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Fort Walton Beach Council agenda — 09-23-08 regular agenda — reading text
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room in the lobby. Eric Miller
stated it is a cylinder 8' across and believed there would be enough room on each side.
It was questioned whether the Friends of the Library was under the direction of the Library
Director. The City Manager explained the Friends of the Library are completely independent, their
by -laws dictate their purpose and intent.
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GIFT OF AQUARIUM cont.
It was questioned if the 21 members of the Friends of the Library were in agreement. Ms.
Greenwald did not think there was anyone currently in membership that disagrees with the project.
It was questioned how long the aquarium could operate without electricity. Eric Miller stated it is
based on the amount of fish consuming the oxygen vs. the amount of water and wish a 600 gallon
aquarium his best guess with it being fully stocked would be about two days. He said there are easy
ways to add air to the operator.
It was questioned if the size of the tank would create a safety issue in the event of a fire in the
library. The City Manager stated the lobby is big enough to allow for ingress and egress for safety
matters and it would have to be placed in such a manner as to not block exists. The Fire Chief
confirmed it would not be a safety issue for exists.
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 was questioned how much is reserved for on -going expenses, such as the aquarium. 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 was asked 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.
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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.
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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 COOPERATIVE 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 authorize 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. Pullenmoved 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 believed 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 adopt 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).
96th
The Mayor mentioned that the new 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.
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275
COUNCIL WINTER SCHEDULE
Consideration of establishing a Winter Schedule of Council Meetings, as outlined in the backup
report.
The City Manager noted the first meeting in November falls on November
11th
23rd
Veterans Day
holiday and the second meeting in December falls on December
Mr.
Minich moved that the winter schedule of City Council meetings for November and
18th
December be November 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
