HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-24-26 Regular Commission Meeting Adopted MinutesMINUTES
Regular City Commission Meeting
Monday, August 24, 2026 - 6:00 PM
t)
Commission Chamber
H 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, City Manager (CM)
Jason Gabriel, City Attorney (CA)
Donna Bartle, City Clerk (CC)
Victor Gualillo, Police Chief (PC)
1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1 A. Approve minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting held on August 10, 2026.
The Commission approved the minutes as submitted.
1 B. Approve minutes of the Budget Workshop held on August 19, 2026.
The Commission approved the minutes as submitted.
2. COURTESY OF FLOOR TO VISITORS
PUBLIC COMMENT
The following speakers provided their comments:
James Johnson gave the Commission a handout (which is attached hereto and made
part of this official record as Attachment A).
Patrick Salfer
Randy Eisenhower
Eric Shullman
Clare Shullman
Regular City Commission
August 24, 2026
Sarah Boren
Ellen Glasser gave the Commission a handout (which is attached hereto and made part
of this official record as Attachment B).
Brinkley Harrell
Penny Rauckis
Mitch Reeves
8-24-26 Attachment A
8-24-26 Attachment B
2.A. City Clerk Donna Bartle 35 Year Anniversary
Mayor Ford recognized CC Bartle for 35 years of service to the City of Atlantic Beach.
CC Bartle was congratulated by the Commission and those in attendance.
3. CITY MANAGER REPORTS
3.A. Accept the 90 -Day Calendar (August - October 2026)
There was a CONSENSUS to accept the 90 -Day Calendar.
3.B. FY 2027 Budget Planning Update
CM Hogencamp reported on agenda items 3B and 3C as detailed in a handout (which is
attached hereto and made part of this official record as Attachment C).
8-24-26 Attachment C
3.C. Other Reports
He also briefly addressed two items on the Consent Agenda.
4. REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS FROM CITY COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Grant
• Commented on the proposed DG Market.
Commissioner Kelly
• Reported that the Arts, Recreation, and Culture Committee (ARCC) would be meeting
to review grant applications and commented on the grant scoring and monitoring
process.
Commissioner Ring
• Commented on the FY 2027 budget and expressed support for providing Atlantic Beach
FABE its full $10,000 funding request.
• Expressed concerns regarding two proposed new positions and their potential budgetary
impacts.
• Requested an itemized budget, including capital projects and other expenditures, and
noted issues accessing links on the budget webpage.
• Commented on the Selva Preserve debt and expressed support for selling the Mayport
Road property to address the debt.
• Expressed support for the proposed DG Market.
Mayor Ford
Regular City Commission
August 24, 2026
6.
• Provided an update on the Five -Way Intersection project, noting that it is in the design
phase and has received additional funding, with construction anticipated in 2027.
• Provided background on the proposed DG Market and his outreach efforts related to
bringing a grocery option to the Mayport Road area.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS
None.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items 613 and 6C were pulled from the consent agenda.
6.A. Approve Resolution No. 26-100.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
ACCEPTING A DISCRETIONARY GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000
FROM THE RAY & KAY ECKSTEIN CHARITABLE TRUST FOR THE
ATLANTIC BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT DRONE PROGRAM;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE GRANT
AGREEMENT AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM AND ALL DOCUMENTS
NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE GRANT; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
6.1). Approve Resolution No. 26-104.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
AWARDING BID NO. 2526-16 MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT FOR ELECTRICAL
MOTORS & PUMPS REPAIR; 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.
6.E. Approve Resolution No. 26-107.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH AUTHORIZING THE
ATLANTIC BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT AND NECESSARY
PERSONNEL TO APPLY FOR, ACCEPT, AND EXECUTE ANY REQUIRED
AGREEMENTS AND SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH
THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, OFFICE OF COMMUNITY
ORIENTED POLICING SERVICES FY 2026 SAFER OUTCOMES:
ENHANCING CRISIS RESPONSE TRAINING FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
GRANT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
16I0TION: Approve 6A, 61), and 6E
Motion: Bruce Bole
Second. Candace Kelly
Curtis Ford For
Bruce Bole (Moved By) For
Thomas Grant For
Candace Kelly (Seconded By) For
Regular City Commission
August 24, 2026
Jessica Ring
For
Motion passed S to 0.
6.13. Approve Resolution No. 26-102.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
AWARDING BID 2526-14 MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT FOR LANDSCAPE
MAINTENANCE; 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 Resolution (No.) 26-102.
Motion: Bruce Bole
Second: Jessica Ring
Discussion ensued.
Motion passed unanimously S to 0.
MOTION: Amend to table this Resolution until we receive more info on what this particular
Resolution does provide our City. CA Gabriel confirmed that this item is being deferred until
September 14, 2026.
Motion: Jessica Ring
Second: Thomas Grant
CM Hogencamp confirmed that more information would be provided this week.
Curtis Ford For
Bruce Bole For
Thomas Grant (Seconded By) For
Candace Kelly Against
Jessica Ring (Moved By) For
Motion passed 4 to 1.
6.C. Approve Resolution No. 26-103.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
AWARDING BID NO. 2526-15 MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT FOR BEACH
CLEANING SERVICES; 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.
Discussion ensued.
Regular City Commission
August 24, 2026
F -A
8.
MOTION: Approve 6C, Resolution (No.) 26-103.
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.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
7.A. Environmental Stewardship Committee Semiannual Tree Report
Bruce Andrews and Daniele Giovannucci, ESC Members, reported as detailed in the
agenda packet.
Discussion ensued.
ACTION ON RESOLUTIONS
8.A. RESOLUTION NO. 26-106
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC
BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE AND OUTFITTING OF
TWO REPLACEMENT POLICE PATROL VEHICLES UTILIZING
REPRIORITIZED FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 POLICE DEPARTMENT FUNDS;
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
PC Gualillo answered questions from the Commission.
MOTION: Approve Resolution (No.) 26-106.
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.
Regular City Commission
August 24, 2026
9. ACTION ON ORDINANCES
9.A. ORDINANCE NO. 20-26-183, 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.
The public hearing was opened, there were no speaker and the public hearing was closed.
MOTION: Approve Ordinance No. 20-26-183.
Motion: Jessica Ring
Second. Thomas Grant
Curtis Ford For
Bruce Bole For
Thomas Grant (Seconded By) For
Candace Kelly For
Jessica Ring (Moved By) For
Motion passed S to 0.
9.11. ORDINANCE NO. 5-26-77, Introduction and First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 2 (ADMINISTRATION), ARTICLE VIII
(EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT), DIVISION 2 (CODE OF EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT PLANS), SECTION 2-406 (EFFECT AND PURPOSE OF
STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH TO CONFORM THE CITY'S ENUMERATED
EMERGENCY POWERS TO GENERAL LAW; REMOVING PROVISIONS
RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF FIREARMS AND WEAPONS IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LEGISLATURES OCCUPATION OF THE FIELD
OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION REGULATION UNDER SECTION 790.33,
FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR THE RESOLUTION OF
CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR
CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION. Approve Ordinance No. 5-26-77 (on first reading).
Motion: Bruce Bole
Second. Candace Kelly
Curtis Ford For
Bruce Bole (Moved By) For
Thomas Grant For
Candace Kelly (Seconded Bj) For
Regular City Commission
August 24, 2026
Jessica Ring For
Motion passed 5 to 0.
10. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
None.
11. CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS
CC Bartle
• Thanked the Commission for their recognition on the 35 year anniversary.
12. CLOSING COMMENTS BY CITY COMMISSIONERS AND CITY MANAGER
Commissioner Bole
• Advised that he would participate via video teleconference at the September 14, 2026
meeting.
Commissioner Kelly
• Commented on the Royal Palms Drive traffic survey and expressed support for traffic -
calming measures. Mayor Ford requested that staff provide a recommendation to the
Commission.
Commissioner Ring
• Commented on concerns raised during public comment regarding The Grande bar and
the noise ordinance.
• Expressed support for exploring a joint resolution among the beach cities requesting the
extension of certain Duval County homeless services to the beach communities.
Commissioner Grant
• Expressed concerns regarding the proposed communications specialist and assistant city
manager positions.
• Requested action to restrict parking near trees during the Farmers Market. CM
Hogencamp advised that staff had developed a plan to protect the tree roots and was
moving forward with implementation.
Mayor Ford
• Provided updates on the 2nd Street paving project and construction of the new
community center parking area.
13. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:48 PM.
Attest:
Donna L. Bartle, CityClerk
Date Approved: LI//q/2-02&
.4.
Curti ord, May
Regular City Commission
August 24, 2026
Attachment A to
8-24-26 Minutes
From: Layson, Tiffany JaysnnC�coab-us
stjbJect: Fw: Royal Palms
D, te- Jul 20, 2026 at 3:07:09 PM
lo: Johnson iilsailor55C ; ahoo.ccrn
Hi James,
012YIZe #antic&,-,rT,,A,1,,
Below is the report that I got pertaining to the results of the traffic study on Royal
Palms Drive.
Tiffany Layson
Police Commander, Operations Division
Atlantic Beach Police Department
850 Seminole Rd
Atlantic Beach FL 32233
(904) 247-5876
tlayson@coab.us
COURAGE * INTEGRITY * EXCELLENCE
Please note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written
communications to or from government officials are public records available to the
public and media upon request. Your e-mail communications may be subject to
public disclosure under the Florida Public Records Law (F.S.S. 119.07).
From: Jamison, Chase <cjamison@coab.us>
Sent: Monday, July 20, 202612:06 PM
To: Layson, Tiffany <tlayson@coab.us>
Subject: Royal Palms
We previously did a study on Royal Palms during June, however there was an
oversight with the speed display trailer being in place during the count. This was a
miscommunication and it wasn't pulled from the area after we went to do the
count. Out of concern that may have skewed the data results, we did not utilize
that count and I had the counter re -deployed after I learned the trailer was in place
during the count.
Attachment A to
8-24-26 Minutes
During the second count, the counter was placed on 7/2/2026 and removed on
7/13/2026. In total, 59,852 vehicles were counted during the study. This averaged
to 5,406 vehicles per day travelling on Royal Palms, consistent with it being a
collector roadway moving residential traffic from local streets to the main arterial
roadway of Atlantic Blvd, as well as connecting to the collector roadway of
Penman Rd moving traffic through Neptune and Jacksonville Beach. The speed
data showed the average mean speed of traffic at 31mph. The 85th percentile
speed, or the speed at which 85 percent of vehicles were traveling at or below,
was 36mph. This is clearly in excess of the posted 25mph speed limit.
One of the main questions we get with this is that the speed limit may be too low
based on driver behavior. One of the key metrics traffic engineers examine is that
85th Percentile speed, with general practice to set the speed limit within 5mph of
that 85th percentile speed. Using that metric, it would indicate the speed limit for
Royal Palms Dr should increase to 30mph, 35mph, or even 40mph. However,
other metrics must also be examined. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices (MUTCD) defines considerations that should be considered when setting
speed limits. The MUTCD has been adopted by the city in ordinance and all traffic
control devices and regulation must meet its standards. Specifically concerning
setting of speed limits, the MUTCD, section 213.21, states the following should be
considered:
Roadway environment (such as roadside development, number and frequency of
driveways and access points, and land use), functional classification, public transit
volume and location or frequency of stops, parking practices, and pedestrian and
bicycle facilities and activity;
Roadway characteristics (such as lane widths, shoulder condition, grade,
alignment, median type, and sight distance);
Geographic context (such as an urban district, rural town center, non -urbanized
Attachment A to
8-24-26 Minutes
rural area, or suburban area), and multi -modal trip generation;
Reported crash experience for at least a 12 -month period;
Speed distribution of free-flowing vehicles including the pace, median (50th -
percentile), and 85th percentile speeds; and
A review of past speed studies to identify any trends in operating speeds.
Taking these factors into consideration, a 25mph speed limit is appropriate, and
we would not want to recommend an increase to the speed limit. There are
considerations supporting an increase, including that this is a collector roadway
with higher volumes, roads are of acceptable width and design (straight, flat, no
sight issues), no crash history within the previous 18 months (0 crashes on Royal
Palms from 1/1/25-5/19/26), and speed distribution data show higher speeds (pace
speeds 28mph-37mph accounting for 70% of traffic, median 50th percentile
speed of 32mph, and 85th percentile speed of 36mph). However, there are other
considerations which would warrant ensuring slower speeds. This includes the
frequency of driveways from homes on the roadway creating conflicts, pedestrian
and non -vehicle traffic use, and that this is a residential area. The 25mph speed
limit in place strikes that balance and falls in line with the characteristics desired
by both the City and its residents.
Based on that determination that the speed limit should NOT be raised, other
alternatives should be looked at. This includes enforcement and other speed -
reduction countermeasures. Based on the data, a directed enforcement effort has
been started to conduct enforcement on Royal Palms Dr. We have identified the
best times to conduct enforcement based on the speed data and directed patrol
and specialized traffic enforcement units to conduct speed enforcement in this
area. This is planned to run through the remainder of July and into August and will
be re-evaluated at that time. Additionally, a countermeasure for speeding already
in place, fixed speed display boards, but one sign is currently obscured by foliage.
I have reached out to the city Public Works Department to trim this foliage to
ensure itis visible and functional. Additional traffic calming device requests from
Attachment A to
8-24-26 Minutes
citizens may be petitioned through the city's Neighborhoods Department and is
not a Police Department function.
[ d:291b3c48-e1cf-4bc 831f-975191b1tc� ]
Lieutenant Chase Jamison
Patrol & Enforcement Lieutenant
Atlantic Beach Police Department
• • • • .l� • • •.� •.b •• •
•.• ••
850 Seminole Rd, Atlantic Beach FL 32233-4445
COURAGE * INTEGRITY * EXCELLENCE
Please note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written
communications to or from government officials are public records available to the
public and media upon request. Your e-mail communications may be subject to
public disclosure under the Florida Public Records Law (F.S.S. 119.07).
Attachment B to 9/2 �/z(p
8-24-26 Minutes
VISIT TO DG MARKET, NORMANDY ROAD, 8/16/26
Fresh Meat
Fresh Produce
�r
Attachment B to
8-24-26 Minutes
Ellen Glasser <g lassere@comcast. net> 8/19/2026 10:36 AM
DG Market
Elected Officials <electedofficials@coab.us> • Kevin Hogencamp <khogencamp@coab.us>
Greetings, all:
The DG Market proposal last week came as a surprise to me in that it lacked proper
notice on the agenda, prior community & Commission input, and due diligence IMO.
Announcing a negotiated plan to sell a potentially strategic city -owned parcel in the
north beaches (last of its kind) lacked the transparency expected in our form of
government. While not ideal to walk back high expectations for a neighborhood 'basis,"
it is your duty to thoughtfully review your next steps, such as how/if any sale will be
advertised or whether there will be an RFP.
In my time as Mayor, I had a clear focus along the Mayport corridor (I will spare you), so
I do have a lot of familiarity with the issues, changing demographics, and this parcel.
Being in Jacksonville, the north beaches area does not really get much attention of AB
residents, unless there is a problem (think Buccaneer Wastewater Treatment plant, AB
utilities ...)
I understand the reality that, after the closing of the Food Lion to accommodate the
Fleet Landing Expansion in Jacksonville, there is a need for a larg-e grocery store in
Mayport. I know it is important to some or all of you. A food desert is evaluated using a
two part rubric that measures neighborhood income and physical distance to a large
grocery store. It seems to me that a DG Market will not impact that assessment, but
perhaps you will check. The growth patterns in Mayport have also changed.
Some more background:
* Mayor Ford and I have previously discussed how valuable an asset this property is.
He and others inquired about a long term land trust lease for Beaches Habitat. My
concern then was that we wouldn't able to get the land back if we needed it for some
unforeseen critical need. As you may know, with sea level rising, there are some real
infrastructure challenges to address ahead.
* So... we considered low income housing, a bicycle pump track, and a community
garden. There was also some chatter about Seaside Charter wanting to use it for some
purpose. I had many meetings, discussions, and visits. I would describe staff as
reluctant back then.
*COJ - via Rory Diamond - redirected the bicycle pump track idea and added one as a
capital improvement project in a pocket park adjacent to Hanna Park on the East side of
Mayport Road, so I was thrilled that this type of amenity for our teenaged youth might
get addressed by COJ. That proposal died and Rory never responded to me about why
or anything else. Right now, Neptune Beach is building a pump track.
Attachment B to
B-24-26 Minutes
* This DG solution will not really serve AB residents other than the $ for the sale, which
is not a good enough reason to me. COJ needs to do its part for Mayport residents.
* I did a survey at the only DG Market in Jax last weekend. I have attached photos. The
fresh options were noticeably lacking, and the rest of the stuff could be bought at many
locations nearby. Many shelves were empty, and there was also no seafood or fresh
baked goods other than what you might find in a convenience store.
* When considering if the Dollar General brand is the answer, please consider these
factors:
1. 5 gas stations with convenience stores/food along Mayport Road
2. Walgreens on Mayport Road
3. Mayport Food Store at AIA intersection
4. Family Dollar on Mayport Road
5. Dollar Tree on Mayport Road
6. Beam food pantry with fresh groceries on Mayport Road
7. Commissary for military on Mayport Road
*My other notes are these:
1. Possible undervalued price of $875K along this commercial corridor.
2. Loss of several large trees
3. Criticism of preferential negotiation with the realtor and/or dollar store competitors
This is a bandaid that won't stick and is not a solution IMO. Because this parcel is in
Jacksonville, I would ask what efforts have been made to encourage a better solution
for the residents of the north beaches. I know of no such effort. A concerted advocacy
effort - with incentives and buy -in - led by Jacksonville for Mayport residents is needed.
The far that Mayor Deegan or anyone on City Council would support this proposal -
one that requires nothing from COJ - is hardly unexpected.
Finally, there are many unleased properties with ample parking along the Mayport
corridor, and perhaps we could partner with COJ to recruit a tenant with a fresh food
market.. Or perhaps we could provide incentives for a vendor to create a street
produce and/or seafood stand on the parcel on weekends.
Happy to discuss any and all issues anytime. Thank you for your service.
Ellen Glasser
(904) 472-6262
• DG Market Normandy Location Survey.docx (6 MB)
Attachment C to
8-24-26 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: August 24, 2026
To: The Atlantic Beach Community and City Commission
From: Kevin Hogencamp, City Manager/khogencamp@coab.us
n1JLA1U1rC
CENTENNIAL
Est 1925
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.
FY 2026-27 Budget Planning Update —Aug. 24, 2026
The City's budget landing page — www.coab.us/budget — now has the following information.
Please note that planning documents for FY 2026-27 are live records subject to ongoing updates;
values, timelines, and priorities may evolve between initial review and final approval. While City
staff aspires to publish the detailed proposed budget by Sept. 3, please continue to provide FY
2026-27 budget input by emailing khogencampC&coab.us.
• FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget
• FY 2025-2
• Organizational Chart
- August 2026
• FY 2026-27 Budget
Workshop
Information
• FY 2026-27 Budget
Strategy - Operations and Constraints (First Budget Workshop - June
29, 2026)
• FY 2026-27 Budget
Memo
(Second Budget Workshop - July 20, 2026)
• FY 2026-27 Proposed
Budget and Fiscal Sustainability Strategy (Third Budget Workshop -
Aug. 19, 2026)
• FY 2026-27 Third Budget
Workshop Presentation
• FY 2026-27 Draft
10 -Year
Public Works Capital Improvement Plan
• FY 2026-27 Draft
10 -Year
Public Utilities Capital Improvement Plan
• FY 2026-27 Budget
Planning
Update - Aug. 24, 2026
Administrative Updates
• Organizational Adjustments (Effective Oct. 1, 2026): To streamline operations with no
net increase to the budget -- aside from operating the Marsh Oaks Community Center --
the City is restructuring key divisions:
Attachment C to
8-24-26 Minutes
Planning and Community Development: The Neighborhoods Department is being
renamed and returning focus exclusively to Planning, Building, and Code
Enforcement.
Parks and Recreation: Consolidated into a single division under the City Manager's
Office.
Recruitment: Active hiring is underway for a Finance Director, Assistant to the City
Manager, and Communications Specialist, with target start dates by October.
Paid Parking System Transition: Following a recent temporary outage with the Flowbird
app (during which citations were paused), staff is following up with the vendor. The city is
just weeks away from launching a new, more reliable paid parking platform.
Parks, Coastal and Environmental Projects
• Dune Walkovers Upgrade: Concept designs are complete for grant -funded walkovers at
1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, 13th, and 14th Streets (funded via NOAA and FDEP grants).
Construction will begin right after sea turtle nesting season ends on October 31, with
completion expected by late spring 2027.
• Tide Views Preserve Pier Repair: Emergency repairs exceeding $100,000 are required for
the Sunset Pier. A formal repair proposal is scheduled for Commission review and
consideration on the Sept. 14 agenda.
• Seminole Road Tree Protection: Staff is undertaking a project to address vehicleap rking
beneath mature oak trees along Seminole Road adjacent to Jack Russell Park. This activity
is causing soil compaction, threatening root health, and causing pavement drop-offs.
Historical imagery indicates that parking increased after bushes and fencingwere removed
between 2015 and 2016, heightened by growing park activity. To balance park parking
demands with tree preservation, the City plans to install railroad ties as physical barriers
and apply a 3- to 5 -inch layer of organic mulch in designated parking spots. This solution
will protect the critical root zones, prevent soil erosion onto sidewalks, stabilize the
roadway edges, and be implemented within the next month.
• Grant Funding and Regional Partnerships:
o SJRWMD Agreement: A new umbrella MOA with the St. Johns River Water
Management District that unlocks future funding for saltmarsh, habitat, and living
shoreline initiatives was recently spotlighted in a regional news release.
State Funding Submissions: Appropriations documentation has been submitted
to FDEP for $650K (Sherman Creek Dredging), $212.5K (Dora Drive Stormwater
Pond), and $312.5K (Marsh Oaks Septic -to -Sewer). An official check presentation
with state legislators is set for September 14.
• In the News: The city's interactive parks and connectivity initiative, Turtle Crawl, was
recently spotlighted on i irst Coast Connect.
Public Works and Infrastructure
• Roadway Milling and Paving: Work began Monday. August 17; affected residents received
door hangers and signage prior to work starting.
• Mealy Street and Dutton Island Road Drainage Repairs: Following reports of drainage
issues, staff removed invasive pine tree roots causing elevation damage. Milling, repaving,
2
Attachment C to
8-24-26 Minutes
right-of-way grading, and a new cross -street swale are underway to direct stormwater
south to drainage inlets.
• Stormwater Master Plan: An updated work plan incorporating Commission and
Environmental Stewardship Committee feedback is being prepared. RFP issuance for
engineering services awaits the final Hazard Mitigation Grant contract from FDEM,
targeting project launch by year-end.
Community Safety, Code Enforcement and Events
• Safety, Traffic, and Parking Committee Action Plan: Placed on the City Commission
agenda for September 14.
• Code Enforcement and Water Conservation: Courtesy letters are being sent to
commercial properties regarding local pressure washing regulations. Additionally, the city
is partnering with SJRWMD to enforce landscape irrigation rules; residents can report
daytime overwatering or broken sprinklers to local code compliance or the SJRWMD
hotline.
• Halloween Trunk -or -Treat & Haunted House: With Halloween falling on a Saturday, the
Police Department will host its annual low-cost "Not -So -Scary Haunted House" on Friday,
October 30, featuring decorated hallways, games, and safety activities. This year's event
will expand to include a multi -department "Trunk -or -Treat" in the Russell Park parking lot.
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 city government. This endeavor is facilitated by Atlantic Beach
resident Linda Lanier, who volunteers her services.
3