City Council - Regular Meeting

Thank you.

This time we'll call to order the August 31, 2026 meeting of the Clearwater City Council. If you wish to address the council tonight, please complete the comment card. Comment cards are located by the clerk seated to the right of the dais. When you call to speak, please hand your card to the clerk. Move to item two on the agenda, and that's our invocation. I ask for everyone to please stand. for the invocation to be given tonight by Reverend Kyle D. Smith, pastor at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, and then remain standing afterwards for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Let us pray. Heavenly Father, almighty God, and creator of all things, we pause at this beginning of the meeting to acknowledge your presence and ask for your blessing upon the city of Clearwater. We give thanks for the unique beauty of this coastal community, for our dedicated citizens, and for the freedom we enjoy to gather and govern openly. We pray today for our mayor, our city council members, and city staff. Grant them clarity of mind, exceptional wisdom, and discerning hearts as they deliberate on the matters before them. May the decisions be guided by integrity, fairness, and a shared commitment to the common good of all residents. Protect our first responders, our police officers, and firefighters who work tirelessly to keep our neighborhoods safe. Bless our local businesses, families, and those facing hardship in our community. Ensure that Clearwater remains a place of opportunity, hope, and compassion. May the work done in this chamber tonight strengthen our community, foster unity, and pave the way for a prosperous future. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Amen.

Thank you, Reverend Smith. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

liberty and justice for all.

Before we begin the meeting part of our agenda tonight, I want to introduce our dais. To my far left is our deputy city clerk, Nicole Sprague.

Good evening.

To her right is our city clerk, Rosemarie Cole.

Good evening.

To her right is city attorney, Owen Kohler.

Good evening.

To her right is Council Member Lena Teixeira.

Good evening.

To her right, my left, Vice Mayor Ryan Cotton.

Good evening. Welcome.

To my right, Council Member Mike Menino.

Good evening.

To his right, Council Member David Albritton.

Good evening.

To his right, City Manager Jennifer Poirier.

Good evening.

To her right, Assistant City Manager Dan Slaughter. Good evening. And to his right, Assistant City Manager Al Battle. Good evening. That will move to Item 4.1 of the agenda. Good evening.

for Pinellas presentation by Nusheen Rahman. Hopefully I got it right.

Pretty darn close. Good evening. My name is Nusheen Rahman. I am a principal planner at Ford Pinellas. And today I'm here to give you just a general update about what we have going on at the MPO and PPC. We try to make an effort to go around to our various local governments once a year to give some of these updates. So thank you for having me today. Two of your council members will know very intimately who we are and what we do. But for those of you who may not, um, we are technically, um, emerged, uh, two legal entities under the fictitious name board Pinellas. Um, we are composed of the Pinellas planning council, which is, um, the land use planning council for Pinellas county, as well as the metropolitan planning organization. which is a transportation planning organization for Pinellas County. And overall, we are a facilitator, provide technical assistance in land use and transportation matters, and also guide development decisions and transportation priorities in the county. This is our governing board. You will see two very familiar smiling faces on these pictures. Um, and we are currently comprised of 19 elected officials, um, representing on all of our communities combined. Um, on the transportation side of our house, um, while our funding, um, is based on formula funding from the federal and state government. Uh, we also have the opportunity to develop our augment, our list of priorities, um, which is based on a five-year program. of funded transportation projects through our local government grant program. And this is also one of the reasons we come around this time of the year, because we currently have our call for projects for local governments, local government grants out to our municipalities. So this grant program has been going on for 11 years and we've awarded a little over $13 million to our local governments. All of these are initiated by our local governments who have projects that they'd like to advance. And typically, our grants don't fully fund a project, but they help take projects further. For example, one bucket of money is under our planning grants, which provides for up to $150,000 in planning projects. These can include safety analyses, community walking audits to determine if there are improvements needed throughout a community, as well as visioning workshops and community charrettes, various scales of the planning phase that can be funded. Listed here are some of the planning grants that we have very proudly funded the last several years. And then the bigger pot of money are our construction or capital grants, where we have up to $3 million available And these projects are those that could be construction ready by what we call our new fifth year, which is kind of the final year of our work program that we look out to. So projects that are funded or awarded this time around would end up in the new fifth year of 2032. And they can include a variety of improvements listed in front of you there. And also listed on this slide in front of you are capital grants that we have previously funded. So as I mentioned, we do have our call for projects out currently and are currently in the phase of meeting with our local governments who are interested in submitting an application. As you can see, the application deadline is October 30th. So still some time, but this time of year goes by certainly very quickly. And our award recommendations go out in early 2027. These awards are decided through a subcommittee of technical planning staff who review these projects against some criteria that we have. adopted and you can see when the planning and construction funds would be available respectively. So that was information on our current grant opportunity. And while we have the opportunity to speak to our local governments, I'd like to give you some updates on the land use side of our house, namely the Pinellas Planning Council. And just some background, taking a step back, the Planning Council was previously its own entity before it merged with the NPO. And that merging process took about five years in the making for us to be able to form Ford Pinellas and provide the technical assistance that we do to our local governments. And this is enabled through a special act where our planning council, the board members on our planning council provide recommendations to the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, where they act as the countywide planning authority. So I provide all of that context to say that we are currently in the process of updating our procedures as a land use agency based on feedback that we received from our board members, our technical planning staff, um, to essentially streamline the public hearing on land use case procedures. And, um, our board, uh, a few members of our board volunteered, um, to be part of this subcommittee to help streamline these procedures. And at our next board meeting on Wednesday, September 9th, we will be providing an update, um, on those outcomes. And part of the reason we want to be able to streamline those procedures is to make it easier, um, for land use cases to come through. your communities, our agency, but also so we can continue to provide some of this more innovative support that we do. We don't just process land use cases. We also provide extensive technical assistance to our local governments. Our staff has become versed in 3D modeling, economic analysis. We also help our local governments with comp plan and land development updates, as well as special projects. And that's work that we genuinely find pride in doing for Um, our communities. So as I mentioned, um, our board, um, did form a subcommittee to review and refine, um, our, um, land use procedures process. And, um, this does have to go through the legislature in its upcoming session, um, because the special act does require a bill and a local sponsor, um, for those changes to be made. So, um, listed in front of you are the 12 very easy steps that we have to go through to make these changes. And then moving on to the transportation side of our house, many of you may be aware of the conversations that have been occurring regarding a proposed regional merger of the three MPOs or Metropolitan Planning Organizations of this region. So that would be ourselves, Pinellas County, Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization, and Pasco. Metropolitan planning organization. And, um, this is in response to, um, legislative direction that we've been given to explore this process. And, um, this has been going on for the last couple of years, um, where, um, we have gone through conversations and facilitating an understanding of what a merge organization looks like. Um, generally the need and motivation for this is a single local decision-making policy board to. advance transportation priorities for the region and potentially an opportunity to speak as one voice, namely being Tampa Bay. In front of you, this shows you the steps and procedures that we have gone through and we are coming up to a milestone where bylaws have been drafted as well as an organizational or draft organizational chart has been created that will be discussed with the Ford Pinellas Board at the same September 9th meeting. And a big part of that is or a big question to that is what a board looks like for a three-county MPO. And so this map here is to provide context on the populations of our three counties as the apportionment of our boards does depend on this population. So as of right now, the consensus has been a 25-member board, if this agency were to be formed, are across all three MPOs that would be combined. And as far as the Pinellas portion of the pie, eight seats have been allocated to us. But I should clarify that the breakdown of what those eight seats look like has not been voted on by our board yet. And that is part of the discussion that continues as our board convenes next week. So you can see that, um, we have eight Hillsborough has 10, um, and Pasco county has, um, five representatives with one seat each to the Hillsborough county aviation authority, which is TPA in port Tampa bay. So, as I mentioned, our board is making, um, some decisions next week and, um, continuing that conversation. But generally, um, this is the schedule that we're looking at. It continues to stay in flux as we have these conversations. Um, but ultimately we'll have to be transmitted for approval. Um, to the governor, if this continues, um, and this process is, uh, approved. Um, and as I mentioned, um, aside from the transportation priorities that we fund, the land use cases that we procedurally review, um, our support goes beyond that. We, uh, really are, um, meant to be a facilitator in the county. We try to bring together, um, our local governments on key topics, um, that are, um, emerging issues in the county. and provide technical assistance as our local governments approach us based on their needs. So with that, I will leave you with my contact information as well as those two little graphics on the slide. One just is the layman's way to understand who we are as Fort Pinellas for anyone in the public that's interested. And then another is a link where anyone can anonymously ask us questions if you would like to learn more about land use and transportation, but are afraid to put your name to it. So thank you for having me, and I'm happy to take any questions or comments.

Any questions? Thank you for coming tonight. Very important projects that you're working on. With that, move to item 4.2 on the agenda.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation, Carrie Kreisman, Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.

Carrie, would you come forward? Whereas ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States and causes more deaths than any other gynecologic cancer, and whereas in the United States a woman's lifetime risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer is about 1 in 78, and whereas the American Cancer Society estimates 21,010 cases of ovarian cancer will be newly diagnosed in 2026, and 12,450 individuals will die from the disease nationwide, including 1,850 new cases and 850 deaths in Florida. And whereas the five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is 50%, and survival rates vary greatly depending on the stage of diagnosis, and whereas there is not currently an effective diagnostic tool for screening and early detection, does not exist. Now, therefore, I, Bruce Rector, Mayor of the City of Clearwater, Florida, on behalf of Clearwater City Council, do hereby proclaim the month of September 2026 to be Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Clearwater. The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance is an important advocate in the research and education of ovarian cancer. And I've said many times publicly, this year will be 40 years since my mother passed away from ovarian cancer. She lasted about 90 days after it was diagnosed. So it's a very aggressive form of cancer, and I just can't tell you how much I personally appreciate how much you and the Alliance is doing to bring awareness to this issue.

Thank you, Mayor Rector and Council, and thank you for having me here and for your time and attention. And, you know, you mentioned 40 years. That doesn't mean anything because it happened, and it happened to you. And it's unfortunately, without a diagnostic tool, it happens to so many people that unfortunately won't be as lucky as me and others who advocate and are here to do so. So I don't take any of that for granted and it's why I do it and why I'm grateful that all of you and others that I've spoken to and other people around the country, hundreds of people do the same thing that I'm doing right here, right now. And we're grateful for that because advocacy is education and especially when there is no diagnostic tool, that's all we have. And thankfully, outcomes are slowly improving, possibly, because there's more actions that we can take on our part, again, while we don't have a tool, like things like elective surgery and genetic testing that is available to anyone with a history or a family history with gynecological cancers. So I appreciate the ability to just spend a few minutes here tonight letting you all know about this because that one in 78, I mean, how many we all know lots of people right so we know people that are going to be affected and let's just hope that someday there is a diagnostic tool that can help with an earlier detection and a better survival rate so thank you for acknowledging this and thank you for the attention that you're bringing to it here in the city of clear water in the month of september thank you very much

Thank you for coming tonight, and thank you for bringing awareness to this important issue.

You're welcome.

Thank you for that as well. Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Yeah, she's going to get it. He's going to get a picture of us up here.

Did you tell me am I good right here?

I think so. No, just kidding. All right.

One, two, three, smile. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you all again.

Thank you.

Move to item 4.3 on the agenda.

988-day proclamation. Ms. Mickey Thompson and Sean Schrader with first contact.

So, yeah. You can come on up. Whereas the City of Clearwater, in collaboration with National Suicide Prevention Week and National Suicide Prevention Month, is recognizing 988 day and whereas Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 marks 988 day, an annual day of action dedicated to spreading awareness of the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and emphasizing the importance of mental health support. And whereas a day of action encourages all Clearwater residents to engage in discussions with friends and loved ones about mental health. And whereas Clearwater residents can participate in events, including walks, runs, and community information sessions, focusing on school and youth, military and veterans, and more. And where increasing awareness of 988-DAY helps ensure more people know that compassionate support is available wherever they need it. And whereas 988-DAY provides another crucial step in the right direction to build a safer and more supportive community and put an end to suicide in Clearwater. Now, therefore, I, Bruce Rector, Mayor of the City of Clearwater, Florida, on behalf of the Clearwater City Council, to hereby proclaim September 8th, 2026 to be 988 Day, and Clearwater encourage all residents to learn about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, support suicide prevention efforts, and help spread the message that help is available by calling, texting, or chatting through the 988life.org.

Well, thank you very much, Mayor and Council. I'm Sean Schrader. As you know, I've been fortunate to work with all of you throughout my life as a proud lifelong resident of the Tampa Bay community. And we are so appreciative of your recognition and your helping to promote awareness of the 988 Lifeline. It has been my great pleasure over the last few years to work with Mickey Thompson and her really talented team at First Contact and really to see just how important this kind of service is. As you know, there are a number of challenges that continue to face our community, whether it be with housing, transportation, a number of things that were just talked about, a number of other emerging issues. And so I think it's very important and really critical to have recognized resources and established resources that are out there where people can speak to those when they're going through times of crisis and really to help normalize these services and make sure everyone's aware of what's available in our community. So for that, thank you very much.

Really thank you on behalf of our entire organization, our entire board, John's one of our board members, as well as our staff and our volunteers who work with us. We want to say thank you for helping to spread the word. Really the goal is to get the word out about 988, let people know that you don't have to face a crisis alone. Whether you can turn to a trusted friend, turn to a school, turn to a faith community, if you don't have any of those, you can always also reach out to 988, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. for those so we can talk. It's non-judgmental. It's confidential. You don't have to say who you are. You can be anonymous as well in contacting us. We just want everyone to know that you don't have to face a crisis alone. So thank you so much for the opportunity to do that this evening. Thank you.

Thank you for coming tonight. We just were honored this Saturday to have one of our Clearwater Police Department officers, Officer Andrew Billups, selected as Officer of the Year. and received an award Saturday night at Opal Sol. So he did two things. One was rescuing a young lady with autism off the rocks and she was in a very dangerous spot near the water on Clearwater Beach. But the second thing he was recognized for was saving the life of a woman who was getting ready to jump off the Memorial Causeway Bridge and he rescued her from that dangerous situation. It just brings to light the serious challenge we have with mental health suicide prevention here. So thank you for all you're doing to help us address this very important and very challenging issue. Thank you for coming tonight.

Thank you so much.

Thank you. Thank you so much.

Thank you for being here today. Move to item 4.4 in the agenda.

floor of redevelopment week proclamation, if I can have Jesus Nino and Ann Lopez and Tasha Hadley with CRA.

Whereas the city of Clearwater recognizes that community redevelopment strengthens neighborhoods, supports local businesses, encourages economic investment, and enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors. And whereas the Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency, CRA, supports redevelopment in downtown Clearwater and North Greenwood by investing in public improvements, local businesses, and community revitalization. And whereas these redevelopment efforts strengthen neighborhoods, improve public spaces, encourage private investment, and create a vibrant community where people can live, work, visit, and do business. And whereas the Florida Redevelopment Agency, FRA, has designated September 14th to the 18th, 2026, as Florida Redevelopment Week. to recognize the positive impact of community redevelopment and increase public awareness of the important role community redevelopment agencies play in strengthening communities throughout Florida. And whereas the City of Clearwater is proud to join communities across Florida in recognizing Florida Redevelopment Week and celebrating the partnerships, investments, and accomplishments that can continue to shape a stronger and more vibrant Clearwater, Now, therefore, I, Bruce Rector, Mayor of the City of Clearwater, Florida, on behalf of Clearwater City Council, do hereby proclaim September 14th through the 18th, 2026, to be Florida Redevelopment Week in Clearwater. Thank you for being here tonight. Would you like to say a few words?

Yes, thank you. Jesus Nino, CRA Executive Director. It's an honor to be here tonight, here before you as a mayor, council members, city manager's office, and other staff members. This is actually the first year of Florida redevelopment week. So we're proud that you're proclaiming September 14th through the 18th as Florida redevelopment week. We just want to make sure that the community understands that we're all here working together as a team, elected officials, staff members, and the community to create real lasting community impact out there. We're not just about projects or grants. We want to create lasting impact. Thank you. And I want to recognize my staff members here. We have Ms. Ann Lopez, assistant director, Mr. Brian Albrecht, CRA coordinator, Ms. Tasha Hadley, CRA specialist. Thank you.

Thank you for being here tonight, and thank you for helping us make Clearwater more bright and beautiful than ever before. So thank you for your work. Thank you.

Congratulations.

I want to get a photo here.

Turn this way. Turn this way.

Look, squirrel. Are you good?

Very good.

Thank you.

This time we'll move to item 5.1 on the agenda.

Approve the minutes of the August 20, 2026 City Council meeting.

Is there a motion to approve the minutes?

So moved. Second.

All those in favor?

Aye.

Opposed? Unanimous. Agenda item 6.1.

Approve the First Amendment to the City of Clearwater State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program Local Housing Assistance Plan covering fiscal years 2024 through 2027.

Good evening, Mayor and Council. My name is Dylan May. I'm the housing manager. This item here is the first amendment to the city's current three-year local housing assistance plan, or LHAP, which establishes how the city may utilize SHIP funding. This amendment is necessary to comply with Senate Bill 594, which requires SHIP jurisdictions to include strategies addressing manufactured housing. The amendment adds provisions that allow the city to provide relocation assistance to individuals displaced by the closure of mobile home parks, as well as rent assistance to eligible mobile home owners. It also reflects the repeal of the previous 20% cap on the use of ship funds for manufactured housing. It's important to note adding these strategies to the LHAP does not require us to program each activity. Rather, it provides the city with the flexibility to implement the programs that best address the needs of our community. The need for additional manufactured housing programs will be evaluated over time and will be implemented appropriately. Staff recommends approval of the First Amendment to the LHAP. I'm happy to address any questions.

Does anyone here from the public tonight desire to speak to this agenda? We're seeing none. Is there any council discussion? If not, is there a motion?

Move to approve agenda item 6.1. Second.

All those in favor?

Aye.

Opposed? Unanimous. Thank you. Agenda item 6.2.

Authorize purchase orders from multiple vendors for the purchase of computer parts, products, maintenance, servers, and network equipment in the cumulative not to exceed amounts of $3,500,000 for term October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, or through expiration of the respective contract of earlier pursuant to clear water code of ordinances section 2.563, paren 1, paren C, piggyback, and section 2.561, paren 5, small purchases, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.

Thank you, Mayor, council members, city manager. This is our annual multi-vendor contract that pays for parts and low-dollar maintenance for our standardized equipment and software across the network. So I'll be happy to answer any specific questions you might have.

Okay. So you want to hear from the public tonight that the desire is to speak to this agenda item. Hearing none, is there any council discussion? If not, is there a motion?

Motion to approve agenda item 6.2. Second.

All those in favor?

Aye.

Opposed? Unanimous. Thank you. June item 6.3.

Approve a purchase order to Fiber Asset Co. LLC, doing business as Zio of New York, New York, for dedicated internet access services for the city's wide area network in a not-to-exceed amounts of $142,800 for a 36-month term from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2029, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.

Mayor, council members, Zio used to be Crown Castle. They purchased that infrastructure and now go by a new name. This provides internet service for our emergency operations center out of 48. It's one of two major connections we have at that location. Is there any other questions?

Seeing no one here from the public tonight that desires to speak to agenda item 6.3. Seeing none, is there any council discussion? If not, is there a motion?

Motion to approve agenda item 6.3. Second.

All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Unanimous. Agenda item 6.4.

A perfect purchase order and renewal agreement to Tritec Software Systems, a central square company, for the renewal of Tritec Software support and maintenance in the amount of $258,591.41 from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, pursuant to clear water code of warranties section 2.563.1, impractical, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.

Good evening, Mayor, Council, Chief Gandy, Clearwater PD. This is a request to renew our CAD contract with Tri-Tech. Our CAD, or Computer Aided Dispatch System, allows our communications center to transmit call details and information, clear calls, send that information to the officers in the field, and they can even import information into those call screens for a call closure. We've been using this company since 2007, and we intend to continue into the near future. The next item I'll discuss here in a little bit goes more into this, but we're requesting the renewal at this time.

Is there anyone here from the public that desires to speak to this agenda? If not, is there any council discussion? If not, is there a motion?

Move to approve agenda item 6.4. Second.

All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Unanimous. Agenda item 6.5.

Ratify and confirm a purchase order and agreement to Tritex Software Systems, a central square company, for a specified scope of work in the amounts of $107,445. Person to clear water code of warranties section 2.563, paren 1, paren D, impractical and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.

Mayor counsel to candy. Um, this one requires a little bit of a history on, on the product and where we are. So in 2022, all law enforcement and the, uh, fire districts in Pinellas county, uh, endeavor to pursue a countywide CAD program. Um, during that time, we made some decisions along the way, anticipating the new product rollout that. basically push back upgrades and maintenance to this system. About the time we realized in this countywide consortium that the vendor couldn't deliver we came to the realization through communication with IT that because they couldn't deliver and we had to abandon the pursuit of that project, we had to quickly update our systems. So apparently Microsoft is going to change a method of encryption that our system is not compatible with. So what happened, we looked at several different options. We looked to piggyback with PCSO temporarily. We looked to see if we could force our system to accept the encryption. Neither of those were viable, and we were left with a very short runway after the other project was unsuccessful. Mr. Mayor is here. He can answer any questions in terms of scope of work, but effectively it's to upgrade our systems to allow it to communicate effectively with Microsoft. He and I will be glad to answer any questions related to that or the other project.

Mr. Mayor, do you have anything to add? Do you have anything to add to what he said?

No, and I'll field questions. The protocol is called RC4. It's used widely. It's very prevalent in OT networks, operational networks for critical infrastructure. And like the Minnesota case a couple of weeks ago, those are the types of protocols they hack. It's very vulnerable. Microsoft will no longer recognize it across their network. And right now, our current configuration uses that protocol to pass passwords between the 17 servers in this system. So it's imperative. We've already had an initial technical meeting with the vendor. We have another meeting Wednesday. We're very optimistic we'll get everything upgraded. Training of staff will be the biggest hurdle. And Chief Gandy is shouldering a lot of burden to get that done on time. We'll do everything we can from a technical standpoint to put them in the best position.

Chair Greg Musil Thank you. Is there anyone from the public that I desire to speak to this agenda? Hearing and seeing none, is there any council discussion? If not, is there a motion?

Chair Greg Musil Move to approve agenda item 6.5. Second.

Chair Greg Musil All those in favor? Aye. Chair Greg Musil Opposed? Unanimous. Thank you, gentlemen. Agenda item 6.6.

Authorize the construction contract to CGS Contracting Services, Inc. for the East WRF filter feed pump station and force main improvements in the amounts of $1,632,070 pursuant to invitation to bid number 17-004A-UT and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.

Good evening, Mayor, Council, Mike Flanagan, Public Utilities Director. Today I'm requesting your authorization to award construction contract to CGS Contracting Services of Alachua County, Florida for the East WRF Filter Feed Pump Station, four speed improvements in the amount of $1,632,070 pursuant to ITB 17-0048. Issued on April 29, 2026, the ITB yielded six responsive submittals with SDS submitting the lowest responsive bid to complete the project within 365 calendar days following the notice received. This project aligns with our commitment to high-performing government by maintaining public infrastructure through systematic management efforts and I'm happy to respond to any questions that you may have.

CHAIRMAN BRYANTLE. I want to hear from the public tonight as I speak to this agenda. Seeing none, is there any council discussion or questions?

If not, is there a motion? Motion to approve agenda item 6.6. Second.

All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Unanimous. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Agenda item 6.7.

Approve an agreement between the city and Fields Inc. of Clearwater, Florida for the operation and maintenance of the Barefoot Beach House and Pier 60 concessions located at 332 South Gulf View Boulevard and 7 Causeway Boulevard, respectively, from March 1, 2027 through February 29, 2032, three additional five-year terms, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.

Good evening, Mayor, council members. I'm Mark Cater, Parks and Recreation Director. As I'm sure you know, we have, the city owns two concession stands on Clearwater Beach, Barefoot Beach House, and it'll also pierce 60 concessions. For the past 20 years, which actually equates to four RFPs, Alexandra of Clearwater Beach, Inc., as well as Fields, Inc., have been the successful operator and bidder on those. uh they've been successful and operating these concession buildings as well as providing beach rentals to guests at clearwater beach alexandria of clearwater and fields inc are more commonly known as steve and lisa chandler if you're wondering about that i made a mistake on the agenda item so when we get down we'll approve it correctly The current agreement with Fields Inc. expires on February 28th, 27. Therefore, the city issued another request for proposal, and we received two responders, but of those two, and based on the selection criteria of the knowledge, experience, the commitment they have already to the city, we selected Alexandria Clearwater to continue with this agreement. The new agreement's for five years with three five-year renewal options. This agreement guarantees an annual rental fee of $240,000 per year, plus additional percentage on the gross income when it exceeds $1.5 million, as well as 50% of the gross sales of the beach rentals, which averages roughly those two things, about 2.7 per year. $2.7 million per year. Capital fund investment of $100,000 per year and $5,000 for the lifeguard operations. In addition to that, people don't know it, but they maintain four public restrooms on Clearwater Beach as well as empty and trash cans at Pier 60 Park Forest. Funds generated by this agreement go into the general fund. uh if you approve the agreement tonight it is actually rather than fields ain't this with alexandria did you pick that up too yeah okay uh with that uh available answer questions okay is there anyone here from the public tonight that desires to speak this year good evening mayor council members katie cole with the law firm of hillward henderson representing

Steve and Lisa Chandler and their entities, Fields Inc. and Alexandra Inc. I don't want to belabor the point. The Chandlers have been your partners out on Clearwater Beach since 1996, and as the beach has grown more popular, they've reinvested into the city, giving a number of opportunities, whether it's the Sugar Sand Festival, whether it's the Sunsets at Pier 60, or any of the other variety of entertainment and tourism activities that they're involved in and that they do that. Obviously, all of that generates more dollars for the city, which is the reason to make this partnership continue to work. With that, happy to answer any questions that you may have about the agreement or about their continued investment in Clearwater and Clearwater Beach.

Thank you. Anyone else from the public that desires to speak to this agenda? I'm seeing none. Is there council discussion? Vice Mayor.

Yes, thank you, sir. Mr. Cater, of that $2.7 million average, is that the gross total that we are receiving from that, or has the percentage been broken down there?

That would be the 2.7 average is basically it's $2,377,000 for the 50% of the rentals, of the umbrellas. The remainder, the $383,000, is the percentage above the $1.5 million. The $240,000 would be the base rent. So in other words, we've got a base rent, which is wonderful. And then we have a percentage. So when they make better, we make better.

Absolutely. Listen, to the Chandlers, thank you very much. When I think of a public-private partnership, this is setting the standard. You all do great work out on our beach and through the events that you guys provide as well as maintaining our beautiful beach out there, taking care of our guests and the residents alike. Thank you very much and I'll definitely be happy to vote in favor of this.

Any other council discussion? I'll just echo what the Vice Mayor just said. The Chandler family has been such an important part of the growth and success of Clearwater Beach and all you've done out there with Pier 60 concessions and throwing your heart and soul into it. And the community recognizes that. I think that's a reflection of how many others were interested in bidding on it. They know how much you love this community and how much you love our beach community. So happy to see that we're able to extend the relationship because it's been a great relationship so far. OK, any other discussion? If not, then is there a motion?

Motion to approve agenda item 6.7.

Second.

All those in favor?

Aye.

Opposed? Unanimous. Thank you and congratulations. That will move to agenda item 6.8.

Approve a legal services agreement with Day's Law Firm for representation of Langston Woody, a former city employee represented in the individual capacity in Logan S. Kinner versus City of Clearwater. case number 8-26-CV-01080 and authorize appropriate officials to execute soon.

So, counsel, this is my item. This is a legal services agreement with the Days Law Firm. The city is currently representing the city in the complaint from Logan Kenner. The plaintiff has sued Langston Wooding as individual capacity. The city is required by ordinance to represent current employees and former employees if they're engaged in the scope of their employment. In this particular instance, My recommendation is to hire an outside law firm to represent Langston Woody. He's no longer an employee here. He actually has an employment claim against the city, so it presents a conflict for my office to represent him individually and then also represent the city in a claim against from him against the city. The employment matter is unrelated to this lawsuit in 6.8, and I'd be happy to answer questions.

So you want to hear from the public tonight if they desire to speak to this agenda. Hearing seeing none, any council discussion? If not, is there a motion?

Move to approve agenda item 6.8. Second.

All those in favor?

Aye.

Opposed? Unanimous. Agenda item 7.1.

ADOPT ORDINANCE 9931-26 ON SECOND READING AMENDING CLEARWATER CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 33 WATERWAYS AND VESSELS BY ADDING SECTION 33.122 AND ESTABLISHING THE STEPHENSON'S CREEK MANATEE PROTECTION ZONE.

GOOD EVENING, MAYOR, COUNCIL, MIKE MCDONALD, MARINE AND AVIATION DIRECTOR. THIS IS THE SECOND READING OF A ORDINANCE THAT WILL MAKE A MANATEE PROTECTION ZONE IN STEPHENSON'S CREEK. I'LL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.

Okay, now we have a read. Ordinance number 9931-26. Ordinance of the City of Clearwater, Florida relating to boating regulatory zones for the protection of man cities, admitting Chapter 33, waterways and vessels, Article 3, vessels, by adding section 33.122 establishing a slow speed minimum weight manatee protection zone within stevenson creek providing findings providing definitions providing for zone designation providing for regulatory markers providing for enforcement and penalties providing for exemptions providing for severability and providing an effective date okay with that do we have um

No, excuse me. That's why I paused to do the reading first. Anyone here from the public tonight that desires to speak this year?

Okay.

Yeah.

Could I reserve comments for after your decision?

Well, no. I think it's clear we're probably going to vote as we did before.

Well, my name's Mike Foley. I'm vice president of the Stevenson Creek Advocacy Group. Our president, Sherry Day, sends her gratitude for preparing this ordinance and processing it in a timely manner. We believe this will prevent tragic accidents and protect the estuary from damage. The Marine Advisory Board chaired by Kevin R.T. Laughlin and the Clearwater staff led by Mike McDonald were great to work with throughout this process. We think this will send a message that Clearwater is paying attention to environmental improvements whenever the need arises. And thanks to the mayor and council's concern and support of this accomplishment. Thank you.

Thank you. Anyone else here from the public tonight on this agenda?

No, go ahead.

Gideon and council, mayor. My name is Darius Wilhair. I live at 1020 Sunset Point Road. Myself and quite a few members of our neighborhood and in Serena are definitely very appreciative of this effort. We all want a safe, excellent, responsibly used waterway. So we're very happy that this is being adopted and that we're caring for these natural resources and the incredible creatures of our humanities. So thank you very much and we urge you to approve this.

Mr. Mayor and Council, thank you for your time. Thanks to you and Mike McDonald, Sherry Day, Mike Foley, SCAG Group, Dr. Beth Brady with Save the Manatee Group. We all collected videos and pictures for a long time. I want to thank you all for stepping up. It took you a while. I don't know where you guys were two years ago when they were planning to build the big docks. This is kind of I don't know what the word is, but I don't know. It's just really frustrating that the CBB board has more power than you guys to approve these docs. And we screamed about it for two years, three years. It's going to hurt the manatees, blah, blah, blah. You all just, oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, we can't do anything about it. you finally realized and thank you mike i know did a lot of work and we appreciate him well thank you for stepping up to the plate but it's you know bittersweet hopefully we'll save the manatees but that doctor's probably going to go through and they're going to have a whole nother issue and that's probably an existential threat to the manatees those docs thank you sir i live in the morningside neighborhood

honorable mayor and city council members. I'm speaking as a resident and also a volunteer for the Suncoast Sierra Club who cares about preserving our wildlife. In 2016, the entire coast of Florida was declared a global biodiversity hotspot. In order to get this title, an area must have lost 70% of its natural wildlife habitat. It's a celebration and a pat on the back for Clearwater, by the way. that the waters of Stevenson's Creek are healthy enough now to attract the manatee, for them to come here to mate, feed, and play. It's also integral to the economy of our county. For residents and tourists alike, it's both thrilling and awing to catch a glimpse of this iconic animal emerging from the depths to take a breath of air. It's our responsibility to restore and protect habitat for our manatee. Now that they're here, let's be sure to protect them. Please approve the Stevenson's Creek Manatee Protection Zone. Thank you.

Thank you. Anyone else? Okay. All right. With that, council discussion.

Mayor, thank you. We had a little party here last time we did the first reading on this. Not a lot of people excited about it. We all unanimously believe you and staff did a great job walking this through. Sometimes we just want to push an easy button and patience are hard. to to give you and the team credit there's a lot of agencies and layers to go through something like this and whether it's dep or fwc and city permitting and everything that you went through so thank you for doing that this um this project wasn't all that tough as far as opposition i mean stevenson's creek advisory group was 100 working hard for it, and Serena by the Sea as well was 100% for this. We've heard from the gentleman this evening, we're all united in the preservation of that important waterway and estuary, as well as the protection of manatees and all the sea life in there in the ecosystem. So this was an easy one, and it's nice to see the entire community come together and support staff and get this done. So thank you.

You're welcome. Anyone else? Okay. Now is there a motion?

Move to approve agenda item 7.1. Second.

All those in favor?

Aye.

Opposed? United. Thank you. Thank you for coming out tonight, folks. That moved to agenda item 8. Are there any citizens to be heard tonight on items not on tonight's agenda?

Yes. Christopher Cohen.

Hi, guys. Good evening, mayor and commissioners, city managers. I'm going to go back about 30 days on this because I haven't had a chance to hang out with you fine people. And there's a few things on the agenda I noticed that I wanted to talk about. First and foremost, I noticed on a fleet purchase that the city is transitioning to Chevy Tahoe's instead of the Ford Interceptor. So I just wanted to say I've personally driven these sister vehicles to these vehicles for the last 20 years. And I'm encouraging the city to look into making our fleet center an authorized General Motors warranty repair facility. The cost savings may not make headlines. It's about $250,000 to $1 million in about five years. But it could save the city money and reduce vehicle downtime. As Clearwater continues to purchase GM vehicles for police, fire, public works, and other departments, many of those vehicles are covered by factory warranties. But when repairs are needed, those vehicles often have to go to an outside dealership. That means employees, police service technicians, and others spend time transporting vehicles, departments wait longer to get their vehicles back, and then taxpayer dollars leave the city for work. And taxpayer dollars leave the city for work, and our own highly skilled technicians may be capable of performing that work. With GM authorization, the fleet technicians could receive factory training, access GM diagnostic information and equipment, and perform eligible warranty repairs right here. There's also a financial benefit, which I just mentioned. Authorized warranty facilities can be reimbursed by GM for eligible warranty work instead of those dollars going to an outside dealership. The city could potentially recover those labor costs. I know the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office just recently went to this program. Clay County Sheriff's Office just recently went to this program. And I know Clearwater Police has an agreement with the Sheriff's Office with some things. Maybe they can do some sort of deal or interaction there. I'm not sure. My second point tonight is going to be flock cameras. Just over an hour ago, the Florida Department of Transportation directed that flock cameras be removed from state roads. If that's the case, the camera golfed at Bandunkin may soon be coming down. I do recognize that Flock has been a valuable investigation tool for law enforcement agencies, including Clearwater, and it's helped solve serious crimes, including help solving the violent murder of two USF students, but there also are legitimate concerns about privacy and how these systems are used. I believe this conversation is going to become very big soon, and Clearwater should be proactive and transparent about how these technologies are being used. Finally, the Landings property. As a Chi Chi Kid, Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation program alumni, I personally believe the sports complex belongs to the Chi Chi Rodriguez site. I might be biased to that. The property has meaning, history, and the potential to make a tremendous difference in the lives of kids who come to that program, obviously including my own. These kids deserve opportunities like this, and if the goal is a destination sports complex, the Chi Chi property also has tremendous value because of its location and proximity to the airport, which for some reason Landings is not, so I'm kind of confused on that. Whatever decision you guys make when it comes down to figure that part out, I hope you guys look beyond the Landings property, maybe look back at the Chi Chi property, and look at the greatest long-term benefit for Clearwater and its residents. Finally, I hope everybody has an awesome Labor Day weekend.

Thank you, sir. Any others?

I have one more, but I think he stepped out. Michael Foley?

All right. We will move to agenda item nine, city manager reports.

Thank you, sir. You already touched on it, but I just want to mention what an honor it was to, on Saturday night, attend the Tampa Bay Chiefs of Police Foundation Gala where Officer Billups was recognized for being Officer of the Year for his outstanding contributions here with the City of Clearwater and want to thank and recognize him and the Police Department for that.

And I want to thank Assistant City Manager Slaughter for serving on the board of that organization and steering it to Clearwater Beach here the last several years. It's a great event for the entire region to bring them out here. Law enforcement to Clearwater Beach is a great thing. So thank you for your influence there. It's good to know a guy. Yeah. Move to agenda item 10.

Nothing to add, sir.

Agenda item 11.1. Council Member Teixeira.

Yes, so as you are aware, I represent Clearwater at the Opioid Abatement Board, and periodically I bring some information to you all, and I guess this is not an exception. It's actually pretty good data, very encouraging. Sorry? No? So anyway, I consolidated and summarized some of the information that has been shared with us over the last few months, and I put some of it in graphs so it's easier to kind of highlight the overall trends. Taken together, the data shows that Florida is seeing meaningful progress in the fight against drug-related deaths. The latest statement data show substantial declines across Several key measures, particularly those involving opioids. The Florida Medical Examiner's 2025 interim report, which is basically the first six months, shows encouraging progress in reducing drug related deaths across Florida. And so that's a good thing, even though there's some information that doesn't fit into there, but at least those numbers look great. So the graphics that I came up with highlight those three key areas. The overall decline in drug and opioid related deaths, the substances most frequently found in the decedents, and those responsible for the most deaths. And then the significant decreases in occurrence of several major opioids. So together this data shows a clear downward trend, including a 19% decrease in total drug related deaths, a decrease of 32.5 in opioid related deaths, and 42% decrease in opioid caused deaths. So while these numbers represent meaningful progress, they do not consider other little nuances. And they also underscore the continued impact of fentanyl and other substances throughout Florida. So overall, good information, good trends. They might not show the full picture, but still encouraging.

That's it. Did they talk about what they're doing to drive this decrease?

Well, so in Pinellas County, we actually were so close to coming up with the whole plan to allocate our $30 million. And then at the last second, we really felt that we needed to step back and reevaluate at least a big portion of it. And so I think that was the right decision because it is a lot of investment and we need to do it right. But with these changes and focusing on our priorities, I think that we're in a good position to further lower these numbers. And then once that decision's made, I can share with you all the entities and what that plan is going to be. Until then, I'm kind of holding off on that a little bit. But we're almost there. Chair Greg Musil.

Well, thank you. Okay. With that, we'll move to Agenda Item 12, Closing Comments by Councilmembers. Councilmember Albritton.

Councilmember Albritton. Yes, Mayor. I have an important public service announcement. When falling down concrete steps, don't use your face to break your fall. Okay? Use your hands.

Well, we're glad you're OK. Enjoyed your weekend, but I'm sorry about your injury. Council Member Menino?

No, sir. Thank you.

Okay. Vice Mayor?

Yes, you know, we already hit Officer Billups being recognized. Definitely had two heroic efforts. But, you know, that goes to all of our police officers, men and women that, you know, don't also get that recognition day in and day out. We thank you guys for what you do. We know that you all are constantly in the face of danger. And, you know, the kudos to Officer Billups in that recognition. But thank you all for what you've done. And then... As was already noted once by our public speaker, I hope everybody has an upcoming wonderful Labor Day and be safe when you're out there.

All has been said.

Okay. I just have a couple things. One is, when I looked at the calendar here in September, we have seven concerts at the BayCare Sound. And one of those is a music festival. It'll be happening September 4th with, I'm trying to remember the name of the radio station, but one of our radio stations has a line of alternative music bands that will be playing one day, 97X. And it's been very popular. It's been one of our most popular events, the Bay Care Sound, every year. So lots coming at the Bay Care Sound. And congratulate them as well. folks at Rutherford Hall and all of us here for making it successful. I attended the Besties. That's the awards given out by Visit St. Pete Clearwater every year. And that was at the Coliseum in St. Petersburg this past week. And the Baycare Sound was chosen as best music venue, live music venue. And then also from Clearwater, we had a Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival was awarded, Frenchie's Rockaway Grill, Jimmy's Crow's Nest. Jimmy's Fish House at the Holiday Inn, and the Clearwater Jolly Trolley, Clearwater and Clear Sky Cafe, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium all won Besties Awards this year. And the award that we have a long-standing run now of winning is the best beach. And that goes to all of us because it's not just the businesses and the folks who help folks have a great time at hotels and restaurants at Clearwater Beach. It's our city staff who... works very hard to keep it clean, and our police department, our fire department, all those folks, and our city government which helped make this one of the best beaches in the entire world. So congratulations to us, to all of us, because together we've made Clearwater Beach extremely successful, and that was recognized again here at the Besties Awards last week in St. Petersburg. With that, if there's nothing else to come before the council, we will adjourn the meeting of August 31, 2026.