06/18/2020 City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 18, 2020
6:00 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
City Council
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020
Roll Call
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. in Council Chambers at the
Main Library.
2. Invocation — Rev. Pat Harney from Church of Scientology
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 June Service Awards
The May/June 2020 Team Award was presented to the Morningside
Recreation Lifeguard Team: Jonathan House, Camron Gasky, Noah
Barker, William Armstrong and Dannah Fuller
4.2 Salvation Army Presentation - Major Morris and Theresa Hibbard
4.3 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Proclamation, June 15, 2020 - Stacie Bolen, Area
Agency on Aging of Pinellas and Pasco
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the minutes of the June 4, 2020 City Council Meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk.
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020
Vice Mayor Allbritton moved to approve the June 4, 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
Rebecca Kaye expressed concerns regarding the beach parking rates
that were recently increased and requested consideration to provide
beach area employees dedicated parking area.
Daniel Holuba said the Mayor thinks Clearwater needs an economic
driver in Downtown, there is one at the Ft. Harrison Hotel. He said
Downtown has a terrible stigma that is well deserved and will not be
overcome by a foolish video of servers dancing in the street. He
expressed his opposition to the new Downtown Restaurant Aid Program,-
he
rogram,he said the $150,000-voucher program will not change Downtown. He
opposed continued efforts to supplement failing businesses in
Downtown.
7. Consent Agenda — Approved as submitted.
7.1 Approve an increase to Purchase Order No. 19000957 with Chesapeake Utilities Corp
d/b/a Marlin Gas Services, LLC, in the amount of$115,000, to provide portable natural
gas service and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.2 Award a Purchase Order to Chongqing Arlau Civic Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd. for
outdoor site furnishings in the not-to-exceed annual amount of$250,000 with two
one-year extension options at the City's discretion and authorize the appropriate officials
to execute same. (consent)
7.3 Authorize an agreement between the City of Clearwater and the Bureau of Business
Enterprise (BBE), Division of Blind Services, for a three-year period, with an option to
renew for one additional three-year period, to provide employees and city facility patrons
with snack vending services and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
7.4 Approve Engineer of Record (EOR) Work Order to McKim and Creed, Inc., in the amount
of$148,614 for Lift Station 25 Force Main Replacement (20-0017-UT), and authorize the
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.5 Approve a purchase order to Parkmobile of Atlanta, Ga, for reimbursement of transaction
fees for mobile parking in an amount not to exceed $221,060 from July 9, 2020 through
January 31, 2023, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.564 (1)(d), other
Governmental Contracts, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
7.6 Authorize a purchase order to Trojan Technologies of London, Ontario, Canada, for
Salsnes Filter replacement parts and services, in the annual amount of$150,000.00 with
the option for two, one-year extensions, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances
Section 2.564 (1)(b) Sole Source, 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 Declare as surplus, 66.30 acres MOL of the 78.52 acres MOL known as the Landings
Golf Course located at 1875 Airport Drive, Clearwater, for the purpose of development
and ground lease of the site for a light industrial center. (APH)
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 78.52 acres MOL and is bounded by N. Keene Rd to
the West, Airport Dr. to the South and adjacent to Clearwater Airpark which is
both East and North of the property.
The proposed project envisions construction of a multi-building industrial center
comprised of 750,000 +/- SF Class A rentable space on 66.30 acres MOL.
The remainder of the property, approximately 12.22 acres, is not part of this
surplus request. This southern portion is proposed to remain as 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 Golf Driving Range.
City Council authorized staff at the May 21, 2020 council meeting to move
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020
forward with the necessary steps to obtain approval for the redevelopment of
The Landings Golf Course site as a light industrial center. One of the initial
steps to move forward with the site redevelopment and ground lease is for City
Council to declare surplus 66.30 acres MOL of the Landings Golf Course.
Eight individuals spoke in opposition.
One individual spoke in support.
One eComment opposing Item 8.1 was submitted, the City Clerk read the
comment into the record (see page 16).
In response to questions, the City Attorney said the purpose of the
referendum is to allow the City to lease property for other than OSR.
There will be a number of steps taken, the first step is the declaration of
surplus. The term sheet and discussion of the referendum question is on
the agenda tonight. If the referendum passes, the City will need to change
the land use and zoning, which will need to go the county, state and city. If
any one of those fail, there is no project. Bids are not required for leases.
She said the developer approached staff with the project, which was
consistent with the economic development plan adopted in 2011, and
staff brought Council a negotiated agreement. The proposed site was
identified in the approved economic development plan for potential light
industrial/IRT use.
Discussion ensued with comments made that Clearwater residents will
make the final decision and determine if the project proceeds, that the
project will diversify the economy and create a lot of direct jobs and that
golf courses are in decline nationwide. Concerns were expressed that
there is insufficient time to educate the public, that many residents have
expressed their opposition to the project and that the decision to surplus
green space cannot be reversed once taken.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to declare as surplus, 66.30
acres MOL of the 78.52 acres MOL known as the Landings Golf
Course located at 1875 Airport Drive, Clearwater, for the purpose
of development and ground lease of the site for a light industrial
center. The motion was duly seconded and carried with the
following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton and
Councilmember Bunker
Nays: 1 - Councilmember Beckman
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020
9. City Manager Reports
9.1 Approve term sheet for Harrod Properties, Inc.
Staff is seeking approval of proposed term sheet for the lease and
redevelopment 57.11 acres MOL. The property is currently addressed at 1875
Airport Drive in Clearwater.
Economic Development and Housing Director Denise Sanderson said
Harrod Properties (Tenant) has agreed to construct the park that will
include water features, perimeter sidewalks, and other limited amenities
that may be recommended by the city Parks and Recreation Director.
The Tenant will pay the City the cost to maintain the park area, which has
yet to be determined. Ms. Sanderson said the height of the proposed
building will be limited, by city code, to no more than 50 ft., however the
Tenant has indicated their buildings average 32-40 ft. in height. The park will
be constructed during phase 1, which will begin upon receipt of the building
permit for the first building, phases 2 and 3 will begin no later than 3 and
6 years respectively from the beginning of phase 1.
In response to questions, Ms. Sanderson said the developer will receive
a $1.7 million-credit for grading and a $300,000-credit for debris removal
in the third phase. It is typical for a property of this size to be construction
ready, the site is not shovel ready. From a competitive
perspective, staff believes it is appropriate to offer the credits to offset
what would otherwise be the City's responsibility. She said Harrods will be
obligated to develop a certain amount of square footage on the site; the
number of buildings may change depending on tenant demand. Harrods
has a strong record of attracting businesses in the industry they
specialize. The City Attorney said concerns regarding self/outdoor
storage can be addressed in the lease when finalized, which staff
anticipates bringing that to Council prior to the referendum. The lease will
be subject to referendum and subject to the zoning and land use
changes.
Vice Mayor Allbritton moved to approve term sheet for Harrod
Properties, Inc. The motion was duly seconded and carried with
the following vote:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020
Nays: 1 - Councilmember Beckman
9.2 Discussion and direction on referendum question regarding The Landings golf course.
The City Attorney said staff recommends the referendum question not
say Harrod properties. Council is not approving the referendum question
tonight.
In response to questions, the City Attorney said the proposed question
has 72 words. The agreement would articulate the allowable uses under
IRT. If the referendum does not pass, the agreement is gone. If Council
directs that self storage is not permittable, the restriction could be
addressed in the lease agreement.
Staff was directed to include language that encompasses associated
uses that are allowed in the zoning.
Two comments supporting the referendum were submitted electronically
and were read into the record by the City Clerk (see pages 19 and 20).
The Council recessed from 7:55 p.m. to 8:06 p.m.
9.3 Provide staff direction regarding the elimination of the Level 5 addition to the Clearwater
Main Library.
Elimination of the level 5 addition will result in an estimated reduction of
$4,966,227 to the Main Library project bringing the new proposed total for the
Main Library project to $3,849,497. Staff seeks to continue design and pricing
for interior renovations, shade structure and amenities for existing rooftop
terrace, along with the proposed Level 1 and 2 enhancements that will allow for
activation with the Imagine Clearwater project.
Assistant City Manager Michael Delk reviewed council direction from
Monday's work session and said it was to take a more measured
approach to the redevelopment of the library and Council's priority was a
more prudent fiscal responsibility as to the improvements to the Main
Library. The conclusion was an appropriate integration of the renovation
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020
of the first floor of the library to connect and function interactively with the
park redevelopment. He requested council confirmation on the direction
to finalize the project specific to the library and to make sure it is
successfully integrated into the park redevelopment.
In response to questions, Mr. Delk said the elimination of the 5th floor
addition is almost $5 million, which is over half the value of the proposed
improvements to the library. He said the intention is to move the entire
project closer to where the city wants to be in terms of the financial
resources, it is important to prioritize the improvements and have the
project match the resources in a way council, staff and the community is
comfortable with. He said the consultants identified roof improvements
that could be done outside the addition of an entire floor and they will
devise a project for the improvements.
Vice Mayor Allbritton moved to approve the direction regarding
the elimination of the Level 5 addition to the Clearwater Main
Library. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
9.4 Provide staff direction regarding the repositioning of the performance venue to option C
as presented to Council at the June 16, 2020 Imagine Clearwater Work Session.
Allow staff to work with consultants to conclude the revision of the park design
layout to accommodate repositioning of park elements.
Assistant City Manager Michael Delk said staff identified council
consensus to redesign Coachman Park, with a prioritization of the
amphitheater programming and relocating the amphitheater to the
northern third of the property, which eliminates the bifurcation of the park
between the Drew Street and Pierce Street areas. The change will
emphasize the northern end of the property with the amphitheater and
4,000 covered seats. Based on the work session discussion, Council
wishes to retain many of the amenities form the current Imagine
Clearwater plan that can be preserved on the south end, to the extent
possible. Staff requests council to confirm the construction of a
4,000-seat amphitheater at the north end of the park. Staff will retain a
grand plaza area and evaluate individual features in the current Imagine
Clearwater plan and retain those that fit and function with the remaining
park area. He said staff will vet the implemented features with Council
throughout the process.
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City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020
In response to questions, Mr. Delk said the estimated cost for the canopy
and infrastructure is $6.2 million.
Comments were made that the number of day events has not been
determined yet, that scheduled events could include art shows, farmers
markets, sports tourism events and food festivals and that the canopy
provides shade and program flexibility. It was stated that the City should
save the $6.2 million.
Councilmember Bunker moved to go forward without the canopy. The
motion was duly seconded.
Discussion ensued with comments made that the seating will be removed
when there are no scheduled events and the canopy will provide
programming options, the size and cost of the canopy were vetted by the
previous council, that there will be a maintenance cost associated with
the park and the venue is the only area in the park that could provide a
revenue through a naming rights opportunity.
In response to questions, the City Manager said the City was approached
by Live Nation, AEG and Ruth Eckerd Hall regarding the entertainment
venue and each highlighted that the boutique event venue is where the
industry is heading. The number of seats and canopy reflect what is
needed.
Fifteen individuals supported Option C.
Five individuals spoke in opposition.
One individual supported Option B.
One individual expressed concern that the performance venue will not
attract people to downtown and questioned if the park's financial plan is
understandable to all in the community.
Three eComments opposing Item 9.4 were received electronically and
read into the record by the City Clerk (see pages 17 and 23).
One email opposing Item 9.4 was read into the record by the City Clerk
(see page 22).
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020
Three emails supporting Item 9.4 were received electronically and read into
the record by the City Clerk (see pages 25 - 28)
The motion was withdrawn.
Councilmember Beckman moved to change the size of the
performance venue, to be consistent with Duncan Webb, no more than
3,000 seats. The motion was duly seconded and failed with the
following vote:
Ayes: 2 - Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
Nays: 3 - Mayor Hibbard, Vice Mayor Allbritton and Councilmember Hamilton
Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve Item 9.4, with 4,000
seats. The motion was duly seconded and carried with the
following votes:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton and
Councilmember Bunker
Nays: 1 - Councilmember Beckman
9.5 Amend the City's fiscal year 2019/20 operating and capital improvement budgets at mid
year and pass Ordinances 9394-20 and 9395-20 on first reading.
The fiscal year 2019/20 operating and capital improvement budgets were
adopted in September 2019 by ordinances 9323-19 and 9324-19. Section
2.521 of the City's Code of Ordinances requires the City Manager to prepare a
quarterly report detailing income, expenditure estimates, collections, the
explanation of significant variances, as well as the financial status of all capital
improvement projects.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to amend the City's fiscal year
2019/20 operating and capital improvement budgets at mid year.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 9394-20 was presented and read by title only. Vice
Mayor Allbritton moved to pass Ordinance 9394-20 on first
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the
vote was:
Ordinance 9395-20 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance 9395-20 on
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020
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
9.6 Accept Clearwater Gas System (CGS) Fiscal Year 19/20 Dividend to the City General
Fund and request a transfer back of$250,000 to the CGS Operating Fund to provide
additional funds for the Clearwater Neighborhood Expansion Program (CNEP). (consent)
By City Council policy, CGS commits to pay an Annual Dividend of at minimum
$1,700,000 to the City's General Fund. After the City books close for the year,
the Gas System calculates the Annual Adjusted Dividend payment to return '/2
of its annual Net Income less debt service interest as a dividend to the City in
the following year. CGS' financial performance for Fiscal Year 18/19 exceeded
its plan; therefore, CGS will actually pay a Fiscal Year 19/20 dividend of
$4,277,329, an increase of$2,577,329 above the minimum annual dividend
payment to the City, which is an increase of$1,777,329 above the original
Fiscal Year 19/20 budget of$2,500,000.
Also, the Council has approved in past years to re-direct a portion of the CGS
excess Dividend payments, when this is available, back to the CGS to
accomplish certain citizen-beneficial services, in this case namely the
Clearwater Neighborhoods Expansion Program (CNEP). As of March 31, 2020,
the City has invested $1,557,845 in this program to provide gas mains and
services into Countryside, Coachman Ridge, and a number of up to 300-foot
extensions throughout the City amounting to 19.6 miles of gas main and
servicing 536 citizen accounts. During the 19 years of this CNEP Program, we
have actually expended $1,448,166 (93.0% of the allocated funding) and have
only $109,679 (7.0% of the allocated funding) remaining available to invest in
new gas mains and services for our Clearwater citizens. The last CNEP
funding was $200,000 in March 2012. CGS is recommending that the City
Council approve the allocation of$250,000 of the added CGS Dividend payment
back to CGS to add to the CNEP funding and perpetuate this program to benefit
Clearwater citizens by making clean and economical natural gas available to
their homes.
This will still leave remaining unexpected Council Dividend funds of$1,527,329.
CGS Managing Director Chuck Warrington provided a PowerPoint
presentation.
A concern was expressed that the $250,000-transfer back should not
occur due to the COVID-19 related fiscal challenges that are expected in
the coming fiscal year.
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020
One individual spoke in opposition.
Vice Mayor Allbritton moved to accept Clearwater Gas System
(CGS) Fiscal Year 19/20 Dividend to the City General Fund and
request a transfer back of $250,000 to the CGS Operating Fund
to provide additional funds for the Clearwater Neighborhood
Expansion Program (CNEP). The motion was duly seconded and
carried with the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton and
Councilmember Bunker
Nays: 1 - Councilmember Beckman
9.7 Approve Utility Work by Highway Contractor Agreement (UWHCA) between the Florida
Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the City of Clearwater for the FDOT Utility
Relocation at US 19 and Harn Blvd Project (20-0007-UT) and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same and adopt Resolution 20-29.
FDOT is planning to construct a pedestrian overpass at the intersection of
US19 and Harn Boulevard. The project includes constructing retaining walls
used to support pedestrian ramps on the west and east sides of US19.
The City has 8-in. and 4-in. reclaimed water mains on both sides of US19 that
conflict with these retaining walls and require relocation.
May 21, 2020, FDOT approved the City's request to enter a UWHCA to relocate
the reclaimed mains that conflict with the proposed FDOT construction. This
agreement allows FDOT to fund the City's relocation costs, estimated at
$256,300, and include the work in an FDOT procured and managed contract.
The proposed relocation work is within a City easement in FDOT ROW.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to Approve Utility Work by
Highway Contractor Agreement (UWHCA) between the Florida
Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the City of Clearwater
for the FDOT Utility Relocation at US19 and Harn Blvd Project
(20-0007-UT) and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Resolution 20-29 was presented and read by title only. Vice
Mayor Allbritton moved to adopt Resolution 20-29. 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
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020
9.8 Confirm COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation and adopt Resolution 20-30.
One eComment supporting Item 9.8 was submitted electronically. The City
Clerk read the comment into the record (see page 18).
Vice Mayor Allbritton moved to confirm COVID-19 Emergency
Proclamation. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Resolution 20-30 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt resolution 20-30. 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 Attorney Reports — None.
11. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes)
Mayor Hibbard requested consideration to urge Pinellas County to require
employees at restaurants and retail establishments to wear masks. He said
the cities of St. Petersburg and Tampa have moved in that direction. He
believed Council should encourage the Pinellas County Board of
Commissioners to do the same, which will provide consistency throughout
the county. He said he felt it was important to hold a council discussion prior
to expressing an opinion. Discussion ensued with council consensus to urge
Pinellas County to require employees at restaurants and retail
establishments to wear masks and encourage all to wear masks.
Councilmember Hamilton said the entire city should be commended
and credit given to the community, various neighborhoods, and the
police department because Clearwater has not experienced a lot of
things that other communities have in regards to civil unrest. This is
largely due to the foundation that was built in our community between our
neighborhoods and our police department and the respect among all
involved.
Councilmember Bunker recognized Juneteenth and the abolishment of
slavery and the achievements of the African American community and
said we should give them as much love and support as we can. He said
he was pleased to see Pat Harney from the Church of Sceintology offer
the invocation.
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City of Clearwater
City Council
Meeting Minutes June 18, 2020
Councilmember Beckman thanked all who worked on Imagine Clearwater
and The Landings, there are years worth of time and energy that has
been spent on especially Imagine Clearwater. She said this is how local
government works; it can be messy, passionate, and emotional but in the
end is how democracy works. She said she is proud to work for the
residents and hopes she demonstrated it. She said she is also here to
be collaborative and though she does not agree with the size of the
amphitheater, she hopes it is successful and that all involved will remain
engaged. She wished everyone a Happy 4th of July and invited all to
attend the Ridgecrest Juneteenth celebration in Largo including a bike
ride and drive through fish fry on Saturday, July 4th at 8:00 a.m.
Vice Mayor Allbritton thanked all for showing up tonight. He said Imagine
Clearwater feels like it is so close as it has been discussed for years.
During the work session on Monday, Skanska said it could be complete
in 36 months; the ground breaking will be happening soon and he is very
excited.
12. Closing Comments by Mayor
13. Adjourn
Attest
L1,4-(_ikka,2t.
City Clerk
The Mayor congratulated his son and daughter-in-law on the birth of their
baby. He thanked all the people who came to Clearwater and demonstrated;
it was constructive and peaceful and it speaks louder than other types of
demonstrations that have been going on. He encouraged everyone to take
the Census and reminded everyone that hurricane season began on June 1
and to get prepared now. He reviewed recent and upcoming events.
The meeting adjourned at 10:17 p.m.
`---JMayor
City of Clearwater
Page 14
City of Clearwater
City Council on 2020-06-18 6:00 PM
Meeting Time: 06-18-20 18:00
eComments Report
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Sentiments for All Meetings
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will be shown.
Overall Sentiment
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81 ID#20-7846 Declare as surplus,66.30 acres MOL of the 78.52 acres 1 0 1 0
MOL known as the Landings Golf Course located at 1875 Airport Drive,
Clearwater, for the purpose of development and ground lease of the site
for a light industrial center. (APH)
9.4 ID#20-7925 Provide staff direction regarding the repositioning of the 2 0 2 0
performance venue to option C as presented to Council at the June 16,
2020 Imagine Clearwater Work Session.
9.8 ID#20-7914 Confirm COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation and adopt 1 1 0 0
Resolution 20-30.
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
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Amy Gretsch
Location:
Submitted At: 3:54pm 06-18-20
On what grounds is this land being declared surplus? I was under the impression that the development and
ground lease of the Landings Golf Course for a light industrial center was going to be on the ballot in November.
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Amy Gretsch
Location:
Submitted At: 3:50pm 06-18-20
1 am not sure why the council continues to discuss anything to do with the amphitheater because so many voters
that I have spoken with (myself included) are against this costly endeavor that does not belong in the Imagine
Clearwater plans. First, it was not included in the 2018 referendum either in the costs or the description that
voters approved for Imagine Clearwater. At the very least there should be another referendum so the voters can
have a say in whether it should be built. Secondly, in my experience at meetings and on the phone with voters this
past year, I found that a lot of voters were against the amphitheater not only because of its initial cost but also due
to the $2.1 million annual cost to run it, especially since the city doesn't have experience running this size and
type of venue. How is the city going to break even when that annual comes to $40,385 per week? It is just not
realistic. Experts agree that Clearwater will lose money given the initial cost AND the ongoing costs. Finally, this
type of venue is not what Clearwater should be spending its money on. We do not need a covered venue of that
size and in that location. We have other venues close by, including Amalie Arena and Ruth Eckerd Hall, that are
more than sufficient to meet the demand for concert events in the area.
Laura Black
Location:
Submitted At: 2:15prn 06-17-20
The 4,000 seat covered amphitheater was not included in the referendum that voters passed in 2017. A story in
the Tampa Bay Times in 2017 has this description: "Imagine Clearwater will more than double the current
greenspace, create terraces and enclaves for people to gather, and a web of trails and paths to replace a massive
parking lot and sprawl."
Now imagine what the response would be if someone just floated that amphitheater idea for the first time now in
2020? The proposal would go nowhere. Who wants a 4,000 seat venue in the middle of our Coachman Park?
Who wants to spend millions now for something that is projected to lose money during its operation? We already
have Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Capitol Theatre (another city-owned property managed by Ruth Eckerd Hall).
You can't pretend that nothing has changed since this amphitheater idea first came up. The responsible and fair
thing to do here is to put it before the voters in the fall election.
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Overall Sentiment
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Laura Black
Location:
Submitted At: 2:41 pm 06-17-20
1 read Resolution 20-30 and was disappointed to not find any mention of the importance of people wearing
masks, St Pete Mayor Rick Krisernan has offered free face masks to residents. He's been very vocal about this
issue. The cases are rapidly increasing here yet fewer people are wearing masks. Can you please add a
"Whereas the City Council calls upon the citizens of Clearwater to follow the CDC guidelines including wearing
cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus".