MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR CITY COMIVIISSION MEETING
September 12, ?005
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 1vleserve called the meeting to order at 7:19 p.m. The Invocation,
given by Mayor Meserve, included a prayer for Brad Talley, designer of the
' ' sculpture in front of the Public Safety building, who died in an accident
over the weekend. The Invocation was followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.
Mayor Meserve opened the meeting by commending the local beach cities
and the City of Jacksonville for working well together in preparation for
' ~ . hurricanes, including plans for transportation, shelters, first-aid response,
evacuations, re-entry, communications, etc.
' ~ Approval of Minutes 1. Approve minutes of the Regular Commission meeting of August
22, 2005.
Motion: Approve minutes of the Regular Commission meeting of
August 22, 2005.
Moved by Simmons, seconded by Parsons
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, ivleserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRII'/D
Cuurlesy of the Flour 2. Courtesy of the Flour to Visitors
Pat Pillmore, 995 Camelia Street, echoed the Mayor's comments on the
area's level of preparedness for emergencies and commended the state of
Florida for its coordination and efforts in planning for these situations. She
commented on the changes in the interaction and leadership among the
planning boards and commissions of the City of Atlantic Beach and Duval
County. She recommended simplifying the processes and language used
when defining the City's future. Ms. Pillmore reiterated the need for a
mass-transit system to cross the Intracoastal waterway. She suggested that
Sentemher 13, 2005 RP;GULAR COMMISSION NI1J[;TING Pale 2
residents have cards identifying themselves as citizens of Atlantic Beach in
case of evacuation and re-entry situations. She believed that the Atlantic
Beach police department should be incorporated as part of the Duval
County police department.
Lisa Bruno, 375 and 377 Plaza, addressed Agenda Item 8C, regarding the
potential relocation of Che mailbox on Plaza. She spoke in opposition of the
new current placement of the mailbox, which is in front of her house. She
discussed the following problems with its location: car headlights shine in
her residence at night, creates increased traffic and congestion on that road,
decreases the availability of parking on the street, creates potential liability
to vehicles parked near it, and is an unsightly nuisance. Ms. Bruno
suggested removing the mailbox or incorporating a more efficient mailbox
location in the new Five Points Intersection Improvements plan. She
pointed out that there are numerous other mailboxes located nearby within
walking distance for the community to use.
Michael Hoffman, 176 Camelia Street, addressed Agenda Item 7D
concerning rezoning City-owned land on West ls` Street from Commercial
to Residential. Mayor Meserve informed Mr. Hoffman that there will be a
public hearing on the item tonight if he wished to wait until then to speak on
the issue. Mr. Hoffman preferred to continue with his remarks. He noted
that at the August meeting of the Community Development Board, the
members' votes on the issue were divided, 2-2. He indicated that the
residents in the Tideviews Park area are concerned about crime in the area
and would like to see something done about the situation, however, he
believed that the City is proposing a radical approach to the problem. He
indicated that some residents would support a police officer living inside the
park, but not outside the park. He noted that the land being discussed is a
tree buffer, separating the neighborhood from the noise and unsightliness of
Atlantic Boulevard and once it is sold could not be regained. He suggested
that the City take a more conservative approach and strongly urged them
not to remove the tree buffer on the property without first hearing from the
neighborhood in the forum of advertised, open meetings. Mr. Hoffman
believed that, in order to be fair, the issue should be postponed until after
the election.
Unfinished Business 3. Unfinished Business from Previous Meeting
from Previous Meeting
A. City IVlanager's rollow-up Report
City Manager 1im Hanson summarized his written report, which is attached
and made part of this official record as Attachment A. He discussed the
issue of planting sea oats on the reestablished dunes and noted that the City
would like to have this project underway as soon as possible. He noted that
the City expects to receive half of the project's cost to be reimbursed by the
State and that all the bids received were under.budget.
September 12, 2005 REGULAR CONi~1ISSION NIEET[NG Pa~c 3
Commission Waters questioned planting the sea oats notiv with the potential
for more storms and nor'easters to occur and uproot the new plants. City
Manager Hanson responded that the location for the plantings on the dunes
should not be affected by the tides. He stated that Kevin Bodge, the project
manager, has reported that the renourishment results have progressed as
planned with the ne~v sand remaining intact and avoiding erosion.
Commissioner Parsons asked if the City could do anything to protect the
runoff areas.on the beach from being further affected by the nor'easters.
Rick Carper, Director of Public Works, responded that the City is not
permitted to do any work east of the dunes. Mayor Meserve noted that
nor'easters can occur anytime so the City might as well proceed with the
project now. I-Ie mentioned that the new gel-packs used might help the
plants survive the storms.
Consent Agenda 4. Consent Agenda
A. Acknowledge receipt of Public Works and Utility Department
Monthly Report and New Occupational Licenses issued in
August 2005 (City Manager)
B. Award bid to R&B Contracting for 2005 Plaza Road Turn Lane
for Post OfCce (Re-Bid No. 0405-17) and authorize the City
lYlanager to sign a contract for the construction (City Manager)
C. Reject all bids for Seminole Road Multipurpose Lane (Bid No.
0405-24) (City Manager)
D. Award the annual contract for Welding Troubleshooting and
Repair to Ace Fabrications, LLC at the prices submitted in Bid
No. 0405-22 (City Manager)
E. Award bids for the West 3~~ Street Sidewalk Project (Bid No.
0405-23) and Nest Plaza Road Nlultipurpase Lane Project (Bid
No. 0405-25) to Hager Construction Company and authorize the
City Manager to sign contracts for Their construction (City
LVlanager)
F. Award the contract for Concrete Repairs for the Public
WorksiUtilities Department to Gruhn 1VIay, Inc. for one year
starting September 1, 2005 (Bid No. 0405-26) (City Manager)
G. Extend the Point Repair contract for one additional year to
Gruhn lY1ay, Inc. at the current contract prices (Bid No. 0203-
23) (City i~Iuiiu~er}
H. Waive the competitive hid process, approve the purchase of
$22,012 to lYIGBS, Inc. for the acquisition and installation of the
network backup system for the City Computer Network, and
approve $2,000 for additional expenses related to the project
(City Manager)
I. Authorize the IVlayor to execute the contract for consulting
services for the 2005 Jacksonville Sea and Sky Spectacular on
behalf of the City of Atlantic Beach (City Manager)
September 12, 2005 REGULAR COMViISSION l~'1EETING Paee 4
Commissioner Parsons asked that Item H be pulled from the Consent
Agenda for discussion.
Motion: Approve Consent Agenda Items A through G and I as
presented.
Nloved by Simmons, seconded by Waters
Votes:
Aye: ~ -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Nleserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED '
Regarding Item H, Commissioner Parsons asked what type of emergency
constituted waiving the competitive bid process for the purchase of the
City's network backup system. Chief David. Thompson, Director of Public
' Safety, responded that it was a factor of timing. Consultants from the
Florida League of Cities had notified the City that the backup systems on
the servers are inadequate and needed to be replaced as soon as possible due
to the threat of losing data.
Motion: Approve Consent Agenda Item H as presented.
' Nloved by Waters, seconded by Simmons
Votes:
Aye: ~ -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
' ~ Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
• , Committee Reports 5. Committee Reports
A. Recommendation from the Board Member Review Committee
" ' ~ to appoint a new member to the Cultural Arts and Recreation
.. Advisory Committee (City lYlanager)
' ' Mayor Meserve stated that the Board Member Review Committee
recommended appointing Darrell Prather to serve on the Cultural Arts and
Recreation Advisory Committee. He mentioned that both Commissioners
` on the Board Member Review Committee were absent for the meeting.
City Manager Hanson noted that there were originally two openings and
two applicants but one applicant expressed he was no longer interested in
• serving on the Committee when he was invited to interview. He indicated
that Mr. Prather was a very enthusiastic applicant and that he was being
recommended to fill atwo-year term vacated by Steve Piscitelli.
Motion: To appoint Darrell Prather to Cll current vacancy (term
ending 7/8/2007} on the Cultural Arts and Recreation Advisory
Committee.
Sentemher 12, 2005 REGULAR CONINIiSSInN NIEETING Pale ~
Moved by Simmons, seconded by Parsons
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, ivleserve
Nay: 0
1VIOTION CARRIED
Action on Resolutions G. Action on Resolutions
None.
Action on Ordinances 7. Action on Ordinances
A. Ordinance No. 20-OS-72, Introduction and First Reading
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING TI-IE FINAL BUDGET FOR T1FIE
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA FOR FISCAL YEAR
BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 200 AND ENDING SEPTElVI[BER 30,
2000
Mayor Meserve read the ordinance by title and noted that there are specific
procedures the City needs to follow to be in accordance with State law.
The Mayor stated that the first item to be considered is the adoption of a
Tentative Millage Rate. He announced that the current Millage Rate for
Atlantic Beach is set at 3.0394, the Tentative Millage Rate set at previous
meetings is 2.9974, and the Roll-Back Rate is 2.6620. It was also noted that
the Tentative Millage is 12.60% higher than the Roll-Back Rate and that the
purpose for the increase in ad valorem tax revenue is to maintain adequate
funding for the existing level of service at anticipated increased cost.
Motion: To adopt a Tentative Millage Rate of 2.9974 for oneratin~
purposes.
Mayor Meserve explained the rollback rate and discussed the general
budget. He briefly discussed the different sources for the City's money
funds and the specific types of expenses that are designated for each source.
The Mayor noted that the City attempts to use all the City's money wisely.
The Mayor opened the floor for a public hearing and invited any comments
from the audience addressing the Tentative Millage Rate.
A gentleman who lives at 492 Whiting Lane asked if the homes,
condominiums, and buildings built along the coastline would affect the
taxes for the residents in other areas of the City. Mayor Meserve
responded that those homes should not affect the tax rates for other
residents in the City. He noted that there are no high rises in Atlantic Beach
and that new homeowners add to the tax rolls, not detract from it. He noted
September 13, 2005 Ri;GULAR CONINIISSION I~IEFTING Pale 6
that taxes will always increase a little bit each year, but, according to State
law, the maximum increase is 3% a year for homesteaders.
Pat Pillmore, 99S Camelia Street, for the record, advised the Commission
not to raise the millage rate and, if they can, to lower it.
There were no further comments from the audience. The Mayor closed the
public hearing and brought the item back to the Commission.
IVloved by Beaver, seconded by Simmons
Votes:
Aye: ~ -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, lYleserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
The Mayor stated that the second item to be considered is Ordinance No.
20-OS-72 establishing the Operating Budget of $23,772,994 for fiscal year
2005/2006.
Motion: To adopt Ordinance #20-OS-72 establishing the Operating
Budt=,et for fiscal year 2005/2006.
Mayor Meserve opened the floor for a Public Hearing on the ordinance.
There was no discussion. The Mayor closed the public hearing and brought
the issue before the Commission.
Moved by Simmons, seconded by Parsons
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Mayor Meserve noted that the second reading for the items would be in two
weeks at the next Commission Meeting on September 26, 2005.
B. Ordinance No. S-OS-44, Introduction and First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE ATLANTIC BEACH CODE OF
U1tll1NANCLS, AllN11N1S`1'1tA`1'ION, AIt`1'iCLi`: V. BOARllS ANll
COMMISSIONS, DIVISION 2. CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD, BY
` ADDING AN ALTERNATE MEMBER TO THE CODE
ENFORCEMENT BOARD, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Mayor Meserve read the ordinance by title only.
Motion: To approve Ordinance No. S-OS-4=4 nn tirst reading.
There was no discussion.
September 12, 2005 REGULAR CONiN1ISSION i~fErTiNG Pa~c 7
Moved by Simmons, seconded by Parsons
Votes:
Aye: ~ -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
C. Ordinance No. 80-0~-72, Introduction and First Reading
AN ORDINANCE ANIENDING CHAPTER 22 UTILITIES, ARTICLE
II, SECTION 22-27 CIIARGES FOR WATER SERVICE, TO
INCREASE THE WATER BASE AND VOLUME CHARGES FOR
RESIDENTIAL, IRRIGATION AND CONINIERCIAL CUSTOMERS:
ANIENDING ARTICLE III WASTEWATER SYSTEM, DIVISION
SEVEN; SEtiVER USER RATES AND CHARGES, SECTION 22-1GG
NIONTI3LY WASTEWATER BASE FACILITY CHARGES TO
INCREASE RESIDENTIAL AND CONINIERCIAL BASE CHARGE
RATES; AND ANIENDING SECTION 22-1G7 SC>EIEDULE OF
WASTEWATER VOLUME CHARGES TO INCREASE THE RATES
FOR WASTEWATER VOLUME CHARGES FOR RESIDENTIAL
AND COMMERCIAL CUSTOMER
Mayor Meserve read the ordinance by title and explained that it would
allow fora 3% increase in the City water and sewer rates to pay for the
expense of maintaining the City's systems.
Motion: To approve Ordinance No. 80-OS-72 on first reading.
Commissioner Waters asked if it was still advantageous for residents to
have a second hookup for sprinkler systems. City Manager Hanson
explained that most of the advantage for having a second system is gone,
due to irrigation meters being set at a higher rate. The City Manager
discussed the following issues: the costs of having two taps, the rates for a
second system, and the sewage cap in place with the City.
Commissioner Waters requested that the City publish information in the
newsletter, so that citizens could understand the effects of the new rates and
what the advantages or disadvantages would be for having a second system.
Moved by Simmons, seconded by Waters
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
D. Ordinance 90-OS-187, Introduction and First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACII,
REZONING LANDS AS DESCRIBED HEREIN FROM
Sentemhcr 12, ?005 REGULAR COMMISSION NIEET[NG Pz~c 8
CO1viiViERCIAL GENERAL (CG) TO RESIDENTIAL, SINGLE-
FAMILY (RS-1); PROVIDING FINDINGS OF FACT; PROVIDING A
SAVINGS CLAUSE; REQUIRING RECORDATION; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Mayor Meserve read the ordinance by title only and explained that the
public hearing for this item is scheduled for the next Commission meeting
on September 26, 2005. However, he stated that since he announced at the
beginning of the meeting that there would be a public hearing tonight, he
will open the floor for public comments on the ordinance.
iVlotion: To an~rove Ordinance No. 90-0~-187.
1Vloved by Simmons, seconded by Parsons
The Mayor opened the floor for a public hearing.
Pat Pillmore, 99~ Camelia Street, stated that all the trees in the area being
discussed are a good buffer for the neighborhood from the traffic on
Atlantic Boulevard. She noted that residents can still hear the traffic at
certain times, but the trees make a big difference in the noise levels. She
did not support the City selling the property as a means of fundraising and
suggested the City find other means for funding, if necessary. Ms. Pillmore
stated that once the land was sold, it would no longer be available as a
potential for recreational use in the future.
iVlichael IIoffman, 176 Camelia Street, encouraged everyone to read the
minutes from the Community Development Board meetings in July and
August of 2005, which included testimonies from residents in the area. He
indicated that one of the main problems is the parking lot at the park and
that the residents would have preferred a smaller parking lot and more
buffer. Mr. Hoffman stressed the need for the City to address and mitigate
any damage which occurs rom the noise from Atlantic Boulevard and
Mayport Road. He suggested that the Commissioners visit the area between
the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. to experience the level of noise
during those hours. He emphasized the need to have a police officer and
security camera in the area in order to reduce the amount of crime there.
Mr. Hoffman believed the City's proposal was a radical approach and he
was opposed to removing the buffer and selling the land in the area. He
believed the matter should be addressed after the election.
Stephen Kuti, 1132 Linkside Drive, recalled discussions from previous
years, which addressed the issue of district representation for Atlantic
Beach. He indicated that the idea was spoken against at that time, but
noted that here is a situation in which the Commission is not listening to all
the citizens of the City. He hoped that the Commission would change their
minds about this plan and listen to the people who live in the area being
affected.
September 12, 20Q5 RCGULAR COVINIISSION NIi;IsTING Pate 9
Lisa Bruno, 37~ and 377 Plaza, expressed surprise that many communities
are struggling to maintain green space and yet here is a proposal to sell city-
owned land because of the need for money for a project. She stated that
there are many other options to consider and that the City needs to be
creative and find funding elsewhere. She did not support sacrificing green
space. She also discussed the issue of "McMansions" and the residence
next to hers that cuts off light and air due to its size. She attributed these
types of problems to lax zoning and exceptions made to zoning regulations.
Commissioner Beaver stated that he initially broached this subject in
response to the need for a police officer and more public safety in that area.
He indicated that he personally spoke to five families in the neighborhood
and they were all in favor of the idea. He clarified that the objective is not
to sell land in order to fund building a residence there. He believed the
main purpose behind the proposal is to place an officer there and to open up
the area in order to have more of a community watch program established.
He acknowledged that he did not acquire a broad sampling of responses
from the entire neighborhood, but those he contacted in the area to be
directly affected spoke positively about the idea. He believed there exists a
public misconception regarding the intent of the City's proposal. Therefore,
Commissioner Beaver recommended deferring the issue until more
meetings can be held with the community in that neighborhood.
itilotion: To defer Ordinance No. 90-OS-187 until said time in order to
allow more community outreach and public input on the issue.
Moved by Beaver, seconded by Waters
Votes:
Aye: 3 -Beaver, Parsons, Waters
Nay: 2 -Simmons, iVlescrve
MOTION CARRIED
Miscellaneous Business 8. iVliscellaneous Business
A. Request for aUse-by-Exception (file UBE-2005-07,
Logsdon/Erhayel) to allow for the on-premise consumption of
beer and wine in association with a restaurant within the
Commercial Limited (CL) Zoning District located at 1487
1Vlayport ltoad, Units 1-4 within the Mayport Square Shopping
Center (City iVlanaber)
IVlotion: To approve UBE-2005-07, an amended request for aUse-bv-
Excention to allow for the on-premise consumption of beer and wind in
association with a restaurant within the Commercial Limited (CL)
Zoning District located at 1487 Mayport Road, Units 1-4 within the
iylayport Square Shopping Center, subject to conditions recommended
by Community Development Board, as indicated in staff report
Septemher 12, 2005 REGULAR COMMISSION NIEET[NG P•~ce 10
Mayor Meserve stated that the item was unanimously approved for
recommendation by the Community Development Board at their last
meeting. The Mayor opened the floor to a public hearing. There was no
discussion and the Mayor closed the public hearing. He noted that this
issue had been well addressed by the Community Development Board.
vloved by Beaver, seconded by Parsons
Votes:
Aye: ~ -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0 '
MOTION CARRIED
B. Re-plat of Lots 1-G, Block 12G (Stocks Street) within the Section
I-1 subdivision to create four 7S-foot by 100-foot lots and to
create a dedicated public right-of-tivay (City IVlanager}
Mayor Meserve noted that this item is a request for a correction to a 1944
platting. Sonya Doerr, Director of Planning and Zoning, showed a drawing
highlighting the block being discussed and explained that the request is to
replat one six-lot block in the Section H subdivision in order to make it into
four new lots meeting all current regulations. )vls. Doerr stated that she has
been working with the applicant and with the Public Works department on
this issue. She informed the Commission that the original plat was
recorded with no street in front of it and the applicant would like to
redevelop the lots but needs to have legal access.
IViotion: To approve a re-plat of Lots 1-G, Block 12G within the Section
H subdivision.
Commissioner Waters asked if it is a standard street being discussed. Ms.
Doerr responded that it is not and that there is no way to create the standard
right of way due to the error made in the original Section H subdivision.
Discussion ensued regarding the width of the street, the right of way and the
proposed layout of the street. The Mayor acknowledged that the City has
to do something to give the property owners legal access to their property.
lYloved by Simmons, seconded by Waters
Votes:
Aye: ~ -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, iVIeserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
C. Potential Relocation of the 5 Points /Plaza Road Mailbox (City
Manager)
City Manager Hanson pc•esented an overview of the three options under
consideration for this item. He also mentioned the option of not even
Septemher 12, 2005 RrGIJLAR CONINIISSION NII:ET[NG Paee 11
having a mailbox in the area, as suggested by one of the citizens. Rick
Carper, Director of Public Works, displayed photos and drawings of the
different options. He proceeded to discuss the advantages, disadvantages
and costs involved in each option. Mr. Carper also explained that the
decision to move the mailbox to its current location was carried out in the
need for expediency.
Commissioner Parsons asked for clarification of the exact location of the
mailbox, as .proposed in Option 2. Mr. Carper clarified the location and
discussion followed regarding all the different options presented. It was
noted that there may be less traffic surrounding the mailbox once the new
access from Plaza Road to the Post Office is completed.
Motion: To approve relocating the mailbox to the driveway access of
the tennis court parking lot at the south end of Russell Park (Option 2,
as presented in Staff Report).
Moved by Simmons, seconded by Parsons
Votes:
Aye: 5 -Beaver, Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Ivleserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRII'/D
D. Sexual Predator/Offender Report (City i/lanager)
City Manager Hanson reported that at a previous meeting the City was
asked to create an ordinance to prohibit sexual predators from residing in
proximity to locations frequented by children.
The City presented the Commission with a draft of an ordinance for their
review prior to having a first reading on it. He explained the language
would prohibit any sexual predator from moving into Atlantic Beach within
2500 Feet of any school, park, licensed daycare center, library, playground,
or beach. He noted that currently there are no sexual predators living in
Atlantic Beach. It was the consensus of the Commission to have the City
bring back the proposal in the form of an ordinance for first reading at the
next meeting.
E. Proposed I~'ederal Legislation that would preempt cities from
franchising companies using public right-of--way for providing
video services, including cable TV (City Manager)
City Manager Hanson explained that the "Broadband Investment and
Consumer Choice Act" is proposed federal legislation that would eliminate
all local franchise agreements for cable/video services and would impact
revenue received at Atlantic Beach. He discussed the impacts this
legislation would have on the City and suggested that the City oppose it.
Septemher 12, 2005 RB(',ULAR CONiNIISS[ON NIrETiNG P•~Le 1~
He asked if the Commission would like City staff to prepare a draft for the
next meeting. Commissioner Waters agreed the legislation would have
great financial consequences for the City if not opposed. The Mayor
recommended that the City confer with Representative Crenshaw, Senator
Nelson and Duval County officials and inform them of the City's stance on
the issue. It was the consensus of the Commission to have staff bring back
a resolution opposing the federal legislation.
City Manager 9. City IVTanaber
A. City 1Vlanager's Report
City Manager Hanson commented on the discussion regarding the city-
owned property on West ls` Street. He explained that the property was
originally bought as a waste transfer site and was never intended to be a city
recreational area.
The City Manager reported on the following items in his report, which is
attached and made part of this official record as Attachment B.
National Flood Insurance Program
City Manager Hanson reported that the City of Atlantic Beach has received
a community flood rating of Class 8. He noted that the City has not been
rated before and he commended Don Ford, City Building Official, for his
work at submitting all the required paperwork to FEMA in order to receive
the rating. City Manager Hanson explained that with the new rating, many
homeowners in flood zone areas would now be eligible for up to a 10%
discount on their insurance premiums. He noted that this information will
be placed in the City's newsletter and thanked Mr. Ford for his work on it.
Relief Efforts for Hurricane Katrina Victims
The City Manager noted that Atlantic Beach had been partnering with the
Jacksonville Fire Department to help with the collection of food, water, and
supplies. He stated that the Public Safety Department has several teams of
police officers ready to go to the areas affected by Katrina, but are waiting
until the logistics are determined and given to them by the FDLE. He
pointed out that Donna Kaluzniak, Director of Public Utilities, had been in
Mississippi for the last week, working with JEA crews on a project to
restart one of the wastewater plants that was under water due to the
hurricane.
The City Manager reported that the City of Atlantic Beach is assisting
Neptune Beach with an event intended to have all proceeds donated to
benefit the hurricane relief efforts. He stated that the event is to be held in
Town Center on September 24`h ,noon - 6:00 p.m. and will be located
entirely on the Neptune Beach side of First Street. He indicated that the
City of Atlantic Beach is assisting with providing police officers for it.
September 12, ?005 RIs'GULAR COIViMISSION MI:ETiN(: P~~~e 13
Chief Thompson mentioned that Jacksonville and the beaches area have a
successful mechanism for evacuating all people in the area and into shelters
when necessary.
Reports/Requests 10. Reports andlor requests from City Commissioners and City
City Commissioners Attorney
City Attorney
Commissioner Beaver
•:• Commended the City Manager and staff on the preparations they
made in advance of a potential hurricane storm. He commended the
City on its well-tuned local operation and knowledge on what needs
to be done in advance of storms.
Commissioner Simmons
• Announced that the nor'easters from Tropical Storm Ophelia
deposited a lot of debris on the ground and thanked the City's Public
Works' grounds crew for doing a great job of cleaning up
everything.
Commissioner Waters
• Expressed that he likes the new lifestyle pamphlet being handed out
by the City.
• Commented on a number of correspondence received,
complimenting the City and its employees.
• Referred to a note received by the Commissioners from the Duval
County legislation and suggested that the Commission consider any
requests that could be addressed to them.
• Received a response from Harriet Pruette, Vice Mayor of Neptune
Beach, supporting the idea of working on creating the appropriate
mix of businesses in the commercial districts in both beach cities.
• Discussed the issue of dips in area roads and which local agencies
are responsible for fixing them.
• Responded to the public's comments regarding representation
districts for the City. I-Ie acknowledged uncertainty on how to solve
the issue but emphasized the need for being fair and taking into
consideration all concerns of the citizens.
Mayor IVleserve
• Commented on the Commission's original proposal for the
Tideviews Park area and supported the idea of having more people
there to keep watch on the area. He suggested planting more trees in
September 12, 2005 RrGULAR COMMISSION NIE)/TING Pa~c 14
the remaining space on the property in order to keep the buffer
needed by the residents. He described the plan as innovative and not
extreme or radical.
•:• Reported that he has been named to serve on Mayor Peyton's
commission working on the Cecil Field issue. Mayor Meserve
noted that he agreed to the nomination due to his Navy expertise and
the lack thereof on that commission. He proceeded to discuss his
involvement with the first BRAC commission in 1993 and his
reasons for supporting its efforts.
Adjournment There being no further discussion, the Mayor declared the meeting was
adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
ATTIrST:
John Meserve, Mayor/Presiding Officer
Donna L. Bussey
City Clerk