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Council roundup: spring-break transit, contracts, software renewals, docks and pensions — all measures approved
Summary
The Clearwater City Council approved a package of routine procurement, grant, transit and pension items at its February meeting, including funding for spring-break Jolly Trolley service and an Esri software renewal.
The Clearwater City Council on a unanimous series of votes approved multiple administrative and procurement items during its February meeting, including transit service funding for spring break, purchase orders for landscape chemicals, a state grant for an airpark rotating beacon, a three-year software licensing renewal, contract increases for citywide signs and wraps, renewal of a submerged land lease for a three-slip dock, and an ordinance change allowing firefighters to purchase prior military/EMS service credit.
Key votes at a glance:
- Jolly Trolley spring-break service: Council approved a funding agreement with the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority to provide enhanced Jolly Trolley service from March 2 through May 3, 2025, with the city contributing up to $108,171 to reduce parking and traffic pressure during spring break. City manager Dan Slaughter said the agreement reflects a 3% increase from last year and aims to support hospitality workers who rely on the service.
- Landscape chemicals purchase orders: The council approved citywide purchase orders for herbicides, pesticides and related products in an initial cumulative amount of $175,000 for 03/01/2025–09/30/2025, awarded to five vendors following competitive bidding. Parks staff said they use integrated pest management practices and publicly post monthly chemical use records.
- Clearwater Airpark rotating beacon (FDOT grant): Council authorized a joint participation agreement (G3901) with the Florida Department of Transportation for construction of a rotating beacon at Clearwater Airpark with a project amount of $110,000; staff said the beacon will be installed on a stand-alone structure because terminal design precludes roof mounting.
- GIS software renewal (Esri): Council authorized a noncompetitive purchasing action to renew the city’s Esri mapping and land-management licensing and maintenance for $285,900 for the term 02/26/2025–02/25/2028. IT staff said Esri is a specialized product broadly used by major agencies and has limited direct alternatives.
- Citywide signs, banners and wraps: The council approved an increase to purchase orders for vendors providing signs, banners and similar items, bringing the contract total to $200,000 annually. Staff described examples such as lifeguard tower wraps and parking kiosk signage.
- Submerged land lease renewal (police boat dock): Council approved a five-year renewal of a sovereignty submerged lands lease at no cost for a three-slip dock with a boat lift on Clearwater South Beach for use by Fire and Rescue; the state-imputed lease start date was listed as Nov. 6, 2024.
- Firefighter prior service buyback ordinance: Council approved an amendment to the employee pension plan (ordinance number 98-1825 as read) to permit firefighters to purchase prior military or EMS/fire service credit, subject to actuarial certification and purchase requirements; staff said the actuary determined no actuarial cost to the city because firefighters are required to pay the cost of purchased credit.
Other routine items approved included minutes, contract renewals and acceptances specified on the agenda. All listed items were approved without recorded dissents.
