FEBRUARY 2, 1999 7:00 PM

Present were: Mayor Dave Hood, Commissioners Jeffrey J. Boyle, Thelma B. Irvin, Frank Gillooly, Carl G. Persis, City Manager Eugene Miller, City Attorney Randy Hayes, and Veronica Patterson, City Clerk.

A G E N D A

  1. Meeting called to order by Mayor Hood.
  2. Invocation given by Reverend Kenny St. John, Riverbend Community Church.
  3. Pledge of Allegiance.
  4. Approval of the Minutes of the January 19, 1999, meeting.
  5. AUDIENCE REMARKS:
  6. CONSENT AGENDA: The action proposed to be taken is stated for each item on the Consent Agenda. Unless the item is removed from the Consent Agenda by a City Commissioner, no discussion on individual items will occur and a single motion will approve all items.
  1. Resolution No. 99-17 accepting a bid for the 1999 Roadway Resurfacing Project; rejecting all other bids; authorizing the execution of a contract and payment thereunder. (Ranger Construction Industries, Inc. - $475,121.70)
  2. Resolution No. 99-18 accepting a bid to purchase four (4) Harley Davidson Road King Police Motorcycles for use by the Police Department from Harley Davidson of Seminole County; rejecting all other bids; authorizing the execution of a contract and payment thereunder; declaring existing motorcycles to be surplus and authorizing their disposition. (Harley Davidson of Seminole County - $46,056.00)
  3. Resolution No. 99-19 accepting a bid to make certain renovations to the Ames House; rejecting all other bids; authorizing the execution of a contract and payment thereunder. (Saboungi Construction, Inc. - $76,450.00)
  4. Resolution No. 99-20 accepting a proposal to provide engineering services necessary for the preparation of a Process Safety Management Program; rejecting all other proposals; authorizing the execution of an Engineering Services Agreement between the City of Ormond Beach, Florida, and Camp, Dresser & McKee, Inc. (Chemicals used at the two sewage treatment plants - Camp Dresser & McKee - Not to exceed $29,900.00)
  5. Resolution No. 99-21 authorizing the execution of a Pay Telephone License Agreement between the City and Peoples Telephone Company, Inc., for the provision of pay telephone services at City owned facilities.
  6. Resolution No. 98-22 naming a park located in Ellinor Village as "Milton W. Pepper Park."
  1. PUBLIC HEARING on Ordinance No. 99-12 annexing certain real property into the City of Ormond Beach; setting forth zoning, privileges, and obligations of said properties. (31.43 acres - Faircloth Property) (Second Reading)
  2. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES:
  1. Ordinance No. 99-16 amending Articles I relative to Board of Adjustment and Appeals and Article IX relative to non-conforming uses of the Land Development Code. (Providing variance procedures for setback requirements for non-conforming structures.)
  2. Ordinance No. 99-17 amending Article X, Section 10.04H, of the Land Development Code regarding recreational facility requirements for small scale subdivisions within Planned Residential Developments. (Concerning requirements for recreational facilities in small subdivisions and recreation impact fee waivers.)
  1. DISCUSSION ITEMS:
  1. Special Event/Bike Week regulation.
  2. Tennis court rental fees charged to schools.
  1. AUDIENCE COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS:
  2. Reports, Suggestions, Requests: Mayor, City Commission, City Manager, City Attorney.
  3. Close the meeting.

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 Kenny St. John, Riverbend Community 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 January 19, 1999, regular City Commission meeting have been sent to the Commissioners for review and asked if there were any corrections, additions, or omissions.

Commissioner Irvin advised her name was omitted from the roll call list, and she asked that the minutes be corrected to reflect that she was in attendance at the January 19, 1999, meeting.

Commissioner Persis moved, seconded by Commissioner Gillooly, to approve the minutes with the aforenoted correction.

Call Vote: Commissioner Boyle yes
Commissioner Irvin yes
Commissioner Gillooly yes
Commissioner Persis yes
carried. Mayor Hood yes

Item #5(A) - Audience Remarks

Abandoned Cemeteries

Ms. Muriel Nicastro, 6 Mimosa Trail, expressed her appreciation to the City Commission and Mr. Ted MacLeod, Public Works Director, for his prompt response to her concern regarding the abandoned cemetery on Orchard Street which was articulated at the last meeting.

Teen Club

Mr. Jordan Schimmel, 15 Sandpiper Lane, stated the City Commission, representing the citizens of the City of Ormond Beach, turned down a proposal to open a beachside teen club based on two (2) issues: the possible vandalism and littering of nearby businesses and the past violations of the person who proposed the idea for the club. He asked who will represent those who, because they are under 18 years of age, and by law, cannot represent themselves. Mr. Schimmel commended Commissioner Persis for his comments on the issue at the previous meeting. He stated this Commission is sending the wrong message to the teens of this community, and he asked them to pay more attention to the members of the next generation and to give them the opportunity by publicizing issues that affect them. Mr. Schimmel asked the Commission, on behalf of the thousands of teens in the area, to reconsider the proposal for the Galaxy 2001 Teen Club and also to reconsider their view of today’s adolescence and tomorrow’s leaders.

Mayor Hood asked if any of the four (4) Commissioners who voted against the teen club would be willing to make a motion to reconsider the issue. No motion was made. Mayor Hood informed Mr. Schimmel that the four (4) who voted against the teen club are not necessarily against the concept, but the particular individual who brought the concept forward had been previously known for not complying with the rules and codes of the community. He stated, hopefully, someone else will come forward with a teen club that can be approved.

Ms. Amy Lou Pantages, 285 Oceanshore Boulevard, owner of Senior’s Are Us Adult Day Care Center in Holly Hill, indicated the State has exhausted funding for State-funded clients for the rest of the year for services such as Meals-On-Wheels and the Council on Aging. She indicated nine (9) people in Ormond Beach will be affected by this. Ms. Pantages requested the City Commission lend their support in a letter she is writing to Representative Evelyn Lynn and Representative Tillie Fowler asking funding be continued through June. Hearing no objection, Mayor Hood agreed to give the City’s support in this endeavor.

Ms. Pantages advised she and Chief Mathieson are working on a Juvenile Justice proposal grant which will begin in July 1999. She explained the youth who had gone through the juvenile justice system for committing elderly hate crimes would be brought into the facility where they would be educated and hopefully turned around. Ms. Pantages noted she would be working with the Police Athletic League (PAL) and the Police Department and asked if the City would also write a letter of support for this proposal.

Mayor Hood asked if Chief Mathieson is asking City Commission support for this endeavor; whereby, Chief Mathieson answered affirmatively. Hearing no objection, Mayor Hood agreed the City Commission’s support would be given.

Item #6 - 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 asked that Item Nos. 6(A), (B), and (C) be discussed separately.

Commissioner Gillooly moved, seconded by Commissioner Boyle, for approval of the Consent Agenda minus Item 6(A), (B), and (C).

Call Vote: Commissioner Irvin yes
Commissioner Gillooly yes
Commissioner Persis yes
Commissioner Boyle yes
carried. Mayor Hood yes

Item #6(A) - Roadway Resurfacing Project Bid

RESOLUTION. 99 - 17

A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A BID FOR THE 1999 ROADWAY RESURFACING PROJECT; REJECTING ALL OTHER BIDS; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT AND PAYMENT THEREUNDER; AND SETTING FORTH AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Commissioner Boyle moved, seconded by Commissioner Irvin, for approval of Resolution No. 99-17, as read by title only.

Commissioner Persis stated the bid is $133,000 less than was estimated and the proposal is for the remaining funds to provide for resurfacing of streets associated with proposed drainage projects to be constructed later this year. He questioned how these projects were going to be accomplished before the $133,000 was obtained.

Ms. Judy Sloane, City Engineer, explained the grant the City received to perform the stormwater projects has changed the schedule of the order of the projects which would be accomplished; thus, some of the streets that would have been resurfacing later will be able to be done earlier.

Commissioner Persis clarified that the City will be resurfacing more streets than originally planned this fiscal year.

Call Vote: Commissioner Gillooly yes
Commissioner Persis yes
Commissioner Boyle yes
Commissioner Irvin yes
carried. Mayor Hood yes

Item #6(B) - Harley Davidson Police Motorcycle Bid

RESOLUTION. 99 - 18

A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A BID TO PURCHASE FOUR (4) HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING POLICE MOTORCYCLES FOR USE BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM HARLEY DAVIDSON OF SEMINOLE COUNTY; REJECTING ALL OTHER BIDS; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT AND PAYMENT THEREUNDER; DECLARING EXISTING MOTORCYCLES TO BE SURPLUS AND AUTHORIZING THEIR DISPOSITION; AND SETTING FORTH AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Commissioner Boyle moved, seconded by Commissioner Gillooly, for approval of Resolution No. 99-18, as read by title only.

Commissioner Persis stated the bids are very close, with the local bid only $271.00 higher than the out-of-county bid. He noted the local dealer offered to supply a loaner if a motorcycle is in the shop, and although this was not part of the bidding process, exceptions have been made when it is in the best interest of the City to do business locally. Commissioner Persis noted that considering the warranty and service, it would be preferable to deal with a local vendor.

Mayor Hood advised he represents Daytona Harley Davidson. He noted the Daytona Harley Davidson offer of a loaner is a value that would far exceed the deferential in the bid price.

Mr. Randal Hayes, City Attorney, stated this may be true, but it cannot be considered as part of the bid package because it was not included in the bid package that went to the vendors.

Mayor Hood asked if all bids can be rejected and rebid with this caveat added; whereby, Mr. Hayes agreed this could be done, but absent that, the criteria that must be met is: whether the bids are responsive; which is the lowest bid; can the vendor supply the product; and is the bidder in default on other contracts.

Mr. Ted MacLeod, Public Works Director, agreed it would be of benefit to the Police and Fleet Maintenance Departments if loaners were available for use; but the problem is if local preferences are exerted, it can inhibit competition, thus the price would not be competitive.

Mayor Hood asked if this were rebid and companies were asked how they deal with repairs and if a loaner is available, would this not still allow for competition; whereby, Mr. MacLeod replied this is possible, but it would do Ormond Beach no good for Seminole County to have a loaner in their shop because it is too far away to use it.

Commissioner Boyle asked if, on a rebid, a value can be assigned to the proximity to Ormond Beach since not only the loaner is at issue, but the man hours involved to have it serviced in Seminole County. Mr. MacLeod advised the bike would be serviced under warranty at the local dealer rather than in Seminole County.

Commissioner Boyle moved, seconded by Commissioner Gillooly, to reject all bids for Police motorcycles and rebid specifying the use of a loaner motorcycle.

Mr. Eugene Miller, City Manager, noted this is the second time this item has been bid.

Commissioner Persis asked what color is being requested; whereby, Chief Mathieson replied typically the motorcycles are white with the lettering and trim added. Commissioner Persis noted black has higher resale value. Mayor Hood recommended allowing staff to examine this issue.

Mr. Barry Kuhnly, Manager of Police Sales of Daytona Beach Harley Davidson, stated the loaner was offered to give the City value added service. He stated under the invitation to bid on paragraph 24, it explicitly states that a bid may be accepted if it is in the best interest of the City.

Mr. Kuhnly stated that the criteria for color selection is that five (5) motorcycles be purchased.

Call Vote: Commissioner Persis yes
Commissioner Boyle yes
Commissioner Irvin yes
Commissioner Gillooly yes
carried. Mayor Hood yes

Item #6(C) - Ames House Renovations Bid

RESOLUTION. 99 - 19

A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A BID TO MAKE CERTAIN RENOVATIONS TO THE AMES HOUSE; REJECTING ALL OTHER BIDS; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT AND PAYMENT THEREUNDER; AND SETTING FORTH AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Commissioner Boyle moved, seconded by Commissioner Irvin, for approval of Resolution No. 99-19, as read by title only.

Commissioner Persis asked what would be done with the Ames House if the Legal Department were not relocated there; whereby, Mr. Miller replied the City tried to market the facility on several occasions without interest. Mr. Miller explained at one time the Ames House was being considered to relocate Fire Administration, and at another time a community effort was launched to use it as a place for visiting artists, but community support was insufficient to accomplish it.

Commissioner Boyle noted other considerations were that the community was concerned the building was being allowed to deteriorate, and the Historical Trust put in a bid to rent the facility. He stated $135,000 in impact fee money related to City Hall was utilized for the restoration which was an almost universal community goal. Commissioner Boyle noted the move would relocate the Legal Department and free up space in the City Hall building.

Commissioner Persis noted he is in favor of renovating the Ames House, but he wanted to understand why it was being done and to make sure it is done for the right reasons.

Mayor Hood expressed his opposition in that the additional space is not needed, and it is a waste of taxpayers’ money to rehabilitate the Ames House, since additional land will need to be purchased to provide sufficient parking.

Call Vote: Commissioner Boyle yes
Commissioner Irvin yes
Commissioner Gillooly yes
Commissioner Persis no
carried. Mayor Hood no

Item #7 - Faircloth Property Annexation

Commissioner Persis moved, seconded by Commissioner Gillooly, to close the public hearing on Item #7. The motion carried unanimously.

ORDINANCE NO. 99 - 12

AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY INTO THE CITY OF ORMOND BEACH; SETTING FORTH ZONING, PRIVILEGES, AND OBLIGATIONS OF SAID PROPERTIES; SETTING FORTH AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Commissioner Persis moved, seconded by Commissioner Gillooly, for approval of Ordinance No. 99-12, on second reading, as read by title only.

Call Vote: Commissioner Irvin yes
Commissioner Gillooly yes
Commissioner Persis yes
Commissioner Boyle yes
carried. Mayor Hood yes

Item #8(A) - Variance Procedures for Setback Requirements for Non-conforming Structures

ORDINANCE NO. 99 - 16

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLES I RELATIVE TO BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AND APPEALS AND ARTICLE IX RELATIVE TO NON-CONFORMING USES OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE; REPEALING ALL INCONSISTENT ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF; AND SETTING FORTH AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Commissioner Persis moved, seconded by Commissioner Boyle, for approval of Ordinance No. 99-16, on first reading, as read by title only.

Call Vote: Commissioner Gillooly yes
Commissioner Persis yes
Commissioner Boyle yes
Commissioner Irvin yes
carried. Mayor Hood yes

Item #8(B) - Recreational Facilities in Small Subdivisions and Recreation Impact Fee Waivers

ORDINANCE NO. 99 - 17

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLES X, SEC-TION 10.04H, OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE REGARDING RECREATIONAL FACILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR SMALL SCALE SUBDIVISIONS WITHIN PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS; REPEALING ALL INCONSISTENT ORDINANCES OR PARTS THEREOF; AND SETTING FORTH AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Commissioner Persis moved, seconded by Commissioner Boyle, for approval of Ordinance No. 99-17, on first reading, as read by title only.

Commissioner Gillooly asked if the developer would save $450,000 if a clubhouse is not built, and what recreational amenities were proposed for the replacement of the clubhouse.

Mr. Tom Lipps, Interim Planning Director, stated the ordinance does not specify what particular amenity is proposed, but the specifics would be proposed when the plan is reviewed.

Mr. Parker Mynchenberg, the architect who requested consideration of this amendment, stated that in lieu of the 30 square feet per lot of indoor area, 300 square feet of outdoor recreational area is recommended. He advised outdoor amenities would be basketball courts, shuffleboard courts, tennis courts or swimming courts. Commissioner Gillooly clarified that this will come back to the City Commission before final plans are approved, and Mr. Mynchenberg agreed that it would.

Commissioner Persis asked if 72,000 square feet of outdoor recreation would be required. Mr. Mynchenberg noted there has been a high indoor requirement with a low outdoor requirement; therefore, there would be one (1) to two (2) acres of recreation area which is necessary for a ball field or basketball court considering the parking lot and infrastructure.

Commissioner Boyle stated there are a number of small developments with clubhouses, where the maintenance falls on the homeowners. He stated in a number of cases the pool or clubhouses are closed because of the associated maintenance costs.

Commissioner Irvin noted this is an innovative idea to avoid the clubhouses becoming run down when the homeowners cannot continue to keep them operational.

Call Vote: Commissioner Persis yes
Commissioner Boyle yes
Commissioner Irvin yes
Commissioner Gillooly yes
carried. Mayor Hood yes

Item #9(A) - Special Event/Bike Week Regulation

Mayor Hood asked if staff recommended the issue be sent through the Land Development Code process. Mr. Lipps explained the staff report clarifies what the Land Development Code currently specifies which is that a store owner, for a ten (10) day period, four (4) times per year, may move whatever merchandise is sold inside, outside the building. He noted that if the Commission chooses to change this, it must go to the Planning Board for a Land Development Code or ordinance amendment. Mr. Lipps asked if changes are requested, the Commission provide specific points to give staff appropriate direction.

Commissioner Persis indicated he does not advocate relaxing the rules, just to be fair to all. He asked Mr. Lipps to explain the problems of the past. Mr. Lipps replied that, not knowing the regulations, merchants sometimes operate illegally. He stated the sale of food and beverage outside is prohibited, but tents are permitted if they are under 3,000 square feet and do not disturb the traffic flow and parking in the parking lot. Commissioner Persis asked if approval from the City is required to sell outside and how long it would take to acquire the approval. Mr. Lipps explained approval is required, and it can be obtained quickly unless there are problems with the site plan.

Commissioner Gillooly asked how the trailer selling hams was permitted on the corner of Granada Boulevard and Williamson Boulevard; whereby, Mr. Lipps explained charitable organizations are permitted to sell such merchandise as a fundraising activity.

Commissioner Irvin advocated coming up with consistent regulations and not dealing with items on a case-by-case basis to avoid loopholes which would cause inequity. Mr. Lipps stated the goal is to be consistent.

Commissioner Boyle offered the scenario where an owner of a pub sells a minimal amount of T-shirts inside year-round. He continued a vendor with a large supply of T-shirts comes in, technically sells them to the pub owner, then the pub owner turns around and sells on the sidewalk. Mr. Lipps noted outside vendors are not permitted to come in and sell items. Commissioner Boyle stated it is just a matter to sign over the inventory to the property owner which creates a loophole.

Mayor Hood stated that without strict enforcement, there will be illegal sales. He advocated having some trust in the community that they will follow the laws.

Commissioner Boyle agreed with Mayor Hood and noted the Commission needs to strike a balance while protecting the local merchants, yet the reality is there are many people coming into town spending money on camp grounds, hotels, etc. He noted some of the restaurants serving food, beverages and alcohol have limited interior space, and there are lots of people in town trying to squeeze inside the buildings which is not a very safe situation; whereas, if that merchant were allowed to sell outside, it would be better for everyone. Commissioner Boyle stated the musical entertainment is another issue that may be better outside. He asked for some relief for outdoor sales of food, beverages or alcohol, the leasing of spaces to temporary vendors, and outdoor entertainment, but he opposed traveling vendors selling products on vacant lots. Commissioner Boyle indicated he is not sure of the legality of setting specific rules north of Nova Road in a "Special Event Zone" for a special event period.

Commissioner Gillooly noted agreement with Commissioner Boyle.

Commissioner Persis stated he agreed with Commissioner Boyle except he opposes the leasing of space to temporary vendors, even though it is hard to enforce. Commissioner Boyle withdrew his support of the leasing of space to temporary vendors.

Mr. Miller reminded the Commission of the residential character of Ormond Beach. He pointed out that the City receives many complaints from the Bear Creek homeowners, a situation which would be exacerbated with certain outdoor sales.

Commissioner Gillooly noted he is not giving approval, he just wants to let it go through the Land Development Code amendment process.

Mr. Lipps asked if the Commission’s intent was to include alcohol in the permitted sale items along with food and beverages. Commissioner Boyle, Commissioner Gillooly and Commissioner Persis agreed alcohol should be included since the establishments already serve alcohol inside the structures, and it is only on a temporary basis.

Mayor Hood noted that since a majority has concurred on a course of action, staff has their instructions on how to proceed.

Item #9(B) - Tennis Court Rental Fee Charged to Schools

Mayor Hood explained the staff report signifies that the agreement the City has with Seabreeze High School is agreeable with Seebreeze Athletic Director Jerry Chandler and Principal Jim Kirton.

Commissioner Boyle stated Seabreeze High School pays the City approximately $10,000 annually, and the tennis court rental portion of the contract incorporates approximately $1,100. He noted the liability insurance enters into the calculation of this fee. Commissioner Boyle noted this fee was appropriate when the City charged everyone and a City staff member was posted at the courts to collect fees; however, there is no longer a charge for the use of the courts for residents or visitors. He indicated that the courts were so underused, when the skateboard park was originally being considered, staff recommended two (2) of the courts be made into a skateboard park. Commissioner Boyle noted this fact is highly relevant. He stated he is not positive Mr. Chandler was aware, at the signing of the contract for the tennis courts, that the courts were free to anyone who wanted to use them; therefore, it seems inappropriate to continue collecting a fee from Seabreeze High School, or the charge should at least be reduced to cover the insurance. Commissioner Boyle stated the courts cost the City no revenue since they require no maintenance, but the school has to work very hard to raise the money by soliciting in the community to pay the City.

Commissioner Gillooly concurred with Commissioner Boyle’s observations. He recommended waiving fees on a trial basis to determine if there is a demand for the courts by anyone else during those hours. Commissioner Gillooly agreed there should be a minimal charge to pay for insurance coverage.

Commissioner Boyle asked how much the insurance fees would run; whereby, Mr. Alan Burton, Leisure Services Director, stated the insurance policy is provided by the high school.

Commissioner Gillooly moved, seconded by Commissioner Boyle, to waive the charges to Seabreeze High School for the use of the tennis courts.

Commissioner Persis expressed concern regarding equity of Father Lopez or any other organization if they should ask for similar requests.

Mr. Burton stated fees and charges are very essential to Leisure Services’ operations. He stated this would impact numerous groups throughout the community. Mr. Burton stated there are capital costs involved, and he expressed concern that this would "open the door" to the entire fees and charges controversy. He stated public participation should be sought before any major impact is made on the public policy of fees and charges. Mr. Burton noted this would take a property which is open to the public and give exclusive use to one group; therefore, when a public use is removed for an exclusive use, it is right and appropriate to charge a fee.

Commissioner Boyle stated this facility was so underused it is now a free facility. He stated it is an inherent contradiction that to allow the tennis team to use the facility for two (2) hours denies others the opportunity to use it when there is no demand for the facility, but it is prudent to charge a fee and preclude others wishing to use the facility. He pointed out that the participants could just show up every day and use the courts.

Mayor Hood stated that it sounds simplistic, but when someone comes and wants to use the baseball field without paying for it because no one is using it, the question becomes where the line is drawn on the fees implemented throughout the community. He explained his opposition to the motion because it would create a precedent.

Commissioner Irvin advised she opposes the motion because Seabreeze is coming as an organized group, not an individual, and equity is also a concern.

Ms. Carolyn Brenner stated the courts are 25 years old and no longer are a capital expenditure. She stated the baseball and soccer fields require maintenance, but the courts do not. Ms. Brenner stated they are not asking for exclusive use of the courts, only two (2) courts twice a week and on nine (9) occasions where four (4) courts are required; thus, with the six (6) existing courts, there would be courts available for those who wish to use them. She stated that as a parent in the school system, the resident taxpayers support the City’s recreational facilities; and also when the schools are underfunded, they come to the parents for funds. Ms. Brenner noted it is not fair for parents to have to raise money to pay the City for something they are giving away to citizens and visitors for free. She started that even though Mr. Kirton and Mr. Chandler are not opposed to the fee, they are not the ones that have to knock on doors trying to solicit funds from residents and family members.

Mr. Miller stated the City has a very professional working relationship with the staff of Seabreeze. He stated this issue was raised to satisfy a concerned constituent, but the problem is that the effort to respond to an individual citizen could mean opening up the fee schedule to scrutiny. He stated the $1,100 fee is minor, but the problem is the principal of rental of facilities. Mr. Miller noted the Commission is accountable to the entire population, not just those interested in sports; therefore, if the Commission waives this specific fee, it should be done by way of a comprehensive review of the facilities that are available to rent, and it should be discussed at the time the budget is being considered.

Commissioner Boyle advised he strongly resents that this issue is being interpreted as the complaint of one constituent, or a small group of constituents, when in fact there is a broad application for the entire community. He noted this facility is currently free for residents or those from out of town. Commissioner Boyle reiterated he is not aware if the people signing the contract knew the courts were now free of charge for use. He stated a comprehensive review is unnecessary, and this specific fee should not be compared with all the other sports. He stated Commissioner Gillooly’s approach is wise, to waive the fee in this instance, for this site, on a trial basis, and if there are problems, it can be revisited.

Call Vote: Commissioner Boyle yes
Commissioner Irvin no
Commissioner Gillooly yes
Commissioner Persis no
failed. Mayor Hood no

Item #10 - Audience Comments On Agenda Items

No audience comments were made.

Item #11 - Reports, Suggestions, Requests

Baseball Card Show

Commissioner Boyle expressed his appreciation to Mr. Ron Bishop and the Casements staff for their professional conduct in running the Baseball Card Shows which are getting rave reviews from those in attendance and the vendors. He noted the City is netting over $300 per show.

Board Member Appreciation

Commissioner Boyle thanked the citizens who give their time and effort to serve on City Boards and Committees.

Tree Removal Penalty

Commissioner Boyle advised an article appeared in the newspaper and was shown on television where in the City of Oviedo, a developer building an apartment complex removed trees that should not have been removed. He stated the Oviedo City Commission fined the developer $25,000, and the fine was appealed unsuccessfully.

Naming a Park for Milton Pepper

Commissioner Irvin thanked the City Commission for agreeing to name a park in honor of Milton Pepper.

Salute to Jane Renz

Commissioner Gillooly noted he attended a farewell party for Jane and Tex Renz who are moving to Lake Tahoe. He stated for the past 30 years, Mr. and Mrs. Renz have been the "spark plugs" in the Ormond Performing Arts Center, energizing the entire group. Commissioner Gillooly expressed his appreciation, on behalf of the City Commission, to Mr. and Mrs. Renz for all they have done for the City of Ormond Beach.

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Mr. Miller reported, as mentioned in the Commission’s "Friday Letter", the "First Night" concept was explained which could be applied to the festivities to welcome in the new millennium. He stated the festivities would include an alcohol-free event with fireworks, and organized activities, and the City would encourage restaurants to stay open late. Mr. Miller stated if the Commission approves of this direction, staff needs to start organizing the event very soon.

Mayor Hood recommended placing this item on the agenda for the next meeting.

Mr. Miller stated it would take staff effort to come up with a proposed budget and make decisions as to the exact activities; therefore, he asked if there was enough interest to proceed.

The consensus was to proceed and come back to the City Commission when the information is available.

$10,000 Donation

Commissioner Gillooly asked Mr. Burton to make an announcement regarding a $10,000 donation. Mr. Burton reported that the Senior Theater Workshop has donated $10,000 as a part of the celebration in recognition of Jane Renz’s efforts to the Friends of the Performing Arts Center.

Goals Discussion

Mr. Miller requested a meeting be set to exchange ideas regarding three (3) or four (4) goals at 5:30 PM before the next regular City Commission meeting. He stated this will facilitate the working relationship between the governing body and between the governing body and staff.

Commissioner Irvin concurred it is a good idea, but questioned what would be on the agenda.

Palm Trees

Mayor Hood noted the palm trees that have been planted along Granada Boulevard are a direct result of the efforts of Mr. Lowell Lohman, owner of Ormond Funeral Home, and Mr. Bill Butler, Ormond Beach Landscape Architect. He instructed staff to send congratulatory letters to these gentlemen for taking the initiative to beautify Ormond Beach.

Item #12 - Close The Meeting

The meeting was adjourned at 8:18 PM.

 


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