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11-15-2010 - Regular CITY COUNCIL OF EDGEWATER REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2010 6:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Thomas called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. ROLL CALL Mayor Michael Thomas Present Councilwoman Debra Rogers Present Councilwoman Gigi Bennington Present Councilwoman Harriet Rhodes Present Councilman Ted Cooper Present City Manager Tracey Barlow Present City Clerk Bonnie Wenzel Present City Attorney Carolyn Ansay Present INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE There was a silent invocation and pledge of allegiance to the Flag. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES There were no Minutes to be approved at this time. 3. PRESENTATIONS /PROCLAMATIONS /PLAQUES /CERTIFICATES /DONATIONS A. Proclamation for Ruth McCormack, Head Librarian at the Edgewater Public Library since 2001 Mayor Thomas read the proclamation into the record for Ruth McCormack, who was not present at the meeting. B. Proclamation for Jean Haughwout, Library Board member since 1979 Mayor Thomas read the proclamation into the record for Jean Haughwout who has been a member of the Library Board since 1979, serving on the Library Board for 31 years. He then presented her with the proclamation. C. Proclamation for Councilwoman Harriet E. Rhodes for 11 years of service to the City of Edgewater 1 Council Regular Meeting November 15, 2010 Mayor Thomas asked Councilwoman Rhodes to come to the podium. Mayor Thomas read the proclamation into the record recognizing her for her 11 years of service to the City. He then presented her with the proclamation. Mayor Thomas commented on what he has learned from Councilwoman Rhodes. He further expressed his appreciation to her. D. Proclamation for Councilwoman Debra J. Rogers for 5 years of service to the City of Edgewater Mayor Thomas asked Councilwoman Rogers to approach the podium. Mayor Thomas read the proclamation into the record recognizing Councilwoman Rogers for her 5 years of service to the City. He then presented her with the proclamation. 4. CITIZEN COMMENTS The following citizens spoke: Pat Card, 3019 Willow Oak Drive, thanked Councilwoman Rogers and Councilwoman Rhodes and expressed his appreciation for all they have done. He then read a quote from Theodore Roosevelt. Dominic Capria, 606 Topside Circle, congratulated Councilwoman Rhodes and Councilwoman Rogers for their years of service. He felt eleven years was a long time. He stated Councilwoman Rogers was his favorite because she had the guts to vote for things that most of the Council did not go for. He felt he had to give her credit for that. He was certainly going to miss her. Mike Visconti, 316 Pine Breeze Drive, thanked Councilwoman Rhodes and Councilwoman Rogers. He wished them all the luck in the world on their next endeavor. He thanked everyone on the Council for their accomplishments. 5. APPROVAL OR CHANGES /MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA There were no Changes /Modifications to be made to the agenda. 6. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS Councilwoman Rhodes congratulated Justin Kennedy and Mike Ignasiak on their seats to City Council. She provided advice to both of them by telling them three things. She told them the most important thing they needed to have was common sense; anything anybody says to them that is nasty or mean, don't take it personally; and remember the 2 Council Regular Meeting November 15, 2010 employees of the City are the best asset this City has and they will make them look good if they let them. Councilman Cooper congratulated the victors as well as Mayor Thomas. He welcomed Mike Ignasiak and Justin Kennedy and felt they would be great assets to their panel. He thanked Councilwoman Rhodes and Councilwoman Rogers for the excellent job in which they all fought it out. None of them have ever agreed totally but they fought it out and brought it to the community and they did what they were supposed to do. Councilman Cooper reported on attending the elected officials training put on by the Volusia League of Cities that was held last Friday. Councilman Cooper then asked to report on the TPO Executive Committee meeting under Item 9B. Mayor Thomas asked him to remind him. Councilman Cooper thanked those that attended the Veterans Day ceremony and showing support for their vets. Councilwoman Rogers congratulated Mike Ignasiak, Justin Kennedy and Mayor Thomas. She has learned a lot in the last five years. She told the two new incoming candidates to stay unique and remember this is a democracy. Even though their vote may not be popular with some people they must stick to their guns. Consensus is important but what is more important is unique, credibility and integrity. She told them do their homework before they come to the meeting. Whenever someone in the City calls them, respond. Councilwoman Bennington congratulated Mike Ignasiak, Justin Kennedy and Mayor Thomas. She also thanked the voters for voting. They had a good turnout. The Edgewater Volunteer Police Association is having their Awards Dinner on December 5th and they voted to invite the existing Council and the two newly elected officials to attend. She gave them a copy of the invitation and asked them to let them know if they would be attending. 7. CONSENT AGENDA There were no items to be discussed on the Consent Agenda at this time. 8. OTHER BUSINESS A. Authorization for the Mayor to execute the contract with Pat Cook Construction for the replacement of Fire Station 55 in the amount not to exceed $2,066,900 and approve the necessary budget amendment 3 Council Regular Meeting November 15, 2010 City Manager Barlow made a staff presentation by providing a very gross summary regarding the replacement of Fire Station 55. Councilwoman Rhodes stated she understood Councilman Cooper wanted to put this off for a few years and then she read in the News Journal there was a three year limit on it. She asked if it could be put off. City Manager Barlow commented on the two requests of Councilman Cooper from the last meeting with regard to seeing more detail of the amortization schedules and his request to see if they could put this on hold for a couple additional years, anticipating their debt service would look better and the uncertainty of the economy. He spoke of having to have a really good reason to hold off on getting the stimulus grant. They told them they could submit it and it would go to a panel of personnel but in no other certain terms don't waste your time. He presented examples of what would be a substantial reason they would have to extend the grant. Just to hold on to the money until the economy or debt service got better, they were wasting their efforts. There was a brief discussion regarding the grant being for three years. They had 36 months and had already chomped away at 13 - 14 months of it. Councilman Cooper commented on the amortization and referred to Option 1 and what was being recommended. He commented on Option 3 which had a fixed rate for 20 years. He realized after ten years and fifteen years the interest rate could be raised under Option 1. He explained the rate was 2.77 %, which he felt was very low but after ten years there was an option to raise. He asked what the raises would be, how much they could go up and if it would far surpass the fixed rate option. City Manager Barlow asked Mark Galvin, the City's financial advisor to introduce himself. Mark Galvin, First Southwest Company, Orlando, financial advisor to the City, commented on three options that they looked at. At the end of ten years there was a reset option of the bank. Based upon current market, they would come up with a rate for the remaining ten years. They could either accept that rate or if they thought they could get a lower rate somewhere else or if they wanted to refinance they could take advantage of it. He couldn't predict what the interest rates would be in ten years. He stated the interest rates themselves were extremely attractive. He told Council to keep in mind that instead of being a 20 year issue they would be looking at a ten year issue. He then commented on the other benefit associated with the ten -year option being the financing having a 1% prepayment penalty. When they get to ten years, there is no prepayment penalty at that time. They have the option to either refinance it or pay it off. 4 Council Regular Meeting November 15, 2010 Councilwoman Bennington asked about the no penalty after the reset date and if that meant after the first ten years for the other ten years there was no penalty if they decide to pay it. Mr. Galvin explained they would renegotiate the interest rate with the bank. Councilman Cooper commented on there being no guarantee on what they could increase to and there was nothing in the documentation stating they couldn't increase it five percent if they wanted to. Mr. Galvin informed him they had the ability to refinance at that point. Councilman Cooper commented on this being a risk. He loves a fixed rate. The fixed rate was still only 3.99% with no jumps. He thought there were two jumps on Option 1. Mr. Galvin explained what the three options were. He didn't think the risk would be a major financial impact if it turns around and interest rates go up substantially. Councilman Cooper commented on the City's debt service looking much more attractive in 2 % years. He asked Mr. Galvin if he had any recommendations adding this debt in the next 2 % years before they are actually coming out of debt verses that is why he asked for the extension. He realized they couldn't get the extension but it was timing for him. Mr. Galvin pointed out right now interest rates were extremely low. He further commented on what they have done on the structuring. He also commented on the City paying the interest only this year in the amount of $17,000. City Manager Barlow felt it was fair to state Mr. Galvin's recommendation was the Option 1 for 10 years with the reset. Mr. Galvin felt that interest rate was extremely aggressive at 2.77 %. Councilman Cooper commented on their real concern being strictly the next 2 % years when their debt really drops off. Councilwoman Rogers stated when they are estimating $17,000 in interest and they are saying through October 2011 that would be approximating what start date for the construction. Mr. Galvin informed him stated they were assuming they would close the financing on November 23 They would close the issue and the $750,000 would be placed with the bank and the City would start drawing on it. From now until the end of the fiscal year, they were assuming $17,000 worth of debt service. Councilwoman Rogers estimated the construction wouldn't start until the middle of next year. They wouldn't have that many months where they were actually pulling from the credit line until the construction begins. Mr. Galvin was advising them to go with Option 1, which had a reset and they are dealing with an economy that is suffering right now and they are dealing with risk. She didn't understand why he wouldn't recommend Option 3 with a fixed rate of 3.99 %. She felt it would be better to lock in the 3.99% now. She made mention of Councilman Cooper pointing out the debt service in another 2 years would go down but stated they have certain debt they won't start paying for another 2 years. She expressed concern with 5 Council Regular Meeting November 15, 2010 the forecast with property tax values next year and the drastic reduction in property values and the reduction they would have in inflows into the City from property tax revenues. Councilwoman Rogers commented on the newspaper pointing out $750,000 and last time she asked how much they had already spent on the design fee for the Fire Station. It was just under $200,000. She felt what they were going to get in free money the City was going to match it. She again commented on the possibility of fire department consolidation. She asked why the City should build a fire station with a thought in the very near future they may very well be consolidating and then the citizens of the City will have to pay for this debt or fight and negotiate it in the future. She had grave concerns and was looking down the road. It is a lot of money they could get but look how much they are putting out there that they are going to cause more debt in the future. There are so many things they aren't looking at. She felt they needed to be on the side of caution. Mayor Thomas felt they had to look at if there was a need. Yes there is a need for the Fire Station. The current Fire Station was built by volunteers in the 1950's. It's not under code or current wind conditions. He spoke of the firefighters sleeping under conditions that are against regulations by the State. The fire trucks don't fit in the bays. This is a stimulus grant to put money back into the local economy to get things going. It's a no brainer for him. The following citizens spoke: Pat Card, 3019 Willow Oak Drive, stated he couldn't imagine stepping away from this money. This is not going to come again. They aren't going to have this opportunity for somebody to come forward and dump this money in their laps. He would like to see them jump on this and get it done. He has wanted to see this for a long time. Mike Visconti, 316 Pine Breeze Drive, read a prepared statement into the record regarding the $750,000 loan. He felt now was the time to do the fire station. Dominic Capria, 606 Topside Circle, felt it was a tough decision. He stated 20 years is a long time. He asked if the $200,000 for the design fee came under the grant or if it was an extra $200,000. City Manager Barlow informed him it was $150,000 that was paid last year from funds from a frozen position. Mr. Capria asked about the budget amendment and if it would change the millage rate. City Manager Barlow informed him no. The budget amendment would recognize the $1.141 million in grant coming in plus the $750,000 of the loan as revenue and they would have to make an offsetting expenditure. The budget amendment has nothing to do with any positive or negative reflection on the ad valorem rate. 6 Council Regular Meeting November 15, 2010 Ben Wagner, 2922 Unity Tree Drive, told the Council not to put too much faith in what they read in the newspaper about consolidation of fire departments in Volusia County. He started in the Fire Service in Volusia County in 1973 and the first meeting he went to was about consolidation. He didn't feel consolidation would happen for a lot of reasons, especially the fact that 12 of 13 Fire Chief's would lose their jobs so they aren't really much in favor of wanting to do this. It's not a big budget reduction to consolidate fire departments. Even if it was they would still have to have a Fire Station here. He spent 39 years in the Fire Department and he has slept in a lot of terrible Fire Stations and he wouldn't want to sleep in Edgewater's. Donna Wagner, 2922 Unity Tree Drive, stated her father was the Volunteer Fire Department Chief for several years. The Fire Station was put into service on October 13, 1973. It took them three years to build it. That Fire Station was never meant to house or sleep firefighters. She spoke of the reason the Fire Station was built being because the Station they had, the fire trucks wouldn't fit. They are in the same situation now. She asked how much extra it would cost to get a special order fire truck. Fire Chief Cousins estimated it to be thousands. Ms. Wagner commented on going back and doing a smaller version of the Fire Station and this would have to be redesigned so that would be more money out the window. They have already paid some for it. If they had to borrow that money right now and had to float a bond issue, the shelter was $500,000 and only costs her $4 a year. She asked what the Fire Station would cost her. She estimated $10 a year and stated she can't replace her house nor will her insurance go up less than that if she doesn't have a Fire Station. John Zino, 718 Navigators Way, stated sometimes simple questions become difficult questions when you over indulge them. He spoke of democracy being wonderful but it can be very cumbersome. He felt Council was confused to the extent that the simplicity of it is it makes common sense to put a facility up in a City that requires one. The more they discuss it the more things they think about it can be problematic with that process. He thinks it would be irresponsible for the Council to ignore $1.141 million to build a facility. Ultimately they will build a fire station and it will cost the city 100% of the cost which would be turned back to the residents anyway. He asked the council not to be penny wise and dollar foolish. This is a stimulus grant. They made it a matching fund by building a facility that they want. This isn't a matching grant. It is a stimulus grant with no strings attached. He told the Council not to make a simple decision cumbersome. Cynthia Degrammont, 213 Ranken Drive, felt it was great but every time something gets old she understands it has to go through certain 7 Council Regular Meeting November 15, 2010 things. This is not the time to be building. Right now how many fires are they having in Edgewater? City Manager Barlow reported that station runs over 1,200 incidents a year. Fire Chief Cousins estimated more than that including backing up the other stations and other departments. He estimated they run 3,000 calls per year, not all fire. Ms. Degrammont commented on the history here and felt it was a beautiful fire station. She asked how much money they owed on the Industrial Park and when they would have that off of their back. People are moving out of Florida. She spoke of the homes for sale, for rent or in foreclosure in Florida Shores. They aren't going to have the revenue we had this year next year. She asked where the money was going to come from. City Manager Barlow informed her the FIND loan would be paid off in 2014 and is already set aside ready to be paid off. Ms. Degrammont questioned the people paying for that in their taxes. She was informed they were. Ms. Degrammont stated she didn't know exactly what else they owed in the City. A lot of people are moving out of Edgewater. She has seven neighbors who are moving. Greg Degrammont, 213 Ranken Drive, stated it seems like the City is trying to appropriate money for something that they are given this so let's do this. This in essence is not free. It may be federal and may be offered to them but they all pay for it. No money is free. Maybe they need a new fire station. He didn't really know that. He had never been in it. He felt spending money just because it is given to them and they only have so much time to spend it probably isn't wise unless they have a real need for the Fire Station. Don Garner, 2703 Tamarind Drive, asked if the stimulus money was a guarantee? Do they have a contract on that and the government is going to give them that money. There is a changing of the guard up there and they are saying they were going to start cutting some programs. He asked if they would be cut and if so, if they had a backup plan. City Manager Barlow stated he had no reason to believe it wasn't guaranteed. They will have an agreement. Mr. Garner was fearful with the changing of the guard he didn't believe the stimulus money was going to be there. They are going to cut a lot of programs and he hears about it on a daily basis. City Manager Barlow commented on the other federal grants they have had being successful. Councilwoman Rogers asked about the other grants being expenditure driven. City Manager Barlow explained they have had some forgiveness and expenditure driven. 8 Council Regular Meeting November 15, 2010 Councilwoman Rogers stated the nation was under federal grants being awarded right now for weatherization for $8 billion and that is being cut left and right. City Manager Barlow stated they weren't cutting grants that were awarded or committed. Councilwoman Rogers informed him they were because the rules change. Councilwoman Rhodes stated if they cut the grant, then they don't have to borrow the money. City Manager Barlow stated that was correct and the project wouldn't go forward. Councilman Cooper commented on this being a two part phase. He expressed concern with the loan document not stating if federal funds were retracted, was their loan canceled or would the bank hold them to a $750,000 loan. He asked if there was anything to protect them. Mr. Galvin explained they had the ability to prepay the loan at any time with the 1% penalty, which would be $7,500. Councilwoman Bennington felt the people don't trust the federal government. They have an approved grant that she didn't think $1.141 would make a difference if they are cutting. She didn't see where they could go wrong at this point. She mentioned the Fire Department writing the grant and coming to Council saying they needed this desperately and they took the initiative. Councilwoman Bennington moved to approve the contract with Pat Cook construction of the replacement Fire Station 55 and the necessary budget amendment contingent on the closing of the Revenue Note Series 2010 in the amount not to exceed $2,066,900, second by Councilwoman Rhodes. Councilman Cooper agreed with not throwing away a $1 million. They would be foolish. Had it been presented a different was and went out as a resolution and he had total in his heart that all of the citizens want this and were willing to pay for because right now he is making the decision to make them pay for it and he wasn't comfortable with that. To throw away $1.141 million when they could use the fire station, he had to vote for this. Councilwoman Rogers stated Option 1, total debt service, $1 million and she was going to say absolutely not. They can't afford it. The MOTION CARRIED 4 -1. Councilwoman Rogers voted NO. B. Request for consensus regarding the proposed receipt of Volusia County Transportation Planning Organization funds for U.S. Highway 1 right -of -way certification 9 Council Regular Meeting November 15, 2010 Councilman Cooper made a presentation regarding the Executive Committee meeting the TPO held on November 8 Karl Welzenbach, TPO's Chairman, was available to answer any questions. Councilman Cooper informed the Council the Executive Council voted unanimously to recommend $1,080,000 with a 15% match be used for an Edgewater project. This would be used to survey and design what they are hoping to be able to do. All they are asking is to know the Council today supports that. This will go to the TPO on the 23 and with their support, hopefully the entire Committee would vote to extend this offer to them and then it is up to them to utilize it accordingly. Projected, they are looking to do the City limits down U.S. #1, sidewalks, utilities underground and the rights -of -way certified and made correct. They would have a whole new look to the City. He disclosed he contacted Bob Lott, Pat Card, Bob McIntosh, and Ferd Heeb. They were asking to send a positive message to the TPO that they would like this money and they would look to see what they would do with it if they get it approved. Councilwoman Bennington wasn't objecting to this. He drove them crazy over the Fire Station and now he was going to ask them to approve something that they were going to match 15% to get. Councilman Cooper informed her the 15% was $157,000. He asked Mr. Welzenbach if they had a possibility of picking up additional funds to help them with the $157,000. Karl Welzenbach, Executive Director, Volusia Transportation Planning Organization, stated they might not require any match. Due to the Committee not taking action he couldn't tell them they wouldn't require a match. It is $1 million. The project he was trying to get his Committees and Board to approve this money for was a project the City submitted under the stimulus program and they hit a roadblock almost immediately because the right -of -way along U.S. #l, DOT doesn't certify the right -of -way unless they actually do something. The last time they did that was in 1957. They think there may be 50 parcels in question but they don't know. He spoke of right -of -way certification being extremely expensive. He didn't think they would be able to certify the entire right -of -way from City limit to City limit. He recommended they cut the project up a bit. They might be able to get more next year as well. This is only to do actual the survey and they would still have to go after design and construction costs. His Executive Committee directed him to get a consensus or a sense of support from the Council that they would be willing to provide the 15% match. He hoped to come back next week and tell them never mind. Councilwoman Rogers commented on liking this. She sat on the TPO Board and she thought Edgewater wouldn't get anything. Here they've got something. They have to take it. 10 Council Regular Meeting November 15, 2010 Mr. Welzenbach mentioned getting safety grants in the amount of $600,000 for the schools. Councilwoman Rhodes was all for it but wouldn't believe it until she saw it. Councilman Cooper questioned there being a time frame for this. Mr. Welzenbach informed him his Board had to take action next week or they lose the money. Mayor Thomas asked for public comment. The following citizen spoke: Mike Visconti, 316 Pine Breeze Drive, suggested the City use the same design as New Smyrna Beach used for their new fire station on 3rd Street. Councilman Cooper informed Mr. Visconti they were off that topic but that he thought Fire Chief Cousins had done that. Mayor Thomas entertained a motion. Councilwoman Rogers made a motion to accept Item 8B, second by Councilwoman Rhodes. City Attorney Ansay thought what was legally required tonight was a consensus of Council that they support the item and support the funding. She advised the Council to make a consensus. They didn't need a motion for consensus. Councilwoman Rogers withdrew her motion. It was the consensus of Council to support this. 9. PUBLIC HEARINGS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS A. Resolution No. 2010 -R -20 - For the Guaranteed Entitlement Revenue Note, Series 2010 and authorization for the Mayor to execute all closing documents for the Guaranteed Entitlement Revenue Note 2010 to finance the replacement of Fire Station 55 in the amount not to exceed $750,000 City Attorney Ansay read Resolution 2010 -R -20 into the record. City Manager Barlow requested if someone was to make a motion to include amending the closing date identified in Exhibit A, B, & C from November 16 to November 22 They would be closing on November 22 and executing on November 23rd_ 11 Council Regular Meeting November 15, 2010 Due to there being no Council or public comment, Mayor Thomas entertained a motion. Councilwoman Rhodes moved to approve Resolution 2010 -R -20 and amend the execution of Exhibit A, B & C to November 23rd, second by Councilwoman Bennington. The MOTION CARRIED 4 -1. Councilwoman Rogers voted NO. B. Resolution No. 2010 -R -19 - approving the Final Year End Amended Budget for Fiscal Year 2009 -2010 City Attorney Ansay read Resolution 2010 -R -19 into the record. City Manager Barlow made a staff presentation. Due to there being no Council or public comment, Mayor Thomas entertained a motion. Councilman Cooper moved to approve Resolution 2010 -R -19, second by Councilwoman Rhodes. The MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. C. Resolution No 2010 -R -21 - Accepting and adopting the results of the November 2, 2010 General Election City Attorney Ansay read Resolution No. 2010 -R -21 into the record. City Clerk Wenzel made a staff presentation. Due to there being no Council or public comment, Mayor Thomas entertained a motion. Councilwoman Rogers moved to approve Resolution 2010 -R -21, second by Councilman Cooper. The MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. 10. BOARD APPOINTMENTS A. Library Board - Councilwoman Rhodes' appointment due to the expired term of Laverna McGinnis, who seeks reappointment Councilwoman Rhodes moved to reappoint Laverna McGinnis to the Library Board, second by Councilwoman Bennington. The MOTION CARRIED 5 -0. 11. OFFICER REPORTS 12 Council Regular Meeting November 15, 2010 A. City Clerk City Clerk Wenzel congratulated the two Councilmen elect and thanked Councilwoman Rogers and Councilwoman Rhodes for the last three years she has been here and she enjoyed working with them both. B. City Attorney City Attorney Ansay stated she enjoyed the fact that the women outnumbered the men up there but she was looking forward to working with the new Council. C. City Manager City Manager Barlow thanked the entire Council and Councilwoman Rogers and Councilwoman Rhodes for the opportunity they have allowed him to serve this community in his capacity and the patience, support and guidance they have given him. City Manager Barlow then highlighted some of the accomplishments of Council from 2005 to 2010 by going through a Powerpoint presentation. Councilman Cooper asked if Mrs. Anderson's problem on Lime Tree Drive had been resolved. City Manager Barlow informed him he left her a message today. He was waiting on her to call him back. Councilman Cooper then asked about moving forward on Edgewater Landing. City Manager Barlow informed him he sent the letter identifying the responsibilities and there was a meeting scheduled to meet with the Homeowners Association President and the Property Manager. Councilman Cooper then asked about Mrs. Ost and if that was put to bed. City Manager Barlow commented on Darren's staff meeting with the landscaper. Development Services Director Darren Lear informed them she was applying for a variance. Councilman Cooper then asked about the roof on the amphitheater and asked Leisure Services Director Jack Corder what he was doing with the solar panels. City Manager Barlow commented on the roof being under construction. He then commented on the solar panels currently located in Kennedy Park. Councilman Cooper commented on solar paneling the ballparks. Councilman Cooper asked if the company had given him a completion date on the amphitheater roof. Leisure Services Director Corder informed him by the end of the year. 13 Council Regular Meeting November 15, 2010 City Clerk Wenzel invited everyone to stay after the meeting for coffee and cake to wish Councilwoman Rhodes and Councilwoman Rogers well and to welcome Councilman Ignasiak and Councilman Kennedy. 12. CITIZEN COMMENTS The following citizens spoke: Dominic Capria, 606 Topside Circle, felt the accomplishments the City had done were great. He stated thanks the U.S. #1 government for the grants that helped them do those projects. Mr. Capria then commented on the City spending a lot of money and asked what happened to the shuffleboard courts and when they were going to get back to that. John Zino, 718 Navigators Way, asked if there were any plans for U.S. #1 median beautification. City Manager Barlow commented on several of them being improved. There were no immediate plans for additional improvements to the medians on U.S. #1. They have just received a draft, findings of necessity through a CRA district which would be on U.S. #1 and some of those projects would be identified in there. Mr. Zino commented on a lot of work being done on the medians north of Edgewater. City Manager Barlow further commented on Edgewater working on establishing a CRA district. Mr. Zino asked about DOT not having anything to do with that. City Manager Barlow informed him the only changes they would see from DOT was the closing of some of the median cuts. Fire Chief Cousins informed everyone on November 27 th at Hawks Park they would be holding family movie night at 6:30 p.m. where they would be showing "How to Train Your Dragon ". This is the first of many they would like to have. There is no cost for admission. Leo Towsley, 2828 Unity Tree Drive, stated the last time he was here he mentioned the foreclosures in Edgewater and asked what plan they had in mind for maintaining them. He further described a few neglected properties that are a mess. He provided addresses of 2825 Needle Palm Drive and 2813 Needle Palm Drive. Councilwoman Rhodes asked why the taxpayers should pay to do something about those taxes when they are owned. Mr. Towsley was asking the City to get enough people to go after the banks to maintain these properties or it will lower property values. 13. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, Councilwoman Bennington moved to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. Minutes submitted by: 14 Council Regular Meeting November 15, 2010 Lisa Bloomer, CMC Attest: APPROVED: City of Edgewater, Florida Bonnie Wenzel, City Clerk Michael L. Thomas, Mayor 15 Council Regular Meeting November 15, 2010