Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 10-24-06 regular minutes — reading text

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA PURSUANT TO THE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 14. 65. 0035 TEMPORARY CLOSING OF STATE ROADS OTHER THAN LIMITED ACCESS FACILITIES, REQUIRING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY TO SUBMIT A RESOLUTION OR EXCERPTS OF MINUTES AUTHORIZING THE SPECIAL EVENT; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 1, The City Manager explained FDOT requested a current resolution from the City regarding the U temporary closing of state roads for special events. Mr. Patterson moved to adopt Res. 06- 32. Mr. Campbell seconded motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Patterson, Campbell, Tucker, Hartwell, and Minich in favor Pullen absent). HISTORIC SITES BOARD APPOINTMENT Consideration of appointment to the Historic Sites and Structures Advisory Board. Mr. Minich moved to reappoint Don Panzenhagen, 267 Ewing Court, Fort Walton Beach, to the Historic Sites and Structures Advisory Board for a four-year term until October 23, 2010. Mr. Holmes seconded motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Patterson, Campbell, Tucker, Hartwell, and Minich in favor (Pullen absent). MAYOR/COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Hartwell discussed the homeless situation and suggested a future workshop, especially as winter approaches, to address the homeless who are trying to better themselves and need an extra hand. The City Manager mentioned the homeless can be put in touch with one of the many organizations that provide help with first and last months rent, deposits for utilities; and the Coalition on the Homeless have a cold night shelter when the temperatures drop below 40 degrees to provide a place to sleep. She mentioned the Volunteer Florida initiative that is underway by the United Way to develop a resource for assistance. Mr. Tucker suggested Council start thinking about deeding a portion of the fairgrounds property to the Coalition on the Homeless organization as a place for a homeless shelter. The City Manager mentioned the vagrant task force discussed the homeless issue and noted it is a county- wide problem that will need county-wide resources and will need a collective effort county-wide to address the issue. Mr. Tucker addressed the " Spout Off' comment in the paper on October 16th that said Council owes the children an explanation as to why they will not have a County fair this year. Mr. Campbell thanked Beach Community Bank for sponsoring the Florida Government Week luncheon for the employees last week and thanked the staff for a wonderful program. Mr. Patterson mentioned the Beach Community Bank project is moving along very well. He agreed a workshop is needed to address the vagrant situation. He mentioned the growing insurance problems with insurance companies increasing rates and canceling homeowner policies and suggested homeowners contact their State and Federal legislators about the problems with the insurance companies. The Mayor mentioned there will be a Special Legislative Session the second week in December to address the insurance issues. Mr. Holmes thanked the city employees for the services they offer.  91 Regular Council 10/ 24/ 06 MAYOR/COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS The City Manager agreed something needs to be done with the insurance issue, especially the Coastal communities. She suggested a resolution be developed for Council to forward to the State and Federal governments that they step in to help resolve the issue. She noted the State has to put pressure on the insurance industry in Florida and the Federal government combined to achieve real reform and ensure that the residents have at least minimal coverage for their property . The Mayor mentioned that the Florida League of Cities and the Northwest Florida League of Cities have an initiative to put pressure on the representatives to address the insurance issue. The Mayor further mentioned that, along with insurance, the State is looking at property tax reform. He noted the Northwest Florida League of Cities priorities handed out is for information. He mentioned the Seabreeze Neighborhood is organizing a neighborhood association and commended Mr. Bubis on his hard work as a neighborhood coordinator. CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS The City Manager mentioned Ted Corcoran would like to say a few words. Ted Corcoran, Chamber of Commerce, commented on the vagrant issue and stated the City staff and Police Chief are doing an excellent job in organizing churches, non- profits, and citizens have organized the groups, and he is proud of the progress being made. He mentioned they historic downtown Fort Walton Beach community and there will be changes, including this s first function, Trick Treating from 3: 00 - 5: 00 with all stores in the Saturday' organized or historic downtown participating. He thanked Jim Frazier with his help on the recent golf tournament. The City Manager mentioned a Vagrancy Task Force meetin~ that identified issues and concerns and solutions and they will meet again on November 13t to address the issues. She mentioned the vagrancy problem has improved downtown but they are now moving toward Uptown Station. The City Manager mentioned an issue has come up on the Alarm Ordinance adopted in April and now being implemented by the Police Department staff. She reported the issue of an annual inspection fee required for those who have an alarm will be revisited as they received a number of from the community about the requirement to register and the $ 50. 00 fee. complaints The City Manager announced the Craft and Collectible Show on October 28th from 9: 00 - 3: 00, and the Doll Show on November 18th from 9: 00 - 3: 00 being hosted by the Creative Senior Center; the fall carnival at Chester Pruitt on Halloween night from 6: 00 - 8: 00; the Charity Golf Tournament hosted by the City on November 4th with the proceeds to go to the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. She congratulated Charles Smith, Heating and Cooling Dolphins, who won the City' s 5- 8 year old flag football championship last week. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8: 55 p. m. APPROVED: ~:; MAYOR: ~- r.: l~ ATTEST: CITY CLERK IJh ti ~ Ive