Clearwater City Council Work Session Summary – August 3, 2026
Clearwater City Council Work Session – August 3, 2026
The Clearwater City Council held a work session on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 1:30 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The meeting covered service awards, appointments, the FY2026/2027 Annual Action Plan, the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, a major unsolicited public-private partnership proposal for the Landings Golf Course, several consent items, a public comment extension, a second reading of the Duke Energy franchise agreement, a discussion on hotel density pool units, and a conversation about naming the new City Hall complex.
Consent Calendar
- Agenda Item 5.1: Approved a client services agreement with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services for insurance brokerage services for an initial three-year term with a three-year renewal option, piggybacking on Pinellas County’s agreement.
- Agenda Item 6.1: Extended Owen Kohler’s appointment as Interim City Attorney through October 1, 2026.
- Agenda Item 7.1: Authorized a Guaranteed Maximum Price of $1,449,136.15 to Keystone Excavators, Inc. for renovations and improvements to Countryside Community Park, including six pickleball courts with lighting, shifting funds from Frank TAC improvements.
- Agenda Item 7.2: Authorized an addendum to the existing agreement with RecTrac, LLC d/b/a Vermont Systems for PayTrac payment services software, running coterminously with the existing agreement.
- Agenda Item 7.3: Awarded a construction contract to Concrete Protection and Restoration LLC for Carpenter Complex Repairs in the amount of $962,933.00.
- Agenda Item 8.1: Approved Change Order 3 to Skanska USA Building, Inc. for the Sound Canopy Gutters Installation Project, increasing the contract from $72,362,827.92 to $73,056,882.92, and a project budget increase of $2,513,593.13.
- Agenda Item 9.1: Authorized the purchase of heavy- and light-duty vehicles and equipment in a not-to-exceed amount of $22,251,080, including 273 vehicles and equipment (241 replacements, 32 new units), with surplus disposal through auction or trade-in, and lease purchase or internal financing.
- Agenda Item 10.1: Approved Amendment No. 1 and Renewal No. 1 to the 2021 Pinellas County Technical Rescue Team Agreement, extending the agreement through September 30, 2027, with no monetary change.
- Agenda Item 11.1: Authorized an increase of $350,000 on purchase orders to Joe Payne, Inc. and Quorum Services for Florida Building Code inspections and plan review services, for a cumulative not-to-exceed amount of $1,200,000 through September 30, 2026.
- Agenda Item 12.1: Authorized a purchase order with Verizon Wireless for cellular and mobile data services in the amount of $2,540,500 for a three-year term (August 24, 2026 – August 23, 2029), approximately $50,000 per year less than the previous contract due to phone reductions and rate savings.
- Agenda Item 13.1: Approved an Encroachment Agreement with Florida Gas Transmission Company, LLC for the installation of a natural gas distribution pipeline crossing over Florida Gas Transmission pipeline facilities.
- Agenda Item 14.1: Adopted Resolution 26-13 to extend the temporary restoration of public comment on non-agenda items through November 20, 2026, keeping the same rules (30 minutes or 10 speakers, whichever is greater, no sharing time).
Public Comments & Testimony
- One public comment was received on the FY2026/2027 Annual Action Plan from an applicant expressing gratitude and explaining their program. No other public testimony was taken during the work session.
Discussion Items
- Agenda Item 2.1 – August Service Awards: Recognized five-year employee Joel Silcox (Parks and Recreation), 20-year employee Leonard Jones (Marine and Aviation), 30-year employee Dave (Parks and Recreation), and July 2026 Employee of the Month Dan Kreider (Parks and Recreation).
- Agenda Item 3.1 – Appointment to Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board: Council appointed Sean Aston, a senior business analyst, as the citizen representative for a term through August 6, 2030, after a discussion where one council member supported William Johnson, but the majority selected Aston.
- Agenda Item 4.1 – FY2026/2027 Annual Action Plan: Staff presented the second Action Plan of the 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan, detailing HUD funding allocations for CDBG, HOME, and SHIP programs. Projects include homelessness empowerment, emergency shelter improvements, dental clinic parking lot reconstruction, community kitchen roof replacement, training space improvements, school safety upgrades, and window improvements for a shelter. CDBG public services are capped at 15% of entitlement. Affordable housing includes new construction, rehabilitation, down payment assistance, and removal of slum and blight. The plan must be submitted to HUD by August 16, 2026.
- Agenda Item 4.2 – Affordable Housing Advisory Committee: Council appointed 10 members to the 2026 Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) and adopted Resolution 26-12, consistent with Florida Statute 420.9076. The committee will develop the 2026 Local Housing Incentive Strategy (LHIS) by December 31, 2026.
- Agenda Item 4.3 – Unsolicited Proposal for Landings Golf Course (1875 Airport Drive): This was the major discussion item. Council members Mannino and Albert declared potential voting conflicts (Mannino recused due to possible conflict from youth soccer coaching; Albert recused due to his employment with sports facilities companies, which are consultants to the proposer). The interim city attorney noted that under Florida law, a referendum is not required because the proposed use (parks and recreation) remains the same, and the city can approve a lease up to 65 years with a 30-year renewal without a referendum. Assistant City Manager Al Battle presented the public-private partnership (P3) proposal from Sunshine Recreational and Development LLC. The project would be a $180 million investment, including 12 multi-purpose fields, 24 covered pickleball courts, 12 sand volleyball courts, a water park, fitness and wellness facilities, and a restaurant. Financing would come from a $108 million private loan, $27 million private equity, and Pinellas County Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds. The city would provide a long-term lease. Staff recommended accepting the proposal as a qualifying project and issuing a 30-day solicitation for other proposals. The proposer’s team presented additional details: stormwater improvements to meet current standards, brownfield remediation of the former landfill site, traffic improvements (turn lanes on Keene Road), a 6-foot opaque wall, 24/7 security, free parking, and significant discounts for Clearwater residents. They estimated $47.7 million in tax revenue over 10 years (including $9.5 million to the city, $5.5 million in county sales tax, and $10.5 million in bed tax) and 615 jobs. The neighborhood input led to closing an access on Airport Drive, increasing landscaping buffers, and moving parking closer to fields. Council asked questions about traffic, parking, noise, lighting, and flood mitigation. No vote was taken; the matter is scheduled for the August 6 council meeting.
- Agenda Item 14.2 – Duke Energy Franchise Agreement: Ordinance 9929-26 on second reading was presented for a 30-year franchise agreement with Duke Energy, including a Memorandum of Agreement with approximately $2 million in benefits/investments. The ordinance cannot be placed on consent. Vote scheduled for August 6.
- Agenda Item 17.1 – Hotel Density Pool Units: Vice Mayor Cotton proposed a discussion on pausing the allocation of the remaining 19 hotel density pool units until the pending traffic study is completed (expected by November). Planning Director Lauren Matske noted that one application for 5–6 units is pending, and the city is obligated to process complete applications but not to grant density. Council discussed the beach traffic issues (north-south more problematic than east-west) and the original Beach by Design plan. Vice Mayor clarified he is not seeking a moratorium, only a posture of restraint. Several council members expressed support for a strategic approach rather than a formal pause. The transportation study is expected to be finished by late September, with outreach in January/February 2027.
- Agenda Item 17.2 – Naming City Hall and Municipal Complex: Councilmember Mannino raised the idea of naming the municipal complex after Bill Horn, given the new City Hall’s progress. Community feedback was mixed; some preferred naming something other than the entire building. Council discussed options: naming the lobby, chambers, or the plaza (green space outside City Hall). There was consensus to name the plaza after Bill Horn rather than the entire municipal complex. Council decided to bring a motion to the August 6 council meeting to rename the plaza as “Bill Horn Plaza.”
Key Outcomes
- Appointment: Sean Aston appointed to the Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board.
- Affordable Housing Advisory Committee: 10 members appointed and Resolution 26-12 adopted.
- Landings Golf Course P3 Proposal: Staff recommendation to accept as a qualifying project and issue a 30-day solicitation will be voted on at the August 6 council meeting (with two council members recused due to conflicts).
- Public Comment Extension: Resolution 26-13 adopted, extending non-agenda public comment through November 20, 2026.
- Duke Energy Franchise: Ordinance 9929-26 will be voted on second reading at the August 6 council meeting.
- Hotel Density Pool: Council discussed but took no formal action; the issue may be revisited after the traffic study is complete.
- City Hall Naming: Council agreed to place a motion on the August 6 agenda to rename the City Hall plaza (green space) as “Bill Horn Plaza.”
- Consent Items: All consent items were approved unanimously.
- Next Steps: The next regular council meeting is scheduled for August 6, 2026, where several items will be voted on. A special budget work session is set for August 11, 2026.
Meeting Transcript
That offers residents and visitors a welcoming place to gather and enjoy freshly prepared housemade cuisines. Soul Sicilian Fusion features signature dishes like octopus pasta, along with homemade pizza, sauces, desserts, and gelato. Everybody this time we'll call to order the work session of the Clearwater City Council for August 3rd, 2026. Move to item 2.1 on the agenda, which is our August Service Awards. First, I'd like to call forward Joel Silcox of Parks and Recreation. He's a five-year employee of the City of Clearwater. We're getting ready to go fumble. Next, I'd like to call forward Leonard Jones from Marine and Aviation, who's been an employee with the city for 20 years. Larry, Larry, if you'll uh if you like their podium, we uh city manager has uh nice descriptions she'd like to read on what you've been doing for us for 20 years. Larry began his career with the City of Clearwater on August 7th of 2006 as a Park Service Technician one in the Parks and Recreation Department. Through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. He advanced a Park Service Tech 2 in 2007 before being promoted to trades worker in 2008. In 2011, Larry transferred to the Marine and Aviation Department, where he brought his strong work ethic and technical expertise to the city's marina's operations. After serving as a lead worker, he was promoted to Marine Facilities Supervisor in 2015. As his responsibilities continued to grow, his position evolved into a marine facilities coordinator in 2017, recognizing his expanding leadership role. In 2021, Larry was promoted to assistant operations manager, where he continues to serve today. Throughout his career, Larry has earned the respect of his co-workers and supervisors. He was recognized as employee of the month in 2008, 2009, and 2011, and was part of the team of the month in 2014 and again in 2024, reflecting both his individual contributions and his ability to work well with others. Larry is a leader who leads by example. He mentors new employees, he shares his knowledge, and is always willing to step in where needed. Whether responding to emergencies, maintaining critical public infrastructure, supporting capital improvement projects, or helping a teammate, Larry approaches every task with professionalism and a commitment to doing the job right. Larry's work reflects the city's commitment to superior public service. He helps ensure Clearwater's marinas, waterfront facilities, and public assets remain safe, functional, and welcoming for residents and visitors. His dedication to continuous improvement and developing others supports the city's goal of maintaining a high performing government. Larry truly helps Clearwater thrive through his leadership, dependability, and commitment to serving the community. Twenty years of public service is an outstanding accomplishment, and his career is a great example of the positive impact one employee can have on both the organization and the community. Thank you, Larry, for your 20 years of dedicated service to the City of Clearwater. Wow. Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate 20 years. Great service. Well, great commitment to our city. Thank you, Larry, for your commitment to citizens of Clearwater. Oops, hold on one second. Dave began his career with the City of Clearwater as a recreation leader in 1996 as one of the first employees at the brand new countryside recreation center. Dave spent the next 21 years at Countryside and was promoted to recreation programmer in 2020. I'm sorry, 2004, and again in 2007 to facility supervisor. In 2017, Dave was selected to be the center manager for the new Morningside Recreation Complex. Dave was involved in every aspect of opening this new facility, from building design to the operation of staff and equipment, as well as scheduling activities, classes, and programs. The building opened in late 2018 and became one of our busiest recreation facilities. Dave is a servant leader with an outstanding work ethic. He leads by example and always has a positive can-do attitude. Dave is known for his outstanding customer service skills and his ability to create and implement memorable community events. Through his dedication to providing quality programs and exceptional experiences for residents, Dave exemplifies the city's commitment to superior public service. His leadership, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement also reflect the values of a high performing government. Dave also heads up our division's employee recreation, I'm sorry, recognition committee and makes sure our employees know how important they are to the department and the city. He understands that investigating, investing in employees and recognizing their contributions strengthens our organization and helps us better serve our community. Dave has received many accolades over his 30 years, including being named Recreation Programming Programming Employee of the Year in 2015. Dave's contribution to the City of Clearwater and its citizens is immeasurable.
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