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Description |
Palatka City Commission Regular Meeting; 6:00 p.m. Price Martin Center |
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Date |
2/22/2007 |
Location |
Palatka City Commission Regular meeting |
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Time |
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Note |
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CALL TO ORDER |
6:00 p.m. by Mayor Karl N. Flagg |
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PRESENT |
Mayor Karl N. Flagg, Commissioners Mary Lawson Brown, Allegra Kitchens, James Norwood, Jr. and George E. Sanders |
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ALSO PRESENT |
City Manager Allen R. Bush; City Attorney Donald E. Holmes, City Clerk Betsy Jordan Driggers, Finance Director Ruby M. Williams, Assistant City Clerk Karen Venables, Police Chief Gary Getchell, Fire Chief Mike Lambert, Public Works Director Woody Boynton, Planning Director Geoff Pappas, Parks Supt. Jeff Norton |
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INVOCATION |
The Reverend Phil Hagen, Associate Pastor; First Presbyterian Church of Palatka |
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE |
As a Group |
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES |
February 8, 2007 - Commissioner Sanders moved to adopt the minutes as read. Commissioner Norwood seconded the motion, which passed unopposed. |
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PUBLIC RECOGNITION |
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH |
Black History and Heritage Recognition -- Mayor Flagg said each commissioner selected a recipient for this award who has given outstanding service and made specific contributions to enhance the quality of life in this community. Each member of the City Commission introduced their choice for this recognition and presented them with a framed certificate of recognition and Flowers. |
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Vice-Mayor Brown chose to recognize the Late Dr. Harold Eugene Finley. |
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Commissioner Kitchens chose to recognition Mayor Karl N. Flagg |
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Commissioner Norwood chose to recognize Samuel Taylor |
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Commissioner Sanders chose to recognize Dothea Smith |
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Mayor Flagg chose to honor The Honorable Colonel James A. Ruth, Circuit Court Judge. |
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AZALEA CITY RECOGNITION |
Mayor Flagg recognized Karen Sagett and Christy Sanford for their work on Palatka's application to the Azalea Society of American for recognition as an official Azalea City. He read a press release notifying the City of its award of this recognition, and presented the official Azalea City plaque, which will hang in City Hall. |
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PROCLAMATION |
Azalea Days - Feb. 28 through March 4, 2007 - Mayor Flagg read and presented a proclamation designation Azalea Days to Mary Kay Engleking, one of the organizers of the Palatka Azalea Festival. |
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STUDENT OF THE MONTH |
February, 2007 - Vice Mayor Brown assisted Mayor Flagg in presenting Certificates for academic excellence, leadership, citizenship and attendance to the following students at their respective schools:
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PUBLIC COMMENTS |
Lynda Crabill, 609 S. 14th Street, said for several years the Historical Society has been trying to find a way to gather up all the community's archives and put them in a secure, protected place so that citizens from the Community can use them. She spoke with a gentleman yesterday about forming a coalition with the County and other municipalities to get this accomplished. Mayor Flagg suggested she present the idea at the next LOGIC meeting, and noted the Clerk can provide her with information on when and where it next meets. |
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CONSENT AGENDA |
c. Appoint James White as Commission Representative to the Firefighters’ Pension Board for a two-year term to expire January, 2009 (sole applicant). d. Approve execution of a Nominal Lease Renewal with American Red Cross, Northeast Florida Chapter for a portion of the Cooper Center at S. 13th & Crill Avenue for a three-year term to expire April 1, 2010 e. Approve execution of a Nominal Lease Renewal with the Palatka Duplicate Bridge Club for a portion of the Cooper Center at S. 13th & Crill Avenue for a three-year term to expire April 1, 2010 f. Approve execution of a Nominal Lease Renewal with Keep Putnam Beautiful for office space at 205 N. 2nd Street (City Hall Annex) for a three-year term to expire January 1, 2010 g. Approve Fire Union Contract Agreement with the Professional Fire Fighters of Palatka, Local 2992, Term of 10-1-06 through 9-30-09, per recommendation of City Manager and Fire Union Members h. Declare as Surplus a Fire Dept. 1985 Flexible passenger bus i. Issue Class A Special Event Permit for 2007 Florida Azalea Festival***
March 4, 2007 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 2. Grant Noise Ordinance Variance during festival hours March 3, 2007; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. March 4, 2008; 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (no boat races or amplified sound on March 4 prior to 12:30 p.m.) 3. Close St. Johns Avenue from Memorial Drive to 4th Street during festival hours to parking and vehicular traffic. 4. Control of all vendors and activities falling between Main Street & Oak Street (north/south) and between the St. Johns River and 19th Street (east/west). 5. Grant Permission to use City Hall parking lot for Handicapped Parking on Saturday and Sunday 6. Close Public Boat Ramp at City Dock all day March 3 and until 5:00 p.m. March 4 for regatta; 7. Festival Permit fee – per staff recommendation; police security fees @ $18.00/hr.; $200 for Festival Permit Fee ($100/day for two days); stipulate Applicant pays actual landfill tipping fees. Applicant agrees to pay Downtown Palatka for the actual FP&L charges for use of their electrical boxes. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Sanders moved to pass the consent agenda as presented. Commissioner Brown seconded the motion, which passed unopposed. |
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REPORTS OF DEPARTMENTS |
TAX INCREMENT FUNDS - Report on Revenues and Expenditures - Mr. Bush said the City's TIF fund revenues and expenditures are audited annually. This report shows the balances as of the end of the 2005-06 fiscal year. Total funds show a balance of $376,96.44; the South Historic Fund shows a balance of $111,172.38, and the North Historic District shows a balance of $110,783.52. A detailed trail balance sheet is included in the agenda packet, and shows a detail of revenues and expenditures (Filed). It contains the facade improvement grant and loan expenses. As to debt, the general fund has a small loan balance remaining. This report is available to the public for the asking. |
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Public Comment |
Ruth Burk, 510 Mulholland Park, said she would like to see the goals for 2007 for the Tax Increment Funds. She wants a copy of the plans and wants to know how they will affect the property owners. Mr. Bush said when a CRA is established they put together a general plan. It covers the items they are currently undertaking, such as the riverfront improvements. From time to time he gets requests from downtown merchants for other expenditures. He always runs them by an attorney to establish whether they are eligible. There are two requests for use of tax increment funds pending; one is for a dedicated police officer for downtown, and the other is for the establishment of a tax abatement program, which they are still researching. The Downtown Development attorney is researching it now. Mrs. Burk said she’d like a copy of the Plan. |
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Mayor Flagg asked if this can become a semi-annual report instead of an annual report. |
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REPORT ON BUSINESS INCUBATOR AND WEED & SEED REDEVELOPMENT |
Geoff Pappas, Planning Director, said he was directed to introduce an outline for the Weed & Seed Development Area, which is a federally mandated area designed to reduce crime and revitalize economic development in an established area. He noted there are phases to the Plan and how they decide to "attack" it is pending. As to making a Plan for the implementation of this project, if this is handled in-house, it will take a longer time to accomplish, from 18 to 24 months. If it is allocated to a consulting firm, it could be done in 6 - 12 months, depending upon how much money is allocated for the project. They need to set goals and priorities. There has been discussion regarding the revitalization of the 11th Street Business Corridor and looking at ways to rejuvenate the area. It needs an anchor to help regenerate the area. They will need to establish a citizen and technical advisory committee. It is critical to look at data collection, current land uses, available land, traffic conditions, historical architectural resources or buildings, types of employment, types of residences, and types of transportation for the area. They need look at public and private construction projects and how these improvements will help the area. They need to look at types and sources of funding. |
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They will need to look at the current inventory of land uses. At this time it contains the PHA, Gas Authority, quite a bit of utilities and housing; at this time it holds a lot of single-family type parcels. They need to look at parking, transportation sources, types of roadways, whether they want it to be a 'walkable' community, establishment of church, cultural and school districts. They may want open spaces; they may want it to be more commercial, or more residential. They will look at signage and design elements. They need to look at attractions vs. detractions, and rid the area of the detractions. They need to determine how to eradicate dilapidated buildings and whether some have architectural significance. They need to determine overall design/architectural themes. They may want to build a new City Hall, Police Station, Fire Station on 11th Street. They may want more parks. |
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They need to establish financing, a work program and plans, objectives & opportunities. They need to do a feasibility study, marketing and consider functional performance, fiscal consequences, environmental effects, visual impacts, socio-economic effects, and financial feasibility. The may need more policies and regulatory measures, traffic calming aspects, access for services, and will need to prioritize corridors. |
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As to the final plan, it will require a description of purpose and organization, a statement of objectives, area plan elements such as land use, transportation and urban design, and should contain specific provisions. Finally, it needs to be implemented. This plan can be developed for this area and then applied to other areas of the City. |
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Commissioner Brown asked what committee is working on this. Mr. Pappas said currently it is being developed by City Staff and could be given to the Weed & Seed Committee, or a new task force can be formed. |
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Mr. Pappas showed a proposed map of the redevelopment areas, and a detailed map of the Weed & Seed Area, bounded by 23rd & 24th Street, all the way up Old Jacksonville Road past Eddie Vreen Road, down Blackwelder Lane, down Wapalaw Street to 21st Street to the east, south to 10th Street to Eagle Street, over to Reid Street. The Commission can incorporate more or less redevelopment area into the Plan. The boundaries shown for the redevelopment area are per the wishes of Commissioner Norwood, the City Commission and include the Weed & Seed area. Mayor Flagg said he was under the impression that the boundaries would be the same as the Weed and Weed district. |
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Gary Getchell, Police Chief, said this is a redevelopment area. The reason 5th Street east to the river is not included is due to the median income of the area; it is much higher than the proposed area's, which is $12,000/year. These are just maps of the Weed & Seed area; they are proposing to actually take this to the river. There is a redevelopment element built in to the weed & Seed area. As far as the redevelopment of the City, they can establish whatever boundaries they want. They went into this because Commissioner Brown wanted to look at the Business incubator, and Commissioner Norwood wanted to look at housing. They have an opportunity to get into "middle of the road" housing through the PHA. Their resources are being pulled in different directions, and they need direction from the Commission as to what direction to take, where to prioritize, and where the boundaries will fall. They can use grant money for the Weed & Seed area. They can use other grant money for areas outside the Weed & Seed area. They want to seriously consider including 5th Street to the River. |
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They are currently in the 3rd year of a five-year grant program. They did not get the first year due to the grant application and timing, so they will only receive four years of funding. Once the grant expires, they cannot reapply for that neighborhood. They can apply for a different neighborhood. They can still use the principles, concepts and mechanisms, but it won't be designated as a Weed & Seed site. Currently there is no other area eligible for a Weed & Seed grant in the City. If the area north and west of the Weed & Seed area is annexed in the future, that would area would be eligible, and they can apply for a Weed & Seed grant for that area if it comes in. |
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Commissioner Brown said the Dept. of Commerce has grants for technical assistance. They acquired one for the Riverfront. They need to look at acquiring one for this study. Downtown redevelopment stopped at 7th street, which is a disservice to other businesses. The 11th Street corridor should be included in the Downtown district. She wants to get money from the Dept. of Commerce for technical assistance for studies, and she'd like to take in all the way down to 11th Street at least to Laurel, as there are businesses struggling in that area. They need as much help and information as they can get. |
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Lynda Crabill, 609 S. 14th Street, said she is on the Weed & Seed Task Force. They'd like to see some sustainability for this program so it can continue it after the money is gone, and they are looking at ways to sustain it. |
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Chief Getchell said he needs direction as to what and where to start first. It is not his department's responsibility to run the redevelopment aspect, but the Weed & Seed does fall under his department, so they have involved other departments in the process who are concerned with redevelopment. They would like to know where the business incubator will be, what the time line is for that, where they want the housing, and a timeline for that project. |
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Mr. Bush asked what they expect to have in place at the end of the grant period. Chief Getchell said they hope to have some "bricks and mortar" in place. They have been slow to get started. They want to move forward and need some simple direction from the Commission as to what to do first, where, when, etc. If they want it facilitated within 6 months they can deliver to them a plan to accomplish that. If they want it accomplished in a year, 18 months, or two years, they can deliver a plan for those time lines. |
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As to housing starts, Chief Getchell said there is a misperception as to how many lots the City owns. There is not a large inventory of them left. Many of the ones that were adjacent to each other were given to Habitat. They have identified a large amount of privately-held land with structures. They'd like to do an inventory on them and work towards their acquisition/purchase. They have a plan to do this, but need direction from the Commission. |
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Commissioner Norwood said they've done a great job of weeding, but the seeding is a "revolving door.'' They clean up an area, and six months later it returns to its prior state. They need some permanency. Some of these vacant lots have been cleaned up. They know the Housing Authority has a grant. They can come up with other funding. He wants a plan so they are not piece-mealing this together. |
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Commissioner Brown said the property at 11th & Olive Streets is owned by the City. She received permission to place the business incubator there. They need economic development and housing, also. They have not had enough communication with people who own vacant lots and property. If they are asking people about redeveloping their property, they need to sit down with them and show them how to do it themselves, or convince them to sell it to the City. They can't force people to sell their property. They don't want to do imminent domain. They desperately need medium income housing, not more low-income housing. Other cities have targeted housing for public safety employees and teachers. The FLC president left for Africa today to take her housing project to them. If they can do a housing element project in Africa, we can do it here. |
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Commissioner Norwood said there is a housing epidemic in Palatka. Executives and middle-income individuals cannot live here as there is no adequate housing available. They need to increase the tax base and provide services to citizens. Commissioner Brown said the housing finance people have several programs, and have pilot programs in place for this. |
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Chief Getchell said he needs direction. He'd rather not be in charge of redevelopment, as that is not the police department's role. Commissioner Brown said they have a CDBG tax force that can look at this. They can target areas for housing rehabilitation. They did this in the 1980's, but many of those folks have retired or died, and that is why there are just sitting there. There is money available for rehabilitation. The City now has an employee that does special projects and can do some of this. Commissioner Norwood said they talked about revising the comp plan earlier. It is only fitting that Building & Zoning takes the lead in this; they will be involved in the majority of this project. Chief Getchell concurred. |
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Commissioner Sanders said they need to start with the area they've already "weeded" and work from there. Chief Getchell concurred. They weed things out, but because they are not adequately seeding, the bad elements come back. Commissioner Sanders said many properties are owned by out-of-town owners or are part of an estate. They can contact and work with them. |
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Mr. Holmes noted Chief Getchell has indicated he only has 2-1/2 years to get this area project accomplished, and asked what the most efficient way would be to target a do-able project so they can accomplish something in that time frame? It may not satisfy everyone's wants or needs, but something could be accomplished. Chief Getchell said there are two things on the table; one is the business incubator, the other is the availability of medium-scale housing grants from PHA. They want to know where the Commission wants them to start. If the priority is housing, they have to identify properties on which to locate those houses; they'd like to see them built in the Weed & Seed area, but they don't have to be there. They want the Commission to give them direction on which project to undertake: either housing or business incubator. As to the plan, they know they only have two years. They can put together a plan in six months, but it will take some additional resources. They may be able to get a grant to hire a firm that already has that expertise to do it for them. If they decide the priority is housing, then they need to know where they want the housing, if the want them to move forward with an overall plan, and where the boundaries are. |
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Commissioner Kitchens said they are in a grant cycle now, and another is coming up. They need to apply for it for to rehabilitate existing neighborhoods and approach it in a "blitzkrieg" type manner. Current homes can be rehabbed and made livable through grants, which will inspire rehabilitation by private individuals. They can re-establish existing residences and current neighborhoods in the area, and the business district on 11th Street. Chief Getchell said that, as he understands it, the Commission has just established Geoff Pappas as the point person and Building & Zoning as the point department on this project. He will step aside and allow Mr. Pappas to continue addressing the Commission. Commissioner Brown said the Commission has authorized moving forward with the business incubator. Federal people are coming in March or April to assist the community with this. A meeting is set for the 3rd Monday of March at 2:00 p.m. at City Hall. There are folks from other municipalities with business incubators coming to it. The business incubator project has already been started; they are trying to make it a public-private partnership. She has been working on this since 1985; it is do-able. |
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Commissioner Kitchens said in the late 1970's and early 1980's, the CDBG was run by the Community Redevelopment Agency, and the CATF oversees that. Mr. Pappas said in Gainesville the CDBG program is run by the Community Development department. |
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Geoff Pappas said in order to facilitate this they need to outsource it to professionals. Commissioner Brown said there are technical assistance grants available from the Dept. of Commerce, and to check with Dept. of Agriculture on money for economic development. Commissioner Norwood said six months is the timeline to develop a plan and he is in favor of moving forward with outsourcing its development. Commissioner Sanders asked how soon they could get the money once there is a plan in place. Mr. Pappas said they could have funding potentially by July 1, and federal funding after October 1. |
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Public Comments |
Ruth Burk said she spoke with the Dept. of Commerce today. They have money available and are looking to come to Palatka and help. She passed that information along to Mr. Nelson at PHA today. If they call her tomorrow she will provide the City with contact numbers. |
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Continuing with his presentation, Mr. Pappas said they are already making an inventory and have done some data collection in order to fast track this project. He talked about the density allocations in the Weed & Seed district. He needs direction on whether or not they want to leave the densities as is or change them, i.e., cluster them, mix them, intertwine them. This can be done in conjunction with the overall comp plan amendment. The boundary can exceed the current Weed & Seed area. Commissioner Brown asked him to contact Fred Fox to get him started on obtaining housing money through CDBG funds. |
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Mr. Pappas said he is available to discuss this with commissioners individually during office hours. It will be up to the Commission to determine how they will attack this project. |
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Mr. Bush asked when they will determine the best option. Mr. Pappas said they can do it as part of the comp plan amendments, or put it on a fast-track; he recommends a fast-track approach, one more accelerated than the comp plan amendments. It can be consistent with the comprehensive plan. Commissioner Brown said she'd like to utilize CDBG grants to attack the current inventory of buildings. They can't force people to sell their properties. Mr. Pappas said the key is getting a consensus from stakeholders inside the area that shows a strong nucleus of people and is not biased in any way. |
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Mayor Flagg said it is clear that the weeding is progressing, but the seeding is not. The Commission needs to give some direction tonight, based upon the information that has been presented. The facilitator has to be in the employ of the City of Palatka, representing a department, and it has to be funded. The funding has to be secured first before they can deal with seeding. The problem they are having is there is no clear direction from the Commission, and he recommends giving staff that direction tonight. |
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Commissioner Brown said during the 1980's they had a housing problem in the area. They used CDBG funds, SHIP funds and Farmer's Home money to address it. Fred Fox is paid for his administration fees from grant funds. They can use those sources now. They have a CDBG task force that can target the area and put the grant together. She asked Mr. Bush to call a meeting of the CDBG Task force and get them started working on a housing grant with Fred Fox. The Weed & Seed area is predominantly black. People are interested in re-establishing the 11th Street Business district. People can be motivated to sell or redevelop their property. Mr. Bush said they are currently doing a neighborhood improvement CDBG grant, but can get this put together and be ready to go on it when the grant opportunity opens up. Commissioner Kitchens said they should start rehabbing existing homes first through a CDBG grant, and then start building homes. |
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Mr. Holmes asked why they couldn’t use Weed & Seed money for seeding. Chief Getchell said they have money available for seeding and can do housing. Mr. Holmes said they should focus on spending the money they already have before they lose it. Mr. Bush said they can do both seeding to rehabilitate housing and obtain CDBG money. Commissioner Brown said housing money won't be available forever; the time to apply is now. Chief Getchell said they can ask for money for that, but they are in the middle of a budget year and have already submitted the application for next year's grant. The funds can be applied for in the last year, but are already earmarked for the rest of this year and next year on other things. |
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Chief Getchell said there are federal grants and low-interest loans for housing rehabilitation that anyone can receive assistance in applying for through Palatka's Weed & Seed program. They are facilitating these grants through HUD and other agencies. They have been going throughout the community helping people fill out those applications. Commissioner Brown said they need to encourage people to follow through with this. They need to volunteer their time to get this done. |
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Per the question, Chief Getchell said Pastor Djatar is chairman of the Seed Committee; they just met this past week. Mayor Flagg asked if they have preference on whether that committee prefers the business incubator or housing. Is housing the priority, or is business the priority? Commissioner Brown said they need to put a team together and push the business incubator forward. They need teamwork, cooperation and resources. They have people willing to work with them who have established models. They can accomplish more than one thing at a time. She is asking for an opportunity to pull these resources together, put her team together, and get the business incubator going. |
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Commissioner Norwood said the funds for housing are available now. They need to put everything under one umbrella and set some priorities. He believes housing is important and they need to move on it. They can do housing prior to having the Comp Plan updated; however, they can't build a $160,000 house next to an $18,000 house. They need a plan in order to protect the value of those $160,000 homes. |
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Commissioner Brown said the Affordable Housing Study Commission determined when you mix neighborhoods and housing together, it makes people take better care of their properties. They can have one team focus on housing and one focus on business incubator. They will have to come up with a way to do both at the same time. They can work together and get it done. |
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Chief Getchell said Weed & Seed doesn't say business comes before housing; they have an overall strategy to redevelop a community, but the individual community has to determine what comes first. There are models as to what to say what comes first. They are basic models to follow in order to develop a community. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Kitchens moved to direct the City Manager to begin the process of making application for a CDBG Housing Grant during the next available cycle, and to also pursue the business incubator program concurrently. Commissioner Brown seconded the motion. Mr. Bush asked the Commission to name the Weed & Seed Board as the CATF to develop this. The CATF identifies the project within the community, and they can suggest they look at housing rehabilitation. Chief Getchell said people like him can't hold dual offices and he sits on the Weed & Seed Advisory Board. Mr. Holmes said he doesn't believe a citizens’ advisory board counts as an office for purposes of the dual office holding statute. That applies to boards. Mr. Bush said the project has to be identified before the grant funds can be applied for. Commissioner Brown asked that James Williams and Marjory Shanks remain on the CATF if the Weed & Seed Board is tapped for this. Chief Getchell said he will provide Mr. Bush with the names of those board members. There being no further discussion, the motion passed unopposed. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Norwood moved to move forward with housing revitalization or construction of new housing using any available funds to develop housing. Commissioner Sanders seconded the motion, which passed unopposed. |
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Mr. Pappas asked if the Commission wanted to give the departments any direction on a redevelopment plan for the future. This would not be automatically done in conjunction with the comp plan amendments and updates. He would have to be directed to include it. Mayor Flagg asked the City Manager to provide the Commission with a recommendation on the appropriate department to undertake the redevelopment plan. . |
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RIVERFRONT PROJECT UPDATE |
Farid Ashdji, Elite Development -- Mr. Bush read a letter he wrote to Mr. Ashdji into the record which outlined his numerous attempts to receive an update on the developer agreement and timeline, and asked him to appear before the Commission prior to February 15 to give a status report and schedule for redevelopment, to include specific dates for deliverables and milestones. Mr. Ashdji requested this agenda date and later informed him he would be sending representatives to the meeting to provide an update. |
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Phillip Achdji, Elite Hospitality, introduced John McGuire, who has experience in redevelopment projects and will be working closely with Mr. Ashdji on this project. He worked with Mr. Ashdji on may projects, one being the Old Flagler Hospital renovation. He said he intends to make a short presentation, and may not be able to answer a lot of questions. He was asked to share that the project is proceeding as last discussed in May of 2006. A structural engineering firm out of Jacksonville has been hired and its head, Mr. Patel, will be here tomorrow to do a structural integrity check on the old buildings to determine their worthiness. As to the north side of US Hwy 17, they still intend to locate the marina there. The details on the condo project are still under development. That is about five years out. There are no changes to Phase I, which consists of a total of 45 condos over retail units with parking, going from two to seven stories, as originally proposed. The next part of Phase I is an 86-unit hotel, and they are in development talks at present with Wyndham Hotels, Marriott Courtyard, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn Suites on that. There will be 90 rooms, 24,431 SF with 259 parking spaces altogether. The Highrise Block will also consist of retail, condos and parking. |
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Commissioner Kitchens asked if the engineer finds the 100 block buildings can be saved, what would that do for the project? Mr. Achdji said they would likely undertake a beautification and enhancement project on the buildings. |
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Mr. Bush said they are currently negotiating a development project with their respective attorneys. The City's attorney, who specializes in this type of project, submitted general terms late last August, and they have been trying to get Elite to the table to negotiate an iron-clan agreement to include details and a timeline ever since. They cannot get anyone from Elite to respond to the City as to when they will be sitting down to work out the details. Mr. Ashdji's own attorneys state they've been given no direction on going forward with it. Mr. Achdji said he knows from conversations with Mr. Farid Ashdji that he has intentions to pursue this. Mr. Bush confirmed he is the person to contact, and asked him to relay a message to Farid Ashdji that the City is anxious to sit down and work this agreement out. The PHA has already evacuated some of their tenants. Every day that passes without work on replacement housing is costing them money. Mr. Achdji said Farid Ashdji had to make an emergency trip out of the country and that is why he is not here tonight. He introduced John McGuire, who has just come on board on this project and whose function will be important to the project. |
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John McGuire, St. Augustine, said, like Weed & Seed, this project falls in line with redevelopment of this property. He has had meetings with Elite and they are excited about the project. He has been hired to take it and run with it. Palatka is a quaint little town, and has recently been discovered. He was brought in to take this project off the ground and get it going by working with the City and all the agencies. There are some challenges. It is his understanding through his meetings with Elite that the public housing building is going to be taken down; that is Elite's intention. The structural engineer that is coming in is performing a function of the structural integrity of the building, footings in the ground, types of impact. He has reviewed the site plans; relocating the people in that building and taking it down will be the first step. |
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Lynda Crabill, audience, asked if they are also looking at the integrity of the 100 block buildings, which they are trying to save. They've had a structural engineering study done by University of Florida. She will provide him with a copy. They found that the developer would save money by rehabilitating these buildings. She is passionate about saving them. These buildings are part of Palatka's history. Mr. McGuire said they have saved historic buildings as part of other projects he's done. There is grant money available for that provided the integrity of the building has been protected. |
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Ruth Burk, audience, said she is a major property holder downtown. Many of the buildings are listed as historical 1800's buildings on the original CRA plan. Mr. McGuire said there is grant money available to restore historic buildings, but you have to meet certain parameters and keep the structural integrity intact. It requires inspections as the work progresses. They are open to saving historic buildings. Mrs. Burk said her project was stopped because there weren't enough parking spaces for her project; she needed 10 designated parking spaces. Now they are going to let him put a parking structure on the riverfront. The City hasn't provided a parking structure for downtown. All she hears from the City is "I don't know what Mr. Ashdji intends to do." She is not getting the information she needs tonight. She was stopped from putting a bakery in downtown because of parking. |
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Mr. Bush said he provided Elite with a copy of the letter from Mr. Prugh from UF regarding the structural integrity of the 100 block buildings. Prior to that they need to sit down and work out the development agreement. Months and months have passed with no progress or work done on this. Mr. Achdji said they intend to move forward on this project very quickly, and they will see progress within weeks. They will probably be back next week. They will be ready to sit down with the City's attorney in March. Commissioner Sanders concurred with Mr. Bush and said they are tired of waiting. They either need action or will start looking elsewhere, and he will make a motion to do that if something doesn't happen very soon. |
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Ms. Burk asked how she can get in touch with the developer. Commissioner Sanders said the City needs to go ahead with negotiations first. Mr. Robert Griffith, audience, said they want to talk with the developer first. |
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Mr. Achdji said, in reference to comments about Farid Ashdji being a foreign investor, that Mr. Ashdji has lived in Florida for over thirty years and in St. Augustine for over twenty years. This is his home and where they are "from." It is not like he came in from some other country just to do this project. He is out of the country due to unforeseen circumstances and had business to handle. |
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Mayor Flagg said they recognize emergencies come up, but time is of the essence. This commission needs to go on record as to what parameters they intend to operate within. They have been patiently waiting. They need to set a definite timeline with contingencies so everyone will know what to expect. He recommends that a development agreement be prepared in 30 days to come before the Commission. They are not playing any more phone tag. There will be a development agreement or no agreement at all. Commissioner Sanders moved to have a developer agreement prepared in 30 days to come before the Commission to include a timeline and contingencies. Commissioner Kitchens seconded the motion. Commissioner Norwood said as far as he is concerned, he has not heard a proper update, and moved to amend the motion to include a request for Mr. Ashdji to come before the Commission on March 8 to provide an update to the Commission. Commissioner Brown seconded the motion. Commissioners Kitchens said they received an update tonight, and have given the developer 30 days to come back with something, and asked why they would need to bring him back on March 8 for another 'dog and pony show.' Commissioner Norwood said he didn't get an update tonight. |
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Roll Call Vote on Amendment to Main Motion |
There being no further discussion, a roll-call vote was taken, with the following results: Commissioners Brown, Kitchens, Norwood, Sanders and Mayor Flagg, yes; Nays, none. The motion was declared amended. |
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Roll Call Vote on Main Motion |
There being no further discussion, a roll-call vote on the main motion yielded the following results: Commissioners Brown, Kitchens, Norwood, Sanders and Mayor Flagg, Yes; Nays, none. Motion passed. Mr. Pappas, Planning Director, said he's not spoken with Mr. Ashdji at all, and asked if this project is exempt from development review? Usually development agreements come before the Planning Dept. for development review. Mayor Flagg said the developer agreement will come first. |
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TRAFFIC CONTROL UPDATE |
Bob Merton, Putnam County BOCC Public Works Director, said he provided a handout photo of the intersection of St. Johns Avenue & Moody Road. He has been asked for an update on the issue of a turning lane addition. The construction on Hwy 20 is completed, and they still have problems with turning at that intersection. His handout shows the intersection looking both west and east. They have tried numerous signal-timing options, to no avail. They have not looked at eliminating or restricting the left-hand turn lane during peak traffic hours, but may want to. A multi-laning project for St. Johns Avenue is being looked at. The alignment of Moody Road is off somewhat. There is a possibility that they could add an additional lane on the north side of St. Johns Ave, which would become the through lane for that corridor, and leave this existing lane as the turn lane. He produced diagrams of that scenario, noting the extra lane will taper back into the existing roadway. They can note from the handout that people are cutting the corner as the radius isn't large enough, and they need to fix that at the same time. The existing utilities in that corridor will need to be strengthened or relocated, and a concrete culvert will need to be lengthened. He provided a sketch of the proposed traffic flow. This project can be put in place for under $100,000, but given that this is a small project and they don't know what's under the ground, he recommends earmarking around $150,000 to be safe. There are gas lines, electric lines, sewer lines, stormwater infrastructure and more that could complicate the design, but it may not be as difficult as they think. |
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Mayor Flagg asked if they intend to deal with the lack of alignment of Moody Road. Mr. Merton said if they follow the "quick fix" scenario, they would not realign it. Mayor Flagg said they need to address the alignment issue, as it is a safety issue, especially in view of having to deal with all the underground infrastructure. Mr. Merton said if they have to deal with the alignment of Moody Road, it would significantly increase the project cost, beginning with right-of-way expenses. If they are careful, they won't be tearing up the road, but just adding a lane. They can look at its realignment and putting turn lanes on Moody Road as well. Mayor Flagg asked him to look into that option. If they are going to fix the intersection, they need to fix it right. This is a public safety issue; there have been fatalities there. He does not know when these photos were taken, but cars are backed up at that intersection all day every day going in all directions. Rep. Pickens said this project is of high interest to him. There are also sidewalk issues; people are walking and riding on bicycles and motorized wheelchairs in the roadway. The Plan needs to be more comprehensive. Mr. Merton said he will come up with a figure to add that option. |
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Commissioner Kitchens said if all four left-hand turn signals were working, that would alleviate some of the problem considerably. She has sat in the turn lane through several light changes without getting a left-hand turn signal. Mr. Merton said he'll look into that. The County has a Transportation Committee meeting this Tuesday and he'll take the Commission's comments back to them, and see what they'd like to do to pursue this, and can even discuss it at the next LOGIC meeting before bringing it back to this Commission for action. Mayor Flagg said there is consensus that something needs to be done; the issues are funding and allocations. A Commissioner, the City Manager and the Public Works Director can meet with them prior to the next LOGIC meeting so they can get this moving along. |
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ORDINANCE 07-08 |
The Assistant Clerk read an ordinance entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALATKA, FLORIDA, PROVIDING THAT THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF PALATKA, FLORIDA BE AMENDED AS TO THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY IN SECTION 02, TOWNSHIP 10 SOUTH, RANGE 26 EAST; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Brown moved to pass the ordinance on first reading. Commissioner Kitchens seconded the motion. |
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Roll Call Vote |
There being no discussion, a roll-call vote was taken with the following results: Commissioners Brown, Kitchens, Norwood, Sanders and Mayor Flagg, Yes; Nays, none. The ordinance was declared adopted. |
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2007 COMMISSION CALENDAR |
Commissioner Brown said on April 26th she has a conflict with a Leadership Conference she will be attending as League of Cities business. Mayor Flagg suggested moving the meeting to Tuesday April 24. Per the question, the Clerk said the only change in this schedule from the last meeting is that the time for tonight's workshop was set at 4:00 and the July facilities tour was moved from the 10th at 1:00 p.m. to the 12th at 10:00 a.m. to coincide with the Commission's budget workshop and July meeting, per the request at the February 8th meeting to shorten the schedule for July. This leaves two meeting dates in July; the 12th and the workshop on the 26th; which she left as 'tentative.' Mayor Flagg asked why the workshop meeting was still on the schedule. The Clerk noted she had spoken with the Planner about moving it, and he said he would look at it as the scheduled progressed. Mayor Flagg asked the Planner to make it happen and reschedule the workshop. He asked that the schedule be revised and placed in their boxes in advance of the next meeting. |
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Motion |
Commissioner Brown moved to table adoption of the 2007 Commission Meeting Calendar. Commissioner Kitchens seconded the motion, which passed unopposed. |
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ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS |
The Clerk noted the Azalea Festival Mayor's Reception is scheduled for March 2nd at the Bronson-Mulholland House from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. |
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Geoff Pappas, Planner, said they have completed recommended revisions to their fee schedules and will be bringing that before the Commission for action. Mayor Flagg asked him to get those to the Commission well in advance. |
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COMMISSIONER COMMENTS |
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Commissioner Sanders |
Thanked the Commission for taking action on setting a timeline for the Downtown Redevelopment project. |
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Commissioner Brown |
Said she put information in each Commissioner's box regarding a tax increment program the League of Cities is doing, and asked them to go through it. |
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As to the housing component the League is doing, she said the Florida League of Cities' president left today to go to Africa to talk about this. If she can go to Africa and do this, there is something in there they can use. |
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When they were in Green Cove Springs they received a very attractive promotion packet. The City of Palatka needs to develop a promotional packet so they can pass them out wherever they go. |
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She attends statewide committees and brings back information that she hopes will benefit the City. Usually, the first entity in gets the money. |
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Commissioner Kitchens |
Concurred with Mr. Sanders on his comments concerning the developer agreement, and reminded the Commission that their second choice, Brefrank, is still in the running. |
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ADJOURN |
At 9:05 p.m. upon a motion by Commissioner Brown. |
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