03/12/1998FISCAL REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
March 12, 1998
Present: Daniel Fleck Chair
Carol Warren Committee Member
Richard Lynch Committee Member
Ed Hooper City Commissioner
Kathy S. Rice Deputy City Manger
Tina Wilson Budget Director
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
Absent: Janet MacNutt Committee Member
Daniel Moran Committee Member
The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:10 a.m. at the Municipal Services Building, Budget Department conference room. To provide continuity for research, the items are in agenda
order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
ITEM #1 - Presentation of One City. One Future.
Deputy City Manager Kathy Rice distributed copies of One City. One Future., a conceptual redevelopment plan for Clearwater. The blueprint is based on the premise that all areas of
the City are interrelated. The City must choose and pursue a specific direction in order to achieve desired results. Short term results will help drive the momentum required for long
term success. Public input will be compiled regarding 5 areas: 1) LDC (Land Development Code) revision. The City is in a redevelopment mode and the LDC must be rewritten to add value
to the community; 2) the beach must be redesigned to maximize the waterfront, improve traffic flow, provide a better transition between residential and commercial areas, and incorporate
a pedestrian-friendly area; 3) downtown improvements, promoting it as the “east beach”, converting the bluff’s existing asphalt to green space, doubling the size of Coachman Park, and
increasing pedestrian focus; 4) beautification of the Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard corridor to clearly define Clearwater’s character; and 5) ensure a positive impact and opportunities in the
North Greenwood neighborhood, as it is the most impacted by downtown changes.
Ms. Rice reviewed the immediate action items as approved by the City Commission: 1) authorization of market studies for the beach and downtown; 2) evaluation of Phillies’ economic
impact; 3) preparation of an RFQ (Request for Qualifications) for developers to submit ideas for the bayfront, including Coachman Park expansion; 4) selection of site for new Main Library;
5) application for “Mainstreet” program; 6) completion of necessary parking studies; 7) acceleration of community-based initiative in North Greenwood; 8) implementation of regional stormwater
retention project downtown; 9) creation of incentive program for retail and commercial occupancy along Cleveland Street; 10) evaluation of maintaining the existing Memorial Causeway
Bridge as local traffic connection between the beach and downtown; 11) revision of LDC; and 12) corridor enhancement along Cleveland Street, Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, Mandalay Avenue, and
Gulfview Boulevard.
In response to a question, Ms. Rice said issues regarding increased traffic and parking needs are being evaluated. Discussions with organizations, churches, associations, advisory
and regulatory boards, and the public have been positive about the redevelopment concept. Water and skating parks, entertainment and retail centers, Pinellas Trail beautification, and
many other issues are being addressed. The concept will require public and private partnerships. The City is negotiating the purchase of the City-owned property at Missouri Avenue
and Cleveland Street with IMR (Information Management Resources). A developer is interested in developing apartments and retail operations on the property currently occupied by the
Sunshine Mall. Of the $101 million in Penny for Pinellas funds, $50 million is allocated to some of the conceptual plan projects. Next month the City Commissions expects to prioritize
Penny for Pinellas projects. The County may be repaving Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard this summer. Architectural selection for the new Main Library is in process. A community meeting is scheduled
for March 28, 1998, at the Martin Luther King Center to look at a village concept for Greenwood. Evaluations are being done regarding whether or not to keep the old Memorial Causeway
Bridge for local traffic once the new bridge is built. It was agreed that improved communication is needed to better inform the public of available low interest loans for redevelopment.
In response to a question, Ms. Rice said no specific theme has been decided for downtown. The market will drive what will be successful in that area.
It was questioned if the Harborview Center will ever make a profit. It was noted the food service is excellent and 1997 revenues have increased. Positive cash flow is anticipated.
In response to a question, Commissioner Hooper said Pickles Plus restaurant has been given the keys to open.
It was suggested incorporating an observation tower or some type of attraction in Coachman Park to generate interest in downtown.
It was remarked the One City. One Future. concept is impressive and exciting. It was agreed there is a need to take advantage of the momentum that has been generated to achieve success.
Commissioner Hooper said a lot of homework has been done in the development of the concept. It will take public participation and input, and public and private partnerships to accomplish
this vision. In response to questions regarding timeframes, Ms. Rice said the blueprint is flexible. Some immediate action item projects have begun. Some projects will be driven by
Penny for Pinellas dollars, grants, and private and public partnerships.
It was noted the FRC (Fiscal Review Committee) will be instrumental in the redevelopment process. It will be important for the FRC to offer input regarding the One City. One Future.
concept as it moves forward.
Monthly FRC Meeting
Discussion ensued regarding next month’s meeting. Budget Director Tina Wilson said she will contact all members to determine if the meeting date will be changed.
Advisory Board Appreciation Dinner
Ms. Wilson said the FRC will receive invitations to the April 14, 1998, annual advisory board appreciation dinner.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 a.m.