Item 1A- Draft Minutes Commission 2-13-17MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
FEBRUARY 13, 2017 -6:30 PM
CITY HALL, 800 SEMINOLE ROAD
IN ATTENDANCE:
Mayor Mitchell E. Reeves
Mayor Pro Tern John Stinson
Commissioner Harding
Commissioner Jimmy Hill
Commissioner M. Blythe Waters
Invocation and pledge to the flag
City Attorney Brenna Durden
City Manager Kevin Hogencamp
City Clerk Donna L. Bartle
Recording Secretary Joanie Bowman
Mayor Reeves gave the Invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Call to Order:
Mayor Reeves called the meeting to order at 6:30p.m. City Clerk Bartle called the roll and Mayor
Reeves noted that a quorum was present.
1. Approval of minutes
A. Approve minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting on January 9, 2017.
Mayor Reeves asked if there were any corr-ections to the above minutes. There were no corr-ections, so
Mayor Reeves stated the minutes stand as submitted.
Mayor Reeves explained the process for public comments and his plan to move Items 2B, 2C and 8A up
on the agenda.
2. Courtesy of Floor to Visitors
A. Presentation of checks to Neptune Beach Senior Center, DIG Local and Fitness and
Character Education (FACE)
Item 2A was taken out of sequence and acted on later in the meeting.
B. Presentation of Citizen Hero Award to Sophia Rogers
C. Presentation of Citizen Hero A ward to Ali via Waters
Interim Police Chief Vic Gualillo reported the actions of Ali via Waters and Sophia Rogers and presented
them both with a Citizen Hero Award, a mug and a challenge coin for assisting the Police Department.
2. Courtesy of Floor to Visitors
A. Presentation of checks to Neptune Beach Senior Center, DIG Local and Fitness and
Character Education (FACE)
Recreation Director Timmy Johnson explained his staff report and introduced representatives Leslie Lyne
from the Neptune Beach Senior Center, Jeff Wight and Devin Rich :from DIG Local and Fitness and Kirk
Farber from Character Education (FACE) and presented them with a check.
Representatives from each non-profit organization spoke about their program and thanked the
Commission for their contribution.
Agenda Item 1A
March 27, 2017
February 13,2017 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page2
Mayor Reeves recognized the Scout Master and Boy Scouts that were in attendance. The Scout Master
explained that they were, with Troop 276 off of Hodges Blvd., working on their Citizenship in the
Community Merit Badge and are there to observe tonight.
Mayor Reeves recognized Kevin Brown from Fletcher High School. Mr. Brown explained that some of
his students were there to speak about their research.
City Clerk Bartle called each speaker to the podium.
Mike Miller, 106 Myra St., Neptune Beach, volunteer with the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol, spoke
against the Sea Turtle Watch Proposal, explaining that turtles will be at risk if the proposal is passed.
Chris Jorgensen, 92 W. 3rd St., thanked the Atlantic Beach Police Depmiment for promptly handling an
incident that he reported. He voiced concern about the coyote sightings and was surprised to see a palm
tree cut down in Tideview Park. He thanked the Public Works Department for the work that they did on
the pier. He thanked Commissioner Stinson for the meeting regarding sidewalks. He also thanked Interim
City Commissioner Kevin Hogencamp for doing a great job as well as Scott Williams and Don Jacobovitz.
He stated he would like to see more technology employed in meetings. He suggested a program called
YouNow, where you can interact, (face-to-face) from a meeting remotely.
Emily Echevarria, 1100 Seagate Ave, Apt. 87, Neptune Beach, Junior at Fletcher High School,
explained her research and spoke against the Sea Turtle Watch Proposal.
Angela Chen, 31 Royal Palms Dr., student at Fletcher High School, explained her research and spoke
against the Sea Turtle Watch Proposal.
Mark Caldwell, 76 Oakwood Rd., Jacksonville Beach, spoke against the Sea Turtle Watch Proposal.
Susan Hughes, 2233 Seminole Rd. Unit 12, spoke against the Sea Turtle Watch Proposal.
Mary Mills, 3703 Valverde Cir., Jacksonville, volunteer for the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol, spoke
against the Sea Turtle Watch Proposal and asked citizens to help with beach cleanup and stay off the beach
at night.
Kevin Brown, 1833 Kings Ct., Jacksonville Beach, Teacher of Marine Science and Environmental
Management, Fletcher High School, explained his credentials and experiences and spoke against the
Sea Turtle Watch Proposal.
Laura Lewis, 140 Summer Tree Ct., Ponte Vedra Beach, Director and Project Manager for the
Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol, explained the organization and spoke against the Sea Tmile Watch Proposal.
She read an email from Jennifer Bums with Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol (which is attached and made part
of this Official Record as Attachment A).
Teri Methvin, 208 Driftwood Rd., Neptune Beach, volunteer for the Beach Sea Turtle Patrol, spoke
against the Sea Turtle Watch Proposal.
City Clerk Bartle read the names and comments from the citizens who did not want to speak as follows:
Kevin Bodge, 2618 Herschel St., was unable to attend the meeting but wanted his email read for the
record. Ms. Bartle read the last paragraph of his email (which is attached and made part of this Official
Record as Attachment B).
Agenda Item 1A
March 27, 2017
February 13, 2017 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 3
Paula O'Bannon, 304 1st St., against variances for Atlantic Beach lots and wants builders to be required
to build within the limits, no exceptions.
Les Methvin, 208 Driftwood Rd., against the Sea Turtle Watch Proposal.
No one else from the audience spoke so Mayor Reeves closed the Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors.
Mayor Reeves explained that Item 8A, Sea Turtle Watch Proposal, is on the agenda for discussion only
and no action will be taken tonight.
Commissioner Hill explained why he put the item on the agenda and agreed that education is the key to
the survival of this species. He believed the sea turtle concern is not a City of Atlantic Beach issue but a
community issue and that Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulates this.
Commissioner Waters agreed with Commissioner Hill that the FWC regulates this and spoke about the
importance of c-ommunity education relating to sea turtles. She was not in support of advancing a Sea
Turtle Watch Proposal but was interested in potentially looking into hosting an education grant process.
Commissioner Stinson spoke ·about educational opportunities. He suggested that residents who have an
interest in sea turtles become volunteers with the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol. He expressed the need for
an education program and a lighting ordinance and shared a letter that he received in opposition ofthe Sea
Turtle Watch Proposal (which is attached and made part of this Official Record as Attachment C).
Commissioner Harding agreed with the need for education on wildlife. He applauded the citizens who
drafted this proposal but believes the decision should be made by staff, not the Commission.
Interim City Manager Kevin Hogencamp explained that Lou Catania requested to give a presentation
tonight.
Lou Catania expressed concern and disappointment that his proposal was misrepresented. He indicated it
is not a proposal for interaction with turtles; it is an educational program for our community.
Interim City Manager Kevin Hogencamp stated that unless the City Commission deemed otherwise, this
issue is being handled administratively. He reported that the Cultural Arts and Recreation Advisory
Committee unanimously rejected Mr. Catania's proposal and so did he and explained why. He
acknowledged the opinions from the experts and others and pledged the City's direct support and direct
involvement in the sea turtle education forthcoming. He believes the City can do a better job working
with the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol and providing sea turtle education.
Mayor Reeves spoke in favor of an educational program for sea turtles, dunes and vegetation. He
expressed his disappointment in a statement made by the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol about possibly
withdrawing the permit and pointed out that the turtles would be hurt by it. He also spoke in favor of
having a lighting ordinance.
Mayor Reeves explained the Commission should decide whether to give this item back to the City
Manager or move it to a future meeting for discussion.
Commissioner Hill expressed concern about the management of control and resources relating to the
Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol and citizen interaction. He also commended the citizens for their effort and
believes education is the key to the change.
Agenda Item 1A
March 27, 2017
February 13,2017 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 4
Commissioner Stinson offered to provide a copy of the letter he received from the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission to the Atlantic Beach Sea Turtle Watch group. He recommended that
the Commission come to a consensus to bring back a lighting ordinance.
Commissioner Waters spoke in suppmi of bringing back a lighting ordinance in the near future. She
thanked Mr. Silver and Mr. Catania for asking for support in educating the community about sea tmiles.
Commissioner Waters explained the educational opportunities and thanked everyone who emailed, wrote
and spoke in regards to this issue.
Commissioner Harding spoke in favor of an educational program and a lighting ordinance.
Mayor Reeves explained the consensus is that the Interim City Manager get with the City Attorney to
bring back a lighting ordinance and present some type of educational program for the community.
Commissioner Hill spoke about the importance of letting the beach:front residents know that they are not
going to load them up with a tremendous financial burden.
Commissioner Stinson explained that he learned from the FWC that a beach lighting survey will need to
be done before the beach restoration work can be done.
The Consensus was to direct Interim City Manager Hogencamp to work with City Attorney Durden to bring
back a lighting ordinance and present an educational program.
(Mayor Reeves called for a recess at 7:57p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:04p.m.)
3. Unfinished Business from Previous Meetings
A. City Manager Position Description and Weighted Matrix
Interim City Manager Kevin Hogencamp explained Ms. Berry's report and recommendation.
Motion: Approve the proposed Job Description for the City Manager position.
Moved by Waters, Seconded by Harding
Commissioner Hill asked Mr. Hogencamp whether he is comfortable about it being obtainable and ifthere
is a contingency plan if we do not get qualified candidates.
Mr. Hogencamp stated that he is comfortable with it based on his knowledge of this profession and on the
advice of Human Resource Director Cathy Berry. He explained he is very confident that it will bring a
candidate pool of finalists that would do well in the position.
Commissioner Waters commended Human Resource Director Cathy Berry on her efforts.
Mayor Reeves commented that the City is in good hands with Interim City Manager Hogencamp.
Roll Call Votes:
Aye: - 5 Harding, Hill, Stinson, Waters, Reeves
Nay: -0
MOTION CARRIED
B. Proposed Towing Ordinance
Agenda Item 1A
March 27, 2017
February 13, 2017 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 5
Interim City Manager Kevin Hogencamp explained that the Towing Ordinance should have been on the
January 23rd agenda, but he just began reviewing it closely and would like to present it for consideration
on the March 27th agenda, if not sooner.
Mayor Reeves suggested looking into a new ordinance that was passed by the City of Jacksonville
regarding tow trucks. Mr. Hogencamp agreed to have Interim Chief Gualillo follow up on it.
Commissioner Stinson reminded Mr. Hogencamp that there should also be a recommendation for salary
administration consideration regarding the employees that served over twenty years that were topped out
in their pay range. Mr. Hogencamp stated that he would follow up on that item.
4. Consent Agenda
ALL MATTERS LISTED UNDER THE CONSENT AGENDA ARE CONSIDERED TO BE
ROUTINE BY THE CITY COMMISSION AND WILL BE ENACTED BY ONE MOTION IN
THE FORM LISTED BELOW. THERE WILL BE NO SEPARATE DISCUSSION OF THESE
ITEMS. IF DISCUSSION IS DESIRED, THAT ITEM WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE
CONSENT AGENDA AND WILL BE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY. SUPPORTING
DOCUMENTATION AND STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY
SUBMITTED TO THE CITY COMMISSION ON THESE ITEMS.
A. Acknowledge receipt of the Monthly Financial Report and New Business Listing for
December 2016.
City Clerk Bartle read the consent agenda. Mayor Reeves asked if any Commissioner would like to pull
the item from the consent agenda. The item was not pulled, so there was no discussion.
Votes: Harding, Hill, Stinson, Waters, Reeves
Aye: -5
Nay: -0
MOTION CARRIED
5. Committee Reports
There were no Committee Reports.
6. Action on Resolutions
There were no Resolutions.
7. Action on Ordinances
A. Ordinance No. 20-17-142, Public Hearing and Final Reading
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF
ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1,
2016 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 FOR APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL
FUNDS IN THE POLICE PENSION FUND, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTNE
DATE.
City Clerk Bartle read the Ordinance by title only.
Finance Director Russell Caffey explained Ordinance No. 20-17-142.
Mayor Reeves opened the public hearing. No one from the audience spoke, so Mayor Reeves closed the
public hearing.
Agenda Item 1A
March 27, 2017
February 13, 2017 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING
Motion: Approve Ordinance No. 20-17-142 on final reading.
Moved by Harding, Seconded by Stinson
There was no Discussion.
Votes: Harding, Hill, Stinson, Waters, Reeves
Aye: -5
Nay: -0
MOTION CARRIED
8. Miscellaneous Business (Discussion only)
A. Sea Turtle Watch Proposal (Commissioner Hill)
(Item 8A was taken out of sequence and acted on earlier in the meeting.)
Page 6
B. Request for a Waiver from City Code Section 19-7 Driveway Limitations to Allow a
Circular Driveway at 1661 Park Terrace East.
Public Works Director Don Jacobovitz explained the Waiver Request and asked the applicant to explain
why he would like the waiver.
Barney Ketteringham, owner of 1661 Park Terrace East, explained the reason for the waiver request.
Commissioner Waters stated that she had no objections to this waiver. She commented about code review
and revisions in consideration of variances.
The Consensus was to move this item forward for action at the next meeting.
C. Proposed Budget Modification Ordinance to fund Public Safety Building Project Change
Order.
Finance Director Russell Caffey explained the proposed ordinance.
Mayor Reeves recommended adding an additional $40,000.00 to the budget for the Public Safety Building
Project for other things that may need to be done without having to come back to the Commission.
Commissioner Hill spoke in support of additional funds.
Commissioner Stinson expressed concem about adding money without identifying what the increase is
for. He asked Mr. Hogencamp if he anticipates needing additional money for the project.
Mr. Hogencamp stated that he believes they would be able to stay within the contingency but with some
of the landscaping issues, they may need to look outside of the Public Safety Building budget for funding.
Commissioner Stinson stated that he prefers taking requests one-by-one as they .come.
Mayor Reeves inquired as to the number of readings the Ordinance would require. City Attomey Brenna
Durden advised that it requires two readings and with one being a public hearing.
The Consensus was to move this item forward to the next meeting.
Agenda Item 1A
March 27, 2017
February 13, 2017 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 7
D. 16-SPPR-269-Request for plat approval as required by Chapter 24, A1iicle 4 of the Code
of Ordinances at Selva Marina Unit 1, Parts of Lots 28 and 29 (aka 1251 Selva Marina
Circle).
Planner Derek Reeves presented slides as he explained his staff report.
Jeremy Hubsch, 1733 9th St. North Jacksonville Beach, agent for the owner, explained the purpose of
the request.
Conunissioner Stinson conunented that the neighbors are in support of this plat approval.
Planner Reeves answered questions regarding noticing requirements for plats.
Conunissioner Hill stated that he is opposed to the plat approval based on density.
Conunissioner Waters expressed concem about densification, but explained unless there are neighbors
objecting, she cannot find grounds to vote against it.
Planner Derek Reeves answered questions about the approval process.
Commissioner Stinson spoke about the balance of additional density versus very large homes. Discussion
ensued about the size of the structure and whether or not the size could be restricted.
Planner Reeves reconunended, rather than restricting the size, creating or enforcing larger setbacks. He
explained they already have a platted building restriction line in the front and suggested building
restriction lines for the side and rear yards which would restrict the development area.
Commissioner Hill inquired about the impact on old growth oak trees in the proposed plan. Planner
Reeves stated that there is one large tree on the lot in front of the house that could potentially be saved.
The Consensus was to move this item forward.
9. City Manager Reports
A. City Manager's Report
Mr. Hogencamp explained that there are updates on various activities and announcements in his written
report. He reported that the City has taken the University of Florida up on its offer to come to our
conununity and research perceptions and attitudes about the existence of coyotes in urban environments.
He referred to the calendar and explained that the Focus Group meeting has been moved from February
22 to February 21. He explained his plans to solicit residents to participate.
Conunissioner Stinson asked for an update on the Police Chief position. Mr. Hogencamp gave an update
and explained that he plans to bring a candidate to the Conunission for their consideration in March.
Mayor Reeves asked for an update on when the construction fence for the Police Building can be moved
and the sidewalk be opened.
Mr. Hogencamp mentioned that the sidewalk on Seminole Road is currently open and within the next
week, the Plaza sidewalk should be opened as well.
Conunissioner Hill expressed concem about the sidewalk in the front of the Police building on Seminole
Agenda Item 1A
March 27, 2017
February 13,2017 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 8
Road being very narrow and requested putting the sidewalk back using the bike path type standards. Mr.
Hogencamp explained the topic has been a subject of discussion and he will do what he can to address his
concerns.
Mayor Reeves shared that he had received input from citizens regarding grants and explained his
suggestion to have a grant program in the future for contributing money to organizations.
Commissioner Hill spoke about his idea regarding the implementation of a policy and agrees it would be
a good idea.
B. 90-Day Calendar (February 2017 through April2017)
Mr. Hogencamp explained that the 90-Day Calendar is submitted for approval with the change that the
Focus Group meeting will be held on February 21 as mentioned earlier and the FWC Presentation on
Coyote Information meeting will remain as scheduled on the Calendar for February 22.
Mayor Reeves explained the need to have a neighborhood block meeting regarding the 3rd Street walkover
project and the intent to notice it as a public meeting.
Commissioner Hill spoke about needing a policy. Mayor Reeves further explained the purpose of holding
the meeting. Mr. Hogencamp liked the idea of holding a meeting to allow for healthy community
discussions and agreed that a policy should be developed.
There was a discussion about the concerns of citizens expressed through emails and phone calls.
10. Reports and/or requests from City Commissioners and City Attorney
City Attorney
• Thanked the Commission members for meeting with her since the last Commission meeting and
reminded the Commission about the Ethics Training that will be held on March gth fi:om 3:30p.m.
to 7:30p.m. in the Commission Chamber.
Commissioner Harding
• Wished everyone a Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow.
• Informed everyone that he would be attending the League of Cities dinner in Starke on Thursday.
Commissioner Waters
• Commented that the DIGS Market is a lovely market. She explained that, not only do they bring
local and sustainable food into the neighborhood, they also participate in a program that doubles
SNAP and EBT dollars for all their purchases and are making an effort to move food into a
neighborhood that does not have walkability to grocery stores anymore. She encouraged everyone
to visit the opening this Friday.
• Wished everyone a Happy Valentine's Day.
Commissioner Hill
• Offered condolences to Mr. Hogencamp for his loss.
Commissioner Stinson
• Spoke about the importance of considering sending the sea turtle education project out to the
Cultural Arts and Recreation Advisory Committee.
• Thanked the Atlantic Beach Police Department for assisting a ten-year old in completing a science
Agenda Item 1A
March 27, 2017
February 13, 2017 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 9
project studying fingerprints and for the tour of the police department. He also thanked them for
their focus on the four-way stop signs on the major thoroughfares.
• Spoke about the upcoming expiration of the moratorium on service stations and requested some
movement on the issue.
• Reminded everyone that Atlantic Beach Elementary asked for the Commissions presence at the
Dolphin Dash on March 16th.
• Thanked Mr. Hogencamp, Mr. Jacobovitz and Mr. Williams for meeting with a resident regarding
sidewalks.
• Mr. Stinson asked that everyone encourage candidates who they think might fit on one of the
committees, to submit an application.
• Repmied plans to bring back recommendations on how to improve the recruitment process.
• Wished everyone a Happy Valentine's Day.
Mayor Reeves
• Reported that he attended the Beaches Watch meeting with Senator Bean and Representative Byrd
and thanked City Manager Mr. Hogencamp and Commissioner Stinson for being there.
• Informed everyone that he will be attending the Chamber of Commerce luncheon in regards to the
same program on March 9th.
• Reported on a meeting he had at the port with Governor Scott and the Interim DOT Secretary. He
explained he had an open discussion and shared some of Commissioner Hill's and resident's traffic
issues and the DOT agreed to observe Mayport Road and the flyover and hopefully find ways to
improve it.
• Attended the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts event and was amazed at how talented the
students are.
• Reported on the conversation he had with the President of the City Council regarding Johnston
Island.
• Reported on a meeting he had with JT A and their consultant Jim Gilmore to discuss the possibility
of building a shelter for a bus stop by the Home Plate Diner and creating bus cut outs in the road
on Mayport Road and Atlantic Boulevard.
• Mentioned a card he received from Governor Scott.
• Commended Mr. Hogencamp for his reports, for attending City events and for making his job a
lot easier. He thanked Commissioner Waters for suggesting him to the Commission.
Adjournment
There being no further discussion, Mayor Reeves declared the meeting adjourned at 9:06p.m.
ATTEST:
Donna L. Bartle, CMC
City Clerk
Mitchell E. Reeves
Mayor/Presiding Officer
Agenda Item 1A
March 27, 2017
ATTACHMENT A
FEBRUARY 13,2017
l Good afternoon. Because I am unable to attend the meeting, attached please find the letter that I sent to most of I you in December detailing the reasons that Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol is opposed to the turtle watch proposal.
.'1
/ A major talking point of the proponents is that the FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Guidelines do not
specifically prohibit the type of activity being proposed. While that may be so, in the literal sense, the
underlying message of the guidelines is to "do no harm".
I
I
I
It is very important to note that the guidelines are just the foundation of what our protocols are based upon.
FWC communicates directly with the marine tmile permit holders throughout the entire year via conferences,
newsletters, phone calls and emails that the volunteers themselves do not receive. The permit holder is then
expected to take this information back to their volunteers and ensure that the directives are properly
implemented. One example of this is the email from Meghan Koperski that is quoted on page 2 and 3 of the
attached letter. Even when this information was passed along to Mr. Catania he chose to disregard it simply
because it was not specifically stated in the guidelines.
Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.
Respectfully,
Jennifer Burns
Marine Turtle Permit Holder
3
I
I
I
I
!
I
I
I
1 ~
f
I !
I
I I f
I
i
I
I
l i i
I ;
l
!
l
f
' l f
I
I
f
I
f
I !
l
I
J
!
I
i
I
I
Agenda Item 1A
March 27, 2017