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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/8/1988SPECIAL CITY/COUNTY MEETING Wednesday, June 8, 1988 The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida, met in Special Session with the Vero Beach City Council in the First Floor Conference Room, 1840 25th Street, Vero Beach, Florida, on Wednesday, June 8, 1988, at 1:00 o'clock P.M. Present were Don C. Scurlock, Jr., Chairman; Gary C. Wheeler, Vice Chairman; Richard N. Bird; Margaret C. Bowman; and Carolyn K. Eggert. Also present were Charles P. Balczun, County Administrator; Charles P. Vitunac, Attorney to the Board of County Commissioners; Joseph Baird, OMB Director; and Virginia Hargreaves, Deputy Clerk. Present from the City of Vero Beach were Mayor Kenneth Macht, Vice Mayor Warren Winchester, and Councilmen Hoyt Howard and Michael Wodtke, Councilman Vernon Krause being absent. Also present were City Manager John Little and City Attorney Terrence O'Brien. Chairman Scurlock called the meeting to order and advised those present that he and Mayor Macht discussed and agreed on the parameters and guidelines for this meeting; they have agreed to keep the time of adjournment at 3:00 P.M.; that it basically will be an informal discussion on policy between the City Council and County Commission; and that Chairman Scurlock will run this meeting and Mayor Macht will run the next one. RECREATION Chairman Scurlock informed those present that Commissioner Bird has handled that County's recreation for the•past eight years and asked that he give everyone a general update. 'JUN 8 1988 73PAGE 01 I Commissioner Bird reported that we have been looking for a way to expand our facilities since we still have a lot of areas in the county that don't have the programs and opportunities other areas have, and he felt it is in all of our best interests to try to satisfy that inequity and try to provide the same recreational opportunities countywide as best as we possibly can. Commissioner Bird continued that he, along with City Finance Director Tom Nason, were on a committee working on this a few years back, and that committee felt some sort of countywide recreation made a lot of sense and that it could be done. Commissioner Bird believed the political climate is right, and if we are ever going to take some major step forward in some form of consolidation of our recreation departments, now is the time to do it. The City of Sebastian is still growing and, in fact, is projected to outgrow Vero Beach in the coming years. They are in their infancy as far as recreation is concerned, and he believed it is a crossroads for them also. The County is providing some recreation there, but the City of Sebastian does not run any major recreational program. Commissioner Bird advised that we recently had an outside consultant do an impact user fee study for us. The report was presented to the Commission, and it basically deals with three areas of potential funding: 1) impact fees; 2) user fees; and 3) some form of taxing district. The Commission pretty well agreed that we would like to proceed further with the impact and user fee portion and give additional consideration to the possibility of a taxing district. Commissioner Bird noted that last year we worked out an agreement with the City of Vero Beach to utilize Pat Callahan as Director of the of the County's Recreation program, which has worked very well. We have a very small recreation staff; Mrs. Callahan has been a big help to them in improving our programs; and Commissioner Bird felt this is another step in the right direction. 2 JUN 81988 BOOK 7E�,cr 02 M Chairman Scurlock commented that one of the things that makes this even more timely is that in the past the City had all the assets, but he felt now that the county has grown and acquired a good deal of ocean frontage, we are at least reaching some sort of equity so that the situation is not so entirely lop -sided and this makes it much more feasible. The basic point of beginning, of course, is how do you fund it, and Chairman Scurlock personally favored a special dependent district, which he felt is a better setup in relation to the total tax picture. From the county's standpoint, we have been been more in tune with dependent districts. Commissioner Bird reported that, in addition to the beachfront we acquired, we just yesterday signed leases with the State on a considerable amount of oceanfront property they have bought, and we have agreed to develop that over a period of time and make it available to the public. We also now have the county golf course. One area where we have a tremendous void is in the south of the county, and that is where a major part of our population is. The County has been pursuing the idea of developing a large regional park facility in the south of the county, which would include many varied activities, and has been negotiating with a property owner in the area of Oslo Road and 20th Avenue about an 80 acre piece of property. This is a big undertaking financially. Commissioner Bird believed, in talking of the political climate, we must also include the School Board. They have been receptive regarding the use of school facilities for recreational purposes, and Director Callahan feels some of the school sites in the South County could be utilized rather quickly if we want to move in that direction. Chairman Scurlock stated that he personally is in favor of something similar to the South County Fire District where the City, which already has the staff in place, would administer the district, at least in the early years. Q 3 JUN 8 1988 BOOK 73 PAGE 03 Vice Mayor Winchester asked if there has been any discussion with Fellsmere, and was informed there has not. Vice Mayor Winchester agreed the idea is timely, but felt if we are going to do it, it should include not only Vero Beach and the county at large, but Sebastian and Fellsmere as well, as many as we can bring in, even Indian River Shores. He felt if any part of the community is lacking in recreational facilities, it is Fellsmere. Chairman Scurlock agreed. He believed the greatest mistake the County made was when we created the Fire Districts and weren't strong enough'to say we will have just one district. He felt with Recreation we should be strong enough to pull together and create one district for the whole county. Commissioner Bird advised that several years ago, we did go before Sebastian and got a very positive response. He did agree the groundwork and staff is in place, and possibly we could work out some kind of agreement with the City similar to the way the South County Fire District was transferred. Chairman Scurlock continued to discuss why the transfer of the Fire District was so successful and emphasized that we want all communities to feel they are a part. Mayor Macht expressed his feeling that the biggest opportun- ity for success would be in the area of programming. He noted that in some ways what the School Board does and some of the municipalities is a duplication of effort, and he believed it would be welcome news to the taxpayers that we could use School Board facilities that are otherwise idle. He personally felt this should be a step by step procedure because there is a good deal of structure the City has that would have to be considered on an individual basis, but the programming is something that could be done in the near future by mutual agreement. Chairman Scurlock agreed that one basic decision is where parks fit in. He noted that sometimes in the county we have 4 IJUN 8 1988 BOOK 73 PAGE 04 L2 considered them separately, and he believed this can be broken out any way we choose. Commissioner Bird concurred that the area of programming would offer a fairly easy transition rather than facilities, and believed with the school sites available, we could put programs in some of these areas quite quickly. Mayor Macht again emphasized that parks would be a facility and not actually a part of the programming, and discussion continued in regard to keeping parks separate, with Chairman Scurlock noting that the County.cannot compete with the City in the standard of maintenance of their parks, one of the reasons being that the City's parks are concentrated in a much smaller area. Vice Mayor Winchester concurred with Mayor Macht that programming would be the area we could initially afford, and Chairman Scurlock believed the bottom line where there will be disagreement is in regard to who pays for what. Once we can agree on how and who pays, a lot of the other problems will disappear; so, we need an equitable formula up front to distribute the cost. Vice Mayor Winchester congratulated County Public Works Director Davis on his recently completed Parks & Recreation Use Fee and Revenue Study, which he felt was very comprehensive. Commissioner Bird agreed and noted it was basically a home-grown report mainly done by Public Works Director Jim Davis along with Recreation Director Pat Callahan and staff. It wasn't just something someone from out of town thought we ought to have. Mayor Macht believed it seems that we agree on the pro- gramming area and want to charge our staff with working in that direction. Chairman Scurlock advised that the County's liaison in the Recreation area is Commissioner Bird, and he can appoint whatever administratives resources to this that he chooses. 5 [JUN 8 1981 BOOK 73 F-., ®� Mayor Macht noted that Councilman Wodtke would be the City Council's representative on that committee, but the City has a vertical staff structure which is slightly different. Commissioner Bird clarified that he will not be functioning as a staff person; he will be the liaison for the Commission but will depend on our staff to work with the City staff. He felt the nuts and bolts need to be worked out on staff level and then brought back. Vice Mayor Winchester wished that we could all be a little more straight forward in regard to impact fees and call them what they really are - taxes. County Attorney Vitunac stated that impact fees are not taxes. They are a totally different philosophy, and there would have to be a referendum if we have going to have a tax. He stressed that impact fees shift the cost to the newcomer to buy his part of the parks that are already there from the taxpayers who have been here a long time. Vice Mayor Winchester understood the difference, but noted that while legally you can say it is whatever you think, the taxpayer does not see it that way. Councilman Hoyt Howard expressed his opinion that user fees will go over better with the public than impact fees and taxes. Commissioner Bird noted that Director Davis' report indicates a three -pronged approach; he has a 20 -year capital improvement program which pretty well lays out what we need to spend; and it implies that impact fees will generate a major portion of its funds and the money to operate the programs will come from user fees or through contributions from some sort of taxes. Chairman Scurlock informed those present that we actually have had support for the impact fees. In fact, local developer Peter Robinson, said it is the best thing we ever did, especially since the Comprehensive Plan now mandates that you have a funding mechanism for that infrastructure, and if you don't have it, you 6 JUN 1988 Bov.. 73 F,1, 06 don't build. The Chairman believed Treasure Coast Builders supports impact fees; the one thing that comes up is making it equitable. Vice Mayor Winchester did not question the need for the money; his only comment was that politically and philosophically we need to find a way to make what we are doing a little more palatable to those who pay the bill. Commissioner Bird requested that Attorney Vitunac explain about impact fees and how they work as far as the county and the municipalities are concerned, where the funds are collected, where they are spent, etc. Attorney Vitunac stated that new people coming in will pay a share based on a study, and he felt it would help if Director Davis gave a synopsis of his report. City Manager Little advised that the City staff has had a chance to review Jim's report, and when it is ready for formal action, they are ready to take a position. Commissioner Bird asked if the municipalities can opt in or out, and Attorney Vitunac confirmed that it is optional. Chairman Scurlock noted that basically you develop a capital improvement program where you can pay for the new improvements that will be caused by new growth, and then you have a variety of options. You can zone it as we did with traffic and collect funds in certain zones, and fees could be different in each zone or you could have an overall impact fee and not zone it. There are a variety of approaches. Attorney Vitunac emphasized that the main thing about impact fees is that they bring the new person up to the standard that is already there; they are not a source of money to improve the whole program for the future; that has to come out of tax money or user fees. One of our towns dropped out of our road fee program because they said they wanted to do their own impact fees and pave all their roads, but the problem is that their standard is dirt roads and they can't do that with impact fees. They 7 BOOK 73 FACE 07 don't understand impact fees, and Attorney Vitunac believed this really needs an educational program. Chairman Scurlock further noted that today government is being forced to look at alternate sources of funding because many traditional sources have dried up, and he, therefore, felt we must look at a combination of sources to fund the program. Unfortunately, it seems your desire is usually a lot bigger than your ability to pay. County Attorney Vitunac wished to point out that there is another possibility. When the County took over the countywide library services, libraries were just merged into the General Fund of the county. It is perfectly possible to take Recreation and make it a countywide obligation under the General Fund with no referendum, no agreements, etc.; then you would just rely on the.County Commission to provide countywide recreation, and they would involve themselves with the City's assets by buying or leasing or some other arrangement. It does not have to be a special district which we are finding cumbersome in some other areas. That is a major decision. Commissioner Wheeler felt if the public wants services and is willing to vote for the district, then they should pay for it, but they should not have it pushed on them by any elected board. He very strongly preferred a referendum and a dependent taxing district for Recreation. Chairman Scurlock also liked the concept of a special dependent district. Discussion ensued regarding who would be the governing body of the district and how this would be worked out, and Mayor Macht believed what we really need is all these alternatives spelled out so the Council and Commission can look them over. He still felt the first step is programming. He noted that a major part of the City's taxes go into their recreation program; so, they have a proprietary feeling about it. 13 BOOK 6 cA P.",�E 08 i JUS � i9 L- Chairman Scurlock noted there are some significant differ- ences due to the City's smaller geographic boundaries; the County could not afford to do countywide what the City does. Commissioner Bird stated that he would like to see staff directed to come up with a phasing -in approach to countywide recreation on a long term basis. As to short term, we have budget sessions right ahead of us, and he would like to see us go farther than we are now with Director Pat Callahan and the City, and possibly have some kind of interlocal agreement. Chairman Scurlock believed one beginning point will be the Old Jail facility, and he understood from the newspapers that the City has some funds in their budget for that purpose. City Manager Little advised that the City is ready to discuss the Jail site whenever the County is, and Architect Charles Block is here for that purpose. DISCUSSION OF OLD JAIL SITE City Manager Little reported that the City had a structural analysis done to see if the building could be used. When that decision was reached, they then went through the numbers to see what it would cost to make it usable and also developed the numbers relating to the cost to build a new building with the space Director Callahan needs. This was done with little, if any, concern about the joint City/County needs. They then estimated demolition costs, and Architect Charles Block has prepared a booklet which he can walk everyone through. Architect Block took the floor to review his report - "A Feasibility Study of the Old Indian River County Jail For the City of Vero Beach Recreation Department." Said Study is on file in the office of Clerk to the Board, and summary of the study is as follows: 9 JUN Boox 73 P,�u U9 I .� irl 'JUN 8199 10 BOOK f ae, Ocrchitect, inc, INTRODUCTION o �o The purpose of this feasibility study -is to determine whether the Cn W W Recreation Department should have the existing County.Jail Building O renovated, or demolished and a new building built on the existing site. O With the use of existing building drawings, site visits, programmatic � information from the Recreation Department and Information provided by D individuals mentioned below this office has come up with costs estimates O for the 2 following schemes: 1. Demolish all accessory building excluding the existing exercise O ' 'building and renovate the interior, and exterior of the County Jail Building, - - exercise building, upgrade the site landscaping, irrigation and lighting, -, new roof, etc. Tho renovated building area will be approximately x 16,400 S.F. with a renovation cost estimated of $475,000.00. This renovated construction cost breaks. down to approximately $29/S.F. N O ' U 2. Demolish all on-site buildings and build a new 9450 S.F. Recreation Department Building on the existing site for a estimated construction cost < of $508,000.00. This cost also includes site work such as landscaping, O sodding, irrigation, site lighting,.etc. The demolition and new building construction cost breaks down to approximately $54/S.F. O The above costs do not include architectural and engineering fees, impact n fees and building permit fees. O -, In summary, demolition and new building costs "vs" renovation costs are Q -. approximately the same, when comparing dollars to dollars_ When the Q total building area "vs" the cost/S.F. is evaluated, it is evident that the W renovation costs of $29/S.F. for 13,400 S.F. is almost half the demolition and new building cost of $54/S.F. for 9,450 S.F. O- The information contained within this feasibility study was done with the N assistance of the following people: CD Mosby and Associates Mr. Cliff Suthard, City of Vero Beach • Mr. Bill Vernon, City of Vero Beach Mr. Paul Berthieume, PSI Services o Ms. Pat Callahan, City of Vero Beach Mr. Bill McCain, Indian River County Cn Cn 01w i -O -O I .� irl 'JUN 8199 10 BOOK f Architect Block noted that the site is about 5 acres, about 1 acre of which is the Volunteer Ambulance Squad. The out -parcel frame buildings will be demolished. They essentially took the building itself and said what could we do with it. Mr. Block noted that, as shown in the pictures, it looks pretty bad, but most of it is a clean-up situation. They were mainly concerned about the structure, but determined that it is structurally very sound. The roof has a lot of problems, but related to waterproofing, not structural problems. The next step was to consider the existing recreation office space, what they are operating under now, and what is projected for ten years. He believed it is a conclusion that without the county area input, the City over the next 10 years would have their act together and probably not expand greatly beyond what they are now. As to cost, they used City building standards. Chairman Scurlock expressed his concern as to whether it can be an environment that the people using the facility will be happy working in. Architect Block believed, particularly with the function they are dealing with, that they can do some real fun things with color, awnings, etc., much more easily than if it were just the normal office building. Chairman Scurlock asked if they are considering using this for programs as well as administration, and was advised it is intended mainly for administration, registration, and storage. Chairman Scurlock envisioned that if we do get into overall countywide recreation, it will require a considerable administra- tive complex. Architect Block advised that what they have programmed is about double the space they have now. He noted they can build a new building for about the same dollars, but in renovation, they will end up with twice the space. He advised that Director Callahan came up with a program, and he applied the function to it. They did make provision for a good deal of expansion. 'JUS 11 BOOK .73 f'r,E 11 Chairman Scurlock expressed his concern about the unexpected problems that may be encountered in renovating an old building, such as we experienced in renovating the old hospital for our Administration Building. He noted that we continually have had to address substantial on-going problems with balancing the air conditioning, wasted space, etc. However, we got the facility basically for very little so it still is a good deal. Architect Block advised that what they were trying to determine was can the structure work, and then they started from new with electrical, mechanical, plumbing, etc. Commissioner Bird inquired if it is the City's feeling that they really need the whole site, and it was indicated that for parking, etc., they do. City Manager Little commented that no one was more negative about renovating that building than he was, and there is no question that they could build a better building that is more functional with less wasted space if they started from scratch. Therefore, when Mr. Block came aboard, his instructions were very specific because the City did not want to move into the building and every three days end up having to call a repairman. The City Manager confirmed that all the plumbing, all the electrical, and all the air conditioning will be new. A new $50,000 roof will be required. Basically they are taking concrete walls as if nothing was in them and putting everything back in place. With that, they can get enough space for the City's needs and a joint need in a location that staff is convinced is close to ideal. The parking for the purposes of registration for the recreation programs is adequate, but not oversize. The fuel tanks would come out. It is a trade off. The demolition costs are between $70-$100,000, including the landfill costs, but even with that, if they start building a brand new building, it would cost twice as much to get the amount of space available in the old building, . As far as expansion is concerned, this was projected out to the year 2000. 12 BOOK 3 GE� Chairman Scurlock believed, in any event, when we do go with a countywide program, there will be a need for some satellite facilities as we grow. Commissioner Bird felt this is an excellent location for the hub of recreation activities. He asked City Manager Little if what they have in mind is that the county make the site and building available and the City do for the renovation. City Manager Little advised that he has not had a chance to talk to the Council about this, but the situation is that they have borrowed and signed notes and taken down $400,000 for new recreation administration offices under the Sunshine State Pool, of which they are a charter member, and they have 12 months to spend that money or it becomes non tax exempt. Mr. Little felt the quick answer to Commissioner Bird's questions is that if the County turns the title over to the City of Vero Beach, they will build the building and have it open 12 months from now, and it will be a joint City/County administration building. Administrator Balczun wished to know when we talk about turning over title, if we are talking about the entire remaining free site, which is a fairly substantial piece of land, and it was confirmed it would be the entire site except for the ambulance squad property. Mayor Macht asked if the building would be capable of an addition at some time, and Mr. Block explained it is within the setbacks in the middle of the property and could be added to. Councilman Howard spoke strongly in favor of building a new building as he felt the costs would be very close. City Manager Little agreed that the costs would-be close, but pointed out that there is twice the square footage in the renovated building as opposed to a new building for the same cost. Discussion continued as to the exact acreage in the site, and Commissioner Wheeler asked if the deed could be constructed so that if we create a district that would go to the district. 13 JUN 8 1988Box .73 FACE 13 City Manager Little believed that is a policy question, and he felt if it were wished to structure it that way, it could be worded to say "if the City joined the District." Commissioner Wheeler noted that what he is hearing is that we are talking about creating a countywide district, and if that occurred, he would like to see that be a part of the pie to start out with. Chairman Scurlock did not feel that at the very least every- one wouldn't agree that we need an interlocal agreement. He did not have the fear that we are going to give the City the land and they are going to do the building and then say you go your way. City Manager Little felt that Attorney Vitunac and Attorney O'Brien together could come up with an interlocal agreement to take us through the next budget year. Mayor Macht believed we all have gone as far as we can go with policy at this meeting, and felt we should give this to staff to work out something definitive. City Manager Little just wanted to relay that City staff has done their homework with the result that they feel they should go ahead and renovate the building and that they have a time constraint with the funds they have already borrowed; so, if they are not going to spend them here, they have to look for an alternative very quickly. Chairman Scurlock instructed County staff to work with the City staff as discussed. Commissioner Bird asked if the interlocal agreement being discussed would encompass the programming and the Jail site, and Mayor Macht believed we were talking just about the Jail site at this time and staff can work on the programming. Chairman Scurlock asked that County Attorney Vitunac first get us in a position to convey title and then work with the City staff to come up with a program which will be part of the interlocal agreement for next year. 131.1m 8 IM 14 BOOK 73 Fa -UE 14 City Manager Little inquired about the county timetable. He noted the district has a lot of ways it can work and a lot of pit falls and asked if we want to shoot for a year from September. Chairman Scurlock agreed it would take a year to get people educated. Commissioner Bird felt we should look at the District possibly October 1st, 1989. He felt on a short term basis what we can do is enlarge the management agreement that we have now to expand on Pat Callahan's abilities, and in the next budget year allow some money to take some recreation programs to the south county, to Fellsmere, etc., that they are lacking now and get them exposed. He believed that will enhance our chances of the voters approving this a year from now. Mayor Macht noted that the City's priority is dealing with the site, and Commissioner Eggert believed we all agree it would be a terrific site for this purpose. Councilman Wodtke expressed his support of the new plans for this site and stated that he was glad to see the joint cooperation between City and County. Councilman Howard commented that he also was definitely fighting the Library issue, but this brings to light something a bit different and he is real proud to be part of it. City Manager Little stated that if there are no objections, he then will bring the proposal of Mr. Block to City Council and will take everything on faith to move ahead with the formal design. ON MOTION by Commissioner Eggert, SECONDED by Commis- sioner Bird, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously agreed to deed over to the City of Vero Beach that 4.28 acres of land with the buildings so they can proceed with the proposed renovation as well as the interlocal agreement. 15 ens: BOOK 73 r-A;E 15 � ® r TOURIST TAX MATTERS Commissioner Wheeler commented that he did not put this matter on the agenda, and City Manager Little explained that he included it at the request of City Finance Director Nason. Mr. Nason believed the matters he was concerned about are primarily resolved. He noted that the problem is that it seems the Tourist Tax Board is not very familiar with the documents that put it together. Commissioner Wheeler, who chairs the Tourist Tax Committee, agreed that several members were opening up areas that we didn't have any business getting into. Mr. Nason explained that there was some pretty wide diversions from the original intent for the monies, and City Manager Little confirmed that the City just wanted them to stick to the original program. Commissioner Wheeler advised that he made it clear that his position is and will be that the first two years' budget passed by the voters will stand, the only exception being we voted to give $5,000 to the Arts Council. INDIAN RIVER BOULEVARD NORTH AND MERRILL BARBER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT Chairman Scurlock advised from the County's standpoint that the one thing we have directed our Public Works Director is that we want the Boulevard built and we have said move as fast as you can to do that. Developmental plans have come and gone, and while we are willing to work with them, our only concern has been that we do not want to get involved in any process to delay us building the Boulevard. City Manager Little noted the City has had some staff meet- ings because it looked as if they might be part of the problem for a while, but they have met with the property owners; it is inside the City limits, and he believed everything is on course. 16 BOOK 73 DGE 16 JUN 8 1988 Commissioner Bird noted that Public Works Director Davis gave the Board the new alignment plan yesterday to which the Board agreed, and he felt it is in agreement with the City. City Manager Little believed the land owners are on board, and Director Davis stated that as far as we know, most of them are. Chairman Scurlock noted that the county also does not want to do anything that would make any new bridge more expensive by creating additional developable land, and City Manager Little expressed his conviction that the County should proceed to put the Boulevard where they plan, and the City will put the bridge wherever the Boulevard is. Mayor Macht believed wherever the bridge hits the Boulevard, it will be by an aerial route and no causeway will be involved. City Manager Little confirmed that the State, if they went to that alternative, is proposing an elevated bridge all the way to the intersection with the Boulevard with no interchange off of it. He believed they have programmed some money for planned condemnation for the land the bridge will be going over. Chairman Scurlock asked Public Works Director Davis if we wil'I be involved in a joint mitigation situation and if there are things we can do together. Director Davis advised that as it stands now, the minor alignment change does not negate the county purchasing that impoundment #22, which is about 100 acres, which would include the alignment for the new bridge coming across. We are pro- ceeding to get an appraisal updated to purchase impoundment #22. Question arose as to whether there would be any state monies for this, and Director Davis advised that the DOT has appropri- ated some Local Government Assistance Program Funds to the project, about $100,000, which is not enough to be able to buy the whole impoundment, but we do have a commitment from the DOT for funding to that level. 17 sou .73 r'nUE 1 ,JUN 8 1988 _. City Manager Little noted that we hopefully are touching all the bases, but we don't even know where the bridge is going to go, and the City's feeling is that the County should move ahead with the Boulevard as if the bridge had never been mentioned. Mayor Macht advised that he has written a letter to the Governor and DOT requesting that they consider the northernmost option exclusively, and he would like the County's support of this. MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Eggert, SECONDED by Commissioner Bird, that the Chairman send a letter to the DOT and the Governor in support of the northern- most option for the bridge. Commissioner Bird believed the thought is that the bridge will intersect with the Boulevard and the traffic will flow north and south from that point. THE CHAIRMAN CALLED FOR THE QUESTION. It was voted on and carried unanimously. LIVE TELECASTING OF MEETINGS Chairman Scurlock noted that his first question in regard to the proposed telecasting is whether it is free. Administrator Balczun reviewed a cost proposal from Treasure Coast Television based on 50 meetings a year, probably of about two hours each, with perhaps 15 meetings that would go over the two hours by 15 minutes or so, and the cost would be about $29,000 annually. He explained that the air time on the channel is free, but if we want meetings broadcast, we would pay for the production time. Commissioner Wheeler stated that as far as paying a fee for this is concerned, it would have to be shown to him where a lot 18 Boort 73 F'nx 18 JUN 8 1980 of the people in the county will benefit from it because if the money comes out of the General Fund, they will be paying for it. The Board generally indicated they were not interested in having the meetings telecast. FUNDING OF VERO BEACH E-911 FROM CUSTOMER SURCHARGE City Manager Little asked Police Chief Gabbard to bring everyone up to date. Chief Gabbard noted that he came to the County Commission last year in this regard and they very kindly appropriated $15,000 from these funds to be paid to the City of Vero Beach for the revenue period January 1, 1988 through September 30, 1988. Chief Gabbard stated that the situation has not changed, and he just wished to be sure they get an equitable share of what is being taxed on the 504 surcharge. He did not know what has built up in that account in the interim, but believed it was projected at $15,000 every 9 months. OMB Director Baird did not have those figures with him, and believed we need to sit down and go over this with Chief Gabbard since we must submit figures to Tallahassee in regard to the exact items we are going to purchase with the money. Chief Gabbard emphasized that he is just asking for the spirit of cooperation in being sure his department gets the benefit of a share of the monies collected. City Manager Little inquired if he was talking about a one-time cost in order to make the transition to the new police facility, and Commissioner Wheeler believed that is what we supported last year. Discussion ensued regarding recurring and non-recurring fees, and Chief Gabbard clarified that the County agreed to continue the recurring $2,300 monthly fees, and all the County had available at that time in the non-recurring fees account was $15,000, which they agreed to give him. At that time, they told JUN 19 BOOK 73 F'A;C 19 him to come back and make another pitch later, and here he is. His department is still 6 or 8 months away from having to actually need the equipment, and they are making some arrange- ments on their own for a little bit of the financing, but it will require them to use a lot of outdated equipment. He wanted to bring their equipment up to date and facilitate their move in the best way possible instead of having to shut down their services. Chairman Scurlock suggested the Board direct staff to look at what funds are available and get that information back to us. Councilman Wodtke asked who is in charge of 911 policy and program as there have been some serious problems with this lately. Commissioner Eggert advised that it comes out of the Sheriff's Department along with Emergency Management. They are just switching over to the new central communications, and there may be some glitches until this is all ironed out. DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT AND RELATED MATTERS Mayor Macht wished to thank the Board for their decision to locate the Library downtown, which he believed will have long term benefits to the City, and Vice Mayor Winchester echoed his thanks. Chairman Scurlock advised that Commissioner Wheeler is handling our court facilities and planning to build some new ones in the downtown area, and he, therefore, felt it is important to stay in close touch and blend all this in together to meet the County's and City's needs. Administrator Balczun agreed and further noted that whatever we do, one consideration we must take into account is how any change to our existing courthouse would interphase with the new library, etc., so they become part of a larger whole. 20 JUN 81988 BOOK 73 Commissioner Eggert inquired what exactly the City expected from their consultants, Post Buckley, and Planning Director Walter Young stated that it is mainly conceptual ideas at this point; it is not to the point of specifically locating buildings. Mayor Macht assured the Board that City staff will supply them with the documentation that is developed and keep the County informed. Commissioner Bird brought up the wonderful job Winter Park has done with their downtown, which has become a very prestigious area. He was curious just how Winter Park was able to do their redevelopment so successfully, and Mr. Young believed it was through a combination of tax incremental financing and private endowment, and involved very little of the taxpayer's money. Chairman Scurlock believed that we would be well advised to keep in touch with the development the First Baptist Church is planning, and Mr. Young noted that if anyone is approached in regard to any long term building in that area, he would like to have this information funneled to his department. Commissioner Bird inquired what happened to the plan for the fancy playground at the downtown park, and was advised that the fund raising has not gone well. Chairman Scurlock wished to know of the long range plans for the old Community Building, and Mr. Nason advised that actually that structure, although old, is a pretty good building, and City Manager Little confirmed that is another building he had thought was hopeless, but apparently it is far from hopeless. Commissioner Bird felt there is a lot of history there and believed that is part of the ambiance Winter Park has created with what they have done. TWIN PAIRS AND GENERAL DISCUSSION, Chairman Scurlock noted that the Twin Pairs is not on the agenda, but advised that he specifically asked the DOT if we 21 JUN 81988 BOOK 7�.a�F. could accelerate that project if the City and County were willing to front some money, and the answer was yes. City Manager Little suggested that he not make that suggestion again unless the City runs up the red flag as they don't think this will be necessary. City staff has been given to understand that the design for it, which is under contract, must be done by February of 1989 and the construction has to start by June of 1989 or -they lose the infrastructural funds for it. Mr. Little believed they are doing the survey work now with a completion date of 1991. Chairman Scurlock next brought up the problem of people running the yield signs on U.S.I. at the new intersection by St. Helen's Catholic Church and felt possibly there should be a stop sign there instead. City staff advised that they have concerns also and have talked to the DOT about this. Commissioner Eggert reported that we have an architect ready to start on the North County library and the 1st of September she believed we will have a main library architect ready to go. Mayor Macht advised that the City Council has authorized him to write the Governor indicating support of designating the Indian River Lagoon an estuary of national significance. Along those same lines, City Manager Little reported that he has been promised the completion of the study regarding feasibil- ity, permit problems, environmental problems, cost, etc., to take wastewater discharge out of the river; possibly, it will be available for the next Council meeting. The City has talked to St. John's and some golf course operators, and their own staff about this, and it is the age old problem that it looks like a workable project but how do you get the front money. 22 mor 73 ,JUN 1 Commissioner Bowman asked about the possibility of any money for this under the SWIM Bill, and City Manager Little felt some may be some left in EPA and they are taking steps for a grant and Will probably try to get some money out of the SWIM Bill. DISCUSSION RE PROPERTY FOR NATIONAL GUARD Commissioner Bird noted that Commissioner Eggert brought to his attention that the National Guard is looking for a site in the county for an armory. He believed the Board is receptive to having a unit here, but we have searched our inventory of land and can't come up with a 20 acre site. City Manager Little advised that the National Guard talked to the City, and the City has nothing to offer either. Commissioner Bird asked about the possibility of any property at the old landfill site and how long we have to go before that is usable. City Manager Little pointed out that if the property is part of the Airport District, it can't be leased for a dollar. He did not believe the part of the old landfill closest to the road is in the Airport District, but did not know how long it would take before anything could be built on that. Chairman Scurlock noted that the problem there is the methane, and he believed when we built the animal shelter, we had some pretty heavy methane releases. Commissioner Bowman asked about the advisability of paving over the wellfields in the vicinity of the old landfill, and City Manager Little assured her that they monitor the wells. Chairman Scurlock asked when we will have another joint meeting as he felt this was very informative. Mayor Macht also expressed his enthusiasm and felt the next meeting should be when we can have a similarly useful meeting. He suggested that we adjourn sine die and try to schedule a meeting at least on a quarterly basis. 23 J 73 b 93 � ��1� City Manager Little commented that if we can get an interlocal agreement that takes us through next year and lays the groundwork for the next step, he felt we may want another such meeting between now and next September. This was generally agreed. There being no further business, on Motion duly made, seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 2:45 o'clock P.M. ATTEST: Chairman JUN ® 24 BOOK .73 3 D-GUE 24