Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 06-12- regular — reading text

application procedures and criteria carried unanimously. RESULT: APPROVED [ UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Bobby Nabors, Council Seat 5 SECONDER: Trey Goodwin, Council Seat 4 AYES: Griggs, gossom, Reeves, Goodwin, Nabors, Rigdon, Rynearson Approval of CRA Land Value Investment Program Requests City Council approval of CRA Land Value Investment Program. The final program discussed by Mr. Bolduc was the CRA Land Value Investment Program which is designed to stimulate growth in the community by returning vacant and underutilized properties to productive use. Mr. Bolduc advised that if Council approves the program, Staff will create and maintain a database of identified properties for use in the program and begin identifying potential subject properties. Council discussion included the possibility of including property owned by the city and that all the properties find their way back to the tax roll. The vote on the motion to approve the CRA Land Value Investment program carried RESULT: APPROVED [ UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Bull Rigdon, Council Seat 6 '.. SECONDER: Dick Rynearson, Council Seat 7 AYES: Griggs, gossom, Reeves, Goodwin, Nabors, Rigdon, Rynearson Request for Code Enforcement Fine Waiver at 653 Country Club Avenue The property owner of 653 Country Club Avenue has requested a release of liens for existing Code Enforcement fines on the property. Tim Bolduc, Development Services Manager, advised the property owner of 653 Country Club Avenue requested this item be removed from the agenda. He explained the past several years numerous violations were brought against the property and the owner had submitted a letter requesting that the lien be removed and all administrative fees waived. However, using the criteria found in the mitigation policy for code enforcement liens, Staff is recommending that the property owner pay the recommended amount to include administrative fees in an amount of 15, 982. 50. Mr. Bolduc informed the total accrued lien amount total $ 41, 950. 00 in addition to 1, 300. 00 in administrative fees. Mr. Bolduc stated Staff has done their best to provide all requested information to the applicant, but she has decided to pursue legal counsel. City Comsd ofFort Walton Beach Page 5 Printed 611517012 14 Regular Meeting Minutes June 12, 2012 Council questioned whether this was considered a quasi-judicial proceeding and the City Attorney advised it was not since no testimony is being made. Mr. Nabors moved to authorize the Mayor to execute a Release of Lien( s) for the property at 653 Country Club Avenue NE within three ( 3) days of the property owner paying the recommended mitigated amount with administrative fees of $15, 982. 50 as outlined in Section 1. 05. 08 of the code of Ordinances. Mr. Reeves seconded motion. The City Attorney informed that if the applicant receives legal counsel, any vote by Council would limit the fine amount to what the ordinances states and not the full amount of the lien, and that it might be wise not to take action until the case is brought back to Council. Mr. Bolduc explained the process and the mitigation schedule and that the applicant is seeking legal counsel. He clarified that it is the owner' s request to remove the liens, while it is Staffs recommendation to follow the mitigation schedule per Ord. 1793. Mr. Nabors rescinded his motion and Mr. Reeves rescinded his second. Council took no action on the request. Discussion regarding City Manager position This item has been placed on the agenda at the request of Councilman Rynearson. Mr. Rynemum advised he has heard favorable comments from citizens and City staff regarding appointing Michael Beedie as City Manager. Mr. Rynearson stated Mr. Beedie has the education, experience, and personality to serve in this capacity and that he would like to hear from Council their thoughts, and if favorable would entertain a motion to appoint Mr. Beedie as City Manager. Mr. Rynearson noted hiring from within would avoid a costly search by the City and it is beneficial to have someone who is familiar with the city and how it operates. The City Attorney advised a motion would need to be made and seconded before there is any discussion but there is an opportunity for questions from Council. Mr. Goodwin questioned where the City is in the recruitment process and how many applications have been received. Sylvia Hanks, Administrative Services Coordinator, advised all the ads have been placed in the various publications and to date there have been 20 applications received. Mr. Rynearson moved to appoint Michael Beedie as City Manager. Motion died for lack of a second. CITY MANAGER REPORTS Mr. Beedie updated Council on projects including the Brooks Landing Waterfront Park which is scheduled to be completed on June 29 when a ribbon cutting will be held. The other project is the Brooks Street Parking Lot, which is scheduled to be completed in September. Mr. Beedie advised the City picnic held on June 9 was well received despite the rain, announced Kid's Day this coming Friday, June 15 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Fort Walton Landing, as well as the lasagna lunch at the Senior Center, also on Friday, June 15, from 11 am to 1 pm. City Council ofFort Walton Beach Page 6 Printed 611512012  15 Regular Meeting Minutes June 12, 2012 CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS None. MAYOR/ COUNCIL COMMENTS Dr. gossom encouraged residents and businesses to take a good look at the CRA incentive programs as Staff has put a lot of effort into them and they will be good for the businesses and residents. Dr. gossom also acknowledged the new restaurants that have opened in the City; mentioned World in Public Knitters Day; and thanked employees for allowing Council to serve them at the picnic on Saturday. Mr. Reeves mentioned the campaign forum in the auditorium next Thursday, June 21. Mr. Goodwin inquired about the boat ramp at Gamiers Beach. Jeff Peters, Recreational/ Cultural Services Director, advised the ramp is used primarily by the residents of the neighborhood as a jet ski or kayak launch and not as a boat ramp, and noted because of limited parking at the park, parking issues would result in the neighborhood if it was opened up for a boat ramp. Mr. Rynearson stated he is looking forward to Kid' s Day at the Fort Walton Landing. The Mayor stated he enjoyed the Employee Picnic on Saturday, and that the Bowlegs Festival was successful and appreciated the law enforcement that supported it. He stated the Memorial Service at Beal Cemetery was well represented and that he attended the Summer Camp opening for kids at the Hedrick Center. The Mayor congratulated Laraine Van Ellen in the City Clerks Office on her recent graduation from college. He also attended the Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Miller, and stated he will miss the next Council meeting and that Mayor Pro Tern Rynearson will conduct the meeting. ADJOURNMENT: 6: 58 pm n/ Approved: Mayor: Mayor Pro -Tem Dick Rynearson Attest: City Clerk City Council ofFort Walton Beach Page 7 Printed 61152012