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08-30-94 v MINUTES OF THE ATLANTIC BEACH CITY COMMISSION BUDGET WORKSHOP HELD IN CITY HALL AT 6:00 PM ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1994. Present: Lyman T. Fletcher, Mayor Steven M. Rosenbloom, Commissioner Suzanne Shaughnessy, Commissioner J. Dezmond Waters, III, Commissioner Robert G. Weiss, Commissioner Also: Kim Leinbach, City Manager James R. Jarboe, Deputy City Manager Ann Meuse, Finance Director Jeri Benjamin, Accountant Robert Kosoy, Public Works Director George Worley, City Planner Don C. Ford, Building Official David Thompson, Police Chief Rose Blanchard, Parks & Recreation Director Maureen King, City Clerk The meeting was called to order by Mayor Fletcher who reviewed the matters to be discussed at this meeting. He indicated that this was the first of four workshop meetings and invited those present to attend any or all of the meetings. The City Manager gave a brief overview of the budget and indicated it reflected the policies of the City Commission. He indicated he had presented a balanced budget to the City Commission and general fund expenditures provided for continuation of the existing level of service. The Finance Director introduced her new assistant, Jeri Benjamin. She then explained the change in format from previous budgets and gave a brief overview of revenues and expenditures. Phyllis Haeseler, Angela Bew, and Andrea Wiley addressed the City Commission on behalf of the Positive Environment Committee which had been working on ideas and suggestions for recreational activities for teenagers in the beaches area. A copy of their memo dated August 22, 1994, requesting budgeting for the recommended activities is attached hereto and made a part hereof. Several teenagers were in attendance and urged the City Commission to consider providing funding to construct a skate board park. They explained there was currently no place in the beaches area for skate boarding. Mayor Fletcher requested that the committee work with the city' s Recreation Advisory Board whose function was to review and make recommendations regarding recreational needs. Page Two Minutes of Budget Workshop w. August 30, 1994 PUBLIC WORKS: Public Works Director Bob Kosoy reviewed the accomplishments, goals and objectives of the department. He noted that the three Parks & Recreation personnel would come under the supervision of public works and were included in that budget. He felt this would provide for more efficient operations. The City Manager reported the public works department had provided data to support the purchase of a hot asphalt machine. This machine would recycle asphalt and would be used to repair potholes. This will be considered further. Commissioner Weiss felt the addition of a hot shower would be beneficial to public works crews and public works agreed to get a price quote. Bob Kosoy reported the Park Street drainage project was complete and had been completed on time and within budget. The personnel involved in this project were commended for an excellent job. BUILDING, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT: .j City Planner George Worley briefly reviewed the activities of the department. Don Ford indicated that he and the Code Enforcement Officer needed dependable transportation. They are currently using old police cars and have experienced high maintenance costs and excessive down time. Chief Thompson indicated that when police cars are taken out of service they are worn out and would not provide dependable transportation. Commissioner Weiss asked for documentation regarding repairs and both Chief Thompson and Don Ford agreed to provide the requested data. BEAUTIFICATION: Greg Christovich of the Selva Marina Country Club addressed the City Commission and indicated he represented the homeowners on Selva Marina Drive. He indicated he had appeared before the Beautification Committee regarding a proposal to landscape the median on Selva Marina Drive. He reported he had received commitments for donations from some on the homeowners and indicated the country club would also be willing to provide assistance with maintenance. He noted that the project would cost approximately $60, 000. and requested that the city include funds in the budget for this project. Commissioner Rosenbloom suggested using volunteer labor where possible and encouraged Mr. Christovich to continue to seek donations. Page Three Minutes of Budget Workshop August 30, 1994 Carl Walker reviewed the beautification activities and indicated, in accordance with earlier stated desires of the City Commission, funds had been included in the Beautification budget to hire a part time gardener. He indicated the department had been successful in securing grant funds in the past and would continue to seek alternative sources of revenue. Commissioner Weiss felt beautification projects should be done well under the supervision of a qualified horticulturist. Commissioner Shaughnessy felt a job description should be developed and approved before this individual was hired. Commissioner Shaughnessy expressed concern that Carl Walker was required to attend the meetings of the new Arts and Entertainment Board and the City Manager indicated this was a temporary situation and this board would be under the supervision of the new Recreation Director, when hired. PARKS & RECREATION: Rose Blanchard reported on the activities of the Parks & Recreation Department and reviewed the capital improvement program. Discussion ensued regarding the cost of maintaining the fishing docks in Howell Park. Commissioner Waters noted that funding for the 16th Street beach access was included in the 1995/96 budget and felt this work should be undertaken during the coming fiscal year. Mayor Fletcher felt the construction of activity buildings in Donner and Russell Parks should be priorities. Lt. Hill (Fire Department) felt volleyball courts would be inexpensive and would provide additional facilities for youth. It was estimated the . 6 mill increase would provide approximately $257, 000 in additional revenues and Commissioner Rosenbloom requested that any available balance of these funds be used for park maintenance and other projects. POLICE: Chief Thompson indicated the goals and objectives listed had, in part, resulted from the citizen survey. He indicated he had included funds for computer upgrades and networking. He indicated major decision would need to be made regarding the communications system. He also indicated the animal control vehicle should have been replaced last year and was in very poor condition. The Mayor inquired regarding the animal holding facility and Chief Thompson indicated he felt it was adequate since animals were not held over the weekend. Chief Thompson indicated he proposed to create two sergeant positions. However, he noted this would have to be approved by the Page Four Minutes of Budget Workshop August 30, 1994 union. He also requested funding to add a motorcycle traffic officer. He felt this would be a cost effective way to respond to the recent complaints regarding speeding. Following Chief Thompson' s presentation, the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 9: 55 PM. L.� Mau e.en King U City Clerk &la clIzArutvLf ax-454- Cdo-ksh--eio s/30/9 4 POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TO: Mr. Kim Leinbach, Atlantic Beach City Manager FROM: Jean Lindsay, Andrea Wiley, Angela Bew Atlantic Beach Liaison Committee, Phyllis Haeseler, PEC Chairperson DATE: August 22, 1994 RE: BUDGET REQUEST- PHASE I Positive Environment Committee The Positive Environment Committee was appointed by Jacksonville Beach Police Chief Bruce Thomason to come up with ideas and suggestions to present to the beach cities on recreation to prevent further development of gangs at the beach cities. We would like to express our appreciation to Police Chief David Thompson for meeting with our committee. The City of Atlantic Beach, currently in the process of replacing their Recreation Director, should be commended for the progress they have made in the development of parks and their initiation of a teen curfew. NEED: The use of alcohol, drugs, sex, cigarettes and gang activity is on the rise with our beaches teenagers. We must all take a part in solving this problem. Parents, schools, churches and the beach cities must all work together to come up with the solutions. Primarily, the evening hours are the time when our teenagers have less to occupy their time and this is also when they tend to get involved with negative activities. Presently, the Beaches Bowling Alley and Einstein A Go Go are the only facilities available to the youth of the beaches in the evenings. While the Athletic Department at Fletcher Senior High School is doing an excellent job with sports activities, there is a very strong need for additional activities and facilities to be offered during the evening hours for the youth ages 13 - 19. This is a crucial growing and experimental time and more programs need to be developed for the teens helping him or her to become a more responsible young adult as well as citizen. The City of Atlantic Beach has sponsored several family oriented activities in Russell, Donner and Jordan Parks, however, there is a great need for more organized older youth activities in all of these parks and especially evening concerts and activities for teens. RECOMMENDATIONS: The Positive Environment Committee would like to request that the City of Atlantic Beach include in their 94/95 budget, funds to finance additional youth activities at Russell, Donner and Jordan park locations. We would like to see one of the primary responsibilities of the Recreation Director be: to organize concerts and activities in all parks in the evenings for the older teens; to_provide transportation for the youth from Donner and Jordan Parks to come to the activities In Russell Park; to provide supervised activities in Russell, Donner and Jordan Parks for children and youth and coordinate with other beach cities Recreation Directors; to work with the Chamber of Commerce to attract youth entertainment businesses; to work with local schools to arrange joint use of recreation facilities located at the public schools; to organize a beaches youth tennis league with the other beach cities and assist in developing grants to further finance youth activities; to work with the City of Jacksonville to extend hours at the one public pool at the beach. Listed below are specific suggestions for programs that we feel would be beneficial to the community. APPOINT A TEEN BOARD/COMMITTEE We feel it is important to have the input of the youth of the community in order to have a program that will suit their needs and desires. Perhaps with the additional demand that will be placed on the new recreation director, the teens from this committee could be assistants to the Recreation Director. This would serve as a help to the Recreation Director as well as an excellent way for a young adult to learn how to become a future leader in our community. 41.,.. Page 2 - Positive Environment Committee BEACHES BOYS & GIRLS CLUB The Beaches Boys & Girls Club located on Seagate Avenue in Jacksonville Beach is an excellent facility used by teens from all the beach cities. However, due to limited funding, they are unable to provide personnel in the evening and weekend hours just when teenagers need the activities the most. We recommend the City of Atlantic Beach secure funding (working with the City of Jacksonville, City of Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach for two additional part time personnel to extend hours of this facility for evenings and weekends during the summer and weekends during the school year. SKATING Organize in-line skating and skateboard events using resources available in the community and park. MOVIES-CONCERTS Organize along with community volunteers, movies and music events appealing particularly to older teens. These could be held in the park and movies could be projected onto the side of a building. These could be chosen to appeal to all age groups depending upon what movie was selected. TEEN/COMMUNITY CENTER The older teens of Atlantic Beach need a teen center. The city could pursue locating a building which can be utilized as a teen center and would contain pool tables, table tennis, game room and an area to hold dances. SAND-LOT LEAGUES Provide supervision and equipment for flag-football, soccer, baseball, volleyball and basketball. These activities could be free, run by volunteer parents and available in the afternoons after school during the school year. During the summer, activities could be planned for mornings and evenings with the Director helping support volunteers who work. A budget for equipment and publicity should be provided to accomplish these goals. BASKETBALL PADS Additional courts are needed in Atlantic Beach. Maintenance on the existing courts, such as replacement of basketball nets in Russell, Jordan, Donner and East Coast Drive Park could be done with little costs. Additional lighting of the existing and new courts is essential to support sand lot leagues. These could be erected in Russell Park, or near the tennis courts in an area which already has lighting. VOLLEY BALL Volleyball nets added to existing poles in Russell, Jordan and Donner Parks would be inexpensive and support sand lot leagues. TENNIS Recruit volunteers to provide low-cost or free tennis lessons for children. Organize teen tournaments on a regular basis and coordinate a beaches city youth league with the other beach cities. During the summer, designate an evening for teens to play in an informal league. Additional swing sets could be added in Russell, Donner and Jordan Parks. As we work together to improve the quality of life for the youth of our community, we will improve the quality of life for all ages. With this goal in mind we appreciate your consideration of our request and look forward to more positive results for our community. We plan to attend the August 30th Budget Workshop. This will be a great opportunity to meet city officials and gather your input on helping us fulfill the recreation needs of our community. Thank you for your support of the City of Atlantic Beach youth. cc: Mayor, City Council Members, Police Chief, Recreation Director 7 . 'l VERBATIM TRANSCRIPT OF A PORTION OF DISCUSSION RELATIVE TO SECTION H SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PROJECT, WHICH TOOK PLACE AT THE REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING ON MARCH 9, 1987 Resident: (To engineer) Are you stubbing lines out to the individual residences? Engineer: Yes Resident: Which will go to the property line? Engineer: Yes Resident: Then, we'll be responsible for paying the impact fees and tie in fees and other tie in fees from that point on? Mayor: Yes, sir, just like everybody else in the city. Resident: Which I understand from talking to Mr. Braid will run approximately $1400 - $2000 per lot. Mayor: Whatever, if that's what they told you, yes. Resident: Then also you said that state law says that if a line is there we have to tie into it, then after that you said that if we have a working septic system and well, that we are not required to tie in. What guarantee do we have that we will not be forced to tie into this system? Attorney: In response to that question if there is a septic tank that is located on the property that is working and in good condition it is my opinion and that's another reason since the revenues of the sewer system are not being used to pay off the bonds, since the septic tank is there and in good working condition, unless it becomes to the extent that it is a danger to the public health and safety, that septic tank will be allowed to remain there until the city can show that it is endangering the public health. Resident: Alright, there's still an error out there. You just told us there's a law saying we have to tie in and then you say in your opinion we don't have to. Attorney: We go under the state law which says you will have to tie in if the city can show that the septic tanks there are polluting the area and it' s endangering the public health in general. Resident: That' s not quite the way I understood it. If a line is there you have to tie in, danger or no, that's the way I understood the law. You see I 've a new house and I 've got $2,000 tied up in a well and a septic system and do • • I have to abandon that and tie into the system? What guarantees do I have that I won't have to except for your opinion that I won't have to. Attorney: I 'm saying, the present state of the law , the state law, as far as septic tanks are concerned, would remain there unless it' s a danger to public health and safety. I don't know what the law will be next year. Because, as you know, EPA and all the other regulatory agencies are gradually trying to eliminate septic tanks. I don't know what they're going to do in Tallahassee or in Congress, and no one else does. Resident: I was told by the Building Department today that we would have to pay the fees - the tap in fees and the impact fees; whether or not you wanted to use it; they couldn' t force you to use the system, but you would still have to pay the fees. Mayor: You are not going to have to pay impact fees, monthly rates or anything if you are not hooked to the water or sewer system. You will have to pay the assessment if all of this goes through. Resident: So as the law stands right now I will not be forced to tie into the system. Mayor: As far as we're concerned you will not; that is one of the reasons we have not pledged revenues from water and sewer to fund the bond issue. That is why we have taken other sources so that we're trying to keep total local control of this without dragging in Tallahassee and Washington. "Now, I will tell you this, when the City of Atlantic Beach put in the sewer system in the main area of the town which was done in 1959, everybody here had septic tanks. We did not force anyone to hook up to it. 98% of the people hooked up because they know that septic tanks are just not healthy, but we did not force anyone to hook up. 1{