9-25-23 Regular Commission Meeting Adopted minutesMINUTES
Regular City Commission Meeting
Monday, September 25, 2023 - 6:30 PM
Commission Chamber
City Hall, 800 Seminole Road
Atlantic Beach. FL 32233
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER:
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Ford called the meeting to order at 6:31 PM. CC Bartle
called the roll.
ATTENDANCE:
Present: Curtis Ford, Mayor - Seat 1
Bruce Bole, Commissioner - Seat 2 (District 1308)
Michael Waters, Commissioner - Seat 3 (District 1307)
Candace Kelly, Commissioner - Seat 4 (District 1306)
Jessica Ring, Commissioner - Seat 5 (District 1312)
Also Present: Jason Gabriel, City Attorney (CA)
Donna Bartle, City Clerk (CC)
Ladayija Nichols, Deputy City Clerk (DCC)
Kevin Hogencamp, Deputy City Manager (DCM)
Ronald Bautista, Information Technology Director (ITD)
Victor Gualillo, Police Chief (PC)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
I A. Approve minutes of the Special Called meeting held on May 15, 2023.
Mayor Ford asked if there were any corrections or changes needed. There were no
corrections to the minutes. Mayor Ford stated the minutes stand as submitted.
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
CC Bartle called each speaker to the podium.
Ellen Glasser expressed opinions regarding the Millage Rate, budget, and referenced an
email (which is attached hereto and made part of this Official Record as Attachment A).
Regular City Commission
September 25, 2023
Jim Wheatley spoke about the budget and police concerns.
Lenny Jevic made suggestions on programs and resources the City could offer.
Brinkley Harrell expressed opinions on the budget and thanked the Commission and
staff for their work.
9-25-23 Attachment A
3. CITY MANAGER REPORTS
3.A. Accept the 90 -Day Calendar (Oct. - Dec. 2023)
DCM Hogencamp requested acceptance of the 90 -Day calendar as provided.
There was a CONSENSUS to approve the 90 -Day Calendar.
Additional Updates
DCM Hogencamp provided the following updates:
• Informed the Commission that he would like to schedule a Special Meeting on
October 2, 2023 regarding the Blue Collar Union's request for a pay increase for
the union employees. He will be back in touch with the Commission regarding
the scheduling of this meeting.
• Reopening the Parks Master Plan and will discuss this at the October 14, 2023
Town Hall.
• October 24, 2024 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. there will be public input meetings held
regarding the Parks Master plan.
• October 26, 2023 at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church there will be a public input
meeting.
• Beaches Train Club will be unveiling a new exhibit at Adele Grage Cultural
Center on October 6, 2023.
4. REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS FROM CITY COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Bole
• Beaches Town Center Agency fundraiser called the Parade of Homes will be held on
November 5, 2023.
• Had a discussion with City Engineer Steve Swann regarding the 16th Street overpass.
He expressed that they are close to putting yellow tape across this as a safety item.
Commissioner Waters
• Mentioned that he received an email from Mr. Jevic and expressed that he would like to
do something with the home next to Veteran's Memorial Park.
• Reported on the last STOP Committee meeting and expressed support for staff.
Mayor Ford
• Recommended that a discussion about the building next to the Veteran's Memorial Park
be placed on the next agenda.
• Announced that the STOP Committee chair will be stepping down as chair, but will
continue as a member. There was a CONSENSUS to allow the Committee to nominate
Regular City Commission
September 25, 2023
their own chair. The resolution will be amended and brought back to the next
Commission meeting.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS
None.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
None.
7. COMMITTEE REPORTS
None.
8. ACTION ON RESOLUTIONS
8.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2340
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC
BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF 150 USER
LICENSES OF MICROSOFT OFFICE 365 GCC (GOVERNMENT
COMMUNITY CLOUD) FROM SHI INTERNATIONAL CORP. AT A PRICE
OF $38,982 WITH FUNDS ALLOCATED IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2022-23
BUDGET (ACCOUNT NO. 001 1011 516 65 02); 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.
DCM Hogencamp explained the resolution. ITD Bautista answered questions from the
Commission.
MOTION: Adopt Resolution No. 23-40 as stated.
Motion: Michael Waters
Second: Bruce Bole
Curtis Ford
For
Bruce Bole (Seconded By)
For
Michael Waters (Moved By)
For
Candace Kelly
For
Jessica Ring
For
Motion passed S to 0.
8.11. RESOLUTION NO. 2343
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
APPROVING RENEWAL OF ALL LIABILITY INSURANCES AND
Regular City Commission
September 25, 2023
WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE WITH PREFERRED
GOVERNMENTAL INSURANCE TRUST FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24;
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.
DCM Hogencamp explained the resolution and answered questions from the
Commission. There was discussion about charging a fee for general liability insurance.
Mayor Ford recommended bringing the idea back for discussion with the new CM.
MOTION: Approve Resolution No. 23-43.
Motion: Jessica Ring
Second: Candace Kelly
Curtis Ford For
Bruce Bole For
Michael Waters For
Candace Kelly (Seconded By) For
Jessica Ring (Moved By) For
Motion passed S to 0.
8.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2344
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
ADOPTING THE 2024-2033 10 -YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLANS
(EXHIBIT A) FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND THE PUBLIC
UTILITIES DEPARTMENT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Link to Exhibit A
Mayor Ford read the title of the resolution.
DCM Hogencamp explained the resolution.
,110 TION.- Approve Resolution (No.) 23-44.
Alotion: Bruce Bole
Second. Candace Kelly
Mayor Ford acknowledged the potential need for further discussion of this item in the future.
Curtis Ford
For
Regular City Commission
September 25, 2023
Bruce Bole (Moved By) For
Michael Waters For
Candace Kelly (Seconded By) For
Jessica Ring For
Motion passed 5 to 0.
8.1). RESOLUTION NO. 2341, Public Hearing on Adoption of Resolution No. 2341 for
the Millage Rate
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA LEVYING
THE AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE FOR MUNICIPAL
PURPOSES ON ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2023 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER
30,2024; STATING THE PERCENTAGE BY WHICH THE MILLAGE TO BE
LEVIED EXCEEDS THE ROLLED -BACK RATE; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Ford read the title of the resolution.
DCM Hogencamp explained the resolution and answered questions from the
Commission.
Mayor Ford opened the public hearing and stated the following:
The Tentative Millage Rate is 2.8410
The Roll -Back Rate is also 2.8410
The Tentative Millage Rate is 0% more than the Roll -Back Rate and is not an increase
in property taxes per Sec. 200.065 (2)(c) Florida Statutes.
The purpose for adopting the millage rate of 2.8410 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.
Mayor Ford opened the floor to Public Comments.
Brinkley Harrell expressed opinions on insurance liability and spoke in support of the
Millage Rate.
Albert Kerber encouraged the adoption of the Rollback Millage Rate.
Commissioner Bole commented about the interlocal agreement.
MOTION. Approve Resolution No. 23-41.
Motion: Michael Waters
Second. Jessica Ring
Curtis Ford
For
Regular City Commission
September 25, 2023
9.
Bruce Bole
For
Michael Waters (Moved By)
For
Candace Kelly
For
Jessica Ring (Seconded By)
For
Motion passed S to 0.
The public hearing was closed.
ACTION ON ORDINANCES
9.A. ORDINANCE NO. 20-23-168, Public Hearing and Final Reading on adoption of
Ordinance No. 20-23-168, establishing the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year
2023/2024
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE FINAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF
ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER
1, 2023 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2024.
Link to FY 2023-24 Prouosed Budget
Mayor Ford read the title of the ordinance.
Mayor Ford opened the public hearing.There were no public speakers.
Commissioner Bole inquired about employee raises. DCM Hogencamp confirmed that
the budget includes a four percent increase.
MOTION: Approve Ordinance No. 20-23-168 establishing the Operating Budget for Fiscal
Year 2023/2024 of $59,146,295.
Motion: Jessica Rigg
Second. Bruce Bole
Commissioner Ring inquired about the Almost Home land. DCM Hogencamp clarified that
voting for the budget will have no impact on this particular land and that it is not in the budget.
Curtis Ford
For
Bruce Bole (Seconded By)
For
Michael Waters
For
Candace Kelly
For
Jessica Ring (Moved By)
For
Motion passed S to 0.
The public hearing was closed.
Regular City Commission
September 25, 2023
9.11. ORDINANCE NO. 20-23-169, Public Hearing and Final Reading
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE CITY
OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING
OCTOBER 1, 2022, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2023, FOR
APPROPRIATING FUNDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JUSTICE ASSISTANCE
GRANT COUNTYWIDE (JAGC) FOR A CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
COMMUNITY SECURITY PROJECT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Ford read the title of the ordinance.
DCM Hogencamp explained the ordinance. PC Gualillo answered questions from the
Commission.
The public hearing was opened. There were no speakers and the public hearing was
closed.
MOTION: Adopt Ordinance No. 20-23-169 as read.
Motion: Candace Kelly
Second. Michael Waters
Curtis Ford
For
Bruce Bole
For
Michael Waters (Seconded By)
For
Candace Kelly (Moved By)
For
Jessica Ring
For
Motion passed S to 0.
10. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
None.
11. CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS
None.
12. CLOSING COMMENTS BY CITY COMMISSIONERS AND CITY MANAGER
Commissioner Waters
• Expressed that he is looking forward to the new CM.
Commissioner Ring
• Agreed with Commissioner Waters and thanked DCM Hogencamp.
Commissioner Bole
• Echoed Commissioner Ring's sentiments and noted that the City saved money by having
DCM Hogencamp as interim.
Commissioner Kelly
Regular City Commission
September 25, 2023
• Spoke about purchasing the Almost Home Property (next to Beaches Veterans Memorial
Park).
Mayor Ford
• Expressed that he too is looking forward to the new CM and thanked DCM Hogencamp
for a job well done.
• Spoke about his experience with the HMS Prince of Wales over the weekend.
13. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.
Attest:
ajovrw, e 1Ume&
Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk
Date Approved: 11 // 3/ Z o 2 3
!M14 'f
Curtis Ford, Mayor
Regular City Commission
September 25, 2023
Ellen Glasser <glassere@comcast.net>
Roll Back Rate Vote
Elected Officials <electedofficials@coab.us>
Greetings:
Attachment A to 9/21/2023 12:09 PM
9-25-23 Minutes
khogencamp@coab.us <khogencamp@coab.us>
I tried to refrain from comment but failed. I have a good understanding of the millage rate, but, having
gone through some lengthy public discussion last year to reduce it slightly, I was pretty surprised that
you all voted for the roll back rate instead of the proposed rate in the last meeting. It is hard to be
dissenting in that environment. The proposed rate seemed a lot more prudent. As fiduciaries for our
residents, I believe you gave back more than we you had to, given that the current economy affects
the city too
We are in a position where residents are paying more because the homes that they own are worth an
lot more, which is good for them. This is the system in place in our state - there is nothing arbitrary
about it. We are all lucky we can live in Atlantic Beach.
As someone who lives on a fixed income and whose home value has appreciated greatly, I do not
feel that the amount I pay to Atlantic Beach (app. 16.5 cents on the tax dollar, but that is another
discussion!)) is too much to pay Am I overtaxed by AB? I think not. Looking at my TRIM notice, my
portion of taxes to AB is already less than what I pay to the County, or to public schools, or for
insurance, and I get a whole lot more for the money here in AB!
Other concerns:
1. At the last meeting, we were kinda in-between city managers, and the public discussion was timed
without Joe's presence. What was his input? He was paid a lot during the process and the budget is
perhaps your most important duty. The timing of your action puts a lot of pressure on the staff, since
the budget voted on used the proposed rate. Did staff converse with all Commissioners on the
impacts of this? Kevin was probably not in a position to question it in the meeting, although I don't
know.
2. To say that the roll back rate would not affect services does riot take into account many factors,
mostly dealing with rising project and personnel costs. There are two major capital projects with the
LG Station and Baker Center, and perhaps the walkover project. I expect costs to rise on all of them.
3. No other local jurisdiction has adopted the roll back rate, to include COJ for the last 25 years. Ask
them why, as all of them, like us, are supported by budget professionals and fiscally conservative
officials.
4. You have boxed in future Commissions, so, off there is another recession, they will be the bad
guys to increase the rate.
5. Best practices inform officials not to use the reserve to manage a budget, but if reserves are at
39%, please refer to the existing fund balance policy to determine next steps. I liked that idea. Debt
payment from reserves might have been a more prudent option, rather that using the roll back rate
6. Those who will benefit the most by your action are the wealthiest homeowners among us, as the
increases link to property values None of them spoke at the meeting, as we heard primarily from
those on fixed incomes and former politicians
7. We are a well-off city, and people expect good service. The revenue lost by using the roll back rate
could have been used needed to do better for our residents, whether by streets, infrastructure,
programs, workforce, or police.
In closing, the action may starve your efforts on behalf of residents, and it seemed like political
theater and/or an appeasement for one or more people. I believe few would have complained if you
had gone with the more prudent, proposed millage rate, which was still less than 3 mills.
Thank you for your service,
Ellen G