SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve Second Amendment to Sublease Agreement (Sublease Number 4799-002) providing to AMPLIFY Clearwater, as Sublessee, an amount not to exceed $250,000 for interior improvements to the property located at 3204 Gulf to Bay Boulevard and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
Body
SUMMARY:
Approve Second Amendment to Sublease Agreement (Sublease Number 4799-002) providing to AMPLIFY Clearwater as Sublessee an amount not to exceed $250,000 for interior improvements to the property located at 3204 Gulf to Bay Blvd.
Staff reviewed the proposed improvements and recommends approval of the $250,000 grant funding request based on the following:
1. The Visitor Center is located in a high traffic area at the eastern-most entrance to the city and will serve as the welcome and visitor information center for travelers entering the city from the east. This will serve as the only Visitor Center on the mainland of Clearwater.
2. The location is designated as a trailhead for Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail, will serve nearby Coopers Point Nature Park, and will provide easy connectivity to other hiking and biking trails including Ream Wilson Trail. The activation of the Visitor Center and other (future) trailhead improvements supports the city’s goal of Environmental Stewardship (Objective 4.4).
3. Upon completion of the project, the Visitor Center will encourage local patronage thereby boosting the local economy, and will endeavor to transform tourists into return visitors, residents, and employees.
4. Funding for all operating costs will be the responsibility of AMPLIFY Clearwater. Upon approval, AMPLIFY Clearwater will seek grants and other sources of funding from community partners and businesses to support interactive exhibits, sustainable and energy efficient design and technologies, and long-term operational sustainability.
5. The improvements to the facility are reasonable, providing necessary modernization to the space.
6. AMPLIFY Clearwater will collaborate with the city’s Parks & Recreation department for future exterior improvements associated with the trailhead capital improvements.
Economic Development & Housing Dept will oversee the project as described in this Second Amendment and will authorize release funding distributions as described. Parks & Recreation Department will continue to oversee all other aspects of the Sublease Agreement.
Background:
August 16, 2017 - The city of Clearwater entered into a 50-year lease for the property located at 3204 Gulf to Bay Blvd. Owned by the state of Florida and offered for lease by the Bureau of Public Land Administration, Division of State Lands in Department of Environmental Protection, this 1.576 +/- acres property includes a 2-story building (approximately 4,310 SF).
May 7, 2019 - The Greater Regional Chamber of Commerce entered into a 10-year sublease agreement with the city of Clearwater for the establishment and operation of a welcome center and trail restroom facility on the 1st floor of the building.
September 15, 2021 - Amendment Number One was executed, revising the sublease term to a period of 30 years and ending on May 6, 2049.
Strategic Objectives:
2.3 - Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events. [Visitor Center]
4.4 - Develop accessible and active transportation networks that enhance pedestrian safety and reduce citywide greenhouse gas emissions. [Trailhead]
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
A first quarter budget amendment will increase Parks and Recreation cost code 0101801-581000, Payment to Agencies to fund this agreement.
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
Funding for this contract will be provided by a first quarter budget amendment allocating General Fund reserves in the amount of $250,000 to Parks and Recreation cost code 0101801-581000, Payment to Agencies. A net total of $250,000 of General Fund reserves has been used to date to fund expenditures in the 2023/24 operating budget. The remaining balance in General Fund reserves after the 8.5% reserve is approximately $30.5 million, or 15.3% of the current General Fund operating budget.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
