Minutes / 08-28-00MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ATLANTIC
BLEACH CITY COMMISSION HELD IN CITY HALL, 800 SEMINOLE
ROAD AT 7:15 P.M. ON MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2000
PRESENT: John Meserve, Mayor
Richard 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 offered by Commissioner Beaver followed by the Pledge
of Allegiance to the Flag.
1. Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held
August 14, 2000
The minutes of the Regular Meeting were unanimously approved as
presented.
2. Courtesy of the floor to visitors:
A. Proclamation declaring the week of August 28 -September 4,
2000 as Atlantic Beach Firefighter Appreciation Week
(Mayor)
Mayor Meserve read the Proclamation in its entirety proclaiming August
28 -September 4, 2000 as Firefighter Appreciation Week in Atlantic
Beach. Mayor Meserve indicated that firefighters were being
recognized nationwide .for their efforts on behalf of the Muscular
Dystrophy Association.
B. Eckerd Drug Award for Community Service
Mayor Meserve recognized Gail Baker as one of one hundred recipients,
out of 2,700 applicants nationwide, of the Eckerd Drug Award for
Community Service.
Mayor Meserve congratulated Ms. Baker and briefly outlined her many
volunteer efforts for the city.
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August 28, 2000
C. Alan Potter of 374 2"d Street read from a letter to the
Commissioners dated August 28, 2000. The letter is attached and
made part of this official record. as Attachment A._
D. Juliette Sleeper of 700 Beach Avenue commented on the
following: (1) supported the comments of Alan Potter, (2) felt too
much money and time had been spent on Bull Park and compared
its construction to that of a park built with donations and
volunteer labor in the City of St. Augustine, (3} felt the city
should keep the 3,000 gallons in the base rate for poorer residents
who cannot afford water rate increases, and (4) presented a
petition containing two hundred signatures of citizens opposed to
spending any more money on purchasing property, beautification
or work on the Adele Grage Community Center until the city's
infrastructure projects are completed.
E. Pat Pillmore of 995 Camelia Street commented on the increased
traffic in Marsh Oaks caused by the proposed subdivision and
inquired concerning the status. of the traffic study in connection
with the construction of the flyover.
Mayor Meserve reported that the Metropolitan Planning
organization will do the traffic study.
F. Danny Thiele of 107 Azalea Place, Neptune Beach, requested
that the Commission reconsider passage of an ordinance
regulating ocean front lighting during sea turtle nesting season.
Mayor Meserve requested that Mort Hanson be present at
the next meeting to discuss the need for an ordinance.
G. Bob Totter of 275 11"' Street questioned the need for afour-way
stop at the intersection of East Coast Drive and 11`t' Street and
requested that consideration be given to removing the signs on
11`h Street since there was also a stop sign at 10`h Street.
Mayor Meserve requested that staff look into the request.
H. Report on Sewer Master Plan -Smith & Gillespie Engineers
Utility Director Kaluzniak introduced Scott Lee, Doug Layton and
Nicole Pittard with the firm of Smith and Gillespie Engineers.
Scott Lee, Project Manager, stated that there were three major elements
of the plan, which included the sewer system mapping, an evaluation of
the city's sewer collection and transmissions systems and a ten year
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August 28, 2000
capital improvement plan recommendation.
Mr. Lee displayed completed maps of the Atlantic Beach and Buccaneer
Sewer Systems showing all lines, manholes and lift stations. Mr. Lee
defined terminology used within the master plan and briefly explained
how the transmission systems worked.
Mr. Lee indicated that the list often improvements found on pages 14
and 15 of the report would cost approximately $12 M, or $1.2 each year
for ten years. Mr. Lee also indicated that the plan was 60% complete,
and they were still working on an interface between the GIS System and
the AS/400 which will allow for quicker recognition of repeat trouble
areas, quicker dispatch of crews and better management of the work
force, capital funding alternatives and an efficiency analysis of the
system. The plan is attached and made part of the official record as
Attachment B.
A question and answer session followed. The effectiveness of sleeving
existing sewer lines, the use of lift stations, and the major causes of
infiltration were briefly discussed.
3. Unfinished business from previous meeting
A. Follow-up report from the meeting of August 14, 2000 (City
Manager)
City Manager Hanson reported the following additions to his written
report:
Noise Enclosures for Buccaneer Wastewater Treatment Plant
Reported the noise enclosures were delivered and needed
concrete pads built before installation. He indicated that there
would be an increase in noise when the temporary barriers were
removed for installation of the concrete pads.
Core City Project
Reported that the Public Hearing for the Core City Project would
be held on Thursday, September 7, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. at the
Atlantic Beach Elementary School. He indicated that notices of
the meeting would be hand delivered to the core city residents
and would include a summary of the recommendations and a
map.
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August 28, 2000
2000 - 2001 Budget Adoption Process
Reported that the Commission had completed review of the
budget and it would be on the agenda for -first reading September
11, 2000. A schedule of changes to the proposed budget from the
budget workshops was distributed. The proposed budget
included a 4% across the board raise for all employees, no
increase in tax rates, and an increase in water and sewer rates of
approximately 8%, for a two year increase of approximately 14%,
which would generate an additional $650,000 per year for capital
projects. The schedule of changes is attached and made part of
this official record as Attachment C.
4. Consent Agenda:
A. Acknowledge receipt of monthly reports from Public Safety
Department (City Manager)
Motion: Approve Consent Agenda Items A as presented.
There was no discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
5. Committee Reports:
There were no Committee Reports.
6. Action on Resolutions:
There was no action on Resolutions.
7. Action on Ordinances:
A. Ordinance No. 5-00-33 Public Hearing and Final Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH,
FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ADMINISTRATION,
ARTICLE II, CITY COMMISSION, SEC.2-20,`SALARY OF
MEMBERS AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Commissioner Borno explained his proposed changes to the Commission
as follows: Change the annual salary of the Mayor from $12,000 to
$10,000 and that of the Commissioners from $9,000 to $6,000, and
reinstate the following subsections under Section 2-20: "(c) Effective
August 1 each year the basic salary of the mayor-commissioner and city
commissioners shall be reviewed and increased if appropriate with the
actions over the preceding year's economy," and "(d) This review and
increase in basic salary does not negate an annual cost of living increase
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August 28, 2000
that might be awarded each year to all City of Atlantic Beach
employees." and delete "No current city commissioner nor the current
mayor-commissioner shall receive a salary increase during his current
term of office."
Motion: Approve Ordinance No. 5-00-33 on final reading.
Amendment to the motion: Change the annual salary of the
Mayor from $12,000 to $10,000 and that of the
Commissioners from $9,000 to $6,000. and reinstate the
following subsections under Section 2-20: "(c) Effective
August 1 each year the basic salary of the mayor-
commissioner and city commissioners shall be reviewed and
increased if appropriate with the actions over the preceding
year's economy," and "(d) This review and increase in basic
salary does not negate an annual cost of living increase that
might be awarded each year to all City of Atlantic Beach
employees." and delete "No current city commissioner nor the
current mayor-commissioner shall receive a salary increase
during his current term of office."
Mayor Meserve opened the public hearing and the following people
spoke:
Pat Pillmore of 995 Camelia Street stated that she felt uncomfortable
with the Commission voting themselves a pay increase.
Juliette Sleeper of 700 Beach Avenue disapproved of any pay increase
if the Commission was not going to hold the line on spending.
Curtis Sanders of 2320 Barefoot Trace felt the Commission's salary
should be in line with other cities of similar size with similar
responsibilities..
There being no other comments for or against the proposed ordinance,
the Mayor declared the public hearing closed.
Second Amendment to the motion: The pay raise will become
effective following the next Atlantic Beach General Election
in the year 2001.
Mayor Meserve felt this would be a better effective date than
immediately or at the end of each Commissioner's term of office, and
would prevent Commissioners serving at different rates of pay.
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August 28, 2000
Discussion ensued and the City Commissioners agreed that the. increases
were warranted and in line with other Florida cities of similar size, and
may provide an incentive to others to run for office. However, there -
were some differences of opinion regarding the ,effective date of the
proposed salary increases
Commissioner Mitchelson, responded to Juliette Sleeper's comments,
and clarified what took place during the budget workshops to allow
suggested items to be part of the city's balanced budget.
There being no further discussion, the second amendment to the motion
failed by a one to four vote with Mayor Meserve voting aye and
Commissioners Beaver, Borno, Mitchelson and Waters voting nay.
The first amendment to the motion carried by a three to two vote with
Commissioners Beaver, Borno and Waters voting aye and Commissioner
Mitchelson and Mayor Meserve voting nay.
The main motion carried by a three to two vote with Commissioners
Beaver, Borno and Waters voting aye and Commissioner Mitchelson and
Mayor Meserve voting nay.
Commissioner Waters suggested consideration of two voting districts
with three Commissioners serving at large to remedy the representation
issue.
B. Ordinance No. 45-00-15 Introduction and First Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH,
FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 20, TAXATION,
SECTION 20-59, SCHEDULE OF FEES; AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Motion: Approve Ordinance No. 45-00-15 on first reading.
Mayor Meserve indicated that the public hearing would take place
September 11, 2000.
There was no discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
8. Miscellaneous Business:
A. Approve the proposed policy relative to flag etiquette for the
City of Atlantic Beach (City Manager)
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August 28, 2000
Motion: Approve the proposed policy relative to flag
etiquette.
Discussion ensued and Commissioner Mitchelson felt it would be
difficult to bring together the Commission to determine if the flag should
be flown at half-staff for an employee or citizen and it was agreed that
the Mayor, alone, should make this decision.
Amendment to the motion: Change the last paragraph of
page one of the policy to read "Any citizen as designated by
the Mayor of the City of Atlantic Seach." (It was the intent of
the Commission to have the Mayor, not the City Commission,
designate the appropriateness for flying the flag at half-staff for
any city employee, as well as for any citizen).
There was no further discussion and the amendment to the motion and
the main motion carried unanimously.
B. Approve the plat of Paradise Cove and authorize the Mayor
and City Clerk to sign same (City Manager)
Motion: Approve the plat of Paradise Cove and authorize the
Mayor and City Clerk to sign the plat.
Mayor Meserve inquired concerning the recommendation to build only
single family homes.
Community Development Director Worley explained that the Developer,
Bestcon, Inc., had submitted a letter stating that he had planned to build
single family homes, but wished to retain the duplex zoning of the site in
case it became impractical to build single family homes. It was further
explained that the Community Development Board unanimously
recommended that the Commission approve the proposed plat, but
requested that the Commission urge Bestcon to construct only single
family homes. Community Development Director Worley emphasized
that it was not a condition for approval, but a recommendation to follow
through on the statement.
Paul Nichols, President of Bestcon, stated that he wished to construct
single family homes in the 1,200 - 1,450 square foot range on the site.
He indicated that he had been building west of Mayport Road for
approximately three years and he would like this subdivision to be
similar to Hidden Cove.
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August 28, 2000
Commissioner Beaver inquired if the proposed plat had been before the
Tree Board. Mr. Nichols indicated that the plat had been before the Tree
Board, and the removal of trees for construction had already been
completed.
There was no more discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
C. Authorize the lease of a copier under State Contract for the
north end of City Hall (City Manager)
Motion: Authorize the lease of a copier under State Contract
for the north end of City Hall.
There was no discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
D. Authorize the city to pay health insurance premium increases
for employees who elect dependent coverage, effective
October 1, 2000 (City Manager}
Motion: Authorize the city to pay health insurance premium
increases for employees who elect dependent coverage,
effective October 1, 2000
Commissioner Mitchelson expressed concern that this was part of the
union contract bargaining process and he felt it inappropriate to approve
it at this time since union contracts had not yet been approved.
City Manager Hanson reported that it was an issue brought up during the
Shade Meeting. However, it affects all city employees and should be
dealt with as such, instead of with any one union. City Manager
Hanson further stated it would not be referenced in the Public Works
employees contract.
Mayor Meserve commented on negotiations and agreed with City
Manager Hanson that it affected all employees and would be funded as
part of the budget process.
There was no further discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
E. Authorize the purchase of six lots located on West Plaza for
use as an athletic field at a cost not to exceed $80,000 (City
Manager)
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August 28, 2000
Motion: Authorize the purchase of six lots located on West
Plaza for use as an athletic field. at a cost not to exceed
$80,000.
City Manager Hanson reported that Timmy Johnson had negotiated a
selling price of $75,000, plus the city would pay all of the related closing
costs. City Manager Hanson believed it was a good project and long
needed on the west side of town.
Commissioner Borno felt this was a good starting point and pointed out
the property could be used in a land swap if a larger parcel become
available.
There being no further comments, the motion carried unanimously.
9. City Manager Reports:
City Manager Hanson indicated there were no additions to the written
report.
10. Reports and/or Requests from City Commissioners and City
Attorney
Commissioner Beaver
Requested that a representative of Media One (now called AT
and T Broadband) be present at the next meeting to answer
questions related to customer service. He indicated that many
constituents had spoken with him concerning poor or non-
existent service.
Reported he had reviewed the irrigation plan for the flyover and
stated it was a good plan if followed.
Commissioner Borno
Requested that the forms for employee recognition be brought
before the Commission for approval.
Expressed concern regarding an article in The Nations Weekly
which stated there was pending legislation which would eliminate
local authority concerning zoning matters (Private Property
Implementations Act of 1999). He felt that staff should respond
to local representatives concerning this matter.
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Commissioner Mitchelson
• Reported he would be attending the annual conference for
Beaches and Shore Preservation September 13-15th and would
bring back as much information as possible regarding the city's
beach renourishment project.
Felt the city should reconsider passage of a sea turtle ordinance
and that Mort Hanson should be present at a meeting to answer
questions.
Mayor Meserve requested that the Mr. Hanson be present at the
next meeting.
Commissioner Waters
• Reported that he had witnessed a recent sea turtle hatching, and
supported protection of the turtles.
• Relative to a recent request for "No Parking" signs on 11 "' Street,
he requested consideration of painting the "No Parking" signs on
the pavement if the request is honored..
• Felt the city had an obligation to keep the beach opened to the
public.
• Reported on the number of cars operating without tail lights in
the city and requested that the Police Department look into this
Mayor Meserve
Reported he had received a letter from Councilman Mitch Kinsey
of Jacksonville Beach requesting that the city participate in a joint
venture with Jacksonville Beach and donate $2,500 toward
installation of lighting for multi-purpose athletic field at Beaches
Baptist Hospital. He indicated that the City of Jacksonville
Beach would maintain the field and Atlantic Beach residents
would not be charged an out of district fee.
It was the consensus of the Commission to make the contribution
to the City of Jacksonville Beach.
Utility Director Donna Kaluzniak
Gave an informative powerpoint presentation concerning
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Insituform Technologies, Inc. Core City Sanitary Sewer
Improvements Project. Ms. Kaluzniak explained the process to
---- -make the sewer pipe which is cured in place and showed
photographs of various steps in the process. _
There being no further discussion or business to come before the
Commission, the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned of 9:35 p.m.
John Meserve
Mayor /Presiding Officer
ATTEST:
Maureen King
Certified Municipal Clerk
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