1-26-26 Regular Commission Meeting Adopted MinutesMINUTES
Regular City Commission Meeting
Monday, January 26, 2026 - 6:00 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 6:00 PM. CC Bartle
called the roll.
ATTENDANCE:
Present: Curtis Ford, Mayor - Seat I (At Large)
Bruce Bole, Commissioner - Seat 2 (District 1308)
Thomas Grant, Commissioner - Seat 3 (District 1307)
Candace Kelly, Commissioner - Seat 4 (District 1306)
Jessica Ring, Commissioner - Seat 5 (District 1312)
Also Present: Kevin Hogencamp, Interim City Manager (CM)
Jason Gabriel, City Attorney (CA)
Donna Bartle, City Clerk (CC)
Ladayija Nichols, Deputy City Clerk (DCC)
Victor Gualillo, Police Chief (PC)
AGENDA CHANGE
The Commission approved Mayor Ford's request to move agenda item 8A to follow item 2.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1 A. Approve minutes of the Special Meeting of the City Commission held on Tuesday,
January 6, 2026.
The Commission approved the minutes as submitted.
2. COURTESY OF FLOOR TO VISITORS
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no speakers.
8A. RESOLUTION NO. 26-11
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF A PEACE POLE FROM THE ROTARY
CLUB OF JACKSONVILLE -OCEANSIDE; APPROVING ITS INSTALLATION
AT JACK RUSSELL PARK; ESTABLISHING CONDITIONS FOR ITS
Regular City Commission
January 26, 2026
3.
MAINTENANCE AND RELOCATION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
Dirk Lentz, Community Service Chair and President -Elect of the Oceanside Rotary
Club, explained the resolution and announced a dedication on February 21, 2026 at 9:00
a.m. in AB, followed by ceremonies in Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach, and a
reception at the Beaches Museum at approximately 11:30 a.m.
MOTION: Approve Resolution No. 26-11.
Motion: Candace Kelly
Second: Bruce Bole
Curtis Ford
For
Bruce Bole (Seconded By)
For
Thomas Grant
For
Candace Kelly (Moved By)
For
Jessica Ring
For
Motion passed S to 0.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
3.A. Accept the 90 -Day Calendar (Jan. - Mar. 2026)
The Peace Pole dedication and priority setting meeting will be added to the 90 -Day
Calendar.
There was a CONSENSUS to accept the 90 -Day Calendar as amended.
3.B. Paid Parking Update
CM Hogencamp reported that Neptune Beach will present a revised interlocal agreement
for Beaches Town Center paid parking for review this week. He also noted that for 18th
and 19th Streets, the Police Department plans to contract with T2, with a proposed
agreement scheduled for the February 9, 2026 Commission meeting.
3.C. Farmers Market RFP Update
CM Hogencamp reported that a draft RFP for farmers market management is under final
review. The current operator has been extended through March 31, 2026 with RFP
responses anticipated for Commission consideration at the second March meeting.
Commissioner Ring requested to review the draft RFP prior to release, and CM
Hogencamp agreed to circulate it to commissioners for input. He also confirmed that the
Commission, rather than the City Manager, will make the final operator selection.
3.D. Atlantic Beach Athletic Association (ABAA) Update
Regular City Commission
January 26, 2026
CM Hogencamp reported that staff is working with ABAA leadership in preparation for
the spring baseball season. A meeting to update the facility use agreement is scheduled
for Friday, with a finalized proposal anticipated for Commission approval in February.
3.E. Community Survey
CM Hogencamp reported that the City will launch Flash Vote, a community polling
initiative designed to collect statistically valid data on resident priorities. The program
will be independently managed to protect privacy and encourage candid feedback, with
results used to inform data -driven decision-making and departmental goals.
3.F. Interlocal Agreement - City of Jacksonville
CM Hogencamp reported that evaluating the interlocal agreement with the City of
Jacksonville is among top priorities. Proposals from consultants to assist in this review
are due January 29, 2026. The city manager's office is collaborating with the city attorney
to ensure shared services are cost-effective and beneficial.
3.G. Marsh Oaks Community Center
CM Hogencamp reported that construction is wrapping, tour schedule, with remaining
work to include parking lot paving, landscaping, and program development. The target
opening is early July, and he noted that the ribbon -cutting will be scheduled to
accommodate Commissioner availability. Commissioner Bole suggested considering the
facility for emergency cold -weather overflow use.
3.11. Priority Setting
CM Hogencamp reported that the annual priority -setting session, facilitated by Linda
Lanier, is scheduled for March 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. A potential conflict was noted, but
the date will be kept for now.
3.I. Recent Removal of Iconic Trees
CM Hogencamp reported that there is a detailed report on the website regarding this
topic and that it has prompted discussion on tree protection. Mayor Ford suggested
exploring stronger protections for old-growth trees and researching ordinances from
other Florida cities, focusing on long-lived native species. Commissioner Bole
recommended having the city arborist present to share insights and vision. CM
Hogencamp noted that workshops on Chapter 23 tree protection and environmental
stewardship priorities are scheduled for March 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
3.J. Other Reports
Sherry Drive traffic calming: The Police Department issued a pedestrian safety
report, and staff are conducting a comprehensive review. A traffic engineer will
assist in resolving the matter.
ERP system implementation impact: The city is modernizing its payment
platform, affecting only customers using Bill2Pay.
PC Gualillo reported on the dangerous dog complaint: The dog owner
relinquished the animal to animal control, which will take it to a no -kill shelter
for evaluation and potential rehoming.
Regular City Commission
January 26, 2026
• PC Gualillo reported on traffic calming: He noted that a 4 -way stop is not feasible
regarding the Ocean Grand/Grand Ocean due to road alignment. A mid -block
crosswalk with in -roadway LED lighting is recommended.
• PC Gualillo reported on an e -bike citation: He clarified that a recent citation was
a municipal ordinance violation, not an arrest.
• Warming centers: Jacksonville has activated warming centers through Friday,
with Police Department assistance for transportation.
• Donna Marathon traffic: The event will impact traffic from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00
p.m., potentially limiting resident access for about three hours.
4. REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS FROM CITY COMMISSIONERS
4.A. City Manager Recruitment Update (Commissioner Bole)
Commissioner Bole thanked CM Hogencamp for a handout (which is attached hereto
and made part of this official record as Attachment A).
Commissioner Bole reported that two resolutions regarding the City Manager search
timeline and budget will be on the next agenda. HR has updated the job description and
recruitment brochure, prepared a draft RFP for an executive search firm, and identified
funding.
He also requested an informational meeting for residents served by the 20th Street lift
station, with the city engineer explaining its benefits.
1-26-26 Attachment A
Commissioner Kelly
Attended the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration.
Requested Commission consideration to fund the stormwater survey instead of
waiting for potential FEMA funding. The Commission agreed to revisit the
$300,000 project at the March priority -setting meeting, while CM Hogencamp
investigates whether starting it would affect FEMA eligibility.
Commissioner Ring
• Reminded the Commission of Donna Marathon road closures for the upcoming
weekend.
• Noted she would be traveling to Tallahassee for FLC Legislative Action Days,
highlighting concerns about potential threats to home rule.
• Promoted a February 4, 2026 Beaches Watch meeting at the Jacksonville Beach
Library where city managers from the three beaches will discuss property tax
issues.
Commissioner Grant
• Mentioned upcoming volunteer opportunities with the Epson Tour at Atlantic
Beach Country Club.
Mayor Ford
• Expressed appreciation to CM Hogencamp and the Commissioners for their
contributions and efforts.
Regular City Commission
January 26, 2026
6.
7.
8.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS
None.
CONSENT AGENDA
6.A. Approve Resolution No. 26-01
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF $69,100 TO COURT SURFACES TO
REPAIR AND RESURFACE THE TENNIS COURTS AND LARGE
BASKETBALL COURT AT JACK RUSSELL PARK; 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.
6.B. Approve Resolution No. 26-13
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
AUTHORIZING THE AGREEMENT FOR THE SARATOGA CIRCLE LIFT
STATION SERVICE AREA REPAIRS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE PURCHASE ORDERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND AS
NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS RESOLUTION;
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION: Approve consent agenda (items) 6A & 613 as written.
Motion: Jessica Ring
Second. Candace Kelly
Curtis Ford
For
Bruce Bole
For
Thomas Grant
For
Candace Kelly (Seconded By)
For
Jessica Ring (Moved By)
For
Motion passed 5 to 0.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
None.
ACTION ON RESOLUTIONS
8.B. RESOLUTION NO. 26-15
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
AUTHORIZING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO ENTER INTO A RADIO
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE FOR P25
RADIO COMMUNICATIONS OPERATIONS. AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AND PURCHASE ORDERS IN
ACCORDANCE WITH AND AS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE
Regular City Commission
January 26, 2026
PROVISIONS OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
MOTION: Approve Resolution (No.) 26-15.
Motion: Bruce Bole
Second. Candace Kelly
Curtis Ford
For
Bruce Bole (Moved By)
For
Thomas Grant
For
Candace Kelly (Seconded By)
For
Jessica Ring
For
Motion passed S to 0.
9. ACTION ON ORDINANCES
9.A. Ordinance No. 5-26-74, Introduction and First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, COUNTY OF
DUVAL, STATE OF FLORIDA, CREATING A NEW ARTICLE IX — CITY
FEES, DIVISION I, GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE FEES, SECTIONS 2450
THRU 2499 AND DIVISION II BUILDING CODE FEES, SECTIONS 2-500
THRU 2-519 IN CHAPTER 2 -ADMINISTRATION OF THE ATLANTIC
BEACH CODE OF ORDINANCES; THE PURPOSE IS TO MOVE CITY FEES
INTO ONE CHAPTER; MODIFYING CHAPTER 6, BUILDING AND
BUILDING REGULATIONS, ARTICLE II BUILDING CODE, SECTION 6-26
SCHEDULE OF BUILDING PERMIT FEES; ARTICLE III ELECTRIC CODE,
SECTION 6-37 SAME -FEES; ARTICLE IV PLUMBING CODE, SECTION 6-59
SAME — FEES; ARTICLE V MECHANICAL CODE, SECTION 6-77
INSPECTION FEES; CHAPTER 7 — FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION,
ARTICLE II — FIRE PREVENTION AND LIFE SAFETY SECTION 7-30 FEES,
CHAPTER 2 — ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE VII — FINANCE, SECTION 2-
368 FEES AND CHARGES BY DELETING THE FEES IN THESE SECTIONS
AND REFERENCING THE NEW ARTICLE IX IN CHAPTER 2 WHERE THE
FEES WILL BE RELOCATED; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS OF FACT, FOR
CODIFICATION, FOR APPLICABILITY, FOR CONFLICT, FOR
SEVERABILITY, AND FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
NDD Askew presented as detailed in a PowerPoint (which is attached hereto and made
part of this Official Record as Attachment B) and answered questions from the
Commission. Mayor Ford requested information before the second reading on how much
of the $200,000 shortfall would be closed by the fee increases, as well as the cost of
administering stormwater code compliance through Public Works.
1-26-26 Attachment B
MOTION. Approve Ordinance No. 5-26-74 on first reading.
Regular City Commission
January 26, 2026
Motion: Bruce Bole
Second: Thomas Grant
Curtis Ford
For
Bruce Bole (Moved By)
For
Thomas Grant (Seconded By)
For
Candace Kelly
For
Jessica Ring
For
Motion passed 5 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 Ring
• Announced she would be absent for the March 23, 2026 Commission meeting.
Commissioner Bole
• Made brief comments regarding the upcoming ERP system in relation to agenda item
9A.
CM Hogencamp
• Provided updates on Jacksonville warming centers.
• Reminded everyone of traffic impacts from the Donna Marathon.
Mayor Ford
• Expressed enthusiasm for the new ERP system and noted interest in hearing examples
of how it will benefit the city and employees.
13. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:06 PM.
Attest:
A rMV am*e-
Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk
Date Approved: 21q ,2-t'26
Cu 's Ford, M or
Regular City Commission
January 26, 2026
Attachment A to
1-26-26 Minutes
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
800 Seminole Road
Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233
(904) 247-5817
City Manager's Community Update
Date: January 26, 2026
To: The Atlantic Beach Community & City Commission
From: Kevin Hogencamp, Interim City Manager/khogencamp@coab.us
Executive Summary
O� ptLANTle
1P ;eelV
U Z
CENTENNIAL
Esc.t925
This report provides an update on many of the primary administrative and community -
focused initiatives underway in our office. Our office remains focused on maintaining
momentum across key infrastructure, environmental, and intergovernmental projects. City
Manager's Community Updates, including related links, are available on the City's website
and across official digital channels.
1. Paid Parking Update
• Beaches Town Center: The City of Neptune Beach has committed to presenting a
revised Interlocal Agreement for our review this week. We will provide a follow-up
report following an evaluation by staff and the City Attorney.
• 18th & 19th Streets: The Police Department intends to contract with T2, the same
vendor currently utilized by Neptune Beach. We are on track to present a proposed
agreement for Commission consideration at the Feb. 9 meeting.
2. Farmer's Market RFP
The draft Request for Proposals for the management of the Atlantic Beach Farmer's Market
is under final review. We expect to submit the document to the Finance Department this
week, with a formal public solicitation ("on the street") to follow shortly.
3. Atlantic Beach Athletic Association (ABAA)
We are working closely with ABAA leadership as they prepare for the spring baseball season.
A meeting to update the Facility Use Agreement is scheduled for this Friday; our goal is to
present a finalized proposal for Commission approval in February.
4. Community Survey (FlashVote)
The City will soon launch FlashVote, our first comprehensive community polling initiative in
recent years, if ever. This platform delivers statistically valid data on resident priorities,
Attachment A to
1-26-26 Minutes
offering a more representative sample than traditional public meetings. To ensure candid
feedback and resident privacy, the service is managed independently. These insights will
directly inform our data -driven decision-making and departmental goals. This initiative
aligns with a Fiscal Year 2025-26 Commission priority.
5. Interlocal Agreement — City of Jacksonville
Evaluating our Interlocal Agreement with the City of Jacksonville is a top priority. Proposals
from consultants to assist in this comprehensive review are due this Thursday, Jan. 29. The
City Manager's Office is collaborating directly with City Attorney Gabriel and Mayor Ford to
ensure our shared services are cost-effective and beneficial.
6. Marsh Oaks Community Center
Construction is wrapping up. Upcoming phases include parking lot paving, landscaping, and
the development of programming for the center. We are targeting an early July opening.
7. Strategic Priority Setting
Our annual Priority -Setting Session, facilitated by volunteer Linda Lanier, marks the first
milestone of the 2026-27 budget process. This session will define our strategic focus areas,
ensuring our fiscal resources align with the long-term vision of the Commission and the
community.
8. Urban Forest & Tree Protections
The recent loss of iconic trees for residential development has sparked a vital community
conversation. While current City Code left the City powerless to prevent this specific
removal, we have published detailed reports on our website explaining these administrative
constraints.
9. Other Reports
• Public Workshops (March 2, 2026). We have scheduled back-to-back workshops,
the first beginning at 6 p.m.:
o Chapter 23 (Tree Protection): Focus areas include redefining "Legacy Trees,"
increasing mitigation fees, and exploring protections for heritage -sized live oaks.
o Environmental Stewardship Committee: A discussion to ensure our
environmental policies reflect the high value residents place on the Atlantic
Beach canopy.
Attachment A to
1-26-26 Minutes
Sherry Drive Traffic Calming Request
The Police Department has issued a pedestrian crossing safety improvements report
following its initial review, and a comprehensive staff review is underway. We
anticipate utilizing a traffic engineer's services in the near term.
Online Utility Payment System Transition
As part of a city-wide digital modernization project (ERP), we are upgrading our utility
payment platform to enhance security and user experience. This transition
specifically impacts customers using Bil12Pay for online or automated payments.
Residents who pay via mail, in person, or through their personal bank's bill -pay
service will experience no changes to their current process.
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
Mission
The place to be -- through exceptional public services.
2040 Vision
In Atlantic Beach, we have a strong sense of belonging and safety. Our citizens and government care deeply about community character,
and we understand that unified support is required to preserve it. We are graced with the functional beauty of our beach, our marsh, and
our tree canopy. Our shady streets and multi -use paths connect our welcoming neighborhoods and vibrant local businesses. Our city
supports our diverse, multigenerational, socially linked community with green spaces, active lifestyles, parks, and programming.
City Commission Priorities
In 2018, the Atlantic Beach City Commission began undertaking an annual exercise that results in it establishing priorities for city
government. This endeavor is facilitated by Atlantic Beach resident Linda Lanier, who volunteers her services.
Attachment B to
1-26-26 Minutes
Topic:
Centralize Fees
Chapter 2
Jan. 26, 2026
Ji
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..........1�`J
r
Attachment B to
1-26-26 Minutes
Currently fees are found in chapter 2
and other chapters throughout the code
More difficult for customers to locate
the fees
Over time move all fees to Chapter 2
Streamlined and consistent
Attachment B to
1-26-26 Minutes
uilding permit fees Chapter 6 move to chapter 2
uilding permit fees were last updated in 2009
ost of providing building permit reviews, inspections, etc.
ave increased
urrent fees no longer sufficient to cover the cost
ssociated with providing the services
pprox. 20% shortfall in the FY'24-25 budget — expected to
:medy shortfall
ees can only be used for building dept.
Attachment B to
Building permit fees 1-26-26 Minutes
Scope of Work
Current
Proposed
COJ
CONB
COJB
Building Permit Fees, based on job
value
$1,000.00 or less
$ 55.00
$100.00
$112.50
$67.00
$40.00
$100.00 for the first
$ 40.00 plus $20.00 for
$ 55.00 for the first $1,000.00
$1,000.00 plus $5.00 for
$67 for the first $1,000
the first $1,000.00 plus
plus $5.00 for each additional
each additional $1,000.00
plus $10.00 for each
$5.00 for each
$1,000.00 or fraction thereof,
or fraction thereof, to and
New construction not
additional $1,000 or
additional $1,000.00or
$1,000.00 to $50,000.00
to and including $50,000.00
including $50,000.00
based on job cost
fraction thereof
fraction thereof,
$ 280.00 for the first
$ 345.00 for the first
Starting with $10,000.01
$260.00 for the first
$50,000.00 plus $4.00 for
$50,000.00 plus $4.00 for
to $100,000 is $137 plus
$50,000 plus $4.00 for
each additional $1,000.00 or
each additional $1,000.00
Otherwise, $3.00 per
$6.00 for each $1,000 or
each additional $1,000
fraction thereof, to and
or fraction thereof, to and
$1,000, not less than
part therfo up to
or fraction therfo, to
$50,001.00 to $100,000.00
including $100,000.00
including $100,000.00
the minimum
$100,000
and including $100,000
$ 480.00 for the first
$ 545.00 for the first
$460.00 for the first
$100,000.00 plus $3.00 for
$100,000.00 plus $3.00 for
$662.00 for the first
$100,000 plus $3.00
each additional $1,000.00 or
each additional $1,000.00
$100,000 plus $3.00 for
for each additional
fraction thereof, to and
or fraction thereof, to and
each additional$1,000
$1,000 or fraction
$100,001.00 to $500,000.00
including $500,000.00
including $500,000.00
therafter
therfo
$1,680.00 for the first
$1,7450.00 for the first
$1,723.50 for the first
$1,660.00 for the first
$500,000.00 plus $2.00 for
$500,000.00 plus $2.00 for
$500,000 plus $1.50 for
$500,000 plus $2.00
each additional $1,000.00 or
each additional $1,000.00
each additional $1,000
for each additional
$500,001.00 and up
fraction thereof
or fraction thereof
thereafter
$1,000.00
Item I Current Fee/Charges I Proposed
ate
Backhoe (including travel time), minimum two
hours portal to portal, per hour
Labor, all departments
Materials
Mud hog, per hour
Trucks, each (including travel time), her hour
All tractors (including travel time), per hour
Bush hog, per hour
Bore machine, per connection
Attachment B to
1-26-26 Minutes
City Clerk Related Fees
AB Code Sec. 2-368 Move to New Section — Sec. 2-450
$3.00
(These items will not be listed separately in our
Code.)
The new language will read as follows:
"Charges to provide copies or inspection of public
records shall be at the maximum amount
.10 authorized in F.S. ch. 119."
.25
$15.00
$10.00
AB Code Sec. 2-368 Move to New Section — Sec. 2-450
$10.00 $40.00 per parcel