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6-8-26 Regular City Commission Adopted MinutesMINUTES Regular City Commission Meeting Monday, June 8, 2026 - 6:00 PM Commission Chamber r 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) 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES IA. Approve minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting held on May 26, 2026. The Commission approved the minutes as submitted. 2. COURTESY OF FLOOR TO VISITORS PUBLIC COMMENT The following speakers provided their comments: Nathan Gray shared photos with the Commission (which are attached hereto and made part of this official record as Attachment A). Amie Gray Steve Diebenow Nancy Staats 6-8-26 Attachment A 2.A. Police Department Volunteer Recognition - James Johnson Regular City Commission June 8, 2026 The volunteer recognition was deferred to a future meeting, as the honoree was not present. 3. CITY MANAGER REPORTS 3.A. Accept the 90 -Day Calendar (June -August 2026) There was a CONSENSUS to accept the 90 -Day Calendar. 3.11. Building Permit Fees 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 B) and answered questions from the Commission. 6-8-26 Attachment B 3.C. Recreation Facility Rental Fee Update 3.1). State Legislative Update 3.E. Marsh Oaks Community Center Update 3.F. Tree Protection Code Update Mayor Ford requested additional information for the next meeting regarding tree diameter thresholds, including data on the diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees planted along the plaza and examples of thresholds used in other jurisdictions. He also requested information on potential measures applicable to trees located within setbacks, particularly side setbacks, to support tree preservation where feasible while maintaining reasonable development flexibility. Commissioner Bole requested that the City Arborist attend the next meeting when the item is considered and asked staff to prepare a map showing tree canopy coverage and tree removals within the public right-of-way. 3.G. Other Reports 4. REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS FROM CITY COMMISSIONERS Mayor Ford • Reviewed CM Hogencamp's performance and recommended his appointment as permanent City Manager. Discussion ensued. MOTION: Make Mr. Hogencamp the permanent City Manager going forward. Motion: Bruce Bole Second. Thomas Grant Discussion ensued. Regular City Commission June 8, 2026 5. CA Gabriel explained that the City Commission has the authority to appoint a permanent City Manager. He advised that a proposed employment agreement be presented for Commission consideration at a future meeting. CM Hogencamp accepted the appointment. Curtis Ford For Bruce Bole (Moved By) For Thomas Grant (Seconded By) For Candace Kelly Against Jessica Ring For Motion passed 4 to 1. Commissioner Bole • Expressed appreciation to fellow commissioners for their efforts and commitment to the City's best interests. Commissioner Kelly • Provided comments regarding seaweed conditions. • Announced that June 12, 2026, is Women's Veterans Day. • Reported on matters related to the Singleton property and noted parking considerations associated with the potential private partnership at Marsh Oaks and Singleton property. • Offered brief comments regarding the flagpole agenda item. Commissioner Ring • Highlighted two notable outcomes from the Florida Legislature's special session held June 1-3, 2026. Commissioner Grant • Discussed issues concerning certain properties on Beach Avenue and public comments received on those matters. 4.A. City Manager Recruitment Update (Commissioner Bole) None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 5.A. Plat Request Discussion CA Gabriel presented information regarding recent changes to Florida plat approval requirements. He explained that plat approval is now an administrative function and recommended that responsibility for reviewing and processing plat applications be delegated to the Neighborhoods Department Director. He outlined a two-step process: first, designation of the Neighborhoods Department Director as the authorized official to review and process plat applications; and second, Regular City Commission June 8, 2026 6. referral of the pending plat application currently before the Commission to the Director for administrative processing. He also noted that a draft ordinance formalizing the change has been prepared and will proceed through the City's review process, including Community Development Board consideration. MOTION: Appoint the Neighborhoods Department Director to administratively administer the City Code in regards to plats and in accordance with state law. 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. CONSENT AGENDA 6.A. Approve Resolution No. 26-73. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE A TASK AUTHORIZATION TO CRAWFORD, MURPHY & TILLY, INC. TO DESIGN THE SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS ON DUTTON ISLAND ROAD FOR THE DUTTON ISLAND MULTI -USE PATH PROJECT; 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.) 26-73. 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. Regular City Commission June 8, 2026 7. 8. COMMITTEE REPORTS None. ACTION ON RESOLUTIONS 8.A. RESOLUTION NO. 26-74 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AWARDING BID NO. 2526-12 FOR WATER TREATMENT PLANT #3 CHLORINATION UPGRADE PROJECT; 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.) 26-74. 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. 8.B. RESOLUTION NO. 26-75 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING A FLAGPOLE LOCATED AT ONE OCEAN BOULEVARD IN EXCESS OF 35 FEET WITH A NOT TO EXCEED 50 FOOT HEIGHT, SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THIS RESOLUTION. Discussion ensued. MOTION: Approve Resolution (No.) 26-75. 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 Regular City Commission June 8, 2026 Motion passed 5 to 0. 8.C. RESOLUTION NO. 26-76 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A UNIFORM POLICY FOR PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC MEETINGS VIA COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA TECHNOLOGY (CMT); ESTABLISHING PHYSICAL QUORUM REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR THE CITY COMMISSION; MANDATING PHYSICAL PRESENCE FOR SUBORDINATE COMMITTEES AND BOARDS; PROVIDING FOR TECHNICAL, SECURITY, AND PUBLIC ACCESS PROTOCOLS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Discussion ensued. MOTION: Approve Resolution (No.) 26-76. 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. 9. ACTION ON ORDINANCES None. 10. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS None. 11. CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS CA Gabriel • Reminded commissioners that Form 1 Financial Disclosures are due by July 1. • Announced that an ethics training hosted by the City of Jacksonville is scheduled for June 22, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. CC Bartle • Announced that qualifying week is underway and will conclude on Friday. 12. CLOSING COMMENTS BY CITY COMMISSIONERS AND CITY MANAGER Commissioner Bole • Congratulated CM Hogencamp on his appointment. Regular City Commission June 8, 2026 13. Attest: Commissioner Grant • Congratulated CM Hogencamp on his appointment. Commissioner Kelly • Reminded the public that school is out for the summer and encouraged motorists to be mindful of children riding bicycles. Commissioner Ring • Requested proactive communication with residents regarding the upcoming Mayport Road construction project. • Congratulated CM Hogencamp on his appointment. CM Hogencamp • Confirmed that public outreach regarding the Mayport Road project had begun and would continue through multiple communication channels. • Expressed appreciation for the Commission's confidence in his appointment as Permanent City Manager and stated his intent to develop a city manager recruitment policy. Mayor Ford • Congratulated CM Hogencamp on his appointment. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:36 PM. i4nt� rz//14S&-4— Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk Date Approved: O//Z� 1 �� r, / 4; - 7/e -- de, Curtis Ford, May Regular City Commission June 8, 2026 A'�'ls ♦; ♦ rf j7 yam` 1 ol f i�\ � J Af - -a tt l� '4 k�L� Y J. � D 1`t•�-,aa t r. k r n r - f � �r \�,. la 1. +t'��'lfi�+t �"�! �'�• .y t s. _y- i:.;. t rJ ' i �n1 t� it 1 if l'i l ♦ %. i� �"3rt jJ �- T��.ay�F�?D �t��t'�"yt Y ' �.'!• .a ' � JJ�} (�'� p- N�': i Y• .} �"1.> � i C1Lr ��~..iY ;Ds tih�� � �':A..L _ .J � r �� ni , � �'� � �-,'� � 1 ?r 1, '� i..:. i V�,�x-a•., ��. y'�ik'M{:r.�' 'S�k- hticl� ° � _ s � y f r i +r..rk' f ^� �� ! sitVi�:,{.ir _ �-!t'a♦ ::_: .P y r :2td�, 7 r .d ♦r ' a > s; ♦ .l �iw as ,�,aa). �_ ,,tFl Y- �'. ) � s� d�.. S MJ , .. s � a ) ♦ ,taw �.�- � �\ ai' 1'.1, t _ � 6, ^'y �) �z ..;n ✓' � h s ti ,; . `. � 1 t .:.s,; i ws +�tY �;:'tlfk'„ � �'' 't`•• � �. ,; 47. Air oo6o j�r7pG 4 AVE 11r.�,/ f ,t , :t � r. It`j y'` ��1i �rYt, '� � R .r.•ir. >•.. t �� •' (+ ��\�..+�. . ,•.. it I' ,� yV./!!. , I K' ''�'�, -'1 !. J, . r .''f � G •�,,((ll � qui . to � _ I i f���I •p1y t � , . �}' _ V iA 1 M •q.e ' r a i h .r ^ 'Oio k'wxr ? r.r a •1t�:l tiY�Py'3Mi*y' .r. 31 • ....raw a .. .. - '. .•i. .. - ____...... ___ Attachment B to 6-8-26 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: June 8, 2026 To: The Atlantic Beach Community and City Commission From: Kevin Hogencamp, Interim City Manager/khogencampCcbcoab.us This report provides an update on primary administrative and community -focused initiatives under way at City Hall. 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. Building Permit Fees Update The June 8 Commission staff report submitted by Neighborhoods Director Amanda Askew details a comprehensive update to the City of Atlantic Beach's building permit fee structure. The proposal updates and centralizes various building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire safety fees into a single chapter within the City Code. Because Building Division fees have not undergone a holistic adjustment since 2009, current revenue no longer offsets the rising administrative costs of processing applications, reviewing plans, and performing field inspections. The proposed changes establish an increased fee schedule to ensure the Building Division remains structurally self-sufficient. Additionally, this regulatory overhaul ensures compliance with recent statutory mandates, such as Florida House Bill 803's new residential permit exemptions and updated private provider fee reduction structures taking effect J u ly 1, 2026. 2. Recreation Facility Rental Fee Update Staff is proposing an update to recreation facility rental fees to better align with current operational costs and regional standards. Notable adjustments include revised hourly and daily rates for renting community centers, pavilions, and sports fields, alongside standardized security deposits. Additionally, the policy introduces clearer guidelines regarding cancellation fees, cleanup responsibilities, and staff scheduling requirements for after-hours events. Ultimately, these updated fees will generate the revenue necessary to support the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of local parks and public infrastructure. Attachment B to 6-8-26 Minutes 3. State Legislative Update The three Beaches cities are drafting joint public information messaging regarding the proposed property tax reduction measure. While its path to the November ballot seems secure, potential legal, procedural, and structural roadblocks could still challenge its phrasing, placement, or ultimate implementation. The City has published the recent joint Beaches City Managers' Beaches Watch presentation, as well as our administrative summary of other 2026 legislative impacts on municipal operations. Meanwhile, three critical Atlantic Beach priorities remain funded pending the governor's signature: $650,000 for Sherman Creek dredging and bank stabilization; $212,500 for the Dora Drive stormwater pond to protect 92 structures from 25 -year floods; and $200,000 to further our Marsh Oaks septic tank elimination efforts. 4. Marsh Oaks Community Center Update Construction of the Marsh Oaks Community Center building and parking lot is anticipated for completion by August 1, with a joint grand openingfor both the facility and the community garden targeted for October. To ensure the garden's long-term success, the City envisions bringing local stakeholders to the planning table, including BEAM. In preparation for the garden layout, the City will remove an existing sycamore tree, clear three to four inches of topsoil, and provide both electrical service and an outside water valve. The landscaping contractor will then submit a detailed site plan for permitting, install irrigation lines and hose bibs, and explore programmable water service options with Public Utilities to automate the watering schedule. Residents will soon be invited to help define the programming and operational strategy for the new facility. 5. Tree Protection Code Update The City of Atlantic Beach is updating its Tree Protection Code through a two-phase approach designed to prioritize the preservation of its old-growth maritime forest, specifically focusing on iconic live oaks. Under the proposed draft ordinance for Phase 1, all maritime trees meeting a specific diameter at breast height will automatically be designated as protected landmark trees. To disincentivize clear -cutting, the updated regulations will mandate double mitigation for the unauthorized removal of these protected specimens. Furthermore, property owners will be required to secure a certified arborist's "Statement of Infeasibility" to justify tree removals and must adhere to a new 30 -day "time-out" review period. Pending legal review, the first reading of Phase 1 may be on the City Commission's agenda as early as June 22. 6. Mayport Road Improvement Project The Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) contractor is scheduled to begin work on June 15. The City has published the detail on its communications platforms. 2 Attachment B to 6-8-26 Minutes • Accelerated Timeline: Excellent news — FDOT's current schedule targets completion in fall 2027, a significant improvement over the initial late -2028 estimate. • Traffic Flow and Lane Closures: Traffic will be maintained according to FDOT design standards. To minimize local impact, no lane closures will be permitted during peak hours (6 a.m. to 8 p.m.). • Work Schedule: Construction will primarily occur overnight, Sunday through Thursday, with select daytime activities scheduled Monday through Friday. 7. Regional Water Crisis: Far From Over While Jacksonville recently lifted its temporary outdoor burn ban in Duval County following a few passing showers, the underlying drought crisis is far from resolved. A burn ban is merely a surficial symptom of long-term, below-average rainfall. In reality, it will take more than 30 inches of sustained rain over the next three months just to alleviate our current deficit. We are asking the community to share the City's Drought News & Messaging. 8. Operational Update: BS&A Cloud -Based ERP System Implementation The City officially "went live" with its new cloud -based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system in February 2026, completely replacing a legacy 1980s platform. Following an initial learning curve, employees have adapted exceptionally well to the Human Resources module, utilizing digital timesheets and self-service features to streamline payroll. On the public -facing side, the new payment portal has driven a measurable surge in residents signing up for automatic bank drafts and emailed bills. Simultaneously, customers now enjoy unprecedented transparency by logging in to monitor real-time plan reviews and inspection statuses. Thanks to stricter software submission protocols, the City is receiving more complete permit packages up front, which is expected to lower overall resubmission rates. Building reviews are moving more efficiently at four to five business days, and transitioning pensioners to electronic monthly stubs is already saving over $2,200 annually in printing and postage. Moving forward, staff looks to continuously optimize functionality and resolve remaining inefficiencies through ongoing training, user support, and unified financial reporting. 9. Beach Seaweed (Sargassum) The City is receiving resident inquiries regarding the unusually heavy accumulation and natural, strong odor of seaweed (Sargassum) alongthe shoreline. While the volume is higher than in previous years, the City is maintaining its policy of letting naturaltidal cycles manage the coast rather than deploying heavy mechanical equipment. This decision prioritizes the protection of nesting sea turtles and hatchlings from May 1 through October 31, while also preserving the vital role Sargassum plays in preventing beach erosion and nourishing our dune systems. Furthermore, strict state regulations under the Florida Beach & Shore Preservation Act dictate that letting nature take its course is the best management practice 3 Attachment B to 6-8-26 Minutes for a community of our scale to avoid disrupting protected habitats. The City has published details on this matter on its communications platforms. 10. Hurricane Preparedness Guide Following the June 1 kickoff of hurricane season, we encourage the community to utilize and share the City of Jacksonville's (COJ) newly published Hurricane Preparedness and Response Guide. 11. Jack Russell Park Playground Upgrade Albeit much slower than anticipated, staff is making progress compiling improvement concepts for the northernmost section of the park. 12. Community Bright Spots! The new "Community Bright Spots!' social media campaign, choreographed by Steve Piscitelli, has hit the ground running. The weekly initiative has already drawn great engagement by featuring our crossing guards, shoreline, historic markers, playgrounds, Atlantic Beach Elementary School, Adele Grage Cultural Center, Howell Park, multi -use paths, community murals, and more. 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 ririti s for citygovernment. This endeavor is facilitated by Atlantic Beach resident Linda Lanier, who volunteers her services. 19