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3-27-23 Regular Commission Meeting Adopted MinutesAff�,,, MINUTES Regular City Commission Meeting Monday, March 27, 2023 - 6:30 PM Commission Chamber INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CALL TO ORDER: Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Ford called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. City Clerk Bartle called the roll. ATTENDANCE: Present: Curtis Ford, Mayor - Seat 1 Bruce Bole, Commissioner - Seat 2 Michael Waters, Commissioner - Seat 3 Candace Kelly, Commissioner - Seat 4 Jessica Ring, Commissioner - Seat 5 Also Present: Joe Gerrity, Interim City Manager (CM) Jason Gabriel, City Attorney (CA) Donna Bartle, City Clerk (CC) Kevin Hogencamp, Deputy City Manager (DCM) Ladayija Nichols, Deputy City Clerk (DCC) Victor Gualillo, Police Chief (PC) Latrenia Thomas, Recreation and Cultural Arts Director (RCAD) Troy Stephens, Utilities Director (UD) 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES IA. Approve minutes of the Town Hall meeting held on January 21, 2023. Mayor Ford asked if there were any corrections or changes needed. There were no corrections to the minutes. Mayor Ford stated the minutes are approved. 1B. Approve minutes of the Special Called Meetings held on April 18, 2022 and October 10, 2022 and the Regular Meeting held on March 13, 2023. Mayor Ford asked if there were any corrections or changes needed. There were no corrections to the minutes. Mayor Ford stated the minutes are approved. 2. COURTESY OF FLOOR TO VISITORS Mayor Ford explained the process for public comments and opened the Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors. PUBLIC COMMENT City Clerk Bartle called each speaker to the podium. Regular City Commission March 27, 2023 Ken Caudle shared his thoughts on the AB community. He expressed concerns about the proposed splashpad at Donner Park and shared his thoughts on possible alternatives to the splashpad. He mentioned that he would also like to see concessionary right-of- ways established for more east and west pedestrian access north of Plaza. Pat Hazouri spoke about the development on Atlantic Boulevard, Neptune Beach area. She expressed concerns regarding the development and encouraged the Commission to consider placing the issue before the citizens. Chris Hong shared concerns regarding the ordinance regulating boats and RVs. He encouraged the Commission to suspend enforcement until a conclusion is reached regarding the ordinance. Brinkley Harrell expressed concerns regarding parked City vehicles. He mentioned that he sent an analysis about Dora Drive and expressed his thoughts regarding this issue. He also shared his thoughts on the lifeguard station design and the upcoming splashpad. 2.A. Proclamation Honoring Major Craig Dunning Mayor Ford read the proclamation (which is attached hereto and made a part of this Official Record as Attachment A), presented it to Jerry Stalnaker, and took a photo with all of the veterans present at the meeting. Mark Cooper and Jerry Stalnaker shared memories about Major Craig Dunning. 3-27-23 Attachment A 3. CITY MANAGER REPORTS 3.A. Accept the 90 -Day Calendar (Apr. - June 2023) CM Gerrity reported on this item as detailed in the agenda packet. He also mentioned that he met with Tribridge Residential and that they requested the City to provide water services to the old Kmart property. He shared that he informed them that he wouldn't discuss the issue until Neptune Beach has signed off and formally asked the City for that service. Commissioner Ring requested adding the Main Street community input meeting being held on April 5, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at the Gail Baker Center to the calendar. There was a CONSENSUS to accept the 90 -Day Calendar as amended. 3.C. Lifeguard Station Update PC Gualillo presented this item as detailed in the agenda packet. Regular City Commission March 27, 2023 Commissioner Waters shared that he would like to have bathrooms at the lifeguard station. Mayor Ford asked if there were architectural drawings that were ready to be sealed and engineered. PC Gualillo shared that the drawings were good to use for 40% and not ready to use for the rest of the 60%. PC Gualillo reported that the services were donated while going through the design phase and that building this out further would mean going back to square one. He advised that there's a possibility the City could look at the property in a different scope to allow for building onto the property and not the building. Commissioner Bole asked for the status of the mold remediation. PC Gualillo answered that the inspection report hasn't been received yet and should be expected soon. He also shared that cleaning occurs every spring. Mayor Ford shared that he would like to see current renderings of the building. He spoke about not supporting an oceanfront garage and that the remediation of mold and expansion of the building should be a focus. PC Gualillo advised that the renderings are available for the existing design and that further discussion will be forthcoming. Mayor Ford asked if the property owner to the North, building a new oceanfront home, is a cause of the building plan being flipped to the south side. PC Gualillo answered that changing this to the south side allows for the least impact on the community. The Commission agreed to have an attachment brought to the next meeting to look at in advance. Commissioner Kelly explained her understanding that the garage is a utility shed for other things aside from the jet ski and the gator. PC Gualillo commented that there is a lot of wet gear that needs to be stored as well and expressed that a better storage space, aside from the station, is needed. John Phillips, Captain of the Atlantic Beach Ocean Rescue, shared additional information regarding the lifeguard staffing and vehicles. 3.E. Additional Updates CM Gerrity provided the following updates: • Asked for direction on the proposed Road Improvement Plan. There was a CONSENSUS to direct CM Gerrity to bring a bid back for approval. • Requested direction for a sidewalk down Selva Marina that has been budgeted for $250,000. Commissioner Waters spoke against the sidewalk. Commissioner Bole shared that there was negative feedback from the neighbors regarding this potential sidewalk. Commissioner Kelly suggested placing reflective paint on the road. Commissioner Ring advised that she likes Commissioner Kelly's idea and believes it would help with reflection at night. Mayor Ford commented that he doesn't want to spend the funds on a sidewalk and requested that CM Gerrity come back with options on what to do with the funds/project. Mayor Ford also expressed that he would like to have more discussion on Selva Marina Drive. Regular City Commission March 27, 2023 3.13. Dora Drive Property - Stormwater Mitigation Park CM Gerrity reported on this item as detailed in the agenda packet. Commissioner Bole referred back to the 2023 priorities. He commented that stormwater infrastructure was high on the list and suggested having the City Engineer (CE) come and speak to the Commission about this project again. Commissioner Kelly suggested having the CE come and speak again. Mayor Ford advised that this project contains some complexity and that he is against spending funds on an appraisal. Commissioner Ring noted that she has discussed this with the CE and the issue that she has is with the $3,000,000, price because it is a large difference compared to the other alternatives. Commissioner Waters expressed that he doesn't think the land will be buildable and that he does not want to spend money on the appraisals. The Commission agreed to hear from CE Swann again at the next meeting. 3.D. Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee Grant Funding Request DCM Hogencamp reported on this item as detailed in the agenda packet. Commissioner Ring clarified the remaining balance. Mayor Ford expressed concern about granting entities outside of the City. Commissioner Kelly shared information about how the grant process works. RCAD Thomas shared that ARCC makes sure that each organization's Liaison completes a check-in and that each organization is responsible for submitting a progress report as well as a final report before applying for another grant. Commissioner Ring encouraged the Commission to keep in mind that the neighborhood schools all receive funding but the funding is extended a little more to Atlantic Beach Elementary. She expressed that the funding that is being request is for things that will last for years to come. MOTION. Approve Mayport Middle's request for $9,468. Motion: Jessica Ring Second: Candace Kelly Regular City Commission March 27, 2023 4. Curtis Ford For Bruce Bole For Michael Waters For Candace Kelly (Seconded By) For Jessica Ring (Moved By) For Motion passed 5 to 0. MOTION: Authorize ARCC to give $3,750 to the New Age Hippy. Motion: Candace Kelly Second. Michael Waters Curtis Ford Against Bruce Bole For Michael Waters (Seconded By) For Candace Kelly (Moved By) For Jessica Ring For Motion passed 4 to 1. REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS FROM CITY COMMISSIONERS 4.A. 18th and 19th Street Paid Parking Update (Commissioners Bole and Waters) Commissioner Waters reported what he has learned regarding this topic. Joe Esparza, Parking Enforcement Officer, shared additional information regarding various parking issues and suggested having better parking signage in certain areas. Commissioner Kelly asked what could be done to help Mr. Esparza. He suggested placing "no backing in" signs in parking areas to help. He also suggested smaller spaces at beach accesses so that golf carts don't drive through them. Commissioner Ring followed up to ask if there was space for golf carts to park. Mr. Esparza answered that there are and clarified that he was referring to areas where there shouldn't be any golf carts going through the beach accesses. Commissioner Waters expressed that he would like to have Mr. Esparza working throughout the week. Mr. Esparza shared that there is a need for parking enforcement throughout the week and that two parking enforcement officers could be used on the weekends. Commissioner Bole explained his understanding of the paid parking program and asked PC Gualillo for an overview of the data. PC Gualillo explained that nothing has changed regarding the big numbers. He added that in order to take a further look at paid parking he would have to look at only the hours and days when it was being enforced and breakdown each call to find out if paid parking has been more effective. Commissioner Regular City Commission March 27, 2023 Bole asked for PC Gualillo's opinion on COAB's police force having paid parking. PC Gualillo expressed that, regarding calls for service, there hasn't been a significant difference. He also shared that paid parking, cameras, and word of mouth could possibly be having an effect on less traffic however, when it comes to less crime, the data does not support it. Commissioner Waters expressed that he's not sure what it is, but it has been quieter for whatever reason. Commissioner Ring inquired about when the paid parking started and expressed that we would need to go through a full summer to collect more data. Commissioner Waters asked PC Gualillo what his thoughts were on the hours of paid parking. PC Gualillo shared that expanding the program and the hours would be fine and a discussion would need to happen regarding the possibility of more employees and more vehicles. CM Gerrity will work with PC Gualillo to gather more information on the possibility of expanding the paid parking program and bring this information back to the next meeting. PC Gualillo reported that the recovery rate on paid parking tickets for last year was 77% after sending out two notices, 23% unpaid, 2020 was 72% recovery, 2021 was 58%, and that there is no recovery for tickets that go unpaid. He shared that the options for recovering are either a collections agency or engaging the State of Florida to affect one's registration which he expressed is not an easy process. Mayor Ford expressed interest in utilizing vehicle boots and PC Gualillo advised that they don't have any right now, but this could be looked into. 4.B. Formation of Traffic and Safety Committee (Mayor Ford) Mayor Ford explained his desire to recreate this committee and requested support from the commissioners for reestablishing a safety, traffic and parking committee. He added that it would be tasked to be an advisory committee. He requested public works to check the signs at the beach access to keep up with being consistent with signage. He also encouraged taking a look at the parking required for beach renourishments. Mayor Ford suggested having a committee of eight members, two members from each district. Commissioner Kelly commented that she would wait and see. Commissioner Ring expressed that she likes the idea and expressed that this committee will give citizens a platform to express their concerns. She inquired about the makeup of the committee. Mayor Ford clarified that he would like for there to be two members from Commissioners Ring, Waters, Bole, and Kelly's districts. Commissioner Waters expressed that he is for another shot at a parking committee and hopes that this committee can get more support. There was a CONSENSUS to move forward except Commissioner Kelly. Regular City Commission March 27, 2023 J 11 4.C. Selection of Non-profit Organization for NEFLC Donation Application (Commissioner Kelly) Commissioner Kelly recommended BEAM, but was open to suggestions. Commissioner Ring recommended nominating the Beaches Council on Aging or Beaches Go Green. Commissioner Kelly expressed being okay with the Council on Aging. Mayor Ford encouraged nominating Beaches Habitat. MOTION. Nominate Beaches Council on Aging for the NGO (Non -Governmental Organizations) award. Motion: Candace Kelly Second: Bruce Bole Curtis Ford For Bruce Bole (Seconded By) For Michael Waters For Candace Kelly (Moved By) For Jessica Ring For Motion passed S to 0. Commissioner Bole • Expressed that the City had the best garbage collection service. Commissioner Kelly • Recommended revisiting the homelessness issues at the beach. • Shared that there is another grant that helps install electric charging stations and encouraged the Commission to think about this as a long term infrastructure project. Commissioner Ring • Shared that citizen, Bob Burch, who is a train enthusiast and volunteers at the beaches museum, is working with staff to put together a demonstration baseboard. DCM Hogencamp shared that there is a potential location at the Adele Grage for this project. UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS None. CONSENT AGENDA None. Regular City Commission March 27, 2023 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. COMMITTEE REPORTS None. ACTION ON RESOLUTIONS 8.A. RESOLUTION NO. 23-07 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR INSTALLING A NEW PUMP INTO WELL #2 FOR WATER TREATMENT PLANT #1; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AND PURCHASE ORDERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND AS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mayor Ford read the title of the resolution. UD Stephens answered questions from the Commission. CM Gerrity advised that anything with a cost over $25,000, will be brought to the Commission in the form of a resolution. MOTION: Approve Resolution No. 23-07. Motion: Bruce Bole Second. Candace Kelly Curtis Ford For Bruce Bole (Moved By) For Michael Waters For Candace Kelly (Seconded By) For Jessica Ring For Motion passed 5 to 0. ACTION ON ORDINANCES None. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS None. CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS CA Gabriel • Provided an update on the Singleton's Easement and expressed that there is one more issue to resolve. The Commission expressed that they would like to hear back at the next meeting in conjunction with a resolution. Regular City Commission March 27, 2023 12. CLOSING COMMENTS BY CITY COMMISSIONERS AND CITY MANAGER Commissioner Waters • Announced the Blood Drive on Friday, March 31, 2023. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m. Attest: Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk Date Approved: 411012o,23 u is ford,-MayYr Regular City Commission March 27, 2023 Attachment A to 3-27-23 Minutes Vrodamation of the Citp of Offlantir �eac�j Honoring the life and heroic service of Major Craig L. Dunning WHEREAS, Craig L. Dunning was born in 1946 and grew up in Virginia. After earning an engineering degree from Virginia Tech, he was drafted by the U.S. Army at age 19. He attended Basic Training at Fort Bragg and reported to Vietnam, where he served from 1966-1968; and WHEREAS, Dunning was a source of affection and appreciation in the Atlantic Beach community and the Atlantic Beach Police Department. He lived on Seminole Road for decades and lived in nearby Anthem Lakes in his final years. The City's Purple Heart designation was framed around him, and the City of Atlantic Beach along with Jax Vets, Atlantic Beach Police Department, Anthem Lakes, and Angel Bikes gifted him with recumbent bike in 2019 after he was victimized by a hit -and -nun incident on Mayport Road. He passed away on February 20, 2023; and WHEREAS, in Vietnam, Dunning was assigned to "The Big Red One" First Infantry Division and First Cavalry Airmobile Division. For his acts of bravery and heroism, he was awarded Purple Heart medals for being wounded as a result of an act of an opposing armed force; Silver Star medals for gallantry in action; and Bronze Star medals for heroic or meritorious achievement or service in a combat zone. He wrote about his combat experiences in Vietnam, crediting God with saving his life on many occasions; and WHEREAS, Dunning was promoted to Platoon Leader Sergeant E-7. And, later, after volunteering to be a "tunnel rat", he was promoted to First Lieutenant Platoon Leader, serving in that role during Operation BYRD. He then volunteered to serve an additional year and was promoted to Major 0-4. Assigned to a battalion as part of Operation BYRD, efforts were successful to open Highway 1, a vital link to Saigon; and WHEREAS, as a disabled veteran, Dunning returned from the war and was met by the scorn of many Americans, in spite of valiantly serving his country and trying to help free the South Vietnamese. He suffered from PTSD, had nightmares about seeing his men die, and he did not talk about his service for 45 years upon joining Jax Vets. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Curtis Ford, Mayor of Atlantic Beach, do hereby issue this proclamation expressing heartfelt appreciation for the life and heroic service of Major Craig L. Dunning, and encourage all citizens to join me in bestowing this recognition. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the Official Seal of the City of Atlantic Beach to be affixed56'2z ay of March, 2023. A� Curtis Ford, M yor