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4-27-26 Regular City Commission Adopted MinutesMINUTES Regular City Commission Meeting Monday, April 27, 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. DCC Nichols 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) Ladayija Nichols, Deputy City Clerk (DCC) Amanda Askew, Neighborhoods Department Dir. (NDD) Bob Blanco, Human Resources Director (HRD) Mayor Ford introduced Ruby Rinaudo, a first -grade student from Atlantic Beach Elementary (ABE) School, who participated as Mayor for a Day. She received a certificate of recognition (which is attached hereto and made part of the official record as Attachment A) and shared several priorities, including the return of tires at Jack Russell Park, a Girl Scout House, a dedicated named tree, and a large sandbox. CM Kevin Hogencamp acknowledged the request regarding the tires and indicated that colorful plastic replacements would be installed. 4-27-26 Attachment A APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1A. Approve minutes of the Joint Workshop of the City Commission and Environmental Stewardship Committee held on March 2, 2026. The Commission approved the minutes as submitted. 1B. Approve minutes of the Commission Workshop on City Code Chapter 23 held on March 2, 2026. The Commission approved the minutes as submitted. 1C. Approve minutes of the Priority Setting Workshop held on April 6, 2026. Regular City Commission April 27, 2026 The Commission approved the minutes as submitted. 1D. Approve minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting held on April 13, 2026. The Commission approved the minutes as submitted. 2. COURTESY OF FLOOR TO VISITORS PUBLIC COMMENT The following speaker provided their comments: Brinkley Harrell The following individuals chose not to speak but submitted comment cards: Bootsy Haas Ashley Knebel 2.A. Police Chief Vic Gualillo 35 Year Anniversary Recognition Mayor Ford presented Police Chief Vic Gualillo with a certificate recognizing 35 years of service to the City of Atlantic Beach (which is attached hereto and made part of the official record as Attachment B). 4-27-26 Attachment B 3. CITY MANAGER REPORTS 3.A. Accept the 90 -Day Calendar (April - June 2026) There was a CONSENSUS to accept the 90 -Day Calendar. 3.11. Public Works Department Update 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 C). 4-27-26 Attachment C 3.C. Drought Update 3.1). Police Department Annual Report 3.E. Right -of -Way Sign Removal Policy 3.F. Marsh Oaks Community Center 3.G. Other Reports 4. REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS FROM CITY COMMISSIONERS 4.A. City Manager Recruitment Update (Commissioner Bole) Regular City Commission April 27, 2026 Commissioner Bole reviewed City Manager tenure history since 2013 and proposed appointing Interim CM Hogencamp as permanent City Manager under an amended Resolution 26-60 with a six-month review, citing experience and cost savings. Discussion ensued and Mayor Ford noted the Commission's prior agreement to use an executive search firm, and discussion was deferred to Item 8.A. Commissioner Kelly • Reminded everyone about the town hall on May 2, 2026. Commissioner Ring • Noted the Beaches Museum's Atlantic Beach 100th birthday exhibit. • Commented positively on the opening of Beaches float. • Provided a legislative update on the upcoming special session, including redistricting, an Al bill, and a medical freedom bill, and noted property tax reform would not be included, which she flagged as a budget season consideration. Commissioner Grant • Announced the Beaches Town Center Agency golf tournament at Marsh Landing Country Club on May 4, 2026 with remaining spots and volunteer opportunities available. Mayor Ford • Noted an increase in residents voluntarily designating heritage trees, reflecting engagement ahead of the town hall. • Presented a proclamation to Beaches Go Green in recognition of nearly a decade of environmental stewardship (which is attached hereto and made part of this official record as Attachment D). Mayor Ford encouraged residents to carry forward its mission and asked the organization's representatives to share plans for continuing its work going forward. 4-27-26 Attachment D 4.11. Landscape Architect Proclamation (Mayor Ford) Mayor Ford read and presented the proclamation as outlined in the agenda packet to Sarah Dark. 4.C. Introduction of Atlantic Beach Elementary School Student Ruby Rinaudo as Mayor For a Day (Mayor Ford) Addressed during call to order. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA 6.A. Approve Resolution No. 26-56. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, DESIGNATING A FORTY TWO INCH DIAMETER LIVE OAK TREE AT 1024 Regular City Commission April 27, 2026 7. E:1, OCEAN BLVD. AS A HERITAGE TREE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 6.11. Approve Resolution No. 26-57. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, DESIGNATING A FIFTY -INCH DIAMETER LIVE OAK TREE AT 1809 LIVE OAK LANE AS A HERITAGE TREE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 6.C. Approve Resolution No. 26-61. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING A TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT FROM THE SEASIDE OF ATLANTIC BEACH CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION FOR TEMPORARY NON-EXCLUSIVE EASEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED PURPOSES AT THE SEASIDE CONDOMINIUMS, SUBJECT TO THE TERMS IN THE EASEMENT AGREEMENT; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE EASEMENT AGREEMENT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 6.D. Approve Resolution No. 26-62. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING MAINTENANCE FOR THE CENTRIFUGE; 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 6.A. - 6.D. as written. Motion: Bruce Bole Second: Jessica Ring 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 7.A. Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCO) FY 2026-27 Priorities NDD Askew presented as outlined in the agenda packet, and discussion ensued. ACTION ON RESOLUTIONS 8.A. RESOLUTION NO. 26-60 Regular City Commission April 27, 2026 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR CITY MANAGER EXECUTIVE SEARCH CONSULTANT SERVICES AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT AND FEE AGREEMENT WITHIN THE PARAMETERS OF THE PROPOSAL; AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT. HRD Blanco answered questions. Discussion ensued. Staff was asked to prepare a cost comparison matrix for all eight proposals, detailing flat -rate fees and any additional charges, for review at the next discussion. Commissioners were encouraged to conduct individual due diligence and come prepared to share their top three firm preferences. MOTION: Table Resolution No. 26-60 to the May 26, 2026 Commission meeting. Motion: Jessica Ring Second. Thomas Grant Curtis Ford For Bruce Bole Against Thomas Grant (Seconded By) For Candace Kelly For Jessica Ring (Moved By) For Motion passed 4 to 1. 8.11. RESOLUTION NO. 26-64 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AWARDING BID NO. 2526-11: MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT FOR JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR CITY COMMUNITY CENTERS, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS RESOLUTION. Discussion ensued. MOTION. Adopt Resolution No. 26-64, amended to add a termination clause of not more than 30 days. Motion: Bruce Bole Second. Candace Kelly Curtis Ford For Bruce Bole (Moved By) For Thomas Grant For Regular City Commission April 27, 2026 Candace Kelly (Seconded By) Jessica Ring For For Motion passed S to 0. 8.C. RESOLUTION NO. 26-65 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, SELECTING DIG LOCAL NETWORK, INC., AS THE FARMERS MARKET OPERATOR; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND SIGN AN OPERATING AGREEMENT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOTION: Approve Resolution No. 26-65. Motion: Thomas Grant Second: Jessica Ring NDD Askew answered questions and discussion ensued. MOTION: Adopt Resolution No. 26-65 to amend Section 2 to say the City Commission hereby authorizes the City Manager to negotiate an operating agreement with DIG Local Network Inc. for the management and operation of the market. Such operating agreement shall be brought to the City Commission for further approval. Motion: Thomas Grant Second. Bruce Bole Curtis Ford For Bruce Bole (Seconded By) For Thomas Grant (Moved By) For Candace Kelly For Jessica Ring For Motion passed S to 0. MOTION: Approve Resolution No. 26-65 as amended. Motion: Thomas Grant Second: Jessica Ring Curtis Ford For Bruce Bole For Thomas Grant (Moved By) For Candace Kelly For Jessica Ring (Seconded By) For Regular City Commission April 27, 2026 Motion passed S to 0. 8.D. RESOLUTION NO. 26-66 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AGREEING TO TERMS OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGARDING FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR REDUCED PAYMENTS; PROVIDING FOR QUARTERLY PAYMENTS; PROVIDING FOR A COMMENCEMENT AND EXPIRATION DATE FOR SAID REDUCED PAYMENTS; PROVIDING FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AND PURCHASE ORDERS TO EFFECTUATE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOTION: Adopt Resolution No. 26-66. 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 5 to 0. 9. ACTION ON ORDINANCES 9.A. ORDINANCE NO. 20-26-182, Public Hearing and Final Reading AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2025, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2026; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOTION: Approve Ordinance No. 20-26-182 Motion: Bruce Bole Second. Candace Kelly The public hearing was opened, there were no speaker and the public hearing was closed. Curtis Ford Bruce Bole (Moved Bp) For For Regular City Commission April 27, 2026 Thomas Grant For Candace Kelly (Seconded By) For Jessica Ring For Motion passed S to 0. 10. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS None. 11. CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS CA Gabriel • Advised the Commission that information regarding ethics training and Form 1 would be provided at a later time. 12. CLOSING COMMENTS BY CITY COMMISSIONERS AND CITY MANAGER Commissioner Bole • Asked about time limits for Commissioner remarks. CA Gabriel cited Section 2-19, Rule 4, limiting members to two comments per question and five minutes per speaking turn, noting the rule may be applied as needed. Commissioner Grant • Noted that Beaches Watch will host a forum on May 6 at 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Ring • Acknowledged Beaches Go Green for a decade of community service and noted its final $60,000 donation to the North Florida Land Trust for the Boggy Creek property. CM Hogencamp • Noted that the June Beaches Watch meeting will focus on the Florida legislative session, with city managers from Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and Neptune Beach in attendance. Mayor Ford • Concluded with an apology to Commissioner Bole for any offense taken and expressed appreciation for the Commission's collegiality. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:14 PM. Attest: adayija Nichols, Deputy City Clerk Date Approved: s////2OZ(o C is ord. Mayor Regular City Commission April 27, 2026 Attachment A to 4-27-26 Minutes CERTIF1 Recognition This certificate is presented to Mayor Representing Atlantic Beach Elementary APRIL 27, 2026 Curtis Ford, Mayor ATLANTIC BEACH Attachment B to 4-27-26 Minutes �935 tog boy IV h IWA a NOW Gam, zp� YEARS OF SERVICE with gratitude, we thank for his dedicated service to the City of Atlantic Beach KEV HOt- E CAMP Interim City Manager Attachment B to 4-27-26 Minutes YEARS O with gratitude, SER for his dedicated service to the City of Atlantic Beach CURTI FORD Mayor KEV HO A E CAMP Interim City Manager Attachment C to 4-27-26 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: April 27, 2026 To: The Atlantic Beach Community & City Commission From: Kevin Hogencamp, Interim City Manager/khogencampPcoab.us of *t�� CENTENNIAL 4AL 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. Public Works Department update. Adam Thornton has resigned as Public Works Director and we wish him the best in his future endeavors. I am pleased to announce that Matt Krug has been promoted to the position of Public Works Deputy Director -Operations. During this transition, Matt will report directly to the City Manager. We will initiate a recruitment process for a new Public Works Director in the near future. The Public Works team continues to do exceptional work, and I have full confidence in Matt's leadership and the entire department's ability to keep our vital projects and day-to-day responsibilities moving forward without a hitch. 2. Drought Update Duval County is facing its driest conditions recorded since 1872, prompting a mandatory countywide burn ban on all bonfires and open burning. The City of Atlantic Beach does not allow fires at Dutton Island Preserve, and to preserve the local aquifer, the St. Johns River Water Management District is mandating that residential irrigation be strictly limited to one specific day per week. Residents with odd -numbered addresses may water only on Saturdays, while even -numbered addresses are restricted to Sundays, with all irrigation prohibited between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 3. Police Department Annual Report The 2025 Atlantic Beach Police Department Annual Report has been published and will be posted online this week. It highlights a year of significant operational success, including reaching full staffing levels for both sworn and civilian positions. The department achieved a 40% reduction in the overall crime rate, driven largely by a 43% decrease in property crimes Attachment C to 4-27-26 Minutes like theft and shoplifting. The department combined public education and helmet distribution with increased officer patrols and the development of specific safety protocols to address the unique challenges of a -bike and bicycle enforcement. Professionalism remains a core focus, as evidenced by the agency maintaining dual accreditation from both state law enforcement and telecommunications commissions. Community engagement was a primary theme, with the department hosting events for more than 1,000 residents and utilizing 1,401 hours of volunteer service. 4. Right -of -Way Sign Removal Policy The City Manager's Office has issued a policy mandating that Public Works, Parks, and Utilities personnel remove unauthorized signs from public rights-of-way during their daily routines. Prioritizing medians and the areas between curbs and sidewalks, staff is directed to transport collected signs to the Public Works yard for disposal or recycling. To address recurring violations, employees must document repeat offenders, who will be notified by City staff - and cited if the violations continue. 5. Marsh Oaks Community Center In anticipation of Commission approving a budget amendment at the April 27 meeting, staff has scheduled a pre -construction meeting for the parking lot construction project. Next on tap will be two community workshops to define the operational future of the community center. As the facility enters its final phase of renovation, the City will to its most valuable resource - our residents - to assist in developing a programming strategy. The community center and garden are slated to open in September. 6. Other Reports • May 2 Town Hall. "Let's talk tree protection" is the theme of the quarterly Town Hall at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Commission Chamber. This is an opportunity for members to come together to share thoughts, ideas and concerns on any topic with the City Commission. • On the Calendar • Beaches WellFest. The eighth annual Beaches WellFest, a free community health and wellness event, will take place on Saturday, May 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Johansen Park. This year, the event is partnering with Here Tomorrow, a mental health collaborative focused on suicide prevention and support. • Tennis social. The City will host its first recreational tennis social at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at Jack Russell Park and is planning its summer youth tennis clinic in July. Attachment C to 4-27-26 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. Attachment D to 4-27-26 Minutes Vrodamation of the Cftv of 01flantir �eac�j Honoring Beaches Go Green WHEREAS, since its founding in 2018, Beaches Go Green has served as a transformative force in Northeast Florida, pioneering a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship by connecting the dotsbetween the health of our oceans and the health of our bodies, empowering our citizens to recognize that the choices we make for the Earth are, ultimately, the choices we make for ourselves; and WHEREAS, founded by Anne Marie Moquin, the organization has been consistently recognized for its excellence, receiving dozens of prestigious awards from municipal partners and esteemed organizations, underscoring a tireless commitment to creating lasting, positive change; and WHEREAS, the organization has successfully mobilized a massive movement of advocacy, recording more than 53,000 volunteer service hours valued at more than $1.63 million, and removing a staggering 32,000 pounds of litter and 773,000 cigarette butts from our local ecosystems; and WHEREAS, Beaches Go Green has been a vital partner to the City of Atlantic Beach, notably through cleanups and communication education projects, including creation of the "Protect Our Beaches" rack card, a collaborative educational tool designed to empower residents and visitors with the knowledge to preserve our fragile coastal environment; and WHEREAS, the organization's mission of "Healthy Planet, Healthy You" bridged the gap between personal wellness and environmental health, distributing more than 37,000 reusable bottles and inspiring us to move beyond the traditional "4 R's" to embrace the "4 E's": Examine, Eliminate, Embrace, and Elevate; and WHEREAS, as Beaches Go Green concludes its nonprofit operations, it leaves a profound final legacy by donating over $60,000 to the North Florida Land Trust to protect four acres of vital land along Bogey Creek, ensuring a permanent sanctuary for native wildlife and our citizens; and NOW, THEREFORE, I, Curtis Ford, Mayor of the City of Atlantic Beach, express my heartfelt appreciation to BEACHES GO GREEN for nearly a decade of transformative service to our community and to our world. I encourage all residents to carry forward the ripple effect of their mission: to choose better, live with intention, and protect the natural beauty and health of the planet and its people for generations to come. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the Official Seal of the City of Atlantic Beach to be affixed this 27" day of April 2026. / r Curtis Ford, Mayo