Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 07-06-1993 Regular — reading text

SWAT team at work and commended their professionalism. The Mayor commented on the enjoyment of the people who attended the obvious fireworks display and thought the City of Fort Walton Beach deserved a round of applause. Mr. Nicholson noted he received notification that Fire Chief Oblak intends to retire effective July 16th. and commented on his professionalism and inspiration to many people. He relayed an incident when Chief Oblak was instrumental in the young future of a man. and felt that was above and beyond the duties of a fireman. He thanked Chief Oblak for his service. The Mayor added his thanks and best wishes to Chief Oblak.  7- 6- 93 131 TENTATIVE MILLAGE Mr. Murtha moved to set the tentative millage rate for RATE FOR FY 93/ 94 Fiscal Year 1993/ 94 at 6. 00 mills. Motion was seconded by Mrs. Myers and carried by a vote of 5 to 1. with Nicholson. Murtha. and Wyninegar in Campbell. Myers. favor. and Gibson opposed ( Covey absent). Mrs. Wyninegar moved to set the public hearings on the proposed Fiscal Year 1993/ 94 budget for September 14. 1993 at 5 : 30 p. m. I 1993 at 5: 30 p. m.. and September 28. Motion was seconded by Mr. Nicholson and carried unanmously with Nicholson. Campbell. Myers. Gibson. Murtha. and Wyninegar in favor ( Covey absent). HOUSING AUTHORITY Eliza McKinley resigned as tenant commissioner on the APPOINTMENT Housing Authority Board leaving an unexpired term until 4- 12- 97. The Mayor pointed out the application from one qualified applicant, Doris Stacks, 51 Buchannan Court. Mrs. Wyninegar nominated Doris Stacks, 51 Buchannan Court. As there were no further nominations. the Mayor called for the vote on the nomination to appoint Doris Stacks. 51 Buchannan Court. to serve as the tenant commissioner on Housing Authority Board for the unexpired term the until 4- 12- 97. and it carried unanimously with Nicholson. Campbell. Myers. Gibson. Murtha. andWyninegar in favor Covey absent>. READY AVENUE Discussion of proceeding with lien foreclosures relative ASSESSMENTS to improvements to Ready Avenue in the Fort Walton Beach Industrial Park. Ms. Troell reported the City Attorney has taken all the steps at this point to demand payment from all the parcel owners who have not paid. and there are four that may be contested. She said the City Attorney is looking for authority to move forward to develop their factual basis for the assessments. and they need to go forward with appraisals on those four parcels of property. Some discussion ensued with questions raised on possible actions the City could take in the future; options on the assessments of the developed land to pay now or, if undeveloped. when it is developed; and to have something in writing with an estimate on what it will cost the City to proceed. I Mr. Avenue was Nicholson with lien in seconded moved foreclosures to table relative the Fort Walton Beach Industrial by Mrs. discussion to Wyninegar and carried unanimously of proceeding improvements to Ready Park. Motion with Nicholson. Campbell. Myers. Gibson. Murtha. and Wyninegar in favor ( Covey absent>. FOP LEASE The City Manager recalled Council discussed renewal of the lease agreement Range and authorized him for the FOP to enter into a six month extension to give them a chance to review some of the concerns staff had about continuing the firing range. 132 7- 6- 93 FOP LEASE ( CONT.) The City Manager said they received a letter from one of the property owners in that area who brought to their attention the fact that somestray shots had hit their building or had fallen within their property. They also heard some shots were hitting another building in the area. The Planning staff and Police Department went out there to look around and did survey of surrounding land a uses within a quarter or one- half a mile. It is staff' s conclusion that they should not renew the lease for that location. He said the area is too developed now and it is too much of a safety hazard. Mrs. Wyninegar moved to direct the City Manager to execute closure of the FOP Range as soon as possible due to public health. safety and welfare hazards concomitant with the present use. Motion was seconded by Mrs. Myers. Discussion surrounded the question of another possible location for the use of the range. Laurie Secretary/ Treasurer for FOP and a member Martin, of the FWB Police Department. said they have NRA sanctioned home safety classes open to the public. and they also have range matches. Robbie Harris, chief NRA Instructor, listed the reasons they believe they have a safe range and the precautions they have taken. He requested Council to give them more time to discuss this with other parties to see if they can bring it in line in some way. Steven Hill. Acting Range Officer. requested Council to consider that the Range does function as a part of the community. and to allow them to continue with the six month extension to give them time to find an alternative. Raymond Williams, 553 Panama Drive, Range Officer, defended the