December 8, 2020, City Council Meeting Brief

December 9, 2020 –

            Awards and Recognition

  1. Proclamation – Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was recognized for their contributions to the community by the City Council as they celebrate their 100th year as an active sorority.

  1. Recognition – Boy Scout Troop 557

City Council recognized Green Cove Springs Boy Scout Troop 557 for giving their time on Saturday, November 14, to clear and trim brush for emergency access at a residence on CR 209 in Green Cove Springs. The owner of the home is recovering from a heart attack and needed emergency vehicle access to her home. Boy Scout Troop 557 was able to clear enough brush that the home was once again visible from the street and emergency vehicles can have access. City of Green Cove Springs Electric Department staff also assisted in clearing brush around an electric power pole in a right-of-way by the house. Mayor Van Royal gave each member of the Boy Scout Troop Key to the City pins for their service.

Public Hearings

  1. Second and Final Reading of Ordinance No. O-11-2020, an Ordinance modifying Water Rates – Fiscal Year (FY) 2021.

This is a second reading to increase water rates by 3% for FY 2021, which was approved by City Council as part of the FY 21 budget. City Council approved of the first hearing on November 10, 2020. This increase will take effect on December 8, 2020, which is the date for the second and final reading. The new rates will be reflected in customers’ January 2021 utility bills.

      Passed 5-0 by City Council

  1. Second and Final Reading of Ordinance No. O-12-2020, an Ordinance modifying Wastewater Rates – Fiscal Year (FY) 2021.

This is a second reading to increase wastewater rates by 9% as outlined in the rate study to finance proposed capital improvements to the City’s wastewater and reclaimed water systems that was approved by City Council in August 2016. The first reading was approved by City Council on November 10, 2020. This increase will take effect on December 8, 2020, which is the date of the second and final reading. The new rates will be reflected in customers’ January 2021 utility bills.

      Passed 5-0 by City Council

  1. First Reading of Ordinance No. O-15-2020 Amendment regarding Condominium and Townhouse Requirements and requiring approval of a Special Exception for Multifamily Dwellings in excess of 35’ in height in the R-3 High Density Residential Zoning District.

Staff is proposing changes to the Residential High-Density R-3 Zoning District in that Condominium and Townhouse Development will have the same density control requirements as Multifamily (rental) dwellings. Staff also proposes adding a requirement to all multifamily development (including Condominium and Townhouse) that any development that exceeds three stories in height has to be approved as a special exception subject to specific conditions.

Passed 5 -0 by City Council

Consent Agenda

  1. City Council approval of three Police Vehicles for the 2021 fiscal year.

Passed 5-0 by City Council

  1. City Council approval of, and authorization for the Mayor to execute, Disbursement Request #7 in the amount of $6,625.00 to the Design Loan Agreement for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Application DW 100102 for $356,800.00, for the design of capital improvements to the City’s Water System.

Passed 5-0 by City Council

  1. City Council approval of Purchase Order for Building Inspection and Plan Review Services with Charles Abbott and Associates.

Passed 5-0 by City Council

  1. City Council approval for funding to Cummins Southeast in the amount of $30,675.90 for purchase of a generator for Lift Station #3, utilizing Sourcewell Cooperative Bid ID# 103544. This is part of the HMGP Project # 4337-294-R, from which we have received an advance payment of $23,006.92 (75%).

Passed 5-0 by City Council

  1. City Council approval of Evidence Custodian and Administrative Commander attending PEAF Conference.

Passed 5-0 by City Council

  1. City Council approval of funding in the amount of $25,814.09 to Anixter and $27,575.38 to AWG for electric material inventory for operating and capital projects.

Passed 5-0 by City Council

  1. City Council approval of Task Order # 1-20-400 to Tocoi Engineering, LLC in the amount of $52,000.00 for Professional Engineering services agreement to Design, Permit and Supply Drawings for construction of the West St. drainage basin project from Walnut St. to MLK holding pond.

Passed 5-0 by City Council

  1. City Council approval for funding to Cummins Southeast in the amount of $31,795.19 for purchase of a generator for Lift Station #6, utilizing Sourcewell Cooperative Bid ID# 103544. This is part of the HMGP Project #4337-215-R, from which we have received an advance payment of $23,846.39 (75%).

Passed 5-0 by City Council

  1. City Council approval of the Unaudited FY 2020 Revenues and Expenditures Report and the Quarterly Investment Report for the period ending September 30, 2020.

Passed 5-0 by City Council

  1. City Council approval of Contractor Pay Request #5 in the amount of $23,402.16 to Jax Utilities Management for Bid Award LC 2020-07, US 17/SR 16 Force Main Modifications in the amount of $412,900.

Passed 5-0 by City Council

  1. Award of Bid LC 2020-17 Chapman Substation Construction to Terry’s Electric in the amount of $879,086.

Passed 5-0 by City Council

  1. Award of Bid LC 2020-18 Chapman Substation Relay Panels to Keystone Electrical MFG in the amount of $188,908.50.

Passed 5-0 by City Council

  1. City Council approval of Pay Application #4 to KBT Contracting Corp in the amount of $12,287.07 for the ASACC Library Building project.

Passed 5-0 by City Council

  1. City Council approval of Pay Request #4 in the amount of $243,001.40 to General Underground for Bid Award LC 2020-06, Reynolds Water System Improvements in the amount of $685,724.00 (Base Bid), and Alternative #1 (water & sewer extension to MOBRO) in the amount of $314,275.00 for a total amount of $1,000,449.00.

Passed 5-0 by City Council

  1. Council approval to purchase a dual voltage. 2,000 kVA, 480/277 volt transformer for spare stock from Gresco in the amount of $26,800.

Passed 5-0 by City Council

  1. Council approval of Pay Application #1 from IRBY Construction in the amount of $164,955.60 for the Chapman Third Feed Reconductor project which has a total contract amount of $549,852.00.

Passed 5-0 by City Council

  1. City Council approved a Change order #2 to KBT Contracting Corp on September 15, 2020, to build out the Classroom area of Augusta Savage Arts and Community Center for the food bank in the total amount of $148,100.00. Attached is pay #2 for your approval in the amount of $13,015. 12.

Passed 5-0 by City Council

  1. City Council approval of Change Order #2 in the amount of $400,000 (includes $20,426.00 contingency/permitting) for water and sewer force main extension County Road 209 South, to General Underground, under Bid Award LC 2020-06, Reynolds Water System Improvements in the amount of $314,275.00, Change Order #1 (Cove Subdivision services replacement) in the amount of $60,245.00 and this Change Order #2 in the amount of $400,000.00 for a total amount of $1,460,244.00.

Mayor Van Royal pulled this item from the Consent Agenda to recuse himself from voting due to a potential conflict of interest.

Passed 4-0 by City Council

Council Business

  1. FMPA Update – December 2020

  1. City Manager and City Attorney Reports and/or Correspondence/Executive Summary Reports.

City Manager Steve Kennedy reported that the state accepted the City’s documentation for CARES Act projects and will be getting the $1.3 million allocated to the City very soon. City Council approved the final list of CARES Act projects in a 5-0 Emergency Motion.

Kennedy also reported that renovations to the Green Cove Springs Food Pantry are underway and anticipates them to be complete by December 21.

City Administration is also working with the County to develop a property in Green Cove Springs that was purchased with funding from Florida Communities Trust for a new regional park. Mr. Kennedy told the Council that he will update them as the project moves forward.

City staff is also in the early stages of planning a redesign of the Palmetto/Grove Triangle (which includes the brick welcome sign to the City of Green Cove Springs). Discussed redesign details include turning the section of Palmetto Avenue currently closed to thru traffic into a one-way street and creating a larger and more well-defined area for pedestrians. Staff is also in early discussions with Magnolia Point Home Owners Association to possibly take ownership of the Magnolia Point tower property along Orange Avenue. If the City does agree to take ownership, staff is considering turning the tower into a welcome sign for the City of Green Cove Springs.

Kennedy invited Planning and Zoning Director Mike Daniels to update the City Council on the Comprehensive Plan Update. Daniels told the Council that staff sent out an RFP to hire a firm on Nov. 25 with an application deadline of Dec. 22. Staff will then create a selection committee to go over the submitted applications, which will include one City Council Member. Vice Mayor Ed Gaw volunteered to be a part of the selection committee.

  1. City Council Reports and/or Correspondence.
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