Public Meetings - Clearwater, Florida

The Clearwater CRA met on March 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, a business spotlight presentation, and a downtown commercial grant for The District Bistro. The board approved an amended grant amount of $82,659.27, exceeding staff's original recommendation. Consent Calendar - ID26-0212: Approved the minutes of the February 17, 2026 CRA meeting unanimously. No discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No citizens appeared to speak on items not on the agenda. Discussion Items - March Business Spotlight – One Stoppe Shoppe (Item 4.1): Tasha Hatley, CRA Specialist, presented the award to One Stoppe Shoppe, a family-run retail store at 311 Cleveland Street established in 1989. Owners Lynn McPhothless and his wife Linda described their commitment to customer-driven inventory, support for local artists, and community involvement (e.g., downtown development board service, disaster relief donations, volunteer work). The store is open Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–9:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.–6 p.m., closed Christmas and Thanksgiving. The CRA produced a video highlighting the business. Board members congratulated the owners on their 35+ years of service and commitment to downtown. - Downtown Commercial Grant – The District Bistro (Item 4.2): Anne Lopez, CRA Assistant Director, presented a staff recommendation to approve a grant not to exceed $69,773.02 to Tatlici Food Inc. for The District Bistro at 412 Cleveland Street. The total project cost was $127,168.11; eligible costs were $107,343.11, requiring a 35% applicant match. The grant would reimburse for mechanical/electrical upgrades, interior improvements, security, and equipment. Owners Summer and Kevin spoke, noting they had previously received a grant for Olive & Time (now sold) and requested inclusion of additional equipment (beer cooler/line repairs) exceeding the $5,000 cap for restaurant equipment repairs, raising the total eligible cost to $127,168.11. Councilman Albert moved to approve the grant at $82,659.27 (65% of total project cost), seconded and passed unanimously. The board praised the owners for revitalizing the previously vacant space and contributing to downtown's energy. - Director's Report (Item 5.1): Executive Director Susanino presented the written report; no questions were raised. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of February 17, 2026 (unanimous). - Recognized One Stoppe Shoppe as March 2026 Business Spotlight. - Approved downtown commercial grant to Tatlici Food Inc. for The District Bistro in the amount of $82,659.27 (amended from staff recommendation of $69,773.02). Motion carried unanimously. - Meeting adjourned.

The Municipal Code Enforcement Board met on February 25, 2026, at 1:30 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The board considered a fine reduction request, approved minutes, and heard several new business cases, old business affidavits, and nuisance abatement lien filings. A total of 16 new business items were on the agenda, with several withdrawn, continued, or resolved. Other Board Action - Case 16-24 (Fine Reduction Request): Petitioner Resi Prestige Worldwide LLC requested reduction of liens on an abandoned building at 910 Engman St. The property had been accruing liens for approximately two years. A representative from Habitat for Humanity (Caesar Figaro) stated the property is under contract for sale to Habitat for Humanity, with closing set for March 13, 2026. The city supported the reduction. The board approved reducing the lien to administrative costs of $1,027.20, payable within 30 days, or the lien would revert to its original amount. Motion passed unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board approved the minutes of the January 28, 2026 meeting as submitted. Motion passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered outside of specific cases. Discussion Items New Business (Cases 3.1–3.16) - 3.1 – Case 190-25 (Permits): Respondent Marco Victorino & Wei-Ween Yang Victorino at 1768 Bentley St. Inspector Reese noted a permit violation for paver installation. Multiple notices sent since December 2022. Respondent attempted to get a permit but needs a variance. Board found violation and ordered compliance by April 25, 2026 to obtain a permit, with three months from issuance to complete work. Fine of $150/day if non-compliant. - 3.2 & 3.3: Withdrawn. - 3.4 – Case 01-26 (Portable Storage Unit): Continued to March 25, 2026. - 3.5 – Case 23-26 (Exterior Surfaces): Inspector requested continuance; respondent wanted to attend. Board continued to March 25, 2026. - 3.6 – Case 24-26 (Abandoned Building): Continued to March 25, 2026. - 3.7 – Case 25-26 (Prohibited Signage): Inspector reported compliance. Board declared violation corrected prior to hearing, no fine imposed, but warned of up to $500/day for repeat violations. - 3.8 – Case 26-26 (Permits): Respondent City Square LLC admitted violation for unpermitted bar and humidor at 522 Cleveland St. Tenant (Mr. Pellow) disputed details but agreed to comply. Board set deadline: obtain permit by March 25, 2026, complete within six months, with $150/day fine. - 3.9 – Case 27-26 (Permits): Respondent Proactive Property Management at 2801 Brigadoon Dr. for unpermitted pavers on common area. Inspector Reese gave overview of Brigadoon issues (69 successful permits, HOA involvement). Board found violation and set compliance: obtain permit by March 25, 2026, complete within six months, $150/day fine. - 3.10 – Case 28-26 (Permits): Similar violation at 3404 Brigadoon Dr. Same compliance order. - 3.11 – Case 29-26 (Permits): Continued to March 25, 2026. - 3.12 – Case 30-26: Withdrawn. - 3.13 – Case 31-26 (Permits): Continued to March 25, 2026. - 3.14 – Case 32-26 (Permits): Respondent Brendan Ryan-Buchanan at 4302 Brigadoon Cir. for unpermitted patio enclosure. No communication since November. Board found violation and set same compliance: permit by March 25, 2026, complete within six months, $150/day fine. - 3.15 – Case 33-26 (Permits): Respondents Hanna Bachara & Madiha Ibrahin at 4004 Brigadoon Cir. for patio enclosure. No communication since September. Same compliance order. - 3.16 – Case 34-26 (Unsafe Building): Respondent William Black at 2390 Willow Tree Trail. The property suffered a fire in late 2023 and has boarded-up windows. Black admitted violation and presented an approved interior demolition permit. Discussion about progress and city's request for authority to demolish. The board continued the case for 30 days to March 25, 2026 to allow time for progress and for the city to review the new permit. Old Business – Affidavits of Compliance - The board accepted 12 affidavits of compliance (cases PNU2012-00570, PNU2015-01039, PNU2013-02216, 128-24, 92-25, 109-25, 152-25, 200-25, 07-26, 10-26, 38-26, 40-26) in one motion, indicating violations were resolved. Nuisance Abatement Lien Filings - 6.1 & 6.2: Withdrawn. - 6.3 – Case 68-26: Continued to March 25, 2026. - 6.4 – Case 69-26: Respondent Delbert & Mary Lou Baustert at 134 Brightwater Dr. for lot clearing (overgrowth, debris). Inspector Mattocks reported no compliance. Board ordered correction within 5 days of the order, with city authorized to abate and lien costs. - 6.5 – Case 70-26: Respondent Chandradat Ramnariain at 1475 Park St. for trash and debris (tires, chemicals, etc.). Inspector Sudduth reported no communication. Same order: compliance within 5 days, city may abate. - 6.6 – Case 71-26: Continued to March 25, 2026. Key Outcomes - Fine Reduction Approved: Case 16-24 fine reduced to $1,027.20 administrative costs, payable within 30 days. - Minutes Approved: January 28, 2026 meeting minutes accepted. - New Business Resolved: 4 cases resolved with compliance deadlines and fines (Cases 190-25, 26-26, 27-26, 28-26, 32-26, 33-26). Case 25-26 declared with no fine. Case 34-26 continued 30 days. - Affidavits Accepted: 12 compliance affidavits approved. - Nuisance Liens: 2 cases ordered (69-26, 70-26) with 5-day compliance and abatement authorization. 3 cases withdrawn or continued. - Continued to March 25, 2026: Cases 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.11, 3.13, 3.16, 6.3, 6.6.

The Community Development Board (CDB) met on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Clearwater Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order with an invocation, pledge of allegiance, and roll call. The board approved previous minutes and processed a consent agenda with three items. The Director's Report introduced a new staff member, and no public comments or board member matters were raised. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the January 20, 2026 CDB meeting were approved unanimously. - FLD2025-11028: Approval for microbreweries in the Commercial (C) District as a Comprehensive Infill Redevelopment Project at 1700 N. Fort Harrison Avenue, including flexibility for use and reduced interior landscaping and landscape buffers through a Comprehensive Landscape Program. Approved unanimously as a Level Two application. - CPA2025-10001: Comprehensive Plan amendments to establish a new Planned Redevelopment District (PRD) Overlay future land use category with associated bonuses and policies for a new North Greenwood Community Overlay District. Recommended for approval unanimously as a Level Three application. - LUP2025-11005: City-initiated amendment to the Future Land Use Map to apply the new PRD Overlay to the North Greenwood CRA boundary, excluding the Old Bay Character District of Downtown and properties designated as Water, Preservation, or Recreation/Open Space. Recommended for approval unanimously as a Level Three application. Director's Report - The Director introduced Marcy Stenmark as the new Long-Range Planning Manager. Ms. Stenmark, a certified planner with over 25 years of experience, previously served as Community Development Director for the City of Safety Harbor. She expressed enthusiasm for joining Clearwater and working with the board. Key Outcomes - All three consent agenda items were approved without objection or discussion. - No public comments were made on items not on the agenda. - No board members raised additional matters. - The meeting adjourned without further business.

The City Council met on February 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting began with an invocation by Pastor Steve Kreloff, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a proclamation for Youth Art Month. The council approved consent agenda items, discussed and approved three pulled consent items, approved several public hearings, and heard public comments on various topics. Proclamation - Youth Art Month (Item 4.1): Mayor Rector proclaimed March 2026 as Youth Art Month in Clearwater. Beth Daniels and Betsy Adler from the Clearwater Arts Alliance accepted, noting the return of the countywide K–8 juried art show to the Clearwater Library on March 3, 2026. Consent Calendar - Minutes (Item 5.1): Approved the minutes of the February 5, 2026, City Council meeting. - Consent Agenda Items 6.1, 6.5–6.13: Approved by a single motion after items 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4 were pulled for discussion. These included a developer agreement with JEN Tampa 14, LLC; purchase orders for Cues equipment, vehicle upfitting, audio/video equipment, Jolley Trolley spring break service, legal retainers (four cases), and authorization to initiate foreclosure actions. Discussion Items - Item 6.2 – Montclair Park Playground Equipment: Purchase order for $192,509.44 to Rep Services, Inc. for playground equipment. Public comment: Daniel Haluba questioned the cost, noting a similar expenditure at Merrymont Park, and raised concerns about a nonprofit sponsor being inactive. Council approved unanimously after no further discussion. - Item 6.3 – Sod for Hurricane Repair: Increase of $60,000 (to $360,000 total) for citywide sod needs due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Public comment: Haluba argued grass seed was cheaper and questioned the need. Mayor Rector defended the expense as necessary for maintaining Clearwater’s appearance and tourism reputation. Council approved unanimously. - Item 6.4 – Landscape Plant Materials: Purchase order up to $300,000 annually for three years with Wise Hands, LLC. Public comment: Haluba criticized the expense as unnecessary. Assistant Director Anderson explained the plant materials include ground covers, shrubs, trees, and palms. Councilmember Albretton praised recent landscaping work. Council approved unanimously. - Item 7.1 – Surplus Property Sale: Declared surplus and approved sale of unaddressed property at Palm Bluff and North Myrtle to Rosemary Cooper. Approved unanimously. - Item 7.2 – Annexation at 1604 Bonair Street: Approved annexation with Residential Low (RL) land use and Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) zoning. Three ordinances passed on first reading. - Item 7.3 – Annexation at 2941 Abbey Lake Road: Withdrawn by the property owner prior to consideration. - Items 7.4 and 7.5 – North Greenwood CRA Overlay: Continued to March 30, 2026. - Item 7.6 – FDOT Grant for Runway/Taxiway Markings: Approved joint participation agreement and Resolution 26-03. - Item 7.7 – Opposition to Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing: Adopted Resolution 26-05 opposing new leasing off Florida’s coast. Approved unanimously. - Item 7.8 – Old City Hall Site Conveyance: Adopted Resolution 26-06 reaffirming the site is unnecessary for public purposes and authorizing conveyance. Public comment: A speaker argued the free parking lot was needed for downtown vitality. Council approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Patrick Raftery (Countryside area): Urged balanced consideration of a development proposal for The Landings, emphasizing traffic, stormwater, energy use, loss of green space, and tree buffers. Requested resident involvement. - Daniel Haluba: Criticized restrictions on public comment, asserting that all speech at the podium is protected by the First Amendment. Recited “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” to illustrate his point. - William Johnson: Thanked council for restoring unified public comment. Suggested prioritizing maintenance of existing facilities over new ones, and shared photos of graffiti, dirty trash containers, and neglected restrooms on Clearwater Beach, indicating a decline in upkeep. Key Outcomes - All pulled consent items (6.2, 6.3, 6.4) were approved unanimously after discussion. - Annexation for 1604 Bonair Street approved; annexation for 2941 Abbey Lake Road withdrawn. - Resolutions 26-03 (FDOT grant), 26-05 (offshore drilling opposition), and 26-06 (Old City Hall conveyance) adopted. - North Greenwood overlay items continued to March 30, 2026. - No city manager or city attorney reports. - Closing comments: Councilmember Cotton had none; Councilmember Albretton welcomed the Philadelphia Phillies for spring training; Vice Mayor Techira highlighted the ESPN college softball tournament (2.5 million views), the successful Valentine’s concert, and the topping off ceremony for the new city hall; Mayor Rector thanked staff and volunteers and wished Councilmember Cotton a happy birthday. - Meeting adjourned.

The Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers, 100 N. Osceola Avenue, Clearwater, FL. The board unanimously approved the January 2026 meeting minutes and a first-quarter budget amendment, received a demonstration of the new Placer.ai foot-traffic analytics tool, and discussed downtown revitalization efforts and the executive director’s monthly report. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (ID26-0200): The minutes of the January 12, 2026 CRA meeting were approved unanimously as submitted. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke on items not on the agenda. Discussion Items - Legacy Business Spotlight (ID26-0135) – Direct Mail 2.0: The CRA recognized Direct Mail 2.0, a downtown marketing firm established in 2015 and headquartered at 600 Cleveland Street, as the February 2026 Legacy Business Spotlight. A video highlighting the company’s community involvement was shown; no action was taken. - First Quarter Budget Amendment (ID26-0142) – Resolution 26-01: CRA Assistant Director Ann Lopez presented the FY 2025-2026 first-quarter budget amendment, which reallocates existing funds (no new revenue) as follows: - $217,844.79 for continued engagement activities; - $500,000 for downtown commercial grants and demolition of 115 MLK; and - $200,000 for downtown infrastructure improvements. The board adopted Resolution 26-01 unanimously. - Downtown Revitalization (ID26-0143): Councilwoman Marie Manino highlighted positive construction momentum and downtown branding progress. Mayor reported strong attendance at the Market Marie event (parking lot full) and a Saturday concert, expressing hope that event traffic benefits local businesses. No formal action was taken. - Placer.ai Product Update (ID26-0144): CRA Executive Director Jesus described the city’s procurement and award of a $50,000 annual Placer.ai contract, with costs shared by CRA ($25,000), Parks & Recreation ($20,000), and Economic Development & Housing ($5,000). Parks & Recreation Senior Manager Chris Cook demonstrated the platform, showing foot-traffic data for the Market Marie event (January date): 12,000 unique visitors, average 73-minute stay, top festival in the area that day. Trustees asked about subscription terms and the definition of out-of-market visitors. Mayor noted the tool’s potential to distinguish event impacts on locals vs. tourists, aiding future funding decisions. The update was received; no vote required. Director’s Report (ID26-0165) – February 2026 Executive Director Susan Litto reported: - Downtown Activity: New business Gold Side Pizza (sub shop) opened at 530 Cleveland Street and is receiving positive feedback. - Clearwater Reimagined Library Cultural Destination Initiative: Staff has engaged 147+ organizations (e.g., Creative Pinellas, Florida Rama, Great Explorations, Museum of Science and Innovation). The timeline includes pre-marketing (Jan–Aug 2026), with a call for development concepts expected later in the year. Community outreach continues; next meeting on February 24, 2026 will feature the city engineer on downtown construction. Fairmont Properties’ Mr. Ruttenberg agreed to present in summer 2026. - Cleveland Street District Signs: New signage installed in the 400 and 500 blocks. - North Greenwood CRA: 52 residential grants have been issued since July 2024: 18 completed, 15 under construction, 6 under review, and 13 in early engagement. Commercial grants: 4 approved, 2 completed. - North Ford Elementary School Redevelopment: Orange shrink-wrap chosen to cover the structure; first site tour held January 16, 2026. Developer outreach focuses on historic preservation; a community advisory committee (CAC) meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 5:30–6:30 PM at North Greenwood Recreation Center. - Mini Container Village Business Showcase: Held February 16, 2026 (6:30–9:30 PM) at the Curtis Museum, in partnership with St. Pete College, Pinellas County SBDC, SCORE, and others. Director Litto served on the selection panel. - Vice Mayor thanked the city manager and staff for a recent brainstorming session, noting international interest (AI company from Japan, creative firm from London) and a willingness to remain involved. Key Outcomes - Unanimously approved the January 12, 2026 CRA meeting minutes. - Unanimously adopted Resolution 26-01, approving the Downtown CRA FY 2025-2026 first-quarter budget amendment reallocating $917,844.79. - Received and discussed the Placer.ai demonstration; no formal action taken. - Received the February 2026 Director’s Report; no formal action taken. - Adjourned.

The Clearwater City Council held a work session on February 17, 2026, at 1:30 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting began with service awards, fire oaths, and recognition of the 2025 Firefighter and Fire Medic of the Year. The council then proceeded through a lengthy agenda, approving most items on consent, with discussion on several items including a surplus property sale, sod increases, annexations, and legal matters. Key decisions included continuing two items to March 30, 2026, and approving a resolution opposing offshore oil and gas leasing. Presentations & Awards - February Service Awards: Timothy Chaplinski (30 years, Parks & Recreation), Greg (35 years, Stormwater), and Jeff Cater (Employee of the Month, Utility Customer Service) were recognized. - Fire Oaths: William Fisher was sworn in as Assistant Fire Marshal, and Scott Bavary as Fire Deputy Chief. - 2025 Firefighter & Fire Medic of the Year: Fire Medic Nolan Sloan and Firefighter Paramedic Jacob Williams were honored for their service and bravery. Consent Calendar The following items were approved unanimously on consent without discussion: - 4.1: Developer Agreement with JEN Tampa 14, LLC for gas system infrastructure. - 5.1: Purchase order to Rep Services, Inc. for playground equipment at Montclair Park ($192,509.44). - 5.2: Increase to existing sod purchase orders by $60,000 (total $360,000) due to hurricane damage. - 5.3: Purchase order to Wise Hands, LLC for landscape plant materials ($300,000/year, with renewal options). - 6.1: Purchase order to Elxsi dba Cues for a Ford F550 CCTV truck ($514,399.74). - 6.2: Funding revision and contract extension for vehicle upfitting services with Enforcement One ($2,300,000 total). - 7.1: Annexation of 1604 Bonair Street (Residential Low FLUM, Low Medium Density Residential zoning). - 7.2: Annexation of 2941 Abbey Lake Road (Residential Suburban FLUM, Low Density Residential zoning). - 8.1: Purchase order with APG Electric for AV and wireless equipment ($950,000). - 10.1: Funding agreement with PSTA for enhanced Jolley Trolley service during Spring Break ($154,325). - 11.1, 11.2, 11.3: Retainer agreements with Banker Lopez Gassler for three trip-and-fall cases. - 11.4: Retainer agreement with Bush Graziano Rice and Hearing for employment discrimination appeal and arbitration. - 11.5: Authorization to initiate foreclosure actions on five vacant/abandoned properties with outstanding municipal liens (totaling over $575,000 in fines). Discussion Items - 3.1 – Surplus Property Sale to Rosemary Cooper: Phil Kirkpatrick (Economic Development) presented the sale of a 0.02-acre uneconomic remainder at Palm Bluff and Myrtle Avenue for $8,748 (assessed value). The adjacent owner submitted the only offer. The council approved the sale after brief discussion. - 9.1 – FDOT Grant for Runway & Taxiway Markings: Aaron Brayley (Marine & Aviation) presented a $40,000 project with FDOT funding 80% ($32,000) and city 20% ($8,000). Councilmember Cotton commended the grant. The item was approved (not on consent). - 11.6 – Resolution Opposing Offshore Oil & Gas Leasing: Interim City Attorney Owen Cole presented the resolution, which was proposed by Councilmember Albright. The council approved it unanimously. - 11.7 – Bond Issuance Ordinance for Electric Distribution Assets: Cole requested a continuance to a date uncertain to review new information. The council agreed to continue. - 11.8 – Resolution for Old City Hall Site Conveyance: Jared Simpson (City Attorney) presented the resolution to authorize deed signing and release of mineral rights. The council approved it, noting the closing is expected on Friday, February 20, 2026. Key Outcomes - All consent items were approved unanimously. - Items 7.3 and 7.4 (North Greenwood Planned Redevelopment District overlay amendments) were continued to March 30, 2026, as per the agenda. - Item 11.7 was continued to a date uncertain. - Resolution 26-05 (opposing offshore oil and gas leasing) was adopted. - Resolution 26-06 (Old City Hall site conveyance) was adopted. - The council noted that the foreclosure actions on five properties (1915 McCumber, 1115 & 1113 LaSalle, 2387 Nash, 1234 Eldridge) are serious but necessary due to safety hazards and lack of owner response. The city will pursue recovery of liens and potential property acquisition. - Mayor shared positive remarks about USF President Moez Limayim's interest in Clearwater.

The Public Art and Design Board held a special meeting on February 12, 2026 at 4:00 PM in the City of Clearwater Main Library Council Chambers. The board reviewed several art projects, including the highly successful World's Largest Rubber Duck installation, selected a sculpture for City Hall, and discussed upcoming murals. Board member terms and leadership selection were also addressed. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved the October 9, 2025 meeting minutes. Discussion Items - World's Largest Rubber Duck Installation Recap: Amber Briggs, Arts and Cultural Affairs Manager, reported that the duck installation from January 9–26, 2026, drew over 21,000 unique visitors to Coachman Park and generated $23,000 in parking revenue (more than double the $10,000 from January 2025). A 5K race and Jeep time slot sales raised over $17,000. Downtown businesses reported revenue increases of 30–40%. Briggs noted the installation was deflated on some windy days but remained up for major events. Board members expressed strong support and suggested making it a recurring event. - City Hall Sculpture Selection: Staff conducted a poll of 34 city employees who ranked four design proposals. The winning design, "Ripple" by James Peterson, received 126 points. A contract has been issued, and installation is expected by October 26, 2026. - Marymont Park Restroom Building Mural: The mural by Laura Thomas was completed in December 2025 and received positive feedback. A community painting event will be held on February 14, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM for the blank side of the building. - North Greenwood Mural Festival Update: Due to fewer business applications than anticipated, the festival has been postponed to late March 2026. Four businesses have expressed interest, along with two or three city-owned locations. The board was invited to score artist applications to create an artist pool for this and future projects. - Selection of Chair and Vice Chair: Deferred because several board members' terms expire before the next meeting (April 9, 2026). Members were encouraged to reapply if interested. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of the October 2025 minutes. - City Hall sculpture design selected: "Ripple" by James Peterson. - Community mural painting event scheduled for February 14, 2026 at Marymont Park. - North Greenwood Mural Festival rescheduled for late March 2026. - Board leadership selection postponed until new members are confirmed.

The Clearwater City Council convened a special work session on February 9, 2026, from 9:00 AM at the Main Library Council Chambers in Clearwater, Florida. The session focused on reviewing the city's strategic plan, the long-term financial forecast for the General Fund and major utility funds, and strategies for budget planning.

The Clearwater City Council met on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers to discuss a range of routine and administrative items. The meeting included a proclamation, approval of minutes, a consent agenda with several items pulled for discussion, a public hearing to restore non-agenda public comment, and second readings of annexation and zoning ordinances. The council also honored outgoing City Attorney David Margolis. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (Item 5.1): The minutes of the January 15, 2026 City Council meeting were approved unanimously. - Consent Agenda Remaining Items: Items 6.1, 6.4, 6.5, 6.7, 6.9, and 6.11 were approved by a single motion. These included a land sale to Habitat for Humanity, a lift station construction contract, design services for a disinfection system, purchase of water meter parts, a stormwater grant agreement, a roadway transfer with Belleair, and an appointment to the North Greenwood CRA Citizens Advisory Committee. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 6.2 (Sponsorship Sales): A speaker (Mr. Haluba) opposed the agreement, calling it "misplaced priorities and government overreach" and arguing that parks and recreation should not seek private sponsorships. He criticized the inclusion of splash pads and called for the item to be voted down. - Item 6.3 (Security Services Contract): The same speaker expressed concern about outsourcing police duties to Sentry Event Services, arguing that the Clearwater Police should handle such work or that the county sheriff should be used instead. - Item 6.6 (Water/Reclaimed Water Contracts): Mr. Haluba criticized the reclaimed water fee as a tax, questioned the accounting, and argued against the city taking over the electric grid. - Item 6.8 (Stormwater Grant): The speaker questioned the effectiveness of the North Beach pump stations, suggested that the water would eventually be contaminated, and proposed a special assessment on North Beach residents instead of using state funds. - Item 6.10 (Solid Waste Camera System): Mr. Haluba called the $769,626 purchase a "waste of money," arguing that GPS and cameras on garbage trucks were unnecessary and that recycling is not truly separated. - Item 6.12 (Interim City Attorney): The speaker congratulated Owen Kohler but urged the council to enforce a residency requirement for the city attorney, stating that the requirement should not be dropped for expediency. - Item 7.1 (Restore Public Comment): A resident (Mr. Haluba) commended the council for restoring the opportunity for public comment on non-agenda items, noting that town hall meetings were not sufficient. He expressed hope that order and decorum would be maintained. Discussion Items - Item 4.1 (National 211 Day Proclamation): Mayor Bruce Rector presented a proclamation declaring February 11, 2026 as National 211 Day in Clearwater. Micki Thompson (CEO) and Sean Schrader (Board Member) of First Contact accepted and noted that 211 responded to over 62,000 calls, texts, emails, and online requests in 2025, and helped about 8,000 Clearwater residents in the past year. - Item 6.2 (Sponsorship Sales Agreement): Parks and Recreation Director Art Cater presented the item, explaining that it was part of ongoing efforts to create new revenue streams. He noted that only three responses were received for the RFP, and Instigo LLC was chosen for being local, lower cost, and a minority business. The agreement is $5,000/month retainer plus 12% of gross sales, with a nine-month performance check. The city can terminate at any time. After public comment, the council unanimously approved the motion. - Item 6.3 (Security Services Contract): Art Cater noted the item was discussed at a work session. After public comment, the council approved the increase and extension unanimously. - Item 6.6 (Water/Reclaimed Water Contracts): Interim Public Utilities Director Mike Flanning explained the multi-vendor contract for trenchless pipeline work and well maintenance, competitively bid at $9 million annually with renewal options. The council approved unanimously. - Item 6.8 (Stormwater Grant): Public Works Director Marcus Winson presented the $3 million state grant for Phase 1 of the North Beach Stormwater Improvements Project, with no local match required. The council approved unanimously. - Item 6.10 (Solid Waste Camera System): Solid Waste Director Kervin (name unclear) described the system as part of modernizing operations with cameras, GPS, and tablets to improve safety and service. Councilmember Cotton praised the solid waste staff for their dangerous work and welcomed technology to enhance safety. The council approved unanimously. - Item 6.12 (Interim City Attorney Appointment): The council appointed Owen Kohler as Interim City Attorney effective February 10, 2026. The item was discussed extensively at the prior work session. After public comment, the council approved unanimously. - Item 7.1 (Amend Council Rule 6): The council adopted Resolution 26-02 to temporarily restore public comment on matters not on the agenda. The resolution was discussed at the work session. After public comment, the council approved unanimously. - Second Readings (Items 8.1-8.6): All six ordinances were read and approved unanimously. These included annexations of two parcels (unaddressed property on S. McMullen Booth Road and 2265 N. McMullen Booth Road) and corresponding comprehensive plan and zoning map amendments (Residential Medium, Medium Density Residential, Residential Suburban, and Low Density Residential). Key Outcomes - Approved: All consent agenda items; the Instigo sponsorship agreement; the Sentry Event Services contract increase; the water/reclaimed water construction contracts; the FDEP stormwater grant; the Routeware solid waste system; the appointment of Owen Kohler as Interim City Attorney; and Resolution 26-02 restoring non-agenda public comment. - Adopted: Ordinances 9866-26 through 9871-26 on second reading, annexing two properties and setting land use and zoning. - Acknowledged: City Manager Jennifer Poyer reported on a two-day innovation training session with the Bloomberg Harvard team and a forthcoming strategic planning work session. - Farewell: Outgoing City Attorney David Margolis gave closing remarks, and council members expressed gratitude for his service on major projects like the Gotham contract and design services redesign. - Announcements: Councilmember Albrighton noted the upcoming Philadelphia Phillies spring training and the college softball tournaments (NFCA and ESPN Clearwater Invitational) in the coming weekends.