01/31/2022 Council Work Session Meeting Minutes January 31, 2022
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
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Meeting Minutes
Monday, January 31, 2022
8:00 AM
Special Work Session
Main Library - Council Chambers
Council Work Session
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes January 31, 2022
Roll Call
Present 5 - Mayor Frank Hibbard, Councilmember Hoyt Hamilton, Councilmember
David Allbritton, Councilmember Kathleen Beckman, and
Councilmember Mark Bunker (Arrived - 8:04 a.m.)
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 8:00 a.m.
2. Planning
2.1 Provide direction regarding US 19.
The Planning and Development Department in conjunction with Economic
Development and Housing has prepared an overview, issues and
recommendations report to provide information to guide a council discussion on
the status of US 19 redevelopment.
Planning and Development Director Gina Clayton reviewed the history of
staff's planning and work for US Highway 19, construction, what staff is
seeing in the market, and the strategies of the US 19 Plan
recommendations. Economic Development and Housing Director
Denise Sanderson reviewed the Plan's economic development and
competitiveness strategies.
In response to questions, Ms. Sanderson said the ad valorem exemption
referendum passed in 2012. Pinellas County has committed to advocate
on the City's behalf for the ad valorem exemption renewal scheduled for
this Fall. In Pasco County, the Suncoast Parkway and HOV lanes have
opened up the proximity to Tampa International Airport, which also
includes new residential development. The concern staff hears the most
about the commute from TIA to Clearwater beach is the number of traffic
lights and construction along US 19. She said once the construction
along US 19 is complete, one will be able to travel from Curlew Road to
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes January 31, 2022
south county without a traffic signal. When looking at the sub-districts
along US 19, staff sees the corridor area most similar to the
Feathersound/Gateway area, providing a lot of opportunity for finance and
insurance companies. She said research and technology is an
opportunity that the City should be pursuing in this area. The Countryside
and Drew Street/Gulf to Bay sub-districts provide the greatest density
opportunity. In order to establish a TIF, the City would need to establish a
CRA, a community development district (CDD), special assessments, or
establish an administrative policy that calculates the property value gains
in the US 19 district and sets aside funds for economic development.
The City Attorney said the purpose of those funds would be for the
acquisition or investment of real estate. He said a CDD would be an
independent special district that could levy a millage directly. Ms.
Sanderson said although the Penny for Pinellas'sight readiness and
public infrastructure programs do not require a city/public match, it is
highly recommended as it is a highly competitive program. The budget
for advertising and marketing the area is approximately$100,000 and
does not include a dedicated employee. She said at the end of
December, the Tampa bay Business Journal had 600,000 impressions. It is
not known how permanent the shift to remote work will be. She said the
Greenprint goals resonate with CEOs but a solid public transportation
system is the biggest challenge the City faces. Ms. Clayton said self storage
is allowed in the corridor areas, not in the neighborhood centers. Self storage
is allowed in Downtown as an accessory use in multi-housing
developments.
Discussion ensued with concerns expressed regarding the impact a
moratorium would have on developers interested in the area. There was
no council consensus to pursue a moratorium.
3. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 9:23 a.m.
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City of Clearwater