01-15-08 WorkshopMINUTES OF THE COMMISSION WORKSHOP OF ATLANTIC BEACH CITY COMMISSION
HELD IN JORDAN PARK COMMUNITY CENTER, ON JANUARY 15, 2008 AT 6:00 PM.
City Commission Members present:
John S. Meserve, Mayor
Mike Borno, Mayor Pro Tem
John Fletcher, Commissioner
Paul Parsons, Commissioner
Carolyn Woods, Commissioner
Staff present:
Jim Hanson, City Manager
Sonya Doerr, Community Development Director
Erika Hall, Planner II
David Thompson, Police Chief
Alex Sherrer, Code Enforcement Officer
Kelley Caton, Animal Control Officer
Clifford Freycinet, Animal Control Officer
Donna L. Bussey, City Clerk
The meeting, which was held for the purpose of discussing the following items, was called to
order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Meserve. He then explained the process for discussion at
Workshops.
1. Discussion on the Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
City Manager Jim Hanson introduced Sonya Doerr, Community Development Board Director, to
explain the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) that is currently incorporated in the city's Residential
Development Standards. Ms. Doerr presented slides on information from the agenda packet.
The following issues were highlighted and discussed.
1) What is a FAR?: Floor Area Ratio; 2) Explanation and Illustration for Example 1:
Maximum size of house that could be built on a 50'x130' 6500sf lot if only the zoning setbacks
and height limit and other "old" regulations controlled with no FAR or other Residential
Development Standards; 3) Explanation and Illustrations for Example 2: Size of house that
could be built on a 6500 square foot lot with a .60 FAR; and 4) Explanation and Illustration
for Example 3: Size of house that could be built on a 50'x130' 6500 sf lot under the impervious
surface area limits without a FAR, but with other Residential Development Standards left in
place.
Commissioner Borno expressed he was against the FAR.
Mayor Meserve expressed he is not here to undo what other Commissions have done, but
believed this Commission should review the details regarding the FAR. He would like to see
the FAR be practiced for a while, however, explained that there are options to leave it alone,
eliminate it totally or make changes to it. He expressed his main objective is to bring the city
together.
Minutes -City Commission Workshop January 15, 2008
Page 2
Commissioner Parsons expressed that the FAR should be eliminated. He believed it is unfair and
unnecessary with the other setback regulations already in place. He does not believe there is a
middle ground when addressing the FAR and indicated he can live with the other parts to the
Ordinance as is if the FAR is eliminated.
Commissioner Woods related the Community Character process to the Comprehensive Plan
provisions. She expressed the need to be sensitive about both sides of the issue.
Commissioner Fletcher believed the current ordinance as a whole is good, but believed that the
FAR is excessive and could be eliminated without it creating a drastic change to the purpose of
the Ordinance.
Commissioner Borno explained the divisiveness, resulting from the Community Character
process, was caused by people getting emotional but not fully understanding the issues. He
believed there are not enough facts to justify eliminating the FAR at this time.
Commissioner Fletcher believed that eliminating the FAR could simplify the process.
Mayor Meserve asked City Attorney Alan Jensen if a minor tweak would require a first and
second reading at a regular meeting. The City Attorney agreed. Mayor Meserve reported it
appears that there is not a consensus from the group to proceed with an Ordinance to change the
FAR. He then expressed that he would be willing to eliminate the FAR, but keep everything
else in the Ordinance as it is.
Commissioner Woods indicated she would rather not bring up changing the Code at this time.
Commissioner Borno wished that the FAR was never brought into the current Ordinance and
would prefer not to have it brought up again at this time. He reported he had sit through many
meetings where the issue was debated and can do it again if necessary. Commissioner Parsons
reiterated that he wants the FAR eliminated and believes it takes away property rights.
Commissioner Fletcher supported eliminating the FAR.
The consensus was to direct Staff to prepare an Ordinance to eliminate the FAR altogether.
(This part of the meeting finished at 6:50 pm.)
2. Review of animal control issues and possible revisions to the City Code
City Manager Jim Hanson explained that several issues came up from this Commission and from
Staff regarding animal control issues that initiated this Workshop item. Mr. Hanson asked Chief
Thompson to begin the discussion on the proposed changes to the current Animal Control Code.
Chief David Thompson introduced Kelly and Cliff as the city's two Animal Control Officers.
He reported they came over from the City of Jacksonville, they are experienced in animal control
and he is lucky to have them on his staff.
Minutes -City Commission Workshop January 15, 2008
Page 3
The Commission explained some of the complaints they received and some personal experiences
on reporting violations. They referred to information in the agenda packet, which included Sec.
4-1 through 4-30 with recommended changes as they asked questions to staff. Staff replied to
their questions.
Mayor Meserve asked if the Animal Control Officers believe changes were needed in order for
them to do their job. They answered yes. Chief Thompson explained that the proposed changes
were compiled with the help of Animal Control Officers, Code Enforcement Officer, and others
in the department. He referred the Commission to each Section separately as he gave scenarios
and examples to justify the need for changes.
The consensus was to consider the Proposed Ordinance for action.
Mayor Meserve mentioned Public Art, which was not on the agenda. He gave an overview on
the history and current status of the project including how the money was first budgeted, how
other organizations coordinated with the effort based on the City's support and how the City of
Atlantic Beach then stopped the funding needed to complete the project. He asked if this
Commission would agree to direct staff to include the necessary funds in the next budget
amendment.
Consensus was to include the money for the Public Art in the Budget Amendment going to the
Commission on January 15, 2008 on first reading.
There being no further discussion by the City Commission, the Mayor declared the meeting
adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
ATT T:
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Donna L. Bussey, CMC
City Clerk