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APRIL 15, 1997 7:00 PM REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING HELD AT CITY HALL COMMISSION CHAMBERS
Present were: Mayor Dave Hood, Commissioners Jeffrey J. Boyle, David L. Schecter, Ed Kelley, Carl G. Persis, City Manager Eugene Miller, City Attorney Fred S. Disselkoen, and City Clerk Veronica Patterson. A G E N D A
Item #1 - Call to Order Mayor Hood called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Item #2 - Invocation The invocation was given by Reverend Thomas Sublett, Grace Lutheran Church. Item #3 - Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Hood led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Item #4 - Approval of Minutes Mayor Hood advised the minutes of the April 1, 1997, meeting had been sent to the Commissioners for review and asked if there were any corrections, additions, or omissions. Commissioner Schecter moved, seconded by Commissioner Persis, to approve the minutes as submitted.
Item #5(A) - Presentation of United Way Awards to City Employees Mr. James Ryan, Volusia County Emergency Management Director, representing the United
Way, recognized Mayor Dave Hood, Chief Bob Stewart, Liviston Edwards, Charles Gleason,
William R. Joyce, III, Jozelle Polite, Morris Sims, and Craig Wood for their leadership in
support of our community...the United Way. He stated the United Way provides a tremendous
degree of service throughout the community, and it is through the leadership efforts, such
as those of the City's employees, that make the United Way the success that it is. Mayor
Hood asked Mr. Miller to send a letter, on behalf of the City Commission, to the employees
expressing gratitude for their support of the United Way. Item #5(B) - Main Street Submittal of Business Development Proposal Mr. G.G. Galloway, President of the Ormond Main Street Board of Directors, stated that
a Traffic and Land Use Improvement Study was conducted in 1976, as was the Granada
Boulevard Master Streetscape Plan that was amended in 1986, and he stated input on that
Plan was received from the members of the Downtown Improvement Board and Beautification
Board. He stated in 1995, the Downtown Revitalization Task Force was formed to establish a
vision for the downtown area, and Ormond Main Street, Inc., was formed as the vehicle to
create a thriving downtown business district with an identifiable appearance along the
Granada Corridor from A1A to Orchard Street. Mr. Galloway stated a market study has been
conducted along with a report regarding traffic and parking for the business district. He
reported that this Business Development Proposal states that now is the time for the true
leadership of our community to come forward from the government, elected officials and the
private sector to address the areas along Granada Boulevard from A1A to Orchard Street.
Mr. Galloway stated that with the submittal of this Proposal, Ormond Main Street is asking
for the Commission's support in directing the City staff to re-address the Streetscape
Plan. He stated there are key items identified in the plan that have not been addressed,
either through a lack of commitment, both from the private and public sector, or lack of
funding. Mayor Hood asked Mr. Galloway if he was aware of the City Manager's recommendation with
regard to soliciting a Request for Proposal for public/private development projects, as
well as updating the 1986 Streetscape Plan. Mr. Galloway stated Ormond Main Street
strongly supports those recommendations. Commissioner Schecter expressed appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the
Board members who serve on a volunteer basis. Commissioner Boyle stated the Proposal mentions the enhancement of A1A and portions of
West Granada Boulevard and asked if the Board is recommending that landscaped median
islands be installed. Mr. Galloway stated specific recommendations were not made in the Proposal; however, it
is suggested that a staff priority be to place the same emphasis on the area from Orchard
Street to A1A as the enhancement programs now being implemented on Granada Boulevard from
Nova Road to I-95 and the projected enhancement at the A1A/Granada and US#1/Granada
intersections. He suggested that the landscaping at both those intersections be continued
around the corner and down Granada Boulevard approximately 100 yards thereby leaving only
100 to 200 yards on Granada Boulevard on either side of the bridge for the City to
address. Commissioner Boyle stated meetings were held with traffic consultants and State
transportation representatives where it was determined that the optimum speed limit to
move the most traffic along Granada Boulevard is 30 mph, and he questioned if Main Street
had taken any formal action to request that the speed limit be reduced from 35 mph to 30
mph. Mr. Galloway stated the Board discussed the speed limit issue and recommended that a
traffic engineer address traffic calming to 30 mph. Mr. Galloway stated this item should
be addressed in the master plan. Commissioner Kelley expressed appreciation to the Board members for serving in this
capacity and stated he supported the Board's efforts as long as the City does not commit a
tremendous amount of money for beautification and landscaping the downtown area to try to
attract business. He stated the regulations and restrictions governing development in the
Main Street area are too stringent and he suggested that they be re-evaluated. He
questioned the accomplishments achieved with the $9 million already allocated for the
Streetscape Plan, and the status of TIF money if it were not for the development of the
Ormond Heritage Condominium. He expressed opposition to reducing the speed limit on
Granada Boulevard and stated slowing traffic is not going to create business if there is
not already a viable business in the area. Commissioner Kelley stated consideration should
be given to the following downtown area issues: the vacancy rate, what will attract
people, and what will cause someone to improve their business. He stated he is in favor of
pursuing public/private ventures. Mr. Galloway stated that, with respect to the $9 million figure mentioned by
Commissioner Kelley, approximately $6 million was allocated to the City Hall and Library,
so the enhancement has not all been put into the infrastructure of the Main Street area.
He stated the tax base that is derived just from the core downtown area is 7½% of the
entire tax base of the City. Commissioner Kelley stated that downtown Daytona Beach does not require the same facade
on the fronts of all buildings, and businesses are allowed individuality. He stated for
downtown Ormond Beach to be successful, the City has to be customer friendly to those
people who want to make improvements to their businesses. Mr. Galloway agreed that the
City should be more flexible in that special tax district. Commissioner Persis stated he fully supported the City Manager's recommendation and he
expressed appreciation to everyone who served on the Board, especially to Mr. Galloway for
his leadership. Mayor Hood complimented the Board, and by consensus of the Commission, he directed that
a resolution adopting the City Manager's recommendations be prepared. Item #5(C) - Florida International Festival Presentation by Dave Slick Mr. Dave Slick, 322 John Anderson Drive, representing the Florida International
Festival, stated the Festival brings The London Symphony Orchestra to the greater Volusia
County area every two (2) years and has had great success on a local level at the City's
Performing Arts Center. He stated the Festival has a very unique history and explained
that in 1966, several community leaders sent letters to orchestras across the world trying
to entice them to come to our community. He stated The London Symphony Orchestra was
struggling at the time and agreed to perform; they have been performing in the area ever
since. Mr. Slick requested that the City allocate the same funding as it generously
contributed two (2) years ago in the amount of $5,000.00. There being no objections by the
Commission, Mayor Hood asked that a resolution be placed on the next agenda allocating
funds to the Florida International Festival. Item #6 - Audience Remarks Proposed Fee Increase - Performing Arts Center Ms. Debra Sands, 87 Kenilworth Avenue, representing the Children's Music Theater,
stated an item relative to proposed fee increases is scheduled for the May 20, 1997, City
Commission meeting, and she expressed concern about these increases. Ms. Sands requested
the opportunity for representatives of the Leisure Service facilities user groups to meet
with staff representatives to discuss the proposed figures prior to the May 20th meeting.
She stated certain privileges that have been enjoyed in the past have been taken away, and
additional charges are being incurred with every show. Mayor Hood asked staff to meet with
Ms. Sands and others to discuss the figures and operational problems being experienced. He
invited Ms. Sands to voice her concerns at the May 20, 1997, meeting. Retirement of Ted Kramer, Airport and Economic Development Manager Ms. Mary Peine-Lemay, 60 Cumberland Avenue, stated that at the close of business this
week, the City of Ormond Beach will be reducing its staff by one (1) through the
retirement of Mr. Ted Kramer, Special Assistant for Airport and Economic Development. She
stated Mr. Kramer has improved the quality of life for so many in the community by
assisting those who are unable to afford to repair their homes through the Community
Development Block Grant program. She stated during his tenure, the Airport Recreation
Complex has been developed so that young and old may enjoy organized team sports in
professional surroundings. She stated the airport has grown just as our City has, and Mr.
Kramer has nurtured a working relationship with the FAA which has enabled the City to
obtain funding to assist with the airport's expansion. Ms. Peine-Lemay stated the Airport
Business Park is in its second phase, and Mr. Kramer has accomplished the City's goals to
bring clean industry to the business park, with his latest project, WDL Airships from
Germany, bringing the City into the eyes of the worldwide aviation community. She stated
it is because of Mr. Kramer's many accomplishments, that the citizens of Ormond Beach
salute and thank him for taking pride in working for the City of Ormond Beach. Mayor Hood
asked that a proclamation be prepared calling his retirement day "Ted Kramer
Day." Item #7 - Consent Agenda Mayor Hood advised the action proposed to be taken for each item on the Consent Agenda
is so stated on the agenda. He asked if any member of the Commission had questions or
wished to discuss any one or more of the items separately. Commissioner Schecter moved, seconded by Commissioner Persis, for approval of the Consent Agenda.
Item #8(A) - Conditional Use Permit - Sleep Inn Hotel Commissioner Kelley moved, seconded by Commissioner Persis, to close the public hearing on Item #8(A). The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Schecter moved, seconded by Commissioner Persis, for approval of
Resolution No. 97-74, as read by title only.
Item #8(B) - Relative to Parks Commissioner Schecter moved, seconded by Commissioner Boyle, to close the public hearing on Item #8(B). The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Schecter moved, seconded by Commissioner Persis, for approval of
Ordinance No. 97-16, on second reading, as read by title only. Commissioner Kelley questioned the different closing times of the various parks, particularly the closing time for Fortunato Park. Mr. Disselkoen advised this ordinance gives the City Commission the authority to establish the opening and closing times of City parks. He stated the specific park-by-park hours are addressed in a resolution to be considered later on the agenda.
Item #9 - Relative to Wrecker Services
Commissioner Schecter moved, seconded by Commissioner Persis, for approval of Ordinance No. 97-17, on first reading, as read by title only.
Item #10 - Opening and Closing Times for City Parks, Recreational and Cultural Facilities
Commissioner Schecter moved, seconded by Commissioner Persis, for approval of Resolution No. 97-75, as read by title only. Commissioner Kelley expressed opposition to closing Fortunato Park at 9:00 p.m.,
especially in the summer months, and stated the closing time limits the use of the park by
the citizens. He stated Fortunato Park is the most visible and easily policed park within
the City, and he recommended the hours be extended during the summer months. Commissioner Kelley moved, seconded by Commissioner Schecter, to amend the
resolution so that Fortunato Park is opened until sunset or 9:00 PM, whichever is later. Commissioner Boyle moved to make the closing of Fortunato Park at sunset year round. He stated he is apprehensive about that particular location in the community, and the residents in the vicinity have expressed concern about what may happen in that park after dark. He stated that when the 9:00 PM closing was first discussed, it was anticipated that a restaurant and concession stand would be open on site; however, those plans were denied. Commissioner Boyle' motion failed for lack of a second.
Commissioner Persis questioned how difficult it would be to amend park hours after this resolution is approved if a park's hours are found to be a problem. Mr. Disselkoen advised an amendment to park hours would require only one (1) reading of a resolution.
Item #11 - Appeal of Planning Director's Interpretation of the Land Development Code Regarding Lot Frontage - 33 Seville Street Mayor Hood advised the applicant has requested continuance of this item to the May 20, 1997, City Commission meeting. Commissioner Schecter moved, seconded by Commissioner Kelley, to continue the appeal regarding 33 Seville Street to May 20, 1997.
Item #12 - Reports, Suggestions, Requests American Indian Festival Commissioner Boyle stated over 11,000 patrons attended the recent American Indian
Festival held on The Casements and Rockefeller Park grounds, and he has heard rave reviews
from citizens, particularly from teachers and students. He thanked the Casements' staff
for their meticulous planning of this successful event. Summer Dress Code Commissioner Boyle formally requested that casual attire be permitted during the summer
months of June, July and August, and that polo styled shirts with the City logo be
approved for those City Commission meetings. There being no objection, Mayor Hood stated
the proposal is approved. Black College Reunion Commissioner Schecter commended Chief Bob Stewart and Mr. Ted MacLeod and their
respective departments for the preparation and efforts regarding Black College Reunion. He
stated he received a positive comment from a resident that their street was cleaned up
immediately after the Reunion and traffic was monitored to not allow through traffic, and
he did not receive one (1) negative complaint. Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity Commissioner Schecter stated a resolution has been placed at the dais expressing the
Commission's support of the Port Orange, Deltona, and Daytona Beach application to the
County of Volusia for Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity for the provision
of emergency medical transportation services through their respective municipal fire
departments. He stated the County currently has put into place a system for EVAC which is
nothing more than a guaranteed monopoly for this private company, when in effect, cities
are finding that municipalities can provide the necessary immediate emergency care better
and quicker. Commissioner Schecter stated that pursuant to the Rules of Parliamentary
Procedure adopted in 1996, and according to the "Thompson Rule," the Commission
may take formal action on this resolution, but only by an affirmative vote of two-thirds
of the total membership of the City Commission, i.e., four (4) affirmative votes are
required to adopt the resolution. He stated the rush for action to be taken is due to the
fact that the County Council meets May 1st to discuss this issue, and this is the last
City Commission meeting before that date. He stated that approving the resolution would be
a positive move because Ormond Beach may eventually apply to the County for a Certificate
of Public Convenience and Necessity and will look for support from its "sister
cities" as well. Commissioner Schecter thanked Mr. Disselkoen for preparing the
resolution on such short notice, and he stated there are several members in the audience
who may wish to speak on this issue. Commissioner Schecter moved, seconded by Commissioner Boyle, to approve the
resolution. Commissioner Kelley stated he could not support this resolution at such late notice,
and if the cities who are applying receive approval, then the road will be paved for
future applicants. Mr. Eugene Miller, City Manager, stated that at recent workshops the Commission has
taken a position in favor of some type of merger or functional consolidation of fire and
emergency services on a comprehensive basis. He distributed copies of a letter he had
written to Mr. Carey Smith, Daytona Beach City Manager, dated September 5, 1996, in
response to Mr. Smith's inquiry as to the City's position regarding emergency services
transport. Mr. Miller stated his response had the endorsement of the City Commission, and
he read the following excerpt: "It seems to us this would merely expand and
perpetuate overlapping and duplication of governmental services. We would, however, be
interested in pursuing an analysis of the feasibility of County-wide Fire and Emergency
Medical Service (EMS) operations to include emergency service transport. If such an
analysis is determined to be too encompassing at this time, perhaps such an analysis could
be limited to East Volusia urbanized areas." Mr. Miller stated that from the
professional viewpoint of those in the fire service, there seems to be much momentum and
an effort to unite, as evidenced in the recent applications for Certificates of Public
Convenience and Necessity. He stated one (1) critical view is that this is an effort to
fragment that service, and he encouraged joining other municipalities in making logic out
of providing fire and emergency services through a review that would focus on the quality
of fire and rescue services and not just focus on costs. He stated any knowledgeable fire
service professional will not take very long to conclude that emergency service can be
handled better in Volusia County, and it is time to come forward with the leadership to
make that work. He recommended that the Commission not specifically endorse this
resolution, but instead, go a step further and ask the County Council and other
municipalities to join together in a unified effort to put logic behind the delivery of
this professional service on a county-wide basis. Commissioner Schecter stated Mr. Miller made good points in reference to the quality of
service, and he stated that the quality of service is the impetuous for the other cities
to proceed with their Certificate of Necessity requests. He stated that Mr. Miller's
comments were not against the resolution, but actually support the resolution in a sense
that these cities are not waiting for the County to come together in a unified effort on
this issue. Commissioner Schecter stated the letter to Mr. Smith indicates the County's
reluctance to deal with any type of alternatives to the current private monopoly that is
in place. He stated the City has an opportunity to help out its sister cities with their
Certificate of Necessity applications, and he encouraged the Commission to go on record as
supporting that. He stated that, hopefully, this matter will come back to the City in the
very near future for support; and when Ormond Beach supports other municipalities, that
support will be returned to the City. Commissioner Schecter stated that until cities have
a chance to gain some control of these services, the County will not be willing to come to
the table to talk long range or county-wide provision of service. Mayor Hood stated the argument to adopt this resolution to help sister cities is the
logic that has infected and fragmented our community for too long. He stated that while he
does not particularly concur with the way that the County has set up EVAC, it is somewhat
selfish and will defeat the overall goal if cities fragment this situation as opposed to
looking at it globally. He stated during several Volusia Council of Government meetings he
has requested financial analyses that show that the same services can be provided at a
lower cost by the cities than by EVAC, and if they can provide the service more
inexpensively, how that would affect the outlying County areas. He stated that to date
that data has not been provided. Mayor Hood stated the Commission, as policy makers, must
consider that this issue impacts everyone in the surrounding cities. Mayor Hood stated his
reason for voting against this request is not based on whether or not he disagrees that
Daytona Beach, Deltona or Port Orange should be provided Certificates, but because no one
has yet provided a detailed financial analysis that indicates that these services can be
provided at a lower cost, and secondly, if that is true, that it is the best thing from a
policy perspective for the entire County to take that position. Mayor Hood stated that
fire services as designed in this County have created overlapping jurisdictions and fire
stations located on the border of other jurisdictions to which they do not serve, and even
though there are interlocal agreements, each one of these systems has its own bureaucracy
and administrative function. He stated it is time to suggest to the Volusia Council of
Governments that all cities meet to review the overall delivery of EVAC and fire fighting
services and to determine if there is a more consolidated, cost efficient basis for
providing these services to everyone in the County. He stated with his vote in opposition,
as well as Commissioner Kelley's, this point is moot because of the majority vote required
to take action on the resolution. Commissioner Schecter asked that the public be allowed to speak on this matter, and if
there are not four (4) affirmative votes for approval of the resolution at the conclusion
of the discussion, that the item be placed on the next agenda for discussion. Commissioner Kelley disagreed with the fragmentation of fire services within the
County. He compared this issue with the Volusian Water Alliance which now has every water
user in the County planning and discussing water uses for the future. He stated it took
years to accomplish this; however, the Alliance is finally making strides toward
unification. Commissioner Schecter stated the County is not willing to give up the monopoly they
have built, which pays them handsomely; whereby, Mr. Miller stated that he has found Mr.
Larry Arrington, Volusia County Manager, to be very cooperative, understanding, and
interested in eliminating fragmentation and overlapping of services. Mr. Miller stated
that area city managers can relate to the logic of some type of county-wide or broad-area
approach to fire and emergency medical services, including transportation. He stated that
Mr. Arrington does not approach this topic on the basis of Volusia County maintaining a
monopoly, and he is interested in providing the very best fire and rescue service. Mr.
Miller stated that by keying in on the momentum and timing that this issue is bringing
forward, Ormond Beach can seize the opportunity to address this issue on a consolidated
basis. He stated he endorsed the type of efforts to try to get together and do things
better; however, he stated he is afraid that this resolution will, as other
well-intentioned efforts have, end up with further fragmentation, overlapping, and
conflicts which will have a negative result. Mr. Jim Shaw, Ormond Beach Firefighter, stated the three (3) cities applying to the
County for Certificates of Necessity should be commended. He asked if the decision is not
to approve the proposed resolution, that a letter of support be provided recommending that
the County give due consideration to the cities respective applications for a Certificate
of Public Convenience and Necessity. He stated that efforts have failed to accomplish a
plan on a more grand scale, and he suggested taking smaller steps to reach the higher
goal. He stated he hoped this issue would not be side-stepped on the sole basis of trying
to show consolidation as the goal. Mr. Shaw stated this is not a new concept, and cities
across Florida and the nation are providing this service with very beneficial results. He
stated this program would allow the public servants to provide a much higher level of
service, would benefit the citizens and would generate revenue for each respective
municipality. He stated that revenue could be used to augment the ever-growing cost of
providing emergency services while keeping taxes down. He stated the firefighters of these
respective departments have without question shown the ability to save lives and reduce
disability as mentioned in the proposed resolution and letter of support. Mr. Shaw stated
that he and his colleagues are of the opinion that if Ormond Beach is not willing to be on
the forefront of said improvements, it should at the very least, support the actions of
other municipalities, if for nothing else than to observe their efforts and possibly learn
from any mistakes made or avenues taken. He stated these services are the future, and it
is not a question of if, but when, Ormond Beach will join the ranks of these proactive
departments. Mr. Shaw stated there have been several studies performed on this concept,
and they overwhelming show the need and the benefits of these programs. He stated that
even though other area cities are moving forward with these efforts, Ormond Beach will
stand to gain the most from such a move from a economical standpoint, since EVAC has shown
that the collection rate in Ormond Beach is higher than any other municipality in the
area. Mr. Shaw summarized that firefighters can provide these services to the public
quicker and less expensively than any other monopoly having a stronghold on the area. He
stated it must be realized that whether it be in resolution or letter form, this would be
only a recommendation to the County to consider these departments efforts and would in no
way legally bind or commit the City to any action of its own. Mr. Shaw stated there has
been a push to make fire departments more efficient and productive, and this program will
allow firefighters to further serve the citizens and increase the productivity of the fire
department in a beneficial and reasonable way. Mayor Hood asked if Mr. Shaw could provide a financial analysis that would indicate the
exact costs for Ormond Beach to provide this service versus what our revenue stream would
be, and if the analysis shows a profit or loss. Mr. Shaw stated he did not have that
information with him; however, his statement is based upon what is known among fire
department personnel. He stated the City has two (2) hospitals that directly receive,
whereas other cities would have to transport out of their city limits to access a
hospital. Mayor Hood again requested facts that support the statements that Ormond Beach
can raise the quality of service to its citizens, and that it makes financial sense to
provide medical transport. Mr. Shaw stated that the City of Daytona Beach and the Volusia
County Firefighters' Council have prepared financial analyses, to which Mayor Hood asked
that the information be provided. He reiterated that at the last Council of Mayors
meeting, no information could be produced that showed the financial analysis of whether
the quality of service would be increased at a cost that is a benefit to the community.
Mayor Hood stated when this item is discussed at the next agenda he would like to have the
financial information available, to which Mr. Shaw stated he would make every effort to
provide the information by the next meeting. Mr. Shaw stated he did not want to side-step
the issue tonight, which is a request to support the cities who have applied to the County
for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Commissioner Schecter clarified that this discussion addressed the request to approve a
resolution of support, and the reason for requesting that this item be placed on a future
agenda is so that the financial analysis can be provided and to learn what occurs with the
applications at the May 1, 1997, County Council meeting. Mayor Hood stated he has made it clear what analysis he wants provided, and if the
facts support the statements made, then he has an open mind to consider providing medical
transport. Mr. Paul Skinner, Daytona Beach Fire Chief, in response to earlier comments made
throughout the discussion, stated that EVAC service is already fragmented and offers three
(3) distinct levels of service throughout the County. He stated their response zones are
broken into urban, suburban and rural areas, and the response times and performance
requirements within those times are very different. Chief Skinner stated that the
municipalities in the County produce the vast majority of the transport revenue that EVAC
collects, and that revenue is used to subsidize service in the unincorporated areas where
there is very little demand for that service, so that, in effect, the cities subsidize the
unincorporated areas. Chief Skinner stated that residents choose the level of service by
where they live and pay for those levels of service through taxes. He stated a
considerable financial analysis has been performed by the City of Daytona Beach, and he
has carefully studied the proposals submitted by Deltona and Port Orange. He stated last
Friday the City of Daytona Beach filed a formal request application with the County
Council; however, it was not received by the agenda deadline and is not scheduled for the
May 1, 1997, meeting. Chief Skinner stated the City of Daytona Beach is approaching this
topic as a matter of choice. He stated no city has to ask for a Certificate of Public
Convenience and Necessity, and no city has to go in to the transport business; however,
currently no city in Volusia County has a choice. He stated if Ormond Beach supports the
applications made by the other cities and the County Council rules in their favor, then
every city in Volusia County will have a choice, as they have in nearly every other county
in Florida. Chief Skinner stated that, based on the financial analysis, transport will
support itself in the City of Daytona Beach, and discussion is being held with Port Orange
about a mutual aid agreement for transport for outlying areas, such as South Daytona. He
stated the City of Daytona Beach is not interested in "pulling the rug out" of
transport in Volusia County; however, he stated his department can provide a high level of
transport service in a self-sufficient manner, based on revenues from that service
exceeding expenditures. Commissioner Kelley clarified that Ormond Beach residents pay less taxes than if they
lived in the County. Chief Skinner stated Ormond Beach is doing a remarkable job of
providing good services at a lower tax rate, and he apologized if he misstated that fact. Mr. Rusty Case, a member of the Ormond Beach Firefighter Department; and representing
the Volusia County Firefighters' Council as the Chairman of their Consolidation Committee,
stated the Council supports individual city's efforts to enhance the services they provide
their citizens. He stated the first and foremost concern of an elected body is to serve
its constituents in the best way possible, and the cities of Port Orange, Deltona and
Daytona Beach have requested the support of the City of Ormond Beach in what they believe
is the best way possible to serve their constituents. He stated the Volusia County
Firefighters' Council supports this effort on a local basis, and on a global basis as
referred to earlier, the Council also supports the possible consolidation of services. Mr.
Case stated the Council shares Mr. Miller's opinion that Ormond Beach take the lead step
in this effort. He stated the Council attempted to form a Consolidation Study Committee,
with emergency medical service transport being a portion of that study; however, the
Committee failed because there was very little support from the various governmental
agencies. He urged action be taken immediately to correct the current medical transport
situation. Mayor Hood stated that each time this issue has been brought up by the Volusia Council
of Governments, it has failed because of lack of support from the firefighters; whereby
Mr. Case stated if it is handled correctly, the firefighters would support this effort.
Mayor Hood asked Mr. Case to provide a letter stating that the Volusia County
Firefighters' Council supports the aforedescribed action, which he will present to the
Volusia Council of Government for discussion. Mr. Miller stated, with the impetuous now being brought forward to the County Council
to do something, it would make him proud for Ormond Beach to take the leadership for a
comprehensive review of the entire area fire and emergency response. He suggested a
positive letter or some type of communication to the County to get this comprehensive
review started rather than to approve or disapprove the proposed letter of support. Mayor Hood stated that Commissioner Schecter has requested approval of the letter of
support so the Commission must take a vote; however, if Commissioner Schecter would like
to take the approach indicated by Mr. Miller and withdraw his request for a vote, the
Commission could consider that issue. Commissioner Schecter thanked Mayor Hood for his patience on this issue, and he
requested a vote be taken on the motion on the floor to approve the resolution as a matter
of record. He stated with respect to the City Manager's comments, he supported that action
to be taken as well, and he reminded the Commission that letters were sent by Fire Chief
Ronald Jacobs at the conclusion of the two (2) previous workshops, which have received a
negative response by the County. Commissioner Persis stated he has kept an open mind on the issue; however, after
hearing the testimony by Chief Skinner and the expertise he brings from the management
perspective, particularly his comments regarding the right for cities to make a choice, he
supports the resolution. Commissioner Boyle echoed Commissioner Persis' comments, and he stated this County expressed concern about the a monopoly with only the County continuing to provide this service to nearly one-half million people. He expressed support of the resolution to allow cities the right to have a choice.
Mayor Hood asked the members of the Commission if they objected to the City Manager
sending a letter to the County regarding a joint effort, to which Commissioner Kelley
voiced an objection. He stated he thought it was the wrong approach to take, and he
recommended following Mayor Hood's suggestion to let the Volusia County Firefighters'
Council take the lead in this effort because ultimately they are the ones who are
affected. Commissioner Kelley stated that if area municipalities see that the firefighters
support the change instead of being opposed to a joint effort of unifying a service
district, it would go further in accomplishing what the City is trying to do. Mayor Hood stated he is not in favor of sending a letter, and asked that this issue be
addressed through the Volusia Council of Governments instead; whereby, Mr. Case supported
the firefighters, City Commissions and City Managers working together on this issue. The
Commission concurred with this action. Mr. Miller clarified that his previous comments were not intended to exclude the
firefighters from the review process. He stated this action must have the support of the
firefighters, and by working jointly, it would eliminate the previous causes for failure. Mayor Hood restated that this item will be placed on the next agenda for discussion. Garage Sales Commissioner Persis questioned how many garage sales are permitted in one (1) year and
was told two (2) garage sales are allowed per year. Limiting Public Comment Mayor Hood stated he had received a letter from Mr. Jerome McMahon regarding limits on
the type and length of public comments allowed at City Commission meetings and asked the
Commission for their comments. Commissioner Boyle stated that the public has always understood that there is an
unwritten five (5) minute rule for public comment; however, he expressed satisfaction to
the way the Mayor runs the meeting. He commented that the style is conducive to good
government; and when people leave the meeting, they know they have received a fair
hearing. He stated that is an outstanding feature of Ormond Beach's government. Commissioner Kelley stated that in several instances people have spoken for ten (10) to
twenty (20) minutes, and he supported limiting the time allowed for public comment. He
suggested utilizing a clock to ensure that all speakers are treated fairly. Commissioner Persis stated Mayor Hood does an outstanding job conducting the meeting,
and he suggested when "hot" topics are being discussed, a clock should be used
to control the time each speaker is allowed to ensure that everyone has equal time
afforded to them. Commissioner Boyle stated he is against implementing a clock. He noted only one (1)
letter has been received criticizing the procedure, and he stated Ormond Beach has the
most efficient and streamlined meetings in city government. He stated the clock would have
a chilling effect, and he supported using the more democratic process by having a fair
meeting and allowing the public to speak. He encouraged using gentle reminders to the
speakers to limit their remarks to five (5) minutes, and he supported the meetings being
run status quo. Commissioner Persis stated that some people are more skilled than others when speaking
in public and the only thing that is fair is to enforce the same amount of time for
everyone. Commissioner Boyle did not agree with penalizing those speakers who are less
skilled in their speaking if they go over the five (5) minute limit. Commissioner Schecter strongly urged the Commission not to adopt a time format. He
advised political science studies suggest, and the school board has proven, time limits
almost guarantee longer meetings. He stated the Commission was elected to listen, and he
could not support editing an individual's right to speak. Mayor Hood stated his inclination is to continue to run the meeting without imposing a
time limit, and he stated he does not like the concept of using a clock. He commented that
some people, either because of their education or lack of time spent speaking publicly,
are not as polished and should be allowed enough time to express their viewpoints. Item #13 - Close the Meeting The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 PM. |
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