05/21/2020 City Council Meeting Minutes May 21, 2020
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
e
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, May 21, 2020
6:00 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
City Council
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 21, 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 21, 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.
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.
2. Invocation — Vice Mayor Allbritton
3. Pledge of Allegiance — Vice Mayor Allbritton
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 Employee of the Month Award
The May 2020 Employee of the Month Award was presented to Autumn
Yanchunis, Fire Medic.
4.2 Emergency Medical Services Week Proclamation, May 17-23, 2020 - Division Chief of
EMS Anthony Tedesco and Fire Chief Scott Ehlers
5. Approval of Minutes
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City Council Meeting Minutes May 21, 2020
5.1 Approve the minutes of the May 7, 2020 City Council meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk.
The City Clerk said the minutes presented to Council include an
amendment to Item 12.1, which clarified the adopted motion.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve the minutes of the May
7, 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
The City Clerk read an eComment submitted by Jess Anderson
supporting the opening of athletic fields for youth.
Sheila Griffin said she is a candidate for the U.S. House of
Representatives and encouraged all to vote during the August 18
primary.
Eleanor Lyda thanked the City for closing the 400 and 500 blocks on
Cleveland Street and supported the continued closure. She said it was a
beautiful night and she enjoyed the music playing.
Carolyn Bradham and Lina Teixeira submitted videos supporting
converting Cleveland Street to a pedestrian plaza. Ms. Bradham
submitted petitions supporting the change.
Mr. Holuba said the mayor will no longer respond to his emails. He said
he was outraged by the suggestion he should leave the city, he has ties
to the community and that it should not matter how long one has lived in
Clearwater.
7. Consent Agenda — Approved as submitted.
7.1 Approve an increase to Purchase Order No. 19000740 to Engineered Spray Solutions
LLC of Lakeland, FL, for 2018 Sewer Point Repairs and Improvements Section D4
Manhole Surfacing Polyurethane (17-0060-UT), from $400,000 a year to a not to exceed
amount of$950,000 a year for years two through four, increasing four-year term total from
$1,640,000 to $3,290,000, February 1, 2019 through January 31, 2023, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.2 Approve a Business Lease Contract between the City of Clearwater (City) and Hope
Academy International, LLC (tenant) for the use of a city-owned lot located at 918
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City Council Meeting Minutes May 21, 2020
Palmetto Avenue and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.3 Authorize a purchase order to Carl Eric Johnson of Lawrenceville, GA, for Moyno pumps,
parts and services, in the annual amount of$300,000.00 with the option for two, one-year
extensions, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.564 Exceptions to
Bidding, 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.
Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 PM
8. Administrative Public Hearings
8.1 Approve the annexation, initial Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Urban
(RU) and initial Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR)
District for 25 S. McMullen Booth Road, and pass Ordinances 9372-20, 9373-20, and
9374-20 on first reading. (ANX2020-01001)
This voluntary annexation petition involves a 0.257-acre property consisting of
one parcel of land occupied by a single-family dwelling. The property is located
on the northeast corner of S. McMullen Booth Road and Johns Parkway. The
applicants are requesting annexation in order to receive sanitary sewer and
solid waste service from the City. The property is located within an enclave and
is contiguous to existing city boundaries to the north, south, and east. It is
proposed that the property be assigned a Future Land Use Map designation of
Residential Urban (RU) and a Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium Density
Residential (LMDR).
The Planning and Development Department determined that the proposed
annexation is consistent with the provisions of Community Development Code
Section 4-604.E as follows:
• The property currently receives water service from the City of
Clearwater. The closest sanitary sewer line is located in the adjacent
Johns Parkway right-of way. The applicant has paid the City's sewer
impact and assessment fees and the property has been connected to
the city sewer service. Collection of solid waste will be provided by the
City of Clearwater. The property is located within Police District III and
service will be administered through the district headquarters located at
2851 McMullen Booth Road. Fire and emergency medical services will
be provided to this property by Station #49 located at 565 Sky Harbor
Drive. The City has adequate capacity to serve this property with solid
waste, police, fire and EMS service. The proposed annexation will not
have an adverse effect on public facilities and their levels of service; and
• The proposed annexation is consistent with and promotes the following
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City Council Meeting Minutes May 21, 2020
objectives and policy of the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan:
Objective A.6.4 Due to the built-out character of the City of
Clearwater, compact urban development within the urban
service area shall be promoted through application of the
Clearwater Community Development Code.
Objective A.7.2 Diversify and expand the City's tax base through
the annexation of a variety of land uses located within the
Clearwater Planning Area.
Policy A.7.2.3 Continue to process voluntary annexations for
single-family residential properties upon request.
• The proposed Residential Urban (RU) Future Land Use Map category is
consistent with the current Countywide Plan designation of the property.
This designation primarily permits residential uses at a density of 7.5
units per acre. The proposed zoning district to be assigned to the
property is the Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) District. The
use of the subject property is consistent with the uses allowed in the
District and the property exceeds the District's minimum dimensional
requirements. The proposed annexation is therefore consistent with the
Countywide Plan and the City's Comprehensive Plan and Community
Development Code; and
• The property proposed for annexation is contiguous to existing city
boundaries to the north, south, and east; therefore, the annexation is
consistent with Florida Statutes Section 171.044.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve the annexation, initial
Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Urban (RU) and
initial Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium Density Residential
(LMDR) District for 25 S. McMullen Booth Road. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 9372-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance 9372-20 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
Ordinance 9373-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance 9373-20 on first
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote
was:
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Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
Ordinance 9374-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance 9374-20 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 9390-20 on second reading, vacating a portion of a platted utility
easement described as a part of Tract "C" Drainage Area, Sunstream Subdivision,
according to the plat thereof, recorded in Plat Book 143, Pages 65-69 of the Public
Records of Pinellas County, Florida.
The City Attorney said staff reviewed the noticing concern raised at the
last council meeting and determined the advertised notice provided
complies with state statutes.
One individual stated that most individuals cannot read a legal
description and suggested that a case number or address be included in
future notices.
In response to questions, the City Attorney said staff reviewed the notice
for legal sufficiency and determined it meets compliance with the statute.
The City Clerk said adding an address to the advertised notice would
have a nominal impact on the cost, adding a full legal description would
impact the total cost for advertisement. Engineering Director Tara Kivett
said the item is for a neighborhood sign that was located in a common
area and not addressable.
Comments were made that supported adding language that includes the
address or general description that is easily understood.
Ordinance 9390-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9390-20 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,
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Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
10. City Manager Reports
10.1Accept a utility easement from Florida Spine Properties, LLC for the construction,
installation, and maintenance of city utility facilities on real property located at 2251 Drew
Street and adopt Resolution 20-07.
The Utility Easement will allow the city rights for construction, installation, and
maintenance of utility facilities on the commercial site.
The City Engineering Department recommends acceptance of the easement.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to accept a utility easement from
Florida Spine Properties, LLC for the construction, installation, and
maintenance of city utility facilities on real property located at 2251
Drew Street. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Resolution 20-07 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Resolution 20-07. 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
10.2Accept three utility easements from Gulf to Bay Storage Associates, LLC for the
construction, installation, and maintenance of certain utility facilities on real property
located at 1660 Gulf to Bay Boulevard and adopt Resolution 20-13.
The proposed easements will provide the City with property rights necessary for
the construction, installation, and maintenance of city utility facilities that support
commercial development on the subject site.
The City Engineering Department recommends acceptance of the easement.
In response to a question, Engineering Director Tara Kivett said the
aerial map provided depicting the old building was the map available to
staff. Staff did not have access to a current aerial map. The City is
accepting an easement over an existing 6-in. water main that was also there
with the previous complex.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to accept three utility easements
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from Gulf to Bay Storage Associates, LLC for the construction,
installation, and maintenance of certain utility facilities on real
property located at 1660 Gulf to Bay Boulevard. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Resolution 20-13 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Resolution 20-13. 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
10.3Authorize staff to move forward with the necessary steps to obtain approval for the
redevelopment of The Landings Golf Course site as a light industrial center.
Staff is seeking direction for a proposed redevelopment of property addressed
at 1875 Airport Drive in Clearwater.
About the Property:
The subject property is city-owned land currently operating as The Landings
Golf Course. The zoning and land use is designated Open Space/Recreation
(OS/R). In total, the site is 77.71 acres MOL and is bounded by N. Keene Rd to
the east, Airport Dr. to the south and adjacent to Clearwater Airpark which is
both west and north of the property.
About the Project:
The proposed project envisions construction of a multi-building industrial center
comprised of+/- 750,000 SF Class A rentable space on 65.49 acres MOL. The
proposed developer, Harrod Properties anticipates that the project will be
developed in 4 phases over a 5 to 7-year period, subject to market conditions
and seeks to enter into four separate ground leases with the same terms and
conditions. The term of each lease is proposed to be 65 years with three
successive 10-year renewal options. The only modifications will be the
commencement dates and the Tenant under each ground lease resulting from
the developer's desire to phase the project in accordance with market
conditions and the fact that each phase may be owned by a different entity, but
all of which will be an affiliate of Harrod Properties. These leases may be
assigned by Tenant (Exhibit A).
If Council determines to move this project forward for further review and
necessary approvals, the following steps are necessary:
• At the next council meeting (June 4), staff will bring forward the
proposed term sheet for approval. Council will consider declaring the
property surplus for the purpose of leasing the site for an industrial
center.
• The city attorney will prepare and bring forward in June, draft language of
referendum question to be placed on the ballot for the November
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election. The City Charter section 2.01 (d)(5)(v) requires approval at
referendum prior to the lease of property identified as recreation open
safe space on the city's comprehensive plan.
• The city attorney will prepare and bring forward in July the referendum
question for approval on 1 st reading. Upon approval of the language at
2nd reading in August, the referendum language will be transmitted to
Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections for placement on the ballot for
the November 3 election.
• The developer will prepare and submit applications for appropriate land
use plan amendment (IL, Industrial Limited), rezoning (IRT) and FLD
(Flexible Development) approvals.
• Staff will bring to Council for approval the final lease agreements.
Remainder Parcel:
The remainder of the property, approximately 12.22 acres, is proposed to
remain recreational use and the city anticipates entering into a lease agreement
with the current golf course operator. The operator envisions the construction
and operation of an Aqua Range at this location.
Staff Recommendation:
An appraisal of the subject property was conducted in May, 2019, and
subsequent limited environmental (Phase I Environmental Site Assessment,
Limited Contamination Study), wildlife hazard, (Wildlife Hazard Site Visit
Report), and geotechnical studies (Preliminary Geotechnical Engineering,
Redevelopment Feasibility Study) were conducted between July, 2019, and
April, 2020.
The City is committed to preserving and protecting open space for recreational
uses and environmental sustainability. An inventory of current park lands (1,708
acres) in Clearwater shows the level of service is 14.6 acres per 1,000
residents which exceeds the minimum standard of 4.0 acres per 1,000
residents. The removal of 65.49 acres from inventory will reduce this level to
14.2 acres per 1,000 residents which exceeds the minimum standard by 355%.
Staff also evaluated the level of service on Keene Road/CR1 and finds that the
roadway capacity is currently rated Level C which is generally defined as having
stable flow, at or near free flow. Signalization at Palmetto Street/Keene Road is
currently being deployed as a joint project with Pinellas County.
Additionally, staff conducted a limited economic impact analysis of the proposed
use of the subject site and found that the proposed construction of+/- 750,000
SF with a capital investment of$131 million might yield for the city 1,950 direct
jobs, 1,823 additional spin-off jobs in the city (indirect and induced), and $11
million in net benefits to the city over a 10-year period. A more thorough
examination of economic impact will be conducted as negotiations are finalized
and more information regarding employer operations becomes available.
Finally, the city Economic Development Strategic Plan (November 2011)
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recommends the following: "Located adjacent to the Hercules industrial area,
the par-3 golf course represents the best opportunity for expanding Clearwater's
stock of undeveloped industrial property. For a built-out, landlocked city with little
industrial land this is essential. If the city hopes to expand its manufacturing
base, this and other similarly underutilized city-owned properties should be
evaluated for accommodating new industrial development."
Harrod Managing Partner Gary Harrod reviewed the company's history,
which has been in Florida since 1980. The company has concentrated
primarily in the Tampa Bay area, particularly in Pinellas County.
Harrod Properties representative Rob Webster provided a PowerPoint
presentation.
In response to questions, Mr. Webster said the tenants at the
Bradenton-Manatee site are medical or high-tech manufacturers and,
similar to our portfolio in Pinellas County, are anticipated to bring jobs
with an annual wage of$60,000 to $65,000. The tenants at the Lakewood
Ranch project include a medical manufacturer that uses bovine blood in
the making of pharmaceuticals, a high-tech manufacturer that makes
food manufacturing equipment, a door manufacturer, and a window
manufacturer. He said the largest tenant at this location is 45,00 sq. ft.
The proposed project in Clearwater will have varying bay depths to
accommodate tenants needing various square footage. Economic
Development and Housing Director Denise Sanderson said the average
wages are $60,000 to $65,000, the average wage for the spin off jobs,
which are jobs created by the demand in the area, is $40,000. Mr.
Webster said the proposed project will create jobs and other economic
benefits to the city, the golf course pays the City$1,000 monthly and the
proposed project will pay$500,000 and adding approximately$100
million in real estate taxes. He said the project will create jobs in
Clearwater, reducing the number of miles travelled by residents if
Employed. He said the company implements many of the initiatives
found in Greenprint, the company uses all LED lighting, light harvesting
devices, motion detectors, bike racks, reclaimed program, electrical
stations and grant easements for public transit at their sites. Mr. Webster
said the sites are LEED-inspired, including those items that have the
biggest impact. He said the company has not installed solar panels at
any of their facilities, they are a spec developer and do not know tenants
ahead of time. Mr. Webster said tenants are provided Tenant Improvement
Allowances, which are utilized to build out the space. The rent in Pinellas
County is typically$1.00 to $2.00 more expensive per square foot for
industrial property than in Hillsborough County. Ms. Sanderson said tenant
improvements are where the additional energy efficiencies are made and
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that would be the appropriate time to carry the Greenprint message. Staff
can encourage the tenant to pursue energy efficiencies when discussing
incentives. She said it was not appropriate for the developer to install
solar or other efficiencies as it may not make sense for the tenant, for
example, solar panels will not possible for a high electrical user or
manufacturer tenant because the panels could accommodate such
uses.
Representative Ed Armstrong said that this is a property that city staff and
council have been evaluating for several years. It has been repeatedly
noted that the highest and best use for this property would be an
industrial use due to its unique location and ability to have uses in this
location that would create a diverse array of jobs. Unlike other possible
golf courses for redevelopment in Pinellas County, this site is not
surrounded by residential homes. Mr. Armstrong said tonight is only the
first step in the process, tonight's vote is to authorize city staff to work on
the proposal, which we hope to bring back to Council next month for
consideration to be placed on the ballot, which ultimately would go before
Clearwater voters for their decision in November.
The City Attorney said that this is the first time the proposal has been
presented to Council and the first opportunity for it to be presented to the
public. Staff has been discussing the project with Harrod Properties for
some time and has conducted numerous studies to obtain the
information needed to present to Council.
Ms. Sanderson said the idea of an industrial development for this site is
not new, conversations go back to the early 2000s. In November 2011,
the Council approved the economic development strategic plan which
specifically identifies the property for the conversion of the golf course to
an industrial use. The plan also states that one significant challenge
facing Clearwater is the availability of undeveloped land, there are few
green fields for development and few sites, if any, that meet large scale
manufacturing. She said a study commissioned by Pinellas County in
2019 found that the industrial market in Pinellas County is still
challenged by these same constraints. The study found that since 2010,
only 25,000 sq. ft. of new non-owner occupied industrial product has been
constructed in the North Pinellas submarket, which includes Clearwater,
Tarpon Springs and Oldsmar. Ms. Sanderson said this represents 0.2%
of the Pinellas market.
Eleven individuals spoke in opposition. Eight comments opposing Item
10.3 were received and read into the record by the City Clerk (see page
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19).
The City Clerk said two emails opposing Item 10.3 were received after the
email submission deadline.
The Council recessed from 7:57 p.m. to 8:05 p.m.
In response to questions, Ms. Sanderson said the current draft term sheet
anticipates there will be annual lease increases of no less than 2% to
the base lease amount. For each phase, the lease increases will occur
annually and the City will realize them in the fifth year, readjusting the
debt-lease rates to the current lease rate. The lease rate adjustments will be
either 2% or CPI, the increase will not go below 2%. She said staff has
been discussing the project with Harrod since February 2019. The public
was engaged as part of the economic development strategic plan
process in 2010/2011 before it was presented to Council for approval in
2011. The City Attorney said if the property is sold, the city charter
requires the property to be placed for a bid and sold to the bidder with the
highest bid above the appraised value for the purpose you are declaring
it surplus. With a lease, the City declares it surplus but not required to go
to bid, which is why Harrod Properties approached staff and reason why it
is being presented to Council. She said the lease will be 65 years, with
three 10-year renewals. If Harrod Properties were to become insolvent,
the property would revert back to the City, in the event there was a
mortgage, the lender would take over the project but the property would
remain bound by the lease agreement and would still need to develop
the property as provided in the lease. She said the City is not
subordinating ownership of the property, the City will be the prior
lienholder. Ms. Sanderson said some of the redevelopment
constraints with the Hercules Avenue corridor is that there is a lot on
unincorporated, making it difficult for the City to assemble parcels for
development, or have parcels of varying sizes with aged facilities that no
longer accommodate the type of manufacturing that occurs today. She
said it would be very difficult to assemble this kind of development in
multi-ownership scenario that would be required in the Hercules area.
Planning and Development Director Gina Clayton said the project would
require a future land use plan map amendment and staff would do an
in-depth evaluation of the comprehensive plan at that time. The City Attorney
said the item before Council is the preliminary step, staff will bring back the
term sheet for council consideration in June. Staff will also bring forward
proposed language for the November referendum and declare the
property surplus for the purpose of IRT development, each requiring
council action. In the timeframe between the referendum language being
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approved and the November referendum, staff will move forward on the
lease agreement and present Council a final lease agreement, which will
be contingent on the referendum, land use plan map amendment and
zoning change. During this time, the developer will file for a land use plan
amendment and a rezoning amendment. The City Attorney said Council
is not committing to anything tonight except for staff to bring back a term
sheet and prepare the ballot language for a referendum. There will be
several more public meetings prior to the referendum.
In response to a suggestion, Ms. Sanderson said what is anticipated is a
substantial buffer to north of St. Andrews Cove 11. At this stage, the
proposed project has not gone through site plan review and the buffer
distance is not known. The proposed aqua ranged will be located to the
east of St. Andrews Cove and storm water pond to the immediate east.
In response to questions, the City Attorney said the referendum does not
change the land use to light industrial. The referendum authorizes the
City to lease the property for light industrial, subject to the change in the
land use plan and zoning amendments; the amendments will go through
the county and the state. The $0.22 per square-foot rent cost is the
negotiated number, if Council wishes another number, staff direction is
needed.
Discussion ensued with concerns expressed that the site may not be the
right location for the project, that the City should follow the
recommendations in Greenprint and that although the project makes
sense, many residents have voiced their support to maintain the site as
green space. Comments were made that the proposed product is sorely
needed in Clearwater, that the tenants will have to engage staff when
pursuing permits for their build-outs, and that the golf course requires a
lot of maintenance and water consumption. It was stated that the City has
been accumulating green space over the past 20 years and that the
standard is 4 acres of green space for 1,000 residents and the City has
over 10.6 acres per 1,000.
It was requested that staff provide additional information on the rent
comparisons for the area.
Councilmember Beckman moved to table Item 10.3. The motion was
duly seconded and upon the vote being taken:
Ayes: 2 - Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
Nays: 3 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton and Vice Mayor Allbritton
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Motion failed.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to authorize staff to move forward
with the necessary steps to obtain approval for the redevelopment
of The Landings Golf Course site as a light industrial center. The
motion was duly seconded and carried with the following vote:
Ayes: 3 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton and Councilmember
Allbritton
Nays: 2 - Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
10AConfirm COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation and adopt Resolution 20-22.
The City Attorney said the item before Council delegates the authority to
the city manager to deal with the internal issues, such as opening the
buildings.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to confirm COVID-19 Emergency
Proclamation. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Resolution 20-22 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Resolution 20-22. 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
11. City Manager Verbal Reports
11.1 Clearwater Celebrates July 4th
The City Manager said Clearwater has a reputation for celebrating the
Fourth of July. The fireworks vendor has a number of clients in Pinellas
County and has asked all clients to indicate if they will proceed with their
annual fireworks celebration by June 1. Parks and Recreation Events and
Athletics Senior Manager Kris Koch reviewed options available that
would avoid large gatherings and meet social distancing guidelines
include: 1) Virtual Fireworks Show that would incorporate a
comprehensive Tampa Bay Area production and pull resources from
several municipalities, 2) a higher aerial display that would be visible to
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the people across the greater Clearwater area, 3) Drive-in concept at an
open field so individuals could see the display without exiting their cars,
4) Multiple small displays across the community instead of one big
display. Mr. Koch said that the cities of Sarasota and Siesta Key and
Sarasota County have cancelled their fireworks displays. He said some
municipalities have postponed their displays to Labor Day. The City
Manager requested council direction for the event.
In response to questions, Police Chief Daniel Slaughter said managing
density would be a major concern as it would be similar to managing the
beach on a holiday weekend. He said there is no indication that social
distancing will not be encouraged throughout the summer. The traditional
fireworks display is complicated and man intensive for the Department.
Chief Slaughter expressed concerns with a virtual display that would
broadcast small displays throughout the area as the locations would
not remain a secret and that managing small displays throughout the
community would also be man intensive and complicated. He suggested
passing on planning such an event this year given the COVID-19 health
emergency and the complications that managing such event would bring
but if Council directs him to support the event, he will. Emergency
Management Coordinator Jevon Graham said the CDC recommends the
6-ft. social distancing guidelines until a vaccine or therapeutics are available.
He expressed concerns with planning a firework display because such
an event would encourage crowds and discourage social distancing.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to forego a firework display this year
due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
11.2Schedule a special council meeting on Thursday, June 11 at 9:00 a.m. for the purpose of
a strategic planning session.
Council Policy 3-12 states, "Prior to June 1 st of each year and prior to the
development of the City Manager's proposed budget, the City Council shall
meet in a strategic planning session(s) to review the five-year financial forecast
and update as necessary, the City's Vision, Mission and Strategic Direction
(Goals). From these documents a five-year strategic plan will be updated."
Staff is recommending holding this session on June 11, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. in
council chambers.
The City Clerk said seven emails opposing Item 11.2 were received after
the email submission deadline.
There was council consensus to schedule a special council meeting on
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 21, 2020
June 11 at 9:00 a.m.
June 2, 2020 Special Work Session
The City Manager said staff is preparing for the special work session and
requested council feedback on how much technology is needed. He said
in the past the renderings and drawings were used and placed on a table
but today consultants can use monitors to show the renderings.
Discussion ensued with suggestions made that enlarged diagrams with
all of the Imagine Clearwater components.
Assistant City Manager Michael Delk said it may be difficult to maintain
the social distancing guidelines if Council and staff are referring to paper
documents. He said the technology used by the consultants allows the 3
dimensional views to be placed on the monitors. He said the consultants
have completed a 3-dimensional view of what the amphitheater would
look like in the C scenario, which is pointing to the back of the library. The
consultants may be able to create a view for the A and B scenarios.
It was stated that if the consultants are able to provide different views, the
use of monitors will be fine.
12. City Attorney Reports — None.
13. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes)
Vice Mayor Allbritton said he is looking forward to the Imagine Clearwater
special meeting. In response the video played during Citizens to be
Heard, he said he was downtown this afternoon and talking to people and
everyone loves the set-up with street dining and he thinks Council should
talk about the time limit on allowing it and discuss the possibility of a
pedestrian mall at a future meeting.
Councilmember Bunker said at Monday's worksession small businesses
were supposed to come forward and talk about their experiences. Philly
Joe's owner said he couldn't make it because of all the business from the
weekend before, they had to prepare for the week.
Councilmember Beckman thanked all city staff for speaking with her and
providing information. She thanked all residents who are calling and
reaching out to communicate what is important to them. She said she is
getting to know what people care about and is learning something every
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes May 21, 2020
day. She said she would like to propose allowing citizens to make phone
comments for council meetings even after COVID-19. She encouraged
all to check their voter registration and sign up to vote by mail, and
reminded all to complete the census. She said she hopes that everyone
has a wonderful Memorial Day and reflect on the purpose of the day.
Please wear your mask around other people.
Councilmember Hamilton said former Councilmember JB Johnson used
to say, "We can disagree without being disagreeable."Always try to
remember that especially on the dais. He said we all need to think twice
before hitting send button when it comes to social media. After Monday's
worksession, Councilmember Bunker went to Facebook and talked about
the discussion. Bunker's response was a poor representation of what 1
was thinking. If anyone has documented proof of any illegal act, 1'll hold
the door open to present to law enforcement, but to say we are fine by not
doing anything is not an accurate representation of my position. Mr.
Haluba is usually amusing to me, but if taking a shot at physical
physique makes him feel like a better person, go for it. I've been insulted
by better people. Regarding Ms. Lanza's comment regarding the City
Attorney's retirement, she is out of line and does not have an idea of what
Ms. Akin's job is. 1 don't think she is in any position to stand in front of us
with those statements.
14. Closing Comments by Mayor
Mayor Hibbard said there was good dialogue and debate at tonight's
meeting. For those heading to Clearwater beach for the holiday weekend,
please understand it is going to be busy, and check the Pinellas County
beach capacity dashboard. This is safe boating week and hope we carry
through the weekend and rest of the year. He said there is great news,
Clearwater will be offering limited capacity summer camps. There will be
lottery for camp spaces starting May 27th. All public library systems are
opened and operating at 50% capacity. Curb side pick-up will be offered and
the reading program will be offered this summer. All recreation center pools
and fitness centers have reopened. He reviewed upcoming events and
asked all to pause and think about all who sacrifice for the freedoms we
enjoy and remember the sacrifice they made.
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City of Clearwater
City Council
15. Adjourn
Attest
Meeting Minutes
The meeting adjourned at 9:44 p.m.
May 21, 2020
City Clerk • C7
Page 18
City of Clearwater
or
y of Clearwater
City Council on 2020-05-21 6:00 PM
Meeting Time: 05-21-20 18:00
eComments Report
Agenda Comments Support Oppose Neutra!
Items
City Council on 2020-05-21 6:00 PM 05-21-20 31 6 0 5 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
A •
■
•
10.
City Council on 2020-05-21 6:00 PM
05-21-20 18:00
Agenda Name
Comments Support Oppose Neutral
10.3 ID#20-7775 Authorize staff to move forward with the necessary steps 6 0 5 1
to obtain approval for the redevelopment of The Landings Golf Course site
as a light industrial center.
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
Suppo..
• Oppose.
• Necn
Nc Respu"oc'0`...
Agenda Item: eComments for 10.3 ID#20-7775 Authorize staff to move forward with the necessary steps to obtain approval for
the redevelopment of The LaATGolf Course site as a light industrial center.
Overall Sentiment
▪ Supparp=.e��
▪ Oppase•;63°'•.;
▪ Neutral 16"-0
Liz Drayer
Location:
Submitted At: 4:44pm 05-21-20
There are numerous reasons not to rezone this golf course for industrial use.
There is already an industrial area near Hercules Road, containing 8 sites listed on the Department of
Environmental Protection's contamination map. This means these facilities are violating legal requirements and
have been ordered to clean up contamination. We don't need more operations that pollute our water, air, soil,
and the fish we eat. "Light" industry does not equal "clean" industry.
Further, expansion of the current industrial zone will set a precedent for more industrial land use, changing the
character of Clearwater, and not for the better. Other parts of Pinellas accommodate light industry, and the
proposed facility can be located in one of those. Let's confine these activities to limited areas where they can be
more easily monitored and contamination contained.
Further, Clearwater's Comprehensive Plan discourages this kind of rezoning. In particular, it calls for
redevelopment of abandoned, idled, brownfield properties, while maintaining and enhancing open space vital to
the city's economy.
Finally, we need to protect the scarce open space we have left. With the county population increasing, this need
is even more urgent. Large green tracts such as the golf course provide numerous benefits, including filtering of
pollutants, absorption of carbon dioxide, absorption of rain and alleviation of flooding, habitat for diminishing
wildlife, nature viewing opportunities and recreation for residents.
The federal government failed to contain the COVID 19 pandemic and we're now feeling the economic pain, but
this does not justify rushing into bad decisions that will plague us after we regain our financial footing. I request
that you reject leasing the Landings Golf Course for an industrial park.
thomas christopher
Location:
Submitted At: 10:07am 05-21-20
If city leaders care to see what light industrial/manufacturing does to homes next door come by my home at 1750
Braxton bragg lane. We are been covered by dust on a weekly basis for several years now from a dump/process
station and concrete crushing mill. Sarnago and sons. Clearwater city trucks use it too though they have their own
transfer station a mile away, the constant noise from large trucks in and out 10 plus hours an day, The city can
find a place that's not 40 feet from bedroom windows.
Thomas Christopher
1750 Braxton Bragg 33765
727-656-0096
Kathy Flaherty
Location:
Submitted At: 12:34am 05-21-20
I oppose this for 4 reasons:
1, The city needs all the green space it can have. The county is already over developed. I have noticed that all
the new construction sites have removed every tree - there is no green space left. The city used to be known
as a tree city - I am sure with the removal of so many trees over the past year this designation is gone.
2. There are vacant areas up and down US 19 - why not use one of those locations?
3. It will also bring more traffic to an already congested area.
4. There needs to be more information before any vote - as this was just announced last Friday to some council
persons.
Maura Hedrich
Location:
Submitted At: 11:01pm 05-20-20
Mayor Hibbard and Council Members,
• I am a 36 year resident and tax payer of Clearwater. I visit Clearwater Beach once every two years.
• An average of 30 acres is needed to build a par 3 golf course. Will there be a golf course during development?
• We are heading to a historical recession. It's time to prepare for lean times and anticipate a loss of small
businesses and revenue from numerous properties.
• What was the process for Harrod Properties to be chosen to lease this property?
• Who were the City Council Members when Harrod Properties was chosen?
• When will Harrod Properties begin paying the city?
• What will the anticipated percentage of profit from the occupants?
• Will the lease revenue paid to the city increase as the leaser profit margin increases?
• What will be the penalties for not completing the entire project before 2028?
• Is there a guarantee of occupancy from Harrod Property ?
• What companies will occupy Phase 1?
• What is the range of square footage companies will rent?
• Who will be responsible to lease these spaces?
• Spring 2022 Phase 1 might be finished with Phase 2, 3 years later, what will the property usage be until Phase 4
is completed in 2028 — 2029?
• How many empty large buildings/parcels are vacant in the city now and not providing revenue to the city? With a
Google search, there are numerous properties for sale with others not even listed. In six months there will be
more.
As a resident I need answers to all of these questions before I will be ready to vote on a referendum to declare
The Landings property a surplus to be leased.
I am also not willing to give up "green space" for another building for light manufacturing when there are
numerous properties that can be raised or revitalized and be leased.
There are many other ways to increase diverse job opportunities in Clearwater in a quicker time frame which is
necessary as the jobless rate is at historic high. Jobs are needed now, not in 5 years.
Maura Hedrich
Russ Gabel
Location:
Submitted At: 8:33pm 05-20-20
I watched the meeting Monday, April 18th on this topic and I have some questions and comments on proposing
77 acres get rezoned from RECREATION TO INDUSTRIAL use.
I was recently informed about city's plan to move forward so I looked more information and did not find any
details.
• Did the City consider all uses for this land? If so, is there a report I can see? Did we ask the citizens how they
want the land used and what did they say? And how recently did we ask?
• Do we have a detailed plan for this project? Are there restriction on what the lessee can do or not do when it
comes to tenants, chemical and/or pollutants, traffic, tax revenue return, etc?
• Were there other locations considered? Or did we consider renovating unused or underutilized existing
properties?
• Was a review done how this impacts Healthy living in Clearwater? Was there a review done under the guidelines
of the green print plan or the city's sustainability coordinator?
• Do we normally vet developers for financial solvency? If they become insolvent are there contingency plans?
• I heard during Monday's meeting the mention there was an economic study, was that pre COVID-19? Do we
know what the economy is going to look like in the next 5 years? We might want to take our time and see how
the world settles. Maybe some other interested party might have different ideas for 72 acres of Clearwater
property.
• One final note: Then right after this discussion the next item on the agenda was a history on how the
Scientologist long term plan is to make Clearwater a Scientology city...... coincidently we have one developer
interested in the property. Do we really know who ends up using this property?
Before we decide on converting and leasing valuable recreational city owned land we the citizens, need more
information. We want to know exactly what the plan is; once we turn over this land, we will never get it back.
Russ Gabel
305 N Hillcrest Drive
Clearwater, FL 33755
Elizabeth Davis
Location:
Submitted At: 7:49pm 05-19-20
As a 35 year resident of Marymont Park, just off Airport Road, I would like to comment about the potential and
possibility of new construction on the current golf course property. I would expect requirement for green
construction guidelines, that would include solar, and perhaps a denser than minimum level of required trees and
plant material. Since many old oaks and laurel oaks were removed from Drew Plaza and then Crest Lake, this
would be a perfect opportunity to "correct and improve" our green footprint for the next 20 years. No business
should produce emissions, or runoff that could impact Allen's Creek and surrounding neighborhoods. We have
lived with the concrete dust for years. We would not want our air or water quality to be impacted by any new
business. Part of their construction permitting could even require planting of trees on the now vacant Marymont
park, just south on Airport road.
I think the addition of business and jobs here is fantastic. I appreciate the maintenance of Airport Road as a
neighborhood road. Hope our old Marymont baseball field can be "tree'd" for shade, maybe a path, and support
for our neighbors and kids. It might even be a nice break for the employees of the Landings.
CaII, Rosemarie
From: Heimlich, Barbara J <Barbara.Heimlich@baycare.org>
Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2020 2:33 PM
To: ClearwaterCouncil
Subject: THE LANDINGS GOLF COURSE, CLEARWATER FLORIDA/PER CITY COUNCIL MEETING
VOTE
CAU ION: This email originated from outside of the City of Clearwater. Do not click links or open attachments unless
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
I AM TOTALLY AGAINST TURNING THE LANDINGS GOLF COURSE LOCATED ON AIRPORT ROAD BEHIND MARYMONT PARK
INTO AN INDUSTRIAL PARK. I VOTE NO,NO,NO,NO. I LIVE AT 1917 GILBERT STREET, WHICH IS DIRECTLY ACROSS THE
STREET FROM THE GOLF COURSE. 100 NOT WANT AN INDUSTRIAL PARK IN MY FRONT
BARBARA HEIMLICH
1917 GILBERT STREET
CLEARWATER, FL. 33765
I WOULD LIKE THIS TO BE HEAR AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW EVENING AT 6:00.
PRESENT DATE AND TIME:
Wednesday MAY 20, 2020
Confidential: This electronic message and all contents contain information
from BayCare Health System which may be privileged, confidential or otherwise
protected from disclosure. The information is intended to be for the addressee
only. If you are not the addressee, any disclosure, copy, distribution or use
of the contents of this message is prohibited. If you have received this
electronic message in error, please notify the sender and destroy the original
message and all copies.
Cali, Rosemarie
From: Burrows, Scott
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:51 PM
To: Castelli, Joelle Wiley
Cc: Call, Rosemarie
Subject: FW: Landings Golf Course #10.3
Joelle,
Ms. Shermerhorn wanted to put this in an e -comment for the meeting tonight but for some reason it
was giving her an error when she was signing in or signing up (I am not sure which). I am unable to
put it in for her because it requires her email and password, should I create one under my City
email and put this in there for her? Or is there a way you can add it to be read at the Council under
ecomments?
Thank you,
Scott Burrows
Executive Assistant
City Manager's Office
City of Clearwater
tel: 727-562-4055
EARWATER
AND BEAUTIFUL. axxTDBEACH
From: linda schermerhorn <schermerhorn2009@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:36 PM
To: Burrows, Scott <scott.burrows@MyClearwater.com>
Subject: Landings Golf Course #10.3
City of Clearwater Council Members - My name is Linda Schermerhorn - I reside at 623C North Keene Road in
Clearwater, Florida at St. Andrews Cove I Condominiums - I have resided at this address for 27 years - My condominium
overlooks the Landings Golf Course - I purchased my condominium in 1993 because of its close proximity to the Landings
Golf Course - I strongly oppose the re -development of 65 acres of this 77 acre parcel of land into a light industrial park -
The Landings Golf Course is located on a pristine unspoiled area of Pinellas County that must be preserved for the
enjoyment of the game of golf for future generations - To allow re -development of this property to accommodate a light
industrial park would undermine years of enjoyment spent in the great outdoors at one of Pinellas County's most
beautifully landscaped & meticulously cared for golf courses - Thank you for your time.
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