03/17/2003CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
March 17, 2003
Present: Brian J. Aungst Mayor/Commissioner
Whitney Gray Vice-Mayor/Commissioner
Hoyt P. Hamilton Commissioner
William C. Jonson Commissioner
Frank Hibbard Commissioner
Also present: William B. Horne II City Manager
Garry Brumback Assistant City Manager
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Mayor called the meeting to order to discuss Economic Development and Housing Department Strategies at 11:32 a.m. at City Hall.
Item #2 – Economic Development Presentations
Economic Development & Housing Director Reg Owens said staff had presented a number of public sessions on the Commission’s vision, and its priority of Economic Development. Regarding
Clearwater’s economic development approach, Mr. Owens reviewed partnerships and programs associated with business/industry retention and recruitment, redevelopment/infill, and community
development/neighborhood revitalization. The mission of the Economic Development Department is to: 1) improve/expand the economic base; 2) retain and expand businesses; 3) attract new
investments; 4) enhance quality of life and image; and 5) provide affordable and market rate housing.
Mr. Owens reviewed the Economic Development Division’s budget and reviewed strategic objectives for Fiscal Years 2002 through 2005: 1) implement marketing strategy to attract businesses
and real estate development for Downtown and Clearwater beach; 2) position Downtown as a destination; 3) implement Downtown pedestrian scale environment; 4) implement strategies for
revitalizing neighborhoods; 5) identify and implement economic development incentive programs; and 6) encourage community-wide job creation. He reviewed current economic development
programs, projects, development opportunities, constraints, public urban development tools, marketing support, and marketing support opportunities. Mr. Owns said staff is concentrating
on redevelopment, infill, and community development.
Item #3 – Discussion
Concern was expressed incentives should go to businesses the City recruits, not to land speculators. While it was noted development had followed completion of the beach gateway, it
was recommended that infrastructure improvements be part of a master plan. It was indicated defeat of the downtown referendum has created development challenges. Funds are needed to
begin the downtown streetscaping project and develop projects that improve the tax base. It was felt a Downtown marina and incentives would attract development.
Assistant City Manager Ralph Stone said he is most proud of non-traditional and creative methods of redevelopment, such as the revitalization of North Greenwood, projects on Clearwater
beach, and the Clearwater Mall site. Business recruitment and retention is difficult due to a lack of large office space. Mr. Owens estimated the Mandalay Beach Club project increased
City ad valorem taxes by $512,000. Successful downtown development would increase the tax base by up to $4-million. He stated downtown residential housing has the potential to revitalize
downtown over the next five years. The Balk development on Cleveland Street is under construction.
Consensus was that beach development is on the right track. The majority felt the City is moving in the right direction related to economic development. Staff was complimented for
its direction and strategy. It was stated highlighting non-traditional efforts is important as the City has limited staff and resources.
Concern was expressed Tampa Bay Partnership recruits businesses for green areas and not the City. Mr. Owens said the organization serves an important role and the City receives positive
effects, such as additional residents from nearby job development. He said Clearwater is an undiscovered redevelopment opportunity that needs to attract national developers who require
few incentives. In response to a question, he said the Chambers of Commerce help City redevelopment efforts by marketing tourism, and business expansion and retention. It was stated
the City Commission is acting on its commitment to downtown redevelopment and improvement to underutilized public areas.
In response to a question regarding eminent domain, Mr. Owens said staff needs to review all available development tools, although not all will be used. Concern was expressed the homeless
problem be addressed. The importance of improving the City’s tax base to avoid increased taxes was emphasized. It was recommended infrastructure problems be repaired and code enforcement
increased before growth occurs. Mr. Owens said development is necessary to support infrastructure improvements. It was stated the City must be able to afford the maintenance of new
landscaping before it is installed. It was recommended larger infrastructure projects be done in phases to show residents progress. Mr. Owens said the City is prepared to invest money
for improvements as development projects move forward.
In response to a recommendation that updates of economic development strategies be presented every six months, it was indicated staff regularly distributes project updates to Commissioners.
It was felt without significant change, additional meetings are not necessary. Mr. Stone said economic development moves slowly. It was felt rather than staff spending time preparing
presentations, that time would be better spent addressing economic development.
ITEM #4 - Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 12:49 p.m.