The meeting of the Orange Park Town Council was called to order in the Town Hall Council Chambers at 7 p.m. with Mayor Steve Howard presiding.

Transcription

1 Item No. Orange Park, Florida The meeting of the Orange Park Town Council was called to order in the Town Hall Council Chambers at 7 p.m. with Mayor Steve Howard presiding. Other Councilmen present were Vice-Mayor Gary Meeks, Councilman J.B. Renninger, Councilman Scott Land, and Councilman Eugene Nix. Also in attendance were Town Manager Jim Hanson, Public Works Director Chuck Pavlos, Economic & Community Development Director T.C. Amato, Attorney Sam Garrison of Kopelousos, Bradley & Garrison, and Town Clerk Sarah Campbell. The invocation was given by Councilman Renninger followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING DATED MARCH 24, 2015 Councilman Renninger moved to approve the minutes of the Council meeting dated March 24, Councilman Nix seconded the motion which passed unanimously 5 to 0. PRESENTATION OF FLAGS BY CLAY COUNTY VETERANS' COUNCIL The Clay County Veterans' Council presented a new American flag and POW flag to the Council to replace the ones that were recently stolen from Magnolia Cemetery. Capt. Paul Haws stated that many veterans were upset to hear of the recent theft. They contacted Congressman Ted Yoho's office to see about obtaining replacement flags. Mr. Greg Rawson, of Congressman Yoho s office, stated that the congressman was moved to replace the flags that had been stolen. CAPITAL PROJECT REPORT Mr. Hanson stated that this report was given to the Council at the last meeting but time did not allow for any questions. Councilman Nix asked if item 7, Town Hall improvements, was different from item 15, Town Hall improvements. Mr. Hanson stated that item 7, under Recreation and Programs is for installation of the $15,000 irrigation system. Item 15, for $103,400 is for roof repairs, security upgrades, and the Public Safety Building access control system. Councilman Nix asked if item 22, Kingsley Avenue was accurate, as only $252 has been spent on work that has been conducted. Mr. Pavlos stated that the report contains actual dollars spent, but does not show that there are additional funds encumbered. The remaining funds available in this line item have been encumbered, but not spent yet.

2 Page 2 Councilman Nix asked for an update on the Floyd Circle project. Mr. Pavlos stated that the project is ongoing and that final designs and reports have been submitted to the State for approval. Once the State approves the project, then the Town will issue the bid. Councilman Nix asked about item 52, manhole improvements. Mr. Pavlos stated that 11 manhole issues have been addressed so far. Councilman Nix asked about item 54, reclaimed water project. Mr. Hanson stated that after the Burton and Associates presentation, they recommended that the Town not pursue this project. It would require an increase in rates to pay for the project. The Council direction was to not approve this project. It will lapse off of the capital project listing. Vice-Mayor Meeks, asked if item 28, Loring Avenue improvements was on hold. Mr. Pavlos stated that the design for this project has been stopped pursuant to Council direction. Mayor Howard stated that he noticed that the new fire chief's vehicle has been received. He asked about the status of the old vehicle. Ms. Campbell stated that the vehicle would be brought before the Council to approve surplus designation. It would then be sold in an online reverse auction. Mayor Howard stated that work on Old Orange Park Road is almost complete. Mayor Howard asked staff to update the Council regarding the bids for Gabriel and Chablis court improvements. Mr. Pavlos stated that bids were opened this week, the low bidder was approximately $300,000 lower than the next highest bidder. Staff will meet with the low bidder next week to confirm scope of the project, the unit prices, and the bid amount. Staff will bring the contract to the Council at the next meeting for approval. The low bidder was Grimes Utilities, Inc. REPORT ON PARK NAMING Ms. Campbell stated that the Council requested information regarding the signs at the T.C. Miller Community Center. Her research shows that there are two parcels of land at the site. The building sits on one parcel, which is named the T.C. Miller Community Center. The second parcel is to the west and contains the parking lot, pavilion, and playground. This was named the Wilbert and Hunter Park. The naming of both parcels occurred in The previous Town manager Mr. Bowles and representatives from the Clay County Youth Character Building organization were present for the naming. Minutes and other documents from that time do not indicate that the Council participated in the naming of these sites. Ms. Campbell stated that the Culture & Recreation Committee discussed this issue at their meeting on March 30. Councilman Renninger will give a report on this issue tonight. They recommend adoption of a resolution to officially name all Town parks, and development of a policy for park naming in the future.

3 Page 3 COMMENTS ON PUBLIC SERVICE TAX Mayor Howard commented on the recently adopted public service tax. He stated that the Council does not like to adopt new taxes, but it was a necessity in this case. This tax was believed to be the least intrusive method for collecting revenue to offset the Town's expenditures. SWEARING IN OF COUNCILMAN SCOTT LAND TO A SECOND THREE-YEAR TERM IN SEAT 3 Councilman Land was sworn in to a second term in seat three. Judge Richard Townsend executed the oath of office. NOMINATION, ELECTION, AND SWEARING IN FOR THE POSITION OF MAYOR Mayor Howard outlined the process to be used for selection of a mayor and vice-mayor. He opened the floor for nominations. Councilman Nix nominated Vice-Mayor Gary Meeks to serve as Mayor. No other nominations were made. Councilman Renninger seconded the motion which passed unanimously 5 to 0. Mayor Meeks was sworn in as Mayor by Judge Townsend. NOMINATION, ELECTION, AND SWEARING IN FOR THE POSITION OF VICE-MAYOR Mayor Meeks opened the floor for nominations for the position of vice-mayor. Councilman Renninger nominated Councilman Land. Councilman Howard nominated Councilman Nix. No other nominations were made. Councilman Nix was named Vice-Mayor in a 3-2 vote, with Councilmen Renninger and Land voting for Councilman Land. Councilman Nix was sworn in as Vice-Mayor by Judge Townsend. MAYOR TO CALL ON ANYONE IN AUDIENCE WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL Mr. Paul Fleury, 559 Laurel Grove, addressed the Council regarding the new public service tax. He stated that his recent Social Security increase was only 1.7% and the new tax is 10%. He questioned what the actual increase is since it is only a portion of the electric bill. Mr. Hanson stated that the fuel surcharge on the bill is not taxable. Mayor Meeks stated that this has been an ongoing issue for the Town and that increasing ad valorem revenue would have been more expensive for property owners and has not been paid by 100% of the Town. He stated that he would like to reduce the millage rate for property owners in the future and spread the burden of payments across a wider population. He requested that staff examined Mr. Fleury's bill and help him resolve the issue of the taxable portion.

4 Page 4 Mr. Fleury stated that these budget shortfalls didn't happen overnight. He stated that he has no trust in the Council. They are fixing sidewalks that people are now parking on. He stated that it is a waste of money to fix the sidewalks. Mr. Frank Ricketts, 2253 Marcia Court, congratulated the new Mayor and Vice-Mayor and thanked Councilman Howard for his service over the last year. He stated that he wished the public had been here for the budget meetings going back to He stated that the public service tax was a necessary and required step to stop the elimination of police and fire personnel. He stated that this was the most cost-effective impact to all residents. Mr. David Coughlin, 23 Widener Way, addressed the Council regarding the red light camera program. He stated that this program does not follow due process and is basically institutional blackmail. He recommended that the Town refund all fines collected from motorists due to the defective process and requested that an internal investigation of the Town's processes be conducted. Ms. Mary Hawkins, 2343 Holly Lane, addressed the Council regarding the storm water fee that has been proposed, when it will be implemented, and how much it will be. She also asked for the status of the investigation related to the attacker on Doctors Lake Drive. Mayor Meeks stated that a storm water fee has not been passed. The Council previously discussed passing a four dollar per month fee. A storm water fee has not been enacted and they are still waiting on a study to be concluded. Also, the Council will consider the impact of the current revenues and anticipated expenditures for next year. Mr. Hanson recommended that the public use caution when walking or running on the Doctors Lake Trail. The police investigation is ongoing. The development of a sketch of the suspect and distribution to the public has brought in many tips. The Police Department is actively working on this case. TOWN COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilman Howard stated that the Department of Health is conducting a countywide health assessment to determine local health issues and needs. There will be a group meeting on April 20 from 5 to 7 PM for citizen input. He recommends people attend this workshop and provide their input for the assessment. Councilman Howard stated that the dumpsters at Orange Park Athletic Association and the Close Closet do not meet the Town code. Councilman Howard recommended that the Town Council meetings be noticed on the new event signs on the Town Hall Park corners.

5 Page 5 Councilman Howard stated that he noted on the recent top 200 vendors report that the Town uses three different tree services. He recommended that the Town consolidate to one tree service in order to achieve cost savings. Councilman Howard stated that the Council made a mistake on Plainfield Avenue to not follow Town standards and make the street 24 feet wide with high back curbs. He stated that Mayor Meeks praised other sections of Plainfield when the road was constructed with those details. He requested that the Council reconsider the decision. Councilman Howard stated that if residents along Plainfield Avenue want to have underground electricity and a second sidewalk, the Town could assess the $1.3 million cost for the utility work and the $300,000 for the additional sidewalk to the 97 residents along this section. Vice-Mayor Nix complemented Councilman Howard on his year as mayor. Vice-Mayor Nix stated that he has received several calls regarding trash, trash cans are left in driveways, and not all yard waste is being collected. Vice-Mayor Nix stated that there will be a presentation by Mr. Hank Racer on Monday night at the meeting of the Historical Society of Orange Park regarding the Clarke property. Mr. Racer was instrumental in the acquisition and fundraising for the property. Councilman Land congratulated Mayor Meeks and Vice-Mayor Nix and thanked Councilman Howard for his service to the Town as mayor. Councilman Renninger echoed the congratulations to Mayor Meeks and Vice-Mayor Nix and thanked Councilman Howard for his service as mayor. Councilman Renninger stated that he is disappointed with the recent issue of the My Clay Sun picturing trash along Plainfield Avenue. He stated that this is not a typical occurrence. Councilman Renninger stated that the Northeast Florida League of Cities meeting and dinner will be in Keystone Heights next Thursday at the airport. Mayor Meeks stated that he has also had issues with trash and yard debris. Mayor Meeks congratulated Councilman Land on his second term and thanked Councilman Howard for his leadership through a difficult year. Mayor Meeks announced that the attire for the next meetings would be business casual. Mr. Paul Fleury, 559 Laurel Grove, stated that he had a trash issue several months ago where someone came out, went through his trash, tore open bags, and left a mess behind. He stated that leaves are also a problem.

6 Page 6 PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH Councilman Howard moved to approve the proclamation recognizing child abuse prevention month. Vice-Mayor Nix seconded the motion which passed unanimously 5 to 0. FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS Councilman Renninger requested that this item be pulled from the consent agenda for discussion. He stated that there are many issues with this document and that it is not ready for a public hearing. He stated that he has reviewed it for several hours and sent comments to staff. There are organizational, administrative, and content issues that need to be resolved. He stated that a revised draft was provided yesterday, and that only one Council member sent in comments on this document. He recommended that this item be tabled. Vice-Mayor Nix stated that he agreed with Councilman Renninger. He stated that he has spent some time reviewing the document but has not completed his review. Mr. Amato stated that the Planning & Zoning Board had two or three workshops on the document and the Environmental Quality Board also made changes as well. All of their comments have been incorporated into this document. Mr. Amato stated that he reviewed any new changes that were made to the Land Development Regulations. He did not review sections that are unchanged and may contain errors from earlier versions. Vice-Mayor Nix stated that he is not prepared to make a decision on this item tonight. Councilman Land stated that this new revision fixes significant development issues in the Town. The Council should not wait on some of these corrections. Mayor Meeks stated that some of the errors were inherited from previous versions of the document. He asked if Attorney Garrison reviewed the new development regulations. Attorney Garrison stated that he has responded to specific legal questions, but he did not craft of the document or review it in its entirety. Councilman Renninger stated that there are certain ordinances referenced in the proposed new codebooks that are not referenced in this draft of the Land Development Regulations. Ms. Barbara Davidson, 2710 Holly Point Road West, stated that when ordinance was approved Council did not read it in its entirety and it changed the intent of the Land Development Regulations. She stated that the new codebooks have not yet been codified. She discussed the review of the Land Development Regulations that she conducted with Mr. Ricketts. She stated that Mr. Amato was basing his actions on the old codebook, revising some areas, and updating

7 Page 7 others. She recommended that the Council accept the changes to the Land Development Regulations and update it later. She stated that some content is appropriate to scrutinize. Mr. Amato stated that ordinance was repealed. The version that he used to base this document on the 1999 codebook and the addition of the community redevelopment overlay ordinance which was added later. Mayor Meeks recommended a workshop of the Council to discuss this issue further as the business agenda still needs to be addressed. Mr. Amato agreed that a workshop would be appropriate and that any developments that are applied for in the meantime can request a variance. Mayor Meeks stated that the Council could also request that this ordinance be cleaned up and sent back out to see if it is ready for approval. Councilman Renninger agreed that most of the changes are cleanup in nature. He questioned why Internet cafés are allowed in the industrial warehousing district. Mr. Hanson stated that there are some errors in the code and it needs to be cleaned up. Staff raised questions regarding the definition of Internet cafés and brought them to the attention of the attorney for his review before the new regulations were drafted. Mr. Hanson recommended a Council workshop to review the regulations. Mr. Hanson recommended that any substantive changes be sent to staff. They will be prepared to address them at the workshop. Councilman Howard stated that the Council was burned by the implementation of ordinance 02-12, and is now suspicious of the new ordinance. Ms. Davidson commented on the inclusion of Internet cafés in the regulations. The Town has to be able to accommodate them if applied for. She stated that it would be illegal for the Town to eliminate them from the regulations, but can control where they go. Councilman Land stated that Mr. Amato has been trying to update the Town's image through planning regulations, but the Council has not given staff any input in what it should look like. He recommended that staff be given direction on the Council's vision for the Town's planning before the workshop. PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING CAMPING IN TOWN PARKS Councilman Howard moved for a first reading, by title only, of an ordinance prohibiting camping in Town parks. Councilman Renninger seconded the motion which passed unanimously 5 to 0. Ms. Campbell read the ordinance into the record by title only as follows:

8 Page 8 AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY WITHIN THE TOWN OF ORANGE PARK EXCEPT AS AUTHORIZED BY THE TOWN MANAGER OR DESIGNEE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE Mayor Meeks opened the public hearing and as there was no one to address the Council on this issue, the public hearing was closed. Councilman Renninger moved to approve the ordinance prohibiting camping in Town parks. Councilman Howard seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 5 to 0. This ordinance is recorded as # DISCUSSION ON CREATION OF A BUSINESS GRANT Vice-Mayor Nix proposed that the Council issue grants for businesses. Other cities have economic development grant programs. This would provide an opportunity to clean up the Town. Grants could be issued for signs, code violations, or facade improvements. He requested a legal review and a budget review of the proposed program. He recommends funding $30,000-$35,000 for next year. This would address small dollar items at local businesses. Councilman Renninger stated that a community redevelopment area accomplishes the same goal and includes the funding mechanism. He stated that it may be too late for the Town to capitalize on this option. Mayor Meeks recommended that the Budget and Finance Committee review this recommendation for available discretionary funding. He stated that the Committee could also explore this option further and discuss the community redevelopment area. Vice-Mayor Nix stated that a CRA is more intensive. This is a simple idea. He stated that businesses love incentives and need help in the first 6 to 8 months. Mayor Meeks referred this discussion to the budget and finance committee. Vice-Mayor Nix recommended that the Land-Use Planning and Policy Committee research the issue now and then forward their results onto the Budget and Finance Committee for funding discussions. DISCUSSION OF MISSION AND VISION NEXT STEP Vice-Mayor Nix requested that this item be pulled from the agenda.

9 Page 9 Ms. Campbell stated that the mission and vision workshop will be held on Tuesday, April 28. The Council agreed that they would like to hold a workshop from 7 to 10 PM. The Council requested that Mr. Hanson resend prior examples of mission and vision statements from other cities. Vice-Mayor Nix stated that each Council member could submit 1 to 2 examples for discussion. DISCUSSION CREATION OF "CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION" FOR NEW BUSINESSES Vice-Mayor Nix stated that he hopes councilmembers take the time to meet business owners along US 17 and Kingsley Avenue. He stated that people like recognition. He would like to bring in new business owners and recognize them. Councilman Renninger stated that the Town recently recognized the operator of the Hilton Garden Inn, and that the owner should be recognized as well. Councilman Howard agreed that businesses should be recognized. He stated that he has previously requested that the Council be informed whenever permits or licenses are issued for new businesses in the Town. Mayor Meeks requested that information on new businesses be provided to the Council. Vice-Mayor Nix moved to institute a certificate of recognition for new businesses that come to the Town. Councilman Howard seconded the motion. Councilman Renninger stated that there is no backup information or staff input on this agenda item. He cannot support this until more information has been provided. He stated that he is unclear what the Council wants to do. Vice-Mayor Nix stated that he could provide a sample certificate that could be used. Mr. Hanson stated that he will get a clear definition on what the Council is looking for. Vice-Mayor Nix withdrew his motion. Councilman Howard withdrew his second to the motion. REPORT FROM THE CULTURE & RECREATION COMMITTEE Councilman Renninger stated that the Culture & Recreation Committee met on March 30 to discuss two grant proposals. Representatives of the Orange Park Patrons reaffirmed their commitment to the Skateboard Park. The Town is proposing to renovate all ramps to a concrete structure with a cost of $407,500. Durability is currently an issue. It is hard to keep the park safe. Concrete is durable and safe. He is hopeful that the County will fund this proposal.

10 Page 10 Orange Park Athletic Association has operated the baseball facility for 60 or more years. They have struggled with volunteers and maintaining the facility. The Town helps with facility maintenance and providing resources. The grant proposal for $1,004,000 would allow for construction of new concession and restrooms, new lights, new parking, and connection to a reclaimed water line. Councilman Renninger stated that the Town has no policy or procedure in place for the naming of parks. This has been problematic in the past. He would like to direct staff to draft a policy and resolution to name current parks and to address the naming of future ones. Councilman Renninger stated that the Clarke Park Leathers playground needs more attention and will be addressed in upcoming budget considerations. Councilman Howard noted that only 20% of the participants at the skateboard park are Town residents. He noted that only 43 kids from OPAA live in the Town; this is 7% of their participation. Councilman Land stated that if that many Clay County residents use the facilities, then the County should fund the improvements. Councilman Renninger noted that OPAA has served Clay County for many years. He stated that Bel Med received funding from the County for recreational improvements. Councilman Land noted that he Fleming Island baseball complex also received $1,000,000 in grant funds from the County. He recommended that the Town maintain the facility or potentially lose users to newer sites. Councilman Renninger moved to forward the grant proposal for skateboard park improvements to Clay County. Councilman Land seconded the motion. Vice-Mayor Nix asked if the funds from the County can only be used for recreation purposes. Councilman Renninger stated that these funds are left over from bonds. The County has designated them for recreational capital improvement purposes only. The motion to forward the grant agreement to Clay County passed unanimously, 5 to 0. Councilman Renninger moved to forward the grant proposal for Orange Park Athletic Association improvements to Clay County. Councilman Land seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 5 to 0. Councilman Renninger moved to direct staff to develop park naming criteria, a process, and resolution to name current parks. Councilman Land seconded the motion. Vice-Mayor Nix asked if any parks are unnamed. The Council discussed criteria for naming parks and the description of parks identified in the Town's Comprehensive Plan.

11 Page 11 The motion to direct staff to develop a process and resolution for Park naming passed unanimously, 5 to 0. DISCUSSION CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE NORTHEAST FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES REGARDING JUNE Councilman Renninger stated that he is president of the Northeast Florida League of Cities this year. He stated that the Council recently made a decision to change the venue for this year's without proper information and backup. He stated that review of capacity, attendance numbers, and parking make the proposed site of Club Continental a difficult decision. He stated that inclement weather could make the event particularly challenging. Mayor Meeks stated that the venue for the dinner is a decision of the League. He stated that the intention of the Council is to showcase places that the Town is proud of. Vice-Mayor Nix asked if the League has vetoed other cities recommendations for venues. Councilman Renninger stated that none have been vetoed under his tenure, but all other recommendations have also accommodated the group. The Council agreed that the venue decision should be made by the League. TOWN MANAGER REPORT Mr. Hanson gave an update on the staff directed reports list. He stated that three items have been completed including the report on park and building naming at TC Miller Community Center, the ordinance prohibiting camping in Town parks at night, and the strategic plan and visioning. Councilman Land moved to remove these three reports from the staff directed reports list. Mayor Meeks seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 5 to 0. Councilman Howard asked for an update regarding items 2 and 3, requests to FDOT to change the turn lanes at Kingsley and Park Ave., and temporary elimination of left turns onto Holly Point Road West. Mr. Hanson stated that Mr. Pavlos has spoken to FDOT about this requests but no answer has been given yet. Mr. Pavlos stated that he is trying to determine what FDOT needs for the request to be formally considered. Councilman Howard asked why Old Orange Park Road improvements is still listed on this report. Mr. Hanson stated that this item remains from the Council's top five priority list. This project will be removed when completed. Mr. Hanson provided the Council with a new report on Code Enforcement tracking. Councilman Howard asked for an update on the house on Glenn Street. Mr. Amato stated that staff has drafted a violation for this property. It was not received through the certified mail delivery

12 Page 12 process. Staff will now attempt to hand deliver the notice. If that is not successful, then staff will post the notice. The property has several violations. Mr. Hanson stated that approximately 80% of the properties contacted comply right away, while 20% take lots of time for staff to address. Councilman Renninger asked if the newly formed Nuisance Abatement Board can assist with any of these issues. Attorney Garrison stated that no, the Board can address only properties with certain criminal infractions. Mr. Amato commented on the need to address minimum property maintenance standards in the Town. TOWN CLERK REPORT Ms. Campbell stated that the State has issued the grant application for urban forestry grants. The application is due on May 1, she will be working on this during the coming days. She intends to bring the Council a resolution of support for the grant at the next meeting. Ms. Campbell reminded the Council of the ethics seminar that will be held in the Council chambers on Thursday. This seminar includes attendees from other cities as well. Approximately 55 people have signed up for the seminar so far. Ms. Campbell stated that the Council workshop for a mission and vision statement development will be held on April 28 at 7 PM. Ms. Campbell stated that she anticipates bringing the Council a proposed amendment to the Standing Rules to address meeting dates related to the recent election date changes. She will not bring these forward for consideration until the Attorney and Supervisor of Elections finalize the election details. TOWN ATTORNEY REPORT Attorney Garrison stated that several cities, including the Town, have been included in a red light camera suit. The Florida Municipal Insurance Trust is handling the case on behalf of the Town. Attorney Garrison will be monitoring the case and updating the Council as it progresses. LETTERS FOR ACTION OR REVIEW No information was presented for this item. AUDIENCE COMMENTS Mr. Frank Ricketts, 2253 Marcia Court, stated that granting variances for developments that do not comply with the Land Development Regulations now, may create precedent for future changes. He requested that recordings of all committee meetings be placed on the Town's website.

13 Page 13 Mr. Charles Ellmaker, 2538 Red Fox Road, congratulated the new mayor and vice Mayor. He questioned what the Council's objective for their vision statement is. Mayor Meeks stated that the Council will determine the vision, with citizen input. The goal is to try and establish a mission and vision statement as Clay County recently did, in a three-hour meeting. Councilman Renninger stated that the vision statement should be very broad and is a statement of 5, 10, or 15 years. Support goals would be added later on. Future actions would be attached later that are associated with the goals and the vision. Mr. Ellmaker asked if the Council would be updating the Town's Comprehensive Plan to reflect the new vision. Mayor Meeks stated that it would not be updated right away. The vision will give direction for the future. Ms. Mary Hawkins, 2343 Holly Lane, addressed the Council regarding the upcoming League dinner. She guessed that there must be a problem with holding it at the Orange Park Kennel club. She expressed concern that having the event at a venue that is too small makes everyone look bad. She questioned why the Council is continuing to discuss the possible closure of Holly Point Road West as all who spoke about this issue were opposed to it. Mayor Meeks stated that staff is asking about the feasibility of the closure. Ms. Hawkins urged the Council to not close this access. She stated that it takes three minutes and 40 seconds to come out at the light at the north end of Holly Point Road East. She recommended that they not pursue this issue as it causes too much inconvenience for residents on both sides of the road. Ms. Barbara Davidson, 2710 Holly Point Road West, thanked the Council and congratulated the new mayor and vice-mayor. She stated that the Town's Comprehensive Plan 2025 was passed on January 19, 2010 by ordinance It includes an inventory of facilities and names of parks. She stated that many ordinances are passed by the Council and not read in detail. She stated that staff makes small errors. She stated that goals and objectives are included in many sections of the Plan. Councilman Howard noted that he voted against the closing of access to Holly Point Road West. Mayor Meeks thanked the audience for their comments. Vice-Mayor Nix stated that he has brought up discussion items to the Council and no action has been taken on them. He stated that the Town's green space continues to deteriorate. Mayor Meeks stated that the discussion of Town Hall Park is a viable issue for the Culture & Recreation Committee. The irrigation system is not a solution. He stated that events could be

14 Page 14 moved to asphalt areas once electricity is installed. Direction should also be given to staff on how the Council wants Kingsley East to be improved. Mayor Meeks stated that he will make committee chair assignments at the next meeting. He stated that his tendency is not to upset the current chairman assignments unless there are concerns noted. ADJOURNMENT Councilman Howard moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:42 PM. Vice-Mayor Nix seconded the motion which passed unanimously, 5 to 0.