Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 08-25-09 regular minutes — reading text

a moral obligation to abide by past decisions made by Council. The Mayor called for the vote on the motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Miller, Reeves, Garvie, Nabors, and Rynearson in favor (Patterson absent). VETERANS TRIBUTE TOWER Authorization to proceed with initiating the coordination of fundraising efforts for the erection of a Veterans Tribute Tower in the City. Mr. Beedie reported the City has been approached by the Verdin Company to construct a Veterans Tribute Tower within the City limits. The total cost of the tower is $ 250, 000 that is funded through donations and fundraising events. Mr. Beedie advised Staff is requesting conceptual approval to get the fundraising events started. He noted there is a national donor willing to fund part of the funding, and that there is no financial impact to the City at this time. Mr. Beedie advised the City would be responsible for selecting a site for the tower and would be responsible for approximately $ 6, 000 to $ 8, 000 for the concrete foundation and equipment rental for the tower construction. Brian Straits from the Verdin Company advised the company has done six towers including one in Florida, and their goal is to have two towers per state; that all clocks erected are of the same design; and that the City already has a maintenance contract with the Verdin Company through the clock tower in the Beal Parkway neighborhood. The Mayor advised that if Council moves forward, he will speak with the veteran' s groups as the City's representative, and that no staff time would be involved in the fundraising. The City Manager wanted to make it clear that it is not appropriate for Staff to be involved in fundraising efforts as Staff is paid by tax dollars. The Mayor asked for public input. There was none. Mr. Garvie moved that City Council support and authorize the Mayor to proceed with coordinating the fundraising efforts between the Verdin Company and the various veterans organizations for a Veterans Tribute Tower and for the City Manager to negotiate a proposal with the Verdin Company for the construction of the Tower. Mr. Miller seconded motion. Mr. Garvie stated this would be a great way to show the City's appreciation to the military community. Mr. Miller echoed Mr. Garvie' s thoughts, and that this would be a good thing for the community. Mr. Reeves advised he would not support the motion and noted the numerous tributes to the military that are currently in the City, and that additional maintenance work should not be created for an all ready overburdened City staff. The Mayor called for the vote on the motion and it carried by a vote of 4 to 3 with Holmes, Miller, Anderson, and Garvie in favor and Reeves, Nabors, and Rynearson opposed Patterson absent). Regular Council Meeting 8/ 25/ 09 279 APPROVAL OF LIBRARY COOPERATIVE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT Approval of the Okaloosa County Public Library Interlocal Agreement. Jeff Peters, Recreational and Cultural Services Director, advised the terms in the agreement are from October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010, and that $ 148,000 have been brought in from the Cooperative. The Mayor asked for public input. There was none. Mr. Garvie moved to approve the Okaloosa County Public Library Interlocal Agreement for the term of October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010. Mr. Reeves seconded motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Miller, Reeves, Garvie, Nabors, and Rynearson in favor (Patterson absent). CITY MANAGER REPORTS The City Manager reported the following: He is working with the City Attorney on an animal control ordinance and proposes to bring it to Council the second meeting of October; he is also proposing a workshop session to discuss alcohol sales on Tuesday, September 15, and that more may have to be scheduled; the Business Retention Panel will meet on Thursday and topic of discussion will be the permitting process; the golf course revenues are up 11. 3% from last year; the population of the City has gone down and is now 20,675; and he proposes coordinating with the City Attorney to develop a general policy for fee waivers. MAYOR/COUNCIL COMMENTS Mr. Rynearson commented that the League of Cities Conference was a worthwhile event and he has brought back a lot of ideas to share with Council in the future, and that he plans to present some ideas on how to provide rewards to employees since there are no monetary increases this budget year. Mr. Garvie mentioned the many phone calls and interviews he has had regarding the Lockerbie incident as he was an investigator on the case, and that he expressed his disappointment at the Scottish government for releasing the terrorist to Libya. Mr. Holmes thanked the Mayor for his fundraising efforts. Mr. Holmes discussed the issue of Council being accused of "rubber stamping" and that is not the case and all anyone has to do is follow the positive actions taken by Council this evening. Mr. Holmes cautioned very carefully that when Council talks to people to make it known their opinions are their own and not that of the City Council. The Mayor reported the following: The League of Cities Conference was good and they will assist the City by providing information and research on the homeless issue; he attended the MPB Comprehensive Plan workshop last week and he was disappointed with the way it went, and that if the public feels they are being shortchanged or stymied by City staff, they need to attend the Council meetings and present their issues to the City Council and City Manager; he attended the Striving For Perfection education summit and it was very impressive, and encouraged everyone to consider being a mentor or tutor; that a Joint Land Use Study Resolution at a future meeting will be presented and there was some misunderstanding with the issue of water traffic and marinas, but it will not impact Fort Walton Beach; the Supplemental Environmental Impact Studies will be Wednesday at NWFSC and Thursday in Valparaiso; the Economic Summit will be this Friday at the Conference Center; legislative priorities will be 81h discussed at the September meeting; there will be a fundraiser on September 1 at Mulhollow's for the Heritage Park and Cultural Center and the Governor Stone; a beautification award was presented today on 38 Bay Drive; and the DCA sent a letter approving the Comprehensive Plan Amendments with no changes, and congratulated Staff on this. Regular Council Meeting 8/ 25/ 09 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:38 pm. r ST: ATT r r t C CLERK Ive