CITY OF MELBOURNE, FLORIDA MINUTES REGULAR MEETING BEFORE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 24, 2015

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1 A regular meeting of the City Council was held in the City Council Chamber, 900 East Strawbridge Avenue, and was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Kathy Meehan. 1. The Invocation was given by Amy Julian, First Church of Christ Scientist. 2. Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Roll Call. Present: Kathy Meehan Mayor Mike Nowlin Council Member, District 1 Betty Moore Vice Mayor, District 2 Dan Porsi Council Member, District 3 Debbie Thomas Council Member, District 4 Molly Tasker Council Member, District 5 Teresa Lopez Council Member, District 6 Michael McNees City Manager Shannon Lewis Deputy City Manager Alison Dawley City Attorney Cathleen A. Wysor City Clerk Kevin McKeown Assistant City Clerk Cindy Dittmer Community Development Director 4. Proclamations and Presentations Mayor Meehan issued a proclamation to Francis Delaney, President, and Ed Reilly, Financial Secretary, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Brevard Division 2, proclaiming March 2015 as Irish American Heritage Month. 5. Approval of Minutes February 10, 2015 regular meeting. Moved by Nowlin/Thomas for approval. Motion carried unanimously. 6. City Manager's Report City Manager Mike McNees referenced the list of six February and March retirements. Additionally, he reminded Council about the upcoming awards ceremony for the Melbourne Police Department on March 4 at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto. Under Purchases Approved by the City Manager, Council Member Mike Nowlin inquired about the increase to an existing purchase order for vehicle air conditioning repair in the amount of $35,000. Mr. McNees said that he will provide additional details. 7. Public Comments Bart Gaetjens, 9001 Ellis Road, introduced himself as the new Florida Power & Light Page 1 of 15

2 External Affairs Manager for Brevard and Indian River Counties. Mr. Gaetjens replaced Sandy Sanderson. Mr. Gaetjens left several business cards for Council. Spence Guerin, Melbourne, spoke about the effort to save the old Melbourne High School building for the benefit of the city. Mr. Guerin said that the public has been generally excluded from the conversation and welcomed the opportunity for a full presentation on the issue. He commented that Link Johnsten, Eau Gallie Florist, has expressed his support of saving the building for future use. Mr. Guerin called for Council to take a pause on the issue before it s too late and conduct a complete feasibility study on the potential future use of the building, as well as supporting a halt in school board proceedings regarding the (reverter) clause. Cameron Donaldson, 400 Roxy Avenue, discussed the potential for the old Melbourne High School building. She asked Council to give citizens an opportunity to discuss other options for the building and to support a feasibility study. Eric Ellebracht, 1948 Tyler Avenue, discussed recent policy changes in the Melbourne Police Department regarding the use of force. He referenced statistics in the department regarding instances of use of force. Considering the bad press recently regarding the use of force by police agencies across the country, Mr. Ellebracht said that the Melbourne Police Department is doing a good job. Training, disciplinary procedures, and an excellent command staff are to credit for the success of the police department. Randy Foster, 1837 Palm Place Drive, stated that homelessness is an issue that every city has but that it can be resolved. He read a verse from the Bible and asked Council am I my brother s keeper? He referenced statistics from the Council on Homelessness 2014 report and stated that there were 1,567 homeless persons in Brevard County and just as many homeless students in Brevard public schools. Mr. Foster recommended creating an advisory board to coordinate with homeless shelters and organizations in the area to come up with a solution to this problem. Mayor Meehan advised Mr. Foster that Brevard County has created a task force on this issue and has discussed the development of a regional homeless shelter. John Edmiston, 832 Indian River Drive, stated that the Airport Authority and the City of Melbourne took a chance in building facilities for MidairUSA to lease. MidairUSA is up to date on the lease of their building and this chance is paying off. Planes are receiving quality maintenance and the company may be bringing more jobs to the area. The association with Embraer is another chance that was taken that is paying off to the overall benefit of the city with new expansion plans and new jobs. Mr. Edmiston referenced Harris Corporation s recent acquisition of Exelis and rumors of the company relocating its headquarters to Virginia. Mr. Edmiston encouraged Council to take a chance on making contacts with Harris to see what can be done to keep the headquarters in Melbourne. Rick Rollins, 2616 St. Michel Avenue, discussed crime issues in the Fountainhead neighborhood area and a warrant that was served at 2564 St. Michel Avenue. This address Page 2 of 15

3 has been the source of narcotics activity, prostitution, and other illegal activity. Mr. Rollins read the names of individuals associated with the crime in that area and indicated that some of the individuals are currently in prison. Mr. Rollins discussed in great detail a number of problems and concerns that have not been resolved and stated that there is a managerial disconnect at the Melbourne Police Department. Residents of the area feel as though they are being ignored. Mr. Rollins stated that he was told on multiple occasions that city staff would contact him to help resolve the issue but that never happened. Mayor Meehan asked the City Manager to comment. Mr. McNees indicated that he would personally follow up with Mr. Rollins and return to Council with a written report. Christopher Duncan, Jr., 944 Lyons Circle, Palm Bay, discussed his experience with homelessness both as a behavior analyst and as a homeless individual. Mr. Duncan stated that his unexpected loss of sight led to him losing his home and his job. He discussed Operation I Am Homeless, which is a program that challenges individuals to become homeless for 30 days in order to use that experience to help resolve the issue of homelessness. If everyone works together, a solution can be found. Mayor Meehan announced that the agenda item relating to street performances has been postponed until the March 10, 2015 City Council meeting. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 8. COUNCIL ACTION RE: Notice of motion to rescind and amend that previously adopted - Appointment of James Minus and Matthew Schlick as alternate members to the Code Enforcement Board. (Requested by Council Member Lopez) (Postponed 2/10/15) City Attorney Alison Dawley stated that this notice was requested by Council Member Teresa Lopez. Should a motion be made, this notice requires a majority of Council to approve the motion. Ms. Lopez expressed her concern about feeling rushed into appointing members to the Code Enforcement Board at the January 27 meeting. She commented that in order to evaluate who is most qualified to serve on a city board, Council must look at the qualifications of each applicant and combine them with the current interests of the city. Moved by Lopez/Porsi to rescind and amend the previous appointments to the Code Enforcement Board. The Mayor repeated the motion as a motion to rescind and amend the previously adopted appointments. Council Member Nowlin explained that he read the applications carefully and feels as though he nominated the most qualified applicants for the positions. Mayor Meehan added that it s up to Council to make phone calls to solicit more information from the applicants. Page 3 of 15

4 Ms. Lopez pointed out that one of the applicants is a lawyer. She expanded on the applicant s qualifications and remarked that these qualifications should have been enough for him to have been appointed. Vice Mayor Betty Moore and Mr. Nowlin briefly discussed the process they follow when making nominations for board appointments. Council Member Molly Tasker commented that the nomination and appointment process is too rushed. She recommended Council leave a brief gap between nominations to allow for time to discuss an applicant s qualifications. Ms. Tasker expressed support of the motion and of Council taking more time to discuss these matters in the future. Council Member Dan Porsi expressed his desire to discuss the following changes to the appointment process at a future meeting: to have board appointments at the beginning of the agenda under new business, to allow availability for applicants to be present before Council, and for boards to have the ability to make a recommendation on an appointment. In response to Mr. Nowlin, City Clerk Cathy Wysor indicated that during the Code Enforcement Board s annual report to Council last year, the board asked for representation from the South Melbourne community to replace Bennie Hopkins. Attorney Dawley clarified whether or not the motion carries, Council may discuss policy changes it would like to see in the board appointment process. If the motion carries, Council will be faced with the question of who should be nominated to the board. Ms. Lopez expressed a desire to add discuss the applicants to the original motion. The question was called. The roll call vote was: Aye: Tasker and Lopez Nay: Porsi, Thomas, Nowlin, Moore, Meehan Motion failed. Attorney Dawley announced that the Code Enforcement Board appointments made by Council on January 27 stand. Ms. Dawley advised that at the end of the meeting, she will be seeking guidance from Council on policy changes to the appointment process. NEW BUSINESS 9. COUNCIL ACTION RE: DB Lee Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) Expansion & Energy Efficiency Improvements, Project No Page 4 of 15

5 a. Contract award inclusive of the condition that FDEP approval of the award is received by the City for DB Lee WRF Expansion & Energy Efficiency Improvements, Project No , Brandes Design-Build, Inc., Clearwater, FL - $5,315, b. Professional engineering services contract approval for DB Lee WRF Expansion & Energy Efficiency Improvements, Project No , Infrastructure Solution Services, LLC, Melbourne, FL - not-to-exceed $456,750 Assistant Public Works and Utilities Director Harold Nantz reviewed the agenda report and read the recommendation. In response to Ms. Lopez, Mr. Nantz indicated that the 20-year loan has a 2.37% interest rate with the total loan amounting to $7 million. Moved by Nowlin/Moore for award of construction contract to Brandes Design-Build, Inc. of Clearwater, Florida, in the amount of $5,315, for DB Lee WRF Expansion & Energy Efficiency Improvements, Project No , inclusive of the condition that FDEP approval of the award is received by the City. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Nowlin/Thomas for approval of the professional engineering services contract with Infrastructure Solution Services, LLC of Melbourne, Florida, in a not-to-exceed amount of $456,750 for the DB Lee WRF Expansion & Energy Efficiency Improvements, Project No Motion carried unanimously. 10. CONSENT AGENDA: The Mayor reported that Item a was removed from the consent agenda. Moved by Nowlin/Moore for approval of the consent agenda, Items b through f. Motion carried unanimously. a. Contract award for purchase of swimming pool chlorine, The Dumont Company, Oviedo, FL - $11,700 for first contract year, total estimated contract cost $46,800. b. Contract award for City-wide courier services, M.C.S. Courier Service, Melbourne, FL annual cost of $16,060, total contract cost $64,240. c. Renewal of annual technical support service for Novell Netware, Groupwise, GWAVA, and Zenworks; Viable Solutions, Inc.; Orlando, FL - $56,880. d. Purchase of additional licenses and the renewal of Novell network software and maintenance for GroupWise and Novell Open Workgroup Suite from Novell, Inc.; Provo, UT, - $47, e. Resolution No. 3472: A resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the State of Florida Victims of Crime Act Program for FY funding in the amount of $38,427 with matching funds of $9,607 for a total program cost Page 5 of 15

6 of $48,034 to continue the Victim Services Program by funding the Victim Advocate position for the Melbourne Police Department. f. Resolution No. 3473: A resolution regarding First Amendment to Agreement to Sell Easements in relation to Wetlands Mitigation Bank. 11. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA a. Contract award for purchase of swimming pool chlorine, The Dumont Company, Oviedo, FL - $11,700 for first contract year, total estimated contract cost $46,800. In response to Ms. Lopez, Kevin Briski, Director of Parks and Recreation, stated that pool operations are managed from May through November. In that period of time, youth groups, daily users, contracted users, day care facilities and others use the pools regularly. This contract was competitively bid and costs less than last year s contract. The contract locks in the bid price for this year plus three additional years. Mr. Briski described pool management strategies and stated that $11,700 is a not-to-exceed number. Moved by Tasker/Thomas for approval of the contract award for purchase of swimming pool chlorine. Mr. Briski fielded general questions from Mr. Nowlin and Ms. Lopez and expressed his comfort with the price of this item. The question was called. Motion carried unanimously. 12. COUNCIL ACTION RE: 2016 Budget Outlook and Fiscal Issues. Director of Finance Michele Ennis stated that a review of current revenue and expenditure trends was prepared and staff is looking for direction from Council for FY 2016 budget preparation. General Fund revenues have remained flat over the last several years. Any uptick in one revenue stream is offset by a downward trend in the communications services tax. Additionally, there was approximately $4.5 million in requests from General Fund departments that were denied/postponed due to lack of funding. The current year budget is estimated to reduce the Available Fund Balance by $3 million to fund the IT remediation plan and public safety vehicle replacements. The Water/Sewer Fund has maintained sufficient revenues to cash fund major capital improvements and has continued to build reserves in an effort to delay future bond financing through The Golf Course Fund received a subsidy from the General Fund in the amount of ($451,482) at the end of FY The FY 2015 budget includes a subsidy of ($275,561) and Page 6 of 15

7 staff will continue to review golf course revenues to monitor whether this subsidy will be sufficient. Moved by Moore/Nowlin to use the FY 2015 millage rate in development of the proposed budget, maintaining the current level of funding for street resurfacing, deferred maintenance and capital equipment replacement needs. Mayor Meehan commented that a roll back rate should be considered and recommended coordinating with the Brevard County Blue Ribbon Transportation Advisory Committee to explore an infrastructure sales tax, public service tax, or increase in gas tax to fund street resurfacing. In response to Vice Mayor Moore, City Engineer Jenni Lamb stated that a survey regarding street conditions in the city is nearly complete and should appear before Council soon. Mayor Meehan stated that if Brevard County approves an increase in the gas tax, the city would receive an increase. This would be in addition to what is available to go towards road improvements. The question was called. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Nowlin/Lopez to include a modest increase in base pay for non-union employees in the proposed budget for next year to maintain comparable pay adjustments for all employee groups. In response to Mr. Nowlin, Mr. McNees commented that his preference would be to get all pay groups on a similar pay scale. The question was called. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Nowlin/Porsi to set aside funding for maintenance of the compensation plan. The Mayor asked staff to elaborate on this item. Ms. Ennis explained that at any given time, there can be significant inequities in the pay plan, and this funding would give the City Manager the authority to make adjustments as needed. Mr. McNees provided an example and said that money set aside would allow the city to be competitive by making adjustments to pay scales when necessary. He confirmed that individual adjustments would not have to appear before Council. The question was called. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Nowlin/Moore to prioritize critical equipment needs that continue to be deferred to discuss potential funding. Page 7 of 15

8 Mr. Nowlin asked for clarification on what type equipment this applies to. Ms. Ennis stated that the priority is in the General Fund. The question was called. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Tasker/Thomas for preliminary plans for the build out of the fourth floor at City Hall be considered in the FY 2016 budget. Mr. McNees confirmed to Council that a realtor was hired and the space has been shown to various tenants. There are compatibility issues with combining public and private sectors. The city continues to pursue government agencies that might need space. City staff also needs a large conference/training room space. The Mayor expressed her support of renting out the space. Mr. McNees stated that renting out the space is part of the deal. Vice Mayor Moore stated that we should eagerly pursue this. The question was called. Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Nowlin/Moore for approval of Council s FY2016 Budget meeting schedule outlined in the attached memo. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Nowlin commented that there are a lot of equipment needs in the Police and Fire Departments, as well as the needs for road improvements. He suggested that a separate budget be prepared for comparison purposes showing these needs being fully funded. Ms. Ennis stated that if Council funded public safety and transportation entirely, there would be nothing left. Mr. McNees stated that if we talk about full funding of police and fire vehicles based on the vehicle replacement policy schedule, as well as fully funding road resurfacing on a schedule where the useful life of the road matches how often it gets repaved, it leaves Council in a very dramatic place to decide what departments should be closed. Mr. McNees encouraged Council to think very hard about what the city is doing that Council can live without. 13. RESOLUTION NO. 3474: A resolution adopting first quarter budget review recommendations. Ms. Ennis reviewed the agenda report and read the recommendation. This report covers the period from October 2014 through December The first quarterly budget review is mostly housekeeping. At the end of every fiscal year, purchase orders are left open if items have not been received and are labeled as carry forward encumbrances. Moved by Moore/Tasker for approval of Resolution No Motion carried unanimously. Page 8 of 15

9 14. RESOLUTION NO. 3475: A resolution providing for Airport Fund budget adjustments. Marilyn Hively, Airport Finance Manager, reviewed the agenda report, including the acceptance of an amendment to an existing FDOT grant to construct Northside road access, the design and replacement of the air traffic control tower, and the design of the terminal transformation project. In response to Council Member Nowlin, Ms. Hively explained that the road would connect St. Michaels Place and General Aviation Drive. Mr. Nowlin expressed his desire to see Croton Road connect with General Aviation Drive. Ms. Tasker stated that Croton Road runs through a residential neighborhood and that by using St. Michaels Place, motorists would have access to a traffic light and it would alleviate traffic through this area. Ms. Hively stated that the Airport plans to finish the terminal design by the end of the current fiscal year, have the design for the air traffic control tower completed in one year, and have the road project completed in 18 months. Moved by Thomas/Tasker for approval of Resolution No Motion carried unanimously. 15. COUNCIL ACTION RE: (Public Hearing) Approval of proposed list of projects and activities for the FY CDBG Action Plan; and authorization for the City Manager to submit the Plan for inclusion in the Consolidated Action Plan and to execute all associated documents. Housing and Urban Improvement Manager Denise Carter reviewed the agenda report and read the recommendation. The Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) deliberated on staff recommendations during its regular meeting on February 2, 2015, and agreed with the staff recommendations. Projects proposed in the preliminary funding proposals for the Action Plan are consistent with the city s goals for economic development, a safe and healthy community, and community resources. Ms. Tasker expressed her desire to see money allocated for a splash park be put toward bus stop shelters. Community Development Director Cindy Dittmer stated that the CRA initiated the Riverview Park Master Plan through a public input process and neighbors in the area proposed over $6 million in improvements. Staff is attempting to incorporate this element of the project at the outset since the neighborhood specifically requested it. The splash park is only a part of Phase One of this improvement project. Mr. Nowlin stated that historically, funding has always been given to Lipscomb Park in large sums. He would like to see $10,000 given to Lipscomb Park and have $80,000 moved to Riverview Park to get a good start on the master plan. Ms. Carter stated that Ms. Tasker s comments would be taken into consideration during the development of the consolidated plan over the next five years. She stated that if money is left sitting around doing nothing, the federal government will interpret that as the city not needing those funds. Therefore, staff is bringing Council projects that can move quickly and can be Page 9 of 15

10 put into the ground with results that can be reported on. She reported that a bus shelter on University Boulevard will be funded and staff is looking at where other shelters can be placed. Ms. Tasker discussed funding a project that is specific to one neighborhood (the splash park) or funding a project that can be utilized by more citizens (bus shelters). Ms. Carter commented that if the city is not awarded the FRDP grant, the splash park may not be the first priority. Mayor Meehan responded that the splash park is what the neighborhood specifically asked for during the public input process. Mr. Nowlin explained that the placement of potential bus shelters would be out of the city s control since some of them would be on Brevard County roads. The Mayor opened the public hearing. Becky Lemstrom, 1425 Aurora Road, on behalf of the South Brevard Women s Center, thanked Council and Ms. Carter for support of the transitional housing program. Ms. Lemstrom detailed the services provided by the Women s Center that are available in Melbourne. Ms. Lemstrom responded to general questions from Ms. Lopez. Jennifer Ottomonelli, 3316 South Monroe Street, Director of Fund Development for Club Esteem, detailed the services provided by Club Esteem. She shared that last year s funds were able to help provide services to roughly 175 children in the Melbourne area and commented that with the help of Club Esteem, roughly 92% of students went to college and 7% enlisted in the military. Eddie Taylor, 1500 Woodlake Drive, Palm Bay, thanked Council for its continued support and contributions to Lipscomb Park. He discussed his volunteer experience with the park over the last 40 years and invited Council to a banquet on March 21. Moved by Porsi/Moore for approval of the proposed projects and activities for inclusion in the proposed FY CDBG Action Plan and authorization to advertise the Action Plan for public comment and a final public hearing upon completion. Ms. Tasker requested that staff return with the estimated cost of the splash park. The question was called. Motion carried unanimously. 16. COUNCIL ACTION RE: (Public Hearing) Approval of proposed activities for FY HOME funds; and authorization for the City Manager to submit the Plan for inclusion in the Brevard County HOME Consortium s Consolidated Action Plan and to execute all associated documents. Ms. Carter reviewed the agenda report and read the recommendation. The Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) deliberated on staff recommendations during its regular meeting on February 2, 2015, and agreed with staff recommendations. Page 10 of 15

11 The Mayor opened the public hearing. Charlie Adams, 40 Court Street, Boston, MA, on behalf of Preservation of Affordable Housing, described the history of Trinity Towers. He introduced Mary Kay Howell, property manager at Trinity Towers East and West. Mr. Adams detailed his non-profit organization s plan to apply for federal funding to assist in the completion of necessary renovations. $8 million in renovations will be done to Trinity Towers West, including improved safety features, kitchen and bath remodeling, and ADA improvements. Trinity Towers East renovations include kitchen and bath renovations and potential full accessibility improvements for 11 units. Ms. Tasker indicated that through her aunt, who used to live at Trinity Towers West, she was told of concerns about the air conditioning and the windows. Mr. Adams indicated that the HVAC system will be fully renovated to a state of the art system. Additionally, roughly $1 million in window improvements will take place. Ms. Tasker suggested that a small market be incorporated into the building. Moved by Porsi/Tasker for preliminary approval of the proposed activities for federal FY HOME funds and authorization for their inclusion in the Brevard County HOME Consortium Consolidated Action Plan for FY Motion carried unanimously. 17. SITE PLAN APPROVAL (SP ) FLORIDA TECH STUDENT DESIGN CENTER: (Public Hearing) A request for site plan approval to construct a new 11,265±-square foot student design laboratory building on a 1.91±-acre portion of the developed Florida Tech south campus zoned I-1 (Institutional). The property is located on the south side of University Boulevard, east of Country Club Road and west of Babcock Street. (Owner Florida Institute of Technology) (Applicant Morgan & Associates Engineering) (Representative Andy Kirbach, P.E.) (P&Z Board 2/5/15) Ms. Dittmer reviewed the agenda report, read the recommendation and displayed a map of the property. The Planning and Zoning Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of this request at its February 5, 2015 meeting. There were no disclosures by Council. The Mayor opened the public hearing. Andy Kirbach, 504 North Harbor City Boulevard, Morgan and Associates, on behalf of Florida Institute of Technology, stated that he is available to answer questions. Moved by Lopez/Nowlin for approval of SP , based on the findings and conditions contained within the Planning and Zoning Board memorandum. Motion carried unanimously. 18. COUNCIL ACTION RE: Approval of replacement and installation of variable frequency drives (VFDs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and integration into existing supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems at both Water Reclamation Facilities, Rexel, Melbourne, FL - $167,602. Page 11 of 15

12 Director of Public Works and Utilities Ralph Reigelsperger reviewed the agenda report and read the recommendation. Moved by Nowlin/Moore for approval of replacement and installation of VFDs, PLCs and integration into existing SCADA systems at both Water Reclamation Facilities, Rexel, Melbourne, FL - $167,602. Motion carried unanimously. 19. COUNCIL ACTION RE: Recodification of City Code. a. ORDINANCE NO : (First Reading/Public Hearing) Adopting and enacting the City Charter as a result of certain provisions being converted to ordinances by operation of Municipal Home Rule, including section 2.09 relating to minimum notice requirements for emergency City Council meetings; adopting the Charter as part of the 2015 recodification of the City Code. b. ORDINANCE NO : (First Reading/Public Hearing) Adopting and enacting a new Code (2015) for the City of Melbourne. c. ORDINANCE NO : (First Reading/Public Hearing) Adopting and enacting amendments to the Land Development Regulations as part of the 2015 recodification of the City Code. City Clerk Cathy Wysor reviewed the agenda report and read the recommendation. Ms. Wysor stated that the last recodification was in This recodification is a clean-up of the previous code, including department names, employee titles, state statute references, and editorial styles. It also repeals ordinances and sections of code that are no longer effective. Finally, recodification cures any instances where an ordinance may have been adopted improperly. The manuscript was provided to Council in the third week of January. The Planning and Zoning Board made a Finding of Consistency for Parts II and III at its February 19, 2015 meeting. Ms. Wysor clarified to Mr. Porsi that doggy dining is still allowed and is now located in the Land Development Regulations. Attorney Dawley read each ordinance by its title. Moved by Tasker/Moore for approval of Ordinance No Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Nowlin/Moore for approval of Ordinance No Motion carried unanimously. Moved by Nowlin/Porsi for approval of Ordinance No Motion carried unanimously. 20. RESOLUTION NO. 3476: A resolution expressing support of Florida House Bill 225 and Florida Senate Bill 590 The All American Flag Act. (Requested by Council Member Debbie Thomas) Page 12 of 15

13 Council Member Thomas stated that the All American Flag Act requires all United States flags purchased by the city to be made in the United States with fibers grown in the United States. LTC (Ret.) Tim Thomas, 2602 Englewood Drive, thanked Council for support of the resolution. The initiative was started by students at Viera High School. Mr. Thomas commented that it is very sensitive to veterans to have flags purchased and made on foreign soil flying above our institutions of government. Jared King, 622 Sheridan Woods Drive, West Melbourne, stated that the Pledge of Allegiance is said at school every morning and that the flag is a symbol of strength and patriotism. It is absurd that we do not even buy or make these flags in our country. He asked Council for support of this resolution. Tim Lancaster, 1626 Sun Gaze Drive, Rockledge, stated he has had the opportunity to speak in front of the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners, the Palm Bay City Council, and the Local Affairs Committee in Tallahassee. He commented that students have appreciation for the flag just like veterans do, and that the effort to get this act passed has helped him show his patriotism and learn about legislative process. Matt Susin, 3675 Mary Lou Lane, stated that this initiative was started three years ago in a classroom when a student decided to pursue this objective. He said that the act is getting support from kids all across Florida who are showing up in Tallahassee to request the act be passed. Mr. Susin informed Council that a veteran donated a flag he received after the Korean War and requested that it be taken around to all the governmental bodies that are considering passing resolutions in support of the act. Mayor Meehan added that education about respecting the flag is imperative. Mr. Susin said that the next stage of the act is to place educational curriculum about the flag and American history into public school curriculum. Moved by Tasker/Thomas for approval of Resolution No Motion carried unanimously. 21. PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES, AND COMMUNICATIONS Vice Mayor Moore discussed a roof issue with the Honor America Liberty Bell Museum which was leased to Honor American in It is one of the last Honor America museums which was started by Bob Hope, the Reverend Billy Graham, J.W. Marriott, and Hobart Lewis. An individual has come forward and has committed $15,000 to put towards the repair of the roof and the building if the city matches that amount. Vice Mayor Moore said that we do not want to lose the valuable items inside the museum Moved by Moore/Meehan to approve $15,000 to the Honor America Liberty Bell Museum for a matching grant to put on a new roof. Page 13 of 15

14 Mayor Meehan said the money should come from the contingency fund or from reserves. Mr. Nowlin said it is a bad plan to take maintenance dollars out of reserves. If the money comes from another source, he could support the motion. Mr. Porsi commented that the Council has precedence in coming to the aid of institutes in the area that need maintenance assistance. Mr. McNees stated that there are an unlimited number of options on how Council can go about this. The suggestion is to take money from the contingency fund but staff can explore what else can be cut in order to make this money available. The lease says it is Honor America s responsibility to fix the roof. The city does own the building and it is a question of whether or not Council wants to go forward with this. In response to Mr. Nowlin, Mr. McNees stated that the city leases many buildings to many organizations who promise to keep up the buildings but do not. When the time comes for major repairs to be done, the tenants come back to the city and ask for assistance. Staff is compiling information on current leases. Mr. Nowlin said that $15,000 pulled from contingency funds will not be replenished. He asked if Council can take out money from various department budgets to come up with this money. Mayor Meehan said she would not support taking money out of department budgets. The question was called. Motion carried. Council Member Nowlin voted nay. Mr. Nowlin discussed placing the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization on a future agenda to provide a then and now historical presentation to Council. Without objection, Council approved Mr. Nowlin s request. Additionally, Mr. Nowlin stated that he met with Mark LaRusso and Kyle Smith (Brevard County Manatees General Manager) regarding a proposed development plan for a baseball stadium in Downtown Melbourne. Without objection, Council approved allowing a presentation at the March 10 or March 24. Ms. Tasker referenced some confusion around Hickory Street and the placement of signs indicating that the roads are blocked. Staff will look into the issue. In response to Ms. Tasker s request, Ms. Dittmer provided a brief update on the annexations coming before Council. Ms. Dittmer indicated that the annexations would be going to the Planning and Zoning Board on March 5 and will be in front of Council for first reading on March 24. Ms. Lopez stated that she received a complaint about the road conditions on Aurora Road between Wickham Road and U.S. 1. Mr. McNees replied that portion of the roadway is owned by Brevard County. Page 14 of 15

15 Council briefly discussed the process to nominate and appoint residents to city boards. Ms. Wysor indicated that during the annual board reports, the various boards will report on the type of individuals they are looking for when filling vacant positions. Finally, Council concurred that the nomination process can be done less quickly in future nominations. 22. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Moore/Porsi for adjournment. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Assistant City Clerk 3/2/2015 Approved by Council: March 10, 2015 Page 15 of 15