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2-23-26 Regular Commission Meeting Adopted MinutesMINUTES Regular City Commission Meeting Monday, February 23, 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 1 (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) Adam Thornton, Public Works Director (PWD) Bob Blanco, Human Resources Director (HRD) APPROVAL OF MINUTES IA. Approve minutes from the Regular Commission Meeting held February 9, 2026. The Commission approved the minutes as submitted. 2. COURTESY OF FLOOR TO VISITORS 2.A. Grant Award - Fletcher high School Band The mayors of Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach — Christine Hoffman and Cori Bylund —joined Mayor Ford in presenting a check to the Fletcher High School Band. PUBLIC COMMENT The following speakers provided their comments: Amy Franqui Elizabeth Rozas Michael Kulik Regular City Commission February 23, 2026 Ellen Golombek Doug Conkey 3. CITY MANAGER REPORTS 3.A. Accept the 90 -Day Calendar (Feb. - Apr. 2026) Commissioner Kelly inquired about scheduling the committee appreciation dinner previously discussed for the spring. CM Hogencamp agreed to follow up by email with a proposed date. There was a CONSENSUS to accept the 90 -Day Calendar. 3.B. Remote Meeting Attendance CM Hogencamp reported on agenda items 3B - 3G as detailed in a handout (which is attached hereto and made part of this official record as Attachment A). Commissioner Kelly noted the frequent use of Zoom during COVID. Commissioner Bole supported flexible remote participation to accommodate business and family obligations. Commissioner Ring preferred encouraging in-person attendance, with remote participation used occasionally. Mayor Ford emphasized the importance of in- person engagement and expressed he is not in favor of allowing remote participation except for a true exception. CA Gabriel outlined the requirements for telephonic participation, including the need for a physical quorum and commission approval for each remote participant. CM Hogencamp will bring forward a proposed policy for Commission approval. 2-23-26 Attachment A 3.C. March 2, 2026 Commission Workshops Mayor Ford noted that the workshops are open to the public; however, public comment will not be taken. Commissioners were encouraged to review the Chapter 23 revisions in advance of the workshop. 3.D. Safety, Traffic and Parking (STOP) Committee Recommendations 3.E. Emergency Expenditure - Water Plant Generator A resolution to ratify the emergency expenditure will be presented at a future meeting. 3.F. Interlocal Agreement - Fire Line Extension into Neptune Beach 3.G. Other Reports A photo was taken with Dabni McCrary, Fundraising Coordinator for the Fletcher High School Band. CM Hogencamp introduced PWD Thornton. Regular City Commission February 23, 2026 4. REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS FROM CITY COMMISSIONERS 4.A. City Manager Recruitment Update (Commissioner Bole) Commissioner Bole thanked the HR Director for his help with this and provided an update on the city manager search process, including: phase 1 advertising, timeline, a potential citizens committee and due diligence. Commissioner Ring suggested saving on the advertising budget by moving directly to the RFP process. Commissioner Bole also mentioned the National Memorial at Cecil Field and provided positive feedback on the city arborist. Commissioner Kelly • Inquired about the community garden at Marsh Oaks. • Thanked staff for developing summer camp activities for children at the Boys and Girls Club. Commissioner Ring • Reported on updates on legislative session activities. • Addressed misinformation about Rotary Peace Poles. • Emphasized a -bike safety following a fatal accident in Nocatee • Asked about potential additional tree protection measures, referencing tree loss on West First Street. Commissioner Grant • Reported on Beaches Town Center Agency activities. • Noted traffic routing concerns directing drivers from Plaza to Sherry Drive and highlighted the need for traffic calming measures. • Discussed tree protection on Plaza bordering the park. • Promoted the upcoming Epson tour women's golf tournament at Atlantic Beach Country Club. Mayor Ford • Thanked Commissioner Ring for addressing the Rotary Peace Poles. • Acknowledged comments from Ellen Golombek regarding the Community Development Board and provided clarification on the status of the second alternate member. • Discussed a -bike safety concerns and requested that CM Hogencamp coordinate with the Police Chief on enforcement strategies, including potential collaboration with Neptune Beach. • Mentioned his intent to research more stringent tree protection ordinances from other Florida cities and possibly engage an Alachua County official who has expertise in tree protection codes. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA 6.A. Approve Resolution No. 26-24. Regular City Commission February 23, 2026 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, DESIGNATING A 42 -INCH -DIAMETER LIVE OAK TREE AT 375 ATLANTIC BOULEVARD AS A HERITAGE TREE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 6.11. Approve Resolution No. 26-25. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, DESIGNATING A 51 -INCH -DIAMETER LIVE OAK TREE AT 1798 SELVA MARINA DRIVE AS A HERITAGE TREE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 6.C. Approve Resolution No. 26-26. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, DESIGNATING A 33 -INCH -DIAMETER LIVE OAK TREE, A 49 -INCH - DIAMETER LIVE OAK TREE, AND A 54 -INCH -DIAMETER LIVE OAK TREE AT 395 POINSETTIA COURT AS A HERITAGE TREE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 6.D. Approve Resolution No. 26-27. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO OUTFIT TWO NEW PATROL VEHICLES FOR A COMBINED PRICE OF $37,529.86 FROM GLOBAL PUBLIC SAFETY; 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.E. Approve Resolution No. 26-28. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION OF DECKS, BULKHEADS AND PAVILIONS REPLACING THE EXISTING EQUIPMENT AT DUTTON ISLAND PRESERVE, HOWELL PARK, AND AQUATIC DOG 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.G. Approve Resolution No. 26-31. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE UTILITY EASEMENT FROM BEACHES HABITAT FOR THE COASTAL HAVEN DEVELOPMENT; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AND SIGN THIS UTILITY EASEMENT TO EFFECTUATE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 6.11. Approve Resolution No. 26-32. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDER #1 TO THE AQUATIC GARDENS DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT CURRENTLY UNDERWAY WITH JAX UTILITIES MANAGEMENT, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,744.31; Regular City Commission February 23, 2026 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.I. Approve Resolution No. 26-34. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AWARDING BID 2526-09 2026 DRAINAGE DITCH MAINTENANCE PROJECT TO SUN STATE NURSERY & LANDSCAPING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $216,810; 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.J. Approve Resolution No. 26-35. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF A 2025 URBAN & COMMUNITY FORESTRY NATURAL DISASTER AND RECOVERY SUPPLEMENT GRANT APPLICATION UPON MAYOR OR CITY MANAGER APPROVAL; AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OR CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS AND DOCUMENTS PERTAINING TO SUCH FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOTION: Approve consent agenda with the exclusion of (6F) Resolution No. 26-30. 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 5 to 0. 6.F. Approve Resolution No. 26-30. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH ROADWAY ASSET SERVICES, LLC TO PERFORM A PAVEMENT CONDITION ASSESSMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $79,102; 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. Item was pulled from the Consent agenda. Regular City Commission February 23, 2026 7. 8. MOTION: Approve Resolution No. 26-30 Motion: Bruce Bole Second. Jessica Ring PWD Thornton answered questions. Curtis Ford For Bruce Bole (Moved By) For Thomas Grant For Candace Kelly For Jessica Ring (Seconded By) For Motion passed S to 0. COMMITTEE REPORTS None. ACTION ON RESOLUTIONS 8.A. RESOLUTION NO. 26-29 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AWARDING BID 2526-06 SHERRY DRIVE WATER MAIN EXTENSION PHASE TWO PROJECT TO AMERICAN CIVIL CONSTRUCTION, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $851,187.85; 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. MOTION: Approve Resolution No. 26-29. Motion: Bruce Bole Second: Candace Kelly Discussion ensued. Curtis Ford For Bruce Bole (Moved By) For Thomas Grant For Candace Kelly (Seconded By) For Jessica Ring For Motion passed S to 0. 8.B. RESOLUTION NO. 26-33 Regular City Commission February 23, 2026 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM SERVICES FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF A CITY MANAGER; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORITY TO ADVERTISE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOTION. Approve Resolution No. 26-33. Motion: Bruce Bole Second. Thomas Grant Discussion ensued. The Mayor recommended revising the proposal due date to reflect 30 days from the date the RFP is posted. HRD Blanco answered questions. MOTION. Amend Resolution (No.) 26-33 by eliminating the words "'the interim city manager may submit a recommended firm or a "shortlist" or a combination of a recommended firm and the "shortlist" to the City Commission and" on page 14 of its attached RFP. That sentence will now read "The City Commission will make a final award." 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. MOTION. Approve Resolution No. 26-33 as amended. 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 Regular City Commission February 23, 2026 5 to 0. 8.C. RESOLUTION NO. 26-36 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A RENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE ATLANTIC BEACH ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (ABAA) FOR THE USE OF BASEBALL FACILITIES AT JACK RUSSELL PARK; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE FUTURE AMENDMENTS TO ENSURE THE AGREEMENT REMAINS ADJUSTED TO COMMUNITY NEEDS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ;MOTION. Approve Resolution No. 26-36 option 1. Motion: Jessica Ring Second. Candace Kelly Discussion ensued with the Commission and representatives of ABAA. MOTION: Approval of Resolution No. 26-36 with option 2. Motion: Jessica Ring Second. Thomas Grant Further discussion ensued. Curtis Ford For Bruce Bole For Thomas Grant (Seconded By) For Candace Kelly Against Jessica Ring (Moved By) For Motion passed 4 to 1. The meeting recessed from 8:23 PM to 8:29 PM. 8.D. RESOLUTION NO. 26-38 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK TO CONTINUE ALLOWING PAPER SUBMISSIONS OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK TO IMPLEMENT AN ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 106.07(2)(a)2, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO PROVIDE AS AN ADDITIONAL OPTION FOR SUBMITTING CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY Regular City Commission February 23, 2026 9. 10. 11. CLERK TO PROMULGATE RULES AND OTHER GUIDANCE RELATED TO THE SYSTEM; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOTION: Approve Resolution (No.) 26-38. 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. 8.E. RESOLUTION NO. 26-40 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A RENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH AND COASTAL KICKS AUTHORIZING COASTAL KICKS TO PROVIDE SOCCER PROGRAMMING AT JACK RUSSELL PARK AND ROSE PARK; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOTION: Adopt Resolution No. 26-40. Motion: Thomas Grant Second. Bruce Bole Discussion ensued. Curtis Ford For Bruce Bole (Seconded By) For Thomas Grant (Moved By) For Candace Kelly For Jessica Ring For Motion passed 5 to 0. ACTION ON ORDINANCES None. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS None. CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS Regular City Commission February 23, 2026 None. 12. CLOSING COMMENTS BY CITY COMMISSIONERS AND CITY MANAGER Commissioner Grant • Expressed appreciation for Commissioner Kelly's comments regarding service to Atlantic Beach youth and emphasized the importance of providing quality programs. Commissioner Bole • Discussed balancing remote meeting participation with in-person engagement. • Praised the transparency of the city manager search discussions. Commissioner Kelly • Promoted upcoming ESC community input meetings. • Promoted the City Engineer's marsh pilot discussion. • Reminded residents about migratory bird season and the importance of turning off exterior lights. CM Hogencamp • Thanked the Commission for its consideration and noted progress in reaching a working agreement with the baseball program. Mayor Ford • Commented on the collegial nature of the Commission's work and outlined expectations for meeting procedures, including recognition before speaking. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM Attest: Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk Date Approved: 3�q 2j0 Curtis Ford, Mayor Regular City Commission February 23, 2026 CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH nmO OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER 800 Seminole Road Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233 CENTENNIAL (904) 247-5817 Esc. 1925 City Manager's Community Update Date: February 23, 2026 To: The Atlantic Beach Community & City Commission From: Kevin Hogencamp, Interim City Manager/khogencamp�@coab.us 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 programming, 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. Remote Meeting Attendance: A committee member has asked to attend a meeting remotely. To provide clarity on remote meeting attendance, we are establishing a standardized policy for Commission consideration. We welcome your preliminary input to ensure the upcoming draft aligns with your expectations for remote Commission and board/committee participation. 2. March 2 Commission Workshop Logistics: We are finalizing agendas for the March 2 workshops (Environmental Stewardship Committee Priorities and Tree -Protection Code). Due to the strict one-hour time limit for each session, staff suggests holding public comment until the March 9 regular Commission meeting. This allows for an efficient, discussion -focused environment. We welcome your input on this plan prior to the Feb. 26 agenda publication. 3. Safety, Traffic and Parking Committee: Staff is moving forward with the Committee's recommendations by drafting corresponding ordinances and policies. We aspire to bring this forward for your review on April 10. 4. Emergency Expenditure — Water Plant Generator: Pursuant to my correspondence to you on this matter and to Sec. 2-338, 1 authorized $26,754.25 to Ring Power for an emergency control panel upgrade on the water plant's 400 KW generator. The unit was inoperable following reinstallation, leaving the plant without redundancy. This action was necessary to protect public health. 5. Interlocal Agreement — Fire Line Extension into Neptune Beach: The agreement facilitating potable water service for fire protection to a Neptune Beach redevelopment project will be presented to the Commission for consideration of approval on March 9. 6. Other Reports Orange Crush Festival. The HBCU-focused beach bash in Jacksonville has been announced from June 19-21, 2026. Unlike "permitted" events with central stages, Orange Crush is often a decentralized "takeover event." Even if the main events are in Jax Beach or downtown, crowds can spill into Atlantic Beach. While the crowd is primarily college students and young adults, historically, there has been friction between the promoters and local government regarding noise, litter, and public drinking. As such, our police department is collaborating with the other Beaches police departments, and the three cities will have a collective message emphasizing beach and community regulations. E -Bikes. Our Police Department has moved from education to active enforcement, issuing citations for high-speed sidewalk riding, failure to yield, and destructive "stunt" riding that puts pedestrians and motorists at risk. The City of Atlantic Beach is taking and evaluating measures — including enforcement, education, messaging to parents, signage and legislation —to ensure our streets remain safe for everyone. Our goal is not to stop the fun, but to mitigate the prospect of accidents. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Project: The City's launch of its new cloud - based financial management, utility billing, and HR services platform is well under way. We've been fortunate enough to keep most of our hiccups to a minimum and low-key as we transition into an era that delivers significant long-term improvements in operational efficiency and data integrity. 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 ourtree 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 establishes priorities for city government. This endeavor is facilitated by Atlantic Beach resident Linda Lanier, who volunteers her services.