Council Priorities
Build the downtown corridor
The city continued to aggressively pursue the development of the downtown corridor. To accelerate downtown development, several objectives were achieved:
• City Council approved Development Agreement with Devon Rushnell for Library site to build 82 townhomes with 16 live-work units
• City Council approved density incentive to encourage vertically integrated mixed-use development in TCCR zoning district
• City held community visioning workshop regarding city-owned property near City Hall
• City Council issued request for letter of interest
Execute Economic Development Plan strategies as feasible
The City Council provided a Business Assistance Program in coordination with the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. Some program highlights include:
• Secured $908,000 from Pinellas County employment site program
• Hosted Job Fair with 29 local businesses
• Conducted 14 ribbon cuttings
• Visited 16 businesses, hosted 35 Lunch and Learn seminars
Execute Oldsmar Sports Complex improvements
The city completed major improvements to the Oldsmar Sports Complex and completed renovation of the Oldsmar BMX Supercross Track, officially reopening on July 15. In addition, the city completed a $400,000 renovation project at the baseball/softball fields. This project included turf renovation and new amenities.
Continue efforts to become a more automated and connected city
Comprehensive efforts to become a more connected city have been instituted. Highlights include:
• Community workshops for specific plans, such as downtown development
• “Experience Oldsmar” magazine mailed three times a year to each household
• Podcasts including “Weekend Wake Up with the Mayor”
• Postcard mailings for city workshops
• Enhanced social media presence
• A new “City Updates” email newsletter
Identify areas of need for beautification and potential grants, such as tree programs and public art
Comprehensive public art programs included the launch of Oldsmar in Orbit, Oldsmar Connects – a Pop Up Puzzle Piece art exhibit, and Greetings from Oldsmar. Trees were added to Veterans Memorial Park, and perennial peanut was planted in the medians on Tampa Road and State Road 580 and in the plant beds along State Street. Approximately 150 trees were distributed free to residents during the tree giveaway event.
Harbor Palms infrastructure renovation and upgrade
This major reconstruction of the subdivision’s water distribution system, roadways, curbs, sidewalks and the drainage system serves about 600 homes. Phase Two is estimated to be completed in 2023.
Develop strategies for maintenance of existing infrastructure
The city continually strives to maintain its vast system of infrastructure. Some highlights included construction of Douglas Road, update of standard operating procedures for stormwater, mapping and inspection of the distribution and collection system, and initiation of a 20-year “Water Supply Master Plan” effort.
Finance
• Coordinated annual audit and prepared Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for FY 20/21 and the Community Redevelopment Agency
• Prepared city’s FY 22/23 budget including capital and operating components, facilitated department submissions and prepared final documents
• Received TRIM Certification from Florida Department of Revenue for 2021 and completed the process for 2022 tax year
• Coordinated complex capital project funding by utilizing cash reserves, state and federal grant programs, and debt when needed; incorporated American Rescue Plan Act and other funding sources into the FY 22/23 annual budget; assisted with the development of various legislative appropriation requests; ensured all grant-related regulatory reporting requirements were completed
• Completed comprehensive update to city’s Purchasing Policies and Procedures Ordinance
• Implemented new solid waste collection services contract effective October 1, 2021
• Assisted Human Resources and City Management with analysis of city health insurance coverage options and results of a competitive bid process, personnel policies updates and comprehensive compensation and classification study
• Partnered with Public Works to complete water/ sewer rate study
• Partnered with Fire Department to procure, install and train on new WeatherSTEM Stations for city and community use; worked with County Emergency Management, City Management and Fire Department regarding interagency coordination efforts for 2022 hurricane season
• Partnered with City Management, Fire Department, Human Resources and IAFF on 2022 contract with firefighter’s union
Information Technology
• Substantially completed multi-year infrastructure upgrade project to harden city’s network and enhance security
• Deployed new cybersecurity enhancements, including implementation of multi-factor authentication and various cybersecurity services in coordination with CISA, CIS and outside consultants; continued cybersecurity awareness training program for city employees
• Working in partnership with the Public Works Department to upgrade SCADA IT systems and enhance security
• Updated city’s cybersecurity and disaster recovery plans
• Completed upgrade of audio components of the Council Chamber audio-visual system
Administrative Services
Communications, Marketing, and Arts Library
Communications
• Produced three editions of the city’s magazine, “Experience Oldsmar”and direct mailed 6,500 copies, per edition, to all Oldsmar households
• Created custom video productions for public relations and public service announcement campaigns
• Developed augmented reality program for Oldsmar in Orbit installations
• Completed rebranding and new website for Oldsmar BMX Supercross
Marketing
• Launched “Oldsmar in a Minute” virtual weekly news update
• Increased Podcast downloads by approximately 400% - from 270 to 1077
• Updated and managed city’s website in accordance with federal accessibility guidelines - 460,332 page visits in FY 21/22
• Initiated municipal branding efforts
• Managed monthly city e-blast, distributed to over 2,400 subscribers
Arts
• Managed all elements of Oldsmar in Orbit
• Hosted four art receptions and exhibits
• Coordinated the pop up art project, “Oldsmar Connects” jigsaw piece murals
• Facilitated the public art project for Oldsmar Sports Complex
• Became overdue fine free on October 1, 2021
• Started the “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program with four children completing the program (approximately 20 books per week for a year)
• Restarted all weekly children’s programs
• Installed new camera system
• Began virtual reality programs
Trends
• Welcomed 53,333 patrons, answered 10,077 questions, checked out 77,311 physical items and loaned 26,387 assets to other libraries
• Library patrons read 11,178 e-books, listened to 7,753 audiobooks and downloaded 327 videos
Fire Rescue
Responded to all call types in city limits in seven minutes and eleven seconds or less, 90% of the time.
• This meets department’s goal of response to 90% of all emergency incidents within city limits in seven minutes and thirty seconds or less
• Oldsmar Fire Rescue average response time: 4:37
• Mutual aid average response time: 6:23
Mutual aid received: 389 incidents
Mutual aid given: 415 incidents
Fire Rescue responses included 2,093 incidents:
• 1,685 medical incidents
• 166 vehicle crashes
• 148 fire alarm incidents
• 260 fire/rescue incidents
Implemented Automatic Vehicle Locator GPS-based dispatch in coordination with Pinellas County for closest engine response to structure fires and other fire-related incidents.
Procured a replacement utility vehicle to also be utilized as a reserve unit for Rescue 54.
Performed community risk reduction efforts:
• 582 routine fire inspections
• 58 building permit related fire inspections
• 72 car seat installations and inspections
• 14 CPR and First Aid classes
• Installed residential smoke detectors
• Conducted business fire extinguisher training
• Held annual Hurricane Expo
• Presented hurricane preparedness information to Gull Aire residents
Emergency Management
• Transitioned damage assessment platform from Collector to ArcGIS Field Maps in coordination with Pinellas County
• Participated in implementation of upgraded special needs evacuation process in coordination with Pinellas County
• Conducted multiple citywide EOC hurricane drills
• Citywide recertification of National Incident Management System Training
• Performed specific event emergency operations for Hurricane Ian, including development of a 15-point after action plan
Met or exceeded the goal of 20 hours of firefighting training per month for all line personnel. This included Firefighter Skills Training, Engine Driver Training, Florida State Fire College courses and recertification courses (Instructor, Fire Safety Inspector, Live Fire Instructor).
Organized and implemented special events for the community, including Party in the Park, Kids Fishing Derby, Sunset Sounds, Movie in the Park, Drive Through Boo, Memorial Day Ceremony, Veterans Day Celebration, Winter Wonderland, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Golf Cart Parade, Oldsmar in Orbit launch, Tampa Bay Lightning hockey clinics, Community Talent Show, Adult Fishing Tournament, Kite Day, Chalk the Park, Breakfast with the Bunny, Breakfast with Santa and Eggstravaganza. Collaborated with several third-party organizations to host events such as 2nd Fridays, Armadillo Run, Celebrate Oldsmar, Drive Electric, Bike Rodeo, Honor Our Heroes 5k, Chamber of Commerce Job Fair, Oldsmar Friends of the Arts Mardi Gras, Oldsmar Days and Nights, Pinellas Festival of Community Bands, Shred and Recycle, Tribute to the Troops, Walk Like MADD and Winter Solstice 108 Sun Salutations.
Hosted two successful youth theater productions by the Oldsmar Performing Arts League (OPAL), in partnership with the Oldsmar Friends of the Arts. Each had an attendance of over 500.
Rebranded and hosted a grand reopening event at the Oldsmar BMX Supercross Track with over 500 riders and spectators. Partnered with three other BMX tracks to host the first “Battle of the Bay” BMX competition with 126 riders and over 400 in attendance.
Entered into an agreement with a vendor to provide landscape maintenance on city medians and select park areas.
Conducted the 3rd Annual Tree Giveaway, providing 150 trees to residents.
The Facility Maintenance Division provided preventative maintenance and repair services to all city departments; responding to and completing over 1,153 work order service requests.
Top Capital Accomplishments
• Completed Oldsmar BMX Supercross starting hills reconstruction
Provided diverse recreation programming with over 11,642 participants. Successfully planned a 10-week summer camp program for 75 campers.
Revised a Use Agreement with Empower Adventures
Tampa Bay to operate the zipline facility at Mobbly Bayou. There were 12,959 visitors to the zipline facility.
Managed sports user agreements for Oldsmar Sports Complex, including Oldsmar Little League, Oldsmar Youth Soccer Club and the North Pinellas Panthers Football and Cheer. Total participants were 1,131.
Managed an agreement with the Oldsmar Organic Community Garden to provide garden plots and educational programs at the garden in Bicentennial Park.
Developed and conducted a citywide Parks and Recreation Community Survey with the Leisure Services Advisory Board, receiving 309 responses.
• Renovated athletic field surfaces of six baseball and softball fields at Oldsmar Sports Complex
• Replaced safety glass in side entrances of City Hall on both floors
• Purchased and implemented use of remotecontrolled mower for mowing steep slopes and ditch banks
• Renovated restrooms on first floor in City Hall
• Replaced marquee sign in Veterans Memorial Park
• Repaired large sections of damaged sidewalk in R. E. Olds Park
• Replaced 3 HVAC units in ROWTP Pump House
• Replaced 9 channel markers along kayak trail in Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve
• Resurfaced parking lots at Sports Complex
• Upgraded fire alarm panel in City Hall
• Installed new flooring on first floor of City Hall
Leisure Services
Planning and Redevelopment
Completed the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Annual Report and the Annual Concurrency Report.
All residents and businesses will receive a 20% discount on their flood insurance premiums resulting from the successful Community Rating System audit.
Completed an updated Permitting Fee Study, Resolution 2022-10, and finalized local permitting procedures.
Transitioned Building Permitting to Pinellas County.
Transmitted Evaluation and Appraisal Report to the Department of State.
Initiated City of Oldsmar Comprehensive Plan Update
– Vision 2043.
Completed Land Development Code updates:
• Secondary fronts for corner lot properties
• State preemption regarding regulation of firearms and ammunition
In progress construction of approved commercial projects:
• 411 St. Petersburg Dr - Kanter & Associates
• 4016 Tampa Rd – Chuck Lager restaurant
• 1 Microlumen Way – Microlumen expansion
Approved redevelopment sites include:
• 4066 Tampa Rd – Wendy’s new building, site plan and upgraded building architecture
• 3964 Tampa Rd - Upgraded building architecture and site improvements
• 201 South Bayview – New office building in the CRA
Completed redevelopment sites include:
• 500 Brooker Creek – 130,000 sf warehouse
• 161 Douglas Rd – New retail/office building
• 120 Burbank Rd - Warehouse building
• 401 Commerce - Vital Records Control expansion
Approved new businesses include:
• 3138 Tampa Rd– Mandolas Italian Kitchen
• 3705 Tampa Rd Ste. 5 - JGoody Cafe Bakery
• 3161-6 Curlew Rd – Oldsmar P-Fit Studio
• 500 Brooker Creek – FDD, Contract manufacturer of electro-mechanical assemblies
• 3136 Tampa Rd – Earth Fare Supermarket
• 3994 Tampa Rd – Bank OZK
• 3150 Tampa Rd Ste. 7 – Pat Pianetto’s Pizzeria
• 309 State Street E – Shim Medical, LLC
Processed 154 new business tax receipts and collected $156,307.54 in revenue.
Approved and processed plats for PLT21-03 – 207 and 209 Lee Street - residential administrative replat
Performed the following code enforcement activities:
• Responded to 909 enforcement complaints
• Responded to 34 inoperable vehicle complaints
• Removed 831 illegal signs
• Completed 486 title searches
• Performed 61 fence inspections, 9 landscape inspections, and 30 driveway inspections
Permitting Department processed 611 approval applications, 43 tree removal permits, 8 temporary banner permits, and 125 golf cart decals; assisted over 2,369 walk-in customers and 7,019 phone calls.
Zoning Division addressed 176 zoning inquiries.
Processed 15 Board of Adjustment and administrative variances.
Processed 6 residential CRA grants, resulting in $6,000 in reimbursements.
Water Reclamation Facility
• 589 million gallons (MG) of wastewater treated
• 378 MG of reclaimed water distributed
• 260 days of “zero discharge” to Mobbly Bayou
• 224 MG of reclaimed water recharged into the aquifer
Distribution & Collection Division
• 1,321 locates completed for city utilities for every construction project in city rights-of-way
• 344 water distribution leaks repaired
• 52 sewer clogs corrected
• 269 water and reclaimed water meters, boxes and lids replaced
• 57 new water services installed
• 36 meters tested for accuracy
• 326 potable back flow devices tested and maintained
Utility Maintenance
• Performed preventative maintenance on:
27 sewer lift stations
.25 MG advanced wastewater treatment plant
11 well sites
2.0 MG reverse osmosis water treatment facility
• 14 pumps/motors repaired or replaced within lift stations/treatment facilities
• 8 variable frequency drives repaired or replaced at well sites/ treatment facilities
• 26 lift stations updated programmable logic controller
• 4 major industrial components repaired or replaced at lift stations
• Completed rehabilitation on Douglas Lift Station (wet well, valve pit, piping, pumps, electrical panel and instrumentation)
Environmental Management
• Selected for Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council’s Resilient Ready Project for technical analysis/design services
• 32 workshops and public outreach events conducted for the community
• Continued Adopt-a-Street program
• 9 industrial users inspected and sampled
• 8 environmental incidents investigated
• 5 illicit discharges or sanitary sewer overflows investigated
• 47 private lift stations inspected
Bruce T. Haddock Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant (ROWTP)
• 518 MG of safe purified drinking water produced
• 100% compliance with all state and federal regulations
• Produced annual Consumer Confidence Report
Streets & Stormwater Divisions
• 188 miles of ditch banks and ponds mowed
• 13,000+ sandbags, 150 tons of sand distributed during Hurricane Ian
Stormwater
• 13,642 linear feet (LF) (2.6 miles) of ditches excavated for sedimentation removal
• 17 drainage easements cleared of overgrown vegetation
• 1,015 LF of ditch bank repaired for erosion control
• 160 feet of storm pipe installed
• 21 storm structures constructed and repaired
• 191 storm structures cleaned
• 26 cubic yards of litter removed
Streets
• 126 potholes repaired
• 33 tons of asphalt placed
• 856 LF of sidewalk replaced
• Prepared and facilitated pavement markings replacement:
23,463 LF of 6’’ wide road striping
162 LF of 12’’ wide road striping
613 LF of 24’’ wide road striping
• 978 roadway and informational signs
• 896 signs, banners and core board signs
• 404 decals and stickers
• 87 magnetic signs and decals
• 180 signs repaired
• 8 new signs installed
• 38 variable message board set ups
Public Works
Fleet Division
• 75 city vehicles maintained
• 105 pieces of rolling equipment maintained
• 60 new tires installed
• 24 tires repaired
• 38 batteries installed
• Maintained city fueling system
• Continued in-house repairs of large diesel vehicles and fire equipment, reducing turn-around time and cost of maintenance
Technical Services
• 582 building permit and technical reviews (site plans, variance, minor amendments, plats, etc.)
• 227 right-of-way permits issued and inspected
• 59 private development infrastructure inspections completed
• Facilitated nine commercial property owners to upgrade their insufficient backflow protection
• Compiled and submitted National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit package to Florida Department of Environmental Protection and successfully navigated audit
• Completed Southwest Florida Water Management District inspections for R.E. Olds Park
• Facilitated $11,770.28 reimbursement from CSX for construction damages to Burbank Road
• Implemented safety changes to intersection of Bayview Boulevard and St. Petersburg Drive
• Coordination for Safe Streets for All grant
Top Capital Accomplishments
BMX Track Replacement
• Managed project and construction to final completion
Oldsmar Trail Phase VI
• Managed project and construction from preconstruction meeting through substantial completion
Harbor Palms Infrastructure Improvements Phase 2
• Oversaw construction and provided project management to 51% completion
Harbor Palms Infrastructure Improvement Phase 3
• Managed project from scope negotiation to award of construction contract
• Hosted public meeting to discuss project
St. Petersburg Drive Complete Streets
• Hosted public meeting to discuss project
• Managed project to 90% plans
• Hosted utility coordination meeting
• Bid and initiated electrical undergrounding
Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) Control Building
Improvements
• Received Statewide Flooding and Sea Level Rise Resilience Grant for $2.135 million
• Managed project through 75% design
WRF Aeration System Upgrades
• Managed project through completion of design and construction contract award
Douglas Road Project:
• Advertised, negotiated and awarded CEI contract
• Managed project through 60% design plans
• Secured 16 of 22 easements
Citywide Street Resurfacing
• Paved Shady Oaks Drive and Douglas Road
Sidewalk Trip Hazard Elimination
• Eliminated 790 trip hazards
Public Works (cont.)
City Clerk’s Office
• Completed 2021 Qualifying Period for 2022 Municipal Election
• Conducted 2022 Municipal Election
• Coordinated 2022 Annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet
• Coordinated Janice Miller Citizens Academy
• Processed 516 assessment searches
• Processed 787 records requests
Human Resources
• Procured consultant for Compensation and Classification Study, participated in selection committee and launched study in September 2022
• Worked with benefits consultant to institute new vision plan
• Worked with the benefits consultant, Administrative Services and City Manager to substantially lower employee contributions towards dependent coverage
• Received and processed 340 employment applications
• Scanned all active personnel files into electronic filing program
• Updated the city’s Personnel Policies and Procedures manual
• Hired and processed 30 new employees
• Coordinated and hosted annual Employee Wellness Fair
City Awards
• Podcasts awarded Florida Municipal Communicators Association Outstanding Award, Honorable Mention
• Community Rating System awarded rating of 6 (qualifying residents in special flood hazard area for 20% discount on flood insurance, residents outside special flood hazard area eligible for 10% discount)
• Received Certificate for Excellence in Financial Reporting for FY ending September 30, 2019, for 30th consecutive year
• Received Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for FY 20/21 Budget for 8th consecutive year
• Recognized as Tree City USA for 22nd consecutive Year by Arbor Day Foundation
Grants
Awarded the following grants:
• $2,135,000 for Water Reclamation Control Building
• $500,000 for continuing construction of Douglas Road
• $1,600,000 for State Street Ditch Project
• Design Services for Resilient Ready
Tampa Bay