Public Meetings - Clearwater, Florida

Note: The agenda listed the meeting date as November 3, 2025; however, the provided meeting date is November 20, 2025. This summary uses the November 20 date as instructed. The Downtown Development Board (DDB) of Clearwater, Florida convened on November 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM (though the actual meeting time is unclear from the transcript) to approve prior meeting minutes, authorize funding for three new events and a financial statement, and receive a director’s report. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (ID25-1079 and ID25-1089): The board unanimously approved the minutes from the September 3, 2025, and September 17, 2025, DDB meetings. New Business Items - Friday Night Markets (ID25-1104): The board approved revised dates (January 9 – February 7, 2026, six consecutive Fridays, 6–9 PM) for a themed Friday Night Market series on Cleveland Street in partnership with St. Petersburg College (SPC). The not-to-exceed amount is $50,000. SPC representatives expressed excitement, noting it celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Clearwater campus and provides opportunities for student entrepreneurs. The motion passed unanimously. - World’s Largest Rubber Duck Exhibit (ID25-1112): The board approved $21,005 in DDB funding for the “World’s Largest Rubber Duck” exhibit at Coachman Park, January 10–26, 2026. The duck is 61 feet tall (approx. six stories) and will be accompanied by a series of events (e.g., Jeep photo opportunities, Market Marie, Duck-5K, National Rubber Duck Day celebration, movie in the park, and a Jeep invasion). Staff emphasized the event’s potential to draw visitors from neighboring counties and generate social media buzz. Board members praised the strategic planning and low marketing budget ($1,500, leveraging the city’s communications department). The motion passed unanimously. - Jingle Bell Family Fun Fest (ID25-1114): The board approved $12,900 in DDB funding for a new family holiday event at Coachman Park on December 20, 2025, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Expected attendance: 3,000. The organizer (Saucy Queen family) highlighted media coverage, holiday contests, and photo ops. In response to a board question, the organizer explained that the marketing budget of $9,000 was a high estimate and actual spending would likely be around $5,000, covering PR, ads, video, and drone footage. Board members noted the organizer’s previous success with Fall Y’All Festival. The motion passed unanimously. - Financial Statement (ID25-1122): The board approved the July–September 2025 financial statement for filing. Expenditures: July $15,482.98; August $20,989.58; September $72,787.96; unencumbered balance at fiscal year end: $216,109.71. Staff noted that final year-end close may require a future budget amendment to reallocate unspent funds. Director’s Report - Anne Lopez, CRA Assistant Director, presented the October 2025 Director’s Report, highlighting recent and upcoming events on Cleveland Street: - Gimmick Art Walk (Nov. 6, 6–9 PM, 400 block). - Clearwater Sister Cities celebration (Nov. 7, 6–8 PM, 400 block). - Cornhole tournaments (ongoing, in partnership with St. Pete Cornhole). - First Friday Lunchtime Market (Oct. 3): 150 attendees, 11 vendors, positive merchant feedback. Next market Nov. 7 with 15 vendors. - Salsa at the District (Dia de los Muertos party) well attended. - Outdoor Cafe Grant: 4 businesses applied since Oct. 1 (up to $8,000 reimbursement). - Cleveland Street Market updates: Several closures (Slow on the Go Cafe, Top Nosh/Tap House); new restaurant Saboroso expected; Flip Side Burger opening soon at Cleveland and Garden. Key Outcomes - All four new business items (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) were approved unanimously by voice vote. - The board directed staff to continue monitoring Cleveland Street vacancies and report back. - No public comments were made. - Meeting adjourned after the director’s report.

The Clearwater City Council met on November 20, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting included service awards, approval of routine consent items, public hearings on code amendments, a second reading of sewer rate adjustments, and a contentious discussion regarding a councilmember's letter to the Florida Attorney General about the Garden Avenue property dispute with the Church of Scientology. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the November 6, 2025 meeting. - Authorized purchase orders and contracts for gas leak surveys, tennis/pickleball court refurbishment, aquatic facility renovations, PRIME information management, FDOT speeding grant, Axon drone packages, undergrounding utility ILA with PSTA, water quality monitoring ILA, street resurfacing, EMS agreement, 2026 council meeting schedule, and legal representation. (Items 6.1-6.3, 6.8-6.10, 6.12 were approved without discussion.) - Items 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, and 6.11 were pulled for individual discussion and later approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Speaker on 6.4 (PRIME agreement): Criticized the agreement, stating it is meaningless because Pinellas County Sheriff's Office handles all 911 dispatch, and alleged Clearwater Police corruption. Urged a no vote. - Speaker on 6.5 (FDOT speeding grant): Argued traffic enforcement is sloppy and discretionary, citing past incidents. Claimed no safeguards against misuse. Urged a no vote. - Speaker on 6.6 (Axon drone package): Opposed surveillance equipment, stating it is "wrongful mass surveillance" and violates free speech. Urged a no vote. - Bill Joneson on 6.7 (PSTA ILA): Requested a pause to underground all power lines along Myrtle Avenue between Chestnut and Cleveland, using CRA funds, to set a higher standard for downtown development. - Speaker on 6.11 (2026 meeting schedule): Criticized the lack of public comment periods on the schedule and suppression of free speech, referencing past town hall disruptions. - Speaker on 8.1 (sewer rate adjustment): Expressed concern about the $6.01 increase, asking for a five-day grace period and automatic text notifications. Highlighted the impact on low-income residents, calculating $5 million+ per month from 70,000 households. - Mr. Haluva on 8.1: Criticized the sewer rate restructuring, reclaimed water availability fees, and recycling charges, calling Clearwater Utilities a "publicly operated criminal organization." Discussion Items - Service Awards (4.1): Lisa Perkins, 35-year employee at CGS Energy, was honored for her dedication and community service. - Civic Champion Award (4.2): Eleanor Lida received the award for her positive impact, volunteerism, and leadership in the East Gateway area. - Consent Agenda Pulled Items: - 6.4: Deputy Police Chief Michael Wallace explained the PRIME payment net of $77,216 after reimbursement. - 6.5: Deputy Chief Wallace described the $75,000 FDOT grant for overtime enforcement with an education component. - 6.6: Staff explained the Axon Sky Hero package replaces end-of-life equipment with a five-year warranty. - 6.7: Public Works Director Marcus Williams noted the PSTA amendment is a pass-through for CSX/Duke work. - 6.11: City Manager Jennifer Clark presented the 2026 schedule, removing the strategic planning session due to date conflicts; moved the April meeting to April 20 and 23. - Public Hearings: - 7.1 (Platting code amendments): Lauren Matske, Planning and Development, presented ordinance to move final plat approval from council to Community Development Coordinator, per SB 784. Unanimous recommendation from the Community Development Board. - 7.2 (Development review processes): Matske presented ordinance updating timeframes per SB 1080, including notification requirements, 120/180-day approval deadlines, and codifying existing practices. Unanimous board recommendation. - Second Readings: - 8.1 (Sewer rate adjustment): Council discussed the necessity of rate increases due to aging infrastructure and a $1 billion wastewater treatment plant consolidation project. Staff noted they are seeking grants and will adjust rates if projects are delayed. Councilmember Manino expressed sympathy for residents. City Manager Clark offered to follow up with the speaker on resources. - 8.2 (Advisory board restructuring): Passed without discussion. - City Attorney Reports: Councilmember David Albright disclosed he sent a letter to the Florida Attorney General requesting an opinion on whether the city owns the Garden Avenue right-of-way or if it is a platted right-of-way subject to vacation without fair market value, related to the Church of Scientology's application. Councilmembers criticized the lack of transparency and circumvention of the city attorney's 30-page memo. The city attorney stated he learned of the letter on Monday. Councilmember Cotton cited Florida Statute 16.01(3) allowing any municipal officer to request an opinion. Other councilmembers expressed disappointment, with Vice Mayor Teixeira calling it "knocking on the same door we all agreed to shut." Mayor Rector and Councilmember Cotton engaged in heated exchanges. Albright defended his right to seek personal clarification, stating he was not representing the city. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous. - The 2026 meeting schedule was approved without the strategic planning session; staff will bring back a date. - The sewer rate adjustment (Ordinance 9854-25) was adopted on second reading, increasing minimum monthly wastewater rates. - Two code amendments (Ordinances 9856-25 and 9857-25) were passed on first reading, updating platting and development review processes. - The Community Resiliency and Leisure Services Advisory Board and Sister Cities Advisory Board changes (Ordinance 9855-25) were adopted on second reading. - The council took no action on the Attorney General letter; it remains a personal request from Councilmember Albright.

The Municipal Code Enforcement Board of Clearwater, Florida, met on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 1:30 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The board considered multiple code violation cases, including short-term rentals, property maintenance, and nuisance abatement, along with lien release and reduction requests. Many cases were withdrawn or continued to future dates. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the October 22, 2025 meeting. - Accepted affidavits of compliance for 11 cases (cases 39-14, 199-19, 88-24, 53-25, 75-25, 114-25, 117-25, 121-25, 123-25, 124-25, 140-25). - Continued Case 52-25 (Gonzalo & Celina Diaz) to December 17, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - Case 125-25: Respondents Taigo Alencar and Storm Alencar admitted to a repeat short-term rental violation, citing financial hardship. They stated they changed the Airbnb listing to a 31-day minimum after being contacted by the city. - Case 147-25: Respondent Clemente Dezha Teran appeared but did not fully understand proceedings; the case was continued to December 17, 2025, with a certified interpreter. - Case 149-25: Respondent Sarah Butler denied the violation initially; her neighbor George Jokis explained she faced financial difficulties and had previously pressure-washed the home. Board granted an extended compliance deadline. - Case 150-25: Respondent Edmond Frechmann admitted violations and requested time due to the property's location near a creek causing mildew. - Case 151-25: Respondents Matthew and Lisa Di Roma admitted violations, presented evidence of paint purchase and contractor deposit, and requested an extension to February 1, 2026. - Case 152-25: Respondent Raphael Siero admitted violations, explaining he was not properly notified due to a mailbox issue. He requested a February 1, 2026 deadline. - Lien Release (5.1): Ryan Gallagher spoke about his purchase of a Largo property affected by a cross-encumbering code lien from Clearwater, requesting a partial release to allow sale. - Lien Reduction (5.2): Richard Vera from Genuine Investment Land Trust explained he foreclosed on 1803 Sunset Dr. and brought it into compliance; he requested a fine reduction. Discussion Items - Case 125-25 (917 Pinellas St.): Repeat violation for short-term rental. Inspector John Stephens recommended a $500 one-time fine (minimum for repeat). Board found respondent in violation and repeat violation, imposed $500 fine payable in 30 days, with lien if unpaid. - Case 142-25 (1844 Drew St.): Five violations (fences, exterior surfaces, roof, doors, storage) at Sugar Factory LLC. No respondent present. Inspector Daniel Kasman presented. Board found violation and ordered compliance by December 19, 2025, with a $150/day fine if not. - Case 148-25 (2655 Gulf to Bay Blvd.): Costco Wholesale – fence/wall violation near parking lot. Representative John Davidson admitted. Inspector Kevin Maddox presented. Compliance by December 19, 2025; $150/day fine. - Case 149-25 (204 Brigadoon Dr.): Exterior surfaces violation. Inspector Jared Daniels. Board extended compliance to February 1, 2026 (instead of Jan 1) with $150/day fine. - Case 150-25 (1103 Brigadoon Dr.): Exterior surfaces (storage resolved). Inspector Daniels. Compliance by January 1, 2026; $150/day fine. - Case 151-25 (1104 Brigadoon Dr.): Exterior surfaces. Inspector Daniels. Board extended compliance to February 1, 2026; $150/day fine. - Case 152-25 (1201 Brigadoon Dr.): Exterior surfaces and storage. Inspector Daniels. Board extended compliance to February 1, 2026; $150/day fine. - Case 159-25 (1600 N Myrtle Ave.): Landscape deficiency at Mack Ventures LLC. Inspector Robert Robicheau. Written statement from owner. Board set compliance by January 1, 2026; $150/day fine. - Lien Partial Release (5.1): For 207 Melody Lane, Largo. Board approved partial release of city's liens on that property, allowing Ryan Gallagher to sell. Three liens exist on 1234 Eldridge St. (Clearwater property); the release does not affect the Clearwater property foreclosure process. - Lien Reduction (5.2): For 1803 Sunset Dr. Board reduced the $130,800 lien to administrative costs of $1,448.20, payable in 30 days, with lien reversion if not paid. Key Outcomes - Case 125-25: Found in violation and repeat violation; fine of $500, payable within 30 days; lien if unpaid. - Case 142-25: Found in violation; compliance by December 19, 2025; $150/day per violation after. - Case 148-25: Found in violation; compliance by December 19, 2025; $150/day fine. - Case 149-25: Found in violation; compliance by February 1, 2026; $150/day fine. - Case 150-25: Found in violation; compliance by January 1, 2026; $150/day fine. - Case 151-25: Found in violation; compliance by February 1, 2026; $150/day fine. - Case 152-25: Found in violation; compliance by February 1, 2026; $150/day fine. - Case 159-25: Found in violation; compliance by January 1, 2026; $150/day fine. - Lien Release (5.1): Partial release granted for 207 Melody Lane, Largo. - Lien Reduction (5.2): Lien reduced to $1,448.20 (administrative costs), payable within 30 days. - Nuisance Abatement Cases (6.1-6.5): All found in violation; compliance within 5 days of board order; city authorized to abate and maintain if not, with costs becoming a lien. - Cases 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.9, 3.10, 3.21, and 4.2 were continued to future dates (Dec 17, 2025 or Jan 28, 2026). - Cases 3.1, 3.3, 3.7, 3.8, 3.16-3.20, 4.3 were withdrawn.

The Clearwater Community Development Board (CDB) met on November 18, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The board considered two amendments to the Community Development Code, including a consent item and a pulled item, and received a staff report. The meeting included an invocation, pledge of allegiance, approval of minutes, and adjournment. Consent Calendar - Item TA2025-09003: Amendments to the Community Development Code to update development review processes and timeframes pursuant to Senate Bill 1080 (2025). Approved unanimously via consent agenda motion. Discussion Items - TA2025‑09002: Amendments to the Community Development Code regarding platting process (SB 784) – Pulled from consent agenda by a board member for discussion. Staff (Lauren Matske) presented the ordinance, which codifies statutory changes requiring final plat approval to be an administrative process, streamlines preliminary plat review, and clarifies minor lot line adjustments. The ordinance was presented to City Council at a work session and received a 100% vote of support. Board member questions included: - Clarification that the ordinance's recitals refer to the CDB hearing itself. - Whether the platting changes affect the Gardner Street right-of-way vacation (staff confirmed no, as that is a separate process and no application is pending). - Definition of "community development coordinator" (the Planning and Development Director). - Projected timeline for plat processing (estimated 90 days, potentially shorter due to administrative approval). - Concern that removing preliminary plat approval from CDB hearings may reduce public input on unrelated issues. - Director's Report – Introduced Rebecca Mulder as the new Assistant Director for Planning and Development, highlighting her previous roles as Code Compliance Manager and experience in Colorado. Key Outcomes - Motion to recommend approval of TA2025‑09002 to City Council, based on the staff report and evidence presented. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. - Consent item TA2025‑09003 approved unanimously. - Meeting adjourned with board members wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving and holiday season.

The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) held its fourth and final meeting of 2025 on November 18, 2025, at 9:00 AM in the City of Clearwater Main Library Council Chambers. The committee approved the 2025 Local Housing Incentive Strategies (LHIS) Update, which will be forwarded to the City Council on December 4, 2025, and subsequently to the state of Florida. The meeting included a review of modifications to six recommendations and discussions on regional housing trends. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the October 28, 2025, AHAC meeting were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke on items not on the agenda. The public comment period was closed with no e-comments. Discussion Items - 2025 Local Housing Incentive Strategies Update: Amanda Warner of Wade Trim presented the final report. The committee reviewed the 11 required incentive areas and 5 optional areas, with 34 recommendations total. The committee continued 28 recommendations and modified six: 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 9.2, 13.1, and 16.1. - Recommendation 1.2: Revised to include single-family as well as multifamily affordable housing projects, with updated staff roles. - Recommendation 1.3: Timeline for preparing a list of potential mentors extended from 2025 to 2026. - Recommendation 1.5: Added accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to the types of plans that can be submitted for pre-screening. - Recommendation 9.2: Updated to reflect interdepartmental review between economic development/housing and planning, replacing the senior executive team. - Recommendation 13.1: Added "provide accessibility features" as a future criterion for density bonus considerations, while noting other aspirational standards. - Recommendation 16.1: Added a bullet point directing persons to the City of Clearwater's affordable housing web page. - Regional Trends Discussion: A committee member (elected member) shared three topics discussed in other regions: YIGBY (Yes In God's Backyard) as a tool potentially opening 30,000+ parcels statewide, ADUs, and senior housing as a growing gap. Staff noted that properties used for religious purposes are being evaluated under Live Local Act changes for future City Council consideration. - Land Use Inquiry: A committee member asked about the zoning classification of places of worship; staff responded that they are permitted in institutional districts, though many may predate current code. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve: Michelle Chenal moved to approve the 2025 LHIS report; Frank Cornier seconded. The motion passed unanimously with all in favor and none opposed. - Next Steps: The report will be presented to the City Council on December 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM. If approved, it will be submitted to the state of Florida to support the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program grant funding. The LHIS will later be incorporated into the Local Housing Assistance Plan in spring 2026.

The Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board (NAHAB) held a special meeting on November 18, 2025, at Clearwater Main Library Council Chambers. The board approved the October 14, 2025, meeting minutes, recommended opting out of the 80%-120% AMI Missing Middle Property Tax Exemption for 2026, and recommended City Council approval of the FY 2024-2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the October 14, 2025, NAHAB meeting. Discussion Items - Resolution 25-14 (Opt-Out of Live Local Act Exemption): Staff recommended opting out of the 80%-120% AMI Missing Middle Property Tax Exemption for calendar year 2026. Housing Manager Dylan Mayu explained that the most recent Shimberg Center report identified a surplus of 2,738 affordable and available rental units in the Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater MSA for households at 80%-120% of Area Median Income (AMI). He stated the exemption would not incentivize new construction but primarily benefit existing property owners, adding that the city opted out of the same exemption for 2025. Board members clarified the exemption applies only between 80%-120% AMI; units under 80% AMI remain automatically exempt and cannot be opted out. No developers had expressed a need for the exemption. - FY 2024-2025 CAPER: Housing Manager Dylan Mayu presented the CAPER, summarizing the use of federal funds (CDBG, HOME, and CDBG-CV) during fiscal year 24-25. He noted programs were paused for about three months due to hurricane recovery but reopened by January 1, 2025. Key accomplishments included: assisting 253 persons with housing services (combined SHIP, HOME, CDBG); constructing one rental unit; rehabbing one rental unit; constructing two homeowner units (goal seven); rehabbing 13 homeowner units; providing 18 down payment assistance loans; assisting 42 households with tenant-based rental assistance (goal 60); and funding homeownership counseling for 176 households. Public services and facilities expenditures totaled $1,043,672. The city provided $80,000 for technical assistance to micro businesses via Prospera and Upwards. HOME funds: $4,897,672 budgeted, $377,610 expended, with about $700,000 remaining and seven to eight projects in pre-development. SHIP funds: $1,898,317 available, $1,169,975 expended. Homeless services assisted 2,056 people using CDBG funds. No monitoring findings were reported. The report will undergo a 15-day public comment period before City Council approval on December 4, 2025, and final HUD submission by December 31, 2025. Key Outcomes - Resolution 25-14 (Opt-Out): The board voted unanimously to recommend City Council approve opting out of the 80%-120% AMI Missing Middle Property Tax Exemption for calendar year 2026. (Approximately 9:15-9:20 AM) - FY 2024-2025 CAPER: The board voted unanimously to recommend City Council approve the CAPER for submission to HUD. (Approximately 10:00 AM) Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke on items not on the agenda or on the agenda items. - No e-comments were received on either item. Board Members to be Heard - Board members thanked staff for their work and expressed appreciation for the accomplishments detailed in the CAPER. The meeting adjourned with a note of gratitude for the upcoming holiday. The next NAHAB meeting is scheduled for December 9, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers.

The Clearwater City Council held a work session on November 17, 2025, at 1:30 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting opened with service awards recognizing employees for 20, 25, and 30 years of service, as well as the November Employee of the Month and the Bi-Monthly Team Award. The council then considered a consent agenda of routine items and discussed several ordinances and the 2026 meeting schedule. All consent items were approved unanimously, and two ordinances were passed on first reading with community development board review pending. Presentations & Awards - October Service Awards: Chris Malone (Public Works) celebrated 20 years of service, recognized for his GIS work, employee morale efforts, and leadership during the MSB renovations. - November Service Awards: - Cliff Patterson (Aquatics) – 20 years, recognized for teaching swimming and mentoring staff. - Sergeant Kevin Klein (Police) – 25 years, recipient of the Medal of Distinguished Service and Cornelius Award. - Sergeant Lynn Sean Price (Police) – 25 years, former school resource officer, named Pinellas County School Resource Officer of the Year in 2017. - Mark Roberson (Parks & Recreation) – 25 years, aquatic supervisor and certified instructor. - Judy (last name not given) – 30 years, senior staff assistant in the Gas Department. - Employee of the Month (November 2025): Edwin Simeons (Parking Enforcement) – recognized for performing the Heimlich maneuver on his trainer during his first week on the job, saving his life. - Bi-Monthly Team Award (November-December 2025): PBI Cleanup Crew (24 employees and 3 volunteers) – recognized for cleaning a large homeless encampment on Enterprise Road, removing 7.6 tons of debris using eight 20-yard roll-off dumpsters. Consent Calendar All items listed below were approved by unanimous consent without discussion, unless noted otherwise. - 3.1 – Authorized a purchase order to Benchmark VA LLC for gas leak surveys, corrosion inspections, and meter maintenance services (annual not-to-exceed $230,000; one-year term with two renewal options). - 4.1 – Authorized a purchase order to Sport Surfaces, LLC for cleaning and refurbishment of tennis and pickleball courts at Morningside Recreation Center, Coachman Ridge Park, and Bay Park Sand Key (total $103,935; piggyback and non-competitive purchase). - 4.2 – Awarded a construction contract to Bandes Construction Company for renovations and structural repairs at the North Greenwood Recreation and Aquatic Center ($1,979,529.21; lowest responsive bidder). - 5.1 – Approved a purchase order to Pinellas Regional Information Management Enterprise (PRIME) for personnel and operating expenses ($323,537; net $77,216 after reimbursement of $246,320 for prior legacy CAD system payment). - 5.2 – Accepted FDOT Speeding and Aggressive Driving 2026 Grant ($75,000 for police overtime). - 5.3 – Approved a five-year agreement with Axon, Inc. for Sky Hero Drone Packages (drones, robots, pole cameras, warranty, training) totaling $96,760.80 (single source). - 6.1 – Approved First Amendment to the Clearwater Undergrounding of Electric Utilities Project Interlocal Agreement with PSTA (pass-through cost of $15,000 for CSX-related requirements). - 6.2 – Approved an amendment to the NPDES co-permittee interlocal agreement with Pinellas County for water quality monitoring (five-year extension). - 6.3 – Awarded a construction contract to Gator Grading and Paving LLC for the 2025 Street Resurfacing Project ($3,000,000 annual unit price; initial one-year term with three one-year renewal options). - 7.1 – Approved Pinellas County EMS ALS First Responder Agreement Amendment No. 1 (2% increase, $183,223; adds vehicle maintenance funding and revises personnel reimbursement process). - 10.1 – Approved legal representation agreement with Gray Robinson to defend claims bills relating to plaintiff Maximus Giannikos. Discussion Items - 8.1 – Platting Process Amendments (Ordinance 9856-25) – First reading of amendments to the Community Development Code updating the city’s platting process per Senate Bill 784 (2025). Changes move final plat approval to an administrative process (city surveyor and planning director), require written acknowledgment of receipt within 7 business days, and clarify minor lot line adjustments. Staff noted that preliminary plats will still be reviewed by the Development Review Committee (DRC) and any accompanying planning applications requiring community development board approval will continue to that board. The ordinance will be presented to the Community Development Board (CDB) on November 18 and brought back to council for second reading on November 20. - 8.2 – Development Review Process Amendments (Ordinance 9857-25) – First reading of amendments per Senate Bill 1080 (2025). Changes include codifying statutory timeframes for application completeness review, extending DRC legal sufficiency determination from 18 to 25 days, extending CDB hearing timeframe from 33 to 38 days (to align with calendar), setting maximum 180 days for quasi-judicial decisions and 120 days for administrative decisions, and adding staff-proposed readability and consistency edits (e.g., allowing immediate resubmission after incomplete application, denial citations). Staff confirmed no substantive change to actual meeting schedules. The ordinance will also go to CDB on November 18 and return for second reading on November 20. - 9.1 – 2026 City Council Meeting Schedule – Approved as amended. The proposed schedule follows Council Rule 1 (first and third Thursdays, except January/July second Thursday, no third Thursday in December). Adjustments made: cancelled the second meeting in March (March 19) per council consensus; moved the April 13 and 16 meetings to April 20 and 23 to accommodate travel; shifted the annual strategic session from January 29 (Thursday) to January 28 (Wednesday) to avoid conflict with the U.S. Conference of Mayors winter meeting. The mayor also noted a delegation trip to Israel May 4-7, with Vice Mayor presiding during that absence. - 10.2 – Second Reading: Ordinance 9854-25 – Adopted on second reading, adjusting minimum monthly wastewater collection (sewer) rates for customers with meters under one inch. - 10.3 – Second Reading: Ordinance 9855-25 – Adopted on second reading, amending the Clearwater Code of Ordinances by establishing Division 3 – Community Resiliency and Leisure Services Advisory Board and amending membership composition of the Sister Cities Advisory Board. Includes edits from the previous council meeting. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items were approved unanimously. - Ordinances 9856-25 and 9857-25 passed on first reading, with final adoption scheduled for November 20, 2025, after Community Development Board review. - Ordinances 9854-25 and 9855-25 were adopted on second reading. - The 2026 city council meeting schedule was approved with the amendments noted above. - The council received verbal reports from the city manager (none) and city attorney (none). No new business or council comments were raised. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 3:00 PM (approximate time based on transcript length).

The City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) met on November 17, 2025 to approve minutes, hear public comments, consider a downtown commercial grant, discuss downtown revitalization efforts, and receive the Director’s Report. The meeting began at 1:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Main Library. Public Comments & Testimony - Kelly Meyer, a Clearwater resident, asked the CRA to consider holding town hall meetings in 2026 and raised questions about redevelopment in downtown. - Erica Escamilla, representing Unimex and Lulac, requested three items: branded tables and chairs for El Mercado (a CRA market), a microgrant of $500–$1,000 to help vendors with expenses, and a grant for organizations like Unimex to assist non-English-speaking Hispanic business owners in applying for available resources. She described the vendors as lower-income families, including a single mother, a woman who lost her job, and a widow. Discussion Items - 4.1 – Downtown Commercial Grant for 45 Sports Bar & Lounge Staff presented a request for a grant not to exceed $122,438.25 to 45 Sports Bar & Lounge LLC at 1409 Cleveland Street. Total project cost $222,615; applicant provides 45% match ($100,176.75). Improvements include bar extension, floor repair, kitchen renovation, lighting/ductwork, painting, storefront glass replacement, and restroom upgrades. The business received a previous renovation grant of $19,450 in 2023. Staff verified costs via three quotes and contractor licenses. Council Member Albright confirmed it is a reimbursement grant. Questions addressed code compliance, cost verification, and contractor details. The business owner was present. Council approved the grant unanimously. - 4.2 – Downtown Revitalization Council members shared optimism about downtown progress, noting new signs and businesses opening. Council Member Manino reported walking downtown and seeing activity. The CRA Executive Director noted that 68% of ticket buyers at Ruth Eckerd Hall come from outside Pinellas County, indicating changing demographics. Council discussed the need to promote positive news and spread hope. No formal action was taken. Director’s Report - Grants: 66 grants are being processed across North Greenwood and Downtown CRA districts. Flyers in Spanish were distributed but ran out; new ones ordered. Staff reassessing outreach to small businesses. - Clearwater Gardens: Project complete (former motel redevelopment) with units filling; ribbon cutting pending. - Cleveland Street Market: Several businesses shutting down; staff working with property owner, economic development, and Pinellas County SBDC to assist. - Video Promotion Program: Popular program helping businesses create promotional videos. - Downtown Construction: Osceola Garage mobilized; other projects progressing. - Monthly Downtown Meetings: Evolved format; next meeting next week; attendance growing. - Activation: Cleveland Street District signs being installed; median lighting adjusted; kiosk maps updated; bike racks ordered. - North Greenwood: Community Advisory Committee interest increasing; two seats filled, one open. - Shipping Container Project (CULC): $36,000 issued for architectural services; community meeting with potential businesses and financial institutions held; St. Pete College class involved. - North Ford Elementary School: Staff presentation scheduled for City Council work session on December 1, 2025. - Property Disposition: MLK/Washington property appraised at $2,520,000; phase one environmental study clean; property to be put out for bids next month. Council discussed including the North Ward property in the county’s developer solicitation; staff will make county aware. - Council Comments: Members expressed disappointment about the Cleveland Street Market closure, citing location and lack of foot traffic. Suggestions included more events and marketing. Council urged continued celebration of new openings (e.g., Flipside Burger, Bistro) and called for a branding/marketing plan for downtown. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of the September 15, 2025 CRA meeting (unanimous). - Approved Downtown Commercial Grant for 45 Sports Bar & Lounge in the amount of $122,438.25 (unanimous). - Directed staff to make the county aware of the North Ward property as potential addition to the county’s developer solicitation. - No other formal votes were taken.

Date: November 13, 2025 | Time: 9:00 AM ET (14:00 UTC) | Location: Main Library Council Chambers, 100 N. Osceola Avenue, Clearwater, FL The Pension Advisory Committee convened on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 9:00 AM. The meeting covered approval of prior meeting minutes, a public comment period, and several pension-related recommendations including new hires, vesting, and regular pension requests. This summary is derived solely from the published agenda; no minutes or transcript of the proceedings are available, so specific discussions, speaker positions, motions, and vote outcomes are not documented. Call to Order and Approval of Minutes - The meeting was called to order. - The committee was asked to approve the minutes of the September 11, 2025, meeting as submitted via written summation (Agenda Item ID25-11172.1). Citizens to be Heard - Public comment was invited on items not on the agenda. New Business Items – Pension Recommendations - New Hires into Pension Plan (ID25-11184.1): The committee was asked to recommend approval of new hires for acceptance into the Employees’ Pension Plan. - Vesting Requests (ID25-11194.2): The committee considered requests from Michael Beaver (Police Department) and Andrew Sullivan (Fire Department) to vest their pensions as provided by Section 2.419 of the Employees’ Pension Plan. - Regular Pension Requests (ID25-11204.3): Requests for regular pensions under Sections 2.416 and 2.424 of the Employees’ Pension Plan were presented for nine employees: David Clark (Planning & Development), John Klinefelter (Fire Department), Gary Martinez (Police Department), Norton McGiffin (Public Works), Gabriel Parra (Economic Development & Housing), Marvin Pettingill (Fire Department), Terry Swarzell (Parks & Recreation), Anita “Lynn” Vincent (Finance Department), and Cheryl Wood (Police Department). Director's Report - A report from the Pension Director was scheduled. Board Members to be Heard - Committee members were given an opportunity to address matters not on the agenda. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned following completion of the agenda items. Note: Because minutes and a transcript are unavailable, this summary reflects only the planned agenda items and cannot report on actual discussions, votes, or other proceedings.