09/01/2022 City Council Meeting Minutes September 1, 2022
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
e
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, September 1, 2022
6:00 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
City Council
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes September 1, 2022
Roll Call
Present: 5 - Mayor Frank Hibbard, Vice Mayor Kathleen Beckman,
Councilmember David Allbritton, Councilmember Mark Bunker and
Councilmember Lina Teixeira
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 — Reverend Dr. Rhonda Blevins from Chapel by The Sea
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 End of Session Report - Senator Ed Hooper
4.2 National Library Card Sign-Up Month Proclamation, September 2022 - Linda Rothstein,
Assistant Director Clearwater Public Library
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the minutes of the August 18, 2022 City Council Meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to approve the minutes of the
August 18, 2022 City Council Meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
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6. Citizens to be heard re items not on the agenda
Matt Croasmum said his nephew, Ethan Wiser, was killed last Friday
trying to cross Belleair Road. He expressed concerns with the lack
pedestrian safety on that section of Belleair Road and asked the City to
partner with the Pinellas County School Board to improve pedestrian
safety.
Gerry McGuire expressed concerns with the living conditions at Hacienda
Gardens.
Sheila Sullivan urged City Council to adopt the Ready for 100-Resolution,
which will ensure the City's commitment to adopting 100% clean energy.
Mr. Holuba expressed concerns that the inflation reduction act included
tax incentives that would only benefit the wealthy.
7. Consent Agenda — Approved as submitted, less Item 7.3.
7.1 Authorize a Guaranteed Maximum Price proposal to J.O. DeLotto and Sons, Inc., of
Tampa, FL for replacement of digital marquee sign at BayCare Ballpark, in the amount of
$145,519.00, which includes a 10% contingency, pursuant to RFQ 40-20, Construction
Manager at Risk (CMAR) Services for Continuing Contracts and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.2 Approve establishing capital improvement project M2210, Clearwater Municipal
Cemetery Renovations, in the amount of$600,000 for improvements to the Clearwater
Municipal Cemetery located at 1300 South Myrtle Avenue and transfer $600,000 of
general funds from the Parks and Recreation operating budget as a third quarter budget
amendment. (consent)
7.3 Approve a purchase order to Pinellas County Sheriff's Office for the Hexagon
Computer-Aided Dispatch and Records Management System (CAD/RMS) product in the
amount of$124,879.00 in accordance with Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section
2.563(1)(c), Cooperative purchasing; approve a purchase order to Pinellas Regional
Information Management Enterprise (PRIME) for the personnel and operating expense of
PRIME in the amount of$165,984.00, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same.
See below.
7.4 Award a construction contract to Razorback LLC of Tarpon Springs, Florida, for Water
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Treatment Plant 3 East Dome and Aerator Repairs and Miscellaneous Improvements in
the amount of$1,791,334.60 per Invitation to Bid 20-0012-UT, approve Supplemental
Work Order 1 to Biller Reinhart Engineering Group, Inc., of Tampa, Florida, in the amount
of$78,067, increasing the contract from $29,810 to $107,877, pursuant to Request for
Qualifications (RFQ) 26-19, Engineer of Record Consulting Services (EOR) and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.5 Ratify and confirm purchase order to Rowland, Inc. of Pinellas Park, Florida in the amount
of$1,909,650.00 for the Marshall Street and Northeast Water Reclamation Facility
Digester Covers Evaluation and Repairs Project (21-0022-UT) and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.6 Approve a proposal from Biltmore Construction Co., Inc of Belleair, Florida, for demolition
of the former City of Clearwater City Hall Building (19-0009-EN) at the Guaranteed
Maximum Price (GMP) of$557,693, pursuant to Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 40-20,
Construction Manager at Risk, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
7.7 Authorize a purchase order to Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, of Spring, TX, for the
equipment lease of desktops, laptops, and tablet computers in an amount not-to-exceed
$525,000.00 for the term of August 1, 2022 through February 28, 2023, pursuant to
Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563 (1)(c), Piggyback, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
7.8 Appoint Charles Engel to the Municipal Code Enforcement Board to fill an unexpired term
through October 31, 2023. (consent)
Vice Mayor Beckman moved to approve the Consent Agenda as
submitted, less Item 7.3, and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
7.3 Approve a purchase order to Pinellas County Sheriff's Office for the Hexagon
Computer-Aided Dispatch and Records Management System (CAD/RMS) product in the
amount of$124,879.00 in accordance with Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section
2.563(1)(c), Cooperative purchasing; approve a purchase order to Pinellas Regional
Information Management Enterprise (PRIME) for the personnel and operating expense of
PRIME in the amount of$165,984.00, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. (consent)
In 2019, a consortium of public safety entities in Pinellas County began working
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on a unified CAD/RMS for public safety entities in Pinellas County. Since 2007,
Clearwater Police Department (CPD) has been using TriTech and spends
approximately $189,000.00 annually for maintenance. While this product has
serviced the department's needs, it does not provide some of the advanced
features a modern product will, nor does it integrate with other public safety
entities in Pinellas County.
In May 2021, Pinellas County Sheriff published Request for Proposal (RFP)
21-02 for a CAD and RMS system based on the specifications determined by
the consortium. In October 2021, the consortium entered a memorandum of
understanding to establish a protocol on how to establish a PRIME work group
to evaluate the vendor responses received from Pinellas County Sheriff RFP
21-02 and to provide the Pinellas County Sheriff feedback to make a purchasing
decision.
On May 19, 2022, Council approved an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) between the
City of Clearwater, City of Largo, City of Pinellas Park, Pinellas County, and
Pinellas County Sheriff to create the administrative entity of PRIME and agreed
to participate in the purchase, implementation, and operation of a shared CAD
and RMS.
Through a competitive procurement process conducted by the Pinellas County
Sheriff's Office, Hexagon was selected as the vendor to provide a CAD/RMS
product for all parties. The resulting contract negotiation process is now
complete and pricing for each party has been set in the manner defined in the
ILA. Each Party of the ILA is responsible to pay a pro rata share of the cost of
the CAD/RMS product to the Pinellas County Sheriff and the pro rata share for
the personnel and operating costs of PRIME, based on the number of user
licenses per Party.
The total costs of the Hexagon Contract for the initial purchase, not including
future maintenance costs, is $9,704,825.00. In the ILA, Pinellas County
committed to paying a not to exceed amount of$9.3M of the initial purchase
price of the CAD/RMS product, which included an additional RMS product
specific to the needs of FIRE and EMS. The County has decided to remove the
FIRE/EMS RMS component and address that need through a different project.
The adjusted amount of the County contribution for the initial purchase is
$8,552,119.00, leaving a balance amongst law enforcement Parties of
$1,152,706.00. The City of Clearwater's pro rata responsibility for the initial
CAD/RMS purchase, payable to the Pinellas County Sheriff, is $124,879.00.
Additionally, all parties are responsible for paying a pro rata share of the
personnel and operating expenses of PRIME. The total expenses of PRIME
from August 1, 2022, through September 30, 2022, are $567,149.00; and the
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total expenses of PRIME from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023,
are $1,969,218.00. The City of Clearwater's pro rata share of these total costs
is $165,984.00 payable to PRIME ($37,115.00 for August 1, 2022, through
September 30, 2022; and $128,869.00 for October 1, 2022, through September
30, 2023).
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
The department anticipated these expenses and funds are available in Capital
Improvement Program C2201 - Police CAD Project.
One individual spoke in support and suggested reducing the number of
officers and disbanding the Clearwater Police Department.
One individual spoke in support and suggested investing more in
Clearwater officers and maintaining the Clearwater Police Department.
Councilmember Bunker moved to approve a purchase order to
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office for the Hexagon Computer-Aided
Dispatch and Records Management System (CAD/RMS) product in
the amount of $124,879.00 in accordance with Clearwater Code of
Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(c), Cooperative purchasing; approve a
purchase order to Pinellas Regional Information Management
Enterprise (PRIME) for the personnel and operating expense of
PRIME in the amount of $165,984.00, 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 request from Aurora Civil Engineering, Inc., on behalf of Ferman of
Countryside, LLC, the owner of property addressed 24825 US Highway 19 North,
Clearwater to vacate the platted Drainage Easement (Stormwater Pond), the platted
10-Foot-Wide and 20-foot wide Drainage Easement, and a portion of the 10-foot wide
platted Utility Easement (up to the south property line), located on Lot 1, Ken Marks Ford
First Add, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 105, Page 100,
of the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida, and pass Ordinance 9610-22 on first
reading.
The property owner at 24825 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater, has requested
that the City vacate the platted Drainage Easement (Stormwater Pond that City
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maintained), the platted 10-foot wide and the 20-foot wide Drainage Easement,
and a portion of the 10-Foot-Wide platted Utility Easement (up to the south
property line).
The purpose of this vacation is to allow for construction of a new service
building and to release the City from its maintenance obligations of the privately
owned stormwater pond. A new stormwater pond will be maintained by Ferman
of Countryside, LLC.
There are no city utilities that will be affected by the proposed easements to be
vacated. All private utility companies have no objection to the vacation. City
staff have reviewed this vacation and have no objection.
Ordinance 9610-22 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Teixeira moved to approve the request from Aurora
Civil Engineering, Inc., on behalf of Ferman of Countryside, LLC, the
owner of property addressed 24825 US Highway 19 North,
Clearwater to vacate the platted Drainage Easement (Stormwater
Pond), the platted 10-Foot-Wide and 20-foot wide Drainage
Easement, and a portion of the 10-foot wide platted Utility Easement
(up to the south property line), located on Lot 1, Ken Marks Ford
First Add, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat
Book 105, Page 100, of the Public Records of Pinellas County,
Florida, and pass Ordinance 9610-22 on first reading. The motion
was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Vice Mayor Beckman, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Teixeira
9. Second Readings - Public Hearing
9.1 Adopt Ordinance 9570-22 on second reading, amending Code of Ordinances, Appendix
A - Schedule of Fees, Rates and Charges, Article XXIV Public Works - Fees , Rates and
Charges; Section 2 Connection Charges, Fees and Taps on Mains; Section 3 Rates;
Section 3A Water Rates; Section 3B Wastewater Collection Utility Rates; Section 3F
Reclaimed Water Rates.
Ordinance 9570-22 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to adopt Ordinance 9570-22 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon
roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Vice Mayor Beckman, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Teixeira
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9.2 Adopt Ordinance 9608-22 on second reading, amending the Clearwater Code of
Ordinances Appendix A Schedule of Fees, Rates and Charges, Article XXIV, Public
Works - Fees, Rates and Charges, Section 3E Stormwater Management Utility Rates.
Ordinance 9608-22 was presented and read by title only. Vice Mayor
Beckman moved to adopt Ordinance 9608-22 on second and final
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote
was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Vice Mayor Beckman, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Teixeira
10. City Manager Reports
10.1 Establish a Sister Cities relationship with Ixmiquilpan, Mexico and adopt Resolution
22-18.
In March 2022, representatives from the Orlando office of the Mexican
Consulate, the Mayor of Ixmiquilpan, Aracelli Beltran Contreras, and
representatives from the Federation of Hidalguense met with Mayor Hibbard
expressing interest in establishing a Sister Cities partnership. Per the Sister
Cities International protocol, a new relationship is initiated by each city passing a
resolution declaring their desire to establish a Sister Cities partnership.
Following this resolution, the cities will develop a Partnership Agreement that
outlines the parameters and activities of the partnership and whether to, and
how to, establish an exchange program. The Partnership Agreement is enacted
at a signing ceremony, officially establishing the Sister Cities relationship.
The Sister Cities Advisory Board has reviewed the request from Ixmiquilpan at
their July 28, 2022 meeting and unanimously indicated their support of
establishing a new Sister Cities partnership.
Located in the central-eastern Mexican state of Hidalgo, about 3 hours (100
miles) north of Mexico City, Ixmiquilpan was originally settled by the Otomi
people prior to the arrival of the Toltec civilization (c. 950 CE). The municipality
was first established in 1550 with the arrival of Spanish colonials and the
construction of the church and monastery of San Miguel Archangel.
It is the 7th largest municipality (of 84) in Hidalgo with a population of 98,654 in
2020. The traditional economy is based on mining (magnesium, zinc, silver)
and agriculture. Modern industry has focused on manufacturing (autos, trains,
metal products, and cement) and tourism, which employ about 30% and 44% of
the population, respectively. Residents not employed in these industries find
work as construction workers and day laborers or support themselves with the
creation of traditional craft art and goods for sale as souvenirs.
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Tourism is centered on the Church of San Miguel Archangel, which was
declared a national monument in 1933, and includes unique murals that blend
pre-Hispanic indigenous Otomi and Aztec mythology with Christian imagery
from the European Renaissance. Also of note, the city's central plaza fountain
which features a statue of Diana, the huntress (photo attached), which serves
as an homage to strength, beauty, and freedom and has become an icon of
home to many Hidalguense living abroad. Ixmiquilpan also has many water
parks, fed by warm mineral springs and streams and are claimed to have
curative powers.
Three individuals spoke in support.
Resolution 22-18 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Bunker moved to establish a Sister Cities
relationship with Ixmiquilpan, Mexico and adopt Resolution 22-18.
The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Vice Mayor Beckman, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Teixeira
10.2Appoint 11 members to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, to include the
appointment of Vice Mayor Beckman as the locally elected official, and adopt Resolution
22-19.
Florida Statute Section 420.9076 states that counties and cities receiving State
Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program funds are required to establish
annually an Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) and prepare a
Local Housing Incentive Strategy (LHIS). The statute further provides that the
committee be made up of 11 members appointed by the City. The 11 members
must represent a specific industry or a specific group.
The required groups and recommended individuals are listed below:
• Banking industry/mortgage: Robyn Fiel
• Area of labor engaged in home building: Maria (Gaby) Camacho
• Advocate for low-income person: Peter Scalia
• Not-for-profit provider of affordable housing: Kevin Chinault
• Real estate professional engaged in affordable housing: Lindsay
Dicus-Harrison
• Representative of employers: Camille Hebting
• Clearwater resident: Carmen Santiago
• Member of the local planning agency: Bruce Rector to be recommended
by the CDC on 8/16
• Essential Services representative: Jacqueline Rivera
• Residential home building: Pierre Cournoyer
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• Locally elected official: TO BE DETERMINED BY CITY COUNCIL
The duties of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee shall include
reviewing policies and procedures, ordinances, land development regulations
and the City's adopted comprehensive plan and shall recommend specific
actions or initiatives to encourage or facilitate affordable housing while
protecting the ability of the property to appreciate in value.
The LHIS must be submitted to City Council by December 31, 2022, and will
encompass the definition, vision, strategic focus areas, and action plan
(including potential amendments to procedures and existing regulations) in
order to facilitate the development of affordable housing in the city.
At the August 29 work session, there was council consensus to appoint Vice
Mayor Beckman as the locally elected official.
Resolution 22-19 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Teixeira moved to appoint 11 members to the
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, to include the
appointment of Vice Mayor Beckman as the locally elected official,
and adopt Resolution 22-19. The motion was duly seconded and
upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Vice Mayor Beckman, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Teixeira
10.3Approve a purchase order to Rep Services, Inc., of Longwood, Florida for the purchase
and installation of playground equipment and wood fiber mulch in the amount of
$145,446.94, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(c),
Piggyback, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
The City of Clearwater has 27 playgrounds located throughout the city. Staff
inspects all playgrounds for safety purposes bi-monthly and performs
maintenance as needed. This proactive maintenance program allows for most
playground equipment to last a minimum of 12 to 15 years.
During Fiscal Year 2023, playground equipment is scheduled to be replaced at
Del Oro Park. Staff from the city's Parks and Recreation Department have
engaged with the Del Oro Neighborhood Association to solicit feedback from
residents to ensure the design and integrated components of the playground
are replaced with interactive play features that are appealing for use by the
surrounding community.
This contract will provide for the purchase and installation of age-appropriate
equipment, including spinners, slides, swings, climbers and play booster sets.
This contract is for a period of 150 days, to begin in September 2022.
The proposed pricing with Rep Services, Inc., has been established under a
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piggyback contract with Clay County, pursuant to RFP No. 18/19-2 which has
been extended through May 22, 2023.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: Funds are available in capital
improvement project M2206 - Parks & Beautification R&R.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to approve a purchase order to
Rep Services, Inc., of Longwood, Florida for the purchase and
installation of playground equipment and wood fiber mulch in the
amount of$145,446.94, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances
Section 2.563(1)(c), Piggyback, and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
10AAward construction contracts to the following contractors: Engineered Spray Solutions, of
Lakeland, FL; Inliner Solutions, of Sanford, FL; Rowland, Inc. of Pinellas Park, FL; and
USSI, LLC of Venice, FL, for the 2023 Sewer Point Repairs and Improvements in the
amount of$32,000,000 for an initial one-year term on a unit price basis pursuant to
Invitation to Bid (ITB) 22-0006-UT and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same.
The City has initiated a comprehensive maintenance program to clean, inspect,
rehabilitate, and repair existing sanitary sewer pipelines and manholes
throughout the City. The goal is to maintain the integrity of the sanitary sewer
system and minimize inflow and infiltration of groundwater and stormwater.
There are six groups of different type of work included in this program: Groups A
though Group F.
Per Invitation to Bid 22-0006-UT, bids were reviewed by city staff based on unit
prices and are awarded to the lowest responsible bids received in accordance
with plans and specifications.
Inliner Solutions, LLC will be contracted to perform Group A- Sanitary Sewer
Trenchless Reconstruction. This work includes cured in place pipe lining of
selected sanitary sewer pipelines to rebuild the pipe's structural integrity, not to
exceed $10,000,000.00 one-year term.
----Inliner Solutions, LLC will be contracted to perform Group B - Cleaning and
Video inspection services. This work includes gravity main cleaning and
inspection services, not to exceed $3,000,000.00 per one-year term.
Rowland, Inc. will be contracted to perform Group C -
Emergency/Non-Emergency Repairs and Improvements of Gravity Sewers,
Force Mains and Manholes, not to exceed $15,000,000.00 per one-year term.
---Rowland, Inc. will also be contracted to perform Group D - Sanitary
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Cleanouts and Lateral installations, not to exceed $1,000,000.00 per one-year
term.
Engineered Spray Solutions will be contracted to perform Group E - Manhole
Surfacing Services, not to exceed $ 2,000,000.00 per one-year term.
USSI, LLC will be contracted to perform Group F - Smoke and Dye Testing, not
to exceed $1,000,000.00 per one-year term.
The City will direct contractors to high priority areas as identified in the Public
Utilities Department Capital Improvement Plan, the Wastewater Collection
System Master Plan, and ongoing Inflow and Infiltration investigations.
The City of Clearwater's Public Utilities Department is responsible for owning,
operating, and maintaining the wastewater collection system including all gravity
sewer, force main pipelines and manholes that convey raw sewage to the lift
stations and/or City Water Reclamation Facilities.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
3217321-546900-96665 $10,000,000
3217321-546900-96665 $ 3,000,000
3217321-546900-96665 $10,000,000
3217321-546900-96664 $ 3,000,000
3217321-546900-96212 $ 2,000,000
3217321-546900-96665 $ 1,000,000
3217321-546900-96665 $ 2,000,000
3217321-546900-96665 $ 1,000,000
Third quarter budget amendments will transfer Water Sewer Revenues in
amounts of$4,000,000 from 96212 Sanitary Sewer Upgrade, $2,000,000 from
96654 Facilities Upgrade & Improvements, $1,000,000 from 96664 WPC R&R,
$4,000,000 from 96686 Pump Station Replacement, $13,500,000 from 96773
Groundwater Replenishment, for a total of$24,500,000 to 96665 Sanitary
Sewer R&R.
Additional funding is available in Capital Improvement projects in amounts of
$2,000,000 in 96212 Sanitary Sewer Upgrade, $3,000,000 in 96664 WPC R&R,
and $2,500,000 in 96665 Sanitary Sewer R&R to fund the contracts and will be
included in FY2023-FY2026 Capital Improvement Program for future renewals
in amounts of$32,000,000 per year.
Vice Mayor Beckman moved to continue Item 10.4 to September 15,
2022. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
10.5Endorse the Safe Streets Pinellas Action Plan, a data driven plan to work towards zero
traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2045 on the city transportation network, and
adopt Resolution 22-12.
Forward Pinellas expressed safety concerns during their update at the August
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29, 2022 work session, with interest in the City to participate in the Safe Streets
Pinellas Working Group to coordinate safety improvements, advance local
priorities that will make streets safer for the traveling public, and access
technical assistance and support in reducing fatal and serious injury crashes.
One individual spoke in support.
Resolution 22-12 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Bunker moved to endorse the Safe Streets Pinellas
Action Plan, a data driven plan to work towards zero traffic-related
deaths and serious injuries by 2045 on the city transportation
network, and adopt Resolution 22-12. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Hibbard, Vice Mayor Beckman, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Bunker and Councilmember Teixeira
10.6Provide direction on the budget.
Budget Officer Kayleen Kastel said the first public hearing to adopt next
year's budget, which begins October 1, 2022, will be held September 15. To
make that process successful, staff needs direction tonight if Council wishes
to present the millage as proposed or at a reduced rate. Staff is proposing a
5.9550 mills, which is the same rate levied in the current year.
Discussion ensued with comments made that the City's revenues have
increased by 13% and is a basis to give back the citizens a portion of
that. Concerns were expressed that certain areas of the organization are
understaffed. It was suggested that a discussion regarding outsourcing
versus insourcing and hours of operation at recreation facilities and
libraries be held during the strategic planning process.
In response to questions, Ms. Kastel said a 25% millage rollback (0.15
mills) would be a $15 reduction for every$100,000 of taxable value. A
home with a $300,000 value would save $45 annually. She said 1 mill
equals $1.00 for every$1,000 of taxable value. Homesteaded properties
are limited to the Save Our Homes cap, which is the lesser of 3% or the
CPI. She said this year the maximum taxable growth is 3%. The City
Manager said if there is a consensus among Council for a millage
reduction, he prefers Council provide a number tonight. Staff is prepared
to discuss potential budget cuts. Assistant City Manager Micah Maxwell
said for noticing purposes and for the upcoming agenda item, staff needs
a number tonight.
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One individual spoke in support of adopting a millage reduction.
One individual questioned the median assessed value of a house in
Clearwater and the potential savings a millage reduction would provide
versus services received.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to reduce the proposed budget by
$1 million. The motion was duly seconded and carried with the
following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Hibbard, Vice Mayor Beckman, Councilmember Allbritton,
and Councilmember Teixeira
Nays: 1 - Councilmember Bunker
11. City Attorney Reports — None.
12. Other Council Action
12.1 Discuss Incubator - Mayor Hibbard
Mayor Hibbard said a couple of weeks ago Council discussed allocating
$250,000 to the incubator that would be a partnership between Amplify
Clearwater, Saint Petersburg College, and the City's Economic
Development Department. He requested the item be brought back
because there was some confusion over the motion. Since the
meeting, Amplify applied for a grant through Pinellas County, which was
withdrawn because concerns were raised that the City did not support the
request. The program will help entrepreneurs make their businesses
more successful and hopefully employ more people. He said the
incubator will likely be in the new CRA.
The City Attorney suggested that Council refer back to one of the buckets
Council approved on August 4,2022. Because there is a finite amount of
money, Council may 1) reallocate funds from one of the existing buckets,
reducing the amount by$250,000, or 2) allocate $250,000 from one of
the buckets specifically for the incubator. He expressed concerns that the
$1 million for the Non-Profit Grants Based Program is described as a
cultural affairs program and was not sure the incubator would meet that
criteria. He suggested reducing one of the buckets by$250,000 and
create a new one for the incubator.
Discussion ensued with concern expressed that the request before
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Council does not inform the residents what the program is or how the
organization will be held accountable. Support was expressed to reduce
the Education Grant category by$250,000.
One individual supported Amplify Clearwater lease the city-owned
property for market rate.
One individual spoke in support but expressed concerns that details of
the program are not available and questioned the process for
organizations making funding requests to Council.
One individual spoke in support.
Councilmember Teixeira moved to reallocate $250,000 from the
Education bucket and reassign it to the Amplify Clearwater
Incubator. The motion was duly seconded and carried with the
following vote:
Ayes: 3 - Mayor Hibbard, Councilmember Allbritton and Councilmember
Teixeira
Nays: 2 - Vice Mayor Beckman and Councilmember Bunker
13. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes)
Councilmember Teixeira said last Saturday was the Clearwater Kids
Stepping Up Wearable Art Show and thanked Ms. Jay from North
Greenwood Recreation Center who saved the day. She said yesterday
Clearwater hosted the Big-C meeting and thanked staff for their help and she
attended the swearing in of the new Clearwater fire fighters this morning.
She said she just returned from Memphis, TN and said Memphis has some
of the same challenges as Clearwater in that they are also building a multi-
modal center and addressing blighted property in their downtown.
Councilmember Bunker said he was delighted to join city staff and
Councilmembers at the fire fighter graduation ceremony this morning. He
said he also attended a ribbon cutting at the Trinity Presbyterian Church for
their new solar panels and that the city should strive for to reach the goals
that they have reached. In response to Senator Hooper's presentation at the
beginning of the meeting, he said he cannot accept it when state and federal
officials say there is nothing they can do regarding Scientology and that he
will keep fighting.
Vice Mayor Beckman said SPC had an open house at the North Greenwood
Recreation Center in conjunction with the Clearwater Urban Leadership
Coalition which displayed all the wonderful services and resources they
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City of Clearwater
City Council
Meeting Minutes September 1, 2022
offer. She said she serves on the Paint Your Heart Out Clearwater board
and encouraged residents to reach out if they are interested in joining a
team.
Councilmember Allbritton said he reached out to PSTA's Brad Miller and
PSTA is still moving forward on the intermodal facility as they received the
grant funding. Mr. Miller told him PSTA will get gap funding from the County
in October and has already had an engineer and architect on the site.
14. Closing Comments by Mayor
15. Adjourn
Mayor Hibbard reviewed recent and upcoming events and expressed
condolences to Ethan Wiser's family.
The meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
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