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08/06/2020 City Council Meeting Minutes August 6, 2020 City of Clearwater Main Library- Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 Meeting Minutes Thursday, August 6, 2020 6:00 PM Main Library - Council Chambers City Council Page 1 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes August 6, 2020 To ensure public safety and comply with the Governor's Safer at Home order in response to the COVID-19 virus, the Clearwater City Council will hold a public meeting on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. using communications media technology. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, issued by the Office of Governor Ron DeSantis on March 20, 2020, municipalities may conduct meetings of their governing boards without having a quorum of its members present physically or at any specific location, and utilizing communications media technology such as telephonic or video conferencing, as provided by Section 120.54(5)(b)2, Florida Statutes. 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, Rosemarie Call — City Clerk, and Nicole Sprague — Deputy 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. via communications media technology. 2. Invocation — Pastor Bob Brubaker from Christ Community Presbyterian Church 3. Pledge of Allegiance — Mayor Hibbard 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 Diversity Leadership Council Poster Presentation - Tabitha Green, Library and Karla Deas, Planning and Development Mses. Green and Deas provided a PowerPoint presentation recognizing the winners in all age categories for the 2020 Diversity Leadership Council Poster Contest. Page 2 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes August 6, 2020 5. Approval of Minutes 5.1 Approve the minutes of the July 16, 2020 City Council Meeting Minutes as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk. Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve the minutes of the July 16, 2020 City Council Meeting Minutes 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 Michael Kortum expressed concerns with the renovations at Crest Lake Park dog runs. He said the areas for the dogs and dog owners have become smaller and unsafe. Robyn Rin submitted a comment regarding the City Manager's job performance and tenure, which was read into the record by the City Clerk (see page 18). Ann Jessup submitted an eComment requesting consideration to allow RV parking in driveways was read into the record by the City Clerk (see page 15). Daniel Holuba supported not integrating city hall within the Main Library. He said a new city hall should be given top priority. 7. Consent Agenda — Approved as submitted, less Item 7.6. 7.1 Approve the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Subrecipient Agreement between the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and the City of Clearwater and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 7.2 Approve a Utility Work by Highway Contractor Agreement with the State of Florida Department of Transportation to remove natural gas mains during a road improvement project on US Highway 19, at an estimated cost of$10,350.74, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 7.3 Authorize award of Invitation to Bid 25-20, Natural Gas Meters and Regulators, to Dev-Tech Sales, Inc. of Avon Park, FL; Equipment Controls Company of Norcross, GA; and JEM-TECH, Inc. of Palm Bay, FL for an annual not-to-exceed amount of$1,500,000 effective August 1, 2020 through July 31, 2021 with the option for two, one-year term extensions, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) Page 3 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes August 6, 2020 7.4 Approve First Amendment to the Capital Project Funding Agreement between the City and Pinellas County Tourist Development Council (TDC) to extend the terms of the agreement to allow for reimbursement of funds during Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 7.5 Approve a Management Agreement between the City of Clearwater (City) and the Clearwater Community Sailing Center Association, Inc. (Sailing Center Association) for use of the building and property located at 1001 Gulf Boulevard from August 1, 2020 through February 29, 2024 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 7.6 Ratify and confirm a Memorandum of Agreement (Agreement) between Bob Gualtieri, as Sheriff of Pinellas County, Florida (Sheriff); the City of St. Petersburg Police Department, the City of Clearwater Police Department, and the City of Pinellas Park Police Department, to create a Use of Deadly Force Investigative Task Force, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) See below. 7.7 Approve Engineer of Record (EOR) Supplemental Work Order Two to Atkins North America for $61 490, for Cooper's Point (18-0009-EN) increasing the work order from $173,940 to $235,430 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 7.8 Approve a Deed Modification for certain real property located at 41 Devon Dr., legally described as Lot 1, less the West 110 feet thereof, Block B, Columbia Subdivision, extending the time-period to commence vertical construction until August 26, 2021 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 7.9 Approve Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) Supplemental Memo expressly acknowledging the Multijurisdictional Program for Public Information (PPI) is part of the LMS which was adopted by Council in Resolution 20-18 on May 7, 2020. (consent) 7.10Approve an Interlocal Agreement between Pinellas County and the City of Clearwater and other NPDES Co-Permittees for Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 7.1lAuthorize a Purchase Order with John Mader Enterprises, Inc dba Mader Electric Motors of North Fort Myers, FL to provide services to repair, replace or supply utility plant equipment, for an initial not to exceed amount of$300,000 beginning August 19, 2020 through May 20, 2021 with the option for two, one-year extensions at an annual not to exceed amount of$400,000, making the total value $1.1 million, per Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.564(1)(d) Other Government Entities' Bids, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 7.12Approve multiple vendor purchase orders as of a result of Invitation to Bid (ITB) 34-207 Page 4 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes August 6, 2020 Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Services, for a total annual not-to-exceed amount of $4,000,000 with the option for three one-year renewal terms at the City's discretion and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 7.13Designate Councilmember Beckman to serve as the City's official voting delegate at the Florida League of Cities' Annual Conference, August 14, 2020. (consent) Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted, less Item 7.6, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 7.6 Ratify and confirm a Memorandum of Agreement (Agreement) between Bob Gualtieri, as Sheriff of Pinellas County, Florida (Sheriff); the City of St. Petersburg Police Department, the City of Clearwater Police Department, and the City of Pinellas Park Police Department, to create a Use of Deadly Force Investigative Task Force, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) Whenever a police officer uses deadly force, three independent and bifurcated investigations occur. The Office of the State Attorney Sixth Judicial Circuit conducts an independent investigation to determine if the officer's actions were justified or involved any criminal conduct. The police department's Office of Professional Standards conducts an administrative investigation to determine if any violations of department policy or code of conduct occurred. Additionally, a criminal investigation is conducted to determine if the incident involved any criminal violations occurred. The criminal investigation has been conducted by the agency of the involved employee when it occurred in the agency's jurisdiction. The police department, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, St. Petersburg Police Department, and Pinellas Park Police Department seek to create the Pinellas County Deadly Force Investigative Task Force through this agreement to establish a collaborative work group that will provide criminal investigations that are independent from the agency of the involved officer. As part of this agreement, the police department will make available, as needed, three experienced homicide investigators and supervisor staff as outlined in the agreement. The Clearwater Police Department would be the lead agency if a Pinellas County Sheriff's Deputy used deadly force in Pinellas County, north of Ulmerton Rd. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Department would be the lead agency if a Clearwater Police Officer used deadly force in the City of Clearwater. The St. Petersburg Police Department would be the lead agency if a Pinellas County Sheriff's Deputy used deadly force in Pinellas County, south of Ulmerton Rd. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Department would be the lead Page 5 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes August 6, 2020 agency for the remaining law enforcement agencies in Pinellas County, with the exception of Largo Police Department and Tarpon Springs Police Department who utilized the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This task force will provide a higher level of impartiality in the investigation of incidents involving police use of deadly force. There is no direct financial obligation associated with this agreement other than the regular personnel costs and overtime costs associated with the recall of personnel participating. Two individuals spoke in support, with one suggesting including a resident on the task force. In response to questions, Police Chief Daniel Slaughter said the team is made up of experienced homicide detectives. The participating agencies in Pinellas have the necessary operational resources to participate. He said those involved in the investigation must have the statutory authority to arrest, resident involvement would be more appropriate in a civilian oversight committee. He said the task force involves outside agencies, if a Clearwater officer is subject to an officer-involved shooting, the investigative work will be conducted by the outside agencies (i.e., State Attorney's Office, Pinellas County Sheriff, St. Petersburg, and Pinellas Park). Councilmember Hamilton moved to ratify and confirm a Memorandum of Agreement (Agreement) between Bob Gualtieri, as Sheriff of Pinellas County, Florida (Sheriff); the City of St. Petersburg Police Department, the City of Clearwater Police Department, and the City of Pinellas Park Police Department, to create a Use of Deadly Force Investigative Task Force, 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 — None. 9. Second Readings - Public Hearing 9.1 Adopt Ordinance 9367-20 on second reading, amending the future land use plan element of the Comprehensive plan to designate the land use for certain real properties whose post office addresses are 24323 and 24479 US Highway 19 North, all in Clearwater, Florida 33763, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as US 19 - Corridor (US 19 C) and Preservation (P). Page 6 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes August 6, 2020 Ordinance 9367-20 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9367-20 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton, Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman 9.2 Adopt Ordinance 9368-20 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of the city by zoning certain real properties whose post office addresses are 24323 and 24479 US Highway 19 North, all in Clearwater, Florida 33763, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as US 19 (US 19) and Preservation (P). Ordinance 9368-20 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9368-20 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton, Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman 9.3 Adopt Ordinance 9387-20 on second reading, amending the Community Development Code Sections 3-1202.G, 3-1401.C, 3-2103, and Appendix B. Ordinance 9387-20 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9387-20 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton, Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman 9.4 Adopt Ordinance 9391-20 on second reading, annexing certain real property whose post office address is 1704 Lucas Drive, Clearwater, Florida 33759, into the corporate limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said addition. Ordinance 9391-20 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9391-20 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton, Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman Page 7 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes August 6, 2020 9.5 Adopt Ordinance 9392-20 on second reading, amending the future land use plan element of the Comprehensive Plan to designate the land use for certain real property whose post office address is 1704 Lucas Drive, Clearwater, Florida 33759, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Residential Low (RL). Ordinance 9392-20 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9392-20 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton, Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman 9.6 Adopt Ordinance 9393-20 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of the city by zoning certain real property whose post office address is 1704 Lucas Drive, Clearwater, Florida 33759, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR). Ordinance 9393-20 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 9393-20 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton, Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman 10. City Manager Reports 10.1Approve an agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. of Scottsdale, AZ, in the amount of $2,217,407, for the five-year period from August 6, 2020 through August 5, 2025, for the purchase of body camera equipment, digital evidence storage and management, licensing, and training, in accordance with Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.564(1)(d) Other Government Entities Bids; increase the number of full time equivalents within the Police Department by one position and upgrade one officer position to Police Sergeant; and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. To create operational efficiencies regarding evidence location/retention, address public records requests, and more appropriately aggregate and control property disposals relating to electronic evidence or items which could be digitized, the Police Department previously issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) #29-18 for a Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS), in cooperation with the City's Procurement Department. The RFP Committee was comprised of members of Page 8 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes August 6, 2020 the Police Department's Property/Evidence Unit, Records Unit, Police Department management, and the city's Information Technology Department. Based upon the proposals evaluated, Axon Enterprise, Inc. (Axon) was selected as the preferred vendor; this award was confirmed by the City Council in February 2019. The agreement provides for a Digital Evidence Management solution which supplies a common platform for all department employees and allows the Police Department to share records with the State Attorney's Office, private attorneys, and citizens. This program was also anticipated to be the foundational system to develop and implement a Police Body Worn Camera Program (BWC). In April 2019, the City Council approved the Police Department's request to incorporate five interview room cameras and one Driving Under the Influence (DUI) room camera into the DEMS. Subsequent to this, the Police Department has added several in-cruiser video systems which are directly compatible with this system. At the July 16, 2020, city council meeting, the Police Department was directed to incorporate a body worn camera program. The proposed body worn camera program is also a product of Axon and works in integration with the department's Digital Evidence Management System. This agreement will provide for 200 Axon "Body 3" cameras, 25 docking bays, storage, licensing, and training to fulfill the Council directive. The pricing included in this agreement was previously competitively solicited and obtained through the National Purchasing Partners (Contract #VH11629), a national resource for public entities for similar public solicitations; the City of Clearwater is a participating member in this partnership. This five-year agreement supersedes and incorporates the Police Department's previous Digital Evidence Management system agreement (Contract #900560), in addition to the cost of implementing a body worn camera program. Costs for the initial year of a BWC Program ($521,556.25) and DEMS ($45,401) total $566,956.25 with an annual recurring cost for years 2-5 at approximately $412,612.50 (BWC: $345,012.50 + DEMS: $67,601). The Police Department is simultaneously requesting an increase or upgrade in the number of full-time equivalents to process body camera videos and management the program as follows: • Senior Police Records Clerk • Converting a Police Officer position to a Police Sergeant position Page 9 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes August 6, 2020 The total cost of the implementation/upgrade of these positions is approximately $68,907. Therefore, the total initial year costs of a Body Worn Camera Program, not including police uniform modifications, is approximately $590,463 ($521,556 + $68,907). Authorize Clearwater Police Chief Daniel Slaughter to sign the Quote appendix. APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: A third quarter budget amendment will establish special program P2002, Police Body Worn Camera Program and provide a transfer of$175,306 from special program 99387, Federal Forfeiture Fund, and $170,857 from General Fund reserves. Additional funding of$270,794 will be transferred in fiscal year 2021 to provide total first year funding for contract costs and uniform modifications. Future fiscal year contract funding (FY22-FY25) will be required through the annual operating budget process. USE OF RESERVE FUNDS: Funding for will be provided by a third quarter budget amendment allocating General Fund reserves in the amount of$170,857 to special program P2002, Police Body Worn Camera Program. Inclusive of this item if approved, a net total of$2,564,294 of General Fund reserves has been appropriated by Council to fund expenditures in the 2019/20 operating budget. The remaining balance in General Fund reserves after the 8.5% reserve is approximately $25.0 million, or 16.4% of the current General Fund operating budget. In response to a question, Police Chief Daniel Slaughter said the devices will have multiple docking stations, allowing officers to recharge the device at home. One individual spoke in support. Chief Slaughter said the Axon system will also provide a method for auditing and will integrate with the Department's CAD system and digital evidence management program. He said it will take time to implement the body cameras perfectly, the policy will include a progressive system addressing noncompliance. The supervisor will conduct the audits. He said the videos will be used to improve job performance. One eComment supporting Item 10.1 was received and read into the record by the City Clerk (see page 16). Page 10 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes August 6, 2020 One individual questioned how the cameras will be activated. Chief Slaughter said he would not support a system that is only activated upon removal of the firearm. The devices will be activated automatically and manually. He said he would not object to officers reviewing video footage when writing reports. The cameras will capture the 30 seconds prior to activation. Staff anticipates the program will be up and running by March 2021, allowing scenario-based training for the officers. Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve an agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. of Scottsdale, AZ, in the amount of $2,217,407, for the five-year period from August 6, 2020 through August 5, 2025, for the purchase of body camera equipment, digital evidence storage and management, licensing, and training, in accordance with Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.564(1)(d) Other Government Entities Bids; increase the number of full-time equivalents within the Police Department by one position and upgrade one officer position to Police Sergeant; and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 10.2Confirm COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation and adopt Resolution 20-36. Resolution 20-36 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Resolution 20-36. 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 10.3Main Library First Floor Discussion Assistant City Manager Michael Delk requested direction on the uses and activities Council wishes in the space. Library Director Jennifer Obermaier and Main Library Renovations Project Manager Catherine Corcoran reviewed design concepts for the first floor and how the library will connect to the park space. In response to a comment, Ms. Obermaier said libraries today are no longer quiet places, many come to sit and read to their children in a soft Page 11 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes August 6, 2020 voice. The Library receives several requests for small meeting rooms and conference rooms and reason why the meeting rooms were added to the first floor. There was consensus to make no changes to the proposed first floor design. Planning and Development Priorities and Work Plans - Gina Clayton, Director Ms. Clayton said at the work session council discussed changing the density to the Downtown Plan and evaluating the issues that arise when different zoning districts abut one another with different development potentials or allowable uses. She said none of these projects are included in the Department's work program and staff is gearing up for a couple of major initiatives in the next few months; the City Manager thought it would be a perfect opportunity to confirm if Council wants staff to move forward with any of projects discussed at the work session. There was council consensus to schedule a work session item to identify if any priorities will be shifted if projects are added to Planning and Development's current work plan. 11. City Attorney Reports — None. 12. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes) Councilmember Beckman said she is excited about the Imagine Clearwater plans and will be proposing the use of solar energy in the park, a park in Miami uses it as well as the new St. Petersburg Pier. She said it is a real positive and sends a message that Clearwater as a city cares about the environment and saving money and puts an educational focus on the park. She said the 2020 Census will shorten the data collection time by a month and it will end on September 30 and statistics show that 62% of Pinellas County has responded. She encouraged all to complete the Census. Councilmember Hamilton wished his wife a Happy Birthday and thanked his good friends for taking her out for a birthday celebration while he was in the meeting. Councilmember Bunker said he will be appearing on the podcast 'Afterlife" with Leah Rimini in a few weeks. There are new episodes every Tuesday. Page 12 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes August 6, 2020 Vice Mayor Allbritton requested the City Manager agenda the Request for Proposals for the development of the properties in and around Imagine Clearwater since 2 developers responded to the Request for Interest 6 weeks ago; one of the developers is interested in taking advantage of the Opportunity Zone. He encouraged all to be nice to your neighbor, as a good friend once said, "we can disagree without being disagreeable." 13. Closing Comments by Mayor 14. Adjourn Attest Q- City Clerk The Mayor said it is good to see COVID numbers declining and people wearing masks. He encouraged all to participate in the Census and reminded everyone that hurricane season is ramping up and to get prepared now. The Crest Lake Dog Park renovations are expected to be complete by August 24th with upgrades to the landscaping, turf, a new dog washing station and more. The whole park is expected to open in January 2021. He said the public is encouraged to register for the new compost education program. The CRA in partnership with the Clearwater Public Art and Design program is seeking artists for murals in downtown. The NAACP, Lost but Not Forgotten, cemetery zoom meeting is scheduled for August 17. He thanked Council for the worksession on Monday and the special worksession on Wednesday. The meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m. City of Clearwater v 76/WARA-0/ ayor City of Clearwater Page 13 City Council on 2020-08-06 6:00 PM Meeting Time: 08-06-20 18:00 eComments Report Meetings Meeting Agenda Comments Support Oppose Time Items City Council on 2020-08-06 6:00 PM 08-06-20 40 1 1 0 18:00 Neutral 0 Sentiments for All Meetings The following graphs display sentiments for comments that have location data. Only locations of users who have commented will be shown. Overall Sentiment ■ SupporglDO%) ■ oppose(O'r 1 ■ Neutrag0 61 : No Rssponse(O%) City Council on 2020-08-06 6:00 PM 08-06-20 18:00 Agenda Name Comments Support Oppose Neutral 6. Citizens to be heard re items not on the agenda 1 1 0 0 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 ■ Support(100%) ■ Oppose(O%) ■ NeutraI(o%) No Reeponae(0%) Agenda Item: °Comments for 6. Citizens to be heard re items not on the agenda Overall Sentiment ■ Support(100%) ■ Oppose(0%) ■ Neurral(0%) a .. No Reaponse10%) Ann Jessup Location: Submitted At: 4:49pm 08-06-20 I would like to ask the Council to consider revising the City Code regarding RV parking. Boats under 20' are permissible in driveways, yet small campers are not. With Florida considered "the most RV friendly State in the US" and COVID driving RV sales to very high levels, it stands to reason that individuals should be allowed to park their campers conveniently in their driveways under the same guidelines as watercraft. Thank you, Ann Jessup Call, Rosemarie From: noreply@granicusideas.com Sent: Thursday, August 6, 2020 6:07 PM To: Call, Rosemarie Subject: New eComment for City Council on 2020-08-06 6:00 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Clearwater. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. New eComment for City Council on 2020-08-06 6:00 PM Leslie Conrad submitted a new eComment. Meeting: City Council on 2020-08-06 6:00 PM Item: 10.1 ID#20-8078 Approve an agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. of Scottsdale, AZ, in the amount of $2,217,407, for the five-year period from August 6, 2020 through August 5, 2025, for the purchase of body camera equipment, digital evidence storage and management, licensing, and training, in accordance with Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.564(1)(d) Other Government Entities Bids; increase the number of full time equivalents within the Police Department by one position and upgrade one officer position to Police Sergeant; and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. eComment: More than being a reactive tool or insurance policy after an issue occurs, body cameras can be a useful tool in the continuous improvement of policing in our community. Knowing how body cameras will be used informs the decision of whether or not to adopt them.Could the council please ask the police department the following and consider the answers before making this decision? • what privacy protections are in place? • how does the public access the footage? • when and where can cameras be used? • how often will footage be reviewed and by whom? • will footage be used in training? • will footage be used to determine more appropriate strategies and resources going forward? • will officers have access to footage prior to completing reports or making statements? • will the use of new body camera technologies such as facial recognition be discussed before being implemented? • can we commit to making the body camera program something more than just footage that sits with no purpose? If the department cannot answer these questions right now, how will these and any new policies be communicated to the public in the future? I understand it is not the council's job to set department policy, but the transparency of these policies and the public's understanding and confidence in them will be critical to the success of the body camera program. Let's commit to creating equitable policies and to using the cameras as one small part of a larger program to 1 build the skills of our officers and provide continued excellent service to our community. If this level of commitment isn't available, the $2,217,407 might be better spent on programs that have an immediate positive effect, such as social services, youth services, fair housing, healthcare, and other community resources. View and Analyze eComments This email was sent from https://granicusideas.com. Unsubscribe from future mailings 2 Call, Rosemarie From: Home, William Sent: Monday, August 3, 2020 3:59 PM To: Call, Rosemarie Subject: FW: Just wanted to encourage you and ask a question. Rosemarie, Please review email. Can we honor Robyn's request? Bill Bill Home, ICMA Credentialed Manager City Manager City of Clearwater (727) 562-4046 (727) 224-7088(cell) MBN: 1 (727) 888-5935 CLEA RWATE ft BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL • BAY TO BEACH From: Robyn Rin <robynrinberger@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, August 3, 2020 1:12 PM To: Home, William <William.Horne@myclearwater.com>; Hibbard, Frank <Frank.Hibbard@MyClearwater.com>; Hamilton, Hoyt<hoyt.hamilton@MyClearwater.com>; Bunker, Mark <Mark.Bunker@MyClearwater.com>; Beckman, Kathleen <Kathleen.Beckman@MyClearwater.com> Subject: Just wanted to encourage you and ask a question. oitt outside of the Cit+ :he content is, safe. of Clearwater. Do not click links or open a Hi Mr. Horne, I want to thank you in advance for taking time to read this email. I know how tremendously busy you are. I just wanted you to know that I have respected you as an individual, a professional, and a leader in Clearwater for many many years, and I just want to express my deepest gratitude to you for all the hard work you have done for this city over the years, and share with you that your forthcoming retirement will be a loss to the city; Things change, and new generations come into leadership, and we can only hope they continue to think forward, and care about this geographic space and the people who live here as much as you have. 1 As we just celebrated our 100th anniversary, I think many residents are taking special pride in our city; We have grown so much and yet continue to feel like a "small town" for those of us who live here full-time. For the past years, residents, City Council and YOU have been good stewards of the land, the waterways, the aquifers, the beaches, and natural areas, and also good stewards and servants towards our fellow residents. I only hope that this continues into the future, and thank you, Mr. Horne, for the foundation you have laid during your time here serving the residents of Clearwater. Having said that, however, I must share from the bottom of my heart that I'm saddened by the recent tone taken by Hibbard, Hamilton, Akin, (and you at times), towards residents of Clearwater who are just trying to do our best to participate in civic discourse and voice concerns, ask questions (to which we expect honest answers, backed with documentation and facts), and seek to do what is best for not just current residents, .0 I recently sent an email to Mayor Hibbard asking for actual documented proof that could confirm that the land currently being used by "The Landings" was donated without stipulations. Mayor Hibbard stated that Akin "assured" him the land was "unencumbered," however, I think as the City Manager, you should be aware that no information about this donated land has been provided to me or any other resident (that I'm aware of). We are a representative democracy (as Hibbard loves to point out), and therefore City Council members (and City offici "WE" the people are speaking up, asking questions, and being told that we are "conspiracy theorists," "spreading disinformation," and generally being made to feel that we are a nuisance. Mayor Hibbard has also, on more than one occasion, used the phrase "be careful what you ask for," implying that having all the information and the ability to make an informed decision is a BAD thing for Clearwater residents. I believe he has said this in response to a request to put body cameras to a referendum and with regard to seeking info on the development of "The Landings." I guess I'm just asking that for the remainder of your term you continue to work for the PEOPLE of CLEARWATER as you have always done since, although you serve at the pleasure of City Council, you have power to provide information and make decisions. I hope that you receive this in the spirit in which it is sent. I have tremendous respect for you as a man, and I want to see your stint here in Clearwater end on a positive note - please speak up for residents of Clearwater and remind your staff that we deserve to be heard and responded to. Many blessings in your future endeavors, Robyn Rinberger 2 Warm regards, Robyn Rinberger 727-742-6473 3