Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 02-27-07 regular minutes — reading text

transient docking facility at Fort Walton Landing and direct the WFPC to submit the above studies to DCA for funding. Karen Gercak, 214 Miracle Strip Parkway and Chairman of the WFPC, advised that one of the projects listed as a top priority from the Waterfronts Vision Plan is a transient docking facility at the Fort Walton Landing, and the Committee has chosen to pursue this project. Mrs. Gercak explained the WFPC believes a facility such as this would bring commerce to local businesses and would showcase the City as a world- class waterfront community, and make Fort Walton Beach a place tourists will want to visit either by land or water. Mrs. Gercak advised that, on behalf of the WFPC, she is asking for Council's approval to proceed with the basic concept of a transient docking facility at the Fort Walton Landing. She stressed that this is a conceptual, not specific mode, and that if approval is received, the Committee can petition the DCA for the funding necessary for the initial studies required to determine the feasibility of the project. Discussion included the fact the City has voted at least twice on having a marina at the Landing and it has been voted down both times. Also discussed was the differences between a mooring field and a docking facility, and that the City has a submerged land lease at the Landing which is why the Committee has focused on having a transient dock located there rather than at Liza Jackson Park. The Mayor asked for public input. There was none. Dr. Pullen moved to approve the concept of the transient docking facility at Fort Walton Landing and direct the WFPC to submit the studies to DCA for funding. Mr. Tucker seconded motion.  201 02- 27- 07 TRANSIENT DOCKING FACILITY CCONT) A lengthy discussion was held regarding the pros and cons of such a facility. Favorable comments included the fact that the City should take advantage of its position as a waterfront community, and that the facility would provide a strong economic base for downtown. Comments against the facility included that it would mar the beauty and the view of the Landing, that the pier that is presently there is used by locals as a fishing dock, and that there are commercial docks nearby where transients can dock. The CDS Director advised that any study done by DCA would be site- specific to justify the project at the Landing. The Mayor called for a vote on the motion and it carried by a vote of 4 to 3 with Patterson, Campbell, Tucker, and Pullen in favor and Holmes, Hartwell, and Minich opposed. CANVASSING BOARD- MARCH 13. 2007 Consideration of appointments of two representatives to serve on the Canvassing Board. The City Clerk advised that in the past, the City Clerk and a councilmember not on the ballot have been appointed to serve on the Canvassing Board. Mr. Tucker nominated Councilman Hartwell. Mr. Hartwell advised he would be out of town on business and declined the nomination. Dr. Pullen nominated Councilman Tucker and City Clerk Helen Spencer to serve on the Canvassing Board for the March 13, 2007 City Election. The Mayor called for the vote on the nomination of Councilman Tucker and City Clerk Helen Spencer to the Canvassing Board for the March 13, 2007 City election and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Patterson, Campbell, Tucker, Pullen, Hartwell, and Minich in favor. MAYOR/COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Holmes advised he had several requests from members of the Ferry Park neighborhood to have some sort of memorial for Charlie Veal, former City worker and long- time walker of Ferry Park. The City Manager suggested a memorial tree with a plaque as a fitting tribute. Consensus of Council was to move forward with the memorial tree for Mr. Veal. Mr. Holmes discussed the information received regarding the TPO' s actions on traffic solutions offered for downtown Fort Walton Beach. Mr. Holmes suggested an ad- hoc committee be formed of citizens that would explore all downtown traffic issues. The City Manager suggested a resolution be created establishing a committee and its goals and objectives, and to present the resolution at the March Council workshop. Mr. Patterson stated he hopes that another entity will take over the Okaloosa on Ice since MainStreet is closing. Mr. Campbell thanked the volunteers that make up the City' s board and committees for their hard work they give to the City. Mr. Tucker also discussed the boards and committees and stressed the importance of these committees to keep the City running in a functional manner. Mr. Tucker also encouraged citizens to vote on March 13. 202 02- 27- 07 MAYOR/COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS ( CONT) Dr. Pullen reminded Council that they have taken an oath of office to support and enforce the laws and ordinances of the State of Florida, and that the City Manager is supposed to actively enforce the ordinances of the City. Dr. Pullen stated his feeling that the City Manger is not enforcing the ordinances of the City because of all the political signs that are placed illegally throughout the City. Mr. Hartwell encouraged voters to be informed on the candidates and issues they vote for on March 13. Mr. Minich attended the Swearing- In ceremony on February 26 of the first four officers hired under the Pre- Service Hiring Program which has enabled the police department to recover from severe understaffing. The Mayor announced the Supervisors Workshop held at the Police Department for the police force, and suggested if a tape is available it would be worthy of having on FWB- TV; the City- sponsored Fast Track for elementary children held on February 19 at Choctaw High School; and the Sunday in the Park held on February 18. The Mayor also advised the City is working on a response to Rep. Sansom and Senator Gates regarding the property/ sales tax initiatives going to the legislature, and the financial impact to the City if it goes through. He also announced the workshop of the Northwest Florida Transportation Corridor Authority from 4- 7 pm on March 1 at the Ramada Inn to discuss their Master Plan for traffic alternatives. Finally, the Mayor congratulated Mr. Patterson on his appointment as President of the Okaloosa Gas District and President of the NW Florida Fair Association. CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS The City Manager announced the Page Turners Book Club the first Friday of each month at the Fort Walton Library; the Fine Arts Show at the Creative Senior Center on March 10 from 2 to 4 pm; and reminded everyone to vote on Election Day, March 13. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8: 15 p. m. APPROVED: 1114/1~() 07 MAYOR: he CITY CLERK Ive