Minutes - 01-22-01MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ATLANTIC
BEACH CITY COMMISSION HELD IN CITY HALL, 800 SEMINOLE
ROAD AT 7:15 P.M. ON MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2001
PRESENT: John Meserve, Mayor
Richazd Beaver, Mayor Pro Tem
Mike Borno
Theo Mitchelson
Dezmond Waters, Commissioners
AND: James Hanson, City Manager
Alan C. Jensen, City Attorney
Maureen King, City Clerk
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Meserve at 7:15 p.m. The
Invocation was given by Mayor Meserve followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.
1. Approval of the minutes of the Regular Meeting held
January 8, 2001
Commissioner Borno requested that a scrivener's correction be made. to
page three, pazagraph one of the Consent Agenda.
Motion: Approve the minutes of the January 8, 2001 as
corrected.
The motion carried unanimously.
2. Courtesy of the floor to visitors:
Sally Clemens of 1638 Park Terrace West requested that the city
provide an educational seminaz on the election process and government.
The resident of 633 Aquatic Drive and Leonard Nordby of 639
Aquatic Drive complained of their neighbor's barking dogs and
expressed concern for their safety if the dogs dug under or broke through
the wooden fence enclosing the yazd.
Mayor Meserve asked that the City Manager investigate the complaint.
Sylvia Simmons of 211 Beach Avenue expressed several concerns
regarding the possible acquisition of the Pic N Save property located at
725 Atlantic Boulevazd (Item 6B on the agenda).
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January 22, 2001
Mrs. Simmons questioned whether it was the mission of government to
provide this type of service, and stated she would like to see a cost
analysis of the property before any consideration was given to its
purchase.
Pat Pillmore of 995 Camelia Street commented that the ceiling in the
Pic N Save building was not high enough for use as a theater. She also
questioned rumors she had heard regarding violation(s) of the Sunshine
Law.
Mayor Meserve suggested that Ms. Pillmore direct her concern regarding
the Sunshine Law to the person committing the violation.
J.P. Marchioli of 414 Sherry Drive felt residents should be allowed to
keep boats in their front yards as long as they were covered; felt the
number of animals per household should be limited; and also spoke in
opposition to the purchase of the Pic N Save building. He felt the $2.5
million would be better spent on the construction of a new building.
Stephen Kuti of 1132 Linkside Drive read a prepazed statement
opposing the purchase of the Pic N Save property. The letter is attached
and made part of this official record as Attachment A.
Christy Brooks of 1222 Jasmine Street expressed concern that Habitat
homes were being constructed on an old dump site found during
construction in Section H. He indicated that trees had been removed and
garbage exposed. He expressed concerning that the azea was hazardous.
to children and suggested that the property located within the dump site
be condemned for residential building.
Mayor Meserve directed City Manager Hanson to investigate this matter
and report his findings to the Commission.
Alice Gartland of 1140 Seminole suggested that the city investigate a
cooperative effort with the other beach cities to purchase the Pic N Save
building for a cultural arts center. Mrs. Gartland felt that. rental of spaces
in the building would help offset maintenance costs.
3. Unfinished Business from Previous Meeting
City Manager Hanson commented on the following matters provided in
his written report:
Church Road Extension
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January 22, 2001
Reported that the City of Jacksonville supported the opening of
the road and had pledged up to $45,000 towazd the project. He
indicated that an Interlocal Agreement would be prepazed for
review by both cities and presented to the Commission prior to
bidding the project.
Commissioner Mitchelson commented that funding for the project
had not been included in the current budget, and would need to
be identified in the current budget or placed in next year's budget.
Recreational Vehicle Parking Citations
Provided statistical data regarding the number of citations which
had been issued for violations of recreational vehicle parking
requirements since 1994.
Reported on increased code enforcement regarding unlicensed
vehicles in the Royal Palms azea.
Sidewalks on Sherry Drive
Requested Commission input on the citizen request to install
sidewalks on both sides of Sherry Drive at a cost of approximately
$35,000.
A brief discussion ensued and it was the consensus of the
Commission to address the request during this year's strategic
planning sessions which begin in March.
Skateboarding in Bull Park
Reported that no appazent damage from skateboazding had
occurred in Bull Park and there were no significant safety issues
reported.
City Manager Hanson indicated the. city could construct a
skateboarding pazk for approximately $20,000, using
prefabricated ramps. It was suggested that the ramp(s) be
installed on the site of the old restroom building in Jack Russell
Pazk (anew restroom facility is under construction and the old
building will be torn down).
Commissioner Beaver favored construction of the park, but felt
poured concrete ramps should be considered in the upcoming
budget yeaz.
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January 22, 2001
Commissioner Waters suggested that the skateboazders be
involved in setting up the park. He preferred that it be located
someplace other than Jack Russell Pazk.
A brief discussion ensued and this matter was referred to the
Parks and Recreation Advisory Boazd for their recommendation.
4. Consent Agenda
A. Acknowledge receipt of report of utility sales for December
2000, and monthly reports from Building and Recreation
Departments (City Manager)
B. Acknowledge receipt of report regarding proposed changes to
health insurance
Motion: Approve Consent Agenda Items A and B as
presented.
There was no discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
5. Committee Reports:
A. Report from Recreation Advisory Board with
recommendations for recreational programs
DeJean Melancon, Chairman of the Recreation Advisory Board,
explained the Board's recommendation to establish programs provided by
Art Life, as listed in his memo dated January 17, 2001. Implementation
costs were listed at $17,000. The memo is attached and made part of
this official record as Attachment B.
Commissioner Mitchelson inquired as to the number of participants in
last year's Summer Art Camp, and Karen Sadler, owner of Art Life,
indicated that between 25 - 35 students participated each week of the
eight week program.
Mayor Meserve expressed concern that the program was created based on
a single proposal from Art Life and inquired if the bid process should be
waived if the program was approved. Mr. Melancon reported that the
Board solicited proposals from other firms but only Art Life responded.
City Manager Hanson briefly explained the city's bid procedure. City
Attorney Jensen advised that based on the total cost of the program, it
should be sent out for bids.
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January 22, 2001
Discussion ensued concerning approval of certain parts of the program.
Commissioner Mitchelson felt it would be best to approve the entire
package to ensure long term success of the.program. Commissioner
Waters suggested that the entire program be approved as.experimental for
the first yeaz with Recreation Director Johnson's review of its success for
future programs.
Motion: Waive the bidding process and approve the programs
as listed in the memo at a cost not to exceed $17,000.
There was no further discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
6. Action on Resolutions:
A. Resolution No. 01-02
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH,
PROVIDING FOR THE NUMBER OF DAYS PER WEEK
OF SOLID WASTE COLLECTION, AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE (City Manager)
Motion: Adopt Resolution No. 01-02.
There was no discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
B. Resolution No. 01-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH,
FLORIDA, DIRECTING STAFF TO INVESTIGATE THE
FEASIBILITY OF ACQUIRING THE PROPERTY AT 725
ATLANTIC BOULEVARD (PIC N SAVE) (Commissioner
Waters)
Motion: Adopt Resolution No. 01-03.
Commissioner Waters presented his ideas to establish a partnership with
the YMCA to use. the old Pic N Save building on Atlantic Boulevard as
an indoor recreational facility for all ages.
Commissioner Waters introduced Teresa Rogers, the Associate Executive
Director of the Winston Family YMCA in Ponte Vedra, and David Jezek,
a V ice President for the First Coast YMCA. Ms. Rogers, supported
Commissioner Waters proposal, and provided demographics concerning
the Winston Family YMCA and indicated the need for a YMCA to serve
the three beach cities. Ms. Rogers explained the types ofactivities
provided by the YMCA and suggested the Commissioners visit the Ponte
Vedra facility.
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January 22, 2001
Mr. Jezek, stated that he had been with the YMCA for eighteen years and
had served in several cities nationwide. He reported that the Y had its
own azchitects who have worked in a collaborative effort with many
cities to revamp old facilities or build new ones.
First Night Coordinator Kim Armstrong, supported Commissioner
Waters and stated the building would provide a wonderful venue for First
Night activities.
A general discussion of the pros and cons of purchasing the property
ensued. Mayor Meserve felt it would cost between 6 and 7 million
dollars to purchase and remodel the 60,000 square foot building situated
on 3.4 acres. He felt it might be cheaper to teaz the building down and
build a new facility. He expressed concern for maintenance costs and the
use of the $500,000 the city will receive yeazly from the Better
Jacksonville Plan funds for this project. Mayor Meserve felt those funds
might be better spent on infrastructure projects already underway.
Commissioner Mitchelson felt there was a need for a YMCA in the area,
but indicated he needed more information concerning the Y's financial
partnership with the city in order to make a decision.
Discussion ensued and Commissioner Beaver suggested that city staff
investigate the following: (1) How much space the Y would need, (2)
their commitment to the project, either with staff or financially, (3)
whether the other cities would participate, and (4) if the pazking lot sits
on the site of a former landfill, in order to determine if out-pazcels could
be sold to recoup some of the purchase costs.
Following further discussion it was suggested that Building Official Ford
visually inspect the building and report on its condition. An engineering
study could be performed later, if needed by the city.
During discussion Commissioner Mitchelson expressed concern that the
JTA might still consider the site for a bus transfer station. Mayor
Meserve, the city's representative to the Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO), stated the JTA had purchased property on Mayport
Road, but they still might be interested in the site. He stated that he
would follow up on this matter with written letters to the MPO and JTA
to see if they have any plans for the property. Mayor Meserve indicated
that he would also speak to the other beach Mayors to see if there was
any interest in forming a partnership to bring the YMCA to the area.
There was no further discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
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7. Action on Ordinances:
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January 22, 2001
A. Ordinance No. 95-01-77 -Public Hearing and Final Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH,
FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 4, ANIMALS,
ARTICLE II, DOGS AND CATS, SEC. 4-30, CITATIONS
AUTHORIZED; PENALTIES PROVIDED, TO
ELIMINATE CODE ENFORCEMENT HEARINGS AND
REQUIRE. COURT APPEARANCE IF FINES ARE NOT
PAID, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Mayor Meserve read the ordinance by title only.
Motion: Adopt Ordinance No. 95-01-77 on final reading.
Mayor Meserve opened the floor for a public hearing and invited
comments from the audience.
J. P. Marchioli of 414 Sherry Drive felt a limit to the number of
animals per household should be included in the ordinance.
No one else wished to speak and the Mayor declared the public heazing
closed.
There was no discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
8. Miscellaneous Business:
A. Approve purchase of playground equipment for Rose Park at
a cost not to exceed $35,000 (City Manager)
Motion: Approve purchase of playground equipment for Rose
Park at a cost not to exceed $35,000.
City Manager Hanson distributed a drawing of the proposed layout of the
park and indicated that funding was available from the $100,000
budgeted for unspecified park improvements and land acquisition.
Commissioner Beaver believed that establishing the pazk was a good first
step to provide recreational improvements in Marsh Oaks.
Following brief discussion, the motion carried unanimously.
B. Authorize the Mayor to sign the Certificate of Acceptance of
subgrant award from the Department of Community Affairs
for after school programs at Jordan Park (City Manager)
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Motion: Authorize the Mayor to sign the Certificate of
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January 22, 2001
Acceptance of subgrant award from the Department of
Community Affairs for after school programs at Jordan Park.
There was no discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
9. City Manager Reports:
In addition to his written report, City Manager Hanson reported on the
following:
Boil Water Notice
Reported that a boil water notice had been issued to residents in
the vicinity of Mayport Road where the contractor working on the
flyover had broken a water line. The Health Department has
since tested and approved the water and the residents were
notified.
Jacksonville Electric Authority Tree, Contractor
Reported that a Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) contractor
was been going door to door for permission to cut down or trim
trees on private property. He indicated that the JEA was exempt
from the tree ordinance on private property, but was advised that
permission was needed to cut down trees on the city rights-of-
way: He further indicated that it appeazed that some of the trees
tagged on East Coast Drive during the historical tree survey were
included with those to be cut down.
City Manager Hanson stated that he would write the JEA
informing them of the requirement and would keep the
Commission informed.
10. Reports and/or requests from City Commissioners and City
Attorney
Commissioner Waters
Requested that the City Manager investigate the dump issue.
Requested further information concerning the bazking dog
complaint. Chief Thompson provided background information
and stated that the owners had been fined more than once and had
paid their fines. He indicated that the department was working
towazd a solution to the problem and he would provide a report to
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January 22, 2001
the Commission.
Thanked the City Manager and staff for their work and
investigation of the Church Road extension.
Commissioner Mitchelson
Updated the Commission on the Teen Council $1,000 Scholarship
and distributed procedures and requirements to apply for the
scholazship. He indicated the deadline for applying was Mazch
15, 2001.
Commissioner Borno
Provided a brief progress report of the Selva Marina Streets
Committee and indicated that they would be meeting at 10:00
a.m. on the next two Saturdays.
Commissioner Beaver
Stated that he would like Commission permission to work with
the Beautification Committee and Recreation Advisory Board to
redefine their responsibilities, objectives and goals. He indicated
he would bring the information back to the City Commission. and
suggested that a future workshop meeting be held on this matter.
No one objected to his request.
Requested that the orange tape marking historical trees be
removed as soon as possible,. since many residents thought the
tape indicated the trees were being removed and were calling to
protest.
Requested that an appropriate ceremony be conducted when Rose
Park is completed. Recreation Director Johnson indicated it
should be completed within six to eight weeks.
Mayor Meserve
Reported that the Jacksonville Transportation Authority had not
taken the land on which the radio station is located. The intention
now was now to remove the building, since it would be
impractical to run a sewer line in excess of 2,000 feet to a
building presently served by a septic system. It was further
reported that at this time it appears the antenna will remain with a
small building housing the power supply. The City Manager will
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negotiate the location for this building.
Reported that the owner of the lazge advertising sign located in
the marsh wanted keep the sign and place it on a large pole.
Mayor Meserve hoped that when the bridge was completed, both
cities would work together to remove as many signs as possible
located in the marshes, and to keep the area on both sides of
Atlantic Boulevard clean to provide a beautiful entryway into the
cities.
Reminded the Commission that strategic planning begins in
March.
Commented on a recent newspaper. article accusing the city of
selective enforcement of ordinances regarding rental of secondary
dwellings, such as garage apartments; located in single family
residential zones.
A brief discussion of the current situation ensued, and Mayor
Meserve indicated that he wished to take a proactive approach to
this matter and place the property owners on notice since they
may not be awaze of what will occur after adoption of the revised
zoning ordinance.
Motion: Place a moratorium on enforcement of the ordinance
until six months after adoption of the new Zoning Ordinance.
There being no further discussion, the motion carried
unanimously.
There being no further discussion or business to come before the
Commission, the Mayor declazed the meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
John Meserve
Mayor/Presiding Officer
ATTEST:
Maureen King
Certified Municipal Clerk
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