05/07/2020 City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
o `
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, May 7, 2020
6:00 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
City Council
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
To ensure public safety and comply with the Governor's Safer at Home order in response to the
COVID-19 virus, the Clearwater City Council will hold a public meeting on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at
6:00 p.m. using communications media technology.
Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, issued by the Office of Governor Ron Desantis on March 20,
2020, municipalities may conduct meetings of their governing boards without having a quorum of its
members present physically or at any specific location, and utilizing communications media technology
such as telephonic or video conferencing, as provided by Section 120.54(5)(b)2, Florida Statutes.
Rollcall
Present: 5 - Mayor Frank Hibbard, Councilmember Hoyt Hamilton, Vice Mayor
David Allbritton, Councilmember Mark Bunker and Councilmember
Kathleen Beckman
Also Present: William B. Horne II — City Manager, Micah Maxwell —Assistant City
Manager, Michael Delk—Assistant City Manager, Pamela K. Akin City
Attorney, and Rosemarie Call — City Clerk.
To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
1. Call to Order— Mayor Hibbard
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. using communications
media technology.
2. Invocation - Dr. William Rice - Calvary Church
3. Pledge of Allegiance — Councilmember Bunker
4. Presentations — Given.
4.1 End of Session Update - The Honorable Ed Hooper, Florida Senate
Senator Hooper provided a legislative update. He said the Governor and
Legislature know the unemployment system is a disaster, but steps are
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City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
being taken make it more efficient such as adding operator and augmenting
the system with a paper form that is available at FedEx offices. He said
many of the issues related to non-payment can be attributed to individuals
not completing all the required fields on the form or submitting multiple
applications. He said COVID-19 is not the flu, it is serious and is impacting
our senior community. As the testing increase, the confirmed cases will
increase as will COVID-19 related deaths. The State is starting to see a
shortfall in sales tax revenue, 80% of the budget is derived from sales tax.
He said many projects will not receive funding due to the shortfall.
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the minutes of the April 16, 2020 City Council meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to Approve the minutes of the
April 16, 2020 City Council meeting 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
Gerry Lee expressed concerns with the costs associated with Imagine
Clearwater and supported slowing down plan implementation until the
state of the economy is known.
Daniel Holuba supported shelving the Imagine Clearwater plan, stated
that recycling is a good program but not an essential city service and
expressed concerns with recent emails he felt threatened his freedom of
speech.
Marilyn Turman thanked the City for reinstating the refuse service and
said the solid waste employee who cleared items from her property did an
outstanding job and she thanked all the first responders, Wal Mart
employees, and city Solid Waste employees for all their efforts during these
difficult times.
Kimberly Logan expressed concerns with opening recreation centers and
pools and stated that the City is putting the kids and parents at risk if the
facilities open.
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City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
The City Manager said the city pools are scheduled to open next week.
Staff will evaluate the concerns expressed and potential risks.
The City Clerk read a comment received electronically from Karen
Flaherty regarding the Cleveland Street Festival Area (see page 38).
7. Consent Agenda — Approved as submitted.
7.1 Approve a Utility Work by Highway Contractor Agreement with the State of Florida
Department of Transportation to remove natural gas mains during a road improvement
project on US Highway 19 and Harn Boulevard, at an estimated cost of$4,840, and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.2 Approve a Utility Work by Highway Contractor Agreement with the State of Florida
Department of Transportation to remove natural gas mains during a road improvement
project on US Highway 41, at an estimated cost of$52,800, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.3 Approve a proposal by Construction Manager at Risk, Khors Construction, Inc. of Pinellas
Park, Florida, in the amount of$175,187.59 for the renovations and replacement of the
Pier 60 Bait House Grinder Pump Pneumatic Injector system and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.4 Approve settlement of Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) vs. City of
Clearwater, OGC File No. 20-0100 for In-kind Project in the amount of at least
$80,388.96 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.5 Request for authority to settle case of City of Clearwater v. Jannelli, et al., Case No.
19-1896-CI. (consent)
7.6 Approve renewal of Legal Services Agreement with Bryant Miller Olive for a three-year
period to act as Bond Counsel and authorize appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
7.7 Approve renewal of a Legal Services Agreement with Nabors, Giblin and Nickerson to
serve as Disclosure Counsel for a period of three years beginning May 15, 2020 and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve the Consent Agenda
as submitted and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
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City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 PM
8. Administrative Public Hearings
8.1 Approve the Substantial Amendment to the City of Clearwater's 2016/2017 - 2019-2020
Consolidated Plan and 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan to reallocate unencumbered
funding and to budget for additional funding provided by the United States Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address needs resulting from the COVID-19
Emergency. (APH)
Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act),
$492,592 of Community Development Block Grant Program funding
(CDBG-CV) was directly allocated to the City of Clearwater for use within
eligible programs to address community and housing impacts arising from the
COVID-19 pandemic. HUD has also provided various regulation waivers and
suspensions to provide for additional flexibility and expediency in utilizing the
funding.
The proposed Substantial Amendment to the 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan
(Amendment) provides for the expenditure of$492,592 in CDGB-CV, $130,000
of unencumbered CDBG funding from Program Year 2019-2020 and $300,000
in HOME Investment Partnership Program funding. The funds will be distributed
through four categories:
Business assistance: The Economic Development and Housing Department
(ED&H) will administer a program to provide grant funding and technical
assistance to eligible businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Residential assistance: ED&H will administer a program to distribute funds for
rental and utility assistance as well as mortgage and utility assistance to
residents whose incomes have been affected by the pandemic.
Public Services: For Program Years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 and the
CDBG-CV allocation, HUD has eliminated the requirement to spend no more
than 15% of the respective allocation on Public Services. The proposed
amendment budgets for expenditures in excess of the 15% cap for Public
Services that mitigate or respond to impacts arising from the pandemic.
Program administration: HUD regulations provide for up to 20% of CDBG-CV to
be used for costs associated with administering these programs. The city's
General fund is not impacted by the proposed amendment.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
A mid-year budget amendment will establish special program 181-G2010,
CDBG-CV Fund, recognizing a budget increase of$492,592 in CDBG grant
revenues from HUD, and a transfer of$131,000 in CDBG revenues from
181-G2004, Public Facilities.
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One comment supporting Item 8.1 was received electronically and read
into the record by the City Clerk (see page 40).
In response to a question, Economic Development and Housing
Assistant Director Chuck Lane said staff plans to use some of the funding for
foreclosure counseling, Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services
is one of the organizations staff has identified to provide the service.
Gulfcoast Legal Services will assist individuals with fair housing issues
and those facing foreclosure.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve the Substantial
Amendment to the City of Clearwater's 2019-2020 Annual Action
Plan to reallocate unencumbered funding and to budget for
additional funding provided by the United States Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address needs
resulting from the COVID-19 Emergency. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
8.2 Approve the request from the owner of property addressed as 2850 Sunstream Lane,
Clearwater, to vacate a portion of a platted utility easement, described as a part of Tract
C Drainage Area, Sunstream Subdivision, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in
Plat Book 143, Pages 65 through 69, of the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida
and pass Ordinance 9390-20 on first reading.
The property owner at 2850 Sunstream Lane, Clearwater, has requested that
the City vacate a portion of a platted Utility Easement along the entrance to their
property.
The partial easement vacation will allow the property owner to construct an
entrance sign to their subdivision.
There are no utilities present within this easement. City staff have reviewed this
vacation and have no objection.
One individual expressed concern with the legal public notice, stating
most individuals cannot read a legal description and suggested including
an address and application number.
The City Attorney said Council may continue the item or pass on first
reading and staff will report back to Council prior to second reading. Staff
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City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
will review the notice for legal sufficiency and an opinion prior to second
reading.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve the request from the
owner of property addressed as 2850 Sunstream Lane,
Clearwater, to vacate a portion of a platted utility easement,
described as a part of Tract C Drainage Area, Sunstream
Subdivision, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Plat
Book 143, Pages 65 through 69, of the Public Records of Pinellas
County, Florida. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Ordinance 9390-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance 9390-20 on
first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call,
the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
9. Second Readings - Public Hearing
9.1 Adopt Ordinance 9389-20 on second reading, amending Chapter 32, Article V, Division
2, Pretreatment and Discharge Restrictions to specifically prohibit hazardous waste
pharmaceuticals to add requirements for dental facilities that remove or replace dental
amalgam fillings, to add reporting and waste management practices for dental facilities,
to require installation, certification and maintenance of dental vacuum suction systems,
and to provide exemptions from these requirements.
Ordinance 9389-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9389-20 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and
upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
10. City Manager Reports
10.1 Endorse the application for Project Last Dance and commit the City of Clearwater to
provide local financial support (Local Match) not to exceed $10,000, which is ten percent
of the eligible tax refund, upon certification by State of Florida Department of Economic
Opportunity and adopt Resolution 20-20.
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The Florida Legislature created Florida Statute, Section s.288.106 to encourage
the growth of Florida's high wage, value-added employment. This program is
commonly known as the Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund Program (QTI
Program). This law authorizes Enterprise Florida, Inc. to accept, review and
recommend applications for consideration by State of Florida Department of
Economic Opportunity (DEO) for tax refunds to qualified target industry
businesses. Pursuant to Florida Statute, Sections s.288.075 and s.288.106, the
applicant requests certain information, including the name of the company,
remain confidential until such time as is required under statute or desired by the
applicant. Project Last Dance is the alias name of the applicant company.
This Resolution provides a commitment of the city to support the QTI Program
which provides a performance-based incentive. The incentive is negotiated in
advance of Project Last Dance commitment to expand its operations in the City
of Clearwater. It does not guarantee payment until such time as the terms of the
contract made between DEO and Project Last Dance are met, subject to
limitations described below.
QTI Program Description
The QTI Program works as an inducement to encourage companies to locate
or expand in Florida. In accordance with the QTI Program eligibility criteria, no
commitment to expand in Florida has been made at this time. The incentive
may not exceed that which is requested in the application. As required by the
QTI Program, the Project Last Dance expansion will increase the Company's
employment in Florida by greater than 10% and, as evidenced by staff's
economic impact analysis1 , the proposed new jobs will make a significant
economic contribution to the area economy.
Description of Project
Project Last Dance is seeking State, County and City inducement to expand
operations and to create additional jobs in the City of Clearwater. The Company
projects to add 20 jobs over five years beginning in 2021. Project Last Dance
job creation schedule is as follows:
PhaseNumber of net new full-time equivalent Florida jobs created in the
business unitDate by which jobs will be created
1 10 12/31/2021
2 3 12/31/2022
3 3 12/31/2023
4 2 12/31/2024
5 2 12/31/2025
Total 20
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Below are the types of jobs expected to be created by this Corporate
Headquarters:
Business Unit Activities 6 Digit NAICS Code(s)Project Function
Annualized Wage ($)
Custom Computer Programming Services 541511 100%
$56,236
Average Wage 100% $56,236
Average wages of all new jobs created by Project Last Dance is to be no less
than $56,236, which is 115% of the Statewide Annual Average Wage for the
year ended December 31, 2019.
QTI Program Request & Local Match Commitment
The requested tax refund is to be paid to the applicant each state fiscal year
(July 1- June 30) for a period of eight years. If approved by DEO, Pinellas
County and the City of Clearwater, the applicant will receive a refund for each
new job created in the City of Clearwater. The QTI Program allows for a refund
of eligible taxes paid that will equal a maximum of$3,000 per new job created
and $2,000 for the DEO High Impact Sector Bonus. Eighty percent of this award
is provided by the State of Florida, with a Local Match of ten percent from the
City of Clearwater and ten percent from Pinellas County. Therefore, the
maximum Local City of Clearwater Match
award per new job created is $500 for a total Local Match of$10,000.
Payment Schedule
Disbursement of the fifty percent Local Match is paid out over an eight-year
period for each phase in which the jobs are created. The schedule is as follows:
PHASE #JOBSELIGIBLE LOCAL MATCH FY22/23 FY23/24 FY24/25
FY25/26 FY26/27 FY27/28 FY28/29 FY29/30
YR1 10 $5,000 $1,250 $1,250 $1,250$1,250
YR2 3 $1,500 $375 $375 $375 $375
YR3 3 $1,500 $375 $375 $375 $375
YR4 2 $1,000 $250 $250 $250 $250
YR5 2 $1,000 $250 $250 $250 $250
TOTAL 20 $10,000 $1,250 $1,625 $2,000 $2,250 $1,250 $875 $500 $250
The payment schedule is subject to the applicant continuing to meet all eligibility
criteria which is verified each year by the DEO, the City of Clearwater and
Pinellas County. Upon verification, the DEO requests the Local Match
disbursement check from the City up to the maximum yearly allowed amount.
The DEO then provides the disbursement to the applicant.
Conditions of Limitation &Termination
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During the term of the agreement, the Local Match may be lowered under the
following conditions:
• If in any year the applicant does not achieve the job creation schedule
but achieves at least eighty percent of the required new jobs, the
company will receive a pro-rated refund less five percent penalty of the
schedule award amount for that year.
• If the total of the eligible taxes paid by the company is less than the
maximum eligible refund amount awarded, the Local Match will be
reduced on a pro-rated basis. The refunded amount will not exceed the
amount of eligible taxes paid by the company.
The Local Match may be eliminated under the following conditions:
• If job creation falls below 80% of the required jobs, the company will not
receive a refund and will be terminated from the program.
• If the average wage falls below$56,236, the company will not receive a
refund and will be terminated from the program.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
For fiscal year 2022/23, funds are available in special program 181-99846,
Economic Development - QTI. Future year funding will be allocated during the
City's annual budget process.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to endorse the application for
Project Last Dance and commit the City of Clearwater to provide
local financial support (Local Match) not to exceed $10,000, which
is ten percent of the eligible tax refund, upon certification by
State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Resolution 20-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Resolution 20-20. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
10.2Approve Clearwater's Back to Business Grant and Professional Services Program and
adopt Resolution 20-21.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been declared a national, state, county, and local
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State of Emergency. Executive orders by the State and County have ordered
the closing of several types of businesses, and others be significantly negatively
impacted by CDC guidelines for "social distancing". The orders further restrict
public movement. The pandemic is causing severe economic harm to small
businesses.
To aid the city's hardest hit and most vulnerable small businesses, Economic
Development & Housing requests approval of Clearwater's Back to Business
Grant and Professional Services Program (also to be known as Clearwater's
Back to Business Program). The Program supports both "brick & mortar" as
well as home-based businesses and is more fully described in Exhibit A of
Resolution 20-21.
Brick & Mortar Businesses
For qualifying businesses occupying a commercial space, the city will provide:
1. $3000 "quick pay" grant to be used for business expenses including, but
not limited to commercial rent or mortgage and/or utilities, vendor
payments, employee wages, other.
2. Access to and payment of certain Professional Services. Services will
be procured by and through contractual relationship with non-profit
organization(s). Services will be funded in an amount not to exceed
$1000 per qualifying applicant. Non-profit organization will receive an
administrative fee of 10% of total services provided.
3. $2000 grant upon completion of Professional Services obligations.
Staff requests approval of$3,500,000 in General Fund Reserves to support the
program described above. The City Attorney's office has offered Legal Opinion
regarding the constitutionality of the use of general fund revenue for the
purposes described. Based on the facts presented, including appropriate
legislative findings, Economic Development & Housing concurs with the
conclusion of the City Attorney's office that expenditures limited to Brick &
Mortar Businesses serve a public purpose.
Economic Development and Housing also finds the program, described above,
is consistent with the principles and practices of Economic Development. That
is, the use of public funds 1) will provide a direct economic impact through the
retention of jobs; 2) will provide indirect impact through the generation of
economic activity; and 3) will yield positive fiscal impacts for the city of
Clearwater (i.e. will reduce the negative impacts to the city commensurate with
the investment).
Staff will endeavor to reimburse General Fund Reserves to the maximum
amount possible using funds that are, or may become, available. These funding
sources include, but are not limited to, Community Development Block Grant as
made available by the federal CARES Act (CDBG-CV), Community
Redevelopment Agency, Downtown Development Board and others. Currently,
staff estimates approximately $300,000 will be reimbursed to General Fund
Reserves.
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Home-Based Businesses
For qualifying home-based businesses, the city will provide:
1. Access to and payment of certain Professional Services. Services will
be procured by and through contractual relationship with non-profit
organization(s). Services will be funded in an amount not to exceed
$1000 per qualifying applicant. Non-profit organization will receive an
administrative fee of 10% of total services provided.
2. Grant equal to 1 month's revenue, not to exceed $2000, as evidenced by
appropriate financial records.
Funding is provided by CDBG-CV, Community Redevelopment Agency,
Downtown Development Board and others
Application Process
Applications will be processed via online portal and will take approximately
15-20 minutes to complete. Applicants will be served on a "first complete
application, first served" basis until funds are exhausted.
Termination of Program
Program will end when all funds are exhausted or December 31, 2020,
whichever occurs first.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
A mid-year budget amendment will establish special program 181-G2011,
Back-to-Business Grant Program, recognizing an allocation of$3,500,000 of
General Fund reserves to fund this program.
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
Funding for this program will be provided by a mid-year budget amendment
allocating General Fund reserves of$3,500,000 to 181-G2011,
Back-to-Business Grant Program. Inclusive of this item if approved, a net total
of$4,322,000 of General Fund reserves has been appropriated by Council to
fund expenditures in the 2019/20 operating budget. The remaining balance in
General Fund reserves after the 8.5% reserve is approximately $23.2 million, or
15.3% of the current General Fund operating budget.
Economic Development and Housing Director Denise Sanderson
provided a PowerPoint presentation.
In response to questions, Ms. Sanderson said there will be two different
applications, home based businesses and brick and mortar. Staff intends
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to do a pro-rata distribution, the lottery pool would be based on the
percentage of applications for each category. Since city libraries will not
open prior to May 18, the one-week registration will allow businesses that
may not have the needed technology to begin the application process.
Applicants will need to identify if they are interested in the professional
services. Ms. Sanderson said there will be a significant challenge in
budgeting as staff will not know how much will be needed for professional
services. Staff anticipates there will be several rounds of invitations to the
applicant pool as funds are encumbered or applicant ineligibility. She said
staff will contact the software company used for the application about a
random application selection process, if the company is unable to conduct a
random selection, staff will approach other vendors. Ms. Sanderson is
not aware if the City of St. Petersburg considered home-based
businesses; Pinellas County did consider home-based businesses but
found their revenues averaged $25,000 or less and many were eligible
to continue their operation and chose not to include home-based
businesses in their recent round of funding. She said the Pinellas County
Commissioners requested staff consider potential funding during the second
funding phase.
A comment in opposition was received electronically and read into
the record by the City Clerk (see page 39).
The City Attorney said legal staff review concluded that Council has the
authority under F.S. 466.021(8)(a) to make the finding that the Back to
Business Program is a public purpose, in this case to retain economic
development. She said Resolution 20-21 includes the appropriate
findings to allow the expenditure of general funds for Back to Business
grant and professional services. She said one of the findings listed in the
resolution states that it does not cause the City to absorb any existing,
new or ongoing financial liability or debt, directly or indirectly, from the
grantees of the program nor does it result in the City of Clearwater
entering into stockownership or joint ownership of the businesses
supported, which are important from a constitutional standpoint.
Discussion ensued with comments made that hopefully the City will be
reimbursed for some of these funds from a federal program and that staff did
a wonderful job to propose a well thought out plan.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve Clearwater's Back to
Business Grant and Professional Services Program. The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
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Resolution 20-21 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Resolution 20-21. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
10.3Approve the Local Mitigation Strategy developed for Pinellas County and adopt
Resolution 20-18.
The purpose of the Local Mitigation Strategy is to establish an ongoing process
that will make hazard mitigation part of the daily functions of the entire
community. The Local Mitigation Strategy serves as a bridge between local
governments' growth management plans, the county comprehensive
emergency plan, land development regulations, and relevant ordinances and
codes such as those for floodplain management.
Most of the burden of recovering from a disaster falls on the shoulders of local
government. A major disaster can bring extraordinary hardship to citizens,
devastate the economic base, and diminish quality of life for years to come. If
hardships seen in other parts of the country can be avoided by making smarter
decisions before the disaster, the best interest of our citizens, businesses and
communities are better served.
The objective of the Local Mitigation Strategy is to develop a blueprint or guide
intended to provide a unified and consistent course of action needed to
eliminate or reduce the impact of disasters that threaten Pinellas County and its
municipalities.
The current Local Mitigation Strategy is the fourth update to the original, adopted
in 1999. Comprehensive updates were completed every 5-years, in 2004, 2009,
and 2015.
The complete local mitigation strategy document can be found at
http://www.pinellaslms.org.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve the Local Mitigation
Strategy developed for Pinellas County. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
Resolution 20-18 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Resolution 20-18. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton,
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Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
10AApprove Change Order One to Waterfront Engineering, Inc., of Tampa, FL, for $51,469
for the 2019 City Seawall Project (19-0021-EN), increasing the contract from
$254,710.50 to $306,179.50, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
September 5, 2019, City Council approved a construction contract for repairs at
eight locations: five on Island Estates, two at street ends on the intercoastal,
and one at the Betty Lane bridge over Stevenson Creek. Repairs include
replacement of seawall caps and anchors, installation of secondary tiebacks,
drain installation, cleaning of seawall joints, and hydraulic grout installation.
Change Order One is for repairs of an additional seawall location on Hamden
Drive and 3rd Street. Proposed repairs include installation of drains, cleaning
and sealing vertical joints, and filling voids along approximately 100 feet of
seawall.
Staff requests to continue the item to determine impact if the contract was
amended to raise the sea walls by one foot.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
E N G F 180006-CO N S-C N ST RC
Funds are available in capital improvement project ENGF180006, Citywide
Docks and Seawalls, to fund this change order.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to continue Item 10.4 to May 21,
2020. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
10.5Confirm COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation and adopt Resolution 20-19.
Resolution 20-19 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Resolution 20-19. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
The Council recessed from 7:36 p.m. to 7:43 p.m.
11. City Attorney Reports — None.
12. Other Council Action
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12.1 Business Recovery Task Force Recommendations
Mayor Hibbard explained that the task force was convened by Amplify
Clearwater to bring forward recommendations to improve the climate once
the state was reopened. Staff has gone through the 28 requests and talked
about the economic impact of each with notes explaining their stance and
response to what they believe should be done. He said the task force was
assembled with business people from many sectors including hospitality,
hotels, restaurants, brick and mortars, and the healthcare system.
Task force member Brian Aungst, Jr. said the intent of the
board was to be collaborative, helpful, and positive, understanding some
of the ideas presented might not work as they were intended to work, but
the intentions were good and the task force was trying to mobilize
creativity. The involvement from staff and council has been
extremely helpful.
Discussion ensued by reviewing each recommendation:
# Request IMPACT NOTES City Response
1 Abate rent for city Equivalent monthly Abating leases, use agreements, Administration
tenants; extend lease/use/license agreement and license agreements has a supports
lease terms=to loss: GF-$54,000, Beach significant impact to the multiple continuing rent
abatement period Marina -$90,000, Airpark- funds, which are already seeing deferrals through
$26,000. Unrecoverable lost revenue reduction related to the the month of May.
revenue from commissions: lack of commission based We believe
GF-$141,000, Beach Marina payments. The County's approved abatements
-$28,000, Airpark-$1,100. business recovery program, should be
Pinellas Cares and, pending considered on a
approval, our business recovery case by cases basis
program provide the potential for for those
up to $10,000 in assistance for businesses who
issues such as rent and utility have applied for
payments. and have been
either accepted or
rejected for the
programs. Future
consideration will
focus on meeting
the criteria set
forth in the City
plan.
Assistant City Manager Micah Maxwell said the council approved an
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City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
assistance program earlier in the meeting, the county also approved an
assistance program which support businesses by paying leases and utilities.
Staff felt like individuals should go through the assistance programs first,
and if there are issues coming out of the programs, staff can review on a
case by case basis.
There was consensus to handle any issues on a case by case basis.
2 Grant$for locally Staffing- ED&H and CRA Staff is currently presenting a Administration
owned sm. would have very significant program focused on providing supports moving
Businesses (e.g. St. immediate and short term grant dollars for locally owned forward with the
Pete Fighting (0-8 months); Funding-The small businesses on 5/7. plans being
Chance Fund) program will include Downtown plan and CRA plan presented on 5/7.
$3,200,000 from General would need to be modified for use
Fund Reserves and $480,000 of CRA funds
in CDBG funds for
consideration at initial
approval, and is requesting
$240,000 from CRA and
$80,000 from DDB that
would need to be approved
by those entities at a later
date.
See Item 10.2
3 Defer DA/Permit Significant impact to P&D Staff time altering system The
Fees (Level 1) and IT at initial change and architecture cannot be justified at administration
at reversion. this time. does not support
this initiative. A
change of this
nature would
create a
significant strain
on resources
during a time
when we believe
we should be
focusing our
efforts on
providing
responsible,
reliable service as
Page 17
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
quickly as
possible.
Mr. Maxwell said Accela would require substantial alterations which would be
a fairly large time strain on IT and Planning staff. Instead of making the
change, he said staff will be more efficient in the permit and inspection
process, this would not be something staff supports due to the time to
implement and it probably would not be as beneficial to users as hoped.
There was consensus to strike this item from consideration.
4 Hold DRC/CDB Minimal - Limited to training We will be holding a virtual May P&D has
meetings DRC via WebEx. While some scheduled a
entities are holding virtual quasi- virtual DRC
judicial hearings, the City meeting for May,
Attorneys Office advises against however based on
doing so for city Quasi-judicial Legal advice, we
proceedings. do not intend to
hold CDB
meetings until we
can do soina
manner that the
City Attorney
believes will meet
the legal standard
of Florida
Statutes.
Page 18
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
Mr. Maxwell said there are concerns regarding the legality on having
meetings on the zoom platform. The City Attorney said staff recommends
having quasi-judicial meetings wait until they can be done live as they
require that the public be able to potentially be parties and there is potential
for cross examinations and evidence. Most jurisdictions are not doing
quasi-judicial meetings at this time. She said she was not aware of any
provisions being granted by the state to allow virtual quasi-judicial meetings
because of the requirements for the ability of submission of evidence and
participation that is allowed.
There was consensus to hold virtual DRC meetings.
5 Extend Based on the current Per the City Attorneys Office, the The
permit/DO/DA practice, impact is minimal. governing statute requires the administration
deadlines (Ch 252 holder of the development right to supports currently
FS). Invoke for all invoke the tolling but there is authorized and
applicants nothing in the statute which systematic
permits the City to invoke it for extensions when
them. And while that might not requested or as
seem like a problem at first blush, provided for by
I can imagine a scenario where executive
there is significant opposition to a authority. At this
project and the developer doesn't time, staff is
invoke the tolling since it thinks extending permit
we did it for them. After the time frames due
original deadline passes, either the to lack of required
City, the developer, or both could inspections and no
then be hit with a lawsuit seeking expired permit
declaratory or injunctive relief fees are being
from the opponents who could added at this time.
credibly argue that the
development order or permit has
expired and therefore no further
development is permitted.
Mr. Maxwell said the original idea was to place an automatic extension of
these items. He said the City Attorney's office provided the opinion that the
City should not do that, but rather provide communication that an extension
is available to those with outstanding permits, etc. The City Attorney said
the City does not have the authority to automatically provide an
extension, the applicant would have to request it. Mr. Maxwell said
Page 19
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
Amplify and staff would come up with general communication to provide.
Mr. Aungst said Amplify and staff want to make sure everyone is on a
level playing field and let people know they have a statutory right to the
extension based on the COVID-19 Pandemic. Mr. Maxwell said he doesn't
know how the message will be relayed, he will meet with Public
Communications to coordinate a response.
6 Implement short- This change would be very The City incorporates a It is unclear how
term variance challenging to incorporate performance based regulatory this item is related
process for CDC and would likely impact framework which does not require to the COVID-19
inhibit our COVID-19 adherence to strict Euclidian legal response, and as
response standards for the granting of such
variances. Provisions related to administration
flexibility substantially exceed does not support
those commonly found in variance the change. The
processes when legally observed. proposed change
would create a
significant strain
on resources
during a time
when we believe
we should be
focusing our
efforts on
providing
responsible,
reliable service as
quickly as
possible.
Mr. Maxwell said the proposed change is the Pinellas County process and is
something staff can consider in the upcoming code review, but to try to
implement now would be a significant undertaking and distract staff from
providing the best service in the immediate future. Staff's preference is to
continue with the flexibility the code currently provides.
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
7 Bldg. Permits: Use Statutory authority currently The statutory basis for the fee Administration
private reviewers exists for use of private plan reduction is section 553.791(2)(b) does not support
incl site permits; use reviewers and inspectors. which provides that when using changes at this
private inspectors; These functions are private plan reviewers, building time. We are
discount 66%for routinely being performed. owners and contractors should currently
private review of Fee reductions have been pay reduced building permit fees providing a 33%
both; discount 50% adopted by City Council. and no inspection fees. The reduction. As part
for private review statute requires the City to of the upcoming
only. calculate the cost savings to the workplan for
City for not reviewing the plans Planning and
and reduce the permit fee Development,
accordingly. Additionally, the they will be
statute says that the City cannot reviewing private
charge any inspection fees, we can plan review fees
charge a reasonable again to see what
administrative fee. is appropriate.
The department
will work with
Finance to identify
the most
appropriate way
to determine the
savings associated
with use of private
plan review.
Mr. Maxwell said Florida Statutes define how staff determines the
percentage to charge and there is a process to follow. Planning and
Development staff will be working on this issue later in the year and will
research the fee schedule.
It was stated that the task force is ok with deferring the recommendation.
Page 21
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
8 Req city reviewers' Potential for conflict with That said, staff strives to be as This item does not
comments be raised building code and licensing thorough as possible during the appear COVID-19
by initial review so requirements. first review. Resubmissions that related, and as
no pre-existing address comments with design such
conditions can be changes may impact other aspects administration
raised (other than of the proposal and that design does not support
new) once Final has change could impact other trades changes at this
occurred. that could generate new time. As stated
comments. The designer may also above, P&D is
further refine and finish their preparing to go
design during the review process through a review
and that could result in new of its development
comments. related business
processes in the
next year which
will highlight
opportunities for
process
improvement.
Mr. Maxwell said staff does their best to be as diligent as possible but
sometimes plans do go to a second or third review. Planning and
Development has a business process review scheduled for later this year
and this may be something that comes in as an improvement, but staff wants
to look at the whole process to identify areas of improvement.
Page 22
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
9 Expand outdoor The Code allows "outdoor cafes" Staff is supportive
dining policies to aid and they are defined as accessory of working with
w/social distancing to an adjacent business when restaurants to
located on private property, or support
when encroaching into the public temporary
rights of way, that serves outdoor cafe
beverages and food and is open- areas. It would be
air. Staff believes that dining area helpful if we could
is on a patio, porch (under a roof) receive some
but not enclosed with walls or additional
screens would be considered information on
"open-air"which would make it where businesses
part of the gross floor area. are running into
issues so that we
Outdoor cafes in the public right- can identify the
of-way—are allowed in Downtown best solutions.
and the Tourist District on
Clearwater Beach including a
section along Beach Walk.
Outdoor cafes are restricted to the
sidewalk frontage on the business
applying for the permit and can't
extend for more than 25' from the
facade of the business. There are
other location and design
requirements that address
furnishings, pedestrian paths,
perimeters, etc. There are
operational requirements
including the need for the
operator to enter into a written
agreement holding the city
harmless from all liability
(approved by the City Attorney),
as well as insurance.
Outdoor cafes on private property
—treated as an allowable
accessory use and approved
through the applicable
development review process and
is exempt for off-street parking
requirements. This provision
affords significant flexibility with
little regulation.
Page 23
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
Mr. Maxwell said they are working with restaurants all over the city.
It was stated that the request has already been implemented for Cleveland
Street.
10 Waive permitting Very few businesses even get Administrative
requirements on through a sandwich board sign staff have already
sandwich board permit. As with the item above, commenced and
signage for a period there are operational will continue a
of time requirements including liability
relaxation of
insurance.
enforcement
activities for
certain types of
signs during this
period of
economic
disruption. City
staff will continue
to do so for the
foreseeable
future until a
more stable
business
environment
exists. Priorities
will continue to
be given to
matters of public
safety including
maintaining
accessible
pathways and
ensuring visibility
is not
blocked. Changes
in this policy will
be preceded by
courtesy
notification.
Mr. Maxwell said staff is looking at relaxing enforcement rules to allow this
type of advertisement. Staff is in agreement with Amplify and is willing to be
flexible.
Page 24
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
There was consensus to waive the requirement through Labor Day.
11 Allow Grand Re- Grand opening signs fall under Administrative
Opening Signs for 45 temporary signs. A total of four staff have already
day period 16 s.f. temporary signs are commenced and
allowed per parcel, two of which will continue a
can be commercial signs and one relaxation of
of those one may be a banner,
such as a Grand Re-opening sign. enforcement
As written the code allows these activities for
signs for 30 days and the only way certain types of
to approve 45 days is to change signs during this
the code. period of
economic
disruption. City
staff will continue
to do so for the
foreseeable
future until a
more stable
business
environment
exists. Priorities
will continue to
be given to
matters of public
safety including
maintaining
accessible
pathways and
ensuring visibility
is not
blocked. Changes
in this policy will
be preceded by
courtesy
notification.
Mr. Maxwell said the temporary signs that would be considered have a limit
of 30 days and staff is looking at extending it by 15 days, but Labor Day
could be used as the cut off. Planning and Development Director Gina
Clayton clarified that all commercial properties are allowed 4 temporary
signs, each one can be 16 square feet in area, 2 of them can have
commercial messages. Banner signs are limited to 30 days, another type of
Page 25
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
grand opening sign would not have a time limit.
There was consensus to allow the grand re-opening signs though Labor Day.
12 Use P&R Impact Need more information to The use of these fees is governed Administration
Fees &City Traffic determine by Florida Statutes as well as the supports these
Impact Fees be used city's comprehensive plan and funds in a manner
in area of created code of ordinances. For Parks and consistent with the
development rec impact fees, the rules governing rules and
governing these fees are focused regulations, which
on the use of impact fees currently support
benefiting the areas where they their use in the
are collected, however if there is area of created
no property or project where it development.
can be spent may have to use for
city wide facilities. For traffic fees,
the ordinance requires funds be
spent on transportation
improvements identified by
Forward Pinellas and within the
City's long range and
comprehensive plans
The City Attorney said the City's ordinance establishes the impact area and
the fees are required to be spent in that area.
13 Waive or defer BTR N/A Initial research by the City Based on the initial
$for a period of Attorney's office indicates that the research
time; BTR city can neither abate nor defer completed by
Registration req'd collections of BTRs. Legal has Legal, the city does
provided opinions by the Attorney not have the ability
General outlining the reasoning to provide the
for this and we will be happy to requested deferral
provide that information to or abatement.
Amplify.
The City Attorney said BTRs are regulated by the state and area tax. The
City has the authority to reduce or increase the fee by 5% on a bi-annual
review, but the City has no authority to waive or defer those fees. She said
BTR's can be reviewed overall every two years but there is a limit on what
Page 26
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
can be done with that structure and still remain in compliance with the statue.
14 Overhaul BTR N/A Initial research by the City Based on the initial
program/fee Attorney's office indicates that the research
schedule to align city cannot overhaul the BTR fee completed by
with competitors structure. The ability to amend Legal, the city does
the BTR ordinance to increase or not have the ability
decrease rates is governed by F.S. to overhaul the BTR
Sect. 205.0535(4). The City can fee schedule at this
only revisit the rates as part of its time.
biennial review, although at that
time it can make downward
adjustments (apparently a
maximum increase or decrease of
5%)or repeal the BTR ordinance.
It was stated that the item is tied to Request#13.
15 Waive Code Enf Unknown This request appears unrelated to Administration
liens for 1st-time COVID-19. Those who have been supports P&D
offenders liened have already had an focusing on
opportunity to come into creation and
compliance, as provided by the implementation of
Code Enforcement Board, and a lien reduction
have failed to do so. That said, program generally
the City has a significant number as part of its
of outstanding code enforcement regular work plan.
liens totaling approximately
$30,000,000. Due to the excessive
nature of these liens staff has
included the development of a
lien amnesty program on their
work program.
Mr. Maxwell said Planning and Development has an item on their workplan
to look at first-time offenders and abatements. Staff is currently doing that
work now and would like to continue to focus on the bigger program rather
than focus on the first-time offender piece. Amplify was in agreement.
Page 27
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
16 Free or reduced Unknown. Free and further City currently offers$40 monthly Administration
parking for Beach reduced parking would likely permits for beach employees, a supports
employees result in changes in habit by significant savings over standard continuation of
beach employees and may meter rates. monthly employee
reduce the amount of permits at current
employees using transit. rate and increasing
Also, free and further promotion of this
reduced parking does not program.
promote turnover which
would likely impact
revenues and beach
accessibility.
Mr. Maxwell said the City currently offers reduced parking for beach
employees at $40.00 per month. There is a cap of 450 permits, only 100
have been used to date. He said there was discussion of ramping up
communication on the existence of the program and trying to get businesses
to take advantage and if permits sold gets close to the 450-cap, staff could
research additional spots.
17 Assist childcare The city is not a licensed childcare Administration will
facilities to reduce provider. The city has partners continue to review
rates better equipped to support these plans for the
types of programs, such as the operation of
JWB. County is better set up to Summer Camps,
handle this issue. Additionally, but suggests any
our staff is working to determine new program be
how to safely provide summer funneled through
camp programming while keeping our partners.
its patrons and staff safe.
Interim Parks and Recreation Director Art Kader said the City
will work with the YMCA and JWB regarding potential locations. He said
staff has been considering how city day camps could work in a safe manner,
the camps may be smaller than in past but will be able to meet some of the
children's needs as well as the parents.
Page 28
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
18 Consider Potential for reduction of Currently the access to PPE is very Administration
acquiring/allocating available PPE for essential limited for area local governments believes the
PPE to businesses employees countywide and resources are managed on a appropriate path
Countywide basis for elements for PPE allocation is
related to the COVID-1 response. the County,
however limited
supplies will likely
make this a
challenge.
Mr. Maxwell said the City has a certain amount of PPE, staff coordinates
with the county as a resource manager to make sure first responders and
essential employees have the PPE they need. Amplify expressed the desire
to have a contact with the City and/or see if staff can put them in touch with
sources to obtain PPE. Assistant Fire Chief Jevon Graham said getting PPE
has been difficult and challenging, there is such a delay in getting ordered
supplies and staff is being cautious on how it is provided. The City can
acquire PPE by going through the County, they give us a portion of what
they have, but if they don't have it, they ask the State. The State, however,
can re-appropriate as they see fit.
There was consensus to not pursue this issue.
19 Collaborate with Staff continues to work with VSPC Staff recommends
VSPC/CVB on and our marketing consultant in continuing this
coordinated mktg an effort to provide coordinated practice
marketing.
It was stated that city staff has been talking to the county to make sure that
all efforts are coordinated.
20 Prepare Beach with Short term costs are around Staff has installed handwashing Currently
new safety/health $9,000 stations temporarily on the beach. Implemented
stds; provide hand
sanitizing stations
It was stated that temporary sinks have been installed and a an
Page 29
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
ambassador program has been implemented.
21 Extend deadlines for This item is not under the The CRA has one grant that has This item is not
all CRA grants; purview of the City Council expired and no grants that are in under the purview
Expand grant and would need to be danger of expiring. There is an of the City Council
process to include discussed as part of the existing provision for extension for and would need to
current businesses upcoming CRA meeting. the grants. Item 2 will include a be discussed as
enhancing focus on supporting existing CRA part of the
accessibility to those businesses upcoming CRA
already invested meeting.
It was stated that the matter should discussed during a CRA meeting.
22 Work with Currently funded and part of ED&H and CRA staff both have Currently
AMPLIFY/Others to ongoing workplan. employees tasked with supporting Implemented
develop small-biz this effort.
concierge svice;
provide a contact to
help make
connections to
resources, funds,
programs,
incentives
Mr. Maxwell said there are employees already tasked to do those things.
23 Defer/abate utility Unknown, but significant Abating would be very expensive Administration
pmts for cost to GF and to UCS and and the utility funds would have supports plans to
residences/biz for Finance staff time. to be made whole from the continue
pd of time General Fund due to bond forgiveness of late
covenants. Promoting the deferral fees for the time
of payments is not recommended being and
-encourages businesses and continues to
residents to dig a hole that is very provide flexible
difficult to get out of. The city is payment plans.
currently providing forgiveness on Additionally,
late fees and normally allows for businesses have
flexible payment plans on a case the ability to utilize
by base basis. grant funding from
the County and the
City to pay utility
bills
Page 30
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
Mr. Maxwell said this issue is related back to request# 1. The main reason
the City would not be able to defer or abate the utility payments is because
of the City's bond covenants that would require payment from the general
fund, there are significant concerns about the long term financial health of
the City related to the bond rating He said there are no late fees being
assessed at the moment.
Comments were made that there are organizations such as the Salvation
Army who can assist with these types of issues.
24 Dev/Coord mktg See item 19 See item 19 See item 19
campaign this is
unified across all
mktg agencies
county-wide
It was stated that the item is related to Request#19.
25 Develop "shop local" CRA will be working on these CRA will be working
campaigns/events, types of events to bring focus to on these types of
incentives. Roll out the businesses in the CRA area. events to bring
when appropriate focus to the
businesses in the
CRA area.
Considering the
current allocation
of resources,
administration
suggests that the
opportunity to
support a city wide
program may be
best served if led
by Amplify. There
may be opportunity
for the provision of
a grant to Amplify
to do help support
the event
financially.
Page 31
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
Mr. Maxwell said the CRA is already working on this piece and they have an
agreement with Amplify to provide special event services. It was discussed
with Amplify with their agreeance that they may be a better entity to provide
the service, staff supports helping them financially.
26 Have Mayor film Depends on vehicle for Mayor Hibbard has made Administration
PSA("Support your promotion numerous appearances through suggests that
City's Businesses") multiple types of media. Amplify identify
some specific
messages they
would like the
Mayor to promote
and coordinate
with PC.
Mayor Hibbard said he would be happy to do whatever he needs to do.
27 Establish temporary Creation of a net 1 payment Current procurement rules do not Administration
Sheltered Market structure would place allow for a sheltered purchasing does not support
for small biz doing tremendous strain on the market. Would require changes shifting to a
biz w/City; Fund the city's procurement system to the Code of Ordinances. sheltered market at
net increase cost of and likely create this time, as this
insurance city unanticipated negative would create a
requires; Provide impacts to other, unrelated significant strain on
Net 1 pymt terms; areas of service resources during a
challenge other time when we
large biz/institutions believe we should
to establish similar be focusing our
program efforts on providing
responsible,
reliable service as
quickly as possible.
Staff has been
processing invoices
as fast as
responsibly
possible since the
emergency began,
and will continue to
do so. We are
unable to commit
to a net 1 turn
around time due to
required reviews
Page 32
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
and current
resourcing.
Mr. Maxwell said this not currently allowed by ordinance. Staff feels this is
not the time to implement and disrupt the accounts payable process. He
explained that this type of program gives preferential treatment for locally
owned businesses. CRA Executive Director Amanda Thompson said this
will be discussed during the CRA update and said the 400-500 Block of
Cleveland St. was closed for outdoor dining, as part of the efforts to support
local businesses.
It was stated that this should expand to other businesses outside the
downtown area.
28 Continue support of Staff has been coordinating with Administration
local hospitals and Pinellas County and the response supports these
other health care entities within the County since efforts and will
providers in their the beginning of the outbreak. By continue to
efforts to deliver in large this has worked very well coordinated with
critical health care and we will and we will continue County and provide
services to the that coordination. responses
community; Support consistent with
efforts to promote those efforts.
COVID-19 testing
and tracing for our
community;
Encourage ongoing
efforts to promote
health and wellness
for those who live in
and visit our city.
It was stated that the City Manager is on the Morton Plant Hospital Board
and the CEO of Morton Plant was on the task force.
Amplify Clearwater CEO Amanda Payne thanked Council for their
consideration on the recommendations and appreciates staffs time. This will
be an ongoing conversation as businesses phase back open.
A comment in opposition was received electronically and was read into the
record by the City Clerk (see page 39).
Page 33
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve Request #s 2, 4, 9, 10, 11,
12, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, and 28; and to decline Requests #s 1, 3, 5,
6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 23 and 27; and to defer#21. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
12.21mproving State Unemployment Benefits System - Councilmember Beckman
Councilmember Beckman proposed sending a letter to the Governor on
behalf of people who have lost their job to make a symbolic gesture that
the City Council is aware of what the workers are experiencing. As
Senator Hooper said earlier this evening, yes the government is taking
some action as there is a horrific backlog. She said $275 per week for a
maximum of 12 weeks is not enough for people to live. She asked for
Council to sign onto the letter as a symbolic gesture to workers that
Council hears them and that the power of Council versus one
Councilmember would carry more weight.
One individual spoke in support.
Discussion ensued with comments made that the state is aware of the
broken system and sending a letter letting them know it is broken would
not be helpful. It was said that if employers are required to contribute
more to the unemployment insurance fund, they would probably cut down
on the number of workers. There was no council consensus to send the
proposed letter. It was suggested to place the issue on the next legislative
agenda to ask the legislators to look at the minimum wage issue.
13. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes)
Councilmember Bunker said the gathering to celebrate the folks working
at Morton Plant hospital was wonderful and that they took great care of
him during a triple bypass in 2017. They are saving lives everyday. He
said he met an ICU nurse and heard the hospital has things under
control, but are concerned about the lifting of the safer at home order.
He went out to beach on Wednesday afternoon and was thrilled to see all
were behaving and great spaces between families. Hope that keeps up
this weekend. Just hoping everyone continues to behave and not allow
the pandemic to spread farther.
Page 34
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
Councilmember Beckman thanked all to those who submitted written
comment and called in and thanked Amplify for the task force and also
thanked staff for all their comments on the task force recommendations.
She thanked the Police Department and Parks & Recreation employees
for keeping the beach clean and safe. She said she hasn't seen many
people wearing a mask and that is concerning. She has heard from a
number of residents concerned about the availability of testing and the
Tampa Bay Times had a story about how the testing sites aren't working
the way they were designed to work. A citizen suggested pop up testing
sites around the city. She said she is concerned about stage 1
reopening because CDC guidelines are not being followed. She urged
all to check their voter registration to sign up to vote by mail.
Vice Mayor Allbritton thanked the Business Recovery Task Force for
putting the plan together and staff did a great job commenting on each of
the recommendations. He said everyone on council cares about the
citizens of Clearwater. That's why we are here, no other reason, and that
each member of Council has their passions and with good diversity,
more things can get done. He said he is ready to see phase 2 open,
generally the public has been good, but he would like to see more
masks.
Councilmember Hamilton said it is great to have different views, it shows
that everyone is being heard. He said there is nobody on Council that
doesn't care. Regarding phases 1 and 2, he said everyone has been on
this road long enough to know what precautions they need to make for
themselves, but it is time to unfreeze the economy.
14. Closing Comments by Mayor
Mayor Hibbard said the best comment he heard was from Thomas Freeman
the economist, "we are trying to protect lives and livelihoods. All city
recreation pools will reopen May 11 and city libraries on May 18, gyms will
remain closed. He asked all to wear masks as recommended by the CDC
and asked all to be patient as many are stressed with financial, health and
family concerns.
15. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 9:32 p.m.
Page 35
City of Clearwater
City Council
Attest
City Clerk
City of Clearwater
Meeting Minutes May 7, 2020
ayor
City of Clearwater
Page 36
City Council on 2020-05-07 6:00 PM
Meeting Time: 05-07-20 18:00
eComments Report
Meetings Meeting Agenda Comments Support Oppose Neutral
Time Items
City Council on 2020-05-07 6:00 PM 05-07-20 36 3 0 2 1
18:00
Sentiments for All Meetings
The following graphs display sentiments for comments that have location data. Only locations of users who have commented
will be shown.
Overall Sentiment
• Support(0%i
▪ Opposo(66%,
▪ Nculial(33%.
Nc Responso;0%i
=39
City Council on 2020-05-07 6:00 PM
05-07-20 18:00
Agenda Name Comments Support Oppose Neutral
6. Citizens to be heard re items not on the agenda 1 0 1 0
10.2 ID#20-7744 Approve Clearwater's Back to Business Grant and 1 0 1 0
Professional Services Program and adopt Resolution 20-21.
12.1 ID#20-7740 Business Recovery Task Force Recommendations 1 0 0 1
Sentiments for All Agenda Items
The following graphs display sentiments for comments that have location data. Only locations of users who have commented
will be shown.
Overall Sentiment
■ Opt
• Ne.t'
Ne 1.1
Agenda Item: eComments for 6. Citizens to be heard re items not on the agenda
Overall Sentiment
▪ Suppottt0%,
▪ Opposet100ai
▪ Noultac0,o
No Respanso!0'0
Kathy Flaherty
Location:
Submitted At: 3:40pm 05-07-20
The CRA Board will be reviewing a proposal for the Cleveland Street festival area on May 18th. The design is
horrendous. It consists of a concrete pad with metal poles with colored decorations. This area needs trees,
benches and nice community decorations not something that looks like an inner city playground. The Papaya
Street Plaza on Clearwater Beach is a nice example of a community area. The public meetings did not even have
current street plans presented and only 2 questions were allowed be asked (which where where is the green
space) and that was it. Horrible designs. The city had other designs which where great what happened to
those? This has been an ongoing project for years and this is the worst design ever. I am asking the council to
look into the design before the May 18th meeting.
Agenda Item: eComments for 10.2 ID 20-7744 Approve Clearwater's Back to Business Grant and Professional Services
Program and adopt Resolutio
Overall Sentiment
• Suppor00°,
• Opposor100°01
• Newra1(O' )
Nc Responsof0%i
Kathy Flaherty
Location:
Submitted At: 3:21pm 05-07-20
The city does not have the funds to do this. The CRA funds are desperately needed to be used for what they are
intended for - removing blight. If the CRA did not give hundreds of thousands already to promote downtown core
businesses only maybe there would be funds. The Downtown Developement Board could return the CRA funds
and the city could use those. General Funds are taxpayer funded and I think that there would be legal issues
with using taxpayer funds for this. Its a good idea but there is no money.
Agenda Item: eComments for 12.1 ID#20-7740 Business Recovery Task Force Recommendations
Overall Sentiment
▪ Support.O.,
▪ Opposo(Or .i
Noulrali l00".,i
No Responso;0%,
Kathy Flaherty
Location:
Submitted At: 3:17pm 05-07-20
The city does not have the funds to do this. The CRA funds are desperately needed to be used for what they are
intended for - removing blight. If the CRA did not give hundreds of thousands already to promote downtown core
businesses only maybe there would be funds. The Downtown Developement Board could return the CRA funds
and the city could use those. General Funds are taxpayer funded and I think that there would be legal issues
with using taxpayer funds for this. Its a good idea but there is no money.
439
608 N Garden Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
CLEARWATER
-�NEIGHBORH44D
HOUSING SERVICES, INC
Sa 1Nq Mena, num At HiW6oio *
www.aiabi:
11t (727)4424155
Pas:(727)442.4911
April 27, 2020
Mr. Charles Lane, Assistant Director
City of Clearwater Economic Development and Housing Dept.
P.O. Box 4748
Clearwater, FL 33756
Dear Mr. Lane:
tly became aware of your Public Notice in the Sunday's Edition of the Tampa Bay Times. The
e requested public comments on the City's increased allocation of $492,592 in CDBG funds through
the CARES Act to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. The public comments
should reference our perception of how these funds shall be distributed.
As you are aware, Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc has been providing housing services
to residents of the City for a number of years. With the recent pandemic, we have received comments
from these residents on the current needs to maintain housing. They stated that they need financial
assistance to temporarily pay their mortgage or rent due to being temporary unemployed due the Stay
at Home Mandate to address the Coronavirus. They also noted the need for assistance to help them
prevent foreclosures.
We recommend that you allocate some of the funds for the activities listed above. We currently have
staff that wouli assist you in distributing these funds for the CDBG Program. We request that this letter
be entered in your public comments to the Neighborhood Affordable Housing Advisory Board and City
Council.
We thank you for soliciting public comments on this new funding allocation and look forward to
the residents (lithe City of Clearwater.
Cc: Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services. Inc
Board of Directors
Terry Malcolm -Smith
ng