4-26-23 CRC Adopted MinutesY =� MINUTES
Charter Review Committee Meeting
~ Wednesday, April 26, 2023 - 6:00 PM
Commission Chamber
Present: Bruce Andrews, Member
Debbie Buckland, Member
Charles "Chip" Drysdale, Member
Kelly Elmore, Member
Ellen Golombek, Member
William 'Bill' Gulliford, Chair
Kirk Hansen, Member
Mitchell Reeves, Member
Suzanne Shaughnessy, Vice Chair
Jennifer Lagner, Secretary
Dawn Scott, Member
Steve Swann, Member
Absent: Donald Young, Member
Also Present: Jason Gabriel, City Attorney (CA)
Donna Bartle, City Clerk (CC)
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chair Gulliford called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1A. Approve minutes of the March 23, 2023 Charter Review Committee meeting.
MOTION. Approve minutes of the March 23, 2023 Charter Review Committee meeting.
Motion: Suzanne Shaughnessy
Second: Steve Swann
Member Dawn Scott requested to amend March 23, 2023 minutes to change "City Engineer" to
"Member" for Steve Swann since he is on the Charter Review Committee as an Atlantic Beach
resident, not in capacity of city staff. With no further discussion, Chairman Gulliford called for
a vote; all were in favor of minutes approved with the amended language. Minutes were
approved.
Bruce Andrews For
Debbie Buckland For
Charles "Chip" Drysdale For
Kelly Elmore For
Charter Review Committee
April 26, 2023
Page l of 35
Ellen Golombek
For
William "Bill" Gulliford
For
Kirk Hansen
For
Mitchell Reeves
For
Suzanne Shaughnessy (Moved By)
For
Jennifer Lagner
For
Dawn Scott
For
Steve Swann (Seconded By)
For
Motion passed 12 to 0.
Secretary Lagner called the roll.
Chair Gulliford explained the process for public comments and answered questions.
Item 3A was taken out of order and addressed at this time.
3A. City Attorney re: Charter Amendments
CA Gabriel stated the city charter could be amended between Charter Review Committees;
this is within the eight years not every eight years. This could be done by the governing
body, which is the City Commission, or voters. If by the voters, there is a process including
a petitioners committee with 10% of qualified voters from last election move to change a
charter provision. Charter amendments are typically done to coincide with upcoming
election or can be set up as a special election.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Chairman Bill Gulliford explained the process for public comment and opened the
Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors.
Secretary Jennifer Lagner called each speaker to the microphone.
Ellen Glasser explained her outgoing memo was shared with the CRC via email;
suggested the CRC support the status quo with district representation and at large voting.
Requested that the CRC review the voting map and population data (which is attached
and made part of this Official Record as Attachment A). It ain't broke, so why try and
fix it and encourage to maintain the status quo. Sec. 6 is silent on whether residency for
any amount of time within one's district is required to qualify. How to approach this
section depends on the other factors so I encourage you not to vote on sections without
understanding the impact on others; should bundle interrelated sections. Include the CA
and CC to clean up language and then vote at the end using formal rule of order. Suggest
workshop style for public comment. City staff have a wealth of institutional knowledge
and can share if asked, should be asked. Be clear in agenda with titles and speak into the
microphone.
Charter Review Committee
April 26, 2023
Page 2 of 35
Carolyn Zisser stated she is a 46 year resident, 50 years practicing law, and urged the
CRC not to make any changes to Article II, Sec. 5. The law looks at precedent and the
Charter is the city constitution and as Georgette Dumond shared, should use a sparing
approach to change. Sec. 81 states "periodic review" and what is advisable.
Sarah Boren provided details from her handout (which is attached hereto and made part
of this Official Record as Attachment B). She shared she has been a resident since
1999. To foster more resident engagement, suggest the CRC ask staff to create an online
form for residents to snip their thoughts and have those thoughts read into the record
during public comment. Sec. 2 would be helpful to have a visualization including
submerged waters and park agreements that accompany the charter as a hyperlink or
attachment if the intent is to not trigger a change. Sec. 4 she would want to understand
what FL municipalities could do in terms of home rule and what is preempted by state.
Sec. 5 she was concerned only 1 representative representing District 1312; encourage to
maintain current district representation. Urged CRC to request objective analysis of
voting data to find out if helped, and for CRC to clarify how often voting lines can be
updated to address population change. For Sec. 6, she wanted to see a clarification of
age.
Jack Rowan stated not an Atlantic Beach resident. Suggested CA should be retained for
every meeting to be more effective and spend time on charter; Section 5 district model
maintain and status quo. Suggest Sec. 9(13), Commission voting in Mayor Pro Tem, may
be better placed in Sec. 8 where it talks about presiding officer. Suggest in Sec. 9 make
it clear the City Commission has the power to enact rules of procedures for meetings.
Jackie Beckenbach supports district representation because it ensures fair and equal
representation; promotes diversity and inclusivity; encourages accountability; supports
local decision making and promotes efficient and effective government.
Marla Buchanan stated she opposes changes to the way districts are set up and how we
vote.We should only change our constitution if we have compelling reasons to change
it. Encourage to maintain district voting, going to at large elections would be detrimental
to our city.
Casey Quinif AB is not just a city but neighborhood; grew up with example that City
Council historically lived east of Seminole Road. We need equal representation across
Atlantic Beach and want to service here. A mayoral qualification is not that you are
retired. Does not want one group to be the only voice; equal representation above the
law.
Sally Clemens suggested that any person designed to hold public office and meet
qualifications can live anywhere and vote at large. This change in voting at large would
need education of citizens and presented on ballot for next election. Another item to
discuss is how long residents live in city to qualify; it is now 2 years and suggest 4 years.
A qualification should be more than a driver's license because they are under state
regulation and can be changed.
Charter Review Committee
April 26, 2023
Page 3 of 35
Michael Hoffmann stated last meeting shared we have vote dilution and history of
voting in AB. We have vote dilution; it is against the law and stated we have no reason
to go back. Presented COJ article for District 5 (which is attached and made part of this
Official Record as Attachment Q.
Elliott Zisser stated perception is reality, at least those doing the receiving. AB is more
diverse than what we see on a daily basis. We are politically one city having several
parts; a person living in each part knows that part better because they live in it and each
part should be represented by one who has the most knowledge of that area. Expressed
support to continue with status quo; it seems to be functioning.
Brinkley Harrell requested content of his email sent to all CRC members be added to
the minutes. (A copy is attached and made part of this Official Record as Attachment
D.) He presented statistics he compiled from previous elections and asked CRC to
reference that email. Stated the mayor is 2 years, commissioner 4 years and presented an
option of changing mayor 4 years and commission to 2 years so voters have option to
vote out an ineffective one. Mr. Harrell continued that we do not have district
representation because most are elected by people outside the district and not within. He
requested his email be reviewed again.
Stephen Fouraker stated that at the last CRC meeting the phantom motion was created
by the Chairman; he would expect members of CRC to call that out because all members
are representatives of the committee.
Don Wolfson shared he is a 43 year resident, with 14 years on CDB, 1 term as mayor
and Chair of the first CRC. He recounted the history of district representation from 2007
and encouraged maintaining the current status. Mr. Wolfson reminded the CRC to review
the 2007 report; and encourages the CRC to maintain district representation.
Attachment A to 4-26-23 CRC Minutes
Attachment B to 4-26-23 CRC Minutes
Attachment C to 4-26-23 CRC Minutes
Attachment D to 4-26-23 CRC Minutes
3. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
(Item 3A was addressed earlier in the meeting.)
Chair Gulliford spoke about procedures.
3B. Sections 4, 5, and 6, and other applicable sections of the Charter
Member Dawn Scott provided a handout (which is attached hereto and made part of this
Official Record as Attachment E) and made the following motion.
Attachment E to 4-23-23 CRC Minutes
Charter Review Committee
April 26, 2023
Page 4 of 35
MOTION: Upon further review of the 2007 Representation Study Committee Report, I
so move to continue district representation in Atlantic Beach as recommendation by the
District Representation Committee, accepted by the City Commission, and approved by
majority vote in the 2007 city-wide referendum that each commission member live in the
district/precinct from which he or she runs and that the candidates be voted on citywide.
The districts should be equal in population and to the degree possible should maintain the
integrity of neighborhoods and communities of interest.
Motion: Dawn Scott
Second. Bruce Andrews
Member Steve Swann confirmed the motion was to maintain the status quo. Member Ellen
Golombek stated she feels what is in place is working and if you live in a particular area, you
have a different perspective than if you don't. If we are to maintain the character of our
community, you need to maintain district representation. Member Kirk Hansen is supportive of
maintaining district representation. Member Mitch Reeves agreed and further noted the voting
time was changed to coincide with COJ to increase voter turnout and to reduce costs. General
discussion ensued regarding any changes to be made. Vice Chair Shaughnessy read information
from the 2007 Committee report.
With no further discussion, Chairman Gulliford called for a vote; all were in favor of motion.
Motion was approved.
Bruce Andrews (Seconded By)
For
Debbie Buckland
For
Charles "Chip" Drysdale
For
Kelly Elmore
For
Ellen Golombek
For
William "Bill" Gulliford
For
Kirk Hansen
For
Mitchell Reeves
For
Suzanne Shaughnessy
For
Jennifer Lagner
For
Dawn Scott (Moved By)
For
Steve Swann
For
Motion passed 12 to 0.
(There was a break from 7:48 to 7:53 p.m.)
Chairman Gulliford asked members if anyone had comments or wanted to discuss Sec. 4. There
being no further discussion, Chairman Gulliford moved to agenda Items 3C May meeting topics.
Charter Review Committee
April 26, 2023
Page 5 of 35
MOTION: Upon further review of the 2007 Representation Study Committee Report, I
so move to continue district representation in Atlantic Beach as recommendation by the
District Representation Committee, accepted by the City Commission, and approved by
majority vote in the 2007 city-wide referendum that each commission member live in the
district/precinct from which he or she runs and that the candidates be voted on citywide.
The districts should be equal in population and to the degree possible should maintain the
integrity of neighborhoods and communities of interest.
Motion: Dawn Scott
Second. Bruce Andrews
Member Steve Swann confirmed the motion was to maintain the status quo. Member Ellen
Golombek stated she feels what is in place is working and if you live in a particular area, you
have a different perspective than if you don't. If we are to maintain the character of our
community, you need to maintain district representation. Member Kirk Hansen is supportive of
maintaining district representation. Member Mitch Reeves agreed and further noted the voting
time was changed to coincide with COJ to increase voter turnout and to reduce costs. General
discussion ensued regarding any changes to be made. Member Shaughnessy read information
from the 2007 Committee report.
With no further discussion, Chairman Gulliford called for a vote; all were in favor of motion.
Motion was approved.
Bruce Andrews (Seconded By)
For
Debbie Buckland
For
Charles "Chip" Drysdale
For
Kelly Elmore
For
Ellen Golombek
For
William "Bill" Gulliford
For
Kirk Hansen
For
Mitchell Reeves
For
Suzanne Shaughnessy
For
Jennifer Lagner
For
Dawn Scott (Moved By)
For
Steve Swann
For
Motion passed 12 to 0.
(There was a break from 7:48 to 7:53 p.m.)
Chairman Gulliford asked members if anyone had comments or wanted to discuss Sec. 4. There
being no further discussion, Chairman Gulliford moved to agenda Items 3C May meeting topics.
Charter Review Committee
April 26, 2023
Page 5 of 35
3C. May meeting topics
May meeting topics to include Article II, Sec. 6. - Qualifications and disqualifications;
Sec. 7. — Salary; Sec. 8. - Presiding officer: Mayor.
3D. May Meeting City Staff attendance requests
Chairman Gulliford suggested out of courtesy to CA Gabriel, the CRC meet without the
CA and any questions that arise be forwarded to him and answers presented at the next
CRC meeting. Vice Chair Suzanne Shaughnessy suggested CA Gabriel attend meetings;
Don Wolfson concurred as a way for the meetings to be more effective. Chairman
Gulliford conceded and agreed to have CA Gabriel attend the next few CRC meetings
but if not providing value, the CA will not be expected to attend.
Chairman Gulliford requested interim City Manager (CM) Joe Gerrity attend the start of
meeting.
4. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion, Chair Gulliford declared the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Attest:
Date Approved: S 2 Y' 2 �
Charter Review Committee
April 26, 2023
Page 6 of 35
Attachment A
to April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
Cis of Al�an6c &ac4
VOTING DISTRICTS
City of Atlantic Beach
Community Development Department
800 Seminole Road. Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
904 247 5800 www coab us
Updated January. 2022
Page 7 of 35
District Boundaries
j g
2020 U.S. Census Population
��
«,
Distribution (Age 18+)
��
Q 1306, seat 4 (2,696 = 23.9%)
1 3 0 7 oM
1307, seat 3 (2,920 = 25.9%)
> 'o
1308, seat 2 (2,786 = 24.7%)
Q 1312, seat 5 (2,860 = 25.4%)
Total population 18+ in Atlantic Beach = 11 262
.s
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City of Atlantic Beach
Community Development Department
800 Seminole Road. Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
904 247 5800 www coab us
Updated January. 2022
Page 7 of 35
Attachment A
to April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
Census Data and Demographic Assessment
History of Development
The City of Atlantic Beach is a small coastal community located between two miles of Atlantic Ocean
beach front on the east and the expansive marsh and estuarine environment of the San Pablo
Creek/Intercoastal Waterway on the west. In 1878-79, Henry M. Flagler completed his first visit to the
Jacksonville area where he recognized that the east coast of Florida could become a Mecca for the
wealthy. He purchased the Jacksonville and Atlantic Railway and incorporated it into his Florida East
Coast Railway system which eventually connected the entire east coast. Along the railroad, Flagler built
the Continental Hotel in Atlantic Beach. The hotel, built in 1901, held many accommodations that
attracted the wealthy, leisure class. Roadways were extended from west to east in 1910, providing
goods to the area and easier access to the new hotel. Lots were sold, but Flagler's venture was not
profitable enough in comparison to investments further south. In 1913, the settlement area of Atlantic
Beach had less than 100 permanent residents. As a result, the Continental Hotel was sold to the Atlantic
Beach Corporation, who renamed the hotel to the Atlantic Beach Hotel in 1914.
The Corporation made a push in efforts to sell land by advertising. The most profitable lots were those in
Subdivision "A", what is now known as Old Atlantic Beach. There were a total of 695 lots, 401 of which
had been sold. In order to get people to buy lots and build, the Atlantic Bach Corporation had to
construct sidewalks, streets, bulkheads, waterlines, sewers, drainage systems, and electricity.
In 1922, the Atlantic Beach Corporation faced financial struggles, which resulted in Harcourt Bull
claiming ownership of the Corporation's property in the south, and J.C. Turner claiming the properties in
the north. The Bull family is largely responsible for controlling the growth of Atlantic Beach to maintain
its middle and upper middle class residential character. Harcourt Bull was a member of the first town
council in 1925. In the 1930's the community became the "City of Atlantic Beach". Following Harcourt's
death in 1943, his brother, George Bull, followed in Harcourt's development footsteps and built some of
Atlantic Beach's prominent neighborhoods, including Selva Marina subdivision, Sevilla Gardens, and
Sevla condominiums.
Between 1990 and 2019, the total number of dwelling units increased by 2,222 units at an average of 76
units per year. Although the city's population decreased between 2000 and 2010, dwelling units
continued to increase. A 2,579 -acre piece of land was annexed in 2016, adding 200 proposed lots within
city limits. Today, 178 parcels in the Atlantic Beach Country Club are developed and 3 remain vacant.
The city is a near developed municipality which will continue in a pattern of redevelopment in the
already well-established and stable neighborhoods.
Source: Historical Text Archive: Electronic History Resources, online since 1990
Page 8 of 35
Attachment A
to April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
Population
According to the University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BERG) Report, the
estimated population of Atlantic Beach in 2020 was 13,824. This represents an increase from
previous
estimates from the U.S. Census.
Population Per Acre
by Census Block 2019
Year
Population
1930
164
i '
1940
468
1950
1,004
�,.w..wu..«.r
1960
3,125
E
1970
6,132
i
!
1990
11,636
't
2000
13,368
i
2010
12,655
1
2020
13,824
t
Ii '
1I i
�.r.•,.��.r..awe•...�..w•.�....r..w......r..w� ,
i !
I
!
1 �
i t
i
�nI
Population per Acre
1.14 - 1.63 N
_1.64-2.71 w E 00.10.2 0.4 0.6 0.8
meg
111
X2.72-5.98 S
5.99 - 7.89
7.90 - 11.39 Data taken from US Census 201 r,-2019
American Community Survey 5 -Year Esttmates
15Page
9 of
9 of
Attachment A
to April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
Age Cohorts
According to the 2015-2019 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the portion of the population
18 and over has represented over 80% of the population the past 19 years. Between 2000 and 2010, the
city experienced a decrease in population, which has since increased to 13,575 in a community
consisting of approximately 3 square miles of land area. The 65 and older age cohort has continuously
increased, due to an increase of retired citizens, "snow birds", and the presence of a senior living
community within city limits.
gar Under 18
18 and over
65 and older
Total Population
)00 3,003
10,365
2,059
13,368
)10 2,511
10,144
2,199
12,655
)19 2,460
11,115
3,129
13,575
Percentage of Population 65 and Over
by Census Block 2019
.,� -
Percentage of Population 65 and Over
- 3.504o - 6.0`Po N
- 6.060/6 - 9.261, o VV+ 0 0.10.2 0.4 0.6 O.L
� 9.279.27%- 1439% S Mdes
14.3996 - 31.31 %
31.32% - 46.13% Data taken from US Census 2015-2019
American Community Survey 5 -Year Estirnates
Page 10 of 35
Attachment A
to April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
Median Age
Median Age
The reported median age of Atlantic Beach residents 4E
11
was 46.6 in 2019, higher than the reported median 42.4
age of both Duval County (36.4) and Florida (42.4).
36.4
The map below depicts the median age by Census
Block and shows the median age decreases as you
move east to west within the City.
The maps below depict the median age by census
block in Atlantic Beach and its surrounding
communities. The map on the left represents data
from the 2012-2016 ACS and the map on the right
includes data from the 2015-2019 ACS. Within city Florida Duval County Atlantic Beach
limits, there is no change in median age, but the
surrounding area shows an increase in median age in one census block.
Median Age
by Census Block
G 0.25 05 1
Median Age Miks
N
Below 30
30 40 Data taken from US Census 20142019
40.1 - 50 Amencan Community Survey 5 -year Estmates
Above 50
Page 11 of 35
Par 12
Attachment A
to April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
The pie chart below represents the reported race of Atlantic Beach residents.
The large majority
(85.64%) or residents are White,
with 7.33% Black or African American.
Native
Black or
Two or
Hawaiian Native
American
Year
White
African
Asian
more
Other
or Pacific American
Indian
American
Islander
races
2000
82.23%
12.699'°
2.09% 0.03% -
0.26% 1.58%
1.12%
2010
82.48%
10.81%
1.88% 0.13% -
10.00%
0.51% 2.80%
1.39%
2019
84.64%
7.33%
3.11%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Native American Two or more races
Islander
0%
4%
0%
other
1%
Race
Asian
2019 ACS 5 -Year Estimates
3%
Black or African
■ White
American
7%
■ Black or African American
■ Asian
Native Hawaiian or Pacific
Islander
■ Native American
■ Two or more races
■ other
Whke
85%
Par 12
0.10%
-
3.97%
0.85%
Attachment A
to April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
Minority Population
2019
I
Minority Population
3%-4%
5%- 11%
12%-20%
—21%-37%
38% - 59%
N
W+E 0 0.10.2 0.4 0.6 0.8
Miles
S
Data taken from US Census 2015-2019
American Community Survey 5 -Year Estimates
Page 13 of 35
Attachment A
to April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
91% of the Atlantic Beach population are US -Born, citizens. Of the 9% who were born abroad, almost
half were born in the Americas. The 2019 American Community Survey reported 13,057 people identify
as Not Hispanic or Latino and 518 people identify as Hispanic or Latino.
Race and Ethnicity
#2
Percentage of the total population
Scope population of Florida and Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach — Florida
0% 20% 40% 60%
80% Count
��
While'r_41��'
10 si
Hispanic867
254
Black
97FAsian
Africa
317
Mixed'141
0
Other'
2
Count number o! members in ethno-racial grcup
non -Hispanic `excludingblack andAsiar,Hispanics
Citizenship and National Origin
Percentage of the total popoulation
Scope population of Florida and Atianbc Beach
0 Atlantic Beach — Florida
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Citizen US -Born
�itizen. Territory -B5--:1 a ��
Citizen. Born Abroad
Citizen Naturalized
Not Citizen
C curt wmbef of peoplie in citizenship/nativity category
Duerr- Rico and US lstand Areas P to US cifizen pare ntfs)
Continent of Birth
#2
Percentage of the foreign -born population '
Scope popaiaLor of I=lci! da and Adar&c Beac.o
Atlantic Beach — Florida
0% 20% 40% 60%
Count
Americas 431%
Asia 30 49°
254
Europe 23 9°0
200
Africa
22
Oceania
0
Other
Count number of people born in given pace
excluding those bom at sea
Source: https://statisticalatlas.com/place/Florida/Atlantic-Beach/Race-and-
Ethnicity
Count
11 91•.
78
261
395
441
Page 14 of 35
Attachment A
to April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
Educational Attainment
According to the 2015-2019 ACS Estimate, 95.3% of the population has at least a high school degree.
This is a greater rate than that of both Duval County (90.2%) and Florida (88.1%).
35.004%
30.00%
25.00%
20.00%
15.00%
10.00%
5.00°h
0.00%
Income
Educational Attainment
Population 25 years and over
22.40%
14.10%
32.60%
20.10%
4.90%
5.90%
Less than high
High school
Some college, no
Associates
Bachelor's degree
Graduate or
school graduate
graduate
degree
degree
professional
degree
$160,000
$140,000
$120,000
$100,000
$80,000
$60,000
$40,000
$20,000
$0
N Atlantic Beach
Duval County
i Florida
Household & Family Income 2012-2016 ACS Estimate
Median HH Income Mean HH Income Median Family
Income
$70,921 $115,725 $86,375
$49,196 $67,800 $60,669
$48,900 $69,936 $59,139
• Atlantic Beach 0 Duval County • Florida
$143,422
$79,989
$81,708
Page 15 of 35
Attachment A
to April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
Household & Family Income 2015-2019 ACS Estimate
5180,000.00
$160,000-00
S140,000.00
5120,000.00
S 100, 000.00
S80,000.00
560,000.00
5 40,000.00
520,000.00
50.00
Median HH Income Mean HH Income Median Family Income Mean Family Income
■ Atlantic Beach S78,05900 5128,607.00 593,400.00 5162,497.00
■ Duval County S58,41500 579,366.00 $69,956.00 $92,34700
■ Florida S59,22700 S83,883.00 571,348.00 597,822.00
The charts above show the City's
reported household and family Median Household Income
incomes compared to those of by Census Block 2019
Duval County and of Florida.
The charts show Atlantic Beach ti
has a higher household and
family income than that of Duval
County and Florida. SOS
i
Median Household Income
$48,611.00 - $51,111.00 N
$51,11101-$56.55800 wMiles c 00102 04 06 0e
$56.558.01 - S88,906.00 S
$88,906.01 - S116,250.00
kw,4 $116,250 01 - $143.274 00 Data taken from US Census 2015-2019
American Community Survey 5 -Year Estimates
Page 16 of 35
Attachment A
to April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
The chart below shows the median earnings of Atlantic Beach residents based on educational attainment.
$90,000
$80,000
$70,000
$60,000
$50,000
$40,000
$30,000
$20,000
$10,000
$0
Median Income by Educational Attainment
(Population 25 years and older with earnings)
$18,250
Less than high
school graduate
Transportation
90.09E
80.0'4
70.0%
60.0%
50.0%
40.0%
30.0%
83.7%
$85,688
$50,783
Some college or Bachelor's degree Graduate or
associate's degree professional degree
High school
graduate
Means of Transportation
(Workers 16 years old and over commuting to work)
20.0%
8.7%
10.0% 6.5%
0.0% 1.1% ■
0.09E
Car, Truck, or Van Public Transportation Walked or Bicycle Taxicab, Motorcycle, or Worked at Home
Other Means
Page 17 of 35
Attachment A
to April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
The vast majority (83.7%) of the working population drive personal vehicles to work, with 77.8% driving
alone. This correlates with 78.5% of the working population working outside of Atlantic Beach city limits
and a reported mean travel time to work of 25.9 minutes.
Percentage of Commuters that
Bike to Work by Census Block 2019
! e
i
Percentage of Commuters that Bike
0%-1.22%
N
1.23%-193%
0 0.102 04 06 08
1.94% - 3.16% W E Miles
3.17% 5.26% S
5.27% - 8.86%
Data taken from US Census 2015-2019
American Community Survey 5 -Year Estimates
Pagc 18 of
Attachment A
to April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
Percentage of Commuters that
Walk to Work by Census Block 2019
i
i
• �� - )wa.x.nw�...aun..�
�.x
Percentage of Commuters that Walk
N
0%-0.5% 0 04 06 0b
W �--E
Miles
0.51% - 1.36%
1.37% - 2.84% S
2.85% - 5.38% Data taken from US Census 2015-2019
g= 5.39% - 9.74% American Community Survey 5 -Year Estimates
Page 19 of 35
Attachment A
to April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
Occupation/Employment
Of the 11,390 residents 16 years old and over in Atlantic Beach, 7,446 reported to be in the labor force.
Of these 7,446 residents, 207 reported being unemployed and 17 reported being in the Armed Forces.
The chart below breaks down the occupation for the remaining 7,222 residents that are employed in the
civilian labor force.
Occupation
(Civilian employees 16 years old and over)
5.7% 4.8%
zif"5" 3
■ Management, business, science, and arts
• Service
• Sales and Office
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance
■ Production, transportation, and material moving
Housing Analysis
In 2019, there were 6,763 housing units in the city, which is up from the 6,554 housing units reported in
2016, the 6,174 housing units reported in 2010, and the 6,003 housing units reported in 2000.
Housing Units (6,763)
■ Occupied
■ Vacant
Page 20 of 35
Attachment A
to April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
Housing Units Per Acre
by Census Block 2019
Housing Units per Acre
E 0.44 - 0.52
0,53- 1.43
1.44-2,54
2.55 - 3.10
® 3.11 - 5.72
IIN
WE 00.102 O.a 06 08
Miles
S
Data taken from US Census 2015-2019
American Community Survey 5 -Year Estimates
Pagc 21 of 3
Attachment A
to April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
The chart below shows the 6,763 housing units classified by the time period they were built. Nearly 50%
of the housing units were built between 1970 and 1989.
Year Built
30.09(.
25.8%
25-0%
22.3%
20.0%
16.9%
15.096
12.7%
]U.Oiۥ 7 5 % 7.2%
5.0% 3.4%
1.8% 2.0%
0.0% 0 0.496 ■ I
-0"" 2009 ,19oPi 1949 oic9 -1969 1959 .19 161) ,1,0
2p14o� 10100 2(POko "o, ,g"Q%o 1,;1 1*0 1eio '4 0�o "IS9n1 ea
The reported median value of the 4,209 owner occupied housing units in the City is $362,300, which is
higher than the reported 2016 value of $330,400. The chart below shoes the housing stock broken down
by value.
Home Values
(Measured in $1,000s)
51 million or more
s750- S999.9
$ 500 - 57499
5 300 - 5499.9
S 100 - 5299.9
S50-5999 _
less than SSO
U 2W 400 600 800 100c 1200
Page 22 of 35
Attachment A
to April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
Median Home Value
by Census Block
.y
i
i
I
■
■
C
SE■
1
■
■
T
0 0.25 0.5 1
Median Home Value Miles
N
Below $150,000
$150,001 - $200,000
Data taken from US Census 20142019
$200,001 - $400,000 American Community Survey 5 -year Estimates
_ Above $400,000
Page 23 of 35
4/26/23 CRC Public Comment
• Sarah Boren, resident in AB since 1999
• foster more resident engagement — Encourage the CRC to pass a motion for staff to create an online form for
people to submit their thoughts and then have these thoughts read into the record during public comment
• Past section discussed Section 2 regarding boundaries — I believe it would be helpful to have a visualization of
AB boundaries including submerged waters and park/preserve agreements that accompanies the Charter either
as a hyperlink, an attachment, or separate but offered next to the charter online. Visual map always helps!
• Section 4 General Powers — Not sure if this is the right section to ask this question but I would like to
understand better what FL municipalities can do in terms of home rule and what is pre-empted by the State.
• Section 5 Number of Commissioners, Selection & Term
o I am concerned that with from 1312 (exceptional as she is) on this committee
that District 1312's wants will not be understood or weighed as equally. Those in 1312 were very vocal
about wanting a designated Commissioner seat that represented its area in the city.
■ 1306 — 6 seats
■ 1307 — 4 seats
■ 1308 -- 2 seats
■ 1312 — 1 seat
o I think having designated district commissioners _ our city tremendously in deliberate
investment, communications and unifying the city more. I encourage you to keep these designated
seats.
I have heard � about District Commissioners from this committee to date:
■ A — District Commissioners need to know that they and all AB residents
not just the residents in their districts. I think this is an easy concept and criteria to relay in job
descriptions and training.
B — Districts put a limit on the pool that can run and fear that we will not have enough people to
run for office. I have not noticed a dearth of candidates (we had several more candidates in this
last election than in recent past) and believe civil competition is healthy. The solution is not to
dilute equal representation but to invest in nurturing a pool of future leaders.
■ I don't believe either of these concerns negate the benefits of district representation
Urge you to request an of the voting districts to see if they have helped or
hindered more equal representation and voter engagement.
Urge you to consider can/should be reassessed for
population changes and updated (e.g., every 10 years based on census or more frequently and with
what data and by whom)
I like the wording precinct lines shall be as equal in population as possible, and to the extent possible
shall maintain the integrity of neighborhoods and communities of interest. But maybe ask Supervisor to
document his/her explanation of how and why they updated the lines. You could put this in a separate
guidelines/best practices policy if you don't want to trigger a formal change in the Charter.
• Section 6 --_ (e.g., 18 and older)
Page 25 of 35
C L Eli K
V
Attachment C
to April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
KEY STATE ISSUES
State Sen. John Thrasher stopped by the Times -Union editorial board Tuesday to give
an introduction to some key issues the legislature will be facing in January. Mike Clark
Sums up the visit on the Opinion Page Blog: jacltsonvillesom/opinion
At -large seats produce inequities
aAt-large representa-
tion in the South at
Michael the turn of the 20th
Hoffmann Century was just
one of many barriers
erected against African-American and
poor white populations.
Legal barriers included the poll tax,
the literacy test and barriers peculiar to
each Southern state as Southern whites
attempted to lock down Jim Crow seg-
regation and to inhibit the possibility of
black -white coalitions such as those that
emerged briefly in the 1890s during the
heyday of Southern Populism.
The sole purpose of at -large repre-
sentation in the United States today
remains the dilution of votes cast by
minorities, whether these minorities are
based on ethnicity, race or class.
At -large representation in the South
continues to be a means to minimize
African-American electoral strength as
well as to diminish the political influ-
ence of low- and moderate -income vot-
ers, which is the case in Atlantic Beach.
At -large representation in the con-
solidated city of Jacksonville primarily
dilutes the vote of African-Americans,
and the belated addition 10 years ago of
a residency requirement doesn't alter
the basic calculus.
The 2011 election for the At -large
Distric ea on t e Jacksonville City
Council, won by Robin Lumb, shows
how racial vote dilution via the at -large
system of representation works.
At -large District 5 is overwhelmingly
African-American and Democrat.
The election results from that at -large
district indicate that the voters strongly
favored Donald Foy, an African- Ameri-
can who eschewed a party label.
Predictably, the votes of white Repub-
licans outside the district determined
who holds the City Council seat today.
There are exceptions to the analysis
above. However. political scientists have
developed useful, if not predictive, mod-
els to judge electoral fairness.
One of these concepts is the dif-
ference between direct and indirect
representation. The most direct form
of electoral representation in our his-
tory is, or was, the storied annual New
England town meeting during which
the town's elections and budget were
accomplished in a single, often lengthy,
2011 ELECTION RESULTS
For at -large District 5
Foy: 23,254 Lumb:6,348
At -large Districts 1.4
Foy: 49,514 1 umb: 94,076
Countywide total
Lumb:100.424 Foy: 72,768
DISTRICT 5 DEMOGRAPHY
White: 17.827
Black: 73,355
Hispanic: 1,252
Other. 4,537
Republican: 9,691
Democratic: 74,970
Other parties: 12,310
s%w nurairmniysupervnoadtkttionsofIKC
meeting of all voters.
The Constitution of 1787-89 provides
a classic example of indirect representa-
tion: The election of U.S. senators by the
various state legislatures, a practice that
ended during the Populist and Progres-
sive era as citizens insisted on direct
election of senators.
The time -tested method in the United
States is single -member representa-
tion, a more direct form of election than
at -large representation. The single -
member district also brings an electoral
system closer to the "one man, one
vote" mandate of the Supreme Court
— although an increasingly right-wing
Supreme Court of the last two decades
has permitted at -large exceptions.
An immediate benefit for Jackson-
ville, derived from the elimination of
the five existing at -large seats and the
re-creation of a City Council comprised
of 19 district seats, will be the increased
likelihood of meeting the requirements
for compact and contiguous districts.
And, if you believe, as I do, that a level
playing field in politics is an indispens-
able prerequisite for long-term racial
and class harmony, then you will insist
that at -large seats be eliminated and
single -member districts be instituted in
Jacksonville (and Atlantic Beach, too!).
MkbW Hoffmann lives in Atlantic Beach.
Page 27 of 35
Attachment D
of April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
From: Brinkley A. Harrell <brinklev.harrell &earthlink.net>
Date: Wed, Apr 26, 2023 at 4:22 PM
Subject: COAB CRC Meeting April 26... Historical and Political Context
To: <dawnsmaacrbellsouth.net>, <mitchiwmitchreeves.com>, <ellengolombektaamail.com>,
<chipdrysdaleui;yahoo.com>, <bruce.andrews6d�comeast.net>, <schmirklayLibellsouth.net>,
<lagneriennifernu,gmail.com>, <yulliford a usa.com>, <kellmoreacomcast.net>,
<dyounb4i,c5mi.com>, <debbie.buckland(,gmail.com>, <scswann�ia,gmail.com>,
<suzanneatcrc(d!email.com>
Hello and Good Evening All,
My apologies in advance, for what will be a lengthy email full of statistics interspersed with my
opinions and recommendations.
You may want to consider printing this.
I will also be attending tonight's meeting and hopefully will have a chance to speak to these
items.
For those of you who do not know me, my family moved here in 1972 and this has always been
my home. I attended and graduated from Fletcher High School, then attended and graduated
from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and History.
Election History
Prior to 2018, COAB elections were held in odd -numbered years with extremely low voter turn-
out. (Note: all numbers pulled from Supervisor of Elections website).
2003 22.53% voter turn -out with 1,594 voters determining the Mayor's race (Meserve)...
2005 29.76% voter turn -out with 1,613 voters determining the Mayor's race (Wolfson)...
2007 22.83% voter turn -out
Seat 2 (1308 Fletcher) 1,162 votes cast compared to 2,295
Seat 3 (1307 Parsons) 1,023 votes cast compared to 1,978
Page 29 of 35
Attachment D
of April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
Charter Amendment Question 1.
(11.24% of registered voters)
Charter Amendment Question 2.
(14.94% of registered voters)
YES with 1,130 voters determining YES vote
YES with 1,502 voters determining YES vote
2009 14.74% voter turn -out with 1,046 voters determining the Mayor's race (Borno)...
Seat 5 (1312 Daugherty) 1,333 votes cast compared to 1,409 for Mayor's race, only 76
difference.
2011 2830% voter tum -out with 1.365 voters determining the Mayor's race (Borno)...
Seat 2 (1308 Mark) 2,681 votes cast compared to 2,689 for Mayor's race, only 8
difference.
Seat 3 (1307 Beckenbach) 2,680 votes cast compared to 2,689 Mayor's race only 9
difference.
2013 31.87% voter turn -out with 1,621 voters determining the Mayor's race (Woods)...
Seat 4 (1306 Hill) 2,851 votes cast compared to 2,926 Mayor's race, only 75 difference
(2.56%).
Seat 5 (1312 Daugherty) 2,842 votes cast compared to 2,926 for Mayor's race, only 84
difference (2.87%).
2015 32.79% voter turn -out (3,214 cast of 9,802 registered) with 1,618 voters determining
the Mayor's race (Reeves)...
Seat 2 (1308 Stinson) 3,170 votes cast compared to 3,194 for Mayor's race, only 24
difference.
Seat 3 (1307 unopposed)
Charter Amendment Question 1. Adopt new and amended charter YES with 1,526
voters determining YES vote (15.57% of registered voters)...
Page 30 of 35
Attachment D
of April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
Charter Amendment Question 2. Charge from At -Large to District representation NO
with 1,874 voters determining NO vote (19.12% of registered voters)...
2017 30.81% voter turn -out (3,189 cast of 10,351 registered) with 1,724 voters determining
the Mayor's race (Glasser)...
Seat 4 (1306 Kelly) 3,043 votes cast compared to 3,176 for Mayor's race, only 133
difference (4.19%).
Seat 5 (1312 Norris) 3,094 votes cast compared to 3,176 for Mayor's race, only 82
difference (2.56%).
Ballot question held in conjunction with state and federal General Election in 2018...
2018 62.67% voter turn -out (6,797 cast of 10,846 registered) with 4,104 voters determining
the referendum results
Charter Amendment Question. Modify city commission election procedures (plurality
vote and even -numbered year elections)
YES with 4,104 voters determining YES vote (37.84% of 10,846 registered voters)...
2020 74.53% voter turn -out (8,625 cast of 11,572 registered) with 5,169 voters determining
the Mayor's race (Glasser)...
Seat 2 (1308 Bole) only 7,639 votes cast compared to 8,625 for Mayor's race, 986
confused and non-voting (11.43%).
Seat 3 (1307 Waters) only 8,214 votes cast compared to 8,625 for Mayor's race, 411
confused and non-voting (4.771/tx).
Referendum Question. Change Mayor to 4 -year term
NO with 4,427 voters determining NO vote (38.26% of 11,572 registered voters)
2022 6332% voter turn -out (7,028 cast of 11,099 registered) with 2,874 voters determining
the Mayor's race (Ford) (3 candidates running, plurality vote only)...
Page 31 of 35
Attachment D
of April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
Seat 4 (1306 Kelly) only 6,258 votes cast compared to 7,028 for Mayor's race, 770
confused voters (10.96%)
Seat 5 (1312 Ring) only 6,212 votes cast compared to 7,028 for Mayor's race, 816
confused voters (11.61%)
Key take-aways and Recommendations
• Switching in 2018 from odd -numbered year elections to even -numbered year elections (to
coincide with state and federal elections) resulted in a huge surge in voter participation (from
roughly 30% to 63%-74%)...
• Voters tend to switch Mayor's every two to four years (although up to 4-terms/8 years are
allowed), so 2 -year Mayoral terms seem to be a good thing.
o Two year terms increase the Mayor's responsiveness to voters and residents.
• Few commissioners get re-elected after their initial 4 -year term. Consider changing all
Commissioners from 4 -year terms to 2 -year terms, and let the voters decide on Commissioner
retention more regularly.
o Florida State Representatives are only elected at 2 -year terms;
o US House of Representatives are only elected at 2 -year terms;
o Are our Commissioners "that special" to have a 4 -year term?
o Two-year terms will increase Commissioners responsiveness to voters and
residents.
o A greater number of our residents/neighbors will have an opportunity to serve
and contribute on the Commission.
• Having a district residency requirement with At -Large voting does NOT lend itself to
having a true "district representative", in fact it's just the opposite.
o This is only known place where residency with at -large voting occurs...
o The district Commissioners are actually elected by a majority of voters who
DON'T reside in that district, negating the true aspect of a district
representative (currently).
Page 32 of 35
Attachment D
of April 26, 2023 CRC Minutes
o The concern that "west of Mayport Road" won't be taken care of, is a fallacy,
in that there are still 4 other Commissioners that could always vote against
projects in that district anyway.
o With greatly improved voter tum -out since 2018, the number of confused or
disenfranchised voters has significantly increased from less than 100, to
upwards of 1,500 voters. This is most likely attributable to the common
knowledge and thought that a district representative is only voted for by their
district residents.
o In 2015 an amendment question was on the ballot to change from At -Large to
district only voting. It failed to pass, but only 3,098 voters participated then with
upwards of 7,028 to 8,625 voters having participated in past two elections.
o Two Options, revisit district voting only, or consider dropping the district
residentcy requirement altogether.
Thank you in advance for entertaining my opinions and recommendations,
Best regards,
Brinkley A. Harrell
+1-904-899-3753
USA Mobile/Text via WhatsApp
Page 33 of 35
Attachment E
to 4-26-23 CRC Minutes
CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
April 26, 2023
MOTION
UPON THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE 2007 DISTRICT REPRESENTATION STUDY COMMITTEE REPORT, I SO
MOVE TO CONTINUE DISTRICT REPRESENTATION IN ATLANTIC BEACH AS RECOMMENDED BY THE
DISTRICT REPRESENTATION COMMITTEE. ACCEPTED BY THE CITY COMMISSION, AND APPROVED BY
MAJORITY VOTE IN THE 2007 CITY-WIDE REFERENDUM THAT EACH COMMISSION MEMBER LIVE IN THE
DISTRICT/PRECINCT FROM WHICH HE OR SHE RUNS AND THAT THE CANDIDATES BE VOTED ON
CITYWIDE. THE DISTRICTS SHOULD BE EQUAL IN POPULATION AND TO THE DEGREE POSSIBLE SHOULD
MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITIES OF INTEREST.
DAWN SCOTT
CRC MEMBER
Page 35 of 35