03/06/2025 City Council Meeting Minutes March 6, 2025
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, March 6, 2025
6:00 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
City Council
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes March 6, 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 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 Flood Awareness Week 2025 Proclamation, March 3-9, 2025- Cassie Cordova, Public
Works Sustainability Manager
4.2 North Beach Update
There was council consensus to provide the updates on a quarterly basis
and to rename the updates to Stormwater Resiliency Update.
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the minutes of the February 20, 2025 City Council meeting as submitted in
written summation by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Cotton moved to approve the minutes of the
February 20, 2025 City Council meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
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6. Consent Agenda — Approved as submitted.
6.1 Approve the purchase of excess Property insurance, including Bridges, Boiler and
Machinery, and Terrorism coverages, from April 1, 2025 through April 1, 2026, at the level
of insurance provided for in this agenda item in a not-to-exceed amount of$5,275,000
and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.2 Accept the Highway Landscape Reimbursement Memorandum of Agreement (HLRMOA)
Fiscal Year 2025 Program funds for the renovations and improvements to landscaping
within the Missouri Avenue right-of-way (ROW) between Bayview Drive and Court Street,
in the amount of$435,772.00 between the Florida Department of Transportation District
Seven and the City of Clearwater and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
6.3 Authorize purchase orders to multiple vendors as listed, for various plumbing supplies in
the cumulative annual not-to-exceed amount of$450,000.00 for period March 1, 2025
through January 28, 2026, with two, one-year renewal options pursuant to Clearwater
Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(b), Micro purchases, and Section 2.563(1)(c),
Piggyback purchasing, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.4 Authorize a purchase order to Inventech Marine Solutions LLC dba Life Proof Boats
(Inventech) of Bremerton, WA, for the purchase of a 29-foot Fireboat vessel, engines, and
trailer in the amount of$480,969.41, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances
Sections 2.563(1)(c), piggyback, and 2.563(1)(d), non-competitive purchase
(impractical); declare fireboat G4670 surplus and authorize for disposal pursuant to
Section 2.623 (6) and (8) and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
6.5 Authorize an agreement with Cayenta, a division of N. Harris Computer Corporation of
Canada for professional services and licensing related to the Utility Management System
(UMS) software from Oracle to SQL server and the related reporting service from Actuate
to Cognos in the not to exceed amount of$460,478.00 pursuant to Clearwater Code of
Ordinances Section 2.563 (1)(d), Non-competitive purchases (Impractical), and authorize
the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.6 Ratify and confirm a purchase order to Tetra Tech, Inc. of Maitland, FL for disaster debris
monitoring as a result of Hurricane Helene (Task Order 1) and Hurricane Milton (Task
Order 2) in a cumulative amount of$1,751,140.00 pursuant to Clearwater Code of
Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(c), Piggyback or Cooperative purchasing, and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.7 Authorize purchase orders to Univar Solutions USA LLC of Downers Grove, IL for the
supply of Sodium Hydroxide and Brenntag Mid-South of Henderson, KY for the supply of
Sodium Bisulfite Aqueous Solution, in a cumulative annual not-to-exceed amount of
$500,000.00 for the term March 6, 2025 through March 5, 2026, with the option of two,
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one-year renewals pursuant to Invitation to Bid (ITB) 09-25 and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute the same. (consent)
6.8 Authorize a purchase order to AECOM Technical Services, Inc (AECOM) of Tampa, FL
for design, bidding, and construction services for the installation of density current baffles
on all four secondary clarifiers at the Marshall Street Water Reclamation Facility (MS
WRF), project 24-0066-UT, in the amount of$118,892.00 pursuant to RFQ 34-23,
Engineer of Record (EOR) Consulting Services and authorize the appropriation officials
to execute same. (consent)
6.9 Approve an increase for the collective bargaining agreement between the City of
Clearwater and International Association of Fire Fighters Bargaining Unit in the amount of
$312,677 for fiscal year 2024/2025, delegate the authority to the City Manager to enter
into a MOU with IAFF, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.10Appoint Frank Cornier to the Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board, as
the member actively engaged in the residential home building industry in connection with
affordable housing category, to fill an unexpired term through September 30, 2025.
(consent)
6.11Appoint Michelle Chenault to the Community Development Board with a term expiring
March 6, 2029. (consent)
6.12Reappoint Glenna Wentworth to the Environmental Advisory Board with a term expiring
October 31, 2028. (consent)
6.13Appoint Dean Strickland to the Municipal Code Enforcement Board to fill an unexpired
term through January 12, 2026. (consent)
6.14Appoint Timothy Burnham to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for an unexpired
term through May 31, 2026. (consent)
Councilmember Teixeira moved to approve the Consent Agenda
as submitted 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 Declare as surplus one City of Clearwater Gas System fee-simple owned real property
7240 US Hwy 19 N Pasco County, FL, as further defined by Parcel
32-25-16-0040-O0000-0040 within Section 32, Township 25 South, Range 16 East; now
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deemed a justifiable growth surplus necessity with said Property being publicly posted for
sale to the highest qualified Bidder.
In July 1994, the City Council approved Resolution 94-54, authorizing
Clearwater Gas System (CGS) to expand its distribution utility into Pasco
County. Following this approval, CGS identified and purchased a one-acre
parcel on September 22, 1995, for $275,000 to support the expansion.
This property, now vacant, previously housed a remote operations building with
a warehouse facility dedicated to Pasco expansion field operations. However,
during the 2008 recession, the Pasco office was closed, and all Pasco-based
employees were relocated to CGS's main facility in Clearwater, as economic
conditions did not support further gas expansion at that time.
Since 2008, CGS has operated solely out of the main administration/operations
facility in Clearwater. However, to meet the growing energy demands of the
Pasco market, including the rapidly developing residential and commercial
areas along the Suncoast Parkway, State Road 52 and 54, CGS would like to
sell off this property and eventually purchase another remote facility that is
located closer to where CGS is growing its customer base.
To support this effort, CGS established a Capital Improvement Project, which
may be utilized to fund a new remote facility. The current appraised value of the
surplus land is $650,000. Given its increased value and distance to where CGS
is experiencing growth, repurposing this parcel is no longer a viable option.
City staff have reviewed and support the designation of this property as surplus.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
High Performing Government: 1.3, 1.5
Vice Mayor Allbritton moved to declare as surplus one City of
Clearwater Gas System fee-simple owned real property 7240 US
Hwy 19 N Pasco County, FL, as further defined by Parcel
32-25-16-0040-O0000-0040 within Section 32, Township 25 South,
Range 16 East; now deemed a justifiable growth surplus
necessity with said Property being publicly posted for sale to the
highest qualified Bidder. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
7.2 Approve amendments to the Clearwater Code of Ordinances Chapter 22, Article II,
Section 22.61, to add a new section addressing e-bicycles, motorized bicycles,
hoverboards, unicycles, scooters and similar devices and pass Ordinance 9817-25 on
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first reading.
Proposed Ordinance No. 9817-25 will add a new section to the Code of
Ordinances which will preclude the use of any e-bicycles, motorized bicycle,
hoverboard, unicycle and scooter or similar device, excluding any medically
necessary conveyances in, on or through the entirety of Beach Walk, Crest
Lake Park and Coachman Park excluding those areas specifically designated
for vehicular traffic such as parking lots, street rights-of-way, driveways and/or
drive aisles. This amendment is the result of public input noting that motorized
vehicles have been creating an unsafe environment in our parks and beaches
due to the relatively high rate of speed easily achieved by these devices. The
prohibition of these devices will enhance the feeling of patron safety.
The Department has determined that the proposed prohibition of e-bicycles,
motorized bicycles, hoverboards, unicycles, scooters and similar devices in
certain areas are consistent with Goal PPP 1 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.
At the March 3 work session, there was council consensus to limit the proposed
ordinance to Beach Walk only. Staff was directed to strike "Crest Lake Park and
Coachman Park" from the proposed ordinance.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Approval of the name and operating hours modifications support several
Strategic Plan Objectives, including:
1.2: Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands,
environmental resources, and historic features through systematic
management efforts.
2.3: Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment,
cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
3.2: Preserve community livability through responsible development
standards, proactive code compliance, and targeted revitalization.
In response to a question, Parks and Recreation Director Art Kader said
the e-bikes will be prohibited on both sides of Beachwalk but allowed in
the street.
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Discussion ensued with a concern expressed that the ordinance will impact
residents who live on the beach or individuals who work on the beach and
utilize a-bikes as a preferred method of transportation in Clearwater beach.
Ordinance 9817-25 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Mannino moved to approve amendments to the
Clearwater Code of Ordinances Chapter 22, Article II, Section
22.61, to add a new section addressing e-bicycles, motorized
bicycles, hoverboards, unicycles, scooters and similar devices
and pass Ordinance 9817-25 on first reading. The motion was
duly seconded and upon roll call, the motion carried as follows:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Allbritton, Councilmember Mannino and
Councilmember Teixeira
Nays: 1 - Councilmember Cotton
7.3 Approve amendments to the Community Development Code to establish standards for
artificial turf, require landscaped areas in front yards for residentially zoned properties,
and make other associated updates and pass Ordinance 9805-25 on first reading.
(TA2024-07002)
Proposed Ordinance No. 9805-25 contains both City Council and staff-initiated
amendments to the Community Development Code. Amendments initiated by
City Council propose to create regulations to permit the use of artificial turf
citywide including general, location, and minimum design standards, permitting,
installation, inspection, maintenance, and existing artificial turf.
Other staff-initiated amendments are more clean-up amendments consisting of
correcting typographical errors, reordering sections, providing clarification,
adding a provision for existing developed lots, creating a front yard residential
landscaped area requirement, and adding, deleting, or amending definitions as
needed.
The Planning and Development Department has determined that the proposed
text amendments to the Community Development Code are consistent with and
further the goals, objectives, and policies of the Comprehensive Plan and the
Community Development Code.
Staff held a workshop with the Community Development Board (CDB) on
December 17, 2024, to discuss the code amendments related to artificial turf.
Comments received from the board during that meeting were incorporated into
the ordinance prior to the initiation of the public hearing process.
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City Council Meeting Minutes March 6, 2025
The Community Development Board, in its capacity as the Local Planning
Agency (LPA), reviewed the proposed amendments to the Community
Development Code at its meeting on January 21, 2025, and recommended
approval with certain modifications and considerations as follows:
1. Clarify that the requirement to bring existing lots into compliance with the
landscaping standards to the greatest extent practicable if the existing
use is improved or remodeled in a value of 25 percent or more, as
established by Section 3-1202.A.3.a, is applicable to properties other
than single-family or two-family lots.
2. Consider modifying proposed Sections 3-1202.E.2.a.6.v and 3-
1202.E.2.b.3.iv to permit the use of artificial turf in required interior and
central landscape islands.
3. Consider incorporating licensure requirements into proposed Section 3-
1203.E.12 to provide clarity regarding who would qualify as a
"professional with experience in installation of artificial turf'.
Additionally, while not incorporated into the Board's motion for approval, the
Board discussed the desire to allow for independent appraisal to be used for the
determination of 25 percent of the value of the principal structure, in addition to
the value reflected in the property appraiser's records, as established in Section
3-1202.A.3.a.
Proposed Ordinance No. 9805-25 addresses the Board's recommended
clarification detailed in number 1. above. Additionally, staff has incorporated, for
the City Council's consideration, changes to Sections 3-1202.A.3.a. and
3-1401.B.3.a to provide that an independent appraisal may also be used to
determine 25 percent of the value of the primary structure which, if exceeded,
would require improvements to landscaping and parking. The considerations
specified in 2. and 3., are not recommended by city staff to be incorporated into
the ordinance for reasons specified in the staff report.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
These proposed amendments support the Environmental Stewardship and
Community Well-Being goals of the city's Strategic Plan by providing
amendments to the Community Development Code that aim to maintain
aesthetic appeal and permit alternative sustainable practices within the city.
One individual spoke in opposition.
Councilmember Cotton moved to continue Item 7.3 to March 17,
2025. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
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8. Second Readings - Public Hearing
8.1 Adopt Ordinance 9818-25 on second reading, amending the Clearwater Code of
Ordinances by creating Section 2.429 to permit firefighters to purchase prior firefighter
and military service.
The City of Clearwater Employees' Pension Plan governs the payment of
retirement benefits for City employees. Chapter 175, Florida Statutes permits
firefighters to purchase prior firefighter and miliary service.
In 2024, the City and International Association of Fire Fighters agreed to a
change in the Pension Plan. Current firefighters will be eligible to purchase up
to five years of prior firefighter and miliary service. The purchased years of
service will be added to the member's years of credited service. The member
shall pay all costs associated with the purchased years of service. The Plan's
actuary has studied the cost of this ordinance and has determined that there is
no actuarial impact.
Ordinance 9818-25 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Teixeira moved to adopt Ordinance 9818-25 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 — None.
10. City Attorney Reports — None.
11. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes)
Vice Mayor Allbritton and Councilmember Teixeira reviewed recent and
upcoming events.
Vice Mayor Allbritton said the PS TA Grouper is now available. He said the
on-demand mini-bus will take individuals from the St. Pete/Clearwater
International Airport to any location on Clearwater beach for a nominal fee.
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12. Closing Comments by Mayor
Mayor Rector reviewed recent and upcoming events.
13. Adjourn
Attest
The meeting adjourned at 6:36 p.m.
March 6, 2025
Mayor
City of Clearwater
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City of Clearwater