5-12-25 Regular City Commission Adopted MinutesMINUTES
.�` . Regular City Commission Meeting
Monday, May 12, 2025 - 6:00 PM
Commission Chamber
f: 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 6:17 PM. CC Bartle
called the roll.
ATTENDANCE:
Present: Curtis Ford, Mayor - Seat 1 (At Large)
Bruce Bole, Commissioner - Seat 2 (District 1308)
Candace Kelly, Commissioner - Seat 4 (District 1306)
Jessica Ring, Commissioner - Seat 5 (District 1312)
Thomas Grant, Commissioner - Seat 3 (District 1307)
Also Present: William B. Killingsworth, City Manager (CM)
Jason Gabriel, City Attorney (CA)
Donna Bartle, City Clerk (CC)
Kevin Hogencamp, Deputy City Manager (DCM)
Michelle Weippert, Records Management Specialist (RMS)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
IA. Approve minutes of the Town Hall Meeting held on April 5, 2025.
The Commission approved the minutes as submitted.
2 COURTESY OF FLOOR TO VISITORS
2A. PUBLIC COMMENT
The following speakers provided their comments:
Christine Michel
Carolyn Zisser referenced a letter sent to the Commission (which is attached hereto and
made part of this official record as Attachment A).
Sarah Boren
5-12-25 Attachment A
2B. Public Works Week 2025 Proclamation
Regular City Commission
May 12, 2025
Mayor Ford acknowledged the importance of Public Works Week and read the
proclamation.
3 CITY MANAGER REPORTS
3A. Accept the 90 -Day Calendar (May - July 2025)
There was a CONSENSUS to accept the 90 -Day Calendar with the addition of June 16,
2025 Workshop to present the Draft Vulnerability Assessment Adaptation Plan.
4 REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS FROM CITY COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Bole
• Announced Dancin' in the Streets, May 17, 2025.
• Spoke about a more competitive salary for civil servants.
There was a CONSENSUS to have the CM coordinate with Human Resources and return with
a preliminary report on competitive salaries within two weeks, followed by a final report in four
weeks.
Commissioner Grant
• Commended the new Thor Guard for lightening detection.
Commissioner Kelly
• Reminded everyone about resiliency.
Commissioner Ring
• Spoke about the Beaches Watch meeting.
• Showed support for Triple Threat Athletes and their proposed ordinance to allow gym
and health clubs to operate in the Light Industrial and Warehouse (LIW) zoning.
• Commended the AB Police Department for their prompt and effective response in
assisting with the recent coyote sighting and reminded everyone the rabies alert is still
in effect for 60 days.
Mayor Ford
• Praised AB for the rapid implementation of the coyote management plan already in
place.
• Spoke about researching other cities and having a use -by -exception in the LIW.
• Announced the meeting of the Board Member Review Committee (BMRC) on May 15,
2025.
There was a CONSENSUS to have the CM collaborate with the Community Development
Board (CDB) to obtain their recommendation regarding exceptional use within the LIW district.
5 UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS
5A. Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) Ordinance & Proposed
Amendments
CM Killingsworth presented a handout to the Commission (which is attached hereto and
made part of this Official Record as Attachment B) and answered questions from the
Commission.
Regular City Commission
May 12, 2025
There was a CONSENSUS to change to the policy back to three, three-year terms with
a one-year break.
5-12-25 Attachment B
5B. Fire Services
Mayor Ford reported that he is reaching out to Mayor Donna Deegan to gather her
feedback, input, and possibly support on one or more things with the Interlocal
Agreement (ILA). As part of this initiative, he aims to incorporate the fire services into
the main ILA.
Commissioner Ring inquired about the timeline and specific components of the ILA.
CM Killingworth responded by outlining the process and explaining how it progresses.
6 CONSENT AGENDA
6A. Award continuing engineering services contracts to the recommended firms listed
in the staff report.
This item was pulled for discussion.
CM Killingsworth answered questions from the Commission.
MOTION: Approve Item 6A outside of the consent agenda.
Motion: Bruce Bole
Second: Candace Kelly
Curtis Ford
For
Bruce Bole (Moved By)
For
Candace Kelly (Seconded By)
For
Jessica Ring
For
Thomas Grant
For
Motion passed S to 0.
6B. Award continuing surveying services contracts to the four top ranked firms listed
in the staff report.
Mayor Ford asked if anyone wanted to pull this item from the consent agenda. Hearing
none, he asked all in favor to signify by saying "aye." All opposed, say "nay."
Curtis Ford For
Bruce Bole For
Regular City Commission
May 12, 2025
Candace Kelly
For
Jessica Ring
For
Thomas Grant
For
Passed S to 0.
7 COMMITTEE REPORTS
None.
8 ACTION ON RESOLUTIONSNONE.
None.
9 ACTION ON ORDINANCES
9A. ORDINANCE NO. 25-2546, Public Hearing and Final Reading
AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC
BEACH AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 8 FLOOD
HAZARD AREAS, TO SPECIFY ELEVATION OF MANUFACTURED HOMES
AND TO CLARIFY PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED BUILDING ELEVATIONS;
PROVIDING FOR APPLICABILITY AND SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The public hearing was opened, there were no speakers, and the public hearing was
closed.
MOTION. Approve Ordinance (No.) 25-25-46.
Motion: Bruce Bole
Second: Candace Kelly
Curtis Ford
For
Bruce Bole (Moved By)
For
Candace Kelly (Seconded By)
For
Jessica Ring
For
Thomas Grant
For
Motion passed S to 0.
10 MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
None.
11 CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS
CA Gabriel
• Reminded the Commissioners about the ethics training on June 9, 2025, from 9:00 AM
to 1:00 PM at Lynwood Roberts Room, Jacksonville City Hall.
CC Bartle
Regular City Commission
May 12, 2025
• Announced she is looking forward to seeing everyone at Dancin' in the Streets on May
17, 2025.
12 CLOSING COMMENTS BY CITY COMMISSIONERS AND CITY MANAGER
Commissioner Kelly
• Announced the Memorial Day Celebration, May 26, 2025, Beaches Veterans Memorial
Park at 9:00 AM.
13 ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM.
Attest:
Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk
Date Approved: 512 7 T2s
Curtis Ford, Ma or
Regular City Commission
May 12, 2025
Attachment
5-12-25 Minutes S/�G/Ls ��arldv�f ( r 1 SSe�
From: Carolyn Zisser<CZisser@zisserfrazierfamilylaw.com>
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2025 11:49 AM
To: cford@coab.us <cford@coab.us>; bbole@coab.us <bbole,@coab.us>; tgrant@coab.us
<tgrant@coab.us>; ckelly@coab.us <ckelly@coab.us>; jring@coab.us <jring@coab.us>
Cc: dbartle@coab.us <dbartle@coab.us>; czisser@zisserfamilylaw.cm
<czisser@zisserfamilylaw.cm>
Subject: Ordinance No. 95-25-124 - For Discussion at 4/28/2025 Atlantic Beach City Commission
meeting
Good morning Mayor Ford, and Commissioners Bole, Grant, Kelly and Ring,
Thank you so much for the progress made in the necessary revisions and amendments to
Ordinance 124 pertaining to the Environmental Stewardship Committee. I have reviewed
the proposed newest version of ESC amended ordinance 124 . as well as the other
pertinent portions of the agenda for this evening's city commission meeting.
There are two (2) sections of Ordinance 124 which still need further revision / correction:
1. Section 23-56 (page 69 of 219) - Duties and Responsibilities still limits ESC
work to requests by the City Commission or City Manager. The language should be
revised to recognize the ESC's ability to suggest projects as well, subject to the
approval of the City Commission. I suggest and propose the following further
amendment and provision:
Attachment A to
5-12-25 Minutes
"Upon request by the City Commission or the City Manager, and 'and/or
upon request of the Environmental Stewardship Commitee.' the ESC shall study
and provide written recommendations............"
2. Section 23-58 (c-3) Appointments (page 72 of 219) - A scrivener error should
be corrected by adding the word "approved" as set forth below:
"Committee members shall be recommended by the Board Member Review
Committee and shall be 'approved' by the Commission."
I agree with and commend Section 23-57 regarding the city staff administrative
support of the ESC.
Thank you very much for your support and assistance . Please let me know how I
can be of further service.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Zisser
Atlantic Beach. Florida
Attacment B to
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ORDINANCE NO. 95-25-124
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, COUNTY OF
DUVAL, STATE OF FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 23,
PROTECTION OF TREES AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT,
DIVISION 3. — PERMITS, SEC. 23-23: PERMITS PROCEDURES, AND
SEC. 23-25: APPEALS; AMENDING DIVISION 6. -VIOLATIONS,
ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES BY MOVING SEC. 23-52.-,
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE -INTENT, INTO A
NEW DIVISION 7, ENTITLED ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
COMMITTEE, AND RENUMBERING WITH NEW SECTIONS, OF THE
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING
FOR ADOPTION OF SAID AMENDMENTS; PROVIDING FOR PURPOSE
AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR
CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Sec. 23-52 of the Code of Ordinances for the City of Atlantic Beach
provides details for the Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) and the city recognizes
this topic should be its own division (now Division 7) and renumber the subsections within
Chapter 23 to help better organize the codes; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to standardize city boards and committees, to the greatest
extent possible; and
WHEREAS, by standardizing the ESC it is necessary to remove the sections related to
subcommittees (amendments to Sec. 23-23 and 23-25); and
WHEREAS, the City desires to standardize city boards and committees, to the greatest
extent possible; and
WHEREAS, establishing consistent, uniform boards improves efficiency and
productivity.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE ENACTED BY THE CITY COMMISSION ON
BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA:
SECTION 1. Purpose and Intent. The purpose and intent of this Ordinance are to standardize
city boards and committees to improve efficiency and productivity.
SECTION 2. Purpose and Intent. Amend Sec., 23-23 Permit procedure, Sec. 23-25 Appeals and
Variances and Sec. 23-52, Environmental Stewardship Committee — Intent, of the Code of
Ordinances is hereby amended as follows:
Attacment B to
5-12-25 Minutes
Sec. 23-23. Permits procedures.
(a) Application required. The applicant for a tree or vegetation removal permit shall submit the
established fee along with the application form as created and provided by the city to the
designated administrative department. The application shall contain all required narrative
and graphical information necessary to determine compliance with this chapter. If the
applicant is not the property owner, proper owner's authorization shall also be required.
(1) Existing lots or parcels. When a tree or vegetation removal permit is required,
applications for tree or vegetation removal shall be made prior to removal and prior to
any site disturbance or grading on a lot or parcel.
(2) New or re platted subdivisions. Applications for tree or vegetation removal that will be
part of a new subdivision plat or a re -plat shall be submitted along with the preliminary
subdivision plat application so that due consideration may be given to the protection of
regulated trees and regulated vegetation during the site planning and subdivision
process. Trees to be protected shall be noted on the final subdivision plat, and
subsequent applications for individual lots or parcels shall be consistent with the
approved final subdivision plat, or application for a new tree removal permit shall be
required.
(3) After -the fact permits. Any person(s) engaging in the removal of regulated tree(s) or
regulated vegetation prior to obtaining a permit will be required to apply for and obtain
an after -the -fact permit, and meet mitigation requirements as assessed.
(b) Sufficiency review of applications.
(1) Upon receipt of the application and appropriate fee, the administrator shall conduct a
preliminary review within five (5) business days to determine that all required
information has been submitted and is sufficient for review purposes. The applicant
shall be notified of any deficient items. Upon submittal of deficient or missing
information, the administrator shall again review the application. If the requested
information has not been provided or is insufficient, the applicant shall be notified in
writing that no further review will be performed until the requested information is
provided and found to be sufficient.
(2) The administrator shall upload all tree permit applications to the city's website and
send to Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) within three (3) days of being
deemed sufficient in accordance with this section.
(3) The ESC- tree subeo view any permit applieation fOF eemplianee with
the ehapte andmay to the adfn stFato r-egar-difig4he
pemik .
(3) The ESC may review any permit application for compliance with
this chapter and may provide recommendations to the administrator regarding the
permit application.
(A) One (1 ) member of'the ESC tree �„h .,,..�:ttee m aeeempany the a,am ,.,strata- of
the initial s' as an obsei=ver-. The subeemmittee membeF most make the
request to ake-dihe i-nitial site ifispeetie" as an abserwer- within thfee (3) business days
of the :t being..loaded to the ity's ehs:te The ,bee mittee shall not
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* t with the pFopeky o r theo.-ti if ii'ixcr 1 i acceRxxs .«ts ,7.iRg the silo
� x
hours'id shall stay in the vieinity of the administfater- dur-ing the inspeetion. The
H@ti6e PFiOF 4) thetime of the site inspeetion. if multiple requests are made by subeemmittee member -S to
ar.60fflpafly the adffiifliStr-Rt0F OR the iflitiai site f
the first b 'tt member- who submits n o ono
(5 3) The administrator may refer the application to other city department(s), the ESC tree
she, or a consultant during preliminary review. The applicant shall be
notified if extended review by other departments and/or professionals is required_
(46) An application shall be deemed abandoned thirty (30) days after the date the
administrator notifies the applicant of any deficiencies contained in the application if
the applicant has failed to submit all of the deficient or missing information. The
administrator may, upon written request and justification by the applicant, grant not
more than one (1), thirty -day extension. At the expiration of the extension, the
application shall automatically become null and void. In such cases, the application
review fees will not be refunded.
(c) Review by other agencies. At the discretion of the administrator, relative to the
environmental sensitivity of the site, appropriate written sign -offs, permits or consents from
the agencies listed below which have jurisdiction may be required prior to regulated tree or
regulated vegetation removal from sites contiguous to or containing environmentally
sensitive areas or lands. The applicant shall obtain the written approvals, permits, or
consents and submit the agencies' written verification to the city:
(1) Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE);
(2) Saint Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD);
(3) Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP);
(4) Any other applicable governmental agencies extending jurisdictional controls over the
site.
(d) Compliance review and approval of applications. When the administrator's application
review process and inspections have been completed, the administrator shall distribute a
notiee of intent to issue athe approved tree permit to the applicant and all members of the
ESC tree subeo., mit4ee, : eiuding the alte fnate member -and upload the draft permit to the
city's website. The peFmit shall t,o 04- nti.,o fiVe (5) WSifle% a.,.,S .,rt ff the 006eo Orinto„t
is ,lint.-ibuied Mons a ti.. e, appeal is filed
(e) Expiration of permits. Work pursuant to the permit shall commence within six (6) months
of the date of issuance, or the permit shall expire. If the tree removal permit is in connection
with a development permit, compliance with the tree removal permit shall be determined
before the applicable development permit's final inspection, or issuance of certificate of
completion or certificate of occupancy, as applicable.
(f) Content ofpermits. The permit shall be issued in such form as may be prescribed by the
administrator and shall set forth in detail the conditions upon which the permit is granted
and specifically identify which land areas shall be cleared and/or which trees shall be
permitted to be removed. One (1) permit may cover several trees or groups of trees as long
Attacment B to
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as the trees or groups of trees can be clearly identified thereon; provided, however, no
permit may be issued for more than one (1) lot, parcel or area of land unless such lots,
parcels or areas of land shall be contiguous to one another and considered as one (1) parcel
for the purpose of development.
(g) Posting of permits. The permit shall be posted in a conspicuous and visible place at the front
of the property by the applicant prior to any tree removal. The permit shall remain posted on
the property during all applicable tree and vegetation removal activity and until final
inspection by the city. It is the responsibility of the applicant to maintain the permit in a
clearly visible manner at all times.
(h) Amendment of permits. Requests for minor changes to approved plans shall be made as an
amendment to the applicable permit. Additional information submitted with a request for
permit amendment shall be adequate to fully document the nature of the proposed change
and the effect it will have on all aspects regulated by this chapter. All plans, reports,
calculations, and other information affected by the proposed amendment shall be updated so
as to maintain an accurate record of the development activity. Review time for any changes
to plans approved for a permitted site shall be the same as specified for the review of a new
application. An amendment to a permit shall not automatically extend the expiration date.
Substantial changes, including significant increases in the number of trees to be removed or
land to be cleared, increases in impervious surface area, changes to intended land use,
modification of stormwater management systems, or any other change that constitutes a major
modification to a site plan or subdivision, new phases of development or other additions, shall
not be treated as amendments, but shall require a new permit application and fee.
(i) Revocation of permits.
(1) By administrator. The administrator may revoke any permit issued pursuant to this
chapter, following notice in writing to the permittee and after providing the permittee
opportunity to respond to the notice, in either of the following circumstances:
a. The administrator finds that the permittee has continued with any development
activity on a site for which a permit was issued, while the site is under a stop work
order which has not been reversed, canceled or suspended pursuant to this chapter,
except for specified remedial work required to bring the violation into compliance
with the approved permit; or
b. If the administrator finds that the approval of the permit was based on incorrect
information furnished by the applicant for the permit. Based upon such finding,
however, the administrator may make reasonably necessary accommodations to
the conditions of a permit in lieu of revoking it.
(2) Discontinuance of work. Revocation of a permit may also result in a stop work order in
accordance with section 23-48.
Sec. 23-25. Appeals and variances.
(a) Appeals. Appeals of final decisions by the administrator made under the authori of this
chapter may be made by the applicant, any member of the ESC
r.,t,,.,,..uniitee, or an adversely affected party in accordance with the following provisions.
Any appeal filed pursuant to this section shall stay all work on the premises and all
Attacment B to
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proceedings in furtherance of the action appealed, unless the appropriate administrative
official certifies that a stay would cause imminent peril to life or property.
(1) Appeals of a final action or decision by the administrator shall be filed in writing with
the administrator within five (5) business days after rendition of the decision or final
order being appealed. Upon receipt of a timely filed a eal, the administrator shall
place the matter on the agenda of the next ESC tr-ov Sube,.mw.:
meeting or request a special meeting within a reasonable period of time with ro er
public notice, as well as due notice to interested parties. T i, ESC
shall review the application for compliance with the requirements of
Cehapter 23 and shall, by majority vote, recommend that the administrator either
approve, approve with conditions, or deny the appeal. If the appellant is a member of
the ESC �S�-trreeee-, that member shall not participate in the
decision. The administrator,
shall issue or deny the permit within five (5) business days after the ESC
tree stibe,,.,,..44ec meeting.
(b) Variances. The community development board is authorized to grant relief from the strict
application of this chapter where, due to an exceptional situation, adherence to the
regulations of this chapter results in "exceptional practical difficulties or undue hardship"
upon a property owner. The community development board must determine that granting
the request will not cause substantial detriment to the public good and will not be
inconsistent with the general intent and purpose of this chapter. The applicant has the
burden of proof. Any request for a variance pursuant to this section shall stay all work on
the premises and all proceedings in furtherance of the action appealed, unless the
appropriate administrative official certifies that a stay would cause imminent peril to life or
property.
(1) A request for a variance shall be submitted on an application form as provided by the
city and shall contain each of the following:
a. A legal description of the property for which the variance is requested.
b. A reasonable statement describing the reasons and justification for the variance.
c. A survey or site plan indicating existing, removed, and/or proposed trees; existing
and proposed construction, as well as other significant features existing on the lot.
d. The signature of the owner, or the signature of the owner's authorized agent.
Written and notarized authorization by the owner for the agent to act on behalf of
the property owner shall be provided with the application.
(2) Upon receipt of a complete and proper application, the administrator shall within a
reasonable period of time schedule the application for a public hearing before the
community development board following the required public notice as set forth in
section 24-51. At the public hearing, the applicant may appear in person and/or may be
represented by an authorized agent.
a. Applications for a variance shall be considered on a case-by-case basis and shall
be approved only upon findings of fact that the application is consistent with the
definition of a variance and consistent with the provisions of this section.
Attacment B to
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b. Variances shall not be granted solely for the personal comfort or convenience, for
relief from financial circumstances, or for relief from situations created by the
property owner.
(3) Grounds for approval of a variance. The community development board shall find that
one (1) or more of the following factors exist to support an application for a variance:
a. Existing topographic elevation changes that would result in the likelihood that
preserved or planted materials would not survive.
b. Existing electrical lines or utility easements that prevent or restrict the
preservation or planting of landscape materials.
c. Barrier island or dune ecosystem planting conditions that cannot support certain
hardwood species.
d. Designs and plans that, to the greatest extent feasible, avoid encroachment upon
preservation areas and/or trees.
In the event the community development board finds that none of the above exist, then
the community development board shall deny the variance.
(4) Approval of a variance. To approve an application for a variance, the community
development board shall find that the request is in accordance with the preceding terms
and provisions of this section and that the granting of the variance will be in harmony
with the purpose and intent of this chapter. In granting a variance, the community
development board may prescribe appropriate conditions in conformance with and to
maintain consistency with city Code. Violation of such conditions, when made a part
of the terms under which the variance is granted, shall be deemed a violation of this
chapter, and shall be subject to established code enforcement procedures.
(5) Approval of lesser variances. The community development board shall have the
authority to approve a lesser variance than requested if a lesser variance shall be more
appropriately in accord with the terms and provisions of this section and with the
purpose and intent of this chapter.
(6) Nearby nonconformity. Nonconforming characteristics of nearby lands, structures or
buildings shall not be grounds for approval of a variance.
(7) Waiting period for re -submittal. If an application for a variance is denied by the
community development board, no further action on another application for
substantially the same request on the same property shall be accepted for three hundred
sixty-five (365) days from the date of denial.
DIVISION 7. — ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
Sec. 23-525-. Purpose.
The maritime forest in Atlantic Beach is core to the city's identity as a small coastal village.
The tree canopy creates beauty, provides a home for wildlife, functions as an element of the
water management system and enhances property values. It is in the best interest for this
committee to be the stewards of the tree canopy through advocacy, assessment, maintenance,
planting and preservation of this natural resource. The city parks provide open spaces for
Attacment B to
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recreation, exercise, wildlife habitat, relaxation and encounters with the natural world. This
committee intends to support the community to provide a variety of park spaces that are well
maintained, accessible and secure. This committee shall take the lead and set high community
standards in the beautification and maintenance of public spaces located within the city. The
Atlantic Ocean, the St. Johns River and the Intracoastal Waterway have a great deal of influence
on the micro climate, drainage issues and the diverse vegetation and wildlife that thrive within
the city. The care and health of the coast and marsh must be paramount in every recommendation
made by this committee about the use of our land, water system and tree canopy.
(a) It shall be the purpose of the
Environmental Stewardship Committee:
(1) To study and make recommendations to the city commission and city staff with
respect to the city's:
a. Maritime forest;
b. S reserves and open spaces;
c. Beautification of public and private spaces; and
d. Environmental stewardship.
(2) To act as a motivating and coordinating body to encourage joint public and
private participation in promoting these purposes.
{.g} Sec. 23-56. Duties and responsibilities.
Scope of activities. The Environmental Stewardship Committee shall provide guidance
and support to the eCity eCommission and c -City mManager. The City Commission will
have an annual ioint Commission and ESC workshop to discuss the committee's
ities and nnnunl «urk,pinn
The City Luttuuii v\ ill ptwi itize tltk: �,viiimittcc s �Nur6 plan relat,-:J to these
recommendations:
(1) Maritime forest:
a. Clarifying and strengthening the city's processes and all tree and landscape
related city codes and ordinances;
b. Monitoring the appropriate administration and enforcement of the city's
ordinances;
c. Promoting transparency through online access to relevant information;
d. Developing and maintaining environmental education and outreach
programs about the maritime forest and relevant codes;
e. Promoting appropriate planting and care of trees on private property to
owners, developers, builders, and tree/landscape service contractors;
f. Developing and maintaining a long-term tree plan that includes an
assessment of the tree canopy, projecting future needs, and developing a
calendar and budget for tree planting in parks, public spaces and along
streets and rights-of-way;
Attacment B to
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g. Promoting tree canopy advocacy including upholding the city's status as a
bona fide "Tree City USA;"
h. Developing a process for systematic, review of the city's enforcement of
the existing tree codes, including the long-term health of trees planted
for mitigation; and
i. Developing and maintaining a process for citizens to communicate possible
violations to the city.
(2) and open spaces:
a. Developing and maintaining a long-range plan to protect, improve and
beautify _ parks, preserves and open spaces;
b. Improving access to and amenities for parks including disability
accommodations, bike paths, parking, signage and other user friendly
features;
c. Expanding the city's inventory of parks and conservation land through
acquisition or other means; and
d. Maintaining a web -based, publicly accessible inventory of parks including
their history, archeological value, rules of use, deed restrictions and
conservation easements.
(3) Beautification of public and private spaces:
a. Enhancing public spaces, including public rights-of-way, roadsides, city
buildings, beach accesses and other publicly held properties with art,
carefully maintained landscape design and plantings;
b. Incentivizing and advocating for beautification of private and commercial
spaces;
c. Reducing the number and appearance of degraded or blighted public
properties; and
d. Developing a design theme/community branding for signage, bus shelters,
lighting and other elements of the built environment.
(4) Environmental stewardship:
a. Utilizing best practices, including a science based approach, when making
any decision about development and its impact on our environment;
b. Protecting the beach, dunes, marshlands and wetlands as critical defenses
in hurricane, erosion and flooding conditions;
c. Communicating the dynamics of tidal drainage and floodplain with the
goal of preserving the city's flood management system;
d. Reviewing the city's environmental codes and ensuring enforcement of
rules including, but not limited to, dumping, septic tanks and commercial
pollution; and
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e. Reviewing, updating and maintaining the Marsh Master Plan for
adherence to current research about sea level change and wetlands
preservation.
Sec. 23-57. — City staff administration supports.
(a) Staff will be assigned by the City Manager or designee to provide technical and
administrative support. Staff will assist the Committee by preparing agendas, proper notice
and minutes of meetings and other administrative and technical services, as needed. The
minutes will be filed with the City Clerks office.
(b) Staff will be responsible for the collection and expenditure of any City funds in
accordance with purchasing_ guidelines.
Sec. 23 — 58. — Membership, terms, appointments, geographic requirements, composition.
4114-) Membership. The envifenmental stewa dshi" committee shall be eempesed-ef
eleven 04+consist of nine (9) members. One half ' ` ofthe filled seat "f''"
of the number of committee members in
needs at least JUNEM five's` yetes in
the affirmative to pass or fail an item. No member of the committee shall hold any
other public office of eleetea posh;,. . in violation of Article II, Section 5(a),
Florida Constitution.
(b3) Terms. Following the expir-ation of the tei:fns of offiee of the inaugural baai-d
members, "" All members shall serve tree €WA=year terms. Members shall
not serve more than three (3) �3i consecutive i ee- ear
terms on the committee.
All terms shall expire on
December 31 of the proper year, provided, however, that members whose terms
expire shall continue to serve until replacement appointments are effective. Any
committee member who wishes to resign should submit a letter of resignation to
the chairman and city clerk. Any vacancy during the unexpired term of an
appointed member shall be filled for the remainder of the term. Should the length
of the unexpired term be less than one (1) year, then such appointment shall not
count towards the maximum number of consecutive terms.
(c3) Appointments. Except for the ra' eommittee m , bei ^Committee
members shall be seleeted recommended by the board member review committee
Attacment B to
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and shall be annroved by the commission. The eemmission shall select the
a! as fellewsi
-Appointed By
At large Mayef (3 years)
At large Mayof(4 yam
At large Mayor- (3 yearo
Dist..;,.. 1308 r-esiden! Seat 2 , i3 , O
54 jaFge Seat 2eewAiflissiefier- in .
A! large
Distr-iet 1306 resident cod♦ neemmissioner- « year -s)
if
Dist,.;,.. 1312 sid
At lame Seat 5 eammissioner- (4 years)
(d4) Geographical requirements. There shall be at least one (1) member representing
each city district on the Ceommittee. Each committee member must be a full time
resident of the city or own real property in the city. For the purpose of this section,
full time residency shall be defined as the person's principal place of abode. Any
member must immediately notify the city manager, cit c� and chair in writing
upon no longer meeting these membership qualifications.
(e -S) Composition. To the extent possible, committee members should demonstrate at
least one (1) of the following skills, experience, expertise, educational background
or interests:
a. Knowledge of best practices in environmental management and
sustainability;
b. Land development and building construction;
c. Urban planning and design;
d. Arboriculture and horticulture;
e. Landscape architecture;
f. Environmental policy;
Attacment B to
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g. Environmental and constitutional law;
h. Community engagement; and
i. Educational programming.
(fd) Procedures and rules; Organization ofQyLicers.
LLL-(4+—The Ceommittee shall nieet en the seeend Wednesday of eae' ment''
schedule no more than two (2) monthly meetings in the City Commission
Chamber or other public venue.
Special meetings may be called by themecity manager —,ei
with at least a forty-eight (48) hours' notice, is pr-evided and that a majer-ily of the
fnembery must agree tothe date and time. At its fifst regularly ehedularl meeting
rjaeh1, i tl,o ++oo 1, ,ll to t F t� 1 1. , e
Ja1�L7I�i'�V1TQ7TiCCGrsh;drGlAr-'s �121�[I111VxZ�rCO IIIGIIIOGTv ,w v.+uaa, Vie
1, d t h L, ll theiF r:,r� d -i tel leetion
, i'a'Iv-ax-iixl-x--ix:rfcixixvzxxcxx pviiiavlTo ivaxroaiirrc>�crpvn vrc
(I)Q) All meetings of the Committee shall be properly noticed and open to the
public.
CzTc .,hall r.roside ati-all all of the eemmittee. Tl.o , e ..hail: s I1
PFOside if the ehaif: is absent.
(4) The Committee and each member shall comply with the Florida Government in the
Sunshine Law, Florida Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees, Florida
Public Records Law, and related provisions of the City's Code of Ordinances and
applioah-le _r-esalusiA.Rs, as May b ;4miAndAd "I% time to time,
Thc-cvnmTtcee ,hall be staffed at eaeh meeting by Frcrt.staffmember-a}ainted
by the:t. t,. r the elorL_ In _a dit: the :tr-
0 re 0 r�t om manager- o�
his�her- designee shall attend all eommittee fne
(5) The Committee shall elect a chair and vice -chair at the regularly -scheduled
meeting in January each year.
(6) In all cases involving points of parliamentary law, "Robert's Rules of Order"
shall be the book of reference, and its rules, so far as they are applicable and not
in conflict with the provisions of the city's Charter, Code, or other city
ordinances, shall be the rules of this Committee.
may adopt, afnefid, and r-eseind pr-eeedur-al Fdles of the eemmittee to aid in
implementing the pr-evisions ef•thiS sia„tion All r @As studies and
behalf of the , mit4ee
(1-5) The committee shall establish a treenot create subcommittees. in ,,, .^,-chane
with subsection (j below. h 't establish 1, th
cvvxixmi acavrrar:xiicxrvaxcT
tifnes as the ea mxittee shall 0 e All I itfee and subeemmitiee
i moot�na�
Attacment B to
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shall be open to the Publie and are sul�eet to F]AvidA,q C4AA,kAPRR;P.As iR the
Sunshine Laws.
(5) The committee shall establish a tree subcommittee in accordance with subsection
M below. The tree subcommittee shall develop and recommend policies,
programs, education, and incentives aimed at preserving, protecting, and
enhancing the community's tree canopy.
(ge) Removal of members. Any member on the committee may be removed for cause by the
city commission upon written char es and after ub,lic hear -in meeting. Any member
who fails to attend three (3) consecutive
without prior notice to the director of planning and community development or his/her
designee and without reasonable cause shall have their4iis offiee seat declared vacant
by the committee. The vacancy shall be promptly reported to the city clerk and filled
by the city commission.
(f) Establishment of tree subcommittee, membership, terms.
(1) There is hereby established a tree subcommittee of the Environmental
Stewardship Committee, referred to in this subsection as the subcommittee.
The subcommittee shall systematically review tree permits submitted to the
city for completeness and to determine compliance with the provisions of
members and one (1) alternate member. The alternate shall serve in the case
of the absence of any of the three (3) members. The members of the
Environmental Stewardship Committee may volunteer to serve on the
subcommittee and shall be appointed to the subcommittee by the
Environmental Stewardship Committee. All of the members of the
subcommittee shall be members of the Environmental Stewardship
Committee. The Environmental Stewardship Committee shall appoint or
remove the members of the subcommittee by a simple majority vote. Filling
vacancies shall take place at the next regular scheduled meeting of the
Environmental Stewardship Committee after a seat on the subcommittee has
.res.
(ge) Removal of members. Any member on the committee may be removed for cause by the
city commission upon written char es and after ub,lic hear -in meeting. Any member
who fails to attend three (3) consecutive
without prior notice to the director of planning and community development or his/her
designee and without reasonable cause shall have their4iis offiee seat declared vacant
by the committee. The vacancy shall be promptly reported to the city clerk and filled
by the city commission.
(f) Establishment of tree subcommittee, membership, terms.
(1) There is hereby established a tree subcommittee of the Environmental
Stewardship Committee, referred to in this subsection as the subcommittee.
The subcommittee shall systematically review tree permits submitted to the
city for completeness and to determine compliance with the provisions of
members and one (1) alternate member. The alternate shall serve in the case
of the absence of any of the three (3) members. The members of the
Environmental Stewardship Committee may volunteer to serve on the
subcommittee and shall be appointed to the subcommittee by the
Environmental Stewardship Committee. All of the members of the
subcommittee shall be members of the Environmental Stewardship
Committee. The Environmental Stewardship Committee shall appoint or
remove the members of the subcommittee by a simple majority vote. Filling
vacancies shall take place at the next regular scheduled meeting of the
Environmental Stewardship Committee after a seat on the subcommittee has
Attacment B to
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become vacated. Members of the subcommittee may serve for as long as they
serve on the Environmental Stewardship Committee.
(2) Organization of tree subcommittee.
a The Environmental Stewardship Committee shall establish a regular meeting
schedule of the tree subcommittee. Unless othem,ise deteFmified, t#e
meetings
b The administrator or designee shall attend all meetings of the subcommittee.
A city staff member designated by the city manager shall act as clerk for the
subcommittee. The clerk shall be responsible for the clerical administration of
the subcommittee. The clerk shall also be responsible for the maintenance and
preservation of all records of the subcommittee in coordination with the city
clerk's office.
C. The subcommittee shall utilize the rules of the Environmental Stewardship
Committee. Robert's Rules of Order shall be followed to conduct meetings.
All meetings shall be open to the public. The subcommittee shall keep minutes
of the proceedings recording the vote of each member upon each Question or
if absent or failing to vote indicating such facts. It shall keep records of its
examinations and other official actions, all of which shall be promptly filed
with the city clerk's office and shall become public record. The subcommittee
will operate in compliance with Florida's Government in the Sunshine Laws.
Sec 23-59. Liabilitv to City.
The Citv Commission shall consider the recommendations proposed by the
Committee but nothing in this section or otherwise shall be construed as authorizing or
emuowerinu the Committee to impose anv liability of any nature, financial or otherwise,
upon the City, without City approval
SECTION 3. Conflict. All ordinances, resolutions, official determinations or parts thereof
previously adopted or entered by the City or any of its officials and in conflict with this Ordinance
are repealed to the extent inconsistent herewith.
SECTION 4. Severability. If a Court of competent jurisdiction at any time finds any provision
of this Ordinance to be unlawful, illegal, or unenforceable, the offending provision shall be
deemed severable and removed from the remaining provisions of this Ordinance which shall
remain in full force and intact.
Attacment B to
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SECTION 5. Staff or the publisher of the City of Atlantic Beach's Code of Ordinances, the
Municipal Code Corporation (www.municode.com) is hereby directed to incorporate the revised
and amended Code provisions provided herein into the City's Code of Ordinances. Sections of
Chapter 23 may be renumbered or re -lettered and scrivener's errors, formatting and typographical
errors and other minor, inadvertent graphical errors in Chapter 23 which do not affect the intent
may be authorized by the City Manager and City Attorney Without the need of public hearing, by
filing a corrected or re -codified copy of same with the City Clerk.
SECTION 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect upon final reading and approval.
PASSED by the City Commission on first reading this day of , 2025.
PASSED by the City Commission on second and final reading this day of
, 2025.
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
Curtis Ford, Mayor
Attest:
Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk
Approved as to form and correctness:
Jason Gabriel, City Attorney