05-03-2021 - Regular104 N. Riverside Drive
Edgewater, FL 32132City of Edgewater
Meeting Minutes
City Council
Mike Thomas, Mayor
Christine Power, District 1
Gigi Bennington, District 2
Megan O'Keefe, District 3
Jonah Powers, District 4
6:00 PM Council ChambersMonday, May 3, 2021
1. CALL TO ORDER and ROLL CALL, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, INVOCATION
Mayor Thomas called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Mike Thomas, Councilwoman Christine Power, Councilwoman Gigi Bennington,
Councilwoman Megan O'Keefe, and Councilman Jonah Powers
Present:5 -
City Manager Glenn Irby, City Attorney Aaron Wolfe, and Bonnie BrownAlso Present:3 -
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None at this time.
3. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/PLAQUES/CERTIFICATES/DONATIONS
a.Mark Billings - Habitat for Humanity
Mark Billings, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity, introduced his executive committee and
gave a brief overview of the organization and what they are doing for the community; He discussed
the homes being built as well as the future plans for affordable housing; and the struggles they face
towards the cost it takes to provide these homes for the community.
Mayor Thomas discussed a friend who has a Habitat for Humanity home, stating that it was very nice
and that he had been educated on the process of getting one of their homes through her.
b.Proclamation - Drinking Water Week
Mayor Thomas read the Proclamation into the record.
c.Proclamation - National Public Works Week
Mayor Thomas read the Proclamation into the record.
4. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Libby Lavette, 1820 Hibiscus Drive, commended Council on the appointment of the new advisory
board and gave recommendations for educational courses they could possibly take; she also
discussed the status and health of local canals.
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Joseph Cvach, 121 Coquina Drive, expressed his neighborhoods concerns over a possible influx of
transients if a building nearby is converted into a soup kitchen or free clothing store. Mr. Irby stated
that as of present, no one has applied for that.
5. APPROVAL OR CHANGES/MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA
Mayor Thomas stated that Staff has requested to table item 10D until June 7th.
6. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilwoman Bennington expressed her enjoyment of Edgefest, stating that it had turned out very
nice.
Councilwoman O'Keefe, via phone call, stated that she was able to be present when the Patriot riders
assembled the Vietnam Veteran Wall and that police did a wonderful job escorting them.
Councilwoman O'Keefe discussed the City's unemployment issue and the possibility of the Council
finding a solution; Mr. Irby stated that he had spoken with Samantha Bergeron about options and
that New Smyrna Beach is interested in joining the endeavor as well.
Councilman Powers discussed his recent participation at a Rotary Club Meeting.
Councilwoman Power discussed the recent TPO meeting; the progress of Sun Rail; the scope of the
bridge that is part of LGPA; her experience at Edgefest; and a recent Team Volusia press release
where it was announced that the Florida Marine and RV Center is coming to Edgewater, increasing
jobs over the next 3 years.
Mayor Thomas commended Councilwoman Power on her efforts on the 95 interchange. Mayor
Thomas stated that he met with Glenn Storch in reference to a new subdivision; and with the tax
collector Mr. Will Roberts. He expressed his satisfaction with Edgefest; and his appreciation of the
employees. Mayor Thomas discussed the upcoming Facebook live pertaining to the utility bills.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilwoman Power, second by Councilwoman Bennington, to
approve the Consent Agenda. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
a.Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) Services for South Ridgewood
Avenue Water Main Extension
b.Recommendation that City Council approves the award of contract for the
Classification and Compensation Study (RFP 21-HR-06) to Management Advisory
Group International, Inc., in the amount of $29,000.00 and authorizes the City
Manager to sign the necessary contract
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c.Approval of the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Agreement
for Additional Funding
d.Requesting award and authorization for the City Manager to execute a contract to
Shamrock Restoration Services, Inc., in the amount of $77,636.00 for the Painting of
Water Storage Tanks per terms and conditions in ITB 21-ES-05.
e.Approval of the Manatee Conservation Fund Grant for Fiscal Year 2021
f.Request for City Council to Declare Surplus Property and Send to Auction.
g.Insurance Agent/Broker Services - Brown and Brown - Addendum #2
h.Parking Agreement - Edgewater-New Smyrna Cemetery
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
a.2nd Reading Ordinance No. 2021-O-04- Joshua C. Wells, requesting annexation of
1.42± acres of land located at 166 & 168 East Cory Drive
City Attorney Wolfe read the Ordinance into the record.
Darren Lear, Development Services Director, provided a staff report.
Mayor Thomas inquired about the amount of homes annexed from Cory Estates, Mr. Lear stated that
there had been a few.
Mayor Thomas opened and closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Power, second by Councilman Powers, to approve
Ordinance No. 2021-O-04. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
b.2nd Reading - Ordinance No. 2021-O-05 - Joshua C. Wells, requesting an
amendment to the Future Land Use Map to include 1.42± acres of land located at
166 & 168 East Cory Drive as Low Density Residential.
City Attorney Wolfe read the Ordinance into the record.
Darren Lear, Development Services Director, provided a staff report.
Mayor Thomas opened and closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Power, second by Councilwoman Bennington, to
approve Ordinance No. 2021-O-05. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
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Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
c.2nd Reading Ordinance No. 2021-O-06 - Joshua C. Wells, requesting an
amendment to the Official Zoning Map to include 1.42± acres of land located at 166
& 168 East Cory Drive as R-3 (Single Family Residential).
City Attorney Wolfe read the Ordinance into the record.
Darren Lear, Development Services Director, provided a staff report.
Mayor Thomas opened the public hearing.
Councilwoman Bennington inquired about how annexing in the parcels of Cory Estates would impact
the services the City offers; Brenda Dewees, Environmental Services Director, answered that the new
carts make the process a lot easier.
Councilwoman Bennington asked about the roads in Cory Estates and how the City is responsible for
them. Mr. Lear clarified that until the City annexes 50% or more, it is the County's responsibility.
Further discussion ensued about the annexation and the toll on the City.
Mayor Thomas closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Power, second by Councilwoman Bennington, to
approve Ordinance No. 2021-O-06. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
d.Resolution 2021-R-09 Approving Guidelines for Special Interest Programs in City
Parks
City Attorney Wolfe read the Resolution into the record.
Mr. Irby provided a staff report and recommendation.
Mayor Thomas opened the public hearing.
Councilwoman Bennington expressed that she thought having guidelines in place for the use of parks
was a great idea; Councilwoman Powers stated that while she was unsure of how it would be
policed, it was good to have something on record to look at for some type of regulation. Mayor
Thomas acknowledged that he had personally seen how much local parks were being used by
residents and agreed that some type of regulations were needed.
Libby Lavette, 1820 Hibiscus, expressed concerns over smaller businesses being hurt by the
regulations.
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Mayor Thomas closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Power, second by Councilwoman Bennington, to
approve Resolution No. 2021-R-09. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
e.Resolution No. 2021-R-08; Authorizing the City Council to participate in a joint
meeting with the City of New Smyrna Beach City Commission and the City of Oak
Hill City Commission to discuss matter of mutual interest related to economic
development in southeast Volusia
City Attorney Wolfe read the Resolution into the record.
Mr. Irby provided a staff report and recommendation.
Mayor Thomas opened the public hearing.
Mayor Thomas inquired about the reasoning behind the resolution; Mr. Irby clarified that it was
required in the statue.
Mayor Thomas closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Bennington, second by Councilwoman Power, to
approve Resolution No. 2021-R-08. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
f.Resolution 2021-R-10 - Adopting the Volusia County Multi-Jurisdictional Program
for Public Information Program
City Attorney Wolfe read the Resolution into the record.
Darren Lear, Development Services Director, provided a staff report and recommendation.
Mayor Thomas opened and closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Power, second by Councilman Powers, to approve
Resolution No. 2021-R-10. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
g.Resolution 2021-R-04 - A. Joseph Posey requesting the abandonment of a 30-foot
drainage, access and utility easement on property located on Lots 11 and 12 in the
Liberty Village Subdivision.
City Attorney Wolfe read the Resolution into the record.
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Darren Lear, Development Services Director, provided a staff report and recommendation.
Councilwoman Power asked for clarification over the logistics of the easements and properties, Mr.
Lear confirmed that they would be combining the two lots to place the house in the middle. Mayor
Thomas asked why there had been an easement placed down the middle of the two lots, Mr. Lear
answered that it had been the surveyors choice and each lot has the easement surrounding it. Mayor
Thomas asked Randy Coslow, Deputy Environmental Services Director, if he had looked at it; Mr.
Coslow replied that he had and it was typical.
Mayor Thomas closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Power, second by Councilwoman Bennington, to
approve Resolution No. 2021-R-04. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
h.Resolution No. 2021-R-07; Mid-Year Amended Budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021.
City Attorney Wolfe read the Resolution into the record.
Bridgette Vaissiere, Finance Director, provided a staff report and recommendation.
Mayor Thomas opened and closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Power, second by Councilman Powers, to approve
Resolution No. 2021-R-07. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
i.Membership in the American Flood Coalition
City Attorney Wolfe read the Resolution into the record.
Mr. Irby provided a staff report and recommendation.
Mayor Thomas opened the public hearing.
Libby Lavette, 1820 Hibiscus Drive, expressed her support over the Resolution.
Mayor Thomas closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Power, second by Councilwoman Bennington, to
approve Resolution No. 2021-R-05. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
j.Resolution No. 2021-R-11: FDOT Funding Agreement for Design of SUN Trail
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segment from Roberts Road to Dale Street
City Attorney Wolfe read the Resolution into the record.
Mr. Irby provided a staff report and recommendation.
Mayor Thomas opened the public hearing.
Councilwoman Bennington inquired about the details over the project; Councilwoman Power stated
that they were fully committed to the project, with details such as the when and where still being
figured out.
Randy Coslow, Deputy Environmental Services Director, provided further clarification on where the
Sun Trail would possibly go in Florida Shores and the plan to hire an engineer to ensure the best
possible plan.
Mayor Thomas closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Power, second by Councilwoman Bennington, to
approve Resolution 2021-R-11. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
9. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
a.Planning & Zoning Board - Councilwoman Bennington ’s appointment due to the
expired term of Paul Wright, who is seeking reappointment.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Bennington, second by Councilwoman Power, to
reappoint Paul Wright to the Planning and Zoning Board. The MOTION was APPROVED
by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
b.Planning & Zoning Board - Councilwoman O ’Keefe’s appointment due to the
expired term of Thomas Duane, who is seeking reappointment.
A motion was made by Councilwoman O'Keefe, second by Councilwoman Power, to
reappoint Thomas Duane to the Planning and Zoning Board. The MOTION was
APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
10. OTHER BUSINESS
a.Acceptance of terms and conditions for federal Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery
Fund.
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Mr. Irby provided a staff report and recommendation.
Mayor Thomas asked for Council comments.
Councilwoman Power further explained that the City had to have certain things in place to receive
the funds.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Power, second by Councilman Powers, to authorize the
City Manager to execute any future State and/or U.S. Department of Treasury terms and
conditions for Corona Virus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The MOTION was APPROVED
by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
b.Granicus Agreement
Mr. Irby provided a staff report and recommendation.
Mayor Thomas asked for Council comments or questions.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Power, second by Councilwoman Bennington, to
approve the amendment to the agreement with Granicus for an amount not to exceed those
listed in the contract and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract. The MOTION
was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
c.Volusia County Economic Development Business Retention & Expansion MOU
Mr. Irby provided a staff report and recommendation.
Mayor Thomas asked for Council comments or questions.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Bennington, second by Councilwoman Power, to
approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and authorize the City Manager to
execute the agreement. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
d.Windview Townhomes HOA, Inc., requesting the allocation of four (4) additional
boat slips for property located at 1909 S. Riverside Drive.
This item was tabled to the June 7, 2021 City Council meeting.
e.Renewal of the Interlocal Agreement for Distribution of the Proceeds of the Local
Option Fuel Tax
Mr. Irby provided a staff report and recommendation.
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Councilwoman Power asked about the increase of taxes over the next five years as well as who is in
charge of the distribution; Mr. Irby informed Council that the County agreed to take less and that
considering who all was involved in the distribution, he felt that the fairest accord had been reached.
He also explained that all the upcoming growth in the City had been factored into the decision.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Power, second by Councilman Powers, to approve the
interlocal agreement for distribution of proceeds of Local Option Fuel Taxes. The MOTION
was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
11. OFFICER REPORTS
a.City Clerk
Ms. Brown informed Council that welcome letters containing copies of both the Public Records law
and the Sunshine law were sent out to the Environmental Advisory board, with further education
pertaining to the laws to come; she advised Council that they would need to RSVP to the upcoming
Economic Development Summit; Ms. Brown notified Council that her assistant, Haley Walker had
finished her final two weeks and that she would be working alone until the spot was filled.
Councilwoman Power let Ms. Brown know that she had decided to go to the East Coast Resiliency
Collaboration but wasn't sure if the City was considered a partner.
b.City Attorney
City Attorney Wolfe provided litigation updates on the William Wallace Hopper case; the Debra
Richards case; and the Constance Schaffer Case.
Mr. Wolfe requested a closed session with Council to discuss both the Constance Schaffer Case and
the Fire Association litigation in greater detail.
c.City Manager
Mr. Irby informed Council that contracts for both the Laser Light Show and the Fourth of July
celebration had been signed.
Mr. Irby stated that Volusia County would like to take over licensing for all pets and provide a
database, vets would collect the fees and give out the licensing. Councilwoman Power asked about
the cost, as well as the lack of licensed pet's in the City currently; Mr. Irby clarified that the City
collected approximately $3000 a year from the shelters through the licensing. Fire Chief Jeff Lariscy
provided further details on the possible change; Councilwoman O'Keefe inquired if the shelter was in
agreement, to which Mr. Lariscy responded that they are supportive.
Mr. Irby spoke about the generic emails of the Council; Council discussed the positives of upgrading
to personalized emails, it was agreed upon that new emails would be satisfactory to help mitigate the
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amount of spam.
Mr. Irby expressed his pride towards City employees for their efforts to raise money for the annual
food drive put on by Volusia County, altogether enough was raised to provide 1,345lbs of food for
the hungry.
Mayor Thomas inquired about the status of the paving of the public works parking lot; Mr. Irby
stated that DEP wouldn't allow the paving without the addition of more ponds and there was no
longer any room for that.
12. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Libby Lavette, 1820 Hibiscus Drive, discussed the farm to mitigation bank; the conservation of local
ecosystems; storm water treatment; and her desire to see public works and the water treatment
facility moved to a different location.
Joseph Cvach, 121 Coquina Drive, expressed his concern over the intersection in front of Station 55;
citing the numerous accidents and vehicles failing to stop for the firetrucks.
Mayor Thomas reported that he had watched a video that stated Edgewater was the second most
desirable community to move to and the second most affordable.
14. ADJOURN
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Thomas adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
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