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HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND
SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2008 - 7:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA
Mayor Coy called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Council Member Paternoster led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. A moment of silence was held.
4. Council Member Paternoster read the Civility Pledge.
We will be respectful of one another even when we disagree. We will direct all comments to the
issues. We will avoid personal attacks.
5. ROLL CALL
City Council Present:
Mayor Andrea Coy
Vice-Mayor Sal Neglia
Council Member AI Paternoster
Council Member Dale Simchick
Council Member Eugene Wolff
Staff Present:
City Manager, AI Minner
City Attorney, Rich Stringer
City Clerk, Sally Maio
Deputy City Clerk, Jeanette Williams
Airport Director, Joseph Griffin
City Engineer, David Fisher
Finance Director, Ken Killgore
Growth Management Director, Rebecca Grohall
Parks Supervisor, Chris McCarthy
Police Lieutenant, Bob Lockhart
Police Lieutenant, Greg Witt
Regular City Council Meeting
March 26, 2008
Page Two
6. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS -None
7. PROCLAMATIONS, AWARDS, BRIEF ANNOUNCEMENTS
Presentations of proclamations, certificates and awards, and brief timely announcements by Council and
Staff. No public input or action under this heading.
08.034 A. National Boys & Girls Club Week -March 30 -April 5, 2008
1
Mayor Coy read and presented the proclamation to Jay Bumgarner, Director of
the Sebastian Boys & Girls Club Operations, Jarad Pelletier, Youth of the Year,
and children from the Club. Jarad read a letter on the many benefits of
membership.
08.035 B. Presentation and Receipt of Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
3 FY 2007 (Finance Transmittal, CAFR under separate cover)
Bob Harris and Sarah Hansard, of Harris, Cotherman, Jones, Price and
Associates presented the CAFR noting it was an unqualified opinion, and
announced receipt of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
Certificate of Achievement. Mr. Harris commended the City Manager on the
smooth transition from Shai Francis to Ken Killgore as Finance Director, stating
smooth transitions are rare. Mayor Coy noted this is the approximately fifth or
sixth year of the GFOA award.
The City Manager briefly went over the reserve numbers, noting we had deficit
spent by approximately $200,000 this fiscal year due to the early retirement
buyouts and the need for police pension funds as required by the actuarial
statement. He said a flag needs to be pointed at this area and we will talk about
the health of reserves as we get into the fiscal 2009 budget.
08.036 C. Presentation and Receipt of Sebastian Community Redevelopment Agency
5-2o Annual Activity Report FY 2007 (Clerk Transmittal, FS163.356(3)(c), ad, Report)
It was the consensus of Council to accept the report and it will be advertised as
available to the public for review in accordance with FS 163.356(3)(c).
8. 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. If a member of the public wishes to provide input on a
consent agenda item, he/she should request a Council Member to remove the item for discussion prior to start
of the meeting or by raising his/her hand to be recognized.
21-29 A. Approval of Minutes - 3/12/08 Regular Meeting
08.037 B. Approve Craft Club Annual Show Dates in Riverview Park for 2008-2009 with
31-35 50% Waiver of Fees and Raindates (Parks Transmittal, Application, Craft Club
Letter)
2
Regular City Council Meeting
March 26, 2008
Page Three
MOTION by Mr. Paternoster, and SECOND by Mr. Neglia to approve consent agenda
agenda items A and B passed on a voice vote of 5-0.
9. COMMITTEE REPORTS & APPOINTMENTS -None
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS -None
11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
08.010 A. Collier Creek Wall RFP Report -Council Direction (Engineering Transmittal)
37-43
The City Manager reiterated the report he had provided in the agenda packet (3/26/08
agenda packet -permanent record) and sought direction from Council as to the
alternatives -rip rap or walls. He said staff can now report that walls are affordable at
$ 4.6 million and are now an option, noting the approximate difference with walls would
be an additional $300,000 over the cost of rip rap. He briefly explained how DST funds
can be shifted to accommodate the need for additional funds over the grant amount. He
reported that if he could rewrite his report, he would recommend the wall option. He
sought Council direction to begin negotiations with the highest ranked bidder and then
bring back a contract price for approval by Council at a later meeting.
Public Input
Neil Lagin, Wentworth Street, Sebastian, asked if we have determined that rip rap
cannot be done cheaper now and the City Manager replied both sets of numbers
presented are current pricing.
Cindy Falco-DeCorrado, Sebastian, asked the difference between rip rap and walls and
the City Manager explained the function of each method and that rip rap is rock and the
walls are driven sheet pile that is vinyl.
Kathy Cole, Wimbrow Drive, Sebastian, who owns a home north of the bridge, asked
what will happen to brand new walls and the City Manager said there will be more
flexibility with walls and this will be addressed as the project proceeds.
In response to Mr. Wolff, the City Manager said the main focus will be from 512 to the
bridge, he was aware there are new walls north of the bridge, and this question will be
examined during negotiations.
Vic Klein, Wimbrow Drive, Sebastian, said he wants walls and votes.
Harvey Wheeler, Seahouse Street, Sebastian, supported the walls, noting rip rap would
have maintenance issues.
Regular City Council Meeting
March 26, 2008
Page Four
Greg Golien, Wimbrow Drive, Sebastian, said he was happy with the wall option and
agreed rip rap would have problems.
Damien Gilliams, 1623 US 1, Sebastian, said he told Council to go this way, he votes
too, expressed concern for engineering costs, and said the Mayor didn't listen to the
people and said he was going to bring Metamucil because it is bullcrap.
Mayor Coy gave him a first warning.
Mr. Gilliams continued talking about the City Attorney's advice at the time and asked if
the City Manager was going to pay the extra costs.
Mr. Paternoster advised Mr. Gilliams this was not a question and answer period
Mayor Coy closed input at 7:40 p.m.
The City Manager and City Engineer responded to questions from Council members
relative to the following:
• concrete caps will be included on walls
• staff will bring this to St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD)
once directed which way to go, but do not see any strong objections
• Hardee Park will not be used as the spoil site, rather an out of city site driven by
the contractor will be used
• some brief stacking on vacant lots will take place to drain off water before
trucking the sludge away
• review of DST projects for which funds can be shifted
• bidder provided references that have been checked but a more in-depth review
will be done once directed to go forward
• concurrence by the City Engineer to go with walls due to less maintenance,
easier mitigation, and easier access
• littoral shelf may still need to be developed for mitigation at Hardee Park with wall
option
• uncertainty as to additional engineering costs at this time noting redesign can
either be done by CDM or by the firm which brought the idea to the table. The
City Manager approximated $50,000 for additional engineering costs.
• SJRWMD will require modifications to permits
• Three out of 35 existing docks were permitted properly and docks are
subservient use and secondary to drainage as the canal's major function and the
City Manager stated that replacement of docks will be an option and not a given
• Note that if docks are not replaced an additional $180,000 will be available for
the project.
Each member of Council offered input on his or her opinion on the options available and
all supported going forward with the wall option.
4
Regular City Council Meeting
March 26, 2008
Page Five
MOTION by Mr. Wolff and SECOND by Mr. Paternoster to authorize staff to proceed to
negotiate with the best bid for the Collier Creek side bank and dredging project.
The City Manager said he will hopefully bring back a negotiated contract in April for
approval by Council.
Result of the roll call vote was as follows:
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Passed
Paternoster, Simchick, Wolff, Coy, Neglia
Mayor Coy called recess at 8:30 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:50 p.m. All
members were present.
12. PUBLIC INPUT
Public Input for each individual is five minutes, however, it can be extended or terminated by a majority vote
of Council members present.
08.038 A. Mike Konopacky -Petition Re: Objections by Citizens of Sebastian to a Dog
45-47 Recreation Area in Part of the Storm Water Park by the West End of Thunderbird
Drive (Petition Language)
Mike Konopacky, 180 Thunderbird Drive, Sebastian, read revised petition language
objecting to the use of the Stormwater Park as a dog park. He submitted copies of the
petition language to each member of Council and the original petition bearing 135
signatures to the City Clerk for the record (see petition language attached -original
petition is on file in the office of City Clerk).
MOTION by Mr. Paternoster, and SECOND by Mr. Neglia, to extend Mr. Konopacky's
time when he exceeded five minutes passed on a voice vote of 5-0.
Mr. Konopacky asked that the petition be kept in City Hall for anyone else who wanted to
sign it and the City Attorney advised that this would not be appropriate.
Mayor Coy told Mr. Konopacky that Council will review the document submitted, the City
Manager will report and agendize the matter in the future.
Donna Lynch, Thunderbird Drive, Sebastian, displayed photos of the poor condition of
Thunderbird on the overhead and urged denial of use of the Stormwater park.
Tom Loar, Thunderbird Drive, Sebastian, said most parks in the City are accessible by
more than one street and are in high visibility areas and was concerned about after
hours use putting the neighborhood at risk. He noted environmental and scrub jay and
gopher tortoise habitat concerns.
5
Regular City Council Meeting
March 26, 2008
Page Six
Kaloust Aslanian, Thunderbird Drive, Sebastian, said he had a recorded agreement with
the City to put in the street when he built his home and did not want the street to be used
as access to the dog park.
Mayor Coy advised the public that not everything they read in the paper is gospel, that
Council has not been given a plan for this area by staff at this time.
Linda Scott, Sebastian, supported the use of the Stormwater Park for a dog park.
Vincent Sarella, Thunderbird Drive, said this is a poor location for a dog park, and that
since the general fund is diminishing we should not use those funds for maintenance.
Bob Burgarella, Thunderbird Drive, said there are numerous parks in the City where you
can go and walk your dog on a leash and suggested the park adjacent to City Hall.
Mayor Coy said she had looked into this and it is owned by the County and is not
available for this use.
Damien Gilliams asked if she was referring to the alleged illegal parking lot next to the
County park saying government gets away with it, and suggested giving the dog owners
the park the City is giving to the Chamber on Main Steet.
Mr. Neglia called for a point of order. The Mayor asked Damien to stick to the issue.
Mr. Gilliams thanked Ms. Simchick for his electrical dock permit.
Mayor Coy warned him to stick to issues and not direct comments to the people.
Mr. Gilliams continued stating he was taken out of context regarding the LoPresti lease
decision.
Mayor Coy told him to take his seat and stick to issues and not make allegations.
Bill Bodon, Sebastian, thanked the Mayor for the mysafefloridahome.com information
and urged people to contact the program to save money on homeowners insurance.
Mayor Coy said the local contact was Doug McMillan at 913-1557.
Chuck Lever, Sebastian, said there was a council member who asked if there was a
demonstrated need last May for a dog park and if there was one, people would not have
had to come out tonight or sign the original petition which circulated in Vero Beach.
6
Regular City Council Meeting
March 26, 2008
Page Seven
13. NEW BUSINESS
08.039 A. Proposed Sebastian Riverfront Fine Art and Music Festival, Inc. Agreement (City
49-53 Attorney Transmittal, Agreement)
The City Manager briefly presented the request for a five year agreement negotiated
with Lisanne Monier, noting this year's event was a success.
Damien Gilliams, 1623 US Highway 1, said he was for the Art Festival but if we make a
five year commitment and there are budget shortfalls where will we say no to non-profit
organizations. He suggested they be given seed money and then reimburse the City
when it is over.
Mr. Paternoster corrected the speaker stating his reference to $30,000 for this festival
was incorrect. The City Manager said $37,000 covers all four annual festivals of which
$7,700 is for the Art Festival, and that we bank on return on other benefits such as
culture.
Louise Kautenberg, said ditto to what the City Manager said.
Neil Lagin, Wentworth Street, Sebastian, said he was in favor but keep to one year
Chuck Lever, Mulberry Street, Sebastian suggested a one year agreement as they
agreed to in the past.
Mayor Coy asked if Council had agreed to one year and the City Manager said they had
but now the group was asking for five years.
Bill Bodon, South Easy Street, said we need festivals because they are good for the
community.
Lisanne Monier, President, Sebastian River Area Fine Art and Music Festival, Inc. read
the financial statement she had provided to Council into the record (see attached) noting
they had hired a CPA who will file regular financial reports. She also cited an a-mail sent
by the Chamber of Commerce today (see attached).
Council input followed relative to the Chamber a-mail, the fact that we cannot measure
community spirit, Mr. Wolff's suggestion that since funding comes from the CRA a
percentage could be given back to the CRA from the proceeds before charitable
donations are given out by the association because the event may not benefit every
business in the CRA; the fact that funds come back to the district in other ways such as
gas taxes and increased business, question of beer and wine sales and assurance that
the association has its own liability insurance for this, keeping clams to the clambake
festival,~and giving the CPA enough time to compile a report.
%~an amendment to require a certified financial statement prepared and
sealed by a certified public accountant,
7
Regular City Council Meeting
March 26, 2008
Page Eight *The City Attorney advised that accountants certify rather than seal.
MOTION by Mr. Paternoster and SECOND by Mr. Neglia tomapprove the Fine Arts
Festival Agreement with the amendment to have a certified~epo#- financial statement
prepared by a certified public accountant.
The City Clerk left the meeting at 10:00 p.m.
The City Manager stated for the record #10 would read, "At the end of the calendar year
for SRFAMF, the organization shall file a financial statement prepared and certified by a
CPA with the office of the City Clerk."
Result of the roll call vote was as follows: Neglia, Paternoster, Simchick, Wolff, Coy
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Passed
08.040 B. Proposed Sebastian Clambake Foundation, Inc. Agreement (City Manager
55-63 Transmittal, Agreement, Expense Ledger, Memo)
The City Manager presented the request stating this agreement had been drawn up with
Council's concerns in mind and then opened the floor for questions and comments.
Damien Gilliams, 1623 US Highway 1, said he is for the clambake but when searching
for revenue at budget time not to raise the taxes. He hoped they have great year.
Teddy Hulse, Clambake Foundation Chair, thanked the City Manager for drawing up the
contract, spoke on the importance of the cultural aspect and the benefits that the
community receives.
Anjani Cerillo, Clambake Foundation President, thanked the City Manager and Council
for the consideration and stated the clambake is all about service and community.
Bill Messersmith, Sebastian, stated due to the late hour, the silence of the individuals
sitting in the back of room indicated support for the clambake.
Neil Lagin, Wentworth Street, said the clambake is the best event he has ever gone to
and hoped it comes back.
Council input followed on allowing the foundation to have a boat show but not other non-
profitgroups, closing the grassy CAVCORP area fora tots of six days, additional port-o-,
lets in exchange for a reduction of advertising costs ~~ia~~~~1~6'~to re uire a
' 'repor~l~y ai~~nA~ial
handicapped restrooms and use of gray water tanks.
MOTION by Mr. Nelgia and SECOND by Ms. Simchick to extend the meeting until 11:00
p.m. passed on a voice vote of 5-0.
Regular City Council Meeting
March 26, 2008
Page Nine
MOTION by Ms. Simchick and SECOND by Mr. Neglia to approve the clambake festival
agreement to include the following language in #6 on the first page, "...the
FOUNDATION will, within one hundred twenty days from the last day of the clambake,
provide to the City an annual financial report prepared and certified by a CPA showing
all FOUNDATION revenue and expenses."
Result of the roll call vote was as follows:
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Passed
Paternoster, Simchick, Coy, Wolff, Neglia
Mayor Coy called recess at 10:35 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 10:39 p.m. All
members were present.
08.041 C. Gilliams Complaint -Growth Management Department (no backup)
The City Attorney advised Council in accordance with an a-mail he had provided to them
today (see attached).
Mr. Wolff said he was looking for direction of what type of process should happen when
a citizen asks for direction, what process should take place, a verbal answer or should
there be a form/paper trail.
The City Manager said he would not recommend a procedure modification because
generally speaking there is a free-flow of information exchange between city employees
and the public, which is needed and for the most part, the correct information is getting
out.
The City Attorney advised there are some formal processes such as zoning
determination letters. He also suggested a notice stating something like "binding
responses should be requested in writing."
Ms. Simchick said she receives the most complaints about this with the Growth
Management Department, especially from new business owners and suggested
everyone take a look at Palm Bay's interactive information on the Internet.
Mr. Gilliams asked to speak and Mayor Coy told him good night.
14. CITY ATTORNEY MATTERS
9
Regular City Council Meeting
March 26, 2008
Page Ten
15. CITY MANAGER MATTERS
08.042 A. Verbal Report on Vero Beach/Sebastian Meeting Broadcasts (no backup)
The City Manager began to explain the City's hardship to broadcast. Mr. Gilliams yelled that
the City will hear from his lawyer and the Mayor gaveled him.
The City Manager continued to seek direction. Council agreed to forgo the exchange of
broadcasting at this time.
Return to City Attorney Matters
The City Attorney stated we won a golf course litigation case where a golf cart turned over
during a tournament and the City was sued.
He asked Council if they had any problems with him signing off the clambake agreement and
if they did, he would find another attorney to review the agreement. Council did not have any
problem.
Mr. Wolff asked that Council be made aware of any pending litigation actions.
16. CITY CLERK MATTERS
None.
17. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS
A. Mr. Wolff
None.
B. Mayor Coy
08.043 i. Kudos & Dodos
Mayor Coy reported that while the contaminated water sign was removed at Easy
Street Lake, last week a gentlemen launched a boat into the lake. She explained
to him that children might follow his lead and swim in the lake so he pulled his
boat out which was a kudo, but a little later that day he re-launched into the lake
and the police had to be called.
10
Regular City Council Meeting
March 26, 2008
Page Eleven
C. Mr. Neglia
Mr. Neglia reported that the Mr. King, Indian River County Emergency Services
Director, is trying hard to get an ALS truck located in the City, and he invited the
public to the Natural Resources Board Workshop tomorrow night at 6:00 p.m.
D. Mr. Paternoster
Mr. Paternoster said that someone has requested that maybe one Council
meeting could be on a Wednesday and one on a Thursday so the meetings are
more accessible to people.
The City Attorney offered to see if that was a charter requirement.
E. Ms. Simchick
Ms. Simchick invited the public to Fellsmere Beautification Day, April Stn
The City Attorney said the Council meeting days are governed by resolution.
18. Being no further business, the regular meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
Approved at the April9~h, 2008 Re~lar City Council Meeting. *as amended on page 7 and 8 .
Andrea 8. Coy, Mayor
A TEST:
~~~~~~~~
~ - ut ~' c,r k
ally A. aio, M C
City Clerk
11
DATE: MARCH 25, 2008
THUNDERBIRD DRIVE
PHOTOGRAPHS BY JUDY BURGARELLA
PAGE 2
CURRENT CONDITIONS OF STREET
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The Indian River Press Journal reported on March 14, 2008 that the Sebastian City
Officials are looking to put a dog recreation area in part of the Storm Water Park by the
west end of Thunderbird Drive. This petition states the objections by the citizens of
Sebastian to a dog recreation area in part of the Storm Water Park by the west end
of Thunderbird Drive. The following reasons are given for the objection:
Traffic -The estimated number of visits to the dog recreation area projected by the
Humane Society of Vero Beach and reported in the Press Journal (50 to 60 dogs on
weekdays and 200 dogs on weekend days) will result in 1400 vehicle trips up and down
Thunderbird Drive each week. Thunderbird Drive is a narrow street without shoulders or
swales and only one way in and out. In addition to the traffic generated by the dog
recreation area, the location will open the entire Storm Water Park to public access from
Thunderbird Drive. This level of traffic will severely disrupt the quiet residential nature
of the neighborhood. This concern was expressed when the Storm Water Park was first
proposed. Residents of Thunderbird Drive were assured at that time there would be no
public access to the Storm Water Park from Thunderbird Drive. The residents of
Thunderbird Drive expect the City Officials to honor this promise.
Wildlife Impact -Even though the City Manager reported that there are no Scrub Jay
issues at the location of the proposed dog recreation area, the adjoining land immediately
to the east of the proposed area has been purchased by the Indian River County and is
designated a Scrub Jay Conservation Area. The habitat of the conservation area was
further enhanced in 2007 by felling all large standing trees within the rough borders of S.
Easy Street on the north, Schuman Drive on the east and Thunderbird Drive on the south
to accommodate the Scrub Jays' need for low shrubby. Signage on the location of the
proposed parking lot indicates the area is also habitat for the Eastern Indigo Snake and
Gopher Tortoise. All three of these species are threatened or endangered. A dog
recreation area is not a good neighbor for wildlife or for humans.
Environmental Impact and Maintenance Cost -Using the reported projected dog visits
and estimating each visiting dog could deposit up to six ounces of feces and 8 ounces of
urine during each visit will result in an estimated 13,650 pounds of feces and 2,275
gallons of urine deposited in the dog recreational area per year. This amount of waste
being deposited in a concentrated area is not in consonance with the objectives of the
Storm Water Park to cleanse run-off storm water. It is understood that the City of
Sebastian has surplus funds available to purchase recreational facilities. However, funds
for the maintenance of these facilities would have to come from a diminishing general
fund. A dog recreational area is a high maintenance facility. It will require daily
emptying of receptacles containing plastic bags of feces left by dog owners who choose
to pick up after their pets. It would also require combing of the entire site to remove the
remainder of the 13,650 pounds of feces left by owners who choose not to pick up after
their dogs. This level of maintenance will be necessary to keep the park safe for both
human and animal visitors. The resources required for maintenance will be in direct
competition with other resources such as teachers, police and fire protection that would
better serve the community as a whole.
Safety and Security - A parking lot in a secluded area left open after dark has the
potential to attract underage drinking, drug use, and drug sales. These undesirable
activities pose a higher crime risk for those homes in the neighborhood. Patrolling this
secluded area will require the time of a police officer that could be otherwise better used.
Precedence -The establishment of a dog recreational area within the Storm Water Park
will set precedence. It will pave the way for the next special interest group who may
want to have, for example, an off-road area for riding ATVs. With each succeeding
special interest group it will become more difficult to deny subsequent requests and the
Storm Water Park will suffer further degradation.
Petition -With the exception of putting a dog recreation area on Pelican Island, a poorer
location than the Storm Water Park can not be imagined. The fact that all other proposed
sights have met with objections maybe an indication that a dog recreational area is not in
the best interest of all the citizens of the City of Sebastian. The undersigned citizens of
Sebastian hereby petition the City of Sebastian to eliminate from any further
consideration a dog recreation area in part of the Storm Water Park at the west end of
Thunderbird Drive and urge the City of Sebastian reconsider any plans for a dog
recreational area that will require continuing expenditures for maintenance from the
general fund.
Name Address
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
2
Jeanette Williams
From: Rich Stringer
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:57 AM
To: council
Cc: Alfred Minner; Sally Maio
Subject: Agenda Item; Gilliams complaint
I have had an opportunity to speak with a few of you about this matter. In accordance with the policy that the City has
followed for almost a decade now (at least), it has always been my advice that a matter not be discussed once there is a
threat of litigation. The free-flowing nature of discussion at a public meeting creates a minefield for comments that can be
taken out of context in a potential lawsuit.
I consider the letter from the attorney for Mr. Gilliams to be a threat of litigation. It is my understanding that the reason the
item is listed on the agenda is to discuss procedures that can limit the potential for "he said/she said" controversies from
even arising in the future. Please remain cognizant of the potential for such discussions to lead to careless comments, and
it is my strong legal advice to not discuss the specifics of the present controversy at all.
I know it is the desire of Council to address the legitimate concerns of all our citizens. When a matter has been presented
by the citizen, that is not only appropriate but is also your duty. However, once the citizen chooses to put the matter into the
legal arena, the prudent course of action is to allow me to address it with their chosen counsel.
Page 1 of 1
Sally Maio
From: Beth Mitchell [bmitchell@sebastianchamber.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 12:12 PM
To: Sally Maio
Subject: FW: Economic Benefits of Festivals, Events
Sally, could you please forward this to all council members? Thank you!
From: Beth Mitchell [mailto:bmitchell@sebastianchamber.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 8:51 AM
To: 'acoy@cityofsebastian.org'
Cc: 'AI Minner'
Subject: Economic Benefits of Festivals, Events
Dear Mayor Coy:
am sorry for the lateness in this a-mail, I was trying to confirm the source of the information regarding the
economic benefits of festivals and events. The following information is provided by the Florida Sports
Commission. Other sources which confirm these concepts are Florida Cultural Alliance, VISIT Florida, and
others. The premise is that there are economic benefits to a community associated with events.
A "day tripper", someone who drives into town to attend an Art Festival, or a Clambake Festival, contributes, on
average to the local economy, approximately $71.00 per person. This money is spent on items such as gas,
food, souvenirs, etc. This figure does not include hotel rooms. While crowd estimates are hard to determine, if
you assume that 10,000/15,000 people attend a two or three day event, the range in economic benefits to the
business community are between $ 710,000 to $1,065,000. The City of Sebastian derives a benefit from the
increased revenue for sales tax and gas tax from the above stated revenue.
Additionally, there are intrinsic benefits derived by the community in supporting festivals and other events. The
value of positive community involvement, quality of life events for the residents and visitors, etc., are more difficult
to define, but nonetheless contribute to the sense of well being in our community.
I hope this helps in your discussions tonight
~et(z L. ~titc(zelC
3/26/2008
~ecutive Director
Sebastian ~verArea
CFiam6er of Commerce
SEBI~STiI~~I RIVERFROIyT FItyE PlRT 1~i~ID MZISI~
FESTIV~li~, INe.
Enclosed please review copies of The Sebastian Riverfront Fine Art
and Music Festival, inc. financials, City of Sebastian financial
report(provided separately by AI Minner), and proposed renewal
contract for the next five years. This year's event was hugely
successful with record attendance by the public, and direct, positive
impact throughout the business community.
The cost of the show was $5500.00 SRFAMF, $7700.00 City of
Sebastian, $1000.00 scholarships to be awarded in May 2008, and
in-kind sponsorships of $5000.00{music, advertising other than City,
and attorney fees) for a total of $19,200.00.
As you can see, the total income from this year's event was
$10,500.00. Without the sponsorship of the City we could maintain
the event for about 2 years, therefore the sponsorship of the City is
vital and appreciated. Our reserve funds can then grow to fund art in
public places, growth of the festival, and other cultural events. A five
year contract wifl allow SRFAMF to plan and cultivate such projects.
SRFAMF will continue to promote and enhance the image and
potential of our City in a partnership tha# implements the City's
mission statement.
As president of SRFAMF I would appreciate placing this on the fast
mee#ing of the March agenda, and PLEASE calf me before the
meeting with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
.~ "
'' .~
.~
u
~`r,. 581-2626
s:zzat~ Sebastian Riverfron# Fine Arts 8~ Music Festival, Inc.
oarzs/oa Profit & Loss
cash Basis October 2007 through January 2008
Oct'07 -Jan OS
Ordinary income/Expense
Income
Direct Public Support
Sponsorship 250.00
Individ, Business Contributions 100.00
Total Direct Public Support 350.00
Rentals
Booth Rental 7,25U.UU
Rdministrative Fee 1,365.00
_ -__._._
Total Rentals 8,615.00
Other
T-shirts/Posters 1,548.OU
`
Total Other 1,548.00
Total Income 10,513.00
Expense
Operations
Entertainment SUO.OU
Awards/Judging 1,OOOAO
Merchandise 1,424.08
Dues, Fees and Subs 135.04
Postage and Delivery 141.00
SuppNes 488.85
Bank Gharges 62.00
Total Operations 3,750.93
Pro#essionalFees
Legal Fees 175.40
Total Professional Fees 175.40
Facilities and Equipment
Equipment Rental 6i i.63
Total Facilities and Equipment 611.63
Other Types of Expenses
License & Permits 30.UU
Insurance 965.51
___ _ ---
Total Other Types of Expenses 995.51
Total Expense 5,533.47
Net Ordirary Income 4,979.53
Net Income 4,979.53
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' 6:21 AM Sebastian Riverfront Fine Arts ~ Music Festival, inc.
~2ns~as Profit & Loss Budge t vs. Actual
,, _ Cash Basis October 2007 through January 2008
Oct'07 -Jan 08 Budget $ Over Budget % of Budget
Ordinary fncomelExpense
income
Direct Public Support
Sponsorship 250.00 3,OOO.DD (2,75D.00) 8.3%
Individ, Business Contributions 100.00
__
~-'_~__
-_--_--_
Total Direct Public Support 350.00 3,000.00 (2,650.00} 11.7%
Rentals
Booth Rental 7,250.00 8,200.00 (950.00) 88.4%
Administrative Fee 1,365.00
Total Rentals 8,615.00 8,200.00 415.00 105.1 °k
Other
Food 0.00 3,000.00 (3,000.00) 0.0%
T-shirtslPosters 1,548.00
------- 1,000.00
--- --- 548.00
------- 154.8%
---------
Total Other 1,548.00 4,000.00 (2,452.00} 38.7°l0
Total income 10,513.00 15,200.00 (4,687.00) 69.2%
Expense
Operations
Advertising 0.00 2,000.00 (2,000.00} 0.0°J°
Entertainment 500.00 3,000.00 (2,500.00) 16.7%
Awards/Judging 1,000.00 1,100.OD (100.00) 90.9%
Site Management 0.00 2,000.00 {2,000.00) 0.0%
Artist BreafcFast 0.00 300.00 (300.00} 0.0%
Merchandise 1,424.08 500.00 924.08 284.8°t°
Dues, Fees and Subs 135.00
Postage and Delivery 141.00
Supplies 488.85
Bank Charges 62.00
Total Operations 3,750.93 8,900.D0 (5,149.07} 42.1°~
Professional Fees
Legal Fees 175.40
Professional Fees -Other 0.00 1,000.00 (1,OOD.00) fl.0%
Total Professional Fees 175.40 1,000.00 (824.60) 17.5°~
Facilities and Equipment
Equipment Rental 61 i .63
Total Facilities and Equipment 611.63
Other Types of Expenses
Scholarships 0.00 2,000.00 (2,OOD.00) 0.0%
License ~ Permits 30.00
Insurance 965.51
Total Other Types of Expenses 995.51 2,000.00 (1,004.49) 49.8%
Total Expense 5,533.47 11,900.00 {6,366.53) 46.5%
Net Ordinary Income 4,979.53 3,300A0 1,679.53 150.9%
Net income 4,979.53 3,300.00 1,679.53 150.9°t°
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