This Commission Meeting was
conducted utilizing Communications Media Technology. Some Staff members were
present in the Commission Chambers while others were present via the Zoom application
to respect the social distancing guidelines.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:
Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor
Tambra Varnadore, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, Ward 2
Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2 (exited the meeting at 4:30 pm and returned at 4:32 pm, then exited again at 5:55 pm)
Sheldon Jones, Commissioner-at-Large 1
Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1 (exited the meeting at 5:38 pm and returned at 5:41 pm)
Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3 (exited the meeting at 4:37 pm, and returned at 4:40 pm)
STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:
Mark Barnebey, City Attorney (joined the meeting at 4:31 pm)
Xavier Colon, Interim CRA Director
Jim Freeman, City Clerk
Cheryl Miller, Finance Director
Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director
Scott Tyler, Chief of Police (exited the meeting at 5:37 pm and returned at 5:38 pm)
Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk
Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant (joined the meeting at 4:38 pm)
STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:
Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant
Mayor Bryant opened the meeting at 4:30 pm.
1. Palmetto Bay Oyster Restoration Project (X. COLON)
Mr. Colon, Interim CRA Director, gave an introduction to the project that was originally presented on September 9th, 2019. Mayor Bryant mentioned the three letters of support that were received prior to the meeting. John and Vicky Moore, Project Managers, presented a PowerPoint, which was entered into the record. They highlighted the project and discussed each slide. They also showed a video of a reef ball that was placed near the Green Bridge. The video showed the living organisms that are already living within it.
Mr. Colon mentioned that $200,000 has been budgeted for the project this year. The total cost of the project will be around $287,000. They plan to start with the signage and getting the groundwork done, so that in October of next year, they will have the full funding that is needed, and will begin the installation of the project. He discussed another positive aspect of the project which will be the wave attenuation that will be created.
Commissioner Varnadore loved the presentation. The only concern she had was the boats that are anchoring there. She wanted to ensure signage would be present that would prevent boats from anchoring in that area and destroying the reef balls. Ms. Moore stated that Florida Fish and Wildlife (FFW) would be involved with the signage, and they are able to have stricter guidelines per federal entities. Leo Mills stated that drift fishing would be allowed, you just would not be able to anchor in the area. Commissioner Varnadore clarified that the reef balls
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will be closer to shore than most of the currently anchored boats. The signage will be about 100 feet away from the closest dock. There will also be a 150-foot navigation channel. Ms. Moore mentioned they want to start with the signage so they can clear the area of the boats before the construction begins.
Commissioner Williams stated that he really enjoyed the presentation. He quoted the September 9, 2019, Workshop Minutes. He questioned how permitting was done without a plan approved by the Commission. He opined he liked the project, but he does not like the process in which it was done. He expressed that some homeowners have riparian rights beyond the mentioned buffer. He also wondered why there has not been signage promoting the project. He stated that the Commission has to be the ones to approve going out for permitting. He stated this is the first time he had heard of the two phases of funding and the overall dollar amount of the project. He does not have a problem with cleaning up the waters. Commissioner Williams reiterated that his main concern is with his and his neighbors’ riparian rights. He asked if testing of the bottom of the water had already been done. Commissioner Williams echoed his concern with the process and wants there to be more transparency in the future. Mr. Colon responded that additional surveys of the ground are allocated in the budget of $287,000 after approval, if needed. The signage will also be forthcoming after approval. Leo Mills discussed the bottom survey that was already done, and it came back as having a stable bottom in that area. He then clarified the riparian rights of homeowners. He stated that they only extend out until you reach navigable waters. Florida Statute was referenced by Mr. Colon. Discussions continued about riparian rights.
Mayor Bryant read an email in support of the project into the record from Ed Chiles.
Commissioner Cornwell questioned the extension of mangroves. Ms. Moore clarified that they have no intention to extend them. Commissioner Cornwell also questioned when traveling via boat, will there be markings, so a boater knows where the navigation area is. Ms. Moore answered that they will be coordinating with FFW for appropriate signage.
Ron Berman, artist, expressed his support of the project.
2. ARPA Project List (J.FREEMAN/C.MILLER)
Mr. Freeman, City Clerk, gave a brief background and highlighted the items on the ARPA project list, which was included in the Agenda.
Commissioner Cornwell questioned generators at the Police Department. Mr. Freeman and Chief Tyler confirmed that they already have them in place.
Commissioner Jones questioned the outdoor recreation allocation. Mr. Freeman responded that it will be up to Commission on how those funds will be used. Commissioner Jones questioned the Ward 1 Phase 3 project location. Mr. Rayan, Public Works Director, and Mr. Freeman clarified that it is between 17th-14th Streets and 2nd- 4th Avenues. Mr. Rayan stated that 11th Street will be part of Phase 4. Commissioner Jones asked when that will be. Mr. Rayan responded it will be in the near future. Wastewater treatment land acquisition was questioned. Mr. Freeman responded about future expansion.
Commissioner Varnadore opined about outdoor recreation funding. She stated that some of those funds could possibly go to 14th Avenue where there is parking on grass. The violations of the Ordinance, as previously brought up by Mr. Colon, were discussed. They need to have more discussion City wide about the properties that
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have parking on them. She echoed her desire for outdoor recreation funds to be used on 14th Avenue. Mr. Freeman clarified that some of these funds are more generalized and can be decided on later by the Commission.
Mayor Bryant asked Mr. Colon if he was easily able to delineate the property that is being cleansed on 10th Avenue. Mr. Colon responded that he would get with Matt Golder and determine the exact boundaries that could be fenced off.
Commissioner Williams asked if there is any reason why the Palmetto Market event can’t be moved to the City parking lot behind the discussed area. Mr. Colon responded that it’s the CRA parking lot and he believes it would affect the visibility of the market. Mr. Colon stated that he needs to check where they are going to dig next for remediation of the land and determine the area that would need to be blocked off.
Commissioner Varnadore had no problem fencing off the grounds that are under remediation. She wants there to be more discussion at the August 22nd Workshop regarding both the City and CRA properties that are being used as parking, against current City Ordinance. She also expressed that she would like to have Meeting Agendas sent out sooner.
Commissioner Jones stated he thinks the blurb from the Ordinance, regarding property parking, that was provided to them at the last meeting was unclear. He wants further clarification and discussion.
3. FY23 Budget Discussion (J.FREEMAN/C.MILLER)
This item was not discussed due to timing.
Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 6:05 pm.
Minutes approved: august 22, 2022
JAMES R. FREEMAN
James R. Freeman
City Clerk