Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 01-14-14--regular — reading text

of July, which this year would be July 8 and July 22. The City Manager requested Council discuss and approve a Regular Meeting schedule for the 2014 calendar year, with the understanding a Special Meeting can be scheduled at any time during these months if the need arises. Dr. gossom moved to approve the 2014 City Council Regular Meeting Calendar as follows: cancel the meetings of May 27, July 8 and 22, November 11 and 25, and December 23, 2014; and schedule a meeting for the third Tuesday in November, on November 18, 2014, with the understanding a special meeting can be called if the need arises. Ms. Jamieson bccuiiueu illuuun and it carried unanimous RESULT: APPROVED [ UNANIMOUS] MOVER: joyce gossom, Council Seat 2 SECONDER: Amy Jamieson, Council Seat 5 AYES: Griggs, gossom, Mead, Jamieson, Rigdon, Rynearson Discussion to Fill Vacancy for City Council Seat 4 The City Manager informed Council Seat 4, previously held by Trey Goodwin, became officially vacant on January 3, 2014, when Mr. Goodwin's address on his voter registration changed as he moved outside of the City and could no longer serve on Council. According to the City Charter, all vacancies which occur on the Council or in the office of the Mayor shall be filled by majority vote of the Council until the next City election, which will be in March of 2015. The City Manager continued the announcement of the vacancy will occur at tonight's meeting; then nominations shall be submitted by Council at the next two regular City Council meetings, which will occur on January 28, 2014 and February 11, 2014. Interested citizens are asked to submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk until February 11, 2014. City Council members may nominate any citizen who resides within the City limits and a letter of interest is not required to be considered for nomination. Council discussion included the various selection processes including a process of elimination or a ranking process. 2014 NWFLC Legislative Session Advocate Team The City Manager discussed the 2014 Northwest Florida League of Cities ( NWFLOC) Legislative Session Advocate Session and noted several members of Council had already signed up. The session will run from February through May in Tallahassee and the NWFLOC covers expenses for hotel, mileage, and meals for each trip. The City Manager requested any Councilmember who is interested to sign up to discuss the 2014 Legislative Priorities which are Water Quality and quantity Issues; Infrastructure Funding; Economic Development; and Beach Preservation and Restoration. C i y council of Port Walton Beach Page 8 Printed 111612014  65 Regular Meeting Minutes January 14, 2014 CITY MANAGER REPORTS International Aerospace Industry Forum Debrief The City Manager reported that the International Aerospace Industry Forum that he attended in Germany with the Economic Development Council and other community representatives was an eye- opening experience. He reported air bus opportunities for the area are high; however, it may be 3 -5 years for the process, with the first plane anticipated to be ready in mid 2016. Downtown Business & Entertainment District Public Workshop The City Manager reminded everyone of the upcoming workshop on January 22, 2014, to discuss the proposed Downtown Business and Entertainment District ordinance. The workshop will be held from 5: 30 pm to 7: 30 pm at the Municipal Auditorium and downtown merchants and residents have been invited. The City Manager noted Council can attend the workshop as spectators. Surplus Property Update The City Manager reported the appraisals have been completed on the surplus properties, all have been listed for sale and signage should be on each property by the end of the week. An update on the progress will be placed on the January 28, 2014 agenda and a representative from NBI Properties will be present. Employee Pension Plan Special Meeting The City Manager advised a Special Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at 4 pm to discuss the General Employee Pension Plan. Recommendations will be provided from the actuary, plan administrator, and the financial advisor. City Charter Review The City Manager and City Attorney provided information regarding conducting a City Charter review. The City Attorney explained any revisions in the language of the Charter would be done via an ordinance, which requires two readings, and would need to be done in the August/ September time frame to ensure inclusion on the March 2015 ballot as a referendum. The City Manager informed public workshops need to be established, and he is looking at conducting the first workshop sometime in April. Council was asked to provide any input on Charter revisions to the City Manager for future discussion. The City Attorney also advised he will provide a pending litigation list to Council on or before the January 28 meeting. VIAYOR/ COUNCIL COMMENTS Dr. gossom thanked Council for their donations for the family at Christmas, and recognized the community for their support of those less fortunate. Mr. Rigdon expressed concerns over the bridge issue and feels that DOT needs to relay their plans to the public. City Council of Fort Walton Beach Page 9 Printed 111612014 66 Regular Meeting Minutes January 14, 2014 Mr. Rynearson encouraged citizens to take a ride along Carson Drive and view the new Soundside Development. Mr. Rynearson stated it is a beautiful development and a great improvement on what was there previously. The Mayor wanted to thank the City for participating and supporting area events; stated he attended the Winter Guest Fest and noted the great display from the Heritage Park and Cultural Center; and announced the Okaloosa County League of Cities Dinner being hosted by the City on Thursday, January 23 at Two Trees. Networking will begin at 6 with the dinner at 6: 30 pm, and Skip Foster, publisher of the Daily News, will be the speaker. Committee Update - Okaloosa Gas Board Mr. Rigdon advised the Gas Board now has five members with an appointment made by the County. Committee Update - Tourist Development Council Mr. Rigdon stated the TDC is looking forward to working with their new manager. Committee Update - Okaloosa Housing Partners Ms. Jamieson advised the Okaloosa Housing Partners Housing Committee received a sizeable grant which will be used within the Housing Community Board. Committee Update - Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board The Mayor stated he attended his last Chamber meeting as a board member and he attended the Chamber' s Inaugural Ball, where the City Manager was honored for his support of the community. Committee Update - Okaloosa County Head Start Board of Directors There was no meeting for the Head Start Board in December. Committee Update - West Florida Regional Planning Council Mr. Griggs informed the WFRPC approved their budget of $ 4, 000, 000.00 and they have 108, 000. 00 for brownfields. He also informed that next month, the WFRPC will be sending resolutions to the cities for the 50th anniversary of the WFRPC. Mr. Griggs stated he attended a one -day retreat in Tallahassee to discuss the WRPC' s concern regarding the Governor' s disapproval of the WFRPC for budget the past three years. The WFRPC is urging members appointed by the Governor to get involved and put pressure on the Governor to support the budget for the WFRPC. ADJOURNMENT: 8: 23 pm Approved: Mayor: Attest* City Clerk t. uy t- ouncu or Port watton Beach Page 10 Printed 111612014