TOWN OF INDIALANTIC
Brevard County, Florida 32903
January 15, 2008 Town Hall
MINUTES OF A TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE INDIALANTIC TOWN HALL ON JANUARY 15, 2008
PRESENT:
Hon. Robert L. Cochran, Jr., Mayor
Hon. Vince Benevente, Deputy Mayor
Hon. Dave Berkman, Councilman
Hon. Loren Goldfarb, Councilman
Hon. Lori Halbert, Councilmember
Paul Gougelman, Town Attorney
Christopher W. Chinault, Town Manager
Laura Eaton, Town Clerk
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. PUBLIC
Nancee Hay, 136 10th Ave, brought up what she saw as “selective” code enforcement relating to a business on Fifth Avenue.
Council discussed reported violations at the business, including operating without a business tax receipt and fire violations.
Attorney Gougelman advised that a business that doesn’t pay the tax can still operate but is in violation of the law. He also clarified that the Fire Chief has the authority to shut down any business in violation of the fire codes.
The Town Manager advised that it was his understanding that the electrical violations have been resolved and that the Fire Chief will follow up to assure that all violations are corrected.
Al Darsky, 301 S. Miramar, requested that a basketball court be installed in Nance Park.
Gary Van Zonneveld, 104 First Ave., received clarification from the Town Attorney that, based on case history, the Town can not be held liable if a fire should occur in a business even though the Town has knowledge of fire violations.
Donna Braunlich, 148 Miami Ave., thanked the Council for passing the vacation rental ordinance, offered suggestions for making the public aware of the ordinance and inquired as to violation reporting procedures.
The Town Manager explained that the Code Enforcement Officer is working with the Code Enforcement Prosecuting Attorney who, together with the Town Attorney, is developing a process to find and prosecute violations.
Ms. Braunlich requested improved communication with the public particularly through the web site.
Ann Bernick, 151 Miami Ave., suggested that citizen volunteers be used to help with the web site.
Dan Bachelor, 404 S. Ramona, requested that one of the goals on the basketball courts in Orlando Park be lowered for younger kids.
IV. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Town Clerk read the following announcements:
A. There are currently openings, including reappointments, on the Board of Adjustment, Budget and Finance Committee, Civil Service Board, Zoning and Planning Board, and Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee
B. There will be openings, including reappointments, on the Board of Adjustment and Heritage Committee in February
C. The annual Art Show will be held in Nance Park on January 19th and 20th
V. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes No. 08-03– Regular Meeting – December 18, 2007
B. Approval to excuse Councilmember Goldfarb’s absence from the February, 2008 regular Council meeting
C. Approval of an Interlocal Radio System (800 MHz) Master Agreement with Brevard County and other municipalities
D. Resolution 08-03 – Requesting support from the Florida Legislature for the priority issues as outlined by the Florida League of Cities
E. Resolution 08-04 – Adopting a social security number collection policy as required by Florida Statutes
F. Approval of a parking meter use agreement with Java Surf
Councilmember Halbert requested that Item D be removed for discussion.
Deputy Mayor Benevente moved to approve Items A, B, C, E and F. Councilman Berkman seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
D. Resolution 08-03 – Requesting support from the Florida Legislature for the priority issues as outlined by the Florida League of Cities
Councilmember Halbert received clarification from the Town Manager that the tax increment financing would not affect the Town but shows support for other municipalities.
Deputy Mayor Benevente moved to accept Consent Agenda Item D. Councilman Berkman seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
VI. APPOINTMENTS
A. Budget and Finance Committee – Two openings. Orlando Brillante would like to be reappointed. Application received from Bruce Bogert
Councilman Berkman moved to reappoint Mr. Brillante and appoint Mr. Bogert. Deputy Mayor Benevente seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
B. Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee – Brooke Deratany Goldfarb would like to be appointed
Deputy Mayor Benevente moved to appoint Ms. Goldfarb. Councilman Berkman seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
C. Zoning and Planning Board – One opening. Tom Kleving would like to be reappointed
Deputy Mayor Benevente moved to reappoint Mr. Kleving. Councilman Goldfarb seconded. Motion carried unanimously’
VII. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Discussion and possible action regarding an additional stop sign(s) on S. Ramona Avenue (Requested by Councilmember Halbert) – continued from the December 18, 2007 meeting
The Town Manager presented background on the traffic analysis and recommended that the stop sign be placed at 8th Ave.
Councilmember Halbert moved to place a stop sign at 8th and Ramona. Councilman Berkman seconded.
George Gergora, 316 Deland Ave., received clarification on the Consent Agenda Item E from the Town Clerk.
John B. MacNeill, 1320 S. Riverside Dr., cautioned against placing stop signs at too many intersections in Town.
Motion to place the stop sign at 8th and Ramona carried unanimously.
B. Discussion and possible action regarding Council goals and objectives for 2008 - continued from the December 18, 2007 meeting
It was the consensus of Council that this item be continued to February.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
A. Discussion and possible action regarding extension of employment agreement with the Town Manager
The Town Manager gave background.
Deputy Mayor Benevente moved to extend the Town Manager’s contract for an additional three years. Councilman Berkman seconded.
Councilman Goldfarb received clarification that the three year renewal period was based on the original contract.
Motion carried unanimously.
B. Discussion and possible action regarding offering an annual parking permit to regular part-time employees at no cost (Requested by Councilman Berkman)
Councilman Berkman pointed out that the free parking permit benefit Council previously approved for employees did not include part time employees.
The Town Manager advised that it would affect six employees.
Councilman Berkman moved to draft an ordinance to extend the free parking permit benefit to regular part time employees. Councilman Goldfarb seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
X. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. Report from Town Manager
Statistical Reports – December, 2007
B. The Town Attorney had no report.
XI. REPORTS
A. Mayor Cochran requested that the Town Manager follow up on the code enforcement issue addressed at the beginning of the meeting and provide a report to the Council members so they can respond to the residents.
B. Deputy Mayor Benevente reported on the Florida League of Cities’ stance on the upcoming ballot referendum.
C. Councilman Berkman had no report.
D. Councilman Goldfarb had no report.
E. Councilmember Halbert had no report.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm.
TOWN OF INDIALANTIC
___________________________
Robert L. Cochran, Jr.
Mayor
ATTEST:________________________
Laura Eaton, CMC
Town Clerk