08-28-2001 - Workshop
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CITY COUNCIL OF EDGEWATER
WORKSHOP
AUGUST 28, 2001
6:00 P.M.
COMMUNITY CENTER
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Schmidt called the Workshop to order at 6:00 p.m. in the
community Center.
ROLL CALL
Edqewater
Mayor Donald Schmidt
Councilman James Brown
Councilman Dennis Vincenzi
Councilwoman Harriet Rhodes
Councilwoman Judith Lichter
City Manager Kenneth Hooper
City Clerk Susan Wadsworth
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
Oak Hill
commissioner Darry Evans
Commissioner Robert Jackson
Commissioner Abraham Jackson
Vice Mayor Jessie McClain
Mayor Susan Cook
city Clerk Marilyn Stephens
Excused
Present
Present
Present
Present
Present
INVOCATION. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
There was a silent invocation and pledge of allegiance to the
Flag.
MEETING PURPOSE
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss Service Areas,
Annexation, Water Service, Police Department Dispatch with the
city of Oak Hill. Immediately following the joint meeting, the
city Council will discuss, Grants, Volusia ECHO, Volusia Forever,
and Projects Status.
City Manager Hooper about two weeks ago they had discussed the
annexation of road right-of-ways along SR 442 and u.S. #1 to the
south. The first reading of the ordinance contemplated taking
the road right-of-way along SR 442 from u.S. #1 to 1-95, which
they were looking at because of various enclaves. He went over a
map which indicated the city's expansion plans along SR 442 and
u.S. #1 to Ariel Road. He then spoke about service area for a
Chapter 180 Reserve area being established in the mid-1980's. At
the time that was about five miles south of the most southern
extreme of the Edgewater City limits. Statutes allow cities to
reserve a five-mile area boundary around the City to protect the
water and sewer service area. He then went over entering some
agreement with the County. We are in the process of going
through a joint planning area and working with the County and
have joint land uses.
city Manager Hooper discussed the meeting that was held about two
years ago with Oak Hill where the projected boundaries were for
Edgewater to go to Clinton Cemetery Road but there never was a
definite on both sides. There was a a lot of discussion of
Clinton Cemetery Road and Old Jones Fish Camp Road as a happy
medium.
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Councilwoman Lichter asked City Manager Hooper if it is assumed
we go to Ariel Road with the service area how wide an area is
that that we would be incorporating. City Manager Hooper stated
that is a road right-of-way of about 100 or 120 feet but it is a
narrow band of anywhere from 80 to 120. Councilwoman Lichter
stated nothing on the east side is included in that. That is
still open County territory. City Manager Hooper explained
anybody that wanted to annex would annex either through a
voluntary annexation. If they got to an involuntary annexation
it has to be voter approved and there is a referendum that would
have to be done.
Councilwoman Lichter stated so even if our service area went down
to Ariel Road, the inhabitants in the County on the side still
have some what of a choice of where they would want to be.
commissioner Bob Jackson stated you are into the area when you
come down to Ariel Road of the county sewage line. They are
putting a new line into Waterfront and the City is sending it's
sewage down the same one. He asked City Manager Hooper if he has
gotten with the County on buying their plant. City Manager
Hooper informed him no, when we did our agreement with the
County, we got the County to acknowledge our service area. He
has no desire to buy their sewer plant.
Councilwoman Lichter stated she got a call from a couple Terra
Mar residents and they have their own Water Plant and is probably
not jumping to sell it unless a particular price is obtained.
Are we familiar with that situation at all?
city Manager Hooper stated there is no thought in the City's
process to try to buy any private or public utilities that are in
there. The County came through and bought several of those
private utilities.
Mayor Schmidt would like to hear some of Oak Hill's comments on
this. He feels it is important that they form a boundary line
and then concentrate on our southern and western.
Mayor Cook stated one of the things that was a big issue for them
that they looked at recently is the fact that they have an
Enterprise Zone. At this moment in time they do not have a lot
of industrial property. They had hoped to expand in both
directions so they could have additional land that would be
suitable for additional growth rather than trying to burden the
residential areas and get a parcel large enough to attract
someone with some jobs. Their first hope was being as nothing
was being done with the Pre-Stressed Concrete Plant they thought
perhaps that might be an avenue but they understand there is some
activity going on from the city of Edgewater's point of view.
She was aware also that Jones Fish Camp Road was something that
was in the discussion earlier with other Commissions. That was
another issue she thought they may want to talk about tonight.
Mayor Schmidt stated one of the Council's concerns is that we are
boxed in on the north end with New Smyrna so our two choices are
the south end and the western way. He knows that Oak Hill has a
lot of room to the south of them to expand.
Councilwoman Lichter stated she rode down to Jones Fish Camp Road
and Clinton Cemetery Road and she found a road called Williams
that is a little bit south of Terra Mar that they could use as
the projected boundary line.
Mayor Cook stated recently she had individuals approach her that
were on u.S. #1 north of Clinton Cemetery Road that wished to be
annexed into the city of Oak Hill. So she thought there was an
obligation that they at least explore that and look at it.
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Council Workshop
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Mayor Schmidt asked the City Council and Oak Hill Commission to
allow public participation. He asked the public to provide their
opinion, where they live, why they think it would be good, and if
they think it would be go do for both cities to draw that line.
Mayor Schmidt polled who lives in Edgewater, who lives in Oak
Hill and who lives in the County. There were approximately 10
residents from Edgewater, 5 Oak Hill residents and 55 from the
County. There were approximately 70 members of the public
present.
commissioner Abraham Jackson asked for clarification on what
Edgewater's intentions are for expansion. City Manager Hooper
stated it is just a corridor along u.S. #1 that is 80 feet in
most areas and expands to 120 feet. DOT right-of-way, that is
the only other person other than the cities involved that really
are impacted with the DOT right-of-way itself.
Mayor Cook stated that is typically the way you begin to annex
properties. You start with the DOT right-of-way and then look
for annexations in the future.
Mayor Schmidt stated they aren't saying once they set the
boundary, that tomorrow notices will go out telling you you are
annexed into whatever city. That is not why they are here and
that is not going to happen. They just want to get a feeling so
they can move on with City business and the future of both
cities.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Loren Cline, President, Terra Mar Village Homeowners Association,
4332 Whiting Way, spoke about a letter received by both Councils
from their Homeowner's Association stating they reserved the
right to belong to who they wanted to if and when they wanted to
belong to somebody. He asked if that corridor is established,
then whatever is adjacent to that corridor would have to join
that City if and when they wanted to join. City Manager Hooper
explained the right-of-way itself only enables a tool to help
facilitate other annexations. If they are adjacent to that
right-of-way and that is the only point they touch, they still
have to wait until there is some type of contiguous action to be
able to get to Oak Hill or Edgewater. He further spoke about the
joint planning area he previously described. This does not
mandate or force them to join either one of the cities.
Mr. Cline further spoke about being served by a Park owned Water
and Sewer Plant. They pay the highest water rates in the County
and State. He commented on the terrible water they have had over
the past couple of weeks. They have been in contact with the
Health Department daily. The only people that can solve this for
them is the County. Right now they don't have any advantage to
belong to Edgewater or Oak Hill.
City Manager Hooper asked Mr. Cline why he thinks only the County
can help them since they can get water and sewer from somebody
else. Mr. Cline stated that is the way it is set up. He
commented on Edgewater's agreement with the County. city Manager
Hooper stated he thought there was some mis-communication there.
They can join either City. Mr. Cline stated they don't want to
join either city. City Manager Hooper stated to get that water
and sewer they could do that.
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Council Workshop
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Edna Lupo, 110 Cedar street, Treasurer, Terra Mar Village
Property Owners Association, presented a petition saying they
have no desire to annex into Oak Hill due to not having anything
to offer them in the way of services. They are pleased with
their current services and form of government. If the time comes
when they have to annex, they would prefer to be part of the City
of Edgewater. They are not happy with their water. Anybody that
signed wants to either stay in the unincorporated area or go to
the City of Edgewater.
Councilwoman Rhodes asked Ms. Lupo how many signatures she had.
Ms. Lupo stated she has signatures from people that are on County
roads. They did not petition the rest of Terra Mar Village, only
the County roads. She had approximately 60 signatures.
Sherry Tarr, President, South Waterfront Park Homeowners
Association, had a petition from the homeowners in South
Waterfront Park representing over 50% of the homeowners,
requesting that they be left in the unincorporated area of the
County. Should the time come that they must face annexation,
they would much rather go into the City of Edgewater. They don't
want to be annexed into the City of Oak Hill. They face
annexation into Oak Hill probably quicker than most people
because the subdivision to the south of them has already
partially been annexed into the City. They are in a direct
contiguous line and they do not want to be in the City of Oak
Hill. They can get more signatures in the fall when a lot of
their homeowners come back.
Alden Brown, Terra Mar village, stated whatever the count is of
signatures it isn't representative of what it would be four
months from now.
Dick Jones, 1530 Sabal Palm Drive, stated he is very concerned
about the problems the people in Oak Hill and the unincorporated
County area between Edgewater and Oak Hill have had to contend
with in regards to the water, the salt water intrusion and the
County taking over the orange grove to put a sess pool plant in.
He thinks everybody in the area should be concerned about the
services they are going to get from one or the other City. He
also spoke about additional services such as fire protection and
emergency services.
Mayor Cook stated Oak Hill is part of the dispatch for fire and
emergency services. They are doing that as a four-city joint
effort and they are part of that so that is part of their service
as well.
Charles Smutko, 148 Charles Street, South Waterfront Park, feels
the whole crux to this thing is going to be taxes. Everybody
here knows it but doesn't want to bring it up. Why is this
annexation necessary? So far everything has been fine. All of a
sudden they get sewers, they get new roads and Oak Hill wants us.
All of a sudden we get sewers and road and Edgewater wants us.
He feels the bottom line is money. He doesn't want to pay any
more taxes. He is content with the County. His water and
electricity are fine and everything else is fine. He asked what
they are trying to push them into. He is against annexation.
Susan Townes, 106 Douglas Street, wanted to know if it will be
mandatory to annex into Edgewater or Oak Hill. City Manager
Hooper stated no one is forcing annexation. There is not a
mandatory annexation effort. There is not an effort to capture a
tax base unless you are willing to come into a city. They will
always have the ability to say no. It is really coming back to
the majority of an area having the say or it is a true voluntary
annexation of somebody owning a large tract. South Waterfront
Park has numerous residents and there is no way it will occur
unless there is a referendum and they vote for it to occur.
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Ms. Townes expressed concern about double taxing. She spoke to
Jim Ward and everybody likes it the way it is.
city Manager Hooper further commented on taxes they are now
paying and what they would pay if they annexed into the city.
Ms. Townes stated right now they aren't talking about the east
side of the road anyway, they are talking about the west side.
city Manager Hooper stated it is only the 100 foot strip they are
talking about.
Mayor Schmidt stated he thinks what they are hearing from a lot
of the people is they are happy in the County where they are.
They aren't there to look at the map and determine what will be
Edgewater. They are looking to help our boundaries and to help
Oak Hill's boundaries. They are trying to make that boundary
that both cities can live by. They want to do this for the
people that will be here long after they are gone.
A lady in the audience stated they know they can stay in the
County for a long time but their address in South Waterfront Park
is an Edgewater address. On the other side of Ariel is an Oak
Hill address. Mayor Schmidt stated that is address only. That
is for the U.s. Postal service to determine which Post Office you
come out of.
The same lady said if they want to set this boundary, they would
rather see Edgewater come down to Ariel than they would Oak Hill
go to Clinton Cemetery Road.
Charles Brote, 136 Lewis Street, South Waterfront Park,
questioned if Oak Hill is able to annex up to Clinton Cemetery
Road does that not make it more difficult for the people in that
area that choose to annex into Edgewater to find contiguous
properties because of that annexation up to Clinton Cemetery
Road. If that is the case, he thinks both cities need to take
into consideration the opinions of the people that have been
voiced in petitions and so on. If that is going to make it more
difficult for the people that choose to go to Edgewater, it is
going to make it more difficult for them to find contiguous
properties to annex in because Oak Hill goes up to Clinton
Cemetery Road.
Mayor Schmidt pointed out on the map where South Waterfront Park
and Terra Mar Village are. He also pointed out where Clinton
Cemetery Road and Ariel Road are. They are dead center in the
middle.
Councilwoman Lichter stated it is obvious to her that most of the
people present want to stay in the County and that annexation of
Edgewater's southern boundary should go to Ariel Road. There was
applause in the audience.
A gentleman in the audience asked if it is in the plans right now
for Edgewater to come down and incorporate the Pre-Stressed
Concrete Plant with the new development that is going in there.
city Manager Hooper explained that is the plan. They are trying
to work with the County to obtain the property and then work with
the developer to come in and develop some upper scale, single
family residence, multi-family. That is our plan.
The same gentleman asked about the area of Edgewater Lakes also.
City Manager Hooper informed him that is already in the city.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated they asked us. We didn't go to them
and say we want you they asked us to bring them in.
City Manager Hooper explained part of what occurs is times of
annexation really only occur when there is vacant property and
somebody wants development rights.
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Councilwoman Lichter asked if anyone was there from Hacienda Del
Rio because she wanted to know how they feel about annexing.
Bob McGovern, 451 Los Indios stated they can hardly wait until
they come into Edgewater.
Gertrude Zink, Terra Mar Village, spoke about the streets. Mayor
Schmidt stated when it comes to the streets, they are requiring
the developer to do all the streets and the infrastructure. He
thinks when things come to Oak Hill it will be the same thing.
cities alone can't anymore take on putting in streets and
infrastructure and then somebody comes to build a home. He
further commented on developer agreements.
Elizabeth DiMascio, 1918 S. Riverside Drive, Edgewater,
questioned what is wrong with Oak Hill and why people don't want
to be a part of Oak Hill.
A lady in the audience stated there is nothing wrong with Oak
Hill. The problem is they wanted water they could drink and they
wanted sewers and the County gave it to them with the corporation
of Edgewater. They still want to stay in the County. They are
dedicated to the County that helped them. They even got a grant
for the people in their park that could not afford to pay for the
sewers. They think their County is great.
A gentleman in the audience feels people don't want to be in Oak
Hill because during the time when the County has been trying to
develop a Sewer Plant for the Southeast District of Volusia
County, Oak Hill has stood in the way and thrown road blocks in
it and cost the County money and that in turn has caused the
people that have to use it money because it cost them more to do
the job.
Mayor Schmidt thanked everyone for their comments.
City Manager Hooper stated one of the items he put on the agenda
for discussion was Water Service. He has been to the Oak Hill
Commission meeting a couple of times and that has been talked
about. Vice Mayor McClain had spoken to him about it and if
there is a possibility. He would want to probe with that. He
asked if they are interested in getting water from the city. We
own the lines down to essentially Boston Whaler. From that point
on it is County. He has had some discussion with the County of
using their line to get transmission into the City and he thinks
they could make that happen with the county. It is probably a
three way agreement at that point. If there is an interest in
that, they ought to sincerely sit down and talk of getting
potable water service directly through that system. We have
sufficient capacity at our Treatment Facility to do it and there
is capacity in the water main which was sized generally to help
do that.
Mayor Cook feels the water is critical to Oak Hill's residents at
this point. They definitely need public water. Unfortunately
they still have the moratorium until 2002 so they can't address
any sewer issues at this moment in time but they do want to look
at it. Water, to her, is critical.
commissioner Bob Jackson asked about coming through the County
lines. Oak Hill wouldn't be interested in that as far as he is
concerned but they would be interested in Edgewater running a
line to them. Their experience with the County has been a
disaster and they aren't interested on getting in with them again
on that. They put sewers in their system without the permission
of the town. They would be interested in Water from Edgewater
but not the County.
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Council Workshop
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Mayor Cook stated they currently have a plan to sit down with the
County and see if something can be worked out.
city Manager Hooper explained the water itself would come from
Edgewater and would go through the pipeline. He hears the
frustration with the County but economically it doesn't make
sense to lay a line right beside the other line. He feels they
have reached a point where they have to come to an agreement with
the County and make sure it is in Oak Hill's favor working toward
what they want to do.
Councilwoman Rhodes feels they all need to work together with the
County. She feels they cannot afford to be isolationists about
water and she feels all of Southeast Volusia are eventually going
to have to work together to provide water for each other. They
might as well start now.
commissioner Abraham Jackson informed City Manager Hooper and
Mayor Cook that he has done a canvass area of the neighborhood in
Oak Hill and he has gotten a general consensus from most of the
residents that they welcome the water issue at any time but they
want to make sure it is feasible for each family to be able to
pay this. If they can get past that, then they are ready for it.
If they have to go to the County and renegotiate some things
about the way they are doing things, he thinks they need to do
that.
Councilwoman Lichter stated she was confused about city Manager
Hooper and Mayor Cook's approach. She asked if they were
speaking about speaking with the County first. Mayor Cook stated
that is regarding some issues specifically sewer things.
Councilwoman Lichter stated she isn't sure if Edgewater fits in
on that or not.
City Manager Hooper explained the only way we truly fit in is,
once that line gets south of Boston Whaler it is a County water
line. They own it and paid for it. To transmit water from that
to Oak Hill, they need the County's approval. He thinks that is
fairly easy to get. He thinks they could sit down with them and
work that out. He feels Oak Hill is in a situation where they
would be eligible for some of the revolving trust fund, money
that is available from the State to help put in some of those
water mains. He thinks they are in a situation where if there is
any grant dollars on the table, he would welcome the opportunity
to help them get those. He spoke about selling water capacity to
Oak Hill helping the City. He would be interested in trying to
help start that. If they are interested, he would like to get
going on that to see if they can come up with a plan and work out
an interlocal agreement and start going after jointly some of the
State dollars that are there.
Mayor Cook stated they are in the process of looking for a grant
writer.
Mayor Schmidt stated he would like to go back to the boundary
issue. He asked if they are ready to set the boundary.
Councilwoman Lichter stated you will probably get a divided
consensus is her feeling if they are looking for one for them but
suggested they try it. They are amongst friends.
commissioner Abraham Jackson spoke about the people in the
audience being concerned about what City they would live in.
They can stay where they are at and don't have to be a part of
Oak Hill or Edgewater.
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Council Workshop
August 28, 2001
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Councilwoman Lichter asked about this being a Workshop and there
not being any official vote on anything. It would be a matter of
hearing their thoughts. city Manager Hooper stated the only
thing they could do tonight is some level of consensus. What he
thinks he hears the Mayor asking is does Oak Hill object if they
do go to Ariel Road.
commissioner Bob Jackson stated if you bring the boundary line
down to Ariel Road, that is their City limits. Councilwoman
Rhodes stated on one side. Commissioner Bob Jackson stated he
would be glad for Edgewater to go to Ariel Road. Mayor Schmidt
stated this boundary line is eventually where the two cities will
meet.
Mayor Cook felt this was a good and informative meeting for
everybody. This is a good place for the folks whom live in these
areas to voice their opinions and they are making their opinions
loud and clear. They in Oak Hill don't want to make anyone feel
like they are trying to force them to annex and take them over.
She would like to take this back to the Oak Hill Commission
meeting and let everyone know and Edgewater has to decide where
they want to go, and if this is where they want to go, they will
bring that to them and tell them what happened at this meeting.
Councilwoman Lichter stated they already voted on time at a
public hearing and that will be coming up September 10th again.
She was under the impression that Edgewater firmly believed that
Ariel Road was to be the future boundary. She feels that way
tonight more firmly. She feels the boundary line should be at
Ariel Road, not Clinton Cemetery Road.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated they always want to be willing to work
with Oak Hill. She thinks listening to the people, she feels it
is incumbent upon them to go with the Ariel Road.
Councilman Vincenzi agreed with his fellow Councilpeople. He
thinks Ariel Road is a good dividing line and is reasonable.
Councilman Brown also feels Ariel Road is where Edgewater should
go to. He spoke about the land south of Oak Hill and them having
a long way to the south to go.
Mayor Cook stated they didn't win a thing here tonight. She is
happy the people have come out and spoken for what they want.
This is a democratic process and a learning process and she feels
it was a good meeting. She hopes they can work together in the
future and perhaps they can work out the water issue.
commissioner Bob Jackson stated he was born and raised here so
they are well satisfied with Ariel Road.
Vice Mayor McClain thanked the residents for coming out and
voicing their opinions. If they don't hear their heart, they
don't know what they want. As far as the line being Ariel Road
versus Clinton Cemetery Road or any other road, the only thing
that Oak Hill is looking for is the ability to provide for their
people. They are looking for industrial development, not
residential development. They want to provide jobs for their
people to raise their standard of living. If Ariel Road is the
road, then she is happy with that because there is the outlying
areas that they could come in as they grow north on the westerly
side.
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Council Workshop
August 28, 2001
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commissioner Abraham Jackson thanked everyone for coming out and
voicing their opinion. They have lost the fight. They didn't
have much to offer but they did have something to offer being the
City of Oak Hill. They can go south but they have a long span
from Oak Hill to the Volusia County line. They have some light
industry on the west side of u.s. #1 heading toward Brevard
county and now they have to sell them the idea and convince those
people to come into the City of Oak Hill.
Councilwoman Lichter stated she sits on several commissions that
encompass Southeast Volusia. She spoke about cities working
together and having the same goals and objectives.
Mayor Schmidt mentioned there was one more item to discuss on the
agenda being the Police Department Dispatch.
Mayor Schmidt thanked everybody for taking the time to come out
to realize how important something like this is for the future of
all of our cities together. He spoke about having meetings like
this and getting a good group of people that want to come out and
tell the Council what they think, that is the best way they can
learn.
Charles Smutko, 148 Charles Street, South Waterfront Park, feels
they need to have another workshop sometime in November or
December when most of the residents are here.
Mayor Schmidt stated he doesn't think anyone has any objection to
that.
City Manager Hooper spoke about Consolidated Dispatch between New
Smyrna, Edgewater, Port Orange and Oak Hill. The software cost
is down from $2.3 million to $940,000. They are looking for this
to be implemented in about eighteen months. He feels the City of
Edgewater should enter into a formal interlocal agreement with
Oak Hill in order to make it equal partners defining the role
between the two cities. They should have the new facility by
October 2002. They will start in Port Orange the first year.
New Smyrna is building a facility by the airport and it will be
relocated to that.
Councilwoman Lichter asked what happens to the unincorporated
area. city Manager Hooper stated unless you have an agreement
with the County nothing changes for the County. If Edgewater
enters into an agreement with the county to cover some of those
enclaves, which is where they are headed, then they would be
covered by Edgewater Fire and Police for Dispatch.
Mayor Schmidt spoke about the Fire station just outside of Oak
Hill which would concern him if he was a citizen living in that
area. Is there the chance of an interlocal agreement that the
City of Oak Hill can do to where that certain area becomes part
of our system? City Manager Hooper stated there is and that is
part of what he thinks will be negotiated with the County. To
date, the County staff has taken the position that it is all in
or none in. They haven't been able to describe how they would
let that one station be dispatched by this entity. Mayor Schmidt
stated our fire trucks are going to be going down almost there
anyway. City Manager Hooper stated right by them, that is
correct. He commented on this being part of the first response
agreement.
Councilwoman Lichter spoke about trouble in Daytona Beach with
the County and first response. City Manager Hooper stated that
is called mutual aid in which if he were Daytona he would have to
call the County and ask for mutual aid for them to come into the
City. They did not do that.
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Council Workshop
August 28, 2001
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commissioner Abraham Jackson stated he had an opportunity to
speak to one of the firemen in Oak Hill and he advised him they
already service that area in the past and will continue to
service that area. The way they were going to consider this is
when someone from Oak Hill calls that Fire Department for
emergency, the phone line would be routed directly to that
station and they would automatically respond to their area. He
thought Oak Hill and the County already had an inter local
agreement based on that. City Manager Hooper explained what is
going to occur is the Fire Dispatch is through the county in Oak
Hill. The only difference they will see is the Police Dispatch
through this new group.
commissioner Abraham Jackson spoke about their main concern in
their Police Department being with the 800 mhz radios. He
further spoke about their being a lot of unincorporated area in
Edgewater and New Smyrna.
City Manager Hooper spoke about borrowing money to be able to pay
our first year's share of buying this software.
Councilwoman Lichter stated if they are helping Oak Hill on this,
are they going to be equal partners. She feels they are more
prone to get grants than we are. Might that be our avenue to get
some bucks for this. City Manager Hooper stated that is one of
the avenues. They are looking at all four cities trying to buy
anything we can by way of grants.
Mayor Schmidt thanked the Oak Hill City commission for coming to
Edgewater. He feels the meeting was productive. He thinks they
have heard that the people when some of the snow birds some back
down, which he doesn't think there is a problem with anybody with
that.
Vice Mayor McClain stated the interlocal agreement they were
talking about with regard to first response, when can they
anticipate a draft on that. City Manager Hooper stated within
thirty days they will get a fresh copy for the Attorney's to look
over. Vice Mayor McClain stated they just want to be able to
carry their end. They can't carry as heavy an end as Edgewater
can but they want to be able to do something. She spoke about
her meeting with City Manager Hooper.
There was a brief discussion regarding there being a percentage
put in the budget based on the number of events per City and not
being billed per call but the calls help allocate what percentage
is paid at the beginning of the year but there is not a per call
cost associated with that.
Mayor Schmidt adjourned the meeting with Oak Hill at 7:38 p.m.
and took a ten-minute recess at this time.
city Manager Hooper informed the Council they would be
discussing, Grants, Volusia ECHO, Volusia Forever, and Projects -
Status.
City Manager Hooper spoke about the grants Parks and Recreation
Director Jack Corder has received for the ballfield and one he is
trying to obtain for soccer fields. Mr. Corder stated he hopes
to break ground on the ballfields in the first part of October.
Councilwoman Rhodes asked where this is in the budget if they
don't get the grant for the soccer fields. city Manager Hooper
spoke about this being a local match. Some of his match money
comes out of impact fees. If they don't get the grant, they use
the match money to do something smaller, scaled back.
Page -10-
Council Workshop
August 28, 2001
.....
...."
Councilwoman Rhodes spoke about feedback she has received on
soccer. Apparently people are having to go to New Smyrna for
soccer. Mr. Corder spoke about the soccer program the City has.
He spoke about how the program has grown. Councilwoman Lichter
stated there are so many kids in this particular age group and
not enough parents came forth to volunteer to help. Mr. Corder
stated they always need coaches. city Manager Hooper stated when
they talk of the ballfields they are talking about the baseball
fields, the Master Plan for Hawks Park.
There was a brief discussion regarding the grants that can be
applied for under ECHO.
Councilwoman Lichter mentioned concentrating on the grants that
can be obtained under ECHO. Mr. Corder spoke about setting the
grant application up and giving you more points based on how many
of the letters ECHO you cover. If you cover all four, you will
get more points than if you just covered one.
Councilwoman Lichter feels the Dustin's property might have a
good shot at covering those four letters, where as the Shuffle
Board or Soccer Complex Ballfield may have just a good shot under
something else and maybe they could concentrate on ECHO on a few
of them.
city Manager Hooper spoke about the City paying for the design
and permitting up front to make sure the City is sincere. They
are also looking to set a cap that every city can get up to a
certain amount.
city Manager Hooper spoke about Mr. Corder's staff being limited
and only being able to handle so much.
City Manager Hooper suggested the Council look at the list of
projects and come up with areas they really would like to focus
on. He suggested looking at the ampi-theater and boating
facilities and the Dustin's property.
City Manager Hooper spoke about having to turn grants away due to
not having the staff.
Councilwoman Rhodes asked if they are in need of someone to
handle the paperwork that is required after the grant is
received. She questioned if the grant writers are doing that as
well. city Manager Hooper stated they are doing both. If they
have more success landing them, they are looking to hire someone
to track after its in, do all the reporting and all the things
that go with it.
City Manager Hooper spoke about not receiving the grant for the
motorcycles for the Police Department and this coming up in the
first budget hearing and whether the Council is still interested
in proceeding with the motorcycle program.
Councilwoman Rhodes asked if two patrol cars be sitting empty or
would two more officers be hired for the patrol cars. If you
take two officers that are now in patrol cars and put them on
motorcycles, are you hiring two more to go in those patrol cars
or will the cars sit empty. City Manager Hooper stated in our
budget, he wouldn't buy two more patrol cars. Instead of buying
patrol cars he would buy motorcycles. As a patrol car gets older
and phases out he wouldn't replace it.
Councilwoman Lichter asked about the Boat Ramps and Parking
Facilities. Mr. Corder commented on what he would like to do at
either Cameron's or Packwoods with regard to boat ramps.
Councilwoman Lichter asked who put in the FOREVER grant
application. Mr. Corder stated that would also be through them.
Page -11-
Council Workshop
August 28, 2001
....
.."",
City Manager Hooper spoke about vacant wooded property on
Riverside Drive. There are only about ten or eleven buildable
lots left on Riverside Drive. He would like to be in a position,
if there is some ECHO money or Volusia FOREVER, to preserve what
little bit of waterfront property there is left that is wooded.
City Manager Hooper spoke about the Packwoods property which he
feels would make a great joint two cities and County facility.
He went on to speak about Cameron's property having potential.
Councilwoman Lichter asked about the pathways and trails project
and if Edgewater is part of it. City Manager Hooper informed her
part of that is being discussed at the MPO level.
City Manager Hooper spoke about putting the projects the Council
wants to go for from the ones they are really serious about to
those they would like to know about. They will put this on the
agenda for the first meeting in October.
City Manager Hooper spoke of two TOP's grants the City is
applying for for the SR 442 extension. We didn't get the grant
but the MPO put SR 442 on their 20-year road plan. The other
grant is for the realignment of Airpark Road.
Councilwoman Lichter would like to see something in terms of
senior services in terms of some type of bus.
Mayor Schmidt asked if they have been able to talk to the people
that do the bus in New Smyrna Beach and maybe setup a couple
times a day where they go in to Edgewater Landing or different
areas in the City. City Manager Hooper stated they can make that
part of what they are going to look into. To date they have not
done that.
Councilwoman Lichter spoke about the International Conference she
and Mayor Schmidt are going to attend. She feels the Culture
Center and the ampi-theater may be able to tie into that and
maybe there is more money for that.
City Manager Hooper updated the Council on other projects they
have underway. He spoke about the FIND project. The School Board
has requested the City reserve about 80 acres for a High School.
New Smyrna Beach is not real happy with that. They are asking
for a six-month period to hold the property. This will be coming
up on a future agenda.
city Manager Hooper spoke about the city continuing to work with
FIND. Coming up in the next two weeks they are going to
negotiate the price to purchase. Councilwoman Rhodes would like
to get assurances that there will actually be a school built
there. She would want to see this in the contract. Councilwoman
Lichter stated as long as they paid us she wouldn't care what
they did with it. City Manager Hooper stated they would care
because it takes it off the tax rolls.
Councilman Vincenzi mentioned during negotiations if they would
be willing to donate the property on Mango Tree to the City and
they could make a nice park out of it. city Manager Hooper
stated their negotiations about reserving this site has been very
cordial.
City Manager Hooper further spoke about the progress at the FIND
property.
There was a discussion regarding a road that would connect 10th
Street in New Smyrna Beach to Park Avenue in Edgewater.
Page -12-
Council Workshop
August 28, 2001
~
~
Councilman Brown asked what kind of time frame they are looking
at before they start dredging and filling that in. City manager
Hooper stated when they finish the containment site, FIND doesn't
have a use for it. It will probably be a five-year period.
There was a brief discussion regarding the odor of the material
that is dredged.
City Manager Hooper asked Mr. Corder to speak about the medians
on u.s. #1 that are going to be beautified. There are two north
of Turgot and there originally was the two north of Park Avenue
but they are putting a turn lane in one so they will have one
directly north of Park Avenue. They will be putting at least two
more medians in the budget for next year. .
There was a brief discussion regarding traffic and times when
they will be able to work in the medians.
City Manager Hooper spoke about Code Enforcement being relocated
to the Fire Department. They are impressed with the effort they
are putting in to educate themselves and look at certain areas.
City Manager Hooper spoke about Reclaimed Water. On the agenda
will be a request to reject the bids and go out again for bids.
They received two bids and they were both over the estimated
cost. He further spoke about problems with the bids.
There was a brief discussion regarding the reclaimed water system
and some pressure problems that still show up because they
haven't put the new pumps in yet. Councilman Vincenzi asked if
it is necessary to expand the storage. City Manager Hooper spoke
of expanding the storage.
city Manager Hooper presented an update of the Library parking
lot situation. This will be coming up on the agenda.
City Manager Hooper commented on the schedule of the widening of
SR 442. They will advertise the job in October, award the
contract in December and start construction in January 2002. It
will probably take a year and a half to complete. It will be bid
in two separate contracts.
Councilwoman Lichter asked what happened with the turn around by
the truck center out by 1-95. City Manager Hooper stated it got
worked out to the satisfaction of both property owners. He
informed the Council how this was handled.
There was a brief discussion regarding this property being
cleaned up when the road is built.
Councilwoman Rhodes spoke about R & R Groves having a lot of
trucks and not being able to see them from the road.
Mayor Schmidt stated he noticed on the MPO paperwork today, they
are starting to talk about the project as one. They have
combined both project numbers on some of the paperwork they get.
Instead of talking u.S. #1 to Airpark. City Manager Hooper
stated they are doing that because of the bidding now. DOT has
decided to bid this one job with two contracts.
City Manager Hooper spoke about banners being recommended by the
Recreation/Cultural Services Board for Christmas decorations.
Councilwoman Rhodes stated she knows it is expensive to have
lights, however, lights are what everybody likes that they are
taking off of Indian River Boulevard. Banners can't be seen at
night. She suggested having things that come off the poles that
are lit on every other pole and have banners on every other pole.
The lights could come down after the Holiday season and the
banners stay up and be changed year round.
Page -13-
Council Workshop
August 28, 2001
~
~
Councilwoman Lichter asked
stated the big question is
talk has been Indian River
the main thoroughfares.
where the banners will go. Mr. Corder
the number they can purchase. The
Boulevard, u.s. #1 and Roberts Road,
Councilwoman Lichter suggested doing this in phases.
Councilwoman Rhodes suggested doing u.s. #1. Mr. Corder
suggested putting some on u.s. #1, Roberts Road and Riverside
Drive. Councilwoman Rhodes suggested spacing out the banners and
filling in the gaps as time goes on.
Councilwoman Rhodes would like to see lights and Councilwoman
Lichter would like to see wood carved decorations like they have
in South Daytona in the medians.
Councilwoman Rhodes spoke about the people missing the lit trees
down Indian River Blvd and not being able to duplicate that right
now.
Councilwoman Rhodes asked if some of the lights from the trees
are still working and asked if they something could be done with
those. He spoke about the lights being tailored to fit on Indian
River Boulevard and you can't put them there because the power is
gone and it is difficult to put them in other places.
Mr. Corder stated he thought Councilwoman Rhodes was talking
about the old lit decorations they had. Councilwoman Rhodes
stated she was talking about the strings of lights on Indian
River Blvd. and using those somewhere else.
Mr. Corder mentioned decorating a tree in front of Fire station
#55 or at their new site when it is developed. Councilwoman
Rhodes stated that would be terrific.
It was the consensus of Council to go with the banners and look
at a tree.
City Manager Hooper spoke about Mr. Buell's property being on the
September 10th agenda. He lives at 1412 S. Riverside Drive and
has the power box. The power company has met with him and are
trying to work with him as much as they can. BellSouth will be
at the meeting that night. There are 200 homes serviced out of
that panel and it can accommodate up to 250. They have assured
him their van is there no more than twice a week either adding
service or taking service away, which is a fairly small amount of
traffic. This has been strongly disputed by Mr. Buell.
Councilwoman Rhodes asked if he has documentation of the day and
time the vehicles are there. City Manager Hooper stated if he
has, he hasn't shared it. He has submitted a letter of request
to be placed on the agenda to speak to the Council. He further
commented on what BellSouth has agreed to do.
city Manager Hooper commented on the 30 year old franchise
agreement the City has with BellSouth.
Mayor Schmidt asked to get a record from BellSouth of how often
their people are there. City Manager Hooper stated twice a week
and stated they are going to be at the meeting.
city Manager Hooper stated they have a member of one of the
Volunteer Boards that was arrested and one of the issues they
need to talk about is do they ask them to resign from that board
and if they should be replaced.
Councilwoman Lichter asked if they have ever had closed sessions.
city Manager Hooper stated they can have closed sessions for
Union Negotiations and when the City is being sued.
Page -14-
Council Workshop
August 28, 2001
~
~
City Manager Hooper stated this is the Animal Control Board.
They were growing marijuana at their house. A Sheriff's
helicopter flew over and spotted it. Our officers responded to
the scene and discovered that it was there. There was a lot of
discussion as to whose it was and it resulted in an arrest. The
lady has refused to resign from the Board.
Councilwoman Lichter spoke about being innocent until proven
guilty and asked if this has occurred. City Manager Hooper
stated she has just been arrested. The Council has the authority
to remove someone from a Board until that occurs. An employee is
taken out of City payroll and put on a leave of absence pending
the courts. Councilwoman Lichter asked if they can have a leave
of absence of this person.
City Manager Hooper recommended it be put on the agenda and make
the recommendation that she be relieved from that Board pending
the outcome of that Court case.
It was the consensus of Council to put this on the agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Schmidt
adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Lisa Bloomer
Page -15-
Council Workshop
August 28, 2001
'.
~ Feb. 13. 2002 11 :33AM
..
CITY OF OAK HILL
No.9463 p. 1
CITY OF OAK HILL
234 SOUTH U.S. HWY. ##1
OAK HILL, FLORIDA 32759
TUESDAY
AUGUST 28, 2001
JOINT WORKSHOP
WITH
CITY OF EDGEW A TER
AT
EDGEW A TER COMMUNITY CENTER
102 N. RIVERSIDE DR.
6:00 PM
MINUTES
I. Call to Order
II.
Roll Call
OAK HILL:
Commissioner Darry Evans
Commissioner Robert Jackson
Commissioner Abraham Jackson
Vice-Mayor Jessie McClain
Mayor Susan Cook
EDGEWATER:
Mayor Donald Schmidt
Commissioner Judith Lichtner
Commissioner Harriet Rhodes
Commissioner Demris Vincenzi
Commissioner James Brown
City Manager Ken Hooper
Ill. Discussion
1. Service Areas
2. AlDnexatioD
3. Water Service
4. Police Department Dispatcb
excused absence
present
present
present
present
present
present
present
present
present
present
This workshop started with Edgewater's Mayor Donald Schmidt deferring to Edgewater
City Manager Ken Hooper to update those present with what the issues are on the agenda
"'Feb.13.200211:33AM
CITY OF OAK HILL
No.9463 p. 2
'.
and what had taken place at the Edgewater's Commission Meeting regarding their
annexation expansion.
Mr. Hooper presented a map which indicated their expansion plans; along Route 442 and
south along U.S. Highway #1 to Ariel Rd.
Mr. Hooper indicated that this would be part of the water and sewer service area and joint
land use plan if Edgewater and the County reach an agreement.
Ken Hooper reviewed the minutes from about two years ago, when ajoint meeting with
Edgewater and Oak. Hill was held and the projected boundaries that was mentioned was
to Clinton Cemetery Rd. but there was no definite decision made at that time.
Councilwomen Lichter ask Mr. Hooper about how much land was involved in the
annexing south to Ariel Rd.
Mr. Hooper replied in some areas the corridor along the US #1 would be 80 to 120 feet
and that any annexation would be of voluntary nature.
Ms. Lichtner asked even if Edgewater' s service area went down to Ariel Rd that if the
residence along this corridor would have a choice to annex or not.
Mr. Hooper answered that is correct, but it would make it easier for those who wanted to
annex into Edgewater.
Bob Jackson indicated that Edgewater is getting into the area of the sewage plant and if
Mr. Hooper got with the County on buying the plant.
Mr. Hooper said no and has no desire to buy it, but got the county to acknowledge this
area as a service area.
Ms. Lichtner said that a resident was in touch with her and that Terra Mar has it's own
water plant.
Mr. Hooper: there is no thought of Edge water to purchase private water or treatment
plants.
Edgewater's mayor would like to here from Oak Hill representation.
Susan Cook stated that Oak Hill has an Enterprise Zone that is currently a small area and
would like to expand to attract businesses and not stress residential areas. She was aware
that a ~revious commission had discussed Jones Fish Camp Rd. a possible choice for
expansIon.
Mr. Schmidt said that Edgewater is being boxed in with New Smyrna Beach to the north
so they are looking to the south and west to expand. He knows that Oak Hill has a lot of
room south of them to expand to the Brevard Co. board.
Susan Cook had inquires of voluntary annexation to Oak Hill's north boundary.
Mr. Schmidt asked both councils since this is a workshop for the audience to participate.
A poll was taken; (approximate count) Edgewater residence 10, Oak Hill residence 5, and
the rest from the County approximately 10 residence.
Abraham Jackson wanted clarification on what Edgewater's intentions on expansion
were.
Mr. Hooper; a corridor or narrow strip along US # 1.
Mayor Cook; that is usually how annexation starts, along DOT right a way.
Mayor Schmidt wanted to let the audience know that cities were not going to send out
notices of annexation tomorrow.
1;. Fe b . 1 3. 2002 11: 34AM
CITY OF OAK HILL
No.9463 p. 3
.;,
PUBLIC PARTICAPATION:
Terra Mar resident said that there is no advantage to join either Edgewater or Oak Hill.
He has had problems with the county water system and that the county is and will correct
these problems.
The Treasurer of the Terra Mar owner's association had a three-page petition stating not
to annex into Oak Hill. uOak Hill has nothing to offer:' They would like to stay in the
unincorporated area or when the time comes, be annexed into Edgewater.
Edgewater Commission asked how many did this petition represent.
There are two associations in Terra Mar and this one is from residents on county roads.
About 60 signed the petition.
The president of the South Water Park Community also had petitions representing over
50 percent requesting to be left wrincorporated area, and they do not want to be annexed
by Oak Hill but rather when the time comes into Edgewater. They face annexation
sooner than any other community into Oak Hill since their vicinity is the closes to Oak
Hill.
Mr. Brown from Terra Mar ditto the president of So. Water Park sentiments.
Dick Jones, Edgewater resident, said that residence should be concern about the water
and sewage issues and about other services.
Mayor Cook stated that Oak Hill is part of the dispatch fire emergency service.
Charles Smokehill; "Why is Annexation necessary?" "To get to the bottom line, it's
money". Definitely against annexation.
Susan Tamblin: wanted to know if it will be mandatory to annex into Edgewater or Oak
Hill ?
Mr. Hooper; No one forcing annexation, but to be voluntary.
Mr. Sclunidt; hearing from the a.udience that residence happy with county residence.
Edgewater and Oak Hill are both looking for a comfortable point or boundary for future
references.
One more county resident said that they rather be annexed by Edgewater.
Ms. Lichner; it is obvious to her that most present 'Want to stay in the county and that
annexation of Edgewater's southern boundary should go to Ariel Rd
Ken Hooper: there are future plans to develop area such as the pre~stress plant.
Ms. Lichtner; wondering how Hacienda del Rio community feels about annexing.
Bob McGovern; "We can hardly wait Wltil we come into Edgewater".
Gertrude Zit: "Think about the streets".
Mr. Schmidt: Edgewater is thinking about streets, and has an agreement with the
developers to construct the streets. Responsibility ofthe developer.
Unidentified resident; wants to know why everyone is against Oak Hill?
Another County Resident; because we want water we can drink and sewers that
Edgewater and the County can offer.
Mayor Cook: She agrees that water and sewer are serious issues but the is a moratorium
until 2002. '
Bob Jackson: Oak Hill may not be interested in County water hookup, but possibly with
Edgewater.
Edgewater Commissioner, All should work with the county and not be isolationist but
work together.
4Feb.13. 2002 11:34AM
CITY OF OAK HILL
No.9463 p. 4
"
Abraham Jackson: Residence are ready for water but cautious about steps to bring it in
and be sure people can pay for it.
Mr. Hooper: may be eligible for grants and other funds.
Mayor Cook; in the process of looking for grant writers
Mayor Schmidt: back to set boundaries line.
Ms. Lichtner; try asking the question of where to set boundaries. " Weare amongst
friends".
MS.Lichtner asking Ken Hooper; this is only a workshop so there is no official vote Of
anything.
Mr. Hooper; the only thing you can do is some level of consensust and asking if Oak Hill
objects.
Bob Jackson: concerned that Edgewater is extending their limits to Oak Hills current
limits.
Mayor Schmidt; what ever is agreed upon. this is where the two cities will meet.
Currently there is no residence saying "come on down".
Mayor Cook: Residence making idea clear. This is a good informative meeting and will
take information back to Oak Hill City Meeting.
Ms. Lichtner; There is an Ordinance coming up on Sept. 10 meeting and finnly believes
that Me} Rd. is the southern border and not Clinton Rd.
Mayor Cook; Happy with the people who came out to the meeting and thought it was a
good informative meeting. A difficult process.
Bob Jackson; well satisfied with Ariel Rd.
Jessie McClain; Oak Hill looking for the ability to provide for our people. looking for
industrial development and provide jobs for people to raise standard of living. Looking
forward to develop south and west side.
Abraham Jackson: thank participation and looking forward to develop area south and
west.
Ms. Lichtner; sits on several boards for Southeast Volusia groups, and emphasis on cities
working together with goals and objectives.
Mayor Schmidt; one more item on the agenda is the dispatch issue.
Resident from Charles 81. from So. Waterfront Park~ need another workshop in winter
when other residence' are back in area.
Mayor Schmidt; don't think anyone present has a problem with that suggestion.
Ken Hooper. There is an interlocal agreement with New Smyrna Beacht Edgewater, Pt.
Orange, and Oak Hill. Software cost is down. and should be in service about 18 months.
Will see a special Act to establish a tax fee entity. Will have equal partner in agreement.
New facility in service by Oct. 2002.
Ms. Lichtner; what happens to unincorporated areas?
Mr. Hooper; unless there is an agreement with the county then nothing happens.
If called, first response, mutual aid
Abraham Jackson; Talked to fire department. and there is an agreement with county and
Oak Hill Fire Dept. to cover in question areas.
Mr. Hooper~ looking for funding fOf project.
Mayor Schmidt~ would like to thank attending commissioner and that the people would
like another meeting when some of the winter residence are back in tOml.
" Fe b ' 1 3" 2 0 D 2 11: 34 A M C I T Y OF OAK H ILL
No,9463 p. 5
'.
This portion of the Edgewater I Oak Hill Workshop adjourned.