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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcocc_council_mtg_minutes_20210331_retreatCAPE CANAVERAL STRATEGIC PLANNING RETREAT — FY 2021/2022 GOALS Radisson Resort at the Port Convention Center 8701 Astronaut Boulevard Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920 Wednesday March 31, 2021 10:00 A.M. MINUTES Council Members Present: Council Member Mayor Council Member Council Member Mayor Pro Tem Mayor Emeritus Mike Brown Bob Hoog Mickie Kellum Wes Morrison Angela Raymond Rocky Randels Staff Present: City Manager City Attorney City Clerk Administrative/Financial Services Director Capital Projects Director Community and Economic Development Director Cultural + Community Affairs Director Human Resources/Risk Management Director Leisure Services Director Public Works Services Director Capital Projects Deputy Director City Engineer City Planner Community Affairs Manager Deputy City Clerk Financial/Resource Analyst Public Works Services Deputy Director Senior Code Enforcement Officer Sustainability Program Manager Brevard County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Brevard County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Canaveral Fire Rescue Chief Canaveral Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Strategic Planning Consultant Todd Morley Anthony Garganese Mia Goforth John DeLeo Jeff Ratliff David Dickey Molly Thomas Melinda Huser Gustavo Vergara Jim Moore Tim Carlisle John Pekar Brenda Defoe-Surprenant Stephanie Johnson Daniel LeFever Candice Blake June Clark Brian Palmer Zachary Eichholz Alan Confreda Bret Lockhart Dave Sargeant Christopher Quinn Doug Thomas WELCOME/PLEDGE/INTRODUCTIONS/AGENDA REVIEW: City Manager Morley welcomed everyone, noted last year's Retreat being cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, general protocol for the Retreat and introduced Strategic Planning Consultant, Doug Thomas, Senior Vice President, Strategic Government Resources (SGR). Mr. Thomas detailed his history with local governments and SGR, layout and expectations of the Retreat, Council led the Pledge of Allegiance and those in attendance introduced themselves. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida Strategic Planning Retreat — FY 2021/2022 Goals March 31, 2021 Minutes • Page 2 of 6 STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS REVIEW: Mr. Thomas discussed Strategic Visioning, differing perspectives and the role of elected officials. REVIEW/DISCUSS UPDATED SWOT ANALYSIS: Mr. Thomas provided an overview of a list of the City's Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats identified by Council Members and Staff in prior one-on-one interviews. Discussion ensued and included abiding by Sunshine Law, noticing of the Retreat, public perception of the City government, potential lack of understanding by the public on how local governments function, trying to focus on local issues rather than distractions of state and national issues and highlighting the "brand" of the City to others. VISION/MISSION/VALUES/STRATEGIC PILLARS DISCUSSION — AFFIRMATION: Discussion ensued and included long-term, overall, short-term and specific goals of City Council Members, achievements of the City, goals of the past that may not have been realized or seen little progress, Strategic Visioning methodologies and models, the City's 2009 Visioning process and historic nature of the City encouraging only residential development on the waterfront. Council reached consensus to affirm Mr. Thomas' summary of the City's Pillars of "Multi -Modal", "Sense of Place", "Sustainability", "Community Engagement" and "Economic Vitality & Development", common themes with which to tie-in current and future goals. Discussion continued regarding current validity of a long-standing goal to develop a downtown area and uptown core within the City, how re -visioning may establish new goals while re -affirming existing goals, history of scooter and other vehicle rentals in both Cape Canaveral and neighboring Cocoa Beach, desire to establish a sense of place upon entering the City from State Road 528 through potential Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) design elements and lane restructuring/realignments, re -affirming the City leads by example in environmental stewardship, sustainability and resiliency. Council reached consensus to continue leading by example. Discussion continued regarding Organizational Values, what they represent, how they are utilized, suggestions garnered from one- on-one discussions and possible revisions and additions. Council reached consensus to add "transparently" to the Communication value, Personal Liberty as a new value and add the phrase "a culture of teamwork across the municipal organization" to the Teamwork value. REVIEW OF GOALS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS BY DEPARTMENT: Leisure Services Director Vergara reviewed the completion of the Rovers Space dog park on Taylor Avenue and Wagner Park on North Atlantic Avenue. Capital Projects Director Ratliff detailed the progress and status of the Water Reclamation Facility's headworks project, Long Point Estuary Park coordination with St. John's River Water Management District for permitting, the West Central Boulevard and Thurm Boulevard Streetscape's potential positive effect on the neighboring area and the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)'s SCADA replacement being the last major project for the facility in the near -future. Leisure Services Director Vergara noted Veterans Memorial Park progress, the status of the Canaveral City Park Redevelopment, construction of the Multi -Generational Facility (MGF) and the revised parking plan having reduced the need to remove trees. Cultural + Community Affairs Director Thomas discussed the Culture, Arts, Preservation + Enrichment (CAPE) Center, current and long-standing lack of arts -focused events and facilities within the City and County, using the timing strategically to allow for exploring additional grants City of Cape Canaveral, Florida Strategic Planning Retreat — FY 2021/2022 Goals March 31, 2021 Minutes • Page 3 of 6 and prioritization of current capital projects within the City, process of achieving accreditation for such a facility and future steps related to permitting and City advisory board consideration. City Planner Defoe-Surprenant, the City's Technical Advisory Committee representative in the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (SCTPO), provided the status of coordination with FDOT regarding State Road (SR) A1A concerns, COVID-related reductions in Transportation funding, a proposed roundabout at the intersection of SR A1A, North Atlantic Avenue and International Drive and a SR A1A improvements study in the northern portion of the City, funding challenges in right-of-way acquisition impacting progress, FDOT's traffic -flow priorities changing to include increased focus on "Vision Zero", local concerns for bicycle and pedestrian safety and the potential to dedicate local funds in a strategic way to assist FDOT. Discussion ensued and included specs of the proposed revisions, protecting bike lanes, efforts to contact State officials regarding funding, FDOT's consideration of SCTPO recommendations, the Brightline railway project potentially highlighting the need to improve SR A1A, perception of FDOT priorities, larger municipalities and the county government having more influence, traffic -calming efforts could lead to lower speed limits, the City's Resolutions asking for SR A1A safety prioritization, the FDOT-proposed roundabout being fully funded, the need for clear communication with the community, future meetings to be conducted by FDOT and grant options for continuing study efforts for the City's southern portion of SR A1A, which Mrs. Defoe-Surprenant indicated has been requested to be placed on FDOT's agenda. Strategic Planning Consultant Thomas summarized the presented projects, detailed how each could relate to the Pillars and components of established Visioning goals, broke the Retreat for lunch at 12:35 P.M. and reconvened the Retreat at 12:55 P.M. REVIEW OF FUTURE GOALS & PROJECTS BY DEPARTMENT: Capital Projects Director Ratliff presented a proposed Streetscape of Central Boulevard from SR A1A to Ridgewood Avenue, as a continuation of the Streetscape already commenced on West Central Boulevard from Thurm Boulevard, noting the smaller scope of the project versus prior Streetscapes due to the current condition of the road and potential grant funding. City Planner Defoe-Surprenant detailed the Presidential Streets Master Plan, a multi -year project that would begin with an in-depth study of the current infrastructure status of the area to include streets, sidewalks, flooding, stop sign placement, traffic flow and related resiliency initiatives and sewer mapping that will be presented later in the Retreat. Discussion ensued and included history of the Presidential Streets' paving and maintenance, creating standards to foster consistency across the multi -year project, weighing needs and capabilities throughout the area, prioritization of this project and the Central Boulevard Streetscape project, planning needing to be completed before improvements can be initiated, one-way streets allowing for on -street parking within existing right-of-ways, concerns of Harbor Heights residents, large number of privately -owned roads in the western portion of the City, a Master Plan serving as a template for future improvement projects, the Presidential Streets being the oldest infrastructure in the City serving a logical starting point for such a Master Plan, street -by -street costs being unknown until individual street studies are completed and Staff will request Council authorization on a year -by -year basis throughout the scope of the project. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida Strategic Planning Retreat — FY 2021/2022 Goals March 31, 2021 Minutes • Page 4 of 6 Sustainability Program Manager Eichholz highlighted the second draft of the City's proposed Resiliency Action Plan and how it relates to potential future projects and goals. Discussion ensued and included Solar arrays on the Public Works Services administration and Sheriff's Office precinct buildings, benefits of solar on both power costs and continuity of operations, continuing solar streetlight conversions and upgrades, Florida Power and Light's plans for future alternate power generation and ownership/management of electric -vehicle charging stations throughout the City, potential service agreements to offset costs, bike lanes along Canaveral Beach Boulevard and elsewhere, battery storage systems in lieu of backup generators at the MGF, public input opportunities, a revised plan to be presented at least every two years, bringing in new private investment, potential solar arrays on other City facilities such as the Nancy Hanson Recreation Complex, projects will be proposed over many years, ongoing nature of resiliency goals, the "cost of doing nothing" in relation to rising energy prices and the City, despite its relatively smaller size, leading by example with this Plan. Leisure Services Director Vergara updated the status of acquiring Cherie Down Park. Discussion ensued and included the complicated involvement of multiple County -level parties, current conditions of the Park, County officials' concerns regarding paid parking options and consistency with potential paid parking elsewhere in the City, a proposal to purchase the United Agencies property to create a Promenade at the western end of Polk Avenue, a location where people could gather and create a sense of place, history of negotiations to acquire the property and funding. Public Works Services Director Moore discussed the proposed SR A1A roundabout postponing the Galactic Pocket Park Project timeline to fiscal year 2025/26 as the area will be reserved for FDOT staging, replacing the fence at the WWTP in concert with recent Streetscapes while maintaining security and a new gate of similar design, upgrading the WWTP to sodium bisulfate as current methods are considered dangerous and being phased -out and a geographic information system (GIS) mapping of the City's sanitary sewer system. Discussion on the GIS mapping ensued and included new State mandates, costs, system breach on Lincoln Avenue by a third -party contractor and recouping of costs associated with damage and repair and economics of contracting -out to GIS specialists versus acquiring in-house certification and purchasing equipment. Cultural + Community Affairs Director Thomas presented a proposed Civic Scenery Exhibition Program. Discussion ensued and included liability and maintenance concerns, City -held rights, benefits to both artists and the City, a similar program in Lakeland, ways the City could retain the art, recruiting artists, involvement of City advisory boards and funding, the proposed Re -visioning Project, updating long-term goals from the original 2009 Visioning process, overreliance on tourists and cruise ships, utilizing SGR for logistics, waiting until after the Pandemic to allow for in -person engagement, new City facilities serving as gathering points, budget and timeframe, the 2009 Visioning providing a head -start rather than starting from scratch, providing remote options for interested out-of-town parties, success of the 2018 City Survey and social media outreach. Strategic Planning Consultant Thomas summarized the proposed projects and asked Council to analyze and consider which ones each Council Member would personally prioritize, broke the Retreat at 2:58 P.M. and reconvened the Retreat at 3:12 P.M. CITY COUNCIL "BLUE SKY" SESSION: Mr. Thomas opened the floor to Council to discuss current projects and goals and/or propose any additional projects and goals. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida Strategic Planning Retreat — FY 2021/2022 Goals March 31, 2021 Minutes • Page 5 of 6 Council Member Kellum discussed use of golf carts in the City, acquiring the parcel south of Wagner Park for preservation, paving Oak Lane, potentially with pervious paving methods, tackling blight on SR A1A, Long Point Estuary Park, prioritizing the Presidential Streets over the East/West Central Boulevard Streetscapes and continuing focus on improving sidewalks throughout the City. Mayor Pro Tem Raymond voiced support for property acquisitions, sooner rather than later, to move forward with the proposed Promenade project, a children's theater and support for any other projects that would work toward raising the overall quality of life for the City and its residents. Mayor Hoog commented on the long-standing issues that SR A1A presents in the City, aspirations for SR A1A to finally be safe, walkable and bikeable, financial impact of purchasing lands, increased asking prices for potential land purchases, the Sheriff's Office preference against golf carts in the City, support for a town center and ongoing concerns related to short-term rentals. Council Member Brown expressed the difficulty in prioritizing a large number of projects, safety of City residents being the highest priority, methods of combatting blight along SR A1A, prioritizing sidewalks, personal preference against golf carts, in favor of a children's theater and the importance of moving forward on SR A1A safety initiatives. Council Member Morrison discussed SR A1A safety, importance of Central Boulevard, benefits of the City's waterfront, popularity of short-term rentals, protecting natural amenities, prioritizing the eastern, beach -end portions of the Presidential Streets, focus on Cherie Down Park if/when fully acquired and Center Street Park being an underappreciated "gem" in the City. Discussion ensued and included enhancing the experience of beach -ends, use of metrics for various City departments, keeping electric bicycles and scooters off of City sidewalks, enforcing the City's 7-day minimum for short-term rentals, rental properties driving up property values and forcing affordable housing out of the market, more visible entrance signs in the City's north -end from SR 528, ways to encourage lower speeds and safer driving, mobi-mat locations limited to handicap -accessible beach crossovers, Community Redevelopment Area (CRA)-eligible portions of the Presidential Streets area, paid -parking could supplement funding for non-CRA-eligible areas. Florida Benchmark Consortium metrics standards and reporting on City permitting times. Council reached consensus for beach -end improvements and metrics to be incorporated as Strategic Planning priorities. Discussion continued regarding maintaining safe distances between pedestrians, bicyclists and operators of electric bicycles and scooters, no Council action on golf carts in the past and golf carts in other jurisdictions. Council reached consensus to revisit the subject of electric bicycles and scooters on sidewalks until after the State Legislative Session. Council reached consensus for acquiring the parcel south of Wagner Park to be incorporated as a Strategic Planning priority. Discussion continued regarding paving Oak Lane, resistance from property owners and a restaurant experiencing frequent flooding issues due to Oak Lane remaining unpaved. Council reached consensus for Staff to revise prior Oak Lane paving estimates and bring them back for Council consideration. Discussion . continued regarding Code Enforcement efforts to combat blight on SR A1A, using CRA funds to assist efforts to combat blight and purchasing "tired" buildings, razing property and then reselling at cost after aggregating the lots. Private investors prefer "shovel ready" land. Council reached consensus for grant assistance funding and lot aggregation options be presented to the CRA Board for City of Cape Canaveral, Florida Strategic Planning Retreat — FY 2021/2022 Goals March 31, 2021 Minutes • Page 6 of 6 consideration. Discussion continued regarding coordination with FDOT and SCTPO to address SR A1A concerns and ideas, potential discussions with property owners and realtors for purchasing right-of-ways and/or acquiring easements, uncertainty of future property ownership, how the Economic Opportunity Overlay District could be used in formulating a downtown area/town center, lack of progress over the past ten years and outside factors delaying consideration of such a project. Council reached consensus to empower Staff to explore SR A1A right-of-way purchasing and funding options. Strategic Planning Consultant Thomas discussed limitations on how much can be accomplished at one time, not everything can be a priority, Council members can submit individual lists of top five priorities and grouping of projects and goals into immediate/near-term goals (two years or less), mid-term priorities (two -to -seven years) and long-term goals (beyond seven years). NEXT STEPS DISCUSSION: Mr. Thomas described the circular -nature of the Strategic Planning process, Staff will wordsmith suggestions and direction garnered from this meeting and Council will receive individual forms to establish priorities. OPEN MEETING: Mayor Hoog called the Meeting to order at 5:09 P.M. A motion was made by Council Member Kellum, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Raymond, for the City Council to take action at a future Regular City Council Meeting to discuss the Mission/Vision/Values Statements and possible revisions and updates and to discuss and set goals for Fiscal Year 2021/22. Methods of prioritizing goals were discussed. The motion carried 5-0. PUBLIC COMMENT: Arlyn DeBlauw, 8931 Lake Drive, discussed optimism for post -Pandemic meetings, history of the 2009 Visioning, in favor of the roundabout, beauty of Wagner Park, keeping electric bicycles and scooters off of sidewalks, suggested a 10 mph speed limit on sidewalks and recounted a dangerous golf cart incident in Cocoa Beach. Mayor Emeritus Rocky Randels commended Council for working together during the. Retreat. WRAP-UP AND ADJOURNMENT: The Meeting was adjourned at 5:18 P.M. Bob Hoog, Mayor Daniel LeFever; Deputy City Clerk SEAL City of Cape Canaveral, Florida