HomeMy WebLinkAbout10262009WFCWATERFRONTS COMMITTEE MINUTES
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2009 5:00 P.M.
Council Chambers, Sebastian City Hall
1. Chmn. Conway called the meeting to order at 5:02 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
Susan Lorusso, Recording Secretary
Excused: Mason Bowen
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Mitchell /Robinson to approve the minutes of the October 12, 2009 meeting.
Motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
5. OLD BUSINESS:
A. CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL TO MODIFY BOUNDARIES
Ms. Grohall reviewed the city council meeting in which they unanimously approved the
modification of the boundary for the working waterfront grant. She said it has been transmitted
to FCT (Florida Communities Trust) and is awaiting their decision. The committee discussed
the Hurricane Harbor site. The property owner accepted the offer and the contract is signed.
The city is still waiting for a DEP determination on the docks.
B. STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE WORKING
WATERFRONT PROGRAM VIDEO
Chmn. Conway complimented Ms. Mitchell on her work putting together the reception and
presentation of the video.
Mr. Minner arrived at 5:10 p.m.
Ms. Grohall handed out an information sheet she received from DACS.
6. NEW BUSINESS:
PRESENTATION BY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER
SERVICES
As representatives from DACS were unable to attend the meeting they placed a conference
call. Messrs. Nelson Monjovie and Larry Amenson were available to speak with the committee.
There was extensive discussion on the possibilities of uses for the two properties, Hurricane
Harbor and Dabrowski's fish house and docks.
1
Some of Mr. Monjovie's suggestions were working with Keiser University, Florida Culinary
Institute, local and visiting chefs to do seafood demonstrations and sampling. Also discussed
were eco- tours, retail and sampling area, dockside casual dining, full -time educational venue
areas, retail of nautical /historical and arts gallery.
Other suggestions were to remodel the existing fish house to a two -story structure including an
observation area. Commercial fishing infrastructure would include an ice depot, fuel and rail
transport system. Ms. Grohall suggested a live aquarium or "wet exhibits Mr. Monjovie
recommended a tie -in with major manufacturers for support of exhibits, such as Tetra, a fish
food manufacturer to sponsor an aquarium exhibit.
Repair work needed to be done on the Hurricane Harbor site was discussed. It included roof
repair, pest extermination, and cosmetic updates.
The conference call with DACS ended at 6:00 p.m.
The committee continued discussion on possible venues for the two properties. Mr. Minner
said he will have Ms. Grohall draft a business plan for the Hurricane Harbor site and together
with City Attorney Ginsburg, they will develop a lease agreement between the city and
Sebastian Fisherman's Landing. Ms. Mitchell will assist with the business plan.
The committee discussed a field trip to the Hurricane Harbor site in November.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
Mr. Wesley Campbell, owner of Mo -Bay Grill restaurant was interested in the possibility of
bringing in corporate conventions.
Ms. Barbara Salman expressed interest in serving on this committee.
Mr. Jim Bussey, owner of Atlantic Seafood, is also interested in becoming a member of the
committee.
8. MEMBER MATTERS
Chmn. Conway asked Mr. Minner, Ms. Grohall and committee members if they had been
contacted by Mr. Spinelli for information he used in a guest column article in the Press Journal.
No one had any communication with Mr. Spinelli. Ms. Grohall said the November meeting
dates would have to be changed to the third and fifth Monday, November 16 and 30. Chmn.
Conway asked that the meetings start at 5:15 p.m. on those dates and everyone was in
agreement. Mr. Adams said he will resign his position on the Sebastian Fishermen's Landing
board of directors so he can remain on the Waterfronts Committee. Mr. Adams also noted that
Mr. Bowen indicated he would have to resign the Waterfronts Committee due to his unexpected
work schedule. Ms. Grohall asked for his resignation in writing.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Chmn. Conway adjourned the meeting at 7:00 P.M.
Approved 60 Regular Meeting by
As Amended 11/16/09 ,�t an, Waterfro Committee
2