HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/5/1993M MINUTLSATTACI-IEIr
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA
AGENDA
JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING - VERO BEACH CITY COUNCIL
AND BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 1993
3:00 P.M. - FIRST FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM
COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
1840 25TH STREET
VERO BEACH, FLORIDA
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Richard N. Bird, Chairman (Dist. 5)
John W. Tippin, Vice Chairman ( Dist. 4)
Fran B. Adams ( Dist. 1)
Carolyn K. Eggert ( Dist. 2 )
Kenneth R. Macht ( Dist. 3 )
'CITY COUNCIL
Jay Smith, Mayor
Caroline Ginn
Jack Crossett
William Jordan
Carl Pease
James E. Chandler, County Administrator
Charles P. Vitunac, County Attorney
Jeffrey K. Barton, Clerk to the Board
Tom Nason, Acting City Manager
Larry Braisted, City Attorney
Phyllis Neuberger, City Clerk
Board of County Commissioners Items for Discussion:
1. Request for Overview of Proposed Sludge Treatment Facility
2. Discussion of Small Business Occupational License Requirements
3. Recreation Consolidation - Status Report
ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY ITEM
4. New Horizons Mobile Home Park Water Supply
Vero Beach City Council Items for Discussion:
1. Discussion of Beach Management Including Dewatering Project and
Artificial Reef
2. Riverside Theater and Center for the Arts Property Maintenance
ANYONE WHO MAY WISH TO APPEAL ANY DECISION WHICH MAY BE MADE
AT THIS MEETING WILL NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF
THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE WHICH INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND
EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL WILL BE BASED.
ANYONE WHO NEEDS A SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION FOR THIS MEETING MAY
CONTACT THE COUNTY'S AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
COORDINATOR AT 567-8000 X 408 AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF
MEETING.
MAY - 5 1993 BOOK 89 wu, x4 7
SPECIAL MEETING
Wednesday, May 5, 1993
The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County,
Florida met in Joint 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
Wednesday, May 5, 1993, at 3:00 P. M. Present were Richard N.
Bird, Chairman; John W. Tippin, Vice Chairman; Fran B. Adams;
Carolyn K. Eggert; and Kenneth R. Macht. Also present were James
E. Chandler, County Administrator; Charles P. Vitunac, County
Attorney; and Patricia Held, Deputy Clerk.
Present from the Vero Beach City Council were Jay Smith,
Mayor; Caroline Ginn; Jack Grossett; William Jordan. Absent was
Carl Pease because of illness in his family. Also present were Tom
Nason, Acting City Manager; Larry Braisted, City Attorney; and
Phyllis Neuberger, City Clerk.
The Chairman called the meeting to order.
Mayor Smith reminded the City Council members that since this
is a workshop, the Council will not take any formal action.
NEW HORIZONS MOBILE HOME PARK
Chairman Bird advised that Commissioner Adams requested the
addition of an emergency item regarding New Horizons Mobile Home
Park, which will be discussed first.
Commissioner Adams explained that the water tank in New
Horizons Mobile Home Park, located in the north county, blew up on
Sunday. The residents have been without potable water since Sunday
and it constitutes a health hazard. The County does not have a
franchise agreement with that park and the mobile home park has
been before code enforcement for years. The park does not have a
responsible owner and the property is in foreclosure. Commissioner
Adams advised that staff has put together all the necessary papers
and through the FDIC we have been given permission to go onto the
property and do whatever is necessary to solve this problem. The
estimated cost is $10,000. We can put a lien on the property and
settle with the new owner after the foreclosure procedure.
MAY -5 1 eooK 89 i-njF. 441
BOOK 89 RkU 449
MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Eggert, SECONDED by
Commissioner Macht to go forward and do whatever is
necessary to solve the water problem at New Horizons
Mobile Home Park.
Under discussion, Commissioner Macht asked about the cost.
Utility Services Director Terry Pinto estimated that it would
take $10,000 to get water into the system. However, there are
problems with the internal plumbing of the mobile home park that
must be repaired to overcome the leaks and we can not really define
where those leaks are until we get water into the system. Director
Pinto estimated the cost to solve internal leaks would be an
additional $20,000, or less.
Chairman Bird asked whether we will be able to recover
whatever amount we expend.
County Attorney Charles Vitunac advised that we will put a
mechanic's lien on the property, which has priority, and we hope to
get the money back.
THE CHAIRMAN CALLED FOR THE QUESTION.
It was voted on and carried unanimously.
REQUEST FOR OVERVIEW OF PROPOSED SLUDGE TREATMENT FACILITY
Administrator Chandler recounted that this item was placed on
the agenda to hear the City's plans for handling their sludge
output.
Acting City Manager Nason reported that after several years of
research, the City's consultant, Boyle Engineering, determined that
the best method of handling sludge is with the sludge drying
system. This system uses infrared ovens and scrubbers and results
in a product that meets all the requirements which have to be met
by 1995. Mr. Nason displayed a plastic bag which contained the end
product, and he characterized it as pure. He stated that he
visited an installation of the operation and it appears to be a
viable alternative. The decision has not been made and they still
have a request for proposals out to see if there is an alternative
method which may be cheaper per ton of resulting material. He
reported that they have about 1300 tons of sludge emanating from
the treatment plant each year. The new system could be in place to
meet the March 1995 deadline. He felt that the concern of odor
control is covered by what is called a smog hog. He stated that
he odor is unique, it is nothing like sludge, and in fact is
similar to the smell of roasting coffee.
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Mr. Nason assured those in attendance that the City's present
treatment system is an open system and there is no problem with
odor. The proposed system is enclosed. Additionally, they can use
the City's power system as an interruptible customer which means
they would not be contributing to the peak power time which will
also cut costs.
Chairman Bird asked whether the City is considering using the
County's sludge treatment system or if the decision has been made
to go on their own.
Acting City Manager Nason reported that based on their
calculations, which did not include the capital expense at the
County's facility, the City's own facility would cost less because
the biggest cost is transporting the sludge to the County facility.
On some days the City issues 10 to 20 trucks, which would require
an extended operation of the County's facility. With a City -owned
facility, the operation could be handled right on the premises and
they would have a product which may have a value of between $5 and
$10 a ton from the commercial fertilizer industry. Mr. Nason felt
that is the direction the City is headed, but they have not closed
the door to alternatives.
County Administrator Chandler clarified that the numbers which
were provided to the City were for an interim operation and did not
include the capital expense because of the County ordinance which
prohibits disposal of septage or sludge in the unincorporated areas
except at the County's facility. He explained that a copy of the
ordinance was provided to Mr. Nason to use in his analysis and we
are waiting for a response regarding the interim plan.
Chairman Bird summarized that County staff and City staff are
in communication to assure that the decision is made on current
information.
Mayor Smith confirmed that there has not been a final decision
and the request for proposals is due back on May 11.
DISCUSSION OF SMALL BUSINESS OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE R9QUIREMENTS
Administrator Chandler explained that this issue was recently
addressed by the Economic Development Committee because of a
concern of small businesses regarding the fact that they must pay
for occupational licenses in both the city and the county.
Administrator Chandler advised that there has been a recent change
in state law regarding distribution of the fees which are collected
by the County for occupational licenses. The new law states that
fees that are collected in the unincorporated area would remain
within the county and would not be distributed on a pro rata
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MAY ® 5 1993 BOOK 89 fln, 450
BOOK 89 P'.Gr -7
�51
population basis. The new law further requires that a committee be
established to review the rate structure and establish how the
balance of the fees would be distributed.
Commissioner Eggert related that questions have been raised
over and over again at the Economic Development Council meetings
regarding why we must have separate license fees in the city and in
the county, and why it cannot be collected in one place and
distributed properly according to a set formula. Commissioner
Eggert stated that the County is trying to set up a system to
inform a business person that the occupational license fee is a tax
and if you are involved in business there are other requirements.
She hoped municipalities could join the County in this endeavor.
Commissioner Eggert directed the Board's and Council's attention to
a copy of the proposed new law which states that an Equity Study
Committee should be formed to recommend a classification system and
rate structure. She suggested that the committee be composed of
the staffs of the municipalities to recommend whether we could have
a county -wide fee and have it properly distributed.
Acting City Manager Nason distributed a sheet showing the
amounts of occupational fees collected by the City and the County
in fiscal years 1992 and 1993. He agreed that the occupational
license fee is a tax, and the City makes it very clear it is a tax
and not a regulatory procedure. He also agreed that a joint
committee is a good idea.
Mayor Smith felt that the information regarding the proposed
law is too new and urged the City Council to allow the staff digest
it and present it to Council for discussion. Then the City will
send a formal answer to the County.
Vero Beach Planning Director Dennis Ragsdale advised that they
do check on applications before they issue an occupational license.
If we go to a joint system, he requested that the County do its own
check on applicants because there have been cases where the County
issued an occupational license to someone who improperly opened a
business. The City staff read about it in the newspaper and
realized that the business did not comply with zoning, but the
business was established and operating, and the City had to kick
them out. These people assumed that they received a license to go
into business.
Commissioner Eggert hoped the computers can speak to each
other and correct that type of thing. In the meantime, the big
concern is multiple payments for occupational licenses.
Mayor Smith directed staff to review and be prepared to advise
the City Council on what effect a joint occupational license will
have on the revenue stream.
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Chairman Bird led discussion regarding the need for multiple
occupational licenses where a business has more than one location.
Administrator Chandler confirmed that a change of address must
be reported to the County because of the potential problem that
Director Ragsdale mentioned. He concurred with Commissioner
Eggert's concern that this is a tax and does not give you the right
to open the door. You have to meet all the requirements. A person
cannot do business in an area that is not zoned for it.
Commissioner Eggert felt there is a need for clarification on
the rules.
Chairman Bird asked whether there is cross referencing between
the County's planning department and the Tax Collector's office.
Administrator Chandler stated that we are trying to nail that
down because there has been a degree of confusion on the part of
individuals when they pay their fee and pick up their license that
they automatically can go into business, and that's not the case.
Councilman Jordan asked if a person has a City license and
wants to open several locations in the county, does he need a
license for each location.
Director Ragsdale advised that in the City you would have a
separate license for each location.
County Attorney Vitunac thought that we are taxing the right
to do business at a location, and if they have two locations, the
County can probably tax twice, but does not have to, and that is
one of the things that the equity study group would decide. It is
clear that having one office in the city also requires a county
license because, of course, the city is in the county, but the
reverse is not true.
Chairman Bird summarized that staff will study that and see
what the effect of the new law could be and try to clarify that
matter.
RECREATION CONSOLIDATION - STATUS REPORT
Administrator Chandler stated that he and Acting City Manager
Nason agreed there was a need for a joint presentation of the
status of the recreation consolidation. He recounted that at the
Board's request in August a committee was established comprised of
the city managers, the Mayor of Fellsmere and the County
Administrator to address the question of recreation consolidation
and to bring back a recommendation to all the respective bodies.
The committee met weekly and considered a full range of
alternatives related to recreation consolidation, from total
consolidation to completely abandoning the informal agreements and
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MAY - 5 1993 800K 89 FADE 452
MAY ® 5 1 q q
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eooK 89 FAcC 453
going our separate ways, although the members of the committee
believe that is not a viable alternative and would be a step back
from where we are presently. The recommendations include short
range action and things that will impact us all in the next fiscal
year, as well as other objectives and, their respective time frames.
There is one area in which every member of the committee is in
agreement and that is that it would be to the benefit of the cities
and county and all residents if we were able to achieve
consolidation of staffs as an initial step in the process. If we
accomplish that, the most equitable procedure would be to
distribute the expenses and fees on a population basis.
Administrator Chandler further explained that the committee is
scheduled to meet on Monday, at which time they will refine the
figures and costs involved with consolidating the employees, and
Acting City Manager Nason will report on the impact to the City's
budget and their general fund. The County must address the
question of pensions and giving the city employees the option of
becoming county employees and what that cost would be to the County
versus what dollars will come from the City. Administrator
Chandler pointed out that one of the mandates to the committee was
to arrive at a recommendation in advance of the budget and they
realize they are up against the wall.
Acting City Manager Nason confirmed that this would be a very
thin transfer, strictly people. The operating budget, which
includes everything from paper clips to the travel budget, would
remain with the City until the numbers could be reconciled. It is
almost at a break even point and there are a few more points that
need work before the committee can come up with an answer. The
committee is composed of a wide span of people and interests and it
is a very, very difficult task.
Administrator Chandler emphasized that if the consolidation of
staffs is achieved, it would not resolve all the problems that have
developed over the years in recreation services. The committee's
recommendation carries with it the additional comment that there
are still issues which need to be addressed and need to be resolved
on some sort of time frame. The consolidation of staffs would not
be a total transfer of program costs from the City to the County.
Chairman Bird was encouraged and realized it was not an easy
assignment. He believed that the committee's efforts are well -
guided and heading in the right direction. Whether you are a city
resident or a county resident, recreation opportunities are better
than they have ever been. People in the county agree we should try
to find ways to consolidate and eliminate duplication of staff and
effort. If we are all patient we will continue to make progress.
0
Councilman Jordan asked whether the committee anticipates any
reduction of recreation staff.
Administrator Chandler responded in the negative and explained
that at this point the committee is looking to refine costs and
study the gross numbers to see what might fit or be manageable.
The committee then will spend more time refining those numbers.
Acting City Manager Nason agreed. He stated that it is
obvious we cannot do the whole thing at one time and that the
consolidation should be undertaken in phases. The next difficult
task is keeping the facilities up and maintaining the quality of
recreation we have now.
Councilman Jordan clarified that if we are not reducing staff
then apparently there is no duplication.
Commissioner Eggert stated that she has heard the question,
if there is no duplication, what is the point of consolidation.
Administrator Chandler explained that the City and the County
have been cooperating under an informal agreement. The Director of
Recreation has had two bosses, the City and the County. The
manpower has been run efficiently. Consolidation is a matter of
putting the formal touches to what we have been doing and will
continue to do, but there is a great deal of potential for
duplication if the informal agreement does not work and we go our
separate ways.
Commissioner Eggert thought that important point should be
stressed.
Commissioner Macht explained that 8 years ago when he was
elected to the City Council there was a full blown discussion of
consolidation of the recreation services and it was based on the
City"s desire to develop some equity in the costs. The city
taxpayers felt they were underwriting the recreational needs of the
entire county unfairly, and that was what gave impetus to the
desire, mostly on the part of the city, to effect this union or at
least to develop some equity in the recompense. This issue has
been discussed during at least two joint meetings. Equity is the
driving force, not duplication or dissatisfaction with the level of
service.
Mayor Smith reported that the City's 5 -year plan for
recreation was discussed at budget time last year and it appeared
that the City can no longer afford to carry recreation. For years
the City has been underpaid from the fees and actually was
providing recreational services for 70 percent of participants who
did nqt live in the city of Vero Beach. He thought phasing into
the consolidation was appropriate because it worked with the
building department and it worked with the fire department.
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BOOK S9 FGF 45
MAY ® 5 1993
BOOK 89 FAGF 455
Administrator Chandler agreed that in terms of county
allocation there is a need to clarify and formalize the recreation
department.
The Board and Council agreed that everyone wishes to provide
uniform opportunity to engage in recreation throughout the county
and it should not be tilted in one or another.
Councilwoman Ginn asked whether the committee examined the
possibility of a dependent taxing district.
Commissioner Macht thought that an independent taxing district
would give the taxpayers of the county and the cities an
opportunity to say how much they are willing to pay for
recreational services and what kind of services they want.
Chairman Bird recounted discussions a few years ago where the
final recommendation was that if you are looking at what is best to
unify and equalize recreation throughout the county, a countywide
independent taxing district would be best, set up with its own
separate board to govern it. But the consensus, at least among the
committee then, was that they did not think that would be approved
by the voters and taxpayers of Indian River County. At best it
would have to be a dependent taxing district.
Councilwoman Ginn stressed that she was not suggesting an
independent district.
County Attorney Vitunac recounted that when that issue came up
previously, the opinion of the County's legal office was that
independent taxing districts were not authorized by law for
recreation districts; they are not legal.
DISCUSSION OF BEACH MANAGEMENT INCLUDING DEWATERING PROJECT AND
ARTIFICIAL REEF
Mayor Smith requested an update from the Beach and Shore
Preservation Advisory Committee
Commissioner Adams reported that the committee staff liaison
is Public Works Director Jim Davis and the County has applied for
federal funds for beach erosion control. The committee has several
options, including PEP reefs and sand pumping, but no decision has
been made. The application for federal funds was submitted because
there is a deadline. The committee will receive a presentation
from Conserve Our Resources (COR) on Monday.
Mayor Smith asked specifically about the City's request for
the dewatering system and understood that the County has no
interest in pursuing that project.
Commissioner Adams stated that the City's request for funding
for the dewatering project will be presented to the Tourist
8
Development Council in a couple of weeks. The Beach and Shore
Preservation Advisory Committee was asked their opinion on the
dewatering project, but that Committee is in the process of trying
to get a total county beach management plan and are not in a
position to authorize any particular project. They especially
would not support any little project that was not coordinated with
the total management plan. The request for dewatering was for
$200,000 and the Tourist Development Council has less than $500,000
to work with, so we cannot use it all towards just the beach
dewatering project. The Beach and Shore Preservation Advisory
Committee is not opposed to beach dewatering. It is something that
we need to continue to investigate and must be part of the total
project.
Commissioner Tippin related that as Chairman of the Tourist
Development Council he sent a memo to the Beach and Shore
Preservation Advisory Committee asking for their comment regarding
the City's request for funding the dewatering project.
Mayor Smith clarified that the City's request to the Tourist
Development Council was under the condition that the City would
fund the money and the Tourist Development Council would pay it
back over a period of two or three years.
Councilman Jordan asked whether the state and federal agencies
were insisting that they would not fund a multi-purpose grant, and
Commissioner Adams confirmed that was correct.
Mayor Smith stated that Resolution 87-133 gave the sponsorship
of the beach nourishment project to the City of Vero Beach, and
that resolution has not been revoked. Mayor Smith recalled that
when a now -disbanded committee decided that we should pursue the
dewatering project, it was decided that a small project would be
inconclusive and it should be expanded to 1,000 feet. This system
has not been proved or disproved anyplace, but he thought it was
worth the investment to see if it will work. If it does not work,
we will have removed one fly from the ointment. Additionally, the
City will provide the necessary electrical power and monitor the
project.
Chairman Bird asked for clarification on the status of the
City's request for $200,000 from the Tourist Development Council.
Administrator Chandler reported that all the requests for the
fiscal year 1993-94 Tourist- Development Council funds will be
addressed at their May 19 meeting. Their recommendation will be
considered by the Board of County Commissioners which has the
authority over disbursement of funds.
John J. Morrison, a member of the Beach and Shore Preservation
Advisory Committee, commented that he has worked on beach
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BOOK 89 u,U 456
FF" -MAY - 5 1993
BOOK 89 FADE 457
management and restoration over the years. He pointed out that a
very thorough and sophisticated survey showed that there could not
be a single treatment running along the entire beach because we
have a multiplicity of situations to deal with. He knew that
Commissioner Adams is aware of that and wanted to make that point.
He also felt he was knowledgeable regarding the Tourist Development
council requirements for requests for funding and recalled that
after much discussion the committee decided on certain criteria.
The primary criterion used in the evaluation of proposals is that
the project must be devised clearly to attract vacationers to this
area, which means you don't pay to sweep the streets, you don't
clean the beach, you attract people here. The committee developed
a very sophisticated approach to evaluate requests. He recalled
that some projects were questionable in regard to attracting
vacationers, but because of pressure from residents, those projects
were funded. He was confident that by following the criteria we
will attract tourists on a cost-effective basis.
Commissioner Adams stressed that the Beach and Shore
Preservation Advisory Committee is being careful to coordinate all
projects and not step on toes in recommending projects. She stated
that the committee's intention is to move forward step by step and
not repeat all the studies. If there are problems, they will be
discussed openly. If the City wants the resolution revoked, that
should be discussed. Commissioner Adams offered to have more face
to face discussions with the City Council, and the City Council
members agreed that was a good idea.
Mayor Smith interpreted that the resolution could be rescinded
by the County at any time, and the County simply gave the ball to
the City to carry for a while. He felt it was fairer for the
County to have sponsorship for beach nourishment particularly
because the City Council represents only 17,500 citizens while the
County has 80,000 to 901000 residents. Mayor Smith thought that
since the resolution has no time frame, the County has the power to
take back sponsorship of beach management. He also explained that
the City is negotiating with Department of Transportation (DOT) for
a rubble near -shore reef using the old Barber Bridge, and they want
to be sure that project will not interfere with any other plans.
Mayor Smith explained that if the cost of disposing of the bridge
is the same as the cost of barging it out and creating the reef,
DOT will be happy to do so. If the cost is higher, and depending
upon how much more it would cost to do that, the City will consider
funding it, because this near shore reef would probably help
erosion control and it would be a fish habitat.
10
Commissioner Adams saw the reef as a complement to other
projects. She did not think dewatering interferes with anything,
but it does not fit in at this particular point in time.
Mayor Smith commented that with that knowledge the City staff
will develop an alternate list of tourist related funding requests
for District 1.
Councilman Jordan asked about the Resolution 87-133, and
Commissioner Macht stated that the Board does not want to revoke it
unilaterally; we want to do it by agreement.
County Attorney Vitunac stated that he has always advised the
Board that they can unilaterally revoke that resolution and take
back the sponsorship of beach management.
Chairman Bird directed staff to dig out the resolution and
place it on the agenda for discussion at the next County Commission
meeting.
Chairman Bird thought that the dewatering project will be
considered by the Tourist Development Council and the criteria will
be applied. The Council will make a recommendation to the Board,
and the Board will make a decision, but at this point he wanted to
be sure that the dewatering project does not interfere with the
application for federal funding and the overall beach management
plan as set up by the Beach and Shore Preservation Advisory
Committee.
Commissioner Adams responded that the one project does not
interfere with the overall plan because every piece of the beach is
different.
Councilman Grossett stated that under federal regulations, the
Army Corps of Engineers will not accept or fund a project for beach
dewatering because it is not a recognized beach erosion control
system.
Chairman Bird stated that before we agree to fund the
dewatering project 'he would like to be sure that it does not
jeopardize the application for federal and state funds.
Commissioner Macht thought that if we want to do the beach
dewatering project, we should do it and find out if it works. He
also did not agree with Mr. Morrison about the use of the funds
from tourist taxes because the statute allows beach improvement,
renourishment, restoration and erosion control including shoreline
protection, enhancement, cleanup or restoration. He felt that the
dewatering project is an authorized use of tourist tax revenues.
Commissioner Eggert explained that the Tourist Development
Council developed criteria at a workshop and a decision was made
that we would concentrate on advertising and things of that nature.
She thought it was a good idea for the City to present an alternate
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MAY - 5 1993
BOOK 89 FAcr 4.59-1
list of uses for the District 1 funds in case the Tourist
Development Council did not approve the dewatering project.
Councilman Jordan asked for a decision on Resolution 87-133,
and Chairman Bird stated that it would be addressed at the next
County Commission meeting.
RIVERSIDE THEATER AND CENTER FOR THE ARTS PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Commissioner Eggert announced that because she is chairman of
the Center for the Arts she was concerned about the possibility of
a conflict of interest. The County Attorney advised that because
there is no financial gain to the position of chairman of that
group there is no conflict of interest.
Mayor Smith led the discussion regarding the free landscape
maintenance and lawn cutting services which the City has provided
for several years. A year ago the City notified Riverside Theater
and Center for the Arts that those services will be discontinued
and those two groups indicated they would approach the Board for
help in funding that landscape maintenance. The City will continue
with the maintenance through the end of the fiscal year.
Discussion ensued regarding what maintenance the City has
provided and what they will continue to provide.
Vero Beach Operations Supervisor of Public Works Bill Stay
advised that they will continue to maintain the lawn where they use
the huge mower. They will discontinue maintenance in the area
between Riverside Drive, Armstrong Drive and its curve down to
Dahlia Lane.
Mayor Smith further commented that the City is still offering
to do the irrigation with the reuse water system that is being
converted. They currently are using potable water.
Commissioner Macht thought that this expenditure was a valid
use for tourist tax funds because these facilities attract
vacationers to our area.
Chairman Bird thought, and Commissioner Tippin agreed that the
Tourist Development Council would not consider a request for
funding of the landscape maintenance at Riverside Theater and the
Center for the Arts because the deadline has passed.
Discussion ensued regarding the cost involved in the continued
maintenance, and Acting City Manager Nason estimated that it cost
$10,000 for one facility and $14,000 for the other, including
mulching and shrub replacement and things of that nature.
Commissioner Adams asked whether the City would continue to do
the work if they were reimbursed, and Mr. Nason responded
affirmatively.
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Commissioner Eggert thought that it would be very difficult
for those two groups to raise the funds to cover this maintenance.
She felt that this item should be covered with tourist tax funds.
Since the City will cover the maintenance through the end of the
fiscal year, we need a short-term solution until the request can be
submitted to the Tourist Development Council next year.
Commissioner Macht suggested an adjustment of the parks and
recreation budget to cover this expense for one partial year.
Chairman Bird noted that the City is taking it out of their
recreation budget because taxes are not paid by Riverside Theater
and the Center for the Arts.
Mayor Smith explained that at their last budget session they
had to cut staff which included a 4 -man crew which does this work.
County Attorney Vitunac advised that the Tourist Development
Council could declare this a one-time emergency which could not
have been presented earlier.
Chairman Bird stated that they should first approach the
Tourist Development Council, and if they are denied, they can then
approach the Board. If all that fails, we still have time to
consider it.
There being no further business, on Motion duly made, seconded
and carried, the Board adjourned at 4:50 P. M.
ATTEST:
J. rton, Clerk
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Richard N. Bird, Chairman
BOOK 89 FAG- 6®