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06/18/2026 City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2026 City of Clearwater Main Library- Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 18, 2026 6:00 PM Main Library - Council Chambers City Council Page 1 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2026 Roll Call Present: 5 - Mayor Bruce Rector, Vice Mayor Ryan Cotton, Councilmember David Allbritton, Councilmember Lina Teixeira and Councilmember Michael Mannino Also Present: Jennifer Poirrier— City Manager, Daniel Slaughter—Assistant City Manager, Al 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 — Father Bob Swick from St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. 3. Pledge of Allegiance — Given. 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 Pollinator Week Proclamation, June 22-28, 2026 - Cassie Cordova, Sustainability Division Manager, Public Works 4.2 Solid Waste and Recycling Workers Week Proclamation, June 15-21, 2026 - Kervin St. Aimie, Director Solid Waste 4.3 National Homeownership Month 2026 Proclamation, June 2026 - Dylan Mayeux, Economic Development & Housing Division Manager 5. Approval of Minutes 5.1 Approve the minutes of the June 4, 2026 City Council meeting as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk. Councilmember Allbritton moved to approve the minutes of the June 4, 2026 City Council meeting as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk. The motion was duly seconded and Page 2 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2026 carried unanimously. 6. Consent Agenda — Approved as submitted. 6.1 Approve the Sixth Amendment to Contract for Sale of City-Owned Vacant Land between the City of Clearwater and Lake Belleview Development, LLC. 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) 6.2 Authorize a purchase order to Trihedral Engineering Limited dba Trihedral Inc. (Trihedral) of Orlando, FL, for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system software licenses and SupportPlus services, in the not-to-exceed amount of$11,310.00 for the initial year and $2,262.00 annually for monitoring and technical support services for an additional nine-year term, pursuant to RFP No. 07-25, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 6.3 Approve Supplemental Work Order No. 2 and increase to the purchase order with Driggers Engineering Services Inc., of Clearwater, FL, for additional geotechnical inspection and construction materials testing services associated with the South Osceola Parking Garage project (22-0011-EN), in the amount of$40,237.50 increasing the total project amount to $135,241.50 pursuant to Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 34-23, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute the same. (consent) 6.4 Approve a professional service agreement and purchase order with Marc Taylor Inc., of Phoenix, AZ, to provide Owners Representative services for the Phillies BayCare Ballfield Improvements project (26-0017-EN) in the amount of$450,000.00 pursuant to Request for Proposal (RFP) 21-26 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 6.5 Approve a purchase order (PO) increase to Broaddus and Associates, Inc., of Austin, TX, for professional services related to the Public Works Department (PWD) Program Project (24-0048-EN), in the not-to exceed (NTE) amount of$1,625,000.00, increasing PO from $445,000.00 to $2,070,000.00, pursuant to Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 37-24, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 6.6 Authorize a purchase order to Alan Jay Automotive Management, Inc. d/b/a/Alan Jay Fleet Sales of Sebring, FL for one (1) 2026 Ford F-450 Super Crew Cab in the amount of $109,423.00, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Sections 2.563(1)(c), Piggyback and 2.563(1)(d) Non-competitive Purchase, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 6.7 Authorize an increase to the purchase order with Accela, Inc. of San Ramon, CA for the addition of Open Counter customer service module, user licensing, ePermitHub, and Page 3 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2026 professional services support of the city's land management and permitting software for the term that began in May 2024 through October 5, 2029, in the amount of$513,078.37 for a revised not to exceed amount of$2,805,826.01 pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Code Section 2.563 (1)(d), Non-competitive purchase (Impractical), and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 6.8 Authorize a purchase order with Trimble, Inc. of Westminster, CO, for computerized maintenance and management system (CMMS) software in the amount of$270,214.79, for the term June 1, 2026 - October 31, 2027, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(d), Non-Competitive Purchase (Impractical), and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 6.9 Authorize a change order and increase to the purchase order with Razorback LLC for additional rehabilitation services associated with Project 23-0043-UT, R01 Dual Media Filter Rehabilitation, in the amount of$271,800.00, increasing the project amount to $1,325,930.00 pursuant to ITB 23-0043-UT, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) 6.10Approve a Work Order to Mead and Hunt, Inc of Tampa, FL for design and construction engineering services for the R01 Acid Storage and Feed System project (26-0010-UT) in the amount of$482,028.00, pursuant to RFQ 34-23 Engineer of Record (EOR) Consulting Services, and authorize the appropriation officials to execute same. (consent) 6.11Approve First Amendment to Legal Services Agreement with Bryant Miller Olive P.A. and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent) Councilmember Mannino moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Public Hearings - Not before 6:00 PM 7. Administrative Public Hearings 7.1 Declare as surplus a list of certain real properties owned by the City of Clearwater, approve the transfer of said properties to the City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency, and authorize appropriate officials to effectuate the transaction. (APH) On April 22, 2026 notice was given that the City of Clearwater (City) would accept sealed letters of interests (LOIs) beginning on April 22, 2026 until 30 days thereafter ending on May 22, 2026 at 10:00 A.M., Local Time, from persons and groups interested in purchasing the properties bearing the addresses, legal descriptions, and parcel I.D. numbers reflected in the notice. Staff recommends declaring the properties surplus and transferring them to the Page 4 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2026 City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency so the properties can be used for future redevelopment purposes within the Downtown Community Redevelopment Area. The properties subject to this agenda item are listed and legally described below: 1. Unaddressed Gould Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 Lot 19, FIRST ADDITION TO MAC DIXSONS SUBDIVISION, according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 96 of the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida. Parcel I.D. No. 15-29-15-21690-000-0190 2. Unaddressed Gould Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 Lot 20, FIRST ADDITION TO MAC DIXSONS SUBDIVISION, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 96 of the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida. Parcel I.D. No. 15-29-15-21690-000-0200 3. Unaddressed Washington Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33756 Lot 21, FIRST ADDITION TO MAC DIXSONS SUBDIVISION, according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 96 of the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida. Parcel I.D. No. 15-29-15-21690-000-0210 4. Unaddressed S. Madison Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33756 The North 25 feet of Lot 13, REVISED MAP OF R.H. PADGETT SUBDIVISION OF ORIGINAL LOT 5, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 4, Pages 32 through 41, inclusive, of the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida. Parcel I.D. No. 15-29-15-65214-005-0131 5. Unaddressed S. Ft. Harrison Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33756 A PORTION OF COURT SQUARE, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 5, PAGE 53, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA, ALL LYING WITHIN THE NE 1/4 OF SECTION 16, TOWNSHIP 29 S, RANGE 15 E, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE NW CORNER OF LOT 40 OF SAID COURT SQUARE, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 5, PAGE 53, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF PINELLAS COUNTY; THENCE S00°06'33"W A DISTANCE OF 266.76 FEET, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF COURT SQUARE, ALSO BEING THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF SOUTH FORT HARRISON AVE., TO A POINT OF CUSP OF A NON-TANGENT CURVE, ALSO BEING THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE ALONG THE ARC OF SAID CURVE TO THE RIGHT HAVING AN ARC DISTANCE OF 93.93 FEET, A RADIUS OF 370.00 FEET, A CHORD BEARING OF S63040'15"E, AND A CHORD LENGTH OF 93.68 FEET, TO A POINT OF REVERSE CURVATURE; THENCE ALONG THE ARC OF A CURVE TO THE LEFT, HAVING AN ARC DISTANCE OF 118.94 FEET, A RADIUS OF 510.00 FEET, A CHORD BEARING OF Page 5 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2026 S62059'1 9"E, AND A CHORD LENGTH OF 118.67 FEET, TO A POINT OF INTERSECTION WITH THE WEST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF SOUTH GARDEN AVENUE, THENCE ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY LINE S00006'39"W, A DISTANCE OF 38.93 FEET, THENCE LEAVING SAID RIGHT OF WAY LINE N89051'12"WA DISTANCE OF 190.12 FEET TO A POINT OF INTERSECTION ON THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF SOUTH FORT HARRISON AVENUE, THENCE ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY LINE N00012'58"E, A DISTANCE OF 133.90 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. PARCEL CONTAINS 16,402.43 SQUARE FEET, OR 0.377 ACRES MORE OR LESS. Parcel I.D. No. 16-29-15-18648-000-0520 6. Unaddressed Pierce Street, Clearwater, FL 33755 Lot 8 of the Revised Map of R.H. Padgett's Subdivision of the SE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Sec 15, T. 29 S., R 15 E Pinellas Co. Fla. According to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 4, Page 32 of the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida. LESS the following described parcel: Begin at the Southeast corner of Lot 8 of original Lot 2 of R.H. PADGETT SUBDIVISION OF Section 15, Township 29 South, Range 15 East, as recorded in Plat Book 5, Page 27 of the Public Records of Hillsborough County, Florida, of which Pinellas County was formerly a part, and revised plat as recorded in Plat Book 4, Page 32 of the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida, for a point of beginning; thence run West along the South lot line 45.5 feet to the Westerly lot line of said lot, also being the Easterly right of way line of Washington Street; thence run Northerly along said right of way line 45.5 feet to a point; thence run Southeasterly 65 feet to the point of beginning. Parcel I.D. No. 15-29-15-65214-002-0080 7. Unaddressed Pierce Street, Clearwater, FL 33755 Lot 9 of the Revised Map of R.H. PADGETT'S SUBDIVISION OF THE SE 1/4 OF THE NW 1/4 OF SEC 15, T. 29 S., R 15 E PINELLAS CO. FLA, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 4, Page 32 of the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida. Parcel I.D. No. 15-29-15-65214-002-0090 8. Unaddressed Chestnut Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 Lots 4, 5, and the North '/2 of Lot 6, Block C of the Coachman Heights subdivision according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 20, Page 26 of the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida less and except the following described parcel for right of way as recorded in Deed Book 1328, Page 498 of the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida: Page 6 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2026 Commence at the Northwest corner of Lot 4, Block C of said subdivision plat also being the point of beginning; thence run S89044'29"E a distance of 215.32 feet to a point, said point being the Northeast corner of Lot 4, Block C of said subdivision plat; thence run S00°11'01"W, along the easterly lot lines of Lots 4, 5, and 6, Block C of said subdivision plat, a distance of 125 feet; thence run N89044'29"W a distance of 12.81 feet to a point on the Westerly right of way line of Court Street; thence run N38027'1 9"W along said Westerly right of way line a distance of 24.02 feet to a non-tangent curve to the left having a chord bearing of N64000'00 W, a chord distance of 208.27 feet, radius of 239.49 feet, and arc length of 215.47 feet, to a point on the Westerly lot line of Lot 4, Block C of said subdivision plat, also being the easterly right of way line of Prospect Avenue; thence along said right of way line N00004'44"W a distance of 15.80 feet to the point of beginning. Parcel I.D. No. 15-29-15-16830-003-0040 9. Unaddressed Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 The South '/2 of Lot 6 and all of lots 7 through 10 inclusive, Block C of the Coachman Heights subdivision according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 20, Page 26 of the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida less and except the following described parcel for right of way as recorded in Deed Book 1328, Page 498 of the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida: Commence at the Northwest corner of Lot 4, Block C of said subdivision plat; thence run S89044'29"E a distance of 215.32 feet to a point, said point being the Northeast corner of Lot 4, Block C of said subdivision plat; thence run S00°11'01"W, along the easterly lot lines of Lots 4, 5, and 6, Block C of said subdivision plat, a distance of 125 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence continue along said easterly lot lines S00°11'01"W a distance of 16.01 feet; thence leaving said easterly lot lines, N38027'1 9"W a distance of 20.52 feet; thence run S89044'29"E a distance of 12.81 feet to the Point of Beginning. Parcel I.D. No. 15-29-15-16830-003-0070 10. 525 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 Lots 7, 8, 9 and 10, Block 5, GOULD & EWING'S 1ST AND 2ND ADDITION TO CLEARWATER HARBOR FLORIDA, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 1, Page 52, Public Records of Hillsborough County, Florida, of which Pinellas County was formerly a part. Parcel I.D. No. 16-29-15-32292-005-0070 11. 618 Drew Street, Clearwater, Florida 33755 and Unaddressed N. Page 7 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2026 Garden Ave., Clearwater, FL 33755 PARCELS 1 and 2: The East 1/2 of Lot 2; all of Lot 3; Lot 6 LESS the North 62.5 feet thereof; and that part of Lots 4 and 5 lying West of ACL Railroad Right-of-Way, Block 6, Jones Subdivision of Nicholson's Addition to Clearwater Harbor, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 1, Page 13, of the Public Records of Hillsborough County, Florida, of which Pinellas County was formerly a part, TOGETHER WITH that certain vacated alley lying between Lots 3, 4, 5, and 6, as more fully described in Official Records Book 1522, Page 34, of the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida. PARCEL 3: Lots 7 and 8, and the North 1/2 of Lot 6, Block 6, Jones Subdivision of Nicholson's Addition to Clearwater Harbor, according to the map or plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 1, Page 13, of the Public Records of Hillsborough County, Florida, of which Pinellas County was formerly a part, LESS and EXCEPT that portion conveyed in the Warranty Deed recorded in Official Records Book 11252, Page 1702, of the Public Records of Pinellas County, Florida. Parcel I.D. Nos. 09-29-15-44352-006-0030, 09-29-15-44352-006-0050, 09-29-15-44352-006-0070 STRATEGIC PRIORITY: 2.1 Economic& Housing Opportunity: 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. 3.2 Community Well-Being: Preserve community livability through responsible development standards, proactive code compliance and targeted revitalization. Vice Mayor Cotton moved to declare as surplus a list of certain real properties owned by the City of Clearwater, approve the transfer of said properties to the City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency, and authorize appropriate officials to effectuate the transaction. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 7.2 Amend Chapter 30 of the Code of Ordinances (Traffic and Motor Vehicles) to modernize parking operations, update enforcement procedures, and revise related fees and pass Page 8 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2026 Ordinance 9909-26 on first reading. This ordinance updates Chapter 30 of the City Code to modernize parking operations, improve enforcement, and align fines and fees with current market conditions. The most significant component of this amendment is the increase in parking fines, which have not been updated since 2005. In general, existing fines will increase by $20 per violation. For example: • Overtime parking: $15 —+ $35 • No parking zone violations: $20 —+ $40 Fines for disabled parking violations will remain unchanged at $250. These increases are intended to better reflect the cost of providing parking services and ensure fines are not comparable to, or less than, the cost of parking in private facilities, thereby improving compliance. Additional updates include: • Allowing mobile payment platforms and eliminating the need to display receipts • Implementing digital parking permits and enhanced enforcement technology • Clarifying continuous parking time limits • Allowing citation responses via phone and email • Updating administrative fees and pay station removal/reinstallation fees Overall, the ordinance modernizes the City's parking program while strengthening enforcement and supporting the financial sustainability of the Parking System. APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: No direct appropriation required. Any revenue impacts associated with updated fines and fees will be recognized within the Parking System Enterprise Fund. STRATEGIC PRIORITY: High Performing Government - Improves operational efficiency and modernizes service delivery through technology. Superior Public Service - Enhances accessibility and user experience for residents and visitors. Ordinance 9909-26 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Teixeira moved to amend Chapter 30 of the Code of Ordinances (Traffic and Motor Vehicles) to modernize parking operations, update enforcement procedures, and revise related fees and pass Ordinance 9909-26 on first reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Cotton, Councilmember Allbritton, Councilmember Teixeira and Councilmember Mannino Page 9 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2026 8. Second Readings - Public Hearing 8.1 Adopt Ordinance 9907-26 on second reading, approving the Right-of-Way Vacation request from the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization for the city right-of-way more particularly described as the southern 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, Florida. In response to concerns regarding building capacity, Police Chief Eric Gandy said the Fire Marshall has determined the safe capacity of the building, under these circumstances, was 650. He said there are approximately 650 individuals inside the building. He said, if directed by Council, the Clearwater Police Department can assist staff facilitate a process that allows groups of individuals to leave and replace them with others. He said there are approximately 2,000 individuals waiting outside, causing a safety concern with the ingress and egress points. The City Manager said staff is able to escort the ten individuals who have registered to speak in opposition. The Council recessed from 6:30 p.m. to 6:39 p.m. Fourteen individuals spoke in support. Twelve individuals spoke in opposition. One individual requested the matter be continued until ownership of the land underneath the right-of-way is legally determined. One individual submitted an email in opposition (see page 14). One individual submitted an email in support (see page 15). Discussion ensued with concerns expressed that the vacation request is inconsistent with many of the details in the Downtown plan, that the Hall can be built without the street closure, and that the vacation request lacks a public benefit. Ordinance 9907-26 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Allbritton moved to adopt Ordinance 9907-26 on Page 10 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2026 second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the motion carried as follows: Ayes: 3 - Vice Mayor Cotton, Councilmember Allbritton and Councilmember Mannino Nays: 2 - Mayor Rector and Councilmember Teixeira 8.2 Adopt Ordinance 9921-26 on second reading and amend the City's fiscal year 2025/26 operating budget at mid-year. The fiscal year 2025/26 operating and capital improvement budgets were adopted in September 2025 by ordinances 9849-25 and 9850-25. Section 2.521 of the City's Code of Ordinances requires the City Manager to prepare a quarterly report detailing income, expenditure estimates, collections, the explanation of significant variances, as well as the financial status of all capital improvement projects. STRATEGIC PRIORITY: The budgeting process aligns resource allocation to the advancement of our community in all five strategic priorities: high performing government, economic and housing opportunity, community well-being, environmental stewardship, and superior public service. Ordinance 9921-26 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Mannino moved to adopt Ordinance 9921-26 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Cotton, Councilmember Allbritton, Councilmember Teixeira and Councilmember Mannino 8.3 Adopt Ordinance 9922-26 on second reading and amend the City's fiscal year 2025/26 capital improvement budget at mid-year. Ordinance 9922-26 was presented and read by title only. Vice Mayor Cotton moved to adopt Ordinance 9922-26 on second and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and carried by the following vote: Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Cotton, Councilmember Allbritton, Page 11 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2026 Councilmember Teixeira and Councilmember Mannino 8.4 Adopt Ordinance 9906-26 on third reading, amending Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 28.04 relating to Trading and Selling on Streets. During the Clearwater CRA meeting on June 17, 2024, CRA staff presented ideas that included the use of shipping containers and mobile vendors in the 400-500 blocks of Cleveland Street. The goal was to create new commercial activity not being offered in a traditional storefront business. The mobile vending activity would not include food trucks and would be complementary to existing storefront businesses in the Cleveland Street Activation Area. CRA staff presented three ideas for new commercial activity. • First, use existing on street parking spaces as temporary commercial spaces on a daily basis • Second, use existing on street parking spaces as temporary commercial spaces during special events, monthly programming or season events • Lastly, a hybrid model of the first two ideas where existing on street parking spaces would be used daily and during event focused opportunities At the conclusion of the discussion on June 17, 2024, Council directed staff to implement the hybrid mobile vending model. Section 28.04 prohibits the trading and selling of goods, wares, or merchandise on any street, right-of-way, sidewalk, or city park within the city unless authorized by a Special Event permit. The proposed ordinance will allow mobile vending to occur daily within the 400-500 blocks of Cleveland Street through a city managed program. This item was previously presented to City Council for the first reading on April 23, 2026, and the second reading on May 7, 2026. However, due to the second reading and the business impact statement not being properly noticed, it is necessary to have a third reading for this ordinance. Ordinance 9906-26 was presented and read by title only. Councilmember Teixeira moved to adopt Ordinance 9906-26 on third and final reading. The motion was duly seconded and upon roll call, the vote was: Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Cotton, Councilmember Allbritton, Councilmember Teixeira and Councilmember Mannino Page 12 City of Clearwater City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2026 9. Citizens to be Heard on topics pertaining to city business but not on the qg enda. Culver C. reminded all that political parties consist of more than just Democrats and Republicans and thanked Chief Gandy for responding to his emails regarding the recent teen takeover on the beach. 10. City Manager Reports - None. 11. City Attorney Reports - None. 12. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes) Councilmembers thanked all who attended tonight's meeting and thanked those who vacated their seat to allow individuals to enter the building and participate tonight. Councilmember Teixeira reviewed recent events and recognized the celebration of Portugal Day on June 10, 2026. Vice Mayor Cotton reviewed upcoming events and wished all a Happy Independence Day. 13. Closing Comments by Mayor 14. Adjourn Attest Mayor Rector reviewed recent and upcoming events. He wished all a Happy 4th of July. The meeting adjoumed at 8:35 p.m. Mayor City of Clearwater Page 13 City of Clearwater CaII, Rosemarie From: sylvia patterson <sylviakayfl@yahoo.com> Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 3:09 PM To: ClearwaterCouncil Subject: eComment to be read at City Council meeting Thursday June 18, 2126 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Clearwater. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. > Hello City council members, > Thank you, Mayor Rector, for having the city attorney, clarify that in fact, the Attorney General of the state of Florida said it is "MORE THAN LIKELY" that Scientology owns the road bed under S. Garden Ave. But, POSSIBLY THEY DON'T. It would have to be determined in court. > And thank you, Ms. TEIXEIRA, for also asking the city attorney to clarify that the City Of Clearwater asked for, and followed the advice of the Attorney General, some years ago, (at the time of the question) on a matter that DID NOT involve real estate. > Mr. Mannino, Mr. Cotton, and Mr. Albritton, please help me to understand why you are in such a hurry to give away the portion of S. Garden Ave. that Scientology is asking for, before it has even been determined by a court - who is the actual owner of the road bed?Whether it is Scientology, or the City Of Clearwater? > And then, of course, there is the question of whether S. Garden Ave. is of PUBLIC BENEFIT to the citizens of CLEARWATER, which of course it is, and which has been confirmed by most of the department heads of the City Of Clearwater in their recent official report. > Finally, as a reminder, the vacation of public Streets was highly discouraged, by the CLEARWATER Downtown Redevelopment Plan and signed off on by Councilman Allbritton in 2018, and in the current revised version, as well. Suddenly, that plan has no usefulness? Rules are rules? But follow them when it is convenient, or when it suits you? > Since it has been emphatically stated from the dais, that City Council should do nothing to discourage developers from wanting to bring their development ideas and money to downtown Clearwater, it is quite obvious that arbitrarily removing a public street from the use of the public and giving it to a private entity, for their personal use, any developer in his right mind, (you would think), would steer clear Of Clearwater. > Since, any general survey of the residents of CLEARWATER would indicate that 97% of residents are against giving away this important and critical street, why are you so set on doing it? Help us to understand. > This is a great way to lose the confidence of the great majority of your voters. Sincerely, Sylvia Patterson CLEARWATER registered Voter > Sent from my iPhone 1 CaII, Rosemarie From: Kelly <kellyshannonkelly@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2026 9:35 AM To: Call, Rosemarie Subject: Letter for council meeting Hi Rosemarie, Is it possible to read the following letter at the council meeting today? I am unable to attend. Dear Clearwater Council Members, Three Clearwater City Council members have voted to vacate South Garden Avenue to protect the safety of Church of Scientology parishioners. Critics call this favoritism toward a religion. They have it backwards. These council members uphold the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution — the very amendment that grants those same critics the right to protest in the first place. The First Amendment, enshrined in the Bill of Rights, safeguards five fundamental freedoms: religion, speech, the press, assembly, and the right to petition the government. American schoolchildren learn this before they reach middle school. It stands as the bedrock of what separates this nation from authoritarian regimes. Here lies the deep irony the "Save the Garden" protesters refuse to confront: by rallying against a street vacation that benefits a religious organization, they actively work to undermine the very freedom of religion the Constitution guarantees. They do not oppose the street closure. They oppose the religion itself. Consider this simple test — if the city proposed this same street vacation for a Baptist congregation, a Catholic cathedral, or a Methodist church, not a single protester would show up. No signs. No chants. No outrage. That silence would speak volumes, and their presence now speaks just as loudly. The council members do not endorse Scientology. They enforce the Constitution. Every American deserves that protection, regardless of which religion they choose to practice — and that principle demands no apology. Respectfully, Kelly Kelly 1