Item No. 6(a) Orange Park, Florida The meeting of the Orange Park Town Council was called to order in the Town Hall Council Chambers at 7 p.m. with Mayor Gary Meeks presiding. Other Councilmen present were Vice-Mayor Eugene Nix, Councilman J.B. Renninger, Councilman Scott Land, and Councilman Steve Howard. Also in attendance were Town Manager Jim Hanson, Public Works Director Chuck Pavlos, Economic & Community Development Director T.C. Amato, Attorney Sam Garrison of Kopelousos, Bradley & Garrison, and Town Clerk Sarah Campbell. The invocation was given by Councilman Land followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Boy Scouts from Troop 412. MAYOR TO CALL ON ANYONE IN AUDIENCE WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL Mr. Paul Fleury, 559 Laurel Grove, addressed the Council regarding the public service tax. He thanked the Boy Scouts for leading the Pledge of Allegiance. He thanked Mr. Hanson and Ms. Campbell for helping him with documents related to the public service tax. He stated that the tax is actually 12% and that JEA is using an incorrect formula. He stated that local businesses will be impacted by $75-$100 per month on their electric bill he questioned how they will be able to stay in business with this tax increase. He stated that he received the Town's figures for the implementation of the public service tax, but there was no analysis or goals identified with the proposal. He questioned how much JEA would charge the Town to implement this tax. Mayor Meeks stated that the tax is actually about 6.8% of the total bill. He noted that the Town was using approximately $500,000 out of reserves each year. He stated that if the Council would have raised the funds through property tax, there would have been a burden to all homeowners of 1.5 mills. Mr. Fleury stated that the Town is spending money on sidewalks, signs, and grant programs. Mayor Meeks stated that the Town did not approve the grant program for $35,000 that was proposed at the last meeting. He stated that the Council is trying to capture revenue from the 30% of the property owners that do not pay property tax to the Town. Mr. Fleury stated that the Town has a 1% sales tax as well. Mayor Meeks stated that the Town does not get the whole assessment. The County collects the revenue and the Town receives a portion. Mr. Don Rice, 2600 Holly Point Road West, addressed the Council regarding the public service tax. He noted that he did not attend Council meetings when this tax was passed. He stated that between the franchise fee and the new tax, the Town is taxing the residents 16% for electricity.
Page 2 Clay County has a 4% public service tax and they exempt the first 500 kwh. He requested that the Council reduce the tax amount and give an exception. Mr. Ron Raymond, 319 River Road, stated that the Town has a problem with cats. They have made a mess of his sandbox. He stated that they are not effective at keeping rats away if people feed them. He stated that he does like cats and even rescued cat from a tree. He recommended that the Council adopt an ordinance requiring owners to feed cats. Mr. Frank Ricketts, 2253 Marcia Court, stated that he had issues with cats in his yard. He does not like wild or stray cats on his property. He recommended that the Council implement a program that would not cost all Town residents for the feeding and care of the cats. He recommended that people who feed the cats should pay for the program caring for them as well. Ms. Melanie Seifried, 529 Lakefield Lane, stated that she is opposed to the proposed ordinance. She stated that the trap neuter release program that the Town used in 2013 was good. It did not endanger the health and safety of the animals. She stated that the proposed ordinance is a big step backward. Mr. Stephen Castiglia, 710 Winfred Drive, stated that he agreed with Ms. Seifried. The cats are not to blame. The cats are not hurting anything. He stated that most of the cats are abandoned and have eliminated rats by nearby businesses he questioned whether the Council would let the animals die if they cannot be fed. He suggested that dogs could be treated the same way. He recommended that the Council go after people who abandon the animals in the first place. He stated that the ban on feeding them would only cause the animals to suffer, when the people are the problem. Rev. Diane Frazier, 1867 Ontario Court, stated that a trap neuter release program is a good idea. The ordinance is a step backwards. She stated that many facilities offer free services. She stated that many rescuers are having the cats fixed and feeding them prevents them from roaming around. She requested that the Council look at all options and that they not deliver a slow death to the animals. She stated that the proposed ordinance cannot be enforced and that the Council needs more information on trap neuter release programs. Rev. One Eagle Feather, 1867 Ontario Court, stated that he built the cat shelter at the Clay County Humane Society facility. He stated that people are responsible for the care of animals and we should let them live in peace and honor. Mr. Bill Clark, 3118 Moody Avenue, stated that there are many circumstances surrounding the presence of cats. He recommended using individual answers to solve the problems and requested that the Council not use wide strokes to solve this issue. He stated that these animals are fed two times a day and would die miserably if they cannot be fed. This would cause an emotional toll on the people who care for them. He recommended educating groups about the care of cats. He stated that the cruelty of this ordinance is sickening.
Page 3 Ms. Lorna Gross, 592 Clermont Avenue South, stated that she has lived in this area for over 35 years. There has been a lack of animal control. She stated that she has been feeding cats for the last 10 years. She is currently feeding two cats. The Town's trap neuter release program was a great program and allowed for progress. She recommended that homeowners place plywood over their sandbox to keep cats and rain out. She stated that the Town needs a dialogue on this issue and not the death sentence for the animals. Mr. Larry Carter, 560 Clinton Drive, stated that he has lived here for 56 years and Ms. Wilma and Ms. Deborah are his neighbors. They have a 24/7 devotion to caring for the cats. He stated that the Town does not care for the cats and does not spend any money on an animal control program. Mayor Meeks commented on the Town's recent trap neuter release program. He stated that the grant does not pay for staff costs. He discussed the former employee in the code enforcement position who spent a great deal of time coordinating the trap neuter release grant program. Mr. Carter stated that the former code enforcement officer only spent 20% of his time on this program. He recommended that the Council use the grant funds and the volunteers time to formulate a solution instead of making feeding illegal. He recommended that the women who care for the cats be recognized by the Town. Ms. Deborah Hastings, 2105 Mound Street, thanked the Town for the recent trap neuter release program. She stated that one option was to apply for grant funds and have volunteers trap and transport the cats. Mayor Meeks stated that the Town has traps, but no one to transport the animals back and forth to the facilities. He stated that the Council could look for a solution. Ms. Hastings noted that hundreds of kittens were not born this year due to the Town's trap neuter release program. She stated that there is a clinic on Fillmore Street where the first 40 customers receive free sterilization on Wednesdays. No More Homeless Pets also picks up animals from Tractor Supply Company and provides sterilization services. She stated that she spends $100 per day on food and has maxed out her veterinary bill. She recommended that the Council put the grant funds in an account at a local clinic. The community can then trap cats and bill against the account for the sterilization. Mayor Meeks noted that all of the suggestions are appropriate and commended the volunteers for their sustained support of this effort. Ms. Cecilia Dew, 3417 Highway 17, stated that there are many answers and many volunteers in this room. She stated that all cats may not be feral. Some of them are homeless or displaced. She provided the photos to the Council of cats that were injured, cared for, adopted out, and provided a great life. She stated that eliminating feeding as an option would starve the animals. She
Page 4 described the success of the program in the Industrial Loop business area. Local businesses saw improvement with time and also started participating in the program. Ms. Fran Havey, 1733 Papaya Drive North, stated that she is a teacher and involved with the rescue of cats. She stated that the Council is a compassionate group and along with the volunteers can provide solutions. She noted that feral cats live for three years while indoor cats live for 15 to 20 years. She offered to organize volunteer efforts to tackle this problem. Mr. Roger Arrowsmith, 4800 Lakeshore Drive West, stated that he and his wife have been trapping cats for 15 years. They have cared for hundreds of cats. He currently feeds about 11 cats. Many of these animals are adoptable. There is a right way to diminish the size of a colony. He recommended that the Council apply for other grants. He stated that Clay County is working toward a trap neuter release program as well. Ms. Wilma Page, 511 Milwaukee Avenue, asked Councilman Renninger read a letter into the record for her. She expressed her opposition to the proposed ordinance that would ban the feeding of cats. Ms. Terry Colburn 392 Arora Blvd., stated that she has trapped, neutered, and released over 300 cats herself. She urged the Council not to let the animals starve. She has lived in Clay County over 30 years. Rev. William Randall, 1331 Miller Street, asked the Council permission to lease the Town's building at 2040 Smith Street. The Town currently uses the facility for storage. The Miller Street Neighborhood Renewal organization would like to partner with the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency and the Clay County Economic Development Council to help individuals with low income. These individuals have problems getting transportation. This would be a seven county effort to establish a technical vocational school that would provide vehicle repair and vehicle sales, financing, and warranties through VyStar. The Town's leasing of this facility would be similar to other sites in the community used by nonprofit groups including the TC Miller Community Center, Orange Park Athletic Association, the Skateboard Park, And the Clothes Closet. Councilman Renninger asked about the number of cars that would be distributed through this program. Rev. Randall stated that the Family Foundation of Jacksonville had a goal of 1000 cars in 1000 days. The goal for this proposal would be 500 cars in one year, this goal was then lowered to 225 cars in one year. Councilman Renninger requested more information regarding the numbers in the proposal. He noted that FSCJ would not be participating in the program. If First Coast Technical College is participating in the program, the Town should be provided with a letter of intent regarding their obligations.
Page 5 Councilman Howard asked Mr. Hanson if the Town currently needs the building. Mr. Hanson stated that the building is currently used by the Town. The building is used to store Christmas decorations and other items. Councilman Howard asked if the Town has researched the value of the building. Mr. Hanson stated that staff has not researched this further than the Town's expenditures on the facility which total $550,000. Mr. Hanson recommended that the Town get an appraisal for the sale or lease of the property Vice-Mayor Nix asked Rev. Randall what the proposed lease amount would be. Rev. Randall stated that the Town would receive $100 for every vehicle sold. This could total $22,500 annually if their goal is met. Vice-Mayor Nix recommended that the Town obtain a market analysis. He questioned whether the zoning of the parcels would allow for this type of facility. Mr. Amato stated that the property was residential when the Town obtained it. It is now designated for government use. The Town would need to make a recommendation on a new use should the Town stop using the facility. Mr. Amato stated that the neighboring properties are commercial general or commercial professional office. Mayor Meeks asked if this would be a licensed dealership. Rev. Randall stated that financing and insurance for the buying of selling of vehicles would take place at a separate facility. Mayor Meeks requested a report from staff on this issue. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING DATED APRIL 7, 2015 Councilman Howard moved to approve the minutes of the Council meeting dated April 7, 2015. Councilman Land seconded the motion which passed unanimously 5 to 0. RESOLUTION SUPPORTING APPLICATION FOR FORESTRY GRANT Councilman Renninger requested that this item be pulled from the consent agenda for discussion. He questioned what the Town's match would be. Ms. Campbell stated that the Town can donate staff costs as an in-kind contribution toward the grant. Staff time could be used to attend a training program, the expense of the trainer, and any staff time related to pruning and removal of trees following the tree inventory and training session. Councilman Renninger questioned the amount of the Town's match. Ms. Campbell stated that the grant is for $30,000 in the Town would need to match $15,000. Councilman Renninger moved to approve the resolution supporting the application for a forestry grant. Councilman Howard seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 5 to 0.
Page 6 AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD CONTRACT FOR GABRIEL & CHABLIS COURT WEST IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Pavlos stated that the Town received four sealed bids on April 6. Grimes Utilities Inc. was the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. He recommended that the Council awarded the base bid and the alternate bid in the amount of $723,309.69. Councilman Howard moved to award the contract to Grimes Utilities Inc. for Gabriel & Chablis Court West improvements in the amount of $723,309.69. Vice-Mayor Nix seconded the motion. Councilman Renninger asked if the big discrepancy between high and low bidders was resolved with the contractor. Mr. Pavlos stated that staff had a formal meeting with the contractor to review the bid. A large portion of the cost difference was in the mobilization line. Many companies put most of their profit and overhead into this line. Another area of savings was in the MOT. He stated that the individual line items are right on track with the other bidders. He stated that this bidder obtained the geotechnical information from the engineer and did a more detailed analysis on the sections that will need to be removed. They believe it is less removal than originally anticipated. Councilman Howard questioned why this area was designed 23 feet wide and why no sidewalks were being replaced. He noted that there were no speed tables and the electricity is already underground in this neighborhood. Mr. Pavlos stated that staff designed this project to be rebuilt to the existing width and conditions. Councilman Land noted that the Council can change the design of any project if they desire to do so. The motion to award the contract to Grimes Utilities Inc. passed unanimously 5 to 0 in a roll call vote. AUTHORIZATION TO APPROVE SITE PLAN FOR MOOSEHAVEN KNAACK CENTER Vice-Mayor Nix provided a report from the Land Use Planning & Policy Committee which gave its unanimous support of this site plan. Councilman Howard moved to approve the site plan for the Moosehaven Knaack Center. Vice- Mayor Nix seconded the motion. Councilman Renninger questioned how many people could be accommodated at this new facility. Mr. John Capes, Moosehaven Executive Director, stated that 70 to 80 people can be accommodated. A normal day might be 50 to 60 in attendance. However, there is a morning group and afternoon group so the attendance may be only 40 people at any one time. He stated
Page 7 that the Clay Council on Aging will lease this facility from Moosehaven and operate it. This is not a residential facility. It is only for adult day care. Councilman Renninger questioned whether the parking at the facility is adequate. Mr. Amato stated that the parking is sufficient. Councilman Renninger asked about the ability for buses to pass through the parking lot. Mr. Amato stated that the parking lot can accommodate the buses. The motion to approve the site plan passed unanimously 5 to 0. DISCUSSION PROPOSED FERAL CAT ORDINANCE Councilman Howard stated that he recommended the drafting of this ordinance to control the placement of cat colonies. He stated that they should be placed on people's own property. The colony should not be placed on other people s property or on Town streets or right-of-way. He stated that he received complaints regarding people sandboxes, yards, and danger to birds. He recommended that people feed and care for cats on their own property. Councilman Howard recommended an amendment to the proposed ordinance to include right-ofway in the prohibited areas for feeding. Councilman Howard stated that PETA recommends that people not feed feral cats. He stated that three feral cats were trapped on his property and he believes it is inhumane to trap them for sterilization. Councilman Renninger stated that this is a complex issue and he is appreciative of the audience s opinions. He noted that the Council is very early on in this process. He recommended that the Council coordinate with residents and that not feeding cats is not a viable solution. He also noted that a trap neuter release is not the only solution either. He stated that drop-off of animals is the biggest problem. He stated that it is hard to enforce but the Town should not ignore it. He stated that the Town should look at all options and consider the unintended consequences. Councilman Land stated that banning feeding would transfer of the problem from one area to another. People who feed cats would feed them on their own property which could become a problem for their neighbors. He recommended that the Council explore other options. Vice-Mayor Nix stated that the Council is in agreement to continue working on this issue. He also received calls regarding cats. He has advised residents that there is no program in the works. He stated that last time the Town had a grant, no volunteers came forward to assist. He noted that cats will lose their hunting skills if they are fed. Mayor Meeks stated that grant funds are available. He recommended that the Town continue with a trap neuter release program.
Page 8 Councilman Howard moved to direct staff to apply for a PetsMart or other grant to continue the TNR program and at the same time investigate further ways to improve the feral and stray cat situation in the Town. Vice-Mayor Nix seconded the motion. Vice-Mayor Nix questioned if the Town can use the grant if volunteers are conducting the work. Mayor Meeks stated that volunteers assisted Mr. Waugh with the previous program. Mr. Amato stated that the grant did allow for volunteer help, but the Town only had two regular volunteers and staff became overburdened. The grant can be written to use volunteers. There are quotas that will need to be met regarding the number of cats trapped. There are other requirements that need to be met or the Town will have to return funds at the end. Mayor Meeks recommended that those who came tonight to support a TNR program be recruited to serve as volunteers for the Town. Councilman Renninger noted that the grant is only one piece of the puzzle. The TNR program is not a one year program. It is a five to seven year process. The Town quit after one year and said it was too much work. The Town should not accept the grant if we do not have a five to seven year commitment. He recommended that a committee look at the issue in a holistic way including the grant, feeding, drop off, Clay County Animal Control, and other options that could be integrated into our program. He stated that if this is a serious problem, the Town should develop a program to deal with it. He noted that it is a multi-faceted problem that will require a multi-faceted solution. The Council discussed which Town committee would be appropriate to refer the issue to. The motion to apply for grant funds passed 4 to 1, with Councilman Renninger dissenting. Mayor Meeks requested that Mr. Hanson find an appropriate committee to study the larger issue. Ms. Barbara Davidson, 2710 Holly Point Road West, recommended that the Council designate an ad hoc committee to address the project. Mayor Meeks asked if any of the speakers would like to be removed from the Committee list. Mr. Raymond indicated that he would like to serve on the committee. Mayor Meeks asked former mayor Mr. Raymond to chair the committee. Mr. Raymond agreed. Mayor Meeks stated that he would give the speakers list to Mr. Raymond for committee formation. Attorney Garrison recommended that the Council formalize the committee. Councilman Renninger moved to form an ad hoc committee to study the feral cat problem in Orange Park. Councilman Howard seconded the motion which passed unanimously 5 to 0.
Page 9 Mayor Meeks stated that the committee chair will select the members and bring it back to the Council to be recognized formally, and then the final report of the committee will be brought to the Council. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN TO TOWN COMMITTEES Mayor Meeks made the following appointments for Town committees: General Government Administration Committee Councilman Scott Land, Chairman Vice-Mayor Eugene Nix, Vice Chair Culture and Recreation Committee Councilman Jim Renninger, Chairman Councilman Scott Land, Vice Chair Finance and Budget Committee Mayor Meeks, Chairman Councilman Jim Renninger, Vice Chair Public Safety/Public Works Committee Councilman Steve Howard, Chairman Mayor Gary Meeks Vice Chair Land-Use Planning & Policy Committee Vice-Mayor Eugene Nix, Chairman Councilman Steve Howard, Vice Chair APPOINTMENT OF A MEMBER TO SEAT THREE ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY BOARD Councilman Land moved to name Jack Araneo to seat three on the Environmental Quality Board. Vice-Mayor Nix seconded the motion which passed unanimously 5 to 0. APPOINTMENT OF A MEMBER TO SEAT THREE ON THE MAGNOLIA CEMETERY BOARD Councilman Land moved to name Doris Latour to seat three on the Magnolia Cemetery Board. Councilman Howard seconded the motion which passed unanimously 5 to 0.
Page 10 APPOINTMENT OF A MEMBER TO SEAT THREE ON THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD Councilman Land moved to name Pete Johnston to seat three on the Planning and Zoning Board. Vice-Mayor Nix seconded the motion which passed unanimously 5 to 0. DISCUSSION ON LANDSCAPE PROJECT FOR KINGSLEY EAST MEDIAN Councilman Howard stated that he is proposing a landscape project for the median at US 17 and Kingsley Avenue on the east side. Councilman Howard and another individual would pay for the installation of the landscaping. The Town would be responsible for maintenance of the new landscaping. His goal is to try and improve the appearance of the Town. The Town would also need to repair the sprinkler system that is already in the location. He stated that the landscaping may need to be adjusted if a development is put in place at the old Citgo gas station. There is no initial cost to the Town. Vice-Mayor Nix questioned the cost to repair the irrigation system. Councilman Howard noted that the repair will be about $100. Mr. Hanson noted that this project includes the removal of the sign indicating the location of three nearby churches. He stated that staff did look at pricing for repair of the irrigation system. Councilman Renninger asked if the Town communicated with the three churches regarding the removal of the sign. Councilman Howard stated that he communicated with the churches and they have no concerns. Councilman Renninger stated that it would be prudent for the Town to send a letter regarding the sign removal. Councilman Howard moved to send a letter to the three churches if the Town proceeds with the removal of the sign. Councilman Renninger seconded the motion which passed unanimously 5 to 0. DISCUSSION ON AGENDA REPORTS Councilman Land proposed that the Council use the staff report format that the staff currently uses for agenda items. He recommended that the Council report information just like the staff does. He stated that financial information is important and it is nice to have the motion described on the agenda cover page. Councilman Howard moved to approve use of the agenda cover page form for all Council agenda items. Councilman Land seconded the motion. Mayor Meeks stated that this idea is in line with his goals for the agenda.
Page 11 Vice-Mayor Nix asked if staff would be preparing this report for the Council. The Council agreed that the Council would prepare their own agenda cover page forms. The motion to approve the Council use of the agenda cover page form passed unanimously 5 to 0. DISCUSSION ON TOWN COUNCIL SIGN Councilman Howard moved to direct staff to get costs for Council meeting signs that should be added to the new event signs poles, and the cost for 2 x 4 plywood signs, with borders, to remain in place when there are no events taking place. Vice-Mayor Nix seconded the motion. Mr. Hanson stated that he would provide a staff report on this issue at the next meeting. The motion to direct staff to obtain costs passed unanimously 5 to 0. DISCUSSION ON TREE & BIRD SANCTUARY Councilman Howard stated that the Town used to have two signs along US 17 and Kingsley Avenue stating that the Town was a tree and bird sanctuary. He proposed that the signs be put back up using the new Town limits signs. He stated that these signs could be put back in the medians. He stated that a new signpost and sign saying tree and bird sanctuary would cost $500 each. Mr. Hanson stated that staff could provide a staff report on this issue. Councilman Howard moved to have staff prepare a report on the placement of two tree and bird sanctuary signs. Vice-Mayor Nix seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 5 to 0. STAFF REPORTS Mr. Hanson stated that there were no items that needed to be removed from the staff directed reports listing. Councilman Howard asked if Old Orange Park Road had been completed. Mr. Pavlos stated that the Town has not made final payment on this project, and there is one section of curb that needs to be repaired. Councilman Howard asked for an update on the Doctors Lake Bridge landscaping. Mr. Pavlos stated that he met in February with FDOT representatives. He refused to accept maintenance of the area due to its condition. FDOT extended the warranty for 90 days. He agreed that the area is looking worse. Mr. Pavlos stated that the Town will care for this area better than the contractor, but the Town does not want to take over maintenance in its current condition.
Page 12 Councilman Renninger asked if there was a list of items that needed to be improved. Mr. Pavlos stated that there is a list; however, new areas have degraded and the contractor has not fixed the items on the original list. Mr. Pavlos stated that he will be contacting FDOT about this issue. Councilman Howard asked if staff had reviewed plans from FDOT for the new landscaping project along US 17 and Kingsley Avenue. Mr. Hanson stated that the next phase of design plans have not yet been provided. Vice-Mayor Nix questioned why the Town has not received an answer from FDOT regarding the three turn lanes from Kingsley onto US 17 and the potential closure of the left turn lane at Holly Point Road West from US 17. Mr. Pavlos stated that he has had several calls and e-mails with FDOT on this issue. They have sent the questions to their traffic engineer. He is looking at the option of a triple left from Kingsley onto US 17. They have also directed traffic counts to be conducted at Holly Point Road West. He stated that FDOT is doing their due diligence. Vice-Mayor Nix asked when lights would be installed on the new signs at Town Hall Park. Mr. Pavlos stated that he would look into this. Mayor Meeks requested that Mr. Hanson be more descriptive in some of his comments on the staff directed reports list. He also requested that the Council ask any straightforward questions to Mr. Hanson prior to the meeting. TOWN COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilman Howard stated that Mrs. Davidson is having a birthday milestone this week. He wished her a happy birthday. Councilman Land wished Ms. Davidson happy birthday. Councilman Renninger wished Mrs. Davidson happy birthday. Vice-Mayor Nix wished Ms. Davidson a happy birthday and noted that they share the same birthday. Vice-Mayor Nix stated that inaccurate information was presented at the last meeting. He provided a letter to the Council regarding the information. Vice-Mayor Nix asked if there would be a parade during this year's Fourth of July event. Ms. Campbell stated that there will not be a parade this year. ADJOURNMENT Councilman Howard moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 PM. Vice-Mayor Nix seconded the motion which passed unanimously 5 to 0.