MINUTES

TOWN OF SHALIMAR

REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING

AUGUST 08, 2000

The regular meeting of the Shalimar Town Commission was called to order by Mayor Gary Combs at 6 p.m. in Town Hall Chambers. He led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

ROLL CALL FOR THE RECORD:

Mayor Gary Combs – present

Mayor Pro Tem Tom Callen – present

Commissioner Gene Brown – absent

Commissioner John Henderson – present

Commissioner Elaine Tucker – present

Others in attendance: Director of Finance Tom Burns, Town Administrator Connie Gluvna, Police Chief John Blackburn, Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Dowda, Town Attorney Mike Chesser, John C. Bryan Jr. (Chesser's Intern), and resident Rick Larson.

P & Z RECOMMENDATIONS: Lacking any agenda items, no P&Z meeting was held in July.

OLD BUSINESS:

I. APPROVE MINUTES OF JULY 11, 2000 TOWN COMMISSION MEETING – Comm. Henderson moved to approve the minutes as amended by the Mayor. Seconded by Comm. Callen and passed unanimously.

II. APPROVE MINUTES OF JULY 18 AND 20, 2000 BUDGET WORKSHOP MEETINGS – Comm. Callen moved to approve the minutes. Seconded by Comm. Henderson and passed unanimously.

III. STATUS OF LAWSUITS – Mayor Combs stated that a proposed settlement has been received from Racetrac Petroleum. He noted the settlement states Racetrac would keep current signage, enlarge the main sign to 247 square feet per side (not to exceed 494 square feet total). No other signs will be added. Any signs they erect must have a permit and meet all codes. Mayor Combs requested a meeting with Town Attorney Mike Chesser to review details of the proposal.

IV. STATUS OF PARK GRANT - Meigs Park picnic equipment has arrived and is near completion. We have not heard anything on the requested extension of the grant period. Opening ceremony is planned for 31 August 2000. Comm. Tucker is organizing the ceremony and will be working with the office staff to get invitations mailed out and preparations completed.

V. STATUS OF TOWN HALL RENOVATION AND ROOF - The Town received approval of the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant for the Town Hall roof. A meeting with BCM engineers, Diamondhead Construction, and Town Staff is scheduled for August 11, 2000 at 11:00. Comm. Henderson was concerned about the old wiring in the building. Mayor Combs stated that all the wiring including the phone wiring would be replaced.

VI. STATUS OF CHEROKEE ROAD PROPERTY ACQUISITION - - Mayor Combs explained the desired land will allow better access and parking for Cherokee Park. Two appraisals on the property have been obtained and the office staff has drafted a Proposed Contract for Sale and Purchase. Mike Chesser stated that there is no ordinance that applies to the purchasing of real property. As there is currently a tenant living in the house, Mike Chesser cautioned that we research the lease agreement. He said the Town should also check on the current zoning. Mike Chesser will add a paragraph to the contract and advised we should wait to advertise the town purchase until both parties have signed the contract. Comm. Henderson moved that the Mayor make an offer on the property, contingent on the Town Attorney’s input. Seconded by Comm. Callen and passed unanimously.

VII. ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL PROGRESS - The Mayor, Commission, and Town Attorney received a copy of the draft. A resolution to adopt the manual will be presented at the September Town Commission meeting. Mayor Combs lauded Tom Burns for the excellent job and that anyone having comments or questions should speak with Tom. Comm. Callen questioned the low fees for Occupational Licenses, which haven't been adjusted since 1994. Mayor Combs directed Tom Burns to create a spreadsheet of what other towns are charging.

NEW BUSINESS:

I. TOWN RESIDENT’S TIME – None

II. SALE OF BRANDE COURT PARK - Mayor Combs stated that Steve Wood approached him on the purchase of the green area park on Mande Court. The Mayor advised Mr. Wood to submit a letter to the Commission stating his request, and that contact would also be required with adjoining property owners and with the Shalimar Commons Property Owners Assoc. We received an $1800.00 purchase offer with $200.00 good faith money from Mr. Wood, but we have not received any letters. Discussion determined that the green area in question was a drain on maintenance and budget, and that all Commissioners must agree to the sale. If the Town accepts the bid, the town will keep the well pump and timer. Town Attorney Mike Chesser expressed concern that there may be town utility easements involved, and after discussion, it was determined that there are none on this property. Jeff Dowda, Maintenance Supervisor, stated it was his understanding that at the time of the subdivision development, the developer was required by the town to have a certain amount of green area.

MAYOR’S REPORT:

I. OCLOC EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING REPORT - Comm. Tucker attended the meeting. Comm. Tucker stated that we are the only town to have completed a tentative budget.

II. PATTY CULJAK CERTIFICATE - The Mayor has presented Patty with her Certificate of Appreciation.

III. POLICE DEPARTMENT DATABASE - The Mayor has been maintaining a database of the citations/warnings given by the police department since April 15, 2000. He reported that no one received a second warning. Mayor Combs is turning the upkeep of the database over to Police Commissioner Henderson.

IV. MEIGS PARK VANDALISM - Mayor Combs stated that vandalism in the park has been a problem. Chief Blackburn is filing a report on a recent vandalism incident and will make the offenders responsible for damages. The Mayor requested the Police Dept. to increase park surveillance and for Commissioners to keep an eye on the park as well.

V. MEIGS SCHOOL CROSSING – Resident response to a “Tidbit” newsletter request for opinions on the issue of Town police manning the Eglin Pkwy school crossing was light, but favorable to our police patrolling neighborhood streets. Comm. Tucker will draft a letter to the schools notifying them that the Shalimar Police Department will not be covering the crosswalk this year. Comm. Tucker moved to maintain the police department presence on Shalimar streets for speed control. Seconded by Comm. Callen and passed unanimously.

VI. BUILDING PARKING - The Mayor stated that employee parking in Mr. Harrell's vacate lot has become a concern due to disruption of the ground cover foliage. Now that the Town Hall parking lot renovation is complete, employees need to utilize our lot.

VII. WEBSITE - Mayor Combs is researching rates for Cox Cable Internet access.

COMM. TUCKER’S REPORT:

I. FY 00 FINANCIAL STATUS – Comm. Tucker reviewed the Town's FY00 financial report. Mayor Combs stated the employees have worked hard and it would be nice to implement the FY2001 payroll raise effective 15 August 2000. Comm. Tucker stated that such implementation would cost the town $2020 and we have the funds. No motion was entertained.

II. FY 01 BUDGET WORKSHOP SCHEDULE – Comm. Tucker gave dates for FY 00/01 budget workshops; September 05, 2000 - Tentative Millage and Budget Hearing - 5:30 P.M. and September 12, 2000 - Final Millage and Budget Hearing - 5:30 P.M.

COMM. BROWN’S REPORT:

I. TREE ORDINANCE - No report, Comm. Brown was absent.

COMM. CALLEN’S REPORT:

I. STORM WATER DRAINAGE/BEAVER PROBLEMS - Comm. Callen spoke with Mack Kirkland, a Shalimar resident who owns property near the storm water drainage area that beavers have occupied. Mr. Kirkland is concerned about poor drainage apparently caused by the beaver activity. Comm. Callen talked to County, who stated we should go to the Dept. of Environmental Protection to see about maintaining the drainage. Mayor Combs directed Tom Burns to research the issue and contact the Dept. of Environmental Protection.

II. BARRON COURT EASEMENT - Comm. Callen stated there have been complaints of the town using the easement on Barron Court for access to the adjoining green area. The next complaint from a resident will generate a letter from Staff explaining the property easement boundaries and the Town’s right to use the easement.

COMM. HENDERSON’S REPORT:

I. TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UPDATE - Comm. Henderson stated the police departments issuance of warnings (as well as tickets) seems to be effective in reducing speeding.

II. TELEPHONE MANAGEMENT - The front office is receiving numerous calls for the police department. Chief Blackburn will work with the Okaloosa Sheriff dispatchers to help track calls better. When people call the 1115 extension and are transferred to the Sheriff's office, they in turn are having the caller contact the Town Hall front office. An alternative is giving out the officers' pager number.

III. SGT. DICKERSON'S RETIREMENT - Comm. Henderson stated Sgt. Dickerson offered to retire effective 31 December 2000 for $7500.00 compensation. Mayor Combs stated a written contract covering the retirement specifications should be signed. Comm. Henderson moved that we accept Sgt. Dickerson's retirement proposal with a written contract. Seconded by Comm. Callen and passed unanimously.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: None

POLICE CHIEF’S REPORT: None

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

SEPTEMBER 1 THROUGH 14 - MAYOR COMBS OUT OF TOWN

COMMISSIONER CALLEN WILL BE MAYOR PRO TEM

ADJOURNMENT: Comm. Callen moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. It was seconded by Comm. Henderson and passed unanimously.

ATTEST:

________________________________ _____________________________

Connie Gluvna Mayor Pro Tem Tom Callen

Town Administrator