Clearwater City Council Work Session – June 15, 2026
Clearwater City Council Work Session – June 15, 2026
The Clearwater City Council convened a work session on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 1:30 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting featured service awards, the swearing-in of eight new firefighters, and a comprehensive presentation on the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. Council approved a series of consent items and discussed several ordinances, including updates to parking regulations and a right-of-way vacation request from the Church of Scientology. The city manager also provided an update on educational efforts regarding the proposed property tax referendum.
Consent Calendar
- 4.1 – Sixth Amendment to Contract for Sale of City-Owned Land (1454 S. MLK Jr. Ave.): Approved an extension of the closing date to October 30, 2026, for a 24-unit affordable/workforce townhome project developed by Habitat for Humanity. No additional city funding was requested.
- 6.1 – SCADA Software Licenses (Trihedral Inc.): Authorized a purchase order of $11,310 for the first year and $2,262 annually for nine years of support.
- 7.2 – Supplemental Work Order for South Osceola Parking Garage Geotechnical Services (Driggers Engineering): Approved $40,237.50 increase to $135,241.50 for additional inspection services.
- 7.3 – Owner’s Representative Services for Phillies BayCare Ballfield Improvements (Marc Taylor Inc.): Approved $450,000 agreement to provide project oversight.
- 7.4 – Purchase Order Increase for Public Works Program Management (Broaddus & Associates): Approved $1,625,000 increase to $2,070,000 for estimating, scheduling, and training support.
- 8.1 – Ford F-450 for Fire Rescue: Approved $109,423 purchase of a new rescue vehicle, funded by EMS tax reimbursements, with delivery expected in 24 months.
- 9.1 – Accela Software Increase: Approved $513,078.37 increase for Open Counter module and ePermitHub, supporting the Bloomberg Harvard permitting initiative.
- 9.2 – Trimble CMMS Software Renewal: Approved $270,214.79 for computerized maintenance management system licensing through October 2027.
- 10.1 – Change Order for RO1 Dual Media Filter Rehabilitation (Razorback LLC): Approved $271,800 increase to $1,325,930 for unforeseen media removal work.
- 10.2 – Design/Construction Engineering for RO1 Acid Storage System (Mead & Hunt): Approved $482,028 work order for a 420-day project replacing cartridge filters weekly at an estimated cost of $1,356.
- 11.1 – Legal Services Amendment (Bryant Miller Olive): Approved $100,000 increase for litigation services related to the Save the Garden Petition.
Discussion Items
Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative – Leadership Briefing The city manager and a cross-departmental team presented outcomes from the city’s participation in the Bloomberg Harvard program. The team focused on improving the customer permitting experience. Key findings: over 1,200 ideas were collected from staff and stakeholders; seven key insights emerged, including “inconsistent paths can erode confidence”; nine improvement possibilities were generated. The team prototyped two ideas (“Can I Do That?” and “Access Granted”) through 39 prototyping sessions (exceeding the goal of six). The team aims to execute all nine initiatives by 2030. Council members praised the team’s work and noted the value of the program.
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (FY2025) Lauren Strope of Cherry Bekaert presented the audit results. The city received unmodified (clean) opinions on financial statements, federal/state single audit, and compliance. One significant deficiency was identified: FEMA revenues and receivables were recorded that should have been covered by insurance. No material weaknesses or fraud were noted. Council thanked the auditors for their work.
Parking Ordinance Update – First Reading (Ordinance 9909-26) The Public Works director presented amendments to Chapter 30 (Traffic and Motor Vehicles) to modernize parking operations, including mobile payment platforms, digital permits, and updated fines. Most parking fines had not been updated since 2005. The ordinance passed on first reading.
Surplus Property Transfer to CRA The economic development and housing division manager presented a list of city-owned parcels to be declared surplus and transferred to the Community Redevelopment Agency to align ownership with redevelopment goals. Council expressed no questions.
Right-of-Way Vacation – Church of Scientology (Ordinance 9907-26, Second Reading) The city attorney presented the ordinance to vacate a portion of Garden Avenue. Council discussed the Attorney General’s opinion stating the church “most likely” owns the land under the street, which is persuasive but not binding. The former city attorney’s opinion that the public owns the street was noted. Council moved on without a formal recorded vote, consistent with the agenda’s indication of adoption on second reading.
Third Reading – Trading and Selling on Streets (Ordinance 9906-26) The city attorney explained that a third reading was necessary due to improper notice of the business impact statement on second reading. The ordinance amends Section 28.04 of the Code of Ordinances. No further discussion; the program is set to start in July.
Mid-Year Budget Amendments (Ordinances 9921-26 and 9922-26, Second Reading) These ordinances amend the FY2025/26 operating and capital improvement budgets at mid-year. No questions were raised; council proceeded.
City Manager Verbal Report – Property Tax Referendum Education The city manager updated council on plans for a public education campaign regarding the proposed property tax referendum, following Florida League of Cities guidelines and subject to city attorney review. Council members emphasized the need to stick to factual education, avoid advocacy, and coordinate with the city attorney. The first budget work session is scheduled for July 16, 2026.
Key Outcomes
- All consent items were approved as listed.
- The Bloomberg Harvard team will continue developing implementation schedules and roll out initiatives by 2030.
- Ordinance 9909-26 (parking) passed on first reading.
- Ordinance 9907-26 (right-of-way vacation) was discussed and, per the agenda, adopted on second reading (transcript does not show an explicit vote).
- Ordinances 9921-26 and 9922-26 (mid-year budget amendments) were adopted on second reading.
- Ordinance 9906-26 (trading and selling on streets) was set for third reading due to a notice issue.
- The city will proceed with a non-persuasive education campaign on the property tax referendum, with materials vetted by the city attorney.
Meeting Transcript
Operation are eleven to eleven seven days a week. We like to be flexible. We're here every day. Um, come in and make your reservation today. Thank you. No, yeah. Um certificate right under your hole. Oh, no, sorry about that. Congratulations. All right. If I can get everyone together, so I can take a fruit picture. All right. So we're gonna have it right over here. Perfect. Perfect perfect. Three, two, four. This time I'll call to order the work session of Clearwater City Council for June 15, 2026. And we will move to items me to point one on the agenda, which is presentation of our June service awards. First, I'd like to call forward Nathan Brigman from the Parks and Recreation Department. He's celebrating his twentieth year with the City of Clearwater. So we'd like to congratulate Nathan for being here today and uh invite you up here to receive an award for uh your long-term service to the city. Citizens appreciate all the employees who dedicate their careers to the city as you have, and thank you for your service to the city of Clearwater. Oh doesn't say on the script that we have a reading, but uh here's our reading. I want to be able to say all the great things that you've done over the 20 years, so just bear with me for just a moment. Nate began his career with the city in twenty twenty-six after graduating from Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in horticulture. He joined the city as a supervisor of the contracts team under the mentorship of Mr. Brian McMurphy. In his role, he quickly developed expertise in managing the city's vacant properties, overseeing numerous medians and coordinating multiple contractors across a wide range of operations. Shortly thereafter, he assumed leadership of the spray team, helping ensure that the grass throughout the parks remained healthy and insect-free. Throughout his tenure, Nate has consistently demonstrated innovation and forward-thinking leadership by introducing new equipment and operational improvements that enhance enhance both functionality and precision in the field. Today, Nate oversees both beach and mainland teams, managing a staff of 40 full-time employees. An exciting milestone for their family. That will move to the next one, which is presentation of the employee of the month award for June of 2026. I'd like to call forward Michael DeCoter from Public Works. And this time it does say to ask the city manager to uh read the script. Following the 2024 storm season, it became evident that the Public Works Department needed to modernize its hurricane preparedness efforts. Under the leadership of Dan and Jeremy Brown, Michael has played a key role in developing new electronic system for assessing damage to critical infrastructure following storm events. From creating resources for employees, conducting damage inspections, and establishing standards for emergency operations center, GIS workflows to automating FEMA reimbursement documentation. Michael has been instrumental in strengthening the city's storm response and recovery capabilities. More recently, the Public Works Hurricane Preparedness Team partnered, partnered with Chief Hood to expand these efforts across multiple city departments, offering additional support and exploring opportunities to implement the systems Michael and Dan have developed on a broader scale. Despite taking on these significant responsibilities, Michael has continued to excel in his regular duties, consistently delivering high quality work and demonstrating exceptional dedication to the organization. Michael's commitment to innovation, preparedness, and collaboration has made the city of Clearwater safer, more resilient, and better equipped to respond to future emergencies. His efforts exemplify the city's commitment to superior public service by ensuring residents receive effective and efficient support when it matters the most. At the same time, his forward thinking approach to process improvement and cross-departmental collaboration reflects the principles of a high performing government, creating systems that enhance operational excellence and position the city for continued success. Michael, thank you for all that you do as you truly help make Clearwater thrive. Okay. Congratulations, Michael, and thank you for coming today so we could recognize you. That will move to the next one, which is to call uh fire chief Chad Pittman forward to introduce our new fire and rescue department employees. Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor Council.
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