Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 02-12-13--regular — reading text

mediation language in Section 36. Mr. Bolduc advised that the proposed Development Agreement as submitted is consistent with the goals and objectives of the CRA, meets all conditions of the approved Development Order and the Memorandum of Agreement, and is legally sufficient. Also, Staff finds that the CRA Fund Balance contains sufficient funding, as released from the Sound Side development, to cover the initial payments required in the Agreement. Therefore, Mr. Bolduc advised that Staff recommends Council approve the Development Agreement for the Landmark Center as submitted. There were no questions from Council to Staff regarding their presentation The Mayor asked for questions to Staff from the public. Chris Gibson, 249 Brooks Street, was advised the City is not receiving 64 parking spaces in the garage for free; purchasing back spaces to pay for construction of the garage. Phil Galmeyer, 206 Buck Drive, was advised there is no refund program for ad valorem taxes as a mechanism to pay for the project. Linda Condures, 202 Slow Court, was advised the City is purchasing parking spaces to increase the number of parking spaces in the CRA District and is a mechanism to ensure the City has ownership of at least 32 parking spaces. Bruce Thompson, urban camper, was advised the City will provide funding for the purchase of spaces associated with construction of the garage. Charlene Greenwald, Jet Drive, questioned proof that a garage is needed, and was advised the developer will address that question during his presentation. The Mayor announced the developer's presentation City C,., e,d of Fort Wahan llench Page 5 Printed 2 /142013 Regular Meeting Minutes February 12 2013 Mr. Crew discussed the ways in which the project will benefit the City, including additional ad valorem revenue; employment; the addition of parking spaces for the public; and furthering the goals and objectives of the City' s Comprehensive and CRA Plans, Mr. Crew addressed the 2007 parking study that addressed a survey that stated the need for parking downtown. A video from downtown merchants in support of the project was presented by the applicant. The Mayor asked for questions to the applicant from Council. Council discussion included mechanisms to ensure the perpetual use by the public for the spaces and that subsequent written agreements between the parties will be written to address future details; security issues regarding ' urban campers' in the garage; the makeup of the condominium board and that it will have to be in place before completion of the garage. The Mayor asked for comments or questions to the applicant from the public. Chris Gibson, 249 Brooks Street SE, discussed concerns regarding traffic at Ferry Avenue and First Street. Mr. Bolduc advised traffic associated with the project has been thoroughly reviewed and that it complies with the Development Order. Thomas Monigan of the Gulf Coast Post was advised the parking garage will be four levels with 349 total parking spaces, of which 227 will be for public parking. Michelle Cooper, 323 Victoria Avenue, stated her feeling that the issue of vagrancy in the City is a community responsibility and should not be put on the shoulders of the developer. Phil Galmeyer, 206 Buck Drive, stated he would like a professional appraisal done on the property. He also noted a possible conflict of interest with Mr. Nabors because of possible family interests and should be revisited. He also discussed traffic mitigation and a possible pedestrian walkover on Highway 98 for the project. Overall, Mr. Galmeyer stated he was in favor of the project. Bruce Thompson, urban camper, spoke in favor of the project. Piper Gaffrey, 196 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fountain Square, spoke in favor of the project stating it is a good use of CRA dollars. Linda Condures, 202 Stoat Court, stated she enjoyed the presentations that were given regarding the project. Pixie Alexander, urban planner, questioned what types of businesses will be brought in to the development and encouraged the use of bicycle paths, and noted the vagrancy issue needs to be addressed. Sue Vitello, 45 Bishop Avenue, spoke in favor of the project. Amy Jamieson, 211 Chateguay, spoke in opposition of the project, noting funding is going toward the parking spaces while City cuts its budget and eliminates positions. City Council of Fart Walton Beach Page 6 Pta, ted 2 /14, 2013 Regular Meeting Minutes February 12. 2013 Tiffany Sider, 1610 Trent Street, spoke in favor of the project. Jonathan Sansom, 339 Shannon Court, addressed the need for parking downtown and urged Council to move forward with the project. Demi Black, downtown merchant, spoke in favor of the project. Marty Goldburn, downtown merchant, stressed the need for additional parking and spoke in favor of the project. The public hearing was closed. The Mayor asked for rebuttal statements, if any, from the applicant and Staff. Mr. Crew stated he had nothing further to report. Mr. Bolduc responded to some of the public comments, including that the money allocated for the parking is from the CRA and cannot be used for any other purpose; that talk of an overpass continues to be discussed; and that condo documents will be complete before the purchase of any parking spaces. Mr. Goodwin moved that Council approve the Development agreement for the Landmark Center as submitted; and that Council evaluate the revenue generated by the Landmark Center each year during the CRA budget discussions to determine if the City should purchase additional parking spaces. Dr. gossom seconded motion and it carried unanimously with Griggs and Mead abstained. RESULT: APPROVED [ 5 TO 01 MOVER: Trey Goodwin, Council Seat 4 SECONDER: Joyce gossom, Council Seat 2 AYES: gossom, Goodwin, Nabors, Rigdon, Rynearson ABSTAIN: Bobby Griggs, John Mead Recess The meeting recessed at 8: 21 pm and reconvened at 8: 34 pm. Award of RFQ 13 -007 for Real Estate Broker Services The City Manager informed that in October Council authorized Staff to move forward with hiring an independent Property Manager to evaluate existing City -owned facilities, properties, and leases to provide recommendations to address revenue generation opportunities. He advised that an RFQ was issued and one proposal from NBI Properties, Inc. of Fort Walton Beach was received. An evaluation committee reviewed the proposal and determined that NBI Properties met the requirements of the RFQ. Discussion ensued regarding the fact that several area realtors were unaware that an RFQ had been issued and could not respond to it. The City Manager advised that the City did the proper advertising and notified the Emerald Coast of Realtors to post, which they did not. The Finance Director advised that if the City were to request another RFQ, it would cause an unfair advantage to the realtors since the proposal for NBI would be public knowledge. City Council ofFort Walton Beach Page 7 Printed 2/ 142013 Regular Meeting Minutes February 12. 2013 Tiffany Sider, 1610 Trent Street, spoke in favor of the project. Jonathan Sansom, 339 Shannon Court, addressed the need for parking downtown and urged Council to move forward with the project. Demi Black, downtown merchant, spoke in favor of the project. Marty Goldburn, downtown merchant, stressed the need for additional parking and spoke in favor of the project. The public hearing was closed. The Mayor asked for rebuttal statements, if any, from the applicant and Staff. Mr. Crew stated he had nothing further to report. Mr. Bolduc responded to some of the public comments, including that the money allocated for the parking is from the CRA and cannot be used for any other purpose; that talk of an overpass continues to be discussed; and that condo documents will be complete before the purchase of any parking spaces. Mr. Goodwin moved that Council approve the Development agreement for the Landmark Center as submitted; and that Council evaluate the revenue generated by the Landmark Center each year during the CRA budget discussions to determine if the City should purchase additional parking spaces. Dr. gossom seconded motion and it carried unanimously with Griggs and Mead abstained. RESULT: APPROVED [ 5 TO 01 MOVER: Trey Goodwin, Council Seat 4 SECONDER: Joyce gossom, Council Seat 2 AYES: gossom, Goodwin, Nabors, Rigdon, Rynearson ABSTAIN: Bobby Griggs, John Mead Recess The meeting recessed at 8: 21 pm and reconvened at 8: 34 pm. Award of RFQ 13 -007 for Real Estate Broker Services The City Manager informed that in October Council authorized Staff to move forward with hiring an independent Property Manager to evaluate existing City -owned facilities, properties, and leases to provide recommendations to address revenue generation opportunities. He advised that an RFQ was issued and one proposal from NBI Properties, Inc. of Fort Walton Beach was received. An evaluation committee reviewed the proposal and determined that NBI Properties met the requirements of the RFQ. Discussion ensued regarding the fact that several area realtors were unaware that an RFQ had been issued and could not respond to it. The City Manager advised that the City did the proper advertising and notified the Emerald Coast of Realtors to post, which they did not. The Finance Director advised that if the City were to request another RFQ, it would cause an unfair advantage to the realtors since the proposal for NBI would be public knowledge. City Council ofFort Walton Beach Page 7 Printed 2/ 142013  Minutes 2013 Mr. Nabors advised he would abstain from the vote since NBI Properties is associated with a family member. Mr. Rigdon moved for City Council to authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to negotiate and execute a contract with NBI Properties, Inc of Fort Walton Beach for Real