HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03-29-2017 Strategic Planning RetreatCAPE CANAVERAL CITY COUNCIL
STRATEGIC PLANNING RETREAT
TO SET FISCAL YEAR 2017/2018 GOALS
Radisson Resort at the Port
8701 Astronaut Boulevard, Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920
Wednesday
March 29, 2017
10:00 AM—3:00 PM
MINUTES
Facilitator Dr. Tom D. Freijo opened the Retreat at 9:58 A.M.
Council Members Present:
Council Member Mike Brown
Mayor Bob Hoog
Mayor Pro Tem Brendan McMillin
Council Member Betty Walsh
Council Member Rocky Randels
City Staff Present:
City Manager David L. Greene
City Attorney Anthony Garganese(10:31 A.M.)
City Clerk Mia Goforth
Administrative/Financial Services Director John DeLeo
Building Official Michael German
Capital Projects Director Jeff Ratliff
City Manager's Executive Assistant Kim McIntire
Community Development Director David Dickey
Community Engagement/Deputy Public Works Services Director Joshua Surprenant
Cultural Programs Manager Molly Thomas
Culture and Leisure Services Director Gustavo Vergara
Deputy City Clerk Daniel LeFever
Economic Development Director Todd Morley
Human Resources/Risk Management Director Jane Ross
Public Works Services Director Ralph Lotspeich
WELCOME/INTRODUCTIONS/AGENDA REVIEW: Facilitator Dr. Tom Freijo welcomed
everyone followed by a brief set of remarks detailing ground rules and structure of the Retreat,his
role in following the Agenda and Council's role representing the People.
STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS REVIEW: Dr. Freijo explained the cyclical nature of
the strategic planning process and the necessity for it to be continuous with frequent updates on
goals.City Manager Greene presented an overview of proposed goals to be discussed and the status
of 2016/2017 Goals and Objectives from last year's Strategic Planning Retreat. Discussion
City of Cape Canaveral, Florida
City Council Strategic Planning Retreat
To Set Fiscal Year 2017/2018 Goals
March 29, 2017
Page 2 of 4
included proposed streetscape projects, arts/culture displays in the City, use of the old City Hall
building, visioning of buildings along A1A, Cherie Down Park negotiations, concept of paid-
parking with free parking permits for City residents to generate revenue from visitors and tourists,
current status of the Oak Lane improvement project, continued stormwater and water quality
improvements for the Banana River Lagoon, possible disposal of reclaimed water through the
recently-completed Canaveral City Park exfiltration system, other areas in the City that could be
acquired and/or used for similar stormwater projects, a desired "sense of place" along AlA, lack
of forward movement for a"complete streets"project to make Al A safer for pedestrians/cyclists,
City Branding, wayfinding signs, recently passed/proposed legislation at both Federal and State
levels that could negatively impact City improvement projects, a narrow"now or never"window
for initiating City improvement projects and praise for Staffs progress/completion of projects
despite difficulties with outside agencies.
SWOT ANALYSIS: Dr. Freijo briefly discussed the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and
Threats facing the City and asked if Council had any questions. Discussion of Threats ensued and
included individuals diverting Staff time/City resources away from serving the rest of the City
residents, unfunded State/Federal mandates with short timeframes to respond and
miscommunication between the City and residents.
GOALS IDENTIFICATION: Dr. Freijo discussed personalities/styles of city managers, the
relationship between a legislative body and an executive officer and where Council wishes to see
the City in the next year and beyond. Discussion ensued and included the strong position of the
City due to years of infrastructure improvements, City Manager Greene's total commitment to
proposed projects, if approved by Council, to include no salary increase for the remainder of his
time with the City, necessary to raise ad valorem millage rates if Community Redevelopment
Areas(CRAs) are eliminated by County/State legislature, the City can maintain its status as having
the third-lowest millage rate in the County even with an increased millage rate, anticipated rise in
property values will not generate enough revenue at the current rate, additional sources of
funding/grants and Staffs ability to complete any and all approved projects within five years.
Canaveral City Park Redevelopment: Staff presented a project which includes a large, two-story
multipurpose,multigenerational facility that would house a Youth Center, Police Athletic League
programs and various athletic activities/community-oriented events, as well as a "splash pad",
skate park and rope-climbing course. Discussion ensued and included the positive effect on
"quality of life" in the City, creating a"destination"/"wow factor", estimated cost of $9+million,
City maintenance/Staffing costs/flexibility, summer camps and budgeting for long-term repair
costs.
Cultural Arts Preservation and Engagement (CAPE) Center: Staff presented a proposal which
renovates/repurposes the old City Hall at an estimate of $1.2 million. Discussion included
promoting art and the City's history in the community,whimsical/artistic architecture designed to
be iconic/pique interest, grab attention/draw people in, outdoor displays and activities such as the
existing Farmers Market, art classes, use of existing structure/square footage, future community
City of Cape Canaveral, Florida
City Council Strategic Planning Retreat
To Set Fiscal Year 2017/2018 Goals
March 29, 2017
Page 3 of 4
art projects such as murals and mid-century modern architectural design tying into the era when
the City was first incorporated.
Inspiration Park: Staff presented a plan to take possession of a dilapidated property on Polk Avenue
that is being foreclosed upon due to unpaid code enforcement liens and would be
demolished/replaced with a public park. Discussion included City Visioning for bikeable,
walkable, pedestrian-friendly areas, feeding off the energy of other proposed projects on Polk
Avenue, estimated cost of $1.7 million and efforts to bring people out of their cars, gated condos
and cruise terminals to be engaged with the community at-large.
Whimsy Park: Staff presented a proposal for a park to display up to five large sculptures and/or
art features for up to 18 months at a time, which is based on similar programs that have been
successfully implemented in other cities. Discussion included proposed location adjacent to the
Public Library and Veterans Park, estimated cost of $500,000, hosting a Christmas marketplace
and other similar events, economical way to bring art into the City, bringing the community
together,promoting a common identity and providing a whimsical place for residents and visitors.
Polk Avenue Streetscape: Staff presented a streetscape concept for Polk Avenue from the now
closed-off end at A1A to the City's CRA boundary at Ridgewood Avenue. Discussion included
the City's unique needs, art/aesthetics visioning, on-street parking, one-way streets,
accommodations/safety for pedestrians,cyclists and dog walkers,whimsical intersections,creating
an interesting/iconic place from A1A to the beach, estimated cost of $2.9 million, working with
property owners for relocating sidewalks, lowering speed limits and other traffic control measures
to promote safety.
Cherie Down Park: Discussion included enhancing and bringing together the oceanside feel of the
City along with the riverside and"the Space Between",understanding responsibility to Cape View
Elementary, supporting children in the community, estimated cost of $3 million, the Pelican Park
renovation in Satellite Beach and Brevard County's possible willingness to negotiate.
NEXT STEPS DISCUSSION: Council discussed next steps to be taken on the proposed goals
and one-year/five-year plans to accomplish projects. Dr. Freijo asked each Council Member to
rank the projects and determined no projects were deemed unnecessary. Discussion included
sustainability, replacement programs for roads, work on approved projects not interfering with
day-to-day City functions/activities,no"kicking the can down the road" on improvement projects,
possible dog park located between City Hall and the Recreation Complex with an estimated cost
of $75,000, signal lights for emergency services, street lights for pedestrian safety,reiteration that
all proposed projects can be funded/accomplished in the next five years if approved,
approving/initiating projects before any restrictive/detrimental legislation takes effect, targeting
July or August to award municipal bonds for projects, 1.5 millage increase necessary if CRA
disappears, strength of current City finances, financial coverage for past and future projects,
support from residents for City improvement projects,securing the future of the City through Code
changes and ordinances, possible variance appeal item at a future Meeting, current status of the
City of Cape Canaveral, Florida
City Council Strategic Planning Retreat
To Set Fiscal Year 2017/2018 Goals
March 29, 2017
Page 4 of 4
Nancy Hanson Recreation Complex, space for activities/events and the proposed projects covering
the needs of multiple recreation events in the future.
VISIONING: Dr. Freijo reviewed the Vision Statement. Discussion ensued regarding changes
made the prior year. Discussion/recommendations for Vision Statement changes included:
First paragraph:Adding the terms `welcoming', `promotes', `tourism', `recreation' and `municipal
civic interests' and replacing `seaside' with `oceanside' because of trademark concerns.
Second paragraph: Replacing `A1A as a"complete street"' with 'A network of complete streets'.
Third paragraph: Adding the phrase 'The Space Between' for City Branding efforts.
Fourth paragraph: Adding the phrases 'An engaged and compassionate', 'acts progressively but
deliberately,' and 'with goodwill.'
There was further discussion regarding monthly brainstorming, social media, roll-out of a revised
vision statement, the effectiveness of strategic planning and setting goals for the next cycle.
MAYOR HOOG PRESIDES: Mayor Hoog called the Meeting to order at 2:24 P.M. Discussion
focused on direction to Staff to further planning of proposed projects, communicating proposed
projects to residents and larger projects completed in tighter timeframes elsewhere in the county.
Consensus from Council to take action at April 18, 2017 or May 16, 2017 Regular Meetings
to 1) discuss the Vision Statement and possible revisions/updates; 2) to discuss and set goals
for Fiscal Year 2017/2018.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Arlyn DeBlauw, 8931 Lake Drive, spoke of the Visioning Effort held in
2009, excellent nature of the strategic planning process, City website and inquired about proposals
for extending/connecting streets from Port Canaveral. Discussion included interactions with the
new administration at the Port, traffic concerns, new hotels, protecting pedestrians through speed
enforcement, street lights and Staff excitement for proposed City projects.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business,Mayor Hoog adjourned the Retreat at 2:44 P.M.
Daniel LeFever Bob Hoog, Mayor
Deputy City Clerk
SEAL of Cape Canaveral, Florida