10-23-06MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
October 23, 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 Sylvia N. Simmons
Commissioner Jamie Fletcher
Call to Order/Pledge Mayor Wolfson called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag followed the Invocation, given by Mayor Wolfson.
Mayor Wolfson welcomed the audience and explained the process for public
comments.
Approval of Minutes 1. Approval of the minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting on October 9,
2006
Motion: To approve the minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting on
October 9, 2006 with one tyoograahical change.
Moved by Fletcher, seconded by Waters
Votes:
Aye: 5 - Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Courtesy of the Floor 2. Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors
The Mayor opened the floor to visitors.
Pat Pillmore, 995 Camelia Street, read a letter she wrote to Mayor Payton. She
requested that the city be more specific when using the term "waiver". Ms. Pillmore
presented a small donation to the city showing support to counter any legal actions
taken by citizens regazding the new Residential Standards ordinance.
Jack Robbins, 1435 Linkside Drive, representing Selva Linkside Unit One Home
Owners Association, explained and presented a Speed Humps Petition and also
requested that the Commission prohibit city vehicles from using the Selva Linkside
neighborhood as a cut through.
Stephen A. Kuti, 1132 Linkside Drive, spoke regarding the following:
1) complimented the crew maintaining the city right-a-way in Selva Linkside,
October 23.2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Pa e 2
2) complimented the Utility Director for replacing the fence at the Wastewater Plant,
3) commented on traffic and speeding in the Selva Linkside neighborhood and
requested additional police presence.
Cindy Corey, 394 Eighth Street, reported on the Dutton Island Expansion project and
Acquisition of Buckman/Pritchazd Land Trust. She urged the Commission to attend the
meeting regarding the fundraising for acquisition on October 24, 2006 at Adele Grage
Cultural Center at 7:00 pm. She advised an event called "Marshfest" has been
scheduled for Saturday, November 18, 2006 from 8:00 am unti13:00 pm at Dutton
Island. She expressed her appreciation for the support from the Pazks Department and
Police Department. She indicated she would be asking the Cultural Arts and
Recreation Advisory Committee for some funding.
Hallie Stevens, 382 Seventh Street, Northeast Program Director for the Nature
Conservancy, spoke regazding the proposed Resolution No. 06-13 and urged the
Commission to approve the resolution.
Unfinished Business 3. Unfimished Business from Previous Meeting
from Previous Meeting A. City Manager's Follow-up Report
City Manager Jim Hanson reported on the status of the Moody Marine Property and
indicated the design and development application has been received along with the
preliminary site plan. He indicated he would be forwarding a copy to the Commission
this week.
Mr. Hanson reported that Freebird Cafe has decided not to pursue relocating to Atlantic
Beach.
Discussion ensued regazding the height of the structure being proposed at the Moody
location. The Mayor noted that Councilman Graham and other Elected Officials have
expressed opposition to significant heights on the Intracoastal Waterway and believed
Atlantic Beach could give input on the issue if necessary.
Consent Agenda 4. Consent Agenda
A. Acknowledge receipt of Utility Sales for September 2006
Mayor Wolfson read the Consent Agenda.
Motion: To approve Consent Agenda as presented.
Moved by Borno, seconded by Fletcher
Votes:
Aye: 5 - Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Committee Reports 5. Committee Reports
None
October 23.20(16 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Ps e 3
Action on Resolutions 6. Action on Resolutions
A. Resolution No. 06-13
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH SUPPORTING A
SUCCESSOR PROGRAM TO FLORIDA FOREVER AND THE CONTINUED
FUNDING OF PROGRAMS SUCH AS THE FLORIDA THE FLORIDA
COMMUNITIES TRUST, WHICH ASSISTS CITIES AND COUNTIES IN THE
ACQUISITION, CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTALLY AND CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT LANDS
Mayor Wolfson read the Resolution by title only.
Motion: Aaarove Resolution No. 06-13 as read.
Moved by Borno, seconded by Fletcher
Mayor Wolfson expressed the importance of the program and his support for it.
Votes:
Aye: 5 - Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Action on Ordinances 7. Action on Ordinances
A. Ordinance No. 90-06-196, Introduction and First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, COUNTY OF DUVAL,
STATE OF FLORIDA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 90-06-195, SAID
ORDINANCE PREVIOUSLY ADDING SECTION 24-172, RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS TO THE LAND DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS, THIS ORDINANCE SPECIFICALLY AMENDING SAID
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS TO DELETE PARAGRAPH (c)
(1)i. FROM SECTION 24-172, PROVIDING FOR RECORDATION AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Mayor Wolfson read the ordinance by title only.
Motion: Anarove Ordinance No. 90-06-196 as written on first reading.
Moved by Waters, seconded by Borno
Commissioner Waters referred the Commission to his memo, which is attached and
made part of this official record as Attachment A His memo requested passage of
Ordinance No. 90-06-196 and his logic behind proposing it.
Commissioner Fletcher expressed concern for bringing up new changes pertaining to
the Residential Development Standards at this time. Commissioner Simmons agreed
with Commissioner Fletcher and added objection to what she believed to be last minute
changes.
October 23.2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 4
Commissioner Waters addressed their concerns and explained the timing and how it
relates to the increased FAR.
Mayor Wolfson noted this proposed change was previously mentioned. He explained
Commissioner Waters' request and expressed his support to bring the smaller lots into
balance.
Discussion ensued regazding conforming and nonconforming houses.
Commissioner Borno indicated he did not consider the number of conforming or
nonconforming houses when he voted on the increased FAR but rather he wanted to
give an advantage to development by utilizing the lazger figure.
Votes:
Aye: 3 - Borno, Waters, Wolfson
Nay: 2- Fletcher, Simmons
MOTION CARRIED
Miscellaneous Business 8. Miscellaneous Business
A. New Sidewalk Construction for FY 2007
Public Works Director Rick Carper referred the Commission to his staff report and
handouts. He explained his recommendation and answered questions from the
Commission.
Commissioner Simmons expressed support for construction of sidewalks on West 10~'
Street and West 6`~ Street but did not support taking funds dedicated for Westside of
Mayport Road to apply to Aquatic Drive. She reported the comments she heazd
regarding sidewalks during the Neighborhood Chat meetings and wanted to resolve the
sidewalk problems on Orchid Street and Rose Street.
Further discussion ensued regarding the sidewalk issues raised at the last Neighborhood
Chat meeting. Commissioner Fletcher expressed safety and liability concerns
regarding the slope of the sidewalks in that azea.
Commissioner Waters emphasized the need to address paving and sidewalks on Main
Street.
City Manager Hanson explained the process used for prioritizing sidewalk and bike
path projects.
Mayor Wolfson requested for staff to report back regazding the second part of the
recommendation.
Motion: Approve construction of sidewalks on West 10th Street and West 6`h
Street with remaining project funds held pending a constructability analysis of
Aquatic Drive (survey required to determine if room to place sidewalk in right of
way along western side of street).
October 23, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Pace 5
Moved by Waters, seconded by Borno
Votes:
Aye: 5 - Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson
Nay: 0-
MOTION PASSED
B. Budget Modification for West Plaza Bike Path
City Manager Hanson explained the money for guardrail construction and landscaping
on the path was budgeted last fiscal year, but did not get encumbered in time. He asked
the Commission if he could prepare a budget modification for first reading to add
$15,000 to the project fund.
Motion: Direct staff to prepare a budget modification for first reading to add
$_15,000 to Proiect PW0606, Account 131-5002-541-6300.
Moved by Simmons, seconded by Borno
Votes:
Aye: 5 - Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson
Nay: 0-
MOTION PASSED
C. Recommendation for temporary waiver of requirement to connect to city
sewer system for house at 2359 Seminole Road
City Manager Hanson referred to and explained his staff report, which is attached and
made part of this official record as Attachment B.
Sam Jacobson, owner and resident of 2359 Seminole Road, reported his attempt to
comply with the requirement to connect to the city sewer. He then explained the
various events which led up to the city's recommendation for the temporary waiver.
He expressed agreement to the terms of a temporary waiver as presented in the staff
report.
Discussion ensued regarding the pumps and loss of trees if the system was to be
installed.
Motion: Approve a temporary waiver from the city's policy requiring connection
to the city sewer service for the homeowner at 2359 Seminole Road.
Motion by Waters, seconded by Simmons
Commissioner Fletcher addressed the possibility of designating trees as protected
specimen trees. City Attorney Jensen suggested to not take action on tree designation
during this agenda item.
October 23, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 6
Further discussion ensued regazding the waiver.
Amendment to the Motion: To add "until such time in the future when the front
(westward) portion of the lot is developed and require that the provisions of this
waiver be acknowledged and accepted as part of any future transfer in title for
any part or all of this property.
Moved by Simmons, seconded by Fletcher
Discussion ensued regarding whether the septic tank failure should be a condition of
the waiver.
Votes:
Aye: 4 -Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson
Nay: 1- Borno
MOTION PASSED
Amended Motion: Approve a temporary waiver from the city's policy requiring
connection to the city sewer service for the homeowner at 2359 Seminole Road
until such time in the future when the front (westward) portion of the lot is
developed and require that the provisions of this waiver be acknowledged and
accepted as part of any future transfer in title for any part or all of this property.
Motion by Waters, seconded by Simmons
Votes:
Aye: 5 - Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson
Nay: 0-
MOTION PASSED
D. Discussion and related action on the City Manager's Compensation
Commissioner Borno referred to the City Manager's memo to the Commission and
agreed to respect Mr. Hanson's wishes to decline any bonus if offered. The
Commission concurred and thanked Mr. Hanson for his hard work.
E. Cost of Living Adjustment for Retirees (deferred from Sept. 25, 2006
meeting)
City Manager Hanson referred to his staff report, memo, and the actuarial reports and
explained the status of the city's two pension funds. Mr. Hanson reported his
recommendation that it is not an appropriate time to provide a COLA increase to the
city's retirees.
Commissioner Waters agreed, but asked to address the COLA for retirees during the
next Strategic Planning process. The Commission concurred with the City Manager's
recommendation and to address it during Strategic Planning.
October 23, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Pace 7
City Manager 9. City Manager
A. City Manager's Report
City Manager Jim Hanson reported on TMDL regulations indicating the latest
recommendation from the committee is that state funding will not be available to help
meet the TMDL requirements and explained their reason . He also reported the
Workshop for the Public Safety Building has been scheduled for 4:00 pm on November
27, 2006 prior to the Regulaz Commission Meeting.
Reports/Requests 10. Reports and/or requests from City Commissioners and City Attorney
City Commissioners A. Recommendation for reappointments to the Code Enforcement Board
City Attorney (Mayor)
Mayor Wolfson noted the Board Member Review Committee's recommendation to
reappoint Mamie Hurd and Barbara Weiss to the Code Enforcement Boazd.
Commissioner Waters reported on both members' service. The Mayor expressed his
support for the recommendation.
Motion: Reappoint Mamie Hurd and Barbara Weiss to the Code Enforcement
Board to serve an additional term.
Moved by Borno, seconded by Waters
Votes:
Aye: 5 - Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
B. Recommendation for appointment of a new member to the Cultural Arts
and Recreation Advisory Committee (Mayor)
Mayor Wolfson noted the Board Member Review Committee's recommendation to
appoint Gary Becka to the Cultural Arts and Recreation Advisory Committee to fill the
vacancy of Linda Ginsberg. Commissioner Waters referred the Commission to Mr.
Becka's resume to report his abilities. Commissioner Fletcher reported his knowledge
of Mr. Becka and expressed support for his appointment. The Mayor expressed his
support for the recommendation.
Motion: Appoint Garv Becka to the Cultural Arts and Recreation Advisory
Committee to fill the vacancy of Linda Ginsberg.
Moved by Borno, seconded by Fletcher
Votes:
Aye: 5 - Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
October 23.2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 8
A. Creation of a committee to study district representation
Mayor Wolfson referred to the staff report in the agenda packet and reported the
recommendation. Commissioner Borno asked for a workshop on the topic and
suggested having recommendations for membership to the Committee available.
Mayor Wolfson expressed concern regarding the timeline and recommended moving
forward with a committee as soon as possible. There was further discussion on
timelines. Commissioner Fletcher indicated he has a list of nominees prepared and was
ready to address tonight if possible. Mayor expressed the need for a balance of
representation on the committee and offered other ideas on membership.
Commissioner Simmons shared her ideas regarding districts and membership. Further
discussion ensued. Mayor Wolfson asked for a workshop prior to the next Regular
Commission Meeting and the Commission agreed to it. City Manager Hansen
requested all nominations for members be submitted to him and explained the maps and
materials he plans to provide prior to the workshop.
City Attorney Jensen
- Reported he will not be at the next meeting on November 13, 2006.
Commissioner Borno
- Reported he had attended his first meeting regarding the ferry and explained he
plans to have a Resolution on the next agenda in support of the ferry. Mayor
expressed appreciation for his work with the committee.
Commissioner Simmons
- Indicated the need to look into the Selva Linkside issues presented earlier.
Commissioner Fletcher agreed with Commission Simmons. The City Manager
was asked to research and report back to the Commission regarding the two
traffic issues.
Commissioner Waters
- Indicated he had attended the Legislative Council meeting. He reported on the
issues addressed and provided the Commission with a handout from the
meeting. He expressed the need to have a representative attend the meetings.
- Agreed that city vehicles should be able to use Plaza. instead of using Selva
Linkside streets as a cut through.
- Complimented the Mayor for supporting the lighting of the welcome sign which
can now be seen easier.
- Complimented the City Manager for the selection of the artwork in the
Commission Chambers.
Mayor Wolfson
- Complimented the City Manager for the enhancements to City Hall and the
Commission Chambers.
October 23 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 9
Adjournment There being no further discussion, the Mayor declared the meeting
adjourned at 9:59 pm.
Donald M. Wolfson, Mayor/Presi 'ng Officer
ATTEST:
~~DYUha
Donna L. Bussey
City Clerk
ATTACHMENT A
OCTOBER 23, 2006
COMMISSION MTG.
TO: Mayor, Commissioners and City Manager
FROM.• Commissioner Waters
RE.• An unintended result of the passage of the revised Ordinance 90-06-195
REMEDY.• Passage of Ordinance 90-06-196
LOGIC: The original (or unrevised) Ordinance 90-06-195 provided for an exception
for small lots so that everything under 6, 000 square feet would be treated as ij
it were 6000 square feet-which was justifiable to some as a corrective measure.
Thus if you possessed a 5500 sq. ft. lot, it would be treated as 6000 sq. ft.
for building purposes with a FAR of .54; hence
6000 (really a SS00 sq. ft lot)
x. 54
3240
3240 sq. ft house + 500 sq. ft garage
Now with a .60 FAR, it entitles the property owner to build the following on that
small lot:
6000 (really a 5500 sq. ft lot)
x. 60
3600
3600 sq. ft house + 500 sq. ft garage
Whereas if you held these small lots to their actual size and to the same
FAR as e very othar lot, here is what you would have while treating all
property in Dld Atlantic Beach exactly the same:
SS00
x. 60
3300 sq. ft house with a 500 sq. ft garage
CONCLUSION.• If the 6,000 sq. ft. minimum were deleted, then the .60 FAR on a 5500
sq. ft. lot now creates almost exactly the same square footage for a house as originally
proposed in the unrevised Ordinance. Please remove the exemption for the revised
ordinance out of fairness and for simplicity.
THANKS, DEZMOND
ATTACHMENT B
OCTOBER 23, 2006
COMMISSION MTG.
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM: Recommendation for temporary waiver of requirement to
connect to city sewer system for house at 2359 Seminole Road
SUBMITTED BY: Jim Hanson, City Manag
DATE: October 13, 2006
BACKGROUND: Several years ago the Mayor and Commission adopted a policy for the
enforcement of the state law requiring the conversion from septic tanks to
a public sewer system. The state requires any owner of a septic tank to
connect to a public sewer system within one year if that system is located
within 100 feet of the property line. However, local governments are
expected to enforce the state law. The Atlantic Beach policy sets a
timetable for conversion with a minimum of 5 years to connect which has
now expired for many septic tank owners. The City has been quite
successful with this program and over half of the septic tanks in Atlantic
Beach with public sewer availability have been converted to the public
system.
There is one septic tank owner for which the timetable for enforcement
has expired that has not connected to the sewer system. The property is
located at 2359 Seminole Road and is owned by Sam Jacobson. There are
numerous problems with the physical connection to the sewer system
which would result in a very high cost which, staff believes, is
unreasonable. Even though the lot is within 100 feet of the nearest city
sewer line, it is long and narrow with the house located quite a distance
from the city street. There is a "dip" in the property between the house
and the street that would preclude using a gravity sewer system. Two
pumps and a force main would be required to connect to the two septic
tanks that are currently in use. One of these tanks is located partially
under some pool decking. The front of the lot, across which the
connection would be needed, is heavily wooded. The installation of a
sewer force main would probably require the elimination of several large
trees. A survey of the property is attached for your information. Because
of all the problems with the connection, the city's contractor (Gruhn May)
has estimated the cost of this work to be in excess of $30,000.
Most of the other septic to sewer conversions that have been completed in
Atlantic Beach have ranged in cost between $2,000 and $5,000. To date,
the most expensive conversion that has been completed for a single
building (duplex) has been $12,096 including impact fee and tap fees.
ATTACHMENT B
OCTOBER 23, 2006
COMMISSION MTG.
At some point in the future, it is expected that the area between the house
at 2359 Seminole Rd. and the street will be subdivided to create one or
more new lots and that dwelling units will be built on those new sites. The
City will require that those new units be connected to the city's sewer
system. The cost to connect the existing house at the rear of the property
would be much lower if done in connection with a new development. We
have discussed a possible temporary waiver with the property owner and
he is agreeable.
BUDGET: There is no cost to the City of Atlantic Beach for septic to sewer
conversions. All these costs are paid by the property owners.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve a temporary waiver from the city's policy requiring connection to
the city sewer service for the homeowner at 2359 Seminole Road until
such time in the future when the front (westward) portion of the lot is
developed or either of the septic tanks fails and require that the provisions
of this waiver be acknowledged and accepted as part of any future transfer
in title for any part or all of this property.
ATTACHMENTS: (1) Survey of property at 2359 Seminole Road.
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ATTACHMENT B
OCTOBER 23, 2006
COMMISSION MTG.