Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 02-26-1996 Special — reading text

MIRUTBS OF THE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING 173 OF THE CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 26, 1996 INTRODUCTION A special meeting the City Council of Fort Walton Beach, of Florida, was Tuesday, February 26, held on 1996, at 5: 30 p. m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, with the following members present: Mayor Larry Trenary I Councilmen: Clay Bob James Chris Carnathan campbell Watson Gibson Dean Covey Jim Murtha Cissy Wyninegar Also Present: Reid Silverboard, City Manager; Helen Spencer, City Clerk; Lamar Conerly for Jerry Miller, City Attorney; Gail Abraham, Finance Director; Department Directors; Media CALL TO ORDER The Mayor the meeting to order for the purpose of called discussing methodology for disposal of surplus City the properties for residential development, discussion of exclusive listings from area realtors, consideration of establishing criteria for focus groups in neighborhoods, and consideration of establishing a perpetual fund for enhancement or upkeep of developed properties for public use. He requested anyone who wished to address Council to approach the podium after being recognized, then state their name and address for the record. SURPLUS PROPERTY Mr. James Middleton, 322 Lake Drive, expressed concern that the parcel on Lake Drive was a wetland, and stated he represented a group of citizens on Lake Drive who would like to work with Council on suggestions regarding the parcel of land. Dr. Wayne Pullen, 324 Lake Drive, reported he checked the county records and that area, according to the county, has been designated as a lake. Dr. Pullen also reported that the land is very low and could be declared a wetlands. Discussion included residents' understanding of the City' s position in maintaining the property, and whether residents would be willing to maintain or purchase the property. I Nancy Carmichael- Klein, 215 Texas Street, speaking for her parents whose home is next to a parcel on Hughes Street, expressed concern private development that the land is often flooded could make the and problem worse. The Mayor asked if there was any discussion from Council on the methodology for disposal of surplus City properties for residential development. 174 2/ 26/ 96 METHODOLOGY FOR Discussion ensued regarding keeping the land in the City DISPOSAL OF and having the Beautification Committee or other volunteers PROPERTY maintain it; looking at each piece of and property selling it on an individual basis; and having Council tour the property that can be built on, make it available for sale, and involve volunteers from committees such as Beautification and Vision Stewardship to be on a citizens committee to discuss how to make the best use of the property. Another suggestion was to separate lots that already are developed and platted from those where development work needs to be done, and determine separate process to work a with the citizens and staff on those parcels. It was also suggested that any money generated from the sale of property should be put in a perpetual trust fund and use the interest to enhance existing parks and park maintenance. COMBS MANOR Discussion was held regarding the Combs Manor Court parcel and whether any plans are known to develop a playground area. It was noted that if the property is sold, no City- owned property will be left in that area for that purpose. The City Manager stated if the parcel is sold and a playground area is deemed feasible, a joint use agreement could be worked out with the school board since that area consists of city and county property. LISTINGS FROM Council questioned whether the sale of properties could be AREA REALTORS handled through the Purchasing Department without going out for RFP' s, whereby the property for sale would be posted, sealed bids would be received on a certain date, and it would be made public knowledge that not less than a certain amount will be accepted. The City Manager stated that is done now, only sales are handled through the City Clerk' s office instead of the Purchasing Department. He explained that an appraisal is obtained and that is used as a guideline for a fair market value. Bids are then asked for using two or three different methods. The thought in selling the properties in question was that one entity could handle all the properties, rather than having separate packages. Lamar Conerly stated that under City ordinance, each the property has to be advertised and abutting land owners have to be notified, and even if properties are offered as a package, Council would still have to consider each one individually. DEED Dr. Wayne Pullen, 324 Lake Drive, questioned whether the RESTRICTIONS City can decide to develop a property if the plat says it is a lake or wetlands. explained that if a Mr. Conerly deed gives a metes and bounds description, that is what is owned and an owner can develop it however he likes. However, if property is categorized as a wetlands, that could be an issue that would have to be looked at.