SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Amend City Council Policies 23A, 24F, and 28B and add policy L26. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
Staff is recommending changes to the following areas:
1) Application Fee Waivers (23A) - Added Skye Lane Properties, LLC. Waived permit, application, inspection, and other fees via Resolution 14-03.
2) Stationery (24F) - In addition to traditional letterhead, Public Communications has designed digital letterhead template for city departments. The policy has been amended to read: The City shall have one form of stationeryletterhead designed by Public Communications on which the City seal will be imprinted. Paper stock will be recyclable. Other forms in supply will be allowed to be used until said supply is depleted.
3) Subdivision Monuments (28B) - The policy has been amended to provide owners of existing entranceway features occupying public property the option to execute a Right of Way Beautification Revocable License Agreement with the City. Policy 28B reads as follows: New entranceway landscaping, monuments, signage, and walls shall not be allowed within the public rights-of-way of the City of Clearwater. Such special treatments are to be upon private property and in accordance with all applicable codes and regulations. The owners of all existing entranceway features occupying public property are have the option to execute an agreement a Right of Way (ROW) Beautification Revocable License Agreement with the City of Clearwater wherein owners agree to keep all features in good repair, including signs, monuments, landscaping, irrigation systems, flag poles, etc. hold the City harmless for any liability arising from the use of the public right-of-way, and provide a $500,000 liability insurance policy. Upon failure of the owners to execute such agreement and provide the required insurance policy after forty-five days from written notice, or by tagging the structure when owners cannot be determined, or upon failure of the owners to repair or maintain any feature of the site which has fallen in disrepair after similar notice, the Public Works Parks and Recreation Department is to remove all such materials with the exception of trees and grass occupying the public right-of-way.
Staff is also recommending adding the following policy:
Courtney Campbell Parkway (State Road 60) Welcome Signage Program (L26) - Policy establishes guidelines for individuals or organizations requesting placement of a welcome sign to recognize a national or international accomplishment, or a significant historical event in Clearwater. Policy L26 reads as follows: Welcome signs are intended to greet visitors to Clearwater and share accomplishments of national or international significance (awards) or significant historical events that have been a part of the City of Clearwater.
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has permitted two welcome signs to be installed by the City on FDOT right-of-way on the north side of Courtney Campbell Parkway (State Road 60): 1) a general welcome to City of Clearwater sign, and 2) a sign dedicated to recognizing a special award of national or international significance or a Clearwater historical event.
The installation of a welcome sign will be processed in accordance with the following:
· Requests for a welcome sign shall be submitted in writing to the Parks and Recreation Department by filling out a Courtney Campbell Parkway (State Road 60) Welcome Signage Program Application. The form is available online at www.myclearwater.com <http://www.myclearwater.com>, or by calling the Parks and Recreation Department.
· The award to be recognized by the welcome sign must be of national or international significance.
► Accomplishment of national or international significance is an achievement or completion of an award granted to an organization or to the City in recognition of being the best in the entire nation or the best involving two or more countries that promote and enhance the image of Clearwater.
► Significant Clearwater historical events are defined as events that are unique to Clearwater and add to the overall understanding of the City and its history.
· If approved, a welcome sign may be allowed for a period not to exceed two years.
· Requests for a welcome sign may be made by a group or an individual, however written approval to use the event or award to be recognized must be secured from the governing body being represented. In cases where the request is for a group or organization no longer in existence but historically significant to the City no approval is necessary.
· Welcome signs, if approved, will be designed, constructed and installed by the Parks and Recreation Department. Requesting group is responsible to reimburse the City for all direct expenses (approximately $1,000 - $2,000).
· The City Council must approve all welcome sign application requests.
· The Courtney Campbell Parkway (State Road 60) Welcome Signage Program is dependent on continued permitted approvals given by FDOT. If for some reason FDOT does not approve permitting the welcome signs, this policy becomes void and any existing signage would be removed.
The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the coordination of the Courtney Campbell Parkway (State Road 60) Welcome Signage Program.