Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-08-25 Regular City Commission Adopted MinutesMINUTES Regular City Commission Meeting Monday, September 8, 2025 - 6:00 PM Commission Chamber it >% 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. 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) Ladayija Nichols, Deputy City Clerk (DCC) Victor Gualillo, Police Chief (PC) 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1 A. Approve minutes of the Budget Workshop held on August 25, 2025. The Commission approved the minutes as submitted. 1B. Approve minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting held on August 25, 2025. The Commission approved the minutes as submitted. 2. COURTESY OF FLOOR TO VISITORS CC Bartle called the roll. PUBLIC COMMENT The following speakers provided their comments: Stephanie Trefry Sunny Wroten Mitch Reeves Emily McCarthy Brinkley Harrell Regular City Commission September 8, 2025 3. CITY MANAGER REPORTS 3.A. Accept the 90 -Day Calendar (Sept. -Nov. 2025) There was a CONSENSUS to accept the 90 -Day Calendar. 3.B. Community Development Board (CDB) Backyard Hens Discussion CM Killingsworth explained as detailed in the agenda packet. He expressed that he would report back on how many attached dwellings have 5,000 sq. ft. or more at the next meeting. Additional Updates • Wastewater Treatment Plant: Staff is in the process of draining the DAVCO tank (approx. 500,000 gallons), expected to be completed by September 9, 2025. This tank is believed to be the primary source of odors. Commissioner Grant requested broader particle detection capabilities beyond sulfur dioxide sensors. The Commission requested bi-weekly progress updates be posted on the City's website each Wednesday and Friday. Commissioner Bole requested the City Engineer attend all meetings until the issue is resolved. • Generator Installation: Reported a delay in generator installation due to a permitting discrepancy raised by residents. He clarified that a third -party engineer had not yet signed off as previously stated; an engineer is currently reviewing the matter. • Employee Appreciation Video: Shown and made available online through this link: (http://weblink.coab.us/WebLink/ElectronicFile.aspx?docid=1224850&dbid=0&repo=Cit yofAtlanticBeach). 4. REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS FROM CITY COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Bole • Expressed support for Atlantic Beach Elementary (ABE). He voiced concern over city funding for public schools, given residents already pay Duval County education taxes. He announced that he plans to attend the FABE (Friends of Atlantic Beach) fundraiser on September 27, 2025. Commissioner Grant • Recognized resident Mark Stewart for National Service Dog Month, highlighting his volunteer work raising puppies for Canine Companions. He encouraged public interest in volunteering or donating to the organization. Commissioner Kelly • Reminded everyone that Thursday is 9/11; encouraged appreciation of first responders. • Noted the upcoming Constitution Week; encouraged reviewing the Constitution. Commissioner Ring • Raised concerns, over changes to ARCC grant criteria affecting educational programs. Noted that the City currently provides ABE annual funding for landscaping. She advocated increasing funding to ABE and potential support for Mayport Middle School and Fletcher High School's band. • Addressed a recent incident that occurred near Dutton Island. PC Gualillo responded to these concerns. Regular City Commission September 8, 2025 5. 6. 7. 8. Mayor Ford • Addressed the school funding issue, noting grants should be used to launch initiatives rather than provide ongoing support. He acknowledged that ABE is a unique case as the only school within City limits and due to existing facility access agreements. • Thanked CM Killingsworth for efforts to improve processes and transparency, noting evolving public expectations. • Requested chair yoga expenses following a public comparison of the program's costs. 4.A. Constitution Week Proclamation Mayor Ford read and presented this proclamation to Commissioner Kelly (which is attached hereto and made part of this Official Record as Attachment A). 9-8-25 Attachment A UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS None. CONSENT AGENDA 6.A. Approve Resolution No. 25-72. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE 2025-2028 COASTAL FLORIDA POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOTION. Approve Resolution (No.) 25-72 (Consent Agenda [tem 6A as written). 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. COMMITTEE REPORTS None. ACTION ON RESOLUTIONS None. Regular City Commission September 8, 2025 9. ACTION ON ORDINANCES 9.A. Public Hearings and First Reading on adoption of a Tentative Millage Rate and Ordinance No. 20-25-180 establishing the Operating Budget for fiscal year 2025/2026. AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE FINAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2025, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2026. Mayor Ford stated the Millage Rate is currently 2.8410 for the City. The Tentative Millage Rate is 2.8410, the same. The Roll -Back Rate is 2.6312. The Tentative Millage Rate is 7.97% more than the Roll -Back Rate. The purpose for adopting the millage rate of 2.8410 is to maintain a level of ad valorem tax revenue sufficient to maintain adequate funding for the existing level of services at anticipated and proposed cost and to continue to maintain the City's infrastructure. 9-8-25 Attachment B MOTION. Maintain the Millage Rate of 2.8410. Motion: Bruce Bole Second. Candace Kelly The public hearing was opened. The following speakers provided their comments: Mitch Reeves Brinkley Harrell The public hearing was closed. Discussion ensued. Commissioner Grant requested data on total salary costs and revenue generated from increased property values. After further discussion, Commissioner Bole agreed to send an email to staff identifying what data is being requested for the next meeting. Curtis Ford For Bruce Bole (Moved By) For Candace Kelly (Seconded By) For Jessica Ring For Thomas Grant For Motion passed S to 0. CM Killingsworth summarized a report from the City's risk manager regarding the arborist position. CA Gabriel agreed to further review the matter, and the Commission opted to retain the arborist position in the budget pending additional information. Discussion about funding for educational programs ensued. Regular City Commission September 8, 2025 MOTION: Amend the Operating Budget including ABE, awarding them $10,000; Mayport Middle School, awarding them $5,000; and Fletcher High School, awarding them $5,000. Motion: Jessica Ring Second: Thomas Grant After further discussion, Commissioner Grant made a friendly amendment to the motion that (instead) establishes a one-time $20,000 educational grant budget with $10,000 coming from ARCC, reducing their total budget from $75,000 to $65,000. Commissioner Ring accepted this amendment. It was clarified that $20,000 will be added as a line item to the Commission budget in addition to reducing ARCC's budget from $75,000 to $65,000. Based on acceptance of the friendly amendment, the motion was replaced with the following Amended Motion. AMENDED MOTION: Amend budget to add a one-time $20,000 Commission budget line item with $10,000 coming from ARCC, reducing their total budget from $75,000 to 65,000. Motion: Jessica Ring Second: Thomas Grant Commissioner Kelly clarified her reasons for abstaining from the vote, as outlined in Form 8B (which is attached hereto and made part of this Official Record as Attachment B). Curtis Ford For Bruce Bole For Candace Kelly Abstained Jessica Ring (Moved By) For Thomas Grant (Seconded By) For Motion passed 4 to 0. MOTION: Approve Ordinance 20-25-180 as amended. Motion: Bruce Bole Second: Jessica Ring Curtis Ford For Bruce Bole (Moved By) For Candace Kelly For Jessica Ring (Seconded By) For Thomas Grant For Motion passed S to 0. Regular City Commission September 8, 2025 10. 11. 12. 9.B. ORDINANCE NO. 5-25-72, Introduction and First Reading AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2, "ADMINISTRATION," ARTICLE II, "CITY COMMISSION" SECTION 2-20, "SALARY OF MEMBERS," OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH; PROVIDING FOR THE ANNUAL SALARIES OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS; PROVIDING FOR A PERIODIC REVIEW OF SAID SALARIES; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION AND CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOTION: Approve Ordinance (No.) 5-25-72 (on first reading). Motion: Bruce Bole Second: Thomas Grant Curtis Ford Bruce Bole (Moved By) Candace Kelly Jessica Ring Thomas Grant (Seconded By) Motion passed 4 to 1. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS None. For For For Against For CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS None. CLOSING COMMENTS BY CITY COMMISSIONERS AND CITY MANAGER Commissioner Bole • Noted he would be in Washington, D.C. on September 22 but expected to return in time for the Commission meeting. Commissioner Kelly • Mentioned she would also be flying back into town on September 22 and anticipated being present for the meeting. CM Killingsworth reminded the Commission that four affirmative votes are required to adopt the current millage rate. Commissioner Ring • Expressed appreciation for the employee recognition video. Mayor Ford • Commended the Commission for reaching a reasonable compromise on the education grant funding, noting that while not all parties may be satisfied, the outcome reflects strong collaborative effort. He thanked the Commission for their work. Regular City Commission September 8, 2025 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:32 PM. Attest: Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk Date Approved: qL2L Cu is Ford, May r Regular City Commission September 8, 2025 Attachment A to 9-8-25 Minutes Proclamation of the Citp of Oftlantic 3=61eacb in Recognition of Constitution Week WHEREAS, September 17, 2025, marks the 2381" anniversary of the framing of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention; and WHEREAS, the Constitution of the United States of America, the guardian of our liberties, embodies the principles of limited government in a Republic dedicated to rule by law; and WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to accord official recognition to this magnificent document and its anniversary, and to the patriotic celebrations which will commemorate it; and WHEREAS, Public Law 915 guarantees the issuing of a proclamation each year by the President of the United States of America designating Sept. 17 through 23 as Constitution Week. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Curtis Ford, Mayor of the City of Atlantic Beach, Florida, do hereby proclaim the week of September 17-23 as CONSTITUTION WEEK and ask our citizens to reaffirm the ideals the Framers of the Constitution had in 1787 by vigilantly protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us through this guardian of our liberties. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the Official Seal of the City of Atlantic Beach to be affixed this 8th day of September 2025. Curtis Kord, Mayor Attachment 8 to 9-8-25 Minutes FORM 8B MEMORANDUM OF VOTING CONFLICT FOR COUNTY, MUNICIPAL, AND OTHER LOCAL PUBLIC OFFICERS IDDL NAME .n �(Q- L. rvwuiw ru.� TY4 6Y) '� 44c _ DATE 051 WHIC VOTE OCCURRED COUNTY NAME OF BO CQUNCI CUMMI55IUN, AU 1 HUKI I T. UK UUMMI I I Lt /"1116 1 , T E BN OARD, COUNCIL, COMMISSION, AUTHMRITT OR COM1�rTTEE ON WHICH I SERVE IS A UNIT OF: 14il6ITY %0 COUNTY D OT�H%EER LOCAAL�AGENCY yrAMEFO11 ,I ; rLu `tI �.'`ION; ft �V I (�/1 V4 mT rv�nnnv�a: O CINE D APPOINTIVE WHO MUST FILE FORM 813 This form is for use by any person serving at the county, city, or other local level of government on an appointed or elected board, council, commission, authority, or committee. It applies to members of advisory and non -advisory bodies who are presented With a voting conflict of interest under Section 112.3143, Florida Statutes. Your responsibilities under the law when faced with voting on a measure in which you have a conflict of interest will vary greatly depending on whether you hold an elective or appointive position. For this reason, please pay close attention to the instructions on this form before completing and filing the form. INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 112.3143, FLORIDA STATUTES A person holding elective or appointive county, municipal, or other local public office MUST ABSTAIN from voting on a measure which would inure to his or her special private gain or loss. Each elected or appointed local officer also MUST ABSTAIN from knowingly voting on a measure which would inure to the special gain or loss of a principal (other than a government agency) by whom he or she is retained (including the parent, subsidiary, or sibling organization of a principal by which he or she is retained); to the special private gain or loss of a relative; or to the special private gain or loss of a business associate. Commissioners of community redevelopment agencies (CRAs) under Sec. 163.356 or 163.357, F.S., and officers of independent special tax districts elected on a one -acre, one -vote basis are not prohibited from voting in that capacity. For purposes of this law, a "relative" includes only the officer's father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, brother, sister, father-in-law, mother4n-law, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law. A "business associate" means any person or entity engaged in or carrying on a business enterprise with the officer as a partner, joint venturer, coowner of property, or corporate shareholder (where the shares of the corporation are not listed on any national or regional stock exchange). ELECTED OFFICERS: In addition to abstaining from voting in the situations described above, you must disclose the conflict: PRIOR TO THE VOTE BEING TAKEN by publicly stating to the assembly the nature of your interest in the measure on which you are abstaining from voting; and WITHIN 15 DAYS AFTER THE VOTE OCCURS by completing and filing this form with the person responsible for recording the minutes of the meeting, who should incorporate the form in the minutes. APPOINTED OFFICERS: Although you must abstain from voting in the situations described above, you are not prohibited by Section 112,3143 from otherwise participating in these matters. However, you must disclose the nature of the conflict before making any attempt to influence the decision, whether orally or in writing and whether made by you or at your direction. IF YOU INTEND TO MAKE ANY ATTEMPT TO INFLUENCE THE DECISION PRIOR TO THE MEETING AT WHICH THE VOTE WILL BE TAKEN: • You must complete and file this form (before making any attempt to influence the decision) with the person responsible for recording the minutes of the meeting, who will incorporate the form in the minutes. (Continued on page 2) CE FORM 88 -EFF. 11/2013 PAGE 1 Adopted by reference in Rule 34-7.010(1)(f), F.A.C. Attachment B to 9-8-25 Minutes APPOINTEDPOINTED OFFICERS (continued) A copy of the form must be provided immediately to the other members of the agency. The form must be read publicly at the next meeting after the form is filed. IF YOU MAKE NO ATTEMPT TO INFLUENCE THE DECISION EXCEPT BY DISCUSSION AT THE MEETING: You must disclose orally the nature of your conflict in the measure before participating. You must complete the form and file it within 15 days after the vote occurs with the person responsible for recording the minutes of the meeting, who must incorporate the form in the minutes. A copy of the form must be provided immediately to the other members of the agency, and the form must be read publicly at the next meeting after the form is filed. //;; DISCLOSURE OF LOCAL OFFICER'S INTEREST I, 11 vt-� hereby disclose that on `l 7� 20: (a) A measure came or will come before my agency which (check one or more) inured to my special private gain or loss; _ inured to the special gain or loss of my business associate, inured to the special gain or loss of my relative,' inured to the special gain or loss of —_— by whom I am retained; or inured to the special gain or loss of which is the parent subsidiary, or sibling organization or subsidiary of a principal which has retained me. (b) The measure before my agency and the nature of my conflicting inteest in the measure is as fpllows: 0, I I o�m A0�,�,� -f o �� I �� �-� -Q w il/'h�/1 %� cellmvis �(�n�ck k 0 If disclosure of specific information would violate confidentiality or privilege pursuant to law or rules governing attorneys, a public officer. who is also an attorney, may comply with the disclosure requirements of this section by disclosing the nature of the interest in such a way as to provide the public with notice of the conflict. Date Filed Signature NOTICE: UNDER PROVISIONS OF FLORIDA STATUTES §112.317, A FAILURE TO MAKE ANY REQUIRED DISCLOSURE CONSTITUTES GROUNDS FOR AND MAY BE PUNISHED BY ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING: IMPEACHMENT, REMOVAL OR SUSPENSION FROM OFFICE OR EMPLOYMENT, DEMOTION, REDUCTION IN SALARY, REPRIMAND, OR A CIVIL PENALTY NOT TO EXCEED $10,000. CE FORM 8B - EFF. 1112013 PAGE 2 Adopted by reference in Rule 34-7.010(1)(f), FA.C.