Tampa City Council
December 6, 2001
9 a.m. Regular session
Part 1 of 2
Disclaimer: the following represents an unedited version of
Realtime captioning which should neither be relied upon for
Complete accuracy nor used as a verbatim transcript.
Any person who needs a verbatim transcript of the proceedings
May need to hire a court reporter.
[ gavel sounding ]
>>Gwen Miller: the Tampa City Council is called to order.
I yield to Bob Buckhorn.
>>Bob Buckhorn: thank you, Mrs. Chairman.
It is a pleasure to introduce my friend and a fellow city
Employee, the Reverend paul matthews an assistant pastor at
Bible-based church in temple terrace.
If you would join us at the podium for invocation and stand for
The Pledge of Allegiance immediately following.
[ Pledge of Allegiance ]
>> let us pray.
God of our weary years and God of our silent tears.
God who has brought us thus far along the way.
Become the day, oh, lord, thanking you for another day and
History and life and vitality of this city.
We are grateful for your many blessings, for life, for health,
And a reasonable portion of strength.
Thank you for the leaders of this city, the mayor, the members
Of council, and for those persons whose names May not be known,
But it is through their work that keeps the City moving forward.
As the council deliberates over challenging issues, we ask that
You give them unusual wisdom through their hearing, through
Their reasoning, through their ability to look through the fluff
Of things and make decisions that are in the best interest of
This city.
Erase sexism, racism and ignorance that we will not discriminate
Because of the sound of their name, the color of their skin or
National origin.
May peace and harmony prevail within these chambers today.
We ask these and all other blessings in he who said I am the way
Of truth and life, the christ of calvary, amen.
>>Gwen Miller: roll call.
[ roll call ]
The City Council of the City Tampa convene its session.
Charlie Miranda absent.
>>Gwen Miller: we have to approve the minutes.
All in favor of the motion say aye.
Opposed, nay.
This time we go to department heads.
We have Mr. Morris Massey.
>> Morris Massey, Legal Department.
Item 18 on your agenda today is a resolution setting a public
Hearing on a vacating request.
The petitioner would like to amend that ask before the
Resolution is passed by City Council to include some additional
Right-of-way.
So if you all could send this back to right-of-way mapping we
Will bring it back to you next week.
>> so moved.
>>Shawn Harrison: second.
>>Gwen Miller: wait until we get to it, Ms. Saul-Sena or do it
Now?
>>Linda Saul-Sena: do it now.
>>Gwen Miller: motion and second to send it back.
All in favor say aye.
Opposed, nay.
[ motion carried unaminously ]
Any other department heads?
At this time, we go to the audience portion that you May speak
To anything on the agenda expect public hearings.
>> good.
My name is sheila cole, east Hillsborough.
This morning -- I know that you have a tony pizzo award.
And I want to follow kind of like in his footsteps, and like he
Was here who wanted to say to his people that came before the
Cigar wrapping came, and in the same token I want to say some
Things about my people that came as traders, african traders.
I'll get back to that.
But right now I want to go straight to number 22 where we've got
This -- these lots all over town.
Number 22, that they are bringing them in from 30 to 25 so they
Can put houses on these teenie-weenie lots and won't have any
Yards and all these houses that they are building right here,
Rotting, putting a coat of paint on them.
This house is up for sale, 34th and Hillsborough.
You go to city hall you'll find a paper that says that.
This house has all its rotten wood over it.
It pains me, but I have to say that it is my opinion -- I have
Been following these houses, that you need to dump the dead
Weight like the lady say.
Dead weight, they are not doing right.
I'm following these houses up.
I will be following them, I will be investigating.
I have a camera for you.
I will help the council find out that these people have put
Paint on top of rotten wood for over ten years, and this is not
Right.
And 99% of the people in these houses are poor black people.
They go on the tent if you say you can stay there, it's yours.
They don't have any choice but to accept this paint on top of
This rotten wood house.
Go to my sister's house, lean on the wall and you will fall
Through it.
She into that house by guaranteeing they would pay the bill.
I need to say that you need to get rid of them because I have no
Problem with giving it all back to a big company.
I don't want them to continue to take the money, steal the
Money.
I feel bad because one thing, I know some of the people, and
It's unfortunate, but I say get rid of them and get rid of them
Right away and I’ll say it over and over until my three minutes
Are up, take them to the block, chop them up, get rid of them.
They are not doing right.
If you just go to one place, down 29th, turn down 31st street
Where they say they have a $77,000 house for sale.
Just turn down there and look on this side of the street where
You see all these drunks and drug addicts sitting there drinking
And who is going to pay $77,000 to move in front of them.
How are you going to get down to your house, what I want to know
For sure, just go down that street and you'll see that needs to
Be cut, coach needs to be cut and a slew of other contractors.
How do you go back and how a man that's previous -- if this man
-- if this has been going on for ten years, it apparently has
Started before him.
The City went down and got the man before the break and now get
The man before the stop thieving stuff.
It has to stop.
And I’m the new investigator and I will be helping the council.
I will be providing documents.
I will show what you I am talking about.
Back to my african heritage.
You know we came over in these big old ships in africa.
We had gold.
You gave them trinkets, we gave them gold.
They gave each one of my men a hundred wives -- my time up?
I have to go to the doctor's appointment.
I'll be back.
>>Gwen Miller: thank you, next.
>> good morning.
My name is clarence towns.
2706 north 33nd street.
And I’m going to talk on number 15, following number b 2001-44.
Those properties in there are in the Ybor City historic
District.
They are being sold, you know, without a beard.
When I came up here in the west Tampa area, I had the people
From the real estate division come over and changed the rules
For me because apparently they don't want any blacks that's
Independent buying property in east Tampa.
You know, I found out something Saturday when a white guy
Approached me and said have I heard of r.w.g.
You know, I looked at him and said, nah, I said have you ever
Heard about that, that's "rich white guys" that want to do work
And prosper over in east Tampa, don't care what type of work
They do, that work they do will be approved.
I say, you know, wow.
Rwg, huh.
He said he and his wife were a neighbor of Steve LaBrake.
He knew both the Mayor and the assistant Mayor because seems
Like these two guys need nonprofits and they are employees or
Certain employees of the City of Tampa seem like they are
Running the situation now.
You know, and just yesterday I learned that 56 properties are
Going up for bid.
Going up for bid.
But what it is is they let the nonprofits to peak through them
And get the best.
Can imagine a plate of food in front of you and put a dog on the
Table and he'll eat what he wants and leave you all the sCRAps.
What's going to be left?
Nothing.
Some type of change needs to be done for those properties.
Have an open auction.
That closed bid, not going to hack it.
Nonprofits get it all.
You can see what they have.
Having houses, people move in and the houses falling apart.
Religious groups, Tampa united methodist center putting people,
21 houses in a old landfill and people don't remember that it
Was a dump.
It was a dump.
You have hundreds of people over there that it.
I know people that work there in the sanitation department and
Come to me and say it was a dump.
We used to dump there, but they are afraid to go forward because
Of intimidation, they May lose their job.
It is unbelievable.
That's why you are at City Council.
You can ask the u.s. Attorney's office to look into if this is a
Dump area and look into what's going on over there in east
Tampa.
Also, if you don't know, I found out by hud standards, it's
Illegal to put low- and moderate houses in an area that
Concentrate only those type houses in an area.
You are breaking federal rules on that.
H.u.d. Says that to me and something needs to be done and I am
Going to see if I can file a complaint where something can be
Done.
I live over there.
Those houses they are building is not bringing anyone in; they
Are running everyone out.
Believe me.
I asked the nonprofits, people who work there and I asked would
You live in any those houses.
No way.
You all have codes on the book that they don't have to have back
Doors.
Oh, that's cold, we don't have to back doors.
Most of those bedrooms 9 by 10.
You put furniture in there, off dresser blocking a window.
A little kid 2, 3 years old move a dresser and get out the
Egress window as I was told.
That code needs to be changed.
Doors need to be mandatory back doors or side doors within 14
Feet within the back area of the house.
>>Gwen Miller: Ms. Saul-Sena.
>>Linda Saul-Sena: thank you.
As chairman of the building and zoning committee and working in
Conjunction with Mr. Noriega, I would like to schedule a tour of
Some of the homes that the City has been building in east Tampa
And a briefing for councilmembers of what our strategies have
Been in terms of the new housing creation.
And what I would like to do is get with Mr. Noriega to find a
Convenient time and invite all the councilmembers and notice it
Properly so there can be more than one councilmember on the
Tour.
But for City Councilmembers and city staff to go and look at
Some of the areas that the City has been redeveloping in the
Last few years in terms of new home ownership.
I think that will be very valuable and the weather is finally
Cool enough that it is a pleasant thing to do.
I'll schedule that in the next week.
>>Gwen Miller: thank you, Ms. Saul-Sena.
Thank you, Mr. Townsend.
Next.
>>> good morning, ladies and gentlemen, my name is moses knott,
Jr., 902 east ellicott street.
Thank God for him and bless me to be here one more time to do
God's will.
You know, ever since I have been coming to this podium and
Saying -- I used to come to this podium and tell you I am --
Trying to sneak me some op advertisers in there and things --
And more I try to advertise.
But when I change, I said, lord, I will give up everything.
I want to do your will.
All through the lord's prayer, he said let my will be done.
Forget about your will if you do god's will, your will will come
True.
And he is blessing on me right now.
You know about these lots, I agree with everything they have
Said, but I’ve been coming down here for years and years telling
You all about this lot.
People have approached me many time.
I want to build a house, but I can't find a lot.
I told them to put my name on and mail me a letter every month
That -- how many lots you got that we can buy.
Not little corner lots that these habitat people, they can't
Use.
Those small lots.
They were talking about the house as while ago.
All those small lots, you try to build a big house.
And if you go buy a lot -- all them people bought them houses
You can't drive a car in the backyard.
It is just that small.
Something else I have been complaining for years and years.
You go calling people CRAck houses and tearing them down.
Every time you say a CRAckhouse -- they don't exist.
Got a condemned house.
The problem that I have been having, I have been preaching about
This thing again.
I don't have nothing wrong with you all tearing down things, but
Pay the people compensation this that's the problem.
To May heart, how you torn down people's houses and put a fine
Charge, $250 on there and drove the people out of the house.
That is what their plan was to build houses for the poor people.
That was their plan.
But you drove the people and -- the run the poor people out of
There and built the house for the middle class and the rich and
Then saying nonprofit people.
And I ain't find nobody to build the house in town -- except the
House that Steve LaBrake built.
A nonprofit house.
Nobody made a dime off that house.
And I want everybody to pray for this man.
I'm serious.
I'm a christian man.
That man was not in that by himself and when he gets through, a
Trainload of white folks and trainload of white -- black people
All getting loaded up.
>>Gwen Miller: thank you, Mr. Knott.
Anybody else in the audience who would like to speak?
We go to item 2, anyone here from the department of
Transportation to do a presentation?
>> bob clifford, Florida Department of Transportation.
Councilmembers, we are here before you today to bring before you
The Gandy project, the Gandy connector project.
Specifically, we want to refresh your memory of where we are on
The project.
What we are looking at is Gandy corridor from u.s. 19 to dale
Mabry.
Two pd&e studies currently on the way, one on the pinellas side
And one on the Hillsborough side.
As part of a major investment study previously we had
Undertaken, we made a commitment for the pd&e study on the
Hillsborough side to look at the two build alternatives that had
Moved forward, commonly referred to as the bypass alternative
And the on Gandy elevated alternative.
We made the commitment to do a detailed traffic analysis of a
Six-lane on Gandy alternative to see if it was able to make the
Need.
And if it was, we would be able to move forward.
What we are here to present to you today, as we previously
Presented at a Public Workshop, also presented to the
Hillsborough board of County commissioners and the mpo, that
Six-lane analysis to show you what a six-lane facility would
Look like in the future if we were able to do that in terms of
Maximizing that six-lane facility to try to meet a need from a
Traffic perspective.
At this time I will introduce gabor farkasfalvy to go through
The presentation for you.
>> good morning.
I'm gabor farkasfalvy.
I am the project manager for both of these pd&e studies.
Project development and environmental study for the department
Of transportation.
And jeff novakny is the project manager for the consultant
That's been selected to do the study on the Hillsborough portion
Of this pd&e segment.
Like bob introduced us saying this is a commitment that we will
Be following up on that was made by the secretary of district 7,
Secretary of transportation, ken hartmann.
The study includes and we can then get into the show now -- the
Study includes a portion in pinellas, as well as in
Hillsborough, but today we will be focusing only on the
Hillsborough portion.
I guess we can skip these, but the meat of this is a six-lane
At-grade alternative that was previously examined during the
Major investment study phase of the project and we found that
That timing does not meet the need of the project, meaning it
Does not meet the criteria for a regional facility.
The regional facility was also designated as a hurricane
Evacuation route.
So we have the hurricane evacuation criteria, as well as the
Traffic capacity criteria.
This is where we are and this is a computer simulation which is
More or less a design level evaluation of this.
This is a little bit more than we normally do for project at
This stage.
But because of the controversy that was attached to it, we
Decided to go ahead and develop a computer model that would
Graphically indicate or demonstrate what will happen in the year
2025, which is the year we are designing this project for.
What would happen if you drove a car from Dale Mabry westward
Toward Westshore.
And it is a program that was developed just for that purpose and
What we input into this is a traffic projection which is based
On today's traffic counts and then with some methodology that
Pretty much is what we use for all of the department of
Transportation projects.
Forecast as to what the traffic volume will be in the year 2025.
Currently, we have a four-lane facility out there.
When we say six lanes, not just adding lanes, but we also
Optimize the traffic signals as well as blow out the
Intersections, meaning that we add all the necessary turn lanes
That will facilitate the movement, not just on Gandy but off of
Gandy.
So we have to pay attention also to the side streets and you
Will see that those were taken into consideration also as to how
Traffic moves on and off the main route.
Level of service that was briefly on the screen is a measure as
Who how, quote unquote, good the traffic is.
It's like in school, a is the best, f is the worse, department
Of transportation designs for nothing worse than a level of
Service "d," and "f" is the absolute worse and it is completely
Unacceptable.
The model itself is based on the regional traffic model -- model
Which is developed by the mpos and we use that region wide,
District seven district wide for all our models.
The computer program which is corridor simulation study that the
Little things represent cars.
And the cars that we are following is the one that has a little
Flag on it that will -- that's in the circle and then we'll turn
Onto Gandy Boulevard and proceed westward toward Westshore
Avenue -- Westshore Boulevard.
I think it's a -- kind of a boring show because all you will see
Is --
[ laughter ]
-- and I’m sorry about that, but that's just the way it will
Work out.
It will show the car moving, or as the case May be, not moving.
The entire show is a realtime presentation, in other words, it
Takes the same amount of time it will take you if you are
Sitting in the car in traffic.
It will be a little bit more comfortable here than there, but
Nevertheless, the same amount of time.
The cars -- the car is now approaching the first signalized
Intersection.
The previous slide showed we had four of those on the project.
And the first one is lois Avenue, and we are approaching that
Right now.
And I think that's just the way it goes from here on to
Westshore.
I think we can skip to the next one.
This is lois here.
And the car there on the right side of the screen, that circle.
And so far, the time flashes up and every time the slide
Changes, the lower right-hand corner is the time that's elapsed
Since the journey started.
>>Linda Saul-Sena: sir --
>>Gwen Miller: Ms. Saul-Sena would like to interrupt you for a
Moment.
>>Linda Saul-Sena: don't stop this.
I want to share with my colleagues this is my second time of
Watching this because we had a full presentation of the mpo
Although I understood it was Slightly sped up that we weren't in
Absolute realtime.
I was wondering if traffic engineers chose to develop the
Software to absolutely crush the spirits of anybody who was
Trying to question a particular decision, because being stuck in
Traffic in real life, you can listen to the radio or chat with
Someone in the car, but when you are stuck in traffic on a
Computer model, you just watch your little dot move across the
Screen.
Actually, the reason they developed this was in response to a
Real concern by the community.
The community of citizens, particularly south of Gandy was very
Concerned at the different -- that the department of
Transportation consider a widening as carefully as they consider
The southern loop of -- that's being proposed.
And what this simulation shows, and, you know, excruciating
Detail, is how you'd be stuck in traffic, and even after
Spending, how much money to do this?
>> all together this portion of Gandy was estimated to cost $100
Million, construction and right-of-way acquisition costs.
>>Linda Saul-Sena: we are currently suffering excruciating
Budget cuts.
We are looking toward the future.
We know our needs in terms of meeting transportation are in the
$2 billion range and our income is in the less than $1 billion
Range and to spend $100 million and still be at level of service
"f" is just, you know, painful to contemplate, but this does --
You know, this does show how even if we spend $100 million and
Got the additional lanes and did the service -- does this
Include service roads to get to the commercial on the sides or
The commercial is still accessed directly from Gandy?
>> driveway access onto the facility.
Just six lanes -- basically adding two more lanes -- with the
New standards, nodes -- in other words, standard lanes with all
The median cuts to allow turns.
And like I said before, also, we examined the signal timing,
Synchronizing as well as optimizing the traffic lights.
And also, let me add here, because we are showing Manhattan
Avenue, that all the projects that are currently on the book
Like the widening of Manhattan have been considered in this
Study.
And like I said before, you can look at the side streets, and it
Doesn't have those either.
So it is not like we know we try to make Gandy look better or
Bad or anything.
This is not the purpose the study to frustrate people, but
Unfortunately, this is what happens when you find that the
Facility that we are considering does not meet the need -- does
Not meet the transportation needs.
>>Linda Saul-Sena: does this show an improvement, an overpass
At Westshore?
>> no, it does not.
This is all at-grade.
>>Linda Saul-Sena: thank you.
>> we are eight minutes into the journey now.
We skip through a slide before, but right about the time that we
Are approaching Manhattan is where today you would already be
Completing the trip that was about four minutes.
So to date, these four minutes of the year 2025 is -- with the
Increased traffic volumes, it takes considerably more than that.
Now we are getting close to Westshore.
That just goes on and on like this.
It's going to be on the screen a little bit, but I can tell you
Right now, it takes 17 minutes.
And it is 1.2 miles, and it's just totally unacceptable as it's
Shown by the level of service "f."
That's -- you know, the worse level of service that you can get.
And the conclusion, and I alluded to some of these earlier, we
Mentioned the $100 million figure, and that, again, is just from
The Hillsborough portion.
The project itself includes other elements, that is not included
In this $100 million.
So we, at this point, want to continue this study considering
Other alternatives other than the 6-lane at-grade alternative.
And this is the study schedule.
We will have Public Workshops and public hearings.
In other words, the coordination with the public is not going to
Stop.
It is going to continue.
We will obviously go through whatever meetings we need to with
Small groups and large groups, the workshop and the hearing is
What the major meetings that the Department of Transportation
Will hold.
And that -- when we get into the other alternatives, the
Elevated Gandy alternatives and the -- primarily elevated bypass
Alternatives, as well as build out option that the point.
>>Gwen Miller: Ms. Saul-Sena.
>>Linda Saul-Sena: councilmembers, we will continue to hear
About this because it will be very controversial and it is very
An uncomfortable -- it is going to be a tough decision, but i
Think it's appropriate that the Department of Transportation
Continue to present to council, as well as inviting us to the
Public hearings on this, because our constituents, the residents
In the south Tampa area and the commuters who use Gandy are
Really affected by this.
As we can see the issue right now is not too critical.
It is not in bad shape.
That is as we look 20 years into the future, we can see that the
Demands increase by 50%.
And the level of service will just, you know, screech to a dead
Halt, but he to do something.
>>Gwen Miller: Ms. Ferlita.
>>Rose Ferlita: Ms. Saul-Sena, you are absolutely right and i
Think you are on target with this.
Just as I received from jean wells and other people, my
Colleagues we have received comments from them and as we go
Forward, we have to be very, very aggressive and very, very
Objective of what we want to focus on with the transportation
Issues that will cause some more of that backlog.
We look forward to further dialogue with you and for the
Neighborhood that will be the most impacted with this situation.
>> we have some handouts that we will distribute in a little bit
And appreciate any comments that anybody May have on the project
Because we need people who have local knowledge of the projects
To provide input for us to consider on -- on doing these
Projects.
Thank you very much and happy holiday.
>>Gwen Miller: any questions from councilmembers?
Thank you, we really appreciate you being here and sharing that
With us.
At this time, we go back to Item Number 1, 99-30.
Presentation of the tony pizzo award.
We go to Ms. Alvarez.
>>Linda Saul-Sena: while she's coming to the microphone, what i
Just want to say is my comments shouldn't infer that I am not
Accepting the no-build, but accepting the no-build and having
$100 million and still being at level of service f.
>> madam chairman, colleagues, it is my great pleasure to
Present the tony pizzo award today.
And I will tell you what it's all about.
The City of Tampa tony pizzo award is given annually to someone
Who has been actively involved in the City or County's
Historical, education, preservation, research, or community
Service, involving the history and heritage of Tampa.
Mr. Joe capitano has demonstrated one or more of these areas
With exceptional leadership in our community.
The tony pizzo award committee met a number of times this
Summer, and we came back with -- we had a few nominations, and
They were all very -- very good that we thought that they
Deserved something like that, you know, but we decided that joe
Capitano really excelled in this area.
The tony pizzo award committee consisted of willie garcia, helen
Benito, nuvega smith, annie hart and desiree was our moderator.
I would like to say that Mrs. Pizzo is here this morning and
Thank you for coming.
Mrs. Benito and willy garcia.
And i, of course, was the chairman.
There is a few points I want to mention about Mr. Capitano.
One of the things is he is my friend.
So is his wife.
Mr. Capitano has been instrumental in restoring and renovating
Much of Ybor City.
The first building he renovated was the suarez building in 1987.
When time came to relocate his company's Executive Offices, he
And his family chose to stay in Ybor City.
They renovated and restored the coral cigar factory with as I a
Historical building that was closed and vacant at the time.
All the internal architecture of the building was maintained and
It is now a thriving office space for many businesses which
Relocate to Ybor City.
The italian club is a historical landmark which was on the verge
Of being lost, and it was saved by much of the hard work, time,
And devotion that Mr. Capitano put in this building, not to
Mention his own money.
If it were not for him, many of the renovations and grants that
Were received to save this building would not have happened.
It also has a museum in there, and having the italian club
Cemetery property accept it as a national historic property is
Also something that Mr. Capitano had a large role in.
Mr. Capitano also served as president of the Ybor City
Development corporation.
Mr. Capitano's community service, which he is proud of, is being
-- is bringing daytop to Tampa.
Daytop is a program we can -- which exists and educates drug
Addicts in our community.
Mr. Capitano's latest endeavor which he was instrumental in was
The developing and opening of the central village charter school
In east Tampa.
This charter school just opened in August 2001 will have their
Very first christmas party sponsored by Mr. Capitano and his
Family with gifts for all the children.
Joe, you have done so much -- would you come up, please.
-- for the City, for everyone involved, that it gives me great
Pleasure -- will you come and stand please.
To present you with the -- with the commendation from the City
Of Tampa as the 2001 recipient of the tony pizzo award.
And i'd like to read this.
[ applause ]
The commendation is presented to joseph capitano, jr., In
Recognition of your outstanding contributions to the
Preservation of the history and culture of Tampa.
The Tampa City Council is honored to award you as the City of
Tampa's tony pizzo award recipient for the year 2001.
This is signed by all of our -- all of my colleagues.
Linda Saul-Sena, Shawn Harrison, Gwen Miller, Rose Ferlita, bob
Buckhorn, Charlie Miranda and myself.
And we congratulate you.
[ applause ]
I also would like to present you with a key chain with the City
Seal and also a pin for your lapel.
You'll have to remove that.
[ laughter ]
The Mayor couldn't be here today because he had another meeting,
But we do have -- and he apologizes, but we have a proclamation
To give you and Mr. Noriega, one of your other friends is going
To read it to you.
>> thank you.
>> good morning, council.
I -- before we read this proclamation, I want to also
Congratulate Mr. Nick castellano -- and his wife for starting
The wonderful family of six children, three boys and three
Girls, that Mr. Capitano and gilda has -- and I think that they
Truly need to be congratulated because they are very active in
The community.
And they are one of our best assets.
And I’ve known joe since I came to work for the City.
And as recent as yesterday, I’ve met with joe, and I meet with
Joe almost every day.
[ laughter ]
If every day joe has an idea or a project or a vision that he
Would like.
But on behalf of Mayor Greco, I would like to read the
Proclamation.
Whereas, the City of Tampa takes pride in its rich culture and
History and has established a tony pizzo award to recognize the
Endeavors of persons and organizations in the community whose
Ethics maintain and preserve its culture and history.
And whereas, Mr. Joe capitano, sr., Certainly qualifies for this
Award due to his dedication to our community, through his hard
Work, effort, and education, preservation and community service.
And whereas, joe capitano has donated years of service to
Preserving and restoring the st. Peter claver catholic school
And was instrumental in getting a boys and girls club located
On-site.
He also personally sponsored a christmas party with gifts tore
Children of the school each year.
And whereas, he has been actively involved with jesuit high
School through the years serving as an executive board member
And currently serving on the foundation board.
He also donates time and energy, much energy, to saint lawrence
Catholic high school and serves as an officer in housing by
Saint lawrence, a nonprofit.
The program is designed to build houses for low-income families.
And whereas, joe capitano has been a lifetime promoter of the
Preservation of Tampa's history and was instrumental in the
Restoration and renovation of the italian club in Ybor City.
And I might say that it was a one-man thrust to bring everybody
Else aboard.
A historical building which now serves as a striving office
Space for many businesses.
I'm sorry.
Serving as its acting president and is also restoring and
Renovated the factory as a historic building which now serves as
A striving office space for the many businesses.
And was instrumental in opening the italian club museum and
Having the italian club cemetery, which I think is monumental.
Accepted as the national historic property.
And whereas, his contribution to the preservation of our city's
History and extraordinarily thus making him a fitting example of
Volunteerism and historic preservation of the City of Tampa.
The tony pizzo award seeks to recognize and whereas the City of
Tampa tony pizzo award for the year 2001 has been awarded to
Mr. Joseph capitano, sr..
Therefore, i, Dick a. Greco, by the virtue of the authority
Invested in me, as Mayor of the City of Tampa, do hereby
Proclaim that the efforts and accomplishments of joseph
Capitano, sr., Be recognized as outstanding contributions to the
Preservation, history, and culture of this city and call upon
All its citizens to salute and acclaim this accomplishment.
Dated this 6th day of December, 2001.
Congratulations, joe.
[ applause ]
>>Gwen Miller: Mr. Capitano, our chairman, Charlie Miranda,
Apologizes for not being here, but he has a letter that will be
Read to you by Rose Ferlita.
>>Rose Ferlita: thank you, madam chairwoman.
This is on behalf of our chairman.
Dear Mr. Capitano, my sincerest congratulations on being this
Year's recipient of the City of Tampa's tony pizzo award.
I know that tony pizzo will be very proud.
You have been a great asset to the City and I can't think of
Anyone more deserving than you.
We at the City recognize the untiring service and valuable
Contributions you have made and look forward to many more years
Of your outstanding service.
Sincerely, Charlie Miranda, chairman, City Council.
And joe, with no discredit to our chairman, I’m kind of happy
That he's not here this morning to be able to read it himself,
Because I would like to add a couple of comments myself.
Joe and I have been friends since we were kids.
When he was at jesuit I was at the academy and on from there.
So we have been long-term friends.
Obviously what joe has done for this community is incredible, to
Enhance our italian heritage.
I'm uniquely appreciative of.
What he's done for places like st. Peter claver, for other
Charities is amazing.
The entire community, Ybor City and beyond Ybor City is a credit
For what you have done for our city.
You are certainly someone that makes your parents very, very
Proud.
Mr. And Mrs. Capitano, I congratulate you.
To joe ferlita capitano, I -- to your children, to the rest of
Your family, to your associates.
The fact that people from our community have taken the time to
Come here today.
Friends from all walks of life.
I mean, that speaks clearly for joe.
And the one amazing thing about joe is that any time he calls
Me, I try to respond with the same type of enthusiasm that he
Brings to the table.
So if there is an issue that joe wants help with, I know it is
An important issue.
But at the end of it all, he has this unique, unique talent
That, remember, we are helping him, but ultimately, he will find
A way to weasel yet another contribution out of me for the
Italian club.
I love you.
[ applause ]
>> well, she took all the words out of my mouth there, but
Anyway, I just want to say that it is quite a tribute for your
Family and your friends to be here.
You have a lot to be proud of.
Your parents have a lot to be proud of.
Your wife, your children.
You have done a great job and i, for one, am really, really
Proud of you.
>> thank you.
>> thank you again for everything.
[ applause ]
>> thank you --
>> will be a reception downstairs in the mascot room.
So please feel free to go down and imbibe.
Thank you, joe.
>> I’m a little bit overwhelmed, but anyway.
I would like to thank the mayor, the City Council, and the
Committee who nominated me for the tony pizzo award.
It is an honor to accept the award.
Tony pizzo was a very instrumental part of the preservation of
Ybor City.
And so -- didn't know real well but knew him well enough that we
Were on talking terms, what have you.
And I want to thank Mrs. Pizzo pore being present with us this
Morning.
Thank you very, very much.
I want to promise her that tony's love for Ybor City and the
Culture will never die.
We'll see to that.
My gratitude goes my parents.
I would like for them to stand up, my mom, angie and my dad,
Nick.
[ applause ]
They were my first teachers.
Because of them I learn the importance of being involved in
Civic life.
I want to thank my wife, gilda, who is here.
[ applause ]
For her constant support over the 42 years of marriage.
And thank all of my children who are here.
I've got six kids.
[ laughter ]
Joseph, jr., Stand, frank david, maria, elena and ... I think
You are here -- they are all here and my sister, rosalie who has
Been there to support me and my brother-in-law who is not here
Today who had a previous appointment.
In 1996, I was elected president of the italian club.
At the time the building was in deplorable condition.
The third floor was housing pigeons and the building was not
Functional.
I must thank the board of the italian club who worked so
Intensely with me and assisted in bringing the italian club
Where it is today.
A functional canteen that, two ballrooms and a museum.
I am proud to be part of the culture and history and
Preservation of Ybor City and Tampa.
In closing, I must thank some people who without their financial
Support this could not have ever happened.
First of all, the state of Florida who donated $600,000 in -- we
Had to match it, and we actually spent a lot more than that
$600,000 matching, but we actually in the five years that I have
Been involved with the italian club, approximately $2.2 million
Has been spent on that building, and we still have a heavy
Mortgage, but anyway -- for the state of Florida.
To manufacturers bank, joe chillura, jr., Who was -- who was
Kind enough to take a chance and advance us and loan us the
Money so we could complete the job.
The festa italian community, my son, joe, jr., A major
Instrumental part in raising the money to keep it going.
Jim walter foundation, the junta family, the ted canal family,
Beagle importing, times warner, central bank, and duckwall
Foundation who were all major contributors, along with the pepin
Distributing and central bank.
And recently, george adams, sr., And jr., Of electric supply.
Without these people, this project could have never got done,
And I’ve got to tell you, I really honestly and on behalf of
Myself and the italian club of what they have done to help us.
People see me come and they run.
[ laughter ]
I'm always looking to raise money for something.
Also, there's a couple of people that helped make this happen.
One was jack shiver who helped restore the building next door,
Which was called the annex 37 alan cahana who always went to
When I needed to know or ask something about an old building.
Ron, my good friend who has helped me with ideas when he looked
At the plans and how to do it or not to do it.
Joe was always there to give me guidance -- joe is probably one
Of the older members and probably knows more about the -- knows
More about the italian club than anybody I know.
Sam who has been very instrumental and he came out of retirement
To help me.
Grace who heads our committee.
Rose who heads our auxiliary and perez who wrote the grants.
Vince Pardo was always there to ask questions.
And fernando was not kidding about me aggravating him.
I'm probably on his case every day.
He's not argue being that.
I thank you so much and I certainly appreciate it.
Thank you.
[ applause ]
>>Gwen Miller: Mr. Capitano, I would like to congratulate you.
I know the hard work you've done.
I've been in that area, and I’ve seen a lot of things that you
Are doing, and I want you to continue to do it so you can get
Another award.
When you work hard, you get good awards and I’m so happy for you
And continued hard work.
>> thank you.
We will take a ten-minute break and be right back.
[ a ten-minute break was taken ]
[ gavel sounding ]
>>Gwen Miller: Tampa City Council called back to order.
[ roll call taken ]
>>Gwen Miller: we will now go into our committee reports.
Public safety committee, Mr. Bob Buckhorn.
>>Bob Buckhorn: move item 4-6.
>>Linda Saul-Sena: second.
>>Gwen Miller: motion and a second.
All in favor say aye, opposed nay.
Building committee, Ms. Linda Saul-Sena.
>>Linda Saul-Sena: thank you, I would like to move resolutions
15 -- through 23.
>> second.
>>Gwen Miller: we have a motion and a second.
All in favor of that motion say aye, opposed nay.
Okay.
We will now go to transportation committee, Mr. Shawn Harrison.
>>Shawn Harrison: I move Item Number 24.
>>Linda Saul-Sena: second.
>>Gwen Miller: a motion and a second.
All in favor of that motion say aye, opposed, nay.
[ motion carried unaminously ]
>>Shawn Harrison: number 25?
Move Item Number 25.
>>Linda Saul-Sena: second.
>>Gwen Miller: a motion and a second.
All in favor say aye, opposed, nay.
[ motion carried unaminously ]
>>Gwen Miller: finance committee.
>>Mary Alvarez: 7-14.
>>Gwen Miller: a motion and a second.
All in favor say aye, opposed, nay.
Item Number 3, public hearing.
We open the public hearing.
We have a motion -- did we get a second?
>>Linda Saul-Sena: second.
>>Gwen Miller: second to open the public hearing.
All in favor of that motion say aye, opposed nay.
Planning Commission staff.
>> annie hardy, historic preservation administrator for the City
Of Tampa.
This designation was an owner-requested designation.
They are putting an office in the building and wanted to take
Advantage of the tax incentives for preservation.
They have done a wonderful job of preserving this structure.
I am here to answer any questions you might have.
>>Gwen Miller: Planning Commission.
>> thank you, good morning, terry cullen, Planning Commission
Staff.
The Planning Commission reviewed this designation request on
November the 5th and made a finding it is consistent with the
Long-range plan, the Tampa comprehensive plan that provides
Growth in the City of Tampa and recommend that the City Council
Approval.
>>Gwen Miller: any questions?
Ms. Saul-Sena?
>>Linda Saul-Sena: I would like to compliment the owners of
This property.
This was very derelict for a number of years and now it is a
Wonderful example of historic adaptive reuse.
I think it was originally a residence and now it's an office and
It is great looking and adds so much to the northern edge of the
Hyde park district.
>>Gwen Miller: anyone in the audience who would like to speak
On this item.
A motion to close the public hearing.
All in favor say aye, opposed nay.
>>Bob Buckhorn: would you like read it?
>>Linda Saul-Sena: move an ordinance of the City of Tampa,
Florida, 115 south fielding as a local landmark, pursuant to
Section 27-231-c, City of Tampa code, providing for severability
And providing an effective date.
>>Gwen Miller: a motion and a second.
All in favor say aye, opposed nay.
A motion to receive and file the letter.