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Description |
Palatka City Commission Regular Meeting |
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Date |
1/26/2006 |
Location |
Palatka City Commission |
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Speaker/Item |
Note |
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CALL TO ORDER |
Mayor Flagg. |
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Present
Also Present |
Mayor Karl N. Flagg; Commissioners Mary Lawson Brown, Allegra Kitchens, James Norwood, Jr. and George E. Sanders City Manager Allen R. Bush; City Attorney Donald E. Holmes; City Clerk Betsy Jordan Driggers, Finance Director Ruby Williams, Police Chief Gary Getchell; Planning Director Adam Mengel, Assistant Clerk Karen Venables |
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INVOCATION |
The Reverend John R. Jacobs, Pastor; All Saints Anglican Church. |
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE |
Dr. Jeri Melosh. |
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES |
Commissioner Sanders moved to accept the minutes of 1/9/06, Developer Interviews & 1/9/06, Inauguration. Commissioner Kitchens seconded the motion, which passed unopposed. |
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PUBLIC RECOGNITION- March of Dimes Fund Raising Days |
PROCLAMATION - Mayor Flagg read and presented to representatives from the March of Dimes a proclamation proclaiming January 11, 2006 through April 8, 2006 as March of Dimes Fundraising Days. |
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Step Up! Florida |
PROCLAMATION – Mayor Flagg read and presented a proclamation proclaiming February 9, 2006 as Step Up, Florida! Day. Mayor Flagg said we are looking at having teams of our citizens and teams of our City of Palatka to join in. He said details are forthcoming and there has been a press release already. Mayor Flagg said this covers every county in the State of Florida. |
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Betsy Driggers, City Clerk, accepted on behalf of David Kastensmidt, the Putnam County organizer, and said any and everyone is welcomed to join the group and walk the City’s leg. Mayor Flagg noted the flag will be coming from Marion County to Putnam County, who will be carrying it to the Clay County Line. |
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STUDENT OF THE MONTH - |
January 2006 - Mayor Flagg asked Commissioner Kitchens to assist him in presenting certificates for academic excellence, leadership, citizenship and attendance to the following students at their respective schools: Jenna Tincher Beasley
Middle School Kayla Morris Browning
Pearce Elementary School Isabel King Children’s’
Reading Center Charter School Creston Dean E. H.
Miller School Aalijyah McGee James A.
Long Elementary Carlie Hiscock Jenkins
Middle School Gatlin Fussell Kelley
Smith Elementary School Terri Reiber Mellon
Elementary School Willie D. Miller III Moseley
Elementary Josh Higginbotham Palatka High
School Lizzie Fortner Peniel
Baptist Academy Jacob Bump Q.
I. Roberts Middle School Collin Johnson River Breeze Elementary School |
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PUBLIC COMMENTS |
Sam Deputy, 917 Carr St. said he would like the Commission to continue to pursue the Nuisance Abatement Ordinance that was discussed a few months ago. |
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Police Chief Gary Getchell said a draft ordinance was provided to the City Attorney, and they await his comments and advice before bringing it before the Commission for first reading. |
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Mr. Deputy said the Azalea Festival is the March 2 – 5. The Mayor’s Reception will be held Thursday night at the Bronson-Mulholland House and invitations will be mailed out. He extended an invitation to the Mayor to ride in the Azalea Parade again this year, and said will be inviting Mayors from the surrounding communities, including St. Augustine, to also ride in the parade. |
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Dean Parrish, 320 Dodge St., member, Arts Council of Greater Palatka Board of Directors, said the Executive Director asked him to appear before the Commission and inquire as to the status of the amphitheater shade cover proposal, as this has a great effect on their programs. When they book summer concert program bands, they will not set up at the Riverfront if it is the leas bit cloudy, so they have to move everything to the Larimer Arts Center at the last minute. The River City Repertoire Company is expanding its program and the Center is not always available, so they are always having to try to find another venue. The proposed walkway is scheduled for completion in April, and that will add to the urgency of providing cover for the amphitheater, as downtown events will also increase. They have been talking about this for a long time, and there was a high level of excitement when they first heard the City had gotten a grant to do this. He is concerned that they are now back at square one. This is a resource many organizations need. |
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Mr. Bush said the City received a grant from the State of $198,000, and a bid went out for proposals, which went before the 5-year Downtown Planning Team, as this was a project the ‘early version’ of the Planning Team had identified as a need. The full Team looked at it and said they did not feel it was the best practical use for those funds. At this time they are looking at other options, such as restroom renovations; a number of scenarios have proposed. He suggested that Mr. Parrish take the issue up with the 5 Year Planning Committee. Mayor Flagg suggested he contact Len Freeman, the Chair. |
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Linda Crabill, 609 S. 14th Street said she was here tonight to remind the City Commission to get any history information to her for the Putnam County History Book project. |
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CONSENT AGENDA |
a. Adopt 2006 Commission Meeting & TRIM Calendar b. Appoint Code Enforcement Board Alternate #1 LaSandra Williams as Member-At-Large to replace Allegra Kitchens, term to expire Sept, 2006, and move Alternate #2 John Lyon into Alternate #1 seat c. Reappoint Fred Pilgrim and Rev. Charles Rabun to the Palatka Gas Authority Board for three-year terms to expire January 31, 2009 and waive 2nd meeting requirement (incumbents – sole applicants) d. Accept Mike Anderson’s resignation from the General Employees’ Pension Board eff. 10-21-05. e. Declare as Police Dept. Surplus one (1) Mobile Home, to be removed from Police Dept. Pistol Range property by highest bidder. f. Authorize purchase of seven new executive chairs for City Commission Meeting Room at a price not to exceed $4,000, from Wattles Office Supply, per PCSB office furniture bid award (list price @51% discount) g. Award bid for purchase of eight (8) flow measuring devices to AMJ Equipment Corp. for $25,838.08 total (low bidder of three bidders) per Water Plant Superintendent’s recommendation. |
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As to Item e., Mr. Holmes asked if we expect someone to pay us for removal of the mobile home. The Clerk noted it will be advertised as surplus for bids, and if the best offer that comes in is an offer to remove it, they will go with that. |
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Chief Getchell said that is the overall goal. It must be surplused so that the City can take bids for it, and the ultimate goal is that someone will purchase it, but at the very least, remove it as salvage and it doesn't cost the City anything. The mobile home has been declared unfit to inhabit by the City Building Dept. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Norwood moved to approve all items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Sanders seconded the motion, which passed unanimously |
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Mayor Flagg said he would like to recognize Rev. Charles Rabun, who was reappointed to serve on the Palatka Gas Authority Board, who has served faithfully and loyally; he thanked him for his service to all the citizens. |
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REPORTS OF DEPARTMENTS AND COMMITTEES |
Len Freeman, Chairperson of the 5-Year Downtown Redevelopment Team was present with the riverfront developer recommendation, which he read into the record (copy filed.) He said the 5 Year Downtown Redevelopment Planning Team along with the City Commissioners and the public has scrutinized reams of information and interviewed prospects for many hours. The Team determined that both the Vestcor Companies and Brefrank/Palatka Riverwalk Company are qualified firms. He said the ratings deviated by 3/10 of 1%. During their regular meeting held on Monday, January 23, 2006, the motion was to forward the recommendation to the City Commission of the Vestcor Companies as the number 1 ranked developer and Brefrank/Palatka Riverwalk Company as the number 2 ranked developer, and to further recommend that the 5 Year Downtown Redevelopment Planning Team and City Staff should be directed to begin the process of negotiations accordingly. He thanked the Commission for their time and patience. |
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Mayor Flagg thanked Mr. Freeman for the recommendation. |
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Commissioner Kitchens said concurred that both companies were good and both made good presentations; however, she was very impressed with Brefrank. She said the minutes reflect that there were nine different times that Brefrank Company said that they would work with the public and that they would listen to public input and would be extremely open to public input and do what the citizens of Palatka wanted. On the other hand, six times Vestcor referred to trying to hold public meetings, and mentioned that they would listen to people, but she did not get the impression that they were very receptive to actually having that much public input. Vestcor is a very big corporation, they have a lot of impressive projects, and they spent a lot of time assuring them they had huge, impressive projects in Jacksonville and St. Augustine. She noted with interest they historically renovated the Roosevelt Hotel; she thought that was very admirable and thought they did a wonderful job of historic preservation renovation. She said they would probably be wonderful for a huge project in a large town, but Brefrank looked like they would be more willing to work and do exactly what the citizens of Palatka wanted. |
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Commissioner Kitchens asked Mr. Holmes if everyone on the 5 Year Committee is required to sign a conflict of interest form, or if it is just for those who have a conflict. Mr. Holmes said normally he thinks of a conflict of interest form as being something you sign if you are declaring a conflict. He did not know the exact form that was passed out to the committee; he did not pass it out and he did not draft it. At the last committee meeting he addressed the committee because the issue of conflict had been raised. Commissioner Kitchens asked if he knew if the forms had been signed. Mr. Holmes said he had addressed the committee at large because of some comments expressed by a couple of members of the committee. He said the committee told him that a form had been signed in the early stages of their meetings, declaring that they had no such conflict. |
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Mr. Freeman said he did not think that any forms had been given to the committee to sign other than what they received during their meeting on the 23rd, which the Clerk had provided for a discussion that took place on the issue. She have them two forms; one is the typical form 8B, a form that is typically signed when disclosure is made by a committee person or commissioner. He said the team has been told, both by Counsel and the Clerk, that if anyone has a reason to believe that they might have a conflict they should disclose that information and seek counsel on whether or not they should recuse themselves from discussion or voting, or in the event that they might have a conflict that might be continuous in nature for whatever reason, then they may need to resign from the Team. The second form given to them by the Clerk was a general Code of Ethics, which is currently in draft form and is being developed by the City as a document that would be signed by Commissioners, Board Members, Advisory Committee Members, etc. They reviewed it briefly in their meeting Monday and it looks good as a draft, but it does have a few issues that some people would like to look at. He said most everyone there said they probably would not be willing to sign such a code of ethics unless they consulted their own personnel attorney. The couple of people who did make what appeared as obvious endorsements stated that they felt that they had no conflicts of interest and had nothing to disclose that would require them to recuse themselves. He values everyone’s input, which is part of the process, but defining the point at which it becomes an endorsement as opposed to strictly an analysis of someone’s beliefs or findings is a difficult line to fine. |
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Mr. Holmes said the distinction that he finds is that Commissioner Kitchens’ statement, whether he agrees with it or not, is based upon what she has heard at the public hearings and meetings, and the endorsements he heard and that concerned him at the public hearing had to do with the committee members’ prior knowledge of the applicants, and not with what the committee members heard at the public hearing. He concurred in that normally a conflict of interest form is filed when a committee member or commissioner is declaring a conflict. When he addressed the Team after the developer presentations at the hearing he specifically asked them whether or not they had discussed the issue of conflicts, and whether or not anyone had a tie or financial interest in the outcome, or anything like that. Except for the two members who had already left, everyone else that was there specifically said they did not have a conflict, but it appears now that is incorrect. Commissioner Kitchens said she wants to be sure that if it needs to be done, it gets done. Mr. Freeman said according to the minutes of their meeting on the 23rd there was a discussion on this issue. He said he thinks everyone is in agreement that an idea of a citywide code of ethics is not a bad thing to do and is a good step in the right direction. |
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Commissioner Kitchens said she has not had time to review the minutes. She said her comments are neither an endorsement nor objection of either party, but as a representative of the citizens of Palatka she tries to give an overview of what she saw at the meeting and listen to other people’s impressions of the meeting. She was somewhat disturbed that a financial statement was not required from either party. She understands why the income tax form wasn't required and does not think that was necessary but she would think that a financial statement would surely be mandatory from both parties. Also Brefrank said they would be willing to move the marina and not block the view of St. Johns Ave., and their buildings were lower in height. Vestcor said they would work with the public and would hold public meetings, but they said they preferred to work with the focus group, and that the height issue was not negotiable. At this time she does not have any objection to the height of seven stories, but some other folks do. She noted Vestcor said the marina was vital to their project on the waterfront. These are just some of the issues the public that was not in attendance at this meeting need to realize. |
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Mr. Bush said the only action they are considering tonight that we are here to take tonight is to hear the recommendation of the 5 Year Committee, and they made their recommendation based upon the ranking. This is not the proper forum for the questions as to the pros and cons of the firms. They will all sit down with the #1 ranked firm, and all of those questions and issues will be addressed directly by the #1 ranked firm. It is his understanding that they are voting to accept the recommendation of the 5-year Revitalization Team as to the ranking of developers. |
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Mr. Holmes said he looks at this as he would a professional services contract. He said you rank the qualifications, and if you except whatever ranking of qualifications you come up with, you then enter into negotiations with the highest ranked person or firm. You then enter into negotiations with the idea of determining whether or not you can reach an agreement with them that they are willing to go along with your concept. If negotiations are successful, you go with that firm, and if not, to move on to the #2 ranked firm, much like if you were interviewing engineers and architects. If you select the firm based upon qualifications, but then you can’t agree on price or whether they are willing to do what you want them to do, you reject them and move on to the next firm. He covered that in his comments that were made at the last public hearing, to make sure that the Team’s understanding the process was the same as his and that remains his understanding of the process. |
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Mr. Freeman said that this is the difficult part of the process because they have determined that both companies/firms are qualified, regardless of their visions. They interviewed them and looked at what they have done in the past and their financial history, as much as they gave, and asked about their team, who are they going to put here, who is going to be their number 7 guy or their number 1 guy, who are they going to work with, who are their subs going to be, have they got a relationship with these people, have they ever done this before, etc. Answers from both of these firms were pretty favorable. It was very difficult not to look at their visions, as they also presented their ideas of what they wanted to do. It was hard to push that aside and say they just wanted to look at whether they can do it, if they are willing to enter into a partnership with the community, etc. Next they will get into the “design build” phase. They are going to provide some designs based on input, and probably lots of public input will continue. Eventually we will start putting numbers on things. The next step will be a development agreement. |
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Mayor Flagg said it is important that this Commission recognize that this Commission is the engine on this train, not the caboose. They must be decisive and responsible, as they are the ones to be held accountable. They are partnering with the citizens, because all of them represent the citizens of this community. He suggests they use the same format on the negotiations that they used for the qualifications. They have to form a cohesive group that works concurrently and simultaneously to get where they need to go. Elected officials must be included in the process; 100% of the negotiations must be inclusive. The commission needs to be at the table at the same time these things are taking place. By law, everything is done publicly, and they need to make sure that staff is providing advance notice and advertising, and not just meeting minimum deadlines. |
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Commissioner Norwood said he concurs with the 5 Year Downtown Redevelopment Team’s recommendations as far as the negotiating with Brefrank and Vestcor in the order that they are recommending, but he does have some concerns with individuals making comments in favor of one firm rather than another based upon prior relationship, if they are on the negotiating team. He said if they feel they need to communicate that information to someone, communicate it to someone that is on the team so they will have the information as well. He concurs that the Commission needs to be at the table at every facet of the process, as the citizens are going to hold them accountable. As these are important decisions that will revolutionize this City, they should be diligent, take our time and not be in a hurry, and to provide the citizens with a voice and an opportunity to be heard. The commission represents the citizens. |
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Commissioner Sanders said he concurs with Commissioner Norwood. He said he was at the Team’s last meeting and all but two members voted in favor of Vestcor being ranked #1. |
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Mr. Bush said everyone should have input, but the when it is all said and done it should be the City Commission that makes the final decision. |
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Commissioner Brown said she would like to hear more about these two developers. She said she want to look them in the eyes; she feels body language is also important. She wants to hear the things they plan to do with this town. It is the Commission that will be held responsible whether things go well or not, and she would like to sit down and talk with both of these firms. |
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Mayor Flagg said if the accept this recommendation, and for whatever reason the level of approval is not met with Vestcor, then the City Commission will go to the second developer choice. |
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Mr. Freeman said when the 5 Year Downtown Redevelopment Planning Team was begun by resolution of the City Commission, the representation on the team was meant to represent a very wide body of the citizens of Palatka. He said the Palatka City Commission appointed two representatives on the team and two representatives are Palatka business owners that were appointed by the Mayor, so four out of the 17 members are direct appointees of this Commission, so the Commission is being represented. As to other representatives, there are two from Downtown Palatka Inc., two from Palatka Mainstreet, two from the North Historic District, two from the South Historic District, two from the Putnam County Board of Commissioners, two from the Chamber of Commerce and one that represents the First Presbyterian Church, which was added by this Commission at the time that this resolution came forward because of the location of their facility. In addition it was suggested they bring additional members of City staff into the process, such as the Chief of Police, the Fire Chief or other individuals. Currently the City Manager, Mainstreet Manager, Recreation Dept. Manager and maybe one other advise them so the representation of this Commission is pretty broad and wide; however, they encourage the Commission to be a direct part of it the entire negotiation process, just as they were with the developer qualification interviews. He appreciates the Commission’s input and participation. |
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Commissioner Kitchens said the Committee represents the larger area of Putnam County and of course they are elected to represent Palatka. She asked if there would be a problem with putting off the vote on the recommendation until the next meeting so representation from both developers can attend. Mayor Flagg said they have sat through the meetings, asked the 5-year Team to make a recommendation, addressed the Sunshine issues, ethical issues, and have gone through quite a process to get to where they are now. They need to keep the train on the tracks and act on this recommendation tonight. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Sanders moved to accept the recommendation of the 5 Year Downtown Redevelopment Planning Team ranking of The Vestcor Companies as the #1 ranked developer, and Brefrank as the # 2 ranked developer, and to begin negotiations between Vestcor, 5 Year Redevelopment Team, Staff and Commission. Commissioner Norwood seconded the motion. |
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Commissioner Brown said she knows that there representatives on the committee, which is fine, but one element that has been forgotten is the people who are really going to use what is down at the riverfront, the people who live in this town and not just in the downtown area. Citizens on the Northside will use these facilities, and they’d like to see a grocery store there. She’d like it to be user friendly. They are trying to bring people back downtown to a facility everyone can use. She said she appreciates what the 5 Year Committee has done. |
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Roll Call Vote |
There being no further discussion, a roll call vote was taken, with the following results: Commissioners Norwood, Sanders, Brown and Mayor Flagg, Yes; Commissioner Kitchens, No. The motion passed by a vote of 4 in favor, 1 opposed. |
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Commission Norwood said a protocol for the procedure that is going to be used for the negotiations should be developed in advance. Mayor Flagg asked the City Attorney, City Manager and Team Chairman to work that out; it should follow the same format used at the interview meeting. No individual should meet with the developers at any time, as that would be out of order. Mr. Freeman said the team has discussed this will tackle the criteria at the next meeting. Mr. Bush said he, Mr. Holmes and Mr. Freeman can put something together that can be provided to the Team prior to their next meeting. |
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Commissioner Brown said, as to ethics, she provided the clerk with a tape made by the Florida League of Cities, which addresses such things. The Clerk said all of the Boards have reviewed the tape except for the 5-year Downtown Redevelopment Team. A copy has been provided to each commission, with a form to fill out and return attesting that they had viewed it. This is the same form filled out by each board and committee member. |
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Commissioner Brown said she did not receive it and thought they were going to view it together. She’d like to have some discussion on some of the things covered in the video. The Clerk said she will agenda it for the next meeting. |
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BOARD APPOINTMENT INTERVIEWS |
General Employees' Pension Board Representative - 2-year term. John H. Jones was the sole applicant and is the City Commission appointee to replace Mike Anderson; he was present for interview. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Brown moved to appoint John H. Jones as the General Employees' Pension Board Representative. Commissioner Kitchens seconded the motion, which passed unopposed. Mayor Flagg thanked Mr. Jones for his willingness to serve. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Norwood moved to waive the 2nd meeting requirement and appoint Mr. Jones to a two-year term as City Commission Appointee, to expire January 2008. Commissioner Sanders seconded the motion, which passed unopposed. |
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ORDINANCE NO. 06-10 |
Closing Hotel Street east of River Street - The Clerk read an ordinance entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALATKA, FLORIDA, CLOSING, VACATING, AND ABANDONING THAT PORTION OF HOTEL STREET LOCATED SOUTHEASTERLY OF RIVER STREET AS DESCRIBED HEREIN, WITHIN THE CITY OF PALATKA, FLORIDA; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Norwood moved to adopt Ordinance No. 06-10 as read and presented. Commissioner Sanders 2nd the motion. |
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Mayor Flagg said Mr. Townsend was present on behalf of the Jacob's. Mayor Flagg asked to address the Grant of Easement first. |
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Mr. Townsend said he provided a copy of the changes to the Grant of Easement to the Commission with the exact words that Mr. Holmes had sent him; however, today another needed change was brought to his attention, and he has provided the Commission and Mr. Holmes with yet another version of the easement tonight, showing the recent changes underlined (filed). |
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Mr. Holmes said Commissioner Kitchens had raised concerns about the assigns and heirs being bound by the same terms as the original parties. He said he suggested a paragraph be added, and if the Commission sees fit to bless the basic wording of the easement than he will add the additional paragraph after tonight. Mr. Holmes said the Jacobs couldn’t grant the easement back until after the ordinance is effective. The additional wording would be, "The obligations and privileges conferred herein respectively upon the Grantor and Grantee shall bind and benefit their respective heirs and assigns for all time." |
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Mayor Flagg asked if they can just add “successors and assigns” after the Grantor under the initial caption, just as it is for the Grantee. |
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Mr. Holmes said he was not sure that was necessary because the second line of the easement states it is perpetual. If he adds the sentence he described earlier, it eliminates any issue or confusion. Mr. Townsend indicated the Jacobs had no problem with it. |
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Mayor Flagg asked, as to sufficient space, if the wording “of sufficient space, not to exceed ten (10) feet in width” would be sufficient. The Public Works Director had an opinion at the previous meeting concerning the 10 feet, and asked if they are setting a new precedence with this. |
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Mr. Bush said they are not setting a new precedence; there are 10’ easements all over the City, depending upon the maintenance needs. If there is ever a problem with the line, they need to be able to get a backhoe in there; the Public Works Director said he felt the 10’ easement would be sufficient. |
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Roll Call Vote |
There being no further discussion on the motion, a roll-call vote was taken, with the following results: Commissioner Brown, Kitchens, Norwood, Sanders and Mayor Flagg, yes; Nays, none. Ordinance No. 06-10 was declared adopted. |
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Mr. Holmes said if the Commission is comfortable with the document that Mr. Townsend presented with the additional wording he spoke of, then he will get with Mr. Townsend and add it and so that can have his clients sign it, and he can record it. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Brown moved to authorize the execution of Easement with the added language of the City Attorney. Commissioner Kitchens seconded the motion. |
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Roll Call Vote |
Commissioner Norwood, Sanders, Brown, Kitchens and Mayor Flagg, yes; Nays, none. Motion passed. |
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COMMISSIONER APPOINTMENTS |
The Clerk said there were three actions items for consideration, which she read from a memo to the Commission. As action item #1, the Commission should consider appointments to the Putnam County Development authority for three positions currently held by Mayor Flagg, Vice Mayor Brown and Commissioner Norwood. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Kitchens moved to reappoint Mayor Flagg, Vice Mayor Brown and Commissioner Norwood to Putnam County Development Authority. Commissioner Brown seconded the motion, which passed unopposed. |
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The Clerk said as to action item #2, the Commission should consider appointments to the General Employees' Pension Board, currently held by Commissioner Norwood; the Police Officers' Pension Board, currently held by Mayor Flagg, and Firefighters' Pension Board, currently held by Commissioner Sanders. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Brown moved to reappoint Commissioner Norwood, Mayor Flagg, and Commissioner Sanders to respective boards. Commissioner Sanders seconded motion. |
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Commissioner Norwood said he would like to see other Commissioners get involved with the Pension Boards. |
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Commissioner Brown said she wanted everyone to remember that she had already served on a Pension Board. |
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Roll Call Vote |
A roll call vote was requested, which yield the following results: Commissioner Sanders, Brown, Kitchens, Norwood and Mayor Flagg, yes; Nays none. Motion passed. |
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Commissioner Brown said the Pension Boards are a learning process and sitting on the board for one year does not give you the absorption time you need. |
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The Clerk said, as to action item #3, the Commission may, if it chooses, reappoint or rotate the appointment for Tree Committee Liaison or Miscellaneous Commission Representatives. The Clerk said currently the only two liaison positions left are Tree Committee, currently held by Commissioner Sanders, and CATF, currently held by Vice Mayor Brown, who was recently appointed as Commission Liaison to the CATF for the 2006 CDGB Neighborhood Improvement Grant Application Cycle. As to the miscellaneous representatives, these are appointments made in instances when other entities have come to the Commission and asked them to appoint Commission representation. The County Recreation Committee rep is currently Commissioner Norwood; the St. Johns River Community Action Partnership, Inc., rep is Commissioner Sanders; the SJRWMD Liaison was former Commissioner Azula, so this will have to be filled. The NE Florida Regional Planning Council Rep. and Greenways & Trails Liaison is currently Vice-Mayor Brown. |
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Commissioner Brown said she knows that her time is not up on the CATF, but she did it because she served on the State CATF when she had some knowledge of it. She believes Commissioner Kitchens has been on that task force and has some knowledge of it; she is willing to relinquish the rest of her term to her. She also believes she should be appointed as representative to SJRWMD. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Brown moved to appoint Commissioner Kitchens as Commission Liaison to the CATF and SJRWMD. Commissioner Sanders seconded the motion. |
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Mayor Flagg asked Commissioner Kitchens if she would agree to serve in these capacities; she said she is willing to accept both appointments. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Norwood motioned to appoint Commissioner Brown to the County Recreation Committee. Commissioner Sanders seconded the motion. |
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Commissioner Brown said she has been on the Regional Planning Council for two years and would like to stay on it for at least another year and the Greenways & Trails, so if someone else wanted to sit on that committee that would be all right with her. Mayor Flagg asked Commissioner Brown if she was accepting the County Recreation Committee. Commissioner Brown said if Commissioner Norwood did not want it that would be okay. Commissioner Norwood said he has been on that committee for three years and thinks it is time to give other Commissioner opportunities. |
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Call on the Motion |
There being no further discussion a vote was taken to appoint Commissioner Kitchens to CATF and SJRWMD Liaison; Commissioner Brown to County Recreation Committee; all other appointments to remain. Motion passed unopposed. |
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City of Palatka Better Place Oversight Committee |
The Clerk said due to election results, there are now two vacancies on the Palatka Better Place Plan Oversight Committee. Originally, each commissioner was assigned a zone and asked to submit a name of someone who either lived in or was closely associated with that geographical area to serve on Palatka's Better Place Oversight Committee. The geographical areas were those respective sections of the City in which the members of the Commission reside or have a business. The Clerk said at this time, representatives for zone 3, which is appointed by Commissioner Brown and zone 4 appointed by Commissioner Kitchens are needed to fill out this committee. The Clerk said Commissioner Brown and Commissioner Kitchens should be prepared to either make a recommendation for appointment to these respective zones or initiate action to set a time certain to take the matter up at a future meeting. |
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Per the question, the Clerk said they didn't advertise for applicants to these positions, but that the Commissioners came in with their own choices. |
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Mayor Flagg said advertising would help them if they don't have access to individuals and it would open the process up. The Commissioners’ designated person would be recommended and the Commission would vote upon their recommendation. He said this would give an opportunity for someone that would not come to mind. |
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Commissioner Kitchens said she has already approached someone. |
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Commissioner Brown said if she had till next meeting she would have somebody. |
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Mayor Flagg said we would do both zones next meeting |
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Commissioner Norwood asked if representatives have to be residents of Palatka because Jeremy Alexander has moved outside the city limits. Commissioner Brown said Commissioner Norwood will have to bring on someone new. |
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Mayor Flagg said they should evaluate this; it is time for the Committee’s annual report, as it is due by the end of February, and asked that that be agendaed for the next meeting. The Zone 1 and 2 representatives should be asked if they are still willing to continue to serve. |
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS |
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Concession Stand RFP - City Manager Allen R. Bush reported on his request for proposals for operation of Riverfront Concession stand in conjunction with Pride of Palatka, Inc. He read a memo addressed to the City Commission on the concession stand, which is the little building located in the Riverfront Park (filed). He said an individual wishing to lease the concession stand at the Riverfront Park has approached the City about opening a barbeque business in that building, but the Commission had previously given "Pride of Palatka Inc.” use of that facility to support a proposed riverboat operation. The City Attorney recommended advertising and taking bids on the use of the facility. Whoever was selected would be required to enter into a lease with the City of Palatka. Also included in the lease would be Pride of Palatka, Inc., who would look to the co-lessee for reservations, ticket sales and insurance for the planned riverboat (i.e. water taxi) operation. He would also recommend that City Staff be authorized to negotiate a lease with any potential lessee. Mr. Bush said attached the newspaper advertisement which outlines such things as insurance requirements and their responsibility to Pride of Palatka, Inc. |
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Mayor Flagg said in the RFP it says the date for sealed proposals is 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 31, 2006. He wanted to know if that was enough time. Mr. Bush asked if two weeks was enough time. Mr. Len Freeman said that RFP had already appeared in the newspaper and also on the website. Mr. Bush said we could go in and amend it and push the date back. It went in the newspaper Tuesday, which puts it out for one week. |
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Mr. Holmes said he did not know the specific minimum notice requirement on something like this. He said what it boils down to is what is believed to be reasonable. Mr. Bush said a seven-day window is not unusual; they did not anticipate a large response, but you never know. Mayor Flagg asked how much time was needed prior to the next Commission meeting to reasonably have it in. Mr. Bush said he would like to have 3 days, which would make it Monday, February 6th. Mayor Flagg said the RFP already says by 2:00 on Tuesday, January 31st and did not know if that created a problem for the person that meets that deadline. Mr. Holmes said he did not think that would be a problem. He said if we amended the ad and extended the time in which to receive proposals would be fine. Mr. Bush and the City Clerk said we have extended time before. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Sanders moved to extend the RFP bid deadline to February 6. Commissioner Kitchens seconded the motion. |
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The City Clerk said the ad ran Tuesday and Wednesday in the paper and call for proposals to be reviewed January 31st. Mr. Holmes said he would feel more comfortable running one or two more times, but not necessarily consecutively. Mr. Bush said there are many state grants and project that run in the millions of dollars plus that only require one advertisement. The Clerk noted they added 'The City of Palatka reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.” The total cost of the advertisement for one day was $74.00. They will need to run quickly to extend the dead line and than we can run the ad again in its entirety and this could probably get in Saturdays newspaper, if the PEN is willing to waive their deadline. |
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Mayor Flagg said he was speaking on consistency. They need to abide by the rules because it is important for them to be consistent in what we are doing and not put pressure on staff. |
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Commissioner Norwood said if the Commission is being asked to bless an RFQ, they don’t need to send it to the newspaper before the Commission has an opportunity to look at it. |
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Call on the Motion |
There being no further discussion, a vote was taken on the motion to extend bid deadline to February 6th. Motion passed unopposed. |
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Intermodal Transportation System |
Mr. Bush he received a letter from Boyd Thompson, Director of Operations for Ride Solution, Inc., stating his board has authorized him to sit down with the Commission and discuss the City's receptiveness to the development of a plan for the relocation of Ride Solution administration to the train station. They are asking if the Commission would indicate tonight that they are interested in sitting down and seriously discussing Ride Solution’s occupation of the Depot. Mr. Holmes said in order to vote on the issue, it would have to be considered an emergency item and added to the Agenda. |
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Mr. Bush said he only needed the Commission to indicate their willingness to sit down with them. He said Ride Solutions is proposing that these discussions move to the next level with the involvement and review of the respective Boards. They said an indication from the Palatka City Commission to Ride Solution, Inc.'s Board of Directors regarding the City's receptiveness to this level of partnership would be of value in proceeding with the development of a more detailed implementation plan. |
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Mr. Holmes said in his opinion, and he has consistently expressed it, whenever you take a City owned facility and entrust it to or allow a particular group to use it exclusively, he believes there is an obligation to make it available to everyone. |
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Mr. Bush said this group gets their money from government funding. They have solicited through RFP's for taxi service for The Intermodal transportation system. They have lost the taxi service, and right now the building is sitting locked and unavailable for use by the public on a regular basis. He would like to get this back opened and operating as the City originally intended. |
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Mayor Flagg said he thinks that they have discuss it and determine if they are interested in it, but cannot take action without a plan. He does not know what all Ride Solution is saying and if there is no one on the Commission objecting there is no need for a motion but there is a need for it to be on the agenda. |
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Mr. Holmes said if all they are asking for is a question or indication that the Commission is interested in talking with them, he does not know if there needs to be a vote, but if they are asking for more than that it has to be an agenda item. |
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Commissioner Brown said the train station needs to be opened for public use. Commissioner Kitchens said she had no objection and that it needs to be put on agenda as soon as possible. |
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Commissioner Sanders said he has no objection and would like to see it on the next agenda. He said he would like to see this happen as quickly as possible because we have Amtrak coming through and they are late a lot of the time. Amtrak passengers using the station have no access to restrooms. |
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Planning Director |
Adam Mengel - Determination of Palatka Housing Authority's Annual and 5-Year Capital Improvement Plans' consistency with the consolidated plan for the city of Palatka and recommendation to authorize the Mayor to execute the certification of Plan Consistency, per John Nelson's request - Adam Mengel said he was prepared to offer his opinion as Planning Director the Annual Plan and the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan as submitted by Mr. Nelson for the Palatka Housing Authority is consistent with the City of Palatka's Comprehensive Plan as adopted, specifically the housing element and objectives contained within the housing element and would further the opportunities for affordable housing throughout the City of Palatka. He said he would also strongly recommend that the Commission authorize the Mayor to certify the consistency of the 5-Year Annual Plan and its consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. |
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Mayor Flagg said as to statistics, they see the mission and respect it, but when it comes down to the actual projections of the need, he asked how Mr. Nelson ascertained those projections. |
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Mr. Nelson said they were gathered through meetings with the residents and formal public hearing. There has been opportunity for everyone to make comments and have input in the Annual Plan and 5-Year Plan. Mr. Nelson said they are currently looking at property to place the replacement housing for the Frank George. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Norwood moved to authorize Mayor Flagg to execute the Certification of Plan Consistency, per John Nelson's request and per recommendation of Adam Mengel, Planning director. Commissioner Brown seconded the motion, which passed unopposed. |
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COMMISSIONER COMMENTS |
Commissioner Norwood said as a community he would like us to keep Union County and the tragedy that is going on there in our prays and make sure if there is anything that the city can assist with fills their needs. Mayor Flagg said that would be a good idea if our Clerk would get with the liaison for the County and see whether they have any activities there planned so we can work together. |
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Commissioner Kitchens said the Putnam County Environmental Council is sponsoring Rally for the Rivers; February 17th thru the 19th, and on February 17th there will be a Smart Growth Workshop from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Riverfront Inn. The workshop is free but reservations are required. |
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Commissioner Sanders said he would to see is every commissioner approach the riverfront negotiation and planning process with a very positive outlook, as they don't need to put stumbling blocks in front of the progress that has been made. |
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Commissioner Brown said she would like a letter of need
for a business incubator from the city so she can send it to the Department
of Commerce, or Mr. Bush can send it. |
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Commissioner Norwood said he also has a conflict with the next meeting date. Commissioner Kitchens said the Palatka Planning Board meets on the 7th so that is not a good date if the meeting is changed to a different day. |
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Commissioner Kitchens asked if the City would violate any laws if the meeting was cancelled and advertised as such. Per the question, Mr. Mengel said there was nothing crucial coming from the Planning Board that couldn’t wait, but there are cases pending. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Brown moved that this was an emergency item and to change the date of the February 9th Commission meeting. Commissioner Kitchens seconded the motion. The City Clerk questioned the attorney on whether or not you first had to make a motion to add it to the agenda and than make a motion. Mr. Holmes said technically the motion would be to place the issue of canceling the first meeting in February on the agenda as an emergency item. |
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Motion Rescinded |
Commissioner Brown withdrew her motion. Commissioner Kitchens withdrew her second. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Norwood moved to place the issue of the February 9th meeting date on the agenda as an emergency agenda item. Commissioner Brown seconded the motion, which passed unopposed. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Brown moved to cancel the February 9, 2006 meeting date. Commissioner Kitchens seconded the motion, which passed unopposed. |
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ADJOURN |
At 8:33 p.m. upon a motion by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Kitchens. |
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