05/13/2019
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 13, 2019
City of Clearwater
Main Library - Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
Meeting Minutes
Monday, May 13, 2019
9:00 AM
Main Library - Council Chambers
Council Work Session
Page 1
City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 13, 2019
Roll Call
Present 5 - Mayor George N. Cretekos, Vice Mayor Bob Cundiff, Councilmember
David Allbritton, Councilmember Hoyt Hamilton, and
Councilmember Jay Polglaze
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 & 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 9:00 a.m. in Council Chambers at the
Main Library.
A moment of silence was observed for the passing of Phillies Chairman
David Montgomery.
2. Presentations – Given.
2. 1 Police Oaths
The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office to Police Officers Tammy
Barletto, Benjamin Bieber, Alexander Kaye, Jonathan Reid and Darrell
Whitley.
2. 2 May Service Awards
Four service awards were presented to city employees
The April 2019 employee of the month award was presented to Antwain
Hamm, Parks and Recreation.
Page 2
City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 13, 2019
The City Council recessed from 9:15 a.m. to 9:32 a.m. to meet as the
Pension Trustees and Community Redevelopment Agency.
.
3. Finance
3.1 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2018 (WSO)
Presentation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year
2018.
Cherry Bekaert Audit Manager Carlos Lopez provided a PowerPoint
presentation.
In response to a question, Mr. Lopez said the material
weakness classification found during the audit related to two housing funds.
The adjustment identified during the audit procedures where a receivable in
one fund should have been recorded in another fund. The issue has been
corrected by staff.
4. Gas System
4.1 Approve an increase to Purchase Order No. 18001102 with Ultimate CNG, LLC in the
amount of $275,600, for the period June 1, 2019 through August 30, 2019, to provide
mobile compressed natural gas services at the Clearwater natural gas filling station,
approve Agreement No. 9, UCNG Daily Temporary Mobile CNG Fueling Service for
Clearwater Gas in Clearwater, FL and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. (consent)
Staff is requesting that Council extend the services provided by Ultimate CNG,
LLC for a 13-week period starting June 1, 2019 through August 30, 2019, under
Service Agreement #9.
Ultimate CNG is currently providing temporary Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
refueling services, via a mobile CNG storage truck, at the filling station located
at 1020 North Hercules Avenue. Ultimate CNG has been providing this service
since July 2018. The reason for their extended service is due to failed attempts
to repair the primary CNG compressor unit. The initial failure occurred in July
2018, when parts on the compressor were damaged due to a mechanical
failure. Replacement parts were ordered from the manufacturer, Gardner
Denver, who are in England, UK. Unfortunately, when these parts arrived in
August 2018, they did not fix the problem, as oil was bypassing the cylinder
heads and discharging into the receiving tank causing the compressor to run
low on oil. If left unattended, the compressor would run out of oil and seize up
causing massive damage to the entire unit.
Subsequently, a second set of parts were ordered and arrived in October 2018.
Unfortunately, the same problem was occurring after these parts were installed.
Page 3
City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 13, 2019
The maintenance contractor, Trillium, instructed us order a third set of parts in
order to re-build the entire compressor head. This order would replace all
moving parts in the compressor assembly. Due to the long list of parts, it took
almost three months to arrive (from England) due to slow production from
Gardner Denver. The rebuild was performed on March 15, 2019. Unfortunately,
after the third repair, the same problem was occurring with the oil bypassing the
cylinder heads and discharging into the receiving tank.
Currently, the unit has been running in test mode to determine if oil consumption
will decrease over time. In addition, CGS is working with Trillium to remove the
replacement parts and inspect for any damage to determine the root cause of
the oil consumption. While this troubleshooting is going on, it’s prudent to
continue the services of Ultimate CNG until this issue is resolved and we have
two reliable compressors operating at the fueling station.
The long-term plan to resolve issues at the station is to purchase a third mobile
CNG compressor, which is currently on order and scheduled to arrive in August
2019. CGS has also hired Long & Associates to perform a comprehensive
audit of the CNG station. They will provide CGS with a list of recommend
changes to improve the overall station operation for the next 10 years.
This purchase order was originally approved by the City Manager in August
2018, in the amount of $99,715 and a 2nd Agreement, in the amount of
$197,600. A third increase was approved by City Council on October 18, 2018,
in the amount of $74,100. Agreement # 4 and # 5 were approved on January
17, 2019 in the amount of $324,800. Agreement #6 & #7 were approved on
February 21, 2019 and March 21, 2019, respectively, in the amount of $84,800
each. Agreement # 8 was approved on April 18, 2019 in the amount of
$106,000. If approved, this increase will set the total amount of the Purchase
Order to $1,247,415.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are budgeted and available in 4232078-531300.
In response to questions, Clearwater Gas System Assistant Director Brian
Langille said the new compressor unit should arrive by August. Once
delivered, it will take approximately 1.5 weeks to commission the
installment. Solid Waste continues to recognize monthly savings, while
continuing trash pick-up service. The City Manager said the CGS' service
rate is a function of the market; the City has never included an operational
loss into the rate.
5. Parks and Recreation
5.1 Approve contract for Women’s Softball Promotional Services to Michele Smith, Inc. of St.
Petersburg, Florida, in the annual amount of $60,000 and two one-year renewal terms, in
Page 4
City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 13, 2019
accordance with Code of Ordinances Section 2.564 Exceptions to Bid and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
On March 17, 2016, the City Council approved a contract with Michele Smith,
Inc. to provide promotional services to promote women’s fast-pitch softball
tournaments and programs in Clearwater and also act as a representative of
the Parks and Recreation Department in promoting Clearwater as a premier
sports town with emphasis on fast-pitch softball facilities and amenities.
Michele Smith was selected as a result of Request for Proposals #10-16 and
was the only respondent to the RFP.
Due to the overwhelming success of this contract, staff is recommending
approval of a new contract with Michele Smith.
The responsibilities and objectives of the contract will remain the same as in
past years which are as follows:
1) To put the City in the best position to be recognized as a premier
softball sports venue.
2) To promote the City’s brand throughout the United States, as well as
internationally.
3) Establish and maintain a strong and healthy relationship with local,
national, and international fast-pitch sports organizations.
4) Provide quality entertainment for spectators and quality competition
for teams visiting Clearwater by attracting new tournaments and
retaining established tournaments.
5) Increase the exposure of softball and sports tourism in Clearwater
through new programs, tournaments, and relationships.
A portion of her accomplishments over the past three years include the
following:
Teams she has brought to Clearwater for Tournaments - (38) including
Auburn, DePaul, Fordham, James Madison, Oklahoma State, USF,
Tennessee, Binghamton, Hofstra, St. Joseph’s University, Wisconsin,
Florida Atlantic, Marshall, UMass-Lowell, Missouri, Oakland, California,
FSU, JMU, Kentucky, LSU, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, OSU,
Oregon, Texas, Utah.
Sponsored 3 major tournaments in her name.
Economic Impact - approximately $4 million.
Spectators attending games - 13,837.
Volunteer hours and appearances - Board Member for Clearwater For
Youth and sponsors a $5,000 college scholarship to a female student in
our community.
Promotion of Clearwater - Throughout the spring, you will hear Michele
Smith on ESPN’s Family of networks promoting Clearwater as a
premier softball destination and a great place to live, work, and play.
Page 5
City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 13, 2019
St. Pete Clearwater Elite Invitational Tournament - Over $160,000 in
revenue was generated just from ticket sales and will net between
$40,000 and $50,000. ESPN broadcasted 14 digital games, with an
average 30,000 views per game, and 11 Linear Games that averaged
90,000 views per game with the Top Performing Game of Tennessee
vs. FSU which had 328,921 viewers. We had 15 of the 16 teams stay in
Pinellas County and 5 teams stayed in Clearwater, which helped jump
start our 2019 Spring Break.
Other Benefits - With Michele’s assistance, we hosted the 2017 USA
Gold and 18U National Championships, 2017 WBSC Jr. World
Championships, and the USA Softball National Team tryouts for the last
3 years. She is also working with us to get the WBSC to move their
international office to Clearwater. This is an attractive place for the
WBSC not only because of what the City has to offer, but also due to
our relationship with Michele Smith. Her knowledge of the game and
the respect she has overseas is a great combination and selling point to
WBSC.
Staff is of the opinion that Ms. Smith’s qualifications and services are unique
and non-competitive; therefore, the recommendation is to award the contract
without solicitation in accordance with Code of Ordinances Section 2.564(e)
Exceptions to Bid, non-competitive selection.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this contract will come from the Sports Tourism code 0101836.
5.2 Approve a proposal by Construction Manager at Risk DeLotto and Sons, Inc. of Tampa,
Florida in the amount of $2,168,713 for construction of a multipurpose building at
Countryside Sports Complex located at 3060 McMullen Booth Road and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
On October 18, 2018, Council approved a proposal by Construction Manager at
Risk Keystone Excavators, Inc. in the amount of $421,014 for site
improvements needed at Countryside Sports Complex in advance of the
construction of a multipurpose building. All site improvements are completed
and construction of the building can now begin.
On December 31, 2018, Request for Qualifications #16-19 was issued to
secure Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) services for the construction
of a multipurpose building to serve the Countryside Sports Complex (CSC).
The evaluation committee recommended DeLotto & Sons Inc. for this project.
Council established a CIP project in Fiscal Year 2016/17 for $800,000 to
construct a replacement restroom, concession, and storage building at CSC.
Since additional funding was needed to accomplish the complete renovations,
the City applied for and was awarded a TDC grant for $1.9 million, as well as
Page 6
City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 13, 2019
obtaining donations from city Co-Sponsor Sports groups including the
Countryside Cougars, Clearwater Soccer, Clearwater Lacrosse, as well as the
City of Safety Harbor commitment of $350,000, and Florida Recreation
Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grant of $100,000.
On August 16, 2017, the City Council awarded a contract to Wannemacher
Jenson Architects, Inc. (WJA) in the amount of $152,000 for architectural and
engineering services for the design of a new building to house restrooms,
concessions, a press box, storage, meeting rooms, and lockers at the
Countryside Sports Complex.
This Contract consists of constructing a 5,714-sf building as designed by WJA
and will consolidate all services now being offered on site to one building. Once
the building is constructed and opened to the public, the existing structures on
the north field will be removed and the field expanded to provide more playing
area for participants.
This is a 240-day contract and will be completed by January 2020. The Sports
Complex will be operational during the entire construction process.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available for this project in Capital Improvement Project 315-93652
“Countryside Sports Complex Renovations.”
In response to a question, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Mike
Lockwood said facility maintenance costs are factored in the fees
organizations contribute towards registrations and rec cards.
6. Police Department
6.1 Amend the Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.480.2, Miscellaneous Provisions,
adding subsection (g), Missing Benefit Recipients relating to the Clearwater Police
Officers’ Supplementary Pension and Retirement Plan and pass Ordinance 9278-19 on
first reading.
With changes to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and its associated
Regulations, as well as guidance from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and
recent litigation, the Miscellaneous Provisions Section is being amended to add
subsection (g), Missing Benefit Recipients. This provision is in accordance with
a recent IRS Programs Compliance Memorandum that requires plans to have
an approved method of locating terminated individuals who are due benefits
from the plan.
Page 7
City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 13, 2019
In response to a question, Police Chief Daniel Slaughter said the State
Legislature passed legislation allowing officers to stop individuals texting
while driving as a primary violation. There will be a public campaign when
the law goes into effect on July 1.
7. Planning
7.1 Approve the annexation, initial Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Low (RL)
and initial Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) District
for 1204 Norwood Avenue and pass Ordinances 9271-19, 9272-19, and 9273-19 on first
reading. (ANX2019-03010)
This voluntary annexation petition involves a 0.270-acre property consisting of
one parcel of land occupied by a single family home. The parcel is located on
the west side of Norwood Avenue approximately 400 feet north of Lakeview
Road. The applicant is requesting annexation in order to receive sanitary sewer
and solid waste service from the City. The property is contiguous to existing
city limits to the west. It is proposed that the property be assigned a Future Land
Use Map designation of Residential Low (RL) and a Zoning Atlas designation of
Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR).
The Planning and Development Department determined that the proposed
annexation is consistent with the provisions of Clearwater Community
Development Code Section 4-604.E as follows:
The property currently receives water service from the City. The closest
sanitary sewer line is located to the northwest of the property in the
Illinois Road right-of-way. The applicant has paid the City’s sewer impact
and assessment fees and is aware of the additional costs to extend City
sewer service to this property. The property is located within Police
District II and service will be administered through the district
headquarters located at 645 Pierce Street. Fire and emergency medical
services will be provided to this property by Station #51 located at 1140
Court Street. The City has adequate capacity to serve this property with
sanitary sewer, solid waste, police, fire and EMS service. The proposed
annexation will not have an adverse effect on public facilities and their
levels of service; and
The proposed annexation is consistent with and promotes the following
objectives and policy of the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan:
Objective A.6.4 Due to the built-out character of the City of
Clearwater, compact urban development within the urban
service area shall be promoted through application of the
Clearwater Community Development Code.
Page 8
City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 13, 2019
Objective A.7.2 Diversify and expand the City’s tax base through
the annexation of a variety of land uses located within the
Clearwater Planning Area.
Policy A.7.2.3 Continue to process voluntary annexations for
single-family residential properties upon request.
The proposed Residential Low (RL) Future Land Use Map category is
consistent with the Countywide Plan designation of the property. This
designation primarily permits residential uses at a density of 5 units per
acre. The proposed zoning district to be assigned to the property is the
Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) District. The use of the
subject property is consistent with the uses allowed in the District and
the property exceeds the District’s minimum dimensional requirements.
The proposed annexation is therefore consistent with the Countywide
Plan and the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Community Development
Code; and
The property proposed for annexation is contiguous to existing city limits
to the west; therefore, the annexation is consistent with Florida Statutes
Chapter 171.044.
7.2 Approve the annexation, initial Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Low (RL)
and initial Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) District
for 3019 Lake Vista Drive, and pass Ordinances 9268-19, 9269-19, and 9270-19 on first
reading. (ANX2019-03009)
This voluntary annexation petition involves a 0.39-acre property consisting of
one parcel of land occupied by a single-family home. The parcel is located at
the southwest corner of the intersection of Moss Avenue and Lake Vista Drive.
The applicant is requesting annexation in order to receive sanitary sewer and
solid waste service from the City and has been connected to the city sanitary
sewer as part of the Kapok Terrace Sanitary Sewer Expansion Project. The
property is contiguous to existing city limits to the south and west. It is proposed
that the property be assigned a Future Land Use Map designation of Residential
Low (RL) and a Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium Density Residential
(LMDR).
The Planning and Development Department determined that the proposed
annexation is consistent with the provisions of Clearwater Community
Development Code Section 4-604.E as follows:
The property currently receives water service from the City. Collection of
solid waste will be provided to the property by the City. The applicant
has paid the required sewer impact fee in full and the property has been
connected to the city’s sewer system. The property is located within
Police District III and service will be administered through the district
Page 9
City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 13, 2019
headquarters located at 2851 N. McMullen Booth Road. Fire and
emergency medical services will be provided to this property by Station
#49 located at 565 Sky Harbor Drive. The City has adequate capacity to
serve this property with sanitary sewer, solid waste, police, fire and EMS
service. The proposed annexation will not have an adverse effect on
public facilities and their levels of service; and
The proposed annexation is consistent with and promotes the following
objectives and policy of the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan:
Objective A.6.4 Due to the built-out character of the City of
Clearwater, compact urban development within the urban
service area shall be promoted through application of the
Clearwater Community Development Code.
Objective A.7.2 Diversify and expand the City’s tax base through
the annexation of a variety of land uses located within the
Clearwater Planning Area.
Policy A.7.2.3 Continue to process voluntary annexations for
single-family residential properties upon request.
The proposed Residential Low (RL) Future Land Use Map category is
consistent with the Countywide Plan designation of the property. This
designation primarily permits residential uses at a density of 5 units per
acre. The proposed zoning district to be assigned to the property is the
Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) District. The use of the
subject property is consistent with the uses allowed in the District and
the property exceeds the District’s minimum dimensional requirements.
The proposed annexation is therefore consistent with the Countywide
Plan and the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Community Development
Code; and
The property proposed for annexation is contiguous to existing city limits
to the south and west; therefore, the annexation is consistent with
Florida Statutes Chapter 171.044.
7.3 Approve the annexation, initial Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Low (RL)
and initial Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) District
for 3057 Terrace View Lane and 3040 Grand View Avenue, and pass Ordinances
9274-19, 9275-19, and 9276-19 on first reading. (ATA2019-03001)
The City of Clearwater Public Utilities Department is expanding sewer service
into the Kapok Terrace neighborhood located generally north of Drew Street,
south of SR 590, and within ¼ mile west of McMullen Booth Road. This
application includes two parcels of land in the expansion area which are
occupied by two single family homes totaling 0.38 acres. These properties are
subject to Agreements to Annex that were recorded in 2016. The two properties
Page 10
City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 13, 2019
are contiguous to existing city limits along at least one property boundary and
are eligible for annexation. It is proposed that the properties be assigned a
Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Low (RL) and a Zoning Atlas
designation of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR).
The Planning and Development Department determined that the proposed
annexations are consistent with the provisions of Clearwater Community
Development Code Section 4-604.E as follows:
The properties currently receive water service from the City. Collection
of solid waste will be provided to the properties by the City. The
applicants have paid the required sewer impact fee in full and have been
connected to the city’s sewer system. The properties are located within
Police District III and service will be administered through the district
headquarters located at 2851 N. McMullen Booth Road. Fire and
emergency medical services will be provided to these properties by
Station #49 located at 565 Sky Harbor Drive. The City has adequate
capacity to serve these properties with sanitary sewer, solid waste,
police, fire and EMS service. The proposed annexations will not have an
adverse effect on public facilities and their levels of service; and
The proposed annexations are consistent with and promote the following
objectives and policy of the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan:
Objective A.6.4 Due to the built-out character of the City of
Clearwater, compact urban development within the urban
service area shall be promoted through application of the
Clearwater Community Development Code.
Objective A.7.2 Diversify and expand the City’s tax base through
the annexation of a variety of land uses located within the
Clearwater Planning Area.
Policy A.7.1.3 Invoke agreements to annex where properties
located within enclaves meet the contiguity requirements of
Florida Statutes Chapter 171.
The proposed Residential Low (RL) Future Land Use Map category to
be assigned to both properties is consistent with the Countywide Plan
designation. This designation primarily permits residential uses at a
density of 5 units per acre. The proposed zoning district to be assigned
to the properties is Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR). The use
of the subject properties is consistent with the uses allowed in the
District and the properties exceed the District’s minimum dimensional
requirements. The proposed annexations are therefore consistent with
the Countywide Plan and the City’s Comprehensive Plan and
Community Development Code; and
The properties proposed for annexation are contiguous to existing city
limits along at least one boundary; therefore, the annexations are
consistent with Florida Statutes Chapter 171.044.
Page 11
City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 13, 2019
8. Public Utilities
8.1 Authorize a blanket purchase order with Xylem, Inc. of Apopka, FL, in the annual amount
of $500,000.00 with the option for two, one-year term extensions for the purchase of Flygt
Pumps, replacement parts, and factory authorized service. (consent)
Flygt Pumps are standardized in the City’s wastewater facilities, lift stations,
submerged internal recycle, and backwash pumping applications due to
reliability of the pumps and to facilitate operational and maintenance efficiency.
Standardization of pumping equipment reduces redesign/retrofit of the piping
systems and overall down time, which is critical to maintaining regulatory
compliance. Standardization also reduces the required stocking of parts,
replacement pumps, and the cost of maintenance operations.
In accordance with City Code Section 2.564 (1)(b), Exceptions to Bidding,
Xylem has been determined a sole source vendor for Flygt Pumps,
replacement parts and factory authorized service. Xylem is offering the City a
9.5% discount.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Budgeted funds are available in Public Utilities operating cost centers 550400
Operating Supplies & Materials to cover the cost of the contract for FY19.
Future fiscal year budgets will include funding for these expenses.
9. Solid Waste
9.1 Authorize a purchase order to JD Smith Pest Control, Clearwater, FL, for the Main Library
termite treatment extended warranty, not to exceed annual amount of $11,541.00;
including two one-year renewal terms and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. (consent)
On May 7, 2018, City Manager, Bill Horne, authorized and approved JD Smith to
tent the Main Library at a cost of $96,175.00. The Main Library was tented and
treated for dry wood termites on May 31, 2018. Staff is requesting approval for
the annual extended warranty to JD Smith Pest Control for re-inspections and
retreatments as necessary with the option of two additional one-year renewals.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
5656531-530300 $11,541.00
These funds are available in the operating expense of Building and Maintenance
as budgeted each Fiscal Year.
Page 12
City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 13, 2019
10. Official Records and Legislative Services
10.1 Amend the Clearwater Code of Ordinances, Section 2.251, changing the composition of
the of the Sister Cities Advisory Board to include a representative from the Clearwater
Arts Alliance, Inc. and pass Ordinance 9248-19 on first reading.
The Clearwater Arts Foundation has been dissolved and renamed the
Clearwater Arts Alliance, Inc.
The proposed code change updates the organization with their current name.
11. Legal
11.1 Request for authority to institute a civil action on behalf of the City against the Estate of
Mark Leonard Frank Sr. to recover $822.51 for an outstanding Utility Customer Service
Bill. (consent)
The City has a claim pending against the Estate of Mark Leonard for $822.51 for
unpaid utility bills. The executor of the estate has filed an objection to our claim.
This makes it necessary to file a separate action to protect our claim. Authority
is sought to file an action in small claims court to prosecute our claim.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in cost code 0109600-548000 (Other Charges).
11.2 Request for authority to institute a civil action on behalf of the City against Calvin Ladd to
enforce an order of the Clearwater Municipal Code Enforcement Board. (consent)
In late 2018, the City’s Building Official declared Mr. Ladd’s property unsafe for
human habitation and requested that Mr. Ladd abate the unsafe condition by a
date certain. Mr. Ladd did not abate the unsafe condition by this date and the
City initiated a Code Board action that was heard on January 23, 2019. Mr.
Ladd did not attend this hearing, was found in violation of the City’s unsafe
building code, and then ordered to correct the violation by January 30, 2019.
The Code Board’s order also provided that if Mr. Ladd did not correct the
violation by January 30, 2019, the City was authorized to enter onto the property
and take all reasonable actions, including demolition, to bring the property into
compliance.
To date, Mr. Ladd has not complied with the Code Board’s order and his
property is still in violation of the City’s unsafe building code. Additionally, Mr.
Ladd lives in the property making it all but impossible for the City to correct the
Page 13
City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 13, 2019
violation without judicial intervention. Therefore, authority is sought in circuit
court to enforce the Code Board’s order.
In response to a question, Assistant City Attorney Mike Fuino said the
property has been out of compliance for a long time. Since the work session
agenda has been published, the individual has vacated the property and a
potential buyer has entered into an executed sales contract. Mr. Fuino said
he has spoken with the realtor regarding a compliance agreement that will
require the buyer to rehab the property within an agreed timeline. The
property owner has been unresponsive to the Municipal Code Enforcement
Board notices and orders.
12. City Manager Verbal Reports
12.1 Report on Letter of Interest Process for the Adaptive Reuse of the Former Fire Station 45
Assistant City Manager Micah Maxwell said staff released a Letter of Interest
for the reuse of the former Fire Station 45 facility in January. One response
was received from the Church of Scientology for a non-profit use; they
proposed to rehab the building and lease it out to a non-profit. Staff
recommends moving forward with demolishing the building and not pursue
surplussing the property from the City's ownership until the joint use facility,
city hall and the Park Street Station site questions have been answered. He
said the previous quote has expired; staff will need to re-bid the demolition.
In response to questions, Mr. Maxwell said at the moment there is nothing
for council to approve. Staff is seeking direction on how Council wishes to
proceed. If Council wishes to proceed with demolition, staff will present a
contract for council approval at a later date. Asbestos removal will be
needed. Staff can reissue the RFP for a commercial purpose; staff
recommends reissuing the RFP after the joint use facility analysis
is completed. Engineering Director Scott Rice said there were issues with the
exterior cladding and safety concerns with the building's interior. To make
the building usable, the exterior cladding must be replaced. Mr. Rice said the
walls and ceiling are in poor condition.
Discussion ensued with comments made that it was disappointing to see the
private sector did not submit a plan to repurpose the building. There was no
council consensus to move forward with demolition.
The City Manager asked that staff be given until August to determine how to
move forward with the former fire station site.
Page 14
City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 13, 2019
12.2 Imagine Clearwater
Interim Assistant City Manager Michael Delk said he met one-on-one with
Councilmembers last week, except for Councilmember Allbritton who was
out of town. He has scheduled a meeting with Councilmember Allbritton
tomorrow morning and requested that today's update be deferred to the
special council meeting scheduled tomorrow afternoon.
There was consensus to defer Item 12.2 to May 14.
13. City Attorney Verbal Reports – None.
14. Council Discussion Item
14.1 Parking Study Results - Councilmember Allbritton
Councilmember Allbritton said he requested the discussion item after
receiving the study.
Assistant City Manager Micah Maxwell provided a PowerPoint presentation.
He said errors were identified in the report; the consultant will provide an
amended report in the next couple of days.
In response to questions, Mr. Maxwell said the parking facilities identified
included city and county parking lots, approximately 1,200 parking spaces.
The private parking facilities were identified solely for the purpose of
recognizing potential partnerships for parking agreements. Staff anticipates
presenting the amended parking study in June.
Discussion ensued with comments made that parking should be centrally
located, addressing the parking issue will not happen overnight, and the
parking study did not consider the 120 parking spaces on Drew Street at the
loop. Concerns were expressed that the consultant provided a study
included errors.
In response to concerns, Mr. Maxwell said the consultant did not provide any
on-street parking data and will be able to speak to the study methodology.
The City Manager said 15 years ago there were similar parking issues which
ultimately led the City to eliminating the parking requirement for new
businesses. Staff was told it was a burden for businesses to provide parking;
the discussions at the time never addressed how to resolve the parking issue
if it was no longer required of new businesses. Professionals say parking
should be available within a ¼ to ½-mile walking distance; in some
communities, that distance is not a burden. Council needs to determine if
Page 15
City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 13, 2019
they are going to accept the consultant's recommendations or move to a
different place. Council will need to sort out the policy issues. He said the
CRA Executive Director is going to look at short term parking solutions.
Discussion ensued with comments made that individuals today are not
willing to walk .5 miles to their destination, that the private enterprise needs
to take a chance on parking solutions. A suggestion was made to provide a
valet service that would be free to patrons and paid by the merchants. It was
stated that parking in the Garden Street garage is open to the public after
5:00 p.m. at no cost and is approximately 1 to 2 blocks away from most
Downtown businesses; free parking is also available at the City Hall site and
the garage at Pierce Street and East Avenue.
15. New Business (items not on the agenda may be brought up asking they be
scheduled for subsequent meetings or work sessions in accordance with Rule 1,
Paragraph 2). – None.
16. Closing Comments by Mayor – None.
17. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 10:49 a.m.
Page 16
City of Clearwater