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Home My WebLink About07-09-2025 CC MinutesCITY OF Sf)3ASTIA HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2025 - 6:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 1. Mayor McPartlan called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. A moment of silence was held. 3. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 4. ROLL CALL Mayor Bob McPartlan Vice Mayor Fred Jones Council Member Dodd Council Member Chris Nunn Staff Present City Manager Brian Benton City Attorney Jennifer Cockcroft City Clerk Jeanette Williams Finance Director/CFO Brian Stewart City Engineer/Special Projects Director Karen Miller Community Development Director Alix Bernard Community Development Manager Dorri Bosworth Environmental Technician Felicia Gordian Parks and Recreation Director Richard Blankenship Public Works Director Lee Plourde Human Resources Director Cindy Watson Airport Manager Jeff Sabo Police Lt. Rob Vafiades 5. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS - None 6. PROCLAMATIONS, AWARDS, BRIEF ANNOUNCEMENTS Leslie Swan, Indian River County Supervisor of Elections, announced that anyone who requested a Vote -by -Mail Ballot for the 2024 election, their request for future ballots would have to be renewed by contacting her office. She said to date, 53% of Sebastian's residents have renewed their request. Regular City Council Meeting July 9, 2025 Page 2 Proclamation -18" Annual Treasure Coast Waterwav Cleanup Week - July 19 to July 27 Mayor McPartlan read the proclamation and presented it to Natural Resources Board members Charles Stadelman and Frank Trinkle. Mr. Stadelman and Felicia Gordian, Environmental Technician for the City, invited everyone to attend the Indian River cleanup on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Proclamation - Parks and Recreation Appreciation Month - July 2025 Mayor McPartlan read the proclamation and presented it to Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee members Vicki Drumheller, Paul Halleran, and Dale Moore. Richard Blankenship, Parks and Recreation Director, played a short video outlining the benefits of an awesome parks system and thanked the employees of the division. BriefAnnouncements: Friday, July 25 -Sebastian Police Department Back to School Fun Day at Riverview Park - 10am to 1 pm Vice Mayor Jones announced the upcoming event for Back to School. 7. PUBLIC INPUT Frank Trinkle said he and a lot of his neighbors, support Council's recent decision to leave the vacant Council Member seat open until the next election. Damien Gilliams,1623 U.S. Highway 1, said he didn't think the agenda modification was handled properly during the discussion on the vacant council seat. Regarding the Riverview Park improvements, Mr. Gilliams said there hasn't been any contact with the business owners to discuss the closure of Harrison Street. Phyllis Talbert said she was two days late in paying her taxes, which cover the upcoming year, and was charged a $30.00 late fee. She said it wasn't fair to charge a late fee for taxes that haven't taken effect yet. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Consideration of Resolution No. R-25-22 Providing Authorization of a Grant Application Submittal for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for the Hardening of the Police Department Building for Emergency Operations and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Appropriate Documentation B. Consideration of Resolution No. R-25-23 Providing Authorization to Submit Grant Application to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for Upper Stonecrop Regular City Council Meeting July 9, 2025 Page 3 Drainage Improvements and Authorize the City Manager to Execute all Appropriate Documentation MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Vice Mayor Jones to approve Consent Agenda Items A and B. Roll call: Vice Mayor Jones - aye Council Member Dodd - aye Council Member Nunn - aye Mayor McPartlan - aye Motion carried. 4-0 9. COMMITTEE REPORTS & APPOINTMENTS A. Presentation of the Annual Report from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Vicki Drumheller, Chair of the Parks and Recreation Board, said they have had a busy year and made a lot of recommendations to Council. She briefly highlighted activities taking place at many of the City's parks. She said the board has two new full committee members and two new alternate members who bring a lot of different expertise. They are looking forward to continuing all of the wonderful things happening in the parks and sending advice to Council. The Parks and Recreation Director thanked the board members for all of their work and participating in the events. 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Council Discussion on Options Presented for 1540 Indian River Drive.. Fisherman's Landing, Design Concepts The City Engineer displayed overhead photos of the existing building and pointed out the unsafe, closed back area of the building; a portion of the undermined foundation; and a wall that was erected to limit access. She explained that once improvement costs exceed 50% of the building value, the need for upgrading the entire building would be required. She played drone footage of the vacated the building and pointed out where the store used to be located and the main entrance area with sections of the building from 1927. The footage also displayed all of the different areas that were added on at different times. She pointed out that some of the areas are walk-in freezers without structured walls. The footage also displayed the museum area. Regular City Council Meeting July 9, 2025 Page 4 The City Engineer said the City has a $100,000 grantfrom the Florida Inland Navigational District requiring a $100,000 match to create a design. She provided three options for Council to consider designing so that a consultant might be procured: Option #1 - Full removal and replacement would remove the building from the flood zone and reduce the chance of future risks; provide more flexibility in alterations and design; allow more funds to be spent on architectural aesthetic components keeping as much historical components and character as possible. Option #2 - Partial removal and restoration of historic portion would provide for a smaller footprint because it would trigger substantial improvements. The existing walls would need to be reinforced and a new roof with wind mitigation and fire suppression would need to be installed, along with a new HVAC system. Option #3 - Removal of the deck and restoration of the building provides for a bigger footprint but there are flood zones that would require the removal of a corner section or the straightening of the deck. There has been wave action and termite damage that has undermined the foundation providing for a greater cost than $250,000,00 to renovate. She stated there is funding to create a schematic design but staff has not identified the funding source for the actual improvements. She continued to explain that Options #2 and #3 would not need to raise the slab. In Option #1 and #2, the eastern end would be removed eliminating the flood zone concerns in addition to minimizing the risk for future flood issues and storm damage. Kevin Dixon, a civil engineer and resident, asked Council to also consider the operation and maintenance for each of the options over the lifespan of the project. Initially, Option #1 might appear to be less expensive than the options based on the design cost, but the total cost to be considered should include the entire operation and maintenance cost. Damien Gilliams said the operation and the maintenance cost would be a big factor. He suggested a public/private partnership. Council Member Dodd said a community center would not be a bad idea as suggested; they should talk about what they want to do with the building before they decide which option they would like to perform. He asked if they would like to see a restaurant quality kitchen or a catering kitchen; a small fish market; how much covered/uncovered outdoor deck space? He asked to include the deck space into the design process. Regular City Council Meeting July 9, 2025 Page 5 He also said he didn't think it would be advantageous to save the building. He said he preferred Option #1 and he would like for them to decide what they want to do with the building and have the public involved. Vice Mayor Jones said he agreed, the best thing to do is to tear down the building and start over anew. He said he was in support of Option #1. Council Member Nunn said he agreed with Mr. Dixon's points aboutfuture maintenance and Option #1 would allow them to know the maintenance cost if they knew how stable the interior walls are. He said he also agreed with Council Member Dodd about building a community center that might have a second floor with a view that could be rented by the citizens. He asked what elements are still required by the grant. The City Engineer responded the only lasting requirement is an educational component of the building that was met with the museum promoting the fishing industry. Council Member Nunn said he would like to move away from the private venture business and suggested a community center type facility with a catering kitchen. He said there are already fish markets in town and he didn't think they should be in the business of competing against private enterprise. He said he would like to build something that represents the Sebastian Fishing Village look and feel. Mayor McPartlan said the Option 41 was the only way to go since the building was continually added onto like a house of cards and if one piece is saved but other sections removed, other sections might come down. A community center with a catering kitchen could host weddings or large family events and it would be a perfect location. He said he would like the public to provide input for the design. Council Member Dodd asked if the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board could provide strategic statements on what they would like done with the building. The City Manager said they could use the board's expertise and have public input before they start the design process. Council Member Dodd said they should include more of what they would like to see the building accomplish as opposed to what the consultant would like to see in the scope of work. MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Vice Mayor Jones to support Option #1. Council Member Nunn suggested when they get to the public meeting, choices that Council is willing to accept should be provided so they don't receive a bunch of unsuitable ideas as they did during the CRA process. Regular City Council Meeting July 9, 2025 Page 6 Roll call: Council Member Dodd - aye Council Member Nunn - aye Mayor McPartlan - aye Vice Mayor Jones - aye Motion carried. 4-0 12. NEW BUSINESS A. Council Discussion and Consideration on Performance Evaluations of the Citv_ 's Charter Officers The Human Resources Director said Council was provided performance evaluation forms and she asked them to summarize their evaluations and vote on a merit increase for the Charter Officers. Mayor McPartlan said he was extremely happy with all of the officers and is okay with a merit increase but would like to wait until after the budget hearing to put a number on an increase. Council Member Nunn commended the City Manager for such an amazing job since he has taken over and noted the reflection of his spot are the amazing department heads that he has working under him. He said they were in a perfect place with the City Clerk and City Attorney; he agreed with Mayor McPartlan on waiting to give a merit increase. Vice Mayor Jones said the City Manager has done a great job especially with his new hires. The leadership is evident from the top down. The City Clerk always makes sure things are organized and the City Attorney is doing a great job. Council Member Dodd said the City Manager's communication is excellent and he appreciates his willingness to work with Council. He said the City Clerk and City Attorney do a great job. He suggested the Charter Officers should receive the same increase that staff receives. B. Consider Anoointina_ a Votina Delegate for the Florida Leaa_ ue of Cities Conference Council Member Nunn offered to serve as the voting delegate. Discussion followed that the August 13' Council meeting falls on the first day of the conference and it was decided to move that meeting to Tuesday, August 12tn Regular City Council Meeting July 9, 2025 Page 7 13. CITY ATTORNEY MATTERS The City Attorney said some new laws went into effect July 1 st and she will provide a comprehensive legislative update to them in the near future as well as any legal developments as they occur. 14. CITY MANAGER MATTERS The City Manager said the tentative budget was distributed today and he reminded them of the budget workshops that will begin on Wednesday and Thursday. The public is invited to participate in person or via Zoom. He thanked the City staff that was present as well as the entire City staff for everything they have done during the past year. 15. CITY CLERK MATTERS - None 16. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS Council Member Nunn said the 41" of July was an amazing event with the great parade and fireworks. Council Member Dodd said they have received some emails about there being maggots and flies in the once -a -week garbage collection and he explained there are things that can be done to prevent the insects. He said when the contract is up, they can consider more pickups but reminded everyone it would have a greater financial impact. He advised Ms. Talbert who spoke at the beginning of the meeting to talk to the Tax Collector to see if she can do anything about the late fee that she was charged. Vice Mayor Jones thanked all of the staff for the amazing Independence Day Celebration. He also stated there are a lot of micro -mobility and electric bikes riding on the streets and sidewalks lately and he urged the drivers to be very careful that vehicles approaching from side streets might not see them and stop in time. He asked the motor vehicle drivers to be careful as well. Mayor McPartlan said the 4th of July Celebration was fantastic and noted part of that was because staff was out before sun up and after sun down. He reminded everyone of the budget hearings on July 16 and 17. Regular City Council Meeting July 9, 2025 Page 8 17. Being no further business, Mayor McPartlan adjourned the Regular City Council meeting at 7:15 p.m. Approved at the August 12, 2025 Regular City Council meeting. Mayor Bob McPartlan r ATTEST.• Jeanette Williams, City Clerk Fisherman's Landing 1540 Indian River Drive J u ly 9, 2025 Karen Miller CITY OF 4:fj3ASTjA - r HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND INTERIOR FLOORPLAN t N MT Am -A I i '; J*l r_ 7111 Current Interior Space -r 40�. i L I� I • MANY OF THE AREAS ON THE NORTH ARE WALK IN FREEZERS INTERIOR VIEW • 3D Scan completed of the space via Florida Municipal Insurance Trust N 0 OPTION I - Extent of Rebuild I APPROXIMATE EXTENT 01 INTERIOR SPACE PA Fp-m-N-W� EXTENTDF VY Ff � - ---LA M ?I- Z NOIldO 4 16 OPTION 3 f 1 L • Requires demolishing part of the eastern deck • Raising finish floor elevation of eastern deck ;;. • Raising finish floor elevation of the dining area j • Stabilize undermined/eroded foundation • Repair termite damaged sections • Due to the value of the work exceeding FEMA substantial improvements the entire building will have to be brought up to the latest building code • Reinforce existing walls • Wind mitigation measures for new roof - • New fire suppression system • New HVAC/mechanical system ■ 1 STORAGE ROOM 187" x 11V STORAGE ROOM 20' x 13'1" 06 r OPEN SPACE 0 43'9" x 40'1" w a x p nt BATHROOM 6'2" x 11'3"l 30 11 r � x r Q F �a HALLWAY 9'4" x 14'7" CANOPY CANOPY CANOPY STORAGE ROOM BATHROOM HALLWAY : 11'10" x 8'10" 15'il" x T6" (� 16'6" x 7'7" 4 STORAGE ROOM a ` 75" x 75" HALLWAY (, m a � 5'3" x 4' I- .. i STORAGE ROOM 237' x 7'2" KITCHEN......._._....-...�.....�......."�,._,.._...._., 17' x 31' 10" OPEN SPACE 15'3" x 32'9" so - HALLWAY F `7'6" x 6'10" OPEN SPACE 48'4" x 10'11" •--_..-.....----'.ate «--_-, ..- - : � �� / STORAGE ROOM STORAGE ROOM 7'3" x 8'4" 7'3" x 8'4" i j E. STORAGE ROOM 15'3" x 8'4" OPEN SPACE 14'5" x 517' EXTERIOR DECK OPEN SPACE 11'11" x 57'10" ' f1 1 4 r OPEN SPACE 1S'5" x 9'1" t N GROSS INTERNAL AREA FLOOR 1: 6689 sq ft TOTAL: 6689 sq ft 12, Matterport COMPARISON PROS CONS PROS CONS PROS CONS • Gets the Reduced • Keeps the most Reduced building Provides the • Building within building out building historic portion of the footprint largest the AE flood of the LiMWA footprint in building (1927) compared to new building zone as well as AE comparison construction footprint Flood Zone to existing • Brings the building • LiMWA line reducing closer to its original Triggers FEMA likely to move chance of form Substantial Westward future risks improvements • More • Gets the building out and all systems of flexibility in of the LiMWA as well the existing alterations as AE Flood Zone system would and design reducing chance of have to be • More funds future risks upgraded can be spent on architectural aesthetic components