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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-12-1993 Workshop• • CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING August 12, 1993 A Workshop Meeting of the Cape Canaveral City Council was held on August 12, 1993, at the City Hall Annex, 111 Polk Avenue, Cape Canaveral, Florida. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. by Mayor Salamone. ROLL CALL: Mayor Joy Salamone Present Mayor Pro Tem John Porter Present Councilmember Arthur Berger Present Councilmember Joan Calvert Present Councilmember Rocky Randels Absent City Manager Bennett Boucher Present City Attorney John Kancilia Present City Clerk Faith Miller Present BUSINESS: 1. Discussion with Ecotech, Inc. and Hartman & Associates regarding wetlands project. Mr. Boucher stated that Mr. Hal Schmidt, Hartman & Associates, would explain the status of the plant design and Mr. Chip Swindell, Ecotech, Inc., would provide an update on the wetlands project including options for the amount of land to be purchased. He stated that a public hearing was scheduled for August 24th for the wetlands land purchase. He introduced Mr. George Firkins of Cevesco, Inc., who represented the landowner of the subject property. Mr. Hal Schmidt, Hartman & Associates, stated that his firm was planning for a 1.8 mgd facility or a 1.5 mgd without the Port. He stated that they were proceeding with the ultraviolet radiation concept. He explained that the plant design was 60% complete and he would submit to the City its 60% review drawings on August 16th. He stated that presently they were proceeding with a Class B sludge which was a lime process. The engineers were also considering an alternative for the sludge process of an infrared heat drying system. Mr. Schmidt had arranged for such an infrared unit to be at the plant on the week of August 23rd and for sludge to be transported from Cape Coral that same week to demonstrate both Class A and B type sludges. Mr. Schmidt further explained the infrared and lime processes for sludge treatment and the entire treatment process of the expanded treatment plant and wetlands system. Mr. Chip Swindell, Ecotech, Inc., reviewed three (3) wetland options. Option No. 1 provided for a 1.5 mgd plant including 29 acres of effective treatment area plus five (5) acres of berms (total of 34 acres). This option was based on Canaveral Port Authority not being a part of the system, taking out a portion of Tower Boulevard and relocating the potable water system and electrical lines. Traffic into the treatment plant would need to be rerouted under this option. It provided for an approximate cost of $1.9 million for the land and $1.5 million for the wetland development. Option No. 2 provided for a 1.5 mgd plant including a total of 38 acres without the Port. This option provided for no relocation of utilities as Tower Boulevard would remain where it currently existed and the two parcels of land (27 and 11 acres) would be split by the road. Option No. 2 provided for an approximate cost of $2.5 million for the land and $1.3 million for the wetland development. Mr. Swindell explained Option No. 3 which was the plan he would recommend to the City. He stated that Option No. 3 provided for a • • City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting August 12, 1993 Page 2 1.8 mgd plant with a total of 41 acres. This option also took out Tower Boulevard and provided for the relocation of the utilities. Option No. 3 provided for an approximate cost of $2.5 million for the land and $1.5 million for the wetland development. He stated that the City would never have another chance to gain this type of treatment for the system at the cost difference ($500,000) shown in the table. He further explained the reasons for his recommendation of Option No. 3. Mrs. Calvert questioned the difference in the acreage needed for the wetlands project with or without the Port. She felt that the additional $500,000 cost justified the asking price for the up front money from the Port. Mr. Swindell stated that his recommendations were based on a meeting he had earlier in the week with the Department of Environmental Regulation (DER). He stated that Option No. 3 provided the additional land for treatment as a considerable assurance to offset any potential problems in the plant's treatment of the water. Mrs. Calvert stated that she did not agree with placing the burden for the cost of the plant and its upgrades on citizens who had already paid their fair share. She advocated proceeding as inexpensively as possible. Mr. Swindell stated that all three (3) options were less expensive than the original cost estimates provided by the previous engineer. Mayor Salamone stated that the City did not know whether or not the Port would remain on line with the City's plant after its contract expiration date. She stated that Council believed that the wetlands system would be better for the environment even though location of the wetlands on a barrier island was innovative and experimental. She felt that it was in the City's best interests to go with the professional's recommendation and spend the additional funds to ensure that the City had a 1.8 mgd plant which would handle complete buildout of the City. Mr. Porter stated that the 30 year term for the loan made more sense, but the State revolving loan fund was only for a term of 20 years. Mayor Salamone asked Mr. Swindell to further explain the chances of potential problems with either the 1.5 mgd or the 1.8 mgd plants. Mr. Swindell explained in detail the assurances, provided with the 1.8 mgd plant as compared to a lower capacity plant. Mrs. Calvert questioned if the Port built out to its maximum would the 1.8 mgd capacity accommodate the Port. Mr. Swindell stated that Option No. 3 could potentially treat up to two million gallons per day. There was further discussion regarding the amount of capacity requested by the Port. Mayor Salamone stated that the proposed agreement with the Port specified a limited reserve capacity of up to 250,000 mgd. Mr. Swindell stated that during the first five (5) years of plant operation with the wetlands system the capacity of the wetland would be consistently evaluated. He stated that theoretically after five (5) years the wetland could be re -rated based on the five (5) years of operational experience with the potential to up the capacity of the wetland depending on how it reacted to the flows and its environmental setting. Mr. George Firkins, Cevesco, Inc., stated that he was in favor of Option No. 3 (1.8 mgd plant). He stated that Cevesco had deeded the City eight (8) acres of land for improvements to Tower Boulevard. He explained the value of the riverfront property proposed for use as wetlands. • • City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting August 12, 1993 Page 3 Mr. Schmidt and Mr. Swindell explained the Project Schedule for the design, permitting and construction of the wetlands and the improvements to the plant. Mrs. Calvert stated that she was concerned about the City throwing away its bargaining chip with the Port if the City went forward and accepted the 1.8 mgd plant. Mayor Salamone stated that she supported the 1.8 mgd plant because she believed that because the wetlands project was experimental between the river and ocean setting that the City really needed the extra assurance of the additional land. She stated that she would continue to support obtaining $2.3 million from the Port for up front money to be a part of the treatment system. Mr. Porter stated that the City could set up strict guidelines that included that the Port could come on board for $2.3 million today, and increase the required up front money each month until the Port made its decision. There was extensive discussion regarding the Port's participation in the project. Mayor Salamone questioned whether or not there was a consensus among Council for one of the proposed options. The four members of Council present agreed with the selection of Option No. 3 (1.8 mgd plant with a total of 41 acres). Agenda this item for Tuesday. Mr. Boucher asked Mr. Schmidt to explain some of the history behind the reuse options. Mr. Schmidt stated that Post, Buckley, Schuh, & Jernigan's (PBSJ) report provided for a reuse program at a cost of approximately $4.5 million. He stated that after Hartman & Associates review of the PBSJ report an additional million dollars would be needed to complete a City -wide reuse system to get the water up to the Port. All the reuse water could not be used within the City. Mr. Schmidt explained that the Port's option included transporting the reuse water to Merritt Island for an additional three million dollars. Mr. Berger questioned the status of the loan application. Mr. Boucher stated that Ron Ferland with Dyer, Riddle had sent the plan to Tallahassee for review by all the applicable agencies involved and a hearing was set for September 2nd. He stated that site certification was also needed by September 14th. Mr. Kancilia stated that the City had to certify that it had acquired rights to the land. Mr. Kancilia stated that if the Council selected Option No. 3, the City would have to post the 30 day notice for the additional two (2) acres the following day. A ten minute break was taken at this time, after which the meeting was reconvened. 2. Ordinance No. 23 -93, Repealing and Re- enacting Section 271.04 of the City Code of Ordinances to amend the commencement of workshop meetings of the City Council (second and final reading on August 17, 1993). Agenda this item for Tuesday. 3. Ordinance No. 24 -93, Repealing and Re- enacting Section 271.02 of the City Code of Ordinances to amend the commencement of regular meetings of the City Council (second and final reading on August 17, 1993). Mrs. Calvert explained that the 7:00 p.m. meeting time was a compromise because Mr. Randels had explained that the proposed 6:30 • • City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting August 12, 1993 Page 4 p.m. time would prove difficult for him to attend. Agenda this item for Tuesday. 4. Discussion Re: Approval of the beach access easement for Mr. James A. Devlin. Mr. Kancilia stated that he had requested that the easement agreement be brought to Council for approval. He stated that Mr. Devlin was the only landowner along the beach who had not agreed to provide an easement for the beach renourishment project. He explained that each other landowner had signed a form of easement agreement which was prepared by the City and approved by the Port and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He stated that Mr. Devlin had objected to that particular form of agreement and wanted a non- legal version. Mr. Kancilia stated that since this agreement differed from the form of agreement the other landowner's signed, he felt that Council should approve the agreement. There was a possibility that objections to the agreement may be received from the Port or the Corps of Engineers. Mr. Kancilia advised that Mr. Devlin had gone to Ireland for a period of three months. Agenda this item for Tuesday. 5. Monthly Activity Reports. No comments. 6. City Manager's Report. Mr. Boucher stated that Mr. Firkins was present at the meeting and he wanted to clear up a few items regarding the land negotiations while he was present. Mr. Kancilia explained that City staff had anticipated Option No. 3 and he and the City Manager had negotiated with Mr. Firkins and Cevesco's attorney, Mr. Starling. He stated that the City had initially asked Cevesco to submit an offer for the 27.95 acres plus 10 acres and the price offered by Cevesco was slightly over $98,000 per acre. He stated that Mr. Boucher had solicited two appraisals for both parcels. The appraisals on the 10 acre parcel came in at $96,000 per acre from Hanson and $78,000 from Houha for an average of $87,000. During the course of negotiations, Mr. Firkins stated that Cevesco would accept the $55,000 an acre price offered by the City on the 27.95 acre parcel, but requested that the City would agree to an additional consideration of $5,300 per acre above the $87,000 appraisal price on the 10 acre parcel ($92,300). Mr. Kancilia explained that because the $92,300 price was in excess of the appraisal price it would have to be approved by a four to one vote. Mr. Kancilia advised that Mr. Starling had stated that if Cevesco furnished the title insurance policy that he would not charge Cevesco, Inc. any additional attorney's fees and in turn the City would not have to pay attorney's fees. He stated that Cevesco had requested that the City pay for any documentary stamps that might be payable in conjunction with the deed which may amount to $18,000 which as a municipality the City may be exempt from such cost. Mr. Firkins stated that Mr. Starling had stated that the City would not have to pay the documentary stamp cost. He stated that he had an option for four (4) acres at $130,000 per acre and he hoped to move them to the north of the subject property. He stated that he had documented sales of land in the area at $100,000 per acre. Mayor Salamone stated that the City appreciated Mr. Firkin's patience and sincerity and 'thanked him on behalf of the Council. Mrs. Calvert stated that Mr. Boucher had complimented Mr. Firkins 0 City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting August 12, 1993 Page 5 and his attorney on the professional manner in which this transaction has taken place. Agenda this item for Tuesday. Mr. Boucher distributed information relative to the budget for Monday night's meeting. Mr. Boucher stated that the Florida League of Cities had set up a Midwest Flood Relief Fund and they were asking the cities to solicit their citizens for contributions to this fund to help other governmental entities in the flood area. Council concurred to post this request in the Across the Space Coast newspaper column. Mr. Boucher asked for an Executive Session regarding the union contract to be scheduled on Tuesday, August 17th, at 7: 00 p.m. DISCUSSION: 1. Mayor Salamone stated that the proposed capital expenditures was $76, 000 which could come from reserves. She stated that Council had looked at the $50, 000 put aside for land purchase of a passive park site across from the Recreation Complex. She felt that the $50, 000 could come from the Beautification Funds and in order to obtain the other $26, 000, the Beautification budget could be cut by $26, 000 because the Council did not want to raise the utility tax earlier than January 1st. Mrs. Calvert stated that the Beautification Board would be present on Monday night to present their concerns at the budget workshop. Discussion followed regarding the utility and Beautification taxes. Mr., ,Portsit- teitv#4 a portion of the needed funds should come from reservEsj the ..indtebized'`utility tax, and reducing Beautification tax b-ya percentage , Discussion followed regarding the Adopt-a- Tree program and tneAlliW to plant shade trees throughout the City. There/vas �-.irt)L disftlsion regarding the Patriot's Day parade and the funaing required for same. There'f, e)ng.no fuistJ ef business, the meeting adjourned at 9: 13 P.M. ;Afro.- e",v, Faith G. Mille , MC/AAE City Clerk • '> I gg3 a$a fi 3