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06/07/1994 CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING INPUT REGARDING PIER 60 DEVELOPMENT June 07, 1994 The City Commission of the City of Clearwater met in special session at City Hall, in Chambers, Tuesday, June 07, 1994 at 7:00 p.m., with the following members present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner Fred A. Thomas Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Richard Fitzgerald Commissioner Sue A. Berfield Commissioner Arthur X. Deegan, II Commissioner Also present: Elizabeth M. Deptula City Manager Miles A. Lance Assistant City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk ITEM #1 - Pledge of Allegiance The Mayor called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. ITEM #2 - Invocation A moment of silence was observed in honor of those who lost their lives on D-Day, 1944. ITEM #3 - Public Input re Development of Pier 60 Area The Mayor opened the meeting indicating the purpose was for the Commission to receive input regarding possible development of the Pier 60 area. She stated the Commission welcomes all ideas and reported no decision would be made tonight. Mayor Garvey requested the Commission set the ground rules for speakers. Consensus of the Commission was to allow three minutes per individual and ten minutes for a group or presentation. Anne Garris, representing Clearwater Beach Association Committee, introduced Committee members present. She presented slides depicting the existing circumstances. The Committee recommends removing the L-shaped building to open the pool area, adding a wading pool and operating the facility in the same manner as other City pools. They also recommend installing a dairy bar, designed in the Pier 60 motif. The Committee recommends installing a playground similar to the one at the Long Center in the location of the existing dune, or nearby if the dune cannot be removed. Parking should be moved to the south and replaced by a bumper boat pool concession that will produce revenue for the City. They also recommend a pedestrian walkway be constructed beyond the Holiday Inn entrance and a green area with picnic tables and shade be provided. The possibility of a carousel at the end of this area was also suggested. The Clearwater Beach Association Committee asks the Commission to request funds from the Tourist Development Council for a tram from a Downtown parking garage to Pier 60 to eliminate the need for some parking. Ms. Garris indicated the Association also supports the pavilion proposed by another group. Bob Henion, representing the Sand Key Civic Association, stated they support the Clearwater Beach Association Committee's proposal. He noted it is important these recommendations are coming from the community where the development will be located. He stated they endorse the program with or without bumper boats. Beth Davis requested the area be developed in a natural way. She indicated she saw few Florida tags at the playground and picnic area on Anna Maria Island. She felt Florida's biggest tourist attraction is nature. She endorsed a playground similar to the Sunshine Playground at the Long Center. She requested the decision maximize the beach front in the most natural way. Ernest Manke stated many Florida tourist communities do more for their tourists than Clearwater. He noted tourism is a highly competitive market. He indicated most Clearwater Beach tourists complain about a lack of entertainment. He felt a pavilion with shows would be very nice. Lynn Beckett, representing American Carousel, spoke regarding the installation of an antique carousel in this area. She stated carrousels are American fairground art. She suggested including a Victorian pavilion with educational exhibits. A similar building constructed for the carousel would become a destination with an identity. She stated it would also provide revenue to the City. She felt the project should qualify for tourist development funds. Lois Martin agreed with keeping a green area in this location. She indicated building techniques must incorporate safety guidelines for construction in a hurricane zone. She agreed with the idea of a tram but questioned who would pay for it. She did not agree with rides, carnivals or additional parking lots. If a pavilion is constructed she suggested the City consider a japanese design that provides an uninterrupted view. She stated plays and a theater could operate in the facility. Bob Wright, representing the Budget Advisory Committee (BAC), suggested a passive park with no entertainment. The BAC recommended the City stay out of the development business. Marly McMillen stated she is a member of the Beach Association Committee and agreed with leaving the area in a natural state, as a window to the Gulf. Jim Tracey stated this meeting is very good as everybody is looking at a positive direction for the beach. He agreed the Clearwater Beach Association has good ideas. As a long time resident, he had forgotten the pool was in this location. He reported a complaint he often receives in his market is from older people who have no access to the beach. He recommended a handicapped accessible boardwalk be installed. Bill Baldwin, representing Baldwin Group Architects and Belt Collier Environmental Landscaping, stated Pier 60 is the most prominent location on Clearwater Beach. Their proposal focuses on three elements: 1) creating a diverse ecological garden; 2) a multi-use center; and 3) an observation tower with a restaurant. He indicated the ecological garden would focus on native plants and three areas would be viewed from boardwalks. In the multi-use area, a promenade and gazebo would connect Mandalay Avenue to the Pier 60 area. The gazebo would be urban architecture and attractions such as vendors, mimes, etc. could be in this location. Mr. Baldwin said the 300 foot observation tower would offer educational opportunities such as weather programs and be topped with a revolving restaurant. He pointed out there is a potential for $1 million in revenue to the City each year. He indicated the tower would become a noted focal point. Don Kirby said Clearwater Beach is the best thing going for Clearwater. He questioned why it should be messed up and made into an amusement park. He requested plans include open space and a view and it be kept as natural as possible. He did not object to a picnic area. Andrea Berens stated the best beaches are undeveloped. She noted there is not a shortage of family entertainment in Florida and it was nice to visit a beach and not be confronted by development. Frank Ott spoke in favor of the proposed project because it would give people something to do. He said he is from New York and this would remind him of Coney Island. Wayne Millington stated he is a four-month resident and the beach is the focal point of why he moved to this area. He concurred with the majority of speakers thus far that the area should be left natural. He did speak to the lack of parking on Clearwater Beach and suggested building a parking garage somewhere on the island away from the beach. He stated he would hate to see an amusement park there. Bill Kirbas indicated a need to build tourism on Clearwater Beach where there is currently nothing to do after dark or in bad weather. Donna Hulburt spoke in favor of a proposal submitted by Tom Lambdon for a show scan motion simulation theater. She said Clearwater needs a high profile attraction. This facility will include a library of show scan films in which Clearwater residents can take pride. Alyce Williams supported the proposal by the Clearwater Beach Association. Mike Frangidis, representing the Clearwater Beach Business Association, stated existing businesses will be affected no matter what is done at the Pier. He agreed on making this a family beach. He felt the area needs to be a plus to the area as a whole. He stated it also needs to be financially on the plus side in order not to be a burden to the taxpayers. The Clearwater Beach Business Association recommends a dolphin center that allows children to feed and pet dolphins, would provide entertainment and education and be a landmark and final destination for tourists. He stated there may be opposition from animal activists but suggested they consider current activities at Busch Gardens and Sea World. He stated the Association is in favor of a monorail as well as a boardwalk. He noted Clearwater Beach is a prime tourist location and the whole system needs to be considered. Bob Gregg indicated he had designed the Pier. He stated what is being proposed is not tying in to what has happened on the Pier. He felt concession stands should be on the Pier and passive recreation on the beach. He suggested the land be leased or developed into something that can operate without supervision. He recommended incorporating passive elements that do not create a liability for the City. He stated the pool could be converted to a shallow one with a water slide. He felt people on the beach want nature. Bernie Barron stated he works for a beach hotel and one of the big concerns is where to take children when it is raining. He said there is nothing to do on the beach. He felt the development of the Pier 60 area should be child oriented on the inside. He liked the idea of an observation deck and felt the Baldwin plan contained many good ideas. He stated whatever is done, there needs to someplace for kids to have something to do. Rob Morris supported Tom Lambdon's proposal for the show scan motion simulation theater. He stated it would not be loud and would have a playground. He stated this is new technology that will keep Clearwater going but will not cost the City anything. Laura Stetson supported natural beautification. She said people go to the beach to go to the beach. She did not support a carousel or observation tower. Whitney Gray indicated she and her parents were born and raised in Clearwater and her grandparents grew up in Clearwater. She said her great-grandparents were City officials. She noted none of her relatives have ever had any trouble finding something to do on the beach. Mia Boutzoukas supported the Clearwater Beach Association's proposal. She stated it accommodates all interests including those of residents and tourists. She felt the pavilion would provide entertainment. She reported she has lived on the beach for 15 years and did not know the pool was located there. She did not support enhancement of the pool. She stated if the Clearwater Beach Association's proposal is not accepted, she would agree with some of the other suggestions rather than leave it the way it is. Bernard Dixon stated he approved of the proposed project. He noted this community depends on tourists who have nothing to do. He stated residents have no where to take visitors at night. He reported other metropolitan areas are growing and he felt the proposed project would work for the City. Allison Kennedy stated she is a member of the Clearwater Beach Association Committee and has enjoyed the pool for a number of years. She felt it should be enhanced. Kathy Komic stated she is also a member of the Clearwater Beach Association Committee and her children swim in the pool. She felt the pool should remain. However, she felt the City should maintain it instead of leasing it. She reported the admission cost is not comparable to other City owned pool facilities. She stated the City is not responsible for providing entertainment for tourists and was opposed to development. Glen Morris recommended the acceptance of innovative ideas to bring tourist attractions to the area. He stated the hotels/motels would be pleased with anything added to the beach. Linda Francis agreed with an editorial that appeared in the St. Petersburg Times. This area should be kept as natural as possible and be a window to the Gulf. She indicated there is room for some of the Clearwater Beach Association's ideas but not all of them. She stated her opposition to bumper boats and did not feel there should be an intrusion on the natural beach. She stated the Maas Brothers site would be an appropriate location for a carousel and revolving restaurant. She felt the tram was a good idea. Herb Frietag said he is disturbed when he hears people say there is nothing to do on Clearwater Beach. He stated he has been to Coney Island and does not want that here. He indicated a middle ground was needed. He recommended maximizing the beach by keeping it as beautiful and natural as possible. He did like some of the Clearwater Beach Association's ideas as some attractions would be a welcome addition. Tom Lambdon reviewed the proposal he had previously submitted to the City Commission for a 50 seat theater with a show scan motion simulation program. He stated he has attempted to bring this attraction to St. Petersburg and Madeira Beach. He is currently negotiating for property in the Madeira Beach area. He proposes providing two different ride films per day. He stated there would be revenue to the City. He felt this attraction would keep tourists in Clearwater rather than going to Busch Gardens and Disney World. A $3.5 million investment would provide for this project. He stated he has invested $300,000 in the project to date. The show scan company will provide $ .5 million and the remainder will be financed by selling interest to private investors through industrial revenue bonds. He stated the attraction could be phased in, with Phase 2 being an 80 seat theater showing a documentary on whales. Bob Deiley stated no matter what is done, people will still go to Disney World and Busch Gardens. He felt the theater should be located away from the beach front. He agreed with leaving the beach as natural as possible. He did not like the idea of a boardwalk unless it was simply a walkway. He was opposed to the bumper boats. He reported the people to whom he has spoken do not want a carnival atmosphere. David Little stated he was glad to see the turnout at tonight's meeting. He said the beach is the gateway for Clearwater and felt there are ways to improve the Pier 60 area with attractions. He indicated this would improve the tax base. He stated the City needs to be competitive in tourism. A passive park would be simply added cost to the City of Clearwater and there is no shortage of parks in the area. He felt the Commission should consider some sort of attraction. Lorraine Frietag spoke regarding the qualities envisioned by the tropical seascape theme proposed for Clearwater Beach that included charm, class and character. She stated the majority of people seem to have the same idea regarding those three elements. She felt whatever was done at this location, it needed to enhance those three qualities. Harold Schultz spoke in favor of the proposal by Tom Lambdon. He reported it cost $5.30 to go out on Pier 60 and fish. He indicated people who are sunburned need an alternative to the beach. He stated part of the proposal's desirability is other things can be done in this area and the beach could still be seen. He requested the Commission give the proposal serious consideration. Chuck Pollack stated he has listened to the proposals and noted they all have interesting points. He said the challenge for the Commission was how to maintain the integrity of Clearwater Beach's beauty. He reported a turtle, usually found only in Mexico, was recently discovered laying eggs on Clearwater Beach. He stated Clearwater Beach is unique in itself and most are happy with what we are. He said the Commission has to consider how to keep the beach beautiful while reviewing proposals. Commissioner Thomas questioned the calendar of future events. The City Clerk indicated discussion regarding the pavilion is scheduled for the June 16, 1994, Commission meeting. Staff has been directed to draft an RFP for the Pier 60 area to be considered by the Commission on July 18, 1994. Commissioner Thomas stated he would like to have preliminary discussion regarding the Pier 60 area on June 16, 1994. Commissioner Deegan pointed out that unless the Commission provides some kind of direction to staff at that time, they would not know what to prepare for the July 18, 1994 meeting. Commissioner Fitzgerald did not feel discussion should occur on June 16, 1994 because additional time is needed. Ms. Deptula pointed out certain proposals tonight would not require an RFP. She was concerned staff would perform work the Commission did not wish them to. Mayor Garvey expressed concerns that some individuals with proposals were not able to attend tonight's meeting. Commissioner Thomas felt some discussion and direction were needed on June 16, 1994. Commissioner Fitzgerald questioned what established the July 18, 1994, date. The City Clerk indicated this had been part of a motion approved by the City Commission. Commissioner Fitzgerald felt there was a lot on the table and did not understand why this decision needed to be rushed. He did not feel the RFP necessarily had to be presented in July. Commissioner Deegan stated the Commission is not always rushing to do things. More often, the complaint is that they take forever to do something. He stated action is needed on this issue during this calendar year. Commissioner Berfield stated one of the reasons the motion included the date of July 18, 1994, was that the Commission will not be meeting for a while and staff will have the opportunity to work on the RFP. The majority consensus of the Commission was to schedule preliminary discussion of this item for June 16, 1994. The meeting recessed from 8:47 until 9:03 p.m. ITEM #4 - Presentation re Redevelopment proposals for the "South Mandalay Area" For the public, Scott Shuford, Central Planning Director, reviewed staff's preliminary options regarding the "South Mandalay" redevelopment area. This presentation was previously made to the May 19, 1994, Commission meeting. Jean Clymer stated she felt the first decision that needed to be made was where the parking garage would be located. Paul Rogueriz stated something beautiful needs to be created on Clearwater Beach. He felt ideas need to be given to Mr. Shuford and the City Commission. He indicated it was time to do something for the beach. Bob Henion, representing the Sand Key Civic Association, questioned if staff had considered connecting this development area with the Pier 60 project. Mr. Shuford indicated that was a good point, however, Commission direction had been to limit the study to the South Mandalay area. He felt the connection to Pier 60 could be added later. Bob Bickerstaffe stated the main problem on the beach is its infrastructure. He stated the proposal starts work on the problems. He felt the beach is its own attraction and all that is needed is to clean it up and make it neat again. Bernie Barron questioned if the proposal would maintain the gas lighting currently installed on Mandalay Avenue. Mr. Shuford indicated it would. Mr. Barron also recommended installing benches with canopies at intervals along the streetscape. Anne Garris questioned the proposal to build a 500 unit hotel in the area, how much open space would be available, and how high the City would permit the building to be. Mr. Shuford indicated it depended on the building's overall design. He stated open space could be increased by allowing the building's height to increase. He was not sure the Commission was pursuing this particular option. Ms. Garris questioned if replacing residential establishments with hotel units was allowed by the Land Development Code. Mr. Shuford indicated it was. Ms. Garris also suggested one of the first things studied should be the impact on the traffic flow of closing streets to and from north Clearwater Beach. Mr. Shuford agreed there would be a very serious study prior to the implementation of any plan. He noted these suggestions are only preliminary ideas. Ms. Garris questioned if the development in this area would be compatible with the Pier 60 area proposals. Mr. Shuford indicated it would be and what has been proposed is something that will fit in the entire context of Clearwater Beach. Commissioner Thomas requested Mr. Shuford make a presentation to property owners in the redevelopment area. ITEM #5 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.