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07-16-22 Town Hall Adopted MinutesMINUTES 1� Town Hall Meeting Saturday, July 16, 2022 - 10:00 AM Commission Chamber ATTENDANCE: Present: Ellen Glasser, Mayor - Seat 1 Bruce Bole, Commissioner - Seat 2 Michael Waters, Commissioner - Seat 3 Brittany Norris, Mayor Pro Tem / Commissioner - Seat 5 Absent: Candace Kelly, Commissioner - Seat 4 Also Present: Shane Corbin, City Manager (CM) Ladayija Nichols, Deputy City Clerk (DCC) Amanda Askew, Planning and Community Development Director (PCDD) Brenna Durden, City Attorney (CA) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Glasser called the meeting to order at 10:03 AM. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION AND PUBLIC COMMENT Main Street Complete Streets CM Corbin provided a summary of this item as detailed in the agenda packet. PCDD Askew explained this item and answered questions from the public and the Commission. Commissioner Waters shared his thoughts regarding this item and provided feedback that he had previously received from the public. Commissioner Norris mentioned that there was a lot of work done with option 3 and expressed being against removing any parking. She stated that she supports option 3 and would like to try this option out. Commissioner Bole stated that he supported Commissioner Norris' comments. CM Corbin mentioned that he would like to offer an open house before any finalizations are made. William Helmly shared that he has spoken with the Police Chief regarding this item. He mentioned that he would like to see Main Street and Dutton shut down so that only bikes and pedestrians can get through. He also stated that there has been a police car outside of his house monitoring activity in this area. Town Hall July 16, 2022 Fred Kerber offered an additional solution of installing traffic tables. Mayor Glasser shared that Chief has not been able to support devices such as speed tables based on data. PCDD Askew added to this and shared comments about a mechanism where residents are able to ask for these types of items in their neighborhood. Beach Smoking CM Corbin provided a summary of this item and also mentioned new legislation the Governor has recently signed that allows cities to ban smoking on beaches. PCDD Askew spoke about how this was in front of the Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) and tabled for additional time to discuss. CA Durden mentioned that it has not been enacted yet in any city and recently went into effect on July 1, 2022. Mayor Glasser shared options the City has regarding this item. Commissioner Norris expressed a need for a discussion regarding enforcement and wanted to know if there are a lot of people smoking on the beach. Mayor Glasser responded in saying that there are a lot of people but it is not an issue that calls for having cigarette butt police. Tom Underwood suggested more enforcement of these rules if they're to get enforced. Joe LeCates expressed support for no smoking on the entire beach. Jim Wheatley expressed support for no smoking in COAB and suggested having consequences if this is enforced. Mayor Glasser responded to the public, saying that there are regulations for inside smoking and that consequences matter. She expressed support for prohibiting smoking on the beach and clarified that this is not for cigars or unfiltered cigarettes. Racquetball Courts CM Corbin explained this item as detailed in the agenda packet. He stated the suggestions that have come to the Commission as detailed on page 9 of the agenda packet. Commissioner Bole inquired about turning it into a pickleball court and CM Corbin answered no. Commissioner Norris suggested an outdoor fitness center. Town Hall July 16, 2022 Mayor Glasser spoke on items that could be worked on and mentioned that the splashpad is already being done. She expressed that there should be engineering perspective involved in this discussion. She also expressed that she would like to see the City keep at least one of the racquetball court and that she liked the fitness center idea along with a possible play area for kids. Commissioner Waters inquired about skate park use and CM Corbin responded saying that it is utilized well with minor interruptions such as music disrupting the tennis players. In -House Attorney CM Corbin explained this item as detailed in the agenda packet. Commissioner Bole provided background with comparisons to how much other cities spend and emphasized that COAB spends more. He stated that each staff member he has spoken with expressed that this would be good for the City and his constituents have expressed the same. He stated that he will have it on the agenda for next time and encouraged Commissioners to conduct research. Mayor Glasser mentioned that the Resolution does not specify hours. She explained about it being discussed in a public setting due to the City Attorney being a Charter Officer Commissioner Norris mentioned that she is unsure about money being saved but does feel that the use would be great for the City. Commissioner Bole responded by saying that the numbers are high and that the time has come to make this decision. Commissioner Norris proceeded to inquire about average years of experience, timeline action once this is voted on, licensing, certifications, and such being factored in. She asked about the Charter being updated in order to bring an in-house attorney and CA Durden stated that it isn't a necessity, a Resolution is what will be needed to move forward with the action. Commissioner Waters asked about accessibility and CM Corbin responded by saying that scheduling does have to be worked out in what the City has now. CA Durden mentioned that this is a good discussion and that she has gathered information she would like to provide to the Commission and CM Corbin. She mentioned that she will be in support of what the Commission decides and will help in the transition if this process moves forward. She spoke about the values of having someone in-house and encouraged the Commission to not hesitate to express their thoughts. She also spoke on numbers from her firm and that she hasn't spoken with Cathy regarding how she came up with numbers and that the budget has been $150,000. Mayor Glasser reiterated that there will be a Resolution on the upcoming agenda regarding this item, the Commission will vote up or down, staff will do their homework, and the budgetary issues will be worked out. Town Hall July 16, 2022 Jim Ware asked about getting more in line with the budget. CA Durden responded by saying that no litigation would help and that she doesn't believe that it is a money issue but more of an accessibility issue, that she recognizes the need to stay within budget and that there has been no increase in the contract with the City since 2016. Mayor Glasser responded as well by saying that CA Durden has done a great job thus far and that the City is essentially looking for more quality hours for the same salary. Jim Wheatley mentioned that not having someone in-house is concerning. Underground Electric Utilities CM Corbin explained this item as detailed in the agenda packet. He mentioned that JEA said they are putting a pause on the program because padmount transformers are difficult to get in order at this time. He said an ordinance could be drafted while waiting on these items to get back online. Commissioner Waters mentioned that he's spoken with two long-term JEA employees and that they've shared similar sentiments. He mentioned that this option does save trees and that due to the copper parts of this project, this makes maintenance more costly. Mayor Glasser expressed concerns regarding the utility and also inquired about the payment plan. CM Corbin explained this as detailed explained on page 23 of the agenda packet. CA Durden answered that the new owner of these properties would be responsible for the special assessments. Mayor Glasser also requested more information on what constitutes a zone. Commissioner Norris expressed that she is in favor with the condition that it is 100% of the neighbors and property owners being in favor as well. Diane Dyal asked about cost and senior citizen discounts. She expressed being in favor and shared concerns about flooding. Tom Underwood inquired about cost. Chris Rule inquired about JEA's proposal for the location of the project. He expressed that he is in favor of contracting the City's own utilities. Mayor Glasser mentioned that the City doesn't own the infrastructure to the utilities. 2 PUBLIC COMMENT - OPEN TOPICS (Break was taken at 11:16 a.m. and the meeting reconvened at 11:20 a.m.) Diane Dyal shared comments regarding public transportation and mentioned she would like answers, suggestions, and help regarding this issue. Mayor Glasser mentioned that she has engaged with Councilman Diamond to get in contact with JTA and that the City is working on the transportation issues. Mary Beth Koechlin shared comments on COAB transportation issues. Town Hall July 16, 2022 Curtis Ford mentioned Dial -A -Ride as a resource to the residents. Chris Rule discussed puddles, potholes, and parking. He discussed these as detailed in Attachment A. He mentioned finding a master list that details areas where paving needs to be handled. He spoke about the City's goals document as detailed in Attachment B. He requested that public works identify these issue areas. Mayor Glasser responded that she could follow up, requested this as a topic on a future agenda, and explained there is a plan for these things. Fred Kerber spoke about First Street issues and the citizens wanting the parking to stop. He thanked the Commission for doing city business. He also thanked CM Corbin for sharing thoughts regarding this as well. Annie McCarthy spoke on concerns about First Street and issues with parking in her driveway. She thanked the City for paving the road which helped solved flooding. Albert Kerber asked who would be in favor of getting rid of parking so that residents can have their street back. He suggested a moratorium on adding additional seating in restaurants. John McCarthy spoke on First Street concerns and discussions that have been had. Jason Broughton spoke on First Street concerns. Joe LeCates expressed frustrations that nothing is getting done and that one of the reasons he moved here is for the quality of life. He expressed that he would like to see something done. Mayor Glasser asked for a number of who would be in favor of no parking and eight people's hands raised which consisted of everyone who came for First Street. She explained her understanding which is to help with traffic calming and wanted Commissioners to hear about possible options. She mentioned that the Commission has to give direction to CM Corbin in order for action to be taken and encouraged citizens to speak with the Commission. Commissioner Waters commented on the reasons he ran for office, safety issues, quality of life, and representing residents. Commissioner Norris spoke to residents who should also be a part of the first street discussions that also utilize street parking. Commissioner Bole reiterated what he has heard citizens say during this meeting and addressed that something should be done with parking. CM Corbin suggested against resident only parking and mentioned no parking would be best if anything is done. He shared two options in which the City could get this done and mentioned that he would be waiting on Commission direction before executing. Attachment A of 7-16-22 Minutes Attachment B of 7-16-22 Minutes Town Hall July 16, 2022 ADJOURNMENT Mayor Glasser adjourned the meeting at 12:03 p.m. Attest: Ellen Gasser, Mayor l Ladayija Nichols, Deputy City Clerk Town Hall July 16, 2022 w li Attachment A 7-16-22 Minutes � 'M .:+, `�,:.`r :n.s.� =x..',«��,� '•-'�.$ 'wK .� +ems m�'� ....rte.. - #410. 4 f'. Attachment A 7-16-22 Minutes I 16 C ip- • „ v .Y t � � � ;`" Z ✓ �r � A : iv i4 �J � �,�C .. mak✓' k�, ,p` � �' � f :,. r i ,• "�\, a �, r' - `a „! r a��'. !M1 a:':. +y` " «A r hM.,, ae!^:C. a. :.,"S" .�F'... r Zi111��� f � f •. cY F� '• J � f y� �i k . '�.."]L i �'� R ti.µ � .�- __ • _. -_�" F Attachment B 7-16-22 Minutes ATLANTIC BEACH CITY COMMISSION PRIORITIES ESTABLISHED JANUARY 25, 2022; ADOPTED BY RESOLUTION FEBRUARY 28, 2022 LIVABILITY Improve health, recreation, arts, culture, leisure, education, military appreciation, and other quality - of -life indicators via: • Develop and implement a strategy to improve recreation, sports, arts, culture, history, and education programming; improving accessibility to programming for all residents, particularly children and senior citizens; and ensuring that best -practice safety protocols are established and met. • Participate in or develop a comprehensive communitywide health and well-being improvement initiative. • Solidify AB's status as a military- and veteran -friendly community. • Maintain partnerships with local nonprofits that provide health, wellness, education, recreation, transportation, and affordable housing services to low-income residents, youth, senior citizens, and others. ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP Validate COAB's commitment to resiliency, sustainability and the environment via: • Initiate an urban tree -canopy assessment, establish a tree -canopy goal, and develop a canopy care program. • Continue efforts to understand the impact of sea level rise locally, and adapt for environmental changes. • Provide education and outreach to the community. • Improve access to hazardous waste disposal and educate residents about protecting the environment from chemical contamination. PLANNING & BUDGETING Prepare for future financial and infrastructure needs via: • Manage employee -retention by developing strategic actions to keep employees motivated and productive through: o Competitive compensation o Equitable training opportunities o A formal employee welcome, recognition, and appreciation program. • Administer the City's capital- and road -improvement plans. ■ Further develop financial management policies and establish a debt strategy. • Identify "shovel -ready" projects. • Make significant progress on the following capital -improvement projects: o Lifeguard station o Splash pad o Baker Center expansion o Parks Master Plan implementation o Seminole Road gateway improvements. Attachment B 7-16-22 Minutes MAYPORT ROAD CORRIDOR & MARSH SIDE Improve neighborhood identity, safety, and business and cultural opportunities via: • Explore the viability of a community redevelopment plan and tax -increment financing, and/or the feasibility of other tools to address the Mayport Road corridor's needs. • Maintain partnerships to enhance automobile, bicycle and pedestrian safety by connecting to the East Coast Greenway and incorporating the "complete streets" philosophy on Mayport Road. • Partner with artists to install murals in the community, including at the Atlantic Boulevard-Mayport Road flyover. Conduct an analysis and develop policies to ensure the City's spending and programming are equitable throughout the entire community. MULTI -MODAL TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT Support safety, connectivity and sustainability community -wide via: • Administer the City's Connectivity Plan and Complete Streets Policy. • Continue reviews of challenges and opportunities associated with traffic management and parking, and implement solutions. • Identify new opportunities and prioritize projects for safe, comfortable walking and bicycling. • Evaluate parks and access points to the beach and Intracoastal Waterway to identify opportunities to improve vehicle and bicycle parking, signage/wayfinding, litter containment, ADA access, and aesthetics. CITY SERVICES Develop and improve systems to ensure that the City maintains a high -performing workforce via: • Establish best practices in the City Clerk's Office and throughout the organization for records management, storage, and disposal. • Complete a citizen/business survey and audit of the City's permitting systems to highlight opportunities for improved efficiencies and service. • Analyze the benefits of having an in-house City Attorney vs. contracting legal services. • Coordinate legislative strategies and maintain partnerships with the Beaches cities, the City of Jacksonville, and the State of Florida.