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AUGUST 18, 1998 7:00 PM Present were: Mayor Dave Hood, Commissioners Jeffrey J. Boyle, Thelma Irvin, Frank Gillooly, Carl G. Persis, City Manager Eugene Miller, City Attorney Randy Hayes, and Loretta Moisio, Support Services Coordinator. 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 Father John Ryan, St. Brendan’s Catholic Church. Item #3 - Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Hood led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Item #4 - Audience Remarks Firefighter Donation Father John Ryan presented a $2,000 check to Mayor Hood for the firefighters, with appreciation, on behalf of 1,770 families of the parish of St. Brendan’s. Mayor Hood asked Father Ryan to express the City Commission’s heartfelt thanks to each member of St. Brendan’s Church. Fall Festival Mr. Don Bostrom, 274 Cumberland Avenue, invited Mayor Hood to be the Historical Trust’s guest and serve in the dunk tank at the Fall Festival on Saturday, October 3, 1998, from 4 until 5 PM. He read a proclamation stating October 3rd would be proclaimed "Dunk Dave Hood Day" and urged the citizens to help make this event a "Big Splash." Mayor Hood indicated he would make every effort to attend. Item #5 - Consent Agenda Mayor Hood advised that 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 Persis moved, seconded by Commissioner Boyle, for approval of the Consent Agenda.
Item #6 - Waterford Subdivision Commissioner Persis moved, seconded by Commissioner Gillooly, to close the public hearing on Item #6. The motion carried unanimously. ORDINANCE NO. 98 - 33
Commissioner Persis moved, seconded by Commissioner Gillooly, for approval of Ordinance No. 98-33, on first reading, as read by title only. Commissioner Boyle stated this annexation request is petitioned by the owner and no zoning conditions have been attached. Mr. Kevin Denny, Acting Planning Director, concurred and indicated the zoning question will be addressed in the future. He stated it will be brought before the Planning Board and the City Commission for consideration.
Item #7 - Casements Cultural Enrichment Center and Rockefeller Gardens Master Plan RESOLUTION NO. 98 - 141
Commissioner Boyle moved, seconded by Commissioner Irvin, for approval of Resolution No. 98-141, as read by title only. Mr. Tom Lipps, Assistant to the City Manager, indicated the Casements Park Steering Committee made three (3) categories of recommendations as follows: the present structure be restored to a period home status around the John D. Rockefeller era and continue to be used for catered functions, cooking classes, receptions, and other functions consistent with a period home; a new south wing be constructed to match the existing home to be utilized as a multi-purpose structure that will provide classrooms, office space, storage space, a gift shop, and a café/tea room; and closing Riverside Drive between Granada Boulevard and Casements Drive. Mr. Lipps stated the Quality of Life Board indicated that the decisions made relative to expansion and the street closure will have significant impacts on what will occur with the grounds. Therefore, it was recommended to address those issues first, and then consider the grounds. He reported both groups concurred that restoration and maintenance of the Casements to preserve the facility’s historic significance be done. Both groups agree the tennis courts should remain, and they both support some multi-purpose functions for the Casements. Mr. Lipps explained the Quality of Life Board preferred a more intensive use for the existing Casements and if it becomes a period home, some of these classes would have to be relocated. He stated the Quality of Life Board believes the Art Museum and MacDonald House can be integrated into a "Cultural Campus" and should be included into the mix of what is to be renovated and expanded. Mr. Lipps reported that the Quality of Life Board does not believe there is a need to expand the Casements facility and agreed with the staff recommendation not to close Riverside Drive except for special events. Mr. Lipps stated staff supports the Quality of Life Board recommendations and urged the Commission to make a statement of support so it can guide Capital Improvement planning for the future. Mr. Mark Gillespy, 172 Riverside Drive, favors making the Casements property into a campus consistent with a park. He pointed out that the Ghyabi Lassiter Traffic Study indicates that rerouting the traffic entrance into Riverside Drive, and coming off of Halifax Drive rather than Granada Boulevard, made almost no difference in the overall traffic pattern at the Halifax/Granada interchange and added less than one minute travel time for the residents of the street. Mr. Gillespy stated, speaking for the residents, because of the tremendous benefit it would add to the community by developing a complete park system, they are strongly supportive of having a different access to the street. He stated this residential road receives four (4) times the amount of volume for the size of the community. Mr. Gillespy expressed concern regarding cars exceeding the speed limit on this narrow street, making it extremely dangerous. He stated two (2) major concerns could be addressed by closing this small portion of Riverside Drive and expanding the Casements. Ms. Jamie Hawthorne, 70 Riverside Drive, President, Casements Park Steering Committee, stated there are many groups who have held "think sessions" to study all the issues and fund raisers have raised over $25,000 towards the goals outlined by Mr. Lipps. She urged the Commission to make a commitment to move forward. Ms. Hawthorne asked the Commission to look at the level of operations today compared to the possibilities as outlined by the Casements Park Steering Committee. Ms. Hawthorne encouraged the Commission to not let one block of Riverside Drive stand in the way of committing to this project, since the only thing being taken away is the opportunity to cut through while there would be an opportunity to create a riverfront park with no speeding traffic and the history and culture of the John D. Rockefeller house as a backdrop. She stated she does not favor closing Riverside Drive, she only favors closing one block to create a true park. Ms. Hawthorne reported staff has been assured obtaining grant money for this project should be no problem, yet it is not wise to count on it; therefore, a $2 million project needs to be planned. She recommended a five-year plan and requested a mandate that nothing happen on the campus that does not take into consideration the restoration of the Casements and grounds. Ms. Alice Jaeger, 447 Triton Road, past Treasurer of the Casements Park Steering Committee, stated a study was done to determine what would enhance the quality of life in any city and the consensus was to create pedestrian areas, museums, and cultural areas. She stated Ormond Beach has a "gold mine" in its gardens, museums and a rich, colorful and unique history that is being underutilized. Ms. Jaeger explained to take full advantage of its assets requires vision, money and City Commission support. She emphasized that the Casements is in the heart of Ormond Beach and with Commission support, Ormond Beach can serve as an example for other cities such as Daytona Beach offering beautiful green spaces as well as preserving its history. Mr. John Bidwell, 65 Seton Trail, reported the only remaining piece in Volusia County of an ancient Indian trail which runs from St. Augustine to Ponce Inlet is located on Riverside Drive and he fears this will be destroyed if Riverside Drive were closed. Mr. Bidwell stated parking will not be improved by closing Riverside Drive and if traffic is diverted, 1,500 cars per day will be added to the traffic on Halifax Drive, a street which is already burdened with heavy traffic. Mr. Bidwell noted diverting the traffic would be an inconvenience, causing unnecessary hardships on residents. Ms. Rae Mastropierro, 595 Riverside Drive, explained attempts have been made in 1983, 1985 and 1988 to close Riverside Drive, and each time the attempt failed because residents did not support the closure. She offered a petition signed by 377 residents to keep Riverside Drive, a one-way canopy drive, open to all citizens from Granada Boulevard south to Fluhart Drive except for special events. She informed the Commission that the only people who knew about the potential closure of Riverside Drive were those who live on the one-way portion of that street until sometime in May due to an article in the News-Journal. Ms. Mastropierro stated on May 13, the Quality of Life Board voted 4/3 to keep Riverside Drive open. She noted Quality of Life Board member Bob Barker wished to vote to keep Riverside Drive open, but was informed he could not vote on the matter since he had missed the previous meeting. Ms. Mastropierro read excerpts from various letters offering support for keeping Riverside Drive open giving reasons such as the historical significance would be lost if the iron gates were moved, traffic concerns, and emergency access concerns. She contends other methods of traffic control can be utilized for the speeding problems on Riverside Drive. Ms. Mastropierro gave a breakdown of the $2.2 million cost. She stated Mr. Chapin was hired before the expansion went to the City Commission. Ms. Mastropierro expressed appreciation to City staff for their assistance. She asked what the impact would be if there were a fire and the road was closed. Chief Barry Baker explained that anytime there is a barrier to normal access, there is an additional response time required, but the risk cannot be evaluated properly because he does not know what the impediment would be. He stated his preference would be to have more than one access to the facility. Mr. Tony James, 143 Myra Boulevard, pointed out that children could not play in the street due to the speeding traffic, yet he questioned if children should be allowed to play in streets anywhere in the City. He stated there will be an overabundance of traffic at Granada Boulevard and South Halifax Drive if the traffic is diverted and noted the school crossing at this intersection. He asked the Commission not to approve a request from a few people request, and disregard what is best for the entire City. Ms. Peggy McMurry, 117 Shady Branch Trail, stated she has no opinion on whether to close Riverside Drive or not, but what is important to discuss is if the wing is to be added or not and she recommended leaving the traffic problem to be worked out by the professionals. She explained she represents 100 women who donate their time and money to keep the Casements running. Ms. McMurry reported the Guild pays to have the Rockefeller room cleaned. She stated there is no air conditioning on the second and third floors causing antiques to be ruined. Ms. McMurry explained there is no historic home in Ormond Beach and the Guild’s goal is to make the Casements Ormond Beach’s historic home. Dr. Kenneth Hawthorne, 70 Riverside Drive, expressed concern regarding traffic and the Casements itself and pointed out that the solution is evident. He challenged the Commission to walk on this street to see the danger firsthand. Mr. Hawthorne indicated the Casements project has been ongoing for five (5) to six (6) years with widespread community support and the project has been discussed for so long with no action that he fears people will get frustrated with dire consequences for the Casements. He advocates the Casements be upgraded and the area in front be made into a park, which would make Riverside Drive a safer street. Mr. Alan Burton, Leisure Services Director, stated the heating and ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) has been completed on the first floor of the Casements, work should be beginning in January for the engineering work, and the first grant was approved for the HVAC. Commissioner Gillooly asked Mr. Burton if the eight (8) tennis courts are fully utilized, or if six (6) tennis courts would be sufficient; whereby, Mr. Burton replied all eight (8) courts are fully utilized. Mr. Nick Sileo, 220 Arlington Way, asked for clarification on what is in the resolution that the Commission is considering. Mayor Hood explained the resolution stated Riverside Drive should not be closed except by the policy that is currently in effect; it would approve the Casements be upgraded or maintained; and, the addition to the Casements not be built. Mr. Sileo was given a copy of the resolution. Mr. Miller explained that the resolution adopts staff recommendations. Ms. Doris Katz, 395 South Atlantic Avenue, Chairman of the Quality of Life Board, explained the Quality of Life Board expended a great deal of time, effort and energy reviewing each issue on this matter. She stated the reason this was submitted as an interim report was because the ultimate treatment of the grounds will depend on if there is or is not an addition to the Casements. Ms. Katz emphasized the Casements is a full-time active building and if Riverside Drive were closed, the only method of ingress and egress would be through Casements Drive from Halifax Drive to Riverside Drive, where a highly populated school is located. She indicated another concern is if the wing is added, most activities would move to the new wing, leaving the Casements as a historical home and allowing only a small number of activities to continue at the Casements. Ms. Katz reported the President of the Ormond Beach Historical Trust spoke to retain the building in its current usage. She indicated the annual antique show would need to find a new venue if the Casements were set up as a historic home. She stated there is also a question of the site being able to support the 8,000 square foot wing. Ms. Lisa Mirante, 202 Riverside Drive, stated the City Commission has a list of the organizations who have supported the cause of the Casements, either financially or by time given. She pointed out that the Ghyabi Lassiter Traffic Study indicates all intersections are expected to operate within the acceptable limits, with or without the closure of Riverside Drive. Ms. Mirante stated a police officer was giving tickets at a rate of one every 30 minutes on Monday and one every 15 minutes on Tuesday, which is another indication of the danger due to speeding on this street. She asked the Commission keep all these factors in mind when making their decision. Ms. Sang Roberson, 215 Ocean Shore Boulevard, stated she used to live on Riverside Drive and emphasized all the work done by citizens to come up with the plan presented by the Steering Committee. She corrected an earlier comment that was made by stating Mr. Chapin has not been hired, but is a volunteer. Ms. Roberson noted this project has been reported in the newspaper many times; thus, the efforts should not be unknown to the residents as indicated earlier. Ms. Jamie Hawthorne stated Ms. Katz mentioned the perceived problem of only one entrance to the Casements. She explained that this issue was taken to Mr. Bill Chapin, their volunteer and world-renowned architect, who devised a plan to make a drop-off area from Riverside Drive, to run parallel to Granada Boulevard, and around to the exiting parking lot for the tennis courts and MacDonald House. She stated the Casements would have a better front-door type view from Granada Boulevard, which would also improve the property. Ms. Jaeger indicated 3,000 people go to classes at the Casements, which takes a toll on the 100-year old building. She stated the wing is needed for classes to continue. Ms. Jaeger recommended taking the resolution apart and vote on separate issues, but urged a commitment be made for restoration and construction of the wing. Mr. Lipps stated the current utilization rate of the second floor of the Casements is 25% and the City can increase by 80% the facility capacity by remodeling the MacDonald House and by cross-utilizing the art museum. He stated this needs issue and the cost are the reasons the Quality of Life Board did not recommend expansion of the Casements. Mr. Lipps stated there would be a loss of green space if Riverside Drive were closed and the traffic would have to be rerouted. Commissioner Gillooly pointed out that the reason the second floor of the Casements is only utilized 25% of the time is due to its lack of air conditioning. He also indicated he finds the report presumptuous in its statement that with the remodeling of the MacDonald House, the Art Museum and future facilities in the west, the Casements would not need to be expanded. Commissioner Persis stated he favors expanding the Casements and closing Riverside
Drive if necessary. He compared Ormond Beach to Charleston, South Carolina, explaining
Charleston is thriving due to its history and Ormond Beach has the opportunity to display
its history with the Casements set as a period home with no classes to detract from its
true character. He commends the commitment made by the community. Commissioner Persis
indicated he believes the petition’s wording may be misleading in that if the road
would need to be closed, it would be one block, not the entire road and the beautiful
canopy road could still be enjoyed by all citizens. He stated the plans for a drop-off
area would alleviate some concerns regarding the build up of traffic on Halifax Drive and
he has no reason not to concur with the traffic study report in that there will be no
negligible traffic difficulties. Commissioner Persis commended the volunteers for all
their efforts and indicated this is the time for Ormond Beach to be known as a Commissioner Gillooly explained that although he does not yet know if he favors a new wing since the cost needs to be further investigated, he would not favor the proposed resolution because it "slams the door" on the possibility of the new wing. He advocates Phase I to begin. He continued, to address Chief Baker’s access concern, he agrees with Ms. Hawthorne’s recommendation of the drop-off area. Commissioner Gillooly stated that regarding Mr. Bidwell’s concern to protect the Indian trail, he questions why can’t a strip of land, not a paved road, still be considered a trail. He stated what he feels is best for the entire City is to convert the area into a park down to the river, probably add the wing during a 5-year period, and make the Casements the showplace it should be. Commissioner Boyle expressed appreciation to all who spoke on the issue and especially the three (3) committees who gave a great deal of time and effort regarding this issue: the Casements Park Steering Committee, the Quality of Life Board, and the Casements Guild. He concurs with staff recommendations and contends that if the first block were closed, the endangerment would not be removed. Commissioner Boyle stated the drop-off area would impact the tennis courts and businesses in the area, a bus would not be able to access the area, and the turn to the west would be very dangerous. He related he does not believe it is fair to compare Ormond Beach to Charleston in that there is more in Charleston to draw people than there is in Ormond Beach. Commissioner Boyle indicated he would like the many issues associated with the wing resolved before it is approved. He expressed a hope that the three (3) committees involved could come in a unified fashion to the Commission with recommendations. He stated that Mr. Chapin also had a second set of plans which eliminates the tennis courts and offers vehicular access from Granada Boulevard to Casements Drive with parking, which he may be able to support although the elimination of the tennis courts is a controversial issue. Commissioner Boyle agrees the wing needs to be built, but not this year, and does not believe the resolution precludes this. He recommended discussions on this issue at the next year’s goal setting workshop and that it be put in the Capital Improvements Program budget as soon as possible. Before this occurs, he wants to see the air conditioning on the second and third floors of the Casements, the flooding of the substructure eliminated, and the MacDonald House completed. He assured the Steering Committee that even if the wing is not approved tonight, the possibility will not die. Commissioner Boyle explained there are many issues that need to be resolved. Commissioner Irvin agrees the wing would enhance the cultural offerings at a future date, but the $2 million cost and rerouting of the traffic must be considered. She stated if the City has $2 million, she would prefer it be put into recreational facilities on the peninsula. Mayor Hood expressed appreciation to all those who spoke for their time and efforts. He stated the vision for the future needs to be addressed. Mayor Hood favors investment in the downtown and the more areas that draw people to walk around, the more the downtown will benefit. He favors committing to build the extension, make the Casements into a periodic home, apply for grants and to seek private funds to cover the costs over the next three (3) to five (5) years. Mayor Hood stated if a tea room were planned, private entities would be willing to commit to long-term leases or invest in the capital costs. He does not feel $2 million of funds from the City should be spent, but this is not prohibitive of the fact that the City Commission can commit today that this is the long-term vision. Mayor Hood advocates a decision be made to this commitment, leaving the only question of the closure of Riverside Drive. He stated while he is concerned if fire trucks can access the area, he recommends using removable poles across Riverside Drive for emergency vehicle access. Mayor Hood recommended closing Riverside Drive for a six (6) month trial period, before it is done permanently to determine if the experts at Ghyabi Lassiter are correct. Commissioner Persis advised that the six (6) month trial should not begin until the extension is built. Commissioner Gillooly moved to amend the motion, seconded by Commissioner Persis, to approve numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 and eliminate numbers 1, 6 and 7 as listed in the City Manager Memorandum dated August 13, 1998. Commissioner Boyle stated the question still remains as to access and the impact at the Halifax Drive/Casements Drive intersection. He stated that the determination as to if the Casements should be a period home should come after the wing is constructed. Commissioner Boyle also expressed concern regarding the temporary closing of Riverside Drive.
Commissioner Persis moved to further amend the motion, seconded by Commissioner Gillooly, to convert the Casements into a periodic home and to construct the extension to the Casements when the financing is achieved. Commissioner Boyle stated he could favor the motion if the provisions were reversed. Commissioner Persis and Commissioner Gillooly agreed to revise the motion. Commissioner Persis moved to further amend the motion, seconded by Commissioner Gillooly, to construct the extension to the Casements when the financing is achieved and to convert the Casements into a periodic home.
Commissioner Persis stated the entire concept of the plans for the extension would depend upon the determination of whether a portion of Riverside Drive should be closed or opened; therefore, he recommends a decision be made to provide guidance. Commissioner Irvin noted there were too many issues to decide in the recommendation and proposes the opening or closing of Riverside Drive be postponed. Commissioner Irvin moved, seconded by Commissioner Gillooly, to table the issue relative the closing of a portion of Riverside Drive to the second City Commission meeting in October.
Commissioner Gillooly asked Mr. Burton if landscaping would now begin; whereas, Mr. Burton replied that any landscaping needs to be done with the site analysis and plan making it one of the last items done. Mr. Burton stated the major question to the site plan rests with the opening or closing of Riverside Drive. Mr. Miller replied the proposed drop-off area would make a material difference in the landscaping plan. Item #8(A) - Wilmette Avenue Improvement Traffic Analysis Kevin Denny, Acting Planning Director, reported the Commission was copied two reports from Ghyabi Lassiter on the Wilmette Avenue Improvement traffic analysis. Commissioner Boyle asked what has been the traffic increase from before the opening to after the opening of Wilmette Avenue. He requested additional copies of the report for citizens who attended a Neighborhood Watch meeting in this area. Commissioner Boyle assumed Ghyabi Lassiter took the time of the year the counts were taken into consideration. He reported concern was raised regarding the absence of a left turn arrow for the Wilmette Avenue traffic. Commissioner Boyle stated there was a great deal of discussion regarding the relocation of the Fire Station on the southeast corner. Item #8(A) - U.S. #1 Arterial Investment Study Mr. Richard Rank, TEI, Engineers and Planner, conducted the U.S. #1 study which consists of a 30 mile corridor from Route 442 to I-95, including Nova Road. He stated this is a joint study with the Florida Department of Transportation, the Volusia County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the local study technical team members, and TEI. Mr. Rank stated the purpose of the study is to determine a list of recommendations for future funding and implementation along the corridor. He stated data has been collected, future projections with alternative testing has begun and recommendations will follow. Mr. Rank explained the traffic projections locally and corridor wide, and noted the projected level of service. He reported various alternatives to improve the corridor. Mr. Rank invited the public to an informative open house on September 8, 1998, at the Riverside Pavilion in Port Orange. Mr. Rank stated that after this public open house, the information will be presented to the MPO Board, in October or November a resolution of the preferred alternative in Ormond Beach would be obtained, in January the MPO would adopt the recommended plan, and from February to June the prioritization process would be accomplished. Item #9 - Audience Comments On Agenda Items Lisa Lake Drainage Easement Commissioner Boyle stated that at the last meeting it was indicated there had been flooding in this area, but he has been subsequently informed this is not accurate. He requested a report be submitted to Mr. Gatanis on Putnam Avenue regarding what occurred at the last meeting and what will happen regarding the stormwater outlets into Lisa Lake. Commissioner Boyle recommended Mr. Gatanis meet with Mr. MacLeod at the end of the meeting. Tree Mitigation Formula Commissioner Boyle stated an amendment was made to Ormond Beach’s tree mitigation formula approximately a year ago. He requested this be placed on a future agenda for discussion. Mayor Hood asked Mr. Miller to place this item on an agenda next month. Chamber of Commerce Letter Commissioner Boyle related he received a letter by the Chamber of Commerce, cosigned by Mayor Hood and Mr. Clark Christianson, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, describing an opportunity for citizens to become partners with the City on an advertising campaign to attract new residents and businesses to Ormond Beach. He expressed concern that this was not mentioned at the Economic Development Summit meeting and he has had constituents asking him questions regarding it and he was not informed of any details, which placed him at quite a disadvantage. He stated he asked Mr. Baughman for details, and it seems to be a very exciting program which he could assist in. Commissioner Boyle requested better communication in the future. Mayor Hood explained he signed this letter as he was leaving to catch a flight and the matter came up on short notice and there was a sense of urgency regarding the matter, but in the future, the City Commission will be informed. League of Cities Annual Conference Commissioner Irvin and Commissioner Persis expressed appreciation for being able to attend the League of Cities Annual Conference and both found it enlightening. Commissioner Irvin offered the citizens bumper stickers she brought back from the conference. Commissioner Persis noted that David Rigsby, Mayor of DeLand, is the new President of the Florida League of Cities and Joe Piggotte, Mayor of South Daytona, won the Distinguished State Award for Outstanding Municipal Services by an Elected Official. Item #10 - Reports, Suggestions, Requests Item #11 - Close The Meeting The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 PM. |
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