Fort Walton Beach Council agenda — 01-08-08 regular agenda — reading text

MEMORANDUM DATE: January 8, 2008 TO: Joyce Shanahan, City Manager FROM: Mike Dutton, Fire Chief SUBJECT: Homeland Security Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program BACKGROUND: The Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program, CEDAP, is a grant from the Department of Homeland Security. It helps meet the equipment needs of smaller jurisdictions by providing communications interoperability, information sharing, chemical detection, sensors, personal protective equipment, technology, and training in using the equipment, devices, and technology. Awards are made to law enforcement and emergency responder agencies not currently eligible for funding through the Department' s Urban Areas Security Initiative grant program. DISCUSSION: In April of 2007 the Fire Department applied for this grant asking for two separate detectors and was notified December 20, 2007 of the award. One piece of equipment is the Sirius Multigas Detector. This provides its users outstanding multifunctional capabilities by integrating a high -performance PID photoionization detector) sensor into a four -gas detector. Users are able to simultaneously monitor for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with low vapor pressures while measuring for combustible, toxic and oxygen -deficient atmospheres within one reliable, easy -to -use, durable unit. The other unit is the First Defender Chemical ID System. The First Defender handheld chemical identification system is the only lightweight, rugged handheld instrument for the immediate identification of unknown solids, liquids and mixtures even through the walls of their containers. The First Defender sets the standard for accuracy, applicability, durability, ruggedness and usability, far exceeding anything else available. Based on Ahura' s patented " optical engine" technology and turbo charged with Ahura' s mixture analysis software, the First Defender offers superior performance that is extremely easy to use. The First Defender is an all -optical system based on Raman spectroscopy. CADocuments and Settings\mdutton\My DocumentsTorms \Staff Report on accepting CEDAP Grant.doc RECOMMENDATION: This grant from the Department of Homeland Security provides for 100% of all costs associated with this equipment to include the training of our personnel on the detectors. Staff recommends Council authorize the City to receive the Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program grant. Reviewed and Concurred: Hold for discussion: Denied: C) OA L I J y e FOAan, City Manager Date Comments: C:\ Documents and Settings\mdutton\My Documents\Forms \Staff Report on accepting CEDAP Grant.doc  CITY COUNCIL MEETING January 8, 2008 Consent Agenda Consideration of a request to use CRA funds to purchase two lots at 110 and 112 Methodist Avenue for the construction of two Habitat for Humanity homes CDS Director) Council Action 1 St 2nd Vote: Agenda Item Number: 5  CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM Date: December 17, 2007 To: Joyce Shanahan, City Manager Through: Missy McKim, AICP, Director From: Christy R. Johnson, AICP Subject: Consider Reimbursement to Habitat for Humanity for the Purchase of Two Lots Located at 110 and 112 Methodist Avenue SE. Sufficient Funds are Available in Account 109- 2000 -552 -8100 ( CRA Grants and Aids) REQUEST: Nitsi Bennett, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Okaloosa County, requests Community Redevelopment Agency ( CRA) funds to reimburse, up to the appraised value, the purchase of two lots located at 110 and 112 Methodist Avenue SE. and to demolish the existing single family home. Funds are also requested to reimburse associated acquisition and demolition costs. BACKGROUND: Ms. Bennett has negotiated with a property owner, Norma Sledge, to purchase two lots at 110 and 112 Methodist Avenue for $ 160, 000. She is requesting CRA funs to reimburse up to the appraised value of $ 135, 000, plus cost ofappraisal, survey, title work, closing fees and demolition costs. The existing, older home on the property will be demolished to make way for the construction of two new Habitat homes. The home was built in 1955. Because of the home' s age, the Historic Sites and Structures Committee will review the request to demolish the structure per Chapter 12. 100 of the Code of Ordinances. DISCUSSION: The property is within the R -2 Multiple Family Dwelling Zoning District and within the MDR Medium Density Future Land Use Designation ( FLUM). The use of the property for single family dwellings is a permitted use in Section 12. 415. 01 ( 1) of the city' s land development code. Habitat will submit invoices to the CRA for reimbursement up to $ 175, 000. There are sufficient funds available in Account 109- 2000 -552 -8100 ( CRA Grants and Aids). A reimbursement to Habitat for Humanity is recommended because the organization has established a relationship with the property owner willing to sell the lots and is experienced in acquiring lots for this purpose. Donation to Habitat for Humanity Page 1 of 2 City Council 01 -08 -08 110 and 1112 Methodist Avenue CRA RECOMMENDATION: On December 5, 2007, the CRA Board of Commissioners recommended use of CRA funds to reimburse Habitat for Humanity up to $ 175, 000 for the acquisition of two lots located at 110 and 112 Methodist Avenue SE. and the demolition costs of the older home on the property. RECOMMENDATION: The City Council may consider, but is not limited to, the following staff recommendations: 1. Approve use of CRA funds, as recommended by the CRA Board, to reimburse Habitat for Humanity, up to $ 175, 000, for the purchase of two lots at 110 and 112 Methodist Avenue SE., up to the appraised value, and cost to demolish the existing home. 2. Approve use of CRA funds to Habitat for Humanity, up to $ 175, 000, for the purchase of two lots at 110 and 112 Methodist Avenue SE., up to the appraised value, and the demolition of the existing home with conditions. 3. Deny use of CRA funds, up to $ 175, 000, for the purchase of two lots at 110 and 112 Methodist Avenue SE. Staff recommends that the City Council approve the first recommendation. Submitted by: Approved by: Reviewed and Concu mne-- o ce Shanahan City Manager Attachments: i. Letter from Nitsi Bennett, dated October 16, 2007 ii. Okaloosa County Property Record Search iii. CRA Meeting Minutes, December 5, 2007 iv. Line Item Budget Transfer Request Form, December 11, 2007 Donation to Habitat for Humanity Page 2of 2 City Council 01 -08 -08 110 and 1112 Methodist Avenue  r Haw& blftat for Humanity> Builclir?g houses, building TO: City of Fort Walton Beach, CRA hope Board of 1); reclors FROM: Nitsi Bennett, President/ CEO Alm, i>ar% Chairman offhe Hoard DATE: October 16, 2007 Ned Uoue Vice G1';, irinall RE: Purchase of Norma J. Sledge property located at 110 Methodist 1 { elln, [ lou" to n Avenue, Fort Walton Beach, CRA Area c retard Requesting finance up to $ 175. 000.00 l rr i, urc: r Bruce Habitat for Humanity has been successful in securing property within the CRA area in Fort Walton Beach. The lots are owned by Ms. Norma Sledge. The r' hest air an- l, t Chairman- agreed price is $ 160,000 for the entire property which currently has an old Da0d Hubhard block home on two building lots. pry Hatige Ms. Sledge is accepting a letter for IRS purposes for the difference should the appraised value come out higher. If in the event the appraisal is lower, which is not likely, we will negotiate for a price reduction. Director Each lot will hold a single family home. Ms Sledge is aware that Habitat for Director Humanity will remove the existing structure on the property in preparation for the two new slabs which will house the new homeowners. We are currently kt)gcr Pk% i lro uir cr' r securing bids for the removal of the home and its adjoining structures, which I estimate to be approximately $ 10, 000. 00 Mike It is with sincere respect that I am appealing to the CRA Board for financial assistance in the purchase of these two lots. We will order an appraisal and a complete Title search as we do with all of other properties. I loom-or, Director We are currently building on the last of our two lots in Fort Walton Beach. Two families have qualified for those homes. We have one other family that is currently completing their sweat equity. This family will be place on the next Harbeson lot. Boeing Corporation has agreed to sponsor the home and we d. have scheduled a ground breaking ceremony on Tuesday October 23` As you are already aware, land in Fort Walton Beach is not only scarce but it is very expensive. Our Roal has always been to maintain the homes at an M our low income families a chance to afford a home for their family and assist them in becoming productive members of our community. We do not give hand outs, we give the families a " HAND UP" and the opportunity for home ownership. I believe that Habitat has assisted the City in creating healthy communities one house at a time. The pride of a Habitat homeowner is one that you will carry with you for the rest of your lives. I encourage each one of you to visit us during a home dedication. It is the experience of a life time. Thank you