February 4, 1999 (workshop)
Feb 04 1999
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
February 4, 1999
The Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County, Florida, met in special/workshop session on February 4, 1999, at 10:05 a.m. in the Government Center Florida Room, Building C, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida. Present were: Chairman Truman Scarborough, Commissioners Randy O?Brien, Nancy Higgs, Sue Carlson, and Helen Voltz, County Manager Tom Jenkins, and Assistant County Attorney Shannon Wilson.
REPORT, RE: PRESCRIBED BURN RESOLUTIONS
Chairman Scarborough stated other counties have done prescribed burn resolutions; Brevard County has yet to do it; and recommended the Board direct Mr. Jenkins to prepare a resolution even though there is a workshop later, on fire rescue.
Commissioner Higgs inquired what does Chairman Scarborough want to do; with County Manager Tom Jenkins responding it is a resolution that supports and encourages controlled burns throughout the State. Chairman Scarborough stated the Board will have an opportunity to discuss it when it is on the agenda.
REPORT, RE: MEETING WITH ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSION CHAIRMAN
Chairman Scarborough stated he contacted the new Chairman of the Orange County Commission, but he will be unable to meet with him for some months.
REPORT, RE: COWS AT STADIUM
Commissioner O'Brien requested Mr. Jenkins notify the Duda Ranch that a herd of cows is in the middle of the road near the Stadium.
REPORT, RE: NEW AREA CODE
Commissioner Higgs stated she met yesterday with people from Micco, Barefoot Bay, and Snug Harbor, a representative of the District 5 Commission Office, and the Public Service Commission to talk about the south area that is not in the 407 area code; BellSouth indicated willingness to incorporate that area into the new area code which is yet to be determined; and a settlement agreement will be drafted between BellSouth and the interested parties. She noted she and Commissioner Voltz are the interested parties; and explained the process that will take place. She stated the agreement will outline that there will be no change in their calling area. Commissioner Voltz advised of the different settlement agreements which are possible. Discussion ensued on the calling area.
REPORT, RE: HEALTH DEPARTMENT BILLBOARD
Commissioner Voltz stated she received a complaint about a billboard on Eau Gallie Boulevard across from the Eau Gallie High School that says, "February 14 is National Condom Day: Wrap it up. Brevard County Health Department." She stated it was very tacky; there is probably a better way to say what it means; and the Board should have a say in what goes on some of those billboards.
Commissioner Higgs noted the Board does not have control over the Health Department. Commissioner Voltz stated the County funds it; and the Board can make suggestions. County Manager Tom Jenkins stated it is a State agency, but the Board could convey its concern. Commissioner O'Brien stated the ad is not in good taste, although it is meant well.
Chairman Scarborough directed the County Manager to convey the Board?s concerns to the Health Department.
REPORT, RE: FAX CONCERNING RAPES IN MELBOURNE
Commissioner Voltz stated Carmen Shrum, who is her appointee to the Commission on the Status of Women, heard a presentation concerning multiple gang rapes in Melbourne, about which the Melbourne Police were doing nothing; and she sent a fax to several friends at Harris Corporation advising them. She advised there have been several gang rapes in Melbourne, but the women were unwilling to report them, so the Police Department could not do anything about them, but it is looking into it. County Manager Tom Jenkins stated he faxed information to the South Commander. Commissioner Voltz stated the item was true; and advised of the circumstances.
INTRODUCTION, RE: TRANSPORTATION ISSUES
Chairman Scarborough stated Financial Advisor Tom Holley?s mother-in-law passed away, and he will be unable to be present. He inquired if anyone else from his firm is present; with Public Works Director Henry Minneboo responding no, but Kathy Wall and Jim Helmer are present.
Public Works Director Henry Minneboo stated in 1986 the Board established a funding program to improve County roads to meet the needs of the community; it instituted the Local Option Gas Tax in the amount of six cents; the State provided two cents; and the Board bonded the Local Option Gas Tax so that construction could start immediately. He stated the funding program generated approximately $100 million, and included construction of Grissom Road from SR 524 north to SR 405, widening of North Courtenay Parkway from the Barge Canal to the Space Center, four-laning of Minton Road from Malabar Road to US 192, the four-laning of Malabar Road from I-95 to Minton Road, and four-laning of Wickham Road from Aurora Road to I-95. He stated the program is almost complete, but the demands for improved roads are stronger than ever; and the agenda package includes a project list of the highway needs for the next 20 years. He explained how the
list was established; stated of the 59 projects listed, 45 are either on the MPO Plan, the Comprehensive Plan, or the Roadway Deficiencies List; and advised of the economic impact of the projects. He stated along with the need for the road projects is the need that is addressed on a yearly basis by using the General Fund for maintenance of roads and bridges; and this year?s expenditure is $1.6 million. He recommended the Board consider a funding mechanism to place the costs of maintenance on the users of the roads and bridges rather than on the ad valorem taxpayer.
Mr. Minneboo suggested the Board consider using the existing Gas Tax for funding new projects, and using the 9th cent Gas Tax, which will generate $2 million, to replace the annual General Fund expenditure for road and bridge maintenance; and the 10th and 11th cents are also an important consideration because the $2 million generated yearly would allow the cities to receive $1 million. He stated this is important to the citizens because it would provide a reliable funding source for landscaping installation and maintenance of major roads; and a positive image is a proven aspect of economic development. He stated presently money is spent from the MSTU?s for landscape maintenance and installation; and the implementation of the new funding source would release the funds currently being spent from the MSTU?s, and allow those funds to be directed to road and bridge projects. He distributed a chart showing what one cent would mean to the average taxpayer.
County Manager Tom Jenkins noted the Commissioners were given a list last night with additional roads.
DISCUSSION, RE: TRANSPORTATION FUNDING OPTIONS
Budget Director Kathy Wall stated four funding scenarios have been provided. She stated funding scenario #1 is a pay-as-you-go program for $120 million in road projects which would not extend the Local Option Gas Tax (LOGT) beyond 2011 and would provide no long-term financing for the projects; and it would take 25 years to complete the projects. She stated funding scenario #2 also does not anticipate extending the LOGT past the year 2011; however, it anticipates bonding $30 million in LOGT in 2005, and bonding Constitutional tax in 1999 as well as using $60 million in cash to fund the road projects; and the road projects would be completed in 29 years. She stated funding scenario #3 assumes that the LOGT would be extended to 2016; it would fund $80 million in road projects and amortizes the road construction costs over 15 years for the LOGT projects and 25 years for the Constitutional projects; and the projects would be completed in 14 years. She stated funding scenario #4 would extend the LOGT to 2021 and finance all the road projects; and the projects would be completed in 11 years. She stated the road projects would be amortized over 20 years for the LOGT and 25 years for the Constitutional. She stated Financial Advisor Tom Holley also talked about extending the LOGT to 2026 which would also extend the payment of the roads over a 25-year period for both Constitutional and LOGT; those roads would be completed in 11 years; and at the end of that time period, there would be approximately $115 million in reserves. She advised the longer the Board amortizes the road projects over the useful life of the roads, the more flexibility each program will provide for the future.
Chairman Scarborough inquired if any member of the public wishes to address the Board; with no response heard.
Commissioner Carlson inquired if there is a critical project list; with Mr. Minneboo responding the Board has the option of developing that list. Commissioner Carlson stated a comment was making
about separating the financing from the projects, although after reviewing some of the materials, she does not see how the two can be separated without a critical list to identify where the bonded money will be used. Mr. Jenkins stated staff has information that show those roads which have already been approved by the MPO, those roads which have been put through a model to forecast need, and those roads which are currently over capacity.
Commissioner Higgs stated the MPO did a 2020 Road Plan; the daily counts are available; and some of the projects were listed as substantially funded through private sources as part of the Viera DRI. She stated what concerns her is potential sources of funding are not identified; and to choose roads she would like to have a matrix giving the current level of service, future level of service, projected traffic count, and potential funds which could be tapped. She stated some roads are obvious, but others are harder to identify; and inquired if those that are obvious will qualify for federal funds. She stated it is difficult to make a decision on projects without all the information. Commissioner Voltz suggested picking projects first to make a list, then thinking about how to fund those particular projects.
Chairman Scarborough advised how the list was formulated; explained the reasons for the construction of Grissom Parkway; and stated the Board may find other alternatives to meet needs. Commissioner Higgs stated she is not suggesting capacity be the only criteria. Chairman Scarborough stated the Board can perhaps say some areas are more critical areas; traffic counts may not be the issue; and the solutions may be different than have been shown. He stated the question will be whether to refine the list before financing or to do the financing and then refine the list to that level.
Commissioner Carlson recommended the Board discuss doing multi-faceting versus one project at a time. She inquired how much per year can Road and Bridge handle; with Jim Helmer responding the assumption is $10 to $15 million per year based on current staffing levels, but changing of staffing levels would change the number of roads that could be done. Commissioner Carlson inquired if there is a mechanism in place to handle multiple projects; with Mr. Minneboo responding right-of-way is a major issue; and they are working on obtaining necessary right-of-way to allow them to move into the second series of projects. Commissioner Carlson inquired how many projects are they working on right now; with Mr. Minneboo responding approximately 15 with this program. Commissioner Carlson inquired if that is at the same time; with Mr. Minneboo responding no, but today they have Malabar Road and Dairy Road going. John Denninghoff advised there are numerous smaller projects also.
Chairman Scarborough stated the last time this was addressed was before he came on the Board, approximately 12 years ago; at that time the Board had a basic agreement on when the projects would be done; and unfortunately the South Brevard projects came at the end. He stated the projects at the top of the list were easier to accomplish in line with the prices; the longer a project stays on the list, the more the cost increases; they cannot all be done at the same time; and the next question is prioritizing the list. He stated if the list is prioritized and a project has to be dropped, then staff immediately knows to start work on the next project, so there is a constant stream of projects. He expressed concern about things coming to a halt because there is no stream of revenue, no
planning, and no projects on the board. He stated the philosophy of some former Commissioners was to pay for everything, install the projects, and then have a hiatus of years. He advised the contract for the Port St. John interchange was just let; the project started more than 12 years ago, and it is not built yet; so the lead time for some projects can be enormous. He stated the Board is not overwhelming staff; it is helping staff because staff will be able to work through; and the Board will create chaos if it waits until everything ends.
Commissioner Carlson stated it is unrealistic to do it all upfront and not have expenditures for roads because there are always ongoing maintenance costs; and that does not appear to be factored into
the document provided to the Board today. She inquired how much would the County spend on road maintenance annually if all the roads were already built. Mr. Minneboo responded when there is a new road, there is not a maintenance problem. Commissioner Carlson stated there will be maintenance down the road; scenario 4 is set up to continue the process on a never-ending basis; the County would never get out of debt; and inquired if it is worth it in the long run, looking at the cost of the debt compared to what the County is trying to finance. She compared it to someone putting $2,000 on a credit card, and ending up paying $10,000 over time.
Jim Helmer stated the cost of road construction is going up faster than the cost of financing money; and in that respect, it may be better to do all of the roads today. He stated the County has been paying a debt service level of approximately $4.8 million; and the program would continue a debt service, so it will not be a rising cost. Commissioner Carlson inquired how it could not be a rising cost; with Mr. Helmer responding the County could refinance to keep the amortization schedule the same over the years. Commissioner Carlson stated the other problem is the scenarios which have been laid out; and explained the difficulty in comparing the numbers. Mr. Helmer stated the reason it was stopped at 2011 in the one scenario and 2016 in another was because that is as far out right now as the LOGT is extended; but there is a revenue stream there, because even if the Board does not extend it today, someone will in the future. Commissioner Voltz stated it will have to be extended if the County plans to get any roads done.
Chairman Scarborough stated if the County is going to build the roads someday, this is the more prudent way to proceed because the rate the County borrows at is extremely low and the cost of construction and acquisition is going up substantially. Commissioner Voltz stated the project list is not going to change for a long period of time. Chairman Scarborough stated the problem is the longer the County waits, the bigger mess it will get into with the road projects. He stated the people do not want the roads to degrade to the lower levels of service; and if the County is going to continue to attract people and have high property values, this is one of the elements that is necessary. Mr. Minneboo stated the rate of inflation is greater than the bond rate. Commissioner Carlson inquired if road construction inflation has been factored into the numbers; with Mr. Helmer responding no. Commissioner Carlson noted the Board does not know what inflation will be like in coming years; and the assumption is that bond rates will be low, but there are no guarantees. Commissioner Voltz stated if the Board plans today, it can lock in something today. Chairman Scarborough advised there is a direct relationship between inflation and interest rates; and explained the relationship. Commissioner Higgs inquired if intersection improvements have been figured in; and stated in any plan that goes forward, that should be done first because there is immediate impact. She stated other areas such as Washington, D.C. and Orange County will never build all the necessary roads; and if the County does not link its assumption about roads with land use planning, it will be in the same boat. She advised of the conflicts related to the Babcock Street project; and stated the Board cannot assume it will ever have the money to build enough roads, and the conflict will just get worse. She recommended having a twenty-year plan and a funding mechanism in place.
Chairman Scarborough inquired if Commissioner Carlson is asking for a twenty-year plan; with Commissioner Carlson responding the County needs to have a plan, but the question is what the risk factors are in funding them on a continuous basis. Chairman Scarborough stated with condemnation, court suits, etc. there is a risk; and the only way to know the cost is after the acquisition is done. Commissioner Higgs stated the Board tried to come up with a way to deal with acquisition when Malabar Road got so contentious, but it could not be done.
Commissioner O'Brien stated twenty years is enough for a plan; and he would like to make a few changes on the list of roads for District 2. Commissioner Higgs noted she is not ready to agree to the projects either. Commissioner O'Brien stated he wants to add Courtenay Parkway from SR 520 to Fortenberry Road, and four-laning of SR 524. Mr. Minneboo advised the first is funded, and the second is a State road and would have to be worked through the MPO. Commissioner O'Brien advised of the need to raise the elevations of SR 520 and SR 528; and stated SR 520 was under water during Hurricane Erin. He stated he would like to widen South Tropical Trail, where Courtenay Parkway ends, to the Pineda Causeway. Commissioner Higgs inquired if Commissioner O'Brien is talking about four-laning South Tropical Trail; with Commissioner O'Brien responding no, upgrading it. Commissioner O'Brien stated the Port St. John Advisory Committee told him he should put in a sidewalk on Cox Road; and if that sidewalk is needed, the City of Cocoa will put it in.
Commissioner Higgs stated there seems to be some consensus on moving to a 20-year plan; but she does not know what State funding there may be. She stated Palm Bay Road and Minton Road will have to be done in the next 20 years; but in order to prioritize, the Board needs to know about State funding, federal funding, impact fees, etc.
Chairman Scarborough stated there is a list of roads which can be supplemented or refined; but the Board would like staff to come back with financing options or ways to handle traffic differently. Commissioner Higgs inquired if Chairman Scarborough is talking about extension of the Gas Tax; with Chairman Scarborough responding yes, so the two would be tied together. Commissioner Higgs stated she would like to have a 20-year plan; and she is willing to vote the extension to do that as well as a bonding program; then she would like to see more information on specific projects, safety issues, community issues, capacity issues, other options for funding, and all revenue streams and how they can be used.
Chairman Scarborough inquired how long does the Board want staff to work on this; and outlined activities connected to the Port St. John I-95 connector. He inquired how can some of the things be refined without going to engineering; and stated if it goes to engineering, it may dissipate project money. He advised his Transportation Advisory Committee recommends a gamut of projects, knowing there are not funds to do them; and Mr. Minneboo has to spend time trying to answer all the questions. He recommended the Board advise Mr. Minneboo of the level of report it wants so staff time and money are not wasted.
Commissioner Higgs stated the 2020 Plan for the Port St. John connector says secondary eligible for State and federal rural funds; and before she votes to allocate funds, she wants to know if State funds will be allocated and whether the Gas Tax can be supplemented with impact fees. She advised of projects that may be substantially funded through private funds; and expressed concern about spending Gas Tax on projects that should be private. Chairman Scarborough inquired if Commissioner Higgs is requesting more detail or engineering; with Commissioner Higgs responding no, but she would like a rational justification for each project.
Mr. Jenkins stated according to staff, many of the roads would be eligible for potential State funding; but that decision process goes through the MPO; and money spent on those roads would be less money that would be available for State roads. He stated staff can show which roads are eligible, but he does not know how definitive they can be. Commissioner Higgs stated the Board needs at least a part of a plan to go after funding. Mr. Jenkins stated the MPO has to do that. Commissioner
Carlson stated the MPO has to have a critical list; the Board has to have a critical list; and somewhere it is necessary to see where those cross.
Commissioner Scarborough advised of the status of the Max Brewer Bridge and funding sources.
Mr. Jenkins stated the 20-year list will exceed the available dollars, knowing additional funding will be sought. Assistant Public Works Director Ed Washburn stated there are 59 projects on the list; 40 of them were either on the MPO Plan, the Comprehensive Plan, or the Roadway Deficiency List; and the 40 projects total $247 million. Commissioner Higgs advised of the joint funding for the Dairy Road project; and recommended leveraging with municipalities and other entities that want the projects. Mr. Minneboo suggested getting the list down to a manageable number.
Discussion ensued on developing a critical list, objective criteria, prior Board direction, technical information on existing roads, lack of information on roads not yet built, using impact fees to create roads, the Port St. John connector, special community considerations, and operation and maintenance projects.
Mr. Jenkins stated staff can provide a list that will exceed projected funding because it will concurrently seek other partnerships to pay for them.
Chairman Scarborough requested maps showing projects to allow the Board to go to the next step of deciding which projects staff should spend more time on. Commissioner Higgs inquired if Chairman Scarborough wants four or five projects from each Commissioner; with Chairman Scarborough responding there is already a list, and staff can provide a map with justifications. Commissioner Higgs stated she needs something verbal. Chairman Scarborough advised of difficulties in making comparisons. Commissioner Higgs advised of other considerations besides capacity such as condition of the roads. Commissioner Voltz stated the top ten priorities are all South Brevard projects. Chairman Scarborough stated additional information would help each Commissioner rate roads Countywide to come up with a manageable number. Commissioner Voltz
stated the whole list is Chairman Scarborough?s; with Chairman Scarborough advising his list was generated from the community. Commissioner Higgs stated she asked what were the biggest problems, rather than asking for a wish list. Chairman Scarborough stated just because something is on the list to be considered is no indication there will be enough money to do the project; the Board needs to define how far it wants to ask staff to go; and suggested a two-step process.
Mr. Jenkins inquired if the Board wants to generate the list or have staff do it. Commissioner Higgs responded she wants the technical information such as funding sources, capacity, the 2020 project for roads, the current level of average daily trips, special safety issues, community issues, and whether commitments have been made. Commissioner Voltz inquired if that information is available; with Mr. Jenkins responding staff can summarize most of it. Mr. Jenkins inquired if the Board wants the information for all 59 projects brought back to it so it can sort and select. Chairman Scarborough stated all of it should be brought back with cursory data for the Board to consider. Commissioner Higgs noted the District 3 portion alone would use up $60 million. Chairman Scarborough stated whether the Board does the financing or the selection first, it will have to go through this exercise because there is no way to do all the projects.
Commissioner Higgs stated she is ready to agree to the 20-year bonding of the gas tax so the Board can make some assumptions down the road. Commissioner Voltz stated she does not have a problem with that. Commissioner Carlson stated she needs to get more information. Chairman Scarborough stated with the 20-year bonding, there will not be enough money to do all the projects; and inquired if the Board wants to do the bonding or does it want to define the projects further before doing the bonding.
Discussion ensued on the bonding, scenario 4, a 20-year plan, prioritizing the list before talking about bonding, information from staff, equal distribution of projects, looking at the County as a whole, analyzing 25 projects, and projects in progress.
Commissioner O'Brien stated the Board should prioritize first; money is not part of that list at this time; and Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Minneboo will provide the information about the 25 projects. He stated the Board may find that even though one road may use up 34% of all funding, everything will indicate that road has to be done; and recommended the Commissioners stop acting as District Commissioners and start acting as County Commissioners. Chairman Scarborough advised Commissioners will select larger projects so they can get more for their Districts; that eliminates smaller projects which may have merit; and he does not know what will be the relevant issue. Commissioner Higgs stated with the exception of Chairman Scarborough?s list, the numbers are close; and the Board is not overtaxing staff?s ability to provide information. She recommended moving forward to get technical data, directing staff to nail down revenue expectations, payments, etc. on a 20-year bonding program, and coming back to look at the projects. Chairman Scarborough stated the Board needs a map that is broad enough to see the whole area, the capacity at 2020, safety issues, commitments to the State, other sources of funds, the 2020 projections, and the average daily trips now. Mr. Kamm advised staff has 2020 volumes; but there are several projects from District 1 that have not been evaluated yet and do not have future volumes.
Mr. Minneboo requested staff be allowed to provide comments; with Chairman Scarborough responding it will help the Commissioners as they go back to their Districts. Commissioner Voltz stated each Commissioner has to be able to substantiate what he or she has done and be responsible to the constituents. Discussion ensued on justification of projects.
Motion by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to direct staff to prepare a summary list of all projects from all Districts. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.
Motion by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to direct staff and the Financial Advisor to prepare a 20-year financing plan, including cash flow, all financing costs and all other economic issues necessary for the Board to clearly evaluate. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.
Commissioner O'Brien stated there is consensus for bonding of 20 years.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jim McKnight, City Manager of the City of Rockledge, stated last night the City Council broached the subject of the 9th, 10th and 11th cent gas tax; and he intends to take the issue to the Space Coast League of Cities for discussion.
Chairman Scarborough inquired if Mr. McKnight has a copy of the paperwork; with Mr. McKnight responding he had a copy prior to the meeting, and provided it to the City Council. Chairman Scarborough stated this is something only the County can do; with Mr. McKnight agreeing the municipalities get nothing from the 9th cent, but only from the 10th and 11th cents.
Commissioner Voltz inquired if the City will hold public hearings; with Mr. McKnight responding he does not know, but it is an option. Commissioner Voltz stated it is important for the general public to have an opportunity to say whether they want it. Mr. McKnight advised the City has always conducted discussion on agenda items at a public meeting, but not necessarily at a public hearing.
Chairman Scarborough stated if the League of Cities wants to make the request to the Board, it would be advantageous to define what projects are needed and cannot be otherwise funded; and he does not want to just create another gas tax, but solve an identified problem. Mr. McKnight stated all the municipalities have the same problem and are fighting the same battle. He stated he heard discussion about leveraging; when the change was made to the County having the higher percentage, the County was to be responsible for County roads; and while there may be some places for participation, the County should not expect cities will participate.
Commissioner Higgs stated she hopes the League of Cities will also discuss the revenue dilemma being faced by all cities and the County in how to fund the roads and maintenance costs while the
federal and State governments are looking at cutting taxes. She stated it is incongruous that federal and State governments have a windfall, are going to cut taxes, and not share it, but the County cannot do the roads because it does not have the money.
Mr. McKnight commented on the trickle down theory. Commissioner Higgs noted the government is trickling down responsibilities but not funding; and before the Board discusses the issue of raising the gas tax, it should let the State and federal governments know it is in a bind and needs money. Commissioner Voltz stated the problem is the constituents see that the State and federal governments are cutting taxes and want to know why the County cannot. Mr. McKnight stated he will convey this to the League of Cities; and inquired if there will be opportunity for the cities to have some input; with Chairman Scarborough responding it will be scheduled. Mr. McKnight noted County staff keeps the municipalities informed and provides opportunities for input.
Commissioner Higgs advised none of the Commissioners said anything about doing the 9th cent; there was no direction to staff to bring back information; and she did not hear a lot of enthusiasm. Mr. McKnight stated he will make sure everyone understands it is far from a done deal.
Chairman Scarborough stated one day he pays $1.13 for gas, and the next $1.19; he does not see this as the most relevant issue; and most people realize that a lot of the gas tax is paid from people from out of state. He stated by having better roads, the tax base is increased without increasing taxes; and advised of information he received from Ms. Busacca concerning things that affect property values.
Richard LeAndro, representing the North Brevard Concerned Citizens, expressed concern about the Max Brewer Bridge; and advised of the size, lack of clearance, vibrations, original cost, estimated cost of repairs, and changes in bridge construction technology. He noted the importance of the bridge to NASA and the VentureStar Program; and advised of trucks over the weight restriction crossing the bridge illegally. He requested serious consideration of replacing the bridge with a high-rise bridge estimated at $16 million.
Chairman Scarborough stated he hopes the State will buy off on it; and if the bridge is replaced, it may be a wise investment in the long run. Commissioner O'Brien suggested funding could come from Enterprise Florida or Spaceport Florida. Chairman Scarborough stated the Board has consistently taken the position that this bridge is not something that should be on the list; and advised of engineering, meetings with Roy Bridges and representatives of NASA, a planned trip to Tallahassee, and request to FDOT. Commissioner Carlson noted she also talked with Mr. Bridges. Mr. Kamm noted he requested an updated cost estimate on doing the replacement high-rise bridge. Commissioner Higgs inquired about federal dollars and support from Congressman Weldon; with Chairman Scarborough responding a representative from Congressman Weldon?s office has been present at every meeting, but State money is the most direct route.
Friley Knight, Member of the Citizens Advisory Committee of the MPO and Cocoa Transportation Group, indicated the group?s interest in the Dixon Boulevard project. Commissioner O'Brien stated he and Mr. Minneboo have talked a few times about the condition of Dixon Boulevard; and the City of Cocoa will work with the County on a joint effort to solve the problem.
Commissioner Voltz stated if the cities are all positive about the 10th and 11th cent, and there is no opposition at public hearings, the only way that can be done is for the County to do the 9th cent first; and she would support that if all the cities agreed because the municipalities do not have any funding mechanisms. Commissioner Scarborough commented on the condition of the Titusville roads; and stated if a road is done before the subsurface deteriorates, it is one-seventh the cost; but if it is allowed to deteriorate more, the cost escalates. He stated it is easy to give tax refunds; it is hard to make decisions to do things now; but people will notice if they have nice roads.
Bill McCord, City of Melbourne, recommended the Growth Management Subcommittee provide a recommendation so there will be City involvement; and stated he likes the idea of joint City/County projects. He advised of prior joint projects; and noted there have been discussions with County staff concerning transfer of roadways and shifting of responsibilities to the proper jurisdictions. He stated the City does not have a position on extending the gas tax; the City?s Comprehensive Plan indicates that by 2020 there will be need for capacity improvements on City streets of $26.8 million, not including any joint funding of projects on County roadways; and the City collects approximately $850,000 a year in impact fees which is a big help in keeping ad valorem taxes down.
Commissioner Higgs stated she is soliciting input from the cities in District 3, but there are parts of the County that are totally unincorporated that have no other funding source; so while she is sensitive to the cities? problems and wants input, she does not want there to be any assumptions based on the MPO looking at it. Chairman Scarborough stated the Board will make the decision, so it is up to the five Commissioners. Commissioner Higgs stated the gas tax is divided between the County and the municipalities; but the County?s portion is for the people in the unincorporated area who are not represented in any other manner.
Chairman Scarborough advised there are no other speakers; and requested Mr. Minneboo come back with a report. Mr. Jenkins advised it will take at least 30 days to provide the report. Chairman Scarborough stated he would like to get the report back at least two or three weeks before it is on the agenda so the Commissioners can be briefed. Mr. Jenkins inquired if the report will go on the agenda; with Chairman Scarborough suggesting the Commissioners see the report and then decide what they want to do with it.
Commissioner Higgs stated there is a revenue stream from impact fees, but the Board has not looked at it in 10 to 12 years; and she would like to see an update of the impact fee study. Chairman Scarborough stated the Board voted to do that; with Commissioner Higgs advising the Board voted to get the information. Commissioner Carlson agreed the study needs to be done. Mr. Jenkins advised staff provided a report on costs and how long it has been since it has been done.
Motion by Commissioner Higgs, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to direct staff to proceed with a updated study on the impact fee Motion carried and ordered unanimously.
Mr. Jenkins inquired if that includes going ahead with the RFP for the consultant; with Commissioner Higgs responding yes. Mr. Kamm inquired if that should be done prior to the report; with Chairman Scarborough advising it should be done concurrently. Mr. Kamm noted the study will take a while. Chairman Scarborough stated that is a separate issue; as the Board begins discussing impact fees, there will be comments from the community about negative impacts; and the Board needs to have the product and see where it is. He noted no matter what number the Board sees now, it will just be a guess until engineering is done.
APPOINTMENT, RE: CITIZENS JAIL REVIEW COMMITTEE
Motion by Commissioner O'Brien, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to appoint Tom Stuart to the Citizens Jail Review Committee. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.
Upon motion and vote, the meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
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ATTEST: TRUMAN SCARBOROUGH, CHAIRMAN
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
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SANDY CRAWFORD, CLERK
(S E A L)