation element budget for other recreation needs in the City. Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said project priorities include stormwater control, tree preservation (30% were removed for the stormwater project), and recreation elements: a) internal trail system connection to the new Druid Road Trail; b) neighborhood playground; c) restroom to service trail and park amenities; d) two multi-purpose fields; e) parking; f) blue ways; g) fishing areas; and h) active recreation to discourage illegal or vagrant activity. Written notification of tonight’s meeting was sent to approximately 180 residents who live within 500 feet of the park. Recommended plans are: 1) Alternative 1 - incorporates all of the proposed elements and addresses modifications of concern to the neighborhood and 2) Alternative 2 - addresses neighborhood request to consider moving the eastern multi-purpose field as far west as possible. Impacts include: 1) removal of 469 feet of mature live oak and sweetgum trees (none is a specimen tree); 2) fields will flood more frequently; and 3) less natural process for water quality treatment with removal of wet pond between fields. Mr. Dunbar said staff prefers Alternative 1, which would retain trees but locate the eastern field closer to the homes. Five people spoke in opposition to the inclusion of two multi-purpose fields in the project. Loren Westenberger stated he is an arborist and had determined some trees scheduled for removal under Alternative 2 are of specimen quality. In response to a question, Mr. Dunbar said according to the statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan, 18 multi-purpose fields are necessary to meet the standards for a community the size of Clearwater and this project gives us the opportunity to get there. He reviewed recommendations in the statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan, stating the City is deficient by 11 fields, when non-resident use is considered. The multi-purpose fields will be fenced independently and their use will be reserved and access coordinated with the Parks & Recreation Department. Users are provided keys as part of the use agreement in accordance with their permits. If violated, the keys will be returned. Staff will maintain the park and roving staff will check the site several times a week. The City is working with Pinellas County and the City of Safety Harbor to add two multi-purpose fields in Countryside and five more at the Joe DiMaggio facility, however, funding sources have not been secured. City Engineer Mike Quillen said stormwater funds are reimbursing the Parks & Recreation Department for this land and providing in-kind service to install the fields, fishing areas, parking spaces, etc. In response to a question regarding the implications of not lighting the eastern field, Mr. Dunbar said Florida’s prime soccer season is between October and February, when the sun sets early. Without lights, the fields would be unusable during peak times and the project would not be worth doing. Mr. Dunbar said the proposed fields will be of standard size for youth and adult use. Concern was expressed at least one of the affected trees in Alternative 2 is of specimen quality. Mr. Dunbar reported Land Resource Specialist Rick Albee and Senior Landscape Architect Tim Kurtz, both arborists, had determined none of the subject trees is of specimen quality. It was recommended Alternative 2 be adopted and the largest and most unique tree be relocated to the north. Mr. Quillen said the park’s ingress/egress cannot be moved, as it is located at the median cut on Court Street. Opposition was expressed to cutting down the stand of trees necessary for construction of Alternative 2. In response to a question, Mr. Dunbar said constructing only one field on-site, while retaining the David Martin field, would create a dangerous situation, as Court Street, an increasingly busy road, would separate the fields. The restrooms will be located on the Glen Oaks site. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed lighting for the fields and Mr. Dunbar said the lights will be shielded to capture adequate lighting on the field and avoid light spillover into adjacent neighborhoods. Lights at David Martin are not shielded, as the field does not abut a residential neighborhood. In response to a question, Mr. Quillen said if this were only a stormwater project, without multi-purpose fields and other park amenities, there would be no requirement to fence the entire property. In response to a question, Mr. Westenberger estimated moving a large tree would cost approximately $50,000 to $60,000 and noted he has not lost a tree due to removal. In response to a question, Mr. Dunbar said approximately 82% of Parks & Recreation Department sport participants live in the City of Clearwater, Pinellas County, or the City of Safety Harbor. Rent charged for field use helps offset some maintenance and utility costs. The project is designed to meet compliance issues, not generate money. Concern was expressed the 9:00 p.m. curfew for the field lighting could be changed in the future. Mr. Dunbar said this concern could be addressed in the motion. In response to a question, Mr. Quillen reviewed probable traffic flow patterns around the park, noting few people know how to access the site via back roads. The City Manager said if the project moves forward, Traffic Operations Manager Paul Bertels will review traffic patterns so that the City can be proactive in influencing how traffic behaves in the neighborhood. The City is doing other things in the area regarding traffic calming. It was noted few new locations for multi-purpose fields exist in Clearwater. It was stated the City Commission had directed staff to identify options to meet the statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan. The importance of partnering with Safety Harbor, Pinellas County, and Pinellas County School Board for recreational needs was noted. It was felt due to the location of these fields, few non-residents will use them. It was felt this project will improve the surrounding neighborhood, making it more vibrant. It was stated decisions must be based on the interests of the entire City. The efforts of staff to meet neighborhood concerns were reviewed and include mitigating traffic concerns, providing directional lighting, saving trees, providing a significant number of parking places, relocating the playground and restrooms, etc. Mr. Dunbar said there are 145 lighting systems in the City, with many facilities abutting residential areas. Typical complaints reference lights left on after 11:00 p.m. It was felt the eastern field in Alternative 1 is too close to nearby residences. It was suggested Alternative 2 would be acceptable if the largest tree or two are relocated. It was stated condominium residents who live adjacent to the Countryside Recreation facility, have indicated the Little League fields are a pleasant diversion and the park provides amusement and leisure activities. It was felt nearby residents soon will enjoy the new Glen Oaks recreation facility. It was felt it is important to save the most trees possible. Commissioner Hamilton moved to direct staff to proceed with Alternative 1 for the Glen Oaks Storm Water Management Project with the following recreation elements: internal trail system; connection to Druid Road trail; two full-size multi-purpose fields located to preserve the tree canopy; field lighting to be turned off at 9:00 p.m.; parking provided for 170 vehicles; and restrooms and playground relocated to proximity of parking area. The motion was duly seconded. Commissioners Gray, Hamilton, and Hibbard and Mayor Aungst voted “Aye”; Commissioner Jonson voted “Nay.” Motion carried. The City Manager stated only staff who are certified arborists determine if trees are of specimen quality. It was requested a staff arborist attend future meetings when trees are an issue. ITEM #23 - Adopt Res. No. 03-23 regarding lien releases for Sand Key special assessment payoffs received from October 1, 2000 through March 31, 2003. (FN) The City Commission of the City of Clearwater has heretofore established the City of Clearwater Special Assessment District #95-01 (the “District”) and levied such special assessments (the “Assessments”) by Resolution #95-70, dated September 7, 1995, and recorded in the Public Records of Pinellas County, in Official Record Book 9193, Pages 1717 through 1767. The City of Clearwater has collected payment for some of those assessments and desires to satisfy and release said assessments. The City Commission of the City directs the City Clerk to provide copies of this resolution to the property appraiser, tax collector, and the Florida Department of Revenue. Commissioner Jonson moved to approve the lien releases for Sand Key special assessment payoffs received from October 1, 2000 through March 31, 2003 and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Resolution #03-23 was presented and read by title only. Commissioner Hamilton moved to pass and adopt Resolution #03-23 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, Hibbard, and Aungst. "Nays": None. ITEM #24 - IAFF (International Association of Firefighters) Union Negotiations Update. Human Resources Director Joe Roseto stated in the past two weeks, the City has met twice with union representatives. The unions have agreed to consider the City’s request that they present the proposed three-year packages to their members for ratification votes. A federal mediator will participate in the next meeting, scheduled for May 19, 2003. The City will continue to negotiate to reach an agreement. ITEM #25 - Other Pending Matters: The City Manager reported the Homeless Task Force will meet on June 10, 2003, and present its report to the Commission on July 14, 2003. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS ITEM #26 - Other City Attorney Items - None. ITEM #27 - City Manager Verbal Reports The City Manager reported the Public Communications Department had won a 1st place award for C-View’s United Way video. Assistant City Manager Garry Brumback reported Heritage Village has no interest in relocating to the park the railroad station offered by Fred Thomas. Heritage Village will be in touch with Pinellas County regarding possible use of the building as a Trail Head. The City has no nearby properties available for this structure’s relocation. Tom Sehlhorst requested consideration of fees in order for him to relocate the railroad station onto his property. Mr. Brumback said that request would not be prudent and recommended Mr. Sehlhorst contact Mr. Thomas regarding this issue. The City Manager will send a letter to Mr. Thomas, declining his offer. The City Manager said in the morning, he and Mr. Brumback will return to the FCCMA conference in Daytona Beach, where discussions reflect City efforts to diversify and recognize quality of life issues. ITEM #28 - Commission Discussion Items - None. ITEM #29 - Other Commission Action Commissioner Hibbard said he had visited Paul B. Stephens School and was impressed with college students he had met who are preparing for a bikeathon from Miami to Tallahassee to bring attention to the needs of the disabled. Commissioners Hibbard and Hamilton, and Mayor Aungst complimented Commissioner Gray and Judy Melges for their efforts at making last week’s Library Foundation fundraiser a nice event and a success. Commissioners Hibbard and Hamilton said last week they had attended the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #10 memorial service for fallen officers. Commissioner Hibbard invited residents to participate in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life 18-hour walkathon on May 16, 2003 at the Long Center beginning at 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Gray and Mayor Aungst wished Commissioner Hibbard a happy birthday. Commissioner Gray thanked all who had attended the April 30, 2003 Library Foundation fundraiser and thanked Judy Melges, the Commissioners, and their spouses for their participation. She estimated approximately $7,500 was raised. Commissioner Gray congratulated her daughter, Kaylee, as she prepares to move from middle school to the IB (International Baccalaureate) program at Palm Harbor University High School. Commissioner Jonson expressed concern proposed legislation would negatively affect Tampa Bay Water and presented a resolution for consideration. Resolution #03-26 was presented and read by title only. Commissioner Gray moved to pass and adopt Resolution #03-26 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, Hibbard, and Aungst. "Nays": None. Commissioner Jonson recommended the City continue to monitor proposed legislation that would increase City court filing fees. He reported new legislation would allow condominium owners, in structures taller than 75 feet, to opt out of sprinkler requirements by a 2/3 vote of unit owners. Another bill passed may exempt FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) from local regulations, but the language is unclear. Commissioner Jonson congratulated Mimi Farley of the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce for receiving at the Travel Luncheon the 1st award for supporting the tourist industry by going beyond the call of duty. Commissioner Jonson said the FDOT Secretary had approved designation of the Courtney Campbell Causeway as a Scenic Highway. He quoted Ansel Adams regarding the importance of beauty to the quality of life. Commissioner Hamilton said he had attended the recent annual Boys and Girls Club Dinner. The dinner was hosted at Ruth Eckerd Hall, and took place in north county for the first time in 44 years. Commissioner Hamilton congratulated E.B. Bower of the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce for her efforts to promote the area during a recent meeting of the Central Florida Concierge Association. Mayor Aungst thanked Commissioners for representing him at recent events while he was on vacation. Mayor Aungst commended Commissioner Hibbard for his significant efforts related to Relay for Life events. Mayor Aungst said on May 14, 2003, he had participated in a panel discussion at the Tradewinds Hotel for Leadership Pinellas regarding tourism in Pinellas County. Mayor Aungst said this morning he and other Commissioners had attended the grand opening of Costco at the former Clearwater Mall. Mayor Aungst announced the Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual golf tournament will be held on May 16, 2003 at the Belleview Biltmore. Mayor Aungst said he will participate in the Tampa Bay Partnership’s Annual Leadership Conference in Sarasota on May 21 - 22, 2003. Mayor Aungst invited residents to participate in the kick-off of the Kids Wish Network fundraiser on May 31, 2003 at 9:00 a.m. at the Safety Harbor Spa. Mayor Aungst announced the next Work Session is scheduled for June 2, 2003 at 9:00 a.m. ITEM #30 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m.