Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 05-26-1998 Regular — reading text

Ken Schubert, 12 Sherwood Road, discussed the importance of retaining the historical Landing. He stated if aspects of the it is designated a park, the area would be eligible for matching grant monies from several sources for park improvements. Mr. Schubert distributed a draft resolution designating the Landing a park which he encouraged Council to adopt. Chuck Collins, 373 Canterbury Circle, stressed the importance of Council' s decision regarding the Landing as benefitting the majority of the residents of the City. Jean Schultz, 312 Briarwood Circle, voiced her reasons why the Landing should be designated a park. Zoie Campbell, Fort Walton Beach Art Museum, stated the Landing is good for the Art Museum as it brings in money from the Seafood Festival in which art can be purchased for the City, and wants it kept as a park so other organizations can benefit it. Council stressed the importance of goi.ng through the proper channels in designating it a park li~;, c..t::' many factors must be considered, including how future development, if any, will be affected; which City department would maintain and fund it; and whether it should be designated as public lands or a park. Council expressed the feeling that by going through the proper format and not making hasty decisions regarding the designation, they are doing what is in the best interest of the people. The Mayor stated it was never the intention to have the park limited in its use, and by designating it a community park activities would continue as they are now. She also advised that the money to maintain it would come from the taxpayers, no matter which City department maintained it, and of the option putting in for grants would be enhanced if it were designated a community park.  5/ 26/ 98 115 LANDING ( CONT) Council remarked if the designation is worded carefully, a broad base exists obtaining grants for the site. for Designating it a community park may not be in the best interest of the City at this time since it would limit the use of the facility, thus narrowing the type of grants it could receive. Ken Schubert, 12 Sherwood Road, stated the property is used as a park and cannot understand why it is not designated as such. He also questioned the preferred way to handle this type of I administrative of The the this Mayor type citizens are matter, by and the City Attorney explained actions resolution. she appreciates Council hearing the desire of stated designate the Landing as a community park, and to appreciates Council moving forward to resolve the issue. Consensus of COuncil is to direct staff to come back in 60 days with some definitive guidelines and directives to put before Council for discussion and consideration to bring closure to this matter. SPRAYFIELD LEASE Mr. Covey moved to authorize the City Manager to enter into a lease agreement between Sydney Hollington and the City of Fort Walton Beach for hay operations at the Wastewater Treatment Plant Sprayfield. Motion was seconded by Mr. Kelley. Council was informed the individual who currently provides these services did not ask for an extension to the lease agreement; the lease with the Air Force for sub- leasing the field for harvesting is anticipated to be renewed in 1999; and that a six- week written notice of termination exists with Mr. Hollington should the agreement need to be terminated. The Mayor called for the vote on the motion and it carried unanimously with Carnathan, Dowling, Gibson, Covey, Kelley, and COllins in favor ( Campbell absent). RES. 98- 9 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, ON BEHALF OF THE CITY SIGNAL AGREEMENT OF FORT WALTON BEACH, TO EXECUTE THE SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION AND HUGHES AND BEAL SIGNAL SYSTEM AGREEMENT OF NOVEMBER 8, 1978, ORDER NUMBER II. THIS AGREEMENT PROVIDES FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF A NEW TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT HUGHES STREET AND BEAL PARKWAY. The city Attorney read the resolution by title only. Council expressed concern that the request for the light did not originate within the City or the MPO, that the City has not been I privileged to results of a traffic study, and that Staff has not received services. intersection, no but the anything Council agreement to provide maintenance agreed the need for a light does exist at the but questioned the procedure stating the City had say at how the light would be structured. The Public Works Director stated he will contact the DOT and obtain a more defined schematics and request the results of the traffic study at that particular intersection.  6/ 98 115() SIGNAL AGREEMENT Consensus of Council was to direct staff to obtain a drawing CONT) schematics for the light and request a copy of the traffic study for the light at that intersection. Also, find out if the MPO must approve the light and who requested it, and bring information back to Council for further discussion. RES. 98- 8 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, ON BEHALF OF THE CITY MEDIAN OF FORT WALTON BEACH, TO EXECUTE A MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT BETWEEN MAINTENANCE THE CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH AND THE STATE OF FLORIDA, SETTING AGREEMENT FORTH MAINTENANCE PROVISIONS, PROVIDING THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. The City Attorney