[{"_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",6146311,"mediaKeyId","5527752-57515362f93b2840d659076172415332","parentId",5527752,"title","City council authorizes up to $12.7 million in vehicle and equipment purchases; staff explains procurement timing","audioSeconds",138,"startMs",2920000,"endMs",3058000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5527752-57515362f93b2840d659076172415332&start=2920&end=3058","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5527752-57515362f93b2840d659076172415332/thumbnail_2920000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6146311/Clearwater/Pinellas-County/Florida/City-council-authorizes-up-to-127-million-in-vehicle-and-equipment-purchases-staff-explains-procurement-timing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6146311-a26b62c2e4ccde4b42a400ede8cabf28/orig.mp4?Expires=1775265074&Signature=kzYybJaYlziCdjOjdXLi95-AL5FIj7cCKungAe~U3dYnc8tlsD88M6SxXYkYMIyRRMDY9PnJTqtvVBIOuSBENel~qcXzoyuk0B7dpXDYbMBoRfsPYr3oJXx-okDH9lQYdoapFWq671~XQ3e90MzFdzfNb5OgTPwoqH639gieFWASzGEURIR3nSlNGEywEZY6qzk1Ldbe5~7miAPjk~zFVS13XTVVgJosSmSJxEaJDhVJIuwwYq4E81GJjRtX40sebCSq8Uo6E73rVSdYggl~6jhryuEd210Epgi5PAtTsL~yVIF8UY-jCHLlkEXCbJGH23iQ1yGGSiZTH4YaZq61vA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Clearwater","date","2025-08-05T01:31:38.62Z","article","The City of Clearwater on Aug. 4 authorized $12,713,580 in vehicle and equipment purchases as part of the FY26 citywide replacement package, following earlier approvals totaling $5,050,100 for public works and solid waste. Brandy Kolender, general services director, and Deb Moore, fleet purchasing coordinator, presented the package and said it supports scheduled replacements across departments and reflects a roughly 1% purchase increase from the prior year.

Kolender said the timing of large purchase blocks is driven in part by vendor build queues and supply constraints: “Once COVID hit, there's certain blocks now where vehicles are built. So if you do not put yourself in that queue in order to get those vehicles built, you're gonna be waiting a good 2 to 3 years,” she said, noting that specialized apparatus such as fire trucks can take over two years to build. Councilmembers asked whether costs and replacements could be smoothed over multiple years; staff described lifecycle analyses, maintenance‑cost triggers for replacement, and interdepartmental transfers to maximize remaining vehicle value.

Councilmember Cotton acknowledged the scale but said he appreciated staff’s forecasting, while another council member said procurement through cooperative contracts and piggyback arrangements produced good pricing. The council voted to approve the purchase authorization on consent.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Clearwater - DDB / Council Work Session - 8/4/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved the FY26 citywide vehicle and equipment purchase package, authorizing a remaining not‑to‑exceed $12,713,580 to support scheduled fleet replacements and operational needs across departments; staff said lead times and build queues shaped timing and amounts.","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},6146314,"Clearwater council advances $7.28 million HUD consolidated plan and 2025–26 action plan",330,2166000,2496000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5527752-57515362f93b2840d659076172415332&start=2166&end=2496","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5527752-57515362f93b2840d659076172415332/thumbnail_2166000.jpg","/articles/6146314/Clearwater/Pinellas-County/Florida/Clearwater-council-advances-728-million-HUD-consolidated-plan-and-202526-action-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6146314-14b92f6fcc7521ea6e1b7fb0ea33f4f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775265074&Signature=OQZ9MADs5saqv2l5~eIhiYmlozulZHpPMVmJvmPOYJL2gwDjixMHKAMJjmJqO9eOK7s3Qtv6QHWc7joImzdX0DaM8JdtangM6jUqbbs206Rz0IwJUSwcny0Un6-t2Ot~syU4~CGsDbYpdnm7FBLX8W2-d0U6tSsBunts-SY~tM3QZ2UwZdhZV4dNjn-RYTc-rdYS4KtK6z082aDAuMYRxA~kymbg5H7lgmS5wdNjsevoGW--EbZIQvLO62pNDjM-naDlwZGNlrk7uO~u1VSUZKBPbE96Mwei3TQOA0tg3K90aSnXoQ7YQGdyBMBhX1zpwswVePRfZL4yHdb~rtQY9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City of Clearwater staff on Aug. 4 presented the five‑year consolidated plan (2025–2029) and the 2025–26 annual action plan required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), reporting an estimated $7.28 million in federal funding available in year one, including HOME and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) sources. Bill Amayo, acting housing manager, summarized the plan and public outreach steps, saying the plan “is required by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD” and that it “incorporates extensive public input gathered through community meetings.”

The annual action plan (year one) anticipates managing approximately $7,280,000, including an estimated $1,880,000 in CDBG resources and $5,390,000 in HOME funding. Staff outlined allocations and carryover amounts, including HOME carryover of $2,591,861 and program income of $2,308,313; CDBG carryover and program income figures were also presented. Planned uses include public facility improvements for local service providers, housing production and preservation, tenant‑based rental assistance, down payment assistance and economic development technical assistance, with specific public facility projects cited for providers such as Hope Villages of America, Saint Vincent de Paul, Directions for Living and Maddie Williams.

Amayo said the plans were published for a 30‑day public comment period and that no comments were received during that time; he reported that the plans would be submitted to HUD by Aug. 15. Council members thanked staff for preparing the plan and noted the scale and regulatory requirements of the work.","City staff presented and the council advanced the City of Clearwater’s 2025–2029 consolidated plan and the 2025–26 annual action plan, describing roughly $7.28 million in federal housing and community development funds and planned projects for the coming year.",{"_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},6146319,"After debate, Clearwater DDB awards $15,000 to Salsa District Halloween event; members question marketing and AV costs",1458,1185000,2643000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5527752-57515362f93b2840d659076172415332&start=1185&end=2643","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5527752-57515362f93b2840d659076172415332/thumbnail_1185000.jpg","/articles/6146319/Clearwater/Pinellas-County/Florida/After-debate-Clearwater-DDB-awards-15000-to-Salsa-District-Halloween-event-members-question-marketing-and-AV-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6146319-4c6dbe67f881eced07a24824b3c2ec98/orig.mp4?Expires=1775265074&Signature=HOt2fVqRiUsBr1h7eS1vSYbNU~5B2BmZKjd5Ods0Ysb2q6pNfmlaUmO3ZvWu~pip6vjCP0pIig7PtpMi1uok7E2xeTj4x7m10t5hbGftuAPkMrZ3doSBVVk-1gH65ybkneaKrBlC2UH38X7LeqBVZDzmjuYPL64M2VzkLyfFJk8I9DMbKqaoInBc5ULDJc6R-UpY~rdCOSbo432zlVFLbfHMOmnGJncdeM80v5rZJO31g-qnWD55RxKCkuRA8QXEy7XnK0FG7EtgI5eR5eWPT1-DnC7X3Gr3V7rWougrjhqnTCVxnqQVRy4KeSLPVnFtoD6RQ2YCpPFDbY25geUrQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Clearwater Downtown Development Board approved $15,000 on Aug. 4 for Salsa District — Halloween edition, a free one‑night event planned for Nov. 1, 2025, after members debated a staff recommendation to fund up to $29,200. Staff had reported the event’s overall budget and outside commitments, saying the applicant had secured $20,000 from Visit St. Pete Clearwater, a $9,710 cosponsorship from the City of Clearwater, and $10,000 in estimated sponsorships, and that the DDB contribution would be used for mitigation, entertainment and audio‑visual equipment.

Board members praised the event’s strong attendance and merchant benefit but questioned several line items. Councilmember Cotton said the event had “nearly $50,000 in contributions” but the “event itself has not expanded” and suggested a lower DDB award: “I would be comfortable with giving $15,000 I think that this level recognizes its potential value.” At least two board members expressed concern that the $19,000 audio‑visual line and $20,000 marketing budget were high for a single‑night, five‑hour event and asked whether equipment purchases would create ongoing dependencies on DDB funds.

After further discussion and public acknowledgement that the county bed‑tax grant (Visit St. Pete Clearwater) is also public money, a motion to approve funding not to exceed $15,000 passed with the majority; meeting comments recorded that the vote was in favor except for the mayor and board member Cortez. Staff said the DDB’s contribution would be used for mitigation, entertainment and AV as allowable under DDB grant guidelines. Board members asked staff to seek more detail about sponsor commitments and past budgets as part of grant follow up.","The Downtown Development Board approved a $15,000 high‑impact grant for the Salsa District Halloween event after members questioned a proposed $29,200 award and raised concerns about the event budget breakdown, particularly marketing and audio‑visual costs.",{"_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},6146324,"DDB approves $15,000 pilot for First Friday lunchtime market on Cleveland Street",184,590000,774000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5527752-57515362f93b2840d659076172415332&start=590&end=774","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5527752-57515362f93b2840d659076172415332/thumbnail_590000.jpg","/articles/6146324/Clearwater/Pinellas-County/Florida/DDB-approves-15000-pilot-for-First-Friday-lunchtime-market-on-Cleveland-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6146324-752b5f1b7a4aee7999ca7a61b7c719d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775265074&Signature=by5o8zDPU8G9zHyQdYs-qY5qA3MHhleBu0T59K8Xb5K3DkGLBW5cfhnnKKjdyx24lOr-4cqLTSgsO0lIk0yQS9jPdJZH72FJoOF6Y-EcVlsmq-5iJuj0qiJYWRO6OWN2FtE2Vg4POUPDOkNaVufuub9-5OI0ekPEJiBo88EX3tedKx5R0hYFtMzydSV14Qfi-xJ2VTsfcLbRnTi0-U~idpnJIAHQQWZ-O1J-BSFOxEFLwahgOyxrMg0lRjUvZH8JBbdzSM3S5m6xI9VLrl5Iy0zL4vO7Tha0VI7TYWEu8RGxnmsOmq3tpsUZFqebVnQrRqiuehrG4~ROpWcHAwVCKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Clearwater Downtown Development Board unanimously approved a pilot First Friday lunchtime market on Aug. 4, authorizing up to $15,000 to support the program. Shire, CRE division manager, presented the proposal and said staff recommends approval “of a new event, the DDB First Friday lunchtime market, scheduled for the first Friday of each month from October 2025 from February 2026” with a request “not to exceed 15,000 to cover city fees, venue rentals, marketing, a contingency fund for adjustments as needed due to downtown construction.”

Shire said the market will run on the 400 block of Cleveland Street with room to expand to the 500 block and will include 10 to 12 rotating retail vendors alongside lunchtime promotions by local businesses. Councilman McCotty, who led several board comments in support, called the $15,000 series “a responsible use of the funds” and praised the inclusion of performance metrics: “including the foot traffic, merchant sales data, monthly reporting on the engagement of attendance, we'll actually have real numbers to evaluate the progress and success of this,” he said. Several other board members, including Vice President Menino and Councilmember Holborn, expressed support, noting merchant engagement and the need to boost weekday activity downtown.

Staff said marketing will leverage local concierge groups and stakeholder organizations and includes a $4,500 contingency for construction impacts. The board voted unanimously to approve the pilot at the amount recommended by staff.","The Clearwater Downtown Development Board approved up to $15,000 to fund a five‑month pilot lunchtime market aimed at increasing weekday foot traffic and supporting local merchants.",{"_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},6146329,"Clearwater DDB adopts budget amendments, forwards proposed FY25–26 budget and renews interlocal with CRA",265,95000,360000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5527752-57515362f93b2840d659076172415332&start=95&end=360","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5527752-57515362f93b2840d659076172415332/thumbnail_95000.jpg","/articles/6146329/Clearwater/Pinellas-County/Florida/Clearwater-DDB-adopts-budget-amendments-forwards-proposed-FY2526-budget-and-renews-interlocal-with-CRA","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6146329-d9679d31ef4241598d58f873127082a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775265075&Signature=BWdq5nhSA8JwKe4qsahNrhj-ATTUW6o0G-Oi3Gylf-F7cOHOpJjv10ueAR02FmO3o1hIOYtdv0JBlngQj1yskK0ubiIFMTIP0y9zpor4ErIhQDj-zNF3zUfLyTpF-erUXIy4p7KTn0n6c-fhUCk4BebBVJKfZc1Zb8-7QZfq8dJcoGdVtVNtECcmtRlG9aLiBlbehB-8cKAABKxUv7wFCOJ8WwOU5W1QoBOo5s5GuSfWxojSPxuore73CK~YN6S04jWAiF0QGRAM1QvSVBte6~DUs6DYWhY~8kbocNfK-V4fgM8Osp5n-3zvXi4j~j~igsb2T~8ll4mMeEH4XWRcnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Clearwater Downtown Development Board on Aug. 4 approved third‑quarter amendments to its FY23–24 budget, advanced a proposed FY25–26 operating budget to September budget hearings, and authorized a three‑year interlocal agreement continuing the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to provide staffing and administrative services to the DDB. Anne Lopez, CRA assistant director, told the board, “The total expenditures for May were $46,768.20. For June, the total spend was $14,410.86.”

The board adopted Resolution 25‑01 to record the FY23–24 amendments, which staff said increase revenues by $15,263 and reallocate a previously approved $300,000 for Cleveland Street activation that had been authorized at the board’s March meeting. Jason Nino, CRA executive director, described the interlocal agreement as a continuation of a long‑standing partnership: “This partnership has been in place since 2000 … Each year, the CRA will retain a small portion of those funds, to cover staff and administrative cost. That amount will increase by 5% annually, and the remaining funds will be returned to the DDB.”

Staff presented the DDB’s proposed FY25–26 operating budget, which projects property tax revenues at $475,988 and proposes using $310,178 from the current unassigned fund balance. The proposal would allocate $435,473 to marketing (including $370,473 for special event funding), $249,653 to business assistance (covering Cleveland Street holiday decor, the Jolly Trolley loop, continued Cleveland Street activations and a planned outdoor cafe program), $79,365 for staff and administration, $379,975 for the CRA increment payment, and $75,000 for minimum reserves per policy. The board voted to send the proposed budget to the public hearings scheduled for Sept. 3 and Sept. 17.

Board members asked clarifying questions about timing and program details; one member said they would reserve questions for the director’s report. No public comments were offered on these agenda items during the meeting. The motions to approve the amendments, the proposed budget, and the interlocal agreement carried unanimously.","The Clearwater Downtown Development Board approved third‑quarter amendments to FY23–24, advanced a proposed FY25–26 budget to the September hearings, and authorized a three‑year interlocal agreement continuing CRA staffing and administrative services.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City council authorizes up to $12.7 million in vehicle and equipment purchases; staff explains procurement timing

Clearwater council advances $7.28 million HUD consolidated plan and 2025–26 action plan

After debate, Clearwater DDB awards $15,000 to Salsa District Halloween event; members question marketing and AV costs

DDB approves $15,000 pilot for First Friday lunchtime market on Cleveland Street

Clearwater DDB adopts budget amendments, forwards proposed FY25–26 budget and renews interlocal with CRA