03-18-1985 - Regular
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CITY COUNCIL OF EDGEWATER
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 18, 1985
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Baugh called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. in the Community Center.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Earl Baugh
Councilman Louis Rotundo
Councilman Russell Prater
Councilman Neil Asting
Present
Present
Present
Present
Councilman James Inman
City Attorney Jose' Alvarez
City Clerk Connie Kinsey
Sergeant William Lenz
Present
Present
Present
Present
INVOCATION, SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Reverend Zimmerman of the Edgewater United Methodist Church gave the invocation.
There was a salute to the flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Special Meeting & Workshop of February 28, 1985 - Councilman Asting moved to
approve the minutes. Councilman Prater seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
Regular Meeting of March 4, 1985 - Councilman Inman moved to accept the minutes
of March 4th. Councilman Asting seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
Special Meeting & Workshop of March 6, 1985 - Councilman Prater moved to accept
the minutes of the meeting of March 6, 1985. Councilman Rotundo seconded the
motion. Motion CARRIED 4-1. Mayor Baugh voted NO due to absence from that meeting.
BILLS AND ACCOUNTS
Councilman Asting moved to pay the bills. Councilman Inman seconded the motion.
Motion CARRIED 5-0.
City Clerk Kinsey stated that there was one supplemental bill and a memo from
Sergeant Lenz regarding a purchasing discrepancy that was discovered during
the process of straightening out the purchasing matters in the Police Department.
She noted that the bill was authorized to Dick Cook's Garage by Chief Betts in
the amount of $140.00 for the repair of unit #307 but a purchase order was not
obtained. Councilman Inman moved to pay this amount of $140.00 to Cook's Garage.
Councilman Prater seconded the motion. Councilman Asting asked if a purchase
order was issued for this work done and City Clerk Kinsey replied it was not.
Motion CARRIED 5-0.
MISCELLANEOUS
John Gross, 404 North Riverside Drive, said he had a meeting with New Smyrna
Beach and brought up evidence of the ridiculous attempts and silly ideas of
the City Attorneys. He said there's a meeting this Thursday with New Smyrna
Beach and he'd like a workshop with Council after that. No Council member
expressed an objection. Mayor Baugh stated that there's a meeting scheduled
for next Thursday, March 28th, at 2:00 P.M. regarding the trash incinerator
and they could add it to that agenda, and no Council member expressed an
objection to this addition.
Walter Gross, 909 Lake Avenue, stated that he read the auditor's report and
thanks the past Council for keeping tight strings on the finances. He noted
that there were no exceptions in that report and everything was done right.
He said the financial report was a record for the past 20 years and he again
thanked the intelligent and dedicated past Council members. He said there's
now a change and Department Heads can spend $2,000. without Council approval
and there's no time limit, and Council is planning to spend $3,600. that doesn't
show in the budget and they made a motion to spend $700. and $150. for coffee
and cake. He asked Council to consider what the past Council accomplished and
to keep up the good record for the next two years.
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MISCELLANEOUS (Continued)
Frank Opal, Florida Shores, spoke on the property at 28th and Roberts Road
consisting of 14.3 acres and recommended by Parks and Recreation for about
$55,000.00. He noted it's located at the southeast corner of Edgewater and
would be of no benefit to taxpayers unless it's contingent on annexation of
property south of Edgewater. He said it's an extravagant waste that's not
needed when the water and sewer plants are in dire need of expansion for the
citizens already here. He stated that they can't use swamp land for drinking
water and they'll save money with the fill needed. He pointed out that there
are 10 acres west of Air Park Road and they should concentrate on water.
Mr. Opal then stated that the Mayor shouldn't resign as Mayor and regret it
afterward. He noted that many people were told he wants to be Mayor and
nothing else and having petitions out and being surprised and resigning and
being made Chief is running according to the script laid out last year.
Mr. Opal then asked who authorized the investigation by the State's Attorney
of several people in Edgewater. He asked if it was just to shut people up
from speaking the truth or to intimidate them. He again asked who ordered
the investigation.
Mrs. Gigi Bennington, 121 Virginia Street, read a letter signed by the four
previous Council members which rebuked the rumors and newspaper statements
that they railroaded Mayor Baugh out of his position as Police Chief. She
stated that because of continued problems in the Police Department they
hired two trained and qualified law enforcement people to conduct an unbiased
audit and their report of February 1, 1984, concluded that the Police Depart-
ment is suffering from a lack of departmental leadership that resulted in
fragmentism and fractionalism among the employees, lack of discipline and
disciplinary standards, an ongoing practice of violating the standards of good
organizational principles, the absence of internal control and inspection
activities, total lack of written directive system or formal means of communi-
cation with the employees and inadequate to nmexistent inservice training programs.
She added that the 76-page report cites numerous other problem areas and for
those reasons and many others they dismissed Earl Baugh as Chief. She referred
to the recent News & Observer article which quoted Earl Baugh as saying he had
no intention of getting his old job back. She said Mr. Baugh was duly elected
Mayor and those who voted for him have every right to expect him to complete
his term and it would be a breach of trust should he resign and be reinstated
as Police Chief. She continued reading that they earnestly request that the
members of Council continue with action started and advertise for a Chief and
interview and hire the best qualified person from the outside, and let the
Mayor be the Mayor. She said they had questions about any consideration given
to a petition reinstating Mr. Baugh and wonder as to the motives of the indiv-
iduals who instigated it. She asked what businessman would give serious thought
to an individual already terminated twice from the same position and for the
same reason. She said with a federal lawsuit now filed regarding the Police
Chief's position, they questioned what additional jeopardy the City would face
by appointing anyone to the position at this time. She said they felt a public
forum would better serve the City at this time.
Marvin Owens, a member of the Fire Department, asked about a burn ordinance for
the City. City Clerk Kinsey stated that it was after the agenda closed and
they'll research it and have it for the next meeting.
COUNCIL/OFFICERS REPORTS,BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
City Council Reports - Councilman Asting said the garage sale business seems
to be getting out of hand and he's had complaints about one resident having a
garage sale about every weekend and he thinks they should have some control
over it. He suggested that the City Attorney prepare a draft ordinance with
the licensing fee of $2.00 for two days and that the license be issued to a
single residence,limit of two a year and he so moved. Councilman Inman seconded
the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
-2- Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 1985
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COUNCIL/OFFICERS REPORTS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES (Continued)
City Attorney Reports - City Attorney Alvarez stated that he received a
memo from City Clerk Kinsey regarding the parking situation at 105 South
Ridgewood and he could report on it now rather than later on the agenda.
He noted that the situation pre-existed and the Council has been faced with
similar problems and in the past the Council has authorized licenses subject
to when the problems should develop in the future, such as with the First
Stop restaurant and McGoon's on Park Avenue. He stated that if Council wants
to they can proceed with the license if no other problem arises. Councilman
Asting said he feels the license should be issued since it would appear to
conform to the grand fathering in of such business since there was nothing
prior to the ordinance establishing the parking places and he made that into
a motion. Mayor Baugh clarified that the motion is to allow the business
to operate. Councilman Rotundo seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
Jane Stewart, owner of the business, said she was already issued a permanent
license on February 27th and she displayed a copy of the license. She asked
why she's being told at this meeting that she can operate her business when
she already has the license. Mayor Baugh noted that there was a question at
the last Council meeting from the Deputy City Clerk regarding the license.
Councilman Asting added that the parking was in question. City Attorney
Alvarez stated that there was a memo from the Deputy City clerk questioning
the 500 square feet which required 2.5 parking spaces and she felt Council
should look into the licensing. William Cichewicz, from the audience, said
he thinks his tenant is being harrassed and Mayor Baugh pointed out that the
license has been issued. Mrs. Stewart said she was embarrassed when she
called the newspaper to do a feature story on her new business and was told
by the reporter that she felt she should wait until after this Council meeting
since a temporary license was issued. She said she felt it was unfair because
the license was already issued to her. City Clerk Kinsey stated that the Code
wording is that a license can be suspended or revoked by Council at any time
but they're issued on a permanent nature and are subject to review by Council
which was what happened in this instance.
City Attorney Alvarez said he understood Council was served notice and asked
if Council wants him to take any action. Mayor Baugh suggested a meeting as
soon as they can review it. City Attorney Alvarez noted that he'd been advised
this would be served and they have twenty days from this date to answer.
There was a discussion about dates available for a meeting and it was agreed
to meet on Monday, March 25th at 3:00 P.M.to discuss the papers just served
regarding Mr. Betts. Councilman Asting moved that the City Attorney proceed
with it and Councilman Inman seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
City Attorney Alvarez suggested that he meet with the insurance carrier to
discuss the matter and as soon as they have something to present to Council
he will but he doesn't know if it would be ready by next Monday. He noted
that he'd contacted the carriers last week and they'll have to contact their
home of ice and he'll have to meet with someone to discuss the various issues
raised and then can report back to Council. Councilman Asting said he'd like
to discuss it with the City Attorney at an opportune time. City Attorney
Alvarez stated that it's in the best interest of defending any lawsuit to
review it individually and send individual reports because if they sit down
at an open meeting and discuss the information, something might come out
that won't make it easy to defend and he'd prefer to continue with litigation.
Councilman Asting asked the City Attorney about his thoughts of a counter suit
and City Attorney Alvarez said that possibility is a real one and in this type
of litigation it's a two-way street and the prevailing party is entitled to
attorney fees and costs. Councilman Asting asked if assessmenffi could be made
against people supporting the suit and City Attorney Alvarez said he's not
come across a situation like that but those paying for it would be those
bringing suit. City Attorney Alvarez said as litigation develops, if he
feels a need to make changes he'll advise Council and request any changes,
but for now he prefers to make contact with the insurance company and review
it and report to Council on a one-on-one basis on an attorney-client privilege.
Mayor Baugh pointed out that the meeting for Monday, March 25th, would not
be necessary.
-3- Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 1985
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COUNCIL/OFFICERS REPORTS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES (Continued)
City Clerk Reports - City Clerk Kinsey stated that she had a memo from
Sergeant Lenz requesting an addition to the Police Rules and Regulations.
She noted that the initial Rules and Regulations were approved by Council
motion on April 2, 1984, and Council approval would be necessary to include
these requested additions in the current manual. Councilman Asting moved
that these changes be incorporated in the Police Manual. Councilman Inman
seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
City Clerk Kinsey stated that Council members had read the report from
David Garrett regarding the 14 acres and Council approval or disapproval
is necessary to proceed at this time. Councilman Asting moved to go ahead
with the plan to obtain the land. He pointed out for the audience that this
money has been collected from contractors for recreational purposes and land
for recreational use and it can only be used for these purposes. Councilman
Prater seconded the motion. Councilman Rotundo noted that if this land is
on the north side of Roberts Road, it isn't swamp and won't need fill in it.
Motion CARRIED 5-0.
At this point in the meeting, Councilman Asting asked Mayor Baugh to control
Walter Gross's comments in the audience or have him ejected from the meeting.
Mayor Baugh advised Mr. Gross of the request and Mr. Gross stated that he can't
hear Councilman Asting most of the time.
City Clerk Kinsey stated that there were three serious accidents due to broken
glass being placed in plastic bags or unmarked containers and they put a message
on the water bills to ask citizens' assistance but perhaps they need an amend-
ment to the garbage ordinance that would specifically address the problem and
have a penalty if it's violated. She noted that Council authorization would
be necessary to amend the garbage ordinance. Mayor Baugh pointed out that Earl
Copeland has already requested this and they need to amend it to include a
penalty if this is done and also to know what to do about putting glass in a
box or container and marking it so it won't cut someone. Councilman Prater
moved to go ahead with this and amend it to read as the Mayor stated. Councilman
Inman seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
City Clerk Kinsey stated that Earl Copeland has requested permission to go out
for bids for one standard farm tractor with a sweepster attached as they dis-
cussed at a previous meeting and Council authorization is needed for this.
Councilman Inman so moved. Councilman Asting seconded the motion. Motion
CARRIED 5-0.
City Clerk Kinsey stated that the Mayor and City Attorney from Oak Hill are
planning to arrive later in the meeting to discuss the 911 dispatch agreement
between the two cities and asked if it could be brought up later. She noted
that Oak Hill had a Commission meeting tonight. Mayor Baugh asked if any
Council member had an objection to bringing it up later and no Council member
expressed an objection.
Merit Board recommendation on job description and pay grade for Lieutenant's
position - City Clerk Kinsey read the March 12th memo from the Secretary to the
Merit Board which recommended that the previous job description for Deputy
Chief be used for the Lieutenant's position and that the pay grade be at step
16. Councilman Inman moved to accept the report of the Merit Board intact.
Councilman Asting seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0. Councilman Asting
asked if the tests have been requested for this position and City Clerk Kinsey
stated that Mr. Lary of New Smyrna Beach Personnel Department has offered to
do all the testing and scoring and then return the results to us for a nominal
fee. She noted that the tests aren't available to private individuals and the
fee would probably be about $10. to $12. per person and Mr. Lary gives the
tests for the City of New Smyrna Beach.
-4- Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 1985
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COUNCIL/OFFICERS REPORTS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES (Continued)
Utilities Dept. request to purchase three vehicles under State bid - City
Clerk Kinsey read the March 14th memo from Mr. Terry Wadsworth requesting
authorization to purchase three pick up trucks under State bids. Councilman
Asting moved to grant the request. Councilman Prater seconded the motion.
Motion CARRIED 5-0.
Building Official recommendation re: model homes - City Clerk Kinsey pointed
out that this subject was discussed for quite some time and there is no model
home ordinance now. Councilman Prater questioned the first item on the memo
regarding erecting a model home in residential areas and stated that he doesn't
agree with that. Mr. Dennis Fischer, Building Official, said the contractors
want their models in the areas in which they plan to construct the other homes.
Councilman Prater pointed out that these homes are already built and the model
home is actually doing business. Mr. Fischer noted that item number three
will cover when office equipment is used and it has to be in the area where
they're offering homes. Councilman Prater stated that a model home isn't for
sale and he doesn't think they should scatter model homes all around the City,
and noted that it would be B-2 zoning. Mr. Fischer said the question arose
if office equipment would be allowed and Council would make that decision.
Councilman Prater said a new area being developed could have a model home in
that area for sales there but not in a residential area.
Councilman Asting questioned item number four regarding off street parking.
Mr. Fischer noted that the average home is 1,200 feet and it would be six
parking spaces and there's no provision for on street parking and using this
as a criteria it could be lowered or raised.
Councilman Inman asked if the model homes are approved and compatible to
homes in the surrounding area. Mr. Fischer replied that most generally the
model home will be the best quality because it's a showroom and it would be
a single family dwelling sold in the future.
Councilman Asting asked if it would conform to the zoning laws and Mr. Fischer
replied that it will conform to all building codes.
Councilman Rotundo said he feels it's a "can of worms" and they'll have model
homes allover the City and it's not fair to the realtors who have to work
in buildings. Mayor Baugh agreed it's not fair to the realtors or the citizens
who live there to have a model home because they'll have vehicles coming in
and out of there and they have home occupational licenses that forbids people
from taking the vehicles home. Mayor Baugh noted that those on Indian River
Boulevard have businesses and office equipment and secretaries there. He
added that it would cause a lot of traffic and it's not fair to the citizens.
Mr. Fischer stated that the reason for the draft is that builders have asked
for some kind of guidelines in the offer and sale of homes and the previous
Planning Commission had recommended it and the previous engineers. Councilman
Asting said he objected to those on Indian River Boulevard and Wildwood with
office equipment and they could have sales representatives there but no~
businesses being conducted in the model homes. He suggested that Mr. Fischer
visit these businesses and require the office equipment to be moved. Mr.
Fischer asked if Council doesn't want any office equipment and Councilman
Asting said that's how he feels. Mayor Baugh stated that they shouldn't
conduct business there but they can staff it for open house.
Councilman Asting suggested that Mr. Fischer redraft it and resubmit it to
Council and Mr. Fischer agreed he would.
Police Dept.- Addendum A to 1984-85 Police Benevolent Association labor
agreement _ City Clerk Kinsey stated that the addendum would be effective
April 1, 1985 and she received this date the confirmation from the Police
Benevolent Association that the bargaining unit members voted to ratify the
return to the platoon system and Council needs to agree or disagree with
their ratification. Councilman Inman moved to accept Addendum A for the
P.B.A. agreement, effective April 1, 1985. Councilman Rotundo seconded the
motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
-5- Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 1985
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COUNCIL/OFFICERS REPORTS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES (Continued)
Rescue invitation to attend Open House March 24, 1985 - Mayor Baugh pointed
out that the date had been changed to Saturday, March 23, 1985. City Clerk
Kinsey read the invitation letter from Mrs. Olds, President of EVER.
Councilman Asting noted that this building was constructed and donated by
the Edgewater Rotary Club for the use of the Rescue squad in its service to
the citizens andaletterof thanks should be sent to the Rotary Club for
this donation. He added that the building is valued at about $37,000. and
it didn't cost the City a cent and he made that a motion. Councilman Rotundo
seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0. Mayor Baugh suggested that everyone
come out for the dedication of the building.
COMMUNICATIONS
Constable Realty request re: abandoning a portion of the right of way, Park Street-
City Clerk Kinsey read the February 27th letter from Mr. Jack Patrick of
Constable Realty which requested the City submit a letter stating they had no
objection to the abandonment of Park Street which is adjacent to 35th Street.
Councilman Asting stated that he feels the abandonment of Park Street would
permit driveways to be built across it to the City's 35th Street and they'd
have access to the streets in Florida Shores and he doesn't go along with
the request. Mr. Patrick pointed out that there's a planting strip there and
he thought legally the people didn't have the right to go across the strip
and they're now going onto the man's property and dumping on it and he wants
to fence it. Councilman Asting noted that the City put up a barrier and
Mr. Patrick said they're going around the barrier. Mayor Baugh noted that the
City is keeping the six foot buffer and the County is doing the abandoning.
Councilman Asting stated that nothing stops the people from building driveways
and entering Florida Shores on 35th Street. Mr. Patrick questioned if they
can legally build a driveway and Councilman Asting replied that supposedly
there's something to stop them. Mayor Baugh asked if there's anything there
except a dumping area and Mr. Patrick said there's a road from there to
Volco Road. Councilman Asting pointed out that it's in the County and the
Sheriff's Department patrols it and if the man fences his property off, they
should handle it. Mayor Baugh noted that they're going across the buffer to
dump and if they put a fence along the six foot easement the City has, it
would prevent the people from dumping there. Councilman Asting moved to reject
the request and to notify the County they object to vacating Park Street.
Councilman Prater seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
Arnold DeCosimo and D. G. Gruber request to park camping trailer on site during
home construction - City Clerk Kinsey read the March 11th request to park
a camping trailer on Guava Drive during construction of a duplex. Mayor Baugh
noted that under Chapter 18 of the Code they can do this during home construction.
Councilman Asting pointed out that they granted permission in the past but he
questioned the disposal of waste and wastewater. Mr. Douglas Gruber said that
Mr. DeCosimo lives at Riverwood and they'll use the dumping station there.
Councilman Prater asked the amount of time they expect to use the trailer and
Mr. Gruber said it would be less than a year. Mayor Baugh pointed out that
the permit can only be for three months and is then subject to renewal by the
City Council. Councilman Asting moved to grant the request for a period of
90 days. Councilman Prater seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Res. 85-R-lO Reappointing two members to Board of Trustees of Police Retirement
Plan - City Attorney Alvarez read this Resolution. RES. 85-R-lO - A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDGEWATER, FLORIDA, REAPPOINTING CITY OF
EDGEWATER POLICE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES WILLIAM LENZ AND BRET TEITELBAUM AS
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CITY OF EDGEWATER, FLORIDA, POLICE
RETIREMENT PLAN; PROVIDING FOR TERMS OF OFFICE; PROVIDING FOR DUTIES, RIGHTS
AND RESPONSIBILITIES; REPEALING ALL RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT HEREWITH, AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilman Inman moved to adopt Resolution
85-R-lO. Councilman Prater seconded the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
-6- Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 1985
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Citizen appointment to Volusia County Areawide Water Quality Advisory
Committee for Phase III - Mayor Baugh asked for a recommendation for this
committee. Councilman Asting nominated Frank Roe of Juniper Drive as a
citizen representative to this board. Councilman Inman seconded the nomin-
ation. There were no other nominations. Councilman Asting moved to appoint
him as the citizen representative to that board. Councilman Inman seconded
the motion. Motion CARRIED 5-0.
Application for new business at 105 S. Ridgewood Ave. ,Jane Stewart d.b.a.
Nearly New Shop - This item was handled earlier, under City Attorney Reports.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no New Business brought up at this meeting.
Mayor Baugh recessed the Council meeting at
of the City Attorney and Mayor of Oak Hill.
by Mayor Baugh at 8:25 P.M.
8:15 P.M. to await the arrival
Meeting was called back to order
911 Dispatch agreement with City of Oak Hill - Attorney Henderson said he just
left the Oak Hill City Commission meeting and they need to resolve the problem
with the 911 agreement. He said Edgewater is putting them in a predicament
and Oak Hill doesn't have the facilities or capacities to have a 911 system.
He stated the contract is fine except for the clause regarding the indemnity
which states that Oak Hill will hold Edgewater harmless for its employees'
negligent acts, malfeasance and misfeasance in transmitting information,
directions or other messages. He said they can't indemnify the City for an
act of misfeasance or malfeasance. He stated that they met with the Mayor
and City Clerk and the insurance carrier said they have to have an indemnity
provision in the contract and Council took the position to cancel the 911
agreement dated March 7th to be as of Friday. He asked Council to prevail
and said he'd talked to the insurance agent. Mayor Baugh clarified that the
March 7th letter stated the agreement had to be returned or the City would
have no recourse but to take necessary measures but they didn't terminate it.
Attorney ,Henderson said he didn't get a copy of that letter and Mayor Baugh
stated that it was sent to the Mayor of Oak Hill.
Attorney Henderson said they want to cover Oak Hill under the City's umbrella
but Oak Hill does not feel they can indemnify any action of pure negligence,
mise feasance or malfeasance and the insurance company understands that and
they should be able to work out some language. He suggested they negotiate
with the provision, section D. and strike the last sentence regarding the
misfeasance and malfeasance and recognize that this is an endorsement to the
City's Police policy. Attorney Henderson said if there's an act of negligence,
misfeasance or malfeasance and Oak Hill is going to be liable and the City is
covered by the insurance they're sticking out for something they didn't do.
City Attorney Alvarez said the point is there will be no negligence for the
City of Edgewater and they'll hold the City harmless of negligence of the
employees but if they weren't engaged in this transmission of information
they wouldn't have had that negligence and they're not issuing the endorse-
ment as it pertains to Edgewater but as it pertains to Oak Hill. City
Clerk Kinsey noted that the insurance carrier said they had to have the
indemnification and hold harmless clause to cover it.
City Attorney Alvarez said he came up with this agreement six months ago
and it was signed by Edgewater at that time. Attorney Henderson said he
felt the cities can work together and Mayor Baugh agreed but said they have
to go along with the insurance people and have to take their direction.
City Attorney Alvarez noted that they reviewed the clause and approved it.
Attorney Henderson said it's clear that Edgewater doesn't want any responsi-
bility but the problem is to get an endorsement to the City's insurance
policy. Councilman Asting asked for clarification of the section he wants
deleted and Attorney Henderson said it's to strike the last sentence of
section D. Councilman Asting said he doesn't agree with striking that
sentence because an act might be committed and the person would be unaware
it's being done. Attorney Henderson said misfeasance or malfeasance would
imply intentional and negligence is what he's referring to. City Attorney
Alvarez stated that this agreement was prepared with the utmost protection
for the citizens of Edgewater.
-]- Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 1985
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911 Dispatch agreement with City of Oak Hill - Councilman Asting suggested
the two attorneys discuss it to come up with the wording. City Attorney
Alvarez suggested the agreement be signed immediately and then get together
to come up with something but they've been waiting six months now. Attorney
Henderson stated they cannot sign it in its present form.
City Attorney Alvarez stated that the only possible change would be elimination
of the word malfeasance and that would be with the approval of the carrier.
Attorney Henderson suggested a working committee with the Mayor, the carrier,
the two attorneys and the City Clerk to work this out. Mayor Baugh said he
had no problem with that and the carrier can tell them what he'll accept.
City Attorney Alvarez noted that the carrier will have to send it to the home
office which might take two or three weeks. Attorney Henderson said that
he'd talked with the carrier on Friday and City Attorney Alvarez said he'd
also talked with him on Friday and he said he'd leave it up to the City's
legal representative to determine the best interest of the City. He pointed
out that the City is the client and if they tell him they want that whole
paragraph eliminated he'll have to take it to the home office. He again stated
that the language was prepared with maximum protection but it's Council's
privilege to cut part of it. He pointed out that they've been working for six
months and there's no reason to drag it out. Attorney Henderson again stated
that they can sit down and work it out. City Attorney Alvarez pointed out that
this agreement has been there for six months and they're talking about more
meetings. Councilman Asting asked Attorney Henderson if he'd agree to striking
just the word malfeasance and Attorney Henderson said he wouldn't recommend it
to the Oak Hill City Commission. Mayor Goodrich, from the audience, indicated
it will not be acceptable to them. Attorney Henderson said the problem is just
an endorsement to the City's Police policy which covers Oak Hill for 911 but
the insurance company doesn't want any other liability that Oak Hill might
expose them to and Oak Hill shouldn't be covered under the City's Police
insurance. He added that the master policy is the City's Police policy.
City Clerk Kinsey noted that's the only way they could get coverage. Attorney
Henderson said if they have full indemnification then there's no coverage and
they're paying for an insurance policy that's not good for them. City Attorney
Alvarez noted that they want all the protection they can get. Attorney Henderson
said they should be professional and sit down and work it out in a responsible
and reasonable way. Mayor Baugh asked City Attorney Alvarez when he can meet
with them and City Attorney Alvarez stated that there's nothing to talk about,
they're either going to agree to it or not. Mayor Baugh stated that he feels
they can work something out. City Attorney Alvarez stated that he made an offer
to strike the word malfeasance but if they take away more, he won't agree to it,
but it's up to Council and he suggested they get the agreement signed and then
work on amendments later and get some good faith as they're working without
anything now. City Attorney Alvarez added that they can't be accused of not
being cooperative because they've been waiting patiently and got no response
until the City Clerk wrote the letter and it's similar to the response on the
picnic tables. Mayor Baugh stated that this has nothing to do with that.
Attorney Henderson asked if there was a payment made to the endorsement and
City Clerk Kinsey said she didn't think so, but if it was just the insurance
it was in the last few days. Attorney Henderson said the payment for the
endorsement or for the sum would show good faith. Mayor Baugh noted that the
City already paid out the money for the insurance.
Councilman Asting suggested they take the advice of the City Attorney and
suggested they strike the word malfeasance. Councilman Prater agreed with
Councilman Asting that whatever their attorney comes up with they should
abide by. Councilman Inman said he agreed with Councilmen Asting and Prater
and there's no sense in employing a lawyer if they don't follow his suggestions.
Mayor Baugh said he feels they could sit down and work this out to the satis-
faction of both parties because it's a service they have to have or have
someone get for them and everything is set up here.
-8- Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 1985
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911 dispatch agreement with City of Oak Hill (Continued) -
Councilman Inman sympathized with Attorney Henderson on his representation
of Oak Hill and hopes he realizes they have to have protection but he feels
they can work out something to the benefit of both parties. Councilman Asting
suggested that if Attorney Henderson wants to make some changes in the wording
that he send them to City Attorney Alvarez for consideration and perhaps some-
thing might be worked out. Attorney Henderson said if action is taken tonight
they'll have to go someplace else but he's used to cities working together in
good faith and he appreciates Mayor Baugh's cooperation and being flexible
and feels he understands because of his years in the Police Department.
City Attorney Alvarez asked if the Resolution 84-R-49 of October 1, 1984, was
sent to Oak Hill and City Clerk Kinsey replied it was. City Attorney Alvarez
stated that this is the first he's heard of any objection to the wording and
it would be simple to strike the word malfeasance and sign the agreement and
then make amendments under the protection of the agreement because they've
been waiting for the agreement for six months and he doesn't feel it's
unreasonable to make this request. Mayor Baugh suggested they take it back
to the Oak Hill Commission with striking out the word with the understanding
they'll get together to work out details of the contract. He added that they
have to have an agreement for the insurance people and if they can get it signed
with the word taken out and then have a meeting, they'd accomplish what they
want to do. City Attorney Alvarez agreed that then they'd be working under
a signed agreement.
Mayor Baugh asked if Attorney Henderson would take it back to the Commission
and Attorney Henderson agreed he would but they have to have some type of
agreement and then make changes. Attorney Henderson asked if it's misfeasance
and malfeasance and Councilman Asting suggested it be submitted to City
Attorney Alvarez for his consideration. City Attorney Alvarez said it appears
the basic objection is misfeasance and malfeasance and he suggested malfeasance
be stricken out, sign the agreement, and then try to work it out with the
insurance company. Attorney Henderson said he cannot recommend it to Oak Hill
with the words misfeasance or malfeasance and he feels it's unreasonable for
Edgewater to expect them to indemnify them for misfeasance or malfeasance.
City Attorney Alvarez asked his opinion of the words misfeasance and malfeasance
and Attorney Henderson said misfeasance is public obligation as a public official.
City Attorney Alvarez said malfeasance is an intentional act and that's why he
agreed to it and going beyond that is negligence of an employee by an employee
for a service they're not obligated to provide.
Attorney Henderson said it's obvious they can't work out an agreement and he
thanked Council and said the City of Oak Hill hopes to do business with the
City in the future. Mayor Baugh asked when the obligation would be stopped.
Councilman Rotundo asked Oak Hill's position. Councilman Asting asked if Oak
Hill is taking the matter to the Commission. Attorney Henderson said they'll
take it to the Commission. Mayor Goodrich said the next meeting is April 8th.
Councilman Asting pointed out there may be no change in the position but they
should be able to take it to the Commission and then inform Edgewater.
Attorney Henderson agreed. There was a discussion regarding a time line for
the decision and it was agreed the reply would be by the Friday after the
Commission meeting.
ADJOURN
Councilman Asting moved to adjourn. Councilmen Prater and Inman seconded the
motion simultaneously. Meeting was adjourned at 9:02 P.M.
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Minutes submitted by:
Lura Sue Koser
ATTEST:
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MAYOR
-9- Council Regular Meeting Minutes
March 18, 1985
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