Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 05-10-05 regular minutes — reading text

FLORIDA, SUPPORTING AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION REQUIRING THE PERIODIC REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF ALL SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS AND EXCLUSIONS IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. Mr. Tucker moved to adopt Res. 05- 09. Mr. Patterson seconded motion. Council received an explanation that the resolution encourages a constitutional amendment process to eliminate exemptions, which would require over 550, 000 signatures for each amendment. The Mayor called for the vote on the motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Patterson, Campbell, Tucker, Pullen, Hartwell, and Minich in favor. 5/ 10/ 05 161 PURCHASE OF SOFTBALL COMPLEX Consideration of a request to direct the City Manager to develop a multi- year purchase agreement with the United States Agriculture Department - Division of Forest Service for the purchase of 42. 3 acres of property (currently leased by the City and the Northwest Florida Fair Association), which houses the City' s Softball Complex and picnic areas and the Northwest Florida Fair Association; and further to direct the City Manager to draft a lease agreement with the Northwest Florida Fair Association. The City Manager presented a diagram of the property and gave some background on the City' s leasing of the property. She advised the acquisition of the property has been part of the City' s future Capital Improvement Program for several years, as the property is vital in continuing the City' s recreational program. New legislation adopted in 2003 has allowed the direct purchase of the property possible from the USDA. She reported the City shares parking spaces with the Northwest Florida Fair Association, which makes up the remaining 30 acres of the parcel. The City' s lease with the Forest Service expires in December of 2005, and the City Manager is seeking direction from Council as to whether efforts should be made to move forward with procuring the property, and to a lease negotiate agreement with the Fair Association. She also discussed the County' s interest in placing a judicial center on the site. However, the current site configuration would require modifications to meet this request. Bull Rigdon, representing the NWF Fair Association, gave a history of the fair, and advised that besides the fair, the grounds are used as a training center by the fire department and the medics, and used extensively for emergency services after events such as Hurricane Ivan. Mr. Rigdon further explained that other events, such as horse and dog shows, and other activities take place there throughout the year. Council expressed concern that 30 acres of the 42. 3 acres is used for the fair and is non- revenue for the City. It was noted that 7 1/ 2 acres is parking which the City shares with everyone else. Don Amunds, 485 Shady Ridge, County Commissioner, stated the county is looking at alternative places for different county buildings and structures, and would be willing to partner with the City and the Fair Association. Mr. Tucker moved to authorize the City Manager to develop a sales contract with the USDA- Forestry Service and return to Council with a proposed contract. Mr. Campbell seconded motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Patterson, Campbell, Tucker, Pullen, Hartwell, and Minich in favor. Mr. Holmes moved to authorize the City Manager to work with the Fair Association and the County to develop future uses for the parcel. Mr. Tucker seconded motion. Discussion included the need to begin the purchase of the property and to work with the Fair Association and the County to see what can be negotiated between the three; if not, to continue working with the Fair Association. The Mayor called for the vote on the motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Patterson, Campbell, Tucker, Pullen, Hartwell, and Minich in favor. 162 5/ 10/ 05 SOFTBALL COMPLEX (CONT) Mr. Rigdon advised the Fair Association owns the buildings housed on the property, and they are willing to work with the City. However, if a contract is not reached between both parties, the Fair Association has t he a uthority, according toM r. Rigdon, to vacate the property and sell the buildings. RENEWAL OF CITY ATTORNEY CONTRACT Consideration of a request by the City Attorney to renew her Agreement for Contract Legal Services, effective July 1, 2005, in an annual flat fee amount of $78, 500 and providing for fees for miscellaneous costs incurred by the City Attorney; and further authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement. The City Attorney advised a revised agreement has been done with a change in the method of payment and the invoicing. Mr. Tucker moved to renew the Agreement for Contract Legal Services for the City Attorney in the amount of $78, 500 effective July 1, 2005, to provide for fees and miscellaneous costs incurred by the City Attorney, and to authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement. Mr. Minich seconded motion. Discussion included considering having a full- time City Attorney at some time in the future. The City Manager and Council commented on the good working relationship with the City Attorney. The Mayor called for the vote on the motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Patterson, Campbell, Tucker, Pullen, Hartwell, and Minich in favor. BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEEITREE BOARD APPOINTMENT Consideration of appointment to the Beautification Com it e /Tree Board. Mr. Tucker moved to appoint Deborah Fisher, 602 Pelham Road, Fort Walton Beach, to the Beautification CommitteelTree Board for an unexpired term until October 24, 2005. Mr. Campbell seconded motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Patterson, Campbell, Tucker, Pullen, Hartwell, and Minich in favor. MAYOR/COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS Dr. Pullen announced the computer classes starting this Saturday at the library. Dr. Pullen also suggested that the presentation given by Mr. Pelham on height limitations at the MPB meeting be viewed by Council, and it was decided to invite Mr. Pelham or his representative to a future meeting. Dr. Pullen also mentioned an ad that appeared in the Daily News regarding boat slips at Pirates Bay. Mr. Campbell commended staff on the excellent condition of the cemetery. Mr.Tucker discussed the possibility of planting trees at the cemetery; the City Manager informed that trees will be developed as the property develops. Mr. Holmes praised staff, particularly Public Works, on the work done assisting the county and residents during the recent heavy rainfalls.  163 5/ 10/ 05 MAYOR/COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS ( CONT) The Mayor thanked Rev. Bailer and the Youth Group for giving the invocation and the pledge, and reiterated his praise of Battalion Chief Large for his heroic efforts. The Mayor also the recognized success of the Relay for Life and Musical Echoes; and announced the Beal Parkway Neighborhood kickoff on May 14 at the Chester Pruitt Center. The Mayor also expressed his disappointment at the social security issue being dropped during the legislative session, and urged everyone to speak with the local legislation as this is a high priority with the city. Also discussed by the Mayor were various e- mails concerning Council protocol, the Sunshine Law, and Pirates Bay. CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS The City Manager expressed her appreciation to Battalion Chief Large for his efforts, and thanked the Public Works staff for their work during the heavy storms, and announced the berm at the sprayfields has been completed. She advised there is $ 25, 000 set aside in the budget for a storm water utility study, but the study itself will cost about $65, 000. A budget amendment in the amount of $40, 000 is being considered so that the study can be done this year instead of next year, as a result of the recent heavy rains. The City Manager requested Council' s direction in the starting study this year as opposed to next year and to start the RFP process for the study. Mr. Holmes moved to direct the City Manager to start the RFP process for a storm water utility study. Mr. Tucker seconded motion and it carried unanimously with Holmes, Patterson, Campbell, Tucker, Pullen, Hartwell, and Minich in favor. The City Manager also advised RFP' s were sent out for debris removal and 18 were received. She asked Council if they wanted presentations from the top three firms or if they wanted staff to make a recommendation of the top firm and have them make a presentation to Council. Consensus of Council was to have Staff recommend a firm and invite them to make a presentation. The City Manger announced several upcoming events including Sunday in the Park, a Billy Bowlegs reception at the Senior Center, the 10th anniversary of the Friends of the Museum, and various summer programs for youth. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8: 35 p. m. VE1!1~