HomeMy WebLinkAbout12092009City Council Present:
Mayor Richard H. Gillmor
Vice -Mayor Jim Hill
Council Member Andrea Coy
Council Member Eugene Wolff
Council Member Don Wright
None
C fYOF
HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND
SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2009 6:30 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA
1. Mayor Gillmor called the regular meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. Father John Morrissey, St. Sebastian Catholic Church gave the invocation.
3. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
4. ROLL CALL
Staff Present:
City Manager, Al Minner
City Attorney, Robert Ginsburg
Deputy City Clerk, Jeanette Williams
Records Program Manager, Donna Cyr
Airport Director, Joseph Griffin
Administrative Services Director, Debra Krueger
Finance Director, Ken Killgore
Growth Management Director, Rebecca Grohall
Jerry Converse, Public Works Director
Police Chief, Michelle Morris
Police Captain, Mike Beyer
MIS Systems Analyst, Rob Messersmith
5. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
Modifications and additions require unanimous vote of City Council members
Regular City Council Meeting
December 9, 2009
Page Two
6. 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.
09.155 A. Employee of the 4 Quarter Douglas Buerger, Maintenance Worker II,
1 Public Works Division
Mayor Gillmor read Mr. Buerger's accomplishments and presented him with a plaque
and savings bond in recognition of his achievements.
Brief Announcements
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 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.
3 12 A. Approval of Minutes 11/18/09 Regular Meeting Minutes
09.007 B. Resolution No. R -09 -45 City Council Meeting Procedures Repealing R -09 -05
13 19 (City Clerk Transmittal, R- 09 -45)
Item C
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA,
REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. R- 09 -05; ESTABLISHING THE DATES AND TIMES FOR CITY
COUNCIL MEETINGS AND WORKSHOPS; ADOPTING ROBERTS RULES OF ORDER;
PROVIDING FOR PROCEDURES FOR AGENDA PREPARATION, AGENDA FORMAT, AGENDA
MODIFICATIONS, PUBLIC INPUT, PUBLIC HEARINGS, AND VERBATIM TRANSCRIPTS;
PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF RESOLUTIONS OR PARTS OF RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT
HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
09.034 C. Authorize Travel and Registration to Institute for Elected Municipal Officials,
21 24 January 22 -24, 2010 in Gainesville, FL (City Clerk Transmittal, Info)
Mr. Wolff removed Item C.
MOTION by Mr. Hill and SECOND by Ms. Coy to approve consent agenda items A and
B passed with a voice vote of 5 -0.
Mr. Wolff said the travel expense for item C should be paid from individual Council
Member's monthly $300 expense accounts. He said he did not dispute the registration
fee but the allotted $750 for each member to travel is too much.
Mr. Hill disagreed stating it is an important training course for newly elected officials,
noted the hotel has the classroom facilities, and he would leave it as it is.
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Regular City Council Meeting
December 9, 2009
Page Three
Ms. Coy agreed with Mr. Hill and said the expense account is to be used for travel up to
75 miles and this trip is beyond 75 miles.
Mr. Wolff pointed out their monthly $300 does not have an accounting for it, no invoices
are turned in, no one holds them accountable if they spend it or don't spend it. He
suggested members taking the $300 pay their own way, noting everyone should spend
taxpayer's money like it was their own money.
MOTION by Mr. Hill and SECOND by Mayor Gillmor to approve item C, adding the
expense covers mileage and wear and tear on the vehicles; and it is the travel policy of
the City which could be changed.
With Mayor Gillmor's second, he said the $750 expense seemed large; he thought the
seminar was interesting when he attended and he asked the Deputy Clerk if his
allotment was $129 a day when he went last January.
The Deputy Clerk went over the travel expenses individually.
Ms. Coy confirmed the mileage rate is based on the federal rate and to take the mileage
out of the $300 expense account seemed unreasonable.
Mr. Hill added that he appreciated the time it took members away from their families
while working for the City.
Mr. Wright said this was a seminar for newly elected officials, he planned to go, and he
would travel Thursday night and return late Sunday so it would be a full weekend of his
personal time.
Result of the roll vote was:
AYES: Hill, Coy, Gillmor, Wright
NAYS: Wolff
Passed 4 -1
8. COMMITTEE REPORTS APPOINTMENTS
City committee reports and Council Member regional committee reports. No public input or action except for
City committee member nominations and appointments under this heading.
Ms. Coy said at the Indian River County Land Acquisition Committee earlier in the day,
there was an almost unanimous vote to recommend to the County the purchase of the
parcel on the south prong of the Sebastian River called the Russell property, located
north of Marine Resources Council property who offered to manage the property. Ms.
Coy asked Council if they would consider writing a letter of support to the County
Commission to approve the purchase.
MOTION by Ms. Coy and SECOND by Mr. Hill to send a letter of support signed by the
Mayor passed with a voice vote of 5 -1.
Mayor Gillmor asked the Deputy Clerk to take care of the letter.
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Page Four
09.004 A. Citizens Budget Review Advisory Committee
25 -48 (City Clerk Transmittal, List, Press Release, Code, Applications)
Formal Announcement of Five Council Appointees
Each Council Member announced their appointments as follows:
Council Member Coy Adrina Davis
Mayor Gillmor Ed Herlihy
Council Member Hill Jerry Klenck
Council Member Wright Harry Marshall
Council Member Wolff Brad White
ii. Interview, Unless Waived, and Submit Nominations for Two At -Large
Members
Mayor Gillmor said there were four applicants.
Mr. Cardinale was not present.
David DeVirgilio approached the podium and Mr. Wolff said he has noticed a
recent phenomena that people who volunteer for these committees go on to
select the future council by forming political action committees which dilutes the
opinion rendered by the committee and jeopardizes one's face value. He asked
Mr. DeVirgilio if he were nominated, would he plan to start a political action
committee.
Mr. DeVirgilio said he ran for office and was not affiliated with any political action
committee and didn't plan to affiliate with any because independent thinking, and
representing the whole City is something the City needs.
Ms. Coy asked Mr. DeVirgilio if he ran again, and the realtors PAC offered him
money, would he refuse. Mr. DeVirgilio said accepting funds didn't mean he
would vote in their favor.
Edward Kroah went over his extensive financial background.
Ms. Coy nominated Ms. Vicars
Mayor Gillmor nominated Mr. Kroah
Mr. Wolff nominated Mr. DeVirgilio
Roll call on the nominations was as follows:
Ms. Coy Vicars
Mr. Wolff DeVirgilio
Mr. Wright Vicars
Mayor Gillmor Vicars
Mr. Hill Vicars
Christine Vicars was appointed to the first position on the Citizens Budget
Review Advisory Committee.
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Regular City Council Meeting
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Page Five
For the second position, Mr. Hill nominated Edward Kroah
Mr. Wolff nominated Charles Cardinale.
Roll call on the nominations was as follows:
Mr. Wolff Cardinale
Mr. Wright Kroah
Mayor Gillmor Kroah
Mr. Hill Kroah
Ms. Coy Kroah
Edward Kroah was appointed to the second position on the Citizens Budget
Review Advisory Committee.
09.002 B. Parks Recreation Advisory Committee
49 80 (City Clerk Transmittal, Applications, List, Press Release)
Interview, Unless Waived, and Submit Nominations for One Regular
Member Position to Expire 5/31/2010
The Mayor said there were six applicants.
John Danise said he was in recreation for over 50 years.
Mr. Wolff said Mr. Danise was a little bit modest as he has volunteered
thousands of hours at Schumann Park giving free lessons to children.
Dominic Durr and George Geiger were not present.
Ms. Coy asked Jarad Pelletier if he was a senior this year; and what his plans
were for next year. Mr. Pelletier said he was a senior and planned to attend the
police academy in Miami. Ms. Coy asked him not to be upset if he was not
moved up to the regular member position as she would like him to continue with
his education.
Daniel Turner and Jose David Reyes were not present.
In response to the Mayor's call for nominations, Mr. Hill nominated Mr. Danise.
There were no other nominations and Mr. Danise was appointed to the regular
member on the Parks Recreation Committee.
09.157 ii. Airport Playground Recommendation (City Manager Transmittal, Ideas,
81 101 Overview, Locations, Velocity E -Mail, St. Pete Info, Equipment Info, FAA
E -Mail)
The City Manager said the Parks Recreation Committee has met and they
recommend to Council the construction of an aircraft centric playground.
JoAnn White, Chair of the Parks Recreation Committee, said they were given
the same packet that Council has and they were in favor of the idea.
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Regular City Council Meeting
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Mayor Gillmor asked where the playground will go. Ms. White said there were
some parcels off Roseland Road. The City Manager directed Council to circle
page 84. Mr. Wright said it would be right next to the green square, adjacent to
the fence on Phillipson's property.
Mayor Gillmor asked for the cost estimate. The City Manager said they wanted
to include some of airplane rockers depicted in the packet but with in house
construction and maintenance, he did not think it would be over $5,000.00. He
suggested granting recreation impact fees to the Airport Enterprise Fund so it
comes out of all of the recreation districts and have it be an Airport property
(owned and operated by Airport staff).
Mayor Gillmor asked if this was in a flight approach path. The City Manager said
no, it cannot be in the RPZ (runway protection zone) in accordance with FAA
regulations.
Mayor Gillmor asked if the area could be developed. The City Manager said it
could be, but it is irregular, doesn't have great frontage, and it wouldn't attract
industrial development.
Mayor Gillmor said he thought it was a good idea but suggested it be closer to
the LoPresti hangar to go with their "First Saturday" monthly events.
Mr. Wolff said that makes sense with the fuel pump there and the access from
Main Street. He asked if there was any available property.
The City Manager said there are a couple of good locations, between the Airport
administration building and the airfield by the parking lot; or other side of Airport
Drive East, between the Golf Course Hole #17 on the grassy field. He said the
Airport Director prefers the spot between the administration building and the
airfield.
The Airport Director said there was talk about a year ago of putting in a concrete
pad with picnic tables behind the administration building because people come
there to watch the sky divers on the weekend.
Mr. Hill said he was concerned with constructing a new park requiring
maintenance and the west side would be more expensive than the spot by the
administration building.
Mr. Wright said this recommendation came from Scott Baker during one of the
airport meetings and he asked Mr. Baker to speak on other locations.
Public Input
Scott Baker representing Velocity, The Airports Owners and Pilot Assoc., and
being a resident flying enthusiast, said he was in favor of an Airport park on
either side as long as people could get a closer view of the planes so it fuels
imagination, promotes learning, science, mathematics, flying lessons, and
responsibility.
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Regular City Council Meeting
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Mr. Wolff asked if the business community could install a model plane or used
plane that the older kids could use.
Mr. Baker said that is a strong chance and perhaps Velocity or the other
businesses could sponsor some of this equipment.
Ms. Coy spoke of displaying something Navy at the site.
The Airport Director said a couple years ago, he checked into getting surplus
aircraft out of the bone yard and it could be pursued.
Steve Philipson, About Kayaks, said using the resources that we have, including
an About Kayaks contribution would be enjoyed by the community.
Damien Gilliams, 1623 US Highway 1, asked if he understood correctly that there
might be monies transferred from the recreation impact to the Airport as a grant.
Mayor Gillmor said that was correct. Mr. Gilliams asked why the Airport's
enterprise funds couldn't be used. Mayor Gillmor said a park wasn't budgeted.
Mr. Gilliams said it was not appropriate to give zoned impact fee money to the
Airport and suggested a fundraiser to let the Airport stand on its own or ask
FDOT for grant money.
Mr. Wolff said that is certainly food for thought since last Saturday's LoPresti
event was such a success.
Mr. Hill said this item is under reports and no action will be taken. Mr. Hill
confirmed with the City Manager that the impact fee is collected from new homes
for construction of new parks. He said maintenance is his biggest concern and
he would not want to create something that needs to be maintained. He
supported the project and moving it to the other side of the Airport.
Mr. Wolff asked how much money there in the recreation impact fee fund. The
City Manager said a little over $1 M.
Mr. Wright said this project would benefit the entire community and recreational
impact fee money could be used.
Mayor Gillmor suggested getting an old F4 fighter or some space junk.
Mr. Wright asked how to move this to an action item.
The City Manager said he would come back with detailed budget information and
the Airport Director would look into getting some military equipment.
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Regular City Council Meeting
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09.053 C. Working Waterfront Committee
103 124 (City Clerk Transmittal, R- 09 -42, Applications)
Interview, Unless Waived, and Submit Nominations for One Resident
At -Large Member
Vicky Christensen said she has been a commercial fisherman for 19 years and
would be an asset to the committee.
Mayor Gillmor said there will be an opening for a commercial fisherman and
asked her if she would be interested in that position. Ms. Christensen said she
would.
There were no questions for David DeVirgilio.
Greg Hepler 1291 Barber Street, said he has a local business and would like to
serve as the citizen -at- large.
Barbara Salmon, Sebastian, said she has stayed on top of the working waterfront
project and would like to be a part of it. In response to Mayor Gillmor, she said
she has been fishing all her life.
Pete Sharman, 30 year resident, said Sebastian has a disappearing heritage and
history, and if the waterfront project is done nicely, it would be a nice destination
and be self supporting.
Mr. Hill nominated Ms.Salmon.
Mr. Wolff nominated Ms. Christensen.
Roll call on the nominations was as follows:
Mayor Gillmor- Salmon
Mr. Hill Salmon
Ms. Coy Salmon
Mr. Wolff- Christensen
Mr. Wright Salmon
Ms. Salmon was appointed to the citizen -at -large position on the Working
Waterfront Committee.
Mayor Gillmor advised Ms. Christensen her application would be submitted for
the fisherman position at the next meeting.
The Mayor called for a recess at 7:43 p.m. and upon return at 7:57 p.m. all members
were present.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS None
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None
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11. PUBLIC INPUT
(Procedures on Back of Agenda)
Bruce Zingman, Sebastian Property Owners Association, thanked the City Council for
having the Santa Parade. He also thanked staff and various other organizations that
helped to make the parade happen. He said Santa will be back at the GFSWC
clubhouse for the next two Saturdays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Louise Kautenburg, Sebastian, said at the last meeting a citizen suggested getting the
banks to register foreclosed houses so we would know which properties need their
lawns mowed and she thought most probably don't understand how properties get in
that situation.
She explained that when a bank takes ownership they hire an asset manager who cuts
the grass and repairs the house for the market. It is prior to foreclosure that the
problems arise as the house can sit as much as 18 months before the bank takes
possession.
She suggested a temporary interim ordinance for abandoned houses which will slightly
change the process for code violations. She said a notice is posted on the door, and
sent to the last owner, when it is known for sure it is abandoned that is when the City
maintains the grass until the fine is paid and every time a title company does a lien
search the fines will get paid. She said sometimes some purchasers don't do their due
diligence at Sheriff's sales.
Ms. Kautenburg said that come spring there will be about 500 more homes that will be in
deplorable conditions and she urged Council to act before we have a crisis.
Mayor Gillmor said it is a good suggestion and asked the City Manager to look into.
Damien Gilliams said the City should start the budget process early and convene the
Citizens Budget Review Advisory Committee. He noted the budget amendment states
the special functions at the park are requiring police overtime which should be paid by
the organizations.
Ms. Coy called for a point of order, stating this is more appropriate under the next item.
Mayor Gillmor agreed and told Mr. Gilliams he could speak when it came up.
Mr. Gilliams said he was glad that Ms. Coy brought that to his attention, said if Council is
going to follow rules why did she get to rave on the Veterans of Foreign Wars at the last
meeting when he was asked to sit down.
Mayor Gillmor asked Mr. Gilliams to pick another subject. Mr. Gilliams asked for
clarification and Mayor Gillmor asked him again to pick another subject. Mr. Gilliams
then took his seat.
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Joe Scozzari said the Council Member did take time to talk about her personal business
which is not about City business. Mayor Gillmor asked him to pick another subject. Mr.
Scozzari continued to say that any time a member does their personal agenda at a
meeting it should be taken out of their pay. Mr. Hill called for a point of order. Mayor
Gillmor directed him to leave the podium.
Jim Sunnycalb, Sebastian, announced on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., his
model train will be back in Riverview Park. In memory of Pete Harris, he displayed a
model car he and his son made to go around the tree.
12. NEW BUSINESS
09.042 A. Resolution No. R -09 -46 FY 2009 4 Quarter FY08 /09 Budget Amendment
125 157 (Administrative Services Transmittal, R- 09 -46, Memo, Reports, Schedule,
Accomplishments)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA ADOPTING
AN AMENDED BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2008 AND ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AS PROVIDED FOR IN EXHIBIT "A PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The City Manager said he wanted to note the change of this item on agendas to be
more frugal and not assume it would just pass.
The City Attorney read the title of Resolution No. R- 09 -46.
MOTION by Mayor Gillmor and SECOND by Mr. Hill to adopt of Resolution No.
R- 09 -46.
Mr. Wright stated they were amending a budget for a year that is already over and in
effect they were amending a shortage, moving money around, and he asked for an
explanation.
The Finance Director explained the purpose of presenting the amendment is to provide
information to the public and Council where things had issues they had to deal with.
He also said if they didn't do an adjustment, it would look like we exceeded the
appropriation which legally we are not allowed to do.
Mr. Wright said he guessed we were $1,622,801 short last year. The City Manager
said that was all funds. The Finance Director said the biggest part was debt service
bonds which had insurance, but they lost their rating so we had to set aside more cash
to protect the bond holders and we didn't have any option on it. In response to the
Mayor, the Finance Director said we didn't expect to use the funds.
Damien Gilliams, 1623 US Highway 1, said he was glad the Finance Director brought
out the rate had dropped and if they drop any, further it will be in jeopardy. He said we
overspent starting in 2010 and he is glad it is a listed item on the agenda so the public
can discuss it. He said there was overtime in Police Dept. that was not allocated and
we need to think about having the organizations making a profit pay at events for their
police and reimburse the CRA fund for the Public Works employees. He asked the
Finance Director to read all four quarterly amendments.
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In response to Mayor Gillmor, the Deputy Clerk said the information is available on-
line.
Mr. Wolff said the amendment is well laid out, he liked the synopsis which is indicative
of the current financial situation and he noted what was actually accomplished is
incredible. He pointed out that two CDs that expired and he asked what happened to
that money.
The Finance Director said the money was let flow into cash as they did not want to
take a chance with the SBA. Mr. Wolff asked if there were any possibilities down the
road. The Finance Director said they would examine cash flow, maybe go longer term,
but it is not advantageous to get in the market now. He added that they are looking at
proposals for advisors right now.
Mayor Gillmor asked the Finance Director if the interest rates will climb back up. The
Finance Director said he could not tell any better than anyone else.
The City Manager invited Council to contact him, the Finance Director or
Administrative Services Director at any time they have a question, the quarterly report
ties everything together and this report has some positives and some negatives. He
said our expenses exceeded revenues by $491,000 because we kept estimating
through the quarterly reports; said we still have stable reserve funds but we don't want
to spend the cash because we have things to plan for.
He noted some major revenue shortages included: the 1 /2 sales tax, intergovernmental
revenue, municipal sharing, increasing fuel issues and declining interest issues. He
said the department heads are doing a good job, budgeting low to keep people
accountable. One last comment he gave was, throughout the years the Police
Divisions have been reduced to keep the Department more organized which have
decreased the overtime expenses. He said we are doing more with less and
managing the money wisely.
Result of the roll call vote:
AYES: All
NAYS: None
Passed 5 -0
09.156 B. Consider Release of Lien on 573 Michael Street Code Enforcement
159 162 Case 2005 -35822 (City Manager Transmittal, Notices, Calculations)
The City Manager explained Mr. Linscott is a habitual code enforcement
offender for junk and debris; this case came to a head in December 2005 when
the Department issued a notice for junk and debris, the case was heard in
February 2006 where he was advised to clean up the property or face a fine of
$250.00 a day. The City Manager said the property was eventually cleaned
and the lien was filed for the number of days the property was not in
compliance. He said to this date there are no maintenance code violations but
there is an expired construction permit to add on a garage and he requested
that if it is Council's desire to waive any fees, that the waiver be held until the
construction is permitted and taken care of.
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Steve Lulich, Attorney representing Mr. Linscott, said the record owners are
Patricia and Michael Linscott (Patricia is Michael's mother who lives in
Indiana). Mr. Lulich said they were here because of the defective process;
his client has never received notice of these violations; the property was
occupied from October 1996 until October 2006 by Lisa Wonder; he was not
in town in 2005 -2006; he nor his mother pulled any construction permits; Ms.
Wonder lived rent free for many months and the Linscotts evicted her in Sept.
2009; he took possession of the property 40 days ago; and he is willing to
take care of the expired construction permit. Mr. Lulich distributed a final
judgment of the eviction and a notarized statement that Patricia Linscott was
not aware of the construction permit.
The City Manager said Mr. Linscott did come to see him and let him know the
code issues were Ms. Wonder's fault and the City did follow proper process
with four signed notices. Mr. Lulich said his client is not contesting that at all.
The City manager passed out the notices with signed return receipts for
Council inspection. Mr. Lulich said the problem is the tenant signed and the
owner never really received notice. He offered to have Mr. Linscott explain
how he found out about the situation.
Mr. Wolff asked what the circumstances were that allowed Mr. Linscott to be
informed of the matter. Mr. Linscott replied on June 2 he and his mother
tried to evict Ms. Wonder and her parents. At that time the parents informed
him there were $60,000 worth of liens on the house.
Mr. Wright asked if we had a copy of the expired building permit showing the
name to who it was issued. The City Manager said it was signed by Michael
Linscott and Monalisa Wonder on Feb. 26, 2001. Ms. Coy said it looked like
both signatures could have been done by the same person.
Mr. Lulich offered to have Mr. Linscott retrieve his driver's license from his
vehicle to compare signatures. Mr. Hill noted the signature on the certified
letter looks very similar to the building permit.
Mr. Lulich said he had numerous conversations with Ms. Wonder, stating he
had a hard time working with Ms. Wonder because she and Mr. Linscott had
a child together she thought she owned the house.
Mr. Hill pointed out that as an owner you have responsibilities to keep your
property up to code. Mr. Lulich stated that is true but the owner was not
properly notified, he had to evict Ms. Wonder to legally take back possession
of the house.
Mr. Hill asked the City Attorney that if the owner did not receive notice, how
that legally binds the owner to the fees. The City Attorney asked who paid
the taxes. Mr. Lulich said it was escrowed into the mortgage. The City
Attorney asked who received the TRIM notice and he suggested putting this
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Page Thirteen
09.150
163 172
matter off a week until it is determined who is listed on the Property
Appraiser's record, noting if we complied with the notice provision Mr.
Linscott has more of an equitable argument than a legal one; but if we didn't,
he very well might have a legal argument.
Mr. Lulich offered to give a memorandum of law on recently decided cases.
The City Attorney said either we complied or didn't with notice requirements
and once we find out, we can make a decision. The City Manager noted we
did send notice by certified mail. Mr. Wright noted the Property Appraiser's
record listing the property owner on circle page 162.
The City Attorney requested time to review the material. The City Manager
offered to table this until the January 9 meeting to take care of the Building
Department issues which would give staff relief that the structure will get
remedied. (1 regular meeting is January 13, 2010)
MOTION by Mr. Hill and SECOND by Mayor Gilimor to table the matter until
the January 13 meeting passed with a voice vote of 5 -0.
C. First Reading Ordinance No. 0 -09 -14 Roseland Road Buffer Set Public
Hearing for January 13, 2010 (Growth Management Transmittal, 0- 09 -14, draft
minutes)
Public
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA, AMENDING LAND DEVELOPMENT
CODE TO CREATE SECTION 54 -3 -11.11 ROSELAND ROAD BUFFER; PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The City Attorney read the title of Ordinance No. 0- 09 -14.
Mayor Gilimor said he was in favor of moving this forward with one change.
MOTION by Mayor Gilimor and SECOND by Mr. Hill to pass Ordinance 0 -09 -14 with
the addition of an item #4, the City reserves the right to replace and improve existing
Airport business directory business signage.
Mayor Gillmor added this is because Council has expressed that they want to change
out the existing signs on Roseland Road and Main Street.
Bob Denton, Roseland Road, said he thought that was a good suggestion and until
June he thought the buffer was in place since 2002. He said he was concerned that
FAA communications do not represent what is in the ordinance and he read from some
e -mails asking what is the meaning of "duration" in the correspondence. The City
Manager said "all of it." (The audience was not privy to this correspondence.)
Mr. Denton's time was up, MOTION by Mr. Wolff and SECOND by Ms. Coy to allow
Mr. Denton to continue for three minutes passed without objection.
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Page Fourteen
Mr. Denton stated there is only a limited amount of buffer on Roseland Road indicated
but there are unprotected areas north and south of the buffer that the FAA might want
to protect and he asked the City Manager for an explanation of the area.
Holly Dill, also representing James Linus, asked the Mayor to repeat his addition to the
ordinance. She said she supported the ordinance with the Mayor's addition and hoped
the buffer went all the way along the Airport property.
Tim Glover, President, Friends of St. Sebastian River, said he was involved with City
staff establishing the buffer and he thanked Council for their support.
Steve Philipson, 25 Airport Drive West, said he was concerned with the portion where
the buffer does not exist with his sign and he requested that his sign be allowed to stay
and grandfathered in as an accepted buffer arrangement.
David DeVirgilio, 113 Pelican Island, asked if the buffer is reinstalled, what is the cost
to revegetate the whole berm. Mayor Gillmor said he thought the Australian pines
were going to stay.
The City Manager said the ordinance states to maintain buffer as is with language to
remove exotics or dead material and there is requirement to refurbish the buffer.
Mr. Wolff asked the City Attorney if it would it be fair to say buffer is really a strip of 50
foot vegetative matter. The City Attorney said the word buffer has a certain history, we
are drafting the ordinance consisting of everybody's understanding of the past seven
years, and we are using the term everybody understands in describing the strip.
Ms. Coy said the intent also implies it is a transition area from industrial area to
residential area and the vegetation is to help the transition. She said depending on
who is interested in moving there would leave some room for negotiation as to what
kind of buffer there should be installed by the City and the new tenant.
Mr. Wolff asked the Growth Management Director if this is addressed in the Land
Development Code. She said the code does require type A opaque buffer and that
was the intent of #4 which was stricken by public input at the Planning and Zoning
hearing.
Mr. Wright said there is a plan to develop the other side of the property for industrial
use, and he was concerned the wording would prevent high quality landscaping.
The Growth Management Director said that was intent of staff in stricken #4, but they
where here at Council's discretion.
Mr. Wright said he was concerned because it is 40 acres open for future development,
and he was curious if people want scrub or high quality landscaping which would
enhance their property or enhance future tenants.
Mr. Wright also noted there are existing signs and a swale that need to be maintained;
he asked if there any language that would prevent us from improving the property.
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Regular City Council Meeting
December 9, 2009
Page Fifteen
Mr. Hill said there were probably many that believe the native scrub is beautiful and
the idea is to protect the native look, he thought the ordinance reads very well.
Mr. Wolff said that leads to the Mayor's suggestion of adding #4 where signage can be
improved, would the improvement be a lighted sign. He pointed out the Roseland
neighbors want to preserve the historic, natural setting.
Mayor Gillmor added that as beautiful as some of the landscapes are, they are
privately maintained which is not cheap.
Ms. Coy said in her dealing with the residents for the last five years, she knows they
would prefer the native look, and she supported the Mayor's addition.
Mayor Gillmor called for the question. Mr. Wolff asked if Mr. Denton's question was
answered. The City Manager said the question was called but he would proceed at
however Council would like him. The Mayor said two different issues were being
discussed and tonight was to consider the ordinance.
Result of the roll call vote:
AYES: All
NAYS: None
Passed 5 -0
13. CITY ATTORNEY MATTERS None.
14. CITY MANAGER MATTERS None.
15. CITY CLERK MATTERS None.
16. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS
A. Vice Mayor Hill none.
B. Council Member Coy
Ms. Coy wished the Jewish community a Happy Hanukkah.
C. Council Member Wolff none.
D. Council Member Wright
Mr. Wright said following up after the budget amendment, he would like to see the
Citizens Budget Review Advisory Committee given year end statements; ask them to
begin to review the next budget; and follow the activities during the year so they can be
helpful to Council in making decisions.
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Regular City Council Meeting
December 9, 2009
Page Sixteen
E. Mayor Gillmor
is and H. Gillmor, Mayor
ATTEST
Sally A. Maio, C City Clerk
Mayor Gillmor said they received an e-mail from Judith Bewersdorf who wanted to be
considered for MPO CAC but the position was filled while still being advertised and he
asked Council if she could serve as an alternate to the position. There was no objection
from Council.
17. Being no further business, Mayor Gillmor adjourned the regular meeting at 9:26 p.m.
Approved at the January 13, 2010 regular City Council meeting.
16