10-05-1981 - Regular
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CITY OF EDGEWATER
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
October 5, 1981
Mayor Christy called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. ln the
Edgewater Community Center.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Robert Christy
Councilman Jacob Lodico
Councilman David Ledbetter
Councilman Wilbert Pendleton
Councilman John Wilbur
Present
Present
Present
Excused
Present
City Atty. C~ay Henderson
Police Chief Earl Baugh
City Clerk Nancy Blazi
City Mgr. Joseph Mitchell
Present
Present
Present
Present
There was a silent invocation followed by a salute to the flag.
APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES - Councilman Lodico motioned to approve the
minutes of Sept. 28, 1981, seconded by Councilman Wilbur.
Mayor Christy questioned the 2nd page of the minutes from line 23 which
concerned the special meeting held regarding an Urban Development Grant.
There was no mention of his statement "we are paying Mr. Henderson about
$40.00 an hour for legal advice but for some reason when I tried to talk
Mr. Lodico continued with his motion. The attorney did not see fit to
advise that there was a motion already on the floor and no other motion
can be made. Therefore Mr. Lodico was out of order. Maybe there is a
reason why Mr. Henderson did not give us the benefit of his legal exper-
tise. He permitted it to continue and I wonder why, although it was to
Mr. Ledbetter's advantage. Therefore, I say that the attorney is not
doing his job and should be replaced. In addition, on page two I had
questioned the purchase of chairs but the cost which I quoted $1,881.53
was not put into the minutes. Now on page 3 under new business, the
price of the new car $6,400.00 was not recorded in the minutes either."
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Upon roll call the vote to approve DID NOT CARRY 2-2. Councilman Ledbetter
and Mayor Christy voted NO. There was no request to have the minutes
corrected for subsequent approval.
The City Attorney said that this could indicate that the meeting was
illegal since the minutes were not approved.
Mayor Christy referred to the Charter Section 46 - Certificate of
Funds upon Expenditures of Money. The Mayor said that "the 1981 Dodge,
Tag No. 48497, has been in Mr. Mitchell's possession since Sept. 29th.
He called from the car dealer to get a purchase order number on the 29th.
No one has certified that the money was there, the same as no one has
ever certified that the money was here to do this whatever it is called
now, and the money was never certified to build a new kitchen in the
back of city hall where we are getting kitchen cabinets, stainless steel
sinks, a new refrigerator and everything else. Even the police car was
never certified. We are not doing it like we are supposed to, I don't
know why."
Councilman Lodico objected to the fact that some members of the audience
were putting out their cigarettes on the new floor." There are ashtrays
for this purpose, they should be used."
The City Attorney pointed out for the record that whether or not the
minutes nor the public hearing are approved the provision of the charter
referred to by the Mayor (Section 46) was repealed by Section 166.021 of
the Florida Statutes.
Mayor Christy continued by referring to a meeting on June 15, 1981 where
"Councilman Ledbetter asked the city clerk if the money was available for
the hiring of Mr. Mitchell. Mrs. Blazi said that she could not certify
that. According to Fla. Statute 166.031, it says when you file your
charter with the secretary of state it makes it legal. On July 10, 1981,
at the.instruction of the city attorney, the city clerk filed the charter
with Tallahassee. Therefore it is just as legal and binding as the bible
is to a man going to church."
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, REPORTS - The city manager gave a summary of his report including the
information that the auditors should have their report by November.
Work is continuing on redistricting council districts and obtaining a
second polling place. Aerial photos of Edgewater have been placed at
the back of the Council Chambers. The Water Dept. has repainted hydrants
and is experimenting with a luminescent cap and comments on this would
be welcomed. An advertisement for bids on repairing the roof at city
hall have gone out. Monies will be available in Federal Revenue. The
renovation to the Council Chambers is virtually completed and there is
more room than ever at the back of the stage. Arrangements are being
made to accommodate three stage activities that are scheduled annually.
Work has commenced on the acquisition of Menard Beach. There have been
favorable results on the limit placed on last minute expenditures before
the close of the fiscal year.
COMMUNICATIONS - Letter from Board of Governors requesting that the
functions and changes to the Community Center be shared with the Board.
Councilman Ledbetter motioned that the Board of Governors be advised of
any changes and have their say in it. Motion d~ed for lack of a second.
Zoning and Planning Board - the city manager said this was the subject
of the Ordinance 81-0-36 (numbered wrong this should be 81-0-37).
Mayor Christy recommended this be discussed when the ordinance is presented.
The second item from Planning and Zoning was a report on a Public Hearing
held on Sept. 24, 1981 regarding zoning changes to conform with the new
Comprehensive Plan. The City Attorney said there would be several hearings
on this subject including those held by the Council.
Occupational Licenses - Request from Sal Gambalie, 3132 Pine Tree Dr.,
for a wallpaper installation business. The residence would be used for
telephone and office only. The residence is in the R-2B zone.
Councilman Ledbetter motioned to approve this license, seconded by
Councilman Wilbur. Motion CARRIED 4-0.
la-17 A letter from Carmen Montesano requesting permission to park his wrecker
at his residence in Florida Shores so that he can respond more rapidly
to emergency calls. Mr. Montesano had been advised of the ordinance
pertaining to parking of vehicles over one ton in a r~sidential area.
There was a lengthy discussion about emergency vehicles and the possibility
of an exception for Mr. Montesano. The City Attorney said that the
ordinance would have to be changed.
Councilman Ledbetter motioned that the Council grant Mr. Montesano a 90
day permit to park his wrecker at his home and ask the Planning and
Zoning Board for their recommendations as to an amendment to the present
ordinance, seconded by Councilman Wilbur.
Ib Another lengthy discussion followed. The City Attorney advised the Council
that they could authorize an emergency ordinance and advertise for a
Public Hearing. There was some question on the original motion.
Councilman Ledbetter withdrew his motion. Councilman Wilbur withdrew
his second.
Councilman Lodico motioned to set October 19, 1981 as a Public Hearing for
an emergency ordinance and also to refer this to the Planning and Zoning
Board, seconded by Councilman Ledbetter. Motion CARRIED 4-0.
ORDINANCES - Ordinance No. 81-0-37. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 606.01
(d. 1.) OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE, APPENDIX A, CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY
OF EDGEWATER, FLORIDA, TO EXTEND THE LIMITED AREA FOR PERMITTED USES TO
THAT AREA ZONED B-2 ALONG THE F.E.C. RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY BETWEEN 20th
STREET TO 30TH STREET; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH, AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Councilman Lodico motioned to adopt this ordinance, seconded by Couc~lman
Wilbur. Motion CARRIED 4-0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - none
NEW BUSINESS - letter from Vol usia County concerning approval of the
continuation of Greater Edgewater Fire District.
Council Meeting 10/5/81
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Copies of this agreement will be given to Council and this matter will
be placed on the agenda for Oct. 19, 1981.
Mayor Christy informed the audience that FPL is requesting permission
to put high voltage lines thru the County. Hearings have been set
for Nov. 5th at 2:00P.M. and Nov. 23rd at 9:00 A.M. and all citizens
are urged to attend. These high voltage lines could prove most dangerous
to the area. Also, the Courthouse Annex in New Smyrna Beach will not
be closed.
Councilman Ledbetter asked about the 611 water line that was broken at
Wildwood. The city manager said he would look into this.
2a9 MISCELLANEOUS - Mr. Bill Muller, Wildwood, also asked about the 611 line.
He maintained that an estimate of $3,000.00 damage had been done and it
took seven men and four trucks approximately five hours to fix the damage.
He questioned who was going to pay for this. Mr. Frank Opal, Florida Shores,
questioned whether the miscellaneous portion of the meeting was recorded.
(All Council meetings are recorded in their entirety.) Also, questioned
last year's budget, the possible resignation of the city attorney and
made the suggestion that the Council advertise for a new city attorney.
The City Attorney spoke to the audience regarding the fact the Edgewater
was his home town and he left his law practice in DeLand in the belief
that he might be able to lend a hand in the growth and development of
Edgewater. He added that some comments made about him have certaininly
hurt his feelings, but there has been considerable support for him to
continue his work for the city. IIWe have:made progress and accomplished
things that could make our city proud, but it is an embarrassment tOlall
of us that we have to put up with some of the things we read about in the
newspaper. If anyone believes that ! have~done anything~to cause disharmony
or disrespect to the city, I am sorry"for that. I expect to stay with
the city to see some projects through and when they are finished I will
probably go on to something else. If the Council wishes to advertise
for a successor, it is perfectly all right with me, but I intend to stay
with this town, to live here, to hopefully raise my children here someday,
and I am proud of my relationship with the City of Edgewater. II
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Councilman Lodico spoke to the Council regarding problems brought before
the Council which should be of a more constructive nature and not just
to pick on certain individuals. There should be some compliments, not
always so many complaints. I
Mr. William Phinney, Wildwood, spoke regarding year end expenditure controls I
which the c~~ manager said had been successful ana. he should be "complimented
on this; asked about the bond issue study (the city manager is preparing I
a report on this) and also spoke on the ~rban grant contract reminding
the Council that if they sign this contract IIthey will not be able to go I
out for discretionery grants.1I Mr. Neil Asting, Florida Shores, asked
about last year's budget, specifically which departments were overexpended.
Mr. James Whittet, Florida Shores, spoke about the truck problem on 16th
St.. There was a lengthy discussion involving the Police Chief who was
questioned about not issuing citations. This was followed by another
lengthy discussion concerning trash pickup. Mrs. Whittet also spoke
to the Council about the truck problem. Chief Baugh said he had been
checking with the attorney regarding the enforceability of this ordinance.
The city attorney informed the Council that if charges were brought under
the Truck Ordinance, he believed they would be upheld by the courts.
Mrs. Murphy, Riverside Dr., spoke to the Council regarding the rezoning
of areas without notifying adjacent property owners. She is concerned
about property she owns on India Palm that was supposed to be zoned for
multi-family but subsequently she learned was zoned for single family.
If the commercial area is extended, her property is practically worthless
as a single family area. Mayor Christy asked Mrs. Murphy to get the
information on her property to the Council for discussion. Mr. Carmen
Montesano, Florida Shores, questioned the legality of the building where
an auto body shop wants to locate. The city attorney explained the
difference between variances and rezoning. In cases of permitted uses,
it is necessary for the zoning board to act. A change of use has been
requested and this is not a Board of Adjustment matter. It has to go
to the Planning and Zoning Board, the public hearings and then to Council.
Mayor Christy said that an auto body business must be checked out for
fire safety and asked the city manager to check with the Building Official
on this matter. Mr. Robert Tipton, Florida Shores, also spoke about the
truck problem and why citations are not issued. Chief Baugh said that his
men will be instructed to issue citations.
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Council Meeting 10/5/81
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":. tI J1a~or Christy said tQchief should take care Of<..lis immediately.
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Councilman Lodico questioned the Chief about the number of tickets
issued. Chief Baugh said that the amount Mr. Lodico was talking about
was the number of fines paid not the number of citations. The courts
do not always fine the people that the police issue citations to.
Councilman Lodico added that it appeared as if the Mayor was giving orders
to the police and -,until the;,I,court case was settled the city manager was
the boss not the mayor.
Mayor Christy said that the Council was still in charge and would
stay that way until they were not elected.
Councilman Lodico motioned to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Wilbur.
The meeting was adjourned.
Minutes submitted by:
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Nancy Blazi
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Council Meeting 10/5/81
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