Town of Shalimar

Town Commission Meeting Minutes

April 8, 2008

CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Pro-Tem Ricardo Garcia called the meeting to order at 5:58 p.m. in Town Hall chambers.  He led the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the Flag.

ROLL CALL FOR THE RECORD         

Others in attendance:  Town Manager Tom Burns, Deputy Clerk Tina Smith, Town Attorney Mike Chesser, Police Chief John Cash, Pete Pappas, Jon Sheperd, Residents Veronica Woody and Joseph Ray, and Planning and Zoning member Johann Behnken.

PLANNING AND ZONING BUSINESS - The Planning and Zoning Board did not have a meeting at the end of March.

TOWN RESIDENTS' TIME - Resident Joseph Ray explained that he and his neighbors are interested in purchasing the property that abuts their property (between their lots and Meigs Executive Park).  Manager Burns stated that the original plans waived the need for a buffer zone because of this easement.  Attorney Chesser outlined several options for the homeowner to obtain this property but feels an agreement between the town and homeowners would be best.  In the agreement, the town should outline all possible future usages.  Manager Burns will look at the drainage plan and this issue will be tabled until the May Commission Meeting.

TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT - Attorney Chesser had nothing to report.  Manager Burns asked if the town could file a quiet title action for the property on Richbourg.  The town still has not received all quit claim deeds from the homeowners.  Attorney Chesser responded that it would cost the town more money but it can be done.  Mayor Combs has all of the phone numbers for the homeowners who haven’t returned their quit claim deeds but the status of the phone calls is unsure as Mayor Combs is out of town.

OLD BUSINESS:

NEW BUSINESS:

MAYOR COMBS’ REPORT - Mayor Combs was not present.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA’S REPORT - Commissioner Garcia had nothing to report.

COMMISSIONER MCCALLISTER’S REPORT - Commissioner McCallister had nothing to report but he will give a 6-month budget look back report at the next meeting.

COMMISSIONER BEHNKEN’S REPORT - Commissioner Behnken just returned from vacation and will have a Tidbits article for the June “Yard of the Quarter” section.

COMMISSIONER WAGNER’S REPORT - Commissioner Wagner was not present.

POLICE REPORT:

-  The department has been busy with only 3 officers

-  Chief Cash will have knee surgery on April 23

-  Detective Roberts had surgery on his wrist and is prepared to do shoulder surgery soon.  He is no longer on light duty; he is taking leave without pay and being paid by Worker’s Compensation

-  The department has been spending a lot of time on Richbourg, trying to slow the school buses down.

TOWN MANAGER UPDATE:

- Manager Burns asked Attorney Chesser if there is anything that can be done about the old gravel pit lot next to Snug Harbor townhomes.  The current property owner has made several changes to the property and sea wall and the town has contacted Okaloosa County and the West Florida Water Management District but, according to them, no permits were required.  Attorney Chesser stated that the Snug Harbor residents and other adjacent homeowners may have a civil case.  Manager Burns was asked to write a letter to Mr. Maxon, the current owner of the property.

Manager Burns also asked if Okaloosa County can create a new enclave and if the town could force some sort of agreement with them.  Attorney Chesser believes that there already is an agreement.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

ADJOURNMENT:  Commissioner McCallister moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:04 p.m.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Behnken and it passed unanimously.