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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Clearwater City Council Work Session – July 13, 2026

Clearwater Municipal Meetings — Monday, July 13, 2026

BodyClearwater, Florida

SessionClearwater Municipal Meetings

DateMonday, July 13, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:55:00

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:00

No other business to come before the CRA.

0:04

We will adjourn the July 13th, 2026 meeting.

0:10

This time we'll call to order the council work session of the Clearwater City Council for July 13th, 2026.

0:17

Move to item 2.1 on the agenda, our July service awards.

0:23

And there are several awards today, four service awards to be presented.

0:30

So this time I'd like to call for Cole Van Dusen from our police department for his five-year employee uh appreciation letter and pen.

0:54

Thank you.

0:59

Thank you so much.

1:07

I forgot ahead.

1:09

Thank you for your service.

1:10

And also now I'll call forward Graham Donaldson from Marine and Aviation Department for his 10 year employee letter of appreciation and clock.

1:37

Thank you for your service.

1:47

Thank you for your service as well.

1:49

And now call forward Teresa Phillips from our utility customer service department and ask the city manager to read the letter of appreciation.

2:06

Teresa began her career with the city on July 7th of 1991, joining the Clearwater Police Department as a communications operator, serving our citizens during their most critical moments, all while making sure to do so with professionalism, compassion, and care.

2:22

During her time with dispatch, she was promoted to trainer, where she used her skills to help coach and develop new employees.

2:28

She received numerous commendation letters, citizen compliments, and letters of recognition during her time with the Clearwater Police Department.

2:36

Then, after almost 17 years, Teresa decided it was time to serve the city in a different capacity.

2:42

On May 27th of 2008, Teresa brought her passion for service to the utility customer service department and began assisting the citizens, the city's citizens in a different capacity.

2:52

She maintains that caring for the customer, and that's always her focus.

2:57

She began in the call center, then added responsibility of cashiering, and eventually moved to the billing department.

3:03

Teresa then took an opportunity to increase her responsibilities and was promoted from a billing representative to a customer service specialist.

3:10

This moved her back into the call center where she continued to rack up applause cards from fellow employees and numerous citizens.

3:17

In March of 22, Teresa came back to the building department and after a short time was promoted to a building specialist too in February of 24.

3:26

Throughout her 35 years of service, Teresa has exemplified the City of Clearwater's commitment to superior customer service by consistently placing the needs of citizens first and treating every customer interaction with professionalism, respect, and compassion.

3:41

Her willingness to share knowledge, train new employees, improve procedures, and embrace new responsibilities has contributed to a high-performing government that delivers efficient, reliable, and responsive service to the community.

3:54

Teresa's dedication has last left a lasting impact on both citizens she serves and the colleagues she supports every day.

4:01

Teresa, congratulations on your dedication to serving the community for 35 years.

4:06

You truly are what helps make Clearwater thrive.

4:09

Thank you.

4:18

Thank you so much for your service.

4:20

That's incredible.

4:28

Congratulations.

4:47

So I'm glad I noticed the plaque next to me said 35, but uh it's just 10 years.

4:52

I mean, what's 10 years?

4:54

But when you've served for 35.

4:57

But uh thank you, Teresa.

4:58

35 years.

5:00

Let's give her another round of applause.

5:07

Now we're ready for our bi-monthly team award for July August 2026.

5:11

I'd like to call for the emergency gas leak team.

5:15

That's Greg Coons, John Turley, Corey Huberti, Colby Wade, and Gyllen Whitaker.

5:32

We'll wait right there.

5:34

The city manager is going to read the description of your fine work.

5:38

The emergency gas leak team is being recognized for their exceptional response to a recent critical underground natural gas emergency involving four-inch gas main that was the sole source of heat and hot water for a local RV resort.

5:53

Faced with a high-risk situation, the team did not hesitate and responded with outstanding professionalism, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to safety.

6:02

Their quick action safely mitigated the hazard, prevented further escalation, minimized the risk of property damage, and ensured service to the affected community was maintained during a critical time.

6:15

Their actions exemplify the city's commitment to high performing government by working collaboratively, responding effectively under pressure, and delivering reliable, high-quality service.

6:26

They also embody superior public service through their dedication to protecting our residents, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and putting the needs of the community first.

6:35

Thank you for your dedication, your teamwork, and professionalism.

6:40

Your actions reflect the very best of our organization and help make Clearwater thrive by making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.

6:48

Because of your efforts, our community is stronger, more connected, and one of the very best.

6:53

Good job, guys.

7:02

Well done.

7:06

Thanks so much.

7:10

Thank you.

7:12

Thank you so much.

7:36

The sound quarterly update.

7:53

Yeah, thank you.

8:01

Hi, uh Brianna Roberts, Vice President of Event Operations at Ruth Becker Hall.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural█████████████13%

Energy And Infrastructure███████████11%

Affordable Housing███████████11%

Arts And Culture██████████10%

Engineering And Infrastructure████████8%

Community Engagement████████8%

Personnel Matters███████7%

Economic Development██████6%

Parks and Recreation██████6%

Summary of Proceedings

Clearwater City Council Work Session – July 13, 2026

The Clearwater City Council held a work session on July 13, 2026, to discuss and take action on a variety of agenda items including service awards, a Duke Energy franchise agreement, a tentative millage rate, affordable housing committee appointments, and a proposed development agreement for Palm Pavilion Hotel. The council also heard a quarterly update from Ruth Eckerd Hall's BayCare Sound. The meeting was held at 1:30 PM in Council Chambers.

Consent Calendar

Service Awards: Recognized Cole Van Dusen (5 years), Graham Donaldson (10 years), and Teresa Phillips (35 years) for their service, along with the Emergency Gas Leak Team for exceptional response to a natural gas emergency.
Purchasing and Contracts: Approved purchase orders and contracts on consent:
- Citywide custom apparel services ($385,000 annual, with renewal options).
- Seawall repairs design services ($128,097.56) to Advanced Engineering and Design, Inc.
- Underdrain improvement project ($1,709,581.50) to Keystone Excavators, Inc., with renewal options.
- Pedestrian crosswalk enhancements ($107,895) for Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacon systems.
- Temporary right-of-entry agreement with CSX for new City Hall project.
- Vehicle and equipment repair services ($5,000,000 over five years).
- Fire training indemnification agreement with Pinellas Park.
- Lift station platforms construction contract ($6,336,305.80) to JDS Pipe, Inc.
- Reverse osmosis cartridge filters ($160,000 annual, with renewal options).
Board Appointments (Items 12.1–12.6): Reappointed Robyn Fiel and Todd St. John-Fulton to the Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board, Kinard Robinson to the North Greenwood CRA Citizens Advisory Committee, and appointed Eleanor Nartker, Stephanie Chill, and Natasa Karac to the Sister Cities Advisory Board.

Discussion Items

Sound Quarterly Update: Brianna Roberts, VP of Events Operations at Ruth Eckerd Hall, reported that BayCare Sound was ranked #2 amphitheater nationwide. In 2026, 16 shows had been held with 25 more planned. Sustainability initiatives saved 140,000 single-use plastics and recycled 360 cubic yards. New digital ticketing (True Tickets) reduced paper use. Council discussed booking pace and the advantage of covered seating. The Vice Mayor noted questions from downtown merchants about show frequency; Roberts indicated the schedule varies but October has 12 shows.
Duke Energy Franchise Agreement (Item 3.1): Staff presented a proposed 30-year franchise agreement with Duke Energy Florida, LLC, including a 6% franchise fee and a Memorandum of Agreement providing community investments (vision plan, downtown retail strategy, beautification, resiliency funding, etc.). Duke Energy President Melissa Satius highlighted $632 million in planned storm hardening and grid investments over 10 years and noted that 75% of Clearwater customers use Duke energy-saving programs, saving $6.5 million in 2025. Council deferred further discussion and first reading of Ordinance 9929-26 to the Thursday council meeting to allow public comment.
Parking Ordinance (Item 3.2): Ordinance 9909-26 on second reading to modernize parking operations, update enforcement, and revise fees. No questions were raised; final reading is set for Thursday.
Right-of-Way Vacation (Item 3.3): Third reading of Ordinance 9888-26 to vacate certain alleys and easements. Staff noted the applicant removed Tennessee Avenue from the request. The ordinance will move to a third reading on Thursday due to a previous notice issue.
Annexation Ordinances (Items 3.4–3.6): Third readings for annexation and zoning of 1903 Douglas Avenue. These also require a third reading on Thursday due to notice issues.
Tentative Millage Rate (Item 4.1): Budget Director Kayleen Castle proposed a tentative millage rate of 5.8850 mills for FY2026/27, unchanged from the current year, and set public hearing dates for September 15 and September 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM. Vice Mayor expressed interest in a rollback rate, but other members cited risks from the November homestead exemption ballot measure and lower property valuation growth (2.5% vs budgeted 4%). Council set the tentative millage rate and scheduled hearings.
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (Item 5.1): Housing Manager Dylan May presented appointments of 10 members to the 2026 AHAC to comply with state requirements and prepare the Local Housing Incentive Strategy by December 31, 2026. Council approved the appointments.
Surplus Property Transfer (Item 5.2): Declared 103 N. East Ave as surplus and transferred it to the Clearwater CRA for redevelopment.
Palm Pavilion Hotel Development Agreement (Item 10.1): Staff presented a request for 91 hotel density units from the Beach by Design reserve for a 144-unit hotel at 10 and 18 Bay Esplanade. Council discussed the need for a comprehensive beach traffic study (expected November 2026) and the impact on the remaining 19 unallocated density units. Vice Mayor proposed pausing any further allocation of hotel density units until the traffic study is completed. Council agreed to bring the topic to the next work session for discussion. The project itself will proceed to the Community Development Board for review.
Board Appointment (Item 12.7): Two applicants (Cheryl Acton and William Johnson) were considered for the Sister Cities business representative seat. Council split, with some favoring Acton's travel experience and others favoring Johnson's beach tourism perspective. The item was deferred to Thursday, with both applicants invited to attend.
Florida League of Cities Delegate (Item 12.8): Mayor and Councilmember Manino expressed interest in attending the conference; the voting delegate designation was deferred to Thursday for a formal motion.

Key Outcomes

Millage Rate Set: Tentative millage rate set at 5.8850 mills for FY2026/27; budget public hearings scheduled for September 15 and September 21, 2026.
Duke Energy Franchise: First reading of Ordinance 9929-26 will be on Thursday, July 16, 2026, with public comment.
Hotel Density Allocation Direction: Council directed staff to schedule a discussion item on a potential pause of further hotel density reserve allocations pending beach traffic study completion.
Consent Items Approved: All consent items (listed above) were approved unanimously.
Deferred Items: Parking ordinance second reading, right-of-way vacation, and annexation ordinances will receive final votes on Thursday. Sister Cities board appointment and Florida League of Cities voting delegate will also be decided Thursday.

Meeting Transcript

No other business to come before the CRA. We will adjourn the July 13th, 2026 meeting. This time we'll call to order the council work session of the Clearwater City Council for July 13th, 2026. Move to item 2.1 on the agenda, our July service awards. And there are several awards today, four service awards to be presented. So this time I'd like to call for Cole Van Dusen from our police department for his five-year employee uh appreciation letter and pen. Thank you. Thank you so much. I forgot ahead. Thank you for your service. And also now I'll call forward Graham Donaldson from Marine and Aviation Department for his 10 year employee letter of appreciation and clock. Thank you for your service. Thank you for your service as well. And now call forward Teresa Phillips from our utility customer service department and ask the city manager to read the letter of appreciation. Teresa began her career with the city on July 7th of 1991, joining the Clearwater Police Department as a communications operator, serving our citizens during their most critical moments, all while making sure to do so with professionalism, compassion, and care. During her time with dispatch, she was promoted to trainer, where she used her skills to help coach and develop new employees. She received numerous commendation letters, citizen compliments, and letters of recognition during her time with the Clearwater Police Department. Then, after almost 17 years, Teresa decided it was time to serve the city in a different capacity. On May 27th of 2008, Teresa brought her passion for service to the utility customer service department and began assisting the citizens, the city's citizens in a different capacity. She maintains that caring for the customer, and that's always her focus. She began in the call center, then added responsibility of cashiering, and eventually moved to the billing department. Teresa then took an opportunity to increase her responsibilities and was promoted from a billing representative to a customer service specialist. This moved her back into the call center where she continued to rack up applause cards from fellow employees and numerous citizens. In March of 22, Teresa came back to the building department and after a short time was promoted to a building specialist too in February of 24. Throughout her 35 years of service, Teresa has exemplified the City of Clearwater's commitment to superior customer service by consistently placing the needs of citizens first and treating every customer interaction with professionalism, respect, and compassion. Her willingness to share knowledge, train new employees, improve procedures, and embrace new responsibilities has contributed to a high-performing government that delivers efficient, reliable, and responsive service to the community. Teresa's dedication has last left a lasting impact on both citizens she serves and the colleagues she supports every day. Teresa, congratulations on your dedication to serving the community for 35 years. You truly are what helps make Clearwater thrive. Thank you. Thank you so much for your service. That's incredible. Congratulations. So I'm glad I noticed the plaque next to me said 35, but uh it's just 10 years. I mean, what's 10 years? But when you've served for 35. But uh thank you, Teresa. 35 years. Let's give her another round of applause. Now we're ready for our bi-monthly team award for July August 2026. I'd like to call for the emergency gas leak team. That's Greg Coons, John Turley, Corey Huberti, Colby Wade, and Gyllen Whitaker. We'll wait right there. The city manager is going to read the description of your fine work. The emergency gas leak team is being recognized for their exceptional response to a recent critical underground natural gas emergency involving four-inch gas main that was the sole source of heat and hot water for a local RV resort. Faced with a high-risk situation, the team did not hesitate and responded with outstanding professionalism, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to safety. Their quick action safely mitigated the hazard, prevented further escalation, minimized the risk of property damage, and ensured service to the affected community was maintained during a critical time. Their actions exemplify the city's commitment to high performing government by working collaboratively, responding effectively under pressure, and delivering reliable, high-quality service. They also embody superior public service through their dedication to protecting our residents, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and putting the needs of the community first. Thank you for your dedication, your teamwork, and professionalism.

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