Fort Walton Beach Council agenda — 12-12-06 ‎(regular)‎ — reading text

and taking complaints from the homeowners as well. The City Manager stated this is a private property dispute between the homeowners and the developer and does not involve the City. She expressed her feeling that it is unfortunate that changes sometimes occur during development, but that is the chance that people take when they purchase a pre- constructed unit. Mike Dutton, Fire Chief, advised that a fire truck can get into the roadway and there is no safety hazard as long as no cars are parked on the roadway. Missy McKim, CDS Director, advised that Staff has been very involved in this project and all changes were reviewed by the Staff. She informed that the road meets all standards, including safety standards, and it provides extra parking over and above what the City code requires, and any concerns regarding amenities are between the homeowners and the developer. Council questioned why the site plan that was approved was not followed. The CDS Director informed the plan was generally followed, but explained that site plans are and preliminary any site plan can have minor changes that occur as the project progresses, and the Code allows for these changes. She further advised that projects are built greater than or equal to the minimum standards even when changes are made. Sam Kinkaid stated her disagreement with the comment that individuals take a chance when they purchase a pre- constructed unit, and that the homeowners trusted the City to do what was right and feels they did not. Chris Gibson, 249 Brooks Street, voiced her displeasure of the project as a whole. Nancy Lord, future resident of Villa de Mare, stated she has been waiting for two years for the project to be completed, and stated her feeling that everything that was promised to her has been reduced. Kay Parker, also a future resident of Villa de Mare, asked that the three- feet of the road that was promised to the homeowners in the plans be provided to them. The CDS Director advised even with the additional three feet, the roadway still would not be wide enough for parking, and that it was never the intent that the roadways would be used for parking. 126 Regular Council 11/28/ 06 GENERAL PUBLIC- VILLA DE MARE ( CONTI When questioned by Council, the CDS Director responded the buildings have been moved from the original plans, and that there were some changes to the facade, but the buildings look basically the same as the drawings. Dr. Pullen stated his displeasure when changes are made administratively after a project has been approved by Council, since Council has the responsibility to ensure quality projects for the citizens of the City. The CDS Director stated this is one reason there is a need for architectural regulations to ensure control from a regulatory standpoint regarding materials, etc. Mr. Minich commented that if changes are made on future projects, the needs and concerns of the homeowners should be considered and not only what is beneficial for the developer. Bill Ward, future resident of Villa de Mare, cited the need for additional visitor parking. Ted Corcoran, Chamber Of Commerce, wished everyone a Happy Holiday season and invited everyone to Open House in downtown Fort Walton Beach on Saturday, December 2. GENERAL EMPLOYEES PENSION FUND PRESENTATION Presentation of quarterly financial reports for the General Employees Pension Fund. The Mayor advised this item was pulled from the agenda. STORM WATER DRAINAGE PROBLEMS, 606 POWELL DRIVE Presentation by homeowner, Mr. Eric Lang regarding storm water drainage problems at 606 Powell Drive. Eric Lang, 606 Powell Drive, presented a power- point presentation that depicted the heavy flooding that occurs at his home during a heavy thunderstorm or continuous steady rainfall. Mr. Lang reported this problem has been ongoing for three years, and he has met with City staff several times during that period. He advised the City has recommended improvements that he could make, including an earthen swell along the property line, but Mr. Lang feels it is the City' s responsibility to make improvements that would prevent his property from flooding. Discussion included the number of times Mr. Lang' s property has been flooded the past three years; safety issues with mold in the garage and due to the garage always being flooded it would not be feasible to replace damaged portions of the garage; and whether. or not the taxpayers of the City should pay to fix Mr. Lang' s flooding problem. John Hofstad, Utilities Director, advised that earlier this year, the City completed mid- block drainage improvements along the northern run of Powell Drive to intercept the runoff traveling south down Powell before converging in the curve of the road. While the project has helped the situation during certain rainfall events, the problem has not been totally eliminated. Mr. Hofstad informed the problem is being investigated and studied to include historical survey data of the drainage system to calculate the flow capacity, an analysis of the system to determine flow dynamics, and a visual inspection of the entire length of pipe network to its ending point at Don' s Bayou. Mr. Hofstad concluded by stating if a bottleneck in the system exists, it is likely in the 36" diameter concrete pipe south of Mooney Road, which travels through unincorporated county properties and would require coordination with the county to replace. The estimated costs to improve the entire would be in the neighborhood of $ 1 million.  I~ I Regular Council 11/28/ 06 STORMWATER DRAINAGE-606 POWELL DRIVE Mr. Patterson moved to direct Staff to do an engineering study regarding storm water drainage problems at 606 Powell Drive, and return to Council with estimated costs and options. Dr. Pullen seconded motion. Discussion included the responsibility of Council to correct problems made in the past and to assista citizen of the City who is from requesting help Council, and that all storm water improvement projects are weighed equally as they effect property and property owners. Mr. Lange requested that all options be considered, including a suggestion to add a drain from the major intersection of Powell, Fairway, and Golf Course Drive, where they merge together. He also stated that his house is for sale. The Mayor called for the vote on the motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Patterson, Campbell, Tucker, Pullen, Hartwell, and Minich in favor. JUDICIAL CENTER SITE PREFERENCE Consideration of determining site preference for the possible location of the Okaloosa County Judicial Center Annex Expansion on City property located at 1958 Lewis Tumer Blvd. The City Manager advised she has met with the County Administrator on four different occasions to discuss the possibility of locating the Judicial Center Annex Expansion on a portion of the 1958 Lewis Turner ( Fairgrounds) property. Through the various discussions and in concert with County' s architect, four scenarios for locations were discussed. She there reported was a consensusamong the City and County staffs that Schematic D- 3 was the preferred scenario which depicts a three- story building in the southwest corner of the property, with parking, and includes an area for a 35, 000 square foot expansion to build out through the year 2026. The City Manager mentioned that the County expressed a desire for front-footage visibility for the Judicial Center, and that the County Administrator believes there is a consensus to put the Center on the property if the City and County can arrive at a mutual The price. City Manager advised the County would prefer to purchase 16 acres, but discussions have included the County purchasing six acres for the footprint of the building, and to lease the remaining acres, and they would build and maintain the storm water and parking needed for the property. The City Manager requested concurrence from Council as to their site preference for the possible location of the Judicial Center on the property, and further authorization to continue negotiations with the County on the matter. When asked if the City could sell the property or if it is the same situation as the Fairgrounds, the City Attorney replied her opinion would be the same. Discussion ensued regarding the use of the ball fields located on the property. Jeff Peters, Parks and Recreation Director, relayed the various organizations that use the ballfields during the year. Further discussion included the need for an date appraisal of the property both up- te- for lease and sale so Council will have a better idea of the values. Dr. Pullen wished to know if the City could sell the property without opening it up to the public. The City Manager stated, based on what the Bond Counsel said, the City could sell the property. The City Attorney stated her previous opinion, when about talking the fairgrounds, was that in order to sell any property the Council would have to declare it excess, and in the definition in the Code it says excess means there is no pUblic use, present or future, for the parcel. J 28 11/28/ 06 Regular Council JUDICIAL CENTER SITE