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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/8/1989 (3)Tuesday, August 8, 1989 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 of the County Administration Building, 1840 25th Street, Vero Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, August 8, 1989, at 1:30 o'clock P.M. Present were Gary C. Wheeler, Chairman: Carolyn K. Eggert, Vice Chairman: Richard N. Bird; Margaret C. Bowman; and Don C. Scurlock, Jr. Also present were James E. Chandler, County Administrator; William G. Collins, 11, Asst. County Attorney; and Virginia Hargreaves, Deputy Clerk. Present from the City of Vero Beach were Mayor Kenneth Macht, Councilwoman Molly Beard, and Councilmen Kevin Doty and Michael Wodtke. Absent was Councilman Vernon Krause. Also present were City Manager, John Little, and James Wilson, Asst. City Attorney. Chairman Wheeler called the meeting to order and asked that the first item on the agenda be addressed. Possible Use of Physical Arts Center Building—for Jury Selection Administrator Chandler advised that the County has been looking at space in the Florida Federal Building as well as the Pocahontas Building, and have now learned that the Physical Arts Center Building may be a third alternative. THere has been some very preliminary brief discussion about this with City Manager Little, but we have not gone into any details regarding cost and are still considering all three buildings. City Manager Little commented that, as to when the City would move out of the Physical Arts Center, the City staff has just gotten the final report on the proposed renovations to the AUG `� Door 77 AUG EOOK 77 E,, �E 5S-`7 "Y" and what it will cost, and that facility probably will open some time in February. He noted that the County gave the City the jail, and he felt the City should retaliate. City staff did not have any problem with letting the County use the Physical Arts Center with the Council's blessing, but he believed the County should take a hard look at that building to see whether they would want it or not. Everything in it is antiquated, but it could be used. Question arose about the historical significance of the Physical Arts Center, and Millie Bunnell of the Historical Society advised that it was built in several different sections, and part was added by the WPA. It always was the community center and it was a significant social meeting place during the war years. Chairman Wheeler believed if there is no objection, we could look into possible use of that building as one of our three options. There were no objections. r Proposed Firearms Range Commissioner Bird just wished to bring everyone up to date. He reviewed the frustrating history of trying for the last 5 years to find a suitable location for a firing range that could be used by the Sheriff and his personnel and also by the public with proper supervision. The original site suggested by St. John's River Water Management District did not work out, and very few private property owners are interested in having a firing range on their lands. A site that is located on the north side of SR 60 just east of 20 Mile Bend has come to the forefront within the last few months. Although we would prefer something larger, this is on land that is available at this time. It does run north to south, which is preferred for shooting, and it is bordered by a swamp and a big mining operation. Commissioner Bird advised that the Committee has worked with the Sheriff on a design. The plan is that there will be one road 2 coming in from SR 60, and the intent is to have an area leading off that road that is secured for the Sheriff's purposes with about 5 shooting ranges of various lengths and a separate section for an obstacle course. The public would proceed on north past that location to the public rifle range that also could be used for skeet shooting at certain times. The conceptual plan is designed to have all shot fall within the property, and St. John's staff have indicated they will recommend this site be made available to the County and will attempt to assist us in construction of the range facilities. We have asked them how much of the construction they would be willing to take part in and are exploring grants through the NRA, the Fish & Wildlife Commission and other agencies. He noted that St. John's is working on a larger plan to take 10/12,000 acres in this area and make it available to the public for outdoor recreational activities - camping, fishing, etc. Commissioner Bird noted that the County has been told that the City is going to make some major improvements in the City's range, but it is the general consensus that we should move ahead full speed on both facilities. City Manager Little reviewed the history of the City's range, explaining that the Police Benevolent Association leased it from the City for a dollar a year, and the buildings there were done by private donation and PBA labor. The lease has been extended and renewed several times over the years. About two months ago, it came to the City's attention that the range was unsafe, and Police Chief Gabbard wanted it closed immediately. It was closed to the public and anyone other than someone shooting under the supervision of a law enforcement officer. Mr. Little continued that the PBA lease still has some time to run. a It was intimated to them that what is required to bring the range up to snuff would have to be done correctly and would require a considerable investment. Nothing was done for a while, and it now appears that their main concern was having access to the 3 BOOK. Pi 7 ul.;[ M' AM I L- AUG B `689 BOOK grounds and to their clubhouse for picnicking, etc. It was suggested that Attorney Wilson draw up an agreement providing for some limited access for them, and the City could take over the lease. Although the actual agreement has not been drawn up as yet, City Manager believed that they have reached an amicable agreement regarding the range, and it will go on the Council agenda. Mr. Little noted that the other problem with the City's range is that although it is reasonably close in and more con- venient, he suspects that 15 years from now, it will be in the middle of a built-up area or the Airport will have had to acquire that property to protect flight zones. As to whether or not it would be a good idea to make a larger investment in the range, he believed if the City can get the lease straightened out, it might be a good short range interim arrangement for small arms fire. Chief Gabbard was talking about $100,000 for an indoor firearms range in a future budget, but there are no plans for that at present. Councilman Wodtke pointed out that the State of Florida has taken over the issuing of concealed weapon permits. A lot of people in the county have permits that are expiring, and they do not have anywhere for their class instruction. He believed we need to do something about this and hoped this can be addressed shortly. City Manager Little did not anticipate that the City range would be available for that type of thing for at least 6-7 months, and he understood the Correction Institute's range is just available for law enforcement. Sheriff Dobeck advised that the College is using that range also because they have a considerable investment in it. He stressed that his problem is scheduling. This year he will be required to train about 4,000 man hours, and they are running into a big liability situation. He further noted that the 4 � - r present range would not be suitable for automatic weapons and continued to emphasize the liability potential. City Manager Little stated that the City will try to expedite opening their range as much as possible, and Commis- sioner Bird felt it will be at least a year before having the range the County is proposing. Mayor Macht believed it has been determined there is nothing that would be mutually exclusive of either project and that both should move ahead. This was generally agreed upon. Downtown Redevelopment Area Administrator Chandler gave an overview of the County's two major projects, noting the Library and Courthouse are both on schedule. On the main Library we are nearing final design and anticipate coming back to the Commission in about 30-60 days with construction to begin in November and completion of the building within 1 year. In regard to the Courthouse, we have completed the consultant selection process and are now in the process of negotiating with Herbert Halback, Inc. We are looking at having a master plan completed in the fall and then retaining an architect for final design next spring with construction in 1991 and final completion in 1993. We are asking the consultant to work closely with the City on any plans re downtown parking, traffic circulation, etc. Administrator Chandler stated that we have had good dialogue back and forth with Planning Director Walter Young and City Manager Little, and our consultant will be coordinating with the City. Parking is a critical element, and we are asking them to bring back several alternatives. Mayor Macht inquired if there is any relationship between the Courthouse Complex and a future building for the County administration. Administrator Chandler stated that there was none that he knew of. He will, however, be looking at some of the County's 5 ��o� l r F°,r 590 AUG 001 UG BOOK 17 f-1,oGL,591 internal needs in the next few months as we are rather tight for space. Mayor Macht continued to discuss the possibility of a new government administration building, and Chairman Wheeler believed there was some talk at one time about a County/City building. Commissioner Scurlock pointed out that one of the problems we face is that the County renovated the present Administration Building at 8 million plus, and he believed it would be difficult just to walk away from this building. We must find a reasonable use for this building before we can justify moving into a twin pair government building downtown. Mayor Macht believed that we should look at the concept of a joint government facility in the ZO year range. Commissioner Scurlock stated that he would ask at the Commission level that we direct Administrator Chandler to proceed with a space RFP to look at all our needs. He noted that we have an enterprise fund in the Building Department, and he believed there are some dollars available and would support having a complete space analysis done. Some discussion arose regarding when the School Board lease might expire, but Administrator Chandler advised that it is a 30 year lease which was executed in 1979, and there is a 10 year option for renewal. City Manager Little interjected at this point that he and Administrator Chandler get along just fine, and he finds Mr. Chandler far and away the best man the County has had. As to where the City is heading, he and Jim Chandler have agreed to staff some of these things and see where they take us. The City has spent a lot of money to renovate City Hall; they now have the new police station and will renovate the area the police just moved out of. So, the City also has an investment they have to live out, but he did believe that at some point, they will live it out, and at that point, we should be talking about a government complex where the taxpayer can go non-stop shopping. 6 � a � If the County decides to do a space study, he felt it might be well if the City and County both used the same consultant. City Manager Little commented that Administrator Chandler had asked him whether the City might have any need to lease the old Library building which belongs to the County. He advised Mr. Chandler that the City does not have a need for it and suggested that if the County doesn't have a need for it, that they market it and use the money to put more books in the new libraries. He further advised that the 19th Avenue abandonment is on the City Agenda for August 15th and there are no objections from Southern Bell or anyone; so, he saw no problems with it. He believed the library is on go and did not know of any problems with the courthouse. City Planning Director Young suggested that whatever con- sultants the County is using tie together with the City in working with that 6 block downtown area. They want to make sure the skeletal system of streets stays in place. Administrator Chandler agreed that the 6 block area is critical regarding traffic circulation and flow. Commissioner Scurlock believed if we are going to look at traffic, the critical issue is the parking, and he wondered if there is any interest in a joint City/County effort to build a central parking facility. City Manager Little noted that the YMCA will be open in February, and that will take the recreation activities out of the Physical Arts Center, which will alleviate some of the parking. They are also moving everything out of the old White Elephant Building behind Alma Lee's and will be recommending that be torn down to create additional parking, but that will be only about 15 spaces. He did feel it might be wise to consider a joint central parking facility. Mr. Little then discussed future plans for the City's diesel plant and also advised that Public Works is going to move. They have had the ground breaking for that project and hope to be able 7 -, U �`� � �� POCK 1 tilj , Fr - V BOOK � 7 rAa 593 to move out of the old location in about 10 months. He believed at one time there was some county interest in acquiring that property. Mayor Macht inquired about a mechanism for getting together with the county on a joint parking structure, and Mr. Young felt that could be opened up with the CRA. Commissioner Scurlock brought up the idea not only of joint participation in such a facility, but also privatizing part of it, and it was generally agreed that would be a good idea. Commissioner Bird inquired about any downtown redevelopment activity, and City Planning Director Young that nothing much was going on. They were looking to have money from the private level, and the money wasn't there to get a master plan done. The City is going to put it in their budget this year. Commissioner Bird believed the City and County are both working toward downtown redevelopment, but felt that we need participation from the private sector. He noted that unfortunately the downtown redevelopment effort in Fort Pierce hasn't worked out. Mr. Young felt that the County's commitment has contributed to the stability of the Vero Beach downtown property, and Commis- sioner Scurlock believed when we actually get the court facility there, it will solidify this. Discussion continued regarding a cooperative effort, and Mayor Macht was of the opinion that if Alternative #3 is approved for the Barber Bridge, that will have a positive impact on the downtown area. Some concern was expressed that the planned Twin Pairs project doesn't result in bisecting the downtown area. City Manager Little reported that the Twin Pairs project is on schedule, but the DOT still doesn't have any money. He further reported that he has had staff meetings with Administrator Chandler regarding the Merrill Barber Bridge and believed that is going along better than we realize. L� 8 L:7 Commissioner Bird asked if the consensus is to do something with the peninsula that would be left at the present bridge entrance to make it into a nice shopping area, and it was confirmed that is the general idea. The dream is to have a covered fishing pier on the east, and also possibly have a pier on the west side and work in conjunction with private enterprise to lease it out as a waterfront restaurant, boutiques, etc. On the peninsula area to the east, the center road between the existing stores could be turned into landscaped parking with a loop access road. Recreation Agreement City Manager Little noted that in view of the $450,000 to purchase the "Y" and more to remodel; Charles Park; Young Park; $100,000 on River House for remodeling - they have a very big ticket. The General Fund cannot continue to pick up that fund, and he felt the time has come where we have to give serious consideration to some kind of joint recreation. The City is grateful for the County's significant increase in contribution, but it is still a drop in the bucket. He realized the County is spending money in the Oslo Road area and on the beaches which will take off some impact, but he really thought we need to talk about joint operation. We did this with Building and Zoning, and it has worked. We did it with the Fire District, and as far as the City is concerned, it worked well. He believed what the County is going through now with ALS, etc., was bound to happen and was long overdue. Mr. Little stressed that we need to sit down and remove the roadblocks in the old agreement, if there are any, so what needs to happen can happen. Mr. Little noted that the City had handled recreation for a very long time, and they were reluctant to give this up because frankly, they did not think the County knew what they were doing. They also weren't sure the custodial care would be what the City has done. AUG ) 198. 9 V1.- -, Commissioner Scurlock commented that if Mr. Little is talking both Parks and Recreation, he felt the Parks aspect should remain separate because he is sure the county could not give the same level of service that the City does. Commissioner Bird believed right now we are getting very close in regards to recreation, and he felt it can work where the City continues to own and operate and maintain facilities at the level they want, and we will do the best we can to develop programs and consolidate under a countywide program. Mr. Little believed that both he and Mr. Chandler would like to be ordered to work on this and make it a priority before next year's budget comes up. Commissioner Scurlock suggested setting it up as an enter- prise fund as he really sees that as the way to go. Mr. Little agreed we can't continue to ask the City taxpayer to go on funding this alone, and we need to develop an interlocal agreement and get on with a joint enterprise fund for Recreation. Commissioner Bird and Eggert also concurred that Adminis- trator Chandler should be charged with working on such an agreement, and it was generally agreed it should be an enterprise fund. Mayor Macht believed we must realize that the school system may want to be in on this also. Chairman Wheeler believed this is the end of today's Agenda, but Commissioner Scurlock asked to be allowed to add an item regarding Solid Waste. There were no objections. Solid Waste Disposal Commissioner Scurlock advised that Councilman Wodtke came to him with a concern, and it appears there is some misunderstanding in terms of what we are doing regarding solid waste. He ex- plained that we have a master plan and have hired consultants to look at every viable option; we are continuing to receive input 10 and proposals from the private sector, and those proposals are continuing to be evaluated. Most of these are pipe dreams; some are realities, but at very excessive costs. What he wanted to say today is that the county, through him as liaison with the Utilities Department and Jim Chandler as Administrator, have continued to stay in contact with our consultant and are continuing to receive every proposal out there, but the bottom line is cost effectiveness. He noted that we do have two more cells available in the Landfill. Utilities Director Pinto further reported that we have seen 6 proposals at the Tri -County Council, which is now a quad county organization, and have looked at everything from mass burn to composting, etc. We will keep watching and when it is time to go one of those directions, we will be the first to recommend it. Recycling is here, and we are looking at every alternative possible to get a viable and working program for the county. We have a diversified county, ranging from the lowest of the low income groups to the highest, and you cannot address those entities in the same way. We have applied some band aids and expect more before the final cure. Mr. Little noted that sludge disposal and solid waste weren't on the agenda because he and Mr. Chandler jointly agreed those subjects should be staffed first. Councilman Wodtke believed the Mayor and Council just want to be sure that both staffs are together on this, and Mr. Chandler confirmed that they are working together. Mr. Little advised that he and Administrator Chandler agreed that it would be wise to have joint City/County staff meetings every several months. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:05 o'clock P.M. AUG J969 11 ROOK f 'A e�: