CITY OF TREASURE ISLAND, FLORIDA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR WORKSHOP MINUTES JULY 1, 2014 The meeting was called to order at 7:14 PM by Mayor Robert Minning I. DISCUSSION 1. Consideration of Res. 14-56, 2014 Fall Fly Ms. Hayduke stated that Joe Fala from Windworks has done the kite festival in January for 17 years, and also the October Fall Fly for several years. He would like to change the date of the Fall Fly. He has asked to change it to Veteran's Day weekend, which doesn't interfere with anything else. It will only involve a few areas coned off. There will be no vendors or vehicles on the beach. Mr. Fala is here to answer questions. Mayor Minning asked if there were sponsors. Mr. Fala stated that he does not. Commissioner Bildz asked if he was keeping the January event. Mr. Fala answered in the affirmative. This item will move forward to the July 15, 2014 meeting agenda. 2. Consideration of Res. 14-57, Transfer of Cabana Dreams Non-Exclusive License Agreement From Anthony Hutto to Mark Hubbard Ms. Hayduke stated that she has some changes since the agenda packets were distributed. Mr. Quinn, who is currently renting equipment behind the Island Inn, would also like to sell his business to Mr. Hubbard. The area would be from 99th to 104th Ave. Mr. Hubbard would also like to rent fishing equipment. He is asking for the use of a pick up and a golf cart. Ms. Hayduke addressed this in the license agreement per the new regulations passed several months ago. She listed the services that Mr. Hubbard would like to provide. Staff is not recommending the pick up service, or fishing equipment rental. She made brief comments on signage. Mr. Hubbard is present to speak on the items that Mr. Hubbard is not in agreement with. Mr. Hubbard is not in agreement with the 25% fee. He is requesting 20%. Staff is not recommending a reduction in the fee. Mr. Hubbard provided the Commission with a handout addressing some of the issues that he has with the discussion items. He addressed the beach pick up service. He noted that Hubbard's Marina is experienced in this type of service, and they already provide that service in John's Pass. They already have requests from some of the resorts. He wants to work with the resorts and other beach services, and give the tourists the opportunity to visit Shell Key for that location. They already have the equipment to provide the service. Mr. Hubbard stated that there were paddle boats in Treasure Island in the past. There are none out there currently. He described some of the equipment that would be used if he is allowed to have paddle boats. The resorts and visitors would benefit. Mr. Hubbard stated that section #3 was a discussion that he had yesterday. The numbers might not be correct. The signage is not really an issue, but he would like to have three signs. He stated that he understands the city's position regarding advertising other businesses, but he would like to be able to advertise his own businesses. Commissioner Coward asked how many times a day he would want to bring the boat in to pick up people. Mr. Hubbard stated that they are currently going to Shell Key three times per week, but they would probably want to do six mornings per week. They would pick up around 9:00 and drop off around noon. Mr. Silverboard asked where he would land it. Mr. Hubbard stated that it would probably be at the north City of Treasure Island, Florida Page 1 of 5
end of his area across from Publix in the area of 104th Avenue. Commissioner Bildz stated that there is a spot from about 100th Avenue to 104th Avenue that has no regulation. He stated that when people see the boats they may ask for swim zones. Mr. Silverboard stated that his request to advertise businesses would be treated as billboards and would probably not be permitted. Mr. Hubbard stated that even when there is a swim zone in St. Pete Beach they still allow vessels to pick up using an aisle. He asked if Commissioner Bildz's concern was other vessels seeing his boats and coming in also. Commissioner Bildz stated that in this city the swim zones exclude vessels totally in swim zones. He thinks that if residents see boats coming in with people coming onto the beach they will ask for swim zones. He said he wanted to provide service to the resorts, but most of those resorts are north of the area he is suggesting. Mr. Hubbard stated that that vessel runs the beach every night, so people will recognize it. The serve properties on either side of that area. The opportunity to pick up there will provide visitors convenience. It will be an attribute to residents as well as commercial properties. He would set it up on the boundary just to the south of the city park. There would not be as many swimmers there. Mr. Silverboard asked where the parking would be for the people that want to come. Mr. Hubbard stated that they would walk from their resorts. This would give the businesses another tool to sell their properties. They could offer packages. Mr. Silverboard stated that because this is a non-exclusive license agreement, there wouldn't be a problem with other businesses doing the same thing that he is doing. Commissioner Bildz asked if there was bait involved with renting fishing tackle. Mr. Hubbard stated that in the 20s and 30s this area was known for its fishing. He doesn't know what happened here. This is a lost opportunity for the Gulf Beaches hotel/motel industry. A lot of them don't market the sunset opportunity. They rent tackle in John's Pass, so he wanted to continue that theme. They could rent hard or soft tackle and a bait package. It wouldn't be live bait. It is something that they do and it may catch on well. The State of Florida has been deemed the fishing capital of the world. He is in line with the trend. Commissioner Bildz is asking if they would be using frozen bait. Mr. Hubbard stated that they could rent a hard lure or dead or frozen bait, which would be squid or shrimp. It would be done via reservation. Mr. Silverboard asked if he was asking to designate a part of his area for fishing. How is he going to keep the swimmers away? Mr. Hubbard stated that the anglers would not want to fish near swimmers. They would probably fish in the morning or evening, or walk to Blind Pass to fish in that area. Commissioner Bildz asked if he thought people would rent his tackle and walk to Blind Pass. Mr. Hubbard stated that he thought they would. Commissioner Ramsberger stated that there was a comment at the start of the meeting about weighing the business interest against the residential interests. He thinks the throwback ideas are interesting, but it is a quantum leap from where they started this license agreement. He doesn't know if he can agree to all this expansion without offering this up with an RFP. He is not about diminishing the residents' experience on the beach. He is concerned with what he is proposing and how it will impact residents and swimmers. He agrees with where Commissioner Bildz was going regarding the tackle. He stated that he feels that allowing the advertising was a slippery slope. He feels that Mr. Hubbard is pushing it with so many items that are not currently in the license agreement. Commissioner Collins stated that his concern is the fishing and children getting caught in the lines. He also raised concern over the boat coming in. He feels it can cause confusion with swimmers and children. He isn't keen on the fishing, but would be willing to listen about the boat if it can be well regulated. Mr. Silverboard asked how Mr. Hubbard proposed to operate the paddle boats. Would they be in an area away from swimmers? Where would they be stored and how would they get them to the water? Mr. Hubbard stated that they would likely be stored at the Island Inn. He hopes that they would be rented throughout the day. They would drag them to the shoreline. They would keep one out unless they were rented, then they would have however many they needed out. Mr. Silverboard asked how he would avoid City of Treasure Island, Florida Page 2 of 5 Updated 7/30/2014 3:14 PM
the conflict with swimmers. Mr. Hubbard stated that it would be the same as the paddle boards. The operator would not want to run over a swimmer. Commissioner Bildz asked Ms. Hayduke to clarify Mr. Quinn's area. Ms. Hayduke stated that it was behind the Island Inn. She will check the license agreement. Commissioner Bildz asked who would pay the sales tax. Ms. Hayduke stated that it can be paid directly by the licensee to the State, or it can be paid to the city and we would pay the state. Commissioner Bildz asked for clarification regarding the feather signs. He stated that Caddy's has them, and asked why one business would be allowed to have them but not all. Mr. Silverboard stated that they are not allowed and Ms. Cohen would be asked to check into that. Mayor Minning went over the list of items that Mr. Hubbard is requesting. A brief discussion ensued regarding bicycles. Commissioner Bildz suggested that they look at what staff was recommending. He stated that he would agree with staff. Mr. Silverboard stated that because this was going to go a fairly long distance, did he say where he would store his equipment at night. Ms. Hayduke stated that our rules do not allow equipment other than cabanas to be stored on the beach. Commissioner Ramsberger asked what the golf cart would be used for and whether it would be used to transport hotel visitors on the beach. Mr. Hubbard stated that it is an eight passenger golf cart, but they purchased it to transport equipment. They would give someone a ride if they needed it, but it wasn't the purpose of it. Commissioner Ramsberger stated that he is concerned about people being transported on the beach and where that will lead. Mr. Hubbard stated that if they don't want him to do that he won't do it. Commissioner Collins asked if the golf cart was purchased to transport people or equipment. Mr. Hubbard stated that it was purchased to transport people and equipment between John's Pass and Madeira Way. Now they are transporting things to the beaches and to some of the hotels. They use it like a pick up truck. Transporting people is very minimal. If the city doesn't want him to transport people then they won't. Commissioner Collins asked if his original intention was just to transport equipment in the morning and evening. Mr. Hubbard answered in the affirmative. Commissioner Collins asked if they would offer a customer a ride during that time. Mr. Hubbard stated that they currently do that. Commissioner Collins stated that the concern is that it would be used as a taxi cab up and down the beach. Ms. Kiefer asked if it was street legal. Mr. Hubbard answered in the affirmative. Commissioner Ramsberger asked if it had advertising on it. Mr. Hubbard stated that it does, but not a lot. It has a couple of logos on it. Commissioner Bildz asked if he was proposing to drive down the beach with it from John's Pass. Mr. Hubbard stated that it would go down Gulf Boulevard. It was agreed to move forward with staff's recommendation. Commissioner Collins asked about the fee. Ms. Hayduke stated that they will have the new fee for the meeting. Commissioner Bildz asked why a magnetic sign was required. Ms. Hayduke stated that it didn't have to be a magnetic sign. It must be marked. Commissioner Bildz stated that the reason they agree to go with staff's recommendation is because staff listens to the Commission and does their job. 3. Consideration of Res. 14-60, Health Insurance Renewal, FY14-15 Ms. Poirrier gave a brief explanation of the item. She gave a brief history of how the rates were arrived at. The pool average was 4%. Because of our experience we got an additional 6% added on, so we received a 10% renewal. We will likely be at a 300% utilization by the end of the year. This is a good renewal, even without our rough year. Staff is recommending that we remain with PRM with our current plans as they are now. Staff is recommending that we continue the current payment breakdown. PRM City of Treasure Island, Florida Page 3 of 5 Updated 7/30/2014 3:14 PM
does require that we give notice that we intend to go out to bid, so she is recommending that they pass the resolution. Commissioner Bildz asked why we would go out to bid with 300% utilization. Ms. Poirrier stated that we don't have to do it, it just keeps the options open. Commissioner Coward stated that given the scenario we have now the increase will be $84,000. The other insurances were an increase of $6,000 for a total of $90,000. She stated that budget is coming up. Commissioner Bildz stated that it was a good day for Treasure Island if we only get an $84,000 increase. Ed Gayton stated that $926,000 was a big ticket item for our city. Commissioner Bildz stated that it was a good day for Treasure Island that we only got an $84,000 increase. We don't know that because we haven't gone out to bid. In his business he went out to bid every year for health insurance. It keeps them honest and gives you the opportunity to see what the competition is offering. He thinks that they should go out to bid every year. Commissioner Bildz stated that Ms. Poirrier explained that if we go out to bid more than three times in five years we would be kicked out of the pool. Ms. Poirrier stated that she spoke with another broker who would love our business, but with our utilization nobody would want us. The large claim isn't going away. They will continue to look every year, but consensus has been that we have a pretty good deal. Commissioner Collins stated that what Mr. Gayton said is true in certain circumstances. In this circumstance what Ms. Poirrier said is true. Unfortunate things happen and the sad part of the whole this is with the person that has to use this. 4. Consideration of Res. 14-61, Personnel Policy Amendment for Pre-Employment Drug Testing Ms. Poirrier stated that our carrier has recommended to all their clients that this be changed. There has recently been a case in Key West regarding violation of personal rights, and Key West lost. The State has changed the statute to only require pre-employment drug testing for safety sensitive positions. She recommends changing the policy immediately. Commissioner Collins stated that there are things listed, but it doesn't say anything about employees driving a city vehicle. Ms. Poirrier stated that driving a vehicle isn't considered safety sensitive. Commissioner Collins asked if all employees are allowed to drive city vehicles. Ms. Poirrier stated that they do drivers license checks annually on employees that may drive a vehicle. Commissioner Collins asked what has been the case when an employee drives a vehicle and gets into an accident under the influence. Ms. Poirrier stated that anyone that has an accident that results in significant damage or results in injury we would be required to drug test. This is only for applicants. Commissioner Collins clarified that if we have a suspicion of drug use by an employee we are allowed to test. Ms. Poirrier answered in the affirmative. Commissioner Coward stated that it says employees dealing with children. Does that mean that it includes all those working with the camps get tested? Ms. Poirrier answered in the affirmative. Commissioner Bildz asked if we do random drug testing. Ms. Poirrier stated that they do for those positions that are required by law, which are those employees holding a CDL license. Alessandra ( ) stated that she is a student majoring in Public Policy. One of her assignments was to come to a meeting and speak on an agenda item. She made comments regarding the lawsuit in Key West and the affects on Treasure Island. She suggested that Treasure Island carefully examine their City of Treasure Island, Florida Page 4 of 5 Updated 7/30/2014 3:14 PM
policies to ensure that they are being carried out in such a way that they don't violate the 4th amendment rights. She suggested that they amend the personnel manual to comply with the statute. This item will move forward to the July 15, 2014 meeting agenda. Commissioner Bildz asked for clarification on the language. recommended language by the insurance carriers. Ms. Poirrier stated that this was the II. OLD BUSINESS III. CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY REPORT Ms. Kiefer stated that they have made a decision to commence litigation on the central beach trail. The suit will be filed soon, and she will provide them with a copy and any updated information. This is a big step to get closer to a resolution. Ms. Kiefer stated that in the King case we still don't have a judge. She is hoping for a decision in the next week. Mr. Silverboard asked for an executive session for the purpose of labor negotiations at 5:00 on the 15th. They have met with the unions and have the financial information. Mr. Silverboard stated that they approved the agreement with Larson. They have an agreement with Ackerman and Associations, who was the bond counsel. He asked to put an item on the regular agenda at the next meeting to approve their contract. Mr. Silverboard stated that there is a 4th of July event. Parking will be available at TI Park, the Buccaneer property, City Hall, and Allied. There will not be city sponsored activity during the day. The Bilmar will be sponsoring activity that is open to the public. The fireworks will be held at 9:30. Mr. Silverboard asked that people not shoot off illegal fireworks. IV. CITY COMMISSION REPORTS V. PUBLIC COMMENT Mel Lenehan stated that she wanted to see updates of our money at every meeting. She wants to see updates of all legal fees at every meeting. They should have the right to know when there are increases in the budget. She also asked for bids on the hydrolics. She asked to see the expenses on the grant that they approved a few months ago. She stated that the Penny for Pinellas money will be taken up for the next five years. She wants to know about that. She wants to know about salary increases. Mayor Minning stated that she is welcome to attend the budget workshops. Commissioner Bildz stated that they are televised. Commissioner Ramsberger stated that the budget will be posted online next week. Mayor Minning explained that the Penny for Pinellas money was a different fund. VI. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m. by Mayor Minning. City of Treasure Island, Florida Page 5 of 5 Updated 7/30/2014 3:14 PM