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03-02-1989 - Special ,- '-" ...." CITY COUNCIL OF EDGEWATER SPECIAL MEETING WITH INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARDS OF EDGEWATER AND NEW SMYRNA BEACH MARCH 2, 1989 MINUTES Mayor Mitchum called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. in the Community Center. He stated the purpose was to meet jointly with the Industrial Development Board per their request. ROLL CALL (Council) Mayor David Mitchum Councilman Dan Hatfield Councilwoman Gigi Bennington Councilman Russell Gold Councilman Thomas Fish Present Present Present Present Present Ci ty At torney Jose' B. Al vare z City Manager William Powers Acting City Clerk Susan Wadsworth Chief Lawrence Schumaker Excused Present Present Present ROLL CALL (Industrial Development Board) Florence Baker Joseph Martin Dale Andrew James Baldwin Vincent Azzarello Robert Richards Guy Hanson Present Present Arrived later Present Present Not Present Present Also present were: Ron Wilsbach, New Smyrna Beach Industrial Park Manager; Roland Smith and Linda DeBorde of the New Smyrna Beach Industrial Board; and Terry Wadsworth, Utilities Superintendent. Bob Pincus, New Smyrna Beach Industrial Board, arrived later. Mayor Mitchum suggested Chief Schumaker be excused at this time and no Council member expressed an objection. Chief Schumaker left the meeting. Mayor Mitchum recessed the meeting at 7: 03 P.M. to await the arrival of the Oak Hill representative. Bob Pincus of the New Smyrna Beach Industrial Board arrived at the meeting during this recess, and also Dale Andrew arrived during this time. Mayor Mitchum called the meeting back to order at 7:08 P.M. Mr. Guy Hanson, Vice-Chairman of Industrial Development Board, thanked Council for the meeting. He said they wanted to meet everyone and get Council's thoughts as to their function and direction for the coming year and the Industrial Appreci- ation Week. He asked Council's input for the appreciation week, and pointed out the Space Port is important now also. Councilman Fish stated he'd like to see them attract some light, clean industry into this area and perhaps more aggressively try to recruit industries such as electronics, computer engineering firms, and others that will fit in well with the community and where they don't have to worry about hazardous materials. He pointed out that with the Space Port nearby, hed foresee a lot of industries that will spin off that they'll benefit from. He suggested that Edgewater, New Smyrna Beach, and Oak Hill work together and in close harmony with the Chamber of Commerce to try to attract more industries. Mrs. Baker pointed out that there is a lot of County land and perhaps it could be a tri-city industrial park. Councilman Fish agreed. Mrs. Baker suggested they might meet with the County Council to see what land is available for a park. Mr. Hanson suggested they look at grants. Mayor Mitchum asked the origination of the New Smyrna Beach Industrial Park. Mr. Wilsbach explained it was a part of the airport that was a grant of the military government and it was declared surplus and transferred to the City of New Smyrna Beach. He pointed out that any property that fronts on the air field that's determined for industrial development has to be an aviation business or get a release from FAA, as they're the controlling bodies. He said other lands in the park are covered by City Codes and calls for light clean industry. He listed the various industries located there now. Mayor Mitchum asked if the land is rented to them or purchased. Mr. Wilsbach replied a lot had been sold off in previous years and they're leaning toward leasing properties, especially property bordering on or with access to the air field. .., ."., Councilman Hatfield asked how much land is still available and Mr. Wilsbach replied about 17 acres in the portion they saved to develop and 20 acres on the other side that will be phase 2, which is the western boundary of the air field that hasn't been developed. He added that they submitted a master plan for the air field in September and it hasn't been approved yet by FAA. He said they're in the process of closing two of the air fields for financial reasons which will open up properties and double the amount of acreage available. Councilman Hatfield asked the total acres and Mr. Wilsbach replied 769 acres. There was discussion about the FEC industrial park and their interest in devel- oping. Mr. Hanson stated they'll try to get in touch with FEC to see what their plans are but they need to know if Edgewater wants to do it themselves or assist in whatever way with private development. He pointed out they need the tax base and the jobs, but it's a big undertaking if they want to be in business as an industrial park. Mrs. Baker noted that the Chamber of Commerce was success- ful in getting Mr. Jones here and he had a plan for the park but at that time there was a problem with water. She said she researched this with the former Mayor and learned there is water available for that park for fire protection. Councilwoman Bennington said they submitted plans years ago and had them approved and ready to go. Mrs. Baker said they could invite Mr. Jones down again and Council may want a representative there. Mr. Martin reviewed the history of FEC from 1979 through 1988, including the request for John Street. He pointed out there were some rights of way easements made available to the City that will expire next year. He noted that there's another problem with the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan and the conservation element is involved. Councilwoman Bennington stated that the County got upset when they found out the industrial park was approved because the traffic on Park Avenue would hit them. She said she talked to New Smyrna Beach to see if they could exit on lath Street and was told no, they didn't want industrial traffic exiting there. Mr. Martin stated that the County designated Park Avenue as an arterial street and as minimum two lane with 100' right of way. Councilman Gold asked if it's land between the college and Park Avenue and Mr. Martin agreed, adding it's Dale and John Streets. Mayor Mitchum asked how much of the 769 acres is the actual air port as they have about 200 acres for FEC. Mr. Martin said it's 288 acres. Mayor Mitchum asked how much is usable land for industrial. Mr. Wilsbach replied about 100. Mr. Martin pointed out they'll cause some groundwater problems and they may not be able to build it up to the density they want. Mayor Mitchum asked Mr. Terry Wadsworth, Utilities Superintendent, the feasibility of using it and the drainage. Mr. Wadsworth replied that to certain companies the drainage would be a problem, and in the Spring last year they met with FEC and people looking at that area, but with the updated flood maps for that area, that particular company wasn't interested. He added that if CIP goes through, utilities would not be a problem but the drainage problems would have to be taken into account. Councilwoman Bennington asked the function of the New Smyrna Beach Industrial Board. Mr. Smith, Chairman, replied they advise the City Commission on activities related to the airport industrial park and visit with clients and try to meet their needs. Councilwoman Bennington asked if they make their recommendations to the Commission and Mr. Smith replied to the Airport Industrial Manager and it goes to the City Clerk for on the agenda. Mayor Mitchum asked how often they meet and Mr. Smith replied monthly. Mrs. DeBorde said they requested from their Commission that they not limit them to that piece of land (airport) as they feel they should be pursuing other good industries that may not fit that land. Mr. Pincus added that they're looking at other pieces of land for businesses that aren't suitable to the airport. Mrs. DeBorde stated that New Smyrna Beach doesn't have much industrial zoned land except the park. -2- City Council Special Meeting with Industrial Development Boards of Edgewater and New Smyrna Beach March 2, 1989 Minutes ~ ~ Councilwoman Bennington asked if they should develop the areas they have while they're looking for others. Mrs. DeBorde suggested they promote private industries to develop what's there and zoned. Councilwoman Bennington pointed out the City has to offer certain things to attract industries, and they now have the college for training and with the CIP they should be able to take care of utility facilities, plus the govern- ment has to be willing to work with larger corporations. Mrs. Baker reviewed the prior successful Industry Appreciation Week activ- ities, with the Chamber of Commerce handling it last year. She asked how they'd like to handle it this year. Councilman Fish asked if the Chamber is willing to handle it again and Mrs. Baker replied yes. Councilman Fish stated he had no problem with doing it in cooperation with New Smyrna Beach and the Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Baker asked if they had anything special in mind for this year. She noted that it's in the middle of September, and the workshop and luncheon was the easiest, but they do need some input. She added that the three cities participated and paid the bill for the luncheon for the representatives of industry. Mr. Smith stated that last year's seminar was a real contribution and it started at 9AM with speakers and then lunch and other speakers in the afternoon, and they had those recognized for their contributions to the community as their guests, and the rest were invited on a dutch treat basis. Councilman Hatfield asked the feedback and Mr. Smith replied it was most favorable. Councilman Hatfield asked about the TIP program. Mrs. Baker replied they'd received word there'll be a delay because of Dave Richmond's transfer. Mrs. DeBorde stated they have a meeting next week with Matt Lacey and they're trying to coordinate it with him and all the County delegates. Mr. Pincus suggested they look at industries from the County and expand this way and reinforce the County's efforts. Councilman Hatfield suggested they bring Mr. Lacey, who might have some people he'd like to bring, and let them see we appreciate them. Councilwoman Bennington suggested they try to get an astronaut if they're thinking of using the Space Port as a theme this year. There was discussion of the progress of the Space Port by September. Councilman Hatfield suggested it could be someone from the State program or from NASA who's dealing with this. He pointed out it could have gone by the wayside by then. Councilwoman Bennington stated that the Space Center is still there and a lot of residents work there. Mrs. DeBorde stated that a lot of their businesses are indirectly from that. Mr. Smith suggested someone from Lockheed or Martin Marietta. Councilwoman Bennington suggested Lockheed. Councilman Hatfield spoke on the seminar in Brevard County regarding bringing small businesses in. He pointed out that Bob Richards' business relates to what they do at the Cape. He suggested they let professionals like Mr. Lacey sell their City to businesses and they pay these professionals and it would be in their best interest not to conflict. He stated this Board should advise Council on areas where changes can be made to assist in bringing businesses in. Mrs. Baker pointed out that Volusia County Business Develop- ment goes out for large corporations. Councilman Hatfield stated they have someone who deals with industrial property. Mrs. Baker suggested they not depend solely on Mr. Lacey. Mr. Andrew suggested they send a positive message to present businesses and they need to keep traffic off residential streets. He pointed out they have businesses on India Palm and the road is in very poor condition. Councilman Hatfield suggested they have a total package and a stable govern- ment that's willing to work with industry and they want to see growth and to provide people with jobs. Mr. Hanson pointed out that the joint meetings relay the message they're willing to work together, and they may want to meet more often. He asked for Council input if they have projects they want done. -3- City Council Special Meeting with Industrial Development Boards of Edgewater and New Smyrna Beach March 2, 1989 Minutes ..... ...." Councilwoman Bennington suggested the Board work directly with Land Develop- ment and Regulatory Agency because they control the zoning and planning and the Board could tell them what they need to bring industry in which would affect the zoning areas, permitting, and what's allowed. She suggested the chairmen of the two boards may want to attend the other's meetings to keep each board informed. Mr. Azzarello asked that Council set up guidelines or rules to go by because they've got a lot of negative feedback about who is to do what. He added that the City is getting a negative feedback from the newspapers. He said they need to know if they should wait until someone approaches Council before they come to them, to avoid stepping on toes. Councilwoman Bennington suggested they work with LDRA before the person commits any money and LDRA will advise the zoning and what they have to do to comply. Mr. Azzarello pointed out there are no set guidelines for people to look at. Councilwoman Bennington stated it's in the Code book. Mr. Azzarello stated that the City has a bad attitude about someone coming in to start a business. Councilman Hatfield replied they're trying to change that and to help businesses locate in the City. Councilman Hatfield moved they direct the City Manager to get some feedback from the various department heads and what would be their ideas to form this pamphlet and the trouble areas they have and how to allievate those and put them in a pamphlet. Mr. Hanson pointed out that Volusia County has a pamphlet. Councilman Hatfield asked if the businessmen have access to it. Mrs. DeBorde replied through the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Hanson stated that for Industry Appreciation Week and the TIP program, they'll go to the various businesses and will take them copies. Councilman Hatfield withdrew his motion. Councilwoman Bennington pointed out that building is a primary industry and they need to recognize the Home Builders Association. Mayor Mitchum asked how New Smyrna Beach promotes it. Mr. Smith replied they're in the process of developing a promotion brochure that will list what they have available. Mayor Mitchum asked the scope of the distribution and Mr. Smith replied Chamber of Commerce mailings go allover the United States. Mrs. DeBorde replied it's about 10,000 contacts from the Chamber. Mr. Smith pointed out you have to tell them Edgewater is interested. He further explained the items covered in the brochure, such as the airport industrial park, police and fire, water sport acess, etc. Mrs. DeBorde stated that industry looks for many things, such as school systems, training programs for employees, costs of housing, etc. Mayor Mitchum asked if our board thought of mailings and Mr. Hanson said no. Mr. Martin briefly explained the Board's request to acquire a right of way of FEC. He said there is an unused right of way and the County had discussed using it for a Rails for Trails program to make it a nature path. He suggested the City preserve the right of way, and if FEC wants to sell it, then Edgewater should get a portion of it because it could provide a right of way for a road to 1-95 and would support heavy rail if they want to put in heavy industry. Councilman Hatfield noted there's no rail beyond 1-95 and Mr. Martin replied it's parallel. Mr. Martin suggested they look at the option to buy if they decide to get rid of it and the County could still put in the Rails for Trails. Mrs. DeBorde said the Chamber would mail the brochures if they came up with a light weight fold over. Councilman Hatfield asked to see the one for New Smyrna Beach as an example. Mr. Smith spoke briefly on the dissension regarding the Space Port's location, and suggested they let their legislators know of our interest. Mayor Mitchum thanked them for participating in the meeting. Councilwoman Bennington expressed pleasure that the boards are working with them and that New Smyrna Beach is getting involved. Mrs. DeBorde stated that the sister cities need to help each other. Councilman Hatfield moved to adjourn. Councilman Gold seconded the motion. Meeting was adjourned at 8:13 P.M. Minutes submitted by: Lura Sue Koser -4- City Council Special Meeting with Industrial Development Boards of Edgewater and New Smyrna Beach March 2, 1989 Minutes Note: Page 5 is signature page only. 'W' Signature page only: ATTEST: -------- L,". <;7 r....:."'~- Approved this 3rd day of APrill - ~.1~.:7J-r-// j;Et~~R~ 'MAYOR .., /,.. , , .~_,.0 ,:"4-</ ~ ..-'" . i " , - COUNCILMAN - ZONE THREE 7~4 ~. COUNCILMAN - ZONE FOUR ~ -5- City Council Special Meeting with Industrial Development Boards of Edgewater and New Smyrna Beach March 2, 1989 Minutes