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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-14-2026 CC MinutesMy M SEBAN HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 - 6:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA Mayor Jones called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. A moment of silence was held. 3. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Dodd. 4. ROLL CALL Mayor Fred Jones Vice Mayor Bob McPartlan Council Member Ed Dodd Council Member Chris Nunn Council Member Sherrie Matthews Staff Present City Manager Brian Benton Interim City Attorney James Stokes Acting City Clerk Cathy Testa Chief Financial Officer Brian Stewart Community Development Director Alix Bernard City Engineer/Special Projects Manager Karen Miller Parks and Recreation Director Richard Blankenship Public Works Director Lee Plourde Human Resources Director Cindy Watson Police Chief Daniel Acosta Lieutenant Roy Cole 5. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS -None 6. PROCLAMATIONS, AWARDS. BRIEF ANNOUNCEMENTS BriefAnnouncemen ts: January 17th & 18th -Sebastian Riverfront Fine Art & Music Festival - Saturday 10-5pm, Sunday 10-4pm. January 19th - Martin Luther King Day - City Hall will be closed. January 23rd - Chamber of Commerce Concert in the Park - Conspiracy Theory. Regular City Council Meeting January 14, 2026 Page 2 January 24th - Sebastian Art Club in Riverview Park from 8-4pm January 24th - Treasure Coast Food Bank will distribute food in the City Nall Parking lot from 8-10am Council Member Nunn announced the upcoming events. 7. PUBLIC INPUT The Mayor opened public input for items not on the agenda and, with Council consensus, granted additional speaking time if needed. Julie Garrett, Public Affairs Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration, addressed the council regarding a disaster declaration related to the October 26 storm events. She explained eligibility for SBA disaster loans, application methods, loan terms, and mitigation funding opportunities. Damian Gilliams addressed the council to commend the Police Chief and Lieutenant Robert Vafiades for leadership regarding mental health crisis response. He spoke about the importance of mental health awareness during evictions and requested transparency. Bill Flynn addressed the council regarding concerns with AT&T subcontractors installing fiber optic cable, including damage to existing services, restoration issues, and communication barriers at job sites. There being no further speakers, public input was closed. 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Consideration of the Draft December 3, 2025 Citv Council Minutes B. Consider Approval of the 2026 Municia_ al Elections AQ__ reement for the November 3.2026 Election. C. Consideration of Alcoholic Beverage Approval for the Espinoza Family, D. Consideration of Alcoholic Beverage ADDroval for the Jackson Familv MOTION by Council Member Nunn and SECOND by Vice Mayor McPartlan to approve Consent Agenda Items A, B, C, and D. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones -aye Council Member Dodd -aye Regular City Council Meeting January 14, 2026 Page 3 Council Member Matthews - aye Motion carried. 5-0 9. COMMITTEE REPORTS & APPOINTMENTS D. Consider Parks & Recreation Board Appointment The Acting City Clerk reported the resignation of a regular committee member. Alternates Grace Shelton and Dale Moore were discussed, along with a new applicant, Kayla McLellan. Council Member Nunn moved to appoint Grace Shelton from alternate to regular member, appoint Kayla McLellan as alternate with a term expiring May 31, 2027, waive re -advertisement, and extend Dale Moore's alternate term to expire May 31, 2028. MOTION by Council Member Nunn and SECOND by Mayor Jones for the Parks and Recreation appointments. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones -aye Council Member Dodd -aye Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS -None 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS -None 12. NEW BUSINESS A. Consideration and Direction of Proaosed Riverview Park Master Plan Renovation Concepts The City Manager and Parks and Recreation Director presented the proposed renovation concepts for Riverview Park, highlighting two options: • Concept B: Closes Harrison Street permanently (with removable bollards for emergencies), relocates the splash pad to the north side, and consolidates playground and splash pad areas for a cohesive park experience. Additional amenities include picnic pavilions, sand volleyball courts moved to Twin Piers, a performance area, enhanced parking, and improved pedestrian flow. • Concept C: Maintains Harrison Street open, introduces an extended speed table for traffic calming, consolidates playground and splash pad areas, and includes the same additional park improvements as Concept B. Harrison Street would still be closed temporarily during large events. The Parks and Recreation Director emphasized that having a selected concept is necessary to advance design, permitting, and grant opportunities, particularly for the Regular City Council Meeting January 14, 2026 Page 4 FIND grant (design and permitting) and the Land and Water Conservation grant (Phase II development). During public comment, residents, business owners, and advisory board members provided input on the proposed Riverview Park renovation concepts: Sharon Herman expressed concern regarding the distance between the proposed handicap parking and the main event areas of the park. She emphasized that many disabled residents and veterans rely on close parking access and noted that mobility limitations are not always visible. She requested that handicap parking locations and walking distances be reconsidered in both concepts, particularly during special events. Damian Gilliams, local business owner and Sebastian resident, spoke in support of Concept C, citing concerns about the permanent closure of Harrison Street and its impact on business access, property values, and traffic circulation. He emphasized public safety, emergency vehicle access, and the importance of maintaining roadway connectivity, noting past emergencies where Harrison Street was used for traffic diversion. Roshan Desai, business owner of Our Ar-Pat's Dry Cleaners, supported Concept C, stating that keeping Harrison Street open is important for customer access, particularly for patrons traveling from the island. He expressed appreciation for the City's investment in park improvements while urging consideration of traffic flow and safety. Michael Nottage, Sebastian resident, supported Concept B, citing improved safety and ease of movement for families between the playground, splash pad, and event areas without vehicular traffic. Cara Irwin, Sebastian resident, supported Concept B, stating that closing Harrison Street would enhance safety during everyday park use and events, reduce traffic concerns for families, and allow parents to more easily supervise children during concerts and activities. Scott Cox, Sebastian resident and frequents the park, supported Concept B, sharing observations of vehicles using Harrison Street to bypass traffic signals at higher speeds. He emphasized pedestrian safety, especially for children, and noted that removable barriers could still allow emergency access if needed. Robin Raiff, Sebastian resident and realtor, supported Concept B, emphasizing safety for seniors and children, concerns with cut -through traffic, and the aesthetic and functional benefits of creating a unified park space. She referenced similar successful park designs in other Florida communities. Regular City Council Meeting January 14, 2026 Page 5 Bill Flynn, Sebastian resident, supported Concept C, stating that convenience and personal responsibility for child supervision should be considered, and noting his reliance on nearby businesses accessed via Harrison Street. Mark Gingras, Sebastian resident and nonprofit event organizer, supported Concept B, emphasizing the importance of unifying the park into a single cohesive space. Drawing on his background in architecture and experience hosting events, he stated that closing Harrison Street would enhance safety, improve event functionality, and strengthen the overall design and visual appeal of the waterfront park. Brittany Melchiori, Sebastian resident and Chamber of Commerce representative, supported Concept B, stating that park cohesion and safety would benefit community events and economic activity while improving the overall usability of the park. Shama Desai, business owner, supported Concept C, expressing concern that closing Harrison Street could create unintended safety issues by increasing vehicle turnarounds in business parking lots and redirecting traffic through pedestrian -heavy areas. She requested additional traffic analysis during peak seasonal periods. Vicki Drumheller, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board member, supported Concept C, explaining that the committee's recommendation was based on consolidating child - focused amenities within the main park area while maintaining traffic flow. She noted that pedestrian crossings on Indian River Drive would remain regardless of the concept selected. Jaden Falk, Sebastian resident, supported Concept B, citing family safety concerns and preference for uninterrupted pedestrian flow between park amenities. Chuck Edelman (Zoom participant) did not express a preference between concepts but requested consideration of additional sidewalks around the park perimeter and enhanced pedestrian crosswalks to improve accessibility for seniors and individuals with disabilities. MOTION by Council Member Nunn and SECOND by Mayor Jones to Approve Concept B for the Riverview Park Master Plan. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - nay Mayor Jones -aye Council Member Dodd -nay Council Member Matthews -nay Motion failed. 2-3 Regular City Council Meeting January 14, 2026 Page 6 MOTION by Vice Mayor McPartlan and SECOND by Council Member Dodd to Approve Concept C for the Riverview Park Master Plan. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - nay Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones -nay Council Member Dodd -aye Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 3-2 B. Presentation of Pavement Management Group Inc.'s Final Assessment of Citv Roads and Recommendations for Future Roadway Treatment Plans In 2025, the City of Sebastian contracted Pavement Management Group (PMG) to assess all city roads, covering 155 centerline miles and 1,460 pavement sections. The overall Pavement Condition Index (PCI) came in at 68, placing the network in Fair condition, with 47% of roads in Excellent or Good condition, 43% in Fair, and 10% in Poor or Failed condition. The Public Works Director reported that the decline from 72 in 2022 was due to paving budget shortfalls in 2022-2023, with renewed efforts in 2024 helping to catch up. He explained the PCI categories and recommended treatments for each. The Public Works Director highlighted specific roads, such as Periwinkle Road, which dropped from 45 to 27 PCI points, and Joy Haven, which also declined but is scheduled for paving. Council members requested clarification on the mileage and costs; the Public Works Director confirmed that 8 centerline miles are planned for FY 2025-2026 at a cost of approximately $1.7 million, with additional funding allocated for alley and driveway work. The City Manager noted the importance of showing residents the PCI changes over time. Council Member Nunn emphasized public understanding of both the miles paved and the significant investment involved. MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Vice Mayor McPartlan to approve Pavement Management Group Inc's Final Assessment of City Roads. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones - aye Council Member Dodd - aye Council Member Matthews - aye Motion carried. 5-0 C. Consideration of Approvina the Emeraencv Closure Disaster Waae Policv to comply with FEMA's latest Public Assistance Program Policy Guide and Authorize the Mavor to execute the Policv The City Engineer/Special Projects Manager addressed the Council regarding updates to the City`s Emergency Closure Disaster Wage Policy, explaining that the revisions were prompted by guidance from the Indian River County Emergency Operations Center Regular City Council Meeting January 14, 2026 Page 7 after reports of FEMA clawbacks in other states related to discretionary labor pay policies. She noted that the existing policy, in place since 2017, was being updated primarily to ensure compliance with FEMA regulations, clarify exempt pay during emergency closures, and require Council approval to remove any discretionary elements. The City Engineer/Special Projects Manager emphasized that the changes were largely administrative, reorganizing language and aligning procedures with FEMA's Public Assistance Policy Guide. The City Manager added that, as part of the F- ROC program, the city must also provide meals for employees during emergency periods and ensure that the highest governing body formally approves the policy. MOTION by Council Member Nunn and SECOND by Vice Mayor McPartlan to approve the revised Emergency Closure Disaster Wage Policy and authorize the execution of the policy. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Mayor Jones -aye Council Member Dodd -aye Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 D. Consideration of Proposed City Council Meetina Dates for Calendar Year 2026 Mayor Jones introduced the next item on the agenda, the proposed City Council meeting dates for the calendar year. The City Manager noted that Council Member Matthews had raised a potential conflict with the November 4 meeting, which falls the day after the election. To avoid holding a meeting immediately after election results are available, he recommended moving the meeting to Monday, November 2, the day before the election. Mayor Jones and Council discussed the need to balance meeting frequ,er_q,-noting that October 14 was the only scheduled meeting that month and staff typit IFY-bas.-many agenda items, so reserving November 2 as a backup was prudent. 4ouncil.Memb.6r.Matthews confirmed the usual schedule of the second and fourth meetings, and the _City Manager noted that November and December meetings are adjusted each'year due to holidays and Veterans Day. Vice Mayor McPartlan added that he would 15e absent on June 24, which was noted for scheduling purposes. The Council =reached a co�isensus to adjust the November 2 meeting date, and staff also highlighted that -clue -to. early voting taking place in the Council Chambers for the 2026 Primary and General Elections, the October 28, 2026 meeting had to be canceled, with additional adjustments made to November and December meetings to accommodate holidays. 13. CITY ATTORNEY MATTERS Attorney Stokes addressed City Attorney matters, requesting Council permission to begin recruiting a second code enforcement special magistrate to serve as a backup, noting that relying on a single magistrate is "working without a net." Mayor Jones and the Council agreed, giving Stokes consensus to proceed. Regular City Council Meeting January 14, 2026 Page 8 14. CITY MANAGER MATTERS The City Manager reported that one of the two appointed employees to the General Employees Retirement Pension Board had left the City in December, and he appointed Michelle Faulkner to fill the remainder of that term. 15. CITY CLERK MATTERS Nothing to report. 16. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS Council Member Dodd raised a discussion regarding state ballot initiatives and ad valorem tax changes, emphasizing that under Florida Statute 106, municipalities cannot expend funds on ballot initiatives, yet it is important for residents to understand the potential negative impacts on the city's budget and services. He requested Council consensus to allow the City Manager and staff to create an informational plan, including workshops in Council Chambers and social media outreach, with the CFO or city representatives presenting. The City Manager confirmed staff would schedule multiple workshops similar to the Riverview Park meetings, accommodating both daytime and evening attendees. Council Member Matthews acknowledged and celebrated Betty Arlotta's 105th birthday, highlighting her love for dancing and chocolate. 17. Being no further business, Mayor Jones adjourned the Regular Meeting at 7:20 p.m. Approved at the February 25, 2026 Regular City Council meeting. Mayor Fred Jones A S� _ i Catherine E. Te(A g City Clerk