05/12/2025 Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 12, 2025
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
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Meeting Minutes
Monday, May 12, 2025
1 :30 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
Council Work Session
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City of Clearwater
Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 12, 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, Alfred Battle —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
The meeting was called to order at 1:41 p.m.
2. Presentations — Given.
2.1 2025 Mayors Challenge Presentation - Mayor Freaney, City of Dunedin
3. Parks and Recreation
3.1 Approve co-sponsorship and waiver of requested city fees for eight High Impact
co-sponsored special events at an estimated cost for in-kind services of$514,390,
($482,380 general fund, and $32,010 enterprise fund), and general fund funding for the
Community Event Co-Sponsorship Program cash contributions of$150,000, for the
purpose of Fiscal Year 2025/26 departmental budget submissions and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Per City Council Policy, Item 2-21, Special Event Fee, there shall be an annual
review of city sponsored/co-sponsored events during the budget process. An
agenda item approving co-sponsorship and level of support for these events will
be brought before the city council at the beginning of the budget process each
fiscal year. In the event additional money is required beyond what is approved
in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26 budget, City Council approval will be required.
On December 19, 2023, City Council policy, Item 2-21 Special Event Fee was
amended to waive in-kind fees for High Impact events greater than $20,000 and
approve a lump sum amount to fund the "Special Events Assistance Program"
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 12, 2025
aka "Community Event Co-Sponsorship Program" for events less than $20,000.
Cash funding for High Impact events were eliminated apart from $75,000 for
Jazz Holiday in FY 2024/25 which was approved by City Council on June 6,
2024. Budget requests for High Impact Events in FY 2025/26 total $514,390 as
compared with last year's requests of$752,100. This represents a decrease of
$237,710 (32%) for High Impact Events. The decrease is due mainly to the
removal of funding requests for Veteran's Day, Clearwater Marathon & Running
Festival, Memorial Day and Hispanic Heritage events. In addition, departments
including Police, Fire, Parking and Parks and Recreation were able to provide
reductions to events held in Coachman Park due to adjustments made after a
full year of having special events in Coachman Park. Certain events serving
alcohol saw an increase in police costs due to the number of"point of sale"
POS locations planned, as well as slight increases due to salary adjustments.
The Veteran's Day and Memorial Day events will be managed through a
partnership with the Veterans Alliance and the City and funded from the
Community Event Co-sponsorship program. Also, the Hispanic Heritage event
will apply for funds through the Community Event program. The Clearwater
Marathon & Running Festival is not seeking financial support but is requesting
permission to allow for the closure of the Memorial Causeway for their event.
The Clearwater Turkey Trot will be produced by the Parks and Recreation
Department rather than the West Coast Y Runners Club beginning with
Thanksgiving 2025. Co-sponsorship support is being requested for this year,
but the goal is to become revenue neutral thus providing a new stream of
revenue for the city.
The new"Community Event Co-Sponsorship Program" was well received for
the first year with 11 organizations receiving funds totaling $95,750. The
average amount of funding for each event was $8,704.55. Requiring groups to
provide a portion of funding from other sources has been a positive outcome of
this new program.as the community events are now not totally dependent on
the city for their events. Examples of Community Events include Festival of
Trees, ReliaQuest Beach Bowl Day, Look Up Clearwater, Community Family
Fun Night, and MLK Jr. Celebration and March. Staff is requesting a reduction
in funding for FY 2025/26 from $200,000 to $150,000 for this program.
Total support of$664,390 is being recommended for all Co-Sponsored events
(High Impact and Community Program events) for FY 2025/26 which is a
decrease of 30% or $287,710 from FY 2024/25.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
If approved, in-kind funding for the various High Impact events will be budgeted
in each department's operating budget for FY 2025/26. Funding for the $150,000
of cash contributions for the Community Event Co-sponsorship program will be
budgeted in the Parks & Recreation operating budget of the General Fund.
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 12, 2025
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:
Approval of the purchase order supports several Strategic Plan Objectives,
including:
• 2.1: Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain
diversified business sectors.
• 2.2: Cultivate a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship,
inspires local investment, supports Eco-friendly enterprises, and
encourages high-quality job growth.
• 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.
• 3.4: Inspire citizen participation through civic engagement and
volunteerism to build strong, inclusive, and engaged communities.
3.2 Approve a First Amendment to an Agreement between Boys and Girls Clubs of the
Suncoast, Inc. (Agency), and the City of Clearwater to change the name from Boys and
Girls Clubs of the Suncoast, Inc. to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Tampa Bay and
change the address from 2300 Tall Pines Drive, Suite 150, Largo, FL 33771 to 1307 N.
MacDill Avenue Tampa, FL 33607, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. (consent)
On December 1, 2007, the Council approved a five year-year Agreement with
up to three, five-year extensions between the Agency and the City for the
provision of certain desirable activities at the Wood Valley Park. The agreement
is currently in the last of its three, five-year extensions and will end in 2027.
Over the past 17 years the Agency faithfully complied with all requirements of
the agreement and has provided various activities to build and foster the
confidence, educational, recreational and social skills and good habits in young
people, adults and families. The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Suncoast, Inc. has
recently merged with the Boys and Girls Club of Tampa Bay to form a new
organization called the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Tampa Bay.
The City has determined that the proposed amendment providing for the name
and address changes are appropriate.
Staff recommends amending the current agreement as proposed.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Approval of the proposed agreement amendment supports several Strategic
Plan Objectives, including:
• 1.3: Adopt responsive levels of service for public facilities and amenities,
and identify resources required to sustain that level of service.
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1.5: Embrace a culture of innovation that drives continuous improvement
and successfully serves all our customers.
2.1: Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain
diversified business sectors.
2.5: Facilitate partnerships with educational and research institutions to
strengthen workforce development opportunities.
3.1: Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that
empower community pride and belonging.
3.4: Inspire citizen participation through civic engagement and
volunteerism to build strong, inclusive, and engaged communities.
4. Public Works
4.1 Declare as surplus and approve the Sale of City of Clearwater improved S Garden
Avenue Right of Way to the sole adjacent landowner Church of Scientology Flag Services
as further defined "All of the right-of-way (ROW) of Garden Avenue abutting lots 6-11
together with that portion abutting the vacated 15-foot alley lying between lots 10 and 11
of Court Square Subdivision as recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 53 of the Public Records
of Pinellas County, Florida," containing 0.65 Acres ±, and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (APH)
On December 5, 2024, the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization
submitted an application to vacate City ROW, located at South Garden Avenue
between Court Street and Franklin Street to develop the parcel into an Entry
Plaza and Performance Hall with acceptance of all City contingencies as they
may apply. The Buyer's design firm shared a concept site plan that may not
necessarily represent the final project site design.
On March 17, 2025, City Council approved at 1 st reading, the vacation of this
portion of Garden Avenue. The next step in the process is for Council's
consideration of the negotiated sale and surplus of this improved ROW.
The City is the fee-simple owner of this land by statute since the right of way
has been fully improved and maintained for a significant period. The area
proposed to be vacated contains .65 acres more or less, including 22 city-paid
parking spaces.
The following mutually agreed-upon Terms and Conditions should be
mentioned:
Purchase Price: The purchase price of this ROW shall be the full appraised
value of One Million Three Hundred Seventy-Five ($1,375,000.00) dollars.
Appraised Market Value: The ROW current market value is one million three
hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($1,375.000.00) by Richard Tobias, a
Florida MAI-certified licensed appraiser.
Special Warranty Deed: Both parties have agreed to issue and accept this
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deed type.
Blanket Utility Easement Reservation: This open-ended clause protects all
current and planned future utility relocations at no cost to the city. The
reservation will terminate upon City approvals.
Parking Revenue: The City has full use with associated payments until such
time a Temporary Construction Easement (TCE) has been properly issued.
Right of Inspection, Buyer's Termination & Indemnification: The applicant has up
to 60 days after the execution of this Contract to complete its "Inspection
Period". The applicant may "Terminate" this Contract during its inspection
period for any reason, or for no reason. This Agreement and its companion
Vacation Ordinance 9812-25 shall be Null and Void upon any termination.
Indemnification: The applicant agrees to indemnify, protect, defend, and or hold
the Seller (City) harmless from all circumstances to include City attorney fees.
Frontier Communication Objection Letter - The buyer received a "Letter of
Objection" and agrees to either pay to relocate Frontier utilities or grant an
Easement to Frontier.
Building Permit Times & Extension Fee: The parties have mutually agreed that
the applicant will obtain all necessary "Building Permits" on or before December
31, 2029, and substantially complete construction to the degree of"beneficial
occupancy" on or before December 31, 2031. Should this not occur, the
applicant can two times extend this agreement by an "Extension Fee" to the
City of three hundred thousand ($300,000.00) dollars by December 31 of that
calendar year preceding that extension year. Should the applicant decline or not
timely make this payment, except by City default, then all City pre & post
Agreements shall terminate. If the final related Closing does not occur by
December 31, 2033, the City has the unilateral right to terminate this Contract
and its companion Vacation without penalty.
City staff have reviewed and approve this contingent Surplus and Sale.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
1. High Performing Government: Embrace a culture of innovation that rives
continuous improvement and successfully service all our customers.
2. Community Well-Being: Preserve community livability through responsible
development standards, proactive code compliance, and targeted revitalization.
4.2 Approve a Work Order to Moffatt and Nichol, of Tampa Bay, FL, under the continuing
services contract, for the design and permitting of the Clearwater Harbor Marina North
Basin Repair Project (23-0030-MA) in the amount of$145,904.00, pursuant to Request
for Qualifications (RFQ) 34-23, Engineer of Record Consulting Services (EOR) and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
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Moffatt & Nichol will provide design and engineering services for the repairs to
the North Basin Marina (downtown boat slips) which sustained damage from
Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The scope of work includes structural repairs to
the floating attenuators, replacing the post tensioned cables along the shoreline
walkway, replacement of five wave attenuators and removal of 3-20 in. square
piles. Cables will be replaced adjacent to the 50 ft. long wave attenuators
closest to Dock A and new utility lines (water, electric and fire systems)
installed necessitated by the new the wave attenuators. The gangway,
destroyed by a sailboat collision, will also be replaced.
Design will take 12 months from notice to proceed. Engineering services during
the construction phase are not included in this scope; those fees will be
presented to City Council once the construction delivery method and estimated
construction duration are confirmed.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
3337333-546700-D2402 $145,904
Funding is available in Capital Improvement project D2402, Hurricane Helene,
and FEMA reimbursement will be attempted. This project will be funded by
revenues/reserves of the Clearwater Harbor Marina Enterprise Fund.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
[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
5. Planning
5.1 Approve the annexation, initial Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Low (RL)
and initial Zoning Atlas designation of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) District
for 1609 Levern Street and pass Ordinances 9822-25, 9823-25 and 9824-25 on first
reading. (ANX2025-03002)
This voluntary annexation petition involves a 0.16-acre property consisting of
one parcel of land occupied by a detached dwelling. The property is located on
the south side of Levern Street, approximately 175 feet west of Ridge Avenue.
The applicant is requesting annexation in order to receive solid waste service
from the city. The property is located within an enclave and is contiguous to
existing city boundaries to the west. It is proposed that the property be assigned
a Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Low (RL) 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
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Section 4-604.E as follows:
• The property currently receives water service from the city of
Clearwater. The closest sanitary sewer line is located in the adjacent
Bonair Street right-of-way. 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
#51 located at 1712 Overbrook Avenue. The city has adequate capacity
to serve this property with sanitary sewer, solid waste, police, fire and
EMS service. 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 Low (RL) 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
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 to the west; 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
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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.
6. Information Technology
6.1 Authorize the first amendment to the agreement with Whitlock Consulting Group of
Beaufort, SC, for project management and professional services in support of utility billing
system upgrades for the term July 1, 2025 through December 21, 2025, in the not to
exceed amount of$173,812.00, for a total not to exceed amount of$506,548.00,
pursuant to RFP 20-24 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
On January 19, 2024, Procurement issued Request for Proposal (RFP) 20-24,
Cayenta UMS Database and Report Migration Services, and Whitlock
Consulting Group was the only responsive response received in accordance
with the solicitation requirements.
In June 2024, the City contracted with Whitlock Consulting Group to perform
professional services for migration of the Cayenta system database, services
support for the review and re-writing of system reports, and technical services
associated software upgrades.
In the course of performing the services within the original scope, it was
determined that Whitlock would be the best option for developing and testing
some of the reports and for overseeing the planning and implementation of
business process changes related to improvement opportunities identified
during the discovery process. The detailed list of these specific reports and
hours associated with improvement opportunities is reflected in the
supplemental statement of work. These additional services were part of
Whitlock's initial response to RFP 20-24.
These services are listed as optional scope item in the existing contract, and
this amendment is intended to reflect the additional time and cost to perform
them.
Payments will be made according to the milestones outlined in the statement of
work.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are available in the capital project 94829, CIS Upgrade/Replacement, to
fund this purchase order. This project is funded by Administrative Service Fund
revenues, an internal service fund of the City.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
This purchase will support all the objectives of a High-Performance
Government, as well as Superior Public Service.
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7. Marine & Aviation
7.1 Authorize a purchase order and an agreement between Divecom Services, LLC, located
at 1310 10th St E Unit G, Palmetto, FL., 34221, and the City of Clearwater to provide
vessel removal, towing, storage, and/or disposal services to accommodate all needs of
the Clearwater Police Department and the Marine and Aviation Department in the annual
amount of$100,000.00 for the initial term with two, one-year renewal options pursuant to
Request for Proposal 12-25 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
On January 9, 2025, the City issued Request for Proposal (RFP) 12-25 seeking
qualified vendors to provide vessel removal, towing, storage, and/or disposal
services in accordance with the RFP's terms and conditions. A total of five
responses were received.
An evaluation committee consisting of members from the Marine and Aviation
Department and the Clearwater Police Department evaluated the qualified
responses. Based on qualifications, experience, available facilities, equipment,
and capacity, Divecom Services was selected as the recommended vendor.
The City may, from time to time, require modifications to the scope of services
to be performed by Divecom Services. Any such modifications, including
adjustments to compensation for contract terms, shall be mutually agreed upon
by both parties and formalized through a written amendment to this agreement.
Divecom Services shall submit invoices to the City for approval, with payment
terms set at Net 30 days.
The agreement establishes an initial one-year term effective May 16, 2025
through May 15, 2026, with two additional one-year renewal options at the City's
discretion.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds for this contract are available in capital improvement project 315-93415,
Waterway Maintenance, funded by General Fund revenues.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
High Performing Government: 1.2 Maintain public infrastructure, mobility
systems, natural lands, environmental resources, and historic features through
systematic management efforts.
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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.
8. Public Utilities
8.1 Award a construction contract to Razorback, LLC of Tarpon Springs, FL, for Reverse
Osmosis Plant 2 (R02) Injection Well 1 (IW-1) Retrofit in the amount of$213,888.40
pursuant to Invitation to Bid (ITB) 20-0020 UT; approve Supplemental Work Order 2 to
WSP USA, Inc. for construction oversight and SCADA programming for the R02 IW-1
Retrofit, Project 20-0020-UT, in the amount of$57,043.80, increasing the project amount
from $127,313.80 to $184,357.60 pursuant to the continuing contract awarded in
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 26-19, Engineer of Record Consulting Services (EOR)
and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Located at the R02 facility, IW-1 is a Class 1 injection well that is used to
dispose of concentrate, a byproduct of the water treatment process. This
disposal method is commonly used at brackish water RO facilities due to the
high amounts of salinity that must be removed during the treatment.
The purpose of the R02 IW-1 Retrofit Project is to reduce or eliminate air
entrainment within the concentrate injection well.
In October 2020, an initial work order, in the amount of$28,545.00, was
approved for WSP Inc. to prepare a Basis of Design Report (BDR) which
outlined potential solutions to address air entrainment in the injection well. The
BDR recommended placing the injection well under vacuum (or "siphon"),
installing a precision flow control valve, and incorporating additional
programming to manage pressure and flow during concentrate disposal.
On August 4, 2022, Supplemental Work Order 1 which included advanced
design work and provided bidding support services based on the BDR
recommendations, was approved by City Council in the amount of$98,768.80.
This Supplemental Work Order (No. 2) was subsequently developed to include
construction oversight services and SCADA system programming support
integration of the flow control valve. WSP will subcontract with McKim & Creed
(M&C) to perform construction administration services related to electrical and
instrumentation and control (I&C) systems. M&C will also implement SCADA
software updates, including PLC application modifications and Citect SCADA
programming, enabling both manual and automatic valve operations and tank
monitoring via the SCADA system.
Public Utilities issued Invitation to Bid 20-0020-UT for construction services for
this project, which closed on February 12th, 2025. Razorback LLC, of Tarpon
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Springs, FL submitted the lowest and only responsive bid in accordance with
the plans and specifications. Following review, the Engineer of Record and City
staff recommend awarding the construction contract to Razorback in the
amount of$213,888.40.
The City of Clearwater's Public Utilities Department is responsible for owning,
operating, and maintaining RO2.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
3217321-530100-96767 $57,043.80
3217321-546700-96767 $213,888.40
Funds are available in capital improvement project 321-96767, RO Plant at
Reservoir 2, to fund the work order. This project is funded by revenues from the
Water and Sewer Utility Enterprise Fund.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
In furtherance of the Council's Strategic Plan to achieve High Performing
Government by maintaining public infrastructure through systematic
management efforts, approval of a Supplemental Work Order to WSP is
requested.
8.2 Authorize a purchase order to Razorback LLC for Clarifier Maintenance and Services in
the annual not-to-exceed amount of$515,000.00 with the option for two one-year
renewals pursuant to ITB 15-25 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
Invitation to Bid (ITB) #15-25, Clarifier Maintenance and Services, was issued
on March 4, 2025. The City received three responsive bids on April 3, 2025, with
Razorback LLC submitting the lowest responsive and responsible bid in
accordance with the specifications for providing preventative maintenance,
repair, and emergency services for 14 clarifiers located at the Northeast, East,
and Marshall Street Water Reclamation Facilities.
Clarifiers are essential components of the wastewater treatment process,
separating solids and impurities from wastewater through gravity settling. This
process enables the removal of settled solids and allows the clarified water to
undergo further treatment.
The initial contract term will commence on May 16, 2025, and continue through
May 15, 2026, with the option to renew for up to two additional one-year terms at
the City's discretion.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds for the current year (FY2024/25) are available in Public Utilities' cost
centers, cost code 550400 operating supplies and 546200 repairs &
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service-equipment.
Funding for future fiscal years (FY26 through FY28) will be requested within the
contract calendar and spending limits.
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 Environmental
Stewardship by ensuring our plants and facilities are always operational and
running at peak capacity and performance, guarding against potential spills that
could negatively impact our surrounding estuaries and community. It also
satisfies the strategic objective of High Performing Government by providing a
high level of service to our residents and maintaining vital infrastructure.
9. Gas System
9.1 Provide direction on Clearwater Gas System rebranding to CGS Energy. (WSO)
For over 30 years, the gas system has operated under the d/b/a "Clearwater
Gas System" (CGS), effectively marketing services across a growing regional
area. Owned and operated by the City of Clearwater since 1924, CGS today
proudly serves 17 municipalities across Pinellas and Pasco counties. Since
1995, our customer base has grown by 267%, from 12,000 to over 32,000
customers in 2025, with 75% now located outside Clearwater city limits.
CGS's service expansion and diversification into retail appliance sales, service
and repair, and gas plumbing installation demonstrate its evolution beyond a
traditional municipal utility. To continue driving growth and remain competitive in
an evolving energy landscape, we propose rebranding as CGS Energy,
preserving brand recognition while positioning us as a modern regional energy
provider.
Additionally, staff plans to refresh the Vision and Mission statements to align
with this updated brand direction, emphasizing innovation, customer service,
and sustainability.
If Council has no objections to rebranding to CGS Energy, staff will start the
process of updating all signage and corresponding marketing materials to the
new CGS Energy logo. In addition, city ordinances will be updated to remove all
"Clearwater Gas System" references and update to "CGS Energy, then brought
back for Council approval in July/August timeframe.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds are budgeted and available in 42302063-543200 (Other Promotion
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Activity) and 4232077-543100 (Advertising)
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Meets Strategic Objective 1.5
Clearwater Gas System Executive Director Brian Langille provided a
PowerPoint presentation.
Discussion ensued with consensus for staff move forward with the proposed
rebranding.
10. City Attorney
10.1Adopt Ordinance 9812-25 on second reading, vacating city right-of-way as requested by
the applicant Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization to the Southern platted
right-of-way portion of S Garden Avenue as Statute owned in fee-simple by the City of
Clearwater as further defined "Less and except the Southern Right-of-Way portion of
Garden Avenue abutting Lots 6-11 together with that Portion abutting the vacated 15 foot
alley lying between Lots 10 and 11 of Court Square Subdivision" as recorded in Plat
Book 5, Page 53 of the Public Records of Pinellas County, as containing 0.65 acres
On December 5, 2024, the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization, as
represented by Kimley-Horn, submitted an Application to Vacate platted
city-owned ROW. This application was rejected due to the Owner's
unconfirmed signature and Notary deficiencies. On December 14, 2025, said
Application was revised and accepted.
The location of this ROW vacation is (S Garden Ave between Franklin St &
Court St).
This ROW portion is the last parcel for development by assemblage into an
Entry Plaza and Performance Hall.
The vacated area contains .65 acres more or less plus 22 compensable
city-paid parking spots.
A multi-departmental internal review was completed on January 13, 2025, to
uncover and address concerns.
Said Internal review concerns: Stormwater- concern is a 48-inch gravity-fed
pipe that runs the entire length of the vacated area. Utility- concern is 8-inch
gravity-fed sanitary pipe with laterals that cross over the vacated area. Parking-
by city ordinance, the reimbursement of 22 compensable parking spaces at the
value of$114,400.00 Dollars. ROW/Land Ownership- By Statute to have
improved this platted ROW, the City has now become the fee-simple owner of
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this land.
Frontier Communication did make a written Notice of having facilities within this
area on 11/18/24. The applicant's representative has stated that an Easement
will be executed. Said easement will also be included in the ordinance.
The proposed PSTA Park Street Terminal bus routing will also be adversely
affected by the closure of this avenue.
The recorded vacation ordinance will preserve all existing utilities to relocate by
permit at the Applicant's sole expense.
After further negotiations, the City has agreed to conditionally sell this improved
ROW to the applicant upon the following conditions: 1. Said row will become a
friendly outdoor gathering space thereby increasing City green space; 2. All
construction Permits shall be obtained before December 31, 2029; 3. The city
shall continue to collect all associated Parking revenue until such time a "TCE"
is issued; 4. The applicant is confirmed as the adjoining property owner; 5. the
applicant shall pay to relocate all identified city utilities.
Upon Departmental review with having addressed all concerns city staff has
approved this vacation.
At the April 3, 2025 council meeting, Council continued the adoption of
Ordinance 9812-25 to May 15, 2025. The competing proposal constitutes an
objection, under Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 25.05(4), to the
pending vacation ordinance. The competing proposal has been provided to
Council and available via the agenda item.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
High Performing Government: Embrace a culture of innovation that rives
continuous improvement
Preserve community livability through responsible development standards,
proactive code compliance, and targeted revitalization.
Applicant Representative Sarah Heller provided a video presentation.
In response to questions, Ms. Heller said the video shows the projects that
are currently actively ongoing. Each of the buildings depicted in the video
have active permits. She said over$30 million has gone to designing,
planning, and renovating the nine properties. She said all nine buildings are
up for lease. Hybridge Real Estate is the leasing broker and also handling
the Telephone and People's Bank buildings. A number of national and
international firms have been hired to revitalize Cleveland Street and
Downtown as part of the Cleveland Street Alliance. The firms include
Gensler, the top international design firm in the world, Hybridge for retail
recruitment, Street Sense for survey and planning for retail districts, and
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 12, 2025
Fairmount Properties a national development firm. Ms. Heller said the
activation is occurring now because the professionals have been assembled.
In the past, some of the property owners may not have had the resources
needed to embark on the renovations needed. As a group, the Cleveland
Street Alliance is able to work together to ensure the items residents want
are implemented. None of the buildings will have institutional use on the first
floor. She said the proposed hall could not be built without the road as it is
considered one project and with 4,000 individuals going in and out of the hall
and park, it would not be safe to have a public road in the middle. The
proposed hall will be an architectural masterpiece. Ms. Heller said the
proposed hall will not compete with The Sound as the Church does not
intend to book concerts that would compete with Ruth Eckerd Hall. She
said lease rates will be market rate for retail, restaurants, and offices. She
said there are two traffic studies attached to the vacation application that
show the road is rarely used. The traffic studies also show that when the
road is used, there is a significant number of crashes turning onto Court
Street. The park will be open to all. Hybridge representative Scott Dobbins
said the market lease rates for Cleveland Street are $35 per sq. ft. to $45 per
sq. ft., triple net. Lease negotiations are based on the current environment in
Downtown. He is currently negotiating six to eight non-binding Letters of
Intent in various forms for the ground floor and the creative office space.
Actively curating a merchandise plan is key to the Cleveland Street Alliance's
strategic plan for Cleveland Street.
Discussion ensued with comments made that the video presentation has
nothing to do with the vacation request nor does it include the entire plan.
Save the Garden Representative Brooks Gibbs reviewed their proposal.
In response to questions, Pastor V. Williams said he was told the Save the
Garden proposal was a way to continue the healing process between the
City and the African American community. Mr. Gibbs said he was inspired by
Barbara Sorey-Love's comments at the March 17 council meeting when she
reminded all of the Garden community. He said he had to quickly submit a
proposal and could not speak to all stakeholders. Barbara Sorey-Love said
she founded the Clearwater African American Foundation in 2022 because
there were no discussions about memorializing African American lands,
space or buildings. Reconnect Clearwater was established for this project
and is registered with the State and City. Mr. Gibbs said due to the nature of
the last-minute submission, an independent traffic study was not conducted.
Kelly Myer said the group decided to leave the northbound roadway open to
turn right on Garden Avenue but the group is open to suggestions. Mr. Gibbs
said the traffic plan and the size of the memorial can be adjusted. He said it
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Council Work Session Meeting Minutes May 12, 2025
would be in the best interest of the community to lease the property.
11. City Manager Verbal Reports — None.
12. City Attorney Verbal Reports — None.
13. Council Discussion Item
13.1 Individual councilmember budgets for ticketed events - Councilmember Cotton
Councilmember Cotton requested consideration to allow staff to provide the
framework for each Councilmember to have their own budget for tickets and
events. He said, from a budgeting aspect, it would be helpful if each
councilmember to know where the allocated funds are designated.
Discussion ensued with support expressed to establish a budget for each
councilmember.
In response to questions, the City Manager said a budget for travel expenses
has been established for each councilmember. Staff has provided Council's
budget expenses and can continue providing that report on a monthly basis.
She said since staff is preparing next year's budget, a suggestion could be
made to move funds from the grants program to provide Council with
additional funds and establish individual councilmember budgets for travel
and tickets. The City Attorney said reporting individuals cannot accept gifts
from city vendors, city lobbyists, or Florida political committees that exceed
$100. He said the City sponsors a lot of stuff and arranges contractually the
admission of Council and staff to these events. He said it would be
appropriate to establish a budget for each councilmember for tickets and
events that are not already covered by city sponsorships. He suggested that
the Mayor's budget be higher as the mayor is typically invited to more
events. The City Manager said Council has the opportunity to discuss at the
dais the allocation of additional funds if a councilmember exceeds their
budget.
There was council consensus for staff to establish a recommended amount
for individual councilmember budgets as part of budget process.
14. New Business (items not on the agenda may be brought up asking they be
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scheduled for subsequent meetings or work sessions in accordance with Rule 1,
Paragraph 2). — None.
15. Closing Comments by Mayor
16. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 4:31 p.m.
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City of Clearwater