Draft Min 3-27-07
MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
March 27, 2006
CITY HALL, 800 SEMINOLE ROAD
Attendance IN ATTENDANCE:
Mayor Donald Wolfson City Manager Jim Hanson
Mayor Pro Tem J. Dezmond Waters III City Clerk Donna L. Bussey
Commissioner Mike Borno City Attorney Alan C. Jensen
Commissioner Jamie Fletcher
Commissioner Sylvia N. Simmons
Call to Order/Pledge Mayor Wolfson: 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.
The Mayor welcomed everyone to the meeting and reviewed the procedures
for conducting Item #2, Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors.
Approval of Minutes 1. Approval of the minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting on
March 13, 2006.
Motion: Approve the minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting on
March 13, 2006.
Moved by Borno, seconded by Waters
~"" Votes:
Aye: 5 -Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson
Nay: 0
'}" IyIOTION CARRIED
Courtesy of the Floor 2. Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors
Alan Potter, 374 2°d Street, addressed Item 8E and spoke against acquiring
"'~ the church property for a retention pond at Hopkins Creek. He insisted that
the current drainage system is sufficient in that area and believed it to be
unnecessary to spend money for a retention pond there. He asked that the
'~' City abandon this project.
At this time, the Mayor addressed the proposed rezoning ordinance and the
large amount of interest and involvement regarding the issue. He
acknowledged the importance of the citizens' concerns and asked that a
proper demeanor be maintained during the comments.
Gil Phillips, 331 Seventh Street, spoke against the potential rezoning issue
and against the study by Winter and Company. He believed that the City
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~ March 27, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 2
currently has enough rules and regulations regarding building and
residential standards.
Mayor Wolfson pointed out that the Commission would not be taking any
~, action on the new residential design standards issue tonight. However, he
encouraged and urged all interested individuals to attend and participate in
the workshop on April 11`h
George Mayforth, 10 Tenth Street, addressed Item 7C and reiterated his
concerns regarding designating pools as 40°Io impervious and thus reducing
,. the size of homes allowed on a lot. He pointed out that swimming pools
provide storage capacity for stonnwater and suggested that the City have
professional engineers review the issue. Mr. Mayforth insisted that pools
should be exempt from the impervious surface designation.
Brian Sexton, 320 Ninth Street, read a letter from the Save Atlantic Beach
~. organization'to be printed in the Beaches Leader newspaper. The letter
stated the group's opposition to the proposed ordinance and the restrictive
residential design standards that it would set. He encouraged all citizens to
~• read the proposed code and communicate with each other regarding the
issue.
~* Michael Hoffmann, 176 Camelia Street, discussed the announcement that
the City Manager authorized that $50,000 in Community Development
Block grant funds be transferred to Habitat for Humanity. He believed the
""' Commission should discuss the issue and examine ways to use the funds to
assist low-to-moderate income neighborhoods within Atlantic Beach. He
suggested projects such as providing sidewalks, improving drainage,
~"" replacing broken playground equipment, or creating a buffer against the
effects of the flyover. Mr. Hoffmann also pointed out the difficulties in
establishing the Buckman Trust property as part of the public domain.
~"" Instead, ht asked that the City put that money and effort towards purchasing
land for a playground in the Marsh Oaks area.
'"" Kelly Elmore, 1615 Beach Avenue, identified himself as a professional
landscape architect and questioned the proposed 40% impervious
designation for pools. He believed that the burden of stonnwater
~"" management should not be placed on property owners but should be
provided by the City as a utility.
~" Michael Charest, 1858 Beachside Court, declared that he enjoys the
diversity of Atlantic Beach and is concerned with the potential impact of the
adoption of the draft ordinance. He asked the Commission to review and
~,.
reconsider the ordinance and help the citizens make the community a better
place for all.
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Leslie Platock, 1640 Beach Avenue, expressed serious concerns with the
proposed draft and its possible effect of preventing homeowners from
building a pool at their residence. She believed that the proposed residential
March 27, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 3
standards could be considered an illegal taking without representation under
the Fifth amendment. She asked the Commission to determine how many
"~ citizens really support the draft ordinance.
Bob Parrish, 1731 Beach Avenue, opposed any new residential standards
and indicated many citizens have signed a petition stating the same. He
responded to the Mayor's column in the Beaches Leader and discussed
perceived personal attacks by the Mayor and Commissioner Fletcher. He
indicated that no studies have been performed to determine the potential
financial impacts of the proposed residential standards. He strongly
discouraged the City from taking away property rights without a clear
~.
mandate or proper compensation.
~„ Chris Griffith, 75 Coral Street, stated that the City's Community
Character project is unrealistic and that it would be hard to actually live in a
residence conforming to the proposed standards. He discussed the problems
,~, with the new residential standards and asked the Commission to reconsider
them.
~. Jim Smith, 1958 Beachside Court, praised the diversity of Atlantic Beach
residences. He believed that the broad nature of the proposed ordinance is
not in the best interest of the majority of the citizens and that it would
~. seriously diminish property values and negatively impact the diversity of
the City. He asked that the Commission discontinue its pursuit of this
ordinance.
Carol Mikell, 1771 Sea Oats Drive, commented on the power of
knowledge and the value of people getting involved in the issues of the
City. She stated that pools should remain designated as 100% pervious.
R. D. deCarle, 51 Beach Avenue, spoke against the ordinance regarding
°'~ the impervious designation of pools. He believed that the Winter and
Company study does not address the specific needs of Atlantic Beach. He
discussed lot sizes within Atlantic Beach and mentioned the issue of
" property takings as related to the proposed standards. He spoke in favor of
eclectic residential diversity and against acookie-cutter community.
~"' Rick Allen, 320 Eighth Street, stated he is in favor of property rights, but
is concerned that a commercial interest in property values is the primary
concern of the Save Atlantic Beach group. He spoke in favor of property
~'" owners' rights to enjoy their premises as residents as opposed to property
rights of commercial real estate interests.
~,. Dana Carpenter, 1415 Ocean Boulevard, supported the Commission's
efforts to consider the recommendations of the Winter group in order to
maintain the growth and character of the City. She asked the Commission
'"~ to help clarify and streamline communications so that the proposals are not
confusing or too complicated for the citizens to help make the decisions.
March 27, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 4
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Patricia and John Goelz, 1359 Beach Avenue, discussed the need for
compromise in order to create a code that will maintain the diversity of
'~" Atlantic Beach. They believed that supporting property rights goes along
with preserving the character of Atlantic Beach.
Kate Gamble Dickson, 320 Twelfth Street, expressed frustration that the
conversation has centered around property rights. She believed the issue
should also include a vision for the community which includes more green
space and neighbors' rights. She expressed the need to improve
communication and to see a bigger picture.
~.
Michael Dillon, 335 Nineteenth Street, acknowledged that an elevated
level of debate is important for the City and its residents. He discussed the
„~, definition of quality of life and asked that the correct conclusion come out
of all this consideration and study.
~, In conclusion, Mayor Wolfson noted that this process is very important and
stressed that the Commission supports what is right for Atlantic Beach and
takes its responsibilities seriously. He encouraged the citizens to continue
~,. being involved in the process and pointed out that the process is ongoing
and far from being complete. He thanked everyone for their good demeanor
and approach as responsible citizens and neighbors.
Unfinished Business 3. Unfinished Business from Previous Meeting
from Previous Meeting
A. City Manager's Follow-up Report
None
Consent Agenda 4. Consent Agenda
. _ A. Acknowledge receipt of Utility Sales Report and Financial
Report for February (City Manager]
B. Award the bid for the replacement of the Fire Bay doors to
Vigneaux in that amount of $21,105.00 (Bid No. 0506-10) (City
Manager)
C. Authorize rejecting all the submitted bids for the Resurfacing
Project (Bid No. 0506-7) and rebidding the project with
modifications to the bid package as recommended by staff (City
Manager)
Motion: Approve Consent Agenda as presented.
Moved by Simmons, seconded by Borno
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson
~"" Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
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March 27, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Pa e 5
Committee Reports 5. Committee Reports
None.
Action on Resolutions 6. Action on Resolutions
A. RESOLUTION NO: 06-04
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH,
FLORIDA, TO RECOGNIZE AND SHOW APPRECIATION FOR
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS OPERATORS SERVING THE
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
City Manager Hanson explained the purpose of this resolution. Chief
~„ Thompson, Director of Public Safety, described the Emergency
Communications Operators job as often high stressed and unappreciated.
~,. Commissioner Waters made a grammatical correction to the sixth
`Whereas' in order to maintain singular/plural agreement.
Motion: Approve Resolution No. 06-04.
Moved by Simmons, seconded by Borno
~• Votes:
Aye: 5 -Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
B. Resolution 06-OS
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
SUPPORTING THE PERMANENT PROTECTION FOR FLORIDA ACT
'~" OF 20%16, ANTI PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Commissioner Borno commented on the difficulty in comprehending the
attached bill. He spoke against supporting the resolution.
Motion: Approve Resolution No. 06-05 as presented.
Moved by Fletcher, seconded by Waters
`~ Commissioner Fletcher reported that he spoke with Senator Nelson's office
in order to receive clarification of the bill's intention. He stated that the bill
protects Florida waters, except for a small area that is more than 150 miles
~"' off the coast, from offshore drilling. He emphasized his support of this
resolution.
Commissioner Simmons stated she called both state senators' offices for
more information. She believed this issue is more complicated than
March 27, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Pa e 6
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presented and has a long history attached to it. She stated she is not
_ prepared to vote on it tonight.
Commissioner Borno spoke in favor of exploring U.S. resources in order to
reduce dependence on oil from the Middle East.
Commissioner Fletcher viewed the bill as a chance to support protection of
Florida's environment.
Commissioner Simmons pointed out the great difference in perspectives on
the purpose of the bill and stated her preference that the Commission be
better informed before voting on the issue.
,~„ Mayor Wolfson expressed concern with Louisiana being able to drill for oil
offshore of Florida and believed this was the primary concern addressed in
the bill.
Commissioner Fletcher moved to withdraw his motion and Mayor
Wolfson seconded.
Motion: To defer action until Apri124, 2006.
~. Moved by Fletcher, seconded by Simmons
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson
t. Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Action on Ordinances 7. Action on Ordinances
A. Ordinance No. 95-06-90, Introduction and First Reading
.SAN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 4 OF THE .CODE OF ORDINANCES,
ANIMALS, ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL, SEC. 4-11 CLASSIFICATION
OF DOGS AS DANGEROUS, TO PROVIDE FOR EITHER
LIABILITY INSURANCE OR A SURETY BOND, AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Mayor Wolfson read Ordinance No 95-06-90 by title only.
~"' Commissioner Borno explained that this ordinance would increase the
liability insurance or surety bond requirement for a dangerous dog from
$100,000 to $300,000.
Motion: To approve Ordinance No. 95-06-90 on first reading.
March 27, 200h REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 7
Moved by Simmons, seconded by Borno
Votes:
~. Aye: 5 -Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
B. Ordinance No. 5-06-46, Introduction and First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
CREATING A NEW SECTION OF THE ATLANTIC BEACH CODE
TO BE KNOWN AS SEC. 2-131. REAPPOINTMENT TO BOARDS &
~.
COMMITTEES, ESTABLISHING A PERIOD OF TIME WHICH
MUST EXPIRE BEFORE A TERM LIMITED MEMBER MAY BE
„~ REAPPOINTED TO ANY BOARD OR COMMITTEE, ON WHICH
HE OR SHE HAS PREVIOUSLY SERVED, AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Wolfson read Ordinance No 5-06-46 by title only.
Motion: To approve Ordinance No. 5-06-46 on first reading
Moved by Borno, seconded by Fletcher
Commissioner Borno pointed out that this ordinance establishes the criteria
of a time span to pass before an individual could be appointed to the same
Board or Committee. He thought that the time span should apply to an
individual being appointed to any other board or committee, not just the one
on which they served. He asked that the language be changed to read that a
~. person may not be appointed to any other board or committee until one year
has passed since that person served the maximum number of terms on a
board or committee.
Commissioner Waters spoke in favor of allowing a board member who is
termed out to apply his/her skills and experience to a different board or
~"" committee without having to wait a year. He did not want to limit the
City's pool of candidates for all boards and committees by preventing an
individual from being considered for a board other than the one on which
~"" he/she just served.
Commissioner Fletcher and Mayor Wolfson agreed with Commissioner
~" Waters. The Mayor pointed out that an individual termed-out of one board
would still have to go through the selection process in order to serve on a
different board.
Votes:
Aye: 4 -Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson
'"~ Nay: 1 -Borno
MOTION CARRIED
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March 27, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 8
~ C. Ordinance No. 90-06-190, Introduction and First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH,
FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 24 OF THE ATLANTIC BEACH
CODE OF ORDINANCES, THE LAND DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS, SECTION 24-17, DEFINITIONS, PROVIDING
THAT SWIMMING POOLS BE CONSIDERED AS FORTY
~, PERCENT (40%) IMPERVIOUS, AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Wolfson read Ordinance No 90-06-190 by title only.
Motion: To approve Ordinance No. 90-06-190 on first reading
City Manager Hanson asked Public Works Director, Rick Carper, to explain
the rationale behind the 40% impervious designation for swimming pools.
~. Mr. Carper reviewed the information he presented at the previous
Commission meeting. This information contained calculations and
diagrams that compared impacts of three different percentages of a pool's
,~ impervious surface when applied to a 5000 square foot lot. He reported that
the average pool has 6 inches of freeboard and that the average 25-year
storm creates 9 inches of stormwater. Mr. Carper explained that the
approximate ratio of the two figures led to the 40% impervious designation.
Commissioner Waters and Commissioner Fletcher believed it to be a good
~* compromise. Commissioner Waters asked how the ordinance would be
enforced. Mr. Carper responded it would be enforced through the building
permit review process. Commissioner Waters stressed the need to enforce
'~' this regulation if implemented.
Commissioner Simmons pointed out that the recommendation from the
~" Community Development Board differed from the ordinance being
considered tonight. She stated her respect for the Community Development
Board's guidance and supported their recommendation, noting that pools
~" collect water and are a valuable component of the community.
City Manager Hanson explained the drainage system process in the City.
~" He noted that, even though a large amount of money and effort has been put
towards its improvement, the drainage system is currently at its maximum
capacity and every toot of impervious surface adds to the amount of
flooding in the City. He explained the necessity for the impervious surface
regulations in the City.
'~ Mayor Wolfson asked how other nearby communities treat swimming
pools. Mr. Carper reported that Neptune Beach treats pools as an
impervious surface and that Jacksonville Beach does not address the issue.
~,.
He pointed out that the St. Johns Water Management District addresses
bodies of water with soil bottoms, such as ponds, not pools which have
impervious bottoms.
March 27, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 9
Moved by Waters, seconded by Fletcher
Votes:
Aye: 4 -Borno, Fletcher, Waters, Wolfson
Nay: 1 -Simmons
MOTION CARRIED
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~, D. Ordinance No. 95-06-91, Introduction and First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 5 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES,
~„ BEACHES AND PARKS, ARTICLE III, PUBLIC PARKS, BY
ADDING A NEW SECTION PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT OF
PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS, AND PROVIDING AN
,~„ EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mayor Wolfson read Ordinance No 95-06-91 by title only.
Motion: To approve Ordinance No. 95-06-91 on first reading
Moved by Simmons, seconded by Borno
Commissioner Borno asked for clarification of the Trespass After Warning
~* procedures and the punishment for violation of the state law. Chief
Thompson, Director of Public Safety, responded and answered questions
relating to the types of violations and the punishments.
Commissioner Fletcher pointed out that there is language in sections (a) and
(b) providing for purging the juvenile's record of violation, but there is no
~" mention of it in section (c). In order to be consistent, he asked that the
ordinance be amended to include similar language in section (c).
~" _ Motion: To amend the ordinance by adding the rollowing<statement to
section (c), after "for one year.": "The iuvenile information will be
purged after 90 days unless there are subsequent violations"
~.
Moved by Fletcher, seconded by Borno
Votes:
~" Aye: 5 -Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Motion: To approve Ordinance No. 95-06-91, as amended
~" Votes:
Aye: 5 -Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson
Nay: 0
~..
MOTION CARRIED
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March 27, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 10
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Miscellaneous Business 8. Miscellaneous Business
~..
A. Request from General Sign Service Corporation on behalf of
Pan Am Mini Storage for a waiver from the sign regulations to
allow for the full face replacement on a nonconforming pylon
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sign located at 2383 Mayport Road (City Manager)
Sonya Doerr, Director of Planning and Zoning, stated she would be happy
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to answer any questions. Mayor Wolfson asked the applicant to come
forward to address the Commission.
Randall Ginzig, owner of General Sign of Jacksonville and Beach Neon
Sign of Atlantic Beach, stated he represents Terence Kane, owner of Pan
~, Am Mini Storage at 2383 Mayport Road. He informed the Commission
that the sign has been in that location since 1988, and that it is now
considered anon-conforming sign due to the new sign regulations that were
,~ passed by the City three years ago. Mr. Ginzig reported that the sign has
been damaged by gunshot holes and, as a result, is a potential safety hazard.
He stated that his client was asking for a waiver from the sign regulations in
~. Section 17-14 (3) which states that a nonconforming sign shall be made
conforming when certain changes are made.
Commissioner Borno inquired about the estimated remaining lifespan of the
sign if it were still intact. Mr. Ginzig responded that the sign could last
another ten years if it had not been damaged. He discussed the quality of
~. the material being proposed for the replacement sign and indicated it is very
costly, yet very resistant to damage.
~" Commissioner Borno discussed the eight-foot maximum height requirement
for a conforming sign and questioned if the sign would create a visual
restriction for traffic if it was replaced at that height. Mr. Ginzig noted the
~"' sign is seven feet tall. and thus would have to be set, at ground level to
conform to the~height requirements. He indicated he would not advise a
customer to put a sign up at that level due to the possibility of it being
'""" damaged.
Commissioner Simmons asked about the time limit for existing signs to
~,. conform under the new regulations. Ms. Doerr reported that the ordinance
was adopted in 2003 and that the amortization time period states that all
signs have to be brought into compliance by September 2012.
Commissioner Simmons questioned the extent of structural damage and
asked why the owner would want to replace the sign now if he has to
replace it again in six years in order to make it conform to the code.
Terence Kane, 333 Pablo Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, introduced himself
as the owner of the business and reviewed the pictures displaying the
damage done to the sign.
w.
,., March 27, 200h_ REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Pa e 11
Commissioner Simmons asked if the sign panels would be replaced exactly
as they currently are, with no changes to the format. Mr. Kane stated he
~..
could make the new sign identical or with less lettering.
~„ Mayor Wolfson asked Mr. Kane if he understood that his sign would have
to be replaced within six years in order to comply with the City Code. Mr.
Kane acknowledged that he understood this.
Commissioner Waters commented on a letter received from former
Commissioner Beaver who had advocated adoption of the sign regulations.
~. Commissioner Waters supported following the law and requiring the
replacement sign to conform with the new sign code. He did not believe the
Commission should set a precedent by granting the waiver.
Mayor Wolfson and Commissioner Simmons expressed concerns regarding
the different ways that vandalism could be used to force compliance or to
avoid compliance with the sign ordinance.
The Mayor asked Mr. Kane why he does not chose to invest in a
replacement sign that conforms with the law at this time. Mr. Kane
responded that his current sign is a major source of advertising for him and
he has the funds to conform when required in six years.
Motion: To approve a waiver from the sign. regulations to allow for the
full face replacement, on a nonconforming pylon sign located at 2383
~"" Mayport Road for this owner only and only for the duration of the
remaining six years and for duplication of the sign as is, with no
changes.
Moved by Borno, seconded by Simmons
Votes:
Aye: 3 -Borno, Simmons, Wolfson.
Nay: 2 -Fletcher, Waters
MOTION CARRIED
B. Approval of candidates for Board Member Review Committee
(City Manager)
City Manager Hanson presented the background information on this item.
Commissioner Borno stated that he met with both of the candidates in order
to discuss the intent and function of the committee. He strongly supported
both appointees. Commissioner Fletcher echoed support for both
individuals.
Motion: To approve appointing Glen Fisher and Casey Quinif to the
Board Member Review Committee.
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March 27, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 12
Moved by Borno, seconded by Fletcher
Votes:
~. Aye: 5 -Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
~.
C. Options to address nonconforming provisions related to
residential structures made nonconforming by the proposed
Residential Development Standards (City Manager)
Sonya Doerr, Director of Planning and Zoning, explained that this item
addresses existing structures that would become nonconforming if the
~,,, newly proposed residential standards were adopted. She indicated that the
draft presented :would allow a structure, that was legal by the previous
standards but made nonconforming by the new standards, to be rebuilt in its
„~ footprint in the event it is destroyed by a natural act. She pointed out that
the language proposes that if the size of a residence is increased by more
than 25%, that additional portion would be required to comply with the new
,~ standards.
City Manager Hanson provided further clarification on the types of
nonconforming issues and noted that this item was brought before the
Commission in response to citizen concerns regarding rebuilding currently
approved structures if the proposed ordinance for new residential standards
~. were to be adopted.
Commissioner Simmons discussed the complexity of the issue and
~*' suggested looking into revising the proposed requirements so that the new
standards would not result in so many current structures becoming
designated as nonconforming.
There was discussion regarding what types of catastrophes qualify as
natural acts that would allow for reconstruction of a nonconforming
"~ structure.
It was the consensus of the Commission to allow staff to incorporate the
~"' proposed language into the process being addressed in the Community
Character workshops.
D. New Parks and Recreation Events. planned by Cultural Arts and
Recreation Committee (City Manager)
Timmy Johnson, Director of Parks and Recreation, commented on some of
the events planned. Mayor Wolfson commended the Cultural Arts and
Recreation Committee and expressed appreciation for their efforts in
offering so much to the City.
+,,. March 27, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Pa e 13
~„ E. Staff report on future land use designation for church property
in connection with property for Hopkins Creek retention pond
(City Manager)
Rick Carper, Director of Public Works, presented information and photos
relating to this item. He indicated that three-acres of this property was
originally zoned High-density Residential but was inadvertently and
incorrectly reclassified as Public/Semi-public land when the Comprehensive
Plan map was re-drawn in 1993. Mr. Carper reported that the City's
appraiser has advised that it would be difficult for the remaining one acre of
High-density land to be developed if the City purchased two of those three
acres. In order to avoid creating damages by purchasing those two acres for
~+* the Hopkins Creek project, staff recommended designating a matching two
acre parcel of the remaining church property as High-density Residential in
order to create a full three-acre High-density zoned parcel.
City Manager Hanson added that staff recommends the Mayor sign a letter
to the Sunrise Community Church committing the City to designating a
"' matching two-acre parcel of the remaining church property to be High-
density Residential if the church should want to sell it in the future.
"" Sonya Doerr, Director of Planning and Zoning, emphasized that this is a
Comprehensive Plan designation error, not a zoning issue. She informed
the Commission that this requires an amendment to the Comp Plan's Future
~' Land Use Map. There was further discussion regarding the zoning of the
property surrounding the area.
~' Mayor Wolfson inquired about Mr. Potter's strong opinion that the Hopkins
Creek retention pond project is completely unnecessary. Mr. Carper
responded that the flooding issue is not totally resolved and that he has
~. provided the City Manager with a timeline documenting the flood problems.
City Manager Hanson stated that the project's engineers have addressed Mr.
Potter's points on several occasions at the Commission meetings.
Commissioner Borno concurred that a lot of effort has been given to
addressing Mr. Potter's questions and concerns and that the research
supports proceeding with the retention pond project. Mr. Carper discussed
the additional benefits the pond would contribute to the City complying
with proposed TMDL guidelines.
Motion: To authorize the Mayor to sign a letter to Sunrise Community
Church committing the City to seek a Comprehensive Plan change to
,~ the Future Land Use Map to designate two acres of the property to
High-density Residential, if at some future date the Church should
pursue sale of the affected parcel.
March 27, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paae 14
Moved by Borno, seconded by Simmons
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Borno, Fletcher, Simmons, Waters, Wolfson
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
F. Communication with citizens about community character
project (Mayor Wolfson)
,,~ Mayor Wolfson provided the Commissioners with a copy of a letter he
wrote to the citizens of Atlantic Beach in order to clarify the history, status,
and concerns regarding the community character initiative. This letter is
attached and made part of this official record as Attachment A.
City Manager 9. City Manager
A. City Manager's Report
Speeding on 20th Street
Provided an update on a citizen's request to review the speeding on 20`h
~. Street and the possibility of putting speed bumps there. He noted that a
traffic counter installed by the police department indicated there was not
sufficient reason to install a traffic controlling device. However, he
^~ reported that a `Children Playing' sign will be posted on the street.
Hazardous Waste Collection Day
~"' Reported that the Hazardous Waste Collection Day was held in the City
Hall parking lot last Saturday. He indicated that the City set another record
for attendance with 979 vehicles dropping off items.
Reclaimed Water Ordinance
Noted that Art Graham advised the City of this proposed ordinance being
~" considered by Jacksonville requiring water customers to connect to any
reclaimed water lines in their vicinity. The City Manager reported that
there are no reclaimed water facilities anywhere near Atlantic Beach and the
~. City would prefer not to be included in the ordinance. He stated, if needed
in the future, the City could adopt its own ordinance.
~" Volunteer work
Commended Commissioner Borno on volunteering his time to help raise
money for local charity by working at the Exchange Club's cheeseburger
concession stand at the TPC last Saturday.
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March. 27, 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 15
Reports/Requests 10. Reports and/or requests from City Commissioners and City
City Commissioners Attorney
City Attorney
Commissioner Borno
• Asked that the City send an official letter to Jacksonville asking not
to be included in the proposed reclaimed water ordinance.
• Commended Rick Carper, Director of Public Works, for the Tree
Conservation Board minutes and the rapport he has established with
that Board.
Commissioner Fletcher
~„ • Congratulated the Mayor on his letter to the citizens and the
clarification it provided on the issue of the Community Character
project. Informed the Commission that he and a group of
~„ individuals have an effort underway to continue educating the
citizens of Atlantic Beach about protecting the character of the City.
The Mayor commented that the tone of the communications
regarding the issue has improved since his letter was published. He
stressed the importance of citizens being involved in the process.
Commissioner Waters
• Discussed a letter from a citizen on 19`h street requesting speed
bumps on that road. He questioned if there was a problem with
speeding in that area. Chief Thompson responded and indicated that
the police department is already preparing to set up a traffic counter
on 19`h Street.
• Brought up a letter. received from Ms. Morgan regarding trash being
piled up on her property on Beach Avenue. He asked that the City
look into the situation and act on it if necessary.
• Reported that Neptune Beach has backed out of pursuing the
beach's welcome sign.
• Noted that a group of citizens has raised half the money needed to
put a clock at Five Points Intersection. He indicated that the City
typically will match grants when half of the funds have been raised
by private groups. He asked if any of the Commissioners would be
willing to reconsider their vote on the issue. It was agreed to place
the item on the agenda for discussion at the next Commission
meeting.
Mayor Wolfson
• Received a letter through the City Manager from John Meserve
asking for a contribution from the City to assist with the
+.
March 27 2006 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Pale 16
commissioning of the USS Farragut. He asked that the Commission
be given a copy of the letter so it can be discussed at the next
meeting.
• Reminded staff that at the last meeting, the Commission had asked
them to provide a proposal on the responsibility for subdividing lots.
City Manager Hanson understood that the item would be brought
back to the Commission after going before the Community
Development Board again.
• Announced that the Florida League of Cities' Florida League of
Mayors convenes tomo~TOw. He stated that he, Commissioner
Waters, and the City Manager will be attending and will report on it
at the next meeting.
• Thanked the staff and Commission for their efforts and endurance in
going through the process for all the changes being proposed.
Adjournment There being no further discussion, the Mayor declared the meeting
adjourned at 10:35p.m.
Donald M. Wolfson, Mayor/Presiding Officer
ATTEST:
Donna L. Bussey
City Clerk