Loading...
04/27/1994 - 12:55 PM CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING Capital Improvement Project Session April 27, 1994 The City Commission of the City of Clearwater met at City Hall with the following members present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner Fred A. Thomas Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Richard Fitzgerald Commissioner Sue Berfield Commissioner Arthur Deegan Commissioner Also present were: Elizabeth M. Deptula City Manager Kathy S. Rice Deputy City Manager William C. Baker Assistant City Manager Tina Wilson Budget Manager Miles Lance Assistant City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk The meeting was called to order at 12:55 p.m. Elizabeth Deptula, City Manager, indicated the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) program is to be a five-year broad look at projects the City anticipates implementing. She requested the Commission keep that perspective in reviewing the program. She reviewed several projects for which there is no specific cost or funding source at this time: 1) the new police headquarters is estimated at $10.8 million (it includes 200 spaces in a shared garage); 2) the telephone system is old and antiquated and will need to be addressed (after September, GTE has agreed to continue to try to maintain the current system); 3) the manufactured gas plant mediation is a project for which there is no idea of the extent of the problem or cost; 4) the City Hall bond issue is currently in at $10 million; 5) the Bayfront Mart (Maas Brothers) current budget includes slightly over $2 million for the improvements for the Stein Mart area, but not the next series of improvements (those costs are to be available in early July). She stated the City has available $14.5 million to cover these projects. She stated the General Fund unreserved, undesignated balance is $5,899,000 above the ten percent reserve. She stated this is the least restricted money. The Special Development fund has $2,590,000, which can only be used for Capital Improvement projects. In the Penny for Pinellas (Infrastructure Tax) Fund there is $5,084,000, also dedicated to capital projects. Commissioner Fitzgerald questioned if this was what would be available through the duration of the infrastructure tax. Ms. Deptula indicated it would be. She stated the local option gas tax fund includes $310,000; the open space impact fees $297,500. Revenue generated during the City's ownership of the Sun Bank, or Atrium building was a net income of $532,344.63. Commissioner Deegan questioned if the funds outlined were all available for one year. Ms. Deptula indicated all but the Penny for Pinellas fund, or Infrastructure tax, which figure includes all monies available throughout the duration of the tax. Commissioner Deegan questioned why the summary of funds available, just presented, did not agree with the information on page 6 of the Capital Improvement Program booklet. Ms. Wilson indicated what was presented was above and beyond what is included in the book. It was also indicated the book does not include projects that have already been funded. It was requested, when the final version is published in September, that those projects be included. POLICE DEPARTMENT Commissioner Fitzgerald requested, regarding the driving training facility, that a consolidated program with the County be considered in order to have a shared facility. Ms. Deptula indicated there were two issues to be examined; the reuse of the old General Electric plant on Bryan Dairy Road and use of some of the City-owned property in Hillsborough County. She stated the booklet is a planning document, the driver training facility is in the book in order to have this on the table for discussion. Commissioner Deegan expressed concern that a general comment, "You approved it in the CIP" would be used in the future to say the program had already been approved. It was stated the Commisison is only approving what is proposed to be spent in the first year. Commissioner Thomas agreed the driver training facility should be more than just the City of Clearwater. He also requested, rather than just pursuing a ground training course, that high-tech trainers be investigated. Mayor Garvey reported there were no Capital Improvement Program projects for 1994/95 in the Police Department. Commissioner Thomas requested consideration be given to another district being pursued. Chief Kline indicated that a new, computer-aided dispatch system will provide a mechanism for deployment, which will address Commissioner Thomas' concern. Ms. Deptula indicated there is also ongoing discussion, by individuals interested in acquiring the property on which Countryside substation is located. This could result in relocation of that substation. Commissioner Deegan questioned when they would receive a reply regarding the ability to renovate the existing police headquarters. William C. Baker, Assistant City Manager, indicated the report is currently being prepared. He has heard from the consultants and they are convinced it would not be cost-effective to use the existing building. Their recommendation will be to construct a new building south of the existing one, raze the existing structure and place a parking garage on that property. Commissioner Berfield requested clarification in that $350,000 is shown on a separate sheet as having already been allocated to the computer-aided dispatch system and now, an additional $300,000 is being requested in the year 1999/2000. Commissioner Deegan pointed out $1.4 million had been approved for that project. Ms. Deptula indicated the $300,000 in FY 2000 was placed there in order to recognize the life span of the computers. Ms. Wilson indicated this actually should be a new project number. Commissioner Deegan questioned, if the consultant report is finished, whether or not the funds need to be in FY 94/95 for the new police headquarters. Ms. Deptula indicated there would be a need for funding and information will be available by September. Commissioner Thomas expressed concerns there was nothing in the budget regarding the take-home car project. Ms. Deptula indicated that was due to the fact that no decision was to be made by the Commission until January of 1995. Commissioner Thomas pointed out, if the training facility was in the budget in order to get that topic on the table, the same should be done for the take-home cars. He stated, if the Commission's decision is not to pursue that project, it can always be deleted. Ms. Deptula indicated it could be included in the book with a description that it is under study. FIRE DEPARTMENT Ms. Deptula indicated the Fire Department's Capital Improvement Program budget is fairly straightforward. She stated the refurbishment project is ongoing and shows up every year. The Emergency Management System (EMS) capital equipment is funded from monies received from the County. She stated the computer upgrade has been postponed one year, waiting for technology. Commissioner Thomas questioned what the Fire Department does with old fire engines. Bob Lockwood, Fire Administrative Support Manager, stated ones with usable tanks are used by the Water Pollution Control division. Others are usually sold as surplus. Commissioner Deegan questioned the amount of money saved because of the fire fighters' design of the new fire engines. Mr. Lockwood reviewed the process, which results in the City saving approximately $35,000 on each vehicle. TRANSPORTATION Commissioner Fitzgerald questioned where the $2.3 million, due to the reduction in the scope of the Highland Avenue widening was placed. Ms. Deptula indicated it is part of the funds shown as remaining in the Penny for Pinellas fund. Commissioner Deegan questioned why the Drew Street Project had moved forward. Peter Yauch, Traffic Engineer/Acting Public Works Director, indicated this was because the Project Development and Environmental (PD&E) study had been completed. Mr. Baker indicated that, so far, the City is simply doing work for DOT regarding that project and there have been no contractual arrangements. Commissioner Deegan questioned if there was any way to recoup those funds. Mr. Baker indicated there was not; however, the City had indicated it would spend no more than $4 million to expedite the project. Mr. Baker indicated they are not pursuing right-of-way acquisition, but are simply doing plans and specifications. Commissioner Deegan questioned why Missouri Avenue was deleted as a project. Mr. Yauch indicated it was because it will most likely tie in with the Drew Street project or an Alternate 19 decision and those improvements will be picked up in one of those projects. He indicated Missouri Avenue is a high right-of-way item. Commissioner Deegan questioned why Druid Road improvements were being moved up. Mr. Yauch indicated this was only a small portion of the Druid Road improvements having to do with the Allen's Creek culvert, which was tied into an Environmental project the Commission had approved. The funding will cover the cost of rebuilding the bridge at that location. Commissioner Deegan questioned if there is anything the City could do regarding the County deciding widening of Belcher Road is too expensive. Mr. Yauch indicated the major problem was the properties at Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and Drew Street. Mayor Garvey pointed out the Metropolitan Planning Organization had been encouraged not to support the widening until the Keene Road corridor had been improved. Mr. Baker indicated there had always been support of widening Belcher Road from Belleair Road to Druid Road. Commissioner Deegan expressed particular concern regarding the area from Druid Road to Drew Street. Commissioner Berfield pointed out County Commissioner Parks had suggested the County work with Clearwater and the Post Office to see if anything could be done for that particular stretch of Belcher Road. Mr. Yauch indicated the County's widening of Northeast Coachman Road will help and the State had looked at the Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and Belcher Road intersection, but the right-of-way had been too expensive. Commissioner Deegan stated he would like this project to be investigated. Commissioner Thomas indicated Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and Belcher Road is one of the worst intersections in the City and should be looked into. Mr. Yauch indicated the County's original plans had been to widen Belcher Road all the way to Sunset Point Road. He stated, perhaps if the project were scaled back, they may be interested. Commissioner Thomas requested the Commission set a policy, whenever a road is changed, the power lines be buried. Ms. Deptula requested staff have time to study this proposal. Commissioner Fitzgerald questioned the placement of the Landmark Drive extension in FY 1997/98. Mr. Yauch indicated it was tied to the year the environmental permits were to expire. He stated this project is being looked at as the school board may decide to construct a school in this area, in which case the extension would be needed. He stated there are also concerns regarding the need for a back road for residents of the Shady Oaks Subdivision, which currently can only exit or access their subdivision from McMullen Booth Road to Marlo Boulevard. Mr. Yauch indicated the traffic projections for McMullen Booth Road are astronomical; however, it is not known how accurate they are. Ms. Deptula stated major projects for resurfacing and maintenance are ongoing, as well as sidewalks and bike trails. Commissioner Deegan questioned the big jump in the allocations for sidewalks, in that it goes from $100,000 in the FY 1997/98 to $400,000 in 1998/99. Paul Nystrom, Public Works Finance Manager, stated currently funds are being spent to address ADA requirements; however, Public Works will be returning to a regular sidewalk repair and maintenance program after the ADA regulations are addressed. He stated, at that point, there will be some catching up to do in sidewalk maintenance and replacement. Commissioner Thomas questioned if the City had identified where sidewalks are really needed. Mr. Baker indicated they had. Commissioner Berfield questioned, on the pages showing where money has already been allocated, if there was still money available for sidewalks. It was indicated there was. Commissioner Deegan expressed concerns regarding some of the work being done to address the ADA requirements. He felt there was a public relations problem with the contractors. As they do work on Drew Street, they seem to be replacing perfectly good sidewalk. When the residents ask why, the workers say they don't know, they are simply being told to do it by the City. It was indicated, in order to meet the ADA requirements, a certain slope is required. What appears to be, and is, perfectly good sidewalk, is being replaced in order to meet that slope. Commissioner Deegan recommended we impress upon the contractors that they are creating a public relations problem for the City. Ms. Deptula pointed out, on pages 26 and 27, the first funding for the Memorial Causeway PD&E study has been included. Commissioner Deegan questioned if this was for planning purposes as this has not been given final approval. Ms. Deptula indicated this was correct. Commissioner Thomas questioned what it would take to put a toll on a new Memorial Causeway Bridge. Mr. Yauch indicated this is a State road and the State would have to approve that. Commissioner Thomas felt a 50¢ toll would result in the bridge being paid for in less than five years and it was unnecessary to spend money on a PD&E study in order to obtain funding from the State and Federal governments. He stated he would like for the Commission to consider the concept of placing a toll on the bridge, which would pay for the bridge and cuts in the Memorial Causeway for water flow. Mayor Garvey pointed out people were opposed to the toll on the Sand Key bridge. It was agreed that staff would come back with information regarding the process that would have to be pursued in order to place a toll on the bridge. Commissioner Deegan questioned the status of the feasibility study. Mr. Baker indicated at the next Commission meeting they would be asked to rank the consulting firms and the feasibility study would take five or six months. Commissioner Thomas stated there were two issues regarding the toll and that some had thought the City was "silly" for taking the tolls off the Sand Key bridge. He stated the State had no plans for a high-span Memorial Causeway bridge and it was the City pursuing it. He stated, if it were left up to the State, it would take 20 years for a new bridge. Mr. Baker indicated that was not what he was hearing. It was agreed all information would be presented when the feasibility study is completed. The meeting recessed from 2:25 to 2:37 p.m. LEISURE - Parks and Recreation Mayor Garvey questioned why soccer fields were being sprinkled. Mr. Wilson indicated there had been recent grading and resodding of the fields. Commissioner Thomas questioned what was planned to be purchased by the funds allocated in park land acquisition. Mr. Wilson indicated there was the possibility of properties around Clearwater High School and the YWCA; however, these funds are in an out year and there are no definite plans at this time. Commissioner Berfield questioned, if something became available, whether or not the funds could be moved forward. It was indicated they could. Miles Lance left the meeting at 2:40 p.m. Commissioner Thomas questioned the allocation for a softball complex in an out year. Mr. Wilson indicated this was not a real number, but an anticipated future expense. He stated currently there is no need for an additional softball complex. He stated this project could change to a different use. Commissioner Deegan questioned a suggestion for a wetlands nature trail. Mr. Wilson indicated a bike trail route was through the property, and while there were no plans for the nature trail, there could be. Commissioner Deegan questioned for what purposes the impact fees for Parks and Recreation could be used. Mr. Wilson indicated the open space fees have to be used within a certain radius of the property generating those fees for the purchase of open space. The recreation land fee is to be used for purchase of land for development of tennis courts, basketball courts, et cetera. The recreation facility fee is to be used to build the facilities on the lands purchased. Commissioner Deegan questioned whether or not these funds could be used for construction of a softball complex instead of Penny for Pinellas monies. Mr. Wilson indicated they could, if recreation facility fees are available. Commissioner Deegan requested Penny for Pinellas monies not be set aside if other sources were available. Mr. Wilson agreed. Art Kader, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director, pointed out funds coming in from the fees have slowed. He stated, over the 11 years they have been in effect, not more than $1 million has been generated. He stated, when the projects come forward, those funds are used prior to other funding sources. Commissioner Deegan questioned why Soule Road Park had been brought forward in the schedule. Mr. Wilson indicated a petition had been received from residents in the area. This would be a small 5-acre park. Commissioner Deegan questioned if this was in the comprehensive plan. Mr. Wilson indicated it was. Commissioner Berfield questioned development of Northeast Coachman Park and why it was being converted to an active park when it has been passive. Mr. Wilson indicated what is being proposed is playground equipment and a picnicking area. Commissioner Thomas questioned if the Lake Chautauqua development was also along Soule Road. Mr. Wilson indicated it was and the Department of Natural Resources is encouraging the City to develop the park there. However, the Landmark Drive extension is needed prior to being able to develop this property. Commissioner Thomas questioned, from a long-range point of view, how much of the budget should be in Parks and Recreation. He stated the Capital Improvement Program project is just the beginning of the cost and there will still have to be monies for staffing and operations. He stated this Commission needs to come to grips with the percentage of the budget that can be spent on Parks and Recreation. Mayor Garvey felt, if the money was being spent to keep kids off the street, it was a better use of the funds. She stated recreation is vital to the community. Commissioner Thomas questioned if the Commission had ever looked at the valid percentage of the budget to be allocated to various programs. He agreed with Mayor Garvey that it was good to keep children out of trouble. He stated; however, at some point, the Commission had to decide how much the City could afford for each segment of running the City. Commissioner Deegan pointed out this was the point of the Community Consensus Project and it should be part of the Strategic Planning sessions prior to finalizing next year's budget. Commissioner Thomas stated there was nothing in the budget regarding drinking water. Ms. Deptula disagreed, stating there were significant monies for the water system. Ms. Deptula expressed concern, if the Commission were to set budget percentages, that information would be needed soon, as staff is already putting together next year's budget. Commissioner Fitzgerald stated it was important to remember that the Parks and Recreation budget includes a lot of things not related to parks. He stated, if you look back over time, the percentages allocated in the budget for various programs do not change much. Ms. Deptula requested clarification regarding for what the Commission was asking. Commissioner Deegan stated if the bulk of the items important to the community has to do with public safety, then the majority of the budget should be for public safety. Ms. Deptula indicated she would compare the Community Consensus results to the budget to see how they relate. She hoped to have that information by the middle of May. Commissioner Deegan questioned the additional $380,000 being added to the downtown community center. Mr. Wilson indicated that brings the total for that project to $1.2 million. Commissioner Deegan questioned the amount of work begin proposed for Del Oro Park. Mr. Wilson indicated this is a 20-year-old park that had been given little attention and now needs a lot of help. Commissioner Fitzgerald questioned the Sand Key Park item. Mr. Wilson indicated it would not be developed without beach renourishment. Commissioner Fitzgerald questioned what would happen if renourishment is not pursued. Mr. Wilson indicated the Sand Key residents would be asked for input. He stated, more than likely, it would be maintained as a passive park unless there were other requests from the Sand Key neighborhood. Commissioner Deegan pointed out the major portion of the funds were for parking. He questioned if Ultimar III was bringing in any additional funds. Mr. Wilson indicated he thought the fees had already been paid. Mr. Kader indicated the land fees have been collected, but there may still be a facility fee of $200 per unit to be collected. Commissioner Thomas pointed out rent is being collected from this property while Ultimar uses it during construction. He requested these funds be designated for development of this property. It was the consensus of the Commission to do this. Commissioner Deegan questioned the new D.D. Davis Park. Ms. Wilson indicated this had been approved in the Penny for Pinellas project list and was just now moving into the five-year Capital Improvement Program. Mayor Garvey questioned the project for restrooms at Ross Norton Park. Mr. Wilson indicated there were no restroom facilities at the ball fields. Mr. Wilson pointed out the new project for Crest Lake improvements were important in that they will be addressing ADA complaints. Commissioner Thomas questioned a proposal for a Memorial Causeway recreation path improvement. He stated he did not support this being done. Mr. Wilson indicated this had been recommended by the Beautification Committee. Commissioner Thomas stated he did not support it as it would obstruct the view and this was to be a passive area. Commissioner Deegan agreed the shelters would attract individuals to park on the causeway. He did feel the water fountains to be installed were a good idea. Consensus of the Commission was to remove this project from the Capital Improvement Project program and have the water fountains done out of the operating budget. Commissioner Thomas stated he would like additional parking areas on the causeway. Commissioner Deegan felt this would create the same problem as the shelters and would make this a beach area. There was no support for this addition. Commissioner Berfield questioned if there were any thoughts regarding improvements to Courtney Campbell Causeway. Ms. Deptula indicated this was State property and the City was working with them to have a plan to control the activities in that area. Commissioner Berfield questioned if this would require any funding. Ms. Deptula indicated if it does, she will know that prior to finalizing the budget. Commissioner Thomas requested the face lift for the Memorial Civic Center be placed in this year's budget. There was concern regarding the impact of this on the proposed redevelopment area. Ms. Deptula questioned if this was just façade or whether or not it included interior work. Mayor Garvey pointed out there was a lot of work that needed to be done inside the building. Commissioner Deegan stated a committee report will be forthcoming with recommendations regarding improvements to the Memorial Civic Center. Commissioner Fitzgerald felt funding for this should come from the Clearwater Beach improvement CIP. He did not support additional dollars for this program. Commissioner Thomas questioned if recreation facility fees would be available. Mr. Kader pointed out the recreation facility fees are to be used for new facilities and not rehabilitating existing ones. A majority of the Commission agreed to include this in the Capital Improvement Program in order to note it will be a decision to be made in the future. Mr. Wilson pointed out the Parks and Recreation Department has included in the Capital Improvement Program a computer upgrade and replacement. He stated this is the fourth phase of the department's long-range computer plan. Commissioner Berfield questioned if this was the final phase. Mr. Wilson indicated it was the next to the last, as five phases are planned. Commissioner Deegan questioned why another $100,000 would be needed. Mr. Kader indicated these are upgrades to the system. Commissioner Deegan questioned the cost of computers for the new Countryside Community Center. Mr. Kader indicated those would cost approximately $8,000. Mr. Kader indicated that what is in the book is the fourth phase, which would cost $29,140. He stated the entire definition is not there for the upgrades in the out years. LEISURE - Library Commissioner Deegan pointed out the Capital Improvement Program for book acquisition did not include the Beach branch. Arlita Hallam, Library Director, indicated a correction had been sent in; however, had not made it into the book. Commissioner Thomas questioned the City joining the cooperative and whether it would pay for growth in the library system. Ms. Hallam indicated the City would fund growth for the existing population and the cooperative for the activities generated from being a member of the cooperative. She stated the City will not be funding additional acquisitions needed due to the cooperative. Commissioner Deegan questioned the reason for changing the wording for the Main Library/expansion project. Ms. Hallam indicated the former language had been too limiting. Commissioner Deegan questioned the inclusion of "or location." He stated the long range plan did not say a new building would be constructed. Ms. Hallam indicated that, regardless of the final plan, there are real problems with the existing building. If it should be used, a new electrical system and new roof would be needed. She stated the cost would be approximately the same for rehabilitation or relocation. Commissioner Deegan expressed concern regarding the cost being the same. Ms. Hallam indicated those are the estimates provided to her. She stated the need for land would be the difference in cost. Commissioner Deegan reiterated the long range plan did not say the building had to be replaced. Ms. Hallam indicated this was correct. Commissioner Thomas questioned the size of the new library. Ms. Hallam indicated it had been estimated at 80,000 to 90,000 square feet. Commissioner Thomas questioned if this included a conference room. It was indicated it did. It was felt the conference room may be able to be eliminated if the Bayfront Mart (Maas Brothers) building is renovated for conference space. Commissioner Deegan pointed out the television studio is to be removed and the 350 seat auditorium may also be able to be deleted. Commissioner Thomas questioned the proposed footprint for the parking garage for the Police Department and the Municipal Services building. He stated he felt a library could be placed on top of the garage. Mayor Garvey felt this would increase the size of the garage. Commissioner Thomas stated he simply wanted to have all the ideas on the table. Ms. Hallam indicated, wherever the building is, the floors must be constructed to sustain 150 pounds per square foot. Ms. Deptula indicated a general obligation bond may be proposed for the Library project, which would require voter approval. Ms. Deptula stated another meeting would be needed in order to complete the Capital Improvement Program. Consensus was to set this meeting for 1:00 p.m. on May 6, 1994. (This date was later changed to after the regular Commission meeting of May 16, 1994.) The meeting adjourned at 3:56 p.m.