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09/20/2007 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CITY OF CLEARWATER September 20, 2007 Present: Frank Hibbard Mayor John Doran Vice-Mayor Carlen Petersen Councilmember George N. Cretekos Councilmember Paul Gibson Councilmember Also present: William B. Horne II City Manager Joe Roseto Interim Assistant City Manager Rod Irwin Assistant City Manager Pamela K. Akin City Attorney Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk Brenda Moses Board Reporter The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. The invocation was offered by Reverend Glad McCurtain from St. John's Episcopal Church. The Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order . 4. Presentations 4.1 Pinellas County Historic Preservation Task Force - Commissioner Karen Seel County Commissioner Karen Seel reviewed and requested feedback on the Pinellas County Historic Preservation Plan developed by the Pinellas County Historic Preservation Task Force. 4.2 Proclamation: Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15 - October 15, 2007. 4.3 Proclamation: The Big Read - National Endowment for the Arts: October 2007. 5. Approval of Minutes 5.1 Approve the minutes of the September 6, 2007 City Council Meeting as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk. Councilmember Petersen moved to approve the regular minutes of September 6, 2007 motion City Council meeting as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk. The was duly carried seconded and unanimously. 6. Citizens to be Heard re Items Not on the Agenda Steve Sarnoff, CWA President thanked the Interim Human Resources Director for rapid turnaround of health insurance RFPs (Request for Proposals); expressed concern with rising premiums; encouraged accessing www.healthcarevoices.org for information on current healthcare issues. Council 2007-09-20 1 Bill Jonson supported the use of CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) funds for façade renovations of the old telephone building. Stewart Israel (known as Greg Pound) expressed concern regarding an incident at Eddie C. Moore Park; requested that the individual who twisted his arm be charged with battery. Joe Evich, Coalition of Homeowners Association President, said the association will host a workshop at the Long Center next year regarding property rental and foreclosure issues. Ric Ortega, Neighborhoods Coalition, said the 2008 Living Green Expo at Harborview Center will be held May 10-11, 2008; information available at www.pinellaslivinggreenexpo.com. Eva Kunowska read an excerpt from the St. Petersburg Times re Councilmember Gibson; expressed concern regarding the Beach Visitor Center. Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 PM 7. Administrative Public Hearings 7.1 Set the FY 2007/08 Millage Rate, approve the FY 2007/08 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets and adopt Ordinances 7865-07, 7866-07 and 7867-07 on second reading. The Budget Task Force was thanked for their hard work. One person spoke in opposition to the budget; one person requested the Council continue the stormwater rate study. Councilmember Cretekos moved to approve setting the FY 2007/08 Millage Rate, motion approve the FY 2007/08 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets. The was duly carried seconded and unanimously. Ordinance 7865-07 was presented for first reading and read in full. Councilmember Gibson moved to pass Ordinance 7865-07 on second reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call was: “Ayes”: Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. “Nays”: None. Ordinance 7866-07 was presented for first reading and read in full. Councilmember Petersen moved to pass Ordinance 7866-07 on second reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call was: “Ayes”: Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. “Nays”: None. Council 2007-09-20 2 Ordinance 7867-07 was presented for first reading and read in full. Councilmember Doran moved to pass Ordinance 7867-07 on second reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call was: “Ayes”: Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. “Nays”: None. 7.2 Approve the Annexation, Initial Land Use Plan Designation of Residential Low (RL) and Initial Zoning Atlas Designation of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) District consisting of a portion of 2949 Sunset Point Road (consisting of a portion of metes and bounds 14/154 in Section 5- 29-16); and Pass Ordinances 7856-07, 7857-07, and 7858-07 on first reading. (ANX2007-07016) This voluntary annexation petition involves a 0.16-acre property consisting of a portion of one parcel of land occupied by a single-family dwelling. It is located on the south side of Sunset Point Road, approximately 520 feet west of the intersection of Sunset Point Road and Abbey Lake Road. The applicants are requesting this annexation in order to bring all of their property, identified as 2949 Sunset Point Road, into the City. The property is located within an enclave. It is proposed that the property be assigned a Future Land Use Plan designation of Residential Low (RL) and a zoning category of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR). The Planning Department determined the proposed annexation is consistent with the provisions of Community Development Code Section 4-604.E and Pinellas County Ordinance 00-63 as follows: The subject property is served by City of Clearwater sanitary sewer service and water. Collection of solid waste is already provided by the City. The property is located within Police District III and service will be administered through the station located at 2851 N. McMullen-Booth Road. Fire and emergency medical services will be provided to this property by Station 50 located at 2681 Countryside Boulevard. 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. The proposed annexation is consistent with and promotes the following objective of the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan: Objective 2.4: Compact urban development within the urban service area shall be promoted through application of the Clearwater Development Code. The proposed RL Future Land Use Plan category is consistent with the current Countywide Plan designation of this 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 as it is part of a larger parcel adjacent to the west. The proposed annexation is therefore consistent with the Countywide Plan, City’s Comprehensive Plan and Community Development Code. The property proposed for annexation is located within an enclave and is within the City’s urban service area; therefore the annexation is consistent with Section 6(1)(b) of Pinellas County Ordinance 00-63 which governs annexation and meets the applicable requirements of Florida Statutes 171. The Pinellas Planning Council (PPC) staff has reviewed this annexation and no objections were raised. Councilmember Cretekos moved to approve the Annexation, Initial Land Use Plan Designation of Residential Low (RL) and Initial Zoning Atlas Designation of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) District consisting of a portion of 2949 Sunset Point Road Council 2007-09-20 3 motion (consisting of a portion of metes and bounds 14/154 in Section 5-29-16. The was duly carried seconded and unanimously. Ordinance 7856-07 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Councilmember Gibson moved to pass Ordinance 7856-07 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call was: “Ayes”: Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. “Nays”: None. Ordinance 7857-07 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Councilmember Petersen moved to pass Ordinance 7857-07 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call was: “Ayes”: Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. “Nays”: None. Ordinance 7858-07 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Councilmember Doran moved to pass Ordinance 7858-07 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call was: “Ayes”: Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. “Nays”: None. 7.3 Approve the Annexation, Initial Land Use Plan Designation of Residential Low (RL) and Initial Zoning Atlas Designation of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) District for 2951 Sunset Point Road (consisting of a portion of metes and bounds 14/154 in Section 5-29-16); and Pass Ordinances 7859-07, 7860-07, and 7861-07 on first reading. (ANX2007-07017) This voluntary annexation petition involves a 0.96-acre property consisting of one parcel of land occupied by a single-family dwelling. It is located on the south side of Sunset Point Road, approximately 325 feet west of the intersection of Sunset Point Road and Abbey Lake Road. The applicants are requesting this annexation in order to receive City sanitary sewer and solid waste. The property is located within an enclave. It is proposed that the property be assigned a Future Land Use Plan designation of Residential Low (RL) and a zoning category of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR). The Planning Department determined that the proposed annexation is consistent with the provisions of Community Development Code Section 4-604.E and Pinellas County Ordinance 00-63 as follows: The subject property is seeking City of Clearwater sanitary sewer service and solid waste. The property already has a City water account. The property is located within Police District III and service will be administered through the station located at 2851 N. McMullen-Booth Road. Fire and emergency medical services will be provided to this property by Station 50 located at 2681 Countryside Boulevard. The City has adequate capacity to serve this property with sanitary sewer, solid waste, police, fire and EMS service. The property owner is aware of the need to make payment of sewer impact and assessment fees to the City. The proposed annexation will not have an adverse effect on public facilities and their levels of service. The proposed annexation is consistent with and promotes the following Council 2007-09-20 4 objective of the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan: Objective 2.4: Compact urban development within the urban service area shall be promoted through application of the Clearwater Development Code. The proposed RL Future Land Use Plan category is consistent with the current Countywide Plan designation of this 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 lot size and width dimensional requirements. The proposed annexation is therefore consistent with the Countywide Plan, City’s Comprehensive Plan and Community Development Code. The property proposed for annexation is located within an enclave, is contiguous, and is within the City’s urban service area; therefore the annexation is consistent with Section 6(1)(b) of Pinellas County Ordinance 00-63 which governs annexation and meets the applicable requirements of Florida Statutes 171. The annexation of this property reduces the enclave. There are pending annexation petitions for small parcels abutting this property (ANX2007-07016 and ANX2007-08020). Upon annexation of the small parcels, the enclave will be eliminated. The Pinellas Planning Council (PPC) staff has reviewed this annexation and no objections were raised. Councilmember Cretekos moved to approve the Annexation, Initial Land Use Plan Designation of Residential Low (RL) and Initial Zoning Atlas Designation of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) District for 2951 Sunset Point Road (consisting of a portion of motion carried metes and bounds 14/154 in Section 5-29-16. The was duly seconded and unanimously. Ordinance 7859-07 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Councilmember Gibson moved to pass Ordinance 7859-07 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call was: “Ayes”: Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. “Nays”: None. Ordinance 7860-07 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Councilmember Petersen moved to pass Ordinance 7860-07 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call was: “Ayes”: Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. “Nays”: None. Council 2007-09-20 5 Ordinance 7861-07 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Councilmember Doran moved to pass Ordinance 7861-07 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call was: “Ayes”: Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. “Nays”: None. 7.4 Approve the Annexation, Initial Land Use Plan Designation of Residential Low (RL) and Initial Zoning Atlas Designation of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) District for 2790 Morningside Drive (Lot 10, Winwood); and Pass Ordinances 7862-07, 7863-07 and 7864-07 on first reading. (ANX2007-07018) This voluntary annexation petition involves a 0.14-acre property consisting of one parcel of land occupied by a single-family dwelling. It is located on the north side of Morningside Drive approximately 60 feet east of Winwood Drive. The property is within an enclave but is not contiguous to existing City boundaries. It is proposed that the property be assigned a Future Land Use Plan designation of Residential Low (RL) and a zoning category of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR). The Planning Department determined that the proposed annexation is consistent with the provisions of Community Development Code Section 4-604.E and Pinellas County Ordinance 00-63 as follows: On October 23, 1995, an Agreement to Annex was entered into between the City and Tampa Bay Developers, Inc. City records indicate that this property receives City sewer and solid waste service. A sewer impact fee was paid in February 1997. The property is served by County water. The property is located within Police District III and service will be administered through the district headquarters located at 2851 North McMullen- Booth Road. Fire and emergency medical services will be provided to this property by Station 48 located at 1700 North Belcher Road. The City has adequate capacity to serve this property with police, fire and EMS service. The proposed annexation will not have an adverse effect on public facilities and their levels of service. The proposed annexation is consistent with and promotes the following objective of the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan: Objective 2.4: Compact urban development within the urban service area shall be promoted through application of the Clearwater Community Development Code. The proposed RL Future Land Use Plan category is consistent with the current Countywide Plan designation of this 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, City’s Comprehensive Plan and Community Development Code. The property proposed for annexation is located within an enclave, is not contiguous to existing municipal boundaries but is within the City’s urban service area; therefore the annexation is consistent with Section 6(1)(b) of Pinellas County Ordinance 00-63 which governs annexation and meets the applicable requirements of Florida Statutes 171. The Pinellas Planning Council (PPC) staff has reviewed this annexation and no objections were raised. Council 2007-09-20 6 Councilmember Cretekos moved to approve the Annexation, Initial Land Use Plan Designation of Residential Low (RL) and Initial Zoning Atlas Designation of Low Medium motion Density Residential (LMDR) District for 2790 Morningside Drive (Lot 10, Winwood). The carried was duly seconded and unanimously. Ordinance 7862-07 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Councilmember Gibson moved to pass Ordinance 7862-07 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call was: “Ayes”: Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. “Nays”: None. Ordinance 7863-07 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Councilmember Petersen moved to pass Ordinance 7863-07 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call was: “Ayes”: Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. “Nays”: None. Ordinance 7864-07 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Councilmember Doran moved to pass Ordinance 7864-07 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call was: “Ayes”: Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. “Nays”: None. 8. Quasi-judicial Public Hearings 8.1 Approve a Future Land Use Plan Amendment from the Institutional (I) Classification to the Residential Urban (RU) Classification and a Zoning Atlas Amendment from the Institutional (I) District to the Medium Density Residential (MDR) District for property located at 1520 S. Prospect Avenue (consisting of Lots Eleven and Twelve, Block C, Second addition to Belmont Subdivision); and Pass Ordinances 7852-07 and 7853-07 on first reading. (LUZ2007-06003) This Future Land Use Plan (FLUP) amendment and rezoning application involves property comprising approximately 0.123 acre in area located on the west side of South Prospect Avenue, approximately 300 feet south of the intersection of Woodlawn Street and South Prospect Avenue. This property has a FLUP classification of Institutional (I) and a zoning designation of Institutional (I). The applicant is requesting to amend the FLUP designation of the site to the Residential Urban (RU) classification and to rezone the property to the Medium Density Residential (MDR) District in order to reestablish the use of the property for residential purposes. There is an existing single family dwelling on the lot. The Planning Department determined that the proposed future land use plan amendment and rezoning amendment, as recommended, are consistent with the following standards specified in the Community Development Code: The proposed land use plan amendment and rezoning application are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The Council 2007-09-20 7 proposed use is compatible with the surrounding area. Sufficient public facilities are available to serve the property. The applications will not have an adverse impact on the natural environment. In accordance with the Countywide Plan Rules, the land use plan amendment is subject to the approval of the Pinellas Planning Council and the Board of County Commissioners acting as the Countywide Planning Authority. The application is a small-scale amendment and review and approval by the Florida Department of Community Affairs is not required. The Community Development Board reviewed these applications at its public hearing on August 21, 2007 and unanimously recommended approval. Councilmember Cretekos moved to approve a Future Land Use Plan Amendment from the Institutional (I) Classification to the Residential Urban (RU) Classification and a Zoning Atlas Amendment from the Institutional (I) District to the Medium Density Residential (MDR) District for property located at 1520 S. Prospect Avenue (consisting of Lots Eleven and Twelve, Block motioncarried C, Second addition to Belmont Subdivision. The was duly seconded and unanimously. Ordinance 7852-07 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Councilmember Gibson moved to pass Ordinance 7852-07 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call was: “Ayes”: Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. “Nays”: None. Ordinance 7853-07 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Councilmember Petersen moved to pass Ordinance 7853-07 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call was: “Ayes”: Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. “Nays”: None. City Manager Reports 9. Consent Agenda – Approved as submitted. 9.1 Approve the 2007 Emergency Medical Services ALS First Responder Agreement between Pinellas County and City of Clearwater and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 9.2 Approve amendments to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) with a zero net budget change to restructure current Water and Sewer Utility Fund revenue bond projects as advance preparation for postponing until FY2009 the planned FY2008 bond issuance. (consent) 9.3 Approve payment of insurance premiums for insurance policies for an amount not to exceed $625,000, with policy effective dates beginning during the time period October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2008. (consent) 9.4 Declare the list of vehicles and equipment surplus to the needs of the City and authorize disposal through sale to the highest bidder at the Tampa Machinery Auction, Tampa, Florida, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) Council 2007-09-20 8 9.5 Request authorization in amount not to exceed $500,000, to pay Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc., for workers’ compensation claims due and payable for the period October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2008, and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. (consent) 9.6 Approve a change to the City Council’s Budget Policy “Central Insurance Reserve Policy” as recommended by staff. (consent) 9.7 Approve FY 07/08 Blanket Purchase Orders for: Baker & Taylor - $262,500; Ingram Library Services - $155,000; and Ebsco Subscription Services - $100,000. (consent) 9.8 Approve Department of Environmental (DEP) Agreement: LE644 for CVA 07-488 for Clean Vessel Act Grant Program funding to replace the existing pump out system at the Municipal Marina and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 9.9 Approve a one-year funding agreement, in the amount of $150,000 between Jolley Trolley Transportation of Clearwater, Inc. and the City of Clearwater for the operation of transportation and trolley service on Clearwater Beach, Island Estates and Sand Key and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 9.10 Award a blanket purchase order contract to CBS Radio of St. Petersburg, Florida, in the amount of $300,000, for the purpose of reimbursing net proceeds, if any, from special events co-sponsored by CBS Radio and the City of Clearwater and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 9.11 Approve a Council policy to allow 12 and 13 year olds to use City recreation center fitness areas under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian or designated responsible adult. (consent) 9.12 Approve a five-year contract with IKON Financial Services for high-speed copier lease and maintenance for a monthly total of $2082.38 plus overages as allowed by contract in accordance with Miami-Dade County Public Schools Bid 128-FF11. (consent) 9.13 Approve Work Order Amendment 3 in the amount of $84,902.97 to Wade-Trim, Inc., an Engineer of Record, for engineering design and construction administration services for the Druid Trial and Beach Connector Trail (Project number 04-0021-PR) and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 9.14 Award contract to TLC Diversified, Inc. of Palmetto, FL, in the amount of $2,025,994.50 for Pump Station 16 Relocation (02-0002-UT), which is the lowest responsible bid received in accordance with the plans and specifications and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 9.15 Approve a work order to McKim and Creed, P.A., in the amount of $893,925 for professional engineering services related to the Water Treatment Plants 1 and 3 Wellfield Expansion Project – Phase 2 - (07-0037-UT), and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. (consent) 9.16 Approve renewing an Interlocal Agreement for Planning Services with the Pinellas Planning Council from September 30, 2007 to October 1, 2010. (consent) Council 2007-09-20 9 9.17 Authorize instituting a civil action against Line Corp., to recover $5,861.70 for damage to City property. (consent) 9.18 Authorize instituting a civil action against McGeehan Construction, Inc., to recover $5,102.26 for damage to City property. (consent) 9.19 Authorize instituting a civil action against Metron Construction Company to recover $406.63 for damage to City property. (consent) 9.20 Authorize instituting a civil action against R. J. Kielty Plumbing, Inc., to recover $210.75 for damage to City property. (consent) 9.21 Authorize instituting a civil action against Steve’s Excavating and Paving, Inc., to recover $487.97 for damage to City property. (consent) 9.22 Authorize instituting a civil action against Traffic Control Products of Florida, Inc. to recover $3,483.21 for damage to City property. (consent) 9.23 Authorize instituting a civil action against Ultra Underground Contractors, Inc., to recover $1,577.74 for damage to City property. (consent) Councilmember Doran moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted and that the motion appropriate officials be authorized to execute same. The was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 10. Other items on City Manager Reports 10.1 Amend the City's fiscal year 2006/07 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets at third quarter and pass Ordinances 7868-07 and 7869-07 on first reading. The Fiscal Year 2006/07 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets were adopted in September 2006 by Ordinances 7674-06 and 7675-06. Section 2.521 of the City's Code of Ordinances requires that the City Manager prepare a quarterly report detailing income and expenditure estimates, collections, the explanation of significant variances, as well as the financial status of all active capital improvement projects. Councilmember Doran moved to approve amending the City's fiscal year 2006/07 motion Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets at third quarter. The was duly seconded carried and unanimously. Ordinance 7868-07 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Councilmember Cretekos moved to pass Ordinance 7868-07 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call was: “Ayes”: Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. “Nays”: None. Council 2007-09-20 10 Ordinance 7869-07 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Councilmember Gibson moved to pass Ordinance 7869-07 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call was: “Ayes”: Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. “Nays”: None. 10.2 Approve the State of Florida Department of Transportation contract renewal for sweeping State roadways as outlined in the Maintenance Agreement, FIN project 42193917201 and adopt Resolution 07-22. The maintenance agreement between the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) and the City of Clearwater approved by Council on November 2, 2006, for the sweeping of various state roadways in 26 cycles will expire on December 6, 2007. The City of Clearwater Legal staff has coordinated the scope of services with the FDOT representative. Renewal is subject to the terms and conditions as outlined in the maintenance agreement scope of services, designated sweeping locations, and method of compensation. FDOT Standard Agency Format requires conformance with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The Public Services Department has the necessary equipment to conform to the MUTCD, i.e. a shadow truck with an attenuator and arrow board. FDOT compensation for services is based on miles of sweeping completed, currently estimated at $40,876.94 annually (at $70.30 per mile). Operating costs to provide these services are approximately $50 per mile. Councilmember Petersen moved to approve the State of Florida Department of Transportation contract renewal for sweeping State roadways as outlined in the Maintenance motioncarried Agreement, FIN project 42193917201. The was duly seconded and unanimously. Resolution 07-22 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Doran moved to pass and adopt Resolution 07-22 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call was: “Ayes”: Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. “Nays”: None. Miscellaneous Reports and Items 11. City Attorney Reports 11.1 Amend the Election Code to provide for the General Election in 2008 and every 4 years thereafter to be held in conjunction with the Presidential Preference Primary and pass Ordinance 7886-07 on first reading. House Bill 537, passed during the 2007 State Legislative Session, moved the Presidential Preference Primary from the second Tuesday in March to the last Tuesday in January. The bill also included a provision allowing municipalities whose elections are scheduled for March 2008 to move their elections to coincide with the Presidential Preference Primary without having to amend their Charters. Council 2007-09-20 11 Ordinance 7886-07 moves the 2008 general election and each subsequent election occurring in a year that is a multiple of four to coincide with the Presidential Preference Primary. The Ordinance also establishes the qualifying period as being from the first Friday in November to the third Friday in November, providing the 14 days required by the bill. If the Ordinance is adopted, Clearwater's 2008 general election will occur on January 29, 2008. The qualifying period for those wanting to run in this election will be from Friday, November 2 to Friday, November 16, 2007. Holding the election in conjunction with the Presidential Preference Primary will save between $60,000 and $70,000 and should result in higher voter turnout. In response to a question, the City Attorney said the city ordinance allows adjustments should there be future legislative changes. Councilmember Cretekos moved to approve amending the Election Code to provide for the General Election in 2008 and every four years thereafter to be held in conjunction with the motion carried Presidential Preference Primary. Thewas duly seconded and unanimously. Ordinance 7886-07 was presented for first reading and read by title only. Councilmember Gibson moved to pass Ordinance 7886-07 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call was: “Ayes”: Doran, Petersen, Cretekos, Gibson, and Hibbard. “Nays”: None. 12. City Manager Verbal Reports The City Manager thanked Council for their hard work and support of staff during the budget process. He reported many city managers and elected officials at the FLC (Florida League of Cities) conference had complimented Clearwater on how it addressed proposed property tax reform during legislative session. 13. Other Council Action 13.1 Other Council Action Councilmembers reported on events in which they recently participated and reviewed upcoming events; congratulated staff and volunteers who worked on Taste of Clearwater; thanked staff for their hard work on the budget. Councilmember Petersen thanked citizens who joined her for lunch; congratulated Mr. & Mrs. Countryside. Councilmember Doran said the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce had a workshop regarding their legislative package. They will oppose use of transportation trust funds to balance the budget. Council 2007-09-20 12 Mavor Hibbard congratulated the Willa Carson Health Center's block party; congratulated the Threshers on great season; will update Council regarding tomorrow's Tampa Bay Regional Transportation Authority meeting. 14. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m. "-t.,~ //#~ ~yor, City of Clearwater Attest: Council 2007-09-20 13