TOWN OF INDIALANTIC
Brevard County, Florida 32903
February 19, 2008 Town Hall
MINUTES OF A TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE INDIALANTIC TOWN HALL ON FEBRUARY 19, 2008
PRESENT:
Hon. Robert L. Cochran, Jr., Mayor
Hon. Vince Benevente, Deputy Mayor
Hon. Dave Berkman, Councilman
Hon. Lori Halbert, Councilmember
Paul Gougelman, Town Attorney
Christopher W. Chinault, Town Manager
Laura Eaton, Town Clerk
ABSENT: Hon. Loren Goldfarb, Councilman (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. PUBLIC
Laura Lewandowski, 125 8th Ave., Vice Chairman of the Board of Adjustment, reported on a recent variance request to construct a fence in the front setback on Riverside Drive citing numerous noise and privacy issues. Ms. Lewandowski explained that the Board had denied the variance, but agreed to request that the Council consider updating the code to enhance privacy options for residences along busy throughways, specifically A1A and Riverside Drive.
The Town Manager responded that he had referred Mr. Evans, Chairman of the Board of Adjustment, to the Zoning and Planning Board for consideration.
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, and Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee
B. There will be openings, including reappointments, on the Budget and Finance Committee, Civil Service Board, Heritage Committee, and Zoning and Planning Board in March
V. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes No. 08-04– Regular Meeting – January 15, 2008
B. Approval of a School Concurrency Interlocal Agreement with Brevard County, the School Board and other Brevard municipalities
C. Approval to apply for a Sea Turtle Friendly Light Grant through U.S. Fish and Wildlife
D. Authorization for the Town Attorney to file suit, if necessary, against Florida Irrigation and Putting Greens, Inc. d/b/a Florida Green
E. Express concern to Bright House Networks regarding increased cost for SCGTV
Deputy Mayor Benevente moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilman Berkman seconded requesting that Items C, D & E be pulled for discussion. Motion to approve Items A & B carried unanimously.
C. Approval to apply for a Sea Turtle Friendly Light Grant through U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Councilman Berkman received clarification from the Town Manager that 66 lower profile lights would be installed south of Wendy’s along the walking area.
Deputy Mayor Benevente moved to approve Item C. Mayor Cochran seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
D. Authorization for the Town Attorney to file suit, if necessary, against Florida Irrigation and Putting Greens, Inc. d/b/a Florida Green
Councilmember Halbert questioned the cost of the trees versus the cost of filing suit. The Town Manager expressed his hope that it would not go that far and Attorney Gougelman stated that the Town may be able to recoup any legal fees.
Councilmember Halbert moved to approve Item D. Deputy Mayor Benevente seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
E. Express concern to Bright House Networks regarding increased cost for SCGTV
Councilman Berkman received background from Attorney Gougelman on the cable updates and additional cost.
Deputy Mayor Benevente moved to approve Item E. Councilman Halbert seconded. Motion carried with Mayor Cochran, Deputy Mayor Benevente and Councilmember Halbert voting “yes.” Councilman Berkman voted “no.”
VI. APPOINTMENTS
A. Board of Adjustment – Four openings. Mary Coggshall, David Justice and Laura Lewandowski would like to be reappointed.
Deputy Mayor Benevente moved to reappoint Mary Coggshall, David Justice and Laura Lewandowski. They were reappointed unanimously.
B. Budget and Finance Committee – One opening. Application received from Rudy Graf
Mayor Cochran nominated Mr. Graf. Deputy Mayor Benevente seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
C. Heritage Committee – Laverne Bruffey and Pamela Dunn would like to be reappointed. Application received from Cindy Earp and Dian Hoskins Milligan
Deputy Mayor Benevente moved to reappoint Laverne Bruffey and Pamela Dunn and to appoint Cindy Earp and Dian Hoskins Milligan. They were appointed unanimously.
VII. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A. Ordinance 08-04 – Amending Sec. 15-18.1(k) to allow regular part time employees to receive an annual beach parking permit at no cost
1. First reading – by title only
The Town Clerk read the ordinance by title only.
2. Public hearing and adoption on first reading
Councilman Berkman moved to approve Ordinance 08-04. Councilmember Halbert seconded.
There were no public comments.
Motion to approve Ordinance 08-04 carried unanimously.
B. Ordinance 08-05 – Amending the Personnel/Civil Service Manual
1. First reading – by title only
The Town Clerk read the ordinance by title only.
2. Public hearing and adoption on first reading
Deputy Mayor Benevente moved to approve Ordinance 08-05. Councilmember Halbert seconded.
There were no public comments.
Motion to approve Ordinance 08-05 carried unanimously.
C. Ordinance 08-06 – Amending the charter relating to electronic transfer of funds
1. First reading – by title only
The Town Clerk read the ordinance by title only.
2. Public hearing and adoption on first reading
Mayor Cochran moved to approve Ordinance 08-06. Councilman Berkman seconded.
There were no public comments.
Motion to approve Ordinance 08-06 carried unanimously.
VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Discussion and possible action regarding Council goals and objectives for 2008 - continued from the January 15, 2008 meeting
Mayor Cochran requested that this item be tabled until the full Council is present.
Councilman Berkman requested that the Town Manager organize the goals into a cohesive document for review.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
A. Discussion and possible action regarding the annual appreciation dinner (Requested by Councilman Berkman)
Councilman Berkman suggested the possibility of saving money by eliminating the gifts given out at the dinner.
Mayor Cochran and Deputy Mayor Benevente noted that board and committee members generously donate their time and efforts.
Council took no action on this item.
B. Discussion and possible action regarding installation of a fence at Sunrise Park (Requested by the Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee)
Bernie Gott, 705 N. Riverside Dr., member of the Parks, Recreation and Beautification Committee, advised that the Committee had recommended a fence be placed along the eastern part of the parking lot for pedestrian safety and to protect the unpaved side of the park.
Councilman Berkman pointed out that the majority of people park here for a short period of time to check on the beach conditions.
Deputy Mayor Benevente observed that the dune crossover is often blocked by vehicles.
It was the consensus of Council that this item be tabled until next month.
X. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. Report from Town Manager
Statistical Reports – January, 2008
B. Report from Town Attorney
The Town Attorney had no report.
XI.REPORTS
A. Mayor Cochran had no report.
B. Deputy Mayor Benevente announced the next Space Coast League of Cities meeting, Legislative Day in Tallahassee and a seminar on Home Rule and Taxation in Orlando.
C. Councilman Berkman had no report.
D. Councilmember Halbert had no report.
XII.ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:26 pm.
TOWN OF INDIALANTIC
___________________________
Robert L. Cochran, Jr.
Mayor
ATTEST:________________________
Laura Eaton, CMC
Town Clerk