09/21/2023 City Council Meeting Minutes September 21, 2023
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
,t
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, September 21, 2023
6:00 PM
Pinellas County, 333 Chestnut Street, Palm Room, Clearwater, FL
33756
City Council
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes September 21, 2023
Roll Call
Present: 5 - Mayor Brian Aungst Sr., Vice Mayor Mark Bunker, Councilmember
David Allbritton, Councilmember Kathleen Beckman and
Councilmember Lina Teixeira
Also Present: Jennifer Poirrier— City Manager, Michael Delk—Assistant City
Manager, Daniel Slaughter—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 Aungst, Sr.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Invocation — Rev. Norma Fontaine-Philbert from Garden of Grace Ministries
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 September Service Awards
The September 2023 Employee of the Month Award was presented to
Kris Koch, Parks and Recreation.
The September/October 2023 Team of the Quarter Award was presented
to the Cleaning Up the City Team: Kaylynn Price, Myra James, Wioletta
Dabrowski, and Lisa Bayly.
4.2 Constitution Week Proclamation, September 17-23, 2023 - Sharon Jank, Daughters of the
American Revolution Regent, Clearwater Chapter
4.3 Carefest Day 2023- A Day of Caring Proclamation, September 30, 2023 - Daniel Bernard,
President Somebody Cares Tampa Bay
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4.4 Florida Climate Week Proclamation, October 2-8, 2023 — Cassie Cordova, Sustainability
Division Manager
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the minutes of the September 7, 2023 City Council meeting as submitted in
written summation by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Teixeira moved to approve the minutes of the
September 7, 2023 City Council meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
6. Consent Agenda — Approved as submitted, less Items 6.5 and 6.6
6.1 Approve an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Clearwater and the Community
Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to provide staffing and administrative services for the
CRA, provided for the reimbursement of certain expense by the CRA to the City, and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.2 Approve the purchase of excess liability, workers compensation and various specialty
insurance policies from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024 in the amount of
$1,475,000 pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinance Section 2.563(1)(i), Insurance,
and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.3 Authorize funding and amend agreements with Evernorth Behavioral Health (Evernorth)
and Cigna Healthcare (Cigna) for the employee assistance program and city medical
insurance (under a self- insured funding arrangement) for period January 1, 2024 through
December 31, 2024, for a total not-to-exceed amount of$27.1 million ($55,000 for
Evernorth and $27,045,000 for Cigna), pursuant to RFP 26-22, to be funded by city
budgeted funds, payroll deductions of employees and retiree premiums; and authorize
the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.4 Approve an agreement with Evernorth Direct Health LLC dba Cigna for onsite medical
and prescription drug services for the period of October 1, 2023, through September 30,
2026, in the not-to-exceed amount of$5,000,000.00 pursuant to Request for Proposal
No. 22-23 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.5 Approve a purchase order and agreement to TriTech Software Systems, a
CentralSquare Company, for the renewal of TriTech Software Support and Maintenance
in the amount of$224,952.38 from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 20247
pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(d), Non-competitive
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purchases - impractical to bid, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
See Below.
6.6 Approve an Interlocal Agreement between the Clearwater Community Redevelopment
Agency (CRA) and the City of Clearwater to provide CRA funding in fiscal year
2023-2024 in the amount of$257,642.91 to underwrite the cost of additional Community
Policing services by the Clearwater Police Department in the Downtown CRA to address
quality of life issues, drug dealing, and homelessness and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same.
(consent)
See Below.
6.7 Approve a Purchase Order and 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$250,000.00, during the contract
period of October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2025, 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)
6.8 Authorize a purchase order to Ten-8 Fire and Equipment, Inc. of Bradenton, FL for one
Osage Warrior Type I Rescue 2024 Ford F450 Extended Cab Chassis in the amount of
$327,648.00, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Sections 2.563(1)(c),
Piggyback, and 2.563(1)(d), Non-competitive purchase, authorize the surplus of G3609 a
2008 Ford F650 Medtec pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.623 (7)
(c), public auction, or (e), trade-in, whichever is in the best interest of the City, and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.9 Approve a purchase order to Murphy Pipeline Contractors of, Tampa, FL for trenchless
rehabilitation and pipe bursting technology services, replacement of City of Clearwater's
water main system in the annual not-to-exceed amount of$3,000,000.00 with the option
for three one-year renewals at the City's discretion in accordance with Clearwater Code
of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(c), Piggyback, and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. (consent)
6.10Authorize the continuing use of construction contracts originally approved on September
15, 2022 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
$31,750,000.00 for an additional 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.
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(consent)
Councilmember Allbritton moved to approve the Consent Agenda
as submitted, less Items 6.5 and 6.6, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
6.5 Approve a purchase order and agreement to TriTech Software Systems, a
CentralSquare Company, for the renewal of TriTech Software Support and Maintenance
in the amount of$224,952.38 from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024,
pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(d), Non-competitive
purchases - impractical to bid, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
TriTech Software System provides an integrated computer aided dispatch
(CAD), mobile, automatic vehicle location (AVL) environment, and downloading
of data to the report management system (ACISS). Prior to the TriTech
System, each of these functions required separate software support and
hardware agreements.
The TriTech system has been operational since October 2007; the final sign-off
and payment closing out the project was disbursed in March 2009.
The Council previously approved the twelve-month TriTech renewal for software
support and maintenance, which will expire on September 30, 2023. This
renewal reflects a 5% increase over the fiscal 2023 amount, which totaled
$214,285.66.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this 12-month renewal, in the amount of$224,952.38, is budgeted in
Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Police Department operating budget 0101162-530300
(contractual services).
One individual reviewed his professional background and requested
access to the software as his company may be able to submit a bid.
Vice Mayor Bunker moved to approve a purchase order and
agreement to TriTech Software Systems, a CentralSquare
Company, for the renewal of TriTech Software Support and
Maintenance in the amount of $224,952.38 from October 1, 2023
through September 30, 2024, pursuant to Clearwater Code of
Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(d), Non-competitive purchases -
impractical to bid, and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried
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unanimously.
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Aungst Sr., Vice Mayor Bunker, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Beckman and Councilmember Teixeira
6.6Approve an Interlocal Agreement between the Clearwater Community Redevelopment
Agency (CRA) and the City of Clearwater to provide CRA funding in fiscal year
2023-2024 in the amount of$257,642.91 to underwrite the cost of additional Community
Policing services by the Clearwater Police Department in the Downtown CRA to address
quality of life issues, drug dealing, and homelessness and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same.
Quality of life issues, drug dealing, and homelessness, all negatively impact the
redevelopment plan. Additional community policing resources are needed to
effectively address these issues above and beyond the level provided by routine
road patrol functions.
An allowable funding source of this active item is the use of CRA Increment
Financings funds. Florida Statutes allows for the use of funds for "community
policing innovations" in the Community Redevelopment Areas.
The CRA and Clearwater Police Department have reached an agreement on a
proposed scope of services and terms delineated in the Interlocal Agreement.
Included in the proposed scope is the delineation of specific, measurable crime
reduction targets by which to monitor the success of the initiative as well as
providing clear language required by statute assuring that the resources are
applied to the Downtown CRA area.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this Interlocal Agreement will be from CRA Project Code R2001
Community Policing.
One individual questioned what the CRA is doing for the unemployed.
One individual supported directing more resources towards affordable
housing, mental health, and compassionate housing.
One individual spoke in opposition.
Councilmember Teixeira moved to approve an Interlocal
Agreement between the Clearwater Community Redevelopment
Agency (CRA) and the City of Clearwater to provide CRA funding
in fiscal year 2023-2024 in the amount of$257,642.91 to
underwrite the cost of additional Community Policing services by
the Clearwater Police Department in the Downtown CRA to
address quality of life issues, drug dealing, and homelessness
and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The
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motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 PM
7. Administrative Public Hearings
7.1 Set final millage rate of 5.8850 mills for fiscal year 2023/24 against non-exempt real and
personal property within the City of Clearwater and pass Ordinance 9713-23 on first
reading.
In accordance with Chapter 200 of the Florida Statutes, which defines
requirements for the Determination of Millage and the rules governing Truth in
Millage (TRIM) compliance, the City Council must hold two public hearings to
adopt a final millage rate for the new fiscal year. The adoption of this ordinance
to establish the millage rate and the two related budget ordinances are an
integral part of fulfilling these requirements.
The City Council set a tentative millage rate of 5.8850 mills on July 20, 2023,
which is the rate that appeared on the TRIM notices mailed to taxpayers in
August. The millage rate of 5.8850 mills represents a 10.27% increase from the
rolled back rate of 5.3370 mills.
Ordinance 9713-23 is presented in order to adopt the millage rate of 5.8850
mills to support the operating and capital improvement budgets for the 2023/24
fiscal year.
Budget Director Kayleen Kastel provided a PowerPoint presentation.
One individual questioned the benefits the elected members receive and
the cost associated with the benefits.
Two individuals submitted emails supporting prioritizing funding for
affordable and workforce housing (see pages 18 to 22).
The City Manager said the councilmembers do not receive a pension.
It was stated councilmembers have the option to receive health
insurance and access to the city health clinic.
Ordinance 9713-23 was presented and read in full.
Councilmember Beckman moved to set final millage rate of 5.8850
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mills for fiscal year 2023/24 against non-exempt real and personal
property within the City of Clearwater and pass Ordinance
9713-23 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and
upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Aungst Sr., Vice Mayor Bunker, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Beckman and Councilmember Teixeira
7.2 Approve the City of Clearwater Annual Operating Budget for the 2023/24 fiscal year and
pass Ordinance 9714-23 on first reading.
In accordance with Chapter 200 of the Florida Statutes and the rules governing
Truth in Millage (TRIM) compliance, the City Council must hold two public
hearings to adopt the budget. The adoption of this ordinance and the related
ordinances adopting the 2023/24 millage rate and the Capital Improvement
Budget are an integral part of fulfilling these requirements.
On June 30, 2023, the City Manager provided the City Council with a Preliminary
Annual Operating and Capital Improvement Budget that outlined estimates of
revenues and expenditures for the 2023/24 fiscal year. The City Manager
presented the preliminary budget at the City Council meeting on July 20, 2023,
for Council discussion and citizen input. In addition, a Special Budget Work
Session was held on August 7, 2023, for Council discussion of the proposed
budget.
No changes have been made to the Preliminary Operating Budget.
Ordinance 9714-23 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to approve the City of
Clearwater Annual Operating Budget for the 2023/24 fiscal year
and pass Ordinance 9714-23 on first reading. The motion was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Aungst Sr., Vice Mayor Bunker, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Beckman and Councilmember Teixeira
7.3 Approve the fiscal year 2023/24 Annual Capital Improvement Budget, establish a six-year
plan for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), and pass Ordinance 9715-23 on first
reading.(APH)
In accordance with Chapter 200 of the Florida Statutes and the rules governing
Truth in Millage (TRIM) compliance, the City Council must hold two public
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hearing to adopt the final budget. The adoption of this ordinance and the related
ordinances adopting the 2023/24 millage rate and operating budget are an
integral part of fulfilling these requirements.
On June 30, 2023, the City Manager provided the City Council with a Preliminary
Annual Operating and Capital Improvement Budget that outlined estimates of
revenues and expenditures for the 2023/24 fiscal year. The City Manager
presented the preliminary budget at the city council meeting on July 20, 2023,
for Council discussion and citizen input. In addition, a Special Budget Work
Session was held on August 7, 2023, for council discussion of the proposed
budget.
No changes have been made to the Preliminary Capital Improvement Budget.
Ordinance 9715-23 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Beckman moved to approve the fiscal year
2023/24 Annual Capital Improvement Budget, establish a six-year
plan for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), and pass
Ordinance 9715-23 on first reading. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Aungst Sr., Vice Mayor Bunker, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Beckman and Councilmember Teixeira
7.4 Approve the recommended Penny for Pinellas project list, as revised for fiscal years
2023/24 through 2029/30.
On March 6, 1997, the City Council adopted Ordinance 6137-97. The ordinance
established the requirement for a special hearing prior to adoption of the capital
improvement budget to discuss the use of Penny for Pinellas tax, and at any
time in which there is any proposed change to the Penny for Pinellas project
funding of$500,000 or more.
Changes to Penny for Pinellas projects that meet these criteria in the proposed
2023/24 capital improvement budget and six-year plan include the following:
Fire Engines/Ladder Truck Replacement - The funding for this project is being
increased by a total of$1,843,990. This represents cost increases estimated at
$443,990 for fire engines planned for purchase in fiscal years 2027/28 through
2029/30; and the addition of a ladder truck budgeted for$1,400,000 planned for
replacement in 2029/30 (funded at $700,000 in fiscal years 2028/29 and
2029/30).
One individual requested the list of projects be displayed on the
monitors.
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Vice Mayor Bunker moved to approve the recommended Penny
for Pinellas project list, as revised for fiscal years 2023/24
through 2029/30. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll
call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Aungst Sr., Vice Mayor Bunker, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Beckman and Councilmember Teixeira
7.5 Continue to October 18, 2023: Approve amendments to the Community Development
Code, rescinding certain previously adopted amendments determined to be null and void
ab initio pursuant to Florida Senate Bill 250 (2023), and pass Ordinance 9712-23 on first
reading.
City Council approved Ordinance No. 9643-23 on April 4, 2023, making a variety
of amendments to the Community Development Code. Subsequent to this
approval, the Florida Legislature prepared Senate Bill 250, which the Governor
signed into law on June 28, 2023. Senate Bill 250 places certain restrictions on
municipalities entirely or partially within 100 miles of where either Hurricanes Ian
or Nicole made landfall. More specifically, the bill states that municipalities may
not "propose or adopt more restrictive or burdensome amendments to their
comprehensive plan or land development regulations" prior to October 1, 2024,
and applies this restriction retroactively to September 28, 2022. The bill further
declares that any such amendment "shall be null and void ab initio".
Portions of Ordinance No. 9643-23 may be "more restrictive or burdensome"
and therefore are void and have no legal effect. Proposed Ordinance No.
9712-23 rescinds those sections of the Community Development Code,
reverting to the codified language that existed prior to April 4, 2023 (i.e., when
Ordinance No. 9643-23 was adopted).
The Planning and Development Department has determined that the proposed
text amendments to the Community Development Code are consistent with and
further the goals, objectives and policies of the Comprehensive Plan and the
Community Development Code as outlined in the staff report.
The Community Development Board, in its capacity as the Local Planning
Agency (LPA), will review the proposed amendments to the Community
Development Code at its meeting on September 19, 2023. Staff will report its
recommendation at the city council meeting.
No action, continued to October 18, 2023.
7.6 Continue to October 18, 2023: Approve the annexation, initial Future Land Use Map
designation of Residential Urban (RU) and initial Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium
Density Residential (LMDR) District for 3121 Downing Street, together will all
unincorporated right-of-way of Downing Street, and pass Ordinances 9709-23, 9710-23,
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and 9711-23 on first reading. (ANX2023-07008)
This voluntary annexation petition involves a 0.212-acre property consisting of
one parcel of land occupied by a detached dwelling. The property is located on
the south side of Downing Street approximately 260 feet east of South McMullen
Booth Road. The property was recently developed with a detached dwelling
under Pinellas County's jurisdiction, and annexation is required in order to
receive sanitary sewer and solid waste service from the city. The Development
Review Committee is proposing that the 0.68-acres of Downing Street
right-of-way not currently within the city limits also be annexed. The property is
contiguous to existing city boundaries to the south. It is proposed that the
property be assigned a Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Urban
(RU) 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 and sanitary sewer service from
the city. The required sewer impact fee has been paid in full and the
property was connected to the city's closest sanitary sewer line located
in the adjacent Downing Street right-of-way at the time of construction.
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 #49 located at 565 Sky Harbor Drive. The city
has adequate capacity to serve this property with solid waste, police,
and fire and EMS service. 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.2.2 Future land use in the City of Clearwater shall be
guided by the city's Future Land Use Map, which shall be
consistent with the Countywide Plan for Pinellas County (The
Countywide Plan) including the Countywide Plan Map and shall
be implemented through the city's Community Development
Code.
Objective A.6.4 Due to the built-out character of the City of
Clearwater, compact urban development within the urban
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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 Urban (RU) 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 7.5
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
• The property proposed for annexation is contiguous to existing city
boundaries to the south; therefore, the annexation is consistent with
Florida Statutes Chapter 171.044.
No action, continued to October 18, 2023.
8. Citizens to be heard re items not on the agenda
Jennifer Haithcock invited all to attend the Continuum of Care meeting
on September 28, 2023 in Largo and encouraged all to join the COC.
She said there is no membership fees and all COC funds are directed to
address homelessness.
Mr. Holuba thanked Vice Mayor Bunker for voting in opposition of the
proposed civility and decorum rules. He said zip-tying chairs in council
chambers is not a safety measure.
Cal Tiger said he is a member of a non-profit organization that teaches
vocational technology skills, which can also benefit the homeless, the
private industry needs to be involved if homelessness is to end.
Lisa Lanza she said is a member of the Tampa Bay Technology Center
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and said she shares the Center's weekly bulletin with Council. She met
Cal at one of the Center's recent meetings and encouraged Council to
attend the meetings.
9. City Manager Reports
9.1 Amend the City's fiscal year 2022/23 operating and capital improvement budgets at third
quarter and pass Ordinances 9716-23 and 9717-23 on first reading.
The fiscal year 2022/23 operating and capital improvement budgets were
adopted in October 2022 by ordinances 9615-22 and 9616-22. Section 2.521 of
the City's Code of Ordinances requires the City Manager to prepare a quarterly
report detailing income, expenditure estimates, collections, the explanation of
significant variances, as well as the financial status of all capital improvement
projects.
Ordinances 9716-23 and 9717-23 were presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Teixeira moved to amend the City's fiscal year
2022/23 operating and capital improvement budgets at third
quarter and pass Ordinances 9716-23 and 9717-23 on first
reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the
vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Aungst Sr., Vice Mayor Bunker, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Beckman and Councilmember Teixeira
9.2 Appoint two individuals to the Community Development Board to fill the remainder of an
unexpired term through February 28, 2026 and one through April 30, 2026.
BOARD: Community Development Board
TERM: 4 years
APPOINTED BY: City Council
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Yes
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: City of Clearwater
MEMBERS: 7 & 1 alternate
CHAIRPERSON: TBD
MEETING DATES: 3rd Tues., 1:00 p.m.
PLACE: Main Library
APPTS. NEEDED: 2
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Per the Clearwater Community Development
Code, Section 5-202: "the city commission shall seek a membership with
diverse economic, social and professional representation and shall include
members qualified and experienced in the fields of architecture, planning,
landscape architecture, engineering, construction, planning and land use law
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City Council Meeting Minutes September 21, 2023
and real estate."
THE FOLLOWING ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS HAVE RESIGNED OR
HAVE AN EXPIRED TERM WHICH NOW REQUIRES NEW
APPOINTMENTS:
1. Andrew Caudell - 420 Druid Road West, 33756 - General Contractor
Original Appointment: 2/17/2022
(was serving 1 st term set to expire 02/28/26)
Absences: 6/21/22, 9/20/22, 12/20/22, 1/17/23, 4/18/23
Resignation Date: 7/19/23
2. Samuel Hutkin - 755 Eldorado Avenue, 33767 -Alt Member/Commercial
Real Estate
Original Appointment: 4/7/22
(was serving 1 st term set to expire 4/30/26)
Absences: 6/21/22, 7/19/22, 9/20/22, 2/21/23, 5/16/23
Resignation Date: 7/19/23
THE FOLLOWING APPLICANTS HAVE THE DESIRED PROFESSIONAL
BACKGROUNDS:
1. Nicholas Anderson - 115 S Keystone Dr., 33755 - Realtor
2. Kurt Hinrichs - 3151 Oyster Bayou Way, 33759 - Civil Engineer
3. Michael Boutzoukas -2433 Bond Avenue, 33759 - Real Estate Attorney
THE FOLLOWING APPLICANTS ARE ALSO BEING SUBMITTED FOR
CONSIDERATION:
1. Rebekka Ervin - 920 N Osceola Ave, 33755 - Consultant/Broker
2. William (Bill) Jonson - 2694 Redford Court W, 33761 - Project Manager
& Elected Rep
3. Polly Ward - 2009 Sea Front Ct., 33763 - Sales
4. Jessica Martin - 3003 Saint John Drive, 33759 - Real Estate Investor
5. John Carey - 1504 Laura St., 33755 - IT Manager, Retired
Zip Codes of current members:
1 at 33759
1 at 33761
1 at 33764
3 at 33767
Current categories:
Real Estate Developer
Sr. Project Administrator
Engineer
Construction/Real Estate
Real Estate Broker/Developer
Corporate General Counsel
One individual spoke in support of Bill Jonson.
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City Council Meeting Minutes September 21, 2023
Three individuals submitted emails supporting the appointment of Bill
Jonson (see pages 23 to 26).
Discussion ensued with comments made that Bill Jonson is a community
leader and a former councilmember who's role has evolved to being a
public advocate helping neighborhoods find their fit with the city.
In response to a concern, the City Clerk said advisory board members do
not have a length of residency requirement similar to councilmembers. The
code requires members to reside within city limits.
Concerns were expressed that Mr. Boutzoukas served on the Board
during a contentious decision that many residents disapproved.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to appoint the following
individuals to the Community Development Board: Michael
Boutzoukas to fill the remainder of an unexpired term through
February 28, 2026 and Kurt Hinrichs to fill the remainder of an
unexpired term through April 30, 2026. The motion was duly
seconded and carried with the following vote:
Ayes: 3 - Mayor Aungst Sr., Councilmember Allbritton and Councilmember
Teixeira
Nays: 2 - Vice Mayor Bunker and Councilmember Beckman
Artificial Turf
Assistant City Manager Michael Delk said staff has been approached in
the past regarding properties that use artificial tun` A number of residents
with properties where code compliance has been initiated have grouped
together and sought counsel, staff has paused code compliance activity.
Legal has reviewed the plaintiffs interpretation of the city ordinance and
has issued an opinion supporting staffs interpretation of city code. Mr.
Delk said staff intends to reschedule the notices of violation for a
Municipal Code Enforcement Board hearing on October 25, 2023. Staff
is requesting council to confirm if there is any interest in staff revisiting
the use of artificial tun` Staff will present analysis at a work session.
There was council consensus for staff to revisit the use of artificial tun`
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City Council Meeting Minutes September 21, 2023
The City Attorney said discussion is warranted but stressed the
importance to distinguish the legislative question that will come before
Council from the quasi-judicial question that is for the Municipal Code
Enforcement Board. Council will be asked to identify what the code
should say (i.e., allow, or not allow, artificial turf in the city). The decision
to issue a notice of violation to a particular property owner is made by
Code Enforcement.
10. City Attorney Reports
The City Attorney said the City has been faced with unusual
circumstances at the Main Library, where council meetings are held, and
staff has been managing the competing requirements regarding millage.
The first hearing occurred this evening. In order for the millage to be
approved by the state deadline, the rescheduled second hearing will be
on October 2, 2023.
11. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes)
Councilmembers reviewed recent and upcoming events.
Councilmember Teixeira said, in honor of World Peace Day, "peace is
not the absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful
means."
Councilmember Beckman thanked Jennifer Haithcock for sharing her
experience with homelessness. She said she toured the U.S. Coast Guard
Air Station in Clearwater on Monday, the community is fortunate to have their
life saving abilities in Clearwater. She thanked teaches, volunteers,
board members, firefighters and those who do the important work of
making our community the best it can be.
Vice Mayor Bunker said Leah Remini recently sat down with the Police
Chief of Los Angeles and discussed a wide range of issues involving
Scientology. She raised a concern that staff and Sea Org. members do
not have access to calling 9-1-1. He said members of the Sea Org. have
their calls monitored and emails read, if the situation is happening in
Clearwater, he would hope the Clearwater Police Chief would look into it.
12. Closing Comments by Mayor
Mayor Aungst, Sr. reviewed recent events and said he would like to speak
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City of Clearwater
City Council
13. Adjourn
Meeting Minutes September 21, 2023
with staff regarding a small comprehensive plan and developing
affordable housing near Baycare's campus.
The meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.
Attest
LSei C1�.2 L
City Clerk
City of Clearwater
Mayo
City of Clearwa
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