08-07-2023 - Regular104 N. Riverside Drive
Edgewater, FL 32132City of Edgewater
Meeting Minutes
City Council
6:00 PM Council ChambersMonday, August 7, 2023
1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION
Mayor Depew called the meeting to order at 6pm.
Mayor Diezel DePew, Councilwoman Charlotte Gillis, Councilwoman Gigi Bennington,
Councilwoman Debbie Dolbow, and Councilman Jonah Powers
Present:5 -
City Attorney Aaron Wolfe, City Manager Glenn Irby, City Clerk Bonnie Zlotnik, and
Assistant to the City Clerk Monique Toupin
Also Present:4 -
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None at this time
3. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/PLAQUES/CERTIFICATES/DONATIONS
a.Presentation by Jones-Edmunds Engineers of the Hurricane Ian Exposure Analysis
and Review of City Stormwater Code and Standards
b.Citizen Recognition Award - Girl Scout Troop 1172
4. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Dawn Dill, 119 E. Park Avenue, spoke of the upcoming visioning session and the possibility of having
more dog waste receptacles at Kennedy Park.
Bob Williams, 767 Pines Shores Circle, New Smyrna Beach, of the Southeast Volusia Chamber of
Commerce; thanked City Council and Staff, specifically Samantha Bergeron and the Economic
Development Board for their work with the Chamber. He informed Council of the initiatives the
Chamber had taken to advocate for Edgewater.
Jordan Snipes, 3222 Royal Palm Drive, speaking on behalf of Mission 22, is hosting a Veterans
mental health and suicide awareness walk on September 16th. They will be starting at the American
Legion Post 285 in Edgewater and plan to walk a little over 22 miles. Anyone is welcome to join.
5. APPROVAL OR CHANGES/MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA
Council discussed tabling item 10e but ultimately decided to keep it in order to hear citizens
comments.
A motion was made by Councilman Powers, second by Councilwoman Gillis, to table
Resolution No. 2023-R-15 to a Special Meeting on August 21, 2023. The MOTION was
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APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor DePew, Councilwoman Gillis, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman Dolbow
and Councilman Powers
5 -
6. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilwoman Dolbow reported that she had attended the ribbon cutting for Edward Jones; the
budget workshop; a crime watch meeting and the back-pack drive at the YMCA.
Councilman Powers reported that earlier in July, he had attended the Florida Inland Navigation
District (FIND) community meeting with Councilwoman Gillis; the Volusia League of Cities meeting
with Mayor Depew and Councilwoman Gillis in Debary and the back-pack drive. He thanked the
staff and residents who had made the event possible.
Councilwoman Gillis reported that she had attended the Fourth of July celebration; Yappy Hour at
30th Street Station; Fishing with the Police; the Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce
Ambassador meeting; July's Code Enforcement Special Magistrate Meeting; she rode along with K9
Officer Nugent; met with members of City Departments to ask budget questions; met with the City of
Debary staff and their Mayor to discuss flooding; she attended the ribbon cutting for Edward Jones;
the budget workshop; had toured the FROG Ministries facility; attended the Florida Inland
Navigation District Outreach event; the Edgewater Animal Shelter charity corn hole tournament; the
Halifax Health Lunch and Learn for cancer awareness event; the League of Cities event in Debary;
toured the City with City Manager Irby to discuss current and future projects; attended Sheriff
Chitwoods parent safety meeting and the crime watch meeting. She had brought food to Parks and
Recreation and Environmental Services to show her appreciation. She attended mentor training at
New Smyrna Beach Middle School to be able to mentor youth; spent the day with Fire Department C
shift; the back-pack event; and spent time at the Gifts of Love food bank.
Councilwoman Bennington reported that she had attended the Yappy Hour for the Animal Shelter.
She appreciated her fellow Councilmembers for attending so many events.
Mayor Depew reported that he had spoken at WSBB radio and had attended numerous political
meetings; the Southeast Volusia Regional Economic Summit; the Kiwanis Club in New Smyrna
Beach; ribbon cuttings for Joes Cigar room, the Boston Whaler Customer Experience Center,
Complete Health, Edward Jones and the Palmetto Real Estate Brokerage Firm; he spoke to
teenagers in Apopka about being Mayor; had a lunch meeting with Mayor Burnette of Port Orange;
a meeting with the Housing Authority; helped Habitat for Humanity at the New Hampshire Street
location; went on a full ride along with Fire Station 55; attended a Habitat for Humanity
groundbreaking ceremony; will be attending and meeting with various new Representatives at
Capital Hills Fourth of July training; he attended the Halifax Health Community Outreach program;
had a meeting with Jason Meyers at the Synergy Building in Holly Hill; had training in Washington
DC; rode along with Code Enforcement; had lunch with Kelly Mcgee from Riverside Conservancy,
Ponce Inlet Mayor Lois Paritsky, Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry; Daytona Beach Shores
Mayor Nancy Miller, New Smyrna Beach Mayor Fred Cleveland, Port Orange Mayor Don Burnette
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and Sheriff Chitwood; he attended a Volusia League of Cities Dinner; and the back-pack event.
Mayor Depew spoke about the need for a Community Center in Edgewater and asked for Councils
opinion on creating a 501(c)(3) for residents and organizations to donate and show support.
Councilwoman Dolbow asked where the center would go; Mayor Depew said that would be a
discussion for the residents and Council.
Councilman Powers expressed concerns over the 501(c)(3); but would ultimately want Council or
appointed staff to have autonomy over it.
Councilman Powers asked if the future City Hall complex would have a community center space; Mr.
Irby said that is where he thinks it should go. Councilman Powers wondered if they could start with
the community center and build the rest of the complex around it to avoid buying additional
property.
Councilwoman Bennington said that while it's not to early to look; she doesn't want them to jump
into anything, especially with all the projects the City currently has in progress.
Mayor Depew stated that in July the City had discharged 3.743 million gallons of reclaimed water a
day into the River and he had met with many people regarding the excess reclaimed water. Kelly
McGee and Randy Coslow, Environmental Services Director, had both suggested moving forward
with the Mango Tree Lake facility next to Public Works. The next step is looking for funding; Mayor
Depew plans to speak to the Indian River Lagoon Council about this potential project.
Councilwoman Dolbow asked about using Mango Lake for the excess reclaim water; Mr. Irby said
that it would have to be engineered to see how much it can take and that a study would have to be
done, as they can't just start discharging.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Councilman Powers, second by Councilwoman Bennington, to
approve the Consent Agenda. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor DePew, Councilwoman Gillis, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman Dolbow
and Councilman Powers
5 -
a.Granicus Agreement Renewal
b.Authorization to Dispose of Surplus Asset and Non-Asset Items
c.FY22-23 Paved Road Resurfacing Strategies
d.Request from East Coast Independence Baseball Club for a discounted rate to use
the Baseball Fields at Hawks Park Baseball Complex.
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e.Request Approval for the Change Order from Perfect Trades LLC for the City Clerk
Metal Building and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Change Order
f.Request Approval of Addendum #1 to Extend the Brownfields Assessment Coalition
Agreement Between City of New Smyrna Beach, City of Edgewater, and City of
Oak Hill
g.Temporary Staffing Services
h.Agreement between the City of Edgewater and Orange Data to manage our
foreclosed property ordinance.
i.Addendum No 2 to the Professional Arborist Services Agreements
j.Addendum No. 2 to the Professional Surveying Services Agreements.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
a.Resolution No. 2023-R-15: Modifying the Schedule of Fees/Rates
This item was tabled to August 21, 2023
b.Resolution No. 2023-R-24: Endorsing FDOT’s Vision Zero Plan
City Attorney Wolfe read the Resolution into the record.
City Manager Irby provided a staff report and recommendation.
Mayor Depew opened the public hearing.
Mayor Depew asked that they work on Orange Tree Drive.
Mayor Depew closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Dolbow, second by Councilman Powers, to approve
Resolution No. 2023-R-24. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor DePew, Councilwoman Gillis, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman Dolbow
and Councilman Powers
5 -
9. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
None at this time
10. OTHER BUSINESS
a.FP-2301, Request for Final Plat Approval for Rivers Edge Subdivision
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Ryan Solstice, Interim Development Services Director, provided a staff report and recommendation.
Mayor Depew opened the public hearing.
Chuck Martin, 205 Cherrywood Lane, asked if the subdivision would hold its own water.
Rick Dixon, 102 S. Orange Street, New Smyrna Beach, Engineer for the project, stated that the
systems are designed with a central pond and two (2) dry retention wells; it does meet the
requirements of the St. Johns Water Management District and the City.
Mayor Depew stated that he hadn't received any comments from surrounding neighbors regarding
flooding concerns and that he sees no issues with this development.
Councilman Powers stated that 35-40% had been left open and that there had been an eagles nest
situation; the developer had reworked their design to ensure that those elements were preserved. He
commended the Planning & Zoning Board for their work as well.
A motion was made by Councilman Powers, second by Councilwoman Dolbow, to approve
the Final Plat for Rivers Edge subdivision. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following
vote:
Yes:Mayor DePew, Councilwoman Gillis, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman Dolbow
and Councilman Powers
5 -
b.FP-2302, Request for Final Plat approval for Oak Leaf Phase 3a subdivision
Ryan Solstice, Interim Development Services Director, provided a staff report and recommendation.
Glenn Storch, representation for the applicant, stated that the presented plat meets the legal criteria;
the comp plan; the zoning and the Land Development Code. He noted that the stormwater discharge
is going to be equal to or less than the amount of stormwater undeveloped.
Mayor Depew opened the public hearing.
Chuck Martin, 205 Cherrywood Lane, felt that the County has not been doing their job regarding
stormwater and encouraged the residents living on Elizabeth Street to attend County Council
meetings.
Tina Richardson, 1513 Elizabeth Street, has had issues with flooding and has been in contact with the
County and the gentleman in charge of cleaning out the ditches.
Mayor Depew closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilman Powers, second by Councilwoman Dolbow, to approve
the Final Plat for Oak Leaf Phase 3a. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
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Yes:Mayor DePew, Councilwoman Gillis, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman Dolbow
and Councilman Powers
5 -
c.Accepting a Florida Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Equipment Grant from
Division of the State Fire Marshal, if awarded.
City Manager Irby provided a staff report and recommendation.
Mayor Depew opened the public hearing.
Councilman Powers asked if this would come out of the current fiscal year or the upcoming one; Mr.
Irby said that would depend on when it's awarded but they think it's going to be for the month of
September.
Councilman Powers asked if the Grant Writer identified this or the Fire Department; Mr. Irby told
him it was the Grant Writer. Councilman Powers and Councilwoman Gillis commended Sandy Camp
for doing so well getting grants for the City.
Mayor Depew closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilman Powers, second by Councilwoman Gillis, to accept the
Florida Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Equipment grant, if awarded and amend the
budget accordingly. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor DePew, Councilwoman Gillis, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman Dolbow
and Councilman Powers
5 -
d.Provide direction regarding settlement related to a motor vehicle accident that
occurred on October 28, 2021 (Claim #387403).
City Attorney Wolfe provided a staff report and recommendation.
Councilman Powers clarified that the insurance position is to settle for the $25,000. In the instance
that they did decide to take it to court and lose; the City would owe $85,000, how much of that
would insurance cover? Mr. Wolfe responded that there is a consent to settle clause in the insurance
policy; so if they did choose to deny the settlement and do in fact lose, the City would have to pay
that difference.
Councilwoman Dolbow asked if the City would be responsible for the opposing parties lawyer fees;
Mr. Wolfe said that normally each side pays their own attorneys fees but the City would have to pay
the defense attorney fees plus any payment to settle.
Mayor Depew opened and closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilman Powers, second by Councilwoman Bennington, to settle
Claim #387403 for $25,000.00. The MOTION was APPROVED by the following vote:
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Yes:Mayor DePew, Councilwoman Gillis, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman Dolbow
and Councilman Powers
5 -
e.Sign Discussions
Heather Otero, co-owner of La Familia Latin Cuisine, gave her support for flags being allowed in
Edgewater. She also gave support on behalf of:
Max Athletics
Nail'd It Studios
Mac's Smoke Shop
Patties Cheesecakes
Bellasol Paddleboard's
Atlantic Wave Hair Studio
Edgehub Nutrition
Laubster Catering
A motion was made by Councilman Powers, second by Councilwoman Dolbow, to table the
sign discussion to a later scheduled workshop. The MOTION was APPROVED by the
following vote:
Yes:Mayor DePew, Councilwoman Gillis, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman Dolbow
and Councilman Powers
5 -
f.Accept a Firefighter Assistance Grant for personal protective equipment, if awarded.
City Manager Irby provided a staff report and recommendation.
Mayor Depew opened the public hearing.
Councilwoman Gillis thinks it is a great idea because to her understanding; the bunker gear expires
and does have to be replaced.
Mayor Depew closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilman Powers, second by Councilwoman Gillis, to accept the
Firefighter Assistance Grant and authorize the City Manager to issue a Purchase Order to
Bennett Fire Products Co., Inc. in the amount of $49,115.00 for 10 complete sets of
PPE/bunker gear, subject to successful awarding of the grant. The MOTION was
APPROVED by the following vote:
Yes:Mayor DePew, Councilwoman Gillis, Councilwoman Bennington, Councilwoman Dolbow
and Councilman Powers
5 -
11. OFFICER REPORTS
a.City Clerk
City Clerk Zlotnik reminded Council that on August 21st there is a budget workshop at 10am and the
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Council visioning session at 1pm.
There was a brief discussion on the best time to discuss the fees.
b.City Attorney
City Attorney Wolfe provided litigation updates on the 1859 Pine Tree drive foreclosure; the Ingles
case; the Hatcher case and a new case filed by Lawrence Garrett regarding an accident involving a
police cruiser and a bicycle.
c.City Manager
City Manager Irby had nothing at this time.
Samantha Bergeron, Economic Development Coordinator, reported that the TechHub grant
application that Council approved at the last meeting needed more partners; in their quest to gain
those, they had been invited through the Southeast Volusia Manufacturing and Technology Coalition
to join a larger consortium that includes Space Florida and Embry Riddle. She asked Council's
permission to move forward with that.
Councilman Powers asked for further clarification; Ms. Bergeron said she would give the
information to City Clerk Zlotnik and City Manager Irby.
Council gave consensus to move forward.
12. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Chuck Martin, 205 Cherrywood Lane, discussed and apologized for comments made at past
meetings.
13. ADJOURN
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Depew adjourned the meeting at 7:56pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by:
Monique Toupin, Assistant to the City Clerk.
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