Agency.

And we'll recess for just two or three minutes while we switch out some things here and get ready for the work session.

This time I'll call call to order the November seventeenth, twenty twenty-five work session of the Clearwater City Council.

This time we'll move to item two on the agenda, and that's our October service awards.

So first I'd like to call forward Chris Malone from the public works department.

Hello, sir.

A Clearwater resident since nineteen seventy-one.

Chris long aspired to get back to the community that shaped him.

From St.

Pete College, he received his associates of arts and associates of science degrees in an area of study, geographic technology, geographic communications, architecture, sustainability management, and business management with a Bachelor of Arts and Science and Management Organizational Leadership.

That's a lot.

That is a lot.

Chris began his career with the city on October 17th of 2005 as a survey assistant one, where he played a key role in implementing trilateralization GPS technology.

I apologize if I did not say that right.

Collecting data from all 156 benchmarks citywide.

His professionalism and technical aptitude quickly led to a series of well-earned promotions across departments.

In May of 2006, he was promoted to development review technician in planning and development.

In August of 2006, Chris was promoted to traffic engineering assistant in the engineering department, traffic division, and served as the primary permit preparer for five years of the city's Ironman events.

In 2009, he hand-drawn detailed map of Clearwater Beach, became a permanent artwork posted on the Marina kiosk and was featured in the City Communications Net newsletter.

From July of 2010 until today, Chris has been working in the Geographic Technology Division of Public Works and Engineering, where he went through a series of promotions from drafting and mapping technician, CAD and GIS technician too, to senior CAD and GIS technician.

In December 2024, he took an additional responsibility as a lead worker of CAD and GIS Technicians Group.

As an essential working during COVID-19, Chris led his GIS team while also supporting engineering permit reviews.

For many years, he has become a public records research specialist and an archivist of city projects and plans set for engineering.

Beyond his technical impact, Chris has played a central role in boasting employee morale, organizing every employee appreciation luncheon for engineering and public works.

His recent leadership shined as lead move clear coordinator for the MSB renovations project and was recognized in June of 2025 as a citywide employee of the month for beyond the expectations of his role, demonstrating remarkable initiative and commitment.

Recently, retired construction manager, division manager and landscape architect Tim Kurtz once said, Chris always goes the extra mile to present his findings in a clear and concise manner.

There are many times that Chris has saved the day by finding the one document that clarified the issue.

Chris's dedication, skill, and positive spirit have made a lasting impact on the City of Clearwater and all who work with him.

Please congratulate Chris for 20 years of outstanding service.

We look forward to celebrating many more achievements in years to come.

Chris, you make Clearwater thrive.

Thank you so much for having me of you.

Thanks.

Thanks, Joel.

Thank you for his pressure.

Thank you.

Good night.

So Assistant City Manager Bao, you may want to get the city manager water or gator, because she's got eight of these for you today.

I do.

She may want to keep her away.

She's got a ways to go.

Today we proudly celebrate and honor Cliff Patterson for 20 years of service in the field of aquatics with the city of Clearwater.

For two decades, Cliff has dedicated his career to providing safe, high-quality aquatic programs that have touched the lives of countless community members.

From the very beginning of his career, Cliff has been a trusted leader, mentor, and role model.

Through teaching hundreds of children to swim, coaching summer pool team programs, and mentoring new staff, Cliff has not only helped individuals gain vital water safety skills, but also inspired future aquatics professionals.

Many of those he guided credit Cliff with sparking their passion for serving others.

Beyond his visible role on the pool deck, Cliff has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of Clearwater's aquatic facilities.

Whether maintaining rigorous safety standards, improving operational efficiency, or adapting programs to meet the evolving needs of the community, his contributions have been essential in keeping our aquatics program strong, relevant, and impactful.

Reaching 20 years in any profession is a noteworthy achievement.

Reaching 20 years in aquatics, where responsibility for safety, education, and community engagement is so critical, is a remarkable achievement and is worthy of recognition.

On behalf of the City of Clearwater, we extend our deepest gratitude to Cliff for his commitment, professionalism, and unwavering dedication.

His work is reflection of our city's values, demonstrating how high performing government and superior public service come to life through actions of dedicated employees.

Cliff's legacy is seen not only in safer swimmers and stronger programs, but also in the community he has helped build.

We look forward to the continued impact he will make in the years ahead.

Cliff, thank you for your unwaving, unwavering commitment to the city of Clearwater.

You make Clearwater thrive.

Thank you, Cliff.

All day.

Thank you, Cliff.

Appreciate you.

Next we'll move on to three employees who are celebrating 25 years with the City of Clearwater.

This time I'd like to call forward Kevin Klein from our Clearwater Police Department.

Sergeant Kevin Klein began his career with the Clearwater Police Department on October 9th, of 2000 as a communications operator.

On January 10th, 2004, he transitioned to the role of police officer.

Throughout his career, he has served in a wide range of vital assignments, including honor guard team leader, traffic homicide investigator, where he conducted complex crash investigations and advanced roadway safety, and field training officer mentoring new recruits.

Today he serves as the administrative sergeant assigned to the patrol major, a key leadership role that supposed supports both daily operations and the long-term readiness of the department's largest division.

Sergeant Klein's dedication has been recognized with numerous awards.

In 2012, he earned the Medal of Distinguished Service for his compassion and bravery in assisting a child in distress.

In 2024, he received both the Medal of Materials Service and the Cornelius Award, the department's highest honor for his outstanding work in a kidnapping case that led to the safe recovery of the young victim.

He is also a three-time recipient of the Chiefs Unit Citation.

For 25 years, Sergeant Klein has embodied professionalism, dedication, and deep commitment to the safety of Clearwater.

We're grateful for his service and leadership, which exemplifies Superior Public Service and reflects the very best of a high-performing government.

Thank you, Sergeant Klein, for what you do for our city, our citizens, and our team.

You make Clearwater thrive.

Thank you, Call of your Congratulations.

Next, I'd like to call forward Lynn Sean Price from the Clearwater Police Department.

Sergeant Price began her career with the Clearwater Police Department on October 9th, 2000 as a patrol officer.

Throughout her career, Sergeant Price has taken on a wide range of assignments, from officer-friendly to detective in the bison narcotics unit.

In 2007, she accepted what would become her most rewarding roles, serving as the school resource officer for Oak Grove Middle School.

For more than a decade, she acted as the trusted liaison among school officials, parents, and law enforcement.

Whether leading a campaign to prevent to provide lights for students' bicycles or sponsoring a mentorship group for young women, she made a lasting impression by being a role moder for her students to look up to.

Her dedication was recognized in 2017 when she was named the Pinells County School's Resource Officer of the Year.

Colleagues described her as wonderful, effective, and tough but fair.

Her commitment to service has also been recognized on other occasions.

She has received two Chiefs unit citations and two letters of commodation, one for her work in the officer friendly program, and another for her efforts in helping close a well-known nuisance property within the city.

At the City of Clearwater, we recognize the milestones like this reflect more than years of service.

They highlight the values of high performing and superior public service.

Sergeant Price's career demonstrates the commitment, integrity, and excellence that help our organization deliver meaningful results and foster trust within the community.

Sergeant Price has consistently embodied the highest standards of law enforcement and community service.

We thank her for her 25 years of dedicated service to the safety and well-being of Clearwater.

Sergeant Price, you make Clearwater thrive.

I'm doing all right.

I think I've got it.

Next, I'll let call forward Mark Roberson from the Parks and Recreation Department.

Mark began his career with the City of Clearwater as a seasonal pool guard at Holt Pool in the summer of 1999.

And has been in or around Clearwater Pools for the past 25 years.

Mark became a full-time aquatics leader in 2000 and was then promoted to an aquatic programmer in 2002.

He was once again promoted, this time to an aquatic supervisor in 2006.

Mark has spent most of his career overseeing aquatic programs at the Long Center, but he is our go-to guy when it comes to making sure all city pools and splash pads function properly.

Although Mark's knowledge of aquatics maintenance is outstanding, his superpower lies in his ability to teach and mentor others.

Over the years, Mark has taught thousands of children life-saving skills one stroke at a time.

Mark is more than willing to share his knowledge by teaching staff in everything from CPR to lifeguarding skills.

He is a certified Red Cross water safety instructor, aquatic facility operator, lifeguard trainer, and CPR first aid instructor, making him an invaluable leader in both safety and education.

Known for his outstanding work ethic, leading by example, and always having a positive can-do attitude.

Mark has received multiple recognition awards in his years with the city, many of which mention his willingness to help others and his ability to provide service with a smile.

His contributions to the city of Clearwater have not only enriched the community, but also safeguarded lives of countless residents and visitors, both in and out of the water.

Mark's dedication extends beyond aquatics.

His career reflects a deep commitment to high-performing government and superior public service.

Through his leadership, professionalism, and passion, Mark continues to embody the values that make Clearwater thriving and a safe community for all.

Thank you, Mark, for your continued and dedicated 25 years of service to the City of Clearwater.

You make Clearwater Thrive.

Thank you, Mark.

So that is our 25-year employees.

Next, we have one employee who has been with the City of Clearwater for 30 years.

Her outstanding customer service helped create a welcoming and resourceful library environment.

In 2007, Judy's strong work ethic earned her promotion to customer service representative and the gas department's distribution area.

She quickly adopted to the new role, managing her workload with professionalism and stepping in to assist the dispatch team when needed, showcasing her flexibility and teamwork.

Two years later, Judy advanced to the accounting technician, where her attention to detail and problem-solving skills stood out.

She managed third-party damage reports with the risk department to recover expenses and maintained the keep and cap report to ensure compliance with federal requirements.

Since 2016, Judy has served as a senior staff assistant, providing vital support to the director and assistant director.

Her organization, professionalism, and proactive approach keep the department running smoothly, and her eagerness to learn continues to make her an invaluable asset.

Throughout her career, Judy has exemplified dedication, reliability, and a genuine passion for serving others.

Beyond work, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and spending time with her eight grown children, bringing the same warth and care to her personal life that she shows in her career.

Judy's remarkable journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the city and its community.

She exemplifies the values of superior public service and contributes to a high-performing government through her dedication, professionalism, and consistent excellence.

We're proud to recognize her outstanding contributions of 30 years and can celebrate her continued success.

Congratulations.

Thank you, Jimmy.

Wonderful in the Alpha.

Thank you.

Oh, great.

What uh great dedication to not just the city as an employer, but to all of our citizens here in Clearwater, of these employees who've been with us for 20, 25 and 30 years.

We thank all of you for your dedication to the City of Clearwater and our citizens.

This time we'll go to the Employee of the Month Award for November of 2025.

This time I'd like to call forward Edwin Simeons from the parking enforcement department.

Maybe maybe he is not here today, so City Manager, would you go ahead and read his proud to recognize Edwin, a new member of the parking enforcement team as Clearwater's employee of the month for November for his heroic actions and exemplary service during his very first week on the job.

While taking a lunch break with his trainer, Joshua Sexton, Edwin noticed that Josh was choking and unable to breathe or speak.

Without hesitation, Edwin immediately assessed the situation and took decisive action, first attempting back blows to dislodge the obstruction.

When that did not work, he calmly and skillfully performed the Heimlich maneuver, successfully expelling the lodge food and saving Josh's life.

Thanks to Edwin's quick thinking, composure under pressure, and willingness to act, a life-threatening emergency was resolved before medical assistance was even needed.

His calm and competent response demonstrated not only courage and care for a teammate, but also the highest stand standards of teamwork, responsibility, and public service.

Edwin's actions are a shining example of what it means to deliver superior public service and to contribute to a high performing government, one where employees look out for one another and the community with professionalism and compassion.

Through his heroic response and dedication to others, Edwin truly helps make Clearwater thrive.

Please join us in congratulating Edwin, our November employee of the month for his remarkable actions and well-deserved recognition.

I'm sure Edmund's out there enforcing parking and even saving a few lives today, so he's not able to that we'll make sure Edwin gets his award.

Next move to the bi-monthly team award for November-December of 2025.

This time I call forward the PBI cleanup crew, specifically Paul Mack, Jordan Rich, Maurice Hunter, Sedwick Moore, Matthew Samuel, Bryce Talley, Severon Hips, Chancy Anderson, Joel Donegan, Timothy Palmaes, Thomas Lucas, Chris Beckham, Michael Morant, Jamie Gatewood, Sawyer Day, Mitch Arnold, Marquise Tabos, Michael Blake, Jeff Painham, Fred Coker, Eric Keels, Michael Dethrage, Timmy Benitez, and Jaws Glaze.

When the police department reported a large homeless encampment on the city park property along Enterprise Road, it quickly became clear that the situation would require a major coordinated effort.

Upon visiting the site, the extent of the camp was overwhelming.

Dense trees and brush, piles of debris, furniture, shopping carts, and personal belongings scattered throughout the area.

Without hesitation, Paul Mack and the PBI team stepped up to take charge of the challenge.

After the property was posted, the team mobilized an impressive operation involving 24 city employees and three volunteers.

Over several days, they worked tirelessly cleaning brush, hauling debris, and restoring the area.

In total, the cleanup required eight 20-yard roll-off dumpsters and the removal of 7.6 tons of debris.

This was no simple cleanup.

It involved navigating difficult terrain and addressing a situation that had developed over months, if not years.

Despite the demanding and unpleasant conditions, the team approached the task with professionalism, compassion, and determination.

As one of the code enforcement officers shared, people don't often realize the scope of what we do.

It's not just about enforcing codes or cutting grass.

It's about stepping up to handle tough, often unseen challenges that make our community safer and cleaner.

Thank you to the CBI cleanup crew's hard work, teamwork, and dedication.

The area has been fully restored.

Their efforts truly exemplify superior public service, the spirit of high performing government, and the commitment that helps make Clearwater thrive.

Thank you all.

Thank you so much.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

Thank you, congratulations.

Thank you so much.

Thank you for all the time.

Thank you so much.

Thanks.

Thank you, Speaker.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Yeah, no threats.

Thanks.

Thanks again.

I'm all right now.

Sit back.

You can always tell from a football game which players are playing the hardest, but the ones that have their uniforms are dirty, and these guys came in here straight from the field where they're getting dirty every day.

And uh it's so great uh to honor these folks.

Uh we have so many employees like them that are out there in the field, hot sun during the summer, working so hard, and and to uh see them and recognize today is really uh great for all of us.

So thank you for making sure they got over here today.

That will move to item 3.1 on the agenda.

Authorize to purchase order benchmark VA L L C subsurface utility services of Ashland, Virginia for gas leak surveys, corrosion inspections, and meter maintenance services.

Good afternoon, council.

My name is Alice Leon.

I'm the assistant director for CES Energy.

Uh this item here today is asking to authorize uh PO for um um benchmark services uh for leak and corrosion services.

Uh it's a code of requirement for us as a three-year contract in the annual amount to not exceed 230,000 dollars.

I'll take any questions.

Okay.

Any questions from the council?

Okay, do we have consent?

We have consent on 3.1.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Yeah.

Jet item 4.1.

Authorized the purchase order of sports services LLC of West Palm Beach Forward for cleaning and refurbishment of tennis and pickleball courts at three parks and rec facilities.

Good afternoon, Mayor Council, Matthew Anderson, Parks and Recreation Assistant Director.

The item before you is uh purchase order for court cleaning and resurfacing of three of our tennis court facilities.

Bay Park Sand Key, Coastal Ridge Park, and Morningside Rec are the three facilities that are slated this year for uh maintenance.

This contract will allow us to go through, resurface the courts, replace the nets, poles, and uh new tennis lines.

We'll we'll also be adding pickleball lines to portions of these tenant courts, tennis courts to allow for multi-racket sport play.

So I'll be glad to answer any questions at this time.

Any questions?

Councilman, thank you, Mayor.

Just for clarification, I know in the summary on the legislation text, it says um eight courts, um, but we're we're discussing three of them.

Is there a difference, sir?

Yeah, so the there's three facilities, eight total courts between those facilities.

Gotcha.

Thank you for that clarification.

Yes, and it's a piggyback, so um we're familiar with the company.

I guess we've used them before for courts.

Yes, sir.

We used them last year for similar maintenance.

Um we don't do a ton of courts at one time.

We do a small batch every year, but it falls on our maintenance cycle.

Umilizing a company like this to do this type of work prevents the need to replace a full court sooner, so it stretches the life of that existing court.

Okay.

Okay, any other questions?

If not, do we have consent?

Yep.

We have consent on 4.1.

Thank you.

Award construction contract to bandis construction company of the Nathan Florida for renovations and structural repairs for the aquatic facilities of North Greenwood Recreation Center.

Good afternoon.

Mayor Council, Matthew Anderson, Parks Rock Assistant Director.

The item before you is an award for construction contract to Bandy's construction.

We put out the North Greenwood Rec Center pool through the construction ITB process.

We had three respondents, only two of them were deemed responsive.

Uh Bandy's had the lowest, most responsible price of the respondent bidders.

Um this project's going to be very helpful for us.

That facility is over 20 years old and it needs a lot of different items, uh, either repaired or replaced, and this contract will allow us to do that.

Um I'd be glad to answer any questions at this time.

Just just for the public, because it's a big number.

And what's you said it's 20 years old, so we're I'm assuming it's worn out, but just describe to the public just the significant items that we're replacing or improving.

Absolutely.

So there's a large play feature in the kitty pool that will be removed and be replaced.

It's been refurbished yearly for the last 10 years.

New filters and pumps in the filter room, new surfacing inside of not just the large pool, but also the child pool upgrades to some of the drainage around the various deck.

I'm assuming improving the pumps could improve some improve our efficiency and maybe yield some cost savings over time too.

Yes, sir.

That's the intention.

This will also help us.

We've got some leaks in there that we've been addressing throughout the years.

We we have them leak this pool leak tested every year, and we have to go through and do repair.

So the the repair, this permanent repair will ultimately uh reduce our water usage by a pretty significant amount.

Yeah, it took a second when I looked at the number two, but this is over a 20-year-old pool, right?

Yes.

Yeah, it's the original pool when the recenter was built.

Oh, two, I think.

I believe so, yes.

Okay.

Okay.

Council Mayor McCartney.

Yeah, I know you guys do your due diligence, and you said that the two respondents weren't able to get back for whatever reason, but just to keep in our mind's eye that we're trying to get the best rate for taxpayers.

Absolutely.

Because yeah, that's a big number.

I understand it's a 20-year pool thing to get replaced, and we stay on top of it.

You guys do a really good job in Hartson Record.

I appreciate that.

Um is it anticipated once this reconstruction is done?

Will it be another 20 years?

Is that what we're anticipating, or hopefully longer?

Typically, with the maintenance that we do as far as um leak testing, repairs, refinishing of playground features.

Um I can't give you an exact date, but I would guess another large remodel like this is 15 to 20 years out.

Okay, perfect.

Thank you.

Absolutely.

Okay, anybody else?

Okay, do we have consent on 4.2?

Yeah, we have consent.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Gen item 5.1.

A private purchase order to Pinellas Regional Information Management Enterprise for the personnel and operating expense of Prime.

Afternoon, Mayor, Council, uh, Eric Gandhi, Chief of Police.

So this payment is the annual payment to Prime.

Uh, that's the um working group and board that is uh working alongside Hexagon for the implementation of a countywide dispatch system and records management system for all fire EMS and uh law enforcement.

There's been some delays in this project.

We've been before you before discussing those delays, and on October 15th, uh we had to make a payment for our uh legacy or existing CAD system and the amount of 246, 246,320.40 cents.

On that date, uh, when you gave the approval, I did indicate that we would be reimbursed through the prime consortium in that amount.

So today's item is a payment to Prime in the amount of 323, 323,537, and we are backing out the 246, they will be reimbursing us.

So that the net two prime is in the amount of 77,216.

I'd also like to mention that because of these delays, the prime board has had several um difficult conversations with the uh uh hexagon group, and as a result, we've tentatively agreed to some financial concessions, some uh timeline changes, as well as some potential liquidated damages should they continue to have delays.

Uh I can't speak to those again because they are uh tentative at this point, but it just demonstrates the complexity of the project and the seriousness uh with which all the uh entities on prime and uh directors are are approaching this.

I'll be glad to answer any questions.

Any questions from the council on this agenda item?

Yeah, I don't have any questions.

Uh more so just a comment.

Is there or should we um start talking to Prime for when Hexagon fails because let me just tell you it's failed every time that I've got on it from the FD side.

I'm not looking forward to this next uh I am looking forward to it.

We'll see where we go with it.

Um my hopes aren't that high, but uh, I do know that we have another big training coming.

Um but it looks like the the reimbursed costs are are out right now that we're having to spend some of our own money.

So I mean I know the county had great high hopes for this.

The sheriff did too.

Um, but maybe we should start trying to make sure we can count our cost savings elsewhere or see what we can do in the interim as the next progression of the system moves forward.

Sure.

We we've been having those conversations.

Uh we all recognize with these uh continuous delays that we may have to look at option B.

That's why the tentatively agreed upon contractual changes have a lot to do with holding them accountable and looking at at financial uh concessions, which which they've tentatively agreed to.

Um that doesn't deliver what we want, and it's the product.

Right.

But uh they're definitely prime.

The board is holding their feet to the fire in this project, and I think you'll have a date certain within the next six months or so where we know exactly where to stand.

All right, all this might appreciate you.

Thank you for staying on top of that, Chief.

Absolutely.

Okay, any other questions.

Do we have consent on agenda item 5.1?

Yes.

We have consent.

Okay.

A perfect acceptance of the Florida Department of Transportation speeding and aggressive driving 2026 grant award.

Mayor Council, Chief Gandhi.

Um of my biggest complaints, uh, and it has been this way for decades is aggressive driving and traffic and uh speeding.

It's consistent, it's constant, and despite I think we're gonna on pace to do 40,000 traffic stops this year.

We still have a need.

Uh FDOT has also recognized that need, and they've offered these grants.

Uh, Deputy Chief Wallach uh identified this one and pursued it, uh put a good package together.

And what this will allow us to do, and the challenge we have in patrol is generally those 40,000 stops outside of a specialty unit like the traffic team, it might be an officer going from one call to the next and they observe a violation, they make the stop, and then they're off to their next call.

This will allow us to have dedicated details, perhaps up on US 19, where we have someone running laser and three or four chase cars stacked up ready to apprehend the violators.

So it's it's definitely something that uh will be helpful to us, and it will um there's an education component which is kind of nice.

We can push stuff out on our social media, and there's public engagement.

Uh, my thought process there is to use our community meetings uh to push that information out uh at a variety of community meetings, particularly on the east side of town where we have lots of of these types of complaints.

So uh 75,000, we're here before you because there's an indemnification clause, as with all FDOT grants.

Be glad to answer any questions.

Okay.

Any questions on this agenda item?

If not, do we have consent?

Yes, we have consent on 5.2.

Thank you, Chief.

Agenda item 5.3.

Approve a five-year agreement with Axon Incorporated for Scottsdale, Arizona for the Axon Sky Hero drone packages.

Good afternoon, Mayor Council.

Lieutenant Justin Howard with the police department.

I'm here today seeking to replace existing equipment and accessories due to the equipment being at end of the life.

Uh, this equipment will be used both by the special weapons and tactics team as well as our patrol division.

Um this equipment consists of interior drones, robot, pole cameras, a full warranty for five years, as well as a built-in upgrade during the term.

Um this equipment will be utilized reactively in response to in-progress calls for service, search warrants, or SWAT call-outs.

This technology is critically important and allows officers to gather intelligence, it helps guide our decision making, and uh essentially increases opportunities for de-escalation, all without having to put officers in harm's way.

Um we are looking to uh continue to leverage this regular readily available technology uh to mitigate risk to the responding officers in the community.

Uh the total cost of this project is 96,760 and eighty cents, which will be spread out over five years.

Um happy to answer any questions.

Questions on this agenda.

Can you just describe the public how we've used drones in the past and just a couple of examples of and how it helps us specifically?

Sure, sure.

So we have um we we have uh a couple different types of drones that we use.

We have uh patrol level outside drones that'll help with like missing people, things like that.

Uh specifically for this one, it's the use of interior drones so they would fly through a house or a building.

Um I think a good example would be if we had uh if SWAT was called out for an armed barricade uh suspect in a house instead of sending officers in there, we would just utilize this interior drone to clear the structure.

Oh great.

Okay.

No questions.

Do we have consent?

Yeah, we have consent on three six point uh excuse me, five point three.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Agenda item six point one.

Thank you.

Good afternoon, Mayor and Council, Terra Kivit, City Engineer.

Uh, this amendment for just under $15,000 is to cover um PSTA's portion of um Duke Undergrounding, and this was a requirement, a more recent requirement due to some tweaking um requirements that CSX requested.

So, like the original in a local agreement, this is basically a pass-through cost.

PSTA will pay this, and then the City of Clearwater will pay um Duke.

Um I've got a quick update on um the Duke Undergrounding.

We expect to see some construction start on that pro on that work in early December.

There's been a lot of behind the scenes activity.

We just received some of our final easements.

Duke has called and locates and even done a deeper dive on more of a private locate, and the city continues to coordinate with all of the joint users, the private communication companies that are co-located on those polls to get design and costs for them.

We'll be bringing back another request for some funding of that early in the year.

Our original, the first time you approved this um project, you did um approve a million dollars, and right now we've spent just under 700,000, and that was our our cost directly to Duke.

Um, and then we're also coordinating with FDOT and Duke on some of the street lighting that may be affected.

So any questions.

Um, I have two.

One one is uh where well it starts at the new city hall and then goes south to Court Street, or is it starting the MSB building?

It does include the MSB block.

It actually starts at Cleveland and goes down to Court Street.

So it was four blocks where PSTA is paying um a quarter of that.

Okay.

And are we allocating more money to this here today?

Or are we just we're it's just we're agreeing to accept it on or pay it on behalf of PSTA and then they're going to reimburse us.

Exactly.

The latter.

So we're not agreeing to any more additional.

No, exactly.

So because this was CSX related right there at Franklin related to the PSTA's portion of the project, they are paying this.

Um, but I had talked to Jared about it, and he had said that it would be a good idea to bring it to council because it is truly an amendment to the interlocal agreement with PSTA.

Okay.

Any other questions?

If not, do we have consent?

Yeah, we have consent on 6.1.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Two nine six point two.

Approve an amendment to the interlocal agreement between Pinellas County City of Clearwater and other NPDES co-permit permittees for water quality monitoring.

Good afternoon, Sarah Kessler from the Public Works Department.

This amendment is for the dates only.

So it provides a five-year extension to the existing five-year agreement with Pinellas County for surface water monitoring.

So water quality monitoring is a requirement for the city's stormwater permit.

And Pinellas County does most of the monitoring throughout the county.

Um St.

Pete does their own, so we're just part of the North Pinellas part of it.

Um, and then we just pay a portion of the program cost, and it's based on percentage of our jurisdiction in that in Pinellas County.

So annually, the county will send us the water quality report, and then we will take out our little city portion of it and write an assessment of what a summary of their clear water waterways and include that in our stormwater permit.

Um our annual permit report, which is due in January.

Um, and so I'm happy to answer any questions about that.

Okay.

Any questions on this dude item?

Councilmember Cotton.

Yes, ma'am.

Do you know why St.

Pete does their own?

Uh St.

Pete has their own MS4 and PDS permit, and so they have slightly different parameters than the rest of the county has.

It's very similar, um, but the rest of the county is all on the county's permit, and so we all have the same requirements and the same things for monitoring, and so St.

Pete's is a little bit different.

Thank you.

Okay, do we have consent?

Yes.

Okay, we have consent on 6.2.

Thank you.

Award a construction contract for to gator grading and paving L L C upon Meadow, Florida for the 2025 street resurfacing project.

Good afternoon, Mayor and Council.

I'm Anna Holandis Petition Division Manager for Public Works.

We close on September 24th with greater grading pavement as the lowest, the most responsible bidder for the city's annual street resurfacing program.

Gator's asphalt pricing remain competitive.

The asphalt items that we use most frequently only increased four to seven uh percent over the last year and remain within the zero to five percent compared to Pinellas Counties.

Active contract pricing.

Even if continual inflation, the city has secured um asphalt pricing that are consistent with countywide benchmarks and allow us to continue delivering cost-effective resurfacing work.

The annual roadway resurfacing program preserves the pavement, prevents premature deterioration and maintains both the wearing surface and the roadway subsurface citywide.

Resurfacing priorities are based on pavement condition assessments, citizens' requests, and staff field observations, each verified and ranked by the transportation division and right-of-way staff.

Staff coordinates year-round with utilities to ensure needed repairs are completed before resurfacing, reducing the need for patches afterwards.

Major roads planned for resurfacing, include Island Way, when we're passage, Pierce Street, Park Street, and an additional quarter citywide.

Um neighborhoods and local roads include Woodgate 3, Clearwater Manor, Sunnydale, Tropic Hills, and this is a unit price contract not to exceed $3 million annually, and the city may extend the contract for up to three additional one-year terms throughout September of 2029.

I'd be happy to answer any questions.

Okay.

Any questions?

Um just for the public again.

Uh there's a great map attached to the uh agenda item that shows the areas they're going to be resurfaced.

Correct.

Um reminder of them and everybody that this is city streets, we resurfaced that the county have their own responsibility for their portions of it.

Yeah.

And and the island, the states folks will be happy to know that it marks on here, it's a time-sensitive priority uh site because they've gone through a lot of piping and construction out there, and it's uh it's pretty rough, so they'd be happy to see that as well.

So okay.

Do we have considered this agenda item?

Yes.

Okay, we have consent on six point three.

Three, yeah.

Lost my place there.

Thank you.

Yeah, agenda item 7.1.

Approve Pinellas County EMS ALS first responder agreement amendment number one between Pinellas County and the City of Clearwater.

Mr.

Mayor Council, good afternoon, Chad Tim and Fire Chief.

Uh this amendment um basically has three changes from the current agreement.

The first one is um an increase in cost and revenue generated from this um for personnel and operational costs.

That's about two percent increase from last year, totaling 183,223.

Um, also that creates or it adds language in the uh contract that allows the county to fund uh maintenance for our fire engines that are funded through the county to provide ALS coverage, and finally um there's language in there, it changes the process how our continuing medical education instructors are reimbursed through the county.

Um this has gone through legal, and I'm here if you have any questions.

Questions from the council councilmember Neto.

Chief, thank you.

Um, this issue is come up in the past, and there were some uh some sticking points on it that we had some issues with in the city and making sure we were properly reimbursed uh for work that our men and women were doing on behalf of the county, and I appreciate staff working hard to get those uh kind of ironed out.

I think we all know we're in a better place for the city of Clearwater and the taxpayers.

My question is seeing the two percent increase.

Was that throughout the whole county?

Um as far as municipal municipalities or just clear water, is it any different than like say St.

Pete?

Um I don't know what St.

Pete is off the top of my head, but generally speaking, with these contracts, you only go for an amendment if there's an increase of three percent or more.

Um we're a little different this year because we have the other ones, the maintenance for vehicles.

That's really why we're here.

Um, otherwise, we would not have to do an amendment.

Most fire agencies are going to their council to the commission to do amendments because their cost has increased more than three percent.

Yeah, and that's kind of where my questions were coming from with so much escalation of cost and maintenance and labor.

Um seemed pretty low when sorry.

That's based on our actual costs.

The reason we're coming in so low is because of the change we made to the pension plan.

The funding for the pension plan decreased our pension contribution significantly from the prior year.

Um that's negated much of the other cost increases and has driven us down to that two percent level.

You'll recall that was significant savings for the general fund.

Yeah, right.

Um, in the in the budget process, it's means we're getting less reimbursement because our pension expenses gone down.

Yeah, much.

Thank you for that.

Okay, that's more cotton.

You're done?

Yeah, chief.

How are you doing?

Good.

Uh, real quick question the contractor funded union units, engine 46, 47, and 48.

Um, for my colleagues here, those are ALS contractor funded.

That's correct, yes.

So, what that means is it's a paramedic that's uh advanced life support unit.

Um, has the county talked uh with us at all about those contractor funded units when we have to utilize our paramedic we're paying for to ride into the hospital with a BOS censoring it?

Typically about every February, the county asked if there were going to be any enhancement requests, and that's when the cities or or fire agencies come to the county with those requests.

Um I'm not aware that the the clear water fire and rescue was asked for that kind of funding, but um again, February will be here before we know it.

Oh, yeah, we should get them all funded too.

Okay, that'd be perfect right now.

See that increase.

Um I've definitely got uh more questions for you, but I'll have them offline, it's not pertaining directly to this.

But welcome.

I hope you're enjoying your your time here, and I look forward to where you take us.

I am thank you very much.

Appreciate it.

Anything else on this agenda item?

If not, do we have consent on certain point one?

We have consent.

Thank you, Chief.

Uh June item 8.1.

Approve amendments to the community development code updating the city's plating process to address statutory changes pursuant to Senate Bill 784.

Good afternoon, Lauren Matthew planning and development.

So my items will be a little bit longer this one, though, not quite as much as the next one.

So this past legislative session resulted in several statutory changes, which necessitated then amendments to our community development code to remain compliant with the statutes.

Ordinance 985625 addresses the city's plotting process, which uh the Senate bill required that final plating be moved to an administrative process.

The bill also establishes some basic parameters regarding noticing, which includes that the city must send written acknowledgement of receipt of a final plat application or of any plat application uh within seven business days.

The notice has to identify anything missing from the requirement and also um speak to the time frame in which it will be reviewed.

I'd like to just say that this is something that's pretty consistent with the completeness process that we already follow, at least for preliminary plats.

So we're not um making any substantive changes in terms of process.

Um for context, preliminary plats have been and will continue to be reviewed by the development review committee.

Um, when a preliminary plat is uh accompanied by a planning application that would otherwise require approval by the community development board, for example, if they're requesting flexibility to lot sizes, that planning application will still need to continue forward to the board for approval, and then we would be able to process the preliminary plat administratively.

Uh, planning and development, our staff has been working with the city surveyor to um establish how the process will work for final plates since it does normally come through you, and the city surveyor has always processed those.

So the way we see it is we'll continue to take them in the city surveyor.

We'll continue to review against the legislation governing final plats.

The development review committee, the applicable members will then will also review the application to ensure that it conforms with the preliminary plat that was already approved, and then the people who would sign it would be the city surveyor, and then the community development coordinator, which is the planning and development director.

This would be the change because normally the city manager signs on behalf of the council, but since these won't be brought forward to you anymore, that's the way the process would change.

The ordinance also includes a few minor changes that were um proposed by staff to offer some clarity into the minor lot line adjustments whenever we're already in a portion of the code.

If there are things that we'd like to bring forward, we try to do it at the same time.

So we just get some questions about it, and there were some tweaks that we can make to language that we think will make it easier for everyone to understand.

So in an effort to get this done by the end of this calendar year, this is being scheduled concurrently with the community development board.

So we'll be presenting it tomorrow for their review, and we'll bring forward their recommendation to the council on Thursday evening.

Okay, any questions?

Oops.

No.

Okay.

All right, thank you.

Approve amendments to the community development code updating certain development review processes and time frames to reflect current processes and address statutory changes pursued to Senate Bill 1080.

All right, good afternoon again, Lauren Matske planning and development.

This ordinance was a little lengthier and covered a few different topics.

So I'll walk through those, trying to strike the right balance of detail for you.

So this one addresses development time frames and includes again some additional staff recommendations for change.

I'll start with the process, the changes that are addressing the minimum standard development process.

This is an administrative review process that exists in the code.

These are summarized just for your if you're following along on page two of the staff report.

So when the community development code that we currently use was adopted in 1999, it established a streamlined process for review of this type of application.

These have very straightforward parameters for lot size and setbacks and certain uses, and they're called minimum standard uses.

So while we were in here amending, we thought it best to go ahead and update the code to really reflect the current practices, which have always been an even more streamlined approach for our customers.

Much of the ordinance though does address the changes in the development time frames from Senate Bill 81080, which was approved this year.

So but before getting into that, I just want to note that while there's changes to the time frames, um, it doesn't actually change really our internal processes.

So you know how to say this.

I think we say this on occasion, we're not the city, that's usually set the reason for some of these legislative changes.

We have a pretty streamlined process as is.

So the vast majority of our processes already comported with these changes in the statutes.

So the the bill prescribes certain notifications and time frames for review for new applications, including that the city must notify an applicant upon a receipt of a new application, and then identify any issues or things that are missing and give the applicant time to actually respond and bring it to completeness.

These are on page three of the staff report.

Again, those are things that we already did.

So the amendment is really codifying these exact time frames from the statute.

So that way, you know, there's no chance of us getting out of compliance with with the statutes later on for any reason.

So we're also recommending those changes to the number of days for certain decisions or actions to be made while we're at this.

Um you'll see that it's proposed that the time frame for the development review committee to make a determination of legal sufficiency, which is one of the steps that they make to be extended from 18 to 25 days.

This is because or the reason for this is because the clock for this determination starts when staff sends the letter back to the applicant saying your application is complete.

The math though really wasn't working because it assumes that we wouldn't send that letter until day seven, and thus 18 days later was in line with our development review committee meeting.

Um, in actuality, we like to send the letter as soon as we see that it's complete because we review the first day that it comes in.

And so the proposal just gives a little bit of cushion for the number of days in the month, or someone sending the letter one day sooner than the deadline to send it because we try not to wait till the deadline if we know something's ready to go.

So similarly, we're proposing to extend the time frame by when the community development board must be must take place from 33 days to 38 days.

And this is very similar.

It's all about when that clock starts and on some of the longer months, there was a chance that we were right at day 33, or when I was running all the math, maybe 34.

So just to make sure we're we're fully consistent with our own code, we're proposing that.

But we're not, you know, there's no intention of changing the date of the community development board meeting, which has historically always been the third Tuesday of every month.

The development review committee meeting is the first Thursday of every month.

So procedurally, no change, but in the code, some some little some cushion, I guess you could say.

So the next the previous there was some earlier legislation that established the maximum time frames for certain types of applications.

And um we've been um compliant with those, but since we're amending the code, we want to go ahead and work those in as well.

So it sets a standard for uh for a quasi-judicial hearing, which is one that which would be the zoning applications that go to the community development board.

They there has to be a decision made either to approve, approve with conditions, or deny an application within 180 days, and then for the non-quasi-judicial hearings, which for us would be our administrative processes, we have to do the same.

It's 120 days to approve, approve with conditions or deny.

So this codifies that from the statutes into our code.

That is also detailed on page three of the staff report.

So the last major grouping of uh proposed amendments are really the ad hoc changes that staff is proposing, and that's to enhance readability or bring consistency with current practices.

These are generally found on pages four and five of the staff report, and in lieu of a detailed explanation, I'll just go through a couple of quick bullets for you.

So there's some minor changes to the general procedures for development applications, including when an applicant can resubmit, because if they're denied for it being insufficient, meaning they they were just missing some pieces.

We didn't we recommend that they could come back and resubmit as soon as they have fixed what they needed to and want to reapply, as opposed to having them have to wait a little longer before they could reapply.

Um additionally, while it makes sense that you know, we kind of know what the the building official has per view over and what the community development coordinator has per view over.

We spell that out.

So the building official reviews against the Florida Building Code and the community development coordinator reviews against the community development code.

Yes, both CDCs.

And last, just incorporating a statement that says a denial must include citations on what formulated the basis of the denial, they're partially in the statutes, but also just good customer service.

So and then a few housekeeping items where language was needed in Article 4 to keep consistent with amendments that were um the other topics of amendments that have taken place, like when we moved affordable housing, those projects using the affordable housing density bonus to a level one approval.

There was a spot in here that we missed, so kind of just changing a few of the language pieces and carrying it over.

So general housekeeping again that we like to do if we're already in in a section of the code.

So similarly, we wanted to get this one done in this calendar year.

So this will be presented to the community development board tomorrow, and we will bring forward their recommendation on Thursday night.

Okay, okay.

Any questions?

Great.

Council Mr.

Alburn.

No questions really, just uh comment.

Um it's good that you're updating all those um, I guess the code you're actually codifying some of those things.

Uh, is it probably more advantageous for the community if they for projects um now that they have a little more time to actually see what project if they have a if they want to talk about it or so forth to come in to talk about it at the CDB.

I'm sorry, I'm not quite sure I followed the question.

In other words, if uh somebody comes in and with a project and um you said there was time added for public notice.

Was that right?

Oh, um the the time is the our code sets a maximum number of days from the time of um the development review committee determining an application is legally sufficient until the first community development board meeting.

So that's what we use.

So that's our time to write our staff reports and everything like that.

It keeps it keeps our process moving for the applicant, so they have a certainty, you know.

If if they're good here, this is by when their meeting will be.

Yes, okay.

I understand that.

So I mean, we would always recommend you know coming in for any of our pre-application processes if you you know if you have questions in advance.

I tell her by do a DRC before they're you know, yeah.

Our building plan review committee every Wednesday, free.

Come on in.

Yep.

Okay.

Vice Mayor.

It took me a couple of reads, I gotta have to be honest.

It's I had it was not sinking in, so I had to take a break and then start over again.

So everything clarified uh after a while.

But there was one thing that I just couldn't understand how the 33 to 38 days was going to align you with the calendar.

And so your explanation, thank you so much.

It all comes back to starting on the clock from when you send all the stuff.

So thank you for clarifying that.

That was the only outstanding question I had.

Okay.

Okay, Councilmember Manino.

Thank you, Mayor.

No question, just a comment.

Appreciate you and staff putting the time uh together.

Um streamlining these processes uh for the citizens and finding ways for us to operate more efficiently uh is a goal of all of ours, uh, and I appreciate that, so thank you.

Thank you.

If I can, can I give a thank you to Joel's team who helped me get the graphics put together very last minute so we could meet our deadlines?

Because I can't do the graphics work.

And I saw you could see on some of our old ones where maybe they just use white out and photocopied and reprinted them back in the day, so they look much more modern.

Yeah, thank you.

Thank you.

Okay, move to item 9.1.

Approve the 2026 city council meeting schedule.

Council members, I've included a draft uh proposed schedule for next next year, and that's based on council rule one where it says you will meet on the first and third Thursday of the month, except on January, July.

You will meet on the second Thursday only, and then in December, you will not meet on the third Thursday.

And so I'll go over some of the anomalies for the most part.

We didn't really have any anomalies according to council rule one as well.

If a holiday falls on a Monday, the work session is moved to Tuesday.

So you'll see that on the proposed schedule.

The conflicts that I do that we did identify were one um to accommodate the observance of Passover, the um which is being held, which is observed April 1 through April 9th.

I'm proposing we have a council meeting only on that Monday instead of a work session, just have a council meeting uh only on that on that day, no consent agenda.

And then to accommodate for Jazz holiday, and which is October 15th or the 18th, to move the Thursday, October 15 meeting to Wednesday, which is historically what council has done to uh accommodate that request.

Um and then the one that I'm seeking council uh consensus or direction is to accommodate some travel schedules among council.

Uh I'm proposing that we not hold a second council meeting in March, so cancel the March 16th and the Thursday, March 19th, which means that the first meeting in March will be a little heavy, but if you move it, then that kind of interferes with the beginning of Passover.

So that's one of the reasons why.

And then move the April 13th and the Thursday, April 16 meetings to April 20, so the following week, April 20th and April 23rd.

In addition, you will see that I have a proposed uh council meeting only for the budget, and right now that is for we're gonna go ahead and schedule it on that day for the second meeting.

Um the county has already identified their meeting schedule, but it's tentative, so in the event they change their their budget hearings.

Well, we may have to change ours because they we just happen to have we coincide our meeting schedules coincide too much.

Um so we're not gonna be able to do that, but we'll we'll keep an eye on that, and then um hold a special work session on Thursday, January 29th from 9 to 12, and that's our historic annual strategic session.

Okay, any discussion okay.

Everybody okay with moving um the April 13 16 meeting to April 20, the week of April 20, 23.

That's the only real change you requested, right?

Yes, yeah, yeah.

Okay, okay.

I'm gonna throw another one out there.

Um we could move that strategic planning meeting to either the 28th or the 30th.

Right now it's a Thursday.

We can move that to uh either the Wednesday or Friday, that'd be awesome.

Okay.

What day is that January 29th as a Thursday to the 29th?

Plus that affects anything.

I'll find out and see.

I I don't know if council wants to meet on a Friday, but so um I'll check and see if we can do Wednesday, January 28th, if that's what you're looking at.

Apologies.

Yeah, I'd like I'd like to move that to uh U.S.

conference mayors winter meeting is 29th and 30th.

Okay.

28th.

So the 28th, okay.

I'll I'll confirm with calendars, but then I have to say I accept an invitation from US conference mayors to the delegation trip to Israel.

Conference of Mayors to attend the delegation trip to Israel May 4th and 7th, so I will be out, but just anything you all want to approve without meeting.

And when you're out, sir, we'll make sure that there's nothing major.

You'll be aware, and the vice mayor will take over.

So you don't need to move it, but I'll be out for the I do have a question regarding the second meeting in March.

Uh is there consensus to not hold that meeting?

Okay.

I mean all right.

And just to confirm, Mayor, you said the conference of mayors that's on the 29th or the 28th.

Uh it's that Thursday, Friday.

Usually, Friday, so Wednesday the 28th.

So Wednesday would be fine from there.

All right.

Okay.

And then which one were did you just say we're moving the um the March meeting?

We're moving so the March meeting, we're just gonna have the first meeting in March and cancel the second meeting.

Yeah, okay.

Yeah.

Okay.

Good.

May I place it on consent with those changes if there are no issues with the January 28th.

Okay.

You're not on.

Sorry.

I'm fine.

Sure.

Okay.

Okay.

Just struggling with the mic.

Okay.

Okay.

All right.

Done there.

Thank you.

Yes.

Thank you.

Uh okay.

So we'll move to item 10.1.

Mayor uh 10.1 is uh mine.

Uh I know we've discussed this extensively through one-on-one meetings.

Um beyond what we've shared privately and beyond what's in the agenda item.

I don't plan on saying much unless council has questions for me.

This is the claims bill.

Okay.

Any questions?

Okay.

Not uh do we have consent?

Yeah, okay.

10 point two.

Mayor uh 10.2 and 10 point three are second readings.

Uh 10.3 includes the uh edits from the uh last council meeting.

Um other than that, they are unchanged.

Happy to answer any questions.

Any questions on 10 point two over 10 point three?

If not, we'll move to 11 agenda item 11, city manager verbal.

Nothing, sir.

Nothing right now, sir.

And item 13, new business.

Request by council members.

Hearing none, move to item 14, council comments.

None.

Okay.

Agenda item 15, closing comments by mayor.

I don't feel it'd be appropriate for me to give comments after nobody else did.

And appreciate staff wanting to uh move along.

So we'll move to item 16, and that is to adjourn the work session of Clearwater City Council for November 17, 2025.