The City Council of the City of Monticello, Florida, met in regular session on April 6,  2004, at 7:00 PM at City Hall.  The following members were present:

 

        Julie S. Conley, Mayor

        Gerrold Austin, Vice Mayor

        Gene Hall

        Brian T. Hayes

        Luther Pickels

 

Others present were:

 

        David Frisby, Chief of Police

        Don Anderson, City Superintendent

        Bruce A. Leinback, City Attorney

        Emily Anderson, City Clerk/Treasurer

 

Mayor Conley called the meeting to order.  Brian T. Hayes gave the invocation.

 

On motion of Brian T. Hayes, seconded by Gene Hall, minutes of the March 2, 2004 and March 25, 2004 meetings were approved.

 

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

ORDINANCE 2004-02   AN ORDINANCE REZONING PROPERTY ON EAST WASHINGTON STREET WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF MONTICELLO, FLORIDA, FROM R-1 RESIDENTIAL, SINGLE-FAMILY

TO B-2 BUSINESS HIGHWAY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

(First Reading)

 

ORDINANCE NO. 2004-03  AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MONTICELLO, FLORIDA RELATING TO THE POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT PLAN; PROVIDING THAT THE EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE RETIREMENT PLAN WILL BE ON A PRE-

TAX BASIS; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH, AND PROVIDING FOR AN

EFFECTIVE DATE.     (First Reading) 

 

Final public hearings on these ordinances will be held on May 4, 2004.

 

ROBERT GEORGE, GEORGE AND HUTCHESON ENGINEERING RE:  BIKE TRAIL OPTIONS.   Robert George presented a package outlining options relating to the bike trail project.   During the design phase of the project, it was determined that there was approximately 735 feet from York Street to Rocky Branch Road at the north end of the trail not owned by the City.  In order to complete the trail from York Street to Rocky Branch Road, it is possible to swap land owned by the City on the south end of the trail below Nacoosa Road with Fred Beshears, who owns land at the north end of the trail.  Mr. Beshears would also donate $5,000 worth of plants (wholesale value) to the project.  Alternatively, the city could decide to stop the trail at York Street.   Brian T. Hayes proposed that, due to the unequitable exchange of property (with the City receiving 3/4 of an acre on the north end, yet giving up 11.45 acres on the southern end), the City should require Fred Beshears to split surveying and closing costs 50/50 as well as agree only to convey any city property by quit-claim deed.  Luther Pickels suggested that Mr. Beshears also agree to provide all landscaping plants for the project.  Brian T. Hayes made a motion for the city to proceed with the land exchange (the City to receive approximately .77 acres at the north end of the trail-Beshears to receive 11.45 acres at the southern end of the trail less a section 120 feet by 200 feet strip for a trail head) under the following conditions:  1.  The City will convey any property by Quit-Claim deed.  2. Mr. Beshears will agree to the requirement of providing $5,000 worth of plants (wholesale value), and to donate the remainder of the plants needed for the bike trail, as a tax-deductible donation, if desired.  3.  The surveying costs will be shared equally on a 50/50 basis.  The motion was seconded by Gene Hall and passed unanimously.

 

Robert George also reported that the engineering portion of the sidewalk project on U.S. 90 West (to Holly Hills subdivision) has been approved, and the project will be bid this month, with recommendations to be brought before the Council at the May meeting.

 

NUISANCE DOGS AND CATS.  The Clerk read into the record a letter of thanks from Everleana White expressing appreciation to city crews for picking up many stray dogs and cats in the Shady Lane area. 

 

ED FREEMAN RE:  REQUEST FOR VARIANCE.  Mr. Freeman, a builder from Tallahassee, appeared before the City Council requesting a variance on a 40-foot wide lot on Marvin Street in order to place a home which would not meet side setback requirements.   Mayor Conley pointed out that the Planning Agency and Building Official Bob Arredondo had reviewed the request and noted that the request did not meet the requirements of a variance request, and, in order to place a house on that lot, a change in land development regulations would be required.  Mr. Freeman then suggested that since the city owned a drive on the south side of the lot, it might be possible for him to purchase a strip of land from the city which would make the lot larger and allow the house to be placed in a position which would meet setback requirements.  Council Member Brian T. Hayes moved that the city withhold any ruling on the application for a variance and that the applicant furnish to the city an appraisal of the ten-foot strip, which would then be offered to him for sale at fair market value after it is declared surplus, with the understanding that the sole condition for sale is for construction of the house and the strip acquired from the City would not be re-sold.  The motion passed unanimously.  Mr. Freeman was instructed to contact the Clerk when the appraisal is complete.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

AD HOC SIGN COMMITTEE.  Brian T. Hayes presented a draft of a new ordinance which addresses “sandwich signs”, signs attached to traffic posts, telephone poles, trees and buildings.  The provision of the ordinance would allow for removal of all signs placed on right-of-ways without permission, with the exception of certain signs for community events, which signs would be allowed to be displayed through an annual permitting process.  Mr. Hayes suggested that a committee meeting be conducted to further discuss what types of signs will be allowed and establishing regulation of such signs.  City Superintendent Don Anderson asked for clarification regarding the city’s ability to regulate signs placed on many public rights of way which are actually owned by the Department of Transportation.  Mr. Hayes agreed to contact the Department of Transportation to ascertain the city’s rights and responsibilities regarding sign regulation.  A special committee meeting was scheduled for April 21st at 4:30 p.m. and Chamber and Mainstreet representatives will be invited to attend.

 

REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES AND DEPARTMENTS:

 

*Police Chief David Frisby reported that the permitting process has begun for the Watermelon Parade and noted that the Festival has satisfactorily met requirements for tightening of security and safety measures.   Mayor Conley directed the Clerk to proceed with the permitting process and agenda the item for the May council meeting.

 

Chief Frisby also reported that Allen’s Bar continues to violate the agreement to step-up security measures.  Attorney Leinback reported that a meeting has been scheduled with the attorney for the owners of Allen’s Bar and himself and Chief Frisby to discuss these ongoing concerns.

 

*City Superintendent Don Anderson asked that council members sign up for the Relay for Life scheduled for April 23-24. 

 

*City Clerk/Treasurer Emily Anderson  reported on usage of the city’s web site and requested the Council approve a renewal of the contract submitted by Cagelink for continuation of the service.  Council Member Gene Hall made a motion to approve the contract for the one-year period.  The motion was seconded by Gerrold Austin and unanimously approved.

 

Clerk Anderson also gave an update on the historical education outreach grant and the economic development vitality strategy grant and encouraged continued participation in both series.

 

Clerk Anderson also reported that the angled parking issue is also still being discussed and researched to determine the best way to present a proposal to the Department of Transportation.  She is also coordinating efforts with the Community Traffic Safety Team and will report on progress at the next meeting.

 

OHO

 

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Council Member Gerrold Austin announced a work day at the cemetery on April 24th. 

 

Council Member Gene Hall again thanked the city crews for their efforts in picking up stray animals. 

 

Council Member Hall also requested that a water fountain be placed at Chase Street Park.

City Superintendent Don Anderson stated he would look into the situation.

 

Willie Allen of Allen’s Bar appeared before the Council and stated that the Allen’s Bar has, in fact, increased security at Allen’s Bar and has instituted a process for disallowing patrons to return to the Bar if problems occur.  Mr. Allen stated he feels he is being blamed for problems for which the Bar is not responsible and incidences which are not occurring on his business property.  Mayor Conley advised Mr. Allen that the Council would be informed of the results of the upcoming meeting between the bar owners and city officials.

 

There being no further business before the Council, the meeting was adjourned on motion of Brian T. Hayes.

 

 

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                    Emily Anderson

                                                                                    City Clerk/Treasurer

 

 

                                  

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

Julie S.Conley

Mayor

 

NOTE:  These proceedings were mechanically recorded.  See Tape No. 04-04 (2 tapes)