Minutes (2)MINUTES
REGULAR CITY COlYIVIISSION MEETING
May 9, 2045
CITY HALL, 800 SEMINOLE ROAD
' Attendance 1N ATTENDANCE:
Mayor John Meserve City Manager aim Hanson
Mayor Pro Tem Richard Beaver City Clerk Donna L. Bussey
Commissioner Paul B. Parsons City Attorney Alan C. Jensen
Commissioner Sylvia N. Simmons
Commissioner J. Dezmond Waters III
Call to Order/Pledge Mayor Meserve called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. The Invocation,
given by Mayor Meserve, was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag.
Due to the number of citizens wishing to speak on Item $D, the Mayor
recommended that the issue be moved to the top of the agenda and
addressed at this time.
D. Sewer Tap Costs and Related Issues Raised by Septic Tank
Owners (City Manager)
' Mayor Meserve asked the City Manager to review his report giving the
background and most recent information on the issue.
City Manager noted that, at the last commission meeting, City staff was
asked to research a number of questions brought before the Commission by
a group of septic tank owners in the 17`h Street area. He answered the
' ' following questions in his report: how many units are allowed per tap, can
.. the current owners under mandatory hook up be given the option of
assessments, can a duplex be rebuilt in its current footprint, and can the
impact fees be waived. The City Manager's written staff report is attached
- and made part of this official record as Attachment A.
City Manager Hanson discussed the State Plumbing Codes restricting, the
number of fixture units per drain line. He stated that applying the City's
general rule of two residential units per tap would assist the residents in
reducing their tap costs. He discussed the problems associated with running
drain lines across property lines in attempts to split a tag and referred to a
chart in his report showing which property owners at the meeting could split
taps.
The City Manager addressed the residents' request to be assessed in the
same manner as the group of residents currently under assessments. He
gave the history of the original assessments and discussed the different
situations and factors involving the current residents as compared to the
initial three groups who requested assessments in the 1990's. The City
N[av I, 2005 RCGULAR CONII~[ISS[ON 1~[FrTING Pa~c 2
vlanager acknowledged that the City was willing to finance the conversion
costs for the group of residents, up to a $15,000, ten-year-maximum loan at
the interest rate of 4%, if included in their utility bill.
The City Manager confirmed that any duplex legally built at the time could
be rebuilt in the same footprint. He deferred the residents' final question
back to the City Commission for a decision regarding any type of policy
change to reduce the impact of the cost of converting to City sewer.
Mayor Meserve opened floor to public comments.
Kim Rogers, 5617`h Street, asked the City Manager if the information in
his report was posted on-line and noted that she has not yet been able to
read it. Ms. Rogers informed the Commission that she had received an
email response from Sonya Doerr, Director of Planning and Zoning, stating
that residents are entitled to maintain a duplex use but could not construct a
new duplex. Mayor Meserve clarified the.email as meaning that a resident
can not build a new duplex if he/she does not currently own one, but those
duplexes already existing are grandfathered in to the City's code.
Ms. Rogers inquired into the specifics regarding the assessment options.
The City Manager reiterated the pertinent information in his staff report.
Ms. Rogers asked if the residents would have to pay the $5000 tap fee and
the Mayor responded that the Commission had not yet made that decision.
Leslie Bell, 7617`' Street, asked if the tap fee would be replaced by any
assessment the residents might receive. Mayor Meserve noted that the tap
fee and the hookup fee are two separate issues. She reiterated their request
for the Commission to consider allowing the residents extra time to pay an
assessment. She inquired when Ms. Doerr would return and the City
Manager answered that Ms. Doerr had been on medical leave but would be
back beginning the next morning. Ms. Bell asked about impact fees as they
pertain to her particular use of her duplex. The Mayor suggested that Ms.
Bell discuss her specific situation with Ms. Doerr for further clarification.
Ms. Bell asked if the City had received any competitive bids or spoken to
Gruhn May regarding a better price for the work to be done. Mayor
' Meserve stated that the issue would be discussed by the Commission.
David Boyer, 2061 Beach Avenue, clarified his own specific situation and
' asked why a tap was not installed at his property line when the City
completed its project in 1997.
Mayor Meserve asked if anyone else wished to address the issue.
J.P. iVlarchioli, 414 Sherry Dr, discussed the situation concerning the
sewer lines for his residence and the house next door. He expressed
concern over the possibility that his neighbor's sewer line is laid across his
own property line.
Niav 9, 2005 RI:rULt1R CnMNiISSInN ~I1;ETING Pale 3
There being no further public comments on the issue, Mayor Meserve
brought the issue back to the Commission for discussion.
Mayor Meserve noted that the specifics of this issue pertain to its
application to residential properties only, the need to comply with State
laws requiring the conversion, and the heavy costs being incurred by
individual residents. Thus, he proposed that the City allow and authorize
residents to split the taps wherever possible as long as the sewer line would
not cross property lines. He recommended that the City contract the job for
all the properties involved and include a set tap fee of $2900. He advised
that the City's offer for providing a $15,000 loan at a 4% interest rate for a
maximum of ten years be applied to the entire cost of the job, including
payment of the impact fee.
Commissioner Waters indicated his support for the motion and commented
on its fairness for the residents.
' Motion: To alio~v for splitting of the taps as long as the lines do not
cross another owner's property and for the Citv to contract out all
construction for the taps, and charge the customer a set fee of $2900
per tap, with said motion applying only to residential properties where
connection to City sewer is required and said motion not eliminating
.the residents' payment of impact fees.
Commissioner Parsons inquired if a resident could have their own plumber
perform the work. Discussion on the topic followed. Commissioner Beaver
suggested mandating the issue as a City project and expressed concern with
allowing individuals to perform the work on their own, unless the work was
on their own property. He reiterated the fact that the conversion is a
regulation dictated by the State of Florida for the City to enforce even if a
' resident's septic tank has never failed.
Commissioner Parsons asked the City Attorney for his legal opinion on the
matter. City Attorney Alan Jensen responded that the current ordinance in
City code states that all costs and expenses incidental to the installation and
connection of the building sewer shall be borne by the owner. He noted that
' subsidizing the costs involved would violate the code as it currently exists.
. Mayor Meserve asked what steps the City needed to take in order to change
the ordinance. City Attorney Jensen advised that it would require making a
' policy change across the City to all residents. Commissioner Simmons
clarified that the change applies across the City according to the special
circumstances listed. Further discussion ensued.
Commissioner Parsons asked about the possibility of lawsuits arising from
other citizens who had already completed the conversion process. City
Attorney Jensen informed the Commission that the original assessments
were based on certain costs and footage and had been properly determined
by a legal process. He asserted that it was neither uncommon nor
N[av 9, 2005 REGULAR CONINIISSION N[EI:TING Pate 4
concerning for a City to establish a new policy as being effective from a set
date forward.
Mayor Meserve announced that once the policy and schedule have been
created, the City will distribute the information to all the affected parties
and can then address individual situations and concerns.
Moved by tiVaters, seconded by Simmons .
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, ~Vaters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Approval of Minutes 1. Minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting of April .25, 2005
and approval of the Special Called meeting of Apri125, 2005. '
Mayor Meserve explained that, due to a computer outage at City Hall, the
minutes from the regular Commission meeting of Apri125, 2005 would not
be ready for approval until the following meeting.
Motion: Approve the Minutes of the Special Called Meeting of
April 11.2005 as presented.
Moved by Simmons, seconded byWaters
Votes: '
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, IVleserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
The Mayor announced that tonight was the final meeting attended by Chris
. Aguilar, reporter for the local Times Union Shorelines newspaper. He
commended Mr. Aguilar for the work he has done with reporting City news
items.
Courtesy of the Floor 2. Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors
Sarah Broadway, 429 Pablo Point Drive, Jacksonville, discussed a
' development to be constructed across the Intracoastal waterway from
Atlantic Beach. She stated that, as a resident and a marsh front homeowner
of property bordering the area, she is opposed to the project. Ms. Broadway
' expressed her concerns with the developer's intentions to create a
residential development in an area that is currently undeveloped salt marsh
zoned as agricultural. She was opposed to the change in the comprehensive
plan and was asking that the land be left as marshland and zoned as
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conservation. She wanted to ensure that the Commission was aware of the
issue.
J.P. IYlarchioli, 414 Sherry Drive, discussed the construction of the bike
path on Seminole Road and inquired where it will end. The Mayor noted
' ' that the path would dead end at the northern City's limits on the road. Mr.
Marchioli then asserted that the southbound lane of Seminole Road should
have a right turn lane at its intersection with Plaza. He asked if any
information existed that would negate this idea. He then discussed the
mapldrawing of the 5 Point Intersection and questioned why there vas no
scale or directional key indicated on it.
Debbie Halpin, 421 Pablo Point Drive, Jacksonville, spoke in opposition
to the tract of land amendment, #2005-A-018. She acknowledged that it is
located in Jacksonville, but asked for the Commission, as a neighboring
community, to oppose it due to the fact that it will affect the salt marshes.
She informed the Commission that the developer planned to fill in the salt
marshes in order to build homes, tall buildings, marinas, etc. She
expressed concern with losing the natural beauty and wildlife currently
located there and asked the Commission to oppose the project if given the
chance to provide input.
Valerie Britt 378 Tilefish Court, Jacksonville noted that she brought five
handouts with information on the same plan amendment being discussed.
' She expressed alarm that the developer presented the plan without
mentioning that it would change the city comprehensive plan. She
discussed the fact that the County's Emergency Preparedness Division
' indicated that the commercial and residential components of the amendment
are inconsistent with their plan. She discussed an environmental study
conducted of the 85 acres involved and stated that her major concern lies
' with the fact that the section of salt marshes to be affected is a habitat for
endangered species. Ms. Britt reported that there is documentation that
indicates that the proposal is not consistent with the comprehensive plan.
She discussed the reasons far neighboring communities to be concerned
with the plan and asked that the Commission not support a plan that would
endanger the evacuation of Atlantic Beach residents. She asked the
' Commission to consider her concerns and review the handout, which is
attached and made part of this official document as Attachment B.
A. Five Points Intersection Improvements 60% Design Status
Report
Rick Carper, Director of Public Works, introduced Carol Worsham, the
project manager for HDR Engineering, Laura Phillips, HDR civil engineer,
, and Namir Haddad, HDR electrical engineer.
Ms. Worsham presented a status report on the proposed plans for the Five
Points Intersection. The report is attached and made part of this official
record as Attachment C. She noted that the conceptual plans are now
tl•lay 9, 2005 REGULAR C(~MV1iSSiON ~1EETING I'a~~c 6
being taken to the construction level and explained that the idea of the
design is to improve the functionality and aesthetics of the intersection.
Some of the elements Ms. Worsham discussed were new pavers in front of
the fire station, pedestrian crosswalks on Sherry Drive and Seminole Road,
relocation of the mailbox on Plaza, the creation of a turning lane from
Seminole to Sherry, and an island for public art or sculptures. She
addressed the possibility of including historical lighting and gave examples
• of the types of landscaping to be implemented.
Ms. Worsham reviewed the 60% design cost estimate and discussed the
.alternate items that may be added, such as the Plaza bike path and
additional crosswalks. She reviewed their schedule for the project, and
indicated they expect to have it completed in December. Rick Carper
.provided more information on the proposed bike path and the three
decorative crosswalks for the entrances to Howell Park.
' ~ Commissioner Waters discussed the issue of traffic back-ups on the
• ~ northern side of Seminole Road and asked if a turn lane could be created
there. Mr. Carper answered that they had no studies providing information
• • on the issue, but believed that a turn lane would complicate the situation by
• , adding more movement to the intersection. Commissioner Waters
recommended looking into the possibility of the turn lane if it could
potentially solve any of the traffic problems.
• Commissioner Beaver expressed concerns that the turn lane could
negatively impact residents in the area and stated he would not be in favor
of it if it would upset the residents. He also discussed the number of
vehicles anticipated to utilize the proposed turn lane from Seminole to
Sherry. Commissioner Beaver commented on the time line for the
• construction of the project and discussed the best ways to have the least
impact on residents and drivers during that time.
' Commissioner Simmons discussed both turn lane ideas and expressed her
. , concerns regarding the traffic patterns affecting each one. She also
requested that the project help to eliminate light pollution by incorporating a
' ' lighting system that illuminates downward, rather than projecting light
. , skyward. She stated this type of lighting should receive priority, whether
the fixtures are historical or not. Ms. Worsham discussed the elements of
• ' historic lighting and gave some examples of different types of Iighting in
.. the area. Commissioner Simmons stressed the importance of the increased
safety created by quality lighting that is directed towards the street. Ms.
Worsham indicated that they could look into all the options suggested.
Commissioner Waters discussed effects and potential hazards of a turn lane
being created at the Seminole Road intersection. He also noted that he
• would prefer historical lighting rather than something ultra modern.
Discussion followed regarding examples of the types of lighting in the area.
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B. Proclamation declaring the Week of IVIay 15-21, 2005 as Public
tiVorks Week in Atlantic Beach
Mayor read the proclamation in its entirety and presented it to Rick Carper,
Director of Public Works. Mr. Carper ackno4vledged and thanked Donna
Kaluzniak, Director of Public Utilities, for the contributions of her
department.
Unfinished Business 3. Unfinished Business from Previous 1Vleeting
from Previous Meeting
A. City Manaber's Follow-up Report
City Manager Hanson gave a follow up report on the recommendation for
the City to install crosswalks leading to the Howell Park entrances on
Seminole Road and Sherry Drive. He noted that the Public Safety
department has already painted crosswalks and plan to add red crosswalks
in order to improve their visibility. He suggested installing the crosswalks
.during the same time as the Five Points Intersection project is being
constructed. Rick Carper discussed the fact that there are actually three
crosswalks involved, two on Sherry Drive and one on Seminole Road.
Consent Agenda 4. Consent Agenda
A. Acknowledge receipt of Public Works and Utility Department
Monthly Report and Report of New Occupational Licenses
issued in April (City Manager)
B. Approve extending the contract for Trimming Palm Trees for
one additional year to American Landcare at the current
contract prices and authorize the City Manager to sign the
contract (City Manager)
C. Award the contract for Security Fencing at Water Treatment
PIants (Bid No. 0405-7} to Big T's Custom Fence in the amount
of $20,500 and authorize the City Manager to sign the contract
(City Manager)
Motion: To approve Consent Agenda Items as presented.
Moved by Beaver, seconded byWaters
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Committee Reports 5. Committee Reports
No Committee Reports
1~(av ~ 2005 REC,ULAR CONII~iISSION ~iF,ET[NC, Pa~~c S
Action on Resolutions 6. Action on Resolutions
No Resolutions
• ~ Action on Ordinances 7. Action on Ordinances
A. Ordinance No. 20-OS-70, Public Hearing and Final Reading
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR
' ' THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA FOR FISCAL
. YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2004 AND ENDING
SEPTENIBER 30, 2005.
Mayor Meserve read the ordinance by title only. He explained that this
ordinance primarily addresses the issue of moving money within the budget
and authorizes $51,000 for professional services for planning the City's
ambiance and character.
Iblotion: To approve Ordinance No. 20-05-70 on final reading.
The Mayor opened the floor for a public hearing on the item. There were
no public comments. Mayor Meserve closed the public hearing and brought
' ' the item before the Commission for discussion. There was no discussion.
Moved by Beaver, seconded by Waters
' ' Votes:
.. Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters,lVleserve
Nay: 0
.. MOTION CARRIED
. Miscellaneous Business 8. Miscellaneous Business
A. Request for aUse-by-Exception to allow for on-premise
• consumption of Alcoholic Beverages (4-COP DABT license) in
association with a restaurant and pub - Culhane's Irish Pub -
within the Commercial General (CG) Zoning District at 967
Atlantic Boulevard within the Atlantic Village Shopping Center
• (City Manager)
• Motion: To approve aUse-bv-Exception to allow for on-premise
consumption of Alcoholic Beverages (4-COP DABT license) at
Culhane's Irish Pub within the Commercial General (CG) Zoning
' District at 967 Atlantic Boulevard.
Mayor Meserve noted that the Use-By-Exception was recommended for
approval by the Community Development Board and then opened the floor
for a public hearing.
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lYlichelle Culhane, of 200 Walnut Street, Neptune Beach, Florida
identified herself and her sister, Mary Jane, as two of the four sisters
opening Culhane's Irish Pub. They informed the Commission that they are
willing to provide any further information, as needed.
J• P. Marchioli, 414 Sherry Drive, spoke highly in favor of the pub and
commented that the menu looks super.
There being no further comments from the public, the Mayor closed the
public hearing and brought the item before the Commission for discussion.
Commissioner Waters asked for clarification on the 4 COP state license.
. Chief David Thompson, Director of Public Safety, explained that this
license is issued from the Florida State Division of Alcoholic Beverages and
' Tobacco. He informed the Commission that this type of permit allows
consumption of alcohol on the premises.
' Moved by Waters, seconded by Beaver
. Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
The Mayor recognized and welcomed the Honorable City Council member
Art Graham as he joined the meeting.
B. Request by Rick's Used Cars for aUse-by-Exception (File UBE-
2005-04) to allow for the redevelopment of a property with uses
to permit the sale of used automobiles and automotive repair for
' ~ a site within the Commercial General (CG) Zoning District and
located at 1919 Mayport Road (City Manager)
' ' Motion: To approve aUse-by-Exception to allow for the
. redevelopment of a property with uses to permit the sale of used
automobiles and automotive repair, with the restriction of no more
' than 28 vehicles to be maintained and displayed for sale at any time, for
a site within the Commercial General (CG) Zoning District and located
at 1919 Mayport Road.
Mayor Meserve opened the floor for a public hearing and noted that the
item had been recommended for approval by the Community Development
Board. There being no public comments, the Mayor closed the public
hearing and brought the item before the Commission for discussion.
Commissioner Beaver reminded the applicant of the City's intentions to
clean up the Mayport Road corridor and asked that he keep this in mind,
respect the neighboring communities, and assist the City with this goal.
i~iav I, 2()05 RIJGULAR COi~1NIISSION NII'si;TING Page 10
Commissioner Waters asked ho4v many Use By Exceptions have existed on
this property. City Manager responded that there were none and that it is
primarily asingle-family residential area. Commissioner Waters asked how
many used car lots are going to be allowed on Mayport Road. He
commented on the number of used car lots in the area and expressed
concerns that they are inconsistent with the surrounding residential area.
Commissioner Waters objected to the way in which that area is developing
and commented that there are enough used car businesses located on
Mayport Road.
Commissioner Simmons recommended that the Commission work with the
' Community Development Board in order to address the issue before any
further requests of this type are brought before the Board and Commission.
' Commissioner Parsons agreed to vote for the Use by Exception on the
agenda tonight but suggested that the Commission needs to give direction to
-the Community Development Board regarding how many more of these
' " should be allowed.
IVloved by Parsons, seconded by Beaver
Votes:
Aye: 4 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Meserve
Nay: 1-Waters
MOTION CARRII';D
C. Numbering on Seminole Road (City'Manager)
City Manager Hanson gave the background on this issue from the previous
meeting and referred to a staff report providing further historical
information. He noted that no action was taken when the issue was
addressed in the past. He referred to the map showing approximately 40
homes affected on Seminole Road and discussed the results stemming from
both sides of the issue.
Chief David Thompson, Director of Public Safety, corrected the
' ' information in the staff report by clarifying that the homes affected by the
.. issue are located on the east side, not the west side of Seminole Road.
' ' Commissioner Waters asked about previous comments from residents who
.. lived on the oceanfront and inquired as to the extent of the issue at that
time. Chief Thompson acknowledged that in 1990 there were other areas
' ~ affected and the City had been looking at renumbering that whole area. He
noted that tonight's item deals only with the area on Seminole Road.
Commissioner Waters recognized Seminole Road as a specific situation and
asked if the same complications exist on Beach Avenue. Don Ford, City
Building Official, commented that the previous issue dealt with over 80
addresses on Beach Avenue, Coral Street, and Seminole Road. Chief
Ylav 9, 2QU5 REGULAR COIYIVIISSiON NIrI;TING Pa~~e 11
Thompson stated that most of the City's police officers are aware of the
numbering and that new officers learn it immediately.
Commissioner Waters expressed his concerns but commented that he did
not believe there was a high statistic of instances where a new emergency
vehicle driver would be responding to a situation where the
seconds/minutes of the arrival time are crucial. Commissioner Waters also
remarked that the City could renumber the street without reusing existing
house numbers. He noted that the issue is not a critical problem but merely
thought it could have repercussions some day.
Commissioner Simmons commented that many people in the larger
community expressed support for renumbering the area due to difficulties of
finding addresses there. She believed that it would entail only a short
period of time until most people would adjust to new house numbers. She
recommended further discussion on the matter.
Mayor Meserve noted that no action was taken last time the Commission
. discussed the issue and suggested surveying the people affected to find out
how they feel about the issues involved.
D. Setiver Tap Costs and Related Issues Raised by Septic Tank
Owners (City Manager)
This item was addressed earlier in the agenda:
E. Agreement with Winter and Company for Development of
Community Character Strategy (City Manager)
City Manager Hanson noted that the scope of the service agreement and the
price has been determined as presented in the staff report.
Commissioner Simmons asked when the City will announce the time and
date for the public to attend the meetings. City Manager Hanson responded
that they will confirm that information shortly. Discussion followed
regarding the best methods for informing the public.
Commissioner Parsons expressed his appreciation for the work of Winter &
.. Company but stated a preference for having the project performed in-house,
utilizing the talents of City staff.
Mayor Meserve supported the need to have an outside expert who
understands the system. He believed the City would obtain better results by
taking advantage of the experience of a professional who could also help run
the meetings and the focus groups.
Mav'I, 2005 RI:rULAR COMMISSION IViCRTINC. Pa~c 12
Commissioner Beaver and Commissioner Simmons both spoke in agreement
' ' with hiring a specialized firm to oversee the project.
Motion: To accent the recommended agreement and authorize the Citv
l~lana~er to sign it
Moved by Beaver, seconded by Simmons
Votes: .
Aye: 4 -Beaver, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 1-Parsons
MOTION CARRIh;D
' City Manager 9. City Manager
A. City Manager's Report
City Manager Hanson briefly commented on each item of his written report,
which is attached and made part of this official record as Attachment D.
' " In addition to his written report, the City Manager also reported on the
.. following:
Beach Renourishment
Noted that the bids for beach renourishment are scheduled to be opened on
May 13`h. He stated that the pending issues regarding the contract with
Jacksonville and the DEP have been resolved.
City Computer Network failure
Reported that the City authorized an emergency purchase order in order to
repair two critical computer servers that crashed on May ls`. He stated that
the maximum amount on the purchase order was $16,000, but the City has
not yet received the final bill. City Manager Hanson noted that the City's
entire shared network drives were inoperable last week but that 100% of the
' ' data lost has been recovered.
Skate Park Grand Opening
.. Reminded everyone that the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the new
Skate Park will be held this Saturday morning at 9:00 A.M. He commented
that they expect a large crowd and that, following the event, they will have
.. a ribbon cutting for the Ped Path on Plaza Drive.
NI•iv J ~QOS Ri;GtJLAR CONiI~IISSION iVIF,rTING Pa~c 13
Reports/Requests
City Commissioners
City Attorney
10. Reports and/or requests from City Commissioners and City
Attorney
Commissioner Beaver
• Commented that the City will have registration forms at the Skate
Park opening ceremony for anyone under 17 years old. He
explained that youths need the forms signed by a parent and
notarized in order to receive the sticker for their helmet and use the
park.
• Expressed the need to discuss and decide how many more used car
dealers should be allowed on Mayport Road. He noted that the City
has the opportunity to recreate Mayport Road and they need to
determine how to do this. He asked for staff to look into the issue
and bring back information to help direct the Commission on this
task.
• Suggested that the two markers in Town Center signifying the cities
of Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach need to be illuminated more
so that they can be seen better at night.
Commissioner Simmons
• Expressed appreciation for the well-written and polite letters of
concern received by the Commission from citizens.
• Discussed the woman's self-defense course given by the City's
,Public Safety department last week. She spoke highly of the
program and suggested the same course to Teen Council. She noted
that the program received very positive responses from the women
who participated in it.
Commissioner Parsons
• Presented his thoughts regarding the tree board ordinance. He
clarified that a month ago his intent was to send a message to the
Tree Board to rewrite parts of the ordinance and bring it back to the
Commission. He expressed the need for the Commission to approve
the rewriting of the ordinance so that it requires a permit for anyone
intending to cut down a tree in the City.
Commissioner Simmons indicated that she thought the issue was
going to be addressed during the upcoming community character
meetings with Winter and Company. Commissioner Parsons
asserted that he preferred to have the Tree Board begin working on
the issue immediately and not wait until the meetings with Winter
and Company.
Mayor Meserve noted that the Commission can ask the Tree Board
to study the issue and present their recommendations. He
recommended acquiring a copy of Jacksonville Beach's tree
1~1•w J X005 REGULAR CONII~IISSION NIEETINC. Pa~~c 14
ordinance to share with the Tree Board in order to receive their input
before the ambiance workshops.
Discussion ensued regarding the direction being taken by the Tree
Board on the issue and the items on their agenda for their next
meeting on Wednesday, May 11`h. Jamie Fletcher, Tree Board
member, announced that the Committee was meeting twice that
week in order to review other cities' tree ordinances and to bring a
proposal to the Commission before the meetings with Winter and
Company.
' • Discussed his thoughts regarding the recent strategic planning
meetings and suggested the Commission have a meeting to review
the results of those workshops. Commissioner Parsons confirmed
' his desire to prioritize the list of goals resulting from the strategic
planning meetings.
Commissioner Simmons explained that all the items on the list are
considered priorities, carried over from last year and, rather than
being numbered, they are given dates according to when they can be
accomplished. Mayor Meserve assured that everything on the list
would be tackled by the City, but suggested having the City
Manager and staff prioritize the list and present it for discussion at a
Commission meeting.
Commissioner Waters
• Expressed his opinions on the strategic planning workshops. Noted
that the meetings produce good results in the long run.
• Agreed with Commissioner Beaver's idea regarding the need for
' better lighting for the City plaques in Town Center.
• Discussed a complaint received regarding a barking dog at 196
Poinsettia Street. He asked Chief Thompson for advice regarding
the situation. Chief Thompson responded that he would speak with
Animal Control and see what can be done.
• Commented on the statements from Valerie Britt and her
' contingents. Expressed interest in protecting the marshlands located
across from Atlantic Beach's marshes and suggested that the City
keep an eye on the situation as it develops.
• Reported on the 19`h Annual Environmental Permitting Summer
School. Noted that it is worth the expense and recommended it to
the Commission.
Mayor Meserve
• Spoke highly of the new skate park and strongly suggested that the
Commissioners attend the ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday.
Discussed the possibility of exploring options from a public safety
perspective in order to monitor the activities and number of people
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within the skate park until it becomes self-regulating.
Commissioner Beaver suggested investigating how security is
handled at skate parks in other cities. The Mayor suggested keeping
a close eye on the skate park for the initial time period in order to
make sure helmets are worn and control number of people.
Adjournment There being no further discussion, the Mayor declared the meeting
adjourned at 9:18 p.m.
John Meserve, Mayor/Presiding Officer
ATTEST:
Donna L. Bussey
City Clerk