12/03/2007
CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
December 3, 2007
Present: Frank Hibbard Mayor
John Doran Vice-Mayor
Carlen Petersen Councilmember
George N. Cretekos Councilmember
Paul Gibson Councilmember
Also present: William B. Horne II City Manager
Jill S. Silverboard Assistant City Manager
Rod Irwin Assistant City Manager
Pamela K. Akin City Attorney
Cynthia E. Goudeau City Clerk
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
Presentations
Certificate for Completion of Supervisory Training
The Mayor presented certificates to Holly Albright, Scott Batten, Jack Deshazo, Debra
Englander, Ray Joline, Melvin Maciolek, Corey Martens, Kenneth Smith, Sammie Rayner, and
Wyatt Walker.
The Commission recessed from 1:34 to 2:07 p.m. to meet as the Pension Trustees.
Economic Development and Housing
Approve the City of Clearwater FY 2006-2007 Consolidated Annual Performance and
Evaluation Report (CAPER)
The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is the principal
administrative report, documenting the City’s expenditures for Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) programs to the U. S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For FY (Fiscal Year) 2006/07, the City’s budget was
as follows: $969,479 in CDBG; $543,850 in HOME; and $200,000 in program income for a total
budget of $1,713,329.
The CAPER document serves as the basis for program monitoring for compliance and
for financial audits for all activities conducted during the FY 2006/07 as outlined in the
Consolidated Plan for that program year. The report provides HUD with necessary information
for the Department to meet its requirement to assess each grantee’s ability to carry out relevant
Community Planning and Development programs in compliance with all applicable rules and
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regulations. It also provides information necessary for HUD’s Annual Report to Congress and it
provides grantees an opportunity to describe to citizens their successes in revitalizing
deteriorated neighborhoods and in meeting objectives stipulated in their Consolidated Planning
document.
In addition to reporting on City activities with federal money, staff also included a
summary of activities conducted with the Florida State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)
Program in the narrative section; however, these numbers are not included in the totals below.
Through CDBG and HOME program activities, the City expended a total of $1,766,224
in FY 2006/07; this included prior year funds as well as program income and recaptured funds.
Those funds not expended from this year's budget will be programmed in future years.
The City of Clearwater FY 2006/07 CAPER contains information on the City’s
assessment of activities: 1) Assessment of Three to Five Year Goals and Objectives; 2)
Affordable Housing; 3) Continuum of Care; 4) Leveraging Resources; 5) Affirmatively Furthering
Fair Housing; 6) Citizens Comments; and 7) Self-Evaluation.
Through the programs covered under the CAPER, over 17,000 persons were assisted
through Public Services, Public Facilities, Housing Rehabilitation and New Construction, Fair
Housing, and Economic Development projects. Staff has worked with 20 non-profits to
complete this activity. Also, during this past fiscal year, 11 homes were rehabilitated and seven
down payment assistance loans were completed through City CDBG and HOME programs.
The City’s Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board recommended
approval of the FY 2006/07 CAPER on November 27, 2007. The FY 2006/07 CAPER is due to
HUD no later than December 29, 2007.
In response to questions, Economic Development & Housing Director Geri Campos
Lopez said in consideration of a declining pool of money for an ever-increasing need, staff has
identified available tools, including leveraging funds and providing density bonuses for
workforce housing construction. The City has foreclosure assistance programs and is
increasing its focus on rentals.
Solid Waste/General Support Services
Approve a contract (purchase order) for $116,450 to Broyhill Inc. of Dakota City, NE for the
purchase of one new Broyhill Load-N-Pack Model 80-HD Refuse Collection Vehicle in
accordance with Sec. 2.564(1)(d), Code of Ordinances, authorize lease purchase under the
City's Master Lease Purchase Agreement and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. (consent)
The City currently has two Broyhills that operate on the beach to empty refuse
containers. The oldest unit, a 2000 model, has numerous obsolete parts and has outlived its
expected life of six years. The second unit, purchased in 2005, has been the primary unit since
that time. The older unit serves as a backup but has been experiencing failures recently when
operated and has rust issues due to the salt air environment. This older unit is becoming
unreliable and could prevent the City from collecting the containers on the beach if the primary
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unit is disabled. The City’s third unit, a 1993 Broyhill, was declared surplus earlier by City
Council and has been used for parts.
The 2000 unit was included in the preliminary budget last year but was removed with
hopes that the 2000 model unit could survive another year.
Current Price of New Unit $118,450
Salvage Credit for 1993 Unit 2,000
Final Price $116,450
Solid Waste/Gen Services Assistant Director Earl Gloster said the vehicles’ short life is
due to the seaside environment, in spite of preventative maintenance efforts. It was requested
that staff determine if the vehicles could be garaged for protection.
Official Records and Legislative Services
Appoint two members to the Library Advisory Board with the term expiring on December 31,
2011.
Consensus was to reappoint Jan Regulski and appoint Elizabeth M. O’Brien.
Appoint one member to the Pension Investment Committee for a two-year term.
Consensus was to appoint Herbert W. McLachlan.
Reappoint Linda S. Damsky and Robert A. Freedman to the Sister Cities Advisory Board with
the term expiring on December 31, 2011. (consent)
Consensus was to reappoint Linda S. Damsky and Robert A. Freedman.
10. City Manager Verbal Reports
The City Manager reported that the Southwest Florida Water Management District
extended current watering restrictions thru June 30, 2008 due to severe water shortage.
Information regarding watering restrictions is available online.
11. Council Discussion Items
Mini-Circle at Grove and Lake
Traffic Operations Manager Paul Bertels said the mini-circle at Grove and Lake, an
important component of the Skycrest traffic-calming project, is designed to slow traffic off of
Drew Street. A different location would be ineffective. He said 65% of residents within the
neighborhood boundaries supported the project. Prior to completion of the Keene Road
extension, the neighborhood worked with staff and used appropriate solutions to design the
project. While neighborhood traffic volume has remained stable, Cleveland Street traffic has
declined since the Memorial Causeway Bridge opened. The decision to construct the project
was based on the number of neighborhood accidents, not traffic projections.
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In response to questions, City Engineer Mike Quillen said construction of the mini-circle
would cost $40,000. Public Services Director Gary Johnson said maintenance would cost no
more than existing asphalt. Mr. Bertels said traffic professionals are split down the middle
regarding the effect of roundabouts on pedestrian and bicycle safety.
Consensus was to discuss the issue further at Thursday’s City Council meeting.
Marina Marketing - Councilmember Gibson
Concerns were expressed that the City does not have a marketing plan for the
downtown marina boat slips and missed a recent opportunity to obtain leads at the St.
Petersburg Boat Show. It was felt the waiting list for the slips may decline significantly due to
increased slip rental rates.
In response to questions, Marine & Aviation Director Bill Morris said local marinas mostly
advertise at trade shows. Boat retailers approach marinas looking for partnerships to dock the
boats they sell. The City has insufficient dock space to stage a boat or trade show. Mr. Morris
reviewed current and future marketing efforts.
It was requested that the MAB (Marine Advisory Board) recommend advertising
opportunities.
Mr. Morris said the waiting list for the 129 downtown boat slips has more than 400
names. It was felt it is important to verify interest. Finance Director Margie Simmons said as
soon as the project is permitted, staff will bring forward a recommendation for a contractor and
present a lottery process to Council. Discussion ensued regarding the timing of the lottery and
requirement for nonrefundable deposits.
The majority requested that staff move forward with the lottery.
Docks Ordinance - Councilmember Gibson
Concerns were expressed regarding the construction of large docks in Mandalay
Channel. The City Attorney said the CDB (Community Development Board) approves dock
applications from a site plan and zoning perspective based on criteria in the Code. The County,
which has similar regulations, issues the permit. The County will not issue a dock permit the
City opposes. The County may alter the size and location of a dock for safety and navigability
concerns.
In response to questions, Mr. Morris said the maximum allowed dock length is 25% of
the channel. Commercial docks are limited to 75% of the length of the seawall. Mr. Morris said
one of the proposed docks exceeds the 75% of the length of the seawall restriction in order to
add a lighted catwalk for visibility. The upland owner owns all of the bottomland. The County is
inclined to allow a longer dock to reach deep water past the seagrass, as long as it does not
extend more than 25% into the channel. Mr. Morris said current regulations are fine and any
change would cause a disconnect with the County.
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Discussion ensued regarding the ability to enact dock regulations specifically for
Mandalay Channel. It was stated that any changes would not affect current applications.
Consensus was for staff to draft language to limit the length of docks in Mandalay
Channel.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium Funding Request - Councilmember Gibson
It was stated that the Florida Attorney General had opined that the City cannot use
Penny for Pinellas funds for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Discussion ensued. Concern
was expressed that the City has received many requests from deserving community
organizations that will not receive funding. It was recommended that the decision be delayed
until after the January 2008 property tax referendum which could seriously impact future City
budgets.
Frank Dame said the Clearwater Marine Aquarium has had significant international
attention in the past year due to the dolphin with a prosthetic tale. Mr. Dame reviewed recent
fundraising efforts and stated the aquarium’s financial integrity is in tact. The aquarium inherited
a building that needs up to $650,000 in renovations. He said the planned theater will provide a
larger viewing area and additional educational opportunities.
Consensus was to discuss the issue further at Thursday’s City Council meeting.
12. Other Council Action
Mayor Hibbard welcomed Cub Scout Pack 484 to the meeting.
13. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 4:27 p.m.
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