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03-31-20 Special Electronic City Commission Meeting Adopted MinutesATTENDANCE: Present: Also Present: MINUTES Special Electronic City Commission Meeting Tuesday, March 31, 2020 - 6:00 PM via Videoconference Ellen Glasser, Mayor - Seat 1 Cindy Anderson, Commissioner - Seat 2 (District 1308) Blythe Waters, Commissioner - Seat 3 (District 1307) Candace Kelly, Commissioner - Seat 4 (District 1306) Brittany Norris, Mayor Pro Tem / Commissioner - Seat 5 (District 1312) Shane Corbin, City Manager (CM) Brenna Durden, City Attorney (CA) Donna Bartle, City Clerk (CC) Kevin Hogencamp, Deputy City Manager (DCM) Lori Diaz, Deputy City Clerk 1. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG Commissioner Kelly provided the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. 2 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Glasser called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Mayor Glasser extended her appreciation and gratitude to all the COAB staff for making this meeting happen. Mayor Glasser stated she has been coordinating and working in a unified approach with Jacksonville Beach Mayor Charlie Latham and Neptune Beach Mayor Elaine Brown for the Beaches. 3. ELECTRONIC PUBLIC MEETING EXPLANATION CM Corbin reviewed Governor DeSantis' Executive Order Number 20-69 issued March 20, 2020, and adopted by the COAB emergency order executed March 27, 2020. Both of these orders are posted on our City's website. Mr. Corbin explained the process to hold electronic public meetings during the COVID-19 emergency. 4. CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH COVID -19 EMERGENCY STATUS UPDATE Mayor Glasser thanked everyone for their understanding during this pandemic. Following the Code of Ordinance, Chapter 2, it is required that both the Mayor and the City Manager share Miscellaneous Public Meeting March 31, 2020 the authority to take actions to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens. Mayor Glasser stated that the three Beach cities are working closely together, as well as with Jacksonville Mayor Curry. A short slide presentation was provided, reviewing the Federal, State, and Local orders pertaining to the COVID-19 emergency. These orders will also be available on our City's website. RECESS Due to a technical difficulty Mayor Glasser called for a brief recess at 6:18 PM while Bob Cimon, IT Senior Systems Engineer worked to reconnect with Commissioner Kelly. The meeting resumed at 6:20 PM. Mayor Glasser spoke about the impact to the community with businesses closing; people who are sick, scared and struggling; our kids adapting to virtual schooling; and all the sacrifices made during this 'new normal'. Mayor Glasser spoke about the closing of the beaches. City Manager Corbin expressed his appreciation to all the COAB staff for their continued efforts to provide City services during this emergency. CM Corbin presented a chronological summary of the Federal, State, and Local orders and COAB actions resulting from the COVID-19 emergency orders. Interim Police Chief Gualillo shared his screen of Florida's COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard and provided a review of the State and County COVID-19 case data/numbers. The department is maintaining a standard call volume, no increase due to COVID-19. There is daily participation with the Jacksonville Emergency Operations Center EOC) team and follow-up meetings within the COAB Police Department. He spoke about an incident involving a senior resident who had not been seen by his neighbors. The department was asked to check on him and the officers discovered he had fallen in his home. JFRD was called for medical assistance and they also transferred him to a hospital. Chief Gualillo reminded people to check on your neighbors. Deputy City Manager Hogencamp provided a summary of Public Information/Customer Service efforts related to COVID-19. A web portal was established - www.coab.us/coronavirus, seven comprehensive updates have been issued. The information includes Federal, State, and Local emergency orders, event cancellations, closures of public facilities, and information about obtaining assistance. There is also a generic email address established info@coab.us for COVID-19 questions or concerns. DCM Hogencamp listed several other information platforms utilizing social media to communicate with our residents. 5. CITY COMMISSION COMMENTS/QUESTIONS Mayor Glasser requested City Clerk Bartle to call each Commissioner. Commissioner Kelly spoke about utility bills and delaying payments. Does the City plan to offer this again? Miscellaneous Public Meeting March 31, 2020 CM Corbin responded that the City is suspending disconnection notices and waiving late fees. DCM Hogencamp confirmed messaging has been sent out to our utility customers of suspended disconnection notices during the emergency. Commissioner Kelly inquired if the city had enough personal protective equipment (PPE) for First Responders and Public Works personnel. Chief Gualillo responded the Police Department has a supply of PPE on hand and anticipates receiving more supplies from the EOC. Public Works (PW) Director Scott Williams responded his department is sufficiently equipped with PPE. Commissioner Norris inquired about accepting utility payments during City Hall shut -down. CM Corbin responded payments are being received through the outside drop box. He also explained the protocol established for handling the mail. Commissioner Norris spoke about a possible reduction in City services and inquired as to what type of services. CM Corbin responded this has not been finalized but an example could be yard debris pick-up. Mayor Glasser inquired about the status of upcoming meetings for the short term. She mentioned the Town Hall that is on the calendar, and also a public hearing scheduled for the 13th. Will this platform be utilized? CM Corbin responded he recommends cancelling the upcoming Town Hall (April 4th) and that he will meet with CC Bartle about new virtual meeting notices. There was CONSENSUS from the Commission to cancel the upcoming April 4 Town Hall. Commissioner Kelly Spoke about the importance of community, check on your neighbors. Wishes everyone the best during this time. Commissioner Norris Thanked the City staff for all their efforts and working as a team. Spoke about community, reaching out and check on your neighbors. Encouraged anyone in need to email/contact the City and/or Commissioners so we can be of service. Miscellaneous Public Meeting March 31, 2020 Commissioner Waters Spoke about Veterinary medicine, infectious diseases, the importance of historical data teaching the population to act early and remain vigilant. Applauded the efforts of all elected officials everywhere for their actions to contain COVID-19. Commissioner Anderson Thanked all the COAB staff and the Police Department for the fine job they are doing. Mayor Glasser Stated she is glad to see her fellow Commissioners. Thanked all the COAB employees for their dedication to our City. Spoke about public safety and continuity of government. Thanked all first responders, healthcare workers, everyone who gives in faith, service, and education. Encouraged people to stay home if at all possible. Commissioner Kelly Thanked JFRD No. 55. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Glasser gave brief instructions regarding public comments. Bob Cimon, IT Senior Systems Engineer called on each registered speaker. Kim Amato spoke about oceanfront littoral rights, and if oceanfront property owners littoral rights would be suspended due to closing of the beaches because of the COVID-19 emergency. Paul Mattingly reported that the closing of the beaches has resulted in excessive pedestrians, cycling, and vehicle traffic on Beach Avenue; causing safety issues. Jeff Nelson spoke about the importance of consistency and credibility in decision making by government officials. Mr. Nelson stated his concerns are about the closing of parks and the inconsistency of sports/activities being allowed to continue. Susanne Barker stated the City has done a fantastic job during the COVID-19 emergency. Ms. Barker spoke about the beach closing, increase of pedestrians and cycling, and the parks closing. There were no additional speakers. DCM Hogencamp read emails submitted as written comments from Terri Lynn Ray and Kris Kocan (which are attached hereto and made part of this official record as Attachment A). CM Corbin responded to comments made about the closing of the parks and will look at that issue again. He asked for people to be patient. Miscellaneous Public Meeting March 31, 2020 Regarding the oceanfront and property owner rights, CM Corbin stated he needs to meet with the City Attorney on this issue. Commissioner Kelly spoke about the impact of the COVID-19 emergency on the Pension Fund. CM Corbin stated the City will be applying for FEMA reimbursement for expenses of new required technology purchases and staff overtime related to the COVID-19 emergency. Attachment A - Written Comments, City Commission Meeting, March 31, 2020 7. ADJOURNMENT There being no further discussion, Mayor Glasser declared the meeting adjourned at 7:20 PM. Attest: Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk Ellen Glasser, Mayor Date Approved 5/21'/2D20 Miscellaneous Public Meeting March 31, 2020 ATTACHMENT A March 31, 2020 Minutes Bartle, Donna From: Terri Ray <terrilray@icloud.com> Sent: Tuesday, Marcn 31, 2020 10:30 AM To: Bartle, Donna Subject: Written Comments, City Commission Meeting, March 31, 2020 Read During Meeting Categories: COVID-19 Written Comments, City Commission Meeting, March 31, 2020 Read During Meeting Terri Lynn Ray 1748 Ocean Grove Drive, Atlantic Beach FL 32233 TerrlLRay@iclood coli r i Comment/Question (185 word count) I hope this finds you all healthy. This is a difficult time for everyone, incl.iding the financial stress on so many with jobs gone, income lost and businesses closed. So I thank you for taking my questions related to our City Hall Response to the devastating financial impact from COVID-19. especially important to the many residents I hear from since our city went into this crisis with operating debt So my questions are 1, What spending adjustments have youlwili you make to offset the expected 1-2+ month loss of expected revenue from tax, business & building/permitting? 2. With the Pension commitments deeply dependent on the stock market, now much and where is the revenue corning from to adequately fund them? How long is that sustainable? 3. What do the Financial Projections show en impact to the City Operations if this crisis last 2,3 or more months and will you share this with us? As residents struggle with their own financial losses this year, can you assure us that you will not he rasing our property taxes or requesting other revenue supplements from residents? Thank you Respectfully, Terri Ray, Author and Business Owner 1 ATTACHMENT A March 31, 2020 Minutes Resident of Atlantic Beach Florida Candidate for Mayor of Atlantic Beach Remember to Protect our Seas from Trash and Pollution to Respectfully Share the Planet with All Earth's Creatures! 2 ATTACHMENT A March 31, 2020 Minutes Bartle, Donna From: kris@kocan.com Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2020 2:05 PM To: Bartle, Donna Subject: March 31, 2020 Atlantic Beach City Commission meeting - Public Comment Hello Donna, I would like to provide a public comment for today's City Commission meeting. Thanks for your help with this — it's my first time QQ The Russell Park tennis courts were recently closed. I regularly take my 3yo son there to practice and get some exercise as well as play with other friends. With only 2-4 people on a large court, tennis encourages social distancing. With this crisis it would be great if we could open the tennis courts and let residents exercise and relieve some stress! Is there a good reason for closing them? If the issue is large groups, we could certainly just restrict any teaching clinics. With 2-4 people on a court it is certainly way less crowded than the grocery store check-out line. I would appreciate reconsideration of this policy with appropriate limits to encourage social distancing. Thanks! Kris Kocan Atlantic Beach Resident 354 1St Street 904-234-7121 1