Loading...
03-03-98 vSUMMARY OF THE WORKSHOP MEETING OF ATLANTIC BEACH CITY COMMISSION HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 800 SEMINOLE ROAD, AT 4:30 PM ON TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 1998. Present: Suzanne Shaughnessy, Mayor Rick Beaver, City Commissioner Mike Borno, City Commissioner John Meserve, City Commissioner Theo Mitchelson, City Commissioner Also: Jim Jarboe, City Manager Alan Jensen, City Attorney George Worley, City Planner Timmy Johnson, Recreation Director Maureen King, City Clerk And: John Delaney, Mayor (Jacksonville) Lyman Fletcher, former Mayor(Atlantic Beach) Tom Dumas, Agent for Dutton Estate Dave Kaufman, Jacksonville Port Authority Dave Leidtke, President, Oceanside Rotary Club Mayor Shaughnessy called the meeting to order and explained that the meeting was being held to fully acquaint all members of the City Commission with the facts pertaining to the purchase of Dutton Island by the State of Florida,the City of Jacksonville(Duval County) and the City of Atlantic Beach. The Mayor then introduced those present who would participate in the proceedings. She then gave a brief overview of the Preservation 2000 program which enables communities to buy and develop land for public use. Former Mayor Fletcher summarized the negotiations and other actions which had taken place over the past four years in connection with the proposed purchase of the Dutton property and explained that the owner of the property intended to contribute proceeds from the sale of the property to the Shriners Burn Center. Tom Dumas reported he had worked with the Florida Communities Trust regarding this proposed purchase and commended Jacksonville and Atlantic Beach for their commitment of funds to preserve this property. Mr. Dumas reported that Florida Communities Trust had committed $575,000, and Atlantic Beach and Jacksonville had each committed $257,500. Mayor Fletcher pointed out that Atlantic Beach would not use tax monies to fund the Dutton Island purchase and development, but would use Florida Barge Canal monies. Mr. Kaufman indicated that the Port Authority would probably contribute approximately $130,000 toward this project. He explained that they would use this project as mitigation required in connection with the Atlantic Boulevard bridge construction. Page Two Summary of Workshop Meeting March 3, 1998 Dave Leidtke reported that the Oceanside Rotary Club had participated in a work day at the island and indicated that they would like to continue to be involved in the Dutton Island project. He felt they could be helpful in developing a camp site or other similar project and indicated he would try to get other civic organizations to participate. George Worley pointed out that it would be necessary for the City Commission to adopt a Management Plan. He indicated that some changes had been made since the original Management Plan was submitted to the state of Florida, the largest of which was to remove Jacksonville from management of the island, and these changes would have to be approved by the City Commission. It was felt the management plan should include as little as possible, and once purchased, the city could develop the island gradually. Mayor Shaughnessy requested that approval of the management plan be included on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Commission. Regarding funding for the project, Mayor Delaney indicated that Duval County was committed to helping Atlantic Beach achieve their goals for this property and presented a letter dated February 24, 1998, confirming"the City of Jacksonville as Atlantic Beach's applicant partner in the Dutton Island Intracoastal Waterway Preserve" and confirming their commitment to "assisting in the purchase and improvement of the preserve." Jim Jarboe felt that Florida Inland Navigation grant funds may be available for this project. Mr. Jarboe felt that Atlantic Beach could provide police and fire services as well as general clean-up;however, he indicated that assistance from civic groups and Jacksonville would be helpful. Commissioner Meserve pointed out the management plan contained a 24-month time line and inquired regarding penalties if the time line was not met. George Worley responded that amendment of the management plan to extend the time line would be a simple process. Commissioner Meserve also pointed out the management plan did not indicate who would be in charge once the island was purchased. Discussion ensued and Mr. Dumas pointed out the park would be Atlantic Beach's. He felt Atlantic Beach should coordinate the project with a pledge from Jacksonville to support the issue. Commissioner Mitchelson inquired regarding the property appraisal and following a brief discussion Alan Jensen pointed out that he had been appointed by the City Commission to act in a confidential capacity in connection with the purchase of Dutton Island. Commissioner Borno inquired regarding the zoning classification on the island and was advised that the zoning had not been changed by Atlantic Beach following the annexation, and was still zoned as it had been under Jacksonville. Mayor Shaughnessy then opened the floor and received comments from the audience. Page Three Summary of Workshop Meeting March 3, 1998 Pam Spencer,2084 Sallas Lane,Jacksonville, complained about the condition of the road leading to the island (Church Road) and inquired regarding the ownership of this road. The City Manager explained that part of the road was in Jacksonville and part was in Atlantic Beach. He said it was difficult to maintain and was frequently used for dumping. Dorothy Kerber, 365 First Street, inquired if the purchase price included the causeway; also the cost of replacing the culvert on the causeway and was advised that these items were not included in the purchase of the island. She expressed concern regarding the cost of replacing the culvert and the cost of paving the road to the island and the City Manager explained that the city would probably just do some dust control on the road and that it probably would not be paved. There being no further discussion, the Mayor thanked all in attendance and adjourned the meeting at 6:00 PM. Maureen King Certified Municipal Clerk VW vat av LV.vv y OV. VVV LOW J. l.•11 VA . urrll,t VD 002s 6-).._ : . 1.. . ... 3/ !..C.) 44 OFFICE OF THE MAYOR' JQSP7 ay: 9'1'.JAMES BUILDING 14S.4YOIt 117 WEST DUVAL STREET- SUITE 400 JACKSONVILLE.FL 5 492 February 24, 1998 • The Honorable Suzanne Shaughnessy Atlantic Beach City Hall 800 Seminole Road Atlantic Beach,FL 32233 Re: tDutton Island Intracoastal Waterway Preserve Dear Mayor Shaughnessy: I am writing to confirm that the City of Jacksonville, as Atlantic Beach's Applicant Partner in the Dutton Island Intracoastal Waterway Preserve, FCT Project# 95-058-P56, is committed to • as fisting in the purchase and improvement of the preserve. z I am delight-d in the potential to save this precious island from development, and am committed to assisting Atlantic Beach through the coming years in mutually improving the preserve. Sincerely,. John A. Delaney Mayor