TOWN OF
MINUTES
TOWN COMMISSION - REGULAR MEETING
Community Center -
The Town Commission of the Town of Melbourne
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Present were Mayor
Mayor Stacey led the entire assembly in the invocation
and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
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CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
At this time, the following changes
were made to the agenda: (1) Presentations by Special Guests and Proclamations
and Awards were moved prior to the Approval of Minutes, (2) Consent Agenda Item
C, Site Plan for
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At this time, Mayor Stacey
presented Proclamations to Eagle Scouts Kevin Gorman and Stephen Stewart.
Mayor Stacy presented former
Town Manager
Mayor Stacey also presented
Sergeant Dan Duncan with the Life Saving Award.
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A representative from the
Marine Resource Council discussed the removal of Brazilian Peppers.
A representative from the St.
Johns Walter Management Water Conservation Program discussed the conservation
and water restriction program
Vice Mayor Wilson commented
that the Town needs to be sure that they are following the water
restrictions. The Town Manger commented
that he has discussed this with the Public Works Superintendent.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Commissioner
Guglietta to approve the minutes from the
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Motion by Commissioner
Guglietta to approve Items A and B under the Consent Agenda. Second by Vice Mayor Wilson. The motion carried unanimously.
At this time, the meeting
recessed for five minutes.
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Frank Thomas 606 Atlantic
discussed the Ryckman House
Mr. Davis - 207 and
Jim Murphy -
Dean Darling -
Dr. Michael Lesser - Atlantic
Street he said that the town has spent a huge amount of time preventing new
homes from being constructed but does not spend any time trying to get rid of
old dilapidated homes that interfere with the lives and property values of
their neighbors. He wanted to know how
the Commission planned on dealing with the Boomerang property. Mayor Stacey
commented that on
Commissioner Guglietta
commented that he has spoken with
Paul Nevins -
Motion by Commissioner
Walters to repair any unsafe conditions on the property located on
Redwood. Second by Commissioner Guglietta. The motion carried unanimously.
public is not allowed to participate,
and that the Town has to pay legal staff to attend. He stated that special meetings are on the
calendar every month and he felt that special meeting are scheduled so that Commissioners
can to talk to one another. He
recommends workshops instead of meetings this would facilitate communication
and would allow the public to interact with the Commission. He also requested
that the Town establish a policy regarding accounting procedures for pension funds.
Commissioner Guglietta
commented that the Town Manager and the Finance Clerk have checked into the
issue regarding the pension funds. The
Finance Clerk reported that
Commissioner Walters replied
that in 2004 the residents told the Commission they would have special meetings,
and give 24-hour notice. This was placed
on the ballot and passed overwhelmingly.
He continued saying that the work of the town cannot always be done with
just one meeting per month. He continued
saying that the legislation Mr. Shaw was discussion was for private pension
funding which the Town does not have.
Bruce Black -
Commissioner Walters
commented that there are many people in the community that still have damage
from the hurricanes. He said that he is
not condoning unsafe issues, but there is still a lot of damage and it is not
fair, people are trying to get things in order.
Commissioner Guglietta
replied saying that the two priorities we have are a code enforcement officer
and a code enforcement attorney.
Commissioner Walters replied that they have been waiting about eight
months for this.
Motion by Commissioner Guglietta
to direct the Town Manager to put an ad in the paper and find code enforcement officer.
Commissioner Walters stated
that he would rather the Town Manager come back with a plan. Commissioner Guglietta withdrew his motion
and requested that the Manager come back to the next meeting with a plan.
The Manager commented that
the two major issues are a code enforcement officer, and an attorney for the
Board. In addition, a priority is the process
for enforcement, and a planning official.
At this time, Mayor Stacey
introduced the Interim Town Manger
Commissioner Walters asked
that they direct the Town Manger to get a code enforcement attorney. Vice Mayor Wilson commented that he has
talked to someone who is interested in the code enforcement attorney position
and that the manager has also spoken to one.
Commissioner Guglietta stated that the process must be followed and it
must be advertised.
Xochie Ross -
Commissioner Guglietta asked
the Town Manager to find out how much it is going to cost and come back with a
recommendation.
Motion by Vice Mayor Wilson to
advertise for a code enforcement attorney and a planning official. Second by Commissioner Walters. The motion carried unanimously.
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Motion by Commissioner
Walters to approve John Krumpter to the Melbourne
Commissioner Walter asked if
the Town has received a resignation from Joy Campbell. The Clerk responded that she has not been in
attendance for a year and that she no longer lives in town.
Motion by Commissioner
Guglietta to remove Joy Campbell from the Parks Board. Second by Commissioner Walters. The motion carried unanimously.
Members of the Commission
thanked her for her services.
Commissioner Walters stated
that the reason he voted for Mr. Krumpter was that the only time he cannot vote
is if there is a benefit to him. He
stated that he met Mr. Krumpter this evening.
He said that there has been some debate, and the Ethics Commission
exonerated him from a complaint filed by Ms. Dieterle so he is being extra
cautious about voting. He stated that
his benefits were fixed and there was no gain for him and that was why he
voted.
Carmine Siniscal - 213 Cherry
stated that he was speaking as resident.
He said that he was not surprised Commissioner Walters would not want
him on the pension board. He wanted to
know how the process went. There were
four candidates, Commissioner Walters nominated one person, it was seconded and
there was no discussion.
Commissioner Walters
commented that he read the resumes and he felt Mr. Krumpter was the best
qualified. He stated that as far as
Officer Siniscal was concerned he believed that he could not hold dual
offices. He continued stating that he
has read two
different Attorney Generals
opinions on the matter. He also felt
that the Board did not need another police officer.
Mr. Siniscal stated that he
talked to
Mr. Siniscal stated that the
issue was not settled. Commissioner Walter stated that he felt Mr. Krumpter was
the best qualified.
Motion by Commissioner Guglietta
to appoint Owen Callard to the Parks Board.
Second by Commissioner Walters.
There was discussion
regarding the make up of the Parks Board.
The motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Walters
explained to the residents the make up of the Pension Board. It consists of two police officers elected by
the police officers, two members elected by the Commission. Those four members get together and appoint
the fifth member. He said he wanted someone
to look out fiscally for the Town of Melbourne
Commissioner Walters thanked
Mr. Peoples, the previous chair for his work on the Pension Board. He asked that the Clerk prepare a plaque and
have him attend the meeting so that it can be presented.
Betsy Biard Williams Building
Committee reminded the Commission that March 12 was Pets in the Park, and that
there will be no petting zoo this time, that it was restricted to household
pets only.
Commissioner Walters
commented that there is an ordinance that does not allow pets in the park. The
Commissioner Guglietta asked the
attorney to prepare and amendment to the
ordinance specifically for this situation.
Bruce Black - Parks Board
stated that the plans for Founders day are going well. He said that they would meet with the Manger,
Public Works and the Police Department and give them information. There are some new attractions such as the
yacht club offering sailboat rides, a car show and we are looking to
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AN
ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF MELBOURNE BEACH, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA; PROVIDING
FOR LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WATER CONSERVATION RULE FOR LANDSCAPE
IRRIGATION OF THE ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT; PROVIDING
DEFINITIONS, PROVIDING THE LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION SECHEDULE; PROVIDING EXEPTIONS
TO THE LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION SCHEDULE; PROVIDING FOR VARIANCES FROM THE SPECIFIC
DAY OF THE WEEK LIMITATIONS; PROVIDING FOR APPLICABILITY OF THE ORDINANCE;
PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT OF THE ORDINNACE; PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES FOR
VIOLATION OF THE ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Commissioner Walters stated
that if the Town were to support this ordinance it could not be enforced. He stated that he was in favor of conserving
water, but not in favor of the Town enforcing it. The Attorney commented that if you adopt the
ordinance you assume the responsibility for enforcing it. Commissioner Guglietta stated that this is
another unfunded mandate, and the Town does not have the labor or money to do
it. Vice Mayor Wilson asked if we were
to adopt it, would there be more of a probability for grant funds. The Town Manager responded that to his
knowledge this was not tied to any grant funding.
Discussion between the
members of the Commission continued
regarding the enforcement of such an ordinance.
Motion by Commissioner Walters
to table Ordinance 2006-01 indefinitely.
Second by Vice Mayor Wilson. The
motion carried unanimously.
Resolution 2006-02
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF
BEACH, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE BY THE
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BREVARD COUNTY LEVYING A ONE PERCENT
DISCRETIONARY INFRASTRUCTURE SALES SURTAX FOR FIVE YEARS SUBJECT TO VOTER
APPROVAL IN A NOVEMBER 7, 2006 REFERENDUM; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND
PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION.
Commissioner Guglietta stated
that this was discussed at the MPO meeting and that the response from the other
cities was mixed. He stated that the County
will receive the majority of funds and that the Town will receive $1.09 million,
which will go along way.
He felt that it was too much
on the County side and the Municipalities were not getting enough.
Motion by Commissioner
Guglietta to table until we see what other municipalities are going to do. Second by Vice Mayor Wilson.
Commissioner Walters was in
favor of the people deciding if they wanted to be taxed.
The motion carried
unanimously.
Resolution 2006-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF
Motion by Commissioner
Walters to approve Resolution 2006-03.
Second by Commissioner Guglietta.
The motion carried unanimously.
Michael Senti informed the
Commission that there was a large pothole by the Melbourne
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The items under Old Business
were moved to the end of the agenda.
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NEW BUSINESS
Site plan for Bed and
Breakfast located at
Vice Mayor Wilson stated that
this has been approved by
His first concern was the two
driveways. The one on the west will have
a 24-inch stop bar, a high intensity stop sign, and a no left turn sign. The DOT engineers said no left turn. The one in front of the carriage house, where
there are three parking places, one will be for staff, one for registrants, and one handicapped. The plans indicate a 30-inch stop sign and 24-inch
stop bar. This is a blind turn and trying
to make a left is going to be dangerous.
He indicated that the DOT supported his concerns and that they believe
there should be a no left turn sign there as well.
Commissioner Walters said
that the reason it was a 30-inch sign is that it is a high traffic area. He agreed that making a left turn would be
dangerous.
The engineer Mr. Tamouri
indicated that placing a no left turn sign in that location was not a problem
and would be done.
Vice Mayor Wilson asked where
trash would be picked up. Mr. Tamouri
responded that it would be on
Ms. Rydson stated that last
time the plans were approved with conditions the time lapsed. You are again approving with conditions. If the DOT takes time to meet these
conditions will we have to come back to the Commission again if it exceeds the
time set by Ordinance.
There was discussion
regarding the expiration of building plans and permits. It was clarified by the
Motion by Vice Mayor Wilson
to approve the site plans for
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The Commission took a five-minute
recess at this time.
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Discussion
regarding Amendement to Chapter 70 of the Town Code of Ordinances
Vice Mayor Wilson stated that
there was a memo in the packet directed to the
Vice Mayor Wilson said that
the code needs to be updated and that this type of activity needs to be kept to
a minimum. Included with the memo is the
Planning Officials opinion. He asked the
and other things in the gas
station as mentioned will be an occupational license issue that needs to be
looked at. First, you must find out what
regulations are imposed by state statute.
Discussion continued
regarding the types of situations the town could be in regarding itinerant
merchants.
Vice Mayor Wilson suggested
not allowing two consecutive licenses.
He also suggested eliminating itinerant licenses completely and limit
them to special events only and have them obtain a special events permit.
Motion by Vice Mayor Wilson
to direct town attorney to come back with a suggestion for amendments to the
ordinance. Second by Commissioner
Walters.
There was discussion
regarding the different types of vehicles used to serve food. Commissioner Guglietta brought up "roach
coaches" that arrive at construction sites at breakfast and lunch, sell
their goods and leave, they are not stationary.
Commissioner Walters read the
section of the Code regarding peddlers, solicitors, and itinerant merchants. He said that the Town wants to be a good
neighbor and continually extends the 90-day license. He felt that the Commission must state what a
temporary permit is and when and how many times it can be renewed. The code needs to be clarified.
Vice Mayor Wilson said that
there are many places that have vendors lining the streets. He wants to address this issue before it gets
out of hand.
Commissioner Guglietta agreed
that the issue needs to be investigated, but he does not believe that it will
get to the point where we will have a vendor on every corner.
Discussion continued
regarding the types of situations the town could find themselves in if the
ordinance is not revisited.
Bruce Black - stated that he
was the hot dog vendor on the corner. He
said that he realizes that the Commission is trying to get him off the corner. He said that he believes that two of the
Commissioners hate him and do not want him there, and if they can construct a
law to run him off it does not matter. He
said that he did not know he was creating such a problem.
Vice Mayor Wilson replied
that there was a time when he had Monday through Saturday on his license. Then he was were there on Sunday. Vice Mayor Wilson looked at Mr. Black's
license and saw there were no restrictions.
Also on the form, there were no signatures. He said he called Diane Maynard regarding the
missing signatures and she said that they were in the home office. He said that he talked with her about the
modified air stream that was proposing to come to Town and she indicated that
it was going to come to Town.
Commissioner Walters said
that he had not called the health department in 30 years. No one was trying to design a law to remove Mr.
Black, it is just that when somebody does
not get what they want they
start to attack. Commissioner Walters is
concerned with safety. Mr. Black has open
flames within 40 feet of people pumping gas.
His alternative would be to get an occupational license.
Vice Mayor Wilson asked if the
Chevron station was allowed mixed use. Could
this lead the Town into a situation of some type of liability if someone gets
hurt?
The question was called and
the motion carried unanimously.
Discussion and possible action related to requesting
criminal prosecution and/or civil action to be
taken to recover costs of the police investigation and
costs to repair damage resulting from the
criminal mischief to Town property.
Frank Thomas place a wheelbarrow and a shovel in the
middle of the floor of the Commission
Chambers.
Commissioner Walters stated
that he thought long and hard about putting this on the agenda. He said that
there are procedures to protect citizens against liability. He said that when he saw the police report on
the la
Commissioner Walters continued
saying that he was surprised when he came to town on a Saturday morning and there
were about 150 people blocking the intersection and standing in the road, cars were
stopping and going around. There was no
police protection because they did not know about the event and there was no
permit. He continued saying that he was
shocked when he found about forty-five people in the Ryckman house as there is
exposed electrical wiring and there is power.
There was rope on the floor in front of the stairway. He felt that Mr. Thomas was putting the town
in a situation of liability. He said
that Mr. Thomas identified himself as the town historian and convinced the new
person to give him a key.
Mr. Thomas continually
interrupted Commissioner Walters.
Commissioner Walters
continued saying that it was a completely unsafe event, but he dropped the
issue. Then he was told that someone
approached the Public Works Superintendent regarding removal of dirt from
around the Ryckman house. The Public
Works Superintendent explained that the wood was pressure treated and sprayed
for termites and that removing the dirt would cause a safety hazard because
children play in that area. The next
day, one of the residents went out and dug a trench around the building and
took the dirt and dumped it in the park.
This caused the Police to do an
investigation and the Public
Works employee's time to secure the situation.
This person continually does not follow the rules.
Mr. Thomas said that the
Historic Walk was not a private event and used foul language to express his
displeasure.
Commissioner Walter continued
saying that the Police Chief contacted the state attorney and he said that
there was no permanent damage so the digging of the trench was not a criminal
mischief.
Mr. Thomas continued to
interrupt.
Motion by Commissioner Walters
to instruct the Town Manager to file a small claims action against the
perpetrator for $255.00 it cost the town
for damages.
Mr. Thomas replied that he
would be happy to give $255.00, $500.00 or $1000.00 to the Old Town Hall
Committee.
Commissioner Walter withdrew
his motion.
Motion by Commissioner Walters
that Mr. Thomas be given the opportunity to repay the town first and to send
him a bill for $255.00 for the cost of the investigation, and the time to
repair the damage, and allow him 30 days to pay.
Second by Vice Mayor Wilson.
Commissioner Guglietta said
that he would rather bill him then incur attorney fees to take him to
court. Commissioner Walters responded
that if you do not take action it will allow him to continue.
Mayor Stacey asked Mr. Thomas
for an explanation as to why he dug the ditch.
Mr. Thomas replied that he did it to protect the wood around the porch
of the house.
There were comments from the
audience regarding this issue.
Commissioner Walters
clarified that Mr. Thomas was told by the Public Works Superintendent not to
remove the dirt.
Members of the audience and
the Commission were talking at the same time causing a disruption to the
meeting.
Marty Remark commented that
the History Board did not approve the event.
Kathy Emerson 512 Ocean
Avenue said that she believes that he did this based on his love for the
building he was not malicious. She did
not think that it is fair to make him pay a fine. I think he knows to get the town's permission
in the future.
Commissioner Walters replied
that he did not get the Towns permission.
He asked and was told no. Then he
created a second hazard by dumping the dirt in the park. He said that this was a continuous
problem.
Mayor Stacey asked Mr. Thomas
if this would happen again. Mr. Thomas
responded that it would not. The Town
Manager said that he would look into this.
Commissioner Walter said that he has a problem when the rules and
procedures are not followed and it puts the town in a situation of possible
liability.
Commissioner Walters called
the question.
The motion failed with the
Mayor and Commissioner Guglietta voting no and Vice Mayor Wilson and
Commissioner Walters voting yes.
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The meeting was recessed for
five minutes.
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Motion by Commissioner Walters
to table the three items on the agenda under New Business until the
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The Town Manager reported
that the auditors are on site and proceeding well. There has been no revenue received on the
first responder agreement and we are checking with the County. Pets in the Park is scheduled to proceed and
he is meeting with the Parks Board regarding Founders Day. He said that the Police Department was awarded
a speed trailer for placing second, and was awarded a hand held radar unit for the
Labor Day DIU crackdown. He said that he
has met with the new engineer to discuss corrective action regarding the Pedway
Project. Reconstruction of the last dune
crossover was completed last week. We
found that the worksheet prepared by FEMA for the Shoreline restoration was
incorrect and a request for corrections has been submitted. At that point bid, documents will be
ready. He informed the Commission that the
The Commission decided by
consensus to look into the matter of land acquisition further.
Vice Mayor Wilson reported
that he has done some research into a Code Enforcement attorney and he has
found someone interested in the position.
His name is Chris Bove. He is the
assistant Code Enforcement Attorney from the City of
Commissioner Guglietta
reported that he attended the MPO meting.
One topic of discussion was the 1% additional sales tax. As he mentioned earlier there were mixed
reviews. He said that the good news was
that in 2007 a lane will be added I-95 and a safety barrier to stop crossovers. What they will do to finance this is allow the
construction companies to bid on the job.
The construction company will use their own funds to begin the project
and then will be reimbursed by the State.
They are planning to use concrete for the roads. One of the State Representatives made a
motion that the municipally help to support the state police using our police
officers in enforcing the speed regulations on I-95 because it is a traffic
hazard. The other issue discussed were
turn-arounds on I-95 to allow for emergency vehicles.
His last point was about
members of the Town Boards being critical of members of the Commission and
other Town Officials. He said that he
did not think it was right for them to be critical of the decisions of the
Commission because they serve at the Commissions pleasure. There are processes, and if they disagree
with a determination, there is a process to follow. There should be no other comments made. He said that he is tired of people
criticizing Commissioners. He stated
that these individuals are placed on the Boards to make non-political
decisions. If they
cannot do that job they
should be removed from the Board. He
said that he is tired of hearing them be critical. There are ethical procedures to be followed if
you are on a board.
Vice Mayor Wilson replied
that he has no problem removing a member from a Board. The
Commissioner Walters asked if
there was stormwater grant funding coming.
The Town Manager responded that there are two separate grants through
FEMA. One is for $500,000 for Basin 9
and $150,000 for drainage improvements.
At this point, it looks good that the Town will receive the $500,000 it
is a long shot for $150,000.
Commissioner Guglietta asked
if FEMA has reimbursed the Town for the employee's compensation time due to the
hurricanes. The Town Manager indicated
that FEMA has been notified and he will check the status.
Commissioner Walters continued
that there is an officer out on worker's compensation and he wanted to know the
status. The Police Chief reported that
she has reached maximum medical ability and wanted to file disability claim
with the Pension Board. Commissioner Walters
responded saying that she will have to see another doctor to determine if she
has a disability. That is why it is so
important to have educated people
on that board that know the
laws. She will have to complete an
application with the Pension Board.
Commissioner Walters continued
saying that private events must have a permit and they must be approved by Commission. He
also discussed a meeting with
Commissioner Walters asked
about the minutes. The Clerk responded
that they are being worked on. He also
asked if he could have his Commission packet in a paper binder.
The Clerk responded that in
the end the binders were less expensive.
However, that she did not care if he wanted his in a paper binder and
would do so.
Commissioner Walter stated
that the Commission needs the light system.
It was taken out of the budget and it needs to be in place. It will help control the meeting. Commissioner Guglietta agreed that it is
needed.
The Clerk indicated that
there are two types of systems. If you
wanted to go with just the speaker timer, it could be purchased for about
$500.00. She explained how the light
system worked. There was a consensus of
the Commission to purchase the speaker timer light system.
Commissioner Walters asked
about the status of the equipment for placing the minutes on CD. The Clerk replied that it is not working, but
she will be contacting someone to get it going.
Mayor Stacey reported that he
talked with Commissioner Helen Volts regarding a skateboard and dog park.
The Clerk requested that the
Newsletter be published quarterly rather than Bi-monthly as she is having
difficulty getting information from the boards.
Motion by Commissioner
Walters to publish the Newsletter quarterly.
Second by Vice Mayor Wilson. The
motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at