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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Clearwater City Council Meeting - August 20, 2026

Clearwater Municipal Meetings — Thursday, August 20, 2026

BodyClearwater, Florida

SessionClearwater Municipal Meetings

DateThursday, August 20, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 2:32:39

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

0:00

August 2026 meeting of the Clearwater City Council.

0:03

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

0:08

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

0:12

When called to speak, please hand your card to the clerk.

0:16

We'll now move to item two on the agenda and for an invocation I'd ask that everyone please stand for an invitation to be given by Pastor Willie Rice, Calvary Church, the oldest church as I've called in Pinellas County.

0:29

And we want to congratulate Dr.

0:32

Rice too.

0:33

He was recently elected the 66th president of the Southern Baptist Convention.

0:40

One of the largest faith-based Christian organizations in the entire world.

0:44

And congratulations on that, Pastor.

0:47

And uh and thank you for coming tonight.

0:49

Thank you, Mayor, very much.

0:51

Let's pray.

0:52

Father in heaven, we give you our praise.

0:55

You are the living God.

0:56

You are the creator of all.

0:57

You have given us life and breath.

0:59

You're the ruler and judge of all the universe.

1:02

And we come tonight with gratitude in our hearts for all that you have done for us and all that you have given to us.

1:08

And we come tonight seeking your wisdom and praying for your wisdom upon those who would serve our city and your blessings upon our city.

1:17

Lord, we thank you for your offer of life and your son and your offer of forgiveness and your grace poured out to each one of us.

1:24

God, we pray for the leaders of our city.

1:27

We pray for men and women of integrity and courage.

1:31

We pray for men and women who will not be bought or bullied, but will stand for what is right, knowing that they will give an account to you, as will we all.

1:39

We pray for our city.

1:41

Lord, we pray for your grace to be poured out upon our city, for us to be humbled, and for us to seek you, to seek your wisdom and your goodness, both for ourselves and for our neighbors.

1:52

Lord, we need your help.

1:53

We need your grace.

1:54

There are many problems.

1:56

Uh there are many challenges that these leaders face, and this meeting represents one step in trying to resolve that and manage this city.

2:03

So we thank you for government, which has been ordained by you and those leaders who have been ordained by you.

2:09

May they serve again, you and others as servants of you, and reminding that they are always uh, of course, accountable to not only us, but ultimately to you.

2:20

So, Lord Jesus, we pray that you will bless this meeting, and I offer this prayer in the name of Jesus.

2:26

Amen.

2:28

Thank you, Pastor.

2:29

Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

2:32

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

2:37

And to the Republic, which stands one nation under God with liberty and justice.

2:50

Before we go further in tonight's agenda, please let me introduce our dais.

2:55

To my far left is our Deputy City Clerk, Nicole Sprague.

3:01

Good evening.

3:02

To her right is our city clerk, Rosemary Cole.

3:05

Good evening.

3:06

To her right is our city attorney, Owen Cole.

3:09

Good evening.

3:10

To his right is City Councilmember Lena Tosheda.

3:13

Hello, everyone.

3:14

To my left is Vice Mayor Ryan Cotton.

3:16

Hello, welcome.

3:17

To my right is Councilmember Mike Menino.

3:20

Good evening.

3:20

To his right, Councilmember David Alberton.

3:23

Hello.

3:23

To his right, City Manager Jeffrey Porrier.

3:26

Good evening.

3:27

Sir Herright, Assistant City Manager Dan Slaughter.

3:30

And to his right, Assistant City Manager Al Battle.

3:34

With that, we'll move to item 4.1 on the agenda.

3:38

Special recognition of Clearwater Businesses named among the Tampa Bay Business Journal's top 50 fastest growing companies for business growth.

3:56

Good evening, uh Mr.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural██████████████████████22%

Water And Wastewater Management████████████12%

Tourism Development██████████10%

Environmental Protection██████████10%

Community Engagement██████████10%

Economic Development█████5%

Public Safety█████5%

Public Engagement████4%

Engineering And Infrastructure███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Clearwater City Council Meeting - August 20, 2026

The Clearwater City Council met on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included special recognitions of six local businesses, multiple annexations, a development agreement for the Palm Pavilion Hotel, establishment of a manatee protection zone, and numerous routine administrative approvals. Public comments addressed annexation concerns, support for the manatee zone, and safety issues. A major discussion focused on strategic allocation of the hotel density reserve pool, and the council debated canceling the September 14 work session, ultimately agreeing to a combined meeting on September 17.

Special Recognitions

Economic Development Coordinator Stephanie Scalos recognized six Clearwater companies named to the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2026 Fast 50 list. Four companies were present: Plexus Technologies (#33, 51% revenue growth), Yomama's Foods (#16, 96% growth), iParametrics (#7, 195% growth), and Fly USA (#6, 215% growth). Two others (Shelby Construction, Sunrise Capital Investors) were unable to attend. Mayor and council expressed pride in their contributions.

Annexations (Items 6.1, 6.2, 6.3)

6.1 (1764 Evans Drive): Voluntary annexation of a 0.18-acre residential parcel to receive sanitary sewer. Unanimous approval (ordinances 9910-26, 9911-26, 9912-26 on first reading).
6.2 (603 South Bayview Avenue): Voluntary annexation of a 0.59-acre parcel seeking US 19 Regional Center designation. Three public speakers (Laura Pell, Alicia Goodwin, Scott Phillips) opposed, citing concerns about potential multi-family (eight-plex) development, increased crime, lowered property values, and impact on a nearby retreat center. Councilmember Alberton asked about the link between annexation and the eight-plex; staff clarified that after annexation, development could proceed administratively unless a flexible design is requested. The council voted 4-1 to approve, with Councilmember Alberton opposed. (Ordinances 9913-26, 9914-26, 9915-26)
6.3 (1995 Carroll Street): Voluntary annexation of a 0.24-acre vehicle service use parcel for sanitary sewer. Unanimous approval (ordinances 9916-26, 9917-26, 9918-26).

Development Agreement - Palm Pavilion Hotel (6.4)

Staff presented a development agreement for 10 and 18 Bay Esplanade, allocating 91 units from the hotel reserve for a 144-room hotel with 173 parking spaces, consistent with Beach by Design. The applicant (Katie Cole) requested approval. No public comments. Council unanimously adopted Resolution 26-09.

Interlocal Agreements and Renewals (6.5, 6.13)

6.5: Renewal of Interlocal Agreement with Forward Pinellas for planning and mapping services (Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2030). No financial obligation. Unanimous.
6.13: Third amendment to Interlocal Agreement with Tampa Bay Estuary Program, providing cumulative annual funding of $100,260 through FY 2031. Vice Mayor Cotton highlighted ongoing projects (e.g., stormwater improvements, Cooper Bayou habitat work). Unanimous.

Stevenson Creek Manatee Protection Zone (6.6)

Marine Director Mike McDonald presented a year-round slow-speed minimum wake manatee protection zone in Stevenson Creek. Four public speakers (Mike Foley, Jerry Coles, Kevin Lochlin, Jeremy Reynolds) strongly supported the ordinance, noting improved water quality and manatee presence (over 200 sightings in eight months, 27 calves born). Council members praised staff collaboration. Unanimously approved Ordinance 9931-26 on first reading. The ordinance requires Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) review and permitting before effect.

Other Routine Approvals (Items 6.7–6.23)

6.7: Continued to a date uncertain (ordinance repealing slow speed zones deferred pending FWC permit).
6.8: Purchase order increase to $116,057.70 for Police/Fire dock design (post-Hurricane Helene). Unanimous.
6.9: Amendment to FDOT grant for corporate hangars, adding $600,000 in state funds and $600,000 local match (reimbursed by Fly USA). Unanimous.
6.10: Purchase order for telecom services (Microsoft Teams telephony) – $177,426.42. Unanimous.
6.11: Grant acceptance from IPTM for pedestrian and bicycle safety enforcement – $30,439.90. Unanimous.
6.12: Gas franchise agreement with Port Richey (30-year term, 5% fee). Unanimous.
6.14: Ratify increase for disaster debris management at Marymont Park (total $105,746). Unanimous.
6.15: Work order for sodium hypochlorite structure replacement – $483,749. Unanimous.
6.16: Work order for SCADA/PLC standards – $266,796. Unanimous.
6.17: Work order for residuals handling improvements – $214,156.70. Unanimous.
6.18: Work order for pH adjustment pilot testing at Marshall Street Water Reclamation Facility – $376,192. Unanimous.
6.19: Purchase order for chemical induction units (single source) – $155,387. Unanimous.
6.20: Professional services agreement with Black & Veatch for Florida Senate Bill 64 plan implementation – not-to-exceed $19 million over five years. Unanimous.
6.21: No-cost change order extending project completion 150 days. Unanimous.
6.22: Work order for PFAS removal pilot study at RO1 Water Treatment Facility – $273,804. Vice Mayor Cotton asked about optional bench-scale testing and PFAS settlement claims. Unanimous.
6.23: Employment agreement appointing Owen Kohler as City Attorney. Unanimous; Mayor welcomed him.

Citizens to be Heard

Kevin Lochlin: On behalf of Dr. Lawrence Jarvick, raised concerns about Clearwater Housing Authority management after an extended air conditioning outage at Hampton Independent Living (June-July 2025). Alleged inadequate compensation, hospitalizations, and the housing authority taking over five apartments as offices. Requested council attention.
Fred Cohen: Army veteran, requested trimming of low-hanging branches on Druid Trail (Keene Road to Fort Harrison) and installation of overhead covers at Crest Lake Park dog park benches. Noted no city response to previous online submissions.

City Manager Reports

City Manager Jeffrey Porrier announced a live dashboard showing potential impacts of a $20 million revenue reduction on city services. Reminded council of a soft hiring freeze with approximately 70 frozen positions. Recognized engineering specialist Samantha Riley for preserving historic elements of the Overbrook Avenue Luton Bridge (turning 100 years old) for display at Heritage Village and the historical society.

Discussion: Hotel Density Reserve Pool Strategy (10.1)

Councilmember Mannino led a discussion on strategically allocating the remaining 19 hotel density reserve units to complete the Beach by Design vision, particularly along East Shore. He advocated for a selective approach, incentivizing projects that enhance public spaces and connectivity. Councilmember Alberton suggested pausing allocation until traffic studies are completed. Councilmember Tosheda raised process and legality concerns. Council agreed to direct staff to prepare a memo: updated count of allocated but unbuilt units, expiration dates, and a map of potential East Shore parcels. No formal vote; direction given.

Discussion: Canceling Work Session (10.2)

Council considered canceling the September 14, 2026 work session due to Councilmember Tosheda's unavoidable absence. She requested postponing significant items, citing past accommodations. Other members stressed the need to avoid delays for applicants and staff schedules. After debate, consensus was reached to cancel the September 14 work session and hold a combined work session and formal council meeting on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Council also agreed to schedule the first reading of a vacation ordinance for Laura Street, Grove, and an alley on that date.

Key Outcomes

Votes: Item 6.2 approved 4-1 (Councilmember Alberton opposed); all other votes unanimous.
Ordinances: Manatee protection zone (6.6) passed first reading; annexation ordinances approved on first reading.
Appointment: Owen Kohler confirmed as City Attorney.
Staff Direction: Prepare memo on hotel density pool status and strategic options.
Schedule: September 14 work session canceled; combined meeting on September 17.
Public Comments: Noted for follow-up on housing authority and trail/park improvements.

Meeting Transcript

August 2026 meeting of the Clearwater City Council. If you wish to address the council tonight, please complete a comment card. Comment cards are located by the clerk seated to the right of the dais. When called to speak, please hand your card to the clerk. We'll now move to item two on the agenda and for an invocation I'd ask that everyone please stand for an invitation to be given by Pastor Willie Rice, Calvary Church, the oldest church as I've called in Pinellas County. And we want to congratulate Dr. Rice too. He was recently elected the 66th president of the Southern Baptist Convention. One of the largest faith-based Christian organizations in the entire world. And congratulations on that, Pastor. And uh and thank you for coming tonight. Thank you, Mayor, very much. Let's pray. Father in heaven, we give you our praise. You are the living God. You are the creator of all. You have given us life and breath. You're the ruler and judge of all the universe. And we come tonight with gratitude in our hearts for all that you have done for us and all that you have given to us. And we come tonight seeking your wisdom and praying for your wisdom upon those who would serve our city and your blessings upon our city. Lord, we thank you for your offer of life and your son and your offer of forgiveness and your grace poured out to each one of us. God, we pray for the leaders of our city. We pray for men and women of integrity and courage. We pray for men and women who will not be bought or bullied, but will stand for what is right, knowing that they will give an account to you, as will we all. We pray for our city. Lord, we pray for your grace to be poured out upon our city, for us to be humbled, and for us to seek you, to seek your wisdom and your goodness, both for ourselves and for our neighbors. Lord, we need your help. We need your grace. There are many problems. Uh there are many challenges that these leaders face, and this meeting represents one step in trying to resolve that and manage this city. So we thank you for government, which has been ordained by you and those leaders who have been ordained by you. May they serve again, you and others as servants of you, and reminding that they are always uh, of course, accountable to not only us, but ultimately to you. So, Lord Jesus, we pray that you will bless this meeting, and I offer this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen. Thank you, Pastor. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic, which stands one nation under God with liberty and justice. Before we go further in tonight's agenda, please let me introduce our dais. To my far left is our Deputy City Clerk, Nicole Sprague. Good evening. To her right is our city clerk, Rosemary Cole. Good evening. To her right is our city attorney, Owen Cole. Good evening. To his right is City Councilmember Lena Tosheda. Hello, everyone. To my left is Vice Mayor Ryan Cotton. Hello, welcome. To my right is Councilmember Mike Menino.

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