MinutesMINfJTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ATLANTIC
BEACH CITY COMMISSION HELD IN CITY HALL, 800 SEMINOLE
ROAD AT 7:15 P.M. ON MONDAY, JULY 28, 2003
PRESENT: John Meserve, Mayor
]tichazd Beaver, Mayor Pro Tem
Mike Borno
Paul Parsons
Dezmond Waters, Commissioners
AND: James Hanson, City Manager
Maureen King, City Clerk
Alan C. Jensen, City Attorney
Mayor Meserve called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. The Invocation
given by the Mayor was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the
Flag.
1. Approval of the minutes of the Special Called meeting and
Regular Commission meeting of July 14, 2003
Motion: Approve the minutes of the Special Called and
Regular Commission Meetings of July 14, 2003 as presented.
The motion carried unanimously.
2. Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors
A. Flag presentation by Clarence Hill and Henry Hood of the
American Legion
Captain Clazence Hill and Commander Henry Hood of American Legion
Post #316 presented the city with a Corporate Blue Star Banner flag
recognizing the city's support of active duty forces.
Captain Hill also read a letter from the American Legion Post
Commander supporting the city's efforts to establish a Veterans
Memorial Pazk on land adjacent to the American Legion Post.
B. Mary French, 7th Street Beach Access Beautification
Committee
Mary French, Chair of the 7`h Street Beach Access Beautification
Committee, read a letter responding to the objections to the project raised
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at the previous meeting. A copy of the letter is attached and made part of
this official record as Attachment A.
J.P. Marchioli of 414 Sherry Drive reported on an accident he believed
was caused by speeding, which occurred on Sherry Drive and damaged
his car pazked in his driveway.
Mr. Marchioli commented on the lack of directional signs indicating the
location of the city's parks
Richard Allen of 320 8`h Street felt the 7`n Street Beautification Project
was an attempt to limit the public's use of the access. He indicated that
if a shower could not be installed at the access, he would pay for the
installation of a spigot, on the condition that the city removed the plants
obstructing the public's use of the grassy strip along the fence.
James Hill of 372 7`n Street believed a compromise solution should be
reached that would benefit the greatest number of people, without being
inconsiderate of the residents living next to the access.
Mr. Hill stated that he had noticed a design flaw in the sidewalk on the
east side of Sherry Drive that directs people riding bicycles into the street
at intersections, and requested that this matter be addressed.
Michael Catrett of 337 7`h Street stated that he had his bicycle stolen at
the 7"' Street access and requested that a bike rack be installed. He also
indicated that the plantings at the access made it difficult for his mother-
in-law, who had hip replacement surgery, to walk down and view the
ocean.
David Herrold of 659 Sherry Drive believed problems occurred when
people using the access leaned their bicycles against the Le Chateau
fence. He felt installing a bike rack and reconfiguring the area would
resolve this issue.
3. Unfinished Business from Previous Meetings
A. Report on Corrosiveness of City Water
Utility Director Kaluzniak presented data demonstrating that the city's
water, after treatment, was not corrosive. The data, included in her Staff
Report, is attached and made part of this official record as Attachment
B.
Building Official Ford cited several causes for household plumbing
corrosion and indicated that in the past fifteen years, approximately 50%
the older household waterlines in the city had been replaced with PVC
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pipe and would not corrode. A list of the causes of household plumbing
corrosion is included in the report.
B. Report regarding complaints about Lawn Care Companies
operating in residential areas
City Manager Hanson reviewed Code Enforcement Officer Sherrer's
report with the Commissioners. The report is attached and made part of
this official record as Attachment C.
It was noted that twenty-five Home Occupational Lawn Caze Businesses
were licensed with the city, and only four violation notices concerning
their operation had been issued in the past four yeazs. The
Commissioners agreed that the complaint received by Commissioner
Parsons was an isolated case and no additional restrictions should be
imposed.
C. Report regarding Beautification Project at 7`h Street Beach
Access
Pazks and Recreation Director Johnson provided background information
concerning the beautification project and displayed photographs of the
access site. He indicated that the citizens who spoke at the previous
meeting had requested that a shower, bike rack and bench be installed at
the access. He indicated that there was not enough room in the 8-1/2'
space to put a shower, but with the removal and relocation of a few
plants, the bench and bike rack could be installed.
Commissioner Bomo inquired if water was available at the site. Mr.
Johnson indicated that irrigation for the new landscaping was provided
by Le Chateau Condominiums.
Discussion ensued regazding installing a shower and Commissioner
Bomo requested that staff investigate the possibility of installing a water
line and smaller vandal-proof shower at the northeast end of the access.
It was the consensus of the Commissioners to relocate the plants and
install a bench and bike rack at this time.
D. Report regarding legal uses of fireworks and enforceability of
laws pertaining thereto
Chief Thompson presented his report relative to the sale of fireworks
allowed under Florida Statute 791 and the loophole in the law, which
allowed customers to purchase high-powered fireworks by signing a
form stating the fireworks would be used for agricultural pest control.
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Commissioner Borno suggested that the city contact the other beach
cities to see if they would join with the City of Atlantic Beach to lobby
the legislature to rewrite the law to eliminate the loophole. He indicated
he would bring this matter up at the League of Cities Conference he
would be attending next month.
Commissioner Beaver suggested the matter be brought up at a Mayors'
meeting to try and get a joint resolution from the four mayors supporting
changing the law.
Commissioner Waters reiterated his position that the City of Atlantic
Beach should provide assistance to help finance the Jacksonville Beach
Independence Day fireworks display.
Acreage of Flyover Parks
City Manager Hanson responded to an inquiry concerning the size of the
parks to be located by the flyover, and stated that one-third of an acre
would be used for the Veterans' Memorial Park and 1.16 acres would be
used for the children's playground.
4. Consent Agenda
A. Acknowledge receipt of the monthly report from Public
Safety Department
Motion: Approve Consent Agenda Item A as presented.
There was no discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
5. Committee Reports:
A. Report on Mayport Road Access Management Study
(Mayor)
Mayor Meserve reported that a final written report would be
completed in the next few months, and would include
recommendations for improving pedestrian and automobile safety, a
bike path and landscaped median strips. Mayor Meserve pointed
out that the information included in the report was based on detailed
studies conducted by the consulting firm. He indicated that the
citizens and business owners wanted the improvements and as the
project progressed, the city would go back to the FDOT and ask
them to reduce the speed limit on Mayport Road.
Mayor Meserve indicated that after completion of final report, there
would be additional public hearings.
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B. Code Enforcement Board
Curtis Sanders, Chair of the Code Enforcement Boazd, displayed an
organizational chart of the Board and provided information on the
Board's jurisdiction and authority, the duties of the Code
Enforcement Officer and statistical data on violations occurring
within the city.
Mr. Sanders stated he was speaking as a resident of the city, and
requested Commission consideration to amend the current ordinance
regulating lot mowing to require the mowing and removal of
underbrush on all vacant lots in the city.
A question and answer session followed the presentation.
Commissioner Waters inquired concerning repeat offenders relative
to pazking of boats and/or recreational vehicles in front yards.
Code Enforcement Officer Shener explained that after notifying the
owner of the violation, if the violation is not corrected a final notice
is sent to the violators indicating that vehicles would be towed if
there were future violations.
Action on Resolutions:
7. Action on Ordinances:
8. Miscellaneous Business:
A. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate a contract with
PQH Architects for an expansion of City Hall
Motion: Authorize the City Manager to negotiate a contract
with PQH Architects for an expansion of City Hall.
Building Official Ford distributed a sample matrix to the Commissioners
illustrating the procedure used to rank the nine architectural fums that
had submitted proposals.
Commissioner Borno inquired if the azchitects would bring conceptual
drawings to the Commission and Building Official Ford indicated they
would bring several ideas to the Commission before completing a
detailed design.
Commissioner Waters suggested that the building be expanded upward
to save valuable park space.
There was no further discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
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B. Approve Change Order No. 9 in the Core City Improvements
Project in the amount of $40,595.30 (City Manager)
Motion: Approve Change Order No. 9 in the Core City
Improvements Project in the amount of $40,595.30.
There was no discussion and the motion carved unanimously.
C. Provide clarification on questions regarding the intent of
Ordinance No. OS-03-42 that established terms and term
limits of Board and Committee Members (City Manager)
Mayor Meserve indicated that staff's interpretation of the Commission's
intent was correct as listed in the submitted staff report. The
Commissioners concurred with the Mayor's response. The staff report is
attached and made part of this official record as Attachment D.
D. Appointments to the Tree Conservation Board to fill two
unexpired terms, one of which expires January 31, 2004 and
the other expires January 31, 2005 (City. Clerk)
Mayor Meserve stated that Mr. Collins had withdrawn his request to
serve on the boazd and nominated Chazles Carroll for appointment.
Motion: Approve appointment of Charles Carroll to the Tree
Conservation Board (to fill the unexpired term ending January
31, 2004.)
There was no discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
9. City Manager
A. City Manager's Report
City Manager Hanson reported on the following items:
Emergency Repair -Buccaneer Plant
The City Manager reported that emergency repairs totaling $14,786
were made to repair a blower at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Budget Workshops
The City Manager reported that Budget Workshop would be held at
5:00 p.m. on August 11`h and 25`h, immediately preceding the
regulaz Commission Meetings on those dates.
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Hazardous Waste Collection
The City Manager reported that 502 vehicles had participated in the
Household and E-Waste Collection held at the City Hall pazking lot
on Saturday.
Commissioner Borno requested that another collection be scheduled
in a few months.
Town Center Project
Public Works Director Kosoy reported that the next phase of the
Town Center Project would begin soon, and included improvements
on Ocean Boulevard one block northward beginning at Ahem
Street. Photographs of the area were displayed. He reported that
the street would be widened, the palm trees moved back to
accommodate the improvements, and curb installed on the east side
of the street to align with the block south of Ahern. Drainage would
also be improved.
Mr. Kosoy further reported that the Tree Boazd had approved the
relocation of the trees during their July 9`h meeting, and the bid
opening for the prof ect was scheduled for August 6`h.
Commissioner Borno confirmed that the monument on the corner of
Ahern and Ocean would not be disturbed by the project.
Commissioner Waters requested that another date palm be
purchased and planted at the intersection of Ahem and Ocean for
balance and symmetry to the one presently located by the stop sign.
Commissioner Beavea inquired as to where the historic palm trees
would be relocated. Public Works Director Kosoy stated they
would be moved back from their present location when the street
was widened.
10. Reports and/or requests from City Commissioners and
City Attorney
Commissioner Beaver
•:• Inquired if the Town Center drainage improvement project
would eliminate the ponding by the Caribbean restaurant. Mr.
Kosoy responded that the drainage improvements were not
designed for that azea.
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July 28, 2003
Commissioner Borno
•:• Reported there were fifty-three turtle nests on the local beaches,
twenty-four of which were located in Atlantic Beach. Three
nests were due to hatch at any time.
•:• Reported that the San Pablo Overpass Committee had met, and
the twenty-five member committee would meet again on August
4'h with a goal of conducting five meetings in five weeks.
Commissioner Parsons
• Referenced a letter concerning utility billing and inquired if it
was feasible to change the city's billing cycle to accommodate
citizens going on vacation. City Manager Hanson stated he
would look into this to see the extent of the problem.
~.• Inquired if anything could be done to alleviate the sidewalk
problem brought up by Mr. Hill. Public Works Director Kosoy
responded that the city was aware of the problem, but in order to
correct it, the catch basins located at the intersections would
have to be relocated at a cost of approximately $54,000. He
stated he was meeting with the design engineer to discuss other
options.
• Reported there was still a problem with grate noise on 9`h Street.
• Reported that 11`h Street west of Seminole Road, by the lift
station, needed paving. Public Works Director Kosoy stated that
portions of 7`h, 8`s, l0a' and 11 `h Streets would be paved if
mo~iey was available from the Core City project.
Commissioner Waters
•:• Inquired when the decorative crosswalks on Sherry and East
Coast Drives would be completed. He was informed they would
be completed near the end of the Core City prof ect.
• Stated the Acoustic Night at the Adele Grage Cultural Center
was well attended and inquired if the city could purchase a small
portable stage for use at such events.
• Noted that the lagoon by Selva Linkside needed to be cleaned;
however, he was aware that this was not City property.
•:• Commented that he enjoyed the Dutton Island article in the
Beaches Leader.
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• Commented that not enough thought went into the boat parking
ordinance and he would like boats to be parked only in rear
yards. He requested that the Commission revisit the ordinance.
• Reported that property, four doors from his home had flooding
problems.
Mayor Meserve
• Reminded the Commissioner of the ground-breaking ceremony
for the Town Center Drainage Project the following morning at
10:00 a.m. He indicated that Mayor Peyton would not be in
attendance.
•:• Felt directional signage was a good idea and suggested a
common design for all directional signs. He requested that the
Commissioners take a look at Jacksonville Beach's new
directional signs.
•:• Suggested the Commission look into amending the 25'
requirement of the ordinance regulating vegetation, without
damaging wetlands or woods. Commissioner Bomo suggested
the property owners be responsible for clearing their property.
There being no further discussion or business to come before the
City Commission, the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at
9:00 p.m.
fittest:
Maureen King
Certified Municipal Clerk
John Meserve
Mayor/Presiding Officer
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