Draft MIn 4-12-04..
MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
APRIL 12, 2004
CITY HALL, 800 SEMINOLE ROAD
Attendance IN ATTENDANCE:
Mayor John Meserve City Manager Jim Hanson
Mayor Pro Tem Beaver City Clerk Maureen King
Commissioner Paul B. Parsons City Attorney Alan C. Jensen
Commissioner Sylvia N. Simmons
Commissioner J. Dezmond Waters III
Call to Order/Pledge Mayor Meserve called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. The invocation,
given by the Mayor was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Approval of Minutes 1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 22,
2004
Motion: Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of
March 8, 2004, as presented.
~"" Moved by Simmons, seconded by Waters
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
~"' Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
2. Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors
Mimi Ames of 1614 Park Terrace West stated that she had attended the
Community Development Board Meeting on February 20, 2004 when
Prosser and Hallock made their presentation, on behalf of Bridge Tenders,
for the development of Johnston Island into the Atlantic Beach Yacht Club.
She indicated that she was happy that the Board recommended denial of the
request to rezone the property from Conservation to Residential and the
PUD associated with the requested rezoning.
She indicated her opposition to the Atlantic Beach Yacht Club development
due to the additional traffic and possible pollution the proposed marina
would cause. Ms. Ames urged the Commissioners to deny the request that
would be coming before them at the next meeting and preserve the small
town atmosphere of Atlantic Beach.
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April 12, 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING PaEe 2
Alan Potter of 374 Second Street commended staff for finishing the
striping of Ocean Boulevard in such a timely manner. Mr. Potter stated he
was opposed to the issuance of revenue refunding bonds (Item 8B). He
believed there would be too many costs associated with the refunding and
the city would not save any money.
~, Dane Smith of 620 Paradise Court expressed concerns relative to Code
Enforcement issues on the west side of Mayport Road. Mr. Smith reported
that piles of trash had remained on several sites for a long period of time
~„ and he inquired if something could be done about the continual problem.
He also requested that consideration be given to planting trees in the
neighborhoods west of Mayport Road. Mr. Smith urged a Commissioner to
~, meet with him to discuss the problems.
Steven Kuti of 1132 Linkside Drive welcomed Rick Carper, the city's new
~. Public Works Director, and stated that he was happy to see he was an
Atlantic Beach resident.
~.. Mr. Kuti indicated that the ditch at 11 `h Street was well maintained on the
south side of the street but on the north side of the street the ditch was full
of garbage and needed to be cleaned.
Mr. Kuti urged the Commission to maintain the 35' height limitation for
any development they might approve for Johnston Island.
Sally Clemens of 1638 Park Terrace West complimented the
Commissioners on their willingness to preserve the quality of life and
!"' maintain the character of the city. Mrs. Clemens stated that she opposed
changing the zoning on Johnston Island from Conservation to Residential
and opposed any height increase from the current 35' for the proposed
"" development on the island.
Mrs. Clemens requested that copies of the revised development plans for
""' the Atlantic Beach Yacht Club be provided to the citizens prior to the April
26`h Commission Meeting.
"~" Tom Foppiano of 377 4`h Street thanked those responsible for the
installation of the shower on 4`h Street behind the school. City Manager
Hanson stated that it was apublic/private endeavor and requested that he
"~ call him in the morning for the information. Mr. Foppiano was directed to
contact the City Manager concerning additional signage for the existing
crosswalk on 4`" Street, installation of an additional crosswalk on 4`h Street,
s. and animal control issues.
Mr. Foppiano stated he opposed the Johnston Island development for
reasons stated inane-mail to Commissioner Parsons and indicated that his
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April 12, 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 3
neighbor, Kathleen Smith, wanted the sculpture (Item 3B) to be placed at
the original approved location.
J. P. Marchioli of 414 Sherry Drive stated he had heard the rear (Plaza)
entrance to the Post Office had been approved. He also commented that far
more people were killed in automobile accidents in the United States in one
year than the total number of military personnel killed during the Iraq war.
Mr. Marchioli also stated that he was pleased to witness recent traffic
enforcement on Sherry Drive and indicated that more than thirty tickets
were issued for speeding.
Roundabout Study A. Report on Roundabout Study by GAI Consultants
Ron Hoogland, PE, Fraser Howe, PE and Sylvester Asiamah, PE of GAI
Consultants, were introduced. Mr. Howe explained the visual presentation
,~,, of the results of the their roundabout feasibility study for the intersection of
Seminole Road, Sherry Drive and Plaza. A copy of the presentation is
attached and made part of this official record as Attachment A.
Mr. Howe explained the safety features of a roundabout, the movement of
traffic through the roundabout, the impact(s) the roundabout would have on
~. the existing intersection and what it would take to build the roundabout. He
estimated cost to build the roundabout, including design, would be
$530,000.
A question and answer session followed the presentation, with discussion
centering on the ability of fire trucks to access the roundabout and to safely
~* back into the fire station.
Commissioner Parsons inquired concerning the time to construct the
~. roundabout. Mr. Howe indicated construction would take approximately
.three months, with relocation of utilities taking the most time.
"' Commissioner Beaver requested that Chief Thompson comment on any
safety concerns he might have regarding the roundabout. Chief Thompson
responded that the intersection was already safe with few accidents. He felt
""' it would not be convenient for the fire department to back their trucks into
the building. He indicated that whatever was in the middle of the
roundabout would impede movement of the fire truck and would be backed
'"" over by the trucks. Discussion ensued concerning driving the fire trucks
through the rear entrance to the building. Chief Thompson felt this was not
possible because the current fire trucks were much larger than those in use
"~" when the building was designed.
Mayor Meserve commented that word "generally" had been used when
describing the roundabout design as being generally safer than the existing
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all-way-stop and as generally operating more efficiently than intersections
""' and inquired if the roundabout would make an improvement to an
intersection which experienced few accidents. Mr. Howe responded that it
would be no less efficient or safe.
Mr. Howe pointed out that a 6-8' wide apron for fire trucks and larger
vehicles to drive on would surround the central island of the roundabout,
~"" and the approaches were designed to make vehicles slow down.
Mayor Meserve thanked Mr. Howe and the others for the presentation and
indicated that consideration of the roundabout would be taken up during the
upcoming budget workshops.
Former Commissioner Steve Rosenbloom of 1417 Beach Avenue
believed the addition of the roundabout would make the area more
attractive. He commended the city gardener for the improvements that have
been made to make the area more aesthetically pleasing.
(A copy of the complete Roundabout Feasibility Study prepared by GAI
Consultants is on file in the office of the City Clerk).
3. Unfinished Business from Previous Meeting
City Manager's A. City Manager's Follow-up Report
Follow-up Report
City Manager Hanson introduced Rick Carper, the city's new Public Works
Director, and stated that his first day of work would be April 19`h. He also
commented on each item of his written report. A copy of the report is
attached and made part of this official record as Attachment B.
Sculpture Location B. Report on sculpture location -Commissioner Parsons
Commissioner Parsons reported that the Atlantic Beach Public Arts
Commission had met and discussed the proposed relocation of the sculpture
and the majority agreed to install the sculpture in the location originally
selected by the Cultural Arts Board.
Commissioner Beaver inquired as to a time frame for installing the
sculpture. City Manager Hanson indicated that the cement base would have
to be installed first and allowed to cure before the sculpture could be placed
on the base. He stated he would keep the Commissioners informed of the
progress.
Adding Bricks to C. Report and related action regarding adding bricks to the second
Second Block of Ocean block of Ocean Boulevard
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April 12, 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 5
Utility Director Kaluzniak displayed several options for location of bricks
accents to the second block of the project.
Discussion of the cost for each option ensued and it was reported that no
"~" funds were budgeted for the work and amid-year budget adjustment would
be required.
Discussion ensued regarding the various options.
Motion: Authorize staff to proceed with Items 1, 2, and 3 as listed in
the staff report. (Items 1-3 were listed as follows: Installation of brick
around the electric pole on the east side of the street, installation of a brick
,~ strip along the west side of the street and installation of brick around the
BellSouth box).
,,,, Moved by Beaver, seconded by Simmons
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
,,, Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Consent Agenda 4. Consent Agenda
Commissioner Parsons requested that Item B be removed from the Consent
Agenda for discussion.
A. Acknowledge receipt of Monthly Reports: Building Department
~* Activity Report, New Occupational Licenses, and Public Works
and Public Utility Departments Project Status Report (City
Manager)
Motion: Approve Consent Agenda Item A as presented.
~"' Moved by Waters, seconded by Parsons
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
'" Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
B. Approve adjustment to the rates in the BFI Contract in
accordance with the conditions of the contract (City Manager)
'~" Commissioner Parsons inquired concerning the rate increase and when the
service was put out to bid. City Manager Hanson explained that the
increase was a minimal rate adjustment based on the CPI at the anniversary
~"' of the contract and the solid waste collection was bid two years ago.
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Resolutions
Moved by Waters, seconded by Parsons
,~,, Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
,,,, MOTION CARRIED
Cammittee Reports
Ordinances
Anri1 12.2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 6
Commissioner Waters inquired if the level of service was different for
residents living west of Mayport Road. City Manager Hanson responded
that all service levels were the same citywide. He indicated that the
agreement contained an innovative clause whereby the company paid
penalties for failed pick- ups.
Commissioner Simmons commented that BFI provided a much better level
of service than the previous carrier.
Motion: A rove Consent A enda Item B as resented.
5. Committee Reports
None.
6. Action on Resolutions:
None.
7. Action on Ordinances
None.
Miscellaneous Business 8. Miscellaneous Business
Appointments -Tree A. Appointments to the Tree Conservation Board (2) (City Clerk)
Conservation Board
Mayor Meserve indicated that he wished to reappoint Maureen
Shaughnessy and Charles Carroll to two-year terms on the Tree
Conservation Board.
Motion: _Reappoint Maureen Shaughnessy and Charles Carroll to two-
year terms on the Tree Conservation Board.
Moved by Waters, seconded by Parsons
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
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April 12, 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 7
Dunlap and Assoc. B. Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a
Contract Contract with Dunlap and Associates for Financial Services in
Conjunction with the Proposed Issuance of Refunding Utility
Revenue Bonds (City Manager)
Motion: Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a
contract with Dunlap and Associates for financial services in
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conjunction with the proposed issuance of refunding utility revenue
bonds.
City Manager Hanson briefly explained the process and indicted that
entering into an agreement with Craig Dunlap, the city's Financial Advisor,
~„ would allow the city to be ready to sell the bonds as soon as the rates meet
the city's criteria for their sale. Discussion of the costs associated with the
refinancing ensued.
City Manager Hanson believed the city could expect to save at least
$35,000 per year by refinancing the bonds. He indicated that the fee for Mr.
Dunlap's services was contingent on the refunding taking place and if it did
not take place, the city would only have to pay Mr. Dunlap for incidental
expenses which would probably be no more than $1,000.
Commissioner Waters inquired concerning a time limit on the contract.
Finance Director VanLiere stated there was no time limit and the city could
take as long as was needed to obtain the most favorable rate.
Moved by Beaver, seconded by Parsons
~"" Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
~' MOTION CARRIED
James Moore & Co. C. Deny the request of James Moore & Company for additional
Request for Additional funds for audit services and authorize staff to issue a new
Funds request for proposals for audit services (City Manager)
Motion: Dent/ the request of James Moore & Company for additional
funds for audit services and authorize staff to issue a new request for
proposals for audit services.
Commissioner Waters believed that the additional funds being requested
were not unreasonable. He stated that James Moore & Company had
~ provided good service and he could not see going through the process to
find someone less expensive. He believed no savings would be realized.
Mayor Meserve believed the company should honor their contract.
April 12, 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 8
Moved by Beaver, seconded by Parsons
Votes:
Aye: 4 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Meserve
Nay: 1 -Waters
MOTION CARRIED
Adopt-a-Shelter D. Authorize the Mayor to execute the American Red Cross
Statement of Northeast Florida Chapter Adopt-a-Shelter Statement of
Understanding Understanding (City Manager)
Motion: Authorize the Mayor to execute the American Red Cross
Northeast Florida Chapter Adopt-a-Shelter Statement of
Understanding.
Moved by Beaver, seconded by Waters
~,,, Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
There was no discussion.
Chapter3 Revisions E. Authorize staff to schedule ordinance readings and a public
hearing to enact proposed revisions to Chapter 3 of the City
Code, Alcoholic Beverages (City Manager)
Motion: Authorize staff to schedule ordinance readings and a public
hearing to enact proposed revisions to Chapter 3, Alcoholic Beverages,
of the City Code.
~'" Commissioner Waters believed Easter Sunday should be treated the same as
Christmas Day for alcohol sales and indicated he would like this to be
addressed. He confirmed that the Selva Marina Country Club would be
~'" "grandfathered-in" relative to Section 3-5 of the ordinance.
Commissioner Waters noted that the previous requirement concerning
maintaining a certain distance from schools/churches and establishments
that sell alcoholic beverages was deleted from the ordinance and inquired if
it should be reinstated. Chief Thompson stated that the requirement had not
been adhered to in the past and was deleted from the ordinance. He also
pointed out that the Commission would have to approve on-premise
consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Moved by Beaver, seconded by Parsons
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
April 12 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 9
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Storm Water Five-Year F. Authorize staff to include the amount of $11,362.50 in the FY
~"' Permit Monitoring 2004/05 budget to assist with the costs of the Storm Water
Monitoring Program for the current five-year permit period
(City Manager)
Motion: Authorize staff to include the amount of $11,362.50 in the FY
2004/05 bud!?et to assist with the costs of the Storm Water Monitoring
PrOECam for the current five-near permit period.
Moved by Beaver, seconded by Waters
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
There was no discussion.
Surplus IT Equipment G. Approve list of surplus IT equipment and approve donating it to
students; classify additional obsolete IT equipment as surplus
for destruction (City Manager)
~, Motion: Approve list of surplus IT equipment and its donation to
students; and classify additional obsolete IT equipment as surplus for
destruction.
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City Manager Hanson explained that IT Network Administrator Bryan
Smith and others had volunteered to set up the 10 operational, obsolete
~. computers at Mayport Middle School for training and distribution to
students who qualified for financial need.
Moved by Simmons, seconded by Waters
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
9. City Manager
City Manager's Report A. City Manager's Report
City Manager Hanson reported on the following items:
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April 12, 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 10
• Senator Bill Nelson and/or his staff will be using the Commission
Chambers on April 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to meet with
constituents to discuss various issues of concern.
• The city had no codes to regulate living on a docked boat without
sanitation facilities or for the construction of docks. He indicated
~ that the city needed to address these issues and adopt building
standards for docks. He stated he would bring both items to the
Commission in two weeks.
Reports/Requests 10. Reports and/or requests from City Commissioners and City
City Commissioners Attorney
City Attorney
Commissioner Simmons
,,,,, • Recounted an unfortunate incident involving an unleashed dog on
the beach Easter Sunday, and indicated that when she called for
Animal Control she got an answering machine.
It was explained that one Animal Control Officer was assigned to
the beach most of the time, but both officers worked irregular shifts
to cover the entire city.
Chief Thompson stated that if an Animal Control Officer is
unavailable, a Police Officer will respond to serious incidents.
Commissioner Parsons
• Welcomed Rick Carper as the new Public Works Director.
• Stated that the Art Studio Tour would be held May 8th and would
be followed by a reception at the Adele Grage Cultural Center.
• Reported Ragtime would be requesting outdoor seating in the
future.
• Volunteered to go to the Marsh Oaks area west of Mayport Road
and meet with Mr. Smith to discuss problems affecting his area.
• Believed the proposed roundabout was too expensive and suggested
improving the aesthetics in the area by heavily landscaping the
other corners of the intersection with flowers.
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April 12, 2004 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 11
Mayor Meserve
~.
• Indicated the roundabout would be discussed during the upcoming
budget sessions.
• Stated that area realtors were concerned they could not post open
house signs off-premise, and indicated this needed to be addressed.
Commissioner Waters
• Commented that the City of Neptune Beach had not consulted with
Town Center organization relative to outdoor dining, but he
~, realized the agreement with Town Center was never finalized.
• Inquired concerning the recent cut in the asphalt on Ocean
~,,, Boulevard near the Adele Grage Cultural Center. Utility Director
Kaluzniak reported a private contractor had caused the problem and
would pay for the repairs.
Mayor Meserve
• Stated he had great concerns for liability relative to the close
proximity of the outdoor seating to the parking spaces in front of
Ragtime.
Adjournment There being no further discussion, the Mayor declared the meeting
adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
John Meserve, Mayor/Presiding Officer
ATTEST:
Maureen King
Certified Municipal Clerk