04/16/2020 City Council Meeting Minutes April 16, 2020
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
m
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 16, 2020
6:00 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
City Council
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes April 16, 2020
Roll Call
Present: 5 - Mayor Frank Hibbard, Councilmember Hoyt Hamilton, Councilmember
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
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at the
Main Library. Councilmembers Allbritton, Beckman, Bunker and
Hamilton and Assistant City Manager Maxwell attended the meeting using
communications media technology. Mayor Hibbard, City Manager Horne,
Assistant City Manager Delk, City Attorney Akin and City Clerk Call attended
the meeting in Council Chambers.
2. Invocation
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Special recognitions and Presentations (Proclamations, service awards, or other
special recognitions. Presentations by governmental agencies or groups providing
formal updates to Council will be limited to ten minutes.) — Given.
4.1 National Library Week Proclamation, April 19-25, 2020 - Jennifer Obermaier, Library
Director
4.2 International Compost Awareness Week, May 3-9, 2020 - Sheridan Boyle, Sustainability
Coordinator
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the minutes of the April 2, 2020 City Council meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve the minutes of the April
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2, 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
Lisa Lanza said she has been composting in her yard since 1999 and
encouraged all interested in composting to contact her.
7. Consent Agenda — Approved as submitted, less Item 7.1.
7.1 Approve a purchase order to Asphalt Paving Systems Inc. of Zephyrhills, Florida, in the
amount of$520,043.70 for Harn Boulevard Roadway Reconstruction (19-0014-EN),
pursuant to City of Clearwater Code of Ordinances, Section 2.564 (1)(d) Other
Government Entities and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
See below
7.2 Approve a proposal from Construction Manager at Risk Keystone Excavators in the
amount of$1,025,378.20 for the construction of David Avenue Property Stormwater
Improvements (20-0002-EN) and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
7.3 Approve the conveyance of a Distribution Easement to Duke Energy Florida, LLC, d/b/a
Duke Energy, for the installation, operation and maintenance of electric facilities to
support Duke's new transformers and facility installation at 297 S. Glenwood Avenue and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.4 Approve Supplemental Work Order 6 to Engineer of Record (EOR) Deuel and
Associates, of Clearwater, Florida, in the amount of$4,800, for Druid Road/Allen's
Creek Drainage Improvement Project (11-0044-EN) and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
7.5 Approve an increase to Pinellas County in the amount of$55,548.15 for the Joint Project
Agreement (JPA) between Pinellas County and the City of Clearwater for the Hercules
Avenue Sidewalk Phase 2 project from Sherwood Street to Sunset Point Road (City
Project Number 18-0002-UT) and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
7.6 Approve the First Amendment (Amendment) to that certain Contract for Exchange of Real
Property (Contract) between the City of Clearwater (City) and Creative Contractors, Inc.
(Creative) and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.7 Approve purchase orders to ONeils Tree Service, Tip Top Trees Experts LLC, and
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Blades of Green for palm pruning and maintenance services, in a total annual combined
amount not-to-exceed $205,000, for contract term April 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021,
with two, one-year renewal term options at the City's discretion and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.8 Authorize a sole source award to Water Specialists Technologies, LLC of Sanford, FL for
Copper Precipitant, TR-50, in the annual amount not to exceed $100,000.00 for the initial
contract period from May 1, 2020 through April 30, 2021, with the option for two, one-year
term extensions pursuant to City Code Section 2.564(1)(b), and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
7.9 Authorize a sole source award to Andritz Separation of Arlington, TX for Centrifuge, Belt
Filter Press and Appurtenant Sludge Dewatering Equipment Parts and Service in the
annual amount not to exceed $300,000.00 for the initial contract period of May 4, 2020
through May 3, 2021 with the option for two, one-year term extensions pursuant to City
Code Section 2.564 (1)(b) and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
7.10Authorize a sole source award to Premier Magnesia of Wayne, PA for Thioguard in the
annual amount not to exceed $75,000.00 for the initial contract period of April 22, 2020
through April 21, 2021 with the option for two, one-year term extensions pursuant to
Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.564 (1)(b) and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
7.11Authorize the award of Invitation to Bid 23-20, Stainless Steel Manhole Inserts, to The
Randazzo Group LLC of Clearwater, Florida, in an annual not-to-exceed amount of
$145,600, with the option for two, one-year extensions at the City's discretion, and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.12Authorize a purchase order to Siemens Industry Inc. for inspections, maintenance, and
repair of fire sprinkler systems, in the not-to-exceed amount of$275,000 from April 1,
2020 through June 30, 2021, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section
2.564(1)(d) Other Government Entities Contracts and authorize the appropriate officials
to execute same. (consent)
7.13Elect Councilmember David Allbritton to serve as Vice Mayor. (consent)
Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve the Consent Agenda as
submitted, less Item 7.1, and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
7.1 Approve a purchase order to Asphalt Paving Systems Inc. of Zephyrhills, Florida, in the
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amount of$520,043.70 for Harn Boulevard Roadway Reconstruction (19-0014-EN),
pursuant to City of Clearwater Code of Ordinances, Section 2.564 (1)(d) Other
Government Entities and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
The City of Clearwater included the entirety of Morningside Estates within the
annual roadway surfacing program for fiscal year 2019. During the construction
process, it was determined that roadway degradation of Harn Boulevard from
US Highway 19 to Stewart Avenue far exceeded the surrounding area. The City
performed a geotechnical investigation of the subsurface conditions to
determine the cause of degradation and concluded roadway reconstruction was
needed with restoration of asphalt roadway using a full-depth reclamation
process.
Asphalt Paving Systems performs full-depth restoration by recycling the existing
asphalt and base material, adding a structural binder, and constructing a new
roadway cross-section in one series of construction activities.
Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc. is currently under contract with the City of Largo.
The City of Clearwater proposes to piggy-back on the City of Largo Pavement
and Roadway Infrastructure Rehabilitation Annual Purchase Agreement No.
19-B-690 effective January 29, 2020 through September 30, 2022.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
ENRD180004-CONS-CNSTRC $520,043.70
Funding is available in Capital Improvement Project ENRD180004, Streets and
Sidewalks to fund the purchase order.
One comment in opposition was received electronically and read into the
record by the City Clerk (see page 20).
In response to a question, the City Manager said the purchase order is
not time sensitive.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to continue Item 7.1 to May 7, 2020.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 PM
8. Second Readings - Public Hearing
8.1 Adopt Ordinance 9360-20 on second reading, annexing certain real properties whose
post office addresses are 1748 EI Trinidad Drive East and 2764 North Terrace Drive, all
in Clearwater, Florida 33759, into the corporate limits of the city and redefining the
boundary lines of the city to include said additions.
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Ordinance 9360-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9360-20 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
8.2 Adopt Ordinance 9361-20 on second reading, amending the future land use element of
the Comprehensive Plan of the city to designate the land use for certain real properties
whose post office addresses are 1748 EI Trinidad Drive East and 2764 North Terrace
Drive, all in Clearwater, Florida 33759, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as
Residential Low (RL) and Water/Drainage Feature Overlay.
Ordinance 9361-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9361-20 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
8.3 Adopt Ordinance 9362-20 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of the city by
zoning certain real properties whose post office addresses are 1748 EI Trinidad Drive
East and 2764 North Terrace Drive, all in Clearwater, Florida 33759, upon annexation
into the City of Clearwater, as Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR).
Ordinance 9362-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9362-20 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
8.4 Adopt Ordinance 9363-20 on second reading, annexing certain real properties whose
post office addresses are 1919 Chenango Avenue and 1274 Sedeeva Circle North, all in
Clearwater, Florida 33755, together with all rights-of-way of Chenango Avenue and
Sedeeva Circle North, into the corporate limits of the city and redefining the boundary
lines of the city to include said additions.
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One individual questioned if the City was increasing code enforcement
staffing as properties are being annexed into city limits and stated that is
why more individuals are needed on city council.
Ordinance 9363-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9363-20 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
8.5 Adopt Ordinance 9364-20 on second reading, amending the future land use element of
the Comprehensive Plan of the city to designate the land use for certain real properties
whose post office addresses are 1919 Chenango Avenue and 1274 Sedeeva Circle
North, all in Clearwater, Florida 33755, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as
Residential Urban (RU).
Ordinance 9364-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9364-20 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
8.6 Adopt Ordinance 9365-20 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of the city by
zoning certain real properties whose post office addresses are 1919 Chenango Avenue
and 1274 Sedeeva Circle North, all in Clearwater, Florida 33755, upon annexation into
the City of Clearwater, as Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR).
Ordinance 9365-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9365-20 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
8.7 Adopt Ordinance 9366-20 on second reading, annexing certain real properties whose
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post office addresses are 24323 and 24479 US Highway 19 North, all in Clearwater,
Florida 33763, into the corporate limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the
city to include said additions.
Ordinance 9366-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9366-20 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
8.8 Adopt Ordinance 9369-20 on second reading, annexing certain real property whose post
office address is 814 Woodruff Avenue, Clearwater, Florida 33756, into the corporate
limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said addition.
Ordinance 9369-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9369-20 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
8.9 Adopt Ordinance 9370-20 on second reading, amending the future land use plan element
of the Comprehensive Plan of the city to designate the land use for certain real property
whose post office address is 814 Woodruff Avenue, Clearwater, Florida 33756, upon
annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Residential Low (RL).
Ordinance 9370-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9370-20 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
8.10Adopt Ordinance 9371-20 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of the city by
zoning certain real property whose post office address is 814 Woodruff Avenue,
Clearwater, Florida 33756, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Low Medium
Density Residential (LMDR).
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Ordinance 9371-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9371-20 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
8.11Adopt Ordinance 9375-20 on second reading, annexing certain real property whose post
office address is 2730 Daniel Street, Clearwater, Florida 33761, together with a certain
portion of Daniel Street, Charles Avenue, SR 580, and McMullen Booth Road
rights-of-way, into the corporate limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the
city to include said addition.
Ordinance 9375-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9375-20 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
8.12Adopt Ordinance 9376-20 on second reading, amending the future land use plan element
of the Comprehensive Plan of the city to designate the land use for certain real property
whose post office address is 2730 Daniel Street, Clearwater, Florida 33761, upon
annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Residential Low (RL).
Ordinance 9376-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9376-20 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
8.13Adopt Ordinance 9377-20 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of the city by
zoning certain real property whose post office address is 2730 Daniel Street, Clearwater,
Florida 33761, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Low Medium Density
Residential (LMDR).
Ordinance 9377-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9377-20 on
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second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
8.14Adopt Ordinance 9381-20 on second reading, vacating a platted 5-foot utility easement
lying in a portion of Lot 8, Block 69, Mandalay, as recorded in Plat Book 14, Page 32, of
the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida.
Ordinance 9381-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9381-20 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
8.15Adopt Ordinance 9382-20 on second reading, vacating the west 5-foot portion of a
10-foot platted drainage and utility easement, lying in Lot 12, Landmark Woods of
Countryside, as recorded in Plat Book 72, Page 92, of the Public Records of Pinellas
County, Florida.
Ordinance 9382-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9382-20 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
8.16Adopt Ordinance 9384-20 on second reading, vacating the easterly 5 feet of a platted
10-foot utility easement abutting Landmark Drive, and being a portion of Lot 11,
Oakbrook Estates, according to the Plat thereof, recorded in Plat Book 118, Pages
47-48 of the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida.
Ordinance 9384-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9384-20 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
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9. City Manager Reports
9.1 Amend the City of Clearwater Code of Ordinances, Sections 32.211 and 32.212, to add
definitions, 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 and pass Ordinance 9389-20 on first reading.
In 1999, the City of Clearwater adopted the uniform requirements for the
Industrial Pretreatment of wastewater collection and discharge restrictions, as
set forth in Chapter 32, Article V, Division 2 of the Code of Ordinances. Based
upon requirements in the Dental Amalgam Rule, 40 CFR 441 and the
pharmaceutical hazardous waste sewer ban, 40 CFR 266.505, the City of
Clearwater finds it necessary to amend its ordinances in order to comply with
state and federal law. This amendment will add the following:
Section 32.211(4) - added definitions to include 1) Hazardous waste
pharmaceutical; 2) Healthcare facility; 3) Pharmaceutical; and 4) Reverse
distributor.
Section 32.212(1)(b)(18) - new subsection to specifically prohibit
hazardous waste pharmaceuticals from entering the wastewater facility.
Section 32.212(4) - new subsection to add requirements for dental
facilities that remove or replace dental amalgam fillings. These requirements
include reporting and waste management practices for dental facilities;
installation, certification and maintenance of dental vacuum suction systems;
and exemptions from these requirements.
Additionally, Section 32.212, subsections (4)-(6) will be renumbered to
(5)-(7).
Councilmember Hamilton moved to amend the City of Clearwater
Code of Ordinances, Sections 32.211 and 32.212, to add definitions,
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. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
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Ordinance 9389-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance 9389-20 on first
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote
was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
9.2 Appoint Councilmembers as representatives to serve on regional and miscellaneous
boards.
In response to a question, the City Clerk said the Pinellas Collaborative
Committee meets as needed and has not met in a few years.
Mayor Hibbard said he would be the city representative on the Committee.
There was council consensus for Mayor Hibbard to serve on the Committee.
Five individuals spoke in opposition to Councilmember Bunker being
appointed as an ex-officio member to the Downtown Development
Board.
Two individuals opposed Councilmember Bunker be appointed to the
Downtown Development Board and suggested Mayor Hibbard and Vice
Mayor Allbritton be appointed as ex-officio members.
Discussion ensued with comments made that Councilmember Bunker
should be given the opportunity to serve and if he creates any disruption,
Council can remove him. Vice Mayor Allbritton said he would resign
from the DDB as he has been serving on the board for 14 years. In
response to a concern, Councilmember Bunker said he wants to start a
dialogue with Scientology and be constructive, he would give Scientology
a fair hearing and support projects that make sense.
The City Attorney said the city ordinance does not require, or mention,
ex-officio members on the DDB. Based on the City Clerk's research, in
1987 the City Council began having ex-officio members and during the
same time, there were two DDB members who were ex-officio members to
the CRA. The practice of the ex-officio members on the CRA fell off a
long time ago but the practice for ex-officio members on the DDB continued.
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Councilmember Hamilton moved to appoint Mayor Hibbard and
Councilmember Bunker as the ex-officio members on the
Downtown Development Board. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve the slate of
appointments as presented. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
9.3 Amend Council Rules to allow council discussion prior to making a motion and adopt
Resolution 20-17.
At the April 2, 2020 council meeting, staff was directed to amend Council Rules
to allow council discussion prior to a motion being made.
Staff recommends the following changes:
• Rule 6 - Order of Business
(2) Motion process for agenda items with Ordinances or Resolutions:
agenda items will be presented by staff followed by questions by Council, public
input, discussion/comments by Council, a motion and second on the agenda
item, diSGUssien/nnmments by Ge mail vote, a motion and second on the
ordinance or resolution, discussion/comments by Council, and vote.
Motion process for other agenda items: agenda items will be presented by
staff, questions by Council, public input, discussion/comments by Council, a
motion and second on the agenda item, diSGUssien/nnmments by Ge innil and
vote.
• Rule 8, 1 st paragraph - Debate of Motions, Tie Votes
Council may discuss an agenda itemrip or to after a motion being made. Such
discussion may be interactive between the Councilmembers and may be ended
at any time by a motion to call the question. Otherwise, any member of the
Council making a motion shall address the Chair and await recognition before
speaking. The person making the motion is entitled to the floor first for debate.
No one is entitled to the floor a second time on the same motion as long as any
other member who has not spoken on the issue desires the floor. The Chair
must recognize any person who seeks the floor while entitled to it.
One individual questioned the proposed change.
It was stated that the change allows Council to hold a discussion prior to a
motion being made.
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Councilmember Hamilton moved to amend Council Rules to allow
council discussion prior to making a motion. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
Resolution 20-17 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Resolution 20-17. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
9.4 Provide direction for the establishment of a grant and professional services program for
business owners affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been declared a national, state, county, and local
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.
Economic Development and Housing staff have researched best practices, and
have engaged peers, partners and small businesses to identify needs and
concerns. Staff requests direction for the following:
1. Establishment of grant program(s)
2. Establishment of professional services program as a requirement for
certain grants
3. Maximum grant award(s)
4. Payment to agencies for administration of technical services program
5. Eligibility Criteria
a. Industries/Sectors
b. Business Types
i. Brick & Mortar
ii.Home-Based
c. Maximum number of employees per eligible business
Economic Development and Housing Director Denise Sanderson
reviewed the proposed program. She said program concepts include a
$2,500 cash grant to brick and mortar businesses, a $2,500 cash grant
for small business enterprises that may include brick and mortar
businesses and home-based or mobile-based businesses, participants
agree to complete a professional services agreement engagement with
attorneys, CPAs, web design professionals, and marketing professionals.
She said partner agencies would manage such engagement and would
receive a 10% administrative fee for their services, the partner agencies
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include Amplify Clearwater, PROSPERA, and Tampa Bay Black
Business Investment Corporation. Staff has identified the following
benefits from the program: provide small businesses with overhead
expenses, provide professional guidance and support necessary to
mitigate the long-term impacts of COVID-19, generate economic activity
for service providers, and provide funding for partner agencies who are
expected to have operating budget impacts as a result of the pandemic.
Ms. Sanderson said the proposed program includes the following criteria:
25 or fewer employees, have a business tax receipt, be a local
independently operated business that is registered with the State of
Florida, privately owned and receive no assistance from corporate
headquarters outside of Clearwater, business not have more than three
franchises or outlets with the same name, and businesses must
demonstrate a loss due to COVID-19. Staff is suggesting the following
business categories: restaurant, including limited/full service%af6,
establishments, bars, retail, personal service businesses (i.e. hair salons,
barbershops, massage parlors, tattoos and spas), personal care services
(i.e. childcare, elderly care, funeral services), laundry services, cleaning
services, pet care services, and personal/household goods repair, gyms
and travel services.
Ms. Sanderson said staff is recommending $4 million which would serve
700 businesses as a brick and mortar establishment and an additional
600 businesses would receive the professional services and the
opportunity for an additional $2,500 grant. There is $800,000 available
for the program and a $3.2 million funding gap that needs to be resolved.
Discussion ensued with support expressed for the program concept and
criteria and that it was a good first step. It was stated that additional
information related to County funds may be released on April 24 and that
Congressmen Bilirakis and Crist have been contacted regarding having
some of the funds go directly to municipalities. It was stated that $2,500 is
not a lot but would assist those businesses on the cusp. There was
consensus for staff to move forward with the proposed program.
The City Attorney said staff started looking at the proposed program.
Attorneys will have concerns with the Florida Constitution and ability to
spend or give money to private businesses when looking at these types
of programs. Staff has reached out to the St. Petersburg City Attorney
and researching the public purpose.
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9.5 Imagine Clearwater Update - Michael Delk, Assistant City Manager
The Council recessed from 8:01 p.m. to 8:10 p.m.
Assistant City Manager Michael Delk provided a status update and said
over the last several weeks, both Stantec and Williamson Decar have
continued to work with Skanska on the establishment and refinement of
details, phasing, value engineering, and the budget. The library project is
nearing the permitting phase and the overall Imagine Clearwater project
review will continue through the end of April. Due to COVID-19, the
project may be delayed 2 months. He said the construction manager at
risk, Skanska, will be submitting gross maximum prices (GMP) and
anticipated completion dates, which Council will review and approve. The
City's desire to move forward with the library renovations in advance of
the park leads staff to anticipate a separate gross maximum price for that
portion of the work. Skanska is also considering the possibility they will
be able to move quickly with underground utility work and other items that
will help facilitate the development of the overall park. This would come
in the form of a second GMP. There will be one final GMP for the overall
park project. Mr. Delk said staff will be meeting with the consultant teams
at the end of next week and that he has set up one-on-one meetings with
Council to go over the project details in depth.
City Manager Bill Horne said he is looking for any definite ideas Council
has that staff would benefit from knowing tonight. With new
Councilmembers, staff is anticipating concerns or ideas.
Discussion ensued with concerns expressed regarding the cost and the size
of the amphitheater as well as the empty Scientology owned store fronts
along Cleveland Street. It was suggested the performance venue be moved
more north on the property as it will be farther from residential areas and
easier to load/unload from Drew Street.
In response to questions, Mr. Delk said the construction management
meeting between staff and the consultant teams will cover where the
project stands in terms of construction drawings and value engineering
process. He said the project is nearing 90% completion of drawings and
he will know what, if anything, needs to be addressed with the design of
the park after his individual meetings with Council next week.
10. City Attorney Reports
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City Council Meeting Minutes April 16, 2020
10.1 Confirm emergency rule of procedure for public meetings and adopt Resolution 20-15.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to confirm emergency rule of
procedure for public meetings. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
Resolution 20-15 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Resolution 20-15. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
10.2Confirm COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation and adopt Resolution 20-16.
One comment questioning how members of the task force would be selected
was received electronically and read into the record by the City Clerk (see
page23).
Resolution 20-16 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Resolution 20-16. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
Mayor Hibbard requested to suspend Council rules for two discussion
items regarding the Recovery Task Force and extending the indications
of interest for the properties in downtown.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to suspend Council rules to allow for
council discussion items. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Councilmember Beckman requested clarification on the task force
formation and who would be members. She said it is important that
organizations the City interacts with reflect the diversity of the community.
Mayor Hibbard clarified the genesis, he said he has been thinking about
COVID-19 and how it is affecting the businesses, employees,
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes April 16, 2020
neighborhoods and government entities. It is governments responsibility
to look down the road and plan for when the crisis is over. He spoke to
several people at Amplify Clearwater as he believed them to be the best
entity to head a business recovery task force. He is requesting support
from City Council for this and clarified this is not a city task force.
Task forces in the past have been led by city staff, everything is noticed
and it generally takes 6-9 months to come back with recommendations,
and he believes the state will start to open within the next 2-4 weeks. He
said the process is inclusive and diverse, while also trying to hit all bases
of the different types of businesses. Included on the task force is the
CEO of Morton Plant Hospital, the general manager of Countryside Mall,
owners of restaurant chains, hotel general managers, and members of
Not for Profit organizations. Mayor Hibbard said it is a fairly diverse
group, and wanted to have a city staff member to serve as a liaison.
Economic Development and Housing Director Denise Sanderson
seemed like the logical choice as she is acquainted with Amplify
Clearwater. It is an Amplify Clearwater task force in cooperation with the
city, and all recommendations chosen will be brought back to the city for
comment. A selection committee of four individuals selected the task
force members.
In response to a concern, Mayor Hibbard said the number of members
on the task force allows work to continue without being too cumbersome.
There is a goal to have potential recommendations by April 29, 2020.
Amplify has done two listening tours, via Zoom, and all task force
members were tasked with talking to other businesses to get
recommendations. He said not all recommendations that come back will
be financially related, but could be a relaxation of the sign code for a
period of time to allow businesses to be more visible.
In regards to the 2nd discussion item, Mayor Hibbard said he would like
the city to extend the request for indications of interest on the properties
related to Imagine Clearwater, City Hall, CMA site, and the Harborview
Center site. He indicated there might be more interest from developers if
the time was extended.
Assistant City Manager Michael Delk said he agrees with the extension
and there is a roundtable discussion scheduled for next week. Due to
COVID-19, he is not sure if the roundtable meeting will still take place,
but he will provide an updated schedule once he discusses the details
with the consultant.
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City Council Meeting Minutes April 16, 2020
The City Attorney expressed a concern that any delay in the process
might prohibit the City from holding a referendum election in the
November general election.
There was consensus to extend the request period.
11. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes)
Councilmember Beckman thanked all for following the safer at
home order, she thinks it's working and appreciate those staying at
home. She encouraged residents to check their voter registration
status and sign up for vote by mail. She thanked staff for doing so
well in these trying times and urged people to go to
myclearwater.com for COVID-19 information.
Councilmember Bunker thanked council for giving him a shot on
the Downtown Development Board. He feels the first achievement
is to show everyone can sit in the room comfortably together. He
said Freedom Magazine is preparing an article about him and said
he hopes there can be a constructive relationship and success
along the way.
12. Closing Comments by Mayor
Mayor Hibbard encouraged all to complete the Census and reviewed the
scheduled school lunch distributions for the coming week. He reminded
all that Clearwater Beach and condo swimming pools will remain closed
and warned all of potential scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
13. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.
Mayor
Attest City of Clearwater
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City Council
Attest
Meeting Minutes April 16, 2020
ayor
City of Clearwater
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City of Clearwater