08/15/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes August 15, 2024
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
e
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, August 15, 2024
6:00 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
City Council
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes August 15, 2024
Roll Call
Present: 5 - Mayor Bruce Rector, Vice Mayor David Allbritton, Councilmember
Ryan Cotton, Councilmember Michael Mannino and Councilmember
Lina Teixeira
Also Present: Jennifer Poirrier— 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 Rector
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Invocation — Major Ted Morris, The Salvation Army
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 August Service Awards
The August 2024 Employee of the Month Award was presented to Amber
Brice, Art and Cultural Affairs.
4.2 Clearwater Sister Cities Inc. Young Ambassador Presentation
Clearwater Sister Cities Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides many
cultural exchange events for the community centered around Clearwater's
Sister City, Nagano, Japan. Their Young Ambassador program allows middles
school students the opportunity to experience life in Japan firsthand. They
spend a week sightseeing and a week with a homestay family in Nagano while
attending a local school. Though this trip is funded primarily by the parents of
students and partially by organization, the City of Clearwater provides one
scholarship per year to a Clearwater resident.
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City Council Meeting Minutes August 15, 2024
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the minutes of the August 1, 2024 city council meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Cotton moved to approve the minutes of the
August 1, 2024 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 6.1- 6.3.
6.1 Approve First Amendment to the Venue License Agreement between the City and Ruth
Eckerd Hall Inc. for the management and operation of The BayCare Sound and authorize
the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
See Below.
6.2 Approve supplemental two work order from Moffatt and Nichol, of Tampa, FL for
Construction Engineering Inspection (CEI), additional permitting services and grant
administration for the Clearwater Beach Marina Replacement project (21-0008-MA), a
$329,017.00 increase for a new total of$1,849,091.50 pursuant to Request for
Qualifications (RFQ) 24-21 and authorize the appropriate officials execute same.
(consent)
See Below.
6.3 Approve a Contract for Purchase of Real Property by the City of Clearwater (City),
located at 1843 Springtime Ave, Clearwater, FL 33774, owned by James McLaughlin
with a purchase price of$350,000.00 and total expenditures not to exceed $360,000.00,
and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same, together with all other
instruments required to affect closing. (consent)
See Below.
6.4 Accept a Sovereignty Submerged Lands Easement from Board of Trustees of the Internal
Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida, for the construction, installation, and
maintenance of gas utility facilities on real property lying U.S. 19 Alt SR 595 (Bay Shore
Blvd.), over Cedar Creek, Pinellas County, Florida. (consent)
6.5 Approve Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Proposal from Biltmore Construction Co.,
Inc. of Belleair, FL, for repair of Fire Station 48 Burn Tower in the amount of$324,944.00,
pursuant to Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 40-20, Construction Manager at Risk
Services Continuing Contracts, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
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6.6 Approve an agreement with Precision Contracting Services, Inc., for the installation of
new, and maintenance of existing, conduit and fiber optic cabling in the not to exceed
amount of$6,622,835.00 for a five-year term beginning September 1, 2024 through
August 31, 2029, pursuant to RFP 46-24, and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. (consent)
Councilmember Teixeira moved to approve the Consent Agenda
as submitted, less Items 6.1 through 6.3, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
6.1 Approve First Amendment to the Venue License Agreement between the City and Ruth
Eckerd Hall Inc. for the management and operation of The BayCare Sound and authorize
the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
On May 19, 2022, the City Council approved staff entering contract negotiations
with Ruth Eckerd Hall (REH) to manage, program and operate the Venue and
on December 8, 2022 a Venue License Agreement between the City and REH
was approved. The grand opening of the park and the Sound occurred on June
28, 2023.
Prior to this, on April 15, 2021, staff was authorized to issue an RFP to seek
consultant services for naming rights and sponsorships for Imagine Clearwater
and on March 3, 2022, City Council approved issuing a purchase order to
Superlative Group Inc. for Phase I, development of a Valuation Report.
Following the delivery of the Valuation Report the Council approved entering
Phase II, Sales Services, which began on February 2, 2023. Approximately one
year later on March 7, 2024, the City Council approved a Naming Rights
Agreement between BayCare Health Systems Inc. and the City naming the
venue "The BayCare Sound."
During the first year of operations of The BayCare Sound both the City and REH
have recognized a need to amend the original agreement to provide for
clarification and definition of some operational issues which will strengthen the
agreement and relationship between the City and REH. These changes and
additions to the agreement will allow REH and the City to provide for more
effective and efficient operations of The BayCare Sound.
Most of the contractual amendments are intended to reflect the operational
standards that have been developed and in use by both parties since the
approval of the original agreement. Some of the key issues that have been
negotiated and may be of specific interest to the Council and the public can be
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City Council Meeting Minutes August 15, 2024
found in the "Term Sheet Between City and REH".
REH has always been aware of their responsibility to pay for all utility costs
associated with use of the Venue. The amended language clarifies what this
will be. Following is a list of the utilities and percentages being paid by REH
and justification as to why these percentages apply.
Electricity - 100%: The Venue is metered separately from the remainder of
Coachman Park and these bills are directly attributed to REH.
Water, Sewer, Wastewater
• Restroom on the Hill - 100%: This restroom (at the northeast quadrant of
the Sound near the library) is not opened to the public and serves REH
or City Events only.
• Main Building including Main Restroom - 50%: This restroom is used by
the public year-round except for the 35 performance days REH uses the
Venue. Since the building is serviced by a 2-inch meter there is a
minimum usage charge which neither REH nor the city combined will
exceed. Thus, the City and REH agreed to share the minimum charge
of$4,906.98 per month on a 50/50 basis.
• Vendor Area in Plaza and Green in the Park - 50%: There is a 1 '/2 inch
meter that services the vendor plaza area about 35 times a year and the
park the remainder of the year. Like the main restrooms there is a
minimum usage charge that neither REH nor the city combined will
exceed. Thus, the City and REH agreed to share the minimum charge
of$886 per month on a 50/50 basis.
Trash Compactor -25%: The compactor is used 365 days a year by city staff to
dispose of trash gathered in the park while REH uses the compactor only during
event days. On average the compactor is emptied four times a month
therefore REH agreed to pay for one compactor pull per month or 25% of the
yearly bill.
Storm Water Fee - REH is responsible to pay the proportionate stormwater
fees for the impervious areas (2.51 acres) within the Venue.
Rest Room Supplies - 0%: The city is responsible to open, close, clean and
stock these restrooms 365 days per year for use by the public, while REH
cleans and stocks the restrooms only for their performances. Since REH pays
100% of electricity cost for the rest rooms staff is recommending that the city
donate restroom supplies for use by REH. Operationally this works best for
both parties.
Sponsor tickets - REH will provide 10 highest priced tickets per event to the
venue sponsor, at no cost to the city or venue sponsor. This has an estimated
cost of$56,000 a year.
City staff and REH are supportive of this amendment as it will provide a more
stable business model that allows REH to operate the Venue as successful as
they can, thus providing quality entertainment for the community, while at the
same time allowing the citizens to enjoy many of the amenities of the Venue
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when not in use by REH.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:
Approval of this amendment supports several Strategic Plan Objectives,
including:
• 1.5: Embrace a culture of innovation that drives continuous improvement
and successfully serves all our customers.
• 2.1: Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain
diversified business sectors.
• 2.2: Cultivate a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship,
inspires local investment, supports Eco-friendly enterprises, and
encourages high-quality job growth. and
• 2.3: Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment,
cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
One individual spoke in opposition.
Vice Mayor Allbritton moved to approve First Amendment to the
Venue License Agreement between the City and Ruth Eckerd Hall
Inc. for the management and operation of The BayCare Sound
and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
6.2 Approve supplemental two work order from Moffatt and Nichol, of Tampa, FL for
Construction Engineering Inspection (CEI), additional permitting services and grant
administration for the Clearwater Beach Marina Replacement project (21-0008-MA), a
$329,017.00 increase for a new total of$1,849,091.50 pursuant to Request for
Qualifications (RFQ) 24-21 and authorize the appropriate officials execute same.
(consent)
The Beach Marina, located on the south side of the Clearwater beach
roundabout, dates to the early 1950's. Due to the dock and utility infrastructure's
age and outdated mix of slip sizes and types, the marina no longer meets
current best practices and standards and requires replacement.
October 7, 2021, City Council approved the professional service agreement and
design work order with Moffatt Nichols pursuant to Request for Qualifications
(RFQ) 24-21 in the amount of$1,484,174.50.
July 18, 2023, City Manager approved supplemental one work order for a
parking study to evaluate the parking demand at the Marina in the amount of
$35,900.00.
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Supplemental two work order provides for Phase 1 (12 months) of CEI
services, additional work to complete the City's Building Permit requirements
and administration of the Resilient Florida and Sport Fish Restoration Grants.
Phase 2 CEI services will be covered by a future supplemental work order.
This supplemental two work order and future supplement are included in the
$46M project budget.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
3327332-561300-Cl 905 $329,017.00
Funds are available in capital improvement project 332-Cl 905, Beach Marine
Upgrade, to fund this work order.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
High Performing Government
1.2 Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands, environmental
resources, and historic features through systematic management efforts.
Economic & Housing Opportunity
2.2 Cultivate a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship, inspires local
investment, supports eco-friendly enterprises, and encourages high-quality job
growth.
2.3 Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural
experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
Environmental Stewardship
4.1 Support proactive climate resiliency strategies based in science to protect
natural and built environments from impacts associated with sea level rise.
One individual spoke in opposition.
Councilmember Mannino moved to approve supplemental two
work order from Moffatt and Nichol, of Tampa, FL for
Construction Engineering Inspection (CEI), additional permitting
services and grant administration for the Clearwater Beach
Marina Replacement project (21-0008-MA), a $329,017.00 increase
for a new total of $1,849,091.50 pursuant to Request for
Qualifications (RFQ) 24-21 and authorize the appropriate officials
execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
6.3 Approve a Contract for Purchase of Real Property by the City of Clearwater (City),
located at 1843 Springtime Ave, Clearwater, FL 33774, owned by James McLaughlin
with a purchase price of$350,000.00 and total expenditures not to exceed $360,000.00,
and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same, together with all other
instruments required to affect closing. (consent)
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This parcel is a strategic acquisition for the City of Clearwater to meet some of
the recommendations of the Stevenson Creek Water Management Plan, as well
as creating direct neighborhood benefits, such as: improving existing flooding
conditions and the City's Community Rating System (FEMA's CRS), removing
one home from the 100-year floodplain, providing much needed access to the
creek for construction and maintenance, and providing future flood
compensation volume for the area.
This property rests between two bridges (Douglas Avenue & Springtime
Avenue) and will provide access during construction of the proposed
stormwater improvements and bridge replacements. The clear access is
expected to reduce construction cost and potential delays and cost for
easement acquisitions. In addition to the short-term benefits, the property is an
ideal location, allowing City Stormwater maintenance to access both bridges for
routine inspections and maintenance activities as well as access to the creek
for neighborhood residents.
Two appraisals were performed, one on, August 21, 2023, which provided an
appraised value of$287,500.00, but said did not include the affected creek bank
land. November 3, 2023, a second appraisal was completed to total $19,506.00
to include all affected areas including the creek bank; but said appraisal did not
include the center portion of the creek bank which was then calculated at
$20,596.00 for a total value of$327,602.00 dollars.
The landowner rejected this amount based on current market conditions. As a
Licensed Broker, staff formed a Broker's Price Opinion (BPO) based on current
closed Sales, strategic importance of the property for city purposes, thereby
increasing the amount by $22,398.00 to the final Purchase price of$350,000.00
dollars, which was accepted by the landowner.
A crossing sanitary sewer easement is not within the construction zone, and
there are no other utilities to address.
City staff have approved this request.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
ENST180003-ACQ-LNDPUR $360,000
Funds are available in capital improvement project ENST180003, Stormwater
System Expansion, to fund this contract.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Purchasing this property will help the City achieve Strategic Objective 1.2
Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands, environmental
resources, and historic features through systematic management efforts: and
1.3 Adopt responsive levels of service for public facilities and amenities, and
identify resources required to sustain that level of service.
One individual questioned if staff considered the alternative cost
methods of doing the construction without purchasing the land.
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Real Estate Services Coordinator Robert Kasmer said the subject parcel
rests between two bridges that need to be reconstructed in order to enhance
stormwater flow. In the future, Parks and Recreation may use the site for a
kayak launch. Public Works Director Marcus Williamson said the site also
provides the City with a good launching point for annual stormwater
maintenance access. He said the City receives an annual CRS credit for
purchasing property located in a flood prone area, which benefits all
residents who purchase flood insurance. Mr. Williamson said purchasing the
site was a better alternative, as utilizing a barge to transport the large
equipment and to access the area would be more expensive. Mr. Kasmer
said the subject property is 137 feet of waterfront and is a heavily wooded
area.
Councilmember Cotton moved to approve a Contract for
Purchase of Real Property by the City of Clearwater (City),
located at 1843 Springtime Ave, Clearwater, FL 33774, owned by
James McLaughlin with a purchase price of $350,000.00 and total
expenditures not to exceed $360,000.00, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same, together with all other
instruments required to affect closing. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 PM
7. Administrative Public Hearings
7.1 Approve State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program Annual Report and Local
Housing Incentive Certification for the closeout year 2021-2022 and interim year
2022-2023 and allow appropriate officials to execute same. (APH)
The Florida Legislature enacted the William E. Sadowski Affordable Housing Act
(Act) in 1992. The Act created a dedicated revenue source for state and local
housing trust funds including the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)
Program.
Through the SHIP Program, the Economic Development and Housing
Department has provided funding for the following housing activities: Purchase
assistance in the form of down payment and closing costs assistance of
existing structures; the construction of new dwellings; the rehabilitation of
owner-occupied single-family dwellings; and the rehabilitation of rental
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properties.
All local governments receiving SHIP funds must submit their annual report to
the Florida Housing Finance Corporation by September 15 of each year. The
annual report provides details of expended and encumbered funds. The report
also provides information on the strategies funded, the number of households
served, and income category, age, family size, race and other data regarding
special needs populations such as homeless persons, persons with disabilities
and the elderly. The report is submitted electronically to the State of Florida.
SHIP is a unique funding program. Qualifying local governments (Grantees) are
allocated formula-derived amounts annually from a dedicated funding source.
The State encourages grantees to spend these funds in the form of loans,
rather than grants, so future revenue from repayment of loans (Program
Income) can be used in addition to annual allocations. Grantees are given three
years to expend an annual allocation and Program Income received during the
same program year. With each SHIP report, the closeout year must be fully
expended. Negative carryover results from project expenditures spanning more
than one year. That is, projects in FY2022-2022 (closeout year) utilized funds
from FY2022-2023 and FY2023-2024.
For closeout year 2021-2022, the City received $806,837 from the state annual
distribution, $1,045,409.04 in program income and related interest, carryover of
a negative balance of$6,972.49 from previous year funds for FY 2021-2022
total revenue of$1,845,273.55. The city expended a total of$1,782,436.32 to
assist sixty-eight families utilizing its approved strategies. The city expended
$271,770 on purchase assistance, $442,119.32 on owner-occupied
rehabilitation, $705,800 on construction of four new single-family homes and
$362,747 to rehabilitate seven multi-family units.
SHIP funding has a positive impact on the City's economy, as evidenced by
activities in closeout year 2021-2022, where the City expended $1,782,436.32
on SHIP strategies in SHIP dollars to leverage approximately $2,000,000 in
other funds. Additionally, the city spent $107,933.94 on program administration.
The City's SHIP program will carry a negative balance of$45,096.71 into FY
2022-23 which will be closed out this time next year.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Objective 2.4 - Supports equitable housing programs that promote
household stability and reduces the incidence of homelessness within
Clearwater.
Councilmember Teixeira moved to approve State Housing
Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program Annual Report and Local
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Housing Incentive Certification for the closeout year 2021-2022
and interim year 2022-2023 and allow appropriate officials to
execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
7.2 Appoint 11 members to the 2024 Affordable Housing Advisory Committee to include the
appointment of a locally elected official and adopt Resolution 24-11.
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 eight to 11 members appointed by the City. The
committee must consist of one locally elected official and one representative
from at least six specific categories. The required categories and
recommended individuals are listed below:
• Banking industry/mortgage: Robyn Fiel
• Area of labor engaged in home building: David Harder
• Advocate for low-income person: Christine Bond
• Not-for-profit provider of affordable housing: Charessa Doty
• Real estate professional engaged in affordable housing: Lindsay
Dicus-Harrison
• Representative of employers: Camille Hebting
• Clearwater resident: Linda Byers
• Member of the local planning agency: Michael Boutzoukas
• Essential Services representative: Cheri DeBlaere
• Residential home building: Rick Vail
• Locally elected official: Mike Mannino
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, 2024, 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.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Objective 2.4 - Supports equitable housing programs that promote household
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stability and reduces the incidence of homelessness within Clearwater.
Resolution 24-11 was presented and read by title only.
Vice Mayor Allbritton moved to appoint 11 members to the 2024
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee to include the
appointment of a locally elected official and adopt Resolution
24-11. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote
was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Allbritton, Councilmember Cotton,
Councilmember Mannino and Councilmember Teixeira
7.3 Approve increases of residential and commercial Stormwater Utility rates by 8.0% per
Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) beginning October 1, 2024, October 1, 2025, October
1, 2026, October 1, 2027, and October 1, 2028; allow for billing of property owners for
services of Stormwater Management irrespective of the use of other utility services; and
pass Ordinance 9774-24 on first reading.
August 18, 2022, City Council adopted five years of Stormwater rate increases
at 1.75% per year for fiscal years 2023 through 2027.
Stantec Consulting Services' 2024 revenue sufficiency and financial forecast
analysis determined that, due to current capital and operating cost projections,
increases of 8.0% are needed for fiscal years 2025 ($14.98), 2026 ($16.18),
2027 ($17.47), 2028 ($18.87) and 2029 ($20.38), beginning October 1, 2024.
Property owners are currently paying $13.87 per ERU, effective 10/1/23 for
current FY24. The proposed 10/1/24 8% rate, will increase the previously
approved rate of$14.11 (a 1.75% increase) to $14.98 (8% increase), or$0.87 a
month per ERU (per single residence).
Stormwater Utility fees are utilized for planning, design, construction, operation,
maintenance, and inspection of the City's stormwater management facilities as
well as ensure the City meets new regulation requirements. This rate increase
is needed to provide adequate funding to operate the City's Stormwater System
and maintain compliance with debt service.
This ordnance includes updated language to assess a stormwater
management utility fee regardless of whether other city utilities (potable water,
sanitary sewer, reclaim, gas) are being provided for the property parcel,
including vacant parcels, to appropriately collect fees from all users of the
city-wide stormwater system.
Business Impact Statement: This rate change will result in a stormwater rate
increase of 8% for Clearwater businesses. This increase is designed to help
mitigate flooding issues and comply with State regulations. Failure to
implement rate increases would result in sooner bond requirements to cover
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City Council Meeting Minutes August 15, 2024
debt costs, which would ultimately result in much higher rate increases. In
addition, failing to properly augment required spending could jeopardize
Clearwater's AAA bond rating that helps offset debt financing costs, which could
result in higher costs to businesses in the future from higher rate increases.
Failure to perform the work, would result in increased flooding, potential safety
issues from deteriorating stormwater infrastructure and potential fines from
State regulators for failing to inspect and maintain the stormwater system.
Failure to perform required work may result in flooding with road/sidewalk
infrastructure problems, which would likely impact businesses by making it
more difficult or undesirable for customers and business activities to operate.
The rate increase is citywide and stormwater concerns to each business
across the city will vary based the surrounding stormwater infrastructure,
elevation, tidal influence, bodies of water near the facility, road network, type of
business activities, and several other factors. For this reason, the business
impact statement is citywide and not tailored to specific businesses. In
preparing the stormwater rate study, the City carefully balanced needs for
stormwater improvements and maintenance across future years to minimize
rate impacts while ensuring stormwater needs are met, minimizing impacts to
residents and businesses. Initial efforts had a higher rate that was balanced
down to the proposed 8% level, reasonably accounting for impacts given
increased storm intensity, higher tidal elevations and inflationary and land
development pressures.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
1.1 Provide evidence-based measurement tools to continually guide municipal
performance and promote accountable governance. 1.2 Maintain public
infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands, environmental resources, and
historic features through systematic management efforts. 1.3 Adopt responsive
levels of service for public facilities and amenities, and identify resources
required to sustain that level of service. 1.4. Foster safe and healthy
communities in Clearwater through first-class public safety and emergency
response services.
One individual spoke in opposition.
One individual requested additional information regarding the cost
associated to addressing broken systems versus installing new
stormwater conveyances in subdivisions prior to second reading.
Discussion ensued with comments made that staff is looking at all
potential funding sources to assist with future stormwater projections.
Ordinance 9774-24 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Mannino moved to approve increases of
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residential and commercial Stormwater Utility rates by 8.0% per
Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) beginning October 1, 2024,
October 1, 2025, October 1, 2026, October 1, 2027, and October
1, 2028; allow for billing of property owners for services of
Stormwater Management irrespective of the use of other utility
services; and pass Ordinance 9774-24 on first reading. The
motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Allbritton, Councilmember Cotton,
Councilmember Mannino and Councilmember Teixeira
7.4 Confirm the Declaration of a State of Emergency due to conditions surrounding Hurricane
Debby and adopt Resolution 24-13.
The entire City of Clearwater was threatened by the wind and rain and
disruption of services and coastal areas were threatened by storm surge
attendant to the arrival of Hurricane Debby.
Mayor Bruce Rector issued a Proclamation of a State of Emergency on August
5, 2024. Section 15.07(2) of the Code of Ordinances requires the City Council
to confirm a Declaration of a State of Emergency at the next regularly
scheduled meeting.
Resolution 24-13 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Cotton moved to confirm the Declaration of a
State of Emergency due to conditions surrounding Hurricane
Debby and adopt Resolution 24-13. The motion was duly
seconded and upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Allbritton, Councilmember Cotton,
Councilmember Mannino and Councilmember Teixeira
8. City Manager Reports
8.1 North Beach Update
Public Works Director Marcus Williamson said, during the most recent
storm, staff observed that some of the pumps worked better, proving that
the recent maintenance has helped. Staff is reviewing the proposals received
for the larger implementation, but will be rediscussing the implementation
project as there may be more creative ways to address stormwater issues
that do not require infrastructure replacement.
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Council thanked staff for their efforts during the storm.
9. City Attorney Reports — None.
10. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes)
Councilmember Cotton thanked staff for their dedication and efforts
during Hurricane Debby.
Councilmember Teixeira reviewed recent events and said she is working
with the Clearwater Arts Alliance on an upcoming pop-up "Wearable Art"
exhibit at the Main Library, September 3-21. She wished all of Italian
heritage a blessed Feast of the Assumption.
Councilmember Mannino thanked staff for their dedication during the
storm and congratulated the three Clearwater Olympians for their
efforts in Paris.
Vice Mayor Allbritton said the Governor approved the Forward Pinellas
Reapportionment Plan on August 8, providing Clearwater with another
seat.
11. Closing Comments by Mayor
12. Adjourn
Attest
Mayor Rector reviewed recent and upcoming events, congratulated
Clearwater's Olympians, and urged drivers to be careful while driving as
schools are back in session and students are walking to school.
The meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m.
Mayor
City of Clearwater
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