08-16-2010 - Regular
a.b
CITY COUNCIL OF EDGEWATER
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 16, 2010
6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Thomas called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:09 p.m. in
the Council Chambers.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Michael Thomas
Councilwoman Debra Rogers
Councilwoman 8igi Bennington
Councilwoman Harriet Rhodes
Councilman Ted Cooper
City Manager Tracey Barlow
City Clerk Bonnie Wenzel
City Attorney Carolyn Ansay
Present
Absent
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 June 21, 2010
City clerk Wenzel stated she received a phone call from
Councilwoman Rogers this afternoon. On Page 5, the last
paragraph, halfway down the paragraph it states "Councilwoman
Rogers stated she didn't read it" speaking of the CAFR. When
she called her today she stated that she was actually stating to
Councilwoman Bennington that she did not read it and she felt it
read that Councilwoman Rogers did not read the CAFR.
Councilwoman Bennington stated she didn't think it sounded that
way. She felt it sounded like she was talking to her.
Councilwoman Bennington moved to approve the June 21, 2010
minutes, second by Councilwoman Rhodes.
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Council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
The MOTION CARRIED 4 - 0 .
B. Executive Session of July 12, 2010
Councilwoman Rhodes moved to approve the July 12, 2010 Executive
Session minutes, second by CounciLman Cooper.
The MOTION CARRIED 4 - 0 .
C. Special Meeting of July 12, 2010
Councilwoman Bennington moved to approve the July 12, 2010
Specia~ Meeting minutes, second by Counci~woman Rhodes.
The MOTION CARRIED 4 - 0 .
D. Regular Meeting of July 19, 2010
Councilman Cooper moved to approve the July 19, 2010 minutes,
second by Counci~woman Rhodes.
The MOTION CARRIED 4 - 0 .
Mayor Thomas wanted to extend his appreciation to Lisa Bloomer
and City Clerk Wenzel for catching up on the minutes.
Councilwoman Bennington stated Lisa told her she wanted to make
sure all of the minutes were up to date before she retired so
they can't let that happen. City Clerk Wenzel agreed.
3. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/PLAQUES/CERTIFICATES/DONATIONS
A. Mayor Thomas to proclaim September 8, 2010 as Matthew
Morris Day
Mayor Thomas read a proclamation declaring September 8th as
Matthew Morris Day.
Mayor Thomas commented on Boy Scouting being very important and
they say obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout is almost like
obtaining two years of a college education.
4. CITIZEN COMMENTS
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council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
Lois Troxell, 322 Admiralty Court, stated she got a letter that
there was going to be a public hearing at 6:00 p.m. on changing
the Comprehensive Plan on u.s. #1, Ordinance 2010-0-14. She did
not see it on the agenda.
Ms. Troxell stated this is a comprehensive land use plan and so
here they are bringing a request for a change to a plan and this
is what people are opposed to. If there is a comprehensive land
use plan then it would be nice if they would stick to that plan
instead of always bringing changes. That is why people want an
actual vote on these changes. She thinks this is a perfect
example of how they should be able to understand why they are
unhappy with the status quo.
City Manager Barlow informed her she would receive another
notice when it was placed on the agenda again and that it had
been continued.
Mayor Thomas asked City Manager Barlow if he wanted to address
her complaint about amending the Comprehensive Plan and explain
why they do amendments.
City Manager Barlow stated he thought she was referencing her
support for Amendment 4. He explained a Comprehensive plan is a
roadmap into the future as it relates to land uses. As time
changes and communities change there is a need for amendments to
the comp plan. They are required to do a Comprehensive Plan
Amendment on a regular basis by DCA.
Mayor Thomas stated sometimes when they make the plan, they want
to stick with the plan but sometimes there is a need to make an
amendment.
Councilwoman Rhodes felt when something like this is tabled they
should receive another notice letting them know it was tabled so
they don't come to the meeting. City Manager Barlow informed
her they could look at that and referred to the costs associated
with doing that. They try to do a general notice of circulation
in the newspaper.
5. APPROVAL OR CHANGES/MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA
There were no Changes/Modifications to the agenda.
6. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
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Council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
Councilwoman Rhodes had nothing at this time.
Councilman Cooper reported on the YMCA meeting. He commented on
the two new beach cruiser bicycles they received that they are
raffling off. Every quarter they are going to give away two
bicycles.
Councilwoman Bennington commented on CAPS being in training for
the JamFest event in October to help direct the traffic.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Addendum #1 to the Professional Services Agreements with
Quentin L. Hampton Associates, Inc., B&H Consultants,
Inc., CPH Engineers, Inc., and Tindale-Oliver &
Associates, Inc. and authorize the. City Manager to
execute the documents
City Manager Barlow made a staff presentation.
Councilwoman Bennington moved to approve the Consent Agenda,
second by Councilwoman Rhodes.
The MOTION CARRIED 4 - 0 .
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A. 1st Reading, Ordinance No. 2010-0-13; Amending the Land
Development Code by enacting Article X (Boat Slip
Allocations) (This item was continued from the July 19,
2010 Meeting)
City Attorney Ansay read Ordinance 2010-0-13 into the record.
City Manager Barlow made a staff presentation. The City has
been allocated 798 slips. After subtracting the existing slips
and slips already allocated to the existing residential
waterfront parcels, it leaves the City with about 418 excess
slips.
Councilman Cooper asked about the reference to a motorized boat.
He commented on not having to allocate a slip or pay an annual
fee for a row boat. City Manager Barlow informed him that was
correct. Councilman Cooper then asked about a jet ski being a
motorized boat. City Manager Barlow informed him that was
correct.
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Council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
Councilman Cooper asked if someone was to build a house on
Riverside Drive whose obligation it would be to apply for the
slip, the builder or the homeowner. City Manager Barlow
informed him it could be either. They could build the house and
do the slip later. The slips are already allocated for the
parcels on Riverside Drive, even if there is no house on the
property.
Mayor Thomas asked what it would cost. City Manager Barlow
informed him it would be identified in the fees, which will be
brought back to Council in the fee resolution. He further
commented on having two costs whether it is residential, multi-
family or commercial. Reservation and extension per slip would
be $100 per year. It is $250 to have the slip allocated with a
$25 renewal every year for residential. For multi-family and
commercial it was still $100 to reserve it and $1,000 to buy it
out of the excess pool and then multi-family residential there
would be a $100 use fee every year and for commercial there
would be a $250 use fee every year. They would be able to
discuss that during the discussion regarding the fee resolution.
Councilman Cooper questioned if these could be sold. City
Manager Barlow informed him they couldn't be transferred. If
they don't renew the reservation fee it would go back in the
excess pool.
Due to there being no questions or comments, Mayor Thomas
entertained a motion.
Councilwoman Rhodes moved to approve Ordinance 2010-0-13, second
by Councilman Cooper.
The MOTION CARRIED 4 - 0 .
B. 1st Reading, Ordinance No. 2010-0-18; Amending Article
III, Section 21-37 (Special Activity/Permit Requirements)
(This item was continued from the July 19, 2010 Meeting)
City Attorney Ansay read Ordinance 2010-0-18 into the record.
City Manager Barlow made a staff presentation. He then
commented on the suggested amendments included by the Planning &
Zoning Board.
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Council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
Councilwoman Bennington asked if this would apply to Earthquake
Magoon's so they wouldn't have to come in every year since they
have never had any problems with them. City Manager Barlow
informed her smaller events would be approved by staff and large
events would come before Council. Council would be giving the
authority to staff who would make those determinations and those
provisions.
Councilwoman Rhodes asked if that created any legal liability
for the City. She asked if staff had grounds to turn them down.
City Attorney Ansay explained the ordinance didn't really change
the fundamental nature with which the special activity permit
applications are reviewed. Staff still goes through the same
approvals.
Councilwoman Rhodes questioned how they could do it for one and
not for another. City Attorney Ansay commented on all
applications being different. The impacts vary greatly when
they have an event right here in town verses one away from
neighborhoods. Very few municipalities actually have an
ordinance that deals with special events or special activities.
It was interesting for her to see that the ordinance the City
has is much more detailed for land owners and applicants in
terms of knowing what governs them. She didn't believe any of
the changes in the ordinance created any additional liabilities
to the City in terms of granting applications to one verses the
other.
City Manager Barlow commented on the ordinance being a result of
events occurring at the No Name Saloon. City Manager Barlow
then commented on the "Christmas Under the Palms" at the
Methodist Church being a different kind of event. Now that they
recognize the entire City is painted with one broad brush
because of one particular event, maybe now is the time to go
back and try to adjust it.
Councilwoman Rhodes asked what happens when somebody from a
business in town wants to have a large event that was allowed to
be held out by 1-95. She asked if that was enough for a legal
standard.
City Attorney Ansay informed her she thought so. She commented
on the criteria in the ordinance and explained there is no right
to conduct a special activity anywhere within the City. They
have to apply and be reviewed based on the criteria set forth in
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council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
the ordinance. Ultimately because they are very specific
criteria if the special activity that is proposed to be held
does not meet this criteria either Council if it is a sizeable
event or staff will have the legal authority to deny that
application. She believed under all the circumstances that are
set forth in the ordinance it would be upheld if someone ever
wanted to challenge it. There are very few cities that have
ordinances as detailed as ours.
Councilwoman Bennington had a problem with taking the permitting
out of Council's hands and just saying it is issued by the City.
She thinks they should maintain at least some kind of control
over what they want permitted. If it doesn't come before the
Council before the City issues it they should bring it to them
and say they were in the process of permitting it so they are
aware of every special activity permit that goes on. She feels
it is their responsibility. Councilwoman Rhodes agreed.
City Manager Barlow informed her they could leave Council in
there. He further commented on talking about any event that
would create an anticipated attendance of greater than 5,000
people to bring to Council. He suggested they could massage
that number or they could tell them they want to know about all
of the events but they could approve up to so many in
attendance. He spoke of a problem being only having one Council
meeting a month there sometimes isn't time for them to go before
Council.
Councilwoman Bennington felt their control was being slowly
chipped away with the different things staff was taking over.
She thinks they have a handle on this as a Council and they
ought to keep that handle on it. City Manager Barlow stated if
it was the consensus of Council he could put that verbiage back
in.
Councilwoman Rhodes didn't think all of them needed to be
brought back to Council. Councilwoman Bennington would be okay
with having reports at their meetings of what had been done and
keep them abreast of them if they want to take the Council out
so they are aware of everything that is going on and what staff
has permitted. City Manager Barlow didn't have any problem with
that but as long as it is accepted it is embarrassing for a City
Manager that when something is approved it comes before Council
and Council tries to undo what is approved. Councilwoman
Bennington wasn't saying they had the authority to undo it.
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council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
They are just saying he is keeping them informed like he does
with this City Manager's report on things up and coming.
City Manager Barlow asked Council if they were comfortable with
the threshold of 5,000 attendance or if they wanted to lower the
attendance that staff has approval authority and anything over
that comes to Council. Councilwoman Bennington thought if it
was in the City that 5,000 was too much. If it is out on the
farm it's not. She used the No Name as an example. She felt
5,000 people was a lot of people to put in there but that maybe
2,000 isn't so much. City Manager Barlow suggested they start
out with 2,000.
It was the consensus of Council to start with a threshold of
2,000.
Councilman Cooper realized why this was drafted and felt this
was a good idea because it gives them some control. He also
wanted the Council to maintain the right to say yeah or nay. He
didn't think the number of people mattered as much as what type
of event it was. With Edgewater Ranch, he wanted the
opportunity to have some longevity because when you start
booking big time entertainment he has to give them a yes or no
sometimes six months to a year in advance.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated the whole point of this was that he
is booking in a month and he can't get the special activity
permit. If he's booking six months out then he's got plenty of
time to pull a special activity permit.
City Manager Barlow suggested they talk about the location and
if Council was comfortable with the ability to give a particular
location a one year period to have numerous events beyond the
one ten-day and two one-day events. If they were comfortable
with that they could move on. The second part was where is that
authority threshold.
Councilwoman Bennington asked how many people they could
efficiently control with our Police force at an event like at
the No Name. Police Chief Bill Bennett estimated 6,000.
Councilwoman Bennington asked if a threshold of 5,000 or 2,000
was better for the police force in town. Police Chief Bennett
informed her it was easier to handle 2,000 obviously. City
Manager Barlow commented on that being the reason for planning.
He pointed out there were 7,000 last time out at The Ranch.
Councilwoman Rhodes commented on them hiring off-duty police.
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Council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
Councilwoman Bennington liked the cap of 2,000.
Council agreed that was fine.
The rest of the
City Manager Barlow continued his presentation by describing the
other proposed changes.
Councilman Cooper asked City Manager Barlow if there was
anything that he saw that would actually limit or hamper his
negotiations for someone to do a venue here. City Manager
Barlow informed him no.
Mayor Thomas commented on only receiving positive feedback after
the last event held at The Ranch. Councilwoman Bennington felt
it was relatively uneventful considering alcohol being served
and the number of people that were there.
There was a brief discussion regarding the liability insurance
and posting a bond.
Mayor Thomas asked for public comment.
The following citizen spoke:
Bob Overton, 631 Starboard Avenue, stated he was involved with
Christmas Under the Palms at the Edgewater United Methodist
church, which has happened for the last 14 years. He asked if
there was some way that rather than the Council having to
approve that every year, if they approve that program and would
turn the rest over to the City Manager for future approval as
long as the program stays the way it is rather than having to go
back to Council. Councilwoman Rhodes informed him that was what
the ordinance was for.
Mr. Overton then asked about the permit fee that is charged. He
didn't recall them having to pay a permit fee in the past.
Councilwoman Rhodes informed him they did. City Manager Barlow
commented on there possibly being an opportunity to reduce the
fees for smaller events since there would be no public hearing
for those events.
Councilwoman Bennington made a motion to approve Ordinance 2010-
0-18 with the amendment mentioned regarding the thresho~d of
2,000 peop~e, second by Counci~woman Rhodes.
The MOTION CARRIED 4 - 0 .
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Council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
C. 2nd Reading, Ordinance No. 2010-0-15; Amending Articles VI
(Sign Regulations) and Article XVII (Indian River
Boulevard - S.R. 442 Corridor Design Regulations) of the
Land Development Code
City Attorney Ansay read Ordinance 2010-0-15 into the record.
City Manager Barlow made a staff presentation.
Mayor Thomas asked for public comment.
The following citizen spoke:
Mike Visconti, 316 Pine Breeze Drive, asked if this had to do
with the signs on benches. City Manager Barlow informed him
yes. Mr. Visconti stated in 1995 they had a lot of
advertisement on benches, which he felt was really ugly. At
that time he joined the Beautification Committee. At that time
U.S. #1 was a disaster. The Committee talked the Council into
doing something about U.S. #1. They went ahead and raised money
and got money and did the medians. They eliminated the signs on
the benches because they were so ugly. He didn't think they
needed to put signs on the benches for advertisement. He
commented on repairing the existing benches and making them
uniform. They want to keep Edgewater and U. S. #1 beautified.
They don't need advertisement on the benches. If they have to
advertise on the benches, they have to make it uniform. Jack
spent a lot of money on those benches to do what they have now.
He can't see where putting ads on is going to help to beautify
and make Edgewater look the way it does today. Let's not do
that. If it has to be done, maybe get some kind of a banner
cover instead of painting on the benches themselves. He would
hate to see these ads on the benches again.
Mayor Thomas entertained a motion.
Councilman Cooper stated what Mr. Visconti brought up they
brought up at the first reading. He asked if they added that
there was a maintenance regulation put in there and it had to be
kept up. City Manager Barlow explained this only permits those
benches to allow that to happen. Part two of what he was
talking about if Council gives him direction and pursue an
agreement to permit them after this, that is where they would
write specifications and within those specifications it would
address Mr. Visconti's concerns. He commented on there being no
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Council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
standards the last time they had advertisements on benches. He
further commented on what other communities have done.
Councilman Cooper felt as long as it was controlled and not
allow it to happen the revenue might offset it as long as they
can keep it looking decent and they do maintain their area.
City Manager Barlow informed him the first step was to remove
that prohibition of the benches being in those areas. The next
part is to go out and put the program together to allow that.
He didn't think they had many benches left in the City.
Councilwoman Rhodes moved to approve Ordinance 2010-0-15, second
by Councilwoman Bennington.
The MOTION CARRIED 4 - 0 .
D. 1st Reading, Ordinance No. 2010-0-16; Establishing policy
to temporarily reduce impact fees for non-residential
properties
City Attorney Ansay read Ordinance 2010-0-16 into the record.
City Manager Barlow made a staff presentation. He described
filing liens up front based on the impact fee abatements given
with the liens to be satisfied once they determine the jobs have
been maintained.
Councilman Cooper confirmed it was reduced to one year. City
Manager Barlow informed him that was correct and that the whole
program was only for one year.
Councilwoman Bennington asked why this was an ordinance and not
a resolution. City Attorney Ansay explained impact fees are
imposed by ordinance. In order to legally change an ordinance
they have already enacted that says they will impose impact fees
on properties they have to do it by ordinance.
Due to there being no further comments, Mayor Thomas entertained
a motion.
Councilman Cooper moved to approve Ordinance 2010-0-16, second
by Councilwoman Rhodes.
The MOTION CARRIED 4 - 0 .
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council Regular Meeting
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E. 1st Reading, Ordinance No. 2010-0-17; Establishing policy
to temporarily defer applicable Sidewalk, Fire/EMS,
Police and Transportation/Road Impact Fees
City Attorney Ansay read Ordinance 2010-0-17 into the record.
City Manager Barlow made a staff presentation.
front they would file a lien equivalent to the
would be deferring. Once the impact fees were
release the lien.
He described up
impact fees they
paid they would
Councilwoman Rhodes felt they should have more time than one
year to pay it.
Mayor Thomas asked for citizen comments.
The following citizen spoke:
Steve Clancy, 850 Dougherty, New Smyrna Beach, U-Sto-It, stated
a one year payback on that if it was $20,000 or $30,000 they
would have to bring in quite a bit of income just to make that
kind of profit to pay back an impact fee. He asked if it could
be extended two, three or four years.
City Manager Barlow stated the original proposal was for a three
year deferral period. The majority of the Council had requested
to go to one year. He informed Council that could still be
changed tonight.
Councilwoman Rhodes commented on voting no on this due to having
only six months to recoup and pay this off. City Manager Barlow
commented on it taking six to eight months to build a commercial
project.
Councilman Cooper stated the original reading that came through
was only 18 months. He could endorse a dollar figure. He felt
each case should be looked at. City Manager Barlow reminded
Councilman Cooper they would be deferring this with 5% interest.
Councilman Cooper also mentioned the person putting up the
building not having to come up with all that money up front like
they have in the past.
Councilwoman Bennington questioned how City Manager Barlow could
come up with a figure that would be fair to any business that
comes in and wants to build due to it depending on the square
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Council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
footage. Councilman Cooper suggested setting the plato at the
lowest level. He felt just to open up as a blanket finance
program for everybody he didn't think that was the right way to
go for the revenue they need in Edgewater.
Councilwoman Bennington asked how long the program was. City
Manager Barlow informed her it was for one year unless Council
extended it at the end of 2011. Councilwoman Bennington stated
it was a one year program to defer but it also was a one year
program for someone to come in. She stated they could change
the payback from one year to three years if they wanted and
still have it a one year program. City Manager Barlow informed
her that was correct.
Councilwoman Rhodes pointed out they would be making the impact
fees plus 5% for everyone of those years. They are making
money so she didn't see why they would limit themselves.
Councilwoman Bennington felt this was another case where they
are anticipating a whole bunch but aren't going to get that much
out of it. She spoke of it taking time for a business to start
making a profit. She felt if they were going to do it they
should give them three years.
Councilman Cooper expressed concern with a business owner not
liking the City having a lien on their property for three years.
Councilwoman Rhodes informed him then they can pay the impact
fees. Councilman Cooper commented on the possibility of the
business not being able to pay them.
Mayor Thomas entertained a motion.
Councilwoman Rhodes moved to approve Ordinance 2010-0-17,
amending it to a three year payback period, second by
Councilwoman Bennington.
The MOTION CARRIED 3 -1.
Councilman Cooper voted NO.
Mayor Thomas called a ten-minute recess at this time. The
meeting recessed at 7:14 p.m. and reconvened at 7:24 p.m.
F. 1st Reading, Ordinance No. 2010-0-19; Declaring a
Moratorium as to the filing and/or receiving of any
application or petition for the establishment of "Pain
Clinics" for a period of one year
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Council Regular Meeting
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City Attorney Ansay read Ordinance 2010-0-19 into the record.
City Manager Barlow made a staff presentation.
Councilwoman Bennington asked how they would determine whether
somebody was a pill mill or a legitimate doctor. City Manager
Barlow commented on some of the ways they do the research.
Councilwoman Bennington questioned if the City was going to
check this all out if someone wants to come in and get a permit.
City Manager Barlow informed her if they have the moratorium
they would be required to.
Councilwoman Bennington commented on having a couple of Pain
Clinics in Edgewater. City Manager Barlow informed her they may
have flown under the radar that they weren't aware of. He
wasn't aware of any in Edgewater now. Councilwoman Bennington
informed him she wasn't saying they were here now. City Manager
Barlow also confirmed there was nothing in the process to
establish here. He mentioned other cities that have either
adopted the moratorium or are discussing this also.
Councilwoman Bennington mentioned an article in the newspaper
regarding Tampa being the Pain Pill Capitol of Florida. City
Manager Barlow commented on an article he read about South
Florida and 172 people being arrested in the Orlando area where
more than 20,000 prescription pain meds were seized, with two
physicians being arrested who ran the clinics.
Councilman Cooper felt this was a good thing. He expressed
concern with talking about grand jury this, and state statute
this and they are hoping the State will act and they have a
resolution coming out. These people have a lot of money. There
are major pharmaceuticals behind these people to push this
stuff. He stated suppose those regulations are more politically
correct than she may have listed. He asked City Attorney Ansay
what her recourse was. City Attorney Ansay referred to Senate
Bill 2272 being largely promoted and there still being
uncertainty as to how it will affect locals. She further
commented on trying to determine where the best place was to put
legitimate clinics still being uncertain. She suspected they
would look at what other cities are doing and try to determine
if that fits for Edgewater. She spoke of this being a
complicated and difficult issue. She felt what they were seeing
around the State was when they get shut down in certain locales
another area springs up. A lot of cities in Volusia County are
trying to prevent them from becoming the next place.
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Council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
Councilman Cooper asked if they are strong enough. City
Attorney Ansay explained the ordinance declares a moratorium on
the City moving forward with any applications and gives them a
year to figure out whether they are going to be strong enough.
At this point they just don't know. They need to sit down with
the Planning & Zoning Board and determine what needs to be done.
Moratoriums are often done when they have a problematic use that
is exploding that they haven't really dealt with that has the
potential to cause impact and they need to sit down on a short
term temporary basis. If they are able to make a determination
before one year, the moratorium will expire in a shorter period.
Councilman Cooper asked City Attorney Ansay if she felt strong
enough this was a good thing to start with. City Attorney Ansay
felt if they had a policy decision they wanted to deal with this
issue, then the moratorium does what is needed and is legal and
has been done on countless places in the State of Florida.
Due to there being no further Council comments or public
comments, Mayor Thomas entertained a motion.
Councilman Cooper moved to approve Ordinance 2010-0-19, second
by Councilwoman Rhodes.
The MOTION CARRIED 4 - 0 .
G. Special Activity Permit; Jamfest Production LLC
requesting a Special Activity Permit for a concert at the
Edgewater Ranch, located at 3800 W. Indian River
Boulevard on October 16, 2010
City Manager Barlow made a staff presentation.
Councilwoman Bennington asked where they were going to park
10,000 to 12,000 people. City Manager Barlow commented on there
being a great deal of property last time going south so they
were going to open up more of that. There was a lot of wasted
space the last time. Councilwoman Bennington commented on CAPS
controlling parking at the last event and parking being the
biggest issue.
Councilman Cooper stated this was going to run the same time
that last year's promoter is running an event in Daytona at the
amphitheater, Jam Across America, and they are expecting a huge
group up there. He asked if they thought there would be a
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Council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
conflict. City Manager Barlow informed him they think based on
the geographical locations and difference in the artists they
can still accommodate. He further commented on them being a
local business.
Due to there being no public comment, Mayor Thomas entertained a
motion.
Councilwoman Bennington moved to grant the Special Activity
Permit, second by Councilwoman Rhodes.
The MOTION CARRIED 4 - 0 .
9. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
A. General Employees' Pension Board of Trustees -
Affirmation of the City Manager's appointment of John
Brackin
Councilwoman Rhodes moved to affirm the City Manager's
appointment of John Brackin to the General Employees' Pension
Board of Trustees, second by Councilman Cooper.
The MOTION CARRIED 4 - 0 .
10. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Request for consideration in reducing impact fees for an
addition of 2,500 square feet of office and 3,100 square
feet of storage units totaling 5,600 square feet at U-
Sto-It, located at 3725 US Highway 1
City Manager Barlow made a staff presentation.
Councilman Cooper asked City Manager Barlow if he was
recommending $16,000. City Manager Barlow informed him there
was no recommendation. This project appears it will create one
additional job, which would be equivalent to $2,000.
Councilman Cooper asked if they have waived sidewalk, fire and
police in the past. City Manager Barlow informed him they did
for the restaurant project. Councilwoman Rhodes pointed out
there were also more employees. City Manager Barlow stated a
lot more jobs being created by a brand new business.
City Manager Barlow informed Council the applicant was present.
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Council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
Rose Hoffman, representing U-Sto-It Mini Storage and Box & Ship
store, stated she had written a letter to City Manager Barlow
stating that they were in the County and then they annexed into
the City with the hope of building the storage facility. Then
they decided they wanted to build some more storage facilities
next door to the property with this other piece of property they
had. Then they came up with they didn't have enough frontage
and had to be so far back with the City ordinances verses the
County's. They annexed into the City then to build a duplex
business. They have had a real estate firm contact them and
they have 25 people plus in one facility and in the other
facility they are hoping a doctor's office or something to
benefit everybody involved. Since 2004 their taxes have doubled
and they have not done anything to their property and their
income has drastically reduced which is why they want to build
the other storage units inside hoping they can try to pay their
bills. They are hoping that the storage facility can hire two
more people on the storage and box and ship part of it but on
the other part she couldn't tell them exactly how many people
those two businesses could employ. They have had a real estate
business with possibly 25 people plus for one side of it. On
November 16th, Councilman Cooper was all for wiping out all the
impact fees for one of the businesses. These things have been
passed already. They had their application in and were supposed
to be done by July. They need all the help they can get to get
to the second level.
Councilwoman Rhodes informed Ms. Hoffman she had to understand
that everyone of them that they passed pretty much they based
on how many jobs they brought into the City. It wasn't just an
arbitrary thing. Ms. Hoffman wanted the Council to be fair with
them too.
Councilwoman Rhodes asked Ms. Hoffman if the realtor that
contacted her was already in the City or if they were coming
from another City into Edgewater. Ms. Hoffman informed her they
were coming from New Smyrna Beach. She further commented on
their taxes doubling from 2004 to 2009, not having done anything
to the property. She was talking about the U-Sto-It Box and
Ship, not the other parcel they just annexed in.
Development Services Director Lear provided a history of the
property in discussion that was annexed in 2003 as well as the
adjacent property to the north that was annexed in 2005. He
further commented on the two parcels being combined. He
17
Council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
compared the taxes that were paid for this property being
$13,372 in the County in 2003 and $12,500 in the City in 2004.
It gradually went up as their taxable value went up just like
everybody's taxable value went up. He estimated the taxes this
year would be $17,000 according to the Property Appraiser. He
believed the taxes last year were $25,000.
Councilman Cooper commented on Edgewater's portion of the taxes
going down and the Property Appraiser determining the taxable
value. He asked Ms. Hoffman if she would have multiple office
spaces with this addition. Ms. Hoffman informed him yes they
had two units that were each about 2,500 square feet. She
commented on the appearance of their building.
Steve Clancy, 850 Dougherty, New Smyrna Beach, commented on this
being a small duplex office building. Ms. Hoffman has a small
business and had already sunk a ton of money into this project.
The plans are approved and they can start construction any time.
They would like an answer today on what kind of reduction they
can get on impact fees that would be reasonable to both parties.
Ms. Hoffman pointed out she paid $3,500 to Volusia County for
sidewalks, which was supposed to be put in a sidewalk fund. She
didn't know if this was transferred to the City.
City Manager Barlow stated she has disclosed she appears to be
negotiating with an active business to create jobs. In the
spirit of what they talked about earlier, they could direct
staff to work with Ms. Hoffman and determine a number of the
jobs she thinks she is going to create, abate those impact fees
at $2,000 per job she is going to create, put a lien on the
property, come back one year after the project is complete, do
that calculation and she would pay the difference of the jobs
that this project doesn't create.
Mr. Clancy stated that would be three years. City Manager
Barlow informed him he was confusing the abatement verses the
deferral. The abatement was one year, the deferral was three
years.
Councilman Cooper asked if they would include in her job numbers
the other two businesses they were talking about. City Manager
Barlow stated on whatever jobs this expansion created.
Mr. Clancy asked if they could do 18 months from the time of CO.
18
Council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
Mayor Thomas stated he thought Councilwoman Bennington wanted to
make a motion.
Councilwoman Bennington made a motion to turn it over to the
City Manager with what he suggested doing in working with Ms.
Hoffman in trying to get these abated.
City Manager Barlow wanted
him to replicate the first
replicate this agreement.
agreement.
to make sure the direction was for
reading of that ordinance. He could
There would be a formalized
Ms. Hoffman asked City Manager Barlow if he was telling her she
should hold off from renting her units out and they could be
setting for a while because she was looking for a number and not
a good tenant.
Councilwoman Bennington wanted to turn this over and let City
Manager Barlow make the negotiations with him as he suggested to
them and in a year sit down with them and if they haven't
created the number of jobs she said, then they have to pay the
difference.
Councilwoman Rhodes didn't feel this solved the problem.
Councilwoman Bennington didn't know how they could justly pull
out a number to give her when she isn't sure.
Ms. Hoffman pointed out she asked for this a long time ago. It
was before Council even started giving these impact fees away.
Councilwoman Bennington pointed out they weren't giving them
away. Ms. Hoffman corrected herself and stated reducing them.
She asked for it before they came up with the rule of $2,000 per
person. Councilwoman Rhodes informed her the reason they came
up with the rule was because they were doing it anyway and
wanted it to be consistent for everybody. They wanted everybody
to have the same opportunity and the same criteria.
Mr. Clancy stated Ms. Hoffman had asked for a reduction in
impact fees prior to the idea coming up with the new formula.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated all the reductions in impact fees
they gave prior to the formula were based loosely on this
formula. They put it on paper so everybody knew what it was.
19
Council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
Mr. Clancy stated a year from now with the way the economy is,
three years from now he may have 30 employees where right now he
only has a couple of employees.
The MOTION DIED due to the lack of a second.
Councilwoman Rhodes suggested they waive the Sidewalk, Fire/EMS,
Police and Transportation/Road impact fees in the interest of
promoting small businesses and jobs and helping people come
back.
Councilwoman Rhodes made a motion to waive the Sidewalk,
Fire/EMS, Po~ice and Transportation/Road impact fees.
Councilman Cooper asked if
done with the other ones.
but calculated the waiving
that was similar to what they have
City Manager Barlow couldn't recall
of the impact fees to be $13,311.07.
Councilman Cooper seconded the motion.
The MOTION CARRIED 3 -1. Mayor Thomas voted NO.
B. The Southeast volusia Chamber of Commerce requesting
approval for the serving of beer and wine on City
property during the Grand Opening of the Southeast
Volusia Chamber-Edgewater Branch
Councilman cooper asked if they had a problem with the kayak
thing and they have lost it now because of the beer. City
Manager Barlow explained while they were working out agreements
they thought they had everything and the last word he had was
they had another event planned for that day so they wanted to
move it off one weekend, which would allow them to paddle on a
full moon. They then asked to reschedule and try to put
something together for next year.
City Manager Barlow stated this was part of the direction that
was given in an effort to try to stimulate and provide
assistance to local businesses. He has worked with Steve Dennis
over the last couple of years trying to get more of a Chamber
presence here. They have been a wonderful resource to him as it
relates to helping with Economic Development. He commented on
things the Chamber has done in the past. He spoke of the
Chamber locating at the Leisure Services Building where the City
has provided office space as an in-kind service.
20
Council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
Steve Dennis, Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce, made a
presentation regarding the Grand Opening of the Southeast
Volusia Chamber of Commerce - Edgewater Branch to be held
Friday, August 20th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Leisure
Services Building. He commented on the request to serve beer
and wine. There were five restaurants that were going to donate
the food, which were all Edgewater restaurants. They were going
to do a short ceremony. He invited all of the Councilmembers to
come.
Mr. Dennis wanted to extend the request slightly. They want to
do a mini hob knob format where they invite all the candidates
to come. They wanted to ask to extend that for the next event
that would be held the first or second week in October. This is
very controlled by them.
Councilman Cooper asked if the political event would be held at
the Leisure Services building also. Mr. Dennis informed him
they weren't going to do either of the events in the office and
were going to try to use the grounds adjacent to it. They would
be having everything outside.
Councilwoman Rhodes asked if they could make this for every
Chamber event instead of the next two and then they come back
the next time. She asked if they could make a blanket for the
Chamber that this is okay. City Manager Barlow commented on if
the event is held on City property. He and Leisure Services
Director Jack Corder would manage that.
There as a brief discussion regarding the hob knob being rotated
between Edgewater and New Smyrna and this being the first time
they have done this type of program in Edgewater. They are
going to do one at the Brannon Center and one in Edgewater. The
City of New Smyrna didn't have any City elections this time. He
pointed out that particular event is open to the public. If
they would like to extend it to all of their events, all of
those events would be cleared through Mr. Corder and City
Manager Barlow anyway.
Mayor Thomas entertained a motion.
Councilwoman Rhodes made a motion to approve all the events for
the Chamber of commerce, second by Counci~woman Bennington.
The MOTION CARRIED 4 - 0 .
21
Council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
11. OFFICER REPORTS
A. City Clerk
City Clerk Wenzel informed Council with their mail she had put
the new public records policy that had gone out to all of the
departments, which was clarification on how they as staff handle
public records.
B. City Attorney
City Attorney Ansay presented an update on the Restoration case.
They received a recommended order from the Judge that was here
and heard the case finding that the Restoration Comp plan
amendment is in compliance and legal. The order was very
comprehensive in its findings that the plan amendment was legal.
Under the procedure and State law the parties are able to issue
exceptions to the recommended order. The plaintiff or
petitioner Mr. Burgess has done so through his lawyer. DCA also
issued some exceptions to some language on some minor points in
the order that they didn't like because she thought they were
afraid it could have a precedent elsewhere, not necessarily that
they disagreed with the results in this case but that they
didn't like the way the Judge phrased the way DCA views certain
things under the law. At this point, they are waiting for a
final order to come out. DCA issues the final order so they
don't expect there to be any issues or problems. Hopefully when
they meet next she would have some sort of further information.
DCA is very busy. The timeline which really means nothing for
them to issue the order hasn't been complied with lately in
their other cases because they are busy battling a number of
very large developments in other communities where they are
adverse to the local governments. She thinks they want to
dedicate their resources to stopping projects they oppose rather
than getting some of these procedural things done on projects
they support. All seems to be in order. The Judge ruled in our
favor and DCA continues to support us.
C. City Manager
City Manager Barlow stated in the Budget workshop they talked
about Mr. McKinney's ability to payoff the Wachovia loans for
an overall savings of about $3,700 to the City. He asked if
they were on board with that to give him direction.
22
Council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
It was the consensus of Council for Mr. McKinney to payoff the
Wachovia loans.
City Manager Barlow stated he had to make a minor change to the
resurfacing that is in this year's current budget. The schedule
that was approved for this budget year included resurfacing of
the south side of Bradford Road from Eaton Drive. After further
evaluation they need to do the north side.
City Manager Barlow handed out to Council an invitation
Wednesday for the Lunch & Learn that the Chamber does.
Dorn, who has recently been appointed as Chair for Team
the private/public partnership for Economic Development
read so much about in the newspaper, would be doing a
presentation for the Edgewater business owners. The cost was $5
and the Elks provided lunch. It was a one hour program. He
included a recent article regarding that program. Eventually
they will be coming to the City and doing a presentation to talk
about the City's partnership with that and subsequent cost.
for this
Ted
Volusia,
they
City Manager Barlow reminded Council that August 30th was the
continuation of the last Budget Workshop at 5:00 p.m. in Council
Chambers.
12. CITIZEN COMMENTS
The following citizen spoke:
Agnes Whitter, 223 Flagler Avenue, stated when they were
discussing 2010-0-15, which referred to sign regulations and
also Indian River Blvd/SR 442 Design Regulations. She stated
they didn't address that particular part of the ordinance. They
only address the sign regulations. As she was reading on the
Internet, their corridor design regulations, they have an awful
lot of stuff in there requiring a landscape architect and they
have if someone comes in and buys a 200 foot piece of property
and is going to put up one building, they have so many
descriptions of what they want as far as landscape is concerned
and it costs a lot of money to hire a landscape architect. She
suggested the City devise a formulation which they have in one
portion, where it says how many trees, how many understory
trees, how many shrubs, etc. and the choice of a burm or flat,
just do yourself a blueprint of it and hand it out showing what
they want. They don't need an architect to design something
like that. Most landscapers know what to do if they have a
blueprint to do it with and save your people some money.
23
Council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Councilwoman Rhodes
moved to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Lisa Bloomer
Attest:
APPROVED:
City of Edgewater, Florida
fu'U'U"L I_UOf\L~
Bonnie Wenzel, City Clerk
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24
. Thomas, Mayor
Council Regular Meeting
August 16, 2010