01-07-95 v MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING OF ATLANTIC BEACH CITY COMMISSION,
ATLANTIC BEACH RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD, AND ATLANTIC BEACH
ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION HELD IN CITY HALL AT 2:00 PM ON SATURDAY,
JANUARY 7, 1995
Present: Lyman T. Fletcher, Mayor
Steven M. Rosenbloom
Suzanne Shaughnessy
J. Dezmond Waters, III, and
Robert G. Weiss, Commissioners
Cynthia Corey
Patricia Goelz
Beth Robertson, and
Edward Waters, Recreation Advisory Board Members
Steven Benjamin
R. Bruce Carter
Scot DeButy
Tim Fisher
Woody Richardson, Atlantic Beach Athletic
Association Members (ABAA)
And: James R. Jarboe, Deputy City Manager
Maureen King, City Clerk
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Fletcher who explained the
meeting was being held for the purpose of discussing the proposed
construction of a new concession building in Jack Russell Park, and
to make whatever decisions were necessary to get the project
moving. He explained there was approximately $163,000.00 of bed
tax funds available and the city expected to receive about
$160, 000.00 of Renaissance funds.
Commissioner Rosenbloom inquired whether it might be better to
demolish the old building and build a completely new structure but
it was explained this would require rebidding and would further
delay the project.
Commissioner Weiss felt the cost of the kitchen equipment could be
reduced. Discussion ensued regarding the cost of the glazed bricks
which had been specified. It was explained this type of brick was
expensive but would be resistant to graffiti.
The ABAA members indicated they had many contacts in the
construction industry and suggested possibly using some volunteer
labor in an effort to reduce the cost. Such a project could be
completely supervised by city staff to make sure all the required
building standards were met. It was felt, however, that this would
be difficult to coordinate and would delay the project. The ABAA
members felt the restrooms could be eliminated if the existing
restrooms were refurbished. Following further discussion of this
matter, however, it was agreed to include the restrooms as planned.
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Minutes of joint meeting of City Commission, Recreation Advisory
Board, and Atlantic Beach Athletic Association
January 7, 1995
The ABAA members expressed concern about construction taking place
during their season and inquired whether it would be possible to
begin the construction at the end of the Spring season, however, it
was felt it was unlikely that contractors would hold their prices
for that length of time. Commissioner Waters felt it was time to
move ahead with the building and did not want to see any more
delays.
Commissioner Shaughnessy expressed concern that the city might lose
the Renaissance money if it had not been used prior to the
Jacksonville City Council election, especially if Councilman Brown
was not re-elected.
At this time Mayor Fletcher called a brief recess in order to allow
the ABAA members an opportunity to talk privately and reach
consensus regarding matters that were most important to them.
Following the break Woody Richardson indicated the ABAA would lose
approximately $15, 000.00 if the concession building was not
available for the Spring season. He requested that the city work
with the ABAA to allow a portable facility to be used for
concessions. Mr. Richardson also indicated the ABAA did not want
to do anything that would jeopardize the Renaissance money.
Mayor Fletcher moved to recommend that the City Commission accept-
the low bid of Custom Construction, with the deletion of the three
bid alternates and direct staff to negotiate with the contractor
within the bounds allowable, to try to reduce the price to
$100,000.00. , if possible. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Waters and was unanimously approved.
In further discussion, Commissioner Waters requested that staff
negotiate with Custom Construction to see if they would hold their
prices for a start date of June 1. The City Commission concurred.
In the meantime, the Mayor agreed to contact Councilman Brown to
see if he would be willing to forward the money prior to
construction, or alternatively, have an agreement drawn up and
endorsed by the City Council, thus ensuring that the money would be
available when needed.
Mayor Fletcher moved that the City cooperate with ABAA to provide
a safe environment for the children and to protect the concession
revenues. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Waters and
carried unanimously.
The Mayor pointed out that the action taken would eliminate the
refurbishing of the existing restrooms and the construction of a
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Minutes of joint meeting of City Commission, Recreation Advisory
Board, and Atlantic Beach Athletic Association
January 7, 1995
building for storing parks department equipment. He directed staff
to follow up to see that this work is undertaken either by city
staff or volunteers.
The ABAA inquired into their request to develop a T-ball field. He
indicated that the Recreation Advisory Board had agreed to this
concept at a previous meeting. Cindy Corey felt the Recreation
Advisory Board needed to revisit their decision on this matter and
indicated that this would be on the agenda at their next meeting.
The Mayor encouraged the ABAA to utilize the playing fields at
Donner Park. A suggestion was made that a police officer be
allowed to live on the Donner Park property in an effort to step up
security in the area. Commissioner Weiss suggested that the fence
at Donner Park should be removed so the police vehicles could
cruise through the area.
Mayor Fletcher reported he had made initial contact with Mr. Dutton
relative to acquisition of Dutton Island and indicated he intended
to continue those efforts and would report to the commission from
time to time.
p.
There being no further discussion, the Mayor declared the meeting
adjourned at 4:30 PM.
Maureen King
City Clerk