Regular City Council - April 11, 2023

City Council

Regular Meeting

April 11, 2023

The City of Titusville City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Titusville City Hall, second floor, Council Chamber, 555 South Washington Avenue, Titusville, Florida 32796.

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Mayor Diesel called the City Council meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Those present in the Council Chamber included Mayor Daniel E. Diesel, Vice-Mayor Joe C. Robinson. and City Council Members Herman Cole, Jr. Col USAF Retired, Jo Lynn Nelson, and Dr. Sarah Stoeckel. Also present were City Manager Scott Larese, City Attorney Richard Broome, and City Clerk Wanda Wells. Sr. Administrative Assistant Emily Campbell completed the minutes. 

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Mayor Diesel requested a moment of silence. Mayor Diesel then asked Boy Scout Troup #488 to lead those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Additionally, City Clerk Wanda Wells read the procedure for public comment and participation. 

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City Manager Larese stated that Item 9E - Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 9-2022, 3500 Cheney Hwy was withdrawn by the applicant. 

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City Manager Larese stated that staff requested that Council considered Item 9F - Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 10-2022 Lake Fern Academy (257 Aguinaldo Ave) after approval of the minutes. 

Motion: Member Nelson moved to discuss Item 9F - Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 10-2022 Lake Fern Academy (257 Aguinaldo Ave) after approval of minutes. Member Stoeckel seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

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APPROVAL OF MINUTES –

Motion: Member Nelson moved to approve the minutes of the special City Council meeting on March 7, 2023, as submitted. Member Cole seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

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Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 10-2022 Lake Fern Academy (257 Aguinaldo Ave) – City Manager Larese advised that the request was to conduct a public hearing on Conditional Use Permit No. 10-2022 to expand an existing private school located at 257 Aguinaldo Avenue.

City Attorney Broome read and reviewed the Quasi-judicial Rules of Procedure.

The Planning and Zoning Commission considered this item on April 5, 2023 and recommended approval as presented, which included staff ‘s recommended conditions, 7-0.

The applicant was requesting a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to expand an existing private school located at 257 Aguinaldo Avenue. A CUP was required for schools in the Multifamily High Density Residential (R-3) zoning district per Section 28-255. Special Exception No. 6-1985 was previously approved on the site to allow the expansion of a private school. Variance No. 10-1992 was approved to allow the private school to provide a minimum of 16 parking spaces. The subject property contains 2.43± acres and continues to be used as a private school. The applicant was requesting to expand the school by adding one 3,600 square foot building in order to serve an additional 60 students. The future land use designation on the property was High Density Residential and the zoning district was Multifamily High Density (R-3).

Community Development Director Brad Parrish reviewed the staff report and stated that staff recommended approval of CUP No. 10-2022 to expand the existing private school with the following conditions:

1. Relocate the southern extent of the playground fence to meet the minimum 50-foot setback requirement per Section 28-255(d)(1)b of the Code.
2. Landscape yards shall be illustrated on the site plan consistent with the landscaping requirements in Chapter 30, Article III, Division 10 of the Code unless a variance was approved.

The public hearing was open.

The applicant, Loys Ward stated that he and the owners reviewed the conditions and had no objections. Mr. Ward stated that he was available to answer any questions from Council.

Art Edwards stated that both of his grandchildren attended Lake Fern Academy and he was in support of this item.   Mr. Edwards stated that Titusville needed Lake Fern Academy. 

Tyka Price stated that she was the director and co-owner of Lake Fern Academy. Ms. Price stated that Lake Fern Academy was a private school in Titusville that served students from 2.5 years of age through 8^th grade. Ms. Price stated that at Lake Fern Academy, they pride themselves on having a family atmosphere and ensure that the students and their families feel as though they are a part of a community and not just a number in a large crowded institution. Ms. Price stated that they currently had 119 students, but with the new building, they would be able to accept 50 new students.  

Amy Hammer stated that she was the kindergarten, first and second grade teacher at Lake Fern Academy, but she first discovered the school as a parent. Ms. Hammer stated that her son was autistic and Lake Fern Academy accommodated his needs and worked with him to overcome many obstacles that he experienced both educationally and behaviorally. Ms. Hammer stated that by expanding the campus, they would be able to reach more students and help more families.

Stan Johnston stated that Lake Fern Academy was fantastic. Mr. Johnston discussed an email that he sent Council on April 3, 2023, etc.  

With no one else wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed.

Motion: Vice-Mayor Robinson moved to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 10-2022, as recommended with the following conditions: (1) Relocate the southern extent of the playground fence to meet the minimum 50 foot setback requirement per Section 28-255(d)(1)b of the Code and (2) Landscape yards shall be illustrated on the site plan consistent with the landscaping requirements in Chapter 30, Article III, Division 10 of the Code unless a variance was approved. Member Nelson seconded the motion. The roll call vote was:

Member Cole                          Yes

Member Nelson                      Yes

Mayor Diesel                          Yes

Vice-Mayor Robinson            Yes

Member Stoeckel                    Yes

The motion carried unanimously.

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SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & PRESENTATIONS – None.

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BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS –

North Brevard Commission on Parks and Recreation - City Manager Larese advised that the North Brevard Commission on Parks and Recreation's semiannual written report was included in the agenda packet. No action was requested.

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Titusville Housing Authority – City Manager Larese advised that the Titusville Housing Authority’s semi-annual written report was included in the agenda packet. No action was requested.

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PETITIONS AND REQUESTS FROM THE PUBLIC PRESENT (NONAGENDA ITEMS) –

Stan Johnston stated that he was a professional engineer and discussed an email he sent to City Council regarding sewage spills, etc. 

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CONSENT AGENDA

City Clerk Wanda Wells advised that there was one card submitted.

City Manager Larese read Consent Agenda items A, B, C, D, E, F and G, as followed:

Stan Johnston discussed Titusville’s lift station and Bakers Subdivision. Mr. Johnston discussed the sewage spill that occurred in December 2020, etc.   

Motion: Member Nelson moved to approve Consent Agenda items A, B, C, D, E, F and G in accordance with recommendations. Vice-Mayor Robinson seconded the motion. The roll call vote was:

Member Nelson                      Yes

Mayor Diesel                          Yes

Vice-Mayor Robinson            Yes

Member Stoeckel                    Yes

Member Cole                          Yes

The motion carried unanimously.

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ORDINANCES – SECOND READING, PUBLIC HEARING AND RELATED ACTION 

Elected Officials Compensation Proposed Adjustments – City Manager Larese advised that the request was to conduct the second reading and public hearing of Ordinance No. 21-2023 amending Section 2-28 of the Code of Ordinances by increasing the salary of councilmembers and mayor.

The authorized salary levels for Mayor and City Council Members have not been increased outside of periodic cost of living adjustments since 1998. The proposed monthly salary levels with an effective date of April 24, 2023 were:

Current:

• Mayor $975 
• City Council $704 

Proposed:

• Mayor $1200
• City Council $900

Sufficient funds would be available at mid-year to cover these salary adjustments

The public hearing was open.

Stan Johnston stated that he was not in support of increasing the mayor and council’s salary. 

With no one else wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed.

Motion: Vice-Mayor Robinson moved to approve Ordinance No. 21-2023, amending Section 2-28 of the Code of Ordinances by increasing the salary of councilmembers and mayor, as recommended. Member Nelson seconded the motion. The roll call vote was:

Mayor Diesel                          Yes

Vice-Mayor Robinson            Yes

Member Stoeckel                    Yes

Member Cole                          Yes

Member Nelson                      Yes

The motion carried unanimously.

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Ordinance No. 27-2023 - Antenna Ordinance – City Attorney Broome read Ordinance No. 27-2023 amending the Code of Ordinances to create antenna as an accessory use with limitations, by amending Section 28-342 “Accessory Use Table” and creating Section 28-351.5 “Antenna”, including standards for the use with limitations; providing for severability, repeal of conflicting ordinances, an effective date and incorporation into the code. This was the first reading and the first public hearing. The final public hearing was scheduled for the regular City Council meeting on April 25, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.

The Planning and Zoning Commission considered this ordinance on April 5, 2023 and recommended approval as presented and requested exploration of height limit, 7-0.

The public hearing was open.

Stan Johnston stated that he has seen numerous revisions to the antenna ordinance regarding how they were constructed and how many feet the antenna was away from the property line. 

Community Development Director Brad Parrish stated that at the Planning and Zoning meeting on April 5, 2023, they requested exploration of the height limit. There was a question as to whether this ordinance actually limits the height in a zoning district. 

Toni Shifalo stated that she was concerned about the communications towers and antennas because of the noise and flashing lights. She wanted to ensure that the ordinance addressed those concerns. 

With no one else wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed.

Discussion included allowing flexibility that would encourage the antennas to be on existing structures versus having to create a new structure.  Flexibility would allow the antennas to possibly exceed the maximum height in certain zoning districts.  Based on the discussion, staff would add additional language to the ordinance prior to the final public hearing scheduled for the regular City Council meeting on April 25, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.

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Ordinance No. 28-2023 - Mobile Food Vendors – City Attorney Broome read Ordinance No. 28-2023 amending the Code of Ordinances by establishing “Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles” pursuant to Section 509.102, Florida Statutes, including definitions, exemption from the requirement to obtain a business tax receipt from the City, setting forth purpose and intent, license, location and operational requirements, enforcement and penalty provisions, and by amending Section 11-331 “Definitions”; and by creating Article XVI “Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles”, and amending Chapter 28 “Zoning” by creating Section 28-145.1 “Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles”, and amending Section 28-54 “Use Table” and amending Chapter 37 “Definitions” Section 37-1 “Definitions”; providing for severability, repeal of conflicting ordinances, effective date and incorporation into the code. This was the first reading and the first public hearing. The final public hearing was scheduled for the regular City Council meeting on April 25, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.

The Planning and Zoning Commission considered this ordinance on April 5, 2023 and recommended approval as presented, 7-0.

On December 13, 2022, the Council directed staff to draft amendments to the Code of Ordinances Chapter 11 Licenses and Business Regulations, specifically related to Mobile Food Vendors to be consistent with the Florida Statutes.

The City Code of Ordinances needs to be amended as follows to be in compliance with Florida Statute 509.102: Sections 11-332(a), 11-340(c), 11-341(b) need to be amended to indicate mobile food dispensing vehicles as defined in Florida Statute 509.102 are not required to obtain a City business tax receipt (BTR), but shall maintain a current state license as required under FS 509.241. Sections 11-332 (d), 11-340b, 11-341(e) need to be amended to indicate mobile food dispensing vehicles as defined in Florida Statute 509.102 and that maintain a current state license as required under FSS 509.241. The City may limit the location of mobile food dispensing vehicles but cannot prohibit them from operating within the entirety of the City. Also, the definition of a truck or trailer to be eligible for this state preemption specifies “self- contained utilities”, including gas, water, electricity, and liquid waste disposal. Currently, the vendors do not meet the definition if they obtain electricity from a building or other hook-up or obtain a water supply via a hose connection from a building or other water supply.

The draft ordinance was consistent with the Florida Statutes.

Community Development Director Brad Parrish reviewed the standards.

The public hearing was open.

Stan Johnston discussed the sewage spill that occurred in December 2020, etc.

With no one else wishing to speak, the first public hearing was closed. The final public hearing was scheduled for the regular City Council meeting on April 25, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.

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Easement Vacate Application (EAS) No. 1-2023 – 3585 Belle Arbor Circle – City Manager Larese advised that the request was to approve to vacate a five (5) foot portion of the ten (10) foot Public Utility Easement on property located at 3585 Belle Arbor Circle and related Resolution No. 11-2023.

The Planning and Zoning Commission considered this item on April 5, 2023 and recommended approval as presented, 7-0.

An application was submitted by property owners of 3585 Belle Arbor Cir., Vernon Robinson Jr. & Amelia Robinson, requesting the vacation of a portion of the existing public utility easement in order to construct a swimming pool.

The public hearing was open.

Stan Johnston stated that he was a professional engineer and stated that this was a quasi-judicial item. Mr. Johnston also stated that Council members would not meet with him, etc. 

With no one else wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed.

Motion: Vice-Mayor Robinson moved to approve to vacate a five (5) foot portion of the ten (10) foot Public Utility Easement on property located at 3585 Belle Arbor Circle and related Resolution No. 11-2023, as recommended. Member Cole seconded the motion. The roll call vote was:

Vice-Mayor Robinson            Yes

Member Stoeckel                    Yes

Member Cole                          Yes

Member Nelson                      Yes

Mayor Diesel                          Yes

The motion carried unanimously.

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Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 9-2022, 3500 Cheney Hwy – City Manager Larese advised that this application was withdrawn earlier in the meeting.

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Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 10-2022 Lake Fern Academy (257 Aguinaldo Ave) – This item was discussed after approval of minutes earlier in the meeting. 

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ORDINANCES-FIRST READING – None. 

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OLD BUSINESS – 

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Affordable Housing Request for Proposal #23-P-027 Funding

Recommendation – City Manager Larese advised that the request was to approve the ARPA funding for the Hope Hammock Ph. II affordable housing development located at 550 S. Brown Avenue in the amount of $945,410 and authorize the City to enter into development agreements.

On June 21, 2022 and March 28, 2023 respectively, City Council authorized the disbursement of ARPA funds in the combined total of $945,410, for affordable rental housing projects. On February 1, 2023 the Neighborhood Services Department released RFP #23-P-027 for shovel-ready projects targeting rental housing for seniors, workforce, and/or homeless households. The RFP was posted to the City's website and advertised through DemandStar, and solicited via email to all qualified Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO) in Brevard County.

On March 1, 2023, the Neighborhood Services Department received one (1) response to RFP #23-P-027 from Community of Hope, Inc. The RFP was reviewed by the Neighborhood Services staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission Liaison Member of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. The following criteria and weighted values were considered in the review of the RFP submittal:

• 15% Number of units set aside
• 5% Cost per unit
• 10% Net increase in affordable rental units
• 25% Readiness to proceed
• 20% Financial capacity and past performance
• 20% Organization capacity
• 5% Leveraging other sources

Based on the results of the review process and the consensus to award, the Neighborhood Services Director recommended funding in the full initial requested amount of $845,410, plus, an additional $100,000 reserves for contingencies, change orders, and gap funding; for a total award of $945,410.

Vice-Mayor Robinson asked if Brevard County was adding any funding to this project. The Executive Director with Community of Hope Drew Warren stated that Brevard County did not put any funding toward this portion yet, but they were requesting it. Mr. Warren stated that his was the second phase of a two-phase project and Brevard County provided funding for the first phase of the project. 

Member Nelson asked when they planned to start the project and when would it be completed. Mr. Warren stated that they still needed to do a request for proposal (RFP) for a general contractor, but the site was already cleared. They are anticipating less than ten months for completion.  

Stan Johnston stated that he previously worked for the City of Titusville and has been a professional engineer since 1976. Mr. Johnston stated that Neighborhood Services Director Terrie Franklin did a great job. 

Motion: Vice-Mayor Robinson moved to approve the Agreement for Subaward of Federal Financial Assistance American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)  Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Funds for Affordable Rental Housing for the homeless, Deferred Payment Loan and Security Agreement 20 Year Term ARPA Affordable Rental Housing for the Hope Hammock Ph. II affordable housing development located at 550 S. Brown Avenue in the amount of $945,410 and authorize the City to enter into development agreements and Land Use Restriction Agreement for Hope Hammock Phase II, as recommended. Member Cole seconded the motion. The roll call vote was:

Member Stoeckel                    Yes

Member Cole                          Yes

Member Nelson                      Yes

Mayor Diesel                          Yes

Vice-Mayor Robinson            Yes

The motion carried unanimously.

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Mayor Diesel called for a recess from 7:53 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

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NEW BUSINESS 

Advisability - Transitional Housing – City Manager Larese advised that the request was to consider advisability for staff to research the City's zoning regulations related to transitional housing, including homeless, domestic violence and emergency and protective shelters. At the Council's direction, the staff may propose amendments to the City's zoning regulations.

There was a growing need for alternative housing options, including temporary residential units such as transitional housing for the homeless. The City's Land Development Regulations lists domestic violence shelter and recovery/halfway house as permitted transitional housing options in the Downtown Mixed Use (DMU) zoning district. Staff requested approval to research the implications of expanding transitional housing options into other zoning districts and to report back to Council with alternatives for further action.

Community Development Director Brad Parrish asked council if they wanted staff to spend time researching these regulations and bring back potential options to the council.

Vice-Mayor Robinson stated that he would advise staff to focus on the Affordable Housing Property Disposition Program more than this item. 

Deborah Chambers stated that she was the President of Ester’s Place. Ms. Chambers stated that they ministered 240 women in the 2.5 years since they opened. Ms. Chambers stated that the Fire Marshal stated they needed a fire suppression system, which would cost $30,000 to $50,000, about the same price of the building’s worth. 

Vice-Mayor Robinson stated that Ms. Chambers needed to try and work with the Fire Department and City staff to establish what can be done.

Stan Johnston stated that this was a social services issue and that Daytona, Florida had similar issues. 

Vice-Mayor Robinson expressed concerns of the Downtown Mixed Use (DMU) zoning district as it relates to Transitional Housing.  

Motion: Vice-Mayor Robinson moved to approve advisability for staff to research the City’s zoning regulations related to transitional housing, including homeless, domestic violence and emergency and protective shelters and approved for staff to propose amendments to the City’s zoning regulations.  This approval included staff combining their efforts on the research for Transitional Housing with the Affordable Housing Property Disposition Program and Community Land Trust. Member Nelson seconded the motion. The roll call vote was:

Member Cole                          Yes

Member Nelson                      Yes

Mayor Diesel                          Yes

Vice-Mayor Robinson            Yes

Member Stoeckel                    Yes

The motion carried unanimously.

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Affordable Housing Property Disposition Program and Community Land Trust Advisability – City Manager Larese advised that the request was to provide advisability to develop an Affordable Housing Property Disposition Program and partnership with a Community Land Trust, through the Neighborhood Services Department.

In December 2022, City Council approved the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee's (AHAC) 2023 Housing Incentive Plan, which included an element on creating and utilizing a Land Trust to promote a permanent supply of affordable housing in Titusville. Therefore, staff was seeking advisability from City Council to design an "affordable housing property disposition program" and to create procedures for such program conducive to the SHIP's program best practices and guidance. Additionally, staff was seeking Council's advisability to partner with a local Community Land Trust to assist in the implementation of the program through donations of City-owned properties.

Neighborhood Services Director Terrie Franklin stated that there was an incentive to work on a land trust in the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee’s plan. Also, Senate Bill 102 was just passed that added additional language to the state statue that required cities to develop these policies and procedures for the surplus land and to make that list available on the City website. 

Discussion included not limiting the Affordable Housing Property Disposition Program and Community Land Trust to certain economic zones.

Stan Johnston submitted a card on this item, but chose not to speak.

Motion: Member Nelson moved to provide advisability to develop an Affordable Housing Property Disposition Program and partnership with a Community Land Trust, through the Neighborhood Services Department. Member Cole seconded the motion. The roll call vote was:

Member Nelson                      Yes

Mayor Diesel                          Yes

Vice-Mayor Robinson            Yes

Member Stoeckel                    Yes

Member Cole                          Yes

The motion carried unanimously.

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Code Enforcement Lien Amnesty Program Extension – City Manager Larese advised that the request was to approve Resolution No. 12-2023 extending the Code Enforcement Lien Amnesty Program, for an additional six months, to expire on October 27, 2023.

City Council adopted an Amnesty Program as an incentive for property owners to correct their outstanding code enforcement violations, to obtain a quick reduction of their unpaid liens, and to obtain a release of lien from the City. The program began on April 27, 2021 for a period of one year. On March 8, 2022, City Council extended the expiration date of the program to April 28, 2023. On March 7, 2023, City Council received a request to extend the program from Mr. Ed Rabel. At the City Council meeting of March 28, 2023, a petition was made by Rodney Honeycutt to extend the program until the end of the year and Council supported the preparation of a Resolution for their future consideration. Staff prepared a draft Resolution proposing an extension of the Amnesty program for an additional six months.

Stan Johnston stated that he was in support of this item.

Motion: Member Cole moved to approve Resolution No. 12-2023 extending the Code Enforcement Lien Amnesty Program, for an additional six months, to expire on October 27, 2023. Member Nelson seconded the motion. The roll call vote was:

Mayor Diesel                          Yes

Vice-Mayor Robinson            Yes

Member Stoeckel                    Yes

Member Cole                          Yes

Member Nelson                      Yes

The motion carried unanimously.

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Approve 2023 Water Supply Facilities Work Plan – City Manager Larese advised that the request was to approve and adopt the 2023 Water Supply Facilities Work Plan

Section 163.3177(6)(c)(3), of the Florida Statutes, requires local governments to update their Water Supply Facilities Work Plan, as part of their comprehensive within 18 months of approval of a regional water supply plan by a water management district.

The Work Plan was updated by staff and submitted to St Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) in February 2023 for approval. Recommendations related to the SJRWMD supply plan were incorporated and the work plan has been finalized for approval.

The potable water level of service would change as reflected in the work plan and would be presented as a comprehensive plan amendment later this year.

Public Works Director Kevin Cook reviewed the 2023 Water Supply Facilities Work Plan. 

Toni Shifalo stated that the Water Supply Facilities Work Plan was great and suggested that the council hold a workshop that was open to the public on how the water system worked in Titusville. 

Stan Johnston stated that he was concerned with the 2023 Water Supply Facilities Work Plan and over pumping of the wells. Mr. Johnston discussed the areas of critical concern and the well fields in the Indian River City (IRC). 

Motion: Member Nelson moved to approve and adopt the 2023 Water Supply Facilities Work Plan, as recommended. Member Cole seconded the motion. The roll call vote was:

Vice-Mayor Robinson            Yes

Member Stoeckel                    Yes

Member Cole                          Yes

Member Nelson                      Yes

Mayor Diesel                          Yes

The motion carried unanimously.

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Ad Valorem Tax Abatement for Tax Year 2022 – Brix Project Brewery, LLC – City Manager Larese advised that the request was to approve the Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption and continuation of Ordinance No. 27-2015 for tax year 2022 for Brix Project Brewery, LLC at 100 percent.

Ordinance No. 27-2015 granted an ad valorem tax abatement of 100 percent for a duration of eight years to Brix Project Brewery, LLC based on its 2015 projections. Section 19-105 of the Titusville Code of Ordinances required the Titusville City Council to determine whether a company’s ad valorem tax abatement should be continued or terminated, based upon tax-year information that was contained in the business’s mandatory annual report.

Motion: Vice-Mayor Robinson moved to approve the Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption and continuation of Ordinance No. 27-2015 for tax year 2022 for Brix Project Brewery, LLC at 100 percent, as recommended. Member Nelson seconded the motion. The roll call vote was:

Member Stoeckel                    Yes

Member Cole                          Yes

Member Nelson                      Yes

Mayor Diesel                          Yes

Vice-Mayor Robinson            Yes

The motion carried unanimously.

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Ad Valorem Tax Abatement for Tax Year 2022 – Eckler Industries – City Manager Larese advised that the request was to approve the Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption and continuation of Ordinance No. 18-2013 for tax year 2022 for Eckler Industries, Inc. at 90 percent.

Motion: Member Nelson moved to approve the Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption and continuation of Ordinance No. 18-2013 for tax year 2022 for Eckler Industries, Inc. at 90 percent, as recommended. Member Cole seconded the motion. The roll call vote was:

Member Cole                          Yes

Member Nelson                      Yes

Mayor Diesel                          Yes

Vice-Mayor Robinson            Yes

Member Stoeckel                    Yes

The motion carried unanimously.

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Ad Valorem Tax Abatement for Tax Year 2022 – Paragon Plastics – City Manager Larese advised that the request was to approve the Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption and continuation of Ordinance No. 23-2015 for tax year 2022 for Paragon Plastics at 60 percent.

Motion: Member Nelson moved to approve the Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption and continuation of Ordinance No. 23-2015 for tax year 2022 for Paragon Plastics at 60 percent, as recommended. Member Cole seconded the motion. The roll call vote was:

Member Nelson                      Yes

Mayor Diesel                          Yes

Vice-Mayor Robinson            Yes

Member Stoeckel                    Yes

Member Cole                          Yes

The motion carried unanimously.

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PETITIONS AND REQUESTS FROM THE PUBLIC PRESENT (NON-AGENDA ITEMS) – None.

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MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS

Mayor's Report – Mayor Diesel submitted his written report.

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Mayor Diesel discussed an online webinar by Save Our Indian River Lagoon and stated that City of Titusville completed 11 out of the 24 projects for the Indian River Lagoon in Brevard County. 

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Mayor Diesel stated that he met with Michael Myjak and Laurilee Thompson who both served on the Titusville Environmental Commission. 

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Council Reports –

Member Nelson stated that she spoke with Dr. Jacoby about the preservation of wetlands and he suggested that the City created a wetland mitigation bank, sell the credits, and start preserving wetlands. 

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Member Nelson requested Council’s approval to meet with staff (Sandy Reller) and a representative of the St. Johns River Water Management District to discuss wetland mitigation, etc.   

Stan Johnston stated that was he was in support of this item. 

Motion: Member Stoeckel moved to approve Sandy Reller to meet with Member Nelson and a representative of the St. Johns River Water Management District to discuss wetland mitigation. Vice-Mayor Robinson seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

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Member Nelson asked for an update on PFAS. 

City Manager Larese stated that the City had the regulatory standards and where to test, from the federal government. City Manager Larese stated that the City has already funded the testing and would begin soon. If there were any adjustments to the testing as a result of the comment periods, they would make adjustments. The testing period was for one year. 

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Member Cole stated that the Brevard Zoo in conjunction with Parrish Medical Center were putting out pods in the Indian River Lagoon to grow seagrass. 

Member Cole requested Council’s approval to allow a representative of Brevard Zoo to give a presentation at the next regular City Council meeting (Presentation Meeting) on April 25, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.  The topic will be installing pods in the Indian River Lagoon to allow the growth of seagrass.

Stan Johnston stated that he was in support of the presentation. 

Motion: Member Cole moved to approve a representative of Brevard Zoo to give a presentation at the next regular City Council meeting (Presentation Meeting) on April 25, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.  The topic will be installing pods in the Indian River Lagoon to allow the growth of seagrass. Member Nelson seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. 

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Member Cole stated that he was meeting with Laurilee Thompson and Maureen Rupe to discuss the Titusville Environmental Commission.

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Member Stoeckel discussed sovereign immunity, utilities and solid waste management that were discussed in her legislative session in Tallahassee with the Florida League of Cities.  

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Member Stoeckel stated that it appeared that Council Members would have to start filling out financial disclosure form 6, which was a lot more intrusive then the previous financial disclosure form.

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Member Stoeckel stated that she attended the Space Coast League of Cities meeting with Mayor Diesel and Vice-Mayor Robinson. 

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Vice-Mayor Robinson stated that he was on the scholarship board for the Space Coast League of Cities and had information on the scholarships for those interested.

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Vice-Mayor Robinson stated that he had a busy week coming up that included the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization and a seminar on April 15, 2023 to learn more about Florida Transportation laws. 

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City Managers Report – City Manager Larese submitted his written report.

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All items were informational only. 

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City Attorneys Report – None. 

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With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m.