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12/18/2003CITY COMMISSION MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER December 18, 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. Pastor Steve Kreloff of Lakeside Community Chapel 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 – None. 4. Introductions, Awards and Presentations a. Awards for Diversity Poster Contest Information Management Specialist and Chair of the Diversity Leadership Council Activities Committee, Betsy Clement, said the judges based their decisions on three criteria: use of theme, originality and artistic merit. She thanked everyone involved in the contest. The Mayor presented the awards to third place winner, Moija Mitchell, Clearwater High School; second place winner, David Driscoll, Clearwater Central Catholic High School; and first place winner, Sarah Bellamy, Clearwater High School. b. Turkey Trot Awards Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar presented the Iron Turkey Award to the Engineering and Public Works Administration and the Stuffed Turkey Award to the Office of Management and Budget. Skip Rogers, West Coast Runners Club, thanked the City for its partnership in the event. He said this was the twenty-fifth anniversary of the event and there was a record number of participants. The event raised over $20,000 for various youth groups. 5. Farewell to Commissioner Gray Commissioners thanked Commissioner Gray for her service and presented her with gifts. 6. Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting December 4, 2003 Commissioner Jonson moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 4, 2003, as recorded and submitted in written summation by the City Clerk to each Commissioner. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 7. Citizens to be heard re items not on the Agenda Socretes Charos said the Royalty Theatre is available for the City to use. He invited everyone to a free holiday celebration on Christmas Day. Jonathan Wade, North Greenwood Association, said he was told Martin Luther King Boulevard would be finished next week. He asked the City for help in providing funds for summer youth programs. PUBLIC HEARINGS 8. First Reading Ordinance #7215-03 - Approve an amendment to the approved Park Place Development of Regional Impact (DRI) Development Order through the Notification of Proposed Change process by extending the build-out date of the DRI by five years to December 31, 2008. (A portion of Section 17-29-16). (PLD) This 99-acre subject site is generally located between Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Drew Street from Hampton Road to the U.S. 19 Frontage Road. This Development of Regional Impact (DRI) amendment is requested by the property owners to extend the build out date of the DRI by five (5) years from December 31, 2003 to December 31, 2008. There are no changes to the type or amount of development in the DRI. The Park Place DRI is built out with the exception of 100,000 square feet of light industrial use on Parcel 1 and 100,000 square feet of office use on Parcel 6. The developers of the DRI have fulfilled the development order as amended to this date. Upon review of the submitted Notice of Proposed Change, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC) and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) staffs determined that no adverse regional impacts would occur as a result of the extension to the build out date and no objections were raised. The Planning Department determined that the proposed DRI amendment is consistent with the review standards specified in Section 4-605.F of the Community Development Code: The amendment will not interfere with the achievement of objectives of the adopted county-wide plan applicable to the area. The amendment is consistent with the report and recommendations of the regional planning agency. The amendment is consistent with the City of Clearwater's Comprehensive Plan. The amendment is consistent with the State Comprehensive Plan. The Community Development Board reviewed the proposed application at its regularly scheduled meeting on November 18, 2003 and unanimously recommended approval Commissioner Jonson moved to approve an amendment to the approved Park Place Development of Regional Impact (DRI) Development Order through the Notification of Proposed Change process by extending the build-out date of the DRI by five years to December 31, 2008. (A portion of Section 17-29-16). The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Ordinance #7215-03 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Commissioner Gray moved to pass Ordinance #7215-03 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 - Approve the City of Clearwater FY 2002/2003 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) (ED/HSG) The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is the principal administrative report documenting the City’s expenditures of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) programs funds to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It serves as the basis for program monitoring for compliance and for financial audits for all activities conducted during the FY2002-03 as outlined in the Consolidated Action Plan for that program year. The report provides HUD with necessary information for the Department to meet its requirement to assess each grantee’s ability to carry out relevant Community Planning Development (CPD) programs in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. It also provides information necessary for HUD’s Annual Report to Congress and it provides grantees an opportunity to describe to citizens their successes in revitalizing deteriorated neighborhoods and in meeting objectives stipulated in their Consolidated Planning document. The City’s Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Committee was scheduled to approve the FY02-03 CAPER at their meeting on December 2, 2003. The FY02-03 CAPER is due to HUD no later than December 29, 2003. The City of Clearwater FY 2002-2003 CAPER contains information on the City’s assessment of activities listed below: Assessment of Three to Five Year Goals and Objectives Affordable Housing Continuum of Care Leveraging Resources Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Citizens Comments Self-Evaluation Through the programs covered under the CAPER over 21,000 persons were assisted through Public Services, Public Facilities, Housing Rehabilitation and New Construction, Fair Housing and Economic Development programs. Also, during this past fiscal year twelve (12) homes were rehabilitated and eight (8) new homes were constructed through our CDBG and HOME Programs. Commissioner Hibbard moved to approve the City of Clearwater FY 2002/2003 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Public Hearing - Second Reading Ordinances 10. Ordinance #7232-03 - Approve the applicant’s request to vacate the 60-foot right-of-way of Allen Avenue from the southerly extension of the west property line of Lot 15, Block B, Ackers Subdivision to the westerly right-of-way line of McMullen Booth Road (C.R. 611), subject to the retention of a drainage and utility easement over the full width of the right-of-way to be vacated and vacate the three foot utility easements lying along the rear lot lines of Lots 4 thru 15, inclusive, Block B, Ackers Subdivision, (A.K.A. 2730 McMullen Booth Road) (V2003-11 Hupp/McMullen) Staff requested this item be continued to the February 5, 2004, meeting. Commissioner Hamilton moved to continue Item #10 to the February 5, 2004, meeting. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 11. Ordinance #7235-03 - Submitting to the city electors proposed amendments to the City Charter amending Section 7.02; requiring the Commission to appoint a charter review advisory committee every six years; amending Section 8.04; eliminating specific requirements for fees, petition cards, and dates for qualifying as a candidate; making non-substantive grammatical, numbering, and organizational amendments to the City Charter. Ordinance #7235-03 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Commissioner Jonson moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #7235-03 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. 12. Ordinance #7237-03 - Submitting to the city electors a proposed amendment to the City Charter amending Sections 2.01(d)(4), 2.01(d)(5) and 2.01(d)(6), which provides for limitations on Commission powers relating to city-owned real property. Ordinance #7237-03 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Commissioner Gray moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #7237-03 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. 13. Ordinance #7238-03 - Submitting to the city electors a proposed amendment to the City Charter amending Section 2.03; increasing the term of office for commissioners to four years; reducing the disqualification period from one term to two years for commissioners who are disqualified from running by term limits. Ordinance #7238-03 was presented for second reading and read by title only. Commissioner Hibbard moved to pass and adopt Ordinance #7238-03 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. 14. Not a Public Hearing – Order of Ballot Questions. City Attorney Pam Akin reviewed the order of the ballot questions. She said the non-substantive questions were listed first, property issues next, and the less significant ones later on the ballot. Commissioner Gray moved to approve the order of ballot questions as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. CITY MANAGER REPORTS CONSENT AGENDA (Items # 15-28) - Approved as submitted less Items #15(3) and #27. 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. 15. Approval of Purchases per Purchasing Memorandum: Grosz & Stamper Construction, Tampa, Florida – Labor and materials for concrete flat work and related work during the contract period 12/19/2003 through 11/30/2004 in the amount of $250,000. (PR) CUES, Orlando, Florida – 2004 Ford E-450 high cube TV sewer inspection van in the amount of $217,425. (SW/GS) Jeffrey Knight, Inc. dba Knight Enterprises, Clearwater, Florida – Installation of gas mains and service lines during the period 01/01/2003 through 12/31/2004 in the amount of $700,000. (GS) Gas System Managing Director Chuck Warrington said the contractor was unable to get a performance bond. He said staff has been pleased with the contractor. Staff will be asking City Manager approval of an emergency purchase order until a new contract can be rebid. This item was pulled. Petroleum Traders Corp., Fort Wayne, Indiana – Unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel during the contract period 12/19/2003 through 12/15/2004 in the amount of $1,180,000. (SW/GS) 16. 1) Staff will present the findings of the February 2003 Analysis of Market Opportunities for Commercial and Economic Development in the North Greenwood Area, and 2) Authorize staff to prepare and issue a Request for Proposals for qualified development corporations and/or qualified businesses corporations to present alternative land use proposals for the re-use and future redevelopment of the Jack Russell Memorial Stadium and Complex (Stadium). (ED/HSG) 17. Declare surplus to the needs of the City and authorize trade-in five 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycles. (FN) 18. Declare surplus to the needs of the City and authorize disposal through sale or transfer to Solid Waste for recycling, all gas appliances and pipe listed below. (FN) 19. Approve a two-year agreement from February 1, 2004 through January 31, 2006, between the City of Clearwater and the Winning Inning Inc., for the use and operation of the Jack Russell Memorial Stadium and Complex. (PR) 20. Approve the transfer of monies received from Clearwater Housing Authority for payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT Funds) to the Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project, Inc. (CHIP) for FY 2002/2003. (PD) 21. Approve a work order to Parsons, an Engineer of Record, for design-build services for Alligator Creek Channel A Stabilization at Northeast Coachman Park in the amount of $488,510 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (PW) 22. Award a contract for the Clearwater Municipal Marina Maintenance Dredging, Contract Number 01-0006-MA to L.J. Clark Construction, Inc. for the sum of $378,400 which is the lowest responsible bid received in accordance with the plans and specifications. (PW) 23. Award a contract for the Lift Station #1 and #6 Improvements (03-0040-UT) to TLC Diversified, Inc. of Palmetto, Florida in the amount of $462,442.20, which is the lowest responsible bid received in accordance with plans and specifications. (PW) 24. Approve and accept that certain nonexclusive Sovereign Submerged Lands Easement Number 30618 to be subsequently conveyed by the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida, together with terms and conditions as defined therein, said easement to encumber a certain parcel of submerged land running southeast from Baymont Street to Memorial Causeway in Sec. 8-29-15. (PW) 25. Approve and accept that certain nonexclusive Sovereign Submerged Lands Easement Number 30619 to be subsequently conveyed by the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida, together with terms and conditions as defined therein, said easement to encumber certain parcels of submerged and adjacent to Memorial Causeway in Sec. 16-29-15. (PW) 26. Disband the Charter Review Committee. (ORLS) 27. Approve a Quit Claim Deed from the City of Clearwater to the Sea Captain, a Florida General Partnership, conveying any interest the City may have to the Sea Captain Resort Motel property located at 40 Devon Street, Clearwater, Florida, 33767 Ms. Akin said she would bring forth a new legal description for this item. This item was continued to the meeting of January 15, 2004. 28. Appoint Commissioner Jonson to the Pension Advisory Committee effective December 29, 2003. Commissioner Hamilton moved to approve the Consent Agenda less Items #15(3) and #27 and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. OTHER ITEMS ON CITY MANAGER REPORT 29. Adopt Resolution #03-36, authorizing the refunding of the outstanding Gas System Revenue Bonds, Series 1996A. (FN) The Gas Revenue Bonds, Series 1996A (interest rates from 4.25% to 5.8%) are eligible for refunding. Market conditions are becoming favorable to refinance this issue. Currently the City would realize a net present value savings of approximately $390,000 on this refunding. This is equal to 4.8% of the bonds that would be refunded. Net present value savings is the gross debt service savings after costs of issuance have been deducted and a discounting process had been used to express the savings in today's dollars. The bonds will only be refunded if adequate savings as well as other requirements are going to be realized. Commissioner Gray moved to approve authorizing the refunding of the outstanding Gas System Revenue Bonds, Series 1996A. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Resolution #03-36 was presented and read by title only. Commissioner Hamilton moved to pass and adopt Resolution #03-36 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. 30. Adopt Resolution #03-44, approve changing the name of Aurel Street to Laurel Street. (PW) Public Works Administration has initiated this street name change request to correct the street name. Aurel Street is named Laurel Street per the plat of Mandalay Subdivision as recorded in Plat Book 14, Page 34 of the Official Records of Pinellas County, Florida. Four properties are presently addressed on Aurel Street. Staff has notified the owners of the four properties of the proposed name change via U. S. mail. Presently, no other street in the City is named Laurel Street although there is one street named Laurel Court and another named Laurel Drive. Commissioner Jonson moved to approve changing the name of Aurel Street to Laurel Street. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Resolution #03-44 was presented and read by title only. Commissioner Gray moved to pass and adopt Resolution #03-44 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. 31. Adopt Resolution #03-45, which approves the Qualified Target Industry (QTI) application for Project 031120 and commits the City of Clearwater to refund 10% of the eligible tax refund upon certification by Enterprise Florida. (ED/HSG) The Florida Legislature created Florida Statutes, Section 288.106 to encourage the growth of Florida's high-wage, value-added employment. This program is commonly known as the Qualified Target Industry (QTI) Tax Refund Program. This law authorizes Enterprise Florida to accept, review and approve applications for tax refunds to qualified target industry businesses. Pursuant to Florida Statutes Section 288.075 and 288.1066, the applicant for Project 031120 requests to remain anonymous. The tax refund is paid to the applicant each state fiscal year (July 1-June 30) for three (3) years. The applicant receives a refund for each new job created. The total award will be equal to $3,000 times the number of new jobs created, plus an additional $1,000 per job if the average annual wages exceeds the area's average by 150%. If the average annual wage exceeds the area's average by 200% an additional $2,000 is awarded. Project 031120 wishes to expand its Clearwater Corporate Headquarters to create 30 new jobs over the next three years, and the applicant qualifies for the $5,000 per employee refund per job level. Twenty percent (20%) local City/County financial participation is required which breaks down to 10% from the City of Clearwater and 10% from Pinellas County. Under the full scenario, the city's commitment for the $150,000 maximum award will be $5,000 (2004) year 1, $5,000 (2005) year 2, $5,000 (2006) year 3 for a total of $15,000. This will not have a fiscal impact until fiscal year 2004-2005. Funding will be from the Economic Development operating budget. Commissioner Hibbard moved to approve the Qualified Target Industry (QTI) application for Project 031120 and commit the City of Clearwater to refund 10% of the eligible tax refund upon certification by Enterprise Florida. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. . Resolution #03-45 was presented and read by title only. Commissioner Hamilton moved to pass and adopt Resolution #03-45 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. 32. First Reading Ordinance #7214-03 – Amending TIFF (Tax Increment Financing Fund) re: Gateway area. (ED/HSG) Subsequent to the City Commission adoption of the updated and expanded Downtown Redevelopment Plan, the County Commission and Administration have reviewed that Plan and the City’s proposed use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The City is requesting extending the TIF timeframe an additional 30 years as allowed by Florida Statutes. The base year for the original redevelopment area will continue to be December 18, 1981 and the base year for the Gateway Expansion area will be December 4, 2003. At the County’s request, there will be a review of the commitment of the County share of the TIF after 15 years, which will be the year 2019. The City and the County administrations have agreed to criteria for this review that are specifically identified in the ordinance. Staff will review these in detail with the City Commission during the presentation. In brief, the criteria are intended to determine whether the redevelopment plan, programs, projects, and funding (especially the TIF) has had the effect of creating a successful and marketable downtown at the end of the 15-year period. The County Commission also has defined how the City may utilize the County share of any TIF revenues. All of the County TIF must be used for capital projects, land acquisition, or environmental remediation. The cumulative TIF (Both City and County share) at the 15-year point will be approximately $23.5 million based on the plan projections. The cumulative TIF at the 30 year point would be $65.8 million based on plan projects. Clearly, more than half the potential of TIF revenues are in the second 15 years. The cost of proposed TIF financed projects at the 15-year point is approximately $58 million. The cost of the proposed TIF financed projects at the 30-year point is approximately $97million. Ms. Akin said this version of the ordinance is new, however the changes are relatively unsubstantial. The County has not yet signed off on this version. She said no substantial changes are expected at second reading. This item extends the City’s trust fund for an additional 30 years with a 15-year review, and adds the gateway district. Appreciation was expressed to the County for their cooperation. Commissioner Jonson moved to approve amending Ordinance #2779-82 creating the Downtown Plan Redevelopment Trust Fund and defining use of the Tax Increment Financing funds related to the Fund. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Ordinance #7214-03 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Commissioner Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance #7214-03 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: “Ayes”: Gray, Hamilton, Jonson, Hibbard, and Aungst. “Nays”: None. 33. Approve the Design Principles that will guide the preparation of the Downtown Design Guidelines. (PLD) As the Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan was developed, each major element was discussed with the City Commission for policy direction prior to the actual drafting of the element. Based on the effectiveness of this approach, the Planning Department recommends this process be used in the preparation of the Downtown Design Guidelines. To assist in the development of the Guidelines, a steering committee comprised of members of the Main Street Design Committee, a representative from the Community Development Board, representatives from the Old Bay and East Gateway neighborhoods and design and construction professionals has been established. The Downtown Design Guidelines Steering Committee (DDGSC) will work with the Planning Department to prepare draft Guidelines that will be presented to the Commission for policy direction and conceptual approval. The Committee and the Commission’s review schedule of the Design Guidelines have been organized around four major topics of discussion. The first one is Design Principles and is the subject of this agenda item. This topic centers on the basic principles that will guide the formulation of the Guidelines. A paper is available that details the goals of design guidelines, what guidelines do, and the design principles for the numerous aspects of site and building design. The Planning Department is seeking conceptual approval of the concepts presented in the attachment (or as revised). Once this occurs, the draft Guidelines can be prepared. It is anticipated the Guidelines will have three major elements and after each has been drafted with input from the DDGSC, it will be presented to the Commission for conceptual approval. The review schedule for each major section is as follows: Topic Date New Construction February 19, 2004 Rehabilitation of Existing Structures March 18, 2004 Signs and Miscellaneous April 15, 2004 The Downtown Design Guidelines Steering Committee met on December 9, 2003, to discuss the design principles that should guide the preparation of the Downtown Design Guidelines. After much review and discussion, the Committee recommended two revisions be made. One revision amends the language contained in the Access, Circulation and Parking section. The other one relates to architecture. Subsequently, at the December 15, 2003, City Commission Work Session, Commissioner Jonson suggested additional changes by adding four goals to the Design Principles which were not presented at the December 9, 2003, Steering Committee meeting. It also was suggested that the topic of “transparency” be added to the Design Principles. Those changes were distributed to the Steering Committee on December 16 and 18, 2003, via e-mail and followed up by phone calls to each of the Steering Committee members. The responses garnered from the 15 members of the Steering Committee as of noon today are as follows: 1. The addition of four goals to the Design Principles: Six members responded in the negative. The general opinion is that the four suggested goals are similar to goals currently included within the Downtown Plan and that since the Design Guidelines will ultimately be inserted into the Downtown Plan restating them would be redundant and unnecessary. Three members responded in the positive, stating that these goals should be restated for reinforcement. 2. The addition of the topic of “transparency” to the Design Principles: Five members responded in the negative. The general opinion was that it was discussed at the December 9, 2003, Steering Committee meeting and decided that transparency would be an important topic to be included into the body of the Guidelines in greater detail. One member simply responded that transparency was important and should be included in the Design Guidelines. Three members responded in the positive and that it should be included in the Design Principles. Staff has prepared a subsection addressing the issue of transparency to be included within the Design Principles underlined below: A. BUILDING DESIGN 1. Form: a. Mass/Scale: b. Height: c. Width: d. Depth: e. Rhythm/Spacing: Transparency: Transparent building facades are essential to a pedestrian-friendly environment. (the ability to see into or through a building via windows and doors) provides a connection between the public and private spaces creating a sense of security, vibrancy, and interest to the streetscape. Non-residential and high-rise multi-family residential buildings should include substantial transparency to provide visual interest along block faces. Planning Director Cyndi Tarapani said recommendations were submitted to the Steering Committee and the majority did not agree with including them in the Design Guidelines and neither did staff. Commissioner Hibbard moved to approve the Design Principles that will guide the preparation of the Downtown Design Guidelines as submitted without any amendments. The motion was duly seconded. Discussion ensued in regard to the issue of transparency and it was indicated it was discussed by the Committee and still needs further discussion. Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously. Concern was expressed regarding the role Commissioners play when sitting on certain committees. Consensus was to discuss this issue at the January Work Session. Commissioner Jonson was congratulated on his re-election without opposition. 34. IAFF Union Negotiations Update Human Resources Director Joe Roseto said a Special Master has issued a recommendation concerning those issues still being disputed between the City and the union. The City is evaluating those recommendations and will meet with union representatives to discuss them. 35. Other Pending Matters – None. 36. Other City Attorney Items – None. 37. City Manager Verbal Reports – None. 38. Commission Discussion Items a. Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway Designation – Jonson Commissioner Jonson updated the Commission regarding the Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway designation. He showed a brief video and said the goals, objectives, and strategies that were distributed were an expansion of what was distributed a year ago. Currently, all work is being done by volunteers. One component of the plan involves funding and they are looking for grants. He anticipates in two to three months the final corridor management plan will be approved and will be submitted to FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation). Hopes are to get the designation this summer. In response to a question, Commissioner Jonson said there are some State and Federal funds available for scenic highway projects. He said the Committee would officially ask for funds from the City if needed. b. Commissioner Gray’s Replacement Discussion ensued regarding Commissioner Gray’s replacement and it was indicated there are four people who have expressed interest with two of them having served on the Commission previously. Commissioner Hibbard moved to appoint J. B. Johnson effective December 29, 2003. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. A special meeting is scheduled for January 12, 2004, at 1:00 p.m. to administer the oath of office to J. B. Johnson. 39. Other Commission Action Commissioner Hibbard said he enjoyed visiting departments for holiday luncheons; he said employees are always looking for ways to serve citizens better. He noted he was approached regarding traffic due to the number of recent concerts held in the City. He said the Island Estates lift station is completed. He thanked Ms. Herbert Brown for the invitation to the groundbreaking for the House of Prayer. He met with Congressman Young for the christening of a boat for the disabled. He wished everyone a safe holiday season. He noted Commissioner Gray has been a blessing to the City. Commissioner Jonson echoed Hibbard’s comments regarding department luncheons. He said all faiths have special ways to celebrate the holidays. He said to exercise common courtesy, kindness, etc. and wished everyone a blessed holiday and new year. Commissioner Hamilton expressed condolences to the family of Dr. John Normyle. He participated in the adaptive basketball program at the Long Center. He wished everyone a happy holiday season. Mayor Aungst said there is a chance of getting President Bush to come for the opening of the new stadium. He mentioned the Fatanal convention at the Harborview. He attended a press conference at the new stadium. He mentioned the December 12 Holiday Parade. He attended an event at the Sailing Center with Congressman Young. He attended a holiday celebration at MacDill. He said farewell to Commissioner Gray. He reminded everyone of the Outback Beach Day on December 29. He announced the next Work Session is January 12. He wished everyone a happy and safe holiday season. Commissioner Gray thanked everyone for the wonderful comments tonight. She recognized the important people in her life. She said her children benefited from her experience as a Commissioner. She recognized Katie Cole, Karen Seel, and Ed Armstrong. She said her heart is in the downtown and believed downtown has a lot of potential. She said to be mindful of historic buildings but not to worship them. She said she was disappointed that the City does not have a marine patrol. She noted the current City Manager has raised the level of integrity and professionalism in the City. She urged the Commission to keep their dialog open. She congratulated J. B. Johnson on his appointment to temporarily replace her. She wished the Mayor good luck in his campaign. She wished everyone happy holidays. 40. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.