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08-03-19 Minutes Town HallMINUTES Town Hall Meeting Saturday, August 3, 2019 - Noon Commission Chamber PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ATTENDANCE: Present: Ellen Glasser, Mayor - Seat 1 Cindy Anderson, Commissioner - Seat 2 Candace Kelly, Commissioner - Seat 4 Brittany Norris, Commissioner - Seat 5 Also Present: Phyllis Nadeau, Associate City Clerk/Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER Mayor Glasser called the meeting to order at 12:00 Noon. Commissioner Anderson arrived at 12:07 p.m. 1 TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION AND PUBLIC INPUT OPEN DISCUSSION Mayor Glasser explained the informal format of a Town Hall Meeting and introduced staff. She suggested the following topics for discussion: Parks Neighborhoods Bike Safety History Mayor Glasser pointed out the posted maps of the Marsh -to -Parks Master Plan that was originally started in 2012. She stated the Commission welcomes any comments or suggestions on the Marsh -to -Parks Master Plan. Mayor Glasser opened the floor to questions. Louise Hunley inquired as to which City employee she should address regarding volunteering to help the Parks and Recreation Department. She spoke about her desire to organize community tennis teams. Discussion ensued about past City programs, and DCM Hogencamp offered his assistance in getting information with regard to volunteering to organize a community tennis team. Town Hall August 3, 2019 Debbie Simmons asked about plans for parking around the Town Center and the Beaches specifically for residents and if there are any future plans for a parking garage. Discussion ensued about paid parking, the amount of land necessary for a parking garage, the cost of building a parking garage, and the likelihood of building one in the future. Chuck McCue asked about a definition for "skilled area" and inquired as to whether the Commission plans to move forward with a bike park. Discussion ensued about Atlantic Beach residents' past opposition to a bike park and the Commissions' concerns regarding safety, lighting, parking, and property usage. John Bishop asked about creating a walking trail at the dog park on Aquatic Drive. The Commission informed that the funds were budgeted this year for a walking trail at the dog park. John Cox asked the Commission why there was not a bike park already in Atlantic Beach. Mayor Glasser gave a brief history on the City's research for a bike park. Timothy Ryerson asked what the City requires from residents to petition for a skate park. Currently, the only place children can ride safely is Kona Skate Park, which is cost prohibitive for many. A lengthy discussion ensued about prioritizing projects and the limitations involved. Saswata Roy reiterated the lack of safe places in Atlantic Beach for family bike riding. Commissioner Norris asked everyone at the meeting advocating for the bike park to please email her with any designs, ideas, plans and/or proposals. Commissioner Anderson addressed all of the bike park advocates stating that all plans and ideas have to be coordinated through City staff before they can be considered. A lengthy discussion ensued about all of the recent improvements that have been done for bikers, educating bike -riders, crosswalks, and reducing speed. She reminded everyone of the maps displayed and encouraged all to look at the maps on "Safety Town" which is for young riders who are just learning. Dee Davis, City Recreation Department, spoke about land requirements needed to satisfy all levels of bike riding skills/needs. Town Hall August 3, 2019 Mitch Reeves asked the Commission to consider the City -owned land at the intersection of the Wonderwood Bridge and A1A for building the park as it is not being used. He also spoke about paid parking. Shane Burke asked the Commission to allow for a show of hands from everyone who supports a bike park, as there seems to be a disparity in the amount of attention the issue has received to date. Mayor Glasser asked Mr. Burke to define a "bike park," and reminded everyone again to take a look at the map of the proposed "Safety Town." There was consensus not to ask for a show of hands. Lenny Jevic asked about considering an Acoustic Night at Beaches Veteran Park to keep residents in that area of Atlantic Beach engaged. He also spoke about hiring local artists for utility box art. John Wells asked the Commission if anything has been done about the excessive smoke problem at ABBQ Barbeque. DCM Hogencamp responded and stated the City has contacted the Jacksonville Environmental Quality Division and the Health Department and both offices stated this is not within their jurisdiction. He stated the owner has been informed of the complaints, and objective data is needed to prove the smoke is toxic, dangerous or unhealthy. DCM Hogencamp encouraged if anyone has any data to please submit this to the City. The City is still trying to determine if it has any regulatory authority regarding the issue. Katelyn Chapel asked the Commission if they would consider putting up a "Yield to Pedestrians" sign to the right side of Plaza Road. Mayor Glasser explained that, unfortunately, the City is unable to place a sign because this area is under the jurisdiction of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). However, she is working with FDOT to get the response from a recent safety study they have conducted, along with the budget for improvements. Al Frosio asked if the City plans to add more pickle ball courts. DCM Hogencamp instructed Mr. Frosio to send him an email and he could comment further. Commissioner Norris commented on balancing the requests for tennis courts and pickle ball courts. Jordon Newton asked how residents on Dutton Island can contribute to halting automobile speeding. Discussion ensued about options to slow down drivers including signs, speed bumps and calling the police department to issue a traffic complaint. Town Hall August 3, 2019 DCM Hogencamp announced the City is in the process of naming the bridge at Dutton Island The Sergeant First Class Leroy Everett Memorial Bridge." Sergeant Everett was an Atlantic Beach native who gave his life serving our country. Sergeant Jevic gave a history of the five (5) native Atlantic Beach men who lost their lives serving our country. Tenia Thomas, Recreation Department, asked about making one of the basketball courts at the Baker Center into a splash park, and if they would consider budgeting for additional parking in the future. Discussion ensued about cost and Ms. Thomas was encouraged to do some research to bring to staff for next year's budget. Dennis Sparks thanked the Commission for the recent addition of and maintenance to the pickle ball courts. Steve Fouraker asked why the bike park advocates focus is in Atlantic Beach, if there have been any noise complaints by citizens from ABBQ Barbeque, where the shared parking boarders lie, and if they would consider installing a shuffleboard court. Discussion ensued about the Town Center Management Agency and their agreements with merchants, and installing a shuffleboard court. Peter Linskey asked if the police could be more diligent at the cross streets between Sherry and East Coast. Mayor Glasser reiterated communicating with the police department directly. Commissioner Norris spoke about "traffic calming measures" (community policing through environmental design) which is part of the plan for Complete Streets on Mayport Road. Al Frosio asked about supporting more senior activities. Mayor Glasser stated the City is currently attempting to identify the more vulnerable population, primarily for disasters, but also for other activities for community involvement. Timothy Ryerson asked about insurance liability for a bike park. A lengthy discussion ensued about insurance liability and the involvement of the City Attorney. Katelyn Chapel asked about educating citizens on bike -riding safety. Discussion ensued about the need for educating drivers on pedestrian safety, including low speed vehicles LSVs). Saswata Roy asked about what residents need to present to the Commission at the next meeting in order to push the agenda for a bike park going forward. Town Hall August 3, 2019 Commissioner Norris asked Mr. Roy to provide: (1) specific type of bike park, including what demographic will be using the bike park; (2) the dimensions required (space needed); (3) how much parking space is needed; (4) if necessary, the cost of purchasing property; and (5) possible available locations. She encouraged Atlantic Beach citizens who are in support of a bike park to email, text or contact her on Facebook. Commissioner Anderson added that she would like those interested in building a bike park to talk to the City staff and get their input with regard to the planning of this project. 2 PUBLIC COMMENT (OPEN TOPICS) Mayor Glasser opened the floor for open comment (three minute rounds). Chuck McCue spoke about Atlantic Beach bringing people in from outside Atlantic Beach, the difference between a BMX bike track and a pump bike track, and the kiosk that is installed in Atlantic Beach. Jordon Newton thanked the City for the flyers that were sent out to residents about this meeting, the importance of educating young residents of Atlantic Beach about community, installing clothing donation bins in the City, and the opportunity to promote healthy living in the community. Latrina Thomas announced that she does take donations at the Baker Center. She talked about maintaining civility and being respectful of each other, to set an example for the youth of the community. Ralph Teten spoke in support of a bike park and described his vision, which would be inclusive for all ages and skill levels. Discussion ensued about the importance of getting community approval for a bike park and the feasibility with regard to cost. Mayor Glasser adjourned the meeting at 2:01 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Attest: dD Sl 6-(a, Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk Date Approved: WzGli Ellen Glasser, Mayor Town Hall August 3, 2019