Gulf Breeze: City of Gulf Breeze Live Stream: City Council Meeting Sep 9th, 2020
Summary. The Gulf Breeze City Council held its regular meeting on September 9, 2020, with full attendance of council members and key staff. The council approved several significant items including Resolution 44-2020 authorizing a wastewater treatment facility expansion plan for submission to the state revolving loan fund, which would expand capacity from 2.0 to 3.5 million gallons per day at a cost of approximately $26 million. The expansion represents the culmination of long-term planning that allows the city to upgrade necessary equipment while timing debt service with maturing obligations. The council also extended the COVID-19 emergency declaration and face covering mandate through Resolution 46-2020, with discussion revealing that city cases had declined from a peak of 30 in July to an average of 13 in August. Other business included approving land donation to Midway Fire District for a new station, settlement agreements, grant applications, and emergency equipment repairs. City Manager Samantha Abell provided updates on parking improvements at Shoreline Park and the completion of the state audit process.
Agenda Items
1. Approval of Minutes - July 30 Budget Workshop
Approval of minutes from the July 30, 2020 city council budget workshop meeting
- Motion made for approval
- No public comment
- No discussion
44-2020. Resolution - Wastewater Facility Site Plan and State Revolving Loan Fund Application
Resolution approving facility plan for wastewater treatment plant expansion from 2.0 to 3.5 million gallons per day
- Four options considered including do-nothing, new plant at Bergen Road, and expansion at existing location
- Preferred option is expansion at existing plant using conventional biological nutrient removal
- Project cost estimated at $26.04 million
- Debt service payments would begin in late 2022/early 2023
- Expansion would serve city through 2040 at current growth rates
- City has financial capacity to service debt without rate increases due to maturing existing debt
46-2020. Resolution - COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Extension and Face Covering Mandate
Extension of emergency declaration and face covering requirements with discussion of current COVID statistics
- City cases declined from peak of 30 in July to average of 13 in August
- Santa Rosa County positivity rate around 19-20%
- Hospital capacity concerns from July may have improved
- Council divided on continuing mandate
- Economic impacts discussed, particularly on downtown businesses
- Debate over individual choice versus public health measures
A. Land Donation to Midway Fire District
Approval to donate 1.5 acres of city property to Midway Fire District for new fire station
- Property located at ERS Site 4 on Bergen Road
- Land appraised at $80,000
- Includes reversionary clause if not used for fire station
- Midway received $1 million FEMA grant for additional staffing
- Supports mutual aid agreement between city and fire district
B. FairPoint Regional Utility Settlement Agreement
Approval of settlement agreement resolving surcharge dispute
- Original amount due was $285,000
- Settlement reduces payment to $4,500 annually for 20 years ($90,000 total)
- Recognizes value of land donated by city for well sites
- Payments began January 1, 2020
C. Eufaula Outfall Restore Grant Agreement
Approval of subrecipient agreement with Santa Rosa County for storm drainage project
- Total project cost approximately $747,000
- City to receive $373,500 grant funding
- Project identified as needed for over 10 years
- Remaining funds anticipated in capital improvement plan
E. Kolli Hoover Sewer Lift Station Control Panel
Authorization for emergency replacement of failed control system
- Cost of $19,851 to Pump and Process Equipment
- Only vendor able to provide turnkey installation
- Necessary due to control system failure
F. Waterford Sound Sewer Lift Station Emergency Repair
Approval of emergency expenditure for chronic equipment failure
- Cost of $15,610 to Pump and Process Equipment
- Chronic issue requiring immediate attention
- Budget amendment needed at year end
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve July 30 budget workshop meeting minutes
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve Resolution 44-2020 wastewater facility site plan
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve Resolution 46-2020 extending COVID emergency declaration
Passed 3-2
Motion to approve land donation to Midway Fire District
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve FairPoint Regional Utility settlement agreement
Not stated
Motion to approve Eufaula Outfall restore grant agreement
Not stated
Motion to approve Kolli Hoover sewer lift station expenditure
Passed 5-0
Motion to approve Waterford Sound emergency expenditure
Not stated
Action Items
Submit state revolving loan fund application for wastewater treatment plant expansion
Assigned to City staff
Contact hospital CEOs for updated capacity information
Assigned to City Manager Samantha Abell · Due Before next COVID discussion
Contact FDOT for update on Wayside Park status
Assigned to City Manager Samantha Abell
Investigate trailer parking issues at Shoreline Park
Assigned to City Manager and Parks Director Cooley
Complete stenciling of resident parking spaces at Shoreline Park
Assigned to Public Works Department · Due One week from meeting date
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Gulf Breeze City Council held its regular meeting on September 9, 2020, with full attendance of council members and key staff. The council approved several significant items including Resolution 44-2020 authorizing a wastewater treatment facility expansion plan for submission to the state revolving loan fund, which would expand capacity from 2.0 to 3.5 million gallons per day at a cost of approximately $26 million. The expansion represents the culmination of long-term planning that allows the city to upgrade necessary equipment while timing debt service with maturing obligations. The council also extended the COVID-19 emergency declaration and face covering mandate through Resolution 46-2020, with discussion revealing that city cases had declined from a peak of 30 in July to an average of 13 in August. Other business included approving land donation to Midway Fire District for a new station, settlement agreements, grant applications, and emergency equipment repairs. City Manager Samantha Abell provided updates on parking improvements at Shoreline Park and the completion of the state audit process.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 8 agenda items: Approval of Minutes - July 30 Budget Workshop; Resolution - Wastewater Facility Site Plan and State Revolving Loan Fund Application; Resolution - COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Extension and Face Covering Mandate; Land Donation to Midway Fire District; FairPoint Regional Utility Settlement Agreement; Eufaula Outfall Restore Grant Agreement; Kolli Hoover Sewer Lift Station Control Panel; Waterford Sound Sewer Lift Station Emergency Repair.
How many motions were voted on?
8 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
5 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
7 members were recorded as present: Mayor Fitch, Councilman Adair, Councilman Torreson, Mayor Glanton Dow, City Manager Samantha Abell, City Attorney Mary James, City Clerk Leslie.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Gulf Breeze in?
Gulf Breeze is located in Santa Rosa County, Florida. Browse other Santa Rosa County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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