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02-09-15 - Minutes of the Workshop with Commission MINUTES OF WORKSHOP OF ATLANTIC BEACH CITY COMMISSION HELD ON FEBRUARY 9, 2015 PRESENT: CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE PRESENT: Mayor Carolyn Woods Chairman Don Wolfson Mayor Pro Tern Mark Beckenbach Mike Borno Commissioner Jonathan Daugherty Kathy Carithers Commissioner Jimmy Hill Joan Carver Commissioner Maria Mark Sally Clemens Judith Leroux Mark Tomaski David Vincent ALSO: Nelson Van Liere, Interim City Manager Donna Bartle, City Clerk Nancy E. Bailey, Recording Secretary Call to order. Mayor Woods called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. in the Commission Chamber. 1. Introductions Mayor Woods asked each of the Charter Review Committee members to introduce themselves. Sally Clemens, Mike Borno, Judith Leroux, Kathy Carithers, David Vincent, Mark Tomaski, Joan Carver and Don Wolfson each introduced themselves. The Commissioners also introduced themselves. 2. Explanation of Process Mayor Woods stated the Committee worked diligently for many months, which resulted in their recommendations for the Commission and for the City. She stated the workshop is not for the Commission to debate the issues, but for the Committee to explain their thought process and decisions to the Commission and answer any questions the Commission may have concerning their recommendations. She stated the Commission is not here to debate amongst themselves at this particular meeting. 3. Courtesy of the Floor Mayor Woods opened the Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors. She welcomed the audience and explained the process for public comments. No one spoke, so Mayor Woods closed the Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors. 4. Major Topic Recommendations Mayor Woods turned the meeting over to Chairman Don Wolfson. Speaking on behalf of the Committee, Mr. Wolfson stated they appreciate the time to share their thoughts and answer questions the Commission may have pertaining to the processes the Committee took and the changes they are recommending. He stated the Committee took each section and considered changes that would be significant or important for the coming years. Mr. Wolfson and the Committee members presented their suggestions and recommendations behind the following major topics: Commissioner Districts and Qualifications with district representation being elected by the district itself; Leasing of City Property, clarifying the use of the property and that the encroachment would not be something that would be long-term or permanent, and the utilization of parks for anything other than park use; City Manager appointment, duties and qualifications; City Clerk duties and qualifications; Election Regulations and Canvassing Board; Initiative and Referendum requirements; and recommendations for a Charter Review Committee to be reconvened every 8 years. The Commission gave their input on these issues and asked questions; the members of the Committee answered their questions and further explained each issue as required. Mr. Wolfson stated the Commission will have a challenge on how they want to present this to the City. He stated there are a couple of items that are very important and then there are some other things that are just word shopping, crafting language, etc. for clarification. He suggested they might want to think in terms that the major issues are separate and something of this magnitude be submitted to the City by itself. The following follow-up issues were also addressed. Ms. Clemens requested that the Charter Review Committee's names, addresses, phone numbers and emails be made available so when the next Charter Review Committee meets they can inquire of the living people why they did such. Mr. Wolfson agreed, stating the continuity is important and there will be a few people who will still be here who could be resources for a future Charter Review Committee. Ms. Clemens stated she would also like to have footnotes in our Charter to refer to Florida Statutes as needed. Dr. Carver, Mr. Wolfson, Ms. Leroux and Ms. Carithers also felt the coastal issues should be dealt with in the future. Dr. Tomaski stated the description of the City boundaries don't match our plat and needs to be addressed. He also stated elections are out-of-step with other beach cities and the language related to primary and general elections is a little convoluted. Mayor Woods stated she has been following this idea of a coastal/environmental advisory committee and believes the time has come for the City to put one together. She stated she will be bringing it forward to the Commission in the next few months. Mr. Borno strongly encouraged citizens to get involved when these things come up. He stated it was an enjoyable exercise for all of them to share their thoughts and work out their issues. Mr. Wolfson thanked the Commission for the opportunity to converse like this. Commissioner Hill thanked the Committee, stating they have done a tremendous amount of work and it shows that they have put a lot of thought into it. He sated it will make the Commission's final decision a whole lot simpler. -2- Adjournment There being no further discussion by the City Commission, Mayor Woods declared the meeting adjourned at 6:18 p.m. ATTEST Carolyn Wood IP dMayor/Presiding Officer Donna L. Bartle, CMC City Clerk -3-