March 26 - City of Melbourne, Florida

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CITY OF MELBOURNE, FLORIDA MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING BEFORE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 26, 2013 Mayor Meehan and City Manager Mike McNees presented a Certificate of Recognition to Deputy City Manager Howard Ralls who will be retiring at the end of March after 25 years of service. 5. Approval of Minutes – March 12, 2013 Regular Meeting Moved by Nowlin/Goode for approval. Motion carried unanimously. 6. City Manager's Report Mr. McNees said that in addition to the retirement of Howard Ralls, Larry Wuensch, Director of Land Development (Airport), will retire at the end of March after 18 years of service. Additionally, Mr. McNees reported on the following: The public is frustrated with the Florida Department of Transportation U.S. 1 roadway project and the effect of the lane closure at New Haven Avenue. Although the City is being criticized for the way the project is being done, he noted that it is a State DOT project. City staff and the Mayor have written letters to DOT in an effort to expedite the project and convey that the traffic needs to be managed more efficiently. The City’s Public Information Officer has arranged for a guest editorial in the newspaper this week so we can communicate directly with the public about this project. About 10 days ago, he attended a regular coordination meeting of all the Brevard County Emergency Managers at the Emergency Operations Center in North Brevard. He stressed that he takes the emergency management process seriously and wanted to plug into the local process in advance of hurricane season. Council Member Mike Nowlin referenced the report from the City Engineer, which was provided as a follow-up to public comments expressed at the March 12 Council meeting about Turtle Mound Road extension. Mr. Nowlin stated that he understands that a wall would not be practical. He asked if there is an opportunity to provide enhanced landscaping that would provide a barrier. Mr. McNees replied that there is always an opportunity. Staff will consider the design criteria and determine why we would do something in particular for this situation that would be over and above a design standard for other similar projects. There may be great reasons for that and, obviously, funding is an issue. He cautioned that from a precedent standpoint, we need to consider the standards. Council added Item 27.1 to the agenda (confidential Project Tricolor). 7. Public Comments Jim Phend, 1625 Marcello Drive, stated that he recently received a brochure about red light camera enforcement in Melbourne. He discussed his opposition to red light cameras, the Page 2 of 26
CITY OF MELBOURNE, FLORIDA MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING BEFORE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 26, 2013 timing of yellow lights, and encouraged Council not to renew the contract with its red light camera company when it ends. David Fisher, 3900 Pinewood Road, spoke to Council through a sign language interpreter. He expressed safety concerns with the Turtle Mound Road extension project behind his house and said that the roadway will be considered a “mini Interstate 95.” Mr. Fisher said that he and members of his family are deaf. They own horses and are concerned that a traffic barrier will be needed to keep the horses separated from traffic. He added that a thousand pound animal can easily damage cars. Mr. Fisher expressed appreciation for the discussion about installing enhanced landscaping (see Council Member Nowlin’s comments under Item 6) and asked Council to consider a barrier in order to avoid future accidents and injuries. Vice Mayor Tasker pointed out that the property behind Mr. Fisher’s home includes County property. She asked Mr. Fisher if he has talked with his County Commissioner. Mr. Fisher replied that he spoke with a County inspector last week, who agreed that it makes sense to install a wall. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 7.1 Presentation to Council: Annual reports to City Council from City boards. a. Architectural Review Board Vice Chairman David Bogenrief stated that this is a highly qualified, yet laid back board. He introduced the members; provided highlights of 2012 accomplishments; before and after photos of projects; and stated the 2013 goals. The goals of the Architectural Review Board include continuing to be user friendly, working with applicants to help them achieve their goals, and enforcing rules while taking into consideration the needs of applicants and their neighbors. b. Citizens' Advisory Board Chairman Rhodie Humbert listed the members of the board and discussed the board’s purpose. He reviewed the 2011-2012 grant expenditures and benefits and displayed photos of various activities. The board conducts public hearings to gain citizen input concerning grant programs. Last year, the Housing and Community Development Department received over $1.2 million in grants to benefit the City of Melbourne. Mr. Humbert closed by commending Housing and Community Development Department staff for the work they do. 7.2 Presentation to Council: The City of Melbourne Comprehensive Annual Financial Report from Carr, Riggs & Ingram (CRI). Chas Hoyman, CRI audit partner, introduced the auditors from the firm. He reviewed the report, including the following highlights: Page 3 of 26
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March 26 - City of Melbourne, Florida

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