12/03/2018 - Imagine Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes December 3, 2018
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
Meeting Minutes
Monday, December 3, 2018
1 :00 PM
Special City Council Meeting
Council Chambers
City Council
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes December 3, 2018
Roll Call
Present: 4 - Mayor George N. Cretekos, Councilmember Hoyt Hamilton, Vice
Mayor Bob Cundiff and Councilmember David Allbritton
Also Present - William B. Horne II — City Manager, Jill Silverboard — Deputy City
Manager, Micah Maxwell —Assistant City Manager, Pamela K. Akin -
City Attorney, Rosemarie Call - City Clerk and Nicole Sprague —
Official Records and 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
The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall.
2. Citizens to be heard re items not on the agenda
John Funk suggested adding a playground, similar to the one in Largo,
behind the library as a Rotary service project.
Mike Riordon said he would like to see a new City Hall be planned to the
west and questioned if the new City Hall could piggyback with the 1100
Cleveland Street project and Nolan Apartments.
3. City Manager Reports
3.1 Discuss Imagine Clearwater
The City Manager requested the City Council provide guidance on the
Imagine Clearwater infrastructure and entertainment venue.
Assistant City Manager Micah Maxwell said the ULI (Urban Land
Institute) study determined Imagine Clearwater as the roadmap to complete
downtown revitalization. Imagine Clearwater's goal is to draw residents and
visitors downtown via a catalyst of investment, increased activities and
multiple modes of transportation that connected the waterfront to the
community. Downtown revitalization will require a big picture perspective and
long term commitment to a vision that withstands decades.
Consultant Chris Sprague provided a PowerPoint presentation on bandshell
options. The City Attorney reviewed the charter restrictions. The charter
requires the seating to be removeable. The bandshell is city-owned and
cannot be leased or transferred to another party. She reminded Council that
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes December 3, 2018
the green sits in the middle of portion of property that is limited to the special
act. The special act requires the land be used for parks and places of
recreation. Parks Planning & Project Manager Kris Koch said Live Nation
contracts include language prohibiting firearms in facilities. The City Attorney
said Florida Statute preempts the City from banning firearms in in the park.
Mr. Koch expressed concern that artists may refuse to perform where the
public was allowed to carry firearms. It was suggested other venues in the
State faced the same issue.
The City Attorney said requiring nonprofits to be sponsored by the City
for alcohol sales was an operational issue that would be addressed by
ordinance.
Discussion ensued with comments made that Downtown and the waterfront
were intricately entwined under Imagine Clearwater, which will attract people
to the park on a daily basis and occasionally for performances. Concern was
expressed regarding the number of performances that could be scheduled
before disrupting access to the waterfront. It was stated there will always be
at least one person who would object to every event.
The City Attorney said the city council needed to consider the environment,
frequency of events, sound levels, and presence of 12,000 to 18,000 people
attending Coachman Park events on a regular basis.
It was noted the bandshell floor plan, amenities such dressing rooms,
showers, backstage loading area, and size of the stage needed to be
determined. Mr. Koch said additional stages would not have to be rented if
the permanent stage was larger. Mr. Maxwell said the back of house
amenities should not drive the design. It was stated Ruth Eckerd Hall
recommended a 100 ft. by 40 ft. stage. Mr. Sprague said a 16 ft. by 40 ft.
stage footprint was the minimum size that could be considered. It was felt the
current facility's size was sufficient as it accommodated Jazz Holiday acts.
The City Manager said the City Council had indicated at the last meeting a
desire for bigger events without having to rent super structures for every
event. Mr. Maxwell said events also required fencing, port-o-lets, and
vendors with food trucks that have to be secured. It was felt that a carnival
atmosphere was not necessary for every event, concessions could be
limited. Support was expressed for a facility that could be secured quickly.
Suggestions were made for permanent fencing and sufficient restrooms.
The City Manager said security and access to events were important.
Supporting world class performances required flexibility. He requested
input on how much time should be allotted for set ups and take downs. In
addition to performance venue green space, the park had 59 additional
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City of Clearwater
City Council
Meeting Minutes December 3, 2018
acres that will be green all of the time. Staff needs to determine how the park
could pay for itself.
Deputy City Manager Jill Silverboard said community input indicated a desire
for a park with green space that sometimes is used for entertainment.
Five individuals spoke in opposition, with one individual suggesting benches,
bike racks and water fountains be installed.
One individual questioned if the Environmental Advisory Board had been
given the opportunity to provide input to the Imagine Clearwater Plan.
One individual suggested stakeholder meetings to address concerns related
to the frequency of events, noise levels and citizen input.
One individual suggested the entertainment venue should face north and
have permanent seating.
4. City Attorney Reports: None.
5. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes): None.
6. Closing Comments by Mayor: None.
7. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 3:12 p.m.
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City of Clearwater
Mayor
City of Clearwater