09-09-1983 - Workshop
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CITY OF EDGEWATER
SPENCER/BENNINGTON
FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING
SEPTEMBER 9,1983
MINUTES
On September 9, 1983 at 7:00 P.M. a meeting was held between
Council, Councilwoman Bennington and Councilman Spencer, and
of the Fire Department, Mr. Jessie Walls and Mr. Jack Bevel.
present. The meeting was held in Edgewater City Hall.
the representatives of
two of the representatives
Mr. Bob Holfe was not
The "A" side of the tape did not record at all, therefore the first 30 minutes are not
available.
Mr. Bevel noted that it seems like New Smyrna Beach is trying to work with them and main-
ta in a good nei ghbor status.
Mr. Walls said they gave the City the shell pit and then said they couldnlt dig in it.
Mr. Bevel said he wished we could somehow make a reasonable trade with them as the legal
entanglements would be unreal.
Councilwoman Bennington noted that sheld been asked if they want to buy it and she told
them we did not.
Mr. Bevel said the Fire Department wouldn1t have an objection to trying to raise funds for
this.
Mr. Walls said held checked the finances on this and he has three sources to get it, one
was from Florida Bank.
There was a discussion regarding just a portion of that land to be used, with access from
the roads and some degree of privacy.
Mr. Bevel noted there are occasionally odors there which could be offensive to some
people. He stated they have been saving money for this and there are some funds to help
with furniture, etc., and perhaps they could make a reasonable offer if it comes down to
purchasing it.
Mr. Walls said he's prejudiced to Edgewater and Mr. Bevel noted that New Smyrna Beach
has always supported them in any endeavor in the Fire Department.
Councilwoman Bennington stated the first front lots of the FEC Industrial area are
right as you go in and that could be a possibility, and they have all sizes.
Mr. Walls noted that Mr. Ken May has some land he's working on also but he doesn't have
a commitment yet.
Mr. Bevel suggested the possibility of leasing the old Winn-Dixie store and Council-
woman Bennington agreed that's an option and somebody had talked to her about it.
Councilwoman Bennington said she understood the Eagle Store's lease is up soon also.
Mr. Bevel stated he thought this was a good item to continue considering and said he
didn't want to drop the talks with New Smyrna Beach.
Mr. Walls said he was scheduled to meet with Mayor Musson next week.
There was a discussion about having it near the Sewer Plant and the parking area that
would be available. Councilman Spencer noted the possible future need of that area
by the City and Mr. Bevel said the permits could be issued with the understanding
that no permanent structure be constructed within a specified distance.
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Councilwoman Bennington noted that Article 10 of their Charter states the amount of
value of the real estate the Corporation may hold will not exceed $25,000.00 at any
time and asked how they would handle it if they bought a building.
Mr. Walls said it wouldn't be in their name altogether but would be Edgewater and the
Volunteer Fire Department. Councilman Spencer asked that this be clarified anq Mr.
Walls said it would be if they disband and the City takes over. Councilman Spencer
said if it's City land there would have to be an agreement between the City and the
Volunteer Fire Department~ but he didn't understand that the City would share the
financial responsibility. Mr. Walls said they'd have to make new deeds to get it
changed over. Mr. Bevel said they'd end up with the original lease document before
the building is constructed and the agreement would be with the City for a lease, and
the lease would state that anytime they default the land would defer back to the City.
He said when they put the building on there they'd have to borrow the money, using the
land that's leased, and they couldn't finance with any institution unless they could
get the building if they default, and the City would need a legal document saying
they'd be allowed first refusal to pick it up. Mr. Bevel stated that if they get to
that point they could meet with the City Attorney one time and he could advise them.
Mr. Bevel noted that the Merritt Island Fire Company owns some property and they still
have the status of a volunteer and he felt that particular article in their Charter
could be amended. Councilwoman Bennington stated that the article prior to that would
probably need changed also regarding the indebtedness and liability.
Councilman Spencer said held like to leave it that the Fire Department consider their
options and determine what they wish to do and proceed when they want to get together
again.
Councilwoman Bennington suggested having the Attorney at the next meeting but Councilman
Spencer said before the Attorney gets involved, if the next session is a very definite
proposition, then it should be presented to Council and then the necessary documents
drawn up if Council approves it. Councilwoman Bennington stated she thought they
should iron out with the Attorney all the little options before going to the Council.
Mr. Walls said held get back with Mayor Musson to see what he'll do.
It was agreed they would meet again on Thursday, September 29th, 1983, at 7:00 P.M.
Minutes submitted by:
Lura Sue Koser
-2- Council/Fire Department Committee
September 9, 1983