Clearwater City Council Meeting - June 18, 2026: Garden Avenue Vacation Approved 3-2
Clearwater City Council Meeting - June 18, 2026
The Clearwater City Council met on June 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting included three proclamations, approval of consent agenda items, a public hearing on a right-of-way vacation for the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization, and several other ordinances. A key moment was the council's decision to vacate a portion of South Garden Avenue, which passed 3-2 after extended public comment and a brief recess to accommodate overflow crowd safety concerns.
Proclamations
- Pollinator Week (June 22–28, 2026): Presented by Cassie Cordova, Sustainability Division Manager, highlighting the city's commitment to pollinator protection, including invasive species removal and education outreach at Moccasin Lake Nature Park.
- Solid Waste and Recycling Workers Week (June 15–21, 2026): Presented by Kervin St. Aimie, Solid Waste Director, recognizing the dangerous and essential work of department employees. Council members praised the team's professionalism and community compliments.
- National Homeownership Month (June 2026): Presented by Dylan Mayeux, Economic Development & Housing Division Manager, noting the city's housing programs and the upcoming 35th annual Hope Expo on June 27, 2026.
Consent Calendar
- Approved minutes of the June 4, 2026 City Council meeting.
- Approved the Sixth Amendment to Contract for Sale of City-Owned Vacant Land at 1454 South Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue to Lake Belleview Development, LLC.
- Authorized a purchase order to Trihedral Inc. for SCADA software licenses and support services, not-to-exceed $11,310.00 for the first year.
- Approved Supplemental Work Order No. 2 with Driggers Engineering Services Inc. for geotechnical inspections at the South Osceola Parking Garage, increasing the total to $135,241.50.
- Approved a professional service agreement with Marc Taylor Inc. for Owner's Representative services for the Phillies BayCare Ballfield Improvements project, $450,000.00.
- Approved a purchase order increase to Broaddus and Associates for Public Works Department Program Project, increasing to $2,070,000.00.
- Authorized purchase of one 2026 Ford F-450 truck from Alan Jay Fleet Sales, $109,423.00.
- Authorized increase to purchase order with Accela Inc. for land management software, revised total $2,805,826.01.
- Authorized purchase order with Trimble Inc. for CMMS software, $270,214.79 for June 2026 – October 2027.
- Authorized change order with Razorback LLC for dual media filter rehabilitation, increasing to $1,325,930.00.
- Approved Work Order with Mead and Hunt Inc. for RO1 Acid Storage and Feed System design, $482,028.00.
- Approved First Amendment to Legal Services Agreement with Bryant Miller Olive P.A.
Public Hearings & Testimony
Item 7.1 – Surplus Property Transfer to CRA: No public comment. Approved unanimously. Item 7.2 – Parking Ordinance Update (First Reading): No public comment. Approved unanimously. Item 8.1 – Right-of-Way Vacation for Garden Avenue (Second Reading): This item generated significant public interest. The building reached capacity (approx. 650 people), with an estimated 2,000 people outside. After council discussion, a recess was taken to allow 10 individuals from the opposition to enter and speak, balancing the 14 speakers from the support side who had already signed up. Public comment ran for 60 minutes, with speakers from both sides.
- Support (Scientologists and allies): Speakers emphasized safety, religious freedom, and the need for a secure buffer around the LRH Hall. Testimonies included personal stories of harassment, discrimination, and safety concerns. Several speakers noted that the street vacation is a routine safety measure comparable to Times Square or Pennsylvania Avenue closures. Many identified as Clearwater residents, business owners, and contributors to the local economy. Speakers included Joy Jondusa (Postcard Mania CEO), Darren Tessatory (driver education advocate), Kelly Shea (local business owner), Ryan Igo (retired federal firefighter), Mark Costantino (former NYPD sergeant), and others. They asked the council to approve the vacation.
- Opposition (Save the Garden and other residents): Speakers argued that the street is public property, that the church can build the hall without closing the street, and that the council should wait for a court determination of ownership. They cited the 9,000-signature petition, the Florida Attorney General's opinion (non-binding), and concerns about setting a precedent for privatizing public downtown streets. Speakers included Vicki Lipsy, Brooks Gibbs (spokesperson for Save the Garden), Tony Tello (owner of Nash Keys), Barbara Sorey Love (Clearwater African American Foundation president), and others. Some noted that the original design for the hall did not require the street vacation. An attorney for a local business requested a continuance pending a declaratory action on ownership. One speaker announced plans to file a referendum to put the issue on the ballot.
Discussion Items
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Item 8.1 (Garden Avenue Vacation): Council members debated the merits. Councilman Manino spoke in favor, citing traffic studies showing minimal impact (8 cars per hour in peak, 68% of traffic from church members), safety, and precedent for other vacations (e.g., Jones Road, Coachman Park). He argued the vote is about the right-of-way, not the church. Councilman Albrighton spoke in favor, emphasizing safety as a first responder. Councilwoman Tishadem opposed, arguing that this vacation is fundamentally different from previous ones because it permanently privatizes an active public street in downtown, reduces public access, and contradicts the city's comprehensive plan. She noted that Cleveland Street was never vacated and remains public. Mayor Rector opposed, stating that the city should have sought a court determination of ownership before vacating, as the previous city attorney had opined that the public owns the street. He also cited the importance of Garden Avenue for future downtown growth. The council voted 3-2 in favor of the vacation.
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Item 8.2 – Mid-Year Operating Budget Amendment (Ordinance 9921-26): No discussion. Approved unanimously.
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Item 8.3 – Mid-Year Capital Improvement Budget Amendment (Ordinance 9922-26): Increases budget by $3,574,619. Approved unanimously.
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Item 8.4 – Third Reading of Ordinance 9906-26 (Trading and Selling on Streets): No discussion. Approved unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Garden Avenue Right-of-Way Vacation (Ordinance 9907-26): Approved on second reading by a vote of 3-2 (Councilmembers Manino, Albrighton, and Vice Mayor [unidentified] in favor; Councilwoman Tishadem and Mayor Rector opposed). The southern portion of Garden Avenue abutting Lots 6-11 and the vacated alley between Lots 10-11 will be vacated to the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization.
- Surplus Property Transfer to CRA (Item 7.1): Approved unanimously.
- Parking Ordinance Update (Item 7.2): Passed on first reading unanimously.
- Mid-Year Budget Amendments (Items 8.2, 8.3): Approved unanimously.
- Trading on Streets Ordinance (Item 8.4): Adopted on third reading unanimously.
- Next Meeting: The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for July 16, 2026.
Meeting Transcript
This time we'll call to order the June 18, 2026 meeting of the Clearwater City Council. If you wish to address address the council tonight, please complete a comment card, comment cards located by the clerk seated to the right of the dais. When called to speak, please hand your card to the clerk. This time we'll move to item two on the agenda, which is our indication, like to call forward Father Bob Swick from St. Francis of Assisi and ask everyone to remain standing afterwards for the Pledge of Allegiance. We invite you to preside over this meeting. May there be an embracing unity of spirit. Help the good counsel to each listen politely as others share their points of view, always striving, always striving to serve the greater good. Amid all the calamity, the conflict, the confusion that screams for our leaders' attention, we pray our council members will be filled with your spirit so they may serve with a special love of community that includes measures of safety for our citizens and our visitors. Guide and inspire them as well as everyone with the words of St. John the Twenty Third. And in all matters, let there be charity. Amen. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. To my far left is Deputy City Clerk Nicole Sprague. To her right is our city clerk Rosemary Call. Good evening. Excuse me. To my right is Councilmember Mike Manino. Good evening. To his right is Councilmember David Holbright. Good evening. To his right is our city manager Jennifer Poirier. Good evening. To her right is Assistant City Manager Dan Slaughter. And to his right is Assistant City Manager Al Bow. With that, we'll move to item 4.1 on the agenda. And I'd like to call forward Cassie Cordova from Public Works for the Pollinator Week Proclamation. Whereas Clearwater is home to many native wildlife and pollinator species, including birds, bees, bats, and other insects that are essential to maintaining a healthy and biodiverse environment, and recognizes that human well-being ultimately depends on well-functioning ecosystems that foster connections between people and nature. And whereas pollinator species are in decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and other environmental stressors, with species such as the monarch butterfly experiencing significant population decreases over the past 25 years. And whereas National Pollinator Week is a nationwide initiative that raises awareness and provides opportunities to restore native habitat and support local pollinator populations. And whereas I, Bruce Rector, have signed the National Wildlife Federation's mayor's monarch monarch pledge, committing to taking meaningful action to protect pollinators, including the Monarch Butterfly, and to support local, state, and national efforts to conserve and restore pollinator habitats while strengthening the connection between our community and the natural environment. Now, therefore, I Bruce Rector, mayor of the City of Clearwater, on behalf of the Santa City of Clearwater Council, do hereby proclaim June 22nd to the 28th, 2026 to be pollinator week in Clearwater and encourage all residents to participate in community activities that support and celebrate pollinator protection. Cassie, would you like to say a few words? Thank you so much, Mayor and City Council. We are doing this as part of our mayor's monarch pledge that you brought to us last year, and we did our initiatives last year, and we re-signed this year again. So this year we'll be focusing on invasive species removal. We'll do some education outreach on that topic. We'll put some signs up at our beautiful Moccasin Lake Nature Park. So all this can be found at our website, MikeClearwater.com/slash pollinators. And thank you again for your support. Thank you. That uh item 4.2, I'd like to call forward our um for the solid waste and recycling workers week proclamation call forward Kerbin St. Ami, the Solid Waste Director for the City of Clearwater, and the team. Great looking team. Whereas the City of Clearwater is committed to maintaining a clean, safe, healthy, and beautiful community for residents, businesses, and visitors, and whereas the dedicated men and women of the City of Clearwater Solid Waste Department provide essential services every day, collecting refuge, recycling, and yard waste while helping protect public health and the environment. And whereas these hardworking professionals perform their duties in all weather conditions and often under challenging circumstances, demonstrating exceptional commitment, reliability, and professionalism in service to our community. And whereas solid waste employees play a vital role in preserving Clearwater's natural beauty and enhancing the quality of life enjoyed by all who live, work, and visit here, helping to keep our city bright and beautiful year-round. And whereas the observance of solid waste and recycling workers' week provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions, dedication, and sacrifices of these public servants who go above and beyond in their service to the city of Clearwater. And whereas the City Council wishes to express its sincere appreciation and desire and gratitude to all solid waste and recycling employees for the outstanding work, commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to serving our community.
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