10-01-2026 City Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2026
City of Clearwater
Main Library- Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 1, 2026
6:00 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
City Council
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 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— 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 of St. Francis of Assisi Old Catholic Church
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 Manufacturing Month 2026 Proclamation - Beth Galic, Bay Area Manufacturers
Association President, and Megan Meyers, Monin.
4.2 Community Planning Month Proclamation - Lauren Matzke, Planning and Development
Director
4.3 Public Natural Gas Week 2026 Proclamation - Brian Langille, Executive Director Gas
System
4.4 Fire Prevention Week Proclamation, October 4-10, 2026 - Clearwater Fire Chief Chad
Pittman
5. Approval of Minutes
5.1 Approve the minutes of the September 17, 2026 City Council meeting as submitted in
written summation by the City Clerk.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to approve the minutes of the
September 17 City Council meeting as submitted in written summation
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by the City Clerk. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
6. Consent Agenda
6.1 Approve the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program Annual Report and
Local Housing Incentive Certification for the 2023-2024 closeout year and 2024-2025
interim year and authorize appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
The Florida Legislature enacted the William E. Sadowski Affordable Housing Act
(Act) in 1992. The Act created a dedicated revenue source for state and local
housing trust funds including the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)
Program.
Through the SHIP Program, the Economic Development and Housing
Department has provided funding for the following housing activities: Purchase
assistance in the form of down payment and closing costs assistance of
existing structures; the construction of new dwellings; the rehabilitation of
owner-occupied housing; and the construction of a multi-family development.
All local governments receiving SHIP funds must submit their annual report to
the Florida Housing Finance Corporation by September 15 of each year. The
annual report provides details of expended and encumbered funds. The report
also provides information on the strategies funded, the number of households
served, and income category, age, family size, race, and other data regarding
special needs populations such as homeless persons, persons with disabilities
and the elderly. The report is submitted electronically to the State of Florida.
SHIP is a unique funding program. Qualifying local governments (Grantees) are
allocated formula-derived amounts annually from a dedicated funding source.
The State encourages Grantees to spend these funds in the form of loans,
rather than grants, so future revenue from repayment of loans (Program
Income) can be used in addition to annual allocations. Grantees are given three
years to expend their annual allocation and Program Income received during the
same program year. With each SHIP report, the closeout year must be fully
expended.
For closeout year 2023-2024, the City received $1,395,428.00 from the state
annual distribution, $938,160.23 in program income and related interest,
carryover of a balance of$7,959.80 from previous year funds for FY 2023-2024,
for a total revenue of$2,341,548.03. The City expended a total of$2,341,870.49
to assist 29 families utilizing its approved strategies. The city expended
$652,971.78 on purchase assistance, $280,900.00 on owner-occupied
rehabilitation, $9,330.00 on disaster assistance, $43,595.00 on ADA retrofitting,
$805,846.00 on construction of four new single-family homes, and provided
$305,000.00 for the development of an 81-unit affordable rental property, of
which three units were reported as SHIP-assisted units.
SHIP funding has a positive impact on the City's economy, as evidenced by
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activities in closeout year 2023-2024, where the City expended $2,162,312.00
on SHIP strategies in SHIP dollars to leverage approximately $2,236,660.00 in
other funds. Additionally, the City spent $179,557.00 on program administration.
The City's SHIP program will carry a negative balance of$322.46 into FY
2024-25 which will be closed out at this time next year.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
N/A
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Objective 2.4 - Supports equitable housing programs that promote household
stability and reduces the incidence of homelessness within Clearwater.
6.2 Approve funding to Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County, Inc. in the amount of
$204,100.00 for the construction of an affordable single-family housing unit; certify said
organization as a City of Clearwater Community Housing Development Organization; and
authorize city staff to execute documents necessary to effectuate closing. (consent)
A Community Housing Development Organization is a private, non-profit,
community-based service organization whose primary purpose is to provide
and develop and provide decent, affordable housing for the community it serves.
To assist in achieving these purposes, the City of Clearwater, under the HOME
Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program must reserve not less than 15% of
its HOME allocations for investment in housing to be developed, sponsored, or
owned by Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs).
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County, Inc., (Habitat) is a Florida not-for-profit
corporation established to provide decent housing that is affordable to
low-income families and to further the affordable housing mission of Habitat.
On September 3, 2026, Habitat applied for designation as one of the City's
eligible CHDOs and for funding to develop affordable housing. City staff has
reviewed Habitat's application and determined that it meets the requirements for
CHDO designation.
In addition to the certification request, the City will make funding available from
the FY 2025 and 2026 HOME Program CHDO allocation in the amount of
$111,534.92 and the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME Program)
allocation in the amount of$92,565.08 for a total allotment of$204,100.00.
$202,100.00 of the funding will be a loan used for the construction of an
affordable single-family home located at 908 Engman Street, Clearwater,
Florida 33755. $2,000.00 of the funding will be a grant used for associated
property inspections. The site is located in the North Greenwood Neighborhood
Revitalization Strategy Area and will serve to increase homeownership
opportunities.
Staff requests that the City Council approve the funding, approve Habitat's
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request to be designated as a CHDO in the City of Clearwater, and authorize
staff to execute documents necessary to effectuate closing on the loan and
grant. Proposed closing documents have been attached to this agenda item for
reference but may be updated prior to closing.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
N/A
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Objective 2.4 - Supports equitable housing programs that promote household
stability and reduces the incidence of homelessness within Clearwater.
6.3 Approve an agreement with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Largo, Florida, in the
amount not to exceed $515,725.50 for forensic crime scene processing, latent prints,
property and evidence storage, and Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center security
services, during the one-year agreement period commencing on October 1, 2026 through
September 30, 2027 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) and the Clearwater Police
Department (CPD) began an annual contractual agreement for ancillary
services in 1994 that includes forensic crime scene processing, latent
fingerprint examination, property and evidence storage, and shared security
costs for the Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center. Under City Ordinance
2.563(1)(d), it would be impractical to competitively award these services. After
evaluation of the current year's data, the projected numbers for each service for
next fiscal year will be as follows:
-Forensic Crime Scene Processing - 750 cases at$347.17 each
($260,377.50).
-Latent Fingerprint Examination - 400 cases at $127.62 each ($51,048.00).
-Property and Evidence Storage - 10,000 items at $17.91 each ($179,100.00).
-Juvenile Assessment Center - 300 juveniles booked at $84.00 each
($25,200.00).
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this contractual agreement, in the amount of$515,725.50, is
included in the Police Department's fiscal year 2027 operating budget request
for cost code, 0101155-530300, contractual services. Any funds remaining from
unused services will be refunded to the city.
The operating budget of the Police Department is funded by revenues from the
General Fund.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
This project is relevant towards accomplishing the strategic goal of a High
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Performing Government, specifically strategic objective 1.4 to foster safe and
healthy communities in Clearwater through first-class public safety and
emergency response services.
6.4 Approve an agreement with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Largo, Florida, in the
amount of$242,260.00 for two co-responder crisis response specialists as part of the
Mental Health Co-Responder Program to team with Clearwater Police officers to handle
mental health related calls during the one-year agreement period commencing on
October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027 and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. (consent)
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five
Americans is affected by mental illness each year. Annually, the Clearwater
Police Department responds to approximately 1600 calls for service which
involve issues related to mental illness. Approximately 25% of the fatal police
shootings in the United States involve a subject with mental illness. Police
officers are routinely tasked with being the first responder to persons involved in
mental health crisis but have limited options to address long-term, reoccurring
issues that generate repeat calls for service and disrupt neighborhoods and
businesses.
In 2021, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and the Clearwater Police
Department established a mental health co-responder program. The program
consists of two Clearwater Police officers and two co-responder crisis
response specialists employed by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. The
program has proven successful, and the department intends to continue
providing this specialized resource to provide the best possible outcomes and
help to safely defuse and prevent crisis incidents by connecting people to
services, conducting follow-up to promote the utilization of services, and proper
application of the Baker Act statute.
In the proposed agreement for FY 2027, the City of Clearwater will pay the
Pinellas County Sheriff the actual costs, salary and benefits, for two crisis
response specialists in the amount of$242,260.00. Under City Code of
Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(d), it would be impractical to competitively award
these services.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding of$242,260.00 is budgeted in special program P2101, Mental Health
Co-Responder Team. This special program is funded by revenues from the
General Fund and a contribution of McKinsey funds received from opioid
settlements.
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STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
This project is relevant towards accomplishing the strategic goal of a High
Performing Government, specifically strategic objective 1.4 to foster safe and
healthy communities in Clearwater through first-class public safety and
emergency response services.
6.5 Authorize a purchase order (PO) to Cale America, Inc. d/b/a Flowbird, of Clearwater, FL,
for the purchase and installation of Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) tap-to-pay
parking kiosk readers and associated services, in the amount not to exceed
$234,812.00; authorize an increase to an existing purchase order for secure gateway
services for back-office payment security and transaction processing, in the amount of
$15,792.00, increasing the purchase order from $812,005.00 to $827,797.00, pursuant
to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(c) Piggyback or Cooperative
Purchasing, and Section 2.563(1)(d), Non-Competitive Purchase (Impractical), and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
The Parking Division has partnered with Cale America, Inc. d/b/a Flowbird since
2008 and currently operates 94 Flowbird parking kiosks throughout downtown
Clearwater and Clearwater Beach. These kiosks process approximately 50
percent of all public parking revenue. A portion of the proposed purchase utilizes
pricing available through Sourcewell Contract 080321-PRK, which is currently
effective through October 7, 2026.
EasyPark Group acquired Flowbird Group in January 2025 and subsequently
introduced "Arrive" as its customer-facing brand. Cale America, Inc. remains
the legal contracting entity, and the branding change does not modify the City's
existing contractual relationship with Cale America.
The proposed purchase will upgrade all 94 existing parking kiosks with Europay,
Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) certified tap-to-pay hybrid card readers and
integrated 5G communication technology. These upgrades will improve
customer convenience by providing faster, contactless payment options while
enhancing payment security, ensuring compatibility with current payment
technologies, and extending the useful life of the City's existing parking kiosk
system.
The requested funding includes a one-time $234,812.00 capital purchase for the
kiosk hardware upgrades, covering acquisition and installation of EMV
tap-to-pay certified hybrid card readers with integrated 5G modem technology
for the City's 94 Flowbird parking kiosks. Of this amount, $184,898.00 is based
on Sourcewell Contract 080321-PRK, valid through October 7, 2026. Cale
America, Inc., a sister company of Parkeon, Inc., is identified under the
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Sourcewell contract as also doing business as Flowbird. The remaining
hardware cost of$49,914.00 is considered impractical to bid, as these
components cannot be independently procured, substituted, or supplied by a
third party without impacting system compatibility and functionality.
A recurring operating expense of$15,792.00 for secure gateway services is
included as an increase to an existing contract. This service provides certified
back-office payment security and transaction processing necessary to process
electronic payments and maintain compliance with Payment Card Industry Data
Security Standards (PCI DSS) and other applicable payment security
requirements. The cost represents $8.00 per kiosk per month for the 94
upgraded kiosks over a 21-month period.
The City currently maintains a support agreement with Cale America with a
term from August 1, 2024 through June 30, 2028, with an associated purchase
order in the not-to-exceed amount of$812,005.00. The secure gateway
services represent an expansion of the existing support services provided under
this agreement; therefore, staff recommend increasing the existing purchase
order rather than establishing a new agreement.
Flowbird is the manufacturer and sole provider of the proprietary hardware,
software, and payment processing technology supporting the City's existing
parking kiosk system. Because the upgraded equipment must integrate with the
City's existing kiosks and proprietary back-office software, these upgrades and
associated secure gateway services can only be provided by Cale America.
Utilizing another vendor would create compatibility issues and could require
replacement of the City's existing parking kiosk system.
Flowbird will continue to be required for ongoing payment technologies and
support services for the City's proprietary parking kiosk system unless the City
elects to replace the existing system, which is not considered to be in the City's
best interest at this time.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
3357335-550400-M2612 - $234,812.00
4351333-530300 - $15,792.00
Funds are available in capital improvement project M2612, Parking Lot
Improvements, to fund the purchase and installation of the parking kiosk reader
upgrades. Funds for the Secure Gateway services are available in the Parking
Division operating budget. The operations and capital improvement projects in
the parking operation are funded by parking fund revenues.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
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1.1 Provide evidence-based measurement tools to continually guide municipal
performance and promote accountable governance.
1.3 Adopt responsive levels of service for public facilities and amenities, and
identify resources required to sustain that level of service.
1.5 Embrace a culture of innovation that drives continuous improvement and
successfully serves all our customers.
6.6 Approve the Fourth Renewed and Restated Clearwater Beach Route Funding Agreement
between Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) and the City of Clearwater for Jolley
Trolley service in an amount not to exceed $689,572.57 and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
On September 20, 2016, the City entered into the Clearwater Beach Route
Funding Agreement for the Jolley Trolley with PSTA, subsequently amended
and renewed on October 1, 2017, and October 1, 2019, extending the
agreement and funding of the Jolley Trolley beach route through end of fiscal
year 2026.
The City would like to extend this funding agreement to continue the Jolley
Trolley beach route for fiscal years 2027 and 2028, expiring September 30,
2028. The amount for fiscal year 2027 is $339,690.92, a 3% increase in amount
paid in fiscal year 2026. The amount for fiscal year 2028 is $349,881.65, a 3%
increase in amount proposed for fiscal year 2027. The route provides Jolley
Trolley service from downtown Clearwater to Island Estates, Clearwater Beach
north to Kipling Plaza, and South Beach to Bay Park in Sand Key.
The agreement includes a contingency provision addressing the potential fiscal
impact of the November 2026 homestead exemption ballot measure. The City's
ability to fund the agreement for fiscal years 2027 and 2028 is contingent upon
the outcome of the ballot measure and its impact on local government
revenues. Following the election, and no later than December 1, 2026, the City
and PSTA will meet in good faith to review any fiscal impacts and related city
budget amendments affecting the agreement. Based on available funding, the
parties may mutually agree in writing to amend the term or funding or terminate
the agreement. Any reduction in funding or termination requires at least 120
days advance written notice to PSTA to allow for termination of the Jolley Trolley
Agreement in accordance with its terms.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for the first year of this agreement is available in Public Works -
Parking cost code 4351333-581000, Payment to Agencies, in the amount of
$339,690.92. Future year funding will be requested as part of the annual budget
process. The Parking division of Public Works is funded by the Parking Fund,
an enterprise fund of the City.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
4.4 Develop accessible and active transportation networks that enhance
pedestrian safety and reduce citywide greenhouse gas emissions.
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6.7 Approve a contract increase to CPH Consulting, LLC of Tampa, Florida, for professional
services related to the Public Works Department Program consulting services project
(24-0048-EN), in the not-to-exceed (NTE) amount of$850,000.00, increasing the contract
from $350,000.00 to $1,200,000.00, pursuant to Request for Qualifications 37-24, and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent).
In April 2024, RFQ 37-24, Public Works Program Consulting Services, was
issued seeking a wide variety of support services and expertise to assist the
Public Works team in successful management and completion of approved CIP
and maintenance projects. CPH Consulting, LLC (CPH) is one of two firms
selected to leverage each firm's expertise but also to incorporate competition. A
significant portion of the proposed fees will be covered by approved and funded
capital project budgets (i.e. North Beach Stormwater Improvements and Beach
Marina Parking Garage) over multiple years.
City Council approved a not-to-exceed $350,000 purchase order to CPH in
December 2024. These funds have supported North Beach Stormwater Project
estimating services, the Stormwater Drainage Retrofit at The Sound
Amphitheater, Pier 60 bathymetric survey services, the Airpark Generator
Design Bid Package, support for Railroad Quiet Zone compliance, and
additional miscellaneous engineering support. Other services provided include
budget development, project scope development, drainage and stormwater
support, survey coordination, design support, compliance review, and general
engineering assistance. These services have helped advance multiple Public
Works initiatives and supported the timely delivery of capital and operational
projects. The use of these services has demonstrated value to the department,
improving project readiness, supporting informed decision-making, and
supplementing staff capacity for specialized technical assignments.
The additional contract capacity will allow Public Works, as specific needs
arise, to authorize CPH to provide specified services through individual work
proposals up to the NTE amount of$1,200,000. A portion of these services will
be funded by existing CIP project budgets, Parking Fund and the Stormwater
Utility Fund.
The original contract term remains unchanged, expiring 12/30/2030.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this contract will be provided by various Public Works Capital
Improvement Projects and operating budgets. The Public Works operating
budget and associated projects are funded by General Fund, Stormwater Utility
Enterprise Fund, Parking Enterprise Fund, and Penny for Pinellas revenue
dependent upon project.
No expenditure will be incurred unless sufficient funding is available in the
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applicable project or operating budget, and the appropriate departmental
approval is obtained.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Objective 1.2 Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands,
environmental resources, and historic features through systematic
management efforts. Objective 1.5 Embrace a culture of innovation that drives
continuous improvement and successfully serves all our customers.
6.8 Approve a Work Order to McKim and Creed for professional engineering services for the
Recovery and Retreatment of Flushed Drinking Water for Conservation Project,
24-0078-UT, in the amount of$294,506.00 pursuant to RFQ 34-23, Engineer of Record
(EOR) Consulting Services and authorize the appropriation officials to execute same.
(consent)
The City maintains water quality across more than 550 miles of potable water
distribution piping. In 2025, more than 207 million gallons (MG), approximately
5.1% of total drinking water production, was flushed to maintain minimum
chlorine residuals in areas with excessive water age. More than 57% of the
flushed volume, over 118 MG per year, was discharged through four automatic
flushing devices in the vicinity of Belleair Road and Clearwater-Largo Road near
the point of maximum residence served by Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment
Plant No. 2 (R02).
This project will evaluate recovering a portion of this flushed potable water and
returning it to beneficial use. The proposed concept would convey recovered
water from up to four candidate interconnect locations along the Belleair Road
corridor into an existing 16-inch raw water main near Belleair Road and South
Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. The recovered water would blend with the
brackish groundwater supply conveyed to R02 and would be retreated to
drinking water standards before redistribution. McKim & Creed will prepare a
Basis of Design Report (BODR) evaluating hydraulic feasibility, water quality
and blending impacts, connection alternatives, permitting considerations,
constructability, lifecycle cost, and a preliminary design basis for the
recommended interconnect configuration.
The work includes hydraulic modeling of the potable and R02 raw water
systems, source-water blending and water-quality evaluation, bench-scale
blend/reactivity testing planning and coordination, evaluation of up to four
recovery connection locations, an engineer's opinion of probable construction
cost, and cost-benefit analysis. The Work Order is limited to planning and
preparation of the BODR; design, permitting, bidding, and construction-phase
services are not included and would be addressed under subsequent work
orders.
McKim & Creed will provide these professional engineering services pursuant to
RFQ 34-23, Engineer of Record (EOR) Consulting Services. This Work Order
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authorizes the planning, evaluation, and Basis of Design Report services
described above under the City's EOR consulting services contract.
The project is anticipated to be completed in approximately 250 calendar days
from issuance of the notice to proceed. The final BODR will establish
recommendations for the preferred connection location and configuration, key
design criteria, regulatory coordination, and next steps for advancing the project.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this work order is available in capital project 321-96767, RO Plant
@ Res #2, funded by revenues from the Water & 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 Work Order to McKim & Creed is requested.
6.9 Authorize the award of a construction contract to Odyssey Manufacturing Co. of Tampa,
Florida, for the R01 Chemical Storage and Feed System Improvements in the amount of
$426,548.10, pursuant to Invitation to Bid (ITB) 23-0051-UT; authorize a scope change to
the previously approved Work Order with Mead and Hunt, Inc. of Tampa, FL, for the R01
Chemical Storage and Feed System Improvements project (23-0051-UT), adding
construction phase engineering, construction administration, construction observation,
and project closeout services in the amount of$153,281.10, with no increase to the
previously approved Work Order not-to-exceed amount of$495,731.00, pursuant to RFQ
34-23, Engineer of Record (EOR) Consulting Services, and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. (consent)
The project scope addresses identified issues at Reverse Osmosis Water
Treatment Plant No. 1 (RO1), located at 1657 Palmetto St., Clearwater, FL
33755. The project includes the installation of leak detection systems for the
bulk chemical containment area, addressing a recommended improvement
identified during the study performed under Project 19-0034-UT - Chemical
Storage and Handling.
The project also includes rehabilitation of the ammonium hydroxide dosing area
and conversion to a liquid ammonium system. This work addresses another
recommended improvement identified during the same Project 19-0034-UT
study. In addition, the project includes relocating the caustic injection point and
correcting piping deficiencies identified during the investigation conducted as
part of Project 19-0034-UT - Chemical Storage and Handling.
These improvements will support the continued reliable production of
high-quality potable water for City customers while reducing the potential for
chemical spills and improving the ability to detect and respond to leaks or spills
quickly.
The Public Utilities Department issued ITB 23-0051-UT, which closed on July
30, 2026. The lowest responsive and responsible bid, submitted in accordance
with the plans and specifications, was received from Odyssey Manufacturing
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Co. EOR Mead & Hunt evaluated the bids and recommends awarding the
construction contract to Odyssey Manufacturing Co., in the amount of
$426,548.10.
On November 21, 2024, City Council approved a work order to Mead & Hunt,
Inc. in the amount of$495,731.00 for design and bidding services for the R01
Chemical Storage and Feed System Improvements project (23-0051-UT)
pursuant to RFQ 34-23, Engineer of Record (EOR) Consulting Services.
This item approves a scope addition to the previously approved Work Order.
The scope addition adds the construction phase services needed to complete
the project, including construction contract administration,
issued-for-construction documents, preconstruction and progress meetings,
construction submittal and RFI review, field/change order coordination, pay
application review, site visits, resident project representative services,
substantial and final completion walkthroughs, final as-built review, record
drawings, and permit closeout.
No additional funding is requested for the EOR services. Although the scope
change adds $153,281.10 in construction phase services, certain items from
the originally approved scope were removed or are no longer needed. As a
result, the revised Work Order remains below the previously approved
not-to-exceed amount of$495,731.00.
Staff recommends approval of the scope change to allow construction phase
services to proceed while maintaining the previously approved Council funding
authority.
The construction duration is 270 consecutive calendar days from the issuance
of the Notice to Proceed.
The City of Clearwater's Public Utilities Department is responsible for owning,
operating and maintaining the R01 Water Treatment Plant.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
3277327-563800-M1908 $426,548.10
Funds for Odyssey Manufacturing Co. are available in capital improvement
project M1908, R01 R&R to fund this work order.
Funds for the construction phase services from the EOR are available in cost
code 3217321-96764. The scope change amount is $153,281.10 and will be
funded within the previously approved Work Order not-to-exceed amount of
$495,731.00.
A first quarter budget amendment will transfer$426,548.10 from project
3217321-96764, RO Plant Expansion Res #1 to 3277327-M 1908, RO #1 R&R,
to provide additional project funding. This project is funded by revenues from
the Water and Sewer Utility Enterprise Fund.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
This item supports Strategic Priority 1.2: Maintain public infrastructure, mobility
systems, natural lands, environmental resources, and historic features through
systematic management efforts.
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6.10Approve a grant agreement between Florida Wildflower Foundation, Inc. and the City of
Clearwater for new native plantings at the Moccasin Lake Nature Park Pollinator Garden
in the amount of$923.00 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
(consent)
The City Of Clearwater (City) has been awarded a grant from the Florida
Wildflower Foundation, Inc. (FWF) in the amount of$923.00 for replenishment
of the Pollinator Garden with native plants located in Moccasin Lake Nature Park
at 2750 Park Trail Lane.
This agreement is being brought to Council for approval because it includes an
indemnification clause.
FWF is an environmental organization dedicated to the protection, connection,
and expansion of Florida's wildflower habitats through education, research,
planting, and conservation. FWF recognizes wildflowers as essential to
Florida's ecological health, economy, and natural beauty.
The goal of FWF's Viva Florida program is to educate the public about the role
of native plants in supporting native pollinators and providing wildlife habitat. The
gardens selected for funding will serve as demonstrations of how native
wildflowers and plants can be used in home and public landscapes.
The Pollinator Garden at Moccasin Lake Nature Park is an important resource
for hands-on learning and community building through volunteer workdays. It
also provides live specimens of the native species that are regularly discussed
at Florida Native Plant Society meetings, which are held at the park. The garden
helps to educate the community on the importance of native ecosystems and
the benefits of supporting native pollinators.
The total grant award is $923.00. Matching is required and will be met by using
a combination of in-kind support from volunteers and staff as well as $354.00
for equipment and supplies to come from the Parks & Recreation Department
operating budget.
Appropriate recognition of this grant will be provided by a sign installed at the
garden.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for the cash match of$354.00 is available in Parks and Recreation -
Moccasin Lake cost code 0101808-550400 (operating supplies), funded by
revenues from the General Fund.
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
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N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Approval of this Agreement supports several Strategic Plan Objectives,
including:
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.
• 1.5: Embrace a culture of innovation that drives continuous improvement
and successfully serves all our customers.
3.1: Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that
empower community pride and belonging.
3.2: Preserve community livability through responsible development
standards, proactive code compliance, and targeted revitalization.
3.4: Inspire citizen participation through civic engagement and
volunteerism to build strong, inclusive, and engaged communities.
4.3: Protect the conservation of urban forests and public green spaces
to promote biodiversity and reduce our carbon footprint.
6.11Authorize Guaranteed Maximum price proposal to Bandes Construction Company, Inc. of
Dunedin, FL for field improvements to Carpenter Complex's Carlton Field in the amount
of$1,694,465.40 pursuant to Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 51-24, Construction
Manager at Risk Services Continuing Contracts and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. (consent)
The Carpenter Complex, including four major league baseball fields, was
constructed in 1967 on a landfill owned by the City. For the first 20 to 25 years
of being constructed, settling garbage created uneven and unsafe playing
conditions, and they were repaired every off season. Since then, settling of the
fields has decreased while programming of the fields has increased, making
major repairs and renovations difficult to schedule.
After nearly sixty years of use, the fields need major renovations/replacement
starting with Carlton Field. Currently this field has issues with water ponding
and poor drainage on the field as well as extreme uneven dips and elevations on
the grass outfield playing surfaces. According to Section 9.1 of the current
"Baseball Training Facility Lease Agreement" between the City and the Phillies
the City "shall perform all necessary maintenance, repair and restoration
thereof, ordinary and extraordinary" to the playing fields "in first class condition
and up to first class MLB spring training facilities standards". This field must
be renovated to meet minimum MLB facility standards to ensure the safety of
players and is not a part of the pending agreements being negotiated. Staff is
working with the Phillies to address future renovations needs for the remainder
of fields at the Complex.
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City Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2026
The scope of work for renovation includes providing a fully completed MLB
practice baseball field in accordance with written MLB standards and
specifications, providing supervision, shop drawings submissions, project
scheduling monitoring and skilled labor. Additionally, Bandes Construction will
provide:
• Locates to identify existing underground utilities, provide all land
surveying, and provide all 3rd-party independent laboratory soil testing.
• Complete all clearing and grubbing of existing field materials, including
turfgrass, native subsurface soils, clay, warning track materials (as
needed), infield skinned area, home plate, and pitching mound.
• Install a fully automatic irrigation system, including mainlines, providing
mainline pressure testing lateral piping, heads, field adjusted head
nozzles to provide head-to-head coverage, manual gate valves, remote
control valves, quick couplers, ball valves, and all other items per plans
and specifications.
• Install new turfgrass (either Tiftuff or Tifway 419 Bermuda based on
availability), which includes a 60-day grow-in program, applications of
herbicides, fertilizer, pesticide, and final topographic survey.
• Provide all baseball field equipment and materials per plans and
specifications including pitching rubber, bases, base anchors, and base
plugs, home plate, warning track, foul poles, infield skinned area, etc.
• Provide electrical feed for a new irrigation controller.
• Provide improvements to the left field spectator area including removal
of existing topsoil and subsoils from within the spectator area to meet
required subgrade elevations and hauling spoils to an offsite location.
On September 20, 2024, Council approved the use of eighteen firms to serve
as Construction Managers at Risk (CMAR) for Continuing Contracts under RFQ
51-24 and Bandes Construction Company, Inc. was selected as one of the
approved firms.
Bandes Construction Company, Inc. was selected from the approved CMAR
Continuing Contracts List based on past reliability, professionalism, prevalent
on-site supervisory personnel, and their ability to put together a team of various
disciplines to complete this project, as well as their past performances with
other sports facility projects. Their ability to deliver quality services, expedite
designated timelines during the short off season, and communicate clearly with
the client makes them the CMAR to be considered for this project.
Bandes will provide all warranties per plans and specifications and all Parks &
Recreation Closeout Documents/As-Builts.
This repair work is estimated to take 101 calendar days, to be completed with
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City Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2026
work commencing no later than October 5, 2026, and concluding no later than
January 15, 2027
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this construction contract is available in capital project M2204,
Carpenter and BayCare R&R, funded by revenues from the General Fund.
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Approval of the purchase order supports several Strategic Plan Objectives,
including:
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.
2.3: Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment,
cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
See below.
6.12Approve additional expenditures of$330,000 with Clearwater Vehicle Towing Service,
Inc., under Contract No. 902211, resulting from RFP 53-24, for vehicle towing services,
and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
On September 3, 2024, the City entered into Contract No. 902211 with
Clearwater Towing Service, Inc. for vehicle towing, recovery, storage, and
related services used by the Fleet Maintenance Division and Clearwater Police
Department. The initial term was October 1, 2024, through September 30,
2025, with up to three additional one-year extensions available through
September 30, 2028.
The City Manager previously authorized $100,000 for the initial contract term
and $100,000 for the first one-year extension, for a total of$200,000 authorized
under the City Manager's delegated purchasing authority. Additional spending
authority is needed due to higher-than-anticipated use of towing services.
Approval of the additional $330,000 will establish a cumulative not-to-exceed
contract authorization of$530,000 through September 30, 2028, inclusive of the
$200,000 previously authorized under the City Manager's delegated authority.
This request increases spending authority only and does not modify the
contract's scope, pricing, or other terms and conditions. The authorization
applies to the full contract term and is not an annual spending limit.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for fiscal year 2026 is available in Fleet Maintenance cost code
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City Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2026
5666611-530300, Contractual Services, and Police Department cost code
0101155-548000, Other Charges. Expenditures in future fiscal years are
subject to appropriation in the respective departments' adopted budgets and
execution of the applicable contract extensions.
Fleet Maintenance expenditures are funded through the Garage Fund, an
internal service fund that supports citywide vehicle and equipment maintenance.
The Police Department is funded by revenues from the General Fund.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
This purchase supports the objectives of a High Performing Government (1.2)
by ensuring City vehicles and equipment remain safe, reliable, and available to
support efficient municipal operations and uninterrupted public service.
6.13Approve a purchase order to Maire Company Inc. in the total amount of$196,496.00 for
services provided under that certain connected service agreement dated October 1,
2022, for the final renewal term, beginning October 1, 2026, through September 30,
2027, and for additional services outside the scope of the agreement, pursuant to City of
Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(d), Non-Competitive Purchases; and
authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Since 1987, Maire Company Inc. (Maire) has provided the City devices,
instruments, appliances, cabinets, and wires/conduit throughout the City's
facilities with the addition of the maintenance and monitoring alarm services in
accordance with Florida Fire Prevention Code 907 and NFPA 72 requirements.
On October 6, 2022, Council approved a connected service agreement
(Agreement) with Maire for an initial one-year term, with four one-year renewal
options. This will be the final renewal of the Agreement.
The services provided under the Agreement will account for$158,496.00 of the
total requested service amount of$196,496.00. The remaining $38,000.00
requested is for additional services not included in the Agreement, including full
cellular service for generators, patron-counting services at City libraries, fire
drills for childcare facilities required by the Pinellas County Licensing Board, fire
alarm resets, and inspections of City-owned fire alarm systems, among other
services.
Competitively procuring the additional services from another vendor would be
impractical under City of Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(d)
because it would require removing the equipment currently installed by Maire at
numerous city facilities. Contracting with a new fire alarm provider would also
require the City to purchase and install replacement systems citywide, resulting
in significant costs. The City would also incur separate ongoing costs for
monthly fire alarm monitoring.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds for this purchase order are requested as part of the FY2027 operating
budget of the General Support Service department in cost code
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City Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2026
5656531-530300, Contractual Services.
The General Services Fund is an internal service fund of the City which
supports citywide building maintenance.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
This purchase supports the objectives of a High Performing Government (1.2)
by helping ensure that City facilities and critical life-safety systems remain safe,
reliable, and available to support efficient municipal operations and uninterrupted
public services.
Councilmember Mannino moved to approve the Consent Agenda
as submitted, less Item 6.11, and authorize the appropriate
officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
6.11Authorize Guaranteed Maximum price proposal to Bandes Construction Company, Inc. of
Dunedin, FL for field improvements to Carpenter Complex's Carlton Field in the amount
of$1,694,465.40 pursuant to Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 51-24, Construction
Manager at Risk Services Continuing Contracts and authorize the appropriate officials to
execute same. (consent)
The Carpenter Complex, including four major league baseball fields, was
constructed in 1967 on a landfill owned by the City. For the first 20 to 25 years
of being constructed, settling garbage created uneven and unsafe playing
conditions, and they were repaired every off season. Since then, settling of the
fields has decreased while programming of the fields has increased, making
major repairs and renovations difficult to schedule.
After nearly sixty years of use, the fields need major renovations/replacement
starting with Carlton Field. Currently this field has issues with water ponding
and poor drainage on the field as well as extreme uneven dips and elevations on
the grass outfield playing surfaces. According to Section 9.1 of the current
"Baseball Training Facility Lease Agreement" between the City and the Phillies
the City "shall perform all necessary maintenance, repair and restoration
thereof, ordinary and extraordinary" to the playing fields "in first class condition
and up to first class MLB spring training facilities standards". This field must
be renovated to meet minimum MLB facility standards to ensure the safety of
players and is not a part of the pending agreements being negotiated. Staff is
working with the Phillies to address future renovations needs for the remainder
of fields at the Complex.
The scope of work for renovation includes providing a fully completed MLB
practice baseball field in accordance with written MLB standards and
specifications, providing supervision, shop drawings submissions, project
scheduling monitoring and skilled labor. Additionally, Bandes Construction will
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City Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2026
provide:
• Locates to identify existing underground utilities, provide all land
surveying, and provide all 3rd-party independent laboratory soil testing.
• Complete all clearing and grubbing of existing field materials, including
turfgrass, native subsurface soils, clay, warning track materials (as
needed), infield skinned area, home plate, and pitching mound.
• Install a fully automatic irrigation system, including mainlines, providing
mainline pressure testing lateral piping, heads, field adjusted head
nozzles to provide head-to-head coverage, manual gate valves, remote
control valves, quick couplers, ball valves, and all other items per plans
and specifications.
• Install new turfgrass (either Tiftuff or Tifway 419 Bermuda based on
availability), which includes a 60-day grow-in program, applications of
herbicides, fertilizer, pesticide, and final topographic survey.
• Provide all baseball field equipment and materials per plans and
specifications including pitching rubber, bases, base anchors, and base
plugs, home plate, warning track, foul poles, infield skinned area, etc.
• Provide electrical feed for a new irrigation controller.
• Provide improvements to the left field spectator area including removal
of existing topsoil and subsoils from within the spectator area to meet
required subgrade elevations and hauling spoils to an offsite location.
On September 20, 2024, Council approved the use of eighteen firms to serve
as Construction Managers at Risk (CMAR) for Continuing Contracts under RFQ
51-24 and Bandes Construction Company, Inc. was selected as one of the
approved firms.
Bandes Construction Company, Inc. was selected from the approved CMAR
Continuing Contracts List based on past reliability, professionalism, prevalent
on-site supervisory personnel, and their ability to put together a team of various
disciplines to complete this project, as well as their past performances with
other sports facility projects. Their ability to deliver quality services, expedite
designated timelines during the short off season, and communicate clearly with
the client makes them the CMAR to be considered for this project.
Bandes will provide all warranties per plans and specifications and all Parks &
Recreation Closeout Documents/As-Builts.
This repair work is estimated to take 101 calendar days, to be completed with
work commencing no later than October 5, 2026, and concluding no later than
January 15, 2027
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this construction contract is available in capital project M2204,
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2026
Carpenter and BayCare R&R, funded by revenues from the General Fund.
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Approval of the purchase order supports several Strategic Plan Objectives,
including:
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.
2.3: Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment,
cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
One individual expressed concerns with the landscaped medians along
Gulf to Bay Boulevard and suggested that extensive landscape
restoration would qualify for Penny for Pinellas funding.
Vice Mayor Cotton moved to authorize guaranteed maximum price
proposal to Bandes Construction Company, Inc. of Dunedin, FL for
field improvements to Carpenter Complex's Carlton Field in the amount
of $1,694,465.40 pursuant to Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 51-24,
Construction Manager at Risk Services Continuing Contracts 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 amendments to the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan to establish a new Planned
Redevelopment District (PRD) Overlay future land use category with associated bonuses,
incorporate policies for a new North Greenwood Community Overlay District, and add
Comprehensive Plan policy support for existing nonconformity procedures in the
Community Development Code; and pass Ordinance 9860-26 on second reading.
(CPA2025-10001)
Proposed Ordinance No. 9860-26 amends Clearwater 2045, the city's
Comprehensive Plan, to implement the city's North Greenwood revitalization
and regulatory update effort by creating a new Planned Redevelopment District
(PRD) Overlay future land use category and associated bonus provisions. The
PRD Overlay framework is intended to support infill and redevelopment
consistent with the CRA Plan, while requiring that qualifying development
conform to criteria established in the Community Development Code and
forthcoming implementing regulations.
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City Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2026
Staff-Requested Revisions for Second Reading
Since the first reading, staff has identified minor revisions to Ordinance No.
9860-26 that are requested for City Council consideration on second reading.
These revisions do not change the overall intent of the proposed amendments.
The revisions clarify statutory requirements for expedited state review for the
adoption of Comprehensive Plan amendments (See Section 6 on page 16 of
the ordinance materials).
Review and Transmittal
On March 30, 2026, the Clearwater City Council approved the ordinance on first
reading to apply the Planned Redevelopment District (PRD) Overlay within the
North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area (CRA).
On June 30, 2026, a community meeting was held at the North Greenwood
Recreation Center to provide an update regarding North Greenwood CRA plan
land use and zoning implementation.
On July 8, 2026, Forward Pinellas, in its role as the Pinellas Planning Council
(PPC), recommended approval of the Countywide Plan Map amendment. On
August 11, 2026, the Countywide Planning Authority approved the Countywide
Plan Map amendment.
After the first reading, the proposed amendment was transmitted to the state
land planning agency, the Florida Department of Commerce, and other
applicable reviewing agencies for review. The Planning and Development
Department received responses from the Department of Commerce, Florida
Department of Transportation, Florida Department of Environmental Protection,
and Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) stating they
had no comments and/or objections to the proposed amendment.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: N/A
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS: N/A
Strategic Priority:
The proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments advance the City Council
Strategic Plan by supporting the Economic and Housing Opportunity and
Community Well-Being priority areas. Establishing the PRD Overlay framework
and adopting North Greenwood implementation policies provide clear
Comprehensive Plan direction to support targeted revitalization and
reinvestment consistent with the adopted North Greenwood CRA Plan. These
amendments also set the policy foundation for future implementing regulations
in the Community Development Code, which will guide how redevelopment and
infill occur over time in a manner that supports neighborhood stability and
community well-being. This approach aligns with Community Well-Being
Objective 3.2 to the extent it supports targeted revitalization through coordinated
planning and implementation actions.
Two individuals spoke in opposition.
Ordinance 9860-26 was presented and read by title only.
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City Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2026
Councilmember Teixeira moved to approve amendments to the
Clearwater Comprehensive Plan to establish a new Planned
Redevelopment District (PRD) Overlay future land use category with
associated bonuses, incorporate policies for a new North Greenwood
Community Overlay District, and add Comprehensive Plan policy
support for existing nonconformity procedures in the Community
Development Code; and pass Ordinance 9860-26 on second 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
7.2 Approve Ordinance 9861-26 on second reading, approving a City-initiated Future Land
Use Map amendment to apply the Planned Redevelopment District (PRD) Overlay within
the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), excluding areas
designated Central Business District (CBD), Industrial Limited (IL), Transportation/Utility
(T/U), Water, Preservation (P), and Recreation/Open Space (R/OS). (LUP2025-11005)
Proposed Ordinance No. 9861-26 is a city-initiated Future Land Use Map
amendment to apply the Planned Redevelopment District (PRD) Overlay within
the North Greenwood CRA boundary. The overlay would be applied in addition
to the underlying Future Land Use categories and does not, on its own, rezone
property or approve a development project.
Staff-Requested Revisions for Second Reading
Since the first reading, staff identified revisions to the ordinance for City Council
consideration on second reading. These revisions do not change the overall
intent of the request and are intended to keep the map amendment aligned with
the companion Comprehensive Plan and Community Development Code work.
1. Industrial Limited (IL): Add parcels designated Industrial Limited (IL)
to the list of excluded areas in the ordinance title.
2. Transportation/Utility (T/U): Add parcels designated Transportation
Utility (TU) to the list of excluded areas in the ordinance title.
3. Unincorporated Pinellas County: Remove parcels within
Unincorporated Pinellas County from the PRD Overlay, including
modifications to the map and legal description.
The revised boundary is shown in the redlined version of the Ordinance, and the
PRD Overlay would apply only to the eligible portions of the CRA as depicted.
These adjustments align the map amendment with the scope of the companion
Community Development Code work and the intended North Greenwood
redevelopment focus.
Review and Transmittal
On March 30, 2026, the Clearwater City Council approved on first reading the
ordinance to apply the Planned Redevelopment District (PRD) Overlay within
the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area (CRA).
On June 30, 2026, a community meeting was held at the North Greenwood
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City Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2026
Recreation Center to provide an update regarding land use and zoning
implementation of the North Greenwood CRA plan.
On July 8, 2026, Forward Pinellas, in its role as the Pinellas Planning Council
(PPC), recommended approval of the Countywide Plan Map amendment. On
August 11, 2026, the Countywide Planning Authority approved the Countywide
Plan Map amendment.
After the first reading, the proposed amendment was transmitted to the state
land planning agency, the Florida Department of Commerce, and other
applicable reviewing agencies for review. The Planning and Development
Department received responses from the Department of Commerce, Florida
Department of Transportation, Florida Department of Environmental Protection,
and Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) stating they
had no comments on and/or objections to the proposed amendment.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: N/A
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS: N/A
Strategic Priority:
This proposal advances the City Council Strategic Plan by supporting the
Economic and Housing Opportunity and Community Well-Being priority areas.
Applying the PRD Overlay on the Future Land Use Map is a key implementation
step that makes voluntary bonus density and intensity options available within
the designated area. This supports reinvestment by existing property owners,
incremental infill, and a wider range of housing types, including missing middle
housing types. Follow-up Community Development Code updates will provide
North Greenwood-specific requirements that apply when PRD bonuses are
used. Together, these actions support targeted revitalization while maintaining
compatibility over time.
Ordinance 9861-26 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to approve Ordinance 9861-26 on
second reading, approving a City-initiated Future Land Use Map
amendment to apply the Planned Redevelopment District (PRD) Overlay
within the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area (CRA),
excluding areas designated Central Business District (CBD), Industrial
Limited (IL), Transportation/Utility (T/U), Water, Preservation (P), and
Recreation/Open Space (R/OS) 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
7.3 Approve a First Amendment to the City of Clearwater's State Housing Initiatives
Partnership (SHIP) Program Local Housing Assistance Plan covering Fiscal Years
2024-2027 and adopt Resolution 26-17.
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2026
Section 420.9079, Florida Statutes requires counties and cities receiving State
Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program funds to develop a three-year
Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) outlining strategies for how the funds
will be utilized.
The LHAP covers state fiscal years 2024-2027. The LHAP outlines eight
strategies identified to carry out affordable housing activities through the SHIP
funding in the City of Clearwater: 1) New Construction including Purchase
Assistance; 2)Acquisition of Existing Homes with Rehabilitation; 3) Purchase
Assistance without Rehabilitation; 4) Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation; 5)
Multi-Family Housing; and 6) Disaster Assistance, 7)
Demolition/Relocation/Construction and 8) Rental Assistance
The Florida Legislature has passed SB 594, which requires every LHAP to
include a strategy to address manufactured housing (a.k.a. mobile homes).
This legislation requires the following changes to the LHAP:
• Addition of relocation assistance for owners or tenants who have
been evicted due to a mobile home park closure;
• Addition of lot rent assistance to owners of manufactured
housing; and
• The repeal of the SHIP twenty percent (20%) cap on
manufactured housing
This First Amendment to the current LHAP (Amendment) will amend Section II-
LHAP Strategies. All other terms and conditions will remain the same as
adopted by the City Council. Per Florida Statute, this Amendment requires
approval by City Council.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: N/A
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS: N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Objective 2.4 - Supports equitable housing programs that promote household
stability and reduces the incidence of homelessness within Clearwater.
Resolution 26-17 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Mannino moved to approve a First Amendment to the
City of Clearwater's State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)
Program Local Housing Assistance Plan covering Fiscal Years
2024-2027 and adopt Resolution 26-17 The motion was duly seconded
and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Cotton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Teixeira and Councilmember Mannino
8. Second Readings - Public Hearing
8.1 Adopt Ordinance 9889-26 on 2nd reading to Approve the Right-of-Way Vacation request
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City Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2026
from Clearwater Village, L.C. for portions of city rights-of-ways, as recorded in Plat Book
13, page 59 in the Public records of Pinellas County, Florida consisting of the Mall,
Lantana Avenue, Idlewild Drive, Evergreen Avenue, Gardenia Court, Woodlawn Terrace,
No Name Streets, and Shore Drive, abutting Tract B, Clearwater Village Phase 1, as
recorded in Plat Book 126, Pages 6-8 of the Public records of Pinellas County, Florida.
The purpose of this vacation is to accommodate the Applicant's expected replat
changes. The City ROWs are unimproved.
Approval is conditioned upon the Applicant granting to the City an executed
Utility Easement over existing City water facilities.
Approval is conditioned upon the Applicant presenting to the City an executed
and recorded Ingress, Egress, And Access Agreement granting Edmund S.
Whitson the legal right to cross the Applicant's property for access.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
1 High Performing Government: Embrace a culture of innovation that thrives on
continuous improvement.
2 Preserve community livability through responsible development standards,
proactive code compliance, and targeted revitalization.
Ordinance 9889-26 was presented and read by title only.
Vice Mayor Cotton moved to adopt Ordinance 9889-26 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
8.2 Adopt Ordinance 9908-26 on second reading, approving a rights-of-way vacation request
from Myrtle Development LLC for city rights-of-way and alleyway more particularly
described as those portions of Laura Street, a 15 ft. platted alley, and North Street, also
known as Grove Street, lying east of East Street, also known as East Avenue and
abutting blocks 14, 15, and 16, in Gould and Ewing's 2nd Addition according to the plat
thereof as recorded in Plat Book 1, Page 52 of the Public Records of Hillsborough
County, Florida, of which Pinellas County was formerly a part.
On April 17, 2026, the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization,
through its affiliated development entity Myrtle Development LLC, applied
to vacate a portion of Laura St., a 15 ft. platted alley, and Grove St.
Grove Street and the 15 ft. platted alley are currently unused.
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City Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2026
Laura Street is currently open to vehicular traffic and has free public
parking.
A city-owned property, addressed as 103 N East Ave, as an abutting
property, will be affected by this proposed vacation, increasing the parcel
size with the addition of 3,250 square feet of land included in half of the 15
ft. platted alley on the south, and half of the Grove St. right-of-way on the
north.
A multi-departmental internal review was completed on August 31, 2026
and is included as an attachment to this agenda item.
The Applicant seeks to vacate these rights-of-way for the development of
the EVO Entertainment - Family Entertainment Center.
Conditions include: 1. Applicant shall obtain a certificate of occupancy for
the development within 4 years of the execution of the Ordinance; 2.
Applicant shall execute and return to the City within 30 calendar days any
new easements as necessary to accommodate new or existing public
utilities as appropriate; 3. Applicant will be responsible for the reasonable
relocation of utilities within the rights-of-way upon request and at no
expense to the City; 4. City may continue full use of the rights-of-way until
such time as City issues a right-of-way permit, and City will not be required
to issue the right-of-way permit until City has issued building permits
authorizing construction supporting the development; 5. Applicant will
responsible for any expenses for replacing, removing, or relocating
crossing warning devices, warning signs, permanent closure signs, dead
end signs, and other markers related to CSX Railroad Crossings; 6. This
vacation Ordinance would not take effect unless the conditions are
satisfied.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: N/A
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
1. High Performing Government: Embrace a culture of innovation that
thrives on continuous improvement
2. Preserve community livability through responsible development
standards, proactive code compliance, and targeted revitalization.
Eight individuals spoke in opposition and 22 individuals spoke in
support.
Discussion ensued with concerns expressed with vacating an active road.
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2026
Councilmember Teixeira departed Chambers at 8:15 p.m. and returned
at 8:17 p.m.
Ordinance 9908-26 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to adopt Ordinance 9908-26 on
second reading, approving a rights-of-way vacation request from
Myrtle Development LLC for city rights-of-way and alleyway more
particularly described as those portions of Laura Street, a 15 ft. platted
alley, and North Street, also known as Grove Street, lying east of East
Street, also known as East Avenue and abutting blocks 14, 15, and 16,
in Gould and Ewing's 2nd Addition according to the plat thereof as
recorded in Plat Book 1, Page 52 of the Public Records of Hillsborough
County, Florida, of which Pinellas County was formerly a part. The
motion was duly seconded and carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 3 - Vice Mayor Cotton, Councilmember Allbritton and Councilmember
Mannino
Nays: 2 - Mayor Rector and Councilmember Teixeira
8.3 Adopt Ordinance 9939-26 on second reading and amend the City's fiscal year 2025/26
operating budget at third quarter.
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 9939-26 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Teixeira Adopt Ordinance 9939-26 on second reading
and amend the City's fiscal year 2025/26 operating budget at third
quarter. The motion was duly seconded and carried by the following
vote:
Ayes: 5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Cotton, Councilmember Allbritton,
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City of Clearwater
City Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2026
Councilmember Teixeira and Councilmember Mannino
8.4 Adopt Ordinance 9940-26 on second reading and amend the City's fiscal year 2025/26
capital improvement budget at third quarter.
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 9940-26 was presented and read by title only.
Councilmember Allbritton moved to adopt Ordinance 9940-26 on
second reading and amend the City's fiscal year 2025/26 capital
improvement budget at third quarter. The motion was duly seconded
and carried by the following vote:
Ayes:5 - Mayor Rector, Vice Mayor Cotton, Councilmember Allbritton,
Councilmember Teixeira and Councilmember Mannino
9. Citizens to be Heard on topics pertaining to city business but not on the agenda.
Melissa Stamos requested that pursuit of The Landings project be
slowed down as the Review Committee raised serious concerns that need
to be addressed.
Beth Davis opposed The Landings project and questioned who would
pay for cleaning up the contaminated lands.
Christine O'Leary opposed The Landings project.
Charles Klischer expressed concerns with the use of medical devices
violating privacy laws.
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City of Clearwater
City Council
10. City Manager Reports
Meeting Minutes October 1, 2026
The City Manager recognized Arnie Retzer and Mike Wnuk with Public
Utilities who were working in the field and heard screaming, they found a
woman had fallen in her home and they called 911. They also discovered
the woman had a leak and called a plumber to come out and fix it.
11. City Attorney Reports
12. Closing comments by Councilmembers (limited to 3 minutes)
Councilmember Teixeira reviewed recent and upcoming events.
Vice Mayor Cotton and Councilmember Mannino thanked all who
attended and participated this evening.
13. Closing Comments by Mayor
14. Adjourn
Attest
The Mayor said the Clearwater Police Department is the best in the country
and he thanked staff for all their hard work. He encouraged all to root for the
Phillies and the Rays in the playoffs.
The meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Mayor
City of Clearwater
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City of Clearwater