Minutes / 09-27-99MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ATLANTIC
BEACH CITY COMMISSION HELD IN CITY HALL, 800
SEMINOLE ROAD AT 7:15 PM ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27,
1999
PRESENT: Suzanne Shaughnessy, Mayor
Richard Beaver
Mike Borno
John Meserve
Theo Mitchelson, Commissioners
AND: Maureen King, City Clerk
Alan C. Jensen, City Attorney
David Thompson, City Manager
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Shaughnessy at 7:15 p.m. The
Invocation was offered by Mayor S aug essy o owe y t e e ge o
Allegiance to the Flag.
1. Approval of the minutes of the Regular Meeting held
September 13, 1999
The Mayor asked for corrections or amendments to the minutes. There
were no corrections or amendments and the minutes were unanimously
approved as prepared.
2. Courtesy of the Floor to Visitors:
No visitors spoke at this time.
3. Unfinished Business From Previous Meeting
A. Action on a Request of Ragtime Tavern for Permission to
Use a Portion of the Sidewalk at 207 Atlantic Boulevard for
Cafe Style Seating (City Manager)
(i} Authorize the City Attorney to draft a contract for
Ragtime's use of the city property,
(ii) Establish a user fee for the use of the property,
(iii) Review and take action on the request for aUse-by-
Exception to waive the parking requirements for 32
additional restaurant seats, and
(iv) Authorize the City Attorney to modify the existing
ordinance to allow the alcohol consumption requested
Mayor Shaughnessy stated that she would prefer not to act on the request
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at this time, and indicated that she would like to wait until a
recommendation was received from the Community Development Board
(CDB) concerning a citywide ordinance addressing cafe style seating.
City Manager Thompson recapped the changes required to implement the
request, and suggested that the Commission xefer this matter to the
Community Development Board for their recommendation. He also noted
that the request would require aUse-by-Exception which was previously
denied by the CDB. City Manager Thompson suggested that the
Commission direct the City Attorney to begin drafting the required legal
documents and changes to the city code required by the request, if they did
not want to wait for the CDB recommendation.
Motion: Authorize the City Attorney to draft a contract for
Ragtime's use of the property.
Commissioner Mitchelson stated he initially was opposed to the request
but since then he realized that Mr. Morton had put forth a great deal of
effort to be a good neighbor to the other businesses located in the area. He
noted that Rona Brinlee, the owner of The Book Mark, supported the
request.
Commissioner Meserve stated he had also changed his mind concerning the
request. He felt that since the cafe style seating would be limited, it no
longer posed a problem. He expressed initial concern that outside
consumption of alcohol might get out of hand, but stated that Al's Pizza had
a similar operation on private property which caused no problems. He felt
that if the cafe style seating or outside consumption of alcohol became
safety issues, they could be controlled by the contract.
Commissioners Borno and Beaver felt that the ordinance should be applied
equally to everyone and expressed concern for changing the existing
ordinance to allow consumption of alcohol on public property.
Mayor Shaughnessy indicated that she favored the request, but wanted to
ensure that the matter was well thought out before granting the request.
She felt that input from the Community Development Board was needed
before making a decision. She further stated that she did not want to hurt
business in the Town Center area in any way, but felt it was necessary that
the city come up with a uniform policy which could be applied to everyone.
Bill Morton, Manager of Ragtime Tavern, stated he had no problem with
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delaying the request since he had promised the adjacent business owners
he would not initiate the cafe seating during the Christmas shopping
season. Mr. Morton stated he now realized the request was more complex
than he originally thought.
Don Bottini of 2130 Mayport Road read letters he sent to the local
newspapers opposing the request. Copies of the letters are attached and
made part of this official record as Attachment A.
Ruth Isaacs of 370 10"' Street agreed with Mr. Bottini's comments, and
felt that the request was an inappropriate use for public property. She
expressed concern for patrons' safety and felt the area would become too
crowded and develop an outdoor party-like atmosphere on public property,
which she felt provided no enhancement to the area. Mrs. Isaacs also
opposed covering the signature bricks with tables.
Cifiy Manager Thompson briefly summarized Mr. Morton's proposed
request and all the required changes to implement the request. The
changes are listed in the staff report dated September 8, 1999, which is
attached and made part of this official record as Attachment B.
There being no further discussion, the motion failed by a one to four vote
with Commissioner Meserve voting aye and Commissioners Beaver, Borno,
Mitchelson, and Mayor Shaughnessy voting nay.
Motion: Refer the Ragtime Tavern request for permission to use
a portion of the sidewalk at 207 Atlantic Boulevard for cafe style
seating to the Community Development Board for their
recommendation.
The motion carried by a four to one vote with Commissioner Borno voting
nay.
Mayor Shaughnessy opened the floor for a public hearing on the use-by-
exception to waive the parking requirements for 32 additional restaurant
seats.
Don Bottini requested that he receive drawings of Ragtime's proposed cafe
seating. Mayor Shaughnessy requested that City Clerk King forward any
diagrams and information submitted by Mr. Morton to Mr. Bottini. Mr.
Bottini expressed concern that the request would be transferred to future
owners should the property be sold. Mayor Shaughnessy explained that it
was possible for the Commission togrant ause-by-exception to the current
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owners for their use only.
Stephen Kuti of 1132 Linkside Drive inquired if the the parking spaces
across the street from Ragtime would be eliminated. He expressed concern
that placing the tables next to the curb would create too narrow of a space
for cars to back out from those spaces.
There being no further comments, the Mayor declared the public hearing
closed.
4. Consent Agenda:
Commissioner Mitchelson requested that Items B and D be removed from
the Consent Agenda for further discussion.
A. Acknowledge Receipt of Monthly Reports from Building, Code
Enforcement, Occupational License and Recreation
Departments (City Manager)
C. Acknowledge Receipt of Annual Stormwater Report to United
States Environmental Protection Agency for Year 2 (City
Manager)
Consent Agenda Items 4A and 4C were unanimously approved as presented.
B. Approve the Purchase of a Concrete Grinder from SASE
Company, Inc. at a Cost of $6,638.91, Pursuant to the
Specifications of Bid No. 9899-31 (City Manager)
Motion: Approve the purchase of a concrete grinder from SASE
Company, Inc. at a cost of $6,638.91 pursuant to the
specifications of Bid No. 9899-31.
Commissioner Mitchelson inquired if there was a permanent need for this
type of equipment.
City Manager Thompson explained that there was sufficient work to justify
purchasing the equipment. He felt it was more cost effective to purchase the
equipment than renting it when needed.
Commissioner Beaver noteed there was only one bidder, but pointed out
that the city was saving between $1,200 - $1,500 by purchasing the
equipment from the manufacturer. Commissioner Beaver indicated that
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the equipment was high maintenance and suggested that there be only one
operator.
City Manager Thompson stated that staff intended to train an operator in
the use and maintenance of equipment.
There being no further discussion, the motion carried unanimously.
C. Award Contract for the Base Bid and Additive Alternate No. 2
in the Total Amount of $326,273.42 for Stormwater System
Improvements Pursuant to the Specifications of Bid No. 9899-
25; Also, Approve Appropriation ofFunds from Reserves in the
Amount of $72,600 for Additive Alternates 1 and 3, as
Recommended by Staff (City Manager)
Motion: Award Contract for the Base Bid and Additive
Alternate No. 2 in the total amount of $326,273.42 for
Stormwater System Improvements pursuant to the
specifications of Bid No. 9899-25; also, approve appropriation
of funds from Reserves in the amount of $72,600 for Additive
Alternates 1 and 3, as recommended by Staff (City Manager)
Stephen Kuti of 1132 Linkside Drive thought the city had expended all
of its reserve funds and inquired as to how much money the city had in
reserves.
Alan Potter of 374 Second Street expressed concern that money was
being wasted on the project. He stated that the firm of Aikenhead and
Odom had recently been hired to evaluate the core city and Howell Park
drainage, and part of this project drained into Howell Park. Mr. Potter
further stated that neither the Stormwater Review Committee (SRC) nor
Aikenhead and Odom had evaluated this project, and he felt it was
premature to spend funds on the project, which he believed was not in
keeping with the city's consent order.
Mr. Potter distributed copies of a letter from the Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) dated October 1, 1997, Paragraph 16 of
the Consent Order, and the staff report from Robert Kosoy, Public Works
Director, dated September 21, 1999 to the Commissioners. Copies of the
information are attached and made part of this official record as
Attachment C.
Mr. Potter then suggested that the project be postponed until such time as
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Aikenhead and Odom have completed their evaluation of the core city
drainage project, which includes Howell Park.
Commissioner Mitchelson inquired if the city would have to give up other
projects if it took $71,000 from various accounts in the Streets Division
Fund and Stormwater Operating Fund to complete this project.
Finance Director VanLiere responded that the city ran under budget in
maintenance and the money was being transferred from various
maintenance accounts in the amount of $71,000.00.
Commissioner Mitchelson then inquired as to what work was being done on
Pine Street.
City Manager Thompson responded that the existing swales would be
filled in, drainage pipe installed to direct the flow of water to Howell Park,
and curb and gutter installed.
City Manager Thompson further stated that there was no rush on this
project, and if the Commission wished to review the very extensive bid
documents, the information could be presented at the next meeting with the
engineers present. City Manager Thompson indicated that the firm of
Aikenhead and Odom were not working with the city when the project
began, and since the project was dumping water into Howell Park, he felt
it should be discussed with them.
Mayor Shaughnessy stated that it appeared that the work to be done on Palm
Avenue and Pine Street would impact the Howell Park outfall. She felt
that the firm of Aikenhead and Odom should review this project to see if
it interfaced with the core city project presently under their review.
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners that input
was needed from Aikenhead and Odom concerning the project.
Commissioner Meserve inquired if the drainage improvement project was
required to bring the city into compliance with paragraph 16 of the
Consent Order. City Manager Thompson indicated that the DEP was
concerned with sanitary sewer not stormwater, but both were
interconnected due to intrusion. He felt the manner in which paragraph 16
was written was open to interpretation. City Manager Thompson indicated
he would have an answer for the Commissioners within the next two
weeks.
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There was no further discussion and the motion and second were
withdrawn.
Motion: Defer Item 4D to the October 11,1999 Commission
Meeting in order to give staff and Aikenhead and Odom time
to confer and make their recommendation concerning the
project.
There being no further discussion, the motion carried unanimously.
5. Committee Reports:
There were no Committee Reports.
6. Action on Resolutions:
A. Resolution No. 99-23
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH,
FLORIDA, RECOGNIZING JOHN FLETCHER FOR HIS
SERVICE ON THE PENSION BOARD OF TRUSTEES
(Mayor)
Mayor Shaughnessy reported that Mr. Fletcher was unable to attend the
meeting. The resolution was read in its entirety by Mayor Shaughnessy.
Motion: Adopt Resolution No. 99-23 .
There was no discussion, the motion carried unanimously.
B. Resolution No. 99-26
A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE OPERATING BUDGET
FOR THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, FOR
THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 1998 AND
ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1999 (City Manager)
Motion: Adapt Resolution No. 99-26.
Commissioner Meserve requested that City Manager Thompson briefly
explain the budget modifications.
City Manager Thompson gave a brief overview of the budget modifications
and indicated that the last item on Page 2 of the resolution could be
eliminated since it was for the stormwater items discussed under Item 4D,
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which will not be included in this year's budget.
Amendment to the motion: Strike the General Fund Item and
in the amount of $72,600.00, including the paragraphs titled
"Expenses" and "Description" from Page 2 of the budget
resolution.
There being no further discussion, the amendment to the motion and the
motion carried unanimously.
C. Resolution No. 99-22 -Public Hearing
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH,
FLORIDA, LEVYING THE AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAX
MILEAGE RATE FOR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES ON ALL
TAXABLE PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 1999 AND
ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2000, STATING THE
PERCENTAGE BY WHICH THE MILEAGE TO BE LEVIED
EXCEEDS THE ROLLED BACK RATE; AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE (City Manager)
Motion: Adopt Resolution 99-22.
Mayor Shaughnessy announced the proposed millage rate was 3.1721 for
fiscal year 1999/2000, and further stated that the rolled back rate for
1999/2000 was 3.0368 and the proposed millage rate was 4.455% higher
than the rolled back rate.
Mayor Shaughnessy then opened the public hearing and invited comments
from those present.
Curt Sanders of 2320 Barefoot Trace inquired as to the increase in
property values in the city. Finance Director VanLiere stated that citywide,
the difference between the rolled back rate and the proposed current rate
would be $78,586.00
J.P. Marchioli of 414 Sherry Drive stated that the value of new
construction had been omitted from the inquiry.
Finance Director VanLiere responded that the differences in the budgeted
revenue of the current year existing millage and using the same millage for
the next year with the additions, deletions and increased valuations would
generate $116,700.00.
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Since no one else wished to speak, the Mayor declared the public hearing
closed.
Mayor Shaughnessy reiterated her previous opposition to adopting a millage
rate of 3.1721 and stated she would like to reduce the millage 1/4 mill.
There being no further comments, the motion carried by a four to one vote
with Mayor Shaughnessy voting nay.
7. Action on Ordinances:
A. Ordinance No. 20-99-43: Public Hearing and Final Reading
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE FINAL BUDGET FOR
THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA, FOR
FISCAL YEAR 1999/2000 BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 1999
AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 (City Manager)
Mayor Shaughnessy read the ordinance by title only.
Motion: Adopt Ordinance 20-99-43 on final reading.
Mayor Shaughnessy then opened the public hearing and invited comments
from those present.
J.P. Marchioli of 414 Sherry Drive inquired as to when the budget would
be available and was told it would be available for public purchase in
approximately three weeks. City Manager Thompson stated that in the
meantime, Mr. Marchioli could borrow his copy of the budget.
Since no one else wished to speak, the Mayor declared the public hearing
closed.
Mayor Shaughnessy requested that a copy of her letter concerning a
balanced budget be included as part of the minutes. The letter dated
September 9, 1999 is attached and made part of this official record as
Attachment D.
There being no further discussion, the motion carried unanimously.
B. Ordinance No. 95-99-71 -Public Hearing and Final Reading
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH,
FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE EXCHANGE OF CERTAIN
REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY FOR CERTAIN
REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
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OF THE JACKSONVILLE BEACHES, INC., A NOT FOR
PROFIT FLORIDA CORPORATION, DB/A BEACHES
HABITAT, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
(Mayor)
Motion: Adopt Ordinance No. 95-99-71 on final reading.
Mayor Shaughnessy opened the floor for a public hearing and invited
comments from the audience.
No one wished to speak, and the Mayor declared the public hearing closed.
There was no discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
8. Miscellaneous Business:
A. Appointment of a Committee to Review the Recommendations
of the Pension Board of Trustees Regarding a Change in
Retirement Eligibility (Mayor)
Mayor Shaughnessy appointed the following citizens to the Committee to
Review the Recommendations of the Pension Board of Trustees regarding
a change in retirement eligibility: John Fletcher, George Foster as a non-
voting member, Dezmond Waters, and Dorothy Kerber. Mr. Waters
requested that the committee meetings be held after 3:00 p.m.
B. Appointment to Code Enforcement Board (Mayor}
Mayor Shaughnessy appointed E.T. Fernandez to a three year term on the
Code Enforcement Board. There were no Commission objections to the
appointment.
Mayor Shaughnessy requested that a Resolution of Esteem be prepared for
retiring Code Enforcement Board Member Lou Etta Waters for presentation
at the next Commission Meeting.
C. Appointment to the Stormwater Review Committee (Mayor)
Mayor Shaughnessy indicated there would be no additional appointments
to the Stormwater Review Committee.
D. Authorize City Staff and City Attorney to Obtain a Legal
Boundary Survey and Obtain Ownership of Property Located
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on Brista de Mar Circle in Selva Norte Unit 2, Through a
Quick-take Agreement with Mr. Jack Pate (City Manager)
Motion: Authorize City Staff and the City Attorney to obtain a
legal boundary survey and obtain ownership of property located
on Bristal de Mar Circle in Selva Norte Unit 2, through a quick-
take agreement with Mr. Jack Pate.
Mayor Shaughnessy explained that Mr. Pate was donating the property
to the city to allow city vehicles to make a proper turnaround when
checking or servicing the lift station located next to his property. Mr. Pate's
only requirement was that the city do the survey and legal work for the
quick-take agreement.
There was no discussion, the motion carried unanimously.
E. Approve Additional Pay for the Interim City Manager,
Retroactive to January 12,1999, and Continuing Until the New
City Manager is Hired (City Manager)
Motion: Approve additional pay for the Interim City Manager,
retroactive to January 12, 1999 and continuing until the new
City Manager is hired.
There was no discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Shaughnessy introduce the new City Manger, Jim Hanson, and
welcomed him to the city.
J.P. Marchioli inquired if the additional pay for the Interim City Manager
was pay or a bonus and was told it was a bonus.
F. Approve Proposed Change Order to Extend the Boardwalk
Leading to the Canoe Launch at the Tresca Property by Thirty
(30) Feet, at a Cost of $3,070.00 (City Manager)
Motion: Approve proposed Change Order to extend the
boardwalk leading to the canoe launch at the Tresca Property
by thirty (30) feet;~at a cost of $3,070.00.
There was no discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
G. Action on Attorney General's Opinion Regarding Mandatory
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Connection to the City's SewerSystem (Comm. Mitchelson/City
Manager)
Motion: In the absence of any adverse health conditions on the
premises, the City Commission honor past commitments of the
previous Commission as found in Section 22-90 of the code.
Mayor Shaughnessy indicated that she had previously requested letters be
written to the Attorney General and to Dr. Goldhagen of the Public Health
Department to determine if there was a health hazard associated with the use
of septic tanks in the specified areas.
City Manager Thompson indicated that no letter had been directed to Dr.
Goldhagen, however, he had been in touch with the Health Department
several times regarding this matter.
Mayor Shaughnessy stated that she would like to receive a written response
from Dr. Goldhagen in order to know if there was a health hazard associated
with the use of septic tanks in the specified areas.
Commissioner Beaver felt Section 22-90 of the code would have to be
amended regarding the ninety day hookup requirement.
Mayor Shaughnessy referenced Page 2 ,Paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Attorney
General's opinion which provided that the mandatory requirement for
sewer hookup could be waived if it was determined that such connection
was not required in the public interest due to public health considerations.
The Attorney General's Opinion (AGO) is attached and made part of this
official record as Attachment E.
Mayor Shaughnessy then asked City Attorney Jensen if the city code would
have to be changed if the city received a letter from Dr. Goldhagen
confirming that the city was not adversely affecting public health by its
actions.
City Attorney Jensen stated it was up to the Commission to decide whether
or not to enforce the ninety day hookup requirement. He further stated that
other officials have honored the commitments made by previous
Commissions.
City Attorney Jensen advised that the Attorney General's Opinion
addressed requirements under the state statute, not those under the city code.
He advised that the city code required hookup within ninety days, if sewer
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is available or if the septic system fails. He recommended that the
ordinance be amended to reflect the policy adopted by the Commission.
Commissioner Meserve felt that a workshop was needed to discuss a plan
to provide some type of financial relief to encourage and eventually require
those citizens on septic systems to hook up to the sewer. He stated that
he would like to allow citizens to pay the required costs and fees over a
period of time.
Commissioner Borno felt this item should be deferred until such time as the
response from the Health Department is received. He agreed that a
workshop was needed to develop a policy concerning mandatory sewer
connections.
A brief discussion ensued concerning who was exempt from the
requirements of section 22-90. It was pointed out that everyone who had a
special assessment was exempt, except those with the Beach Avenue sewer
assessment.
Dezmond Waters of 1835 Seminole Road explained that the sewer
system was installed in Section H to prevent further installation of septic
systems, and was paid for by the citizens living there at that time. It was
pointed out that anyone who moved in after passage of the ordinance was
required to connect to the sewer.
Mr. Waters reported that the City of Neptune Beach planned to be off of
septic systems just after 2005, and suggested that the city might consider
some reasonable type of "sunset clause" when amending the existing
ordinance.
Mr. Don Bottini recommended a publication from the United States League
of Cities of studies done on septic systems which indicated that septic
systems become real public hazards as population density increased. He
suggested that the city contact the Tax Foundation for information on the
costs of converting to sewer systems.
There was no further discussion and Commissioner Meserve suggested that
this item be deferred until the Health Department letter was received.
After a brief discussion, the motion and second were withdrawn.
Motion: Defer action on the item until the letter from the
Department of Health is received.
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There being no further discussion, the motion carried unanimously.
H. Declare YMCA Trailer Surplus and Authorize Disposal by City
Staff (City Manager)
Motion: Declare the YMCA trailer surplus and authorize its
disposal by City Staff.
There was no discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
I. Discussion and Related Action Regarding the Feasibility of
Changing the Date of City Elections to Coincide with Other
Regularly Scheduled Elections (Mayor/Comm. Mitchelson)
City Clerk King explained that to change the city election date to coincide
with other regularly scheduled elections, which are held every two years on
even years would require an amendment to the City Charter. It was further
explained that it would also be necessary to adjust the terms of office for the
first year and an ordinance approving the Language to be placed on the ballot
would have to be passed.
City Clerk King indicated that a referendum could be held on the
Presidential Preference election in March 2000, and amail-in ballot was
suggested since there would be no candidates.
City Clerk King stated that the city would realize a cost savings of
approximately $5,000.00 for poll workers, $700-800.00 for advertising and
the cost for staff to prepare and receive absentee ballots if the Supervisor of
Elections handled the municipal election.
City Clerk King further stated that Supervisor of Elections John Stafford
would be willing to work with the city in making the transition and
suggested that a workshop be held with the City Attorney and Mr. Stafford
to decide exactly how the election should be set up.
Commissioner Mitchelson believed more citizens would become involved
in the municipal election if it coincided with the national and state elections.
Mayor Shaughnessy requested that the Duval County Delegation be
contacted to see if any involvement on their part was required to change the
municipal election dates.
Motion: Direct staff to pursue changing the election date in
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order to improve citizen participation.
There being no further discussion, the motion carried unanimously.
J. Approve Community Development Block Grant Contract with
the City of Jacksonville and Authorize the Mayor to Sign the
Contract Document (City Manager)
Motion: Approve the Community Development Block Grant
Contract with the City of Jacksonville and authorize the Mayor
to sign the Contract Document.
There was no discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
K. Approve Employment Contract with James Hanson for the
Position of City Manager (City Manager)
Motion: Approve Employment Contract with James Hanson for
the position of City Manager.
Commissioner Mitchelson inquired as to payment for dependent health
insurance as listed on Page 6 of the contract and asked if this would set a
precedent.
A brief discussion ensued and it was pointed out that family health
insurance coverage had been included in previous city managers' contracts.
Commissioner Borno praised Mr. Hanson for his work with staff at the
shelter during the mandatory evacuation for hurricane Floyd.
There being no further discussion, the motion carried unanimously.
L. Award Contracts for Insurance Coverage in Accordance with
the Recommendations of Waters Risk Management (City
Manager)
Motion: Award contracts for insurance coverage in accordance
with the recommendations of Waters Risk Management.
There was no discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
M. Appointment to the Community Development Board to fill the
Unexpired Term of Dezmond Waters (Mayor)
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September 27, 1999
Motion: Appoint Craig Burkhart to fill the unexpired term of
Dezmond Waters on the Community Development Board.
There was no discussion and the motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Shaughnessy called a recess at 9:50 p.m. and reconvened the meeting
at 10:10 p.m.
N. Approve Pine Island Master Plan and Authorize Staff to
Negotiate a Contract with Landers-Atkins for Construction
Plans for Bidding and Building the Project; also Authorize Staff
to Seek Grant Funding to Pay for Planning and Design Work
Motion: Approve Pine Island (Dutton Island) Master Plan and
authorize staff to negotiate a contract with Landers-Atkins for
construction plans for bidding and building the project; also
authorize staff to seek grant funding to pay for planning and
design work.
City Manager Thompson reported that the Landers-Atkins Master Plan for
the park had been reviewed by the Recreation Advisory Board and staff.
He indicated that staff made a few minor changes to the plan and approved
the plan in its current form.
Tom Atkins of Landers-Atkins displayed a large map of the proposed
master plan and provided an overview of the proposed improvements.
Mr. Atkins indicated that the land would be developed as a passive park
with the preservation of natural habitat areas. He explained that the
controlled burn was a requirement of the grant application and would be
coordinated through the USDA Division of Forestry. Mr. Atkins also
reported that a study of vegetation and wildlife was conducted by
Environmental Resource Solutions, Inc, and no endangered species were
found on the island.
Commissioner Beaver stated he like the design for the park, and inquired
as to the cost of the proposed observation deck. He also requested that the
length of the canoe launches be checked to ensure that they were adequate.
Commissioner Borno also favored the design for the park. He inquired
concerning usage of thatch roofed structures and stated he would check into
the structures built at the Navy Base by volunteers. Commissioner Borno
felt the restroom should be kept simple and low maintenance.
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September 27, 1999
Commissioner Borno also inquired concerning the feasibility of
constructing an amphitheater at the low spot when entering the island.
Commissioner Meserve inquired concerning parking on the island. Mr.
Atkins explained that there would be a turnaround for emergency vehicles,
but there would be no parking on the island. He indicated that the roads
on the island would be stabilized, but would not be paved . City Manager
Thompson stated the Park Attendant would be provided a four wheel drive
truck as a maintenance vehicle.
Mayor Shaughnessy inquired where buses would park for school trips. Mr.
Atkins stated that buses would drop students off at the entrance to the park
where a control area for visitor orientation and restroom were located. The
Mayor also inquired about an amphitheater and the amount of area set aside
for camping.
Discussion ensued concerning a boat dock for the south end of the island.
Mr. Atkins reported that there were pilings but no dock at that location and
the existing pilings would probably have to be repaired or replaced.
Construction material for the restrooms was discussed and Commissioner
Borno suggested using Wonder Board. It was the consensus of the
Commission that the building be a permanent concrete structure as opposed
to apre-fabricated building.
Relative to the recommendation made by the Recreation Advisory Board
concerning a resident custodian, City Manager Thompson indicated that
there was no need for a resident custodian on the island since it would be
gated and locked at night.
There being no further discussion, the motion carried unanimously.
9. City Manager Reports:
City Manager Thompson:
• Indicated that a Workshop Meeting with Aikenhead and Odom
needed to be scheduled as part of the contract with the company.
It was the consensus of the Commission to hold the workshop on
October 11, 1999 at 4:00 p.m.
• Indicated that the City Attorney's contract needed to be revisited.
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September 27, 1999
It was the consensus of the Commission to discuss the contract on
October 11, 1999 at 6:00 p.m.
• Commended City Staff for their work during Hurricane Floyd.
10. Reports and/or requests from City Commissioners and City
Attorney
City Clerk King:
• Reminded the Commission of October 5, 1999 Commission
Meeting to canvass the ballot and certify the election results.
Commissioner Mitchelson:
• Distributed copies of the FCC ruling which allows dish antennas
to be placed on homes regardless of Homeowner Association rules.
• Inquired concerning FEMA reimbursement for expenses and
damages related to Hurricane Floyd.
City Manager Thompson stated that reimbursement depended on the
level of disaster declared.
Commissioner Beaver:
• Commended city staff for a job well done during Hurricane Floyd.
Commissioner Borno:
• Expressed concern that citizens would not heed future hurricane
warnings.
Commissioner Meserve:
• Stated he hoped the -Police Department had a plan for protecting
property when the citizens evacuated.
City Manager Thompson stated that protecting property was a high
priority for the Police Department. He stated that in the future he
hoped the media would refrain from talking about burglaries during
the evacuation.
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September 27, 1999
A brief discussion ensued concerning the problems individual
Commissioners encountered when evacuating.
Mayor Shaughnessy:
• Thanked the City Manager and staff for their work during the
hurricane.
• Reported that a Red Mass would be held at Immaculate Conception
Church on October 14, 1999 at 5:30 p.m.
• Reported that the Regional Sediment Meeting would be held at the
Sea Turtle Inn on October 24, 1999 at 9:00 a.m.
• Reported that the Association of Public Works luncheon would be
held on October 21, 1999 at 11:30 a.m.
There being no further comments or business to come before the
Commission, the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
Suzanne Shaughnessy
Mayor /Presiding Officer
ATTEST:
Maureen King
Certified Municipal Clerk
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