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
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OFFICE OF THE MAYOR'
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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