01-03-89 v City of Atlantic Beach Workshop Meeting
January 3, 1989
AGENDA
1. Discussion of preliminary Engineer's report on drainage canal
improvements for the City of Atlantic Beach.
2. Discussion re: Dune overwalks and suggestions for change or
modification.
3. Discussion regarding feasibility study on consolidation of City and
Buccaneer water and sewer districts.
4. Discussion regarding the development of a new zoning classification
to be called Contract Quality Development (CQD) .
5. Discussion regarding status of appointments to the Hospital Board
representing the City of Atlantic Beach.
6. Discussion regarding the duties of the Community Development Board in
submitting an annual list of recommended capital improvements.
7. Discussion of major improvements to be undertaken in Section H and
effect expenditures for these improvements may have on other city
projects.
8. Committee Activity and Purposes
a) Solid Waste
b) Beautification
c) Safe Neighborhood
d) Others
9. Future areas of opportunity
a) Density
b) Revenue Sources
c) Parking
d) Recreation
e) Sidewalks and/or bike paths
10. Any other business.
Adjournment
MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP MING OF THE MANTIC BEACH CITY COMMISSION
HELD AT CITY HALL ON JANUARY 3, 1989, AT 7:00 PM.
Mayor Gulliford called the meeting to order and announced the purpose of
the meeting was to informally discuss subjects which would have both
short and long range impact on the City, and make recommendations for
items to be addressed at future Commission meetings. He invited comments
and input from the audience.
Present were Mayor Gulliford, Commissioners Cook, Edwards, Jensen and
Tucker. Also present were City Manager Fellows, City Attorney Mullis,
and City Clerk King.
1. Discussion of preliminary engineer's report on drainage canal
improvements for the City of Atlantic Beach.
The City Manager presented a re-cap of construction projects pending and
under way, and addressed specifically the drainage canal improvements and
reported he had met with representatives of the City of Jacksonville in
regards to working out an arrangement whereby Jacksonville would assist
with the closing in of the Seminole Road drainage canal from 16th to 18th
Street at an estimated cost of $237,000. in return for which Hanna Park
campground would hook to the City sewer system. The amount of the Hanna
Park impact fees would be similar to the cost to close in the drainage
canal. Discussion ensued relative to the pros and cons of culverts as
opposed to drainage ditches and the consensus was the City needs to
pursue a comprehensive drainage plan. The City Manager reminded the
Commission authority had already been given to advertise under the
Consultants Competitive Negotiation Act for engineering services relative
to establishing a storm water utility. Mayor Gulliford reported in his
meeting with homeowners in the Selva Tierra area it was suggested the
homeowners share in the cost of closing in that ditch in a ratio of 60%
for the homeowners' share and 40% to be financed by the City. In the
meantime it is hoped better maintenance of the ditches will alleviate
some of the problems.
After further discussion it was generally felt the City Manager should
continue his negotiations with the City of Jacksonville relative to
closing in the Seminole Road ditch and hooking the Hanna Park campground
to the City utility system, and consider installing sidewalks/bike paths
in that area.
The subject of the French drains on the beach was also discussed and the
City Manager reported a proposal had been received from Gee and Jenson,
who indicated this would be a massive project and that grant funds would
not be available until 1990 when the City of Jacksonville enters into a
new contract with the Corps of Engineers for beach renourishment.
2. Discussion re: Dune overwalks and suggestions for change or mod-
ification.
The City Manager presented the Commission with minutes of a meeting he
and Don Ford, and Buck Snellings of Connelly and Wicker Engineers, had
had in City Hall with residents living adjacent to the overwalks in
dispute. Mr. Newman, of Newman Construction Company, whose company is
doing the construction, was in the audience and presented each
Commissioner with a number of change orders and the related costs and the
options available. Lengthy discussion followed with Commissioners
Edwards and Tucker expressing support for the overwalks as constructed,
particularly the sturdiness of the structures. Both Commissioners said
they had received positive comments from the public on both the sturdy
construction and appearance. It was suggested that since the overwalks
at Dewees and Eighteenth were almost complete, they should be left as is,
but since there are additional overwalks planned, the Commission might
consider a different design for 20th Street. Public Services Director
Ford who was in the audience, said he had spoken with a DNR
representative who had indicated the overwalks must be a minimum of
twelve inches above the high point of the dunes, and from this
perspective, he did not see where any adjustment could be made as far as
height is concerned.
Mr. Bill Greenwood of Garden Lane, who was in the audience, spoke
strongly in favor of the present construction of the overwalks. He
stated he studied engineering at Northwest University, graduated from
Southern Tech with a degree in Civil Technology and Public Management
from the University of Georgia. He complimented the City Commission on
the construction of the overwalks and asked that they not procrastinate
further with the construction of the 20th Street overwalk. Mayor
Gulliford asked the Commission to give some serious thought to 16th
Street overwalk.
3. Discussion regarding the feasibility study on consolidation of City
and Buccaneer Water and Sewer Districts.
The City Manager reported Smith and Gillespie Engineers estimate $7
million to consolidate the two systems. The City has just spent in the
neighborhood of $4 million on the present facilities which were now
approaching capacity and a decision must be made soon as to what
direction the Commission wishes to take.
Mayor Gulliford expressed grave concerns as to problems which could arise
ten to fifteen years in the future when no land is available for growth.
After further discussion it was the general consensus of the Commission
that it would be prudent to keep the two systems separate and proceed
with the plans to construct the fourth tank in the Buccaneer District.
4. Discussion regarding the development of a new zoning classification
to be called Contract Qiality Development ((QD)
City Attorney Mullis reported in light of the recent re-subdividing
areas, he had drawn up a rough draft of a proposed Ordinance establishing
a new zoning classification which would be similar to the Planned Unit
Development classification and would reduce density and present less of a
burden on the infrastructure provided by the City. The Commission would
establish standards for this new classification. Commissioner Jensen
asked whether the PUD classification could not be amended to incorporate
the changes suggested for the new zoning classification. Further
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discussion ensued following which it was suggested Mr. Mullis make copies
of the proposed Ordinance available to the Commissioners for further
study.
5. Discussion regarding status of appointments to the Hospital Board
representing the City of Atlantic Beach.
At the Mayor's request, this item was deferred to a future meeting.
6. Discussion regarding the duties of the Community Development Board
in submitting an annual list of recommended capital improvements.
The City Manager pointed out when the Planning and Zoning Board and the
Board of Adjustment were merged to form the Community Development Board,
the Commission gave them authority to make recommendations relative to
capital improvements. Following brief discussion, the City Manager was
asked to instruct the Community Development Board to follow through on
this.
7. Discussion of major improvements to be undertaken in Section H and
affect the expenditure for these improvements may have on other City
projects.
The City Manager reported the City has pledged all of the gasoline tax
and utility tax revenues to pay for the improvements in Section H. The
first interest payment would probably be due in June. This payment of
approximately $150,000 would be paid out of money which is budgeted for
general fund capital improvements. In December 1989 the City would start
making annual payments of $335,000, and property owners have eighteen
years to pay assessments. The City Manager said he wished to make the
Commission aware at this time of the affect this could have on the City's
ability to fund other capital improvements such as street repaving,
sidewalks, etc. Bessent, Hammack and Ruckman is preparing a breakdown
of the engineering fees and the City Attorney reported he is working with
the Property Appraiser to have the assessments handled through his office
in an effort to make collection of the assessments easier.
8. Committee Activity and Purposes
a. Solid Waste
Mayor Gulliford reported on the activities of the Solid Waste Committee
and specifically mentioned the success of the recycling trailer at
Russell Park. However, he said he felt the disposal of solid waste is
going to be a continuing problem and he hoped in six months or so the
Solid Waste Committee would have some alternatives to bring before the
Commission.
b. Beautification
Mayor Gulliford reported he wants to establish a beautification committee
to address such subjects as litter, the City's Sign Ordinance and other
beautification projects which would enhance the general appearance of the
City. He said he already has some people in mind for this committee and
would continue to work on this.
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c. Safe Neighborhoods
A map dividing the City into eleven zones was on display and the Mayor
recommended at least one person from each zone be solicited to serve on a
Safe Neighborhood Committee. The list of names will be circulated to the
Commissioners, who have been asked to offer suggestions and assistance to
the committee members. The Mayor urged the City to move ahead on this as
quickly as possible.
d. Other Committees
No suggestions were made.
9. Future areas of opportunity
a. Density
The City Manager reported the Comprehensive Plan, which addresses this
subject, must be completed by 1990. Commissioner Cook inquired into the
possibility of re-platting and requiring 75-foot front footage lots. The
City Attorney reported, however, that it is illegal to deprive property-
owners of the use of their land but that regulations can be established
covering the use of 50-foot lots. The Mayor requested the City Manager
to see if the City planners are working on this, or if there is any
vehicle through which this can be accomplished.
b. Revenue Sources
The City Manager reminded the Commission approval had already been given
to advertise for engineering services for a storm water utility. The
Professional Services Committee is one member short and the City Manager
asked if a third member could be appointed to replace Peter Johnson.
Gregg McCaulie would continue serving on this committee in a temporary
capacity until a permanent replacement can be found.
Brief discussion ensued relative to merging water and sewer funds or
raising water rates with a base rate and a volume charge as is currently
the procedure for billing sewer. The Mayor recommended the Finance
Director look at the rate structure and present recommendations.
Other ideas presented included colored bags for garbage collection which
could only be purchased at City Hall, and charging for the use of city
parks.
c. Parking
Lengthy discussion took place relative to the parking problem with few
solutions forthcoming. A suggestion was made that the subject of parking
needs to be addressed by the three beach cities since the problem is
community-wide. Other suggestions included parking meters and
negotiations with the Sea Turtle relative to utilizing their second
parking lot. Parking decals could be issued to Atlantic Beach residents
allowing them to park free, while visitors would pay meter charges. It
was suggested that if the drainage ditch on Seminole Road is eventually
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closed in, the newly created paved area could be used for parking.
d. Recreation
e. Sidewalks and/or bike paths
Mayor Gulliford encouraged the City to continue looking for additional
land for recreational purposes. Parks and Recreation Director Blanchard
indicated she had received many letters requesting sidewalks and bike
paths. The Mayor requested a map be prepared showing the location of all
existing sidewalks which could be used as a tool for planning future
sidewalks and bike paths.
10. Other business
The Mayor reminded the Commission the recently approved Consent Agenda
would be in effect for the next Commission meeting. It was emphasized
that any item may be removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of a
Commissioner and be acted upon separately.
Mayor Gulliford asked that the proposed new City Hall be an agenda item
at the next Commission meeting.
There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 PM.
William I. Gulliford, Jr.
Mayor - Presiding Officer
ATTEST:
Maureen King, City Clerk