TOWN OF INDIALANTIC
Brevard County, Florida 32903
July 15, 2008 Town Hall
MINUTES OF A TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE INDIALANTIC TOWN HALL ON JULY 15, 2008
PRESENT: Hon. Robert L. Cochran, Jr., Mayor
Hon. Vince Benevente, Deputy Mayor
Hon. Dave Berkman, Councilmember
Hon. Lori Halbert, Councilmember
Paul Gougelman, Town Attorney
Christopher W. Chinault, Town Manager
Julie Anne Holmgren, Administrative Assistant
ABSENT: Hon. Loren Goldfarb, Councilmember (Excused)
This meeting was tape recorded. Records are indexed and filed for ready reference where such have been summarized in typed minutes.
I. CALL TO ORDER AT 7:00 PM
Mayor Cochran called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
II.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III.PRESENTATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF 06/07 AUDIT
Debbie Bradley Goode, Hoyman, Dobson & Company, presented the 06/07 Audit report explaining that the Town had received a clean opinion on its financial statements meaning that everything is accurately stated and in compliance with government auditing standards.
Ms. Bradley explained that the revenues were similar to last year’s revenues and the expenditures were up from the prior year. The reasons for the increases are explained in the management discussion and analysis.
Ms. Bradley explained the reason for the presentation being made now as opposed to earlier in the year was because they were waiting for the Actuaries Report.
Deputy Mayor Benevente moved to accept the 06/07 Audit. Councilmember Halbert seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
IV.PUBLIC
A. Commissioner Paul Guglietta, Melbourne Beach, introduced himself as a representative of the South Beaches Coalition and announced that the MPO will be changing its title from the MPO to TPO, which will be independent from the county. Commissioner Guglietta also thanked the Town of Indialantic, especially the Police Department and Fire Department for their support.
B. Evelyn Ogle, 401 Orlando Blvd., requested assistance from the Town that the traffic conditions on Orlando Blvd. and Ramona Avenue be addressed.
C. Ann Bernick, 151 Miami Avenue, announced that August 5, 2008 is the 25th year of National Night Out and encouraged residents to participate in this event.
V.PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Administrative Assistant read the following announcements:
A. There are currently openings, including reappointments, on the Board of Adjustment, Budget and Finance Committee, General Employees Pension Board, Code Enforcement Board and Civil Service Board
B. There will be openings, including reappointments, on the Board of Adjustment, Budget and Finance Committee, Civil Service Board, Heritage Committee and Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee in August
C. Qualifying dates for the November 4, 2008 election will be August 8 through August 22, 2008. Seats to be filled are: Mayor (currently held by Mayor Cochran), Seat 2 (currently held by Councilmember Goldfarb) and Seat 4 (currently held by Councilmember Berkman)
VI. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes No. 08-09– Regular Meeting – June 17, 2008
B. Approval of allocation of Edward C. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant funds to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department for prisoner transportation/booking improvements
C. Approval of FY-09 budget calendar
D. Approval of the Disbursement Agreement with Brevard County for TIFT funds in the amount of $36,425 for a sidewalk along S. Palm Avenue from Fifth Avenue to connect with Tradewinds Park
Councilmember Berkman requested that Item D be removed for discussion.
Councilmember Berkman moved to approve Items A, B and C. Councilman Benevente seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
D. Approval of the Disbursement Agreement with Brevard County for TIFT funds in the amount of $36,425 for a sidewalk along S. Palm Avenue from Fifth Avenue to connect with Tradewinds Park
Councilmember Berkman expressed his concerns over the placement of the sidewalk.
Mayor Cochran motioned to approve Consent Agenda Item D.
Virginia Heptig, 240 Ninth Terrace, expressed her opposition to the sidewalk.
Marvin Wright, NW corner of Seventh Avenue & Palm Avenue, would prefer to see speed bumps rather than a sidewalk.
The Town Manager gave clarification on the purpose of the sidewalk.
Thomas Martin, SW corner of Seventh and Palm Avenue, explained his opposition to the sidewalk.
Stephen Halverson, 200 S. Palm Avenue and 303 Sixth Avenue, stated his concern over safety issues.
Council requested the Town Manager to further research this issue and that this be tabled to next month’s meeting.
VII. APPOINTMENTS
A. Code Enforcement Board – One opening. Orlando Brilliante would like to be reappointed
Deputy Mayor Benevente moved to reappoint Orlando Brilliante. Councilmember Berkman seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
VIII. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A. Ordinance 08-09 – Creating a new Sec. 4-26 – Dog-friendly dining
1. Second reading – by title only
The Administrative Assistant read the Ordinance by title only.
2. Public hearing and adoption
Councilmember Halbert moved to adopt Ordinance 08-09. Mayor Cochran seconded.
Deputy Mayor Benevente questioned the enforcement of this Ordinance.
Lois Schiessl, 440 Tenth Avenue, spoke in opposition to this Ordinance.
Motion to adopt Ordinance 08-09 carried unanimously.
B. Ordinance 08-10 – Amending the dates to qualify to run for Town Council
1. Second reading – by title only
The Administrative Assistant read the Ordinance by title only.
2. Public hearing and adoption
There were no public comments.
Deputy Mayor Benevente moved to adopt Ordinance 08-10. Councilmember Berkman seconded. Motion to adopt Ordinance 08-10 carried unanimously.
IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Discussion and possible action regarding hours for metered parking (Requested by Mayor Cochran) (continued from the June 17, 2008 meeting)
The Town Manager presented his research on the options, feasibility and revenue loss.
Mayor Cochran presented his view in support of reducing the hours of operation for metered parking in the areas north of Wendy’s.
Councilmember Berkman stated his opposition to this issue.
Deputy Mayor Benevente stated he is opposed to supporting this issue.
Councilmember Halbert voiced her support in favor of this for after hour events.
Mayor Cochran removed this item from the Agenda.
X. NEW BUSINESS
A. Set proposed millage rate for FY 08-09 at 4.9810; set date for first public hearing on the millage rate and budget for 7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 16, 2008; set date for second public hearing for 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 25, 2008; set tentative budget workshop for 6:00 pm on Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Mayor Cochran moved to approve the proposed millage rate and budget hearing calendar. Deputy Mayor Benevente seconded.
Councilmember Berkman clarified his reasons for agreeing with the motion to approve.
Councilmember Halbert explained that in her opinion by setting the millage rate high, it can always be brought down after budget hearings but it cannot be increased and hopes to be able to reduce the rate.
Motion carried unanimously.
B. Fifth Avenue Task Force Interim Report – Helen Yarbrough, Chairperson – results of the residential survey
Chairperson Yarbrough presented a Power Point presentation on the issues being addressed by the Task Force.
C. Discussion and possible action regarding reclassifying the Fifth Avenue Task Force as a regular committee (Requested by Mayor Cochran)
Mayor Cochran proposed making the Fifth Avenue Task Force a Special Committee.
Councilmember Berkman motioned that no action be taken until the Task Force has completed their assignment and presented the results.
Mayor Cochran removed this item from the Agenda and requested that it be placed on next month’s agenda.
D. Discussion and possible action regarding sponsoring a Friday Fest (Requested by Councilmember Halbert)
Councilmember Halbert requested a sanction from the town and a Resolution permitting this event.
The Town Manager presented the logistics.
Police Chief Morris discussed the traffic routing options.
Djon Pepaj, 1000 N. Riverside Drive, spoke in favor of sponsoring a Friday Fest.
Council agreed to table to next month for further discussion.
XI. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. Report from Town Manager
Statistical Reports – June, 2008
B. The Town Attorney had no report.
XII.REPORTS
A. Mayor Cochran reported that Councilmember Goldfarb was excused from the meeting.
B. Deputy Mayor Benevente announced that the Space Coast League of Cities along with Waste Management is sponsoring a $2,000 scholarship for any student majoring in political science or government who is a Brevard County resident. Anyone interested in receiving information should contact Town Hall or Deputy Mayor Benevente.
C. Councilmember Berkman had no report.
D. Councilmember Halbert had no report.
XIII.ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
TOWN OF INDIALANTIC
___________________________
Robert L. Cochran, Jr.
Mayor
ATTEST:________________________
Julie Anne Holmgren
Administrative Assistant