11/18/2021 City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
m
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, November 18, 2021
6:00 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
City Council
Page 1
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021
Roll Call
Present: 5 - Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor Hoyt Hamilton, Councilmember
David Allbritton, Councilmember Mark Bunker and Councilmember
Kathleen Beckman
Also Present: Jon Jennings — City Manager, Micah Maxwell —Assistant City
Manager, Michael Delk—Assistant City Manager, David Margolis -
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.
2. Invocation
3. Pledge of Allegiance — Ministry Leader Jonathan Allen from New Destiny Worship
Center.
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 Oath of Office for City Manager Jon Jennings
The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office to City Manager Jon
Jennings.
4.2 November Service Awards
Two service awards were presented to city employees.
The October 2021 Employee of the Month Award was presented to David
Wilson, Parks & Recreation.
4.3 Airpark Advisory Board Annual Presentation - Kelli O'Donnell, Chair
Page 2
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021
Ms. O'Donnell provided a brief history of the Clearwater Airpark and
reviewed accomplishments from the past year. She said the Board would like
to provide recommendations on what should be prioritized in the Master
Plan, discuss where the new FBO should be located, provide
recommendations to Planning staff concerning Airpark issues, and have
the opportunity to review items concerning the Airpark before they are
approved by Council. The Board also wishes to improve their relationship
with the surrounding neighborhoods by receiving all resident complaints
and praises that are currently sent to Council. She said the Board also
wishes to see the Airpark highlighted more on the City's website and
social media pages.
In response to questions, Ms. O'Donnell said items are brought before
the Board after decisions have been made, such as the Landings
re-purposing. The Board wishes to receive the complaints in order to
discuss the items as a Board and provide Council with
recommendations. Staff develops the meeting agendas. The FBO
provides an update at every meeting. The Board is familiar with
Greenprint 2.0 and discussed solar panels for the new hangar C and
discussed increasing access to recycle containers with the FBO. The City
Attorney said there is no legal issue with emails being shared with board
members but all discussion must be held at a public meeting.
4.4 Environmental Advisory Board Annual Presentation - Jared Leone, Chair
Mr. Leone reviewed board accomplishments from the past year and
discussion items for the upcoming year. The Board wishes to utilize video
conferencing for future meetings to increase accessibility. The Board is
requesting consideration to amending the meeting schedule to every
other month and assigning the City's Sustainability Coordinator as the
Board Liaison.
In response to questions, Mr. Leone said the Board feels initiatives have
bypassed them and believe if the Board was reassigned to the
Sustainability Division, there were would be opportunity to provide
feedback before decisions are made. The Board did not review the
backyard chicken ordinance. He said all board members contribute to
the agenda development process. He said he was not sure changing the
meeting time would be effective to increasing attendance since there are
advisory boards that meet later and lack attendance. The Board wishes to
meet six times a year with two scheduled field trips.
Page 3
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021
4.5 Parks and Recreation Board Annual Presentation - Bruce Rector, Chair
Mr. Rector reviewed the Board's accomplishments over the past year. He
said the Board wishes to amend their meeting schedule to allow six
meetings annually.
In response to questions, Mr. Rector said board members participate in
the agenda process by visiting city parks, seeking input from resident,
and bringing concerns for board discussions. Five of the seven board
members have actively participated in building the meeting agendas. He
said individuals are invited to meetings to present on several topics in an
effort to increase meeting attendance. The Board has suggested to staff
to create a QR code on signs in city parks for citizens to submit
comments to the Board. Mr. Rector said the Board does not have the
authority to manage or direct staff as it is an advisory board to the City
Council. Managing or leading a team on matters identified in the
strategic plan is difficult when board members cannot discuss items that
could potentially come before them for action unless they are discussed
at a public meeting.
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the minutes of the November 4, 2021 City Council Meeting as submitted in
written summation by the City Clerk.
Vice Mayor Hamilton moved to approve the minutes of the
November 4, 2021 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
Patrick Raftery welcomed City Manager Jon Jennings to the City of
Clearwater. He said the City is in good shape but at the cusp of change
with his leadership.
Gloria Campbell welcomed City Manager Jon Jennings to the City of
Clearwater. She thanked the City Council, former City Attorney Pamela
Akin and former City Manager Bill Horne for supporting the Clearwater
Page 4
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021
Urban Coalition's efforts in pursuing a community redevelopment agency
designation. She presented a plaque to William B. Horne 11
posthumously.
Leslie Lightsy expressed concerns with business signage regulations
and lack of affordable housing in Clearwater. She urged Council to
provide incentives for affordable housing and small businesses opening
within city limits.
Jennifer Haithcock expressed concerns with Pinellas Safe Harbor and
treatment of individuals seeking services at the facility.
Hunter Nash submitted an eComment regarding an appeal that was read
into the record by the City Clerk (see page 20).
7. Consent Agenda — Approved as submitted, less Item 7.8
7.1 Approve an agreement and purchase order for professional services pursuant to RFP
48-21 to Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) for the preparation of the North Greenwood
Community Redevelopment Plan for a fee not to exceed $161,500 and authorize the
appropriate official to execute the same. (consent)
7.2 Approve Guaranteed Maximum Price proposals to Keystone Excavators, Inc. of Oldsmar,
FL in an amount of$109,450.00 and Khors Construction, Inc., of Pinellas Park, FL in an
amount of$121,561.10, each of which includes a 10% contingency, for renovations at the
Enterprise Dog Park located at 2671 Enterprise Road pursuant to RFQ 40-20,
Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Services for Continuing Contracts; approve a first
quarter budget amendment to transfer $40,000.00 from project 93286, Parking Lot/Bike
Path Resurfacing, to project C2205, Enterprise Road Dog Park Renovation, and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.3 Approve purchase orders to Playmore West, Inc., of Fort Myers, FL, for $149,892.20 and
Rep Services, Inc., of Longwood, FL for $124,621.97, each of which includes a 10%
contingency, for the purchase and installation of playground equipment at the Long
Center, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(c) Piggyback, and
approve a first quarter budget amendment to transfer $53,000.00 from project 93278,
Long Center Infrastructure Repairs, to project 93637, Playground Equipment Purchase
and Replacement, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.4 Approve a Guaranteed Maximum Price proposal to J.O. DeLotto and Sons, Inc., of
Tampa, FL for renovations and restoration of the stadium seating at BayCare Ballpark in
an amount of$191,025.00, which includes a 10% contingency, pursuant to RFQ 40-207
Page 5
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021
Construction Manager at Risk for Continuing Contracts, and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
7.5 Approve a Joint Use Agreement between the School Board of Pinellas County and the
City of Clearwater providing for the joint use of facilities, from January 1, 2022 through
December 31, 2026, with additional five-year renewal options and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.6 Approve a Joint Land Utilization Agreement between the School Board of Pinellas
County and the City of Clearwater, from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2031,
with additional five-year renewal options, to provide an outdoor recreation park consisting
of basketball courts and recreation play areas at the southeast corner of Russell Street
and Douglas Avenue and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.7 Approve acceptance of a United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice
Programs (OJP), 2021 Bureau of Justice Assistance Fiscal Year 2021 Edward Byrne
Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program - Local Solicitation, grant award in the
amount of$27,900 for Axon Signal Vehicle equipment and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
7.8 Ratify an agreement between the City of Clearwater and Tampa Bay Psychology
Associates, LLC, of Clearwater, Florida, for psychological and educational services, in a
not to exceed amount of$180,000.00, during the contract period concluding July 31,
2023, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(f) Professional
services not subject to CCNA, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
See below.
7.9 Approve Supplemental Work Order 3 from Ardurra Group, Inc. for East Water
Reclamation Facility (WRF) Influent Pump Station Rehabilitation project (13-0016-UT) in
the amount of$187,966.00 for additional design, increasing the work order from
$168,965.00 to $356,931.00, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
7.10Approve a Master Agreement with Black and Veatch of Tampa, FL, for the Water
Reclamation Facility Master Plan project (17-0007-UT) in the amount of$2,748,098 per
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 07-21 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. (consent)
7.11Approve the conveyance of a Distribution Easement to Duke Energy Florida, LLC, d/b/a
Duke Energy, for the installation, operation, and maintenance of electric facilities at the
City's Northeast Water Reclamation Facility whose address is 3200 State Road 580 and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Page 6
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021
7.12Ratify and confirm authorization to increase Purchase Order No. 20001154 to Erickson
Consulting Engineers (ECE) of Sarasota, FL, for Supplemental Work Order 1 for
emergency repair design associated with the Clearwater Harbor Marina, in the amount of
$122,100.00 for a new design total of$215,600.00 pursuant to RFQ 26-19, Engineer of
Record, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.13Approve the 2022 City Council Meeting Schedule. (consent)
Councilmember Allbritton moved to approve the Consent Agenda
as submitted, less Item 7.8, and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
7.8 Ratify an agreement between the City of Clearwater and Tampa Bay Psychology
Associates, LLC, of Clearwater, Florida, for psychological and educational services, in a
not to exceed amount of$180,000.00, during the contract period concluding July 31,
2023, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(f) Professional
services not subject to CCNA, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
In recent years, the mental health of law enforcement officers has become an
increasing concern. There has been a nationwide increase in the rate of officer
suicide, including several officer suicides which have occurred in the Tampa
Bay area. Though the Clearwater Police Department (CPD) has not
experienced such an incident, empirical research has demonstrated that
occupational stress is directly attributed to higher rates of heart disease,
divorce, alcohol abuse, and other psychological disorders such as depression
and post-traumatic stress disorder. In 2019, CPD sought to proactively provide
additional mental health resources to all CPD employees, sworn and
professional staff, through an agreement with Tampa Bay Psychology
Associates, LLC, which specializes in the mental health treatment of public
safety employees. Tampa Bay Psychology Associates is utilized by several law
enforcement agencies within the Tampa Bay region.
This 2019 agreement provided for the maintenance of a 24/7 resource
telephone number (for continual employee access, if needed for a mental health
concern), individual counseling services, mental health check-ins, fitness for
duty evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, employee wellness and safety
training, additional tailored training modules, and post-academy training.
The initial two-year agreement expired in July 2021 and based upon the
success of this partnership, CPD sought to negotiate an extension of the
Page 7
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021
agreement. The new agreement expires in July 2023 and covers the same
services as was outlined in the initial agreement.
The agreement was previously executed through the City Manager's Office but
based upon the term of the agreement and amount potentially allotted to this
vendor, CPD seeks Council ratification of the executed agreement.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Budgeted funds for FY22 are available in CPD cost code 0101156-530100 -
Professional Services.
In response to questions, Police Chief Daniel Slaughter said the original
2019 contract was for a lesser amount. The current level is up to $90,000
annually. He said that does not mean the Department will utilize the $90,0007-
staff
00;staff is using their experience over the past two years to gauge the amount.
The service has been well utilized the first couple of years. The Department
averages approximately 17 counseling session per month and four calls
come in through the crisis line per month. He said the company is also used
for in-service training and outreach efforts.
Councilmember Beckman moved to Ratify an agreement between the
City of Clearwater and Tampa Bay Psychology Associates, LLC, of
Clearwater, Florida, for psychological and educational services, in a not
to exceed amount of $180,000.00, during the contract period
concluding July 31, 2023, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances
Section 2.563(1)(f) Professional services not subject to CCNA, 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 Approve the annexation, initial Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Low (RL)
and initial Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) District
for 1882 Lakeview Road, and pass Ordinances 9509-21, 9510-21, and 9511-21 on first
reading. (ANX2021-09015)
This voluntary annexation petition involves a 0.249-acre property consisting of
one parcel of land occupied by a single-family dwelling. The property is located
on the north side of Lakeview Road approximately 435 feet east of Brookside
Page 8
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021
Drive. The applicant is requesting annexation in order to receive sanitary sewer
and solid waste service from the City. The property is located in an enclave and
is contiguous to existing city boundaries to the east. It is proposed that the
property be assigned a Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Low
(RL) and a Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium Density Residential
(LMDR).
The Planning and Development Department determined that the proposed
annexation is consistent with the provisions of Community Development Code
Section 4-604.E as follows:
• The property currently receives water service from Pinellas County. The
closest sanitary sewer line is located in the adjacent Lakeview Road
right-of-way. The applicant has paid the City's sewer impact and
assessment fees in full 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 III and service will be administered through the district
headquarters located at 2851 McMullen Booth Road. Fire and
emergency medical services will be provided to this property by Station
#47 located at 146 Lakeview Road. The City has adequate capacity to
serve this property with sanitary sewer, solid waste, police, fire and EMS
service. The property will continue to receive water service from Pinellas
County. The proposed annexation will not have an adverse effect on
public facilities and their levels of service; and
• The proposed annexation is consistent with and promotes the following
objectives and policy of the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan:
Objective A.6.4 Due to the built-out character of the City of
Clearwater, compact urban development within the urban
service area shall be promoted through application of the
Clearwater Community Development Code.
Objective A.7.2 Diversify and expand the City's tax base through
the annexation of a variety of land uses located within the
Clearwater Planning Area.
Policy A.7.2.3 Continue to process voluntary annexations for
single-family residential properties upon request.
• The proposed Residential Low (RL) Future Land Use Map category is
consistent with the current Countywide Plan designation of the property.
This designation primarily permits residential uses at a density of 5 units
per acre. The proposed zoning district to be assigned to the property is
the Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) District. The use of the
subject property is consistent with the uses allowed in the District and
the property exceeds the District's minimum dimensional requirements.
The proposed annexation is therefore consistent with the Countywide
Plan and the City's Comprehensive Plan and Community Development
Code; and
Page 9
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021
• The property proposed for annexation is contiguous to existing city
boundaries to the east; therefore, the annexation is consistent with
Florida Statutes Chapter 171.044.
In response to a question, Planning and Development Director Gina
Clayton said the Applicant will remain on county water. The
Applicant is annexing into the City for sewer service.
Councilmember Bunker moved to approve the annexation, initial
Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Low (RL) and
initial Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium Density
Residential (LMDR) District for 1882 Lakeview Road. The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Ordinance 9509-21 was presented and read by title only. Vice
Mayor Hamilton moved to pass Ordinance 9509-21 on first
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the
vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Vice Mayor Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
Ordinance 9510-21 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to pass Ordinance 9510-21 on
first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call,
the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Vice Mayor Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
Ordinance 9511-21 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Beckman moved to pass Ordinance 9511-21 on
first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call,
the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Vice Mayor Hamilton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
8.2 Provide direction on the proposed second amendment to an existing Development
Agreement between the City of Clearwater and 411 ES, LLC which provides for certain
changes to the conceptual site plan and elevations and increases the overall number of
hotel units and height proposed for the subject site and confirm a second public hearing
in City Council Chambers before City Council on December 2, 2021, at 6:00 p.m., or as
Page 10
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021
soon thereafter as may be heard. (HDA2019-03001 B; 400/405/408/409/411 East Shore
Drive).
This is a request for a second amendment to the approved Hotel Development
Agreement (HDA2019-03001) as amended (HDA2019-03001A) for the
referenced project located at 400/405/408/409/411 East Shore Drive.
On July 18, 2019, the City Council approved a Development Agreement along
with a concept plan and elevations as part of application HDA2019-03001.
Consistent with applicable Florida Statutes and the City's Community
Development Code the agreement was transmitted to the Florida Department of
Economic Opportunity on August 1, 2019, rendering the effective date August
31, 2019.
On October 1, 2020, the Council approved the first amendment to the approved
Development Agreement (HDA2019-03001 A) granting a one-year time
extension request which amended Section 6.1.3.2. No changes to the
conceptual site plan or elevations were proposed.
On November 17, 2020, the Community Development Board (CDB) approved
companion applications FLD2020-05012 and TDR2020-05001 for a 74-unit
overnight accommodation use consistent with the conceptual site plans and
elevations approved as part of HDA2019-03001 (as amended).
The applicant is requesting a second amendment to the Development
Agreement with the following main changes:
• An increase in the overall number of hotel units from 74 to 91.
• An increase in height from 65 feet to 80 feet.
• An overall decrease in the number of slips from 55 to 50 slips; a
decrease in number of publicly accessible slips from 22 to eight and an
increase in the number of commercial dock slips from 35 to 42 slips.
• An increase in parking from 100 spaces to a minimum of 113 spaces.
The current proposal is to demolish all structures on the 1.115-acre site and
build a single, eight-floor hotel with 91 hotel rooms (81.64 units per acre) and a
marina and marina facility with up to eight-slips. The applicant desires the
ability and flexibility to be able to sell, rent or lease any or all of the eight noted
slips to the general public, which would constitute a marina and marina facility,
or, conversely, use any or all the slips as strictly accessory to the hotels which
would render any such slip a commercial dock. The remaining 42 slips shown
will be accessory to the hotel and considered a commercial dock. A maximum
of 50 slips are proposed.
The following uses are defined in the Community Development Code (CDC)
Article 8, which would be applicable to this application:
1. A commercial dock is any dock, pier, or wharf, including boatlifts, that is
used in connection with a hotel, motel or restaurant where the slips are not
rented, leased or sold. The CDC provides specific criteria applicable to
Page 11
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021
commercial docks in Section 3-603.C.3.
2. A marina is any structure constructed on pilings over open water or
supported by flotation on the water which provides three or more boat slips
for the purpose of sale or lease.
3. A marina facility is a use of land involved in the operation of a marina
including structures and activities normally integral to the operation of a
marina, such as servicing, fueling, pumping-out, chartering, launching, and
dry-storage of boats and boating equipment. The CDC provides specific
criteria applicable to marinas and marina facilities in Sections 2-803.G and 3
-603.A through J.
The applicant has committed that any personal watercrafts (PWCs) stored at
this facility will only be made available to guests of the hotel as an accessory
use to the hotel and not to the general public. In addition, the applicant will
maintain and oversee the use of all slips whether rented, sold or leased and will
specifically prohibit the establishment of any commercial uses or enterprises.
The 91 proposed units include 55 units otherwise permitted by the Resort
Facilities High future land use category, eight units previously allocated from the
Hotel Density Reserve through Beach by Design (HDA2019-03001) and a total
of 28 transferred hotel units. Eleven units have previously been approved for
use with the approval of TDR2020-05001 and were also included in the total
room count of the original Development Agreement (HDA2019-03001, as
amended). The applicant intends to submit a Level II Flexible Development
application requesting approval for the use of an additional 17 transferred hotel
units. It is important to note applications FLD2020-05012 and TDR2020-05001
will need to be amended.
The primary changes to the Development Agreement approved as
HDA2019-03001 (as amended) are limited to the following components:
• Recitals: Updated to reflect the specifics of the requested amendment
and to reflect pertinent prior events and approvals including the
approvals of HDA2019-03001A, FLD2020-05012 and TDR2020-05001.
• Section 4.1: Updated to reflect the increase in total units from 74 to 91,
the overall number of units to be derived from a transfer of development
rights (28 hotel units) and a decrease in the number of publicly
accessible slips from 22 to eight.
• Section 4.2: Updated to reflect an increase in the total number of
provided parking spaces from 100 to a minimum of 113.
• Section 4.4: Updated to reflect the increase in height from 65 feet to 80
feet.
• Exhibit B: Updated with the revised conceptual site plan and elevations.
No other changes are proposed to the agreement. Specifically, no changes are
made to any restriction placed on the property regarding operations of the
Page 12
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021
marina and marina facility component, the prohibition on full kitchens and
limitations on amplified music. The agreement also continues to include
specific language for the inclusion of the public boardwalk and public access
walkway.
The building will be 80 feet in height (from the point at which minimum floor
elevations have been established by law) to roof as otherwise permitted utilizing
the Height Bonus Schedule for the Marina District of Beach by Design for
property totaling one acre or more on both sides of East Shore Drive and the
provision of a publicly accessible Boardwalk. The proposal includes a tropical
modern architecture, which is consistent with and complements the tropical
vernacular envisioned in Beach by Design.
The site consists of four parcels, three of which are located on the east side of
East Shore Drive and one on the west side. All four parcels will need to be
joined together through a unity of title and lot combination request prior to the
issuance of any permits.
The parcels on the east side of East Shore will contain the 91-unit hotel, an
eight-slip marina and marina facility, and a 42-slip commercial dock component.
These parcels will be accessed via two driveways from East Shore Drive. An
egress-only driveway will be located at the north side of the site and an
ingress-only driveway is proposed at the south end of the site. The primary
pedestrian entrance to the building will be centrally located along East Shore
Drive on the ground floor.
The ground floor of the hotel building will also include bike racks, a solid waste
component, storage space, mechanical equipment and 71 parking spaces all of
which are valet only, and some of which extend out from under the footprint of
the building. The ground floor will also include a patio and pool at the southeast
corner of the site. A 15-foot wide publicly accessible boardwalk is proposed
along the entire length of the property along Clearwater Harbor, consistent with
Beach by Design, and a walkway between East Shore Drive and the boardwalk
will be provided along the north side of the site. This boardwalk helps achieve
the vision in Beach by Design and the Marina District.
The second floor will contain 10 hotel units, mechanical equipment rooms, a
staffed lobby, a fitness room congregating/lounge area and an outdoor terrace.
Floors three through eight will contain the remaining 81 hotel units. While the
rooftop will be accessible by guests no additional structures of any kind (outside
of permitted mechanical equipment rooms) are permitted. No additional
amenities are proposed. The Marina District provisions of Beach by Design
allow for a property located on Clearwater Harbor to request a height bonus of
up to 80 feet when a 15-foot wide publicly accessible boardwalk is provided,
Page 13
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021
which the proposal is requesting.
The parcel on the west side of East Shore Drive will contain a 42-space surface
parking lot accessed via a single driveway along East Shore Drive. Of the 42
spaces within the parking lot 38 spaces will be valet only and serving the hotel
component with the remaining four spaces designated as reserved specifically
for users of the marina and marina facility component. These spaces must be
a minimum of nine feet wide, 18 feet deep and include a 24 foot back out aisle
(as provided). Valet spaces serving a hotel use may differ in these dimensional
standards, pursuant to CDC Section 3-1402.K, in that spaces may be 8.5 feet
wide, 16 feet deep, may be tandem (stacked up to two spaces) and may
include spaces within and one side only of the drive aisle (as provided).
All existing docks will be removed and replaced with two docks containing a
total of 50 slips, eight of which will be made available for sale or lease to the
general public (marina and marina facility). This will result in two uses being
established on the property; a hotel with an accessory commercial dock (42
slips) and a marina and marina facility (eight slips). To be clear, all 42
commercial dock slips are accessory to the hotel and may be used only by
hotel guests. None of these 42 slips may be sold, leased or rented to the
general public. As noted, the Development Agreement continues to include
language to limit the specific activities which may take place on the site
ensuring that the marina and marina facility component will be compatible with
the primary use as overnight accommodations, as well as adjacent and
surrounding uses. Specifically, activities such as servicing, fueling,
pumping-out, commercial chartering and/or and dry-storage of boats and
boating equipment be strictly prohibited and that the marina slips shall be limited
to sale and/or lease to privately-owned boats rather than commercial vessels
for hire.
Consistency with the Community Development Code (CDC):
Minimum Lot Area and Width:
The subject property is 48,553 square feet in area (uplands) and approximately
300 feet wide. The proposed lot area and width exceed the requirements of the
Community Development Code.
Minimum Setbacks:
The conceptual site plan depicts setbacks to building of five feet along the front
(west) along East Shore Drive and side (north and south) setbacks of 36 and 25
feet, respectively. Rear setbacks are not necessarily applicable to the project
because the subject site includes property lines which extend over 100 feet
eastward of the seawall. Pursuant to CDC Article 8. Definitions, setback
means the required horizontal distance between a property line and a structure.
The proposed setbacks may be approved as part of a Level Two Flexible
Development (FLD) application, subject to meeting the applicable flexibility
Page 14
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021
criteria of the Community Development Code. The Marina District of Beach by
Design specifically permits front setbacks as low as zero feet for overnight
accommodation uses.
Maximum Height:
Beach by Design Section I I.C. Height Bonus Schedule for the Marina District
within Beach by Design addresses height. The proposal provides for a building
80 feet in height as measured from the point at which minimum floor elevations
have been established by law. A height of up to 80 feet is permitted for overnight
accommodations on properties within the Marina District that are at least one
acre in size, located on both sides of East Shore Drive, and which also provide
a publicly accessible boardwalk as consistent with the Marina District of Beach
by Design. The proposed height is also permitted by the CDC subject to
meeting the applicable flexibility criteria of the CDC and as approved as part of a
Level Two Flexible Development (FLD) application and as otherwise limited by
Beach by Design.
The height of the proposed building is consistent with the design guidelines as
well as the specific requirements pertaining to height contained within the
Marina District section of Beach by Design.
Minimum Off-Street Parking:
The 91-room overnight accommodation use with an eight-slip marina and
marina facility requires a minimum of 113 off-street parking spaces with 1.2
spaces per unit (109 spaces) for the hotel component and one space per two
slips (four spaces) for the eight-slip marina and marina facility component. A
minimum of 113 parking spaces will be provided, with 71 spaces located on the
ground floor of the hotel building and 42 spaces located within a surface parking
lot on the west side of East Shore Drive. This is consistent with the applicable
Sections of the CDC.
Landscaping:
While a formal landscape plan is not required to be submitted for review at this
time, the conceptual landscape areas depicted on the site plan show that
adequate space for foundation landscaping will be provided along the street
frontage and along the rights-of-way facing sides of the surface parking lot as
required by Section VII.F of the Design Guidelines within Beach by Design.
Since no perimeter landscape buffers are otherwise required in the Tourist (T)
District, the proposed landscape areas meet or exceed what is required. It is
noted, however, that flexibility, if necessary, may be requested as part of a
Comprehensive Landscape Program which would be reviewed at time of formal
site plan approval.
Consistency with Beach by Design:
Marina District
Page 15
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021
Specific development parameters provided within the Marina District section of
Beach by Design address a range of items including a maximum height (80 feet
for properties spanning both side of East Shore Drive and at least one acre in
size), minimum building setbacks (zero feet along front property lines for
overnight accommodation uses and at least 25 percent of the building height
along sides which in this case equates to 20 feet), pavement setbacks (at least
five feet).
Design Guidelines:
A review of the provided architectural elevations and massing study was
conducted and the proposed building does appear to be generally consistent
with the applicable Design Guidelines established in Beach by Design. It is
noted, however, that a more formal review of these Guidelines will need to be
conducted as part of the final site plan approval process.
Hotel Density Reserve:
The project has been reviewed for compliance with those criteria established
within Beach by Design concerning the allocation of hotel rooms from the
Reserve. The project appears to be generally consistent with those criteria,
including that the development comply with the Metropolitan Planning
Organization's (MPO) countywide approach to the application of traffic
concurrency management for transportation facilities. The submitted Traffic
Impact Study concludes that traffic operations at nearby intersections and on
adjacent roadways would continue at acceptable levels of service.
Standards for Development Agreements:
The proposal is in compliance with the standards for development agreements,
is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and furthers the vision of beach
redevelopment set forth in Beach by Design. The proposed Development
Agreement will be in effect for a period not to exceed ten years, meets the
criteria for the allocation of rooms from the Hotel Density Reserve under Beach
by Design and includes the following main provisions:
■ Provides for the allocation of eight units from the Hotel Density Reserve
approved previously as part of HDA2019-03001;
■ Requires the developer to obtain building permits and certificates of
occupancy in accordance with Community Development Code (CDC)
Section 4-407;
■ Requires the developer to provide a 15-foot wide publicly accessible
boardwalk to utilize the Height Bonus in accordance with Beach by Design;
■ Requires the return of any hotel unit obtained from the Hotel Density
Reserve that is not constructed;
■ Prohibits the conversion of any hotel unit allocated from the Hotel Density
Reserve to a residential use and requires the recording of a covenant
restricting use of such hotel units to overnight accommodation usage;
■ Provides evidence that the development complies with the Metropolitan
Planning Organization's (MPO) countywide approach to the application of
concurrency management for transportation facilities, and includes a
Page 16
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021
transportation analysis conducted for the development;
■ Provides that all units in a hotel receiving units from the Reserve shall be
made available to the public as overnight transient hotel guests at all times
through the required hotel reservation system;
■ That a reservation system shall be required as an integral part of the hotel
use and there shall be a lobby/front desk area that must be operated as a
typical lobby/front desk area for a hotel would be operated;
■ Requires a legally enforceable mandatory evacuation/closure covenant that
the hotel will be closed as soon as practicable after a hurricane watch that
includes Clearwater Beach is posted by the National Hurricane Center;
■ Limits the operations and activities associated with the marina and marina
facility component;
■ Limits the use of amplified music; and
■ Limits the provision of full kitchens in any unit within the hotel.
Changes to Development Agreements:
Pursuant to Section 4-606.1, CDC, a Development Agreement may be amended
by mutual consent of the parties, provided the notice and public hearing
requirements of Section 4-206 are followed. Revisions to conceptual site plans
and/or architectural elevations attached as exhibits to this Development
Agreement shall be governed by the provisions of Section 4-406, CDC. Minor
revisions to such plans may be approved by the Community Development
Coordinator. Other revisions not specified as minor shall require an
amendment to this Development Agreement.
In response to questions, Planning and Development Director Gina
Clayton said a consultant was hired to conduct an extensive traffic
analysis to determine at what point would the roundabout fail and what the
water/sewer system could handle. The number of density units were
derived from the traffic analysis, resulting in 1385 density units.
Applicant representative Brian Aungst reviewed the request and said the
hotel density units were created by the City and are not transferrable,
other than through the City. The applicant cannot sell, convey, lease,
license, or give them away. Development agreements are for ten years
and include deadlines. He said the development order is for two years
and includes deadlines. Whenever the Florida Governor issues an
executive order, the development orders are extended for the length of
the executive order plus six months and can be invoked within 90 days of
the expiration of the executive order. Mr. Aungst said the eight units from
the hotel density reserve were given by the City Council to the project in
2019. The 28 base density units were obtained from transfer of
development rights . He said per city code, development rights can be
transferred or sold as a property right in any special area plan (i.e., Beach
by Design, Downtown Plan, and US 19 Plan). He said the Applicant aims
to transfer density rights from Somerset Street. The Boardwalk will be
Page 17
City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021
15 feet wide.
One individual urged Council to require underground utilities.
One individual spoke in opposition and expressed concerns with the
proposed parking configuration and proposed design.
One individual expressed concern with the proposed height.
In response to questions, Senior Planner Mark Parry said the proposed
80-foot height is not going to create wide-ranging precedence in the Marina
District of Beach by Design because it is limited to properties on the water.
The height is given for mixed-use development and overnight
accommodations for properties that hit a certain acreage and provide a
boardwalk. City code requires that certain developments, such as this
one, place utilities underground unless it is impractical. He said the
service lines onto properties need to be placed underground. Cost could
make undergrounding utilities impractical but staff typically receives a
letter from Duke Energy stating they do not want to underground the
utilities. Ms. Clayton said a district wide plan is needed to accomplish the
utility undergrounding. Mr. Aungst said even if there were the financial
resources available, undergrounding the utilities will not be possible if
Duke Energy does not want to pursue the undergrounding.
Councilmember Bunker moved to confirm a second public
hearing in City Council Chambers before City Council on
December 2, 2021, at 6:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as may be
heard. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
9. City Manager Reports
The City Manager said he has enjoyed meeting many people over the
last 11 days and thanked everyone for their kindness. He wished all a
Happy Thanksgiving.
10. City Attorney Reports — None.
11. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes)
Vice Mayor Hamilton said Happy Thanksgiving, safe travels to all and
cherish time with your families.
Page 18
City of Clearwater
City Council
Meeting Minutes November 18, 2021
Councilmember Allbritton welcomed Jon Jennings and made a note about
the Friends of the District meeting that occurred last night. Everyone had
great things to say about Cleveland St. and what is being done in the 400
and 500 blocks. He said he hoped everyone has a safe Thanksgiving.
Councilmember Beckman thanked those who came to the meet and greet on
Tuesday at the Countryside Recreation Center. She thanked the Police
Department for their increased presence on Drew St. She said there is a lot
of activities in the City this weekend. She hoped all had a great
Thanksgiving.
Councilmember Bunker said he is impressed with the new City Attorney and
City Manager who have hit the floor running. He said he would like to put
C0$ on the agenda to discuss recent property acquisitions and the effect on
the city and what can be done about it. He said we are lucky to have Tracey
McManus reporting on the Church of Scientology. She understands the
organization and the way it behaves. He wished a Happy Thanksgiving to
David Miscavige.
12. Closing Comments by Mayor
The Mayor thanked those who attended the Veterans Day celebration and
thanked the Veterans Alliance who did a great job. He said to slow down
and enjoy your family this Thanksgiving. He said the City lost our greatest
ambassador, Winter, who changed and improved everyone's life.
13. Adjourn
Attest
City of Clearwater
v• l
c/A4-071
ayor
City of Clearwater
Page 19
City Council on 2021-11-18 6:00 PM
Meeting Time: 11-18-21 18:00
eComments Report
City Council on 2021-11-18 6:00 PM 11-18-21 36
18:00
Comments Supp-;
1 0 0 1
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
■ Supporukby
■ OPWse?0'a1
■ NeuVaii 1O0'r.j
No Responsei0%j
City Council on 2021-11-18 6:00 PM
11-18-21 18:00
Name
6. Citizens to be heard re items not on the agenda 1
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
Overall Sentiment
■
■ Suppoar0%)
▪ Opposo!O )
▪ Noutnlr 100%
No Responsei0%j
hunter nash
Location:
Submitted At: 12:02pm 11-18-21
I represent the men and women of Project 91:2 (Ninety One Two), an emerging 501(c)4 Social Purpose
organization. Congratulations to everyone receiving service awards this evening, and in particular Officer
Christopher Fowler of the Clearwater Police Department for his five years of service. Officer Fowler, the public
records show that you have submitted false statements in your reports. Given that evidence from the official
record suggests that this City's Assistant Attorney at the time - Mr. Smith - not only blocked efforts to gain access
to that official record, but also blocked an appeal filed with the City's Clerk in accordance with the laws and
procedures of the state of Florida and the City of Clearwater, an act which is obviously outside his authority as
the attorney for the police, the men and women I serve would like to ask you how it feels knowing that the city has
your six?