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10-01-2013 - Town Hall CITY COUNCIL OF EDGEWATER TOWN HALL MEETING OCTOBER 1, 2013 6:30 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS MINUTES 1. OPENING Councilman Emter opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and providing some housekeeping issues . He asked anyone who speaks to speak into the microphone and identified that questions regarding potential future Council decisions could not be addressed at the meeting. He then introduced the City officials who were present. Councilman Emter asked everyone to stand for the pledge of allegiance. Councilman Emter then identified the purpose and intent of the meeting. 2. PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED QUESTIONS Councilman Emter stated they had asked previously for issues or questions to be submitted to them ahead of time, which allows them to generate information. There were several that were given to City Clerk Wenzel and communicated to City Manager Barlow who did some research. He asked City Manager Barlow to comment on the previously submitted issues . City Manager Barlow spoke of having a couple of lingering questions that were forwarded to him since the last meeting. He commented on the request to pave Canal Road, which was unpaved and was 800 feet long and 18 feet wide with a cost of $70, 000 for the paving itself. Additional research was needed as it related to stormwater management. Currently there were no funds allocated for that paving job but it was on the radar. He further spoke of reducing the dirt roads within the City and prioritizing which ones needed to be paid first as funds become available. He also commented on having a few hundred miles of paved roads currently in the City that the City was responsible for resurfacing. They have been able to budget between $200, 000 and $300, 000 on an average over the last few years when they should be at $500, 000 . City Manager Barlow then spoke of the need for street lighting and not being able to find any grants that would help them support additional street lights . In lieu of street lights he has requested the police department provide some extra patrol . 1 Town Hall Meeting October 1, 2013 City Manager Barlow spoke of an evaluation that was done in the area of Mariners Gate with regard to a request for an additional stop sign. At this time, they have determined the conditions didn' t warrant any additional traffic control devices within Mariners Gate . They would continue to monitor it. City Manager Barlow then answered the questions that were submitted for this evening. City Manager Barlow identified someone wanted to know the status of the sidewalk project in light of another pedestrian being killed in the recent weeks on U.S. #1 . He provided an update on some of the new sidewalks that were coming along, all of which were funded with grant dollars. He mentioned the almost $2 . 5 million in grant money the City received to do a right-of-way certification and sidewalk design on U.S . #1 from 10th Street almost down to Volco Road. They were about 99. 9% complete and accepted by the Florida Department of Transportation. The next phase was the construction phase . He hoped to start construction the first part of 2014 . This would add sidewalks on both sides of U. S . #1 all the way to SR 442 . At SR 442 they would have one sidewalk on the east side of U.S . #1 down to Cory Drive. Eventually as new development occurred on the west side of U.S. #1 from SR 442 to Volco they would require new development to add those sidewalks . They didn't have enough right-of-way on the west side of U. S. #1 to put sidewalks now or enough grant dollars . Those sidewalks would connect to SR 442 going west to Air Park Road. They have a grant application in to do a feasibility study, design and then construction dollars to continue those clear out to the interstate, which would connect to the Rails to Trails . City Manager Barlow further commented on the Rails to Trails, which would be built from Rotary Park out to the area of SR 442 and I-95. He hoped construction would start the first part of next year. The bid had already been awarded for the pedestrian overpass over SR 442 . They are trying to time it all so the trail is done the same time the bridge is done. City Manager Barlow spoke of the sidewalk going in the area of Flagler Avenue which runs from Park Avenue on the west side of the railroad tracks and runs towards Florida Shores into 12th Street. They were waiting on the TPO to sign off on a survey and design, which he hoped to start in early 2014 . That area also serves Edgewater Elementary School and would provide another safe way for the kids to get to school. He further commented on City Council the first part of last year adopting a pedestrian trail system plan. City Manager Barlow spoke of a sidewalk going in by Hawks Park on the north side of West Turgot Avenue that would go from U. S . #1 clear back to the soccer complex. City Manager Barlow stated they received a question tonight asking where Code Enforcement was. He didn't know that he completely 2 Town Hall Meeting October 1, 2013 understood the question and identified if the person wanted to elaborate more it would help him. A lady in the audience identified many years ago she served on the Code Enforcement Board and they had a Code Enforcement Officer whose duty was to go around the City and check on the enforcement of codes . She spoke of a home in Wildwood Subdivision that they passed on their way to the meeting that had a truck in the driveway, three trucks and a car on the lawn and a truck parked on the shoulder. She felt it was a driving hazard there. It was there a good bit usually later in the afternoon almost every day of the week. She felt they may be conducting a business there but she wasn' t sure. They were doing something with cars or rail cars or something like that. She asked if they still had a Code Enforcement Officer that was assigned to do this and if not she didn't know that people were so willing to call in. She spoke of not doing anything if there is a complaint. She asked if the police could perhaps make a report about things like this . There was also a boat that is often parked on the side of the road temporarily for hours at a time and then placed on the side of the house. Mayor Thomas asked if she had the addresses . The lady thought it was somewhere around 23 Wildwood Drive. City Manager Barlow spoke of having a very aggressive Code Enforcement Department which has resulted in being able to save the property values within the City. Last year the City was one of three communities that saw a property value appreciation, including Daytona Beach Shores and New Smyrna Beach, which both have oceanfront properties . He attributed a lot of the successes to the aggressive Code Enforcement they have. He believed there was one that was a pretty hot case in the Wildwood Subdivision most recently with the number of cars there which he believed Mr. Lariscy had worked that case. They not only do active patrols but they also respond to complaints or concerns . He spoke of being able to go to the City' s website to place a complaint and remain totally anonymous through TracEZ . He then spoke of doing everything they could to expedite the cases from the start to the point the property is brought into compliance. He further commented on the Code Enforcement process as it related to Florida Statutes . City Manager Barlow asked Mr. Lariscy how many cases on average the Code Enforcement Board was hearing a month. Mr. Lariscy informed him they issue about 240 notices of violation a month and out of that about 40 go to the Board. He identified not only did they have two full-time officers plus a supervisor they also have a handful of volunteers . The Code Enforcement Department now works seven days a week. He also pointed out he receives every Code Enforcement complaint that was made through TracEZ. 3 Town Hall Meeting October 1, 2013 Mayor Thomas recognized Mr. Jeff Lariscy, the Supervisor for Code Enforcement, who also serves as the City' s Fire Marshal and up until recently they were sharing him with the City of New Smyrna Beach. Mayor Thomas further spoke of instances where he needed Mr. Lariscy and he was right there. He encouraged the people when they see something to call it in. Councilman Emter introduced Councilwoman Power. City Manager Barlow identified the other question they received talked about water restrictions, schedule enforcement and fines . He asked for the person to elaborate and identified Environmental Services Director Brenda Dewees was the expert in that field. Ms . Dewees thought Mr. Goetze was the one who asked that question. They had a conversation prior to this meeting. She had flyers available that identified what the current watering restrictions were. Councilman Emter identified he intended early on to do introductions and asked the public to let them know who they were and where they live in terms of neighborhood. The following citizens were present: Sam Ascherl, Vice President, Friendly Shores HOA Mrs . Ascherl, Friendly Shores Chuck MacDonald, Finance Chair, Edgewater Landing Alice Haldemann, Edgewater Acres Joe Favaloro, President, Edgewater Landing HOA Anne McDevitt, Secretary, Edgewater Landing HOA Don Garner, President, Florida Shores Property Owners Association Alice Garzia, Vice President, HOA, Mary Ciccarello, Wildwood Subdivision Dale Tanner, President, Edgewater Lakes HOA Bob Andrejkovics, Vice President, Edgewater Lakes HOA John Goetze, Vice President, Mariners Gate HOA Thelma Emter, Edgewater Landing Dominic Capria, Edgewater Landing Bob Ciccarello, Wildwood Subdivision Janet Shira, City of Edgewater staff Jeff Lariscy, City of Edgewater staff Don Bennington, City of Edgewater, Code Enforcement volunteer Leo Towsley, Florida Shores Calvin Everhart, Meadow Lake Subdivision John & Jackie Gawdun, Florida Shores Bob Peterson, Edgewater Mark Johnson, Daytona Beach News Journal 4 Town Hall Meeting October 1, 2013 Mr. Andrejkovics asked how successful they were in collecting the Code Enforcement fines once the property was posted. He asked how the fines work and where that money goes to. City Manager Barlow spoke of being extremely successful with collecting fines due to filing liens against properties . He also identified the costs associated with mowing properties that are also liened if they aren't paid. When those liens are satisfied everything goes back into the General Fund. Mr. Andrejkovics spoke of Mr. Lariscy being very responsive as far as what he does for the City. He spoke of seeing a nice, clean, respectful, warm City when you drive through Edgewater. City Manager Barlow spoke of the appearance of the City being accomplished by different departments . He identified staff was doing an absolutely great job. Mr. Lariscy commented on Edgewater Lakes changing property management and because they didn' t update their information with the Property Appraiser' s office there was a delay receiving the notice of violation. He further spoke of the importance of making sure that information is updated with the Property Appraiser because State Statute tells them they have to notify the property owner identified by the tax collector' s office. Councilwoman Bennington asked Mr. Lariscy to explain what they had done about the garage sales so the people understood. Mr. Lariscy commented on garage sales signs and now being able to register a garage sale online at no charge. Mayor Thomas asked how many garage sales they were allowed in a year. Mr. Lariscy informed him 2. City Manager Barlow further commented on how popular the online list of garage sales was . Mayor Thomas asked Mr. Lariscy to tell them about the new canopy law which he did at this time. Mr. Lariscy further commented on the accessibility of the Code Enforcement Department as they are working seven days a week and have e-mail access in their vehicles . There was then a brief discussion regarding community yard sales . Mr. Garner asked what the status was of the sidewalk for Lime Tree Drive as it goes behind their clubhouse. City Manager Barlow explained it had gotten pushed to the back burner for now but it was still a goal that was high on the list but he didn't have the funds right now or the real estate on one piece of private property that they had to work through. 5 Town Hall Meeting October 1, 2013 Mayor Thomas asked Mr. Garner what the condition was of the lake down there as the last time he was down there it looked like pea soup. Mr. Garner informed him it was clear. Mr. Capria asked if anybody could tell him approximately how much money they had in the Enterprise Fund after paying all the bills . City Manager Barlow offered his proposed budget as it had all of the Enterprise Funds in it and he wasn't sure which one he was talking about. Mr. Capria informed him total Enterprise Fund. City Manager Barlow identified they had debt in the Enterprise Fund and that Ms . Dewees was going to talk about that. If there was a total after all of the debts were paid they would be in the negative. You can't have money left over if you have debt. Mr. Capria questioned if City Manager Barlow was saying there was no money left over after the debts were paid. City Manager Barlow informed him they have annual debt service that they pay. Mr. Capria spoke of $1 million being transferred out of the Enterprise Fund into the General Fund years back. City Manager Barlow further commented on what Mr. Capria was talking about. At the request of Councilwoman Bennington, City Manager Barlow explained the difference between the General Fund and the Enterprise Fund. City Manager Barlow spoke of going to a cost allocation in 2008 . He spoke of General Fund employees salaries that are paid from the Enterprise Fund to help offset the salaries . He felt this was a very sophisticated but realistic and the correct way to have the Enterprise Funds support the General Fund. City Manager Barlow didn' t have the debt service sheet with him but it shows exactly where all the debt is in the General Fund and Enterprise Funds and what the debt service payment is per year. The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) also spells that out and was available online. Mr. Capria stated he asked the question because of taxes . He knew 9. 9 was approved and he understood that. He spoke of people hurting and wanted to do something about it. If there was money left over in the Enterprise Fund, he suggested it be transferred to lower the 9. 9 some to help the people. Councilwoman Bennington identified they instituted a Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) this year in the amount of 5. 9% to help offset the tax rate in the General Fund. City Manager Barlow pointed out if the City Council was to borrow money from the Enterprise Fund the General Fund would have to pay that money back at fair market interest. It' s a separate business . You don't just co-mingle funds like that. 6 Town Hall Meeting October 1, 2013 Councilman Emter informed Mr. Capria he would be happy to sit down with him. Mayor Thomas spoke of financial difficulties that he saw when he was elected in 2005 and this Council instructing City Manager Barlow to get rid of the debt. He estimated they had lowered the debt by about half. He spoke of Edgewater being a bedroom community and the effort being made trying to attract business to help offset the tax base. He then commented on Daytona Beach Shores being the richest city in Volusia County because of the condominiums . He would rather pay a little bit more for his qualify of life than to come down to the river and see big condos . In 2005 Edgewater had the highest tax rate in Volusia County. Now we are over halfway down the list out of 16 cities. He was proud of what Council had done to reduce the tax burden on the citizens of Edgewater. 3. UPCOMING CITY PROJECTS Councilman Emter informed the public he had asked City Manager Barlow to deal quickly with upcoming City projects that were in the works and were eminent within the next three years that would have an impact on all of them. City Manager Barlow spoke of Edgewater starting to see a lot of interest coming from South Florida to purchase and develop property. They were also starting to see annexations coming in as a result of Council waiving for a one year period all of the fees associated with annexation. City Manager Barlow spoke of the access management safety project on U.S. #1 that was recently completed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) as it related to landscaping and reclaimed water that was now located in the medians from one median south of Publix up to one block north of Park Avenue. He identified that the medians used to be irrigated with potable water and further commented on reclaimed water being a lot cheaper than potable water. They also had reclaimed water on the east side of U.S. #1 at Fire Station #55. He further identified by irrigating the medians with the reclaimed water it reduces the discharge into the Indian River. City Manager Barlow informed the public he had talked to the County Engineer today and he confirmed by the first of the year they would have the construction bids out on the street to make a stormwater pond out of the parking lot at the north end of the City, which they were going to beautify to look like a park with a nice entrance sign coming into the City, when they widen 10th Street. Councilwoman Power asked if the City line was in the middle of the Gabordy Canal . She questioned if the canal would stay there when they 7 Town Hall Meeting October 1, 2013 do the widening. City Manager Barlow identified the canal on the east side of U.S. #1 would pretty much stay the same but the canal on the west side would be boxed in. Ms . Dewees identified there would be some openings but they would be matted drainage areas, particularly in front of where McDonald' s was . For the most part that would be a boxed culvert through there. City Manager Barlow spoke of working out an agreement with New Smyrna to allow them to beautify the median going into 10th Street. He further spoke of a contest that was held for the kids to name the park, which was either City-Line Park or Gateway Park. City Manager Barlow then informed the audience of some of the events that were coming up at Hawks Park. On October 20th at the New Smyrna Beach High School was doing a fundraiser concert from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Fall Festival was scheduled for October 26th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The First Fridays will begin on November 1st from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. City Manager Barlow identified December 14th at 10 a.m. was going to be the annual Holiday Parade. On January 3rd and 4th there was going to be a sanction barbeque event called "Banjos, Bikes & Barbeque" at Hawks Park. He identified there would be a calendar of events on the City' s website identified under Events or they could sign up for the weekly newsletter which had short briefs on what was coming up. 4. Overview of Water and Wastewater Operations Environmental Services Director Brenda Dewees presented a brief overview of what the Environmental Services Department does . Ms . Dewees identified they were here to talk about Water & Wastewater Operations which encompassed the Water Treatment Plant, Field Operations, Wastewater Collections and the Wastewater Treatment Plant. That budget was a little over $10 million. Ms. Dewees then commented on the Water Treatment Plant. This was a 5. 0 MGD permitted plant. They can draw and treat up to 5 MGD and were currently running about 1 .8 MGD. The plant currently had seven operators, a plant manager, and a lead operator. The plant was open 24/7, 365 days a year. She then commented on the City having 14 wells . She had copies of their latest annual drinking water report. She spoke of the laboratory located at the Water Treatment Plant. The water is checked on an hourly basis . They take 32 samples each month out into the distribution system. There are other samples they are required to take on an annual, bi-annual or quarterly basis . The aeration basin was the first part of the treatment process . They currently had two claricones which was the primary treatment process at the plant. High service pumps send the water out to the distribution system. They have storage tanks throughout the City as 8 Town Hall Meeting October 1, 2013 well as the elevated tower in Florida Shores, including a 1 million gallon storage tank that was located at the Water Treatment Plant. They had the ability to pull 2 . 8 MGD of water in all of their storage facilities so they had almost 3 days of supply in the event anything should happen at the plant. Ms . Dewees then commented on the Field Operations building, which houses the Field Operations Division and used to be the old Water Treatment Plant prior to 1993 that was now a booster station. This facility also had a 1 million gallon storage tank and high service pumps to maintain the pressures in the north end of town. She then listed the responsibilities of the Field Operations Division and identified they had over 274 miles of water distribution lines, 189 miles of wastewater collection lines, 71 miles of reclaimed water lines and they were close to 700 fire hydrants . The Field Operations budget was almost $1 million in itself. Ms. Dewees informed the public she had flyers that identified the current watering restrictions and further commented on what those restrictions were with regard to potable and reclaimed water. She also commented on educating the public and giving a warning first before issuing fines for the watering restrictions . Ms . Dewees spoke of the Field Operations taking on a major project of replacing fire hydrants in the older sections of town. Ms. Dewees then commented on the Wastewater Operations Division, which was located between the Public Works Complex and the Animal Shelter on Mango Tree Drive. They were responsible for almost 190 miles of the wastewater collection line, 1, 700 plus manholes and 50 lift stations . Their budget was a little over half a million dollars a year. Ms . Dewees then commented on the lift stations and informed the public that their biggest problem was FOG (fats, oils & grease) . She encouraged the public to put their fats, oils & grease in their regular household garbage as well as depends undergarments and to spread the word. Ms . Dewees then commented on the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant which was located behind the Public Works and Wastewater Collections Facilities . She further identified the facility was currently under a $6. 4 million refurbishment and explained what improvements were being made. This plant is permitted to treat 2 . 7 MGD of sewage . They were currently operating at about 1 . 3 MGD. This had also been in operation since 1993 . They also had licensed operators at this plant as well. Their budget was a little over $2 million. Ms . Dewees then commented on the current upgrade taking on some challenges in the construction process in order to maintain the facility in running order. She spoke of the odor control system that 9 Town Hall Meeting October 1, 2013 was put in place because of the plant being located in the general vicinity to a residential neighborhood. Since it was activated two months ago they have not received any complaints . Ms . Dewees then commented on what the clarifier does . She also commented on the reclaimed storage tanks, the biological nutrient removal system and the electrical control system. She further commented on the rest of the process based on whether it is chlorinated for disinfection purposes to bring it into the reclaimed storage tanks or de-chlorinated if they have to go to river discharge, which they are trying to get away from. Ms . Dewees then commented on now having a cover over the six reclaimed water high service pumps . She further commented on the current laboratory being expanded. Ms. Dewees then showed an aerial photo of the Wastewater Plant and Public Works Compound. Councilman Emter spoke of touring the Wastewater Plant and being amazed at the detail of the science involved with the whole process . 5. DISCUSSION REGARDING CONTENT OF NEXT MEETING Mayor Thomas informed Mr. Capria that in 2004 the city-wide debt was $47, 930, 000 and in 2014 the city-wide debt is $25, 925, 000, which he was very proud of. Councilman Emter felt they were all quite proud of that. Councilman Emter thanked Ms . Dewees and all of the staff for showing up. A gentleman in the audience asked if it was true that Al Capone owned the red brick house on the Gabordy Canal . City Manager Barlow identified the red brick house was right on Riverside Drive on the New Smyrna side of the Gabordy Canal . Years ago there was a door on the side of the bank that allegedly when Al Capone owned that house when he was running away from people looking for him, they were able to take the boat in that door that took them to the basement of the house. The door has been closed off. Councilman Emter expressed his appreciation to everyone for coming. Councilman Emter asked if the meeting was worth it and if they wanted to continue it. Councilman Emter asked the HOA' s to provide City Clerk Wenzel with the names of their Officers or people in charge, not necessarily the management company. They need name, address, telephone number and e- mail for notification purposes . 10 Town Hall Meeting October 1, 2013 Councilman Emter informed everyone that as soon as the minutes were done they would appear on the City' s website. Councilwoman Bennington commented on the Fall Festival and Haunted Forest. She asked the HOA' s if any of them were interested in sponsoring a little bit of money to help with the event. She also informed them she had flyers. Mayor Thomas identified there were 16 cities in Volusia County and they were the only full-service city with regards to supplying their own water, having their own wastewater plant, and their own garbage and trash collection. They had their own Fire Department and were currently one of two cities in the County that was allowed to transport patients to the hospital. The Police Department busted 11 meth labs in Edgewater. He also commented on now having two canines . They had 22 parks that were free as well as a boat ramp. Edgewater was the only City in Volusia County that was operating its own animal shelter. They had $17 million in reserves in case of a disaster and had saved $500, 000 towards a new City Hall. Ms . Ciccarello asked how she represents her neighborhood without an HOA. Councilman Emter informed her they could come up with some thoughts on that. A gentleman in the audience informed everyone that on July 28th at 11 : 45 p.m. his wife was transported by Engine 57 to the hospital . He thanked them for being very professional and very compassionate. Mayor Thomas spoke of having to fight for that privilege of being able to transport. A lady in the audience spoke of something in the newspaper about flushable waste, that it was starting to cause problems in some systems . Ms . Dewees spoke of an article she saw that New York City was having a real issue with it that caught her attention because of the issues Edgewater was seeing as well. She felt the people needed to be educated about what needed to be disposed of in the garbage and not the sewer system. The lady identified she was talking about flushable waste that was being sold as flushable. Ms . Dewees identified they were claiming they were flushable but they were still doing studies . She identified they do present a problem. Mr. McKinney identified the actual cost to operate the City was $671, 000 per day. 6. ADJOURNMENT 11 Town Hall Meeting October 1, 2013 There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned around 8 : 05 p.m. Minutes submitted by: Lisa Bloomer, CMC 12 Town Hall Meeting October 1, 2013