CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING

CITY HALL ANNEX

111 Polk Avenue, Cape Canaveral, Florida

TUESDAY

February 1, 2005
7:00 PM

 

MINUTES

 

CALL TO ORDER:

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

 

ROLL CALL:

 

Mayor Pro Tem                 Bob Hoog

Council Member                Steve Miller

Council Member                Jim Morgan

Council Member                Buzz Petsos

Mayor                               Rocky Randels

 

OTHERS PRESENT:

 

City Manager                    Bennett Boucher

Assistant City Attorney      Kate LaTorre

City Clerk                          Susan Stills

Recreation Director           Nancy Hanson

Public Works Director        Ed Gardulski

Building Official                 Todd Morley

 

PRESENTATION:

 

Ms. Carole Lamance of the Florida Space Authority addressed the Council and requested their support and partnership. The Florida Space Authority plans to build a commercial spaceport for small to medium-size boosters in Cape Canaveral. Ms. Lamance said that a feasibility study is the first step in the planning process at a cost of approximately $110-to $140,000 of which the Space Authority has acquired 50 percent. Ms. Lamance said that the Florida Space Authority hoped to use excess property at the Kennedy Space Center for their concept plan. She replied to Mr. Morgan that NASA’s feedback is favorable toward commercial space flights.

 

Mr. Petsos expressed his concern that use of the Air Force range would require a lengthy bureaucratic process to obtain authorization. Ms. Lamance replied to Mayor Pro Tem Hoog that the plan is to build a spaceport boosters within the requirements of the standing port for use similar to that of an airline. The plan would provide economic benefits to the spaceport and for those needing the service. She replied to Mayor Pro Tem Hoog that the Space Authority anticipates approximately $2- to $5,000 from the cities. Discussion followed on the competitive aspects of commercial space flights. Ms. Lamance related that there are two local universities currently working on booster flights to the edge of space. She replied to Mayor Randels that commercial space tourism is forthcoming. Mr. Petsos concluded that the Space Authority would also need the State’s legislative support.

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

 

1.       City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of January 18, 2005.

 

2.       Outdoor Entertainment Permit for the Manatee Sanctuary Park Dedication.

 

3.       Renewal of Inmate Labor Contract with the Florida Department of Corrections in the Amount of $50,307.95.

 

Mayor Randels asked if any member of Council, staff or interested party desired to remove any items from the Consent Agenda for discussion.

 

No request was made to remove an item for discussion.

 

A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Hoog and seconded by Mr. Morgan to Approve Consent Agenda Items No. 1 through 3. The vote on the motion carried 5-0 with voting as follows:  Mayor Pro Tem Hoog, For; Mr. Miller, For; Mr. Morgan, For, Mr. Petsos, For and Mayor Randels, For.

 

CONSIDERATION:

 

4.       Motion to Approve:  Mutual Aid Agreement with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department.

 

Mr. Boucher explained that this Mutual Aid Agreement would formally establish Jack Parker as the newly appointed Sheriff for authorization purposes. Mr. Boucher affirmed that this mutual aid agreement would maintain procedures for assistance from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Petsos and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hoog to Approve the Mutual Aid Agreement with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department.

The vote on the motion carried 5-0 with voting as follows:  Mayor Pro Tem Hoog, For; Mr. Miller, For; Mr. Morgan, For, Mr. Petsos, For and Mayor Randels, For.


RESOLUTIONS:

 

5.       Motion to Adopt:  Resolution No. 2005-04; Authorizing the Mayor and the City Clerk to Execute the Final Re-Plat for Ocean Gardens – Wave Four, James E. Morgan, Applicant.

 

Mayor Randels read Resolution No. 2005-04 by title.

 

          A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA; APPROVING THE FINAL RE-PLAT OF “OCEAN GARDENS – WAVE FOUR”; AUITHORIZING THE MAYOR AND THE CITY CLERK TO CERTIFY THE PLAT; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Mr. Morgan abstained from voting due to financial interest. Mayor Pro Tem Hoog also abstained due to his involvement with the project.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Petsos and seconded by Mr. Miller to Adopt Resolution No. 2005-04. The vote on the motion carried 3-0 with voting as follows: Mr. Miller, For; Mr. Petsos, For and Mayor Randels, For.

 

ORDINANCES:  Second Public Hearing:

 

6.       Motion to Adopt:  Ordinance No. 01-2005: Repealing In Its Entirety Chapter 40, Article II, Human Rights, at second reading.

 

Mayor Randels read Ordinance No. 01-2005 by title.

 

          AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, REPEALING IN ITS ENTIRETY CHAPTER 40, ARTICLE II, HUMAN RIGHTS; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF PRIOR INCONSISTENT ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS, SEVERABILITY, INCORPORATION INTO THE CODE AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

There was no public comment.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Petsos and seconded by Mr. Miller to Adopt Ordinance No. 01-2005 at second reading. The vote on the motion carried 5-0 with voting as follows:  Mayor Pro Tem Hoog, For; Mr. Miller, For; Mr. Morgan, For, Mr. Petsos, For and Mayor Randels, For.

 

7.       Motion to Adopt:  Ordinance No. 02-2005:  Imposing a 60-Day Moratorium on Issuing Land Clearing Permits in the City, at second reading.

 

Mayor Randels read Ordinance No. 02-2005 by title.

 

          AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA IMPOSING A 60-DAY MORATORIUM ON ISSUING LAND CLEARING PERMITS IN THE CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA; INSTRUCTING THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD TO REVIEW THE LAND CLEARING PROVISIONS IN THE CITY CODE FOR REVISION AND RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF PRIOR INCONSISTENT ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Mayor Randels stated for the record that two Sections in the ordinance were amended since the first reading: 1) a new Section II that specifically exempts certain persons from the moratorium, those in the process of having their site plans approved, and 2) a new Section III that creates a waiver provision to encourage those that are exempt from the moratorium to preserve trees. For a point of clarification, Mayor Randels read from the January 18th meeting minutes and asked the Building Official if what was recorded was indeed correct. He read as follows, “Attorney Garganese stated that two issues apply: 1) if the permit is in hand and construction has begun, then construction would proceed, and 2) if some form of application was submitted prior to the January 13th meeting, then that application would proceed. Mr. Morley replied to Mayor Randels that the Preliminary Site Plan review is the beginning point in the process. It is a meeting that involves the staff, the site engineers and the developer. Mr. Morley affirmed for Mayor Randels that no other new preliminary site plans were identified as of 60 days prior to January 13th.

 

Mr. Morgan stated that he might have a possible conflict and could not vote on this issue.  Mr. Morgan asked legal counsel what constituted a vested right if a person chose to replat their existing property. He pointed out that retaining some of the large oaks might place homeowners in jeopardy due to lightning strikes and wind damage. Ms. Latorre replied that vesting means a permit in hand and also said that anyone coming to staff within 60-days of the moratorium was exempted.  Mr. Morgan questioned how amendments to the ordinance would affect a future re-platted site plan. Ms. Latorre replied that any re-plat applicant would have to wait for the results of the moratorium. Mr. Morgan expressed his overall favor with the moratorium. Mr. Boucher informed that Mr. Morley planned to present nine issues to the Planning and Zoning Board regarding the land clearing and tree preservation Code sections. Ms. Latorre stated at this time that Mr. Morgan could participate in the vote on the issue.

 

A resident inquired about the land cleared north of Canaveral Beach Blvd. Mayor Randels replied that the current City code allows the developer to remove any trees within the footprint. Mr. Morley replied to a resident’s question that a site plan and landscape plan are submitted to the Building Department and mitigation is established and noted on the landscape plan. Once the land clearing company performs their work, a City inspection is performed to ensure that the trees that were identified for preservation are saved. He stated that a penalty of $250 per inch of tree is applied if the developer does not adhere to tree preservation noted on the landscape plan. Mr. Morley replied that some trees still remain on the project’s periphery.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Morgan and seconded by Mr. Petsos to Adopt Ordinance No. 02-2005 at second reading. The vote on the motion carried 5-0 with voting as follows:  Mayor Pro Tem Hoog, For; Mr. Miller, For; Mr. Morgan, For, Mr. Petsos, For and Mayor Randels, For.

 

DISCUSSION:

 

8.       Review Process for Site Plans.

 

Mayor Randels remarked that a comparative of what is done by way of Site Plan review was submitted in the Agenda Packet. Mr. Petsos stated that he would prefer to see Council as the accountable and responsible final authority in the Site plan review process. He requested that this item be placed on the next City Council meeting agenda for further discussion. Ms. Latorre stated that legal counsel could draft a proposed ordinance that would change the Code to reflect that the Council has the final review and the Planning and Zoning Board would remain in an advisory capacity. Council directed legal counsel to draft said ordinance.

 

REPORTS:

 

1.         City Manager

·                  Mr. Boucher reported that Ms. Hanson has been working with Ms. Sharon Horton, Cape View School Principal, regarding a perimeter fence around the school in order to keep the playground open after school hours. If the cost is within his spending authority, he requested Council for permission to acquire the fencing.

·                  Mr. Boucher reported that the County plans to draft a Code on Vacation Rentals in residential areas.

·                  Mr. Boucher reported that he received a response from the County Attorney on the Emergency Services issue. He stated that the County is assessing the impact to the remaining Brevard municipalities if Palm Bay secedes from the Emergency Services system.

·                  Mr. Boucher reported that AJT made an offer to relocate the Sheriff’s Office into their proposed facility. He also reported that U.S. Customs and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are relocating and might also be possible facilities for relocating the Canaveral Precinct. Discussion resulted in retaining the City Hall complex.

·                  Mr. Boucher inquired about a date for the next Code Review meeting. Council agreed to February 15, 2005 at 5:00 P.M. Mr. Boucher replied that the Building Official compiled (9) issues for the Planning and Zoning Board to review during their February 9th meeting.

 

2.         Staff

 

Building Official

·                  Mr. Morley provided a report of local construction in Brevard County from the Homebuilders and Contractors Association for both number of residential units and construction valuation wherein the City of Cape Canaveral ranked fifth.

·                  Mr. Morley reported that the Residence Inn site plan was approved.

 

 

 

Recreation Director

·                  Ms. Hanson requested Council’s help with preparing food for the Manatee Sanctuary Park Grand Opening.

 

Public Works Director

·                  No report.

 

City Clerk

·                  No report.

 

Assistant City Attorney

·                  No report.

 

AUDIENCE TO BE HEARD:

 

·                  There was no public comment.

 

3.         City Council

 

Mr. Petsos

·                  Mr. Petsos asked if there were any interest in 24-hour, 7-day desk support in the Canaveral Precinct. Council members expressed their support.

·                  Mr. Petsos asked if the County Commissioner planned to provide the City with any funding in light of the $3.2 million in revenue. He expressed that $70-to 80,000 for playground equipment was minimal compared to the revenue. Mr. Boucher suggested sending a formal letter to the County Commissioner to request funding for playground equipment and roadway paving. The letter would propose that the City would resume ownership of Ridgewood Avenue and Central Blvd subsequent to the County paving and resurfacing.

·                 Mr. Petsos inquired about the North Atlantic Avenue Transportation Study. Mr. Gardulski replied that information was submitted and results are forthcoming. He said that he is also working on a turn lane for Central Blvd. & State Road A1A.

·                 Mr. Petsos commended the Public Works on the Sea Oat Plants coordination. An installation project is planned for February 19th at 8:00 A.M. Mr. Gardulski said the he would continue with plans for another Sand Fence project.

 

Mr. Miller

·                  No report.

 

Mr. Morgan

·                  No report.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Hoog

·                  Mayor Pro Tem Hoog expressed his favor with the school fence project.

·                  Mayor Pro Tem Hoog reported on transient activity at the Manatee Sanctuary Park area.

 

 

Mayor Randels

·                  Mayor Randels announced existing Board vacancies.

·                  Mayor Randels announced that the Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers at the Seafest on March 11th through March 13th.

·                  Mayor Randels reported on a merger of the Space Congress and the Cape Canaveral Space Port Symposium under the Symposium name.

·                  Mayor Randels reported on the success of the 40th Annual Jazz Fest at the Radisson and its positive feedback from WFIT.

·                  Mayor Randels read a commendable letter from R. Jerry Korte of Prudential Star Real Estate.

·                  Mayor Randels reported that the Space Coast Area Transit [SCAT] now has designated stop signs. He also reported that the SCAT has two new vans that are of curb height to accommodate the physically disabled.

·                  Mayor Randels remarked on the newly distributed Hometown News and the successful coverage for the City.

·                  Mayor Randels stated that he is working with the Girl Scouts of Orlando and Cape Canaveral was chosen to promote their annual Cookie campaign.

·                  Mayor Randels related that due to inattentiveness of its City Council Members,  the 2nd District Court of Appeals in Los Angeles established that a City Council’s duty is to listen to testimony or risk violating citizens’ due process.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

 

A motion was made by Mr. Morgan and seconded by Mayor Randels to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 P.M. Motion carried unanimously.

 

 

                                                                      ________________________________

                                                                      Rocky Randels, MAYOR

 

 

________________________________
Susan Stills, CITY CLERK