The City Council of the City of Monticello, Florida, met in regular session on
April 7, 2009 at 7:00 PM at City Hall.  The following members were present:

 

        Tom Vogelgesang, Mayor

        Idella Scott

        Linda Butler

        John Jones

        George Evans

 

Others present were:

 

        Fred Mosley, Chief of Police

        Bruce A. Leinback, City Attorney

        Steve Wingate, City Manager

        Emily Anderson, City Clerk

 

Mayor Tom Vogelgesang called the meeting to order.  George Evans offered the invocation, and Mayor Vogelgesang led the Pledge of Allegiance.  

 

APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES  John Jones made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 3, 2009 meeting.  The motion was seconded by George Evans and unanimously approved.

 

FINAL PUBLIC HEARING

ORDINANCE 2009-02 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF MONTICELLO, FLORIDA, BY DESIGNATING A PARCEL OF LAND COMPRISING 419.38 ACRES LOCATED IN SECTIONS 25 & 36, TOWNSHIP 2 NORTH, RANGE 4 EAST AND LOCTED IN SECTION 31, TOWNSHIP 2 NORTH, RANGE 5 EAST AS “PUD” ZONING, PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT; PROVIDING FOR PURPOSE; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF THE SPECIFIED AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF MONTICELLO ZONING MAP; PROVIDING FOR LEGAL EFFECT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, SCRIVENER’S ERRORS, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.   City Engineer Robert George and Developer Representative Clay Thompson reviewed the rezoning process and the latest changes in the PUD zoning application.  Coopers Pond resident Patricia Miller received  clarification that there will be no commercial development within Monticello Pines.  City resident Winston Lee spoke in favor of the Monticello Pines project, suggesting it is a quality development which will attract new residents.  Coopers Pond resident Kate Calvin reported on a meeting with developer’s staff and city and county officials.  She noted that concerns of commercial development have been resolved, but noted that the application is incomplete without further on-site environmental assessment.  Ms. Calvin also noted that Spring Hollow Road remains in poor shape.  It is the understanding of the neighbors that the developers will coordinate with the county when the new roads are installed so that road repairs can be prioritized and coordinated.  She also requested that road ownership continue to be investigated. 

Environmental Consultant Andy Barth reported he has consulted with Ms. Calvin.  He reported that a report was prepared on habitats on site, as well as species reported in the area.  Mr. Barth noted that several species of interest were found on-site in the wetlands, and those wetlands will not be developed.  He also explained the matrix used for potential species by the Natural Areas Inventory.  He also noted that the areas to be developed are mostly pasturelands.   Robert George explained the process for approval of the phased development. 

 

Mayor Vogelgesang closed the public hearing.  John Jones made a motion to approve Ordinance 2009-02.  The motion was seconded by Linda Butler.  Ms. Butler thanked the developer for addressing job creation in their report.  The vote was unanimous by Council Members to approve Ordinance 2009-02.

 

RESOLUTION 2009 – 02 REGARDING FEDERAL STIMULUS MONIES FOR SEWER REHABILITATION PROJECT  On motion of George Evans, seconded by Linda Butler, the City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2009-02 regarding the federal stimulus money for the city sewer rehabilitation project.

 

BRAD BENNERS OF B & s UTILITIES IN RE:  REQUEST FOR PAYMENT OF WORK ON DOWNTOWN LANDSCAPING PROJECT  Mr. Benners requested reimbursement of police expenses incurred during the portion of the downtown landscaping project requiring road closures.  After discussion, on motion of Idella Scott, seconded by George Evans, the Council unanimously denied the request.

 

DISCUSSION ABOUT DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENTS PLANNING   Mainstreet Program Manager Lisa Reasoner and Landscape Architect Winston Lee reported that they are working on planning for the downtown area and looking for funding sources.  They will also coordinate efforts with the affected property owners and the city.

 

APPROVAL FOR ADVERTISEMENT FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT PROJECT  On motion of Linda Butler, seconded by John Jones, the City Council unanimously approved the advertisement for proposals for engineering services for the new wastewater treatment plant project.

 

MONTICELLO PARK:  SCHOOL BOARD RESPONSE TO CITY’S OFFER TO PURCHASE AND RECOMMENDATION OF PARK COMMITTEE  Council Member Idella Scott reviewed the discussion of the School Board to the City’s offer to purchase and the need for the School Board to sell the property for no less than the appraised value.  Council Member Scott also reported the Park Committee has recommended that the Council amend its offer to $6,500 per acre for 28.01 acres and eliminate the topographic survey of the property.   John Jones made a motion to accept the Park Committee’s recommendation.  The motion was seconded by Linda Butler. 

 

 

 

The Council discussed the options of acreage to purchase, the time frame required under the grant for park development, and park maintenance costs.   City Engineer Robert George reported on the need for a topographic survey so that the city can begin park planning and development.  Council Member Jones amended his motion to approve an offer of $6,500 per acre for 28.01 acres contingent upon the School Board paying for a topographic survey.  Council Member Butler seconded the amendment to the motion.   Mayor Vogelgesang noted the cost of the topographic survey is anticipated to be approximately $9,900.  Clerk Anderson noted that the actual acreage purchased may vary slightly since the survey has not been performed, but City Attorney Bruce Leinback noted the acreage would not exceed 28.01 acres.  Council Member Scott pledged the support of the Park Committee to seek funding for park development.   The vote was as follows:

 

            FOR                            AGAINST

  John Jones                         Tom Vogelgesang

  Linda Butler

  George Evans

  Idella Scott

 

COUNTY REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF CONNECTION FEES FOR NEW EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE   The Council discussed whether the county was responsible for fees and systems charges or if the contractor was responsible for the fees and systems charges under their construction contract.  The Council determined that fees and systems charges for water and sewer service should be waived for facilities with shared county/city usage, such as the Emergency Management Office.  So as to not delay construction pending the determination of waiver of fees, on motion of Idella Scott, seconded by George Evans, the Council unanimously voted to provide the utility services requested to the County Emergency Management Office until the nature of the construction contract is determined.

 

BENCH ADVERTISING IN CITY   The Council discussed the existing contract with A. J. West Company for bench advertising in the city.    Mayor Vogelgesang noted that the Health Department has offered to buy one bench to replace the advertising benches, and the City would need to consider adding additional benches.   Landscape Architect Winston Lee suggested that bench advertising is not advisable, but he suggests working with Main Street to develop a plan for benches.  Mayor Vogelgesang noted that he has asked Main Street to also make recommendations for appropriate directional signage for businesses.  On motion of John Jones, seconded by Linda Butler, the Council unanimously voted to not renew the contract and notify the company to remove advertising benches.  Clerk Anderson requested clarification that the Council intent was for all benches to be removed.   Mayor Vogelgesang and Attorney Leinback noted that the intent was for termination of the contract, meaning permission to place any benches at any city location was revoked.

 

PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL AS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH  On motion of John Jones, seconded by Linda Butler, the Council unanimously voted to adopt the Proclamation Declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

APPROVAL FOR CONFERENCE/TRAVEL EXPENSES FOR COUNCIL MEMBER IDELLA SCOTT TO ATTEND ADVANCED INSTITUTE FOR ELECTED MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS  Council Members Idella Scott and Linda Butler requested approval for conference and travel expenses for the Advanced Institute for Elected Municipal Officials.  On motion of John Jones, seconded by George Evans, the Council unanimously approved conference and travel expenses.

 

UPDATE OF POINT OF SALE CREDIT CARD SERVICES PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT  On motion of George Evans, seconded by John Jones, the Council approved the Updated Point of Sale Credit Card Services Participation Agreement. 

 

DRAFTS OF ORDINANCES FOR CONSIDERATION:

*UPDATING OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE ORDINANCE LANGUAGE TO COMPLY WITH STATE LAW  The Council will discuss the Business Tax program at the April workshop. 

*CODIFICATION OF THE PROCUREMENT POLICY  City Attorney Bruce Leinback is going to look at the federal code references in the policy.

 

OLD BUSINESS

*APPLICATION FOR STREET CLOSING FOR SOUTHERN MUSIC RISING FESTIVAL Chief Mosley reported that he has worked out staffing issues with Festival organizers.  On motion of John Jones, seconded by Linda Butler, the City Council unanimously voted to approve street closings for the Southern Music Rising Festival.

 

*COST OF SIGNAGE REQUIRED FOR GOLF CART USAGE ON CITY STREETS   City Manager Wingate reported the pricing for signage required on city streets at roughly $50 per sign.  Mr. Wingate suggested instead of signage on each street, the city could perhaps place signs at the entrance points to the city.  Chief Mosley also noted that signage would have to be placed at allowable crossing points.  Chief Mosley and Mr. Wingate will look at the issue further.

 

REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND DEPARTMENTS

*City Attorney Bruce Leinback reported he would be calling for a closed-door session with the City Council to discuss the proposed police union contract negotiations.  It is anticipated that the meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. before the next regular council meeting. 

 

*City Manager Steve Wingate reported completion of several emergency management classes by himself and staff.   He also reported Marvin Street repairs are to begin immediately.

 

*City Clerk Emily Anderson provided information about the Florida Retirement System Elected Officials Class.  She also reported another vacancy on the Historic Design Review Board. 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

*Budget Workshop  Clerk Anderson suggested the Council review the budget at the next workshop.

 

*Council Member John Jones asked Clerk Anderson to attend the Legislative Delegation meetings, unless another Council Member can attend.  Mr. Jones also requested to look at a street light on South Waukeenah Street.  He also discussed a town hall meeting format.  Clerk Anderson suggested Council Members could use City Hall.

 

*Council Member Idella Scott invited all city employees to breakfast at Johnston’s on April 9th.   She also asked for support for Monticello Park.

 

*Council Member Linda Butler requested the City Manager check the roads in her area after the heavy rain.

 

*Council Member George Evans noted he was pleased to see the Marvin Street project move forward.

 

*Mayor Tom Vogelgesang is working on code enforcement.  He also encouraged Council Members to conduct their own reviews of the city manager’s performance before the time for contract renewal.  He reported on Bike Florida activities.  He asked that the city order an acrylic podium.  He showed the Council a report from Progress Energy on a proposed rate increase.  The Mayor also reported he has received complaints about garbage dumpsters.  City Manager Wingate noted but he will look at the issue again.  A report was also given on the Legislative Delegation visit to the Capitol.  Mayor Vogelgesang also noted the need to form a formal Park Committee. 

 

TOPICS FOR APRIL WORKSHOP A workshop was set for Thursday, April 30th at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the budget, as well as member priority lists and wish lists, the business tax program, town hall meeting ideas. 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ronald James asked for the stormwater pond area behind his house to be cleaned.

 

There being no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:32 p.m.

 

                                                                       Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                                                    Emily Anderson

                                                            City Clerk/Treasurer

--------------------------------------

Tom Vogelgesang

Mayor

NOTE:  These proceedings were mechanically recorded. See Tape No. 2009-04 (3 tapes)