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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11292012JOINT WRKSHP MinutesJOINT WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE CITY OF FELLSMERE & CITY OF SEBASTIAN 22 S. ORANGE STREET, FELLSMERE FL NOVEMBER 29, 2012 — 6:00 P.M. MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Mayor Adams called the joint workshop meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and welcomed the City of Sebastian Council and Staff. INTRODUCTIONS Mayor Adams introduced herself and asked that Council introduce themselves; Vice Mayor Joel Tyson; Mayor Pro-Tem Fernando R. Herrera (late), Council Member Sara J. Savage, Council Member Jessica Salgado (late), City Manager Jason R. Nunemaker and Warren W. Dill, City Attorney, Mark Mathes, Community Development Director, Larry W. Napier, Finance Director and Mark Briggs, Public Works Superintendent. Sebastian Mayor McPartian introduced himself and asked that the Council introduce themselves; Vice Mayor pon Wright Council Member Jim Hill Council Member Jerome Adams, City Clerk, Bob D i recto r. Council Member Andrea Coy, City Manager AI Minner, Sally Maio, Ginsberg, City Attorney and Joe Griffin, Community Development Mayor Adams introduced Beth Mitchell, Executive Director, Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG The pledge was recited. IN VOCATIO N The invocation was given by Council Member Tyson. Mayor Adams suggested that the Councils take a short break for a bite of food and recessed the meeting at 6:03 p.m. Mayor Adams reconvened the meeting at 6:17 p.m. DISCUSSION MATTERS: 1. Senior Resource Association (SRA) (a) Go-Line A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the Transportation Evaluation Plan (TEP) and its need to be updated by June 2013. There are plans to change locations of the stops and the importance of Route 11 to the North County. The SRA will hold public hearings (meetings) to discuss proposed changes. Originally Route 11 was proposed to change locations from drop offs and pick ups in front of the Sebastian Wal-Mart to a stop along U.S. #1; common sense tells one that is not an appropriate location, the distance is some 600-700 feet and we need to look at the best alternatives. The Go-Line is a tremendous asset to both cities but the City of Fellsmere should not be the only city to fund the service. Fellsmere's service has become an indispensible service to our community, a workable service for everyday life. It has been discussed with the County on numerous occasions to increase the gas tax to assist in funding the Go- Line but to no avail. A brief discussion ensued regarding Sebastian's willingness to assist in funding the Go-Line and its importance to their community however the proposed changes to the system is what drove the decision not to fund this fiscal year. There are numerous sites where stops should be located but the buses just pass by those locations day after day. There were discussions regarding new bus stops being installed and crime tape wrapped around them for months at a time, due to lack of funding to complete the job. A discussion ensued regarding accurate maps of routes; the need to be ever diligently involved and have our voices heard. It was expressed that no one objected to the SRA taking our $50,000 contribution and turning it into a$200,000 grant but are their residual funds left over; is SRA operating effectively and efficiently, there should be an evaluation of salaries and employees and if necessary they should downsize. It was suggested that we request an appraisal of the properties given to SRA by the City of Vero Beach to ensure equity in our contributions. It was agreed that the service it critical for the City of Sebastian & the City of Fellsmere; we have had to pay for Saturday service when all along it was provided to the City of Vero Beach. It was suggested too that if we, the City of Fellsmere and the City of Sebastian, were going to be the only cities to fund transit we should have input on what happens in our communities; being adamant about the TEP process and marching forward in a joint effort committed to make changes and bring light to some of the issues. (b) Senior Services Mayor Adams stated that the Senior Services was not as big as an issue for us as it was Sebastian, but congrats you got your senior citizens into a facility. Council Member Coy proudly announced that all residents are invited to attend; they just show up, there's a$1.00 charge, no annual membership fees but one must be 50 or older. They have a great time Monday through Friday; afternoons are slammed pack full and you ought to watch them play Wii Bowling. We are creating a Use Agreement outlining the rules and no one receives a salary. Council Member Savage asked if that was accomplished with private donations and Council Member Coy responded with the assistance of Beth Mitchell, Sebastian Chamber, she put out the word to members and so very many chipped in and collected some $6,000 in donations, the Sebastian Exchange Club painted the entire facility in about four (4) hours and fully open within ninety (90) days. 2. Solar Energy Loan Fund (SELF) Program Mayor Adams stated that she had met with Doug Coward and he will be providing a presentation at our Council Meeting December 13th to discuss the Commercial Pace Program. Vice Mayor Wright stated that he had not discussed the Commercial Pace program at length but encouraged approval of the North County SELF Program. The publicity will begin February lst touting the significant savings for homeowners and is scheduled to do a presentation in January for Sebastian. Ms. Mitchell, SRACC, added that this is a very important project; Contractor's will have to be certified to perform the work and close contact is being maintained with the TCBA. She is hoping that this too will attract new businesses into the community. The chamber has set up a space for the loan officer to ensure a smooth process in applying. Council Member Coy questioned the process to be qualified to do the work and Ms. Mitchell explained that it is a certification program the contractors have to apply for. Vice Mayor Wright explained the Commercial Pace Program is strictly for commercial endeavors and their loans are paid off as part of a tax assessment. City Manager Nunemaker reiterated that Doug Coward will be providing a Pace Program presentation at the December 13th meeting to create a jurisdiction pursuant to FS 163.08. He continued Florida Organic Aquaculture will save over $600,000 by going with gas rather electric and for small businesses that has positive potential impact. Mayor Adams added that this is one more tool in the ED Tool Box. City Manager Minner added the same presentation will be given at the January 9tn Sebastian Council Meeting. 3. Greenway Mayor Adams began stating that she had attended the ribbon cutting at the Greenway and that the City of Fellsmere has been very successful in receiving grants for the trail to precede through the Fellsmere Trailhead Preserve and is looking forward to partnering with Sebastian in these projects. Council Member Hill added the trails are spectacular whether you are biking or running and providing for future movement between Fellsmere and Sebastian and the Buffer Preserve. He would like to see trails to and from their water park and other locations within Sebastian. City Manager Minner added that Sebastian has existing sidewalks and our Park and Recreation Committee has been working diligently to obtain money for additional sidewalks and it would be wonderful to obtain an interactive map routing the trails around the County. There are possibilities of going through the airport buffer; creating an east/west corridor and a north/south corridor down Powerline Road and hooking up to the County Trail. Mayor Adams added that Fellsmere would like to interact together; creating special plans and there is a real need for maps, visitors are always asking for all types of maps. She added that Roseland had an interest in being included in the mapping for the Scenic By-Way map. Mayor McPartian suggested a phone application that could be mapped out as desired. 4. Economic Development Mayor Adams stated that both municipalities had the pleasure of working with the Chamber to create their Economic Development Plan and Fellsmere has already implemented the majority our plan. City Manager Minner stated that Sebastian's plan had eight target points starting with tax abatement program; business friendly process, the airport, the golf course, eliminating blight from the river front and CRA funding to the river front development to name a few. Vice Mayor Wright added that both communities benefited; we struggled in the beginning but ED turns into economic growth with a limited definition but with tourism; entertainment, hotels, motels and increased overall economy, the City of Sebastian is holding it's own right now. He is pleased with the private businesses accomplishments on the water front; there are four (4) businesses up and operational at this time. He added that any job in Indian River County would benefit the community and suggested the Industrial properties near the gun range should be packaged and marketing materials to promote such a hub would benefit all of the North County. Mayor Adams suggested that the EB5 Programs are very successful. City Manager Nunemaker interjected that the EB5 Program is very exciting they are talking about Fellsmere in China, Argentina and Venezuela, they are creating foreign videos with sub-titles talking up Fellsmere for investment purposes. Fellsmere has been creative with CDBG and Enterprise Florida; we are getting a road created to the Commerce Park out west and Council has a vision on where it's going; keeping the small town ambiences. We have permitted a Dollar General within the City insisting the building fit in, addressing parking issues and stormwater treatment and still remaining flexible. We extracted $10,000 for a bus shelter. Council gets what they're looking for and its working very well; we have a tax abatement program in place, its unused at this time, we have expanded our water and wastewater systems and working to extend the Greenway. Vice Mayor Wright suggested that both Community Development Directors get together and talk about helping one another out and collaborating on future projects. 5. Natural Gas Mayor Adams introduced the item adding that the IRC Expansion is proceeding and the lines stand ready for future use. She is looking into the possibility of natural gas to light the downtown area. City Manager Nunemaker added that future expansion could support fueling stations; add to preparedness for hurricanes by utilizing gas for water heaters, cooking, washers and dryers. The demographics are here; Waste Pro is all set up with natural gas trucks; our franchise agreements expire in 2016 and look to conversions in critical mass such as Florida Power & Light and AT&T fleets to combine resources. City Manager Minner stated that the expansion of FL City Gas has contacted the hospital, restaurants and they have about eight (8) customers lined up at this time. The franchise agreement expires in 2013 and we are currently discussing fleet conversions. He added that two years ago Greg Schmidt retired from the City of Melbourne; he's now the City of Sebastian's mechanic, and he converted Melbourne's fleet of 80 on the Public Works side. Currently Sebastian gets every mile out of very vehicle some are ten (10) to fifteen (15) years old and it would not pay to covert that equipment but we are looking at the Police Department vehicles. He suggested that we share resources and keep the communications open. Mayor Adams suggested Sebastian revisit recycling since the economy is in play right now. 6. Indian River Lagoon/Sea Grass Mayor Adams introduced the item adding that the City of Fellsmere had just billed their new Stormwater Assessment on the water bills and this will generate funding along with grants to open our future forty (40) acre stormwater park. City Manager Minner stated that annually, in January, the Council holds a goal setting workshop for long term needs. This year we will provide for more stewardship of lagoon. Sebastian has worked on a number of stormwater quality issues; we funded water and sewer hook-ups along Indian River Drive businesses with CRA money. The long term is to identify why the grass died and determine future means to treat stormwater; whether it's sending it west or holding off prior to it falling into the lagoon. We are currently in peril and now is the time to set goals regionally and get the county and cross-counties involved. Council Member Coy added that she received a letter today from ORCA advising that the grass is gone and there are toxins that require identification; worse the grass is dead from Wabasso to Grant. She reiterated that this more than a serious issue without the grass tourism is out. It was suggested that we look to the Legislature and State for assistance; Council Member Hill added that there are State and Federal grant funds available to preserve the importance of the lagoon; this is a life quality issue and BOCC has been holding discussions; but we need to be aggressive in saving the lagoon. The City of Sebastian has spent 10's of millions of dollars working on this issue. He suggested calling all the elected officials together to discuss this issue. Council Member Coy suggested homeowners follow these practices of cleaning out septic tanks and picking-up grass clippings, just the simple basic things and suggested an informational flyer. It was stated that the TCCLG suggested each City do a proclamation regarding the condition of the lagoon, and that the Mayor of Sewell's Point is working behind the curtains. Mayor McPartian suggested a twenty (20) minute video on the Lagoon remembering what is was forty (40) years ago or even twenty (20) years ago compared to what it is now. Council Member Adams interjected that he agrees with everyone we need to get all educated in the situation and right now; we need help, send letters requesting partnering, adding that City Manager Minner is drafting our letter and could wrap Fellsmere into the same letter; Mayor Adams expressed support in a letter and suggested that it be sent to Senator Altman and City Manager Minner suggested that Senator Nelson was probably the one to generate the most interest considering he grew up on the river. Council Member Hill thanked the City for inviting them and we should strive to maintain a good relationship between the cities. COMMENTS Mayor Adams asked if there were any questions or comments from the public and there being none she thanked the City of Sebastian for coming out. Mayor McPartian thanked the City of Fellsmere for the invite out and suggested getting together a couple of times a year. AD70URNMENT Mayor Adams adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m. These minutes were approved by the City Council of the City of Fellsmere during their meeting held on the day of January, 201�l. JOINT W_SHOP COF_COS_20121129MINl1TES.doc These minutes were approved by the City Council of the City of Sebastian during their meeting held on the 12th day of December, 2012.