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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-28-26 Regular City Commission Adopted MinutesMINUTES Regular City Commission Meeting Monday, September 28, 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, City Manager (CM) Jason Gabriel, City Attorney (CA) Donna Bartle, City Clerk (CC) Ladayija Nichols, Deputy City Clerk (DCC) MOVE ITEM 10A Mayor Ford announced that Item 10.A. (Federal Dune Walkovers Project) would be heard immediately following Item 3.D. to accommodate members of the public in attendance. There were no objections from the Commission. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES LA. Approve minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting held on September 14, 2026. The Commission approved the minutes as submitted. 2. COURTESY OF FLOOR TO VISITORS PUBLIC COMMENT The following speakers provided their comments: Susan Snead gave the Commission a handout (which is attached hereto and made part of this official record as Attachment A). Lisa Herrold Brinkley Harrell Mitch Reeves Steve Abrass Regular City Commission September 28, 2026 Penny Rauckis Amy Palmer Greg Beliles Michael Mesiano Terry Cook Sarah Boren gave the Commission a handout (which is attached hereto and made part of this official record as Attachment B). Wendy Craven gave the Commission a handout (which is attached hereto and made part of this official record as Attachment Q. Susan King 9-28-26 Attachment A 9-28-26 Attachment B 9-28-26 Attachment C 3. CITY MANAGER REPORTS 3.A. Accept the 90 -Day Calendar (September - November 2026) There was a CONSENSUS to accept the 90 -Day Calendar. 3.11. DG Market Update CM Hogencamp reported on agenda items 3.13. - 3.D. as detailed in a handout (which is attached hereto and made part of this official record as Attachment D). Susan King answered questions from the Commission. 9-28-26 Attachment D 3.C. Proposed Utility Rate Increase 3.1). Other Reports 10.A. Federal Dune Walkovers Project MOTION: Continue the project as stated (proceeding with five of the seven walkovers) with the exception of the access points at 11 th and 14th Street. Motion: Thomas Grant Second: Candace Kelly Discussion ensued. Curtis Ford For Bruce Bole For Thomas Grant (Moved By) For Candace Kelly (Seconded By) For Jessica Ring For Motion passed S to 0. Regular City Commission September 28, 2026 4. REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS FROM CITY COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Bole • Thanked the Commission for allowing his remote participation at the previous meeting. • Commented on the City's form of government and recent polling regarding Amendment 3. Commissioner Kelly • Commented on the City's vision statement and the City Manager's budget preparation efforts. • Reported on traffic -calming requests from Belvedere Street residents and expressed support for continued attention to traffic management. • Thanked staff for addressing overgrowth at City Hall. Commissioner Ring • Reported receiving correspondence from Selva Lakes residents regarding traffic concerns and requests for sidewalks along 11 th Street. • Commented on her role as a Commissioner and accountability to residents. Mayor Ford • Raised concerns regarding homelessness in Atlantic Beach and requested that an item be placed on the October 12 agenda to discuss available programs and resources, including Homeward Bound, PATH, and the co -responder program. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS None. 6. CONSENT AGENDA None. 7. COMMITTEE REPORTS None. 8. ACTION ON RESOLUTIONS 8.A. RESOLUTION NO. 26-118 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 TENTATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH AND THE COASTAL FLORIDA POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION AMENDING ARTICLES 13 AND 26 OF THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT; AUTHORIZING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. MOTION: Accept Resolution (No.) 26-118. Motion: Bruce Bole Second. Candace Kelly Curtis Ford For Regular City Commission September 28, 2026 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. 26-121 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH AUTHORIZING A ONE-YEAR AGREEMENT CONTINUING THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OF LANGTON ASSOCIATES, INC.; AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF $48.381.12 ALLOCATED IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 BUDGET FOR THIS PURPOSE; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY CONTRACTS AND PURCHASE ORDERS AS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 9-28-26 Attachment E MOTION. Approve Resolution (No.) 26-121. Motion: Bruce Bole Second. Candace Kelly Discussion ensued. Christine Lane and Krysten Bennett spoke and provided the Commission a handout (which is attached hereto and made part of this official record as Attachment E). 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.C. RESOLUTION NO. 26-110, Public Hearing on Adoption of Resolution No. 26-110 for the Millage Rate A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA LEVYING THE AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE FOR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES ON ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2026, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30,2027; STATING THE PERCENTAGE BY WHICH THE MILLAGE TO BE LEVIED EXCEEDS THE ROLLED -BACK RATE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Regular City Commission September 28, 2026 CM Hogencamp gave an overview of his Budget Transmittal Letter (which is attached hereto and made part of this official record as Attachment F). The public hearing was opened. Mayor Ford stated, here at the City of Atlantic Beach the Rolled -Back Rate is 2.5815. The Millage Rate to be levied is 2.7499. The millage rate to be levied is 6.52% more than the rolled -back rate and is a percentage increase in property taxes per Sec. 200.065(2)(c), Florida Statutes. The purpose of adopting the millage rate of 2.7499 is to maintain a level of ad valorem tax revenue sufficient to maintain adequate funding for the existing level of services at anticipate and proposed cost and to continue to maintain the City's infrastructure. The following speakers provided their comments: Brinkley Harrell Sarah Boren The public hearing was closed. 9-28-26 Attachment F MOTION: Adopt Resolution No. 26-110. 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. Public Hearing and Final Reading on adoption of Ordinance No. 20-26-184, establishing the Operating Budget for fiscal year 2026/2027. AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE FINAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2026, AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2027. The total budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 is $57,830,833.75. Regular City Commission September 28, 2026 The public hearing was opened, there were no speakers and the public hearing was closed. MOTION: Approve Ordinance No. 20-26-184. Motion: Bruce Bole Second: Jessica Ring Discussion ensued. Curtis Ford For Bruce Bole (Moved By) For Thomas Grant For Candace Kelly For Jessica Ring (Seconded By) For Motion passed S to 0. 10. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS 10.11. Hiring Freeze Reconsideration (Commissioner Kelly) MOTION: Reconsider the hiring freeze implemented on September 14, 2026. Motion: Candace Kelly Second. Bruce Bole Discussion ensued. Curtis Ford Against Bruce Bole (Seconded By) For Thomas Grant Against Candace Kelly (Moved By) For Jessica Ring Against Motion failed 2 to 3. 11. CITY ATTORNEY/CITY CLERK REPORTS AND/OR REQUESTS None. 12. CLOSING COMMENTS BY CITY COMMISSIONERS AND CITY MANAGER Commissioner Bole • Requested that the City Attorney provide a future workshop regarding the City Charter, form of government, and respective roles of the Commission and City Manager. Regular City Commission September 28, 2026 13. Attest: Commissioner Grant Commented on the Commission's role in reviewing fiscal matters and referenced the Commission's previous action regarding the hiring freeze. Commissioner Ring Commented on the respective roles of the City Manager and Commission and the Commission's responsibility to residents. Mayor Ford • Commented on the Commission's differing perspectives and shared commitment to the City and noted that future decisions could be considered following the outcome of Amendment 3. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM Ve)t4t4 �J Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk Date Approved: 0112- 2SZ / 7 Curtis Ford, Ma r Regular City Commission September 28, 2026 Attachment A to 9128126 Minutes Hi: Eti_<,-0J 1 sent all of you and email and a few pictures. I'm assuming you received it. received The new 5 Foot wide sidewalks are nice, but non of them or any of the recreation areas get the daily pedestrian traffic of Beach Ave. We need help. 1. Aesthetically, we are ugly and overgrown. Many of the road signs are hidden by unmaintained landscaping. The city does nothing to address this problem. How can visitors know it is a ONE WAY street? 2. We have street licensed golf carts driving north to south - wrong way -unchecked as well as cars. This is dangerous. 3. We have cars speeding from Ahern to 7th looking for weekend beach parking. We need to come up with a solution— possibly "no thru traffic" and exits on odd streets. A few landscaped planters could attractively promote this and improve the aesthetics of Beach Ave as well as road safety. 3. We all know it is a driving and parking nightmare on our narrow streets. Now we have property owners building curbs at roads edge that only make the streets more narrow. Are these curbs permitted? If so all property owners should be able to build curbs at their roads edge. What a nightmare that will be. a. Second St. between Ocean and Beach is an example of such a curb. The city has the ability to use some of the available public footage of 15"10" for legitimate parking OFF the road. Permeable bricks like on 3rd Ave. south side at corner of Ocean would open 2nd St. to two way traffic. b. Third St. between Ocean and Beach also has a curb that most of us hit constantly. Two way traffic is not possible without Attachment A to 9/28/26 Minutes hitting this curb. The street is only 14 feet wide. Was this curb permitted? 4. Water drainage on Beach Ave is horrible. FLDOT has crested the street causing flooding in garages etc. We have no drains and the road does not direct water to the drains that exist on Ocean Blvd. 5. There are some simple things that could be done to help traffic flow and parking in Atlantic Beach, at least from Ahern to 7th. Make all east to west streets "ONE WAY". The painting of yellow curbs as on First St. only lessens available parking and causes even more weaving down that road. Who decides these things? There is no consistency as to which side of a street permits parking. 6. Please do not continue to ignore the things that cause residents problems. Atlantic Beach has exploded in popularity but the residents are still the tax payers and supporters that need your help. Thank you for you attention. Attachment B to 9-28-26 Minutes DG Market Proposal: Questions & Possible Solutions o Normandy Avenue Location 1 Normandy Avenue Location - Of 15 aisles, only 2/3 of one aisle had limited fresh produce/protein/dairy September 17, 2026 at 1:46 PM 2 East Palatka Location rt ax .er. East Palatka Location Two Different Days (Dawn Scott FB Post) 9/28/2026 1 Attachment B to 9-28-26 Minutes .� y Normandy Avenue Location September 17, 2026 Normandy Avenue Location September 17, 2026 East Palatka Location Two Different Days (Dawn Scott FB Post) East Palatka Location (Dawn Scott FB Post) 9/28'12,6 2 ' Attachment B to 9/28/2026 9-28-26 Minutes Prices Not Necessarily Cheaper (Publix) -toes t ' 'Otu wrzY • V��b�lx NU55[t v. riafpf5 �I �-� 5 017'. � low'`., . 1y t. 3 Attachment B to 9-28-26 Minutes Location Questions • Why this location? Plenty of vacant retail spaces in the area (Pan Am Plaza & Reef Shopping Plaza). The DG Market on Normandy is in a retail shopping center. • Distance is farther for AB residents to proposed DG Market location than to ALDI • Not located within AB boundary • City may need land in the future by water plant. Understand attraction to sell land to reduce debt but if there is no recurring cost to keep the land, why give it up? ;., DISTANCE IS FARTHER THAN ALDI (USDA criteria is within 1 mile for food desert) Current distance for AB residents 2 Miles from Dutton Island Road to proposed DG Market (2880 Mayport Rd) 8 3.6 Miles from Atlantic Blvd to proposed DG Market (2880 Mayport Rd) VS 1.8 Miles from Dutton Island Road to ALDI currently 9/2V2D26 53 ` Attachment B 9/28/2026 to 9-28-26 Minutes Pace of Proposed Project Possible Alternatives -- Thrilled there is attention on this issue but where is the due diligence and open discussion about possible alternatives (e.g., something similar to Deb's Store in Eastside or partnership with COJ to incentivize a larger grocery store to move in) Where is the community engagement? Has there been a workshop or survey asking those that would use this store (e.g., Marsh Oaks, Fleet Landing, ABCC, Oak Harbor, Mayport NAS), what is their preference? Would they prefer a DG Market over another alternative? Why so fast? Will DG Market go elsewhere if we take some time to do due diligence on possible alternatives and community engagement? It all feels a bit rushed. Other Risks & Drawbacks Food Access is not the Same as Food Security and Resilience Food Access Decline -- A University of Florida study utilized machine learning to track neighborhood -level data and discovered that in urban areas with only one existing grocer, the introduction of a dollar store caused a measurable decline in overall food access 14% of the time. Reduces Other Grocers USDA researchers found that, following dollar -store entry into a census tract, independent grocers were on average 2.3% more likely to exit, their employment felt about 3.7%, and sates fell 5.7%. Research by the Institute for Local Self -Reliance (ILSR) highlights that dollar store chains systematically undercut local businesses, preventing full-service grocery stores from establishing roots. Public Health Outcomes Lower --An extensive study analyzing 76 million Americans published in BMC Public Health linked living near dollar stores to higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. The underlying cause is the consumer food environment, which is heavily dominated by low -nutrient, high -calorie, and ultra -processed items. Typically only 16 square feet is dedicated to fresh produce. Parent Company Culture, Operations, and Safety Record Deceptive Pricing Schemes: Multiple state attorneys general (including Ohio and Missouri) have sued and fined Dollar General for systemic pricing discrepancies. Audits revealed that over 60% of checked stores failed price verification tests, routinely charging customers higher prices at the register than what was posted on the shelves. A national class-action lawsuit addressing these deceptive practices resulted in a $15 million settlement. Severe Workplace Safety Violations,. The Occupational Safety and Health Adm1n1strab0F (OSHA) placed Dotter General into its Severe Violator Enforcement Program. The company has faced more than $12 million in federal fines for hazardous store environments, including chronically blocked fire exits, unstable stacked merchandise, and severe understaffing. Community Safety Vulnerabilities: Due to strict tabor cost-cutting and deliberate understaffing, stores frequently become targets for violent crime. Over a multi-year period, dollar stores nationwide have been linked to hundreds of armed robberies and violent incidents. 10 5 Attachment B to 9-28-26 Minutes Align with Mayport Road Vision Redevelopment Plan, 2045 Comp Plan & Current/Anticipated Shoppers? • Mayport Road is changing -Small, unique businesses • Reef Apartments, Fleet Landing, ABCC, Seaside Charter School, and Mayport NAS • Mayport Road Diet - Attract more pedestrians and customers 11 Summary & Possible Solutions? • Su_mm_arry -- Modest amount of fresh food, lower prices questionable, location — distance and vacant retail, pace of project, really best long term solution? • Po�i�l_e-SQ�_# lltttio_Ex Lore: • Joint partnership with COJ/Developer to incentivize ideal grocer that community wants • Novel partnership with DG Market and local farmer's coalition • Special agreement with DG Market that includes commitment to specific square footage devoted to fresh food, number of produce items and frequency of restocking, meat, dairy, frozen food, and staple -food assortment; acceptance of SNAP and WIC, if applicable; hours of operation that fits community needs; and whether the store will maintain that food assortment after opening. • Actual appraisal of value of city land • Conclusion: Do what AB residents truly want, will utilize, and fits the desired character and redevelopment of Mayport Road 12 9/28/•2326 0 t Attachment C to 9-28-26 Minutes ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: wendy craven <wendyweedcraven@gmail.com> Date: Mon, Sep 28, 2026 at 3:47 PM Subject: Re: landscaping request To: Hogencamp,Kevin <kHogeneamp@coab.us> Cc: Richard Craven <rich@eraverixet> Subject: Safety, traffic & infrastructure notes for tonight's meeting (Beach Ave / 2nd & 3rd Street) Hi Kevin, Thank you so much for your help coordinating the recent trimming around the "Wrong Way" sign on the south side between 2nd and 3rd Street—we really appreciate you jumping on that! It definitely helped, though we still need a little more breathing room. Right now the sign is only visible from about five feet away, which doesn't leave drivers much time to react. If the crew could swing back by to open up that sightline a bit wider, that would be wonderful. Since you have the meeting tonight, I wanted to share a few safety, infrastructure, and neighborhood improvement thoughts from our stretch of the street so you have the full picture: • 3rd Street Width, Vehicle Hazards & One -Way Justification: 3rd Street is only 14 feet wide, making two-way traffic physically hazardous. Two standard passenger vehicles with mirrors require roughly 15 to 16 feet just to pass each other safely. Because of the curb installed on 3rd, residents are forced to drive up over the curb whenever an eastbound vehicle approaches. I have personally suffered a flat tire and crushed rims from having to do this to avoid oncoming cars. When you factor in pedestrians, leashed pets, beach wagons, and cyclists sharing the roadway, there is zero refuge space for walkers, creating an acute life -safety and municipal liability issue. Established Precedent in Premier Coastal Towns: Converting sub- standard 14 -to -16 -foot beach access roads into designated one-way Attachment C to 9-28-26 Minutes streets is the proven standard in coastal communities facing identical historic constraints: ■ Town of Palm Beach, FL: Systematically converted narrow 14 -to -16 - foot residential ocean- and lake -access lanes into alternating one- way corridors because two-way vehicle movement caused constant pedestrian endangerment and forced cars onto private swales and curbs. • Carmel -by -the -Sea, CA: Designated narrow beach -access roads like Scenic Road (roughly 14-16 feet wide) as one-way thoroughfares specifically to eliminate head-on standoffs and safely accommodate shared pedestrian and bicycle use. • Laguna Beach, CA: Routinely converts historic coastal corridors under 16 feet to permanent one-way streets to prevent vehicles mounting curbs and to maintain clear emergency vehicle access under International Fire Code guidelines. Converting our narrow beach -access corridors into a designated one-way loop is the only practical, long-term solution. Is Signage, Sightlines & Right -of -Way Encroachment at 3rd & Beach: Obstructed One -Way Sign: Drivers turning onto 3rd cannot see the "One Way" sign across the street because it is buried in overgrown foliage from 152 3rd Street (the Hillis residence), leading to frequent illegal turns directly into oncoming traffic. Blind Corner Foliage & Right -of -Way Violations: Overgrowth at the northwest corner of the Hillis property extends visibly past the property line and directly into the street/public right-of-way. It completely blinds drivers to oncoming cyclists, runners, pedestrians, and cross -traffic. How can we get the city/town to issue an immediate Code Enforcement trimming notice here? If compliance takes time, can Public Works be authorized to cut back the portion protruding into the roadway given the acute safety risk? Confusing Signage: The "Yield" sign on Beach Avenue facing south on the south side of 3rd Street makes zero operational sense. Why is a yield sign posted for traffic that should not exist if vehicles are not supposed to be travelling down a one-way street? It directly contradicts the traffic pattern and creates needless driver confusion. Attachment C to 9-28-26 Minutes 2nd Street Curb Legitimacy, Permitting & Garage Flooding (250 Beach/ 223 Ocean Blvd): Curb Authorization & Extension: Was the new curb installed on 2nd Street formally permitted and approved by the city/engineering? If it IS permitted: It should either be extended along the length of that entire property toward 223 Ocean Blvd to our property line at 250 Beach, and we (250 Beach Avenue) would tike to immediately begin the permitting process to install a matching curb and driveway "hump:' If it was NOT permitted: It represents an unauthorized right-of-way encroachment that is actively damaging vehicles and altering runoff patterns, which needs to be addressed by Code Enforcement. Stormwater Impact on 250 Beach: With every hard rain, our garage floods from stormwater cascading down from beachfront properties into our structure. A continuous, uniform, permitted curb—matching those installed north of us at the Hillis property and at 320 Beach Avenue—along with a driveway hump, is critical to divert this runoff and protect our home from structural water damage. Please let us know the permit status of that curb and guide us on the proper permitting process/contact in Public Works or Building so we can move forward with an approved, matching installation. Streetscape Standards, Utilities & Community Improvement (Beach Avenue, 1 st to 6th Street): The entire corridor has devolved into an uncoordinated patchwork of makeshift "curbs" made from scrap wood, concrete blocks, and landscaping boulders, intermixed with unmanaged overgrowth. It creates tripping, parking, and vehicle hazards. The overhead power lines and older lighting fixtures add significant visual clutter throughout the area. Credit where it's due: The new lampposts installed on 1 st Street north of Dune House took fabulous—clean, attractive, and high-quality! That is the aesthetic and infrastructure standard we should replicate across Beach Avenue. Attachment C to 9-28-26 Minutes o More broadly, we would love to open discussions on how to comprehensively improve our 1 st to 6th Street Old Atlantic Beach neighborhood. We look forward to hearing your ideas on a corrective course to elevate both safety and aesthetic standards throughout this historic section. Thank you again for all your hard work and for keeping our neighborhood safe and beautiful. See you tonight at the meeting! Warmly, Wendy Attachment D to 9-28-26 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: September 28, 2026 To: The Atlantic Beach Community and City Commission From: Kevin Hogencamp, City Manager (khogencamp(&coab.us) nKLAN CENTENNIAL Est. 1925 This report provides an update on administrative and community initiatives underway at City Hall. Our office remains focused on maintaining momentum across key programming, infrastructure, environmental, and intergovernmental projects. City Manager Community Updates and related links are available on the City's website and official digital channels. DG Market: The developer is reviewing the proposed purchase agreement; the matter may be presented for consideration at the City Commission's October 12 meeting. Proposed Utility Rate Increase: The City will soon consider increasing water and sewer rates 3% -- the first hike since 2020. An ordinance instituting the new rate structure is scheduled for first reading at the October 26 Commission meeting and a second reading (alongwith a public hearing) at the Nov. 9 Commission meeting. Beaches -Wide a -Bike Regulation: The City of Jacksonville Beach is coordinating a joint meeting of the three Beaches city councils -commissions with the North Forida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) to present the recently completed eBike Study and discuss the TPO's recommendation for consistent a -bike regulations across the Beaches. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Jacksonville Beach City Hall. Amendment 3 Education: Beaches Watch will host a community meeting to help voters better understand Constitutional Amendment 3 at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Beaches Museum chapel., 505 Beach Blvd. The City has published a Community Education and Public Information landing page. The City of Atlantic Beach provides this educational page to assist residents in understanding the background, proposed changes, and potential fiscal impacts of Amendment 3, which appears on the November 3, 2026, statewide general election ballot. Budget Planning Update (FY 2026-27) These planning documents for FY 2026-27 are posted at www.coab.us/budget: o FY 2026-27 Budget Strategy- Operations and Constraints (First Budget Workshop - June 29, 2026) o FY 2026-27 Budget Memo (Second Budget Workshop - July 20, 2026) Attachment D to 9-28-26 Minutes o FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget and Fiscal Sustainability Strategy (Third Budget Workshop - Aug. 19, 2026) o FY 2026-27 Third Budget Workshop Presentation o FY 2026-27 Draft 10 -Year Public Works Capital Improvement Plan o FY 2026-27 Draft 10 -Year Public Utilities Capital Improvement Plan o FY 2026-27 Budget Planning Update - Aug 24, 2026 o FY 2026-27 Draft Budget Summary (Overview) - Sept 14 2026 o Amendment 3 Community Education and Public Information o FY 2026-27 Draft Budget Transmittal Letter and Administrative Summary - Sept 25, 2026 o FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget Summary - Sept 25, 2026 o FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget Detail - Sept. 25, 2026 o FY 2026-27 Proposed Revenues and Expenses Totals - Sept. 25, 2026 Stormwater Master Plan: Staff has drafted an updated work plan incorporating Commission and Environmental Stewardship Committee feedback for consideration of approval at the Commission's Oct. 12 meeting. The RFP for engineering services will issue upon the scope being approved by the City Commission, along with receipt of the final Hazard Mitigation Grant contract from FDEM, targeting a launch by year-end. Upcoming Dates and Events (www.coab.us/events) • Oct. 7: Beaches Watch meeting featuring an Amendment 3 education, 7 p.m., Beaches Museum Chapel, 505 Beach Blvd. • Oct. 14: Beaches eBike meeting, 6 p.m., Jacksonville Beach City Hall. • Oct. 17: Family Fun Day and Campout Under the Stars, Jack Russell Park. • Oct. 30: Atlantic Beach Police Department "Not -So -Scary Haunted House" and multi - department Trunk -or -Treat at Jack Russell Park. • Nov. 11: Veterans Day Ceremony at Beaches Veterans Memorial Park (9 a.m.), followed by the Marsh Oaks Community Center and Community Garden ribbon -cutting and reception. • Nov. 21: Atlantic Beach Music Festival, 5-10 p.m., lack Russell Park. 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. 2 Attachment E to 9-28-26 Minutes 1* A grants partnership that pays for itself Langton City of Atlantic Beach • City Commission • September 28, 2026 • Resolution No. 26-121 CONSULTING 1,122% Return on investment since 2018 $5.16M Grants secured since 2018 October 2025 to September 2026 9 applications and 1 notice of interest submitted this year, about $2.2 million requested. Awarded Resilient Florida, Lift Station Phase 1 $1,338,721 Tree Inventory and Assessment $25,290 Hurricane Recovery Tree Maintenance $25,169 Pending, submitted this year NOAA Community Projects, Dune Walkovers $1,080,000 USDOT Safe Streets and Roads for All $714,234 FEMA BRIC, Sea Gardens Lift Station Generator $79,296 FDEP Coastal Partnership, 5th Street Walkover $60,000 DOJ COPS Safer Outcomes, Crisis Response Training FEMA BRIC Notice of Interest, Marsh Oaks Generator Pending from last year HMGP, Dora Drive Flood Mitigation Pond HMGP, Palm Avenue Lift Station Flood Protection FDEP FRDAP, Donner Park Playground HMGP, Sea Gardens Lift Station Generator $51,421 $1.39M $3.90M Funded this year Pending now Persistence pays: Resilient Florida went from 37th to 2nd statewide Ranked 37th of 196 in 2023, just past the funding line. We strengthened it and resubmitted twice. In 2025 it ranked 2nd and won $1,338,721. What our services include Research and strategy. We track state and federal programs, match them to City projects, and guide go/no-go decisions before staff time is spent. SMARTGrants alerts. Every two weeks, to any number of City staff, with deadlines, eligibility, and award ranges. Unlimited applications. Narratives, budgets, forms, letters of support, and submission through FEMA GO, Grants.gov, and state portals. Grantor follow-up. RFIs, corrections, debriefs, and reconsideration requests, like this year's SS4A debrief and the reinstated CPI award. Return on investment = (awards since 2018 minus estimated fees) divided by estimated fees. Awards from Langton's grants log and detail forms, 2018 to September 2026; fees estimated at the FY 2025-26 rate for nine years (about $423,000). Pending amounts are requests, not awards. Christine Lane, Senior Public Affairs Consultant langtonconsulting.com • 904.614.9861 Award acceptance. Help with grant agreements, insurance $82,500 certificates, and contract timelines. Registrations. Keeping Grants.gov and federal signing roles current through staff changes. Meetings and reporting. Bi -monthly strategy meetings, the grant tracking spreadsheet, monthly written reports, and an $1,275,000 annual report. $382,500 Intergovernmental relations. Working relationships with FDEM, FDEP, FDOT, FEMA, NOAA, and USDOT staff. $112,500 One flat monthly retainer. No contingency fees. Either party may end the agreement on 30 days' notice. $67,500 Return on investment = (awards since 2018 minus estimated fees) divided by estimated fees. Awards from Langton's grants log and detail forms, 2018 to September 2026; fees estimated at the FY 2025-26 rate for nine years (about $423,000). Pending amounts are requests, not awards. Christine Lane, Senior Public Affairs Consultant langtonconsulting.com • 904.614.9861 Attachment F to 9128126 Minutes CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH OFFICE OF THE CI -1Y MANAGER • BUDGET "CRANSMITTAL LETTER TO: City Commission members FROM: Kevin Hogencamp, City Manager DATE: September 25, 2026 SUBJECT: FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget Transmittal & Administrative Update 11. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND BUDGET TRANSMITTAL I am pleased to transmit the updated City of Atlantic Beach Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, This balanced financial plan maintains the City's commitment to transparency, fiscal discipline, core municipal operations, and community infrastructure, while preserving our property tax millage rate at 2.7499 mills, among Florida's lowest municipal rates for full-service cities. The revised General Fund budget incorporates the $500,000 Amendment 3 adjustment detailed below and brings total General Fund revenues, transfers, and balances to $21,947,294, fully balancing total appropriated expenditures. Across all funds, the City's total proposed budget for FY 2026-27 stands at $57,830,833. The FY 2025-26 numbers were $21,947,294 (identical to FY 2025-26) and $57,616,034, respectively. 2. EXTERNAL ECONOMIC HEADWINDS AND LONG-TERM STRATEGY This budget proactively addresses impending structural revenue shifts, including sunsetting countywide funding sources (2030 Better Jacksonville Plan expiration), legislative homestead exemption pressures (—$1.08M reduction in FY 2027-28: —$1.8M in FY 2028-29), and interlocal service cost-sharing dynamics with the Consolidated City of Jacksonville. City of Atlantic Beach . FY 2026-27 Budget Transmittal Page 1 of 4 Attachment F to 9/28/26 Minutes 3. ADMINISTRATIVE SUMMARY: STANDALONE $500,000 AMENDMENT 3 LINE ITEM Purpose and Background Rationale This portion of the transmittal provides a formal administrative explanation regarding the addition of a standalone $500,000 Capital Outlay Amendment 3 revenue line item and a corresponding $500,000 Capital Outlay - Amendment 3 expenditure line item within the General Fund budget summary: Isolated Capital Outlay - Amendment 3 Accounting: To account for dedicated capital funds without inflating baseline municipal operating expenditures, a distinct Capital Outlay - Amendment 3 revenue line item ($500,000) and expenditure line item ($500,000) have been added to the General Fund summary. Transparency: This balanced entry preserves clear line -item visibility for the City Commission and the public, ensuring capital reserve allocations related to Florida Constitutional Amendment 3 remain transparently isolated from routine departmental operational budgets. Summary of General Fund Budget Adjustments • General Fund Total Revenues, Transfers, and Balances: Increases from $21,447,294 to $21,947,294. • General Fund Total Direct Expenditures: Increases from $21,447,294 to $21,947,294. • Net Fiscal Impact: $0 (Balanced Budget Entry). 14. STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND OPERATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS FY 2025-26 Operational Wins • Enacted landmark tree protection code; completed Aquatic -Hopkins infrastructure. • Converted water/sewer disinfection to safer alternatives; launched Phase 2 North Sherry Drive water main extension. • Deployed robust enterprise resource planning software, Open AB portal, and AB Trees canopy tracking. • Completed Marsh Oaks Community Center and Community Garden; hosted Centennial events and Turtle Crawl. FY 2026-27 Key Priorities • Execute Stormwater Master Plan update with geological surveys; prioritize public ROW drainage and ditch maintenance. • Enact Old Growth Champion Tree Protection Ordinance; perform marsh shoreline restoration. • Modernize Town Center lighting; build Sherry Drive traffic calming; update eBike Ordinance 2.0. • Update Parks Master Plan; Donner Park upgrades; launch full Marsh Oaks Community Center operations. City of Atlantic Beach - FY 2026-27 Budget Transmittal Page 2 of 4 Attachment F to 9/28/26 Minutes 5. WORKFORCE RESTRUCTURING AND COST CONTAINMENT • Net Position Reductions: Achieves a net reduction of 3 FTE positions in FY 2026-27 by eliminating the HR Deputy Director, Wastewater Plant Operator, and Building Maintenance roles ($240,000 + benefits in savings). A multi-year target envisions reducing at least 4 additional FTEs through attrition by FY 2028-29 ($450,000+ benefits). • Compensation Moderation ("Greater Of Formula): Implements the lowest net wage growth rate in a decade, increasing the base minimum wage floor from $16.83/hr ($35,006.40/yr) to $18.00/hr ($37,440/yr) via a fixed $2,433.60 annual boost. Staff earning under $121,680 receive a fixed $2,433.60 raise, while staff above $121,680 are capped at a 2.0% increase. • Digital Workflow Optimization: Fully deploys BS&A Software and e -Plan Site Plan Review software to streamline municipal permitting and administration. • Special Fund Alignment: Directs enterprise sources (Paid Parking Fund, Tree Protection Fund) to absorb cost -recovery items and tree canopy preservation. 6. TAX CONTEXT AND PROPERTY OWNER VALUE ANALYSIS Taxing authority breakdown based on a median homesteaded assessed value of $582,320: Consolidated City of Jacksonville 7.9012 $3,161.32 44.9% Duval County School Board 6.2550 $2,668.32 37.9° City of Atlantic Beach 2.7499 $1,100.45 15.6% St, Johns River Water Management District 0.1793 $89.65 1.3% Florida inland Navigation District 0.0270 $13.50 0,2% TOTAL COMBINED TAXING AUTHORITIES 17.1124 $7.033.24 100.0% Real -World Cost Reference: The City's annual property tax assessment of $1,100.45 on a median - assessed home equals roughly $91.70 per month, comparable to a standard monthly mobile phone plan. City of Atlantic Beach • FY 2026-27 Budget Transmittal Page 3 of 4 Attachment F to 9/28/26 Minutes 7. FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 GENERAL FUND SUMMARY TABLE The tables below reflect the General Fund revenue sources and direct expenditure allocations incorporating the $500,000 Amendment 3 adjustment: GENERAL FUND REVENUE CATEGO.FY 2026-27 Ad Valorem Taxes (2.7499 Mills) $9,094,896 Sales, Gas, Services & Intergovemmental $5,976,330 Fines, Miscellaneous, Permits & Internal Charges $3,572,411 Capital Outlay - Amendment 3 (Standalone Revenue) $500,000 Transfers In & Reserves / Fund Balances $2,803,657 TOTAL GENERAL FUND REVENUES 8, BALANCES $21,947,294 CATEGORYGENERAL FUND EXPENDITURE General Government & Human Services $6,121,575 Public Safety $9,334,501 Public Works (Transportation) $3,731,560 Parks and Recreation (Culture and Recreation) $2,259,658 Capital Outlay - Amendment 3 (Standalone Expenditure) $500,000 TOTAL GENERAL FUND DIRECT EXPENDITURES $21,947,294 i 8. FY 2026-27 BUDGET ADOPTION TIMELINE BUDGETDATE PROCESS May 2026 Departmental Request Reviews Conducted by City Management June 2026 Public and Commission Input Solicited June 29, 2026 First Budget Workshop July 20, 2026 Second Budget Workshop and Strategy Publication August 4, 2026 TRIM Notice Submitted (Millage Capped at Current Rate) August 19, 2026 Budget Workshop and Fiscal Strategy Submission August 24, 2026 Third City Commission Budget Discussion & Submission September 8, 2026 Updated Fiscal Year Budget Report Published September 14, 2026 First Public Hearing on Millage Rate and Proposed Budget September 28, 2026 Final Public Hearing & Adoption of FY 2026-27 Budget October 1, 2026 Implementation of FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget City of Atlantic Beach - FY 2026-27 Budget Transmittal Page 4 of 4