Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 06-24-2000 Special — reading text

277 l.; " .' W ~-;;"'~~ r:~""""'~ f"'--"'''';?~~ li1 L.:,~,,,,,';' : J,!~ i;::;"~ A Special Meeting of the City Council of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, was held during a Council Retreat with the Vision Stewardship Committee on Saturday, June 24, 2000, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Senior Citizen Center, 31 Memorial Parkway, with the following present I Mayor Glenda Glover Councilmen: Clay Janet Baggett, Jim Tucker, Dean Covey, Chuck Kelley, and Margie Collins Carnathan,. Absent: Jim Dowling Vision Stewardship Committee: Susan Myers, Chairman; Eric Davis, citizen; Blinn Van Mater, CRA; Grace Brown, MPB; Charlene Greenwald, Beautification; Allan Stearns, citizen Facilitator: Dr. Herb Marlowe, Jr., Ph.D. Also Present: Reid Silverboard, City Manager; Helen Spencer, City Clerk; Joyce Shanahan, Finance Director; Missy McKim, CDS Director; Phillip Green. Fire Chief; Mark Van Hala, Public Works Director; Len Mitchell, Long Range Planning Manager, Mark Richard, GoH Club Administrator; Gene Peters, Parks and Recreation Director; Mark Wiltsie, Human Resource Director; Steve Hogue, Police Chief; Mike Tatum, Purchasing Director; Dominick Fiorentino, MIS Director; Carrie Wurdeman, Public Information Officer General Public: Mike Anderson. Jerry Coker, Sharon Trenary, Chris Gibson, Perry Lord, Pat Balanzatigue, Mike Francisco r.. 1Ir"] t'~i": ",..,-~...,....., The Mayor called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. Susan Myers, Chairman of the Vision Stewardship Committee, discussed the goals of the Vision Plan for the next five years. The City Manager gave a brief overview on the accomplishments of the Vision Plan the past several years, and explained the purpose of the visioning process is to reach a consensus of what the citizens want the community to do. Dr. Marlowe explained the events that will take pJace during the day, and asked everyone to mention topics they would like to discuss today, including the importance of Eglin and Hurlburt to the community; downtown redevelopment; water quality; Around the Mound; annexation/ unification; city/ county cooperation; water; culture/ library, youth programs; public facilities including infrastructure, energy, acquisition of Sound property; and historic preservation. I The meeting recessed at 9:15 a. m. W.'!.'~ T''''''''"''''''' u~ The meeting reconvened at 9:30 a.m. 278 ~~ IGROUPDIS€USSIQNSf At this time, Dr. Marlowe advised he would like the group to break into sub-groups to address their ideas on the following, keeping the overall goals of the Vision Plan in mind: 1) Projects/ Programs to continue; 2) Projects/ Programs to revise; 3) New Projects; 4) Communication. Group One shared their ideas generated from discussion on the four points. Discussion on projects to continue included recognizing the history as part of the Vision Plan; identifying historic sites throughout the city; and continuing with archeological investigations. Projects to revise included better information on board/ committee activities; changing the attitude about the historic significance of the City and downtown; maintaining existing street patterns by not allowing the vacation of streets or alleys. New projects discussed included adopting a realistic archaeological ordinance; a museum with archival information; and the creation of a slogan for the City. For the Communication plan, discussion included a contest to select a slogan, placing historical fact articles in the Beach Bits; and using the web site to explain history of the city. Group Two shared their ideas generated from discussion on the four points. Discussion on projects to continue included monitoring a potable water source and continuing conservation efforts. Projects to revise included improving conservation efforts and consider a change in the sewer treatment methodology. New projects included the addition of storm water retention; upgrading of potable water treatment and storage systems. For the communication plan, ideas included expanding the Beach Bits. Group Three shared their ideas generated from discussion on the four points. Discussion on projects to continue included sustaining performing arts and youth programs and maintaining the current level of library services. Projects to revise included expanding the library; improving social programs for teens; and expanding cultural programs in the City. New programs included a multi-purpose library branch in the area of the golf course and enhancing parking for boats and trailers at City parks. For the communication plan, the group felt it was important to get the word out to the public as to what the issues are by having neighborhood meetings. Group Four shared their ideas generated from discussion on the four points. Discussion on projects to continue included the police/ fire and library projects; the Landing Park project; water and sewer structure projects and stormwater runoff. Projects to revise included the library project as to the location. New programs include a water reuse project and the paving of streets. Group Five shared their ideas generated from discussion on the four points. Discussion on projects to continue included the encouragement of annexation among neighboring communities; revising regulations to ordinances to become developer friendly; and to consider redirecting funding to the Chamber to promote living in Fort Walton Beach through brochures, etc. New projects discussed included educating neighboring communities on the advantages of being a part of the city, and a communication plan included promoting Fort Walton Beach as a good place to live. Following the reports, the five groups discussed such issues as transportation; neighborhoods; zoning and codes; economic development and medical services in the area. Dr. Marlowe thanked everyone who participated in the retreat, and asked Mayor and Council to give their thoughts on the day. Mrs. Myers also thanked everyone who attended and stated she felt the retreat was productive and well received. J""..'.'..'' i.''.....'.... The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:06 p.rn. The meeting reconvened at 12:35 p.m. The Vision Stewardship Committee portion of the meeting was completed. Members of the Committee and public departed the meeting.  6- 24- 00 279 The Mayor and City Council, City Manager, Finance Director, City Clerk, and Department Directors remained to discuss various issues. Dr. Marlowe asked Mayor and COWlCil to share their thoughts as to how they feel the city government is going and to address any issues they would like to address in the future. Topics Council discussed included the role of the CRA within the city; impact fees to be looked at as a way to provide better services in the future; the importance of the neighborhood programs and public input; educating the public on issues; communication as an important part of Council; the need for Council to maintain the positive impact being made; and the need for the City and County to work together. I Dr. Marlowe felt the discussion among Council was beneficial and suggested they meet a couple of times a year to discuss issues. Further discussion regarded the issue of prayer at Council meetings, the status of water usage in the City, and the administration of a program for children to use the fishing pier on the island. V' GY;~ i~'~-;:' ff~~' i! i1<~,"' i~#1<."'_;~ There being no further business, the retreat adjourned at 2:30 p.m. MAYO: C CLERK I