09/18/2000
CITY COMMISSION WORKSESSION
CITY OF CLEARWATER
September 18, 2000
Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner
J. B. Johnson Vice-Mayor/Commissioner – arrived 9:15 a.m.
Ed Hooper Commissioner
Robert Clark Commissioner
Absent: Ed Hart Commissioner
Also present: William B. Horne II Interim City Manager
Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
The meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m. at City Hall.
Service Awards
Five service awards were presented to City employees.
The Commission recessed from 9:06 to 9:17 a.m. to meet as the CRA (Community
Redevelopment Agency).
PUR PURCHASING
gas materials
Tempaco of Pinellas, 1st extension of 2 authorized, - misc. repair & installation
SBS
parts, 10/1/00-9/30/01, est. $192,000 ()
professional tennis servicesPR
Krishnan Anandan, , 10/1/00-9/30/02, est. $180,000 ()
double detector check valves
Hughes Supply Water & Sewer, , 10/1/00-9/30/01, est. $63,000
PW
()
police uniform items
Martin's Uniforms Division - Superior Uniform Group, Inc., , 10/1/00-
PD
9/30/01, est. $91,700 ()
benches & receptaclesPR
Contract Connection Inc., (121 pcs), $33,807.15 ()
18 Desk Top PC's
Dell Marketing, , hardware upgrade, Phase I, for PDS/Tidemark, $51,009;
PLD
financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase Agreement ()
1
mws09b00 09/18/00
1 Network switch upgrade
PC Connection Inc., , hardware upgrade, Phase I, for
PDS/Tidemark, $22,662; financing to be provided under City's Master Lease-Purchase
PLD
Agreement ()
60 airpacks complete with spare tanks & masks
Safety Equipment Company, , $199,600
FD
()
In response to a question regarding professional tennis services by Krishnan Anandan
in the amount of $180,000, Purchasing Manager George McKibben reviewed resident,
nonresident, instructor, and City revenues. Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said
the City retains 100% of all membership costs associated with lessons. He said a recreation
card is required to participate.
Regarding 60 airpacks with spare tanks and masks for the Fire Department from Safety
Equipment Company, Deputy Fire Chief Jerry Worsham said this request is for a complete refit
for all personnel.
Regarding benches and receptacles from Contract Connection, Inc. for $33,807.15, Mr.
Dunbar said the request is for metal, powder-coated benches similar to the style of those at
the gateway to the beach.
BU BUDGET
Public Hearing - Penny for Pinellas Project List
On March 6, 1997, the Commission adopted Ordinance #6137-97. The ordinance
established the requirement for a special hearing prior to the adoption of the capital
improvement budget to discuss the use of Penny for Pinellas tax, and at any time in which
there are any proposed changes to Penny for Pinellas funding of $500,000 or more. The list
provided the Commission includes the Penny for Pinellas projects that were approved by the
Commission last September, and the new list for “recommended project funding” as included in
the proposed FY 2000/01 capital improvement plan and the City Manager’s and Commission’s
changes discussed at the August 29, 2000, budget worksession. Budget Director Tina Wilson
said the changes include elimination of the Civic Center project, the addition of a Sand Key
beach fire station, and a Police substation. These changes were advertised in the public
hearing notice.
It was remarked that dollars for a new Phillies stadium should be found elsewhere. In
response to a question, Ms. Wilson said funds allocated to the Civic Center would be used to
reduce the costs to borrow in the first year. The balance will be placed in retained earnings. In
response to a question, Police Chief Sid Klein said he prefers the Police substation be rebuilt
at the Bayway location. The Interim City Manager said alternative funding options will be
discussed at Thursday’s Commission meeting. In response to a question, Fire Chief Rowland
Herald said he is confident enough dollars have been proposed for the northwest fire station,
however the site could influence those numbers. Staff also is considering use of some City
park property for a northwest fire station. Interim City Manager Bill Horne said he and the Fire
Chief would meet with the County Administrator regarding potential opportunities for a fire
station on Sand Key Park property.
2
mws09b00 09/18/00
ED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
local contribution to support development of Tuscany Apartments
Proposal re authorizing
by CED Construction Company under Low Income Housing Credit Program with subordinating
City's existing $250,000 loan to CED to the State of Florida Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL)
obtained by CED
On March 5, 1998, the Commission authorized local contributions of $914,490 to
support the development of Tuscany Apartments by CED Construction Company under the
Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTCP). CED Construction Company was not
successful in its application for funding under the LIHTCP. Therefore, the City’s previous
commitment was voided. CED has requested the City reaffirm support for this project in the
form of the following contributions totaling $719,787.22: 1) wavier of the local 6% franchise
fee for natural gas utility for $191,142.64; 2) waiver of local 6% franchise fee for electric utility
for $186,220.83; 3) waiver of local storm water utility fee for $160,428.75; 4) solid waste fee
discounts for $53,496; and 5) permit and impact fee reimbursements for $128,499. On March
9, 1998, the Commission authorized a loan of $250,000 to CED Construction Company to
support the development of Tuscany Apartments. The original terms of the loan were a 3% 20-
year loan with a 2-year deferment. CED’s obtainment of the loan from SAIL includes the
requirement that the City allow its loan to be subordinated to the SAIL prior to any proceeds
being funded from the SAIL. Under this new arrangement, the term of the loan would be for
15 years at 3%. The City Attorney said generally, the City approves incentives to help get a
project moving. As this project is underway, staff does not recommend approval.
FN FINANCE
self-insured property claim
Approve for sum not to exceed $200,000, arising from a burglary
& setting of fires at the North Greenwood Library on 7/16/00
A break-in occurred on the morning of July 16, 2000, at the North Greenwood branch
library. The parties who burglarized the building started several fires, which damaged the
structure, library equipment, and books. The claim consists of the following expenses totally
$200,000: 1) Munters Corporation book cleaning expense for $65,000; 2) City Building and
Maintenance department costs to restore the interior of the library at $40,000; 3) City’s Library
department costs to reimburse the department for repair and replacement of library supplies
and equipment at $95,000. The City’s Code of Ordinances requires that the Commission
approve any claim exceeding $25,000. This request is for approval of all expenditures needed
to satisfy this claim up to $200,000. Payment of these expenses will be made from the Central
Insurance Fund by purchase order, check, or by utilization of an appropriate expense code. In
response to a question, Jon Marcin, Risk Management Specialist, said although the families of
those who caused the damaged have been notified of potential claims, it appears there is little
possibility of collecting payment.
LIB LIBRARY
3
mws09b00 09/18/00
new Main Library
Select & approve site and funds for ; direct architects to bring forward
schematic design
The $14.95 million is composed of $1.2 million in Penny for Pinellas (FY99), $500,000
from the Slinker donation, and $13.25 million from FY02 Penny for Pinellas. Staff expects to
arrive at the $15.2 million with potential library grants and interest earnings resources. The
architect’s estimated cost of a 90,000 square foot library is $20.2 million. This proposal
assumes 46,000 square foot finished and 44,000 square foot shell by the City at a cost of
$15.2 million. The unfinished space (shell) will be finished by donations to be raised by the
Library Foundation estimated to be $5 million. It is anticipated that a major lead gift (in excess
of $1 million) and a total of $1.5 million will be committed by the 50% working drawings stage.
In the absence of the private funds, the City will adjust the size of the finished library based
upon the funds available. The City’s intent is to build a finished library with the resources
available in 2002. The Library foundation will update the City Manager and Commission on
the capital campaign’s progress at the conclusion of the design development stage
(approximately 5 months following the Commission’s approval of this agenda item) and at the
50% working drawings stage (in approximately 12 months). Design/square footage will be
adjusted as appropriate as the Commission assesses the progress and success of the
campaign. Design development, construction, documentation, and award of construction bid
can begin now permitting construction to begin in Fall 2001. The new Main Library should be
completed by Winter 2002-2003.
In response to a question, Library Director John Szabo said 44,000 square feet of
unfinished space would be spread throughout the design of the facility. Architect Jon Toppe
said the building will be three stories. Consideration is being given to the facility being built
closer to the southwest corner of Osceola Avenue and Drew Street. He said plans are to
design the 90,000 square foot facility in its entirety, complete 44,000 square feet of it, and then
raise the additional funds to complete it. Concern was expressed that it is better to start with a
finished product and reduce it rather than design a portion of it. Discussion ensued regarding
timetables for moving forward with the project and fundraising efforts. Julie Lewis, Executive
Director of the Library Foundation, said capital campaigns of this size generally run 2 to 3
years. She is confident the Foundation will reach their goals in the allotted time. Concern was
expressed the agenda item does not clearly emphasize that private funds are necessary to
adjust the size of the finished library.
PW PUBLIC WORKS
2000 Street Resurfacing
Contract to Overstreet Paving, Inc., , $906,622.20
The City’s annual street resurfacing program is designed to restore the roadway
wearing surface, provide a protective coating, and maintain the structural integrity of the road
substructure throughout the City street system. The work consists of utility adjustments,
asphalt milling, asphalt patching, miscellaneous curb, street, and drainage work. A list of
streets to be improved is included as part of the contract. The streets scheduled for
resurfacing in this contract all have been determined to warrant their inclusion by virtue of an
inspection and prioritization process performed by Public Works staff. Said process ranks
streets based on standard criteria, including type and extent of cracking, quality of rid, depth
4
mws09b00 09/18/00
and extent of rutting, and amount of raveling. The number and length of streets involved in
any resurfacing contract is limited by the amount of the annual funds to be expended at any
given time. A pre-construction conference will be held immediately following the execution of
the contract documents. The contract time schedule will begin sometime during October,
2000. The contract period is for 120-calendar day.
In response to a question, Ms. Arasteh said wherever possible, street resurfacing will
be combined with traffic calming efforts, however, 60% buy-in from neighborhoods is required.
funding for Town Pond Project
Grant Agreement with HUD, , $1,295,000
The City identified the Federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grant as a
potential source of funding for the Town Pond Project and included that application in the City
FY’00 Federal Legislative Package. Congress appropriated funding from the Economic
Development Initiative in December 1999. The Grant Agreement provides funding for
$1,295,000 for land acquisition and associated costs. The City has met all eligibility
requirements for disbursement of funds. No additional funding commitment by the City is
required.
In response to a question, Ms. Arasteh said the City is not committed to purchase the
Dimmitt property because of this agreement.
PLD PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Ords. #6574-00 & #6575-00
Public Hearing & First Reading - Land Use Plan Amendment to
Belleview
Residential High & HDR Zoning, 1590 Gulf Blvd., Sec. 19-29-15, M&B 34.011 (
Biltmore Resort, LTD
)
The site is on the southern end of Sand Key, on the west side of Gulf Boulevard at
1590 Gulf Boulevard. This land use plan amendment and rezoning is to allow the construction
of a multifamily development which is not allowed in the current Commercial plan category and
zoning district. The site was previously developed with the Cabana Club Restaurant which
was constructed with and to primarily serve the adjacent Cabana Club condominium. Although
the restaurant building still exists, the restaurant has been closed. The applicant proposes to
demolish the unoccupied building and build a new multifamily building on the approximate
0.96-acre site. The Planning Department’s recommendation of approval of this application is
for the following reasons: 1) The surrounding uses are all high density residential as is the
request, and 2) the existing commercial land use generates substantially more traffic than the
proposed residential use. Staff has determined that the proposed land use plan amendment
and rezoning applications are consistent with the following standards specified in the
Community Development Code: 1) The proposed land use plan amendment and rezoning
application are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan; 2) the potential range of uses and the
specific proposed use are compatible with the surrounding area; 3) sufficient public facilities
5
mws09b00 09/18/00
are available to serve the property; and 4) 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. Due to the size and/or
intensity of the plan amendment request, review and approval by Florida Department of
Community Affairs also is required. The Community Development Board reviewed these
applications at their public hearing of July 18, 2000, and recommended denial of the
applications. The denial was based on the testimony during the public hearing that approval of
the applications would allow a project that would infringe on the view and use of adjacent
residential developments and would result in property devaluation and other negative effects to
residential properties in the vicinity of the proposed project.
In response to a question, Planning Director Ralph Stone said this proposed zoning
would allow 28 units per acre. Staff did not discuss whether medium density residential is
acceptable to the applicant. Fifteen (15) units are allowed under medium density residential
zoning. Mr. Stone said he is unaware that any transfer of density to the property has taken
place. He said Dan’s Island is 11 stories, the Cabana Club is 9 stories, and the Isle of Sand
Key is 17 stories high. The maximum height allowed in the proposed zoning would be 80 feet
on top of flood elevation. The applicant has not submitted a site plan, therefore the proposed
height is unknown. Mr. Stone said the Community Development Board denied the request
because residents indicated that in purchasing their units, they had relied on representation
that this property would remain commercial. They feel this proposal would reduce their
property values and their views. He said the request is consistent with the land use and other
elements of the Comprehensive Plan and staff recommends approval. He said if the
Commission approves this request, the Community Development Board would review the site
plan, which would also require approval. Staff will provide the Commission with information
regarding all properties that are zoned Medium Density Residential in the area.
City Manager Verbal Reports
Public Utilities Director Kevin Becotte said City staff met with Tampa Bay Water to
discuss an agreement for water production in Clearwater. The City has asked SWFWMD
(Southwest Florida Water Management District) to renew its water permit. Tampa Bay Water
will be a co-permittee on the SWFWMD permit. Although Tampa Bay Water is requesting the
City increasing production to 8 million gallons a day, the City feels it prudent to remain at the
6.75 million-gallon level. This agreement will allow Clearwater to stay in the water production
business without any capital improvements. Tampa Bay Water would construct facilities in
order that the City can meet the safe drinking water standard acts that are anticipated in 2003.
Tampa Bay Water also would provide 3 payment streams: 1) a lease payment for City wells;
2) reimbursement for O&M costs for treatment facilities; and 3) for disposal of reject facilities.
Negotiations are ongoing. In response to a question, Mr. Becotte said staff would inquire
regarding the City’s ability to participate on Tampa Bay Water’s technical advisory board.
The Interim City Manager said he is pleased with staff’s reaction to Hurricane Gordon.
Other Commission Action
6
mws09b00 09/18/00
Commissioner Johnson said he attended the Mexican Independence Celebration at the
Harborview Center Saturday night. He said he thinks it will become an annual event. He said
his residence was without power for 10 hours this weekend due to Hurricane Gordon.
Commissioner Hooper encouraged everyone to attend the Taste of Clearwater
Wednesday at the Harborview Center.
Commissioner Clark appreciated the opportunity to participate in the last Town Meeting.
Mayor Aungst thanked everyone for their efforts during Hurricane Gordon. He also
thanked the Police Department, Fire Department, and volunteers for their efforts on the Officer
Friendly Bicycle Jamboree, those agencies involved in the Missing Child effort in Clearwater,
and volunteers for the beach clean-up.
Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 11:16 a.m.
7
mws09b00 09/18/00