[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6268966,"mediaKeyId","3048416-7deb1e23675f673ac1aa889c1d3f50c1","parentId",3048416,"title","Council approves resolution to cooperate with Governor’s Department of Governmental Efficiency after edits on access and scope","audioSeconds",2053,"startMs",1880000,"endMs",3933000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048416-7deb1e23675f673ac1aa889c1d3f50c1&start=1880&end=3933","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048416-7deb1e23675f673ac1aa889c1d3f50c1/thumbnail_1880000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6268966/Clearwater/Pinellas-County/Florida/Council-approves-resolution-to-cooperate-with-Governors-Department-of-Governmental-Efficiency-after-edits-on-access-and-scope","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268966-518544fda70f3c0e8fe7711d6b3f1ccb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204206&Signature=SeUKglQ~JkuGcs-eDpsN7Gz~6hqyoRvNyzl3dHZVQSWkyEaXdT42EfbGcbVWurvcjq-uFdaPMSortBEytbLsuB-VO5xHgCMk8CscyqguNv6kk5n2sux6b-I7hiwD7S4Z7Y6XMhT2igc8R8zJBlt-55fUWs1D3J3MEVNPTlPCSk4tyOrWFiI1y8ZdV8fxkNqnRVyLMGurAG4~UbnRt7iPBD060T9--JYdkBScsWou7JZvYQsrCTE2sroQ6edl134IqSxhSs0lHWvz5OXQnbU5kl9fwFmuM3A5Pvp55pzYWlvNn~VU-7TWdFWD44cK-RR4x6L5bfkyrZ9ebXQ9A2tFoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Clearwater, FL","date","2025-04-18T08:25:04.58Z","article","The Clearwater City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 25‑07 on April 17 to express the city’s willingness to collaborate with the Governor’s Department of Governmental Efficiency (referred to in the record as the EOG DOGE team) to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements.

Council debate focused on two principal concerns: (1) whether the resolution, as drafted, would grant unfettered physical access to city premises and records to state reviewers, and (2) whether language directing staff to “fully support” the team’s requests would weaken local policy autonomy. Councilmembers proposed and the council approved edits during the meeting that (a) add the adjective “reasonable” to describe access to records and physical premises, and (b) replace stronger wording with language directing city staff and elected officials to “fully consider” DOGE team requests rather than to “fully support” all requests.

Councilmember Ryan Cotton urged including advance notice and coordination with department heads when reviewers seek on‑site access, saying in part, “Maybe we can alter that, or maybe city staff can alter it to where the language reads, by an appointment.” Councilmember Michael Mannino — who introduced a draft amendment to emphasize eliminating misspending, waste and saving taxpayer dollars — said the edits will preserve local discretion while allowing the city to benefit from state recommendations. Vice Mayor Lina Teixeira said she supported the resolution’s intent but asked that the council soften Section 6’s language to preserve the city’s autonomy.

City staff (the city clerk read back the proposed amended text into the record) recrafted Sections 3, 4 and 6 in real time. The final version as adopted amends Section 3 to grant the DOGE team “reasonable access” to necessary records and physical premises, revises Section 4 to focus on identifying and eliminating misspending and waste, and revises Section 6 to direct staff and elected officials to “fully consider” DOGE team requests permitted by state and federal law and to provide reasonable access to requested information.

A resident speaker recommended the city pursue the Florida Sterling Award evaluation process as an alternative or complement to the DOGE review and urged the council to prioritize process improvements and execution of recommendations. After the amendment motion and a second, the council voted to adopt the resolution as amended; the vote was unanimous.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 25‑07 (cooperation with Governor’s Department of Governmental Efficiency team) adopted unanimously as amended to add “reasonable access” and to change language to “fully consider.”","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Clearwater - City Council Meeting - 4/17/25","oneSentenceSummary","After extended debate and an amendment to add “reasonable access” and soften mandatory language, Clearwater’s City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 25‑07 to cooperate with the Governor’s Department of Governmental Efficiency team to identify efficiency opportunities.","taxTitle","Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida","taxId",4656,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6268970,"Council adopts second‑reading amendments to community development code (landscaping, parking, maintenance)",50,1815000,1865000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048416-7deb1e23675f673ac1aa889c1d3f50c1&start=1815&end=1865","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048416-7deb1e23675f673ac1aa889c1d3f50c1/thumbnail_1815000.jpg","/articles/6268970/Clearwater/Pinellas-County/Florida/Council-adopts-secondreading-amendments-to-community-development-code-landscaping-parking-maintenance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268970-454412742316188a3713d8898ae30e67/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204206&Signature=C9gnh8GyF8-DLekU2KwrGg160ino5P8LoMSmdhpgYtsHoAfsuDmkV1OkrN3LHZy9JbrbwPgPCHul4qRGX8EQrva68H0-xXQjEw-cF54R2Xa5QA0OsEAE9WeTOBSscYX7U-H14RxOH3XpsrB0g3gpmMphYtkMTD6jkGyEEOnVwzMQZoepWqDePmHx9G2AWAyHbNo~kgQvP9pwn23UeIkAb06c0H1B~TE5BOWCNJrC9odWn1IzUvZ6q1g2cwlyE3yTyAumbMq7mGQSQ5HwDU0cJPEU31Qmo1T7Tcqg0s-Ez7OnGjMtMOQaaf451r7P2allAN3sXltic9hQrOSAL70u7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Clearwater City Council adopted on second reading Ordinance No. 9800‑525 on April 17, making amendments to the Community Development Code including changes to development standards (landscaping and tree protection), parking and loading rules, property maintenance standards, and definitions. The ordinance also updates Appendix B (U.S. 19 Zoning District and Development Standards) to certify consistency with the city’s comprehensive plan.

The item was read for second reading, no public commentators spoke on the ordinance, and the council moved and seconded approval. The motion passed unanimously.

The ordinance text as read included a severability clause and an effective date; no amendments or substitutions were recorded on the floor during the meeting.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance No. 9800‑525 (second reading) adopted unanimously.","On second reading the council adopted Ordinance No. 9800‑525 to amend Clearwater’s Community Development Code covering landscaping/tree protection, parking and loading, property maintenance standards and definitions; council voted unanimously with no public comment recorded.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6268975,"Council adopts FDOT joint participation agreement to install emergency generator at Clearwater Airpark",70,1713000,1783000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048416-7deb1e23675f673ac1aa889c1d3f50c1&start=1713&end=1783","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048416-7deb1e23675f673ac1aa889c1d3f50c1/thumbnail_1713000.jpg","/articles/6268975/Clearwater/Pinellas-County/Florida/Council-adopts-FDOT-joint-participation-agreement-to-install-emergency-generator-at-Clearwater-Airpark","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268975-57d3b324868186a1e7281ba2e3b85ecb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204206&Signature=Wnu60crbg8dX7jSVYwnEAFUmWNQhgI~V7Lg15ey4wonDqrNGmOmu8SM5fTsMvekDdpYaJjv2jySJhrJE-p1p6MLN-h3zdxpyNwQ77WJgodZzOXzbPJv21u~JFhuYvQfM~m8nFiQDM3VTw2uXH~fvXM~2189sIUl8c2DDYb3n-4~kij8YwkX-NyxRVbsvaookswinnsHBsaEEwS0HCi~qIC-KvSH65WR9TMkCsOCsnG7m2Zn4oBXgGrKsZOHQa~8~muHAvBoz8EGD6fq0qv6rDByey4eE7ql6if3hGp1enPgMVPqE8DtfhA43G-Ae798CXBfq~STbVhhIIo4PGVHG2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Clearwater City Council voted unanimously April 17 to approve a joint participation agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation to install an emergency generator at Clearwater Airpark and adopted Resolution 25‑06 authorizing the city to execute the grant agreement.

Mike McDonald, Marine and Aviation Director, presented the item and said the grant will fund installation of an emergency generator at the airpark in coordination with Clearwater Gas. After no public comment and no further council discussion, a motion to approve was seconded and carried unanimously.

The resolution was read into the record as authorizing the execution of the joint participation agreement and setting an effective date. Councilmembers recorded no amendments or conditions during the vote.

Votes at a glance: Council adopted Resolution 25‑06 and authorized execution of the joint participation agreement by unanimous vote.","The council adopted Resolution 25‑06 and authorized a joint participation agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation and Clearwater Gas to install an emergency generator at Clearwater Airpark.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6268980,"Council OKs up to $1.6M generator maintenance contract amid public concerns over cost and scope",57,1480000,1537000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048416-7deb1e23675f673ac1aa889c1d3f50c1&start=1480&end=1537","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048416-7deb1e23675f673ac1aa889c1d3f50c1/thumbnail_1480000.jpg","/articles/6268980/Clearwater/Pinellas-County/Florida/Council-OKs-up-to-16M-generator-maintenance-contract-amid-public-concerns-over-cost-and-scope","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268980-6b007bbc8a0bc2bdc644bb0173eb967b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204206&Signature=nNV-Kj95eTx0ymaWKm5CmG-zYwGHMtbAgk9xQD6vAjWcVKOpVX~5MP4J1usfUzxN5-TX3mR3eaZTR7oEbBEBE2Lt2D5uefBosTjus0Vn-nqqI2x0uFrtvjaXqKt5BWWwM7PGM~dpPCWJtVrIUnM-UkTlr4ay3Q7llbcMROqkYd0GbeW07sbQAZcxP37cdDa4X5SB-sxWQNbUsCzfbBtKVVqWPL6zQNxfBWI5kxpUmtm5qII-rsXVYoMW1S03MPXt0Zjkl26ooUF5cfXiLqg73EEzZkTlifk-dsebtZf~q~pqwh~IFbj4jj9k3sPSj2iETse~-5myEtb7yRlj1WJeXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Clearwater City Council unanimously approved agenda item 6.5 on April 17, authorizing contracts with multiple vendors for purchase, rental, testing and maintenance of generators, automatic transfer switches and related services in a cumulative amount of $1,600,000 for the term May 1, 2025 through Nov. 22, 2026, with a one‑year renewal option for up to $1,000,000.

Dan Mayer, interim director for General Services, told the council the higher contract total reflects an 18‑month contract period (about a 50% increase over a single year) and that the city assumed responsibility for maintenance of roughly 200 transfer switches previously maintained by Public Utilities. Mayer also cited additional testing and parts replacement after storm‑related failures.

During public comment, resident Joe Haluba criticized the contract as an “asinine use of taxpayer monies,” arguing the city should exercise restraint on large contingency spending. Haluba asked whether equipment losses from North Beach were part of this cost and said the city’s PDF agenda materials were restricted and difficult for the public to review.

Councilmembers expressed no motion to alter the contract on the dais; a motion to approve was made and seconded and the item passed unanimously.

The agenda cited procurement authority under Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563 (single‑source/piggyback). The staff presentation outlined operational reasons for the expanded scope — extended term, added transfer‑switch responsibility, and replacement testing — but did not provide a line‑item breakdown in the on‑record remarks.

Votes at a glance: The council approved agenda item 6.5 (multi‑vendor generator maintenance/purchase contract) by unanimous vote.","The city approved a multi‑vendor contract for generator purchases, rentals and maintenance totaling $1.6 million for May 2025–Nov 2026 after staff said an 18‑month term and added transfer‑switch maintenance explain the higher amount; public commenters called the expense excessive.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6268983,"Council approves $226,227 truck purchase after public questions about assignment to Parks & Recreation",125,1273000,1398000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048416-7deb1e23675f673ac1aa889c1d3f50c1&start=1273&end=1398","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048416-7deb1e23675f673ac1aa889c1d3f50c1/thumbnail_1273000.jpg","/articles/6268983/Clearwater/Pinellas-County/Florida/Council-approves-226227-truck-purchase-after-public-questions-about-assignment-to-Parks-Recreation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268983-3d124df545d42e95112fa7c4663f7ccf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204206&Signature=Gu3IRDgrVA-UvCJBoPmN0ZkgbhulIUsFEsXwxYiMG4NAL0uhkXl0F5QQAP~Zn9SmCLS5NOdPI-4lvHunOvXXeQhSeiGbR-Jrhyid~fiHLo0x8Is3nJ6Uwu~~oouq3RBYTX9Neeam0JLtue2Adlews06qJQkLr-aOjgRQlaKE7WN~0o99c9XZQ7rlORdDr8ojEftvknP5YVQH~aL5IvPsDQR6xPByZRe60wSkzdys53pwmAWF~DqlNSVlHbZgWSVKjh2EIW5Fyn9kygTeoPTAufNBOOuEJiJnUP2NqBTP3ta~l8Azl8Q52DrcgpoWfGWSkr8sZeJQIcSLxaQbQ4Httg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Clearwater City Council on April 17 unanimously approved an order authorizing the purchase of a Freightliner 1145D with a Gal-Fab hoist for $226,226.95 to replace a vehicle damaged beyond repair in Hurricane Helene.

The item, listed on the consent agenda as 6.4, was presented by Matthew Anderson, assistant director of Parks and Recreation, who said the vehicle is a multi-purpose replacement used by multiple departments and that the item had been discussed in a work session earlier that week. The council approved the purchase after a motion to remove other consent items, then moved to take 6.4 up and voted to approve it.

During public comment, resident Joe Haluba questioned the assignment of a roll-off/dumpster-style hoist truck to Parks and Recreation and said the vehicle type is typically used by solid waste operations. “That’s a Gal-Fab Hoist. It’s a Rohloff dumpster truck. I don’t really know why it would be assigned to Parks and Recreation,” Haluba said in remarks to the council. He urged the council to consider whether Solid Waste should instead receive such equipment.

Council members did not reopen the procurement discussion on the dais; after public comment the council moved and seconded approval and the motion passed unanimously.

The agenda item cites procurement authority under the Clearwater Code of Ordinances, Section 2.563, and the staff report noted the purchase is to replace an irreparable vehicle lost to hurricane damage. The staff presentation said the vehicle will perform multiple departmental functions but did not list a departmental assignment detail in the on-record remarks.

The council did not place additional conditions on the purchase during the meeting. The public comment requesting department reassignment and the staff explanation that the vehicle serves multiple departments are both part of the record.

Votes at a glance: The council approved agenda item 6.4 (purchase order to Orlando Freightliner) by unanimous vote.

","The Clearwater City Council unanimously authorized a $226,226.95 purchase order for a Freightliner roll-off truck under purchasing code provisions after a public commenter questioned assigning the unit to Parks and Recreation rather than Solid Waste.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves resolution to cooperate with Governor’s Department of Governmental Efficiency after edits on access and scope

Council adopts second‑reading amendments to community development code (landscaping, parking, maintenance)

Council adopts FDOT joint participation agreement to install emergency generator at Clearwater Airpark

Council OKs up to $1.6M generator maintenance contract amid public concerns over cost and scope

Council approves $226,227 truck purchase after public questions about assignment to Parks & Recreation