04-22-91 v CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1991
AGENDA
Call to Order
Invocation and pledge to the flag
1. Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of April 8, 1991.
2. Recognition of Visitors:
3. Appearances:
A. Richard Brown, Professional Firefighters of Jacksonville Beach
4. Old Business:
A. Discussion and related action regarding Sea Gardens Lift Station
(Robert Kosoy, Public Services Director)
5. Committee Reports:
Report and recommendation from Awards Committee Chairman,
Commissioner Edwards relative to:
A. Bid 9091-14 relative to Police Uniforms
B. Bid 9091-15 relative to Janitorial Service
6. Resolutions:
A. Approval of Resolution #91-13 in the amount of $4,465 relative to
the purchase of a used truck for the Equipment Maintenance
Department (Harry Royal, Finance Director)
B. Approval of Resolution #91-14 in the amount of $71,750 relative
to construction of a parking lot at the new City Hall (Harry
Royal, Finance Director)
7. Ordinances:
A. Continuation of public hearing and final reading of Ordinance
#80-90-44 regarding Stormwater Management Utility Fees
B. Public hearing of Ordinance #58-91-15 relative to Firefighters
and Police Officers as related to the retirement system
8. New Business:
A. Introduction of proposed Community Development Corporation for
Donner Subdivision area (Stan Reigger)
B. Request for abandonment of easement-Selva Linkside (Louis
MacDonell)
C. Recommendation by the Recreation Advisory Board relative to cost
list for "Activity Plans" for Donner Park
D. Approval of amendment to Gee & Jenson contract relative to
Buccaneer WWTP (Public Services Director Robert Kosoy)
9. City Manager reports and/or correspondence:
A. New City Hall - move-in date
10. Mayor to call on City Commissioners, City Attorney and City Clerk:
Adjournment
•
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ATLANTIC BEACH CITY COM— V V
MISSION HELD IN CITY HALL AT 7:15 PM ON MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1991 O O
PRESENT: William I. Gulliford, Jr. , Mayor T T
E E
Robert B. Cook D D
Glenn A. Edwards, and
Adelaide R. Tucker
M S
AND: Kim D. Leinbach, City Manager .0 E
Alan C. Jensen, City Attorney . T C
Maureen King, City Clerk I 0 Y
ABSENT: John W. Weldon (Out of town, Excused) NAME OF N S N
N
COMMRS. N D S 0
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Gulliford. The
invocation, offered by Commissioner Cook, was followed by the
pledge to the flag.
1. Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of April 8,
1991 Cook x
Edwards x x
Motion: Approve minutes of regular meeting of April 8, 1991 Tucker x x
Gulliford x
No discussion before the vote. The motion carried unanimously.
2. Recognition of Visitors:
Jeanie Bennett, 260 Camelia Street, inquired regarding removal of a
JEA pole which was no longer in use in Section H. Public Services
Director Kosoy said he would contact JEA. She also commented that
some of the recently installed culverts were filling up with sand
and asked whether the banks of the ditches could be stabilized and
inquired whether the city has the proper equipment to maintain the
ditches. Bob Kosoy said he hoped this equipment would be provided
for in next year's budget. Mayor Gulliford said he was not happy
with the ditches, especially on Camelia Street. Since the project
was nearing completion, he asked the city commissioners to visit
the area before the next meeting to see what additional
improvements might be necessary.
Barbara Bonner, 463 Selva Lakes Circle, also requested that a
drainage ditch behind Selva Lakes be cleaned out. Bob Kosoy was
directed to look into this.
Ray Salman, 1633 Park Terrace East, objected to the City of
Atlantic Beach being frequently referred to as "one of
Jacksonville's beaches." He felt Atlantic Beach should be
recognized as an independent entity, since the city is not being
adequately supported financially by the City of Jacksonville for
roads, accesses to the beaches, and all the other things for which
the tax revenues paid by Atlantic Beach citizens should be used.
Mayor Gulliford said he hoped to arrange some negotiations
regarding the interlocal agreement with the new administration in
the City of Jacksonville and invited Mr. Salman to be a part of
these negotiations.
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Ann Crowder, 1658 Sea Oats Drive, said she had 200 petitioners who
were concerned about a recent news article which indicated the city
may initiate fees for use of its parks and recreational facilities.
Dorothy Kerber, 365 First Street, said she felt with the continuing
reduction in state revenue sharing funds, citizens should be
willing to pay a fee for the upkeep of the facilities, and she felt
non-residents should be charged at a higher rate.
Others who spoke to the matter of user fees included Mr. McBride,
1285 Camelia Street, who felt that the city was trying to go two
different directions with the recent acquisition of additional land
for recreation, and then establishing a fee for use of same; Nina
Bridier, 599 Clipper Ship Lane, said she had been a long time
resident of Atlantic Beach and felt there should be no fee to
children.
In response to the newspaper article and the comments from the
citizens, Mayor Gulliford read a prepared statement on the subject,
copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
of the Atlantic Beach Litt_e League
The Mayor said he had met the incoming president/and telt the
problems of the past years could be resolved.
Motion: Accept the recommendation of the Mayor and direct Cook x x
the City Manager to contact the league and request Edwards x
copies of the documents listed in his letter be Tucker x x
presented to the City Commission by their meeting of Gulliford x
May 13, 1991
No discussion before the vote. The motion carried unanimously.
3. Appearances:
A. Richard Brown, Professional Firefighters of Jacksonville Beach
Mr. Brown was not in attendance but Lt. Jimmy Hill of the Atlantic
Beach Fire Department read aloud a letter to the Mayor and members
of the City Commission, copy of which is attached hereto and made a
part hereof.
4. Old Business:
A. Discussion and related action regarding Sea Gardens Lift
Station
Mr. Kosoy reported he had met with Denis Dawes from the Sea
Gardens Homeowners' Association who had indicated that the
Association intended to fight the granting of the easement. The
Utilities Committee felt due to the small amount of land being
acquired and the time restraints involved, an Order of Taking
should be initiated. Mr. Dawes was in the audience and indicated
the Homeowners Association would meet this week and he would report
back to the city. Mr. Kosoy reminded the Commission that bids
would be opened mid May. City Attorney Jensen asked that this
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matter be placed on the agenda at the Special Meeting on April 29,
1991.
5. Committee Reports:
Report and recommendation from Awards Committee Chairman,
Commissioner Edwards, relative to:
A. Bid No. 9091-14 relative to police uniforms
Commissioner Edwards reported that two proposals had been received
to provide uniforms for the Police Department. After review of the
bids, it was the recommendation of the Awards Committee that the
city purchase the new uniforms from Harrison Uniforms of
Jacksonville at the bid price of $10,702.50. Chief Thompson said
this price was slightly more expensive than the current uniforms;
however, he felt the new uniforms would last longer and were
locally available.
Cook x
Motion: Authorize purchase of police uniforms from Harrison Edwards x x
Uniforms of Jacksonville at the bid price of Tucker x x
$10,702.50 Gulliford x
No discussion before the vote. The motion carried unanimously.
B. Bid No. 9091-15 relative to janitorial service
Commissioner Edwards reported five bids had been received to
provide cleaning service at the city buildings. Review of the
bids revealed that four of the bidders did not meet all
specifications and it was the recommendation of the Awards
Committee that the city accept the bid of Jani King as the lowest
and best bid. Commissioner Edwards pointed out the old City Hall
had not been included in this bid but would be bid separately when
the future use of the building had been determined.
Cook x
Motion: Accept the bid of Jani King in the amount of $31,524 Edwards x x
to provide cleaning services at the city's buildings Tucker x x
for a period of one year Gulliford x
After brief discussion, the question was called and the motion
carried unanimously.
6. Resolutions:
A. Resolution No. 91-13
Mayor Gulliford presented in full, in writing Resolution No. 91-13
authorizing a budget adjustment in the amount of $4,465.00 to
provide for the purchase of a used truck for the Equipment
Maintenance Department. Cook x
Edwards x x
Motion: Approve passage of Resolution No. 91-13 Tucker x x
Gulliford x
No discussion before the vote. The motion carried unanimously.
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APRIL 22, 1991 V V
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B. Resolution No. 91-14
Mayor Gulliford presented in full, in writing Resolution No. 91-14
authorizing a budget adjustment in the amount of $71 ,750.00 to
provide for the construction of a parking lot at the new City
Hall. Cook x x
Edwards x x
Motion: Approve passage of Resolution No. 91-14 Tucker x
Gulliford x
In response to a question from William McGee, 1831 Selva Marina
Drive, Mayor Gulliford explained the additional parking at Russell
Park was not only required because of the construction of the new
City Hall, but was also needed to accommodate the large numbers of
people using the park, particularly during the Little League
season. The question was called and the motion carried
unanimously.
7. Ordinances:
Ordinance No. 80-90-44 - Continued Public Hearing
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
ATLANTIC BEACH, AMENDING CHAPTER 22, UTILITIES, ADDING UNDER
ARTICLE IV A SECTION TO ESTABLISH STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UTILITY
RATES, TO PROVIDE GENERAL PROVISIONS, DEFINE FEE CATEGORIES,
ESTABLISH A FEE SCHEDULE, SET ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTY PROCEDURES,
ESTABLISH AN APPEAL PROCESS, DEFINE SEVERABILITY, AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE
Mayor Gulliford presented in full, in writing, Ordinance No.
80-90-44 and reminded the audience the floor was still open for the
public hearing and invited further comments from the audience.
William McGee, 1831 Selva Marina Drive, said he had reviewed
materials at City Hall relative to the stormwater utility and he
said in his estimation the Utility would raise $1.25 million for
stormwater management over the next four and one half years. He
questioned the percentages which had been allocated for
professional fees, salaries and operating costs. He also felt the
people with smaller homes would be hardest impacted by this new
fee. In response, Mayor Gulliford explained salaries for drainage
maintenance which are now paid by Public Works, would be paid from
a separate stormwater maintenance account. He felt public works
salaries would be reduced by an equivalent amount. The planning
costs were related to the EPA and DER discharge permitting
requirements. The Mayor said none of the city officials was in
favor of the stormwater utility but explained that the city was
obligated to establish the utility to comply with state mandates.
Ray Salman, repeated his earlier statement that Atlantic Beach
should not be regarded as a part of the City of Jacksonville and he
felt Atlantic Beach needed to protest right now that the DER and
EPA were treating Atlantic Beach as a part of Jacksonville.
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Louis MacDonell, 1535 Selva Marina Drive, said he was adamantly
opposed to a drainage fee. He felt the developers had paid for
stormwater management at the time of construction and was opposed
to the levy of an additional fee.
Alan Potter, 374 Second Street, encouraged the audience to protest
this state mandate to their Senators and Congressmen who had been
instrumental in the initiation of this program. He was opposed to
appointed bodies such as the EPA, DER and St. Johns River Water
Management District having the authority to levy taxes.
Since no one else spoke for or against the matter Mayor Gulliford
invited Jim Scholl of CH2M Hill to respond to the comments from the
audience.
Mr. Scholl said he felt the city needed to develop a drainage
master plan. Stormwater utility funds could be used to address
this and other problems with culverts and drainage which had been
mentioned earlier in the evening. He said decisions regarding
rates and how the money would be spent would be determined by the
City Commission.
Mr. Scholl explained the objective of the plan would be to identify
a dedicated funding source for operation and maintenance, planning,
and ultimately, construction where facilities were required to deal
with drainage problems. He said one of the benefits of the program
would be that the city could collect some water quality data so
that at such time as the EPA would set quality standards, the city
would have the documentation to defend its position. Mr. Scholl
said the rules were presently flexible enough for the EPA to write
the permit to meet the reasonable request of the city. Mr. Scholl
also explained that the ERU equivalent of 1,790 represented the
median amount of square footage for a single family residential
property in Atlantic Beach. He felt when the program was
established the rate structure could be adjusted so that the charge
to each property would be based on actual square footage, if the
Commission wished.
When everyone had had an opportunity to address the matter, the
Mayor declared the public hearing closed.
The City Manager provided each Commissioner with a copy of an
amendment which deleted a portion of Section 3.2, Capital
Improvements, the new Section 3.2 to read as follows: "At such
time as a stormwater management master plan is completed and
capital improvement projects are identified, project expenditures
will be approved by the directors each budget year."
The City Manager said if the ordinance was adopted this evening, it
would probably be implemented to coincide with the billing cycle
beginning October, which is also the beginning of the new fiscal
year.
PAGE SIX
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Cook x
Motion: Approve passage of Ordinance No. 80-90-44 as Edwards x x
amended, on final reading, subject to the Tucker x x
schedule set forth by the City Manager Gulliford x
No discussion before the vote. The motion carried unanimously.
B. Ordinance No. 58-91-15 - Public Hearing
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ORDINANCE CODE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC
BEACH, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE VI, DIVISION 3, SECTION
2-262 TO CLARIFY THE DEFINITIONS OF FIREFIGHTER AND POLICE OFFICER
SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR CERTIFICATION AS SET FORTH IN SECTIONS 633.35
AND 943.14, FLORIDA STATUTES; SECTION 2-270(5) TO CLARIFY THE
DEFINITION OF ACTUARY TO REQUIRE THAT THE ACTUARY BE AN ENROLLED
ACTUARY; AND SECTION 2-272 TO CLARIFY THE DEFINITION OF CREDITED
SERVICE TO DELETE REFERENCE TO THE AWARD OF A FULL YEAR OF CREDITED
SERVICE FOR RENDERING AT LEAST TEN-TWELFTHS OF A YEAR OF SERVICE
Mayor Gulliford presented in full, in writing, Ordinance No.
58-91-15, said ordinance having been posted in accordance with
Charter requirements. He opened the floor for a public hearing and
invited comments from the audience. Since no one spoke for or
against the ordinance, the Mayor declared the public hearing
closed. Cook x
Edwards x x
Motion: Approve passage of Ordinance No. 58-91-15 on final Tucker x x
reading Gulliford x
No discussion before the vote. The motion carried unanimously.
8. New Business:
A. Introduction of proposed Community Development Corporation for
Donner subdivision area
Stan Reigger, who has been working with the city on the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) explained the proposal to form a
Community Development Corporation (CDC) and provided a summary of
such an organization, copy of which is attached hereto and made a
part hereof. He explained this was a community-based group which
would be organized to take advantage of monies which are set aside
by banks for local initiatives to improve housing, street
conditions, and the community in general. He said this
organization would concentrate initially on the Donner subdivision.
He suggested a time line for organization of the group which would
call for forming a steering committee (to include the Mayor, City
Manager, George Worley, and Stan Reigger) by May; by June this
group committee would appoint a list of officers and designate an
area on which to concentrate, and a public purpose to be served;
initial meeting of the CDC to be held in July; develop by-laws by
august or September; and receipt of initial monies in October.
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Mr. Reigger outlined the work which had been accomplished by the
CDBG program and felt that that work represented a very positive
beginning.
Mayor Gulliford further explained that the CDC could acquire
undeveloped properties and build houses or renovate existing
structures. It is then empowered by charter to borrow money or
raise money through CDBG's. He felt this would be an opportunity
to change communities from primarily rental communities to a higher
percentage of home ownership which he felt would help to develop
pride of home ownership and generally improve the community. He
explained the CDC would be a private non-profit corporation which
would not be run by the city.
After a full discussion of the matter, Mayor Gulliford asked the
wishes of the City Commission.
Cook x x
Motion: Proceed to form the Community Development Edwards x x
Corporation in accordance with the recommendations Tucker x
of the Mayor and Mr. Reigger Gulliford x
No discussion before the vote. The motion carried on a 3 - 1 vote
with Commissioner Tucker voting nay.
B. Request for abandonment of easement at Selva Linkside
subdivision
Louis MacDonell explained he was seeking abandonment of a platted
ten-foot drainage easement between lots 79 and 80 in the Selva
Linkside subdivision. He said drainage had actually been
constructed between lots 78 and 79 and he would grant the city a
ten-foot easement there, which would correct what had already been
done.
Mr. Kosoy requested spot elevation checks to make sure the drainage
is functioning correctly and after brief discussion it was agreed
to draft the appropriate ordinances to be brought before the City
Commission for first reading at the next regular City Commission
meeting.
C. Recommendation by the Recreation Advisory Board relative to
the cost list for "Activity Plans" for Donner Park
Parks and Recreation Director Blanchard presented a sketch
illustrating the layout of the proposed playground equipment and
playing fields at Donner Park. She also presented the projected
cost estimates for each of the proiects in the complex, at a total
cost of approximately $25,000, copy of which is enclosed herewith
and made a part hereof. Ms. Blanchard said $9,300 had been
budgeted for playground equipment, $6,671 of which had been spent
and she suggested the remainder of the project be funded from
Convention Development Tax monies. Finance Director Royal
PAGE EIGHT V V
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APRIL 22, 1991 COMMAS. MSYN
confirmed that the city currently had $183,047.69 Convention
Development tax funds available. City Attorney Jensen pointed out
a resolution had already been passed stating that the city was
unable to use the funds as outlined in the Florida Statutes, and
authorizing the use of these funds to develop parks, etc. He
agreed to research further the terms for use of such funds to
determine whether a separate resolution would be required for each
project.
Motion: Proceed to develop Donner Park in accordance with Cook x
the proposal presented by Ms. Blanchard, subject to Edwards x x
research by the City Attorney to determine whether Tucker x x
an additional resolution needs to be drafted Gulliford x
No discussion before the vote. The motion carried unanimously.
D. Approval of amendment to Gee & Jenson contract relative to
Buccaneer Wastewater treatment plant
Public Services Director Bob Kosoy reported the amendment to Task
Order #5 was for services in connection with the flow equalization
basis in the Buccaneer plant.
Cook x
Motion: Authorize the Mayor to execute Amendment to Task Edwards x x
Order 15 as recommended by the Utilities Committee Tucker x x
Gulliford x
No discussion before the vote. The motion carried unanimously.
9. City Manager reports and/or correspondence:
A. New City Hall - move-in date
City Manager Leinbach reported the move to the new City Hall was
scheduled for May 17, 1991, and asked the City Commission's
concurrence in this date. The City Commission concurred and agreed
to help, if needed.
The City Manager also sought the wishes of the City Commission
regarding placing an advertisement in the Florida League of Cities
magazine to coincide with the annual conference of that
organization. After brief discussion, the City Commission
authorized a one-eighth page advertisement at a cost of $90.00.
Chief Thompson explained a "Work for Wheels" program which has been
successfully undertaken in other areas. The program would allow
youths to work a pre-agreed number of hours in return for which
they would "earn" one of the impounded bicycles at the Police
Department. He said Rose Blanchard had agreed to put together the
details of the work program and the Police Department would make
sure the bicycles were in good working order.
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Chief Thompson indicated that some animal control complaints were
difficult to cite because the Animal Control Officer had to be able
to verify that the complaint was legitimate, which was difficult to
do in cases of dogs barking at night. He suggested enacting a
similar ordinance to one in effect in Jacksonville which allows
prosecution in the courts after complaints had been signed by three
people. After brief discussion, Chief Thompson was authorized to
draft the appropriate ordinance.
Chief Thompson also discussed the proposed signage at the north end
of Beach Avenue. After brief discussion, he was authorized to have
such signage installed as would be legal and acceptable to the
Police Department.
Commissioner Tucker presented a letter from Alice Gartland of the
Beaches Arts Foundation. The Foundation hopes to establish an arts
center in the Beaches community and solicited any support the city
could offer. After brief discussion it was agreed to draft a
proclamation in support of the Beaches Arts Foundation but since
the city had passed a resolution establishing a policy of not
making financial contributions, no donation would be made.
Mayor Gulliford confirmed that Monday, April 29, 1991, was
acceptable to all Commissioners present to hold a public hearing on
the impasse between the city and the FOP.
The Mayor also confirmed that 10:00 AM Saturday, June 1 , 1991 was
acceptable to all for the dedication of the new City Hall.
There being no further business to come before the City Commission,
the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 9: j 'M.
111 I
L i%
William I. Gulliford,
Mayor/Presiding Offic=
ATTES T:
Maureen King, Cit Cle
•
Mayor Guilliford and Members of the City Council,
My name is Jimmy Hill and I am the Atlantic Beach Dist
Representative of the Professional Fire Fighters of Jacksonville
Beach, Local 2622, International Association of Fire Fighters. I
am also a Lt. for the City of Atlantic Beach Fire Department and
have been employed in the Fire Department for the past 7 years.
I have been selected by the members of the Fire Department to
represent the Fire Fighters of Atlantic Beach in order to bring
to your attention the problems that face the employees of the
Atlantic Beach Fire Department.
I appreciate the opportunity to appear before you this evening in
an effort to call to your attention problems confronting our
organization in relation to collective bargaining with the City
of Atlantic Beach.
First, we understand that at least one member of the City
Commissission has been warned that it would not be in their best
interest to talk to the Fire Fighters of Atlantic Beach during
negotiations. We can only assume that other elected officials of
the City Commission were also forewarned about talking to members
of this organization.
While we are not exactly sure what the inference behind such a
statement is, we are sure that it is the right of every member of
our organization to talk to elected officials of the City
Commission at any time about any matter, except during declared
Impasse. We are equally sure that it is the right of every
elected official to decide in their own mind whether or not they
wish to talk to us.
Secondly, our organization has been openly critical of the City
of Atlantic Beach's policies of pursuing, through their labor
attorney, the most costly route available in fighting the
employees of Atlantic Beach. Through various newspaper articles
and letters to the City, we have questioned the wisdom of
spending taxpayers dollars in pursuit of dubious goals. Months
of negotiations with other employee organizaions have resulted in
Impasse proceedings. Literally, thousands of taxpayers dollars
have been expended.
While it was unclear to us in the past how the taxpayers of
Atlantic Beach could afford such costly tactics, it was made
abundantly clear to us by the City's labor attorney in a recent
edition of the Fla. Times Union. The following is a direct
excerpt from the Fla. Times Union dated April 17, 1991:
1
'Other city employees received 3 percent raises Oct. 1, when the
1990-91 fiscal year began. Asked why the city isn't offering
police officers the same amount, Dickinson said that the City
"takes into consideration factors.... such as comparable wage
rates and the cost of negotiations." '
The City's labor attorney left no doubt that the City of Atlantic
Beach intends to transfer their costs for negotiations to the
employees. While we have suspected that this was the case, this
newspaper article removes any pretense of objectively looking at
the problems confronting the employees of Atlantic Beach.
The strategy of assigning the cost of negotiations to the
employees is wrong. The employees are already paying their share
of the cost of negotiations and are now being told that they are
going to pay the City's share out of pay increases. This type of
strategy can do nothing to correct existing problems and in fact
can only exacerbate existing problems.
We would urge that the City Commission of Atlantic Beach not fall
into the trap of trying to punish the exployees of Atlantic Beach
for exercising their rights under the Fla. State Statutes.
I appreciate your time and attention. Thank you
COPY OF MAYOR GULLIFORD'S STATEMENT REGARDING LITTLE LEAGUE
APRIL 22, 1991
In light of an article in last Saturday's Beaches section of the
Florida Times Union, as well as unfounded rumors circulating in the
community I felt compelled to write this open letter. Certainly my
position can now be clearly defined and not subject to
interpretation by media articles or rumors.
First, I will not initiate any action that would force the increase
of the $40.00 per year registration fee for Little League
participation. (I might digress, I'm also aware of what goes on in
Jacksonville Beach, but in Jacksonville Beach, they charge $30.00
per child, and not $40.00) . Also, I am opposed to any per-child
user fee imposed by the City of Atlantic Beach on its children who
want to participate in this worth-while activity. The point of our
discussion at prior meetings about this and other recreational
activities in the community arose out of a realization of our
limited resources dedicated to recreation and our desire to offer
recreational opportunities to the whole community covering varied
interests and all age groups. Currently our ad valorem tax revenue
will not stretch far enough to just cover the cost of maintaining
police and fire protection in the city. The Commission is balanced
between the legitimate needs of the citizens and the tax rates we
are required to set. This balance becomes increasingly more
challenging to maintain and items like recreation suffer. Although
this league is self-sustaining, it still represents an operating
cost to the city. I might add that the individuals on this body
have personally supported the league financially this past year as
well as prior years. We are supportive of this great an long-term
activity.
Now, let me address specific concerns relative to the operation of
the league in Atlantic Beach. The city signed an agreement with
the league that established certain requirements be met. One was
that we would be furnished a copy of a financial statement of
operations. I have not seen any statement of revenues or
expenditures from last year or this far this year. I have roughly
calculated the annual revenues to exceed $30,000.00 - not a paltry
amount. All the parents and contributors should be privy to how
monies are collected and spent in the operation, too. A month or
better into the season, our Recreation Director can't even get a
roster of players - certainly a legitimate request. It is
difficult for us to determine who is in charge of the league. Is
it the President, the Officers, the Board? It really seems the
person running the show isn't even an officer. Without formal
approval the league used city property to erect signs to generate
revenue. Where did the money go? Who is collecting the money and
writing the checks this year? Last year contributions were
solicited for ads in an all-star program to be printed. What
happened to that money? Did anyone see one of the all-star
programs printed? Several years ago an officer of the association
was guilty of embezzling over $8,000 of league money. Obviously
there was a serious lack of financial control that allowed this to
happen. What has the league done to prevent that from happening
•
again? If you can' t produce a financial statement and show that
limited level of control, it doesn't look like anything has been
done. If a review of a financial statement indicated that some
money could go to help defray some of the direct costs associated
with operating the ball fields, is it unfair for the city to ask
for that financial assistance? Is it unfair to ask for those
monies, if available, so we could use them toward another
worth-while recreational project in the community? Is opposition
to the league providing any financial relief to the city just
opposition, no matter what, or does it arise out of a belief that
the league can't spare or doesn't have any extra money. Is it
unreasonable for us to seek outside revenue if over half the
participants are not Atlantic Beach residents? In fact, the latest
figure I get is only 20%; just over 20% of the participants are
Atlantic Beach residents. Can the city help the league, and can
the league help the city? I think so. If a majority of my fellow
commissioners concur, I would like to direct the City Manager to
make contact with the league and request the following to be
brought to the next meeting:
- A copy of the Articles of Incorporation
- A copy of the by-laws
- Copies of minutes of board meetings held in the past two years
- A copy of the last two years financial statements
- A list of this years officers and board members
- A roster of participants with any and all information required
by the Recreation Director
- A Certificate of Insurance from the league's agent
indemnifying the city and holding it harmless
I would then encourage a future meeting be scheduled between the
commission and the officers and board of the association, the
Recreation Director and any other interested parties to seek
resolution to the situation that presently exists in the operation
of the league. Of course, the meeting would be open to parents,
friends and the public.
Lastly, I would challenge parents to get involved in the financial
oversight of the association. If you don't know what is happening,
find out. Every penny collected, every penny spent, should be
accounted for. Many hard-working, honest people have contributed
to this effort over the years. They should know how their money is
spent and that it is spent and used wisely.
•
ATLANTIC BEACH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Introduction
A Community Development Corporation (CDC) is a community-based organization which can funnel
monies to help revitalize poor neighborhoods. The efforts of these corporations can create jobs, raise tax
revenues,provide homes for disadvantaged residents and encourage small business development. Because of
the recent cutbacks in federal aid and the limited funds of state and local governments, new resources are
needed to support such revitalization. CDCs help fill the financing needs for projects in low and moderate
income areas by tapping investment from the private sector,especially banks and bank holding companies.
A CDC can buy, rehabilitate, construct, manage, and sell property as well as being the intermediaries who
provide financial and technical assistance to neighborhood residents and land owners,They can be chartered
as profit or nonprofit organizations under either State Statute or federal laws.
What distinguishes CDCs or community-based development groups from other efforts to revive depressed
areas is the emphasis on self-help. This self-help translates into local ownership of strategies, projects and
achievement. It is this ownership that makes self-help a powerful approach, for it produces not only tangible
results but also the intangibles that are fundamental to an area's improvement; namely, community
involvement, sweet equity and pride of ownership.
Typically, CDCs begin with the basic tasks of organizing, issue development and constituency building.
They set an agenda, then move forward with a self-determined strategy. Among the keys to success are a
committed membership, an influential Board of Directors and community participation.
Membership
Successful CDCs are local associations of neighborhood residents, business people, and members of the
community-at-large. In addition to leaders of the neighborhood, members can be local bankers, real estate
agents,educators, government service employees,city staff, and local ministers.These members of the CDC
must have vision for their community; patience, because the process often takes longer than one initially
expects; and the determination to ride out the inevitable frustrations.
Critical Factors
In developing a CDC, certain factors must be taken into consideration. First, the CDC must have a public
purpose.That is,it must directly promote community welfare by benefiting low to moderate income persons.
A neighborhood targeted for Community Development Block Grant funds is an ideal area for CDC projects.
Secondly, the CDC must have the support of locally elected officials.The process begins with a commitment
from the City Commission. The Commission can appropriate CDBG funds as start up capital, select a
steering committee to recommend the size and make up of the CDC Board of Directors, and sell the concept
of the CDC to the community-at-large.
Thirdly, financial institutions will need to be contacted regarding interest in investing time and money in
upgrading the targeted neighborhood. Local lending institutions by federal regulation are required to provide
funds in various ways to benefit low and moderate income families and should be eager to participate.
Adoption Process/Action Plan
The creation of a CDC begins with the following action steps to be taken by the Mayor and/or City
Commission:
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
' STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM: COST LIST FOR "ACTIVITY ,PLANS" FOR DONNER PARK
SUBMITTED BY: ROSE H. BLANCHARD, PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR
DATE: APRIL 17,1991
BACKGROUND: BY REQUEST OF THE CITY COMMISSION,' A LIST OF THE COSTS TO INSTALL
PLAYGROUND AND OTHER ACTIVITY PLANS FOR DONNER PARK IS HEREBY
• SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL.
RECOMMENDATION: THE DEPARTMENT AND THE RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMEND
APPROVAL TO DISBURSE BUDGETED FUNDS TO BEGIN THE MUCH NEEDED
PLAY AND FUN ACTIVITIES IN DONNER PARK AS PART OF THE RE-
DEVELOPMENT OF THIS PARK
ATTACHMENTS: A COPY OF THE ITEMS AND THEIR COSTS, TO EACH MEMBER OF THE
CITY COMMISSION
REVIEWED BY CITY MANAGER: / / 47i) aztee.eeet9,44w4. .
/," ,/-
AGENDA ITEM NO.
CI
r April 19, 1991
TO: MAYOR, CITY COMMISSIONERS, CITY MANAGER, FINANCE DIRECTOR
FROM: ROSE H. BLANCHARD, PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR
RE: PROJECTED COSTS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF DONNER PARK COMPLEX
The following report is submitted to you for clarification and justifcation for the
use of monies needed to complete the development of the Donner Park complex. We budgeted
$9,300 for playground equipment. The Balance in that account as of 4-17-91 is $6,671-
after the children's playground system was purchased. The Balance of $18,329 for the
project would come from available Convention Bed Tax account. The figures are submitted
as NOT TO EXCEED (in the Contingency Column) and every effort will be made to come
below that figure where practical.
PROJECT COST CONTINGENCY
PLAYGROUND
Equipment is bought and paid for-installation, in House - 0 - - 0 -
Safe Surface Materials and Installation $8,000
Split Rail Fence around Playground 1,500
TOTAL 9,500 $10,000
BASKETBALL COURT
Foundation 5,000
2 Basketballs 71
2 Backboards with Goals & Nets @ $208.each 416
12 Nets, Polyerthylene, Braided 24
5,511 6,000
VOLLEYBALL COURT 30' X 60'
Sand, 44 tons Concrete sand (equivalent of 2 loads) 473
Nuts, bolts, washers, eyebolts, etc. 24
Net 36" x 32" 50
2 Volleyballs 25
Perimeter timbers 60
2 Posts 12 ft. ea. 33
665 750
COMBINATION FOOTBALL/SOCCER FIELD
2 Combination Goals @ $1,575 each 3,150
2 Soccer Balls 33
2 Footballs 27
One Pair, Soccer Nets 165
Dry Line Field Marker & Compound 400
3,775 4,000
BLEACHERS
12 bags of mortar 60
5 pieces of chanel iron 100
2 yds Builders Sand 60
400 Concrete Blocks 345
12 bags Cement 35
3 yds. Concrete mix to pour 5 footings 150
750 1,000
DUG OUTS FOR SOFTBALL FIELD
2 Dug outs with Shade Cloth on Top (sun shade) 800
Repair backstop and outfield 1,450
2,250 2,500
TOTALS $24,250 $25,000