Loading...
9-12-22 Regular Commission Meeting Adopted MinutesMINUTES �S Regular City Commission Meeting Monday, September 12, 2022 - 6:30 PM Commission Chamber INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CALL TO ORDER: Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Glasser called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. City Clerk Bartle called the roll. ATTENDANCE: Present: Ellen Glasser, Mayor - Seat 1 Bruce Bole, Commissioner - Seat 2 Michael Waters, Commissioner - Seat 3 Candace Kelly, Commissioner - Seat 4 Brittany Norris, Mayor Pro Tem / Commissioner - Seat 5 Also Present: Shane Corbin, City Manager (CM) Brenna Durden, City Attorney (CA) Donna Bartle, City Clerk (CC) Kevin Hogencamp, Deputy City Manager (DCM) Ladayija Nichols, Deputy City Clerk (DCC) 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1A. Approve minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting of March 14, 2022. Mayor Glasser asked if there were any corrections or changes needed. There were no corrections to the minutes. Mayor Glasser stated the minutes stand. MOTION. Remove Item 8A, Resolution No. 22-49 (from tonight's agenda). Motion: Brittany Norris Second. Bruce Bole Ellen Glasser For Bruce Bole (Seconded By) For Michael Waters For Candace Kelly For Brittany Norris (Moved By) For Motion passed S to 0. Regular City Commission September 12, 2022 2 COURTESY OF FLOOR TO VISITORS 2A. Bull Family Preserve Chuck Bull gave a quick background on his family history and shared a photo (which is attached hereto and made part of this Official Record as Attachment A). Kimberly Hall, Conservation Transactions Manager for North Florida Land Trust, explained her role in helping the family solidify their legacy within the AB community and answered questions from the Commission. Attachment A to 9-12-22 Minutes PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Glasser explained the process for public comments and opened the Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors. City Clerk Bartle called each speaker to the podium. Brinkley Harrell shared thoughts on the City's budget and read an email he sent to the Commission. Lisa Griffis shared thoughts on property values in relation to the cell phone tower statistics. Rev. Greg Crocker of AB Presbyterian Church thanked the Commission for their work and shared information about his church. 3 CITY MANAGER REPORTS 3A. Accept the 90 -Day Calendar (Sept. - Nov. 2022) CM Corbin reported the Town Hall will be on October 22, 2022 at the Jordan Center, 10:00 a.m. and there will also be a dedication for Selva Preserve just before the Town Hall at 9:30 a.m. There was CONSENSUS to accept the 90 -Day Calendar (as amended). 3B. Splash Pad CM Corbin spoke briefly about the proposed layout and design of the Donner Park Splash Pad project and noted the staff picked a nature theme to design the project. City Engineer (CE) Steve Swann explained the proposed splash pad's details. He spoke about the increased construction prices and the two grants that would be used to help fund the project. The final design plans are anticipated to be done within the next few weeks. Commissioner Bole asked for clarification regarding the water use of the splash pad. CE Swann explained the water would be drained, reused, and tested regularly. Mayor Glasser asked how many water features would be included in the design. CE Swann responded with estimates and brief descriptions of the possible features. 3C. Main Street Grant Regular City Commission September 12, 2022 CM Corbin explained this item as a Community Block Grant ($200,000) and the use of the funds for traffic calming and other projects on Main Street. 3D. Pine Street Stormwater Improvements CM Corbin provided an overview of the Pine Street Stormwater Improvement Project. 4 REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS FROM CITY COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Bole shared that garbage collection has been a big component. Commissioner Norris thanked Public Works Director (PWD) Scott Williams and Public Works staff for quickly handling the recent floods. Commissioner Waters gave props to the paid parking staff and CM Corbin for how well the paid parking program has been going. Mayor Glasser shared she received positive feedback on paid parking. She announced the next Mayor's Council on Health and Well -Being (MCHWB) scheduled for September 13, 2022. She invited everyone to the Beaches Community Overdose Awareness Seminar on September 15, 2022. She reported on the upcoming employee lunch on October 26th, 2022 and expressed she would like the Commission to participate. She mentioned emails about a suggestion for a crosswalk at Johansen Park and East to West Seminole to help kids get to school. CM Corbin stated a location had been looked at, and he could use leftover money in the budget to purchase signs for a crosswalk with the Commission's direction. Mayor Glasser requested a proposal to share and allow opportunities for feedback from the community regarding the crosswalk. 4A. Constitution Week Proclamation (Mayor Glasser) Mayor Glasser explained she would not be reading the proclamation tonight and announced that Constitution Week is September 17 through 23, 2022. 4B. Beach Smoking (Mayor Glasser) Mayor Glasser shared information on the Governor's changes regarding this topic. She discussed an article she provided to the Commission (which is attached hereto and made part of this Official Record as Attachment B). She explained the Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) gave input on this topic and are in full support of implementing regulations. She expressed she would like to move this item for a vote in the future. After discussion with CM Corbin, the Commission gave CONSENSUS to proceed with an Ordinance regarding no smoking in parks and at beaches. Attachment B to 9-12-22 Minutes 5 UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS None. 6 CONSENT AGENDA Regular City Commission September 12, 2022 None. 7 COMMITTEE REPORTS None. 8 ACTION ON RESOLUTIONS 8A. RESOLUTION NO. 22-49 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE ADDITION OF THE LEAVE CASH -IN PROGRAM AS AN ADDITIONAL BENEFIT FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES. This item was removed from the agenda at the beginning of the meeting. Commissioner Bole asked for clarification if the 600 carryover hours would be included. CM Corbin responded the 600 hours are not included. Commissioner Norris asked why the City was meeting with the unions again. CM Corbin responded that staff felt the Commission expressed enough uneasy feelings towards the cash - in program and that further communication with the unions was needed. Commissioner Kelly expressed appreciation for others speaking up about their concerns and showing support for the City. Mayor Glasser explained she may have supported the proposed policy as a one-time or one- year benefit. But she did not support a policy that previously existed and was eliminated for some reason by a previous City Manager without further information. CM Corbin asked if the proposed benefit would be considered as a one-time bonus. Mayor Glasser and Commissioner Norris responded they would support the benefit as a one-time bonus. 8B. RESOLUTION NO. 22-55 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA APPROVING THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE BEACH, THE CITY OF NEPTUNE BEACH AND THE TOWN OF BALDWIN FOR DISTRIBUTION OF OPIOID LITIGATION SETTLEMENT PROCEEDS, TO ENSURE THAT THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE QUALIFIES AS A QUALIFIED COUNTY TO RECEIVE JACKSONVILLE REGIONAL FUNDS FROM THE OPIOID LITIGATION SETTLEMENT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mayor Glasser read the Resolution by title. CM Corbin explained in 2018, the State filed a complaint about opioid prescriptions causing an addiction. A settlement has been made, and a portion of the settlement would be presented to COAB in the estimated amount of $100,000 distributed over 18 years. The settlement must be used for education and prevention. Regular City Commission September 12, 2022 CA Durden provided additional information regarding funding for opioid prevention and education programs. MOTION: Adopt Resolution No. 22-55. Motion: Brittany Norris Second. Michael Waters Ellen Glasser For Bruce Bole For Michael Waters (Seconded By) For Candace Kelly For Brittany Norris (Moved By) For Motion passed S to 0. 8C. RESOLUTION NO. 22-56 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AWARDING BID NO. 2122-12: MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS RESOLUTION. Mayor Glasser read the Resolution by title. CM Corbin explained the Resolution is for an annual cleaning contract for public buildings. MOTION. Adopt Resolution No. 22-56. Motion: Brittany Norris Second. Bruce Bole Ellen Glasser For Bruce Bole (Seconded By) For Michael Waters For Candace Kelly For Brittany Norris (Moved By) For Motion passed S to 0. 8D. RESOLUTION NO. 22-57 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AWARDING BID NO. 2122-13: MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT FOR STREET SWEEPINGNACUUMING FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS RESOLUTION. Regular City Commission September 12, 2022 Mayor Glasser read the Resolution by title. CM Corbin explained the Resolution for a standard street sweeping/vacuuming contract. Commissioner Norris asked for clarification regarding the price increase of the bid. CM Corbin responded the City only received one bid for the contract. Commissioner Kelly asked if additional street cleaning services due to storms were included in the contract. PWD Scott Williams explained additional storm cleaning is not included in the contract, but arrangements would be made to even out the additional cleaning. MOTION. Adopt Resolution No. 22-57. Motion: Candace Kelly Second: Brittany Norris Ellen Glasser For Bruce Bole For Michael Waters For Candace Kelly (Moved By) For Brittany Norris (Seconded By) For Motion passed S to 0. 8E. RESOLUTION NO. 22-59 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AWARDING BID NO. 2122-18 FOR THE INTERIOR PAINTING OF CITY HALL; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACTS AND PURCHASE ORDERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND AS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mayor Glasser read the Resolution by title. CM Corbin explained the Resolution is for the interior painting of the City Hall building. MOTION. Adopt Resolution No. 22-59. Motion: Brittany Norris Second: Michael Waters Ellen Glasser For Bruce Bole For Michael Waters (Seconded By) For Candace Kelly For Brittany Norris (Moved By) For Regular City Commission September 12, 2022 Motion passed S to 0. 8F. RESOLUTION NO. 22-60 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY CONTRACTS AND PURCHASE ORDERS AS NECESSARY PERTAINING TO A DEFENSE COMMUNITIES INFRASTRUCTURE PILOT GRANT PROGRAM FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mayor Glasser read the Resolution by title. CM Corbin explained the Resolution is part of a grant identified by CE Swann for a new water main pipe for the northern side of distribution and allowing connection to the Naval Base in the future. Commissioner Norris asked for clarification regarding emergency potable water for the City. CM Corbin explained the water main would allow the City to provide emergency water to the base. Mayor Glasser thanked CE Swann for identifying many different grants for the City. MOTION. Adopt Resolution No. 22-60. Motion: Candace Kelly Second. Brittany Norris Ellen Glasser For Bruce Bole For Michael Waters For Candace Kelly (Moved By) For Brittany Norris (Seconded By) For Motion passed S to 0. 8G. RESOLUTION NO. 22-62 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AWARDING BID NO. 2122-14; FOR THE SELVA MARINA FORCE MAIN EXTENSION, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS RESOLUTION. Mayor Glasser read the Resolution by title. Regular City Commission September 12, 2022 9 CM Corbin explained the Resolution addresses a solution for odors near the Selva Marina water main. This project would eliminate a problematic section of sewer and significantly reduce odors caused by the existing pipeline. Mayor Glasser requested reaching out to residents affected. MOTION: Adopt Resolution No. 22-62. Motion: Brittany Norris Second. Michael Waters Ellen Glasser For Bruce Bole For Michael Waters (Seconded By) For Candace Kelly For Brittany Norris (Moved By) For Motion passed 5 to 0. ACTION ON ORDINANCES 9A. Public Hearings and First Reading on Adoption of a Tentative Millage Rate and Ordinance No. 20-22-165, establishing the Operating Budget for fiscal year 2022/2023. AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE FINAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2022 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2023. Link to Proposed Annual Budget for FY 2022-2023 Mayor Glasser and CA Durden explained the budget and millage rate adoption process. Mayor Glasser read the Ordinance by title. Mayor Glasser opened the Public Hearing for the millage rate and stated the millage rate is 3.2285, the tentative millage rate is 3.2285, the roll -back rate is 2.8937, the tentative millage rate is 11.57% more than the roll -back rate and is the percentage increase in property taxes per 200.065(2)(c) of the Florida Statutes. The purpose for adopting the millage rate of 3.2285 is to maintain a level of ad valorem tax revenue sufficient to maintain adequate funding for the existing level of services at anticipated and proposed cost and to continue to maintain the City's infrastructure. Attachment C to 9-12-22 Minutes Attachment D to 9-12-22 Minutes MOTION: Adopt a tentative Millage rate for operating expenses (purposes) of 3.2285. Motion: Candace Kelly Second: Brittany Norris There were no speakers, the Public Hearing was kept open. Regular City Commission September 12, 2022 Commissioner Kelly explained why she supports maintaining the same millage rate and does not want to change the rate. Commissioner Norris shared why she favors not changing the millage rate. Commissioner Waters shared his thoughts on supporting a decrease in the millage rate. Commissioner Bole supported Commissioner Waters' sentiments in showing support for a decrease in the millage rate. Mayor Glasser explained why she supports decreasing the millage rate. She spoke about a letter from the Beaches Leader (which is attached hereto and made part of this Official Record as Attachment C). CA Durden explained the Ad valorem chart (which is attached hereto and made part of this Official Record as Attachment D) and the process for the Commission's voting. Commissioner Kelly reiterated her statements on not reducing the millage rate. Commissioner Norris reiterated her statements on not reducing the millage rate. Commissioner Waters reiterated his thoughts on reducing the millage rate. Mayor Glasser reiterated thoughts on reducing the rate. Commissioner Waters reiterated thoughts on reducing the millage rate. Mayor Glasser reiterated thoughts on reducing the rate. Ellen Glasser Against Bruce Bole Against Michael Waters Against Candace Kelly (Moved By) For Brittany Norris (Seconded By) Against Motion failed 1 to 4. MOTION. Adopt a Tentative Millage Rate for operating purposes of 3.0782. Motion: Brittany Norris Second: Bruce Bole CA Durden emphasized the importance of stating the roll -back rate percentage. FD Burns stated the tentative millage rate of 3.0782 is 6.38% more than the roll -back rate and is the percentage increase in Regular City Commission September 12, 2022 property taxes per 200.065(2)(c) of the Florida Statutes. She also mentioned that this is roughly a $361,000 decrease in the general fund. Mayor Glasser stated the millage rate is 3.0782, the tentative millage rate is 3.0782, the roll -back rate is 2.8937, the tentative millage rate is 6.38% more than the roll -back rate and the percentage increase in property taxes per 200.065(2)(c) of the Florida Statutes. FD Burns answered questions from the Commission. Commission Norris expressed this rate was the lowest she was willing to go. Mayor Glasser requested an explanation of this choice of millage rate. Commissioner Norris expressed not having confidence in getting the necessary super -majority vote. Commissioner Bole agreed with Commissioner Norris. Mayor Glasser explained what the votes would mean. Ellen Glasser Against Bruce Bole (Seconded By) For Michael Waters For Candace Kelly Against Brittany Norris (Moved By) Against Motion failed 2 to 3. MOTION. Adopt a Tentative Millage Rate for operating purposes of 3.1035. Motion: Brittany Norris Motion died due to a lack of a second. Motion died 0 to 0. Commissioner Bole made a motion to reconsider 3.0782 as a proposed millage rate; however, it was determined that a motion to reconsider can only be made by a member of the prevailing side. MOTION. To Consider 3.0785 (Adopt a Tentative Millage Rate for operating purposes of 3.0785). Motion: Bruce Bole Second: Michael Waters FD Burns answered questions from the Commission. Regular City Commission September 12, 2022 Mayor Glasser stated the millage rate is 3.0785, the tentative millage rate is 3.0785, the roll -back rate is 2.8937, the tentative millage rate is 6.39% more than the roll -back rate and the percentage increase in property taxes per 200.065(2)(c) of the Florida Statutes. Commissioner Kelly commented about it being a million dollars every three years. Commissioner Norris suggested meeting in the middle if this millage rate should fail. Mayor Glasser explained that she would step out of her seat, if necessary, to make a second to a motion for least reductions and noted she is not interested in cutting into any more of the revenue than what they absolutely have to. Bruce Bole (Moved By) For Michael Waters (Seconded By) For Ellen Glasser For Candace Kelly Against Brittany Norris Against Motion failed 3 to 2. MOTION: Adopt a Tentative Millage Rate for operating purposes of 3.1035. Motion: Brittany Norris Second. Candace Kelly Mayor Glasser stated the millage rate is 3.1035, the tentative millage rate is 3.1035, the roll -back rate is 2.8937, the tentative millage rate is 7.25% more than the roll -back rate and the percentage increase in property taxes per 200.065(2)(c) of the Florida Statutes. The purpose for adopting the millage rate of 3.1035 is to maintain a level of ad valorem tax revenue sufficient to maintain adequate funding for the existing level of services at anticipated and proposed cost and to continue to maintain the City's infrastructure. Commissioner Norris spoke in favor of this rate and prefers not to go any lower. Commissioner Bole spoke in favor of this rate and mentioned it being a good compromise. Commissioner Kelly expressed reducing the general fund can provide uncertainty in maintaining city services. Mayor Glasser expressed she is comfortable with this rate and noted it as a good symbolic gesture. Commissioner Kelly expressed, as a homeowner, she would not be impressed by this symbolic gesture. Regular City Commission September 12, 2022 Mayor Glasser expressed she does not have a problem explaining this to constituents and is less comfortable explaining it to staff due to the need for the money to go toward projects. Ellen Glasser For Bruce Bole For Michael Waters For Candace Kelly (Seconded By) For Brittany Norris (Moved By) For Motion passed S to 0. The public hearing was kept open. CA Durden provided comments regarding the motion of the Ordinance and answered questions from the Commission. Recessed at 8:53 p.m. Reconvened at 8:58 p.m. Mayor Glasser stated this is Ordinance No. 20-22-165 establishing the Operating Budget for fiscal year 2022/2023 of $56,762,536. She read the title of the Ordinance and explained the date to be inserted in the blank in item 1 of the Ordinance should be September 1, 2022, so it would read, "The Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget dated September 1, 2022 is hereby adopted." CA Durden clarified a motion reflecting the millage rate, explaining that since this is just the tentative budget, this tentative budget can be adopted given that the Commission understands staff would be going back and presenting an updated budget for final adoption at the September 26, 2022 meeting. Mayor Glasser offered the opportunity for public comments, but no one wished to speak. The decision was made to wait until the next meeting to present the slideshow presentation. CM Corbin highlighted a few changes since the last budget workshop. MOTION. Approve a Millage Rate of 3.1035 and Ordinance No. 20-22-165 on the first reading establishing the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2022/2023, dated September 1, 2022. Motion: Brittany Norris Second. Bruce Bole Commissioner Norris thanked the staff for working with the Commission on the millage rate and budget. Commissioner Waters expressed his appreciation of staff and that the Commission will do what they think is right and continue to work hard for staff and the residents. Commissioner Bole thanked the staff. Regular City Commission September 12, 2022 Mayor Glasser emphasized she did not want there to be any perception the Commission does not fully support their police. She expressed tonight was a good example of Government in the Sunshine and addressed previous public comments. Ellen Glasser For Bruce Bole (Seconded By) For Michael Waters For Candace Kelly For Brittany Norris (Moved By) For Motion passed 5 to 0. Mayor Glasser closed the public hearing. 10 MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS None. 11 CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS 11A. City of Jacksonville Inquiry Re Inclusion of AB in COD's Prohibition of Internet Caff and Casino Ordinance (CA Durden) CA Durden explained she received a call from an attorney from COJ General Counsel regarding reconsidering COJ Code of Ordinance Chapter 250 prohibiting simulated gambling devices with an opt -out option. CA Durden said she had not seen a draft of the proposed ordinance. It was suggested CA Durden present the Commission with information regarding the upcoming change in COJ Ordinance 250 and receive guidance from the Commission. Mayor Glasser and Commissioner Norris asked, since the COAB does not currently have a problem with simulated gambling devices, could the City opt out of being included in the revision of the COJ ordinance altogether and address the issue later in the future if needed with a COAB ordinance. CA Durden responded it could be done if desired. Commissioner Kelly expressed concern for consistency along Mayport Road, specifically where COJ and Atlantic Beach meet. It was the CONSENSUS of the Commission to be a part of the COJ revised Ordinance for Chapter 250 with an opt -out option if needed to create a local COAB ordinance. 12 CLOSING COMMENTS BY CITY COMMISSIONERS AND CITY MANAGER Commissioner Kelly reminded CM about 1 st Street. CM Corbin stated staff has been working on 1 st Street and believes he would have a recommendation on the next agenda. Regular City Commission September 12, 2022 13 Attest: Mayor Glasser mentioned she was honored to join Detective Jared Monini for recognition as one of the top first responders in NE Florida. She mentioned opening day for AB athletic association and would work on a proclamation to recognize the breakers because of their state championship. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:26 p.m. Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk Date Approved: 1124/ ,2QZ J Bruce Bole, Commissioner Regular City Commission September 12, 2022 Attachment A to 9-12-22 Minutes Atlantic Beach Holding Company Parcels Attachment B to 9-12-22 Minutes h"ps://www. tbnweekly. com/opi n io n/articl e_a4ce4 aec-2889-11 ed -b c7f-c758c 1393b ee. htm I Column: Local no -smoking ordinances protect beaches, parks By Jon Paul "J.P" Brooke: Sep 2, 2022 Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature made the right decision for our environment and our tourism economy with a new state law allowing local governments to ban smoking along beaches and in parks — and local officials already are embracing this bipartisan effort. The new law went into effect July 1, and local governments on both coasts already are taking steps to implement this new tool to rid our beaches and parks of cigarette butts. This Is a great example of the state and local governments working together toward a common goal we all can support. On the east coast, Indian Harbour Beach in Brevard County and Jon Paul "J.P." Brooker Fernandina Beach in Nassau County are among the communities who have just passed local ordinances to ban smoking along local beaches. On the west coast, the city of Sarasota, Long Boat Key and Sarasota County are pursuing similar efforts. So are Madeira Beach and Treasure Island in Pinellas County, With any luck, neighboring communities will follow their lead, and before long we hope there will be a consistent policy throughout the state. That will help amplify the public messaging so Floridians and tourists alike will be aware of this smart public policy and avoid smoking on the beaches and In local Attachment B to 9-12-22 Minutes parks. For local governments eager to join in this effort, Ocean Conservancy is developing a model local ordinance. But it's a straightforward concept, and local officials do not have to wait any longer to do the right thing. There has been some discussion among local officials concerned about tying up parks department officials trying to enforce a smoking ban. Enforcement Is probably best left to law enforcement, but the intent of this new law is not to write a bunch of tickets or collect fines. That should be a last resort. Instead, the primary goal is to build public awareness about the importance of protecting our beaches and our parks. It's about educating the public about the new law through appropriate signage. it's about building even broader public support among local governments and the general public so that not smoking in these areas becomes as routine as not smoking Indoors in public spaces. Floridians from all walks of life care deeply about our oceans and coasts, and this common-sense law will produce real benefits. The state's economy is threatened when our beaches are littered with debris, and there is even a greater threat to the overall health of the marine environment. Cigarette butts are part of that threat. For more than three decades, cigarette butts have been the most frequently found type of litter on Florida beaches during Ocean Conservancy's annual International Coastal Cleanup. And cigarette butts, which are made of tightly packed plastic fibers, are the fourth most harmful type of plastic to marine life. With this new state law, Gov. DeSantis and the Legislature have given cities and counties a wonderful new way to keep our parks and beaches clean by banning smoking in those areas. Ocean Conservancy stands ready to help, and we are developing an incentive program to honor local governments that take this meaningful step to protect our wonderful natural resources. The momentum already is building, and let's keep building upon It one community at a time. Jon Paul "J.P. " Brooker is the director of Florida Conservation and lawyer for Ocean Conservancy, the nation's oldest marine conservation nonprofit organization. He Is a stKth-generation Floridian. Attachment C to 9-12-22 Minutes LETTERS, TQTHEEDITOR Neptune Beach infrastructure needs must be addressed To the editor: Not unlike the rest of the country, in- frastructure in NB needs to be continually addressed It's no secret that our water, sewer and storm water infrastructure are under tremendous stress due to age and more frequent major storm events. With the help of federal, state and local agen- cies, we have recently made significant progress, but the work is far from fin- ished. This is just a start, and the task ahead is great. Concerning our water and sewer infrastructure, our equipment is on av- erage 45 +/- years old, and the city es- timates that the price tag for upgrades and replacements over the next several decades will be $66M+/-. Storm water infrastructure also needs upgrades and replacements with an estimated price tag Of $32M+/-. You maybe asking yourself how can we pay for these expenses? I would say, in large part the answer lies in keeping more of our tax dollars in NB by re -negotiating the Interlocal Agreement between the city of NB and the city of Jacksonville. You may not realize it, but this agreement cre- ated in 1982 governs how much of our tax dollars stay in NB. As it currently stands, 82 cents of every tax dollar NB residents pay goes to the city of Jacksonville, leav- ing NB with only 18 cents. In return the city of Jacksonville provides a host of ser- vices to include courts, jails, landfills, tax collector, rescue, libraries, animal control and others. I propose that the mayor and city staff, with council support, begin re- negotiating this agreement to be more fa- vorable to NB. Another answer lies in going after fed- eral and state grants to fund these large capital projects. To do this takes long- term strategic and disciplined planning and engineering. Since my time on coun- cil, I have championed, alongside my col- leagues, to make infrastructure a priority. This council and staff are not "licking the can down the road" and have been taking steps for the last few years to position the city to do just that. Stefen Wynn, the city manager, Danielle Dyer -Tyler, the CFO, and Jim French, the director of Public Works, are responsible for planning and implementing this council's initiatives. The future of NB is still bright and this like many other issues facing the city will be tackled concurrently. There is no mag- ic bullet or short-term fix. But rather a consistent disciplined approach is what is needed to maintain, operate and upgrade the city's infrastructure for generations to come. As your councilor and neighbor, I will continue to champion and prioritize this initiative. Josh Messinger Neptune Beach city councilor, Seat 4 Attachment D To 9-12-22 Minutes ATLANTIC BEACH Ad Valorem Taxes 3.2285 S 7,769,175 S 805,674 - - ,' .d r vk*- 0.1250 31035 S 7,469,371 $ 504,870 $ (300,804) 0.15 00 30785 $ 7,408,210 S 444,709 S (6QI61)' O.SS03 3A782 $ 7,407A88 _5 --- -----443,987 S 1722 )1 3 tof of 5 Vat" 0.3750 30535 $ 7.3480,044 5 384,SU $ (60,161) 0.2000 3A285 S 7,297,888 S 324,387 S (60,161) 0.2250 3.0035 $ 7.227,727 S 264,226 S (60,161) 0.2500 29M5 S 7,167566 S 204,065 5 (60,161) 02750 2.953S 5 7,107406 $ 143,905 S (60,160) 0.3000 2.9785 S 7,047245 S 83,744 S (60.161) 0.3250 2.9035 $ 6,98TA94 5 23,583_ S (60.161) 1 03348 2.8937 5 5,963501 S 5 (23,563)