Item 9AAGENDA ITEM # 9A
AUGUST 27, 2007
August 20, 2007
MEMORANDUM
TO: The Honorable Mayor
and Members of the Commission
FROM: Jim Hanso
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SUBJECT: City Mana is Report
TMDL Regulations; An amendment to proposed grant stipulations relating to the construction
of wastewater facilities was approved by the TMDL Executive Committee at a meeting on
Thursday, August 16th that may benefit the City of Atlantic Beach. It was reported in a recent
budget workshop that it may be better to turn down State grant funding because of some
conditions proposed. Specifically, state regulators had proposed a provision that would not
allow any credits for excess reduction for nitrogen from the river to be used to offset required
nitrogen reductions from other wastewater or stormwater discharges. Atlantic Beach officials
have been planning to upgrade the larger of the City's two wastewater plants to advanced
wastewater treatment (AWT) standards which would go beyond the required nitrogen limits for
the TMDL restrictions. The plan was for these additional reductions to be used in place of
nitrogen reductions that would be required in the City's second and smaller wastewater plant.
However, if acceptance of a state grant would disallow the use of those credits, then additional
construction would be needed at the second wastewater plant.
T'he action by the TMDL Executive Committee on August 16th will allow the internal trading of
credits. The remaining restrictions specify that, if the credits are to be "sold" to other
governmental entities, then the receiving city (Atlantic Beach) could not make a profit out of the
sale.
This grant change does not apply to reuse grants, although Atlantic Beach officials are having a
separate discussion with Water Management District employees to try to get this amended also.
At this time, Atlantic Beach has not received any commitment from the State for future grant
funding for wastewater plant expansions. However, this change in grant stipulations could have
a significant effect on Atlantic Beach's future costs if a grant is received. The City of
Jacksonville Beach currently has a commitment from the State for grant funds totaling
$6,000,000.
Palms Apartments; Several City Commissioners recently questioned if the current conditions at
the Palms Apartments on Mayport Rd. violated City standards. Staff inspected the complex on
August 20th and a report was issued by Alex Sherrer (copy attached). In summary, while there
AGENDA ITEM # 9A
AUGUST 27, 2007
are several violations, they can be easily corrected and the owner has been cited. The remaining
walls from the previous demolation do not violate the City Code. Staff is investigating whether
other Florida cities regulate similar situations to see if Atlantic Beach should strengthen the
Code. In the meantime, Glenn Trotter, a representative of the Palms owner, has provided a letter
indicating that plans for the reconstruction of the buildings will be submitted for permitting
within the next couple of weeks. A copy of his letter of August 14th is attached.
AGENDA ITEM # 9A
AUGUST 27, 2007
Memo
To: Jim Hanson, City Manager
From:Alex Sherrer, Code Enforcement Officer
CC: David Thompson, Public Safety Director
David Hufstetler, Building Offiaal
Date: 8/20/2007
Re: Palms Apartments Survey
A general survey of the property commonly referred to as the Palms Apartments was
conducted today. The participants of this survey were Public Safety Director David
Thompson, Building Official David Hufstetler, Owner's Representative Glen Trotter and
myself. The following safety issues /violations were observed:
1. Vegetation exceeded permitted height.
2. Two small openings in the perimeter fencing
3. Pile of Construction Debris
4. Two open pits
5. Two minor spots of stagnant water.
s. Unsecured Laundry Building
Mr. Trotter will be directed to correct the aforementioned deficiencies within 2 weeks; weed
abatement was already in process at time of survey. Furthermore Mr. Totter was directed to
provide information regarding the status /plans of the property.
On the positive side, we could find no evidence of vermin, human habitation, or illegal
storage, and while the existing structures are unsightly, the Building Official has determined
they are sound. Options regarding the status of the existing structures and any future
similarities is being researched to correct /prevent such a blighted condition from ever
existing again.
AGENDA ITEM # 9A
AUGUST 27, 2007
August 14, 2007
Ms. Sonya Doerr
Community Development Director
City of Atlantic Beach
800 Seminole Road
Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233-5445
Re: Former Palms Apartments located at 3952 Mayport Road @ Atlantic Boulevard
Project Status
Dear Ms. Doerr:
Please accept this letter on behalf of 3952 Mayport Road, LLC, recent owners of the former Palms
Apartments complex, to update the Planning & Development Department and the City of Atlantic Beach
as to the current and planned status of the property.
Architectural construction drawings have been in progress, and are anticipated to be completed for
submittal into the City within two to four weeks for approvals. The plans depict maintaining the existing
25 concrete block buildings on site; adding additional bathrooms to individual units; reconfiguring
interior layouts of units; engineering for new HVAC, electrical, and plumbing of all units. New code-
approved windows and doors are planned, together with newly engineered roofs.
Updated landscaping plans are also integral to the working drawings. A Security entrance gate and
fencing has been designed for installation.
The owners will commence construction upon plan and permit approvals. The project is contemplated
to be constructed in stages pending velocity of sales.
3952 Mayport Road, LLC looks forward to constructing and delivering an outstanding residential project
designed to meet the needs of the residents of Atlantic Beach.
Please contact me should you have questions regarding this exciting project.
Sincerely,
i~~'-~ ~~
Glen Trotter
Representative for 3952 Mayport Raad, LLC
Phone: (904) 241-1922