02-14-2025-City-Commission-Townhall-Meeting

MINUTES KEY COLONY BEACH CITY COMMISSION TOWNHALL MEETING Friday, February 14th, 2025 – 9:30 am Marble Hall, 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach & via Zoom Conferencing 1. Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Prayer, Roll Call: The Key Colony Beach City Commission Townhall Meeting was called to order by Mayor Freddie Foster at 9:30 AM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, Prayer, and Rollcall. Present: Mayor Foster Freddie, Vice-Mayor Joey Raspe, Commissioner Tom Harding, Commissioner Tom DiFransico, Commissioner Doug Colonell. Also present: City Administrator John Bartus, Building Official Tony Loreno, Public Works Department Head Mike Guarino, Chief of Police Kris DiGiovanni, Administrative Assistant Cheryl Baker, City Clerk Silvia Roussin. 2. Mayor Foster a. Topic: Boat Storage b. Public Comment & Commissioner Input Mayor Foster addressed the topic of boat trailer storage, discussing existing rules and regulations and informed to be working with KCB Resident Chet Dunn on possible changes. Mayor Foster proposed a plan to allow trailer parking for a reasonable fee and provided additional details on potential improvements to parking methods. Mayor Foster explained that the purpose of this proposal is to accommodate residents who need to store boats on trailers and invited further discussion on the matter. Vice-Mayor Raspe confirmed that boats may still be parked in driveways and mentioned that the plan aims to promote increased boat trailer parking in the designated lot. Chet Dunn, a KCB Resident, expressed support for the proposal and suggested that there should be oversight to maintain the lot's organization. Sandy Bachman, a KCB Resident, inquired about hurricane rules, to which Mayor Foster recalled practices in his former profession. Vice-Mayor Raspe also explained that processes are already in place in case of storms. Kirk Diehl, KCB Resident, praised the boat storage plan and asked about access to the city’s boat ramp and any guidelines for its usage. Vice-Mayor Raspe acknowledged past congestion issues but was uncertain if the area had opened up enough to allow for reopening the ramp. Kirk Diehl commented further on the possibility of using the boat ramp with restricted access and different solutions. Vice-Mayor Raspe shared the history of the property donation and the closure of the ramp. Mayor Foster commented to follow up on the matter. Mayor Foster spoke about a proposal to place the basketball court on the pickleball courts and mentioned safety concerns with both sports being played at the same time. Mayor Foster informed the public about plans to relocate the basketball courts to 7th Street in the general area, with both Public Works Department Head Mike Guarino and Building Official Tony Loreno agreeing that this move addresses a safety issue. Mayor Foster added that this is a good option for both younger and older children to be supervised at the same time. Mayor Foster encouraged residents to contact him with any questions and provided further comments regarding the separation of sports, a change order for a half-court by the playground, along with ADA-compliant improvements.

2 3. Vice-Mayor Raspe a. Topic: Grant possibilities for fitness equipment around the Detention Pond area b. Public Comment & Commissioner Input Vice-Mayor Raspe introduced the agenda item and asked City Administrator John Bartus to elaborate. City Administrator John Bartus discussed the possibility of obtaining grant funding and the potential to create a fitness trail around the retention pond. City Administrator Bartus provided information on different options, depending on price points and fitness levels, along with further details on the costs. Vice-Mayor Raspe thanked City Administrator Bartus for his efforts and commented on the benefits to the public, as well as the low-maintenance nature of the equipment. City Administrator Bartus believed the grant funding opportunity to be annual, with the possibility of delaying the application if wanted. Vice-Mayor Foster suggested the possibility of adding a tiki hut or sun sails for shade, emphasizing the importance of public input and asking for Commission and public input. Mayor Foster expressed support for the idea and further spoke about the detention pond project, calling the proposal a nice addition. Vice-Mayor Raspe gave additional comments on restrictions on grant funding, with City Administrator Bartus believing no restrictions on the AARP funding. Sandy Bachman, a KCB resident, expressed concerns about the use of the equipment by the public and the metal getting hot in the summer. City Administrator Bartus confirmed that the fitness station in the Marathon Community Park is being utilized. Tim Prohaska, a KCB resident, inquired about the type of materials used and the warranty. City Administrator Bartus informed that further research would be necessary and acknowledged that numerous options are available. 4. Commissioner Harding a. Topic: 1st Street Park - Resident Feedback for Potential Improvements b. Public Comment & Commissioner Input Commissioner Harding spoke about the annual grant opportunity for funding, informing attendees of the timelines and maximum grant amounts. Commissioner Harding commented having received feedback on the needs for the pickleball courts, shaded areas, and updated bathroom facilities. Commissioner Harding suggested organizing a list of improvements to present in September and the ability to rotate parks in the application process and asked for feedback on his proposal. Vice-Mayor Raspe voiced support for potential improvements and reminded of prior discussions by the Recreation Committee about fitness paths and the need to update bathroom facilities as sports facilities expand. Commissioner Harding informed the committee about outstanding grants for Sunset Park and 7th Street and discussed the potential for a faster turnaround in the closeout and application process for new grants. Commissioner Harding gave further thoughts on possible improvements with the Commission giving additional thoughts. Mayor Foster encouraged residents to be active and engaged in the community. 5. Commissioner Colonell a. Topic: Pickleball Parking b. Public Comment & Commissioner Input Commissioner Colonell discussed the potential for improving pickleball parking by modifying the current boat storage regulations. Commissioner Colonell suggested allowing players to utilize parking spaces and designating a new area for long-term parking.

3 Mayor Foster stated that there would be no reduction in parking spaces and emphasized that there would be no changes to the ability to park boat trailers. Vice-Mayor Raspe pointed out that with more players during the season, it may be possible to share the same parking area, given the timeline. Commissioner Colonell provided an update on meeting with the architect to discuss moving forward with the plans. Commissioner Colonell noted that the addition must be elevated due to FEMA regulations, and the initial stages are progressing well. Commissioner Colonell asked Building Official Loreno to elaborate on the progress. Building Official Loreno spoke about a productive meeting with CPH, highlighting good design concepts, feasibility studies, cost estimates, and timelines. Mayor Foster commented on the expected construction timelines, provided a progress update on current demolitions, and announced that the city would manage the kitchen renovation. Commissioner Colonell reiterated that the priority is to strengthen the building, followed by renovation and addition, and thanked Mayor Foster for his foresight in proceeding with the demolition. Mayor Foster emphasized the importance of a timeline and the grant's expiration in June 2026, speaking to the value of planning and experience on the Commission in engineering and construction, and assured transparency throughout the process. Vice-Mayor Raspe commented on the positive progress made, encouraged patience, and assured transparency in the process. Mayor Foster encouraged everyone to reach out with questions, with Commissioner Colonell concluding that great people are coming forward to contribute to the project. 6. Commissioner DiFransico a. Topic: Golf Carts b. Public Comment & Commissioner Input Commissioner DiFransico recalled prior discussions on the topic of golf carts with the Commission and informed about rules and regulations from the DMV. Commissioner DiFransico informed the audience about the different definitions under DMV rules and regulations for designated roads regarding golf cart usage. Commissioner DiFransico suggested using low-speed vehicles in the city and requiring a licensed driver. Commissioner DiFransico asked for questions and comments. Laurie Swanson, 620 9th Street, asked about the requirements for license plates, which Commissioner DiFransico confirmed to be mandatory with the same requirements as a car. Mayor Foster informed that Low-Speed Vehicles are already in place and the question at hand is whether the city should be designated as golf cart-friendly, similar to other cities. Mayor Foster elaborated on the provisions that would be permitted by law and discussed existing regulations in the city. Mayor Foster further explained that if citizens wish to drive golf carts and the city adopts a resolution, they do not require a license or insurance, provided they comply with the law and the rules of the road. Vice-Mayor Raspe questioned the benefits of non-registered vehicles and expressed concern that there is no advantage to allowing people to drive without requiring registration. Vice-Mayor Raspe gave further thoughts on the topic and questioned how the city would manage oversight and enforcement. Mayor Foster informed that citizens had asked him about the topic and that other cities in Florida have the ability. Discussion continued on speed, laws and regulations, and parking. Chet Dunn, 101 E. Ocean Drive, inquired about the eligibility of non-residents to participate in the program.

4 Mayor Foster explained the rules, regulations, and legal requirements for operating a golf cart. A resident spoke about their experiences living in other cities and the price differential in golf carts. Joe Schmidt, 430 4th Street, asked about the differences in registration requirements for golf carts. Mayor Foster explained the difference between a regular golf cart and a low-speed vehicle. Cherie Reinhard, 601 W. Ocean Drive, requested confirmation regarding police enforcement. Mayor Foster spoke about his concerns regarding electric bikes and recalled an incident in which a friend was hit by one. Cherie Reinhard provided further comments on pedal-assist bikes and suggested revising the rules for their use on the multi-use path. Mayor Foster informed to have talked to Chief DiGiovanni about enforcement and recounted having encountered personal problems with riding bicycles in the street. Mayor Foster spoke about the possibility of obtaining an educational brochure and placing markings on the street to educate residents about the suitability of the street for bicycles. Mayor Foster encouraged courtesy when using the road, but reiterated that the law allows bicycles on the street. Commissioner Colonell recalled being almost run over by a person on an electric vehicle, which Mayor Foster agreed was dangerous. Kirk Diehl, 540 12th Street, asked if a vote is necessary to make the city a golf cart-friendly community. Mayor Foster explained that the Commission would have to pass a resolution to designate the city a golf cart- friendly community and talked about similar communities with the same designation. Discussion continued regarding the type of golf carts, the use of lights, and the enforcement of rules. Fred Swanson, 620 9th Street, stated to prefer a registered vehicle for golf carts and for many people to use their bicycles in the city as well as walk. Commissioner DiFransico requested to bring up a separate matter and spoke about a letter he received from Dr. Rick Rheinhardt, describing an erosion problem at the Cay Condos, which was shared with the Commission. Stan Friend, President of the Cay Association, addressed concerns about the consequences of the removal of the pier, seawall, and jetty in November 2023. Stan Friend informed of significant beach erosion, with the shoreline’s elevation dropping and palm tree roots becoming exposed. Stan Fried warned about debris now visible, which could be hazardous to swimmers and kayakers. Stan Friend mentioned that previous installations of 15 jetties by Mr. Sadowski helped prevent erosion, but the removals are threatening the area. Stan Friend requested help from the city to restore the jetty and sought Dr. Rheinhard’s expertise in any environmental impact studies conducted. Dr. Rheinhardt informed, having contacted the Army Corps of Engineers on the matter, spoke on the permit issued, and explained problems that have arisen from taking out the pier and jetty. Dr. Rheinhard spoke about possible solutions and expressed a need for support from the city to address the problem.

5 Mayor Foster inquired about how the city could assist Dr. Rheinhardt, expressing uncertainty regarding the best ways to provide support. A resident asked for support to have the groin replaced, and for the permit having been issued for the pier and seawall, and the groin was inadvertently taken out. Building Official Loreno explained that the original permit was only for demolition, while the approval from the Army Corps included both demolition and rebuilding. Building Official Loreno informed that neither the Army Corps nor he could enforce the rebuilding and lacked authority in this matter. Mayor Foster gave his understanding about the concern but stated it sounded like a civil issue. Discussion continued on the explanation and purpose of a groin, permit requirements, and approvals. John Siegenthaler, a Cay Condo resident, discussed the purpose of the original permit to renovate the seawall and pier, noting that the rebuilding never occurred. John Siegenthaler spoke about the requirements outlined in the city code regarding responsibilities for seawalls and the city’s ability to achieve compliance. Sally Cheery, 601 East Ocean Drive, shared pictures of the demolition of the pier and removal of the jetty rocks, and the timeline of beach erosion. Discussion continued on the possibility of the Army Corps coming back for a review and thoughts on how to go forward with additional comments on the ability to review the location of the groins. Mayor Foster asked Building Official Loreno to contact City Attorney Dirk Smits to validate the permits and validate the city’s ability for enforcement. Mayor Foster further asked for studies that support that it will not damage other properties, spoke on the importance of the removal of debris, and guidance from the city attorney’s office. Mayor Foster stated that the matter seemed like a civil issue between two groups but for the city to support the owners to the best of their ability. Commissioner Colonell suggested contacting the Association of the property in question to inform them of the problem. Stan Friend thanked the Commission for their attention and stated the importance of time being of the essence. Stan Friend requested the City Attorney’s Office to assess whether the costs of work can be charged to the condominium association's tax bill for reimbursement to the city. Mayor Foster confirmed the ability to follow up. Commissioner Colonell commented on a similar situation with an assessment for seawall repairs. Mayor Foster asked for the Cay Association to share their contact information with Building Official Loreno for follow-up. 7. Next Townhall Meeting: March 17th, 2025 – 9:30 AM 8. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 11:24 AM. Respectfully submitted, ADOPTED: April 17, 2025 Silvia Roussin Silvia Roussin City Clerk City Clerk