03-15-21 Commission Workshop adopted minutesMINUTES
rCommission Workshop Meeting
Monday, March 15, 2021 - 6:00 PM
Commission Chamber
ATTENDANCE:
Present: Ellen Glasser, Mayor - Seat 1
Bruce Bole, Commissioner - Seat 2
Michael Waters, Commissioner - Seat 3
Candace Kelly, Commissioner - Seat 4
Brittany Norris, Mayor Pro Tem / Commissioner - Seat 5
Also Present: Shane Corbin, City Manager (CM)
Brenna Durden, City Attorney (CA)
Donna Bartle, City Clerk (CC)
Kevin Hogencamp, Deputy City Manager (DCM)
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Glasser called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
1. DISCUSSION - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
A. 5 Year Capital Improvement Projects
Mayor Glasser explained that page 3 of the agenda packet is a 5 year list of District
Funded projects and Johnston Island Acquisition is the only one located in Atlantic
Beach. She expressed concern with others listed as Atlantic and are actually located in
Jacksonville. She suggested discussion on Johnston Island Acquisition, and no plan to
purchase, she stated we need to make a request to amend the Capital Improvement List.
B. Status - Johnston Island
CM Corbin invited City Engineer (CE) Steve Swan to report on the status of Johnston
Island.
CE Swann reported this was budgeted for by the City of Jacksonville (COJ) over a year
ago and we asked that it be moved up to show it still in the 5 year Capital Improvement
Projects (CIP). He stated the reason COAB has not proceeded is that there is an access
road going over a small bridge to the island, DOT de -rated the bridge to an 8000 lb. load
limit. He stated this means you can't get anything bigger than a pickup truck legally over
that bridge. He stated the owner of the island filed suit against DOT and is still tied up
in litigation.
Questions and discussions ensued regarding the prior private party who had interest in a
purchase, and benefits if purchased.
CM Corbin and CE Swann answered questions.
Commission Workshop
March 15, 2021
Mayor Glasser summarized Johnston Island as an inactive project. She noted it as an
opportunity to focus on projects that could be implemented now, and to amend the CIP.
She stated she has made preliminary contacts to request amendment the CIP. She
suggested to remain informed on the lawsuit.
C. Gail Baker Center Expansion
Mayor Glasser reported on this project and provided a handout of a rendering by
Planning staff of what is possible (which as attached hereto and made part of this Official
Record as ATTACHMENT A)
Gail Baker Center Director, Latrenia Thomas, provided a summary of programs and
events that are offered at the Gail Baker Center. She spoke about challenges during bad
weather and center capacity affecting how many can participate. She expressed the need
to expand the building to accommodate growth in area and the probable increase in
enrollments.
Questions and discussions ensued regarding schools the kids come from, effects COVID-
19 has had on the programs, Girl Scouts program, and the Senior Citizens program.
Ms. Thomas answered all questions.
ATTACHMENT A - Mayor Glasser handout - Gail Baker Center
D. Hopkins Creek Drainage Basin
CM Corbin invited CE Swann to report. He provided a brief overview of the Hopkins
Creek projects, which are detailed in the agenda packet.
CE Swann explained the Stanley Road project to replace the 15 -inch pipe from Stanley
Road to Donner Road with a 36 -inch pipe. He stated receipt of a FEMA grant is uncertain
He advised this project should not be completed until the completion of Aquatic Gardens,
which is downstream.
He stated that the downstream work on Aquatic Gardens has not been started due to
delay of receipt of FEMA funds due to COVID.
He reported work on the easements at the shopping center is progressing well.
Mayor Glasser reiterated the summary of prioritizing the Hopkins Creek projects as the
Parcel Acquisition on North Francis, Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Aquatic Gardens, and
Stanley Road.
E. Hopkins Creek - Stanley Road
(addressed with Item D.)
F. Hopkins Creek - Aquatic Gardens Update
(addressed with Item D.)
Commission Workshop
March 15, 2021
G. Lifeguard Station Remodel
CM Corbin spoke about challenges with leaks, mold and space for the lifeguards.
Commissioner Norris mentioned discussion on rebuilding in 2019, her visit to the station
and agreed it is time to remodel.
Chief Vic Gualillo suggested the Commission to visit the station. He reported the rough
conditions of mold and leaks. He reported since building of the station the lifeguard corp
has doubled and now has female lifeguards. He reported one bathroom, no changing
areas or hot water. There are 15 to 20 guards that need cover in a storm, not including
the Jr. lifeguards. He stated the equipment and gear also need space. He emphasized
space is a huge problem. He suggested build out to the North. He also emphasized the
need for space for training. He recognized Captain Phillips for his great job with the
corp.
Mayor Glasser asked about prior upgrades in 2016 or 2017.
Chief Gualillo reported on work on the roof, repair on the windows and addition of walls
and a roof to give them a third floor. He reported the leaks, mold, odor and humidity
continued.
H. Other
CM Corbin invited Public Works (PW) Director Scott Williams to report on the Public
Works Building.
PW Williams reported ongoing mold in the building and roof is rusted out. He stated .the
building is 39 years old and needs to be rebuilt.
Mayor Glasser emphasized the need to use our outside revenue sources.
Discussion and questions regarding future plan for mitigating the problems, OSHA
regulations, and internal policies on new -construction regarding longevity of buildings.
Mayor Glasser referred to her letter to City Council Member Rory Diamond regarding
Access to Hanna Park.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Joyce Freeman inquired about how the ditches are maintained while awaiting the
improvements.
3. OPEN DISCUSSION
Mayor Glasser reiterated she wants to begin efforts to amend the CIP list since Johnston Island
is an inactive project.
Discussion ensued regarding county interest projects, the Gas Tax money and how to proceed.
Commissioner Norris suggested the Gail Baker Center expansion and Lifeguard Station.
Commission Workshop
March 15, 2021
Mayor Glasser suggested start with a Resolution.
CA Durden concurred with Mayor Glasser about working with the Council Members and
Jacksonville Mayor's Office.
Further discussion ensued regarding the cost for rehab of the lifeguard station, the PW building's
unsafe mold levels and City versus county interest projects.
Mayor Glasser requested to move forward and ask for CIP dollars for the Lifeguard Station and
Gail Baker Center based on the fact of they support community.
Mayor Glasser referred to her letter to City Council Member Rory Diamond regarding increased
access to Hanna Park, (which is attached hereto and part of this Official Record as
ATTACHMENT B).
She requested Commission to review the letter and if in agreement she will send it to those cc'd
in the letter.
Commissioner Norris suggested use American Rescue Act (ARA) funds on infrastructure
services such as for getting people off of septic.
Mayor Glasser suggested to watch what COJ does with their ARA funds.
CM Corbin reported on a letter sent to City residents regarding switching to sewer and their
concern with future development. Mayor Glasser stated that is not good for resiliency.
There was further discussion regarding the ARA money, the Hannah Park letter, a water utility
assistance program, status of other large City projects, our transportation projects, and funding
for connectivity projects.
Mayor Glaser reported on a request from the Town Center agency to have a representative on
their Board and Commissioner Bole has agreed to fill the role.
ATTACHMENT B - Mayor Glasser handout - Access to Hannah Park letter
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Glasser adjourned the meeting at 7:19 p.m.
Attest:
Donna L. Bartle, City Clerk
Ellen Glasser, Mayor
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Date Approved
Commission Workshop
March 15, 2021
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ATTACHMENT B `3//�'°5�
March 15, 2021 Minutes
March 15, 2021
Honorable Rory Diamond
Jacksonville City Council - District 13
City of Jacksonville
117 West Duval Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Re: Access to Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Dear City Council Member Diamond:
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
800 SEMINOLE ROAD
ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA 32233-5455
www.coab.us
Thank you for engaging faithfully in dialogue with our City about issues of importance to Atlantic
Beach and neighboring areas in Duval County.
This letter requests your continued consideration to promote access into Kathryn Abbey Hanna
Park and the North Beach area from Mayport Road. Hanna Park includes many amenities and a
beautiful section of the public beaches that we all enjoy in Duval County. This fabulous park sits
in your District directly between Naval Station Mayport and Atlantic Beach.
Our public beaches are a treasure for all to enjoy, and they offer us coastal resiliency. To those two
ends, we are very grateful for continuing County efforts to replenish the beach under the Duval
County Shoreline Protection Project. With finite public parking available at our popular beach
accesses in Atlantic Beach, continued development outside of our City, and the law
enforcement/traffic challenges as a result of congestion in our beachside neighborhoods, we feel
that promoting greater use of Hanna Park would better serve County residents, visitors, and our
own residents.
As part of our dialogue, you will recall past conversations to discuss various options or ideas for
free entry, or reduced fees, at the main gate of Hanna Park for qualified groups. This could include
military families and/or those receiving assistance with valid identification. Such benevolent
actions would reap positive benefits for many residents in our County during this challenging
pandemic when they have struggled to meet their essential needs.
I am deeply appreciative that the proposed Mayport Road Park — with a bike park — is among the
projects programmed in the Capital Improvement Plan. A bike park will address what has been
identified as an unmet need in our area for the biking community. It is my continued request that
you consider installing a bike/pedestrian-only gate there at the southwest corner of Hanna Park
that would promote multimodal public access to the trail system, park amenities, and beach. I
ATTACHMENT B
March 15, 2021 Minutes
would appreciate updates on this since Atlantic Beach has a context -sensitive Florida Department
of Transportation (FDOT) project on the List of Priority Projects with the North Florida
Transportation and Planning Organization (NFTPO) that includes a multi -use path along Mayport
Road as a proposed East Coast Greenway route through Atlantic Beach. It is my hope that our
actions can together serve as a catalyst for greater, safer pedestrian and bike travel along a safer
Mayport Road and into Hanna Park.
Again, thank you for your efforts. We in Atlantic Beach look forward to meeting with you to
discuss the path forward.
Sincerely,
Ellen Glasser
cc:
Mayor Lenny Curry
Council President Tommy Hazouri
Council Member Matt Carlucci — At Large
Council Member Terrance Freeman — At Large
Council Member Sam Newby — At Large
Council Member Ronald B. Salem — At Large
Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services Daryl Joseph