04/04/2019 City Council Meeting Minutes April 4, 2019
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 4, 2019
6:00 PM
Council Chambers - Main Library
City Council
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes April 4, 2019
Roll Call
Present: 5 - Mayor George N. Cretekos, Councilmember Jay Polglaze,
Councilmember Hoyt Hamilton, Vice Mayor Bob Cundiff and
Councilmember David Allbritton
Also Present: Jill Silverboard — Deputy City Manager, Micah Maxwell —Assistant
City Manager, Pamela K. Akin - City Attorney, Rosemarie Call - City
Clerk, and Nicole Sprague — Official Records & Legislative Services
Coordinator.
To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
1. Call to Order— Mayor Cretekos
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at the
Main Library.
2. Invocation — Rev. Dr. Rhonda Blevins from Chapel by the Sea
3. Pledge of Allegiance — Councilmember Hamilton
4. Special recognitions and Presentations (Proclamations, service awards, or other
special recognitions. Presentations by governmental agencies or groups providing
formal updates to Council will be limited to ten minutes.) — Given.
4.1 Civitan Awareness Month Proclamation, April 2019 —Amy Monfre, Clearwater Civitan
Club, President
4.2 Workzone Safety Awareness Week Proclamation, April 8-12, 2019 — Rick Osorio, Risk
Management
4.3 Neighborly Care - David lomaka, Executive Director
Mr. Lomaka reviewed the services provided by Neighborly Care Network and
thanked the community and volunteers for their continued support.
4.4 Tampa Bay Estuary Update - Ed Sherwood, Director TBEP
Mr. Sherwood provided a PowerPoint presentation and thanked the City for
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its participation and continued support.
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the March 21, 2019 City Council Meeting Minutes as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve the March 21, 2019 City
Council Meeting Minutes as submitted in written summation by the
City Clerk. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
6. Citizens to be heard re items not on the agenda
Lisa Lanza questioned why Ruth Eckerd Hall was selling beer
and wine from a kiosk at a recent Blast Friday and if a Request for Proposal
was issued for Blast Friday events. She also asked that consideration be
given to organize a Clearwater Bay or Clearwater Harbor estuary
program.
Sabrene Ahmad expressed concerns with light pollution and provided
suggestions on how all can reduce light pollution.
Lazaria Henkel thanked the City for the parking improvements on
Clearwater Beach but expressed concerns with the 2-hour
parking limit near the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center.
John Brushwood said his Capstone research project on implementing
single-member districts in Clearwater showed that 80% of phone survey
respondents had a favorable view on single-member districts. He will be
presenting his report on April 15 to a review panel at St. Petersburg
College.
7. Consent Agenda — Approved as submitted.
7.1 Approve a Contract for Purchase of Real Property by the City of Clearwater of certain real
property owned by The School Board of Pinellas County, Florida, with a purchase price of
$1,800,000 and total expenditures not to exceed $1,825,000; authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same, together with all other instruments required to affect closing;
and approve the transfer of$1,825,000 from general fund reserves at mid-year to cover
the cost of the purchase. (consent)
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7.2 Approve a Contract with Olameter DPG, LLC, in the annual amount of$600,000, with the
option for two, one-year term extensions, to provide natural gas line locating services and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.3 Approve grant funds awarded to the City from Clearwater for Youth, in the amount of
$18,000 for a flag football league and track program to serve local youth and establish a
special program, G1907 - Clearwater for Youth Grants, for these funds at mid-year.
(consent)
7.4 Approve a Business Lease Contract between the City of Clearwater and Lutheran
Services Florida, Inc. for the use of city-owned properties located at 701 N Missouri
Avenue and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.5 Approve a Business Lease Contract between the City of Clearwater (City) and Hope
Academy International, LLC for the use of a city-owned lot located at 918 Palmetto
Avenue and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.6 Approve amendment one to Joint Partnership Agreement (JPA) between Pinellas County
and the City of Clearwater for the South Myrtle Avenue from Clearwater Largo Road to
Belleair Road Drainage Project (17-0059-UT) extending the expiration date to April 2021
and increasing estimated costs by $29,082.90 and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. (consent)
7.7 Approve an Engineer of Record (EOR) Work Order to Jones Edmunds of Tampa, FL, in
the amount of$163,000 for the Marshall Street (MS) Water Reclamation Facility (WRF)
Blend Tank Mixer project (18-0057-UT), and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. (consent)
7.8 Approve the conveyance of a Distribution Easement to Duke Energy for the installation
and maintenance of a new power line and electric facilities for City of Clearwater property
at 1005 N Old Coachman Road and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
7.9 Approve the agreement between Dunedin Blue Jays and the City of Clearwater Fire and
Rescue Department to provide emergency medical services at Jack Russell Stadium for
2019 baseball events as outlined in the agreement and authorize the Fire Chief of
Clearwater Fire and Rescue to execute same. (consent)
7.10Approve the 2019 Emergency Medical Services ALS First Responder Growth
Management Agreement between Pinellas County and City of Clearwater to implement
EMS growth management strategies and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. (consent)
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7.11Authorize surplus disposition of identified vehicles via auction to the highest bidder
pursuant to City Code Section 2.622, Surplus Personal Property, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.12Reappoint Sallie Parks to the Sister Cities Advisory Board with a term to expire April 30,
2022. (consent)
7.13Elect Councilmember Cundiff to serve as Vice Mayor. (consent)
7.14Schedule a special council meeting on May 14, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. for the purpose of
holding a strategic planning session. (consent)
7.15Request authority to institute a civil action on behalf of the City against R.J. Kielty
Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, Inc. to recover $3,232.77 for damages to city property.
(consent)
7.16Request authority to institute a civil action on behalf of the City against Diversified
Landscape Maintenance and Construction, Inc. to recover $1,936.05 for damages to city
property. (consent)
7.17Appoint Councilmembers as representatives to serve on Regional and Miscellaneous
Boards.(consent)
7.18Request authority to settle case of City of Clearwater v. Eva Long, Case No. 18-5969-CI.
(consent)
Councilmember Allbritton moved to approve the Consent Agenda
as submitted and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 PM
8. Administrative Public Hearings
8.1 Approve the request from the owner of property addressed as 1416 Leo Lane E. to
vacate a 10-ft. by 75-ft. portion of a platted Utility Easement lying in Lot 32, Skycrest
Greens Addition, as recorded in Plat Book 69, Page 6 of the Public Records of Pinellas
County, Florida, and pass Ordinance 9265-19 on first reading.
The property owner at 1416 Leo Lane E., Clearwater, has requested that the
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City vacate 10 feet of a platted Utility Easement along the rear of their property.
The purpose of this vacation will be to allow the homeowner's existing pool &
pool deck not to encumber into the easement.
There are no utilities present within this easement. All city departments have
reviewed this vacation and have no objection.
Councilmember Polglaze moved to approve the request from the
owner of property addressed as 1416 Leo Lane E. to vacate a 10-ft.
by 75-ft. portion of a platted Utility Easement lying in Lot 32,
Skycrest Greens Addition, as recorded in Plat Book 69, Page 6 of
the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 9265-19 was presented and read by title only. Vice Mayor
Cundiff moved to pass Ordinance 9265-19 on first reading. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Councilmember Polglaze, Councilmember Hamilton,
Vice Mayor Cundiff and Councilmember Allbritton
8.2 Declare surplus for conveyance to the City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment
Agency (CRA), certain real property located at 115 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, for
redevelopment purposes. (APH)
In October 2003, the City of Clearwater acquired the subject property via
Warranty Deed, as recorded in O.R Book 13185, Page 1820. et. seq., Public
Records of Pinellas County, Florida.
An independent appraisal was performed on the property on April 18th, 2018 by
Jim Millspaugh and Associates. The appraisal report determined that the fair
market value of the property is $415,000.00.
The CRA Director has requested that the property be declared surplus for
transfer to the CRA. City Staff recommends City Council approval of the CRA
proposal, whereby the CRA purchases the property from the City with a sales
price of$300,549.11. The City Finance Director and the CRA Director have
mutually agreed to the purchase price as said purchase price will make the City
whole as to its investment in the property.
The CRA's intent is to assemble the parcel with the CRA-owned parcel directly
adjacent to the East and issue a Request for Proposals from developers.
City stakeholders have reviewed and support declaring the property surplus.
One individual questioned how long the Community Redevelopment
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Agency would have the site before it is redeveloped.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to declare surplus for conveyance
to the City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA),
certain real property located at 115 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, for
subsequent sale by the CRA for redevelopment purposes. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
8.3 Declare surplus for conveyance to the City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment
Agency (CRA), certain real property located at the Southwest Corner of Prospect Avenue
and Park Street, legally described as Tract 3 of the Plat Mediterranean Village in the
Park, as recorded in Plat Book 125, Pages 44-46 of the Public Records of Pinellas
County, Florida, for redevelopment purposes. (APH)
In July 1999, the City of Clearwater acquired, via a HUD grant (Grant), the
.41-acre property along with 3 other parcels to utilize in the Prospect Lake
Project for Stormwater utilities.
The City was able to complete the Prospect Lake Project on less land than
originally expected, resulting in excess land being encumbered by the Grant
restrictions. To free up the land for redevelopment, the prorated portion of the
Grant needed to be reimbursed to HUD. The City has reimbursed HUD a net
expenditure of$82,774.68 for this property and is now free of any HUD
restrictions or obligations.
An independent appraisal was performed on the property on June 7th, 2018 by
Jim Millspaugh and Associates. The appraisal report determined that the fair
market value of the lot is $260,000.00.
The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Director has requested that the
property be declared surplus for transfer to the CRA. City Staff recommends
City Council approval of the CRA proposal, whereby the CRA purchases the
property from the City with a sales price of$260,000.00.
The CRA's intent is to issue a Request for Proposals to seek redevelopment
opportunities for the site.
City stakeholders have reviewed and support declaring the property surplus.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to Declare surplus for conveyance
to the City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA),
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certain real property located at the Southwest Corner of Prospect
Avenue and Park Street, legally described as Tract 3 of the Plat
Mediterranean Village in the Park, as recorded in Plat Book 125,
Pages 44-46 of the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida, for
subsequent sale by the CRA for redevelopment purposes. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
8.4 Declare surplus for conveyance to City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency
(CRA), certain real property located at the SW Corner of Cleveland St. and S. Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. Ave., legally described as; the North 282.5 feet of the East 50 feet of
Block 5, according to the plat of Sarah McMullen's Subdivision, as recorded in Plat Book
1, Page 41, Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida; together with all that part of the
West 90 feet of the East 110 feet of the Northwest '/4 of the Northwest '/4 of Section 15,
Township 29 South, Range 15 East, which lies between Eastwardly projections of the
North and South Boundaries of the part of said Block 5 thus defined, less and except any
road rights-of-way. (APH)
In August 2018, the City of Clearwater acquired the .73-acre unimproved lot via
a multi-property land swap.
An independent appraisal was performed on the property on March 21, 2018 by
Jim Millspaugh and Associates. The appraisal report determined that the fair
market value of the property is $640,000.00.
The CRA Director has requested the property be declared surplus for transfer
to the CRA. City Staff recommends City Council approval of the CRA proposal,
whereby the CRA purchases the property from the City with a sales price of
$364,782.89. The City Finance Director and the CRA Director have mutually
agreed to the purchase price as said purchase price will make the City whole
as to its investment in the property. The CRA's current plans are to utilize the
property for a public parking lot to support downtown development.
The CRA intends to utilize the property for a public parking lot to support
downtown development.
City stakeholders have reviewed and support declaring the property surplus.
Councilmember Polglaze moved to declare surplus for conveyance
to City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA),
certain real property located at the SW Corner of Cleveland St. and
S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., legally described as; the North
282.5 feet of the East 50 feet of Block 5, according to the plat of
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Sarah McMullen's Subdivision, as recorded in Plat Book 1, Page 41,
Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida; together with all that
part of the West 90 feet of the East 110 feet of the Northwest '/4 of the
Northwest '/4 of Section 15, Township 29 South, Range 15 East,
which lies between Eastwardly projections of the North and South
Boundaries of the part of said Block 5 thus defined, less and except
any road rights-of-way. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
9. Second Readings - Public Hearing
9.1 Adopt Ordinance 9237-19 on second reading, annexing certain real property whose post
office address is 3143 Johns Parkway, Clearwater, Florida 33759, into the corporate
limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said addition.
Ordinance 9237-19 was presented and read by title only. Vice Mayor
Cundiff moved to adopt Ordinance 9237-19 on second and final
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote
was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Councilmember Polglaze, Councilmember Hamilton,
Vice Mayor Cundiff and Councilmember Allbritton
9.2 Adopt Ordinance 9238-19 on second reading, amending the future land use plan element
of the Comprehensive Plan of the city to designate the land use for certain real property
whose post office address is 3143 Johns Parkway, Clearwater, Florida 33759, upon
annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Residential Urban (RU).
Ordinance 9238-19 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9238-19 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Councilmember Polglaze, Councilmember Hamilton,
Vice Mayor Cundiff and Councilmember Allbritton
9.3 Adopt Ordinance 9239-19 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of the city by
zoning certain real property whose post office address is 3143 Johns Parkway,
Clearwater, Florida 33759, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Low Medium
Density Residential (LMDR).
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Ordinance 9239-19 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to adopt Ordinance 9239-19 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Councilmember Polglaze, Councilmember Hamilton,
Vice Mayor Cundiff and Councilmember Allbritton
9.4 Adopt Ordinance 9240-19 on second reading, annexing certain unaddressed real
property located approximately 820 feet south of Gulf to Bay Boulevard between 2991
Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Old Tampa Bay, Clearwater, Florida 33759, into the corporate
limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said addition.
One individual questioned if the item before Council was submerged
land and a zoning change.
It was stated that the item was an annexation, not a zoning change.
Ordinance 9240-19 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Polglaze moved to adopt Ordinance 9240-19 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Councilmember Polglaze, Councilmember Hamilton,
Vice Mayor Cundiff and Councilmember Allbritton
9.5 Adopt Ordinance 9241-19 on second reading, amending the future land use plan element
of the Comprehensive Plan of the city to designate the land use for certain unaddressed
real property located approximately 820 feet south of Gulf to Bay Boulevard between
2991 Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Old Tampa Bay, Clearwater, Florida 33759, upon
annexation into the City of Clearwater, as US 19 Regional Center (US 19-RC).
Ordinance 9241-19 was presented and read by title only. Vice Mayor
Cundiff moved to adopt Ordinance 9241-19 on second and final
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote
was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Councilmember Polglaze, Councilmember Hamilton,
Vice Mayor Cundiff and Councilmember Allbritton
9.6 Adopt Ordinance 9242-19 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of the city by
zoning certain unaddressed real property located approximately 820 feet south of Gulf to
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Bay Boulevard between 2991 Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Old Tampa Bay, Clearwater,
Florida 33759, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as US 19 (US 19) and
Preservation (P).
One individual questioned why the City does not use stormwater funds to
purchase lands within the floodplain.
It was stated the existing property owner is annexing into city limits and
has not listed the property for sale.
Ordinance 9242-19 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9242-19 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Councilmember Polglaze, Councilmember Hamilton,
Vice Mayor Cundiff and Councilmember Allbritton
9.7 Adopt Ordinance 9243-19 on second reading, annexing certain real properties whose
post office addresses are 3046 Merrill Avenue, 3035 Terrace View Lane, 3050 Glen Oak
Avenue North, 3012 and 3020 Lake Vista Drive, 3023 Grand View Avenue and 3077
Hoyt Avenue, all within Clearwater, Florida 33759, into the corporate limits of the city and
redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said addition.
One individual spoke in opposition and stated he preferred residing in
unincorporated Pinellas County and questioned if he would be impacted
by increased property taxes or utility rates as result of being annexed into
city limits. He said he did not want to be annexed but the information he
received stated that if he chose not to annex, he would be billed as if he
were a city resident and would be given year to remove the septic tank
from the property at his expense versus the $900 fee to connect to city
sewer.
Deputy City Manager Jill Silverboard said staff can provide information
that would answer the individual's questions. The property is located in
one of the City's septic-to-sewer project areas. The goal of the
septic-to-sewer projects is to eliminate septic tanks. The City provides an
incentive that reduces the connection fee. She said it will cost the
property owner more monthly because he will no longer have a septic
tank and will be required to pay sewer disposal charges. Clearwater's
utility rates are higher than the current Pinellas County rate. Ms.
Silverboard said the property owner currently pays for city water at a
non-resident rate.
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The City Attorney said the City cannot waive the cost for the individual
due to bond covenants.
It was stated, when annexed into Clearwater, the property owner would pay
Clearwater property taxes. As a county resident, the property owner
currently pays county property taxes and a MS TU (municipal service
taxing unit). Pinellas County does not provide sewer service.
Ordinance 9243-19 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to adopt Ordinance 9243-19 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Councilmember Polglaze, Councilmember Hamilton,
Vice Mayor Cundiff and Councilmember Allbritton
9.8 Adopt Ordinance 9244-19 on second reading, amending the future land use plan element
of the Comprehensive Plan of the city to designate the land use for certain real properties
whose post office addresses are 3046 Merrill Avenue, 3035 Terrace View Lane, 3050
Glen Oak Avenue North, 3012 and 3020 Lake Vista Drive, 3023 Grand View Avenue and
3077 Hoyt Avenue, all within Clearwater, Florida 33759, upon annexation into the City of
Clearwater, as Residential Low (RL).
Ordinance 9244-19 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Polglaze moved to adopt Ordinance 9244-19 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Councilmember Polglaze, Councilmember Hamilton,
Vice Mayor Cundiff and Councilmember Allbritton
9.9 Adopt Ordinance 9245-19 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of the city by
zoning certain real properties whose post office addresses are 3046 Merrill Avenue,
3035 Terrace View Lane, 3050 Glen Oak Avenue North, 3012 and 3020 Lake Vista
Drive, 3023 Grand View Avenue and 3077 Hoyt Avenue, all within Clearwater, Florida
33759, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Low Medium Density Residential
(LMDR).
Ordinance 9245-19 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9245-19 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
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roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Councilmember Polglaze, Councilmember Hamilton,
Vice Mayor Cundiff and Councilmember Allbritton
9.10Adopt Ordinance 9266-19 on second reading, amending the Operating Budget for the
Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2019 to reflect increases and decreases in revenues
and expenditures for the General Fund, Special Development Fund, Special Program
Fund, Water and Sewer Fund, Marine Fund, Parking Fund, General Services Fund,
Administrative Services Fund and Garage Fund.
Ordinance 9266-19 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to adopt Ordinance 9266-19 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Councilmember Polglaze, Councilmember Hamilton,
Vice Mayor Cundiff and Councilmember Allbritton
9.11Adopt Ordinance 9267-19 on second reading, amending the Capital Improvement
Budget for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2019, to reflect a net increase of
$5,811,509.
Ordinance 9267-19 was presented and read by title only. Vice Mayor
Cundiff moved to adopt Ordinance 9267-19 on second and final
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote
was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Cretekos, Councilmember Polglaze, Councilmember Hamilton,
Vice Mayor Cundiff and Councilmember Allbritton
9.12Continued to a date uncertain: Deny a Future Land Use Map Amendment from the
Residential Low (RL) category to the Institutional (1) category for 2.61 acres of property
located at 1885 County Road 193 and deny Ordinance 9235-19 on second reading.
(LUP2018-11008)
The Community Development Board approved a request from the applicant to
continue this case to a date uncertain at their February 19, 2019 public hearing.
No Action taken.
9.13Continued to a date uncertain: Deny a Zoning Atlas Amendment from the Low Medium
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Density Residential (LMDR) District to the Institutional (1) District for 2.61 acres of
property located at 1885 County Road 193 and deny Ordinance 9236-19 on second
reading. (REZ2018-12005)
The Community Development Board approved a request from the applicant to
continue this case to a date uncertain at their February 19, 2019 public hearing.
No Action taken.
10. City Manager Reports — None.
11. City Manager Verbal Reports
11.1 Provide direction for design of Imagine Clearwater.
In January of 2019 the City engaged Webb Management Services, Inc. to
provide a study to assess the feasibility of developing and operating a bandshell
in "The Green" portion of the Imagine Clearwater Master Plan.
The study was intended to be done in two parts, with this first part focusing on
the viability of a bandshell in terms of supply and demand issues in the
operating environment. This portion of the study included a review of project
related materials and studies, a look at the arts and entertainment sector as a
whole, an assessment of the market, a competitive analysis, interviews with
potential users, research on touring product potential for the region,
identification of potential operating, programming, and development partners,
determination of community benefits and impacts, and research of comparable
facilities.
In the initial phase of the work, which was presented February 25th, the
consultant provided a set of conclusions and recommendations on the potential
development of the facility and Council provided direction to the consultant to
inform his financial and operating model.
In second phase of the work, which was presented this past Monday, April 1 st,
Mr. Webb provided his conclusions with a focus on a recommended operating
model, programming plan, staffing requirements, facility management plan,
pro-forma operating budget, and a critical path from planning through the start of
operations. Additionally, Staff and other various consultants provided
information on roofing, seating, and various financial issues.
The direction staff seeks this evening is:
1. Whether or not council wishes to pursue a retractable roof large enough to
cover 3,000 seats.
2. Whether or not council is comfortable with a rake generally consistent with
what is shown in the plan
3. Whether or not council is comfortable moving forward based on the financial
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information
4. Identify other areas of the current site plan that need you believe need further
discussion.
Stantec representative Darryl LeBlanc presented proposed designs for
an amphitheater with 3,000 28-inch wide chairs and a retractable roof.
In response to questions, Mr. LeBlanc said, as depicted with 28-inch wide
chairs, the aisle width between seating rows is 8 feet and the distance
from chairback to chairback is 3 feet and 8 inches. The consulting team
heard there was an interest for chairs with armrests and cup holders. The
flex area in front of house is crescent-shaped and is approximately 30 feet
from front of the stage to the first row of seats. He said the distance from
the first row to the last row is approximately 140 feet. The proposed
amphitheater design provides ADA access. Mr. LeBlanc said the total
seating capacity will be determined once the exact chair to be used is
identified. Assistant City Manager Micah Maxwell said the seating
capacity will not be known until the schematic design and operational
elements are defined, staff will target the total seating capacity Council
identifies tonight. Mr. LeBlanc said there is a section of roof that covers
beyond the last row of seats, theoretically, there is enough space for an
additional four rows of seating. The proposed retractable roof has four
vertical supports along the perimeter with exposed steel.
Discussion ensued with concerns expressed regarding the maintenance
costs associated with retractable roofs. Support was expressed for the
proposed 28-inch wide seats. Comment was made that a permanent
fixed roof would provide a shaded area when there is no programming. It
was suggested the width of the seats be reduced to a market trend seat
(19-25 inches wide).
Councilmember Polglaze moved to direct staff to proceed with an
amphitheater with a fixed permanent roof, no less than 4,000 seats. The
motion was duly seconded.
Mr. Maxwell said staff will come back to Council to approve a work order
with Stantec.
Six individuals spoke in support.
Six individuals spoke in opposition, with one individual requesting that
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additional standard reporting procedures be adopted for future city
concerts and that the profit-loss ratio for last year's concert activities at
Coachman Park be investigated.
The City Council recessed from 8:03 p.m. to 8:11 p.m.
In response to a question, Mr. Maxwell said the 2% rake is not constant
but a gentle slope that will go up and down.
The City Attorney recommended that the motion be amended if Council
wishes to include the rake in the direction being provided to staff.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to amend the motion to include:
"...with a rake consistent with the staff report." The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
Discussion ensued with comments made that industry professionals
recommended a venue with 4,000 seats, that the amphitheater project,
which is a small component of Imagine Clearwater, must move forward
and that the iconic structure will be enjoyed by tourists and residents
alike.
Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried, as amended,
unanimously.
Mr. Maxwell reviewed the proposed costs for the amphitheater. He said
the annual debt service is $1 million and the annual repair and
replacement costs are approximately$520,000 per year. The costs to
operate the amphitheater with bonding is approximately$8.8 million and
$3.8 million without bonding. These costs have not been budgeted, staff
will present to Council in the future the impact these costs would have to
the general fund.
In response to questions, Mr. Maxwell said the financial information does
not include any revenues for naming rights. The appraised value for the
developable upland parcels is currently just under$20 million and staff
intends to use those funds towards the overall plan costs. He said the
overall Imagine Clearwater costs, which does not include the amphitheater,
is approximately$40 million. Staff will schedule a council discussion
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes April 4, 2019
regarding the pros and cons of the development strategy in the coming
weeks.
Comments were made that the proposed costs do not include any private
funding or fundraising.
Stantec consultant Kyle Steele provided a PowerPoint presentation of
the proposed site plan. Mr. Maxwell requested council feedback on
elements of the current site plan that need further discussion.
In response to questions, Mr. Maxwell said at this point no considerations
have been given to taking Drew Street over to Pierce Street. The City
Attorney said a referendum would be required if a paid attraction is
located below Osceola Avenue or a structure that is not specifically
permitted. Mr. Maxwell said a net zero parking scenario version would
require the limited access drive to be removed from the plan. The pedestrian
bridge is extending to the west and will remain over Cleveland Street. Mr.
Steele said the pedestrian bridge cannot be moved further to the east
because of the residences. The Gateway Plaza is at the same elevation as
the bridge that goes over Cleveland Street and connects at the upper
elevation of the Bluff. In this concept, Cleveland Street in this area
would be used as a turn around and drop off area. Mr. Maxwell said it
would separate the north and south bluff walks. Mr. Steele suggested
using the perimeter of the green for concessions, if spill-out is needed,
the hardscaped area could house additional concessions. Mr. Maxwell
said Council will revisit plan components impacting the Library.
It was requested that staff provide information regarding the parking
scenario options and design options for removing the pedestrian bridge.
12. City Attorney Reports — None.
13. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes)
Councilmember Hamilton said he is glad to see the City moving forward with
the Imagine plans. He commented on the demolition of the Harborview
Center.
Councilmember Allbritton said he has been looking forward to the
Harborview Center coming down which will allow Coachman Park to be part
of downtown.
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City of Clearwater
City Council
Meeting Minutes April 4, 2019
Councilmember Polglaze said that at the end of the Imagine Clearwater
process, the area will be a proud place and destination.
Vice Mayor Cundiff thanked the individuals who took part in the process and
he appreciated all the comments. Coachman Park is going to be our second
neighborhood.
14. Closing Comments by Mayor
15. Adjourn
Attest
City Clerk
City of Clearwater
Mayor Cretekos reviewed recent and upcoming events and thanked the
staff and volunteers who participated in this year's Neighborhoods Day.
The meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m.
- geaierwrAek05
Mayor
City of Clearwater
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