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3-9-26 Regular City Commission Adopted MinutesMINUTES Regular City Commission Meeting Monday, March 9, 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) Charles "Chase" Jamison, Lieutenant (Lt.) APPROVAL OF MINUTES IA. Approve minutes from the Regular Commission Meeting held February 23, 2026. The Commission approved the minutes as submitted. 2. COURTESY OF FLOOR TO VISITORS 2.A. Officer Robert Harding 40 Year Anniversary Recognition Mayor Ford recognized Officer Robert Harding for 40 years of service. PC Gualillo spoke highly of Officer Harding and presented him with a certificate and pin (which is attached hereto and made part of this official record as Attachment A). A photo was shown during the meeting (which is attached hereto and made part of this official record as Attachment B). 3-9-26 Attachment A 3-9-26 Attachment B PUBLIC COMMENT The following speakers provided their comments: Regular City Commission March 9, 2026 Rachel Crismond Sarah Boren Nancy Staats Jennifer Bosma Jackie Beckenbach 3. CITY MANAGER REPORTS 3.A. Accept the 90 -Day Calendar (March - May 2026) Commissioner Ring noted a typo and there was a CONSENSUS to accept the 90 -Day Calendar. 3.11. Coordinated E -Bike Strategy: Regulation, Messaging and Compliance 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 Q. Lt. Jamison gave a presentation (which is attached hereto and made part of this official record as Attachment D) and answered questions from the Commission. Mayor Ford requested consideration of increased enforcement presence, particularly in the Beaches Town Center and along major corridors such as Ocean Boulevard. He also requested that the topic be placed on a future agenda for consideration. CM Hogencamp indicated that he would bring forward legislation for the Commission's consideration. 3-9-26 Attachment C 3-9-26 Attachment D 3.C. Beaches Town Center Paid Parking Mayor Ford indicated he would propose a one-year extension of the previous agreement at a 70% gross split to allow time for data analysis and consideration of Atlantic Beach operating its own program, while maintaining consistent parking fees. CM Hogencamp and CA Gabriel will research the appropriate allocation of parking revenue. 3.1). Interlocal Agreement - Fire Line Extension into Neptune Beach Steven Diebenow, representing the property owner, responded to questions from the Commission. He clarified that if fire suppression is not provided through this agreement, the owner would pursue alternative solutions, and development of the property could still proceed. He indicated the owner's willingness to pay fees that are reasonable and supported by law, noting that fees must be appropriately justified. He also stated that the request relates to fire suppression needs and that the City of Neptune Beach has adequate potable water and sewer capacity to serve the property. Mayor Ford asked the CA to research whether the City can legally charge fees beyond standard tap fees to account for administrative costs and potential risks. 3.E. Russell Park Playground Upgrades Regular City Commission March 9, 2026 3.F. Sherman Creek Restoration Funding Request CM Hogencamp will follow up regarding the specific areas to be addressed as part of the project. 3.G. Other Reports 4. REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS FROM CITY COMMISSIONERS 4.A. City Manager Recruitment Update (Commissioner Bole) Commissioner Bole reported that the RFP for executive search firms has been issued. Responses will be processed through the City's standard procurement procedures, with the item tentatively scheduled for Commission review at the May 11, 2026 meeting. Commissioner Ring • Highlighted ESC workshop priorities, including the marsh restoration pilot program. • Reiterated her priority for improvements at Donner Park. • Requested an update on Mayport Road construction. CM Hogencamp noted the preconstruction meeting has been postponed to May 21, 2026, which may delay construction until July or later. Commissioner Grant • Discussed timing for the parking and farmers market RFP. CM Hogencamp indicated the RFP could be released by the end of the week following Commission review of the final draft. • Addressed comments made during Courtesy of the Floor regarding city manager succession. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA 6.A. Approve Resolution No. 26-39 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ENTER INTO A 9-1-1 USER FEE DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26; GIVING THE CITY MANAGER SIGNATORY AUTHORITY IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND AS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 6.11. Approve Resolution No. 2641 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AWARDING BID 2526-08 MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT FOR POLYMER TO CEDARCHEM LLC; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AND PURCHASE ORDERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND AS Regular City Commission March 9, 2026 NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE 6.C. Approve Resolution No. 26-42 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AWARDING BID 2526-05 MARY STREET DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT TO THE KENTON GROUP; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT AND 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 through 6C as written. 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. 7. COMMITTEE REPORTS None. 8. ACTION ON RESOLUTIONS 8.A. RESOLUTION NO. 26-44 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF 155 USER LICENSES OF MICROSOFT OFFICE 365 GCC (GOVERNMENT COMMUNITY CLOUD) FROM SHI INTERNATIONAL CORP. AT A PRICE OF $37,682.05 WITH FUNDS ALLOCATED IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET (ACCOUNT NO. 001-1011-516-46-00); 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. Adopt Resolution (No.) 26-44. Motion: Bruce Bole Second. Candace Kelly Regular City Commission March 9, 2026 9. 10. Curtis Ford For Bruce Bole (Moved By) For Thomas Grant For Candace Kelly (Seconded By) For Jessica Ring For Motion passed S to 0. 8.11. RESOLUTION NO. 26-46 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING AND RATIFYING THE CITY MANAGER'S EXECUTION OF AN EMERGENCY EXPENDITURE WITH RING POWER CORPORATION FOR THE REPAIR OF A WATER PLANT GENERATOR; PROVIDING FOR THE RATIFICATION OF AN EMERGENCY CONTROL PANEL UPGRADE PURSUANT TO SECTION 2-338 OF THE CITY CODE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOTION. Adopt Resolution (No.) 26-46. 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 S to 0. ACTION ON ORDINANCES None. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS 10.A. Environmental Stewardship Committee Priorities CM Hogencamp acknowledged the Commission's request to include ESC priorities on the agenda. Staff will advance items requiring funding consideration, including the Marsh Restoration Pilot Project, Florida Friendly Public Landscape Program on public property, and a Parks Master Plan update; Chapter 23 updates will continue. Mayor Ford requested estimated implementation costs prior to spending decisions and questioned whether the Parks Master Plan update should be outsourced or completed by staff. Commissioner Kelly expressed a preference for internal handling. 10.11. Beach Driving Request - Dune House Regular City Commission March 9, 2026 CM Hogencamp reported a request from Dune House for commercial beach vehicle operations to transport beach chairs and will bring the matter to the Commission for consideration. Discussion ensued. 11. CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS None. 12. CLOSING COMMENTS BY CITY COMMISSIONERS AND CITY MANAGER Commissioner Ring • Reported she will be absent from the March 23, 2026 meeting. Mayor Ford • Recognized the police department's strong culture of teamwork and long-standing service, as well as its engagement with the community. He encouraged officers to continue interacting with residents, noting that these connections help build positive relationships and contribute to the community's appreciation of officers such as Officer Harding. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:52 PM. Attest: Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk s Ford, Ma or Date Approved: 312 3 lie Regular City Commission March 9, 2026 Attachment A to 3-9-26 Minutes YEARS OF SERVICE with gratitude, we thank for his dedicated servic Vitro,,the City of Atlantic Beach CURTIS FORD Mayor KEV N HOGEN MF Interim City Manager Congratulations & Thank You Robert Hardin Attachment B to 3-9-26 Minutes M{ CENTENNIAL Fn.t92s 40 YEARS OF SfRVICE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH Attachment C to 3-9-26 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: March 9, 2026 To: The Atlantic Beach Community & City Commission From: Kevin Hogencamp, Interim City Manager/khogencamp(a-)coab.us WgLmy . S� CENTENNIAL Ect.1925 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. Coordinated E -Bike Strategy: Regulation, Messaging, and Compliance. City staff has published a Strategy Report on E -Bike Safety and Integrated Policy. This document outlines a proactive, multi -pronged approach to managing a -bike usage, focusing on public safety through rigorous oversight. Utilizing expanded legal authority, the City will regulate a -bike speeds in pedestrian zones via a stepped-up enforcement model and clear community messaging. This strategy balances necessary enforcement with enhanced signage and targeted public education to ensure our streets remain safe for all users. 2. Beaches Town Center (BTC) Parking Program Update. At its March 2 meeting, the Neptune Beach City Council discussed increasing parking rates during peak hours. Per the BTC Paid Parking Interlocal Agreement, Atlantic Beach must be consulted before significant changes are implemented. City Manager Pike and I are currently negotiating a new agreement while discussing the implications of these proposed changes. This remains a fluid deliberation. 3. Fire Line Extension — Interlocal Agreement (ILA). The agreement regarding potable water service for fire protection for the Neptune Beach redevelopment project is slated for Commission consideration and potential approval on March 23. 4. Jack Russell Park Playground Upgrade. We are moving quickly to further enhance the Jack Russell Park playground followingthe removal of the vintage tire track. While updates were necessary to meet modern safety and health standards, we recognize feedback from residents regarding the need for more challenging equipment for elementary -aged children. To bridge this gap, the City will soon publish design options to restore agility and "hopping" play value using modern, safety -compliant Attachment C to 3-9-26 Minutes obstacles. Additionally, we are implementing a new "Public Communication" mandate for all upcoming projects to ensure residents are fully informed before any future playground transitions begin. 5. Sherman Creek Restoration and Flood Mitigation. With our $1.08M FY26 federal dune walkover funding request pending, we are shifting focus to our FY27 federal Community Projects request: dredging Sherman Creek. As the primary drainage artery for half of Atlantic Beach, this $1.5M project will restore hydraulic capacity lost over decades. By removing sediment and stabilizing infrastructure, we will mitigate severe flooding, protect the community from storm events, and improve water quality in the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. 6. Other Reports • Mary Street Drainage Improvements: This project, on the March 9 agenda, involves comprehensive stormwater improvements along Mary and Stewart Streets. Designed to mitigate flooding by expanding the existing piped drainage system, 75% of this work is grant -funded. Both streets are situated within the critical catchment area for Sherman Creek. • Neighborhoods Department Agreements: The City has executed agreements with the Atlantic Beach Athletic Association (the first since 2021) and the Coastal Kicks youth soccer program (a first-time partnership). Next, an RFP for a Farmers Market operator is expected to hit the street as early as this week, with an operating agreement targeted for July. • Board Member Reception: Our annual reception honoring dedicated board members, committee members, and environmental stewardship awardees will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at the Adele Grage Cultural Center. • Recreation and Parks Events: Thursday, March 19: Artist Reception, 5-8 p.m., Adele Grage Cultural Center. Saturday, March 28: Centennial Americana Celebration (Baseball, Hot Dogs, Chevrolets, and more), 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Jack Russell Park. Saturday, April 4: Egg Hunt, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Jordan Park. Saturday, April 18: Arts in the Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Johansen Park. Attachment C to 3-9-26 Minutes 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 establishes priorities for citygovernment. This endeavor is facilitated by Atlantic Beach resident Linda Lanier, who volunteers her services. 4 I E -Bike Safety ATLANTIC BEACH POLICE DEPT Attachment D to 3-9-26 Minutes E -Bike Popularity E -Bike use has exploded in recent years Global use increased fourfold from 2011 to 2023 63% of bicycle sales growth from 2019 to 2023 were e -bikes S2+ billion in annual sales 1 OHO Attachment D to 3-8-26 Minutes Speeds much faster than standard bicycles - Injuries are more severe. 00 Technology has outpaced legislation regulating e- bikes Safety for riders and others is 41HIO a concern E -bikes go faster and weigh much more than a standard bicycle Problems/ Concerns Related to E -Bikes Attachment O to 3-9-26 Minutes Crash Data in Atlantic Beach 2024 17 Crashes o 11 Bicycle Crashes, 5 E -Bike Crashes, 1 PMD Crash Average Age of Rider: 34 Average Age of E -Bike Rider: 26 2 juveniles (1 E -Bike, 1 PMD) No serious injuries o 7 minor injuries, 5 possible injuries, 4 no injuries, 1 unknown (bicyclist hit & run) 52% of crashes non -motorist at fault 2025 13 Crashes o 7 Bicycle Crashes, 4 E -Bike Crashes, 2 PMD Crashes Average Age of Rider: 41 Average Age of E -Bike Rider: 23 2 juveniles (both on e -bikes) No serious injuries 3 minor injuries, 5 possible injuries, 3 no injuries, 2 unknown (bicyclist hit & run) 54% of crashes non -motorist at fault Attachment D to 3-9-26 Minutes Area of New Concern: E -Bike vs E -Moto E -BIKE Electric Motor of Less 750W • Max Speed 28mph or less (Class Dependent) • Pedals • Examples; Lectric, Aventon, RidelUp • Some can be configured/modified to exceed Statutory E -Bike Class Ratings ELECTRIC MOTORCYCI Electric Motor Greater than 750W (1000s) • Speeds Exceed 28MPH (Some 40-50+ MPH) • No or non-functioning Pedals • Often Advertised as "Electric Bikes" • Examples: Surron, ENGWE, JASION, AIPAS • Do not meet statutory E -Bike Class Ratings Attachment D to 3-9-26 Minutes 000� zo-� � Std �-rj ----j Attachment D to 3-9-26 Minutes Atlantic Beach Legislation 2025 - Ordinance adopted in Atlantic Beach regulating bicycles, e -bikes, and personal mobility devices • Set restrictions of speeds on sidewalks or multi -use paths • Restricted use of motors within parks, trails, or unpaved portions of rights-of-way • Set speed limits on roadways • Requirements for safe operation and prohibitions creating dangerous or careless operation • S50 fine • Improved on state law (FSS 316.2065 and 316.20655) that regulated bicycles and e -bikes Attachment D to 3-8-26 Minutes Extensive outreach to children • Partnered with OF Health and Atlantic Beach Elementary for 2 Bike Safety Events at ABE • April and September 2025 • All kids grades 3, 4, & 5 (approximately 275 each session) • Social media postings on bike/e-bike laws and safety tips • Started a helmet distribution program for children in need, helmets donated by community partner (Rotary) • Individual contacts during patrol Attachment D to 3-9-26 Minutes 2025 2026* Bicycle/E-Bike Traffic 388 52 Stops Total Citations 44 8 M.O. Citations 14 4 Written Warnings 112 13 Verbal Warnings 233 30 Arrests 9 2 *2026 Data 1/1/2026-2/28/2026 Only Attachment D to 3-9-26 Minutes Law Enforcement o Worked with other area agencies on enforcement plan, participated in joint e - bike enforcement deployment with NBPD and JBPD in 2025 Safety Partners o FDOT/Duval Traffic Safety Team o OF Health o North Florida TPO Attachment D to 3-9-26 Minutes What's to come ion 2026 Attachment D to 3-9-26 Minutes Directed enforcement patrols and deployments Deployment of Bike Team Officers Increased enforcement - Continuing Education with added Enforcement emphasis Attachment D to 3-9-26 Minutes Continuing/Additional Partnership Efforts North Florida TPO Planned E -Bike community survey and study at the Beaches Law Enforcement Continued enforcement deployments OF Health/Community Traffic Safety Team Partners o Education events, i.e. Bike Safety rodeos Citizen Group(s) Helmet donation/distribution Attachment D to 3-8-26 Minutes City -Blke Strategy Attachment D to 3-8-26 Minutes City E -Bike Strategy Overview City staff has developed a strategy document to address community concerns around e -bikes and implement a framework to implement or suggest improvements to address those concerns. It focuses on 4 areas: • Current Legislative and Enforcement Framework • Opportunities for Enhancing Local Legislation • Messaging & Educational Opportunities • Infrastructure Improvements Attachment D to 3-9-26 Minutes C ity E -bike Strategy ENHANCING LOCAL LEGISLATION Attachment D to 3-5-26 Minutes HB 243/SB 382 • Riders must slow to 10mph or less within 50 feet of a pedestrian on sidewalks/shared paths • E -bike riders must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing on multi -use paths Update to Florida crash report form to track e -bikes specifically o Creation of a state task force to study e -bike & micro -mobility device safety, definitions, enforcement, and recommend changes *Initial proposals to require driver's licenses for Class 3 e -bikes and changes to classifications of some bikes to electric motorcycles were not included in either bill Proposed changes to State Law don't have a major impact on Atlantic Beach - Already codified in our bike/e-bike ordinance WO 21-107) Attachment D to 3-9-26 Minutes Potential City Legislation There are several potential legislative opportunities/options to enact new or modify existing city ordinances to enhance public safety related to e -bike use 0� *These options are in early development and still require more M thorough vetting by City staff for feasibility, plus legal review by the city attorney. They are at the concept/idea stage and are not M official proposals* ij Attachment D to 3-8-26 Minutes Florida law [ FSS 316.20655(8)] allows local governments to set minimum age requirements for e -bike operation. Explorer potential 14 or 16 -year-old minimum age for the operation of Class 2 (throttle -assist) and Class 3 (high-speed) e -bikes to address developmental safety concerns. Government ID Mandate Florida law [FSS 316.20655(8)] allows local governments to possess government -issued photo ID while operating an e -bike. To assist with enforcement, require all e -bike operators to possess and carry a government -issued photo ID while riding. Strengthening local code to allow for the immediate impoundment of "E-Motos" (off-road electric motorcycles without pedals) found operating illegally on public property, clearly distinguishing them from legal e -bikes. Attachment D to 3-9-26 Minutes Requiring local retailers to provide a "City Safety Fact Sheet" to every e -bike purchaser or renter, explicitly detailing safety regulations, such as local sidewalk speed limits and park restrictions. Current code 21-107(b)(2) restricts motor use in parks, but the City is evaluating an outright e -bike prohibition in parks as a park rule. This removes the "burden of proof" for officers to determine if a bike was under motor power or human power. Review the current "graduated warning" system for park rule violations (MO 5-33). The goal is to grant officers greater discretion to trespass violators for 6 to 12 months, supported by an existing formal appeal process. Attachment D to 3-9-26 Minutes City -bike s; / r7l IStrategy MESSAGING & EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Attachment D to 3-9-26 Minutes We must bridge the gap between regulation and behavior. We can use campaigns to educate the public on new and existing laws regulating e -bikes to increase compliance. Attachment D to 3-9-26 Minutes Digital and physical awareness campaign focused on the "Three Cs Class (knowing your bike), Comptiance (knowing the 10mph rule), and Courtesy (yielding to pedestrians) Provide local retailers and bike rental companies with a "City of AB Safety Fact Sheet." This document must be provided to every e -bike purchaser or renter, explicitly detailing local regulations like sidewalk speed limits, helmet requirements, and park restrictions. Using neighborly, non -confrontational language on educational signs to remind riders that sidewalks and trails are shared environments where pedestrians have the right-of-way. W WIN LWAIIIIJ LN Partnering with local schools to present the "Medical Reality" of e -bike accidents, focusing on the differences in braking and handling compared to traditional bicycles. Attachment D to 3-9-26 Minutes "Not Your Average Bicycle" Initiative: Messaging for parents highlighting that e- bikes— particularly Class 2 and 3—possess power and speed profiles more akin to motor vehicles than traditional cycles. Medical Safety Information: Distributing data on the severity of e -bike injuries in minors, emphasizing that higher speeds and heavier frames require more developed motor skills and judgment. Parental Liability Awareness. Educating parents on their legal responsibility for their child's compliance with city ordinances, including the mandatory 10 mph sidewalk rule and helmet laws for those 16 and under. Attachment D to 3-9-26 Minutes City Bike Strategy INFRASTRUCTURE ENHANCEMENTS Attachment D to 3-9-26 Minutes In progress. Signs have been designed and ordered. Proposed sites for installation have been identified with installation pending sign arrival Redesigning "No Motorized Use" signs for city parks to be less "DOT -like" and more integrated into the park environment while maintaining clear regulatory authority. In development. Will have general safety and regulation information for bike/e-bikes este