05-19-2008 - Regular
~~
CITY COUNCIL OF EDGEWATER
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 19, 2008
7:00 P.M.
COMMUNITY CENTER
MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Thomas called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00
p.m. in the Community Center.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Michael Thomas
Councilwoman Debra Rogers
Councilwoman Gigi Bennington
Councilwoman Harriet Rhodes
Councilman Ted Cooper
Acting City Manager Tracey Barlow
City Clerk Bonnie Wenzel
City Attorney Carolyn Ansay
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
There was a silent invocation and pledge of allegiance to
the Flag. Mayor Thomas asked everyone to remember our
Veterans of Foreign Wars who gave their utmost so we can
live free in this country.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Regular Meeting of January 28, 2008
Councilman Cooper moved to approve the January 28, 2008
minutes, second by Councilwoman Rhodes.
The MOTION CARRIED 5 - 0 .
3. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/PLAQUES/CERTIFICATES/DON
ATIONS
A. The City of Port Orange to present an award of
Appreciation to the City of Edgewater's Mayor,
City Council and City Manager, acknowledging
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May 19,2008
continued support or participation in the
Regional, Fire, Rescue and EMS partnership
Steve Cousins introduced Division Chief Russ Rafferty.
Russ Rafferty, Division Chief, Port Orange Fire Rescue,
representing the EMS Committee under the 5 city RCC Group,
stated they have gathered this day to recognize the State
of Florida proclaiming EMS Week from May 18 - 24th. This
proclamation highlights EMS agencies in the State of
Florida for their dedication and hard work. He is joined
today with fire rescue representatives from each of the
five participating RCC group cities, Fire Chief Dan Scales,
Ponce Inlet; Lieutenant Randy Wright, New Smyrna Beach;
Battalion Commander Tad Derr, South Daytona Fire Rescue and
Edgewater's Acting Fire Chief Steve Cousins. They have
gathered to commend Edgewater's government for its vision
of EMS delivery to its citizens and visitors. He thanked
Edgewater for it's continued support and participation in
the five city regional EMS partnership. Most recently
their EMS partnership resulted in Port Orange being
recognized in July 2007 as a State of Florida EMS Provider
of Year. This award could not have been achieved without
all the dedicated teamwork from all of the devoted cities.
The City's leadership has allowed them to deliver the
highest quality of EMS care in the State of Florida. The
local theme for EMS Week is "Saving Lives Through
Teamwork." It is readily apparent that this partnership
works for everyone. He presented Council with a plaque to
commemorate their dedication to EMS care within our
community. He then read the plaque. He stated several of
their EMS vendors have donated funds for the plaques. They
are showing their support and dedication within our area.
He thanked the City's commitment for saving lives within
our community by allowing their agencies to work as one.
B. Mayor to recognize by Proclamation Savannah Weber
for her dedication and commitment to the
Edgewater Animal Shelter
Mayor Thomas asked Savannah Weber to come to the podium and
read a proclamation recognizing her for her dedication and
commitment to the Edgewater Animal Shelter. He thanked her
very much.
4. CITIZEN COMMENTS
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Council Regular Meeting
May 19, 2008
The following citizens spoke:
Dominic Capri a , 606 Topside Circle, stated he has been
asked by his community to bring the subject up of golf
carts. With the gas crisis the way it is, they would like
to know what is it legal to drive the golf carts down the
main road out of Edgewater Landing to go shopping at
Publix. If not why not and what can the City do to change
it.
Mr. Capria stated the City Charter Review Committee had two
meetings and he couldn't attend either one. He is very,
very interested in what their recommendations are as far as
the election adding one year or subtracting one year. To
him that is very, very important.
Acting Chief Bill Bennett stated golf carts are not allowed
on the street. They are not registered vehicles and don't
have the same standard equipment an automobile would have.
They are not allowed on the street.
Mr. Capria asked if they had that equipment if they would
be legal. Mayor Thomas stated it would have to be
registered and have a license tag. Mr. Capria stated if it
were registered and had that equipment would it be legal.
Acting Chief Bennett stated if they could get the vehicle
registered and get a tag on it, then he thought they could
get it on the street.
Bob McIntosh, member of the Charter Review Committee,
stated they are presently in meetings and there has been no
outcome or decisions made to present to Council.
Mayor Thomas thanked Mr. Visconti for the presentation he
gave of the video that played before the meeting.
Mike Visconti, 316 pine Breeze Drive, presented a history
on our war casualties. As of today in Iraq we lost 4,080
lives. He then pointed out other casualties of war with
regard to D-Day, 5,221 were killed; Angio Invasion of
Italy, 4,400 killed, 18,000 wounded; Hiroshima, 6,825
killed on the first two days of the war and 27,910 have
lost their lives; Okinawa in four months time, 7,373
killed, 3,356 wounded. The total American casualties for
War World II were 405,399. In the Korean War 36,568 were
killed. In Vietnam 58,177 killed. All these precious
lives are lost. Why? To save our way of life. To save
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our freedoms. The freedoms are not free. He asked to roll
the tape in honor of all the Veterans.
Councilman Cooper reminded everyone of the Memorial Day
Service next Monday at the Edgewater Cemetery.
5. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilwoman Rogers had nothing at this time.
Councilwoman Bennington thanked Savannah Weber for a job
well done and for the effort she put forth. It is great to
see young people that concerned that put forth that effort.
Councilwoman Rhodes dittoed what Councilwoman Bennington
said.
Councilman Cooper also thanked Savannah Weber and read his
report into the record. (Attached)
Mayor Thomas stated he has had a lot of contact from the
citizens and City employees this week. He met with the
Chief of Police and Mr. Barlow this morning. They had
several things happen this week and the previous week. He
commented on vandalism at Veterans Park, Menard Park, the
Skateboard Park, Florida Shores on some houses, two
vehicles and one boat that were torched in Florida Shores,
vandalism at Hawks Park concession stand where they broke
in and stole about $635. They had some vandalism at
Whistle Stop Park. They hooked to a storm drain evidently
with a chain and pulled it out and was trying to steal
that. He spoke about needing to find something for the
children to do in this town.
Acting Police Chief Bennett stated some of the vandalism
that have occurred haven't been reported. The bulk they
have had over the last six months have occurred in Florida
Shores. On May 7th they arrested an individual named Nick
Houvardas, 19 year old white male, who was charged two
counts of second degree arson and he has additional
complaints coming as far as the criminal mischief he
confessed to. He implicated some other individuals. As a
result of that the matter is still under investigation.
The criminal mischief charges against him are going to be
21 misdemeanors, one felony and then six of the individuals
that they had approached didn't want to file criminal
charges on him. 28 of the vandalisms have been solved and
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Council Regular Meeting
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what this individual and according to him others were doing
is they were tagging houses with what they refer to as a
gang sign or tagging the house, tagging vehicles, slashing
tires. This individual claims to be a portion of a group
called DEM, which is Dead End Mafia. He has more problems
coming his way. The individuals he discussed with them are
under investigation at this time and they are trying to get
information to corroborate what he has told them to charge
these other individuals.
Mayor Thomas commented on going to great extremes to
provide these parks for the public and then they have
people come in and destroy them. They asked to step up
patrols on that. He was pleased with what they have done
so far.
Councilman Cooper asked if this group spilled over into the
schools. Acting Police Chief Bennett stated one individual
is 19 years of age and some of the other individuals he has
dimed out don't go to school.
Mayor Thomas stated the City Manager, himself and Steve
Cousins did a walk through at both of the Fire Stations to
make sure that we are #1 ready alert for possible
wildfires. We don't want something to happen here as it
happened in Palm Bay. He commented on the subdivision in
Palm Bay being structured like Florida Shores with homes
and vacant lots. They spoke to the firemen and got a good
update on how they are at level one readiness. They went
through everything. We only have so many vehicles, which
he listed. He mentioned only having 6 firefighters on duty
on a good day. He spoke of being one of the special crews
in the State of Florida that all of our people are 100%
trained in wildfire fighting. He is proud of that and
proud of the firefighters for the job they do.
Mayor Thomas stated they could only do so much. We have
six people two trucks and that is what happened in Palm Bay
is it was going everywhere. They need to get the citizens
prepared with Plan A, Plan B and Plan C. He spoke of
blowing out the gutters regularly and clearing out
vegetation on the side of the house. He spoke of having a
generator. There are a lot of things you can do but you
can't wait.
Acting Fire Chief Steve Cousins stated they appreciated the
Mayor coming out and talking to them and getting him up to
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Council Regular Meeting
May 19,2008
speed and bragging a little bit about their folks and the
equipment the City has supplied them with. Prevention is
the biggest thing they can do. He also commented on
clearing out your gutters, not storing wood next to your
home if you have a fireplace or making sure the shrubbery
around your house is cleared away. All those things allow
firefighters to get in and move equipment and allow them
enough space to keep the fires way from the home if they
have wooded areas next to their home. They need
participation from everybody in the community to help
themselves and make it more viable when they arrive for
that. He commented on there being a lot of good
information on the City's website.
Acting Fire Chief Cousins commented on what we have in
place. He further commented on having the same level of
training that the Division of Forestry has. They meet all
the certifications. He commented on this being some of the
prep they have been doing up to this point.
Acting Fire Chief Cousins commented on gearing up the
equipment for the folks to wear, rehab equipment and
apparatus. He spoke of bringing the maintenance of the
vehicles back to the City Barn and the help he has received
with preparation with regard to oil changes and going
through the trucks inside and out.
Mayor Thomas mentioned the room they have full of medical
supplies.
Acting Fire Chief Cousins encouraged someone to dial 911 if
a fire breaks out and not try to put it out themselves. He
commented on having an aggressive attack. He encouraged
the residents to follow directions and road closings to
allow them to get in there and do their job better. He
spoke of the undeveloped lots next to the developed lots in
Florida Shores and the ordinance the City has on the books
that allows the Fire Department to come out and do an
assessment. He encouraged anyone that has an issue to
contact them.
Councilman Cooper commented on meeting with Acting Fire
Chief Cousins and there being an interesting program as far
as Chain of Command for these wildfires. He asked Acting
Fire Chief Cousins to explain the Chain of Command, which
he did at this time. He further commented on having an
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Incident Management Team. He spoke of being the only
group in Volusia County that has this system in place.
Mayor Thomas feels we are as prepared as we can be. The
City is doing everything it can but the citizens also have
to depend on themselves. He spoke about the fire that
occurred a week ago. He has asked the Police and Fire to
step up the patrols because of the fires being started in
Florida Shores. He also spoke about his hunt club sitting
in the Lake Ashby fire tower 123 days a year starting May
1 st through August 30th.
Acting Fire Chief Cousins stated from a community
perspective, if there is anything suspicious, if someone
sees a wisp of smoke, he would encourage the residents to
call. They would much rather get there and find out it is
something or something small and address it.
Mayor Thomas commented on a call he received from a
gentleman on Queen Palm that had a kitchen fire and him
praising the Fire Department. He is very proud of the Fire
Department.
Councilman Cooper stated our Police and our Fire are some
of the best in all the little cities around us. Sometimes
we give them a hard time about what it costs for these
services but when you need them, money is not an issue and
they are doing an excellent job for the community.
Mayor Thomas commented on attending the Kids Fishing Derby
on Saturday at Kennedy Park. They had 90 children show up
and participate. They caught 76 fish. He commented on the
kinds of fish they caught. He recognized Leisure Services
for the job they did. He commented on there being a prize
for every kid.
Mayor Thomas then commented on attending the VCOG meeting
tonight. They have a Green Committee, which goes along
with the Smart Growth principles, which is looking good.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
There were no items on the Consent Agenda to be discussed
at this time.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
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Council Regular Meeting
May 19,2008
A. Res. No. 2008-R-05, Michael & Pamelia Gordon
requesting abandonment of a portion of the 50-
foot unimproved right-of-way known as Thomas
Avenue, located south of and adjacent to 2450 S.
Ridgewood Avenue
City Attorney Ansay read Res. 2008-R-05 into the record.
Acting City Manager Barlow made a staff presentation.
referred Council to the survey.
He
Councilwoman Rogers stated there are a couple of other
trailer parks on u.s. #1. One at Hotel Avenue and one
Connecticut Avenue. She asked if they have looked to
if any of those properties also encroach on the right
way. Development Services Director Lear informed her
don't have access to their surveys to see that.
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Councilwoman Rogers was concerned if they grant this they
may be setting a precedent for these other properties that
are not zoned commercial but are zoned where they have a
hotel or the mobile home parks. Her concern is down the
road what these future owners are going to ask to do with
it and if the City in the future decides they may need to
widen some of these side streets that they are gong to lose
that opportunity because they are giving up this road right
of way. She understood these trailers were existing prior
to the current owner but when the trailers are to be
removed at some point are they planning to put in trailers
or what are they planning on doing with this property in
the future.
Peter Gordon, son of Michael and pamelia Gordon, resides at
2450 S. Ridgewood Avenue, thanked the Council for hearing
this. Carter's Motel is zoned as an MH-1 mobile home park,
which has a non-conforming status. As long as the non-
conformities are not expanded or the use is not changed it
is allowed to operate the way it has. They were given a
letter from the City when his parents went to check the
title that told his parents this wasn't a problem and that
they would be allowed to remove and replace any mobile home
on the property with an equal size or smaller unit.
Councilwoman Rogers questioned there being no mention of
the road right of way at that time. Mr. Gordon stated that
was the particular question they brought to the City.
Councilwoman Rogers stated just wanting to be able to
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Council Regular Meeting
May 19,2008
replace the trailer and the size of the trailer but not the
location of the trailer on the property. Mr. Gordon stated
to maintain it's non-conforming status it has to be placed
in the same footprint. They cannot change locations.
Councilwoman Rogers stated there was not a mention in the
letter of the right of way as far as the trailers
encroaching. Mr. Gordon stated no, not from the City. His
parents took the plat to the City and showed the
encroachment and asked if it would be an issue and the City
said no. Councilwoman Rogers asked Mr. Lear if the City
knew that these trailers did encroach. Mr. Lear informed
her they didn't know until they requested the abandonment.
Councilwoman Rogers stated her concern is they have a lot
of side roads between U.S. #1 and Riverside. They should
be made aware of these situations so in the future they
have a heads up as to what is going to come down. She
believes this is going to open up other property owners
that have property similar to Carter's Motel and they will
be wanting to do the same thing. Some of these side roads
are so narro~ two vehicles can't get down it correctly.
She understood if they were to give up the 15 feet they
would have 44 feet remaining. Mr. Lear informed her we
have a 50-foot right of way now and that it would be 34
feet. Councilwoman Rogers commented on making the side
road even less wider. Acting City Manager Barlow pointed
out the survey looked like a 60-foot right of way.
Councilwoman Rogers stated it said 50 in the legal
language. On the survey it talks about 15 point something
feet. Acting City Manager Barlow pointed out it would be a
case-by-case basis as they go throughout the City an annex
additional properties. He commented on this case being
since the 70's and it not being discovered until recently.
There would be no way for the City to determine if there
are any other similar cases throughout the City until they
are discovered.
Councilwoman Rhodes asked Mr. Gordon if this was found when
they purchased the property. Mr. Gordon believed his
parents were aware of it but the bank at that time didn't
have any problem with it. They have now found that the
property is virtually unsaleable with any type of
encroachment.
Mayor Thomas stated when that property was undeveloped,
they set aside roads. He questioned this being their
property. They set aside roads in there and that is one
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Council Regular Meeting
May 19,2008
they never used. Mr. Lear informed him it is unimproved,
unopened right of way. Councilwoman Bennington asked who
owns it. Councilwoman Rogers informed her the City does.
Mayor Thomas asked who owned the property before the City
owned it. Councilwoman Bennington stated whoever platted
it. Mayor Thomas stated and when they platted that
subdivision, they platted out the roads and gave the right
of way to the City. They want their right of way back.
Mr. Lear pointed out at the time it was in the County and
then it was annexed in at a later date.
Councilwoman Rogers asked if they were down to 34 feet or
44 feet. Acting City Manager Barlow pointed out on the
survey that at the to it references 50 feet and at the
bottom it references 60 feet. Mr. Lear confirmed it was a
50-foot right of way. Acting City Manager Barlow stated
they are looking at 34 feet.
Councilwoman Rogers expressed concern with the City growing
and the future outlook of having another 20,000 residents,
that these side roads are going to have a lot more traffic
and here they are narrowing a side road. Councilwoman
Bennington pointed out it's not even a road. Councilwoman
Rogers stated but it could be something they use later.
City Attorney Ansay stated the Land Development Code talks
about the criteria they have to apply in deciding whether
to vacate or abandon a right of way. She thinks these are
fact specific. One of the criteria has to do with the
access issue they are raising and whether or not it will
affect the access of adjoining property owners. Since this
isn't a road, that isn't quite as relevant. If they were
faced with an application in the future where they were
concerned about that issue and one were to argue that these
folks were given the abandonment. She wouldn't worry too
much about opening the flood gates because the criteria
does allow Council to consider that in future cases.
Councilwoman Bennington felt what happened was when that
was platted in the County and then these mobile home were
put in they weren't measured. They just sort of slowly
started encroaching into that without anybody being aware
of it. Mr. Gordon stated it was his understanding that
when the mobile home were placed where they are they
believed they were in the lines. He provided a couple of
overhead pictures that show they have maintained a quite
large wide area.
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Council Regular Meeting
May 19,2008
Councilwoman Bennington stated it is not a road but she
would caution the City in the future that if anybody comes
to them with something like this, not to agree that there
wouldn't be any problem abandoning it until they check with
Planning and the Council.
Acting City Manager Barlow stated they didn't give
permission that there was no problem with abandonment. They
don't have that authority. What that is is the non-
conforming status. They further clarified the non-
conforming status that was issued to this.
Councilwoman Bennington mentioned Mr. Gordon saying his
parents were told there wouldn't be any problem with it.
Mr. Gordon stated because it has existed for so long.
Acting City Manager Barlow stated that is for the non-
conforming status but not for the encroachment.
Councilwoman Rogers asked if they had received any letters
from the adjacent property owners with questions about
access. Mr. Lear informed her they had a gentleman come in
and ask and they told him the 34 feet would be left over.
Councilwoman Rogers stated so this isn't going to adversely
affect the adjacent property at all then. Mr. Lear
informed her no.
Due to there being no comments, Mayor Thomas opened and
closed the public hearing.
Councilman Cooper commented on seeing where they are
angling mobile homes on angles on these lots. He asked if
the intention was to put mobile homes in there later on.
Mr. Gordon stated by their status they are not allowed.
It's a utility corridor is all it is.
Councilwoman Rogers asked Mr. Gordon if the exhibit that
was just given to them was something he just gave them.
Mr. Gordon informed her yes. Councilwoman Rogers feels
that helps clarify it. Mr. Gordon apologized.
Mayor Thomas entertained a motion.
Councilwoman Rhodes moved to approve Res. 2008-R-05, second
by Councilwoman Rogers.
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Council Regular Meeting
May 19, 2008
City Attorney Ansay stated also before them is a proposed
easement and she asked that any motion for approval be also
contingent on the property owner's executing easement in
favor of the City because there are utilities underneath
that area, that they are agreeing to give the City an
easement. Mr. Gordon stated the City may have an easement
of the entire 15.7 feet.
Councilwoman Rhodes amended her motion to approve the
resolution with the easement agreement attached, second by
Councilwoman Rogers.
The MOTION CARRIED 5 - 0 .
8. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
A. Firefighters Pension Board - Mayor Thomas to fill
the expired term of Laura Reilly, who seeks
reappointment
Mayor Thomas nominated Laura Reilly for reappointment
Councilwoman Rhodes moved to reappoint Laura Reilly to the
Firefighters Pension Board, second by Councilwoman
Bennington.
The MOTION CARRIED 5 - 0 .
9. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Kennedy Park - Authorization for staff to move
forward with the Kennedy Park Project, using the
revised Conceptual Plan
Leisure Services Director Jack Corder made a staff
presentation.
Mayor Thomas questioned getting rid of the water issue.
Mr. Corder informed the water issue was gone. Once the
final plan is done with the stormwater it will be more eco
friendly because there will be more ways of holding the
stormwater from running back into the river.
Mayor Thomas entertained a motion.
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Council Regular Meeting
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Councilwoman Rhodes moved for staff to move forward with
the Kennedy Park Project, using the revised Conceptual
Plan, second by Councilman Cooper.
The MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
B. Quit Claim Deeds - Approve and authorization for
Mayor to execute quit claim deeds to relinquish
claim to property affected by the Western
Utilities expansion
Acting City Manager Barlow made a staff presentation.
There was a brief discussion regarding the surveyor making
the error, the construction company hiring the surveyor and
the City Council hiring the construction company and the
survey company's insurance company paying to correct the
error.
Acting City Manager Barlow confirmed this would be no cost
to the City.
Councilman Cooper moved to approve quit claim deeds for
Parcel #8438-01-00-0810, 8438-01-00-0900, and 8405-00-00-
0030 and authorize the Mayor to execute the documents,
second by Councilwoman Rogers.
The MOTION CARRIED 5 - 0 .
C. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds -
requesting approval of the Annual Plan Worksheet
for FY 2008/2009
Acting City Manager Barlow made a staff presentation.
Councilwoman Bennington moved to approve the CDBG Funds and
the Annual Plan Worksheet for FY 2008-2009, second by
Councilwoman Rhodes.
The MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
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D. Teamsters Contract Ratification - Ratification of
the Police Union Contract - This item was
continued from the-May 5, 2008 meeting
Acting City Manager Barlow made a staff presentation.
Jeff Candage, Teamsters Local 385, 126 N. Kirkman Road,
Orlando, expressed their appreciation to the City's
representatives of the negotiating team, Acting City
Manager Barlow, Personnel Director Donna Looney and David
Young, the labor attorney. As difficult as it was, it
wasn't all that unpleasant. He commented on when they were
first contacted by the officers and their principle concern
being the continued existence of the Edgewater Police
Department and their jobs and careers. In spite of how
depressing the economic climate is right now, he thinks the
difference between today and six months ago is he thinks
there is an element of hope and commitment within the
entire City community he thinks they are looking forward to
better things. They appreciated the City's patience with
them through this process.
Councilman Cooper thanked the Teamsters and the Police
Department. He feels this was a good contract. It was a
give and take negotiation.
Councilwoman Bennington stated she is really proud of the
whole Police Department for stepping up. They would have
liked to have given them a lot more. They appreciate them
understanding our economic situation. She thanked them for
making this as easy as it was.
Mayor Thomas dittoed Councilwoman Bennington's comments.
Councilwoman Rhodes also thanked the Police Officers. She
knows they took a hit and they can least afford to take a
hit. That goes across the board with every City employee.
We are getting hit from every direction. They gave up
things so they could keep their brother officers employed
and to show faith in the City. She hopes they can live up
to that faith.
Councilwoman Bennington moved to accept the ratification of
the Police union contract, second by Councilwoman Rhodes.
The MOTION CARRIED 5 - 0 .
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Council Regular Meeting
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10. OFFICER REPORTS
A. City Clerk
City Clerk Wenzel informed Council she put where she is
going with the advisory board applications in their boxes
and asked them to take a look at them and see what they
think. Councilwoman Bennington felt it was great and felt
she should keep going that way.
Acting City Manager Barlow also felt they looked extremely
well and explained they would be tailored for each board.
Councilwoman Bennington liked the explanation on what is
expected from the board, which wasn't on the application
before.
B. City Attorney
City Attorney Ansay had nothing at this time.
C. City Manager
Acting City Manager Barlow stated some of the Council may
have received a call from a citizen about one of their
apparatus being trapped by a train that was responding to a
call. He commented on what the incident was. He has
fielded very similar calls from the same individual on
multiple occasions through his career in the Fire Chief
position.
1) Tentative Agenda Items
There were no Tentative Agenda Items to be discussed at
this time.
11. CITIZEN COMMENTS
The following citizens spoke:
Daniel Blazi, Employee Representative for the Teamsters for
the Police Department, thanked the Council and Acting City
Manager Barlow for a difference in perception. It's
amazing what six months can bring you. This meeting is a
totally different atmosphere then it was several months
ago. He attributed that to and thank the overall and the
new management we have in the City with the Chief of Police
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Council Regular Meeting
May 19, 2008
and Acting City Manager. It's a difference in perception.
It's a feeling of being part of a team that is there to
solve a problem as opposed to making it felt to those
officers that they were a symptom of the problem. It's not
going to be bright times but at least they can go ahead and
work together towards finding solutions to the multiple
problems and challenges they are going to be facing.
Mayor Thomas stated he was talking to Acting Police Chief
Bennett today and he told him that the road officers are
participating more in the investigations and help on the
vandalism. He said one of the officers came in off duty
and helped the detectives. Mr. Blazi recognized that as
being Officer Brian Gintz who came in off duty and for no
pay. Mayor Thomas was impressed by that. That is what we
need in this community. He appreciated that.
Dominic Capri a , 606 Topside Circle, thanked the Teamsters
and the Police for agreeing to the contract as they did.
He thinks it was a great job. He asked approximately the
savings for the giveaway on the sick leave and the giveaway
on the vacation time that it would save the City to help
keep their taxes down.
Councilwoman Bennington asked what he meant about giveaway?
Mr. Capria meant as a negotiation they gave part of their
sick time and they gave part of their vacation time that
amounts to dollars and cents. He wanted to know that
approximate figure because he would be talking about it
when budget time comes up. Acting City Manager Barlow
didn't have that figure handy but it was a figure he could
certainly come up and call. Mr. Capria told him he didn't
have to call and could give it to him at the next meeting
or whenever.
Pat Card, 3019 Willow Oak Drive, stated on June 14th there
is going to be a motorcycle rodeo for the benefit of the
torch run for Special Olympics. It will be at the New
Smyrna Beach High School. There will be 50 to 100
motorcycle officers from allover the County there. He
hoped some of them would find the time to stop by and say
hello. They had a really nice law enforcement torch run on
the river. He thanked Councilman Cooper for coming and
Mayor Thomas was there and made a nice statement. Chris
Salamone from New Smyrna Beach is trying real hard to set
this up. It will be a good deal. He thought this was
their second year for it.
Page 16 of 17
Council Regular Meeting
May 19,2008
12 . ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Councilwoman
Rogers moved to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:16
p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Lisa Bloomer
Page 17 of 17
Council Regular Meeting
May 19,2008
COUNCIL MEETING May 19, 2008
Ted Cooper District #4
May 10, 2008 Attended the YMCA Pancake Breakfast.
May 14, 2008 As an Elk member and representing the city of Edgewater I want to thank the
city's Mothers and Daughters for attending a Mother's day celebration luncheon at our New
Lodge on Park Ave. To all departments I personally want to thank you for attending. It was
refreshing to see the city take part in a charitable event honoring Mothers Day.
My RCC and MPO meeting take place later in this month so I have nothing further to report at
this time.
The MPO has forwarded a Resolution in support of the Commuter Rail Project and as the
committee representative I am asked to present this to Edgewater for consideration. The
documentation is attached to my report for the city managers review and later council
consideration.
Respectfully Submitted:
Ted Cooper Councilmen Dist. #4
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF
FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE CENTRAL FLORIDA
COMMUTER RAIL PROJECT.
WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is undertaking
the development and implementation of the Central Florida Commuter Rail Project
running from DeLand in Vol usia County through Seminole County, and Orange County
(including the Cities of Orlando, Maitland and Winter Park) to Poinciana in Osceola
County; and
WHEREAS, FDOT has reached agreement with CSX Transportation providing
for the acquisition of the CSXT's A-Line between Milepost A749.7 near DeLand and
A814.1 near Poinciana, a distance of approximately 61.5 miles for the use of the
Commuter Rail Project; and
WHEREAS, Orange, Seminole, V olusia, and Osceola Counties and the City of
Orlando (collectively, the "Local Government Partners") have agreed that the FDOT will
be the agency responsible for the design, permitting and construction of the Commuter
Rail Project and will be responsible for its operation, management and maintenance for a
period of seven years; and
WHEREAS, FDOT has agreed to convey the Commuter Rail Project to the
Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission (other than the stations, which will be
conveyed to the Local Government Partners) after the initial seven years; and
WHEREAS, the Commuter Rail Project is described in METROPLAN
ORLANDO's Long Range Transportation Plan "Financially Constrained Network" and
Volusia County MPO's Year 2025 Long Range Transportation Plan; and
WHEREAS, implementation of the Commuter Rail Project will result in overall
social and environmental benefits, improve the quality of life in the state, stimulate
economic growth, create new employment opportunities, and serve as a positive growth
management catalyst; and
WHEREAS, the Commuter Rail Project will greatly benefit all of the citizens of
and visitors to the Central Florida region, and is needed in order to relieve traffic
congestion, provide transportation opportunities, and provide a relief for 1-4 traffic during
its reconstruction; and
WHEREAS, the Commuter Rail Project will become an integral part of Central
Florida's balanced transportation system and, with concurrent development of
improvements to roadways and bus transit, will greatly enhance the mobility of the
traveling public; and
Resolution No.
WHEREAS, financial commitments for the Central Florida Commuter Rail
Project have been made by the Local Government Partners and state funding is contained
in the Five-Year Work Program of the Florida Department of Transportation; and
WHEREAS, Congressman Mica and Congresswoman Brown have pledged to
secure more than $300 million in federal funding for the Central Florida Commuter Rail
Project and, if not used for this project, will be lost to rail transit projects elsewhere in the
country; and
WHEREAS, it is more critical than ever to provide the traveling public with
transportation alternatives as gasoline prices are soaring and new federal air quality
standards for ozone put Central Florida at risk of being declared a non-attainment area
which could result in sanctions being imposed; and
WHEREAS, the Central Florida Commuter Rail Project will support the efforts
of Governor Crist's Energy and Climate Change Action Plan, established by Executive
Order 07-128, with ambitious goals for reducing statewide green house gas emissions;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council (Commission)
of the City of , Florida that:
Section 1. The City of supports the design,
construction, and implementation of the Commuter Rail Project in the Central Florida
area; and
Section 2. The City of requests the Florida Legislature
to approve fair and reasonable insurance provisions for the Central Florida Commuter
Rail Project as recommended by the Florida Department of Transportation and consistent
with the provisions of the Interlocal Agreement; and
Section 3. The City of authorizes Mayor
, or his (her) designee to join in efforts with other municipalities
throughout Central Florida under the auspices of METROPLAN ORLANDO's
Municipal Advisory Committee to support the METRO PLAN ORLANDO Board in
making this project a reality.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council (Commission) of the City
of , Florida this _ day of , 2008.
CITY OF
. l
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK