HomeMy WebLinkAbout12152010City Council Present:
Mayor Jim Hill
Vice -Mayor Don Wright
Council Member Andrea Coy
Council Member Richard H. Gillmor
Council Member Eugene Wolff
None.
HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND
SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2010 6:30 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA
1. Mayor Hill called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. Invocation was given by Pastor Seth Goldsmith, Coastal Community Church.
3. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Coy.
4. ROLL CALL
Staff Present:
City Manager, Al Minner
City Attorney, Robert Ginsburg
City Clerk, Sally Maio
Deputy City Clerk, Jeanette Williams
Finance Director, Ken Killgore
Airport Director, Joseph Griffin
Growth Management Director, Rebecca Grohall
Growth Management Manager, Jan King
Park Supervisor, Chris McCarthy
Deputy Police Chief, Greg Witt
Police Captain, Bob Lockhart
MIS Systems Analyst, Rob Messersmith
5. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
Modifications and additions require unanimous vote of City Council members
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.
10.017 A. Certificate of Appreciation to Ken Grudens Natural Resources Board Service
Mayor Hill presented the certificate to Mr. Grudens and thanked him for his service.
Regular City Council Meeting
December 15, 2010
Page Two
Brief Announcements
Mayor Hill announced that Powerline Road Project plans were on the back table for
review.
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.
7 -18 A. Approval of Minutes 12/1/10 Regular Meeting
10.085 B. Approve Masteller Moler Change Order 5 for Powerline Road Engineering
19 -23 Services in the Amount of $920 for Gopher Tortoise Permit Resubmittal (City
Manager Transmittal, Change Order)
10.160 C. Award Bid to D -CO Marketing in the Amount of $49,860 for TV Automation
25 -63 Equipment and B &H Photo for TV Camera /Production Equipment in the Amount
of $24,640.12— Audio Visual Broadcast Equipment (MIS Transmittal, Bid Results,
Bid Specs)
10.010 D. Pelican Island Wildlife Festival March 19, 2011 Approve Beer and Wine
65-69 Sales in Designated Areas from 10 am to 5 pm Approve Street Closings as
Requested (Sebastian Blvd east of Hess to Indian River Drive and Indian River
Drive from Coolidge Street South to southern end of South Parking Lot from 6
am to 7 pm Restrict Use of North Side of Yacht Club Boat Ramp from 10 am to
5 pm Approve Mooring of PIPS Pontoon Boat Overnight at Yacht Club Ramp
(Parks Transmittal, PIPS Letter)
10.161 E. Approve Alcoholic Beverage Use at Yacht Club for Jeck Family Christmas Party
71 -74 12/26/10 5 pm to 9 pm (Parks Transmittal, Receipt, Application)
10.162 F. Authorize 2011 Stormwater Master Plan Update Proposal by Neel- Schaffer, Inc.
75 -97 in the Amount of $27,500 (City Manager Transmittal, Work Authorization,
Proposal)
10.048 G. Authorize the Mayor to Sign a Letter of Transmittal to the Department of
99 -103 Community Affairs providing a Corrected Page Four of the City's Evaluation and
Appraisal Report Adopted October 13, 2010 (GMD Transmittal, Incorrect
Corrected Page Four, Population Projection)
Mr. Wolff removed item C.
MOTION by Ms. Coy and SECOND by Mr. Gillmor to approve consent agenda items A,
B, D, E, F and G.
Result of Roll Call:
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Passed 5 -0
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Regular City Council Meeting
December 15, 2010
Page Three
Item C
Mr. Wolff noted that this item is to award a bid of $75,000 to purchase equipment for
television production available for the City, was aware that the DST expenditure was
approved in the CIP budget but with the current economy, he objected to spending
$75,000 because there is no public mandate for it, and that it is more a want than a
need. He said that electronic equipment is obsolete as soon as purchased, less people
are turning to conventional television, and suggested that perhaps we could coordinate
with the Sebastian River High production unit. He said he wondered who would operate
the system, then noted the Budget Committee Chairman, in his resume and application
for that committee, mentions years in television production and asked if it was he who
was recommending this. Mr. Wolff said it is nice that he volunteers but it is a substantial
investment and it doesn't sit right, and people would say to use the funds in other areas.
MOTION by Mr. Wolff to remove this item from consent and remove it from the CIP and
redistribute money as seen fit by the City Manager. Motion died for lack of a second.
Mr. Wright said the rationale for this expenditure includes the creation of a sense of
community by providing more information on television and the web, and increasing
community involvement by providing up to date information. He further stated that it
would stimulate economic development, give us the ability to produce our own
programming, and promote positive events in the city, such as the Clambake, Christmas
parade, and other events. He said the Channel 25 listing will now say "City of Sebastian
channel and said this has been through CIP and is a positive project for the City.
Ms. Coy said she is amazed at how many people watch Channel 25, and said at one
time we had a staff member who filmed City events and his leaving was a big loss for the
community. She said she was happy to support this project.
Mr. Gillmor said we have an asset which is Channel 25 but it is underutilized, that there
is power in television but putting up a scroll defeats the purpose. He cited the event
videos that used to run on Channel 25, and said when we take a break in a meeting,
instead of a blank screen, we can show commercials. He said in talking with the
previous Mayor of Port St. Lucie, a survey showed 65% of people watch their
government channel.
Mayor Hill said there have been good comments on both sides and agreed with Mr.
Wolff that the times are extraordinary.
Mr. Wolff said no one really addressed the duplication of services and seeking more
cooperation with what is available, again recommending cooperation with the production
studio at Sebastian River High School. He said without seeing the survey mentioned it
isn't valuable, reiterated that technical equipment soon becomes obsolete, and noted he
did not have the vote but felt it necessary to comment.
MOTION by Ms. Coy and SECOND by Mr. Wright to approve item C.
Result of Roll Call:
Ayes: Coy, Gillmor, Wright
Nays: Hill, Wolff
Passed 3 -2
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Regular City Council Meeting
December 15, 2010
Page Four
Damien Gilliams requested to speak, however, Mayor Hill said Council had disposed of
this item and was moving on.
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.
10.148 A. Budget Review Advisory Committee
105 -132 (City Clerk Transmittal, Ad, Current Member List, Code Provision, Applications)
Council Members Announce Five Individual Appointees
ii. Interview, Unless Waived and Appoint Two At -Large Members for One
Year Terms
The City Clerk noted that in accordance with the general code on City Committees any
committee can have up to two alternates. (In reviewing the Code, it states that each
Committee shall have one alternate and can have up to two alternates)
Each member stated the name of their appointee for the record.
Mayor Hill reappointed Jerry Klenck for 2010 -2012.
Vice Mayor Wright appointed Harry Marshall last year for 2009 -2011 and he will continue.
Ms. Coy appointed Adrina Davis last year for 2009 -2011 and he will continue.
Mr. Gillmor appointed William Flaherty for 2010 -2012.
Mr. Wolff appointed Brad White last year for 2009 -2011 and he will continue.
At Large
The City Clerk noted that Mr. Alvarez could not attend tonight but was interested
in a position.
City Council interviewed Ed Herlihy who said he would like to continue on the committee,
having served as Chairman for two years. Mr. Wolff asked him if there was a conflict of
interest for him on the committee, when we budget money for television equipment, and
Mr. Herlihy responded no. Mr. Wolff asked if there was a conflict with his Political
Committee and Mr. Herlihy responded no. Mr. Wolff asked whether his political blogs on
TC Palm have any influence on the budget committee and Mr. Herlihy said he did not
know what Mr. Wolff was talking about.
Mayor Hill requested that we keep this civil and not question character.
Mr. Herlihy said there is such a thing as freedom of speech.
City Council interviewed Christine Vicars who said she was a resident, had been on the
committee two years, and was hoping to continue. She said the Committee acts as
liaison between the public and the City Manager.
Mayor Hill called for nominations.
Ms. Coy nominated Ed Herlihy.
Mr. Wright nominated Ms. Vicars.
Mr. Wolff nominated Mr. Alvarez.
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Regular City Council Meeting
December 15, 2010
Page Five
The City Clerk said she would call a roll for each position separately.
Ms. Coy Ed Herlihy
Mr. Gillmor Ed Herlihy
Mr. Wolff Albert Alvarez
Mayor Hill Ed Herlihy
Mr. Wright Ed Herlihy
Ed Herlihy was appointed to the first at -large position.
The City Clerk called the roll on the second position using the same nominations.
Mr. Gillmor Christine Vicars
Mr. Wolff Christine Vicars
Mayor Hill Christine Vicars
Mr. Wright Christine Vicars
Ms. Coy Christine Vicars
Christine Vicars was appointed to the second at -large position.
MOTION by Mr. Gillmor and SECOND by Ms. Coy to appoint Mr. Alvarez as alternate
member passed on a voice vote of 5 -0.
10.149 B. Charter Review Committee
133 -157 (City Clerk Transmittal, Applications)
Council Members Announce Ten Individual Appointees
ii. Interview, Unless Waived and Appoint Five At -Large Members
The City Clerk noted the revised transmittal that had been provided to Council and
announced that applicants Albert Alvarez, Dan Dragonetti, Janet Kennedy and Donna
Keys were unable to attend but were interested in committee positions. She also noted
that Mr. Wolff can appoint from the at -large list.
Each member of City Council announced their appointees.
Mayor Hill Bob McPartlan and Jeanne Hill
Vice Mayor Wright Bob Daberkow and Ruth Sullivan
Council Member Coy Adrina Davis and Louise Kautenberg
Council Member Gillmor John Danise and Ed Dodd
Council Member Wolff Carolyn Sartain Anderson and Linda DeSanctis
At Large Need Five
City Council interviewed Mary McGee and Robert Zomok.
Mr. Wright asked for clarification on what boards Mr. Alvarez can serve. The City Clerk
said the Budget Committee and Charter Review are treated as temporary boards and as
a member of the permanent Natural Resources Board he could serve on both of them as
well as Natural Resources.
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Regular City Council Meeting
December 15, 2010
Page Six
Mayor Hill called for nominations for the first of five at -large positions.
Mr. Gillmor Dan Dragonetti
Ms. Coy Mary McGee
Mr. Wright Robert Zomok
Roll call
Mr. Wolff Mary McGee
Mayor Hill Mary McGee
Mr. Wright Mary McGee
Ms. Coy Mary McGee
Mr. Gillmor Mary McGee
Mary McGee was appointed to first at -large position.
Mayor Hill called for nominations for the second of five at -large positions.
Mayor Hill Donna Keys
Mr. Gillmor Dan Dragonetti
Mr. Wolff Janet Kennedy
Roll call
Mayor Hill Donna Keys
Mr. Wright Donna Keys
Ms. Coy Donna Keys
Mr. Gillmor Donna Keys
Mr. Wolff Donna Keys
Donna Keys was appointed to second at -large position.
Mayor Hill called for nominations for the third of five at -large positions.
Mayor Hill Janet Kennedy
Ms. Coy Dan Dragonetti
Roll call
Mr. Wright Dan Dragonetti
Ms. Coy Dan Dragonetti
Mr. Gillmor Dan Dragonetti
Mr. Wolff Dan Dragonetti
Mayor Hill Dan Dragonetti
Dan Dragonetti was appointed to third at -large position.
Mayor Hill called for nominations for the fourth of five at -large positions.
Mayor Hill Janet Kennedy
Mr. Wright Robert Zomok
Roll call
Ms. Coy Robert Zomok
Mr. Gillmor Robert Zomok
Mr. Wolff Robert Zomok
Mayor Hill Robert Zomok
Mr. Wright Robert Zomok
Robert Zomok was appointed to fourth at -large position.
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Regular City Council Meeting
December 15, 2010
Page Seven
Mayor Hill called for nominations for the fifth of five at -larqe positions
Mayor Hill Janet Kennedy
There were no other nominations.
Janet Kennedy was appointed to the fifth at -large position.
The City Clerk said she had spoken to the City Attorney and had prepared an agenda
packet for a scheduled January 3, 2011 Charter Review Committee organizational
meeting. She then distributed packets to those appointed members who were in
attendance.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
10.039 A. Ordinance No. 0 -10 -07 Capital Improvement Element of Comprehensive Land
159 -207 Use Plan (GMD Transmittal, 0- 10 -07)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO
THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDING THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT;
PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE. (1 Reading 10/27/10, Postponed to 11/17/10 for Revision, 1 reading
11/17/10, Advertised 11/30/10, PH 12/15/10)
Mayor Hill opened the public hearing at 7:07 p.m. and the City Attorney read Ordinance
No. 0 -10 -07 by title.
The City Manager stated all changes suggested by City Council have been included in
the revision and recommended approval.
MOTION by Mr. Gilimor and SECOND by Mr. Wright to adopt Ordinance No. 0- 10 -07.
Mayor Hill called for public input.
Damien Gilliams said City Council needs to follow its own procedural guidelines.
Mr. Wright called a point of order stating this seems to be off topic. Mayor Hill agreed
and told Mr. Gilliams to stay on point.
Mr. Gilliams continued asking about procedure and Ms. Coy called a point of order.
Mr. Gilliams left the podium.
Result of Roll Call:
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Passed 5 -0
10.150 B. Ordinance No. 0 10 08 Aquifer Recharge LDC (GMD Transmittal, 0- 10 -08)
209 -213
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE LAND
DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTION 54 -3 -11.3 AQUIFER RECHARGE PROTECTION; PROVIDING
FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(1 reading 11/17/10, Advertised 11/30/10, PH 12/15/10)
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Regular City Council Meeting
December 15, 2010
Page Eight
Mayor Hill opened the public hearing at 7:11 p.m. and the City Attorney read Ordinance
No. 0 -10 -08 by title.
The City Manager said this was done in an effort to find provisions that hindered
development to a certain extent, that P Z has recommended adoption, and reiterated
this seeks to change language that permits a little more construction where the aquifer is
located essentially along the US 1 corridor.
MOTION by Mr. Wright and SECOND by Mr. Wolff to adopt Ordinance No. 0- 10 -08.
Mayor Hill called for public input.
Kathleen Egan, Columbus Street, objected to the ordinance.
Jim Bitter, Kimley Horn and Associates, said he had been asked to address this by
Mickey Capp, noting about six months ago they looked at developing a restaurant and
found these provisions to be restrictive and a burden to develop on US1, noting other
agencies regulate aquifer recharge.
Damien Gilliams questioned cutting regulations to help development to create jobs,
citing page 212, in a town that doesn't have commercial recycling and we continue to
pollute.
Ms. Coy called a point of order and asked that he stay on topic. Mr. Gilliams said he is
an advocate of recycling and again Ms. Coy called a point of order. Mr. Wolff asked him
to get to the point and Mr. Gilliams said the City Manager says he's working on
commercial recycling.
Mr. Wright called a point of order and said the topic is the aquifer and not cardboard
recycling, and asked him to stick to aquifer recharge.
Mr. Gilliams said when you take your recyclables to the landfill, doesn't that affect the
aquifer. Mayor Hill said it did not.
Mr. Wright said Council reviewed this in detail at a previous meeting, restrictions were
above and beyond what St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD)
regulates, and a review was conducted to ensure this was in compliance with the latest
science to make certain it didn't have any adverse affect on the water supply, and
thought the detailed research was done very well.
Mayor Hill said it was interesting that we are more restrictive than SJRWMD.
Result of Roll Call:
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Passed 5 -0
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December 15, 2010
Page Nine
10.141 C. Resolution No. R -10 -41 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) (GMD
215 -272 Transmittal, R- 10 -41, Letter, Map, Plans)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT 2010 -2014 FIVE YEAR CONSOLIDATED PLAN, 2010 ANNUAL
ACTION PLAN AND AN APPLICATION FOR CDBG FUNDING FOR FY2010 (SF 424); AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AND TRANSMIT ALL DOCUMENTS TO
THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (10/13/10 tabled, 10/17/10 revision of
funding, Advertised 11/23/10, PH 12/15/10)
Mayor Hill opened the public hearing at 7:23 p.m. and the City Attorney read Resolution
No. R -10 -41 by title.
The City Manager said at the last hearing we discussed where to spend our entitlement
money as defined by HUD regulations, then on October 13, Council directed we split
funding and in researching this, staff tried to identify how to spend money for veterans
programs. He said they contacted Indian River County and they would be willing to
accept the funding and use it for veterans in Sebastian for home rehabilitation.
MOTION by Ms. Coy and SECOND by Mr. Gillmor to approve Resolution No. R- 10 -41.
Mayor Hill called for public input.
Damien Gilliams, 1623 US Highway 1, said Council was taking $75,000 away from
veterans for a lift station, and they should be charging the organizations that use
taxpayer money to hold all the events in the park for the lift station. He said he hoped
Mr. Wolff would write a letter that the vets' money is going down the toilet, and he'll be
looking for a copy. He said everyone is making a profit but the taxpayers.
Ms. Coy responded that Veterans groups have been recipients of Clambake funds
numerous times, this past year the American Legion and VFW received funds so we
aren't leaving the vets behind in our city or at our festivals.
Result of Roll Call:
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Passed 5 -0
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
10.085 A. Update on Powerline Road Proiect by Masteller and Moler Council Direction
273 -279 (City Manager Transmittal, Maps)
The City Manager said he wanted to get direction from Council whether to move forward
on this project, which will connect CR512 to Main Street, the catalyst for the project
being Ashbury Subdivision where an escrow account was set up by the developer to
help pay for the road improvement. He stressed the importance of connectivity and
taking traffic off of local streets, most notably Barber, and we have here is an area of
property that is earmarked for a road, not using arterial streets. He said Indian River
County MPO Director, Phil Matson who will provide map modeling to explain the need.
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Regular City Council Meeting
December 15, 2010
Page Ten
Mr. Matson, IRC MPO Director, described the Metropolitan Planning Organization
(MPO) and gave a power point presentation on road modeling which demonstrated the
importance of Powerline Road in taking traffic off of other arterials (see presentation
attached to minutes).
Mr. Gillmor said it was interesting it shows a reduction on US1, and important for the
public to know in the MPO process, connectivity is important and is one reason the State
has said we won't have to six -lane US 1.
Mr. Wright noted that with the anticipated drop in traffic levels for roads such as Barber
and Fleming, is it correct to say that future traffic on these roads will stay much the same
as it is today. Mr. Matson said things will stay the same or get better.
The City Manager briefly described the bid and construction schedule as set out in the
agenda transmittal.
Steve Moler, PE, Vice President, Masteller and Moler, said their task was to develop
construction drawings and obtain permits, noting they must still obtain a gopher tortoise
permit just prior to construction. He said they have worked with the City Manager who
worked with the School Board which dedicated the triangular piece of land to be used as
an entrance to the school and will be part of the stormwater system for this project.
John Boyer, Masteller and Moler, described the project layout with a brief power point
presentation.
In response to Ms. Coy, Steve Moler said part of the property from the School Board will
be used from drainage, however, quite a bit of vegetation will be left and only melalueca
will be cleared. Mr. Boyer said the only restrictions imposed by the School Board were
that it be dedicated to public right -of -way, noting an acre in the triangle will not be
disturbed.
In response to Mr. Wolff, Mr. Boyer said there should be no impact to the existing
condition of already improved Powerline Road and the project will run north to south. He
said if equipment tears up the road, the contractor will have to fix it. He said the ditch is
approximately 40 feet from the edge of the roadway with curb so he did not anticipate
cars getting into the ditch.
The City Manager said he thought we had a quality design and recommended moving
forward to let the bid.
Mayor Hill called for public input.
Bill Fraser, Columbus Street, objected, stating the road will be in his backyard, said he
did not believe the data supported the project, and they will destroy his property all to
make things move smoother, it is a disservice to him, and his property value will be
destroyed.
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Regular City Council Meeting
December 15, 2010
Page Eleven
Cathleen Egan, corner of Orange Street, Columbus Street, objected, expressed her
concern for splashing, noise, noted that behind her house is a holding pond, said the
area is not wide enough for a two lane road, and if they did a one lane road they could
allocate it to kids for a bikepath with exercise stations. She said the area is now used for
fishing, biking, hiking, and walking, is filled with wild birds and animals and her quality of
life and her neighbors lives will be destroyed. She said she was born in Florida, moved
here 6 1 /2 years ago and this is one of the last hold outs and we should keep it this way.
Teresa Rockwood, Columbus Street, objected, asked if money would be better spent on
other arterial roads, said this will increase traffic, and said she would like to see hard
core data used and put into a different model. She said she knows the money is in
escrow but there has been a push to spend this money and knows there is a better plan
to spend this money. She said she would like to see a needs assessment done, that
there is a small sliver of protected land left and questioned the priority.
Steve Rockwood Columbus Street, objected to the project based on public safety issues
for children exiting that school, asked if someone could look at whether there is room for
two way traffic on the narrow easement. He asked if a map of Sebastian could be put on
the overhead to show Orange and Columbus. He said he did not understand the
modeling that was provided.
Lillian Mandillo, Columbus Street, objected, said the distance between 512 and Main
Street may be one mile and to put in a speedway to cut across makes no sense,
because regardless of what road you use you have to travel Main Street or CR512. She
said children should be worth more than a road that will save someone ten seconds.
Ann Garrison, Columbus Street, asked if a traffic study had been done, and whether
modeling is the same thing as a traffic study.
The City Manager said he would say they are the same thing.
Ms. Garrison said US 1 is a federal highway designed to take traffic, and Sebastian
doesn't have a need to lessen traffic on US 1 and bring it into a nice quiet street. She
said they were told nothing would be built, that it was a FPL right -of -way, and they
should have checked with the City. She asked if the City would consider a buffer and
finished by stating that growth will be considerably less than what is being predicted.
Brian Pocock, 302 Columbus Street, said he has two small children and is teaching them
how to ride bikes and this will increase traffic in his front yard, and he is opposed.
Susan (no last name given) said she had a grandchild who lives on Columbus Street
and that this will affect her grandson's safety, and did not see the benefit.
Louise Kautenburg, said no one wants a road in their neighborhood, that the MPO
representative is correct, where anyone refused to build a road when it is needed you
end up like a funnel, and it is already happening here. She cited the increase on Main
and US 1 in the last ten years she has worked there, and said if 100 cars less went
down Main Street, it would ease the number of traffic accidents there. She said streets
are meant for the benefit of all, you have to have connectivity and if we erase all the
planned streets, we will all have gridlock.
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Regular City Council Meeting
December 15, 2010
Page Twelve
Delmar Hasler, 255 Columbus Street, said he came here 15 years ago, bought on a
quiet street with the back of the house facing Powerline Road, said this will cause
property values to go down, and asked is there going to be a berm. The City Manager
said no.
He asked will there be a sidewalk and the City Manager said yes. Mayor Hill reminded
him to address the Chair.
Damien Gilliams said he felt bad for the people speaking, these people have invested
their life savings for their homes, and Council is doing a money grab, said the MPO
numbers are a joke, there is no mitigation for scrub jays or gopher tortoises. He said we
need to do a study, and Council is hurting 50 property owners for three properties and
we don't need the road. He urged Council to give the developer back his money.
Mayor Hill called for a recess at 8:30 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:43 p.m. All
members were present.
Mayor Hill asked Mr. Matson to show how they come up with the numbers.
Mr. Matson said traffic modeling is done the same nationwide and is based on UTMS
developed by MIT professors in the 60's. He said origins and destinations are
programmed into an electronic map with a limited roadway network, the algorithms in the
model will program the cars on the roadways with what is given, it is not perfect, we look
to see if it makes sense; it is based on gravity modeling such a neighborhood mall will
draw more trips than a convenience store; in the meantime, connectivity will prevent us
from having a Ft. Lauderdale situation.
Ms. Coy asked how long this road had been planned and Mr. Matson said it came up at
the City level, and he was asked by the City to look at it from a traffic standpoint.
The City Manager said it has been in place at least five and half years, and Ms. Coy
added by a previous Council when Ashbury went in. Mayor Hill said it has been platted
longer than that, and the City Manager said it came to Tight when Ashbury developed.
Ms. Coy said this issue is difficult, and she relates to each one that lives on Columbus
having fought the battle with Ashbury but lost, and said what Council didn't get to hear is
the hundreds of people this road will benefit. She said people will now have an access
to the school and one day Ashbury will be built out, Pelican Isles will benefit
tremendously, that it has been planned for some time, and discussed at previous
Council meeting, and it is unfortunate some people were misled when they bought their
homes. She asked if it was possible to buffer the road.
The City Manager said we can design it in, but it will increase cost and maintenance, if
Council directs it should be put in bid docs. Ms. Coy said it would help the folks on
Columbus, she would support the added expense.
Mr. Gillmor concurred with her, and said if at all possible he would like to see a berm,
noting the City has a tremendous amount of free dirt, and said shrubbery with a small
berm would facilitate shielding of visual and noise pollution. He said shrubbery alone
would not do this.
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Regular City Council Meeting
December 15, 2010
Page Thirteen
Mr. Wright asked what the planned speed limit will be and what the speed limit on Main
Street is currently. He was told 30 mph and then he said it should not exceed Main
Street speed limit, and that he concurred with a berm. He noted between the road and
Columbus Street there is a ditch before it gets to the property.
Steve Moler said to come up with different concepts would be difficult due to powerlines
and we would have to thread between the poles, and between the curb and the top of
ditch is drainage and a bikepath. He said he believed we can fit in a hedge and tree, but
the City still has to maintain the ditch and he would be concerned equipment couldn't get
in with mature trees. He said there is no room for a significant berm.
Mayor Hill said he was hearing Council was directing them to do what we can do to
mitigate sound.
Mr. Wright said if there was no critical need for the bikepath, would that provide room for
a berm. Mr. Moler said the bikepath is to be located on the berm, so if you did not put in
the bikepath, the berm could go higher and landscape the berm. Mr. Wolff noted the
bikepath is part of the greenway path for MPO.
The City Manager said the bikepath is part of the greenway trail, but he has always been
concerned with the bikepath cost because of the ditch we need a rail, he doesn't see the
bikepath happening at this time, and it would open space for a berm. Mayor Hill said the
goal is to minimize the impact to residents. The City Manager noted we still have the
sidewalk on the east side of Powerline Road.
Mr. Wolff said he heard of this for the last four years primarily with mention of escrow,
other than there has been little serious discussion. He said it made sense during the
housing bubble, noting Ashbury has been a bust, the property opposite the Post Office
which was going to be town houses has been a bust. He said being on Council he has to
consider what the people who are here now want. He said when Ashbury comes back,
the road will need to be extended but there is no urgency for the road and it goes back to
impacting people's lives when you are on council, many here for their golden years. He
said it wouldn't be end of world to give up the $180,000 escrow and recommended
postponing it for ten years, and when time comes and we need the road, bite the bullet
and put it in. He said he had spoken with the City Manager and previously said the
project made sense to him but now listening to people felt it would be a great disservice
to the folks who would be impacted. He said he will vote for quality of life.
Mayor Hill said he feels for everyone who lives on Columbus Street, noting he had lived
where on property adjacent to City property, but said he had to look at the benefit for the
greater good, noting growth is inevitable, said the road is needed today and it will be
beneficial.
MOTION Mr. Gillmor and SECOND by Ms. Coy to instruct staff to move forward
provided we can put in a berm and foliage to buffer as well as we possibly can.
Result of Roll Call:
AYES: Coy, Gillmor, Hill, Wright
NAYS: Wolff
Passed 4 -1
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11. PUBLIC INPUT
9:12 pm Damien Gilliams apologized to the City Manager for having misspoken at the last
meeting in regard to the reducing the amount of people on the payroll, suggested
Council reduce the City Manager's spending authority from $15,000 to $5,000, said it
was imperative the Budget Committee start meeting now, suggested rewarding
Department Heads who save money, said Growth Management is where we can save
money, but the Building Department is needed. He said Council should not discriminate
against families by seeking SkyWiFi for seniors only, and urged Council to go after
banks which are not maintaining foreclosed houses which drives down value of abutting
properties. He wished everyone Happy Holidays and said if some one is hurting, reach
out and help.
12. NEW BUSINESS
10.121 A. Award Design -Build Contract for Sebastian Municipal Airport Hangar "B" to
281 -282 Ahrens Companies in the Amount of $1,304,022 (Airport Transmittal, Bid and
Contract Documents Previously Provided Under Separate Cover)
The City Manager gave a brief background on the RFP for Hangar B and recommended
awarding the design -build contract to Ahrens Company.
MOTION by Mr. Wright and SECOND by Ms. Coy to award the design -build contract for
Airport Hangar B to Ahrens Companies in the amount of $1,304,022.
Damien Gilliams, asked why we are providing $56,000 for a generator for a tenant, and
suggested improvements on the inside should be the responsibility of tenant.
Mr. Wright complimented staff on the amount of detail in the backup, said this was a
complex negotiation, was summarized well, noted we set aside funds for this project,
and said there will be a savings, but he did have a couple of questions. He asked if we
can go back to the County to have impact fees reduced or waived, perhaps making an
application to Economic Development Council to receive a break, and asked for an
explanation as to why the generator was necessary.
Mr. Wolff said the generator was the only sticking point for him, suggesting the building
should be wired for the generator but not provide the generator, saying if they leave we
can negotiate a generator, but it is not paramount to their business but rather a luxury
item.
The City Manager said because this is a City building being leased to a tenant staff
wanted a fully operational facility, but can eliminate the generator if that is Council's
decision. He said the hydro -swing door is the best value so he recommended that as
well as hurricane windows and fire protection which will be needed because those are
landlord issues. He said in regard to impact fees, in Hangar A, staff did not put in impact
fees and had to come back to council for authorization, so it was left in this base bid and
if we go over he will have to come back to Council to modify the contract.
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He said we will twist the County's arm and let them know there is job creation there, and
Council can help by talking to the County as well.
Mr. Wolff said if we asked for the waiver with Hangar A we would be in trouble as no
jobs were created. The City Manager said it is arguable whether we created new jobs or
not, though IRC would probably argue we did not, but V- Raptor is a new business in
Indian River County.
Mr. Wolff said if we delete the generator there is actually a savings of about $63,000
from the cost of Hangar A. Mr. Gillmor said if the generator is not a need, let's save the
money.
Mr. Wright and Ms. Coy modified their motion to delete the generator.
Result of Roll Call:
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Passed 5 -0
10.038 B. Resolution No. R -10 -46 FY 2009 -1010 4 Quarter Budget Amendment
283 -306 (Finance Transmittal, R- 10 -46, 4 Quarter Comparison, Capital Project Status
Report, Schedule of Investments, 4 Quarter Accomplishments)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, ADOPTING
AN AMENDED BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2009, AND
ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 AS PROVIDED FOR IN EXHIBIT "A PROVIDING FOR
CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
9:31 pm The City Attorney read Resolution No. R -10 -46 by title.
The Finance Director briefly updated Council on the final FY 2010 budget numbers in the
4 quarter amendment, said all came in under budget amounts, though we need to
replenish the Police Department for pension expenditures as required by the State. He
said staff is trying to improve investment income, and reiterated that this is the end of the
fiscal year, and the audit is on -going though he doesn't expect anything of significance.
MOTION by Ms. Coy and SECOND by Mr. Wolff to approve Resolution No. R- 10 -46.
Damien Gilliams read from the Growth Management Department's accomplishments,
said their work can be handled by the Building Department, said let's start consolidating,
noting Fellsmere contracts out and bills the developer. He commended the Finance
Director for doing a good job, and recommended a grant office, with an employee that
receives a percentage of what is obtained.
Result of Roll Call:
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Passed 5 -0.
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10.159 C. Ordinance No. 0 -10 -09 Alcoholic Beverage Sales Restriction (City Attorney
307 -311 Transmittal, 0- 10 -09)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA,
AMENDING CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 10 CONCERNING RESTRICTIONS ON
THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; RELAXING THE RESTRICTIONS IN SPECIFIC
CIRCUMSTANCES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABIITYAND EFFECTIVE DATE.
The City Attorney read Ordinance No. 0 -10 -09 by title. The City Manager said the
ordinance includes the modifications requested at the last meeting.
MOTION by Ms. Coy and SECOND by Mayor Hill to approve Ordinance No. 0 -10 -09 (on
first reading and set public hearing for January 12, 2011).
Edna Gonzales thanked Council for the ordinance for the growth of her restaurant and
for Sebastian's growth.
Beth Mitchell, Executive Director, Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce, said the
Chamber Board considered this last week and they unanimously support the
amendment. She expressed her appreciation for Council's support of the business
community over the last year.
Damien Gilliams, said it was good to see the Director of Chamber, maybe she can let us
know what businesses opened up and what they need to survive. He said it was nice
helping one business and asked them to consider letting businesses that serve alcoholic
beverages stay open to 2 a.m., so customers don't get in vehicles to drive to Brevard for
the extra hour. He also requested providing that police cars can't park within 1,000 feet
of a bar.
Ron Thomas, Caravan Terrace, Pastor Friendship Christian Community, said Council
went from considering distance from a church or school to allowing a full liquor license.
He said at the last meeting it was implied that the religious community twisted Ms. Coy's
arm and forced her to cave five years ago. He said last month Council indicated that
they were prohibited from enjoying a glass of wine which is onerous when we have over
30 establishments that can serve beer and wine and asked how is this restricting
economic development, and if we are so concerned over this one location, keep the
ordinance for the US 1 corridor only. He said this is about where we stand and what we
stand for.
Ms. Coy asked him if he was conducting services at Seawinds, wasn't there a bar and
package store near there. He said he has no problem with alcoholic beverages with a
meal, but the location near churches and schools where children's activities are taking
place is his concern, and that Seawinds is not his church but a temporary location with a
chapel to use.
MOTION by Ms. Coy and SECOND by Mr. Gillmor to extend the meeting passed on a
voice vote of 5 -0.
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Page Seventeen
Louise Kautenburg said the law is not unique to Sebastian, but has been in effect in
many places, called blue laws, and most communities have eliminated them so as not to
discriminate against one set of beliefs over another. She said she was in favor of the
ordinance.
Mayor Hill read the proposed language.
In response to Mr. Wright, the City Attorney said this language is in compliance with
State law, noting the 51% from restaurant comes from State law, and in fact our
ordinance goes further than State law, which allows counties and municipalities the right
to regulate such things under Home Rule.
Mr. Wright said he did not think the question of a free standing bar accomplishes any
more than 51 from food sales, citing that when going to a busy restaurant, many
people will have to wait for a table and it is comfortable to have a cocktail while you wait,
and a freestanding bar is also a convenient place to set up liquor for the restaurant. He
said the restriction against freestanding bars is overly burdensome and recommended
taking it out.
Mayor Hill agreed and said if 51% of the sales comes from food, we should limit the
intrusion of government on design of the restaurant and would agree with taking out that
regulation.
Mr. Gillmor said he thought the intent of eliminating free standing bars was to allow only
beer and wine sales and not liquor within 450 feet of a church or school.
Ms. Coy said the request before us was for beer and wine sales and she likes the way it
is written, if look at the number of churches and schools affected by the 450 foot
regulation, it is not that much space, and said you have to seat a lot of people to get a
liquor license. She said she had invited every single pastor who has an owned building,
and most of them said it is not an issue as written, and we can change it later if
necessary. She said no one twisted her arm then or now, that she had believed it to be a
good ordinance back then but it is time to catch up with the times and having discussed
the issue, it's time to get up to speed and change the rules.
She said she had asked the Chief to provide statistics on DUIs and would not support
bars being open later than 1:00 am, noting after 8 pm you have three times more chance
to get hit by a drunk driver.
Mr. Wolff said he sees problem with the Village Shops, the people who put them had an
engineer who designed five pounds of potatoes in a three pound bag and it has caused
a host of problems, said he was disappointed to see an ad saying you can bring your
own booze and questioned the legality of it. He said he visited the restaurant and it was
crowded and could not get in. He said there is a great deal of alcoholic beverage
consumption in the riverfront, noting you can start at 7 am. He said Pastor Thomas was
an eloquent speaker and kept his religious views out, questioned changing the
ordinance for one individual, but said he did not think it would harm Sebastian if we
change it.
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Regular City Council Meeting
December 15, 2010
Page Eighteen
Mayor Hill recommended leaving the language as written, and would keep his second as
it stands.
Mr. Wright said he did not want to see someone come in that might need that type of
facility and risk losing a quality restaurant, but he can live with it the way it is, and hoped
people would question what they can do and that Council may be open to changing it.
The City Attorney noted one minor change in the body after the word "which" in
paragraph (a) (1) (A) there should be a colon and not a semi colon.
Ms. Coy and Mayor Hill modified their motion to include the punctuation change.
Result of Roll Call:
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Passed 5 -0
10.163 D. Discuss Possibility of Restricting Solicitation for Donations on City Streets and
313 Direct Staff Accordingly Requested by Council Member Coy (City Clerk Transmittal)
Ms. Coy said she has discussed this with the City Attorney, the City Clerk provided a
copy of a letter to her from local veterans groups about one particular veterans group
soliciting donations in the streets which, she said, is dangerous and distracting though
they aren't the only group, and said we can direct staff not to issue any permits to solicit
funds on our streets.
Mr. Gillmor said they are not veterans, and are walking in the streets and he can see
someone being hurt in traffic.
Mr. Wright said he would not want to see this affect kids doing car washes. Ms. Coy
said they are on the side of the road.
The City Manager said Mr. Gillmor bought this up as well and at that time we didn't feel
we could make a change, but if someone is in right -of -way we will chase them out. He
said the kids are typically on private property.
Mr. Wright said he didn't want the kids restricted and Ms. Coy said they aren't collecting
money.
Damien Gilliams told Council to stop regulating us.
MOTION by Ms. Coy and SECOND by Mr. Hill to direct staff not to grant permits for
solicitation for money on our streets passed on a voice vote of 5 -0.
Mayor Hill encouraged anyone to come forward that might have a special need.
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13. CITY ATTORNEY MATTERS
10.103 A. Litigation Update (City Attorney Transmittal)
315
The City Attorney said since he writes the auditor's letter he thought he would provide
this to keep Council up to date.
14. CITY MANAGER MATTERS
The City Manager reported:
He would like a January 5 Special CRA/City Council Meeting to address
several Riverfront District issues. There were no objections.
He will be coming forward with LDC modifications.
Briefly described the Stormwater Master Plan revision approved tonight.
In regard to the approved AN equipment, it looks like Comcast will provide up to
$5,000 to reimburse costs.
15. CITY CLERK MATTERS
Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
16. CITY COUNCIL MATTERS
Hill, Mayor
A. Council Member Coy
Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
B. Council Member Gillmor
Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and announced the
Cowboy Christmas with Santa Claus at LaPorte Farms this Saturday.
C. Council Member Wolff
Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
D. Mayor Hill
Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and asked if anyone
on Council had anything they wanted him to bring to the Mayors' Meeting on
January 10 Mr. Wright asked if other members of Council could attend, and the
Clerk noted the public notice states that two or more members of the County
Commission and /or member Councils may be in attendance.
E. Vice Mayor Wright
Wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
17. Being no further business, Mayor Hill adjourned the Regular Meeting at 10:28 p.m.
Approved t the anuary 12, 2011 Regular City Council meeting.
AT
y
MMC City Clerk
19