MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
June 13, 2005
CITY HALL, 800 SEMINOLE ROAD
Attendance IN ATTENDANCE:
Mayor John Meserve City Manager Jim 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 7:18 p.m. The Invocation,
given by Mayor Meserve, was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag. ~~
Approval of Minutes 1. Approve minutes of the Regular Commission meeting of May
23, 2005.
Commissioner Simmons referred to page three of the minutes where it was
stated that the Mayor expressed concern that every arterial road entering the
beaches will be under construction simultaneously. She asked that the
minutes include the fact that the Mayor also noted that Mayport Road was
not reflected in the MPO plan presented at the meeting.
Commissioner Simmons noted incorrect wording on page ten, second bullet
from the bottom of the page. She stated that Rick Carper, Director of
Public Works, explained that the turn lane is located just barely north, not
south, of the existing trees. Commissioner Simmons requested that the
minutes be changed accordingly.
Motion: Approve minutes of the Regular Commission meeting of May
23, 2005 as amended.
' Moved by Simmons, seconded by Parsons
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Courtesy of the Floor 2. Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors
J.P. Marchioli, 414 Sherry Drive, discussed sex offender information in
the area and noted that there were 69 offenders listed within afive-mile
radius of his home. He expressed concern with the safety issue of kids
sitting on top of the wall at the front of the skate park. Mr. Marchioli
June 13, 2005 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 2
reiterated his concern that there was no traffic count included in the plans
for Five Point Intersection improvements. He commented on the ordinance
written for the news racks in Winter Park, Florida. Mr. Marchioli believed
that the language used in the sexual violation section of the ordinance
should not have been included in the Commission agenda packet.
Mayor Meserve recognized Councilman Art Graham and thanked him for
attending the meeting.
Clyde Bradley, 443 Whiting Lane, discussed the Five Point intersection
project and stated his disapproval of the plan. Mr. Bradley commented that
he believed the project is a waste of $250,040 and believed that the City
should spend the money on something more reasonable.
Unfinished Business 3. Unfinished Business from Previous Meeting
from Previous Meeting
A. City Manager's Follow-up Report
City Manager Hanson reviewed each item in his written follow-up report,
which is attached and made part of this official record as Attachment A. In
addition to his written report, the City Manager also commented on the
following.
Beach Renourishment
City Manager Hanson thanked Councilman Art Graham and Mayor
Meserve for their assistance with the preconstruction meeting after
Jacksonville's project manager unexpectedly resigned. He reported that the
City of Jacksonville has since hired Kevin Bodge of Olsen and Associates
to assist and represent them throughout the project. He noted that the
renourishment process began last week and is estimated to affect the
Atlantic Beach area beginning mid-July and lasting for approximately two
and a half weeks. City Manager Hanson reminded the Commission that
there are approximately one and a half miles of beaches in Atlantic Beach
and Jacksonville Beach that need the dunes rebuilt, but could not be funded
by the Corps of Engineers' original contract. However, he reported that the
City of Jacksonville, from savings that resulted from the beach
renourishment bid being under budget, has since agreed in principal to help
pay for the dune restoration work, necessitated by the effects of Hurricane
Jeanne last fall. Overall, he reported that the beach renourishment project is
going well.
Commissioner Beaver suggested that the City send out letters to ocean front
residents in order to ensure everyone is aware of the 24-hour s-a-day beach
renourishment operation that will be taking place this summer. Mayor
Meserve mentioned that he had hoped the local newspapers would print
maps depicting the progress of the renourishment process on a day-by-day
.Tune 13, 2005 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Pale 3
basis in order to keep the citizens updated. The Mayor thanked Councilman
Graham for his assistance with the project.
Consent Agenda 4. Consent Agenda
A. Acknowledge receipt of Public Safety Monthly Report and
Monthly Financial Reports for April, Public Works and Utility
Department Monthly Report, Utility Sales for April, Building
Department Monthly Report and Report of New Occupational
Licenses issued in May (City Manager)
B. Acknowledge receipt of the 2004 Water Quality Report (City
Manager)
C. Accept the water and sewer infrastructure in the Junior Enlisted
Men Housing development for ownership and maintenance by
the City of Atlantic~Beach (City Manager)
D. Accept the infrastructure of the Richardson Lane sewer
extension for City ownership and maintenance (City Manager)
E. Approve the Voluntary Cooperation Agreement between the
Duval County School Police and the Atlantic Beach Police
Department (City Manager)
F. Approve the renewal of the Mutual Aid Agreement between
Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville
Beach (City Manager)
Commissioner Simmons asked that Item A be removed from the Consent
Agenda for discussion.
Motion: Approve Consent Agenda Items B through F as presented.
Moved by Beaver, seconded by Parsons
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRII;rD
Commissioner Simmons noted that the number of phone calls to Animal
Control increased tremendously this year. She questioned the reasons for
the increase. Chief David Thompson acknowledged that the high increase
is unusual and attributed some of it to repetitive calls regarding individual
incidents and not necessarily a higher number of incidents. He further
explained that when the Animal Control officer is on vacation, such as last
month, it is more likely that some people will call a number of times
regarding one incident.
Motion: Accept Item A on Consent Agenda as presented.
,rune 13, ?005 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 4
Moved by Simmons, seconded by Waters
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters,lVleserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Committee Reports 5. Committee Reports
None
' Action on Resolutions 6. Action on Resolutions
None
Action on Ordinances 7. Action on Ordinances
A. Ordinance No. 58-05-31, Public Hearing and Final Reading
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2 ADMINISTRATION,
ARTICLE VI, EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, AMENDING DIVISION
IV, POLICE OFFICER'S RETIREMENT SYSTEM, SECTION 2-
310.27 MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS TO PROVIDE FOR
SEVERABILITY; TO PROVIDE FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Mayor Meserve read the ordinance by title only. He explained that this
ordinance changes the members' contributions as it was recently negotiated
through the contract with the police union.
City Manager Hanson reported that all proposed ordinances dealing with
pension plans are sent to the State for review and the State had responded
that there were two technical problems with the ordinance. Therefore, it
was recommended that the second meeting for adopting the ordinance be
deferred until the issues are resolved. It was pointed out that the City of
Atlantic Beach is nat permitted to have different pension contribution rates
for different groups of police officers, but thaC the City had already
established these rates prior to this change in the state law.
Mayor Meserve opened the item to a public hearing and asked if anyone
wished to address the issue. There were no public comments. The Mayor
closed the public hearing and brought it back before the Commission.
Motion: Defer second reading of ordinance until agreement with the
State is achieved.
Moved by Beaver, seconded by Simmons
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
June 13, 2QQ5 REGULAR CONIMiSSiON MEETING Pale 5
Miscellaneous Business 8. Miscellaneous Business
A. Presentation of Appraisal for Land for the Hopkins Creek
Retention Pond and Authorization to Pursue Acquisition (City
Manager)
City Manager Hanson noted that the City acquired an updated appraisal of
$392,000 for the two-acre piece of the Hopkins Creek property. He
reported that City staff recommended offering that amount to the Sunrise
Community Church in order to buy the parcel.
Motion: Authorize staff to offer the appraised value and begin
negotiations with Sunrise Community Church for acquisition of the
designated parcel.
Commissioner Waters inquired if there is a set percentage above the
appraised value that the City is legally allowed to offer. City Attorney Alan
Jensen replied that there is no set percentage stated by law, but that the City
should negotiate in good faith based on the appraisal they have received.
Moved by Parsons, seconded by Simmons
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
B. Web Site Development and Hosting Contract (City Manager)
City Manager Hanson reviewed the City's need to change website hosting
companies. He reported that, led by Chief David Thompson, the City has
evaluated different website companies and has selected one company and its
contract for consideration by the Commission. He indicated that approving
the contract with the new company would allow the City to operate its
website without the current problems and with new features and functions,
such as online forms, online payments and email notification of city
postings.
Motion: Approve si~nin~ the contract with CivicPlus for services as
identified in the contract.
Moved by Simmons, seconded by Waters
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
June 13, 2005 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 6
C. Accept the ownership and maintenance responsibility for public
improvements within and by the Paradise Preserve subdivision
(City Manager)
City Manager Hanson reported that Rick Carper, Director of Public Works,
was currently not in the office and referred the Commission to his staff
report on this item. He noted that the utilities and streets for the subdivision
are completed and within city specifications, however, the streets are to
remain private. He pointed out that the infrastructure improvements for the
public recreation area are not yet complete and referred to Sonya Doerr,
Director of Planning and Zoning, for more information on the issue.
Ms. Doerr commented that the City is working with Mr. Nichols to resolve
the issue of the public recreation area. She indicated that if it can not be
resolved consistent with the PUD requirements, it will be brought back
before the Commission as afnew PUD.
Motion: Accent the ownership and maintenance responsibility for
public improvements within and by the Paradise Preserve subdivision.
Moved by Simmons, seconded by Parsons
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
D. Request from Paul Nichols of Bestcon Homes to begin
construction of additional homes in Paradise Preserve
subdivision (Mayor)
Mayor Meserve reminded the Commission of their approval given to
Bestcon Homes to construct the initial seven homes in the subdivision. He
commented that the sales for those residences are going well. The Mayor
believed that Mr. Nichols has presented adequate assurance that everything
in the subdivision will meet City specifications.
Motion: Approve the request from Paul Nichols of Bestcon Homes to
begin construction of additional homes in Paradise Preserve
subdivision.
Commissioner Waters asked Mr. Nichols for further information on how the
last remaining issue of public recreation space will be resolved. Paul
Nichols of Bestcon Homes responded and reviewed the history of their
initial PUD presentation. He discussed his intent to preserve the large trees
in the proposed lake area and to create a secondary component within the
loop to serve as the park area. However, Mr. Nichols reported that these
changes have resulted in a shortage of the required amount of recreation
area needed to meet the PUD criteria. He indicated that they are currently
June 13, 2005 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 7
discussing ways to change the loop area into a recreation area and suggested
placing a gazebo there as a focal recreation point for the neighborhood.
Commissioner Waters commented that the solution presented may skirt the
requirements for the PUD and believed that it should be resolved so that
" there is a definite recreation amenity located in the subdivision. Mr.
Nichols discussed the different ways for viewing recreation and stated that
he intends to meet the City's criteria.
Commissioner Waters inquired if large emergency vehicles, such as fire
trucks, would have problems navigating the roads in the development. Mr.
" Nichols believed that the fire trucks would be able to negotiate in any
manner needed and did not believe that curbs would prevent the fire trucks
from responding.
Commissioner Beaver noted that the original intention was to have green
space within the PUD and stressed the importance of this. He commented
" that the suggested solution would result in eliminating green space from the
neighborhood. Mr. Nichols further clarified the design and location of the
proposed gazebo and discussed the landscaping of the area.
Commissioner Beaver asked if the suggestions proposed by Mr. Nichols
would be brought back to the Commission for approval. Sonya Doerr stated
there is no requirement in the city code to bring the changes back to the
Commission as long as they meet the requirements of the PUD. She noted
that they are working through the issue and are still trying to determine the
acreage involved. Mr. Nichols informed the Commission that there are also
other areas in the neighborhood where green space is made available. Ms.
Doerr referred the Commission to the map included in the agenda packet
that indicates the buffer areas.
Commissioner Simmons asked for further clarification of the area being
discussed. Mr. Nichols described the location of the area and explained that
it has been laid out, but was reduced in size.
Moved by Simmons, seconded by Beaver
Votes:
" Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
E. Award the contract for the 2005 Beach Avenue Water Main
Project (Bid No.0405-16) to John Woody, Inc. in the amount of
. $25b,221.70 and authorize the City Manager to sign the contract
(City Manager)
,June 13, 2005 RTJGULAR CONiN1I5SION NtIJrTING Page 8
Motion: Award the contract for the 200 Beach Avenue Water Main
Proiect (Bid No.0405-1G) to John Woody. Inc. in the amount of
• X256,221.70 and authorize the City Manager to sign the contract
Mayor Meserve noted he had received questions from citizens regarding the
nature of the work. Thus, he clarified that the City is not rebuilding lines
but is continuing the improvement system that has been in progress for
some time.
Moved by Parsons, seconded by Waters
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
F. Authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement for the Police
Department to participate in the local Child Abduction
Response Team (City Manager)
City Manager noted that this is a new agreement and it increases police
focus on child abduction cases. The proposal would create a mutual aid
agreement so that regional police departments can join forces and form a
child abduction response team. Chief Thompson, Director of Public Safety,
indicated that it is beneficial to have trained personnel working on these
• cases and reported that the City's police department has already trained
three of its officers for this specific area.
Motion: Authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement for the
Police Department to participate in the local Child Abduction Response
" Team
Moved by Beaver, seconded by Waters
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: o
1VIOTION CARRIED
G. Authorize the City Manager to sign the final Communications
Site Lease Agreement with Nextel South Corporation (City
Manager)
Mayor Meserve explained that this is an agreement to place antennae on top
of the City's water tower.
Motion: Authorize the City Manager to sign the final Communications
Site Lease Agreement with Nextel South Corporation
June 13, 2005 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 9
1Vloved by Beaver, seconded by Waters
Votes:
• Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
• . Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
H. Possible subdivision and rezoning of lots on West 1St Street (City
' Manager)
City Manager Hanson reported that, for over a year, the City has been
discussing the issue of bringing more presence and more residents closer to
Tideviews Park in order to improve safety in that area. He discussed the
proposal of subdividing the city-owned property on West First Street in
order to create new lots for residential use near the park. It was pointed out
that if the Commission approves, the proposal would be brought before the
Community Development Board for replatting and for down-zoning from
commercial to residential use prior to any sale of the property.
Commissioner Waters inquired if the entire property, or just the individual
• lots, would be down-zoned. Sonya Doerr, Director of Planning and Zoning,
responded that the entire property would be rezoned and that the individual
lots would be 75 x 100 feet, exceeding the RS-1 district standards, but still
resulting in a buffer area between the residential and the commercial areas.
Commissioner Waters expressed concern that the local residents in the area
would perceive the proposal as a loss of their buffer area. He suggested
' that the remaining 200 feet of land be secured as part of Tideviews Park.
Ms. Doerr responded that his suggestion could be included in the plan and
she discussed the various means for accomplishing his proposal.
Commissioner Waters stressed his concern about trees in the vicinity dying
due to flooding if the buffer is decreased and reiterated his preference that
the remaining 200 feet be put into the park area.
• Discussion ensued regarding the language for a proposed motion. Ms.
Doerr noted that any rezoning proposed would need to remain consistent
with the City's Comprehensive plan designation.
Commissioner Beaver reported that he had spoken with five of the eight
permanent residents on Jasmine Street regarding this issue. He noted that
• the citizens spoke in favor of the project. He indicated that their biggest
concern is losing the buffer area. Commissioner Beaver suggested
reforesting part of the buffer to help fill in the areas. He also discussed the
• idea of fences being installed in order to prevent people from encroaching
on the buffer area. He stated that the plan would provide the benefits of
creating additional neighbors for the residents' safety and of protecting the
• area from future development.
une 13, 2005 REGULAR COMMISSION NIrETING Page 10
Mayor Meserve suggested bringing back the appropriate language at the
next meeting in order to address the zoning of the property and to guarantee
that the park land remains.
Motion: Allow staff to carry proposal to the Community Development
' ' Board for review and brim back to the Commission with
recommendations for protections in place for the additional
community.
Commissioner Waters asked for clarification of the maps in the agenda
packet and discussed the value of the lots shown. The possibility of
creating a buffer out of one of the partial lots indicated on the map was also
discussed.
' Moved by Beaver, seconded by Waters
Votes: f
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
I. Summary of Winter Park (Florida) news rack code (City
Manager)
City Manager Hanson gave the history on the Commission's previous
discussion regarding news racks and apologized if the language used in
Winter Park's ordinance offended anyone. He stated that Atlantic Beach
currently has language in its codes that prohibits obscenity and prevents
news racks from encroaching on the streets or sidewalks. He pointed out
that Winter Park has a requirement that standardizes all news racks to one
specific type, but the City does not perceive it as a particularly attractive
option. He indicated that City staff does not believe the news rack
requirements of Winter Park's ordinance would present any improvement to
Atlantic Beach's situation.
Commissioner Waters remarked that there was a good conceptual idea in
Winter Park's ordinance and suggested that the City look into utilizing
- • permitting as a way to discourage any undesirable items. Sonya Doerr,
Director of Planning and Zoning, noted that she has attempted contacting
Winter Parkin order to get pictures of more attractive options.
J. Request for funding from Players By The Sea for $3125.00
(Mayor)
Mayor Meserve pointed out that this item was a formal request made to the
Commission, but not a recommendation. He remarked that the City has
given considerable support to Atlantic Beach's own theater organization.
June 13, 28(15 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Pa~c 11
He was not in favor of supporting another agency outside the city limits and
stated it sets a bad precedent for future requests from other organizations.
r Commissioner Simmons stated she has been keeping a list of all the non-
profit organizations that have approached Atlantic Beach and other beach
' ' cities for funding. She suggested that the City address the issue at budget
time, reassess the City's policy, and not deal with it on a piece-by-giece
basis as each case comes before them.
K. Discussion on Auditor's Report (Beaver)
Commissioner Beaver commented that the auditor at the last Commission
meeting mentioned two areas, relating to utilities and pension, that were
close to being under budget. He asked staff to review these areas prior to
budget time in order to prevent any problems in the future. He suggested
addressing the issues at budget time in order to consider ways to fund any
shortages.
Commissioner Waters agreed that the issues needed to be reviewed. He
discussed the issue of storm water being listed as a utility and commented
that he did not believe it was ever intended to cover itself as such.
Mayor Meserve clarified that the specific issue in the report was that the
funding of the pension funds has gone down over the last few years and the
City does not want that trend to continue. City Manager Hanson further
explained that reasons for the decrease in funding could be attributed to the
fact that liabilities have increased. Mayor Meserve agreed that the City
should create along-term plan in order to continue monitoring the status of
the pension funds.
L. Dedication of skate park to Sandy Forsyth (Mayor)
Mayor Meserve discussed the memorial service he attended for Sandy
Forsyth. He mentioned that he has spoken with the Beaches Rotary Club
and they agreed that it would be a nice gesture to place a plaque at the skate
park dedicated to the memory of Sandy Forsyth. He reminded the
Commission that Sandy Forsyth was one of the original supporters of the
skateboard park and had donated $5000 at the very beginning of the project.
Discussion ensued regarding the type of plaque to be chosen and it was
decided that a recommendation would be brought back to the Commission
for approval.
June 13, 2o0S REGULAR COMMISSION NI~ETING PaQC 12
City Manager 9. City 1Vlanaber
A. City Manager's Report
City Manager Jim Hanson summarized his written report, which is attached
and made part of this official record as Attachment B. In addition to the
items listed in his written report, the City Manager also addressed the
following issues.
Emergency Purchase Order
He reported that an emergency purchase order was issued that day for
$12,557 as a change order for new equipment needed to replace a broken
valve at the Buccaneer wastewater treatment plant.
F
Five Points Intersection Design
The City Manager distributed the 100% drawing of the project to the
Commission. He also passed out a flyer illustrating the lamp chosen to
meet the requested efficiency standards of directing light downward, as
opposed to sending light upwards. He noted that the type of lamp shown is
not supported by JEA so the City will be required to maintain it. He
reported that the project will be sent out for bids within the next couple
weeks and the City anticipates having the construction begun by August.
City Accomplishment List
City Manager Hanson handed out a list of City accomplishments. He noted
that the list is a rough draft, due to the fact that it was requested earlier this
year, as opposed to its normal distribution in September.
Commissioner Waters questioned the reasons for the City's janitorial
services contract falling through a second time. City Manager Hanson
responded that the city has higher expectations than what has been being
met by the lowest bidders accepted. Commissioner Waters asked if the City
was obligated to accept the lowest bids submitted. City Attorney Alan
Jensen responded that by Florida statute, the City has an obligation to
accept the best lowest bid presented for the services requested.
Commissioner Waters discussed a previous suggestion presented for
constructing a sidewalk from Sixteenth Street to Seminole Road. He
expressed concern with the safety issue of people currently having to walk
in the street and proposed that the project be pursued. City Manager
Hanson stated that the issue had been discussed with Rick Carper, Director
of Public Works and that it was discovered that they need to consider the
fact that a sidewalk would eliminate beach access parking on that street.
June 13, ?005 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 13
Reports/Requests
City Commissioners
Ciiy Attorney
10. Reports and/or requests from City Commissioners and City
Attorney
City Clerk
•:• Reported that she will be attending the FACC conference in Orlando
next week and will be out of the office Monday, Tuesday, and
Wednesday.
Commissioner Beaver
• Discussed two line items in the budget for new sidewalks and
sidewalk replacements. He indicated that the City might not use that
money this year and suggested that some of the sidewalk
replacements scheduled for next year be advanced to this year so
that the money would not be lost.
• Expressed concern with parents leaving their children at the
skateboard park unsupervised. He noted that Item #1 on the
waiverJconsent form states that there is no supervision provided by
the City at the Atlantic Beach skate park. He advised parents
signing the waivers to be aware of and understand this provision.
• Discussed the issue of sex offenders and expressed his concern with
any number of them being within the City limits. He commented on
Miami Beach's new ordinance prohibiting sex offenders within
2500 feet of schools or child daycare centers. He requested that the
City review its current laws on the issue and suggested including
parks as an area within the City that prohibits sex offenders in its
vicinity. He spoke in favor of moving the sex offenders into an area
in order to control their location and have police keep an eye on
them.
Mayor Meserve asked Councilman Art Graham for any suggestions.
Councilman Graham stated that the City of Jacksonville is in the
process of pursuing the same ideas as discussed by Commissioner
Beaver. He addressed the problems they are facing with
determining a reasonable distance required from public areas
frequented by children, without forcing individuals out of the city.
He noted he would keep Atlantic Beach informed on their progress
and he encouraged the beach communities to adopt similar solutions
as ones developed by Jacksonville. He also mentioned that
Councilman Daniel Davis initiated the project and is working
closely with their sheriff on it.
Chief David Thompson stated that he has reviewed a copy of
Jacksonville's proposed ordinance with the 2500-foot restriction
distance. He noted that adopting a similar ordinance would
basically prevent any sex offender from moving into Atlantic Beach,
but they could not kick people out of the city. He further discussed
Junc 13, 2005 REGULAR CONINIISSiON MEETING Pale 14
issues of accountability and legal implications of what can be done
to protect the City's residents as well as the rights of all citizens.
Commissioner Simmons
• Indicated that discrepancies in the data reported on sex offenders
could be due to the fact that the information is recorded according to
zip codes. She explained that the zip code for Atlantic Beach,
32233, includes areas beyond the City's jurisdiction. She discussed
the rules that apply to the sex offenders and asked that police be
vigilant about ensuring that those individuals abide by the laws.
• Referenced a letter from atwelve-year old who believed that the
skate park is above certain ability levels and asked for an additional
area added to the park for those with lower skill levels.
Commissioner Simmons believed that the park is not above
anyone's skill level, if it is approached in the correct way. She
noted the many different areas of the park that can be used. She
suggested that the City monitor the situation of how the park is used
by different ages and skill levels and possibly consider establishing
blocks of time specifically set aside for those different groups of
skaters. She encouraged making the park user-friendly for all ability
levels without expending more City money on the issue.
Chief Thompson mentioned that a search for data on sex offenders
within afive-mile radius from certain addresses in the city would
also include sex offenders located in Neptune Beach, Jacksonville
Beach, and Jacksonville. He stated that Atlantic Beach has 14 sex
offenders residing within the City limits. He directed people to the
Public Safety page of the Atlantic Beach website in order to search
for information on sex offenders in the area.
Commissioner Parsons
• Mentioned that there is a Fried Turkey Beach Bash being held on
June 18`h in order to support Cancer Research. He noted that he and
Councilman Art Graham are on the board together and encouraged
everyone to attend and support the cause.
Commissioner Waters
• Asked for clarification of what defines a sex offender. Chief David
Thompson, Director of Public Safety, responded that sex offenders
are defined by law, and the definition involves a conviction of lewd
or lascivious behavior with a child. Commissioner Waters inquired
if it was strictly referring to pedophiles or could it include other
types of sexual offenses other than with children. Chief Thompson
,June 13, 2Q05 REGUi,AR COMMISSION MEETING Page 15
responded that the majority of the cases involve children but there
are exceptions that involve sex offenses of other types.
Commissioner Simmons asked if the state has a pedophile
designation separate from other types of sexual predators. Chief
Thompson replied that they do not and briefly explained the
differences among the various terms used. He offered to submit a
staff report to the Commission that would articulate these
differences.
Mayor Meserve
• Addressed a citizen's comments implying that the new design of the
Five Points Intersection would be less safe than it is today. He
reported that neither~he nor Chief Thompson believe that to be true.
He acknowledged that the City is spending some money on
aesthetics, however he asserted that it is a miniscule percentage of
any of the City's budgets from the last few years. He noted that
many other cities and counties do the same and that Atlantic Beach
usually spends its money on utilities rather than beautification. He
spoke strongly in favor of the project and predicted that the new
design will re-create a polite and neighborly atmosphere at the
intersection.
Adjournment There being no further discussion, the Mayor declared the meeting
adjourned at 8:56 p.m.
John Meserve, Mayor/Presiding Officer
ATTEST:
Donna L. Bussey
City Clerk