12/19/2024 City Council Meeting Minutes December 19, 2024
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
e
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, December 19, 2024
6:00 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
City Council
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes December 19, 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 — Apostle 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 December Service Awards
The December 2024 Employee of the Month Award was presented to
Matthew Anderson, Parks and Recreation.
4.2 Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation, October 2024 - John Long, VP of
Abuse Services for Hope Villages
4.3 Keep Pinellas Beautiful - Megan Jackson, Program Coordinator
4.4 North Beach Update
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the minutes of the December 5, 2024 city council meeting as submitted in
written summation by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Cotton moved to approve the minutes of the
December 5, 2024 city council meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk. The motion was duly seconded and
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carried unanimously.
6. Consent Agenda — Approved as submitted, less Item 6.12.
6.1 Ratify and confirm a not-to-exceed amount of$561,163.00 for restoration and
mitigation work for Fire Station 46, Beach Police Substation, Lifeguard Tower 0,
Beach Marina Building, and variety of other structures to SERVPRO of Largo as the
general contractor for the remediation and recovery services performed. (consent)
6.2 Ratify and confirm a not-to-exceed amount of$1,958,684.86 for the mitigation work
for BayCare Ballpark (Phillies Stadium), consisting of an estimated amount of
$1,500,000.00 to SERVPRO of Montgomery as the general contractor for mitigation
work, $175,000.00 to Garland Solution Options for roofing repairs, $33,784.86 to
Bates Electric for electric repairs, and $249,900.00 to Turbo Link International, inc. for
equipment and padding replacement for the stadium. (consent)
6.3 Approve staff recommendations regarding policies for the use of ten event days at
The BayCare Sound and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
6.4 Authorize a Guaranteed Maximum Price proposal with Bandes Construction
Company, Inc. of Dunedin, FL for professional services in connection with the
temporary repairs needed for Pier 60 in the amount of$270,312.00.00 pursuant to
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 51-24 and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. (consent)
6.5 Authorize a Guaranteed Maximum Price proposal to Khors Construction, Inc. of
Pinellas Park, Florida, for the construction of a 1,700-square foot maintenance, office
and restroom building at Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex located at 2450 Drew Street in
the amount of$562,433.29 pursuant to Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 51-24 and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.6 Approve a Contract for the Purchase of Real Property located at First St, East Lot's 1
and 2 by the City of Clearwater Parks Department from A Investments Development
Corp. for the purchase price of$1,240,000.00 and $15,000 closing expenditures, not
to exceed $1,255,000.00, as recorded in O.R. Book(s) 21923, Page 910, Book 14426,
Page 14 and 17, Book 17947, Page 1794, Book 12632, Page 1261, and Book 21989,
Page 2463 all part thereof the Public Records Plat Book 9, Page 52 of Pinellas
County, FL, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.7 Authorize a purchase order increase and extension to David Nelson Construction
Company of Palm Harbor, Florida for 2021 Stormwater Repairs on a unit price basis in
the not-to-exceed amount of$3,000,000.00 through December 31, 2025, pursuant to
ITB 20-0029-EN, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
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6.8 Authorize a professional service agreement and purchase order with CPH Consulting,
LLC of Tampa, FL as a Public Works Department Program Consultant (24-0049-EN)
in the not-to-exceed amount of$350,000.00 for a five-year term pursuant to Request
for Qualification (RFQ) 37-24 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
6.9 Authorize a professional service agreement and increase to purchase order with
Broaddus and Associates, of Tampa, FL for the Public Works Department (PWD)
Program Consultant (24-0048-EN) in the amount of$350,000.00 bringing the
not-to-exceed amount to $445,000.00 for a five-year term pursuant to Request for
Qualification (RFQ) 37-24 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
6.10Authorize a Purchase Order to Keystone Excavators, Inc. of Oldsmar, FL, for the
reconstruction of Parking Lot 36 located at 4 Rockaway Street in the amount of
$765,424.75 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)
6.11Approve agreements with Black and Veatch (B and V) of Tampa, FL, CHA Consulting,
Inc. (CHA) of Tampa, FL, and Freese and Nichols of Tampa, FL, for Project
Management Services in a cumulative not-to-exceed amount of$5,022,732.00 for a
three-year term, with one, three-year renewal option in a cumulative not-to-exceed
amount of$5,022,732.00, for a total not-to-exceed of$10,045,464.00, pursuant to
RFP 22-24, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute the same. (consent)
6.12Authorize purchase orders to H and H Liquid Sludge Disposal, Inc of Branford, FL as
the primary awardee, and T Wayne Hill of Mulberry, FL as a secondary awardee for
the hauling and disposal of biosolids in the cumulative not-to-exceed amount of
$7,500,000.00, beginning January 17, 2025 through January 16, 2028, with two,
one-year renewal options in the annual not-to-exceed amount of$2,500,000.00
pursuant to Invitation to Bid (ITB) 02-25 and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. (consent)
See below.
6.13Appoint Indira Yengera to the Sister Cities Advisory Board, as the Youth Member, to a
term expiring October 31, 2028. (consent)
6.14Appoint Tanya Landry to the Library Board with an unexpired term through February
28, 2025. (consent)
Councilmember Teixeira moved to approve the Consent Agenda as
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submitted, less Item 6.12, and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
6.12Authorize purchase orders to H and H Liquid Sludge Disposal, Inc of Branford, FL as
the primary awardee, and T Wayne Hill of Mulberry, FL as a secondary awardee for
the hauling and disposal of biosolids in the cumulative not-to-exceed amount of
$7,500,000.00, beginning January 17, 2025 through January 16, 2028, with two,
one-year renewal options in the annual not-to-exceed amount of$2,500,000.00
pursuant to Invitation to Bid (ITB) 02-25 and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. (consent)
Invitation to Bid 02-25 for Biosolids Management Services was issued on
October 18, 2024. In response to the solicitation, the City received three
responsive bid submittals meeting the requirements outlined in the bid
specifications. H&H Liquid Sludge Disposal, Inc. has been identified as the
lowest responsive and most responsible bidder.
The City of Clearwater's three Water Reclamation Facilities (WRFs) produce
biosolids, a residual product that requires proper hauling and disposal.
Contractors are tasked with providing two primary services:
1. Transporting Biosolids (Dewatered Cake) to a Residuals Management
Facility (RMF).
2. Hauling Liquid Biosolids (Approximately 5% Total Solids) from the East
WRF to the Northeast WRF and/or the Marshall Street WRF.
The disposal of biosolids is governed by state and federal regulations,
making strict compliance with the regulations essential. To meet the
requirements of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(FDEP) and address the recent need for an emergency procurement
contract-due to one of our contracted vendors being unable to renew
their agreement because of capacity constraints-approval is requested
for both a primary and a secondary award. This approach aims to
prevent future reliance on emergency measures and ensure continuity if
the primary vendor is unable to fulfill their obligations.
• H&H Liquid Sludge Disposal, Inc. (Branford, FL)
o Primary for Base Bid Items 1, 2, 3, and 4
o Primary for Alternate Bid Items 1, 2, 3, and 4
• T. Wayne Hill (Mulberry, FL)
o Secondary for Base Bid Items 1, 2, 3, and 4
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for the current year's portion of this purchase order is available in
Public Utilities cost code 530300, contractual services. Future year funding will
be requested as part of the annual budget process. The Public Utilities
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Department is funded by Water and Sewer Utility Enterprise Fund revenues.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Biosolids disposal is required by law and is part of environmental stewardship,
superior public service, and community wellbeing.
One individual spoke in opposition.
Vice Mayor Allbritton moved to authorize purchase orders to H and
H Liquid Sludge Disposal, Inc of Branford, FL as the primary
awardee, and T Wayne Hill of Mulberry, FL as a secondary awardee
for the hauling and disposal of biosolids in the cumulative
not-to-exceed amount of $7,500,000.00, beginning January 17, 2025
through January 16, 2028, with two, one-year renewal options in
the annual not-to-exceed amount of $2,500,000.00 pursuant to
Invitation to Bid (ITB) 02-25 and authorize the appropriate officials
to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 PM
7. Administrative Public Hearings
7.1 Accept the 2024 Local Housing Incentive Strategy (LHIS) Report developed by the
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC). (APH)
Florida Statute Section 420.9076 states that counties and cities receiving State
Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program funds are required to appoint
an Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC). The statute further
provides that the committee be made up of members from specific industries
or groups as identified in the statute. The requirement was largely met through
the use of the City's existing seven-member Neighborhood and Affordable
Housing Advisory Board (NAHAB). City staff recommended council
appointment of four additional committee members. The City Council adopted
Resolution No. 24-11 that created and appointed the 2024 AHAC.
The duties of the AHAC included reviewing policies and procedures,
ordinances, land development regulations and the City's adopted
comprehensive plan and recommending specific actions or initiatives to
encourage or facilitate affordable housing.
Per state statute, at a minimum, the AHAC is required to review and consider
recommendations on the following:
1) The processing of approvals of development orders or permits, as
defined in F.S.163.3164 (7) and (8), for affordable housing projects
is expedited to a greater degree than other projects.
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2) The modification of impact-fee requirements, including reduction or
waiver of fees and alternative methods of fee payment for
affordable housing.
3) The allowance of flexibility in densities for affordable housing.
4) The reservation of infrastructure capacity or housing for very
low-income persons, low-income persons, and moderate-income
persons.
5) The allowance of affordable accessory residential units in residential
zoning districts.
6) The reduction of parking and setback requirements for affordable
housing.
7) The allowance of flexible lot configurations, including zero-lot-line
configurations for affordable housing.
8) The modification of street requirements for affordable housing.
9) The establishment of a process by which a local government considers,
before adoption, policies, procedures, ordinances, regulations, or
plan provisions that increase the cost of housing.
10)The preparation of a printed inventory of locally owned public lands
suitable for affordable housing.
11)The support of development near transportation hubs and major
employment centers and mixed-use developments.
In addition to these eleven required criteria, the 2023 AHAC continued five
additional types of incentives in the following areas:
12)Adaptive reuse
13)Land Development Code
14)Communication and Marketing of Affordable Housing
15)Financing
16)Partnerships
Throughout the fall of 2024, consultant Wade Trim, along with Economic
Development and Housing Department staff and Planning and Development
Department staff, facilitated discussion at four meetings of the AHAC. The
meetings centered around reviewing the 2023 LHIS to discuss whether any
changes should be made as well as to consider new strategies to incentivize
development of affordable housing. The LHIS encompasses the definition,
vision, strategic focus areas and incentive recommendations in order to
facilitate the development and preservation of affordable housing in the City of
Clearwater. The AHAC convened on four separate occasions to develop and
identify the value of affordable housing, identify the principles for Clearwater's
affordable housing and develop/confirm a vision statement to be included as
part of the LHIS.
The AHAC members focused on the values that affordable housing brings to
the City of Clearwater. The AHAC recommended the continuation, with slight
modifications in some cases, of recommendations made by prior AHAC
committees. This year's committee recommended several language changes
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to incorporate more affirmative language in the document. The committee also
made several recommendations that will require additional staff resources.
The following list contains excerpts incorporating substantive changes from the
previous report to produce the 2024 LHIS Report:
1.2 Create a process and definitive project requirement checklist for affordable
housing projects for each level of review and stage of permitting, starting
with an "affordable housing project" checkbox on application form(s) as
applicable.
5.4 Consider educational and financial incentives that reduce barriers to the
rehabilitation and construction of accessory dwelling units, such as
information about the permitting process specific to accessory dwelling
units, rebates, or other fee reductions.
14.1 Conduct an educational campaign, in conjunction with regular City
communications, to rebrand affordable housing as workforce or attainable
housing that supports the diverse needs of residents through a variety of
unit/product types compatible with the City's neighborhoods. (Expand
terminology to include "attainable housing")
16.1 Partner with lenders, realtors, title companies, inspectors, and contractors
through regular outreach to increase knowledge of the City's housing
assistance programs, provide guidelines and training to improve
compliance, and facilitate opportunities for qualified contractors to bid
projects.
The LHIS report is due annually. The staff recommendation is for City Council
to accept the 2024 LHIS Report. Staff will submit the report to the Florida
Housing Finance Corporation no later than December 31, 2024. Per State
Statute, the city shall update its Local Housing Assistance Plan to incorporate
the recommended incentives it desires to implement. This year's LHIS update
includes recommendations that were approved by the AHAC on December 3rd,
2024.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.4 - Supports equitable housing programs that promote household stability
and reduce the incidence of homelessness within Clearwater.
Councilmember Mannino moved to accept the 2024 Local Housing
Incentive Strategy (LHIS) Report developed by the Affordable
Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC). The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
7.2 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 1755 St. Anthony Drive and pass Ordinances 9802-25, 9803-25, and
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9804-25 on first reading. (ANX2024-10008)
This voluntary annexation petition involves a 0.150-acre property consisting of
one parcel of land occupied by a detached dwelling. The property is located on
the east side of St. Anthony Drive, approximately 340 feet south of St. Croix
Drive. The applicant is requesting annexation in order to receive sanitary sewer
and solid waste service from the city. The property is located within an enclave
and is contiguous to existing city boundaries on all sides. 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 service from Pinellas County. The
closest sanitary sewer line is located behind the subject property to the
east in a utility easement. The applicant has paid the city's sewer
impact and assessment fees and is aware of the additional costs to
extend city sewer service to this property. Collection of solid waste will
be provided by the city of Clearwater. 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
#48 located at 1700 North Belcher Road. The city has adequate
capacity to serve this property with sanitary sewer, solid waste, police,
fire and EMS service. The property will continue to receive water
service from Pinellas County. The proposed annexation will not have an
adverse effect on public services and their levels of service; and
• The proposed annexation is consistent with and promotes the following
objective and policy of Clearwater 2045, the city's Comprehensive Plan:
Objective PI 9.1 Continue to work with Pinellas County in the
orderly annexation of the city's existing enclaves.
Policy PI 9.1.2 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
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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 on all sides; therefore, the annexation is consistent with
Florida Statutes Chapter 171.044.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
This annexation petition supports the Deliver Effective and Efficient Services
by Optimizing City Assets and Resources goal of the city's Strategic Plan by
reducing enclaves and delivering city services to properties within the city's
service boundary. This petition also supports Ensure Exceptional Communities
and Neighborhoods Where Everyone Can Thrive goal by better unifying
neighborhoods and reducing issues with multiple jurisdictions.
Ordinances 9802-25, 9803-25, and 9804-25 were presented and read
by title only.
Councilmember Cotton moved to 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 1755 St. Anthony Drive and pass Ordinances
9802-25, 9803-25, and 9804-25 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
7.3 Continue to a date uncertain: Approve amendment to the Community Development
Code to establish standards for artificial turf, require landscaped areas in front yards
for residentially zoned properties, clarify the use of nonliving landscape materials, and
make other associated updates, and pass Ordinance 9805-25 on first reading.
(TA2024-07002)
The Community Development Board met on November 19, 2024, and voted to
continue TA2024-07002 to their January 21, 2025 meeting with a workshop to
discuss the ordinance at the December 17, 2024 meeting.
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No action taken.
7.4 City of Clearwater Red-Light Camera Annual Report
In accordance with the July 2024 legislative changes to Florida State Statute
316.0083 - Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Program -the annual report detailing
the results of all red-light cameras (traffic infraction detectors) within the City of
Clearwater will be presented to the Clearwater City Council.
As part of the City of Clearwater's Traffic Safety Improvement Program, Red
Light Cameras were installed at three intersections to reduce the occurrence of
red-light running crashes and the injuries or fatalities associated with these
incidents.
The City of Clearwater identified three intersections with elevated rates of
red-light violations and related crashes, based on data from 2009 to 2010.
Initially, Redflex Inc. managed the program. In June 2021, following the
completion of an acquisition, Redflex Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of
Verra Mobility.
The "Warning" and "Public Education" campaign commenced on July 1, 2012,
and concluded on July 30, 2012.
The "Notice of Violation" period began on July 31, 2012, at 12:01 AM.
At the January 18, 2024, City Council meeting, the Council approved a 5-year
renewal agreement with Verra Mobility for Red Light Cameras.
The day-to-day operations of the program are handled by a
part-time/permanent Police Service Technician (PST).
Since the program's inception and still ongoing, the Clearwater Police
Department monitors Red Light cameras at the following intersections:
Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Belcher Road - Eastbound
Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Belcher Road - Westbound
Fort Harrison Avenue and Chestnut Street - Eastbound
In July 2024, the Legislature revised reporting requirements under Florida
State Statue 316.0083 Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Program. Municipalities
must prepare an annual report of the results of all red-light cameras (traffic
infraction detectors) that must be placed on the agenda.
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The summary report includes data gathered by the City, in conjunction with
City's red light camera vendor, Verra Mobility, during the reporting period of
July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
High Performing Government, specifically strategic objective 1.4 to foster safe
and healthy communities in Clearwater through first-class public safety and
emergency response services.
Police Chief Eric Gandy provided PowerPoint presentation.
One individual spoke in opposition.
One individual submitted an email expressing concerns with the program
(see page 17).
In response to questions, Chief Gandy said he is not aware of the State
providing funding to assist with red-light programs. There is no desire by
law enforcement agencies to implement school speed enforcement
cameras in Pinellas County. He said the City receives 50.8% of the fine
associated with uniform traffic citations. The citations are issued for the
purpose of changing behavior. Less than 1% of the 600,000 vehicles
that go through the intersection are given a citation. There are over 50
red-light cameras in Tampa. He said Clearwater is the only municipality
with a red-light camera program within Pinellas County. There have been
some issues associated with the company that bought Redflex, staff is
learning the new back-end software the vendor recently purchased. Chief
Gandy said the noticing issues have been related to vehicle owners not
properly updating their vehicle registration.
7.5 Approve the 2025 State Legislative Agenda.
Councilmember Teixeira moved to approve the 2025 State
Legislative Agenda. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
7.6 Reaffirm that portions of the former Harborview Property are unnecessary for public
purposes; that disposal of said land is in the best interest of the Public; authorizing
conveyance of the land by warranty deed pursuant to the terms of the purchase and
sale agreement; authorizing the appropriate officials to execute said deed; releasing
any automatic reservation and right of entry in accordance with F. S. 270.11, authorize
the appropriate officials to execute same, and adopt Resolution 24-20.
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On August 4, 2022, the City Council approved a Purchase and Sale
Agreement for the former Harborview site, previously addressed as 320
Cleveland Street, and being re-addressed as 50 N. Osceola Ave. The PSA
contemplates a Closing Date by December 31, 2024, barring unusual
circumstances. The PSA requires the buyer to obtain all pre-development
approvals, such as an approved site plan and building permit, and to provide
the City with satisfactory evidence of adequate financing and construction
agreements in place prior to closing.
The proposed resolution complies with the current title commitment's
requirements and authorizes the appropriate officials to execute a warranty
deed and other conveyance documents as necessary in order to convey
marketable title in accordance with the terms of the Purchase and Sale
Agreement, which will occur upon the satisfaction of all closing conditions.
Purchaser Representative Katie Cole said an updated title
commitment was received from the City's underwriter on Monday, as
well as the updated survey. Closing is expected on December 31, 2024.
Resolution 24-20 was presented and read by title only.
Vice Mayor Allbritton moved to reaffirm that portions of the former
Harborview Property are unnecessary for public purposes; that
disposal of said land is in the best interest of the Public;
authorizing conveyance of the land by warranty deed pursuant to
the terms of the purchase and sale agreement; authorizing the
appropriate officials to execute said deed; releasing any automatic
reservation and right of entry in accordance with F. S. 270.11,
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same, and adopt
Resolution 24-20. 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. Second Readings - Public Hearing
8.1 Adopt ordinance 9806-24 on second reading, amending Clearwater Code of
Ordinances Chapter 22, Article II, Section 22.24, to correct the name of McKay
Playfield to McKay Park; change the operating hours of McKay Park from closed
between sunset to sunrise to closed between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.; add six parks
(Mercado, Bayshore Trail, North Betty Lane Neighborhood Park, Lake Chataqua
Equestrian Park and Nature Preserve, McLennan Circle Park and Rainbow Drive
Park); remove one park (Holt Avenue).
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Proposed Ordinance No. 9806-24 will correct the name of McKay Playfield to
McKay Park as consistent with existing nomenclature which typically calls other
similar Department facilities "Parks" and change the operating hours of same
from closed between sunset to sunrise to closed between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00
a.m. The City is in the process of updating and renovating McKay Park with a
new playground and six pickleball courts. These upgrades are the result of
public input. That same public input also suggested that the current hours
were too limiting with which the Department agrees. It should be noted that the
immediate area is generally within the Old Florida character district of the
Beach by Design planning area, Tourist (T) zoning district and the Resort
Facilities High (RFH) future land use classification. The Old Florida District
envisions the redevelopment of this area primarily with overnight
accommodation and attached dwelling uses with some limited
retail/commercial and mixed-use developments along Mandalay Avenue. The
immediate vicinity is characterized by a variety of overnight accommodation,
retails sales and service, restaurants, bars, and attached dwelling uses. The
properties to the north are predominantly developed with attached dwellings,
overnight accommodations, restaurants, retail sales and service and bars. The
proposed hours of operation are anticipated to the compatible with the
character of the surrounding area.
The Department has determined that the proposed change in the hours of
operation are consistent with Goals PPP 1 and 2 and Policies PPP 1.1.1 and
2.2.5 of the Parks & Public Places Element of the City's Comprehensive Plan
as well as the intent and purpose of the Open Space/Recreation zoning district
of the City's Community Development Section 2-1401 which provides that is to
establish areas where public and private organizations can establish and
operate passive and active open space and recreation facilities which are
important to the quality of life and economic vitality of the City of Clearwater
without adversely impacting the integrity of adjacent residential neighborhoods,
diminishing the scenic quality of the City of Clearwater or negatively impacting
the safe and efficient movement of people and things within the City of
Clearwater.
In addition, the proposed Ordinance will be updated to reflect five existing
parks including Bayshore trail, North Betty Lane Neighborhood Park, Lake
Chataqua Equestrian Park & Nature Preserve, McLennan Circle Park and
Rainbow Drive Park and one new park, the Mercado. All five of the existing
parks will be closed Sunset to Sunrise (open Sunrise to Sunset) while the
Mercado will be closed between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Finally, the proposed
Ordinance will remove the Holt Avenue Property as that land area has been
incorporated into the Phillip Jones Park.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Approval of the name and operating hours modifications support several
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Strategic Plan Objectives, including:
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.
2.3: Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment,
cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
3.1: Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that
empower community pride and belonging.
3.2: Preserve community livability through responsible development
standards, proactive code compliance, and targeted revitalization.
Ordinance 9806-24 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Mannino moved to adopt Ordinance 9806-24 on
second and final 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
9. City Manager Reports
The City Manager thanked staff for an extraordinary year. The team did
a great job and she looks forward to the upcoming year.
10. City Attorney Reports
The City Attorney wished all a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hannukah.
11. Other Council Action
11.1 Temporary Suspension of Council Rules
The City Attorney said he is working on the resolution, as directed by
Council, to present at the next work session. The question before
Council tonight is whether to extend the temporary pause that is in effect
for another 30 days.
Two individuals supported town hall discussions.
One individual spoke in opposition.
Discussion ensued with comments made that there is no constitutional
right to have an agenda item at a business meeting to discuss whatever
Page 15
City of Clearwater
City Council
Meeting Minutes December 19, 2024
a citizen wants to discuss and that quarterly town halls around the city
would be a great opportunity for Council to hear from citizens. A
comment was made that citizens should be given an opportunity to
speak before the Council.
Councilmember Mannino moved to extend the temporary
suspension of Council Rules, that portion related to Citizens to be
Heard on Items not on the Agenda, to January 30, 2025. The motion
was duly seconded and carried with the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Allbritton, Councilmember Mannino and
Councilmember Teixeira
Nays: 1 - Councilmember Cotton
12. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes)
Councilmembers wished all a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, a
safe New Year, and wished the City Manager and Assistant City
Manager Slaughter a Happy Birthday.
Vice Mayor Allbritton said he was saddened to hear Clearwater native
and volunteer William B. Wallace passed away and offered condolences
to his loved ones.
Councilmember Teixeira reviewed recent events.
13. Closing Comments by Mayor
Mayor Rector reviewed recent and upcoming events, wished all a Merry
Christmas, and wished William Monfort, the oldest living veteran in
Florida, a Happy Birthday.
14. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
Mayor
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City of Clearwater