MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 12, 2004
CITY HALL, 800 SEMINOLE ROAD
Attendance 1N ATTENDANCE:
Mayor John Meserve City Attorney Alan C. Jensen
Commissioner Paul B. Parsons City Manager Jim Hanson
Commissioner Sylvia N. Simmons City Clerk Maureen King, CMC
Commissioner J. Dezmond Waters III
ABSENT:
Mayor Pro Tem Richard Beaver
Call to Order/Pledge Mayor Meserve called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. The Invocation
given by Mayor Meserve was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag.
Approval of Minutes 1. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of
December 8, 2003
Motion: Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of
December 8, 2003.
Moved by Waters, seconded by Parsons.
Votes:
Aye: 4 -Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Courtesy of the Floor 2. Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors
Public Comments
Plaza Traffic Calming A. Presentation by Volkert & Associates relative to traffic calming
options for the 300 block of Plaza
Angelo Rao, Transportation for Livable Communities Engineer, displayed
various types of traffic calming devices and briefly explained their use. He
indicated that the FDOT was now involved in traffic calming and was using
mazked crossings and pedestrian respite areas in the middle of wide roads
for increased safety.
Mayor Meserve inquired as to his recommendation for Plaza and Mr. Rao
responded that Plaza was an anomaly in that the medians should provide for
traffic calming. Discussion ensued and he suggested the use of flattop
January 12, 2003 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 2
speed humps or alternate street parking as options to calm traffic in that
area.
Commissioner Waters inquired concerning the use of a traffic circle at the
five-way stop. Mr. Rao indicated that awell-engineered traffic circle was
an effective traffic calming device, but its installation usually resulted in an
increase in fender benders until drivers learned how to safely merge into the
circle.
Veterans' Park B. Presentation by Pete Dowling regarding proposed plans for
Veterans Park
Pete Dowling, Vice Chairman of the Northeast Florida Veterans Council,
reported that after receiving input from Recreation Director Timmy
Johnson, the Mayor, and Michael Hoffman, Chair of the Marsh Oaks
Neighborhood Association, (the area where the park is located), a design for
the park was rendered by local architect, Tat Chan.
Mr. Dowling presented a preliminary budget for the project of just under
$300,000. Mr. Dowling's report is attached and made part of this official
record as Attachment A.
Discussion of the park amenities ensued. Commissioner Parsons inquired if
the proposed shelter roofs were patterned after those in the new park in
7acksonville Beach, which were designed to allow water to filter through to
discourage use by the homeless. Mr. Dowling responded that they were
not. Commissioner Waters inquired concerning the purpose of the
serpentine wall. Mr. Chan responded that the wall separated the two areas
of the pazk and provided a noise barrier between the pazk and Atlantic
Boulevard to allow for a quiet, more reflective area near the flagpole in the
memorial area of the park.
Following discussion of the playground area, it was the consensus of the
Commission to fully support the Veterans Pazk concept. Mayor Meserve
indicated the need for a place to hold a military ceremony and volunteered
to see if he could find donations to help with construction of the memorial
pazk.
Stephen Kuti of 1132 Linkside Drive said the importance of police
protection was a determining factor when he moved to the City of Atlantic
Beach several years ago, and expressed full support of Item 8C. He
suggested pay increases halfway between the pay of the Jacksonville
Sheriff s office and the city's current pay scale. To improve morale, Mr.
Kuti suggested that regulaz meetings be scheduled for officers to meet with
the Police Chief and Commissioners.
January 12, 2003 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Pace 3
Janet Lambert of 314 Plaza requested that the speed humps be reinstalled
on Plaza as soon as possible.
Susan Perry of 179 Pine Street complained that her neighbors frequently
held noisy parties that disrupted the neighborhood, where alcohol was
served and open fires were built in either grills or barrels. She felt the open
fires presented a serious threat to her neighborhood and inquired if they
were permitted.
J. P. Marchiolf of 414 Sherry Drive commented on the following: (1)
Suggested the use of flattop speed humps on Plaza, (2) Education of
motorists concerning pedestrian crossings, (3) Traffic on Sherry Drive and
the difficulties of backing out into traffic, (4) Suggested leaving the 5-way
intersection as is, and (5) Suggested the construction of wide sidewalks in
the Veterans Park.
3. Unfinished Business from Previous Meeting
City Manager's A. City Manager's Follow-Up Report
Follow-Up Report
In addition to his written report, which is attached and made part of this
official record as Attachment B, City Manager Hanson reported on the
following items:
•:• The city would not receive state grant funding this year for
construction of the skate park. It was reported that $75,000 was
budgeted for the project and the Rotary Club agreed to raise $50,000
for the park, leaving a shortfall of $25,000.
•:• Reported that the next Hazardous Waste Collection would be held
on Saturday, Januazy 24`h in the Russell Park parking lot from 8:30 -
3:00 p.m.
Consent Agenda 4. Consent Agenda
Commissioner Waters requested that Items A and C be removed from the
Consent Agenda for discussion.
B. Award a contract to Gruhn May in the amount of $111,488.31
for Park and Mealy Street water line replacement, pursuant to
the specifications of Bid No. 0304-02 (City Manager)
D. Award contract to Bestcon Fence, Inc. in the amount of
$38,790.96 for Security Fencing Improvements at Treatment
Plants, pursuant to the specifications of Bid No. 0304-04 (City
Manager)
January 12, 2003 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Pate 4
E. Approve the purchase of two 4-inch double diaphragm pumps
from Myers-Seth Pumps, Inc. at a cost of $19,750.00 pursuant to
the specifications of Bid No. 0304-06 (City Manager)
F. Award an annual contract to Trim-All Lawn Service in the
amount of $70,440.00 for maintenance of Atlantic Boulevard
medians, Town Center landscape and Mayport Road Flyover
landscape pursuant to the specifications of Bid No. 0304-07 (City
Manager)
Motion: Approve Consent Agenda Items B, D, E and F as presented.
Moved by Parsons, seconded by Waters.
Votes:
Aye: 4 -Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
A. Acknowledge receipt of the following monthly reports: Building
Department activity reports (November and December), New
Occupational Licenses, Public Works and Utilities, and Utility
Sales Report (November and December) (City Manager)
Commissioner Waters reviewed the activity reports from the Building
Department and commented on the value of the renovations and new homes
constructed in 2003. He felt the "new" money generated by the increased
value could be used to fund the increases for police officers requested under
Item 8C.
Motion: Approve Consent Agenda Item A as presented.
Moved by Parsons, seconded by Waters.
Votes:
Aye: 4 -Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
C. Award a contract to Gruhn May in the amount of $85,745.00 for
Rehabilitation of Sludge Tanks at Wastewater Treatment Plant
No. 2, pursuant to the specifications of Bid No. 0304-03 (City
Manager)
Commissioner Waters inquired as to why the complete contract, including
the additive altemate, was not awarded to Worth Contracting, the appazent
low bidder if both the base bid and altemate were totaled together.
January 12, 2003 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 5
Utility Director Kaluzniak responded that the specifications for the additive
alternate bid were not well written and it was determined that it should not
be awarded at this time. New specifications will be written for the additive
alternate.
Motion: Approve Consent Agenda Item C as presented.
Moved by Parsons, seconded by Waters.
Votes:
Aye: 4 -Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Committee Reports 5. Committee Reports
None.
Resolutions 6. Action on Resolutious:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH,
FLORIDA, APPROVING THE ASSIGNMENT OF THE
CURRENT CONTRACT WITH BFI TO CAPITAL
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES, INC. (CERI) (City
Manager)
Motion: Adopt Resolution 04-O1.
A revised Resolution was distributed to the Commissioners. City Attorney
Jensen explained that the revised Resolution included reference to an
Assignment and Assumption of Contract agreement, which was included as
part of the Resolution.
Moved by Parsons, seconded by Simmons.
Votes:
Aye: 4 - Parsous, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Ordinances 7. Action on Ordinances
None.
January 12, 2003 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 6
Miscellaneous Business 8. Miscellaneous Business
Clarification of Ciay A. Request for clarification of pervious action by the City
Bennett Surfboards Commission related to aUse-by-Exception and permitted uses
Use-by-Exception within the Ashland Mini-Storage Warehouses located at 1089-
1095 Atlantic Boulevard relative to Clay Bennett Surfboards,
Inc. (City Manager)
Community Development Director Doerr provided background information
concerning how the business was approved to conduct their business in the
Ashland Mini-Storage Warehouses. Her report is attached and made part of
this official record as Attachment C.
Discussion ensued with Commissioners Waters and Simmons expressing
safety concerns associated with the manufacture of surfboards and the
inconsistency with the permitted uses for the Commercial General zoning
district. Commissioner Parsons pointed out that Mr. Bennett had been
operating at another unit in Ashland Mini-Storage Warehouses for three
years. He indicated that he had observed the business operations at the new
location (Unit 29), and the additional space was being used as a showroom
for the sale of the surfboards.
Mayor Meserve inquired if Mr. Bennett would be able to meet the
requirements of the building and fire departments to continue operation of
his business in Unit 29. Community Development Doerr responded that he
could meet the requirements.
City Attorney Jensen advised that Mr. Bennett had been legally operating
his business at Ashland Mini-Storage Warehouses for three years and was
moving his operation within the same complex as anon-conforming use-by-
exception, not to another location.
Motion: Grant approval to continue the operation of Clay Bennett
Surfboards, Inc. at Unit 29 of Ashland Mini-Storage Warehouses
located at 1089-1095 Atlantic Boulevard, subiect to compliance with all
Building and Fire Code requirements.
Moved by Parsons, seconded by Meserve
Votes:
Aye: 3 -Parsons, Simmons, Meserve
Nay: 1 -Waters
MOTION CARRIED
January 12, 2003 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 7
8`h Street Beach Access B. Approve request from the 8`h Street Beach Access Committee
Imp. Matching Funds for matching funds of 50% of the cost of improvements at 8`h
Request Street Beach Access in an amount not to exceed $4,000 (City
Manager)
Beach Access in an amount not to exceed $4,000.
City Manager Hanson explained the request and indicated that the shrubs to
be planted along the walkway must be trimmed on a regular basis or they
would overgrow the area.
Commissioner Parsons confirmed with Parks and Recreation Director
Johnson that the city would provide for annual maintenance in matching
funds not to exceed $300.00 per year.
Commissioner Waters indicated his support of the project, including the
drip irrigation system, but emphasized that the plants must be trimmed
frequently to keep the access open.
Moved by Parsons, seconded by Waters
Votes:
Aye: 4 -Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Police Officer C. Approve staff recommendations regarding measures to
Retention encourage retention of Police Officers (City Manager)
Recommendations
Chief Thompson provided background information concerning the retention
problems of the police department and reviewed each item of his.request.
A copy of his report, including a summary of recommendations is attached
and made part of this official record as Attachment D.
The following recommendations were made: 10% add pay for Field
Training Officers (FTO's), 5% add pay for Crime Suppression Unit
Members, plus a clothing allowance of $650 per person per year, 5% add
pay for Evidence Technicians, and 5% add pay for SWAT Team members;
the pay plan be constructed to show the City's intention to elevate pay
beyond a cost of living adjustment; language be adopted establishing the
"intent to provide annual pay increases in the range of 3% per year, in
addition to any cost of living adjustments."
Motion: Accept and enact the recommendations contained within the
report in total, and briny back a coat/ of the actions with related costs.
January 12, 2003 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Page 8
Commissioner Parsons requested that the 3% pay increase per year, in
addition to any cost of living adjustments, be applied to all departments
within the city and requested a report be submitted identifying those costs.
It was pointed out that this action demonstrated the intent of the
Commission, but it could not be immediately implemented due to the fact
that it must go to the Police Union for approval.
Discussion ensued. Mayor Meserve stated that he had met with members of
the Police Department to discuss their problems. He stated that he
supported the recommendations, but there were also other unions to deal
with.
City Manager Hanson agreed that the recommendations should apply to all
employees and indicated that implementation of the recommendations may
not cost as much as first thought due to stratification.
Moved by Waters, seconded by Simmons
Votes:
Aye: 4 -Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Aquatic Gardens Pond D. Authorize the City Attorney to proceed with the necessary legal
Lien action to acquire the Aquatic Gardens pond for the value of the
city's lien against the property (City Manager)
Motion: Authorize the City Attorney to proceed with the necessary
legal action to acquire the Aquatic Gardens pond for the value of the
city's-lien against the oraperty.
There was no discussion.
Moved by Parsons, seconded by Waters.
Votes:
Aye: 4 -Parsons, Simmons, Waters, Meserve
Nay: 0
MOTION CARRIED
9. City Manager
City Manager's Report A. City Manager's Report
City Manager Hanson commented on the following items from his written
report:
January 12, 2003 REGUL:IR COMMISSION MEETING Paee 9
•:• Reported that Paul Paloti from the Public Works Department and
Vic Gualilo from the Police Department had received bonuses
through the city's Bonus Program.
•:• Indicated that a comparison of pay, benefits and other policies
between union members and general employees was included with
the report.
In addition to the written report, City Manager Hanson reported on the
following item:
•:• Reported that the Police Department Explorer Post received a
National Award of Excellence.
City Commissioners/ 10. Reports and/or requests from City Commissioners and City
City Attorney Attorney
Reports/Requests
Commissioner Simmons
~.• Reported she had observed problems with the following at
construction sites: Parking, damaged landscaping, broken
sidewalks, PODS, construction trailers, dumpsters, Port-o-lets,
and dirt and litter in the streets. To lessen the problems, she
suggested that, when pulling permits, contractors be provided
with a list of rules specifying what was expected by the city
during construction.
Commissioner Parsons
•:• Suggested using "The Count" Turtle sign at the construction
site on Ocean Boulevard when the palm trees aze being moved
from one side of the street to the other.
•S Commented that BellSouth consistently left its construction
sites in a mess.
•:• Suggested that trees be planted in the medians on Selva Marina
Drive to curtail damage caused by vehicles turning around, and
that the azea be included in the city's tree planting program.
• Expressed concern about the open fires reported on Pine Street.
Commissioner Waters
•:• Inquired as to the number of accidents that had occurred at the
5-way stop intersection. Chief Thompson advised that there
January 12.2003 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING Pa e 10
was a low incidence of accidents at the location for the volume
of traffic. Chief Thompson stated that was no current traffic
study for the intersection, but he believed between 8,000-
10,000 vehicles per day passed through the intersection.
•:• Stated he had received complaints about a house located at 16`n
Street and Beach Avenue, which has been under construction
for two years. He indicated that no work had occurred at the site
for a very long time and requested that staff look into this and
report back.
The Mayor
•:• Reported that he had been appointed as a representative to the
Super Bowl Committee. He indicated there would be an air
show at the beach as part of the Super Bowl festivities.
:• Suggested that asidewalk/bicycle path be installed in the
medians on Selva Marina Drive since there were no sidewalks
on the street.
•:• Requested that the Plaza traffic calming issue be included on
the next agenda for action. Commissioner Simmons requested
that bicyclists be kept in mind when making a decision
regarding traffic calming measures.
•:• Inquired if anything could be done to prevent the accidents that
recently occurred in Town Center. Chief Thompson stated that
little could be done to prevent accidents caused by the
combination of alcohol and a high rate of speed.
Adjournment There being no further discussion, the Mayor declared the meeting
adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
John Meserve, Mayor/Presiding Officer
ATTEST:
Maureen King
Certified Municipal Clerk