Clearwater meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Clearwater boards weigh vehicle purchases, park upgrades, and franchise agreement

Clearwater city boards and the City Council met over the past two weeks to consider a range of items, including a $22.25 million vehicle purchase, a $1.45 million park renovation, a 30-year Duke Energy franchise agreement, and several property sales. No final decisions have been reported yet, as minutes from these meetings have not been published.

City Council

The City Council held a work session on August 3 and a regular meeting on August 6. Both agendas included major items up for discussion or public hearing.

At the August 3 work session, the council was scheduled to consider:

• Approving $22,251,080 for heavy- and light-duty vehicles and equipment.
• Authorizing $1,449,136.15 for Countryside Community Park renovations at 2640 Sabal Springs Dr.
• Approving the FY2026/2027 Annual Action Plan for housing and economic development funding.
• Providing direction on an unsolicited proposal for a recreational complex at 1875 Airport Drive (Landings Golf Course).
• Adopting the second reading of a 30-year franchise agreement with Duke Energy Florida, LLC.

The August 6 meeting included public hearings on the Duke Energy franchise (Ordinance 9929-26), the unsolicited proposal from Sunshine Recreational and Development LLC for a sports tourism complex at the Landings Golf Course, and the FY2026/2027 Annual Action Plan for HUD funding. The consent agenda included the park renovation and vehicle purchase amounts.

Pension Trustees

On August 3, the Pension Trustees considered administrative expenditures for fiscal year 2027 not-to-exceed $450,575. The board also reviewed pension vesting requests for Scott Adam (Gas Department) and Leah Murray (Human Resources Department), regular pension requests for Priscilla Murphy, Craig Murray, Patricia Stephen-Zitouni, Karen Vaughan, and Jeffrey Walker, and approval of new hires for acceptance into the Pension Plan.

Community Redevelopment Agency

The Community Redevelopment Agency met August 3 to consider three property sales totaling $2.1 million, including seven parcels between S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave and S. Washington Ave to BDP Development Partners LLC, and the sale of 706 N. Missouri Ave to St. Benedict Holdings, LLC for redevelopment. The agency also had on its agenda adoption of FY2027 budgets for Downtown Clearwater ($1.2 million) and North Greenwood ($850,000), third-quarter budget amendments for Downtown Clearwater, and scheduling an executive session for active litigation.

Downtown Development Board

Also on August 3, the Downtown Development Board considered its proposed FY2026/2027 budget, funding up to $30,000 for the Chalk the Bay Art and Music Festival, a High Impact Grant up to $30,000 for Salsa & Bachata at the District Halloween party, Community Event Funding up to $12,500 for TBUS Uke Fest, and the June 2026 Financial Statement for filing.

Other meetings

On August 11, the City Council held a special budget work session to review the proposed FY2026/2027 budget, with updates from Human Resources Director Tiffany Makras on staffing and IT Director Daniel Mayer on artificial intelligence initiatives. No votes were scheduled.

The Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board met August 11 to consider a documentation policy amendment (ID#26-08704.1) and approve minutes from July 7, 2026. The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee held its first meeting of 2026 on August 11, which was procedural with no substantive decisions scheduled.

Coming up

The City Council will meet August 20 to vote on three property annexations with zoning changes, a development agreement with MHG Palm Pavilion Hotel, LP for 10 and 18 Bay Esplanade, and a new Stevenson Creek Manatee Protection Zone (Ordinance 9931-26) along with removal of slow-speed zones (Ordinance 9925-26). The agenda also includes numerous contracts, a grant acceptance, and appointment of a new city attorney.

The Community Development Board will meet August 20 to hear three flexible development requests: a medical clinic/radiology building at 2650 Landmark Drive, a car wash at 407 S. Saturn Avenue, and a storage/warehouse/distribution facility at 706 N. Missouri Avenue. Each request involves deviations from standard zoning rules.

Clearwater council weighs $22M vehicle purchase, Duke Energy franchise

Clearwater city boards and committees have been meeting on a range of spending and policy items, but no final decisions have been published yet. The City Council's Aug. 6 agenda included a $22.25 million vehicle purchase, a $1.45 million park renovation, and a 30-year franchise agreement with Duke Energy. Minutes from that meeting and from the Aug. 3 work session have not yet been released, so outcomes are pending.

City Council

The council's Aug. 6 meeting featured several major items:

• **Duke Energy franchise** – A second reading of Ordinance 9929-26 would grant Duke Energy Florida a 30-year franchise agreement.
• **Landings Golf Course** – An unsolicited proposal from Sunshine Recreational and Development LLC for a sports tourism complex at 1875 Airport Drive (the Landings Golf Course) was on the agenda.
• **HUD funding** – The FY2026/2027 Annual Action Plan for housing and economic development funding.
• **Park renovation** – A $1,449,136.15 guaranteed maximum price for Countryside Community Park renovations at 2640 Sabal Springs Dr.
• **Vehicle purchase** – $22,251,080 for heavy- and light-duty vehicles and equipment.

The council's Aug. 3 work session had similar items, including the vehicle purchase, park renovation, and Duke Energy franchise, plus a public-private partnership proposal for the Landings Golf Course.

Other recent meetings

Several other boards met Aug. 3:

• **Pension Trustees** – Considered administrative expenditures for fiscal year 2027 not to exceed $450,575, plus pension vesting requests for Scott Adam (Gas Department) and Leah Murray (Human Resources Department), and regular pension requests for Priscilla Murphy, Craig Murray, Patricia Stephen-Zitouni, Karen Vaughan, and Jeffrey Walker.
• **Community Redevelopment Agency** – Voted on three property sales totaling $2.1 million, including seven parcels between S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave and S. Washington Ave (BDP Development Partners LLC) and the sale of 706 N. Missouri Ave to St. Benedict Holdings, LLC. The agency also considered FY2027 budgets of $1.2 million for Downtown Clearwater and $850,000 for North Greenwood, plus third-quarter budget amendments.
• **Downtown Development Board** – Reviewed its proposed FY2026/2027 budget and considered funding for three events: up to $30,000 for Chalk the Bay Art and Music Festival, up to $30,000 for Salsa & Bachata at the District Halloween party, and up to $12,500 for TBUS Uke Fest.

Coming up

• **Aug. 11 – Affordable Housing Advisory Committee** – First meeting of 2026, procedural with public comment.
• **Aug. 11 – Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board** – Will consider a documentation policy amendment (ID#26-08704.1) and approve minutes from July 7, 2026.
• **Aug. 20 – Community Development Board** – Will hear three flexible development requests: a medical clinic/radiology building at 2650 Landmark Drive, a car wash at 407 S. Saturn Avenue, and a storage/warehouse/distribution facility at 706 N. Missouri Avenue. Each involves deviations from standard zoning rules.

Clearwater Council Set to Consider 30-Year Duke Energy Franchise, Millage Rate, and Major Contracts

Clearwater's City Council has a packed agenda this month, with a proposed 30-year electric service franchise agreement with Duke Energy Florida, LLC, a tentative millage rate of 5.8850 mills for fiscal year 2026/27, and several infrastructure contracts totaling millions of dollars all scheduled for consideration. However, minutes for all recent meetings listed below have not yet been published, so it is not confirmed which items were ultimately decided.

City Council — July 16

The City Council agenda includes a first reading of a 30-year franchise agreement with Duke Energy Florida, LLC, for electric services. The council is also scheduled to set a tentative millage rate of 5.8850 mills for FY 2026/27.

A development agreement for the Palm Pavilion Hotel at 10 and 18 Bay Esplanade would allocate 91 hotel density units. The consent agenda lists up to $5 million in vehicle repair and maintenance contracts over five years. Second readings are scheduled for parking regulations and the annexation and zoning of 1903 Douglas Avenue to Commercial General.

Council Work Session — July 13

The council's work session agenda mirrors several items set for the July 16 meeting, including the Duke Energy franchise agreement and the tentative 5.8850-mill millage rate. Two infrastructure contracts are listed: a construction contract for FDEM-HMGP Lift Station Platforms for $6,336,305.80, and an Underdrain Improvement Project contract for Keystone Excavators, Inc. up to $1,709,581.50. The annexation and zoning of 1903 Douglas Avenue as Commercial (C) is also on the agenda.

Council Work Session — July 16

A special work session is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 1:30 PM at the Main Library Council Chambers to review finalists for the City Attorney position. Kevin Knutson of Strategic Government Resources is listed on the agenda (Meeting ID#26-08222.1).

Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board — July 7

The board is scheduled to recommend that the City Council approve the FY2026/2027 Annual Action Plan, which outlines how the city will use federal HUD funds to meet affordable housing goals through 2030. Additional agenda items include authorization for officials to execute agreements with HUD and partner organizations, and approval of administrative adjustments to existing funding agreements.

Community Redevelopment Agency — July 13

The CRA agenda includes Resolution 26-03 for third-quarter budget amendments to the North Greenwood CRA Budget. The agency is also scheduled to review updates to three grant programs: the North Greenwood Residential Exterior Improvement Grant Program, the Downtown Commercial Grant Program, and the North Greenwood Commercial Grant Program.

Downtown Development Board — July 13

The board is scheduled to consider adopting a tentative millage rate of 0.9700 mills for FY 2026/2027, approve a new logo and branding message from RB Oppenheim Associates, and review a High Impact Grant request for the Mega Asian Food and Music Festival at Coachman Park for up to $30,000.

Public Art and Design Board — July 9

The board is scheduled to vote on a final art design for the new City Hall staircase. Additional agenda items include live painting plans for the America 250 event and a city-branded art sign for Coachman Park.

North Greenwood Citizens Advisory Committee — July 7

The committee is scheduled to review third-quarter budget amendments for FY 2025-2026 and propose a new budget for 2026-2027. Members will also receive updates on land use, zoning projects, and the Armory, plus revisions to the North Greenwood CRA Residential Grant Program.

Coming Up

• **July 21 — Community Development Board:** Will consider a Level Two application for flexible development at the Carlouel Yacht Club (ID#26-0782) and approve June 16, 2026 minutes.
• **July 22 — Municipal Code Enforcement Board:** Will issue compliance orders and fines for multiple code violations, including unsafe building cases at 1700 Gulf to Bay Blvd. and signage violations at 1627 Gulf to Bay Blvd. The board will also consider a fine-reduction request for a graffiti violation at 1383 Gulf to Bay Blvd.

All recent meeting summaries above are based on published agendas only; minutes have not yet been released. Outcomes and vote tallies will be confirmed when minutes become available.

Clearwater council weighs 30-year Duke Energy deal and $8M in infrastructure contracts

Clearwater's City Council meets today to review a proposed 30-year franchise agreement with Duke Energy Florida, alongside more than $8 million in infrastructure contracts and a tentative property tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year.

The council's work session agenda also includes annexation and zoning of 1903 Douglas Avenue as Commercial. Minutes from three advisory board meetings held earlier this month have not yet been published, so outcomes from those sessions are not yet confirmed.

Council Work Session — July 13

The council is scheduled to discuss several significant financial items:

• A proposed 30-year franchise agreement with Duke Energy Florida, LLC for electric services.
• A tentative millage rate of 5.8850 mills for fiscal year 2026/27.
• A construction contract for FDEM-HMGP Lift Station Platforms totaling $6,336,305.80.
• An Underdrain Improvement Project contract with Keystone Excavators, Inc. for up to $1,709,581.50.
• Annexation and zoning of 1903 Douglas Avenue as Commercial (C).

These items are listed for discussion at the work session. Final votes, if any, would occur at a subsequent regular meeting.

Downtown Development Board — July 13

The Downtown Development Board meets today to consider adopting a tentative millage rate of 0.9700 mills for fiscal year 2026/2027. The board is also reviewing a High Impact Grant request of up to $30,000 for the Mega Asian Food and Music Festival at Coachman Park.

Additional agenda items include approval of a new logo and branding message from RB Oppenheim Associates, an update on the Cleveland Street Mobile Vending Program, and approval of the May 2026 Financial Statement.

Community Redevelopment Agency — July 13

The Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency will consider third-quarter budget amendments for the North Greenwood CRA Budget under Resolution 26-03. The agency is also scheduled to review updates to three grant program guidelines:

• North Greenwood Residential Exterior Improvement Grant Program — disbursement procedures and eligible recipients.
• Downtown Commercial Grant Program — fund disbursement and payees.
• North Greenwood Commercial Grant Program — grant program rules.

The agenda also includes a review of Downtown Revitalization initiatives and a spotlight on Social Sips Café.

Recent Advisory Board Meetings

Three advisory bodies met earlier this month, but minutes have not yet been published. The following items appeared on their agendas:

Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board (July 7): The board was scheduled to recommend the FY2026/2027 Annual Action Plan to City Council, outlining how the city will use federal HUD funds to meet affordable housing goals through 2030. The agenda also included authorization to execute agreements with HUD and partner organizations, administrative adjustments to existing funding agreements, and a public comment period.

North Greenwood Citizens Advisory Committee (July 7): The committee was set to review third-quarter budget amendments for FY 2025-2026 and propose a new budget for 2026-2027. Members were also scheduled to receive updates on the North Greenwood Land Use and Zoning Project, the Armory, and revisions to the North Greenwood CRA Residential Grant Program.

Public Art and Design Board (July 9): The board was scheduled to vote on a final art design for the new City Hall staircase. The agenda also included live painting plans for the America 250 event and a city-branded art sign for Coachman Park.

Because minutes are not yet available, it is not confirmed which of these items were approved, tabled, or modified.

Coming Up

• **July 16, 1:30 PM — Council Work Session (Main Library Council Chambers):** The council will review finalists for the City Attorney position. Kevin Knutson of Strategic Government Resources is listed on the agenda. Meeting ID#26-08222.1.
• **July 21 — Community Development Board:** The board will consider a Level Two application for flexible development at the Carlouel Yacht Club (ID#26-0782), approve minutes from its June 16 session, and note its next meeting on August 20, 2026.

Clearwater boards review code violations, energy savings; affordable housing plan up for vote July 7

The past two weeks saw Clearwater's Municipal Code Enforcement Board review multiple property violations and the Community Resiliency and Leisure Services Advisory Board discuss energy savings, though official minutes have not yet been published for either meeting. Next week, the Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board will consider a key plan for federal housing funds.

Recent meetings

Municipal Code Enforcement Board — June 24

The board reviewed several cases involving permit violations, exterior maintenance, and short-term rentals. Items on the agenda included:

• Permit violation hearings for 1423 Embassy Dr., 2021 N Betty Ln., and 701 N Ft. Harrison Ave.
• Short-term rental violations at 2967 Kenilwick Dr. N and 819 Lantana Ave.
• Fine reduction requests for 1390 S Hillcrest Ave. and 301 Baker Ave.
• Nuisance abatement liens for lot clearing at 510 Brookside Dr., 1002 N Garden Ave., and 1206 N Garden Ave.
• Nuisance abatement liens for inoperative vehicles at 1116 Amble Ln. and 1260 Wellington Dr.

Community Resiliency and Leisure Services Advisory Board — June 25

The board recognized the Municipal Energy Savings Program and discussed invitations for Summer Solar Celebrations. The meeting also included administrative tasks such as approving previous minutes.

Upcoming meetings

Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board — July 7

The board will review and recommend the FY2026/2027 Annual Action Plan to the City Council. This plan outlines how the city will use federal HUD funds to meet affordable housing goals through 2030. Agenda items include adoption of the plan, authorization for officials to execute agreements with HUD and partners, approval of administrative adjustments to existing funding agreements, and a public comment period.

North Greenwood Citizens Advisory Committee — July 7

The committee will review budget amendments for the current fiscal year and propose a new budget for 2026-2027. Other items include updates on land use, zoning projects, the Armory, and revisions to the North Greenwood CRA Residential Grant Program.

Public Art and Design Board — July 9

The board will vote to approve a final artwork design for the new City Hall staircase. Members will also discuss live painting plans for the Clearwater Celebrates America 250 Event and a city branded art sign in Coachman Park.

Coming up

• **July 7** — Neighborhood and Affordable Housing Advisory Board, North Greenwood Citizens Advisory Committee
• **July 9** — Public Art and Design Board

Check the city's website for meeting times, locations, and remote access options.