Tampa City Council
Thursday, April 7, 2016
9:00 a.m. session
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09:02:43 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Good morning, Council.
09:02:44 My name is Shirley Foxx-Knowles, city clerk for the City of
09:02:48 Tampa.
09:02:49 Roll call.
09:02:50 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Here.
09:02:52 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Here.
09:02:54 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Present.
09:02:55 >>HARRY COHEN: Here.
09:02:56 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: Here.
09:02:59 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Here.
09:03:02 >>FRANK REDDICK: Here.
09:03:02 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: We will now conduct the election
09:03:05 for chairman and chairman pro tem for the Tampa City
09:03:07 Council.
09:03:08 >> YVONNE CAPIN: I would like to nominate Frank Reddick.
09:03:15 (Laughter)
09:03:16 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: The election of the chair will be
09:03:18 held first.
09:03:19 Nominations do not require a second.
09:03:22 Please wait to be recognized before nominating a candidate.
09:03:26 I will open the nomination and close them after all
09:03:31 nominations will be made.
09:03:33 Votes will be counted by raising your hand.
09:03:35 The vote will be taken in order for nomination beginning
09:03:39 with the first name nominated.
09:03:43 As soon as there is a majority which requires four votes.
09:03:46 Having said that, nominations are now in order for chair.
09:03:51 Ms. Capin.
09:03:52 >> YVONNE CAPIN: I nominate Frank Reddick for chair.
09:03:56 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Frank Reddick has been nominated.
09:04:00 Yes, Mr. Miranda.
09:04:02 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: I nominate Mike Suarez.
09:04:04 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Mike Suarez has been nominated.
09:04:08 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I nominate Harry Cohen.
09:04:13 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Harry Cohen has been nominated.
09:04:15 Is there another nomination?
09:04:17 >>YVONNE CAPIN: I'm very tempted to nominate myself.
09:04:22 (Laughter).
09:04:26 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: We will close the nomination on
09:04:28 Frank Reddick, Mike Suarez, and Harry Cohen.
09:04:31 All in favor of Frank Reddick for chair, please raise your
09:04:36 hand.
09:04:42 Three.
09:04:42 All in favor of Mike squares for chair, please raise your
09:04:46 hand.
09:04:51 Three.
09:04:52 Is it two?
09:04:54 >>YVONNE CAPIN: I can vote for him again, can't I?
09:04:56 No?
09:04:57 The other one didn't go through.
09:04:59 Can I vote for my second one?
09:05:04 (Laughter)
09:05:05 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: All in favor of Harry Cohen, please
09:05:08 raise your hand.
09:05:11 That's three.
09:05:14 Is there a nomination again, new nomination for chair?
09:05:24 >>YVONNE CAPIN: A new nomination?
09:05:26 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Well, a nomination.
09:05:28 Neither one received a majority.
09:05:29 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I will nominate Harry Cohen again.
09:05:33 >> I nominate Mike Suarez again.
09:05:39 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Mike Suarez has been nominated.
09:05:43 Is there another nomination?
09:05:46 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Frank Reddick.
09:05:47 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Frank Reddick has been nominated.
09:05:51 Is there another nomination?
09:05:55 Harry Cohen, Mike Suarez and Frank Reddick.
09:05:58 All in favor of Harry Cohen, please raise your hand.
09:06:03 Okay, that's two.
09:06:04 All in favor of Mike Suarez, please raise your hand.
09:06:08 That's two.
09:06:10 All in favor of Frank Reddick, please raise your hand.
09:06:15 That's three.
09:06:20 >>YVONNE CAPIN: I remember this happening a few years back.
09:06:23 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: This is worse than the Republican
09:06:26 National Convention.
09:06:27 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: We will begin again.
09:06:29 Is there a nomination for chair?
09:06:31 No one received four votes for the last round.
09:06:35 Is there a nomination for chair?
09:06:40 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: I nominate Mike Suarez again.
09:06:41 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Mike Suarez has been nominated.
09:06:44 Is there another nomination?
09:06:47 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Harry Cohen.
09:06:49 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Harry Cohen has been nominated.
09:06:51 Is there another nomination?
09:06:55 Ms. Capin?
09:07:00 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Hmmm, Frank Reddick.
09:07:02 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Frank Reddick has been nominated.
09:07:06 Is there another nomination?
09:07:08 Okay.
09:07:08 We will close on Mike Suarez, Harry Cohen and Frank Reddick.
09:07:13 All in favor of Mike Suarez, please raise your hand.
09:07:18 That's two.
09:07:19 Harry Cohen, please raise your hand.
09:07:22 That's two.
09:07:25 Frank Reddick, please raise your hand.
09:07:28 That's three.
09:07:33 Okay.
09:07:38 (Laughter)
09:07:44 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Put the names in a hat and draw one.
09:07:48 Whatever.
09:07:48 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Is there a nomination for chair?
09:07:53 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: I nominate Mike Suarez.
09:07:55 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Mike Suarez has been nominated.
09:07:58 Yes, Ms. Capin.
09:08:01 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Frank Reddick.
09:08:01 >> Frank Reddick has been nominated.
09:08:05 Is there another nomination?
09:08:07 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Harry Cohen.
09:08:08 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Harry Cohen has been nominated.
09:08:12 Is there another nomination?
09:08:14 We'll close on Mike Suarez, Frank Reddick and Harry Cohen.
09:08:17 All in favor of Mike Suarez, please raise your hand.
09:08:21 That's two.
09:08:23 Frank Reddick, please raise your hand.
09:08:27 That's three.
09:08:29 Harry Cohen, please raise your hand.
09:08:33 That's two.
09:08:35 Okay.
09:08:38 No one received four votes.
09:08:40 We can start again.
09:08:41 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: I nominate Mike Suarez.
09:08:47 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Mike Suarez has been nominated.
09:08:51 Is there another nomination?
09:08:54 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Harry Cohen.
09:08:56 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Harry Cohen has been nominated.
09:08:59 Is there another nomination?
09:09:03 >>YVONNE CAPIN: I'm thinking.
09:09:04 Frank Reddick.
09:09:05 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Frank Reddick has been nominated.
09:09:08 Is there another nomination?
09:09:10 Okay.
09:09:11 We'll close on Mike Suarez, Harry Cohen and Frank Reddick.
09:09:14 All in favor of Mike Suarez, please raise your hand.
09:09:18 That's two.
09:09:19 All in favor of Harry Cohen, please raise your hand.
09:09:23 That's two.
09:09:25 Then all in favor of Frank Reddick, please raise your hand.
09:09:28 That's three.
09:09:33 We begin again.
09:09:34 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: I nominate Mike Suarez again.
09:09:37 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Mike Suarez has been nominated.
09:09:43 Is there another nomination?
09:09:44 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Can I make two?
09:09:45 Just one at a time or just one?
09:09:48 >>YVONNE CAPIN: You can nominate --
09:09:52 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: You can nominate one person.
09:09:54 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Okay.
09:09:55 Frank Reddick.
09:09:56 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Frank Reddick has been nominated.
09:10:00 Is there another nomination?
09:10:02 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Harry Cohen.
09:10:06 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Harry Cohen has been nominated.
09:10:08 >> Nobody is changing.
09:10:16 >>YVONNE CAPIN: I may change to myself.
09:10:17 >> We can be here for a while.
09:10:19 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: All in favor of Mike Suarez, raise
09:10:23 your hand.
09:10:24 That's two.
09:10:25 Frank Reddick, please raise your hand.
09:10:27 That's three.
09:10:28 Harry Cohen, please raise your hand.
09:10:29 That's two.
09:10:36 No one received four votes.
09:10:37 Mr. Miranda.
09:10:38 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: I nominate Mr. Mike Suarez.
09:10:42 >> (Off microphone) Seriously?
09:10:45 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: If you have got a problem, I'm sorry.
09:10:46 This is a legal process and democracy.
09:10:49 It works this way, and sometimes it takes --
09:10:50 >> (Off microphone) Some people don’t get paid to have
09:10:50 their time wasted.
09:10:50 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Mike Suarez has been nominated.
09:10:55 Is there another nomination?
09:11:01 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Frank Reddick.
09:11:01 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Frank Reddick has been nominated.
09:11:05 Is there another nomination?
09:11:07 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Harry Cohen.
09:11:08 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Harry Cohen has been nominated.
09:11:11 Is there another nomination?
09:11:15 We'll close it on Mike Suarez, Frank Reddick and Harry
09:11:18 Cohen.
09:11:18 All in favor of Mike Suarez, please raise your hand.
09:11:22 That's two.
09:11:23 All in favor of Frank Reddick, please raise your hand.
09:11:35 That's three.
09:11:35 All in favor of Harry Cohen, please raise your hand.
09:11:39 That's two.
09:11:40 No one received four votes.
09:11:42 Is there a nomination for chair?
09:11:46 >> I nominate Charlie Miranda.
09:11:49 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: I refuse the nomination.
09:11:52 >>LISA MONTELIONE: May I please address the group?
09:11:58 We, as Mr. Miranda has said previously, we conduct
09:12:01 elections.
09:12:02 Sometimes elections take a while, as we have seen in
09:12:04 primaries and as we have seen play out on other stages.
09:12:10 We don't have heckling from this room.
09:12:15 So if everyone would still be respectful, I would appreciate
09:12:19 it and I'm sure the others would as well.
09:12:21 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Is there a nomination?
09:12:25 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: I nominate Mike Suarez.
09:12:27 >> Mike Suarez has been nominated.
09:12:31 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Frank Reddick.
09:12:32 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Frank Reddick has been nominated.
09:12:35 Is there another nomination?
09:12:37 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Harry Cohen.
09:12:38 >> Harry Cohen has been nominated.
09:12:42 Is there another nomination?
09:12:44 Closing on Mike Suarez, Frank Reddick and Harry Cohen.
09:12:47 All in favor of Mike Suarez, please raise your hand.
09:12:51 That's two.
09:12:53 Frank Reddick, please raise your hand.
09:12:56 That's three.
09:12:57 Harry Cohen, please raise your hand.
09:13:00 That's two.
09:13:04 No one received four votes.
09:13:06 Is there a nomination?
09:13:09 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Nominate Mike Suarez.
09:13:11 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Mike Suarez has been nominated.
09:13:15 Another nomination?
09:13:16 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Harry Cohen.
09:13:18 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Harry Cohen has been nominated.
09:13:21 Is there another nomination?
09:13:24 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Frank Reddick.
09:13:24 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Frank Reddick has been nominated.
09:13:30 Is there another nomination?
09:13:32 Okay.
09:13:32 We will close on Mike Suarez, Harry Cohen and Frank Reddick.
09:13:36 All in favor of Mike Suarez, please raise your hand.
09:13:39 That's two.
09:13:40 All in favor of Harry Cohen, please raise your hand.
09:13:44 That's two.
09:13:46 All in favor of Frank Reddick, please raise your hand.
09:13:49 That's three.
09:13:52 No one received four votes.
09:13:58 Another round.
09:13:58 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: I raise my left hand because my right
09:14:03 hand is tired.
09:14:05 Mike Suarez.
09:14:06 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Mike Suarez has been nominated.
09:14:09 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Harry Cohen.
09:14:11 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Harry Cohen has been nominated.
09:14:14 Is there another nomination?
09:14:16 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Frank Reddick.
09:14:17 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Frank Reddick has been nominated.
09:14:22 All in favor of Mike Suarez, please raise your hand.
09:14:26 That's two.
09:14:27 All in favor of Harry Cohen, please raise your hand.
09:14:36 That's two.
09:14:37 Frank Reddick, please raise your hand.
09:14:40 That's three.
09:14:43 No one received four votes.
09:14:46 Nominations are in order for chair.
09:14:48 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Nominate Mike Suarez again.
09:14:51 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Mike Suarez has been nominated.
09:14:55 Yes, Ms. Montelione.
09:14:58 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I nominate Harry Cohen again.
09:15:01 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Harry Cohen.
09:15:04 Is there another nomination?
09:15:06 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Frank Reddick.
09:15:07 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Frank Reddick has been nominated.
09:15:10 Is there another nomination?
09:15:12 We are closing on Mike Suarez, Harry Cohen and Frank
09:15:14 Reddick.
09:15:15 All in favor of Mike Suarez, please raise your hand.
09:15:18 That's two.
09:15:18 All in favor of Harry Cohen, please raise your hand.
09:15:22 That's two.
09:15:22 And all in favor of Frank Reddick, please raise your hand.
09:15:27 That's three.
09:15:28 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Madam clerk, may I address you?
09:15:33 >> Yes.
09:15:33 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Unless I see it unless the one of the
09:15:36 individuals nominated vote for somebody else we are going to
09:15:38 be here till the next election in 2019.
09:15:41 >>LISA MONTELIONE: You might be.
09:15:44 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Some people choose their own destiny.
09:15:48 So I nominate Mike Suarez again.
09:15:51 >>HARRY COHEN: May I ask a question?
09:15:55 Is it possible we could do the business of the meeting and
09:15:58 do the elections at the end?
09:15:59 That way everyone else who is here won't sit here all day
09:16:02 long and we can do this at the end and we can vote 25 times
09:16:05 to our heart's content.
09:16:07 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: I don't believe you can dough that
09:16:09 legally but I am not an attorney.
09:16:10 >>HARRY COHEN: Why not?
09:16:12 It's on today's agenda.
09:16:14 >>YVONNE CAPIN: When I was appointed it was 17 votes.
09:16:17 So how many do we have, six?
09:16:21 We have got eleven more to go.
09:16:23 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Eleven.
09:16:27 >>YVONNE CAPIN: We have done eleven?
09:16:28 So six more.
09:16:29 >> Mr. Shelby?
09:16:36 >>HARRY COHEN: I was asking whether or not this can be done
09:16:38 at the end of the meeting rather than now.
09:16:40 >>MARTIN SHELBY: Well, your rules do say that counsel shall
09:16:46 elect a chair and chair pro tem at the first regular meeting
09:16:49 on or after April 1st of each year.
09:16:53 It says separate elections shall be held for each office --
09:16:57 >>HARRY COHEN: It doesn't say when during the meeting.
09:16:59 >>MARTIN SHELBY: No.
09:17:00 And I don't believe the charter says at what point during
09:17:03 the meeting, except if it's the first meeting after an
09:17:05 election it has to be an organizing meeting.
09:17:08 So I believe the charter is silent to it.
09:17:10 I will tell you in my experience it has not been done any
09:17:13 other way than at this part of the meeting.
09:17:15 >>HARRY COHEN: And I ask if it could be done at the end.
09:17:18 >>MARTIN SHELBY: Well, frankly, I will tell you if you were
09:17:21 to look at --
09:17:23 >>HARRY COHEN: We have a room full of people here.
09:17:25 We have business tore do.
09:17:30 >>YVONNE CAPIN: At the end of the meeting, so there we go.
09:17:32 I will not be here at the end of the meeting.
09:17:34 >> Interpretation of Robert's Rules of Order would allow you
09:17:39 to suspend the rules except for the fact that what you have
09:17:43 here is there are no rules specific to that particular
09:17:47 issue, number one, so there are no rules to suspend.
09:17:50 And number two, per Robert's Rules of Order your approval of
09:17:53 the agenda comes after this point on the agenda.
09:17:59 So I would say for that reason, it appears that the most
09:18:06 appropriate time at this point would be to do so.
09:18:09 >>HARRY COHEN: I'm asking if I can make a motion to table
09:18:15 this until the end to the last item on the agenda.
09:18:17 >>MARTIN SHELBY: I would suspect that the answer is yes,
09:18:21 and I would also say that with regard to your policy -- let
09:18:34 me just take a look.
09:18:35 Please give me a minute.
09:18:53 You can make a motion.
09:18:54 Rules may be amended by the majority vote of the entire
09:18:56 council -- excuse me.
09:18:58 Any of the foregoing rules may be temporarily suspended.
09:19:03 May be temporarily suspended for the meeting then in session
09:19:06 by a super majority vote of five or more council members
09:19:10 unless such waiver is in conflict with the city charter --
09:19:14 >>HARRY COHEN: Mr. Shelby, I am not saying to suspend the
09:19:17 rules.
09:19:18 I'm simply asking that it be moved to the end of the
09:19:20 meeting.
09:19:20 >>MARTIN SHELBY: Then what I have is this, rules which does
09:19:25 apply. This is rule 4-K.
09:19:27 The chair shall decide all questions of procedure and order
09:19:30 and the decision shall stand unless reversed by a majority
09:19:35 vote of the entire council.
09:19:36 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Well, if I am listening to what Mr.
09:19:45 Shelby has said previously, it says the election of chair
09:19:49 would be on or after the first meeting, right?
09:19:58 So it's either --
09:20:01 >>MARTIN SHELBY: On or after April 1st.
09:20:04 >>LISA MONTELIONE: So we are already after April 1st.
09:20:07 >>JULIA MANDELL: City attorney.
09:20:10 I was listening upstairs.
09:20:12 And I agree with Mr. Shelby, it's not a clear question.
09:20:15 I think the risk that you face in moving forward with your
09:20:18 meeting without having elected a new chair, or new chair pro
09:20:21 tem, is that you are serving right now with Mr. Reddick as
09:20:27 acting chair, but technically he's no longer within that
09:20:30 office under the way the charter reads.
09:20:33 So you are taking somewhat of a risk, but you are moving
09:20:37 forward in a meeting under which you don't have a duly
09:20:40 elected chair.
09:20:41 Whether or not that's a real risk or not, I don't know that
09:20:43 we can opine on that at this moment.
09:20:45 Something you may want to consider, to give us a few more
09:20:48 minutes to think about it, maybe moving to your CRA chair
09:20:51 election, and go forward with that election, and let us come
09:20:55 back to the question of your chair election.
09:20:57 >>FRANK REDDICK: I have a question.
09:21:01 If you don't have a full council at the end of the
09:21:04 meeting --
09:21:08 >>JULIA MANDELL: And I think that's a real risk as well.
09:21:13 And my concern is that technically you are serving right now
09:21:17 in a capacity with no chair, or no chair pro tem, because
09:21:22 you are obligated to have that election on April 1st or
09:21:25 after April 1st, your first organized meeting.
09:21:29 This is your first organized meeting after April 1st.
09:21:31 And that's where my concern is, which is why I think maybe
09:21:37 the best approach right in and out is either to go ahead
09:21:39 with your CRA chair and I can take a look more at what your
09:21:43 risk would be.
09:21:44 I don't think there's anything to keep you from going to
09:21:46 your chair pro tem election.
09:21:48 >>LISA MONTELIONE: So I would go with Ms. Mandell's
09:21:54 recommendation.
09:21:54 Let's do the CRA elections, and then give us all a second to
09:21:59 take a time out and come back to the City Council election.
09:22:05 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Good morning again.
09:22:26 Oh, is there a vote?
09:22:27 All in favor of moving forward with the CRA elections,
09:22:30 please raise your hand.
09:22:33 Okay.
09:22:35 We will do that.
09:22:36 Good morning again.
09:22:37 Shirley Foxx-Knowles, city clerk, for the City of Tampa.
09:22:40 We will now conduct the election for chairman and vice
09:22:43 chairman for the Community Redevelopment Agency.
09:22:48 Here are the election guidelines.
09:22:49 The election of the chairman will be held first.
09:22:52 Nominations do not require a second.
09:22:55 Please wait to be recognized before nominating a candidate.
09:22:58 I will open the nominations and close them after all
09:23:02 nominations have been made.
09:23:04 Votes will be counted by raising the hand in the order of
09:23:09 the nomination beginning with the first name nominated.
09:23:14 The vote will cease as soon as there is a majority which
09:23:17 requires four votes.
09:23:21 Having said that, nominations are now in order for chair.
09:23:24 Mrs. Montelione.
09:23:25 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Yolie Capin.
09:23:33 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Is there another nomination?
09:23:35 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: I nominate Harry Cohen.
09:23:36 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Harry Cohen has been nominated.
09:23:42 Is there another nomination?
09:23:44 We will close the nomination for Yolie Capin and Harry
09:23:48 Cohen.
09:23:48 All in favor of Yolie Capin, please raise your hand.
09:23:54 Majority.
09:23:54 Ms. Capin, would you like to say a few words?
09:23:58 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Thank you.
09:24:08 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Congratulations.
09:24:09 Nominations are now in order for the vice chair.
09:24:12 Is there a nomination?
09:24:15 >> I nominate Councilwoman Montelione.
09:24:18 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Councilwoman Montelione has been
09:24:21 nominated.
09:24:22 Is there another nomination?
09:24:27 >>FRANK REDDICK: I would like to nominate Councilman
09:24:31 Maniscalco.
09:24:31 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Mr. Maniscalco has been nominated.
09:24:31 Is there another nomination?
09:24:34 Okay.
09:24:35 All in favor of Ms. Montelione, please raise your hand.
09:24:43 Okay.
09:24:43 That's a majority.
09:24:44 Would you like to say a few words?
09:24:48 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Thank you very much.
09:24:50 I would say start thinking about a new vice chair when
09:24:53 November 8th occurs.
09:24:58 Thank you for your confidence.
09:25:00 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Would we like to go back to the
09:25:05 elections of chair and chair pro tem?
09:25:10 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: I nominate Mike Suarez.
09:25:11 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Mike Suarez has been nominated.
09:25:15 Is there another nomination?
09:25:19 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I nominate Harry Cohen.
09:25:22 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Mr. Cohen has been nominated.
09:25:27 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Frank Reddick.
09:25:28 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Frank Reddick has been nominated.
09:25:33 Is there another nomination?
09:25:35 We will close the nominations on Mike Suarez, Harry Cohen,
09:25:39 and Frank Reddick.
09:25:40 All in favor of Mike Suarez, please raise your hand.
09:25:45 That's two.
09:25:46 All in favor of Harry Cohen, please raise your hand.
09:25:51 That's two.
09:25:52 All in favor of Frank Reddick, please raise your hand.
09:25:56 That's three.
09:26:02 No one received a majority.
09:26:06 Let's go for another round.
09:26:09 Is there a nomination?
09:26:10 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Mike Suarez.
09:26:13 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Mr. Suarez has been nominated.
09:26:20 Yes, Ms. Montelione.
09:26:21 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Harry Cohen.
09:26:25 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Mr. Cohen has been nominated.
09:26:29 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Frank Reddick.
09:26:29 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Mr. Reddick has been nominated.
09:26:33 We are closing on Mike Suarez, Harry Cohen and Frank
09:26:37 Reddick.
09:26:38 All in favor of Mike Suarez, please raise your hand.
09:26:42 That's two.
09:26:43 All in favor of Harry Cohen, please raise your hand.
09:26:47 That's two.
09:26:48 And all in favor of Frank Reddick, please raise your hand.
09:26:51 That's three.
09:26:53 No one received a majority.
09:26:55 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Madam Chairman, may I say something?
09:26:58 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Yes.
09:26:59 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: I have nothing against Mr. Reddick and I
09:27:03 have nothing against Mr. Cohen.
09:27:06 My expression of fact of feelings are if my memory serves me
09:27:12 correct, it's not about me personally or anything else, it's
09:27:12 about memories and what this council wanted to obtain a year
09:27:16 or so back.
09:27:17 There was a move by individuals of this council that wanted
09:27:20 rotating chairs, and they got that.
09:27:21 So if that's what they wanted then, and I have nothing
09:27:25 against Mr. Reddick, I think he's done an admirable job.
09:27:28 It's not about me, it's about the City of Tampa.
09:27:32 And if they wanted rotating chairs, then that's what we
09:27:35 should have.
09:27:37 So I am trying to accomplish that.
09:27:38 And I wish one of the three individuals that have been
09:27:41 nominated would certainly recuse themselves from the
09:27:46 appointment of chair.
09:27:47 You know, either that was a fact or they wanted to get rid
09:27:52 of me and they didn't have the guts to say it.
09:27:54 Well, I'm saying it to myself.
09:27:55 Maybe I did a bad job and they got rid of me.
09:27:58 But it's not about me.
09:28:00 It's about life, about the City of Tampa, about the people
09:28:02 here, the people you serve on a day-to-day basis.
09:28:05 So that's all I'm trying to accomplish.
09:28:08 Thank you.
09:28:08 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Mr. Reddick.
09:28:12 >>FRANK REDDICK: Thank you.
09:28:14 My first four years on this council, I served under one
09:28:18 chair.
09:28:19 And that's Mr. Miranda.
09:28:22 I put up the issue about rotating, and council voted it
09:28:27 down.
09:28:28 And now to come here today and use that as a justification
09:28:33 why we don't want to move forward is basically a disservice
09:28:42 to everyone on the council, because we had an opportunity to
09:28:49 vote for the rotation, and they turned it down.
09:28:54 Now, it's obvious to me there are some individuals who are
09:29:02 not going to support me, and that's why we go back on this,
09:29:06 but if they want to use the rotation, go back and review the
09:29:10 minutes and see who voted to turn that down.
09:29:15 And to stand here today and want to utilize that and waste
09:29:21 taxpayer time, because what happened a year ago, and we will
09:29:31 be here all day.
09:29:32 But I just want to make it clear, why is it difficult today
09:29:38 when I served four years under one chairman.
09:29:44 So why is it difficult today to only serve one year?
09:29:52 What are the ramifications that is the messAGE that has been
09:29:58 sent here this morning?
09:29:58 I just want to go on the record and say that.
09:30:00 >>HARRY COHEN: I just want to the say, I don't believe we
09:30:04 ever voted on the issue of rotating the chair.
09:30:06 I believe we had a discussion about it.
09:30:08 I was against it.
09:30:10 There were others that were for it.
09:30:12 I don't believe we ever actually had an up-or-down vote on
09:30:16 the matter.
09:30:17 There may have been some who interpreted certain members
09:30:24 being in favor of it, meaning that if they were elected
09:30:27 chair, they were in favor of a rotation.
09:30:30 I don't know that that was ever said explicitly by anyone.
09:30:34 But I don't remember there actually being a vote on the
09:30:38 matter.
09:30:39 I think that it resolved itself in our election of the chair
09:30:45 after we were all sworn in.
09:30:47 That's my recollection.
09:30:52 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: I want to apologize to the people first
09:30:54 of all that are here in the ceremonious activities that are
09:30:58 present.
09:30:59 But if you recall, it's on the tape what I said, a move, and
09:31:05 I never said anything else other than that, or I said it was
09:31:06 either that or that I did a lousy job.
09:31:08 And I'm happy to say it maybe they took it as I did a lousy
09:31:11 job.
09:31:12 I'm not afraid of losing a game.
09:31:15 I never lose respect for anyone I serve with.
09:31:18 Thank you very much.
09:31:18 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Would you like to take another
09:31:21 round?
09:31:21 >>JULIA MANDELL: If I could interrupt, about what your
09:31:30 options are to move forward or not, I was able to speak with
09:31:32 Mr. Shelby about it, and I did express that there may be
09:31:34 some risk in moving forward with your meeting without having
09:31:37 electing a chair at this time.
09:31:39 The only other option that I could think through that you
09:31:42 can move forward with, if you so were inclined, would to
09:31:48 vote to temporarily amend your rules of procedure to allow
09:31:51 the chair and chair pro tem to happen at the end of the
09:31:55 meeting, and have the current chair and the current
09:32:00 chairperson sit at this time.
09:32:01 Now, I will tell you that under your charter, you are
09:32:05 obligated to choose a chair and a chair pro tem today.
09:32:08 And we stay as late as we stay.
09:32:13 >> It sounds like everyone should be here.
09:32:18 >> and that's a secondary thing. There is no obligation
09:32:20 that you have a full council to take this vote.
09:32:21 >>LISA MONTELIONE: May I ask Ms. Mandell another question?
09:32:26 Since the concern is for the public, and all of those that
09:32:29 are here today for ceremonial or for invitation, can we have
09:32:36 the ceremonial activities?
09:32:37 Because there's no vote.
09:32:39 So we have invocation, there is no vote.
09:32:49 We would have the chair pro tem to preside over those items.
09:32:52 We won't be taking the vote on anything so I don't see a
09:32:55 risk.
09:32:55 >> We don't have that either.
09:32:57 >> Right now you don't have a chair or chair pro tem to run
09:33:07 your meeting.
09:33:07 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: I move that we elect chair pro tem.
09:33:18 >> Second.
09:33:19 >> Need a vote.
09:33:21 >> All in favor?
09:33:24 Okay.
09:33:25 Is there a nomination for chair pro tem?
09:33:30 Yes, Ms. Montelione.
09:33:32 >> LISA MONTELIONE: I nominate Charlie Miranda.
09:33:35 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: I decline the nomination.
09:33:37 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I had an inkling that was going to
09:33:40 happen.
09:33:41 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Is there another nomination for
09:33:44 chair pro tem?
09:33:46 >> I nominate Harry Cohen.
09:33:47 >> Harry Cohen has been nominated.
09:33:50 Is there another nomination?
09:33:52 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I am going to take a risk here and
09:33:56 nominate myself.
09:33:57 And the reason for that is because I will only serve six
09:34:01 months.
09:34:02 And then at the end of six months you can vote in another
09:34:05 chair pro tem.
09:34:06 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Ms. Montelione has been nominated.
09:34:10 Is there another nomination?
09:34:11 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Move nominations close.
09:34:14 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: We will close on Harry Cohen and
09:34:17 Lisa Montelione.
09:34:19 All in favor of Harry Cohen, please raise your hand.
09:34:25 That's a majority.
09:34:26 Mr. Cohen, would you like to say a few words?
09:34:29 >>HARRY COHEN: Yes.
09:34:30 By not declining that nomination, I hope I have broken the
09:34:33 impasse that existed for the candidate for chair.
09:34:36 And if we want to go ahead and do ceremonial activities and
09:34:45 then come back, we can, whatever you like.
09:34:47 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: I think we can go back to the
09:34:51 chair.
09:34:51 >> JULIE MANDELL: I just want to say, for the purposes of
09:34:54 the record, since you have now an elected chair pro tem, the
09:34:58 chair pro tem can run the meeting until such time as the
09:35:00 chair has been voted in.
09:35:01 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: We will move ahead with the
09:35:05 nomination for chair.
09:35:09 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: I nominate Mr. Mike Suarez.
09:35:11 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Mike Suarez has been nominated.
09:35:14 Is there another nomination?
09:35:17 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Frank Reddick.
09:35:18 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Frank Reddick has been nominated.
09:35:22 Is there another nomination?
09:35:24 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: I move nominations be closed.
09:35:26 >>FRANK REDDICK: May I say something? I just witnessed
09:35:26 someone sitting out in the audience, and I'm ashamed that he
09:35:36 would do this.
09:35:37 And that's Mr. Vinny, the PBA president, when you do this,
09:35:44 when my name was mentioned, you did this.
09:35:46 And don't sit here and lie because we can play the camera
09:35:49 back.
09:35:50 You just did it.
09:35:52 Now that's shameful in your profession that you would do
09:35:56 something like that.
09:35:57 I just want to say that, because I sit here and observed you
09:36:01 do this, okay?
09:36:05 And don't deny it because it did happen.
09:36:07 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Closing on Mike Suarez and Frank
09:36:13 Reddick.
09:36:14 All in favor of Mike Suarez, please raise your hand.
09:36:22 That's the majority.
09:36:23 And Mr. Suarez, would you like to say a few words?
09:36:27 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you very much, colleagues.
09:36:31 I know this is a lot more work than we have done in the past
09:36:37 for chair.
09:36:38 I appreciate the support that I have gotten.
09:36:39 First time I have been nominated for chairman, and I
09:36:43 appreciate what Mr. Reddick and Mr. Cohen have said.
09:36:46 Mr. Reddick served well as the chair, as did our previous
09:36:49 chair, Mr. Miranda, and thank you all very much.
09:36:52 And I think let's put this behind us and let's go forward
09:36:57 with the meeting and do the business of the meeting.
09:36:59 Thank you very much.
09:36:59 >>SHIRLEY FOXX-KNOWLES: Thank you.
09:37:01 Congratulations.
09:37:01 >> Congratulations.
09:37:04 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Let's get back to the agenda.
09:37:12 Who is doing the invocation today?
09:37:15 >>LISA MONTELIONE: That would be me.
09:37:17 Thank you, sir.
09:37:17 Well, I am not doing the invocation.
09:37:19 But April is the month that I am assigned.
09:37:24 So today I would like to welcome Hassan Shibly. Hassan has
09:37:31 served as the chief executive director of the chapter of the
09:37:35 center for American Islamic relations.
09:37:37 He earned his bachelors in political science and his law
09:37:41 degree from state university of New York in Buffalo where he
09:37:44 proved himself incredibly talented academically, and those
09:37:48 talents have come into play in the recent past.
09:37:52 Elections regularly are issued relating to Islam and has
09:37:55 taught courses on Islamic beliefs, history, spirituality and
09:38:00 culture.
09:38:00 He actively works at various interfaith and social service
09:38:05 organizations to assist those in need and promote
09:38:07 cooperation and understanding between diverse faith and
09:38:10 culture.
09:38:11 On behalf of the Tampa City Council, I would like him for
09:38:15 spending his time with us this morning, and to bless this
09:38:19 meeting with an invocation.
09:38:22 Welcome Mr. Shibly.
09:38:29 If everyone would please rise and remain standing for the
09:38:32 pledge of allegiance.
09:38:33 >> In the name of God, the most gracious, most merciful, the
09:38:37 most loving, the most forgiving, we ask you O Lord to bless
09:38:40 this meeting and to keep our hearts united.
09:38:42 Bless us to find strength through our diversity for all
09:38:47 mankind, we created you from a pair of male and female and
09:38:51 made you into different nations and tribes so that you can
09:38:54 learn from each other, not that you hate each other.
09:38:56 Bless us to establish harmony, equality and justice, and
09:39:02 from the holy Quran, o you who have attained to faith, be
09:39:05 ever steadfast in upholding equity, bearing witness to the
09:39:09 truth for the sake of God even though it be against you own
09:39:11 selves or your parents and kinsfolk, whether the person
09:39:14 concerned be rich or poor, do not follow your desires lest
09:39:17 you swerve from justice, for if you distort justice, God is
09:39:21 aware of all that you do.
09:39:22 You have also said, oh, you are ever steadfast bearing
09:39:28 witness to truth and equity and never let hatred of anyone
09:39:32 lead you to the sin of deviating from justice.
09:39:35 Be justice that is closest to being God conscious and for
09:39:40 God is aware of that all you do.
09:39:42 My brothers and sisters, nothing leads people away from
09:39:43 justice as hate does; hate is destructive to justice.
09:39:49 And our nation is founded on justice.
09:39:51 So we can say that hatred is destructive to our nation.
09:39:55 So we must ask God to unite our hearts and love through
09:39:59 compassion and wisdom to find strength through our
09:40:02 diversity, to build a society where children of people of
09:40:05 all different faiths, cultures, religious, can go about who
09:40:10 they are without fear of intimidation or harassment or
09:40:12 discrimination and with an equal opportunity to realize
09:40:15 their dream and choose the blessings of liberty and justice
09:40:19 enshrined in our Constitution to make this world that we all
09:40:22 share a better place for all of God's creations.
09:40:25 Amen.
09:40:25 Thank you.
09:40:26 And God bless you all.
09:40:27 God bless America.
09:40:28 [ Pledge of Allegiance ]
09:40:46 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you.
09:40:47 Roll call.
09:40:48 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Here.
09:40:51 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Present.
09:40:54 >>HARRY COHEN: Here.
09:40:55 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: Here.
09:40:57 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Here.
09:40:59 >>FRANK REDDICK: Here.
09:41:00 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Here.
09:41:01 The first item of business is a commendation which, if I
09:41:05 could ask Mr. Maniscalco, the second on this, to please take
09:41:10 this and present it to Mr. Bhide.
09:41:19 You don't mind that, sir?
09:41:24 Mr. Bhide, if you could come to the podium, please.
09:41:28 Thank you.
09:41:29 >> We are going to read off the plaque.
09:41:37 Tampa City Council congratulates Mr. Bhide on receiving an
09:41:39 award from the institute of technology engineer of the 2015
09:41:44 Joseph J. Grimail transportation professional of the year
09:41:51 for his outstanding contributions to the Tampa Bay institute
09:41:55 of transportation, for stormwater chief engineer and has
09:42:00 oversight of the City of Tampa project management.
09:42:03 As a traffic chief he has oversight of migrating the city's
09:42:07 legacy 1970 traffic signal operations operating software to
09:42:11 a management system which will provide advanced signal
09:42:15 operations enhance communication capability and improve
09:42:19 traffic flow.
09:42:19 This has demonstrated advancements in the transportation
09:42:22 profession and is held in the highest record by his
09:42:24 colleagues as well as the transportation community.
09:42:28 This is a valuable leader to the city.
09:42:31 Therefore, it is Tampa City Council's honor to present you
09:42:33 with this commendation on this 7th day of April 2016.
09:42:36 If you would like to say a few words.
09:42:40 [ Applause ]
09:42:46 >> Vik Bhide: Thank you, council members.
09:42:51 I'm really humbled by this.
09:42:53 Lie forward to serving the city.
09:42:54 I'm very proud to be in the position I am.
09:43:10 The economy is changing, the way we do business in our
09:43:13 personal life as well is changing.
09:43:17 I look forward to implementing technology and enhance our
09:43:24 ability to a newer transportation system.
09:43:29 Thank you.
09:43:29 [ Applause ]
09:43:38 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Next municipal we have a presentation of
09:43:40 commendation to Mr. David Straz.
09:43:43 Doing that presentation will be Councilman Miranda.
09:44:05 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Honorable chairman, Tampa City Council,
09:44:07 honorable members of Tampa City Council, it's a pleasure of
09:44:10 mine to be here this morning making the commendation an
09:44:13 behalf of Tampa City Council to Mr. David A. Straz.
09:44:16 I first met David many years ago, and Mr. Straz was having
09:44:25 an entertaining dinner there.
09:44:27 When I came in I saw this little girl looking at the fish
09:44:30 tank.
09:44:30 And I started speaking to her, talking about the fish and
09:44:33 the angelfish and the gunnies and so forth, and a fellow
09:44:37 walked by, said we are sitting up front, why don't you join
09:44:40 us? I said I have I will be back, I have something to do in
09:44:45 the kitchen.
09:44:45 It was one of the most enjoyable conversations I have had,
09:44:49 so hum be, so nice and just caring about his family really
09:44:53 made me feel like a friend.
09:44:54 For more than about 20 years now he has been an outstanding
09:44:58 citizen of this community.
09:44:59 Over that.
09:45:00 Not only in philanthropy but what he's done as a human
09:45:05 being.
09:45:05 And that's about being a family man, making sure things are
09:45:08 done right.
09:45:09 For about 20 years he served on the board of Tampa General
09:45:11 Hospital.
09:45:12 A lot of times people say when people come here we want to
09:45:15 be this great city, this sports city.
09:45:17 They don't here for that.
09:45:19 They come here for individuals like yourselves, like we have
09:45:22 in the audience, like people who come here and say, you know
09:45:25 what?
09:45:25 I come here for care, health care.
09:45:28 Tampa General is one of the leading hospitals in this
09:45:30 country.
09:45:32 To six in this state, in six categories that we all need
09:45:37 sooner or later in life.
09:45:39 And through those achievements, through honors -- and, you
09:45:43 know, when I was a kid, David, my coach told me something in
09:45:47 baseball, not that I was a good player, but Miranda, you
09:45:52 didn't make an error.
09:45:54 You can't make a mistake.
09:45:55 It took a few years to understand what that meant.
09:45:58 And I am going to say no matter what the repercussion is,
09:46:03 the board made an error, not a mistake. Let me say this in
09:46:08 kindness to them.
09:46:09 I think they do an outstanding job.
09:46:11 And they roared but it's better than making a mistake.
09:46:16 An error can be corrected.
09:46:18 A mistake can't.
09:46:19 So I honor yourself for your years not for philanthropy but
09:46:25 as an individual, for the person that you are, and what you
09:46:28 do for this community.
09:46:30 You see, in giving a hand to push somebody down or to push
09:46:35 somebody up.
09:46:36 And you have always held that hand helping somebody go up.
09:46:40 And it's very important to us to have individuals like you
09:46:43 living here, your wife Kathryn and your daughter.
09:46:46 The way you handle yourself as a human being.
09:46:49 The way you visit people in hospitals that you know and the
09:46:53 things you do on a daily basis that makes you an individual
09:46:58 to be who you are.
09:46:59 And even at nighttime with your eyes closed there's always a
09:47:05 gleam going somewhere trying to help somebody else do
09:47:07 better.
09:47:08 It's not because of the Straz Center but for you and what
09:47:13 you have done for the Straz Center, a new plan to make the
09:47:16 waterfront even a better place all of us to enjoy.
09:47:20 It's my honor to be here with you, sir, for this council
09:47:22 that hi serve with, the people that I was fortunate enough
09:47:26 to be elected a couple of times, to say thank you
09:47:29 personally, and we welcome you to this community, and stay
09:47:32 here forever, my friend.
09:47:34 Thank you very much.
09:47:35 >> David Straz: Thank you, sir.
09:47:41 [ Applause ]
09:47:44 Just a few words, not to prolong the proceedings here.
09:47:50 Charlie, thank you.
09:47:54 And members of the City Council, all of whom I know, thank
09:48:01 you very, very much for this recognition.
09:48:07 I am very fond of our city, and would do anything I can to
09:48:14 move our city forward, whether what we had happen recently
09:48:21 with Tampa General Hospital, about which I am very fond, and
09:48:25 great, great hospital, a very important community asset, or
09:48:29 the Straz center where I am involved, or the Lowry Park Zoo
09:48:33 where my wife and I are involved.
09:48:35 This city means something to me.
09:48:38 And I will do whatever I can to move this city forward.
09:48:45 And I love Tampa, and I plan to be here.
09:48:49 So thank you all very much.
09:48:53 [ Applause ]
09:48:57 >>HARRY COHEN: Mr. Straz, I know there are other council
09:49:00 members that want too say something as well.
09:49:02 But I wanted to just mention my service on the board at the
09:49:06 David A. Straz Center for the performing arts.
09:49:09 I don't know if people quite understand the significance of
09:49:13 this institution to the community and the significance of
09:49:17 what you have done for it.
09:49:19 The idea that we have five theaters and a conservatory that
09:49:23 educates literally thousands of students in this community,
09:49:27 that has multiple productions that filled to capacity going
09:49:30 on night after night after night is in large measure due to
09:49:35 your generosity and your vision.
09:49:38 And I cannot tell you in my service on their board how many
09:49:41 times I go there, and I see people who are having their
09:49:45 souls enriched because they are interacting with the arts.
09:49:51 And the true impact of this institution on this community
09:49:56 just cannot be understated.
09:49:58 And I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you, from
09:50:02 myself, from everyone I serve with at the Straz Center, how
09:50:05 much we appreciate everything that you do.
09:50:08 It has meant the world to this community, and if it's the
09:50:13 only thing you have ever done here it would put you in the
09:50:16 pantheon of leading citizens.
09:50:18 >> Thank you, Harry.
09:50:22 >>LISA MONTELIONE: It's just a testament to your life and
09:50:28 your legacy that you choose to give back to the community.
09:50:32 And what makes a city a great city are the people and its
09:50:36 citizens, and the things you have done, and just the
09:50:41 hospital, the Performing Arts Center, and some of our
09:50:46 greatest assets.
09:50:47 And as Mr. Cohen singled out, the Performing Arts Center, I
09:50:50 am going to single out the hospital.
09:50:52 You know, your service to the board is going to be sorely
09:50:56 missed.
09:50:58 I wish that you still remained on the board, because they
09:51:02 need the -- the hospital needs people such as yourself as a
09:51:07 guiding light.
09:51:10 Our hospital system will set a time when so many are
09:51:14 privatizing, it's about profits, Tampa General Hospital is
09:51:20 about the people, and where individuals go for the best
09:51:24 public care in the region.
09:51:26 So thank you very much for your guidance on the hospital
09:51:30 board for helping create the board and the hospital's
09:51:35 reputation to what it is today.
09:51:36 >> Thank you, Lisa. The hospital is great, doing well, and
09:51:43 a great asset to serve the poor in our community.
09:51:46 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Ms. Capin.
09:51:50 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Yes, good morning.
09:51:55 Your generosity of your time, talent and treasure is, bar
09:52:00 none, a huge asset to this city, yourself, your wife and
09:52:06 your daughter.
09:52:08 Have all been very generous.
09:52:10 I know they volunteer.
09:52:12 I know that everybody in the family -- and if you had a cat
09:52:17 that would do, too.
09:52:18 So I want to say a big thank you from us here and for myself
09:52:23 for all that you and your family have so generously given to
09:52:28 our city.
09:52:28 Thank you.
09:52:28 >> Thank you, Yolie.
09:52:31 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: Thank you very much.
09:52:32 I have often said I wish Tampa had a dozen more Strazes and
09:52:36 a dozen more Richard Gonzmarts.
09:52:38 We would be culturally enriched and have more people that
09:52:42 truly love this community.
09:52:46 I remember the night that I first met you about six years
09:52:49 ago, and you have always been an inspiration, you have
09:52:52 always been a great friend, but most importantly, we share
09:52:56 something, and that is we love this city, and you give back,
09:52:59 you dedicate yourself to that, and I appreciate you so much
09:53:02 for that.
09:53:03 So thank you very much.
09:53:03 >> Thank you, Guido.
09:53:07 >>MIKE SUAREZ: You know, many people may know you because
09:53:11 you have given money to many worthy causes.
09:53:15 But we met, after I first got elected, and we went to the
09:53:21 wastewater treatment plant, and I want to tell you, if
09:53:23 anybody is going to get dirty it's going to be at the
09:53:26 wastewater treatment plant.
09:53:27 We're there, ad at all the things we do here in the city,
09:53:31 and as a businessman, somebody who has been in business for
09:53:34 so many years and didn't understand municipal government as
09:53:38 much, you learned and soaked it up like a sponge.
09:53:40 We really suggest the suggestions you made to us when we
09:53:44 were first coming into government here on City Council.
09:53:46 So we really appreciate it.
09:53:47 We appreciate everything you have done for us.
09:53:49 Thank you so much.
09:53:50 And good luck with Keebler.
09:53:52 She's going to college next year?
09:53:53 >> She's at Northwestern.
09:53:55 She's there as a sophomore.
09:53:56 >> So she finally found a college that didn't have a
09:53:59 building named after you.
09:54:00 >> That's right.
09:54:02 (Laughter)
09:54:04 Thank you, Mike.
09:54:06 And we have a good education with the wastewater treatment
09:54:10 plant, and looking at what was going on in the city.
09:54:14 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: One other thing.
09:54:19 Buckhorn told me he would have been here this morning other
09:54:22 than he had a very important meeting at the Port Authority.
09:54:24 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you, Mr. Straz.
09:54:28 We really appreciate everything you do for us.
09:54:31 [ Applause ]
09:54:37 >>MIKE SUAREZ: We have a commendation to the water
09:54:39 department.
09:54:40 Mr. Baird, I believe, is here.
09:54:42 Wait a minute, come on up.
09:54:43 You have got to represent the water department.
09:54:45 This is water conservation month, April.
09:54:48 And as we know, April showers is supposed to bring
09:54:53 may flowers.
09:54:56 We are going to present to the you from the chair, obviously
09:54:59 Mr. Baird, usually I am up there but I am running the
09:55:02 meeting today.
09:55:03 So thank you for what you do and the rest of your staff doo
09:55:05 in the water department.
09:55:06 And too make sure that we come in and conserve water.
09:55:10 When I was in sixth grade I had a teacher, Mrs. Lee, who
09:55:14 taught us that whenever you brushed your teeth, make sure
09:55:16 you turn off the water in between the time that you wet your
09:55:20 toothbrush and the time that you brush your teeth.
09:55:22 I do that to this day.
09:55:23 And one.
09:55:24 Reasons do you that is to conserve water.
09:55:26 So if you could, please tell everyone maybe some
09:55:29 suggestions, and also we appreciate the fact that you are
09:55:32 here making sure that we have good, fresh, clone water to
09:55:35 drink and to use every day.
09:55:36 >> Chuck walker, department director.
09:55:42 Thank you. And water conservation is key, a key component
09:55:46 to the continued growth in the City of Tampa.
09:55:48 The city has maintained a water conservation program since
09:55:53 1989.
09:55:54 The program has a very active and engaged educational
09:55:58 component.
09:55:59 We participated in 68 educational events last year, as well
09:56:03 as provided 42 on-site water efficiency evaluations.
09:56:08 And we distributed over 2,500 water efficiency kits.
09:56:14 With that, I would say it's an honor to protect this
09:56:19 valuable resource for future generations.
09:56:23 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you very much.
09:56:26 Any comments or questions by council?
09:56:28 Thank you very much.
09:56:28 We appreciate it.
09:56:29 [ Applause ]
09:56:30 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Hang on.
09:56:34 >>MIKE SUAREZ: I'm sorry.
09:56:37 Ms. Montelione.
09:56:37 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Recently, there have been reports of the
09:56:44 terrible situation in Flint, Michigan, and on occasions
09:56:49 since that happened when I have gone to places to speak, one
09:56:52 of the questions that has come up repeatedly was, you know,
09:56:57 had we are worried about our water quality, we want to make
09:57:00 sure that we in the City of Tampa don't repeat those
09:57:05 mistakes from Flint.
09:57:08 We do have the Hillsborough River as one of our water
09:57:12 sources.
09:57:12 And I a sure them that that will never happen here.
09:57:18 We have our own laboratories, we have our own scientists, we
09:57:21 conduct regular water testing, and one of the individuals
09:57:27 was so concerned he gave me his business card and asked to
09:57:32 have somebody report back to him, because he has been
09:57:36 concerned about a recent boil water notice that he received.
09:57:39 So I passed along that information, and immediately there
09:57:45 was a response from your department.
09:57:47 His fears were assuaged, he felt much better, and I just
09:57:53 want to thank you for two things, for keeping our water
09:57:55 supply pure and clean and safe to drink and use for everyone
09:58:00 here in the city, as well as outside the city who received
09:58:03 water services from us, and for the responsiveness of the
09:58:07 individuals in your department.
09:58:09 He didn't just hear from someone who was an administrative
09:58:14 person.
09:58:14 He heard from a scientist.
09:58:16 And I think that makes a tremendous difference, when you
09:58:18 actually have a scientist on the other side of the phone
09:58:21 telling you that we conduct the test, we have the highest
09:58:27 water quality standards anywhere, and we have safe, clean
09:58:31 drinking water.
09:58:32 So thank you very much for that.
09:58:33 >> Thank you very much.
09:58:37 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Next up on the agenda is presentation to
09:58:43 major James and Leisa hall.
09:58:53 Major.
09:58:56 >> We appreciate the opportunity to stand before you.
09:59:00 My name is Major James Hall, the area commander for the
09:59:04 Salvation Army here in Tampa Hillsborough.
09:59:06 With me today is my wife.
09:59:07 She's the associate commander, Leisa Hall, and our associate
09:59:11 services director Julie Shematz, and one of our board
09:59:17 members, Peggy Land.
09:59:20 Good to have her here.
09:59:22 When we arrived about three years ago I was privileged to
09:59:24 have a meeting with Councilman Reddick.
09:59:26 He came to the Salvation Army and brought several members of
09:59:29 the neighborhood association and people from the surrounding
09:59:33 community, sat down, and explained some of the concerns,
09:59:36 some of the challenges that we were facing in that area in
09:59:40 Tampa Heights, and we listened.
09:59:42 And Councilman Reddick, I don't know if you remember but I
09:59:45 asked do you please make a goes anytime my integrity bank
09:59:49 and hopefully you will be able to make a withdrawal with
09:59:52 dividends.
09:59:52 Give me some time.
09:59:53 It's my privilege to say that we have had some time.
09:59:56 And I want to give some of the updates of what's happening
09:59:58 with the Salvation Army here in Tampa.
10:00:01 We made some promises them.
10:00:03 And Norman Vincent Peale once said promises are like a baby
10:00:08 in the theater.
10:00:09 They need to be carried out immediately.
10:00:12 (Laughter)
10:00:12 We started working on those promises with neighborhood
10:00:14 association meetings, with some of the development meetings
10:00:17 that are happening in the community.
10:00:19 We listened to our neighbors, and then we put together a
10:00:22 game plan.
10:00:22 With that we moved forward.
10:00:24 Interesting things, we found out, we had about 230 people a
10:00:28 night, and of those 230 people, these are the hard core
10:00:33 homeless, our target population, single men and women.
10:00:37 We are in good collaboration with other ministries, like
10:00:43 Metropolitan Ministries, who focuses on families.
10:00:46 But we work with single men and women.
10:00:48 And with that being the case, we found out that 85% of our
10:00:51 clients, according to the definition of the Tampa
10:00:55 Hillsborough housing initiative, are considered city
10:00:59 residents.
10:00:59 So what we did was we started working on some of the issues.
10:01:03 One is what we call the hovering affect where people were
10:01:07 hanging around the community around where the Salvation Army
10:01:09 is located.
10:01:10 And so first thing we did is that we stopped doing soup
10:01:13 kitchens work so that it would eliminate some of the lines
10:01:16 and the people that were around.
10:01:18 We invested in purchasing lockers so that people had an
10:01:21 opportunity to store their items without having to stay
10:01:24 close to the building so they could have an opportunity to
10:01:27 go on employment application searches, so they wouldn't have
10:01:32 to carry all their belongings with them.
10:01:35 We worked on hiring more professional staff.
10:01:38 We went from two people with licensure credential does now
10:01:43 having 12 who have masters degrees, licensure, everything
10:01:47 from counseling to social work, everything related to that
10:01:50 field.
10:01:50 And the reason why to concentrate on the people that coming
10:01:55 to the facility.
10:01:56 We started using interns.
10:01:57 We now have a relationship with six different colleges.
10:02:00 We had over 50 interns come in.
10:02:03 That's free opportunity for labor to address this
10:02:06 population.
10:02:07 AARP has sent people our way.
10:02:10 All of this is so that we can keep our resources for direct
10:02:14 services to the people.
10:02:15 We have people working from AARP and career source.
10:02:18 We invested because we saw the need to help veterans.
10:02:22 We invested over -- nearly half a million dollars over the
10:02:26 past three years in improving the quality of our facility
10:02:29 for the veterans that are coming to see us.
10:02:31 And we also found, talking about TPH earlier, people being
10:02:37 released from hospitals, these medically fragile people not
10:02:41 having a place to go if they are experiencing homelessness.
10:02:44 We had a recuperative program in tandem with the hospital so
10:02:49 they can have safe relations with us.
10:02:53 We also addressed people coming out of the human trafficking
10:02:56 industry, and also the variety majority of those are also
10:03:02 experiencing domestic violence in some form or fashion, and
10:03:05 we have been able to target that population to help them out
10:03:08 with concerns and concentrated counseling and efforts.
10:03:13 Let me also say that we have reduced the average number a
10:03:17 night of people staying in our facility an average of 35%.
10:03:20 That means we are quickly getting them back into the
10:03:22 workforce or back into some housing.
10:03:25 Our goal is to move toward a 24-hour program.
10:03:30 Half our residents right now are being able to stay at our
10:03:34 facility.
10:03:34 We are moving for the other half being engaged during the
10:03:37 day, and we committed ourselves to that by what we have been
10:03:42 doing for 40 years, a misdemeanor probation program.
10:03:46 They have transitioned which allude that room on our first
10:03:49 floor now to programming for people in our community.
10:03:52 I am going to ask my wife now to talk about some of those
10:03:55 frames programs.
10:03:56 >> Leisa Hall: I get to tell you the fun part about how we
10:04:01 filled that space formerly occupied by the misdemeanor
10:04:05 probation program.
10:04:05 Without any additional funding we have been able through
10:04:08 community collaborations offer the following opportunities
10:04:11 within our building to keep people engaged through day
10:04:13 services during the day, and keep them hopefully out of the
10:04:17 public libraries, out of the public parks.
10:04:20 In tandem with the CDC of Tampa and Tampa Housing Authority,
10:04:23 we offer an ex-offender class, GED and adult and career
10:04:28 services classes, a drop-in center for women wishing to
10:04:32 leave the sex industry, several days a week, GTE and Wells
10:04:36 Fargo are partnering with us for literacy classes, life
10:04:40 skills classes offered during the day by a number of
10:04:43 organizations, bridges out of poverty, and alcoholics
10:04:45 anonymous classes, all within that space of our building and
10:04:49 all for the homeless residents.
10:04:50 >> We have experienced some challenges.
10:04:53 And I am going to ask our social services director Julie to
10:04:56 talk about some of those challenges, too.
10:04:58 >> Julie Hall: Good morning, council.
10:05:01 Let me start off by saying that homelessness is a community
10:05:03 problem, not a Salvation Army problem.
10:05:06 My understanding is the Salvation Army has been serving the
10:05:08 City of Tampa for over 120 years working with people in
10:05:13 poverty and people that are homeless.
10:05:15 One of the biggest challenges that we have are people that
10:05:17 are homeless, over 65% of them suffer from mental illness
10:05:23 coupled with addiction.
10:05:25 That's why they beefed up the clinical programs that we are
10:05:28 offering at the Salvation Army, to try to assist these
10:05:30 people to acclimate back into society and become functional
10:05:33 and be a contribution to society.
10:05:35 One of the biggest challenges that we face now is
10:05:39 individuals who are not individuals that we are serving
10:05:42 directly, but are hovering and hanging out near our center.
10:05:50 Now it's right on our street.
10:05:51 There's a concern for the safety of not only our staff but
10:05:54 the clients, and the clients that we serve.
10:05:57 Law enforcement, the City of Tampa has worked wonderfully
10:06:00 with us as well as the fire department, in order to assist
10:06:03 us in trying to address some of these challenges that we are
10:06:06 facing.
10:06:06 And we thank you for that.
10:06:09 Some of the challenges that we face ongoing is a lack of
10:06:15 housing available for individuals who are homeless in order
10:06:18 to get back into society.
10:06:22 We have the issue of the aging facilities which major hall
10:06:30 mentioned to try to improve it.
10:06:32 And lastly, it needs to be noted that we have done all of
10:06:34 this.
10:06:35 I have been here for three years.
10:06:37 Just a little short time, less time than what they have been
10:06:41 here and I do love Tampa, by the way.
10:06:43 I came from southern Florida.
10:06:44 But we have done all of this without funding from the City
10:06:50 of Tampa.
10:06:54 Major James: And hopefully you will be able to make a
10:06:58 withdrawal from the integrity bank.
10:07:00 Let me tell you what our plans are for the future.
10:07:02 We are inviting and hosting a team that is coming down from
10:07:04 St. Louis to make a model of permanent housing, coming down
10:07:10 to be doing some evaluation of what we have, what the
10:07:14 possibilities are, and then moving from there.
10:07:16 And we are also in the very beginning stages of doing what
10:07:18 we call program study, and needs assessment, to look at the
10:07:23 possibility of being able to relocate our facilities in a
10:07:26 location that will help with the downtown development.
10:07:30 We are into the development of Tampa.
10:07:32 We want to be a part of this whole process.
10:07:35 So we are interested in looking at the possibilities of
10:07:37 relocating our facility, building one facility that will
10:07:40 house our programs and do all we can to be a good neighbor
10:07:45 in Tampa.
10:07:45 So we just wanted to give you an update and let you know
10:07:49 that we appreciate what you do for us.
10:07:50 We appreciate your support.
10:07:52 And we are going to continue doing what we can to help make
10:07:55 Tampa a better place.
10:07:56 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you, major.
10:07:58 Questions or comments?
10:07:59 Mrs. Montelione.
10:08:00 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Thank you for being here this morning.
10:08:02 We met a couple of days ago, maybe a week ago, and discussed
10:08:06 some of the programs that you have.
10:08:08 And I understood from you then that you had lost some
10:08:13 funding, that you had from Board of County Commissioners.
10:08:16 >> That's correct.
10:08:17 >>LISA MONTELIONE: So I think it's commendable that you are
10:08:20 able to sustain yourselves in the program for the poor in
10:08:25 our community under the funding constraints that you have.
10:08:29 You already mentioned that the City of Tampa does not fund
10:08:33 any programs at the Salvation Army.
10:08:37 Being that, the Salvation Army is a big part of serving the
10:08:40 homeless and serving the poor in our communities.
10:08:44 I think that there should be some participation by the city
10:08:48 in your programs, because you are walking distance to City
10:08:53 Hall.
10:08:54 And I think that is in some ways a misstep on our part for
10:09:00 not participating in helping those poor among us.
10:09:05 I also want to ask, when you talked about two things, when
10:09:11 you talked about mental health and you talked about
10:09:13 affordable housing.
10:09:16 I'll take affordable housing first.
10:09:18 I was at the recent Nehamiah action event, for hope,.
10:09:31 I sit on the advisory board for Hillsborough County and we
10:09:34 have challenged with trying to find housing because housing
10:09:38 first has been the model that we have adopted.
10:09:40 We have adopted it now for several years.
10:09:43 But we don't have a funding source that is allowing us to
10:09:47 keep up with the demand.
10:09:49 So we talked about affordable housing in a workshop here
10:09:54 just a week or so ago that Major Leisa Hall was in
10:09:58 attendance.
10:10:00 Thank you for coming.
10:10:01 That's something we continue to struggle with.
10:10:04 We need all the partners and voices.
10:10:06 So I am glad that you brought that up.
10:10:07 As far as mental health care, I sit on the board of
10:10:11 behavioral health, and I was wondering if you have partnered
10:10:14 with any major mental health facility to provide services,
10:10:19 and maybe bear some of the costs of the programs that you
10:10:23 are offering, because you are right, mental health issues
10:10:27 are the basis of most every societal ill that we know and
10:10:34 that you see on a daily basis.
10:10:36 >> If I could speak to that.
10:10:38 We do have working relationships with other mental health
10:10:40 providers.
10:10:41 They are under budget constraints as well.
10:10:44 Many of them will only take a patient if they have Medicaid,
10:10:46 Medicare or insurance.
10:10:48 Some of them don't take Hillsborough County health care, and
10:10:51 they don't have indigent care dollars.
10:10:55 So as much as we are able, yes, we do partner with other
10:10:58 mental health.
10:10:59 >>LISA MONTELIONE: And the individuals are seen at your
10:11:02 facility?
10:11:04 >> Leisa Hall: No, we have a one referral process where
10:11:08 they pick up the phone.
10:11:09 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Given the challenges we have in our
10:11:11 transportation system, that might be a barrier to receiving
10:11:15 services, because if they are coming to you, and the
10:11:20 referral is great, and the partnership is great that you
10:11:22 have with other mental health providers, it's a wonderful
10:11:26 thing.
10:11:27 But if they have to actually go somewhere, it's a challenge
10:11:31 for people to get there given the --
10:11:35 >> Major Hall: We recognize that, and one of the people we
10:11:39 hired is a grant writer, and that is an issue of trying to
10:11:43 get some traffics for that exact purpose, to be able to
10:11:46 transport people to the resources that are available.
10:11:49 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Would you be open to having the ability
10:11:51 to provide services on-site, so when somebody comes to you,
10:11:55 you recognize that they have mental health issues, and are
10:11:58 open and willing to receive health and counseling, that they
10:12:01 could be seen on-site rather than referring them out?
10:12:05 >> And that's a great thing about having enough space that
10:12:08 we have in our facility that we can put different agencies
10:12:10 in those different cubicles, give them office space to do
10:12:15 that.
10:12:15 Julie?
10:12:16 >> That's what my degree is in, clinically mental health
10:12:20 counseling, and one of the things right away was the
10:12:24 clinical program.
10:12:24 We have a licensed clinical social worker.
10:12:27 We did have a licensed social worker.
10:12:30 That's one of the helps we are getting from the university.
10:12:32 I identified right away that we need to provide on-site
10:12:36 counseling, intervention, individual and group, to the
10:12:40 individuals that we are serving.
10:12:41 So we have but we have open areas that we would be more than
10:12:52 happy to welcome other agencies and organizations to serving
10:12:56 the people.
10:12:56 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Great.
10:12:57 If I can help you in any way with that, please let me know.
10:13:00 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Other comments or questions by council?
10:13:04 Thank you very much for being here.
10:13:05 Thanks for the presentation.
10:13:06 We appreciate it.
10:13:09 Ms. Capin?
10:13:11 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Yes, Mr. Chair, thank you.
10:13:13 Seeing that it's close to 10:30, I would like to ask that
10:13:18 when 10:30 comes around that if we could stop the staff
10:13:25 reports or right after the last one in order to take up
10:13:28 number 112, because that requires the vote and I want to
10:13:41 make sure we have that because I won't be here.
10:13:44 It's way down the road here.
10:13:45 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Right.
10:13:47 Any comments from council?
10:13:48 Thank you very much.
10:13:49 Next on the agenda is the approval of the addendum and the
10:13:52 agenda.
10:13:53 And need a motion.
10:13:54 >>LISA MONTELIONE: So moved with the move of item 112 to
10:14:01 10:30.
10:14:02 >> Motion by Mrs. Montelione.
10:14:04 Second by Mr. Coven.
10:14:05 All in favor please say aye.
10:14:07 Any opposed?
10:14:07 Thank you.
10:14:12 Next is public comment.
10:14:12 We have 30 minutes, three minutes per person.
10:14:15 Please speak on only those items that are not set for public
10:14:17 hearing.
10:14:17 Those items that are set for public hearing are numbers 97
10:14:21 through 114.
10:14:22 Those are not open and those are not open for public comment
10:14:25 at this time.
10:14:26 So only those comments on agenda items that are not included
10:14:30 as public hearings.
10:14:34 You're first.
10:14:35 Thanks for being here.
10:14:36 >> Connie Burton.
10:14:40 Item 1.
10:14:44 I just want to thank Councilman Reddick for the wonderful
10:14:47 job and your leadership in providing this council.
10:14:54 I'm very, very disappointed because my grandmother is
10:15:01 deceased now, but says never believe what you hear.
10:15:03 But if my grandmother was alive, I would tell her, you
10:15:05 better believe what you read in the newspaper, because what
10:15:08 we have been reading is what we saw this morning.
10:15:13 How under a progressive moving this city forward, under the
10:15:19 leadership of Frank Reddick, how it was ambushed and how the
10:15:24 PBA won and how the mayor won and how even some of these
10:15:28 council members that is proclaiming they won't be here for
10:15:31 another six months, how even they won because people
10:15:34 understand there are political interests.
10:15:37 Here we are in the middle of great gentrification, how
10:15:40 downtown is cleansing itself of African-American people, how
10:15:45 West Tampa is going to be cleansed with five major housing
10:15:50 developments being gutted.
10:15:54 And when this city under the leadership of Frank Reddick
10:15:56 says let's move together so all people can be inclusive,
10:16:00 what this council did this morning, those who voted as the
10:16:05 PBA member, slashed the throat of Frank Reddick, your hand
10:16:12 was on that knife.
10:16:12 I want you do know that.
10:16:14 Your hand was on that knife.
10:16:15 Because what you are saying is, what the mayor has said,
10:16:21 that this city has in a room for more people and don't have
10:16:25 room for black people.
10:16:26 Thank you.
10:16:26 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Next.
10:16:28 >> Good morning.
10:16:30 My name is Bishop Michelle B. Patti.
10:16:35 I was born and raised in the City of Tampa right over in
10:16:38 Hyde Park.
10:16:39 This is the darkest day that I have witnessed as a voter, as
10:16:44 a community leader in this city since segregation.
10:16:49 I cannot believe what my eyes and ears seen and heard, that
10:16:54 you all sat here and you watched someone do a throat cut and
10:16:59 not one of you all had the courage to speak out against it.
10:17:06 Your only African-American chairperson sitting there and not
10:17:09 one of you said anything about what took place.
10:17:12 Certainly you caught yourself holding a coup on a counselor
10:17:18 who has already done an outstanding job.
10:17:20 No disrespect to Charlie Miranda but you sat under him for
10:17:24 four years.
10:17:24 No complaints.
10:17:26 Everything was honky dory.
10:17:28 But once we have an African-American to serve as the chair
10:17:32 who has done an outstanding job, then there is a problem
10:17:36 with that.
10:17:38 Many of you feel that we are puppets, asking that we vote
10:17:44 down the democratic ticket, that we don't no any better, but
10:17:49 those of you who have further political aspirations, we will
10:17:53 see you at the ballots, we will see you at the voting box.
10:17:56 We will not be voting just because you say, but because you
10:18:01 are doing things that harm this community.
10:18:04 So be very aware when, it would be a no to each and every
10:18:09 one of you all.
10:18:09 We will be out there making sure that this African-American
10:18:14 community knows just where you stand, because you stood
10:18:18 boldly today, and vote against not only the counselor but
10:18:24 this community as a who will.
10:18:25 Those of you that had the courage to support Councilman
10:18:29 Reddick because now that he's done a great job, we say hats
10:18:32 off to you.
10:18:32 But those of you, be careful what you ask for, because we
10:18:36 will be watching, waiting and ready.
10:18:39 And we won't have long because we do know that there is a
10:18:42 state house seat that is in the mix.
10:18:45 And if we have to go to the Republican side, guess what,
10:18:50 that's just what we will do.
10:18:51 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Next up, please.
10:18:54 >> Okay, I'm ed, Ed Tillou, Sulphur Springs.
10:19:03 I come to speak about something.
10:19:05 But first, two things that have come up.
10:19:08 The first thing was in the election, if you added up all the
10:19:11 votes there, were 80s eight and there are supposed to be
10:19:15 seven.
10:19:15 Okay.
10:19:18 Okay, if you want a majority, in the general procedure --
10:19:23 and I don't know if this was in Robert's Rules of Order or
10:19:26 what -- but a runoff of the two leading people and if it's
10:19:31 2-3-3, the three people, three and three, they are the ones
10:19:36 that go to a runoff.
10:19:38 How it adds up to eight, I don't know.
10:19:41 But anyway that was the last speaker
10:19:43 With respect to water, this is very important, because my
10:19:47 friend died in Mexico, and we weren't really sure.
10:19:50 He was in pretty good health.
10:19:52 He was in his 80s but he went down to Mexico where he
10:19:55 lived most of the time.
10:19:57 And he survived the hurricane, on that coast is called a
10:20:02 typhoon, and then he succumbed to bad water. So maybe there
10:20:08 was a boil water advisory he didn't hear about or he didn't
10:20:13 pay attention to it.
10:20:14 But anyway, he did die of bad water.
10:20:19 Okay, with respect to something in the civil war, that's
10:20:27 mostly a result of the county commission, and some of the
10:20:29 things they are doing to suppress, but anyway I brought up
10:20:35 this guy who was a civil war mayor of New York.
10:20:38 And the reason I brought him up, I didn't have that at the
10:20:40 time, he actually -- he did two things that were
10:20:46 interesting.
10:20:46 He put down the draft riots, and the result of this
10:20:50 research, I found that the draft riots were not as
10:20:54 spontaneous as they represented but there were some
10:20:57 confederate agents at work.
10:21:01 Now, in that regard, think of Paris.
10:21:04 Things are happening, and these are not spontaneous things.
10:21:08 They are being organized.
10:21:09 Okay.
10:21:10 The reason I mention the civil war is because of this.
10:21:16 I ran across this.
10:21:17 I thought this was kind of -- this was my great grandfather,
10:21:22 a saloonkeeper on Coney Island.
10:21:25 He was placed under bonds which is more or less like a
10:21:29 restraining order because he threatened to attack the
10:21:33 ex-mayor, the fellow that I alluded to, Godfrey Gunther, and
10:21:40 that's because he was with this fellow, McCain, a corrupt
10:21:49 politician, and he was at the height of the world and he
10:21:54 lost it to that ex-mayor.
10:21:56 So he threatened him.
10:21:58 Maybe he was trying to show off for Cornelius Mahoney, his
10:22:03 brother-in-law, but I'll come back to this next meeting.
10:22:07 (Bell sounds)
10:22:09 But anyway, about the playboy of the world --
10:22:15 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you.
10:22:18 Ma'am, you are next up.
10:22:19 >> First of all, I would like to say that shocking display
10:22:29 and bickering and lack of concern for our time, and the way
10:22:32 the council members come and go.
10:22:34 It shows a lack of concern for the public.
10:22:38 My name is Cindy Peden -- I'm here to talk about something
10:22:43 that --
10:22:44 >> We need your name and address please, ma'am.
10:22:47 >> I'm sorry, I didn't hear anyone else give it.
10:22:50 Cindy Peden, 1213 east Henry Avenue, Tampa 33604.
10:22:56 Again, what I am here to talk about is the business, the
10:23:00 industry of prostitution in my historic neighborhood of
10:23:04 Seminole Heights.
10:23:05 It has a simple uncomplicated and very profitable business
10:23:09 model, supply and demand of the oldest profession.
10:23:14 Removing the infrastructure of this enterprise is why I am
10:23:17 introducing myself to you.
10:23:18 We are all going to get better acquainted until some long
10:23:21 overdue changes are made.
10:23:24 Florida and Nebraska avenues are littered with motels
10:23:28 populated by these working girls and their customers.
10:23:31 The drug trade and transients, certainly not a destination
10:23:34 for people of tourists visiting Busch Gardens.
10:23:38 The blight is far less advertising than the trendy
10:23:41 restaurants in the Heights that we are all excited about,
10:23:43 but I guarantee that not any of you to dismiss these cases
10:23:48 nor the brilliant urban planner who approved zoning for the
10:23:52 crime incubators, duplexes and apartments along Mohawk
10:23:56 Avenue, mixed among our 1940s bungalows would tolerate
10:24:01 what my neighbors and I do every day, discovering used
10:24:05 prophylaxis at the end of my driveway and in our alley while
10:24:09 we walk our dogs is an ugly contrast.
10:24:14 I'm not the morality police, but our residents in our
10:24:18 neighborhood isn't the Vegas strip either.
10:24:21 This activity is taking place right next to the Publix
10:24:24 unembedded and it's the same handful of offenders.
10:24:29 Really, they must be exhausted.
10:24:30 It's time we as a city stop enabling this criminal activity.
10:24:34 Is this a policy concern for the mayor and the police chief,
10:24:37 anyone in the city administration or not?
10:24:40 I think the police are doing their job to break down what
10:24:45 appears to be a jail house resolving door.
10:24:47 As a foundation, these low-rent motels.
10:24:49 Let's take away the framework, prosecute the offenders,
10:24:53 especially the patrons, install cameras to track these
10:24:57 people, put the Johns photos on TV, purging these
10:25:03 motel-hotels, make life uncomfortable for those who use this
10:25:07 criminal activity.
10:25:08 I would rather be someplace else today.
10:25:10 It rained while I tried to get here.
10:25:12 I have a very stressful and demanding job, but I think it's
10:25:15 important.
10:25:15 I'm asking for your help and I won't take no for an answer.
10:25:18 Thank you.
10:25:18 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you.
10:25:20 Next.
10:25:21 >> My name is KD Watson.
10:25:30 I am a resident of Tampa, Florida.
10:25:34 And I am here not on my own but spirit to talk to you
10:25:44 elected board members.
10:25:47 I'm here about the marijuana deal, the police department, if
10:25:55 the ones they stopped only have a little bit, don't charge
10:25:58 them as much.
10:26:02 Marijuana is a drug.
10:26:04 It's a drug.
10:26:04 Two cigarettes, marijuana, will kill you just as bad.
10:26:11 This is not compromising that.
10:26:16 I'm talking to you board members that voted on it.
10:26:20 Thank God Mr. Miranda was the only one to say no, and he's
10:26:25 the only one that said no to a lot of things that were voted
10:26:29 on by board members that were voted for the people.
10:26:35 You have got to answer to God.
10:26:40 And many are going to hell if you don't do what God say do.
10:26:46 I stand today to tell you one thing.
10:26:49 You need to stop making the police vulnerable.
10:26:56 They have got to stop people smoking while driving now.
10:27:00 Drinking while driving, you only have half a pint, you drink
10:27:04 half of it, so what dumb things are being put forward on the
10:27:08 people of Tampa?
10:27:10 Mr. Reddick, I have called and told your office several
10:27:13 times.
10:27:15 You don't -- you come at the NAACP and the church, it starts
10:27:25 with H-O-M-E first, and we are under God.
10:27:29 Remember that.
10:27:34 Today we stand and say I pledge allegiance to the flag of
10:27:36 the United States of America and to the republic for which
10:27:39 it stands.
10:27:40 Come on now.
10:27:42 "under God."
10:27:45 But we tell God "shut up."
10:27:48 This is nothing new what's going on, Mr. Reddick, and you
10:27:54 know it.
10:27:54 You are the chairman, you have been the chairman, and
10:27:56 represent your people, not just blacks.
10:27:58 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Sir, you have to direct your comments to the
10:28:01 council as a whole and not to individual council members.
10:28:03 >> Well, I am so sorry about that.
10:28:06 You can educate me on that.
10:28:08 But all of you that voted for this.
10:28:11 You need to retable it and you didn't ask the people.
10:28:15 You all did not ask the people is it okay.
10:28:19 You all said it's okay to smoke marijuana.
10:28:22 Marijuana will kill you.
10:28:23 It's a drug.
10:28:23 Drug addicts, and Tampa, Florida has many of them and we
10:28:30 don't need to compromise.
10:28:31 And thank God for Mr. Miranda.
10:28:33 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you, sir.
10:28:35 Next, please.
10:28:35 >> Derek Chamblee, Google D-E-R-E-K-C-H-A-M-B-L-E-E, St.
10:29:09 Paul.
10:29:10 Google entelinter, E-N-T-E-L-I-N-T-E-R.
10:29:18 Google nix Dixon, NIXDIXON.
10:29:25 I spoke to the county commissioners again yesterday about
10:29:34 their hurricane plan, which there was a few tips in here of
10:29:40 what to do, and an evacuation map, evacuation zone, and I
10:29:48 told them yesterday that this map is probably dates back to
10:29:51 the 80s because Harbor Island is not even labeled here of
10:29:56 the and this map is based on elevations, based on
10:30:01 elevations.
10:30:02 And I want to you look into some of the simulated models if
10:30:08 a hurricane comes up through the sunshine Skyway Bridge into
10:30:13 the bay, about storm surge, storm surge, and this is very
10:30:19 deceiving, this hurricane -- they have no plan.
10:30:23 I have spoken to you many, many times before on this.
10:30:26 They have no plans.
10:30:28 There is no plan.
10:30:29 And this circle of emergency people that calls for an
10:30:34 evacuation, they are probably not elected, and we don't know
10:30:39 who they are, and the general public knows nothing about
10:30:43 what would be done.
10:30:44 So we are already mobilizing -- this is deceiving because
10:30:49 there are large areas, for instance, in Temple Terrace, USF,
10:30:56 that floods, and they are higher elevations but they flood
10:31:01 nevertheless.
10:31:02 And New Tampa is built around marshes.
10:31:07 I have located probably 20 or 25 major intersections of the
10:31:14 roads that may be inaccessible, things of that nature.
10:31:18 So we are mobilizing already, and we are suggesting that the
10:31:22 neighborhood watch groups find out who has a permit to carry
10:31:29 a gun and who is going to stay behind because the
10:31:32 neighborhood will need to cooperate with the authorities to
10:31:35 guard property as they await for instruction investigators.
10:31:43 And another thing, all the shelters here are elementary
10:31:45 schools, middle schools, and senior high schools.
10:31:48 They are totally inadequate.
10:31:50 And there's going to be no way to get people out by way of
10:31:55 the interstate and the roads, because this needs to be a
10:32:00 regional solution on the transportation and calling an
10:32:04 emergency, all the cities, all the counties contained
10:32:07 therein.
10:32:08 Thank you very much.
10:32:08 (Bell sounds).
10:32:10 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Next, please.
10:32:11 >> Tony Benjamin, 504 Lambright street.
10:32:19 I agree with one of the community members who requested that
10:32:27 that be consistent for all public comments here.
10:32:37 I just wanted to say, you know, government does work best
10:32:42 when there are separations of powers.
10:32:46 That's why we have checks and balances.
10:32:48 That's why we have the executive branch, and the legislative
10:32:52 branch, making sure that political power isn't concentrated
10:32:58 into one person's hands or one group or one entity's hand.
10:33:03 And I think the best example of that over the course of this
10:33:06 last year has been under chairman Reddick's leadership on
10:33:11 this council, talking about such important issues, like the
10:33:16 police review board that I know is a very contentious issue.
10:33:22 It's not pretty but that's what government does.
10:33:24 And it's important as elected representatives that we
10:33:29 remember that our first duty is to the community.
10:33:34 I don't know if folks read the article about Tampa's House
10:33:39 of Cards, did anybody read that?
10:33:43 >> Really, you think? (Laughter)
10:33:43 >> That kind of maneuvering, that kind of back room wheely
10:33:47 dealy stuff that is going on, that is shameful for our
10:33:50 government. Everybody --
10:33:53 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Excuse me.
10:33:54 Except in the House of Cards there's murders, and we don't
10:33:57 murder.
10:33:58 Sorry.
10:33:58 >> Continue with your comments.
10:33:58 >> I don't know if you read the history books about Ybor
10:34:04 City but it did happen here.
10:34:05 And I don't know if chairman Reddick was the lone person
10:34:10 that witnessed this incident in the audience tonight. I
10:34:11 mean, it couldn't have only been chairman Reddick that
10:34:11 witnessed it.
10:34:12 I mean, did other people see that, too?
10:34:19 Is that acceptable from somebody that upholds the law in
10:34:23 this city?
10:34:24 I should hope not.
10:34:25 So my final comment is that we have a very important task
10:34:31 here with city government to represent the important needs
10:34:33 of this community.
10:34:34 These are issues that were brought up throughout the entire
10:34:39 process, all the drama that went on last year.
10:34:43 It is crucial to moving the city forward.
10:34:47 Please remember that.
10:34:49 Congratulations, Mr. Suarez.
10:34:51 Let's remember that as we move forward, and to quote
10:34:56 chairman Reddick, no more.
10:35:02 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Is there anyone else in the public to speak
10:35:05 at this time on any item not set for public hearing later
10:35:08 on?
10:35:08 I see none.
10:35:09 Next on the agenda is a request by the public for
10:35:11 reconsideration of legislative matters.
10:35:14 Ms. Montelione.
10:35:15 I apologize.
10:35:16 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Thank you.
10:35:17 Before we get to that -- and that will be a quick one, I'm
10:35:20 sure -- I would request that we move item number 14 to being
10:35:25 the next item.
10:35:26 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Ms. Montelione, if you could wait until we
10:35:31 go onto the next one.
10:35:32 We are going to be moving pretty quickly on the rest of the
10:35:35 agenda, for the consent of each committee.
10:35:38 So let's go through that first.
10:35:39 And then we'll go back to 14 if that's all right.
10:35:43 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I just wanted to get Chief Ward --
10:35:47 >>MIKE SUAREZ: I don't think we'll have much problem with
10:35:49 the approval of committee reports.
10:35:51 Thank you.
10:35:51 I appreciate that.
10:35:52 Is there any request by the public for reconsideration of
10:35:55 legislative matters? I see none.
10:35:58 Next up we are going to go to our committee reports.
10:36:04 And I will start with our first committee, Public Safety
10:36:06 Committee, Mr. Charlie Miranda is the chair.
10:36:08 Sir.
10:36:09 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Move items 18 through 28.
10:36:12 >> Second.
10:36:15 >>MIKE SUAREZ: I have a motion and second of the all in
10:36:17 favor of that motion please say aye.
10:36:19 Thank you.
10:36:21 Next up is parks, recreation, cultural committee. Mr.
10:36:25 Maniscalco is out of the room.
10:36:26 Ms. Montelione, if you could take that for us.
10:36:29 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I move items number 29 through 40.
10:36:35 >> Second.
10:36:36 >>MIKE SUAREZ: I have a motion and second.
10:36:38 All in favor please say aye.
10:36:40 Any opposed?
10:36:41 Thank you.
10:36:42 Next up is Public Works Committee.
10:36:45 I am the chair, but Mr. Maniscalco is vice chair.
10:36:50 You are the alternate, Ms. Capin.
10:36:52 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Thank you, Mr. Chair, glad to.
10:36:55 I move items 41 through 45.
10:36:57 >> Second.
10:36:58 >>MIKE SUAREZ: I have a motion and second of the all in
10:37:01 favor please say aye.
10:37:02 Any opposed?
10:37:03 Thank you.
10:37:04 Next up is Finance Committee.
10:37:05 Mr. Harry Cohen.
10:37:06 >>HARRY COHEN: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
10:37:09 I move item 46-47.
10:37:11 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Second.
10:37:13 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Mr. Cohen.
10:37:15 Second by Mr. Miranda.
10:37:18 All in favor?
10:37:19 Any opposed?
10:37:20 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Resolution on item number 47.
10:37:23 >> Move the substitute resolution.
10:37:29 Thank you, Ms. Montelione.
10:37:31 Next up building zoning preservation committee, Ms.
10:37:33 Montelione.
10:37:34 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I move items number 48 through 82
10:37:38 including the substitute resolution.
10:37:40 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Ms. Montelione, second by Mr.
10:37:44 Cohen.
10:37:44 All in favor?
10:37:45 Any opposed?
10:37:46 Thank you.
10:37:47 Next up, if I get past 80, we have transportation committee.
10:37:53 Ms. Capin.
10:37:54 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Thank you, Mr. Chair.
10:37:55 I would like to move items 83 through 93.
10:37:59 And I want to point out 87, item 87, which is the million
10:38:06 dollars that FDOT is providing for the study on reimbursing
10:38:13 the city on the study on the TECO streetcar.
10:38:16 With that, is it appropriate to make a motion now?
10:38:21 >>MIKE SUAREZ: We need to clear this motion before we go to
10:38:23 another motion.
10:38:25 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Let's do this, move items 83 through 93.
10:38:28 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Seconded by Mrs. Montelione.
10:38:31 All in favor?
10:38:33 Any opposed?
10:38:33 Thank you.
10:38:35 Do you want to make a motion now?
10:38:37 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Yes.
10:38:38 The motion I would like to make is when we asked a question
10:38:42 about the alignment for the city for any light rail or any
10:38:46 other, we were told the alignment was not there, it isn't
10:38:54 feasible right now.
10:38:56 And so there's the premium transit study that is coming up.
10:39:01 And I would like to ask Ms. Jean Duncan to report to us on
10:39:12 that study on a regular basis until it's -- because the city
10:39:17 is going to rely on that study if we have any alignment.
10:39:22 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Ms. Montelione?
10:39:24 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I'll second that, but I am going to ask
10:39:27 for maybe an amendment, because the premium transit study
10:39:31 has not begun yet.
10:39:33 They are just doing the scoping of that study right now.
10:39:37 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Right.
10:39:37 >>LISA MONTELIONE: So until we have a date that the scope
10:39:43 has been set, it may be appropriate to have the updates
10:39:51 after the study -- right now it hasn't even --
10:39:56 >>YVONNE CAPIN: I understand that.
10:39:57 And thank you for clarifying that.
10:39:58 Because when I spoke to Ms. Duncan, that was one of the
10:40:02 things we talked about.
10:40:03 It has not started.
10:40:05 I think there's an expected date of maybe October.
10:40:10 >>LISA MONTELIONE: So the report in October or November?
10:40:15 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Okay, November would be good.
10:40:16 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I won't be here.
10:40:19 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Do we want to set a date for November?
10:40:24 November 3rd?
10:40:26 Let's have a look.
10:40:27 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Oh, I will be here for that.
10:40:31 November 3rd.
10:40:36 >>YVONNE CAPIN: November 3rd, thank you.
10:40:37 >>MIKE SUAREZ: I have a motion with a friendly amendment by
10:40:41 Ms. Montelione, seconded by Mrs. Capin.
10:40:44 All in favor?
10:40:45 Any opposed?
10:40:46 Thank you very much.
10:40:48 Now we are going to -- our agenda that we have had sent.
10:40:55 The next is -- let's go back to -- go to items it 4 through
10:40:59 96.
10:41:00 These are items.
10:41:04 >> Move 94 up there 96.
10:41:07 >> Motion by Mr. Miranda.
10:41:09 Second by Mr. Cohen.
10:41:10 All in favor?
10:41:11 Any opposed?
10:41:12 Thank you.
10:41:12 Now we are going to jump back up to item number 14, the
10:41:21 chief is here to talk about what has happened with the
10:41:23 report from the Department of Justice.
10:41:26 Mr. Miller?
10:41:27 Oh, there's the chief.
10:41:28 Never mind, thank you. Chief, thank you for being here.
10:41:31 >>CHIEF ERIC WARD: City of Tampa chief of police, here to
10:41:35 give a report on the progress of the DOJ report.
10:41:39 Having contact with them, they are still in the draft form.
10:41:42 We are waiting for final approval to be placed by DOJ to my
10:41:49 office.
10:41:50 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Any questions by the chief?
10:41:52 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I just wanted -- we were supposed to get
10:41:55 this report back several months ago, from what I recall.
10:41:58 The estimated date of delivery from DOJ was the end of
10:42:05 December.
10:42:05 >> Correct.
10:42:07 >>LISA MONTELIONE: And here we are in April.
10:42:10 So has there been any indication from them when they might
10:42:14 be delivering that report?
10:42:16 CHIEF ERIC WARD: No.
10:42:22 Their answer is no couple weeks.
10:42:24 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Do you know why?
10:42:25 Do they need more information?
10:42:27 Interviews?
10:42:27 What are they doing?
10:42:29 CHIEF ERIC WARD: They have requested additional information
10:42:30 at the beginning of the year from us, and we provided that
10:42:33 information.
10:42:34 I know that they have completed the report once.
10:42:36 And they need to make some changes.
10:42:40 It's in the form of a first draft.
10:42:42 Now they are in the process of the second draft.
10:42:45 And where we are with that, I don't know.
10:42:47 I know it has to go up to the director and get his final
10:42:50 approval.
10:42:51 And then when that's done, then the information be made
10:42:53 available to him.
10:42:54 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Okay.
10:42:56 I would suggest -- I don't know if it's going to help or
10:43:00 not, but I would suggest that or make a motion that the city
10:43:08 attorney works with the city council attorney in drafting a
10:43:12 letter to the Department of Justice requesting information
10:43:21 on the cause of the delay of this report, and if there is
10:43:30 further information that they require from the city, if
10:43:35 there are further interviews that need to be conducted, and
10:43:40 it's possible to hasten the release of this report.
10:43:46 We have waited far too long.
10:43:48 >> Second.
10:43:49 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Ms. Montelione.
10:43:52 Seconded by Ms. Capin.
10:43:54 I have a question from our attorney.
10:43:55 Yes, sir.
10:43:55 >>MARTIN SHELBY: Mr. Chairman, members of council, I just
10:43:59 want to remind you -- I share a concern about this, because
10:44:04 per the charter, when comes to intergovernmental
10:44:08 representation, the charter does say that council should be
10:44:13 or the mayor as part of his duty cognizant of the relations
10:44:16 to the city, county, state, federal and other municipal
10:44:19 governments.
10:44:19 And there has been the opinion by the city attorney in the
10:44:22 past that the mayor under the terms of your charter does
10:44:26 speak for the city.
10:44:29 I am just concerned, and maybe you want to hold that motion,
10:44:32 unless council, city attorney wants to opine.
10:44:35 But I am concerned that this may intrude into the purview of
10:44:39 the administration in dealing with the Department of
10:44:41 Justice.
10:44:42 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Mr. Chairman, I understand what Mr.
10:44:45 Shelby said.
10:44:47 I am in agreement with that.
10:44:48 However, I also believe that Ms. Montelione's motion, maybe
10:44:54 shuck make a motion since she started this process to make a
10:44:57 motion to ask the chief that whenever he receives
10:44:59 information for him to immediately send it to the City
10:45:02 Council.
10:45:02 >>LISA MONTELIONE: [Off microphone.] Well, you know, if
10:45:11 there's going to be another delay, so all he would be doing
10:45:15 is telling us that the Department of Justice is telling him
10:45:18 that it's not ready.
10:45:22 You know, I guess maybe we could ask the administration to
10:45:26 inquire, or for the chair to speak with the administration,
10:45:34 and maybe send a joint letter or ask the mayor to send a
10:45:37 letter.
10:45:38 But I think at some point, someone has to do a little
10:45:42 pushing to get this report done, because we have heard today
10:45:46 from the citizens that this continues to be an open wound,
10:45:51 so to speak, and we need to put this to rest.
10:45:55 And I think that once we get that report, we will be able to
10:45:58 move on as a city and feel that we have had some of closure.
10:46:05 Or it might open other problems.
10:46:07 But we need to know one way or the other.
10:46:09 We can't leave this hanging open indefinitely.
10:46:12 >>MIKE SUAREZ: [Off microphone.] An expedited review and
10:46:23 an explanation of why the review is taking so long, I do not
10:46:27 see it as an administrative function.
10:46:30 You have opined as to what the administration may say.
10:46:32 But I don't think that would be a problem if we send a
10:46:35 letter to the program, that we urge they try to give us that
10:46:41 information as quickly as possible of the again they are
10:46:43 only going to do their work as fast as their work can be
10:46:46 done.
10:46:46 We see they haven't given anything to our police chief or to
10:46:53 administration anyway.
10:46:54 Don't see a harm in a letter going out to them.
10:46:57 I'm not sure if legally it has any merit.
10:46:59 >>MARTIN SHELBY: I respect that.
10:47:01 And if council wishes to move forward on the motion as
10:47:04 originally stated, I accept that, too.
10:47:07 I'm just opining that I believe that the administration
10:47:10 function under the charter is to be the parties that deals
10:47:14 with the Department of Justice.
10:47:16 >>MIKE SUAREZ: I would agree with you if it was directly to
10:47:18 the Department of Justice. It's not DOJ.
10:47:21 Correct me if I am wrong, chief.
10:47:22 It is a group that works with DOJ.
10:47:26 Am I correct?
10:47:28 Cops program?
10:47:28 >> The division of DOJ -- where the report is going.
10:47:34 I think it's creating a report, they are trying to get the
10:47:41 report in the form of -- my understanding in dealing with
10:47:46 them over the last several months, it's written in a way
10:47:49 that nobody can understand it.
10:47:50 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Ms. Montelione, you heard from our attorney,
10:47:55 from the chief.
10:47:56 Do you want to amend that motion?
10:47:58 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I asked for him to work with the city
10:48:00 attorney.
10:48:00 I think in their working together that they are come up with
10:48:03 a way that this letter can be sent that isn't --
10:48:08 >>MIKE SUAREZ: And we have a city attorney.
10:48:10 >>LISA MONTELIONE: And look, we have a city attorney.
10:48:12 >>JULIA MANDELL: City attorney.
10:48:14 If I recall correctly this was a direct request from the
10:48:17 administration to the DOJ to move forward with this review,
10:48:21 and the federal government will take the time the federal
10:48:25 government takes.
10:48:25 It certainly doesn't prohibit you from writing them a
10:48:28 letter, but just keep in mind that the federal government
10:48:33 moves the way the federal government --
10:48:35 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Understood, and there's nothing wrong
10:48:37 with writing the letter.
10:48:39 We just heard -- writing a letter. We just heard from the
10:48:40 city attorney.
10:48:41 So my motion stands.
10:48:42 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion on the floor.
10:48:44 We have a second from Mrs. Mrs. Capin.
10:48:48 All in favor?
10:48:49 Any opposed?
10:48:50 Thank you.
10:48:50 Chief, is that the conclusion of your report?
10:48:53 CHIEF ERIC WARD: Yes.
10:48:53 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you for appearing.
10:48:59 Sorry you had to wait a little bit.
10:49:00 Council members, I am going to head to our public hearings.
10:49:03 I would like to ask everyone that is here to speak for items
10:49:08 number 97 through 114, items 97 through 114, to please stand
10:49:14 and be sworn in.
10:49:15 (Oath administered by Clerk).
10:49:26 >>MIKE SUAREZ: We are going to start with item number 112
10:49:29 first because I know Ms. Capin is under a time constraint.
10:49:32 And then I am going to go right into item number 108 because
10:49:35 we do have a sheriff's deputy waiting to report to us, too.
10:49:38 So if we can have number 112.
10:49:45 Who is appearing to make the presentation?
10:49:48 Ms. Moreda.
10:49:51 >>GLORIA MOREDA: Land development.
10:49:53 This is basically a continued public hearing, 3-2.
10:49:59 It is concerning property at 115 Hollywood.
10:50:06 I do have a better map of it.
10:50:08 It's an appeal of a design exception for rear yard setback
10:50:13 variance.
10:50:14 The property is a threw lot that extends from Hollywood to
10:50:20 Stanley.
10:50:21 They are asking for a rear yard setback, 15 feet to
10:50:28 accommodate the existing structure.
10:50:35 The site plan.
10:50:39 It shows the existing structure.
10:50:41 And they are proposing with the red line being the new
10:50:48 property line.
10:50:49 It's a 15-foot setback with the existing house on that line.
10:50:57 I denied the formal decision based on the lack of being able
10:51:01 to comply with the required setbacks.
10:51:08 However, if City Council is inclined to review the setback
10:51:11 they could split the property.
10:51:12 The existing house is tucked way back on the property on
10:51:17 Hollywood.
10:51:19 This is the neighboring house on Hollywood.
10:51:22 And I think this is the property from Stanley street, which
10:51:32 is the northern street.
10:51:37 If you have any questions, we would be happy to answer.
10:51:39 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Is the applicant here?
10:51:43 >> My name is David Clisset, the president of a small
10:51:56 engineering firm, 822 first street, Indian rocks beach.
10:52:01 Council, it's a pleasure to be here before you again today.
10:52:07 Originally we made the application for the design exception,
10:52:11 design exception 2, realizing it was an unusual case.
10:52:14 Fortunately, we have had the opportunity to work with City
10:52:17 of Tampa land development staff over the years, and have
10:52:20 always been very professional, very helpful, very
10:52:23 cooperative, and they deserve kudos.
10:52:27 In this particular case, we originally -- the city staff
10:52:36 does intake, and said this should be a DEV 1 and changed it
10:52:43 after the application because of the fact that we met with
10:52:48 essence of the code and he thought it would easily be
10:52:50 approved by the zoning administrator.
10:52:54 When Mike Callahan looked at this based on the Seminole
10:52:57 Heights, the new Seminole Heights type guidelines, Seminole
10:53:02 Heights overlay guidelines, the idea is to be compatible
10:53:07 with the neighborhood, to follow the pattern of the existing
10:53:10 development.
10:53:11 So I am going to give you some additional information that
10:53:17 we have before you.
10:53:34 I have some copies.
10:53:36 [Off microphone.]
10:53:52 You will find if you look at page 3 of the document that I
10:54:15 just distributed that Gloria Moreda had concluded that our
10:54:19 original goal oh to free up the lot and create a
10:54:23 single-family residential lot on Stanley street was
10:54:26 approvable to resolve this rear yard issue for the existing
10:54:33 home on Hollywood street.
10:54:35 And that's underlined on page 3 of the four-page document
10:54:42 that I just handed you.
10:54:43 The other document is a site plan that indicates conditions
10:54:46 on the site.
10:54:47 And we'll explain why this house is where it is, because of
10:54:53 an existing grand tree.
10:54:55 I would like to point out that our request does not
10:54:57 negatively impact or change anything in the way of what's
10:55:00 going on on Hollywood street.
10:55:03 There are a number of homes located in some unusual places
10:55:11 on the lots because of the existing trees, and that's
10:55:14 exactly why the house is where it is.
10:55:19 The conditions of Stanley street, I would like to review
10:55:22 what's going on on Stanley street because the ultimate goal
10:55:25 is to build on Stanley street.
10:55:28 This is a view looking east from our property, if we create
10:55:35 the lot -- this is pretty much standing in front of our
10:55:39 vacant property.
10:55:40 You can see that the houses here, the houses here on
10:55:45 Stanley, this is our lot to the right.
10:55:49 About 20, 25-foot setback from the front property line,
10:55:53 which is pretty typical in Seminole Heights, for the RS-50
10:56:00 only.
10:56:00 This is a have you looking to the west.
10:56:04 And you can see pretty much standard setback for the
10:56:06 property there.
10:56:08 I'll show you a plan view of that shortly.
10:56:15 This is a photograph of somewhat of what Gloria showed you.
10:56:21 I don't know if you notice it here. This is the vacant
10:56:24 land.
10:56:24 This is a small tree that's got a lot of fungus on it,
10:56:29 probably going to die naturally.
10:56:30 But there's a fence here.
10:56:31 When you see that fence that fence is about 15 to 17 feet in
10:56:36 front of where we are proposing that the lot be, so that
10:56:39 actually we are asking for a lot 53 by 395 which is a fairly
10:56:44 standard lot in many places in Tampa, many, many places in
10:56:48 West Tampa, the adjoining -- adjoining neighborhood.
10:56:55 The 15-foot rear yard that we are asking for is only a 25%
10:56:59 reduction of the standard 20-foot required.
10:57:01 And it's also minimal standard rear lot for all of West
10:57:05 Tampa overlay.
10:57:09 This is comparison of what's going on in the city.
10:57:12 This is the same vacant land.
10:57:14 You can see that our neighbor here to the left is an older
10:57:18 home.
10:57:20 It has a large garage in the back.
10:57:22 And there's the fence that I am talking about, back about 15
10:57:27 feet.
10:57:28 And this is that same property.
10:57:30 The rear garage.
10:57:31 And everything on that side of the street is about 20, 25
10:57:35 feet set back from the property line.
10:57:43 Hollywood street, we are not asking anything to change.
10:57:46 We are being sensitive to the historic development.
10:57:48 The properties to the right actually still occupied by the
10:57:51 grandson of the original owner.
10:57:54 They are doing their best to preserve that property as well.
10:57:58 Here is something that's kind of interesting because this is
10:58:01 Hollywood street.
10:58:02 All of the houses across the street from thaws have a fairly
10:58:05 standard setback.
10:58:06 And some of the houses across the street are set back only
10:58:11 10 feet.
10:58:12 Our neighbors are set back only 5 feet because of a grand
10:58:17 tree that's not shown on the survey, that site plan.
10:58:24 Here is also the neighborhood layout.
10:58:29 Similar to what Gloria showed you.
10:58:31 We have commercial development.
10:58:32 This is Florida Avenue.
10:58:33 This is the Hillsborough River.
10:58:35 And you can see that most of the properties here, this is
10:58:39 actually R-20 future land use.
10:58:41 So we have actually less than the future land use allows.
10:58:47 And this is the only two lots that I was able to find in the
10:58:50 area.
10:58:51 And we are only asking that this lot be split, and that this
10:58:56 line be moved to 95 feet, which still leaves just over 5,000
10:59:00 square feet as a buildable lot.
10:59:04 Which I think is a very responsible in-fill development.
10:59:10 This is also a markup of the neighborhood with an aerial
10:59:15 view.
10:59:16 You can see most of the lots here along Stanley have a
10:59:20 fairly standard setback.
10:59:22 Here on Hollywood street, the existing trees and existing
10:59:26 development, the houses are located in different places.
10:59:30 Our house is way back here.
10:59:32 But across the street, in the black line you will see that
10:59:34 the houses are set up fairly close.
10:59:44 Let's go ahead and take a look at this condition.
10:59:50 The main reason this tree appears to be older than the
10:59:53 house.
10:59:55 There's actually another -- close to grand tree right about
10:59:59 here that was able to survive and doing fairly well.
11:00:04 This is a live oak.
11:00:07 Some people estimate it to be over 150 or 200 years old.
11:00:10 And that's the reason why this house was built where it is.
11:00:14 So all we are asking is this house be allowed to remain
11:00:17 where it was, not impact anybody, the surrounding neighbors.
11:00:21 And what we are asking is then on Stanley street we be
11:00:24 allowed to put at 95-foot deep lot as you can see, the
11:00:30 proposed yard is only 15-foot in the rear, but this house
11:00:33 with that grand tree, the big beautiful private front yard.
11:00:38 And the branches and the leaves of that tree actually come
11:00:41 out all the way practically to the street, to the front line
11:00:43 of the property.
11:00:47 Not to the street but to the front property line.
11:00:49 And so we are asking that you allow this.
11:00:51 We believe this is responsible in-fill development request.
11:00:54 This is something that actually will help beautify the
11:00:59 neighborhood, things like creating a good new home on this
11:01:02 property on Stanley street, and we also believe -- we are
11:01:06 not asking for anything to be waived in terms of the
11:01:08 Seminole Heights residential zoning.
11:01:12 We can easily build a home on that property, 95-foot
11:01:15 easement and still meet all the Seminole Heights building
11:01:19 restrictions and guidelines.
11:01:20 All we ask is that you approve this request.
11:01:23 Thank you very much.
11:01:23 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you.
11:01:24 Any questions of the applicant?
11:01:25 Ms. Montelione.
11:01:26 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Thank you.
11:01:28 I'm looking at the letter that you had distributed dated
11:01:30 December 21st.
11:01:33 And section 27-11 cites creation of new lots, reduction of
11:01:39 lots, yard dimensions.
11:01:41 So you are asking for reduction in the rear yard with
11:01:46 20-foot to 15.
11:01:48 Are there any other reductions that you are asking for on
11:01:51 setbacks?
11:01:53 >> No.
11:01:54 >>LISA MONTELIONE: So it's just that one rear yard setback
11:01:57 that you are asking reduction?
11:02:03 Yes or no, and it was a no.
11:02:05 The second paragraph says -- and I am paraphrasing here --
11:02:19 patently inconsistent the pattern in a radius of 1320 feet.
11:02:25 And from what you showed us from the map, the orientations
11:02:28 of the home, the -- the block behind you, I mean, it seems
11:02:33 very consistent, but the facing block, there is no
11:02:39 consistent pattern.
11:02:41 There are houses built all over the place as far as front
11:02:44 yard setbacks.
11:02:46 I think the 1320 radius more facing block rather than the
11:02:52 block behind you or the block behind that.
11:02:54 So, you know, I agree with you on those issues, and if
11:03:04 that's all that's keeping us from approving this, then, you
11:03:08 know, I don't think that we should deny it because of of a
11:03:14 reduction of the 15 from 20 since you are meeting all the
11:03:18 other requirements.
11:03:19 And where the house is placed on the lot, it seems to me it
11:03:24 would be a good use of that property.
11:03:31 That's all.
11:03:31 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Any other comments or questions by council?
11:03:36 Thank you, sir.
11:03:37 Is there anyone in the public that wishes to speak on this
11:03:39 item, item number 112?
11:03:43 >> Motion to close.
11:03:47 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion to close by Mr. Maniscalco, seconded
11:03:49 by Mr. Miranda.
11:03:51 Any discussion?
11:03:53 All in favor?
11:03:53 Any opposed?
11:03:54 Pleasure of council.
11:03:55 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I move that we overturn the decision of
11:04:01 the zoning administrator.
11:04:04 >> Second.
11:04:05 >> Second.
11:04:05 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion from Mrs. Montelione.
11:04:09 Seconded by Mr. Maniscalco.
11:04:11 All in favor?
11:04:12 Any opposed?
11:04:14 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Nay.
11:04:14 >>THE CLERK: Miranda voting.
11:04:19 No.
11:04:19 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you very much.
11:04:21 Next up, we are -- thank you.
11:04:25 We are going to jump to item number 108.
11:04:30 If we could have a presentation from our staff.
11:04:33 And by the applicant.
11:04:38 >>GLORIA MOREDA: Land development.
11:04:39 The property in question is at 625 east Twiggs Street.
11:04:44 This is also a design exception for an increase in the
11:04:49 allowed height of fencing.
11:04:53 The property in question is at the corner of Pearce -- and
11:05:07 the red is where the fencing will go.
11:05:09 I do have a map showing the property.
11:05:12 They have already installed a fence in violation to the
11:05:15 code.
11:05:18 It is located here.
11:05:27 The code in the central business guidelines allow for a
11:05:32 height of six feet and they are asking for an increase to
11:05:43 Mike Callahan urban design did review the request and found
11:05:46 it inconsistent.
11:05:47 >> Mike Callahan.
11:05:51 Council, I think this should be an easy decision in many
11:05:57 ways.
11:05:58 This is not good.
11:05:59 It's bad.
11:06:00 The couldn't doesn't allow for 8 F.W. Woolworth fences.
11:06:03 I mean, we don't want prison-like environments around our
11:06:07 downtown.
11:06:07 I think it's clear.
11:06:09 Doesn't look good.
11:06:10 They installed the fence and now asking for a free pass.
11:06:12 I think that's not a good precedent.
11:06:15 They are required to use an approved manufacturer stated
11:06:19 right there in the CBD code.
11:06:22 They haven't done that.
11:06:23 There's supposed to be a three foot landscaped area.
11:06:28 Part of the problem, I will say, though, council, is two
11:06:32 administrations ago they removed the requirement for permit
11:06:36 for fencing.
11:06:40 That really has created, I think, havoc especially in some
11:06:44 of our residential districts.
11:06:45 So I just ask you, do we really want this prison-like
11:06:49 facility right in front of the courthouse?
11:06:54 So I would ask you to please consider this carefully for
11:06:58 future precedent.
11:07:02 Thank you.
11:07:02 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Applicant.
11:07:07 >> Good evening, Mr. Chairman.
11:07:13 Good morning.
11:07:14 >>MIKE SUAREZ: After this morning it seems like it.
11:07:19 >>JOHN GRANDOFF: Suite 3700 Bank of America Plaza.
11:07:22 Here on behalf of my friend and fellow member of the bar,
11:07:26 Mr. John bales, who is the managing member of the applicant
11:07:29 this morning.
11:07:32 Also, whenever me this morning is Mr. Chairman Joe McGee
11:07:35 with bales security, Andreas McConey, fence installation
11:07:43 company, and Mr. Thomas of the Hillsborough County sheriff's
11:07:48 office.
11:07:51 Would the clerk please administer the oath for these four
11:07:57 folks?
11:07:57 (Oath administered by Clerk)
11:08:09 >>JOHN GRANDOFF: The quote a picture is worth a thousand
11:08:13 words applies this morning. I would like to speak less and
11:08:16 show more.
11:08:17 I am going to hand you a group of photographs.
11:08:20 Ms. Montelione, I would ask that you pass them among
11:08:23 yourselves for a moment and I would like to file them with
11:08:26 the clerk.
11:08:26 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Mr. Grandoff, if you could stand up, and for
11:08:47 the purposes of the public record, could you just tell us --
11:08:51 >> Yes, I'll tell the public.
11:08:52 These photographs were taken by Mr. Bales, Mr. McConey, I
11:08:56 believe Mr. McGee, of fences that are installed within the
11:08:59 CBD that all reach 8 feet made of various material.
11:09:05 >>MIKE SUAREZ: There are several location as cross --
11:09:09 >> The courthouse, the Meridian hotel.
11:09:12 You will he can easily recognize them.
11:09:15 >>MIKE SUAREZ: If you go on with your presentation, that
11:09:17 would be great.
11:09:20 >>JOHN GRANDOFF: If Mr. McGee would come forward.
11:09:22 I would like to qualify Mr. McGee as an expert.
11:09:29 One you if I yourself please?
11:09:31 >> Joe McGee, chief operating officer for bales security.
11:09:36 >> Mr. McGee, this report that you prepared, do you
11:09:39 recognize them?
11:09:41 >> Yes, I did.
11:09:45 >>JOHN GRANDOFF: Glance through them briefly.
11:09:48 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Pass them down.
11:09:49 Got it.
11:09:57 >>JOHN GRANDOFF: Wait a moment here.
11:09:58 Mr. McGee is with Bales security and I am going to provide
11:10:04 them to you also.
11:10:05 Mr. McGee, would you give me in narrative form what is the
11:10:08 essence of these security reports and what you witnessed
11:10:12 first hand?
11:10:12 >> The reason that anytime we see an incident with Bales
11:10:16 security we write an incident report of something that's
11:10:18 abnormal to this daily routine.
11:10:22 While the zoning was being -- building was being renovated
11:10:26 and we weren't in occupancy, we went over there 5, 5:30 in
11:10:32 the morning, and time in the north parking lot or south
11:10:36 parking lot I had to run off homeless individuals that were
11:10:41 behind the bushes in the south parking lot, catching them
11:10:44 urinating on the wall.
11:10:46 When I approached the gate, they are inside the courtyard
11:10:51 sleeping.
11:10:52 And as I opened the gate to go in from the west side they
11:10:56 clearly took off and jumped over the six foot fence that is
11:11:00 currently on the courtyard on the south side.
11:11:03 We have had incidents where individuals were defecating in
11:11:06 the beautiful courtyard.
11:11:10 We have had incidents where on the west side.
11:11:13 So every time I would pull up on property at different
11:11:15 times, I personally had to run them off.
11:11:19 I could have called law enforcement, but they removed
11:11:24 themselves from the property.
11:11:25 I can tell you since the fence was puts up, all of the
11:11:29 incidents that were occurring in the courtyard, they went
11:11:32 away, zero.
11:11:33 We don't have any issues inside.
11:11:36 We keep those gates locked.
11:11:38 In the south parking lot we have a few right now sleeping
11:11:43 behind the bushes, or coming into the parking lot, and
11:11:48 acting suspicious around all the employee vehicles.
11:11:50 And that's because we can't close the gates.
11:11:53 Once the gate is operable, then we can close that gate.
11:11:56 I personally feel as a security expert that we won't have
11:12:00 any more issues in the south parking lot or the courtyard.
11:12:06 >>JOHN GRANDOFF: This property is owned by Mr. Bales,
11:12:08 correct?
11:12:08 >> Yes.
11:12:09 >> And he practices law in the building that is served by
11:12:11 the parking lot?
11:12:12 >> Yes, sir.
11:12:14 >>JOHN GRANDOFF: And this is before the fences were
11:12:16 installed, this was a chronic problem?
11:12:18 >> Yes, sir.
11:12:20 >>JOHN GRANDOFF: Thank you, Mr. McGee.
11:12:21 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Mr. McGee is employed by Mr. Bales, too?
11:12:25 >> Yes, employed by Bales security.
11:12:28 I have the incident reports here that I will provide to you
11:12:31 in a moment.
11:12:33 If deputy Ryan Thomas will please come forward.
11:12:40 >> Good morning, deputy.
11:12:48 Deputy Thomas, you are a sworn officer with the Hillsborough
11:12:51 County sheriff's office, correct?
11:12:53 >> Yes, sir.
11:12:54 >>JOHN GRANDOFF: And you are here this morning to speak
11:12:56 about your qualifications.
11:12:58 And if you would speak on your qualifications briefly and
11:13:00 show them on the overhead particularly the ones involved in
11:13:04 this type of issue.
11:13:05 >> My duties and responsibilities, part of them that the
11:13:11 sheriff's office is providing security for environmental
11:13:16 design surveys to members of the public, whether it's
11:13:19 residential or commercial.
11:13:22 I am a designated Florida crime prevention practitioner
11:13:27 through the office of the attorney general.
11:13:30 Upside down.
11:13:31 >>MIKE SUAREZ: You are not a certified Elmo runner, so
11:13:36 that's okay.
11:13:36 >> Sorry about that.
11:13:38 There are three courses that are required for this
11:13:40 designation.
11:13:42 They are the basic course, and residential application.
11:13:57 I keep doing that.
11:14:00 And as well as commercial application.
11:14:02 It's 120 hours of training for that designation.
11:14:05 And then I am also a crime prevention environmental design
11:14:10 practitioner.
11:14:12 This one is a 64-hour set of courses.
11:14:18 Basic class and then an advanced class.
11:14:20 >>JOHN GRANDOFF: And deputy Thomas, you received
11:14:24 commendations from the attorney general, correct?
11:14:26 >> Yes, sir.
11:14:27 Well, it's a letter from the attorney general commending the
11:14:36 completion of the course.
11:14:39 >>JOHN GRANDOFF: And these courses you were typically
11:14:41 involved in things such as the fence design of the crime
11:14:43 prevention?
11:14:45 >> Yes, sir.
11:14:46 >>JOHN GRANDOFF: In the scope of your employment, in the
11:14:48 scope of crime prevention, you also prepared a confidential
11:14:51 security report from Mr. Bales, correct?
11:14:54 >> I did do that.
11:14:57 >>JOHN GRANDOFF: Again we are not present that confidential
11:14:59 report into the record for obvious reasons.
11:15:01 But would you explain to City Council the ultimate
11:15:03 conclusion of your report?
11:15:05 >> Well, regarding the fence issue, based on their
11:15:11 complaints of homeless, urination, individuals urinating in
11:15:19 the bushes and things like that, it's my opinion as a law
11:15:24 enforcement officer and also as a crime prevention
11:15:28 practitioner that the fence, the eight foot fence is
11:15:33 advantageous to preventing any issues on his property,
11:15:38 mostly because it makes it that much harder for an
11:15:44 individual to scale, of course with the gate inoperable at
11:15:47 this point, anybody can walk on the property.
11:15:51 If that were functional, it would be that much more
11:15:53 difficult for somebody to scale the fence with a sturdy
11:16:01 material that it's made out of.
11:16:03 >>JOHN GRANDOFF: And your recommendation to Mr. Bales was to
11:16:06 install this fence, correct?
11:16:08 >> That was --
11:16:12 >> That was found in your confidential report?
11:16:14 >> Right.
11:16:17 >>JOHN GRANDOFF: Thank you very much.
11:16:17 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Excuse me.
11:16:23 Go ahead, Mr. Grandoff.
11:16:26 >>JOHN GRANDOFF: I want to provide these photographs to you.
11:16:29 This is the fence.
11:16:30 The installation on Madison street.
11:16:33 Mr. Bales' building is to the rear in the courtyard is over
11:16:37 here around the corner.
11:16:39 The courtyard at issue.
11:16:42 This is the view from Pearce.
11:16:46 We have installed some landscaping.
11:16:52 This is another installation from Pearce.
11:16:58 I do not very much a photograph of the Twiggs Street side,
11:17:01 but it's also around the side on Twiggs Street.
11:17:12 I have an affidavit I am going to provide prepared by ma
11:17:15 lane a, and the building previously had a 6-foot fence to
11:17:25 prevent people from walking in the courtyard.
11:17:28 I had many issues of homeless and/or criminals not limited
11:17:32 to it following, homeless and/or criminals scaling the six
11:17:36 foot fence and defecating in the fountain, the bushes on the
11:17:39 property, homeless and/or criminals sleeping in the bushes
11:17:42 in the parking lot Pearce and Madison, homeless and/or
11:17:47 criminals sometimes defecating in this area. This is coming
11:17:49 off of the Twiggs Street entrance.
11:17:52 Homeless and/or criminals sleeping on the steps of the front
11:17:55 entrance located on Twiggs Street and sometimes defecating
11:17:58 on them.
11:17:58 I believe an 8-foot fence will serve as a better deterrent
11:18:02 to such activities in making the building safer.
11:18:04 This is acknowledged by Mrs. Watson on March 9th.
11:18:10 And I'll provide that to you also.
11:18:12 In summary, she is an eyewitness daily of the situation and
11:18:18 supports the 8-foot fence.
11:18:26 These are photographs.
11:18:29 I am going to hold onto them right now.
11:18:33 Now, she does not have authority under the charter to
11:18:38 provide an 8-foot fence.
11:18:40 She's rendered her decision, as she has in many cases.
11:18:45 It falls upon you this morning to allow an 8-foot fence
11:18:48 because you are the final arbiter of the zoning code and
11:18:51 what matters, especially in the CDB.
11:18:54 As you can see there have been many instances of fences
11:18:56 erected that exceed 6 feet.
11:18:59 The criteria for review is provided in Ms. Moreda's report,
11:19:04 and it's the typical criteria.
11:19:06 Number one, should not interfere with the right of others of
11:19:10 the we have no opposition to this.
11:19:13 It should not be injurious to the public health, safety and
11:19:16 welfare.
11:19:17 In fact it advance it is public health, safety and welfare
11:19:20 by preventing this trespassing and criminal activity.
11:19:24 It's a reasonable allowance, is the second criteria.
11:19:27 Is this a reasonable allowance?
11:19:29 Yes, two feet is a reasonable allowance.
11:19:32 Deputy Thomas testified to, Mr. McGee has testified as to
11:19:36 the issue and the solution.
11:19:38 Number three, does this achieve the general intent and
11:19:42 promote the comprehensive plan?
11:19:43 Yes, it creates a safer environment, a more inviting
11:19:46 environment in the CBD and wags tastefully done.
11:19:50 Be it, it was installed before we had the approval.
11:19:53 But we are here asking you to approve it after the fact.
11:19:56 Fourth criteria. Is this the minimum possible exception
11:20:00 that you could achieve to cure this problem?
11:20:06 Ten feet would certainly work.
11:20:07 12 feet would definitely work.
11:20:09 8 feet reasonably works because it exceeds the height of the
11:20:13 person typically around 6 feet tall.
11:20:16 The fifth is, are there any conditions of approval or is
11:20:21 there any other item that has been provided to ensure that
11:20:26 it does not grant a special grant or privilege?
11:20:29 The fence is 95% -- has 95% opacity, meaning you can see
11:20:34 through 95% of it.
11:20:37 It's not a wall.
11:20:38 It's not offensive to you.
11:20:40 It's not massive.
11:20:41 So you want too do as much a tasteful design as possible.
11:20:44 We have achieved that.
11:20:46 Finally, is the exception consistent with specific plans
11:20:50 that you would have achieved had it been permitted in the
11:20:53 beginning?
11:20:53 Yes.
11:20:53 It's been placed on the lot line.
11:20:55 And it will be permitted retroactively.
11:21:03 One other point.
11:21:08 The staff says in a where in the CBD is a fence exceeding 6
11:21:12 feet high.
11:21:13 That is I am correct because the photos that I showed you at
11:21:15 the beginning exceed 6 feet high.
11:21:17 I would like to ask John Bales to come forward and speak to
11:21:20 you for a moment.
11:21:21 Mr. Bales has the distinction of serving ten years on the
11:21:24 Variance Review Board.
11:21:25 He's very familiar whenever the hardship criteria.
11:21:28 And I appeared before Mr. Bales many times, and he has
11:21:32 specific knowledge of the law on this issue.
11:21:34 Mr. Bales.
11:21:35 >> My name is John Bales.
11:21:42 Thank you for letting us appear before you today.
11:21:45 Please allow me to first state to you there is no intent to
11:21:48 circumvent any ordinance of the county.
11:21:53 The person has been in business for over 40 years and they
11:21:58 thought there wasn't an ordinance at the time because in the
11:22:00 past there wasn't.
11:22:01 The reason the fence was put up is because we hired an
11:22:03 architect, Brian Hannan, and we also brought in the deputy
11:22:08 sheriff who has experience --
11:22:12 (Bell sounds).
11:22:13 >>MIKE SUAREZ: If it's all right with council I will allow
11:22:14 you another minute to finish up.
11:22:16 I apologize. This is not a court of law.
11:22:18 We get a chance to tell you how much time you have.
11:22:21 And then you have rebuttal.
11:22:23 We need the public to be able to talk about this issue, too.
11:22:26 >> I apologize.
11:22:27 >>MIKE SUAREZ: No problem.
11:22:29 Go ahead, sir.
11:22:31 >> The bottom line is we tried to make attractive.
11:22:33 We did it the proper way.
11:22:35 There are life safety issues.
11:22:36 And attorneys men and women who work to nine and ten at
11:22:40 night.
11:22:41 They are concerned about their safety.
11:22:42 I was chair of your Variance Review Board for many years.
11:22:46 I enjoyed it very much.
11:22:48 I am not taking this matter lightly.
11:22:52 I think they should be approved.
11:22:53 I hope you will agree.
11:22:54 And thank you for your time.
11:22:57 >>JOHN GRANDOFF: I have nothing further, Mr. Chairman.
11:22:58 I ask that you approve the plans at eight feet.
11:23:01 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Any questions from council?
11:23:06 Mrs. Montelione?
11:23:07 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I'm curious, is there anybody here from
11:23:09 the public?
11:23:12 >>MIKE SUAREZ: If you like I will go to that first.
11:23:14 Is there anybody in the public that wishes to speak on 108?
11:23:18 I see no one.
11:23:19 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Thank you.
11:23:21 I have a few questions.
11:23:26 Mr. Callahan.
11:23:31 So a very short staff report.
11:23:36 The reason why you feel that this is inconsistent with our
11:23:44 code and should not be approved again is because?
11:23:50 >> Callahan: The code.
11:23:53 >>LISA MONTELIONE: That's the short answer.
11:23:55 >> It's the zoning code.
11:23:57 A couple things.
11:23:58 My good friend John Grandoff, I can attest to you right now
11:24:08 there's no difference between six and feet feet. If
11:24:10 somebody wants to get over that fence they are going to get
11:24:13 over it 8 feet.
11:24:15 We see it every day.
11:24:16 We see it in the news.
11:24:17 The other thing that I find very peculiar is the landscape,
11:24:24 they have an open trench across all the trees for months
11:24:28 now.
11:24:29 And so there have been no attempts to -- it looks like they
11:24:33 are trying to install some sort of electrical conduit in
11:24:37 there, and it's just an open trench, right up against the
11:24:41 trees for as long as I have been reviewing the request.
11:24:45 So it's a couple months.
11:24:46 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Okay.
11:24:48 You know, the photographs that were passed around, did you
11:24:53 see those photographs?
11:24:55 >> No, I'm sure --
11:24:56 >>LISA MONTELIONE: No, what I want to point out about some
11:25:00 of those photographs is, one is the federal courthouse.
11:25:05 One is a school.
11:25:06 One is at the Verizon facility.
11:25:10 All of those locations -- I mean, the federal courthouse
11:25:14 obviously has standards for security that go above and
11:25:17 beyond, you know, a regular office building or any -- same
11:25:22 thing with schools.
11:25:24 A school has fences around the playground area, it looks
11:25:27 like.
11:25:28 They have a higher standard for safety of our children as a
11:25:32 school.
11:25:35 Do you know what the makeup of the kind of --
11:25:39 >> I know it's principally a law office.
11:25:41 >>LISA MONTELIONE: So it doesn't rise to the standard of a
11:25:44 school or federal courthouse or secure facility like
11:25:47 telecommunications company would have.
11:25:49 >> We have quite a few lawyers downtown. If they all wanted
11:25:53 an 8-foot fence around --
11:25:58 >>LISA MONTELIONE: So I am inclined to not permit this
11:26:02 application or design exception, because we don't, as you
11:26:10 pointed out, want to have the presumption that we have a
11:26:16 city that we have such high security measures to keep people
11:26:20 out that it begins to look like an armed camp, much the way
11:26:28 City Hall was during the RNC.
11:26:31 Everybody remembers that one.
11:26:34 So, you know, if the problem as intimated by the applicant
11:26:43 that we have homeless people who are seeking a place of
11:26:49 refuge that maybe some support or program that would help
11:26:55 homeless people might be money better spent than trying to
11:27:00 make the city look like an armed camp.
11:27:05 It troubles me that one of the statements -- well, there's
11:27:11 several statements that troubled me.
11:27:12 One is the county was referenced.
11:27:14 And this is obviously the City of Tampa.
11:27:18 And I didn't understand one of the statements that Mr. Bales
11:27:24 said, at the time it was in ordinance?
11:27:28 >> Well, no, the ordinance has been in effect for many, many
11:27:31 years.
11:27:31 >>LISA MONTELIONE: That's what I thought.
11:27:33 >> And I don't --
11:27:37 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Mr. Grandoff can address it.
11:27:39 >> What he was referring to is there was no requirement for
11:27:46 permit.
11:27:46 >>LISA MONTELIONE: The permit.
11:27:47 The county did away with those a long time ago.
11:27:50 I think when I still worked at the county they did away with
11:27:53 fence permits.
11:27:54 So there's a contractor has been in business this long, 40
11:27:58 years, and that the property owner was the chair should be
11:28:12 familiar with our code.
11:28:13 So the business of let's do this and ask for it later and
11:28:17 hopefully that forgiveness would be granted.
11:28:19 But, again, it goes back to what I was going to say, it
11:28:25 troubles me that there are police reports.
11:28:29 You can have a police officer issue a citation or a ticket
11:28:38 to keep someone from entering the property if it's that
11:28:44 much, much of a problem, if it's that severe of a problem,
11:28:47 and coupling the words homeless people with crime, if there
11:28:51 are crimes, I would like to see the police report of cars
11:28:55 broken into, or something to evidence that this is a real
11:29:00 criminal problem, but to equate that there are homeless
11:29:05 people on the property with, you know, the fear of a crime
11:29:07 being committed is something that I have concerns with as
11:29:10 well.
11:29:11 Thank you.
11:29:11 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Any other members of council? Any other
11:29:14 questions?
11:29:23 >>JOHN GRANDOFF: We weren't trying to circumvent the laws.
11:29:30 The contractor thought the previous regime was in effect and
11:29:32 did not require a permit.
11:29:33 We are simply here to show you.
11:29:36 Mr. Bales will completely landscape all sides of it to make
11:29:39 it tasteful.
11:29:40 The reason the trench remained open, we had to stop work.
11:29:47 Mr. Bryan Hammond issued an opinion letter in the report, in
11:29:53 the original design exception file, dear Mr. Bales, this
11:29:56 letter confirms my opinion that the architect approved the
11:30:00 height of the fence for the parking locality at the corners
11:30:02 of Pearce and may I son and based on the buildings on both
11:30:09 side, the scale of the parking lot and scale of 625 east
11:30:13 Twiggs Street and 8 F.W. Woolworth bronze fence is the
11:30:17 most -- the photograph gives you an understanding of the
11:30:20 scale, the need for an 8-foot high fence.
11:30:23 That's Mr. Hammond's opinion.
11:30:25 He's an architect with BDG architects of Tampa.
11:30:29 The zoning code says 6 feet.
11:30:33 You are very familiar that there has to be an exception to
11:30:37 the rule based on extraordinary circumstances.
11:30:40 The hotel has to protect its guests.
11:30:44 They are business invitees of the hotel.
11:30:46 You have a high duty of protecting them.
11:30:48 Obviously the courthouse has to protect themselves.
11:30:52 Mr. Bales has business invitees come to his office, sheriff
11:30:58 deputies, police officers, secretaries.
11:31:00 Those are business invitees.
11:31:02 You owe them the highest duty of protection.
11:31:05 When you are on notice there's an issue, you have to protect
11:31:09 them.
11:31:09 8 feet is not significant captain.
11:31:11 We have met the hardship criteria in the code.
11:31:13 I think it's justified and very tastefully done.
11:31:16 Mr. Bales would like to have a moment to speak to you.
11:31:19 If he will come forward.
11:31:20 >> John Bales: He thought there was no permit necessary,
11:31:34 but that's not the only reason for doing it.
11:31:37 Mainly most of my, as employees here -- and by the way,
11:31:41 Bales security is owned by my wife, not owned by me.
11:31:46 But there are men and women working there.
11:31:48 I do have excellent female lawyers, but especially the women
11:31:52 are insecure.
11:31:53 We put peep holes and everything else out there.
11:31:56 It is a necessary item.
11:31:57 The architect thought it was a good idea.
11:31:59 The Sheriff's Department thought it was a good idea.
11:32:04 Everybody says it was a good idea.
11:32:05 We put it up there.
11:32:08 I apologize that there was never an attempt to circumvent
11:32:14 anything, as the old saying goes, that wasn't the intent.
11:32:19 I hope you will agree.
11:32:21 I just want you to know I truly believe in my heart that is
11:32:24 the is the best for these people that are there.
11:32:28 And last thing.
11:32:29 There is a big difference between 6 and 8-foot fence because
11:32:32 I tried to climb over it.
11:32:33 I can get over a 6-foot fence.
11:32:35 I'm 59 years old.
11:32:36 I can't get over an 8-foot fence.
11:32:38 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you.
11:32:40 Any other comments or questions from council?
11:32:41 Okay.
11:32:41 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I'm sorry, it's understood there is no
11:32:50 permit required.
11:32:51 But we do have a code of ordinances.
11:32:53 And there are other things in our code of ordinances that
11:32:56 don't specifically require a permit, but there is still a
11:32:59 code of ordinances that you need to follow.
11:33:03 So the question is whether or not you did something without
11:33:06 a permit.
11:33:08 We understand that.
11:33:09 There's no permit required.
11:33:10 But there is still a code that dictates what can and cannot
11:33:16 be done.
11:33:17 And those in the business know that.
11:33:19 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you.
11:33:23 Any other comments by council members?
11:33:25 One last time anyone in the public to speak on item 108?
11:33:28 I see none.
11:33:30 Motion to close by Mr. Miranda.
11:33:35 Did you have one other comment?
11:33:39 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Thank you, Mr. Chair.
11:33:41 The comment is that the fence going up at 6-foot regardless.
11:33:54 What I am looking at is an ornamental fence, no matter what
11:33:58 height.
11:33:59 If you go with code, or are if we overrule it.
11:34:05 Can I get an answer?
11:34:06 >> Definitely going to be 6 feet.
11:34:11 >>YVONNE CAPIN: And it's ornamental?
11:34:13 >> And it will be landscaped as a condition of approval.
11:34:17 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Thank you.
11:34:18 Therefore, I don't see any objection to going to 8-foot.
11:34:22 The ornamental fence is going to be there at 6.
11:34:26 Two more feet is not that big a deal for me.
11:34:28 >>MIKE SUAREZ: We have a motion by Mr. to close the
11:34:33 hearing.
11:34:33 We have a second by Mr. Maniscalco.
11:34:35 All in favor please say aye.
11:34:36 Okay.
11:34:37 What is the pleasure of council?
11:34:41 Ms. Montelione?
11:34:41 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I am going to move denial of the
11:34:44 application for design exception under section 27-60, number
11:34:50 5, in the criteria of review, that number C, that the
11:34:58 exception achieved the general intent of this chapter and
11:35:00 the Tampa Comprehensive Plan.
11:35:04 The general intent and the Tampa Comprehensive Plan do not
11:35:11 specifically state some of the reasons of that I heard today
11:35:17 in testimony for the fence.
11:35:21 E, that the approval of the exception of standards includes
11:35:25 conditions of approval as necessary to insure that the
11:35:29 adjustment granted does not constitute a grant of special
11:35:32 privileges inconsistent with the limitations upon other
11:35:34 properties in the vicinity with the same zoning district.
11:35:38 Most of the photographs that were submitted into the record
11:35:41 were facilities that do have specific requirements by the
11:35:45 nature of their business, whether it be a federal
11:35:47 courthouse, telecommunications facility, or schools.
11:35:53 So this building does not fall under the same category of
11:35:57 protections as those other three examples that were given.
11:36:01 And the exception is consistent with any applicable specific
11:36:05 plans of the subject property.
11:36:07 I don't see that there are plans in place for the subject
11:36:10 property where it would require this exception to be made.
11:36:15 For those reasons I move to deny the application.
11:36:18 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Mrs. Montelione.
11:36:21 Second by Mr. Maniscalco.
11:36:23 All in favor? Any opposed?
11:36:25 >> Motion failed -- [Off microphone.]
11:36:35 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Could I have a second motion?
11:36:42 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Move to approve the exception request.
11:36:46 >> Second.
11:36:52 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Seconded by Mr. Cohen.
11:36:53 All in favor?
11:36:55 Opposed?
11:36:56 >>THE CLERK: [Off microphone.] motion carried ...
11:37:01 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you very much.
11:37:04 Next up, we are going to jump to our second readings.
11:37:07 Those are numbers 97 through 107.
11:37:13 So first one up will be item number 97.
11:37:21 They are open.
11:37:24 >>JOHN GRANDOFF: Thank you for advancing us on your agenda
11:37:25 this morning.
11:37:26 We appreciate it.
11:37:33 >>MARY SAMANIEGO: Land Development Coordination.
11:37:35 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Before you go on.
11:37:38 Everyone has been sworn.
11:37:40 We can ask again, those people who have not been sworn for
11:37:42 items 97 through 107, please rise and be sworn, if anyone
11:37:46 has not been sworn.
11:37:48 Thank you.
11:37:49 Go ahead, Ms. Samaniego.
11:37:53 >>MARY SAMANIEGO: Land Development Coordination.
11:37:56 Item number 97 through 105 are all second readings for
11:38:01 ordinances that were heard last month.
11:38:03 All the required site plans have been certified and
11:38:07 submitted to the clerk for approval.
11:38:09 Thank you.
11:38:09 >> 400 north Ashley drive here on behalf of the petitioner,
11:38:27 all the changes of the site plan have been made.
11:38:29 As you may recall, this project passioned unanimously.
11:38:32 And after significant input and cooperation from staff, we
11:38:36 sincerely appreciate your continued support of the project.
11:38:40 And I'm here if you have any questions or comments.
11:38:42 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Is there anyone in the public that would
11:38:46 like to make a comment concerning item number 97?
11:38:49 97?
11:38:50 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Move to close.
11:38:52 >> Second.
11:38:53 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Mr. Miranda.
11:38:55 Second by Mr. Maniscalco.
11:38:57 All in favor? Any opposed?
11:38:59 Thank you.
11:38:59 Mr. Miranda, would you please take number 97?
11:39:01 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Move an ordinance presented for second
11:39:04 reading and adoption, a resolution of ordinance REZ 15-82.
11:39:09 An ordinance rezoning property in the -- (off microphone)
11:39:17 4400, 4438, 4446, 4450 and 4452 North Armenia Avenue in the
11:39:23 city of Tampa, Florida and more particularly described in
11:39:25 section 1 from zoning district classifications CG commercial
11:39:29 general, and RS-50, residential, single-family, to PD,
11:39:33 planned development, office, medical, bank, drive-in,
11:39:36 clinic, laboratory, office, business or professional strip
11:39:40 commercial center with CG uses providing an effective date.
11:39:42 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Seconded by Mr. Maniscalco.
11:39:46 Please record your vote.
11:39:59 Mr. Cohen is not here.
11:40:00 >>THE CLERK: Motion carried with Cohen being absent at
11:40:19 vote.
11:40:19 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Next item up is number 98.
11:40:24 Staff.
11:40:25 >>MARY SAMANIEGO: Mary Samaniego.
11:40:39 >> Petitioner.
11:40:42 >> 1725 East 5th Avenue, Tampa. Here for any questions.
11:40:47 I think it was pretty straightforward.
11:40:49 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Is there anyone in the public that wishes to
11:40:53 speak on item 98?
11:40:55 98?
11:40:56 Motion to close by Mr. Miranda.
11:40:58 Seconded by Mr. Maniscalco.
11:41:01 All in favor are? Any opposed?
11:41:02 Thank you.
11:41:03 Ms. Capin, would you take number 98?
11:41:08 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Ordinance being presented for second reading
11:41:09 and adoption, an ordinance rezoning property in the general
11:41:12 vicinity of 405 south Melville Avenue in the city of Tampa,
11:41:16 Florida and more particularly described in section 1 from
11:41:19 zoning district classifications RM-24 residential
11:41:23 multifamily to PD planned development, residential,
11:41:25 multifamily, providing an effective date.
11:41:27 >> Second.
11:41:31 >>MIKE SUAREZ: I have a second from Mr. Maniscalco.
11:41:34 Please record your vote.
11:41:35 >>THE CLERK: I'm showing that it carried with 6 votes, Mr.
11:41:50 Cohen being absent.
11:41:52 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Yes.
11:41:55 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Yes.
11:41:57 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Yes.
11:41:57 >>FRANK REDDICK: Yes.
11:42:00 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: Yes.
11:42:01 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Yes.
11:42:02 >> Motion carried with Cohen being absent.
11:42:05 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you.
11:42:07 Number 99.
11:42:10 Is the petitioner here on item number 99?
11:42:12 >> Two things being requested by yourself, to pervious
11:42:20 materials, driveways, and stormwater.
11:42:22 We did comply.
11:42:23 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Any questions of council?
11:42:26 Anyone in the public that wishes to speak on item number 99?
11:42:29 99?
11:42:30 I see no one.
11:42:32 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Move to close.
11:42:34 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Second from Mrs. Montelione.
11:42:36 All in favor are? Any opposed?
11:42:38 Thank you.
11:42:39 Mr. Reddick, if you would take number 99, sir.
11:42:42 >> Move an ordinance presented for second reading and
11:42:45 adoption, an ordinance rezoning property in the general
11:42:48 vicinity of 210 south Arrawana Avenue in the city of Tampa,
11:42:52 Florida and more particularly described in section 1 from
11:42:55 zoning district classifications RM-16 residential
11:42:58 multifamily to PD planned development, residential,
11:43:01 single-family, attached, providing an effective date.
11:43:03 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Seconded by Mr. Maniscalco.
11:43:07 Please record your vote.
11:43:18 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Yes.
11:43:19 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Yes.
11:43:20 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Yes.
11:43:21 >>FRANK REDDICK: Yes.
11:43:22 >>HARRY COHEN: Yes.
11:43:24 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: Yes.
11:43:25 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Yes.
11:43:27 >>THE CLERK: Motion carried.
11:43:28 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Next up on the agenda is number 100.
11:43:33 >>MARY SAMANIEGO: Item number 100 as well as number 101.
11:43:39 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you.
11:43:42 Petitioner?
11:43:42 >> Rogero, Clearwater, Florida here representing the owners
11:43:49 and the applicant for both Pearl Avenue applications and we
11:43:56 request approval.
11:43:57 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Any questions by council on item 100?
11:44:00 Anyone in the audience that would like to speak to item
11:44:03 number 100?
11:44:04 100?
11:44:05 I have a motion to close by Mr. Miranda.
11:44:06 Second by Ms. Capin.
11:44:08 All in favor of that motion please say aye.
11:44:10 Any opposed?
11:44:11 Thank you.
11:44:13 Mr. Cohen, would you take number 100, please.
11:44:15 >>HARRY COHEN: Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
11:44:17 I move an ordinance being presented for second reading and
11:44:20 adoption, an ordinance rezoning property in the general
11:44:22 vicinity of 4714 west Pearl Avenue in the city of Tampa,
11:44:26 Florida and more particularly described in section 1 from
11:44:29 zoning district classifications RS-50 residential
11:44:32 single-family to RM-18, residential, multifamily, providing
11:44:36 an effective date.
11:44:36 >> Second.
11:44:38 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Mr. Cohen.
11:44:40 Second by Mr. Maniscalco.
11:44:42 All in favor of that motion?
11:44:44 Please record your vote.
11:44:47 Voice vote.
11:44:47 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Yes.
11:44:50 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Yes.
11:44:52 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Yes.
11:44:52 >>FRANK REDDICK: Yes.
11:44:53 >>HARRY COHEN: Yes.
11:44:55 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: Yes.
11:44:56 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Yes.
11:44:57 >>THE CLERK: Motion carried unanimously.
11:44:59 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Madam clerk, if it's okay, we will governor
11:45:03 with voice vote from now on.
11:45:05 Number 101.
11:45:07 Applicant, please.
11:45:07 >> Rogero, Citrus Street, Clearwater, Florida, here
11:45:13 representing the owner for this application.
11:45:18 We request approval.
11:45:18 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you.
11:45:20 Any questions by council?
11:45:21 Anyone in the public wish to speak on item number 101?
11:45:25 101?
11:45:25 I see no one.
11:45:26 I have a motion by Mr. Miranda.
11:45:28 Seconded by Mr. Maniscalco.
11:45:30 All in favor of that motion?
11:45:32 Any opposed?
11:45:33 Thank you.
11:45:33 Mr. Maniscalco, would you take number 101, please?
11:45:38 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: An ordinance for second reading and
11:45:40 adoption, an ordinance rezoning property in the general
11:45:43 vicinity of 4712 west Pearl Avenue in the city of Tampa,
11:45:47 Florida and more particularly described in section 1 from
11:45:49 zoning district classifications RS-50 residential
11:45:52 single-family to RM-18 residential multifamily, providing an
11:45:54 effective date.
11:45:54 >>HARRY COHEN: Second.
11:45:57 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Seconded by Mr. Cohen.
11:46:00 Please wait for the clerk to call your name.
11:46:02 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Yes.
11:46:03 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Yes.
11:46:05 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Yes.
11:46:05 >>FRANK REDDICK: Yes.
11:46:07 >>HARRY COHEN: Here maps man's yes.
11:46:09 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Yes.
11:46:10 >>THE CLERK: Motion carried unanimously.
11:46:12 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you.
11:46:14 Item number 102.
11:46:15 >>MARY SAMANIEGO: Agenda item 102.
11:46:21 The applicant is present.
11:46:22 >> my name is larry murphy. I represent the agency, request
11:46:35 approval for 1814 north 47th street.
11:46:38 I'm here for any questions.
11:46:39 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Any questions by council or the applicant?
11:46:42 Anyone in the public wish to speak on item 102?
11:46:46 102?
11:46:46 I see no one.
11:46:47 I have a motion by Mrs. Capin, second by Mr. Maniscalco.
11:46:51 All in favor of that motion say aye.
11:46:53 Any opposed?
11:46:54 Thank you.
11:46:54 Ms. Montelione, please, number 102.
11:46:57 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Certainly, sir.
11:47:05 Let me turn the page here.
11:47:06 I move an ordinance being presented for second reading and
11:47:09 adoption, an ordinance rezoning property in the general
11:47:12 vicinity of 1814 north 47th street in the city of Tampa,
11:47:15 Florida and more particularly described in section 1 from
11:47:17 zoning districts classifications RM-16 residential
11:47:20 multifamily and CI commercial intensive to CI commercial
11:47:22 intensive, providing an effective date.
11:47:23 >> Second.
11:47:27 >>MIKE SUAREZ: I have a motion by Mrs. Montelione.
11:47:29 Second by Mr. Cohen.
11:47:31 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Yes.
11:47:32 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Yes.
11:47:33 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Yes.
11:47:34 >>FRANK REDDICK: Yes.
11:47:35 >>HARRY COHEN: Yes.
11:47:36 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: Yes.
11:47:38 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Yes.
11:47:39 >>THE CLERK: Motion carried unanimously.
11:47:41 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you.
11:47:43 Item number 103.
11:47:44 >>MARY SAMANIEGO: Number 103, petitioner is present.
11:47:53 >> Casina, representing the petitioner, if you have any
11:48:02 questions.
11:48:02 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Any questions by council?
11:48:05 Anyone in the public that would like to speak on number 103?
11:48:09 Item 103?
11:48:11 Motion by Mr. Miranda.
11:48:12 Second by Mr. Maniscalco to close.
11:48:14 All in favor please say aye.
11:48:16 Any opposed?
11:48:16 Thank you.
11:48:17 Mr. Miranda, number 103, please.
11:48:19 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: [Off microphone.] I move REZ 16-14, an
11:48:27 ordinance rezoning property in the general vicinity of 3411,
11:48:31 3413, 3415 north 29th street in the city of Tampa,
11:48:34 Florida and more particularly described in section 1 from
11:48:36 zoning district classifications RM-16, residential
11:48:39 multifamily, to PD planned development, office, business,
11:48:43 and professional, providing an effective date.
11:48:44 >>HARRY COHEN: Second.
11:48:49 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Please record your vote.
11:48:51 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Yes.
11:48:53 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Yes.
11:48:54 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Yes.
11:48:54 >>FRANK REDDICK: Yes.
11:48:56 >>HARRY COHEN: Yes.
11:48:57 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: Yes.
11:48:58 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Yes.
11:48:59 >>THE CLERK: Motion carried unanimously.
11:49:00 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Item number 104.
11:49:04 >>MARY SAMANIEGO: Item number 104.
11:49:10 Petitioner is present.
11:49:11 >>STEVE MICHELINI: I was here at the first reading on this.
11:49:20 Rezoning for redevelopment.
11:49:21 We respectfully request your approval.
11:49:23 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Any questions by council?
11:49:29 Anyone in the audience wish to speak on number 104?
11:49:34 >> Move to close.
11:49:34 >> Motion by Mr. Maniscalco.
11:49:37 Seconded by Mrs. Montelione.
11:49:39 All in favor? Any opposed?
11:49:40 Thank you.
11:49:43 104.
11:49:43 Ms. Capin.
11:49:45 >>YVONNE CAPIN: I move ordinance being presented for second
11:49:48 reading and adoption, an ordinance rezoning property in the
11:49:50 general vicinity of 4511 West Gray Street in the city of
11:49:54 Tampa, Florida and more particularly described in section 1
11:49:57 from zoning district classifications RS-50 residential
11:50:00 single-family to RM-18, residential multifamily providing an
11:50:05 effective date.
11:50:05 >> Second.
11:50:08 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Mrs. Capin.
11:50:10 Second by Mr. Maniscalco.
11:50:13 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Yes.
11:50:14 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Yes.
11:50:15 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Yes.
11:50:16 >>FRANK REDDICK: Yes.
11:50:17 >>HARRY COHEN: Yes.
11:50:18 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: Yes.
11:50:20 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Yes.
11:50:21 >>THE CLERK: Motion carried unanimously.
11:50:23 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you very much.
11:50:26 Item 105.
11:50:27 >>MARY SAMANIEGO: Item number 105, a representative is here
11:50:33 for the application.
11:50:34 >> Hillsborough County architectural services, request your
11:50:42 approval for this rezoning.
11:50:43 >> Thank you.
11:50:45 Any questions from council?
11:50:46 Anyone in the audience wish to speak on 105?
11:50:50 105?
11:50:51 >> Move to close.
11:50:51 >> Second.
11:50:53 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Mr. Maniscalco.
11:50:54 Second by Mr. Miranda.
11:50:55 All in favor of that motion say aye.
11:50:57 Any opposed?
11:50:58 Thank you.
11:50:59 Mr. Reddick, if you could take number 105, sir.
11:51:02 >>FRANK REDDICK: Move an ordinance for second reading and
11:51:04 adoption, an ordinance rezoning property in the general
11:51:08 vicinity of 2607 east Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
11:51:12 and 2610 and 2612, 2614 East 33rd Avenue in the city of
11:51:16 Tampa, Florida and niew particularly described in section 1
11:51:18 from zoning district classifications RM-16 residential
11:51:23 multifamily, and CI commercial intensive to CN commercial
11:51:27 neighborhood providing an effective date.
11:51:28 >> Second.
11:51:31 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Mr. Reddick.
11:51:33 Seconded by Mr. Maniscalco.
11:51:34 Please record your vote.
11:51:36 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Yes.
11:51:36 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Yes.
11:51:38 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Yes.
11:51:39 >>FRANK REDDICK: Yes.
11:51:40 >>HARRY COHEN: Yes.
11:51:41 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: Yes.
11:51:43 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Yes.
11:51:44 >>THE CLERK: Motion carried unanimously.
11:51:45 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Number 106.
11:51:48 106.
11:51:49 >>BARBARA LYNCH: Land Development Coordination.
11:51:54 Here for any questions.
11:51:56 But also the city is the applicant on this.
11:51:58 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Any questions by council?
11:52:01 Anyone in the public wish to talk about item number 106?
11:52:05 106?
11:52:05 >> Move to close.
11:52:07 >> Second to close.
11:52:09 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Mr. Maniscalco.
11:52:12 Seconded by Mr. Miranda.
11:52:13 Any discussion?
11:52:15 All in favor?
11:52:16 Any opposed?
11:52:18 >>HARRY COHEN: Move an ordinance being presented for second
11:52:20 reading and adoption, an ordinance vacating, closing,
11:52:22 discontinuing, and abandoning a portion of right-of-way
11:52:26 lying south of 5th Avenue north of CSX railroad
11:52:29 right-of-way, west of 13th street and west of Nick
11:52:33 Nuccio Parkway in the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County,
11:52:36 Florida, the same being more fully described in section 1
11:52:39 hereof, subject to certain easement reservations, covenants,
11:52:42 conditions and restrictions, more particularly set forth
11:52:45 herein, providing an effective date.
11:52:46 >> Second.
11:52:47 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Mr. Cohen.
11:52:50 Seconded by Mr. Maniscalco.
11:52:51 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Yes.
11:52:53 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Yes.
11:52:55 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Yes.
11:52:56 >>FRANK REDDICK: Yes.
11:52:57 >>HARRY COHEN: Yes.
11:52:58 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: Yes.
11:52:59 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Yes.
11:53:00 >>THE CLERK: Motion carried unanimously.
11:53:02 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Item number 107.
11:53:05 107.
11:53:11 >>DENNIS FERNANDEZ: Architectural review, historical
11:53:13 preservation manager, here on item 107, which is a
11:53:16 recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission for
11:53:18 local landmark date designation of 1209 east 5th Avenue.
11:53:24 I have a couple of images to help you along with your
11:53:27 decision.
11:53:31 This is a structure, you see the warehouse, the subject
11:53:35 property.
11:53:36 It was built beginning in 1946.
11:53:39 It's located within the boundaries of the local historic
11:53:42 district, just here outside the boundary of the national
11:53:45 landmark district.
11:53:47 But since it was built in 1946, it falls outside a period of
11:53:52 significance of the period are in which the Ybor is
11:53:56 considered to be historically designated, which is 1940.
11:54:02 Based on previous activities to attempt to preserve
11:54:05 properties, one way to accomplish preservation is through
11:54:08 individual landmarking or as we call it local landmark
11:54:14 designation.
11:54:15 Pictures to show you Sanborn map, there was not a building
11:54:23 on this site in that period.
11:54:24 Moving to 1951 you see the first portion of the building
11:54:27 show up on the map, which was which was originally
11:54:31 constructed in 1946.
11:54:34 By 1976, we see the entire building footprint in place with
11:54:38 the 1952 and 1956 addition on it.
11:54:43 And today, this is how the parcel is situated, with an
11:54:49 irregular shaped building, basically as a derivative of the
11:54:54 railroad line, and the streetcar line, which is in close
11:54:58 proximity.
11:55:02 Construction, 1946 originally, with additions in 1952 and
11:55:06 1959.
11:55:07 So one story brick vernacular building, a warehouse which
11:55:16 ties into the industrial relationship of Ybor City beginning
11:55:19 with the cigar factory still existing today.
11:55:22 On January 12, Historic Preservation Commission.
11:55:25 reviewed this request by the property owner for local
11:55:28 landmark designation.
11:55:29 At this time it was consistent with the codes under
11:55:32 criterion A, the buildings row and economic development and
11:55:36 planning of Ybor City, and under criterion C, architectural
11:55:41 industrial vernacular, industrial building in Ybor City.
11:55:44 And with that, I am here to answer any questions you might
11:55:47 have.
11:55:47 Thank you.
11:55:47 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Any questions of council?
11:55:50 Anyone in the public wish to speak on number 107?
11:55:53 107?
11:55:54 >> Move to close.
11:55:55 >> Second.
11:55:56 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Mr. Maniscalco.
11:56:01 Seconded by Mrs. Montelione.
11:56:04 All in favor?
11:56:04 Opposed?
11:56:05 Thank you.
11:56:05 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: I have an ordinance being presented for
11:56:08 second reading and adoption, an ordinance with the city of
11:56:12 Tampa, Florida designating the Larmon factory warehouse
11:56:15 located at 1209 east 5th Avenue Tampa, Florida as more
11:56:19 particularly described in section 3 hereof as a local
11:56:21 landmark, providing for repeal of all ordinances in
11:56:24 conflict, providing for severability, providing an effective
11:56:26 date.
11:56:27 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Mr. Maniscalco.
11:56:31 Second by Mrs. Montelione.
11:56:32 Please record your vote.
11:56:33 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Yes.
11:56:35 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Yes.
11:56:37 >>YVONNE CAPIN: Yes.
11:56:37 >>FRANK REDDICK: Yes.
11:56:38 >>HARRY COHEN: Yes.
11:56:40 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: Yes.
11:56:41 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Yes.
11:56:42 >>THE CLERK: Motion carried unanimously.
11:56:44 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Before we go to our public hearings, there
11:56:49 is an item under staff reports that I would like to clear
11:56:52 up.
11:56:52 I got word from our city attorney staff that they are asking
11:56:59 for a continuance.
11:57:00 Mrs. McLean, would you come forward?
11:57:06 >>JAN MCLEAN: Office of city attorney with item number 11,
11:57:08 which is a first reading or proposed first reading of an
11:57:13 ordinance on motion directed by the City Council, and they
11:57:15 are requesting a continuance for two weeks.
11:57:18 We received from comments this morning, that I think we can
11:57:22 resolve some issues over the next two weeks, and have a
11:57:26 clean revision for the next council meeting.
11:57:28 >>HARRY COHEN: I will move the continuance to April
11:57:36 31st at 9 a.m.
11:57:38 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Mr. Cohen.
11:57:40 Second by Mrs. Montelione.
11:57:42 Yes, Mr. Shelby?
11:57:44 >>MARTIN SHELBY: Did you wish to have that motion also
11:57:47 state that it is on for first reading?
11:57:53 >> I'm sorry?
11:57:54 >> It does not prevent presently state first reading
11:57:58 consideration.
11:57:58 If council would wish to do so -- are you comfortable with
11:58:02 that?
11:58:03 >> Yes.
11:58:03 >>HARRY COHEN: I will amend the motion to ask that it be
11:58:06 placed for first reading consideration on that same date.
11:58:09 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Council members?
11:58:14 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: When you moved number 11 from one to
11:58:17 another, number 11 already contains the ordinance.
11:58:20 Aren't you in in essence breaking up number 11 as it was
11:58:24 presented?
11:58:25 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Good point, sir.
11:58:26 >>MARTIN SHELBY: It says first reading consideration but
11:58:29 there were questions previously whether it wags intended to
11:58:31 be.
11:58:32 But that being the case, it's fine.
11:58:36 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: I'm not arguing, I'm just saying --
11:58:39 >>MARTIN SHELBY: I apologize.
11:58:40 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Sometimes in our agenda it doesn't match up
11:58:43 with what you are actually asking for.
11:58:45 And that may be the issue.
11:58:46 I don't know.
11:58:47 But I agree with you.
11:58:48 I think that's a very valid point.
11:58:50 >>MARTIN SHELBY: Thank you, I apologize.
11:58:52 >>MIKE SUAREZ: We have a motion from Mr. Cohen.
11:58:54 Seconded by Ms. Montelione.
11:58:57 Any discussion on that motion?
11:58:58 All in favor of that motion please indicate by saying aye.
11:59:00 Any opposed?
11:59:01 Thank you.
11:59:04 All right.
11:59:04 The time is about 12:01 p.m.
11:59:06 What is the pleasure of council?
11:59:10 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Move an additional 30 minutes.
11:59:12 >> I have a motion by Mr. Miranda for an additional 30
11:59:16 minutes.
11:59:17 Seconded by Mr. Cohen.
11:59:18 >>HARRY COHEN: Can we get through in 30 minutes?
11:59:22 If we can't I would rather go to lunch.
11:59:24 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I was going to look at that because I
11:59:26 looked at the staff report items.
11:59:28 And we have the Howard Avenue corridor study that I think is
11:59:30 going to be a widely oh discussed topic as well as the
11:59:37 transportation, maintenance for the paver machine, and the
11:59:41 electronic signs.
11:59:43 So I think just those three alone are going to take more
11:59:45 than 30 minutes.
11:59:46 >> I agree with you.
11:59:48 >>LISA MONTELIONE: So I move that we adjourn till 1:15?
11:59:56 Is that enough time?
11:59:58 Adjourn till 1:30.
11:59:59 >> Motion to adjourn till 1:30.
12:00:03 All in favor?
12:00:04 Okay.
12:00:05 Thank you very much.
12:00:05 We are in recess until 1:30.
12:00:09 (City Council in recess).
12:00:11 - - -
12:00:13 (City Council reconvenes.)
01:30:23 [Sounding gavel]
01:31:42 >>MIKE SUAREZ: I call this Tampa City Council meeting to
01:31:44 order.
01:31:44 Roll call, please.
01:31:45 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Here.
01:31:49 >>HARRY COHEN: Here.
01:31:51 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: Here.
01:31:57 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Here.
01:31:58 Thank you very much.
01:32:01 We are going to item number 16.
01:32:04 Ordinances for first reading consideration.
01:32:06 Is there anyone in the public that would like to speak on
01:32:08 these agenda items, number 16 or 17?
01:32:13 If not, Mr. Cohen, if you could take number 16, please.
01:32:16 >>HARRY COHEN: I move an ordinance being presented for
01:32:20 first reading consideration, an ordinance by the City of
01:32:23 Tampa renaming and redesignating that portion of east
01:32:26 25th Avenue lying east of 34th of north 34th
01:32:32 street, south of E 26th Avenue, west of the CSX railroad
01:32:38 and north of E 24th Avenue within the City of Tampa,
01:32:41 Hillsborough County Florida so it will be hereafter be known
01:32:46 as Bishop Eddie newkirk way, providing an effective date.
01:32:51 >> Second.
01:32:52 >> All in favor? Any opposed?
01:32:54 >>THE CLERK: Second reading and adoption will be on April
01:32:55 21, 2016 at 9:30 a.m.
01:33:00 >>MIKE SUAREZ: The second item is number 17.
01:33:02 Does anyone in the public wish to speak on item number 17?
01:33:06 I see no one.
01:33:12 Okay.
01:33:12 I see no one from the public.
01:33:17 Mr. Maniscalco, will you take number 17?
01:33:20 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: I have an ordinance being presented for
01:33:22 first reading consideration, an ordinance of the city of
01:33:24 Tampa, Florida relating to bonus provisions, transfer of
01:33:27 development rights program, official schedule of district
01:33:30 and dimensional regulations, designation of corridors,
01:33:33 definitions, making comprehensive revisions to City of Tampa
01:33:37 code ordinances chapter 27, zoning and land development,
01:33:40 amending section 27-43, definitions, amending section
01:33:44 27-140, bonus provisions, amending section 27-156, official
01:33:49 schedule of district regulations, amending section 27-199,
01:33:53 official schedule of dimensional regulations, amending
01:33:57 section 27-203, designation of corridors, amending section
01:34:01 27-211, the greater Seminole Heights vision, establishment
01:34:05 of district boundaries, renumbering section 27-282.23 to
01:34:11 section 27-141, transfer of development rights program,
01:34:14 deleting section 27-141, central business district CBD,
01:34:19 periphery bonus, methodology and calculation, list of bonus
01:34:23 amenities, deleting section 27-206, Channel District bonus
01:34:27 methodology and calculations, list of bonus amenities,
01:34:30 deleting section 27-211.15, greater Seminole Heights bonus,
01:34:35 methodology and calculation, list of bonus amenities,
01:34:38 repealing all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict
01:34:41 therewith, providing for severability, providing an
01:34:43 effective date.
01:34:43 >> Second.
01:34:47 >>MIKE SUAREZ: All in favor say aye?
01:34:49 Opposed?
01:34:50 >>THE CLERK: Second reading and adoption will be held on
01:34:52 April 21st, 2016 at 5:30 p.m.
01:35:00 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Because we have several public hearings that
01:35:02 are set for a first reading, instead of going to them,
01:35:05 because we only have four members currently, I was going to
01:35:08 wait for our other members to show up.
01:35:10 So in the meantime, I would like, with the permission of
01:35:13 council, to go onto some of our staff reports and unfinished
01:35:17 business.
01:35:17 And if I could, I do not see Mr. Spearman here.
01:35:21 Mr. Snelling, I think, might have had a report up.
01:35:27 Or Ms. Duncan.
01:35:29 Who is first?
01:35:29 We have number 11 which was already removed.
01:35:32 And number 12, Ms. Duncan.
01:35:35 Oh, here is Mr. Spearman.
01:35:41 Why don't you go first, Mr. Spearman, since you are number
01:35:45 10 on the agenda.
01:35:46 Number 9 we will come back to.
01:35:48 That's yours, Mr. Baird?
01:35:50 All right, Mr. Spearman.
01:35:51 >>GREG SPEARMAN: Chairman Suarez, I am here for the
01:35:57 purchasing department addressing item number 10.
01:36:00 The question I was asked regarding a paver purchased by the
01:36:03 city and whether or not whether it met the agreement, and
01:36:08 also in terms of the purchase.
01:36:10 The paver is still currently in the city's possession.
01:36:14 It is still under warranty.
01:36:16 When we first said five year warranty, it also came with
01:36:22 7500 hours -- so like a new vehicle purchase when you buy a
01:36:28 car with three years, 36,000 miles, has a five year
01:36:31 warranty, 7500 hours.
01:36:34 It's only four years old.
01:36:35 It has about four thousand of miles of use on it so it's
01:36:39 still in warranty today.
01:36:40 In terms of the second part of the agenda item this was a
01:36:44 single-source purchase that was actually purchased through
01:36:46 raintower locally here in Tampa, and they provide local
01:36:51 sales, local parts, local service, for the machine, in
01:36:55 addition to guaranteeing a 3-day turnaround time in the
01:36:59 event there is a warranty or issue on the machine.
01:37:02 If they can't do that, then they provide the city with a
01:37:05 loaner at no cost to the city.
01:37:09 >>MIKE SUAREZ: If I could, does anyone have any questions
01:37:11 for Mr. Spearman?
01:37:13 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: I would like to make a statement.
01:37:14 Mr. Spearman, this is not the first paver we have had of
01:37:17 this size, am I correct?
01:37:19 >>GREG SPEARMAN: I believe this particular size this is the
01:37:21 first paver.
01:37:23 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: What size is this paver up front?
01:37:27 >>GREG SPEARMAN: What size is it?
01:37:29 I'm not certain about the size.
01:37:31 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: In 1988 we started using some of our own
01:37:35 pavers.
01:37:35 The size then was 19 feet 6 inches across, which could be
01:37:39 expanded to cover standard city road, which is about 24 feet
01:37:42 in width, with the attachments to it.
01:37:45 Prior to that we didn't have that capability.
01:37:49 Prior to that, we were using ten ton trucks that had maybe
01:37:53 six to ten wheels.
01:37:54 Now we are going to 15-ton trucks that got 2, 4, 6, 8, 10,
01:38:00 12 wheels.
01:38:01 And the reason for that being is that it saves time, and the
01:38:05 expense may be greater, but if you put the actual dollars
01:38:09 into the cost of what you are putting in on the road and
01:38:11 what you are taking out at the same time, when they scrape a
01:38:15 road, they used to take an inch and a half of the asphalt,
01:38:20 and two things happened to it.
01:38:22 It was either grounded down, or left for other pothole
01:38:27 fixing up to half inch, three quarter inch, for pothole
01:38:32 repairs.
01:38:33 As I see, and I looked at the city website, and I am not an
01:38:38 expert on websites in fact I am not at all into websites.
01:38:42 But when I looked into what is called paving of roads and
01:38:47 patching potholes, right here, the paving of roads was done
01:38:52 real high up to June and July.
01:38:54 And then you see a downfall in paving of roads and an
01:38:58 increase in potholes.
01:39:00 So how many employees do we have then compared to now?
01:39:10 I'm told -- there must have been close to 60 positions from
01:39:16 what I am told in 2007.
01:39:19 And the six supervisor and that was prior.
01:39:23 We currently have one team leader and 22 employees.
01:39:27 We used to have a division that was broken up into fixing a
01:39:32 valley and fixing of potholes.
01:39:35 You not only have one paving machine but you have another
01:39:37 paving machine.
01:39:38 Am I correct, a small one?
01:39:40 >> I believe that's smaller.
01:39:42 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: And the small one is what Mr. Baird
01:39:46 would call a depression.
01:39:48 I thought the depression ended long time ago in the 30s.
01:39:51 But I want to give credit for that word.
01:39:55 And that means, no, there was a 4 by 4, 6 by 6, 6 by 10
01:40:00 would be handled by the smaller one.
01:40:03 The larger one, it tried to fix the roads that were paved in
01:40:08 a mannerism where there would be no center line.
01:40:10 Why is it beneficial not to have a center line?
01:40:14 When you have in paving a center line, you have seepage,
01:40:17 even though there's a coating that is after the road is
01:40:20 paved supposed to go in and make sure the items of rainfall
01:40:24 or moisture doesn't get under the asphalt and lifted up and
01:40:27 therefore the work that you have done you have got to redo
01:40:29 again.
01:40:31 (Bell sounds)
01:40:32 And stop beeping me, I'm speaking.
01:40:35 So we try to do in-house.
01:40:38 Now, I don't have a comparative study, sir, to tell us, the
01:40:44 whole city, what happened.
01:40:45 Yes, it was a paver that cost 500,000.
01:40:49 Yes, you had a guaranteed buyback of 175,000 or so.
01:40:54 But when I look at this problem that we have, and the
01:40:59 problem is we are short of manpower.
01:41:01 The same people that were operating the paver, in my
01:41:04 opinion, are still doing the pothole. So you can't pay for
01:41:08 the potholes at the same time you don't have the manpower.
01:41:12 That's how I see it from here.
01:41:14 I don't know what to say Mr. Chairman other than that's what
01:41:17 I dug up in a short period of time.
01:41:19 I don't know if I am correct or not.
01:41:22 The information I have done piece by piece and put together
01:41:25 certainly comes to my conclusion that the reduction of
01:41:27 workforce from 2007 when things got bad, when there were 60,
01:41:32 so now there is 19 -- I think it's 19, maybe 20, 21 -- and a
01:41:38 team leader, is the problem that we have.
01:41:41 We cannot use the machine as we thought we were because the
01:41:44 same machine, people have retired, we haven't replaced, due
01:41:49 to the downturn of the economy back in 2007, those years.
01:41:56 These are some of the consequences.
01:41:58 Although there's more money into paving now than ever
01:42:00 before, it's a problem that we can't facilitate because we
01:42:04 have manpower lacking.
01:42:06 So that's way think, Mr. Chairman.
01:42:08 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Any other questions of Mr. Spearman?
01:42:13 Mr. Spearman, I have a couple of questions.
01:42:15 And I think that Mr. Miranda's point is well taken, which is
01:42:18 that we have reduced our workforce.
01:42:20 The question I have more than anything else, obviously you
01:42:23 saw the audit that was reported back to us concerning the
01:42:26 purchase of the piece of equipment.
01:42:28 There were several assertions made in there including that
01:42:31 it was probably the wrong piece of equipment to purchase at
01:42:34 that time, and because we were not using it as much as we
01:42:38 would have, we are going to have to eat about $400,000 in
01:42:43 value.
01:42:45 That's a significant amount of money, and we want to figure
01:42:48 that out.
01:42:48 The question is on the standard operating procedure, when a
01:42:53 division head or, let's say, a team goes to determine how we
01:42:58 are going to buy this piece of equipment, why are we buying
01:43:00 this piece of equipment, and they are supposed to come up
01:43:03 with, as I understand it, a business plan.
01:43:06 Mrs. Duncan has come before us previously saying for this
01:43:09 particular piece of equipment there was no business plan.
01:43:11 And so the question is that what would purchasing do if
01:43:15 someone came up to them even with a single-source purchase
01:43:18 without a business plan?
01:43:19 Was it usually standard operating procedure to have a
01:43:22 business plan in place prior to going to purchasing in order
01:43:25 to purchase a piece of equipment?
01:43:28 >>GREG SPEARMAN: What happens normally, chairman Suarez,
01:43:31 the department has to present a business plan, a business
01:43:34 plan, a business case to budget, and then once budget is
01:43:40 comfortable, then it gets funded and comes to purchasing.
01:43:46 >>MIKE SUAREZ: So the process would be going to budgeting
01:43:48 first, would have to sign off on it and say, listen, we have
01:43:51 got the money to purchase it, we have no problem with it,
01:43:54 but when purchasing gets it, are they supposed to look at
01:43:58 what budgeting has done in terms of the sign-off and the
01:44:00 business plan or not?
01:44:02 >>GREG SPEARMAN: We do not see the business plan because
01:44:04 that's worked out between the department and budget.
01:44:07 Budget tells us this is approved for funding for sources.
01:44:13 So our discussion in terms of how big a machine, how to use
01:44:16 it, is it the right size, takes place within the budgeting
01:44:19 department.
01:44:20 >>MIKE SUAREZ: And the reason I am asking is because
01:44:22 obviously, you know, there is a problem with the process,
01:44:26 meaning that we bought a piece of equipment that now we are
01:44:29 going to have to sell at a big loss, and so there is some
01:44:35 problems with the process.
01:44:37 Have you looked at that problem?
01:44:38 Have you decided based on what you read in the audit that
01:44:42 there may be changes necessary between yourself and
01:44:45 budgeting?
01:44:46 >>GREG SPEARMAN: We can definitely look at the business
01:44:47 plan that was in place before we proceed with the purchase,
01:44:51 and we would be happy to work with the budgeting department
01:44:53 on that.
01:44:55 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Mrs. Duncan has come to us saying that the
01:44:57 procedure has changed from her ledger and her department,
01:45:00 and we want ton make sure that everybody is on the same
01:45:02 page, the same hymn book.
01:45:04 And I know that because you are a wonderful singer as you
01:45:07 know -- as we all know.
01:45:08 I want to make sure we are all in the same place.
01:45:11 We think don't want to see this mistake happen again in any
01:45:13 of the departments for any piece of equipment regardless of
01:45:16 what the manpower needs are, and I think that one of the
01:45:19 things that Mr. Miranda said is, yeah, we don't have the
01:45:22 folks necessary.
01:45:23 That means we need to really spend our money a lot more
01:45:26 wisely than we have in the past because of these types of
01:45:30 mistakes.
01:45:30 Again some of the members that have made the decision to
01:45:32 purchase the equipment is no longer here.
01:45:34 We don't have the business plan to make the case that it was
01:45:39 a reasoned decision to go forward.
01:45:41 And unfortunately, it came along the line where we are
01:45:44 dependent on experts, we are not putting together the right
01:45:47 business plan, going onto budgets, to your department and so
01:45:51 on.
01:45:51 And we need more accountability for each one of these types
01:45:54 of purchases.
01:45:55 I know you understand that.
01:45:56 And I hope that you put together some procedures.
01:45:58 And I know that the administration is listening and is
01:46:01 probably already looked at it after the audit came out to
01:46:06 make sure this does not happen again.
01:46:10 Thank you very much.
01:46:11 Any other questions by council for Mr. Spearman?
01:46:14 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: The only thing I would like to say is I
01:46:19 really understand what's going on.
01:46:20 I believe I do.
01:46:21 But I don't have a view of what it would cost, because the
01:46:24 roads are going to continue to deteriorate, the amount of
01:46:29 roads that you have, and down to 20, 21, and in that system
01:46:33 it used to be 60 just nine years ago.
01:46:36 Down to 22.
01:46:37 So you have got about a 70% reduction or 60% reduction,
01:46:41 however you want too look at it.
01:46:42 And operation of employees that operate this.
01:46:45 Whatever piece of equipment we have that was used not
01:46:53 because it wasn't used, because of lack of manpower.
01:46:57 The own city website shows me the amount of work that was
01:47:00 done prior to the rainy season in paving.
01:47:03 And then you see a reduction in paving.
01:47:05 And then you see an increase in pothole repairs.
01:47:09 So that gave me the detective work to say, what happened
01:47:12 here?
01:47:13 What happened here is the same people that were paving and
01:47:15 doing the patchwork because of lack of manpower.
01:47:18 So the equipment and the audit might be correct on the basis
01:47:22 of a review, but it's incorrect when you apply the
01:47:27 principles to the working condition, and work done for the
01:47:31 general public.
01:47:32 The work was done.
01:47:33 It just was not done by a machine.
01:47:36 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Again I don't think any of us were saying the
01:47:38 work was not being done.
01:47:40 That is one aspect of what you might be able to get from
01:47:42 those numbers.
01:47:43 But another aspect is it was the right work done by the
01:47:48 paving.
01:47:48 Again that's a quibble.
01:47:50 Mr. Spearman, I appreciate what you had to say.
01:47:53 Thank you, Mr. Spearman.
01:47:56 We will go along with our agenda.
01:47:57 Mr. Baird is here if he could do number 9 very quickly.
01:48:01 >> Brad Baird, public works administrator, here for item 9,
01:48:08 which sap replacement of our existing multi-services system,
01:48:11 which is a billing system with utility management system.
01:48:16 This is a very low prop file technology project but a very
01:48:26 important one, a new system we will purchase and implement
01:48:29 over the next 15 years.
01:48:31 We put together a team to make that happen.
01:48:33 We selected a vendor by the name of Kyenta, and we will have
01:48:39 the team kick off Monday morning, then our vendor will come
01:48:43 in the following month to join up with those two to make
01:48:46 that happen.
01:48:48 And it is a system responsible for all of the utility
01:48:51 billing and water, wastewater, and solid waste.
01:48:54 Very important.
01:48:55 And with that, I'll take any questions.
01:48:57 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: Does that include the ability to incur
01:49:03 any other additional costs of that system, like a billing
01:49:06 system that we don't have a collection system, the clerk's
01:49:10 office -- I mean not the clerk's office but the property
01:49:12 appraiser's office, or tax collector's office, I should say.
01:49:17 >>BRAD BAIRD: Yes, it may have those capabilities but also
01:49:19 have other modules that we will be able to add such as a
01:49:22 work order management system.
01:49:24 So technicians in the field will be able to close out that
01:49:27 work.
01:49:27 It will automatically go into the system.
01:49:30 People call our call center.
01:49:32 We can tell them the status immediately even if it's over
01:49:35 the weekend.
01:49:35 So it will replace a 25-year-old system that is really
01:49:41 limited in what we can do right now.
01:49:47 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Any other questions of Mr. Baird?
01:49:49 Okay.
01:49:49 Thank you, Mr. Baird.
01:49:51 >>BRAD BAIRD: Thank you very much.
01:49:51 >>HARRY COHEN: Do we need to move the resolution.
01:49:56 >> I move the resolution.
01:49:59 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Mr. Cohen.
01:50:00 Second by Mr. Maniscalco.
01:50:01 All in favor say aye.
01:50:02 Any opposed?
01:50:04 Thank you.
01:50:06 Okay.
01:50:07 I'm trying to follow along with our amended agenda, which
01:50:11 would have taken us to our public hearings now.
01:50:13 And I would ask the help of council, do you want to go?
01:50:20 >>HARRY COHEN: Jean is here.
01:50:23 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Mrs. Duncan, would you come up for item 12?
01:50:26 >>JEAN DUNCAN: Yes.
01:50:27 Good afternoon, council.
01:50:28 I have a handout copy, but if you don't mind I will hand
01:50:31 that to Marty.
01:50:45 And I believe we can get this up on the screen here.
01:50:51 I may need some technical assistance.
01:50:57 >>MIKE SUAREZ: See if anyone is back there.
01:50:59 >>JEAN DUNCAN: Don't have it?
01:51:17 I apologize.
01:51:18 >>HARRY COHEN: The audience has been here all day waiting
01:51:28 to hear this item and I wonder at the very least if we might
01:51:31 be able to provide them copies if it's not going to be able
01:51:34 to be shown on the screen.
01:51:35 >>JEAN DUNCAN: I have a few extra copies I would be glad to
01:51:38 share.
01:51:39 >>HARRY COHEN: You have it?
01:51:43 Okay.
01:51:44 Thanks.
01:51:44 >>JEAN DUNCAN: I can show this up on the Elmo.
01:51:49 I'll do my best.
01:51:50 I apologize for the technical challenge here.
01:51:58 The first slide is just a cover slide.
01:52:03 When I got here.
01:52:04 Basically, over a period of time, the transportation
01:52:07 division -- I apologize.
01:52:10 Jean Duncan, transportation, stormwater services.
01:52:14 Our department was receiving a number of complaints over the
01:52:16 years about various issues along the Howard Avenue corridor,
01:52:22 and we decided that it would be in our best interest to take
01:52:25 a holistic view of the complaints we were getting.
01:52:31 Oh, thank you, Vanna.
01:52:35 And sort of put all that information together
01:52:37 comprehensively and see how we could tackle some of the
01:52:40 complaints we were getting.
01:52:42 So we hired someone to help us out with this.
01:52:49 Basically, our purpose was to look and see what we could do
01:52:53 along the corridor, and take input from the public, from the
01:52:58 businesses out there, from our own observations, and through
01:53:02 our technical natural session come up with a recommendation
01:53:05 to try to make some improvements along the corridor.
01:53:07 So we first of all realized the public has a lot of great
01:53:13 information, they see what's going on every day, they can
01:53:15 really share some of the goings on that would help us to
01:53:20 make some recommendations.
01:53:21 So we had a public workshop with stakeholders from the
01:53:27 neighborhoods and the chamber and the alliance, and received
01:53:31 input at that point from the stakeholders, which helped us
01:53:35 to put that together with the other information that we had,
01:53:39 to identify the problem issues along the corridor.
01:53:48 So with the approach we established a methodology where we
01:53:54 went out and looked at all the existing facility.
01:53:56 We evaluated conditions that we were seeing.
01:53:59 Looked at the crash history of the corridor.
01:54:03 Also as I mentioned stakeholder input was a very important
01:54:07 component that we evaluated.
01:54:08 And then the goal to develop a short-range and along-range
01:54:12 action plan, make some improvements along the Howard Avenue
01:54:18 corridor.
01:54:19 So I know many of you are familiar with of this particular
01:54:24 corridor.
01:54:24 We looked all the way are from Bayshore to Kennedy Boulevard
01:54:27 with our study.
01:54:28 It's currently a 30 mile-an-hour speed limit, although we do
01:54:32 have times where there is speeding going on when traffic is
01:54:37 lighter.
01:54:41 A bidirectional undivided roadway, and then two-lane one-way
01:54:48 roadway north of Azeele which can present some challenges.
01:54:51 It's what we call the collector roadway which is a little
01:54:54 higher functioning than a residential street but not quite
01:54:57 as high functioning as one of our state roads.
01:55:01 It's important because it is a connection to I-275, also a
01:55:05 truck route, but yet all that is in between very sensitive
01:55:11 neighborhoods, and there's also businesses along the
01:55:13 corridor that are interested in having access to the zone,
01:55:19 all the nightclubs and restaurants and so forth that are
01:55:21 attracting people to want to live there and go there to
01:55:24 visit.
01:55:26 As I mentioned, there's a second neighborhood that are in
01:55:30 the general vicinity of the corridor that are often feeling
01:55:34 the impacts of changes that are going on, the growing pains
01:55:38 that occur along the corridor, the neighborhoods are feeling
01:55:40 those, east and west of the roadway.
01:55:46 Existing conditions, I'll jump along these pretty quickly.
01:55:50 Unlike other roadways that we have real peek times of
01:55:54 traffic, this roadway has a consistent high level of traffic
01:55:58 throughout the day, all authorize we do have -- I think
01:56:05 everyone is familiar particularly on the weekends, we have a
01:56:07 lot of young folks and all ages of folks frequenting the
01:56:11 restaurants and the bars, and quite a high pedestrian
01:56:14 volume.
01:56:16 Rather low bicycle activity.
01:56:17 The bicyclists we did observe were tending to stay on the
01:56:20 sidewalks as the roadway is very narrow, and not really
01:56:24 suitable for safe bicycle passage.
01:56:27 There's a little bit of parking in the right-of-way.
01:56:31 Obviously there's a shortage of that out there in the
01:56:34 general area.
01:56:36 We do have some drainage issues that we will be addressing
01:56:40 with a couple of different projects.
01:56:41 Generally the pavement condition is actually in pretty good
01:56:44 shape, and the markings are generally fairly good.
01:56:47 There are some locations for those that need to be refreshed
01:56:50 there, too.
01:56:51 So when we started our study, the streetlighting was the old
01:56:58 TECO Lite lightning, and we upgraded most of that already
01:57:01 with L.E.D. lights which are much clearer and brighter
01:57:05 lights.
01:57:05 (Bell sounds).
01:57:07 >>MIKE SUAREZ: If I could interrupt you.
01:57:10 Council, do we give her two more minutes?
01:57:12 Enough?
01:57:13 >>HARRY COHEN: Yes, and I have some questions after she's
01:57:16 finished.
01:57:16 >>JEAN DUNCAN: I am getting right into the short range and
01:57:21 long range right now.
01:57:22 So summarizing, you can see on this slide parking,
01:57:26 sidewalks, the intersecting streets, flooding,
01:57:29 streetlighting, cabs, and paving conditions, along with the
01:57:39 residents and businesses.
01:57:41 So short range action plan.
01:57:43 Short range is basically within a five year budget what we
01:57:46 are talking about with the short range.
01:57:49 The top issue, which was not the focus of this particular
01:57:53 study, was certainly parking.
01:57:55 And we know there's information out there through the
01:57:58 business alliance, in terms of available parking.
01:58:01 We are happy to work with our other departments, the parking
01:58:04 division, and the planning division, along with the
01:58:06 businesses, to look at that a little more closely and see
01:58:09 what other things we can do to try to optimize the parking.
01:58:18 Parks has been looking at a shuttle service for this area,
01:58:21 and we will certainly be wanting to support them if there's
01:58:23 an opportunity for that to go forward, because we do believe
01:58:26 that public transportation is another solution to some of
01:58:28 the congestion issues that we have out on the corridor.
01:58:34 Sidewalk and pedestrian safety, we have done what is called
01:58:38 a road safety audit for this corridor.
01:58:40 That excludes ADA ramps, signage and markings that will make
01:58:45 the roadway safer, and those items that we already have on
01:58:49 our list.
01:58:50 We are looking at upgrading the two existing crossings that
01:58:53 we do have, which are Azeele and Marjorie.
01:58:57 There on your right is something along the lines of what we
01:59:00 will be upgrading to.
01:59:02 Instead of a constant flashing yellow, we would use what we
01:59:06 call a rapid reflective beacon, which is a system where they
01:59:16 push the button and the marking comes on, and it's more
01:59:19 honored by the drivers than just a 24/7 flashing light that
01:59:24 people sort of ignore over time.
01:59:26 (Bell sounds)
01:59:27 I will look at other opportunities such as where the
01:59:30 Starbuck's is.
01:59:30 There's a lot of folks that cross back and forth mid block,
01:59:34 very unsafely, oftentimes, and we'll see if we can add other
01:59:40 mid-block crossing protections in those locations, and we'll
01:59:44 continue to upgrade the streetlights as well.
01:59:47 The intersecting streets is something that's also complaints
01:59:52 we were hearing and we are going to take a closer look at
01:59:54 that as well in our five year plan to see if we can come up
01:59:57 with some opportunities.
01:59:59 Our advance traffic management system is heading this way.
02:00:04 That would be several years unless we are able to accelerate
02:00:07 that schedule with UT.
02:00:09 But that's going to give us a very reactive, dynamic signal
02:00:12 system, that can ebb and flow with the traffic conditions
02:00:16 that we are seeing and add a lot more flow and traffic
02:00:20 calming as well once we get that in place.
02:00:22 In the meantime, we'll use just the tools that we have to
02:00:25 try to make some improvements at sew of those locations.
02:00:29 Very quickly, we do have a project that we are looking to do
02:00:33 as soon as we can reach consensus, that is intersections.
02:00:41 Again I will try to be as quick as I can.
02:00:43 This is the existing condition.
02:00:46 Many of you are familiar whenever this area.
02:00:48 It's a wide area of asphalt, a lot of conflicting movement,
02:00:53 wrong-way traffic, crashes occurring, people are stopped
02:01:00 improperly, do try to make those improvements that will
02:01:02 retain the existing parking that's out there, and also
02:01:05 provide safer movements for folks trying to navigate it
02:01:09 through that area.
02:01:09 Very quickly, we have other short range plans to address
02:01:21 drainage, streetlighting, solutions to the cab stands, a
02:01:25 problem that's out there.
02:01:26 The pavement conditions, there is a request to make the
02:01:30 roadway brick, indicated it is not financially possible, it
02:01:36 would consume more than our entire paving budget to brick
02:01:39 the road.
02:01:40 There's a lot of issues when utilities break underneath, it
02:01:44 shuts down the roadway for long periods of time because it's
02:01:47 so labor intensive, removal and replacement of the brick.
02:01:51 So we are not looking to do that anytime in the near future
02:01:54 for those reasons.
02:01:58 Long-term again, we will see whatever options are for
02:02:02 parking to utilize the roadway, or other means to reduce
02:02:08 that demand for parking.
02:02:09 Obviously public transportation is going to be one of the
02:02:12 key things that's going to be for that.
02:02:17 Within the roadway, there's very limited opportunity for
02:02:20 parking but when we do go to restrict the road we will be
02:02:24 looking to be more creativity than just putting a yellow
02:02:27 stripe down the middle.
02:02:28 That right hand picture shows just an example of things that
02:02:31 can be done.
02:02:32 I'm not sure that we will be going to that level but we will
02:02:34 certainly be working with the public going forward, when we
02:02:37 get to that point, to see if there's something we can do to
02:02:40 utilize the roadway in a little bit better manner.
02:02:43 As developments are coming in, if we can start getting
02:02:46 additional easements or right-of-way through that process to
02:02:49 create a better space to put in wide sidewalks, that's
02:02:54 something we would be looking to do.
02:02:55 Again, that's a long-term issue because that right-of-way
02:02:59 does not exist currently, and over time that's something
02:03:01 that will have to evolve.
02:03:02 Again, public transportation, we definitely look forward to
02:03:05 working with parks and others to try to make that available
02:03:08 for folks come along and minimizing testimonying cars.
02:03:15 So that's my quick run-through of our findings, and we think
02:03:19 we can get a number of these things started very quickly to
02:03:22 try to make some improvements along this roadway.
02:03:27 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you.
02:03:27 Any questions?
02:03:29 Mr. Cohen.
02:03:29 >>HARRY COHEN: A couple things.
02:03:32 First of all, a lot of people that live and work in the area
02:03:37 would like to see a copy of this study.
02:03:39 How can they find it?
02:03:41 That's the first question.
02:03:42 >>JEAN DUNCAN: We can put this on the website.
02:03:46 We did e-mail it out to all of the names we had on our
02:03:49 stakeholder list.
02:03:50 But we could put this on our website and we -- or as we get
02:03:56 an e-mail request, we can certainly e-mail it to people that
02:04:03 are wanting that.
02:04:03 >>HARRY COHEN: It seems to me that now we have some
02:04:08 empirical data that tells us specifically what some of the
02:04:12 issues are in the corridor, and what I would like to see are
02:04:17 a couple things.
02:04:18 First of all, I really think it's important that the
02:04:22 neighborhoods and the stakeholders, businesses, everybody,
02:04:26 has a chance to be heard about this study, because given the
02:04:33 budgetary constraints, clearly we are going to have to make
02:04:37 a decision about what we are going to prioritize to do
02:04:40 first, second, third.
02:04:43 One of the things the community feels are really critical to
02:04:47 do now, what are things that perhaps some of the businesses,
02:04:50 or neighborhood associations, would like to actually be
02:04:52 involved in helping to pay for.
02:04:55 I have heard a lot of promises over the years, different
02:04:59 groups, that if we put the materials in front of them that
02:05:02 they would be willing to look at shouldering the cost of
02:05:06 some of these things.
02:05:07 So is there going to be a public outreach?
02:05:10 And how is that going to work?
02:05:12 How are we going to schedule that over the next six to nine
02:05:16 months or so?
02:05:17 >>JEAN DUNCAN: We don't have that next step planned.
02:05:20 And we can certainly have a follow-up meeting like we did
02:05:25 with the stakeholder group to get more input on that.
02:05:28 >>HARRY COHEN: I promised people that once this comes out
02:05:33 that we will provide a forum to hear their thoughts about
02:05:38 what it is that -- it's less their thoughts about what is
02:05:47 here but more their thoughts about what to tackle first.
02:05:50 We have the ability to do.
02:05:53 Let's determine what's the most critical need now.
02:05:59 So how do we do that?
02:06:01 >>JEAN DUNCAN: We can certainly have another public
02:06:03 information meeting on the topic, something that we would
02:06:07 actually appreciate that follow-up input and make sure we
02:06:12 are taking limited resources and focusing on what's most
02:06:17 important to everyone so we can go ahead and make plans to
02:06:19 do that and invite the affected neighborhoods.
02:06:22 The first meeting with stakeholders, because we wanted to
02:06:27 have a real drill-down one-on-one conversation of those that
02:06:32 really represent all of those neighborhoods.
02:06:33 We can do that in a different way this time.
02:06:36 We can have a public meeting on the topic, whatever the
02:06:42 pleasure is.
02:06:43 >>HARRY COHEN: And then my second item, because I don't
02:06:46 want toot go over my five minutes, is of that we have a
02:06:53 couple of things that are pending now.
02:06:55 We have a stormwater program that was funded in last year's
02:06:59 budget on Howard Avenue.
02:07:01 I'm presuming that work is going to be taking place soon.
02:07:04 I think we need to communicate that to people.
02:07:09 We talked about the mid block crossing.
02:07:11 And I have a lot of concern that if we have too many of
02:07:14 them, it's going to make traffic virtually impassable.
02:07:18 There's been some concerns raised in the neighborhood about
02:07:20 what they look like, about having them too close together.
02:07:24 So I think it's very important as we look at those that we
02:07:27 add that to the opportunity for public input, because while
02:07:31 yes, it's true that by the Starbuck's there is a problem
02:07:34 with people crossing the street, there is an even bigger
02:07:36 problem north of Swann where the street is virtually
02:07:40 impassable for cars at different times of the night.
02:07:42 So I would like to see us try to address that piece as well.
02:07:48 I'm not sure, I don't think that one may even be the more
02:07:51 critical of the two.
02:07:54 So with that, I just want to say thank you so much for
02:07:56 everything you have done on this.
02:07:57 I know you have been working on it hard.
02:07:59 And given the number of questions that my office, some of
02:08:03 the other council members get, it's very, very important to
02:08:06 me that we start scheduling meetings as soon as possible to
02:08:10 give people an opportunity to have their say before we start
02:08:15 really looking at what we are going to be putting in the
02:08:18 budget for next year and the year after, et cetera.
02:08:20 >>JEAN DUNCAN: We can certainly do that.
02:08:23 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Mrs. Montelione.
02:08:24 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Thank you --
02:08:28 >> It's amazing that we haven't had more fatalities or
02:08:34 injuries.
02:08:36 I was wondering, the installation of the infrastructure for
02:08:40 the mid-block crossings, the enhanced crosswalk, the
02:08:44 mid-street little stanchions and the beacons, could we not
02:08:51 do that as regular crosswalk intersections? Does have it to
02:08:57 be mid-block?
02:09:00 At the intersections of the side streets where it's just a
02:09:06 normal crosswalk with no traffic light, I think something
02:09:10 like this would be appropriate.
02:09:15 I mean, it would also encourage people to actually go to the
02:09:18 corner to cross, and not cross mid block.
02:09:21 >>JEAN DUNCAN: Yes, mid block can actually mean whether the
02:09:25 side street intersecting or not, it just not a signalized
02:09:31 intersection.
02:09:33 Some of the worries of backing up the traffic, if we have
02:09:38 too many, I would say let's look at putting them where there
02:09:48 aren't intersections already and not necessarily mid-block.
02:09:51 Some people take you literally.
02:09:53 When you say mid-block you think it's in between where
02:09:57 intersections are.
02:09:58 So as I say, explore that a little bit
02:10:02 The other thing that I found interesting with intersecting
02:10:05 streets is the first recommendations, identify intersecting
02:10:11 streets that may require less turn lanes.
02:10:13 But in looking at strategies for pedestrian safety, is the
02:10:17 elimination of left turn lanes that keeps pedestrians safe,
02:10:22 not in addition of.
02:10:24 We are trying to get rid of left turns to keep people safe
02:10:28 in the intersections.
02:10:30 >>JEAN DUNCAN: It's always a balance.
02:10:37 So even though ideally on the pedestrian side that is a
02:10:42 desire to go.
02:10:43 That's not always to start -- as I was saying, we are
02:10:49 balancing different types of traffic coming through here.
02:10:52 Traffic is Mr. Going to the interdate.
02:10:56 Traffic is going to a business where they may not know where
02:10:58 they are going exactly.
02:10:59 Folks that familiar and live in the area.
02:11:01 And then we are balancing that with the pedestrians,
02:11:04 bicycles.
02:11:04 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Sure.
02:11:07 Beautiful, you know, in my little corner of the world, I
02:11:10 would always put pedestrian safety first and limiting those
02:11:14 left turn lanes is one way to do that.
02:11:18 The other point I thought needs a little bit more flushing
02:11:22 out was the cab stand occupying traffic lane.
02:11:26 And when we say cab stands, even though they have not
02:11:29 received permission to operate, Uber and Lyft fall into that
02:11:36 category as well, and I think that really needs to be looked
02:11:39 at because that's a problem.
02:11:41 >>HARRY COHEN: Right now they are not allowed in that
02:11:44 cab stand, so they pick up people on the street and it
02:11:47 totally defeats the whole purpose.
02:11:48 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Right.
02:11:52 So maybe changing from cab stand to some other name might
02:11:55 allow them to utilize it.
02:11:57 It's a simple easy fix and they don't have to do anything
02:11:59 but change the name.
02:12:02 So pick-up, drop-off passengers, just eliminate the word
02:12:05 "cab" and I think we can get over that one.
02:12:09 Also, I think with our land development codes in the
02:12:12 district, we have a rezoning application comb forward, and
02:12:20 they are usually very constricted on the site to begin with.
02:12:25 We have to try to come up with some other regulations where
02:12:31 people can be more creative with how they utilize the
02:12:37 property they have.
02:12:38 So if it's carving out an area for a passenger drop-off,
02:12:43 pick-up spot, if it's something that maybe -- we don't have
02:12:49 the right-of-way, but maybe we could, you know, give some
02:12:52 incentive, so if someone would give us the right-of-way to
02:12:56 put in a stop for a bus or stop for a drop-off, pick-up, or
02:13:02 whatever it is, we need the right-of-way for, then we would
02:13:06 get some sort of bonus density, or they would get some other
02:13:09 incentive so that there's a reason that they would want to
02:13:14 give us right-of-way.
02:13:16 Because land is very expensive and people don't want to give
02:13:18 up right-of-way for no reason.
02:13:19 So if we developed some sort of trade-off, we might see some
02:13:23 business owners and land owners actually looking at, you
02:13:26 know, giving us property rather than us trying to buy it
02:13:29 from them.
02:13:32 So there's just a couple of ideas that struck me while you
02:13:36 were giving the presentation.
02:13:37 Thank you very much, Jean.
02:13:38 You always do awesome work.
02:13:40 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: I saw here stakeholder about converting
02:13:48 it to a brick street.
02:13:49 I know I messaged you today about another street, brick
02:13:52 conversion, and you almost high pressure a heart attack.
02:13:54 But Howard Avenue is historically, I think, was brick.
02:14:00 And you can tell with the granite curbs that are still in
02:14:07 existence.
02:14:07 Are certain parts of Howard still brick underneath or was it
02:14:10 completely removed?
02:14:11 And the part that I am thinking of was right around where
02:14:15 MacDintons is at. Is there still brick underneath that?
02:14:20 >> It's highly unlikely that there's brick underneath, when
02:14:23 the asphalt technique came along, it didn't necessarily take
02:14:25 the brick out with the asphalt down.
02:14:27 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: Would it be possible and cheaper to
02:14:32 have certain section ifs there's brick there, remove the
02:14:36 asphalt and clean the brick, thereby creating some kind of
02:14:40 traffic calming, and moving forward in a cheaper way?
02:14:43 Is that possible to do?
02:14:46 >>JEAN DUNCAN: To take existing brick and clean the asphalt
02:14:48 off of it is very expensive, very labor intensive.
02:14:53 We do have a textured product at Swann and Howard that we
02:14:58 put in when we did the resurfacing on Swann, which is not
02:15:02 real brick, but it has some brick look to it at that
02:15:06 particular intersection.
02:15:08 That type of treatment is much more -- much less expensive
02:15:12 than the real brick and it doesn't have the same problems,
02:15:16 when we have utility bricks, or it's very time consuming to
02:15:20 do it because of the brick.
02:15:23 So that's a much easier way to have some sort of brick
02:15:27 application along the roadway.
02:15:29 But the real brick is very challenging for a variety of
02:15:33 reasons.
02:15:33 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: Thank you.
02:15:39 >>HARRY COHEN: I want to make a quick comment on that.
02:15:41 I know that there are people in the greater Hyde Park area
02:15:44 that are very much in favor of the restoring of the original
02:15:47 brick, because of the historical ambience that it creates.
02:15:52 Most of those people find the fake brick through the
02:15:56 intersections to be a not-acceptable substitute.
02:16:01 They almost consider it to be -- they would much rather see
02:16:05 regular asphalt because it is so obviously fake.
02:16:11 And while it might seem like a good solution, and the
02:16:15 crosswalks might be good, because it delineates the
02:16:18 difference between where the crosswalk is in the road, I
02:16:21 think the idea of trying to fool people into believing that
02:16:25 we have brick streets by putting that type of a treatment
02:16:28 down, ultimately cheapens the area.
02:16:31 And I would not myself be in favor of that type of an
02:16:36 approach.
02:16:36 But that's just me.
02:16:37 It's not only just me, I know that's how a lot of the people
02:16:41 in the historical association view those types of
02:16:45 treatments.
02:16:45 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: My question was, when D.O.T. was doing
02:16:51 some road construction right here at Florida and the
02:16:53 interstat a few months ago, they scraped the asphalt and
02:16:58 exposed the brick.
02:16:59 The brick was there in its natural state, and it had a gray
02:17:03 zone from being covered over the years, so we just scrape
02:17:08 the asphalt off, leave the brick and let it naturally clean
02:17:11 itself through the weather and cars driving over it?
02:17:15 >>JEAN DUNCAN: I can get you a cost estimate for that but
02:17:17 it would be very, very expensive to remove the asphalt from
02:17:22 the brick.
02:17:25 Again, when they have utility problems, when they have to go
02:17:29 out and remove that brick and put it back, it causes the --
02:17:33 the traffic can be shut down for a longer period of time
02:17:36 because it's very labor intensive to work with that brick.
02:17:39 Again, we have other roadway ways throughout the whole city
02:17:44 that we are needing to spend resurfacing dollars on to
02:17:47 maintain their roads, so we are also having a look at
02:17:51 balancing those resources throughout the city as well.
02:17:54 As I mentioned, just put brick down on this particular road
02:17:58 segment would take more than our entire city budget for
02:18:01 resurfacing, which includes our equipment, our asphalt, our
02:18:06 contracts.
02:18:11 It hardly justifies that cost, plus all of the headaches
02:18:16 that come along with it once you make that investment as far
02:18:18 as maintaining it and having that long-term road closure
02:18:23 because of a utility issue on a roadway that is a link to
02:18:28 the interstate, and also critical too businesses having
02:18:31 access.
02:18:35 I personally love brick.
02:18:36 I think it's beautiful.
02:18:38 But it's just not a practical solution as far as dollars and
02:18:45 dealing with that type of product on the road as far as we
02:18:49 can see it right now, unfortunately.
02:18:55 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Any other questions by council?
02:18:57 Jean, I just have a couple of suggestions.
02:18:59 One, on the South Howard corridor study, when you put it
02:19:03 online, I would suggest also putting a timeline as to when
02:19:07 those repairs and other things that you already have
02:19:11 budgeted, put that on the website, too, so people understand
02:19:14 when it's coming up, and we saw one graphic that looked like
02:19:17 something from January 2017.
02:19:19 I want people to understand that we do have a process and a
02:19:22 way of putting it together so that it is scheduled as
02:19:25 opposed to just doing some guesswork
02:19:26 The other thing is -- and I am going to beat Ms. Montelione
02:19:31 to the punch -- gill Penalosa is going to be here at the
02:19:37 liveable roadways committee.
02:19:39 I apologize.
02:19:41 But you should consider going over there.
02:19:44 He is a consultant, as you probably know, is famous for 8 to
02:19:48 80, making streets much more walkable, more for public
02:19:52 transportation, and he is going to be here, for free, in
02:19:56 Hillsborough County.
02:19:56 That's very unusual.
02:19:58 I had a chance to see him in Chicago with 1300 people and
02:20:03 they all paid.
02:20:04 So this is a great opportunity for us to listen to him, and
02:20:07 maybe for you to kind of ask him some questions.
02:20:10 Lastly about the brick streets, we may want to -- and this
02:20:14 is something you might want to look at also when you are
02:20:16 looking at Mr. Maniscalco's question about the use of brick
02:20:19 streets.
02:20:20 Maybe we can make most of the crosswalks out of brick.
02:20:24 The original brick.
02:20:25 And so that it dresses up the street, and at the same time
02:20:28 brings back a little bit of the character that we used to
02:20:31 have without having to spend as much money on it.
02:20:33 I agree with Mr. Cohen.
02:20:36 The treated asphalt is God awful.
02:20:39 I don't ever want to the see that on any of our streets ever
02:20:42 again.
02:20:43 No offense to you, I hate it.
02:20:45 It looks awful.
02:20:46 It gets worn out and looks like lousy asphalt.
02:20:50 Would suggest taking a look at that, what cost it would be.
02:20:53 It could be much cheaper especially with some of the brick
02:20:56 we currently already have in house and just put it out
02:21:00 there.
02:21:00 These a suggestion for you.
02:21:01 Yes, Mr. Cohen.
02:21:02 >>HARRY COHEN: Great suggestion.
02:21:04 And I just want to say briefly, you know, on Bay to Bay and
02:21:08 MacDill where we have that asphalt brick, they had to be do
02:21:12 some roadwork, this is a couple years ago, they dug it up
02:21:15 and replaced with regular asphalt.
02:21:18 It's so ridiculous looking with a great big patch in the
02:21:21 middle of the brick.
02:21:22 It just looks like amateur hour.
02:21:26 >>MIKE SUAREZ: I agree.
02:21:30 Not that it was your fault.
02:21:32 (Laughter)
02:21:32 Thank you, Ms. Duncan.
02:21:34 I appreciate it.
02:21:34 No other questions?
02:21:35 Thank you, Mrs. Duncan.
02:21:38 Next on our agenda, we have two more items that are staff
02:21:42 reports.
02:21:43 Number 13.
02:21:44 I believe the legal department should be here to discuss
02:21:47 that.
02:21:48 And maybe the legal department is here.
02:21:53 Maybe not.
02:21:53 There's no one here from the legal department.
02:21:55 We might just want to go -- why don't we skip number 13
02:22:00 since we don't have the legal department representative here
02:22:03 right now -- wait, we have the city attorney.
02:22:14 Just like batman and superman.
02:22:17 Walked in in the nick of time.
02:22:18 >>JULIA MANDELL: City attorney.
02:22:20 I wasn't 100% sure what City Council wanted to hear from the
02:22:23 legal department on this.
02:22:26 I was the attorney that handled the sign code back when the
02:22:28 electronic sign issue was drafted and approved by former
02:22:33 City Council.
02:22:34 I thought it would be appropriate for me.
02:22:38 I can tell you when we put the code in place, it was about
02:22:46 2007.
02:22:47 We had the opportunity for on-site signs to have an
02:22:50 electronic message, but there were limitations to it.
02:22:54 And what they did was they couldn't change more than once
02:22:58 every five minutes.
02:23:00 That remains in place today for on-site signs.
02:23:03 Yes, there is a different provision for the billboards.
02:23:06 And that was a heavily negotiated issue.
02:23:09 But if you have a sign that is needing and shaking or doing
02:23:14 anything other than removing the message once every five
02:23:16 minutes, it is in violation of our code.
02:23:18 >>HARRY COHEN: That's exactly part of what this is about,
02:23:24 because we sit here month after month, and we approve these
02:23:28 electronic signs, that they are to operate like regular
02:23:33 status signs.
02:23:34 And I drive by them literally ten days after second reading,
02:23:40 no time to get them up, and I would say at least 50% of the
02:23:44 time it looks like Las Vegas.
02:23:46 And I am at the point where I don't want to do this anymore
02:23:50 because I think this city is going to start looking
02:23:53 ridiculous field goal we don't enforce this.
02:23:55 And we are not enforcing it at all.
02:23:58 That is status number one.
02:23:59 Number two, we had a situation that came up within the last
02:24:04 year where we rejected an electronic sign on a pylon, and a
02:24:12 week later, I drive by and see an electronic billboard
02:24:15 plastered to the side of this building where we had rejected
02:24:23 it on the sign pylon.
02:24:26 And I just think that these rules are becoming a mockery.
02:24:31 No one is following them.
02:24:32 We are not enforcing them.
02:24:34 And there's all these loopholes that various different
02:24:38 entities are able to get around in order to circumvent our
02:24:42 intent.
02:24:42 So what I want to know is, A, can we start enforcing these
02:24:49 ordinances?
02:24:50 And if we can't, how can we tighten them up so that we don't
02:24:54 end up with flashing signs that are moving every five to ten
02:25:00 seconds on all of our streets?
02:25:02 I mean, it is Kennedy, MacDill, it's all over the place.
02:25:07 And I just -- I couldn't make a list of how many there are
02:25:13 and get where I am going from one place to the other,
02:25:16 because of how many I see all the time.
02:25:18 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I have the same issue with Busch
02:25:23 Boulevard and Fowler Avenue.
02:25:24 >>JULIA MANDELL: If it is moving more than every five
02:25:31 minutes it is a violation, and I know that over the years
02:25:35 this issue has come up, it's been on the books now ten
02:25:38 years, and it has come up, and there are some complaints and
02:25:42 code enforcement will enforce, and one of the reasons why,
02:25:46 when we had it way back in 2005, 2006 that five minute
02:25:52 interval was chosen.
02:25:53 If you go less than that, there were some concerns about
02:25:56 enforceability.
02:25:57 And I am not saying that you still don't have enforceability
02:26:01 issues, but it's certainly something that I feel comfortable
02:26:04 we could make a case for through a code enforcement why
02:26:07 that's not moving forward, probably because a lot of these
02:26:10 tend to come in through code enforcement after complaints,
02:26:14 and it's a complaint driven system, and you might want to
02:26:18 talk to code enforcement folks about that, but it is a
02:26:21 legitimate, valid provision.
02:26:27 I had over time assured that construction services, make
02:26:30 sure everybody is aware of what the limitations are.
02:26:32 So I don't think it's a "we have no idea" issue.
02:26:37 We can certainly go back and have that conversation again
02:26:39 with our construction services folks.
02:26:42 But other than that, it's just something that has on and off
02:26:46 been an issue.
02:26:50 >>YVONNE CAPIN: I am going to say this to my fellow council
02:26:52 members.
02:26:52 When you see it, turn it in.
02:26:56 Don't complain.
02:26:57 I was going to use another word but I caught myself.
02:27:04 Turn them in.
02:27:05 They are violating the code.
02:27:06 We are very much -- this is what we do.
02:27:09 We gave them the permission.
02:27:11 If I see it, I want to make sure that it's stopped.
02:27:14 So I am going to turn them in.
02:27:16 I am going to be the first one to tell you that.
02:27:20 So seeing it and not doing anything about it is not going to
02:27:24 work.
02:27:24 So we need to turn them in.
02:27:26 And if you want, you can bring them to my office and I'll
02:27:29 call them.
02:27:30 I'll call everybody.
02:27:32 Well.
02:27:33 >>HARRY COHEN: I have actually gone back to some of the
02:27:35 ones we have approved and said to the petitioner, your sign
02:27:39 is in violation.
02:27:41 I agree, we should turn them in.
02:27:42 I am just saying, this is so rampant at this point that we
02:27:46 have got to get ahold of it, or someone here -- I can think
02:27:51 of at least one person that might -- is going to introduce
02:27:54 an ordinance to stop doing these at all and not allow them
02:27:57 anymore.
02:27:57 Because if people can't be trusted to follow the law, then
02:27:59 we are going to have to go back to the old-fashioned signs
02:28:02 again.
02:28:02 >>> [Off microphone.] I think we can hear what the rule
02:28:13 typically is.
02:28:14 I know Mrs. Capin mentioned it.
02:28:17 Mr. Miranda.
02:28:17 I know all of us here.
02:28:19 We see code enforcement violations that we know it's a code
02:28:23 enforcement violation.
02:28:24 We turn them in.
02:28:25 There's one on Columbus Drive that I turned in.
02:28:27 And they are under an order of $100 per day.
02:28:30 So right now, they are going to find that having it for a
02:28:33 month and costing that much money is not going to be good
02:28:36 for them. So we want to make sure that people are following
02:28:38 the ordinances that are already in place prior to us being
02:28:40 here, and those ordinances that we then pass afterwards.
02:28:45 So if you could, I think that might be a suggestion.
02:28:49 I appreciate it.
02:28:50 And that way, I think we can get the code enforcement guys
02:28:53 trained so that they understand it and make sure they cite
02:28:57 them when they see it.
02:29:01 Thank you, Ms. Mandell.
02:29:02 Stick around because we are going to have another issue with
02:29:05 you here, if you don't mind.
02:29:06 Number 15 is the next issue.
02:29:09 Mr. Shelby, I believe, you are here to talk about that along
02:29:12 with Ms. Mandell.
02:29:14 >>MARTIN SHELBY: Well, I had an opportunity to talk with
02:29:16 Ms. Mandell about this.
02:29:17 I am going to be very brief on it.
02:29:19 You asked the process and timeline and cost.
02:29:21 The process is very simple.
02:29:22 You workshop it.
02:29:24 The opportunity to do that would be, for instance, the
02:29:27 28th of April when you discuss the items from the
02:29:30 strategic planning meeting.
02:29:31 When you do workshop it, you give direction to come back
02:29:34 with an ordinance.
02:29:35 When that happens, you review and approve the language and
02:29:37 place it on first reading.
02:29:39 Then a public hearing.
02:29:40 And then a second reading.
02:29:41 And then it goes to the mayor.
02:29:43 That is your process to get something to the supervisor of
02:29:47 elections.
02:29:48 Now, with regard to the timeline, the date for the primary
02:29:55 is August 30th, and the supervisor of elections, I had
02:29:59 an opportunity to speak with to Peg Reece, the chief of
02:30:03 staff of Craig latterman, and she says it should definitely
02:30:08 be in the hands of the supervisor of elections before August
02:30:10 31st which is the day after the primary and that's the
02:30:13 day they begin preparing the ballot.
02:30:15 Now the ballot goes out pretty quickly after that, it goes
02:30:18 out on July 16 --
02:30:22 >> Mr. Shelby, if I can interrupt you. You said August
02:30:23 31st.
02:30:25 And in relation to August, then you went back to July.
02:30:29 What are you referring to?
02:30:32 I just want to make sure you did it right.
02:30:35 >>MARTIN SHELBY: August -- well, for July. Okay.
02:30:38 That's right, I said July 16th.
02:30:40 I apologize.
02:30:41 >> So it would have to be the November ballot. So the
02:30:43 drop-dead date would be August 31st then?
02:30:46 >>MIKE SUAREZ: So it would be August 31st then?
02:30:49 >>MARTIN SHELBY: Yes.
02:30:50 Thank you for correcting me.
02:30:51 By August 30th, the day of the primary would be ideal.
02:30:56 With regard -- I am going through this very quickly. With
02:30:59 regard to the cost, she assures me there would be no
02:31:03 additional cost to do so except in the extremely remote
02:31:07 event that it causes the supervisor of elections to have to
02:31:11 print an additional page for the ballot.
02:31:13 But she said that is very unusual.
02:31:16 There would be no additional cost.
02:31:20 >>YVONNE CAPIN: We have $15,000.
02:31:22 We need it.
02:31:23 (Laughter)
02:31:24 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Is that your report, sir?
02:31:26 Any follow-up by you or Ms. Mandell? Any questions by
02:31:29 council?
02:31:30 Mr. Cohen.
02:31:30 >>HARRY COHEN: Just to be clear that any ordinance that we
02:31:33 would pass to do a ballot initiative which requires the
02:31:39 mayor's signature, or an override of the mayor's veto, if he
02:31:43 would disagree with what it wags that we wanted to do.
02:31:46 >>MARTIN SHELBY: And you have to allow certainly enough
02:31:48 time to be able at second reading to give the mayor enough
02:31:51 time to make the decision, or to have it come back.
02:32:00 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you very much.
02:32:00 Of no other questions, council?
02:32:02 Ms. Montelione.
02:32:03 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Well, I would like to act on this,
02:32:07 because if we put it oft any longer we are going to be
02:32:11 pushing the envelope.
02:32:18 There is also the strategic planning meeting on the 28th
02:32:21 of this month.
02:32:23 Of April.
02:32:24 So I would propose that we go ahead and set it on the
02:32:28 calendar so that we have a placeholder there, so we can keep
02:32:31 this moving and not slip up.
02:32:36 Thank you.
02:32:36 So I am proposing the next workshop session after -- that
02:32:42 would be May 26th at 9:00 a.m.
02:32:45 >>MARTIN SHELBY: That was my understanding.
02:32:49 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Oh, the same day?
02:32:52 The 28th at --
02:32:54 >>MARTIN SHELBY: I'm sorry, my understanding was that when
02:32:57 that motion was made it would include everything that came
02:32:59 up at the strategic planning meeting, which I think is
02:33:02 consistent with what you discussed.
02:33:03 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I would like to have a separate item for
02:33:06 placing the language on the ballot to immediately follow --
02:33:14 it's April 28th at 9:30 a.m.
02:33:16 >>MARTIN SHELBY: And it's supposed to go an hour.
02:33:19 >>LISA MONTELIONE: So I would say at 10:30 we hear the
02:33:22 particulars for placing language on the ballot -- or on the
02:33:30 calendar for first reading, and the timelines reviewing.
02:33:34 >>HARRY COHEN: I seconded it but I want to make a friendly
02:33:37 amendment and that is that we actually get into the
02:33:39 substance of the issue.
02:33:41 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Yes.
02:33:41 >>HARRY COHEN: Which was the audit --
02:33:45 >>LISA MONTELIONE: The language.
02:33:45 >>HARRY COHEN: The issue was related to the asking for
02:33:50 audit by the City Council.
02:33:52 So the substance of that needs to be part of the discussion.
02:33:55 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Well, there were audits, and then there
02:34:00 was the whistleblower protection for upper management.
02:34:05 Anyone who is not unions.
02:34:08 Because unions are already covered.
02:34:10 But that's what we were going to discuss in the January
02:34:12 workshop.
02:34:15 The workshop says any additional discussions resulting from
02:34:17 the strategic planning meeting including Martin Shelby --
02:34:23 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Mrs. Montelione, if I recall directly we did
02:34:26 not get an opportunity to discuss that, where that you are
02:34:31 discussing.
02:34:31 But we did an audit portion but -- I totally understand what
02:34:35 you are saying.
02:34:35 >>LISA MONTELIONE: So it's the audit and the whistleblower
02:34:38 protection as well.
02:34:40 >>MIKE SUAREZ: All right.
02:34:40 So we have a motion by Mrs. Montelione, a second by Mr.
02:34:43 Cohen.
02:34:45 And Mr. Shelby, off question?
02:34:47 >>MARTIN SHELBY: Yes, I do, please.
02:34:48 Just so I'm clear, please, it's my understanding that you
02:34:52 are going to have policy discussions, and give us direction
02:34:54 to come back with language, to not have language at the
02:34:57 workshop, because we don't have a discussion after that
02:35:01 point.
02:35:03 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Right.
02:35:03 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Yes.
02:35:07 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Clerk, do you understand the motion?
02:35:08 All in favor of that motion please indicate by saying aye.
02:35:11 Any opposed?
02:35:12 Thank you.
02:35:13 Thank you very much, sir.
02:35:14 All right.
02:35:15 We are continuing on our agenda.
02:35:16 We are now going back too our public hearings number 38.
02:35:24 The first one we have not cleared so far is number 110.
02:35:37 Who is here for 110?
02:35:40 109 was pulled from the agenda.
02:35:41 >>BARBARA LYNCH: Land Development Coordination.
02:35:45 VAC 16-07 is a request to vacate two platted rights-of-way
02:35:50 down in Gandy, west of Dale Mabry, and I have a location map
02:35:55 for the overhead.
02:36:04 The future property is in red and the area to be vacated in
02:36:07 yellow. This is platted right-of-way.
02:36:11 These are dead-end never approved.
02:36:13 And this is a part of Clark Avenue, and Paxton Avenue, and
02:36:17 this is Pearl here.
02:36:19 Clark Avenue actually goes to Pearl.
02:36:22 They are only asking to vacate the portion of the
02:36:24 right-of-way abutting their properties.
02:36:28 Here is a photo.
02:36:32 The general area. This area right here that is -- is Clark
02:36:37 that is not going to be vacated, trees, the portion of Clark
02:36:41 that is going to be vacated.
02:36:44 There's residences on each side of this.
02:36:47 Here is a little closer view.
02:36:49 It's heavily treed.
02:36:51 I can't even get in there to get pictures really.
02:36:53 And this is the petitioner's property looking northeast from
02:36:55 Clark Avenue.
02:36:56 This would be like Paxton right there.
02:36:59 And this again is another picture, eastbound Clark Avenue,
02:37:04 where it intersects with Paxton.
02:37:11 This is the abutting ownership on the west side of Clark
02:37:14 Avenue.
02:37:16 This is the abutting ownership on the east side of Clark
02:37:19 Avenue.
02:37:20 And they abut the park that is not going to be vacated.
02:37:23 And this portion is not going to be vacated.
02:37:26 Staff has no objection to this request.
02:37:28 There are a couple of conditions.
02:37:29 One is that therefore will be a wastewater easement reserve
02:37:37 over the vacated area.
02:37:39 And then the applicant is going to have to pave.
02:37:45 Other than that, staff has no objections to the request.
02:37:50 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you.
02:37:50 Is the petitioner here?
02:37:51 >>STEVE MICHELINI: The proposal is to vacate the unused
02:38:03 rights-of-way to consolidate the property and allow a larger
02:38:09 apartment complex.
02:38:12 There's a reservation of an easement for wastewater which
02:38:21 when it's fully developed we will come back with a new
02:38:24 easement to replace the one that's being vacated over these
02:38:27 two parcels.
02:38:30 If you have any questions I will be happy to answer them,
02:38:33 but we respectfully request your approval on this.
02:38:36 Basically, it's a very large tract of land, and we'll have
02:38:42 to deal with the utilities independently when we go to
02:38:45 permitting, and at that time we'll provide the necessary
02:38:47 easements for all the utilities for the city and all the
02:38:50 providers.
02:38:54 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Does anyone in the public wish to speak on
02:38:56 item 110?
02:39:01 Before you speak, have you been sworn?
02:39:03 I don't think you were here when we sworn everyone in
02:39:06 previously.
02:39:06 (Oath administered by Clerk)
02:39:09 >> Mr. Chairman, I have been sworn.
02:39:19 Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman, members of council.
02:39:21 Al Steenson, 4100 west Leila Avenue, Tampa, Florida, 32616.
02:39:28 I'm also president of the Gandy Civic Association.
02:39:31 The association itself has not had an opportunity to vet
02:39:34 this.
02:39:35 I did invite Mr. Lum to our last meeting.
02:39:39 It was unfortunate -- he was out of town.
02:39:42 And I met with Mr. Lum, and the gentleman at 4101, that
02:39:49 property that she just showed Tuesday afternoon.
02:39:52 That's the first time I saw the site plan.
02:39:56 And Mr. Atkins lives on that corner.
02:39:59 He was there.
02:40:01 I don't have any real objections to this.
02:40:04 And we understand why it's being done, because they have to
02:40:06 have an outlet to bring utilities to the development that's
02:40:13 already been approved behind Sam's club.
02:40:15 However, I do have some concerns.
02:40:18 Personally, it's my personal concerns, is the fact that they
02:40:23 own the four properties, if you were to draw the line, they
02:40:27 run all four properties.
02:40:29 And I asked Mr. Lum, why would you buy a property that you
02:40:32 can't build on?
02:40:32 He said, well, we thought we could.
02:40:35 Now, he owns the lots, and they are going to be built on.
02:40:39 What happens if he decides to sell them?
02:40:41 Is there a way that we can put a restriction on there that
02:40:45 they won't be able to build on those properties?
02:40:47 That's one concern.
02:40:50 Now, they are going to be putting some utilities through
02:40:53 there, and we want the developer, the builder, to be
02:40:58 cognizant of that, and anything they take down, anything
02:41:01 that's destroyed, has to be put back in its original form.
02:41:07 And I'm sure that McCowan knows it, but that section of
02:41:15 Pearl right there that leads up to that is a no-truck route.
02:41:19 The railroad tracks to Dale Mabry.
02:41:21 Now, I'm sure that's going to have to be some trucks there,
02:41:24 and I would ask that they be brought -- if they have to come
02:41:33 in and bring materials in terms of utilities and pipes and
02:41:34 things like that, that they come in off Manhattan.
02:41:39 The railroad tracks are there.
02:41:40 That's the beginning of the no-truck zone.
02:41:46 And the one other concern I have, there are wetlands there,
02:41:49 and they are not delineated in here on these diagrams.
02:41:54 And those wetlands be very carefully protected.
02:42:02 Thank you very much.
02:42:02 >>HARRY COHEN: Mr. Michelini, how much opportunity will
02:42:14 there be between first and second reading on this to, A,
02:42:18 answer some of Mr. Steenson's questions, but, B, I'm
02:42:22 wondering how, if there will be a chance for the
02:42:25 neighborhood to meet between first and second reading.
02:42:30 And that way if there were any additional issues or
02:42:32 objections, you could either respond in writing or get them
02:42:38 to us.
02:42:40 Are you meeting again soon?
02:42:41 >> Our next meeting is next month.
02:42:51 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Come to the microphone now.
02:42:52 >> The meeting is next Monday.
02:42:55 However, I already have an agenda item that's probably going
02:42:58 to take a good bit of it.
02:43:00 I would be more than happy to put Mr. Lum on the agenda.
02:43:07 I have another good size project already lined up.
02:43:10 But I can certainly call him and ask him if he would like to
02:43:14 come Monday to give us a little more overview and listen to
02:43:20 my points.
02:43:22 You already heard my concerns because I just said them.
02:43:25 But whether there's other members that have concerns.
02:43:27 And I will give it a try.
02:43:28 >>HARRY COHEN: Mr. Michelini?
02:43:32 >> Sir.
02:43:36 >>STEVE MICHELINI: The main thing is council is vacating,
02:43:38 so your development issues will not surface at this point.
02:43:41 But we have committed to addressing all of these things
02:43:46 through permitting.
02:43:47 And we will also be required to file a transportation plan
02:43:54 that will show how you are going to access the site for
02:43:56 development.
02:43:57 And it's not going to allow you to bring heavy construction
02:44:01 trucks through residential areas.
02:44:02 >>HARRY COHEN: What you are telling Mr. Steenson is if this
02:44:06 is ever going to be developed, it's going to have to come in
02:44:09 here?
02:44:11 >>STEVE MICHELINI: Oh, yes.
02:44:13 Well, it won't be rezoned.
02:44:14 It already has correct zoning.
02:44:17 What happened was that these small parcels, these sections
02:44:20 here, surfaced when they started doing the survey work that
02:44:24 showed that these were unvacated rights-of-way.
02:44:28 They have never been utilized.
02:44:29 And the development area technically doesn't abut -- it
02:44:36 abuts the rear portion of these residences here.
02:44:39 And then the railroad tracks on the side.
02:44:42 >>HARRY COHEN: So what you are saying, you may not have a
02:44:47 chance.
02:44:47 >>STEVE MICHELINI: These why we are saying that the
02:44:51 protected measures are contained in your development codes,
02:44:54 and they are not going to allow you to go in and do anything
02:44:58 that's going to be disruptive or degrade the neighborhood.
02:45:01 As a matter of fact, when utilities go in, they will improve
02:45:04 the utilities for this whole south section of that
02:45:06 neighborhood that's served with water, sewer line and things
02:45:12 like that.
02:45:13 So the developer will have to pay to improve and increase
02:45:15 size and capacity of all of those things.
02:45:19 So I think that the payback to the community is pretty
02:45:23 significant.
02:45:24 That also includes the roads that will have to be improved
02:45:26 and rebuilt and repaved going in there.
02:45:31 There's a lot of upside to this for the community, and also
02:45:35 for the city that places the development that right now
02:45:39 can't go forward without vacating.
02:45:41 >>HARRY COHEN: Well, there's upsides to the community.
02:45:47 >>STEVE MICHELINI: Well, I will be happy to meet with them
02:45:49 at the next meeting and discuss this.
02:45:52 But I want to a sure council that there are several layers
02:45:54 of protection here.
02:45:55 This is not a come in, get afternoon vacating, then go down
02:45:59 the road and you are able to do whatever you like.
02:46:02 And there are significant improvements that have to be made
02:46:05 that will benefit the entire area.
02:46:06 >> BARBARA LYNCH: I want to add one item.
02:46:15 When our natural resources people went out, they had us add
02:46:18 language into the vacating ordinance about the wetland, and
02:46:22 delineation of a line, so that was added to our usual
02:46:27 landscaping requirements.
02:46:38 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Any other members of the public wish to speak
02:46:39 on number 110?
02:46:42 I see no one.
02:46:44 I have a motion by Mrs. Montelione to close, second by Mr.
02:46:47 Cohen.
02:46:47 All in favor of that motion?
02:46:50 Okay.
02:46:52 On number 110, I think, Mrs. Montelione, it's your turn.
02:46:55 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I was reaching for the agenda.
02:47:01 >>MIKE SUAREZ: You got a substitute in the addenda.
02:47:04 Second page of the addenda there.
02:47:06 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Second page of the addendum.
02:47:11 Okay.
02:47:11 So thank you for being on top of things, Mr. Chair.
02:47:15 I move an ordinance being presented for first reading
02:47:19 consideration, an ordinance vacating closing discounting
02:47:24 abandoning portions of a right-of-way known as Paxton, or
02:47:27 Marilyn, Avenue, and Clark Avenue lying north of Pearl
02:47:31 Avenue, south of Gandy Boulevard, east of CSX railroad
02:47:35 right-of-way and west of Grady Avenue, in Gandy city
02:47:40 platinum 1 revised, a subdivision in the City of Tampa,
02:47:44 Hillsborough County Florida the same being more fully
02:47:46 described in section 1 hereof subject to certain easement
02:47:48 reservations, covenants, conditions and restrictions more
02:47:52 particularly set forth herein, providing an effective date.
02:47:56 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Mrs. Montelione.
02:47:57 Second by Mr. Maniscalco.
02:47:59 All those in favor please indicate by saying aye.
02:48:01 Any opposed?
02:48:02 >>THE CLERK: Reddick, no.
02:48:07 Mr. Chair, second reading and adoption will be held on April
02:48:10 21st at 9:30 a.m.
02:48:15 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you, madam clerk.
02:48:19 So there are -- I wanted to make sure we are clear on that
02:48:23 We have three things to clear up.
02:48:25 We have agenda 111, 113, 114.
02:48:31 All three need to be rescheduled for notice not being
02:48:34 perfected, no affidavit filed, and a continuance.
02:48:37 If I could ask someone to take number 111 to make a motion.
02:48:40 >> Move to continue.
02:48:43 >> Second.
02:48:44 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Mr. Cohen.
02:48:45 Second by Ms. Capin.
02:48:46 All in favor of that motion?
02:48:50 And that's at 10:30, correct, sir?
02:48:52 >> [Off microphone.]
02:48:56 >>MIKE SUAREZ: It should be, so we'll make it at 10:30.
02:48:58 Thank you.
02:49:00 Item number 113.
02:49:01 >>LISA MONTELIONE: So moved review hearing to be scheduled
02:49:06 to May 19, 2016 at 10:30 a.m.
02:49:10 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Seconded by Mr. Cohen.
02:49:11 All in favor?
02:49:13 Any opposed?
02:49:15 Thank you.
02:49:15 Also number 114.
02:49:16 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I move review hearing to be rescheduled
02:49:19 on May 5th, 2016 at 10:30 a.m.
02:49:24 >> We have a motion by Ms. Montelione, second by Mr.
02:49:27 Maniscalco.
02:49:28 All in favor indicate by saying aye.
02:49:31 Any opposed?
02:49:31 Thank you.
02:49:32 All right.
02:49:32 Information reports.
02:49:33 I am going to start with Ms. Montelione.
02:49:35 I apologize.
02:49:38 Oh, I'm sorry.
02:49:47 Mr. Snelling.
02:49:51 >>THOM SNELLING: It was 17 and we had a substitute ordinance
02:49:55 for that.
02:49:59 I haven't filed it Ford record.
02:50:00 The title of the ordinance itself is identical.
02:50:03 Exactly what Councilman Maniscalco read, incorporated the
02:50:07 changes to adding provisions about the undergrounding of
02:50:11 utilities and correcting typos.
02:50:15 Come back to receive and file.
02:50:17 >> [Off microphone.]
02:50:25 >>MARTIN SHELBY: And to accept the substitute.
02:50:27 Thank you.
02:50:28 >>MIKE SUAREZ: We have a motion by Mr. Cohen.
02:50:30 Seconded by Mr. Maniscalco.
02:50:31 All in favor of that motion?
02:50:33 Any opposed?
02:50:34 Thank you.
02:50:36 Thank you, Mr. Snelling.
02:50:37 Okay.
02:50:37 Information reports.
02:50:38 Ms. Montelione.
02:50:39 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Remember when was silence from me for a
02:50:45 while?
02:50:46 I am going to make up for it today.
02:50:49 >>MIKE SUAREZ: We appreciate that.
02:50:50 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I have several items.
02:50:52 Bear with me, council.
02:50:54 Motion for presentation of commendation to the Hillsborough
02:50:56 County diversity advisory council for hosting its first
02:50:59 festival interact Hillsborough. This festival will feature
02:51:03 Hillsborough County's multicultural communities including
02:51:06 performances, dances, youth performances, fashion shows,
02:51:10 health fairs and ethnic foot.
02:51:12 Interact Hillsborough will take place on April 16th at
02:51:15 Joe Chillura Square from 11 a.m. to 3.
02:51:20 And the commendation will be delivered at the festival.
02:51:25 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Ms. Montelione.
02:51:26 Second by Mr. Cohen.
02:51:27 All in favor?
02:51:31 Thank you.
02:51:31 >>LISA MONTELIONE: The second commendation is for the
02:51:34 30th anniversary of the Hillsborough River board of
02:51:38 which I am chair.
02:51:41 But I will be asking vice chair Grant lindy, councilman in
02:51:45 Temple Terrace, the chair of the technical advisory
02:51:47 committee, and Sean college to be present on April 28th
02:51:51 at 9:00 a.m. to receive a commendation for the River Board.
02:51:55 >> Second.
02:51:58 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Mrs. Montelione.
02:51:59 Seconded by Mr. Cohen.
02:52:00 All in favor of that motion?
02:52:03 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I would like to, as we see on the
02:52:07 addendum to the agenda, as we have been seeing it for a
02:52:10 while, that the order of business will be amended until City
02:52:19 Council decides it shall be permanent.
02:52:21 The printed agenda will not reflect this change.
02:52:23 I would like to make a motion that we permanently change it.
02:52:26 We have been doing it for a while.
02:52:27 It seems to be working out well.
02:52:29 And I think we should move forward with changing it to end
02:52:33 confusion with the public.
02:52:34 >> Second.
02:52:36 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Any discussion on that motion by Mrs.
02:52:38 Montelione?
02:52:38 >> [Off microphone.]
02:52:44 >>LISA MONTELIONE: How much time do you need?
02:52:45 >>THE CLERK: [Off microphone.]
02:52:49 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Mr. Shelby wants to say something.
02:52:51 >>MARTIN SHELBY: That would require, to make it permanent
02:52:53 works require a change to your rules of procedure, which has
02:52:57 its own process, and it has to be by majority vote of the
02:53:00 entire council at any regular meeting after having been read
02:53:03 at two consecutive regular meetings.
02:53:05 So if you put it off to the next regular meeting, I will
02:53:08 have it on the agenda for you.
02:53:12 >>LISA MONTELIONE: Okay.
02:53:13 But we can do that before you have to physically change it.
02:53:17 >>MARTIN SHELBY: Yes.
02:53:18 >>LISA MONTELIONE: We could do that in April?
02:53:21 >>HARRY COHEN: You could do it April 21st and then may
02:53:24 5th and then the next meeting it would be reflected
02:53:28 would be May 19th.
02:53:29 >>LISA MONTELIONE: So with those dates suggested by our
02:53:31 vice chair.
02:53:33 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Mrs. Montelione, second by Mr.
02:53:35 Cohen with a friendly amendment as stated by Ms. Montelione.
02:53:39 All in favor say aye.
02:53:41 Any opposed?
02:53:42 Thank you.
02:53:42 >>LISA MONTELIONE: I would also request council a
02:53:45 commendation for the 19th annual Islam charity fest
02:53:52 which will be held at Macfarlane Park at 11 a.m. on April
02:53:57 24th with a commendation to be delivered during the
02:53:59 festival.
02:54:00 >> Second.
02:54:01 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Mrs. Montelione, second by Mr.
02:54:04 Maniscalco.
02:54:05 All in favor?
02:54:07 >>LISA MONTELIONE: You already talked about Gill Pederson.
02:54:15 You didn't mention when and where.
02:54:16 It will be at the MPO Livable Roadways Committee which I
02:54:19 also chair, April 20th at 9:00 a.m. at county center on
02:54:24 the 18th floor.
02:54:25 It is being held -- his appearance is being held in
02:54:28 conjunction with the USF live-move-student group.
02:54:32 Go Bulls!
02:54:33 And there will be free continental breakfast with our
02:54:37 regular meeting agenda to begin at 10 a.m.
02:54:40 >>MIKE SUAREZ: And thank you for telling us where it's at
02:54:43 because in the information that was sent to us by e-mail, it
02:54:45 did not say what room it was in.
02:54:48 So thank you.
02:54:49 That actually was very, very helpful.
02:54:51 >>LISA MONTELIONE: You're welcome.
02:54:52 If we have an overflow crowd we may have to move the meeting
02:54:56 because we are a little constrained in that room.
02:54:59 And finally, I would like to -- anybody that has read the
02:55:07 April 5th article by Mike zaranaro.
02:55:12 Yesterday the Hillsborough County commission has decided to
02:55:14 place the first public hearing on the referendum for a sales
02:55:18 tax on the calendar for the evening of April 27th.
02:55:23 So I think this is a tremendous step that we have all been
02:55:28 waiting for months and months and months.
02:55:31 So all of those who are interested in the potential of a
02:55:36 sales tax referendum, please be at the first public hearing
02:55:41 on April 27th at the Board of County Commissioners
02:55:44 chambers.
02:55:45 I do not have a time.
02:55:47 But I'm assuming it would probably be around 5:30 or 6:00
02:55:50 p.m.
02:55:52 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you.
02:55:52 >>LISA MONTELIONE: That concludes my public service
02:55:53 announcements for today.
02:55:57 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you.
02:55:57 Mr. Maniscalco, any new business?
02:56:00 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: Yes, sir, I have a few items.
02:56:02 First, I would like that we present a commendation honoring
02:56:06 assistant police chief Mary O'Connor who will be leaving the
02:56:09 City of Tampa police department in May after an admirable 20
02:56:12 years of service to the citizens of our great city, and to
02:56:15 do that for May 5th.
02:56:16 >> Second.
02:56:17 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Mr. Maniscalco.
02:56:20 Second by Mrs. Montelione.
02:56:21 >>HARRY COHEN: You know, we are doing Police Officer of the
02:56:23 Month on April 28th in the morning.
02:56:27 So there will be already a lot --
02:56:33 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: Let me change to the April 28th.
02:56:35 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Amended motion by Mr. Maniscalco.
02:56:37 Seconded by Mrs. Montelione.
02:56:39 All in favor indicate by saying aye.
02:56:41 Any opposed?
02:56:42 Thank you.
02:56:42 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: I have another item here.
02:56:44 If we could see about proposing or drafting an ordinance for
02:56:48 food for fines program, basically to have legal come back
02:56:53 with information on the benefits of introducing a food for
02:56:56 fines initiative which means the city would be accepting
02:57:02 nonperishable food for citations through December 16, 2016,
02:57:09 and if legal or staff could come up with a report on April
02:57:12 21.
02:57:14 >> Second.
02:57:16 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Motion by Mr. Maniscalco.
02:57:18 Seconded by Mr. Cohen.
02:57:19 All in favor of that motion?
02:57:22 Anything else, sir?
02:57:23 >>GUIDO MANISCALCO: Well, festive Italiano will be taking
02:57:28 place Sunday in Ybor City, an all-day event in Centennial
02:57:29 Park.
02:57:30 I encourage everybody to go to what is going to be perfect
02:57:33 and it's going to be a great day.
02:57:34 And that's it.
02:57:36 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Mr. Cohen, any new business?
02:57:37 >>HARRY COHEN: Yes, just one item, Mr. Chair.
02:57:39 I know that many council members attended services for
02:57:43 Matilda Martinez Garcia who passed away last week who was a
02:57:49 great pillar of this community for all 96 years of her years
02:57:53 and I would ask that council send a formal letter of
02:57:56 condolence to her family in marking her passing.
02:58:02 >>MIKE SUAREZ: I have a motion by Mr. Cohen, seconded by by
02:58:05 Mr. Maniscalco.
02:58:06 All in favor?
02:58:08 Thank you.
02:58:08 Anything else, sir?
02:58:11 Mr. Reddick, anything?
02:58:13 >>FRANK REDDICK: No.
02:58:17 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Mr. Miranda?
02:58:19 >>CHARLIE MIRANDA: No.
02:58:21 >>MIKE SUAREZ: I have a motion to receive and file all
02:58:23 documents.
02:58:24 All in favor?
02:58:25 Opposed?
02:58:26 Anyone else wish to speak to council at this time?
02:58:28 I see no one.
02:58:29 I apologize, Mr. Michelini.
02:58:31 Did you want to say something?
02:58:33 >>STEVE MICHELINI: Just briefly.
02:58:34 We have been meeting with the --
02:58:36 >> State your name.
02:58:37 >> Steve Michelini. Here with the Alliance.
02:58:42 We have been meeting with transportation to work out a lot
02:58:45 of the things you were presented with today.
02:58:47 And we are also working with them on the strategic of and we
02:58:55 had a soft opening, the shuttle, with Yellow Cab. Minardi
02:58:58 is here.
02:59:01 And that's being operated at no cost to all the patrons in
02:59:06 the area.
02:59:07 And it's operating Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.
02:59:11 Until we have a real hard schedule and know exactly how all
02:59:15 of those programs, and how it's going to interface with the
02:59:19 traffic and the people, if we don't want to make a public
02:59:24 press release announcement.
02:59:26 But as soon as we are close to that, and it will probably
02:59:29 happen in the next week or two, I will be coming back and
02:59:32 giving you a briefing, and working with transportation, TPD,
02:59:36 on exactly how that will occur.
02:59:40 One of the council members mentioned that we have traffic
02:59:43 congestion, and it's being caused a lot by the nonlicensed
02:59:51 transportation providers.
02:59:55 And by simply calling something not a cab doesn't solve the
03:00:00 problem.
03:00:01 They are being ticketed by TPD for their illegal stops in
03:00:04 the middle of the street.
03:00:05 And they'll continue to do that.
03:00:08 All of the stops for the shuttle are off of the
03:00:12 right-of-way.
03:00:12 They all occur on private property so they are not stopping
03:00:14 on the street.
03:00:16 They are pulling off into a parking lot, or they are picking
03:00:22 up or discharging passengers and operating two to three vans
03:00:27 on those days that I told you about, 15 passenger vans.
03:00:30 So we are being very proactive in this and trying to solve
03:00:35 issues before they get any worse and trying to correct some
03:00:37 of the measures that have caused problems in the past.
03:00:41 So thank you thank you very much for your time.
03:00:44 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Anyone else in the public that would wish to
03:00:46 make a comment at this time?
03:00:51 I assume you are coming up to say something?
03:00:54 >> Annaliesa Myers, west Bristol Avenue.
03:00:58 Thank you, Mr. Chair, for letting us speak.
03:01:00 I want to speak on the Howard Avenue plan.
03:01:02 We are not all in agreement but we are committed to working
03:01:05 together.
03:01:06 And I think we let it go a little long.
03:01:11 It's something we haven't really promoted in our city.
03:01:13 And I think we will compare to Orlando, but edge Watt
03:01:21 district went, we have to start somewhere.
03:01:23 We cannot wait for Channelside.
03:01:27 We have been waiting five years for that.
03:01:29 If we start here Seminole Heights will come, Ybor will be
03:01:33 resurrected and we will be a economic mess up.
03:01:40 And comments on Howard Avenue, we have a lot to work for but
03:01:45 at least we are recognizing it.
03:01:47 Thank you.
03:01:49 Jean Duncan's staff D.it's not easy dealing with the public
03:01:52 as you all know.
03:01:54 We all have our own opinions.
03:01:55 But I look forward to working with this committee.
03:01:57 There will be a committee, I'm sure, working with my
03:02:01 councilman Cohen to try to make Tampa a better place.
03:02:05 And you know what?
03:02:06 We do deserve better.
03:02:08 Tampa deserves better.
03:02:09 And by God, we all live here, most of us were raised here,
03:02:14 plan on staying here, and let's move forward now.
03:02:20 I had lunch with one of you today and we are at a point
03:02:23 where we can either sink or swim.
03:02:25 And I hate going across the bay.
03:02:28 I love staying here to the restaurants to walk.
03:02:30 It's here.
03:02:31 Let's make it happen.
03:02:32 Let's just push a little harder.
03:02:35 We can move some money in the budget.
03:02:37 We can all look at each other's neighborhoods.
03:02:40 Once one neighborhood goes we can help the other
03:02:43 neighborhood.
03:02:43 So thank you very much.
03:02:44 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you.
03:02:45 Anyone else in the public would like tock speak?
03:02:47 >> Thank you for the opportunity.
03:02:50 I will make it as quickly as I possibly can.
03:02:53 My name is Julie McGee.
03:02:55 I live at 607 South Westland.
03:02:58 14, 15-year resident of the SoHo neighborhood within two
03:03:01 blocks of Howard and Swann.
03:03:02 Currently nine years in the condominium I live in
03:03:05 overlooking Howard.
03:03:08 So I wanted to let you know that I'm a real estate
03:03:13 professional.
03:03:14 Neighborhoods and families and neighborhoods, that's what
03:03:16 matters to me.
03:03:17 I want to read something real quick that I got off the city
03:03:20 website, talking about overlay districts.
03:03:26 Very important reminders.
03:03:30 Developments are sensitive -- you know, to comply with
03:03:36 overlying district regulations.
03:03:40 The overlay district concept is -- is discussed in the
03:03:45 comprehensive plan as a method of preserving the character
03:03:49 of an area.
03:03:50 It will encourage development to occur that is compatible
03:03:54 with the existing scale and pattern of surrounding property.
03:03:58 The overlay districts will be to encourage property
03:04:01 development which will maintain the unique characteristics
03:04:04 of the area.
03:04:05 So these are just little things that, in my opinion, that's
03:04:10 not what's happening in SoHo.
03:04:12 It's kind of the honest sit happening.
03:04:14 That's why we are losing all of our character, all of our
03:04:17 historic businesses, and going away and being replaced by
03:04:21 bars
03:04:22 So anyway, I would like to, you know, thank you for your
03:04:25 comments, Ms. Montelione, about existing intersections.
03:04:30 I watch it.
03:04:31 Don't use the crosswalk eight out of the ten times if it's
03:04:35 there.
03:04:36 But I have to come and go on Howard.
03:04:38 And there's such a significant risk right in and out even
03:04:41 for my own personal risk.
03:04:43 I'm at risk of running over somebody every single day.
03:04:48 People are coming from everywhere.
03:04:50 I don't have a lot.
03:04:52 But what I have is mine.
03:04:53 I don't want to run over somebody.
03:04:54 I don't want to go through that experience.
03:04:56 I don't want to hurt a pedestrian.
03:05:00 And I don't want to lose what I earned because we don't have
03:05:05 a crosswalk N.three blocks we allowed well over a thousand
03:05:09 capacity of wet zonings that is 20-somethings getting drunk
03:05:15 on west Howard.
03:05:16 I'm at risk.
03:05:17 Everybody is at risk.
03:05:19 So I would like to express a study, for taxpayers and
03:05:25 attended by only 13 stakeholders of which zero were from the
03:05:30 neighborhood that is adversely affected which is Courier,
03:05:34 Oscawana.
03:05:35 That's where the cut-through traffic is.
03:05:37 That's where all the bars railroad congested.
03:05:41 We have no representation.
03:05:42 And further that we have no representation. Tim Glissen is
03:05:45 supposedly the neighborhood association contact he has been
03:05:50 missing in action for over a year, he hasn't held a meeting,
03:05:53 he hasn't had communication was the neighborhood since May
03:05:56 of last year.
03:05:58 And coincidentally he started going to the alliance meetings
03:06:03 at the same time.
03:06:04 So that's been a real problem.
03:06:07 >>MIKE SUAREZ: If I could interrupt you.
03:06:08 Your time is up but I would suggest that this may be
03:06:10 something to look at to our neighborhood empowerment to find
03:06:17 out the neighborhood groups so you can you can reach out to
03:06:20 them directly and you might be able to find that
03:06:22 information. If there is not an active neighborhood
03:06:24 association president or homeowner association president,
03:06:28 that might mean that information is not getting out to the
03:06:31 other members.
03:06:32 >> It's not.
03:06:33 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Because of that, no one is showing up to
03:06:34 these meetings.
03:06:35 So I would suggest finding out from them.
03:06:36 They may have a list or they may not.
03:06:39 But you might want to check with them first.
03:06:43 They would be glad too help shepherd that through to you.
03:06:47 >> And this would be a list of stake holders that were part
03:06:50 of the workers.
03:06:51 Not any of those people are from SoHo, Oscawana, Courier
03:06:55 City.
03:06:56 And also, some of those are the SoHo business alliance.
03:06:59 And I want you guys to really understand clearly, several
03:07:01 business alliance, the for-profit alliance, built up of the
03:07:05 businesses, they say they are up to about 40 members.
03:07:08 The two people who incorporated the SoHo business alliance
03:07:11 own almost one quarter of the business in the alliance.
03:07:14 What we have in soho has become the wolf watching the hen
03:07:22 house.
03:07:23 You have got the tail wagging the dog in SoHo.
03:07:27 >>MIKE SUAREZ: We appreciate your comments, Mrs. McGee.
03:07:29 Based on that list, as I said before, energizing that
03:07:31 community helps.
03:07:33 Thank you so much.
03:07:35 We appreciate it.
03:07:36 >> And just real quick.
03:07:38 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Ms. McGee, we were trying to make sure we
03:07:41 get going here with our three minutes.
03:07:43 >> I know, but this is such a big deal and we haven't had
03:07:46 any chance.
03:07:47 Okay.
03:07:48 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Okay.
03:07:48 I appreciate that.
03:07:49 And again, you know, try to contact those folks, try to make
03:07:53 sure that you get activated, the neighborhood empowerment
03:07:59 division.
03:08:00 That's what you need to do.
03:08:01 >> I think every one of you up here know I probably made
03:08:05 that kind of contact dozens of times.
03:08:08 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Again, thank you for your time.
03:08:09 We appreciate it.
03:08:10 Thank you.
03:08:10 >> Louie Minardi with yellow cab.
03:08:22 I want to give you an update of what we have done with the
03:08:25 SoHo area, what we are trying to do with traffic to get less
03:08:29 vehicles down there and stuff.
03:08:30 We started with two vehicles that we run from like 9:00 to
03:08:33 midnight, 1:00.
03:08:35 It's open.
03:08:35 We are on our third weekend that we have been doing
03:08:38 Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
03:08:39 We learned a lot in doing it.
03:08:42 You know, the Tampa Police Department has got our industry
03:08:45 parked at Azeele and Howard.
03:08:47 It works well.
03:08:47 We have tried to keep the taxis off the street.
03:08:51 I think we have done a pretty good job with that.
03:08:53 But the other traffic that's going up and down Howard, we
03:08:56 changed different procedures of where we are going up and
03:08:58 down the road, but obviously after about 11:00 at night the
03:09:02 traffic is almost to a stand still.
03:09:05 We were trying to tie Howard and SoHo and Hyde Park, so we
03:09:10 do a circulator going on Howard back too SoHo.
03:09:14 So they can park over there.
03:09:16 We can bring people back and forth are from there.
03:09:19 Also pick up people that are walking in the street that are
03:09:22 intoxicated walking up Swann or walking down Platt.
03:09:25 Our second phase would be from the same order of Azeele
03:09:30 where the taxi stand is, is to go north into downtown, and
03:09:33 do a circulator with the hotels, go to elementary, bring the
03:09:38 people down, possibly stop at UT.
03:09:41 I am more of a practical person.
03:09:42 I would rather get out there, because the best plans are
03:09:46 usually the ones that don't work.
03:09:49 Once you get out there, you see exactly what you run into
03:09:52 and where your turnarounds have to be and where to come out
03:09:56 or bring your vehicle in or out.
03:09:58 So right now it's just a task to see how it would work, with
03:10:04 best practices, and the industry has been trying to get our
03:10:09 industry to start dropping people off on side streets, stay
03:10:13 off of Howard as much as we can, and we do notice that
03:10:19 there's a lot of people coming off Bayshore to Howard that
03:10:22 aren't doing anything.
03:10:23 They are cutting through.
03:10:24 I don't know how that could be limited or something on -- I
03:10:28 don't know.
03:10:29 But the sidewalks, the good thing is people enjoy walking.
03:10:33 So there's a lot of people that would like to take the
03:10:36 service but, you know, they can walk there faster, and they
03:10:40 can get on a shuttle to get to one end, also down to the
03:10:45 Epicurean, and down to Bellum, because we found that's a
03:10:48 better turnaround down there.
03:10:52 It's just a process, and also doing a thing how fast we can
03:10:56 get back around so that so they know every 15 minutes it's
03:11:01 going to be there.
03:11:02 So we are trying to bring them from downtown and rotate them
03:11:05 into Hyde Park, SoHo, where they don't have to have their
03:11:08 car, have to move their car, don't even have to bring their
03:11:11 car too that area.
03:11:11 (Bell sounds).
03:11:14 >>HARRY COHEN: Very briefly, the reason there is so much
03:11:18 cut-through going from Bayshore on Howard north is because
03:11:20 that is the only light on Bayshore.
03:11:23 Fur going to go there, if you want too get to the
03:11:26 interstate, that's the only place to turn.
03:11:28 Bay to Bay, you are going west, Swann much earlier, you are
03:11:32 going west.
03:11:33 So that's it.
03:11:34 And it's one lane on either side of the street.
03:11:37 >> It is the only way.
03:11:42 Absolutely it is.
03:11:43 I'm just saying that's part of what creates that problem.
03:11:46 There are people that are using that area for -- I shouldn't
03:11:51 use the word customers.
03:11:55 We'll keep you posted as we go forward.
03:11:57 >>MIKE SUAREZ: Thank you.
03:11:58 We appreciate it.
03:11:59 Anything else?
03:11:59 Anything else?
03:12:00 Nothing?
03:12:00 We are adjourned.
03:12:01 Thank you.
03:12:07
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