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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03-28-2018 Strategic Planning RetreatCAPE CANAVERAL CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PLANNING RETREAT TO SET FISCAL YEAR 2018/2019 GOALS Radisson Resort at the Port 8701 Astronaut Boulevard, Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920 Wednesday March 28, 2018 10:30 A.M. — 3:00 P.M. MINUTES Retreat Facilitator Dr. Tom D. Freijo opened the Retreat at 10:31 A.M. Council Members Present: Mayor Pro Tem Mayor Council Member Council Member Council Member City Staff Present: City Manager City Attorney City Clerk Administrative/Financial Services Director Building Official Capital Projects Director City Engineer City Manager's Executive Assistant Community Development Director Community Engagement/Deputy PWS Director Cultural Programs Manager/Staff Historian Culture and Leisure Services Director Deputy City Clerk Deputy Finance Director Economic Development Director Human Resources/Risk Management Diiecter Public Works Services Director Retreat Facilitator Mike Brown Bob Hoog Wes Morrison Rocky Randels Angela Raymond David L. Greene Anthony Garganese (10:59 A.M.) Mia Goforth John DeLeo Michael German Jeff Ratliff John Pekar Lisa Day David Dickey Joshua Surprenant Molly Thomas Gustavo Vergara Daniel LeFever Melinda Huser Todd 'Morley Jane Ross Ralph Lotspeich Dr. Tom D. Freijo WELCOME/INTRODUCTIONS/AGENDA REVIEW: Dr. Freijo welcomed everyone with a brief set of remarks detailing the Agenda, reasons for/purpose of the Retreat, his role as Facilitator, City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Strategic Planning Retreat To Set Fiscal Year 2018/2019 Goals March 28, 2018 Page 2 of 6 the open, respectful nature expected of the planned discussions and the roles of Council, City Manager and Staff. STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS REVIEW: Dr. Freijo explained the cyclical nature of the Strategic Planning process and necessity for it to be continuous with regular goal updates. REVIEW 2017/2018 GOAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS: City Manager Greene presented the status of 2017/2018 Goals and Objectives from last year's Strategic Planning Retreat: Canaveral City Park and the Multi -Generational Facility — The presentation included supporting a large, underserved segment of the community with this project, utilizing community engagement, an Attorney General's Opinion encouraging cities to revisit the consultant hiring process, positive negotiations and accommodations from the selected architectural/engineering firm, Phase II of the project including a splash pad, beginner/intermediate skate park and rope -climbing course, already -acquired $6.2 million loan with a 2.05% interest rate, advantageous nature of the interest rate, incurring debt now rather than later with anticipated higher interest rates and construction costs in the future, this style of financing being good public policy if managed properly, a bicycle/pedestrian-friendly parking area, the $10 million total cost of Phases I and II and the possibility of acquiring future grant funding. Culture Arts Preservation and Enrichment (CAPE) Center — The presentation included Cultural Programs Manager/Staff Historian Thomas' appointment as Chair of the Brevard County Historical Commission, old City Hall revisited as a culture/arts facility through community engagement and arts/crafts displays, the City obtaining a weathered, historic dugout canoe from the 17th century that will be displayed first in the new City Hall's Community Artifacts room then moved to the CAPE Center when ready, the $1+ million cost of the CAPE Center project, the planned campus setting tying together the CAPE Center, new City Hall, Canaveral Precinct and the Public Library, providing a place for City residents to overcome the divide caused by State Road A1A splitting the City in half, a split that causes difficulties for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists, bringing together the Oceanside, Riverside and "The Space Between," City investing in itself encouraging others to invest in the City to work, live, play and raise a family and the City delivering on promises. Inspiration & Whimsy Parks — The presentation detailed sculpture display programs, creating these parks for future generations, sustainability, being mindful of the environment and climate change, the affordable nature of these parks, the goal of September/October for going out for construction bids, the current timeline including one year for planning and one year for construction, creating a more visible identity for the City through signage to differentiate from Cocoa Beach, Avon by the Sea and the Port, taking advantage of a marketing niche in the City that favors smaller, "mom & pop" business and professional offices and Staff's continued progress during the recent absence of the City Manager. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Strategic Planning Retreat To Set Fiscal Year 2018/2019 Goals March 28, 2018 Page 3 of 6 Polk Avenue Streetscape — City Manager Greene briefly touched on the Streetscape providing an idyllic area for small shops, artisans and craftsman to live, work and create in connection with the area of government complexes. Cherie Down Park — The presentation included continuing to work with the County and School Board in acquiring the Park, being hampered by a leadership void in those organizations, efforts to couple Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) negotiations with acquisition of the Park, the deplorable current state of the facilities, the need to make the Park something the City can be proud of, capturing operational funds through charging "out of town" visitors and tourists for parking whilst keeping it free for City and County residents and retaining County funding for lifeguards at the Park. Council Discussion — Dr. Freijo opened the floor for Council to comment/discuss. Discussion included improvements to the overall look of the City over the past five years, more engagement from residents, the tide clock at City Hall, parking concerns at Canaveral City Park in regards to the Multi -Generational Facility, history of housing developments constructed close to existing public properties, encouraging more walking/biking in lieu of driving, bringing people out of their gated communities to be more involved, safety improvements for pedestrians on A1A to include crosswalks, median safe havens and lowered speed limits, the City following the same process for site plan reviews as private developers, future of City athletics leagues and spreading recreation activities between the Multi -Generational Facility, CAPE Center and existing Nancy Hanson Recreation Complex. Council reached consensus for parking concerns to be addressed in regards to the Multi -Generational Facility. Other transportation options as an alternative to driving and re-evaluating parking space Code requirements were discussed as ways to address the concern. Discussion moved to the CAPE Center and included the historic dugout canoe from the 17th Century, sharing parking with the Canaveral Precinct and the project being part of Phase I with the Multi -Generational Facility. Council comments on Inspiration & Whimsy Parks included discussion of a dilapidated building that will form the basis of Inspiration Park, a cost/benefit analysis of redeveloping the lot versus becoming a public park, overall vision for Polk Avenue, beach access points throughout the City, legal/court actions of the building's owner and history of the City's Code enforcement and lien actions against the owner. Council reached consensus for other potential uses of the property be examined in regards to possible revenue streams. Further discussion continued in relation to the Polk Avenue Streetscape including the long-term nature of the project, initially extending pavers to the Poinsetta Avenue intersection once the CAPE Center is completed, gradual phasing of the project, parking, landscaping, solar lighting, benches, plug-in areas to charge devices, feeding off the location of governmental complexes, not using eminent domain and working with property owners if easements are needed. Dr. Freijo asked for comments on Cherie Down Park, leading to discussions of how the Park would be renovated, construction of new facilities, rentals of beach items, use of facilities for educational and private events, creation of a more engaging/welcoming environment than what currently City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Strategic Planning Retreat To Set Fiscal Year 2018/2019 Goals March 28, 2018 Page 4 of 6 exists, garnering political support to extend the existing lease with the School Board, convoluted history of the Park's ownership between the County and School Board and using Cherie Down Park to integrate activities from the City and Cape View Elementary. REVIEW PROPOSED GOALS FOR 2018/2019: Mr. Greene detailed upcoming projects such as future phases of the Canaveral City Park Redevelopment; completion and operation of the CAPE Center; Central/Thurm Boulevard Streetscapes and associated funding from impact fees, the need to seize opportunities for streetscapes as recent County and Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization actions favor the lobbying efforts of larger municipalities, use of the City Engineer in developing plans for future streetscapes, coordinating with Florida Power & Light to implement brighter, more energy efficient streetlights, working with property owners to secure access to streets; Cumberland Farms pocket park, CRA -eligible areas; Wagner Park, named for the owners of Southgate that donated the land to the City; Long Point Estuary Park, establishing a low -impact boardwalk to allow access to the lagoon and an Annual Community Survey to determine resident opinions. Council discussed the following proposed Goals: West Central Boulevard/Thurm Boulevard Streetscapes — Items discussed included hotel projects generating impact fees, ensuring impact fees stay in Cape Canaveral, adjacent neighbors to the hotel projects, history of a proposed assisted living facility in the area, working with private road ownership to benefit the public and traffic concerns including the dangerous nature of the Central Boulevard/A 1 A intersection. Discussion focused on A1A, including crosswalks needed in the north end of the City and near bus stops, lowered speed limits would decrease severity of pedestrian injuries, future redevelopment increasing traffic density, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) traffic flow priorities in conflict with the City's pedestrian -safety concerns, the cost of pedestrian overpasses installed elsewhere and lack of use when implemented, encouraging businesses to create connecting routes to allow for avoiding A1A, dedicated lighted crosswalks and lack of follow-through from property owners and FDOT in regards to mitigating safety concerns. Central Boulevard Streetscape — Staff described the project as similar in scope to the Ridgewood Avenue Streetscape with the addition of fully -featured medians and the concept of all current and future streetscapes interconnecting throughout the City. Cumberland Farms Pocket Park — Council discussion included a resident's idea to construct a replica of the historic Cape Canaveral lighthouse and incorporating City -specific historic touches in addition to the proposed space theme. Wagner Park — The Park's location and status of ownership were confirmed. Long Point Estuary Park — Council and Staff discussion included the history of the area, comments from residents at prior City Council Meetings, returning the area to "Natural Florida", the restricted -access nature of the proposed boardwalk to provide for safety, Staff efforts on this project over the past two years, concerns of the area's history in regards to past dumping and City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Strategic Planning Retreat To Set Fiscal Year 2018/2019 Goals March 28, 2018 Page 5 of 6 mosquito ditches, the involvement of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a private developer in Cocoa using the proposed project as part of mitigation for another project, concerns of Long Point residents and the importance of community involvement. Community Survey — Discussion included the cost-effective nature and purpose of the proposed survey, comparisons with alternate forms of surveys, how the survey would relate to the Visioning, access to computers for City residents and efforts to assist older residents with utilizing online resources. SWOT ANALYSIS: Dr. Freijo explained the history of the identified Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) facing the City and asked if Council had any comments or questions. Council reached consensus to broaden the "Threats" to include storm surges, flooding, sea level rise and hurricanes. Further discussion focused on Code enforcement in the City and included results from enforcement efforts in some situations, balancing property owner rights with reasonable enforcement, dilapidated structures, effectiveness of the Code Enforcement Board, possible use of a hearing officer to streamline the process, dealing with repeat violators, use of verbal warnings versus written notices, existing efforts to educate violators, a beach lifestyle mentality sometimes at odds with enforcement and upcoming efforts to update the Code to provide Staff with more tools in the course of enforcement. VISION/GOALS AFFIRMATION: Dr. Freijo presented the Vision Statement. Discussion ensued and included affirming the projects are consistent with the City's Visioning, recent City Resolution for FDOT to study and improve A1A, Cocoa Beach's appreciation for Cape Canaveral's Resolution, history of speed limit changes in Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach, no changes to the Statement necessary at this time, maintaining completed projects, possibly revisiting the Statement in a decade or more after projects are completed, the five-year Capital Improvement Plan, further communication of the City's Visioning to residents, creating a distinct identity for the City, engaging year-round and seasonal residents and standing up for what the City and its residents want. NEXT STEPS DISCUSSION: Council and Staff comments ensued and included funding for the proposed projects, neighborhood planning, future of hotel projects in the City, accommodating recreation events with new City facilities, A1A concerns, additional funding for future projects and future phases of current projects, petitioning Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization and the County for additional funding and highlighting the importance of Canaveral City Park. Staff will continue moving forward with new projects and future Strategic Planning meetings. Council reached consensus for pedestrian safety and other improvements to A1A be "Priority #1" in the City. Further discussion noted the importance of the 5 -year Capital Improvement Plan detailing locations of sidewalks and other mobility improvement projects. MAYOR HOOG PRESIDES: Mayor Hoog called the Meeting to order at 2:49 P.M. Consensus from Council to take action at a future City Council Meeting to follow-up, discuss and set goals for Fiscal Year 2018/2019. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Strategic Planning Retreat To Set Fiscal Year 2018/2019 Goals March 28, 2018 Page 6 of 6 PUBLIC COMMENT: Arlyn DeBlauw, 8931 Lake Drive, discussed his experience with disagreements in a meeting setting, the City being on the right track in regards to the 2009 Visioning, lack of effectiveness of pedestrian walkovers implemented elsewhere, reducing speed limits, the status of the International Drive/North Atlantic Avenue intersection realignment, FDOT prioritizing/initiating more recently -submitted projects in other municipalities, bike paths, maintaining current parking space sizes and concerns regarding crosswalk signals. There was no further public comment. WRAP UP AND ADJOURNMENT: Council discussed an upcoming lecture on transportation at Florida Institute of Technology. There being no further business, Mayor Hoog adjourned the Retreat at 2:57 P.M. Bob Hoog, Mayor Daniel LeFever Deputy City Clerk SEAL of Cape Canaveral, Florida