Town Commission

                                                                                    Regular Meeting

                                                                                    November 15, 2006

 

 

The Town Commission of the Town of Melbourne Beach, Florida, met in regular session on Wednesday, November 15, 2006, in the Community Center, 509 Ocean Avenue, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

***

In attendance were Mayor William Stacey, Vice-Mayor Wilson, and Commissioners and Paul Guglietta, April Evans, and Donnie Price. Absent was Steve Walters. Also present were Town Manager Jim Bursick, Interim Town Attorney Gary Sack, and Town Clerk Lenore R. Milan.

 

***

Mayor Stacey asked for a moment of silence in the memory of Judge Mitchell Barlow.

 

***

Interim Town Attorney Sack swore-in Commissioner April Evans and Commissioner Paul Guglietta.  Commissioners Guglietta and Evans took their place on the dais.

 

***

Selection of Vice Mayor to serve November 2006 through November 2008.

 

Mayor Stacey passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Wilson.  Mayor Stacey nominated Donnie Price for Vice Mayor, which was seconded by Commissioner Guglietta.  The motion carried unanimously.  The Mayor and Commission congratulated Vice Mayor Price.

 

Mayor Stacey presented Certificate of Elections to Commissioners Evans and Guglietta.

 

***

INTERMISSION

***

Mayor Stacey called the meeting to order and offered the invocation.  The entire assembly recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Wilson moved to approve the minutes of regular meeting October 18, 2006, which was seconded by Vice Mayor Price.  The motion and it carried unanimously.

 

***

Consent Agenda

Vice Mayor Price moved to approve all the consent agenda items in accordance with the following recommendations:

A.   Award of bid for Ryckman Park Pier Repairs to RKT Constructors, Inc. in the amount of $42,349. Source of Funds: FEMA and General Revenues.

            Recommendation:  Award bid to RKT Constructors, Inc. in the amount of $42,349.

B.   Concession Agreement with SeeCoast Manufacturing Company, Inc. for the installation of two coin-operated telescopes.

            Recommendation: Approved, with a change to the time for viewing from 1 ½ minutes per quarter to 3 minutes per quarter.

C.  Approval of Agreement for cleaning services with Already Cleaning in the amount of $714 per month, $8,568 for the year. Source of Funds: General Services and Police Department Budget.

            Recommendation:  Approved agreement for cleaning services with Already Cleaning in the amount of $714 per month, for a total of $8,568 per year.

D.  Special Events Permit Applications:

1)  Music in the Park, as requested by the Parks Board to be held on December 16,

2006, following Tree Lighting Ceremony. Recommendation:  Approve permit application as presented.

 

2)      Music in the Park, as requested by the Parks Board to be held March 10, 2007. Recommendation: Approve permit application as presented.

E.        Landscape Maintenance Agreement between the Town of Melbourne Beach                                                                                                                                           and Fertig’s Sharper Cuts, Inc. for mowing services at various Town locations at an annual cost of $20,940.   Source of Funds:  Public Works Budget.  Recommendation:  Approve agreement with Fertig’s Sharper Cuts, Inc. at an annual cost of $20,940.

F.        Authorization to increase audit contract amount with Bray, Beck & Koetter for the 2005 audit from $12,000 to $15,595 due to additional work.  Recommendation:  Approve increase of audit contract with Bray, Beck & Koetter for the 2005 audit as presented.

 

Commissioner Guglietta seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

 

***

Non-Scheduled Citizen Comments

Ms. Terry Block, 310 6th Avenue spoke about the storm drainage problem she is having.

The Town Manager advised Ms. Block that the Town was in the process was reviewing with the State and Federal to relocate additional funds.

 

Ms. Alice Graham, 305 5th Avenue, congratulated the elected officials, she then spoke about an

anonymous letter sent to her regarding Steve Walters.

 

Ms. Roberta Tyner, 1500 Orange Street, stated that she was horrified about the same letter.

 

Mr. Steve Walters, 416 6th Avenue, congratulated Commissioner Evans on her professional campaign, he then spoke about the letter that was sent to the residents just prior to the election, the violations of Florida Statutes, and stated he has filed a criminal complaint, and has instituted a reward of $1,000 to anyone with information regarding the letter.  He said he hoped the Judge makes an example of them.

 

Mr. Frank Thomas, 606 Atlantic Street, advised that this sort of thing has been going on for more than one election.

 

Ms. Jean Marshall, 410 6th Avenue, stated that she was upset about this letter, and was adding $250 to the reward.

 

Ms. Gail Gowdy, 215 Ash Avenue, stated that she and her husband would be contributing $250 to the reward also.  She also remarked that the Town Hall was working like a well-oiled machine and thanked the Manager, Clerk and Deputy Clerk for the fine job they were doing.

 

Ms. Ann Downing, 801 Pine Street, read a letter from Thomas Shaw, who was not able to be at the meeting.  He congratulated the elected officials and thanked his supporters.  He said to the Commission, that, as they begin a new cycle to more forward on the real issues, to act as a stabilizing force.

 

Boards and Committees

First item to be considered was the re-appointment of Parks Board regular member, Bruce Black for two-year terms expiring November 15, 2008. Vice Mayor Price made a motion to approve the re-appointment, which was seconded by Commissioner Guglietta.  The motion carried unanimously.

The next item to be considered was the re-appointment of the Civil Service Board regular members   Michael V. Fufidio, Gerald Matheson, and Ann Szemplelnski, and alternate member Lisa Farrall, for two-year terms expiring November 18, 2008.  Vice Mayor Price made a motion to approve the re-appointments, which was seconded by Commissioner Guglietta.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Board Reports

Bruce Black spoke about the first Veterans’ Day event receiving positive feedback.  He then advised that the Parade on December 16, 2006 was moved to 4 P.M. with the Tree Lighting Ceremony to follow, and then there will be Music in the Park.  He said there will be a Holiday Decorating Contest, that forms would be available at Town Hall in a couple of days, with a First Place $50 Certificate to Melbourne Beach Supermarket.  He thanked the Commission for their support.

 

Mayor Stacey thanked Mr. Black for the cake and sodas he provided this evening.   

 

***

Public Hearings

First to be considered was the second reading of Ordinance No. 2006-10 prohibiting entry by the Town of Melbourne Beach into any contract with a private entity or person that would contain an agreement to indemnify the private entity or person. This ordinance was brought to the Town Commission’s attention by the Town Attorney at the September 18, 2006 meeting.

 

Town Attorney Sack read: ORDINANCE NO. 2006-10 OF THE TOWN OF MELBOURNE

BEACH, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROHIBITING ENTRY BY THE TOWN OF MELBOURNE BEACH, FLORIDA, INTO ANY CONTRACT WITH A GOVERNMENTAL OR PRIVATE ENTITY OR PERSON THAT WOULD CONTAIN AN AGREEMENT TO INDEMNIFY THE GOVERNMENTAL OR PRIVATE ENTITY OR PERSON; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE by title only.

 

Commissioner Wilson moved for approval upon second reading.  Commissioner Guglietta seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

The next item was the second reading of Ordinance No. 2006-11 repealing Section 12-2, “Employees’ Retirement Pension Plan” and adopting a new Article entitled “Florida Retirement System” authorizing participation by eligible general employees in the Florida Retirement System.   

 

Town Attorney Sack read ORDINANCE No. 2006-11 OF THE TOWN OF MELBOURNE

BEACH,AMENDING CHAPTER 12, BY ESTABLISHING A NEW ARTICLE II, ENTITLED FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM; AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION BY ELIGIBLE GENERAL EMPLOYEES IN THE FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM “REGULAR CLASS” ADMINISTERED BY THE STATE OF FLORIDA, STATE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION, DIVISION OF RETIREMENT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE by title only.

Vice Mayor Price moved to approve the ordinance upon second reading.  Commissioner Guglietta seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

***

The next item was the first reading of Ordinance No. 2006- 14 of the Town of Melbourne Beach, regulating peddlers, Itinerant merchants, itinerant food vendors, and solicitors, regulating the use of property by peddlers, itinerant merchants, itinerant food vendors and solicitors, providing findings, providing definitions, providing exceptions.

 

Interim Town Attorney Sack read:  ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF MELBOURNE BEACH, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, REGULATING PEDDLERS, ITINERANT FOOD VENDORS, AND SOLICITORS, REGULATING THE USE OF PROPERTY BY PEDDLERS, ITNERANT MERCHANTS, ITINERANT FOOD VENDORS, AND SOLICITORS, PROVIDING FINDINGS, PROVIDING DEFINITIONS, PROVIDING EXCEPTIONS; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OR ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE TOWN OF MELBOURNE BEACH, FLORIDA, CODE OF ORDINANCES the first time by title only.

 

There was a brief discussion.

 

Commissioner Guglietta tabled this Ordinance and placed it on the January 17, 2007 Town Commission agenda for first reading, which was seconded by Vice Mayor Price.  The motion carried 4-1, with a nay from Commissioner Wilson.

 

Next item was for first reading of Ordinance No. 2006- 16 Creating a History Center Board; making findings; amending Chapter 11: Departments, Boards and Commissions of the Code of Melbourne Beach by adding thereto Article X. History Center Board; amending Article IX. Auditor Selection Committee by deleting Sections 11-116.-11.119. Reserved therefrom, providing for the establishment, appointed members, terms, officers, rules and procedures and power and authority of said History Center Board.

 

Interim Town Attorney Sack read:  ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF MELBOURNE BEACH, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, CREATING A HISTORY CENTER BOARD; MAKING FINDINGS; AMENDING CHAPTER 11: DEPARTMENTS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS OF THE CODE OF MELBOURNE BEACH BY ADDING THERETO ARTICLE X. HISTORY CENTER BOARD; AMENDING ARTICLE IX. AUDITOR SELECTION COMMITTEE BY DELETING SECTIONS 11-116.-11.119. RESERVED.  THEREFROM; PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT, APPOINTED MEMBERS, TERMS, OFFICERS, RULES AND PROCEDURES AND POWER AND AUTHORITY OF SAID HISTORY CENTER BOARD; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF CERTAIN ORDINANCES OR RESOLUTIONS INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE the first time by title only.

 

Vice Mayor Price made a motion to approve this Ordinance and place it on the December 13, 2006 Town Commission Agenda for Second Hearing, which was seconded by Commissioner Guglietta.

 

The Town Manager explained that that this was originally an Ad Hoc Committee, and that it would be more effective to have them become their own Board.

 

Commissioner Wilson asked if it was necessary for the Town to have two history boards.  The Town Manager stated that they would not overlap.  Vice Mayor Price added that they would remain separate in the future.

 

There was a discussion regarding the timeframe for the opening of the Williams Building as a history center Museum; that it would showcase photographs donated by Frank Thomas, and that it would take a lot of work to get it completed.   

 

Commissioner Wilson stated that South Brevard Museum was looking for a home for artifacts.

 

The motion carried unanimously.

 

Mr. Frank Thomas,606 Atlantic Street, stated that he would love to donate his photographs, if the Town wanted them.  He said the Williams Building Board was doing a wonderful job.

 

New Business

The first item was Resolution No. 2006-15, reporting the canvassing of the returns of the General Election held on November 7, 2006 for the election of two Town Commissioners and the Referendum determining whether or not the Electorate desires to amend its Charter relating to building height limits pursuant to Ordinance No. 2006-09.

 

Town Attorney Sack read RESOLUTION NO. 2006-15 OF THE TOWN OF MELBOURNE BEACH, FLORIDA, A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF MELBOURNE BEACH, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA CANVASSING THE RETURNS OF THE GENERAL ELECTION HELD ON NOVEMBER 7, 2006 FOR THE ELECTION OF TWO TOWN COMMISSIONERS AND FOR A REFERENDUM DETERMINING WHETHER OR NOT THE ELECTORATE DESIRES TO AMEND ITS CHARTER RELATING TO BUILDING HEIGHT LIMITS PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE NO. 2006-09; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE by title only.

 

Vice Mayor Price moved to approve the resolution, Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

***

The second item was Resolution No. 2006-16 adopting new Building Permit Fees.

 

Town Attorney Sack read Resolution No. 2006-16 OF THE TOWN OF MELBOURNE BEACH, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA AMENDING SITE PLAN REVIEW FEE SCHEDULE by title only.

 

There was a brief discussion regarding the old fees, the Planning Official and Building Official spending extensive time reviewing plans, and that the permits would cover the cost to review.

 

The Town Manager introduced William Whitelock to the Commission and residents in the audience.  Mr. Whitelock was welcomed to the Town.

 

Commissioner Wilson moved to approve the resolution, Commissioner Guglietta seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

The next item was Resolution No. 2006-17 supporting the elimination of the cap of the Housing Trust Funds beginning in fiscal year 2007-2008 and supporting full funding from the Housing Trust Funds of $939.5 Million for housing in the State fiscal year 2006-2007 Budget, which was placed on the agenda by Commissioner Guglietta.

 

Commissioner Guglietta explained to the Commission that this was requested by the Florida League of Cities, to have the cities adopt this resolution as support to ask Legislators for the funds from the Doc Stamps of $939.5 Million to be taken out of the trust fund and put into affordable housing funding.

 

Vice Mayor Price moved to approve the resolution, Commissioner Guglietta seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

The motion carried unanimously.

 

The next item was Resolution No. 2006-19 discontinuing participation on behalf of General Employees in the “Town of Melbourne Beach Money Purchase Plan and Trust”.

 

Town Attorney Sack read:  A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF MELBOURNE BEACH, FLORIDA DISCONTINUING PARTICIPATION ON BEHALF OF GENERAL EMPLOYEES IN THE “TOWN OF MELBOURNE BEACH MONEY PURCHASE PLAN AND TRUST” ADMINISTERED BY THE SECURITY BENEFIT GROUP OF COMPANIES; MAKING FINDINGS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE by title only.

 

Vice Mayor Price moved to approve the resolution, Commissioner Guglietta seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

The next item was Resolution No. 2006-20 appointing James D. Bursick, Town Manager as Trustee of the Money Purchase Plan and Trust, effective March 15, 2006.

 

Town Attorney Sack read: A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF MELBOURNE BEACH, FLORIDA, APPOINTING JAMES D. BURSICK, INTERIM TOWN MANAGER, AS TRUSTEE OF THE MONEY PURCHASE PLAN AND TRUST, EFFECTIVE MARCH 15, 2006, PURSUANT TO ARTICLE VII OF THE PLAN by title only.

 

The Town Manager explained that action was taken back in March 15, 2006, but, at that time,  no formal resolution was approved.

 

Commissioner Guglietta moved to approve the resolution, Vice Mayor Price seconded the motion, retroactive to March 15, 2006.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Discussion and possible action on installation of landscaping at beach accesses.

 

The Town Manager informed the Commission that Brevard County received a grant to install landscaping on the beach accesses in the amount of $4,000.  He stated that they were limited to native plants, such as sea grapes and sabal palms, that they would reduce the light for the turtles, and wind velocity.  That there would be no charge to the Town and would be completed in 2007, depending on turtle season.

 

Vice Mayor Price made a motion to approve the Town Manager to pursue the grant funds, which was seconded by Commissioner Guglietta.

 

Commissioner Wilson asked who would be in charge, and was advised that the County would be in coordination with the Town.  

 

The motion carried unanimously.

 

Discussion and possible action on resolution of Pedway Corrective Acton Plan.

 

The Town Manager apologized that there wasn’t anything in their package for this meeting.  He stated that the sidewalk east of Oak and Ocean to Gemini Elementary School, after the installation, deficiencies were found; pipes were not wrapped and allowed for sand to go in and clog the pipes.  They should have been lined with gravel so the debris would not be able to get in, that correction cost the Town $8,000 to fix, that a total of $171,000 would be needed.  He said that he has been in negotiations with Outlaw Jones, who wanted to pay “In-kind”.

 

There was a discussion regarding receiving funds from St. John’s Water Management to cover some of the costs; that the Town needed to make a decision as to how it was to handle this matter.  It was decided to place on the next agenda for additional discussion.

 

Discussion and possible action regarding hiring a new Town Attorney.

 

Mayor Stacey moved to table this item until February, which was seconded by Vice Mayor Price.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Discussion and possible action regarding unanticipated funds received during FY 2006, which was placed on the agenda by Commissioner Wilson.

 

Mayor Stacey moved to table this item until February, since the Town doesn’t have the final audit and that the Homestead Exemption may be doubled, which would lose $45,000 for the Town, which was seconded by Vice Mayor Price.  The motion carried 4-1, with a nay from Commissioner Wilson.

 

Discussion and possible action regarding a recording and sound system proposal.

 

The Town Manager stated that the Town Commission requested that we submit proposals for the replacement of our recording and sound system.  He described the equipment to be included in the proposal of new microphones, speakers, amplifiers, including outdoor speakers and new wiring and a digital recording system.

 

The Town Clerk explained what was proposed and the benefit of the new system to the Commission.  After a brief discussion, this item was tabled to the next meeting for more discussion.

 

The next item was Resolution No. 2006-18 by the Town Commission for the Town of Melbourne Beach expressing support for a Historic Preservation Grant application for the restoration of the Ryckman House.   

 

A discussion ensued regarding the use of this grant to cover architect and engineering services to develop plans for the restoration of the Ryckman House.  The Town Manager stated that there was a great deal of the leg work.  Commissioner Wilson advised that we never tried to restore the Ryckman House, why would we pay $10,000 to have someone tell us how to restore it. 

 

Vice Mayor Price stated that we should make it safe and sound.  The Town Manager advised that we would have to adhere to guidelines, eliminating anything that was not part of the original structure, that we cannot make it something it wasn’t.

 

Commissioner Evans asked the Town Manager to look a the difference at what it would cost to restore and what it would cost for the Town to just go in and do it.

 

Vice Mayor Price moved to approve the resolution, upon further review of the grant application, which was seconded by Commissioner Evans.

 

Donnie Price, Jr., 506 Harland Avenue, formerly Chairman of the Parks Board, spoke about the costs of restoration of a historical building, that it could be approximately a Million, and the process is long and difficult, since paint must be taken off the wood, any replacement of wood, would come from out of state, etc.

 

Jean Marshall, 410 6th Avenue, stated that in the late 1980’s; that building was not on the registry; that it didn’t qualify.

 

Frank Thomas, 606 Atlantic Street, stated that rehabilitation of the House has been irresponsible, that it is an historical house.

 

The motion to submit the application carried unanimously. Commissioner Wilson commented that he was not neglecting anything; he believed this Commission has done more regarding the rehabilitation of the Ryckman House than any other.

 

***

Town Attorney’s Report

 

Town Attorney Sack advised that he was prepared to submit a report to the Elections Commission regarding the letter distributed regarding Steve Walters.  He then informed the Commission of the funeral services for Judge Mitchell Barlow this Saturday at St. Sebastian’s Church.

 

Town Manager’s Report

The Town Commission acknowledged receipt of the following reports from the Town Manager: (1) Action Item Report; (2) Police Department Monthly Activity Report – October 2006; and (3) Public Works Man-Hour Report – October 2006.

 

On other items, the Town Manager:

  • Advised that the Financial Report will be distributed before the next Commission Meeting.  The Auditors are expected by the end of this month, to begin preliminary work. We do look good, we had good year last year, with some one-time revenue coming in.
  • Position of Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer has been filled, that he has hit the ground running, with building permit fees, the application process, same-day inspections and plan reviews, cleaning up the Code.
  • The administering of the Sergeant’s examination is written, to be given, three candidates, two positions.  Commander Salvo putting it together with the assistance of Lt. Russell Cockriel of the Brevard’s Sheriff’s Office.
  • Website update is being done by Marion Noe, wants to move forward, will send to Commissioner Evans for her review.
  • Spoke about letter to Frank Thomas regarding artifacts.
  • Financial adviser meeting with him and Jane.

 

Mayor Stacey thanked Commander Salvo for all his good work and asked the Town Clerk to prepare a Proclamation for Lt. Russell Cockriel, thanking him.

 

 ***

Town Commission Reports

Commissioner Wilson

·        Thanked the supporters who voted for the Height Referendum

·        Asked about status of Police Chief?  Manager stated he had a court appearance this month

·        Thanked people who helped with Iceman’s Fall Festival, $500 for Ryckman House repairs was collected

·        Attended Central Middle School with local government and principals regarding a new High School to be built in Micco area

            Commissioner Guglietta

·        Spoke about MPO meeting, regarding widening of Palm Bay Road

·        League of Cities Legislative Meeting regarding affordable housing and emergency evacuation.

·        Attended Gemini Elementary School with Mayor Stacey on Veterans’ Day to speak with children from K-6th Grade on the importance of voting, received some very astute questions, very patriotic children.

·        Lots of code violations in Town

·        Taking legal action against Google and misinformed citizens blog

            Vice Mayor Price

·        Spoke about the Veterans’ Day Ceremony, commending the Parks Board on a job well done

·        Spoke about the Elections and welcomed newly elected and re-elected, stating that he knew they would do a great job.

·        Space Coast League of Cities elected him as Second Vice President

·        League’s December meeting at Patrick Air Force Base on December 11, 2006 would like to see everyone, including staff to attend, spoke about a $10.00 toy to be donated to American Red Cross, also a $50.00 donation to be matched by the League to be donated to American Red Cross or Salvation Army.

·        Thanked the staff for a job well done

·        Happy Thanksgiving to all

            Commissioner Evans

·        Thanked all the people who worked so very hard to get her elected

·        Thanked Clerk for providing her with all the information she needed to assist her tonight

            Mayor Stacey

·         Reminded Commission and staff of the Holiday Party December 22, 2006, which will be catered by Dijon’s Chophouse Restaurant.         

***

The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

 

                                                                                    ______________________________

                                                                                             William G. Stacey, Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

 

_____________________________

    Lenore R. Milan, Town Clerk