Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 11-22-05 Workshop — reading text

MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING 35 OF THE CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 22, 2005 INTRODUCTION A Council Workshop Meeting of the City Council of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, was held on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at 5: 30 p. m. with the following members present: Mayor Mike Anderson Councilmen: Mike Holmes, Bill Patterson, Bob Campbell, Jim Tucker, Dr. Wayne Pullen, Jim Hartwell, and Mike Minich Also Present: Joyce Shanahan, City Manager; Helen Spencer, City Clerk; Mike Burton, Finance Director; Toni Craig, City Attorney; and Department Directors. CALL TO ORDER The Mayor called the meeting to order. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Mayor led in the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENTATION- EGLIN ENCROACHMENT COMMITTEE Presentation by Robert Arnold, Chairman of Eglin Air Force Base Encroachment Committee. Robert ( Bob) Arnold, Chairman of the Eglin Mission Enhancement Committee, outlined the new process for enhancing the Air Force mission at Eglin Air Force Base, as well as the strategies to enhance range capabilities to support future mission requirements at Eglin. Mr. Arnold began by discussing the historical perspective of the area. He discussed mission growth, the decline of citizens affiliated with the military and the need to continue to educate the public on Eglin' s mission, and the pending decision by BRAC and how those decisions will affect the area. Mr. Arnold advised the personnel at Eglin will continue to increase in the coming years by about 3,400 permanent and 1, 500 students/ reservists, creating a favorable economic impact in Okaloosa County. Because of this impending growth and the increased community requests, Eglin developed a new mission enhancement process that will assist the community and ensure the mission of as Eglin well. Mr. Arnold cited the delicate balance between community relations and the mission of Eglin, and the tremendous support that Eglin receives from the community. He noted the communities needs including water, transportation, and bridges, and complemented the City for their efforts in considering Eglin' s requirements in the City' s Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Arnold explained the next step will be to mature and document the new process, define future mission enhancements to the community, establish win- win partnerships for compatible growth, and continue community consideration. The Mayor thanked Mr. Arnold for his presentation and for educating Council on Eglin' s efforts to enhance their mission while at the same time continuing their positive relationship with the community. COUNCIL COMMENTS Dr. Pullen questioned what kind of assistance, if any, could be given to the Housing Authority to repair 30 units vacant since Hurricane Ivan. The City Manager advised she would contact the Director of the Housing Authority and explore ideas, including a letter of support or a resolution from the City to HUD stating the need for these repairs. Missy McKim, CDS Director, advised that additional funding is possible from HUD, and these funds could be used as a source for the repairs. 36 11/22/ 05 COUNCIL COMMENTS ( CONT) Dr. Pullen advised he and Mr. Holmes attended the Beal Neighborhood Meeting and that Council should be cognizant on funding for the Neighborhood Plan. Mr. Tucker discussed the need for the City to be prepared for the future influx of Eglin personnel and asked everyone to consider ideas on how and where they can be housed. The City Manager advised the City is looking at ways to partner with the private community for affordable housing. Mr. Hartwell received clarification on the final terms being negotiated on the Fairgrounds lease. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6: 45 p. m. APPROVED: 3, ~ MAVOR: ATT~. T' , 0. ~ 71 () I ~ JtCtV CITY CLERK t