03-21-2005 - Regular
/
'-' 'w'
CITY COUNCIL OF EDGEWATER
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 21, 2005
7:00 P.M.
COMMUNITY CENTER
MINUTES
1 . CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Schmidt called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in
the Community Center.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Donald Schmidt
Councilman James Brown
Councilman Dennis Vincenzi
Councilwoman Harriet Rhodes
Councilwoman Judith Lichter
City Manager Kenneth Hooper
City Clerk Susan Wadsworth
Paralegal Robin Matusick
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
There was a silent invocation and pledge of allegiance to the
Flag.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Regular Meeting of February 7, 2005
Councilwoman Lichter moved to approve the February 7, 2005
minutes, second by Councilwoman Rhodes.
The MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
3. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/PLAQUES/CERTIFICATES/DONATIONS
A. Mayor Schmidt proclaiming April 2005 as Water
Conservation Month
Mayor Schmidt read a proclamation declaring April 2005 as Water
Conservation Month.
B. Water Authority of Volusia (WAV) presentations by
Deborah Green
--..
...."",
Deborah Green, Water Authority of Volusia, advised the Council
they would be holding a Waterwise Landscaping Workshop on April
14th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Community Center. She stated
each year they have been having a poster and writing contest for
Water Conservation Month and this year they have a winner from
Edgewater. She then recognized Nicole Gordon and Miss Brenda
Lauren Smith, her teacher, from Edgewater Public School. Mayor
Schmidt presented her with a certificate.
Councilwoman Lichter asked her where she got her idea for her
poster. Nicole Gordon informed the Council they went to the art
room and started to talk about conservation of water.
Ms. Green also honored the people who have kept their
demonstration garden going at Menard May Park by presenting them
with a certificate. Those people included Jo Hagan, Marilyn
Callahan and Peter Mascaro.
Jo Hagan stated they have gone every week for three years to
maintain Menard Park. They are saving this City hours of weeding
and they enjoy it. Ms. Hagan then spoke about the people that
have stopped and asked them who they were and what they were
doing and then thanked them for what they are doing. They get
their gratification that way.
C. Fire Chief - Report on Special Events - Bike Week 2005
Fire Chief Tracey Barlow presented a report on the Special Events
that occurred during Bike Week.
D. Happy Birthday - Councilman Brown
Everyone on the Council wished Councilman Brown a Happy Birthday.
4. CITIZEN COMMENTS
The following citizens spoke:
Bob Meeker, 2413 Victory Palm Drive, stated he is trying to
figure out a way to get a new City Hall. He suggested a
surcharge be placed on the new people coming into Edgewater.
City Manager Hooper informed him impact fees can be used for
capital improvements for certain items. The Judicial System has
been very clear and doesn't allow administrative items as part of
an impact fee. At this point, that is outside the legal
parameters as far as what you could do as far as an impact fee or
a surcharge.
Page -2-
Council Regular Meeting
March 21, 2005
......
.....,;
Mr. Meeker suggested collecting money for permits for everything.
Councilwoman Lichter informed him we do. Mr. Meeker suggested
coming up with a permit for City Hall. City Manager Hooper
stated he wished they could be that creative but it doesn't work
that way.
Councilwoman Lichter stated at the last meeting two gentlemen
came up with a possible proposition that the owners of the bank
might be interested in a different type of set up. Perhaps
leasing or something else. They must remember also that twice
that item was turned down by the Edgewater voters and it was
about a million dollars cheaper the first time. The longer it
waits the more that price goes up.
Mr. Meeker feels the City Hall has been fine for the last thirty,
forty or fifty years. It is the new people that are causing us
to have a bigger City Hall. Councilwoman Lichter feels that
isn't true. Unhappily the City Hall wouldn't probably meet any
requirements of safety and health. There is only one bathroom
available in there. Whether there were more people or less
people, a new City Hall needs to be built. It is time. We
cannot go above with a second floor in the condition that
building is now. She spoke about trying to manage growth. She
also spoke of not being able to get rid of the land because it
was deeded to the City in some generosity of some soul. She
confirmed it's not just the size, it's the condition.
5. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilwoman Rhodes stated she was pleased that she did not get
any Bike Week noise complaints. That is a first for her.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated she did receive some phone calls
regarding the new City Hall. She is in favor of it if they can
work it out. She has offered to back any plan that does not
raise taxes but gets us a new City Hall.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated she has a new grandson. He is one
month old tomorrow. If anyone wants to see pictures, they can
see her.
Councilwoman Lichter commented on the yard sale put on by the Pet
Society in the Community Center where they raised $2,000. The
money raised from this point on will be going to the medical room
so that no animal would leave without being spayed or neutered.
The next fund raiser the Pet Society will be doing a calendar for
the new year.
Page -3-
Council Regular Meeting
March 21, 2005
....
..."
Councilwoman Lichter spoke about the WAV Group. She stated they
are going up to Tallahassee in the middle of April to talk to the
State Representatives. There are ten representatives total that
represent various areas in Volusia County. She commented on
there being very important water issues and bills that are coming
up. Within this week their attorney for the WAV Group will give
her a summary of the bills, State Statute changes and there
perhaps will be a House Bill.
Mayor Schmidt stated this past Saturday was the annual Easter Egg
Hunt out at Rotary Park. This year was the biggest they can
remember so far. It is co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of
Edgewater. There were hundreds upon hundreds of kids. There
were 6,000 plus eggs to be divided out. The Easter Bunny was
also there. He feels this is another event that we have for the
kids for the City that every year is going to get bigger and
bigger.
Mayor Schmidt spoke about a situation where a gentleman, John
Metrocavage, contacted him that was feeling very ill and went to
Station 55 and asked for help. The gentleman had nothing but
praise for the firemen who were working. It turns out that he
ran out of a medication that he was supposed to be taking. The
firemen suggested he go to the emergency room or his doctor. The
gentleman contacted the VA and got his medication. He spoke to
him before the meeting and he again said Thank You to the
paramedics that were there. He complimented the Fire Department
for a job well done.
Councilman Brown spoke about the official opening of the
ballfields at Hawks Park. He feels there is a real problem with
parking there. People don't know where they can and can't park.
He suggested they put up a sign behind the museum to let them
know they can park in there. He also suggested having a shuttle
during games for elderly people that would like to go to the
games that can't park close enough. city Manager Hooper agreed
to speak to Leisure Services Director Jack Corder to look at
options and alternatives.
Councilman Brown thanked City Clerk Wadsworth for joining the
mentoring program.
Councilman Brown also commented on the Easter Egg Hunt.
Page -4-
Council Regular Meeting
March 21, 2005
'-'
..."""
Councilman Brown stated he wanted to find out about the landscape
tips in the Edgewater Shores with regard to the prohibited plants
and trees and questioned how they are going to enforce this or
are they going to enforce certain plants. He questioned if they
are going to give out information regarding what these plants
look like. City Manager Hooper explained there is a list of
plants in the Code that if it is a new development, can't be put
in place. He agreed to let Councilman Brown know how they were
going to implement such.
Councilman Vincenzi commented on the ballfield opening at Hawks
Park. He noticed the back stops over home plate were missing.
He commented on a ball hitting a lady on the shoulder. He
suggested a net or something over homeplate in case you get a
foul ball.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A. Public Hearing, Edgewater United Methodist Church, 211
N. Ridgewood Avenue, requesting a Special Activity
permit for a Car Show on April 9, 2005
City Manager Hooper made a staff presentation.
Donald Crawford, 2518 Tamarind Drive, stated they are expecting
about 50 participants in the car show and maybe 200 to 300
visitors to see the cars. He stated they don't have an adequate
PA system and will be putting the speakers outside the doors of
church but he feels they can keep the sound down easily.
Councilwoman Rhodes disclosed she used to work for the Edgewater
United Methodist Church.
Mayor Schmidt asked if they are aware of the decibel levels and
guidelines. Mr. Crawford stated they would be glad to have
somebody come by and advise them.
Councilwoman Rhodes asked if anybody that was noticed within 500
feet was present to object.
Due to there being no comments, Mayor Schmidt opened and cloed
the public hearing.
Councilman Vincenzi moved to approve the Special Activity permit
for a Car Show on April 9, 2005 at the Edcrewater United Methodist
Church, second by Councilwoman Rhodes.
Page -5-
Council Regular Meeting
March 21, 2005
'-'
'W!I
The MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Mayor Schmidt told Mr. Crawford to come by Burger King tomorrow
and he will provide them with some coupons.
B. Public Hearing, SeaEdge Partners, LLC requesting Final
Plat approval for Edgewater Lakes Phase IA (97 single-
family units)
City Manager Hooper made a staff presentation. In Phase I, there
are 328 total units. This is the first 97 of the 328. The
purpose of tonight is to review this plat. The plat is
consistent with the PUD agreement and the Zoning agreement and
has been built in accordance to the construction plans. Staff
recommends approval as well as the Planning and Zoning Board.
Motts Berry, Director of Development Services, Sea Gate Homes,
introduced himself and made himself available to answer any
questions.
Councilman Brown asked if there are a higher number of 50 foot
lots than on the original or is this the same of what they saw
the first time. Mr. Berry informed him they have had two more
seventy foot lots with three less fifty foot lots.
City Manager Hooper informed Council there are more 50 foot lots
in Phase IA. You will see larger lots coming in with the next
two phases.
Councilman Vincenzi questioned why they are getting everything in
pieces. He would like to see everything just as a refresher.
City Manager Hooper informed Councilman Vincenzi he could get him
a copy of the development agreement order which is the PUD
document and its master plan. This is the only portion that is
being platted and that is why Council is only seeing this
tonight.
Councilwoman Lichter spoke of a developer building in phases and
Edgewater Landing being done in three phases. City Manager
Hooper stated you break it into smaller bits so you can create
the infrastructure and get it in place and sell it. Councilman
Vincenzi stated he understands that and questioned why the whole
plan is not here.
Page -6-
Council Regular Meeting
March 21, 2005
'-
."
Councilman Vincenzi then asked how many different size lots there
are. Mr. Berry informed him the original PUD said in Phase 1A
there would be 63 fifty-foot lots, 19 sixty-foot lots, and 16
seventy-foot lots for a total of 98. They have only done 97 and
he believes there are 19 seventy-foot lots. The rest are
distributed between fifty- and sixty-foot lots.
Councilman Vincenzi asked how many are in the rest of the
development. Mr. Berry informed him in Phase IB there are 78
fifty-foot lots, 10 sixty-foot lots and 53 seventy-foot lots.
Phase IC says 30 seventy-foot lots and 59 eighty-foot lots.
Councilman Vincenzi stated it is no secret that he doesn't like
these types of developments, with small lots. He again expressed
that he doesn't like the fact that the whole development is on
here.
Councilwoman Lichter stated if she had that worry, she would have
contacted City Manager Hooper during the week. Whenever she has
a question on a particular issue, she contacts City Manager
Hooper and discusses it with him.
Councilman Vincenzi feels he shouldn't have to do that. If he
reads it over and he has a questions about something and all the
information is there great. For him to ask for additional
information that should already be there is not right.
Mayor Schmidt spoke of getting copies when the PUD was originally
done. Until they are ready to plat it, even what they would have
in front of them might not necessarily be the same when it is
platted. They know what they agreed on with the originally PUD
percentage wise. Councilman Vincenzi would like to see complete
information in the future.
Due to there being no further comments, Mayor Schmidt opened and
closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Lichter moved to approve the Final Plat for
Edcrewater Lakes Phase IA (97 sincrle-family units), second by
Councilman Brown.
The MOTION CARRIED 4-1. Councilman Vincenzi voted NO.
C. Public Hearing, approval of the Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Plan Worksheet for FY
2005/2006 ($96,639) and the Five-Year Budget
Page -7-
Council Regular Meeting
March 21, 2005
'-'
~
City Manager Hooper made a staff presentation.
Mayor Schmidt asked what this was used for last year and
questioned it being used for Riverside Drive. City Manager
Hooper stated stormwater improvements. They did some on
Riverside Drive and they allocated stormwater. They have been
waiting until the Master Plan to identify exact but it has to be
spent pretty much along that corridor. In year's past it had
been spent in ParkTowne. ParkTowne is not located where you can
spent this money anymore or that would have been their first
choice.
Due to there being no comments, Mayor Schmidt opened and closed
the public hearing.
Councilwoman Rhodes moved to approve the Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Plan Worksheet for FY 2005/2006
($96,639) and the Five-Year Budqet, second by Councilwoman
Lichter.
The MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
D. Res. No. 2005-R-05, Joseph Wagner appealing the
decision of the Planning and Zoning Board to deny his
request for a variance regarding property located at
2530 Travelers Palm Drive
Paralegal Matusick read Res. 2005-R-05 into the record.
City Manager Hooper made a staff presentation.
Councilman Brown asked about attaching an extension on the
existing house instead of building a separate house.
Joseph Wagner, Orlando, presented background information
regarding the reasons for his request.
There was a brief discussion regarding not being able to include
another kitchen if an addition was put on the home.
Councilwoman Lichter stated she seriously considered Mr. Wagner's
position before she went to see the property. She seriously
thought it might be able to work. Upon seeing the property
yesterday, she doesn't think it is fair to the neighbors. That
closeness will lower values of other houses and will make it hard
for his neighbors to sell their homes.
Page -8-
Council Regular Meeting
March 21, 2005
~
~
Mr. Wagner expressed concern with not being able to include a
kitchen if they put on an addition. Councilwoman Lichter stated
the wonderment of the safety factors would certainly be bothering
her in terms of mom cooking at 89 years old. She feels an
addition would be the answer to this dilemma. She also feels
they need to think of what is there, precedence and the neighbors
and the financial impact on their homes.
Mr. Wagner feels this lS something that could be looked at on an
individual basis.
Mr. Wagner spoke of Americans being so worried about their
property values that they tend to loose focus on the fact of
compassion.
Councilwoman Lichter asked Mr. Wagner if he built the home. He
informed her no. She then asked if he purchased it as four lots.
Mr. Wagner informed her it came like that. Councilwoman Lichter
then questioned him being aware of the situation. Mr. Wagner
stated he knew it was a couple feet over but until he had it
surveyed he didn't know exactly how much it was over.
Due to there being no further comments, Mayor Schmidt opened and
closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Lichter moved to deny Res. 2005-R-05, Joseph Waaner
appealinq the decision of the Planninq and Zoninq Board to deny
his request for a variance reqardinq property located at 2530
Travelers Palm Drive, second by Councilman Vincenzi.
The MOTION CARRIED 4-1. Councilman Brown voted NO.
There was a ten-minute recess at this time. The meeting recessed
at 8:00 p.m. and reconvened at 8:10 p.m.
E. Res. No. 2005-R-06, accepting and approving Edgewater's
portion of Volusia 2020 Local Mitigation Strategy
Paralegal Matusick read Res. 2005-R-06 into the record.
City Manager Hooper made a staff presentation.
Due to there being no comments, Mayor Schmidt opened and closed
the public hearing.
Page -9-
Council Regular Meeting
March 21, 2005
'-"
~
Councilwoman Lichter moved to approve Res. 2005-R-06, acceptinq
and approvinq Edqewater's portion of Volusia 2020 Local
Mitiqation strateav, second bv Councilwoman Rhodes.
The MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
city Manager Hooper informed Council the City has received $90
something thousand dollars from FEMA to date. We still have at
least three FEMA paid employees still working for the City. He
commented on the constant changing of managers for FEMA.
Councilwoman Rhodes feels they should mention this when they go
to Tallahassee.
City Manager Hooper spoke of FEMA having a tough job, especially
with the scams and schemes going on. Councilwoman Rhodes stated
they aren't a new organization and feels FEMA should have a plan
in place for disasters. City Manager Hooper spoke of having
part-time help and then they leave. Councilwoman Rhodes feels
that just makes the problem worse and wastes money.
7 . BOARD APPOINTMENTS
There were no Board Appointments at this time.
8. CONSENT AGENDA
There were no items to be discussed on the Consent Agenda at this
time.
9. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Road Paving - staff recommending approval of the
Volusia County Proposal for paving 35th street between
Florida Shores and Volco Road for an estimated cost of
$33,000 and authorize Mayor/City Manager to execute the
documents
City Manager Hooper made a staff presentation.
Councilwoman Lichter feels this is an important piece of road to
get paved because it means Florida Shores will have a safe and
another outlet. Mayor Schmidt feels this will relieve some of
the property off of Roberts Road.
Page -10-
Council Regular Meeting
March 21, 2005
'-"
..."
Councilwoman Lichter moved to approve the Volusia County Proposal
for pavinO' 35th street between Florida Shores and Volco Road for
an estimated cost of $33,000 and authorize Mavor/Citv ManaO'er to
execute the documents, second bv Councilwoman Rhodes.
The MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Councilwoman Rhodes asked if the dirt part of Air Park Road is in
the County. City Manager Hooper informed her yes. That whole
road is County. The reason the dirt portion didn't get paved is
because that particular segment is going through a permit
application to get realigned and move it further to the west to
get it away from the runway. They still have a ways to go. If
they can't get it permitted, it will probably be paved straight
as is.
Councilman Vincenzi asked if there is a problem with the piece
where they wanted to redirect the road. City Manager Hooper
explained the issue is moving it further west goes through some
area that is wet. He feels they are either one meeting away from
getting it or one meeting away from saying we're done.
Mayor Schmidt questioned if the $150,000 grant is still floating.
Utilities Director Terry Wadsworth informed him yes. City
Manager Hooper stated we borrowed $450,000 or so from the bank so
there is about $700,000 to do that job somewhere.
B. 2005 Goals/Objectives - formally approve 2005
Goals/Objectives to provide direction for staff in
their implementation
City Manager Hooper went over the list of what he feels were
goals and objectives of the Council discussed at the workshop
February 9, 2005. He feels they need to further discuss Item 8 -
Additional Projects that should have City Council direction.
City Manager Hooper informed Council if they would like to do
this in two segments they can do that. The approval of the goals
and objectives in Items 1 - 7 and then they would take up Item 8
one at a time.
Mayor Schmidt stated he believed Leisure Services just acquired
$60 some odd thousand dollars to go towards the ampitheater and
congratulated them for that.
Page -11-
Council Regular Meeting
March 21, 2005
~
"""""
Mayor Schmidt stated if everyone is in agreement, he asked for a
motion for Items 1 - 7 to continue the work on.
Councilman Brown made a motion to continue workincr on Items 1 - 7
on the list of Goals and Obiectives, second bv Councilwoman
Rhodes but not to the exclusion of other croals and obiectives
that may present themselves as they cro aloncr.
The MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
City Manager Hooper made a brief presentation regarding each of
the items listed under Item 8. He asked for Council to give him
some direction either individually on each of these projects but
a majority of Council to tell him what they want staff to be
working on.
There was a discussion regarding the island program and what this
includes. Councilwoman Rhodes feels with out budgetary
restrictions, there are more important places to put their money
than this. City Manager Hooper suggested they do more research
and make the application for the grant. See if there is an offer
out to get the grant and bring that back to Council. If there is
a match of City dollars they would see it at that time. He asked
Council to inform him to work on it or don't work on it.
Councilman Vincenzi also feels this should not be a top priority.
If they are going to end up spending money, forget it.
Mayor Schmidt feels if this is something they can do without
spending money and at least when the information comes about on
how much the grant is going to be compared to what it is going to
cost, they should hear it. He feels this is a neat idea but he
would like to see it paid for with a grant.
Councilwoman Rhodes feels it would be really good if private
enterprise could do it and us stay out of it.
Councilman Vincenzi pointed out the people that are using the
islands have been using them for many years and enjoying them the
way they are now.
Councilman Brown stated the program for the kayaks will not cost
the City anything. He would like to find out if there is a grant
available, what it costs, what it would cost us if anything to
maintain this type of stuff.
Page -12-
Council Regular Meeting
March 21, 2005
'-'
.."""
Councilman Vincenzi would like to see paperwork and a plan. He
wants to see what is anticipated on being spent initially when
they get the grant to develop whatever will be developed. He
questioned what will happen five years from now, does the grant
run out and then the City has to go out and police and maintain
and cleaning and if that is the case, he thinks right now it is
not a good idea. If it is paid for initially and then the City
has to pay it down the road, that is not good.
Mayor Schmidt stated what he is hearing is it is not a priority
but asked for City Manager Hooper to give them information on it.
He agreed to do that and bring it back to Council.
City Manager Hooper stated they are repairing the items along
u.S. #1 and asked if there is anything different the Council is
looking at. His understanding is more street lights along u.S.
#1 and keep the pressure on Florida Power & Light to do that.
Mayor Schmidt feels the important thing is to keep the pressure
on Florida Power & Light. The City pays about $100,000 a year
for the bill right now that is through the Shores, Indian River
Boulevard and u.S. #1.
Councilman Vincenzi questioned City Manager Hooper if he was
talking about repairing, maintaining, and replacing what was
there and then expanding if needed. He questioned not paying for
the expanding of power poles. City Manager Hooper informed him
the City pays for the installation and the power.
There was further discussion regarding the cost of installation
and there being approximately 1,300 power poles in the City.
Councilman Vincenzi informed City Manager Hooper to repair what
is broken and see if we need more at a later date.
city Manager Hooper then commented on sidewalks. The City
really doesn't have an active program to replace or expand. We
have started a sidewalk fund that if somebody comes in and
develops and doesn't put in sidewalks they make a cash
contribution of the cost of that sidewalk.
Mayor Schmidt would like to see a sidewalk put from SR 442 to the
Recreation Complex on Turgot Avenue on U.S. #1. He feels this
connects Florida Shores to the YMCA and that end of the City.
Page -13-
Council Regular Meeting
March 21, 2005
W'
""-II
Mayor Schmidt expressed a concern regarding the skateboard park
at the corner of 10th Street with the traffic and the kids.
Councilman Vincenzi stated he thought he read in the paper that
that was not an option. City Manager Hooper stated the County
said they wouldn't give the property. The property was paid for
with road impact fees and it had to be reimbursed out of other
dollars. He thinks it is unlikely the County will sell it and do
anything different with it than make it into a larger pond and
then try to sell it as office. He spoke of the one at the
Community College having a real chance. If the Council is
interested in a skateboard park and teaming with New Smyrna to
cut our cost in half and make it regional.
Councilwoman Lichter asked the status of the shuffleboard players
with New Smyrna. City Manager Hooper stated the City of New
Smyrna was eager to make a regional facility. He thought our
players decided that was an acceptable answer and then FEMA comes
along and said you can't spend the money outside of Edgewater.
Councilman Vincenzi feels the location at the corner of 10th
Street and u.S. #1 is not an option.
There was a brief discussion regarding the Community College
location. Councilman Vincenzi said a majority of the residents
using the skateboard park would be people from New Smyrna and
feels we would be paying for something that we wouldn't be
getting a whole lot of use out of. Councilwoman Rhodes mentioned
the High School going in and the Middle School being there.
Councilman Vincenzi feels they need to consider what the students
will do when they leave there and if they will go traipsing
through there. He feels they shouldn't mix any type of
pedestrian traffic in the industrial area.
Mayor Schmidt spoke
when they are done.
the industrial park
what the City does.
of 10th Street having an 8' bike path on it
He spoke of children jumping the fence at
to make their way through there no matter
Councilman Vincenzi feels it is a mistake putting it there from
our point of view. He feels it is great for New Smyrna because
kids live there and the schools are there and he is sure
Edgewater kids do go to the school but he thinks that location lS
not good. He feels if they wanted to build a skateboard park, it
should be more centralized in the City so our kids can take
advantage of it. He questioned where the BMX park is going and
suggested they put the skateboard park and the BMX park together
at the property on Mango Tree Drive.
Page -14-
Council Regular Meeting
March 21, 2005
'-'
.""."
Councilwoman Rhodes feels that because the middle school is there
and the high school is going in you are going to have a slew of
kids over there anyway whether there is a skateboard park there
or not. She isn't sure a skateboard park will impact that area
anymore than it is already being impacted by the two schools.
Councilman Vincenzi feels if they pursue it, it should be a low
priority. Councilwoman Rhodes would like to get a feel for the
impact it will have on ParkTowne.
There was a brief discussion regarding the New Smyrna Middle
School remaining once the Middle School lS built in Edgewater.
Mayor Schmidt feels that is not an item on the list right now
until they know more of roads. Councilwoman Rhodes feels it
should be investigated as far as what kind of buffer or wall will
be used to keep it separate from ParkTowne. The last things you
want are those kids in ParkTowne. City Manager Hooper informed
Council he would continue to talk to New Smyrna and see what they
are thinking.
City Manager Hooper spoke about a BMX park at the School Board
property at the corner of Park Avenue and Mango Tree Drive. We
made a grant application that we did not get successfully last
year. The property is for sale by the School Board for $450,000.
He feels if they were going to put a BMX park, that is probably a
reasonable area to be able to make it as a perimeter around the
lake. The property is 38.3 acres.
Councilwoman Rhodes expressed concern with children falling in
the lake.
Councilman Brown stated even if they didn't put a BMX park there,
that piece of property would make an ideal park for the middle of
our town. He feels they need to think about buying that piece of
property because it isn't going to be there forever.
Councilman Vincenzi asked City Manager Hooper if he has talked to
the School Board about this piece of property. City Manager
Hooper informed him numerous times.
Councilman Brown stated he thought about working with the school.
He spoke about the Middle School having FFA and they have pigs
and sheep and such as that. We have property across the street
for the animal shelter that isn't going to use the whole piece of
property.
Page -15-
Council Regular Meeting
March 21, 2005
"-"
....,
Councilwoman Lichter stated they probably won't have pigs and
cows and sheep. Councilman Brown spoke about working a deal with
the School Board that they could use part of the property.
Councilwoman Lichter spoke about having dog walks. They are
waiting to see if that property is acceptable. The first reports
came through pretty positively but they won't know where it will
be located on the 18 acres. She feels it is very premature to be
talking about this.
Mayor Schmidt asked City Manager Hooper what else he needed.
City Manager Hooper stated what he thinks he is hearing is to
spend some money on the streetlights and some sidewalks. The
rest of it, do some study, don't spend any money and bring it
back an item at a time.
Mayor Schmidt spoke of not putting an FFA chapter in the new
Middle School because of the schools being so close.
Councilwoman Lichter commented on trying to think of ways to use
the land to make money for the animal facility.
City Manager Hooper informed Council he would be bringing the new
positions to Council at the next Council meeting.
10. OFFICER REPORTS
A. City Clerk Wadsworth had nothing at this time.
B. Paralegal Matusick
Paralegal Matusick stated in February the Police Department made
an arrest for attempted murder and they confiscated some drugs
and currency and we successfully did a forfeiture where they got
$2,500 and the City got over $33,000 for the trust fund.
C. City Manager Hooper
City Manager Hooper commented on the interlocal agreement between
the City and the County for $300,000 of County dollars to be
spent at ParkTowne on infrastructure. He asked for Council
approval authorizing the Mayor to sign it.
Councilman Vincenzi moved to authorize the Mavor to sian the
interlocal aqreement, second bv Councilwoman Lichter.
The MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Page -16-
Council Regular Meeting
March 21, 2005
.'
w
""'"
11. CITIZEN COMMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE
The following citizen spoke:
Chris Balmer, 148 William street, stated he believes this Council
and City Manager as a whole does a great job running the City.
However, the discussion around Item 6B on the agenda is yet
another example of how certain Councilmembers continue to come to
Council meetings with the public's trust to cast educated votes
and fail to do so. If it pleases the Council, he suggested if
they have a question about an agenda item that they do their
homework before they attend a voting session of Council. The
voting citizens would appreciate that.
Councilman Vincenzi stated he does his homework and reads
everything and would appreciate full information beforehand. He
feels he shouldn't have to ask for it.
A. Tentative Agenda Items
There were no Tentative Agenda Items to be discussed at this
time.
12 . ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Councilwoman Rhodes
moved to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Lisa Bloomer
Page -17-
Council Regular Meeting
March 21, 2005