06-22-20 Commission Workshop Adopted minutesfMINUTES
Commission Workshop Meeting
r;Monday, June 22, 2020 - 5:30 PM
91 Commission Chamber
ATTENDANCE:
Present: Ellen Glasser, Mayor- Seat 1
Cindy Anderson, Commissioner - Seat 2 (District 1308)
Blythe Waters, Commissioner - Seat 3 (District 1307)- arrived at 5:33
p.m.
Candace Kelly, Commissioner- Seat 4 (District 1306)
Brittany Norris, Mayor Pro Tern/ Commissioner - Seat 5 (District 1312)
Also Present: Shane Corbin, City Manager(CM)
Brenna Durden, City Attorney (CA)
Kevin Hogencamp, Deputy City Manager (DCM)
Lori Diaz, Deputy City Clerk
Kim Flower, Records Clerk
CALL TO ORDER
Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Mayor Glasser called the meeting to order at
6:00 PM.
1. TOPIC - 18TH STREET BEACH ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS
Commissioner Waters arrived at 5:33 p.m.)
A. Beach Parking Cost - Share Eligibility in the Context of 18th and 19th Street
CM Corbin introduced the workshop topic and requested City Engineer (CE) Steve
Swann to provide an overview of Cost - Share Eligibility for Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (FDEP) and beach re-nourishment as detailed in the agenda
packet. In summary, with the addition of bike spaces we would be able to remove (8)
eight parking spaces between the two accesses without affecting FDEP cost-share
eligibility.
CM Corbin introduced Joe Loretta, design consultant with HALFF, who stated a field
visit today revealed that with the addition of the bike racks full removal could actually
be (11) eleven parking spaces.
B. HALFF Concept Plans for 18th Street Parking Redesign
Mr. Loretta presented an overview of four concepts for 18th Street Beach Access
Improvements, which are included in the agenda packet.
Mr. Loretta recommended to focus on option 1B. ,which meets the overall intent and
includes:
Commission Workshop
June 22,2020
ability for 40 to 41 parking spaces
nice landscaping
maintain the native buffer on the northern side
truly removes 11 parking spaces
He also recommended redeveloping the dune accessway and presented options that are
included in the agenda packet.
CA Durden requested the dimensions of the parking spots in Option 1 B, Mr. Loretta
replied that they are a standard 9 feet wide by 18 feet long. She spoke regarding our
zoning code,questioned liability associated with the current design,and spoke regarding
discretionary decisions and tort liability.
C. Input from and Q & A with Commissioners
There was CONSENSUS to table Commission questions to another agenda to allow time
for public comments.
Commissioner Kelly questioned the steepness of the stairs in consideration of handicap
citizens. Mr. Loretta to give further review.
Commissioner Anderson questioned trees/vegetation impairing visibility for cars.
Commissioner Waters requested additional trash receptacles, and a pervious design.
Mayor Glasser asked if any of these options precluded add-ons. Mr. Loretta replied the
options do not preclude add-ons,they are for working on sizing criteria.
D. Community Input and Q & A with Public and Commissioners
Angela Waters stated she is opposed to the addition of the sidewalk,opposed to concrete
and removal of the trees. She suggested a walk space.
Colonel John Reich spoke regarding the agreement that Duval County signed with
FDEP, specifically #15DU1 and Attachment B, Funding Eligibility for Duval County
Shore Protection Project, stating it lists all streets in Atlantic Beach used for funding but
does not list 18th Street. He stated according to #15DU1, the last re-nourishment was
funded without including 18th Street.
Nancy Whittington spoke about being on the parking committee and the challenges of
getting correct information. Requested Commission to reconsider the previous
recommendation for 18th Street presented by Mr. Tari on February 25, 2019.
David Bennett requests a meeting with Kevin Bodge for explanation of the "complex
math" used for our beaches re-nourishment. He stated parking spots donated by
Commissioner Waters's family are not listed on the DEP map and 18th Street was not
counted for the beach re-nourishment.
Commission Workshop
June 22,2020
Seth Dalton stated Andrew Briscoe spoke with him regarding how beach re-
nourishment funding works, he stated he would like to see a map of the overlap and
additional nullifications with regard to the access points. He stated he does not believe
18th Street is safely maintained,a sidewalk will not be utilized and requests not spending
tax dollars on an unverified project.
Dr. Mike Waters spoke regarding 18th Street sanitation, congestion and safety
problems getting worse. In favor of paid parking and proactive policing of the area. Not
in favor of spending tax dollars on "beautification" at 18th Street at this time, opposed
to removing thirty healthy trees and stated this project should not proceed without
answers to questions. Stated a sidewalk will not be utilized and is concerned with legality
and honesty in regards to 18th Street.
Kim Reich reiterated that the last re-nourishment was funded without the counting of
parking spaces at 18th Street, stated there are over seventy spaces in a one block
residential area. She suggests converting to parallel parking with a sidewalk on the north
side and expressed frustration regarding many unanswered questions, and untruths from
Olsen& Associates and the City.
Suzi Ritter spoke about the plans proposed. Stated the "beautification" project will not
solve the problems.
Mark Stuart stated that starting on a project should begin with recognizing exactly what
the problems are and stated these options do not solve the problems. Presented data on
resident impact.
Diane Waters stated she is opposed to 18th street"beautification". Shared concern with
submitting mails and not receiving any responses and requests to know where the idea
to beautify 18th Street versus making it safe came from.
Colonel John Reich spoke regarding the misrepresentations in agreement#15DU 1 and
Olsen and Associate's. He recommended the City to request a new parking space count
by a new subcontractor.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Glasser adjourned the meeting at 6:32 PM.
Attest:
I 424-tet ViSti4Atee, der
Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk E en Glasser. Mayor
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Date Approved
Commission Workshop
June 22,2020