BOC Town Hall Meeting - Proposed Municipal Complex Project

THE CITY OF MADEIRA BEACH, FLORIDA PUBLIC NOTICE BOARD OF COMMISSIONER TOWN HALL MEETING MINUTES The Board of Commissioners of the City of Madeira Beach, Florida will meet at City Hall, located at 300 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach, Florida to discuss the agenda items of City Business listed at the time indicated below. 7:00 P.M. TUESDAY, MARCH 26TH, 2013 AUDITORIUM CALL TO ORDER: The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Terry Lister ROLL CALL: MEMBERS PRESENT: Travis Palladeno, Mayor Robin Vander Velde, Vice-Mayor Terry Lister, Commissioner District 1 Nancy Hodges, Commissioner District 2 MEMBERS ABSENT: Nancy Oakley, Commissioner District 3 STAFF PRESENT: Shane Crawford, City Manager (CM) Vince Tenaglia, Finance Director (FD) David Marsicano, Central Services Director (CSD) Derryl O'Neal, Fire Chief (FC) Deputy Don Klase, Community Policing Unit (CPU) Aimee Servedio, City Clerk Pro Tern (CCPT) Motion was made by Commissioner Lister to amend the Agenda to include Public Comment and was seconded by Vice Mayor Vander Velde. Commissioner Lister stated that this Public Comment was installed to allow comments on any matter, but at all times comments pertaining to what is on the Agenda is allowed. ROLL CALL: Commissioner Lister.................YES Vice-Mayor Vander Velde......... .................. YES Commissioner Hodges..............YES Mayor Palladeno.......................................YES Commissioner Oakley............... ABSENT 1. PUBLIC COMMENT: NONE Mayor Palladeno gives a brief explanation of how the Meeting will be conducted.  The City of Madeira Beach, Florida Board of Commissioners Town Hall Meeting Minutes CM Crawford explained that the Public comment was not on the Agenda only because it was thought that the Attendees of this Meeting would be coming to speak on the Municipal Project. He went on to say that the architect Wannemacher Jenson, Hennessey Construction the General Contractor, and Jeff Larson the Financial Advisor were all here and would be giving a 5-10 minute synopsis of the project. 2. TOPICS: A. TOWN HALL PRESENTATION OF PROPOSED MUNICIPAL COMPLEX PROJECT • Opening introductions and comments by Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc., Hennessey Construction, and Jeff Larson, Financial Advisor. Lisa Wannemacher stated that it has been over a year since they started with the City. They were hired to help create a vision for the future. She said it has been a long process with many meetings with Staff and citizens. The plans will continue to develop and this is all part of the process. When Hennessey Construction came on board, they worked together to start to refine the design. Now they are ready to move on to the next phase with confirmation on the budget numbers, and the ability to bring the Commission a firm price, as well as final design drawings. They are still a long ways away from the final design. Mark Stalker from Hennessy Construction stated that they are in a pre-construction role and when the designers are freed up that's when they can start analyzing the components of the building and bring costs down even further. He also said that they would be giving estimates and constructability reviews at each milestone and will wait for approval to proceed to the next step. Sergio Desanto, an architect team member, said that during the open forum he would be happy to answer questions. He also stated that it is a very efficient design with no wasted space. CM Crawford stated that they have reduced the square footage than the current building. He also said that if he was a concerned citizen or Board member he would want to know what the plan is for the other infrastructure projects such as Stormwater and Marina. He asked Vince Tenaglia the Finance Director to address the costs. FD Vince Tenaglia said that he wanted to give reassurance that there are funding sources and a plan for all these projects. He also stated that this project will not replace any of the other projects that the City is preparing to do. The City does have a long term financial plan, fund balance policy and an emergency reserve policy. Jeff Larson, Financial Advisor for the City, stated that his job was to come up with a financial plan and look at the overall picture. He said that the City is in very good financial condition and has no debt. He wanted to let the citizens know that this has nothing to do with their taxes. The range of affordability for this project was $300-400K a year; Vince said to go with $300K. The $3 million from the sale of the sewer system can be used, and that means borrowing less money. • Board of Commissioners will break into informal session (come down from the dais) to review the plans with the architects, ask questions, and provide direct feedback along with their constituents and the public at large. The Board broke for an informal session at 7:20 p.m. • At the end of the session, the Board of Commissioner will reconvene on the dais to adjourn. The Board reconvened at 7:47 p.m. Mayor Palladeno asked Mark Stalker of Hennessey Construction to explain why they cannot just repair the existing building. Mr. Stalker said that there are FEMA cost factors involved. After a certain percentage of the building is repaired it has to be brought up to existing codes, and when you exceed 50% of the appraised value of the building, 2 March 26, 2013  The City of Madeira Beach, Florida Board of Commissioners Town Hall Meeting Minutes the building has to be raised above the flood code. The value of this structure is $1 .4 million so $700K is the maximum ceiling. VM Vander Velde said to do the repairs in sections by permit, and was told the intent of FEMA is not to do it separately. Peter Pisciotta, 148th Ave. E.: Wanted to know if there were other scenarios looked at other than the rebuilding of City Hall. FD Tenaglia stated that Mr. Larson only looked at the cost of the rebuild. Mr. Pisciotta stated that the Fire Station should be done for safety, but would like to see a vote. The VM agrees and likes the idea of a referendum. Mr. Pisciotta said things should be prioritized, and use due diligence. Look at all the projects and not housing for our Civil Servants. Commissioner Lister said that they looked at many options. Mr. Pisciotta asked if anybody has looked at disputing that the value of the existing building. Commissioner Lister said that our taxes have gone down every year since 2007, but our services have increased. Sooner or later we have to do these things, not just keep saving the money and putting it off. John Lipa, 399 150th Ave.: Stated that he is for the project, it is time to move forward. A City Hall is not supposed to generate revenue; it is supposed to be a place to position the City for growth in the future. Think it through, the City has the revenue, it's not like you're draining the tub dry. CM Crawford said we are running down parallel lines with Stormwater and the like, this just happens to be the first project. We can't fix this building the costs are too high, and the cost of maintaining it would be too high even if it were fixed. Robin Stach, 728 Sunset Cove: Stated that it was the best Grunt Hunt ever. He said that people live here because they like to play outside. We need a new City Hall, there is no way around it. Build the City Hall, fix the ball fields, build the Rec Center, act like Commissioners, and make the decision. Roger Koske, 706 Sunset Cove: Says he doesn't like spending a lot of money and is against spending any money on the ball fields. He thinks they could save money by putting everything under one roof instead of three. Armando Castellon, 553 John's Pass: Stated that he is a structural engineer and that it would be cheaper to tear it down than remodel. He also said the Fire Department has to be under a different roof; its specs are different and must meet higher codes. To put them under the same roof would be too costly. He also stated that the ball fields can generate a lot of revenue with tournaments. Peter Trott, 378 145th Ave: He supports doing it all. He would like to see a Terry Lister Field. He said that we are a very small town and most of what we have was given to us i.e. Archibald Park and Kitty Stuart Park. He would like to see the Rec Center closer to the City Hall. He also stated that how permitting is done may need further investigation. He said that some people think that this City belongs to only them. He said that the money that he has been spending here for the last 20 years will go for the new buildings for the future generations. He also stated that he likes the direction the CM is going. Dan Griffin, Vice President Gulf Beaches Little League: He states that he is also a parent that sends his kids to the Rec Center. He wants the Commission to take into consideration, while making their decision on which option to do, all the kids that are out on those fields every night playing. He also says that the Rec Center is not very safe, and that no one would want to live in the quality of that building. Bob Cusack, 399 150th Ave.: Stated that he thinks the Commission should move forward with the project, and that a lot of people would use the gym if it were included. He thinks that a fee should be charge to use the gym, and that money should go to maintaining the equipment. Deby Weinstein, 441 129th Ave, E.: Says that she is in favor of the new City Hall and Fire Station but is against redoing the Rec Center or the ball fields. She wanted to know from the CM what process was used to eliminate other companies from this process. CM Crawford told her that they were both awarded by the Board of Commissioners, and were secured by issuing an RFQ (request for qualifications). So the project was bid out, but had to do with qualifications not prices. Commissioner Oakley sat as liaison for the Commission. 3 March 26, 2013  The City of Madeira Beach, Florida Board of Commissioners Town Hall Meeting Minutes Steve Kochick, 15301 2nd St. E.: He ra in favor of the project and asked the Commission to consider a two story building as it would save green space and leave a smaller footprint. He also says that we are looking at the long term. We need to trust the employees to do what they say they can do, the Board comes and goes, but the employees must be depended on. The City does have revenue sources to pay for the project. He also stated that he hopes they bring in the solar power on the project it will pay for itself. He says that we should put money into the Rec Center for the kids; it keeps them out of trouble, and as a society we have the obligation to take care of our young and our seniors. Jan Stach, 728 Sunset Cove: She supports what Mr. Kochick said. She then went on to say that we can just get a doublewide and put it out here, it is time to get over it and go forward. Diane Ray, 135 143rd Ave.: States that she has been a resident of Madeira Beach for 50 years, and is here 2 days a week with the seniors. She says the energy savings alone would be tremendous. She says we need a City Hall for everybody, let's just get it done. Pat Shontz, 15334 Harbor Dr.: Stated that she too has been here for 50 years and has always been active in the politics of the City. She was here when they broke ground for this building, and was here for the dedication of this building. "We were a small City, but a proud City". We are 2.2 miles of the showcase of Pinellas County. She says we are fortunate to live here. She states that she is for the whole project She knows what goes on out on the fields. People play soccer, tennis, and ball. She says it is wonderful what we have to offer our community and the surrounding communities. All of the communities worked together so the kids had a place to play and grow up. Move on with the project. Robert Shaw; 507 129th Ave. E.: Over the years he has worked hard to place people in the Commission chairs, and knows the amount of time spent to perform the functions that we as citizens ask them to do. He stated that they are a proxy for the citizens and they need to number 1, maintain the infrastructure as stated in the Charter, and 2, have a City Manager that can handle the things that need to be done and are done properly. He is perfectly satisfied with the job being done by all. Doug Speeler, 519 Crystal Dr.: He has been a resident for 16 years, and is proud to be a resident and of the job this Commission has done. He stated that this is not a fishing village with a drinking problem anymore it has become a community. He is tired of hearing that there are no kids here why do we need a new Rec Center. There are plenty of kids here. Neighboring communities have Rec Centers that are very busy. On a side note EEP is legally permitted for contracted job. Tommy Laronge 515 Crystal Dr.: Stated that he is in favor of the entire project. He says the City is old it needs some beautification. ~verywhere up and down the beaches the towns are modernizing and becoming more efficient. We need new ballparks and City Hall, our kids are our future. Chelsea Nelson 420 Boca Ciega Dr.: Wants to urge the Commission to go ahead with the entire project. She stated that the land is underutilized. Other beach communities have Rec Centers that are booming, playgrounds for kids, and that's where our future is heading. The Mayor stated that there are families moving in, and the City is getting younger. The average age is 47 years old, and it is time to move forward. Marv Merrill 581 Crystal Dr.: Stated that he is all in favor of recreation, and that the budget for that is $550K, so it's not like the City doesn't support it He said that he is all for the new City Hall and the Fire Station, but questions the need for a multi-purpose room and exercise room (exception for FD). He also stated that $2 million on ball fields is questionable. He talked to many people and found none that use them, and wondered what percentage of the people that do use them are actually Madeira Beach residents. He thinks that Phase II is a luxury not a necessity. As far as the City Hall goes he said that we don't need a Taj Mahal. 4 March 26, 2013  The City of Madeira Beach, Florida Board of Commissioners Town Hall Meeting Minutes Rosie Bailey 320 Meaamon Blvd.: She stated that she understands that not all the people who use the fields are Madeira Beach residents, but the residents still benefit when they come in and spend their money in the restaurants and other local businesses. She is in favor of the entire plan, but wants Little League kept in the plan and not displaced if they decide to do it in phases. She also said that they should limit the building size in favor of more green space with a possible outdoor work out facility, and maybe a community garden. Todd Nichols 1450 N. Bayshore Dr.: Stated that he has lived here 16 years, and that there was a time when you didn't let your kids go out and play. He also said that at one time they were fighting to get out, but now they are fighting to stay. This is due to the police presence, Shane Crawford and the great job they are doing to improve life on Madeira Beach. He agrees with the project being done, it has taken way to long. Steve Miller 15229 Harbor Dr.: Stated that he has been here since 1984, and his first introduction to politics concerned the Recreation Fields. They had a problem then with the lights on the fields which have been resolved. He said that he has no problem with the City Hall or Fire Department buildings. He said that if they need to cut something to cut the gym. He is not in favor of the Rec Center, but knows he is in the minority. He would just like the Commission to take into consideration the impact on the residents of Harbor Dr. June Mohns 13321 Boca Ciega Dr.: Wanted to thank the Commission and the CM for the great job they have done to bring all of this forward. She is still concerned about the amount of money that is being spent with all of the other projects that need to be done. She suggested that they have a meeting where Vince would give a presentation on how the other projects, such as Stormwater would be paid for over the years. She wants to see the big picture. She also believes that City Hall should be scaled down. Commissioner Hodges stated the purpose of the Town Hall Meeting was to get their views on the project. They heard a lot of pros and cons, but more pros. She appreciates all of the input from the residents. Vice Mayor Vander Velde said that she has asked for, but has not received, any numbers for any of the other projects except for Stonnwater. FD Vince Tenaglia said that there really isn't any solid numbers, but that they come up with an affordability plan, and do scenarios on how to pay for them with funding options. She also asked Mr. Larson if the numbers that were in his report included the Amendments to the budget since October 2013. He deferred to FD Tenaglia who stated that they would not be reflected. Commissioner Lister thanked everyone for coming out. He stated that their goal was to make Madeira Beach a better place to live. He also said that money wm not be cheaper than it is now. They have enough money to do the projects that need to be done. The projects are for the citizens of Madeira Beach. Mayor Palladeno wanted to thank everyone for coming out. He said that he has lived out here for 15 years, and the age is getting younger. The City is improving. The Vice Mayor wants a Saturday meeting. Commissioner Hodges said that everyone needs a voice and that a Saturday would be ok. Commissioner Lister said that he is always interested in opinions, and that people can call him. He said that from the feedback that he has gotten tonight and before, that it is time to move forward. It is expensive, yes, but it is always going to be expensive. It is time to get it done. Mayor Palladeno agreed. The VM stated that they promised the Community 3 meetings. Commissioner Hodges stated that it was time to move forward. Mayor Palladeno stated that there will be more meetings as the design process comes along. Consensus: No extra meeting 3-1. CM Crawford stated that at the April 9111 meeting some things needed to happen. First would be to draft a Resolution to give dollars towards the project. They also need to hire a Bond Council. They also need to hire Wannemacher to move on with next steps of the project. All three of these things need to happen at the next meeting. Mr. Lawson stated that the Authorizing and Reimbursement Resolution is a Federal Tax Law requirement. He also said that he will have to know if they were going to go with the larger project which will require a Bond Option or the 5 March 26, 2013  The City of Madeira Beach, Florida Board of Commissioners Town Hall Meeting Minutes smaller project which will require the Bank Option. In either of those cases though, they are not their attorney, and recommends hiring a Bond Council. CM Crawford stated that there would have to be a fourth thing at the Meeting, and that would be the scope of the project. 3. ADJOURNMENT: Seeing that there was no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:17p.m. Date Approved: 5 /tY / c:) T vis Palladeno, Mayor SubmittebyAimeeServe,lty Clerk Proem Any person who decides to appeal any decision of the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at this meeting will need a record of the proceedings and for such purposes may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. The law does not require the City Clerk to transcribe verbatim minutes; therefore, the applicant must make the necessary arrangements with a private reporter or private reporting firm and bear the resulting expense. In accordance with the Americans with Disability Act and F.S. 286.26; any person with a disability requiring reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this meeting should call 727-391-9951 or fax a written request to 727-399-1131. THIS MEETING IS TELEVISED LIVE ON CHANNEL 16 6 March 26, 2013