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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 05-17-2005 WorkshopCITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING CITY HALL ANNEX 111 Polk Avenue, Cape Canaveral, Florida TUESDAY May 17, 2005 5:00 PM MINUTES CALL TO ORDER The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:05 P.M. ROLL CALL: Council Members Present: Mayor Pro Tern Bob Hoog Council Member Jim Morgan Council Member Buzz Petsos Mayor Rocky Randels Council Members Absent: Council Member Steve Miller Others Present: City Manager Bennett Boucher City Attorney Anthony Garganese City Clerk Susan Stills Building Official Todd Morley Public Works Director Ed Gardulski Assistant Public Works Director Walter Bandish DISCUSSION: 1. City Hall Facilities Plan Mr. Boucher informed that since the last discussion, .75 acres on the comer of A1A and Church Street is now for sale at $780,000. Mr. Boucher also reported that the former IBM building is also for sale. He introduced representatives from AJT Associates, Mr. John Jansen and Mr. Fabian Hurtado. Mr. Jansen stated that AJT is returning with several proposals and a presentation. Handouts would be provided for file. Mr. Jansen pointed out on an aerial view of the proposed site adjacent to the existing AJT building site. He stated that he would focus on Option City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting May 17, 2005 Page 2 of 3 II. He noted several view and vantage points from the existing site on subsequent photographs in order for the Council to gain a true visual perspective. Mayor Randels inquired about the 3.5 -acres and asked if easements were available for ingress and egress. Mr. Jansen replied that Mr. Hurtado would address this issue. Mr. Jansen pointed to the south entrance for Option II. He stated that an additional sign to the north of the proposed entrance could accommodate a City Hall sign. Mr. Morgan inquired if topography sampling was performed. Mr. Hurtado replied that the site could accommodate a four -story seal. The presentation continued with photographs of the property frontage. Mayor Randels pointed out that both the existing and proposed buildings would have visibility. Mr. Jansen used a photograph of the North Entrance City sign to show that the proposed City Hall could be seen from that vantage point. He pointed out that building a new City Hall at the existing site would not create an aesthetic fit with the existing properties. Mr. Jansen pointed out how the 3.5 -acre parcel and out - parcel could be tied together for a more congruent appearance. Mr. Jansen reviewed each options and their subsequent pricing. He concluded that investing in this property offers prime location with visibility. He introduced Mr. Hurtado for Council's questions. Mr. Hurtado pointed out that the out - parcel purchase generated more opportunities for additional City facilities. He reminded that as the City reaches full capacity in its land development, competition grows for available vacant property. Mr. Hurtado restated that one parcel is 3.5 acres and the smaller parcel is .76 acres. He stated that the City would also obtain control of the parking area outside of the out - parcel proximity. Mr. Hurtado explained the benefits of C -2 zoning in that the City could provide for Law Enforcement's facility needs. Mr. Hurtado reviewed many of the aesthetic and customer- oriented benefits of the City acquiring this property as well as the benefit of rental to other governmental agencies. In closing, Mr. Jansen stated that he and Mr. Hurtado were honored to make the presentation. He encouraged the Council to consider the Options presented with a visionary approach. He requested that the Council take some action on one of the presented options. Council members thanked the presenters for an impressive presentation. Mayor Randels noted that the Council had set itself a 60-day deadline to make a decision on a new facility. Mr. Morgan expressed that Option II allowed for additional acreage for future use. Discussion followed on Option II and its potential costs. Mr. Jansen replied to the Council that AJT would consider any and all of Council's questions and interests. Mayor Randels summarized that Option II included purchasing the 3.5 -acre parcel as well as the .76 -acre out - parcel. Mr. Jansen replied to Mr. Morgan that an Option Agreement required an Option Fee. Mr. Boucher informed that the original bond issue amounted to $4 million. He reminded that Council needs to take due diligence in rendering a decision on a property City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting May 17, 2005 Page 3 of 3 purchase. Discussion followed on some of the other options submitted to the City Manager. Mr. Morgan stated that $6.5 million was available for 9.5 acres on A1A to the Canaveral River. He explained that Mr. Harold Gould proposed to perform a 10/31 Exchange. Mr. Morgan stated the City would need a third -party light commercial property for such an exchange. Mr. Boucher inquired if Council desired to partner with a private entity to acquire the property. Mr. Boucher requested the additional two weeks for further deliberation. He informed that Towne Realty proposed to assist in a property purchase. Mayor Pro Tern Hoog addressed Mr. Rodney Ketchem's offer for the former IBM building. He pointed out that he was unaware of the cost to refurbish the building. Mr. Morgan pointed out that the building presented traffic problems. Mr. Petsos agreed that the former IBM building was not feasible. Mayor Randels also agreed. Discussion concluded on seeking the costs to purchase the land at the AJT & Associates, Inc. location. Mr. Morgan requested that the City Manager present financing on the AJT Option II purchase. Mr. Petsos requested to use a comparative on the existing City Hall site or purchasing the land AJT is offering. Mr. Morley replied to Mr. Morgan that $4 million was the proposed cost on staffs presentation however that was without relocation costs. The City Manager would proceed with a matrix on the proposed financing for purchasing the AJT property, using the existing City Hall property or purchasing the Gould property. 2. City Goals and Objectives Continued ADJOURNMENT: Due to lateness of.the hour, City Council postponed discussion on the Infrastructure and Streets / Beautification projects. City Council scheduled a Workshop Meeting to continue the Goals and Objectives on May 23'" at 5:00 P.M. Susan, f iIls,.CITY CLERK