Loading...
01-09-06MINUTES REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING January 9, 2006 CITY HALL, 800 SEMINOLE ROAD Attendance IN ATTENDANCE: Mayor Donald Wolfson City Manager Jim Hanson Mayor Pro Tem J. Dezmond Waters III City Clerk Donna L. Bussey Commissioner Mike Borno City Attorney Alan C. Jensen Commissioner Jamie Fletcher Commissioner Sylvia N. Simmons Call to Order/Pledge Mayor Wolfson called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. The Invocation, given by Commissioner Fletcher, was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. On behalf of the City, Mayor Wolfson wished everyone a happy new year. Approval of Minutes 1. Approval of the minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting on December 12, 2005. Motion: Approve the minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting on December 12, 2005 as written. Moved by Waters, seconded by Simmons Votes: Aye: 5 - Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson Nay: 0 MOTION CARRIED Courtesy of the Floor 2. Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors Craig Dunning, 351 Seminole Road, noted he has lived at that address for 33 years and commented on the increase in traffic over that time. He expressed concern that the amount of speeding traffic and large vehicles on the road makes it unsafe for residents and children in that area. Mr. Dunning requested that afour-way stop be established at the intersection of Seminole Road and Seaspray Avenue to stop the speeding traffic. He also believed that the road is not wide enough to accommodate the large vehicles that run off the side of road and asked the Commission to address the situation. Dan Gwizdac, 338 19th Street, addressed the ordinance regarding dogs on the beach. He requested that the city code be changed to allow certain times for the dogs to run loose on the beach. ,Ianuary 9, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 2 Alan Potter, 374 Second Street, discussed the flooding situation on Aquatic Drive. He disagreed with the City spending money on this project which he believes was resolved by modifying the culvert at the shopping center. He requested that no effort or money be spent in acquiring land in the Hopkins Creek area in attempts to remedy the situation any further. Stephen Kuti,1132 Linkside Drive, introduced Elsie Thomas of 1968 Francis Avenue. He noted that she works at the Beaches Hospital and has expressed interested in volunteering for the City. Mr. Kuti suggested that Ms. Thomas would be a good candidate to represent the west side of Mayport Road if Atlantic Beach adopted district representation. Peter Sapia,1655 Selva Marina Drive, spoke against stopping the evolution of Atlantic Beach. He expressed concern with losing tax revenues and utility fees as a result of some of the proposed changes to the zoning regulations. Ruth M. Thomas, 343-345 Second Street, stated that she did not understand the new zoning laws and how they would concern her duplex property. Mayor Wolfson suggested she speak with Sonya Doerr, Planning and Zoning Director. Steve Rosenbloom, 1417 Beach Avenue, addressed the proposed changes in building codes and expressed his disagreement with the philosophical intent of the Commission. He requested that the Commission provide information on the projected loss of dollars from the proposed zoning regulation changes. He also expressed the need for the Commission to provide the public with advanced warning and sufficient information regarding any proposed changes and how they plan to be implemented. He believed the new guidelines are ill-conceived and would eliminate good architecture and the City's eclectic style and character. He suggested that the City contact Tallahassee for information on how the Comprehensive Plan would be affected by the proposed regulations. He also requested that the City look into the Supreme Court's ruling on takings and how it might affect the City. Mr. Rosenbloom requested more discussion from the Commission on what options can and cannot be pursued or implemented. Kelly Elmore, 1650 Beach Avenue, expressed his concern with the new planning, design, and zoning standards being proposed to and by the Commission. He spoke against any further restrictions or moratoriums in the City's Core area and indicated there are enough regulations already in place. He supported how the City has evolved over the last ten years and disagreed with mandating homogenously designed homes. He believed that community character is created by the people, not by the government. Lisa Bruno, 375-377 Plaza Road, readdressed the mailbox placement in front of her property on Plaza. She presented the history of the mailbox's location and reiterated her reasons against having the mailbox and the news January 9, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 3 stands remain where they are. She questioned why this issue is before the Commission for a third time and expressed concern with the amount of staff time involved with revisiting the issue. She suggested that the mailbox be placed in a municipal area, such as at City Hall, or be removed altogether, as the Commission voted in December. Pat Pillmore, 995 Camelia Street, reiterated her concerns with the proposed median cuts for Mayport Road. She indicated that their narrow width makes them unsafe for the cars using them and asked that they be built in a different, more safe, manner. She also asked that the speed limit on Mayport Road be decreased, as has been done on Atlantic Boulevard. Michael Mesiano,1375 Ocean Boulevard, echoed the sentiments of Peter Sapia and Steve Rosenbloom regarding the evolution of the City. He indicated that he would like to meet with someone on City staff regarding the Burt J. Harris private property act, but has not received any response from his attempts. He emphasized the need for the City to discuss and understand the Burt J. Harris Act and for the citizens to understand how it might affect the City if the proposed changes are implemented. Unfinished Business 3. Unfinished Business from Previous Meeting from Previous Meeting A. City Manager's Follow-up Report City Manager Jim Hanson referred the Commission to his written report, which is attached and made part of this official record as Attachment A. His report addressed the following topics: welcome signs, lighting at Five Points Intersection, storm water treatment, Northeast Florida League of Cities meeting at the beaches, and community character work by Winter and Company. He informed the Commission that the two other Beach cities have agreed to co-sponsor a dinner meeting for the Northeast Florida League of Cities. He stated the meeting has been tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 18, 2006. The City Manager provided more details on the Community Character project. He indicated that the contract with Winter and Company is not yet finalized, but that the workshops have been scheduled for Tuesday, February 28th and Wednesday, March 1St. He stated that both workshops are open to the public, but noted that the first one is for Commission discussion and the second one provides the opportunity for public input. Mayor Wolfson asked for clarification on the status of the contract negotiations and asked that the scope of the contract be clear and well defined before the consultants arrive for the workshops. The City Manager stated that staff has received a draft scope from the consultant and that another conference call will be set up to refine that contract. The Mayor January 9, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 4 Consent Agenda Committee Reports Action on Resolutions expressed concern with the tree ordinance component and asked if it is included in the scope of the agreement. The City Manager responded that only the portion of the tree ordinance that deals with recommendations for trees in front yards during redevelopment is included in the Community character project. Mayor Wolfson discussed the cost of the tree ordinance portion in the contract and stated his opposition to including any part of the tree ordinance in the contract with Winter and Company. The Mayor believed that the City has the ability and means to handle the revision of the tree ordinance without the assistance of a consultant. 4. Consent Agenda A. Acknowledge receipt of Public Works and Utility Department Monthly Report for December, Report of New Occupational Licenses issued in December, and Monthly Financial Reports for November 2005 (City Manager) B. Extend the Landscape Maintenance Contract with Trim All Lawn Service for Town Center, Atlantic Boulevard Medians, Mayport Road Flyover, and FDOT Pond #3 at the Hess Station on Mayport Road for one year at the current prices (total $76,080)(City Manager) C. Authorize staff to negotiate a contract with the top ranked firm, Applied Technology and Management for Sewer Master Plan Update 2006, RFP 06-1 (City Manager) D. Authorize Veterans Day as a holiday for nonunion City general employees (City Manager) E. Acknowledge receipt of follow-up to City Commission action denying a request for a Waiver from Section 24-66 of the Land Development Regulations requiring On-Site Retention for a lot located at 1718 Selva Marina Drive (City Manager) Motion: Approve Consent Agenda as presented. Moved by Simmons, seconded by Borno Votes: Aye: 5 -Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson Nay: 0 MOTION CARRIED 5. Committee Reports None. 6. Action on Resolutions None. January 9, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 5 Action on Ordinances 7. Action on Ordinances A. Ordinance No. 90-06-188, Public Hearing and Final Reading AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 24 OF THE ATLANTIC BEACH CODE OF ORDINANCES, THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, SECTION 24-17, DEFINITIONS, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Before opening the floor to the public hearing, Mayor Wolfson explained that there has been a request from staff to delay action on this item. Sonya Doerr, Planning and Zoning Director, explained that City Code and State Law require that any change to land development regulations be brought before the Community Development Board for a recommendation to the Commission, prior to the Commission taking action on it. Mayor Wolfson opened the floor to a public hearing on the item. There were no public comments. The Mayor closed the public hearing. Motion: To defer action on Ordinance No. 90-06-188 until the next Commission meeting following the review, action, and recommendation coming from the Community Development Board. Moved by Simmons, seconded by Fletcher Votes: Aye: 5 - Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson Nay: 0 MOTION CARRIED B. Ordinance No. 20-06-74, Introduction and First Reading AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2005 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2006. City Manager Hanson noted that all of the items in the budget adjustment have been discussed by the Commission previously. He reviewed each of the three items in the ordinance and clarified the specific amounts for each. Motion: To approve Ordinance No. 20-06-74 on first reading. Moved by Simmons, seconded by Waters Commissioner Simmons expressed concern with allocating funds specifically for the ped paths between Oceanwalk Drive South and Oceanforest Drive North. She indicated that this is a low priority area with very little foot, bike, or vehicular traffic and believed there are other areas of higher priority. She preferred to allocate the $60,000 for ped paths in January 9, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 6 general and give the new Commission more time to review which section should be given priority for those funds. Commissioner Fletcher concurred. Mayor Wolfson questioned the $45,000 allocated for Winter and Company and indicated the projected cost was $43,860 and should not include money for the tree ordinance. He asked staff to be specific with what they ratify for that agreement and to ensure it will accomplish what was recommended at the previous meeting. Discussion ensued regarding the terms and urgency for negotiating and authorizing the final contract with Winter and Company. The Mayor reminded the Commission that he had asked for the contract to be given to them for review prior to action. He noted that he was not comfortable with the tree ordinance being included in the contract and asked that any item pertaining to it be stricken from the agreement. Amendment to the Motion: To amend Ordinance No. 20-06-74 on first reading, leaving the $60,000 for ped paths but removing its specific designation for Oceanwalk Drive South and Oceanforest Drive North; and authorizing $45,000 for the Winter and Company agreement but not to include any revisions of the tree ordinance. Moved by Simmons, seconded by Fletcher Commissioner Waters discussed the prioritization process for the ped paths and stressed the need to support and trust the previous Commission's decisions for that schedule and prioritization. He supported approving the ordinance as presented. Commissioner Borno and Mayor Wolfson agreed. Votes: (on Amendment to Motion) Aye: 1-Simmons Nay: 4 -Borno, Fletcher, Waters, Wolfson AMENDMENT TO THE MOTION FAILED (Original Motion: To approve Ordinance No. 20-06-74 on first reading, as presented.) Moved by Simmons, seconded by Waters Votes: Aye: 5 -Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson Nay: 0 MOTION CARRIED Miscellaneous Business 8. Miscellaneous Business A. Approval of Local 630 Blue Collar union contract for the period October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006 (City Manager) January 9, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 7 City Manager Hanson provided the background information on this item and reported that George Foster, Human Resources Director, was able to negotiate the new union contract with the changes that were discussed at the City Commission's most recent shade meeting. He indicated that the contract was approved by the union and was waiting for approval by the Commission. The City Manager summarized the changes in the new contract as including: pay raises retroactive to October 2005, a Veterans Day holiday, a reclassification pay plan, and an increase to the employee contribution to the pension plan. Motion: To approve the Loca1630 Blue Collar union contract for the period October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006. Moved by Borno, seconded by Simmons Votes: Aye: 5 -Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson Nay: 0 MOTION CARRIED B. Approval of the Loca1630, White Collar union contract for the period October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006 (City Manager) The City Manager noted that these changes to the White Collar union contract were similar to the changes to the Blue Collar agreement. He indicated that a revised agenda attachment had been distributed to show the correct pay scale for the white collar workers. Motion: To approve the Loca1630 White Collar union contract for the period October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006. Moved by Borno, seconded by Simmons Votes: Aye: 5 -Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson Nay: 0 MOTION CARRIED C. Approval of Police union contract for the period October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006 (City Manager) The City Manager reported that the City was able to successfully resolve the police union contract and the changes involved were similar to the blue collar and white collar contracts. Motion: To approve the Police union contract for the period October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006. danuarv 9, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 8 Moved by Borno, seconded by Waters Votes: Aye: 5 -Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson Nay: 0 MOTION CARRIED Mayor Wolfson commended Human Resources Director George Foster and City Manager Jim Hanson for their professionalism and efforts in explaining the negotiations throughout the transition from the previous Commission to the new Commission. D. Mayor and City Commission Pay Adjustments (City Manager) The City Manager asked George Foster, Director of Human Resources, to give a summary of his staff report. Mr. Foster provided background information on the ordinance implementing the Mayor's and Commissioner's yearly pay scale adjustments as based upon the Florida League of Cities' survey data. He explained the history of the pay adjustments and noted their inconsistencies. Mr. Foster pointed out that the Commission's pay is really a stipend to assist them in paying for out-of- pocket expenses. He proposed that the Commissioners consider using the CPI-U as a new mechanism to determine their pay adjustments. Commissioner Waters believed that the Mayor should receive the same dollar increase as the rest of the Commissioners and that it was never the intent to increase the Mayor's stipend at a faster rate than the other Commissioners. Commissioner Borno provided insight into the original intent and proposal from the Florida League of Cities. He agreed that the CPI-U is a good and consistent benchmark to use. Further discussion ensued regarding how to calculate the pay increases for the Mayor and Commissioners so that they are equal in dollar amount, yet based upon a percentage. Commissioner Waters reiterated that, at no disrespect to the Mayor, he believed that the ratio of the Mayor's salary to the Commissioner's salary was intended to consistently remain doubled, and not to exceed that ratio. Motion: To accent the staff recommendation that the Mayor and Commissioners' salaries be adiusted yearly to the CPI-U and the COLA for the City and to change the City Code so that the Mayor's dollar amount increment is equal to that of the Commissioners. Moved by Waters, seconded by Borno ,Ianuary 9, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 9 Discussion ensued. Commissioner Borno discussed the burden placed on staff if required to calculate the same dollar amount for Mayor and Commissioners. He noted that the difference over the years has been minimal and did not believe it to be a significant point of contention. Commissioner Borno withdrew his second to the motion. MOTION DIED Motion: To move forward with staff recommendation to adiust the salary of the Mayor and City Commissioners using the CPI-U as written in the staff reuort. Moved by Simmons, seconded by Borno Votes: Aye: 5 -Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson Nay: 0 MOTION CARRIED E. Follow-up of Zoning and Land Development Regulation items from December 12, 2005 City Commission meeting and schedule for consideration by the Community Development Board (Commissioner Fletcher) Commissioner Fletcher reported that he had asked staff to look into the following specific recommendations from Mr. Winter to help preserve the City's character while they continue to examine the City codes involved with the project. He read the specific three items as provided in the staff report: - A maximum 40% lot coverage by buildings, - A linear wall plane length, not to exceed 35-feet without interruption, - A floor area ratio (FAR) maximum of 0.45 - 0.49. He referenced a pending zoning ordinance that gives the City the opportunity to review the codes, issues and public input without simultaneously being inundated with permit requests of the same nature. He suggested that the three items from Mr. Winters' recommendation be moved into a pending zoning ordinance. Sonya Doerr, Planning and Zoning Director, pointed out that these items would need to go before the Community Development Board before being acted upon by the City Commission. Thus, she reported that she has included the items in the Community Development Board's agenda for discussion at the January 17`h meeting. She also clarified the issue of pending zoning. January 9, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 10 Commissioner Fletcher read the motion, as presented in the staff report. Motion: To direct staff to prepare a preliminary draft of Chapter 24 revisions and an implementing ordinance as described in staff report and to forward these to the Community Development. Rnarrl fnr inn» review. and recommendation at their .lanuary 17"' meeting; and to consider the proposed revisions described within the staff report as pending zoning changes and hold issuance of building permits found not to be in compliance with these revisions until pending adoption of said ordinance. Moved by Fletcher MOTION DIED due to lack of second. Mayor Wolfson addressed the issue and noted that both the current and previous commissions have requested that the Community Development Board review all recommendations as proposed by Winter and Company. He indicated that asking the Board to review and act upon these three items takes them out of order from the whole process of allowing the Community Development Board to receive and review public input prior to making a recommendation. Commissioner Fletcher explained his reasons for the motion and addressed the need to prevent further "McMansion" buildings from being constructed in the City. Mayor Wolfson reiterated the need to follow the proper sequence in addressing the recommendations from Winter and Company and stressed that citizen input will be critical to the final result. Commissioner Simmons and Commissioner Borno concurred with the Mayor's comments. Ms. Doerr clarified that the Community Development Board would still be reviewing the two revisions to the Land Development Regulations regarding the creation of a new Single-family Residential Zoning District classification and an amendment to Section 24-189, as directed by the Commission at their previous meeting. F. Staff Proposal to Remove Sidewalk Along Beach Avenue between 12th & 13th Streets (City Manager) Rick Carper, Public Works Director, presented the information on Beach Avenue and displayed a photo of the area being discussed. He indicated its state of disrepair and noted that the river rock finish on the sidewalk makes it very expensive to replace. He reported that requests for public input have resulted in only one email from the original requestor to remove the sidewalk. Mr. Carper stated that, due to safety concerns, the sidewalk must be either repaired, replaced, or removed. January 9, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 11 To authorize staff to_remove the sidewalk along Beach A Moved by Simmons, seconded by Borno Commissioner Simmons agreed that the sidewalk is in deplorable shape and needs to be removed. She suggested asking the homeowners if they would like to have the area landscaped or laid with sod instead. She did not support spending money to put anything else in that area. Commissioner Waters disagreed with removing the sidewalk in its entirety and suggested repairing it instead. He expressed concern that the removed sidewalk area would become part of the private property owners' yards instead of public access. It was stated by Mr. Carper that the area would remain as a right-of-way on City property. Commissioner Waters believed that the sidewalk should have been properly maintained all along and questioned justifying installing other ped paths when authorizing to remove this sidewalk. He stated that sidewalks are good for neighborhoods. Mr. Carper responded that his research indicated that this sidewalk was not frequently used. Votes: Aye: 4 -Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Wolfson Nay: 1-Waters MOTION CARRIED G. Staff Proposal to Make Richardson Lane aOne-Way Street (City Manager) Mr. Carper displayed a photo of Richardson Lane and reviewed staff's recommendation to make it a one-way street. He explained that the direction of the one-way street was chosen due to the location of the medians being placed on Mayport Road in that area. Motion: To authorize staff to conduct informational meetings with residents to gauge feelings about converting Richardson Lane to a one- way street. Commissioner Simmons supported the motion to begin research on the area and receive feedback from the citizens affected. Commissioner Waters concurred and suggested the residents may want the street direction to be opposite of staff recommendation. The Commission further discussed ideas and methods for informing the residents of the public informational meetings and for receiving their input. Januarv 9, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 12 Moved by Simmons, seconded by Waters Votes: Aye: 5 -Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson Nay: 0 MOTION CARRIED H. Park Rules and Enforcement Actions (City Manager) City Manager Hanson asked Chief David Thompson, Public Safety Director, to review the history of the problems encountered by police officers dealing with violators in City parks. Chief Thompson presented and explained the recommendations in the staff report. He also noted the need for clarification of the type authority to be given to the Police Department and to the Parks and Recreation Department. He asked if the City wished for personnel of these departments to be authorized to direct violators to leave the park and or to close down the park, or portion of the park, due to repeat violations. Chief Thompson explained the issue of violators who commit a criminal act in the park and the need to address these types of violators separately. He indicated that he will bring back options for the Commission to consider regarding this issue. The Commission discussed various issues of the topic, including extra workload placed on staff, parental involvement with juvenile violators, and police and park staff authority and involvement with enforcing the rules. Motion: To authorize the City Attorney to draft an ordinance addressing the concerns reflected in the staff reuort and taking into consideration the comments received at the meeting tonight. Moved by Simmons, seconded by Fletcher Votes: Aye: 5 -Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson Nay: 0 MOTION CARRIED I. Options for Public Park Security (City Manager) Chief Thompson reviewed the options as presented in the staff report as follows: Option 2- apply OPTED principles in parks; Option 3- encourage citizen volunteers to adopt a park; Option 4- increase park use; and Option 5- add surveillance equipmentJcameras to monitor park activities. He noted that these recommendations resulted from discussions with Timmy Johnson, Parks and Recreation Director, and that they were identified as the most effective, least expensive, and least intrusive options. He also reviewed the anuary 9, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 13 budget implications associated with the recommendations, specifically with the camera installation at the Tideviews Preserve parking lot. Motion: To authorize staff to implement Options 2, 3, 4, and 5, as described within the staff report and direct staff to monitor the criminal activity to determine if any additional options are necessary. Moved by Simmons, seconded by Borno The Commission discussed some of the other options, including adding fencing around the park and adding additional police staff specifically for security in the parks. Chief Thompson responded to their questions and provided pertinent information regarding their comments. Commissioner Waters pointed out the need to evaluate the results of implementing the recommended options. Chief Thompson replied that police records and feedback from Parks and Recreation staff will assist in determining the success of their actions. Votes: Aye: 5 -Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson Nay: 0 MOTION CARRIED J. Request from Florida League of Cities for a Resolution that supports the League's Key Priority Issues (City Manager) City Manager Hanson noted that each year the Florida League of Cities (FLC) asks cities to show support for their legislative issues by adopting a general resolution as presented in the staff report. He asked the Commission to give staff direction on whether or not to proceed with the proposed resolution. Commissioner Waters expressed his support for the noteworthy priorities listed by the Florida League of Cities. Commissioner Simmons expressed the need for more background information on the items listed by the FLC before making a decision on whether or not to support the resolution. Commissioner Borno remarked that the City is a member of the FLC and should support its legislative agenda, knowing that there is always the opportunity to address any specific items with which Atlantic Beach may have questions or concerns. Commissioner Fletcher concurred with Commissioner Simmons, but did not want to place any added burden on City staff by requesting them to provide the information regarding all of the FLC items. He inquired into the level January 9, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paae 14 of importance placed on signing the resolution in order to show support for the FLC. Commissioner Waters indicated that going to Tallahassee in order to attend sessions and speak to Senators and other elected officials is the most significant way to support the League but that is not always feasible for the Commissioners. City Manager Hanson suggested that reviewing the FLC website would be a good way for the Commissioners to research information on any of the items in the resolution. He suggested that City staff could work on preparing the proper format for the resolution while the Commission has time to research the items and, if needed, could amend the language presented at the next meeting. It was the consensus of the Commission to direct staff to bring back language for the resolution at the next Commission meeting. K. New Location Options for Mailboxes (City Manager) Rick Carper displayed a picture showing current mailbox locations in the City and reviewed the other options as presented in the staff report. He noted that at a previous meeting the Commission had directed the removal of the mailbox, but, since then, staff had been requested to research alternate locations. The three options presented by staff were the Selva Marina Drive median, the north end of Mandalay Park, and the south end of Mandalay Park. The Commission discussed the convenience and safety issues of the various options at length. Commissioner Simmons called the question. Motion: To place the mailbox at Option 3 (the south end of Mandalay Park . Moved by Simmons, seconded by Borno Votes: Aye: 3 -Borno, Simmons, Waters Nay: 2 -Fletcher, Wolfson MOTION CARRIED City Manager 9. City Manager A. City Manager's Report City Manager Jim Hanson summarized his written report, which is attached and made part of this official record as Attachment B. The issues addressed in his report were: replacement of the AS-400 computer, employee of the year, emergency storm water and sewer repair projects. ,Ianuary 9, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 15 He announced that Lieutenant Henry Bartle of the Police Department was awarded Employee of the Year and was well-deserving of that recognition. In addition to the items in his report, the City Manager also announced the following: The television show, America's Most Wanted, will be filming an episode at Dutton Island park this Saturday morning. Commissioner Fletcher inquired if the City was receiving payment for allowing them to film at the park. The City Manager explained that the television crew has met the requirements for providing a permit, an insurance policy, and a deposit in order to film at that location. The Eminent Domain seminar that was scheduled for Jacksonville was cancelled but a copy of the information and materials for it are located in the City Clerk's office if any of the Commissioners would like to review them. Strategic planning sessions have been scheduled for February ls` and 2na at the Sea Turtle Inn, starting at 5:00 p.m. He invited the public to attend, although no public input will be taken at the meeting. Mayor Wolfson inquired if the Commission presents any formal congratulations to Lieutenant Bartle. The City Manager responded that the Commission is invited to attend the luncheon being held in his honor. Reports/Requests 10. Reports and/or requests from City Commissioners and City City Commissioners Attorney City Attorney Commissioner Fletcher • Discussed America's Most Wanted filming an episode in Atlantic Beach. Believed that the City should charge more money for the episode to be filmed in the City and suggested researching what the City of Jacksonville has charged in similar situations. No other commissioners showed interest in pursuing this issue. Commissioner Waters • Stressed that no other public amenities should be placed in Russell Park. Believed the park is too heavily used at this time. • Requested that Mr. Foster provide a simulated scale of Commissioner Water's proposal versus the adopted proposal for the Mayor/Commissioner salary issue. • Invited everyone to the Florida League of Cities' monthly dinner meeting. He reported that it will be a fish fry and oyster roast hosted in St. Augustine on Thursday, January 19. January 9.2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 16 • Encouraged everyone to attend the FLC dinner meeting in May when Atlantic Beach is co-hosting the event with the other beaches. Mayor Wolfson • Followed up on Stephen Kuti's suggestion to approach Ms. Elsie Thomas about her offer to volunteer for the City. He asked Mr. Carper to talk with Ms. Thomas about assisting with the Richardson Lane issue after the meeting. Adjournment There being no further discussion, the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m. ~~ Donald M. Wolfson, Mayor/Presid g Officer ATTEST: d7'I/)1,L1/ Donna L. Bussey City Clerk ATTACHMENT A JANUARY 9, 2006 COMMISSION MTG January 3, 2006 MEMORANDUM TO: The Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission FROM: Jim Hanso ~Ity°m1GIana.ger SUBJECT: Follow-u eport Welcome Sims; The staff was recently asked for an estimated cost to add lighting to the welcome signs in Atlantic Beach. City staff has asked for costs for this work from our annual electric contractor and will report these costs when they are received. Some other modifications to the welcome signs will also be recommended in a report in at a future commission meeting. Lighting at 5-Points Intersection; Questions were raised at a recent commission meeting about the finish coat on the poles being purchased for the 5-points intersection, specifically about how long they would stand up to the corrosive atmosphere in Atlantic Beach. The poles are being ordered with a powder coat finish on an aluminum base which is the best coating available from the manufacturer. Staff anticipates that the poles will have to be repainted on a periodic basis to keep them looking good. There is a 12-week ordering time for the poles, so it will be at least a couple more months before they can be installed. Clarification on Storm Water Treatment required by the City Code; In a recent commission meeting, Rick Carper was asked if the City Code required land owners to treat any of the storm water run-off originating on their lots or if the code just required that it be retained so as not to cause flooding. His answer was that it only required retainage. That was incorrect because there is a small requirement in the City Code for treatment also. Section 24-66(d) requires the treatment of one half inch of rainfall over the surface area of a lot. Section 24-66~) requires retention for the 25-year storm, which is 9.3 inches. Northeast Florida League of Cities Meeting at the Beaches; In a recent commission meeting, staff was asked to check with the other beach cities to see if they would agree to jointly sponsor one of the monthly Northeast Florida League of Cities meetings. Both Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach have agreed to do so, pending final details to be worked out. Community Character Work by Winter and Comuanv; The City Commission authorized the City Manager to sign an agreement with Winter and Company to perform additional services related to the development of zoning standazds related to the Community Character Project. While the final scope of services has not yet been received, it is expected before the commission meeting on January 9`~'. Also, the next round of meetings on community character is being scheduled. ATTACHMENT B JANUARY 9, 2006 COMMISSION MTG January 3, 2006 MEMORANDUM TO: The Honorable Mayor and Members of the Commission FROM: Jim Hansoi rty Manager SUBJECT: City Manag 's Report Replacement. of AS-400 Computer; Inch~ded -in .the .current budget is $92,000 for the replacement of the city's mainframe IBM AS-400 computer and related software upgrades from HTE (the company that provides the major operating systems for Finance, Human Resources, Utility Billing and other lazge systems). The existing mainframe system is at capacity and cannot be updated with the newest software versions from HTE. A purchase. order has been issued to HTE VAR LLC to replace the AS-400 for $68,845. Although there will be additional charges for upgrades from HTE, the total expenditures are expected to be under the budget when complete. This purchase is exempt from the city purchasing requirements under Code section 2-335(7) which exempts "purchase and contracts for the use or purchase of data processing equipment or data processing systems, software and reproduction equipment." Even though it is exempt from the city's requirements, staff attempted to obtain competitive pricing from other IBM-authorized vendors. It was determined that the purchase from HTE VAR was the lowest price and best choice because of that company's ability to incorporate a number of modifications to the IBM equipment that is required to run HTE software. No other vendor could supply the computer along with the HTE related modifications at a competitive price. No Commission action is needed on this item. This is only reported to make the Commission aware of this purchase. Employee of the Year; LT Henry Bartle of the Police Department has been selected as the City of Atlantic Beach Employee of the Year for 2006. He received numerous nominations from Police Department personnel citing not only his single-handed capture last year of a bank robber, but also for his willingness to tackle any task and the help that he provides to others in the department. A luncheon will be scheduled to celebrate his selection and, according to City policy, he will receive a check for $500 along with two days off, a reserved parking space for one yeaz and an engraved plaque. AGENDA ITEM #9A JANUARY 9, 2006 Emer$ency Storm Water and Sewer Repair Proiects; The following projects aze being done on an emergency basis by the city's point repair contractor and aze being reported to the City Commission because each is expected cost over $10,000. . • Piping collapse on Royal Palms Drive adjacent to Publix shopping center; A section of storm water pipe has collapsed adjacent to the Publix shopping center on Royal Palms Drive. Replacement of approximately 24 feet of 24-inch storm sewer pipe will soon be completed at an estimated cost of $19,000. Royal Palms at Cavalla Road Ditch; One additional problem in the Royal Palms azea is a pipe collapse adjacent to Cavalla Road. The pavement is being undermined during every rain storm. This will also be repaired by Gruhn May and the price is estimated to exceed $10,000. Sewer line adjacent to Colina Court; An emergency pi~xchase order was anpmved on January 3, 2006, in the amount of $13,000. This amount is for labor and materials to repair a major sewer break on Colina Court that was caused when 7EA's contractor, Hinkles & McCoy, hit the sewer main while directional boring to replace underground electric lines. Funds for the repair are available in the Sewer Fund under account number 410-5506-535-3400. The City will invoice Hinkles & McCoy for reimbursement of all costs associated with this sewer repair.