Town of Ponce Inlet |
TOWN COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES |
April 5, 2008 |
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1. Welcome and Introductions: Pursuant to proper notice, Mayor Epps called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. in the Sand Piper Board Room at the Shores Resort & Spa, 2637 South Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida. A general welcome from the facilitator, Ms. Crotty - Director of the University of Central Florida Institute of Government and introductions were exchanged. |
Council present: |
Mayor Epps, Seat #1 |
Councilmember Goudie, Seat #2 |
Vice-Mayor McCormick, Seat #3 |
Councilmember Hinson, Seat #4 |
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Councilmember Sturno, Seat #5 was excused absent. |
Staff Members Present: |
Ms. Blissett, Town Manager |
Ms. Clauss, Assistant Town Manager/Deputy Clerk |
Mr. Gunter, Public Works Supervisor of Operations |
Mr. Joulani, Interim Development Services Director |
Chief Scales, Fire Chief |
Chief Thomas, Police Chief |
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2. Citizen Survey Report – presented by Dr. James Wright, University of Central Florida, Department of Sociology. Dr. Wright presented the results of the survey he performed via the attached PowerPoint handouts. Mayor Epps inquired about how they compared with other communities who have performed this. Dr. Wright stated that he would put something together for the similar questions and send to them. Vice-Mayor McCormick expressed concern that their part-time residents may not be adequately represented but it was noted that this survey was completed during the time that the “snowbirds” are here. Ms. Crotty
noted that the great thing about doing this type of survey is that it is a scientifically valid method of providing good information on whether they should continue along their present path or make changes. She congratulated them on their positive response. |
3. Goals Session. Ms. Marilyn Crotty’s attached report encompasses all of the ideas expressed during this session and the narrowing of such for consideration. Council members cast their preference for various goal objectives as follows: |
Mayor Epps: |
· Continue to seek alternative to ad valorem revenue sources including Town assets; |
· Access and if feasible augment marine component; |
· Develop partnerships to provide beautification and streetscaping in Town; |
· Review appropriate charter provisions for potential amending of: districts, building heights, mayor’s election (date, cycle), finance, mandatory review period; |
· Review and evaluate advisory boards for effectiveness; |
· Develop policy regarding Council responses to citizen e-mails; |
· Explore opportunities to formalize IT functions in the town; |
· Pursue preservation and enhancement of boatyards and working waterfronts; |
· Continue to support historic preservation efforts. |
Vice-Mayor McCormick: |
· Continue to seek alternative to ad valorem revenue sources including Town assets; |
· Continue to fund replacement of aging infrastructure and equipment; |
· Review appropriate charter provisions for potential amending of: districts, building heights, mayor’s election (date, cycle), finance, mandatory review period; |
· Assess and if possible implement employee plan for recruitment and retention (salaries, benefits, staff, and training) |
· Continue to enhance the image of the town and communication in collaboration with volunteer organizations and boards including special events; |
· Continue participation with other government entities, associations (council and staff); |
· Develop policy regarding Council responses to citizen e-mails; |
· Pursue preservation and enhancement of boatyards and working waterfronts; |
· Continue participation in County-wide emergency preparedness activities, report on them, and make sure all Town staff are trained in their roles in an emergency. |
Councilmember Goudie: |
· Assess and maintain reserve contingency plan; |
· Access and if feasible augment marine component; |
· Continue to fund replacement of aging infrastructure and equipment; |
· Review appropriate charter provisions for potential amending of: districts, building heights, mayor’s election (date, cycle), finance, mandatory review period; |
· Assess and if possible implement employee plan for recruitment and retention (salaries, benefits, staff, and training) |
· Review and evaluate advisory boards for effectiveness; |
· Continue participation with other government entities, associations (council and staff); |
· Continue funding land acquisition initiatives for conservation and public use; |
· Continue to support historic preservation efforts. |
Councilmember Hinson: |
· Continue to seek alternative to ad valorem revenue sources including Town assets; |
· Access and if feasible augment marine component; |
· Continue to fund replacement of aging infrastructure and equipment; |
· Review appropriate charter provisions for potential amending of: districts, building heights, mayor’s election (date, cycle), finance, mandatory review period; |
· Assess and if possible implement employee plan for recruitment and retention (salaries, benefits, staff, and training) |
· Review and evaluate advisory boards for effectiveness; |
· Continue to enhance the image of the town and communication in collaboration with volunteer organizations and boards including special events; |
· Pursue preservation and enhancement of boatyards and working waterfronts; |
· Continue to support historic preservation efforts. |
Councilmember Sturno: |
· Assess and maintain reserve contingency plan |
· Continue to seek alternatives to Ad Valorem revenue sources including town assets |
· Continue to fund replacement of aging infrastructure and equipment |
· Advocate with Volusia County to include improvements to Atlantic Avenue in their five year work plan |
· Review appropriate charter provisions for potential amending of: districts, building heights, mayor’s election (date, cycle), finance, mandatory review period; |
· Review and evaluate advisory boards for effectiveness |
· Continue to enhance the image of the town and communication in collaboration with volunteer organizations and boards including special events |
· Continue participation with other government entities, associations (council and staff) |
· Continue to support historic preservation efforts |
5. Public Comment. |
The first opportunity was before the narrowing of goals: Simone Johnson, 4884 Front Street, expressed concern that so much of staff’s time goes into responding to mis-information – making for non-productive time at the expense of the taxpayers. She felt there should be a formal procedure implemented to make the requestor more responsible for factual and creditable information. She also suggested a standard or policy be set for town council interactions with the public to ensure their information is accurate. Ms. Johnson referred to the Lighthouse as a great opportunity for the Town to decrease taxes but receiving revenue from this Town asset. She thanked Vice-Mayor McCormick for noting earlier that non-residents have constitutional rights as well and should have a voice in the use of their funds. Ms. Johnson complimented Council on their staff, stating that she has always had a very positive experience with them. Ray Ingrassia, 4884 Front Street, stated that he attends most
all of the council meetings to get a better understanding of the vision of Ponce Inlet so that he can do a better job at submitting a compatible project. He complimented the Council on providing a very responsive and open government but he felt they did allow too much time to be spent chasing ghosts due to e-mail frenzy. Gary Swanhart, 32 Coastal Oaks Circle, stated that everyone here does an excellent job and the availability of Council and staff is much appreciated – it’s better than anyplace else that he has seen. He did suggest that the movie Funny Farm with Chevy Chase reminded him of Ponce Inlet. Mr. Swanhart suggested the visioning plan be revisited and submitted these ideas via e-mail and reference for things the Town might look into, as they move forward with the positive and break through some of the negativity: 1. The first annual Ponce Inlet Surfing contest/exhibition @ the jetty area; make it a prize contest and~ work in
conjunction with sponsors and the county (this area has some of the best surfers in the nation) also many older surfers live here and could assist; 2. Symphony under the stars and light (short for lighthouse); an annual event held at night at the lighthouse bring your own lounge chair free. 3. Ponce Preserve 1st annual Kayak/Canoe (get back to nature day); bring in a local guide, work with sponsors and rental people for this day event for kids and grown ups; bar-b-que hot dogs/hamburgers after the trip at the preserve; free or $5.00 entry covers all. 4. The First annual Ponce Inlet~two person volleyball tournament~held behind the North Turn; held in conjunction with North Turn and other restaurants; prize money for winners; entry fees include t-shirt, lunch etc. 5. Concert in the Park – either at the lighthouse or Winter Haven Park; bring in two bands,, have food etc.~can discuss further.~~6.~Positive Promotion of Ponce Inlet – news media, welcome
new homeowners, T-shirts – Visit Ponce Inlet Once, Stay Here a Lifetime. Mr. Swanhart stated that he is thankful he lives here.~ |
The second opportunity was at the end of the meeting: Ms. Johnson expressed concern about maintaining / increasing levels of service in light of tax reform. She reiterated her earlier comments regarding Council’s interaction with the public – feeling it should be at a higher standard when responding to citizens – stay above the rumor mill. She referred about the boatyard / working waterfront goal and encouraged lifting the moratorium. Mr. Ingrassia stated that he felt this was a very important meeting and he anticipated that it would be standing room only. He felt that this small attendance showed that the majority of the people that
send communications to the Town do not desire to be a part of the solution – just prefer to point to what they perceive as the problem. Mr. Ingrassia stated that the appropriate number of staff members is better when done by the number of occupancy units, not registered voters. Mr. Ingrassia referred to the Pacetta property purchase and stated that they bought this property with confidence in the Town’s support for working waterfronts. |
6. ADJOURNMENT: |
Mayor Epps adjourned the meeting at 3:50 p.m. |
Respectfully submitted by: |
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Jeaneen P. Clauss, CMC |
Assistant Town Manager/Deputy Clerk |
