City Council Chamber 735 Eighth Street South Naples, Florida

Book 106 • Page 76
City Council Chamber
735 Eighth Street South
Naples, Florida 34102
City Council Workshop Meeting January 3, 2000- 8:29 a.m.
Mayor Barnett called the meeting to order and presided.
ITEM 1
ROLL CALL Present:
Bill Barnett, Mayor
Bonnie R. MacKenzie, Vice Mayor
Council Members:
Fred Coyle
Joseph Herms (arrived at 8:30 a.m.)
John Nocera
Fred Tarrant
Peter H. Van Arsdale (arrived at 9:43 a.m.)
Also Present
Kevin Rambosk, City Manager
Tara Norman, City Clerk
William Harrison, Assistant City Manager
Jon Staiger, Natural Resources Manager
Ron Lee, Planning Director
Susan Wiesing, Human Resources Dir.
Brenda Blair, Recording Specialist
Duncan Bolhover, Admin. Specialist
Don Wirth, Community Services Director
Daniel Mercer, Public Works Director
Joseph Biasella, Naples Bay Project
Committee Member
Michael Simonik, The Conservancy
Victoria Pollock, Executive Director,
Marine Habitat Foundation, Inc.
Arlene Guckenberger
Cheryl Coyle
Other interested citizens and visitors
ITEMS TO BE ADDED (8:29 a.m.) Item 11 - Old Naples Aquarium Presentation
Item 12 - Billing from Attorney Povlitz (Naples Landing Litigation)
ITEM 2
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Book 106 • Page 176r
City Council-Workshop Meeting — January 3, 2000 — 8:29 a.m.
BRIEFING BY CITY MANAGER 8:29 a.m.) ITEM 3
Reported no problems with computer systems January 1, and only minor incidents New
Year's Eve at local restaurants.
• Regarding the red tide fish kill, most of the dead fish have been removed; subsequent calls
regarding dead fish should be referred to his office.
It is noted for the record that Council Member Herms arrived at 8:30 a.m.
• With regard to a proposed dinghy storage site on 3rd Avenue, the City learned from adjacent
property owners that there is no interest for a storage facility in that location; staff
recommends no further action at this time.
▪ The January 17 Workshop Meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, January 18, at 8:30
a.m., due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday; there will be a tour of the River Park area at
a later date.
• Two public forums will be held to receive input: 1) regarding handling of waste
water/hazardous materials; and 2) with charter boat operators and adjacent property owners
regarding new facilities to replace those lost with Turner Marine site redevelopment on
Thursday, January 6, at the Norris Center.
• Beach renourishment project adjacent to the Naples Beach Hotel is now complete; the rock
removal project in Old Naples will be completed in 45 days.
• (Following discussion) Video taping of candidate forums for broadcast on cable Channel 54
using Council Chamber and City equipment, utilizing their own operator, or under certain
circumstances, a City employee other than from the Clerk's office at the applicable hourly
rate will be permitted. Organizations must ensure that proper tapes for rebroadcast are made,
as well as provide a separate tape for the public record. It was also noted that the City's
equipment cannot be taken off-site. A list of taping companies will also be made available to
organizations holding forums. Channel 54 would set the parameters for broadcasting (and
rebroadcasting) of candidate forums.
▪ A copy of a letter from WilsonMiller to the South Florida Water Management District
(SFWMD) responding to a settlement agreement regarding Calusa Lakes was noted. The
letter suggested that lining the lakes was most feasible. Mr. Rambosk recommended that the
City be proactive in development of the settlement agreement, as well as being a consentor.
He asked for Council direction immediately since this issue will be heard at the SFWMD
Meeting January 14. Mr. Rambosk noted that he notified SFWMD of disagreement with
WilsonMiller's request. It was the consensus of Council (during discussion later in the
meeting) that City Manager Rambosk meet with City Attorney Cuyler immediately to
determine the best course of action. City Council unanimously accepted staff's
recommendation (based on consultant Hartman & Associates) that the best course of action is
to fill in the lakes.
GENERAL PENSION PLAN UPDATE (9:12 a.m.) ...... .......... ....... ...... ........ -.ITEM 4
Assistant City Manager William Harrison reported a general pension plan surplus of
approximately $13-million, and that the General Pension Board held a special meeting with past
and present employees 12/14/99 to discuss an increase in benefits using this surplus. He further
noted that another special meeting is scheduled for January 4 to further discuss options for
increasing benefits. Human Resources Director Susan Wiesing explained that this is subject to
collective bargaining between the City and AFSCME (general employees union), followed by
ratification by the membership and City Council, followed by approval by the Florida Division
of Retirement, and administration by the General Pension Board of Trustees. It was noted for the
record that this is information only; no action was required.
•
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hook 106 • Page 767
City Council-Workshop Meeting — January 3, 2000 — 8:29 am.
ITEM 5
DISCUSSION RELATING TO THE PURCHASE/TRADE OF PROPERTY AS PART OF
SEAGATE DRIVE - CRAYTON ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS (9:24 a.m.)
Assistant City Manager William Harrison reported that there was a possibility of purchasing the
property on the south side of Seagate Drive in the narrow strip between Crayton Road and the
portion of Seagate Drive accessing the Seagate neighborhood and Naples Cay. This would be
accomplished by acquiring another residential property in the neighborhood and exchanging
titles for the subject property, which would alleviate the need to purchase Pelican Bay property.
Projected cost is in the $400,000 range, he said, and funds are available in unrestricted reserves
in the Streets Fund. Engineering costs would be in fiscal year 2001, with construction in fiscal
year 2002. He predicted that this cost would be more than offset by avoidance of right-of-way
purchase on the north side of Seagate Drive, and could represent the City's contribution to a
future assessment district. The legal guardian of the individuals living in the house is willing to
consider the trade, and has requested a letter of interest from the City. Mr. Harrison therefore
requested that staff be allowed to continue negotiations with the guardian of the property and
analyze available properties in the general neighborhood.
Mr. Harrison confirmed for Vice Mayor MacKenzie that the Seagate and Park Shore
Associations have been apprised of this situation. Council Member Herms said that rather than
an assessment district, adjacent properties such as the Registry Resort, Naples Cay, and Collier
County share the cost. Council Member Coyle noted that WCI Communities had indicated a
willingness to contribute and suggested they also be contacted. Council Members noted that
traffic in this area is created primarily by the Registry Resort, County Park, and WCI
Communities.
Council directed staff to contact Collier County, The Registry Resort, and WCI
Communities, etc., regarding contributing to the cost of this project rather than
forming an assessment district among residents. City Manager Rambosk confirmed
that the City would continue with the original request, and would also talk to other
participants in order to determine what the cost would be to the City.
ITEM 6
DISCUSSION OF A MASTER PLAN FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT US 41 AND
FLEISCHMANN BOULEVARD (FLEISCHMANN PROPERTY) (9:39 a.m.)
Assistant City Manager William Harrison reported that staff had developed three options for use
of the property (see Attachment 1). Both he and Natural Resources Manager Jon Staiger
proposed that walkways skirt the environmentally sensitive area rather than disturbing this
habitat.
It is noted for the record that Council Member Van Arsdale arrived at 9:43 a.m.
Council Member Herms supported pathways skirting the habitat and signage delineating tree
species. Dr. Staiger confirmed that the existing building, while in disrepair, will be inspected to
determine if it could be renovated. Council Member Coyle supported Option 2, suggesting an
educational center and tours. Council Member Van Arsdale stressed that because this site is for
the public benefit, Council instead educate City residents on the possibilities of this site, and that
the City desired to keep it in its natural state. Following further discussion, Council's consensus
appears below.
Council directed staff to revise conceptual diagrams to show walkways surrounding
rather than bisecting the natural Habitat of Special Concern. Additional consensus
were:
I) To mail to registered voters an explanation of the Fleischmann property purchase
only (Herms-yes, Nocera-yes, MacKenzie-no (suggested running an ad in the NDN
3
Book 106 • Page
r[g7
City Council-Workshop Meeting — January 3, 2000 — 8:29 a.m.
twice, 1/4 page in size), Van Arsdale-no (unless mailing includes the building height
ballot question also on the ballot), Coyle-yes, Tarrant-yes, Barnett-yes)
2) To mail to registered voters an explanation of building heights relative to the
referendum question along with above Fleischmann mailing (Henns-no, Nocera-yes,
MacKenzie-yes, Van Arsdale-yes, Coyle-no, Tarrant-no, Barnett-yes)
Assistant City Manager William Harrison confirmed that draft documents would be ready for
Council review within one week.
ITEM 7
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE UTILITY BILLING FORMAT
(10:26 a.m.) Assistant City Manager William Harrison recommended upgrading the utility
billing format to a letter-size document using current technology. He added that this format
would ensure billing privacy. Budgetary impact would be $9,700 with 700 employee hours saved
for other projects.
Council unanimously agreed with staffs recommendation to change the billing
format
ITEM 8
STATUS REPORT ON CITY'S ELECTRIC VEHICLE (10:29 a.m.) City Manager Kevin Rambosk reported that the new electric vehicle is averaging higher mileage;
however, it is unknown whether Ford Motor Company will guarantee mileage; if not, the City
has the option to immediately cancel the lease. These assurances should be received prior to
leasing two additional vehicles. Council Member Tarrant questioned the measurability of
improvement to atmosphere and opposed using taxpayer money for these vehicles. Council
Member Nocera stated that the Environmental Protection Agency constantly monitors the air
quality, and that an alternative to fuels are the way of the future. He added that the additional two
vehicles would be leased at $182 per month each, which is a significant savings over traditional
vehicle leases. Public Works Director Dan Mercer reported that the electric vehicles would be
assigned to the beach parking program and that with Ford's modifications, the current vehicle is
averaging 55 miles per day. Council Members indicated that staff should obtain in writing from
Ford that a replacement vehicle would be delivered immediately if one of the vehicles was out of
service.
It was the consensus of Council (Tarrant-dissenting) that staff obtain a written
guarantee of mileage and confirmation from Ford Motor Company that the City
would receive a vehicle immediately when its electric vehicle is out of service.
ITEM 9
DISCUSSION REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NAPLES BAY PROJECT
COMMITTEE'S FINAL REPORT (10:41 a.m.)
Natural Resources Manager Jon Staiger distributed a memorandum outlining suggested
prioritization. Council suggested that this be discussed at that week's regular meeting.
Public Input: (10:45 a.m.) Joseph Biasella, Naples Bay Project Committee Member,
portrayed several photographs of vessels anchored in the bay by a ball anchor. He noted that City
Dock Master, Captain Bob Egan, has requested that anchorage be controlled because local
owners leave their vessels anchored in the bay for long periods of time without paying rent,
which eliminates anchorage for visitors.
It was the consensus of Council to discuss this issue at the regular meeting on
Wednesday, 1/5/00.
Recess: 10:51 to 11:03 a.m. It is noted for the record that the same Council Members
were in attendance when the meeting reconvened.
OLD NAPLES AQUARIUM PRESENTATION (11:03 a.m.) ITEM 11
Victoria Pollock, Executive Director of the Marine Habitat Foundation, Inc., presented a
proposed new facility. (A copy of this material is contained in the file for this meeting in the City
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Book 106 • Page 76/
City Council-Workshop Meeting — January 3, 2000 — 8:29 a.m.
Clerk's Office). This location on the Gordon River, she said, provides easy access to the bay for
research, as well as to collect fish. It is convenient to 5th Avenue, to visitors via walking access
to the aquarium and the park, she explained, and noted that the Marine Habitat Foundation is an
established organization with in excess of $50,000 in equipment. Permits are in place for
collection and display of salt and fresh water species. She explained that the Foundation is
requesting a long-term lease on a portion of the Pulling property recently donated to the City and
would raise funds for a building (approximately $900,000-$1,050,000) already being
conceptually designed. Ms. Pollock requested a firm commitment from Council in order to begin
the capital campaign. Council Member Herms cautioned that the Pulling property has strong use
restrictions, but Council Member Nocera noted that the Foundation's proposal meets all deed
restrictions. Like Mr. Nocera, Council Member Van Arsdale supported the proposal, but noted
that it would be unrealistic for the current City Council to enter into such an agreement. Vice
Mayor MacKenzie also expressed concern with giving public land to private groups, particularly
since this is not the only alternative, and opposed a two-story structure as proposed. Council
Member Coyle urged identification of public benefit before proceeding, although he said he
would support the project. Ms. Pollock confirmed for Council Member Tarrant that maintenance
costs would be funded by private donations; and that the Foundation would not charge
admission. Mr. Tan-ant indicated support, but said that the new City Council should decide.
Mayor Barnett reiterated Council's general support, but because of planning time, the new City
Council should make the decision.
It was the consensus of Council to support the project, but that after the February
election it would review the proposal again.
BILLING FROM ATTORNEY POVLITZ ($3,710.61) (11:35 a.m.) ITEM 12
City Manager Rambosk noted that City Council had directed payment to Attorney Povlitz not to
exceed $2,000. During discussion, it was determined that Mr. Povlitz would be asked to clarify
issues discussed in order for staff to make an informed decision regarding payment.
Council directed staff to immediately pay $2,000 as previously approved; staff will
review other charges and Mr. Povlitz will be asked to specifically identify issue
discussions enumerated in the charges.
REVIEW OF ITEMS ON THE 1/5/00 REGULAR MEETING AGENDA ITEM 10
(11:52 a.m.) Item 5-f (proposal from Hole Montes & Assoc. for engineering services relating to
the Port Royal Water Tank Site Project) will be removed from the Consent Agenda to discuss:
whether water pressure will be improved; structural cracks; and landscaping and fencing (Vice
Mayor MacKenzie). Council Member Herms suggested the City use a different engineering firm
since funds were spent on a new pump station that is not operable. Item 12 (a bank drive-through
at 900 5th Avenue South) Council Member Herms asked for the allowable density for the
residential component on this parcel. Added Item 16 - (expansion and renovation of the Cambier
Park Bandshell with D. Garrett Construction, Inc. to include renovation of the Cambier Park
Pavilion). Added Item 17 - (discussion regarding implementation of the Naples Bay Project
Committee's final report).
CORRESPONDENCE/COMMUNICATIONS (11:58 am.) Council Member Tarrant noted that a resident had contacted him regarding installing pedestrian
lights at 5th Avenue and 8th Street, and requested staff review this situation and report back.
Vice Mayor MacKenzie asked for a report on a directive to staff to investigate upgrades for the
visually impaired at 6th Avenue and 8th Street.
OPEN PUBLIC INPUT (11:59 a.m.) None.
5
Book 106 • Page 70,
City Council-Workshop Meeting — January 3, 2000 — 8:29 a.m.
ADJOURN 12:00 p.m.
Barnett, Mayor
Tara A. Norman, City Clerk
Prepared by:
Brenda A. Blair, Recording Specialist
Minutes Approved: 1/19/00
6
Book 106 •Page
ent 1
City Council Workshop Meeting
1/3/00
Page 1 of 5
Staff Report to Naples City Council
Subject:
Master Plan for Fleischmann Property
From:
Kevin J. Rambosk, City Manager
Prepared by: Bill Harrison, Assistant City
Recommend approval
ACTION REQUESTED: Discussion of use of Fleischmann Property at intersection of U.S.41 and
Fleischmann Boulevard, pending approval of ballot referendum.
BACKGROUND: By previous action, City Council has approved a ballot item for approval of issuance
of not to exceed $9 million in General Obligation Bonds for purchase of the Fleischmann Property.
Council has directed that staff prepare a master plan for use of the property and develop a program of
voter education prior to the February 1 st eloction.
ANALYSIS: A staff meeting was held on December 20th with Kevin Rambosk, Bill Harrison, Jon
Staiger, Ron Lee, Don Wirth, and Terry Fedelem present. As a result of those discussions, we have
developed three options for use of the property for discussion and direction from the City Council:
OPTION 1: Demolition of the vacant Chamber building, removal parking lot, replanting that
area with native grasses, and removal of exotics from entire site. Property will be left in a natural state.
OPTION 2: Demolition of the vacant Chamber building, repaving of Northwest corner as a
small parking lot for site. Removal of exotics from entire site. Development of pathway through site,
using raised boardwalk in species of concern area. Educational signage throughout walkway areas.
OPTION 3: Renovation of the Chamber building as a nature education facility, possibly in
partnership with the Conservancy or other group. Removal of exotics, building pathways, and
educational signage as noted above. Construction of a small parking lot and installation of picnic tables
in the southern part of the parcel.
FleischmannPropDevl.doc
Book 106 • Page
Attachment 1
City Council Workshop Meeting
1/3/00
Page 2 of 5
FLEISCHMANN/U.S. 41 PROPERTY
Proposed Planning Options
PROPOSAL I — Site Restoration (No Public Use)
Exotic plant removal
1.
Remove existing building and pavement
2.
Restore disturbed area
3.
Estimated Cost: $125,000 - $150,000
PROPOSAL II— Self Guided Tours
Exotic plant removal
Remove existing building and 1/2 pavement
a. Develop parking from Fleischmann Blvd.
Pathway installation thru Xeric plant communities
3.
Non directed interpretive walking tour
4.
a. Plant ID & plant community stations
Estimated Cost: $175,000 - $250,000
1.
2.
PROPOSAL III — Programmed Activities
Exotic plant removal
Environmental Education Center
Remove 1/2 existing pavement
Pathway installation thru Xeric plant communities
Development of transitional sites
a. Native plant restoration
b. Public use (picnic & south end parking)
Estimated Cost: $325,000 - $500,000
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
ok 100r6kZilt
7e6etfig
City Council W
1/3/00
Page 3 of 5
FLEISCHMANN/U.S. 41 PROPERTY
Proposed Planning Option 1.
Site Restoration (No Public Use)
Estimated Cost: $125,000 - $150,000
I.
Exotic plant removal
IL Remove existing building
and pavement
III. Restore disturbed area
LEGEND
140- COMMERCIAL AND SERVICES
193- URBAN LAND (IN TRANSITION
WITHOUT POSITIVE INDICATORS OF
INTENDED ACTIVITY)
322 - COASTAL SCRUB
411 - PINE FLAT WOODS
Book 106 • Page Attachment 1
City Council Workshop Meeting
Page 4 of 5
1/3/00
FLEISCHMANN/U.S. 41 PROPERTY
"NEMO.
Proposed Planning Option 2.
Self Guided Tours
Estimated Cost: $175,000 - $250,000
,
,
,.1.ZEISCHNIAN
OULEVAR1):
,
Ca,
I.
Exotic plant removal
II.
Remove existing building
and 1/2 pavement
a. Develop parking from
Fleischmann Blvd.
III.
Pathway installation through
Xeric plant communities
IV.
Non directed interpretive
walking tour
a. Plant ID & plant
community stations
LEGEND
140 — COMMERCIAL AND SERVICES
193 — URBAN LAND (IN TRANSITION
WITHOUT POSITIVE INDICATORS OF
INTENDED ACTIVITY)
322 — COASTAL SCRUB
411 —PINE FLATWOODS
MN.
:AVENUE NORTH
e-.11"..4,1110,
I
entI
Book 106Atiwi-u 76
City Council Workshop Meeting
1/3/00
Page 5 of -s
FLEISCHMANNiU.S. 41 PROPERTY
Proposed Planning Option 3.
Programmed Activities
Estimated Cost: $325,000 - $500,000
FLESCHMAN BOLEV ARtlt
147;,.
I.
Exotic plant removal
II.
Environmental Education Cent€
III.
Remove 1/2 existing pavement
IV.
Pathway installation through
Xeric plant communities
V.
Development of transitional sites
a. Native plant restoration
b. Public use (picnic & south en(
parking)
LEGEND
140— COMMERCIAL AND SERVICES
193 — URBAN LAND (IN TRANSITION
WITHOUT POSITIVE INDICATORS OF
INTENDED ACTIVITY)_
322 — COASTAL SCRUB
411— PINE FLATWOODS
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71'.
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•
I4TH 'AVENUE NORTH