04/14/2025 Council Work Session Meeting Minutes April 14, 2025
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
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Meeting Minutes
Monday, April 14, 2025
1 :30 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
Council Work Session
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes April 14, 2025
Roll Call
Present: 5 - Mayor Bruce Rector, Vice Mayor Lina Teixeira, Councilmember David
Allbritton, Councilmember Ryan Cotton and Councilmember Michael
Mannino
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 1:56 p.m.
2. Presentations — Given.
2.1 New Clearwater Airpark Terminal Presentation - Chip Hayward, American Infrastructure
Development, Inc. (WSO)
American Infrastructure Development, Inc. Representative Chip Hayward
and Kyle Holley provided a PowerPoint presentation.
In response to questions, Mr. Hayward said they intend to issue the drawings
for bidding mid-May to late-May. The bidding process will be open for 60
days and the vetting process should be completed within 30 days. He said
they anticipate construction commencing in late August. The construction
should be completed within 18 months.
3. Economic Development and Housing
3.1 Approve the Third Amendment to Contract for Sale of City-Owned Vacant Land between
the City of Clearwater, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County, Inc., and Clearwater
Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. for real property located at 1454 South Martin
Luther King Jr. Avenue and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same and such
requisite documents necessary to effectuate the sale. (consent)
The City of Clearwater posted RFP/Q #43-22 as an opportunity for a developer
to acquire and develop city-owned property located at 1454 South Martin Luther
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King Jr. Avenue for use as affordable and workforce housing (Pinellas County
Property I.D. #22-29-15-00000-320-1300). On December 1, 2022, Council
authorized staff to negotiate a contract for the sale of real property to Habitat for
Humanity of Pinellas County, Inc. and Clearwater Neighborhood Housing
Services, Inc., together, as the selected Developer of the real property located
at 1454 South Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. On June 13th, 2023, Council
approved a contract for sale of city-owned vacant land. The Developer will be
assigning the contract to a single asset entity, Lake Belleview Development
LLC.
Per the contract, the development shall be consistent with Developer's
response to City of Clearwater RFP/Q 43-22. The Developer shall construct 24
units of mixed-income, owner-occupied townhomes with 50% of the units
reserved for households with total household income up to 80% of the Area
Median Income (AMI) as determined by the United States Department of
Housing and Urban Development, and the remaining 50% reserved for
household with total household income up to 120% of the AMI.
The Developer's response to RFP 43-22 identified a $1,240,170 cash gap in
addition to the requested donation of the property, therefore Exhibit B of the
contract specifies the City agrees to commit to the donation of the parcel,
valued at $525,000 and a contribution of an additional $357,585 for a total direct
subsidy of$882,585 (half of the total direct subsidy identified as required in the
response). Due to market changes, the Developer increased their request from
Pinellas County to $1,015,028 which was approved. The total development cost
is estimated to be $9,577,613.50. Sources of funding include Owner's Equity
($996,611.73), Penny Funding ($1,015,028), City of Clearwater ($882,585:
$357,585 in direct subsidy and land donation valued at $525,000) and
permanent debt financing ($6,683,388.77).
Additional requirements provided by Exhibit B establishes terms and conditions
that the Developer must meet prior to and after closing. Per the exhibit, all
pre-development activities must be completed prior to closing including, but not
limited to, funding commitments, site approval, and building permits.
Unforeseen development challenges had pushed the original proposed timeline
and required a contract closing date extension to December 31 st, 2024. Due to
Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, the Developer had not procured funding
approval from Pinellas County, which is a requirement for closing. The closing
date was then extended to on or before April 30, 2025. The funding request for
the project was reviewed and approved by the Pinellas County Board of County
Commissioners in February 2025. The Developer has requested an extension
to on or before July 31, 2025, to obtain permits, obtain commercial loan
approval, and finalize closing documentation.
Staff recommends an extension of the closing date to on or before July 31,
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2025, to allow the Developer more time to complete the pre-development
activities.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding is to be provided by State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)
Program and Revenue Recovery Funds provided by the American Rescue Plan
Act - Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. No General Fund monies will be
appropriated.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Objective 2.4 - Supports equitable housing programs that promote household
stability and reduces the incidence of Homelessness within Clearwater.
Vice Mayor Teixeira departed Chambers at 2:09 p.m. and returned at 2:11
p.m.
3.2 Approve an amended loan term of 43 years for funding to be provided by the City of
Clearwater to SAH Holdings LP for the land acquisition of real property located at 801
Chestnut St. contingent upon the satisfactory outcome of, as determined by the Economic
Development and Housing Director, a subsidy analysis, the receipt of a structural
evaluation, approval of all funding sources, and a tenant relocation plan; and authorize
the appropriate officials to execute documents required to effect closing of the loan.
(consent)
Indigo Apartments is comprised of 208 units and was originally developed for
low-income senior housing. In 2015, the property was purchased and converted
to market rate, excluding 20 units that are legally restricted by HOME funding
that was previously provided to the property by the City of Clearwater.
Sunrise Affordable Housing Group, through their special purpose entity SAH
Holdings LP (Sunrise) is currently under contract to acquire Indigo Apartments
and is planning to convert it to legally restricted affordable housing under a
50-year affordability commitment through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
(LI HTC) program, implementing income and rent restrictions on 100% of units
with thresholds set at 30%, 60% and 80% of area median income. The
restrictions will result in significant rent reductions, resulting in an average +/-
51% discount when compared to today's market-rate rents. The property will be
placed in the Pinellas County Land Trust, which will provide a 99-year lease to
Sunrise Affordable Housing Group, placing 208 housing units under the county's
land use restrictions.
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Originally, Council approved a deferred, 0% interest loan, with a loan term of 40
years in the amount of$1,000,000.00, utilizing a combination of CDBG and
SHIP funding. The loan will support the acquisition of the property. The U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires all loans to be
co-terminus with the 40-year HUD loan of which the term does not begin until
the construction-to-permanent conversion. Therefore, the developer is
requesting a 43-year term for the City's loan to conservatively cover the
construction period and the 40-year HUD loan Term.
Staff recommends the approval of a 43-year term.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding is to be provided by State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)
Program, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and CDBG Revolving
Loan Funds. No General Fund monies will be appropriated.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Objective 2.4 - Supports equitable housing programs that promote household
stability and reduces the incidence of Homelessness within Clearwater.
In response to questions, Economic Development and Housing Real Estate
Coordinator Dylan Mayeux said closing is expected to occur by mid-June
and believes the process is moving forward to hit that target date. The
Developer will not be able to communicate with the current tenants until after
the closing. He said the Developer has a plan in place to reach out to tenants
who will need to relocate or will remain.
4. Gas System
4.1 Approve an Annual General Permit, in the amount of$4,000, with Pinellas County to
construct and maintain natural gas facilities and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. (consent)
This permit will allow Clearwater Gas System (CGS) to install and maintain
natural gas mains and service lines within the Pinellas County right-of-way that
are placed more than five feet from the back of curb or edge of road pavement.
This permit covers regular and recurring activities and specifies the
construction standards for installation of our gas infrastructure. All other gas
work outside the scope of this General Permit will require a Specific Utilization
Permit for each job/project prior to commencement.
Pinellas County experienced delays in providing the updated General Permit to
CGS, which typically starts at the beginning of the fiscal year (i.e., October).
Therefore, this permit will become effective on April 17, 2025, and expire on
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December 31, 2025.
Section five of this General Permit contains language that indemnifies Pinellas
County against any damage claims resulting from negligence caused by CGS.
However, the City's limitation and protection under Section 768.28 of the Florida
Statutes is not waived.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding is available in Clearwater Gas Department cost code 4232075-543700,
fees and permit. Clearwater Gas is funded by revenues from the Gas Utility
Enterprise Fund.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Deliver effective and efficient services by optimizing City Assets and
Resources. 1.2, 1.3
5. Parks and Recreation
5.1 Authorize a purchase order to Orlando Freightliner of Apopka, FL for the purchase of a
Freightliner 114SD with Galfab Hoist in the amount of$226,946.00 pursuant to
Clearwater Code of Ordinances Sections 2.563(1)(c), piggyback and 2.563(1)(d)
non-competitive (impractical) and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
On September 28, 2024, Risk Management determined that vehicle G4946, a
2020 International MV607, was a total loss due to Hurricane Helene.
Clearwater Parks and Recreation is requesting to replace this vehicle with the
purchase of a 2025 Freightliner 11 4S equipped with a Galfab 60K Roll-Off
Hoist in an amount not to exceed $226,946.00.
This vehicle is vital to the day to day operations of the Parks and Recreation
Department as well as being used in emergency situations.
The total cost of the truck is $226,946.00, with $197,269.00 acquired through a
competitive solicitation under the Florida Sheriff Contract (FSA)
FSA23-VEH21.1, Item #59. The remaining $29,677.00 covers additional
features deemed impractical to procure separately, including:
• Extended Engine Warranty
• After-Treatment Coverage
• Brigade Camera System
• Tire Boss
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• Chrome Bumper
• Polished Aluminum Wheels
• $3,500 Tariff Announcement
Authorization is requested to piggyback off the Florida Sheriff Contract (FSA)
FSA23-VEH21.1, valid through September 30, 2025. Additionally, approval is
requested to procure optional features not included in the piggyback contract,
as they are considered impractical due to potential delays in vehicle and/or
equipment receipt, possible void of warranty for aftermarket items,
manufacturer delay in receiving parts, etc., pursuant to Clearwater Code
2.563(1)(d).
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
3667366-564100-D2402
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
1.2: Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands,
environmental resources, and historic features through systematic
management efforts.
It was suggested that staff provide information on steps taken to ensure the
validity of the vehicle as a high-water vehicle is maintained. Staff was asked
to determine if the vehicle being replaced is eligible for FEMA
reimbursement.
6. General Services
6.1 Authorize purchase order(s) to multiple vendors as listed, for the maintenance, purchase
and rental of generators, replacement parts, automatic transfer switches (ATS) and
services in the cumulative amount of$1,600,000.00, for the term May 1, 2025 through
November 22, 2026, with one year renewal option in the cumulative amount of
$1,000,000.00 pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Sections 2.563(1)(a), Single
Source, and 2.563(1)(c), Piggyback, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same.(consent)
This authorization covers the maintenance, purchase, and rental of generators,
along with ATS's, replacement parts and related services. Historically, Building
& Maintenance (B&M) and Public Utilities have procured generators, repairs,
services, replacement parts, ATS's, and load banking through piggyback
contracts or as single-source procurements.
The average cost for the last three years has been $632K ($300,000 B&M and
$332,000 PU)
Equipment Maintained:
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50 - STATIONARY GENERATORS (29 B&M AND 21 PU)
44 - PORTABLE GENERATORS (1 B&M AND 43 PU)
60 -AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCHES -ATS (33 B&M AND 27 PU)
44 - FUEL TANKS (25 B&M AND 19 PU)
This request will follow the procurement methods outlined below:
Single Source:
• Ring Power Corporation:
o Authorized representative for Caterpillar, responsible for
servicing and repairing Caterpillar generators. Use of another
company to perform these services and repairs may void
portions of coverage still under warranty.
• Cummins, Inc.:
o The only authorized provider for repairs on Cummins generators.
Use of another company to perform these services and repairs
may void portions of coverage still under warranty.
Piggyback Contracts:
• Ring Power Corporation and Cummins, Inc
o Sourcewell Contract#092222-CAT and #092222-CMM valid
through November 22, 2026, with a one (1) year renewal option.
• Ring Power is the authorized Caterpillar dealer under this
contract.
• These piggyback contracts cover electrical energy power
generation equipment, related parts, supplies, and
services at a discounted rate.
• Mid-Florida Diesel, Inc:
o Hernando County ITB #23-TFG037/JG Generator Maintenance
and Emergency Repair; valid through April 24, 2026, with two (2),
one (1) year renewal options.
This piggyback contract will be used as needed for the
preventative maintenance of auxiliary (portable) power
generators.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding is available in Garage Fund, Fleet Operations cost code
5666611-546500, garage equipment and repairs, and in Public Utilities capital
improvement project 327-96664, Water Pollution Control R&R.
Funding for future fiscal years will be requested as part of the annual budget
process.
The Garage Fund is an internal service fund of the city which supports city-wide
fleet and radio maintenance. The operations of Public Utilities and associated
capital projects are funded by Water and Sewer Utility Enterprise Fund
revenues.
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STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
These services help accomplish Strategic Plan Objectives 1.1, maintaining
municipal performance, and promoting accountable governance; 1.2,
maintaining public infrastructure; 1.3, identify resources required to sustain level
of service 3.2, proactive code compliance, and targeted revitalization.
In response to questions, Building and Maintenance Division Manager Tom
Wojtkiw said the $600,000 being requested is the average amount being
used throughout the years. Some of the added expenditures are for
increased costs and maintenance costs. The item before Council also
includes unforeseen events.
7. Marine & Aviation
7.1 Approve the Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) G3A98 between the City of Clearwater
and the State of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Installation of an
Emergency Generator at the Clearwater Airpark, authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same, and adopt Resolution 25-06.
On January 12, 2023, City Council approved the Lease and Property Operating
Agreement (Operating Agreement) with FIyUSA to manage the Clearwater
Airpark and subsequently approved the First Amendment to the Lease and
Property Operating Agreement on March 7, 2024.
As part of the public-private partnership, the City and FIyUSA seek to redevelop
the Terminal and FBO building. In accordance with the Operating Agreement,
specifically article 12, the City and FIyUSA agreed to seek FDOT funding to
support capital improvements such as the Terminal and FBO building.
Additionally, the City committed in the agreement to pay a maximum of
$750,000 towards the Airpark terminal and cover, subject to reimbursement by
FIyUSA, the cash match associated with any FDOT grant funding.
The Clearwater Airpark is strategically located with an elevation of 71 ft. above
sea level making it the highest airport in the Tampa Bay region. This location is
vital during storm events where storm surge impacts local airports making
Clearwater Airpark the only option for crucial emergency air operations. FDOT
JPA Agreement G3A98 provides for a $400,000 grant with a $100,000 City
match, for a total of$500,000 grant for the installation of an emergency
generator that will not only power the new terminal building but also the
Clearwater Gas System (CGS) Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling station.
Ensuring the filling station remains operational will allow city garbage trucks and
other CNG vehicles to refuel immediately after a hurricane or storm event. Any
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project costs exceeding the grant funding for the generator's design and
installation will be covered by CGS's Natural Gas Vehicle capital improvement
project.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
A mid-year budget amendment will establish capital project 302-G2509, Airpark
Emergency Generator, and record a budget of$400,000 in grant revenue from
FDOT and $100,000 of Gas Fund revenues transferred from capital project
323-96387, Natural Gas Vehicle.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
High Performing Government
1.2 Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands, environmental
resources, and historic features through systematic management efforts.
Economic & Housing Opportunity
2.2 Cultivate a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship, inspires local
investment, supports eco-friendly enterprises, and encourages high-quality job
growth.
2.3 Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural
experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
In response to questions, Marine and Aviation Director Michael MacDonald
said there is a CIP in 2031 to replace the runway lights with LED lights and to
replace the electricals. Staff will be able to determine what can be done with
the emergency generator during the design phase.
8. Public Utilities
8.1 Authorize an increase on purchase order to Envirowaste Services Group of Tampa, FL,
for Pumping and Tankering Services - Domestic Wastewater, in the amount of
$85,000.00, increasing the annual not-to-exceed amount from $125,000.00 to
$210,000.00 for the contract term ending on September 13, 2025, pursuant to Clearwater
Code of Ordinances Section 2.563 (1)(c), piggyback, and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
On October 6, 2022, Council approved a purchase order to Envirowaste
Services Group for Emergency & Non-Emergency Pumping and Tankering
Services in the annual not-to-exceed amount of$125,000.00 piggybacking off of
Pinellas County contract#22-0073-B-BW, Pumping and Tankering Services -
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Domestic Wastewater (Emergency and Non-Emergency).
Elevated wastewater influent flows resulting from Tropical Storm Debby,
Hurricane Helene, and Hurricane Milton introduced significant amounts of sand,
debris, and solids into the chlorine contact chambers at both the Marshall Street
and Northeast Water Reclamation Facilities. This debris increased the demand
for sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and interferes with the disinfection process,
posing a risk of non-compliance with Florida Department of Environmental
Protection (FDEP) regulations. The impacts of the 2024 hurricane season have
further exacerbated the need for reliable pumping and tankering services.
Consequently, we are requesting a contract adjustment to maintain regulatory
compliance and ensure operational efficiency.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding is available in various Public Utilities operating cost centers in expense
code 530300, contractual services. The Public Utilities department is funded by
revenues from the Water and Sewer Utility Enterprise Fund.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Establishing this contract meets the City's strategic objective of High
Performing Government by providing a high level of service at our facilities,
protecting our residents and preserving vital infrastructure. It also satisfies the
strategic objective of Environmental Stewardship by ensuring our plants and
facilities are always running at peak capacity and performance, guarding
against potential spills that could negatively impact our surrounding estuaries
and community.
9. City Clerk
9.1 Approve the Mayor's appointment of Kathleen Agnew to the Clearwater Housing Authority
Board for a term expiring September 30, 2028. (consent)
APPOINTMENT WORKSHEET
BOARD: Clearwater Housing Authority
TERM: 4 years
APPOINTED BY: Mayor, Approved by City Council
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Required
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: City of Clearwater, except for the Public
Housing Resident
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: 1 member shall be a Program Recipient -
Clearwater residency not required. 2 members can be Pinellas County
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes April 14, 2025
residents who are employed within city limits.
Clearwater residency not required.
Note - The appointment is made by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council.
MEMBERS: 5
CHAIR: Caitlein Jammo
MEETING DATES: 4th Friday, 9:00 a.m. (Every other month)
PLACE: The Vincent Building, 908 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, FL 33755
APPTS. NEEDED: 1
THE FOLLOWING ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER HAS COMPLETED
THEIR TERM AND WISHES TO BE REAPPOINTED:
1. Kathleen Agnew- 3155 Masters Dr, Clearwater 33761 - Retired
Registered Nurse
Original Appointment - 9/01/2016
Zip codes current members on board:
2 at 33761
1 at 33770
10. City Attorney
10.1Approve a five-year agreement with the law firm of Bryant Miller Olive to perform bond
counsel and disclosure counsel services as needed and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
The law firm of Bryant Miller Olive (BMO) has served as the City's bond counsel
since 1995. Outside counsel is a practical necessity in bond issuance
transactions due to potential conflicts of interest if the issuer's in-house
attorneys serve in that role. BMO was chosen for renewal due to their
institutional familiarity with Clearwater's bond history, their exemplary
performance during the Imagine Clearwater bonds, their proven, creative
approaches to bond matters in representing other local governments, and their
strong relationship with the Public Resources Advisory Group (PRAG), which
serves as the City's financial advisor.
Historically, the City of Clearwater has paid a second law firm to serve as
disclosure counsel. The City Attorney's Office, in concert with the Finance
Director and PRAG, have identified cost savings by consolidating the disclosure
counsel and bond counsel functions with a single firm. If approved, BMO will
serve as the City's disclosure counsel in addition to serving as bond counsel.
Consolidating these functions will slightly reduce the cost of issuance, and
conserve time in coordinating with multiple firms.
This agreement comes at no inherent cost. When the City issues bonds,
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however, bond counsel is compensated as a percentage of the bond. The
compensation is deducted from the bond proceeds. The exact percentage
depends on the amount of the bond and the source of the pledge; the details
regarding the proposal are attached to this agenda item.
In response to a question, the City Attorney said, historically, the City had
two separate law firms on retainer, one for bond services and one for
disclosure counsel. He said both of these services are needed when the City
seeks to issue bonds. It is now more common for municipalities to acquire
the services of a firm that provides both services, providing some cost
savings.
10.2Adopt Ordinance 9805-25 on second reading, amending 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. (TA2024-07002)
11. City Manager Verbal Reports
The City Manager and Council thanked staff for their efforts in the planning
and execution of several events held over the weekend. It was a huge
success.
In response to a comment, the City Manager said she reached out to Ruth
Eckerd Hall regarding how attendance at The Sound is reported. She
suggested that Ruth Eckerd Hall explain how attendance is counted, versus
ticket sales, at the next quarterly report.
12. City Attorney Verbal Reports - None
13. Council Discussion Item
13.1 Billboards - Vice Mayor Allbritton
Councilmember Allbritton said at the last meeting he asked to continue the
item until he had the opportunity to speak with staff. He heard several signs
were substantially damaged during last year's hurricanes and could not be
repaired as they were non-conforming signs. He said non-conforming signs
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are required to have routine maintenance, which is not occurring. Many of
the damaged signs were rebuilt without a permit. He said after speaking with
staff, he has decided not to recommend amending the code.
There was council consensus to not pursue any changes to the code and to
direct staff to commence enforcement on this issue.
13.2Strategic Downtown Discussion - Councilmember Mannino
Councilmember Mannino said the discussion item will not be on Thursday's
council meeting agenda because he is not requesting any action. He said the
discussion will be informational and address topics that have public interest.
In response to questions, the City Manager said she reached out to the Mac
Dixon Memorial Garden proposer to schedule a meeting, which has been
scheduled for April 22, 2025. Several community groups have reached out
wanting to discuss the proposal and were concerned the lack of opportunity
to provide input, she referred the groups back to the proposer so they can
provide their feedback. She said there have been no additional negotiations
with the Church of Scientology regarding the Garden Avenue vacation
request. Staff has relayed to the Church Council's desire to include an
updated plan to show the public what the theater will look like. The City
Manager said staff has been in communication with the Denunzio Group to
discuss groundbreaking and construction, staff anticipates having a timeline
soon. Commencement on construction is expected in mid-May.
Councilmember Allbritton said the PS TA Intermodal Center is on track for a
groundbreaking this Summer. The Intermodal Center should be completed
when the new City Hall project is completed. Assistant City Manager Daniel
Slaughter said the old Clearwater Sun site requires some remediation and
concrete removal. The City Manager said the Main Library RFP submission
period ends on June 20, 2025. Staff outreach efforts included email mailings,
social media posts, and news coverage. She said the first public tour of the
Main Library was held last Friday and the second one will be held in May.
The first tour included four prospective proposers. The City Manager said the
Church of Scientology has not announced the types of businesses they wish
to attract at the locations on the 500-block of Cleveland Street that are
currently being renovated. The Church has not provided a timeline for when
renovations will be completed. She said the Church's website shows retail on
the bottom for the former Telephone building. The City Manager said she
has relayed to the Church Council's suggestion to provide the public a video
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of their Downtown renovation efforts. Planning and Development Interim
Director Lauren Matzke said the Downtown zoning district requires active
uses in certain key corners, which includes Garden Avenue/Cleveland
Street, Osceola Avenue/Cleveland Street, and Ft. Harrison
Avenue/Cleveland Street, and prohibits typical office or institutional uses on
those ground floor areas.
Discussion ensued with concerns expressed that two turn-key properties
available for lease or purchase on the 400-block of Clevland Street have
been unresponsive to inquiries, that the Church needs to fill vacant
properties with public inviting businesses, and that many of the restaurants in
Downtown may not remain because of troublesome lease practices.
Staff was directed to provide a list of properties that have called in to renew
building permits.
13.3 DOGE Resolution — Mayor Rector
Mayor Rector requested consideration for the City to adopt a resolution that
authorizes staff to collaborate with the Governor's Department of
Governmental Efficiency in an effort to identify efficiencies, eliminate waste,
and save taxpayers money. He said the resolution mirrors the one adopted
by Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, and the city of Hialeah.
Discussion ensued with comments made that staff has already begun to
implement budget cuts. There was consensus to format the proposed draft
resolution for adoption at the council meeting. Staff was directed to place the
item on the council meeting agenda.
14. 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). — None.
15. Closing Comments by Mayor
Mayor Rector reviewed recent and upcoming events.
16. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 3:14 p.m.
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