MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 3, 2012 REGULAR SESSION GREEN COVE SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL

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1 MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 3, 2012 REGULAR SESSION GREEN COVE SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL Call to Order A regular session of the Green Cove Springs City Council was called to order Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 321 Walnut Street, Green Cove Springs, Florida. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag The invocation was given by Rev. William Randall, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Roll C all COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: C. Felecia Hampshire Robert C. Page Roy M. Timberlake, Jr. Pamela J. Lewis, Vice Mayor Deborah L. Ricks, Mayor COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: L. J. Arnold, III, City Attorney Lee Bentley, Planning and Zoning Director Gregg Griffin, Electric Director Sue Heath, Asst. City Manager/Finance Director Cynthia Hunter, Personnel Director Danielle J. Judd, City Manager Robert Musco, Police Chief Mike Null, Public Works Director Marjorie Robertson, City Clerk Mary Jo Shoemaker, PHA Director Awards and Recognition Employee of the Quarter Vikkie Grotte The Mayor and City Council Members recognized Vikkie Grotte, the Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance Clerk. She had been employed by the City since January 1996 and had served in the position of Maintenance Clerk since She volunteered her artistic talents to win the Pumpkin Carving Contest for the City in 1997 and a Blue Ribbon for the City s float in the 2011 Christmas Parade. Ms. Grotte was congratulated by the Mayor and City Council who presented to her a certificate to a local restaurant, a letter of commendation, and a plaque. Special Recognition Diane and Kim Sobotta The Mayor and City Council then recognized Diane and Kim Sobotta who had organized the Be a Santa to a Senior Program in City Hall for several years. A tree in City Hall was decorated with ornaments for members of the public, employees, department directors, and officials to select an ornament and sponsor a Senior. The ornaments contained the first name of isolated Seniors in the community and listed several gifts they have requested. Mr. and Ms. Sobotta set up the tree, collect the gifts, and take them to Orange Park where they are wrapped and tagged for delivery. The Mayor and Council commended them for giving of their time and efforts to facilitate the program in Green Cove Springs and presented a plaque to them recognizing their sacrifice and hard work. Proclamation Arbor Day January 20, 2012

2 Page 2 of 10 The Mayor explained Arbor Day was celebrated as a part of the Tree U.S.A. Program. This year, the City would plant several trees in conjunction with MLK Day (January 16) at the Augusta Savage Center. A ceremonial tree would be planted on Arbor Day, January 20, at 3:00 p.m. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HAMPSHIRE TO APPROVE A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2012 AS ARBOR DAY IN GREEN COVE SPRINGS (SEE ATTACHMENT MARKED EXHIBIT A ). THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PAGE. THERE BEING NO FURTHER DISCUSSION, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES COUNCIL MEMBERS C. FELECIA HAMPSHIRE, ROBERT C. PAGE, ROY M. TIMBERLAKE, JR., PAMELA J. LEWIS, AND MAYOR DEBORAH L. RICKS. NAYS NONE. Mayor to call on members of the audience wishing to address the Council on matters not on the Agenda. There were none. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Second and Final Reading of Ordinance No. O , an Ordinance extending a moratorium on Internet Cafes for an additional 90-days. The City Attorney read the title of Ordinance O into the record (see attachment marked Exhibit B ). The Mayor announced a public hearing on the ordinance and called for comments from members of the audience. There being no comments, the hearing was closed. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HAMPSHIRE TO APPROVE ON THE SECOND AND FINAL READING ORDINANCE O , AN ORDINANCE EXTENDING A MORATORIUM ON INTERNET CAFES FOR AN ADDITIONAL 90-DAYS. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PAGE. Under discussion, Council Member Page questioned if any of the local establishments paid out a total prize valued at more than $5,000 per game. They were required to register with the State Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services if they did. He had several other questions, but no answers were readily available. Since County Attorney Mark Scruby had stated that the State Law prohibited cities and counties from requiring security cameras, Council Member Page asked if Security Guards could be required. Mr. Arnold was to research this matter further to determine if they could or could not be required, and what other security measures may be available to the City. Discussions followed revolving around slot machines and the possibility of them eventually being in the internet cafes. It was agreed that based on the State legislation, the use of slot machines would not be possible. The Mayor was concerned about the de minimis activities and the separation of same. The County s ordinance allowed de minimis facilities, but appeared to be leaning towards allowing them only in non-profit venues, such as the Elks Lodge or similar facilities. Alcohol would be allowed in those facilities. They were also considering them at for-profit facilities as well. The City Manager expected Clay County to make a decision on this issue at a hearing scheduled for January 10. The City may piggyback on the County s regulatory ordinance, but she did not expect them to follow the County s Land Development Regulations for the establishments. They were not supporting the separation requirements that the Council felt were critical. The City Attorney pointed out that the County would have a final product before the City s final hearing and the Council could then make a determination whether to follow their regulations or the City adopt their own regulations. The City Manager, Police Chief, and City Attorney were unsure exactly what the County s final ordinance would include because they had not voted on each item individually.

3 Page 3 of 10 A tentative schedule had been established for the City Council to adopt an ordinance. It would go to the Planning and Zoning Board for a public hearing in February because it was a part of the Land Development Regulations, the first hearing before the City Council on March 20, and final reading on April 3. THERE BEING NO FURTHER DISCUSSION OF THE MOTION, IT WAS APPROVED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES COUNCIL MEMBERS C. FELECIA HAMPSHIRE, ROBERT C. PAGE, ROY M. TIMBERLAKE, JR., PAMELA J. LEWIS, AND MAYOR DEBORAH L. RICKS. NAYS NONE. 2. Second and Final Reading of Ordinance No. O , an Ordinance rescinding Ordinance No. O and adopting the revised Purchasing Policies and Procedures Manual. The City Attorney read the title of Ordinance O into the record (see attachment marked Exhibit C ). The Mayor announced a public hearing on the ordinance and called for comments from members of the audience. There being no comments, the hearing was closed. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER TIMBERLAKE TO APPROVE ON SECOND AND FINAL READING ORDINANCE O , AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A REVISED PURCHASING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL (SEE ATTACHMENT MARKED EXHIBIT C ). THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PAGE. THERE BEING NO FURTHER DISCUSSION, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES COUNCIL MEMBERS C. FELECIA HAMPSHIRE, ROBERT C. PAGE, ROY M. TIMBERLAKE, JR., PAMELA J. LEWIS, AND MAYOR DEBORAH L. RICKS. NAYS NONE. The Mayor recognized Henrietta Francis, 636 Cypress Avenue, Green Cove Springs. The Augusta Savage Arts and Community Center Board of Directors were excited to announce that on the first and third Saturdays of the month, beginning on January 7, free art classes would be offered at the Thomas Hogans Gymnasium. Amy Stump was the instructor. Classes would be offered for different age groups. More details were available on the City s website. The Board was partnering with the Clay County Public Library to sponsor an Airplane Program on the third Thursday of each month. Jennifer Parker, the Branch Library Manager, was holding a Paper Airplane Club meeting at the Thomas Hogans Gymnasium at 2:30 p.m. every third Thursday of each month. The first meeting would be held on January 19. She invited children in the area to attend. The Board was also starting tutoring classes in January and a tournament would be held in February. The Board was excited about the new programs. The Mayor thanked Ms. Francis for sharing the information. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of the minutes of the Special Sessions on October 4, October 18, November 8, and December 15, 2011, and Regular Session on December 6, Authorization for L. J. Arnold, IV, Esquire, to act as substitute Counsel for City Attorney L. J. Arnold, III, at the February 3, 2012 Red Light Camera hearings. 3. Approval of and authorization for the Chief of Police to sign the Voluntary Cooperation Mutual Aid Agreement among Agencies in the Northeast Florida area and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to form a Child Abduction Response Team effective through December 31, Approval of and authorization for the Chief of Police to sign the Memorandum of Understanding that revises the current Civil Citation Operational Procedures in Clay County.

4 Page 4 of Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Florida Mobile Speedometer Testing, LLC, for the period of January 3, 2012 through January 2, 2013 with the option to renew for an additional four (4) one-year terms. 6. Approval of Professional Services Agreement with PowerServices, Inc. for the Electric Utility Systems Studies and Master Plan Update for the period of January 3, 2012 through July 1, 2012 in an amount not to exceed $42, Award of Bid No , Power Substation Breaker Upgrade, to WESCO Distribution, in the amount not to exceed $56, Approval of Resolution No. R , a Resolution requesting the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to reduce permit application fees (see attachment marked Exhibit D ). 9. Approval for the Mayor to recognize the family of Thaddeus Davids, a former resident of Green Cove Springs, with presentation of a Key to the City on January 12, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HAMPSHIRE TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, AND 9 AS LISTED ABOVE. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PAGE. THERE BEING NO FURTHER DISCUSSION, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES COUNCIL MEMBERS C. FELECIA HAMPSHIRE, ROBERT C. PAGE, ROY M. TIMBERLAKE, JR., PAMELA J. LEWIS, AND MAYOR DEBORAH L. RICKS. NAYS NONE. COUNCIL BUSINESS 1. Update on MLK Day in Clay activities on Sunday and Monday, January 15-16, Bentley Mr. Bentley introduced Rev. William Randall who was organizing the MLK Day-N-Clay Celebration. Events would be held on Sunday, January 15 (the late Rev. King s birthday), and Monday, January 16 (a day of service). Each municipality in Clay County had been asked to participate in some form. The City s program included landscaping and planting trees around the Augusta Savage Complex on Monday. Funding for the trees would come from the Tree City U.S.A. account in the amount of $10,000. The City Manager had suggested planting orange and lemon trees on the site. The interior courtyard was protected and may offer a better environment for the trees to survive the cold weather in north Florida. Sunday s events included a memorial and appreciation service at the Thrasher Horne Center beginning at 3:00 p.m., and Monday s events included a breakfast at Moosehaven at 7:30 a.m. to kick-off the Day of Service and the landscaping and tree planting project at the ASACC would begin at 9:00 a.m. The City had 25 spaces for the Memorial Service and breakfast and the City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, and Department Directors were included. Volunteers working at the Center would have to sign a volunteer form for the day to ensure they were covered by the City s insurance policy and they would receive a ticket for their meal. Rev. Randall requested funds to sponsor the two-day event. He was requesting $1,200 - $500 for permits and fees, $250 for tee shirts, and $450 for lunch for the volunteers on Monday. The $1,200 would come from the Events Account the Council had established. Other activities on Monday included a food drive at Moosehaven, two (2) projects on Carnes Street in Orange Park, and a project on Foreman Circle in Middleburg. The organizers were asking individuals who had the day off (governmental agencies, banking institutions, etc.) to participate in community projects. Rev. Randall reported that Drum Major Awards would be given out at the Memorial service on Sunday. The concept was taken from Rev. King s last sermon to recognize unsung heroes in the County. Elected and appointed officials were being asked to attend the ceremony and submit a report of activities in their community that others may not know about.

5 Page 5 of 10 Mr. Bentley reported that the MLK Day event and Arbor Day were connected this year and he would place public announcements of the activities in Green Cove Springs on the City s website. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HAMPSHIRE TO APPROVE THE EXPENDITURE OF $1,200 FOR DIRECT COSTS AND $10,000 FOR IN-KIND COSTS FOR THE CITY S LANDSCAPING AND TREE PLANTING PROJECT AT THE AUGUSTA SAVAGE ARTS AND COMMUNITY CENTER IN SUPPORT OF THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY-N-CLAY CELEBRATIONS TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, AND MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2012 AS REQUESTED BY REV. WILLIAM RANDALL. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR LEWIS. THERE BEING NO FURTHER DISCUSSION, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES COUNCIL MEMBERS C. FELECIA HAMPSHIRE, ROBERT C. PAGE, ROY M. TIMBERLAKE, JR., PAMELA J. LEWIS, AND MAYOR DEBORAH L. RICKS. NAYS NONE. 2. After Action Event Reports for the 2011 Christmas on Walnut Street and 44 th Annual Christmas Parade. Bentley Mr. Bentley reported that the Christmas Parade and Christmas on Walnut Street were tremendous successes. Laura Holland, the Lions Club representative and sponsor of the Christmas on Walnut Street event, was traveling and unable to attend the meeting. He and the City Manager would try to answer any questions. Ms. Judd reported that staff was tracking the costs associated with preparing for events. The Mayor noted that items the City would normally do should not be included in the cost of the event; only the extra preparation items should be reflected in the report. In addition to the $1,200 for the parade and $1,200 for Christmas on Walnut Street, the City had invested almost $3,000 in staff time, supplies, and other expenses. In addition to those costs, the Lion s Club had expended $776 for three (3) additional officers and $64.78 associated with the events. There were no incidents to be reported. The Lion s Club felt that they had provided a successful event and was looking forward to next year. They had also indicated they would help with the Memorial Day RiverFest. Vice Mayor Lewis reiterated that Council Member Page had suggested enlisting the local church choirs to perform prior to the tree lighting ceremony. The Mayor noted that the Floral Show was excellent and well attended by the public. She suggested next year that the Garden Club consider conducting a silent auction for the floral arrangements submitted in the Floral Show or make other arrangements to sell as a fundraiser for the club. The Christmas Tree Display was complimented by the Council. The trees were to be removed by Saturday, January 7. Questions were asked about participation in the local business expo. Mr. Bentley advised that approximately 15 businesses signed up and those participating were assigned spaces along the easterly sidewalk that leads to the bridge over Spring Run. A strong afternoon wind off the St. Johns River caused many of the merchants to leave early. An area would be established for local businesses during the RiverFest as well. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER PAGE TO RECEIVE AND APPROVE THE AFTER ACTION REPORT SUBMITTED BY THE LION S CLUB FOR CHRISTMAS ON WALNUT STREET AND THE CHRISTMAS PARADE HELD ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HAMPSHIRE.. THERE BEING NO FURTHER DISCUSSION, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES COUNCIL MEMBERS C. FELECIA HAMPSHIRE, ROBERT C. PAGE, ROY M. TIMBERLAKE, JR., PAMELA J. LEWIS, AND MAYOR DEBORAH L. RICKS. NAYS NONE. 3. Update on the Consumptive Use Permit (CUP) 5-year compliance report following the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) Board meeting on December 13, Null

6 Page 6 of 10 Jason Shepler, P.E. with Mittauer and Associates, was present at the City s request. The City Manager reported that a copy of the CUP Compliance Report was distributed to the Council. A meeting with the SJRWMD was scheduled for January 10 on the CUP renewal permit. Mr. Null reported at the September 20 Council meeting, staff was directed to submit a 5- year update and a new CUP would not be required until The District staff had worked in cooperation with the City on several condition changes proposed in the permit. The District had relaxed reporting requirements, but unexpected new language had been inserted in the permit for the City and the Town of Orange Park. It stated that the permit shall not have any significant adverse impact on surrounding wetlands, lakes, stream flows, rivers, and spring flows. Within 15 to 30 miles of the City, there were currently 10 adopted minimum levels and flows. Based on the information the City had collected and received from SJRWMD, the City had negligible impact on any of the established minimum flows. If significant impacts occurred, the district had the ability to revoke the City s permit in whole or in part. The permittee was required to mitigate any impacts that occurred. The District wanted more stringent language and the City had worked with the Town of Orange Park to develop a response that was presented to the District at a meeting held on December 21. A proposed provision had been received from SJRWMD earlier this date and a telephone conference call was scheduled for Friday, January 6, to finalize the operating condition. The final language would be submitted to the District Board on Tuesday, January 10. Mr. Null and Mr. Shepler were comfortable with the language in the January 3 version with clarifications of responsibilities. The District wanted to ensure that the City would be liable for any negative impact that occurred and the City wanted assurance that they would be held accountable only for their direct share of the impact. The City Manager reported that the sudden change to the CUP permit was a repercussion from the Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) permit that was issued recently. JEA s consumptive levels were increased if they met certain conditions established by the District. Her only question was the source of the usage levels contained in the permit. Mr. Null advised that the levels in the latest version of the permit were the same as included in the City s original submission and was based on growth and a portion of the Reynolds development projections. Mr. Shepler added that if the water usage levels were based strictly on Reynolds projections, usage would exceed the levels in the permit. If the City exceeded the permit levels, they would have to formally apply for a CUP modification, which may trigger other modifications in the permit. The District based growth projects on several factors including the Bureau of Economic Business Research (BEBR) and they had allowed the City to include an element of growth at Reynolds for the CUP. The City would need to track new plats and their impact on the permit level. If they neared the usage projections, a permit modification would be necessary before a new development order could be issued. The District had commended the City on their low per capita water use, but they were being negatively affected by other users in Northeast Florida. Mr. Shepler noted that some of the regulations had been relaxed. Compliance reporting had been expanded from five (5) years to ten (10) years; however, interim checks and verifications were included to monitor the City for compliance. One of the items he expected them to review was to see how effective the step rates were in reducing consumption and promoting conservation. Mr. Null reported that the City s per capita consumption was excellent at 81 gallons per day; it had decreased slightly with the new rates. Other utilities were at 100 gallons per day or more. Council Member Page hoped that the District would recognize City residents for their continually low consumption levels. When water became more expensive to produce, he hoped they would be fair to the City and would not impose the same costly controls on them that may be imposed on other less conservative utilities. Mr. Shepler noted that some Districts were beginning to cap water consumption levels in more sensitive areas of the State. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER TIMBERLAKE TO RECEIVE THE UPDATE ON THE CONSUMPTIVE USE PERMIT AND DIRECT STAFF TO FINALIZE LANGAGE WITH THE ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT STAFF TO BE CONSIDERED FOR APPROVAL BY THE SJRWMD GOVERNING BOARD AT ITS JANUARY 10, 2012 MEETING. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HAMPSHIRE. THERE BEING NO FURTHER DISCUSSION, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES

7 Page 7 of 10 COUNCIL MEMBERS C. FELECIA HAMPSHIRE, ROBERT C. PAGE, ROY M. TIMBERLAKE, JR., PAMELA J. LEWIS, AND MAYOR DEBORAH L. RICKS. NAYS NONE. 4. Update on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Numeric Nutrient Criteria (NNC). Null Mr. Null reported that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had proposed Numeric Nutrients Criteria (NNC) that was almost unattainable. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) had challenged EPA s NNC rule and oral arguments were scheduled for January 9, 2012 in the U. S. District Court. FDEP had developed NNC that was site specific for bodies of water in Florida and the Florida Environmental Regulation Commission had approved FDEP s NNC rule. EPA s rule allowed for potential acceptance of site-specific criteria, but there was concern that they would not accept FDEP s NNC rule. Mr. Null asked the City Council authorize letters to be sent to the City s State and Federal elected officials as well as the Governor and FDEP Secretary Herschel T. Vineyard, Jr. urging them to allow local state agency to govern the development of a NNC rule. A sample letter to send to the cities Legislative Delegations had been drafted and distributed by the Florida League of Cities. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER TIMBERLAKE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A LETTER TO GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT, FDEP SECRETARY HERCHEL T. VINEYARD, JR., AND ALL OF THE CITY S STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVES, INCLUDING CONGRESSMAN CLIFF STEARNS, URGING THEM TO ALLOW STATES TO ESTABLISH AND IMPLEMENT NUMERIC NUTRIENT RULES. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PAGE. THERE BEING NO FURTHER DISCUSSION, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES COUNCIL MEMBERS C. FELECIA HAMPSHIRE, ROBERT C. PAGE, ROY M. TIMBERLAKE, JR., PAMELA J. LEWIS, AND MAYOR DEBORAH L. RICKS. NAYS NONE. 5. First Reading of Ordinance No. O , an Ordinance establishing the Green Cove Springs Electric Utility Net Metering Program for Customer-Owned Renewable Generation Systems. Arnold The title of Ordinance O was read into the record by the City Attorney as follows: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF GREEN COVE SPRINGS ESTABLISHING THE GREEN COVE SPRINGS ELECTRIC UTILITY NET METERING PROGRAM FOR CUSTOMER-OWNED RENEWABLE GENERATION SYSTEMS; AUTHORIZING THE CITY COUNCIL TO APPROVE BY RESOLUTION DETAILS OF THE PROGRAM INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, TRI-PARTY NET METERING POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENTS, CUSTOMER APPLICATION FORMS AND APPLICABLE FEES, STANDARD INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT FOR TIER 1, 2 AND 3 CUSTOMERS; ESTABLISHING A RATE SCHEDULE; PROVIDING FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, AND SETTING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Arnold advised that he would present a Resolution at the January 17 meeting outlining the details of the program, such as Tri-Party Net Metering Power Purchase Agreements, Customer Application forms and fees, Standard Interconnection Agreements for Tier 1, 2, and 3 customers, establishing a Rate Schedule, etc. Samples of some of the forms were provided to the Council. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COUNCIL MEMBER HAMPSHIRE TO APPROVE ON FIRST READING AS TO FORM ONLY ORDINANCE O , AN ORDINANCE STABLISHING THE GREEN COVE SPRINGS ELECTRIC UTILITY NET METERING PROGRAM FOR CUSTOMER-OWNED RENEWABLE GENERATION SYSTEMS. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER TIMBERLAKE.

8 Page 8 of 10 Under discussion, it was pointed out that a net metering program was mandated by F. S (6). AET would be the City s first customer and there were two (2) residential customers, but they did not produce a significant amount of power. However, there was the potential that the accounts could lower the City s peak demand. Sample rates and fees were provided to the Council from Havana, Starke, and Jacksonville Beach. The Council agreed that their intent, at this point, was to cover the City s costs. Staff was to review the fees from other communities and use those that most closely reflected the City s actual costs. It was also agreed that the applicant should pay all of the fees due to Clay County, since they provided inspection services for the City. The Council could change the fees proposed by staff, if they so desired. The cost to an average residential customer for a net metering system was discussed. Mr. Griffin felt it was a win for the City as well as the customer. There were rebates to customers to set up the system, but the gross cost for a residential customer for solar panels would be about $30,000 to $35,000. After rebates the cost to the customer was in the $20,000 to $23,000 range. The cost was becoming more affordable to customers; however, the overall impact on the system and revenues generated depended upon numerous variables. Vice Mayor Lewis asked for an update on master meters. WHH and Associates had informed the Council that master meters were no longer allowed, but existing meters could continue. The City had only one master meter at St. Johns Landing and the Council was assured that the distribution system in the development and billing were all handled by St. Johns Landing. WHH had recommended that the City implement a rate for the master meter that mirrored the residential rate paid by other residential customers in the City. THERE BEING NO FURTHER DISCUSSION OF THE MOTION, IT WAS APPROVED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES COUNCIL MEMBERS C. FELECIA HAMPSHIRE, ROBERT C. PAGE, ROY M. TIMBERLAKE, JR., PAMELA J. LEWIS, AND MAYOR DEBORAH L. RICKS. NAYS NONE. 6. City Manager and City Attorney Reports and/or Correspondence. a. Police Department Executive Summary November b. Public Housing Authority Section 8 Activities November c. Public Works Monthly Summary Report November Mr. Arnold reported that the next hearing on the Red Light Cameras would be held Friday, January 6. Mr. Arnold had received an invoice for $8,000 from Counsel appointed by the Court to represent all of the known and unknown heirs in the Tillinghast condemnation suit. The bill was May He had inquired of the heirs counsel and the City s Special Counsel, Fred Isaac, how much longer this case would continue. The property was used for a retention pond for the Public Works Compound. They were unable to obtain a clear title on the property because of the multiple number of hears and the City had, therefore, condemned the property. The City Manager acknowledged that the Council had received monthly summaries from the Police Department, PHA, and Public Works (listed above). The City Manager announced the following: a. The City would host the Northeast Florida League of Cities meeting on February 16, the January meeting was being held in St. Augustine on January 19, b. Legislative Action Day was being held in Tallahassee on January 24 and 25, c. January 16, City Hall would be closed in remembrance of Martin Luther King, but the City would be holding a workday at the Augusta Savage Center. Department Directors were required to attend and they were looking for volunteers to help as well.

9 Page 9 of 10 d. A Retirement Reception for Marjorie Robertson, the City Clerk, would be held on Thursday, January 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in City Hall. 7. City Council Reports and/or Correspondence. Council Member Hampshire asked for an update on the outer beltway. Mr. Bentley reported that the route had been established west of the corporate limits and south of Gustafson s Dairy. The would be four (4) interchanges, one at Highway 16 near County Road 315, one near the proposed Governors Park development, one at Highway 17 near the County Road 209 overpass, and one on Highway 16 in the area of Clay Port. The Shands Bridge would remain as a fishing pier and the middle span would be removed to allow passage of larger boats and ships. More information was available on the bridge crossing website. Council Member Hampshire suggested it was timely to review the City s Visioning Plan. It had been several years since it was adopted. She asked that the City Manager review the Visioning Plan and submit a report on what had been accomplished and the items still pending. She felt that it may need to be revised to adapt to the current economic conditions. The City Manager offered to review the plan, submit a report on the goals that had been achieved, those in progress, those still pending, and items that may need to be amended. She hoped to have the report in February and a workshop could be scheduled to review the report. The Council could determine a workshop date after the report was received. Council Member Timberlake agreed that updating the Visioning Plan for Green Cove Springs was due. He suggested working with businesses to help them cleanup their establishments. It was important to the public that the businesses look inviting. He also commended the Police and Public Works Departments for the number of employees who were continuing their education. He felt this was a direct benefit to the City. He was particularly impressed by the number of times employees stopped to help local citizens. Personal interest as this, he stated, was what distinguished small communities from larger cities. He commended the departments for their conscientious attitudes. Council Member Page asked for an update on WHH and Associates electric rate study. The City Manager reported that they had issued their report and it was up to the City Council to take action at this point. She had the report on her list of items to address. Council Member Page asked if any information was available regarding several recent reported incidents of individuals peering into parked vehicles along the river. He assumed they were looking for valuables they could take. He hoped they were not related to the individuals living on boats anchored in the river. He suggested that was a reason the City needed to be able to control what happened in waters surrounding the City. No information was available. Council Member Page asked why manholes were being numbered along Magnolia Avenue. Mr. Null reported that plans to resurface the street were underway, but he did not give a definite time frame for paving. It was planned to take place in the current fiscal year. Vice Mayor Lewis commended City staff on the Christmas activities. She appreciated how everyone worked together to make it a successful event. The Mayor agreed and she also appreciated the Lions Club organizing the events. She also appreciated staff preparing the program and the Police Department Delivering gifts for participants in the Senior Santa program. The Mayor noted that Neal Armingeon, the St. Johns RiverKeeper, was retiring and she asked if the City Council would be receptive to recognizing his retirement with a proclamation. He had worked diligently to keep the public aware of what was happening in the river. The City Council agreed. The Mayor and City Council wished the staff and public a Happy New Year.

10 Page 10 of 10 The City Manager asked the City Council if they would schedule a joint meeting with the Augusta Savage Board of Director. She had hoped to discuss and establish goals for the Board. A meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, February 7, at 5:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers. The City Manager was to contact the Board and make sure they came prepared with a definite list of items to discuss. 8. Adjournment. There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. CITY OF GREEN COVE SPRINGS, FLORIDA Deborah L. Ricks, Mayor