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09-08-1992 CITIZENS COUNCIL ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING September 8, 1992 Minutes ROLL CALL Janet Ptaszek Present James Mackie Present Charlene Dennis Present Shirley Roberts Absent Delores Cucanich Absent Charles Gebelein Present Patricia Montrowl Present COMMENT BY CHAIRMAN Chairman Gebelein explained he wants to run an informal proceeding, following the agenda. He also suggested the meetings not run later than 9:30 p.m. INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS Mr. Thomas Hager, 3032 Mango Tree Drive, was present. Mr. Joe Martin arrived later. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairman Gebelein asked for any corrections or additions to the minutes of the July 14th meeting. Mr. Mackie had some things to bring up for discussion which were discussed at that meeting; the grass situation and the garbage pick up, for examples. Chairman Gebelein moved to accept the minutes. Mrs. Dennis seconded his motion. Motion CARRIED 5 -0. CITIZENS INPUT Mr. Hager brought a request to the Committee regarding the need for crossing guards at Indian River Elementary School as is provided at Edgewater Elementary School. He stressed the dangerous situation involving the children crossing the railroad tracks. He also stated this would be good community relations to have the police involved with the children and at the same time assure their safety. Mrs. Ptaszek questioned the parents' concern about the children who are at bus stops and playing in the streets. She suggested Mr. Hager speak to the Police Chief about this. Mr. Mackie asked if this has been discussed with the Police Chief or the Council prior to coming to this Committee. He agreed with Mrs. Ptaszek about the parents taking more responsibility regarding their children and not leaving it up to the police. Mr. Hager stated the parents have been told by police personnel that there is a lack of manpower to handle this responsibility. He would like this brought properly to the Council's attention, through this board. Mrs. Montrowl moved that the Committee pose the question to the Council as to the feasibility of having an officer at that location. Mrs. Ptaszek seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5 -0. OLD BUSINESS Election of Vice - Chairperson and Chair, Pro -Tem Mr. Mackie suggested we wait until there is a full membership present. Chairman Gebelein stated that was not necessary and continued with nominations. Mrs. Dennis nominated Mrs. Montrowl. Chairman Gebelein seconded the motion. Chairman Gebelein declared the nominations closed. The motion CARRIED 5 -0. Chairman Gebelein stated the Chairman Pro -Tem could be elected when necessary, if neither the Chairman nor the Vice Chairperson are present. This was concurred with by the members. Ad valorem taxing equality request study from Councilperson Gillespie. Chairman Gebelein explained this had been proposed at an earlier date by Councilperson Gillespie but the questions was not answered. The question is, is the ad valorem tax base evenly spread across the City? Mrs. Montrowl distributed some material and offered information regarding appraisals and the costs involved in obtaining this information. She explained it requires a good deal of expertise to handle a research project like this. She was informed that the Edgewater area is re- assessed approximately every three years. She added the possibility of the checks and balances not being equitable is highly improbable. There was more discussion about how this information could be obtained. Mrs. Ptaszek stated the Committee previously picked out areas, gathered information, ran a comparison and turned in a report. Mrs. Dennis showed Mrs. Montrowl the minutes of one of the previous meetings at which this was discussed and the report that was sent to Council. It was agreed that this should be returned to Councilperson Gillespie for clarification of what is desired. NEW BUSINESS Community activity for the young people. Chairman Gebelein stated Councilman Jones has asked whether anything can be done to provide a variety of good, constructive activities for the young people of Edgewater? Mr. Mackie mentioned all the sports programs and the good job the Recreation Department is doing currently. He suggested Mr. Corder be invited to a meeting to discuss what it is he needs help with in this area. There was discussion and suggestions made regarding different activities. Mrs. Dennis agreed to contact the New Smyrna Recreation Department and find out how they arrange the dances, etc. in their Community Center. Communication to City Council. How can this be enhanced? Chairman Gebelein pointed out the Council members were not aware of the happenings at the last Committee meeting and he would like suggestions as to how to better communicate our actions to them. Mrs. Montrowl suggested a form be drawn up of the questions posed to the Committee, with the replies typed in after each meeting. After further discussion, Chairman Gebelein stated he would use the agenda /minutes to highlight information for Council's attention. What other items the Citizens Council Advisory Committee should cover in future meetings Chairman Gebelein called attention to the items he listed on the agenda, stating there is no action necessary at this time. These are suggested areas of interest that perhaps the Committee would like to look into. -2- Citizens Council Advisory September 8, 1992 Mr. Mackie suggested we let the Council choose which areas this Committee should get involved in. Chairman Gebelein followed up on the landfill and drinking water question. He explained what has taken place to this point and urged everyone to get involved in objecting to the landfill. Mr. Mackie asked about the industrial park impact question being on the agenda. Mr. Joe Martin, Chairman of the Industrial Development Board, spoke on this subject. He gave a brief history of the developments regarding the industrial park proposal, explaining the bottom line is Gran Central has to be convinced to either develop or sell the land. He asked for support in educating the electorate of this situation. Chairman Gebelein brought up the question of this being the best meeting night for the committee. He remarked on the availability of the larger conference room on another evening. There was no action taken regarding changing the meeting time or place. CITIZENS COMMENTS None ADJOURNMENT Mr. Mackie moved to adjourn. Mrs. Ptaszek seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned 9:00 p.m. Minutes submitted by: Y Debbie Sigler -3- Citizens Council Advisory September 8, 1992