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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10132004HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2004 - 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 2. 3. 4. Mayor McCollum called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Heptinstall. There was a moment of silence. ROLL CALL City' Council Present: Mayor Nathan McCollum Vice-Mayor Joe Barczyk Councilmember Ray Coniglio Councilmember Mike Heptinstall Councilmember Lisanne Monier Staff Present: City Manager, Terrence Moore City Attorney, Rich Stringer City Clerk, Sally Maio Records Management Specialist, Donna Cyr Public Works Director, Terry Hill Police Chief, James Davis Golf Course Director, Greg Gardner AGENDA MODIFICATIONS (ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS) Items not on the wri#en agenda may be added only upon a unanimous vote of City Council members (R-04-26) None. Regular City Council Meeting October 13, 2004 Page Two = PROCLAMATIONS~ ANNOUNCEMENTS AND/OR PRESENTATIONS Presentation by Florida Power & Liqht Company Treasure Coast Florida Reqion External Affairs Manaqer, Nick Blount - Electdc Utility Infrastructure Dynamics in the City of Sebastian Nick Blount, FPL External Affairs Manager for the Treasure Coast, accompanied by two other representatives of FPL, updated City Council on FPL emergency restoration activities since August due to Hurricanes Charley, Ivan, Frances and Jeanne. He thanked Sebastian residents and business owners for their patience during power interruptions and the City staff for their activities to keep streets clear, informing the public and providing the Municipal Airport for 1300 workers and support staff. He cited statistics for the four storms, said the company was proud of its restoration efforts but knows that more can be done to prepare for future events and will conduct meetings to that end. Mr. Coniglio asked what dictates FPL bringing in outside forces and Mr. Blount responded that FPL is a member of the Edison Electdc Institute which is an organization of power companies with a mutual agreement among its members to assist one another. He said there were crews here from 41 states and Canada. Mr. Coniglio said he would like to know what the City can do in regard to double poling to help in the future. Mr. Heptinstall said he understood that FPL cut its blue collar workers for cost savings, and asked if this had some effect on preventative maintenance programs. Mr. Blount responded that FPL has been at the 10,000 employee level for over ten years and very few cut were maintenance employees. He said there is a preventative maintenance program as mandated by the Public Service Commission; and that even in a perfectly maintained system storms such as this will blow debds into lines. Mr. Blount said FPL does not shut down its system pdor to the storm because they would rather have transformers blow for safety reasons. Ms. Monier said this was a tremendous task and suggested that underground lines be looked into. Mr. Blount said most new subdivisions' lines are placed underground, but that underground is not the answer to all problems because of flooding, dig-ins, and location and restoration of failures; and that it is very expensive to convert to underground. 2 Regular City Council Meeting October 13, 2000 Page Three 1-2 3-7 9-11 04.204 13-17 04.205 19-24 04.200 25-27 04,200 29-35 CONSENT AGENDA All items on the consent agenda am considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of consent agenda items unless a member of City Council so requests; in which event, the item will be removed end acted upon separately, A. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes - 9/21/00 B. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes - 9/22/00 C. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes - 9/30/04 Authorize the Expenditure, Not to Exceed $127,000 for the Purchase of Diesel and Regular Unleaded Fuels, on an as Needed Basis, from Port Petroleum as per the St. Lucie County School Board Term Contract (GSA Transmittal 9/30/04, Agreement) Approve the Purchase of a Toro 3500-D from Wesco Tud' Supply in Lake Mary, Flodda from State Contract #L515-630-03-1 at a Price of $24,432.33 (Public Works Transmittal 10/5/04, Quote, Form) Approve the Emergency Purchase of Additional Emergency Repair of Sebastian Golf Course Driving Range Net and Netting System from Action Sports Netting, Inc. in the Amount of $23,000 and Approve Temporary Loan from City of Sebastian Emergency Fund (Golf Course Transmittal 10/4/00, Revised Quote) Authorize the Award of Sebastian Municipal Golf Course Facilities Repair Work to Capp Custom Builders, Inc. in the Amount of $80,332 and Approve a Temporary Loan from City of Sebastian Emergency Fund (Golf Course Transmittal 10/13104, Scope, Quotes) Mr. Coniglio removed item G. On MOTION by Mr. Coniglio, and SECOND by Mr. Heptinstall, consent agenda items A-F were approved on a roll call vote of 5-0. Item G Mr. Coniglio asked if the water system could be included in the repair and the City Manager responded that he will be bringing an item back to Council in the near future. On MOTION by Mr. Coniglio, and SECOND by Ms. Monier, consent agenda item G was approved on a roll call vote of 5-0~ 3 Regular City Council Meeting October 13, 2004 Page Four = 04.002 37-43 COMMrl-rEE REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS A. Construction Board Interview, Unless Waived and Submit Nomination to Vacant Alternate Member Position Expidng 9/30/2007 (City Clerk Transmittal 9/20/04, Code, Application, List, Ad) Mr. Hagler was not in attendance. He was nominated by Mr. Coniglio, and automatically appointed because he was the only applicant. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC Item that has occurred or was discovered within the previous six months which is not otherwise on the agenda - sign-up required - limit of five minutes for each speaker Walter Barnes, Sebastian, recommended that the rocket sign which was located in the Riverfront District before the storm should not be allowed to be returned to its former location because it does not meet current codes and was an eyesore; talked about prior discussions among Council members to look into City mooring areas, possible dumping into the river, and suggested this be looked into because of damage that was done by some of these boats; he commended City staff for all its efforts in the wake of the storms. Damian Gilliams, Layport Drive, Sebastian, said people should look at their futura FPL bills and wdte letters citing poor maintenance prior to the storms; said big corporations are getting grant money and small businesses in this City ara getting loans and people should write to their congressmen; said Comcast Cable has not been responsive and many people have not received service; said people on boats are not dumping in the river; and thanked City staff for their efforts in the wake of the storm. Andrea Coy, 333 Pineapple, Sebastian, thanked all involved in today's reconstruction meeting at the North County Library; that destruction was prolific in Orange Heights and was happy to hear that the City and County were going to hold to new codes, however, cited three totally destroyed homes around her and asked how we ara going to hold people to rebuilding to code and make sure that they obtain proper permits; and asked Council to consider Orange Heights and any other areas disaster areas and seek special grant money available. 4 Regular City Council Meeting October 13, 2004 Page Five 11. 04.203 45-49 12. 13. 14. 04.203 OLD BUSINESS Readoption of Ordinance No. O-04-19 - State of Emerqenc¥ Operations (City Attorney Transmittal 10/7/04, O-04-19) AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA, SUSPENDING ENFORCEMENT OF CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE RELIEF FROM HURRICANES FRANCES AND JEANNE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND EFFECTIVE DATE. The City Attorney read Emergency Ordinance No. O-04-19 by title and explained that four votes are required by the Charter for adoption of an emergency ordinance and there had only been three in attendance at the Special Meeting on September 30, 2004. On MOTION by Mr. Coniglio, and SECOND by Mr. Barczyk, Emergency Ordinance No. O-04-19 was adopted on a roll call vote of 5-0. NEW BUSINESS - None CITY ATTORNEY MATTERS The City Attorney said the City is in emergency mode and the ordinance provides for executive orders. CITY MANAGER MATTERS A. Preliminary Cost Estimates Goveminq the Hurricane Jeanne Recovery Effort The City Manager reported on costs: debris removal of 150,000 cubic yards of yard debds and 60,000 cubic yards of construction debris at a cost of $3.5 million; that he will be bringing back items regarding Indian River Drive restoration to the October 27 meeting for expenditures and contracts not to exceed $300,000; reported that signage down at 1000 intersections sustained damage in the amount of $400,000; stormwater and support infrastructure damage in the amount of $500,000; public buildings and facilities in the amount of $456,000; that the Golf Course had already begun restoration and its damage was in the amount of $172,362; total damage approximately $5.3 million with an overall impact of $500,000 from city coffers. Mr. Heptinstall asked about the timeline on collection of debris and what is being picked up. The City Manager responded that Ashbdtt and City crews are picking up yard debris and construction debris and that as far as furniture he is still waiting for a clarification from FEMA. 5 Regular City Council Meeting October 13, 2004 Page Six Mayor McCollum said each government entity is responsible for its own debris pickup within its boundaries. Mr. Coniglio suggested better advertising such as being done for St. Lucie County and Mayor McCollum noted advertisement costs are reimbursable at 95%. Mr. Coniglio also asked about letting people know when empty lots will be cleaned. Mayor McCollum said responsibility for CR512 infrastructure would be the County's responsibility but pickup of debds on CR 512 would be picked up by the City. The City Manager cited the number of properties damaged (see report attached) The City Manager said he and staff have worked with FEMA representatives on the RV program. Mayor McCollum explained the functions of the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center set up at the two county libraries. The City Manager said the building permit waiver will be extended until November 24, 2004. Mayor McCollum asked for an update and recommendation from the City Manager on this matter at the November 17, 2004 regular meeting due to the fact that there is an eight to twelve week time period to get an estimate. Mr. Coniglio said perhaps people can document their damage now in the event it is many months before they can pull a permit. The City Manager reported that Waste Management was one day behind and were making arrangements to catch up today and tomorrow. 15, CITY CLERK MATTERS The City Clerk thanked the Records Management Specialist for her dedication in protecting the City's records the day pdor to Hurricane Jeanne by tarping all the shelves for several hours with the Deputy City Clerk, with the result that when the roof came off the records vault, all City records were found dry. She then reported on early voting which begins Monday October 18 and runs each day excluding Sundays through Monday, November 1 from 8 am to 4 pm, and thanked the City Manager for use of his conference room for the period. 6 Regular City Council Meeting October 13, 2004 Page Seven 16. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS A. Mr. Barczyk Mr. Barczyk cited his report submitted relative to a Committee for a Sustainable Treasure Coast meeting on October 7 and 8, 2004 (see attached). B. Mayor McCollum Mayor McCollum asked why 130 mph was chosen as the wind code and what it would take to bdng it up to 140 mph. The City Attorney said the City was told that 130 was what applied here. Mayor McCollum said DCA advised him it was the City's choice and the City should be consistent with the rest of the County. Mayor McCollum said there are concerns about trees falling from vacant lots and the owners not taking responsibility. The City Attorney said there have been several attempts to regulate unimproved lots and they have failed for various reasons. Mayor McCollum asked about annexations mentioned in the City Manager's last newsletter and asked if we can wait until after the election to determine the outcome of the non-binding referendum. The City Manager said if it is the wish of Council to do so then he will direct the Growth Management Director to hold off. There was no objection to the Mayor's request. C. Mr. Heptinstall Mr. Heptinstall said people can police the permitting process and call the City if they do not see a permit where work is being done; and he also said if he hears of one more person gouging he will come down on them personally and it will not be tolerated and won't happen in the City of Sebastian. Mayor McCollum said there is a price gouging number and the Attorney General's office is being very aggressive with this. D. Mr. Coni.qlio Mr. Coniglio reported on the Economic Development meeting regarding problems with businesses, the MPO meeting noting that CR 512 is number two on their beautification list; the November fishing tournament will be postponed to a later date; that the concert in the park begins tomorrow night in Riverview Park at 4:30 p.m.; the media auction will take place at the Key West Inn next Thursday night. E. Ms. Monier Ms. Monier said small businesses have been hurt economically and urged residents to support those businesses that are damaged but are open; thanked City staff for keeping Indian River Drive open while it is being repaired and working to keep some of the 7 Regular City Council Meeting October 13, 2004 Page Eight businesses open rather than shutting them down; that residents can him a contractor from out of the county or state but they have to register with the City; and said the December Art Show is postponed to January 29 and 30, 2005. 17. Being no further business, Mayor McCollum adjourned the Regular Meeting at 8:40 p.m. Approved at the October 27, 2004 Regular City Council Meeting. Nathan B. McCollum, Mayor ATT T: ' LSal~_.. A. a~, eEC, Ci6J Clerk 8 City Manager Report: 3,465,300 - Debris Removal 300,000 - Indian River Drive 400,000 - $ignage (Materials, Labor - Approx. 1,000 lights @ $400 an intersection) 500,000 - Stormwater/Support Infrastructure 456,000 - Building and Property Damage 172,363 - Golf Course Facilities 5,293,662 ($5.3 million) After factoring FEMA & Insurance Reimbursements and Final Cost Impacts to the City of Sebastian are anticipated to be approximately $500,000 - which as previously discussed, will be absorbed via reserves currently available... 9 INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC SIGN-UP SHEET OCTOBER 13, 2004 REGULAR MEETING "New Business" as used herein, is defined as an item that has occurred or was discovered within the previous six months USE THIS FORM ONLY FOR INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS NOT OTHERWISE ON THE PREPARED AGENDA*- LIMIT OF 5 MINUTES PER SPEAKER If the item on which you wish to speak is on the printed agenda, do not sign this form. The Mayor will call for public input prior to Council deliberation on each agenda item. Please raise your hand when he calls for input. New Subject: New Subject: New Subject: Name: New Su~ect: Name: New Su~ect: Name: New Su~ect: comnUttee for a Sustainable Treasure Coast (CSTO) October 7/8, 2004 Senator Pruitt chaired, and opened the meeting discussing the affects of the hurricanes upon Ftofida, economic, tourist, and employment in general. Stated that the Federal govermnents approved additional funding, and tax rehef for Florida. Senator Pmitt, was happy to report that the homes, manufacture homes, and faeility, built nnder the 1997 Codes did far better than those, bulk under the pre 1997 Codes. Statistical data revealed that 90% of damage, from moderate to severe were to facilities built under the old codes. He mated, that elected officials, based on present experience (hurricanes) need to exam amine their cedes, to make them stronger to prevent future destructions as a result of hurricanes, and other natural disasters. He stated that elected officials should considered, and rethink what types of structures can be placed on a trailer park tot. The codes should be changed tO reflect whether or not codes for manufactures homes should be made, or can an~, other structures as a small hurricane designed home can be built on such a lot. Consideration should be given, whether a small two (2) story house may be built. Senator Prmtt stated, now is the time for pubhc official to develop wa3~ to improve the codes pertaining to building and safety of facilities (resident/al, manufacture, and businesses). Senator mentioned that he guarantee that if we don't do. The upcounng leg/slatmes will do it, and we may not like the outcome. Mentioned now is the time to come in with suggestions, and changes, before the legislatures submit their recommendations. At this point, the meeting was open to the thirty (30) mumcipalifies and agencies as to comments .experiences. And problems that they encounter A. General comments: Changing or modifying our codes i.e., manufactures homes, growth, building codes in general Lift station sen,age point should have generator for emergency, power shelters to include special needs should Have sufficient restrooms, eating/sleeping arrangement, safety- concerns, and personnel to operate the facilities. Assisted living, nursing homes, and shelters should have emergency' generator to operate for 72hfs, or more. Care taker, and patients should be registered to deternane numbers of spaces needed. Care taker must stayed With the patient, not to leave once the patient is at the shelter. Approximately 85 % of the mnnieipalities/agencies, had communications problems. Only the 800 KHz. Radios and one cellular phone systems was flawless in operation during the storms. Singular cell phone were operational during the storm Municipalities that bad pre -arrange contracts, for trash removal, clean up, generators, radios, emergencies Supphes/equipments. Etc., faired the best. One city had a contract for radios, and 200 generators. The Equipments were received within 24hfs, after notification. State Coramunications Office, and Senator PraltI encourage these type of contracts. Encourage the cross Warning of personnel's. For emergency situations.. Senator Pmitt approve and encourage curfew, prohibiting the sale of alcohol during a emergency. Need to keep the citizens informed as to conditions, emergency numbers, shelters, food, water, etc. Assistance from other agencies, personnel I.e., post office, paper delivery, neighbors to account for all personnel's. Damages causes by blown trees to power lines, consideration should be given for an ordinance , or code as To how close to the power lines a tree can be planted... Damages to docks/piers. Caused by improperly moored vessels. Approved, and enforces mooring areas be Established. Vessels should be properly moored, and away' from piers and shorelines. Distribution centers need to be located as not to UnPede emergencies and service vehicles. Maintenance of power lines, due to growth of trees limbs. B. Citrus Industries State wide Grapefruit 75%to 90 %min. Oranges 50 % to 60 % rain Major packing plant closer I,e., Tropicana, Minute Maid will not Open this year/ Minor packing plant, two of four may open this year Indian River Packing houses, 31 out of 42 may not open this year. Oversea sale of fruit to Japan, and Europe in jeopardy of being lost for this season, to other foreign producers Trees are still standing. The strongest, and those that remain, will survived, The industry may never be the same. More groves my be sold for development