07/13/2020 Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 13, 2020
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
Meeting Minutes
Monday, July 13, 2020
9:00 AM
Main Library - Council Chambers
Council Work Session
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 13, 2020
Roll Call
Present 5 - Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor David Allbritton, Councilmember
Hoyt Hamilton, Councilmember Kathleen Beckman, and
Councilmember Mark Bunker
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 10:01 a.m. via communications media
technology.
2. Presentations
2.1 July Service Awards
Item Pulled.
3. Office of Management and Budget
3.1 Adopt a tentative millage rate of 5.9550 mills for fiscal year 2020/21; set public hearing
dates on the budget for September 3, 2020 and September 17, 2020, to be held no
earlier than 6:00 p.m., and schedule a special council meeting to fully discuss the
proposed budget.
In accordance with the Truth in Millage (TRIM) process, the City Council must
adopt a tentative millage rate and set public hearing dates prior to finalizing and
adopting a budget. This information must be provided to the Pinellas County
Property Appraiser and Tax Collector by August 4, 2020. The City's proposed
millage rate and public hearing dates will be included on the TRIM notices
mailed to taxpayers in August. This tentative rate cannot be increased without
first-class mailing notification to each taxpayer at the expense of the City of
Clearwater, not less than 10 days and not more than 15 days before the public
hearing.
The City Manager's recommended millage rate is 5.9550 mills, the same as the
current year. This rate is 5.12% more than the rolled back rate of 5.6649 mills.
The rolled-back rate is the millage rate that will provide the City with the same
property tax revenue as was levied in the prior year. If the proposed millage rate
of 5.9550 mills is adopted, the City's ordinance adopting the millage rate will
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 13, 2020
reflect a 5.12% increase from the rolled-back rate of 5.6649 mills.
The proposed millage rate as well as other TRIM millage rates will be noted on
the 2020 compliance forms as follows:
5.9550 mills - Tentative millage rate
5.6649 mills - Rolled-back millage rate
6.4651 mills - Maximum majority vote rate
7.1116 mills - Maximum two-thirds vote rate
Staff would also like to schedule a special council meeting to fully discuss the
proposed budget. The following dates are dates available: Tuesday, July 28 at 9
a.m., and Tuesday, August 4 at 9 a.m.
The City Manager and Budget Manager Kayleen Kastel provided a
PowerPoint presentation.
There was consensus to hold a special meeting on July 28, 2020 at 9:00
a.m.
In response to questions, Ms. Kastel said staff is not anticipating any
changes to the services provided to residents or any budgetary impacts that
would impact the number of city employees. Staff has taken a conservative
approach and built in some flexibility as the COVID-19 pandemic continues
to unfold. The City Manager said staff will not be able to provide any insights
on potential shortfalls until after the first quarter.
4. Economic Development and Housing
4.1 Approve the City of Clearwater's FY2020/21 through 2024/25 Five-Year Consolidated
Plan (Con Plan) and the 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan to implement the goals and
objectives set forth in the Con Plan, as required by HUD, and authorize the City to enter
into agreements with organizations approved for funding.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires
communities that receive entitlement Community Development Block Grant
Program (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds
to prepare a comprehensive planning document that evaluates the needs of the
community and sets forth strategies to address those needs.
The FY 2020/21-2024/25 Con Plan consists of the following:
• Executive Summary
• Process Overview
• Needs Assessment
• Housing Market Analysis
• Strategic Plan
• Annual Action Plan
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• Citizen Participation Plan
• Appendix
The Needs Assessment section of the Con Plan identifies Clearwater's
communitywide housing and community development needs. Data from the
Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) database and the U.S.
Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) database are referenced
in this section. Additionally, this section is supported with feedback from several
community meetings, data from the local Public Housing Authority and other
documentation from Clearwater and its partners.
The purpose of the Market Analysis is to provide a clear picture of the
environment in which Clearwater must administer its programs over the course
of the Con Plan. In conjunction with the Needs Assessment, the Market Analysis
will provide the basis for the Strategic Plan and the programs and projects to be
administered. Most of the data tables in this section are populated with a default
data set based on the most recent data available. Additional data has been
obtained from various sources, including more current ACS estimates and local
data from Clearwater and Pinellas County.
The Strategic Plan is structured around six (6) goals in administering the City's
housing and community development programs. Each goal is accompanied by
corresponding objectives toward meeting that goal. These goals and objectives
are as follows:
• Housing Goal: Provide availability and accessibility to decent housing to
the low to moderate-income families within the city limits.
• Homeless Goal: Help to prevent and reduce homelessness within the
city limits.
• Non-Homeless and Special Needs Goal: Expand the accessibility and
coordination of social services to the city's special needs population.
• Community Development and Public Services/Facilities Goal: Enhance
the living environment for persons in low to moderate-income areas
through public improvements activities, public service programs and
elimination of blight.
• Economic Development Goal: Support programs that create economic
opportunities throughout the city with special emphasis given to areas
and persons of low to moderate-income.
• Disaster Response Goal: Provide assistance prior to, during and after a
community emergency and/or disaster event to prepare for and/or
mitigate loss, protect during an event, and aid with recovery.
The Strategic Plan also identifies four (4) geographic priorities: 1) City-wide,
Low- and Moderate-Income Local Target Area; 2) Lake Bellevue Neighborhood
Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA); 3) Downtown Gateway District NRSA; and
4) North Greenwood NRSA. The designation of a Local Target Area and NRSAs
increases the potential for coordinated planning and investment.
In addition, the City is required to create and implement a plan for each year of
the Con Plan to identify the sources and uses of federal money for housing,
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community programs, and economic development. This plan, referred to as an
Annual Action Plan, provides HUD with the City's housing and community
development budget and proposed expenditures based on the entitlement funds
and estimated program income that the City will receive in the upcoming fiscal
year to meet the goals established in the Con Plan.
Funds are used to develop viable communities and sustain existing ones. In
addition, the funds will be used to provide safe, decent and affordable housing to
assist extremely low- to moderate-income households. This years' Annual
Action Plan allocates federal funds to provide housing opportunities to extremely
low- to moderate-income households for new and existing homes, construction
and/or renovation of public facilities, and to fund public services and economic
development programs.
Clearwater anticipates a total allocation of$837,360 in CDBG funding and
$431,436 in HOME funding forFY 2020-2021. CDBG program income is expected
in the amount of$665,000 and CDBG carryover funds from its Revolving Loan
Program is expected in the amount of$1,145,000. In addition, the City anticipates
$2,292,492 of carryover funds and approximately $96,000 in program income from
the HOME program. Funds provided through the CDBG Program may be used for
housing, community and economic development, public services and facilities,
acquisition, relocation, demolition, and administration. Funds provided through
the HOME Program are limited to housing-related activities and administration.
The City partners with several non-profit agencies to implement the goals and
objectives the City has established in the Consolidated Plan. To obtain these
partners, the City annually publishes a Notice of Funding Availability in the local
newspaper and on its website in February. This notice informs the public of the
resources the City will make available and the eligible uses of these resources.
It also informs them of the application period for requesting funds. The
applications were due on April 10 and the City received a total of 28 applications
for funding.
A Technical Review Committee (TRC), comprised of professionals in the
social service and grants community and a member of the City's Neighborhood
and Affordable Housing Advisory Board (NAHAB), reviewed and ranked the
applications. Applicants are typically given an opportunity to present their
proposed projects at a meeting of the Neighborhood and Affordable Housing
Advisory Board; however, this meeting was cancelled due to COVID 19
restrictions. City staff also reviewed each application to ensure it met HUD's
baseline requirements. One application was rejected due to an ineligible
proposal and another was rejected due to lack of organizational and financial
capacity. The NAHAB met on June 9, 2020 to approve the recommended
allocations contained in the FY 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan.
Each year the City may allocate up to 15% of its CDBG funds for Public
Services activities. This year the City received requests for funding for public
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services in the amount of$293,000, however based on HUD's formula,
$125,604 was available to fund twelve (12) organizations. The NAHAB has
endorsed a sliding scale funding system for Public Services applicants that
dictates the funding ratios based the ranking. Utilizing a sliding scale ensures all
approved and eligible applicants are funded. The Annual Action Plan also
budgets $496,291 in Public Facility improvements. Public Service and Public
Facility projects support a wide range of community focused non-profit
organizations, each having a mission inline with goals identified in the Con Plan.
The Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan are due to HUD on August 15,
2020. All organizations that will be receiving an allocation will have agreements
prepared and executed by October 1, 2020. Staff will perform compliance
monitoring with funded organizations on an annual basis.
Mayor Hibbard said he would be recusing himself from the vote on Thursday
because his wife is the Chief Development Officer for the Salvation Army.
Economic Development and Housing Assistant Director Chuck Lane
provided a PowerPoint presentation.
In response to questions, Mr. Lane said the Safety Harbor Family Center
receives funding to serve Clearwater residents, which is reported monthly.
Federal funds incorporates everything under 80% area median income, while
state funds capture up to 120%.
In response to a suggestion, the City Manager said a council discussion
would be scheduled prior to staff implementing any additional procedures
addressing homelessness. For the past 20 years, staff has worked with local
partnerships and non-profits to address the needs of the community. He said
the City is restricted in how state and federal funds are used, there has
always been greater needs than resources.
The Council recessed from 10:55 a.m. to 11:05 a.m.
4.2 Staff update regarding the recent sale of Prospect Towers (WSO)
Prospect Towers, located at 801 Chestnut Street, is a 208-unit apartment
community that has historically been reserved for senior living at affordable
rates. The property sold to a private investor on May 26, 2020. Staff will provide
an update regarding the new owner's plans for the property and how existing
tenants may be affected.
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Covenant Capital Group Representative Nicole Malloy said they are still
accepting housing vouchers and accommodating new leases or renewals at
or below the HUD market value rates. The current lease price point for a 1-
bedroom unit is $900. She said they are working with tenants impacted by
the October 31, 2020 lease expiration date. Ms. Malloy said options will be
provided to individuals who are going to be displaced.
In response to questions, the City Attorney said the City could enforce the
Land Use Restriction Agreement (LURA) regarding the 20 units. Economic
Development and Housing Assistant Director Chuck Lane said the housing
vouchers can be transferred to other properties, both housing authorities are
willing to accept the vouchers. He said there is not enough affordable
housing units. Given the size of the units (330 sq.ft. to 530 sq. ft.), the
households are not large, staff is not aware of the household makeup for
each unit. Fifty-two leases will expire in October. He said there are currently
13 vacant units., Covenant Capital Group believes there are 13 prospective
tenants willing to move into upgraded units. Ms. Malloy said consideration is
being given to extend the leases at lower increased rates, to provide
relocation assistance, and to certify the individuals for the LURA units.
Twenty tenants have confirmed that they have acquired other
accommodations or other assistance.
4.3 Approve changes to grant disbursement criteria for Clearwater's Back to Business Grant
and Professional Services Program.
On May 7, 2020, Council adopted Resolution 20-21 which established eligibility
criteria for Clearwater's Back to Business Grant & Professional Services
Program (Phase 1). Funding in the amount of$3,500,000 from General Fund
Reserves was also appropriated. Additional funding from the federal CARES
Act (CDBG-CV) in the amount of$492,592 was also allocated to this program.
Program Results
The Back to Business Program yielded approximately 275 approvals of"Brick &
Mortar" applications and 0 approvals of"Home-Based" applications. Total funds
encumbered is approximately $1.5 million which includes distribution of"Quick
Pay Grants" in the amount of$3,000 each as well as set-aside funds for
delivery of Professional Services (up to $1,000 per approved applicant),
Post-Professional Services Grants ($2,000 each) and 10% administrative fees
to our Partner Agencies (AMPLIFY Clearwater, Prospera and Tampa Bay Black
Business Investment Corporation).
Recommended Program Changes
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With resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the community, there is additional
financial stress. To mitigate these financial pressures, staff recommends the
following:
1. Immediate issuance of$2000 grant to 275 +/- approved Brick & Mortar
businesses. Formerly known as Post- Professional Services Grant, city would
issue these immediately.
2. Professional Services (up to $1,000 per business) through our Partner
Agencies would still be available to businesses seeking the additional support.
Partner Agency would also receive 10% Administrative Fee.
Other Recommendation
At this time, staff recommends a pause in the Back to Business Program until
such time as the city can fully evaluate funding which may be received by
non-city sources.
Economic Development and Housing Director Denise Sanderson provided a
PowerPoint presentation.
In response to questions, Ms. Sanderson said most of the home based
businesses were not under the County's Safer at Home order as a non-
essential business and were already doing business from home. Due to staff
oversight, childcare facilities and similar businesses were not included in the
initial phase, these businesses were considered an essential business. She
said the County will be issuing grants soon to home based childcare
facilities. She said these businesses would be included if a phase 2 were
implemented by the City. The $12.9 million CARES funding that is to be
distributed to local governments will not be used for the City's Back to
Business grant program but rather to offset other COVID-19 related
costs. The City Manager said Pinellas County sent surveys to all
municipalities, how the City will participate will be evaluated when the survey
results are provided after the July 17 response deadline. The funds will be to
address COVID-19 related expenses already incurred and anticipated
expenditures for the remainder of the year. Ms. Sanderson said the City's
grant program required applicants to have a valid BTR by February 19,
2020. Staff will recommend that the City mirror the County's requirement to
submit the BTR upon receipt for phase 2. She said staff is recommending
pausing the grant program in order to fully understand how additional funding
could be used. Staff may have some answers before the August 6
council meeting. Ms. Sanderson said 25% of the applications received did
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not have a BTR
There was consensus to pause the grant program. It was stated that the
expenditure of grant funds will be discussed at the council meeting.
5. Finance
5.1 Award a contract for utility rate study and other professional services for the five-year
period ending August 30, 2025 to Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. (Stantec), for the
Water and Sewer, Stormwater, and Solid Waste and Recycling utilities, for a
not-to-exceed amount of$370,000, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. (consent)
Stantec was selected to provide rate study services as the top-rated consultant
of four firms responding to RFP 14-20.
The five-year contract includes plans for eight major and six interim rate
studies, as detailed on the not-to-exceed budget. The schedule for the rate
studies is an estimate and may vary with the planned issuance of utility revenue
bonds and other factors. The contract price is all inclusive including travel
costs. An additional $29,345 for hourly consulting services, on an as-needed
basis, is included in the not-to-exceed amount.
Major rate studies include one-on-one interactive presentations to Council
members and recommendations for rate adjustments as necessary. Interim
studies are primarily to compare actual operating results to the last major rate
study and identify any significant changes that could impact future rates or debt
issuances.
Stantec (previously Burton &Associates) has been providing rate study
services to the City from the late 1990's to present. Their knowledge of the utility
industry and rate systems is extensive and they have provided prompt and
professional services to the City.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
4211345 530100 $159,436
4191365 530100 $101,475
4242082 530100 $ 18,545
4242083 530100 $ 18,545
4242089 530100 $ 17,454
4262041 530100 $ 54,545
Funding will be budgeted annually in the respective utility fund operating
budgets, beginning in Fiscal Year 2021.
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In response to questions, Finance Director Jay Ravins said Stantec acquired
Burton &Associates approximately 4 years ago. Stantec is well regarded
and represents several municipalities in the Tampa Bay area. Staff is
comfortable that Stantec is doing a professional and objective rate study.
The main offices for the rate study consultant services the City procures
is located in Tampa.
6. Human Resources
6.1 Approve a two-year Legal Services Agreement, in an amount not to exceed $30,000, with
Deborah C. Brown of Brown Law and Consulting, PLLC to review and revise several
employment related documents and related Clearwater Code of Ordinance sections and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
The Human Resources Department recently underwent a comprehensive
Classification and Compensation study, which has resulted in the need to
revise the current Pay Plan, SAMP Manual, Civil Service Rules, PBMP Manual,
employment agreement letters and related human resources documents and
policies.
Deborah C. Brown, Esq. is an experienced Labor and Employment Law
attorney and is already familiar with the current policies through her past
representation of the City in many employment matters.
In June 20, 2019, Council approved Thomas Gonzalez of Gray Robinson to
conduct this project; however due to time constraints, Mr. Gonzalez was unable
to do so. This proposed agreement with Ms. Brown replaces the one previously
approved by Council.
Staff would like to hire Ms. Brown to aid with updating tenured policies to be
current and consistent with one another and to be updated to reflect the
changes approved by the PSPC Classification and Compensation Study.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in Human Resources cost code, 0109901-530100,
professional services to fund this agreement.
In response to questions, Human Resources Director Jennifer Poirrier said
the firm is not located in Clearwater. Mr. Gonzalez was paid approximately
$2,500 for his initial work. The City Attorney said she spoke with Mr.
Gonzalez and based on other work he conducted, this project was not a
good fit, he provided his initial work and guidance. Ms. Poirrier said Mr.
Gonzalez'contract was for a not to exceed amount of$15,000. Ms. Brown
believes the project is quite extensive and will exceed the estimated hours
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initially determined by Mr. Gonzalez. The City Attorney said the true scope of
the project was not known initially, she said the City's needs were more
comprehensive than initially believed. Mr. Gonzalez' work has not gone to
waste, he has been working for the City for approximately 25 years doing
primarily HR related litigation. She said Ms. Brown's rate is higher than Mr.
Gonzalez. The City Attorney said Ms. Brown used to work for Mr. Gonzalez'
firm and has completed work for the City in the past.
6.2 Approve agreement between the City of Clearwater and Tindale-Oliver & Associates, Inc.
The consultant firm was selected in January 2020 through Request for Proposal
(RFP) #02-20. The committee consisted of the Diversity and Equity Manager,
Lead Assistant City Attorney, Building and Maintenance Superintendent, Parks
Senior Manager, Geographic Technology Manager.
The agreement is to have the consultant firm conduct a self evaluation and
complete/update the City's transition plan from 1992. The evaluation is to
assess and identify barriers for people with disabilities from having equal
access to city facilities, parks, beaches, rights of way, programs and services.
The plan will provide recommendations on barriers to remove within a phased
approach over a specified period of time to comply with federal and/or state
laws.
The process will commence in August 2020 and is anticipated to be completed
within two years.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds for the current year portion are available in capital improvement project
C2006, ADA Transition Plan, to fund this contract. Future year funding will be
requested as part of the budget process.
7. Parks and Recreation
7.1 Approve co-sponsorship and waiver of requested city fees and service charges for
special events including two annual city events produced by the Parks and Recreation
Department, twenty-seven city co-sponsored events produced by others, and ten
downtown events produced by Amplify, at an estimated General Fund cost of$624,710
($104,750 cash contributions and $519,960 in-kind contributions) and Enterprise Fund
cost of$64,970, for the purposes of Fiscal Year 2020/21 departmental budget submittals.
(consent)
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According to City Council Policy, Item M - Special Event Fees, there shall be an
annual review of City sponsored/co-sponsored events during the budget
process. An agenda item approving co-sponsorship and level of support for
these events will be brought before the City Council at the beginning of the
budget process each fiscal year. In the event additional money is required
beyond what is approved in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020/21 budget, City Council
approval will be required.
Staff recommends that cash and in-kind contributions be included in the various
departmental budgets for FY 2020/21 for co-sponsored special events as
detailed in Special Events Budget Estimates Chart for FY 2020/21.
Cash contributions of$104,750 are for Jazz Holiday ($75,000), Tampa Bay
Veterans Association, Memorial and Veterans Celebrations ($5,000), MLK Jr.
Celebration ($4,750), and the Florida Orchestra ($20,000). This is a reduction
of$3,000 in cash contributions from 2019/20.
Overall, General Fund requests decreased by $4,430 and Enterprise Fund
costs increased by $20,040 for a grand total increase for FY 2020/21 of$15,610.
This increase is primarily due to the addition of two new events, Rock N Roll
Marathon (approved by Council on February 6, 2020), and 10 new downtown
events produced by Amplify (approved contract with Amplify on March 16,
2020).
A new co-sponsorship selection process was developed this year to evaluate all
applications for sponsorship. The committee received 38 applications for city
co-sponsorship of which 30 are being recommended to Council for approval.
Of the 30 applications, 20 are renewals and 10 events are new. Of the new
events, staff is recommending that only two receive first year funding, Rock N
Roll Half Marathon and downtown events produced by Amplify. The application
fee of$200 for the remaining eight first time events will be waived.
Five of the new events on this list are for various runs that impact the Memorial
Causeway, resulting in partial closings. With the exception of Rock N Roll
Marathon, the other runs have previously been approved and held in Clearwater
as private events. Staff is recommending all runs and events that impact the
Memorial Causeway be included as a co-sponsored event in order for Council
to review and approve rather than the Special Events Committee.
Ten previous events were removed from the list, most notably the Hispanic
Heritage Festival was canceled by the radio station.
Also, included on the Special Events Budget Estimates Chart for FY 2020/21 is
a list of additional events requiring limited support from the Parks and
Recreation Special Events Division.
Special Events Division processed 635 special events applications during 2019,
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including 161 general permits, 360 wedding permits,30 co-sponsored event
permits, 39 department supported event permits, and 45 park usage permits.
In response to questions, Parks and Recreation Supervisor Leila Peterson
said the Downtown events (line items 30 through 33) are temporary
placeholders, staff is working with Amplify Clearwater and DDB to determine
the best fit. If the events are cancelled or postponed, the funds will go back
to the general revenue fund, Council would have to reallocate the funds for
other events. The radio station cancelled this year's Hispanic Heritage event
due to COVID.
8. Police Department
8.1 Approve acceptance of United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs,
Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program 2020 Grant award in the
amount of$146,631 for police personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitizing supplies,
officer overtime, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic has had an immediate and likely lasting
impact upon the United States of America, as well as the entire world. The
COVID-19 pandemic has also created unique challenges to law enforcement
particularly, ranging from obtaining necessary equipment to protect Police
Department personnel to accepting increased responsibilities of ensuring public
health and safety.
In response to the pandemic, on March 30, 2020, the United States Department
of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, announced a funding program
solicitation for the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF)
Program 2020. Subsequent to Resource Management Committee approval,
the Police Department applied for this grant to offset incurred and anticipated
expenses, which are directly related to the Police Department's Coronavirus
response.
The grant has been officially awarded in the amount of$146,631 and the Police
Department now seeks approval to accept it. Of this amount, $16,407 is
attributed to reimbursement of personal protective equipment (PPE) and
sanitizing supplies obtained by the Police Department in response to the
Coronavirus pandemic. The remainder of this amount ($130,204) will
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reimburse police officer overtime which has already been expended, or is
anticipated to be expended, to ensure public safety on Clearwater Beach, and
other public spaces, as the State of Florida continues to authorize re-openings
and increased capacity for businesses and within public spaces.
The project period commenced on February 28, 2020 and will end on or before
January 1, 2021.
There will be no direct adverse impact to the Police Department annual
operating budget nor is there a required match.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Grant revenues received will be coded to General Fund revenue code
010-331215, US Dept. of Justice, to reimburse authorized Police Department
expenditures.
8.2 Approve Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) agreement with Ajax Building Company,
LLC of Oldsmar, FL for the proposed Clearwater Police Department District 3 Substation
(18-0004-PD.) (consent)
The City issued RFQ 32-20 in April 2020 for CMAR firms for the Clearwater
Police Department District Three Police Operations and Training Center project
in Countryside. Eight firms responded.
The review committee included representatives of the Police and Engineering
Departments.
Four of the eight firms were invited for interview. The selection committee
ranked the firm's qualifications as follows: Ajax Building Company,
Wharton-Smith, Biltmore Construction, and Walbridge Aldinger. The review
committee recommends Ajax Building Company based on their comprehensive
experience building many police stations throughout Florida.
Ajax will provide preconstruction services under a purchase order including
design review and construction cost estimating. Once design approaches final
construction documents, staff will present a guaranteed maximum price for Ajax
to construct the new District 3 Substation to Council for approval in early 2021.
8.3 Police Body Cameras (WSO)
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At the June 4, 2020 council meeting, Council directed the Police Department to
facilitate a discussion on the feasibility of a police body worn camera program.
In 2015, the Clearwater Police Department conducted a feasibility study on a
police body worn camera program. At that time, the study identified some
obstacles, barriers and concerns with implementing a police body worn
camera. In the past five years, many of the obstacles and barriers have been
addressed and no longer are an issue. At the request of Council, the police
department will provide an update on the feasibility of a police body worn
camera program for discussion.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Total Year One (estimated) Costs: $747,031
Recurring Annual (estimated) Cost: $569,855
Cost Center TBD
Police Deputy Chief Eric Gandy provided a PowerPoint presentation.
In response to questions, Deputy Chief Gandy said the Department is
considering cameras that activate when the weapon is removed from the
holster and when the camera is manually activated. Members of the union
are split on the matter, 50% oppose body cameras and 50% are indifferent
or support. He said cameras sometimes do not provide the full picture. The
cameras will run all the time, the system includes a pre-event buffer that can
be set up to 120 seconds to begin capturing the event video but not the
audio. He said this is why the beginning of body camera footage is silent a
few moments prior to the event. Officers will be given the discretion to
manually turn off the cameras when not involved in an activity as they need
to safely vent about their bosses, personal matters or use the restrooms.
Deputy Chief Gandy said during the 2015 study, the litigation costs related to
use of force complaints was approximately$30,000 over a 5-year period.
The body cameras add an additional layer of transparency and an additional
perspective to support the officers when the Department knows they are
doing their job correctly. Staff has identified reserve funds or CPD restricted
funds to cover the initial cost to purchase the cameras. Deputy Chief Gandy
said the $500,000-purchase cost equates to six police officers, going forward
the Department will have to increase the budget by that amount or not fill six
positions.
Discussion ensued with comments made that although the Clearwater Police
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Department has a good relationship with the community, but given today's
social environment, body cameras must be considered.
There was consensus to continue the discussion at the council meeting.
The Council recessed from 1:10 p.m. to 1:16 p.m.
8.4 Police Civilian Oversight (WSO)
At the council meeting held June 4, 2020, Council directed the Police
Department to facilitate a discussion on police civilian oversight. The Police
Department will present an overview of the department's current complaint
process, an overview on use of force data, and various forms of civilian
oversight.
Discussion deferred to July 16, 2020.
9. Engineering
9.1 Authorize a five-month extension to Central Florida Contractors, Inc. of Seminole, Florida,
for the 2017 Sidewalk Construction (16-0016-EN) through November 30, 2020 and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
The original contract was approved by City Council on February 16, 2017, in the
amount of$527,468.98. Central Florida was the lowest responsible bidder. The
contract included two one-year renewals. Council approved adding $527.468 in
2018 and $1,400,000 in 2019, with the final extension expiring June 30, 2020. No
additional funds are needed for this proposed extension.
Due to the COVID-19 stay at home mandate, the contractor was not able to
acquire necessary materials to complete citywide projects and city staff were
also delayed in advertising the new annual contract. This time extension will
allow the current contractor to continue work, utilizing the remaining contract
funds and provide time to advertise a new annual sidewalk contract.
This project scope includes significant amounts of American Disabilities Act
(ADA) related upgrades as well as repair and replacement work to existing
sidewalks, curbing and driveway aprons throughout Clearwater.
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 13, 2020
The contractor has performed well and agrees to honor the unit prices
established in the original 2017 bid.
9.2 Approve a purchase order to Duke Energy in the amount of$167,912.96 for Imagine
Clearwater underground utility relocation pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances
Section 2.564 (1)(b), Sole Source and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. (consent)
In preparation of start of construction for Imagine Clearwater, Duke Energy
must relocate their existing underground utilities in the vicinity of the park to
eliminate conflicts with other work required to provide new park amenities. Duke
Energy is the owner of the infrastructure and is the only power company in the
area that provides services to the City of Clearwater. Duke Energy requires
payment prior to performing work. The invoices are for work to commence after
Council approves the issuance of the purchase order.
Two invoices are included in this item. The first, in the amount of$145,936.41,
covers the re-routing of an existing network feeder and installing a new network
feeder on Osceola Avenue. The second, in the amount of$21,976.55, covers
the cost for removal of network feeders on Osceola Avenue.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
ENGF180013-CONS-CNSTRC $167,912.96
Funds are available in capital improvement project ENGF180013, Imagine
Clearwater, to fund this purchase order.
10. Fire Department
10.1 Declare 2006 Pierce Dash Aerial (G3404) surplus in accordance with Clearwater Code
of Ordinances Section 2.622 and authorize trade-in to Ten-8 Equipment, Inc. of,
Bradenton, FL for the offered amount of$35,000.00, in accordance with Section 2.624,
Code of Ordinances - Exceptions to auction sale bidding procedures, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
On October 3, 2019, Item # 19-6813 Council authorized the purchase of a
Pierce Velocity 100-ft. Platform from Ten-8 Fire Equipment per the fiscal year
2019/2020 budget. Ten-8 has offered $35,000.000 for the trade-in of G3404 a
2006 Pierce Dash Aerial Device, VI N# 4P1 CD01 H36A006598. Going back to
2013, the City has averaged $9,300.00 a vehicle when fire equipment has been
sold at auction. Staff believes it is in the best interest of the city to accept the
trade-in offer. Furthermore, G3404 does not have a pump which diminishes its
value even more.
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Council authorization to trade-in G3404 is requested. Pursuant to Clearwater
Code of Ordinances Section 2.624(6), exceptions to auction sale bidding
procedures, Council approval is required for trade-in of any item with a current
market value of more than five thousand dollars ($5,000). The proceeds from
the trade-in will be credited to the invoice for the purchase of G5014, which is
the new truck authorized in the agenda item mentioned above.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
This trade in revenue will be credited to surplus vehicles in capital project
91244, Aerial Truck. A third quarter budget amendment will recognize this
additional revenue.
10.2Approve the Second Amendment to the Emergency Medical Services ALS First
Responder Growth Management Agreement (extension) between Pinellas County Fire
Protection Authority and City of Clearwater for one additional one-year term extending
through September 30, 2021 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
The current agreement expires September 30, 2020, but also contains an
option to extend for three additional one-year terms. Pinellas County Emergency
Medical Services Authority and the City of Clearwater wish to extend the
agreement for one year with a new expiration of September 30, 2021.
The Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMS Authority) is a
special district created for the purpose of providing Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) throughout Pinellas County, pursuant to Chapter 80-585, Laws
of Florida, and Chapter 54, Article III, Pinellas County Code, as amended.
Pinellas County has contracted with various municipalities and independent
special fire districts in the County to provide first responder services and has
also contracted with an ambulance contractor to provide emergency and
non-emergency transport services.
Due to the continued increase in EMS demands within Pinellas County, a "Data
Driven Focus Group," comprised of all City and Fire District Fire Chiefs as well
as County Safety & Emergency Services staff, evaluated the response time
performance and workload of ALS First Responder Units. One of the outcomes
from this group was right-sizing ALS First Responder responses to low acuity
calls.
Through this contract, Clearwater Fire & Rescue in conjunction with Pinellas
County, Priority Dispatch Protocols will actively implement growth management
strategies to reduce the EMS workload of ALS First Responder responses to
certain non-life-threatening EMS incidents and partner on other growth
management initiatives.
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The EMS Authority will not eliminate funding for existing funded ALS First
Responder Units due to the implementation of growth management strategies.
11. Planning
11.1Approve the annexation, initial Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Low (RL)
and initial Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) District
for 1704 Lucas Drive, and pass Ordinances 9391-20, 9392-20, and 9393-20 on first
reading. (ANX2020-04004)
This voluntary annexation petition involves a 0.191-acre property consisting of
one parcel of land occupied by a single-family dwelling. The property is located
on the west side of Lucas Drive, approximately 130 feet north of SR590. 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 east, west and south. It is
proposed that the property be assigned a Future Land Use Map designation of
Residential Low (RL) and a Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium Density
Residential (LMDR).
The Planning and Development Department determined that the proposed
annexation is consistent with the provisions of Community Development Code
Section 4-604.E as follows:
• The property currently receives water service from Pinellas County. The
applicants have paid the City's sewer impact and assessment fees and
have already connected to the sewer system. 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
#48 located at 1700 N. Belcher Road. The City has adequate capacity to
serve this property with solid waste, police, fire and EMS service. The
property will continue to receive water service from Pinellas County. The
proposed annexation will not have an adverse effect on public facilities
and their levels of service; and
• The proposed annexation is consistent with and promotes the following
objectives and policy of the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan:
Objective A.6.4 Due to the built-out character of the City of
Clearwater, compact urban development within the urban
service area shall be promoted through application of the
Clearwater Community Development Code.
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Objective A.7.2 Diversify and expand the City's tax base through
the annexation of a variety of land uses located within the
Clearwater Planning Area.
Policy A.7.2.3 Continue to process voluntary annexations for
single-family residential properties upon request.
• The proposed Residential Low (RL) Future Land Use Map category is
consistent with the current Countywide Plan designation of the property.
This designation primarily permits residential uses at a density of 5 units
per acre. The proposed zoning district to be assigned to the property is
the Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) District. The use of the
subject property is consistent with the uses allowed in the District and
the property exceeds the District's minimum dimensional requirements.
The proposed annexation is therefore consistent with the Countywide
Plan and the City's Comprehensive Plan and Community Development
Code; and
• The property proposed for annexation is contiguous to existing city
boundaries to the east, west and south; therefore, the annexation is
consistent with Florida Statutes Section 171.044.
11.2Approve amendments to the Clearwater Community Development Code revising
Appendix B US 19 Zoning District and Development Standards general provisions,
regulating plan, and flexibility divisions, and modifying the comprehensive landscaping
program, parking demand study, and temporary uses sections, and pass Ordinance No.
9387-20 on first reading. (TA2020-03003)
The proposed text amendment is the first substantive city-initiated update to the
US 19 Zoning District and Development Standards (Appendix B of the
Community Development Code) since it was adopted in February 2017. The
City has processed permits for renovations of existing buildings, changes of
use, and redevelopment projects of various scales under the new US 19 District
requirements, which has allowed staff to assess the standards. Proposed
Ordinance 9387-20 is primarily focused on sections of the US 19 District and
Development Standards addressing development exemptions and flexibility, but
also includes other limited amendments which are summarized below.
• Updated terminology within and the organization of Section B-103,
Organization of Standards, to make consistent with the Downtown (D)
District which was adopted after the US 19 District
• Clarified certain exemptions by modifying provisions for improvement,
remodel or reconstruction projects and developments setback more
than 200 feet to state that new floor area must meet the US 19 District
setbacks "to the maximum extent practicable," and by incorporating
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 13, 2020
additional descriptions (Section B-104)
• Amended the US 19 District Regulating Plan by changing the designated
Street Frontage Type from B to D for the eastern side of the Campus
Walk retail plaza located at 2551 and 2571 Drew Street and the western
side of the FDOT stormwater pond on US 19, and by depicting "key
corners" on the maps (Division 2, Figure 1. Regulating Plan)
• Expanded options for flexibility in Appendix B, Division 7 under certain
circumstances by:
o allowing additional reductions to required parking beyond those
possible through the parking reduction factors outlined in Table 3
based on the provision of a parking demand study (new flexibility
provision)
o allowing front setbacks less than the minimum required for lots
that have various constraints such as irregular shapes or natural
features which make it difficult to meet the required setbacks
(modified existing flexibility provision)
o reducing the acreage threshold from 10 acres to 5 acres for
Special Project Types with "employment intensive land uses"
(modified existing flexibility provision)
• Established a criterion for the use of the comprehensive landscape
program in the US 19 District, where currently it is not permitted
(Section 3-1202.G)
• Added the City Engineer as an approver for parking demand study
methodology (Section 3-1401.C)
• Added the US 19 District to the list of Districts in which certain
temporary uses can occur (Section 3-2103)
The Planning and Development Department has determined that the proposed
text amendment to the Community Development Code is consistent with and
furthers the goals, objectives and policies of the Comprehensive Plan and the
Community Development Code as outlined in the staff report. The CDB
reviewed the proposed text amendment at its meeting of June 16, 2020, and
unanimously recommended approval of the amendment.
11.3Approve the annexation of 300 feet of Elizabeth Avenue right-of-way located
approximately 970 feet north of Gulf to Bay Boulevard, abutting a parcel with the post
office address of 327 David Avenue, and pass Ordinance 9405-20 on first reading.
(ANX2020-05005)
This voluntary annexation petition involves 0.08 acres of the Elizabeth Avenue
right-of-way located north of Gulf to Bay Boulevard. The City of Clearwater is
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 13, 2020
requesting this annexation to ensure that the entire Elizabeth Avenue
right-of-way is within the city's jurisdiction. The property is contiguous to existing
city boundaries to the west and south.
This segment is located adjacent to a city-owned parcel 327 David Avenue,
which is located between and connected to both David Avenue to the west and
Elizabeth Avenue to the east (PIN 17-29-16-00000-130-0900). That property is
subject to a contract for exchange of real property between the City of
Clearwater and Creative Contractors, Inc., pending approval of a development
application for a new office building (FLD2020-04010). The proposed
development application includes the improvement of the abutting Elizabeth
Avenue right-of-way located in a 12.5-foot city easement that will provide solid
waste and emergency services access to the site.
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 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
objective 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.
• The proposed annexation is 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 west and south; therefore, the annexation is
consistent with Florida Statutes Chapter 171.044.
11.4Approve an amendment to the Interlocal Agreement between the City of Clearwater and
Pinellas County pertaining to the Clearwater Planning Area, extending the term of said
agreement from September 30, 2020 to September 30, 2030 and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
The Clearwater Planning Area is a geographic boundary which includes
properties that are incorporated into the city and those properties which are
unincorporated Pinellas County, but which are eligible for annexation into the
City of Clearwater. The Interlocal Agreement establishes the Planning Area and
clarifies jurisdictional authority remains with Pinellas County until a property
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 13, 2020
annexes into the City. Inclusion of the Planning Area within the City's
Comprehensive Plan advises all property owners, regardless of current
jurisdiction, of the long-range planning goals for the City.
The term of the original agreement was January 14, 1992, to September 30,
2000. The subsequent agreement included a modified Clearwater Planning
Area boundary and legal description and extended the term from September 30,
2000, to September 30, 2010.
A second amendment to the agreement extended the term from September 30,
2010 to September 30, 2020, and with the pending expiration of the current
agreement, a third amendment to the agreement extending the term from
September 30, 2020 to September 30, 2030 is proposed to City Council for
consideration at a required public hearing.
12. Marine & Aviation
12.1Accept CARES Act Grant Offer No. 3-12-0011-001-2020 for the Clearwater Airpark,
between the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration and the
City of Clearwater in the amount of$30,000.00 and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. (consent)
The City of Clearwater being the eligible Sponsor will seek reimbursement for
operational and maintenance expenses at the Clearwater Airpark, allowable
under the terms of the CARES ACT grant. There are no matching funds
associated with this grant offer.
In response to a question, Marine and Aviation Director Ed Chesney said the
City is responsible for maintaining the runway, runway lights and other
security items. Some revenue loss was experienced due to decrease in gas
sales and flights.
13. Solid Waste
13.1 Declare surplus and authorize disposition of G4985 via auction to the highest bidder,
pursuant to City Code Section 2.622, Surplus Personal Property, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
G4985 (Ford Interceptor Sedan) was wrecked on June 12th, 2020; and
deemed a total loss by the Risk Management Division. The amount to be
reimbursed by Risk is $22,508.62. The Resource Management Committee
has approved replacement of G4985 and its prospective replacement
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 13, 2020
G5017 has already been ordered.
City Council authorization for surplus is required in accordance with Code
Section 2.622, when the sale of common bulk items is estimated to exceed
$5,000.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
3667366-564100-L1911- Off Cycle Replacements
0101131-541500- Garage Services Variable
In response to questions, Fleet Manager Perry Conzen said the new vehicle
was only in service for two weeks when it was hit by two vehicles when the
officer pulled someone over. The vehicle had 135 miles. He said the City
received $22,500 from the insurance fund and approximately$4,000 from
salvage. The purchase price for the vehicle was $27,864.
13.2Approve an increase to an existing purchase order with WM Recycle America, LLC
(WM/RA) in the amount of$150,000 for the processing of the City's single stream
recycling commodity at the contractor's facility in Tampa, FL from July 2020 through
December 2020 bringing the total amount to $200,000 and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
In December 2013, the Solid Waste/Recycling Department entered into a
Recycling Services Agreement with WM/RA with automatic annual renewals.
That agreement was amended in January 2017 to end on December 15, 2017
and then automatically renew for monthly or successive terms of thirty days.
That amended agreement provided the City with the ability to terminate the
agreement for convenience on sixty days' notice, which would allow the City
flexibility to pursue other processing opportunities.
Considering the small volume of tons sent to WM/RA for processing in the
previous 12-month period (approximately 350 tons costing $21,600 for 2019) a
$50,000 purchase order was put in place for 2020.
While the Department has endured some very contaminated routes for certain
time periods during the first six months of this year, our recent experience has
been cleaner tons that are appropriate to send to the processor. Based on this
recent trend and optimism that it will continue, staff is requesting to increase the
existing purchase order by $150,000 for a new, not to exceed total of$200,000.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available as part of the FY 2019/2020 Operating Budget of the
Recycling Fund and have also been anticipated and included in the proposed
FY 2020/2021 Operating Budget of the Recycling Fund:
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 13, 2020
4262043-530300 (Recycling Fund - Commercial Recycling)
In response to questions, Public Communications Director Joelle Castelli
said one of the issues with communicating the recycling program is that the
process has changed over time and the City is constantly sending
information on what is being recycled and how. Solid Waste General
Services Controller David Powers said the City continues to recycle through
Waste Management (WM)' WM charges a processing cost per ton and
provides a rebate on the sellable commodity they receive for the City's
recyclables. The rebate is small compared to the $105 per ton processing
fee; the current rebate is $30. He said the tip rate at the county is $39.75.
The purchase order is to process the City's single stream recycling.
14. Official Records and Legislative Services
14.1 Reappoint Maria (Gaby) Camacho to the Neighborhood and Affordable Housing
Advisory Board with term to expire June 30, 2024. (consent)
APPOINTMENT WORKSHEET
BOARD: Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board (NAHAB)
TERM: 4 years
APPOINTED BY: City Council
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Not Required
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: N/A (See Special Qualifications)
MEMBERS: 7
CHAIRPERSON: Peter Scalia
MEETING DATE: 2nd Tues. most months
PLACE: Main Library
STAFF LIAISON: Chuck Lane
APPTS. NEEDED: 1
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Board to have 1 member in each: Real Estate
Professional in Connection with Affordable Housing; Clearwater Resident;
Residential Home Building Industry; Advocate for Low Income Housing;
Not-For-Profit Provider of Affordable Housing; Banking/Mortgage Industry;
Employer's Representative.
THE FOLLOWING ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER HAS A TERM WHICH WILL
BE EXPIRING AND NOW REQUIRES REAPPOINTMENT FOR A NEW TERM.
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 13, 2020
SHE WISHES TO SERVE ANOTHER TERM.
1. Maria (Gaby) Camacho - 1300 52nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33703 -
Affordable Housing Builder
Original Appointment: 6/07/18
Interest in reappointment: Yes - (was filling an unexpired term until 6/30/20)
(Citizen who is actively engaged in the residential home building industry in
connection with affordable housing)
Zip codes of current members:
1 - 33703
1 - 33711
1 - 33755
2 - 33756
1 - 33765
1 - 34222
Current Special Qualifications:
1 citizen actively engaged in the banking or mortgage Industry in connection
with affordable housing
1 citizen actively engaged in the residential home building industry in connection
with affordable housing
1 citizen who resides within the City of Clearwater
1 citizen actively engaged as a real estate professional in connection with
affordable housing
1 citizen actively engaged as an advocate for low-income persons in connection
with affordable housing
1 citizen actively engaged as a not-for-profit provider of affordable housing
1 citizen who represents employers within the City of Clearwater
There was consensus to reappoint Ms. Camacho.
14.2Reappoint Joseph DeCicco to the Brownfields Advisory Board with term to expire June
30, 2024. (consent)
Body: SUMMARY:
APPOINTMENT WORKSHEET
BOARD: Brownfields Advisory Board
TERM: 4 years
APPOINTED BY: City Council
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Not Required
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: **
MEMBERS: 9
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 13, 2020
CHAIRPERSON: Joseph DeCicco
MEETING DATE: As Called
PLACE: Determined when called
STAFF LIAISON: Chuck Lane
APPTS. NEEDED: 1
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: ** Three members will be Clearwater residents
who live within or adjacent to the Brownfields Area; Three members will be
owners or representatives of businesses operating in the Brownfields area and
need not be residents of Clearwater; Three members will be representatives of
federal or state agencies or local governments involved with the Brownfields
remediation process within Pinellas County and need not be Clearwater
residents
THE FOLLOWING ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER HAD A TERM WHICH
EXPIRED AND NOW REQUIRES REAPPOINTMENT. AT THIS TIME THERE
ARE NO OTHER APPLICATIONS ON FILE.
1. Joseph DeCicco - 6889 124th Ave., Largo, FL 33773 - Environmental Specialist
Original Appointment: 10/05/10
(2nd term expired 05/31/20)
Interest in reappointment: Yes
(Agency or gov rep)
Zip codes of current members:
4 at 33755
1 at 33756
1 at 33759
1 at 33770
Current Categories:
2 Agency or Government rep.
2 Business Owner or rep.
3 Residents
There was consensus to reappoint Mr. DeCicco.
14.3Appoint two members to the Parks and Recreation Board, one member with term to
expire July 31, 2024 and another member to fill the remainder of an unexpired term until
May 31, 2022.
APPOINTMENT WORKSHEET
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 13, 2020
BOARD: Parks and Recreation Board
TERM: 4 years
APPOINTED BY: City Council
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Not Required
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: City of Clearwater
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: None
MEMBERS: 7
Chairperson: Mark Rodriguez
MEETING DATES: Quarterly (4th Tues.) - Jan., April, July, Oct.
PLACE: Main Library - 6:30 p.m.
APPTS. NEEDED: 2
THE FOLLOWING ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER(S) TERM
EXPIRED/RESIGNED AND NOW REQUIRE REPLACEMENT BY NEW
APPOINTEES:
1. Norene M. Marlow - 1315 Ranchwood Dr., 33764 - B.S. Finance
Original Appointment: 02/02/12
(2nd term expired 01/31/20)
2. Michelle Thomann-Ramirez - 10 S. Keystone Dr., 33755 -Art Educator/Artist
Original Appointment: 04/06/17
Resigned 10/07/19 - (was serving 1st term to expire 05/31/22)
THE NAMES BELOW ARE BEING SUBMITTED FOR CONSIDERATION TO
FILL THE ABOVE VACANCIES:
1. Bryan Beckman - 127 Marina Del Rey Ct., 33767 - Global Info. Systems
2. John Devoti - 151 Marina Del Rey Ct., 33767 - Retired
3. David Farrar - 224 Skiff Pt., 33767 - Real Estate Investor
4. Bruce Rector - 800 S. Gulfview Blvd., Apt. 901, 33767 -Attorney
5. Scott Thomas - 1102 South Missouri Ave., Apt. 203, 33756 - Sr. H.R. Director
Zip codes of current members on board:
1 at 33755
1 at 33761
2 at 33765
1 at 33767
Discussion deferred to July 16, 2020.
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 13, 2020
15. Legal
15.1 Request for authority to settle a civil action styled Brandes Design-Build, Inc. v. City of
Clearwater, Case No. 15-003724-CI, Pinellas County Circuit Court, for the amount of
$350,000.00, in exchange for a full release and dismissal of the case with prejudice.
(consent)
In 2012, the City entered into a construction contract with Brandes
Design-Build, Inc., to reconstruct the City's Reverse Osmosis Plant No. 1, in
order to increase the plant's capacity. Construction commenced on or about
November 10, 2013. Over the course of construction, disagreements arose
between the City and its project engineers and Brandes over various aspects of
the design and construction of the facility. Changes in the project resulted in 23
work change directives. Brandes claims it is entitled to compensation over and
above the original contract price for additional work done not contemplated by
the contract, for extended general conditions and overhead, and interest. These
additional charges are, in large part, disputed by the City.
The original contract price was $8,121,739.69.
Authority is sought to settle all outstanding claims made by Brandes for
$350,000.00, for which we will receive a full release of all claims and the case
will be dismissed with prejudice.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
3217321-563800-96764
15.2Confirm COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation and adopt Resolution 20-32.
15.3Call for a special election to be held in conjunction with the presidential election on
November 3, 2020, submitting to the electors a referendum question authorizing the lease
of real property currently identified as recreation/open space on the Comprehensive Land
Use map for the purpose of developing it for light industrial, research, technology and
office use, authorize the appropriate officials to execute same and adopt Resolution
20-31.
Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.01(d)5(v) states in relevant part, "No
municipally owned real property identified as recreation/open space on the city's
comprehensive land use plan map on November 16, 1989 (or as may be
amended thereafter), may be sold, donated, leased for a new use, or otherwise
transferred without prior approval at referendum,..."
The City is the owner of a 78.52 acre (MOL) real property identified as
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 13, 2020
recreation/open space on the City's comprehensive land use plan, known as
The Landings Golf Course and located on the east side of Keene Road, north
of Airport Drive (City Property), whose property address is 1875 Airport Drive,
Clearwater, Florida 33765.
The City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the citizens of
Clearwater to lease a 57.92-acre portion of said City Property (Lease Property)
for the purpose of development as a 710,000sq. ft. light industrial, research,
technology, office and accessory park.
On June 18, 2020, at its regularly scheduled City Council meeting, Council held
a noticed public hearing for the purpose of declaring a 66-acre portion of the
78.5-acre Landings Golf Course surplus for the purpose of development of the
site as light industrial. At that hearing, Council determined that an additional 8.31
acres would be retained as a parkland buffer area by the city and reduced the
property to be declared surplus to 57.92 acres MOL.
At the City Council meeting of June 18, 2020, the City Council approved a Lease
Proposal for the Lease Property, submitted by Harrod Properties, Inc.,
conditioned on voter approval of the proposed use, subsequent Land Use Plan
amendment, and rezoning of the Lease Property.
15.4Adopt Ordinance 9394-20 on second reading, amending the Operating Budget for the
Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2020 to reflect increases and decreases in revenues
and expenditures for the General Fund, Special Program Fund, Water and Sewer Fund,
Stormwater Fund, Gas Fund, Airpark Fund and Parking Fund.
15.5Adopt Ordinance 9395-20 on second reading, amending the Capital Improvement
Budget for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2020, to reflect a net increase of
$226,683.
16. City Manager Verbal Reports
16.1 City Hall Site Selection Update
In January 2019, the City of Clearwater vacated its City Hall building and
temporarily relocated its administrative offices to One Clearwater Tower (600
Cleveland Street) under a five-year lease. During that five years the intent was
to complete an already ongoing joint use facility discussion with Pinellas
County, and based on that study determine the best path forward for future
construction of a new City Hall. The joint use study was completed in August
2019, and while its results showed potential capital and operational savings for
the City, it did not provide those same efficiencies for Pinellas County. As a
result, the City focused its efforts on a building that would operate solely as a
City Hall for the City of Clearwater.
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 13, 2020
In October 2019, the directors of the CRA, Engineering, and Planning and
Development Services departments were tasked with conducting a site
selection study for the new building. The study commenced with the
development of review criteria deemed pertinent so that staff had the clarity it
needed to ensure an objective, well thought out result that was focused on
those areas deemed most important. Staff approached the generation of those
criteria with the understanding that it had to be guided by Objective 1 B of the
Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan, which states that "the location,
placement and design of a new City Hall needs to reflect the building's civic
importance as a community-gathering space," while balancing cost factors (real
estate, construction and operation), and the building's ability to act as an
economic development catalyst for Downtown. To that end, the following four
criteria were developed to recognize the above considerations and points were
assigned to each based on their relative importance in the decision-making
process.
• Implementation of Downtown Plan -4 points
o Visibility and civic prominence
o Location
o Compatibility with surrounding uses/scale and fit with Character
District Vision
o Economic development catalyst potential (anchor to attract
future development)
o Transportation access (vehicular, pedestrian, transit, trail
connection)
o Proximity to other City services/facilities
(Considerations such high/low visibility, compatible/not compatible
with surrounding uses, likely to/ not likely to spur redevelopment of
surrounding sites; frees up other institutional land for redevelopment;
good transportation access for pedestrian, bikes, transit and
vehicles/limited access; close to other city facilities)
• Real Estate -3 points
o Ownership
o Available for acquisition if not city owned
o Potential for partnership/joint tenancy and/or public/private
partnership
o Eligible for CRA incentives/opportunity zone
o Construction ready/requires demolition
(Considerations - City/CRA owned; willing/unwilling sellers; high
potential/low potential for public/private partnership; in/out of
Opportunity Zone; construction ready/requires demolition)
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 13, 2020
• Site Characteristics -2 points
o Parcel size and configuration
o Parking for facility (on-site or off-site or combination)
o Site conditions - topography, views, environmental
contamination, existing trees, etc.
o Infrastructure -adequate utilities availability, stormwater, traffic
impacts on surrounding roadways
o Sustainability (opportunities for sustainable infrastructure, etc.)
(Considerations - large/small site; good/awkward parcel
configuration; good/poor site conditions; adequate infrastructure;
negative impact on surrounding roadways; opportunity for
sustainable infrastructure)
• Cost - 1 point
o Land acquisition
o Construction costs (renovation/new construction)
o Site preparation
o Operational Efficiency
o Operating costs/ongoing costs
(Considerations - City/CRA owned/not owned - low costs vs. high
costs for acquisition; can/cannot accommodate City Hall and MSB
operations; requires renovation/new construction;
In an effort to narrow down the properties that would be reviewed in downtown,
staff also used data generated by the now completed joint use facility review to
determine a minimum lot size necessary to house a facility. The result was
focus on sites approximately two acres in area.
At the November 18, 2019 city council meeting, staff then presented the
evaluation criteria and nine potential sites for discussion. Council agreed with
the criteria and expressed support for staff to consider the possibility of a
Government Center option in addition to a City Hall only option. Additionally,
Council asked the team to include the Main Library site in the site selection
process bringing the total to ten properties to be evaluated. Below are the
results of the evaluation and subsequent ranking of the sites in order based on
the total assigned points. The location of each site is highlighted in the Potential
City Hall Sites Aerial Photograph document and the points assigned for each
site and criteria are captured in the City Hall Site Selection Rankings Table
document.
1. 9.25 points - Myrtle Avenue West - Court & Pierce Streets, south of
MSB
2. 7.25 points - Myrtle Avenue East - Park and Pierce Streets, east of
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 13, 2020
MSB
3. 5.25 points - Walgreens - NE corner Myrtle Ave. & Cleveland St.
4. 5.0 points - PSTA/County Lot - Ft. Harrison, B/W Park and Pierce
Streets
5. 4.75 points - CRA Owned - Cleveland Street, B/W Betty Ln. & Lincoln
Ave.
6. 4.25 points - Frank Crum Property - Missouri Ave. b/w Pierce Ave. &
Gould St.
7. 3.00 points - Main Library - Osceola Ave. and Drew St.
8. 3.00 points - iDatix - Court St. & Gulf to Bay Ave.
9. 2.50 points - Court/Chestnut Triangle -Apex of Court & Chestnut
Streets
10.2.00 points - Drew and Laura St. - South side of Drew St. (Nall
Lumber)
The selection team issued RFQ 10-20 for a new City Hall feasibility study that
would include a series of concept studies and sketches for a new City Hall
building. Additionally, the consultant was asked to evaluate the practicality of
combining the functions of MSB with the proposed new City Hall and evaluating
the sites for a new Clearwater Government Center. Five firms submitted
qualifications and Harvard Jolly, Inc. was selected. Colliers International was
also part of the team and was tasked with evaluating the feasibility of potential
redevelopment options as part of the exercise.
Because there was a significant point spread between the top two sites and the
other sites, staff engaged Harvard Jolly to provide concept studies only for the
top two sites - Myrtle Avenue West - between Court and Pierce and south of
MSB and Myrtle Avenue East (Sites B and A respectively on the Potential City
Hall Sites aerial photograph). Harvard Jolly developed three main options for
each site. Option 1 focuses on the construction of a new City Hall and
associated parking. Option 2 includes the construction of a new Government
Center with surface parking and use of the MSB garage and Option 3 includes a
new Government Center and parking garage for the Center. Because the top
ranked site is large and includes two properties, two additional concepts were
studied that illustrated partnership opportunities with either PSTA or a private
developer.
As part of the feasibility analysis for the City Hall/Government Center, Colliers
International also provided an overview of the Clearwater real estate market to
provide an opinion on what types of developments would be likely to be
constructed if the City sold certain properties. Depending on the final location for
a new City Hall/ Government Center, the City could potentially have up to three
parcels available to sell/lease for private redevelopment. The type of use
(multi-family, retail, office etc.) will drive the sales price for the property which in
turn could offset the construction costs for the new facility. City redevelopment
projects also offer the opportunity to attract projects that meet land use goals
identified in the Downtown Redevelopment Plan. Collier's market research
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 13, 2020
indicated that the most likely types of commercial development in downtown
Clearwater were retail uses that front Myrtle Avenue, mid-rise apartment
development or a limited service hotel.
Based on the findings of the feasibility study, staff is recommending the
City/CRA owned property located on the northwest of Court Street and Myrtle
Avenue (Site B) be selected as the site for the new City Hall or Government
Center. The site provides excellent visibility at the intersection of two state
roadways and provides a site of civic prominence. The site has good
transportation access, is located along the Pinellas Trail and is in close
proximity to other city facilities and is large enough to support a stand-alone City
Hall or a larger Government Center with on-site. Because either option can be
built on the corner parcel, it offers the most options for public-private
partnerships and redevelopment opportunities for other city-owned property.
Staff also did a cursory review of potential cost savings and operational
efficiencies to determine if a more detailed study into the Government Center
concept was warranted. That review determined that there is a high potential
for both long-term capital savings and operational savings by merging
departments into a single building.
At the March 2, 2020 Council meeting, direction was provided that consistent
with the below recommendation, with staff working towards the generation of an
RFP for design services within 60 days. That time period was intended to allow
time for the previous council to consider what location they wish to have the
new building designed for and to allow time for the council to be sworn in and
receive the same information provided to the previous council. COVID-19
shifted priorities of staff, which has caused staff to delay the follow up
presentation to the new Council and with that, the decision timeline for the
building location. If the council agrees, staff would anticipate that the RFP
would be ready for advertising by July 16th council meeting, and staff would ask
Council to provide direction on the site for the new building at that meeting.
Recommendation
Based on the feasibility study and the cost savings and operational efficiency
review, staff is recommending that an RFP be issued for design services using
a two phased approach. Phase one would include a work order that would
provide design services to the 15% level, provide a more in-depth review of
space needs both City Hall and MSB, and complete a more robust review of
cost savings, operational efficiencies, and the environmental impacts of both
the City Hall and Government Center concepts. Staff anticipates that such
analysis would include a review of enhanced customer service opportunities
such as the creation of development service center, opportunities for energy
savings, the future capital impact of replacing the MSB separate from City Hall,
the effect of maintaining the buildings separately rather than together, and the
impact to the net present value of funds already allocated to various repair and
replacement projects associated with MSB as it relates to their planned
timeframe for expenditure.
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes July 13, 2020
Following phase one, the City Council would be provided the data needed to
make a decision to construct a City Hall or a Government Center. Phase two of
the design would include a second work order which would be focused on
bringing the design to 100%.
An RFP for design services has been generated, however, staff will need formal
direction on a site prior to advertising it.
Discussion deferred to July 16, 2020.
16.2Rosemere and Maple Drainage Project
Discussion deferred to July 16, 2020.
17. City Attorney Verbal Reports - None
18. Council Discussion Item
18.1 Island Estates turn lane extended further East - Mayor Hibbard
18.2Call-ins for Public Comment - Councilmember Beckman
At the June 1, 2020 work session, staff was directed to research what other
municipalities did prior to COVID-19 and infrastructure needed to allow citizens
to call-in during council meetings post COVID-19. Staff will provide an update on
their findings.
Discussion deferred to July 16, 2020.
18.3PSTA Update - Vice Mayor Allbritton
Discussion deferred to July 16, 2020.
19. New Business (items not on the agenda may be brought up asking they be
scheduled for subsequent meetings or work sessions in accordance with Rule 1,
Paragraph 2). — None.
20. Closing Comments by Mayor
21. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 1:49 p.m.
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City of Clearwater