07-15-97 v MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARD
OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA
July 15, 1997
7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL
PRESENT : Don Wolfson
Robert Frohwein
Mark McGowan
Mary Walker
Pat Pillmore
Buzzy Grunthal
AND George Worley, II, CD Director
Alan Jensen, Esquire
Pat Harris
ABSENT : Sharette Simpkins
Chairman Don Wolfson called the meeting to order and asked for approval of the
minutes from the meeting of June 17, 1997 meeting. On motion made and seconded and
after correcting a minor typographical error the-minutes were approved.
I. Application for Variance filed by Clinton Burbridge to erect a 6-foot fence at
property located at 270 6th Street.
Mr. Burbridge requested that his application be tabled indefinitely untii the board
has the opportunity to review the traffic flow study.
Public Safety Director David Thompson attending at the board's request gave a
synopsis of the recent traffic study. He stated that the Mayor appointed a traffic committee
who concentrated on parking and traffic flow matters. Examples of problems were rights-
of-way being nonexistent on several streets in Atlantic Beach such as Beach Avenue,
Ocean Boulevard and East Coast Drive.
Mrs. Pillmore noted that the request for the fence on Sixth Street was not the first
application and that it appears that the main reason for such requests was the noise factor.
She suggested another study be undertaken concentrating on this issue.
The Chairman explained that the board has received numerous variance requests
regarding fences from the perspective of privacy or sound barriers He requested that
Director Thompson give his opinion regarding public safety In this connection.
Director Thompson expressed concerns with fences or barriers at corner lots specifically
due to visibility requirements. He stated that crime prevention requires that properties are
clearly visible and high fences or shrubs prevent clear visibility not only for traffic tine of
sight but safety of the citizens.
Mr. Frohwein requested that Director Thompson furnish the board copies of the traffic
count performed in the past two years by the City.
II. Application for Use-by-Exception filed by Florida Weather, Inc. to install parts
that are presently being sold through Atlantic Coast Appliance at property located at 20
Seminole Road.
Steve Doerr introduced himself and explained that his company desires to operate
the office functions of his air conditioning business from the location. He stated that there
will be no outside storage of parts or vehicles at the property.
Mr. McGowan moved to recommend to the City Commission that they grant the use-
by-exception based on the permitted uses by exception for commercial general districts
allowing contractors not requiring outside storage and the understanding that the applicant
will not have outside storage or parking at the premises. Mr. Frohwein seconded the
motion and it passed unanimously.
III. Application for Variance filed by Meredith R. Wachtel to construct a fence which
exceeds the height limitations at property located at 739 Selva Lakes Circle.
Ms. Wachtel introduced herself to the board and requested that the board table her
application until further traffic flow studies could be performed. She stated problems with
traffic, noise and privacy.
Mr. Worley explained to the board that it has consistently followed the interpretation
regarding corner lots with the setback of 15 feet on the secondary street frontage.
After a lengthy discussion, Mr. McGowan moved to table the request indefinitely.
Mr. Frohwein seconded the motion and the application was tabled until further notice.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. TRAFFIC FLOW PROBLEMS
Ms. Pillmore asked if there was any possible grant money available for researching
the traffic flow issues and answers and requested staff to look into the matter.
The board was furnished with copies of the City of Atlantic Beach City Manager's
Proposed Budget. The Chairman suggested recommending inclusion of funding for
studies on behalf of the City. He pointed out the possibility of condemnation of properties.
He strongly recommended the board become more proactive in the City's budget
recommendations for traffic flow studies and public safety problems and potential
solutions.
J. P. Marchioli introduced himself and commented on traffic flow as a member of the
study committee and as a resident. He expressed concern with vehicular speeding and
and disregard for others in the community. He stated that Jacksonville had the facilities
and could help with various studies.
Mr. McGowan asked what study was going to help in the board's consideration of
the two applications that were tabled for a month or two.
Mr. Frohwein also expressed concern with the two applications which were tabled
and whether funding could be available for a more immediate solution to the problems
such as traffic calming.
Mr. Worley explained that the board could request the city commission to budget
money for specific studies but timing is an important factor and the recommendation would
have to be made at one of the next two meetings.
Ms. Pillmore requested that Mayport Road be included in the list of streets involved
in the studies. She pointed out that the main problem with the specific applications was
noise.
After further discussion, Mr. McGowan moved that the board request the City
Commission to set aside funds for a traffic study in the amount recommended by Mr.
Worley as this board has requested that he define an amount based on a study of the five
major arteries in and out of Atlantic Beach, their traffic flow, the problems resulting
therefrom, any potential remedies and the costs associated with those remedies. The five
main arteries being Ocean Boulevard, East Coast Drive, Sherry Drive, Seminole Road and
Plaza Street. Mr. Frohwein seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
2. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Mr. Worley explained that the budget includes capital improvements projects far five
years such as road repavings, major construction, and utilities. He stated that with grant
moneys the city needed to match the funds.
The Chairman requested that in the future the board become involved with the
capital improvements earlier in the year and not wait until the last minute.
Mrs. Walker expressed her concern in seeing documentation regarding
improvements exceeding 50% of the current assessed value, specifically, the construction
of the addition to the restaurant located at 501 Atlantic Boulevard.
Mr. Worley explained thatthe dollar value used is for the improvements and not the
land. The board requested that Mr. Worley furnish a calculation of the assessed value at
the time of application and percentage of improvements to the structure.
Mr. Frohwein asked for a report concerning 89 West 4th Street. Mr. Worley stated
that the owner of the building was to supply information concerning ownership and
responsibility for the encroachment of an eight foot fence.
The Chairman requested staff to further investigate the matter and submit a report
at the next months meeting and requested that it be included on the agenda for that
meeting.
There being no further business to come before the board on motion made the
meeting was adjourned.
SIGNED �
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