City of St. Petersburg PUBLIC SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE Meeting of MARCH 14, 2013 9:15 A.M. City Hall, Room 100 Members and Alternates: Chair Bill Dudley; Vice-Chair, Jeff Danner, Council Members: Wengay Newton, Steve Kornell and Karl Nurse (alternate) Support Staff: support Evelyn Rosetti, primary staff support and David Dickerson, backup staff A. Call to Order B. Approval of Agenda C. Approval of Minutes 1. Minutes of February 28, 2013. D. New and Continued Business 1. Neighborhood Crime Watch Signs - Mark Winn E. Upcoming Meetings - 1. March 28, 2013 (a) Pinellas Park Termination Agreement 2. Pending and Continuing Referral List F. Adjournment
Attached documents for item Minutes of February 28, 2013.
CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG PSI Committee Meeting Minutes February 28, 2013 at 9:15a.m. PRESENT: ABSENT: ALSO: Committee Members William Dudley, Chair; Jeff Danner, Vice Chair; Wengay Newton, Steve Kornell and Karl Nurse, Alternate. None. Council Members Leslie Curran, James Kennedy, and Charlie Gerdes; City Administrator Tish Elston; Chief Assistant City Attorney Mark Winn; Primary Staff Support Special Projects Manager Evelyn Rosetti; Manager Secondary Staff Support Dave Dickerson; Major David Hawkins; Assistant Chief Dave Dekay; Sgt Randy Morton; Deputy City Clerk Amelia Preston and others The meeting was called to order by Chair Dudley at 9: 15 a.m. with the above members present. In connection with the agenda for the February 28, 2013 meeting, Committee Member Danner moved to approve the February 28, 2013 agenda as submitted. All were in favor of the motion. Absent Newton. In connection with review of the minutes of the February 14, 2013 PSI Meetings, Committee Member Danner moved approval of the February 14, 2013 minutes as submitted. All were in favor of the motion. Absent Newton. In connection with the agenda item relating to the Noise Ordinance, Chair Dudley commented briefly that Chief Assistant City Attorney Mark will address this item. Mark Winn provided the Committee with an update on what occurred prior to the adoption of the plainly audible standard that was challenged in the courts as being unconstitutional and was not being enforced. He stated that in December of 2012, the Supreme Court upheld the current ordinance that is on the books. He commented briefly on the education efforts being made by the Police Department and stated the current ordinance will be enforced. He highlighted those changes that had been implemented in recent years. Information was shared regarding a complaint involving street sweeping recently. Mayor was reported present at 9:23 a.m. Attorney Winn reviewed the sections in the code under Chapter 8 which regulates construction hours that have been in place for a couple of years. Committee Member Newton was reported present at 9:25 a.m. Mr. Winn also reviewed those sections in Chapter 11 of the City relating to outdoor noise. Committee Member Kornell inquired about the ability to hear the sound and the ability for officers to enforce what is currently in the. It was shared that currently the distance is 25 feet; Sgt Morton commented that they have been able to enforce the noise in the parks and get it through the courts. Mr. Winn commented on the difference when a park permit is issued and the sound level without a permit and highlighted Section 11-53 relating to motor vehicles; publicly owned outdoor places including right-of-way; buildings, private-owned outdoor places, etc. Committee Member Nurse commented that he gets the greatest number of complaints as a result of the sound off the water; and activities from Janus Landing. Mayor Foster commented briefly on the different venues that
PSI Meeting Minutes February 28, 2013 Page 2 are going to use the roof top; referenced Frescos, Grail and Push and expected some potential issues. It was shared that input was received last night at the Sunshine Center and they are looking to address the distance for the sidewalk cafes. It was shared that the sidewalk cafes that are in violation are well known. Council Member Gerdes commented on the non-residential districts; suggested that it might be helpful to list the zoning districts in the. Mr. Winn shared that they will be coming back with some minor changes and that can be included. Committee Member Newton inquired about City owned building and individuals that lease buildings from the city. He inquired about the church bells which are addressed in the code; however, the church has been there for a long time and they have agreed to reduce the ringing to 30 seconds. Committee Member Kornell asked if there is anything in the ordinance that will change in the downtown as it relates to noise. He stated support of a balance where individuals will have reasonable accommodations with the mixed use in the downtown. Mr. Winn continued reviewing Section 11-54; commented on section 11-64 which allows for waiver and variances for special events. There was discussion that once they start enforcing there will be more complaints. Sgt Morton commented briefly that the Police Department will be distributing copies of the ordinance in an effort to educate those bar owners with what is going to be enforced. Council Member Gerdes commented briefly on the sounds from bands that are practicing for the battle of the bands which is done in the parking lots that can be heard a great distance away. Mr. Morton commented that they have not had any complaints from the Battle of the Bands and they will address if compliance is needed. It was suggested that perhaps parks with permits distances be extended to 5,000 ft. There was discussion regarding noise compliance and whether too many violations would result in licenses being suspended. Committee Member Nurse commented on the noise after midnight and if the current ordinance is enforced would achieve most of what they want. There was additional discussion about the noise complaints by citizens relating to rental properties and the distance. Mr. Morton commented on the process that is followed when they go out. Mr. Winn responded that Sections 11-51 and 11-53 would address these types of situations. Chair Dudley thanked Mr. Winn and Officer Randy Morton for their update. In connection with the agenda item relating to Spice - Synthetic Incense, Mayor Foster made a brief introduction to the Committee regarding consideration of an ordinance barring the sale of this drug and he would rather put something in place to stop people from selling this drug.
PSI Meeting Minutes February 28, 2013 Page 3 There was an introduction of the newest member of City staff Cliff Smith that will take effect in June. He recently retired from the County. Everyone welcomed him. Cliff Smith shared that he is looking forward to being a part of the City's team. Mr. Winn stated that they will look at those ordinances that are already in place in other municipalities and select the information that would best benefit the City. Mr. Winn shared that they normally don't regulate these types of ordinances, but will be working with the Police Department to make sure they feel safe that it will be something that can be enforced. Major David Hawkins and Mayor shared that these drugs make people hallucinate and the chemicals make them want to fight. It was shared that no one knows exactly what is in this drug. It was stated that Hillsborough County is using their Officers to enforce their code. Assistant Chief Dekay commented briefly on the issue and process that is being followed by Hillsborough and Pasco Counties. He shared that they have drafted a letter that is being distributed. Mr. Hawkins stated that when you buy spice, it is difficult to enforce because not all of the ingredients are known. It was shared that this drug is being distributed near schools; however, shared that what comes from the testing lab so far has not been illegal. Committee Member Newton inquired about the ability to reverse the affect of something that is currently legal and make it a criminal offense. Sgt. Morton commented briefly on their continued presence and ability to be visible in Williams Park. He expressed support of the increased number of cameras and officers present in the downtown. Committee Member Newton expressed support of the Police Officers' visibility and decreasing the ability for the sale of spice drug in Williams Park. Committee Member Nurse commented that this is a different animal when it comes to drugs. Committee Member Newton moved with the second of Vice Chair Danner to direct Administration and legal to draft an ordinance to address the sale and use of this Synthetic Incense (SPICE) drug. Committee Member Kornell inquired if they can publish the locations where sales are made. It was shared that you don't want to attract people to where sales are made. Committee Member Kornell supports Administration going after the manufacturers and distributors which could be considered a civil citation or criminal infraction. Council Member Gerdes stated support of drafting an ordinance. Mayor Foster commented that the offender would get an ordinance violation. Roll Call on the motion. All were in favor of the motion. Council Member Gerdes inquired if a business permit could be revoked. Mr. Winn shared that the State Law prevents Cities from not issuing a permit. Mr. Winn also shared that there is a procedure that needs to be followed regarding proper notice and will check to see if the process was followed. Committee Member Newton inquired about when the food truck item would be coming back. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:44 a.m.
Attached documents for item Neighborhood Crime Watch Signs - Mark Winn
Attached documents for item March 28, 2013
Attached documents for item Pending and Continuing Referral List
PUBLIC SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE (PS&I) COMMITTEE PREPARED ON MARCH 6, 2013 PENDING / CONTINUING REFERRALS TOPIC BY MEETING (S) RETURN STAFF SPECIAL NOTES 1 2 3 Public Safety Public Safety (From Goal Setting Workshop) 06/11/12 Council 06/14/12 Video Special Exceptions Apps. 11/22/10 Danner 02/24/11 Mobile Food Trucks 10/20/11 Curran 11/03/11 12/08/11 - Video 02/23/12 - Video 03/22/12 - Video SPPD Chief Harmon Goodwin Lazzara City Attorney s Office Winn Goodwin Kilborn A presentation responding to select public safety items discussed during City Council s Goal Setting Workshop. Items extracted from that list for discussion include: 1) drug activity; 2) proactive policing; 3) expansion of uniformed personnel; 4) citizen involvement (volunteers) / crime watch. http://www.stpete.org/legisstream/mg243095/as2430 96/AS243110/AI245622/DO245623/DO_245623.PDF City Attorney s Office and Planning & ED to conduct further research and report back with recommendations regarding Special Exception (SE) applications, specifically as it relates to social service agencies and the ability to further distinguish between the various types. http://www.stpete.org/legisstream/mg278556/as2785 57/AS278571/AI284216/DO284217/DO_284217.PDF An overview of "mobile food trucks" and options for allowing their operation in St. Petersburg. 4 Towing Ordinance 04/19/12 Newton http://www.stpete.org/legisstream/mg297464/as2974 65/AS297479/AI300260/DO300261/DO_300261.PDF 5 Urban Farming 07/12/12 Nurse Goodwin Lazzara Kilborn http://www.stpete.org/legisstream/mg305037/as3050 38/AS305052/AI306877/DO306878/DO_306878.PDF A discussion of urban farms including an update and itemized list of existing community gardens. 6 Neighborhood Crime Watch Signs 10/18/12 Gerdes 1/17/13 Within 60 days from 1/17/13 (3/14/13) Legal Department Mark Winn http://www.stpete.org/legisstream/mg310482/as3104 83/AS310497/AI310799/DO310800/DO_310800.pdf Page 1 of 3
PUBLIC SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE (PS&I) COMMITTEE PREPARED ON MARCH 6, 2013 TOPIC PENDING / CONTINUING REFERRALS BY MEETING (S) RETURN STAFF SPECIAL NOTES 7 Yard Signs 11/2/12 (email) Council & Staff Goodwin Gerdes Lazzara Discussion on restricting signage in yards other than the front, allowing signs to remain when brought into compliance, allowing text on murals/artwork. 8 Sign Ordinance 11/2/12 (email) Council & Staff Nov 2013 Goodwin Gerdes Discussion on how the changes made to the sign regulations are working. 9 Policy or Program Recycling Demolition- Related Construction Debris 06/02/11 Council Public Works Connors Sanitation Shirley R. Dunn Council requested PS&I review the issue of requiring any person obtaining a permit to demolish a structure to recycle the generated debris. 10 Policy or Program Plaque Municipal Marina 11/8/12 Newton Downtown Facilities http://www.stpete.org/legisstream_cmx/3204458/320 4459/3204472/3218428/3218429/plaque3218429.docx 11 Policy or Program Summer Jobs 12/6/12 Nurse Sanitation Department Shirley http://www.stpete.org/legisstream_cmx/3223734/322 3735/3223748/3228558/3228559/summer%20jobs322 8559.doc 12 Policy or Program Unimproved Alleys 12/20/12 Nurse Zoning Department Lazzara http://www.stpete.org/legisstream_cmx/3228966/322 8967/3228980/3232567/3232568/alleys3232568.doc Page 2 of 3
PUBLIC SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE (PS&I) COMMITTEE PREPARED ON MARCH 6, 2013 TOPIC PENDING / CONTINUING REFERRALS BY MEETING (S) RETURN STAFF SPECIAL NOTES 13 Policy or Program Pinellas Park Termination Agreement 2/27/13 (e-mail) Staff 3/28/13 Water Resources Leavitt Pinellas Park has requested an early termination of their Wholesale Wastewater Agreement. 14 Capital Projects Downtown Intermodal Facility Study 10/07/09 Staff 10.22.09 02.11.10 07.29.10 08.12.10 - Video Trans.Parking Mgt. Kubicki Report on site evaluations and RFP Page 3 of 3