HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council MinutesCommunity Development Department Overview Workshop
CRA & Regular Council Meeting
January 22, 2020
Page Four
Nancy Vise representing property owner Tom Vari, stated he was one of the first property
owners that hooked up to the sewer and was not aware the application had to happen
before the work was done. The Community Development Director stated the work was
completed in July and Mr. Vari started the grant request in September. (See page 35)
The Community Development Director outlined the program's application process and
asked if the board was to approve this request, how far back the board would like to go in
approving future "after the fact" requests. The City Attorney advised the estoppel process
doesn't apply to governmental entities.
MOTION by Mr. Gilliams and SECOND by Vice Chairman Mauti to approve the grant
request for 1620 N. Central Avenue passed with a unanimous voice vote of 5.0.
20.014 C. Provide Direction Repardinp the Harbor Lichts Motel Site — 1215 Indian River Drive
(Transmittal. Code. Aerial. Survev)
The City Manager asked Council what they would like to do with the parcel with the hotel
on it as there are two individuals interested in making proposals on it.
Ms. Parris noted the building was a historical landmark and there was an individual
interested in using the renovated property in the audience.
Mr. Gilliams said he would like to hear from the community.
Mr. Hill noted the reason the City bought the property was to protect the east side, then
determine what to do on the west side. He suggested they get the property assessed.
Vice Chairman Mauti would like to see the property preserved but they should consider
the needs of the future.
Chairman Dodd said the property is a long-term, positive asset for the City, noting the
City owns the property the Chamber of Commerce is sitting on so if it is combined with
the east side, west side and the Main Street boat ramp it is very attractive and could be
used in the future to support more aquatic -type park services. It said it is a great
advantage for the City to own the property; it should be determined if there is asbestos in
the building and if it is indeed on the National Register. It could be converted to a
passive park.
Dan Johnson, founder of Hidden Sanctuary Village, a domestic violence shelter that
serves men, women, and pets, said they can begin to take in victims utilizing this
property.
Chairman Dodd asked him to provide background information to the City Manager so he
might bring a request for assistance to City Council.
Ms. Paris said the organization has the financial ability to renovate the building.
The Community Development Director stated the building does not have sewer, water,
or central air. Mayor Dodd said the building probably wouldn't pass an asbestos lest.
Community Development Department Overview Workshop
CRA & Regular Council Meeting
January 22. 2020
Page Five
Ben Hooker said the City bought the property to protect the view of the river; at the last
candidate's forum, a former Council Member stated the City was looking to sell the
property. He requested a workshop to consider the property as well as the triangle
property after the Public Works Compound is relocated.
Lisa Boisvert, Sebastian Highlands, said the property is part of the character of Old
Sebastian which is disappearing. She suggested making it an annex of the museum to
preserve Old Sebastian.
Andrea Ring said she was part of a historic landmark renovation in Virginia and warned
the renovation will be very expensive.
Mr. Gilliams suggested that they salvage what can of the building and then use it as a
business incubator so if the business does well they can fill one of empty business slots
throughout the community.
Ms. Parris asked if it was large enough to incorporate Sanctuary Village and an
educational/historical concept such as Hurricane Harbor.
Chairman Dodd stated the consensus was that they need more information to include: an
appraisal with the building; an appraisal without with building; an estimate to refurbish the
building; and asbestos lest to reopen the building; how much would it cost to get water and
sewer to the building.
The City Manager stated the Public Facilities Director had already begun to gather
information on the asbestos testing.
10. Chairman Dodd adjourned the CRA Meeting at 6:40 p.m. and reconvened the Regular City
Council Meeting.
11. CONSENT AGENDA
20.015 A. Approve Road Closure for HALO Rescue 51K Run on January 25, 2020 from 7:15
a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (Transmittal, Application, Route Map, Receipts, IRC Approval)
20.016 B. Approve Alcoholic Beverages for the Murray Family Event at Yacht Club on January
25, 2020 from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. — Permittee DOB Verged (Transmittal,
Application, Receipt)
20.017 C. Approve Alcoholic Beverages for the Berchtold Family Event at Yacht Club on May
9, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. — Pennittee DOB Verified (Transmittal,
Application, Receipt)
MOTION by Council Member Hill and SECOND by Council Member Gilliams to approve
consent agenda items A-C passed with a voice vote of 5-0.