MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ATLANTIC BEACH CITY
COMMISSION HELD IN CITY HALL, 800 SEMINOLE ROAD AT 7:15 P.M.
ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2003
PRESENT: John S. Meserve; Mayor
Richard M. Beaver, Mayor Pro Tem
Paul B. Parsons
Sylvia N. Simmons
J. Dezmond Waters, III, Commissioners
AND: Jim Hanson,:City Manager
Maureen King, City Clerk
Alan C: Jensen, City Attorney.
Mayor Meserve called the meeting to or er at 7:15 p.m. T e Invocation
given by the Mayor was. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the
.Flag..
L Approval of the minutes of the Regular Commission Meeting
of November 4,.2003
Motion: Approve the minutes of the Regular Commission
Meeting ofNovember 4, 2003 as presented.
The motion carried unanimously.
2. Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors
J.P. Marchioli, 414 Sherry Drive reiterated that his wife did not like the
new decorative crosswalk on Sherry Drive because its rumble (for traffic
calming) startled her when she drove over it. He also stated he would
like to be able to comment on Item 8E when it came up on the agenda.
Michael Ressler, speaking on behalf of Trisha Pascoe Lawrence and
her mother, Nancy Pascoe (Item 8E), stated that prior to the Core City
project a sidewalk was located on the right-of--way and did not infringe
on the Pascoe property. He reported that since the street was re-
engineered, a 4` wide sidewalk would not fit on the public right-of--way.
He indicated there was sufficient right-of--way on the north side of 5th
Street to complete the sidewalk from where it ends at Sherry Drive. Mr.
Ressler stated that there were sidewalks on 1St and 7th Streets that did not
intersect with Sherry Drive and he inquired why the sidewalk in question
could not remain disconnected. He also indicated that the storm drain on
the site did not fixnction and if eliminated, there would probably be
enough room for a sidewalk without taking any property:
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November 10, 2003
Trisha Ann Pascoe Lawrence of 481 Sherry Drive, owner of the
property with her mother, Nancy Pascoe, stated that she did not think
the sidewalk was necessary at that location (Item 8E) and requested that
the city reconsider its decision to put the sidewalk back. Ms. Lawrence
stated that her property was lower than the street and suffered from
drainage problems, but since the sidewalk was removed, it was draining
better. She felt it was unfair for the city to take her property, and
.requested additional time to obtain legal advice..
A. Presentation by Friends of Atlantic Beach Elementary School
Laurie Melancon of 675 Beach. Avenue, representing Friends of
Atlantic Beach Elementary School, thanked the city for partnering with
the school to provide afterschool enrichment programs,soccer fields and
cultural arts programs.
Mrs. Melancon stated that the school would like to explore how some
projects could be done jointly with the city and indicated the school
would like to expand the playing fields,. beautify the school grounds,
expand parking and increase public safety. She indicated that they
would also like to explore and share ideas with the city to see if there
were areas of the school grounds that could be used by the entire
community.
Mayor Meserve provided the Commissioners with information regarding
partnering with the school and stated this matter would be brought back
at a future meeting.
3. Unfinished Business from Previous Meetings
Plaza Speed Bump Traffic Study
Chief Thompson reported errors were found in the statistical data in the
traffic study conducted by his department, and he now believed there was
a speedingproblem on the 300 block of Plaza. He indicated that the
study would be repeated, and he would provide afollow-up report and
make a recommendation at the next meeting.
Consent Agenda:
A. Acknowledge Receipt of the following monthly report(s):
Building Department, and Public Works/Utilities
Departments (City Manager)
B. Schedule public hearing dates to adopt proposed visions
to Articles I through IV, Chapter 24, Zoning, Subdivision
and Land Development Regulations (City Manager)..
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November 10,.2003
Motion: Approve Consent Agenda Items A & B as
presented. (The public hearings were scheduled for 7:15
p.m. November 24~h and December $"'):
There was no discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
5. Committee Reports:_
6. Action on Resolutions:
A. Resolution No. 03-14
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH,
FLORH)A, RECOGNIZING THE SUCCESSFUL
REDEVELOPMENT EFFORTS OF ALAN E. DICKINSON
AND THE NORTH BEACH CENTER LOCATED AT 725
ATLANTIC BOULEVARD
Motion: Approve Resolution No. 03-14.
The Mayot read the resolution in its entirety and presented the
framed document to Mr. Dickinson.. The Mayor and Commissioners
thanked Mr. Dickinson for his redevelopment of the old building at
725 Atlantic Boulevard into the North Beach Center.
Mr. Dickinson thanked the Commissioners and staff for their support
and assistance to make the project a success.
There was no discussion and the motion carried unanimously..
B. Resolution No.-03-16
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
ENDORSING THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE
MAYPORT ROAD CORRIDOR AND THE CONCEPTUAL
RECOMMENDATIONS AS CONTAINED WITHIN THE
MAYPORT ROAD ACCESS MAINAGEMENT STUDY
PREPARED FOR THE FIRST COAST METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Motion:. Approve Resolution No.A3-16.
Commissioner Waters inquired if anything had been planned to
improve A-1-A, between the Village of Mayport and Mayport Road.
Mayor Meserve stated that it had not been discussed, but he would
request that the City of Jacksonville look into it as part of the
Mayport Waterfront Partnership program.
There was no discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
Items 8E and 8F were taken out of sequence and acted on at this
time.
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November 10, 2003
8E. Authorize Staff to obtain a survey and have the City
Attorney order a Quick Take of property to construct a
full width sidewalk, with condemnation proceedings to
proceed thereafter (City Manager)
City Manager Hanson explained that there was a sidewalk at the corner
of Ms. Lawrence's property prior to the Core City Project and all
`sidewalk removed during construction was being replaced.. The staff
report explaining the sidewalk replacement is attached and made part of
this official record as Attachment A.
Public Works Director Kosoy displayed a photograph of the property and
pointed out the 2' piece of property needed to install the 4' sidewalk.
Ms. Lawrence explained her situation again and stated that she strongly
objected to the city taking her property. In addition to the sidewalk issue,
Ms. Lawrence related past problems with the city relating to her fence,
the driveway and drainage.
Mayor Meserve suggested a compromise and inquired if Ms. Lawrence
would be willing to give the city the required. property in exchange for
help with drainage improvements. Ms. Lawrence indicated she did not
wanf to give up any property because in the future she would like to
enlazge her home and install a new fence.
Upon the Mayor's suggestion, Ms. Lawrence stated she would be willing
to discuss with city staff options forsesolving the problem.
Motion: ,Defer action on authorizing staff to obtain a
survey and having the City Attorney order a Quick Take
of property to construct a full width sidewalk, in order to
allow all parties to meet and consider options to resolve
this matter.
There was no discussion and the motion carried. unanimously.
SF. Select a design for the. City Hall expansion (City.
Manager)
City Manager Hanson outlined the options for the City Hall expansion,
which included a basic and extended floor plan. The option of
constructing adrive-through kiosk in the parking lot for paying utility
bills was also presented. It was explained that $250,000 was budgeted
for the project, with the basic floor plan costing $240,000. City Manager
Hanson indicated that the extended floor plan, which added 500 squaze
feet to the basic plan cost $311,425 and would require a budget
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r November 10, 2003
amendment: The staff report concerning the proposed expansion is
attached and made part of this official record. as Attachment B.
Jose Perez of PQH Architects explained the various options and
answered questions.
Commissioner Parsons stated that-he was opposed to construction of a
kiosk and inquired as to the number of offices being addedto the
building with the larger design. Mr: Perez responded there would be two
additional offices.
Commissioner Beaver believed the. city should think to the future and
inquired as to the cost to construct a second floor. Mr. Perez indicated
that he did not know what it would cost since his scope of service did not
include designing a second floor. He indicated the scope of services
could be expanded to include maximizing the existing building.
Commissioner Waters reiterated his position that the city should retain
valuable parkland and expand the building up, not out. Mayor Meserve
pointed out that adding a second floor would require installation of an
elevator to meet ADA requirements..
.Discussion ensued and it was pointed out the existing CityHall would
not support. a second floor.
Motion: Approve the extended floor plan at an estimated cost
of $311,425. with no kiosk.
There was no more discussion and the motion carried unanimously
7. Action on Ordinances
A. Ordinance No. 20-03-63 Introduction and First Reading
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR
THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, FOR FISCAL
YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2003 AND ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
Motion: Approve Ordinance No. 20-03-63 on first reading.
There was no discussion and the motion named unanimously.
8. Miscellaneous Business
A. Public Hearing and action on a request for aUse-by-
Exception filed by Roy S. Jones to allow the sale of new
and used automobiles on property within the Commercial
General (CG) Zoning District and located at 1075
Atlantic Boulevard (City Manager)
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November 10, 2003
Motion: Approve request for a use Use-by-Exception
filed by Roy S. Jones to allow the sale of new and used
automobiles on property within the Commercial General
(CG) Zoning District and located at 1075 Atlantic
Boulevard as recommended by the Community
Development Board, and to include a sixth condition that
automobiles will be displayed on the property only
between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., seven days
per week. (The Community Development Board at their
meeting held October 21, 2003, recommended approval of
the request, subject to the following conditions: (1) There
shall be no more than three [3] cars displayed outside of the
enclosed building at any time, (2) There shall be no
automotive repair on the property, (3) There shall be no
.boats, or vehicles other than automobiles; displayed or
maintained on the property, (4) Any automobile leasing shall
be long-term leasing only and not short-term car rentals, and
(5) the Use-by-Exception is non-transferable and granted
only to the applicant).
Mayor Meserve opened the floor for a public hearing. No one spoke
and the public hearing was closed.
The :applicant, Mr. Roy S. Jones, explained his request and stated
.that he brokered and sold only high-end, luxury automobiles to the
public. He indicated thathe would abide by the conditions
- recommended by the Community Development Board and further
stated that he intended to paint the building. and plant palm trees on
the site.
Commissioner Waters stated that he was not in favor of the request
because that was. not the way he wanted Atlantic Boulevard to be
developed. Commissioner Beaver concurred with Commissioner
Waters, but stated that he was pleased the Community Development
Board had placed several conditions on their recommendation to
approve the request. fie felt the conditions should be closely
monitored and requested that an additional condition be included
that automobiles be displayed in front of the building only between
the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. No one objected to the
additional condition.
Mayor Meserve felt that enough conditions had been placed on the
request that no precedent would be set. City Attorney Jensen agreed
that no precedent would be set:
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November 10, 2003
Commissioner Simmons stated that she had walked the area and felt
the sale of new and used cars was not consistent with neighboring
businesses. She also expressed concern relative to policing the
conditions.
There being no further discussion, the motion carried by a three to
two vote with Commissioners Beaver and Parsons and Mayor
Meserve voting aye and Commissioners Simmons and Waters voting
nay.:
B. Appointment to the Cultural Arts and Recreation
Advisory Committee to fill the unexpired term of Betsy
Tidwell (City Clerk)
Commissioner Beaver said he had worked with Ingrid McCawley
during the Adele Grage Cultural. Center expansion project
.fundraisers and recommended she be appointed to the committee..
Motion: Appoint Ingrid McCawley to fill the unexpired
term of Betsy Tidwell on the Cultural Arts and
Recreation Advisory Committee.
There was na discussion and the motion tamed unanimously.
C. Approve designated streets for the tree planting program
(City Manager)
Motion: Approve the designated streets for tree planting
as listed in the Staff Report of the Parks and Recreation
Director dated. October 29, 2003. (The report is attached
and made part of this official record as Attachment C).
Commissioner Parsons requested that the plantings on Plaza and
Seminole Road be delayed for two months, until after the December
meeting of the Art in Public Places Fact Finding Committee. He
indicated that there was an artist who builds his sculptures around
growing trees and the Committee wished to investigate his work.
Parks and Recreation Director Johnson indicated that the trees would
be planted from November through March.. He pointed out that Tree
Fund money could be used only forplanting trees, not. sculptures and
the fund contained $25,000. There were no objections to delaying
the planting on Plaza and Seminole Road for two months.
Commissioner Waters suggested that letters be sent to the
.homeowners on East Coast Drive and Ocean Boulevard to
encourage them to plant palm trees in those areas to complete the
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November 10, ?003
historical palm colonnades.. Mayor Meserve agreed with the
suggestion.
There was no more discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
D. Authorize the City Manager to sign lease agreements
4otaling $140.00 per month to allow two adjoining
businesses to park on city property located between
Atlantic Boulevard and West First Street (City Manager)
Motions Authorize the City Manager to sign lease
agreements totaling $140.00 per month to allow two
adjoining businesses to park on city property located
between Atlantic Boulevard and West First Street.
.Commissioner Waters pointed out that the charge for the proposed
lease was incorrectly stated in the agreement. City Attorney Jensen
advised that he did not know the amount when the document was
drafted and was ubjectto correction.
There was no more discussion. and the motion carried unanimously.
E. ..Authorize Staffto obtain a survey and have the City
Attorney order. a Quick Take of property to construct a
full width sidewalk, with condemnation proceedings to
proceed thereafter (City Manager)
Item 8E was acted on earlier in the meeting.
F. Select a design for the City Hall expansion (City
Manager)
Item 8F was acted on eazlier in the meeting.
G. Selection of Mayor Pro Tempore (City Commission)
.Mayor Meserve indicated that he would like to reappoint
Commissioner Beaver as Mayor Pro Tempore. He stated that he had
been working closely with Mayor Pro Tem Beaver on matters
relating to a hurricane evacuation, since he would have to coordinate
evacuation efforts at his place of business.
Motion: Reappoint Commissioner Beaver as Mayor Pro
Tem
The motion carried unanimously.
9. City Manager
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November 10, 2003
City Manager Hanson reported on the following items:
2005 Beach Renourishment Project Meeting
It was reported that representatives from the four cities, the Corps of
Engineers, Representative Ander Crenshaw's office, Jacksonville
.Council Member Art Gtaham, and Kevin Bodge met on October
29"', and it was discussed that the beach renourishment project was.
on track for 2005. 'City Manager Hanson said it was hoped that
federal funds for the proj ect would be included in the compromise
budget, which should be approved later this month.
Town Center Trash Cans
The City Manager reported that the Town Center Association
requested that the lids for. the Town Center trash cans be modified to
remove the built-in ashtrays previously requested. Commissioner
Waters indicated that the change was being requested since the
ashtrays would hold water and create more of a problem.
Emergency Repair -Sailfish Drive
Mr. Hanson reported. that a sinkhole had formed near 845 Sailfish
Drive and it was determined that 80 feet of 48" storm drain would
have to be replaced on an emergency basis at a cost of $16,500.
Joint Meeting with Community Development Board
City Manager Hanson reminded the Commissioners of the Joint
Meeting with the Community DevelopmentBoard on November
24`h at 5:00 p.m. to begin review of Comprehensive Plan
amendments.
10. Reports and/or requests from City Commissioners and
City Attorney
Commissioner Waters:
~.~ Referenced Item #11 in an article in Waterwatch published
by the St. Johns Water Management District, which indicated
the district had budget funds for cost sharing grants and
inquired if the. city had applied for any funds. City Manager
Hanson indicated. applying for a grant for the Hopkins Creek
project was discussed; but had not been applied for.
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4• Reported that the National Groundwater Conference would
be held in Orlando concerning East Coast water issues for the
Urban Setting and suggested. that someone attend the conference.
• Referenced the resolution adopted by the City of Gainesville
opposing sending. water from north Florida to south Florida
and requested that the City of Atlantic Beach adopt a similar.
resolution: Mayor Meserve agreed and stated that he would
work to encourage the three beach cities and the City of
Jacksonville to adopt a similar a resolution.
:• Felt the city should support the proposed Hodges Boulevazd
overpass and inquired if the city would take a position on the
project. Mayor Meserve believed some. correspondence had taken
place concerning the overpass. He felt that before the Commission
took a position'on the project, it would be better if someone came
before the Commission to explain the pros and cons of the
overpass. The Mayor stated he would review the matter and bring
it back at a future meeting.
Commissioner Parsons
~• Referenced a previous report to the Commission regarding the
December 26`" GatorBowl Festivities and stated that the Gator Bowl
Committee was requesting payment of $3,600 for banners to be
displayed at Town Center. He said the costs would be equally shared
between the Town Center Agency and the cities of Atlantic Beach and
Neptune Beach, and requested Commission approval for the payment of
Atlantic Beach's share. There were no objections to the request.
Mayor Meserve:
:• The Mayor volunteered to work with staff and Ms: Lawrence; to
resolve the sidewalk and other issues related to her property.
•:• The Mayor stated that he would like the city to develop a
partnership with Atlantic Beach Elementary School and requested
that Commissioner Simmons serve as the Commission liaison to
the school. Commissioner Simmons accepted the appointment.
There being no further discussion or business to come before the City
Commission, the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 9:15
P•m-
John Meserve
Attest: Mayor/Presiding Officer
Maureen King
Certified Municipal Clerk
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