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11/20/2003CITY COMMISSION MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER November 20, 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: William B. Horne II City Manager Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager Ralph Stone Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Brenda Moses Board Reporter The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. Reverend David Landers, Heritage United Methodist Church, 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. 3. Service Awards The Bi-Monthly Team Award was presented to the Interlibrary Team. 4. Introductions, Awards and Presentations Teachers from Nagano Margo Walbolt, Recreation Program Coordinator, introduced the teachers from Nagano, Japan, that Clearwater has hosted since October 25, 2003. Teachers Takeo Tokutake and Mayumi Tokutake from Nagano said they learned a lot during their visit, enjoyed the communication with teachers and students, and thanked the City for the opportunity to visit. City Manager’s Annual Report City Manager Bill Horne presented his annual report and reviewed accomplishments of the past year based on the City’s top five priorities. Citizens' Academy Graduation The Mayor congratulated the members of this year’s Citizens Academy graduation class. 5. Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting November 6, 2003 Commissioner Jonson moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 6, 2003, as corrected by the City Clerk. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 6. Citizens to be heard re items not on the Agenda Robert Friedman, Ruth Eckerd Hall, said the City of Clearwater has been recognized at a Broadway Show. Kathy Addis asked why Clearwater prohibits hot dog stands in front of home improvement stores. Tom Sehlhorst asked for a refund of an application fee he paid for a variance. Staff indicated this issue has been addressed. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7. Public Hearing & First Reading Ordinance #7231-03 - Approve amendments to Chapter 3 Land Use Plan/Redevelopment Plan regarding the attraction and development of a retail/entertainment complex; and Downtown strategies, the capital improvement plan and tax increment revenue projections sections of Chapter 4 Plan Implementation associated with the Plan. The City Commission approved the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan on September 18, 2003. The draft Plan was initially submitted to Pinellas County staff for review in June 2003 and multiple meetings were held between City and County planning staff to discuss the proposed Plan. As a result of these discussions, the City agreed to incorporate certain clarifications and additions requested by County staff into the Plan on first reading. After the City adopted the Plan, the County staff requested additional information regarding how tax increment revenues will be used to implement the Plan. The County staff asked for an account of the amount of tax increment financing (TIF) funds to be used for each project as compared to other eligible sources of funding. The City prepared an estimate of this information and provided it to the County in early October. On October 21, 2003, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) discussed the Plan under the County Administrator’s Reports. The Board indicated its general support for the Plan as the Redevelopment Plan and Special Area Plan for Downtown but had concerns with the Plan’s use of TIF. In particular, the Board appeared to concur with the County Administrator’s concerns about the length of the term of the Tax Increment District as well as objecting to certain intended uses of TIF funds. The County Administrator’s report indicated that the Board should delay a decision on the Plan until the City makes amendments to the Plan to address the County’s concerns regarding the use of TIF fund. Senior City and County staffs have held several meetings to resolve as many of the outstanding issues associated with the Plan as possible. Of the 4 major areas of concern, City and County staffs have reached agreement on two. These issues and their resolution are described below and are included in the proposed amendments. Use of County TIF Only for Capital Projects and Capital Programs - The Downtown Plan supported the use of TIF funds for a variety of capital projects, as well as redevelopment programs and initiatives. The County requested more specific information on the types of programs to be funded, the amount of funding and the timeframe for expenditures. The City submitted the requested information. Upon the review of this information the County Administrator indicated the County would not support the County portion of TIF for redevelopment incentives and other non-capital programs such as a revolving loan program and retail lease/relocation incentives. It should be noted that the Board of County Commissioners requested the City to compile information detailing how other CRAs throughout the State use their TIF revenues. Based on the survey conducted, it was determined that other Florida CRAs use TIF to fund the type of programs the County does not want to fund. The proposed amendments to the Downtown Plan clarify that County TIF will only be used for capital projects and programs. City TIF will be available to be used for non-capital programs and initiatives. Cost Estimates for Several Identified Capital Projects - Three capital projects did not include cost estimates because the project timeframe for construction is years away. The County staff wanted estimates included for all projects. The City’s best possible estimates have been developed and are proposed to be included in the Capital Improvement Plan. Two remaining issues require specific policy direction from the City Commission and are discussed below. Length of TIF - The length of the TIF has not been resolved. Originally, the City Administration desired TIF to be in effect for 30 years from the date of the approval of the updated Plan which is as established by the Florida Statutes. In addition, a longer period of time is more useful to affect redevelopment through the capital projects and programs whose purpose is to eliminate slum and blighting conditions in an under performing downtown. The County Administration desires TIF to be approved for a short-term period of 15 years due to concerns about the uncertain future of the County budget. Several solutions have been explored between County and City staff. One solution discussed was that the County would approve the use of TIF for a 30-year term with a review after 15 years. However, when the County reviews the Downtown progress in 15 years, the County would be limited by the Florida Statute provision that restricts the decision to a continuation of TIF funds at the 95% level or complete elimination of both County and City TIF. This option clearly carries enormous risk for the City since elimination of a major source of funding could be done prior to completion of substantial improvements within the Downtown. A second alternative explored was a TIF term for 15 years if no bonds are issued by the City OR a 20-year term if bonds are issued within the first year after final Plan approval. The City Administration prefers this alternative since it allows the City more flexibility in funding options. In addition, three current or pending projects have obligated substantially the entire TIF project funding for the next three years. These projects include the loan payment for the Dimmitt property, incentives to be provided for the Beck project and payment for the Cleveland Streetscape and Station Square Park capital projects. At this point, it is not clear if the County administration will support this option. 2. Inclusion of Table Identifying Funding Sources for all Capital Projects in Plan - The County Administrator requested that the City include an amendment that adds a table entitled Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan Capital Projects – Table Identifying Funding Sources for all Capital Projects. The Table estimates the funding sources for each project, differentiating the amount of TIF funds versus other eligible funding sources. This chart is not included in these amendments because the City Administration believes this requested level of detail is not appropriate for inclusion in a 20-year plan, but more appropriately should be reflected in the City’s five-year capital improvement budget adopted annually by the City Commission. All redevelopment capital improvement projects conducted to implement the Downtown Plan must be consistent with the Capital Improvement Plan, but the City reserves the right to determine the exact amount and source of funding at the time the project is formally initiated by its inclusion in the capital budget. The City Administration recommends this table not be included in the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan. The Community Development Board reviewed the proposed amendments to the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan in its capacity as the Local Planning Agency (LPA) at its regularly scheduled meeting on November 18, 2003 and unanimously recommended approval. In response to a question, Planning Director Cyndi Tarapani said the CDB’s recommendation was not as detailed as the CRA’s. Although they reviewed the plan, they did not take a position either way regarding the length of the TIF. Assistant City Manager Ralph Stone said staff has documented $81 million in TIF programs. He said even if the City could use all the TIF funds for 30 years, it would still be $10 million short. He said the City would lose approximately two thirds of TIF funds in the second 15 years if the County did not renew the TIF. If the TIF were for a 20-year period, the City would lose approximately half of the revenue stream. Commissioner Hibbard moved to approve the amendments to Chapter 3 Land Use Plan/Redevelopment Plan regarding the attraction and development of a retail/entertainment complex; and Downtown strategies, the capital improvement plan and tax increment revenue projections sections of Chapter 4 Plan Implementation associated with the Plan. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Ordinance #7231-03 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Commissioner Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance #7231-03 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, Hibbard and Aungst. "Nays": None. Commissioner Jonson moved to accept the CRA’s recommendation to pursue a 30-year TIF without a review, if possible; if a review is required, performance standards should apply. The motion was duly seconded carried unanimously. 8. Public Hearing & First Reading Ordinances #7207-03 & #7208-03 - Approve the Land Use Plan Amendment from Residential/Office General (R/OG) to Commercial General (CG), and Zoning Atlas Amendment from O, Office District to the C, Commercial District, for property located at 1515 South Highland Avenue (consisting of a 1.16 acre portion of Parcel 1 of the Labelle Plaza Shopping Center, in Sec. 23-29-15) LUZ2003-08007 (LaBelle Plaza Shopping Center). The site is comprised of a portion of one parcel of land, 1.16 acres in area, at 1515 South Highland Avenue, generally at the northeast corner of South Highland Avenue and Belleair Road and is part of a larger parcel of land totaling 8.46 acres and known as the LaBelle Plaza. When the property was developed with a shopping center in 1990, only offices were planned to be located on the subject parcel which had a land use plan designation of Residential/Office General (R/OG) and was zoned OL, Office Limited with retail shops to be located within the remainder of the development. The property was rezoned to the O, Office District when the new Community Development Code was adopted in 1999. The applicant, Griffin International, Inc., is requesting to amend the Future Land Use Plan designation to the Commercial General (CG) classification and to rezone it to the C, Commercial District to consolidate the entire shopping center in the same land use and zoning categories and enable the applicant to rent this portion of the center for retail, restaurant and/or office uses. The Planning Department determined the proposed land use plan amendment and rezoning applications are consistent with the following standards specified in the Community Development Code: The proposed land use plan amendment and rezoning application are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The proposed use is compatible with the surrounding area. Sufficient public facilities are available to serve the property. The applications will not have an adverse impact on the natural environment. In accordance with the Countywide Plan Rules, the land use plan amendment is subject to the approval of the Pinellas Planning Council and the Board of County Commissioners acting as the Countywide Planning Authority. Based on the size of the plan amendment site, review and approval by the Florida Department of Community Affairs is not required. The Community Development Board reviewed these applications at its public hearing on October 21, 2003, and unanimously recommended approval of both applications. Commissioner Hibbard moved to approve the Land Use Plan Amendment from Residential/Office General (R/OG) to Commercial General (CG), and Zoning Atlas Amendment from O, Office District, to the C, Commercial District, for property located at 1515 South Highland Avenue (consisting of a 1.16-acre portion of Parcel 1 of the Labelle Plaza Shopping Center, in Sec. 23-29-15) LUZ2003-08007 (LaBelle Plaza Shopping Center). The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Ordinance #7207-03 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Commissioner Jonson moved to pass Ordinance #7207-03 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, and Hibbard. "Nays": None. Absent: Aungst. Ordinance #7208-03 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Commissioner Gray moved to pass Ordinance #7208-03 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, Hibbard, and Aungst. "Nays": None. 9. Public Hearing & First Reading Ordinances #7201-03, #7202-03 & #7203-03 - Approve the Petition for Annexation, Land Use Plan Amendment from County Residential Low (RL) to City Residential Low (RL) and Zoning Atlas Amendment from the County R-3, Single-Family Residential District, to the City LMDR, Low Medium Density Residential District, for 2386 Dora Drive (Lot 70, Rolling Heights in Sec. 7-29-16) ANX2003-08020 (Jeffery & Deanna Rogers). The property at 2386 Dora Drive, on the west side of the street, is approximately 535 feet south of Sharkey Road. The applicant is requesting this annexation to receive City sewer service. The property is not contiguous to existing City boundaries; however, it is in an enclave surrounded by City property within the City's planning area and is consistent with Pinellas County Ordnance 00-63 with regard to voluntary annexation. The site is approximately 0.23-acre in area and is occupied by a single-family detached dwelling. It is proposed the property have a Future Land Use Plan designation of Residential Low (RL) and a zoning category of LMDR, Low Medium Density Residential. The Planning Department determined the proposed annexation is consistent with the following standards specified in the Community Development Code: The proposed annexation will not have an adverse impact on public facilities and their level of service. The proposed annexation is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan, the Countywide Plan and the Community Development Code. The proposed annexation is not contiguous to existing municipal boundaries; however, it is located in an enclave surrounded by city property on all sides and is within the borders of the City's planning area. This annexation has been reviewed by the Pinellas Planning Council (PPC) and Pinellas County staffs according to the provisions of Pinellas County Ordinance No. 00-63, Section 7(1 3), and no objections have been raised. The Community Development Board reviewed this proposed annexation at its regularly scheduled meeting on October 21, 2003 and unanimously recommended approval. Commissioner Hibbard moved to approve the Petition for Annexation, Land Use Plan Amendment from County Residential Low (RL) to City Residential Low (RL) and Zoning Atlas Amendment from the County R-3, Single-Family Residential District, to the City LMDR, Low Medium Density Residential District, for 2386 Dora Drive (Lot 70, Rolling Heights in Sec. 7-29-16) ANX2003-08020 (Jeffery & Deanna Rogers). The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Ordinance #7201-03 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Commissioner Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance #7201-03 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, Hibbard, and Aungst. "Nays": None. Ordinance #7202-03 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Commissioner Jonson moved to pass Ordinance #7202-03 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, Hibbard, and Aungst. "Nays": None. Ordinance #7203-03 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Commissioner Gray moved to pass Ordinance #7203-03 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, Hibbard, and Aungst. "Nays": None. 10. Public Hearing & First Reading Ordinances #7204-03, #7205-03 & #7206-03 - Approve the Annexation, Land Use Plan Amendment from Residential Urban (RU) (County) and Residential/Office General (R/OG) to Residential Low Medium (RLM) and Preservation (P), and Zoning Atlas Amendment from C-2, General Retail, Commercial and Limited Services District (County) and the O, Office District, to the MDR, Medium Density Residential District, and the P, Preservation District, for property located at 2525 Druid Road (consisting of M&B 44/041 and a portion of Lot 3, Sever Park in. Sec18-29-16) ANX2003-08021 & LUZ2003-08006 (Tree Top at Druid). This site consists of two vacant parcels of land totaling 3.35 acres in an area on the south side of Druid Road, approximately 400 feet west of U.S. Highway 19. Approximately two and one-half acres of the overall site is a jurisdictional wetland and cannot be developed. This annexation, land use plan amendment, and rezoning is requested by the applicant, Southgate Park, Inc., who intends to develop the 0.89 acre uplands portion of the site with attached dwellings. One of the two parcels included within this development site is in Pinellas County jurisdiction and the applicant is requesting the City annex it. The parcel requested for annexation is 0.42-acre in area and is entirely within a jurisdictional wetland area. As development is not permitted within a jurisdictional wetland area, no sewer or water service is being requested for this parcel. The Planning Department determined the proposed annexation is consistent with the following standards specified in the Community Development Code: The proposed annexation will not have an adverse impact on public facilities and their level of service. The proposed annexation is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan, the Countywide Plan, the Community Development Code and Pinellas County and Florida Law. The proposed annexation is contiguous to existing municipal boundaries, represents a logical extension of the boundaries and does not create an enclave. Pursuant to Pinellas County Ordinance No. 00-63, the Pinellas Planning Council and County staffs have reviewed this annexation and determined it complies with the ordinance criteria. Commissioner Hibbard moved to approve the Annexation, Land Use Plan Amendment from Residential Urban (RU) (County) and Residential/Office General (R/OG) to Residential Low Medium (RLM) and Preservation (P), and Zoning Atlas Amendment from C-2, General Retail, Commercial and Limited Services District (County) and the O, Office District, to the MDR, Medium Density Residential District, and the P, Preservation District, for property located at 2525 Druid Road (consisting of M&B 44/041 and a portion of Lot 3, Sever Park in. Sec18-29-16) ANX2003-08021 & LUZ2003-08006 (Tree Top at Druid). The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Ordinance #7204-03 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Commissioner Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance #7204-03 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, Hibbard, and Aungst. "Nays": None. Ordinance #7205-03 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Commissioner Jonson moved to pass Ordinance #7205-03 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, Hibbard, and Aungst. "Nays": None. Ordinance #7206-03 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Commissioner Gray moved to pass Ordinance #7206-03 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, Hibbard, and Aungst. "Nays": None. Public Hearing - Second Reading Ordinances 11. Ordinance 7195-03 - Approve the Petition for Annexation for 2160 Range Road (A portion of Lots 15 and 16, Pinellas Groves in Sec 12-29-15). ANX2003-08017 (Weaver Enterprises, Inc.). Ordinance #7195-03 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Commissioner Hibbard moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #7195-03 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Hibbard, Jonson, and Aungst. "Nays": None. 12. Ordinance 7196-03 - Approve the Land Use Plan Amendment from County Industrial Limited (IL) to City Industrial Limited (IL) for 2160 Range Road (A portion of Lots 15 and 16, Pinellas Groves in Sec 12-29-15). ANX2003-08017 (Weaver Enterprises, Inc.). Ordinance #7196-03 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Commissioner Hamilton moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #7196-03 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Hibbard, Jonson, and Aungst. "Nays": None. 13. Ordinance 7197-03 - Approve the Zoning Atlas Amendment from the County Light Manufacturing and Industry District (MI) to the City Industrial, Research and Technology District (IRT) for 2160 Range Road (A portion of Lots 15 and 16, Pinellas Groves in Sec 12-29-15). ANX2003-08017 (Weaver Enterprises, Inc.). Ordinance #7197-03 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Commissioner Jonson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #7197-03 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Hibbard, Jonson, and Aungst. "Nays": None. 14. Ordinance 7198-03 - Approve the Petition for Annexation for 500 Dora Drive (Lot 92, Rolling Heights in Sec 07-29-16). ANX2003-08018 (Hayden D. & Amy J. Beatty). Ordinance #7198-03 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Commissioner Gray moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #7198-03 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Hibbard, Jonson, and Aungst. "Nays": None. 15. Ordinance 7199-03 - Approve the Land Use Plan Amendment from County Residential Low (RL) to City Residential Low (RL) for 500 Dora Drive (Lot 92, Rolling Heights in Sec 07-29-16). ANX2003-08018 (Hayden D. & Amy J. Beatty). Ordinance #7199-03 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Commissioner Hibbard moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #7199-03 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Hibbard, Jonson, and Aungst. "Nays": None. 16. Ordinance 7200-03 - Approve the Zoning Atlas Amendment from the County R-3, Single-Family Residential District, to the City LMDR, Low Medium Density Residential District, for 500 Dora Drive (Lot 92, Rolling Heights in Sec 07-29-16). ANX2003-08018 (Hayden D. & Amy J. Beatty). Ordinance #7200-03 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Commissioner Hamilton moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #7200-03 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Hibbard, Jonson, and Aungst. "Nays": None. 17. Ordinance 7213-03 - Approve amendments to Chapter 51, Code of Ordinances to provide for various minor revisions to the City’s floodplain management regulations as recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Ordinance #7213-03 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Commissioner Jonson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #7213-03 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: "Ayes": Gray, Hamilton, Hibbard, Jonson, and Aungst. "Nays": None. CITY MANAGER REPORTS CONSENT AGENDA (Items # 18-27) - 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. 18. Approval of Purchases per Purchasing Memorandum: SEMCO Integrated Systems, Jacksonville, Florida – Security cameras, alarms and access control system in the amount of $125,000. (PW) Great Southern Peterbuilt, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida – 2004 Peterbuilt cab and chassis, Model 320 in the amount of $176,542.30. (SW) 19. Approve legal services agreements between Fowler White Boggs Banker and the City of Clearwater and The Law Office of Tim Jesaitis, P.A., and the City of Clearwater for legal services relating to workers' compensation claims, and authorize payments to said firms in an amount not to exceed $125,000 for the period 12/1/03-12/31/05. (FN) 20. Approve renewal of a three-year lease agreement between the City of Clearwater and the Civil Air Patrol SER FL043, an auxiliary of the United States Air Force, for use of city property at the Clearwater Airpark, 1000 N. Hercules Avenue, in consideration of $1.00. (MR) 21. Approve increasing the Long Center Budget by $104,380; to include 2.9 FTE's (.4 new FTE's and 2.5 reallocated FTE's) which consists of one new Recreation Specialist position, 9 seasonal recreation leader positions and operating costs to be funded from new revenue generated by the Long Center. (PR) 22. Approve an agreement between the City of Clearwater and the School Board of Pinellas County, Florida providing for temporary assignment of an additional School Resource Officer to Clearwater High School. (PD) 23. Approve acceptance of a FY 2003/2004 Byrne State and Local Law Enforcement grant in the amount of $73,474 from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and approve an agreement with the YWCA of Tampa Bay for provision of contractual services during the period October 1, 2003 - September 30, 2004, in accordance with Sec. 2.564(1)(e), Code of Ordinances - Sole Source. (PD) 24. Approve the final plat for "PARADISE COVE" located on Brightwater Drive approximately 650 feet east of Hamden Drive. (PW) 25. Approve final plat for "VELVENTOS WEST", located approximately 1000 feet west of Northwest Drive and 1,500 feet south of Meadow Wood Drive. (PW) 26. Approve a work order with Owen Ayers and Associates, Inc. of Tampa, an Engineer of Record, for the design and permitting for the Lake Bellevue Expansion in the amount of $266,717. (PW) 27. Approve the Amendment to Lease Agreement between the City of Clearwater and PACT, Inc., releasing a portion of leased property back to the City for a wetland restoration and mitigation project and provide a contribution in the amount of $100,000 to PACT, Inc. to assist in the funding of the expansion of the North parking lot and stormwater pond. (PW) Commissioner Hibbard 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 28. IAFF Union Negotiations Update Assistant City Manager Garry Brumback said several conference calls with the attorneys for the IAFF have been conducted. Both the City and the IAFF continue to work toward an agreement. A conference call with a Special Master is scheduled for November 24, 2003. The Commission scheduled an Impasse hearing regarding the IAFF contract for January 14, 2004. The time of the meeting will be determined once a number of issues are established. 29. Other Pending Matters - None. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS 30. Other City Attorney Items – None. 31. City Manager Verbal Reports – None. 32. Commission Discussion Items Keystone on the Library Commissioner Jonson said this item was placed on the agenda in order to discuss whether the Commission wants to consider an alternative appearance of the exterior of the new Main Library. Steve Fowler, Mainstreet Committee, said a world-class architect did the original design of the library. He encouraged the Commission to reconsider adding the keystone façade at the pedestrian level. Two persons spoke in favor of adding the keystone to the exterior of the building. They felt the architect’s original design would set the tone for the downtown and suggested phasing in the application of the keystone if necessary. In response to questions, Library Director John Szabo said $560,000 is the cost for installation of keystone on the building as originally designed. It was remarked it would cost more if added at a later date. Rather than the City going out to bid, the current contractor would do the job via a change order. Perry Lopez, Building Construction Manager, said the price would rise if the installation of the keystone were postponed to a later date. He also said it would disrupt the Library to add the keystone at a later date. In response to a question, he said the price includes demolition of existing stucco, rebalancing the air conditioning system, and other related items. The project could take up to six months, as the keystone would need to be manufactured to the specifications of the Library façade. In response to a question, Mr. Szabo said it is not prudent to put the keystone back on the building as there are better uses for the money such as for furnishings for the interior of the library. It was felt that although the keystone would be a great addition to the new library, the library looks beautiful without it. It was felt the remainder of the funds would be better spent on items other than installation of the keystone. A suggestion was made staff research options to address the pedestrian side of the building. No action was taken. 33. Other Commission Action Commissioner Hibbard thanked the City Manager for his annual report. He hopes everyone will see the calendar included in newspaper. He welcomed Dale Schmidt, new Director of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. He attended Upper Pinellas Business Awards and said it was good to see businesses rewarded for their efforts. He toured the new library. He attended Harvest for Scholarships at Ruth Eckerd this week and said the kids were astounding. Awards were presented to water polo teams from all over the country. The event was held at Long Center. Everyone complimented the facility. Commissioner Gray attended the Great American Teach-In at Palm Harbor University High School where discussions included various issues facing the Commission. She thanked Coach Falls for inviting her. She noted the new Sprint store in Clearwater Mall has a program called Connect with a Cause which benefits those with disabilities. Commissioner Jonson attended various store openings in the Clearwater Mall. His favorite was Panera Bread. He attended the presentation of Peter Pan at Countryside High School and congratulated all the participants. He encouraged everyone to attend the Festival of Trees at the Harborview Center. He thanked Duke Tieman and those involved in the Dinner of Thanks at Ross Norton. He asked everyone to consider his/her blessings during this season. He appreciates City staff from all levels. He thanked citizens for the opportunity to serve them. He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and a good Turkey Trot. Commissioner Hamilton enjoyed the ribbon cutting ceremonies he attended. He said the economic climate in Clearwater is strengthening daily. He toured the new library and said it will be the premier location for the City. He felt the new stadium would serve as the standard for stadiums for years to come. He attended the Great American Teach-In at Clearwater High where students also discussed the news article regarding the conduct of students at the school. He said students appreciate Police Officer Zara. They also are interested in what is being done in downtown. He thanked Duke Tieman and the community for the Dinner of Thanks at Ross Norton. He attended Clearwater High School’s play entitled “Sugar” which he said was entertaining and very well done. He noted tomorrow night is the State football playoff game. He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. He wished his parents a Happy 50th Anniversary. Mayor Aungst expressed his regrets he could not attend the Dinner of Thanks at Ross Norton. He said he would be joining Mayor Baker at the Tampa Bay Partnership meeting tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. He noted the upcoming Festival of Trees. He said the Clearwater High School art class did ornaments for the Mayors’ Cup tree. He expressed displeasure regarding a citizen who inferred that he wanted the City to sell property to one of his friends. In response to a question, the City Attorney indicated no reference to restrictions regarding that particular property or any other property have been found in the records. The Mayor announced he will attend the next Work Session but will miss the next City Commission meeting due to an invitation to the White House. 34. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.