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05-12-1992 CITIZENS COUNCIL ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING May 12, 1992 Minutes ROLL CALL Richard Jones Present Harry Jones Present James Mackie Present Janet Ptaszek Present Sandra Smith Absent Charlene Dennis Present Michael Nattress Present Chairman Jones commented on the absenteeism of Mrs. Smith. Harry Jones moved to request the Council to appoint a replacement member. Charlene Dennis seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 6 -0. INTRODUCTION OF THOSE IN ATTENDANCE Mr. David Hertzson, a new comer in the area, is attending to get some understanding of how the City is run. Mr. William Anderson and Mr. Galen McClain were looking for a meeting with Councilman Hays regarding the paving situation. They remained at this meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Janet Ptaszek made a correction on the first page, she stated she was the one suggesting the recent water testing. Chairman Jones stated the word "uniformed" should be "uniform ". James Mackie spoke about the functions of the committee and also questioned the attendance of Mrs. Hill at the last meeting. He asked the name of the group she belongs to. It was explained to him she is with a group called "Citizens Awareness Group" and was attending the meeting as a concerned citizen. Janet Ptaszek moved to accept the minutes with the changes. Charlene Dennis seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 6 -0. Charlene Dennis informed the committee that the Chamber of Commerce is bringing this committee up at their meeting to see if they have any issues for us to get involved with. OLD BUSINESS Tax Assessment Report: Harry Jones verified the contents of the report submitted for the chairman's signature. Chairman Jones reiterated for those in attendance the contents of the report from the research done by the committee members. Mr. Anderson informed the committee that he received relief when he appealed his assessment, however, it did cost a fee to have the reassessment done. It was agreed to remove the sentence about this service being free from the report before the chairman signs it. Swimming at Menard -May Park: Janet Ptaszek made a statement about this situation and strongly supported looking into the current water condition, since the last time the water was tested was in 1988. There was much conversation among the committee members and those present regarding the routine of the testing that will have to be done and the cost involved. It was pointed out the pollution is due to stormwater drainage from canals and the highway. Chairman Jones wrapped up the conversation by suggesting the Council budget $500.00 to do this testing and all other action will depend on the results of those tests. He added this should be done prior to the construction of the Riverwalk because that construction may cause more pollution. Unpaved Roads: Chairman Jones commented that the current unpaved roads are not going to be paved after the pipes are put in, and the people were not aware of this. He was informed by the Mayor, City Manager and Councilperson Gillespie that he should obtain signatures from residents who desire the paving. Harry Jones explained the paving was in the original plan but he was informed recently that it was removed from the C.I.P. program. James Mackie explained that the paving was dropped from the original plan due to the cost involved. Janet Ptaszek stated the complaints she is receiving is from people who thought the paving was included. There was much discussion regarding the paving, some calculations were done to arrive at estimations of the costs involved. Harry Jones suggested a possible solution of taking the funds that have been set aside for the re- shelling and use that for paving the streets instead. Janet Ptaszek pointed out there is a lot of money going towards maintaining the shell roads that could be spent on paving. Chairman Jones wrapped up by stating this committee has received numerous complaints about the misunderstanding regarding the paving in the C.I. P. This change in plans should be publicized, as well as a plan developed to get the roads paved. NEW BUSINESS Chairman Jones distributed a flyer with information regarding this committee, which he wants to place in the front of City Hall for the public. He said the City Clerk suggested this informa- tion be put in the City's newsletter. New housing impact fees: Chairman Jones voiced his opposition to this idea. It is a negative tax and will be a detriment to the building industry. He asked for committee comments. It was agreed to put this item on the next agenda and give the members time to do some research. Paved roads: This was deleted due to previous discussion. Recycling: Chairman Jones placed this item on the agenda as a matter of interest, he has been hearing that the collection sites are becoming over loaded. Janet Ptaszek commented she heard the State is looking into possibly changing the recycling laws. The committee members will keep up on the status of this. -2- Citizens Council Advisory May 12, 1992 New Industrial Park: Chairman Jones asked for committee comments. Michael Nattress stated the committee members should keep up on what is happening in that area. There were no other comments. State Road 442 Bridge: Chairman Jones stated he was informed by Councilperson Gillespie that this was taken off the agenda at the County level. There were no other comments. Inter Coastal Waterway Speed Limits: Chairman Jones stated he is aware that a private group is looking into this. He asked for committee comments. Michael Nattress stated he owns a boat and he is in agreement with the speed limits. There were other favorable comments made by those in attendance. Harry Jones brought up the subject of bicycle riders on the sidewalks in the shopping areas, and how someone is going to get hurt. There were several comments made regarding this. It was agreed that, perhaps, the Police Department could do something to educate the children about bicycle safety. There was further discussion about the speed limits within the shopping centers and the problems the police may have enforcing restrictions due to it being private property. ADJOURNMENT: Charlene Dennis moved to adjourn. Harry Jones seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned 8:40 p.m. Minutes submitted by: Debbie Sigler -3- Citizens Council Advisory May 12, 1992