Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 09-09-08 regular minutes — reading text

The question was asked about the mission statement of the Friends. Ms. Greenwald read the mission statement " Friends of the Fort Walton Beach Library is organized to actively support the library through public advocacy, encouraging literacy, initiating, organizing, managing funding raising opportunities for the purpose of funding special projects and/ or programs identified by the Board of Directors in January and adopted by membership. Funded special projects and/ or programs shall be beyond the scope of typical library expenditures such as, but not limited to, reading, audio materials, subscriptions, supplies, payroll. Examples of acceptable projects and programs would include enhancements to the building or grounds, visiting performing artisans or a musical series." It questioned how much is reserved for on- going expenses, such as the aquarium. was Ms. Greenwald said they are always in the process of accumulating money for a project. It was questioned whether the Friends of the Library back up the library staff in helping to man the counter. Ms. Greenwald said they do not currently but they have helped when they have been asked. It was asked how much the aquarium will cost. Ms. Greenwald replied it is estimated at 55, 000. 00. The question wasasked if that money could be used to purchase books. Ms. Greenwald said they have a project, they are very focused and they would like to do the project. The educational benefit of an aquarium was questioned. Ms. Greenwald said they hope it will spark some children' s interest in marine life that may lead to a career. Eric Miller added it would draw children to the library. It was asked if the Friends had thought about an alternative plan with smaller tank that would cost less. Ms. Greenwald replied no because of the size of the room, the aquarium has been designed for the space. The Mayor opened the floor for public input. As no one wished to speak public input was closed. Mr. Hartwell moved to accept the gift of a saltwater aquarium from the Friends of the Library. Motion failed for lack of a second. RECESS The meeting recessed at 9: 00 p. m. Regular Council 9- 9- 08 273 RECONVENE The meeting reconvened at 9: 10 p. m. RES. 08- 30: AMEND FEE SCHEDULE OF PARKS/RECREATION The Mayor read the resolution by title. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE FEE SCHEDULE OF THE CITY FOR THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT BY INCREASING FEES FOR USE OF THE SENIOR CENTER, MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, AND FORT WALTON LANDING, BY ADDING A FEE FOR SMALL PAVILION RENTAL, AND SETTING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. It was suggested that the chart on page 16 of the Fee Schedule for non- resident, property owner be clarified the fee is for non- resident, " city" property owner. Jeff Peters, Parks and Rec. Director, clarified that anyone can go to Liza Jackson to use a pavilion at no charge, but they take a chance with someone coming in with a rental paper and they would have to leave, and that the only change for the Landing is the fee for the gazebo rental. The Mayor opened the floor for public comment. Ray Seip, 121 Nebraska Avenue, questioned how someone would know whether a gazebo is rented and relayed his wife went to use a big pavilion and another organization was there without a permit. He wished to know if there would be anything available that would show who has paid for a rental permit. The Parks and Rec. Director said they are taking steps to post every pavilion with a sign that shows the rentals for the week. He said in the event someone is in the pavilion the police department would be called and the party holding the permit would have the rights to the pavilion. As no one further wished to speak public input was closed. Mr. Holmes moved to adopt Res. 08- 30. Mr. Reeves seconded motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Reeves, Garvie, Pullen, Hartwell, and Minich in favor ( Miller absent). RES. 08- 37: PUBLIC HEARINGS ON BROWNFIELD AREA The Mayor read the resolution by title. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA CALLING FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE PROPOSED DESIGNATION OF A BROWNFIELD AREA FOR REHABILITATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 376, FLORIDA STATUTES. John Hofstad, Utilities Director, noted this is the next step in the Brownfield designation process with the aim to designate the entire Commerce and Technology Park as a Brownfield designated area, and the item tonight is to establish the two public hearing dates where staff will bring that designation to Council for approval. The Mayor opened the floor for public input. As there was none public input was closed.  Regular Council 9- 9- 08 274 RES. 08- 37 cont. Mr. Garvie moved to adopt Res. 08- 37. Dr. Pullen seconded motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Reeves, Garvie, Pullen, Hartwell, and Minich in favor ( Miller absent). LIBRARY COOPERA.TIVE AGREEMENT Consideration of approval of the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative ( OCPLC) Interlocal Agreement, as submitted by the OCPLC Governing Board, for the period October 1, 2008 to October 1, 2009; and au1thorize the Mayor to execute the agreement. Jeff Peters, Parks and Rec. Director, pointed out the agreement is for one year from October 2008 until October 2009. Patricia Gould, Library Director, explained the reason for the short period is because of budgetary uncertainties and maybe next year it will be a longer period of time. Dr. Pullen moved to approve the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative Interlocal Agreement, as submitted by the OCPLC Governing Board, for the period October 1, 2008 to October 1, 2009, and authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement. Mr. Garvie seconded motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Reeves, Garvie, Pullen, Hartwell, and Minich in favor (Miller absent). RES. 08- 39" SUPPORT OF EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE The Mayor read the resolution by title. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA; WELCOMES AND SUPPORTS THE INCORPORATION AND BED- DOWN OF THE F- 35 JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER INTEGRATION TRAINING CENTER AT EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA. Mr. Reeves explained he brought this forward because he became concerned about some of the rumbling he has heard in the community about the Air Force studies and specifically the F- 35 training center. He belie:ved being one of the larger municipalities in the community that the City of Fort Walton Beach and its citizens have the most to lose for not supporting it wholeheartedly. During brief discussion the belief was expressed that the resolution would not be in conflict with the concerns of Valparaiso, and it was noted that the resolution states the City is committed to working with Eglin for resolution of compatibility issues associated with the mission. The Mayor opened the floor for public input. As there was none public input was closed. Mr. Holmes moved to ~Ldopt Res. 08- 39. Dr. Pullen seconded motion. During brief discussion on support of the Eglin mission it was suggested that the resolution also support the establishment of the Special Forces Group on Eglin Air Force Base. It was expressed support of the Special Forces could be done at a later time and it was hoped that the message is not sent to the City of Valparaiso that the City does not care about their concerns. The Mayor called for the vote on the motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Reeves, Garvie, Pullen, Hartwell, and Minich in favor (Miller absent). The Mayor mentioned that the new 96th Air Base Commander will be the guest speaker at the Okaloosa County League of Cities dinner in October to talk about how they are opening up dialogue with the communities. Regular Council 9- 9- 08 275 COUNCIL WINTER SCHEDULE Consideration of establishing a Winter Schedule of Council Meetings, as outlined in the backup report. th The City Manager noted the first meeting in November falls on November 11 Veterans Day holiday and the second meeting in December falls on December 23rd. Mr. Minich moved that the winter schedule of City Council meetings for November and December be November 18th and December 9th. Dr. Pullen seconded motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Reeves, Garvie, Pullen, Hartwell, and Minich in favor ( Miller absent). OTHER CITY BUSINESS Mr. Hartwell discussed the need for a definition of what a family consists of and that staff prepare a definition for code enforcement purposes. The City Attorney suggested that staff review with the Municipal Planning Board as a recommendation to Council. Mr. Hartwell will discuss with the City Attorney. Mr. Hartwell also discussed the possibility of the City purchasing the car wash property next to the library. The City Manager advised she has received the second appraisal on the property but it is confidential information she cannot share during the negotiation process. She is hopeful an agreement can be reached on a purchase price. Council commented they would like to see this issue moved forward, one way or another. Dr. Pullen requested an item be placed on a future agenda to discuss the relationship between the Friends of the Library and the City; also suggested was a formalization of the relationship. Mr. Garvie mentioned the community is losing a tremendous individual in the community with the closing of Albertsons, and that King Vaughn and his wife have been commended by several charitable organizations. The Mayor discussed his feelings that Council members disclose when they have discussed a particular agenda item with a board/committee member. The Mayor advised there is no violation of the Sunshine Law; it is his personal feeling and that it is fairness to the other Council members to know when one member has