05-15-23 Special Called Meeting AgendaCity of Atlantic Beach
Agenda
Special Called Meeting of the City Commission
Monday, May 15, 2023 - 6:30 p.m.
Commission Chamber, City Hall
800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER
Page(s)
1. CONSIDERATION OF CITY MANAGER CANDIDATE, PAUL ANDREW "ANDY" STEWART
1.A.
Recruitment Update (Mayor Ford)
City Manager Recruitment Brochure
Paul Andrew Stewart's Resume
Memo from CM about Background and Reference Checks
1.B. Public Comments
1.C. Recess
1.D. Discussion
1.E. Commission Action and Next Steps
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2. ADJOURNMENT
This meeting will be live -streamed and videotaped. To access live or recorded videos, go to
www.atlanticbeachfl.swagit.com/live or click on the Meeting Videos tab on the city's home
page at www.coab.us.
If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to
any matter considered at any meeting, such person may need a record of the proceedings,
and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made,
which record shall include the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
Any person wishing to speak to the City Commission on any matter at this meeting should
submit a request to the City Clerk prior to the meeting. For your convenience, forms for this
purpose are available at the entrance to the Commission Chamber.
Every effort is made to indicate what action the City Commission is expected to take on each
agenda item. However, the City Commission may act upon any agenda subject, regardless of
how the matter is stated on the agenda.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 286.26, Florida Statutes,
persons with disabilities needing special accommodation to participate in this meeting should
contact the City Clerk's Office by 5:00 PM, the Friday prior to the meeting.
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ATLANTIC
BEACH
Agenda Item #1.A.
15 May 2023
— POSITION AVAILABLE —
CITY MANAGER
Apply by April 20, 2023
WELCOME TO ATLANTIC BEACH
Bordered by the pristine beaches of the Atlantic
Ocean, the woods of Hanna Park, and the marshes of
the Intracoastal Waterway, Atlantic Beach is a small
coastal village demarcated by a maritime forest
thoughtfully preserved by generations of local
community and government leaders. A canopy of live
oaks, bald cypress and other shade trees creates
beauty, provides a home for wildlife, functions as an
element of the water management system, and
enhances property values. The care and health of the
trees, coast and marsh are paramount in every
decision about the community's use of its land, water
system, and drainage needs. The community's
heartbeat, though, is its people, who collectively have
created and maintained what is widely considered the
most enviable quality of life in Northeast Florida.
Stretching about 25 blocks from north to south,
Atlantic Beach is a closed-end, well-developed,
neighborhood -centric community (est. pop. 13,513) in
Northeast Florida's Duval County. The City is part of
the Jacksonville Beaches, a group of three sister cities
(along with Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach; the
united mantra is "Three Beaches, One Community")
situated on the northern half of an unnamed barrier
island, considered to be a City of Jacksonville suburb.
Through its people, the City of Atlantic Beach
supports its active and engaged community by
providing a network of 18 parks and
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PAGE 2 1 CITY MANAGER 1 CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLA.
Agenda Item #1.A.
15 May 2023
preserves that are well-maintained, secure and accessible
for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists, alike.
The City is executing a plan to connect its streets, multi-
use paths, trails and public spaces to support health,
recreation, local land uses, economies, natural
environments, and the overall equity of the community.
Outdoor activities and community festivals facilitated
through City arts, recreational and and cultural
programming abound year-round; the Adele Grage
Cultural Center houses monthly concerts, a community
theatre and hosts a robust holiday market, and other
activities; community centers provide summer camp and
after-school enrichment; and a weekly farmer's market
brings the community together while supporting local
craftspeople and green growers.
The City of Atlantic Beach also teams up with neighboring
Neptune Beach to provide a thriving shopping, restaurant
and entertainment hub, Beaches Town Center, just steps
from the ocean for families and visitors. Three times a
year, epic street jubilees parlay as homecoming
celebrations for those fortunate enough to ever have
called Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach "home."
Meanwhile, to the west, a shared community vision is
being implemented to transform the busy Mayport Road
corridor into a greenway that supports the surrounding
neighborhoods with a vibrant, thriving business, restaurant
and arts district.
History
Atlantic Beach was a small seaside community around
1900 when Henry Flagler, builder of the Florida East Coast
Railway, built the Mayport branch of the railway and
erected a station just north of the former Atlantic Beach
City Hall (now Adele Grage Cultural Center). The
Continental Hotel, with about 300 rooms, was built soon
thereafter on a tract of land lying between the depot and
the beach. The land surrounding the hotel was subdivided
and sold for summer homes. Promotional activities to
attract tourists included auto races on the beach and air
shows and the area experienced considerable growth. In
1913, the railroad sold most of the land to the Atlantic
Beach Corp., which began paving streets, installing lights
and water and sewer lines. However, during World War I,
people were afraid to come to the coast and the Atlantic
Beach Corp. bankrupted. After the war, land began to sell
again and the settlement began to grow. The Town of
Atlantic Beach was incorporated in 1926; the first Charter
was adopted in 1929; and by 1940 there were 38 City
employees. A new Charter was adopted in 1957, making
Atlantic Beach a city. The city boundaries were extended
in 1987 by annexation of the Seminole Beach area to the
north; in 1996 by extending the westerly boundary to the
Intracoastal Waterway; and in 2015 by incorporating
Atlantic Beach Country Club. The city is about 3.5 square
miles in land area, another 9.5 acres of wetland, and has
about 2.25 miles of beachfront.
One of the key features of Atlantic Beach is that City
Commissions have been aggressive in acquiring and
protecting land to be developed for recreational,
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conservation and resiliency purposes. In 1994, the City
acquired about eight acres along the Intracoastal
Waterway and developed Tide Views Preserve as a
passive park with trails, a boardwalk for viewing
wildlife, canoe launch and picnic areas. In 1998, the
City, in a joint venture with the City of Jacksonville,
acquired a 27 -acre island now known as Dutton Island
Preserve. The island features a nature park with trails,
a floating dock for launching kayaks and canoes, a
fishing pier, camping sites and pavilions. In 2009, a
major donation from River Branch Foundation enabled
the City to acquire 350 acres of marsh and uplands
between Dutton Island and Tide Views Preserves for
conservation and public access. And in 2018, the City
acquired Selva Preserve, 3.5 acres of undeveloped
property in the heart of the community with a nature
trail along Sherman Creek.
Form of Government
The five -member City Commission establishes policies
and creates ordinances which determine the City's
laws, proceedings, budget, and services. It appoints a
professional City Manager (to oversee its day-to-day
operations), City Clerk and City Attorney, as well as
members of the City's boards and committees. The
Mayor -Commissioner is elected at large and serves
two-year terms; the four other City Commission
members represent districts, are elected at -large, and
serve overlapping four-year terms. Term limits are in
place. The next election is in November 2024 when
the Mayor's seat and two City Commission seats will
be voted upon. The City Commission has a sustained
recent history of being fiscally responsible and
politically stable, and has a demonstrated commitment
to working cohesively and civilly.
Departments and Services
The City of Atlantic Beach provides a full range of
well-run and customer -centric services, including
public safety and water and sewer utilities. The City of
Atlantic Beach operates 10 departments with a total of
about 130 full-time and 40 part-time employees:
Building; City Clerk; Cultural Arts and Recreation;
Engineering; Finance; Information Technology; Planning
and Community Development; Police, Public Utilities,
and Public Works. The City Manager has a Deputy City
Manager and an Executive Assistant.
Budget
The 2023 fiscal year budget is $57 million; the general
fund budget is $18 million. The millage rate is a
remarkably low $3.1035 per $1,000 of assessed taxable
value. Property taxes represent 40.1% of General Fund
revenues. The Public Safety function, which includes
Police and Fire, is 45.7% of the expenditure. The total
assessed value of property in Atlantic Beach increased
by $262,229,187 or 12.4% over last year. This includes
$18,667,683 in new construction. The City's Fund
Balance policy states that the Fund Balance will have
at least 25% and no more than 50% of budgeted
Agenda Item #1.A.
15 May 2023
PAGE 3 1 CITY MANAGER 1 CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLA.
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PAGE 4 1 CITY MANAGER 1 CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLA.
Agenda Item #1.A.
15 May 2023
expenditures. The General Fund reserve is extremely
healthy: About 47% of budgeted expenditures. The City
makes a substantial investment in water, sewer, and
stormwater infrastructure which is necessary to maintain
as well as increase capacity to provide drinking water and
sanitary sewer, as well as mitigate flooding issues.
2040 Vision Statement
In Atlantic Beach, we have a strong sense of belonging
and safety. Our citizens and government care deeply
about community character, and we understand that
unified support is required to preserve it. We are graced
with the functional beauty of our beach, our marsh, and
our tree canopy. Our shady streets and multi -use paths
connect our welcoming neighborhoods and vibrant local
businesses. Our City supports our diverse,
multigenerational, socially linked community with green
spaces, active lifestyles, parks, and programming.
Mission Statement
The City of Atlantic Beach works to fulfill the goals of the
City Commission's Annual Priorities and 2040 Community
Vision. Through valuable relationships with our citizens,
local businesses, vendors and each other, we strive to
provide the best in City services, programming, public
utilities, infrastructure and public safety. Further, we are
committed to preserving the natural beauty and the
quality of life in our Oceanside and Marshside community
for future generations.
Values Statement
• Leadership. We recruit and retain a team of high -
performing employees with diverse talents; and our
workplace culture encourages initiative, innovation,
creativity, and continuous improvement.
• Inclusiveness. We respect, listen to, and invest in our
employees; we are equitable; and every area of our
City matters.
• Efficiency. Our best decisions balance thoughtfulness,
fairness, swiftness and transparency; and we use
technology and data as strategic tools for decision-
making.
• Excellence. We deliver outstanding value and
customer service to our citizens, local businesses,
visitors, and each other. We are reliable. We do what
we say we will do with excellence, professionalism,
and fiscal integrity.
2023 Priorities
(Approved by Resolution March 13, 2023; details are at
www.coab.us/priorities.)
• City Services & Collaboration. Ensure that City has a
high -performing workforce, well-managed volunteer
corps, and viable partnerships.
• Infrastructure & Stormwater Management. Address
critical current and future needs.
• Resilience & Environmental Leadership. Validate
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COAB's commitment to resiliency, sustainability and the
environment.
• Traffic Safety & Parking Management. Improve safety,
connectivity and quality of life.
• Community Development. Enhance community corridors,
connectivity and parks.
• City Facilities. Improve residents' and visitors' enjoyment
of City facilities.
The Ideal City Manager Candidate: A CAO
While "City Manager" is a term of art in public employment,
the community — to be clear — is looking for a Chief
Administrative Officer of a $57.3 million municipal
corporation. The City Manager is not a manager so much as
he or she is a leader who hires and inspires people. The
City of Atlantic Beach's CAO must have proven experience
and success at a high -executive government level, and
possess political skills. Atlantic Beach's CAO must have a
demonstrated history of fiscally conservative budgeting
and the ability to identify and seize economies -of -scale
opportunities. This is particularly critical with the impending
expiration of the Better Jacksonville Plan, which funds City
of Atlantic Beach quality -of -life -enhancing projects; and as
a new 1 -mill county school tax takes effect July 1. Working
with elected officials and the public is at times highly
political, complex, emotional, controversial, and not for the
faint of heart. The person cannot have thin skin; rather, the
CAO must understand the delicate relationships required
when reporting to a city commission; leading and directing
staff; working with volunteers; and responding to the
public. The CAO must fully understand and navigate the
complex dynamics of Commission members' personalities,
ideals and goals. Because the City Manager is called upon
to deliver unpopular news about zoning, funding, ethics,
spending decisions and more, the CAO must be able to tell
hard truths, lead difficult conversations, and be self-
confident and able to rise above criticism. The CAO should
have a community presence; genuinely enjoy relationships
with people; be highly skilled at bringing people together;
and have an insatiable hunger for the latest thinking in city
governance, policies, public safety, natural resources,
community development, resilience and growth
management.
Education and Experience
The City Manager is chosen by the City Commission solely
on the basis of administrative qualifications and with special
reference to education and experience in and knowledge
of accepted practice with respect to the duties of this
office as set forth hereinafter and in the city code.
Applicants for the position of City Manager shall meet the
following educational and experience requirements:
• Possession of at least a baccalaureate degree,
preferably in Public Administration or a directly related
field from a college or university accredited by a
recognized accreditation agency in the United States or
from a recognized college or university outside of the
United States which is acceptable to the City
Commission.
• Not less than five years of experience as a city,
municipal, county, or state government, administrator
Agenda Item #1.A.
15 May 2023
serving in at least an assistant department head or the
equivalent in responsibility, preferably as a city manager.
• A graduate degree acceptable to the City Commission may
be substituted for not more than one year of the required
experience.
Duties and Responsibilities
Foremost, the City Manager ensures that the entire community
is served effectively and efficiently by performing the duties
specified in the City Charter, including working effectively with
the City Clerk and the City Attorney. The complete list of
duties and responsibilities is published within the job posting
at www.coab.us/jobs.
Residency
At the time of appointment, the new City Manager need not
be a resident of the city or state; within six months, though,
the City Manager must reside within the city of Atlantic Beach.
Compensation
The salary range for the City Manager position is $160,000 to
$180,000. The specific salary and benefits package will depend
on the selectee's qualifications and experience. The City
Manager receives a 10% contribution to a 401(a) plan, along
with personal time off; holidays; group life insurance; medical,
dental and vision insurance; disability insurance; use of
municipal vehicle or a vehicle allowance; and professional dues
and conference expenses.
Recent City Managers
The most recent City Manager successfully served the City for
five years, including three years as City Manager, and moved
on to pursue another career opportunity in local government
administration. The previous City Manager retired in 2019 and
is currently serving as Interim City Manager.
The Process
Applications are due April 20, 2023, and the position is
expected to be filled in May 2023.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Atlantic Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer
and encourages women, minorities and veterans to apply.
Open Records Law
State of Florida law mandates that state, county, and municipal
records, including employment applications, are open for
personal inspection and copying by any person.
How to Apply
Apply online at www.coab.us/jobs. Questions should be
directed to Interim City Manager Joe Gerrity at (904) 247-5817
or jgerrity@coab.us. Additional information about the City is
published at www.coab.us.
PAGE 5 1 CITY MANAGER 1 CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLA.
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. Paul Andrew Stewart
4752 Riverglen Blvd, Ponce Inlet, FL
Phone: 321-977-9107 Email: Stewe2001@aol.com
Summary
Agenda Item #1.A.
15 May 2023
A levelheaded professional public manager with the ability to motivate others and create consensus within an
organization. Results oriented with a strong desire to provide expected and exceptional customer service to the general
public. Strong financial background with more than twenty years of experience in budgeting and financial accounting.
Experience in the oversight of large capital projects.
Relevant Professional Experience
Town Manager, Town of Kitty Hawk, NC
Duties and Responsibilities as Town Manager:
2016-2022
• Prepared the Town's annual budget (> $10 million) and capital improvements programs.
• Manage day to day activities including Police, Fire, Public Works, and Administrative Staff <50 employees.
• Over sight of multi-million dollar beach nourishment project in the Town of Kitty Hawk.
Achievements:
• Graduate of the 2021 Outer Banks Leadership Program.
• Converted medical facility to a shared use facility for new Police Station
excess of $200,000
Obtained yearly grants in
Assistant City Manager, City of Satellite Beach, FL. 2013 - 2016
The City of Satellite Beach has a population of approximately 10,322 and is located in Brevard County, Florida. The
City is a coastal community spanning the barrier island between the Banana River segment of the Indian River Lagoon
on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. It is located 15 miles south of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and
NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center.
Duties and Responsibilities as Assistant City Manager:
• Performed administrative and professional management work assisting the City Manager in the overall
operation of the City.
• Directly responsible for Finance, Information Technology, and Human Resources
• Prepares the City's annual budget (approximately $12,682,602 million) and capital improvements programs.
Achievements:
• Received the Government Finance Officers Association Budget Award two consecutive years for the City
• Involved in securing and creating a funding source for $2.5 million to finance failing road infrastructure
through hosting various community outreach meetings.
• City's unrestricted reserve balance has increased from $42,000 in 2012 to over $900,000 in 2015.
Town Manager, Town of Dundee, FL. 2009 - 2013
The Town of Dundee has a population of approximately 3,300 and is located in Polk County, Florida. The Town is a
Central Florida community located between Tampa and Orlando and was built on the wealth of Florida's citrus
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Agenda Item #1.A.
15 May 2023
industry. The Community now serves as a growing bedroom community to larger neighboring cities and as a host to
tourists visiting area attractions.
Paul Andrew Stewart
4752 Riverglen Blvd, Ponce Inlet, FL
Duties and Responsibilities as Town Manager:
Phone: 321-977-9107 Email: Stewe2001@aol.com
• Serves as the top appointed executive in the Town and is responsible for carrying out the policies and
programs determined by the elected officials.
• Plans, organizes, integrates, fiscally controls, directs, administers, reviews and evaluates the activities,
operations, programs and services of the Town of Dundee.
• Prepares the Town's annual budget (approximately $4.2 million) and capital improvements programs.
• Reviews and analyzes contractual agreements with third parties to ensure uniformity and compliance.
• Meets with private businesses to promote economic development and positive growth initiatives.
Achievements:
• Eliminated $500,000 cash deficit and abolished the State of Financial Emergency identified by the Auditor
General within one year of employment with the Town.
• Constructed a Town Center, Library, Water Treatment Facility, and Public Works Facility within budget and
in the established time frame.
• Created partnerships with surrounding cities reducing operating cost for the Town. (i.e. Information
Technology contract with City of Winter Haven, Code Enforcement & Building Services with Haines City,
and a Community Development Block Grant Partnership with City of Auburndale)
• Drafted and received numerous competitive grants including a $300,000 Florida Department of
Environmental Protection grant for a recreational walking/biking trail between two parks.
Assistant City Manager, City of Auburndale, FL. 2003-2009
Duties and Responsibilities as Assistant City Manager:
Performed administrative and professional management work assisting the City Manager in the overall
operation and activities of the City.
Directly responsible for all aspects of employee personnel/benefit administration.
Served as liaison to various City Boards and the administrator of the Community Redevelopment Agency.
(CRA)
Education
Public Administration Master's Program, University of Central Florida
Master's Degree in Public Administration- May 2005
Bachelor of Science Degree in Financial Accounting, University of Central Florida
Major — Accounting/Business — August 2002
PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS
Member of Florida City and County Management Association — Past District VIII Board of Director
Member of North Carolina City Manager's Association
Certified NC Flood Plain Manager
FEMA Certified Emergency Manager 2020
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To: Mayor Ford and City Commissioners
From: Joe Gerrity, City Manager
Date: May 9, 2023
Agenda Item #1.A.
15 May 2023
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
800 SEMINOLE ROAD
ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA 32233-5455
TELEPHONE: (904) 247-5800
FAX: (904) 247-5805
SUNCOM: 852-5800
www.coab.us
We have conducted a criminal background check on Paul Andrew Stewart, and there is no
criminal history. Also, an extensive background check was done and of the 10 people we talked
with, no one said anything negative about Mr. Stewart and all agreed that citizens were happy
with his job performance and personally liked him.
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