OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Clearwater City Council Regular Meeting - April 23, 2026

Clearwater Municipal Meetings — Thursday, April 23, 2026
BodyClearwater, Florida
SessionClearwater Municipal Meetings
DateThursday, April 23, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:16:02

Transcript — Verbatim
5:12

This time I'll call to order the April 23, 2026 meeting of the Clearwater City Council.

5:21

If you wish to address the council tonight, please come in a complete comment card.

5:27

Comment cards are located by the clerk seated to the right of the dais.

5:30

We call to speak, please hand your card to the clerk.

5:34

And when you uh we will begin your time running to present when you arrive at the podium tonight.

5:41

So not when you start speaking, but when you arrive at the podium, we'll start your three minutes.

5:46

With that, we'll move to item two on the agenda.

5:49

Please stand for the invitation tonight to be given by Father Bob Swick, who is the National Chaplain of the Red Star Foundation, and also is with Saint Francis of the CC Catholic Church.

6:04

Good evening.

6:06

Let us pray.

6:08

Heavenly Father, God of peace, we invite you to preside over this meeting.

6:14

May there be an embracing unity of spirit.

6:18

Help this good counsel to listen politely to others, share their points of view, always striving to serve the greater good.

6:26

And amid all the calamity, the conflict, and the confusion that screams for our leaders' attention, we pray our council members be filled with your spirit so they may serve with a very special love of community that includes measures of safety for all of its citizens and visitors.

6:46

Guide and inspire them, we pray, with words of St.

6:49

John the 23rd, in essential matters, let there be unity.

6:55

In non-essential matters, liberty, and in all matters, charity.

7:04

Amen.

7:06

Amen.

7:06

Thank you, Father Bob.

7:07

Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

7:10

I pledge allegiance.

7:18

One day under God for all.

7:51

Yes.

7:54

Whereas trees increase the beauty of communities, increase the value of properties, and enhance the economic vitality of businesses, and whereas trees reduce the erosion of precious topsoil by wind and water, help control heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife.

8:14

And whereas Arbor Day was started in 1872 as a special day to plant trees as well as support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands throughout our nation, especially our urban areas, and whereas the City of Clearwater continues to encourage residents to plant, maintain, and protect trees.

8:32

Now, therefore, I, Bruce Rector, Mayor of the City of Clearwater, Florida, on behalf of Clearwater City Council to hereby proclaim April 25th, 2026 to be Arbor Day in Clearwater.

8:44

Would you like to say a few words?

8:45

Yes, thank you for this proclamation.

8:47

This helps us get our 44th annual tree C USA recognition.

8:53

And with that, we are having our annual tree giveaway this Saturday.

8:59

Excuse me, this Saturday from 8 a.m.

9:01

to 1 p.m.

9:03

Um please come by, get um your two free trees.

9:06

And this year we also are having fruit trees, but they're very limited, so it's one per household.

9:13

So get there soon.

9:14

Thank you.

9:15

It's a very always a very well-attended event, I know, and uh, I can tell folks who are interested.

9:21

Uh, the earlier you get there, the better your choice of trees will be.

9:26

Uh, the more popular trees tend to go pretty quickly.

9:28

So uh it's a great event, and I know the community really appreciates it and does so much good.

9:33

So thank you for coming tonight to receive this proclamation.

10:00

Move to item 4.2 on the agenda, and I would call her forward, but she's already forward.

10:04

Jen Obermeyer, the library director, thank you for coming tonight, Jen.

10:08

And I'll read now the National Library Week 2026 proclamation.

10:12

Whereas libraries spark creativity, fuel imagination, inspire lifelong learning, offering a space where individuals of all ages can find joy throughout exploration and discovery.

10:24

And whereas libraries serve as vibrant community hubs, connecting people with knowledge, technology, and resources while fostering civic engagement, critical engagement, and cultural enrichment, and whereas libraries provide free and equitable access to books, digital tools, and innovative programming, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have the support they need to learn, connect, and thrive.

10:50

Whereas libraries nurture young minds through story time, steam programs, and literacy initiatives, fostering curiosity and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

11:00

And whereas libraries, librarians, and library workers across the country are joining together to celebrate National Library Week under the theme Find Your Joy.

11:12

Now, therefore, I, Bruce Rector, Mayor of the City of Clearwater, Florida, on behalf of the Clearwater City Council to hear by proclaim April 19th to the 25th, 2026 to be National Library Week in Clearwater, and I encourage all Clearwater residents to visit their library to explore the wealth of resources available.

11:33

Thank you, Jim.

11:34

Can you tell us a little bit more about the Library Week in Clearwater?

11:37

Sure, it's it's one of our favorite weeks of the year.

11:40

We get to celebrate all the great things that our libraries do across the nation, and we celebrate all the great things that clear order libraries do.

11:49

But I want to thank all of you for your continued support of our library system and its services to the Clearwater community.

11:57

And if you'll just indulge me for a minute, also this week, Tuesday was National Library Workers' Week.

12:04

Oh, day, sorry.

12:07

And I want to proudly acknowledge the dedication of everyone on our library team for who the serve our community each and every day.

12:32

I am proud and grateful for their commitment, expertise, and their commitment to serving our community.

12:39

So shout out to Team Library.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████████████28%
Public Engagement█████████████████17%
Community Engagement█████████████13%
Transportation Safety█████████9%
Engineering And Infrastructure████████8%
Tourism Development███████7%
Tree Regulation██████6%
Historic Preservation█████5%
Arts And Culture███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Clearwater City Council Regular Meeting - April 23, 2026

The Clearwater City Council held its regular meeting on April 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers in Clearwater, Florida. The meeting featured special recognitions, approval of a consent agenda (including a major term sheet with the Phillies), public hearings on several items, and extended public comments on city development and community concerns. Key outcomes include unanimous approval of the Phillies term sheet for BayCare Ballpark redevelopment, adoption of the Connecting Clearwater Active Transportation Plan, and multiple citizens voicing concerns about hotel conversions, community notification, and downtown development transparency.

Recognitions and Presentations

  • Arbor Day 2026 Proclamation presented to Ali Ismailoski, recognizing April 25, 2026 as Arbor Day in Clearwater. A tree giveaway event will be held on April 25 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
  • National Library Week 2026 Proclamation presented to Library Director Jennifer Obermaier, celebrating April 19-25, 2026.
  • Medal of Courage Award presented to Firefighter EMT Charles Stokes and Certificate of Commendation to Pinellas County Sheriff's Deputy Kennedy Boone for rescuing an elderly woman from a burning home on February 23, 2026, while off duty.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved all consent agenda items except item 6.4, which was pulled for separate discussion. Items approved include:
    • ID#26-0489: Term Sheet between the City, Pinellas County, and Phillies Florida LLC for redevelopment and improvements to BayCare Ballpark Stadium Facility.
    • ID#26-0298: Construction contract to Southern Road & Bridge for slope stabilization ($3,500,000 annual not-to-exceed, initial 1-year term with 3 renewals).
    • ID#26-0408: Community Forestry Capacity Grant from FDACS ($50,000 grant, $100,000 total project with city match).
    • ID#26-0375: Software licensing purchase order to GovConnection dba Connection ($145,756.86, April 1, 2026 – February 28, 2029).
    • ID#26-0293: Construction contract to Kelly Brothers for Harbor Marina S-N Wave Attenuator Replacement ($4,331,027.80).
    • ID#26-0299: Construction contract to Innovative Masonry Restoration for Northeast Water Reclamation Facility clarifier splitter boxes ($656,342.50) and increase to Black & Veatch engineering contract ($212,097, totaling $433,621).
    • ID#26-0482: Increase to legal services contract with GrayRobinson.
  • Item 6.4 (Drainage Easement from Emmaline R. Little Bowers) was pulled, updated with indemnity language subject to Florida Statute 768.28 (sovereign immunity limits), and then approved unanimously after the property owner (present) chose to proceed.

Public Hearings

  • 7.1 (9888-26): Ordinance vacating city right-of-way, alley, drainage and utility easements in Bayview City Subdivision and Bayview Terrace Subdivision. Approved unanimously on first reading.
  • 7.2 (ANX2026-01001): Annexation, initial Future Land Use Map designation of Commercial General (CG), and initial Zoning Atlas designation of Commercial (C) for 1903 Douglas Avenue (2.8 acres with vacant commercial building). The applicant seeks annexation to connect to sanitary sewer and solid waste services. Approved unanimously on first reading.
  • 7.3 (ID#26-0167): Approval of Connecting Clearwater: An Active Transportation Plan (updating the 2006 Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan) and adoption of Resolution 26-04. The plan creates a low-stress network for walking, rolling, and biking, and ranks over 100 crossings/corridors with top 10 concept plans. Councilmember clarified it does not commit the city to future projects or spending but positions for funding. Public comment from Christine Michael requested an update on prior transportation plans. Approved unanimously.
  • 7.4 (ID#26-0483): Amendment to Clearwater Code Section 28.04 relating to Trading and Selling on Streets (Ordinance 9906-26). Approved unanimously on first reading.
  • 7.5 (ID#26-0388): Locally Funded Agreement with FDOT for $200,000 for preliminary engineering (planning) of the State Road 60 Corridor Study from east of Shore Drive to east of North Rocky Point Drive. Following the work session, Forward Pinellas added $150,000 and included the Belcher Road intersection. Public comment from former councilmember Bill Johnson emphasized safety issues at Gulf-to-Bay and Belcher, citing paved-over curbs and accidents. Approved unanimously.
  • 7.6 (ID#26-0523): Continued to a date uncertain – declaring surplus a portion of Oak Avenue right-of-way for transfer to Pinellas County via Roadway Transfer Agreement, as the agreement is not ready.

Second Readings

  • 8.1 (Ordinance 9901-26): Amends FY2025/26 operating budget for first quarter. Approved unanimously.
  • 8.2 (Ordinance 9902-26): Amends FY2025/26 capital improvement budget with an increase of $26,120,786. Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony (Citizens to be Heard)

  • Rudy Michaelek: Noted only 10 hotel density pool units remain (out of 942 allocated but unbuilt). Reported that 100 units were returned by the Captain Bly property and 91 immediately requested for Palm Pavilion. Requested a moratorium on new hotel density grants, criticizing backroom deals and expressing concern that the Chart House project (850 Bay Way) was approved as a hotel but is being marketed as condos/Airbnb. Asked the city to investigate.
  • Richard DeSantis (868 Bay Way Blvd, Clearwater Point): Described constant lights from the Chart House building affecting his view. His main concern: the project was approved as a hotel with restrictions (e.g., no full kitchens) but is now being marketed as condos/Airbnb with units listed at $1.265 million. Questioned how this change occurred without city knowledge and what happens to the transferred density pool units.
  • Christine Michelick (Clearwater Point): Referenced Monday's meeting on the North Greenwood armory project where residents were not informed. Stated that neighborhoods are often blindsided by developments. Promised to send a letter to council documenting cases since 2017 and offered to help improve communication.
  • Barbara Sorrow Love (President, Clearwater African American Foundation): Shared personal stories of African American history in Clearwater—Williams Elementary (first black elementary school, now a weed field), her family home at 1161 Gould Street (now a retention pond), St. Matthew Negro Cemetery (buried under Montgomery Wards), and Sunshine Elks Lodge (demolished in 2023). She requested CRA surplus dollars ($500,000+ available) to assist Friendship Baptist Church with a $70,000 down payment.
  • Alan Cedro (SPC student, city employee in Planning & Development): Presented a resource guide he developed for the Latino community of Clearwater, including history, city services, and information about council members. Stated that many Latino residents lack translated information and do not know their council members. Recommended the city implement such a guide to improve outreach.
  • Gloria Campbell (Executive Director, Water Urban Leadership Coalition): Held the city accountable for promises made by developer Habib regarding the armory project (jobs, revenue). Said the community will track outcomes and expects future projects to include community input.
  • Jill Gibbs: Announced a petition with 8,752 signatures to place an ordinance change on the August ballot requiring voter approval for vacation of public right-of-way in downtown Clearwater. Noted 64% of signatures were invalidated. Appealed to the council to place it on the ballot, questioning whether council members are politicians or patriots. Accused the institution of being anti-First Amendment.

Key Outcomes

  • All consent items (including the Phillies term sheet) approved, with item 6.4 approved as amended.
  • All public hearing items (7.1–7.5) approved unanimously on first reading; item 7.6 continued indefinitely.
  • Second reading budget ordinances (8.1, 8.2) approved unanimously.
  • City staff will work on improving neighborhood communication processes for development petitions, as noted by Vice Mayor Cotton.
  • Mayor Rector reported a phone call with developer Habib to improve community engagement; councilmember Manino requested a special session for open discussion on downtown development plans by Scientology-affiliated entities.
  • Pedestrian bridge over State Road 60 is 66% complete.
  • Upcoming city events noted: Arbor Day tree giveaway (April 25, 8 AM–1 PM), shred-a-thon and prescription drug take-back at Countryside Mall.

Meeting Transcript

This time I'll call to order the April 23, 2026 meeting of the Clearwater City Council. If you wish to address the council tonight, please come in a complete comment card. Comment cards are located by the clerk seated to the right of the dais. We call to speak, please hand your card to the clerk. And when you uh we will begin your time running to present when you arrive at the podium tonight. So not when you start speaking, but when you arrive at the podium, we'll start your three minutes. With that, we'll move to item two on the agenda. Please stand for the invitation tonight to be given by Father Bob Swick, who is the National Chaplain of the Red Star Foundation, and also is with Saint Francis of the CC Catholic Church. Good evening. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, God of peace, we invite you to preside over this meeting. May there be an embracing unity of spirit. Help this good counsel to listen politely to others, share their points of view, always striving to serve the greater good. And amid all the calamity, the conflict, and the confusion that screams for our leaders' attention, we pray our council members be filled with your spirit so they may serve with a very special love of community that includes measures of safety for all of its citizens and visitors. Guide and inspire them, we pray, with words of St. John the 23rd, in essential matters, let there be unity. In non-essential matters, liberty, and in all matters, charity. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Father Bob. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance. One day under God for all. Yes. Whereas trees increase the beauty of communities, increase the value of properties, and enhance the economic vitality of businesses, and whereas trees reduce the erosion of precious topsoil by wind and water, help control heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife. And whereas Arbor Day was started in 1872 as a special day to plant trees as well as support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands throughout our nation, especially our urban areas, and whereas the City of Clearwater continues to encourage residents to plant, maintain, and protect trees. Now, therefore, I, Bruce Rector, Mayor of the City of Clearwater, Florida, on behalf of Clearwater City Council to hereby proclaim April 25th, 2026 to be Arbor Day in Clearwater. Would you like to say a few words? Yes, thank you for this proclamation. This helps us get our 44th annual tree C USA recognition. And with that, we are having our annual tree giveaway this Saturday. Excuse me, this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Um please come by, get um your two free trees. And this year we also are having fruit trees, but they're very limited, so it's one per household. So get there soon. Thank you. It's a very always a very well-attended event, I know, and uh, I can tell folks who are interested. Uh, the earlier you get there, the better your choice of trees will be. Uh, the more popular trees tend to go pretty quickly. So uh it's a great event, and I know the community really appreciates it and does so much good. So thank you for coming tonight to receive this proclamation. Move to item 4.2 on the agenda, and I would call her forward, but she's already forward. Jen Obermeyer, the library director, thank you for coming tonight, Jen. And I'll read now the National Library Week 2026 proclamation. Whereas libraries spark creativity, fuel imagination, inspire lifelong learning, offering a space where individuals of all ages can find joy throughout exploration and discovery. And whereas libraries serve as vibrant community hubs, connecting people with knowledge, technology, and resources while fostering civic engagement, critical engagement, and cultural enrichment, and whereas libraries provide free and equitable access to books, digital tools, and innovative programming, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have the support they need to learn, connect, and thrive. Whereas libraries nurture young minds through story time, steam programs, and literacy initiatives, fostering curiosity and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. And whereas libraries, librarians, and library workers across the country are joining together to celebrate National Library Week under the theme Find Your Joy. Now, therefore, I, Bruce Rector, Mayor of the City of Clearwater, Florida, on behalf of the Clearwater City Council to hear by proclaim April 19th to the 25th, 2026 to be National Library Week in Clearwater, and I encourage all Clearwater residents to visit their library to explore the wealth of resources available.

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