02/03/2025 Council Work Session Meeting Minutes February 3, 2025
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
e
Meeting Minutes
Monday, February 3, 2025
1 :30 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
Council Work Session
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes February 3, 2025
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 1:45 p.m.
2. Economic Development and Housing
2.1 Approve of the City of Clearwater's Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Consolidated Annual
Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). (APH)
The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is the
principal administrative report documenting the City's expenditures for
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment
Partnerships (HOME) programs to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD). In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024, the City had $9,205,465 in
CDBG and HOME program funding available to fund eligible housing and
community development activities, economic development activities, and local
agencies that provide services that assist extremely low to moderate-income
residents. This was the expected amount available referenced in the FY
2023-2024 Action Plan. The actual funding amount included $913,337 in new
CDBG entitlement funding and $532,649 in new HOME entitlement funding
through the CDBG and HOME programs. The City had $1,138,092 in prior year
resources and $1,274,537 in program income for CDBG. The City had
$2,477,254 in prior year resources and $2,869,596 in program income for
HOME. The City also has three revolving loan funds totaling $1,221,637.
Through the CDBG and HOME program activities, total expenditures were
$3,999,603 in FY 2023-2024. Funds not expended from this year's budget will
be programmed in future years.
In addition to reporting activities carried out with federal money, a summary of
activities conducted with the Florida State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)
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Program and Pinellas County Housing Trust Fund (PCHTF) Program is also
included in the narrative section. For FY 2023-2024, SHIP fund expenditures
totaled $3,383,561 and PCHTF fund expenditures totaled $175,481.
The report provides HUD with necessary information for the Department to
meet its requirement to assess each grantee's ability to carry out relevant
Community Planning and Development programs in compliance with all
applicable rules and regulations. It also provides information necessary for
HUD's Annual Report to Congress, and it provides grantees an opportunity to
describe to citizens their successes in revitalizing deteriorated neighborhoods
and in meeting objectives stipulated in their Consolidated Planning document.
The City of Clearwater's FY 2023-2024 CAPER contains information on the
City's assessment of the following activities:
- Assessment of Five-Year Goals and Outcomes
- Resources and Investments
- Affordable Housing
- Homeless and Other Special Needs
- Public Housing
- Other Actions to Address Barriers to Affordable Housing
- Monitoring
- CDBG
- HOME
A list of notable accomplishments utilizing federal, state, and local funds for FY
2023-2024 include:
- Provided 18 down payment and closing cost assistance loans/grants
totaling $447,850.
- Assisted 3,225 homeless persons with public facility or infrastructure
activities, 124 homeless persons with public service activities, and 698
homeless persons with overnight shelter.
- The City assisted 6,265 special needs persons with public facility or
infrastructure activities, and 114 special needs persons with public
service activities.
- City provided $1,093,360 for six single-family home projects built by Habitat
for Humanity and Clearwater Neighborhood Housing Services:
$826,416.80 in SHIP funds for homes at 1160 LaSalle Street, 1414
Monroe Avenue, 1420 Monroe Avenue, 1130 LaSalle Street, 1132
LaSalle Street, and 406 Vine Avenue. In addition, the City provided
$505,964 in HOME and HOME CHDO funds for homes at 1537
Palmetto Street and 1541 Palmetto Street. General Funds in the amount
of$889,953.95 were allocated for homes located at 1205 Roosevelt
Avenue, 922 Eldridge Avenue and 1002 Jones Street.
- Provided $616,500 in SHIP funds to help 10 low-income families purchase
homes in Clearwater and utilized $103,653.27 in SHIP funds to assist 3
low-income Clearwater homeowners with housing rehabilitation needs.
- Using General Funds, converted from American Rescue Plan Act Local
Fiscal Recovery Funds allocated to affordable housing, the city
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rehabilitated 2 owner-occupied homes at a cost of$58,474.45 and
rehabilitated a 179 rental unit project at a cost of$500,000 using ARPA
and PCHTF; the city also provided funds for 7 downpayment loans
totaling $315,000; and 1 grant for down payment assistance totaling
$15,000.
- Expended special CDBG-CV funds in the amount of$1,199,784.70 out of an
available $1,351,560. These funds were expended on CDBG-CV eligible
activities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. Since the
initial allocation, these funds have been expended on COVID-19 related
homeless services, case management, emergency non-congregate
shelter, legal services, housing navigation, and business assistance
through various providers, including Directions for Living (COVID-19
case management for elderly, and emergency non-congregate shelter),
Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation (COVID-19
mortgage/utility assistance), Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas,
Inc. (COVID-19 housing navigation), Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc.
(COVID-19 housing legal services), St. Vincent de Paul CARES
(COVID-19 emergency non-congregate shelter), R'Club Child Care, Inc.
(COVID-19 air quality improvements), and St. Vincent de Paul UPC
(COVID-19 emergency non-congregate shelter). These funds have also
been used to create outdoor recreational opportunities. These efforts
addressed the goals in the substantially amended FY 2019 Annual
Action Plan that allocated the City's CDBG-CV funds for coronavirus
response.
- Provided $161,800 for technical assistance services to Hispanic Business
Initiative Fund of Florida, Inc. dba Prospera and WeeCare, Inc. dba
Upwards that assisted 42 entrepreneurs and businesses.
- Provided $26,875 to two organizations to deliver homeownership education
and counseling to assist 152 Clearwater residents: Clearwater
Neighborhood Housing Services and Tampa Bay Community
Development Corporation.
- While the City does not provide legal services, the City provided $22,833
in CDBG funds to Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc. (GLS) to provide civil
legal aid related to housing related matters to 12 residents.
On January 28, 2025, the Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board
recommended City Council approval of the CAPER as written. The CAPER is
typically due to HUD by December 31 each year. However, due to the impact of
Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene and to accommodate the City of
Clearwater council meeting scheduled for February 6, 2025, HUD has granted
an extension, moving the deadline to February 28, 2025
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.4 Support equitable housing programs that promote household stability and
reduce the incidence of homelessness within Clearwater.
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3. Parks and Recreation
3.1 Authorize a purchase order to Rep Services, Inc., of Longwood, Florida for the purchase
and installation of playground equipment at Forest Run Park located at 3450 Landmark
Drive and Soule Road Park located at 2191 Soule Rd in the total amount of$806,393.48,
pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Sections 2.563(1)(c), piggyback, and
2.563(1)(d), Impractical, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
The City has 27 playgrounds distributed geographically across the city.
Certified playground inspectors within the parks department inspect
playgrounds monthly to perform safety inspections and maintenance as
needed. This proactive maintenance program has allowed most of the
playground equipment to have a life span of between 12 to 15 years.
During FY 2024/25 playground equipment at Forest Run Park and Soule Road
Park are due for replacement. These playgrounds have served the local
community and its visitors well for the past 15 years but are now in need of
replacement. The existing playgrounds have limited ADA accessibility. The new
playgrounds will exceed ADA standards for accessible elevated and ground
activities, as well as ground level play structures.
The proposed new freestanding playground equipment is nature themed,
featuring climbing structures, rope bridges, custom slides, individual
free-standing spinners and a three bay multi-purpose swing sets with an ADA
Buddy Swing that will allow for a unique play experience creating many lasting
memories for all children. Additionally, environmental educational signage is
built into the playground structures and is tailored to fit frequently observed
animals that occupy park grounds. For example, Soule Road Park Playground
will have educational signage that provides education on the gopher tortoise, as
there is a high population within this park. The playground colors for Soule
Road Park were chosen by the local Boy Scout Troop. Forest Run playground
will have a tree house-like feel with other botanically inspired play features.
The materials used in the proposed playground structures are made of recycled
plastic materials and are made in the USA. The amenities are attractive, easy
to maintain, sustainable, and are anticipated to have a life cycle longer than 20
years providing savings to the City with reduced maintenance costs and longer
lifespan compared to the existing playgrounds. The playgrounds will also
provide rubberized play surface that meets all safety standards, which will
further reduce maintenance compared to wooden chip playground mulch.
The proposed pricing for Rep Services, Inc. is based on a contract with the
School District of Manatee County under Contract No. 21-0053-MR. On August
25, 2020, the School District of Manatee County Commissioners approved Rep
Services, Inc. as the most responsive bidder for the replacement of park and
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playground equipment. The contract, originally set to expire on August 31, 2023,
has been extended through August 31, 2025.
Rep Services, Inc. has extended an additional discount to the City of
Clearwater, beyond the pricing outlined under Contract No. 21-0053-MR,
providing an extra savings of$14,976.64. Under the 2.563(1)(c) piggyback
provision, the total piggyback cost is $746,877.48, which includes $333,285.21
for playground equipment, $205,484.65 for rubberized poured-in-place
surfacing, and $208,107.62 for installation. Additionally, under 2.563(1)(d),
non-competitive purchase under proposal No. 20707.06, a total of$59,516.00 is
deemed impractical to bid competitively. This amount includes $24,136.00 for
the required bond, $8,650.00 for engineering services, and $26,730.00 for
freight.
Upon Council approval, the Parks and Recreation Department will promptly
submit the purchase request to Rep Services to secure the pricing.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in capital improvement project M2206 - Parks &
Beautification R&R ($484,787.02) and C2406 -Pour-in-Place Playground
Improvements ($321,606.46). These projects are funded with General Fund
revenues.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:
Funding the purchase of the new playground equipment aligns with the following
City of Clearwater Strategic Plan Objectives:
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.
1.5: Embrace a culture of innovation that drives continuous improvement
and successfully serves all our customers; and
2.3: Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment,
cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
4. Police Department
4.1 Approve an Interlocal Maintenance Agreement between Pinellas County and the City of
Clearwater for the purpose of installing, operating and maintaining Automatic License
Plate Readers (ALPRs) within the county right-of-way and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
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In January 2022, Pinellas County and the City of Clearwater entered into a
cooperative agreement to allow the City to place ALPRs within the right-of-way,
including some at locations on County Roads. These ALPRs are strategically
deployed throughout the city and work in concert with the agency's Real-Time
Operations Center (ROC) to provide our personnel with additional investigative
avenues for solving crime, keeping our citizens and visitors safe, and preventing
victimization. Additionally, these ALPRs are used to locate and recover missing
persons, recover stolen vehicles and firearms, and locate wanted subjects.
This agreement allows the city to install, operate and maintain future ALPRs
within the county right-of-way.
The county administrator requests that the City agree to the terms and
conditions outlined in this agreement. Additionally, the county administrator
requests that the City shall indemnify and cause any third-party contractor to
indemnify and hold harmless its employees for the construction, installation,
placement or maintenance of Systems by or on behalf of the City pursuant to
the Agreement. Nothing in this agreement, however, shall be deemed a waiver
of the limitations on liability contained in Section 768.28, Florida Statutes, or the
doctrine of sovereign immunity.
There are no costs associated with this Interlocal Maintenance Agreement.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
1.4 Foster safe and healthy communities in Clearwater through first-class
public safety and emergency response services.
5. Marine & Aviation
5.1 Ratify and Confirm the Recipient/Subrecipient Agreement, Sport Fish Restoration,
between the City of Clearwater and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC), Reconstruct Transient and Fuel Dock, including 265 linear feet of
side tie, authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
On June 20, 2024, Council approved a work order in the amount of
$43,469,475.00 as a guaranteed maximum price to reconstruct the Clearwater
Beach Marina. Construction started in November of 2024 and is expected to
conclude in August of 2026. Staff is seeking grant opportunities to supplement
funding for this project.
FWC Recipient/Subrecipient Agreement 24048 provides for $1,706,760.00 in
reimbursement funding for reconstruction of the transient dock, fuel dock, and
265 linear feet of vessel side tie dock.
The Clearwater Beach Marina will maintain the current slip count of 165 slips,
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including 23 transient slips. The fuel dock will be able to accommodate all
tenants as well as visitors and residents with free day mooring. This grant will
pay for portions of this part of the facility.
Currently, there are other outstanding grant applications in process, including
the Tourist Development Council (TDC), to help supplement the funding needed
for this project.
The grant deadline for acceptance was January 31, 2025, which due to
deadlines with the Council agenda process could not be placed on the agenda
in time. The Council was notified verbally by the City Manager at the Work
Session on January 13, 2025, of the need to sign and submit the grant
agreement prior to a Council vote in order to meet the FWC deadline. This
grant is to reimburse city funds that the Council had already approved to be
spent on the Marina project and no additional funds are being budgeted towards
the existing project due to the grant match requirements.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
This grant funding will go back into project C1905, Beach Marina Upgrade,
reducing the total needed from the interfund loan. This project is funded by
revenues from the Marina Enterprise Fund, General Fund, Penny for Pinellas,
and an internal loan from the Capital Improvement Fund to be repaid by future
Marina Enterprise Fund revenues.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
High Performing Government
1.2 Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands, environmental
resources, and historic features though 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.
In response to questions, Marine and Aviation Director Michael MacDonald
said the fuel dock will be located in the same area on a floating cement dock.
The fuel tanks will be land-sided. He said staff is devising a plan that will get
fuel at the seawall during phase 1 and then to the seawall closer to the
marina building during phase 2.
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6. Public Utilities
6.1 Authorize an increase on purchase order to Odyssey Manufacturing Company of Tampa,
FL, for Liquid Sodium Hypochlorite, in the amount of$300,000.00 for year three,
increasing the annual not-to-exceed amount from $1,200,000.00 to $1,500,000.00
pursuant to ITB 04-23, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Liquid Sodium Hypochlorite (bleach) is a disinfectant used at the City of
Clearwater's potable water treatment plants, water reclamation facilities
(WRFs), and reclaimed water pump stations to comply with regulatory
requirements under the City's Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(FDEP) operating permits.
On January 9, 2023, Council approved a purchase order to Odyssey
Manufacturing in an annual not-to-exceed amount of$1,200,00.00 with two,
one-year renewal options pursuant to ITB 04-23 for Liquid Sodium Hypochlorite.
On January 16, 2024, the price of bleach increased from $1.28 per gallon to
$1.33 per gallon, which remained significantly below the price of the second
bidder ($1.67 per gallon), resulting in a projected annual cost increase of
$127,085.97.
Additionally, the WET Division experienced a significant increase in chemical
demand during 2024, driven primarily by the influx of wastewater, stormwater
and seawater at the WRFs during hurricane season. This was further
compounded by operational challenges, including sand filter blockages, which
led to difficulties maintaining compliance with FDEP's fecal coliform, and
minimum total residual chlorine permit requirements. From August through
October 2024, the WET Division estimates using at least 82,702 additional
gallons of bleach, costing approximately $109,994.19 at the $1.33 per gallon
rate. While operations have largely stabilized, bleach usage remains above
average to ensure compliance. These factors, combined with the price
increase, necessitated an adjustment to the annual not-to-exceed amount for
year two of the contract, increasing it $120,000 to $1,320,000.00 through
January 16, 2025, which was approved by the City Manager on January 11,
2025.
Odyssey has requested a price increase for Liquid Sodium Hypochlorite, raising
the cost from $1.33 per gallon to $1.48 per gallon for the final year of the
contract beginning January 17, 2025. Even with the proposed increase, the
price remains lower than the competing bid from the original invitation to bid.
This adjustment is the key factor in setting the annual not-to-exceed amount for
year three at $1,500,000.00.
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APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Budgeted funds for FY25 are available in various Public Utilities cost centers,
cost code 551700 Bulk Chemicals. The Public Utilities Department is funded by
the Water and Sewer Utility Enterprise Fund.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Disinfection falls under objectives: 1.3 (Adopt responsive levels of service for
public facilities and amenities and identify resources) and 4.2 (Adopt renewable
resource usage and waste reduction practices to ensure a vibrant City for
current and future generations).
6.2 Ratify and confirm a purchase of$73,937.40 and authorize an increase on the future
purchase orders to Odyssey Manufacturing Company of Tampa, FL, for Sodium
Hydroxide and Sodium Bisulfite, in the amount of$270,000.00, increasing the annual
not-to-exceed amount from $440,000.00 to $710,000.00 for the final term of the contract
ending on March 20, 2025, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
Sodium Hydroxide and Sodium Bisulfite are key chemicals used at the City of
Clearwater's potable water treatment plants and water reclamation facilities
(WRFs). Sodium Hydroxide is utilized at the water treatments plants to stabilize
and increase water pH levels. Sodium Bisulfite is used at the WRFs to
dechlorinate water before discharge and prior to reverse osmosis treatment at
the R01 water treatment plant.
On March 3, 2022, Council approved a purchase order to Odyssey
Manufacturing in the annual not-to-exceed amount of$400,000.00 with two,
one-year renewal options pursuant to ITB 07-22, Sodium Hydroxide and Sodium
Bisulfite Aqueous Solution. On February 16, 2023, Public Utilities brought
forward an agenda item requesting an increase of$70,000.00 to Year 1, raising
the total contract amount to $470,000.00. Additionally, a request was made to
add $140,000.00 to Year 2, bringing the total for that year to $540,000.00. The
adjustment for Year 2 was made in response to a vendor-requested price
increase, which complied with the allowable PPI Index. However, no
adjustments were requested for Year 3 at that time.
In the third year of the contract, elevated wastewater influent flows associated
with Tropical Storm Debby, Hurricane Helene, and Hurricane Milton, combined
with operational challenges at the WRFs, resulted in significantly increased use
of sodium bisulfite. While operations are now stabilizing, the WRFs continue to
require higher-than-average quantities of bisulfite to ensure compliance. These
factors, along with an initially underestimated contract value, have led to the
need for a Year 3 contract adjustment.
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On January 3, 2025, the City Manager authorized a 10% increase ($40,000.00)
to the contract bringing the contract total to $440,000.00. Authorization is
requested to add an additional $270,000.00 to the final term of this contract
bringing the contract value to $710,000.00 for the term ending March 20, 2025.
Of the increase amount requested, $73,937.40 is a ratify and confirm of a
purchase that was already made with $196,062.60 will be used for purchases
through the remaining term of the contract.
The City is currently reviewing responses from five companies that submitted a
bid for both Sodium Hydroxide and Sodium Bisulfite which closed on Thursday,
January 16, 2025, and will be bringing a new award forward in the near future for
these chemicals.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Enterprise budgeted funds for FY25 are available in various Public Utilities cost
centers, cost code 551700 Bulk Chemicals.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Disinfection falls under objectives: 1.3 (Adopt responsive levels of service for
public facilities and amenities and identify resources) and 4.2 (Adopt renewable
resource usage and waste reduction practices to ensure a vibrant City for
current and future generations).
7. Planning
7.1 Provide direction on the proposed Development Agreement between AP Beach
Properties, LLC (the property owner) and the City of Clearwater for property located at
405 Coronado Drive, providing for the allocation of 100 units from the Hotel Density
Reserve under Beach by Design; and confirm a second public hearing in City Council
Chambers before City Council on February 20, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter
as may be heard. (HDA2024-09001)
Site Location and Existing Conditions:
The subject property is a 1.759-acre parcel operating as a surface parking lot
with frontage along Coronado and Hamden Drives (420 feet and 370 feet,
respectively) and Fifth Street (220 feet). It is located within the Tourist (T)
District and the Small Motel District of Beach by Design with an underlying
future land use designation of Resort Facilities High (RFH).
The surrounding area is characterized by a mix of uses including overnight
accommodations (hotels), retail, outdoor recreation and entertainment,
restaurant and attached dwellings with heights ranging from one to 15 stories.
There are one- to two- story hotels adjacent to the site and a five-story attached
dwelling located at the northeast corner of Bayside Drive and Hamden Drive.
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The City's Beach Walk project, to the west, has been constructed transforming
South Gulfview Boulevard to the north of this site into a winding beachside
promenade with tropical landscaping with clear views to Clearwater Beach and
the water beyond. Coronado Drive has largely been improved according to
Beach by Design.
Site History:
A portion of the property (originally five parcels on the northern end) was
previously subject to a Development Agreement approved by the City Council
on October 2, 2014. An amended agreement was subsequently approved on
February 4, 2022, that incorporated additional land (three parcels to the south)
into the site design (HDA2013-08006/HDA2013-08006A). The original
Development Agreement recently expired, and the applicant is proposing a new
Development Agreement and conceptual design and is requesting 100 units
from the Hotel Density Reserve. The development proposal is described in
detail later in this memo.
The overall size of the proposed development site has not changed; the eight
parcels referenced above have been consolidated into the single subject parcel.
However, the various properties comprising the site have different histories
which are provided below.
North portion of the site (previously 401/405/415/419 Coronado Drive and 406
Hamden Drive):
• On April 19, 2011, the Community Development Board (CDB) approved
a Level Two Flexible Development application (FLD2011-02005) for a
surface parking lot which has been constructed.
• On September 18, 2014, the City Council approved the allocation of up
to 100 units from the Hotel Density Reserve under Beach by Design
(HDA2013-08006) and adopted a resolution to the same effect
(Resolution No. 14-25). The owners proposed to develop the site with a
166-unit overnight accommodation use with associated
accessory/amenity uses including commercial space, restaurant,
meeting rooms, and an exercise room. This Development Agreement,
as amended on February 4, 2022 (HDA2013-08006A), expired on
October 8, 2024.
• On July 21, 2015, the CDB approved a Level Two Flexible Development
application (FLD2015-05016) for a 166-room overnight accommodation
use in the Tourist (T) District. The CDB approved an amendment on
May 17, 2022 (FLD2015-05016A), subsequent to the modifications to the
Development Agreement referenced above. A series of extension
requests have been approved extending the validity of the issued
Development Order until March 14, 2027.
South portion of the site (previously 410/420 Hamden Drive):
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• On December 28, 2018, the Community Development Coordinator
approved a Level One Flexible Standard Development application
(FLS2018-05024) for a surface parking lot for property including 410/420
Hamden Drive. The approval expired one year later.
• On November 17, 2020, the CDB approved a Level Two Transfer of
Development Rights (TDR2020-07002) which transferred four hotel
units from 410 Hamden Drive (Parcel ID 08-29-15-17622-000-0100) and
seven hotel units from one of the two parcels comprising 420 Hamden
Drive (Parcel ID 08-29-15-17622-000-0080), all to property located at
400/405/408/409/411 East Shore Drive.
• On October 19, 2021, the CDB approved a Level Two Transfer of
Development Rights (TDR2021-08004) which transferred the remaining
two dwelling units from 410/420 Hamden Drive (Parcel IDs 08-29-15-
17622-000-0100, 08-29-15-17622-000-0090 and 08-29-15-17622-000-
0080) to property located at 619/629/631/635 Mandalay Avenue.
• The two approved TDR applications removed all development potential
from these three additional parcels.
Development Proposal:
The proposal is to remove all the existing site improvements on the 1.759-acre
site and to construct a hotel with 135 overnight accommodation units as well as
retail and restaurant spaces. The northern portion of the property that has
remaining development potential is 1.32 acres, and as previously discussed,
the 0.439-acre southern portion does not have remaining development potential.
The underlying Resort Facilities High (RFH) future land use designation allows
for 50 overnight accommodations units per acre or 1.2 FAR for nonresidential
uses.
The proposal of 20,000 square feet of retail area and 6,825 square feet of
restaurant area requires 0.613 acres of land, leaving 0.707 acres of land with
development potential that can be used for overnight accommodations units. To
achieve the proposed number of units, the project utilizes the 35 units possible
from this remaining acreage, in addition to the requested 100-unit allocation
from the Hotel Density Reserve (Reserve) through Beach by Design.
With the incorporation of the retail and restaurant area, and the reduction of the
number of hotel units from 166 as approved in 2014 (HDA2013-08006) to 135
rooms, the subject site's density (hotel units per acre) will decrease from 94.32
hotel units per acre to 77 units per acre. The reduction of the number of hotel
units will enable the provision additional services to the hotel guests. The
building will continue to be 100 feet in height as measured from the established
design flood elevation to flat roof. The proposal continues to include a tropical
modern architecture, which is consistent with and complements the tropical
vernacular envisioned in Beach by Design. The request includes a conceptual
site plan and accompanying building elevations (Exhibit B).
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The site will be accessed via a two-way driveway from Hamden Drive at the
southeast corner of the property which will provide access to the parking garage
component of the development. A one-way ingress is provided centrally along
the north side of the site along Fifth Street which also provides access to the
parking garage as well as an underbuilding drop off area. The egress for the
drop off area is also located along Fifth Street. A one-way egress from the
parking garage is provided at the northeast side along Hamden Drive. The
primary pedestrian entrance is located at the northwest corner of the site.
The northwest corner of the building on the ground floor contains a lobby, retail
area and restaurant. The first five floors of the building will contain a parking
garage as well as miscellaneous back-of-house components such as
maintenance rooms and laundry facilities. The sixth floor will include a pool and
pool deck and other amenities such as private balconies, exercise areas and
related activities such as yoga. The seventh and eighth floors will be dedicated
almost entirely to hotel rooms and the nineth floor with include rooms, outdoor
amenities as well as an indoor/outdoor bar and lounge.
Proposal's Consistency with the Community Development Code (CDC):
Minimum Lot Area and Width:
Pursuant to CDC Table 2-802, the minimum required lot area and width for an
overnight accommodations use is 20,000 square feet and between 100 and 150
feet in lot width, respectively. The subject property is 76,622 square feet in area
and approximately 420 feet wide. The site is consistent with these Code
provisions.
Minimum Setbacks:
The conceptual site plan depicts setbacks of 15 feet along the Fifth Street and
Hamden Drive (north and east) frontages, and 10 feet along all remaining
property lines of the site including the frontage along Coronado Drive. The
proposed setbacks may be approved as part of a Level One (FLS) application,
subject to meeting the applicable flexibility criteria of the Community
Development Code; however, other elements such as height may require the
project to be a Level Two (FLD) application.
Maximum Height:
Section B of the Design Guidelines within Beach by Design specifically
addresses height. The proposal provides for a building 100 feet in height as
measured from the design flood elevation where a height of up to 100 feet is
permitted as prescribed by the CDC (subject to meeting the applicable flexibility
criteria of the CDC and approved as part of a Level Two Flexible Development
application) and as limited by any applicable Beach by Design requirements.
The height of the proposed building is consistent with the guidelines of Beach
by Design.
Minimum Off-Street Parking:
The 135-room overnight accommodations use requires a minimum of 162
off-street parking spaces. A parking garage located on the first five levels of the
building will provide 400 spaces, including 50 which are available for public use.
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes February 3, 2025
This is consistent with the applicable Sections of the CDC.
Landscaping:
While a formal landscape plan is not required to be submitted for review at this
time, the conceptual landscape areas depicted on the site plan show that
adequate spaces for foundation landscaping will be provided along all street
frontages. Since no perimeter landscape buffers are required in the Tourist (T)
District, the proposed landscape areas meet or exceed what is required. It is
noted, however, that flexibility may be requested/necessary as part of a
Comprehensive Landscape Program which would be reviewed at time of formal
site plan approval.
Proposal's Consistency with Beach by Design:
Design Guidelines:
A review of the provided architectural elevations and massing study was
conducted and the proposed building does appear to be generally consistent
with the applicable Design Guidelines established in Beach by Design.
However, a more formal review of these Guidelines will need to be conducted
as part of the final site plan approval process.
Hotel Density Reserve:
The project has been reviewed for compliance with those criteria established
within Beach by Design concerning the allocation of hotel rooms from the
Reserve. The project appears to be generally consistent with those criteria,
including that the development complies with the Metropolitan Planning
Organization's (MPO) countywide approach to the application of traffic
concurrency management for transportation facilities. The submitted Traffic
Impact Study concludes that traffic operations at nearby intersections and on
adjacent roadways would continue at acceptable levels of service.
It is important to note that the south portion of the site has had all development
potential transferred to other properties within the Beach by Design planning
area. Beach by Design Section V.13.2 provides that "Those properties and/or
developments that have had density transferred off to another property and/or
development(s) through an approved Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)
application by the City after December 31, 2007, are not eligible to have rooms
allocated from the Reserve." Staff believes that the intent of this provision is to
prevent a property owner from selling off development potential and then
requesting units from the Reserve thereby profiting from the Reserve. This
portion of the site was not in common ownership at the time the 100 units were
allocated to the original proposal, and the inclusion of the parcels will result in
the overall site density (units per acre) decreasing; therefore, the project does
not utilize these lots for development potential at all. The primary purpose of
adding these parcels is to provide the opportunity to provide a more efficient
parking garage layout which will allow for the provision of all required parking
spaces as well as a minimum of 50 spaces for use by the public. In short, the
proposal provides for a scenario that Staff believes was not considered at the
time that Beach by Design was written. Staff believes that the proposal meets
the intent of Beach by Design and approval of the request.
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes February 3, 2025
Standards for Development Agreements:
CDC Section 4-606 sets forth the procedures and criteria for reviewing
development agreements. Specifically, development agreements shall be
consistent with Clearwater 2045, the city's Comprehensive Plan. The proposal
furthers the goals, objectives and policies of the Comprehensive Plan as
provided below.
Goal QP 3: Support the on-going transformation of the Downtown and
Clearwater Beach Activity Centers as high intensity, walkable, and
attractive regional centers for living, working, shopping, and
entertainment.
Objective QP 3.3: Continue to use Beach by Design:A Preliminary
Design for Clearwater Beach and Design Guidelines (Beach by Design)
to guide development, redevelopment, and placemaking on Clearwater
Beach.
Policy QP 3.3.4: Continue to utilize the Hotel Density Reserve allocation
as established in Beach by Design to facilitate hotel development on
Clearwater Beach.
The proposal is in compliance with the standards for development agreements,
is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and furthers the vision of beach
redevelopment set forth in Beach by Design. The proposed Development
Agreement will be in effect for a period not to exceed ten years, meets the
criteria for the allocation of rooms from the Hotel Density Reserve under Beach
by Design and includes the following main provisions:
• Provides for no change in the number of units (100 units) allocated from
the Hotel Density Reserve (previously approved as part of HDA2013-
08006/Resolution No. 14-25 and HDA2013-08006A/ Resolution No. 22-
01);
• Includes conceptual site plans, architectural drawings, elevations and
perspectives in Exhibit B that appear to be generally consistent with the
applicable Design Guidelines established in Beach by Design;
• Requires the developer to obtain site plan approval within one year of
approval, commence vertical construction within four years from the
date of site plan approval, and obtain a certificate of occupancy within
six years from the date of site plan approval;
• Requires the return of any hotel unit obtained from the Hotel Density
Reserve that is not constructed;
• Prohibits the conversion of any hotel unit allocated from the Hotel
Density Reserve to a residential use and requires the recording of a
covenant restricting use of such hotel units to overnight
accommodations usage; and
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes February 3, 2025
• Requires a legally enforceable mandatory evacuation/closure covenant
that the hotel will be closed as soon as practicable after a hurricane
watch that includes Clearwater Beach is posted by the National
Hurricane Center.
Changes to Development Agreements:
Pursuant to Section 4-606.1, CDC, a Development Agreement may be amended
by mutual consent of the parties, provided the notice and public hearing
requirements of Section 4-206 are followed. Revisions to conceptual site plans
and/or architectural elevations attached as exhibits to this Development
Agreement shall be governed by the provisions of the CDC, Section 4-406.
Minor revisions to such plans may be approved by the Community Development
Coordinator. Other revisions not specified as minor shall require an
amendment to this Development Agreement.
Summary and Recommendation:
The proposal appears to be generally consistent with applicable components of
the Community Development Code and Beach by Design and the city's
Comprehensive Plan. Staff is supportive of the request.
In response to questions, Planning Division Manager Ted Kozak said there
will be 400 parking spaces in the garage, with 50 public spaces. The number
of units being requested has been reduced to 135. The Applicant now
intends to provide more retail/restaurant opportunities and the project is
6,000 sq. ft. under(the allowable FAR).
In response to a question, Assistant City Manager Dan Slaughter said
implementing one-way pairs on Gulfview Boulevard on a trial basis was
discussed in the past, which received lukewarm reception from the local
businesses. Staff can draw a plan for a future discussion. He said it may be
more logical to use South Gulfview for southbound traffic. Even with that
configuration, the roundabout will remain a bottleneck because six lanes of
traffic are being funneled into two lanes.
Discussion ensued with concerns expressed that Beach by Design allows
the city to continue building but does not address the transportation issues.
8. City Manager Verbal Reports — None.
9. City Attorney Verbal Reports — None,
10. Council Discussion Item
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes February 3, 2025
10AWater Treatment - Councilmember Cotton
Councilmember Cotton expressed concerns associated with ingesting
fluoridated water and requested consideration to remove fluoride from the
City's drinking water.
Discussion ensued with comments made that the topic comes up every ten
years, that the decision cannot be made through a political lens but through
a scientific lens, and that the American Medicine Association, American
Dental Association, and Centers for Disease Control still recommend
fluoridating drinking water.
Discussion ensued with consensus to agenda the discussion topic at the first
work session in April.
11. New Business (items not on the agenda may be brought up asking they be
scheduled for subsequent meetings or work sessions in accordance with Rule 1,
Paragraph 2).
Councilmember Teixeira requested a discussion topic on Citizens
Recognition Program be placed on the work session agenda.
Vice Mayor Allbritton requested an update on the Artificial Tun`Ordinance.
Interim Planning and Development Director Lauren Matzke said staff will be
presenting the ordinance to Council in March.
12. Closing Comments by Mayor— None.
13. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 3:02 p.m.
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City of Clearwater