HomeMy WebLinkAbout11162009WFCWATERFRONTS COMMITTEE MINUTES
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2009 5:15 P.M.
Council Chambers, Sebastian City Hall
1. Chmn. Conway called the meeting to order at 5:15 P.M.
2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. ROLL CALL:
Present: John Conway, Chair
Tim Adams
Lisanne Monier Robinson
Sal Neglia
Beth Mitchell
Rebecca Grohall, Growth Management Director
Al Minner, City Manager
Susan Lorusso, Recording Secretary
Excused: Mason Bowen
Also Present: Mayor Richard Gilimor
Councilman Don Wright
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Mitchell /Robinson to approve the minutes of the October 26, 2009 meeting with
the addition of, "There was positive discussion amongst the committee and members of the
public regarding local businesses participating in the project and what each could offer the
community." Motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
5. OLD BUSINESS:
Ms. Grohall informed the committee that the City Council approved a change to the committee
removing Al Minner as a committee member so he would be available to meet and discuss
issues with committee members in his capacity of City Manager. With that change they
established a citizen -at -large position to be filled. Mr. Minner said so far only one application
has been received but others can still apply. Mr. Adams said Mr. Mason will be submitting a
letter of resignation as his business has not allowed him time to make the committee meetings.
6. NEW BUSINESS:
PRESENTATION OF MANAGEMENT PLAN
Ms. Grohall handed out copies of the Management Plan and an addendum sheet from the
Building Official to the City Manager with estimates of work to be done to the building. She
explained the management plan is a draft utilizing FCT requirements and the business plan
would be an addendum to this document. The committee reviewed the repair estimates and
discussed areas that were not included such as landscaping and parking.
The committee had extensive discussion regarding types of businesses that they would like to
see at the Hurricane Harbor site as well as the museum, media and public general purpose
room. Ms. Grohall laid out a plan showing the specific areas with square footage for each; i.e.
banquet room at 1,540 SF, dining area at 1,800 SF, outdoor deck dining area at 1,350 SF, and
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tiki bar at 1,324 SF. Ms. Mitchell wanted the banquet area to be used for the
museum /media /general purpose room and Ms. Robinson suggested the dining area be used
for the "wet display" of marine life and possibly carts or kiosks renting space to sell wares and
food and beverage products. Other ideas discussed were the retail seafood counter with raw
bar, culinary classes and /or demonstrations by visiting chefs. The possibility of running a
kayak rental from the outdoor deck area and even a bicycle rental were also mentioned.
Mr. Minner said many details including income /loss would be worked out through the RFP
process. The committee members inquired about the merits and pitfalls of renovating or
removing the kitchen area. Mr. Minner said that issue could be addressed in the RFP for
whoever would be operating the retail seafood and raw bar or snack bar area. Ms. Grohall said
although the Florida Community Trust has discouraged a restaurant/bar establishment she
included it in the management plan because she had people inquiring about the possibility of a
restaurant.
The committee also discussed an ice house venture as to structure size, operation and
clientele. It was determined that this also would be resolved in the RFP and sale of the ice
would be offered to commercial fishermen only.
Ms. Ruth Stanbridge FCT board member and local historian stressed the importance of
restoration, remodel and refurbishment of the building. She mentioned that not all old buildings
should be made into museums. Adaptive reuse could have historic information set throughout
the building mingling in with vendor income producing operations.
Committee member Neglia left the meeting at 6:35 p.m.
Chmn. Conway asked Mayor Gillmor what he sees as revenue generating enterprises at the
Hurricane Harbor site. At this time Councilman Wright excused himself and left the room.
Mayor Gillmor favored a retail fish market with a raw bar and some cooked items sold. He felt
that RFP's should go out for not only specific retail aspects but also suggested ideas of running
a revenue producing endeavor. Ms. Mitchell pointed out that when a destination point is
created the income generated extends beyond the destination point bringing an increase to gas
tax, bed tax, sales tax incomes.
MOTION by Conway /Robinson to extend the meeting past 7:00 P.M. Motion passed on voice
vote.
Mr. Minner added that DEP has some concerns and will be in contact with the current owners.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
Walter Bobby Waltermire gave information regarding ice house specifications, such as height,
at least 18 feet, volume and distribution.
James Busse, SeaFood Atlantic, spoke about the merits of having a retail fish market where
the commercial boats come in.
8. MEMBER MATTERS
Chmn. Conway asked for agenda items for the next meeting. It was agreed to review the
business plan, management plan and DEP update.
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9. ADJOURNMENT
Chmn. Conway adjourned the meeting at 7:07 P.M.
Approved 2 1 1 30 i
Regular Meeting by
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Waterfronts Committee