Draft Min 2-23-04
MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
FEBRUARY 23, 2004
CITY HALL, 800 SEMINOLE ROAD
Attendance IN ATTENDANCE:
Mayor John Meserve City Manager Jim Hanson
Commissioner Paul B. Parsons City Clerk Maureen King
Commissioner Sylvia N. Simmons City Attorney Alan C. Jensen
Commissioner J. Dezmond Waters III
ABSENT:
Mayor Pro Tem Richard Beaver
Call to Order/Pledge Mayor Meserve called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. The Invocation
given by Commissioner Parsons was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance
to the Flag.
Approval of Minutes 1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of
~ February 9, 2004
Motion: Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of
February 9, 2004 as presented.
Moved by Waters, seconded by Parsons
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
~"" MOTION CARRIED
2. Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors
Recognition of A. Recognition of Don Wolfson
Don Wolfson
Mayor Meserve presented Don Wolfson with an engraved clock in
recognition of his contributions to the city through his many years of
service on the Community Development Board. Mayor Meserve thanked
Mr. Wolfson for his work with the other Board Members on revisions to the
city's Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Wolfson thanked his wife, staff and Commissioners for their diligence
and support over the years.
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February 23, 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Pale 2
Audit Report B. Audit Report by James Moore & Company
Suzanne Forbes, a Certified Public Accountant with James Moore and
Company, the city's auditors, presented the annual audit report to the
~`" Commissioners. Ms. Forbes commended Finance Director VanLiere,
Deputy Finance Director Benjamin and Accountant Ramsey for their work
in helping to prepare the audit. Ms. Forbes stated the new rules as set forth
by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), resulted in a
change in the format and content of the financial statements contained in the
audit. She further reported that the report was an unqualified opinion, and
"~" ~ complied with all federal, state and local accounting requirements and no
weaknesses were found in the internal controls.
Ms. Forbes presented a brief overview of the report and indicated the city
was in good financial condition with adequate reserves for an eight and one-
half months period. It was recommended that the city closely monitor the
ratio of revenue to expenditures in the enterprise funds to ensure that utility
rates are sufficient for future years.
Ms. Forbes also reported that the city met its required debt service coverage
ratio relative to bond resolution requirements. She pointed out the Pension
Fund had received a return on investments this year, but should be
monitored to ensure future benefit obligations.
A question and answer session followed the presentation.
(A copy of the audit report is on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
~.
J. P. Marchioli of 414 Sherry Drive agreed with the recommendation to
keep the ocean outfall lines available for use ~in the event of a catastrophic
~. rain event; said he would like something done to lower the speeding on
Sherry Drive; reminded the Commissioners that he had presented a petition
requesting traffic calming on Sherry Drive and found the decorative
crosswalks to be annoying because of the noise; felt that OSHA should be
used to regulate safety issues on job sites.
~* Mayor Meserve recognized Jacksonville Council Member Art Graham and
thanked him for his efforts in getting the $50,000 check for the Adele Grage
Cultural Center renovations.
~.
Trisha Pascoe Lawrence of 481 Sherry Drive believed there was a
misunderstanding concerning the amount of her property the city would
~" need to construct the sidewalk. She stated that she would like the sidewalk,
but did not want to give up any of her property. She felt the city allowed
the construction company to build the street too close to the edge of the
~"" right-of--way and should be responsible to correct the mistake.
,.,
February 23, 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 3
"'"" Michael Bessler, who spoke on behalf of Nancy Pasco of 481 Sherry
Drive, offered his solution to constructing the sidewalk without taking any
property. He also commented that the same construction company had
~'" paved over valves and manholes on Sherry Drive and suggested the city
uncover them as soon as possible to prevent damage to the street.
"" Jane Wytzka of 352 Second Street favored calling the core city area Old
Atlantic Beach, (Item 8D), but stated she was sorry to see no other changes
were proposed to preserve its character. Ms. Wytzka stated some of the
new homes being constructed in the area were too large for the small sized
lots and had become a "quality of life" issue. She indicated she would like
construction to be limited to smaller homes, and volunteered to help resolve
the problem. Ms. Wytzka believed the local police officers should be paid
the same as the City of Jacksonville.
Sally Clemens of 1638 Park Terrace Drive commented on providing
citizens information on how local government works and the importance of
~„ listening to your constituents. She indicted that the local "Concerned
Citizens of Atlantic Beach" group had warned against paying $150,000 for
consulting services relative to the city's proposal for privatization of the
,~„ wafer and sewer services at the Navy base, which was unsuccessful. She
also indicated that she opposed any development of Johnston Island.
Joe Hunt of 370 Plaza favored replacement of speed bumps on Plaza and
opposed chicanes.
~. Janet Lambert of 314 Plaza requested reinstallation of speed bumps or
humps on the 300 block of Plaza. She indicated that forty-five people on
the street favored this request, and were opposed to chicanes.
Marian Fogg of 366 Plaza spoke in favor of speed bumps or humps for the
300 block of Plaza.
Stephen Kuti of 1132 Linkside Drive commented that he continually
observed speeders on his street and requested the same consideration as for
Plaza. He also inquired concerning spending funds on a radio site survey
for lift stations (Item 8H).
~""' Michael Fogg of 366 Plaza also spoke in favor of speed bumps for Plaza.
He indicated he would not be able to move his boat on and off his property
if chicanes were installed. He felt installation of chicanes would push
'~" traffic too close to the sidewalks.
February 23, 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 4
Victor Raiser of 359 Plaza stated that no one likes speed bumps -they
"" were not perfect, but they had worked for twelve years. He also requested
that the speed bumps be put back on his street.
Nancy Love of 343 Plaza agreed and requested that the speed bumps be
reinstalled.
Amy Palmer of 374 Plaza also supported speed bumps or humps. She
stated that she and other residents in the area had preschoolers and she
feared for their safety if the speed bumps were not reinstalled. She also felt
it would be a waste of money to design and install chicanes, which would
eliminate needed parking.
Clifford Dunlop of 338 Plaza requested that the speed bumps be
reinstalled on Plaza and that on-street parking be retained.
Cindy Corey of 394 8th Street supported her neighbors' efforts to have the
Plaza speed bumps/humps reinstalled.
Steven Kirsten who owns property at 348-350 and 371 Plaza supported
speed bumps as a safer method for traffic calming than chicanes.
3. Unfinished Business from Previous Meeting
~. City Manager's A. City Manager's Follow-Up Report
Follow-Up Report
City Manager Hanson summarized each item of his written report, which is
attached and made part of this official record as Attachment A.
Ocean Outfall Lines at 7th and 10th Streets
Commissioner W aters a greed w ith 1 eaving t he 1 fines i n p lace i n c ase o f a
catastrophic rain event in the future and inquired as to how the lines could
~* be unplugged if needed. City Manager Hanson responded that he was not
exactly sure how they could be unplugged, but would find out from staff.
Traffic Calming B. Discussion and related action regarding traffic calming/speed
300 Block of Plaza bumps for the 300 block of Plaza
~' Utility Director Kaluzniak displayed a conceptual drawing of how the
chicanes would be spaced along Plaza. She indicated that installation of
the chicanes would cost approximately $15,000 and four parking spaces
""" would be lost.
Michael Fogg, a resident who spoke earlier favoring speed bumps/humps,
stated that twelve years ago, when the speed bumps were first installed, they
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February 23 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 5
did not cross the entire width of the street, and cars just wove between them
and never slowed down. He further stated that the city had to come back
and extend the speed bumps the full width of the street to prevent speeding.
Mr. Fogg felt the installation of chicanes would create the same situation.
Commissioner Parsons stated that he would be in favor of installing speed
humps on Plaza, but not speed bumps.
Commissioner Simmons recounted her experience with speed humps at the
airport and the jolting speed bumps in Key Biscayne and inquired as to the
design of the speed humps. She felt the city needed to ensure that the speed
humps designed for Plaza did not create a problem.
Commissioner Waters stated he opposed speed bumps. He indicated his
preference for chicanes and felt the city was working toward eliminating
,~„ speed bumps.
Mayor Meserve explained the city's policy c oncerning requests for speed
~,. bumps and stated that they would only be installed if the Police Department
determined a real safety issue existed on a particular street. He thought that
Plaza was a unique two-lane street that invited speeding. Mayor Meserve
indicated his preference for speed humps over the chicanes.
Motion: Install speed humps, not speed bumps, and put them back on
Plaza as originally designed and ensure the humps are not the iolting
type.
Moved by Meserve, seconded by Parsons
Votes:
Aye: 3 -Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
*"" Nay: 1 -Waters
MOTION CARRIED
Consent Agenda 4. Consent Agenda
Monthly Reports A. Acknowledge receipt of January Utility Sales Report (City
Manager)
Mosquito Ctrl. Letter B. Authorize the Mayor to sign a letter authorizing the City of
Jacksonville Mosquito Control Division to fly aircraft over and
spray mosquito breeding areas within the city boundaries
'*" Motion: Approve Consent Agenda Items A and B as presented.
Moved by Waters, seconded by Parsons
Votes:
~. Aye: 4 -Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
..
`~ February 23, 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Pace 6
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Committee Reports 5. Committee Reports
Pension Boards A. Reports from the Police and General Employees Pension Boards
Human Resource Director George Foster provided the Commissioners with
a written report concerning the activities of the Police and General
Employees Pension Boards. A copy of the report is attached and made part
of this official record as Attachment B.
A question and answer session followed the presentation.
Resolutions 6. Action on Resolutions:
A. Resolution No. 04-04
(1) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH,
FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING A DEFERRED RETIRMENT
OPTION PROGRAM (Selecting the ICMA Retirement
Corporation (RC) as the investment administrator for the city's
DROP participants)
(2Y Authorize the City Manager to sign the Administrative Services
Agreement and other related documents (City Manager)
+,. Motion: Adopt Resolution 04-04 and authorize the City Manager to
sign the Administrative Services Agreement and other related
documents.
There was no discussion.
!+~ Moved by Simmons, seconded by Waters
Votes:
Aye: 4 -Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Ordinances 7. Action on Ordinances
A. Ordinance No. OS-04-43 Public Hearing & Final Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH,
FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ADMINISTRATION,
ARTICLE VI, EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, DIVISION 1,
GENERALLY, TO DELETE SECTION 2-226, HOLIDAY
SCHEDULE, PROVIDING CODIFICATION, AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Mayor Meserve read the ordinance by title only.
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February 23, 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 7
Motion: Approve Ordinance No. OS-04-43 on final reading.
Mayor Meserve opened the floor for a public hearing. No one spoke and
the Mayor closed the public hearing.
There was no discussion.
Moved by Parsons, seconded by Waters
Votes:
Aye: 4 -Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
B. Ordinance No. 58-04-29 Public Hearing & Final Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH,
FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ADMINISTRATION,
ARTICLE VI, DIVISION 3, GENERAL EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT
SYSTEM AND DIVISION 4, POLICE OFFICER RETIREMENT
SYSTEM, TO PROVIDE A DEFERRED RETIREMENT OPTION
PROGRAM FOR PARTICIPANTS; CHANGE PAYMENT OF
PF~NSION BOARD EXPENSES; AND AMENDING CHAPTER 2,
ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE VI, DIVISION 4, POLICE OFFICER
RETIREMENT SYSTEM, TO PROVIDE ADJUSTMENTS FOR
NORMAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS; PROVIDING
ADJUSTMENTS TO OPTIONAL FORMS OF PENSION PAYMENT;
PROVIDING FOR EARLY RETIREMENT BENEFITS;
PROVIDING ADJUSTMENTS FOR DEFERRED RETIREMENT
BENEFITS; PROVIDING FOR DEATH BENEFITS; PROVIDING
CHANGE TO PAYMENT OF PENSION BOARD EXPENSES;
?~ PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR
CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Mayor Meserve read the ordinance by title only.
Motion: Approve Ordinance No. 58-04-29 on final reading.
Moved by Parsons, seconded by Waters
Mayor Meserve opened the floor for a public hearing.
Don Ford stated that he had served two terms on the Pension Board and had
'°" learned as much as possible about DROP Plans. He indicated that six and
one-half years ago he had brought the idea of a Deferred Retirement Option
Program to the Pension Board. He thanked City Manager Hanson and
February 23, 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 8
Human Resource Director Foster for their work to bring about a DROP Plan
for employees.
Mr. Ford believed it was a good plan but expressed concern for the
eligibility of a participant listed on Page 11 stating..."a participant entering
the DROP prior to attaining age sixty (60) shall have their benefit
actuarially reduced for each year under the age of sixty (60)". He indicated
that the city had not received the actuarial report until late Friday and
according to the report the reduction would be one-half percent per month,
for every month prior to attaining age sixty (60). He further stated, as an
example, if an employee entered the DROP Plan at age fifty-five (55), the
pension for that employee would be reduced by thirty percent, which he
believed was excessive. He expressed concern that this requirement would
keep the employees nearing age sixty from entering the plan and inquired
why this restrictive requirement was included in the plan. Mr. Ford
suggested the Commission consider the use of a lower percentage amount
or setting a cap on the amount of the reduction.
Mr. Ford noted the city would save money in other areas, such as the city
would no longer have to pay death and disability benefits and would no
longer pay the 10 - 13% into the retirement plan for those employees who
choose to go into the DROP Plan.
Commissioner Waters inquired if the DROP Plan presupposed thirty or
more years of service to the city. Mr. Ford responded that an employee was
eligible to participate if he was vested (employees become vested after five
years of service). Discussion of vesting and years of service for entering
the plan ensued.
No one else spoke and the Mayor closed the public hearing.
Human Resource Director Foster explained that the DROP Plan was an
option for employees to choose and when implemented, it was to remain
~' cost neutral to the city. He indicated that currently a general employee can
retire at age sixty with a minimum of five years of service, but the DROP
Plan allowed general employees the option to retire at age fifty-five with
~"' five years of service, and in order to do this and remain cost neutral, the
actuarial reduction would have to be one-half percent per month for every
month an employee elects to retire early. Mr. Foster concurred that this
'"" was a significant reduction, but he emphasized that these were options. He
stated that the city added the early retirement and the five-year drop, both
cost neutral as options for the general employees and there was no early
~"" drop option for police officers since they have many state mandated
retirement options. They can only drop at their normal retirement eligibility
age.
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February 23 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 9
Commissioner Parsons believed the 30% reduction was high. Discussion of
¢"' reducing the percentage rate ensued. Human Resource Director Foster
indicated that if the percentage rate was reduced, either the city or employee
would have to pay the additional costs.
Mayor Meserve recapped how the DROP Plan worked and emphasized the
need to keep the changes cost neutral to the city.
Commissioner Parsons stated that he would like to defer this item to the
next meeting in order to allow more time to review the actuarial report and
gain additional information.
Motion: Defer action on Ordinance No. 58-04-29 to the April 12, 2004
Commission Meeting.
Moved by Parsons, seconded by Simmons
Votes:
Aye: 4 -Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
~, Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
~ Cotmissioner Waters suggested that the city inform its employees of the
benefits they received on an individual basis. Mr. Foster responded that
each employee received an annual pension benefit statement.
C. Ordinance No. 25-04-35 Introduction & First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH,
FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 6, ARTICLE 2,
BUILDING CODES, TO ADD A NEW SEC. 6-18,
CONSTRUCTION SITE MANAGEMENT, TO INCLUDE A
CONSTRUCTION SITE MANAGEMENT PLANT
Motion: Approve Ordinance No. 25-04-35 on first reading.
Commissioner Simmons believed this was a good ordinance, but she had
some concerns with the fencing requirements since they might conflict with
parking. She suggested that the fence be installed on the property line
adjacent to a residence or business, but not on the street side of the property.
*"' Building Official Ford explained that the rear and front fencing could be
installed according to the needs of the site. He indicated that the ordinance
provided a guideline to follow and allowed the Building Official flexibility
""" within the site management plan to grant waivers from submittal
requirements.
February 23 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Pace 10
Commissioner Waters stated that noise was not addressed in the ordinance
and expressed concern for the starting time for construction on weekends.
Mr. Ford stated that had received few complaints on weekend noise from
construction projects.
Commissioner Parsons requested that Page 7 of the ordinance under Item
(12) Landscaping be amended to read as follows: ...and "restored at the
contractor's expense to its original condition or better".
.. Moved by Simmons, seconded by Parsons
Votes:
Aye: 4 -Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
~„ Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Miscellaneous Business 8. Miscellaneous Business
Public Safety Dept. A. Annual Report from the Public Safety Department (City
Annual Report Manager)
Chief Thompson presented a comprehensive statistical report for 2003
to ~fhe Commission. A copy of the report is attached and made part of
this official record as Attachment C.
Highlights of the report indicated a reduction in overall crime and an
increase in arrests; the department answered 22,888 calls for service and
issued 5,214 citations during the year.
A question and answer session followed the report.
Health Insurance B. Health Insurance Renewal (City Manager)
(1) Authorize staff to renew health insurance with Blue CrossBlue
Shield effective April 1, 2004
(2) Retain the current benefits and city/employee contribution amounts
(3) Authorize a change in the effective date of health insurance
coverage for new employees
Motion: Authorize staff to renew health insurance with Blue
Cross/Blue Shield effective April 1, 2004, to retain the current benefits
~"" and city/employee contribution amounts, and to change the effective
date of health insurance coverage for new employees.
There was no discussion.
Moved by Simmons, seconded by Parsons
Votes:
February 23 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 11
Aye: 4 - Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
"~ Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Selva Marina Tree C. Schedule for first reading an ordinance to identify Selva Marina
Canopy Protection Units 10 & 12 as a tree canopy protection area (City Manager)
Mayor Meserve expressed concern that ordinance may restrict the city's
ability to respond to emergencies in a timely manner and inquired as to the
need for this type of ordinance.
City Manager Hanson explained that currently the city was exempt from
obtaining Tree Board approval to remove trees on rights-of--way, but under
the proposed ordinance, their approval would be needed to remove trees in
the protected area. It was explained that the request for this ordinance came
from the Tree Board after members observed a decline of the tree canopy in
the Selva Marina area, some of which was caused by a developer and a
homeowner removing trees during the past year without permits, prompting
the Tree Board's request for protection of the remaining canopy.
Building Official Ford explained that it was the intent of the Tree Board to
~. impose a fine of $500 per tree for each violation so that the Code
Enforcement Board could then impose a fine of up to $5,000 per tree.
Commissioner Simmons stated that she agreed with the intent of the
ordinance if it was to keep developers from destroying the tree canopy.
It was the consensus of the Commissioners to bring the ordinance back for
first reading at the next Commission Meeting.
General Reference D. Public Hearing and action to approve the use of the general
Area -Old Atlantic reference to that area platted as Atlantic Beach Subdivision A,
Beach formerly called Core City, as Old Atlantic Beach (Comm.
Simmons)
Motion: Approve the use of "Old Atlantic Beach" when referencing
~"" the area formerly called the Core City and platted as Atlantic Beach
Subdivision A.
Mayor Meserve opened the floor for a public hearing. No one spoke and
the public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Simmons reported she had received positive public response
for this change.
February 23, 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 12
Moved by Simmons, seconded by Waters
'~" Votes:
Aye: 4 -Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
~'" MOTION CARRIED
Rental Contracts for E. Authorize the City Manager to execute contracts with ABET
ABET & Sandra and Sandra Phillips for rental of city facilities (City Manager)
Phillips
Motion: Authorize the City Manager to execute contracts with ABET
~.
and Sandra Phillips for rental of city facilities.
,~ City Manager Hanson explained that ABET would not be providing a
Children's Summer Theater Program this year and Sandra Phillips would
provide tennis lessons, but she would not be responsible for tennis
„~, tournaments this year.
Commissioner Waters inquired as to why there would be no Summer
Theater Program and was told the YMCA will be providing the summer
programs and there would be no room in the building for ABET to conduct
their program.
f
Moved by Parsons, seconded by Simmons
Votes:
Aye: 4 -Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
F. Appointment to the Code Enforcement Board to fill an
unexpired term
Mayor Meserve stated that he would like to appoint Don Wolfson to the
Code Enforcement Board.
Motion: Approve appointment of Don Wolfson to the Code
Enforcement Board to fill the unexpired term of Christopher Shea.
Moved by Meserve, seconded by Waters
Votes:
""' Aye: 4 -Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Property Bureau.com G. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with
Contract Property Bureau.com, Inc. to dispose of surplus property for the
city (City Manager)
~*
February 23 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 13
'""' Commissioner Waters inquired as to how this method of disposing surplus
property was different to the one currently used. Chief Thompson
explained this was a private company that provided an on-line auction
~" service to dispose of items from police property rooms. He indicated the
company would pick up the property, barcode, digitally photograph and
upload detailed descriptions of all items to the auction site.
Motion: Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with
Property Bureau.com, Inc. to dispose of surplus property for the city.
Moved by Waters, seconded by Parsons
Votes:
Aye: 4 -Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
TouchPoint Contract H. Authorize staff to contract with TouchPoint to complete the
radio site survey for lift stations at a cost of $13,692.84
Motion: Authorize staff to contract with TouchPoint to complete the
radio site survey for lift stations at a cost of $13,692.84.
City Manager Hanson indicated that the city's SCADA System was
„~ installed and operational at the treatment plants. He reported that funds
were budgeted to connect twenty-nine lift stations to the SCADA system to
allow for remote monitoring of the lift stations.
City Manager Hanson explained how the connection could be made, but
expressed concern that a very tall antenna would be required to send signals
to the central antenna and this might not be acceptable in some
neighborhoods. He indicated that the radio site survey was needed to
determine what lift stations will use the wireless radios without intrusive
antennas and which ones will use the 900 MHZ radios.
Moved by Simmons, seconded by Parsons
*"' Votes:
Aye: 4 -Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
~'" MOTION CARRIED
9. City Manager
City Manager's Report A. City Manager's Report
City Manager Hanson commented on the following items:
February 23 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 14
Phase III of the Town Center Project
Explained that four Change Orders, each less than $10,000, had been issued
totaling just under $20,000. The Change Orders included drainage work,
~"" brick removal under the street, sidewalk removal and relocation of palm
trees, and additional drainpipe. The project should be completed by March
12th.
Reports/Requests 10. Reports and/or requests from City Commissioners and City
City Commissioners Attorney
"`~ City Attorney
Commissioner Simmons
• Thanked the Commissioners for approving the use of "Old Atlantic
Beach" and the Construction Site Management Plan. (Items 8D and 7C
respectively).
• Expressed concern that the construction of huge homes being built in
Old Atlantic Beach was destroying the quality of life in that area and
. inquired if there was anything that could be done to solve the problem.
Commissioner Parsons
• Inquired if the Police Explorers sponsored a bicycle rodeo in the city,
~„ and if they did, how was it advertised. Chief Thompson indicated the
Explorers sponsored the event and it was advertised at the Atlantic
Beach Elementary School and Donner Center.
• Reported that the Atlantic Beach Public Art Committee had filed their
application for 501(c)(3) status and was planning to hold public
,~, awareness event at the end of April or beginning of May.
Commissioner Waters
• Referenced a Legislative Alert he received regarding a proposed change
in calculating the ad valorem rollback rate and suggested sending a
letter to Representative Don Davis opposing the change.
Mayor Meserve stated that he would like to temporarily hold off on the
letter to see if the three beaches cities would send a joint letter opposing
the change.
• Reminded the Commissioners that the city was hosting the Northeast
Florida League of Cities meeting on March 18th at the Sea Turtle Inn
and encouraged the Commissioners to attend.
~"'" February 23 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 15
Mayor Meserve
• Reported that he addressed the overbuilding on small lots in the Old
Atlantic Beach area in the March issue of Tideviews, but felt this was a
~`" difficult problem since the city's building regulations were quite strict.
• As the city's representative to the Superbowl Committee, reported that
"'" the Committee wanted events to be planned at the beach. He indicated
that the NFL would not fund any of these entertairunent venues, and
they would have to be organized and paid for by the beaches
,~.
community.
Adjournment There being no further discussion, the Mayor declared the meeting
'~ adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
John Meserve, Mayor/Presiding Officer
~ ATTEST:
t
Maureen King
Certified Municipal Clerk