Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 08-22-06 regular minutes — reading text

they do get a favorable market and are not there, then do not give them any leeway. The City Manager commented she has been in close contact with Mr. Cole over the issue, and they will stay on top of the issue. She said if something changes appreciably between now and then, come to Council with a they will recommendation in the interim. In response to the question on what other municipalities have done, Mr. Cole responded most have stayed the course, but there have been Manager changes here and there; but it is a minor issue. He stated this is the time when part of the staying the course, from a big picture perspective, is probably the most important. r In response to the question on whether other municipalities decided to pull out of the Pension Plans, Mr. Cole replied he did not know of any that they work with, but there are government public plans that are thinking they do not want a defined benefit plan any longer, a typical pension plan, and want to go more for a 401 K option or the employee contribute more. He said his company has not worked with any, but he thought there are some plans that offer one or the other and allow the employees to choose, and those kinds of options can be discussed with the Actuary. This was an information only item for Council and required no action. 18 Regular Council 8- 22- 06 NORTHWEST FLORIDA FAIRGROUNDS Discussion regarding request from the Northwest Florida Fair Association regarding the use and or purchase of the Fairgrounds property. The Mayor advised that Mr. Campbell requested permission to speak on this item. Mr. Campbell moved to request the Northwest Florida Fair Association present an abandonment plan in accordance with the terms of the License Agreement before any other deliberation I" ".,.,." . . j'."'.",......"' by this 1,:."' Council. Mr. Tucker seconded motion. 1 i i l' Mr. Campbell explained the subject of the I Fairgrounds has been discussed and voted on previously by Council, and it is his feeling that instead of addressing the additional issues requested by the Fair Association, he would like to know if Council is ready to move forward and not discuss the issue any longer. Mr. Minich conferred with the City Attomey, who advised the motion is not out of line. Mr. Minich stated he found it interesting that a motion was made before any public input was given, and does not feel it is a good motion. He expressed the need to discuss the issues so they can be incorporated into an abandonment plan if necessary. Dr. Pullen expressed concern that Council had previously given their word to Congressman Miller regarding retaining the Fair Association on the property if the City purchased it, and it was his that Council went back on their word. Dr. Pullen stated he felt the Fair Association should feeling be given an honest chance, even if the contract had to be redone, and that the citizens have a right to a reasonable retum on the fairgrounds. Dr. Pullen stressed that the City gave their word and felt the termination was of the spur moment. Mr. Patterson agreed that six- months ago the Council gave the Fair Association their word on a three- year contract, and felt that the Council \\ ent back on their word. Mr. Patterson agreed the City should fulfill their contract with the Fair Association and give them 12 months before the termination date, to give them time to get their affairs in order regarding the buildings located on the property. Mr. Hartwell stated the City is abiding by the terms of the license agreement and that the Fair Association signed the contract knowing of the provisions of termination. He noted that the world is changing and the City needs to look ahead as to the best use ofthe fairgrounds property. Mr. Minich expressed his displeasure that concerned citizens are not being given an opportunity to speak, and feels that the Council is taking an easyway out. Mr. Holmes commented that the Council is acting responsibly in considering the motion, and that he is making his decision on information leamed after the signing of the license agreement in December of 2005. He respectfully disagreed with the comments made by Mr. Minich. Mr. Campbell received confirmation from the City Attomey that a letter was sent to the Fair Association on July 14, 2006, in reference to the termination of the license agreement and the I, request for an I i abandonment plan, and as of this date the Fair Association has not made any plans to abandon anything at the fairgrounds. Mr. Tucker commented that his concem is what is in the best interest of the citizens of the Walton Beach financially, and City of Fort though it was a difficult decision, he felt the City should move forward with the abandonment plan, and \Nill vote to support the motion.  19 Regular Council 8- 22- 06 FAIRGROUNDS ( CONT) The Mayor requested the status of the RFP on the Fairgrounds Master Plan. that the City received the The City Manager replied proposals a week ago today, and Staff is in the process of She plans to come before Council the second meeting of September with a evaluating them. contract for the request for an award of the conceptual plan. Mr. Hartwell received acknowledgement from the City Attorney that since a motion was made and seconded, public input is foreclosed; therefore, the lack of public input should not be an future discussions. Also discussed was issue now or in whether the item was the City Attorney advised that it was. actually considered an agenda item, and v Mr. Patterson expressed his dismay with the speed in which the termination of the license is He stated very little has being done. changed in the six months since the contract was negotiated, and the hurry to get the Fair Association off questioned that piece of property. He was advised that financially, the City receives little profits from fair proceeds. Mr. Patterson countered that if the Fair Association leaves and nothing replaces it for the next three years, the City will receive no revenue at all. The Mayor reminded Council that the letter sent to the Fair Association in abandonment plan, and that is the intent of Mr. July requested an