Fort Walton Beach Council agenda — 02-12-08 regular agenda — reading text

Chester Pruitt Park Master Plan and. Immediate Implementation of Phase I, including immediate demolition of the dugouts and restooms. Ms. McKim explained Phase I will include the rebuilding of the dugouts with most of the labor being done in- house, followed by installation of new plumbing service lines, construction of the walking trail and procurement of the decorative lights by September 30, 2008, with installation of the lights and the construction of the gateway entrances planned in early Fiscal Year 2009. J Discussion included that the budgeted amount in Staff's recommendation remains at $ 100, 000 for this year, although additional budgeted amounts will be needed from next year's budget; and that the park will be closed during construction activities for safety reasons. Ms. McKim discussed the differences between the recommendation of the CRA Board and Staff's recommendation was the demolition and reconstruction of the restrooms, explaining the CRA proposed concurrent destruction and rebuilding of the restroom facilities. She continued that Staff feels demolishing the restrooms and dugouts first is the most cost effective way to move forward with the implementation of Phases I and II, and noted there will be a time when no restrooms are available. Ms. McKim advised that plans have been made for portable restroom facilities-to be available during special events at the parkin the interim. Discussion included that $ 100, 000 is budgeted and will be enough to do Phase I; that the CRA has funding allocated to other projects but could redirect funds if projects do not have contracts; and that the Staff recommendation was presented to the CRA Board as well. Jeff Peters, Parks and Recreation Director, mentioned that the ball fields at the parks are used frequently for adult sports. Discussion ensued regarding the crime and drug problem at the park and that residents of the neighborhood do not feel safe going to the park. Ms. McKim advised the restrooms are used for the wrong purpose; that people congregate around them and not for the intended purpose. It was felt by Staff and the consultants that delaying construction of the restrooms will not inhibit the real use -of the park, it may facilitate the appropriate use of the park for recreation purposes. When questioned by Council, Ms. McKim advised the neighborhood group is in support of Staff's recommendation. The Mayor asked for public input. Lee Bobo, 38 Memorial Parkway SW, was a member of the CRA Board when the master plan came before them. He stated that the issue of the restrooms was a concern to the CRA Board, and stated his feeling that there is not a major drug problem in the park, that the majority of individuals who congregate at the park are older gentlemen who sit and talk about current events. Mr. Bobo feels the park should not be without restroom facilities just because City Staff says there is a drug problem,, and that he doesn't see the need for City boards or committees that make recommendations to Council that are not presented if Staff does not agree with them. Robinette, 104 Carson Drive, is the secretary/treasurer of the Beal Parkway Becky Neighborhood Association and stated the neighborhood is in Staff's agreement with recommendation -to demolish the dugouts and restrooms and continue with Phase 1, and that the drug problem at the park is prevalent. 290 Regular Council 1/ 22/ 08 CHESTER PRUITT PARK MASTER PLAN ( CONT) Chuck McPhee, former president of the Beal Parkway Neighborhood Association and now a county resident, stated he was involved in the master plan process from the beginning and that he also supports Staff's recommendation. Pastor Scotty Thigpen of Beulah Baptist Church, also spoke in favor of the recommendation of Staff and noted the drug activity that occurs at the park. As there was no one else who wished to speak, the Mayor closed the public hearing. Mr. Minich moved to approve the Chester Pruitt Park Master Plan and Immediate Implementation of Phase I, including the demolition of the dugouts and restrooms. Mr. Reeves seconded motion. Council discussion noted that the improvements will help to resolve the problem of drugs and other illegal activities that take place in the park so the residents will be able to enjoy it; the fact that the neighborhood made their desires known to Council; and that the Police Department is in support of the recommendation of Staff. Mr. Miller moved to amend the motion to add the language up to the budgeted amount of 100,000. Mr. Minich seconded motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Miller, Reeves, Garvie, Pullen, Tucker, and Minich in favor. The Mayor called for the vote on the motion, as amended, and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Miller, Reeves, Garvie, Pullen, Tucker, and Minich in favor. BOARD /COMMITTEE REPORTS Consideration of authorizing the Beautification Committee/Tree Board to conduct fundraising activities for beautification projects. Tom Murray, Public Works Director, discussed the desire of the Beautification Committee/Tree Board to conduct fund -raising activities for beautification projects on public lands within the City, with the project being the Japanese Garden Club project near the intersection of initial Hollywood Boulevard and Memorial Parkway. Mr. Murray advised the Committee is looking to sponsor a recreational fundraising run, titled the " Park 2 Park Run," on April 19, 2008, to coincide with Earth Day /Arbor Day. It was noted that some staff involvement would be necessary for planning and conducting the run, and if Council approves the fundraising concept, Staff will further develop the details. J. T. Edwards, Chairman of the Beautification Committee/ Tree Board, was available to answer questions about the run. Mr. Minich moved to approve the Beautification Committee/Tree Board fundraising /beautification project concept and authorize Staff to further develop the details for administering this initiative and implement this effort in conformance with the City's policies and procedures. Mr. Holmes seconded motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Miller, Reeves, Garvie, Pullen, Hartwell, and Minich in favor. PUBLIC HEARING —ORD. 1748, LANDMARK SIGNS The City Attorney read the ordinance by title.  291 Regular Council 1/ 22/ 08 ORD. 1748, LANDMARK SIGNS ( CONT) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORITY; AMENDING SECTION 12. 20, DEFINITIONS, TO EXPAND THE DEFINITION OF LANDMARK SIGN; AMENDING SECTION 12. 82. 04, LANDMARK SIGNS, TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW DEFINITION; AND SETTING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The City Manager advised Council has an amended ordinance that strikes through Lines 36 -37, deleting the reference to obsolete signs, as follows: . . . 191 Miracle Strip Parkway SE— Islander' s Surf & Sport monument sign and fiberglass shark; 135 Perry Avenue SE— First City Bank electronic time and temperature sign... .' and requested a motion be made on the ordinance as amended. The Mayor opened the public hearing. There was none. Mr. Garvie moved to adopt Ord. 1748 on seconded reading, as amended, deleting the reference to obsolete signs, ' 191 Miracle Strip Parkway SE— Islander' s Surf & Sport monument sign and fiberglass shark; 135 Perry Avenue SE —First City Bank electronic time and temperature sign...' Mr. Holmes seconded motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Miller, Reeves, Garvie, Pullen, Hartwell, and Minich in favor. PUBLIC HEARING —ORD. 1751, PRESIDIO PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS The City Attorney read the ordinance by title. ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA, PROVIDING AN AUTHORITY; ACCEPTING CERTAIN PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS MADE BY PRESIDIO DEVELOPERS, LLC; ACCEPTING A ONE -YEAR WARRANTY - OFFERED BY PRESIDIO DEVELOPERS, LLC; RATIFYING PAYMENT OF CONSTRUCTION OVERAGES; AND SETTING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. John Hofstad, Utilities Director, presented the history of the Presidio Condominium project dating back to 2003 when the developers first approached the City about building their multifamily development on Miracle Strip Parkway, US Highway 98. Mr. Hofstad advised that at that time the development could be served by an 8 -inch water pipe, but with the possibility of future development along the Miracle Strip Parkway corridor, the City recommended that the water main be upgraded to a 12 -inch diameter pipe. Mr. Hofstad continued that a Construction Agreement was developed by the City to reimburse the developer for the difference in materials He advised the original and labor between installing the 8 -inch and the 12 -inch water main. agreement was drafted in August of 2005 with the difference in cost estimated ' at $ 10, 000; however the agreement was not executed. Mr. Hofstad advised that in October of 2006, a revised cost estimate was submitted to the City for the 12 -inch water main at the cost of $ 16, 536.44, the increase due to the sharp rise of unit prices in construction materials. Mr. Hofstad stated Staff reviewed the revised cost estimate and found it to be within reason based on the current bid prices at that time.- Mr. Hofstad continued that due to the numerous delays with. the development of the project, the installation of the water main was postponed,. and it was not installed until September 2007, when Staff requested a final estimate for the construction of the water main.Two invoices were submitted by the Presidio Developers LLC: one in the amount of $ 19, 998 to install the new 12- inch water main, and one in the amount of $ 3, 180. 25 for additional work required to avoid an unknown existing 6 -inch water main. 292 Regular Council 1/ 22/ 08 ORD. 1751, PRESIDIO PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Hofstad reported the additional work was required because a portion of the newly installed 12 -inch water main had to be excavated and reinstalled at a lower elevation to avoid an already existing 6 -inch cast iron water main. Mr. Hofstad concluded that the construction of the 12 -inch water main was approved by City staff on September 24, 2007, and official FDEP approval was received on December 27, 2007. Because it was determined that the original Construction Agreement had not been executed or formally approved by City Council, Staff consulted the City Attorney who advised an ordinance would be required to accept the new water main since construction was complete. In addition, the additional cost resulting from the installation change order combined with the anticipated cost for the project exceeded the $ 20,000 required for staff -level approval. Mr.