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Utility customers to pay surcharges thanks to gas hikes
By THOMAS MICHALSKI
Article published on Thursday, May 1, 2008 |
PINELLAS PARK – The City Council approved a measure on April 24 that places a 10 percent fuel surcharge on utility customers that are billed for refuse collection services.
The increase comes as a result of skyrocketing gasoline prices that now average about $3.50-a-gallon at the pump, with predictions of $4 by the summer months.
The increase is allowed under a pact with Waste Management Inc. of Florida that allows the contractor to seek adjustments for “extraordinary charges” in its costs of doing business caused by circumstances beyond its control.
Waste Management, Inc. has experienced substantial increases in diesel fuel costs.
The council also authorized the police department to use money from its confiscated property fund to pay for the training of police officers.
Chief Dorene Thomas said Sgt. Mark Berger will attend the 120th Administrative Officers Course at the University of Louisville’s Southern Police Institute. The cost for books, housing and other expenses is $9,600.
In November the Orange County Sheriff’s Office will host a SWAT International competition that combines training and other education programs. The $4,600 fees for city police to participate includes ammunition, hotel accommodations and other costs.
Two ordinances to pave the way for the Radisson Hotel and Convention Center at 12600 Roosevelt Blvd. to add additional rooms and other improvements were withdrawn. City officials said the expansion plans will go before the Pinellas County Planning Council, negating the need for local intervention at this time.
The council also approved an ordinance calling for the expansion of an outdoor storage area for roofing supplies at 6520 35th St. The applicant, Bradco Supply Corp., proposed a 10-foot wide landscape buffer and a 6-foot solid wall along the north side of the property to screen activities from nearby adjoining properties.
Also approved was the construction of a communications tower on property at 7725 78th St. that also is home to Automotive Fleet Enterprises. The applicant plans to build a monopole tower with a flush mount antenna. Lauralee G. Westine, a lawyer representing the interested parties, said the tower would be constructed so that a weather event would cause the structure to fold into itself. A hinge would send the top half of the antenna to the ground while still attached to the pole.
In order to meet engineering requirements of its network, T-Mobile requires that its antennas reach up to 160 feet in height. The structure will be constructed on a 5.972-acre parcel.
Annexations were approved for property at 7173, 7185 and 7161 73rd Street.
Debra Gray and Connie Marmaro were reappointed to the library board for three-year terms.
The resignation of John P. Hofstadter from the Pinellas Park Police Officers Pension Board was accepted.
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Article published on Thursday, May 1, 2008
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