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07/26/1995 CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING Beach Issues July 26, 1995 The City Commission of the City of Clearwater met in special session at City Hall, Wednesday, July 26, 1995 at 7:00 p.m., with the following members present: Rita Garvey Mayor/Commissioner Sue A. Berfield Vice-Mayor/Commissioner Fred A. Thomas Commissioner J. B. Johnson Commissioner William Justice Commissioner Also present: Elizabeth M. Deptula City Manager Kathy S. Rice Deputy City Manager William C. Baker Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Scott Shuford Central Permitting Director Richard Baier City Engineer Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk The Mayor called the meeting to order. ITEM #2 - What has been accomplished a) Ferry Service Contract approved 6/15/95 The City Manager reported staff has proceeded with providing some amenities and services on the beach. She indicated the ferry service contract for use during the Clearwater Pass Bridge closure has been approved. She believes if this service is promoted in the right way, it may even increase the businesses at the shops. She thanked the Sheraton and the Radisson for their contributions toward this contract. b) 15 minute grace period at parking meters - preparing to start The City Manager reported the Police Department will be starting the 15 minute grace period for expired parking meters. She stated they will be using a user-friendly warning that will thank the party for visiting Clearwater Beach and noticing that Clearwater has provided them with a 15 minute grace period before issuance of a ticket. She expects this to be in place by the end of the week. Mayor Garvey questioned whether or not an attempt will be made to determine how delinquent the parking meter is prior to issuing the courtesy warning. The City Manager indicated there will not be this attempt. She further reported data will be kept during a trial period in order to see to whom this service is truly being provided. c) Design Review Board established - Scott Shuford to provide status Scott Shuford reported the Design Review Board (DRB) has had two organizational meetings. He felt they were a good group of people and they are excited about their task. The board will begin discussing design guidelines shortly and hopes to have them ready for Commission approval for the three areas by the end of the year. d) Promoting resident decals & reduced minimum time - Rich Baier to provide update Rich Baier reported staff is preparing to order the resident permits for 3 month, 6 month, and 1 year timeframes. He stated a 20% discount is being recommended which would result in the 3 month permit costing $26, the 6 month $52, and the 1 year $98. He further reported there has been advertising in the papers and on C-View in order to promote the decals. In response to a question, he indicated they will be available in about a month. Mayor Garvey questioned where they would be able to be purchased and Mr. Baier indicated they would be available at the Marina and through Traffic Engineering. Commissioner Thomas questioned why the rates had been reduced. He thought Commission discussion had wanted promotion of the permits prior to consideration of reducing the fees. Mr. Baier stated he felt the direction had been to make the decals more attractive by reducing the fees and also allowing a shorter timeframe. He stated another change that is being made is that the timeframe begins on the date of purchase, not at a specific calendar date. Further discussion ensued regarding whether or not the rates should be reduced with Commissioner Thomas indicating he felt the yearly permit should have a discount but not the 3 or 6 month. Consensus of the Commission was to allow staff to proceed with their recommendation e) Parking Study RFP and Pelican Walk Garage - Rich Baier to provide update Mr. Baier indicated a RFP has been sent out for a parking study and four very qualified companies have responded. He stated the RFP included a three tiered approach with the first being Clearwater Beach only, the second being Clearwater Beach and the Downtown area, and the third being Clearwater Beach and other areas and forms of transportation. A selection team will evaluate the responders and return to the Commission with a recommendation. He stated it appears the cost for the beach only study will range between $18,000 to $25,000 and for the entire 3 tiers, $65,000. The City Manager pointed out as the Harborview Center, SteinMart and other developments in downtown begin to generate activity, parking in the downtown area could become a problem. Commissioner Berfield questioned if the new consultants would build on information already available or if they would start from scratch. Mr. Baier indicated they will be using studies that have already been done. Commissioner Thomas questioned why have a consultant if the information is already known and staff and the Commissioners already know the answers of where parking is needed. It was indicated that independent information is needed in order to satisfy purchasers of bonds should they be issued. Commissioner Berfield felt staff could perform much of the work and only have the consultants confirm it for bond purposes. Staff will investigate this. Mr. Baier reported he has met with Pelican Walk representatives and looked at two different scenerios for a parking garage. The first being a 4 story parking facility using the city lot next to the Eckerds Drugstore. The structure would airly span the Eckerds Drugstore rear lot with a 4 story structure with the bottom floor being retail facing Poinsetta Avenue. Access would be from Mandalay. The cost would be from $4 to $4 1/2 million and provide 481 parking spaces. Pelican Walk is asking the City agree to a 15 year lease to cover debt service and the City be responsible for all operating and maintenance costs of the structure and its operation. The second scenerio is a 4 story parking structure that does not use the city lot and does not front on Mandalay and does not span the Eckerds property. The parking garage would be contained behind the Pelican Walk development with two access points to Poinsetta Avenue and none to Mandaly. The cost would be $3 1/2 million and provide 456 spaces. The same provisions are being requested for a 15 year lease for debt service and the City being responsible for all operating and maintenance costs and cost for any structural defects during that period. Mr. Baier indicated that for either scenerio, there will be road improvements that are required. He stated staff favors the second scenerio. Commissioner Thomas questioned if an automated mechanical garage had been considered. Mr. Baier indicated it had been looked at but when people arrive and leave at the same time, access is very slow. There are also questions regarding the ability for such a structure to stand up to the elements in a beach environment. Commissioner Thomas questioned why an 8 story structure had not been considered. Mr. Baier indicated Pelican Walk only wanted to commit to a 4 story structure. Mr. Shuford reported there would be height limitations that would require zoning change in order to go higher than the 35 feet. Commissioner Thomas felt the land was the most expensive portion of the parking garage and that additional floors would be relatively inexpensive to add. He also felt an entertainment complex could be provided on the upper floor. Commissioner Justice pointed out in the past, there have been "big fights" on how high things will be on the beach. Commissioner Thomas felt if additional height was allowed, more open space would be available. Commissioner Berfield questioned the comment regarding the City being responsible for structural defects. Mr. Baier indicated this would be for any defects that may occur over the 15 year lease period. Commissioner Thomas pointed out the cheapest parking would be to purchase the Sunshine Mall property. The City Manager indicated that would be considered during the third tier of the parking study. f) Beach Traffic Plan - Sid Klein to provide update Police Chief Klein indicated the traffic plan was developed in order to deal with gridlock situations. He stated the last time it was implemented was in 1991. Since the anti-cruising ordinance has been available, there has been no need to use the traffic plan. Commissioner Thomas stated there have been complaints that there are times when the beach looks like a war zone with so many uniformed individuals being apparent. He stated many of these uniformed individuals are not police officers. Police Chief Klein indicated that those individuals are police aides and are there to assist with parking and to control the traffic lights. He stated the police aide program was supported by the Commission as an alternative to the use of police officers. Since the program began, the number of aides has been reduced from 40 to 30. He referred to tourist comments and the Bordner report that most tourists feel very comfortable and safe on Clearwater beach. He felt a proper balance has been reached. Commissioner Thomas questioned if the image issue could be resolved by a uniform change. Chief Klein stated that at the time the program was implemented, it was emphasized that the police aides were there to enhance the police presence. Mayor Garvey referred to two letters received this week, one stating there is still a problem, and the other indicating the problem had been solved and they would be returning to stay at Clearwater Beach. Chief Klein also pointed out that the tourism council has recently requested more of a police presence on Clearwater Beach. He felt if the uniforms of the police aides are changed, it would have a negative impact on the prevention of the problem situations. General agreement of the Commission was to continue the program as is. John Homer indicated he was thrilled to hear about the parking permits but agreed there was a need to market them. He stated some of the problems have been created by the responses to complaints regarding young people on the beach. He stated when the parking lots were closed to stop youth from congregating there, they began to cruise. He questioned what would happen if parking lots were open and there were additional police foot patrols. It was his opinion this would encourage the young people to congregate in the parking lots but under a more policed situation. Chuck Pollick, representing the Clearwater and Beaches Tourism Council, stated the ferry service is in place but the next time such a service is being considered, it should be competitively bid. He stated the tourism council supports the 15 minute grace period and the Design Review Board. Regarding the parking garage at Pelican Walk, they supported the concept that had the entrance on Poinsetta. The council also salutes the police on the beach for meeting with them and coming up with sensible solutions to resolve the problems. Mayor Garvey questioned when the bridge would close. Mr. Baier indicated they have been notified verbally it will close no sooner than September 6th, however, this has not been confirmed in writing. ITEM #3 - Redevelopment Options - Scott Shuford Scott Shuford, Central Permitting Director, reviewed the history of redevelopment proposals for the beach. He stated the Commission directed staff to look at a small area bounded by Baymont and Marianne and the Harbor to Mandalay Avenue. He stated there are two options for this area, one being small scale projects and the other being a large scale redevelopment effort. He listed some of the small scale projects that are available such as a parking & pedestrian streetscape on Mandalay Avenue, a parking garage, and area identification. He stated if the Commission is interested in pursuing some of the small scale projects, they need to select them. Staff would then provide a cost and a timeframe for the Commission to make a final decision. Those would then be implemented. He reported the tourism council is working on the area identification project. He stated if the Commission wants to look into a large scale redevelopment, staff recommends a consultant be retained and there may need to be the designation of another Community redevelopment area (CRA). He stated the consultant would be used in order to determine whether or not there is any interest in the development community in redeveloping this area. He stated if a decision is to go forward from there, a CRA plan would need to be prepared for the area which would then be implemented. He felt it would be a prudent first step to hire a consultant if the Commission is interested in large scale redevelopment. He indicated there will need to be some assemblage of property for a large scale project. Mayor Garvey questioned the size of the area. Mr. Shuford indicated he thought it was about 14 acres, consisting of 65 to 70 individual properties. Mayor Garvey questioned if eminent domain would be necessary. Mr. Shuford indicated that while it may not be necessary to actually proceed with eminent domain, the threat of it may need to be in place. Mayor Garvey requested Mr. Shuford review his sketched proposal. Mr. Shuford emphasized this was just a concept that had been quickly drawn up and many details were left to be worked out. Some things are included that will not work. He stated this was just to peak interest in thinking about a large scale redevelopment in the area. The proposal consists of creating open space where the Beach Diner and Memorial Civic Center are currently located. He stated there was also a possible parking garage to be constructed on Mandalay Avenue with retail on the first floor. He stated the Surfside parking lot could then possibly be used for open space. East of Mandalay, Poinsetta and East Shore would be removed. He stated restaurants and shops would be in that area with Papaya becoming a pedestrian mall. A large hotel has been placed on the corner, however use conflicts would have to be worked out. An outdoor entertainment area would be contained inside the perimeter of shops and other retail establishments. The Civic Center would be relocated on the Harbor and would include a park area. This would provide a natural buffer between the intense commercial uses and a residential proposal to the north. He stated the Harborwalk proposal which is also included may run into some permitting problems. He stated nothing can be accomplished overnight but that some of the ideas have the potential to solve many of the problems in the area. Commissioner Justice questioned how much of the property would be publicly owned. Mr. Shuford indicated the park, the pedestrian mall and perhaps the Harborwalk. He emphasized an enormous part of the area is now dedicated to streets and while shops will be privately owned, they will be for public use. Commissioner Thomas indicated he would rather concentrate tonight on whether or not to do major redevelopment or pick pieces of the small redevelopment options. Mayor Garvey pointed out that if the large redevelopment was choosen, staff would need direction. Commissioner Johnson questioned if the parks and entertainment areas were designed to draw people to the beach or to draw people on the beach to that particular area. Mr. Shuford indicated it would be for both. Commissioner Justice questioned if the tourism council had provided input. Mr. Shuford indicated they had gotten mixed input with some people being interested in small scale and others interested in large scale. He stated the Clearwater Beach Association is inclined toward the small scale development. Commissioner Thomas stated the key was to determine what legal control the Commission wanted. He felt the CRA was the strongest tool that could be used and he felt this was prime territory to start with as an addition to the existing CRA. He did not believe the CRA would have money to do a large redevelopment project. In response to a question by the Mayor, it was indicated the County would have to approve an expansion of the CRA. Commissioner Berfield questioned whether or not the people in the area would vote on this issue and it was indicated they would not. Commissioner Justice questioned if a special assessment were to be pursued if a vote of the area would be required. It was indicated it would. Commissioner Thomas did not feel it would be necessary to hire a consultant. The City Manager indicated the consultant was desired in order for them to report to the City regarding what kind of incentives would bring developers to Clearwater. Commissioner Thomas felt the first step would be to get the CRA in place. Mr. Shuford indicated he felt the consultant should be hired first in a kind of "look before you leap" capacity. He stated the consultant would determine whether or not there was an interest in the development community. Commissioner Thomas questioned why the consultant would be needed prior to the County approving the CRA. Mr. Shuford indicated the County would want this type of information prior to approving the expansion of the CRA as they will want to know their investment will pay off. Mr. Shuford indicated he was not talking about alot of money for the first consultant. He stated the Commission could set a dollar limit and then allow staff to go out with an RFP. Commissioner Johnson stated that at the last meeting, it was clear a number of people did not want anything done. He questioned if the consultant would be used to determine the interest of the people in the area. Mr. Shuford indicated the consultant would study the market to see if there was any interest by developers in pursuing a project in this area. Commissioner Justice pointed out if it is determined development is wanted, it could start off on a small scale and escalate if it was determined to be beneficial. John Homer questioned the need for a CRA on the beach. He stated the Blue Ribbon Task Force found there were several forces pulling in different directions on the beach. He indicated he did not want his property to be a part of a CRA. He stated things that helped the current CRA most was to return parking to Cleveland Street and the renovation of the Maas Brothers facility. He stated the loss in revenue to the General Fund from the tax increment financing going to the CRA district would have to be made up at some point. Constanstine Stahas questioned what prices would be determined for properties and on what they would be based if eminent domain is pursued. It was indicated the courts would decide the price for the property. It was emphasized the CRA would not require eminent domain but would allow it as a tool. Mr. Stahas questioned grandfathered parking in the redevelopment area. Mr. Shuford indicated the only streetscape project the Commission has considered that would remove parking was along Mandalay Avenue and only in conjunction with a parking garage. Mr. Shuford indicated the plan does not have to include all the properties listed and there are a whole lot of things to consider in the redevelopment area. Commissioner Justice pointed out a CRA did not even have to be formed. Mr. Shuford indicated this was true and that a planned development for the area could be implemented. Commissioner Thomas stated the biggest hangup was that density can not be added to the beach. Mr. Shuford indicated that if streets are closed and the densities of existing properties are used, higher densities than are allowed by code can be kept. Commissioner Thomas felt a planned development would be looked upon favorably by the Commission. Paul Voulgaris submitted a petition from Clearwater Beach property owners supporting a broad futuristic redevelopment plan for Clearwater Beach. He recommended taking one section at a time to see what can be done. He stated in other cities there is always something new but nothing happens on Clearwater Beach. He felt it would be a good idea to put all of the ideas into one program. Chuck Pollick, representating the Tourism Council, stated they felt the wisest thing to do, because there was no consensus regarding what should be done, was to start small and try to find consensus. Regarding establishing a CRA, he stated there has been trouble educating people regarding tax increment financing and eminent domain is scary to some. Commissioner Thomas moved to say yes there is need for redevelopment on the beach. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Commissioner Johnson moved to hire a consultant for no more than $10,000 to determine if there is a market for redevelopment. The motion was duly seconded. Commissioner Thomas stated he would want to see the scope of work prior to approving the actual hiring of the consultant. It was agreed that staff would come back with the scope of work. Upon the vote being taken; the motion carried unanimously. The meeting recessed from 9:01 p.m. to 9:13 p.m. ITEM # 4 - Other Issues: a) Clearwater Sparkle Day The City Manager stated it had been pointed out there were some properties on the beach that did not show the best. She stated there was trash to be picked up and other maintenance items that needed attention. Staff is proposing a city wide program of putting the "Sparkle back in Clearwater" or to "Shine your Sparkle". She stated the proposal is to start on the beach. The program would be a week long effort of clean up in September including city crews and facilities. Special sanitation pick ups will be available and it is hoped the County will cooperate in allowing disposal of some hazardous materials. She stated once the beach was completed, the program would move to another section of the City with the goal being to cover the entire City within a year. b) David Little letter (6/14/95) David Little sent a letter indicating other projects or issues he would like the Commission to consider. The first issue was sidewalks on South Gulfview Boulevard. He felt the replacement of this sidewalk needed to take place as it was obsolete and unsafe. Rich Baier indicated this sidewalk is already being addressed. The second proposal was for an events marquee with all the events and happenings in Clearwater at the hotels being on a sign near Pier 60. Concerns were expressed regarding the ability to advertise all events and difficulty should one event be advertised and not another. The City Manager pointed out the banner at the beginning of the Causeway advertises significant community events. Consensus of the Commission was not to pursue this recommendation. Mr. Little's third recommendation was to have a beach fire pit which would allow beach camp fires. Concerns were expressed regarding liability and the fact that once there was one fire pit, others would surely follow. Consensus of the Commission was not to pursue. Mr. Little's fourth recommendation was to provide Tiki Huts that could be rented for family gatherings and picnics. Concerns were expressed regarding them being a wind hazard and hard to control. Consensus of the Commission was not to pursue. Mr. Little's fifth issue was parking lot signs which would more clearly identify additional parking lots. The City Manager indicated this was already being considered. Mr. Little's final issue was mangrove trimming which was addressed at a previous meeting with Commission direction being that mangroves on the causeway were not to be trimmed. The City Manager reported staff will be coming back regarding the tower at the worksession of August 14, 1995. She stated Mr. Grogan has restructured his deal to where it would be a straight land lease. The City Manager further reported a proposal for the World's Tallest Sand Castle to be constructed on Clearwater Beach will be presented to the Commission at their meeting of September 7, 1995. She stated staff has many concerns including environmental and safety issues. Input from Treasure Island where this occurred previously will be sought. Mayor Garvey questioned the status of the contract for the demolition of the structures at Pier 60. Bill Baker, Assistant City Manager, indicated the contractor had other jobs at other locations and should be moving to the Pier 60 area very shortly. Commissioner Thomas stated he wanted the public to know that at a worksession, staff was directed to pursue funding from the Convention Bureau. ITEM #5 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:28 p.m.