5-28-13 Commission Workshop MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP OF ATLANTIC BEACH CITY COMMISSION
HELD IN THE COMMISSION CHAMBER ON MAY 28,2013 AT 6:30 PM
City Commission Members present:
Mayor Mike Borno
Mayor Pro Tem Maria Mark
Commissioner Mark Beckenbach
Commissioner Jonathan Daugherty
Commissioner Carolyn Woods
Staff present:
Jim Hanson, City Manager
Rick Carper, Public Works Director
Mike Classey, Police Chief
Nelson Van Liere, Finance Director
Donna Bartle, City Clerk
Nancy Bailey, Recording Secretary
The meeting, which was held for the purpose of discussing the agenda items for the Commission
Meeting of June 10, 2013, was called to order at 6:36 p.m. by Mayor Borno. Mayor Borno explained
the agenda for the workshop.
1. Discussion of Action Items on Commission Meeting Agenda for June 10,2013:
A. Minutes
There was no discussion on this item.
Item 8A, under Miscellaneous Business,was taken out of sequence and acted on at this time.
8A. Agreement with Beaches Habitat for the renovation and use of Jordan Park Community Center.
City Manager Jim Hanson summarized the staff report stating Habitat has determined they need more
space and want to renovate the Jordan Center at their cost. He stated Habitat has drafted a new
agreement reflecting the requests to renovate the Jordan Center.
Ralph Marcello, from Habitat, stated it is important for them to move forward so they can get the
renovation done in the summer, outside the school year.
Sue Goebertuf, After School Program Coordinator, explained their mission is to keep the children where
they are, if they are on grade level, with the goal of getting them above grade level in their reading and
math skills. Kathy Christiansen, Director of Education Programs, explained what they are doing with
the after school program. She stated it has been a great partnership with the City in terms of the City
running the administrative part of the after school program and getting the children involved, allowing
her to focus on the education piece.
Mr. Hanson expressed his appreciation to Habitat for working with the City on this program, stating it
has been a great success for the children in the neighborhood.
Commissioner Daugherty stated he was grateful for the impact Habitat has on our community.
Minutes—City Commission Workshop May 28,2013
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Item 3A was taken out of sequence and acted on at this time.
3. Workshop-only Items
A. Presentation by Langton Associates on benefits of hiring a grants consultant.
Michael Langton, President of Langton Associates, gave a presentation on the benefits of hiring a grant
writer versus doing it in-house, explaining what his firm could offer, their background and experience.
He answered questions from the Commission. Commissioner Daugherty further explained why he had
asked Mr. Langton to give a presentation to the Commission.
Item 7E, under Ordinances,was taken out of sequence and acted on at this time.
7E. Ordinance No. 90-13-216
Principal Planner Erika Hall reported on the rezoning application requested by Atlantic Beach Country
Club for the parcels that include the Clubhouse and recreational amenities, as the remainder is in the
City of Jacksonville. She also discussed the revised traffic study completed for the PUD and answered
questions from the Commission. Commissioner Daugherty expressed concerns about the results of the
traffic study. T.R. Hainline, 1301 Riverplace Blvd., agent for the applicant, further reported on the
traffic study and improvements to Dutton Island Road. Ward Koutnik, President of Transportation
Planners Enterprise, explained the past history and current results of the traffic study estimates.
Discussion ensued and Mr. Koutnik answered several questions. Mr. Hainline further reported they are
aggressively pursuing both an Interlocal agreement and annexation, stating even if it doesn't happen the
PUD will have Atlantic Beach criteria, standards and ordinances on almost all of the tests and standards
that are applied to them. Mr. Hainline, Ms. Hall and Mr. Hanson answered several other questions from
the Commission.
Commissioner Woods posed a question regarding the language allowing developer to have real estate
signs up through build-out and asked what is considered build-out. Mr. Hainline stated he would
research that and come back with an answer at the Commission Meeting on June 10. Mr. Hainline
further answered questions related to landscaping and tree protection. Commissioner Woods also stated
the design shows 169 houses but states up to 180 houses and asked where those houses would go and
would they have to come back to the Commission before they were platted. Mr. Hainline explained
there is always some play when the final engineering is done as to where things go in specific detail so
that allows them a little cushion in terms of where lots can go and possibly adding lots. He stated City
staff will see all of those plans as they are submitted to verify that they comply with the PUD. He stated
the difference between the 169 and the 180 is that play that could happen in the final engineering kinds
of things. Commissioner Woods clarified that they would not necessarily come back to the Commission
to add the extra 21 houses. Mr. Hainline stated no, that would be a plan City staff would look at to make
sure it complies with the PUD. Ms. Hall further clarified that they do have a range of lot widths so they
might take out some of the larger widths and try to squeeze in more. Commissioner Woods asked if
they can assume it is all along that one roadway because some people are concerned that these houses
are going to be built up against houses that now have golf course views. Mr. Hainline stated he does not
think it would change their building envelope at all. He stated their intent and site plan is to maintain
the view sheds for all those people who live around the golf course. He stated that basic intent and what
their site plan shows as the basic envelope would not be changing within that 180. Commissioner
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Woods further stated there was a concern about fences or some kind of visual barrier being put between
the existing houses that have a golf course view and questioned if there is anything in the covenants
about fences and barriers to the golf view from the existing houses. Mr. Hainline stated the developer
could address that but the only thing he heard about fencing had to do with possible safety.
Rick Wood, 414 Old Hard Road, President of Wood Development Co., stated they have not talked
about erecting fences around the perimeter and explained they have proposed some enhanced
landscaping. Commissioner Woods asked him to clarify that they are not necessarily looking to block
the view of existing homes to the golf course. Mr. Wood stated some of those homes he is not sure he
wants to see and is not going to tell her that they aren't going to be selective. He stated where they
would want to do the enhancing would be at the tee boxes, angle turns or pins, which is where people
tend to congregate, but along the balance of the perimeter they may do very little.
Following a concern of Commissioner Beckenbach about the golf course property being designated as
perpetual green space upon the annexation of the property, discussion ensued on the conservation
easement. Mr. Hanson stated our understanding and the agreement they are working to create is that the
City Commission will not spend any construction dollars toward the reuse system until the City has in
hand the deed restriction. He stated that will be done regardless of annexation assuming we move
forward with the reuse system. He stated the annexation is beyond their control but they have agreed to
support it. He stated, as he understands it, the agreement is that we will try to move forward with that
and the City of Atlantic Beach, the developer and the country club have agreed to that but we have not
heard back from Jacksonville yet and we may have to go to the legislature. He stated we will get a deed
restriction regardless of annexation. Mr. Hainline reiterated it is in their interest to be annexed and they
want to be annexed.
Item 7F, under Ordinances,was taken out of sequence and acted on at this time.
7F. Ordinance No. 90-13-217
Erika Hall explained in the previous staff report for the Atlantic Beach Country Club there was a copy of
the approved PUD which included a parcel that is owned by Selva Preserve LLC. She stated it is the
vacant lot right across from Selva Lakes and was highly contentious when it rezoned as part of a joint
venture partnership. She stated it became part of the Selva PUD and was merged into that project. She
stated because this is a new project, that parcel is no longer a part of the current Selva project. She
explained they have no plans for development of this parcel at this time so they have asked to revert to
RS-1 Zoning.
B. Consent Items
Consent Item 4A—There was no discussion on this item.
Consent Item 4B — Public Works Director Rick Carper reported on the bid on the palm tree trimming,
explaining the lowest bidder was Luke Brothers. He answered several questions from the Commission.
Consent Item 4C - There was no discussion on this item.
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Consent Item 4D—Mr. Carper explained the waiver request to allow a circular driveway, showing a
slide of the property. He stated he recommended approval because he believes it is safer to be able to
pull out straight into traffic this close to the corner than it is to back out into the traffic. Commissioner
Woods stated they seem to be passing a lot of these requests and asked if the 100 ft. requirement is too
much and should be backed down to 80 ft. Mr. Carper stated he would review his notes on this and see
why they decided on the 100' requirement in the first place. Mr. Hanson stated part of the discussion
was not wanting people to turn their entire front part of their lot into a parking lot, which was an
aesthetics issue. Discussion ensued.
Consent Item 4E—Finance Director Nelson Van Liere reported Harry McNally has stepped down from
the Pension Board and Tim Saggau was previously interviewed by the BMRC and although not chosen
at that point was selected as the second choice. He stated the Pension Board members elected to appoint
him to that position.
C. Resolutions
Resolution No. 13-07 - Mr. Hanson summarized the resolution explaining this is to adopt the
administrative issues related to the Defined Contribution Plans.
Resolution No. 13-08 - Commissioner Daugherty explained the resolution. Commissioner Woods
suggested changing the resolution under Section 2 to include some kind of time constraint and under
Section 4 she does not believe the City Manager needs to be there. Commissioner Daugherty responded
that he originally proposed to have under Section 2 that the meetings be held on the last Saturday of
each month but staff said there may be scheduling conflicts and it is easier in resolution form to leave it
open. Discussion ensued related to requiring the City Manager to attend and the location. Mayor Borno
stated he does not believe they should tie up staff for town hall meetings and believes it is for the
Commission to meet with the citizens; he does not believe the meetings should be held on Saturdays;
and believes the meetings should be at City Hall. He further stated he believes the resolution hamstrings
the future commissions. Commissioner Daugherty agreed to eliminate Section 4. Commissioner
Beckenbach agreed it is a good idea for quarterly meetings, but they should leave out the City Manager
and include City Hall. Mr. Hanson stated he will work with Commissioner Daugherty to make the
changes before the next meeting.
D. Ordinances
7A. Ordinance No. 20-13-123 —There was no discussion on this item.
7B. Ordinance No. 58-13-35 —There was no discussion on this item.
7C. Ordinance No. 58-13-36—There was no discussion on this item.
7D. Ordinance No. 58-13-37—There was no discussion on this item.
7E. Ordinance No. 90-13-216—This item was taken out of sequence and discussed earlier in the
meeting.
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7F. Ordinance No. 90-13-217—This item was taken out of sequence and discussed earlier in the
meeting.
7G. Ordinance No. 20-13-122—There was no discussion on this item.
7H. Ordinance No. 95-13-106—Chief Classey summarized the ordinance and explained the specific
changes. Commissioner Woods referred to pg 14, Section 4-11 (5) and suggested they eliminate it,
stating it contradicts itself She also asked if on pg. 15 #8 they want some language that if they are
impounded because of this the owner is responsible for all expenses. Chief Classey stated that is
elsewhere in the ordinance. Commissioner Mark asked if they had considered limiting the number of
dogs per household. Chief Classey stated it is not in the ordinance. Alan Jensen stated that has come up
in the past and it could start world war 3. Discussion ensued.
7I. Ordinance No. 5-13-59—Chief Classey summarized the ordinance, explaining the proposed use
of a special magistrate for dangerous dog hearings. Commissioner Woods asked if there is any language
that the City would also have representation. Chief Classey stated it is not in the ordinance but their
practice is to have that and they have typically had an attorney to represent the City's interest. City
Attorney Jensen stated the Statute provides that the City Attorney at the Code Enforcement Board will
either be the advisor to the Board or prosecute the cases and he was directed years ago to be the advisor
to the Board so they have another separate attorney to prosecute the cases, which Suzanne Green has
done for years.
7J. Ordinance No. 75-13-18 — Chief Classey summarized the ordinance stating we do not currently
have any regulations on the books regarding the operation of taxi cabs in the City. Discussion ensued.
E. Miscellaneous Business
8A. Agreement with Beaches Habitat for the renovation and use of Jordan Park Community Center.
This item was taken out of sequence and discussed earlier in the meeting.
8B. Appointments to the Cultural Arts&Recreation Advisory Committee.
Commissioner Daugherty reported on the recommendations of the Board Member Review Committee.
Discussion ensued.
2. Discussion of Non-Action Items on Commission Meeting Agenda for June 10,2013:
A. City Manager's Follow-up Report/City Manager's Report
Mr. Hanson reported on the issue of Pension Reform stating at the end of the legislative session there
was no Pension Reform made.
He stated the Laserfiche web link is now available to the public on the City's web site.
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Mayor Borno stated he believes it is time to go with a special magistrate in lieu of the Code
Enforcement Board and if everyone is in agreement he will work with the City Attorney on this.
Commissioner Mark suggested moving non-controversial final reading ordinances to a special meeting
before the workshops so they can vote on them. Discussion ensued.
3. Workshop-only Items
A. Presentation by Langton&Association on benefits of hiring a grants consultant.
This item was taken out of sequence and discussed earlier in the meeting.
B. Assessment of decision-making styles.
Commissioner Mark passed out the key to the exercise she proposed on decision-making styles and
asked the Commission to complete the survey before the next Commission meeting so they can review it
at that meeting.
Commissioner Woods stated she was at the ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park and encouraged
everyone to visit. Mayor Borno stated the next ceremony will June 14 for Flag Day.
Commissioner Mark complimented Rick Carper and Chief Classey for their actions related to parking
issues a citizen was having.
4. Public Input
Mayor Borno opened the Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors. He welcomed the audience and explained
the process for public comments.
Dave Estes, 1275 Linkside Drive, suggested the Commission invest in a system to better amplify their
voices at these workshops. He also expressed concern regarding the Selva Marina redevelopment and
felt the representatives speaking tonight gave some non-answers in their presentations. He stated
although the Club may not have any intention of installing any type of barriers/buffers at this time, it
would be beneficial to the many homeowners in the future if this condition was in writing. He requested
the following be added to the redevelopment plan: "The club shall not block or hinder the view that
existing homeowners currently have of the existing, and the new redeveloped property, from the
perimeter of the property. This would include any method of blocking or hindering the view, such as
barriers, buffers, walls, nets, etc. This would also include the use of natural vegetative buffers such as
shrubs and trees." He stated these property owners have paid higher than normal prices for their
property simply for the view of the golf course and blocking or hindering that view would not only
cause personal distress but would also devalue their property from a financial standpoint. He stated
what he is concerned about is what they say they are going to do and what they actually do. He stated
the Club does a good job of maintaining the property so it looks good to the members and showed slides
of several areas of the golf course that the members don't see but the neighbors do that are not
maintained.
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Kevin Gartland, 1140 Seminole Road, representing his mother, Alice Gartland, discussed the Selva
Preserve development stating three of the seven acres are wetlands and asked that the Commission
include a conservation easement when they consider any approval of RS-1 zoning for that land.
Susan Snead, 261 Beach Avenue, discussed trespassing issues in her neighborhood and related an
incident during the weekend of Dancin' in the Streets where a couple walked through her neighbor's
walkway and took a shower at their outside shower. She explained she called the police and related her
dissatisfaction with what happened. She asked the Commission to look into what can be done about
trespassers.
Mark Tomaski, 448 Snapping Turtle Court West, suggested the Commission allow people to speak
at the beginning of the workshops as well as at the end.
No one else from the audience spoke so Mayor Borno closed the Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors.
There being no further discussion by the City Commission, Mayor Borno declared the meeting
adjourned at 8:54 p.m.
Mike Borno
Mayor
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Donna L. Bartle, CMC
City Clerk