CLEARWATER – When it comes to Clearwater Beach tourist attractions, Pier 60 Park is near the top of the list, and the city wants to keep it looking nice.
“Pier 60 Park’s appearance and overall appeal to the citizens as well as the tourist population has always been an important issue for the city,” a staff memo to the City Council explains.
In fiscal year 2010-11, the Clearwater City Council approved a $510,000 capital improvement project for maintenance and improvements at the park. A state grant was supposed to pay $200,000 of that, and the other $310,000 was to come from the city’s general fund. But the state grant fell through, so the city on Sept. 20 agreed to provide the extra $200,000 so the project can go forward.
“The project will include repair of the existing seating wall, site furniture, ground renovation, walkways, irrigation repairs and special event layout improvements in order to make the park consistent with the major improvements made in the Beach Walk project,” the staff memo says. “In addition, improvements will be made by adding a new concept in play structures that will become a focal spot on the beach.”
Clearwater retains law firms
CLEARWATER - The Clearwater City Council unanimously agreed Sept. 20 to enter into new contracts for the services of four law firms that are already assisting the city’s Gas System and Engineering Department with municipal, county, state and federal regulatory matters.
Baker and Hostetler, LLP, will be retained at a fee of up to $50,000 per year to represent the Clearwater Gas System for the next five years in matters, especially those related to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, regarding the city’s former manufactured gas plat at 400 North Myrtle Avenue. That firm will also get a $150,000 retainer for representing the city’s Engineering Department in FDEP matters.
Miller, Balis and O’Neil, P.C., will get a retainer of up to $25,000 a year for five years for its representation of the Gas System in matters regarding pipelines.
William J. Peebles, P.A., will receive a retainer of up to $25,000 annually for the next five years for its representation of the gas system in its dealings with the state, especially the Florida Public Service Commission and the Florida Department of Agriculture.
And Gerald A. Figurski, P.A., will receive a retainer of up to $25,000 a year for representing the Gas System in its dealings with county and municipal governments until Figurski retires, two years from now.
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