Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 08-28-07 regular minutes — reading text

delegated to the Golf Club Administrator. Discussion ensued as to how much it would benefit the Golf Club if the proposed special rates were implemented at the September 5 meeting. Dave Jenzen, Information Technologies ( IT) Director advised it would take at least 5 to 10 working days to implement the changes into the system, which would be two weeks or perhaps less. Mr. Jenzen explained that when the fee resolution is adopted on September 5, Staff begins the implementing of new fees immediately, having the remainder of September to do so, so that when October 1 arrives, everything is in place for the changes to be in effect. Jim Frazier, Golf Club Administrator, stated his feeling the changes should be made as soon as possible to permit the special rates, and informed many of the golfers have already asked when the rates will be implemented. Further discussion included having the rates changed in the computer prior to September 5 and when the resolution is approved, the rates would be ready to implement. The City Manager stated that is not a good idea, and expressed concern that she would be action on taking something not approved by Council, and that Council could always change their minds come September 5. Mr. Miller moved to direct Staff tobring back a resolution at the September 5, 2007 Council budget hearing, to be implemented immediately, that addresses Golf Club fees. The City Attorney advised that resolution would have to be noticed as an item on the agenda as a change to the fee structure, and that it would need to be a resolution that separate addresses only Golf Club fees. Mr. Miller withdrew his motion. No further action was taken on this item. DISCUSSION OF FAIRGROUNDS SALE Discussion of the signing of Fairgrounds sale with the County. Mr. Miller moved to suspend Roberts Rules of Order for discussion on this item. Mr. Hartwell seconded motion and it carried by a vote of 5 to 1 with Holmes, Miller, Garvie, Pullen, and Hartwell in favor and Minich opposed ( Reeves absent). Mr. Miller questioned what will occur at the closing of the fairgrounds property on August 20. The City Attorney explained the sale of the property to the County by the City already has been authorized through the Interlocal Agreement, and that the closing will be the exchange of the deed and the check for the sale. She advised the County has already cut checks and satisfied their portion of the closing, and the City will be signing the document along with the County on the 30th, and that will be the conclusion of that part of the interlocal agreement.  115 Regular Council Meeting 8/28/ 07 FAIRGROUNDS SALE DISCUSSION ( CONT) Mr. Miller read the following into the record stating his reasons why he does not like the proposed sale of the 16. 3 acres to Okaloosa County: 1. I don' t like the proposed plat of the 16. 3 acres. a. This precise acreage was never appraised in either of the two independent appraisals. b. The proposed plat isolates the remaining city property from Lewis Turner Blvd. c. It destroys one softball field and reduces the playground by nearly 50%. d. It destroys the long- used Farmers' Market pavilion and its continued use. e. City would lose future revenue gained from the lease of the open grounds ( west side). f. It severely decreases the available parking for the fairgrounds- no mention of future available spaces was included in the interlocal agreement. g. The 16. 3 acres was predicated on the use of holding ponds for storm water in lieu of the percolation method being proposed and imposed for other new developments in the city. h. It severely restricts the disaster capability of the fairgrounds/ city complex. Higher government officials are looking at our complex as a regional disaster relief facility. We have air conditioned covered facilities, water, sewer, parking, fenced perimeter, and controlled access- to mention a few pertinent features. 2. Although I don' t like the idea but, I would rather sell the east side of the grounds where the ball fields and playground are located. a. The 16. 3 acres are entirely situated on the right ( east) side. b. The entire facility is antiquated and requires a major update. c. The sizes of the existing ball fields are too small for today' s requirements. It is doubtful if the existing land area is sufficient to upgrade to the tournament requirements of today' s competitive softball. d. The remaining two ball fields, if the west side is sold, are insufficient to hold a major tournament. e. The restrooms need major upgrades. f. The concession stand needs a major upgrade. g. The ball field' s lights do not meet today' s requirements and are grandfathered in; however, they would have to meet the new standards if replaced. h. The city would retain property facing Lewis Turner. i. The Farmers Market would remain in tact. Parking for the overall complex would increase with the addition of the Court House Annex parking spaces. j. The government facilities of the court house and fire station would be in the same general area. k. Maximum effective use of the available acreage would be realized. I. The city would be able to apply for grant funds to build a new modern softball complex in the future. 3. I support the sale of land to the County but, let's make sure that it is the better piece of property. There is no bestpiece, just one that is better that the other. Finally, I don' t think the county really cares which piece that get as long as they get it. Council discussion included that a formal contract has been offered by the City and accepted by the County, and all that needs to be done is the formal signature of the agreement; that the $ 2 million check from the county will be placed in the general fund and used to payoff the debt for the property and take that debt service out of next year' s budget. Dean Covey, 270 Brooks Street, received clarification that the contract states a judicial center would have to be built within five years, and if not, the City would have first rights of refusal to repurchase the property at the same price it was sold to the County. 116 Regular Council Meeting 8/ 28/ 07 FAIRGROUNDS SALE DISCUSSION ( CONTI Mr. Miller stated his feeling the County should be encouraged to place the building as close to Lewis Turner as possible to protect the ballfields and the playground. Mr. Miller was also advised that the County will work closely with the City and bring any plans to Council not necessarily for approval, but for input into the process. No action was taken by Council on this item. PROPOSAL FOR STATE LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES Consideration of a request to authorize the City Manager to solicit a request for proposal for state legislative support services. The City Manager explained her feeling that legislative support is needed to assist the City in receiving funding for community budget requests in three major categories including storm water, parks and recreation, and local emergency management. She continued that state grant funding and special appropriations from the Florida Legislature is getting increasingly competitive, and that the state will begin discussing a new Super Homestead Exemption and other issues that continue to impact the home rule authority of local governments. The City Manager cited the importance that the City have an active voice in these issues and to have assistance in gaining for community budget requests. The City Manager advised it is estimated the cost of these services to be approximately $ 40, 000 to $ 60, 000 and that a line item will be added in the FY 20070- 08 budget an expense lint item. Discussion included that the City would be looking to hire a professional lobbyist and that there are individuals and firms in the state to provide these services, and that these professionals include former state representatives, attorneys who concentrate solely on lobbying issues, and that they are registered by the State and must possess certain requirements. Mr. Minich moved to authorize the City Manager to solicit for state legislative support services. Mr. Holmes seconded motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Miller, Garvie, Pullen, Hartwell, and Minich in favor ( Reeves absent). MAYOR/COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Minich stated he filled in for the Mayor at the Latino Festival and that it was a wonderful event and he had a good time. Mr. Hartwell was advised the ribbon cutting for the Sound Park should occur before September 30th. Mr. Hartwell also advised he was approached regarding installing two Purple Martin birdhouses at the Sound Park; the City Manager advised she would contact the individual. Dr. Pullen informed of the golf tournament taking place for Headstart and that Council will be I> receiving information on it shortly. Dr. Pullen questioned whether City employees have the