03/05/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes March 5, 2026
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
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Meeting Minutes
Thursday, March 5, 2026
6:00 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
City Council
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes March 5, 2026
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, Owen Kohler—
Interim 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
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 2026 Proclamation, March 9-15, 2026 - Cassie Cordova, Gene
Henry, and Sarah Kessler
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the minutes of the February 19, 2026 City Council meeting as submitted in
written summation by the City Clerk.
Vice Mayor Teixeira moved to approve the minutes of the
February 19, 2026 City Council meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
6. Consent Agenda — Approved as submitted.
6.1 Approve funding of a deferred loan in an amount not to exceed $1,391,938 provided by
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the City of Clearwater for the development of real property, located at 1718 North Betty
Lane, into affordable multifamily housing and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute documents required to affect closing of the loan. (consent)
6.2 Approve the purchase of excess Property Insurance, including Bridges, Boiler and
Machinery, Terrorism, UAV/Drone, and Docks and Pier coverages, from April 1, 2026
through April 1, 2027, at the level of insurance provided for in this agenda item in a
not-to-exceed amount of$5,901,000 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute
same. (consent)
6.3 Approve a not-to-exceed amount of$265,000 for reconstruction and replacement work
for the Beach Marina building performed by SERVPRO of Largo and various city
departments and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.4 Authorize a purchase order to Ten-8 Fire Equipment Inc of Bradenton FL, for the
purchase of one new Pierce Heavy Duty Velocity Platform and one Pierce Heavy Duty
Velocity Pumper in the amount of$3,497,068.01 pursuant to City Code of Ordinances
Section 2.563(1)(c) Piggyback; declare G3405 (truck) and G3725 (engine) surplus
effective upon receipt of the purchased apparatus and authorize disposal at auction or
trade-in, whichever is deemed to be in the best interest of the City, pursuant to Code of
Ordinances Section 2.623 (7) and (8); authorize lease purchase under the City's Master
Lease Purchase Agreement or internal financing via an interfund loan from the Capital
Improvement Fund, whichever is deemed to be in the City's best interests; and authorize
the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.5 Authorize a purchase order to Motorola Solutions, Inc. (Motorola) of St. Petersburg FL, for
the purchase of a Mach Alert Fire Station Alerting (FSA) system in an amount not to
exceed $108,940.46 pursuant to Code of Ordinances - Section 2.563(1)(c), Piggyback,
and Section 2.563(1)(d), Non-Competitive Purchase (Impractical) and authorize the
appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.6 Approve a three-year maintenance and support agreement with Tyler Technologies, Inc.
of Yarmouth, ME for Munis Financials, Human Capital Management (HCM), and Tyler
Time & Attendance Management software in a not to exceed amount of$2,115,445.57
pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(d), Non-competitive
purchases (Impractical) and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
6.7 Approve a Work Authorization with Register Construction and Engineering, Inc. for
Pre-Construction and Technical Services related to the Clearwater Executive Airport
North Hangar project in the amount of$63,666.00 pursuant to RFQ 51-24 and authorize
the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.8 Authorize respective Agreements between the City of Clearwater and the Palm Pavilion
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Hotel located at 10 Bay Esplanade, Pier 60 Concessions and Barefoot Beach House
located at 1 Causeway Boulevard and 332 South Gulfview Boulevard, respectively,
Shephards - Makin Waves located at 619 South Gulfview Boulevard, Hilton located at
400 Mandalay Avenue, Dolphin Sands located at 655 South Gulfview Boulevard and
Hampton Inn and Suites located at 635 South Gulfview Boulevard, authorizing the limited
use of certain vehicles on public beaches by permit pursuant to recent amendments to
F.S. 161.58; and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
6.9 Reappoint Michael Boutzoukas to the Community Development Board with a full term
expiring February 28, 2030. (consent)
6.10Appoint Chelsea Gird to the Municipal Code Enforcement Board to fill an unexpired term
through November 1, 2028. (consent)
6.11 Cancel the August 17, 2026 and November 2, 2026 work session meetings. (consent)
6.12Approve an increase to the legal services agreement with Gray Robinson to defend
claims bills relating to plaintiff Maximus Giannikos. (consent)
Councilmember Allbritton 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 Approve Connecting Clearwater: An Active Transportation Plan for the City of Clearwater,
and adopt Resolution 26-04.
Connecting Clearwater is the City's active transportation plan (ATP) proposed
for council approval. The plan establishes a citywide framework to identify a
low-stress network for walking, bicycling, rolling, and accessing transit, and
includes a prioritized list of needs and ten concept-level corridor/crossing plans.
The plan guides future planning and coordination and does not select final
projects or authorize expenditures. The City will use the plan's priorities to
inform work planning and policy decisions, including potential integration into the
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and consideration through the land
development process, as resources and funding opportunities allow, with
feasibility, scope, and costs refined through engineering design.
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Overview and Objectives
The City of Clearwater hired Fehr & Peers in November 2024 to develop an
active transportation plan to replace the 2006 Shifting Gears Bicycle and
Pedestrian Plan. Active transportation refers to human-powered methods of
travel, such as walking, using wheelchairs and strollers, or bicycling, and the
infrastructure that supports those forms of transportation. Connecting
Clearwater will serve as a road map to enhance the facilities that support active
transportation within the city.
Guided by the policy framework in the city's Clearwater 2045 Comprehensive
Plan and the Complete Streets for Clearwater Implementation Plan, as well as
Forward Pinellas's Advantage Pinellas Active Transportation Plan, Connecting
Clearwater has the following key objectives:
1. Identify a citywide low-stress active transportation network that
complements other travel modes, especially transit, supports future
land use patterns, and connects to active transportation facilities in
adjacent communities.
2. Improve transportation safety outcomes for people not traveling in
motorized vehicles, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and other
non-automobile transportation system users.
3. Develop a feasible project list that can be implemented as stand-alone
projects, as part of other planned transportation system
improvements, or as part of the land development process.
Plan Development and Key Outputs
To support the development of a low-stress active transportation network, an
existing conditions assessment was conducted. Staff also obtained guidance
from:
• a technical advisory committee (TAC) comprised of staff from
departments that will play a critical role in the implementation of the plan;
and
• a formal stakeholder group, including Pinellas County, Pinellas Suncoast
Transit Authority (PSTA), Amplify Clearwater, local business owners,
representatives from the bicycling and walking communities, disability
advocates, and others.
General public engagement was also conducted, with almost 450 people
participating online and in person through an online survey and map, a facility
preference survey, an in-person community workshop, and at special events.
Additional detail on the existing conditions assessment and engagement is
provided in the Technical Appendix. These initial findings and the proposed
prioritization criteria were presented at the City Council Work Session on June
2, 2025.
Based on the results of the existing conditions analysis and public feedback, the
project team developed a system to prioritize potential projects based on safety,
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user comfort, access and connectivity, ease of implementation (including
estimated cost and timeframe), and demographics. Applying these criteria
citywide produced project rankings for corridors, crossings, and sidewalk gaps
on arterial streets (Appendices A - C). Additional detail on the prioritization
criteria and the highest-ranked projects is provided in Section 04 - Prioritization.
Once the rankings were completed, the project team developed ten corridor or
crossing concept plans for active transportation improvements (Section 06 -
Concept Plans). The goal underpinning the prioritization and planning process
was to identify and develop a citywide network of facility types that supports
people who walk, bike, roll, and access transit, by choice or necessity (Section
02 - Network Development).
Measuring the level of comfort people feel on various types of roads was a key
input for proposing the most appropriate facility or countermeasure (pages 18,
72). To support implementation, staff prepared a list of recommended revisions
to the Community Development Code (Section 03 -Active Transportation
Policy) and identified grant funding opportunities (page 64).
The ATP, priority list, and concepts (Appendix D) were shared with the TAC.
The concept plans and their locations received positive feedback. However,
some of the highest-ranked projects may not be feasible once engineering
design identifies site-specific constraints (Implementation Plan - Section 05).
Approval of Connecting Clearwater is the first step toward the selection, design,
and construction of these improvements.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Connecting Clearwater: An Active Transportation Plan for the City of Clearwater
will guide transportation planning and development to expand healthy, affordable
travel options in support of Strategic Plan Objectives 1.2, 1.4, 2.4, 3.2, 4.1, and
4.4.
Assistant City Manager Al Battled said staff is requesting the item be
referred to a date uncertain.
No action taken.
7.2 Approve a Resilient Florida Program Grant Agreement (Agreement No. 26SRP20)
between the City of Clearwater and the State of Florida Department of Environmental
Protection (FDEP) in the amount of$4,000,000 for construction of resiliency
improvements at the Clearwater Beach Marina, adopt Resolution 26-07, and authorize
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the appropriate officials to execute same.
The State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has
awarded the City of Clearwater a $4,000,000 Resilient Florida Program grant to
support resiliency-related improvements at the Clearwater Beach Marina.
The project, titled "Clearwater Beach Municipal Marina Resiliency," includes a
slip study, preconstruction activities, demolition of portions of the existing
marina bulkhead, construction of a new bulkhead elevated by more than one
foot, and replacement of the existing overwater fuel facility with a floating fuel
facility designed to remain approximately 24 inches above the water's surface.
These improvements are consistent with the City's broader Clearwater Beach
Marina reconstruction initiative and are intended to enhance long-term coastal
resilience, reduce vulnerability to storm surge and sea level rise, and improve
operational sustainability.
The grant agreement term runs from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028.
Funding is provided through the FY 2025-2026 General Appropriations Act.
Resolution 26-07 formally authorizes acceptance and execution of the
Agreement between the City of Clearwater and the State of Florida Department
of Environmental Protection.
This grant funding will directly offset eligible construction and resiliency costs
within the overall Clearwater Beach Marina reconstruction project, reducing
reliance on local enterprise funds while advancing the City's commitment to
infrastructure resiliency, environmental stewardship, and protection of public
assets.
The grant agreement requires the Grantee (the City) to fully indemnify,
defend, and hold harmless the Department and its officers, agents, and
employees from any suits, actions, damages, and costs arising from
personal injury, property damage, or breach of agreement caused by the
Grantee, its agents, employees, partners, or subcontractors. As the City is
a governmental entity, however, each party remains solely responsible for
the negligent or wrongful acts of its own employees and agents, and
nothing in the agreement shall constitute a waiver of sovereign immunity or
the protections afforded under Section 768.28, Florida Statutes.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Grant funds will be reimbursed to existing capital project C1905.
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
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growth.
2.3 Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural
experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
Resolution 26-07 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Mannino moved to Approve a Resilient Florida
Program Grant Agreement (Agreement No. 26SRP20) between
the City of Clearwater and the State of Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (FDEP) in the amount of $4,000,000 for
construction of resiliency improvements at the Clearwater Beach
Marina, adopt Resolution 26-07, and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and
upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Teixeira, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Cotton and Councilmember Mannino
8. Second Readings - Public Hearing
8.1 Adopt Ordinance 9875-26 on second reading, annexing certain real property whose post
office address is 1604 Bonair Street, Clearwater, Florida 33755, into the corporate limits
of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said addition.
Ordinance 9875-26 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Cotton moved to adopt Ordinance 9875-26 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and
upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Teixeira, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Cotton and Councilmember Mannino
8.2 Adopt Ordinance 9876-26 on second reading, amending the future land use element of
the Comprehensive Plan of the city to designate the land use for certain real property
whose post office address is 1604 Bonair Street, Clearwater, Florida 33755, upon
annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Residential Low (RL).
Ordinance 9876-26 was presented and read by title only.
Vice Mayor Teixeira moved to adopt Ordinance 9876-26 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and
upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Teixeira, Councilmember Allbritton,
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Councilmember Cotton and Councilmember Mannino
8.3 Adopt Ordinance 9877-26 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of the city by
zoning certain real property whose post office address is 1604 Bonair Street, Clearwater,
Florida 33755, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Low Medium Density
Residential (LMDR).
Ordinance 9877-26 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to adopt Ordinance 9877-26 on
second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and
upon roll call, the vote was:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Teixeira, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Cotton and Councilmember Mannino
8.4 Withdrawn: Adopt Ordinance 9872-26 on second reading, annexing certain real property
whose post office address is 2941 Abbey Lake Road, Clearwater, Florida 33759 into the
corporate limits of the city and redefining the boundary lines of the city to include said
addition.
8.5 Withdrawn: Adopt Ordinance 9873-26 on second reading, amending the future land use
element of the Comprehensive Plan of the city to designate the land use for certain real
property whose post office address is 2941 Abbey Lake Road, Clearwater, Florida
33759, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Residential Suburban (RS).
8.6 Withdrawn: Adopt Ordinance 9874-26 on second reading, amending the Zoning Atlas of
the city by zoning certain real property whose post office address is 2941 Abbey Lake
Road, Clearwater, Florida 33759, upon annexation into the City of Clearwater, as Low
Density Residential (LDR).
9. Citizens to be Heard on topics pertaining to city business but not on the agenda.
— None.
10. City Manager Reports — None.
11. City Attorney Reports
Interim City Attorney Owen Kohler said the Gotham closing occurred last
week, he thanked Assistant City Attorneys Jerrod Simpson and Matthew
Mytych for their work on the matter.
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12. Other Council Action
12.1 Provide direction regarding the September 3, 2026 council meeting.
At the March 2, 2026 work session, staff was requested to determine if
rescheduling the September 3, 2026 council meeting, which is the City's first
budget hearing, was possible.
Due to the School Board and County's budget hearings, the City may not
reschedule the September 3rd budget hearing to September 8th or September
10th.
Based on council calendars, the budget hearing could be moved to
Wednesday, September 9th. Please note Councilmember Allbritton has a
conflict due to PSTA's budget hearing scheduled at 6:00 p.m.
If Council chooses to reschedule the September 3rd budget hearing to
September 9th, staff recommends holding the council meeting on August 31,
2026 at 6:00 p.m. and cancelling the work session at 1:30 p.m.
Discussion ensued with direction given for staff to confirm if Tuesday,
September 15, 2026 is available for the budget hearing and to bring back the
item at the next meeting.
13. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes)
Vice Mayor Teixeira and Councilmember Allbritton reviewed recent
events.
Vice Mayor Teixeira said she was thankful that Clearwater For Youth
does not limit scholarships to traditional baccalaureate degrees and
includes technical degrees, ensuring all students have a real opportunity.
14. Closing Comments by Mayor
Mayor Rector reviewed recent and upcoming events and reminded all
that traffic associated with Spring Break will begin soon and encouraged
all to be more patient.
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15. Adjourn
Attest
City of Clearwater
Meeting Minutes March 5, 2026
The meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
Mayor
City of Clearwater
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