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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-11-2026 CC MinutesIIN UI SE15TIAN HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 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 Mayor Jones. 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 Parks and Recreation Director Richard Blankenship Public Works Director Lee Plourde City Engineer & Special Projects Director Karen Miller Human Resources Director Cindy Watson Procurement Manager Jessica Graham Lieutenant Roy Cole 5. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS -None 6. PROCLAMATIONS. AWARDS. BRIEF ANNOUNCEMENTS BriefAnnouncements: Friday, February 13th - The Chamber of Commerce Concert in the Park 5.30 - 8.00pm - Swamp Dowg Saturday, February 14th - The Craft Club of Sebastian in Riverview Park - 10.00am-3:00pm Saturday, February 14th - Air Potato Round Up - Stormwater Park on Englor Drive-9:00om - I.Dopm Monday, February 16th - City Hall will be closed for Presidents Day Regular City Council Meeting February 11, 2026 Page 2 Saturday, February 2 1 st - Treasure Coast Astronomical Society will host Star Gaze at Twin Piers in Riverview Park 6:30 - 8:30pm Council Member Nunn announced the upcoming events. Mayor Jones announced that a memorial has been installed along River Road at the former statue location in honor of the fishing vessel Lily Jean, a commercial fishing boat from Gloucester, Massachusetts. He explained that all seven individuals aboard the vessel perished when it sank in deep Atlantic waters. Those lost included a father and son, four crew members, and a young woman serving as an official monitor for NOAA. Mayor Jones noted the shared identity between Sebastian and Gloucester as fishing communities of similar size and stated that some Gloucester fishermen have previously visited Sebastian's docks. He advised the council that he contacted the Mayor and Harbor Master of Gloucester to extend condolences on behalf of the city. The President of the Sebastian Rotary Foundation, Marc Gingras accompanied by Pete Anderson, of Pareidolla Brewing, presented a $1,500 check to the city for Riverview Park renovations, consistent with the Rotary Foundation's agreement that festival proceeds be allocated toward park improvements. The Rotary President stated that the funds were raised through the Rotary's craft brew festival and distributed through its 501(c)(3) foundation. He acknowledged the city's support in hosting events at the park. 7. PUBLIC INPUT -None 8. CONSENT AGENDA A. Consider Anaroval of December 17.2025 Citv Council Minutes B. Consider Aaaroval of Janua!y Z. 2026 Citv Council Workshoa & Saecial Meetinq Minutes C. Consideration of Alcoholic Beverage ADDroval for the Bonetti Familv D. Consideration of Alcoholic Beverage Approval for the Peterson Family MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Council Member Nunn to approve Consent Agenda Items A, B, C, and D. Roll call: Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Council Member Nunn - aye Council Member Matthews - aye Council Member Dodd - aye Mayor Jones - aye Motion carried. 5-0 Regular City Council Meeting February 11, 2026 Page 3 9. COMMITTEE REPORTS & APPOINTMENTS Council Member Dodd announced that earlier in the day, at the County MPO meeting, Vice Mayor McPartlan was elected Chair of the MPO. No further committee reports were provided. 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS -None 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Consideration of the proposed "As Is" Property Sales and Purchase Aareement with Spirit of Sebastian. LLC for approximately .68 acres located at Ballev Drive, ebastian. FL 32958. and authorize the Mavor and Citv Manaaer to execute all appropriate documentation The City Manager presented the item and stated that on December 17th, the City Council accepted ITB 26-01 for the sale of approximately 0.68 acres of surplus land located on Bailey Drive. He advised that the staff has since worked with representatives of Spirit of Sebastian, LLC to finalize the proposed "As Is" Property Sales and Purchase Agreement. The City Manager explained that once the agreement is fully executed, closing shall take place within 45 days. He further stated that staff recommends approval of the agreement and authorization. Mayor Jones inquired how many bids were received for the property. The Procurement Manager responded that one bid was received and that the bid amount exceeded the appraised value. Mayor Jones opened public comment. Mr. Robert Votto, representing Spirit of Sebastian, LLC, addressed the Council and stated that the purchaser did not intend to utilize the full 45-day closing period and would work with staff to close as soon as possible. No additional public comment was received in person or via Zoom. Public comment was closed. MOTION by Vice Mayor McPartlan and SECOND by Council Member Nunn to approve the proposed "As Is" Property Sales and Purchase Agreement with Spirit of Sebastian. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Council Member Matthews - aye Council Member Dodd - aye Mayor Jones - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Motion carried. 5-0 12. Nf,.W BUSINESS A. Con ideration of the approval of the grant aareement with the Florida Communities Trust for the Durchase of the Sembler oroperty. The Parks and Recreation Director presented the item, stating that the agreement pertains to the grant award for the potential purchase of the Sembler property located Regular City Council Meeting February 11, 2026 Page 4 on Indian River Drive. He clarified that the item before the council was solely the grant agreement and that no negotiation, settlement, or agreement on purchase price or terms had yet occurred. He explained that approval of the agreement represents the first step toward making the acquisition of the property possible. Council Member Nunn expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, noting the importance of aquaculture operations within the city. He referenced the success of the local oyster farming operation and stated that securing the property would help preserve and potentially expand aquaculture and the working waterfront. Council Member Dodd concurred and stated that acquisition of the property would support expansion of aquaculture activities within the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). He further commented that combining the Sembler property with the former Hurricane Harbor property would provide flexibility in future redevelopment plans, preserve existing dock structures, and create synergy in advancing the city's working waterfront vision. MOTION by Council Member Nunn and SECOND by Council Member Dodd to approve the grant agreement. Roll call: Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Council Member Nunn - aye Council Member Matthews - aye Council Member Dodd - aye Mayor Jones -aye Motion carried. 5-0 B. Consideration of a Purchase Order for Asphalt Paving Svstems, not to exceed S42.970.00. for the Phase 4 road repavina project. sMifically for the Mastic preservation process, and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute, The Public Works Director presented the item, stating that staff worked with Asphalt Paving Systems to identify road segments not scheduled for resurfacing within the next two years under Phases Five and Six of the road repaving project. He explained that funds remaining under the current year's preservation budget, which had not been encumbered, could be utilized to address roads showing signs of failure in order to preserve them until full resurfacing occurs. The Public Works Director stated that staff conducted an extensive evaluation to determine the most effective preservation method and identified approximately 1,200 square yards of roadway for treatment. The proposed work includes mastic application and crack sealing treatments similar to those previously completed on Main Street, Schumann Drive, and Angler Drive. The total purchase order presented for approval was $42,970. Regular City Council Meeting February 11, 2026 Page 5 Mayor Jones requested clarification for the public regarding what the treatment would look like on the roadway. The Public Works Director explained that the work consists of mastic application and crack sealing in deteriorating areas to extend the life of the pavement. MOTION by Vice Mayor McPartlan and SECOND by Council Member Nunn to approve the Purchase Order for Asphalt Paving Systems. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Council Member Matthews - aye Council Member Dodd - aye Mayor Jones -aye Vice Mayor McPartlan -aye Motion carried. 5-0 C. Consideration of selecting Titan Construction Management LLC for ITB 26-05 Concha and Stonecrop Sheet Piling Repair. Authorization to re -allocate funding from the Schumann Drive Box Culvert aroiect to fund the sheet piling repairs, and authorize the Citv Manager or desip_ nee to issue Purchase Orders uD to S756.250.00 The Procurement Manager presented the item, stating that the city issued Invitation to Bid 0713) 26-05 for the Concha Dam and Stonecrop Sheet Piling Repairs. Three bids were received, with one submitter deemed non -responsive. After review of the remaining bids, Titan Construction Management, LLC was awarded. However, the proposed cost exceeded the budgeted amount for the project. To fund the maintenance costs associated with the Concha Dam and Stonecrop Spillway repairs, staff recommended reallocation of funds from the Schumann Drive Box Culvert Project The Procurement Manager explained that design drawings for the Schumann Drive project were funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The City Engineer/Special Projects Manager confirmed that ARPA funds would continue to be used to finalize the design drawings and that no ARPA funding would be returned. However, construction of the Schumann Drive Box Culvert Project would be placed on hold until construction funding becomes available. The City Manager clarified that, upon approval, funding budgeted for the Schumann Drive Box Culvert construction would be removed and reallocated to the sheet piling repairs project. He further noted that the Schumann Drive project would move to inactive status until prioritized and funded in a future budget cycle. The City Engineer/Special Projects Manager added that completion of the design package would position the City to pursue grant opportunities to help fund future construction. MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Council Member Matthews to select Titan Construction Management LLC for the Concha and Stonecrop Sheet Piling Repair. Regular City Council Meeting February 11, 2026 Page 6 Roll call: Council Member Matthews - aye Council Member Dodd - aye Mayor Jones - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Council Member Nunn - aye Motion carried. 5-0 D. Consideration of Resolution No. R-26-06 Acceptinaa the 4th Quarter Financial &port and Recoanizing Necessary Amendments and Adjustments to the FY 2024- o� 25 Annual Budget The Finance Director presented the item, noting that the report included the capital project status but that the remainder of the quarterly financial data was still under audit and would be presented at a later date. The report also included a budget amendment requiring Council approval, with adjustments outlined in the top section and significant line -item adjustments approved by the City Manager listed at the bottom. Council discussion included positive comments regarding the structure and clarity of the report. No further questions were raised. MOTION by Vice Mayor McPartlan and SECOND by Council Member Matthews to approve R-26-06. Roll call: Council Member Nunn - aye Council Member Matthews - aye Council Member Dodd - aye Mayor Jones -aye Vice Mayor McPartlan -aye Motion carried. 5-0 E. Consideration of Resolution No. R-26-07 Accepting the 1 st Quarter Financial Resort and Recoanizina Necessary_ Amendments and Adjustments to the FY 2025-2026 Annual Budget The Finance Director presented the report, which included financial numbers and analysis comparing actual revenues and expenditures to prior year and budget projections, a cash and investment statement required by city code, the capital project status report, and a budget amendment for first quarter adjustments. Council Member Dodd noted a 323 ib increase in grant revenue compared to the prior year and commended the City's success in obtaining additional grants. The Finance Director explained that the timing of grant receipts varies throughout the year and that the current amount aligns with budget expectations, with 35% of the budgeted grant revenue received at 25%through the fiscal year. MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Council Member Nunn to approve R-26-07. Regular City Council Meeting February 11, 2026 Page 7 Roll call: Council Member Matthews - aye Council Member Dodd - aye Mayor Jones - aye Vice Mayor McPartlan - aye Council Member Nunn - aye Motion carried. 5-0 13. CITY ATTORNEY MATTERS Attorney Stokes provided an update on board and committee training. He noted that board and committee members are dedicated volunteers and emphasized the importance of providing legal guidance, including proper procedures for motions and voting, compliance with the Sunshine Law, and clarification of public comment roles when members speak at Council meetings. Attorney Stokes indicated that a comprehensive training will be developed for all boards and committees to ensure members are equipped with the necessary legal tools. 14. CITY MANAGER MATTERS City Manager then provided updates on several items: • Bank Signature Authority: The City Manager explained that annually, following the selection of a new mayor, signature authority for the city's bank accounts must be updated. The bank now requires more formal meeting minutes to grant that authority. MOTION by Council Member Dodd and SECOND by Council Member Nunn to authorize changing the signature authority from Vice Mayor McPartlan to Mayor Jones for the current fiscal year. Roll call: Council Member Dodd - aye Mayor Jones -aye Vice Mayor McPardan -aye Council Member Nunn -aye Council Member Matthews -aye Motion carried. 5-0 • Special Meeting — CDD Presentation: Mayor Jones requested a special meeting on February 24 at 6:30 PM to discuss Community Development Districts (CDDs). The City Manager explained that CDDs function as a quasi -governmental oversight for specific developments, funded through property assessments added to residents' tax bills within the district. The presentation will provide background and guidance as potential new developments express interest in establishing CDDs. • Property Tax Workshops: The City Manager provided a schedule of property tax workshops: Regular City Council Meeting February 11, 2026 Page 8 o February 24:10:00 AM and 5:00 PM o February 24 (Special Meeting): 6:30 PM o February 25: 2:00 PM The workshops aim to inform the public about property tax allocations, including general fund contributions to departments, and will include presentations, Q&A sessions, and video highlights showcasing department functions and services. The City Manager emphasized the importance of informing residents before the outcome of state legislation is finalized. 15. CITY CLERK MATTERS Nothing to report. 16. CITY COUNCI.MATTERS Mayor Jones raised concerns about managing growth in the city, referencing Senate Bill 180 and its preemption of local land use control. Attorney Stokes explained that SB 180 limits municipalities from imposing additional restrictions on development and precludes moratoriums but allows review of rezoning, variances, and conditional uses under existing criteria. Council Member Dodd emphasized the need to balance property rights, responsible growth, and the economic viability of the city. He noted that strategic planning, such as annexation agreements (e.g., Graves Annexation), can provide the city with leverage to ensure growth aligns with community goals. Council Member Dodd also highlighted that development contributes to the city's tax base and public benefit, contrasting with county -level development, which may not benefit Sebastian residents. Mayor Jones and Council Members Dodd, Nunn, and McPartlan discussed the importance of careful vetting of development proposals, ensuring public benefits are clearly documented, and maintaining oversight to prevent misrepresentation of project intent (e.g., workforce housing). Council emphasized the need for proactive review, maintaining a balance between growth and community priorities, and utilizing the city's land .development code and comprehensive plan to manage development responsibly. Council Member Matthews congratulated the Lady Sharks basketball team for their district achievements and upcoming games. She noted that the Lady Sharks will host their first game against North Miami on Friday, February 13. Council Member Matthews the wished the Lady Shark Weightlifting Team as they headed to states today. Mayor Jones concluded the discussion by reiterating the Council's role in guiding responsible growth and maintaining public benefit standards, noting that careful review and oversight are essential to ensure projects meet community expectations. 17. Being no further business, Mayor Jones adjourned the Regular Meeting at 6:54 p.m. Regular City Council Meeting February 11, 2026 Page 9 Approved at the March 11, 2026 Regular City Council meeting. Mayor Fred Jones ATT ST: �r Catherine E. Te ta, Acting City Clerk