Town Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes - Revised

March 19, 2008

The Town Commission of the Town of Melbourne Beach, Florida, met in regular session on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, in the Community Center, 509 Ocean Avenue, at 6:30 p.m.

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In attendance were Mayor William Stacey, Vice-Mayor Donnie Price, and Commissioners April Evans, Paul Guglietta and Charles Tennant. Also present were Town Manager Jim Bursick, Town Attorney Paul Gougelman, Building Official William Whitelock and Town Clerk Lenore R. Milan.

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

Town Clerk Milan did the roll call of the Commission.

Boards and Committees

The first item was a report from Historical Preservation & Awareness Board Chairperson Marty Remark. Mrs. Marty Remark spoke about the second Pancake Breakfast fundraiser held on March 1, 2008, which raised over $1,000.00. She advised that the Board was hoping to have another one April 12, 2008, which would be the last one until the Fall.

Mrs. Remark advised that these funds were paying the bills for the Ryckman House renovations. She stated that they received so much help from the Fire Department, Sara Tennant who served the breakfasts, and that they had a good turnout.

Mrs. Remark advised that the Building Official was here this weekend working on the Ryckman House.

Building Official Whitelock stated that they would begin painting the exterior of the house the first of the week, depending on the weather.

Mayor Stacey thanked the Historical Preservation and Awareness Board, Building Official Whitelock, and everyone else who has helped renovate the Ryckman House.

Mrs. Downing, 801 Pine St., stated she was reporting for the History Center Board, that they were moving right along, and would be adding a flag. She advised that the docents are serving faithfully every Saturday and are coming up with suggestions.

Mrs. Downing advised that there have been several people sitting for 35 minutes listening to the voice of Don Beaujeans with great interest. She then informed that next month there will be an exhibit on Oak Lodge, the first Hotel in Town; that scientists came by boat to stay there, it is a very interesting part of history of the Town.

Mrs. Downing stated that the Board is planning something for Founders Day.

Mayor Stacey gave Mrs. Downing the telephone number of Pam Gillespie, Deputy District Director for Dave Weldon, to ask about receiving a flag that once flew over the Capitol.

Mr. Frank Thomas, 606 Atlantic St., speaking as the local historian, presented the Commission photographs of historic markers, advised that the mission statement of the History Center Board is to preserve historical record of the Melbourne Beach community, to make it known. He then informed the Commission that Historical markers were missing.

Mr. Thomas spoke about the air conditioning unit in the History Center building.

Town Manager Bursick advised that the History Center Board were receiving quotes, and trying to get a unit free.

Mrs. Remark advised that a historic marker was stored in a garage, it was put away while work was being done on the Ryckman House.

The next item was the reappointment of Joseph Tracy to the Historical Preservation and Awareness Board for a one-year term ending March 19, 2009.

Vice Mayor Price made a motion to re-appoint Joseph Tracy to the Historical Preservation and Awareness Board, which was seconded by Commissioner Tennant. The motion carried unanimously.

The next item was to appoint members to the Auditor Selection Committee.

Town Manager Bursick advised that this is a process the Town goes through every three years, solicit applications for the Committee; that we have three from last year, we now have received one from Norman Barnes and he recommended the Commission appoint Jane Antonsen to the Committee.

Vice Mayor Price asked if there was any reason why a member of the Commission could not be on that committee.

Town Attorney Gougelman advised that it could be considered as dual office holding.

Town Manager Bursick advised that at the last Commission meeting, the Commission re-appointed three members; that this would fill out the five slots necessary. He stated that the Committee would seek proposals, review and come to the Town Commission for their approval.

Commissioner Evans made a motion to approve the appointments, which were seconded by Vice Mayor Price. The motion carried unanimously.

Consent Agenda

Approval of Minutes: February 20, 2008 Regular Meeting.

Special Events

i. 23^rd Annual Rotary Pineapple Man Triathlon requested by Don Riordan, Jr. on June 1, 2008

ii. Founders Day on May 3, 2008

Vice Mayor Price made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, which was seconded by Commissioner Tennant. The motion carried unanimously.

Non-Scheduled Citizens Comments

Mr. Henry Saunders, 7365 A1A, representing his daughter Kristen Saunders, 320 First Ave., spoke about the Walls and Fences Ordinance. He advised that this property is zoned commercial and has an existing home, that they were starting a small consulting company, with just him and Kirsten. He stated that they have brought it up to ADA codes.

Mr. Saunders stated that he was advised that he was required to put in a concrete wall between his commercial property and the residential property, that a small business to pay $20,000-$25,000 for a wall is a hardship; that the Commission has to re-visit this Ordinance. He advised that he could understand that it be required for new construction, and that he understood the Town’s intention.

Town Manager Bursick advised that the Commission adopted a comprehensive amendment to the walls and fences Ordinance in August 2007. He said there were citizens’ concerns, so it was sent back to the Planning and Zoning Board for their April meeting, the Town is in the process of looking at it.

Vice Mayor Price stated that he recalled at that meeting, it was agreed that the Town would give some consideration to the life expectancies of existing walls and fences.

Building Official Whitelock stated that in the 6B Residential Zone, he was under the direction of the Town Commission in January, enforcing the Code in the book. He advised that the Osceola Professional Building was required to construct a wall between their building and residential property.

Commissioner Evans advised that what may not be made clear is that the Ordinance was in existence for a number of years; it has been there, just not enforced. She stated that some language was vague; they cleaned it up so they didn’t have a choice of a wall or fence; it doesn’t change our Code, just cleaned up the language.

Vice Mayor Price stated we cleaned it up in a way that would not penalize people who already had fences that are still serviceable.

Commissioner Evans stated it was not to put a burden on them, but to give them some time.

Mr. Saunders stated that the original Code did allow for vinyl and fences, now they are not allowed, we will be blocking off neighbors’ breezes. He said this includes all condominiums on A1A, he requested they revisit it.

Public Hearing

The next item was the second reading of Ordinance 2008-02 amending the Coastal Construction Line, as requested by Town Manager Bursick. This Ordinance was advertised on March 12, 2008.

Town Attorney Gougelman read Ordinance 2008-02 for second reading, in title only.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF MELBOURNE BEACH, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE TOWN COASTAL SETBACK LINE; MAKING FINDINGS; AMENDING SECTION 5A-2, LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, APPENDIX A, TOWN CODE OF THE TOWN OF MELBOURNE BEACH, FLORIDA; AMENDING THE DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION OF THE TOWN COASTAL SETBACK LINE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND INTERPRETATION; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF INCONSISTENT RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Commissioner Guglietta made a motion to approve Ordinance 2008-02 for second reading, which was seconded by Commissioner Evans. The motion carried unanimously.

The next item on the agenda is the second reading of Ordinance 2008-03 Amending Building Code References, as requested by Town Manager Bursick. This Ordinance was advertised on March 12, 2008,

Town Attorney Gougelman read Ordinance 2008-03 for second reading, in title only.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF MELBOURNE BEACH, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, RELATING TO BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION-RELATED CODES; MAKING FINDINGS; AMENDING CHAPTER 4A, APPENDIX A, MELBOURNE BEACH CODE OF ORDINANCES; REPEALING SECTION 4A-3, RELATING CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS; AMENDING SECTION 4A-20, DELETING REFERENCES TO THE SOUTHERN STANDARD BUILDING CODE AND ADOPTING THE FLORIDA BUILDING CODE AND THE FLORIDA RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE; REPEALING SECTIONS 4A-21, 4A-22, 4A-23, 4A-24, 4A-25, RELATING TO THE SOUTHERN STANDARD BUILDING CODE APPENDICES, ACCESS BY HANDICAPPED PERSONS, MANUFACTURED BUILDINGS, THERMAL EFFICIENCY STANDARDS, AND REPEALING THE SWIMMING POOL CODE; CREATING SECTION 4A-26 ADOPTING THE FLORIDA EXISTING BUILDING CODE; AMENDING SECTION 4A-35 RELATING TO APPROVAL BY THE DIVISION OF HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS FOR CERTAIN PUBLIC LODGING AND FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS; REPEALING SECTION 4A-36 RELATING TO EXTENSION AND EXPIRATION OF BUILDING PERMITS; AMENDING SECTION 4A-37 DELETING REFERENCES TO REPEALED SECTION 4A-3; AMENDING SECTION 4A-50 MODIFYING THE CURRENTLY EFFECTIVE ELECTRICAL CODE; REPEALING SECTIONS 4A-51 AND 4A-52 RELATING ELECTRICAL CODE APPENDICES AND ELECTRIC RACEWAYS; REPEALING SECTION 4A-60 RELATING TO THE FLORIDA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, 1988 EDITION; AMENDING SECTION 4A-63 RELATING TO THE 1985 UNSAFE BUILDING ABATEMENT CODE BY REVISING REFERENCES TO THE BUILDING CODE; AMENDING SECTION 4A-65 DELETING THE SOUTHERN STANDARD PLUMBING CODE AND ADOPTING THE FLORIDA PLUMBING CODE; REPEALING SECTIONS 4A-66, 4A-67, AND 4A-68 ADOPTING APPENDICES TO THE SOUTHERN STANDARD PLUMBING CODE, PLUMBING OFFICIAL DUTIES, AND CHECKING OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS BY PLUMBING OFFICIAL; REPEALING SECTIONS 4A-69, 4A-70, AND 4A-71 RELATING TO ALTERNATE MATERIALS AND METHODS, STOP WORK ORDERS, AND PLUMBING PERMITS; AMENDING SECTION 4A-81, DELETING REFERENCES TO THE STANDARD MECHANICAL CODE AND ADOPTING THE FLORIDA MECHANICAL CODE; REPEALING SECTION 4A-82 RELATING TO APPENDICES TO THE STANDARD MECHANICAL CODE; AMENDING SECTION 4A-83, DELETING REFERENCES TO THE STANDARD GAS CODE AND ADOPTING THE FLORIDA FUEL GAS CODE; REPEALING SECTION 4A-84 RELATING TO APPENDICES TO THE STANDARD GAS CODE; REVISING SECTION 4A-83 DELETING REFERENCES TO THE 1997 EDITION OF THE STANDARD GAS CODE AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE FLORIDA FUEL GAS CODE; REPEALING SECTION 4A-84 RELATING TO APPENDICES OF THE SOUTHERN STANDARD GAS CODE; AMENDING SECTION 4A-94(a) ADOPTING ADDITIONAL STANDARDS REQUIRED FOR CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENT IN SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAS; REVISING SECTION 4A-123(a) RELATING TO STRUCTURAL STANDARDS UNDER THE COASTAL CONSTRUCTION CODE; REPEALING SECTIONS 4A-141 AND 4A-142, RELATING TO THE BUILDING OFFICIAL SERVING EX OFFICIO AS THE ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR AND THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR AND TO PENALTIES; AMENDING SECTION 4A-145 RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT OF A BUILDING PERMIT AND WITH REGARD TO EXPIRATION THEREOF; REPEALING SECTIONS 4A-146 AND 4A-147 RELATING TO CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY AND REQUIRING COMPLIANCE WITH THE SOUTHERN STANDARD BUILDING CODE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND INTERPRETATION; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF INCONSISTENT RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Vice Mayor Price made a motion to approve Ordinance 2008-03 for second reading, which was seconded by Commissioner Evans.

Mrs. Marty Remark, 707 Atlantic St., stated she read this Ordinance last night and asked how it affected the Certificate of Occupancy.

Building Official Whitelock advised that the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy is covered by the Florida Building Codes, that everything being deleted was based on old Southern Building Codes. He stated that this should have been done years ago, and it will all be contained in the Florida Building Codes.

Vice Mayor Price stated that as a result of the State mandated changes, we are adopting the Florida Building Codes and after adoption; that any citizen can see all of the changes in one place (in Town Hall).

Building Official Whitelock advised that the Florida Building Codes are on-line.

The motion carried unanimously.

The next item on the agenda was the first reading of Ordinance 2008-04 relating to Stormwater, amending Chapter 27 of the Code adding Article II, Sections 27-20 through 27-38 relating to illegal and illicit discharges and connections, as requested by Town Manager Bursick.

Town Attorney Gougelman read Ordinance 2008-04 in title only.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF MELBOURNE BEACH, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, REALTING TO STORMWATER; MAKING FINDINGS; AMENDING CHAPTER 27 OF THE TOWN CODE OF ORDINANCES; ADDING ARTICLE II, SECTIONS 27-20 THROUGH 27-36 RELATING TO ILLEGAL AND ILLICIT DISCHARGES AND CONNECTIONS; PROVIDING A SHORT TITLE, OBJECTIVES, AND DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING FOR APPLICABILITY AND COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER REGULATIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY; REQUIRING CONTROL OF POLLUTANT CONTRIBUTIONS FROM INTERCONNECTED MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEMS; SETTING FORTH PROHIBITIONS; REGULATING STORMWATER DISCHARGES FROM COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, OR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES TO THE MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM OR REGULATED WATERS; SETTING FORTH AUTHORIZED EXEMPTIONS AND EMERGENCY CONDITIONS; REQUIRING INSPECTION AND MONITORING FOR COMPLIANCE; PROVIDING REPORTING REQUIREMENTS; PROVIDING FOR VIOLATION, ENFORCEMENT, AND ASSESSMENT OF A PENALTY; PROVIDING A SCHEDULE OF PENALTIES AND PROVIDING FOR THE USE OF PENALTY AWARDS; PROVIDING FOR INTERPRETATION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Commissioner Guglietta made a motion to approve for first reading Ordinance 2008-04, which was seconded by Commissioner Evans. The motion carried unanimously.

Commissioner Guglietta stated that this Ordinance would bring the Town up-to-date; that the prohibited use fines are quite expensive.

Vice Mayor Price advised a recent newspaper article stated that pharmaceuticals are in our drinking water, and that prescription drugs are being disposed of in an unsafe manner. He said we need to advise our citizens how to handle and dispose of unwanted, expired drugs.

Town Manager Bursick stated that this was appropriate, and he would contact Waste Management.

Mrs. Marty Remark, 707 Atlantic St., advised that there was an article in the newspaper recently addressing that matter. She said a person can handle it themselves by placing the prescription in carbonated soda, marking off your name and prescription number from the bottle.

Mrs. Ann Downing 801 Pine St., commented on the same news article, advising that the unwanted medicine should be placed in a coffee can and be taped and placed in the trash.

There was a discussion regarding the need to inform and educate the citizens of the Town.

Commissioner Tennant spoke about the Ordinance requiring inspection and monitoring for compliance.

Town Manager Bursick advised that a Town-wide inspection, that Building Official Whitelock is always around Town; and with the assistance of the Police Department and the Public Works using a team approach, they would be trained as to what to look for. He advised that he has already discussed this with staff.

Town Manager Bursick stated that the Town had to report to NPDES, it is actually a requirement and they have to make sure the Town is in compliance.

Town Attorney Gougelman advised that the key is there is illicit discharge reported to the DEP, Health Department and Brevard County Public Safety.

Commissioner Tennant spoke about the generation of additional paperwork for staff due to the inspections involved, and the monitoring of constant flushing of lawn clippings into the drains. He stated that this would have an impact on Town staff.

The motion carried unanimously.

The next item is the discussion and possible action regarding Resolution 2008-08 authorizing the Town Manager in coordination with the Fire Chief to submit a grant proposal application of up to $50,000 to the Department of Homeland Security 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant as requested by Town Manager Bursick.

Town Attorney Gougelman read Resolution 2008-08 in title only.

A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF MELBOURNE BEACH,

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA AUTHORIZING THE TOWN

MANAGER IN COORDINATION WITH THE FIRE CHIEF TO

SUBMIT A GRANT PROPOSAL APPLICATION IN THE AMOUNT

OF UP TO $50,000 TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY 2008 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT, APPROVING THE APPLICATION; THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE MBVFD, INC OFFER TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED 5% MATCHING FUNDS IF PROJECT IS FUNDED; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Vice Mayor Price made a motion to approve Resolution 2008-08, which was seconded by Commissioner Tennant.

Chief Stark advised that this is for a Fitness Program for the Firefighters.

The motion carried unanimously.

New Business

Discussion and possible action regarding the adoption of the Stormwater Master Plan Update as prepared by Jones Edmunds & Associates and development of a strategy for financing stormwater improvements and a street resurfacing program.

Town Manager Bursick advised that this item is a follow-up to the workshop where the Commission was presented with the Stormwater Master Plan Update, showing nineteen Stormwater improvement projects. He stated that the total would be $8.4 million.

Town Manager Bursick stated that approximately $1.6 million was needed for street re-surfacing of all streets, providing for a total requirement of $10 million.

Town Manager Bursick stated that he recommended the Commission adopt the Stormwater master Plan Update; that it would serve as a guide for the Town as they proceed through the years, it is a flexible or living document, to be changed depending on the needs and the funds of the Town.

Town Manager Bursick advised that his second recommendation would be for the Commission to determine at what expenditure level they feel would be most appropriate for the Town. He stated that the total street re-surfacing cost is $1.6 million or $100,000 per mile, since there are 16 streets in Town, with a portion relating to Ocean Avenue, which, as redevelopment occurs, developers will pave. He said this would reduce the cost by $700,000.

Town Manager Bursick stated that $1.65 million represent projects for the Oak Street Pedway and Hazard Mitigation, making the total requirement $6 million, with $2.4 for priority or critical projects. He said there are systems failing that need to be addressed, that grant money is available for water quality projects. He advised the Commission that they needed to identify projects that need to be addressed and identify funding for those projects.

Town Manager Bursick spoke about the Stormwater Utility Fee. The current rate is $36 per year for each residential unit. If the Town focused on the $2.4 million for priority projects, and increased the Stormwater Utility Fee by three times, the funds could be used to pay some of the direct costs, debt service, or to provide grant matching funds.

Town Manager Bursick advised that his third recommendation was requesting authorization to obtain proposals to review the Town’s Stormwater Utility Fee; if this is the direction the Commission wanted now to get rates in place by October 2008, and to the Property Appraiser’s Office by September 15, 2008.

Town Manager Bursick stated that his fourth recommendation was for providing funds for street resurfacing, that Town may want to utilize the pay as we go method. He advised that the Town has not resurfaced streets in recent years, some are not in bad condition, and some are in need of resurfacing. This would require an annual levy by the Town each year to increase the General Fund operating millage rate which would be dedicated to street paving. The Town would look at it on a case by case basis, allocate some millage rate funds for streets at a consistent level so people will know what to expect in their tax bill.

Vice Mayor Price stated that the Stormwater Master Plan was reviewed at a workshop, the Commission became familiar, realizing the Stormwater repairs and improvements be separate from what we need for the roads, which is approximately $1.6 million, with a total of $10 million after certain reductions of approximately $2 million.

Town Manager Bursick advised yes.

Vice Mayor Price advised that the Commission think in terms as to how we are going to finance that, authorize an analysis of the Stormwater Utility Fee for recommendations what we might use to consider to adjust that fee, he said the Town Manager was seeking authorization.

Vice Mayor Price motioned to authorize the Town Manager to arrange for an analysis of the Stormwater Utility Fee, as presented, which was seconded by Commissioner Tennant. The motion carried unanimously.

Vice Mayor Price stated, further, that the authorization is for the Town Manager to pursue an agreement to analyze existing fees for Stormwater control management and make a recommendation to the Commission.

Vice Mayor Price made a motion to authorize the Town Manager to prepare a recommendation with a proposed agreement from a firm who will analyze our existing fee structure with recommendations, which was seconded by Commissioner Evans. The motion carried unanimously.

Vice Mayor Price asked the Town Manager, have we now provided him with what he needed?

Town Manager Bursick advised that part of the study would be to determine what level of expenditures the Town feels it needs to address. He said Stormwater fees are not assigned in operating costs historically they are used for repairs.

Commissioner Guglietta advised the Town Manager to come back with proposals, and that those funds would get used for that purpose, not anything else.

Commissioner Tennant asked where the Stormwater Utility Fee is in the Town’s Budget. He was advised by the Town Manager that it is included on the tax bill assessment as a separate line item, that $53,000 is collected each year.

There was a discussion regarding Equivalent Residential Units (ERU’s), that they were calculated separately, residential, one ERU, condominiums calculated differently, commercial also calculated with a different formula.

Commissioner Evans asked the Town Manager if he wanted to discuss item #4, street resurfacing now.

Town Manager Bursick advised that it would be discussed at the budget workshops, it is the reason why he recommended Stormwater Utility Fees to pay, directly correlated to the Stormwater Utility Fee primary funding source. He advised that a $2 million bond was not advantageous, that $8 million would, but would be hard to convince the public that it was a necessity at this time.

Reports

Town Attorney Gougelman advised that he had nothing to report at this time.

Town Manager Bursick gave the financial report for first five months or 42%, with the General Revenue Fund Revenue at $1,235,646 or 62%; he advised that the Ad Valorem Property Tax revenue was $830,789. He stated that expenses were $922,665 or 46%. He advised that the reason for being high was debt service payments transferring from the General Fund early in the year and payment of fire trucks.

Town Manager Bursick spoke about the Commission approving a workshop on Wednesday, April 2, 2008, but Commissioner Tennant would not be available; and Vice Mayor Price and Commissioner Guglietta would both be out of town on March 25 and 26^th ; he asked to have this workshop on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. All Commissioners agreed.

Town Manager Bursick advised that the Police Chief and his Officers are attending the Officers of the Year Awards Dinner, that the Police Chief would make a presentation at the next Commission meeting.

Town Manager Bursick informed the Commission that nominations for the Citizen and Junior Citizen of the Year were needed.

Town Manager Bursick thanked Building Official Bill Whitelock for all is hard work on the Ryckman House, advising that he took annual leave to work on it, donated his time to build the rails.

Commissioner Tennant advised that our Town Attorney, Paul Gougelman went above and beyond giving the residents of our Town solid advice, a good job handling the Walgreens issue.

Commissioner Tennant expressed his thanks and appreciation to Don Riordan and the Rotary Club for their donations and support, stating they were putting this Town on the map.

Commissioner Tennant spoke about his meeting with the Environmental Advisory Board regarding renewable energy; advising that there are a lot of people interested in getting things started.

Commissioner Guglietta thanked the Town Manager for his copy of the 2004 draft Fire Department agreement, and asked when he anticipated the new draft.

Town Manager Bursick advised that he met with the Town Attorney this evening; that he would meet individually with each Commissioner to discuss what direction the Commission wants to go.

Commissioner Guglietta spoke about his attendance at the MPO meeting, discussing concept development and evaluation of new highways east to west, with a 2025 implementation date; that this would be in conjunction with the Atlanta Expressway.

Commissioner Guglietta stated that new roadways are going to be constructed, that toll roads have been suspended, that tolls are a money-maker, with resistance to have any more of these, but may be another way to finance these roads. He advised that he was going to Tallahassee to the Legislative Action Day and asked if anyone had an issue that needed to be brought to the attention of our Legislatures; that he would be more than happy to do so.

Commissioner Evans advised that she had noting to report at this time.

Vice Mayor Price advised that he attended the Pancake Breakfast, which was very nice and well-attended, a fun day and a good hearty breakfast. He stated that he was also attending the Legislative Action Day to talk to some of the Town’s State representatives about concerns of our Town and other municipalities as to how we are going to fund local governments in the future, and that State mandated tax cuts are having an adverse effect on the Town’s budget. And that we are now being advised that more cuts are anticipated by the State. He said there is little consideration for the people who live in this community, a direct assault on Home Rule and the ability of local governments to operate the way local citizens want us to operate. The State is telling us that we as local elected officials will not be allowed to decide how to fund the needs of our Town.

Vice Mayor Price spoke about the cruise industry being allowed to dump raw sewage into the Ocean, especially a few miles off the coast; he said we chose to live here because of our beautiful paradise that is Melbourne Beach, and Ocean pollution is a serious issue. He spoke about recent talk on the State level of increasing sales tax to provide funding of municipalities in lieu of property taxes. More to come on this.

Vice Mayor Price stated that the State is providing a band aid approach; if they are going to pass laws in Tallahassee on how we can tax ourselves to meet our needs then there is no need for local government. He advised that we can still have some impact on these initiatives for funding local government in the State of Florida. He wished all present a Happy Easter and good night.

Mayor Stacey thanked Vice Mayor Price. He advised that he had the honor of participating in Mayors Meals on Wheels, where he personally delivered meals to people in the Town of Melbourne Beach, a very worthy cause.

The meeting duly adjourned at 8:08 p.m.

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William G. Stacey, Mayor

ATTEST:

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Lenore R. Milan, CMC, Town Clerk