08-02-2021 - 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, August 2, 2021
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE CRA MEETING
1. CALL TO ORDER and ROLL CALL, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, INVOCATION
Mayor Thomas called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
Councilman Powers participated via phone.
Mayor Mike Thomas, Councilwoman Christine Power, Councilwoman Gigi Bennington,
Councilwoman Megan O'Keefe, and Councilman Jonah Powers
Present:5 -
City Manager Glenn Irby, Aaron Wolfe, City Clerk Bonnie Brown, and Monique ToupinAlso Present:4 -
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.Regular Meeting - January 11, 2021
A motion was made by Councilwoman Bennington, second by Councilwoman Power, to
approve the Minutes of January 11, 2021. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following
vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
3. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/PLAQUES/CERTIFICATES/DONATIONS
a.Proclamation - Official Naming Henry Family Sensory Park
4. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Stacy Stepanovich and Phillip Morton, of Even Keel Diving Services, offered their services to the
City after observing that some pilings at parks were damaged or in need of repair.
Libby Lavette, 1820 Hibiscus Drive, expressed her concerns over contractors in Edgewater, the
mangroves, and the use of Edgewater Police Department.
Mike Furbish, 1504 NW Moreland Drive, Orlando Fl, the Attorney for Aski Development, stated that
the work done at his client's property without a permit was an honest mistake; he went on to discuss
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August 2, 2021City Council Meeting Minutes
the police presence at the property, recent issues they've had with neighbors, and the legalities of the
project.
Cynthia Black, 2723 Umbrella Tree Drive, asked Council if she would be able to make comments
when they went over the utility budget; once it was determined that she meant the fees and rates
Resolution, Mr. Irby confirmed that she could. She presented Council with her first ever utility bill
that she received in the 1980's.
5. APPROVAL OR CHANGES/MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA
Councilwoman Power requested that item 7(d) be removed.
6. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilwoman Power stated that she had an upcoming TPO meeting.
Councilwoman Bennington had nothing at this time.
Councilwoman O'Keefe had nothing at this time.
Councilman Powers had nothing at this time.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilwoman Power, second by Councilwoman Bennington, to
approve the Consent Agenda with the exception of item 7d. The MOTION was APPROVED
by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
a.Superion, LLC Agreement Renewal
b.Recommendation for award of contract for the Lift Station 3 Rehabilitation project
(ITB 21-ES-10) to J & H Waterstop Utilities Inc. in the amount of $299,800.00 and
authorize the City Manager to sign the necessary contract.
c.Recommendation to approve the award of contracts for the Planning Consultant
Services (RFQ 21-DS-12) to Zev Cohen & Associates, Inc., Canin Associates and
GAI Consultants authorize the City Manager to sign the necessary contracts.
d.Addendum #1 to Southard Enterprises, Inc. Agreement
A motion was made by Councilwoman Power, second by Councilwoman O'Keefe, to approve
Addendum #1 to the Southard Enterprises Inc. Agreement. The MOTION was APPROVED
by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
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August 2, 2021City Council Meeting Minutes
e.Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) Services for Lift Station 3
Rehabilitation project (ITB 21-ES-10)
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
a.2nd Reading - Ordinance No. 2021-O-11 - Elliot Meadows, requesting annexation
of two parcels totaling .65± acres of land located on North Cory Drive.
City Attorney Wolfe read the Ordinance 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 Bennington, second by Councilwoman Power, to
approve Ordinance No. 2021-O-11. 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-12 - Elliot Meadows, requesting an
amendment to the Future Land Use Map to include two parcels totaling .65± acres of
land located on North Cory Drive as Low Density Residential.
City Attorney Wolfe read the Ordinance 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 Councilwoman Bennington, to
approve Ordinance No. 2021-O-12. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
c.2nd Reading- Ordinance No. 2021-O-13 - Elliot Meadows, requesting an
amendment to the Official Zoning Map to include two parcels totaling .65± acres of
land located on North 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 and recommendation.
Mayor Thomas opened and closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilwoman O'Keefe, second by Councilwoman Bennington, to
approve Ordinance No. 2021-O-13. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
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August 2, 2021City Council Meeting Minutes
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
d.2nd Reading - Ordinance No. 2021-O-36: Amending Section 4.07 of the Firefighters
Pension Plan.
City Attorney Wolfe read the Ordinance into the record.
Mr. Irby provided a staff report and recommendation.
Mayor Thomas opened the public hearing.
Councilwoman Power asked for a brief explanation of the Internal Revenue Code; Mr. Wolfe
informed her that it was a Federal tax code.
Cynthia Black, 2723 Umbrella Tree, inquired if it had always been five years to be eligible; Fire
Chief Jeff Lariscy confirmed that it had.
Mayor Thomas closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Power, second by Councilwoman O'Keefe, to approve
Ordinance No. 2021-O-36. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
e.2nd Reading- Ordinance No. 2021-O-37 - Charles Lynch Jr. requesting annexation
of .63± acres of land located at 142 Arbor Lane
City Attorney Wolfe read the Ordinance 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 O'Keefe, second by Councilwoman Bennington, to
approve Ordinance No. 2021-O-37. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
f.2nd Reading - Ordinance No. 2021-O-38 - Charles Lynch Jr., requesting an
amendment to the Future Land Use Map to include .63± acres of land located at 142
Arbor Lane as Low Density Residential.
City Attorney Wolfe read the Ordinance into the record.
Darren Lear, Development Services Director, provided a staff report and recommendation.
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August 2, 2021City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Thomas opened and closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Bennington, second by Councilwoman Power, to
approve Ordinance No. 2021-O-38. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
g.2nd Reading - Ordinance No. 2021-O-39 - Charles Lynch Jr., requesting an
amendment to the Official Zoning Map to include .63± acres of land located at 142
Arbor Lane as R-2 (Single Family Residential).
City Attorney Wolfe read the Ordinance 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 O'Keefe, second by Councilwoman Power, to approve
Ordinance No. 2021-O-39. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
h.Resolution 2021-R-16 Revision Economic Development Advisory Board By-Laws
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 asked why they were dropping the number of members; Mr. Irby
explained that reaching a quorum had been difficult.
At Councilwoman O'Keefes' prompting, City Attorney Wolfe confirmed that he was okay with the
revision.
Mayor Thomas closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Power, second by Councilwoman O'Keefe, to approve
Resolution No. 2021-R-16. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
i.Resolution No. 2021-R-17 - Aski Development, LLC and Maryann
Malecki-Thorhallsson requesting abandonment of the Boston Road right -of-way east
of Riverside Drive to the Indian River.
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City Attorney Wolfe read the Resolution into the record.
Darren Lear, Development Services Director, provided a staff report and recommendation.
Mayor Thomas opened the public hearing.
Mayor Thomas commented that he assumed an agreement had been made between the two parties;
City Attorney Wolfe answered that an agreement had indeed been reached.
Mike Furbish, 1504 NW Moreland Drive of Orlando, presented Council with the signed agreement
pertaining to the Resolution.
Libby Lavette, 1820 Hibiscus Drive, expressed her concerns that public access will be limited to
residents as a result of the development and that further damage is going to come to the lagoon if a
fueling station is built.
Cynthia Black, 2723 Umbrella Tree Drive, denied seeing plans for a fueling station and stated that
Boston Road has never been frequently used by the public.
Mayor Thomas closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilwoman O'Keefe, second by Councilwoman Power, to approve
Resolution No. 2021-R-17. 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-18; August 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.
Cynthia Black, 2723 Umbrella Tree Drive, stated that she had yet to see anyone at the sensory park
so Council might want to reconsider the money being spent there; Council and Mr. Irby clarified that
it wasn't meant for high volume traffic, it was a pocket park for the surrounding community.
Mayor Thomas closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Power, second by Councilwoman Bennington, to
approve Resolution No. 2021-R-18. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor Thomas, Councilwoman Power, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman O'Keefe
and Councilman Powers
5 -
k.Resolution No. 2021-R-21 Fees/Rates
City Attorney Wolfe read the Resolution into the record.
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Mr. Irby provided a staff report and recommendation.
Mayor Thomas opened the public hearing.
Cynthia Black, 2723 Umbrella Tree Drive, expressed her concerns over residents being unable to
afford the increased fee rates and the water plants operational efficiency.
Mayor Thomas closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Bennington, second by Councilwoman O'Keefe, to
approve Resolution No. 2021-R-21. 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
None at this time.
10. OTHER BUSINESS
a.Potential Property Purchase - 321 Base Leg Drive
Mr. Irby provided a staff report and recommendation.
Mayor Thomas asked for Council questions.
Mayor Thomas inquired about the size of the property; Brenda Dewees, Environmental Services
Director, answered that it was 6 acres.
Councilwoman O'Keefe asked about the estimated cost of the appraisal, Mr. Irby and Mr. Wolfe
answered that there had to be two appraisals; Councilwoman Power stated that in theory, with the
(6) six acres, they could put in a road to optimize the sale of the rest of it as a road could make it
more marketable. She also pointed out that the trucks being prevented from crossing the trail is a
good thing. Mayor Thomas said that it seemed to be a good investment.
Councilwoman O'Keefe asked if they were going to order the appraisal and reconvene and Mayor
Thomas asked for a map of the property, Mr. Irby confirmed both.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Power, second by Councilwoman O'Keefe, to approve
due diligence with an appraisal of the property, consulting design team for feasibility and two
appraisals. 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
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a.City Clerk
Ms. Brown explained that she had announced that residents could now sign up to be notified
whenever an agenda is posted through the City website at the last meeting but there had been audio
issues; she informed Council that a new program was being implemented to help streamline public
records requests; she reminded everyone that the EdgeFest back to school event was being held on
Saturday, giving a brief overview of how the event will be held.
Mayor Thomas inquired about the next Council meeting; Ms. Brown informed him that the next
regular meeting was on September 13th with a tentative budget workshop scheduled for the 23rd of
August. Mr. Irby asked that the workshop be confirmed for that date.
b.City Attorney
City Attorney Wolfe reported that the trial for the Fire Association Litigation had been held and they
were just waiting for a ruling from the judge.
c.City Manager
Mr. Irby reported that the replacement of the City Hall generator had begun on July 26th and was
ongoing; that staff would like to hold a public safety day at Hawks Park with Fire and Police
demonstrations; the Police Department is planning a community BBQ on September 4th; the salary
and compensation study is well underway, with employees currently completing surveys.
Mr. Irby stated that staff would like to request a workshop on August 23; topics of discussion are the
use of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Non-Ad Valorem assessments (storm water,
solid waste collection, etc.), the need for a fire assessment and discussion of any updates for the
proposed operating budget for next year.
Mr. Irby informed Council that the community wide visioning is scheduled to begin this month with
the UCF Institute of Government, however there are concerns over the logistics due to Covid.
12. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Mayor Thomas asked for an update from Julie Christine, Human Resources Director, on the job
openings within the City; Ms. Christine did not have the exact numbers but reported that there had
been 4 new hires. Ms. Christine offered to have a report prepared for the next meeting.
Frances Morris, 3132 Queen Palm Drive, expressed concerns about the safety of children walking to
and from Indian River Elementary School; stating that it was a dangerous intersection.
Councilwoman O'Keefe asked about installing a flashing sign for the kids to use; Mr. Irby and
Councilman Powers informed her that a flashing sign had just recently been placed there, with
Brenda Dewees, Environmental Services Director, providing specifics on its location.
Cynthia Black, 2723 Umbrella Tree Drive, spoke about a bridge that had been located near Whistle
Stop Park when her children were students at Indian River Elementary.
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14. ADJOURN
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Thomas adjourned the meeting at 7:24 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Monique Toupin, Assistant to the City Clerk
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