Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 01-26-2010 regular — reading text

that in August 2008, the City was approached by CGI Inc. to provide one -minute videos on the City's website, which would include videos of local businesses who signed on as sponsors. In October 2008, Staff executed the agreement and it was sent to City Council for approval at their December 9, 2008 meeting; however, Council did not approve the project and the next morning the City Attorney sent a letter to CGI notifying them of cancellation of the contract. Between the time the Staff had approved the contract and the time it was rejected by Council, at least four customers agreed to, and paid for, the service in which CGI presented. When the customers did not receive their link on the City's website, they contacted CGI who responded they should talk to the City, and CGI has refused to refund the customer' s money.  77 Regular Council 1/ 26/ 10 CGI ( CONT) The City Manager reported it is Staffs recommendation, in conjunction with the City attorney' s recommendation, that the City take no action since the City's contract was with CGI, not the advertisers, and Council had the right to terminate the contract. Council received clarification that the companies involved signed the contract before it went to Council, and that after CGI was notified that Council had terminated the contract, they continued to work with the companies involved and shot the videos anyway. The City Attorney advised the contract with CGI stated the contract could be terminated at will by the City, which it was on December 8, 2008. Mr. Garvie stated CGI came to his business and made a presentation and he felt they were misleading, and he went to the City Manager with his concerns. Consensus of Council was that the City take no action, and agreed the City's contract was with CGI, not the advertisers, and the Council had the right to terminate the contract. CITY MANAGER REPORTS The City Manager reported that on Thursday, Jim Tucker visited his office to discuss an offer from Judge Maney regarding installing a HUI helicopter from Fort Polk, Louisiana, and whether the City would be interested. The City Manager stated that Mr. Tucker suggested the triangular piece of property at Highway 98 and Eglin as a suitable location for the helicopter, and that another suggestion included Liza Jackson Park. The City Manager stated his desire to discuss this with Council to ascertain if it is something Council would be interested in pursuing, and if so, where they felt a suitable location might be. He stated the City would have to pay for transporting the helicopter from Fort Polk which would cost approximately $ 7,400, and that other expenses, such as mounting it at a location, and maintaining it, would be incurred. Discussion included whether this would be a good symbol for the City as it is an Air Force town and the helicopter represents the Army; that it would represent the Green Hornets out of Hurlburt and would be a way to welcome the Army Special Forces; that it could be offered to the Army and they could display it properly, and whether the City's budget should be used for a decoration" for the.City. The City Manager advised he would contact Judge Maney and inform him of Council' s concerns including budget and identification concerns, and would politely decline his offer. Mr. Nabors suggested the City could provide the land and that private investors could pay for its transportation and upkeep. Council requested the City Manager research this idea and report his findings at the next Council meeting. f MAYOR/ COUNCIL COMMENTS Mr. Holmes discussed the City boards have to be more effective and thanked all of the volunteers who serve on our boards. Mr. Reeves discussed the displeasure of citizens at the proposed increase in utilities and feels the citizens need to have a better explanation of why the City is contracting with the County for the wastewater treatment plant, and welcomed anyone to contact him with their concerns. F• Regular Council 1/ 26/ 10 MAYOR/COUNCIL COMMENTS ( CONT) Mr. Garvie stated his pleasure at recognizingstudents who excel in their school and the community with the monthly Student ACE Awards. Mr. Nabors discussed the role of the Tourist Development Council ( TDC), of which he is a City representative, and the need to think about funding groups or organizations that are hired to represent the City. He explained the TDC worked with an organization called Coastal Vision 3000 in bringing Southwest Airlines to the area. The idea was that the entire panhandle, from Pensacola to Panama City, would be marketed as one area to be enticing to the airline. Mr. Nabors continued that Panama City ended up getting the contract for Southwest Airlines, and the contract states that the Northwest Florida Regional Airport is not allowed to have Southwest Airlines as long as Panama City has the contract. Mr. Nabors stated his displeasure that he was on the Board while this venture was supported, and he feels it is not fair to the County and City residents, since residents of the City are part of the County. Mr. Nabors stated he wanted to bring this to the Council' s attention and to be wary of such ventures in the future. Mr. Rynearson thanked Boy Scout Troop 544 for attending tonight's meeting. Mr. Rynearson stated he attended the Institute for Elected Municipal Officials training in Gainesville and after hearing problems that other cities have encountered, reported that the City is moving in the right direction. Mayor Anderson mentioned the Council retreat on January 16 and that he was disappointed in the participation of the public. He mentioned the Police Ceremony and congratulated Detective Tracy Hart and Records Clerk Robert Waterson for being selected as Officer and Employee of the Year. He also mentioned Lisa Moak of the Recreation and Cultural Services Division who found a wallet and went to great efforts to locate its owner; and the employees of Long Horn Steakhouse who helped prevent a kidnapping. The City Manager reported that due to advertising requirements, the meeting to discuss and vote on the Utility Rate Study will be held on March 23, 2010, and not March 9, 2010, as previously stated. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7: 04 pm. Ive