Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 01-09-07 workshop minutes — reading text

they fail to register there is a $ 100.00 once they are notified and retain all other fee provisions in the ordinance. charge It was questioned why the Police Department would need information on all residents that have an alarm system as it seemed to be more work for the police department when it should be the responsibility of the alarm company to provide the contact information when Department about an alarm. The Police Chief explained because of the they notify the Police nature of police work they have automatic number indexing, automatic locator indexing on their telephone systems that has information about the people at the addresses in their computer banks for dispatch, but to have contact information in the event they are not at the home or the business is helpful so it would not tie up an officer at an unsecured location. He further mentioned that people were upset when the registration fee was initiated, so they have secured those who have should Council act favorably on the already paid so it can be refunded suggestion, and for those who have not registered they were asked to hold it and they would be notified once Council decides on the proposed revisions. The City Attomey was asked whether it would be easier to rescind the ordinance and start over or to make revisions. The City Attomey commented ideas have been discussed and with this size amendments are made to those any legislation provisions that are not working because there are provisions that are satisfactory. She suggested they look at the many what they have. parts that are not working and amend It was agreed staff should take a comprehensive look at the ordinance and bring back recommended changes that need to be made. BROOKS BRIDGE PARKING LOT PROJECT Discussion on Brooks Bridge lot parking project. Tom Murray, Public Works Director, noted the project has been in the works since FY 04/ 05 to construct a parking lot under the Brooks Bridge area on the north side of Brooks Street. He pointed out the most feasible layout involves incorporating parking by Pat' s Bait and Tackle, and the parking lot for that commercial business is on State property right- of-way. He said in order to make a feasible parking lot they would have to reconfigure the parking lot and the net He wished to seek Council's gain is only 11 parking spaces. guidance on whether they wish to place this on a regular further discussion, which staff recommends be done agenda for with the objective for the r explained the reason is they found a feasible layout but it is an canceling project. He small benefit. He noted the break down of the extremely costly project for a very cost issues for the project as well as the issues on property ownership, access, the number of parking spaces, the cost per parking space, safety, utilities conflicts, and drainage. He said the City currently has $ 83, 500 available for the project but staff feels that could be better utilized elsewhere within the CRA area. The City Manager confirmed she reviewed and concurred with the staff recommendation. It was commented there is a parking problem downtown and a parking study is being done, and it was questioned why staff would recommend the project not go forward. The City Manager stated from staff perspective that even if the additional 19, or net 11, spaces were added that underutilized as they are not within the direct they would be sorely pattem of traffic flow in the downtown. 144 Council Workshop 1- 9- 07 BROOKS BRIDGE PARKING LOT PROJECT cont. The Public Works Director noted the original project projection was for 25- 30 stalls, not for a net gain of 11, so the net cost has gone up. Mr. Patterson commented the City may lose parking spaces in the center of downtown and thought any parking spaces they can get would be utilized during events. He felt $ 9, 000 per space was a bargain. Mr. Minich expressed if the spaces are not going to be utilized and the money could be used J somewhere else, it should be considered. Mr. Holmes questioned how often the parking under the bridge is at full capacity. Mr. Minich answered it is very rare that parking is at full capacity, except for special events. Mr. Holmes commented if the money is spent for a once, twice or three times a year event that maybe it is not in the best place to concentrate parking efforts at this point. He noted the City is in the middle of a parking study and they should get through that and see VIkIere they are going with that. Mr. Campbell expressed his belief that people would not walk that far, and he would not be in favor of the project for parking for a couple of events during the year. It was suggested Council wait to hear from the parking study before making a decision. The City Manager commented, based on what was heard, that staff will not do any more action on this particular CIP but after the parking study comes back then Council will have a better idea where the study says the money should be spent. She mentioned the CRA has different plans for the funds and that will come before Council at a future meeting. PROPERTY APPRAISAL The City Manager mentioned Council will find in their boxes one of two appraisals received on the property at 1958 Lewis Turner Boulevard. She will discuss the fees with the County and lease fees have been received for the discussion with the Fair Association and the on-going negotiation. FLAG POLE HEIGHT Mr. Tucker mentioned the email received about Jay Odom' s request to put up a 170' flag pole was denied. He would like to see a 170' flag pole downtown with an American flag flying and commented had he known a flag pole was a structure and had known someone may want to put up a flag pole higher than 70' feet, he may not have voted for the height limit. The City Manager mentioned that Mr. Odom was asked if he would consider anything less than 170' and he responded no. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, the meeting adjoumed at 6: 35 p. m. jtz: 1:Z i~............. t A71ST: J7lH\ f ~ CITY CLERK ddm