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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08102005 ~ ~~ HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10,2005 -7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 1. The Mayor called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Council Member Neglia led the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. A moment of silence was held. 4. ROLL CALL City Council Present: Mayor Nathan McCollum Vice-Mayor Brian Burkeen Council Member Andrea Coy Council Member Sal Neglia City Council Absent: Council Member Lisanne Monier, (excused) Staff Present: City Manager, Al Minner City Attorney. Rich Stringer City Clerk, Sally Maio Deputy City Clerk, Jeanette Williams MIS Systems Analyst, Barbara Brooke Golf Course Director, Greg Gardner Public Works Director, Terry Hill Regular City Council Meeting August 10, 2005 Page Two 5. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS {ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS} Items not on the written agenda may be added only upon a unanimous vote of City Council members (R-05-26) None. 6. PROCLAMATIONS. ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS None. 7. CONSENT AGENDA All items on the consent agenda are 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 and acted upon separately. 1-12 A. Approval of Minutes - 7/27/05 Regular Meeting 13-15 B. Approval of Minutes - 8/3/05 Special Meeting 05.164 17-27 C. Approve Purchase and Installation of Lighting System at Practice Football Field and Basketball Court at BSSC from Musco Sports Lighting in the Amount of $200,346 Under Terms and Conditions of City of Jacksonville Bid Award #Sc-0549-03 (Public Works Transmittal 8/1/05, Quote, Jacksonville Bid) 05.065 29-30 D. Approve Change Order #2 to Capp Custom Builders, Inc. for Additional Repair Work to Golf Course Facilities in the Amount of $53,511 (Golf Course Transmittal 8/4/05. Quote) Mr. Neglia removed item D; and Ms. Coy removed item C. On MOTION by Mr. Burkeen, and SECOND by Ms. Coy, item A and B were approved on a roll call vote of 4-0. Item C Ms. Coy said she had no problem with the item but removed it for the benefit of the public and read the City Manager's memo supporting the piggyback of the Jacksonville two- year old bid reflecting a cost savings, rather than bidding at today's prices. On MOTION by Ms. Coy and SECOND by Mr. Burkeen item C was approved on a roll call vote of 4-0. 2 Regular City Council Meeting August 10, 2005 Page Three Item D In response to Mr. Neglia, the City Manager clarified the initial bid was done for Hurricane Frances and then Hurricane Jeanne did further damage to the cart barn, so the initial bid was for $80,000 but did not include the additional damage. He further explained the item was in addition to the initial $80,000 cost. On MOTION by Mr. Neglia and SECOND by Ms. Coy item D was approved on a roll call vote of 4-0. 8. COMMITTEE REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS 05.070 31-40 A. Code Enforcement Board One Position (City Clerk Transmittal 7/29/05, Code, Application, Ad, List) i. Interview, Unless Waived, and Submit Nominations to Fill: a. One Regular Member Position to Expire 8/1/2008 (Preferably Engineer) City Council invited Mr. Dodd to the podium. Ms. Coy nominated him for the position and being the only applicant, he was reappointed. 05.014 41-49 B. Construction Board One Position (City Clerk Transmittal 7/29/05, Code, Application, Ad, List) i. Interview, Unless Waived, and Submit Nominations to Fill: a. One Regular Member Position to Expire 9/30/2007(Preferably HARV Contractor) Mr. Burkeen nominated Mr. Delasandro and, being the only applicant, he was appointed. 05.014 51-53 C. Construction Board Position Removal (City Clerk Transmittal 8/2/05, list) i. Formal Approval to Replace Member No Longer in Residence The City Clerk stated that this item was for information only to let City Council know the position was being advertised for. 3 Regular City Council Meeling Augusl 10, 2005 Page Four 05.076 55-63 D. Tree & Landscape Advisorv Position (City Clerk Transmittal 7/29/05, Code, Application, Ad, List) i. Interview, Unless Waived, and Submit Nominations to Fill: a. One Regular Member Position to Expire 4/2008 Neil Lagin was invited to the podium for interview. Mr. Burkeen nominated Mr. Lagin, and being the only applicant, he was appointed. 05.091 E. Parks & Recreation Advisorv Committee 65-68 i. Report from Chairman Inqui - Cain House (report) Mr. Ingui gave his report regarding possibilities of reaching out to Home Depot, Lowes, even This Old House for assistance with the Cain House improvements. City Council members commended him for the Committee's ideas and said they felt a renewed sense of commitment to the house's improvement. Mr. Neglia said he now could see how the house might be better placed in Jordan Park. 69-71 ii. Report from Chairman Inqui - Committee Recommendations (report) Mr. Ingui recommended formation of a recreation division, a full-time recreation coordinator and use of the old Council Chambers, and offices in that building for recreation division offices and uses; to plan for a summer camp program by summer 2006; and the establishment of a new Sebastian Community Hall with the possibility of seeking use of the old Wal-Mart building on US 1. Mayor McCollum said he agrees that a Community building is needed and would like to see the City plan for one in the next few years. City Council discussion followed on Mr. Ingui's suggestions, and City future needs. Mr. Neglia noted that the Boys and Girls Club will be building a gymnasium behind City Hall and the City Attorney said it would be available to the public as well. 4 Regular City Council Meeting August 10, 2005 Page Five 05.136 73-79 F. Environmental Advisorv Committee (Temporarv) i. Committee's Top Five Priorities (Citv Manaqer Transmittal 8/3/05, Draft Minutes, Priority List) Pat Beckwith listed the five top priorities for the Environmental Advisory Committee. #1 - Strengthen the existing Sebastian tree and landscape Ordinance (residential and commercial), including strengthening the tree replacement requirement for commercial and industrial properties. #2 - Strengthen the Sebastian Waterfront Development Ordinances to promote conservation and avoidl minimize impacts to the Indian River Lagoon. #3 - Investigate means within City budget (eg. building and land clearing permit fees) or other to hire a person to handle environmental code/rule enforcement. #4 - Review and strengthen developmental ordinances (P & Z) with emphasis on environmental conservation. #5 - Develop a program for treatment of drainage swales; fill where possible to collect and stormwater centrally and provide suggested plant palette relative to groundwater levels. Ms. Beckwith pointed out that the committee's #6 melds with #5. #6 - Reduce stormwater pollution from finding its way to the Indian River Lagoon through prohibiting chemical pesticides, fertilizers, etc. on landscapes of properties (commercial and residential) built on the east side of Indian River Drive. Mayor McCollum commended the committee for reporting to Council. 5 Regular City Council Meeting Aug ust 1 0, 2005 Page Six 9. PUBLIC HEARING - None 10. 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 Mr. Mazzone, 665 Capon Terrace, requested the City's assistance in closing out the Capon Terrace stormwater project. Mr. Mazzone was directed to contact the City Manager. The City Manager said an ordinance is scheduled for the next Council meeting to increase the funds available for stormwater maintenance from stormwater assessment revenues. He said this situation on Capon is indicative of current manpower problems with stormwater maintenance issues, noting that there is an RFP out at this time for maintenance, and which when implemented, will enable the City to address concerns such as Mr. Mazzone's. AI Manzi, 742 Holten Avenue, Sebastian, said canals north of 512 are wide and they are not wide south of 512, and said he hoped that dredging is not conducted in narrow parts of the canal. He said use of rip-rap would make access to the canals dangerous. He said the purpose of the canals is stormwater, the canals have been neglected, and would like to see access established for recreation. He also suggested creation of dry hydrants. Dan Dragonetti, thanked the City and City staff for their sincere assistance with his drainage problems, which happened approximately a year ago, the same time he lost his son in Iraq. Mary Ann Krueger, asked Council to consider hiring an environmental inspector, that it educates the public on environmental issues to protect the Indian River Lagoon from runoff, and suggested that residents think more about what is used in the City. She suggested a booklet be put together regarding environmental issues, said one of the biggest obstacles is the Planning and Zoning Commission and asked that the Commission resign because their actions are reprehensible with regard to construction along the Indian River Lagoon. Harvey Porter, Benedictine Terrace, Sebastian, said the culvert that goes under his road seems to be blocked and during heavy rains floods his yard. He was referred to the City Manager to resolve the problem. 6 Regular City Council Meeting August 10, 2005 Page Seven Frank Sevenski, 1143 George Street, Sebastian, said Collier Creek residents should be grateful for what the City has done. He said he paid for repairs to his seawall, and the canals do enhance the property. He said it would not be fair for people who do not live on the canals to have to pay for their seawalls. Side II. Tape I. 8:00 pm Damien Gilliams, 1623 US 1, Sebastian, said the 4th of July celebration was a success on Indian River Drive, and thanked Council for being fair and giving him a chance by opening and closing the road as needed; said the approach to the Cain House should not cost taxpayers a cent and agreed with getting volunteers and fundraisers together to make it happen; said he had recommended a community center in the old Wal-Mart building last year; said by not allowing the backing out on Indian River Drive motivates people to speed; expressed kudos for the circular inviting public participation in City committees, but asked where the Revenue Committee is; recommended a cap on litigation citing the situation ongoing in Vero Beach; said he will be outspoken on the budget and hoped roll back rate on taxes can happen; and said he hopes there is a plan for department heads to save money and turn money back in at the end of the fiscal year, rewarding them with a bonus for doing so. Mayor McCollum called recess at 8: 15 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:25 p.m. All members were present. 11. OLD BUSINESS 05.058 A. Collier Creek - Assessment Option (no backup) Ms. Coy explained her reasons for placing this item on the agenda, including numerous phone calls and a petition asking Council to look at other options. She stated the City had nothing to lose by looking at the proposed options submitted on a letter which could be sent to the canal residents, of which there are approximately 130 property owners. She then read the letter (see attached). It was noted that the figure of $1723 would be the annual assessment for fifteen years if the seawall option were chosen. Bob Audette, commended Council for this idea. Mayor McCollum said he was against sending out surveys because an assessment is to be placed he would like to have a 100% response from property owners; he pointed out there is no guarantee that property owners will maintain the sodded slopes and that perhaps an additional assessment would be needed to pay for some type of bond to cover property owners who did not maintain the slopes and he was opposed to giving up government property that might be 7 Regular City Council Meeting August 10, 2005 Page Eight needed in the future. He also pointed out that the City should strive to keep good the credit it has. Mayor McCollum said he would favor going back to sodding but the City should own and maintain the slopes. He also expressed concerns of financial hardship the assessment might place on some residents. Mr. Burkeen agreed with Mayor McCollum. Ms. Coy read a letter from Indian River County Property Appraiser, David Nolte stated the easement would not add market value; and said the majority of the people she talked to said they would love to keep their seawall but did not think residents would pay the assessment to do so. Ms. Coy said she would withdraw option 2 and reword option 1 if it would assist Council in approving this. Mr. Burkeen said he thinks rip rap is the best option for the City and the homeowner. The City Manager said all options available have pluses and minuses. Mr. Neglia said if the property is conveyed and then not maintained by property owners, the City would have to step in. He said he was happy with the rip rap. On MOTION by Ms. Coy and SECOND by Mr. Neglia, to send the letter out with options 1 and 2, the motion failed on a tie vote of 2-2 (McCollum, Burkeen - nay). Ms. Coy asked if there are any public suggestions from Council that may be considered at a later date, for example, ways to reword this letter. Mr. Burkeen said the only option might be to sod the slope and purchase the property but there will still be the unknown cost of land mitigation to consider. 12. NEW BUSINESS - None 13. CITY ATTORNEY MATTERS 05.165.1 A. Discuss Lanquaqe for Charter Amendment on Private Condemnation (backup under seoarate cover) The City Attorney advised that he did not place language on for first reading because many towns are drafting language and he requested feedback. He read proposed language as follows: "A unanimous vote of the entire membership of city council shall be required to authorize the use of eminent domain for a project having the sole purpose of transferring rights in the properties to a private party in pursuit of economic development". 8 Regular City Council Meeting August 10. 2005 Page Nine He then briefly explained the need for a unanimous vote, identifying sole purpose project, transferring rights and pursuit of economic development language. He offered to bring the language back for Council for first reading. Other Matters The City Attorney said Council needs to put out reminders to its advisory committees that some of the areas such as personnel and departmental recommendations on which the committees are reporting are more in the pervue of the City Manager. The City Attorney said the Clambake dates are November 4, 5 and 6th this year. Side I, Tape 11,9:11 pm The City Attorney said ownership of canals is a confusing issue because in every way it appears that the seawalls were meant to be conveyed to the property owners by General Development, but how to attach the seawall to the property with the easement in between is a problem. He stated ownership is not really related to financial responsibility. 14. CITY MANAGER MATTERS None. 15. CITY CLERK MATTERS 05.166 81-82 A. Discuss Possibilitv of Christmas Parade on Indian River Drive with Santa Arrivinq in Riverview Park - December 3, 2005 - 6-9 pm - in Partnership with Chamber of Commerce and Sebastian Junior Women's Club (E-mail) On a MOTION by Mr. Neglia, and SECOND by Mr. Burkeen, the parade was approved with a voice vote carried 4-0. 05.146 B. Florida Leaque of Cities Conference - FACC Board Meetinq 8/18/05 Attendance (no backup) The Clerk reported she would be traveling on August 18, 2005.. 05.167 83-85 C, Council Meetinq Schedule November and December - Revise at Council's Discretion (Citv Clerk Transmittal 8/3/05. Calendars) On MOTION by Mayor McCollum, and SECOND by Ms. Coy the Council meeting schedule was changed to November 16th and December 14th on a voice vote of 4-0. 9 Regular City Council Meeting August 10, 2005 Page Ten 16. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS A. Mr. Nealia Reported the Emergency Services District Advisory Committee had not scheduled a meeting to have the EMS/Fire consolidation plan presented. Mayor McCollum suggested Mr. Neglia call Commissioner Lowther to schedule the meeting or discuss it with him. Reported that Officer Poore did a great job ticketing vehicles illegally parked on Indian River Drive during the recent fishing tournament. Reported that the City needs jobs and affordable housing in the City. He said there are committees meeting on these topics and the City should get on the bandwagon. Mayor McCollum said he was on a local committee and explained there are a federal definition for low-income housing but no definition for workforce housing. He said the County Commission is looking at small lot subdivisions. B. Mavor McCollum Reminded that the public of the Tuesday, August 16 Budget Workshop at 6:00 pm and the grand-opening of the new runway on Friday, he was not having his monthly meeting, and there is a Board of Adjustment meeting scheduled for August 24, 2005 at 6 pm. D. Mr. Burkeen None. E. Ms. Cov Ms. Coy stated her computer's hard drive crashed and someone canceled her Earthlink account therefore she would only receive e-mails at City Hall, apologized for any lost e-mails during the crash and stated she is also available by telephone. She suggested that perhaps the next budget might include $3,000 to $5,000 for MIS to purchase software that could stop the spam problem in City Hall. 10 Regular City Council Meeting August 10, 2005 Page Eleven F. Ms. Monier Absent. 17. Being no further business, the Regular Meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. 05 Regular City Councii Meeting. A 11 At the July 13, 2005 meeting of the City Council, it was decided by unanimous vote to move forward with the Collier Creek Canal issue. The primary purpose for addressing this issue is to improve the stormwater quality of the Collier Creek Canal. Three primary altematives, with the same net effect of improving stormwater quality, have been painstakingly reviewed. In short, the Council chose to dredge the Collier Creek Canal, entomb the existing "seawalls" and construct new side-siopes reinforced with what is commonly known as "rip-rap". This concept was approved based on its overall ability to solve aesthetic, financial, engineering, operational and environmental issues. Further, staff has been clearly instructed to execute this project as proposed in the various publiC meetings. To date, staff continues to move forward with this very imporlant capital project. They anticipate design schematics to be completed by the end of September. Next, the plan will be submitted for review and permitting by various regulatory agencies. This process may take as long as 4-6 months. Following regulatory approval and permitting, construction bidding is scheduled to begin in late Spring 2006; thereby, allowing construction to commence sometime in early Summer 2006. The Sebastian City Council is committed to this project and believes it has made the best decision for all citizens of our great community. In the aftermath of this decision, however, it appears that some residents who live in the directly affected areas continue to voice displeasure with the project's aesthetic qualities. It is important to understand and note that the City Council has gone on record as welcoming public input and worked very hard to recognize all views concerning not just this, but every issue. Moreover, the City Council has delayed the start of the project in order to hear and weigh additional public input. This process is now reaching an impasse and must move forward. In this light, however, City Council is willing to probe public input one last time. Enclosed is an unofficial, nonscientific questionnaire, which inquires into the preference of specific design concepts. Simply stated, the "sea wall" option cannot and will not be constructed with the current budgetary restrictions. Nonetheless, if provided another opportunity, which aesthetic choice would you prefer as a resident that lives along the Collier Creek Canal? - Option #1 - Construct the Collier Creek Canal Project with sodded-side slopes, conveying the public property along the canal to the corresponding property owners and reallocate unspent funds toward other stormwater capital projects; or - Option #2 - Construct the Collier Creek Canal Project with "sea walls", placing a special assessment on each effected property owner for the cost difference between the "rip-rap option" and the cost of the sea walls. This proposal would increase the estimated project cost by approximately $2,400,000 and require an annual Special Assessment of approximately $ to be levied on each effected property owner's tax bill forthe next 15 years. Please mark your choice above and return this letter in the provided postage paid envelope to the Office of the City Manager by FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2005. Upon a return rate of ninety (90%) percent, with a clear super majority, the Council may decide to reconsider the aesthetic porlion of this project. For your information, this questionnaire has been submitted to each affected resident along the Collier Creek Canal. One questionnaire has been submitted to each household and only one vote per household will be considered. While each vote will remain confidential, the questionnaire has been marked to ensure only one vote per household. Thank you for your time and input on this issue. Should you have any questions concerning this matter please feel free to contact City Manager AI Minner at 388-8203. , Principal Amount $2,400,000 Interest Rate 5% ANNUAL INO ANNUAL YEAR PRINCIPAL INTEREST PAYMENT BALANCE ASSESSMENT 1 $160,000.00 $120,000.00 $280,000.00 $2,240,000.00 $2,153.85 2 $160,000.00 $112,000.00 $272,000.00 $2,080,000.00 $2,092.31 3 $160,000.00 $104,000.00 $264,000.00 $1,920,000.00 $2,030.77 4 $160,000.00 $96,000.00 $256,000.00 $1,760,000.00 $1,969.23 5 $160,000.00 $88,000.00 $248,000.00 $1,600,000.00 $1,907.69 6 $160,000.00 $80,000.00 $240,000.00 $1,440,000.00 $1,846.15 7 $160,000.00 $72,000.00 $232,000.00 $1,280,000.00 $1,784.62 8 $160,000.00 $64,000.00 $224,000.00 $1,120,000.00 $1,723.08 9 $160,000.00 $56,000.00 $216,000.00 $960,000.00 $1,661.54 10 $160,000.00 $48,000.00 $208,000.00 $800,000.00 $1,600.00 11 $160,000.00 $40,000.00 $200,000.00 $640,000.00 $1,538.46 12 $160,000.00 $32,000.00 $192,000.00 $480,000.00 $1,476.92 13 $160,000.00 $24,000.00 $184,000.00 $320,000.00 $1,415.38 14 $160,000.00 $16,000.00 $176,000.00 $160,000.00 $1,353.85 15 $160,000.00 $8,000.00 $168,000.00 $0.00 $1,292.31 $1,723.08