Town Commission

Joint Town Commission and Historical

Preservation and Awareness Board Meeting

June 5, 2007

The Town Commission and the Historical Preservation and Awareness Board of the Town of Melbourne Beach, Florida, met for a Joint Meeting session on Tuesday, June 5, 2007, in the Community Center, 509 Ocean Avenue, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

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In attendance were Mayor William Stacey, Vice-Mayor Donnie Price, and Commissioner April Evans. Absent were Commissioners Paul Guglietta and Sandy Wilson. Also present were Chairperson Remark, Vice Chairperson Rydson, Members Dieterle, Gurecki and Tracy and Non-Resident Members Riordan and Wheat. Also present were Town Manager Jim Bursick and Town Clerk Lenore R. Milan. Boy Scout Troop 330 was in the audience to observe this meeting.

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Mayor Stacey called the meeting to order. He then stated that the reason for the joint meeting was the discussion regarding goals and objectives for the Historical Preservation and Awareness Board. He then thanked the Board for attending this meeting.

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Member Gurecki spoke about the Vision and Strategic Plan, a copy of which was included in the meeting package, and stated that it had been approved by the Town Commission over a year ago. He then spoke about the Board’s budget and funds, including donations, being carried over.

Vice Mayor Price stated that municipalities are legislated that any monies not expended during the period that they were budgeted, has to be re-authorized, they had no legal authority to spend money, it has to be ear-marked, but can not be expended without a legal budget.

Chair Remark stated that money that was donated to the Board is deposited into a separate account, must have a budget year, and has to be approved by the Town Commission, there was no direct relationship.

There was a discussion regarding funds donated by the Rotary Club, that the Town could not have a trust fund and constraints.

Member Gurecki advised that the Strategic Plan included the restoration of the Ryckman House; he said people want access. The foundation is now being poured and Hurricane straps will be secured to the House; that they are starting at the bottom and will work up to the top.

A discussion ensued regarding the possibility of seeking grants and matching funds.

Chair Remark advised that she thought their Board could get some assistance; she said once they receive the memorabilia to be placed on the first floor of the Ryckman House, it can be open for the people, possibly rented for meetings.

Member Rydson stated that the Board wanted to see how the Commission feels about this.

Member Gurecki advised that, since it is a Town building, it has to be safe, possibly our Building Official Bill Whitelock would review the House and prepare a checklist and present it to the Board.

Vice Mayor Price said Phase A is the foundation; Phase B would come from what our Building Official lists it would take to make the House safe. We would need to find out how much it would cost. A discussion ensued with regard to the commitment of the Town and the Board, donations made to be included in the House and photos given from Mr. Beaujean’s Granddaughter.

Vice Mayor Price advised that to protect everything that we have, it would be best to do an inventory, send out thank you letters and file in the Town. The recording of those items given would make it official. He said written inventory is almost important as the artifacts themselves.

Member Gurecki spoke about the planned wrap around porch; that it would also help with ADA accessibility. He said we will get an estimate as to how much it will cost to put the porch back; that this would have to be initiated by the Board, with bids through the Town Manager. This is to be discussed at the June 20, 2007 Regular town Commission Meeting.

The meeting duly adjourned at 7:30 P.M.

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William G. Stacey, Mayor

ATTEST:

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Lenore R. Milan, Town Clerk