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01-12-94 v MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF ATLANTIC BEACH CITY COMMISSION HELD IN CITY HALL AT 7:15 PM ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1994. Present: Mayor Lyman T. Fletcher Commissioner Steven Rosenbloom Commissioner Suzanne Shaughnessy Commissioner J. Dezmond Waters, III Commissioner Robert G. Weiss And: City Manager Kim D. Leinbach Deputy City Manager Jim Jarboe City Attorney Alan Jensen City Clerk Maureen King Parks & Recreation Director Rose Blanchard And: Recreation Advisory Board members Henry Batts Cynthia Corey, and Gary Santora 1 . Discussion of matters of mutual interest and concern The meeting was called to order by Mayor Fletcher who explained that the new City Commission planned to meet with each of the city boards to address any needs or concerns the boards may have. He hoped the Recreation Advisory Board would be able to develop a recreation master plan which could be implemented. He felt the problem of juvenile crime could be improved through recreation programs and supervision. Ms. Blanchard had prepared a packet of informational materials for each commissioner and board member. The city parks and the various activities and functions of each was briefly discussed . Mayor Fletcher reported that in connection with the Renaissance monies available for Council District 3, he had made a presentation at Councilman Brown' s recent town meeting on behalf of Atlantic Beach. He felt specific projects should be identified and detailed requests forwarded to Councilman Brown. The Mayor asked for comments from the Recreation Board and Henry Batts indicated he hoped Jordan Park would continue to be a family type park and inquired into the status of the proposed restrooms for Jordan Park. The City Manager indicated construction would begin very soon. Ms. Blanchard explained the parks were frequently vandalized and she reported on a recent incident where the wind screens were stolen from tennis courts. She indicated she would include an article to this effect in the next city newsletter. Commissioner Shaughnessy noted that other cities used shrubbery as wind screens and it was felt, in connection with the Arbor Day tree and shrubbery sale, residents might wish to donate shrubs which could be used for this purpose. Jim Jarboe noted that no fees were Page Two Minutes of Special Called Meeting January 12, 1994 charged for use of the tennis courts and he suggested the city at least look into the possibility of installing coin operated timers for the lights. The Mayor asked that the board look into this and make recommendations. Commissioner Waters suggested that the vines in Howell Park be trimmed in an effort to control some of the vandalism in that area. Commissioner Weiss indicated he would like to see the beach improved and felt this should be included as part of the parks. He noted that parks and medians were being used for dumping and suggested that violators be ticketed where possible. Discussion ensued relative to the proposed concession building in Jack Russell Park and while there was agreement that a new building was needed, different opinions were expressed regarding the size and scope of what should be built. Commissioners Weiss and Shaughnessy favored cutting back on the scale of the proposed building and instead, building comparable buildings in both Donner and Jack Russell parks. Commissioner Waters, however, favored proceeding with the construction of the concession building as currently designed for Jack Russell park. He felt the larger building could be used for activities such as teen dances . He suggested the city also address the area of fine arts as well as sporting activities. The Mayor noted that the Recreation Board had been reduced from seven to five members and he suggested increasing the number of members to the original seven. Following further discussion it was agreed to draft a resolution for action of the city commission at the next regular meeting. Commissioners Waters and Rosenbloom felt the needs of Donner Park and Jack Russell Park were different and should be addressed separately and favored constructing a building to meet the specific needs of the Donner Park area. Commissioner Waters suggested the city try to acquire land adjacent to Jordan Park. He felt there may be a need for a football field in that area. Following further discussion it was determined that the residents in the vicinity of Jordan Park preferred that this park be retained as a family park. Kim Leinbach suggested a master plan be developed for each park. He noted the softball fields in Jack Russell Park were no longer suitable for softball since the construction of the most recent tennis courts and felt this situation should be addressed. Ms. Blanchard indicated the State of Florida would undertake a study of each park and provide their recommendations free of charge. Page Three Minutes of Special Called Meeting January 12, 1994 Discussion ensued relative to the four acres of undeveloped property at Atlantic Boulevard and Mayport Road and it was agreed this land should be cleared and developed for recreational use. Following further discussion Mayor Fletcher moved to request Councilman Brown for $100, 000 of Renaissance monies for the construction of a concession stand and restroom facilities in Jack Russell Park; request a like sum for the same purpose in Donner Park, and $50, 000 to begin the development of the Atlantic Boulevard/Mayport Road park. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Weiss, and without further discussion, was unanimously approved. Commissioner Weiss felt there was a need for additional beach accesses for the handicapped and moved to include in the proposal to Councilman Brown a request for $25, 000 to construct a handicap accessible beach access . The motion was seconded by Commissioner Waters and, following further discussion, was approved on a vote of 3 - 2 with Commissioners Shaughnessy and Rosenbloom voting nay. Commissioner Rosenbloom felt priorities should be clearly identified so any monies received from Councilman Brown would go to those projects which had been identified by the city as the highest priorities, otherwise Councilman Brown may decide to fund a minor project which had been added to the request as an afterthought . Commissioner Shaughnessy moved to include in the proposal to Councilman Brown a request for $30, 000 for the acquisition of park land adjacent to Jordan Park. The City Manager explained that Community Development Block Grant ( CDBG ) funds, if approved, could be used for land acquisition if Renaissance funds were not available for this purchase. The question was called and the motion carried on a 3 - 2 vote with Mayor Fletcher and Commissioner Rosenbloom voting nay. Mayor Fletcher charged the Recreation Advisory Board to report back to the City Commission by the first meeting in February with their recommendations regarding the proposed buildings in Russell Park and Donner Park. He reminded them that funds which were now being used for rental of the trailer in Donner Park, could be used as a source for making payments on any funds which might be borrowed . He also requested that they present a recommendation regarding the development of the land at Atlantic Boulevard/Mayport Road. Commissioner Waters requested that Ms. Blanchard provide the city commission with copies of any recommendations which were submitted by either the recreation board or recreation committees in the past. Page Four Minutes of Special Called Meeting January 12, 1994. 2. Any other business: There being no further business to come before the city commission, the mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 9 : 25 PM. 111111111117 Lyman T. Fletcher Mayor/Presiding Officer ATTES T: 4, Mau een King City Clerk