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Amended Agenda Item 1BMINUTES REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 24,2017-6:30 PM CITY HALL,800 SEMINOLE ROAD IN ATTENDANCE: Mayor Mitchell E. Reeves City Attorney Brenna Durden Mayor Pro Tern John Stinson City Manager Kevin Hogencamp Commissioner Harding City Clerk Donna L. Bartle Commissioner Jimmy Hill Recording Secretary Joanie Bowman Commissioner M. Blythe Waters Invocation and pledge to the flag 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 6:35 p.m. City Clerk Bartle called the roll and Mayor Reeves noted that a quorum was present. 1. Approval of minutes There were no minutes. 2. Courtesy of Floor to Visitors Mayor Reeves explained the process for public comments and his intention to suspend the rules to allow Commissioners five minutes to respond to concerns. He opened the Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors. City Clerk Bartle called each speaker to the podium. Meade Copeland, 10 10th St., announced that the Beaches Museum & Historical Society received approval by the Florida Division of Historical Resources for a historic marker to denote the sight of the Continental Hotel which is now the Cloister Condominium and she provided contact information for anyone interested in supporting the effort. Ellen Glasser, 2060 Beach Ave., mentioned that she attended the Town Hall Meeting last Saturday at Jordan Park and highlighted concerns about adding a permanent Deputy City Manager position. She spoke in favor of proper efforts to amend the Charter to allow the city manager to live within a reasonable distance of Atlantic Beach without being a city resident. Debra Eisert,85 10th St., spoke in support of the Sea Turtle Lighting Ordinance. Michael Tari, 1881 Beach Ave.,spoke in opposition to the Sea Turtle Lighting Ordinance. Casey Jones, 1230 Mayport Rd., spoke in support of the Sea Turtle Lighting Ordinance. Brad Duttera, 2211 Alisha Ln., spoke in opposition to the Sea Turtle Lighting Ordinance and inquired as to the fines associated with the ordinance. He expressed concerns about the renourishment project stopping at 18th Street. He also would like to see the number of mailboxes limited between 18th and 20th streets. Amended Agenda Item 1B June 12, 2017 April 24, 2017 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 2 of 13 City Clerk Bartle read the name and comment from the citizen who did not want to speak as follows: Nancy Whittington, 1861 Beachside Court, is in support of Item 3A,Deputy City Manager. Commissioners' response to comments: Commissioner Harding spoke about the sea turtles and appreciated the passion. He reported he has listened to the citizens and the arguments regarding property rights and explained the progress that has been made. Commissioner Harding addressed the misinformation being spread on social media which causes divisiveness in the community and explained the importance to get facts yourself and make an educated decision on what the truth is. He stated he loves this City and will continue doing what is in the best interest of the City of Atlantic Beach. Commissioner Waters apologized that she was unable to make the last Town Hall meeting as result of working an unscheduled weekend. She expressed her interest in the issues discussed and believes that Mr. Hogencamp and the Commission are dedicated to seeing that trees are protected. She explained there is more work to be done. She brought up previous discussions about having an independent arborist on contract to help assess the validity of claims about dead trees and believes it is reasonable to consider citizens' requests that we consider a tree board. She explained how a citizen board could take on some responsibility and act as a watchdog to help ensure that tree ordinances are carried out as written and believes there are multiple ways in which our citizens can work with us to help strengthen the health of the trees in our community. Commissioner Waters stated that she has spoken with our Interim City Manager and knows that it will come to the forefront in hiring a new City Manager, that Atlantic Beach be an Equal Opportunity workplace. Commissioner Waters believes that it would be prudent to try to extend the renourishment project to continue it up to the point of Hanna Park and stated that there are funds in our budget to allocate that but would need a time frame and is in short order since they are dredging currently at 7th and 8th Street. Commissioner Waters addressed the Sea Turtle Lighting Ordinance and the confusion about whether indirect and direct lighting is disorienting for sea turtles. She stated that if you are staring at the beach and the moon is lighting the beach in front of you, that lighting is indirect for you. You are seeing the glow cast by the moon, not looking at the moon itself. Indirect lighting is disorienting to turtles because what they see at ground level is indirect lighting. That is not to say that direct lighting cannot be disorienting as well, but indirect lighting is a significant source for disorientation of sea turtles. There is also confusion as to what is being asked in terms of outdoor lighting and it can be as simple as changing the bulbs to be in compliance with the ordinance. The ordinance really does work with the best that FWC has come up with to maintain lighting that is not disorienting to the turtles on the beach in the evening. Commissioner Hill explained that he does not believe anything he reads in the newspaper. He acknowledged the differing opinions about the sea turtle issue and believes the compromise lies somewhere in the middle. He explained his experience offshore at night and believes this City is the darkest piece of beach occupied by humans that he has ever seen because it is done voluntarily. He thanked the citizens for their efforts and hopes to educate new citizens coming to Atlantic Beach on the reasons why we are a dark city and why we do this voluntarily. He believes the City needs to comply, do shading and set a good example. April 24, 2017 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 3 of 13 Commissioner Hill expressed his disappointment with the dredge project stating he believes it is a classic example of our Federal Government at work. They had all the equipment in place and had to go somewhere else at the time we needed it most and the cost of moving it twice probably cost four times what it would have cost to finish it in the first place. He explained his concerns about where the project will stop and is interested in finding out the cost to extend it. Commissioner Stinson addressed the comments that were made about considering appointing a deputy city manager. He stated there were three questions; one was who, one was why and one was under what authority. He explained that he suspended the rules and that he was the one that brought it up without much discussion with Mr. Hogencamp. He indicated he did that because of the quality of work they were seeing out of Mr. Hogencamp. He explained that in his experience in the private sector, when an organization finds someone whose performance, desire, drive and initiative meets the objectives of the organization, you do not let them get away. He answered the question of under what authority by noting Section 24 of the Charter which says that the duties of the city manager during any absence shall be carried out by a majority of the City Commission. He stated this Commission agreed to, as a consensus to move that forward, and has full authority to consider that tonight. He explained that you do not let people who have performed at the level Mr. Hogencamp has performed in, get away from you. He reported that no citizen has complained about Mr. Hogencamp's performance and he is concerned about your tax dollars, how they are being spent and if they are being spent well. He believed those are the kind of people the City needs. He explained why he believes a deputy city manager is needed. Mayor Reeves read a statement he wrote (which is attached hereto and made part of this Official Records as Attachment A)in reference to an article in the online publication of The Florida Star. Mayor Reeves spoke about the beach renourishment project stating they are working very hard to try to get additional funding. He thanked the City of Jacksonville Council for spending 7.6 million dollars on the dunes. Mayor Reeves spoke about his year-old request to have the permits and tree ordinance posted and explained that staff is not to blame since leadership failed to set the policy for staff to follow. Mayor Reeves explained he was elected to represent the people of Atlantic Beach in front of their City government not to represent the government in front of the people. Mayor Reeves moved Item 8A up. 8. Miscellaneous Business (Discussion only) A. Fleet Landing PUD Modification Item 8A. was taken out of sequence and acted on at this time.) Planner Derek Reeves introduced Steve Lindorff. Mr. Lindorff presented a slide show as he explained his staff report and his recommendation for the Fleet Landing PUD Modification. Commissioner Waters reported that the City is protecting the conservation land. Planner Derek Reeves and Steve Lindorff answered questions from the Commission about flood protection, the retention pond, the conservation area, roadway, non-development/protected area, timing of the purchase, zoning requirements and the lift station. During the discussion, City Attorney Durden confirmed that the developers knew there was a portion of the development parcel that was in Atlantic Beach and the approved Amended Declaration referred to that which says that any development that would occur on the area within Atlantic Beach would comply with the City of Atlantic Beach's Land Development Regulations. She also confirmed that the existing Conservation (CON) zoning requirements would apply if this does not get approved. April 24, 2017 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 4 of 13 Mayor Reeves commended Josh Ashby and his staff for their great partnership. Mayor Reeves explained there is no consensus needed since the Commission is required by law to hear it at the next meeting. 3. Unfinished Business from Previous Meetings A. Deputy City Manager. Human Resource Director Cathy Berry explained her staff report and her recommendation and answered questions from the Commission. Motion: Appoint Mr. Kevin Hogencamp as Deputy City Manager, effective immediately, at a salary of$96,000 annually. Additionally, approve Mr. Hogencamp continuing to serve as Interim City Manager,with a 12-percent added duty pay, until a new City Manager is hired. Moved by Stinson, Seconded by Harding There was a lengthy discussion. Commissioners Harding, Hill, and Stinson, commended Mr. Hogencamp for his performance and spoke in favor of appointing him as Deputy City Manager. Commissioner Waters commended Mr. Hogencamp for the great job he is doing. She referred to Charter Section 11 and expressed concern that the Commission is stepping outside of the bounds of the role the Charter sets forth for the Commission by taking this action. She asked Ms. Berry if there are any positions within the City that we do not advertise for. Ms. Berry answered that, as a matter of practice, we generally advertise, but there are circumstances where we do put people in positions without advertising. Commissioner Waters expressed the need to encourage a diverse pool of applicants and ultimately increase diversity in the City's workforce. Mayor Reeves commended Mr. Hogencamp for the outstanding job he has done for the City and spoke in favor of appointing him as Deputy City Manager. City Attorney Durden explained that Code and Charter provisions are always subject to different opinions and she has looked at this very carefully. She admitted it is an unusual set of circumstances. Mr. Hogencamp is in fact our CityManager and has all theSheexplainedthatitiscleartoherthatgpg powers and the duties of the City Manager. She believed that in his role as City Manager, with all those powers and duties, he obviously believes the additional position of Deputy City Manager is necessary and in the best interest of the City. She explained that, while the initial idea may have come from a City Commissioner, in her opinion that does not create a fatal flaw in the sense that the idea could never meet and comply with Section 11. She believed the critical concept is that Mr. Hogencamp believes that this is correct, and in his position as Interim City Manager, he has effectively said this is the correct thing to do. She believes that the intent of Charter Section 11 exists and that the City Commission has the right to move forward with the action. Further discussion ensued. Commissioner Harding reiterated his support for the motion. Commissioner Hill explained he now believes that the City Manager has to hire the Deputy City Manager and expressed concern about the appearance of self-appointment. He agreed with City Attorney Durden that it is legal,but does not believe it is the proper way to do it. He indicated he would vote against it tonight but is interested in finding a way to do it through the proper channel. HR Director Cathy Berry urged the Commission to concentrate on the necessity of the position as opposed to who fills it. She believes the needs of the City mandates or supports that we have a Deputy City Manager. She explained that the way to address some of the concerns are to bifurcate the process April 24, 2017 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 5 of 13 by having Mr. Hogencamp, as City Manager, establish the position and then having the Commission appoint him to that position. City Attorney Durden agreed with Ms. Berry's suggestion and confirmed that they can bifurcate and proceed in that manner. Commissioner Stinson disagreed with Commissioner Hill that Mr. Hogencamp would be appointing himself and explained that he was the one that did this; he went through Mr. Hogencamp about ten minutes before the Commission meeting when it was brought up for consideration asking him if he was interested in the job because he did not want to ask him in front of the public and have him say no. He reiterated that Mr. Hogencamp did not appoint himself. Commissioner Stinson explained why he believes there is a need for a Deputy City Manager and stated that before he brought this to the Commission he read through Charter Section 24, and in his opinion, it gives the Commission the authority to do this. Commissioner Waters explained that following best practices, yields best outcomes. She expressed concerns about the way they are going about this, explaining her opinion that it violates the spirit of the Charter, even if they are obeying the words of Section 24. Referring to Charter Section 24, she pointed out that since there is an acting City Manager, there is no condition of the absence of the City Manager in which the majority of the Commission's vote can do something. She referred to Section 11 and explained why she believes the request should originate through the City Manager. She complimented Mr. Hogencamp and explained that the discussion has nothing to do with the employee's merits or the merits of the position. She indicated their jobs as Commissioners are to legislate, approve budgets, and hire the City Manager to carry out the remaining administrative duties of the City, including requesting and hiring a Deputy City Manager. She stressed the importance of doing it correctly. Mayor Reeves urged the Commission to follow the advice of City Attorney Durden. He explained that if there are people who do not agree with the action, they have the option and right to file an injunction. He expressed confidence that the Commission will make the right decision. He spoke in favor of appointing Mr. Hogencamp as Deputy City Manager and believes it would be in the best interest for our City. There was consensus to continue discussion. Commissioner Hill offered a solution that involved temporarily appointing the Human Resource Director as City Manager while they go through this process and asked the City Attorney for her input. City Attorney Durden recommended against it and reiterated the suggestion made earlier by Ms. Berry. Ms. Durden explained that she is not telling them to follow any particular path or action. She advised that they do have the authority under Section 11 to move forward with the action this evening or to bifurcate it in the manner Ms. Berry described. Commissioner Stinson thanked Ms. Berry for her suggestion but explained he had no interest in bifurcation or in delaying this action. Commissioner Waters reiterated her points made earlier and suggested that they continue the search for a permanent City Manager and allow this to happen organically. Mayor Reeves explained that he is relying on Ms. Durden's and Ms. Berry's opinions and listening to the voice of the people. He spoke in support of the motion. Motion: Call the Question. Moved by Stinson, Seconded by Harding April 24, 2017 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 6 of 13 Roll Call Votes: Aye: 5 Harding, Hill, Stinson, Waters, Reeves Nay: 0 MOTION CARRIED Motion: Appoint Kevin Hogencamp as Deputy City Manager, effective immediately, at a salary of 96,000 annually. Additionally, approve Mr. Hogencamp continuing to serve as Interim City Manager,with a 12-percent added duty pay, until a new City Manager is hired. Moved by Stinson, Seconded by Harding Roll Call Votes: Aye: 3 Stinson,Harding, Reeves Nay: 2 Hill,Waters MOTION CARRIED Mayor Reeves called for a recess at 8:53 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 9:03 p.m.) 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 Recreation and Special Events Report and Building Department Monthly Activity Report for March 2017. City Clerk Bartle read the Consent Agenda. Mayor Reeves asked if any Commissioner would like to pull an item from the Consent Agenda for discussion. No items were pulled. Motion: Approve Consent Agenda Item 4A as written. Votes: Aye: 5 Harding,Hill, Stinson, Waters,Reeves Nay: 0 5. Committee Reports None. 6. Action on Resolutions None. 7. Action on Ordinances A. Ordinance No. 95-17-114,Public Hearing and Final Reading AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, COUNTY OF DUVAL, STATE OF FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 5 BEACHES AND PARKS, TO ADD ARTICLE IV, SEA TURTLE PROTECTION, INCLUDING PURPOSE AND INTENT, DEFINITIONS, PROHIBITION OF ACTIVITIES DISRUPTIVE TO MARINE April 24, 2017 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 7 of 13 TURTLES, LIGHTING STANDARDS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION, STANDARDS FOR EXISTING LIGHTING, AND ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES, PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk read the Ordinance by title only. Planner Reeves explained his staff report, reported statistical data he received from Neptune and Jacksonville Beaches and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), presented a slide show, and explained his recommendation. Mayor Reeves opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to speak. City Clerk Bartle called each speaker to the podium. Michael Terry, spoke against the Sea Turtle Lighting Ordinance. Casey Jones, 2130 Mayport Rd., Jacksonville, spoke in support of the Sea Turtle Lighting Ordinance, and explained his handout and statistical data. City Clerk Bartle read the following name and comment: Brad Dutterra,2211 Alicia Ln., is opposed to the Sea Turtle Ordinance. No one else in the audience spoke, so Mayor Reeves closed the public hearing. Motion: Adopt Ordinance No. 95- 17-114 as read by title on final reading to include incorporating)the stricken language regarding indirect lighting. Moved by Stinson, Seconded by Harding Commissioner Hill spoke against the ordinance as written and suggested that they retroact this to new construction only. He mentioned the need for the City to tighten up on its lighting. Commissioner Stinson agreed that the City should comply with the Ordinance. He believed the definition of indirect lighting was very broad and ambiguous and could be more clearly defined. He explained the need for more data collection that would tell us the number of sea turtles that are disoriented in our area and what the addresses are. He spoke in support of the ordinance, but believed that the May 2020 date is too long. Commissioner Waters spoke in support of the ordinance. She referred to the UF Levin College of Law legal clinic regarding sea turtle conservation and lighting ordinances and reported the general principles which are to keep it low; keep it long; and keep it shielded. She believed these principles are adhered to in this ordinance. She also reported on data showing dramatic drops in sea turtle disorientation and explained the ecological and cost-saving benefits. Commissioner Harding spoke in support of the ordinance and agreed that three years is way too long to implement it. He reported that an overwhelming majority of citizens support having an ordinance in place and explained that you cannot enforce voluntary compliance. He believed it is important to have this ordinance and that it would reinforce the state laws protecting the sea turtles and benefit this coastal community. Mayor Reeves spoke in support of protecting the sea turtles and educating new citizens about it. He expressed concern about mandating existing homes and believed new construction should comply. April 24, 2017 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 8 of 13 Planner Reeves answered questions about the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's role and authority relating to enforcement. Commissioner Hill restated his opposition. Commissioner Stinson spoke in support of the ordinance, but wanted the effective date in Section 5-38 changed from May 1,2020 to May 1,2018. Motion: Amend the motion to change the effective date (in Section 5-38) to May 1, 2018. Commissioner Stinson, Seconded by Harding There was no discussion on the amendment. Roll Call Votes: Aye: 4 Stinson, Waters, Harding, Reeves Nay: 1 Hill MOTION CARRIED Commissioner Waters reiterated her support for the ordinance and recognized the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol for providing information, supporting the ordinance, and serving the community. Commissioner Harding spoke in favor of adopting the ordinance. Mayor Reeves expressed concerns about enforcement and staff addressed his questions. Mr. Hogencamp reported that the Sea Turtle Conservancy will hold training here for Code Enforcement Officers and Building Officials throughout the beaches on sea turtle protection and lighting. Roll Call Votes: Aye: 3 Waters,Harding, Stinson Nay: 2 Hill,Reeves B. Ordinance No. 58- 17-40,Public Hearing and Final Reading AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE VI, EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, DIVISION 4, POLICE OFFICERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH; AMENDING SECTION 2-300, DEFINITIONS; AMENDING SECTION 2-301, MEMBERSHIP; AMENDING SECTION 2-303, FINANCES AND FUND MANAGEMENT; AMENDING SECTION 2-305, BENEFIT AMOUNTS AND ELIGIBILITY; AMENDING SECTION 2-310.4, MAXIMUM PENSION; AMENDING SECTION 2-310.5,MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION OF BENEFITS; AMENDING SECTION 2-310.16, PRIOR POLICE SERVICE; AMENDING SECTION 2-310.18, DEFERRED RETIREMENT OPTION PLAN; ADDING SECTION 2-310.19, SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFIT COMPONENT FOR SPECIAL BENEFITS; CHAPTER 185 SHARE ACCOUNTS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Bartle read the Ordinance by title only. April 24, 2017 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 9 of 13 Mayor Reeves explained that Finance Director Russell Caffey is absent due to a scheduling conflict. Mr. Hogencamp reported that in anticipation of being out, Finance Director Russell Caffey had reached out to each of them to see if they had any questions. He explained that if questions arise, during or after the public hearing, that have not been answered or otherwise cause them to want to delay their vote,that would work out fine. He further explained that the item remained on the agenda, despite his absence, because the public hearing was advertised. Mayor Reeves opened the public hearing. No one from the audience spoke, so Mayor Reeves closed the public hearing. Motion: Approve Ordinance No. 58-17-40 as read by title. Moved by Stinson, Seconded by Waters There was no discussion. Roll Call Votes: Aye: 5 Harding,Hill,Stinson,Waters, Reeves Nay: 0 MOTION CARRIED C. Ordinance No. 58- 17-41, Public Hearing and Final Reading AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE VI, EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, DIVISION 3, GENERAL EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH; AMENDING SECTION 2- 261, DEFINITIONS; AMENDING SECTION 2-264, FINANCES AND FUND MANAGEMENT; AMENDING SECTION 2-266, BENEFIT AMOUNTS AND ELIGIBILITY;AMENDING SECTION 2-274, MAXIMUM PENSION; AMENDING SECTION 2-275, MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION OF BENEFITS; AMENDING SECTION 2-284, PRIOR GOVERNMENT SERVICE; AMENDING SECTION 2-285, REEMPLOYMENT AFTER RETIREMENT; AMENDING SECTION 2-286, DEFERRED RETIREMENT OPTION PLAN; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. City Clerk Bartle read the Ordinance by title only. Mayor Reeves opened the public hearing. No one from the audience spoke, so Mayor Reeves closed the public hearing. Motion: Approve Ordinance No. 58- 17-41 as read. Moved by Waters, Seconded by Harding Commissioner Hill inquired about whether there would be a penalty to their pension if they take employment afterwards. Commissioner Stinson stated that he did not know the answer to that question but did know that the changes to the plans and the language in the plans are required by state statute. April 24, 2017 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 10 of 13 City Clerk Bartle read a portion of the letter from Gabriel Roeder Smith (GRS) that states: "To clearly reflect recent IRC guidance on the ability to continue to receive retirement benefits from the system upon reemployment after normal or early retirement". Commissioner Hill stated that it was a matter of concern, but will move the action because he understands it is required by state law. Roll Call Votes: Aye: 5 Hill, Stinson,Waters,Harding,Reeves Nay: 0 MOTION 8.Miscellaneous Business(Discussion only) A. Fleet Landing PUD Modification This item was taken out of sequence and acted on earlier in the meeting.) 9. City Manager Reports A. City Manager's Report City Manager Hogencamp addressed the conversation and action taken earlier regarding his appointment as the Deputy City Manager. He stated that he is honored to work with the Mayor, Commissioners, department directors, employees and citizens of the City of Atlantic Beach. He offered his gratitude and thanked everyone for this opportunity. He explained that it was painful to see any strife or division among them. He acknowledged that it was a very civil discussion and expected no less and thanked them for that. He explained that he had not contemplated, until tonight, that he might have been effectively asking them to allow him to appoint himself, so his contemplation begins in deciding whether he is doing the right thing to accept this. He explained he would consult with his mentors and family, and that it looks like he is going to be able to get to work for the City of Atlantic Beach beyond the expiration of his service as the Interim City Manager. He said that he is so grateful and had no interest in doing anything other than the right thing. He further explained that he will contemplate what was said tonight, just in case it is not the right thing to do to accept it. He indicated that if the new manager makes an assessment that a Deputy is not needed, or that he is not the right person, or that we should go out and advertise the position, he would support it one hundred percent. He pledged that he would have no problem with that. City Manager Hogencamp acknowledged Chris Jorgensen's absence and informed everyone that he has had a minor stroke and might not be attending any more City Commission Meetings due to his health. He explained that Mr. Jorgensen had asked that he let them know what was going on with him. Mr. Hogencamp commended the Public Works and Recreation Departments for making sure that events such as Shakespeare in the Park and Arts in the Park and others are a great success. He also acknowledged and commended staff, Planner Reeves, our community, the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol, and City Attorney Durden for getting a really good Sea Turtle Protection Ordinance before the Commission. He congratulated them and thanked them for their great work. B. 90-Day Calendar(May 2017 through July 2017) There was consensus to accept the 90-Day Calendar. 10. Reports and/or requests from City Commissioners and City Attorney A. Arbor Day Proclamation(Mayor Reeves) April 24, 2017 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 11 of 13 City Manager Hogencamp explained the purpose of the proclamation and the requirement to have it read. City Clerk Bartle read the Arbor Day Proclamation. Mayor Reeves inquired about the status on the $10,000 grant on trees. City Manager Hogencamp said that he would report back to him on that. Commissioner Harding Attended the Florida League of Cities dinner in Starke on April 20`h and was privileged to hear Colonel Daniel Johnson, Commander of the Camp Blanding Training Center, present a slide presentation about the history and how Camp Blanding came to be. He found it to be very interesting. Mentioned that they had a productive Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, followed by Arts in the Park at Johansen Park. He reported on the good turn out and commended the City workers that were working it for being right on top of everything and for being very cordial. Requested that staff provide the figures for dropping the actuary to 5-6% for consideration in an effort to whittle away at the unfunded liabilities. Commissioner Waters Enjoyed attending Acoustic Night and commended City staff for the hard work they do. Thanked Russell Caffey for being extremely responsive to their request to have the actuary provide them some numbers. She indicated that the ball is now in our court and we will have to decide what to do with those numbers. She believed the numbers are big and it is undeniable that something needs to be done. Hopes everyone keeps enjoying the beautiful weather before summer hits and becomes too hot to enjoy. City Attorney Durden Reported that the 30-day appeal period on the Gate case has passed without an appeal being filed. Reported that there is still no opinion on the Cloister decision. Commissioner Stinson Attended Acoustic Nights and reported the good turnout. He commended the performers and urged citizens to attend. Commented that he appreciates the residents and taxpayers for allowing him the opportunity to attend the North Florida League of Cities Advanced Institute for Elected Municipal Officials in the coming weeks. Welcomed Mr. Hogencamp. Commissioner Hill Explained he is excited to have Kevin Hogencamp on board. Thanked the Commission for exploring all of those options and getting to one that was workable. Reported concerns that the dredging operation has been stuck between Third and Tenth Streets and inquired about the progress. Mr. Hogencamp explained that there are live updates online and he agreed to find out the answer and contact him in the morning. April 24, 2017 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 12 of 13 Encouraged citizens to ride bikes or carts when going to Acoustic Nights. He expressed concern that the food truck and concession contributes to the traffic and safety problems and suggested that staff look into it. Mayor Reeves Spoke about a citizen who thanked him for the handicap accessibility that made it possible for her husband to enjoy kayaking at Dutton Island. Reported that the Northeast Florida League of Cities Dinner will be held on May 18th at the Atlantic Beach Country Club. Reported that the Beaches Watch meeting will be held on May 3rd and Mayor Gulliford and other At-Large Council members will be attending. Interim City Manager Hogencamp Made reference to Commissioner Hill's comments about renourishment, stating that in addition to emailing the Commission an update, we will also post it on the City's home page and on our Facebook page. Reported that the City Clerk reminded him that the opening of the beaches parade will be at 2:00 p.m. and he will be in touch with those who plan to participate to provide the details. Mayor Reeves Advised the Commissioners to stay on alert with what our legislature is doing in Tallahassee. He reported on House Bill HJR7105 and pointed out it will cost Atlantic Beach just under $300 thousand and Jacksonville over $34 million from the budget. He encouraged Commissioners to contact our representatives to discuss bills, especially preemption ones. Reported the suggestion he gave to the City Manager about purchasing a smaller drop box to put on Seminole Road by the newspaper stands and the post office box, so people can just drive there and drop off their payments. Believed the bicycle repair station at Lucky's Market is great and that we may be able to offer something similar at some of our parks or City facilities for people in our biking community. Commissioner Waters Reminded everyone about the dedication for the AlA Rails-to-Trails, which is being held tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. Interim Chief Vic Gualillo Reported on the increased presence of patrol officers from Atlantic Beach and Jacksonville Sherriff's Office on Mayport Road for traffic enforcement. He asked to be notified if something needs to be addressed and spoke about the limited manpower and the large number of traffic complaints. He thanked the Commission for reporting issues of concern. Mayor Reeves reported concerns he received about cars turning too sharply onto Seminole Road from Selva Marina to Chief Gualillo and asked that the lanes be defined more clearly. Mayor Reeves also inquired about the status of the Police Building. Reported the status of the Police Building and explained the minor delays. He explained there is another meeting scheduled tomorrow with the construction project manager and will get a better update. Reported that the Police Department, the citizens and the employees of Atlantic Beach participated in a fund raiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). There were two teams, one for Public Works and one for the Police Department. He April 24, 2017 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 13 of 13 reported the Police Department raised $745.00, which he believed was more than that of Public Works and the money was raised through donations and from a raffle of donated gift cards provided by our local restaurants and businesses. He thanked them for doing a great service by helping us raise money for JDRF. Adjournment There being no further discussion, Mayor Reeves declared the meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m. ATTEST: Mitchell E. Reeves Mayor/Presiding Officer Donna L. Bartle, CMC City Clerk Attachment A April 24, 2017 Minutes 4, ..4 CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH aip, f 9 APRIL 24,2017 Mitchell E. Reeves PUBLIC STATEMENT BY MAYOR REEVES MayorSeatI—At Large FLORIDA STAR ONLINE ARTICLE John M.Stinson Mayor Pro Tem article in a localLastweektherewasanpublication discussing2—Dist 1308 the allegations of racism within Atlantic Beach government. First and Mitchell R.Harding foremost, the type of language that is alleged to have been spoken will Comm-sinner not and will never be tolerated as longas I am Mayor. Our cityis notSeat5—Dist 1312 Y and will never be a place where those types of words are accepted. James Hill Commissionerrounfirst spoke1306gSeat4— Now, for a bit of background. I with the author of the Florida Star article, Mr. Sokoni about this issue over a year ago. During that M.Blythe Waters conversation, he was not able to identify the AB employee in question so Commissioner I suggested that he advise his friend to contact the HR Department for aSeat3—Dist 1307 gg p confidential conversation to express his concerns. At the time I also Kevin Hogencamp requested of our HR Department head and our former City Manager that Interim City Manager they conduct a series of workshops to educate our city employees on the Donna L.Bartle issue of workplace diversity. While our HR head was enthusiastic, our City Clerk former City Manager refused to do so. Brenna Durden City Attorney Last week, the person who allegedly made these racist remarks resigned. I anticipate that we will have a swift hiring process and will hire someone committed to workplace. Finally, as I mentioned earlier, I was first made aware of this over a year ago and find it curious that just now is it being made public during the course of my campaign for re-election. Until this issue is settled, I will have no further comment." City of Atlantic Beach•800 Seminole Road•Atlantic Beach,Florida 32233-5445•(904)247-5809•Fax(904) 247-5846 ElectedOfficials@coab.us