12/17/2020 City Council Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, December 17, 2020
6:00 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
City Council
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020
Roll Call
Present: 5 - Mayor Frank Hibbard, Councilmember Hoyt Hamilton, Vice Mayor
David Allbritton, Councilmember Mark Bunker and Councilmember
Kathleen Beckman
Also Present: William B. Horne II — City Manager, Micah Maxwell —Assistant City
Manager, Michael Delk—Assistant City Manager, Pamela K. Akin City
Attorney, 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. in Council Chambers at the
Main Library.
2. Invocation — Mayor Hibbard
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Special recognitions and Presentations (Proclamations, service awards, or other
special recognitions. Presentations by governmental agencies or groups providing
formal updates to Council will be limited to ten minutes.) — Given.
4.1 December Service Awards
Two service awards were presented to city employees.
4.2 2021 Legislative Session Update - Peter Dunbar, State Lobbyist
4.3 Environmental Advisory Board Presentation - Sarah Kessler, Lead Environmental
Specialist
Chair Jared Leone reviewed the Board's annual accomplishments and
presented council with a draft resolution formalizing the process for
Council to get feedback from the Board on projects deemed appropriate.
In response to questions, Mr. Leone said the 30% threshold was based
on board discussion. Vice Chair John Thomas said the Board Members
felt that the project was too far along at 60% to provide any feedback.
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City Council Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020
There is enough information at the 30% threshold to provide feedback on
sustainability matters. Mr. Leone said he is comfortable with the Board's
meeting frequency, which has been discussed frequently during his
tenure on the board. The agendas are set by discussing topics with the
Board and staff liaison. He said the Board is flexible to meet more
frequently if needed.
It was suggested that the draft resolution be agendaed for a future
discussion.
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the minutes of the December 3, 2020 City Council Meeting as submitted in
written summation by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to approve the minutes of the
December 3, 2020 City Council Meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
6. Citizens to be heard re items not on the agenda
Emmanuel Makryllos said his house was demolished in October while he
was out of town, questioned the noticing process and requested a lien
reduction. The City condemned the property.
The City Attorney said the City has an established process but it does not
require the City go to a court. There is due process given but it does not
require a judge to authorize that.
Jerry Collins expressed concerns with FDOT's pedestrian overpass
project (US Highway 19 and Ham Boulevard) and requested the project
be postponed until a study can review the anticipated vehicular traffic
associated with a new housing development.
Larry Polnicky requested assistance with neighbor's barking dogs and
requested consideration to allow an officer's observation count as the
second required affidavit. He expressed concerns with local newspapers
littering unwanted newspapers in driveways.
The City Attorney said the barking dog policy process is handled by
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City Council Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020
Pinellas County. She said staff will look at the newspaper concerns; past
research shows that the issue is constitutionally protected because it is
first amendment speech.
Deb Larkin submitted an email supporting green building standards on
city owned properties, which was read into the record by the City Clerk
(see page 23).
Ivana Kajtezovi submitted an eComment concerning the asphalt on
Johns Parkway, which was read into the record by the City Clerk (see
page 19).
7. Consent Agenda — approved as submitted.
7.1 Authorize the City Manager the flexibility to approve expenditures of Community
Development Block Grant funds distributed for COVID-19 relief(CDBG-CV) as
authorized by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
(consent)
7.2 Approve a Legal Services Agreement with Banker, Lopez, Gassler, PA, a law firm
located in St. Petersburg, FL, for a five-year term from January 1, 2021 through
December 31, 2025, pursuant to City Code of Ordinances Section 2.564 (1) (i), Exempt
From Bidding, for a not-to-exceed total of$800,000 and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
7.3 Approve the renewal of an Agreement with Commercial Risk Management, Inc. of
Tampa, Florida, for the management and administration of workers compensation
claims, from February 1, 2021 through January 31, 2022, pursuant to City Code of
Ordinances Section 2.564 (1) (i), services associated with Workers Compensation
exempt from bidding for a not-to-exceed total of$25,000 and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
7.4 Approve a Purchase Order to DevTech Sales Inc. of Avon Park, FL, for the purchase of
Itron Automated Meter Reading endpoints in an annual not to exceed amount of
$310,000, with two, one-year renewal options at the City's discretion per Clearwater
Code of Ordinance 2.564 (1)(b) sole source and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. (consent)
7.5 Authorize agreements for Employment Related Health Care Services with BayCare
Urgent Care, LLC and Life Extension Clinics, Inc. for a total annual not to exceed amount
of$355,000.00 for the initial term of January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021, with
two one-year renewal options and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
7.6 Approve the collective bargaining agreement as negotiated between the City of
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Clearwater and Communication Workers of America, Local 3179 (CWA) for Fiscal Years
2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23 and authorize the appropriate official to execute same.
(consent)
7.7 Approve a proposal by Construction Manager at Risk Khors Construction, Inc. of Pinellas
Park, Florida in the amount of$91,147.54 for the construction of a storage building and
demolition of existing restroom building at Moccasin Lake Nature Park located at 2750
Park Trail Lane; transfer $10,635.52 from CIP 315-93612, McMullen Tennis Complex
and $12,590.01 from CIP 315-93635 Park Amenities to Moccasin Lake Nature Park CIP
315-93648 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.8 Approve a purchase order with M Gay Constructors, Inc. of Jacksonville, Florida per ITB
19-0035-PR, in the amount of$169,470.40 for lighting the tennis courts at Morningside
Recreation Complex and a change of scope of the Morningside Recreation Center
Project CIP 315-93251 to include the lighting of tennis courts; transfer $131,651.99 from
retained earnings at first quarter and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
7.9 Approve adding three new full-time positions to the Parks and Recreation Department in
order to provide enhanced maintenance for Crest Lake Park, approve a first quarter
budget amendment allocating $172,800.00 from general fund reserves and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.10Approve Supplemental One Work Order to Engineer of Record (EOR) McKim and
Creed, of Clearwater, Florida, in the amount of$68,860 for Lift Station 25 Force Main
(20-0017-UT), increasing the work order from $148,614 to $217,474 and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.11Approve Supplemental One Work Order to Engineer of Record Stantec Consulting
Services, Inc., of Tampa, Florida for Lift Station 16 in the amount of$248,966, increasing
the work order from $198,608 to $447,574 and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. (consent)
7.12Approve Supplemental Work Order 2 to Engineer of Record (EOR) Cardno, Inc. in the
amount of$73,600 to complete Archeological Excavation at the North Greenwood
Cemetery, increasing the work order from $60,846 to $134,446 and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same (consent).
7.13Approve the final plat for the Clearwater Gas Complex, physically located at 777 Maple
Street, located on the Southwest corner of Myrtle Avenue and Maple Street. (consent)
7.14Ratify and confirm Supplemental 3 Work Order to Engineer of Record AECOM, of
Tampa, Florida, for the Sunset Point Road at Betty Lane Utility Relocation Project
(17-0012-UT) in the amount of$32,612, increasing the work order from $85,828 to
$118,440 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
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7.15Approve a Maintenance Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the State of Florida
Department of Transportation for the maintenance of the aesthetic features and
components related to the City of Clearwater identification signage and associated
lighting on the pedestrian bridge crossing US 19 at Ham Boulevard and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.16Authorize equipment leases with Hewlett-Packard Company, of Murray Hill, NJ, for
desktop, laptop, and tablet computers, for the term of January 1, 2021 through July 31,
2021, in an amount not to exceed $280,000 in accordance with City Code of Ordinances
Section 2.564 (1)(d) Other Governmental Entities Bids, and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
7.17Ratify and confirm additional computer leasing obligations and expenditures over the
2017-2020 leasing period; approve an increase to Contract No. 900099 in an amount of
$680,000, for a new total of$2,150,000 to Hewlett-Packard Financial Services
Company, of Murray Hill, NJ, for desktop, laptop, and tablet computers, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.18Request for authority to settle case of City of Clearwater v. Wyllie, et al., Case No.
18-6639-CI. (consent)
Vice Mayor Allbritton moved to approve the Consent Agenda as
submitted and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 PM
8. Administrative Public Hearings
8.1 Accept the 2020 Local Housing Incentive Strategy (LHIS) Report developed by the
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC). (APH)
Florida Statute Section 420.9076 states that counties and cities receiving State
Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program funds are required to appoint an
eleven-member Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC). The statute
further provides that the committee be made up of members from a specific
industry or a specific group as identified in the statute. The requirement was
largely met through the use of the City's existing seven-member Neighborhood
and Affordable Housing Advisory Board (NAHAB). City staff recommended
Council appointment of four additional committee members. The City Council
adopted Resolution No. 20-50 that created and appointed the AHAC.
The duties of the AHAC included reviewing policies and procedures,
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ordinances, land development regulations and the City's adopted
comprehensive plan and recommending specific actions or initiatives to
encourage or facilitate affordable housing.
Per state statute, at a minimum, the AHAC reviewed and made
recommendations on the following:
(a) The processing of approvals of development orders or permits, as
defined in F.S.163.3164 (7) and (8), for affordable housing projects is
expedited to a greater degree than other projects.
(b) The modification of impact-fee requirements, including reduction or
waiver of fees and alternative methods of fee payment for affordable
housing.
(c) The allowance of flexibility in densities for affordable housing.
(d) The reservation of infrastructure capacity or housing for very-low income
persons, low-income persons, and moderate-income persons.
(e) The allowance of affordable accessory residential units in residential
zoning districts.
(f) The reduction of parking and setback requirements for affordable
housing.
(g) The allowance of flexible lot configurations, including zero-lot-line
configurations for affordable housing.
(h) The modification of street requirements for affordable housing.
(i) The establishment of a process by which a local government considers,
before adoption, policies, procedures, ordinances, regulations, or
plan provisions that increase the cost of housing.
Q) The preparation of a printed inventory of locally owned public lands
suitable for affordable housing.
(k) The support of development near transportation hubs and major
employment centers and mixed-use developments.
In September 2020, the Economic Development and Housing Department
contracted with Wade Trim, Inc. to help facilitate AHAC discussions. Wade
Trim coordinated the preparation of the Local Housing Incentive Strategy report
in cooperation with City staff and the AHAC. The LHIS encompasses the
definition, vision, strategic focus areas and incentive recommendations in order
to facilitate the development and preservation of affordable housing in the City of
Clearwater. The AHAC convened on three separate occasions in order to
develop and identify the value of affordable housing, identify the principles for
Clearwater's affordable housing and develop/confirm a vision statement to be
included as part of the LHIS.
The AHAC members focused on the values that affordable housing brings to the
City of Clearwater. The AHAC recommended the continuation, with slight
modifications in some cases, of recommendations made by prior AHAC
committees. The AHAC further recommended City staff continue in its
participation in the development of the Pinellas County Countywide Housing
Strategy. The Committee also recommended staff consider increasing the
amount of the maximum Down Payment Assistance (DPA) loan in its DPA
strategy funded by State and federal money. The committee focused
particularly on three areas aimed at encouraging development of affordable
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housing:
• Recommended enhancement of the City's Affordable Housing webpage
to include informational and educational materials and mentorship
information for developers.
• Recommended strong consideration be given to increasing the
allowability of accessory dwelling units in residential areas during staff's
forthcoming update of the Comprehensive Plan.
• Recommended staff prepare a study to determine the financial, legal,
and administrative feasibility of reducing, refunding, or redefining (by unit
size) the costs of impact fees and/or permitting fees related to the
development of affordable housing.
The LHIS report has been due every three years on December 31 st of the year
preceding the submission of the Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP). The
report must be submitted to the City Council by December 31, 2020. Changes
to Florida Statute now require the AHAC to convene, and the LHIS report to be
updated, annually.
This year's LHIS includes recommendations that were approved by the AHAC
on December 15, 2020. By March 31, 2021, the City Council will be asked to
adopt an amendment to the LHAP to incorporate the strategies it will implement
for the City. The amendment must include, at a minimum, the State required
incentive strategies outlined in the LHIS.
In response to a suggestion, Economic Development and Housing
Assistant Director Chuck Lane said there are many lots in the North
Greenwood neighborhood that are 40 ft. by 90 ft. He said everything east
of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, north of Palmetto Avenue up to Cherry
Harris Park are 40 by 90 lots, which is a challenge for traditional housing.
Councilmember Beckman moved to accept the 2020 Local
Housing Incentive Strategy (LHIS) Report developed by the
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC). The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
8.2 Approve the annexation, initial Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Urban
(RU) and initial Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR)
District for 1266 Sedeeva Circle North and pass Ordinances 9416-21, 9417-21, 9418-21
on first reading.
This voluntary annexation petition involves a 0.16-acre property consisting of
one parcel of land occupied by a single-family dwelling. The property is located
on the north side of Sedeeva Circle North approximately 380 feet west of North
Betty Lane. The applicant is requesting annexation in order to receive sanitary
sewer and solid waste service from the City. The property is located within an
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enclave and is contiguous to existing city boundaries on all sides; therefore, the
annexation will eliminate an enclave. It is proposed that the property be
assigned a Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Urban (RU) and a
Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR).
The Planning and Development Department determined that the proposed
annexation is consistent with the provisions of Community Development Code
Section 4-604.E as follows:
• The property currently receives water service from the City of
Clearwater. The closest sanitary sewer line is located in the adjacent
Sedeeva Circle right-of-way. The applicant has paid the City's sewer
impact and assessment fees and is aware of the additional costs to
extend City sewer service to this property. Collection of solid waste will
be provided by the City of Clearwater. The property is located within
Police District II and service will be administered through the district
headquarters located at 645 Pierce Street. Fire and emergency medical
services will be provided to this property by Station #51 located at 1712
Overbrook Avenue. The City has adequate capacity to serve this
property with sanitary sewer, solid waste, police, fire and EMS service.
The proposed annexation will not have an adverse effect on public
facilities and their levels of service; and
• The proposed annexation is consistent with and promotes the following
objectives and policy of the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan:
Objective A.6.4 Due to the built-out character of the City of
Clearwater, compact urban development within the urban
service area shall be promoted through application of the
Clearwater Community Development Code.
Objective A.7.2 Diversify and expand the City's tax base through
the annexation of a variety of land uses located within the
Clearwater Planning Area.
Policy A.7.2.3 Continue to process voluntary annexations for
single-family residential properties upon request.
• The proposed Residential Urban (RU) Future Land Use Map category is
consistent with the current Countywide Plan designation of the property.
This designation primarily permits residential uses at a density of 7.5
units per acre. The proposed zoning district to be assigned to the
property is the Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) District. The
use of the subject property is consistent with the uses allowed in the
District and the property exceeds the District's minimum dimensional
requirements. The proposed annexation is therefore consistent with the
Countywide Plan and the City's Comprehensive Plan and Community
Development Code; and
• The property proposed for annexation is contiguous to existing city
boundaries on all sides therefore, the annexation is consistent with
Florida Statutes Chapter 171.044.
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Councilmember Bunker moved to approve the annexation, initial
Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Urban (RU) and
initial Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium Density
Residential (LMDR) District for 1266 Sedeeva Circle North. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 9416-21 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance 9416-21 on
first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call,
the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
Ordinance 9417-21 was presented and read by title only. Vice
Mayor Allbritton moved to pass Ordinance 9417-21 on first
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the
vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
Ordinance 9418-21 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Beckman moved to pass Ordinance 9418-21. 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
8.3 Approve the annexation, initial Future Land Use Map designation of US 19 - Regional
Center (US 19-RC) and initial Zoning Atlas designation of US 19 District for a portion of
2970 Gulf to Bay Boulevard, and pass Ordinances 9422-21, 9423-21 and 9424-21 on
first reading. (ANX2020-10012)
This voluntary annexation petition involves 0.067-acres of property consisting of
a portion of one parcel of land occupied by a vacant commercial building. It is
located on the north side of Gulf to Bay Boulevard approximately 280 feet west
of Bayview Boulevard. The applicant is requesting annexation in order to bring
the entire property into the city's jurisdiction which will allow for a unified site
plan. The property is contiguous to existing city limits in all directions. The
annexation of this portion of property will eliminate an enclave. It is proposed
that the portion of property be assigned a Future Land Use Map designation of
US 19 - Regional Center (US 19-RC) and a Zoning Atlas designation of US 19,
consistent with the remainder of the site.
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The Planning and Development Department determined that the proposed
annexation is consistent with the provisions of Clearwater Community
Development Code Section 4-604.E as follows:
• The property currently receives water and sewer service from the City.
Collection of solid waste will be provided to the property by the City. The
property is located within Police District III and service will be
administered through the district headquarters located at 2851 N.
McMullen Booth Road. Fire and emergency medical services will be
provided to this property by Station #49 located at 565 Sky Harbor Drive.
The City has adequate capacity to serve this property with sanitary
sewer, solid waste, police, fire and EMS service. The proposed
annexation will not have an adverse effect on public facilities and their
levels of service; and
• The proposed annexation is consistent with and promotes the following
objectives and policy of the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan:
Objective A.6.4 Due to the built-out character of the City of
Clearwater, compact urban development within the urban
service area shall be promoted through application of the
Clearwater Community Development Code.
Objective A.7.2 Diversify and expand the City's tax base through
the annexation of a variety of land uses located within the
Clearwater Planning Area.
Policy A.7.2.5 Unincorporated property within the Clearwater
Planning Area located within the US 19 Corridor redevelopment
area shall be designated through an amendment to the Future
Land Use Map with the appropriate future land use category upon
annexation, consistent with the US 19 Regional Center, US 19
Neighborhood Center and US 19 Corridor future boundaries
depicted on Map A-17.
• The proposed US 19 - Regional Center (US 19-RC) Future Land Use
Map category to be assigned to the portion of property is consistent with
the Countywide Plan designation. The US 19 - Regional Center (US 19
-RC) category primarily permits a mix of uses at a floor area ratio (FAR)
of 2.5. The proposed zoning district to be applied to the portion of
property is the US 19 District. The proposed use of the subject property
as part of a larger commercial development is consistent with the uses
allowed in the District. The proposed annexation is therefore consistent
with the City's Comprehensive Plan, the Countywide Plan Map and
Community Development Code; and
• The property proposed for annexation is contiguous to existing city limits
in all directions. Therefore, the annexation is consistent with Florida
Statutes Chapter 171.044.
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In response to a question, Planning and Development Director Gina
Clayton said the existing building is being renovated for a Dunkin Donuts
and two other uses. Parking will be located in the back.
Councilmember Bunker moved to approve the annexation, initial
Future Land Use Map designation of US 19 - Regional Center (US
19-RC) and initial Zoning Atlas designation of US 19 District for a
portion of 2970 Gulf to Bay Boulevard. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 9422-21 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance 9422-21 on
first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call,
the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
Ordinance 9423-21 was presented and read by title only. Vice
Mayor Allbritton moved to pass Ordinance 9423-21 on first
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the
vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
Ordinance 9424-21 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Beckman moved to pass Ordinance 9424-21 on
first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call,
the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Hamilton, Vice Mayor Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
9. City Manager Reports
9.1 Confirm COVID-19 Emergency Proclamation and adopt Resolution 20-63.
Councilmember Bunker moved to confirm COVID-19 Emergency
Proclamation. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Resolution 20-63 was presented and read by title only.
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Councilmember Hamilton moved to adopt Resolution 20-63. 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 Accept a 10-foot utility easement from 1990 N. McMullen Booth Road, LLC for the
construction, installation and maintenance of city utility facilities on real property located at
3055 Union St. and adopt Resolution 20-59.
The Utility Easement will allow the City rights for construction, installation and
maintenance of utility facilities on the commercial site where a memory care
facility has been constructed.
The City Engineering Department recommends acceptance of the easement.
Vice Mayor Allbritton moved to accept a 10-foot utility easement
from 1990 N. McMullen Booth Road, LLC for the construction,
installation and maintenance of city utility facilities on real
property located at 3055 Union St. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
Resolution 20-59 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Beckman moved to adopt Resolution 20-59. 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 Approve the 2021 State Legislative Agenda.
Each year, the City submits a list of legislative priorities for consideration by the
state legislature during their annual 60-day session in Tallahassee. The City's
legislative liaison works closely with city staff and the City's lobbying team in
Tallahassee to draft a package that is beneficial to Clearwater, and to lobby that
package locally and in Tallahassee. Preparation of the package involves
determining areas of need, researching funding availability, identifying needed
legislation, monitoring and evaluating current legislative issues.
The City Clerk said, per council direction at the work session, the
following items were added to the legislative agenda: provide an
additional exemption that restricts the licensed carry of concealed
weapons or firearms for ticketed concert events on public property, provide
intergovernmental coordination that supports sustainability and resiliency
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efforts at the county and municipal levels, expand Medicaid eligibility
requirements to include households incomes up to 138 percent of the
federal poverty level, and appropriations requests for Imagine Clearwater
and North Ward Elementary.
In response to a question, the City Clerk said the proposed appropriation
amounts are aggressive but staff understands that the requests may
require several funding cycles. She said the City's lobbyists will begin
identifying non-recurring funding opportunities that are suited for the
appropriation requests. She said the legislative agenda includes a
statement that the City supports the Florida League of Cities'legislative
priorities, not all of the priorities are listed on the city's legislative agenda
as there may be issues that do not align with the City's priorities.
Comments were made that Council received several emails regarding the
priorities and approval of the legislative agenda be continued to next
meeting.
An eComment supporting affordable housing as a priority, which was
read into the record by the City Clerk (see page 20).
Vice Mayor Allbritton moved to continue Item 9.3 to January 21,
2021. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
9.4 Authorize the issuance of the waterfront bluff properties request for proposals.
The City of Clearwater, along with the Clearwater Community Redevelopment
Agency (CRA), are seeking requests for proposals from interested investors to
help redevelop three sites in Downtown Clearwater. The City and CRA are
seeking proposals for mixed-use development in order to bring more activity
and economic regeneration to Downtown Clearwater. Ultimately, the City and
CRA will be selecting qualified candidates to redevelop these sites. All three
sites have waterfront views and close proximity to Downtown amenities. The
first location, the Harborview Site, is about 1.43 acres and is located at the north
east corner of Osceola Avenue and Cleveland Street. This site will have the
highest priority due to its location on a major commercial corridor and at the
entrance of the redevelopment and the now under construction Coachman
Park. The second location, the former City Hall Site, is about 2.60 acres and is
located at 112 South Osceola Avenue, which is at the northwest corner of
Osceola Avenue and Pierce Street. The City and CRA are exploring options for
a cultural attraction along with additional options for redevelopment on
remaining portions of the parcel. The third and final location is the Pierce Street
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Site, also referred to as the former CMA lot, located on the southwest corner of
Osceola Avenue and Pierce Street, directly south of the City Hall Site. This site
is a 1.23-acre vacant parcel also contemplated for single or mixed-use
redevelopment.
Assistant City Manager Michael Delk reviewed the changes directed at
the work session: included a statement that the bluff sites are located
outside of the FEMA flood hazard risk areas, language regarding the city
hall site has been amended to reflect that Council has not given direction to
raze city hall and that staff is investigating the demolition of city hall,
amended the target referendum date to later than March 2022, included
reference that the City desires waterfront restaurants overlooking the park
area, added requirement for public access from the Harborview site to the
park, added language requiring public access from the city hall site to the
park, added a strong preference to improve pedestrian access from
Osceola Avenue to the park, added language that the City is open to the
joint development of the city hall site and Pierce Street, to include the
realignment of Pierce Street, and eliminated hotels from the list of items
the City would not incent for projects along the bluff. He said he is working
with Purchasing staff to ensure the RFP submission requirements and
advertisements adhere to city ordinance. Mr. Delk provided copies of
the revised evaluation criteria and said the percentage points for the
sustainability criteria were increased.
In response to questions, the City Attorney said it is a best practice if
councilmembers do not meet with anyone who will be submitting a bid once
the RFP has been released. In addition, when questions come to staff
and Purchasing, the answers are posted for all to view.
Discussion ensued regarding the potential land swap for the CMA site
with comments made that the reference to the land swap should be
eliminated from the RFP, that developers will propose to build green in
exchange for incentives, and that incentives should be provided for
buildings that exceed Silver LEED standards.
One individual supported a land swap with the Church of Scientology for
the CMA site and supported eliminating the land swap reference from the
RFP.
One individual submitted an eComment supporting increasing the
sustainability evaluation criteria, which was read into the record by the
City Clerk (see page 21).
Four individuals submitted eComments supporting requiring Greenprint
Page 15
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020
initiatives in all proposals, which were read into the records by the City
Clerk (see pages 20-22).
One individual submitted an eComment opposing Item 9.4, which was
read into the record by the City Clerk (see page 21).
In response to a suggestion, the City Attorney said if LEED certification is
not required, it may be difficult to determine if the proposal meets the
requirements. Many of the City's building code standards are based on
the basic LEED requirements. Discussion ensued with council
consensus to require proposals meet LEED silver standards, or other
equivalent, at minimum, with bonus points for responses that exceed
Silver threshold requirements.
Mr. Delk said the point system can be expanded to incentivize
sustainability initiatives. Instead of selecting a specific LEED certification,
include language that the incentive points will be heavily weighted for
LEED certification. He anticipates responses will include those initiatives.
He said the increased evaluation criteria will establish the expectation.
There was council consensus to eliminate any reference of land swap
opportunities from the RFP.
Councilmember Beckman moved to require that the proposed
language for RFP submissions must include design and
construction that meets LEED silver level of certification or
equivalent. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Councilmember Hamilton moved to delete all references to the
land swap from the RFP and, as of 8:45 p.m. today, the option of
entertaining a land swap will not take place until the RFP process
has taken its course. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Vice Mayor Allbritton moved to approve Item 9.4, as amended.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
The City Manager said this is the last meeting of the year, culminating
which has been a very challenging year. He thanked Council for their
support needed to get through this pandemic.
Page 16
City of Clearwater
City Council
10. City Attorney Reports — None.
Meeting Minutes December 17, 2020
11. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes)
Vice Mayor Allbritton said it has been a trying year for everybody. He said
he enjoyed representing the citizens of Clearwater this year and he looks
forward to next year being a better year. He wished all a Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year.
Councilmember Beckman wished all a Happy Holidays and said it has been
a pleasure to serve as a Councilmember. She said she hoped everyone
stayed safe and enjoys time with their loved ones, even if it is over Zoom.
Councilmember Hamilton said he doesn't think 2021 can throw us a
curveball we can't hit. He is looking forward to bigger and better things for
our community and he hopes everyone stays safe. He said if you don't feel
comfortable doing something, don't do it, and encouraged all to visit small
businesses.
Councilmember Bunker wished all a Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year. He said he looks forward to the coming year and getting out and
meeting people in person. He said to be safe, careful, wear a mask had
have a great holiday season.
12. Closing Comments by Mayor
Mayor Hibbard reviewed recent and upcoming events. He thanked city
employees, first responders and hospital personnel for their efforts
throughout the year and offered his condolences to Vice Mayor Allbritton and
his family for the passing of his mother, Margaret Allbritton.
13. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m.
Mayor
Attest .;, ;; City of Clearwater
City Clerk
City of Clearwater
Page 17
City Council on 2020-12-17 6:00 PM
Meeting Time: 12-17-20 18:00
eComments Report
City Council on 2020-12-17 6:00 PM 12-17-20 44 8 2 2 1
18:00
Sentiments for All Meetings
The following graphs display sentiments for comments that have location data. Only locations of users who have commented
will be shown.
Overall Sentiment
• Suppoql25,,)
• Oppose(25%.,
• Neutral( t
No Responso37%j
' City Council on 2020-12-17 6:00 PM
12-17-20 18:00
6. Citizens to be heard re items not on the agenda 1 0
9.3 ID#20-8532 Approve the 2021 State Legislative Agenda. 1 1
9.4 ID#20-8581 Authorize the issuance of the waterfront bluff properties 6 1
request for proposals.
0
0
2
0
0
1
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
tir
Overall Sentiment
• St,ppon25-,0
• Opposo(2S ..
111
Noutra�rt2°6�
Nc Response.'3?°-,.i
▪ Support 0u;,)
• OppoW0°.- )
111 Ne6trab:0%)
Nc Responsoi 1009:,1
Ivana Kajtezovi_
Location:
Submitted At: 9:36am 12-16-20
Hello, I live on Johns Parkway in Clearwater. Two months ago, I emailed the City Council and the Mayor's office
and have submitted an inquiry through Accela. I have not heard back from anyone in the government, other than
an acknowledgment that my submission has been received. Our road is perpendicular to the Bayshore Blvd. and
McMullen Booth Road. There are so many issues with our street, but mostly, the asphalt has reached the end of
its useful life. As you can see from the picture, there are gigantic pothole (still there as I type this, only bigger than
this picture), as well as various chunks breaking off, mud sliding down the street with every rain, and each time it
rains, there are new holes popping up. I only submit one photo as the website won't allow for multiple photos, but
this is what the ENTIRE street looks like. To make matters worse, the street is very, very narrow (people think it is
a one way street). During rush hour, cars cut through our street to avoid being stuck on McMullen Booth Road.
They speed down the street despite the 25 mph limit, and each time they hit a pothole, those of us who are
' walking our dogs get a nasty shower. Can someone PLEASE address this? It has been two months and no one
has done anything and I don't know whom to turn to. We pay our taxes and we deserve to be treated better by our
city government. Please address this. I will plan to attend the next City Council meeting. Thank you, lvana K.
3128 Johns Parkway, Clearwter 33759
Agenda Item: eComments for 9.3 ID#20-8532 Approve the 202'
Overall Sentiment
▪ Suppo t) 100%)
• Opposo(0%)
▪ Neutral(0%)
No Responso(0 b)
Amy Gretsch
Location:
Submitted At: 2:33pm 12-16-20
I am so glad to see Clearwater city staff prioritizing affordable housing. I certainly hope that the council concurs. I
also support the opposition of legislation that would erode local self-government (Home Rule). It is so important
for Clearwater to retain this right that the citizens of Florida voted on 53 years ago. I would like to see the council
consider a few other priorities be added to this list. One is the help those most vulnerable by expanding Medicaid
in Florida. The second is to incentivize clean energy in all areas of the city's business - short and long term.
That's a priority that will pay off in the long and short term.
Overall Sentiment
• Suppon)16%)
▪ Opposo(33%)
▪ No tral) l6%1
No Rasponse)33%)
Barbara Fisher
Location:
Submitted At: 8:10pm 12-16-20
I understand that when you evaluate subsequent proposals, you will not require substantial environmental action
on the part of the builder: Five "bonus points" out of a 200+ evaluation is nothing. The City needs to be clear that
environmental consideration must be embedded in development. The former city hall property and adjoining
property can certainly be granted fewer design restraints on size, etc. but good environmental protections should
be baked into the requirements, not treated as a niceties. I would go so far as to hold off on putting the
Harborview tract out for proposals until we are assured that developers are serious about environmental
protections and ameliorations. The vista is beautiful now and speaks well of our city's appreciation for the
waterfront.
Jana Wiggins
Location:
Submitted At: 5:37pm 12-16-20
The reason for the opposition is the lack of mandatory requirements for the construction to meet green and
sustainable building requirements. It's time we stop lagging other cities close and far from us in requiring this in
our city -owned building and renovation specifications. Following our Greenprint and other goals these
requirements should not be bonus points but mandatory. We need this to be our best practices for our economy,
health, and environment. You can see this Dunedin's code/language.
https://library.municode.com/ fl/dunedin/ordinances/code_of ordinances?nodeld=979940 There are other cities
that have this but Dunedin is the closest to us. Thank you for your consideration.
Elizabeth Davis
Location:
Submitted At: 4:18pm 12-16-20
To the Mayor and Council:
As you confirm your plan for the three new sites near the bluff, please insure a balanced "Triple bottom line",
1.) economic prosperity,
2.) environmental quality,
3.) community quality life,
not just a singular priority of economic prosperity. Change to balance the expectations of Greenprint. Even in
2009, you invested in energy improvements that saved the city $9 million dollars. Often, as I am sure you know,
you have to spend money to make money. Invest to save and reinvest the savings. Renewable energy on every
new building should be the expectation.
Community education on Greenprint should begin with leadership from the Council. "Benefits of a green building
last 80 years". That is from the December 2011 Greenprint. That math is probably more improved in this year of
2020.
Awareness, Inspiration, Action, Benefits- the well written and approved Greenprint plan. Now it is time to act. "
One day you finally knew what you had to do... and began" Mary Oliver quote from the Greenprint plan of
Clearwater.
It need not be more work, but to look around and embrace some of the standards from our neighbor city of
Dunedin. Standards of building green are already profiled and ready to tweak to your needs. Every new building,
city and otherwise, apartments, hotels, and housing developments of all kinds, would expect renewable energy.
They can opt to fund renewables on our property, cover our playgrounds with solar panels, plant trees, but expect
something from everyone. The long term profits they will enjoy deserve an investment for every resident of
Clearwater.
Here are the details from Greenprint for you to lead:
Reduce the energy demand of existing private buildings through energy efficiency upgrades.
Decrease energy demand of existing city buildings and operations.
Replace conventional sources of energy with renewable sources.
Increase the resource and energy efficiency of new public and private buildings.
Once again, I look forward to the time you will invest educating each other and city staff to review and execute the
Greenprint Plan of Clearwater.
Laura Black
Location:
Submitted At: 2:51pm 12-16-20
Back in 2011, Clearwater developed a framework called Greenprint that contained strategies to create a
sustainable community. Greenprint sought a "competitive, vibrant, green future". The Greenprint report stated that
"the city will lead by example by building all new municipal facilities to a nationally recognized high-level
performance standard such as LEED".
This RFP for the development of three prime city -owned sites currently assigns a measly 5 bonus points for
meeting green building standards. This should be a requirement for building on city -owned property, not just an
insignificant bonus. This is a good opportunity to show the Clearwater community that you still stand behind the
sustainability goals you set forth almost a decade ago.
Amy Gretsch
Location:
Submitted At: 2:47pm 12-16-20
I would support RFPs that require a minimum standard for sustainability and green building standards. This is
something our neighbors in Dunedin have been doing for almost 10 years. Clearwater has a lot of catching up to
do in this realm and it can't be put off any longer. Not only does green building pay off in terms of lower energy
costs, water consumption and CO2 emissions, but it would provide additional publicity for the Imagine Clearwater
project. Imagine a greener and more sustainable Clearwater. Not only residents, but also tourists, care about net
zero developing. It is imperative that new building construction be certified by Florida Green Building Coalition or
equivalent organization. We must increase our green space. As a former economist, I'm not alone in knowing that
it pays off in economic terms. Finally, this is a crucial step to stem the tide of climate change and ensure that
Clearwater exists for future generations to enjoy.
Glenna Wentworth
Location:
Submitted At: 2:08pm 12-16-20
Mayor Hibbard and City Councilmembers,
New construction on the 3 bluff properties is an opportunity to showcase Clearwater as a green, sustainable city
that attracts eco -tourism. The proposed RFPs offering only 5 bonus points for nonspecific environmental
standards are not sufficient to accomplish this. The proposed RFPs are also not in keeping with our city's
sustainability plan, Greenprint, that calls for a commitment to green buildings and green jobs. Greenprint spells
out specific national building standards such as LEED that are best practice for our economy, our health and our
environment, yet these standards are not included in the proposed RFPs. Other cities in Florida such as Dunedin
and Orlando have city policies requiring green building certification standards in new construction. Please
consider including specific green building standards in these RFPS rather than just as bonus points. Thank you!
Glenna Wentworth, 2227 Harn Blvd, Clearwater
CaII, Rosemarie
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Deb Larkin <djlarkin210@aol.com>
Wednesday, December 16, 2020 11:34 AM
ClearwaterCouncil
council meeting
Go_Green.docx
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Clearwater. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
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Good morning,
Please read my attached comments at the council meeting tomorrow.
Thank you,
Deb Larkin
December 16, 2020
Dear Mayor Hibbard and council members,
Don't you just love where you live? Live where you love? I do. And I also like our city's name,
Clearwater. Let's work to keep it clear and clean by going green. Our neighboring city Dunedin has
already adopted Green building certification in September 2019. I would like Clearwater to adopt a
similar certification, requiring green building standards on city owned properties.
As I'm sure you are all aware, our stormwater infrastructure has been deteriorating due to age and
volume and is maxed out. We are seeing more stormwater infrastructure failures every month. Green
building certification will minimize the strain on Clearwater stormwater by decreasing water run off to
storm sewers. Also, Green building will produce less pollution and waste.
Let's not forget to mention economic reasons to go Green. Tax deductions, incentives, tax credits or
rebates for specific construction and renovation projects. With the economic savings we can bolster up
our failing infrastructure.
Environmentally going Green protects our ecosystem, improves water and air quality and contributes
substantially to a better overall quality of life. In other words, the general health of our residents will
improve.
Go green is good for our city, good for our people, good for our parks and good for any future endeavor.
Our city slogan "it starts in parks" is really true. Saving land from development is just one part of going
green. Creating buildings or renovating buildings using, green building standards, or LEED APS
[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professionals] is the other.
Please take the time to consider the above and I thank you for this consideration.
Deb Larkin