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04-03-2000 - Regular ... '-" ...." CITY COUNCIL OF EDGEWATER REGULAR MEETING APRIL 3, 2000 7:00 P.M. EDGEWATER LANDING CLUBHOUSE 601 HOMEPORT TERRACE MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Mayor Schmidt called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Edgewater Landing Clubhouse. 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 Police Chief Lawrence Schumaker Legal Assistant Robin Matusick Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present INVOCATION. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE There was a silent invocation and pledge of allegiance to the Flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Reqular Meetinq of March 20. 2000 Councilwoman Lichter moved to approve the March 20, 2000 minutes, second by Councilman Brown. The motion CARRIED 5-0. PRESENTATIONS I PROCLAMATIONS I PLAQUES ICERTIFICATES I DONATIONS A. certificate of Recoqnition presented to Damien Sean Fraser for accomplishments with his Irish dancinq Mayor Schmidt stated Damien Fraser was not present yet. We have a presentation for him. If he shows up, we are going to cut in and let him show us his talents. CITIZEN COMMENTS Dominic Capria, 606 Topside Circle, asked for a point of information regarding the Senior Homestead Exemption. He asked who put this on the agenda for this meeting. City Manager Hooper stated he and Mayor Schmidt talked about it and the Mayor requested it be placed on the agenda. Mayor Schmidt stated when they go to the Library they plan on talking about S.R. 442 and the beautification. When they go to the Florida Shores Clubhouse, one of the big topics is going to be stormwater. When he and City Manager Hooper talked, they wanted to have issues that were part of the areas they were going to. Mike Visconti, 316 pine Breeze Drive, congratulated the Mayor and Councilmembers for taking the meetings to the people. He congratulated Mayor Schmidt for the S.R. 442 West We Must Go. He has mentioned this before and this is a must. He mentioned this to the council in 1993. He is happy to see it getting started and feels the Mayor meeting with the Governor is a plus for us. It would be great to extend it when S.R. 442 gets widened. ..... ....., Mr. visconti further spoke about beautification. A couple of years ago we appropriated some money to do the south medians. As of today, nothing has been accomplished. We talked about putting Welcome to Edgewater signs coming in from North, South, and west and that hasn't been done. It seems like the beautification of Edgewater has been forgotten or is on a back burner somewhere. We also talked about landscaping and beautifying the intersection of U.S. #1 and Park Avenue. That will be done probably later but he would like to see that done as soon as possible. Mr. visconti spoke about an article in the newspaper entitled Cracker Day a Growing Edgewater. It was in Bob Desiderio's column. The quote was 'Edgewater is the greatest little town on the east coast of Florida' by Councilman H. M. Kuhlhoff. He believes everyone in Edgewater feels the same way he does. Mr. visconti stated the residents of Meadow Lake would like the City to clean the bordering property of Whistle stop Park and Meadow Lake. There is a lot of debris and water that lays dormant and right now that is a mosquito haven. The people asked me to speak for them and see if that can be cleaned out. In the past they have been having a lot of traffic coming through Meadow Lake from 28th Street and Evergreen Drive. He would like to know if there is any possible way of 28th Street being opened up going into U.S. #1. Gene Empter, Edgewater Homeowners Association, 513 Ports ide Lane, welcomed the Council to Edgewater Landing and they appreciate them coming. He congratulated the Council for their professional manner in which they have tried to deal with some of the problems that face Edgewater. Matthew Negedly, 3038 Silver Palm Drive, spoke about the new street signs being erected on U.S. #1. He asked if the intent is that they be installed on every street corner through the City, commercial corridor. City Manager Hooper explained there is a limit to the number of signs we are going to put up. He thinks it starts at 20 or 25 signs. We have picked a few select areas to start. It is to notice mostly public areas. At this point, they have identified up to 10 spots, at the most. Mr. Negedly asked if this is a with the size of the letters. only visible for two seconds. at Mockingbird Lane. He feels clutter to the right-of-way. trial basis. He expressed concern with the current letters, they are He asked if they should expect one this is more gaudy and adds more Mr. Corder stated they won't be putting anything there at this time. They have reviewed the area and they have no intention on putting one at this site. City Manager Hooper commented on these signs. If we are unhappy with the aesthetics of those signs, they will change them to match what we are looking for. Cliff Clark, 342 pine Breeze Drive, spoke about the proposed skateboard park. He would like this to be reconsidered. He spoke about an article in the newspaper that said the skate ramp is ready to be put in. He is not against something for the young people. He feels it should be where it is controlled. He is afraid they will be asking for trouble. He would rather see it at the gymnasium complex. Mr. Clark spoke about the pond between Whistle stop and Meadow Lake and the mosquitos. Page -2- Council Regular Meeting April 3, 2000 ~ ~ CITY COUNCIL REPORTS Councilwoman Lichter reminded her fellow constituents that the Census papers are due. They are very important for the social benefits this City reaps. Councilwoman Lichter commented on working with the Chamber of Commerce on the Adopt a street program that will start in the Fall. Councilwoman Lichter spoke about the gymnasium not being named. She feels it would be more than fitting if that name was given to an outstanding Floridian who recently received that award, Dr. John Milton Hawks. She thinks the name Hawks Park Recreation Complex rings a terrific bell. She feels this will stimulate the young people to understand the background and pride that goes into any city. She ran this by Mike Tanksley, Chairman, Recreation/Cultural Services Board, City Historian JoAnne Sikes, and Parks & Recreation Director Jack Corder. She asked the Council to think about this name. Mayor Schmidt informed Council he would be going to Tallahassee again tomorrow for another day of talking to people about different items. One of the big issues he is pushing is the extension of S.R. 442. He showed the button he had made. He spoke about the sign that is erected on S.R. 442. He also commented on the letterhead he made. Mayor Schmidt would like everyone that can to start writing to the Governor, the Department of Transportation, the local MPO, and anybody that would have a little power in the decision making of getting S.R. 442 on a list and getting it moving to get it widened as an evacuation route. He spoke about there being no hurricane shelters in Edgewater. The moneys are freeing up to do other projects and he thinks this is the best and fastest way to get on the list. Deltona is behind it and we are behind it. They are doing what they need to. We are going to have a joint meeting with Deltona to make sure everyone is on track. He feels they should keep the message in front of the people that need to hear it. Mayor Schmidt spoke about the opening of the Brannon Center. He feels this is a beautiful complex and they did a great job. He feels this is a great meeting place for Southeast Volusia. Councilman Brown thanked Edgewater Landing for inviting the Council to be there. He feels the sound system is excellent. Councilman Brown stated whenever a Councilmember needs information they go to the different departments. We have a City Clerk that does not get enough praise. This lady does an unbelievable job. He asked her to do some work last Thursday and he didn't realize what he was asking for. She managed to get this done. Without her and the rest of our employees for the City, we could not function. He would like to thank her in particular tonight. Councilman Vincenzi commented on the Senior Homestead Exemption. He would like to pursue this. This won't be in effect until 2001 which is plenty of time to work things into the budget, see how it will affect the City and compensate for it. He is for it and he hopes the rest of the Council is also. Councilwoman Rhodes spoke about calls she has received regarding the signs. There was some concern with the appearance of them. She expressed to the people that hopefully in the future they would all be attractive and uniform. She thanked Edgewater Landing. Page -3- Council Regular Meeting April 3, 2000 ~ ..... PUBLIC HEARINGS. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS A. 2nd Readina. Ord. No. 2000-0-07. Dr. William W Schildecker annexation reaardina Droperty located at Lot 9 and Dart of Lot 4. Air Park Road. containina aDDroximatelY 2.5 acres B. 2nd Readina. Ord. No. 2000-0-08. William Perry annexation reaardina DroDertv located at 545 Air Park Road. containina aDDroximatelY 2.5 acres city Manager Hooper made a staff presentation regarding Ordinance 2000-0-07 and 2000-0-08. There was a recess at this time so Damien Fraser could do his Irish dancing. Mayor Schmidt presented background information regarding Damien Fraser and presented him with a certificate. councilwoman Lichter spoke about Edgewater being part of a Water Alliance in Volusia County. She read a proclamation regarding Water Conservation Month. Mayor Schmidt returned to Item 6A. Legal Assistant Matusick read Ordinance 2000-0-07. Mayor Schmidt opened the public hearing. Due to there being no comments, Mayor Schmidt closed the public hearing. Councilwoman Lichter moved to approve Ordinance 2000-0-07, second by Councilwoman Rhodes. The motion CARRIED 5-0. Legal Assistant Matusick read Ordinance 2000-0-08. Mayor Schmidt opened the public hearing. Due to there being no comments, Mayor Schmidt closed the public hearing. Councilwoman Rhodes moved to approve Ordinance 2000-0-08, second by Councilman Brown. The motion CARRIED 5-0. C. Res. No. 2000-R-06. Supportina Conaressman John Mica's proDosal to Drovide commuter rail service to this area City Manager Hooper made a staff presentation. This would connect Osceola, Seminole, Orange and Volusia Counties. Legal Assistant Matusick read Resolution 2000-R-06. Mayor Schmidt opened the public hearing. Due to there being no comments, Mayor Schmidt closed the public hearing. Councilwoman Lichter moved to approve Resolution 2000-R-06, second by Councilman Brown. The motion CARRIED 5-0. D. Res. No. 2000-R-07. SUDDortina Governor Jeb Bush's Mobility 2000 initiative City Manager Hooper made a staff presentation. Legal Assistant Matusick read Resolution 2000-R-07. Mayor Schmidt opened the public hearing. Page -4- Council Regular Meeting April 3, 2000 '-' '.... Due to there being no comments, Mayor Schmidt closed the public hearing. Councilwoman Lichter asked if this bridge is in Volusia County and has this been the scene of numerous accidents the way it is now. City Manager Hooper further commented on the location of the bridge. Councilman Vincenzi moved to approve Resolution 2000-R-07, second by Councilman Brown. The motion CARRIED 5-0. E. 1st Readina. Ord. No. 2000-0-05. Amending Chapter 13 (Personnel) by repealing Article IV (Fire Department) of the Code of Ordinances in its entirety F. 1st Readina. Ord. No. 2000-0-06. Creation of Chapter 21 (Fire Department - Fire & Hazard Prevention) of the Code of Ordinances G. 1st Reading. Ord. No. 2000-0-09. Amendina Chapter 10 (Health & Sanitation) by repealing Article VI (Burnina of Garbaqe. Trash. Brush. etc.) Of the Code of Ordinances in its entirety City Manager Hooper made a staff presentation regarding what is currently under way with the Fire Department Legal Assistant Matusick read Ordinance 2000-0-05. City Manager Hooper informed Council Fire Chief Barlow and Carmel Shearer are available to answer any questions. Chief Barlow stated what this does is update a 17 year old code and recognizes a combination department of volunteers and paid personnel, which they have now. Mayor Schmidt opened the public hearing. Due to there being no comments, Mayor Schmidt closed the public hearing. Councilman Vincenzi moved to approve Ordinance 2000-0-05, second by Councilwoman Lichter. The motion CARRIED 5-0. Legal Assistant Matusick read Ordinance 2000-0-06. Mayor Schmidt opened the public hearing. Due to there being no comments, Mayor Schmidt closed the public hearing. Councilwoman Lichter moved to approve Ordinance 2000-0-06, second by Councilman Brown. The motion CARRIED 5-0. Legal Assistant Matusick read Ordinance 2000-0-09. Mayor Schmidt opened the public hearing. Due to there being no comments, Mayor Schmidt closed the public hearing. Councilman Brown moved to approve Ordinance 2000-0-09, second by Councilwoman Rhodes. The motion CARRIED 5-0. H. 1st Reading. Ord. No. 2000-)-10. Amendinq section 11-8 (License tax schedule): Chapter 11 (Occupational Licenses) City Manager Hooper made a staff presentation regarding increasing occupational license fees by 5% across the board. Staff is requesting the increase in fees be raised 5% this year. Page -5- Council Regular Meeting April 3, 2000 "'-' ...." Councilwoman Rhodes asked if they can be raised at any point, they don't need to be raised tonight. city Manager Hooper explained this is the first public hearing on this. There will be a second public hearing. Councilwoman Lichter stated when she first heard about this two weeks ago, her first reaction was the businesses are hurting enough. Individually she doesn't think it will hurt businesses. Collectively she thinks it will help the city. The last time these figures were increased was in 1994. She is in favor of this. Councilman Vincenzi agreed with Councilwoman Lichter. He is also in favor of this. Councilwoman Rhodes feels this could wait and be enacted at a later date when some of the fuel costs come down. She feels if the County had a conscience, they would repeal the gas tax. In her conscience, she could not see doing this until things have gone more back to normal. Mayor Schmidt stated this will not take effect until they renew in August. Mayor Schmidt opened the public hearing. Due to there being no comments, Mayor Schmidt closed the public hearing. Councilman Brown stated the reason he had Sue draw this thing up was he wanted to see how many new and old licenses we had, how much new business, how much business our City had lost. Basically we are staying the same size. He then went and talked with a few businesses. They aren't happy with it but they understand that it costs more money to run the government. He doesn't feel the business community will be dissatisfied with a five percent increase. Legal Assistant Matusick read Ordinance 2000-0-10. Councilwoman Lichter moved for approval of Ordinance 2000-0-10, second by Councilman Vincenzi. The motion CARRIED 4-1. Councilwoman Rhodes voted NO. CONSENT AGENDA A. Firemen's Pension Trust Fund Board Aooointment - Councilman Brown to consider Board's recommendation to reaoooint Laura A. Reillv for another two year term Councilman Brown agreed with the board's recommendation and made a motion that she be reappointed, second by Councilman Vincenzi. The motion CARRIED 5-0. There was a ten-minute recess at this time. OTHER BUSINESS A. Drainaqe at Carter's Motel City Manager Hooper went over a memo from Brenda Johnson regarding this property. There are no public type easements across Carter's Motel. The County came out Saturday and cleaned about 100 feet of the ditch that runs parallel to u.S. #1. They are going to come out this week and complete the job. Part of what he suggested to the County was once it is brought up to standards and conditions that the City would take over ownership so we would be in control of the maintenance of that once it was cleaned out. The County was ecstatic about that idea. Page -6- Council Regular Meeting April 3, 2000 .... ..",., Councilwoman Lichter stated specifically what the County is going to do what for Mr. Newell. City Manager Hooper stated they are going to clean out the ditch that runs parallel to U.S. #1. Councilwoman Lichter asked about the possibility that the professional building next door has hooked into water, newly put in, into some water into his property. city Manager Hooper explained what occurs is next door and to the south there is an easement that goes up to Carter's Motel that is owned by Mosquito Control. We are going to work with them and probably do a similar situation. We will work with the County on completing that section. Our first step is to get this property properly drained so if we have storms, there shouldn't be any flooding associated with here. Councilwoman Lichter asked if the City is in any way responsible for giving a permit to the professional building next door, which water may go into his sewer. City Manager Hooper commented on the review process. Councilwoman Lichter asked if he will get any relief from these two things being done or will he also have to internally himself take the blunt of the situation. City Manager Hooper explained he has to do some internal improvements. They have done quite a few. He commented on some of the problems that have occurred onsite. It's not an easy situation for anybody to cure. As far as is he due some reimbursements and credits. His opinion is no, it is strictly on private property. The City's obligation is to take the water from his outfall and move it to our ditch and our ditch will take the positive outfall to the Indian River. That part we are responsible for and he thinks we have worked out a situation that by the end of this week we will have that done and completed. That will certainly help and improve his drainage situation. He still may have onsite problems from either collapsed laterals or some other small problems that are going to occur there. The city doesn't go on private property to fix drainage problems. Jimmie Newell, 2450 S. Ridgewood Avenue, commented on two guys from the County coming to look at the situation. He suggested if the City is going to take it over that they make sure they get all of the trees that are laying there now. City Manager Hooper stated they are going to come back and clean it out to the standards of the City's ditch and the City will take it over for maintenance from that point on. Mr. Newell spoke about taxes he is paying for his property. He stated City Manager Hooper made a statement that he was going to tell them that he suggests not to do anything. City Manager Hooper stated he is suggesting the City's obligation is to make sure you have positive outfall and drainage from your property. That we are doing. That is what you are paying your stormwater fee for. Mayor Schmidt stated we will keep following up with the County and make sure they do what they do and hopefully get that resolved. Mr. Newell spoke about blocking off his property. He suggested Legal Assistant Matusick could possibly answer his question since she is an attorney. City Manager Hooper stated the issue there would be he is obligated to do what is called a pre and opposed condition when you develop or when you have your property. Whatever naturally flows onto your property has got to be able to pass through your property. That is the rights of the State of Florida. Page -7- Council Regular Meeting April 3, 2000 ..... ....., City Manager Hooper further explained water coming onto your property at so many cubic feet per second has got to leave it so that it passes through. You don't have to add any capacity or make it so the upstream can deliver more water but you can't cut off that that comes through as a natural already existing condition to your drainage system. He informed Mr. Newell let's work on getting your problem solved by getting that ditch cleaned out and if we've got your drainage so it works the way it is supposed to, he thinks that the resolution to it. Mayor Schmidt again stated we would continue with the County and make sure they do theirs and we will see how it goes from there. Dominic Capria, 606 Topside Circle, asked what retention pond this water goes into before it goes into the Indian River and are you saying in the City of Edgewater that no retention ponds, no swales that are on private property will be maintained by the City. city Manager Hooper stated no he is not saying that. The actual ditch itself does some of the cleansing so it doesn't go through a pond. If someone has an upstream area that has a retention pond, they are given credit on their stormwater fees. Some of that can occur in some of the commercial areas you see where there is an onsite pond. Mr. Capria stated the only reason he asked is because he understands their developer gave the right to the City that they maintain their own. City Manager Hooper explained the City maintains the flow coming off of private property. B. Parks Master Plan Parks & Recreation Director Jack Corder presented an overview of the Parks Master Plan. Mr. Corder further spoke about the expansion of Veterans Park to the south to help lessen the burden at the boat ramps and parking area. He would like some guidance from Council on this. City Manager Hooper explained staff needs some priorities from Council on which parks they want to target first. Staff would like some input on where Council would like them to focus. Councilwoman Lichter feels we have almost a safety problem at Kennedy Park with the boats and trailers on weekends. She feels the State will start tightening up on boats in the river. She feels they need to start looking at an alterative for good boat access. She feels if City marinas are profitable, it should be looked into. Councilwoman Lichter would like to use the river more for quiet type boat activities such as canoes and paddle boats. Mr. Corder spoke about a proposal he brought before a previous council to have a private company come in with boats and kayaks at Menard May Park. He agreed to speak to City Manager Hooper more about this and bring it back at the next Council meeting to educate the Council more. Councilwoman Rhodes asked what location. Mr. Corder informed her Menard May Park. At the time, the Council deemed this not necessary and turned it down. It has been about four or five years ago. Councilwoman Lichter feels the character of Edgewater is Riverside and to be able to use it in the proper manner before it clamps down on us. Councilwoman Rhodes feels they need to decide what they are going to do about City Hall before they concern themselves with Kennedy Park. Page -8- Council Regular Meeting April 3, 2000 ~ ..."" Councilwoman Lichter feels it wouldn't necessarily have to be Kennedy Park for access to the river. We have other parks on the river. Mr. Corder would like Council consideration for them to look at another location for them to expand our boat ramps to lessen the burden at Kennedy Park even if we keep that site or sell it where we will have to replace it if we sell it. Mr. Corder asked if it is Council's consideration to look at the possible expansion of Veterans Park to put a boat ramp facility and parking at that location. Councilwoman Lichter would like to have a special workshop meeting with the Recreation/Cultural Services Board. She feels recreation in the future is a big subject. Councilwoman Rhodes agreed. Councilwoman Rhodes feels they have got the basis covered. She likes the priorities they have. She feels with some fine tuning and some discussion, it would be a workable plan. Councilwoman Lichter feels some things could be done in conjunction with each other. City Manager Hooper asked the Council if they want to put everything, other than what we have under construction, on hold until they pick and chose what priorities to go with from here. Councilwoman Rhodes suggested holding a workshop in the next month and asked if there is anything critical that needs to be done in the next month. Mr. Corder stated the only thing they have is the engineering for the stormwater of the skateboard park which is not permitted. By that time, they should have figures back on the cost and will know whether to proceed or not. city Manager Hooper spoke about Councilman Brown's concerns regarding school children out for the summer. More than likely that won't happen that quick. Councilwoman Lichter asked if there is a way to find out what grants are out there because she thinks that is an added factor in types of decisions. Mr. Corder stated they have a list of potential grants that they can put in the discussion. These grants are competitive grants. Councilwoman Rhodes asked if we apply for every grant that we are eligible for for any project. Mr. Corder stated they attempt to yes. City Manager Hooper stated we apply for any grants that are offered to us that are string free. If there are matching funds, we don't apply for those until they bring them back to Council and they say they are willing to commit. They have done and are continuing to provide lists requesting funds for these projects. Councilwoman Rhodes thought they would see the skateboard park in place for this summer. Is that not something we could handle right now. city Manager Hooper stated if they tell staff tonight to go and make that one occur, they could start the design and permitting and probably have it in June. Councilwoman Rhodes would like to do that. Make it happen. Councilman Brown stated that sounds good. Mayor Schmidt spoke about 28th Street going to u.S. #1. He asked if it would be feasible to look into this that might relieve the cutting through of Meadow Lake. City Manager Hooper agreed to look into this. Mayor Schmidt feels the improvements at Rotary Park is one thing they should look at and see what they can do now. He agrees with the Children's Park and feels we need it. Page -9- Council Regular Meeting April 3, 2000 ~ "-" Councilwoman Lichter spoke about functions that are held at Rotary Park. This is a nice park that is hardly used. She would like to see it utilized by young people. Mr. Corder stated this might show a priority list but a lot of this would be done in conjunction with each other. City Manager Hooper requested Council give him direction by way of a motion that they make and approve that says they want staff to go to Whistle stop Park and start the process on the skateboard park. Then they will hold a work session and further define the balance of the master plan of the parks. They will work on the process they have in front of them and get Council better facts, figures and maps so they will have something better to deal with. Councilwoman Rhodes made a motion to start the process on the skateboard park at Whistle stop Park, second by Councilman Brown. Councilwoman Lichter asked if there is any possibility of this skateboard park going over to the Recreation Complex. Mr. Corder commented on the eight acres they lost at the Recreation Complex because of the scrub jay habitat conservation area. There really isn't a lot of space available over there. Mayor Schmidt asked if anyone in the public would like to speak on this. Doris Hill, 112 Lincoln Road, spoke about the noise that comes from skateboard parks. She spoke about this backing up to a very large subdivision. Those people have lovely homes and have every right to expect that they don't have to put up with that noise. She feels it is too close. She doesn't think this has been discussed. She has never heard it discussed at a meeting. If you are going to put in a skateboard park, she feels it has to be away from where people live. Mike Visconti, 316 pine Breeze Drive, spoke about people coming through Meadow Lake to get to the skateboard park. He feels either a road should be built from 28th Street to 30th Street or a sidewalk where you can come down from 28th Street to 30th Street. We have a lovely subdivision. We have a lot of cars coming through there now. At one time, pine Breeze Drive was closed and it was a gated community. Mr. Visconti further spoke about the traffic that comes through Meadow Lake. Something has to be done. They aren't against the skateboard park, they are against how they are going to get there. He also feels it will be noisy. Councilwoman Rhodes asked Mr. Visconti if he believes that opening 28th to U.S. #1 will alleviate the problem. Mr. Visconti feels it will alleviate some of the traffic. Councilwoman Lichter would like to see the proximity of the other houses to this skateboard ramp. She is getting conflicting reports of how close it will be. Mayor Schmidt asked Councilwoman Rhodes to repeal her motion and they tabled this entire topic until they have a workshop within a month. He isn't feeling anything good about this. He likes the Rotary Park idea but he feels this could wait another month. Councilwoman Rhodes repealed her motion. Mayor Schmidt suggested in the meantime they could look at the 28th Street issue and a possible sidewalk through Whistle stop Park. Page -10- Council Regular Meeting April 3, 2000 .~ ...., Councilman Vincenzi asked what is the soonest they could set up a workshop. City Manager Hooper stated they could do it within the next two weeks. It was the consensus of Council to hold a workshop. Mr. Corder passed out a draft handout to promote the parks in the city and to promote the City. C. Discussion - Additional Senior Homestead Exemption City Manager Hooper made a staff presentation regarding additional research they have done. We have learned that within the City of Edgewater there are approximately 406 residents that took advantage of their ability to reduce their County taxes. They have an estimate from the Property Appraisers Office of around $60,000 to the City's General Fund if we were to implement the full amount. They have until December 1st of this year to enact something for fiscal year 2001. Taxes are paid in arrears so that is why that would work like that. There was a brief discussion regarding there possibly being more people who took advantage of the tax break through the County. Mayor Schmidt stated he doesn't have a problem with the phase-in. New Smyrna did that and last year they voted $10,000 over three years just to see the impact. He feels it is something that is there and they should be able to take advantage of it. Councilman Vincenzi asked if the $60,000 figure is the maximum. City Manager Hooper stated that is the whole $25,000 exemption. Councilman Vincenzi stated he doesn't have a problem with recommending the entire amount. Councilwoman Rhodes stated she doesn't either. Councilwoman Lichter stated she doesn't have a problem with the phase-in because she is not sure of the amount of people and the numbers we may find that once the word gets out, she has a feeling there is going to be more than that number. until we establish that number and know what the impact is going to really be, her opinion would be to phase it in. Councilwoman Rhodes feels why they waited was because when they came into office there was such a short amount of time to pass this and we didn't have all the facts. She agreed with Councilman Vincenzi. She sees no reason that they should not give those that can't afford it a break. Councilwoman Lichter stated the average income in this community was between $15,000 and $25,000 for a family of four. What we take away from that base has to get covered by perhaps a single mom or a low income family. That is why she feels it should be phased in. City Manager Hooper stated they have work session on the budget that takes place during the months of June and July. He feels this is food for thought. It is clear that if you take $60,000 out of the tax of General Fund, you have to find some other way to put some amount or you reduce costs by $60,000. He would like Council consider this during budget work sessions. Mayor Schmidt asked for public comment. Page -11- Council Regular Meeting April 3, 2000 ~ """" Dominic Capria, 606 Topside Circle, spoke about 406 being the figure from the County but we don't know whether they all are approved or not yet. A lot of people are confused because of the $20,000 limit excluding social security. He feels $60,000 doesn't sound like a lot of money because of the annexations, which he believes will recoup that $60,000 plus in the budgets, he hopes. Mr. Capria asked about the ad valorem tax on real property. Is he correct in saying it is 20% of the tax base. City Manager Hooper clarified what the City receives in the General Fund from the property tax is somewhere in that range. Councilman Vincenzi asked what the next step is. City Manager Hooper explained the next step is to draft an ordinance that would enable this to occur and the choice with the Council and when they want to hear that. Do you want to see it now or at the work session time for the budget? City Manager Hooper stated the budget work session will be in June and the budget adoption will occur in September but by June the Council will have all the revenue numbers, expenditure numbers and in essence, we will have finished our work session and gone through all the departments and talked of what staff recommends Council appropriate. Councilman Vincenzi suggested discussing this again in June. Councilwoman Lichter agreed with Councilman Vincenzi. She feels they need all the facts and figures on the budget. Mayor Schmidt feels they could decide on the stages, if they want to do it over three years. Councilwoman Rhodes and Councilman Vincenzi would like to see it all done in one shot. City Manager Hooper stated when they bring back the numbers, they could look and see whether it is phasing or all at once. He thinks that will give Council a better handle over what impacts that will have at that time. It was the consensus of Council to bring this back in June. OFFICER REPORTS City Clerk Wadsworth stated she put some board applications on the back table and she noticed they were gone. She would appreciate it if most of those would come back to the city filled out. If anybody did not receive one and would like to pick one up, you can either contact her at City Hall or stop by and we will give them one. Councilwoman Rhodes stated she has some in her car. A citizen stated most of them didn't know what they were picking up. Councilwoman Lichter spoke of the talents of the people in Edgewater Landing. She urged the citizens to look in their hearts and see how this community has welcomed them and what they could give back to it. Legal Assistant Matusick updated Council on a claim we had back in 1998 for negligence against the Fire Department. The judge ruled in favor of our summary judgement so the Fire Department is entitled to sever immunity since they were acting as one of the protective services and not being charged for the service. The claim has been resolved at this point in time. The petitioner has 30 days to appeal it. Page -12- Council Regular Meeting April 3, 2000 ~ '-' City Manager Hooper spoke about a letter to the City of Oak Hill that identified the encroachment inside our Chapter 180 service area. Planning Director Lynne Plaskett attended their meeting tonight. Ms. Plaskett gave a report of what happened at the Oak Hill Commission meeting. She spoke of several issues that were brought up. She feels we need to sit down and have a mutual meeting and work these issues out. There are issues on both sides. City Manager Hooper stated the draft of the letter is written in such a form that he thinks it would still be appropriate to send it. He suggested the proper step would be authorization for him to sign the letter and send it and then try to follow up with a quick meeting as soon as they can to make sure this is going to happen. Councilman Brown made a motion to get a meeting together with Oak Hill and Edgewater to get this resolved to include authorization for Mayor Schmidt to sign this letter, second by Councilwoman Lichter. Councilwoman Rhodes asked if the letter could be amended so it doesn't address the encroachment issue. It just addresses the sitting down and discussing issue. City Manager Hooper said it could but he suggested they leave it there. If they have not passed it, it is stating the fact. This was read into their record tonight. The motion CARRIED 5-0. City Manager Hooper informed Council of an emergency expenditure to replace a sewer line on Date Palm Drive. He is expecting this to be in the $50,000 range. This will come back to Council. He commented on the process if an emergency exists. City Manager Hooper spoke about Code Enforcement. He spoke about discussions he has had with Sid Nowell to strengthen Code Enforcement. He and Chief Schumaker have had further discussions of relocating Code Enforcement as a unit under the Police Department. They are looking at transferring some people so they will come under Lieutenant Britain. The Attorney agrees he thinks it is a fine program. He asked if there is any objection from Council on pursuing this. They would also like to inform the Code Enforcement Board. Councilman Vincenzi asked if they would be transferring the Code Enforcement Officers and administration. City Manager Hooper informed him it would be two Code Enforcement Officers. Councilman vincenzi is in favor of this and asked what the advantages of this would be. City Manager Hooper explained it puts them in a position that they have more of an appearance of authority. He feels this will add strength. Council agreed it would be a good idea to pursue this. City Manager Hooper presented an update on the FIND project. A sign is being placed at the entrance of FIND that identifies it is a FIND City project to be opened within the next twelve months. City Manager Hooper informed Council they have received the Land Development Code. It is also going to the Planning & Zoning Board and 'Code Enforcement Board. Page -13- Council Regular Meeting April 3, 2000 '-' """" CITIZEN COMMENTS Mike visconti, 316 pine Breeze Drive, stated if nothing gets done and people are spinning their wheels, they drop out and quit. This has happened to him over the past three years. They don't see any accomplishment and when you do it takes a long time. He asked if there is any way they could set a schedule up when this beautification at a certain spot will take place, when it is going to start and when it is going to be finished. Maybe he talks too much about beautification but he cares for the city. Councilwoman Lichter asked Mr. Visconti if he presented a schedule to the Recreation/Cultural Services Board. Mr. Visconti informed her they are working on them but the beautification end of it, it is parks, recreation and culture. Beautification, as far as he is concerned is dead. He thinks since they joined with Parks and Recreation, do you ever hear of beautification? No. All you hear is parks, recreation and culture. Councilwoman Rhodes suggested at the workshop they are going to have with Parks and Recreation, could they not incorporate beautification and come up with a schedule on that date. Cliff Clark, 342 pine Breeze Drive, asked if the issue of the skateboard park has been tabled. He was informed it was. He asked Council to consider the fact that he is directly behind the proposed skateboard ramp. Mayor Schmidt asked if there is a way they could put a sign at Cecil's that states ballfields or Whistle stop Park with an arrow to get people in the habit of using that road. City Manager Hooper stated yes. John Zino, 718 Navigators Way, stated he sensed that the theme of the meeting tonight was that of communication. He suggested looking at additional ways to do that. He suggested Council share themselves with the community on a regular basis. He would like to see information provided regarding City services, personnel phone numbers, information about operations, perhaps departmental openings, procedures for application, asking for volunteers, and all the things that make a City cohesive. He suggested Council look into generating information to city members through a cable channel. He thinks for governmental agencies they could probably get that done free of charge in terms of availability. He spoke about there being a scroll on a screen continually of information. He commented on the small percentage of people that attend meetings despite the Council's efforts. Councilman Vincenzi feels this is a good idea and asked if they could look into this. City Manager Hooper agreed. Mr. Zino went on to speak about the City's appearance. He feels the growth of Edgewater, as well as it's appearance, is critical. He spoke of aesthetic value of a community, particularly a commercial community. If this is in the new Land Development code, congratulations. If it isn't there, he urged Council to think about it. Mayor Schmidt suggested tieing the cable channel idea in with New Smyrna and the Chamber of Commerce, possibly a Southeast Volusia channel. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, Councilwoman Rhodes moved to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m. Minutes submitted by: Lisa Bloomer Page -14- Council Regular Meeting April 3, 2000